The Ken Carman Show with Anthony Lima
The Ken Carman Show with Anthony Lima

The only place to talk about the Cleveland sports scene is with Ken Carman and Anthony Lima. The two guide listeners through the ups and downs of being a fan of the Browns, Cavaliers, Guardians and Ohio State Buckeyes in Northeast Ohio. They'll help you stay informed with breaking news, game coverage, and interviews with top personalities.Catch The Ken Carman Show with Anthony Lima live Monday through Friday (6 a.m. - 10 a.m ET) on 92.3 The Fan, the exclusive audio home of the Browns, or on the Audacy app. For more, follow the show on X @KenCarmanShow.

Tune in for a selection og guest spots and interviews with the hosts of 92.3 The Fan during the past week. Featuring Nathan Zegura, Nick Kostos, and Jake Asman.
Tune in as the hosts of 92.3 The Fan set the scene for the Browns' Week 5 matchup against the Jets. While the Jets are only 1-3, the oddsmakers have pegged the Browns as underdogs. Are the Browns and their fans taking this game for granted? Plus, do the Browns have a legitimate chance at the playoffs, and are the Browns really a good team or just a team with a good record?
In this clip from The Ken Carman Show with Anthony Lima, the hosts break down the Cleveland Guardians' tense playoff run and debate manager Stephen Vogt's controversial yet successful postseason decisions. The conversation shifts to the gridiron as the crew vents their frustrations over the Browns' baffling decision to keep four quarterbacks on the active roster. Finally, producer John catches some hilarious heat from callers over his Philadelphia Eagles fandom and a questionable Browns jacket purchase.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima break down the Cleveland Guardians' dramatic Game 4 victory and discuss Jose Ramirez's legacy-defining home run. They also touch on the Browns' strong 3-1 start, debating whether it is too early to discuss postseason expectations for Deshaun Watson and Todd Monken. The discussion highlights Stephen Vogt's managerial decisions and looks ahead to the pivotal Game 5 in Cleveland. (00:01:55) Guardians Force Game 5 (00:06:37) Playoff Victory Expectations (00:13:21) Browns Playoff Protocol Debate (00:20:15) Guardians Recent Momentum Shift (00:27:00) Tanner Bibee Relief Disaster (00:36:10) Deshaun Watson Offensive Evolution (00:43:12) Stephen Vogt Managerial Style (00:51:25) Jose Ramirez Hitting Rhythm (01:01:02) Managerial Moves Under Fire (01:07:11) Shedeur Sanders Media Spotlight (01:13:12) MLB Rule Change Proposals (01:24:07) Offense Rhythm After Break (01:35:54) Daryl Ruiter Guardians Analysis (01:45:02) Browns Defense Health Concerns (01:52:30) Jose Ramirez Silences Boos (02:00:48) Nathan Zegura Browns Insights (02:08:34) Sean Payton Play Calling (02:19:14) Browns Special Teams Rankings (02:25:32) Office Ice Cream Dispute (02:30:15) Coming In Hot Calls
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima celebrate the Guardians forcing a Game 5 against Chicago after a dominant offensive display and a legendary performance from Jose Ramirez. They also revisit a heated debate with Nick Wilson regarding whether it is too early to discuss playoff expectations for the 3-1 Browns. The conversation covers Stephen Vogt's managerial decisions and the team's history of struggling in front of packed home crowds. (00:01:50) Guardians Force Game 5 (00:04:45) Jose Ramirez Playoff Legacy (00:08:00) Stephen Vogt Managerial Analysis (00:13:23) Home Field Advantage Fears (00:18:50) Chicago Series Momentum Shift (00:26:21) Tanner Bibee Relief Struggles (00:32:49) Browns Playoff Expectations Debate (00:36:08) Deshaun Watson Team Perspective
Carmen and Lima analyze the Cleveland Guardians' playoff performance and debate manager Stephen Vogt's high-stakes bullpen maneuvers. The conversation also covers a controversial feature on Shedeur Sanders and potential reforms to the Major League Baseball regular season schedule. (00:01:56) Stephen Vogt Playoff Evaluation (00:05:44) Tanner Bibee Internal Struggles (00:10:28) Guardians Fan Phone Calls (00:15:17) Cleveland Baseball Naming Debate (00:19:20) Game Five Strategy Preview (00:26:32) Shedeur Sanders Magazine Feature (00:32:14) About Last Night Roundup
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima break down the Cleveland Guardians' playoff success and Jose Ramirez's return to form after a slow start. Daryl Ruiter joins the program to discuss Steven Vogt's managerial style and the Cleveland Browns' improved outlook under Todd Monken. They also address a heated debate over a producer's questionable decision to switch NFL team loyalties.(00:02:08) Guardians Home Field Debate(00:07:01) Cleveland Playoff Outlook(00:10:05) David Fry's Huge Homer(00:15:46) Daryl Ruiter Joins(00:22:50) Browns Playoff Expectations(00:26:50) The Browns Jacket Controversy(00:34:01) Superstars Thriving Off Boos
Nathan Zegura joins Ken and Lima on 92.3 The Fan to defend Deshaun Watson's recent performance while calling out national media critics for ignoring the quarterback's clutch play. They also mediate a hilarious studio conflict over the social etiquette of eating ice cream alone and discuss the Browns' special teams improvement. (00:02:16) Ice Cream Studio Drama (00:06:00) Watson's Clutch Passing Game (00:09:36) Rebutting Robert Mays' Criticism (00:13:07) Sean Payton Calling Plays (00:16:43) Hurricane Pronunciation Debate (00:25:15) Solo Ice Cream Masculinity (00:35:50) Coming In Hot Calls
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A calm talk about the Browns’ top-five special teams coverage units and Larry Izzo turns into a full-blown feud when Anthony Alandt and John clash over Anthony’s solo ice cream run before the Guardians game. Kayla weighs in, old grudges surface (strawberry pancakes, a Browns jacket and Penn State) and Fan Cash Friday winner Frank from Painesville gets pulled in as the tiebreaker.
Ken and Lima talk with Nathan Zegura about the 3-1 Browns, who he says haven't put together 60 good minutes yet but keep finding ways to win, with Deshaun Watson leading three straight game-winning drives. Nathan praises rookie receivers Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion, says Sunday's Jets game is a chance to handle business and not a trap, and defends Watson's deep throws against Robert Mays' criticism. They also cover Marvin Harrison Jr.'s struggles in Arizona, Sean Payton taking back play-calling duties in Denver, and early Super Bowl contenders.
Lima relives jumping off the couch for Jose Ramirez's go-ahead home run and argues the White Sox crowd's booing fueled him and may have turned around his whole season. Ken pushes back, saying booing works on LeBron, Jordan and Brady because they control the game with the ball, while a hitter is in a passive spot, though he agrees boos can motivate a whole team. They wrap up with Lima's moral of the story: if the White Sox are ever on the road again, keep booing.
Daryl Ruiter tells Ken and Lima he's confident the Guardians win Game 5 and move on to face the Rays, praising Stephen Vogt as a younger Terry Francona, calling Jose Ramirez's turnaround legendary, and worrying about Tanner Bibee's struggles. They also shrug off Jim Thome wearing White Sox gear, then turn to the 3-1 Browns, where Daryl backs raising expectations and gives the update on the injured defensive line before Sunday's Jets game. Daryl and Ken then pile on producer John for buying a Browns jacket as an Eagles fan, calling it weak sauce and quizzing him on Browns championships.
Ken and Lima take on the idea that the Guardians are better off on the road, and both want Game 5 at home, though Ken worries the extra day off could cool down a lineup that just got hot. Callers praise the deadline pickup of Bailey after his pinch-hit homer sparked the comeback, and they debate the Hunter Gaddis and Cade Smith bullpen decisions. A caller also dreams of a Browns win over the Jets setting up a huge Cleveland sports Monday.
Ken and Lima like MLB's proposal to shrink the schedule to 154 games and let the top seeds pick their opponents in the first two rounds, arguing the drama and rivalries are worth the gimmick. They also react to the Buccaneers beating the Cowboys with undrafted rookie Jalen Daniels for their first win without Baker Mayfield. They close on the Cavs' preseason opener, where Peyton Watson's spot-up shooting and rim protection give them hope he can help in a run at the Knicks in the East.
Ken and Lima go through Stephen Vogt's postseason decisions, from using Tanner Bibee in relief to bringing in Gavin Williams with a five-run lead and sticking with Angel Martinez. They also credit Will Venable for the White Sox's early plan, and callers praise Vogt, point out Jose Ramirez is having fun again, and call the postseason a third season of managing arms. The hour ends with Ken being talked into reading the Cosmopolitan feature on Shedeur Sanders, and he agrees to report back on it.
Ken and Lima argue that the online meltdown over Stephen Vogt ignores how wild the postseason always is, defending his Gavin Williams, Angel Martinez and pinch-hitting calls while giving Will Venable credit on the other side. They admit the Tanner Bibee move backfired, but say it backs up why Vogt skipped him in Game 3, and they agree his headspace is an offseason conversation. A caller praises both managers and Chris Antonetti and Mike Chernoff's roster work, and Ken and Lima marvel at how fast Jose Ramirez and Jo Adell went from struggling to carrying the lineup.
Ken plays his heated exchange with Nick and JP from the day before, where Nick argues that talking playoffs at 3-1 puts the Browns in an awful spot and Ken fires back that everyone is being too sensitive. Ken and Lima explain why they predicted a five-win season (shaky quarterback play, thin depth, little experience), then credit the improved special teams, the coaching and the Browns' three comeback wins. They agree the Browns are a good team with a solid foundation, that the NFL makes quick turnarounds possible, and that nobody's feelings get hurt by saying "playoffs" before Sunday's Jets game.
Ken and Lima take calls on whether the Guardians will close out the White Sox in Game 5, and most callers are confident after 18 runs in two games. One caller brings up the old fear that Cleveland teams fail in front of packed home crowds, and Ken and Lima agree it's a longstanding fan trope. They also defend using Tanner Bibee in relief despite the crisis-of-confidence talk, and Ken hints the Guardians should troll back if they finish the comeback after the White Sox's presumptuous moves.
Ken and Lima react to Jose Ramirez's huge home run as the Guardians win Game 4, tie the series 2-2 and force a Game 5 against the White Sox. They marvel at how a lineup that couldn't get on base in the first two games now has everybody contributing, and rehash the wild swings of the series, including Tanner Bibee's disaster outing and the fire-the-manager noise on social media. Callers chime in on whether the bullpen was pitching afraid with a big lead, and whether the Guardians should expect to win it all at home.
Daryl & Lance are back to breakdown what lies ahead of the Browns inn their week 5 matchup against the New York Jets
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima analyze the Cleveland Guardians' Game 3 victory over the Chicago White Sox and the performance of Jose Ramirez. They also evaluate the Cleveland Browns' 3-1 start and the upcoming maturity test against the New York Jets. Additional discussions include Jim Thome's controversial wardrobe choice at the stadium and the producer's decision to switch team allegiances. (00:02:35) Guardians Force Game 4 (00:07:23) Jose Ramirez Performance Analysis (00:13:06) Chicago Baseball Culture Debate (00:20:11) Jim Thome Wardrobe Controversy (00:26:34) Evaluating Thome’s Statue Status (00:31:02) Browns Jets Game Importance (00:40:50) Maturity Of Young Roster (00:46:09) DVOA And Analytics Rankings (00:53:39) Halloween Decoration Rules (01:00:08) Predicting Guardians Series Outcome (01:10:13) Sports Update: Last Night (01:14:53) Producer’s New Browns Jacket (01:20:53) Fan Loyalty Probation Debate (01:32:23) Mary Kay Cabot Interview (01:38:31) Browns Roster Trade Rumors (01:47:39) Roster Strategy Four Quarterbacks (01:58:45) Jason Lloyd Joins Show (02:08:52) Browns Postseason Prediction Check (02:15:42) Avoiding The Playoff Jinx
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima celebrate the Cleveland Guardians staying alive with a Game 3 win while debating the optics of Jim Thome wearing White Sox colors in the stands. They also analyze why the Cleveland Browns' upcoming game against the New York Jets is a critical test for a young roster dealing with success. (00:01:50) Guardians Force Game 4 (00:05:20) Jose Ramirez Rescues Guardians (00:13:05) Guardians Pitching Advantages (00:19:15) Jim Thome's Statue Controversy (00:31:05) Browns Face Critical Test (00:37:50) Todd Monken and Handling Success
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima analyze if the 3-1 Browns are legitimate contenders or a fraudulent team using advanced DVOA metrics. They pivot to the Cleveland Guardians' postseason comeback and engage in a humorous discussion about neighborhood Halloween decorations and personal sports fandom. (00:01:23) Browns Maturity Test (00:05:45) Browns Advanced Metrics (00:13:43) Halloween Decoration Debates (00:20:23) Guardians Playoff Momentum (00:30:25) MLB Playoff Roundup (00:35:20) Controversial Browns Jacket
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima debate whether a producer can switch fan loyalty from the Eagles to the Browns after purchasing a team jacket. Mary Kay Cabot joins to analyze why the division clash with the Ravens carries more weight than the Jets game. They also examine the logistics of keeping four quarterbacks on the roster and Deshaun Watson's late-game reliability. (00:02:20) Producer John Fan Loyalty (00:06:40) Callers Debate Team Switching (00:15:05) Mary Kay Cabot Interview (00:21:23) Jerry Jeudy Trade Rumors (00:26:03) Browns Four Quarterback Dilemma (00:37:03) Deshaun Watson Performance Analysis
Jason Lloyd joins Ken Carman and Anthony Lima to discuss the controversy surrounding Jim Thome's loyalty and his statue in Cleveland. They break down the Guardians' postseason performance and analyze if the Browns are legitimate playoff contenders after their 3-1 start. (00:02:01) Jason Lloyd Interview (00:05:33) Guardians Postseason Analysis (00:11:58) Browns Record And Expectations (00:16:15) Deshaun Watson And League Mistakes (00:20:56) The Playoff Superstition Debate (00:24:42) Jose Ramirez Value Discussion (00:31:24) Producer John Switches Fandom (00:35:00) Retired Number Regrets
Ken and Lima say the reaction to producer John's Browns jacket has never been so split, warning him that Eagles fans and Browns fans will both turn on him if he flip-flops, while also ripping Nick for claiming credit for 8-9 after predicting Deshaun Watson would lose games. They then return to the Jim Thome statue, arguing that statues are a big deal and that every organization has someone it would not honor again if it could, citing Nate Thurmond for the Cavs and Joe DeLamielleure for the Browns. The show wraps with thanks to Mary Kay Cabot and Jason Lloyd and a plug for live reaction to the late-night Guardians game.
A caller named Dan begs Ken to stop saying "playoffs" about the 3-1 Browns before he invites a plague of injuries, and Ken fires back that Vince Lombardi has bigger things to worry about while still warning the team is thin and Deshaun Watson could fall apart. Ken and Lima then ask if they can finally stop complaining about Jose Ramirez in the postseason, with Ken arguing that he is playing through a significant injury and that Angel Martinez and the young hitters are pressing. They close by arguing that seeing the White Sox relievers multiple times has planted seeds of doubt, and that the Guardians now get their best starters.
Jason Lloyd refuses to walk back his criticism of Jim Thome's all-black outfit, saying he only wanted a gray shirt out of respect for the organization that gave him a statue. He explains why the off days finally favor the Guardians in Game 4, says Jose Ramirez gets a pass this postseason because of his health, and expects Tanner Bibee to have a role in the ALCS. He also still isn't picking the Browns to make the playoffs despite calling the Jets game a pivot point, and he fires off a Mercedes-for-a-used-Honda jab at producer John's Browns jacket before the call turns chaotic.
Ken rejects the Browns' plan to keep four quarterbacks, arguing that a 3-1 team chasing the playoffs needs the roster spots for depth on the offensive and defensive lines, and that Dillon Gabriel could be flipped for an asset once his 21-day window runs out. He and Lima then debate whether Nick can take a victory lap on the 3-1 start after predicting 8-9 while saying Deshaun Watson would lose his games, with both agreeing Watson deserves credit for three fourth-quarter comeback wins. Ken also shoots down the idea that a rookie quarterback who dazzled in the preseason is needed in the red zone, since the offense is already scoring touchdowns there.
Mary Kay Cabot disagrees with Ken, arguing that the home divisional game against the Ravens carries more weight than the trap-game potential at the Jets, while saying the Browns are 3-1 despite poor advanced numbers because they are still figuring things out. She gives injury updates on Mike Hall Jr. and Mason Graham, explains why Jerry Jeudy likely isn't being traded, defends Shedeur Sanders against the "pouting" clip, and says the team prefers to keep all four quarterbacks. Ken and Lima also ask her about producer John's Browns jacket, and she says he should keep his Eagles fandom and just add the Browns.
Ken and Lima put producer John's new Browns jacket to a vote after the Eagles trade Cam Jurgens, with Ken arguing that obscene loyalty is the calling card of a Browns fan and three months in Cleveland isn't enough. Callers split, with one offering to approve the jacket if John stomps a Philly cheesesteak on video, while others rip his lack of loyalty and whiny Eagles takes. The hosts also ask if he'll jump to the Guardians or Texans next, and look ahead to Mary Kay Cabot and Jason Lloyd on the Browns-Jets game and the Guardians' series chances.
In About Last Night, Ken and Lima celebrate the Yankees' elimination, sympathize with Brandon Gaudin having to call the Dodgers' clincher on short notice, and break down the fan interference calls from the playoffs. They then react to the Eagles trading Cam Jurgens, which sets up a debate over whether producer John, a die-hard Eagles fan, has earned the right to wear his new $60 Browns jacket. The hosts put it to the listeners, with Ken offering to buy the jacket for his son if the fans say no.
Ken and Lima open with Halloween decorations, and a caller named Czar brags about his homemade haunted house complete with original spooky music. They then turn to the Guardians, debating whether Jo Adell's big hit and a team-wide offensive breakout changed the series, with one host feeling much better while the other stays reserved at 2-1 on the road with Parker Messick going in Game 4. They also ask if everyone is finally done complaining about Jose Ramirez in the postseason, and point out how results-based the Steven Vogt and Ramirez criticism has been.
Ken and Lima argue that Sunday's game at the 1-3 Jets is a test of maturity for the league's second-youngest team after 10 days of praise, pointing to Todd Monken's lessons from the disastrous 2019 Browns. They weigh the Browns' underwhelming advanced numbers (Football Outsiders has them among the worst 3-1 teams since 2000) against the fourth-quarter comebacks Deshaun Watson has produced. Ken insists a loss would reopen the quarterback conversation at 3-3 before the Ravens game, while a win makes the Browns a legitimate story at 4-1.
Ken makes the case that Sunday's game against the 1-3 Jets is as important as any the Browns play all year, arguing that a slip-up would turn a promising 3-1 start into a very different 3-3 before a tough stretch of road games. Ken and Lima discuss how the league's second-youngest team handles success after 10 days of hype, whether Todd Monken can keep them focused, and whether a banged-up Jets team is dangerous like a wounded animal. Ken invites listeners to call in if they think he's just trying to make everyone nervous.
Ken and Lima address the backlash after Jim Thome is shown in all black cheering on the White Sox at an elimination game, with Ken admitting he wishes the statue at Progressive Field had never gone up. They debate Thome's mixed loyalties given his ties to the White Sox organization, whether he should have avoided the cameras, and why the statue would stay up either way. Ken closes by teasing why the Browns' game against the 1-3 Jets could be the most important of the season.
Ken and Lima relive the Guardians' win-or-go-home victory over the White Sox, led by Jo Adell's bases-clearing triple, a big Jose Ramirez game and Foster Griffin's seven strikeouts in relief. They revisit the risky Espino opener decision that had listeners panicking, and Lima feels great about the series while Ken stays reserved with Parker Messick on the mound for Game 4. Callers weigh in on the mood in Chicago and the mystery behind Vogt's pitching plan.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima analyze the Cleveland Guardians' high-stakes decision to start Daniel Espino and Joey Cantillo in a postseason elimination game. They also discuss the Cleveland Browns' successful start, Shedeur Sanders' role as a backup, and news across the AFC North. (00:03:02) Guardians Starting Decision (00:10:15) Managing Pitching Leashes (00:15:00) Unconventional Postseason Strategy (00:30:34) Browns QB Hypothetical (00:43:05) Deshaun Watson Performance (00:53:30) Espino Starting Game (01:03:18) Pitcher Warmup Routines (01:11:30) About Last Night (01:21:05) Ken Weinman Interview (01:25:00) Mo Egger Interview (01:29:05) Donnie Chedrick Interview (01:37:15) Browns Respect Roundup (01:43:15) Shedeur Sideline Reaction (02:00:55) Moondog History Trivia (02:06:35) Postseason Pitching Depth (02:20:05) Starter Professionalism Debate (02:31:55) Facing The Jets
Ken and Lima dive into the controversial decision to use an opener in a must-win Game 3 for the Guardians. They debate whether Steven Vogt is overthinking the rotation while the offense continues to struggle. Additionally, they explore a hypothetical scenario involving Shedeur Sanders and how Todd Monken would handle a quarterback change. (00:01:50) Defending Jose Ramirez (00:05:15) Guardians Pitching Strategy (00:10:45) Evaluating Steven Vogt (00:18:40) Solving Offensive Struggles (00:32:20) Browns Quarterback Hypothetical (00:36:40) Monken And Shedeur Sanders
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima debate whether Shedeur Sanders could realistically take Deshaun Watson's job if the Browns' veteran continues to struggle. They also dive into the Cleveland Guardians' controversial pitching strategy for their do-or-die game against the White Sox. Additional topics include Lane Johnson's retirement and Indiana football's recent schedule changes.(00:01:50) Browns QB Contingency Debate(00:06:20) Shedeur Sanders Projections(00:15:08) Guardians Must-Win Pitching(00:24:30) Paternity Leave Debate(00:33:12) About Last Night Recap
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima evaluate the AFC North standings and the Cleveland Browns' 3-1 start alongside regional guest analysts. They explore the team's growing reputation and engage in a heated debate regarding Shedeur Sanders' reaction to his backup role on the sidelines. (00:02:14) Around the AFC North (00:05:51) Bengals Under Center Struggles (00:09:53) Steelers and Rodgers' Future (00:17:50) Young Talent and Respect (00:22:42) Shedeur Sanders Sideline Behavior (00:30:37) Backup QB Role Discussion
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima debate Cleveland Guardians manager Steven Vogt's decision to start Daniel Espino over Tanner Bibee in a crucial elimination game. They analyze the fan base's growing pessimism regarding the lineup's offensive struggles while looking ahead to the Browns' game against the Jets. The discussion also features a debate on whether NFL players prefer starting for losing teams or being backups for winners. (00:01:50) Cavs Tickets Contest Banter (00:05:45) Guardians Pitching Decision Debate (00:09:40) Experience Versus Recent Performance (00:15:20) Strategy Behind Bullpen Games (00:19:30) Lineup Offensive Struggles Discussion (00:23:15) Quarterback Mentalities and Money (00:31:55) Pessimistic Fan Base Feelings (00:36:00) Friday Browns Final Preview
Ken tries to rally a gloomy fan base before an elimination game against the White Sox, but the group is more confident in the Browns than the Guardians. They talk about the looming work stoppage, why one win would flip the mood with Messick and Williams coming back, and Ken's closing push to get everyone fired up for the Jets game.
Ken and Anthony debate Stephen Vogt's decision to go with a bullpen game instead of Tanner Bibee in an elimination game, with callers split between "hot hand" logic and frustration over the lineup's lack of hitting. The conversation then turns to whether NFL players would rather start on a bad team or back up on a good one, and why Shedeur Sanders would choose the starting job every time.
Ken and Lima start with the Cavs tickets contest with the promo code Moondog and a gag about their producer not knowing Alan Freed, then keep arguing over the Shedeur Sanders pouting talk, including a text about a "full pout" in the locker room that Ken swears he never saw. They shift to the Guardians' Game 3 plan, where a baseball coach points to Tanner Bibee's September numbers against Joey Cantillo's to back the Daniel Espino opener. Ken says he can't call it wrong but warns that a loss makes it a results-based disaster for Stephen Vogt, and a producer asks whether playoff experience counts for anything anymore.
Ken refuses to say Shedeur Sanders was pouting and accuses Lima of sending the sideline clip to Afternoon Drive, the most pro-Shedeur show, so he could plant the idea without taking the heat. Lima denies hammering him but admits he got texts that Shedeur wasn't as joyful as his teammates in the locker room, and says competitive players don't enjoy waiting behind Deshaun Watson while the Browns win. Ken says he got no such texts, won't accuse a leader of being unhappy about a win without proof, and teases Lima for twisting the screws on Shedeur fans.
Ken and Lima open by reacting to the AFC North guests saying they take the 3-1 Browns seriously but not yet as contenders, and they like Cleveland being the underdog and doubted by the analytics. They then play Nick and Jonathan's afternoon show discussion of Shedeur Sanders' lack of reaction on the sideline. Ken refuses to accuse a young quarterback of pouting, while Lima argues it's understandable he'd be disappointed after a rollercoaster draft, a big card deal built on starting, and watching Deshaun Watson keep the job.
Ken and Lima go around the AFC North, asking the Ken Weinman whether Lamar Jackson plays against Atlanta and how to stop Bijan Robinson, then asking Mo Egger why the Bengals keep abandoning the run and putting Joe Burrow in danger. Donny Football weighs in on Aaron Rodgers' future and whether fans want to see what's next at quarterback. Every guest says they take the young, swarming Browns seriously, with most still holding their nose on Deshaun Watson, and Ken and Lima end up asking if the rest of the league is giving Cleveland the respect it deserves.
In "About Last Night," John brings Ken and Lima the news that Indiana canceled its 2027 game with UMass, and they argue over whether playing cupcakes hurts the sport in the expanded playoff era. They then debate Lane Johnson's retirement, with Lima reading it as a sign of turmoil in a struggling Eagles team and Ken saying a worn-down body is the more likely reason. The segment ends in a tangent about sleeping in the hospital and sending newborns to the Cleveland Clinic nursery.
Ken and Lima break down the pressure of a must-win Game 3 at a sold-out, buzzing White Sox park, where a young team is leaning on Daniel Espino and Joey Cantillo instead of Tanner Bibee. Callers weigh in with Randy arguing the White Sox have barely seen Cantillo and Rob claiming Espino's long warm-up routine is why he starts, which sends Ken and Lima into riffs on pitcher routines and Trevor Bauer's bowstaff. Ken also stands by his view that Stephen Vogt overthought pulling Gavin Williams in Game 2, and both agree it all comes down to whether the bats show up.
Lima asks why the Deshaun Watson injury hypothetical is so taboo when many Browns fans doubt he'll hold the job all year, and Ken says nobody wants to think about contingency plans while the team is 3-1 with the Jets coming. Ken insists Todd Monken would go back to Watson unless Shedeur Sanders is far better, while Lima thinks winning with Shedeur would change the whole conversation. Caller Brian says the Browns would chase a veteran if Shedeur struggles, which sends the guys debating whether a Carson Wentz or Gardner Minshew type is the answer.
Ken begrudgingly tackles a hypothetical disaster scenario from Afternoon Drive: what happens if Deshaun Watson gets hurt, Shedeur Sanders steps in and plays well, and the Browns have to decide whether to go back. Ken insists an NFL coach like Todd Monken returns to Watson unless Shedeur is clearly better, while Lima argues that if the two look similar, you ride the younger guy with the stronger arm and growing confidence. They agree Shedeur has to prove it on the field first, and Ken warns that anyone who doesn't like that answer may not trust Monken as much as they think.
Ken and Lima start by asking whether Stephen Vogt and the Guardians are overthinking Game 3, but callers keep steering them back to the bats. Mark argues the team's first-pitch swinging and lack of patience is a philosophy problem, Larry thinks they're just out of rhythm, and Tony wants to see more pressure on the bases. Ken and Lima counter that aggressiveness makes sense against bullpen games, while admitting the offense can't keep relying on "Guards Ball" luck against the White Sox.
Ken and Lima open by defending Jose Ramirez's postseason struggles, then dig into the Guardians' decision to start opener Daniel Espino and follow with Joey Cantillo in a must-win Game 3 instead of Tanner Bibee. Lima points to the analytics backing the move, while Ken argues it will haunt Steven Vogt and the team all winter if it fails. A caller named Warren adds that the real problem is the bats, and the guys debate whether one pitching decision, like pulling Gavin Williams in Game 2, can sink fan confidence in a manager.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima analyze the Cleveland Guardians' struggle in the postseason after falling behind 2-0 to the Chicago White Sox, specifically focusing on the performance of Jose Ramirez and Stephen Vogt's management. They also highlight the Cleveland Browns' successful start to the season while addressing national criticisms of Deshaun Watson and the defense's identity without Miles Garrett. (00:02:46) Guardians Fall Behind 2-0 (00:06:55) Blaming Stephen Vogt's Decisions (00:13:10) Payroll And Organizational Philosophy (00:19:45) Minor League Development Philosophy (00:25:01) Jose Ramirez Injury Debate (00:32:02) Social Media Reaction Segment (00:40:42) Seven In Heaven Predictions (00:52:40) Matt Derry Guardians Analysis (00:59:58) Guardians Road Game Outlook (01:10:59) About Last Night Headlines (01:22:41) National Watson Narrative Critique (01:33:05) Stephen Vogt Managerial Value (01:43:54) Chicago Sign Stealing Allegations (01:49:18) Neutral Zone Quarterback Rankings (01:54:15) NFC North Division Analysis (02:00:15) Daniel Oyefusi Browns Update (02:07:00) Deshaun Watson's Improved Play (02:17:10) Miles Garrett Trade Aftermath (02:28:10) Final Segment And Unboxing
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima dissect the Cleveland Guardians' disappointing 0-2 series start against the Chicago White Sox. They debate whether manager Stephen Vogt should have pulled Gavin Williams earlier and address the growing criticism surrounding Jose Ramirez's postseason performance. Callers join the conversation to weigh in on payroll discrepancies and minor league development.(00:02:45) Guardians Early Lead Fails(00:06:50) Debating Vogt's Managerial Choices(00:10:45) White Sox Series Payroll(00:16:01) Offensive Development Philosophy Concerns(00:24:55) Defending Jose Ramirez's Legacy(00:35:30) Jose Ramirez Trade Overreaction
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima break down the AFC playoff seeding, weighing the Browns' postseason chances against their upcoming schedule. Matt Dery later discusses the Guardians' offensive collapse and starting pitching plans for Game 3.(00:02:08) AFC Playoff Seeding Predictions(00:05:11) Browns Postseason Schedule Debate(00:08:20) Raiders Home Atmosphere Issues(00:15:08) Matt Dery Interview(00:20:46) Jose Ramirez Playoff Struggles(00:28:01) Guardians Game Three Pitching(00:33:28) LeBron James Injury Issues(00:38:01) Massillon Transfer Eligibility Ruling
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima break down the local versus national perception of Deshaun Watson following critical comments from Robert Mays. They also address mounting pressure on Guardians manager Steven Vogt and react to sign-stealing accusations from White Sox fans.(00:02:07) Guardians and Browns Intro(00:05:13) Watson National Perception(00:14:55) Steven Vogt Rumors(00:19:32) Ownership Financial Strategy(00:25:52) Sign Stealing Allegations(00:31:35) NFL Quarterback Rankings(00:36:35) NFC North Division Update
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima are joined by Daniel Oyefusi to break down the Browns' 3-1 start and Deshaun Watson's performance. They debate the controversial impact of trading Myles Garrett and investigate how a younger roster has shifted the team's culture. The segment concludes with a Guardians recap and a special unboxing from the Beaumont School.(00:02:11) Daniel Oyefusi Interview(00:07:27) Deshaun Watson Evaluation(00:12:45) Browns Trade Rumors(00:20:42) Myles Garrett Trade(00:26:13) Secondary Stepping Up(00:33:44) Guardians Game Recap(00:37:30) Beaumont School Unboxing
The segment starts by wrapping up the Myles Garrett debate, with the Browns' sack total at 12 compared to 11 all of last year, and the crew crediting a collective pass rush and good team vibes while comparing the mood to the Joe Flacco run. Then Ken and Lima open a package from the Beaumont School, an all-girls Catholic school in Cleveland, loaded with cookies, snuggie blankets, mugs, and a note welcoming a future "little girl Lima." They call it the best box so far, right up there with the earlier one from Roads.
Ken floats a theory that the Browns and Myles Garrett parting ways may have been best for all sides, arguing that a young, naive roster without its security blanket is playing sharper and building a new culture at 3-1. Lima pushes back, saying everybody is better with Garrett and that the defense has held up so far, with Jared Verse and a new coordinator stepping in. Ken clarifies he isn't ripping Garrett or saying the team is better without him, only looking for sustainable reasons for the hot start beyond Deshaun Watson.
ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi joins Ken and Lima and agrees Deshaun Watson is outplaying Justin Herbert, Jalen Hurts, and Baker Mayfield so far. He explains that Watson's deep shots and legs have him trending above average, and that the Browns' crowded quarterback room with Dillon Gabriel's return will have to shake out within his 21-day window. They also cover Mason Graham's week-to-week injury, why this young 3-1 team won't get complacent under Todd Monken, and the Ravens flex possibility depending on Lamar Jackson.
In the Neutral Zone, the crew goes down a list of NFL quarterbacks to ask whether Deshaun Watson has outplayed them through the first month, taking Watson over several but giving Stroud, Herbert, and Hurts the nod. They then turn to Kevin Stefanski's red-hot Falcons and the Nick Chubb usage debate from his Browns days. The segment closes with a tour of the NFC North, where they call the undefeated Vikings frauds, say the Lions have no defense, and wonder whether the Bears are replacing the Packers on top, with a Sid Luckman tangent on the side.
Down 0-2 in the series, Ken and Lima push back on fans who want to blame Stephen Vogt and on the chatter linking him to the vacant Seattle job. They argue that a manager who gets a low-payroll team through 162 games is worth keeping, compare the backlash to the Terry Francona debates, and debate pulling Gavin Williams in the sixth. The segment ends with a Barstool podcast accusing the Guardians of sign stealing, which they brush off as normal baseball.
Ken and Lima push back on Robert Mays of The Athletic for saying Deshaun Watson didn't have much to do with the Browns' 3-1 start, pointing to his three fourth-quarter comeback drives and 10 first downs with his legs. They argue that Amazon's broadcast was right to stick to football instead of rehashing the legal cases, and that the bar for quarterback play around the league is low enough that Watson clears it for now. They stress they aren't being fanboys, since Watson isn't worth his guaranteed contract and likely isn't here next year, then throw the question to the audience.
Ken and Lima bring in producer John to react to LeBron James dealing with chronic arthritis in his left foot as he starts his 24th season with the 76ers, with one declaring the Sixers won't reach the finals. They also dig into the NFL suspending two officials over altercations with players, a first in eight years, and wonder what set off the profanity. The segment wraps with the OHSAA ruling two high-profile Washington brothers ineligible after denied transfers, with the hosts arguing the state has to enforce its boundary rules consistently.
Matt Dery of the Dery Brothers Guardians Cast says he had no issue with Stephen Vogt sending Gavin Williams back out for the sixth, pointing to the offense going hitless with runners in scoring position, while the hosts argue Williams earned the chance to keep rolling. Dery would move a slumping Jose Ramirez down the order, wants hitting coach Grant Fink replaced and still believes the Guardians can win in Chicago. He also isn't thrilled with the White Sox bullpen game approach, but admits it's working, and he likes Tanner Bibee to start Game 3.
Seven in Heaven returns for the first time in two years with the hosts predicting how the AFC playoff field will shake out, and they clash on the wild card spots. Anthony has the Browns as a five seed and Houston in the field while Ken has the Bengals fifth, the Browns seventh and the Texans on the outside. The debate over whether Cleveland's postseason case rests on an easy schedule and late game heroics from Deshaun Watson gets heated, with a side trip into whether Raiders fans have lost their home field edge in Vegas.
After Guardians fans light up social media over Jose Ramirez's playoff struggles, Ken and Lima argue over whether his October track record should change how he's viewed in franchise history. One says the team wouldn't be here without him, while the other thinks he's clearly not himself and needs to move out of the two hole. A caller says Ramirez has a habit of disappearing in October, injury or not, and the group wonders if too much pressure falls on him because the young bats around him keep coming up short.
Guardians fans are hunting for someone to blame after falling behind 2-0, with callers pointing at Patrick Bailey's missed block, first-pitch swings in the ninth and what the organization is teaching its young hitters. Ken and Lima clash over Jose Ramirez, with one refusing to blame him because of his hand injury while the other argues that if expectations are that low he can't stay in the two hole. Is it smart accountability or excuse-making for the guy who got this team to October?
The Guardians now trail 2-0 after Stephen Vogt let Gavin Williams start the sixth and then went to the bullpen with Williams still throwing 100 mph and sitting on 11 strikeouts. Ken and Lima debate whether to blame the manager, the offense that wasted a two-run start or the pitching that unraveled late. Callers pile on Vogt, and the Pope's favorite team gets some blame too.
Ken and Anthony analyze the Guardians' critical Game 2 situation against the White Sox while addressing frustrations with the team's listless offense. They also delve into the Browns' quarterback depth chart, evaluating Dillon Gabriel’s return and the potential trade market for Shedeur Sanders. (00:02:10) Guardians Playoff Recap (00:07:58) Platoon Strategy Debate (00:17:26) Browns Quarterback Competition (00:25:12) Shedeur Sanders Potential (00:35:58) Playbook Development Talk (00:45:46) Deshaun Watson Consistency (00:53:53) Payroll and Expectations (01:01:11) Joe Adell Criticism (01:08:39) Bengals and Burrow (01:14:58) Deion Sanders Update (01:22:06) Media Fairness Discussion (01:30:55) Darrell Ryder Interview (01:39:52) Browns Run Game (01:48:26) Sanders Landing Spots (02:00:05) Sean Casey Interview (02:06:43) Division Winner Recognition (02:13:08) Series Survival Pressure (02:20:40) Jose Ramirez Evaluation (02:27:42) Shedeur Trade Rumors (02:34:04) Wooly Bear Festival
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima break down the Cleveland Guardians' frustrating Game 1 loss to the White Sox and whether fans should panic before Game 2. They also dive into a heated discussion regarding the Browns' quarterback situation as Dillon Gabriel returns from the IR. The conversation shifts to whether the team should prioritize Shedeur Sanders' talent or Gabriel's knowledge of the offense.(00:01:50) Guardians Game 1 Recap(00:06:20) Game 2 Pitching Outlook(00:13:42) Frustrated Caller Gary(00:18:58) Dillon Gabriel Returning(00:22:00) Backup Quarterback Debate(00:31:15) QB Trade Possibilities(00:38:10) Caller Brett on Shedeur
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima analyze the Cleveland Browns' surprising 3-1 start and the ongoing debate regarding the team's quarterback depth. They also preview the Guardians' must-win ALDS Game 2 while addressing fan concerns over payroll and coaching decisions. (00:01:50) Browns Texans Comparison (00:06:00) Watson Consistency Debate (00:09:15) Gabriel vs Sanders Argument (00:12:45) Guardians ALDS Pressure (00:19:40) MLB Payroll Realities (00:25:50) Guardians Coaching Critique (00:31:20) Joe Burrow Assessment (00:36:25) Deion Sanders Drama
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima analyze the national media's portrayal of Deshaun Watson, specifically criticizing Robert Mays for what they perceive as an unfair evaluation of the quarterback's recent performance. Daryl Ruiter joins to discuss the logjam in the Cleveland Browns' quarterback room and whether Shedeur Sanders or Jerry Jeudy could be moved before the trade deadline. They also weigh the team's 3-1 start against lingering performance concerns while previewing upcoming matchups.(00:02:23) Analyzing Deshaun Watson Criticism(00:06:06) Watson Redemption Story Debate(00:14:23) Daryl Ruiter Joins Show(00:18:14) Potential Trade Candidates Explored(00:21:20) Upcoming Jets Matchup Preview(00:24:26) Jerry Jeudy Trade Value(00:27:55) Guardians Season On Brink(00:33:40) Shedeur Sanders Trade Market(00:36:49) Quarterback Depth Scenarios Examined
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima welcome MLB Network analyst Sean Casey to break down the Guardians' postseason approach and the mental hurdles of October baseball. They debate whether Game 2 is a must-win situation for Cleveland and address Daryl Ruiter's reporting on Shedeur Sanders' future with the Browns.(00:02:05) Sean Casey Interview(00:08:14) Title Expectations vs Reality(00:15:29) Guardians Do-or-Die Debate(00:24:20) Jose Ramirez Postseason Slump(00:32:38) Shedeur Sanders Roster Rumors(00:35:58) Dillon Gabriel Roster Status
Ken and Lima revisit Daryl Ruiter's "odd man out" take on Shedeur Sanders after Daryl reports that a source says the Browns aren't looking to trade him and want to keep developing him. They wonder how Cleveland avoids carrying four quarterbacks, whether Taylen Green could be cut and stashed on the practice squad, and whether Shedeur has learned enough of the offense to make Dillon Gabriel expendable. With the Browns 3-1, they agree the question has shifted from "just play Shedeur" to keeping the season afloat if Deshaun Watson gets hurt, then wrap with a tangent about a dog at the Woollybear Festival.
Ken and Lima spar over whether Ken's calm after the Game 1 loss fits with his claim that Game 2 decides the series, with Ken insisting his hand is steady and Lima sure his confidence is shaken. They dig into the lineup's chances, from Jose Ramirez's playoff struggles and lack of protection to Jo Adell's 0-for-4 and whether the White Sox's setup is truly a bullpen game against Gavin Williams. Callers Jason and Joe split the room, with Jason siding with Ken and Joe saying a loss feels like the end while he's tired of David Fry in the lineup.
MLB Network analyst Sean Casey joins Ken and Lima to break down the Guardians' 3-0 Game 1 loss to the White Sox, pointing to the missed bases-loaded chances, the rhythm advantage of a team that has been playing, and a lineup that still needs big bats despite Steven Kwan's strong second half. He defends Steven Vogt's communication skills and lineup choices, pushes back on over-reliance on platoon matchups, and shares his read on the rest of the postseason, including his love for the Brewers. After he signs off, Ken and Lima argue over whether Game 2 is truly the season, with Ken calm about facing another bullpen game and Lima nervous about an 0-2 hole.
Ken and Lima debate whether Shedeur Sanders becomes the odd man out now that the Browns are 3-1 and Dillon Gabriel is seen as the safer backup behind Deshaun Watson. They work through who would actually trade for Shedeur before the November 10th deadline, with Daryl Ruiter's sixth-round-pick idea and Owen's doubts about teams that have given up on the season. Ken defends even raising Gabriel's name, arguing the 3-1 start changed the question from "let's see what Shedeur has" to "we have to win games."
Daryl Ruiter says Shedeur Sanders is the most likely quarterback to go with Dillon Gabriel nearing a return and Taylen Green not going anywhere. He expects the market to be a late-round pick swap and sees no urgency with a 21-day window, while Jerry Jeudy is also floated as a trade candidate. Daryl also pushes back on the idea that 3-1 erases the Browns' penalty and turnover concerns before turning to his worry about the Guardians' offense in Game 2.
Lima takes issue with Robert Mays for saying Deshaun Watson had little to do with the Browns' win over the Steelers, and the hosts play Mike Florio's friendlier take as a contrast. They argue over whether anyone is actually pushing a "redemption story" or whether Mays' frustration with the Prime broadcast feature colored his analysis. The debate gets heated when the Ben Roethlisberger comparison comes up and they ask why Browns fans should be held to a different standard.
Lima runs through the weekend in football, starting with Joe Burrow throwing for 428 yards but falling to the Jaguars as the Bengals ran for just 23 yards. The hosts then debate whether Jeremiah Smith, now the Heisman favorite, deserves any comparison to Marvin Harrison Jr. Deion Sanders' Colorado team gets drilled by Texas Tech amid a benched quarterback and a playbook that reportedly turned up at a team hotel, while a Colorado State defensive coordinator apparently walked out mid-game.
The Guardians dropped Game 1 to the White Sox and the pressure on today's Game 2 is enormous, with a stalled lineup, the lowest payroll in baseball and a looming lockout all hanging over the series. A caller from North Ridgeville wants to know why Jo Adell stayed in after four strikeouts and why David Fry started at first base, and the explanation he gets is not the one he expected. If the Guardians lose again, the hosts say, a very different conversation is coming tomorrow.
Ken says the Browns' surprising 3-1 start is too enjoyable to nitpick, while Lima argues the team is surely dealing with penalties and defensive line depth behind closed doors. Callers hammer Ken for brushing off the penalties and challenge Lima's take that Shedeur Sanders doesn't need development at 3-1, pointing to Brock Purdy as proof that sitting works. The hosts also ask whether the Browns have anything left to prove with the league still making them underdogs against the Jets.
With the Browns at 3-1 and Dillon Gabriel's practice window open, one host argues that knowing the offense might now matter more than talent in a backup quarterback. The other always assumed Shedeur Sanders was locked in as QB2 and isn't ready to let that go. A caller weighs in on trade value and Shedeur's future in Cleveland, and the debate gets heated.
Dillon Gabriel is coming off IR and starting his 21-day practice window, which leaves the 3-1 Browns with a four-quarterback logjam. Ken and Lima debate whether Shedeur Sanders or Gabriel is the one to move, whether any team would even pay a pick for either and whether there's any urgency to decide before the trade deadline. The conversation gets testy over whether Gabriel was ever really hurt in the first place.
The Guardians dropped Game 1 to the White Sox 3-0 and Ken and Lima disagree on how worried fans should be. Ken says he feels as confident as he has since the 90s Indians with Gavin Williams on the mound while Lima isn't buying it after the lost home field advantage and a lineup that went silent. A fired-up caller calling the offense a Little League team shows how split the fanbase is.
Daryl Ruiter and coach Lance Reisland review the Browns 27-24 win over the Steelers. Deshaun Watson does it again in the fourth quarter, Jerry Jeudy sighting, unsung heroes and more as Cleveland hit back to win their third straight.
92.3 The Fan presents a selection of interviews and guest appearances with The Ken Carman Show with Anthony Lima, Baskin & Phelps, and The Afternoon Drive from during the past week. Featuring Nathan Zegura, Chris Easterling, and Albert Breer.
Tune in as the hosts of 92.3 The Fact react to the Browns' thrilling Week 4 win over the Steelers on Thursday Night Football. Are the Browns legitimate playoff contenders? And has Deshaun Watson changed fans' opinions with the strong start? Plus, what does it mean for Watson's standing as the starter for the reaminder of the season, and potentially beyond?
Tune in for a selection of highlights from Ken and Anthony during the past week. Ken takes an L after the Browns' thrilling win over the Steelers on Thursday Night Football. Plus, the guys compare this year's Guardians team to last year's, and Anthony recounts an AI mishap.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima celebrate a thrilling 27-24 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers that propels the Cleveland Browns to the top of the AFC North. They analyze Deshaun Watson's improved play under Todd Monken and welcome guests Daryl Ruiter and Nathan Zegura to discuss the team's defensive dominance and injury concerns. (00:03:52) Celebrating Browns Victory (00:08:52) Confidence In Kicker (00:13:32) Fan Reaction Medley (00:20:33) Deshaun Watson Analysis (00:31:43) Jerry Jeudy Impact (00:41:41) Quarterback Future Discussion (00:48:37) Mason Graham Injury (00:56:41) Ken Apologizes To Kicker (01:09:50) Curtis Danberg Interview (01:20:32) Daryl Ruiter Joins (01:35:33) Watson Contract Extension (01:43:59) Defensive Line Depth (01:53:15) Overcoming Watson Skepticism (02:03:35) Nathan Zegura Joins (02:19:40) Pass Rush Creativity (02:32:58) Coming In Hot
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima break down the Cleveland Browns' exciting 27-24 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on The Ken Carman Show with Anthony Lima. They discuss the electric atmosphere at the stadium and highlight the improved play of Deshaun Watson under offensive coordinator Todd Monken. The conversation also touches on the Guardians' upcoming postseason series and reflects on the shifting culture within Cleveland sports. (00:01:50) Show Introduction (00:05:10) Browns Lead AFC North (00:09:10) Confident Game Winning Field Goal (00:12:50) Browns Team Culture Shift (00:16:20) Victory Friday Hotline (00:21:30) Browns Resiliency Analysis (00:25:30) Guardians ALDS Outlook (00:33:50) Deshaun Watson Analysis (00:37:55) Winning Football Results
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima break down the Browns' victory and Deshaun Watson's clutch fourth-quarter performance. They examine the growth of young offensive playmakers and discuss the significance of kicker Andre Szmyt's consistency. Later, Guardians executive Curtis Danberg joins the conversation to preview the upcoming ALDS against the White Sox.(00:02:02) Super Bowl Super Browns(00:05:15) Watson vs Trubisky Effect(00:09:15) Evaluating Young Playmakers(00:12:21) Mason Graham Injury Concerns(00:17:15) Ken Apologizes To Szmyt(00:22:35) Watson The Franchise Guy(00:26:25) NFL Culture and Penalties(00:33:10) ALDS Preview With Danberg
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima celebrate the Browns' resilient victory over the Steelers and analyze what the 3-1 start means for their contender status. They are joined by Daryl Ruiter to discuss Deshaun Watson's fourth-quarter heroics and the defensive front's continued dominance.(00:01:50) Browns Victory Monday Recap(00:05:45) Deshaun Watson Growth Analysis(00:10:10) Jerry Jeudy Spark Moment(00:17:28) Daryl Ruiter Interview(00:23:10) Watson Contract Extension Talk(00:29:09) Andre Szmyt Kicking Prowess(00:35:40) Rodgers and McCarthy Drama(00:41:18) Dominant Pass Rush Stats
Nathan Zegura joins Ken Carman and Anthony Lima to break down the Cleveland Browns' cultural shift and defensive success under Mike Rutenberg. They analyze Deshaun Watson's improved pocket presence and the offensive line's dominant performance before opening the lines for the Coming In Hot segment.(00:02:03) Watson Monken Connection(00:07:10) Deshaun Watson Analysis(00:10:53) Defensive Line Creativity(00:17:40) Browns Defensive Evolution(00:25:40) College Quarterback Discussion(00:33:33) Coming In Hot
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At 3-1 after beating the Steelers, the crew debates why the Browns defense looks so creative and effective with Garrett on IR, while the offensive line keeps Deshaun Watson clean. Callers credit Todd Monken for unlocking Watson, and the hosts push the idea that this is a total team effort. Things get chippy when the college quarterback draft graphic pops up and the show decides it's not the time to talk draft.
Browns radio analyst Nathan Zegura joins Ken and Lima to credit the culture Todd Monken and Mike Rutenberg have built, pointing to Deshaun Watson's third straight game-winning drive (the first in the Super Bowl era since Brian Sipe in 1979), Andre Szmyt's 22 straight field goals, and Jerry Jeudy's fourth-quarter catches. He explains why the pass rush is thriving without Myles Garrett through creative pressures and a team-wide effort, and praises Mike Hall's gutsy return with Mason Graham out. They also dig into Quinshon Judkins' passing-game role, Jaleel McLaughlin's long run, and the penalties that still need cleaning up.
Ken and Lima pile on the Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy feud, comparing the Steelers duo to the Eagles (the band), before asking if Deshaun Watson has won them over. They say he has earned the credit by throwing downfield, converting key downs, and showing "shades" of what a franchise quarterback does, with Quinshon Judkins and the young receivers helping out. A caller argues the pass rush is better without Garrett through four games, and while Ken and Lima don't buy the whole theory, they plan to ask Nathan Zegura why five sacks came so easily.
Browns beat reporter Daryl Ruiter joins Ken and Lima to call the 3-1 Browns resilient, saying Deshaun Watson is a roller coaster who keeps finding a way when it matters, and that his play could put the team in a tricky spot on a contract extension. He is unsure the franchise tag is even an option, and floats a short Baker Mayfield style deal as a middle ground. They also praise the five-sack defensive effort and Mike Hall's return from the cart, defend Jared Verse's impact without the sacks, and say Andre Szmyt is giving Phil Dawson vibes.
Ken and Lima argue that at 3-1 the Browns are contenders until proven otherwise, while acknowledging the penalties, the shaky run game, and a potential letdown against the Jets, who are favored by 2.5. They say Deshaun Watson doesn't need to be his 2020 self, note that people around the league are actively rooting against him, and credit Todd Monken for giving Jerry Jeudy a spark with his big fourth-quarter catch. Callers from Strongsville, Lakewood, and Tel Aviv weigh in on a Watson extension, and the show looks ahead to a tougher schedule after the Jets.
Guardians Vice President of Communications and Community Impact Curtis Danburg joins Ken and Lima the day before Game 1 of the ALDS to explain how the long break gave the team time to rest and set up Parker Messick and Gavin Williams to start twice in a five-game series. He previews the sold-out Progressive Field atmosphere, shares that nearly the full roster attended the Browns win, and says Jo Adell and Nathaniel Lowe were key deadline additions. The conversation also touches on how nervous to be about the White Sox and Stephen Vogt's collaborative style, before a caller wins a Guardians prize pack.
Ken and Lima relive Andre Szmyt's 56-yard game-winner, and Ken owns up to demanding the kicker's release after a rookie miss, saying he apologized to his face. They break down the late sack that nearly derailed the drive and Todd Monken's confidence in the kick, then call Deshaun Watson the guy for the foreseeable future. Callers raise the Browns' penalty problem, the Steelers' sideline meltdowns, and whether Watson's contract situation means the team has to reconsider its quarterback plans.
Ken and Lima declare Deshaun Watson the starter for good, at least until the Browns fall under .500, and argue that anyone crediting Jimmy Haslam for the quarterback call has to admit the owner knows football. They gush over rookies Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion, praise Quinshon Judkins' work out of the backfield, and admit everyone has taken turns being wrong about this team. The mood dips when they turn to Mason Graham's injury and the need for interior defensive line depth, with callers from Willoughby and Bay Village chiming in along the way.
Ken and Lima break down Deshaun Watson's third straight game-winning drive, with one grading his first half an A plus and arguing he has been a top-10 quarterback so far. They wonder if Todd Monken got him to stop trying to be the 2020 version of himself, and they admit they have moved the goalposts because the team is winning. Along the way they credit Jerry Judy's fourth-quarter catches, note the Steelers kept targeting Denzel Ward, and acknowledge the late fumble and the missed throw to Harold Fannin.
Ken and Lima soak in the Browns' 3-1 start, admitting their low win predictions look foolish and saying they'll happily be wrong with the Jets next and a chance at four straight. They marvel at how far the mood has swung from open anger and a "punt year" feeling to stacking wins, and they shrug off the sustainability debate for now. A Chicago caller listening from her driveway shares a Christmas bet that forces her Steelers-loving husband to wear a Browns jersey and deliver a speech praising Cleveland.
Ken and Lima open the morning celebrating the Browns' 27-24 win over the Steelers, which puts Cleveland atop the AFC North at 3-1 while Pittsburgh sits at 2-2. They rave about the deafening night crowd, the confidence on the 56-yard game-winning field goal, and the culture Todd Monken has built, while firing back at Steelers fans and marveling at how the injury-depleted defense keeps rebounding.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima analyze Deshaun Watson's impact ahead of a primetime matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers. They explore Mike Tomlin's Minecraft city, Guardians postseason pressure, and Anthony's preparation for a local speech. (00:02:50) Browns Gameday Vibes (00:07:00) Fanbase Split Reactions (00:13:55) Tomlin Minecraft Video (00:21:45) Todd Monken Audio (00:27:00) Winning Over Fans (00:36:10) League-Wide QB Play (00:49:40) Kirk Herbstreit Dog (00:53:45) Guardians Postseason Pressure (01:03:00) Baseball Double Standards (01:09:50) Joey Porter Trade (01:21:35) Marvin Harrison Junior (01:32:40) Mary Kay Cabot Interview (01:45:50) Watson Job Security (01:54:00) Primetime Coming Party (02:04:00) NFL Refs Debate (02:11:45) Bay Village Speech (02:18:40) Primetime Revenue Talk (02:25:55) Quarterback Trades Discussion
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima preview the Thursday night clash with the Steelers, highlighting the house money feel of the Browns' 2-1 start. They explore Todd Monken's influence on Deshaun Watson's confidence and address whether the quarterback can earn back the trust of a skeptical fan base with a divisional victory. (00:01:50) Browns Excitement and 2-1 Start (00:05:25) Steelers Trading Away Young Talent (00:08:50) Ken's Gut Feeling and Fervor (00:14:15) Mike Tomlin's Minecraft Hobby (00:17:45) Can Watson Win Over Fans (00:24:05) Todd Monken's Belief in Watson (00:28:55) The Never-Watson Fan Segment (00:34:20) Fans Debate Watson's Sustainability (00:38:04) League-Wide Offensive Line Trends
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima discuss whether Deshaun Watson can finally earn the respect of Cleveland fans by defeating the Steelers on primetime. They explore the immense pressure on the Guardians heading into the ALDS and react to Mike Tomlin's surprising Minecraft hobby. Additionally, they critique the double standards in how fans treat the different professional teams in town. (00:01:50) Watson Earning Fan Trust (00:07:01) Beating Pittsburgh Narrative (00:11:30) Media Reactions To Peter (00:16:10) Guardians Playoff Pressure (00:20:10) Fan Entitlement Debate (00:24:13) Cleveland Sports Double Standard (00:32:16) Steelers Trade Joey Porter (00:36:01) Tomlin's Viral Minecraft City (00:39:10) Colavita's Phillies Struggle
Mary Kay Cabot joins Ken Carman and Anthony Lima to break down the critical matchup against the Steelers and whether Deshaun Watson has finally turned a corner. They explore the offensive line struggles without Elgton Jenkins and discuss the pressure on Todd Monken to unlock the deep passing game. The conversation shifts to whether a victory tonight would officially cement Watson as the long-term starter or if his status remains a week-to-week evaluation. (00:01:20) Marvin Harrison Jr. Discussion (00:04:43) Todd Monken's Offensive Test (00:08:08) The Pivot Podcast Insights (00:14:04) Mary Kay Cabot Interview (00:18:22) Offensive Line Injury Impacts (00:22:30) Mason Graham's Defensive Growth (00:27:15) Watson's Job Security Debate
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima debate whether a victory against the Steelers will finally solidify Deshaun Watson’s position as the team leader. They explore referee conspiracy theories with callers and discuss how Lima is using artificial intelligence to prepare a speech for a local men's club. (00:01:50) Watson Job Security (00:06:02) Referee Conspiracy Theory (00:09:15) Mary Kay Interview Feedback (00:15:32) Lima Using AI Speech (00:22:15) Primetime Football Epiphany (00:26:30) Winning Over Fans (00:31:58) Quarterback Trade Rumors
Ken and Lima react to Jeremy Fowler's report that the Browns would listen on a deal for a backup quarterback, with Dylan Gabriel eligible to come off IR and the trade deadline coming at the end of the month. Callers weigh in on whether Deshaun Watson can win fans over tonight, and one argues everybody is moving the goalposts on him. Another caller rips Shedeur Sanders' resume, and the hosts push back before signing off with a "Go Browns!"
Ken ribs Lima for running his Bay Village Men's Club speech through ChatGPT Premium, which flagged his best jokes and budgeted 45 seconds to a minute for laughter. They swap stories about bombing on stage before playing Todd Monken's take on primetime games. Then they ask whether a win over the Steelers could finally win fans over on Deshaun Watson.
Ken and Lima lay out when the Watson job conversation ends, with Ken saying a win over the Steelers makes him the quarterback and a loss reopens the debate. Callers weigh in on whether NFL refs are protecting Watson, and one asks if Mary Kay Cabot can take fan questions after her interviews, which Ken shoots down. John from Middleburg Heights then says nobody is against the Browns and they just stink.
Ken and Lima respond to Mary Kay Cabot's take that the quarterback conversation stays week to week even with a win. Ken argues a 3-1 start settles it and says he won't repeat the 2014 mistake of benching a winning quarterback, while Lima points out Watson has already handled career-on-the-line pressure in the last two fourth quarters. They still worry about the offensive line without Elton Jenkins, but agree that a win with few turnovers makes Watson the starter for the foreseeable future.
Mary Kay Cabot joins Ken and Lima to explain how Deshaun Watson and KC Concepcion can get on the same page against the Steelers, why the banged-up offensive line is the biggest concern and what Mason Graham's second-year jump means for the defense. She says a win tonight would go a long way toward bringing fans over to Watson's side, but the quarterback conversation likely stays week to week. Ken and Lima close by debating whether a win still leaves Watson on an interim basis if the defense carries the team.
Ken and Lima debate whether the Browns should chase Marvin Harrison Jr., who has barely been targeted this season, and decides they don't need another sullen receiver. They then break down tonight's Steelers matchup, where a banged-up offensive line and a resurgent TJ Watt could make it a real test for Deshaun Watson. After a Jordan Schultz clip on Todd Monken's belief in Watson, they discuss how Pittsburgh might rush him and rattle him mentally.
Ken and Lima react to the Steelers trading Joey Porter Jr. to Dallas for a 2028 second-round pick and a conditional 2027 sixth, then dig into Mike Tomlin's 12-year Minecraft city and his playoff record before and after it. They bring in producer John to go through the morning's stories, and he takes heat for declaring he was done with the Phillies right before Alec Bohm's 10th-inning homer kept them alive. The crew keeps roasting his "I'm so exhausted" act as he tweets "ring the bell" like the biggest Phillies fan alive.
Ken and Lima agree the Guardians face more pressure heading into Saturday's ALDS against the White Sox, since they got a week of rest, a lined-up rotation and a wide-open field. Ken gets defensive about casual fans who tune in only for October and then pounce on a loss with "they didn't spend money" takes, while Lima argues the pressure comes from success, not failure. They also trace the franchise's long playoff drought from 1955 to 1994 and look ahead to future contract fights with Chase DeLauter, Travis Bazzana and Angel Genao.
Ken and Lima say the more the Browns win, the closer the quarterback-of-the-future folder gets to the shelf, especially with next year's draft class already being picked apart. Callers weigh in: Caitlin credits Todd Monken's plan, and Tarzan says Watson isn't a Brown until he beats Pittsburgh and might get re-signed with a big season. Ken says he'd only franchise tag him, and Lima points to the Vikings moving on from Sam Darnold at 14-3. The segment ends in a long tangent about Kirk Herbstreit's golden retriever, Peter, and the Amazon Prime broadcast.
Callers answer whether Deshaun Watson can win them over tonight. Tony in Lisbon wants a full four-quarter game instead of fourth quarter heroics, Mike in Beachwood compares it to a breakup that's already happened, and Chris in Copley says Watson is gone after the season and wants better O-line play against the Steelers. Ken and Lima counter that quarterback play is shaky across the league, credit Watson's legs and pump fake for bailing out a struggling line, and wonder whether Pittsburgh will use a spy and how Todd Monken would respond.
Ken and Lima play Jordan Schultz's Pivot podcast audio about Todd Monken restoring Deshaun Watson's confidence, then debate whether the 2-1 start and fourth-quarter heroics are getting too much hype after a 67-yard passing day against Carolina. They ask listeners whether a win over the Steelers could turn them around, while acknowledging a never-Watson segment of the fan base that won't be moved by winning. Along the way, Ken explains why he won't pick the Browns and the pair joke about Mike Tomlin's Minecraft empire.
On the morning of Thursday night's game against the Steelers, Ken wants to whoop it up about the 2-1 start while Lima keeps accusing him of sounding scared and of talking himself into the hype. Ken argues it feels like a changing of the guard, with a young roster, Mason Graham playing great, and a Steelers team distracted by the Joey Porter Jr. trade, but his doubts about Deshaun Watson hold him back. Callers weigh in on the run game and the Browns' chances, and Ken and Lima detour into Mike Tomlin's viral Minecraft city.
Daryl Ruiter and Lance Reisland break down the key matchups for the Browns vs. Steelers Thursday Night Football clash. From slowing down Aaron Rodgers to Deshaun Watson's late-game play, get expert analysis and score predictions ahead of Week 4.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima preview a massive sports weekend in Cleveland, featuring the Browns' Thursday night game against the Steelers and the Guardians' ALDS opener. They discuss the future of Deshaun Watson, evaluate potential MLB playoff format changes, and address rumors regarding manager Steven Vogt. (00:02:47) Weekend Plans And Banter (00:06:45) MLB Playoff Format Debate (00:13:00) Salary Caps In Baseball (00:18:15) Deshaun Watson Future Discussion (00:32:25) Fan Reactions To Watson (00:45:40) Listener Calls On Watson (00:56:15) Proposed QB Draft Rules (01:06:55) Jerry Jeudy Production Issues (01:13:05) About Last Night Segment (01:20:30) Around The AFC North (01:31:45) Steelers Dirty Play Claims (01:40:00) Earning National Respect (01:51:55) Browns Vs Guardians Tickets (02:01:35) Interview With Anthony Castrovince (02:08:15) Guardians Playoff Pitching Rotation (02:21:10) Steven Vogt Replacement Rumors (02:31:50) AJ McCarron UFL News (02:37:45) Watson And Concepcion Connection
Ken and Anthony Lima discuss the shifting perception of Deshaun Watson among Cleveland Browns fans on The Ken Carman Show with Anthony Lima. They analyze insights from Albert Breer and Ian Rapoport regarding Watson's job security and the offensive philosophy under Todd Monken. The conversation also touches on MLB playoff trends, the frustrations of Philadelphia Phillies fans, and upcoming matchups against the Steelers. (00:02:45) October Baseball Banter (00:05:55) MLB Playoff Format Debate (00:08:57) MLB Salary Cap Discussion (00:15:05) Phillies vs Guardians Comparison (00:20:02) Deshaun Watson Job Security (00:24:16) Browns Fan Reaction Analysis (00:33:43) Zach Jackson Watson Comments
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima analyze the shift in fan perception regarding Deshaun Watson following recent victories and improved fourth-quarter play. They also debate a controversial proposal regarding NFL quarterback draft restrictions and evaluate the lack of production from Jerry Jeudy compared to other young receivers. (00:02:01) Watson's Shifting Fan Perception (00:06:56) Debating Watson's Cleveland Arrival (00:16:05) QB Draft Restriction Proposal (00:21:00) NFL Quarterback Development Issues (00:27:22) Jeudy and Boston Evaluation (00:33:43) About Last Night Recap
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima evaluate the state of the AFC North with insights from Bob Haynie, Mo Egger, and Chris Mueller. They analyze the Browns' upcoming Thursday night matchup against the Steelers and whether Deshaun Watson can earn national respect. They also compare ticket prices for the Browns game and the Guardians' ALDS opener, debating which event is the bigger draw for Cleveland fans.(00:01:54) AFC North Report From Baltimore(00:06:21) Cincinnati Bengals Defensive Struggles(00:09:54) Steelers Preview With Chris Mueller(00:17:24) Cleveland Browns Earning Respect(00:23:02) Deshaun Watson’s Primetime Stakes(00:32:32) Browns vs Guardians Ticket Debate
Anthony Castrovince joins Ken and Lima to analyze the Guardians' postseason readiness and the health of stars like Jose Ramirez. They discuss rumors linking Stephen Vogt to the Mariners vacancy and look back at AJ McCarron’s history with the Browns.(00:02:14) Anthony Castrovince Joins(00:06:18) Jose Ramirez Injury Status(00:11:14) Guardians Playoff Series Outlook(00:14:16) MLB Playoff Reseeding Debate(00:21:15) Stephen Vogt Poaching Rumors(00:33:48) AJ McCarron UFL News
Ken and Anthony relive their old argument over the Browns trading for AJ McCarron during the 0-16 season after news breaks that he's now head coach of a relocated UFL team headed to Rhode Island. They also debate why spring football leagues keep failing while the NFL and college football dominate, then dig into whether KC Concepcion's quiet production is more on Deshaun Watson, the offensive line or the receiver himself.
After the Mariners fire their manager in an old-school on-camera farewell, Ken and Anthony dig into a report naming Stephen Vogt as a dream hire, tracing his rise from unproven first-time manager to three straight AL Central titles. They debate whether the Guardians would ever trade him, whether his $4 million salary already reflects how much they value him, and how close a call it was when the Mets once tried to poach GM Mike Chernoff.
MLB.com's Anthony Castrovince joins Ken and Anthony to break down the Guardians' AL Central win, the rust factor from a week off, and Jose Ramirez playing through a compromised season. He also weighs in on the Guardians' game three pitching options between Tanner Bibee, Joey Cantillo or Foster Griffin and on whether MLB should overhaul its playoff format down the road.
With $300 for two tickets, Ken and Anthony debate whether they'd spend it on Thursday night's Browns-Steelers game or Saturday's ALDS Game 1, weighing ticket prices, Cleveland's Thursday night football history and the pull of playoff baseball. Ken lands on Thursday night football while Anthony sides with the Guardians, and they also bicker over stadium parking and suite amenities along the way.
Ken and Anthony debate whether beating the Steelers on Thursday night would finally earn the Browns national respect, weighing the strength of their 2-1 start against the quality of their wins over Tampa Bay and Carolina. A caller argues style points don't matter as long as the Browns keep winning, while Ken and Anthony point out national media will still question the schedule and Watson's performance either way.
Ken and Lima take their weekly trip around the AFC North ahead of the Thursday night Browns-Steelers game, checking in with guests from Baltimore, Cincinnati, and Pittsburgh. Bob Haynie breaks down the Ravens' last-second win over Dallas and their center injuries, Mo Egger explains how special teams sank the Bengals against the Steelers, and Chris Mueller weighs in on Joey Porter Jr.'s status and whether Aaron Rodgers looks rejuvenated. Each guest names the division's best and worst team, and two of the three put the Browns at the bottom, which Ken and Lima take as a sign of some respect.
Ken and Lima bring in producer John to react to the Giants releasing Odell Beckham Jr. after three games, saying injuries kept him from a Hall of Fame path and that it's unfair he's now known for one catch. They break down the White Sox's 6-3 win over the Astros in wild card Game 1, where Lima says he'd rather face the White Sox because he dislikes the Astros so much, and they shrug off the rest versus rust worry. They also wonder whether Vegas can support an NBA expansion team, deciding the residency-style crowd might make basketball work better than it has for the Raiders.
Ken and Lima revisit Lima's idea to bar teams from drafting another top 10 quarterback for three years after taking one, which Ian Rapoport called one of the worst rules ever but Albert Breer liked. Lima argues it would force teams to build real support around young quarterbacks, while Ken says it punishes fans and teams twice, and they land on cutting the ban to a single year. They close by saying Denzel Boston is saving Jerry Jeudy's contract from ridicule, since Jeudy has barely been targeted.
Ken and Lima ask whether two straight fourth-quarter wins have softened anyone on Deshaun Watson, admitting they're excited about the 2-1 start while still expecting him to be gone next year and wanting to see real accountability if things go south on Thursday. Brett in Columbus says nothing will ever win him over because Watson didn't want to come to Cleveland until the guaranteed money arrived, which kicks off a debate over whether that was a negotiation tactic. Brian in Philadelphia wonders if Watson's friendlier postgame tone is just face-saving ahead of free agency.
Ken and Lima react to the heavy pushback Zac Jackson got in the comments for saying Deshaun Watson probably won't be the starter by the bye week, and they ask whether two straight fourth-quarter wins have won anyone over. They agree the bar was so low after so much bad quarterback play that the wins mean a lot, though nobody seems to have gone from planning to boo him to buying a jersey. Lima says Watson has shown more mobility and pump-fake savvy than expected, and the phones open for fans to say if he's won them over or is just a placeholder.
Ken and Lima play clips of Albert Breer and Ian Rapoport on Deshaun Watson, including Rapoport saying Watson was never close to being benched after the Tampa Bay game, and they debate how close he really was. They weigh his 144-yard day, the penalties, and the lack of a vertical passing game against a 2-1 record, with Lima saying Shedeur Sanders fans shouldn't give up yet. Ken says he won't repeat his 2014 mistake of pushing to replace a quarterback who is winning games.
Ken and Lima open with pumpkin patch and apple picking banter before turning to wild card Game 1, where the winner takes the series 88% of the time and the Red Sox and Phillies are on the brink. They debate the odds of a salary cap in the coming lockout and whether MLB will lean harder into big markets if it doesn't get a cap and floor, which could leave a Guardians-White Sox matchup drawing complaints about the format. John admits he's fed up with the Phillies and is told he sounds like every Cavs caller who calls the team annoying.
From 'Stinkin' Truth Podcast' (Subscribe Here): Mark Schlereth and Mike Evans dive into all the news & notes about the Cleveland Browns that didn't make it into his broadcast of their matchup with the Carolina Panthers.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima discuss bringing back their AFC playoff prediction segment, Seven in Heaven, following a potential Browns victory over the Steelers. They also introduce a new segment for their producer, Reese, and revisit some of Ken's unconventional ideas for football and golf.(00:01:44) Reviving Seven in Heaven(00:04:09) Introducing Reese's Pieces(00:06:40) Ken's Unconventional Sports Ideas(00:10:01) Analyzing Steelers Fraudulent Streak(00:13:16) Future Seven in Heaven Plans
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima analyze the polarizing reactions to the Cleveland Browns' recent victory and evaluate Deshaun Watson’s performance ahead of the Thursday night game against the Steelers. They are joined by Zach Jackson and Ian Rapoport to discuss Todd Monken’s coaching impact, NCAA NIL legislation, and a controversial proposal for NFL draft reform. (00:02:21) Watson Social Media Reaction (00:06:55) Analyzing Deshaun Watson Job Performance (00:11:45) Winning Games vs Future Concerns (00:16:10) Previewing Browns vs Steelers Thursday (00:23:45) Comparing Monken and Stefanski Coaching (00:31:15) Remembering Actor Dennis Haskins (00:36:15) Beating Pittsburgh and Shedeur Sanders (00:41:50) Todd Monken Coach Of Year (00:47:40) Analytics vs Gut In Football (00:54:40) Future Of Cleveland Tailgating Traditions (01:03:00) LeBron James Philadelphia Press Conference (01:10:05) New NCAA NIL Legislation Update (01:20:20) Zach Jackson On Browns Performance (01:30:00) Steelers Personnel and Rivalry Preview (01:40:30) Ken's Quarterback Draft Policy Idea (01:49:50) Raiders Start and Kirk Cousins (02:00:15) Ian Rapoport On Watson Job (02:08:50) Rapoport Reacts To Draft Rule (02:16:40) Logic Of Protecting Young Quarterbacks (02:33:50) Baker Mayfield And Development Example
The Ken Carman Show with Anthony Lima addresses the social media reaction to Deshaun Watson's play and the upcoming rivalry game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. They analyze the Browns' 2-1 start and the dynamic between the fans and the quarterback after a crucial win. The discussion also touches on the passing of Dennis Haskins and the long-term potential of Shedeur Sanders. (00:01:50) Watson Coronation Social Backlash (00:06:00) Evaluating Watson Performance vs Carolina (00:10:15) Fan Reaction and Winning Dynamics (00:16:00) Previewing Steelers Thursday Night Rivalry (00:24:30) Browns Offensive Line Injury Update (00:31:15) Remembering Dennis Haskins as Mr Belding (00:38:15) Shedeur Sanders and Future QB
The Ken Carman Show with Anthony Lima evaluates the Browns' early success under Todd Monken and the evolving expectations for Deshaun Watson. They transition to a discussion on the future of Cleveland tailgating and LeBron James' recent media day remarks about his playing career. (00:01:50) Watson's Browns Future (00:05:03) Monken's Coaching Impact (00:11:10) Front Office Analytics (00:17:10) Browns Stadium Tailgating (00:23:05) LeBron's Media Comments (00:33:20) NIL Legislation Update (00:37:10) NFL Quarterback Movement
Ken and Anthony analyze the Browns' defensive surge with Zac Jackson while investigating the decision to start Deshaun Watson. They transition into a league-wide discussion on the decline of quarterback play and Ken's proposal for new NFL draft rules. The duo also evaluates the Philadelphia Eagles' recent struggles and the surprising early-season performance of the Raiders.(00:02:10) Zac Jackson On Browns(00:07:10) Browns Run Game Woes(00:11:42) Steelers Defense Preview(00:17:19) Ohio College Football(00:21:30) NFL Quarterback Problems(00:24:40) QB Draft Rule Proposal(00:33:05) Raiders Hot Start(00:36:15) Eagles Offense Concerns
Ian Rapoport joins Ken Carman and Anthony Lima to address Deshaun Watson's future with the Browns and the fallout from the Myles Garrett trade. They also engage in a heated debate over a radical proposal to restrict how frequently NFL teams can draft quarterbacks in the top ten. (00:01:50) Deshaun Watson Job Security (00:05:31) Shedeur Sanders Trade Rumors (00:07:11) Myles Garrett Trade Reaction (00:08:14) NFL Quarterback Injury Crisis (00:09:36) Ken’s Radical Draft Proposal (00:16:51) Debating QB Development Foundation (00:20:50) Culture and Tanking Cycles (00:24:13) Callers Weigh In on Rule (00:37:45) NIL Impact on Quarterbacks
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima discuss the difficulties of transitioning college quarterbacks to the NFL and why many top picks fail without the right infrastructure. They also touch on Baker Mayfield's legacy in Cleveland and the current trend of veteran quarterbacks finding success later in their careers. (00:01:06) Social Media Feedback (00:02:17) Quarterback Development Challenges (00:06:01) Veteran Quarterback Resurgence
Ken proposes that a team drafting a quarterback in the top 10 can't take another one there for three years, arguing it would force franchises to develop QBs instead of tanking and starting over. Lima, Owen, and caller Nick tear into the idea, saying it has only been an issue twice in NFL history and would kill the yearly hope that a new quarterback brings. The debate touches on the Titans and Cam Ward, Johnny Manziel, Dante Moore, and Arch Manning, and Ken ends up defending an unpopular opinion while hoping the next guest will back him up.
Ian Rapoport tells Ken and Lima that Watson controlled his own fate and never got close to being pulled, and that if he stays healthy and keeps playing like this, he could be back in 2027 even with the Browns holding two first-round picks. He also says there's no real trade market for Shedeur Sanders, no buyer's remorse in Los Angeles over Myles Garrett, and that quarterback injuries aren't really worse than usual. Ken then pitches his top 10 quarterback draft rule, Rapoport calls it one of the worst rules in history, and the hosts spend the rest of the segment defending the idea.
Ken and Lima dig into the 3-0 Raiders and Kirk Cousins turning back the clock, but they doubt it lasts given wins over the Dolphins, Chargers, and Saints and a brutal upcoming stretch that starts with the Chiefs. They note how well veteran quarterbacks like Case Keenum, Aaron Rodgers, and Marcus Mariota are playing, while Lima defends Nick Sirianni as the Eagles offense sputters. They also rank the seven disappointing teams below .500, with the Patriots and Drake Maye's Super Bowl hangover and the Chargers topping the surprise list.
Ken and Lima pick up where Zac Jackson left off, saying Deshaun Watson's odds of sticking around are slim but the Browns are winning, then look at the league-wide quarterback crisis, with injuries, bad play, and teams like Tennessee heading toward another QB pick. Ken pitches a rule that any team drafting a quarterback in the top 10 can't take another one there for three years, and Lima pushes back that it would just get GMs and coaches fired. They argue that Watson's fourth-quarter surge and better analytics than Bo Nix, Justin Herbert, and Cam Ward could help him, since few teams truly love their quarterback.
Zac Jackson joins Ken and Lima to explain why the Browns are 2-1 despite Deshaun Watson's shaky film, crediting a dominant pass rush led by Mason Graham, Watson's fourth-quarter scramble plays, and a defense that adapted to injuries. He says Watson's odds of being back next year remain slim and that Kevin Stefanski likely wouldn't have gone down this road, since every bit of evidence he has says Todd Monken made the quarterback call. They also preview a huge Thursday night game against Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers, then detour into Mount Union's ranking in the Bill Conley 772 and the Akron coaching jokes.
Ken and Lima bring in producer John to break down the Senate passing the Protect College Sports Act 77-22, including Rand Paul's failed antitrust immunity push and the dropped $5 million coaching salary cap. They worry the House won't act before the election and could flip, with the Congressional Black Caucus opposed to capping athletes but not coaches, even though Trump wants it done now. They also discuss J.J. McCarthy's trade to the Giants for a fifth-round pick and what it says about Shedeur Sanders, then compare Heat media day to what LeBron and the Cavs would have drawn against the Browns.
Ken and Lima react to the packed Muni lot at the home opener and debate whether the Browns should even try to replicate that tailgating culture at the new stadium. They land on naming the new lots after former players and improving amenities like bathrooms, while admitting a sanitized version won't feel the same. They then turn to LeBron James's Sixers media day comments about possibly finishing his career at Madison Square Garden. They wonder if it takes heat off the Cavs, speculate that Cleveland balked at the Kawhi-style demands, and agree the fan base will only care if the Cavs finish ahead of Philadelphia, with Peyton Watson's play as a key factor.
Ken and Lima say it's far too early to talk about keeping Deshaun Watson, then turn to Todd Monken, who Steve Smith Sr. thinks could be a Coach of the Year finalist. They point out that the first three games look a lot like last year's, with two wins that could easily have been losses, and note the schedule has been soft. Callers praise Monken for high-fiving fans and debate whether the analytics-driven fourth-down decision against Carolina would look different had it failed, before the hosts look ahead to Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers on Thursday.
Ken and Lima open by remembering Dennis Haskins, Mr. Belding from Saved by the Bell, who died at 75, and trade memories of the show's most famous special episodes and the Max. Back on the Browns, caller Chuck argues that each Watson win helps Shedeur Sanders by pushing the team's draft position back, and asks how to beat the Steelers on Thursday. Ken agrees that Watson playing now could set Shedeur up with a better offense and line, but shelves the quarterback switch conversation until at least after the Jets game.
Ken and Lima urge fans to stop and smell the roses at 2-1, pointing to the Browns' 14 penalties, offensive line injuries, and the fact that last year's team likely loses this game. Caller Pete says it's the least fun 2-1 start ever because Watson never wanted to be in Cleveland, and Ken counters that he doesn't need love from players. The talk detours into funerals and white-van speaker salesmen before they ask listeners whether Watson's future is on their minds or they're just enjoying the season.
Ken and Lima push back on accusations that their show held a coronation for Deshaun Watson, insisting they called his 67-yard three quarters bad while giving him credit for the fourth-quarter comebacks. They argue that the "what about next year?" quarterback talk is a November conversation, and that a 2-1 start and a rowdy crowd don't mean fans forgot how they felt about Watson. Along the way, Ken shares his wife's birthday mug story, and the group looks ahead to the Thursday night showdown with Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers.
Deshaun Watson delivered clutch fourth-quarter magic to lead the Cleveland Browns to a thrilling 21-18 victory over the Carolina Panthers. Daryl Ruiter and Lance Reisland break down Watson's game-winning drive and how the defense came up big in the final moments to secure the win.
After a sluggish performance that brought out the home crowd's boos, Deshaun Watson rallied the Cleveland Browns with a clutch fourth-quarter touchdown drive to secure a 21–18 victory over Carolina. Now sitting at 2–1 ahead of a Thursday night rivalry matchup with Pittsburgh, hosts weigh whether Cleveland fans are finally starting to trust their quarterback.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima analyze the Cleveland Browns' victory over the Carolina Panthers and the late-game emergence of Deshaun Watson. They evaluate the defensive dominance led by Mason Graham and the managing style of Todd Monken during high-pressure moments. The discussion also celebrates the Cleveland Guardians clinching the division and previews the short-week matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.(00:02:14) Browns Defeat Carolina Panthers(00:06:45) Trusting Deshaun Watson Performance(00:11:40) Mason Graham Defensive Impact(00:17:30) Browns Home Game Atmosphere(00:21:50) Fans React To Watson(00:26:15) Todd Monken Emotional Coaching(00:32:20) Guardians Win Central Division(00:40:10) Potential Postseason Opponents Debate(00:45:05) Analytics Behind Fourth Down(00:50:15) Offensive Line Penalty Issues(00:55:10) Watson Postgame Interview Reaction(01:00:20) Analyzing Watson Fourth Quarter(01:05:45) Boos During Quarterback Change(01:15:15) Guardians Clubhouse Celebration(01:23:10) Mason Graham Draft Value(01:31:35) Daryl Ruiter Joins Show(01:44:00) Rutenberg Defensive Pressure Streak(01:53:40) Fan Reactions To Winning(02:02:35) Arch Manning Draft Rumors(02:12:35) Quarterback Competition Take Apologies
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima analyze the Cleveland Browns' 21-18 victory and debate whether the fan base is ready to trust Deshaun Watson after his strong fourth-quarter performance. They also evaluate Todd Monken's impact on the offense and celebrate the Cleveland Guardians clinching their third straight division title.(00:02:48) Browns Victory Reaction(00:06:40) Trusting Deshaun Watson(00:12:27) Todd Monken Coaching Style(00:21:20) Browns Fan Callers(00:33:30) Guardians Win Division(00:39:00) ALDS Matchup Analysis
Ken and Lima examine the Cleveland Browns' 21-18 victory over the Panthers, debating Todd Monken's use of analytics and the team's penalty issues. They break down Deshaun Watson's fourth-quarter performance and his teary-eyed post-game message to the Cleveland fans.(00:01:53) Todd Monken Analytics Debate(00:06:44) Human Element In Strategy(00:14:21) Grading Deshaun Watson Play(00:20:12) Watson's Tearful Postgame Comments(00:26:42) Browns Fans Relationship Flip(00:30:12) Guardians Win AL Central(00:39:18) Sports Update: College Football
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima break down the Browns' victory over Carolina, highlighting Deshaun Watson's fourth-quarter heroics and Mason Graham's dominant defensive play. They discuss whether fans have finally embraced Watson and evaluate Todd Monken's aggressive play-calling. Daryl Ruiter joins the conversation to analyze the team's defensive streak and look ahead to a crucial Thursday night matchup against the Steelers.(00:01:20) Mason Graham Dominance(00:05:35) Watson Fan Sentiment(00:09:20) Watson Job Security(00:13:15) Daryl Ruiter Interview(00:20:52) Todd Monken Evaluation(00:26:38) Browns Defensive Streak(00:30:45) Steelers Short Week(00:36:05) Listener Debate Segment
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima break down the Browns' thrilling 21-18 victory over the Panthers and debate if it is officially Deshaun Watson's team. They clash with callers over Watson's polarizing reputation and question if critics owe Todd Monken an apology for doubting the quarterback competition results. (00:02:35) Browns Victory Reactions (00:07:10) Watson versus Shedeur Sanders (00:11:35) Callers Debate Fan Booing (00:17:20) Demanding Todd Monken Apologies (00:23:15) Confronting Deshaun Watson Critics (00:28:45) Ken Carman Bandwagon Talk (00:35:30) Deshaun Watson Contract Future
After a Todd Monken clip, Lima argues the accusations that Monken misled everyone on the quarterback competition were unfair no matter how Deshaun Watson finishes, while Ken says it's too soon to demand anything. A caller asks about re-signing Watson after a deep playoff run, and Ken lays out four scenarios (trade, cut, franchise tag, extend), calling the tag the most likely and joking about what it would say about Kevin Stefanski. Another caller describes how game day turns everyone into a believer, and Ken admits he picked Carolina until stadium "fan mode" kicked in.
After Harold Fannin's game-winning touchdown, Lima demands apologies from everyone who accused Todd Monken of lying or gaslighting about the quarterback competition, while Ken argues it's far too early after three games. A caller who drove seven hours to boo Deshaun Watson with his son ends up in a heated back-and-forth with Ken and Lima about his 16-of-30, 144-yard day. Ken insists he isn't celebrating, admits he was picking Carolina, and warns Watson could still be benched if he struggles Thursday.
Ken and Lima kick off with Todd Monken's fired-up locker room celebration after the 21-18 win, then plug Thursday's Steelers game and Ken's viewing party at the Bay Village Men's Club. They argue Deshaun Watson has earned a runway as the starter, then detour into Dante Moore's injury and Arch Manning's shaky play, wondering if next year's quarterback class is as safe as everyone thinks. Callers debate the mixed cheers and boos at the home opener, and Ken and Lima insist the wins prove the Watson experiment isn't a waste, since Harold Fannin, Denzel Boston, and KC Concepcion are getting real chances to grow.
Ken and Lima debate whether the quarterback job now belongs to Deshaun Watson, with Ken admitting he expected only a two-game stint before Shedeur Sanders took over and Lima saying a solid showing against Pittsburgh would shelve the Sanders talk until midseason. Caller Dave argues the city is intoxicated by a couple of wins and fears the Haslams could end up extending Watson. Ken and Lima concede he has a point but counter with EPA per play numbers that put Watson ahead of Baker Mayfield, C.J. Stroud, and Aaron Rodgers in a league full of shaky quarterback play.
Daryl Ruiter tells Ken and Lima that the Browns' 12 penalties, including five on one drive, come from the veteran linemen rather than the rookies, and that the line is making Deshaun Watson's job harder than it needs to be. He questions Todd Monken's decision to go for it on fourth and one but likes the aggressiveness, and credits the defense for locking down Tet McMillan and extending its streak without allowing a 300-yard passer. Ken and Lima close by looking ahead to Thursday's game against Pittsburgh and how a 3-1 start would change the tone around the team.
After Todd Monken gushes about Mason Graham's development, the Ken and Lima go down the 2025 top ten and decide they'd take Graham over nearly everyone, with only Armand Membou as real competition. The Browns' secondary gets credit for surviving Tyson Campbell's injury, and the talk turns to Deshaun Watson, whose second straight fourth-quarter rally has fans cheering but not yet fully sold. A caller demands an immediate extension, and the hosts can't tell if he's trolling.
Anthony hands out his likes to the Browns defense for its 30 pressures against Carolina, the Guardians for clinching the AL Central and Jeremiah Smith for his four-touchdown Heisman push.
Ken and Anthony play Deshaun Watson's postgame comments to Fox and reporters, where he said he loves Cleveland and got teary-eyed after finishing the job in front of the home crowd. They debate whether fans have turned on his side, grade his fourth quarter comeback and break down how free-form the passing game is with the offensive line struggling. A caller who was in the Dawg Pound weighs in on whether Watson's words are genuine and whether there were boos when he re-entered after Shedeur Sanders' one play.
Ken and Anthony open with Todd Monken's postgame comments and his backwards hat, then spend most of the segment debating the Browns' decision to go for it on fourth and one late against Carolina instead of kicking the field goal. They question whether analytics can account for the flow of the game, the weather and the human element, and they credit Monken for playing to win while wondering if the Browns can consistently convert short yardage. They also point out the Panthers' own fourth down gambles handed Cleveland 10 points in the first half.
Ken and Anthony open with voicemails from fans who have flipped from Todd Monken doubters to believers after the Browns beat Carolina, then turn to the Guardians clinching their third straight division title. They debate whether this year's run beats last year's historic comeback, crediting the young roster and players like Chase DeLauter and Steven Kwan for picking up the slack while Jose Ramirez struggled. They also weigh the pros and cons of a week off before the ALDS and whether they would rather face the White Sox or the Astros.
Ken and Anthony open Browns Victory Monday by asking whether two big fourth quarters are enough to start trusting Deshaun Watson, with callers weighing in on Watson, Todd Monken and what happens at quarterback if the Browns keep winning. They also laugh about Monken's backwards postgame hat, worn as a nod to defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg, and which hats he should try next. Ken admits he stayed in pure fan mode after the win, so loud at home that his wife asked if he had bet on the game.
Ken and Anthony react to the Browns' 21-18 home opener win over Carolina, where Deshaun Watson had just 67 passing yards entering the fourth quarter before leading another comeback. They debate whether fans are finally ready to trust Watson, praise the defense led by Mason Graham and the pressure Mike Rutenberg dialed up, and soak in a fun home opener atmosphere. The conversation wraps with a look ahead to the Steelers on Thursday night.
Andy Baskin and Daryl Ruiter recap the Browns 21-18 win over the Panthers. The guys discuss another strong fourth quarter from Deshaun Watson, multiple defensive stands, Harold Fannin Jr. a playmaker and Todd Monken is clearly getting his player's attention.
Relive the best interviews of the week on 92.3 The Fan! Mark Schlereth, Brian Baldinger, Nathan Zegura, and Andrew Siciliano break down the Browns' thrilling upset victory and look ahead to what it will take to pull off an encore against a high-powered Panthers offense.
As the Browns gear up to face Carolina, can Deshaun Watson maintain his momentum and prove his critics wrong? We dive into the high-stakes debate surrounding Cleveland's offense, Quinshon Judkins' potential breakout game, and whether Jerry Jeudy could be traded.
A victory for the Browns—or a setback in disguise? We dive into Sunday’s win and debate whether Cleveland is actually turning a corner or derailing its future. Plus, Ken breaks down the Cavs' failed pursuit to bring back LeBron James, revealing where the reunion went off the rails.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima analyze the Cleveland Guardians' postseason berth and the intense debate over the team's success in the AL Central. They discuss the emotional return of Nick Chubb to retire as a Cleveland Brown and the ongoing discourse regarding fan reactions toward Deshaun Watson. Daryl Ryder and Nathan Zagura provide depth on the Browns' defensive front and evaluate the development of rookie edge rusher Jared Verse. (00:01:50) Guardians Postseason Success (00:06:40) AL Central Rivalry Debate (00:11:45) Playoff Celebration Controversy (00:18:52) Zach Meisel July Recap (00:24:30) Nick Chubb Retirement News (00:31:55) Deshaun Watson Booing Debate (00:37:15) Browns vs Panthers Preview (00:46:30) Jared Verse Sack Pressure (00:56:00) Parker Messick Sunday Dilemma (01:05:00) Guardians Doubleheader Plans (01:13:40) NFL Fan Booing Culture (01:20:40) Browns Mount Rushmore Talk (01:27:50) Deshaun Watson Progress (01:33:30) Daryl Ryder Interview (01:40:15) Defensive Line Impact (01:51:11) Nathan Zagura Interview (02:03:50) Nick Chubb Legacy (02:12:10) College Football Expansion (02:25:41) Coming In Hot Callers
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima analyze whether the Cleveland Guardians' postseason berth counts as a successful season, comparing it to previous playoff runs and fan expectations. They discuss the significance of clinching the AL Central division and then transition to the Cleveland Browns' home opener. The conversation covers Nick Chubb's retirement ceremony and the national narrative surrounding potential fan boos for Deshaun Watson. (00:03:03) Evaluating Guardians Postseason Success (00:06:26) Division Payroll And Expectations (00:10:05) Winning Division Vs Wildcard (00:13:43) Savoring Rare Playoff Opportunities (00:18:47) Nick Chubb Retires A Brown (00:24:17) Browns Home Opener Preparations (00:27:50) Deshaun Watson Booing Debate (00:34:40) Browns Fan Reaction Expectations (00:39:12) Watson Vs Bryce Young
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima debate the significance of sack totals versus overall pressure regarding Jared Verse's recent defensive performance. They analyze the Cleveland Guardians' decision to potentially start Parker Messick to secure a division title and a first-round bye. The discussion also touches on the Atlanta Falcons' offensive turnaround and the transactional relationship between professional athletes and booing fans. (00:01:20) Jared Verse's Sack Philosophy (00:06:45) Evaluating Defensive Pressure (00:13:20) Guardians Pitching Strategy (00:19:45) Playoff Seeding Scenarios (00:31:05) Guardians Clinch Celebration (00:37:45) Athletes and Fan Boos
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima reflect on the legacy of Nick Chubb as he prepares to retire with the Cleveland Browns on a one-day contract. They analyze Deshaun Watson's progress and the challenges posed by the Carolina Panthers before pivoting to the Cleveland Guardians clinching a playoff spot. Daryl Ruiter joins to provide insight on the team's defensive consistency and the fan atmosphere surrounding the upcoming game. (00:01:58) Nick Chubb Retires (00:09:19) Watson's Performance Progress (00:14:43) Daryl Ruiter Interview (00:25:21) Guardians Clinch Postseason
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima analyze Deshaun Watson's improved accuracy with guest Nathan Zegura ahead of the Browns' clash with the Panthers. They honor the legacy of Nick Chubb as he prepares for his official retirement press conference. The conversation also covers Kevin Stefanski's leadership style and the shifting landscape of college football conference realignment.(00:01:50) Metallica Contest Horseman Debate(00:04:45) Deshaun Watson's Accuracy Growth(00:08:39) Jared Verse And Defensive Pressure(00:12:02) Nick Chubb's Retirement Legacy(00:17:38) Stefanski's Motivational Leadership Style(00:22:28) College Football Realignment Talk(00:29:13) Deshaun Watson Shootout Strategy(00:35:32) Coming In Hot Listener Calls
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Ken and Anthony open by digging into reports that Miami of Ohio could look to leave the MAC, sparking a wider conversation about conference realignment, revenue sharing, and whether smaller programs like Akron and Kent State can survive at the FBS level. They pivot to Sunday's Panthers matchup, with Ken arguing Deshaun Watson needs to replicate last week's controlled, ball-control approach rather than get lured into an up-and-down shootout with a red-hot Bryce Young. Ken closes by cautioning against Watson forcing explosive plays too early, preferring a grind-it-out formula over an aerial battle he's not yet proven capable of winning.
Nathan Zegura joins the show to preview Sunday's matchup, breaking down why the Browns need to get their ground game going and take more shots down the field against a Carolina defense that blitzes often but doesn't convert pressure well. He makes the case that Bryce Young and the Panthers' passing attack, led by Tet McMillan and Jaden Coker (banged up entering the weekend), is legitimately playing at an elite level rather than riding small-sample noise. Zegura also weighs in on Jared Verse's development, praising his impact in key moments even without gaudy sack numbers, and touches on the NFL's rash of quarterback injuries around the league.
Ken and Anthony push back on the "weak AL Central" narrative surrounding the Guardians' playoff berth, arguing the balanced schedule and expanded playoff format make the division-strength argument mostly moot compared to years past. They dig into what's fueling their late-season surge, from Steven Kwan rediscovering his swing to a bullpen that's been excellent for over a month, while wondering if a struggling Jose Ramirez could still have a big postseason. The segment closes with a quick hit on Nick Chubb's retirement press conference set for later today.
Daryl Ruiter joins the show to break down Sunday's matchup against Carolina's high-flying offense, insisting fans shouldn't panic about Jared Verse's lack of sacks since the Browns' pressure is coming from a full defensive line rather than one dominant player. He also weighs in on how Deshaun Watson will handle adversity for the first time this season and whether fans will boo if the offense struggles early. Ruiter closes by defending the Guardians' playoff berth as a remarkable achievement given their payroll and debating whether winning the division or riding wild card momentum sets them up better for October.
Ken and Anthony reflect on Nick Chubb's legacy ahead of his retirement press conference, arguing his five dominant seasons get overshadowed nationally by backs like Derrick Henry who are still playing, even as he stands as many young fans' all-time favorite Brown. They also break down Charles Robinson's read on the Browns' quarterback situation, including why a trade for a backup like Shedeur Sanders or Dillon Gabriel doesn't make sense and why Deshaun Watson's improved decisiveness last week looked legitimately sustainable. The two preview Sunday's matchup against Carolina as a real test of whether Watson's progress is for real.
Ken and Anthony bring in producer John to recap the Guardians' playoff-clinching celebration and debate whether their Angel Martinez reaction tweet was genuine excitement or sarcasm, before pivoting to Kevin Stefanski's fiery win with the Falcons. They dig into Packers tight end Tucker Kraft's comments about how much the home boos stung after a blowout home-opener loss, sparking a debate over whether modern athletes have gotten too sensitive to fan criticism. Ken and Anthony also poke fun at how much more animated Stefanski's postgame speech was compared to his time in Cleveland.
With the division still unsettled and Parker Messick lined up as the Sunday starter, Ken and Anthony debate whether it's worth pitching him even if it means losing him for a potential wild card series. Ken argues the gap between winning the division and settling for a wild card spot is massive enough to justify the gamble, especially with Cleveland sitting as underdogs to win it all. A caller backs the aggressive approach, reasoning a loss just means facing a tough road wild card matchup instead, so the Guardians might as well go for the division outright.
Jared Verse's comment that sacks aren't a testament to how he plays drew heat from fans still craving a Myles Garrett-style pass rusher, but Ken and Anthony argue the new scheme and teammates deserve more patience. They debate how long that patience lasts, floating 10 sacks as a fair bar given Verse's workload is split with a deeper defensive line. A caller weighs in comparing Verse's winning mentality to Garrett's stat-focused leadership on losing teams, sparking pushback from Ken on that read of Garrett's legacy.
Ken and Anthony argue the Watson booing debate has been overblown, insisting fans should treat Sunday's home opener like any normal sporting event and cheer the team unless the performance warrants otherwise. Ken singles out media members who blasted the Watson decision weeks ago but went quiet once the Browns started winning, promising to track anyone who flips back if Watson struggles. The two also preview the Panthers matchup, with Ken predicting a tougher test than expected given Carolina's high-flying offense.
Ken and Anthony revisit a summer debate with Zach Meisel over whether simply reaching the postseason should satisfy Guardians fans or if winning the division is the real prize this year. They also dig into why the fanbase's reaction has felt muted so far, chalking it up to the team's rollercoaster season and pointing to a possible Jose Ramirez playoff redemption arc. The show closes by weighing in on Nick Chubb's one-day contract and retirement press conference ahead of Sunday's Browns home opener.
The Guardians punched their postseason ticket with a 1-0 win over the Red Sox, but Ken and Anthony debate whether the low-key clubhouse celebration undersold the moment compared to the White Sox conga line. The two spar over whether making the playoffs counts as a "successful season" given the Guardians' perennial low payroll and young roster, drawing comparisons to the Cavs' Eastern Conference Finals run. With the AL Central crown still up for grabs on the final weekend, they debate how much sweeter a division title would feel versus settling for a wild card spot.
Daryl Ruiter and coach Lance Reisland preview the Browns home opener in Week 3 against the Carolina Panthers. The table is set for a hot start to this game, but can the Browns capitalize? Plus, the guys discuss how the Browns defense should gameplan against Bryce Young and Carolina's No. 1 ranked pass offense. And can Cleveland's sputtering run attack find its footing vs. the Panthers porous run D?
The Ken Carman Show with Anthony Lima analyzes the Cleveland Guardians' recent loss and their high probability of making the postseason with a young roster. They also debate Ken’s self-imposed ban on picking the Cleveland Browns to win and feature expert interviews regarding local sports and NFL draft prospects.(00:02:17) Guardians Loss Analysis(00:08:02) Cleveland Rookie Impact(00:12:45) Tanner Bibee Discussion(00:18:53) Ken's Jaguars Prediction(00:26:17) Browns Pick Permission(00:37:03) Taylor Swift's Cleveland(00:42:06) Booing Deshaun Watson(00:51:42) NFL Fan Etiquette(00:56:00) LeBron James Rumors(01:12:30) Sports Update(01:18:08) Shedeur Sanders Rumors(01:22:12) Browns vs Panthers Pick(01:33:48) Mary Kay Cabot Interview(01:43:57) Myles Garrett Controversy(01:59:51) Emory Hunt Interview(02:10:05) NFL Draft QB Rankings(02:28:43) Clinching Playoff Scenarios
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima discuss the Guardians' dwindling magic number and the potential postseason rotation including Tanner Bibee and Foster Griffin. They transition into a debate regarding Ken's previous vow to never pick the Browns again after an embarrassing performance. Fans call into the show to weigh in on whether he should be allowed to resume his weekly game predictions.(00:02:25) Guardians Magic Number(00:06:45) Playoff Roster Concerns(00:10:40) Rookie Class Future(00:19:45) Ken's Browns Vow(00:26:45) Listener Prediction Feedback(00:38:50) Taylor Swift Rumors
Ken and Anthony Lima analyze Deshaun Watson's request for fan support and debate whether Cleveland fans should refrain from booing during the home opener. They react to Bill Simmons' insights regarding LeBron James' decision to join Philadelphia and discuss how David Blitzer's ownership influence spans across the Cavaliers and Guardians. They also evaluate the Guardians' pitching depth for the playoffs and critique rumors surrounding a potential Shedeur Sanders trade. (00:03:45) Watson on Fan Reaction (00:07:59) The Boundaries of Booing (00:13:24) Bill Simmons LeBron Audio (00:20:51) Blitzer's Ownership Impact (00:24:03) Young Player Psyches (00:33:43) Guardians Starter Debate (00:38:04) Shedeur Sanders Trade Rumors
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima break down the Browns' upcoming matchup against Carolina and discuss Carman's dilemma regarding picking the team. Mary Kay Cabot joins to analyze Deshaun Watson's performance, the impact of his past injuries, and the emerging conspiracy regarding Myles Garrett's sack record. (00:01:56) Predicting Browns vs. Panthers (00:07:12) Fan Debate on Offense (00:13:08) Mary Kay Cabot Interview (00:21:14) Evaluating New Offensive Weapons (00:31:27) Myles Garrett Sack Conspiracy
Emory Hunt joins Ken and Lima to evaluate Deshaun Watson's performance and the long-term sustainability of Todd Monken's offensive schemes. They debate whether Shedeur Sanders could eventually replace Watson and analyze several top college quarterback prospects like Trinidad Chambliss. The conversation also explores the Guardians' chance to clinch a playoff spot and the ethics of early celebrations.(00:02:15) Emory Hunt Interview(00:05:50) Browns Receiver Performance(00:10:00) Shedeur Sanders Analysis(00:13:50) College Quarterback Prospects(00:19:50) Missing Game Notes(00:23:00) Assessing Trinidad Chambliss(00:32:08) Guardians Postseason Scenarios
The Guardians can clinch a playoff spot before first pitch if the Rangers or Astros lose, which sparks a debate over whether they can celebrate with champagne and beers even if they lose that night. A caller argues popping bottles is a bad look with the division lead still on the line and the White Sox lurking. The crew also rips MLB's playoff format for not reseeding by record, even though Cleveland has benefited from it.
After Emory Hunt says Trinidad Chambliss would have been his top quarterback over Fernando Mendoza, Ken praises the Ferris State to Ole Miss journey and his improvisation but worries about his size and the NFL punishment he'd face. He says he would still take Dante Moore, Darian Mensah or Arch Manning in a top three spot, and the crew wonders if any young quarterback is safe from injury.
CBS Sports analyst Emory Hunt says Deshaun Watson looked like the old version of himself in Tampa, but the small ball offense needs deep shots and a real running game to survive. He still believes Shedeur Sanders raises the ceiling of this offense and compares the situation to Alex Smith and Colin Kaepernick. He also weighs in on the college quarterback class and gives a blunt answer on the Protect College Sports Act.
Ken and Lima run wild with Mary Kay Cabot's comment that teammates hesitated to take sacks from Myles Garrett last year, pointing to a Josh Allen sack that was changed from Mason Graham's to a split between Garrett and Alex Wright. They play Graham's own words about giving sacks away to a good cause and joke about launching an official NFL investigation. Is the record worth digging into, or is it better not to know?
Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot says Deshaun Watson would have lost his starting job to Shedeur Sanders had he struggled again against Tampa Bay, and explains why his response to Sunday's crowd could shape what comes next. She also pitches an unusual idea to get Taylen Green on the field for short yardage. Then her take on Mason Graham stepping out of Myles Garrett's shadow sparks a wild theory about last year's sack chase.
Ken finally reveals why he wanted permission to pick the Browns: he plans to pick against them and doesn't want it to look like he's doing it only because he's banned. He lays out why Carolina worries him, from turnovers to the running game to whether Deshaun Watson can win a shootout, while the crew accuses him of flip-flopping. Callers push back with Browns-at-home picks and more Shedeur Sanders trade talk.
The Guardians lost 1-0 to the Red Sox, yet the magic number is down to one and the hosts say it's the best they've felt after a loss all year. They get into who should start Game 3 of a playoff series, Foster Griffin or Tanner Bibee, and whether the young core changes how fans should feel about the future. Then Jaxson Dart's season-ending injury sparks Shedeur Sanders to the Giants chatter that they insist isn't happening.
Bill Simmons says LeBron James was headed to Cleveland until something changed, so the hosts debate what happened and how much blame the Cavaliers deserve. It gets personal for Guardians fans when they bring up David Blitzer, who joined the pitch to LeBron and is set to take over the team. Will he show the same drive for a Guardians free agent someday?
After Deshaun Watson says he never wants to go to war with the fan base, the hosts debate how Browns fans should greet him Sunday. They ask for a little patience when he first takes the field, argue over what booing actually accomplishes and rank the ways fans show their displeasure, from booing to posters to throwing things. Where should the line be drawn if the offense starts slow?
Ken is still begging for permission to pick the Browns, and callers pitch creative fixes like a moneyline bet, buying a round of drinks or a win-total loophole that could give him four picks left. The crew debates whether a preseason win total should bind anyone once the season changes. Then the talk shifts to Taylor Swift's new song "Cleveland" and whether it will be a hit or a dud.
After swearing off Browns picks following the Jaguars loss, Ken is now humbly begging for permission to pick them again after a win over Tampa Bay. The crew argues that flip-flopping torches his credibility, while Ken pleads that there are two Kens, one cynical and one hopeful. Callers weigh in on whether a fan on the radio should be held to his word.
The Guardians got shut down 1-0 by Sonny Gray, yet the magic number still fell to one because the Astros, Rangers and White Sox all lost too. Is this the easiest loss a fan base has ever had to swallow, or should the lack of offense and a rookie-heavy roster worry everyone heading into October? The crew also argues over whether Foster Griffin has made a case to start a playoff game over Tanner Bybee.
Ken Carman and Anthony Limq analyze the Cleveland Guardians' postseason push and the Cleveland Browns' offensive adjustments following their second game. They discuss coaching strategies with Brian Baldinger and Matt Dery while evaluating the performance of young talents and upcoming divisional matchups. The conversation also explores broader sports themes including college football discipline and cultural trends among high school athletes.(00:02:14) Guardians Regain Lead(00:06:30) Guardians Business Model(00:11:00) Postseason Magic Numbers(00:16:00) Pitching Staff Analysis(00:20:30) Browns Week Comparisons(00:25:40) Deshaun Watson Skepticism(00:32:00) Quinshon Judkins Concerns(00:37:30) Offensive Line Communication(00:43:00) Running Back Stats(00:50:40) Brian Baldinger Interview(01:00:00) Passing Game Rhythm(01:08:10) Panthers Matchup Preview(01:18:00) Around AFC North(01:29:30) Aaron Rodgers Future(01:40:30) Cy Young Snubs(01:51:00) Matt Dery Interview(02:04:00) Watson Article Critique(02:16:00) High School Tattoos(02:32:50) Deion Sanders Discipline
Ken and Anthony discuss the Cleveland Guardians' magic number moving to two as they approach a division title. They analyze whether the Cleveland Browns' improved performance against Tampa Bay represents a true turning point for Deshaun Watson and Todd Monken's offense. The conversation also touches on Steven Vogt's case for Manager of the Year and the team's upcoming rotation challenges. (00:02:50) Guardians Magic Number (00:06:15) ALCS Expectations Debate (00:12:15) Steven Vogt Analysis (00:20:55) Browns Reality Check (00:27:50) Watson Passing Discussion (00:36:15) Monken Play-calling Progress
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima analyze the performance of Quinshon Judkins and the Cleveland Browns' offensive line after a victory over Tampa Bay. Audacy NFL insider Brian Baldinger joins the conversation to highlight Deshaun Watson’s improved rhythm and the learning curve for rookies Spencer Fano and Austin Barber. They also examine the upcoming matchup against the Carolina Panthers and the impact of recent quarterback injuries.(00:01:50) Quinshon Judkins Evaluation(00:09:05) Offensive Line Struggles(00:13:05) Brian Baldinger Interview(00:19:11) Deshaun Watson's Rhythm(00:24:13) Carolina Panthers Preview(00:27:41) QB Injury Trends(00:36:02) Coach Lance Feedback
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima talk with Ken Weinman and Geoff Hobson about the early season struggles for the Ravens and the defensive dominance of the Bengals. Chris Mueller critiques the Steelers' quarterback situation, while Matt Dery joins to evaluate the Guardians' roster and bullpen strategy as the postseason nears.(00:02:04) Ken Weinman on Ravens(00:06:39) Geoff Hobson Bengals Preview(00:10:22) Chris Mueller Steelers Critique(00:18:49) Ravens Late Game Failures(00:21:32) Guardians Cy Young Discussion(00:30:42) Matt Dery Guardians Analysis(00:37:27) Bullpen Blueprints and Messick(00:42:51) Parenting and Tattoo Discussion
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima debate whether Deshaun Watson's recent success is detrimental to the Browns' long-term evaluation of the quarterback position. They launch into "Tattoo Gate," exploring the cultural shift of high school athletes getting ink and sharing their own parenting perspectives. The conversation concludes with an analysis of Deion Sanders' leadership at Colorado and how the NIL landscape affects program sustainability. (00:02:12) Evaluating Watson's Impact (00:07:15) Browns' Post-Garrett Identity (00:15:05) Tattoo Gate Discussion (00:23:18) Caller Tattoo Stories (00:32:31) Coach Prime's New Rules (00:37:15) NIL Challenges at Colorado
After Colorado got boat raced by Northwestern and Coach Prime kicked a few players off the team, the hosts debate whether his hands-off approach and last year's health issues explain the slide. They argue the bigger problem is losing Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders while the NIL money and booster support dry up, leaving the celebrity swagger with little to stand on. They also contrast it with Curt Cignetti's approach at Indiana and question how long a money-first model can last.
After noticing how many high school football players are covered in ink, the hosts debate whether 15, 16 or 17 is ever old enough for a tattoo, and one of them admits his senior son is already asking for a sleeve. They swap regrets about dated trends like barbed wire and tramp stamps and wonder if tattoos even hurt job prospects anymore. Callers then chime in with their own household rules and the designs they're thankful they never got.
A CBS Sports article calls the Browns' win over the Bucs the worst thing to happen to Cleveland in 2026, claiming it robs the team of a look at its young quarterbacks. The hosts push back, pointing to the young pass catchers, Todd Monken's first head coaching win and a game plan that came together on the road. Then the conversation turns to how the Myles Garrett trade changed the way they talk about Shedeur Sanders and the future at QB.
Matt Dery joins Ken and Anthony and immediately jumps into the fight over John's take that an ALCS run should force organizational change, arguing it's unfair to demand that from a team that's made the ALCS two of the last three years. The conversation shifts into the bullpen's blueprint down the stretch (leaning on Hernandez, Cimber, Gaddis and Cade Smith, with hopes for a healthy Colin Holderman), Parker Messick's underrated Cy Young case, and why the additions of veteran bats Jo Adell and Nathaniel Lowe give Derry more confidence in the lineup heading into October. It closes with a lighter moment as Ken asks Derry, a father of two, for his take on when it's appropriate for a kid to get a tattoo.
Ken revisits the fallout from Ravens fans calling him names over his Lamar Jackson take before pivoting to baseball, arguing Parker Messick is being snubbed in both Cy Young and Rookie of the Year odds despite anchoring the Guardians' rotation. The crew debates whether old-school wins-and-losses bias explains the disrespect, with Lima pointing out how rarely rookie starters have won the award.
Ken and Anthony run the AFC North gauntlet with Ken Wyman on the Ravens' blown fourth-quarter lead and questionable clock management against the Saints, Geoff Hobson on how the Bengals' defense (fueled by Dexter Lawrence) has carried a still-clunky offense to 2-0, and Chris Muller on a Steelers fanbase souring fast on Aaron Rodgers after a "dog-walked" loss to the Patriots. Muller argues the Steelers should've pursued Joe Flacco instead and calls the Rodgers-McCarthy pairing organizational cowardice if it doesn't pan out, while contrasting Pittsburgh's stagnation with Cincinnati's aggressive Dexter Lawrence trade.
Ken and Anthony dig into new analytics showing Quinshon Judkins ranks near the top in contact behind the line of scrimmage but dead last in yards over expected, then read a detailed text from Coach Lance breaking down the run-blocking issues (double-team movement, backside cutoffs) that sparks a tangent about whether quarterback or offensive line is the tougher position to play. They circle back to Deshaun Watson, agreeing he's bought himself at least another week or more as starter after the Tampa Bay win, referencing Mary Kay Cabot's earlier suggestion the Browns could have moved on had he played poorly.
Brian Baldinger joins Ken and Anthony to break down Deshaun Watson's performance in the win over Tampa Bay, pointing to improved timing and rhythm with young receivers like Denzel Boston and Isaiah Bond as real signs of progress after a rough week one. He credits the game plan for putting Watson in easier throwing spots but says the next step is simply stacking wins, while cautioning that a much better Carolina defense will be a tougher test of whether it's sustainable. Baldinger also touches on the shaky run game as more of an offensive line growing-pain issue than a Quinshon Judkins problem, and weighs in on the Chargers and Commanders as fan bases with real reason to panic.
Ken and Anthony wrestle with Judkins' rough 1.8 yards-per-carry showing against Tampa Bay, debating whether it's an offensive line issue, a lingering effect of missing his rookie training camp, or a real talent problem, while noting he's currently tracking below Trent Richardson's early numbers. They stop short of calling him a bust, pointing out he led the league in being hit behind the line of scrimmage last year, but stress that games will be lost late if he can't reliably pick up short-yardage runs the way Nick Chubb once did.
Ken and Anthony dig into whether the Browns' turnover problems and shaky offensive line are a Quinshon Judkins issue or a scheme issue, pointing to Watson's garbage-time touchdown throw against Jacksonville as proof he still has arm talent when protected. They credit Watson with showing more anticipation and pocket awareness against Tampa Bay than they've seen from him in four years, while acknowledging operational hiccups like blown route combinations and miscommunications with Judkins still linger. They close by putting the question to callers and Brian Baldinger, set to join at 7:20: how much better does Watson actually need to be before the fanbase lightens up on him?
Ken and Anthony dig into "Bull" and John Fanta's radio takes on whether the Browns' true identity is closer to their ugly week one loss to Jacksonville or their week two comeback win over Tampa Bay behind Deshaun Watson. Ken argues the operational turnaround under Todd Monken looks too real to just be one good week, while pushing back on the idea that Watson's performance should erase four years of skepticism.
After the Guardians beat Boston to trim their magic number to two, the crew razzes John over a text from their friend Art calling out his take that making the ALCS is pointless unless it actually changes how the front office does business, with John clarifying he wants an ALCS run to push ownership toward spending. The conversation shifts into a debate over whether Stephen Vogt's 2026 turnaround, built around a young core after early-season injuries to Jose Ramirez and others, is more impressive than last year's historic comeback. The show wraps with a bit about the Columbus Day Parade and a look ahead to Deshaun Watson's press conference and the AFC North roundup with Brian Baldinger.
Daryl Ruiter and Lance Reisland dive into the tape to break down how Deshaun Watson bounced back and led Cleveland to a 23-19 victory over Tampa Bay. From key touchdown breakdowns to the defensive adjustments that rattled Baker Mayfield, get the ultimate film analysis on the Browns' first win of the season.
Anthony Lima reflects on the unique environment of Massillon football and the history of the McKinley rivalry following his experience calling a game in Stark County. He and Ken Carman also evaluate college quarterback prospects Jaxson Dart and Darian Mensah as the Browns continue their search for a franchise signal-caller. (00:02:05) Massillon Football Environment (00:08:43) McKinley Rivalry History (00:10:41) OHSAA Playoff Expansion (00:17:21) Draft Quarterback Prospects
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima break down the Browns' road victory and address the polarizing reaction to Deshaun Watson’s improved performance on The Ken Carman Show with Anthony Lima. They analyze Todd Monken’s leadership style and voice concerns regarding Jerry Jeudy’s lack of engagement. The conversation also shifts to the Guardians' postseason path and the alarming number of quarterback injuries across the NFL. (00:01:50) Watson's Performance Breakdown (00:06:40) Baker's Struggles Continue (00:10:48) NFL QB Injury Crisis (00:16:43) College Development Issues (00:25:40) Monken's Coaching Energy (00:33:53) Breer on Watson Competition (00:46:26) Irvin's Watson Take (00:58:11) Shedeur Sanders' Future (01:11:51) Neutral Zone Kickoff (01:22:46) Curb Your Enthusiasm (01:36:01) Guardians' Payroll Problems (01:50:44) Warner on Jayden Daniels (02:06:15) Jeudy's Body Language (02:19:36) Monken's Viral Quote (02:30:02) Carmen Name Mystery (02:36:22) Rodgers vs. Flacco
Ken and Anthony Lima analyze the Browns' Week 2 victory over the Buccaneers and the tactical adjustments made by Todd Monken to support Deshaun Watson. They address the negative fan discourse surrounding Watson's success and examine the league-wide quarterback injury crisis affecting stars like Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels. Additionally, they scrutinize Albert Breer's reporting on internal team dynamics and coaching narratives. (00:02:55) Browns Fan Reaction Debate (00:06:25) Todd Monken's First Victory (00:11:00) NFL Quarterback Injury Crisis (00:17:30) Stroud and Young Comparison (00:21:45) Browns Quarterback Depth Discussion (00:25:30) Monken's Presser Differences (00:30:30) Supporting Watson's Offensive Rhythm (00:37:15) Debating Albert Breer's Narratives
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima analyze Deshaun Watson's improved performance in the Browns' victory and the conflicting reactions from a fan base eager to move on. They also weigh in on Albert Breer's reporting regarding Todd Monken's decision to start Watson over younger options like Shedeur Sanders. (00:01:50) Browns Victory and Booing (00:07:10) Watson's Future in Cleveland (00:13:15) Albert Breer on Quarterbacks (00:21:47) Shedeur Sanders Opportunity Outlook (00:25:45) Caller Brett Wants Watson Out (00:34:20) Analyzing Watson's Game Management (00:39:10) Quarterback Tracker Update
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima analyze the complex feelings of Browns fans following a Deshaun Watson victory. They debate producer John on the merits of the Guardians' postseason runs and the necessity of increasing the team payroll. Finally, the discussion moves to the NFL, focusing on Sean McVay's coaching admissions and recent quarterback injuries. (00:01:38) Ken Carman Curb Cameo (00:05:05) Browns Watson Fandom Debate (00:13:33) Guardians Payroll Success Logic (00:20:20) Playoff Ticket Jinx Debate (00:25:00) Paying The Young Core (00:31:15) Neutral Zone NFL Update (00:35:35) Sean McVay Coaching Errors
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima question Jerry Jeudy's future with the Cleveland Browns as body language concerns mount after a low-production win. They also weigh Todd Monken's impact on Deshaun Watson's performance compared to the tenure of Kevin Stefanski. Additionally, Ken attempts to verify if a character on Curb Your Enthusiasm was named after him. (00:01:53) Metallica Ticket Giveaway (00:06:00) Jerry Jeudy's Body Language (00:10:50) Todd Monken's Culture Shift (00:18:20) Evaluating Jerry Jeudy's Value (00:23:45) Monken's Postgame Comments (00:33:40) Ken's Curb Controversy (00:39:05) Rodgers vs Flacco Debate
Ken Carman explores a fan theory that a disgraced character on Curb Your Enthusiasm was named after him by executive producer Jeff Schaffer. After debunking the claim as an AI hallucination, the conversation shifts to a debate regarding Aaron Rodgers and whether Joe Flacco would better serve the Steelers. (00:01:14) Curb Character Name Theory (00:05:16) AI Hallucination Verdict (00:07:17) Rodgers To Steelers Debate
Ken and Anthony continue debating whether Jerry Jeudy should be traded, with Ken now leaning toward moving on for even a mid-round pick given his one-target Sunday and body language, while conceding they can't know what's really happening behind closed doors. The conversation pivots into a broader defense of Todd Monken's blunt, authentic coaching style, contrasting it with what they describe as Kevin Stefanski's message eventually falling flat with players, and citing Marcus Spears' praise of Monken's postgame comments as proof it's resonating in the locker room. Ken argues Monken, as a 60-year-old first-time head coach with nothing left to prove, has the freedom to coach exactly how he wants without worrying about managing Deshaun Watson's feelings the way past regimes did.
Ken and Anthony dig into Jerry Jeudy's apparent lack of enthusiasm after Sunday's win, questioning whether his body language reveals a genuine problem versus just his usual demeanor throughout his Browns tenure. Ken argues for moving on given his cap situation and Todd Monken's clear preference for Denzel Boston and other young weapons, while Anthony pushes back that trading him now is premature given how often injuries strike receiver rooms league-wide and Jeudy's speed advantage could matter once defenses start bracketing Boston. They close with a lighter detour about Metallica tickets and old debates over whether Ken needed to see LeBron play every night during his Cavs tenure.
The Neutral Zone crew reacts to three young starting quarterbacks (Jayden Daniels, Caleb Williams, Jaxson Dart) going down with injuries in the same weekend, sparring over Kurt Warner's take that Daniels' arm injury shouldn't stop him from playing through it. Ken and Lima draw a parallel to how the Browns handled an injured Baker Mayfield, questioning whether Washington's front office is prioritizing wins over protecting a franchise investment on a 0-2 team. They close by roasting the Rams' controversial pregame travel decision against a shorthanded Giants team and needling Ken for supposedly "flip-flopping" on whether the Rams belong on notice this season.
Producer John (aka "Prince Baseball") argues that even a Guardians ALCS run means little organizationally, since the front office already proved after 2024 that a deep postseason trip won't change their bottom-tier spending habits. Ken and Anthony push back hard, arguing a return trip validates player development, keeps a young core (Chase DeLauter, Travis Bazzana) getting high-stakes reps, and that fans still show up in droves regardless of payroll rank. The debate escalates into a broader argument about whether "blowing up" a winning model even makes sense, with a caller named Jim jumping in to say the "what's the point" framing undercuts the entire reason to root for a team at all.
Ken pushes back on a narrative he says another Cleveland show invented—that fans everywhere declared Watson "fixed" after one good game—arguing nobody with a brain made that claim and he's still holding the quarterback at arm's length. He acknowledges fans who can't enjoy wins because of Watson specifically, refusing to mock them given the team's rough five-year stretch, while still defending the choice to start him over Shedeur Sanders as the prudent, results-based call. A caller named Ronnie argues Watson simply needed a confidence boost after getting booed, and Ken agrees the coaching staff clearly did work behind the scenes to help him bounce back.
Ken and Anthony dig into the phenomenon of fans who feel conflicted about enjoying a win that came via Deshaun Watson, with Ken defending his own low bar for the performance by pointing to notes he took at halftime praising Watson's improved ball security. A trucker caller named Jovan argues Watson doesn't need to be the long-term answer, just someone who instills a winning mentality that carries over once Shedeur Sanders eventually takes over. Ken closes by contrasting the Browns' long history of tanking without results against teams like the Steelers that stay competitive most years, arguing actually trying to win now matters more than protecting future draft position.
Ken and Anthony dig into an Albert Breer report claiming no one around the league or inside the Browns building actually thought Shedeur Sanders was the better week-one option, using it to push back on fans convinced Todd Monken was pressured or lying about his QB call. A caller admits he wanted Watson to play badly so the team could move on to Sanders, and Ken counters that a rebuilt roster around Watson — new coach, new offensive line, young receivers — makes riding out his effective play the smarter near-term path. They close by noting several starting QBs around the league have gone down with injuries, keeping Sanders' eventual opportunity alive regardless of how Watson performs.
Ken and Anthony address fears that Deshaun Watson's solid win over Tampa Bay will "fool" the Browns into bad long-term decisions, arguing one workmanlike performance doesn't erase years of decline and that fans should just enjoy a rare win. They note Watson still needs a sustained hot stretch, not just one good week, to actually change the team's calculus, and point to a manageable-but-unpredictable upcoming schedule (Carolina, Pittsburgh, Baltimore) as reason for caution either way. They also touch on Michael Irvin's comments about how Browns fans will still boo Watson regardless of the win, teasing a fuller discussion on booing later in the show.
Ken and Anthony push back on Browns fans and rival media accusing them of flip-flopping on Todd Monken between week one and two, arguing they simply reacted to the team going from an embarrassing loss to an impressive win. They highlight Monken's quick, tangible fixes to Deshaun Watson's operation and shortened play calls as proof of real coaching progress, not just luck, while crediting the offensive line and garbage-time drives to Denzel Boston as building blocks. They close by teasing a clip of Albert Breer making a notably pessimistic comment about the Browns heading into the Carolina game.
Ken and Anthony break down the shift in Todd Monken's tone from "happy to be here" clichés after week one's loss to a fired-up, cursing coach after beating Tampa Bay, arguing the latter shows a coach fighting for his team rather than himself. They defend Monken from critics who wanted him ripped for the outburst, comparing it to Mike Tomlin-style motivational tactics, and note he clearly reads the media criticism and uses it as fuel. The conversation also touches on a caller's trade proposal involving the Browns' crowded QB room and Jerry Jeudy's trade value.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima open by addressing Todd Monken's comments on the DeShaun Watson/Dillon Gabriel QB dynamic before diving into their reaction to Sunday's win over Baker Mayfield's Buccaneers. Ken admits he got defensive with people accusing him of overreacting to the victory, then pivots to how oddly emotional he felt watching Caleb Williams get carted off before learning it was just a grade one hamstring strain. They close by tying the rash of QB injuries around the league (Jaxson Dart, Jayden Daniels, Williams) to a broader debate about whether college football's transfer portal culture is hurting quarterback development.
Tune in as the hosts of 92.3 The Fan reacted to the Browns' big win over the Tampa Bay Bucs and Baker Mayfield in Week 2. Ken and Anthony wonder whether Deshaun Watson did enough to cement his position as starting QB in Week 3, while Baskin & Phelps say there is little doubt. But the Afternoon Drive discuss whether the Browns' win created a 'worst-case scenario.' All that and more!
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima analyze the Cleveland Browns' victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, focusing on Deshaun Watson's improved performance and the unusual two-hour weather delay. They debate fan loyalty regarding Baker Mayfield and review the Cleveland Guardians' series sweep against the Oakland Athletics. (00:01:50) Browns Highlights And Intro (00:08:35) Deshaun Watson Job Security (00:14:38) The Unusual Weather Delay (00:23:25) Monken And Fan Loyalty (00:35:22) Browns Identity Week Two (00:45:54) Baker Mayfield Stinks Callers (00:55:08) Watson Under Pressure Stats (01:04:59) Credit For Todd Monken (01:11:59) Guardians Sweep The Athletics (01:15:51) Kevin Stefanski Coaching Woes (01:24:27) Baker Bros Revisionist History (01:33:19) Daryl Ruiter Interview Begins (01:44:14) Denzel Boston Rookie Record (01:50:07) Booing The Home Team (02:11:35) Shortening The Weather Delays
Ken and Lima analyze the Browns' victory over the Buccaneers on 92.3 The Fan, highlighting Deshaun Watson's efficient performance under pressure. They engage in a heated debate regarding fans who wore Baker Mayfield jerseys to the game, with Lima criticizing the 'loser energy' while Ken defends the fans' frustrations.(00:04:03) Deshaun Watson Performance(00:09:48) Watson Job Security(00:14:50) Florida Weather Delay(00:24:33) Baker Jersey Debate(00:32:54) Fan Call Reactions
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima analyze the Browns' 23-19 victory over the Buccaneers, noting Deshaun Watson's improved composure and command. They debate the local perception of Baker Mayfield and the fan reaction in Cleveland following the win. Additionally, they discuss the Guardians' sweep of the Athletics and highlight top performers from the college football weekend. (00:01:57) Browns Defeat Buccaneers 23-19 (00:05:32) Baker Mayfield Jersey Debate (00:09:45) Deshaun Watson Performance Analysis (00:14:17) Watson's NFL QB Rating (00:19:51) Nitty Gritty Football Breakdown (00:24:14) Fan Calls On Team Loyalty (00:27:38) Todd Monken's Offensive Influence (00:33:03) Guardians Sweep The Athletics (00:36:54) Kevin Stefanski Coaching Outlook (00:39:03) College Football Weekend Analysis
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima break down the Browns' victory over the Buccaneers, noting how Deshaun Watson outplayed Baker Mayfield. They analyze Daryl Ruiter's insights on Todd Monken's play-calling adjustments and debate whether Cleveland fans should stop booing the team at home. (00:01:20) Watson Outplays Baker Mayfield (00:06:30) The Baker Mayfield Legacy (00:10:55) Daryl Ruiter Interview (00:18:13) Todd Monken Play-Calling (00:23:43) Denzel Boston Breakout (00:30:52) Debate Over Fan Booing
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima analyze the Browns' recent victory and Deshaun Watson's improved performance while discussing the high energy of Todd Monken. They also address the complicated relationship fans have with former quarterback Baker Mayfield and the impact of the weekend's weather delays. (00:02:19) Todd Monken's Victory Energy (00:05:12) Fans, Baker, and Browns Loyalty (00:09:08) Watson's Performance vs Fan Expectations (00:13:11) Browns Content and Win Predictions (00:18:05) Earning Credit Through Performance (00:22:34) Deshaun Watson’s Audition for Fans (00:30:39) Florida’s Perspective on Weather Delays (00:36:51) Stadium Surface and Game Management (00:39:07) Final Thoughts and Odds
Ken and Lima look back on the two-plus hour weather delay in Tampa, with Ken recalling getting called to go on the air, and joke that Floridians barely blink at lightning while everyone else runs for cover. They marvel at how quickly the NFL got players back out for the final two minutes, with a soaked, re-sodded field, and praise Carson Schwesinger for slipping and still chasing down Baker Mayfield. Ken admits he was relieved the Browns held on after Hurst dropped a go-ahead pass in the end zone, since it saved him an uphill argument about Watson starting, and they sign off with Watson's 40-1 Comeback Player of the Year odds.
Ken and Lima push back on Browns content creators who treat the win like a funeral, arguing that fans should enjoy the good Mondays and that a team earns credit by playing well. They nudge their win projections up a bit and hope Deshaun Watson keeps his Wednesday press conference short and free of fan-bashing ahead of the Carolina home game, while callers Zach and Demos urge fans to rally behind him. Ken is still picking Carolina against a Browns team that's a small home underdog, but says the way they kept their foot on the gas showed real improvement.
Ken and Lima celebrate the win, praise Todd Monken for running to the fans and getting his first NFL game ball, and hear from Mike in Florida, who wore a Baker Mayfield jersey but says he cheered for the Browns all game. Lima softens his "losers" comment, and Ken reveals he had good information that Watson wouldn't have started at home if he'd played badly. Ken says he was nervous that a mediocre loss would spark a messy fan debate, and they agree Watson now gets at least the next two starts, with a Brook Park Road tangent along the way.
Lima wants ground rules for the Carolina home game, arguing that booing never helps a young team with rookies like Denzel Boston and two first-year linemen. Ken defends the fans' right to vent, saying the circumstances change once you've won and that fans deserve some humanity too. The argument gets heated as they debate the Tim Couch injury cheers, whether Cleveland is uniquely harsh on its own players, and whether boos would ever cost a player like Boston in free agency.
Daryl Ruiter joins Ken and Lima to break down the Browns' win over Tampa Bay, crediting Deshaun Watson for protecting the ball and Mike Rutenberg's defensive adjustments, while pointing to a 12-carry, 21-yard rushing day as the one big negative. He questions why it took until Week 2 to shorten the play calls, and still expects Watson to get at least four starts, even if he struggles against Carolina. The conversation also covers Denzel Boston's growing hype and Baker Mayfield falling to 0-2 in revenge games, and Daryl doesn't mind fans wearing Mayfield jerseys.
Ken and Lima give Deshaun Watson credit for outplaying Baker Mayfield, especially after leaked reports that his job was in jeopardy, but warn against overcorrecting the story of Baker's messy exit from Cleveland. They stress that one good game doesn't justify the trade or put Shedeur Sanders' future in doubt. They also praise the defense for bouncing back without Myles Garrett, highlighting Mason Graham, late pressure from Jared Verse, and a secondary that held up against Baker's deep shots.
Lima Likes opens with the Guardians sweeping the A's to stay a game ahead of the White Sox and the wild card, with Ken and Lima raving about Gavin Williams' dominant September and Steven Kwan's turnaround at the plate. They then turn to Kevin Stefanski's struggles in Atlanta, where he's already on quarterback four after a blowout loss to Carolina, and wonder if Matt Ryan will trust him with a top pick. The segment wraps with college football reactions to Trinidad Chambliss and Ole Miss, plus a Massillon high school game with $20 parking.
Ken and Lima defend Deshaun Watson's bare-bones, turnover-free performance, arguing that dinks and dunks and a low bar were enough against Tampa Bay's pressure, while Baker Mayfield's deep shots kept missing and the Browns' A-gap pressure paid off. They stress the offensive line still isn't fixed, and callers weigh in, including a diehard Baker fan who says he'd never wear the jersey and gets physically ill when the Browns lose, which sends the crew into a tangent about calling in sick. The segment closes with big credit for Todd Monken, minus two gripes over the fourth-and-one call and burning the last timeout.
Ken and Lima credit Todd Monken's simplified play calling for helping Deshaun Watson look in command in the 23-19 win over Tampa Bay, while stressing the Browns are not out of the woods yet. Callers weigh in, with one saying Baker Mayfield jerseys are clown behavior and another arguing you never root against your own team, which puts Owen on the spot over his past Watson takes. The hosts admit they were wrong about how the game would go, and Ken makes clear one win doesn't change how he felt about the Watson trade.
The segment opens with gloating, celebratory voicemails from fans taking a victory lap on Ken and Lima for doubting the Browns, and the hosts defend their predictions and argue over whether Ken has to keep picking against Cleveland. They credit Todd Monken and a much-improved defense while asking whether this win shows the team's real identity or just a Week 1 overreaction. The debate then circles back to Baker Mayfield jerseys in the stands, with Ken defending those fans as still passionate and Lima pushing for ground rules, before the phones open for listeners to weigh in.
The crew looks back on the two-plus hour weather delay and the nervy finish, then credits Todd Monken for refusing to apologize after some heated practice scuffles. The main argument is over fans who wore Baker Mayfield jerseys to the game: one side calls it loser energy that undercuts a young team, while the other says angry fans shouldn't be attacked for still caring. Along the way, a passionate Olive Garden and Nickelback defense derails things, and the segment wraps with social media reactions and a jab at Tampa Bay fans booing Mayfield.
Ken and Lima react to the Browns' 23-19 win over Tampa Bay, including a weather delay and a Denzel Boston touchdown. They debate whether Deshaun Watson's clean, short-yardage performance was enough to save his job, and whether fans should give him credit. The crew also praises the defense, questions a fourth-and-one call, and swaps stories about watching the game through the delay, and the segment closes by opening the phones to see if listeners will meet Watson in the middle.
Daryl Ruiter and Lance Reisland break down the Browns 23-19 win over the Buccaneers. Cleveland's defense adjusts, makes big stand at the end. Deshaun Watson outplays Baker Mayfield and Cleveland is able to overcome a few miscues too.
Tune in for some of the most compelling discussions about the Browns during the past week from The Ken Carman Show with Anthony Lima, Baskin & Phelps, and The Afternoon Drive. The guys explore whether Sunday's game against the Bucs is Deshaun Watson's last chance to prove himself as the team's starting quarterback. Plus, breaking down comments from Baker Mayfield, and whether this game is bigger for first-year head coach Todd Monken or Watson.
Ken and Anthony celebrate the Cleveland Guardians taking first place, giving well-deserved credit to Stephen Vogt while urging fans to enjoy the ride. The guys also air out their frustrations over Deshaun Watson and the Browns' ongoing struggles before shifting gears to hype up Metallica's newly announced stadium concert at Huntington Bank Field.
Ken and Lima discuss the mounting pressure on the Browns after Josh Allen’s dominant Thursday night performance. They compare Allen's career trajectory to the struggles of Deshaun Watson and debate the team's decision to move on from Baker Mayfield. They also feature interviews with Daryl Ruiter and Nathan Zegura to preview the upcoming matchup against the Buccaneers and analyze the state of the defense. (00:02:33) Guardians Playoff Push (00:07:32) Bills Stadium Atmosphere (00:12:38) Josh Allen Stats Comparison (00:18:30) Josh Allen In Cleveland (00:23:25) Mike Rutenberg Defense (00:27:35) Jim Schwartz Debate (00:43:45) Baker Maturity Test (00:57:40) Guardians Ticket Controversy (01:14:30) Josh Allen Super Bowl (01:17:23) Ole Miss LSU Rivalry (01:22:25) Joe Burrow Contract Drama (01:26:55) Cam Ward Media Critique (01:32:00) Rooting Against Browns (01:39:15) Daryl Ruiter Interview (01:53:00) Baker Watson Disaster Debate (01:59:00) Defending Watson's Family (02:07:45) Nathan Zegura Analysis (02:28:20) Quarterback Watch List (02:37:20) Coming In Hot
Ken and Owen debate if the Browns' defensive issues are as concerning as the offense's lack of production. They compare Josh Allen’s historic start to Deshaun Watson’s lengthy touchdown drought while evaluating the pressure on defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg. (00:01:50) Rutenberg Press Conference Recap (00:05:11) Guardians and Steve Stone (00:08:56) Bills Stadium Impressions (00:12:53) Allen and Watson Comparison (00:19:15) Josh Allen Revisionist History (00:23:34) Rutenberg’s Defensive Patience (00:29:15) Offensive Line Performance Discussion (00:37:46) Ken and Owen Debate
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima examine Baker Mayfield's psychological state ahead of his matchup against his former team. They also debate whether the Cleveland Guardians are jinxing themselves by selling ALDS tickets and recap the Buffalo Bills' Thursday night victory. (00:01:50) Baker Mayfield Maturity Test (00:07:38) Fans Wearing Baker Jerseys (00:12:28) Benchings And Shedeur Sanders (00:17:28) Guardians Ticket Jinx Debate (00:24:00) Superstition In Playoff Business (00:34:06) Josh Allen Destroys Lions (00:37:00) LSU vs Ole Miss Preview
Ken and Lima address the complex relationship between Browns fans and Deshaun Watson ahead of a high-stakes matchup against Baker Mayfield. They also clear up a social media firestorm involving a sarcastic Jerry Jeudy trade suggestion and defend Watson's family from unwarranted online vitriol.(00:01:52) Joe Burrow Contract Debate(00:06:36) Will Levis Performance Criticism(00:11:20) Browns Fan Deshaun Dilemma(00:18:18) Darryl Ryder Browns Preview(00:30:12) Ken's Jeudy Trade Sarcasm(00:40:16) Defending Deshaun Watson's Family
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima analyze the Cleveland Browns' offensive struggles and Deshaun Watson's performance with guest Nathan Zegura. They also discuss the league-wide trend of quarterbacks playing under center, review top college prospects, and take listener calls during the 'Coming In Hot' segment.(00:01:50) Brandon Weems GM Promotion(00:02:35) Nathan Zegura Joins Segment(00:05:11) Deshaun Watson Performance Analysis(00:09:20) Ben Johnson Coaching Impact(00:11:35) NFL Under Center Trends(00:17:41) Under Center Versus Shotgun(00:22:16) Draft Eligible Quarterback Watchlist(00:31:16) Fanatics Contest Winner(00:33:31) Coming In Hot Segment(00:40:00) Show Conclusion and Sign-off
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima open the phone lines for the 'Coming in Hot' segment, where listeners share their thoughts on the Cleveland Browns. They field calls ranging from stadium comparisons and musical parodies to heated debates about Deshaun Watson's performance and the legacy of Baker Mayfield. (00:01:06) Coming In Hot Segment (00:04:04) Quarterback Call In Segment (00:06:36) Final Calls And Sign-off
Ken breaks down why more NFL teams are lining quarterbacks up under center, arguing it protects young passers who float in the pocket or take exaggerated shotgun drops, using Deshaun Watson's deep backpedal as a case study. He also defends his refusal to rank next year's college quarterback prospects, calling his list of ten names (including Sam Leavitt, Trinidad Chambliss, and Kevin Jennings) a watch list rather than a ranking, while Owen argues Browns fans will need real answers on who's actually available once the draft order takes shape.
Browns Radio Network's Nathan Zegura joins the show and lays out what Cleveland needs to clean up against Tampa Bay's blitz-heavy Todd Bowles defense, while defending Deshaun Watson's second-half flashes and George Warhop's still-gelling offensive line. The conversation shifts to Ben Johnson's departure haunting the Lions' defense, whether the Rams should be "on notice" after Aaron Donald's injury and a quiet trade-deadline haul, and Ken and Owen sparring over how much stock to put in Watson's second-half performance against Jacksonville.
Ken vents about the station's social team taking his sarcastic "second-round pick for Jerry Jeudy" bit literally and turning it into a video, admitting he blocked 92.3 The Fan's own account over the mix-up. He then defends declining to pile on a viral clip of Deshaun Watson's wife and her dogs getting car-service treatment, arguing the criticism has crossed from fair game into unnecessary family targeting, even as he and Owen agree Watson's Browns tenure is likely down to its final days.
Daryl Ruiter joins the show and predicts Tampa Bay should beat the Browns comfortably given Baker Mayfield's clear talent edge over Deshaun Watson, though he floats the same wildcard Ken and Anthony raised: if Baker lets his emotions take over trying to embarrass his old team, mistakes could open the door for Cleveland. Ruiter also puts real blame on Todd Monken, Mike Rutenberg, and the defense for their week one collapse, singles out Jared Verse for criticism given the trade capital spent to get him, and confidently predicts the Guardians will still win the AL Central.
A caller poses the ultimate conundrum: root for the Browns to beat Baker Mayfield's Buccaneers, which means rooting for Deshaun Watson, or hope for a blowout loss that finally ends the Watson era. Ken argues Watson has earned the fan backlash by publicly airing his frustrations and treating it like a business dispute, while also weighing in on Joe Burrow's contract situation in Cincinnati and Cam Ward taking unusually personal heat from Tennessee media.
Ken and Anthony bring in producer John to break down Josh Allen's five-touchdown night in a 41-31 rout of the Lions and admit they'd genuinely root for him, and even Lamar Jackson, to win a Super Bowl as long as the Browns stay out of the way. The conversation shifts to Saturday's Ole Miss-LSU showdown, Ole Miss threatening to eject fans wearing LSU colors from the student section, and a Mississippi state auditor's bizarre political threat tied to Ole Miss QB Sam Leavitt's injury status.
John makes the case that the Guardians putting ALDS tickets on sale before clinching a series is bad karma, only to get roasted by Ken, Anthony, and their Boss Keith who doesn't buy the superstition, and points out the Marlins are doing something even more premature. The conversation drifts into memories of standing in line for playoff tickets before mobile ticketing, the gut-wrenching decision Indians fans faced scalping World Series tickets to Cubs fans in 2016, and Anthony explaining the religious reason behind his own name.
Ken argues the truest sign that Baker Mayfield has moved on from Cleveland wouldn't be a fiery, trash-talking press conference after beating the Browns, but a boring, businesslike one that treats the game like any other. He and Owen debate whether Baker will target Denzel Ward out of old rivalry, how a bad Sunday could fast-track Shedeur Sanders taking over at quarterback, and how low expectations for Deshaun Watson have sunk that even an average game would feel shocking.
Owen calls out Ken for going soft on the Browns, arguing Ken's newfound patience for Mike Rutenberg's defense and the offensive line lets the team off the hook after a bad week one. The two go back and forth on who's really to blame, Todd Monken, Deshaun Watson, or everyone down the line, while also touching on Jared Goff's hot start in Detroit and whether Ben Johnson owed his old coach any loyalty before jumping to a division rival.
Ken argues for patience with first-year defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg after a rough season-opening loss, pointing to blocking and tackling breakdowns as an NFL-wide trend and citing Jim Schwartz's own shaky early years as a comparison. Owen pushes back, unwilling to give the defense a mulligan, while both agree the offensive line held up better than expected behind a first-time head coach and a shaky quarterback situation ahead of Sunday's game against Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers.
Ken and Lima compare Josh Allen's nine total touchdowns through two Bills games to Deshaun Watson's nine touchdowns over his last nine games, sparking a debate on whether Allen would have become a superstar in Cleveland instead. They also revisit the Baker Mayfield era and whether the Browns would be better off today had they never traded for Watson, plus a detour through the new Bills stadium, Barenaked Ladies' national anthem performance, and a chaotic viral phone call to a Buffalo radio station.
Baker Mayfield wants revenge while Deshaun Watson wants to show he still belongs on the field. Daryl Ruiter and Lance Reisland debate which is more likely to come true on Sunday.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima analyze the Cleveland Guardians' rise to the top of the AL Central standings while discussing Jose Ramirez's leadership through injury. They weigh the job security of Deshaun Watson and explore the potential for Shedeur Sanders to take over at quarterback during discussions with Mary Kay Cabot and Harold Reynolds. (00:02:40) Guardians In First Place (00:11:20) Jose Ramirez Injury Update (00:21:20) Watson's Job On Line (00:34:52) Todd Monken's Media Comments (00:47:50) Small Market Success Leeway (00:57:50) Metallica World Tour Announcement (01:10:12) Sports Update (01:23:30) Anthony Lima Mark My Words (01:32:34) Mary Kay Cabot Interview (01:43:50) Baker Mayfield Reunion Preview (01:58:58) Harold Reynolds Interview (02:11:00) MLB Postseason Landscape (02:16:02) Shedeur Sanders Hype (02:28:20) Baker Mayfield Press Conference (02:36:30) NDCL High School Unboxing
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima celebrate the Cleveland Guardians returning to the top of the AL Central after a pivotal win. They then dive into the Cleveland Browns' quarterback crisis, debating if Deshaun Watson’s starting role is in immediate jeopardy. The segment also covers the grit of Jose Ramirez and the polarizing media comments from Todd Monken. (00:02:42) Guardians Reclaim First Place (00:05:55) Steven Vogt's Coaching Style (00:10:50) Jose Ramirez Playing Pain (00:16:00) Jo Adell's Lineup Impact (00:21:24) Deshaun Watson's Last Chance (00:25:35) Mayfield vs Watson Debate (00:29:20) Shedeur Sanders Hype (00:36:55) Todd Monken's Dream Job
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima analyze the Cleveland Guardians' surge to first place and the steady leadership provided by Stephen Vogt. They weigh in on Metallica's concert announcement for Cleveland and the potential setlist frustrations regarding iconic hits. The duo also explores Travis Kelce's recent financial losses and the officiating confusion surrounding the Michigan versus Western Michigan game. (00:01:20) Stephen Vogt Deserves Credit (00:05:38) Small Market Organizational Patience (00:09:17) Guardians Magic vs Standard (00:13:13) Metallica Coming To Cleveland (00:20:24) Debate Over Enter Sandman (00:26:08) Deshaun Watson Jersey Controversy (00:31:40) Guardians Beat White Sox (00:35:00) Athletes Getting Swindled
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima analyze Deshaun Watson's struggles and the potential for a quarterback change in Cleveland. Mary Kay Cabot joins to discuss defensive concerns and Baker Mayfield's upcoming return to face his former team. They also reflect on the Guardians' playoff mindset and respond to criticism from Ravens fans regarding a viral clip. (00:01:50) Michigan Scandal Confusion (00:05:10) Lima's Guardians Retraction (00:08:50) Playoff Standards Debate (00:14:35) Mary Kay Cabot Interview (00:19:20) Shedeur Sanders Discussion (00:24:15) Browns Defensive Concerns (00:32:15) Ravens Fan Reactions
Harold Reynolds joins Ken Carman and Anthony Lima to break down why the Cleveland Guardians' style of play is built for postseason success. They also discuss the speculation surrounding the Browns' quarterback room and Baker Mayfield's return to Cleveland with a more veteran demeanor. (00:02:04) Harold Reynolds Joins (00:06:42) Jose Ramirez Grit (00:11:46) MLB Playoff Landscape (00:18:40) Browns Quarterback Speculation (00:23:00) Guardians Veteran Leadership (00:28:22) Baker Mayfield Returns (00:35:30) Browns Fan Reaction (00:39:07) What's In The Box
Callers push back on Ken and Anthony's confidence that Shedeur Sanders will start Week 3, with one questioning whether Deshaun Watson is even truly playing for his job and another arguing Baker Mayfield's revenge game is already over since the Browns beat him with Jacoby Brissett in net. Ken stands firm on his prediction while acknowledging he's rarely been this certain about a Browns storyline. The segment closes with the show's new "What's in the Box" bit, an unboxing of donated high school gear from a listener that turns into a running joke about Ken's sweatshirt size.
Ken and Anthony point to the Browns signing Colorado alum Jimmy Horn Jr. as the clearest sign yet that Shedeur Sanders will start against Carolina, while breaking down two shaky fumbles from Deshaun Watson's Week 1 return. They heap praise on Jose Ramirez, calling him one of the most respected players in the league and comparing his value to a football offensive lineman's, and note how Brayan Rocchio has increasingly modeled his game after him. They close by dissecting Baker Mayfield's subdued, veteran-sounding press conference ahead of his return to Cleveland, debating whether a classy, businesslike Mayfield would sting Browns fans more than a boastful one.
Harold Reynolds tells Ken and Anthony he's officially a believer in this Guardians team, crediting Steven Vogt's steady bullpen management as the best coaching job of his tenure and comparing Cleveland's small-ball, contact-first style to the Rays and Brewers as a legitimate path through October. He explains why Jose Ramirez shouldn't abandon switch-hitting despite his hand injury, pointing to Corbin Carroll's similar recovery as a sign Ramirez's best stretch is still ahead. Reynolds also breaks down why the White Sox's young roster may be fading down the stretch from fatigue and inexperience, and names the Yankees and Dodgers as the American League and National League favorites in what he calls a historically wide-open field.
Ken pushes back hard against Ravens fans piling on him over his Lamar Jackson playoff take, redirecting the conversation to his real fight: standing firm that Todd Monken, not ownership, chose to start Deshaun Watson over Shedeur Sanders. He and Anthony debate potential ulterior motives, including Jimmy Haslam wanting a high draft pick or trying to protect stadium goodwill, but Ken insists there's no financial logic to Haslam meddling and doubles down that the decision was purely a football call. They close by floating a hypothetical where Watson plays well against Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers but still gets no benefit of the doubt from fans, before pivoting to preview Harold Reynolds joining the show to weigh in on the first-place Guardians.
Mary Kay Cabot joins Ken and Anthony to argue Deshaun Watson needs something close to 400 yards and five touchdowns to earn any goodwill back from Browns fans, while acknowledging the rusty offensive line and his surgery recovery made a rough start somewhat predictable. She explains why Todd Monken likely held Shedeur Sanders out of the brutal opening two road games, positioning him to take over with a gelling offense and a home crowd behind him in Week 3. Cabot also breaks down Austin Barber's strong debut at right guard over Tevin Jenkins, the defense's need for veterans like Denzel Ward and Jared Verse to step up without Myles Garrett, and why she doesn't buy Baker Mayfield's downplaying of his return to Cleveland as anything but a revenge game.
Lima admits he mixed up Western Michigan and Central Michigan in an earlier segment before revisiting an old clip where he threatened to sabotage Browns and Guardians playoff hype if fans dismissed the Cavs' postseason chances. He formally reverses course, vowing to embrace the Guardians' likely playoff run as an underdog rather than write it off, and he and Ken push back on the idea that repeated postseason trips have made Cleveland fans jaded. A caller helps drive home the "never take it for granted" theme by noting how rare a Guardians AL East title would have been, and the crew wraps with light banter about stadium seating and a producer's odd left-field habits before teasing Harold Reynolds at nine.
The crew recaps the Guardians' 6-3 win over the White Sox, where Petey Halpin homered for Cleveland and Tommy Pham stunned everyone with a homer of his own for the White Sox, with John praising Steven Vogt's bullpen management of Cade Smith as a "masterclass" and predicting a favorable ALCS draw against the White Sox or Astros. They pivot to Travis Kelce being named in a federal fraud case tied to a fake investment fund, debating whether even smart, wealthy people are uniquely vulnerable to being swindled. They close by revisiting the Western Michigan-Michigan replay controversy, joking about which team deserves the win on paper and previewing Harold Reynolds and Mary Kay Cabot joining the show later in the hour.
Ken, Anthony and Owen react to Metallica's two-night stop at Huntington Bank Field next summer, debating the band's practice of publishing separate set lists for each show and Ken's surprising confession that he doesn't need to hear "Enter Sandman" live despite ranking Metallica among his all-time favorites. The crew riffs on concert etiquette, jersey-wearing performers, and a caller's story about a Billy Idol guitarist coming out in a Deshaun Watson jersey at Blossom, drawing an uncomfortable parallel to a DJ who once did the same at a game. They close by teasing more on the Guardians' first-place run and Lima's promise about not overreacting like certain hosts did with the Cavs.
Ken and Anthony credit Steven Vogt's steady, unflappable demeanor for keeping the clubhouse together through a rocky stretch, arguing his consistent tone in losses and wins alike has been key to the team's late-season surge into first place. They dig into Jose Ramirez's two clutch doubles as a potential turning point and debate whether the Guardians' patience with young players like Travis Bazzana, contrasted with big-market impatience, is part of what makes the organization work. They also push back on criticism from fans and Jason Lloyd over calling the recent run "magical," reframing it as simply the standard, gritty brand of baseball this front office consistently delivers.
Ken and Anthony criticize Todd Monken for repeatedly calling the Browns job his "dream" during a rough start, arguing it makes him sound emotionally detached from a frustrated fan base rather than in the trenches with them. They wonder whether starting Deshaun Watson in Week 1 was the right call, with Ken insisting he knows Monken made that decision himself and bracing for backlash if Shedeur Sanders eventually plays well. They wrap by contrasting Monken's messaging with Steven Vogt, crediting the Guardians manager for sounding steady in both wins and losses.
Ken and Anthony break down Deshaun Watson's shaky Week 1 postgame comments about media expectations, arguing his current mindset and body language suggest he already senses Sunday against Jacksonville could be his final start. They contrast fan reaction to Watson with the grace shown to Baker Mayfield despite his own turnover-filled performance, and debate whether Watson's poor play stems from the pressure getting in his head rather than a lack of talent. Both agree Watson would need a dramatic turnaround to keep his job, while conceding they can't quite bring themselves to root against him even as they expect another rough outing.
Jo Adell and Petey Halpin power the offense as the Guardians beat the White Sox, whose Tommy Pham gets his first hit back in the majors, and Cleveland jumps back atop the AL Central. Ken and Anthony break down the tightening schedule down the stretch, noting Chicago's softer slate against Detroit, Kansas City, and Colorado versus Cleveland's own matchups with the Red Sox and Royals. They also dig into Jose Ramirez's recent surge out of his September slump, his lingering hand injury, and whether the AL Central's lack of big spenders gives Cleveland a lasting edge.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima analyze the Cleveland Guardians' recent success and potential postseason pitching strategies. They lead a heated discussion on the proposed split between public and private high schools in the OHSAA. Conversations then shift to the struggling Cleveland Browns and the future of the quarterback position following Deshaun Watson's poor performance. (00:02:56) Guardians Magical Walk-off (00:07:10) Postseason Pitching Rotation (00:13:00) Roster Consistency Discussion (00:20:00) OHSAA Split Debate (00:32:43) Fair Play In Sports (00:36:53) Watson Performance Evaluation (00:52:45) Browns Fan Frustration (00:58:25) Mike Florio Analysis (01:11:51) Anticipating Home Opener (01:20:41) Ravens AFC Update (01:24:44) Bengals AFC Update (01:28:01) Steelers AFC Update (01:40:40) Ravens Coordinator Transition (01:46:00) Brian Rocchio Future (01:51:41) Two-Second Trivia Segment (01:57:11) Dan Lanning Moore Controversy (02:03:12) Jason Lloyd Interview (02:19:51) Shedeur Sanders Speculation (02:31:50) Arch Manning Apology
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima analyze the Cleveland Guardians' recent walk-off success and whether the team possesses a "magical" quality heading into the postseason. They also dive into a heated debate regarding a potential split between public and private schools in the OHSAA. Finally, the discussion shifts to the intense scrutiny surrounding Deshaun Watson's performance and whether the criticism has become excessive. (00:03:00) Guardians Magic Debate (00:06:40) Postseason Pitching Rotation (00:13:00) Guards Ball Model (00:19:43) OHSAA Split Debate (00:25:30) Rings Culture Impact (00:34:43) Public Private Fairness (00:39:38) Deshaun Watson Scrutiny
Ken and Anthony Lima analyze the growing vitriol among Cleveland Browns fans following Deshaun Watson's recent struggles. They weigh the financial constraints of his contract against the calls for Shedeur Sanders to take over under center. The discussion also touches on Todd Monken's decisions and the potential for a volatile atmosphere during the upcoming home opener. (00:01:52) Watson Fan Criticism (00:05:32) Business Decisions and Sympathy (00:08:53) Browns Generational Frustration (00:13:28) Todd Monken Narrative (00:19:56) Sanders Hype and Backups (00:23:52) Andrew Berry Accountability (00:31:24) Predicting Home Backlash (00:36:36) Baker Mayfield Revenge Game
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima dive into the AFC North landscape, questioning if Lamar Jackson’s history with offensive coordinators points toward a coach killer reputation. They also analyze the Guardians' thrilling walk-off win led by Brayan Rocchio and address the heated exchange between Oregon's Dan Lanning and the media. (00:01:50) AFC North Divisional Report (00:05:45) Bengals Defense Success Analysis (00:09:15) Steelers And Joey Porter Jr. (00:20:10) Lamar Jackson Coach Killer? (00:25:15) Brayan Rocchio Future Discussion (00:34:10) Two Second Trivia Game (00:38:10) Dan Lanning Media Confrontation
Jason Lloyd joins Ken Carman and Anthony Lima to analyze the Cleveland Browns' commitment to Deshaun Watson and the hypothetical prospect of Shedeur Sanders taking over. They also address the maturity of Arch Manning following his public apology to Holly Rowe and discuss the Guardians' division race. (00:01:20) Jason Lloyd Interview (00:05:14) Quarterback Starting Mandates (00:09:56) Browns Ticket Sales (00:17:28) Deshaun Watson Debate (00:25:14) Shedeur Sanders Hypothetical (00:30:23) Arch Manning Apology (00:36:02) Upcoming Guest Lineup
Ken and Anthony revisit Arch Manning's since-apologized-for reaction to an AI-generated video, arguing the outrage seems inconsistent given last year's similar Dylan Gabriel AI edits and the fact that grown adult media members were laughing along in the background of Manning's clip too. The conversation pivots to Dan Lanning and Oregon, with Ken doubling down that it's the coaching staff's job to proactively tell media about Dante Moore's IV treatment rather than let a quarterback take heat for skipping interviews. They also touch on Mary Kay Cabot catching fan backlash simply for accurately reporting Deshaun Watson's long completion, before wrapping with a look ahead to Harold Reynolds joining the show Thursday.
Ken lays out a hypothetical where, if he were the Browns' owner, a poor performance from Deshaun Watson against Baker Mayfield's Buccaneers would force an honest conversation about benching him immediately, arguing Todd Monken needs to actually coach and adapt rather than just repeat his offensive philosophy. He and Anthony debate whether the timing actually favors Shedeur Sanders taking over in week three given Carolina's shaky week one defense and a young, gelling offensive line, while cautioning that a rough start for Shedeur shouldn't be read as any real indictment given how little support he's had. Ken closes by openly worrying about the home opener turning into something ugly, repeatedly stressing he doesn't want to give anyone "any crazy ideas" ahead of Sunday.
Jason Lloyd tells Ken and Anthony he can't find a legitimate football explanation for why Deshaun Watson is starting over Shedeur Sanders, arguing that if the Browns believed in any alternative quarterback they'd simply play him, so the decision itself reveals what they actually think of Shedeur. All three agree Todd Monken is taking the fallout for a mess created by ownership and Andrew Berry's earlier refusal to cut ties with Watson after his Achilles injury, and Lloyd says the team should have absorbed that cap hit last year instead of letting it poison the young core's development. The conversation closes with a quick recap of Brayan Rocchio's walk-off win keeping the Guardians in the division race, plus updates on Browns practice and injury news ahead of the Buccaneers game.
Enzo wins a full four-pack of Mr. Hero by nailing questions on the Buccaneers' head coach, the Mid-American Conference's newest member, and Ben Roethlisberger's near-63-yard completion, impressing Ken and Anthony with how well-rounded his sports knowledge is across sports. The conversation shifts to Oregon's Dante Moore, whose postgame media absence after a loss to Oklahoma State sparked a heated exchange between a reporter and head coach Dan Lanning over whether star quarterbacks owe the media interviews regardless of getting IV treatment for cramping. Ken argues the whole flare-up could have been avoided if Oregon's PR staff had simply disclosed Moore's condition upfront, while also needling Lanning over his team's slow start despite a heavily-funded roster.
Ken and Anthony push back on Albert Breer's skepticism that Todd Monken's early Ravens success is fading, arguing it's unfair to pin the "coach killer" label on Lamar Jackson when Greg Roman and John Harbaugh's later struggles could just as easily be about scheme staleness rather than the quarterback himself. The conversation shifts to Brayan Rocchio's walk-off heroics, with Ken and Anthony debating his murky long-term role in a crowded Guardians infield while insisting his clutch instincts and competitive fire make him too valuable to ever trade away. They compare Rocchio's growth under Jose Ramirez's mentorship to how Ramirez himself became the lifer version of what fans once hoped Francisco Lindor would be.
Ken and Anthony run through their weekly beat-reporter check-in, with Baltimore's Bob Haynie raving about Derrick Henry's vintage performance and Cincinnati's Mo Egger detailing how the Bengals' revamped defense forced turnovers while using Ja'Marr Chase as a decoy. Pittsburgh's Andrew Fillipponi predicts Joey Porter Jr. could be traded mid-season over a stalled contract and calls Baker Mayfield's three fumbles a real concern heading into his matchup with the Browns, while also needling Mike Tomlin's TV trash talk about a lopsided playoff win over Cleveland.
Ken grows genuinely concerned that fans showed up to boo Deshaun Watson out of spite rather than frustration alone, and deliberately avoids playing a caller clip predicting thrown objects because he doesn't want to give anyone ideas ahead of the Tampa Bay game. A caller named Deshaun pushes back on blaming ownership or Andrew Berry, arguing the show itself said Todd Monken wouldn't be a puppet for the front office, so the head coach owns the decision to start Watson over Shedeur Sanders. The conversation turns to whether embarrassing losses to Baker Mayfield and Tampa Bay should factor into a quarterback change, with Ken conceding that a lopsided defeat would have to be taken into account.
Ken and Anthony rip into Todd Monken's insistence that Deshaun Watson is playing better than fans think, arguing a coach with no prior head-coaching resume has zero credibility to tell a beaten-down fanbase their eyes are lying. They debate whether Monken is genuinely making the quarterback call himself or being steered by ownership, and pivot to callers blasting Andrew Berry for the contract structure and cap-pushing that now makes benching Watson financially brutal regardless of performance.
Social media reaction pushes Ken and Anthony to admit they might not have been hard enough on Deshaun Watson, sparking a breakdown of the PFF grading controversy that pinned every sack and the interception on Watson rather than crediting the shaky offensive line play. They contrast the grace fans extend to a likeable performer like Brayan Rocchio with the total lack of goodwill toward Watson, tying it back to the guaranteed-money business decision that never won fans over emotionally. Callers weigh in from both sides, one arguing Browns fans should just root for wins regardless of quarterback given decades of futility, another floating a tongue-in-cheek "heel turn" strategy for Watson to embrace the boos instead of playing the victim.
A caller named David pushes back hard on the public-private playoff debate, arguing recruiting disparities in sports like soccer and tennis make competition fundamentally unfair to schools like his in Avon Lake, prompting Ken and Anthony to concede the point while noting life and competition were never designed to be fair. The show pivots to Albert Breer's take that Deshaun Watson's shaky return performance shouldn't be judged in isolation, with Ken admitting he's likely been overly critical of Watson based on years of frustration rather than this one game. Anthony points to Mary Kay Cabot's tweet about Watson's 63-yard completed bomb drawing backlash as proof that fans have already made up their minds, regardless of any positive plays he puts on tape.
Ken and Anthony react to a suburban-league AD petition pushing to separate OHSAA public and private postseason tournaments across sports, with Ken admitting that for the first time in his life he's actually leaning toward supporting a split. They trace how playoff expansion since the 1999 football season (from 4 to 8 to 16 teams, plus seven basketball divisions) has watered down what a state championship means, while debating whether private-school "rings culture" and recruiting perception is really driving parents to send kids to schools like Archbishop or St. Ignatius. They land on the tension between wanting bigger participation numbers at public schools and losing the classic public-vs-private storyline that used to settle who was actually best.
Ken and Anthony dig into whether the Guardians' walk-off wins and division push amount to genuine "magic" or just well-built "Guardians ball," backing it up with a decade of walk-off stats to show the current pace isn't actually unusual. They map out a hypothetical playoff rotation (Gavin Williams, Parker Messick, Tanner Bibee) and debate whether fans would trust Foster Griffin as a third starter given his rocky Cleveland numbers so far. The conversation widens into a comparison with the Browns and Bills fanbases, with the hosts landing on the idea that the Guardians' sustained competitiveness, even without a title, is a rare and underrated baseline compared to teams stuck in long playoff droughts.
Daryl Ruiter and Lance Reisland break down the Browns' 34-10 blowout loss in the opener, and evaluate if sticking with Deshaun Watson is the best move
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima analyze the start of the football season and debate if the NFL is oversaturating the market with games on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. They compare current viewing habits to the scarcity of the 1980s and discuss how streaming affects live game attendance for college and high school programs. (00:01:40) Opening Week Football Recap (00:04:25) NFL Midweek Game Discussion (00:07:33) Losing The Scarcity Factor (00:11:48) Historical Sports Popularity Comparison (00:16:38) Streaming Impact On Attendance
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima analyze the fallout of a difficult performance in a simulated sports season. They weigh the decision to stick with Deshaun Watson over Shedeur Sanders, discuss Ohio State's loss to Texas with Doug Lesmerises, and recap recent Guardians and Cavaliers news. (00:02:27) Week Two Quarterback Discussion (00:07:13) Evaluating Watson's Performance (00:11:40) Todd Monken's Decision (00:17:16) Comparing Watson and Shedeur (00:24:05) Coaching Expectations and Logic (00:28:31) Ronnie Hickman Soundbite (00:33:12) Ohio State Loss Reaction (00:38:36) Marketing the Quarterback Situation (00:47:20) Analyzing Offensive Failures (00:55:50) Free Cavaliers Broadcasts (01:02:20) Media and Quarterback Misinformation (01:10:31) Guardians Baseball Recap (01:18:10) James Franklin's Presser (01:26:41) Renaming the Gulf of Cleveland (01:32:43) Albert Breer on Tanking (01:39:15) Potential Manning Influence (01:51:04) The Neutral Zone Segment (02:01:18) Doug Lesmerises Interview (02:12:00) Ohio State's Young Talent (02:23:15) Case for Starting Watson
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima react to Todd Monken’s decision to start Deshaun Watson in Week 2 despite a disastrous season opener. They explore the growing divide between the organization and a fan base that seems more interested in Baker Mayfield’s success than Watson’s redemption. The discussion also touches on the pressure facing Ryan Day at Ohio State following their recent performance. (00:02:27) Week Two Quarterback Decision (00:05:46) Fans Rooting For Baker (00:08:52) Shedeur Sanders Potential (00:14:05) Monken's Offensive Philosophy (00:23:55) Coaching Preconceived Notions (00:28:39) Hickman On Watson (00:34:56) Ryan Day Hot Seat (00:38:23) Haslam’s Business Decisions
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima break down the growing resentment toward Deshaun Watson and the ethics of rooting against the Browns to hasten a quarterback change. They also analyze the Cavaliers' new local television deal and recap a busy night for the Guardians and the Chiefs. (00:02:15) Rooting Against Watson (00:06:15) Browns Performance Analysis (00:13:50) Cavs Television Deal (00:21:40) Media Information Debate (00:27:10) Shedeur Sanders Discussion (00:32:15) Guardians and Chiefs Recap (00:36:45) College Football News
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima analyze Albert Breer's comments regarding top draft prospects potentially avoiding the Browns organization. They also weigh in on the 'Gulf of Cleveland' renaming controversy and evaluate Josh Allen's historic rushing touchdown pace compared to NFL legends. (00:01:50) Guardians Rotation Struggles (00:06:25) Gulf of Cleveland Renaming (00:12:00) Drafting Rejection Fears (00:17:30) Arch Manning Draft Strategy (00:22:30) Quarterback Contract Leverage (00:26:30) College Production Projections (00:32:01) Neutral Zone Rivalry Tensions (00:36:00) NFL Star Quarterback Analysis
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima break down a tough loss for the Buckeyes and analyze Ryan Day's coaching decisions with Doug Lesmerises. They discuss the potential of young talents like Jeremiah Smith and Julian Sayin before debating the merits of starting Deshaun Watson over Shedeur Sanders in an upcoming clash with Baker Mayfield. (00:01:50) Buckeyes' Big Game Struggles (00:05:20) Ryan Day's Coaching Decisions (00:09:20) Jeremiah Smith's Production (00:12:45) Evaluating Julian Sayin (00:17:15) Browns NFL Draft Debate (00:23:55) Watson Versus Shedeur Sanders (00:32:30) Browns Fan Toxicity
Ken and Anthony take calls from fans fired up about Deshaun Watson starting again against Baker Mayfield and Tampa Bay, including one caller in Dayton describing the fan mood as "toxic" and openly hostile toward Watson. The guys debate whether it's worth enduring a possibly ugly Sunday just to let Watson "take his medicine" before any quarterback change, weigh Carolina's blowout loss to Chicago as a preview of what a bad Browns defense could allow, and note that fans would rather watch a fun, losing offense than another squandered elite defense.
Ken and Anthony debate Ohio State quarterback prospects, with Ken admitting he's cooled a bit on Julian Sayin while getting even higher on Arch Manning after his comeback performance. The bulk of the segment is Ken laying out a "galaxy brain" case for why the Browns should actually keep Deshaun Watson starting against Baker Mayfield and Tampa Bay, rather than throwing Shedeur Sanders into a no-win cleanup job, since Watson made the mess and should be the one to answer for it.
Ohio State insider Doug Lesmerises joins Ken and Anthony to break down whether Ryan Day is back on the hot seat after the Buckeyes' loss to Texas, calling several fourth-quarter decisions "objectively incorrect" given Ohio State's offense-first identity this season. He digs into the goal-line sequence, the questionable punt on 4th-and-4, and why Legend Bay deserved more than one snap. Lesmerises also weighs in on Julian Sayin's ceiling as a quarterback and makes the case for why the Browns should still take a passer over Jeremiah Smith at No. 1 if they're picking high again.
Ken and Anthony dig into Mizzou coach Eli Drinkwitz blasting Kansas for leaning on Civil War/slavery imagery in a rivalry hype video, especially with it landing on 9/11. From there they pivot to Josh Allen's rushing touchdown surge and whether he has any shot at chasing down Emmitt Smith's all-time record, plus a debate over whether Buffalo has been easier on Allen than Cleveland would've been.
Ken and Anthony react to Albert Breer's comments suggesting elite quarterback prospects could avoid the Browns altogether given the direction of this season, floating scenarios where a top pick's family negotiates coaching hires and front office control before agreeing to come to Cleveland. They push back on fans dismissing Arch Manning and Dante Moore after rough early performances, arguing it's absurd to write off college quarterbacks this early given even Patrick Mahomes admitted he couldn't read NFL defenses until year three.
Ken and Anthony debate whether the Guardians' plan to skip Gavin Williams' natural rest day backfired, costing them a shot at the White Sox tiebreaker with just 11 games left. They also crack jokes over Cleveland City Council's tongue-in-cheek renaming of a portion of Lake Erie to the "Gulf of Cleveland," debating the technical difference between a gulf and a bay along the way.
Ken and Anthony bring in producer John to break down the Guardians' 7-3 loss to the White Sox and an 18-pitch at-bat in a costly sixth inning that carries tiebreaker implications for the division race. They also cover the Chiefs' 31-0 blowout of the Broncos and debate whether Kansas City is "back," before diving into a tangent on James Franklin's habit of making small talk with reporters mid-press-conference and Penn State's much-improved outlook this season
Ken pushes back on accusations that the show spread misinformation about the Browns' QB competition, arguing he never wanted Deshaun Watson to start and can only relay what sources inside the building tell him. He and Anthony also cover the Cavs' new arrangement offering 15 free broadcast games this season as a way to hook fans after a disappointing playoff exit, and debate whether Shedeur Sanders taking over would actually be the Browns admitting they got it wrong.
Ken admits he's finally been "broken" into wanting Deshaun Watson to lose, tying it to Vegas moving the Browns' spread to 8.5 point underdogs and Watson's rough all-22 film showing 4.9-second drops before sacks. He and Anthony debate whether they've been too hard on Watson given two years of rust, ultimately concluding no excuses are being extended to him the way they are for the new-look defense, and that a benching wouldn't end the criticism since the defense and other issues would just take center stage.
A caller floats a theory that Jimmy Haslam mandated Deshaun Watson as the starter during coaching interviews unless Shedeur Sanders was clearly better, explaining why younger candidates like Nate Shieldhouse reportedly passed on the job. Ken and Anthony push back on the "good business" logic given fans are already burning jerseys, while also touching on Ryan Day's hot seat talk after Ohio State's narrow loss and Baker Mayfield's high-stakes week two matchup against Watson.
Ken and Anthony pick apart Todd Monken's defense of Deshaun Watson's week one performance, including the coach admitting the lone touchdown came in garbage time against backups. They dive into a tangent on old multi-purpose stadiums and dirt infields before circling back to argue Shedeur Sanders faces his own preconceived notions from coaches around the league, and that fans setting up for a Sanders takeover would be walking into a much easier situation than Watson did in week one.
Ken and Anthony unload on the reaction to Deshaun Watson's rough week one outing, arguing the biggest pro-tanking voices are disconnected media members who don't face real fan anger the way they do. They debate whether Todd Monken should have pulled Watson mid-game, how much benefit of the doubt the coach still deserves, and why Shedeur Sanders being more likable doesn't necessarily mean he's better.
92.3 The Fan presents a roundup of the heated discussions following the Browns' season-opening loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, featuring segments from Carman & Lima, Baskin & Phelps, and Afternoon Drive. The crew reacts to Head Coach Todd Monken's postgame comments on Deshaun Watson, analyzes the struggles on both sides of the ball, and takes fiery calls from frustrated fans looking for answers. All that and more on Best Of Browns on 92.3 The Fan!
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima dissect a crushing season-opening defeat to the Jacksonville Jaguars. They evaluate Deshaun Watson's performance, Todd Monken's coaching, and the defensive collapse while looking ahead to a potential showdown with Baker Mayfield. (00:01:50) Browns Suffer Opening Loss (00:06:34) Deshaun Watson Performance Review (00:13:04) Miles Garrett Absence Impact (00:19:02) Early Season Frustrations (00:28:19) Coaching Trust Issues (00:35:32) Sports Update (00:42:18) Shedeur Sanders Discussion (00:50:41) Andrew Berry Infrastructure Comments (00:59:41) Ohio State vs Texas Analysis (01:09:34) Cleveland Media Blame Game (01:17:14) Rookie Performance Highlights (01:29:00) Jared Verse Stats Evaluation (01:37:40) Daryl Ruiter Joins Show (01:51:43) Defensive Pass Rush Analysis (02:04:35) Alex Smith Watson Criticism (02:16:25) Rookie QB Development Plans (02:27:27) Front Office Trust Questions (02:39:51) Mental Health And Perspective
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima vent their frustrations following a lopsided Browns loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. They debate whether the primary blame lies with Deshaun Watson's mechanics, the struggling defense, or Todd Monken's coaching, while noting the fans' growing lack of faith in the franchise. (00:01:50) Browns Jacksonville Loss Reaction (00:08:10) Blaming Defense Or Watson (00:13:05) Defensive Absence Of Garrett (00:20:40) Watson’s Middle School Mechanics (00:27:45) Fans Demand Accountability (00:36:00) Sports Update (00:40:00) Potential Benching Against Buccaneers
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima dissect a miserable weekend for Cleveland sports, focusing on the Browns' offensive incompetence and Andrew Berry's questionable roster construction. They also target Ryan Day’s decision-making in Ohio State's loss to Texas while reacting to a heated caller who blames the media for the Deshaun Watson hype. (00:02:43) Browns Opening Failure (00:07:24) Todd Monken Critique (00:13:35) Buckeyes Texas Collapse (00:18:41) Ryan Day Indictment (00:25:03) Caller Blames Media (00:33:00) College Football Standouts (00:38:24) Akron and Sarkisian
Ken Carmen and Anthony Lima analyze the Cleveland Browns' "sickening" loss to the Jaguars and Deshaun Watson’s struggle with pocket presence. They are joined by Daryl Rider to discuss the decision to start Watson over Shedeur Sanders and the defensive unit's disappointing lack of pressure. The discussion also highlights the frustration with Todd Monken’s postgame rhetoric. (00:01:20) Watson Playing Scared (00:06:55) Fans Vent Frustrations (00:11:15) Daryl Rider Analyzes Loss (00:16:45) Case For Shedeur Sanders (00:21:45) Browns Accountability And Fans (00:25:20) Defensive Pressure Concerns (00:30:50) Todd Monken's Coaching Mentality
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima break down a frustrating Cleveland Browns performance and Deshaun Watson's apparent lack of confidence on the field. They explore potential draft replacements like Shedeur Sanders and question Andrew Berry's construction of the team's infrastructure. (00:02:00) Alex Smith Slams Watson (00:05:18) Why Watson Still Starts (00:10:15) Monken and Browns Offense (00:13:35) Developing Rookie Talent (00:20:40) Is Shedeur Sanders Ready (00:24:50) Andrew Berry on Infrastructure (00:29:55) Ownership and New Stadium
Ken Carman wraps the show with lighthearted family stories about watching the Browns game with his sons and their friend, joking that he's now known as "the bartender" for fetching him beers during the blowout. Caller Jennifer argues that mocking Watson is unfair and that fans should instead help him work through what's being described as fear on the field, but Ken counters that supporters have given Watson years of benefit of the doubt already and that being scrutinized comes with the territory of a highly paid professional athlete. The show closes with a preview of tomorrow's Ohio State recap and a nod to the Guardians' game that night.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima debate whether Watson or the defense deserves more blame for the blowout, with Ken calling the defense the worst of the three phases despite a rough Watson performance, and both agreeing the Browns front office seems terrified to trust Shedeur Sanders even though Watson visibly plays scared. They replay Andrew Berry's explanation for not investing more at quarterback and push back hard, arguing Berry can't cite bad "infrastructure" from last season without owning that he built that same infrastructure, and question whether fans should trust him with this year's critical quarterback evaluation given the Watson trade's fallout. A caller named Ben widens the target to ownership, arguing the Haslams are exploiting fan loyalty while raising ticket prices for the new stadium, though Ken pushes back that nobody forced Monken's hand on starting Watson.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima play Alex Smith's blistering criticism of Deshaun Watson for complaining about fan reaction despite his massive guaranteed contract, noting a growing list of former quarterbacks who've publicly turned on him. They argue Watson looks genuinely afraid on the field, comparing his cautious drops and hesitant throws to how anyone off the street would play under pressure, and question whether Todd Monken needs to simplify the offense's language since both Watson and Shedeur Sanders reportedly struggled with getting plays out in camp. A caller debate follows about whether rushing a rookie quarterback into a bad situation would even help, with Ken conceding the loss wasn't only on Watson given a defense that also got roasted and shaky coaching decisions.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima replay Todd Monken's postgame comments about how long he waited to become an NFL head coach, with Ken arguing the sentiment reads as amateurish and lacks the edge he wants from a coach after a 34-10 blowout. They contrast Monken's debut with Kevin Stefanski's similarly ugly first game that still led to a playoff run and Coach of the Year, though Ken doubts this roster has that ceiling given the youth and quarterback situation. Callers Brett and Wade weigh in, with Wade arguing Deshaun Watson looks visibly afraid to play and that the Browns are sticking with him purely because of the money invested, a claim Ken says he largely agrees with.
Daryl Ruiter joins Ken Carman and Anthony Lima to dissect the Browns' loss, arguing Watson's box score stats mask an ugly performance where he showed no feel for the field, took needlessly deep drops, and remains a liability physically given his surgery history and the coaching staff's baffling use of RPOs with him. Ruiter says he can't explain why Watson beat out Shedeur Sanders for the job, calling the preseason evidence for that decision essentially nonexistent, and all three agree it would be a bad football decision to start Watson again if he plays similarly poorly against Tampa Bay. They also note the defense was arguably worse than the offense, with Trevor Lawrence carving up Cleveland for four touchdowns and Jared Verse managing more tackles than Myles Garrett despite the drop-off in pass rush.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima dig into why the Browns' pass rush collapsed without Myles Garrett, pointing to Jared Verse admitting he wasn't ready for how often he'd get chipped and double-teamed now that he's the focal point instead of a complementary piece. They tie it to a broader theme: Jacksonville had zero respect for Deshaun Watson's arm, loading the box and blitzing freely, which further exposed a defense already missing Alex Wright. Callers Greg (Dayton) and Greg (Dallas) pile on, one apologizing for thinking the hosts were too negative in the past, and Ken reiterating he won't pick the Browns to win a single game the rest of the season.
Anthony Lima finds silver linings in the Browns' blowout loss, praising Austin Barber's line play, KC Concepcion's touches despite fumbles, and giving Nick credit for backing Rocket Sanders before anyone else did. The bigger story is Akron OC Marty Wims, who gets the game ball from head coach Joe Moorhead after a win, gets mobbed in the locker room, and even lands an ESPN GameDay interview with Nick Saban, with Ken and Lima ribbing each other over who was actually on the broadcast. They close with a bit on Steve Sarkisian dodging a postgame sideline interview and Todd Monken's surprisingly spry sprint off the field.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima break down a wild college football weekend, defending Dante Moore and Arch Manning while ripping Ryan Day for playing conservatively and lacking urgency in Ohio State's loss to Texas, with a detour into Oklahoma's defensive dominance over Washington State. A caller named Tay tries to blame Cleveland media for hyping Deshaun Watson's "operational" skills in the preseason and thus influencing Todd Monken's decision, but Ken pushes back hard, pointing out Monken made the call himself and that people inside the building reportedly think Shedeur Sanders is even worse at those same operational details. Ken closes by insisting he takes no pleasure in fan backlash toward Watson and doesn't believe there's some grand conspiracy forcing Monken's hand at quarterback.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima mock Monken's "we got to be better" postgame word salad, comparing his rough debut to Kevin Stefanski's own disastrous first game, before replaying Andrew Berry's explanation for not investing more at quarterback this offseason. Ken pushes back hard on Berry, arguing the front office can't call quarterback "interdependent" while also being the ones who built a shaky supporting cast, and admits he can't fake outrage all season since he expected this level of bad. The two also debate whether blame belongs more on Monken's setup (a patchwork offensive line, no Myles Garrett or Jim Schwartz) than on Monken himself, with Ken saying he doesn't want to be searching for a new coach again but is already nervous about what this season represents.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima replay Todd Monken's dodge of a question about whether Deshaun Watson starts in Tampa, arguing that Monken's non-answer and refusal to commit reveal he's already considering a change. They float a "poetic" scenario where a blowout loss forces Cleveland's hand, with Ken noting some fans are openly rooting for Watson to lose badly enough that the QB change happens before he faces Cleveland again down the road. A caller pile-on follows, with Frank ripping Watson's mechanics and comparing him unfavorably to Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, while Ken argues Watson's performance isn't even his worst as a Brown, undercutting any "rust" excuse since he's never looked good in Cleveland.
Anthony Lima replays his own breakdown of Deshaun Watson's first-half interception, comparing it to coaching an 11-year-old, which sends Ken Carman into a rant about how the blowout loss insults fans' intelligence and cements his refusal to ever pick the Browns again this season. A wave of callers follows, questioning whether Todd Monken's vague QB competition and non-answers on a potential in-season change signal Cleveland is repeating the Stefanski era's dysfunction. The segment wraps with a news recap: Watson's final stat line, Myles Garrett's four-week absence after knee surgery, and the Guardians pulling within a half-game of first place.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima dissect the Browns' 34-10 season-opening blowout loss to Jacksonville, with Ken vowing he's done picking Cleveland to win — even a "potato sack race" — after guaranteeing (in his mind, just "picking") a win that turned into a laugher. They spread the blame across Deshaun Watson's rough first half, Todd Monken's shaky play-calling and clock-management "Stefanski-isms," and a defense that struggled without Myles Garrett and Jim Schwartz, while noting Trevor Lawrence looked like the "mythical" No. 1 pick version of himself. They close by teasing that bad quarterback play alone doesn't explain the collapse, since a strong defense masked similar struggles last season.
Daryl Ruiter and Lance Reisland break down the Browns 34-10 blowout loss in the opener vs. the Jaguars.
Tune in for a selection of guest appearances and interviews during the past week with the hosts of 92.3 The Fan. Featuring Mary Kay Cabot, Shawn Syed, and Mike Dempsey.
Tune in to hear Ken and Anthony, Baskin & Phelps, and The Afternoon Drive break down the Browns' season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Ken stands alone picking the Brownies to win outright, but the rest of the gang isn't so sure. Plus, why the Browns got stuck with the worst-ranked TV crew in the NFL; vibe checks ahead of the game; and what everyone is hoping to see out of the team (aside from a win).
Tune in for a selection of conversations from Ken and Anthony during the past week. The guys relish Myles Garrett's underwhelming first game with the Rams; run down the checklist of college QBs Browns fans should be monitoring for next year's draft; and Ken reveals his 'darkest' Browns take yet. Plus, are Cavs fans underestimating James Harden? And a spicy reaction to the wild end of last week's Western Michigan-Michigan game.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima analyze the fallout from the Rams' loss in Australia, focusing on Myles Garrett's lack of impact and the team's questionable travel decisions. They debate the current state of the Browns' roster under Andrew Berry and discuss the intense fan negativity surrounding Deshaun Watson heading into the season opener. The conversation also features a look at the college football quarterback tracker and a special tribute for the 25th anniversary of September 11th.(00:01:55) Myles Garrett's Quiet Rams Debut(00:10:20) Rams Loss and Australia Travel(00:18:20) Ken Picks Browns to Win(00:27:35) Deshaun Watson Fan Negativity(00:34:55) Todd Monken's Head Coaching Debut(00:41:35) Browns Southeast Fan Base Booing(00:49:15) Andrew Berry Roster Construction Debate(00:59:10) Arch Manning and Texas Matchup(01:04:05) Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith(01:09:25) 9/11 Twenty-Fifth Anniversary Remembrance(01:17:05) Ken and Lima Late Stories(01:24:25) Shedeur Sanders Jersey Sale Rumors(01:32:45) High Road vs Gutter Talk(01:40:20) Browns Rookie Offensive Line Depth(01:50:45) Daryl Ruiter on Browns Prospects(01:59:20) 9/11 National Reflection(02:07:05) Nathan Zegura's Jaguars Game Preview(02:17:45) NFL Broadcast Crew Rankings Debate(02:27:20) Robert Turbin's Broadcast Debut(02:35:30) College Football Prospect Watch List
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima break down Myles Garrett's struggling Rams debut and why it feels like a victory for Cleveland fans. They debate Ken's decision to pick the Browns over the Jaguars and address the growing local frustration with Deshaun Watson's performance. The discussion also shifts to Todd Monken's new responsibilities and the challenges of managing game-day strategy.(00:02:34) Myles Garrett Trade Debate(00:07:34) Jared Verse Leader Comparison(00:11:30) Rams International Travel Strategy(00:20:01) Ken Picks The Browns(00:24:34) Deshaun Watson Fan Frustration(00:33:34) 9/11 Reflection And Memories(00:37:00) Todd Monken Management Challenges
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima discuss the growing sentiment among Browns fans who are ready for the Deshaun Watson era to end, even if it means rooting against the team. They also debate General Manager Andrew Berry's legacy, balancing his successful draft picks against the catastrophic Watson trade. The conversation shifts to the high-stakes college matchup between Ohio State and Texas and the immense pressure on their young quarterbacks.(00:01:50) Ken Carman Guarantees Win(00:05:02) Booing Watson In Jacksonville(00:08:10) Andrew Berry Under Fire(00:13:10) Evaluating The Watson Trade(00:20:50) Ohio State Vs Texas(00:33:45) About Last Night: Rams(00:39:20) Producer John Misses Alarm
Ken and Lima analyze the viral Shedeur Sanders jersey discount and the trade rumors it sparked among Browns fans. Daryl Ruiter joins 92.3 The Fan to offer a blunt assessment of Deshaun Watson's struggles and the hurdles facing Todd Monken's debut. They also breakdown Myles Garrett's underwhelming first game with the Rams following his high-profile trade.(00:01:46) Shedeur Sanders Jersey Sale(00:05:27) Stefanski Race Narrative Debate(00:13:56) Deshaun Watson Performance Concerns(00:19:54) Browns Offensive Line Injuries(00:23:54) Myles Garrett Rams Debut(00:32:36) Rams Australia Trip Disaster
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima welcome Nathan Zegura to preview the Browns' upcoming matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars and discuss the defensive shift under Mike Rutenberg. They also critique the performance of Myles Garrett and analyze the recent NFL broadcast rankings from USA Today. The conversation wraps up with a debate over the proper pronunciation of Melbourne following the NFL game in Australia.(00:01:50) 9/11 Remembrance Tribute(00:04:49) Nathan Zegura Interview(00:09:17) Browns Versus Jaguars Preview(00:14:16) Confidence In Mike Rutenberg(00:21:35) Melbourne Pronunciation Debate(00:26:56) Broadcaster Power Rankings(00:35:01) Rutenberg Defensive Strategy(00:39:54) Quarterback Prospect Watch List
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima update their college quarterback watch list, debating whether to drop Byron Brown for Trinidad Chambliss after Brown's rough Week 1, and marveling at Darian Mensah going 14 of 15 in a game shortened to 55 minutes. They preview Saturday's marquee matchups, including Julian Sayin vs. Arch Manning and Michigan's John Mateer against Oklahoma, and land on Dante Moore, Chambliss, and Mensah as their current top three "if the draft were today." The segment also touches on Mike Rutenberg's tough preseason talk and closes with a Cam Ward shoutout tied to Netflix's quarterback documentary.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima are joined by Nathan Zegura to analyze the Browns' matchup against the Jaguars and Miles Garrett's quiet performance in Australia. They discuss the defensive strategy under the new coaching staff and review the broadcast presentation of the game in Melbourne. (00:01:00) Remembering September 11th (00:03:31) Miles Garrett In Australia (00:08:18) Browns Vs Jaguars Preview (00:13:30) Defensive Scheme Analysis (00:17:22) Netflix Broadcast Review
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima dig into Noah Eagle's decision to pronounce "Melbourne" the Australian way during the Rams-Niners broadcast, debating whether that's respectful research or condescending showmanship, with tangents on Paris, Qatar, and local place-name pride. They then break down USA Today's ranking of all 18 NFL broadcast crews, noting the Browns' Tom McCarthy-Robert Turbin pairing lands dead last while the Tony Romo situation reshuffled several other booths. A Fan Cash Friday winner closes the segment by revealing he's putting his winnings on the Browns money line at plus 350.
Ken owns up to something Browns fans aren't supposed to say out loud, that he wanted one day of feeling good about not having Myles Garrett around instead of watching the Rams roll toward another Super Bowl. Anthony pushes back on the idea that this counts as toiling in someone else's misery, and the two dig into whether it's fair to enjoy Garrett getting neutralized after advocating for the trade in the first place. They also work through why everything seems to break the Rams' way, from Sean McVay's reputation around the league to the specific matchup problems that made last night's game an outlier rather than a trend.
Ken and Anthony bring in Daryl Ruiter for Week 1 predictions, and he's not shy about pouring cold water on both sides, questioning whether Deshaun Watson can be trusted for any real consistency while also predicting the Browns ultimately come up just short against Jacksonville. He does offer some real optimism on Quinshon Judkins looking fully healthy and dives into where Austin Barber and Tevin Jenkins stand on the offensive line battle. Daryl also throws in a surprising take on the Rams after their blowout loss, arguing the hype around them as a Super Bowl team was overblown from the jump.
A discounted jersey sends Browns fans spiraling into rumors again, and Ken and Anthony break down why Shedeur Sanders seems to trigger this cycle more than any player they can remember. They get into the uglier side of that fandom too, including some retweets and accusations aimed at Kevin Stefanski that neither host is comfortable letting slide. It turns into a bigger argument about whether two different coaching staffs saying the same thing about Shedeur's readiness should carry more weight than the noise around him.
Ken and Anthony dig into the weirdest problem a fan base could ask for, a Guardians team that keeps dropping series and still finds itself closing in on a playoff spot. They go back and forth on whether that's a real reason for confidence or just a sign the AL Central is bad, especially with a big series against the White Sox looming. Along the way they needle a producer whose overnight prediction about the team needing a sweep sounds like it came straight out of a half-asleep panic.
Ken and Anthony debate whether Saturday's showdown is a real "Waterloo" moment for one of the sport's most hyped quarterbacks, with plenty of Browns fans just waiting to pile on Arch Manning if he struggles at home. They also dig into why Julian Sayin still can't get any traction with Cleveland fans despite strong play, pointing to Justin Fields and CJ Stroud fatigue and a "he just has Jeremiah Smith" excuse that keeps following him. A guest analyst's take on where the pressure really sits gets folded in too, along with a Baker Mayfield comparison showing how fast one big win over Ohio State can flip a fan base.
Ken Carman doubles down on his lonely prediction that the Browns beat Jacksonville, backed only by a text from Coach Lance and a caller from Charleston, while fielding a caller who openly admits he wants the team to lose to hasten the end of the Deshaun Watson era. The conversation spirals into a heated debate over how much blame belongs to Andrew Berry, with Ken defending the Carson Schwesinger pick while Anthony and a caller hammer the GM over the offensive line overhaul and the fallout from the Watson trade. Old wounds reopen around John Dorsey's role in setting up the front office chaos that led to Watson getting $230 million guaranteed.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima dig into what they see as Todd Monken's biggest challenge in his first year running the Browns, shifting from a play-caller's mindset focused purely on yards and points to a head coach's job of managing clock, timeouts and complementary football. They debate whether his one season as a college head coach over a decade ago even applies to the pressure of Sunday's opener against Jacksonville. Ken also reiterates his case for picking the Browns to win, admitting it's the only week all season he expects to make that pick with any real confidence.
Ken Carman explains why he's picking the Browns to win their season opener against Jacksonville, even as he admits Deshaun Watson is the biggest flaw in his own logic. He digs into just how negative Browns fans have gotten heading into the season, arguing it's not even about wanting a tank anymore, some fans genuinely dislike Watson and want him gone regardless of the record. Anthony Lima pushes back with a more optimistic take on what a good showing from the offensive line, receivers and new-look defense could mean, while Ken braces for the inevitable pile-on if the pick backfires.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima dig into Myles Garrett's quiet night in the Rams' blowout loss to the 49ers in Australia and admit it feels good to finally criticize him now that he's not wearing orange and brown. They contrast Garrett's talent with Jared Verse's more vocal leadership style and argue Browns fans spent years suppressing valid criticism because he was too good to touch. The guys also dismiss the "jet lag" excuse for the Rams' performance, floating a theory that Sean McVay's team simply didn't take the trip seriously
Daryl Ruiter and Lance Reisland preview Browns-Jaguars Week 1, Todd Monken's debut and Deshaun Watson's return
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima analyze the upcoming Browns season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars on The Ken Carman Show with Anthony Lima while debating the roster's potential. They discuss roster depth, quarterback performance, and the impact of hypothetical trades involving star players. (00:02:46) Football Night Recap (00:09:55) Browns Season Opener (00:19:26) Host Credibility Debate (00:27:15) Watson Performance Evaluation (00:35:30) Nick Wilson Interview (00:47:15) Watson Speeding Incident (00:54:32) Cavaliers Roster Optimism (01:04:15) Garrett Trade Rumors (01:12:46) About Last Night (01:20:30) NFL Global Expansion (01:33:45) Mary Kay Cabot (01:40:30) Watson Soundbite Analysis (01:49:00) Buffalo Game Clarification (01:59:30) NFL Week One (02:08:42) Station COVID Stories (02:15:30) Rams Strategy Discussion (02:27:25) Travis Hunter Evaluation (02:35:00) National Media Stories
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima analyze Deshaun Watson's upcoming performance and Ken’s annual tradition of predicting a Week 1 Browns victory. They review the sloppy nature of early-season football and debate whether the current roster can achieve the eight-win season projected by Nick Wilson. The discussion includes a challenge from Ross Tucker regarding a polygraph test for local media members' predictions. (00:02:45) NFL Preseason Slop Fest (00:08:00) Defining Good Defensive Football (00:10:20) Predicting Week One Victory (00:14:10) Questioning Carman's Credibility (00:20:30) Host Dynamic and Realism (00:26:00) Watson's Eight Quarter Audition (00:29:15) The Infamous Raiders Guarantee (00:35:30) Ross Tucker's Polygraph Challenge (00:40:10) Nick Wilson Defends Predictions
Ken and Lima analyze Deshaun Watson's recent speeding citation and the community's reaction compared to past incidents with other players. They examine the disconnect between national and local optimism for the Cavaliers and weigh the value of trade offers involving Miles Garrett. The conversation also covers Steven Vogt's leadership of the Guardians and pays tribute to the legendary Barry Melrose. (00:01:20) Browns Defensive Strategy (00:05:21) Deshaun Watson Speeding Ticket (00:11:22) National Optimism for Cavaliers (00:21:47) Miles Garrett Trade Rumors (00:30:51) Guardians and Steven Vogt (00:34:40) Tribute to Barry Melrose
Deshaun Watson draws criticism for seemingly dismissing his poor preseason outing against the Bills as the team prepares for their season opener in Jacksonville. The discussion covers concerns regarding the offensive line depth following Tevin Jenkins' injury and expectations for rookie Jared Verse. (00:01:50) NFL Australia Game Debate (00:06:02) International Expansion Concerns (00:09:23) Stadium Designs Abroad (00:12:43) Mary Kay Cabot Interview (00:17:14) Browns Roster Expectations (00:20:34) Watson's Mental State (00:24:00) Miles Garrett Trade Rumors (00:26:46) Defensive Scheme Changes (00:32:11) Watson Media Availability (00:36:10) Browns Quarterback Competition
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima debate the Browns' chances in their season opener against the Jaguars, with Ken explaining why he believes a Week 1 victory is likely despite being heavy underdogs. They discuss the impact of roster health, Todd Monken's influence on offensive schemes, and the pressure on Deshaun Watson to perform under high-heat conditions in Jacksonville. (00:01:57) Ken Carman Picks Browns Upset (00:05:35) Credibility and Win Predictions (00:08:40) Personnel Health and Roster Strengths (00:12:55) Betting Odds and Watson's Zip (00:18:01) Sean McVay's Coaching Strategy (00:22:54) Josh Hines-Allen on Run Defense (00:27:38) Defending Deshaun Watson's Performance (00:34:33) Comparing Cleveland and Philly Fans (00:38:54) Diana Russini and Mike Vrabel
Producer John's rundown question about when fans will turn on Todd Monken sparks Ken and Anthony to warn him that Cleveland's football fanbase reacts far less patiently than its baseball fanbase, especially if Deshaun Watson struggles Sunday. They recall past examples of fans calling for Kevin Stefanski's and Freddie Kitchens' jobs even after wins, comparing Cleveland's football intensity to a "meaner, larger" version found in John's hometown of Philadelphia. The segment closes with a quick, gossipy aside about Diana Rossini's future media plans following her reported affair with Mike Vrabel.
Ken and Anthony dissect Josh Allen's comments about stopping the run against Cleveland, debating whether Deshaun Watson can throw enough to keep the Jaguars honest and whether his mobility is really gone after flashes of it in the preseason. A fired-up caller named JJ defends Watson and predicts a Browns blowout of Jacksonville, sparking a back-and-forth about fan loyalty and booing thresholds. The segment ends with Anthony finally admitting, under pressure, that he thinks Travis Hunter has been a bust so far, while Ken pokes fun at Jacksonville's official depth chart listing Hunter and Taylor Green at multiple positions.
Ken lays out his full case for picking the Browns to beat Jacksonville, citing the team's health, week-one chaos league-wide, and the need to avoid the "bleepy football" mistakes Todd Monken keeps harping on. He and Anthony trade jabs about the jacksonville stadium's infamous pool, debating whether it's more disgusting than getting into a fight in the upper deck, while callers weigh in on the heat index and whether Ken has talked them into believing in a Browns cover. The segment also revisits an old Baker Mayfield meltdown game against the Steelers for laughs before wrapping with a tease about John's crash course in Cleveland sports misery.
Ken and Anthony parse Deshaun Watson's confusing "which Buffalo game" comment, ultimately theorizing he tanked his own preseason performance because he assumed the quarterback competition was already decided and thought Todd Monken would just get him off the field early. They argue that decision, whether real or perceived, suggests the coaching staff had already leaned toward Watson before that game ever mattered. Ken then pivots to swearing off comparing Spencer Fano, or any future Browns left tackle, to Joe Thomas, arguing the constant measuring stick was unfair to Jedrick Wills and does nothing but set up new players to fail.
Mary Kay Cabot joins Ken and Anthony to break down Tevin Jenkins' back injury, which could force two rookies onto the offensive line against Jacksonville, and gives her own win total projection of six to nine games for the Browns. She digs into Deshaun Watson's uphill battle to win back fans in the first two games, comparing his fragile psyche to Baker Mayfield's thicker skin, and defends the Jared Verse trade over reported offers from Buffalo and the Rams for Myles Garrett. The segment closes with Ken and Anthony ribbing her over the Browns' upcoming trip to Australia and whether curiosity about the location will draw viewers.
Ken and Anthony reignite their argument over whether fans will watch tonight's Rams-49ers game in Australia purely out of curiosity about the setting, with Ken insisting the novelty draws viewers and Anthony arguing football is football no matter the location. They compare it to past international games in London and Tokyo, debate the NFL's motives for expanding the league's global footprint, and speculate on what a cricket stadium retrofitted for football will actually look like. The segment wraps by teasing Mary Kay Cabot's upcoming appearance and news of possible offensive line changes.
Ken and Anthony bring in producer John to break down the Guardians' meltdown loss, where Foster Griffin gave up eight runs in the third inning, and question why Stephen Vogt didn't pull him sooner and why his measured postgame comments feel too much like Todd Monken-style spin for a team fighting for a wild card spot. They also wonder if the Guardians got a lemon in the Griffin trade given his ballooning ERA since the deal. The segment closes with a tribute to longtime ESPN hockey analyst Barry Melrose, who died at 70, with both hosts crediting his personality for making hockey watchable for non-fans.
Ken and Anthony marvel at how much more bullish national NBA analysts are on James Harden and the Cavaliers than local fans, pointing to Cleveland's hot start with Harden last season and defending the Darius Garland trade given his injury history. They then rehash the Myles Garrett trade, weighing whether Andrew Berry should have shopped him to more teams after a report surfaced that Buffalo offered three first-round picks, ultimately concluding the Rams package with Jared Verse was the smarter, less messy move.
Ken and Anthony debate the Browns' defensive scheme with Jim Schwartz and Grant Delpit, arguing the loss of Myles Garrett forces more man coverage since the roster isn't built to survive playing zone. They pivot to Deshaun Watson getting caught going 86 in a 60, using it to unpack whether athletes get preferential treatment from police and how much leniency fans extend to speeding stars depending on team success. The segment closes by teasing Mary Kay Cabot's upcoming appearance and a question about whether Guardians manager Stephen Vogt deserves criticism if the team's slide continues.
Ken and Anthony revisit their season win totals (five and four wins) after Ross Tucker publicly doubts anyone actually believes the Browns can hit eight wins, floating a polygraph test to settle it. Nick Wilson defends his own 8-9 prediction by pointing to shaky playoff teams like the Vikings and Panthers, sparking a debate about whether a Shedeur Sanders-fueled late-season surge would actually be good for the franchise's 2027 quarterback plans. The guys circle back to the offensive line as the swing factor for the whole season, comparing it to Patrick Mahomes' early struggles behind a bad line in Kansas City.
Ken and Anthony dig into the health of the Browns' front seven and offensive line question marks, with Ken arguing this is the healthiest and best chance to be bullish on the team before they play a snap. Callers weigh in on Ken's history of predicting Browns wins, including one who reminds him he once guaranteed a victory to a classroom of kindergartners who then watched the team lose. The conversation also touches on Deshaun Watson's shrinking leash, with Ken and Anthony debating whether fan pressure will force a quarterback change if he struggles against Jacksonville.
Ken and Anthony rip apart Wednesday night's ugly Patriots-Bills season opener, mocking the "any football is good football" crowd and dissecting Sam Darnold's hip injury and Drake Maye's rough night. They pivot to the Browns-Jaguars opener, arguing the sloppy prime-time game is actually good news for Cleveland's chances against a favored Jacksonville team. The segment closes on Ken's yearly tradition of picking the Browns to win week one, with the guys debating whether that pick means anything and taking calls from fans on it.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima examine the fallout from the Western Michigan and Michigan officiating controversy and review Baker Mayfield's lucrative extension with the Buccaneers. They are joined by Zac Jackson and several divisional experts to preview the upcoming NFL season and analyze ownership changes for the Cleveland Guardians. (00:02:25) Radio Station Morning Banter (00:05:15) Local Convenience Store Reviews (00:07:45) Steinbrecher Criticism Of Michigan (00:18:45) Baker Mayfield Extension Analysis (00:28:30) Comparing Baker To Deshaun (00:41:35) Zac Jackson Browns Preview (00:50:15) Drafting Future Browns Quarterbacks (01:03:15) College Football Quarterback Rankings (01:17:50) Cleveland Fan Season Pessimism (01:26:25) Around The AFC North (01:35:20) Steelers Rivalry And Expectations (01:42:25) Guardians Minority Ownership Changes (01:50:30) Sports Ownership Financial Models (01:54:00) Michigan Academic Arrogance Debate (02:04:40) Commissioner Steinbrecher Live Interview (02:16:10) Akron Football Innovation Strategy (02:25:40) Quarterback Market Tier Discussion (02:35:25) Deshaun Watson Audition Weeks
Ken and Lima react to Baker Mayfield's massive contract extension with the Buccaneers and debate whether the Browns should have learned a harder lesson from the Deshaun Watson trade. They also break down the MAC's appeal regarding the Michigan-Western Michigan game clock error and the national fallout for the Wolverines. (00:01:50) Lima's Early Morning Horn (00:07:36) MAC Clock Controversy Letter (00:14:04) Albert Breer on Michigan (00:19:52) Baker's Massive Extension (00:29:54) Baker Joining a Rival (00:38:04) The Deshaun Watson Lesson
Zac Jackson of The Athletic shares a harsh assessment of Deshaun Watson's future in Cleveland, suggesting a very short leash for the struggling quarterback. Anthony and Tony analyze the disconnect between fans and the coaching staff regarding the depth chart. They also reflect on Baker Mayfield's growth and preview the high-stakes matchup between Ohio State and Texas. (00:02:02) Zach Jackson on Watson's Future (00:08:00) Watson vs Baker Mayfield (00:12:56) Taylen Green and Shedeur Sanders (00:18:57) Replay: Watson Over/Under (00:25:20) Baker Mayfield's Extension (00:36:44) Reacting to Watson's Reality
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima analyze the addition of Denzel Ward and Travis Kelce to the Cleveland Guardians ownership group. They also critique the culture surrounding Michigan football and debate the perceived elitism of the Wolverines' fan base. The discussion includes season previews for the Ravens, Bengals, and Steelers. (00:01:50) Ravens Season Preview (00:06:45) Bengals Defense Analysis (00:10:45) Steelers Replacement Excitement (00:19:08) Guardians Minority Owners (00:24:50) Private Equity Ownership (00:32:35) Michigan Football Criticism (00:36:25) Ohio State Memories
MAC Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher joins Ken Carman and Anthony Lima to explain the technical failures and protocol lapses during the controversial conclusion of the Western Michigan and Michigan game. They also discuss Akron's fan play-calling initiative and evaluate the pressure on Deshaun Watson to perform for Browns fans. (00:01:50) Jon Steinbrecher Interview (00:06:00) Overturning Official Decisions (00:10:05) Advocating For MAC Teams (00:14:00) Akron Fan Play-Calling (00:20:50) Baker Mayfield & Shedeur Sanders (00:25:45) Arch Manning Draft Hype (00:34:45) Todd Monken on Deshaun Watson (00:38:50) Watson’s Performance Pressure
Ken and Anthony revisit Todd Monken's diplomatic take on Deshaun Watson's postgame comments about fans, but they're skeptical it papers over the real issue heading into a homecoming matchup against his old team. Ken argues the next two weeks are effectively a trial run for Watson, since a poor showing at home could force a quick switch to Shedeur Sanders regardless of whether the rookie is truly ready.
Ken fires back at online Shedeur Sanders defenders claiming he's a top-two quarterback when healthy, arguing Baker Mayfield's new deal proves the league views him as good but not elite. He and Anthony pivot into a debate over Arch Manning's draft stock and whether Shedeur's fifth-round slide was really about talent or about him and his family limiting which teams he'd talk to.
MAC Commissioner Dr. Jon Steinbrecher joins Ken and Anthony to break down the technical mix-up behind Western Michigan's disputed loss, explaining how two unsynced clock feeds in the Big Ten's replay system led officials to misapply the established protocol. He also addresses why the conference isn't pursuing legal action, praises Western Michigan's classy response to the controversy, and weighs in on Akron's fan-controlled play-calling promotion
Ken makes clear he doesn't hate Michigan, but he can't stand the program acting above the fray on scandals while pretending football matters less to them than academics, contrasting it with Ohio State fans who at least own their history. He and Anthony revisit J.J. McCarthy's underwhelming title-winning résumé and argue the whole country is now rooting against Michigan heading into their Oklahoma matchup after the disputed Western Michigan finish.
Ken and Anthony try to guess how much it costs to become a minority owner of the Guardians after Denzel Ward and Travis Kelce joined new investor David Blitzer's ownership group, landing somewhere between five and ten million dollars with zero math to back it up. They debate whether Blitzer's sprawling portfolio (76ers, Commanders, Devils, and more) means the Guardians get a real spending splash or just more private-equity-style restraint, while ranking which local celebrity investors they're actually allowed to yell at.
Ken Weinman (Baltimore) breaks down concerns about the Ravens' revamped offensive line and predicts a big year from Derrick Henry, while Mo Egger (Cincinnati) weighs whether Baker Mayfield exposes a shaky Bengals secondary and doubts Zac Taylor gets fired mid-season. Chris Mueller (Pittsburgh) closes it out on Mike Tomlin's Minecraft habit, T.J. Watt's declining pass rush, and a "somber" Falcons fan base bracing for Tua Tagovailoa.
Ken argues this is the most down he's felt about a Browns season in 15 years on the air, tying that mood directly to Zac Jackson's blunt assessment that Watson has nothing left that challenges NFL defenses. He wonders whether fans would trust the quarterback call more if a proven winner like John Harbaugh or Mike Tomlin were making it instead of first-year coach Todd Monken, and hopes Monken's patience with Watson is really about Shedeur Sanders not being ready yet rather than genuine belief in Watson.
The Athletic's Zac Jackson joins Ken and Anthony to set an over/under of 10.5 quarters on how long Deshaun Watson lasts as the Browns' starter, questioning whether anyone outside the building actually believes in him. He also breaks down Baker Mayfield's near-identical statistical output across his career despite the revisionist narratives, and previews the murky quarterback picture behind Watson, including Taylen Green's limited reps and Cleveland's likely path toward drafting a passer high next spring.
Ken and Anthony bring producer John in and try to guilt him into trashing Tanner Bibee and Joey Cantillo, pointing to his past callouts of Chase DeLauter and Travis Bazzana as good luck charms, but John pushes back with stats defending Bibee's rough run support. The trio then debates the Guardians' 60% playoff odds with 16 games left and argues over whether baseball's regular season needs to shrink to compete with football's growing footprint.
Ken and Anthony debate whether it'd sting Browns fans more to see Baker Mayfield's new $160M Buccaneers deal or a hypothetical free-agent move to Pittsburgh, with Ken openly rooting for a rival scenario since he still doubts Baker's body and Super Bowl ceiling. The conversation spirals into a full audit of the Deshaun Watson trade, with Anthony pushing Ken on whether the front office actually learned anything before their next quarterback decision.
Ken puts his hand up and swears he never bought into "we should've kept Baker" revisionism, walking through just how bad things got before the Deshaun Watson trade. He and Anthony argue Baker's three-year, $160 million extension in Tampa is actually good news for Browns fans too, since it should push the Haslams to handle their next franchise quarterback with more patience and tighter reins than they gave Baker.
Ken and Anthony dig into MAC commissioner Dr. John Steinbrecher's formal appeal disputing the controversial extra second that let Michigan escape with a win over Western Michigan, plus the NCAA's admission it will change replay clock protocol going forward. They debate whether this saga becomes a permanent stain on Michigan's season, pointing to AP voters and longtime pollster Jeff Sagarin already crediting Western Michigan with the win.
Lance Reisland and Daryl Ruiter break down the Deshaun Watson vs Trevor Lawrence, Todd Monken's coaching debut, what to expect from the young skill players on offense, the new defense and more.
Carman and Lima debate the flaws of using college statistics to evaluate professional quarterback prospects, emphasizing traits over raw numbers. They highlight standout performances from Julian Sayin and LaNorris Sellers while previewing the pressure on Arch Manning in his upcoming matchup against Ohio State. (00:01:45) Scouting College Quarterbacks (00:04:04) Stats vs Pro Traits (00:09:36) Arch Manning's Big Test (00:12:34) Week 1 Stock Report (00:15:14) Hairlines and Personal Plans
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima discuss the Cleveland Browns quarterback depth chart and speak with Head Coach Todd Monken about Deshaun Watson's confidence heading into the season. They also analyze the officiating controversy during the Michigan game and preview the highly anticipated Ohio State versus Texas matchup with Doug Lesmerises. (00:02:43) Taylen Green Package (00:07:10) Emergency QB Rules (00:13:10) Roster Spot Logic (00:17:37) High School Recap (00:24:32) Taysom Hill Comparison (00:30:27) Michigan Clock Fiasco (00:37:34) Rushing The Field (00:47:46) Todd Monken Interview (00:52:34) Watson Mental State (00:56:50) Developing Young Talent (01:03:26) Weekly Captains Rationale (01:11:44) Post-Interview Analysis (01:18:31) Fan Disconnect Issues (01:25:15) Captaincy In NFL (01:33:54) Ohio State Hype (02:00:37) Doug Lesmerises Preview (02:05:04) Jeremiah Smith Impact (02:12:09) Conference Payout Logic (02:30:11) Closing Browns Thoughts
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima dive into the Cleveland Browns' quarterback depth chart, focusing on the potential use of Taylen Green as a weapon over Shedeur Sanders. They dissect the NFL's emergency third-quarterback rules and debate whether playing Green would be an indictment of Sanders' development. Finally, they react to the controversial finish of the Michigan versus Western Michigan game and St. Ignatius' recent gridiron dominance. (00:03:53) Browns QB Depth Chart (00:07:03) Emergency QB Rule Breakdown (00:12:00) Backup QB Gamesmanship (00:19:22) High School Football Recap (00:22:25) Taysom Hill Precedent (00:32:31) Michigan Clock Controversy
Todd Monken joins Ken Carman and Anthony Lima to discuss naming Deshaun Watson the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns. They explore Watson's mental preparation and the development of backup Shedeur Sanders ahead of the Jacksonville matchup. The conversation concludes with an analysis of the fan base's complicated relationship with their veteran passer. (00:02:15) Michigan Clock Controversy (00:08:53) Todd Monken Interview (00:14:54) Shedeur Sanders Development (00:22:14) Offensive Line Overhaul (00:29:16) Fourth Down Analytics (00:36:42) Watson Mental Hurdles
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima break down the controversial decision to rotate team captains and the impact of leadership in the locker room. They also compare the local excitement surrounding the upcoming Cleveland Browns game against the massive college football showdown between Ohio State and Texas. (00:01:20) Taylen Green Backup Role (00:05:30) Weekly Captaincy Debate (00:10:00) Quarterback Leadership Dynamics (00:16:45) Coin Toss Traditions (00:20:30) Roster Depth and Rookies (00:23:30) Shedeur Sanders Development (00:30:45) Buckeyes vs. Texas Hype (00:36:30) Dante Moore Performance Review
Doug Lesmerises joins to break down the highly anticipated Ohio State vs. Texas matchup and the emergence of freshman star Jeremiah Smith. They explore offensive vision for the Cleveland Browns, including the potential role for Taylen Green and the development of Shedeur Sanders. The conversation also covers the Michigan clock controversy and fan reactions to Deshaun Watson's status as the starter. (00:02:21) Doug Lesmerises Joins (00:05:13) Ohio State Stars Analysis (00:09:05) Buckeyes Run Game Issues (00:12:15) Michigan Clock Controversy (00:19:51) Browns Quarterback Debate (00:24:20) Taylen Green Weapon (00:33:50) Deshaun Watson Discussion
A caller named Ray argues he's not upset about Deshaun Watson starting, pointing to Kevin Stefanski's poor situational usage of Watson and calling it a legitimate redemption story worth backing under new leadership. Ken Carman agrees with the caller's take on Shedeur Sanders too, saying it's smart to shield him behind a brand-new offensive line still finding its footing rather than throw him in before he's ready. Carman closes by reinforcing that two different coaching staffs have independently said Sanders wasn't ready, framing it as a timing issue rather than any kind of conspiracy against him.
Ken Carman pushes back hard against the idea that using Taylen Green in a package of plays is a slight to Shedeur Sanders, arguing Todd Monken is simply trying to win Sunday and that the Browns' thin roster forces tough tradeoffs at every position, not just quarterback. He acknowledges the backlash risk if Deshaun Watson gets hurt early and Green ends up as the emergency-QB fallback instead of Sanders, but insists it's far too early in the season for fans to assume the front office has already given up on winning.
Doug Lesmerises joins the show to preview Ohio State-Texas, praising Jeremiah Smith's rare talent and Julian Sayin's near-perfect opener while noting Ohio State's offensive line shuffling at right tackle as a concern against Texas' pass rush. He also weighs in on the Michigan-Western Michigan clock controversy, criticizing the Big Ten for its slow, insufficiently forceful response and speculating money may be why Western Michigan and the MAC haven't pushed back harder. Lesmerises closes by questioning Michigan's coaching staff after head coach Kyle Whittingham gave a tepid endorsement of Bryce Underwood following an underwhelming performance.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima argue that despite the spread, they actually like the Browns' chances against Jacksonville in a sloppy Week 1 matchup, but admit Ohio State-Texas is the far bigger draw for local fans given the Heisman-caliber quarterbacks and star power like Jeremiah Smith. They praise Dante Moore's performance against Boise State as an encouraging sign for Browns fans banking on his future, and take a call from a fan openly rooting for a Browns blowout loss to force a quarterback change.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima take calls debating Todd Monken's rotating weekly captains, with callers arguing the honor should be earned over a season rather than handed out on rotation, while Lima points to the Super Bowl champion Seahawks doing the same thing as proof it can work. The conversation shifts to Shedeur Sanders, with Carman arguing Monken's praise of his development and their cafeteria lunches shows genuine investment rather than lip service, and that Sanders simply wasn't ready to play last year amid the team's dysfunction. Carman pushes back on the idea that acknowledging Sanders was behind is some kind of attack on him, framing it instead as an honest look at his growth under a new coaching staff.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima break down Todd Monken's interview, defending the coach's cagey answer on Taylen Green as smart gamesmanship that leaves Jacksonville guessing. They then dig into the weekly-captain system, with Carman arguing captaincy should be a fixed honor rather than rotating and questioning whether Deshaun Watson deserves the title at all given his uncertain grip on the starting job. The two go back and forth on what real leadership looks like, floating names like Denzel Ward, Jerry Jeudy and Spencer Fano as candidates for a permanent captain group.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima react to Todd Monken's comments about Deshaun Watson's headspace, with Carman admitting Watson looked "unrecognizable" and mentally beaten down compared to his pre-Cleveland peak, drawing a comparison to LeBron James struggling under villain status with the Heat. They debate whether Watson starting has quieted the usual preseason hype cycle among Browns fans, with Carman noting his friends are far more excited for Ohio State-Texas than for Jacksonville. The conversation turns to whether fans can ever move past Watson's comments about being booed during his injury, with Lima pointing out he never actually apologized.
Head coach Todd Monken joins the show to break down his QB decision, saying Deshaun Watson earned the start through his "full body of work" and ability to operate on the road, while confirming Taylen Green could still see a package of plays given his skill set. Monken addresses the fallout from Watson's rough preseason outing against the Bills, describing a direct conversation where the QB admitted he hadn't handled things well, and praises Shedeur Sanders' growth and diligence even in a backup role. He also touches on the offensive line overhaul, his weekly-captain system, fourth-down aggressiveness, and gives his honest take on the Michigan-Western Michigan clock controversy.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima keep hashing out the Michigan-Western Michigan clock controversy, with a caller recalling a similar officiating gripe from an old Akron-Michigan game. Carman argues the loss wouldn't have been a season-killer historically while Lima counters that Michigan's quarterback play looked bad regardless of the extra second.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima rip into the controversial extra second that let Michigan escape Week 1 with a Hail Mary win over Western Michigan, mocking the "Michigan time" clock controversy as a scandal that'll follow the program forever. They compare it to the sign-stealing saga, arguing Michigan essentially bought a win from a MAC opponent that needs the money too much to fight it.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima keep chewing on the Taylen Green backup quarterback question, with a caller pitching the idea of activating three QBs to sidestep the whole controversy. Carman shoots it down, arguing a thin roster can't afford to bench a lineman or tight end just to keep Green active as a gadget weapon, and draws a comparison to Sean Payton's early use of Taysom Hill.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima dig into Todd Monken's cagey comments about possibly dressing three quarterbacks, wondering if Taylen Green could leapfrog Shedeur Sanders as Deshaun Watson's primary backup. They dive into the NFL's actual emergency-quarterback rules, debating loopholes around designations, Wildcat formations and re-entry after injury. Carman argues it's likely just gamesmanship or a way to justify Green's roster spot, while questioning what it would really say about Sanders if it's true.
The Full Morning Show from Labor Day. Spencer German and Lance Reisland in for Ken and Anthony on September 7, 2026.
Michigan football is in the spotlight as Spencer German and Lance Reisland break down the Wolverines’ win over Western Michigan and debate what the performance says about this team moving forward. Then, Coach Riz ranks the top college quarterbacks after Michigan’s controversial clock-management debacle, sparking a bigger conversation about the best signal-callers in the country. Plus, look ahead to the future of college football’s biggest quarterback names and ask the question: Will Arch Manning end up not declaring for the NFL draft after this season?
Is Todd Monken being set up for failure in Cleveland? Dive into the expectations, challenges, and pressure surrounding the Browns’ offensive coordinator and what it could mean for the team this season. Then, attention turns to the Guardians and analyze their October potential. Can Cleveland make a serious postseason run, and what will it take for the Guardians to make noise when the stakes are highest? Plus, Dom Clary joins us to share his firsthand experience at the legendary “Bail Mary” game, giving us an inside perspective on a moment that will go down in CFB history.
The Browns are entering a new era—and there are plenty of questions surrounding what this team will look like. Lance breaks down his expectations for a run-first Browns offense and explains why he believes we could see multiple starting quarterbacks this season. Then, NFL insider Eric Edholm joins the conversation to discuss Deshaun Watson’s leash, the pressure surrounding the quarterback position, and the Browns’ new direction under their current regime. Finally, Lance and Spencer go head-to-head over the biggest question of all: Are the Browns a legitimate NFL sleeper? They debate the roster, the expectations, and whether Cleveland could surprise the league this season.
Todd Dery joins the conversation to discuss the Guardians, their postseason outlook, and what’s ahead for Cleveland baseball. We also dive into the Browns and the big question surrounding Deshaun Watson: how short is his leash, and what happens if things don’t go as planned? Plus, preview the Browns’ matchup with the Jaguars, examine the key storylines and players to watch, and wrap things up with some bold Super Bowl predictions.
Lance analyzes the Browns' season opener against the Jaguars, highlighting the defensive line's advantage against the Jacksonville interior. They evaluate coaching strategies and personnel groupings before sharing their official Super Bowl predictions and NFL MVP picks.
Spencer German and Lance Riseland evaluate the possibility of the Cleveland Browns benching Deshaun Watson if he struggles early in the season.
Spencer and Lance are joined by Todd Derry to break down the Cleveland Guardians' performance as the postseason approaches. They discuss the potential impact of stars like Jose Ramirez, the health of Chase DeLauter, and how the pitching rotation of Tanner Bibee and Gavin Williams stacks up against AL competition. The conversation also explores Stephen Vogt's managerial style and the team's remaining schedule.
Lance and Spencer evaluate the Browns' status as a sleeper team and the critical role of the offensive line in securing first downs. They explore Deshaun Watson's future with the team and how special teams and the run game will dictate their success this season.
Eric Edholm joins Spencer German and Coach Riz to analyze Deshaun Watson's outlook and the "new-look" Cleveland Browns. They discuss the impact of rookies like KC Concepcion, the hiring of Todd Monken, and provide Super Bowl predictions. The segment concludes with a sports update on NFL rule changes and the Guardians' recent success.
Coach Riz and Spencer evalute the Cleveland Browns' identity heading into the 2026 season, highlighting the team's increased physicality under Todd Monken. They project a run-dominant offensive strategy and discuss why the franchise will likely start more than one quarterback this year.
Dominic Cleary joins Lance to discuss the controversial 'Bail Mary' ending between Western Michigan and Michigan. They analyze the Broncos outplaying the Wolverines physically, the officiating errors regarding the game clock, and Bryce Underwood's struggles during the high-stakes matchup.
Spencer German and Coach Riz evaluate the Cleveland Guardians' postseason trajectory following a key series victory over the Tigers. They analyze the team's pitching rotation, recent deadline moves, and the upcoming schedule as the playoff race intensifies.
Spencer German and Lance Riseland evaluate if Todd Monken has been positioned for success or failure in his first year leading the Browns. They discuss the implications of trading Myles Garrett and the stability of the quarterback room involving Deshaun Watson.
Spencer and Lance evaluate top college quarterback prospects like Dante Moore and LaNorris Sellers while debating the Cleveland Browns' future draft strategy. They also discuss how NIL is impacting player development and why Arch Manning may decide to stay at Texas for his full four years.
Coach Riz breaks down his top college quarterback rankings after week one, highlighting standouts like LaNorris Sellers and Dante Moore. They also discuss the clock controversy in the Michigan versus Western Michigan game and the impressive leadership of coach Lance Taylor.
Spencer German and Lance Reisland in for Ken and Anthony on Labor Day Monday. The pair analyze the controversial finish in Michigan’s narrow victory over Western Michigan. They discuss the officiating drama, the Wolverines' lack of physical dominance, and the classy response from Western Michigan's coaching staff.
92.3 The Fan presents a selection of guest appearances and interviews during the past week with The Ken Carman Show, Baskin & Phelps, and The Afternoon Drive. Featuring Mary Kay Cabot, Albert Breer, and Chris Assenheimer.
92.3 The Fan presents a selection of conversations about the Browns during the past week from The Ken Carman Show with Anthony Lima, Baskin & Phelps, and The Afternoon Drive. The guys react to comments from Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, who asserts that teams should make personnel decisions based on fan preferences. Plus, discussion on whether Todd Monken could potential be one-and-done as Browns head coach; thoughts on the final 53-man roster; and who else needs to step up on offense aside from the QB.
In this episode of The Ken Carman Show with Anthony Lima, the hosts break down a bizarre scandal involving a Cleveland Guardians prospect in the Dominican Republic who fabricated a fake identity and death certificate to appear younger. They also discuss regional sports headlines, including fan backlash over new streaming costs for Cavaliers games, college football quarterback rankings, and how the Deshaun Watson trade compares to other infamous deals in sports history.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima recount a recent fan event where nobody would claim a signed Deshaun Watson card, highlighting local frustration with the quarterback. They debate the decision to start Watson over Shedeur Sanders and speak with Daryl Ryder about roster dynamics heading into Week 1. Guardians GM Mike Chernoff also joins to discuss the team's stretch run and the development of young players like Travis Bazzana and Ralphy Velazquez. (00:02:01) Fan 15 Event Recap (00:07:10) Watson Signed Card Debacle (00:13:00) Colorado Simulation Game Review (00:18:20) Guardians Drop Series Review (00:24:50) Watson Vs Shedeur Sanders (00:30:30) Todd Monken Strategy Debate (00:35:45) Albert Breer QB Analysis (00:40:25) Browns Contract Vs Talent (00:50:15) Deshaun In Cleveland Call (00:58:25) Ryan Day Job Status (01:12:54) Traffic Report (01:17:45) College Football Week One (01:25:15) Catherine Raiche Roster Breakdown (01:32:45) Browns Coaching Stability Concerns (01:37:35) Interview With Daryl Ryder (01:55:15) Serial Golf Putter Thief (02:09:45) Monken Offensive System Discussion (02:17:15) Comparing NFL Dead Cap (02:25:15) College QB Prospect Watch (02:34:25) Interview With Mike Chernoff
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima recount a local event where fans surprisingly refused a signed Deshaun Watson card giveaway. They debate whether Todd Monken is making the right choice at quarterback and analyze the Browns' upcoming schedule against the Buccaneers. They also discuss the Guardians' recent struggles and the management of prospect Ralphy Velazquez. (00:02:50) Fan 15 Event Recap (00:05:05) Watson Card Giveaway Fiasco (00:08:00) Browns Schedule and Watson (00:12:50) Colorado Beats Georgia Tech (00:19:50) Guardians Roster Management Debate (00:24:05) Todd Monken QB Logic (00:34:45) Albert Breer Insider Analysis (00:41:30) Deshaun Watson Contract Debate
They explore the growing disconnect between Cleveland fans and Deshaun Watson, debating whether Todd Monken should transition to Shedeur Sanders. The conversation also analyzes Ryan Day's coaching pressure at Ohio State and the chaos of NCAA eligibility rulings. (00:02:11) Expectations For Todd Monken (00:05:20) Browns Fans Reject Watson (00:09:08) Caller Defends Starting Watson (00:15:14) NCAA Eligibility Issues (00:19:48) Ohio State Desperation Talk (00:23:13) Ryan Day Coaching Critique (00:33:13) Traffic Report (00:34:53) Guardians Wild Card Race (00:38:01) College Football Opening Weekend (00:41:07) LSU Legal Eligibility Ruling
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima discuss the potential fallout of a one-and-done coaching tenure and its effect on a young roster. Daryl Ryder joins to evaluate Deshaun Watson's performance and the quarterback competition with Shedeur Sanders. They also investigate a bizarre story involving a golf putter thief who resembles Baker Mayfield. (00:02:02) Coaching Stability Debate (00:07:17) Staff Turnover Risks (00:13:33) Daryl Ryder Interview (00:18:10) Watson vs Sanders (00:24:14) Browns Defense Outlook (00:30:29) Baker Mayfield Lookalike
Mike Chernoff discusses the Guardians' reliance on young talent like Chase DeLauter and Travis Bazzana as they push for a postseason run. Carman and Lima break down the financial reality of Deshaun Watson's contract and its comparison to other NFL quarterback situations on 92.3 The Fan. They also preview a graphic of top college quarterbacks to watch while exploring Steven Vogt's impact as a manager. (00:01:50) Cleveland Oktoberfest And Golf (00:04:52) Browns Season Confidence Check (00:10:14) Watson's Prohibitive Cap Hit (00:15:10) NFL Dead Cap Comparison (00:20:28) College QB Scouting List (00:27:32) Interview: GM Mike Chernoff (00:36:40) Steven Vogt's Clubhouse Leadership
Guardians GM Mike Chernoff joins Ken and Anthony to break down the offense's turnaround since the trade deadline, praising Chase Naylor's development and explaining why Travis Bazzana is hitting a rookie wall as pitchers adjust to him. He gives a detailed answer on why Ralphy Velazquez still hasn't been called up despite a torrid month in Triple-A, framing it as an opportunity problem rather than a performance one. Chernoff also weighs in on Cade Smith's underrated status following the Emmanuel Clase situation, Jose Ramirez's recovery from injury and his outlook on a potential 2027 work stoppage.
Ken and Anthony revisit the Deshaun Watson cap math with producer Owen before Ken makes his case for why five wins wouldn't be the disaster fans expect given the young talent on the roster. They roll out the show's weekly college quarterback watch list, debating whether CJ Carr is overrated given his schedule and hyping up names like Trinidad Chambliss and Sam Leavitt ahead of a big weekend of games. Ken also needles Darian Mensah's family setup while defending his consistency on the Manning family standard before the show heads into the Mike Chernoff interview.
Ken explains why the quarterback drama hasn't dampened his excitement for the season, using an extended magician analogy to argue Todd Monken's scheme can only mask Deshaun Watson's limitations for so long before defenses catch on. He fields a caller pushing back on the idea that the Browns can't cut Watson given the cap hit, pointing to how the Dolphins and Cardinals moved on from expensive quarterbacks, and lays out his own math on why the Browns pushed the pain down the road instead.
Ken and Anthony dig into a viral putter theft caught on camera at an Ohio golf course, then discover eerily similar thefts in Oklahoma and Nebraska, complete with a guy who looks like Baker Mayfield sword fighting his way out the door. They try to sort out whether it's all the same suspect, especially after a man already arrested in Oklahoma doesn't quite match the video, leaving the mystery unsolved. The guys have fun with the absurdity of the whole thing before setting up an appearance from Guardians GM Mike Chernoff.
Daryl Ruiter joins Ken and Anthony to react to a former GM picking Deshaun Watson for Comeback Player of the Year, pushing back that Watson has barely been available to play and calling the pick premature. He shares what he's actually seen in camp, framing the QB competition as Watson being "more ready to play" rather than definitively better and predicting the job eventually shifts to Shedeur Sanders. Ruiter also weighs in on the Browns defense taking a step back without Myles Garrett and Jim Schwartz, Denzel Ward's puzzling top 100 snub
Ken makes his case against the "one and done" mentality some fans have adopted toward Todd Monken, using comments from Katrina Hickman about the risk of cycling through coaching staffs while trying to develop one of the league's youngest rosters. He and Anthony debate whether a coaching change actually helps or hurts young players like Mason Graham and Carson Schwesinger, pointing to past staff turnover disasters at other positions as a cautionary tale. The two also spar over whether the Bill Belichick to Jerod Mayo situation in New England is a fair comparison for what could happen in Cleveland.
Ken and Anthony break down the Guardians' 6-3 loss, zeroing in on Travis Bazzana getting pinch hit for by David Fry and a costly error in the field before debating whether the team still has enough juice to hold onto the final wild card spot. They also run through a wild college football weekend, including UMass stunning Rutgers and a thrilling Colorado win over Georgia Tech, before diving into the chaos of a Louisiana judge letting former NFL players return to LSU's roster.
Ken and Anthony spend the segment arguing over whether Ryan Day deserves real credit as a coach or whether Ohio State's success comes down to superior talent, using a Pete Fiutak clip about desperation as a jumping-off point. The debate turns into a full comparison between Day and Urban Meyer, with both sides trading examples of bad losses and soft schedules to make their case. They also touch on Akron's quarterback eligibility mess ahead of the Robert Morris game and set up a preview of last night's college football action heading into the Daryl Ruiter segment.
Ken lays out his glass-half-full case for why Todd Monken's roster and quarterback decisions actually make sense given the Browns' cap situation and lack of depth, but admits it puts him in an unpopular spot with fans. A caller named Deshaun then pushes back hard, arguing the real reason Watson is starting has nothing to do with talent and everything to do with giving a desperate veteran one last shot at a payday. The debate boils over into a heated back and forth comparing the decision to Nick Chubb's final season, with Ken pushing the caller to defend a claim about Watson and Shedeur looking like the same quarterback in camp.
Ken and Anthony wrestle with fan disdain for Deshaun Watson boiling over, admitting they were stunned to see a caller actually show up and boo Watson at Fan 15 after promising to do just that. A caller named Paul then floats a theory neither host had considered in two weeks of debate, forcing them to confront an uncomfortable possibility about why Watson might still be ahead of Shedeur Sanders. The guys also needle themselves over how often they thank insider Albert Breer for his Browns intel only to immediately disregard it.
Ken and Anthony preview their upcoming interview with Guardians GM Mike Chernoff by unpacking the team's back-to-back series losses and whether anything Ralphy Velazquez does in the minors would actually earn him a call-up. From there they pivot into the ongoing QB debate, playing a clip of fellow radio hosts arguing that fan support for Shedeur Sanders is really just disdain for Deshaun Watson in disguise. The guys push back on the idea that Todd Monken owes anyone a detailed explanation for the competition and debate whether the fanbase is applying real logic or just years of frustration to the decision.
Ken and Anthony recap the Fan 15 event at Dave & Buster's, where a signed Deshaun Watson card sat unclaimed for so long they had to bundle it with a Shedeur Sanders card just to get someone to take it. They dig into what that says about the fanbase's lingering feelings on Watson heading into a make-or-break stretch that includes Jacksonville and Tampa Bay in the first two weeks. The guys also break down Colorado's ugly win over Georgia Tech and touch on the Bill Belichick/UNC scandal before setting up an appearance from Guardians GM Mike Chernoff.
The Ken Carman Show with Anthony Lima discusses the Cleveland Guardians' recent performance and the intense MLB playoff race. They also analyze the massive penalty handed to the Los Angeles Clippers, evaluate the controversy surrounding Cleveland Browns assistant general manager Catherine Raîche's recent press conference attire, and debate the team's quarterback situation. (00:02:20) Guardians Run Differential (00:07:13) Staff Personal Style (00:12:05) Clippers Cap Circumvention (00:17:04) Deshaun Watson Trade (00:23:00) Browns Quarterback Rumors (00:28:00) Roster Construction Discussion (00:35:27) Assistant GM Wardrobe (00:47:36) MLB Financial Discussion (00:55:31) Matt Derry Interview (01:06:43) Baseball Market Disparity (01:12:33) Professional Sports Ethics (01:19:37) Tiger Woods Driving (01:28:26) Mike Florio Analysis (01:35:01) Mary Kay Cabot (01:42:13) Offensive Line Depth (02:02:54) Executive Criticism Backlash (02:14:35) Colorado Season Preview (02:19:54) Worst Trade Rankings
Ken and Anthony analyze the Guardians' blowout loss and the impact of run differential on their playoff standings. They debate if the massive NBA penalties handed to the Clippers make the Kawhi Leonard deal worse than the Browns' trade for Deshaun Watson. Additionally, they examine Assistant GM Catherine Raîche's response to trade rumors and Meredith Kane’s critique of her press conference fashion choice. (00:01:50) Guardians Loss and Run Differential (00:08:14) Playoff Rotation and Pitching Decisions (00:12:01) Clippers Record Cap Circumvention Penalties (00:15:00) Leonard Versus Watson Trade Debate (00:21:45) Catherine Raîche Clarifies Trade Comments (00:28:56) Quarterbacks as Valuable Trade Currency (00:35:30) Predicting a Five Win Season (00:37:35) Meredith Critiques Raîche Fashion Choice
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima debate the necessity of an MLB salary cap after an ESPN report highlights anonymous player pushback. Matt Derry joins to discuss the Cleveland Guardians' recent defensive struggles and whether the team should bench rookie Travis Bazzana. They also analyze the NBA's major sanctions against the Los Angeles Clippers. (00:01:50) Guardians and Browns Preview (00:05:15) MLB Salary Cap Debate (00:12:01) Matt Derry on Guardians (00:17:54) Travis Bazzana Usage Debate (00:23:00) MLB Financial Reform Discussion (00:32:33) NBA Clippers Cap Sanctions (00:37:43) Tiger Woods Legal Trouble
Anthony Lima and Ken Carman evaluate the decision to start Deshaun Watson, debating whether public opinion should influence coaching staff choices. Mary Kay Cabot provides insight into the locker room atmosphere and addresses the criticism directed toward Catherine Raîche's wardrobe. They wrap up with a sobering look at the team's win total projections and the limitations of the current roster. (00:02:13) Earnhardt Anniversary Banter (00:05:46) Florio On Fan Influence (00:12:09) Mary Kay Cabot Interview (00:17:14) Roster Depth And Development (00:20:52) Offensive Line Injury Updates (00:30:22) Lima Defends Five-Win Outlook (00:36:09) Watson vs Sanders Curiosity
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima dive into the controversy surrounding Mary Kay Cabot's remarks on Browns Assistant GM Catherine Raîche's attire. They evaluate the fallout of the Kawhi Leonard trade for the Clippers and debate if it's more disastrous than the Deshaun Watson deal. (00:02:05) Mary Kay Cabot Controversy (00:07:21) Double Standards in Cleveland (00:13:08) College Football Season Preview (00:19:34) Comparing Historic Bad Trades (00:24:14) Baker Mayfield Franchise Status (00:33:56) Extreme Heat Training Acclimation (00:39:59) Akron Zips Season Opener
Ken and Anthony gripe about the brutal late-summer heat and humidity in Cleveland while ribbing each other over practice logistics for teams that train in Florida heat versus cold-weather playoff games. Ken pulls out a receipt from a conversation with Bernie Kozar about a playoff loss tied to acclimating for the cold, using it to settle an old argument with producer Keith. The guys also hype up the Fan 15th anniversary event at Dave & Buster's, including a possible off-air Q&A where Ken teases he might finally spill some stories he can't tell on air.
Ken and Anthony revisit the "worst trade in sports history" debate now that the Clippers' punishment includes a jaw-dropping haul of forfeited first-round picks tied to Kawhi Leonard, and argue over whether that finally unseats the Browns' Watson deal — with Myles Garrett's departure thrown into the mix as a wrinkle. They also wrestle with whether penalizing draft picks actually punishes the owner or just leaves Clippers fans holding the bag for years. Plus, the guys break down tonight's biggest college football matchups, including Colorado's high-stakes trip to Georgia Tech.
Ken and Anthony react to the backlash Mary Kay Cabot took online after defending Catherine Hickman's wardrobe choice on the show, and dig into whether there's a real double standard at play for women trying to break into NFL front offices versus guys like Freddie Kitchens or Bill Belichick. They trace the sweatshirt discourse back to old Browns fashion controversies, debate whether execs actually get free team gear, and land on a theory for how Hickman should handle her next press conference if she wants to shut the critics up.
Ken and Anthony debate whether starting Shedeur Sanders over Deshaun Watson would've actually changed the outlook for Week One, with Owen making the case that at least a Shador start would've been more exciting even if the win total stayed the same. The guys wrestle with trusting Todd Monken's read on the "little things" that don't show up on tape, and Ken admits he can't build a strong case for Shador beyond pure curiosity. Ken also locks in his season win total and explains why this year is about finding silver linings rather than actually competing.
Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot joins Ken and Anthony to defend Catherine Hickman after the internet piled on the assistant GM over her wardrobe, calling the criticism flat-out unfair given her résumé and workload. She also weighs in on whether Dillon Gabriel's convenient-timing IR stint was as coincidental as it looked, and sides firmly with Todd Monken's decision not to let fan sentiment sway the Browns' quarterback call. Cabot rounds things out with an inside look at how Monken has handled his first-year pressures, from the Myles Garrett trade to the Deshaun Watson fallout.
Ken and Anthony dig into Mike Florio's surprising take that Todd Monken should've weighed Browns fans' hatred for Deshaun Watson when deciding on a starter, and explain why they think Monken actually did consider it by opening up a real competition instead of just handing Watson the job. The guys break down what that QB competition really signals about the state of the quarterback room, and admit they don't expect much from Watson even with a fresh start. Plus, a Fan 15th anniversary aside turns into some good-natured family ribbing about Ken's lifelong devotion to Dale Earnhardt.
Ken and Anthony bring in producer John to break down the fallout from the NBA's massive sanctions against the Clippers over Kawhi Leonard's cap-circumvention scandal, questioning why Kawhi himself basically walks away unscathed while Steve Ballmer and the front office get hammered. They debate whether fans will actually hold a grudge against Kawhi the way they still do the Patriots, or whether this whole thing just fades into a punchline. The guys also dig into Tiger Woods' suspended driver's license and whether it does any real damage to his legacy, before teasing a "biggest cheaters in sports" power ranking later in the show.
Guardians insider Matt Dery joins Ken and Anthony to react to the ugly loss in Toronto, and pushes back on the idea of benching Travis Bazzana despite his rough second-half slump, making the case for why Angel Henao's hot bat doesn't mean Bazzana should sit. The crew also debates whether the Guardians would be better off as a wild card team than winning the division based on potential playoff matchups, and Dery weighs in on whether Ralphy Velasquez should get a September call-up. Dery then flatly disagrees with Ken and Anthony's earlier take that a lost MLB season would be worth it for a salary cap, setting up a spirited three-way debate on competitive balance.
The guys react to the Guardians' ugly 11-0 shutout loss to the Blue Jays and the Clippers' record-setting punishment from the NBA, then dive into an ESPN anonymous-player survey on a potential MLB salary cap and lockout. Ken and Anthony make the case that they'd gladly sacrifice an entire season if it meant a real cap and floor system, arguing it would finally put a team like the Guardians on level footing with big spenders. A caller pushes back with a pointed question about whether a high salary floor could actually force some owners to sell.
Ken and Anthony bring in producer Meredith for a second opinion on the ripped "Los Angeles Made Me Do It" sweatshirt Browns assistant GM Catherine Hickman wore to her press conference, and whether it was a tone-deaf choice so soon after the Myles Garrett trade. The crew tracks down where the shirt actually came from (hint: it's not as pricey as you'd think) and debates whether an assistant GM should be dressing more like the organization she represents. Along the way, Anthony also stakes his season-win prediction for the Browns and explains why he's not calling the year a total loss no matter the record.
Browns Assistant GM Catherine Hickman got asked point blank if the Browns fielded trade offers for a quarterback, and her non-answer (followed by an awkward self-correction seven questions later) had Ken and Anthony convinced something's up. They break down which Browns QB is actually the realistic trade chip, ruling names in and out based on injury status, contract situation and what a team would realistically be willing to give up. The guys also dig into who'd have the longer NFL career between two of Cleveland's young arms, with a take that might surprise you.
The Guardians dropped a lopsided one to the Blue Jays, and Ken and Anthony break down why Joey Cantillo's outing wasn't the disaster it looked like on paper. They dig into the run differential debate, Cleveland's error-prone infield, and why the wild card race still has Ohio on edge with Toronto lurking. Plus, a detour into the Kawhi Leonard-Clippers penalty saga has the guys arguing whether it tops the Browns' Deshaun Watson trade for worst deal in sports history.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima analyze the Cleveland Guardians' recent success and debate the management style of Steven Vogt. They discuss the Cleveland Browns' quarterback situation involving Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders, while also featuring interviews with AFC North insiders. The conversation extends to pop culture with Travis Kelce’s real estate news and a look at upcoming college quarterback prospects. (00:01:50) Ken Carman Show Intro (00:07:10) Steven Vogt Manager Evaluation (00:14:15) Guardians October Expectations (00:23:10) Todd Monken Watson Comments (00:30:45) Cleveland Browns Performance Outlook (00:37:00) Future NFL Draft Prospects (00:52:45) Travis Kelce Bratenahl Home (01:00:20) Fan Influence QB Decisions (01:07:45) About Last Night Recap (01:14:35) Tony Romo Legal News (01:19:35) AFC North Team Updates (01:29:45) NFL Roster Cut Debate (01:39:45) NFL Power Rankings Analysis (01:50:30) Sports Streaming Service Costs (01:59:10) Emery Hunt QB Grades (02:13:30) Top College Quarterback Prospects (02:29:50) Football Season Preview Discussion
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima react to the Guardians' series-opening victory and debate whether the win should be credited to manager Stephen Vogt. They also analyze controversial comments from Todd Monken regarding his evaluation of Deshaun Watson and discuss the high stakes for the Browns' upcoming season. (00:02:51) Guardians Positive Run Differential (00:06:01) Debating Steven Vogt Wins (00:09:36) Guardians Playoff Scenario Analysis (00:13:42) Assessing Cleveland's Postseason Fervor (00:20:11) Todd Monken's Watson Tape Comments (00:29:03) Deshaun Watson's Confidence Issues (00:37:02) Browns One-Year Audition Discussion
Ken and Lima discuss the controversy surrounding Todd Monken's comments on the Browns' quarterback situation and his disregard for fan input. They analyze the news of Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift buying a home in Bratenahl while evaluating whether Guardians' rookie Travis Bazzana needs more time on the bench. (00:01:37) Monken Film Study Controversy (00:05:08) Browns Roster Outlook (00:09:35) Kelce And Swift In Bratenahl (00:18:48) Monken On Fan Opinions (00:23:43) Trusting The Coaching Staff (00:28:44) Guardians Victory Recap (00:33:14) Romo And Kroenke Updates
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima weigh in on the controversial decision regarding whether coaches should personally call players during final roster cuts. They are joined by Bob Haney and Mo Egger to preview the Ravens and Bengals seasons while dissecting the Browns' low preseason power ranking. They also explore the mounting financial burden on fans as Cleveland teams move toward new streaming models. (00:02:15) Ravens AFC North Preview (00:06:05) Bengals Season Expectations (00:13:01) NFL Roster Cut Debate (00:24:00) Browns Power Rankings Analysis (00:34:32) Cost of Sports Streaming
CBS Sports Football Analyst Emory Hunt joins the program to argue that Deshaun Watson's contract is the only reason he is starting over Shedeur Sanders. They analyze the operational struggles of the Browns' offense and transition into a detailed breakdown of the top 10 college quarterbacks to watch this season, including Arch Manning and Nico Iamaleava. (00:02:19) Emiry Hunt Interview (00:06:01) Watson vs Sanders Debate (00:09:55) Draft Value Evaluations (00:14:37) Top College Quarterbacks (00:18:13) Arch Manning Comparison (00:23:20) Browns Quarterback Struggles (00:27:34) Monken's Starting Decision (00:35:17) Top 10 QB Lists (00:38:32) QB Family Involvement
Ken tries to duck the "top 10" format entirely and turns it into an unranked pool instead, which does not go over well. The two build out their draft eligible quarterback boards for the season, disagreeing on names like Trinidad Chambliss and Niko Iamaleava while somehow still landing Arch Manning near the top. Then Ken drops an oddly specific reason he's skeptical of one rising quarterback that has nothing to do with his play on the field. It leads to a genuinely interesting tangent about family involvement, social media, and what actually makes a quarterback room "loud."
Fresh off Emory Hunt's take, Ken and Anthony dig into the uncomfortable question hanging over the Browns' QB decision: is Deshaun Watson starting because he earned it, or because of his contract? The two get into why they're reluctant to call Shedeur Sanders a "gamer," why that word carries more baggage than people realize, and what it would actually mean if Todd Monken is deliberately starting the wrong guy. They also can't resist bringing Dillon Gabriel back into the conversation after his own preseason showing. It's a rare moment where Ken and Anthony don't fully agree with each other.
CBS Sports analyst Emory Hunt joins Ken and Anthony and makes clear he hasn't wavered on Shedeur Sanders, even after Deshaun Watson won the starting job. The three dig into what actually separated the two quarterbacks in camp, from pocket operations to who's actually afraid to throw the football. Hunt also pushes back hard on how draft evaluators and fans are treating a fifth round pick versus a former first round talent. Then the conversation turns to next year's quarterback class, where Hunt names his top prospects and doesn't hold back on a certain Texas Longhorn.
Ken and Anthony break down the Cavs' new streaming price hike and turn it into a bigger question about what it actually costs to be a sports fan in 2026. They run the numbers on chasing every NFL game alone before even factoring in the Guardians, the Cavs, and whatever else competes for your wallet. The two go back and forth on whether fans are finally being forced to cut a team loose, and whether that's actually bad news for these franchises long term. Plus, Anthony makes an unexpected case for a sport he's never actually followed.
Ken and Anthony revisit one of their most polarizing segments in years, sparked by the Browns not personally calling Taylen Green to tell him he made the 53 man roster. They dig into why teams handle those calls the way they do, using Michael Coates Jr.'s heartbreaking final cut as the emotional counterpoint. From there the guys tackle the Browns landing at 31st in ESPN's power rankings and whether this roster is actually built to lose or quietly built to compete. It turns into a real disagreement about the defense's ceiling without Myles Garrett, and how much faith to put in a retooled offensive line.
Ken and Anthony make their weekly swing around the division, checking in with Baltimore's Bob Haynie and Cincinnati's Mo Egger on where their teams really stand heading into Week 1. There's a top ten power ranking to unpack, a kicker battle worth watching, and a very different Joe Burrow than the one fans saw in December. Plus, the guys get called out on their own Browns coverage when a division rival makes the exact same roster move. And as usual, Pittsburgh's Andrew Fillipponi leaves them hanging.
Ken and Lima bring in producer John to recap Cleveland's 6-1 win over Toronto behind Gavin Williams' career-high 13 strikeouts and a trio of two-run homers, then dig into whether struggling Travis Bazana should sit in favor of Ángel Genao down the stretch, ultimately landing on giving Bazana more reps despite his brutal recent numbers. They also react to Tony Romo losing his driving privileges after a DUI plea tied to painkiller and alcohol dependency, and needle Stan Kroenke's record $4 billion purchase of the Angels given his mixed ownership track record across the Rams, Nuggets, and Avalanche.
Ken and Anthony react to news that Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift are purchasing a home in Bratenahl, joking about how often the couple will actually use it and reminiscing about Kelce's Cleveland Heights roots. They then pivot to Todd Monken's comments that fan opinion has zero bearing on his quarterback decision, with Ken and Anthony agreeing he's right to ignore the crowd and drawing a direct parallel to the Johnny Manziel-over-Brian Hoyer saga as a cautionary tale of letting fans dictate personnel calls.
Ken and Anthony dig deeper into the Todd Monken quarterback controversy, arguing that if he's lying about not watching Deshaun Watson's tape, it's a red flag for the whole hiring process, while noting the Browns' stockpile of first-round picks and cap space could make this a genuinely appealing landing spot for a future rookie quarterback. They play a clip of Monken insisting fan reaction never factors into his decisions, and debate whether that stubbornness will look admirable or tone-deaf if Watson struggles again in Jacksonville, with Ken suggesting Monken's approval rating has already taken a hit for choosing a QB much of the fanbase despises.
Ken and Anthony revisit John Fanta's take that Todd Monken could be on thin ice if the Browns struggle and the quarterback competition looks mishandled, and Ken admits he doesn't want to believe it but sees the warning signs. They compare the situation to Bill Parcells and Dick Vermeil getting away with "colorful" comments as winners versus Freddie Kitchens getting run out after one bad year, and debate whether Monken's roster thinness excuses a rough season or whether his comments about not watching Deshaun Watson's tape are already costing him credibility.
Ken and Anthony dig into Todd Monken's confusing claim that he hadn't really watched tape on a quarterback, trying to pin down whether he meant the preseason Bills game or Deshaun Watson's history with the Browns overall. Ken argues there's no way Monken took the job without evaluating Watson beforehand, and the two circle back to why Watson was even played in the meaningless Bills game if the staff wasn't putting stock in it, tying it to the QB's visible lack of confidence on the field.
Ken and Anthony celebrate Cleveland's 7-1 series-opening win over San Francisco, sparked by an Angel Martinez outburst and a pinch-hit Angel Genao home run, and debate whether it counts as a "vote win" for Stephen Vogt. They also note the Guardians hit a positive run differential for the first time since June 7th, then dig into playoff seeding scenarios (Astros vs. White Sox) and whether the fanbase is actually buzzing about an October run, drawing comparisons to a wide-open AFC South-style pennant race.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima debate the Browns' roster management strategies and the controversial communication process with players like Tylan Grable and Luke Floriea. They dive into a deep analysis of Deshaun Watson's future and Shedeur Sanders' professional outlook during interviews with Ben Axelrod and Sam Monson. Additional segments focus on the Guardians' prospect call-up logic and the implications of the Cavaliers' new streaming partnership with DAZN. (00:01:50) Browns Roster Cut Challenges (00:06:05) Tylan Grable Roster Debate (00:10:42) Roster Communication Logic Heated (00:15:48) Luke Floriea Local Impact (00:22:12) Myles Garrett Leadership Review (00:31:38) Shedeur Sanders Online Fandom (00:37:05) National Media Browns Perception (00:44:28) Luke Floriea Practice Squad (00:56:30) Ralphy Velazquez Callup Debate (01:08:30) Baseball Scouting Philosophy Debate (01:13:58) Maurice Bassett Award Winners (01:18:40) SEC Roster Eligibility Debate (01:23:28) Ben Axelrod On Watson (01:28:52) Tony Romo Broadcasting Future (01:43:08) Deshaun Watson Fan Reaction (01:52:22) Sports Update (02:03:02) Sam Monson Quarterback Analysis (02:12:00) Shedeur Sanders NFL Outlook (02:20:52) Cavaliers DAZN Partnership Details (02:36:08) Sports Media Viewing Costs
Kenny and Lima engage in a heated debate regarding whether NFL teams should inform fringe players like Luke Floriea when they have made the initial 53-man roster. They also analyze a recent piece on Myles Garrett's leadership and the intense online fandom surrounding Shedeur Sanders. (00:01:50) Analyzing Browns Fan Emotions (00:05:45) Roster Cut Communication Debate (00:12:20) The Initial 53-Man Process (00:22:35) Myles Garrett Leadership Critique (00:33:45) Shedeur Sanders Online Fandom (00:43:45) Guardians Prospect Ralphy Velazquez
Browns fans are expressing significant frustration after local standout Luke Floriea failed to make the roster. The conversation shifts to the Guardians' decision regarding Ralphy Velazquez's potential promotion amidst concerns about future labor strikes. They also evaluate the impact of rookie wide receivers Kevin Concepcion and Denzel Boston on the upcoming season. (00:02:53) Luke Floriea Roster Snub (00:08:10) Local Athlete Pressures (00:15:09) Halloween Decorating Debate (00:16:33) Ralphy Velazquez Call-Up (00:32:48) Browns Rookie Comparisons (00:38:13) College Football Morality
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima welcome Ben Axelrod to discuss the disconnect between national and local perceptions of Deshaun Watson's performance and character. They also explore the uncertainty surrounding Tony Romo’s contract at CBS and the fallout from Bill Simmons’ proxy betting admission. (00:01:40) Axelrod on Watson Coverage (00:07:17) Romo and JJ Watt (00:14:20) Simmons Proxy Betting Controversy (00:17:35) Media Shedeur Sanders Coverage (00:23:38) Shedeur Sanders vs Watson (00:32:35) Neutral Zone Football Segment
Sam Monson joins the program to break down the struggles of Deshaun Watson and why he believes the quarterback appears broken in the Browns' offensive system. They also explore the development of Shedeur Sanders and the potential for a new quarterback in the 2027 draft. Additionally, the conversation shifts to the new Cleveland Cavaliers broadcast deal with DAZN and its impact on local sports fans. (00:01:50) Cleveland Oktoberfest Contest (00:02:18) Deshaun Watson Performance Analysis (00:07:34) Shedeur Sanders Future Evaluation (00:13:28) Browns Long-Term Quarterback Plan (00:18:36) Arch Manning Ranking Debate (00:22:10) Cavaliers DAZN Broadcast Deal (00:27:45) NBA Media Consumption Trends (00:36:51) Sports Streaming Accessibility Issues
Ken and Anthony continue the DAZN streaming debate, taking listener calls and reminiscing about growing up when cable made every game feel effortlessly accessible, contrasting it with today's fractured landscape where NBA playoff games can jump between four or five different streaming platforms. A caller named Patrick argues the constant platform-hopping is going to cost leagues casual fans, and Ken agrees, noting that unlike football's tightly packaged schedule, sports like basketball and baseball rely on that "click in and get hooked" accessibility that paywalls are eroding. The segment wraps the show with Ken reflecting on how younger viewers, already used to streaming everything, may adapt more easily than older fans.
Ken and Anthony break down the Cavaliers' new streaming deal with DAZN, walking through the various monthly and season pass price tiers, and debate whether football-first Cleveland fans will actually pay for it given how disappointing last season's playoff exit felt. Ken argues sports should feel accessible and worries fragmented streaming deals are pushing fans toward highlight culture instead of full-game viewing, while Anthony pushes back by pointing to the NBA's surprisingly strong ratings and health despite predictions of its demise. They close wondering whether local interest in the Cavs will pick back up once football season disappoints, as it often does.
The 33rd Team's Sam Monson joins Ken and Anthony to argue there's no upside to starting Deshaun Watson this season, calling him a broken quarterback whose scheme fit, injury history, and layoff away from football have made his limitations worse, not better. Monson makes the case for giving Shedeur Sanders the year instead, explaining he's neither a bust nor a savior but a talented, inconsistent young passer who needs reps to find where he lands, while Ken pushes back that Sanders' current struggle for the job isn't necessarily an indictment. The conversation closes with Monson praising Todd Monken's offensive talent around whoever plays quarterback, and weighing in on Arch Manning's shaky case for the top 2027 draft spot.
In this week's Neutral Zone, John, Ken, and Anthony debate USC's shrinking attendance numbers, whether the NFL preseason is on its way out given 12 star quarterbacks sat out entirely, and question why fans pay for tickets to games coaches openly admit don't matter. They also weigh whether they'd rather have cut quarterbacks Will Levis or Joe Milton over Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders, and dig into the Rams' bizarre decision to name 11 team captains after Aaron Donald's return. The segment wraps with the hosts admitting the star-studded Rams will be must-watch TV, even if some of it is hate-watching Myles Garrett.
Building off Ben Axelrod's earlier point, Ken and Anthony wrestle with the uncomfortable truth that fans only still care about Deshaun Watson's off-field allegations because he's played poorly, contrasting it with how other quarterbacks with troubled pasts got a pass once they started winning. Ken gets reflective about his own past willingness to overlook draft prospects' allegations and admits the Browns lost the moral high ground the moment Watson underperformed, while both hosts push back on afternoon co-hosts Nick and Jonathan's claim that national excitement around the Browns hinges entirely on the quarterback. They close by acknowledging real optimism still exists around the young core (Fano, Concepcion, Fannin, Boston, Graham) even as the Watson cloud looms over the season.
Front Office Sports' Ben Axelrod joins Ken and Anthony to unpack Amazon's oddly glowing Deshaun Watson coverage during Thursday Night Football, arguing the segment felt disconnected from how Browns fans actually feel and tracing it back to Kirk Herbstreit's Clemson ties, while noting Watson's off-field story would be a non-issue if he simply played well. The conversation moves through Tony Romo's murky future at CBS amid his DUI arrest and the rise of JJ Watt, the NFL's quiet cancellation of the Pro Bowl, and Bill Simmons admitting to proxy betting through his daughter's boyfriend. Axelrod closes by praising the show's balanced Shedeur Sanders coverage compared to the local beat media.
Ken, Anthony, and producer John break down Casey Concepcion winning the Maurice Bassett Award before debating which rookie wide receiver, Concepcion or Denzel Boston, will have the better season, with Ken flip-flopping between Boston's yardage upside and Concepcion's big-play ability. They also weigh whether Harold Fannin Jr. can crack 1,000 receiving yards in a crowded quarterback room, landing closer to 900. The segment closes on the LSU-Ohio State controversy over NFL training camp players returning to college football, with the group debating Steve Sarkisian's moral objection against the reality that college football has already changed.
Producer John makes an impassioned case that the Guardians should call up power prospect Ralphy Velazquez immediately and let him play everyday over Nathaniel Lowe at first base, while Ken and Anthony push back that a looming 2026 labor lockout makes it smarter to protect his service time and keep him in Triple-A. The debate spirals into questions about scouting, whether hot minor-league streaks translate to the majors, and Ken's prediction that games won't resume until midseason if a lockout hits. It closes with Ken conceding that if the Guardians' lineup struggles in October, John will get to say "I told you so."
Ken and Anthony explain why the fanbase reacted so strongly to Luke Floreia getting cut from both the 53-man roster and the practice squad, tying it to fans desperately wanting a local, likable player to root for on a team they expect to be bad and don't like the quarterback for. They draw parallels to Nick Chubb and Denzel Ward as beloved homegrown Browns, while Ken explains why he's historically wary of hyping local prospects given how personally fans invest in them. The segment closes with Ken noting the deeper issue: with a roster fans can't easily rally behind, this looks like a long, joyless season ahead.
Ken and Anthony dig into the fallout from a segment where Lima was threatened online by Shedeur Sanders fans, comparing the intensity of "Shedourdom" to Tim Tebow mania and debating where these fans even came from given Sanders's Jackson State roots. Ken argues these fans refuse any criticism of Sanders, whether about his draft slot, his rookie play, or his path to starting, and connects it to a broader pattern of outside fans blaming the Browns organization rather than their quarterback because of the franchise's losing reputation. The conversation ties into the larger theme of Browns fans craving a player they can root for to offset their frustration with the team.
Ken and Anthony dig into an ESPN puff piece on Myles Garrett's leadership with the Rams, with Ken pushing back that Garrett was never a true leader in Cleveland, tracing tension back to the 2019 Mason Rudolph helmet incident and its fallout with Baker Mayfield. They contrast Garrett with Nick Chubb as the one player untouched by the franchise's dysfunction, and predict a season full of eye-roll-inducing national broadcasts glorifying Garrett and the Rams as legitimate Super Bowl contenders. Ken admits he'll have to grit his teeth through it, especially with Aaron Donald back in the mix.
Ken and Anthony spiral into a chaotic, circular debate over whether the Browns front office can call a bubble player like Taylor Green to tell him he made the initial 53-man roster before waivers are finalized, with producer Owen dragged in as a reluctant referee. The argument keeps resetting without resolution, touching on how reporters leak roster news before players even hear it and the Luke Floreia situation, until a text mid-segment confirms the Browns never planned to keep Floreia, which visibly rattles Ken. It opens with a brief note on a departed player's short but appreciated stint and an old "fish head" bit before the debate takes over.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima dissect the Browns’ roster decisions on The Ken Carman Show with Anthony Lima, focusing on the suspicious injury to Dillon Gabriel and the benching of Shedeur Sanders. They explore a bizarre identity fraud story involving a Guardians prospect and evaluate the team’s defensive depth concerns with guests Daryl Ruiter and Ari Wasserman. (00:02:00) Browns Roster Decisions (00:07:40) Gabriel Injury Conspiracy (00:14:15) Win Total Predictions (00:19:25) Caller Joe’s Accuracy (00:25:20) Floriea Roster Cut (00:31:40) Severino Identity Fraud (00:43:40) Watson Starting Leash (00:51:50) QB Transition Dynamics (00:57:45) QB Bench Precedent (01:04:15) National Media Perspectives (01:09:30) Lima Likes Jose (01:21:55) NFL Preseason Lull (01:27:20) Defense Depth Concerns (01:35:45) Ruiter Roster Analysis (01:45:20) Watson Tryout Runway (01:53:10) Benching Strategy Theory (02:01:35) Austrian Club Visit (02:16:45) Buckeyes Schedule Outlook (02:31:10) Sanders Colorado Future (02:37:10) Rams Culture Change
Ken and Anthony Lima react to the release of local favorite Luke Floriea and the conspiracy surrounding Dylan Gabriel's injury designation. They also detail a bizarre fraud case involving a Cleveland Guardians international prospect who fabricated his identity to appear younger. (00:04:45) Browns Quarterback Depth Chart (00:08:00) Dylan Gabriel Injury Conspiracy (00:14:15) Season Win Total Predictions (00:24:05) Local Favorite Luke Floriea (00:33:20) Guardians International Signing Scandal (00:39:45) International Scouting Process Debate
Ken and Anthony analyze the possibility of the Cleveland Browns making an early-season change at quarterback if Deshaun Watson continues to struggle on the field. They also review the Cleveland Guardians' current wild card standing and discuss strange storylines from the opening weekend of college football. (00:01:50) Deshaun Watson Benching Debate (00:06:35) Todd Monken Decision Making (00:11:10) Shedeur Sanders Discussion (00:17:50) Browns Locker Room Dynamics (00:22:28) NFL Analysts Weigh In (00:27:28) Guardians Wild Card Race (00:34:05) College Football Week Zero (00:38:10) Odell Beckham Jr. Rumors
Ken and Lima analyze the Simulation Browns as they head into the season, debating whether Deshaun Watson can maintain his starting role. Daryl Ruiter joins to discuss the heartbreak of local receiver Luke Floriea being cut and the mysterious injury to backup quarterback Dylan Gabriel. They outline a four-week runway for Watson before potentially turning to Shedeur Sanders. (00:02:22) Sim Browns Season Preview (00:06:07) Todd Monken's Quarterback Philosophy (00:09:16) Defensive Depth and Scheme (00:14:52) Daryl Ruiter joins Lima (00:26:02) Deshaun Watson's Final Tryout (00:30:04) Roster Depth and Waivers (00:35:08) Deshaun's Four Week Runway (00:38:35) Dylan Gabriel Injury Theory
Ken Karmann and Anthony Lima explore a potential scenario for the Browns' quarterback rotation before welcoming Ari Wasserman to discuss Ohio State's playoff outlook. They also weigh in on the national perception of Deion Sanders and Miles Garrett's leadership impact in Los Angeles. (00:02:16) German Club Stomping Grounds (00:06:00) Deshaun Watson Starting Strategy (00:10:05) Browns Offense Under Monken (00:17:16) Ari Wasserman Joins Show (00:24:11) Playoff Expansion Impact (00:32:11) Deion Sanders Colorado Future (00:38:12) Miles Garrett Leadership Debate
Ken and Anthony react to Rams reports crediting Myles Garrett with changing the team's culture, sparking a heated debate over whether Garrett was actually a good leader during his time in Cleveland. Anthony argues Garrett bears some responsibility for the Browns' dysfunction, pointing to the fallout from the helmet-swinging incident and reported tension with Baker Mayfield, while Ken pushes back that losing and poor quarterback play were the real culprits. The segment closes with a tease that Colorado fans may be upset with Ari Wasserman's earlier comments about Deion Sanders.
Ari Wasserman joins the show to argue Ohio State's daunting slate makes a four-loss season nearly unthinkable, while also praising Curt Cignetti's "cocky but lovable" rebuild at Indiana and calling Jeremiah Smith a rare throwback in an era where players rarely stay loyal to one program. He also weighs in on Deion Sanders' shaky standing at Colorado, noting the Buffaloes have faded fast since losing stars like Travis Hunter. The segment closes with a quick Browns tangent, as Ari says he can't find a football reason for Deshaun Watson to be starting over Shedeur Sanders.
Ken and Anthony game out the Browns' quarterback situation, floating a theory that Deshaun Watson starts as a bridge while Dillon Gabriel's mystery back injury conveniently keeps him out until Shedeur Sanders is ready to take over. A caller backs the theory, suggesting Watson rides out a "charade" before the team quietly moves on to Sanders for the rest of the season. The show closes on a heated debate over whether it's fair to question Todd Monken's offense and whether Cleveland has real odds against Jacksonville in the opener.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima float a wrinkle on the quarterback drama, wondering if Todd Monken skips Shedeur Sanders altogether and instead swaps Deshaun Watson straight for Dillon Gabriel once his four-week IR stint ends, using Gabriel's familiarity with the offense as a bridge before Shedeur eventually takes over. They dig into the mechanics of Gabriel's 21-day practice window and needle each other over the suspicious timing of his back injury, joking that Watson could develop the same mysterious ailment. The guys also debate whether Watson's diminished scrambling ability makes his "bad back" excuse more believable than it first seemed.
Daryl Ruiter joins Ken Carman and Anthony Lima to break down the Browns' 53-man roster fallout, predicting Luke Floriea clears waivers onto the practice squad and putting Deshaun Watson's runway at four to six weeks rather than a quick two-game hook. He shares some fun with the suspicious timing of Dillon Gabriel's back injury without going full conspiracy, and flags real concerns about depth on both lines and in the secondary after a rough preseason. Ruiter also weighs in on Austin Barber's chances of overtaking Teven Jenkins at guard and lands on six to eight wins as a realistic ceiling for this year's roster.
Ken Carman lays out his case for why the Browns' defense, not just the quarterback situation, deserves real concern this season, pointing to a lack of depth exposed by preseason absences from Denzel Ward, Tyson Campbell, and Carson Schwesinger. He argues that replacing Myles Garrett's production is only half the issue since the attention he drew opened things up for everyone else on defense, and worries Mike Rutenberg could take unfair blame if the unit slips from top-five to top-fifteen. Anthony pushes back some on the doom, and the two also debate whether the leaguewide preseason quarterback blackout traces back to Sean McVay before closing with more ribbing about Odell Beckham Jr.'s appearance.
In this edition of Lima Likes, Anthony Lima celebrates Jose Ramirez snapping his home run drought during an 11-1 rout of the Royals that keeps Cleveland's Wild Card hopes alive, while noting the Guardians remain firmly in "can" not "will" territory with 25 games left. He and Ken dig into Chris Antonetti's non-committal stance on prospect Ralphy Velasquez's call-up case, run through a sloppy college football weekend for Browns quarterback prospects like CJ Bailey, and close with an extended, mostly unserious debate over whether Odell Beckham Jr. has had work done.
Ken Carman doubles down on his prediction that Deshaun Watson gets benched for Shedeur Sanders by week three, arguing he doesn't believe Watson can play well anywhere, while Anthony and Owen push back with historical precedent on how long teams typically stick with a struggling starter. They bring in NFL Live analysis from Jason McCourty and Chase Daniel, both of whom argue the current setup could actually benefit Sanders' long-term development rather than rushing him into a sink-or-swim situation. The guys also flag the Romeo Crennel-Derek Anderson comparison as a cautionary tale for what happens if a backup gets hot.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima argue over whether Todd Monken would really pull the plug on Deshaun Watson just two weeks into the season, with Ken insisting Monken's inflexibility and gut-driven decision to start Watson week one means he sticks with him regardless of performance. Anthony pushes back that a disastrous 0-2 start with multiple picks would force Monken's hand, and the two debate whether it's easier to bench Watson for Shedeur Sanders than to go back to Watson afterward. They bring in Ryan Fitzpatrick's blunt take from Thursday night's broadcast and open the phone lines to see what fans think Monken owes his locker room.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima unpack a bizarre international scouting scandal involving a Guardians prospect who was actually two years older than the identity his trainer fabricated for him, complete with falsified birth records and a fake gravestone for his "deceased" true self. They debate whether MLB's age-13 signing system is fundamentally broken and push for an international draft, while noting the Guardians face no discipline since they were the deceived party. The guys can't resist riffing on the absurdity of a real headstone existing for a kid who never actually died.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima break down the outpouring of fan anger over Kent State favorite Luke Floriea missing the 53-man roster, weighing the cold football logic of a crowded wide receiver room against the emotional pull of a hometown story fans desperately want to rally around. They also revisit Anthony's "hot take" on Taylen Green's long-term future at quarterback and take a caller's question about their draft-prediction track record. The guys agree that in a season many expect to be rough, Floriea's absence stings differently than a typical roster cut.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima dig into the suspicious timing of Dillon Gabriel's newly disclosed back injury, which landed him on injured reserve just a day after strong preseason buzz had fans wondering if a trade was coming. They break down the 53-man roster with Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, and Taylen Green as the three active quarterbacks, weighing whether the move was a clever way to keep Gabriel in-house without burning a roster spot. The guys also touch on Taylen Green's role, the tight end mystery around Joe Royer, and why they're both leaning toward a five-win season despite some optimism on the offensive line.
92.3 The Fan presents a selection of interviews and guest appearances from during the past week with The Ken Carman Show with Anthony Lima, Baskin & Phelps, and The Afternoon Drive. Featuring Mary Kay Cabot, Chris Easterling, and Bryant McFadden.
Listen in as the hosts of 92.3 The Fan react to NFL analyst Ryan Fitzpatrick's bold guarantee that Cleveland Browns starting quarterback Deshaun Watson is destined to fail this season. The crew breaks down the timeline for Watson's potential benching and debates whether rookies Shedeur Sanders or Dillon Gabriel will ultimately take the reins of the offense. Plus, college quarterbacks who are worth keeping tabs on for next year's draft.
This compilation highlights a variety of topics surrounding the Cleveland Browns and wider sports news. The hosts open by discussing Deshaun Watson's recent "mea culpa," where he apologized to fans and emphasized his understanding of their frustration regarding the team's direction. They then shift focus to the potential sale of the Seattle Seahawks for an estimated $9.6 billion, leading to a larger conversation about the rising valuations of professional sports franchises and whether the Browns' ownership might consider a sale.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima analyze the Browns' 37-13 preseason win over the Patriots and the resulting roster decisions at the quarterback position. They debate the team's ability to keep four signal-callers and contrast the national media's glowing portrayal of Deshaun Watson with Ryan Fitzpatrick's blunt assessment. (00:01:50) Preseason Victory Recap (00:06:55) Four Quarterbacks Roster Math (00:13:10) Taylen Green's QB Ambitions (00:15:45) Potential QB Trade Partners (00:23:30) Quarterback Odd Man Out (00:31:07) Traffic Report (00:32:30) National Media Watson Portrayal (00:38:00) Fitzpatrick Predicts Watson Failure (00:43:40) Patriots Super Bowl Hangover (00:53:00) Locker Room Roster Dynamics (01:07:40) Browns Fans Call In (01:11:40) Luke Floriea's Spark (01:19:30) Wide Receiver Roster Battle (01:26:50) Dylan Gabriel's Value (01:34:40) Daryl Ruiter Joins (01:50:40) Amazon vs Local Sentiment (01:54:40) College Football Week Zero (02:07:00) Nathan Zegura Analysis (02:22:30) Fitzpatrick Soundbite Breakdown (02:33:00) Coming In Hot
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima evaluate the Browns' quarterback depth chart following a dominant preseason win. They discuss the potential of waiving Taylen Green to the practice squad and critique the overly positive portrayal of Deshaun Watson during the national broadcast. (00:03:16) Browns Preseason Recap (00:07:11) Keeping Four Quarterbacks (00:11:23) Taylen Green's Role (00:18:41) Deshaun Watson's Job Security (00:27:09) Amazon Prime Coverage Critique (00:31:19) Hopkins Airport Closure (00:36:49) Ryan Fitzpatrick's Analysis (00:40:01) Watson's Perception in Cleveland
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima react to Todd Monken’s optimistic comments regarding Deshaun Watson following a Browns preseason victory. They discuss the disconnect between the locker room's support for Watson and the persistent negativity from the fan base. The conversation also covers the latest roster bubble battles, including the emergence of local product Luke Floriea and the release of Cedric Tillman. (00:01:50) Monken's Preseason Recap (00:05:08) Watson Comeback Narrative (00:08:11) Locker Room Perspective (00:14:15) Wasted Opportunity Costs (00:20:52) Baker Mayfield Comparison (00:25:34) Roster Depth Discussion (00:31:35) Luke Floriea Roster Push (00:36:40) Cedric Tillman Cut Analysis
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima break down the Browns' quarterback situation following a strong preseason performance from Dylan Gabriel. Darryl Ryder joins to discuss the organizational hierarchy between Gabriel, Shedeur Sanders, and Deshaun Watson. They also evaluate local standout Luke Floriea and preview the 2027 draft class as college football returns. (00:02:15) Dylan Gabriel's Performance (00:06:10) Browns Quarterback Depth (00:13:36) Darryl Ryder Interview (00:19:45) Deshaun Watson Narrative (00:24:30) Potential Gabriel Trades (00:28:35) National Media Access (00:36:33) College Football Kickoff (00:40:10) 2027 NFL Draft Prospects
Nathan Zegura joins 92.3 The Fan to discuss roster decisions following a Browns preseason simulation, focusing on the potential of backup quarterbacks Taylen Green and Dylan Gabriel. They also react to Ryan Fitzpatrick’s blunt assessment of Deshaun Watson’s future and the quarterback's complicated relationship with the Cleveland fan base. (00:01:00) Browns VIP Access (00:02:43) Zagura QB Discussion (00:09:26) Watson Starting Role (00:15:43) Fitzpatrick Slams Watson (00:24:57) Watson Fan Relationship
Ken and Anthony replay Ryan Fitzpatrick's blunt take that Deshaun Watson isn't going to be good, contrasting it with Amazon's glowing pregame coverage and questioning why fans should soften on a player they don't believe will actually perform. They argue the fan-player relationship is purely transactional at this point, no redemption without wins, and note internal conversations about how far to take criticism of Watson as the season approaches, while a caller makes the case that Dillon Gabriel deserved a fairer shot from the start.
Nathan Zegura joins Ken and Anthony to break down how the Browns could realistically keep all four quarterbacks by using Mike Hall as a hybrid defensive lineman, while also floating Dillon Gabriel as a trade candidate to Atlanta given his strong showing. The conversation turns to Luke Floriea's breakout performance and the running back depth chart, before circling back to Deshaun Watson's path to a full 17-game season and whether a surprise quarterback move is coming before the roster deadline.
Ken and Anthony debut a new weekly graphic, built by producer John, tracking top quarterback prospects for the 2027 draft class, kicking off with Jayden Maiava, CJ Bailey and Harvard transfer Jaden Craig ahead of college football's final "Week 0." The crew nitpicks the graphic's layout while debating whether any of these prospects will ultimately turn out better than Shedeur Sanders, setting up a recurring segment to track their progress all season.
Daryl Ruiter joins Ken and Anthony to break down Dillon Gabriel's strong preseason showing, admitting there's a real chance the Browns keep only three quarterbacks and that Todd Monken's comments left the door open to moving on from one of them. The conversation also digs into why Shedeur Sanders was practically invisible in Amazon's glowing Deshaun Watson coverage, with Ruiter offering an inside explanation for why the broadcast leaned so hard into the "reclamation project" narrative.
Ken and Anthony dig into why Dillon Gabriel's efficient preseason performance suddenly has the show flipping the switch on a quarterback they've spent months clowning, questioning why he wasn't given a real shot at the starting job over Shedeur Sanders given his operational command of the offense. They debate whether his strong showing makes him harder to trade or simply reinforces his "career backup" ceiling, while noting he's earned enough goodwill that a change of scenery might now be off the table.
Ken and Anthony make the case for keeping Luke Floriea, an undrafted local receiver who scored three preseason touchdowns and gets called by his first name by Todd Monken, even suggesting he's earned it over Taylen Green or Malachi Corley on a crowded roster. The conversation widens into the fallout from cutting 2023 third-round pick Cedric Tillman, with the guys revisiting the receivers Cleveland passed on and crediting this year's deep receiver draft haul to years of past whiffs.
Ken and Anthony argue that nothing about the fan reaction to Deshaun Watson changes until he actually plays well, walking through why his frustration stemmed specifically from being cheered during an injury rather than criticism itself. Callers weigh in with everything from a plan to keep all four quarterbacks by cutting Shedeur Sanders loose to lingering resentment over the Baker Mayfield fallout, and the guys end up debating the uncomfortable question of whether Cleveland would cheer another Watson injury.
Ken and Anthony unpack the wave of glowing Deshaun Watson coverage on Prime, from a "what's your why" sideline interview to Todd Monken's genuine excitement about the comeback story, and wonder if the overwhelmingly negative fan reaction is out of step with how the locker room actually feels about him. They also debate whether Mike Vrabel's visible frustration in the Patriots' preseason finale points to a Super Bowl hangover in New England, before circling back to whether Monken's optimism about Watson is real belief or just a coach talking himself into his only option.
Ken and Anthony dig into Amazon's surprisingly glowing Prime broadcast of Deshaun Watson, questioning why the quarterback competition and Shedeur Sanders got almost no airtime while Watson's comeback story dominated. They debate whether fans will soften on Watson as the season nears, even as Ryan Fitzpatrick's blunt comments and a report that a rival station edited out criticism of Shedeur keep the QB drama boiling.
Ken, Anthony and the crew work through the Browns' four-quarterback logjam, agreeing Deshaun Watson's contract makes him uncuttable and Dillon Gabriel's value as a backup keeps him safe, which leaves Shedeur Sanders and Taylen Green in the crosshairs. A caller and the room land on the same painful conclusion about Green despite disagreeing on how they got there, while Ken floats sneaking him through waivers onto the practice squad or even trying him on defense.
Ken and Anthony break down the Browns' 37-13 preseason win over New England, praising Dillon Gabriel and Kalen Green's performances while noting the Patriots looked overmatched. The conversation shifts into a wild debate about the Browns' four-man quarterback logjam, with Ken floating a creative (and quickly mocked) plan to keep all four by shifting Mike Hall into a hybrid role. The guys can't agree on who gets cut if it comes down to three, teeing up a phone-line debate with listeners.
Ken and Lima break down the Cleveland Guardians' sweep of the Angels and the seven-game win streak led by Steven Kwan. They analyze the Browns' decision to name Deshaun Watson the starter over Shedeur Sanders, featuring insight from Mary Kay Cabot and a critical evaluation from Brady Quinn regarding Watson's lack of self-awareness with fans. They also discuss the massive sale of the Seattle Seahawks and the controversial new luxury suites at Ohio State's stadium. (00:03:05) Guardians Win Seven Straight (00:09:48) Shedeur Sanders Directive (00:19:52) Fitzpatrick Evaluates Watson (00:31:42) Jerry Judy Cut Candidate (00:41:40) The Tanking Moratorium (00:55:18) NCAA Legal Loophole Concerns (01:04:07) Jeremiah Smith's OSU Loyalty (01:16:34) Luxury Suites At The Shoe (01:22:00) Massive Seattle Seahawks Sale (01:30:01) Professional Sports Ownership Passion (01:34:50) Mary Kay Cabot Interview (01:44:30) Sanders Development Progress (01:53:15) Ken Criticizes Coaching Decisions (02:02:42) Quarterback Room Protection (02:10:26) Brady Quinn Joins (02:18:40) Watson Lacks Self Awareness (02:29:34) Wide Receiver Room Strategy
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima analyze the Cleveland Guardians' seven-game win streak and Steven Kwan's impact on the lineup. They explore the controversy surrounding the Browns' quarterback battle between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders, including the influence of social media bots. They also evaluate potential roster moves involving veteran wide receiver Jerry Jeudy and rookie standouts. (00:03:05) Guardians Road Trip Sweep (00:08:23) Steven Kwan Saves His Name (00:12:05) Browns QB Battle Discourse (00:21:01) Ryan Fitzpatrick QB Analysis (00:27:04) QB Competition Embarrassment (00:33:42) Jerry Jeudy Cut Candidate? (00:41:50) Evaluating Veteran Wide Receivers
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima debate the Cleveland Browns' potential record and whether the franchise should focus on evaluation over tanking. They also analyze shifting player loyalty in college football through the lens of Jeremiah Smith and express frustration over Ohio State's new luxury end zone suites. (00:01:50) Ohio State QB Recruits (00:05:10) Browns Tanking Debate (00:09:48) Denzel Ward's Impact (00:13:35) NIL Regulation Discussion (00:18:21) Transfer Portal Impact (00:21:30) Coaching Salaries in NIL (00:32:02) Guardians Win Streak (00:35:41) Ohio State Luxury Suites (00:39:10) NFL Pro Bowl Changes
The discussion begins with the massive sale of the Seattle Seahawks and how it impacts the valuation of the Cleveland Browns and Jimmy Haslam's ownership. Mary Kay Cabot joins to break down the decision to start Deshaun Watson over Shedeur Sanders and the potential for a Dylan Gabriel trade. They analyze fan frustration regarding Watson's performance and the logic behind resting Sanders. (00:01:50) Impact Of Seahawks Sale (00:06:00) Evaluating Individual Ownership (00:12:20) Showcasing Dylan Gabriel (00:14:45) Mary Kay Cabot Interview (00:19:50) The Watson Sanders Debate (00:25:45) Analyzing Preseason Struggles (00:31:20) Jerry Jeudy Safety Status (00:39:10) Post Interview Reaction
Deshaun Watson's training camp performance and his response to fan criticism spark a debate about the immense pressure on Cleveland quarterbacks. Former NFL quarterback Brady Quinn joins to discuss Watson's lack of self-awareness and the toxic nature of overanalyzing practice throws. They also evaluate the potential of future draft picks and the roster status of players like Jerry Jeudy. (00:01:29) Deshaun Watson Analysis (00:04:08) Drafting Arch Manning (00:06:28) Brady Quinn Interview (00:16:33) QB Practice Trackers (00:24:55) Evaluating Jerry Jeudy
Ken and Anthony break down why online completion-percentage trackers are misleading fans and even ex-players like Shannon Sharpe and Ocho Cinco into thinking Shedeur outplayed Watson, arguing real coaches evaluate context, drills, and intent that never show up in a box score. They replay Ryan Fitzpatrick's breakdown of why Watson won the job and circle back to Jerry Jeudy, with Ken more willing than Anthony to move on from him if he doesn't produce. The two also touch on next year's incoming QB prospects and how the "meat grinder" of scrutiny is coming for whoever's next.
Former Browns QB and Fox College Football Analyst Brady Quinn joins Ken and Anthony to break down whether Deshaun Watson really won the Browns' QB job fair and square, explaining how limited media access to practice makes it hard to judge the competition from the outside and previewing how Todd Monken's system could actually fit Watson's skill set. Quinn doesn't hold back on Watson's postgame comments either, calling out the lack of self-awareness from a player getting paid big money to perform. He also offers advice for how Shedeur should carry himself as QB2 while the drama plays out.
Ken pushes back hard on the Browns' decision to leave Shedeur Sanders inactive for the preseason finale while sending Deshaun Watson out in rain-delayed third-quarter mop-up duty against third-teamers. He tears into the double standard of judging Watson's shaky performance against backups while writing off the results as meaningless, and takes aim at fans and media obsessing over a completion-percentage tracker that no real coach would ever use. Anthony pushes back throughout, setting up a heated back-and-forth over whether this is Ken's first real shot at the coaching staff.
Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com joins Ken and Anthony to break down why Deshaun Watson won the Browns' QB competition, revealing Todd Monken admitted for the first time that Watson was clearly ahead early on. Ken pushes back hard, unable to separate Watson's rocky preseason outing from what he represents to a fan base still bitter over the trade, while Cabot defends the process and explains why Shedeur wasn't even active for the finale. The conversation also touches on Jerry Jeudy's roster security and whether Dillon Gabriel could be dealt.
Ken and Anthony react to the Seahawks' record $9.6 billion sale and what it means for franchise valuations league-wide, including the Browns' jump to $8.6 billion. They debate whether the Haslams will ever actually sell, weigh the tradeoffs of an individual owner versus a corporate boardroom, and question whether a private equity group would even have taken a chance on Johnny Manziel back in the day. They close by wondering if tonight's preseason game is really a showcase for Dillon Gabriel with the QB competition already decided.
Ken and Anthony recap the Guardians tying their season-long win streak at seven after sweeping the Angels, with Steven Kwan's remarkable turnaround since the All-Star break taking center stage. They marvel at his climb from under .200 to .270 with a red-hot road trip, question whether Cleveland will actually pay to keep him, and take some shots at the Angels' organization along the way. The show wraps with a look at Ohio State's controversial new $150K premium suites blocking student sightlines and the NFL officially scrapping the Pro Bowl.
Ken and Anthony tackle the wild west of NIL and the transfer portal, debating whether Jeremiah Smith might be the last player fans can truly fall in love with before free agency-style movement kills that connection for good. They wrestle with the fairness of players finally getting paid against the loss of tradition and hometown loyalty, using examples from Vince Young to Jamar Chase to make their case. The conversation spirals into whether coaches are overpaid relative to players and whether regulation is coming to clean up the chaos.
Ken and Anthony wrestle with how to frame the Browns' upcoming season, with Ken revealing his five-win prediction and both hosts agreeing they'd rather call it a "season of evaluation" than use the dreaded tanking word. They dig into the tension between playing to win now versus positioning for next year's draft class, using Denzel Ward's injury history as a flashpoint for how far that logic should go. The two also needle each other over mock drafts and how early is too early to start eyeing next year's quarterback prospects.
Ken and Anthony dig into whether Jerry Jeudy is actually a cut candidate for the Browns, weighing his up-and-down camp performance against the addition of rookies KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston in the receiver room. They debate whether his friendship with the starting quarterback factors into his roster spot, revisit last year's "disaster" of a season for him, and argue over whether Cedric Tillman is the more likely one on the chopping block instead.
Ken and Anthony dive into Ryan Fitzpatrick's detailed breakdown of why Deshaun Watson actually won the Browns' QB competition, pointing to timing and pocket presence as the difference-maker over Shedeur Sanders. The two go back and forth on whether the "embarrassment" narrative is fair, debating fifth-round pedigree, fan pity parties, and what happens if Watson stumbles out of the gate. Things get heated as they clash over just how quickly the leash might come off in Week 3.
Ken and Anthony break down the Guardians' improbable comeback win, rallying from an early 3-0 deficit to sweep their road trip and extend their winning streak to seven straight. They dig into Joey Cantillo's bizarre outing (seven walks, still a quality start), Steven Kwan's red-hot second half, and Jose Ramirez heating up at the perfect time as Cleveland closes the gap on the White Sox in the AL Central. The conversation then shifts to a heated debate over the Browns' backup quarterback fan controversy, with the guys sparring over bot accounts, fan sentiment, and whether the QB competition was ever really close.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima break down the Cleveland Guardians' six-game winning streak and debate if making the postseason is enough for the franchise. They discuss the controversial decision by Todd Monken to name Deshaun Watson the starting quarterback over Shedeur Sanders despite recent preseason struggles. Joe Thomas joins the conversation to analyze offensive line development and the immense pressure on the Cleveland leadership group. (00:02:15) Guardians Win Of Year (00:07:00) Cleveland Playoff Standards (00:12:40) Ralphy Velasquez Debate (00:20:20) Watson Named Starting Quarterback (00:27:50) Shedeur Sanders Controversy (00:34:20) Watson Performance Critique (00:41:50) Roster Continuity Issues (00:47:30) Jameis Winston Trade Talk (00:55:30) Browns Rebuild Outlook (01:02:30) Secondary Depth Concerns (01:11:30) Shedeur Fan Base Influence (01:17:50) Guardians Winning Streak (01:23:30) Akron Play Calling Promotion (01:29:40) Ravens Training Camp Update (01:37:30) Bengals Super Bowl Hopes (01:43:30) Steelers Quarterback Situation (01:51:30) Deshaun Watson Presser Backlash (02:00:30) Shedeur Sanders Support Analysis (02:07:40) Joe Thomas Interview (02:19:00) Spencer Fano Evaluation
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima react to the Cleveland Guardians' six-game winning streak and debate whether simply reaching the postseason constitutes a successful year for the young squad. They also analyze comments from Todd Monken regarding the Browns' quarterback situation, specifically why Deshaun Watson remains the starter over Shedeur Sanders. The conversation highlights the operational challenges of starting a rookie versus sticking with a veteran. (00:01:50) Guardians Win of the Year (00:05:10) College Football Comparisons (00:09:00) Playoff Expectations Debate (00:17:40) Postseason Success Standards (00:21:40) Todd Monken QB Update (00:27:00) Monken on QB Competition (00:36:15) Watson vs Sanders Analysis (00:40:40) Locker Room Dynamics (00:43:40) Joe Thomas Interview Tease
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima debate whether trading for Jameis Winston is a viable solution for the Cleveland Browns' struggling quarterback room. They also analyze the Cleveland Guardians' recent success and the merits of promoting prospect Ralphy Velazquez. The conversation shifts to a heated discussion regarding the University of Akron's decision to let a fan call offensive plays during a game. (00:01:50) Browns Quarterback Crisis (00:05:25) Jameis Winston Trade? (00:10:42) Browns Rebuild Strategy (00:18:51) Fans Talk Monken (00:22:19) Watson's Performance Outlook (00:28:40) Guardians Win Streak (00:36:07) Ralphy Velazquez Debate (00:39:42) Akron Fan OC Contest
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima evaluate the AFC North with reporters from Baltimore, Cincinnati, and Pittsburgh. They explore a hypothetical scenario where Shedeur Sanders and Dylan Gabriel are part of the Browns' quarterback room alongside Deshaun Watson. The conversation focuses on the fallout of Watson's recent performances and the growing fan preference for Sanders as the starter. (00:02:11) Ken Weinman on Ravens Training (00:06:25) Tony Pike Analyzes Bengals Roster (00:10:35) Chris Mueller on Steelers Quarterbacks (00:14:42) Deshaun Watson vs Shedeur Sanders (00:20:15) Chris Simms on QB Competition (00:24:57) Comparing Watson and Sanders (00:28:38) Ownership Ego and Roster Decisions (00:33:54) Backup QB Popularity in Cleveland (00:40:50) Joe Thomas Segment Preview
Joe Thomas joins the program to critique Deshaun Watson's response to fans and analyze Todd Monken's choice to start him over Shedeur Sanders. They evaluate rookie Spencer Fano's development and the offensive line's performance in joint practices. The discussion concludes with a look at the Guardians' season using college football analogies. (00:02:38) Joe Thomas on Watson (00:05:32) Monken's Quarterback Decision (00:12:43) Spencer Fano Evaluation (00:18:01) Hall of Fame Jerky (00:22:42) Watson Versus Shedeur Sanders (00:35:08) Guardians and College Analogies
Ken tries to justify why he's rooting for the Guardians "in a vacuum" this year, separate from the frustration surrounding the Browns and Cavs, and workshops a series of college football comparisons—first Purdue, then Minnesota, then Arkansas—to capture a scrappy, low-budget team overperforming against big spenders like the Dodgers. Lima and the rest of the room shoot down every comparison as a stretch, with Ken eventually conceding he's just trying to find a way to be excited about a low-payroll team making the playoffs without sounding like he's making excuses for ownership. The segment closes with a quick preview of Sunday's Browns game and reminders about the AFC North catch-up and Ralphy Velasquez chatter from earlier in the show.
Ken argues that everyone actually inside the building during camp—coaches, staff, and even opposing teams—consistently rated Deshaun Watson ahead of Shedeur Sanders, and that diehard Sanders fans are simply refusing to accept a reality that doesn't match their expectations. He floats the idea that Todd Monken benching Sanders for a few weeks could actually help him develop behind an inexperienced offensive line, but admits fans will never give Monken credit for that reasoning if it doesn't pan out immediately. Ken also updates his early 2027 quarterback draft watch list, swapping in Darian Mensah, before pivoting to a preview of his take on this year's Guardians team on its own merits.
Hall of Famer Joe Thomas joins Ken and Lima to unpack Deshaun Watson's fan-facing comments, explaining that going after your own fan base is a cardinal sin in pro sports and puts teammates in an awkward spot with media. He offers real insight into Todd Monken's thinking, arguing the coach values Watson's ability to run RPOs and extend plays with his legs, and predicts Cleveland will pivot to Shedeur Sanders by the week three home opener if Watson stumbles on the road first. Thomas also gives an optimistic read on the young, revamped offensive line, singling out rookie left tackle Spencer Fano's early growth and praising the run-blocking lanes opened up in joint practices.
Ken defends why he and Lima keep talking about Shedeur Sanders even as the backup, pointing to Cleveland's long history of beloved backup quarterbacks and arguing Deshaun Watson's postgame comments on Saturday flipped even skeptical fans firmly into Sanders' corner. He advises Sanders to keep a low profile with the media and stay ready, drawing parallels to Charlie Frye's quick benching in 2007 and predicting Sanders could see the field as soon as week three given Watson's track record in bad weather. The segment wraps with a preview of Hall of Famer Joe Thomas joining the show at 9 to break down the offensive line.
Ken and Lima push back on Chris Simms' theory that Shedeur Sanders lost the quarterback competition by playing it too safe in practice, arguing Simms barely follows the Browns and is likely working off secondhand reports rather than real evidence. They point out the irony that Deshaun Watson, not Sanders, is the one who looks afraid to push the ball downfield, and question why so many local hosts are pinning the decision on ownership ego when the front office's own moves—stockpiling quarterbacks, scrubbing Watson's signage—already read as an admission the trade was a disaster. The segment closes with a preview of Albert Breer's claim that Watson may not even be viable as a backup, teeing up more discussion at 9 with Joe Thomas.
Ken and Lima check in around the division, with Baltimore's Ken Weinman previewing the Ravens' joint practice with Washington and calling Deshaun Watson "delusional" after his post-game press conference, and Cincinnati's Tony Pike breaking down Ja'Marr Chase's hyperextended-knee scare along with a stacked Bengals roster he ranks as Joe Burrow's best yet. Pittsburgh's Chris Mueller previews a crowded quarterback room and a contract standoff with Joey Porter Jr., but it's his blunt take on the Browns that stands out—arguing owner-driven pressure, not football logic, is really behind starting Watson over Sanders. Multiple guests agree Sanders looked better in preseason, setting up a tease for a former NFL QB's theory on why he lost the job anyway.
Ken and Lima bring in producer John to recap the Guardians' wild comeback win, highlighting Jose Ramirez's three doubles and five RBI, Steven Kwan's 5-for-5 night, and Angel Martinez robbing Mike Trout of a go-ahead homer, then dig into whether Ralphy Velasquez's hot streak in the minors makes him worth calling up despite lockout-related roster risks. They also break down the fan and industry reaction to Akron letting a season-ticket-holding alum call plays in an upcoming game, debating whether the stunt could catch on with bigger programs looking to cash in on similar buzz.
Callers weigh in on the Browns' quarterback situation, with one predicting Todd Monken won't last long in Cleveland and another arguing the team created its own controversy by marketing Shedeur Sanders as the face of the franchise while starting Watson. Ken pushes back on the idea that Watson was signed purely for star power, though he admits the front office will never openly admit that. The conversation then turns to whether the Guardians would be "unserious" not to call up hot prospect Ralphy Velasquez given their six-game win streak, weighing the risk to his development against the upside of adding a spark for the playoff push.
Lima pushes Ken on Albert Breer's idea of the Browns trading for Jameis Winston, but Ken won't budge, refusing to give up any more draft capital for a quarterback while the roster is this depleted. He runs down just how thin Cleveland is at safety, linebacker, and offensive line, and frames this season as a bridge to 2027 rather than one worth mortgaging future picks to patch. Ken also contrasts his younger, more combative self with where he's at now, saying he's resigned to "cleaning up" a mess he didn't create instead of chasing a short-term fix.
Ken plays Todd Monken's explanation of the quarterback competition again and pushes back hard, arguing the "operational" excuse doesn't hold up when Shedeur Sanders has clearly outplayed Deshaun Watson. Lima counters that the total silence from inside the building—no leaks, no complaints from teammates or receivers—suggests the coaching staff genuinely believes Watson gives them the better chance to win, whatever the tape shows fans. They also bring in Albert Breer's reporting that sources in Buffalo, Chicago, and inside the Browns organization all still have Watson rated ahead of Sanders, setting up a preview of what Joe Thomas will be asked about at 9 AM.
Ken Carman plays a clip of Todd Monken explaining his reasoning for starting Deshaun Watson over Shedeur Sanders, and he and Anthony Lima break down whether that explanation actually holds up. They dig into why, if the decision really comes down to "operational" reps, Sanders isn't getting a real shot to prove it in the preseason. Carman and Lima also wrestle with the fan backlash toward Watson and lay out why they still expect Sanders to end up playing more than Watson before the season is out.
Cleveland rallies from down 5-0 with a 10-inning, no-home-run comeback behind Jose Ramirez's five RBIs and a highlight-reel catch from Angel Martinez, pushing their playoff odds to 56%. That win sets off a debate about whether just reaching the postseason still means anything for a team that's made it eight of the last 11 years, with one host comparing the Guardians' underdog run to a scrappy college football program getting by on heart instead of money. The conversation gets heated over how much slack a low-payroll team deserves versus bigger-market rivals like the Blue Jays and Red Sox, and whether anything short of an ALDS win will actually feel like a real accomplishment this October.
Mark Schlereth and Mike Evans react to the Browns naming Deshaun Watson as their starting QB for Week 1 and why Shedeur Sanders should still stay ready.
Ken Carman discusses his recent golf outings and struggles on the course before transitioning to the Ohio State football outlook. He and Anthony Lima analyze the Buckeyes' 2024 schedule, the high cost of tickets for the Texas matchup, and the possibility of Marcus Freeman eventually coaching at his alma mater. They also share memories of iconic college football stadiums and game-day atmospheres across the Big Ten. (00:01:40) Ken Carman’s Golf Renaissance (00:06:43) Golf Etiquette and Scores (00:13:07) Ohio State Playoff Outlook (00:17:13) College Football Ticket Costs (00:23:00) Iconic Football Stadium Memories
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima react to the controversial decision to name Deshaun Watson the starting quarterback over Shedeur Sanders. They discuss the mounting fan protests at the Jim Brown statue and analyze Watson's recent apology to the city. They also welcome Mike Tannenbaum and Jason Lloyd to break down organizational dysfunction and the Cleveland Guardians' recent success. (00:01:55) Watson Named Starter (00:10:15) Ownership Interference Debate (00:17:45) Deshaun Watson's Apology (00:26:50) Trusting Todd Monken (00:34:55) Player Fan Disconnect (00:43:05) Haslam Ownership Scrutiny (00:53:05) Mike Tannenbaum Interview (01:04:25) NFL Performance Meritocracy (01:11:15) Guardians Winning Streak (01:20:05) Adam The Bull (01:30:15) Season Win Predictions (01:39:05) Shedeur Sanders Future (01:50:55) Jed York Scandal (02:00:30) Jason Lloyd Analysis (02:11:45) Underestimating Fan Outrage (02:21:55) Hostile Browns Relationship (02:35:45) Tampa Bay Backlash
Ken and Lima react to the polarizing news that Deshaun Watson will start for the Browns despite heavy fan backlash and poor preseason play. They debate the unprecedented possibility of fans rooting against their own team to force a change at quarterback. They also break down Watson's recent apology to the city and why it might not be enough to mend the fractured relationship. (00:01:50) Watson Named Starter (00:05:10) Monken’s Faith In Watson (00:08:40) Fans Rooting Against Browns (00:13:25) Watson’s Broken Confidence (00:19:45) Watson Apologizes To Fans (00:23:30) Ken Rejects Watson’s Apology (00:27:15) Trusting Monken’s Decision (00:34:45) Potential Player Backlash (00:39:30) Disconnect With The Fans
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima react to the Cleveland Browns naming Deshaun Watson the starter despite heavy criticism from the fanbase. Former NFL general manager Mike Tannenbaum explains why he would lean toward a younger quarterback like Shedeur Sanders, and they examine the Cleveland Guardians' recent success on the diamond. (00:01:50) Deshaun Watson Named Starter (00:06:36) Defining A Football Decision (00:14:25) Mike Tannenbaum Interview (00:24:16) Watson’s Relationship With Fans (00:34:02) Guardians Sports Update (00:40:26) Lane Kiffin Story
The discussion covers the decision to name Deshaun Watson the starting quarterback, sparking fan protests at the Jim Brown statue and calls for Shedeur Sanders. They analyze roster depth issues and the impact of leadership versus stats, while the Neutral Zone segment details legal troubles for Jed York and injury woes for the Chargers. (00:01:50) Fan 15 Event Details (00:05:01) Jim Brown Statue Protests (00:08:40) Browns Win Total Discussion (00:12:41) Watson Named Starting QB (00:18:00) Shedeur Sanders Comparison (00:24:04) Shedeur Trade Market Discussion (00:32:11) Jed York Legal Trouble (00:37:33) Browns Roster Foundation Debate
Jason Lloyd joins Ken Carman and Anthony Lima to discuss the "legitimate backlash" from fans after the Cleveland Browns named Deshaun Watson the starting quarterback. They analyze whether the decision came from offensive coordinator Todd Monken or ownership following Watson's controversial post-game comments toward the fan base. The conversation explores the future of backup Shedeur Sanders and why some fans are now openly rooting against the team to teach the organization a lesson. (00:02:55) Watson Named Starter (00:08:03) Head Coach Authority (00:13:12) Shedeur Sanders Future (00:18:20) Intensifying Fan Backlash (00:27:40) Frustrated Listener Calls (00:36:16) Teaching Browns Lessons
Ken and Anthony close out the show fielding a stream of angry caller voicemails and phone calls venting about Deshaun Watson, including one loyal fan who vows to drive to Tampa just to boo him in person during Week 2. Ken admits for the first time in fifteen years he understands why some fans might be quietly rooting against the team, framing it as fans wanting the organization to finally learn its lesson. The show wraps with a nod to the Guardians, who remain in the playoff hunt as their opponent's season came to an end.
Ken and Anthony argue the post game presser, not the starter decision itself, is what turned a bad situation into an outright revolt, pointing to protests at the Berea facility and posters on the Jim Brown statue as proof. Ken admits he never thought this would go well but is stunned by just how bad it's actually gotten, and doubles down on refusing to accept Watson's apology no matter what happens on the field. Callers pile on with grim predictions for Week 1, and the show closes by bracing for what happens to the locker room if the losing continues into Week 3.
The Athletic's Jason Lloyd joins the show and doesn't hold back, saying the Browns brought this backlash on themselves and admitting the organization clearly underestimated how angry fans would be. Lloyd explains why he still believes the Watson decision was genuinely Todd Monken's call, walks through how the failed 2026 quarterback draft class left Cleveland stuck, and lays out why he thinks Shedeur Sanders' path in Cleveland is narrowing no matter how this season plays out. Ken and Anthony also press him on the growing fan backlash outside the Berea facility and what it could mean if the losing doesn't stop soon.
Ken and Lima bring in producer John to break down the Jed York arrest in East Palestine, Ohio, questioning how a billionaire owner ends up shopping the undercover ad menu and pointing out there's basically no real punishment coming his way. They also dig into the Chargers' offensive line injuries and what it means for Justin Herbert's Super Bowl odds, plus whether the Falcons' surprise breakout undrafted quarterback could ever be more than a training camp story.
Ken and Anthony can't figure out why Todd Monken is holding Shedeur Sanders out of Thursday's game, floating two competing theories: an ownership directive to protect the more marketable quarterback from injury, or a front office quietly trying to preserve his trade value. They also dig into whether there's any real trade market for Shedeur right now, and rip into his camp, specifically agent Quincy Avery, for online behavior they think is actively hurting his image. A caller pushes back, arguing the real reason is simpler: Monken can't afford to have Shedeur outplay Watson again before Thursday.
Ken drops his season win total after weighing the Browns' thin depth at edge rusher and secondary, landing on five wins even as he admits part of him wants to believe in more. A caller pushes the case for tanking outright, and Ken lays out why fans should always want the number one pick over a few meaningless late season wins, using a hypothetical Arch Manning breakout as the example. The show also touches on the Jim Brown statue getting used as a protest site against the Deshaun Watson decision, plus a debate over which other Browns legends deserve their own statue.
The Guardians ride their longest winning streak since May back to a .500 record and into possession of the final American League wild card spot, with Jo Adell and Austin Hedges both delivering big nights against the Angels. Ken and Anthony debate whether Hedges is having a career year fluke on par with Brady Anderson's famous power surge, and dig into the service time calculus holding back red hot prospect Rafael Velasquez, who has torched Triple-A pitching lately. The show closes out with a Lane Kiffin gag involving Todd Monken and a mysterious phone call about Dae'Quan Wright.
Former NFL GM Mike Tannenbaum joins Ken and Anthony and admits he would not have picked Deshaun Watson to start, while explaining why he still trusts Todd Monken's read on the situation. Tannenbaum breaks down why he'd never trade Shedeur Sanders, calls Dillon Gabriel's Thursday game a big audition, and drops the line that the NFL is "a ruthless meritocracy," a phrase Ken immediately pushes back on. After the interview, Ken and Anthony debate whether fans will actually boo Watson at home if the Browns somehow start 2-0, and Ken can't even remember any of Watson's supposedly good performances over the last five years.
Ken and Anthony take calls debating whether Todd Monken's quarterback decision is really football driven or a directive from ownership protecting stadium PSL sales, with one caller pointing to the Browns' win totals under the Haslams as proof it's bigger than coaching. Another caller tries to argue Watson quit on the team, but Ken pushes back hard on that framing. The segment also revisits the Joe Flacco era as a painful reminder of what the offense looked like with a capable quarterback, and why that memory makes the current frustration even harder to shake.
Ken goes on a personal rant vowing to boo Deshaun Watson from home, home or away, and admits he wants him to fail after Todd Monken's decision to name him the starter. Ken and Anthony worry the situation is about to create real tension between the fans and the locker room, predicting players will publicly beg fans not to boo once Watson struggles. They also dig into why so many Browns fans, exhausted by the whole saga, are ready to just eat the cap hit and move on, with Mike Tannenbaum set to join the show later that morning.
Deshaun Watson apologizes to fans for lashing out after his preseason performance, but Ken isn't buying it. Ken lays out why he can't accept the apology, from his belief Watson will end up trashing Cleveland on a player podcast down the road to his stance that fans have every right to boo. Ken and Anthony also dig into whether Todd Monken deserves trust for making the call, and Ken admits he doesn't want Watson back next year no matter how this season goes.
Todd Monken names Deshaun Watson the Week 1 starter over Shedeur Sanders, and Deshaun addresses his own self-doubt in a shaky presser. Ken and Anthony dig into the fan backlash, the theory that ownership is protecting stadium PSL sales rather than trusting Watson to play well, and why they think this decision won't hold past a game or two of poor play.
Cleveland sports radio is in absolute meltdown mode after the Browns officially named Deshaun Watson their Week 1 starter over Shedeur Sanders. Grab your popcorn for a rant-filled breakdown of press conference trainwrecks, massive fan outrage, and peak Cleveland sports dysfunction.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima dissect a disastrous Browns preseason performance where fans booed Deshaun Watson, leading to a defensive post-game press conference. They compare Watson's struggles and massive contract to the rising potential of Shedeur Sanders and the legacy of the recently retired Nick Chubb, while also discussing Guardians baseball and a humorous mistaken identity story involving Nick Wilson. (00:01:50) Browns QB Competition (00:07:45) Watson's Physical Limitations (00:14:35) Nick Chubb Retirement (00:22:10) Todd Monken Evaluation (00:28:50) Salary Cap Penalties (00:36:10) Emergency Management Meetings (00:45:40) Monken's Presser Review (00:53:45) Cleveland Legends Legacy (01:01:00) Accountability And Faith (01:07:30) Comparing Chubb And Watson (01:16:00) Lima Likes Guardians Baseball (01:22:40) Da'Quan Wright LSU Move (01:30:30) Media Feuds Discussion (01:38:30) Interview With Daryl Ruiter (01:47:15) Crisis Management Failures (01:55:40) Fan Reputation Debate (02:03:00) Professional Criticism Discussion (02:13:30) Roster Cuts Penalty (02:22:35) William Hung Watson Cameo
Ken and Lima analyze Deshaun Watson's struggling preseason performance and his controversial reaction to being booed by Cleveland fans. They discuss the financial burden of his contract and debate whether a change at quarterback is necessary despite significant cap penalties. (00:01:50) Watson Performance and Contract (00:07:30) Watson Comments On Fans (00:12:20) Franchise Culture and Chubb (00:22:45) Debating The Starting Quarterback (00:31:10) Handling The Heel Role (00:37:00) Final Quarterback Decision Talk
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima dissect the tension following the Browns' preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills, highlighting Todd Monken's comments on the quarterback battle. They explore the fan base's growing frustration with Deshaun Watson's behavior and performance, alongside a breakdown of Shedeur Sanders' preseason showing. The segment also includes a review of the Guardians' recent win streak and prospect developments. (00:02:15) Monken Post-Game Reaction (00:06:45) Watson Earring Interview Tenor (00:10:50) Fan Privilege To Boo (00:15:10) Benchings And Dead Cap (00:20:50) Caller Criticisms Of Watson (00:24:55) NFL Owners Relish Chaos (00:28:40) Watson Post-Game Comments (00:34:30) Guardians Lima Likes Segment (00:39:10) Shedeur Sanders Preseason Play
Ken Carman recounts a humorous incident of mistaken identity on the highway involving Nick Wilson. The conversation then shifts to a stark critique of the Browns quarterback situation featuring Daryl Ruiter, who argues that Deshaun Watson appears washed compared to the rising Shedeur Sanders. They also analyze the growing divide between players and fans following a series of disappointing performances. (00:01:52) Ken's Mistaken Identity Story (00:06:25) Shedeur Sanders' Preseason Rise (00:16:08) Daryl Ruiter on Quarterbacks (00:20:58) Deshaun Watson Performance Debate (00:24:57) Managing Team-Fan Relations (00:28:13) Nick Chubb's All-Time Rank (00:35:02) Predicting Future Fan Reactions
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima evaluate the tense atmosphere in Cleveland as Todd Monken prepares to name a starting quarterback. They weigh Deshaun Watson's poor preseason performance and massive contract against the potential of Shedeur Sanders. They also share a humorous Cameo from William Hung and take calls from frustrated listeners regarding the franchise's direction. (00:01:50) Morning Routines and Houseguests (00:05:10) Browns QB Decision Looming (00:08:40) Financial Realities of Watson (00:12:34) Monken's Support for Deshaun (00:18:17) William Hung Cameo Troll (00:22:14) Fans Slapped by Decision (00:27:32) Shedeur Sanders Performance Debate (00:38:53) Shedeur's Coin Toss Confusion
The hosts dig into Deshaun Watson's postgame remark blaming Browns fans' history of booing him rather than his performance, and debate whether that framing holds up given the two picks and shaky play. They also break down Shedeur Sanders' coin toss blunder from his WEWS interview with Aditi Kinkhabwala, joking that whoever knows to show up for the coin toss should be named starter. A caller from Seven Hills argues Shedeur has shown steady improvement each week and just needs the next three weeks to close the gap, while a caller from Albuquerque makes the case for starting Watson so the team still has upside options if he fails.
The crew debates whether Todd Monken will name Deshaun Watson the starter despite his rough preseason performance, and whether that decision would be a slap in the face to Browns fans or just Monken doing what he thinks is best for the locker room. A caller from Bedford pushes back hard, arguing that starting Watson would tank Monken's credibility and confirm the organization never really wanted Shedeur Sanders in the first place. The hosts agree that if they owned the team they'd start Shedeur, but debate whether Monken picking Watson is really about appeasing the locker room rather than spiting the fanbase.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima float the theory that Deshaun Watson may have sabotaged his own audition on purpose, freaking out under the boos and venting frustrations he'd been sitting on for years. A caller pushes the idea that Todd Monken keeps talking himself into squeezing something out of Watson no matter what happens on the field, and Carman and Lima wonder aloud what it says about Monken's read on Shedeur Sanders if Watson gets the nod anyway. The two also dig into the $86 million cap penalty boxing the Browns in and admit even they can't fully explain Monken's continued faith in Watson.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima run a hypothetical where the Browns start 2-0 with Deshaun Watson playing average football, debating whether the home crowd would still turn on him or if winning erases the boos entirely. Carman argues it's simple, fans everywhere boo bad performances and cheer good ones, and pushes back hard on the idea that Cleveland's reaction is uniquely toxic compared to any other city's fan base. The two also revisit Watson blaming the media and fans for his picks, with Carman sarcastically taking the blame himself, before bracing for the possibility that the Browns still name Watson the starter.
Daryl Ruiter joins Ken Carman and Anthony Lima to make the case for Shedeur Sanders, pointing to a clean operation and zero non-competitive throws against Deshaun Watson's disastrous outing, and lays out a full "boo tracker" for how often Watson got booed on Saturday. Ruiter argues the Browns should treat Watson like the Texans did before trading him, paying him out but never playing him again, and rips the organization for mismanaging the crisis rather than protecting its young players. The two also look ahead to Todd Monken's decision day and close out with a tribute to Nick Chubb's place among the greatest Browns of the post-1999 era.
Ken Carman shares a mistaken identity mishap from Saturday's drive home before he and Anthony Lima pivot to Shedeur Sanders, arguing his composed performance and growing command of the offense got buried under the Deshaun Watson meltdown coverage. Carman also addresses a nasty online exchange involving people close to Sanders targeting Daryl Ruiter, saying the Browns are not happy about it and that Sanders would be wise to distance himself from it. The two end up agreeing Sanders earned the starting job on Saturday, with Lima even floating the theory that Watson may have torpedoed his own chances on purpose.
Lima runs through his weekend likes, from the Guardians ripping off four straight wins to Jo Adell's historic RBI pace and Rafael Ramirez's power surge in the minors, before Carman and Lima circle back to Shedeur Sanders' sharp preseason outing against the Bears. They also debate whether third-round pick Austin Barber has already outplayed his draft slot and get sidetracked by the odd case of a Browns practice-squad player heading straight back to LSU on a booster deal.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima work through caller after caller demanding the Browns move on from Deshaun Watson, floating everything from cutting him outright to the reserve/non-football illness list, while Carman keeps circling back to the $86 million dead cap hit that ties the team's hands. Carman and Lima predict Watson won't survive as the starter past week three even if he opens the season under center, and they connect the fan fury to Nick Chubb's retirement as a reminder of what the Watson trade cost the roster. The two also dig into Watson's postgame comments about faith and regret, calling them tone deaf given his role in the team's mess.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima dig into Todd Monken's postgame comments and wonder if his "full body of work" language is a sign he's already softening on benching Deshaun Watson after Saturday's meltdown. A caller pushes back that some of the boos still trace to Watson's off-field history, but Carman and Lima counter that five years of losing football, not old allegations, is what turned fans on him. The two also compare the fan reaction to Nick Chubb's beloved status in Cleveland, arguing winning, not just being a good guy, is what earns the city's love.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima revisit Deshaun Watson's postgame comments blaming fan hostility on something "personal" rather than performance, with Carman admitting he blew his own on-air prediction that Watson wouldn't get booed. Callers pile on, with one Browns fan arguing the team has been "conditioned" to tolerate Watson and pushing for Shedeur Sanders, Taylor Green or Dylan Gabriel to take over instead. Carman and Lima wonder whether Watson's comments crossed a line and question if Monken's decision on a starter got harder overnight.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima debate whether Todd Monken should hand the Browns starting job to Shedeur Sanders after Deshaun Watson's disastrous preseason showing, with Carman admitting he wants Sanders in but worrying a rushed move could set the rookie up to fail. They dig into Watson's history in Cleveland, from the trade to the guaranteed money to his lack of community presence, arguing fans never had a reason to embrace him. The hosts also field angry voicemails demanding Watson be benched or cut immediately.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima break down the fallout from a brutal Deshaun Watson preseason performance against the Bears, where fans booed and Watson called the reaction "personal." Carman rips Watson for the contract, the lack of community presence and now blaming the fanbase, while noting the Browns are financially trapped with him for at least one more year. The segment turns into a wider gut-check on the franchise's quarterback mess, contrasted with Nick Chubb's retirement a day earlier as a reminder of what fans actually respect.
92.3 The Fan presents a selectin of inteviews and guest appearances from during the past week with The Ken Carman Show with Anthony Lima, Baskin & Phelps, and The Afternoon Drive. Featuring Mary Kay Cabot, Andrew Siciliano, and Jason Lloyd.
92.3 The Fan presents a selection of conversations about the Cavs from during the past week by The Ken Carman Show with Anthony Lima, Baskin & Phelps, and The Afternoon Drive. The guys discuss the addition of Peyton Watson, and whether Watson changes this team's overall outlook. Plus, thoughts on James Harden's new three-year, $90 million extension.
92.3 The Fan presents a selection of conversations from during the past week on The Ken Carman Show with Anthony Lima, Baskin & Phelps, and The Afternoon Drive. Ken and Anthony insist that the Browns' camp competition for the starting QB job has been fair, and if Shedeur Sanders doesn't win, it's his own fault. Plus, Ken defends Shedeur from being dubbed 'The Checkdown King' by an opposing player; The Afternoon Drive debates whether Browns fans have earned the right to boo Deshaun Watson; and breaking down the Browns' joint practice with the Bills.
92.3 The Fan presents a selection of conversations from Ken and Anthony during the past week. The guys call out 'toxic' behavior from a certain segment of Shedeur Sanders supporters; ponder the prospect of Deshaun Watson getting booed during Saturday's preseason game vs. the Bills; and debate the possibility of an expansion NFL franchise being located in London. Plus, a cocaine scandal at Penn State and the latest on Akron's fan play-caller contest.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima analyze the Browns' joint practice performance against the Buffalo Bills, specifically evaluating the quarterback battle between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders. They weigh in on high school football results, Joe Burrow's comments on team urgency, and interview Nathan Zagura for an inside look at training camp developments. (00:01:50) Joint Practice Edgy Recap (00:06:30) High School Game Rules (00:12:08) Monken Encouraged By Practice (00:17:47) Shedeur Sanders Passing Decisions (00:27:40) Watson Operational Advantages Debate (00:37:02) James Harden Cavs Extension (00:41:28) Defensive Performance Against Bills (00:47:02) Quarterback Competition Fairness Analysis (00:55:00) Sal Capaccio Bills Interview (01:02:59) C.J. Gardner-Johnson Trash Talk (01:09:37) About Last Night Segment (01:16:18) Joe Burrow Bengals Ultimatums (01:24:47) Afternoon Show QB Opinions (01:34:47) Daryl Ryder Browns Interview (01:44:41) Mike Hall Jr Retaliation (01:51:52) Fans Booing Deshaun Watson (02:05:02) Nathan Zagura Practice Breakdown (02:11:54) Wide Receiver Core Analysis (02:23:16) High School Offensive Evolution
Ken and Lima react to the 'check down king' label given to Shedeur Sanders and argue in favor of his smart decision-making. They analyze Todd Monken’s encouragement following the joint practice with the Bills and review recent contract news for the Cavaliers. (00:02:15) High School Football Recap (00:06:24) Avon Decision Controversy (00:11:36) Todd Monken Practice Review (00:19:35) Shedeur Sanders Criticism Debate (00:27:10) Watson vs Sanders Comparison (00:39:02) Cavaliers Roster Contract Analysis
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima review the Browns' joint practice with the Buffalo Bills, focusing on the defensive performance and Todd Monken's offensive expectations. Bills reporter Sal Capaccio joins to break down the differences between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders in live-action drills. They also address the mounting frustration regarding Joe Burrow’s urgency with the Bengals organization. (00:01:57) Todd Monken Practice Recap (00:07:10) Watson vs Sanders Battle (00:13:10) Sal Capaccio Interview (00:21:29) Jared Verse Energy (00:26:22) Joe Brady Expectations (00:30:41) Guardians Series Victory (00:36:41) Joe Burrow Urgency
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima debate the Cleveland Browns quarterback situation and whether Shedeur Sanders squandered a legitimate chance to start over Deshaun Watson. They are joined by Daryl Ryder to discuss the fallout from joint practices with the Buffalo Bills and the likelihood of Watson facing a hostile crowd during the preseason. The conversation also explores claims of sabotage regarding Sanders' draft stock and the team's defensive intensity. (00:02:34) Coming In Hot Line (00:03:51) Browns Quarterback Debate (00:07:44) Shedeur Sanders Analysis (00:11:12) Draft Sabotage Claims (00:13:51) Daryl Ryder Interview (00:19:44) Bills Joint Practice Review (00:23:35) Training Camp Defensive Intensity (00:27:55) Fans Booing Deshaun Watson (00:36:11) Preseason Fan Behavior Discussion
Nathan Zegura joins Ken Carman and Anthony Lima to analyze the Cleveland Browns' practice performance and the ongoing quarterback battle between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders. They discuss the development of the offensive line and young receivers before shifting focus to local high school football rivalries and Fernando Mendoza's potential. The conversation provides an in-depth look at training camp evaluations and future roster outlooks. (00:03:08) Nathan Zegura Joins Segment (00:07:40) Browns Quarterback Competition Debate (00:12:19) Offensive Line Progress Analysis (00:17:22) Practice And Special Teams (00:21:10) High School Football Rivalries (00:27:42) Fernando Mendoza Discussion
Ken calls out the segment of Shedeur Sanders fans dogpiling Fernando Mendoza after a rookie interception, arguing the same crowd refuses to credit any quarterback drafted after Shedeur no matter what they accomplish. He and Anthony also riff on a screenshot claiming Todd Monken risks "eternal damnation" for not starting Shedeur, before Ken pivots to a more serious point: the Browns are well-positioned for the future regardless of who wins the QB battle, since their young skill talent will only make life easier for whoever the quarterback ends up being.
Browns color analyst Nathan Zegura breaks down the joint practice, insisting the quarterback race is genuinely undecided even as he notes Shedeur Sanders has grown noticeably calmer and more poised in the pocket compared to a year ago. He also gushes over the receiving duo of KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston, credits a much-improved offensive line led by rookie Spencer Fano, and weighs in on the bizarre news of Dae'Kwan Wright bailing on his Browns camp spot for a return to college football.
Ken pushes back on the idea that Browns fans will unleash a deafening chorus of boos on Deshaun Watson in Saturday's preseason game, arguing preseason crowds skew toward families and casual fans rather than the die-hards who'd make it their mission to jeer him. He also addresses the fallout from a comment about Watson losing his captaincy that got picked up by aggregators, pushing back on the idea that his teammates don't respect him.
Ken rejects the "sabotage" narrative around Shedeur Sanders once and for all, arguing the QB competition has been more than fair and that a fifth-round pick getting this much opportunity in Cleveland is a gift, not a conspiracy against him. He points to Russell Wilson's 2012 camp battle as the standard for "undeniable" and says Shedeur simply hasn't cleared that bar, even as he predicts Deshaun Watson won't hold the job for long once the season starts.
In the "About Last Night" roundup, Ken and Anthony bring in producer John to celebrate the Guardians clawing back within a game of the Wild Card behind a dominant Gavin Williams start, then react with disbelief to the report that Browns tight end Dae'Quan Wright is heading back to the transfer portal thanks to a court ruling on NCAA eligibility. They close by dissecting Joe Burrow's pointed "this is the year" comments about the Bengals, with Ken arguing Cincinnati has actually held up its end of the bargain and it's on Burrow to stay healthy and deliver.
Bills Reporter Sal Capaccio of WGR 550 in Buffalo joins the show with an outsider's read on the joint practice, saying the Bills offense was the best unit on the field and giving Deshaun Watson a slight edge over Shedeur Sanders when things got chaotic. He also weighs in on Jared Verse's matchup with Dion Dawkins, downplays the Bills' new stadium complaints as overblown internet outrage, and breaks down why Joe Brady won't get a honeymoon period after replacing Sean McDermott.
Ken and Anthony dig into concerns about a razor-thin Browns defensive line after Alex Wright's injury before pivoting to the quarterback competition, with Ken making the case that Deshaun Watson has genuinely outplayed Shedeur Sanders in camp rather than winning by front-office mandate. They predict an announcement is coming as soon as this weekend, but warn Shedeur fans that once he does get his shot, he won't get nearly the runway Josh Allen had in Buffalo.
Ken and Anthony break down James Harden's three-year, $97 million extension with the Cavs, arguing the "check-down king" haters have it backwards, since Harden's advanced numbers last season actually outpaced peers making $50 million. They also needle Browns fans who flip-flopped on missing Darius Garland, then pivot the segment's tail end to a quick, more measured take on Shedeur Sanders' operational game.
Ken pushes back hard on the CJ Gardner-Johnson-fueled "check-down king" narrative around Shedeur Sanders, arguing that taking the safe throw as a rookie is smart football, not something to mock. He and Anthony dig into why Deshaun Watson is still the presumptive Week 1 starter (hint: it's operational, not arm talent), then spark a heated back-and-forth over whether either quarterback is even on the roster next season with Dillon Gabriel waiting in the wings.
St. Ignatius and Avon opened the high school football season with a wild finish, a potential missed holding call on the game-winning two-point conversion that had Ken and Anthony debating whether it should have been flagged. The guys also gush over the massive livestream numbers for the game before pivoting to praise for how the Browns held their own against the Bills in joint practices, with Todd Monken's new-look offense drawing buzz from local and national reporters despite a Deshaun Watson interception.
Ken and Lima evaluate the potential impact of Peyton Watson on the Cleveland Cavaliers and his comparison to OG Anunoby. They discuss the 'LeBron hangover' in Cleveland and rank the Cavaliers within an increasingly competitive Eastern Conference. The conversation also explores the spending habits of NBA owners like Dan Gilbert and Stan Kroenke. (00:01:38) Peyton Watson Potential (00:07:16) NBA Ownership Comparisons (00:11:01) Eastern Conference Hierarchy
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima break down the offensive struggles of the Cleveland Guardians and the lack of run support for their starting rotation. They also explore a detailed simulation of the Cleveland Browns in the year 2026, debating a hypothetical quarterback competition between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders. Additional segments focus on the social etiquette of first-day-of-school photos and the University of Akron's unique play-calling contest featuring Barstool Sports personality Big Cat. (00:02:40) Guardians Offensive Struggles (00:07:15) Steven Vogt Postgame Demeanor (00:11:45) Wasting Great Starting Pitching (00:18:25) Cavs Roster And Peyton Watson (00:25:10) Peyton Watson Defensive Potential (00:34:15) Deshaun Watson Booing Debate (00:41:05) Fans Flying In To Boo (00:47:20) Comparing Watson To Michael Vick (00:53:40) Browns Lost Era Memories (01:01:35) Preseason Crowd Behavior (01:07:10) Hypothetical QB Competition Analysis (01:13:45) Analyzing Training Camp Statistics (01:25:05) First Day Of School Etiquette (01:32:05) Social Media And Parent Culture (01:38:05) Mary Kay Cabot Interview (01:46:30) Browns Defensive Camp Report (01:54:50) Browns Captaincy Decisions Debate (02:07:35) The Kitchen Fire Analogy (02:18:05) Akron Football Play-Call Contest (02:37:05) Bills And Browns Joint Practice
Ken and Anthony discuss the Cleveland Guardians' inability to produce runs and the resulting fan frustration with manager Steven Vogt. They examine the Cavaliers' trade for Peyton Watson and debate if Browns fans will boo Deshaun Watson during his upcoming preseason appearance. (00:02:36) Guardians Offensive Slump (00:07:15) Chase DeLauter Injury Analysis (00:11:02) Cleveland Coaching Comparisons (00:19:55) Cavs Acquire Peyton Watson (00:27:45) Peyton Watson's Role Evolution (00:36:00) Deshaun Watson Booing Debate (00:43:02) Fan Outrage Over Watson
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima examine Deshaun Watson's comments about being indifferent to crowd boos at the upcoming stadium appearance. They field calls from Browns fans discussing the quarterback's performance in training camp and lingering feelings regarding the trade of Baker Mayfield. The conversation also covers the business impact of a new stadium and the behavior of fans during preseason games. (00:01:50) Watson's Reaction To Booing (00:07:28) Fans Debate Deshaun Watson (00:14:56) Stadium Atmosphere And Crowds (00:23:32) Ownership And Personnel Decisions (00:27:00) Quarterback Competition Analysis (00:35:02) Ryder's Quarterback Assessment
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima debate the cultural norms of parents taking time off for the first day of school before diving into the Browns' training camp storylines. They welcome Mary Kay Cabot to analyze the quarterback competition between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders and discuss the potential for Watson to be named a team captain. (00:02:00) First Day School Debate (00:09:41) Heated Caller Interaction (00:13:28) Mary Kay Cabot Interview (00:19:25) Monken Coaching Standards (00:22:44) Defensive Practice Preview (00:26:45) Watson Captaincy Debate (00:33:25) Leadership and Captain History (00:39:10) Roster Building Philosophy
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima break down the dysfunction in the Browns' quarterback room, comparing the team's roster to a beautiful house with a kitchen on fire. They also analyze the controversy surrounding Akron's play-calling contest and share Todd Monken's warnings about the potential for brawls during joint practices with the Bills. (00:01:50) Fan 15 Celebration Details (00:05:00) Browns Kitchen Fire Analogy (00:10:37) Future NFL Quarterback Prospects (00:15:34) Big Cat Akron Finalist (00:19:45) YouTuber James Bordeaux Finalist (00:24:05) Rigged Contest Debate (00:34:35) Monken Warns Of Fights (00:38:10) Control Versus Chaos
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima share Todd Monken's story about a 2019 joint practice that turned into a bench-clearing brawl, and worry the Browns' Bills practice today could see similar chaos given how frequently these joint sessions have devolved into fights across the league. They also discuss why desperate roster-bubble players are especially prone to snapping under camp pressure, and Ken opens up about genuinely liking Monken's rough edges more than he expected, even joking about his rocky history with a past Browns coach.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima dig into Akron football's contest letting a season-ticket-holder call the team's first offensive series against Robert Morris, questioning whether the process was rigged after Barstool's Dan "Big Cat" Katz emerged as a finalist by reportedly buying up to 18 season-ticket entries himself. They run through the full list of finalists, debate whether Akron athletics actually swore off any rigging, and riff on the absurd logistics of what happens if the play call flops or the coach gets ejected before the opening drive even finishes.
Ken Carman replays Daryl Ruiter's blunt "garbage" quarterback take and defends why the show keeps hammering the position, comparing the Browns' roster to a house with a beautifully renovated living room but a kitchen on fire — no matter how good the other rooms look, that's the room everyone notices. Ken admits he's still holding out hope for a surprise winning season even as he talks himself back down to reality, and stresses the QB situation can't get fixed until at least next offseason's draft capital comes into play
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima replay Mary Kay Cabot's prediction that Deshaun Watson would be named captain if he wins the job, then spiral into a debate over whether that's plausible given only three teams last year didn't name their quarterback captain, and build out their own guess at the Browns' full captain list (Jerry Jeudy, Denzel Ward, Jared Verse, and Carson Schwesinger get floated). The house-on-fire analogy caps off a segment that doubles as a broader gut check on where the Browns' real problems actually are.
Mary Kay Cabot joins Ken Carman and Anthony Lima to break down the Browns' quarterback race, saying Deshaun Watson's command of Todd Monken's QB-centric offense gives him the edge but that Shedeur Sanders' explosive playmaking has kept the competition genuinely alive. She also warns fans could boo Watson the way they booed Dylan Gabriel last year given Shedeur's cult following, praises a defense that hasn't even been at full strength yet, and weighs in on Ken's "how old is too old" debate by drawing the line at first grade.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima debate whether it's weird for a parent to take off work for a kid's first day of school once that kid is in high school, sparked by a rival radio host doing just that for her teenager. A heated caller accuses Ken of "talking out of both sides of his mouth" on the topic, and the guys pivot to whether the Browns' defense needs to finally show something real in today's joint practice against Buffalo after getting a soft look in camp all week.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima break down Daryl Ruiter's harsh assessment that neither Deshaun Watson nor Shedeur Sanders looks like an NFL-caliber starter right now, and that Cleveland's skill players will have to carry the quarterbacks instead of the reverse. They also question whether practice stat trackers are missing the real story, wonder if the defense is intentionally getting chippy in camp, and Ken opens up about not wanting to repeat last year's preseason doom spiral.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima wonder whether a hostile crowd reaction at Saturday's preseason game could actually pressure Todd Monken to reconsider naming Deshaun Watson the starter, arguing the front office is too gun-shy from past "overcorrections" to meddle directly. They also dig into the quarterback competition itself, pushing back on a caller's case for Shedeur Sanders by pointing to intangibles like huddle command and clock management that training camp stat trackers can't capture, while conceding both quarterbacks have looked shaky compared to the league's best.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima keep hashing out the Deshaun Watson booing debate, with callers split on whether preseason crowds full of families and kids will actually turn hostile toward him. The conversation drifts into whether his tone-deaf public image (contrasted with Michael Vick's) is fueling the backlash, how the still-fresh Baker Mayfield trade wound colors everything, and a caller's story about the ugly, drunken behavior that preseason games can bring out in the stands.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima debate whether Deshaun Watson will actually get booed when he takes the field in Saturday's preseason game against Buffalo, arguing that a sparse, kid-heavy preseason crowd won't bring the same venom as a real regular-season atmosphere. A caller from Orlando pushes back hard, saying she'd fly in just to boo him and that it's time to hand the reins to Shedeur Sanders, sparking a debate over whether fans are ready to move on for good.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima dig into the Guardians' 1-0 loss to the Giants, their 12th shutout of the season and worst offense in baseball, and question whether Stephen Vogt's low-key press conferences are fueling fan frustration. They trace the team's offensive freefall back to Chase De La Cruz's comments about young hitters pressing at the plate, wondering if last year's postseason run is the only thing keeping this season's hopes alive. The guys also touch on David Blitzer's incoming ownership, injuries to Joe Adell and Chase De La Cruz, and the kickoff of high school football season in Northeast Ohio.
Ken and Anthony analyze a clip from Harold Fannin Jr. to see if he accidentally confirmed Deshaun Watson as the Week 1 starter. They also dive into the history of the Browns, power-ranking former coaches and players while debating the intensity of training camp under Todd Monken. (00:02:30) Sports Banter and Suits (00:07:10) Ranking Browns History Losers (00:13:13) Guardians and DeLauter Debate (00:20:24) Browns Training Camp Physicality (00:26:11) Watson vs. Sanders Competition (00:30:15) Fannin Jr. Theory
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima analyze whether Harold Fannin Jr. accidentally revealed Deshaun Watson as the confirmed starter during a recent interview. They also dive into the Around the AFC North segment with insights on the Ravens, Bengals, and Steelers. Plus, former NFL coach Herm Edwards joins to share his perspective on managing quarterback competitions and evaluating roster talent. (00:02:10) Suits At Games (00:07:05) Browns Loser Rankings (00:14:24) Chase DeLauter Debate (00:19:42) Browns Practice Physicality (00:25:42) Watson Versus Sanders (00:30:30) Fannin Leaks Starter (00:38:06) Sanders Future Role (00:46:48) NFL London Expansion (00:53:54) I-X Center Saved (01:00:24) Player Cost Living (01:11:14) Guardians Giants Recap (01:21:04) Ravens Training Camp (01:24:31) Bengals Roster Depth (01:28:40) Steelers QB School (01:40:16) Accepting QB Reality (02:02:02) Interview Herm Edwards (02:12:40) Coaching Leadership Roles (02:34:50) Fernando Mendoza Analysis
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima examine the concerns surrounding Deshaun Watson's durability and the possibility of his backup seeing significant playing time. They also debate the logistical challenges of the NFL expanding to London and celebrate the rescue of the IX Center by the Haslam family. (00:02:15) Watson Season Longevity Debate (00:06:55) NFL London Expansion Logistics (00:14:12) Haslams Saving IX Center (00:22:00) London Living Costs Analysis (00:27:14) NFL Watered Down Product (00:32:50) Guardians and Baseball Roundup (00:36:22) Training Camp Practice Fights
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima conduct a tour of the AFC North, featuring insights from reporters in Baltimore, Cincinnati, and Pittsburgh regarding training camp and preseason developments. They transition into a deep dive on the Cleveland Browns' quarterback competition, weighing the experience of Deshaun Watson against the potential of Shedeur Sanders under coordinator Todd Monken. (00:01:52) Ravens Preseason Progress (00:05:20) Bengals Camp Update (00:09:35) Steelers Quarterback Outlook (00:14:18) Paul Skenes Physique (00:18:00) Browns Quarterback Battle (00:21:43) Football Knowledge Debate (00:26:45) Sanders Fan Expectations (00:31:34) Deshaun Watson Reality (00:39:44) Quarterback Reps Decision
Herm Edwards analyzes the quarterback competition between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders while exploring Todd Monken's coaching philosophy. They also examine the leadership of Jared Verse following the Myles Garrett trade and debate win projections for the upcoming season. (00:01:50) Herm Edwards QB Evaluation (00:05:06) Deshaun Watson Performance Review (00:08:10) Jared Verse Vocal Leadership (00:12:20) Todd Monken Coaching Style (00:17:17) Herm Edwards Philly Legacy (00:21:30) Browns QB Camp Divide (00:26:50) Roster Needs and Predictions (00:35:55) Fernando Mendoza Practice Habits
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima react to Colts rookie Fernando Mendoza's relentlessly positive, coach like answers after a physical joint practice against the Texans, debating whether his polished demeanor is genuine or a well rehearsed act built over years in the spotlight. They contrast his style sharply with the Browns' own quarterbacks and wonder if that kind of coach pleasing personality would even resonate with Cleveland fans. The show wraps with a nod to the Wall Street Journal calling the Browns' quarterback options among the most flawed in the league, plus thanks to Herm Edwards for joining earlier in the show.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima argue there are really only three ways to view the Browns quarterback situation, and notably none of them involve believing Deshaun Watson is actually good anymore. They push back hard on the growing win total predictions floating around Cleveland media, breaking down the shaky offensive line and lack of proven playmakers to argue anything close to ten wins is wildly unrealistic. The two also stress that fighting over who starts Week 1 is pointless when both agree Shedeur Sanders will likely play more than Watson by season's end regardless.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima talk quarterback evaluation with ESPN analyst Herm Edwards, who explains he trusts his eyes over stats and leadership qualities over completion numbers, and admits Deshaun Watson's return after over 600 days away actually impressed him. Edwards also praises Jared Verse's early leadership since the Myles Garrett trade and breaks down why a 60 year old first time head coach like Todd Monken brings a calming, experienced presence a team like this badly needs. He even leaves the door open that the quarterback competition might not truly get settled until Week 4 of the regular season.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima reflect on how fandom clouds judgment, with Ken admitting he made excuses for Watson early on and Lima owning that he's biased toward Shedeur Sanders since Watson represents years of lost competitive football. They agree the quarterback decision looks all but made privately, and once it's official the reps need to go entirely to the starter so the retooled offensive line and receivers can build real chemistry. Both stress this quarterback battle shouldn't be one that splits friendships, since neither passer is likely to be the long term answer anyway.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima break down why Deshaun Watson has separated himself in the quarterback competition, with Ken arguing it comes down to experience and readiness rather than accuracy alone, and pushing back hard on fans who insist the decision must be coming from ownership rather than performance. They also debate whether Watson's newfound smiles and "best place I've ever been" comments at practice are genuine or an act to win over Todd Monken. Both agree Shedeur Sanders will likely still play plenty this season even if he loses the starting job out of camp.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima make their weekly rounds with beat reporters Bob Haynie (Baltimore), Mo Egger (Cincinnati) and Andrew Fillipponi (Pittsburgh), hitting Ravens preseason standouts like Jaylin Lane, Bengals concerns about a shaky backup offensive line ahead of Joe Burrow's season, and Steelers fans embracing a potential tank job under Mike McCarthy. Each guest weighs in on which AFC North coach gets fired first, with Todd Monken drawing votes given Cleveland's rough outlook. The crew also debates whether Deshaun Watson's "renewed focus" talk is genuine or just spin ahead of the season
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima break down the Guardians' 8-1 win over the Giants, with deadline pickup Jo Adell crushing a 455-foot three-run homer despite fouling a ball off his knee, and Foster Griffin turning in another strong start after a rocky Cleveland debut. They flag Chase DeLauter's absence as the real concern, arguing the Guardians can't realistically make the playoffs without him in the lineup, before shifting into Browns joint practice fights with the Bills and a wild Julio Rodriguez blunder that helped the Brewers blow out the Mariners.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima celebrate news that the IX Center's amusement park attractions are sticking around after Haslam Sports Group struck a lease deal, complete with an old commercial jingle and a wild story from Lima's youth group days there. They pivot into the ongoing debate over the NFL possibly placing a franchise in London, breaking down cost of living numbers that show players would take a massive real world pay cut. The two also rip into the league's 17 game push, arguing the product is getting watered down while shrinking talent pools make expansion look even worse.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima react to Roger Goodell floating a permanently London-based NFL franchise, working through why it makes little sense for players who'd be a flight away from family and why American fans likely wouldn't attach to it. They pitch a wild alternative instead, swapping a Premier League club into a big American city, and argue that would actually generate more passion than an NFL team overseas ever could. The two also touch on the Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson quarterback battle, with Lima predicting Sanders ends up playing in more games this season regardless of who wins the job.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima bring in producer John to dig into whether Browns tight end Harold Fannin accidentally tipped the quarterback competition, referencing quarterback control in Todd Monken's offense in a way that could point to Deshaun Watson getting the nod. They break down the edited versus unedited clips to check if anything was misleading, then debate whether Fannin's comments about audible freedom actually signal anything about who wins the job. The two also weigh whether the quarterback battle even matters much longer given how often Shedeur Sanders is still expected to play this season.
Quinshon Judkins had his Guardian cap ripped off in practice, sparking debate between Ken Carman and Anthony Lima about whether Cleveland's camp has gotten too physical after a string of injuries (Mike Hall, Shedeur Sanders getting popped late). The guys dig into why Todd Monken abruptly cut practice short and argue he's walking a tightrope between getting his shaky roster reps and not losing anyone before Week 1, especially at quarterback and in a thin secondary.
The Guardians rolled to an 8-1 win to keep their playoff hopes breathing as the team clings to life in the wild card race. Ken and Anthony dig into the rival station beef over whether Chase DeLauter should've played through hamstring tightness, siding with the cautious take given his injury history, before previewing more Guardians talk after the break.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima evaluate the Nielsen fandom index results placing Cleveland at number ten and analyze Deshaun Watson's health after reports of arm numbness. They also interview Aditi Kinkhabwala to discuss the quarterback competition and the leadership transition on defense from Miles Garrett to Jared Verse. (00:03:10) Duck Hunt Debate (00:07:40) Perspiration In Football (00:13:10) Training Camp Competitive (00:18:00) Watson Game Projections (00:24:20) Nielsen Fandom Rankings (00:33:50) James Harden Contract (00:41:40) Cavaliers Roster Future (00:48:30) Watson Health Concerns (00:56:50) Penn State Scandal (01:12:10) About Last Night (01:17:45) Lakers Ownership Conflict (01:22:40) Kinkhabwala Joins Show (01:30:10) Defensive Leadership Shift (01:43:45) AFC Surprise Teams (01:51:20) Falcons Preseason Flop (02:09:40) Earning The Job (02:19:20) Bazzana Performance Review (02:33:30) Offensive Strategy Talk
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima examine the Nielsen Fandom Index rankings, where the Cleveland Browns landed at number ten. They analyze whether Deshaun Watson's polarizing tenure has impacted the fanbase's engagement compared to other NFL markets. The discussion also covers Shedeur Sanders' potential role and concerns regarding James Harden's unsigned status with the Cavaliers. (00:03:00) Duck Hunt Or Duck Hunter (00:08:19) Shedeur Sanders Practice Reports (00:12:30) Training Camp Roster Battles (00:19:15) Deshaun Watson Availability Debate (00:23:30) Nielsen NFL Fandom Index (00:28:10) Shedeur Sanders Fan Base (00:38:21) James Harden Signing Limbo
Ken and Anthony examine the quarterback competition between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders, focusing on reports of Watson's arm numbness during the preseason. They also discuss a major drug bust at Penn State and analyze the record-breaking valuation of the Los Angeles Lakers. (00:01:23) Harden and Cavs Future (00:04:47) Watson and Sanders Battle (00:15:10) Penn State Drug Scandal (00:21:47) Evaluating the Browns Offense (00:30:42) MLB and Lakers News
Aditi Kinkhabwala joins the show to analyze the ongoing competition between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders. The discussion shifts to the defensive identity following a major trade and concludes with a look at Kevin Stefanski's performance with the Falcons in the Neutral Zone. (00:02:18) Aditi Kinkhabwala Joins (00:05:12) Watson vs. Sanders Battle (00:08:30) Todd Monken's Vision (00:12:32) Garrett vs. Verse Leadership (00:20:26) Defensive Culture Discussion (00:24:10) Booger McFarland Reaction (00:30:40) Neutral Zone Segment (00:36:10) Evaluating Draft Picks (00:41:42) Za'Darius Smith Signing
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima evaluate whether Deshaun Watson is truly earning his starting role with the Browns or simply benefiting from a lack of competition. They also analyze the Guardians' recent struggles, debating if Travis Bazzana needs a minor league reset and whether Jose Ramirez should be shut down to recover from injury. (00:01:50) Fan 15 Celebration Promo (00:06:05) Watson Earning Starting Job (00:16:05) Potential Travis Bazzana Reset (00:19:13) Shutting Down Jose Ramirez (00:24:08) Evaluating Watson Trade Value (00:33:11) Browns Preseason Offense Style
Lima pushes back on the narrative that Deshaun Watson's preseason performance was dink and dunk football, arguing his throws to Jerry Judy and Denzel Boston were legitimate NFL routes rather than empty screen passes, while acknowledging he'd still like to see Watson air it out more once he's further removed from a 660 day layoff. Ken agrees, drawing a distinction between meaningful stat padding versus real drive sustaining throws, and floats that putting deep completions on tape now could force opposing defenses to respect Watson and open up the rest of the offense.
Ken and Lima debate whether the struggling Guardians should demote number one overall pick Travis Bazzana to the minors as Cleveland sits five and a half games back and under 500, with both agreeing that sending down a top pick is nearly unheard of and would be a mistake given his defensive improvement. They float shutting down an injured Jose Ramirez for the year and reshuffling the infield to keep Bazzana in the lineup, then pivot into the ongoing Deshaun Watson versus Shedeur Sanders debate, with Ken predicting Watson gets benched by week four regardless of the outcome.
After a lighthearted detour into Fan 15 buffet talk and old grudges against Brent Venables' Clemson sideline theatrics, Ken and Lima dig into whether Deshaun Watson is genuinely earning the starting job or simply benefiting from a thin quarterback room. Lima argues Watson's superior command of the offense is real but largely off field, while Ken counters that the front office's financial incentive to sell tickets and PSLs makes starting an unpopular quarterback business suicide, which paradoxically proves Watson must be earning it on merit. They agree the debate boils down to a low bar, since it is unclear either quarterback would win a starting job on most other NFL rosters, before opening the phone lines for fan opinions.
Ken names former Browns coach Kevin Stefanski as his biggest disappointment of the weekend after the Falcons looked sloppy in a 27-7 preseason loss, sparking a debate over whether Stefanski is a true head coach or just a good coordinator. Ratboy and the Hog also break down the Browns passing on injury prone Jordan Tyson in favor of Casey Concepcion, compare rookie QB preseason performances with Steelers pick Drew Allar grading out best, and react to breaking news that free agent Z'Darrius Smith signed with Stefanski's Falcons instead of Cleveland.
The debate over Jared Verse's leadership versus Myles Garrett's on field dominance boils over into a genuine argument, with Lima pointing to the Pittsburgh game where Garrett's presence alone rattled Aaron Rodgers while Ken counters that transcendent talent alone still only produced five win seasons. They trade barbs over Booger McFarland's prediction that the Browns could be a surprise playoff team, with Ken mocking the take while still projecting six wins himself, and both agree the secondary's inexperience makes this a genuinely difficult season regardless of who plays quarterback.
Browns sideline reporter Aditi Kinkabwala joins Ken and Lima to break down the QB competition, framing it as a philosophical question of who gives you the best chance now versus who has the higher long term ceiling, and sharing that Deshaun Watson is in the best mental and physical space she has seen from him in years. She details how locked in Watson was on the sideline, constantly reviewing the tablet with his quarterback coach, and confirms Todd Monken's genuine excitement watching him play again. The conversation shifts to roster concerns beyond quarterback, with Aditi flagging secondary depth as the team's biggest worry and praising Jared Verse's leadership as a legitimate Roquan Smith style locker room presence, sparking a spirited debate with Ken and Lima over whether the team is underrating how much they'll miss Myles Garrett.
In "About Last Night," John runs through Guardians roster moves, Gabriel Arias getting DFA'd by the Mets after five at bats and prospect hype for the Giants' Tugboat Wilkinson, before Ken and Lima vent about top prospect Ralphie Velasquez still not getting a call up due to service time manipulation ahead of the looming lockout. They react to Ohio State's number one preseason ranking, with Lima explaining his measured skepticism given a brutal schedule that includes Texas, Indiana and Oregon. They close by recapping the Jeanie Buss standoff over the Lakers' final ownership stake, with Ken and Lima riffing on what record breaking NBA sale prices could mean for future NFL franchise valuations, including the Browns.
Ken and Lima bring producer John, a Penn State alum, on air to react to a CBS News report on two Penn State fraternities allegedly running a profitable cocaine operation out of their houses, with John explaining the IFC's role in protecting frat houses and noting one of the fraternities involved had disassociated from it. From there they shift into a serious breakdown of the Browns QB competition, with Ken now walking back his earlier "end of September" timeline and suggesting Deshaun Watson may only get two games before fan pressure forces a switch to Shedeur Sanders. Lima adds that Todd Monken's praise of Shedeur's development actually reveals how far behind he started, and both agree Watson's grip on the job will stay shaky even if he wins it outright.
Ken and Lima wrap up their James Harden worries, agreeing a Harden departure would be an unfair but real disaster for Kobe Altman's image given how far Darius Garland sentiment has shifted since the trade. They then dig into the Shedeur Sanders versus Deshaun Watson debate, pushing back on the idea that Watson's in game arm numbness signals injury risk while noting Shedeur made the more exciting throws in game one. Ken argues repeatedly that the real deciding factors, huddle command, film study, meeting room performance, are happening in places the media and fans simply are not privy to, making public confidence in either QB's chances premature.
Ken and Lima admit they are getting paranoid that James Harden still has not put pen to paper on his new deal, wondering aloud whether the delay signals something more than routine offseason logistics. They tie the holdup to the Cavs' broader roster gridlock, from the Peyton Watson versus Jonathan Kuminga trade decision to how much cap flexibility Cleveland actually has, and argue no team should hesitate to offer the 37-year-old a ring-chasing discount. Ken closes by calling a Harden departure a potential franchise disaster that would instantly shift the conversation to Koby Altman's job security, before a lighter tangent early in the segment about the hosts' old school principals.
Ken and Lima break down a Nielsen "fandom index" ranking all 32 NFL fan bases, with Buffalo, Kansas City and Green Bay on top and Cleveland landing at a surprising number 10 — behind even Cincinnati. They debate whether four rough years including the Deshaun Watson era dragged the Browns down the list, and argue Shedeur Sanders' loud online fan base is more Tebow-mania hype than reflected in actual attendance and viewership numbers.
The show opens with a lighthearted fight over whether Shedeur Sanders' interception in the Duck Hunt segment "counts," complete with producer Owen threatening to sabotage the bit if Ken pushes it through. From there they pivot to Sanders' rough practice day (Zac Jackson's report vs. the QB tracker numbers), the value of joint-practice competition citing Jared Verse and Spencer Rattler/Fano battles, and a broader worry that the Browns' roster is too thin behind the starters after a bad third quarter Saturday. Ken and Lima close by laying out their realistic timeline for when Shedeur actually takes over at QB — landing on Week 3 as the likely target — while noting Deshaun Watson making it through 17 games would be "the all-time stunner."
Hosts break down the fallout from the Browns' preseason opener, debating whether Deshaun Watson or Shedeur Sanders holds the true edge in the quarterback battle. From glaring offensive line depth concerns to Todd Monken's play-calling strategy, the crew digs into what this shaky performance signals for the upcoming season.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima analyze the Browns' preseason quarterback battle, noting the divide between Todd Monken's optimism for Deshaun Watson and the fans' skepticism. They explore the offensive line struggles, the potential of rookie Kevin "KC" Concepcion, and the depth issues in the secondary while evaluating the Guardians' difficult division race and the latest Cavaliers roster news. (00:01:50) Browns QB Race Analysis (00:06:44) Watson Earns The Edge (00:12:39) Monken Defends Deshaun Watson (00:17:50) Sanders Fans vs Reality (00:25:12) Fan Win Total Betting (00:30:44) Bleak Guardians Division Outlook (00:38:16) Todd Monken On Reps (00:47:13) Fair QB Competitions (00:54:11) The Interception Slip Theory (01:00:54) Second Team Performance (01:11:16) Kevin KC Concepcion Debut (01:14:43) Guardians Record Milestone (01:18:34) Cavaliers Roster Movements (01:24:21) Learning Curve For Youth (01:31:55) Daryl Ryder QB Insights (01:41:14) Realistic Watson Expectations (01:49:13) Monken’s Enthusiasm For Deshaun (02:01:20) Faniversary Event Details (02:09:05) Business Side Of QBs (02:18:57) Watson’s Relationship With Fans (02:28:55) Truth About The Roster
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima debate whether Deshaun Watson has officially secured the starting job following the Browns' first preseason game. They evaluate the impact of offensive coordinator Todd Monken and express concern over the team's offensive line depth and secondary. The discussion also touches on the struggling Guardians season and realistic win totals for Cleveland football. (00:01:50) Browns Quarterback Competition (00:06:22) Todd Monken's Strategy (00:10:04) Preseason Performance Review (00:16:08) Depth Chart Concerns (00:24:53) Win Total Predictions (00:30:24) Guardians Season Struggle (00:38:04) Naming the Starter
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima analyze the quarterback dynamics between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders within the Cleveland Browns offense. They dissect Chase Daniel’s viral "butt sweat" theory regarding Sanders' interception and celebrate recent successes for the Guardians and Cavaliers during the "Lima Likes" segment. (00:02:08) Monken Browns QB Decisions (00:06:20) Sanders Backup Role Debate (00:14:40) Sanders Interception Analysis (00:20:00) Evaluating QB Excuse Culture (00:25:25) Browns Running Game Concerns (00:34:28) Lima Likes Sports Highlights
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima examine the Cleveland Browns' preseason developments, focusing on the potential of young playmakers like KC Concepcion and Spencer Fano. They discuss the quarterback competition between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders with Daryl Ruiter, noting the contrast between Todd Monken's high-level praise and the fans' realistic outlook. (00:01:50) Concepcion Return Game Utility (00:05:06) Secondary Depth Concerns (00:09:04) Transitioning Roster Realities (00:13:22) Daryl Ruiter Interview (00:19:38) Watson Practice Performance (00:23:34) Managing Veteran Expectations (00:27:59) Offensive Line Progression (00:34:22) Monken Optimism Versus Fans
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima debate whether the Cleveland Browns' quarterback competition is effectively over, with Ken officially calling the race for Deshaun Watson. They analyze preseason performances, including the play of Shedeur Sanders, and field calls from fans regarding the team's future under center. The discussion also highlights the upcoming Faniversary event and the impact of coaching decisions on the roster. (00:01:20) Faniversary Celebration Details (00:04:55) Browns QB Competition Debate (00:09:45) Calling The QB Race (00:15:15) Deshaun Watson Performance Review (00:19:20) Quarterback Transition Strategies (00:24:00) NFL Draft Speculation (00:32:10) Preseason Game Analysis
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima take heat from callers who aren't buying that Deshaun Watson clearly outplayed Shedeur Sanders, starting with Tyler, who points out Watson's own fumble and argues Sanders deserves credit for actually pushing the ball downfield while Watson dinked and dunked. The hosts eventually concede neither quarterback was overwhelmingly better and both made mistakes, but they land on giving Todd Monken the benefit of the doubt since he has film access they don't. A second caller, Dave from Fort Worth, argues Sanders looked worse than every rookie in the league and predicts he won't survive the arrival of a top QB prospect like Arch Manning, which spirals into the hosts roasting the entire QB room, including a rough showing from Dillon Gabriel.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima grow visibly frustrated dissecting the QB battle, with Ken finally saying he's ready to call the job for Deshaun Watson and mocking the string of excuses fans have floated for Shedeur Sanders, from the butt-sweat interception theory to whatever comes next. A caller, Nick, argues the competition has effectively been over for a month and that benching Watson for Sanders later is far easier than the reverse, while caller Tony floats a cynical theory that the Browns are intentionally playing their worst quarterback to secure a top draft pick, which Ken shoots down after Tony admits he barely watched the game.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima open with promo for the station's 15-year Faniversary event at Dave & Buster's before circling back to the QB competition, with Ken doubling down on his prediction that Deshaun Watson will be named the starter despite pushback on social media for calling it early. They walk through the exact practice schedule Todd Monken laid out, arguing the setup makes it clear Watson has the edge even if Shedeur Sanders gets reps this week, while stressing that losing the job now doesn't mean Sanders' career is over or that he can't take over later in the season.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima notice that fan and media reaction hasn't matched Todd Monken's visible excitement over Deshaun Watson's preseason debut, questioning whether the coach known for "truth-telling" is being genuinely honest or just optimistic about a quarterback nobody trusts. Anthony argues Monken seemed authentically surprised by how functional Watson looked given over 600 days away from football, while Ken counters that fans simply have no faith in anyone in the Browns' QB room and won't get excited until wins actually happen in the regular season. Both agree the performance was fine but unspectacular, praising Casey Concepcion and Spencer Fano as the real bright spots, and Ken closes by reiterating he thinks the job should just go to Watson given how the practice schedule is shaping up.
Daryl Ruiter joins Ken Carman and Anthony Lima and pushes back on Anthony's take that this is the "biggest week" of Shedeur Sanders' career, agreeing with Ken that Deshaun Watson has the job essentially locked up given how the practice schedule was arranged. Ruiter says Watson's preseason debut felt more like watching a training camp practice than a real game, and argues Todd Monken risks overselling Watson by getting excited over "basic" quarterback operation rather than tempering expectations for a player who's logged only 19 games in six years. He also raves about KC Concepcion as the real story of the opener, but flags the secondary's lack of depth as his top concern, while noting the starting offensive line looked improved even though Sanders had nearly a full second more pocket protection than Watson did.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima assess the Browns' talent gaps after the Chicago preseason game, agreeing it's worth the injury risk to use KC Concepcion on kick returns given how badly the offense needs a spark, and praising Spencer Fano's debut while cautioning he's only one-fifth of a still-shaky offensive line. They flag thin depth at tight end and in the secondary as real concerns heading into the season, while pushing back on fantasy football fans worried Harold Fannin was quiet in game one, arguing he'll become Deshaun Watson's security blanket once the season starts. Ken ties the roster's overall thinness back to the draft capital lost in the Watson trade, but says he can accept a rough win total if young playmakers like Concepcion and Denzel Boston keep flashing, and teases finding out whether Daryl Ruiter is also ready to call the QB competition for Watson.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima run through their "Lima Likes" segment, praising the Browns' wide receiver play in the preseason opener despite the lopsided score, with Denzel Boston and Jerry Judy both flashing and rookie KC Concepcion turning heads with 72 all-purpose yards and a touchdown. They pivot to other Cleveland sports news, noting the Guardians joined the Yankees and Red Sox in the 10,000-win club even amid a rough offensive stretch, and break down the Cavaliers' offseason move sending Dennis Schroder out for Terance Mann while they await word on a possible James Harden trade.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima dissect Shedeur Sanders' interception against Chicago, playing Chase Daniel's viral (and widely mocked) explanation that a sweaty center's rear end made the ball slip out of Sanders' hand. Ken argues a full year of excuse-making around Sanders has made fans reflexively skeptical of any explanation, even plausible ones, while conceding the mistake itself wasn't egregious on its own. Callers Jim and Adam push back hard, with Jim arguing Sanders should be able to handle a wet ball and pointing to a lack of a real path to winning at quarterback this year, while Adam ridicules the butt-sweat theory outright, prompting an extended, increasingly absurd tangent about center sweat, powder versus spray, and Todd Monken needing to rank his centers by perspiration level.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima react to Todd Monken saying he's still not ready to name a starter, with Ken maintaining he thinks Monken has already mentally settled on Deshaun Watson even if he won't say it publicly. They dig into a strange argument from vocal Shedeur Sanders supporters that he shouldn't be relegated to a backup role at all, with Ken pushing back hard, arguing Sanders isn't entitled to anything given the Browns have arguably the league's worst QB room. Both hosts land on accepting Monken's authority to make the call based on what's best for winning, while noting the setup is about as fair a competition as Watson could realistically get given the fanbase's feelings toward him
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima debate whether it's time to write off the Guardians' playoff hopes, with Ken pushing back on being labeled "in denial" while acknowledging the team is five games under .500 and six back in the division with a month left. They compare it to their stance on the Browns' QB competition, conceding Todd Monken's insistence the job is still "open" feels similar to Kevin Stefanski's old coach-speak, and both lean toward Deshaun Watson having already won the job based on how camp and the joint practice schedule were set up.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima dig deeper into the Browns' QB competition, with Monken confirming Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson will split practice reps but Ken remaining convinced Watson has the job locked up given the shaky offensive line and thin secondary. Lima notes Monken scaled back the offense for Watson's return, sticking to short, quick throws rather than asking him to push the ball downfield, and both hosts flag visible discomfort after Watson took a hit. A caller, Scott from Vermilion, predicts the Browns could go winless, sparking pushback from the hosts, who point to some bright spots at wide receiver (Jerry Judy, KC Concepcion, Denzel Boston) even while bracing fans for a rough season overall.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima break down the Browns' preseason opener against Chicago and conclude the quarterback competition is effectively over, with Deshaun Watson set to start Week 1. They point to how the practice schedule was arranged (Shedeur Sanders starting the preseason game but without first-team reps) as a clear signal, and note Watson's performance was solid if unspectacular given his 600-plus days away from football. They also dig into Todd Monken's visibly proud reaction to Watson's outing, reading it as the coach protecting and championing a quarterback everyone had written off, while acknowledging Sanders flashed real arm talent on his deep strike to Luke Floreia even as Monken flagged mechanical issues to clean up.
92.3 The Fan presents a selection of interviews and guest appearances with The Ken Carman Show with Anthony Lima, Baskin & Phelps, and The Afternoon Drive. Featuring Mary Kay Cabot, Charles Robinson, and Leroy Hoard.
The hosts of 92.3 The Fan vent their frustrations over the Guardians' recent downturn, with Ken and Anthony drawing parallels to Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski's press conferences. Elsewhere, they discuss whether it's time to shut down Jose Ramirez for the rest of the season, while Baskin & Phelps debate whether there's still enough time for the Guards to turn things around. The Afternoon Drive wonders if the Guards are slumping or this is just who they are.
The hosts of 92.3 The Fan react to the highly anticipated announcement that Deshaun Watson will start at quarterback for the Browns' preseason opener against the Bears. The guys break down the drama leading up to the decision, what it means for the team as they prepare for Saturday's matchup, and whether Browns fans are more open-minded to this decision than some might think.
During the last week, Ken and Anthony analyze the Cleveland Guardians' slump and trade deadline moves alongside a debate over the Browns' fierce quarterback battle between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders. The clip also includes comedic commentary on Chris Berman's wardrobe at the Hall of Fame festivities in Canton and local banter surrounding Cleveland's Feast of the Assumption. All that and more!
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima debate the future of the Guardians as calls grow to shut down Jose Ramirez for the season due to injury. They analyze the Browns' quarterback competition heading into the first preseason game against the Bears, questioning whether fans actually want Deshaun Watson to succeed. The conversation also covers the difficulty of the Cavs' schedule and the NFL's decision to play the Super Bowl on Valentine's Day. (00:02:40) Steven Kwan Perspective (00:09:15) Evaluating Young Talent (00:13:45) Managerial Press Conferences (00:22:10) Shut Down Jose (00:30:58) Deshaun Watson Debate (00:38:20) QB Future Tensions (00:48:10) Browns Fan Truths (00:56:41) Daryl Ryder Interview (01:04:50) Defensive Line Depth (01:14:45) Paul Skenes Physique (01:22:08) Spiral Mechanics Talk (01:29:45) Drew Allar Analysis (01:39:10) The Duck Hunt (01:47:45) Watson Career Costs (01:57:15) Cavs Schedule Brutality (02:05:50) Nathan Zegura Interview (02:14:45) Defensive Scheme Shifts (02:25:15) Valentine's Day Super Bowl
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima evaluate the Cleveland Guardians' recent slump and the internal debate over Jose Ramirez's lingering hand injury. They discuss whether the star should be sidelined to preserve his long-term health while comparing Stephen Vogt's managerial style to Kevin Stefanski's postgame tone. Additionally, they explore the complicated relationship between Browns fans and Deshaun Watson ahead of the preseason. (00:03:10) Guardians Perspective vs Last Year (00:07:24) Bullpen Faith and Platooning (00:11:32) Vogt Sounding Like Stefanski (00:17:22) AL Central Division Ineptitude (00:21:08) Shutting Down Jose Ramirez (00:26:23) Age and Injury Concerns (00:32:57) Deshaun Watson Fan Dilemma (00:37:51) QB Future and Shedeur Sanders
Ken and Lima explore the polarizing relationship between Browns fans and Deshaun Watson, debating if any NFL team would actually trade for the quarterback's contract. Daryl Ryder joins the discussion to provide a training camp update on the competition between Watson and Shedeur Sanders. (00:01:51) Watson Trade Value Debate (00:07:54) Caller on Watson's Decline (00:13:47) Ryder on QB Battle (00:24:13) Browns Roster Bubble Talk (00:31:42) Guardians and Pitching Contracts (00:38:55) Preseason Quarterback FOMO
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima debate whether Deshaun Watson can still lead the Browns or if the team should look toward Shedeur Sanders in the future. They examine Todd Monken's influence on the offense and evaluate the mounting pressure from the Cavaliers' difficult early schedule. (00:02:48) Shedeur Sanders Spiral Talk (00:06:35) Todd Monken Offensive Impact (00:10:33) Watson Versus Sanders Debate (00:14:38) Zack Jackson Audio Review (00:20:15) Supporting Deshaun Watson (00:24:48) Watson Trade Legacy Cost (00:32:44) Cavaliers Schedule Analysis (00:38:39) Offensive Line Roster Evaluation
Nathan Zegura joins to analyze the Cleveland Browns' training camp, focusing on the competitive dynamic between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders. They also address depth concerns for the offensive line and defense before debating the impact of a Valentine's Day Super Bowl. (00:01:13) Nathan Zegura Joins (00:01:48) Watson vs. Sanders Battle (00:07:44) Browns Roster Depth Concerns (00:13:38) Preseason Performance Value (00:18:21) Super Bowl Valentine's Conflict
During a Fan Cash Friday giveaway, Ken Carman and Anthony Lima react to Adam Schefter's news that Super Bowl LXI will fall on Valentine's Day, siding with Ken's wife that the scheduling is annoying and debating how couples should handle it. The bit spirals into callers weighing in on their own wives' reactions, a detour into Mitch Trubisky's decade in the league, and some ribbing of producer John over his "platonic" Valentine's Day breakfast tradition.
Nathan Zegura joins the show from Chicago to preview Saturday's Browns-Bears preseason game, detailing what he wants to see from Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders and the growth both quarterbacks have shown this camp. He also digs into the offensive line battle at right guard, cornerback depth behind Denzel Ward and Tyson Campbell, and how Jim Schwartz's defense plans to disguise coverages more than it did last season.
Ken and Anthony dig into the newly released Cavs schedule, joking the league loaded it with tough early matchups like a home-and-home with Oklahoma City as payback for Kenny Atkinson's comments on analytics, while noting the team still hasn't added James Harden or made any real offseason moves. They debate whether a rough start will reignite fan interest as a "hate watch" or deepen the malaise left over from LeBron's departure to Philadelphia and the team's ugly end to last season, predicting calls demanding Atkinson's job as early as the season opener against the Sixers. The conversation shifts to Browns training camp, with Anthony flagging the offensive line, particularly the futures of Spencer Fano, DeJuan Jones, and Titus Howard, as the real story to watch in tomorrow's preseason opener beyond the quarterback competition.
Ken lays out his one real argument for wanting Deshaun Watson to play well tomorrow: not to vindicate Watson himself, but because it would prove the offensive line, receiving corps, and Todd Monken's coaching are legitimately improved heading into the future. He acknowledges most former players and media members he's hearing from want Shedeur Sanders to start, and admits he'd lean that way too if the decision were purely emotional, but insists Watson's track record of costing people their jobs, legacies, and playoff chances means he'd still franchise tag or move on from him even in a best-case scenario. The segment also touches on a Duck Hunt and Mario Kart tangent, Zac Jackson's audio on Sanders' persistent lack of spiral, and the show debating whether "coming in hot" callers can meaningfully compare Browns quarterbacks to old Nintendo games.
Ken and Anthony dig into Drew Allar's electric preseason debut for the Steelers, with Anthony admitting he's too gun-shy on quarterback evaluations after years of getting burned to fully commit to any prospect, including Allar back in his Penn State days. Ken presses him on whether that caution is really principled analysis or just fear dressed up as skepticism, pointing out Anthony's habit of taking detailed notes on quarterbacks and then talking himself out of wanting any of them. The two also spar over whether the Browns "wasted" the third-round pick on Joe Royer, and Anthony pushes back on the idea that supporting a quarterback just because "the situation sucks" is a legitimate argument, while acknowledging the NFL is watching Cleveland's Shedeur Sanders vs. Deshaun Watson competition with amusement.
Ken and Anthony bring in producer John to break down another shutout loss to the Tigers where Parker Messick pitched well but the offense managed just four hits, sparking a debate about whether the Guardians should lock up young arms like Messick, Bazzana, and DeLauter to long-term deals before free agency. The conversation veers into NBA Cavaliers schedule anxiety, with the crew debating whether a rough opening slate and coach Kenny Atkinson's job security should worry fans given last year's playoff run through tough seeds.
Browns beat reporter Daryl Ruiter joins Ken and Anthony to preview Saturday's preseason opener against Chicago, saying he wants to see both Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders operate the offense cleanly and on target, while noting Watson has looked sharper in recent practices after a rocky start to camp. Ruiter pushes back on the idea that questioning Sanders' pre-snap execution is an attack on his intelligence, framing it instead as a byproduct of learning a new, demanding scheme from scratch, and says roster bubble battles at cornerback and the fifth/sixth receiver spots won't really take shape until the third preseason game. He also touches on Za'Darius Smith's potential return, Joe Rowe's unexplained absence from camp, and agrees with the show's earlier take that Jose Ramirez should be shut down for a couple of weeks to let his hand heal.
Ken opens the phone lines to find out if fans actually want Deshaun Watson to play well tomorrow or just say they do out of obligation, with Anthony noting he can't let years of frustration override wanting the organization to succeed. Callers largely agree they want the offense to look competent without necessarily wanting Watson himself to shine, with Gary arguing a good performance would prove Kevin Stefanski was the real problem all along, and Patrick and Slater both saying they're more interested in the Browns winning than in vindicating Watson specifically.
Ken and Anthony argue that, despite disliking Deshaun Watson personally, Browns fans should want him to succeed in the preseason opener because it would signal progress from the offensive line, young receivers like Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion, and new head coach Todd Monken. Anthony plays devil's advocate, raising the counterargument that Watson playing well only delays the inevitable shift to Shedeur Sanders and muddies the team's draft priorities for 2027.
Prompted by the Dery Brothers' Guardians Cast, Ken and Anthony debate whether Jose Ramirez should be shut down given he hasn't recorded an extra-base hit since June 13th and appears to be playing through pain, including a defensive error that may point to compensation for his hamate injury. They weigh Ramirez's fierce competitiveness and refusal to sit against the risk of long-term damage, especially with him turning 34 in September and a potential lockout looming over next season's schedule. The two land on genuinely considering shutting him down by the end of the current homestand if the offense doesn't turn around against the Giants and Padres.
Ken and Anthony break down the Guardians' 3-0 series loss to the Tigers, dropping them to 59-63 and further back in the AL Central. The debate centers on whether any positive argument for a 2026 postseason run can be made without leaning on last year's historic 15.5-game comeback, which they agree is no longer a fair comparison given a tougher schedule and thinner bullpen. They also dig into Stephen Vogt's postgame comments sounding eerily like a beleaguered former Cleveland manager, and note the Guardians left multiple runners in scoring position again during a stretch of poor offensive execution.
Mary Kay Cabot discusses why Deshaun Watson currently holds the advantage in the quarterback battle against Shedeur Sanders. Ken and Lima examine Baker Mayfield's criticism of the team's past culture and explore if the current roster is prepared to contend for a title with stable play under center. (00:02:33) Shedeur vs Watson Debate (00:08:10) Preseason Rep Allocation Plans (00:16:00) Winning Today vs April (00:24:10) Handling Hostile Home Crowd (00:33:50) Guardians Weekend Promotion Preview (00:42:40) Matt Wilhelm Prank Story (00:51:00) Comparing Roster To Texans (00:58:00) Cavs NBA Cup Schedule (01:07:30) Draft Evaluation Priority Discussion (01:15:50) Massive NBA Team Valuations (01:26:00) Baker Mayfield Culture Critique (01:33:00) Baker vs Myles Garrett (01:40:40) Mary Kay Cabot Joins (01:49:00) Monken Wants To Win (01:57:15) Deshaun Watson Leading Competition (02:07:50) Future Draft Quarterback Prospects (02:18:00) Deshaun's Preseason Performance Pressure (02:29:30) Shaving During NFL Games
Ken and Anthony analyze the intensifying quarterback battle between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders as the preseason begins. They explore Todd Monken's frustrations with pre-snap errors and discuss the potential for home fans to boo Watson. Later, Guardians VP Curtis Danburg details the team's identity and the upcoming Rock and Blast weekend events. (00:02:44) Browns QB Battle Analysis (00:06:20) Preseason Rep Allocation (00:10:15) Monken’s Pre-snap Frustrations (00:16:18) Rodney in Litchfield Joins (00:20:33) Addressing the Boo Factor (00:29:28) Mike in Brooklyn Joins (00:35:50) Interview with Curtis Danburg (00:39:00) Guardians Upcoming Promotions
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima debate whether the current Cleveland roster is just a high-level quarterback away from being a consistent contender. They analyze comments from national analysts and listeners regarding the future of the position, including potential draft targets like Shedeur Sanders. The discussion also covers the upcoming NBA Cup for the Cavaliers and the record-breaking sale of the Lakers. (00:01:57) Meeting Buckeye Legend Matt Wilhelm (00:05:12) Browns Quarterback Away Argument (00:14:27) Cavaliers NBA Cup Schedule (00:25:37) Drafting Shedeur Sanders Debate (00:34:34) Guardians Beat the Tigers (00:36:21) Lakers Sold for Record Price (00:41:24) Russell Westbrook's NBA Legacy
Mary Kay Cabot joins to discuss the quarterback competition between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders, noting that Watson currently holds the inside track. They also examine Baker Mayfield's recent podcast appearance and debate who he was criticizing regarding the culture of the Cleveland Browns. (00:02:46) Baker Mayfield's Podcast Comments (00:07:11) Baker's Cryptic Locker Room Comments (00:11:44) Browns Leadership and Accountability (00:17:04) Mary Kay Cabot Interview (00:22:06) Watson's Injury History Analyzed (00:27:01) Shedeur Sanders and Blistergate (00:36:15) Deshaun Watson's Inside Edge
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima weigh the pros and cons of Deshaun Watson starting over Shedeur Sanders, debating which quarterback truly belongs in the Browns' future. They react to reports regarding Watson's status as the frontrunner and entertain caller theories about the season being a strategic tank job. Ken also reflects on his readiness to handle fan backlash and the emotional toll of potential losses. (00:01:15) Watson vs Sanders Debate (00:08:35) Watson Leading The Clubhouse (00:14:56) Browns Fan Perspective Calls (00:17:20) Ken's Emotional Preparedness (00:25:56) Tanking For Next Year
With the Feast of the Assumption kicking off in Little Italy, Ken and Anthony rib John, who's Italian American but has never attended, giving him tips on which pricier food stands to skip and pointing him toward the raffles and Benny Romance, a local entertainer he's told he must meet. They compare notes on John's limited exposure to Italian culture while calling games in Minnesota, Iowa, and Massachusetts, and reminisce about Anthony's own history at the feast, including his "back to back" Italian American Man of the Year titles (with a COVID year asterisk Ken jokes rivals LeBron's). The conversation turns to plans for a live show from Cleveland's Columbus Day parade and Little Italy festivities in October, with John invited to play bocce ball and get his mom and grandmother's shore-town team to sponsor a squad in Cleveland.
Anthony replays Ken's earlier claim that he's "mentally and emotionally prepared" for a rough season and Watson getting booed, and calls out that Ken will never actually stay calm once games start going badly, using Chuck Noll's mental preparation as a contrast to true emotional detachment. They riff on Baker Mayfield's culture comments from earlier in the show, joking about commitment to winning versus shaving facial hair mid game, before taking calls. Tony from Lakewood says he just wants competent quarterback play regardless of who it is and predicts Shedeur starts by week two, while questioning why Talon Green hasn't been used at other offensive positions yet. Later callers push a "tank for a quarterback" theory, arguing the real goal this year is securing a top pick rather than wins, and Ryan from Wadsworth challenges the media narrative that Watson has looked sharper in camp, noting things like getting in and out of the huddle aren't measurable by fans and may just reflect his experience with the new install versus Sanders' unfamiliarity with a first year coaching staff.
Ken and Anthony debate whether Deshaun Watson will end up playing more games than Shedeur Sanders this season, with Ken predicting yes barring injury while Anthony believes Sanders will still see the field more given how unconvincing Watson's edge has looked. They argue the QB competition is close to irrelevant in the big picture since neither quarterback figures to be on the roster long term, and Ken insists his real fear is the Browns whiffing on next year's quarterback in the draft rather than anything happening with Watson or Sanders now. They also revisit their theory that a new coaching staff, rather than holdover Kevin Stefanski, is the reason Watson has the edge instead of Sanders, and needle Anthony over his prediction that Dillon Gabriel could be traded by camp's end. Callers weigh in heavily: Deshaun from Cleveland argues Andrew Berry's real mistake was keeping Watson on the roster this long and that the front office should have cut ties after his early struggles, while Jay from Lakewood begrudgingly admits the team may be stuck relying on Watson as its best option given camp reports.
Ken and Anthony replay Mary Kay Cabot's assessment that Deshaun Watson has "the slight edge" in the QB race and debate whether that means the job is essentially his to lose, with Ken warming to the idea given what she described about the lack of real separation between the two quarterbacks so far. They push back on the theory that fan boos are driving the decision, with Ken arguing loudly that a real head coach cannot care about what radio hosts or fans in the stands think and has to build the roster with only winning in mind. Owen raises a hypothetical about polling the actual players and defenders on which quarterback scares them more in practice reps, sparking debate over whether locker room trust matters as much as the coach's evaluation, with Johnny Manziel brought up as a cautionary example of a pick players never bought into.
Mary Kay Cabot joins Ken and Anthony to break down the QB competition, saying Deshaun Watson starting the preseason opener signals he currently has the edge and that next week's joint practice against the Bills, plus that following preseason game, should reveal the Browns' real thinking even without a formal announcement. She details Watson's rocky three years in Cleveland — a lost suspension season, a torn rotator cuff and eventual fractured glenoid in 2023, and a 2024 season where he never looked like his old self before rupturing his Achilles — arguing outside critics don't fully grasp what he's been playing through. Cabot also addresses whether home-crowd boos and money are factors in the QB decision (she thinks Todd Monken is purely focused on winning now), touches on Shedeur Sanders' blister issue and wobbly-but-effective passes, and runs through offensive line battles (Spencer Fano, Tytus Howard, Elton Jenkins) and Dylan Gabriel's inconsistent reps. She closes by weighing in on the Baker Mayfield mystery clip, saying she doesn't know exactly who Mayfield meant but recalls real dysfunction between Mayfield and Myles Garrett, and Mayfield and Kevin Stefanski, during that chaotic final season.
Ken and Anthony dissect a Baker Mayfield clip from Jarvis Landry's "Fourth and South" podcast in which Mayfield credits John Dorsey, Elliot Wolf, and Alonzo Highsmith for changing the Browns' culture but says "not everybody was trying to help us win," and try to figure out who he's subtly targeting. Ken pushes the theory that Mayfield is talking about Myles Garrett, pointing to Jimmy Haslam letting Mayfield have input on hiring Freddie Kitchens as head coach and framing it as payback for the front office favoring Garrett, while Anthony argues Mayfield was speaking to locker-room dynamics generally, name-checking Odell Beckham Jr. and questioning whether Deshaun Watson could even be the target since they were never in the building together. They also touch on Mayfield noting Tampa Bay's Week 2 home game against Cleveland is "circled" on his schedule, debate whether Andrew Berry fits the criticism despite reaching the playoffs with Mayfield, and needle each other over accusations of "gaslighting" the audience with dueling theories.
Ken and Lima bring in producer John to recap the Guardians' 6-4 win over the Tigers behind Foster Griffin, Angel Martinez's three-hit game, and Steven Kwan's continued hot streak, while framing Jose Ramirez's visible frustration after an error as a good sign for a team that hit rock bottom days earlier, though Anthony admits he's nervous about Ramirez playing through injury. The bulk of the segment covers Mark Walter selling the Lakers to Josh Kushner and Bob Iger for $12.5 billion, a $2 billion profit in just 14 months, which the guys use to argue the NBA is thriving financially despite narratives about the league struggling, pointing to recent Boston and Dallas sale prices and expansion fee estimates. They debate whether the Lakers or Dodgers are more popular in L.A. versus globally, and pivot into a broader discussion on single-owner versus ownership-group models in sports, weighing accountability against the risk of a meddling owner, with the old Browns relocation brought up as a cautionary tale. The segment closes with a quick take on Russell Westbrook's retirement, comparing his legacy and fan appeal to James Harden's.
Ken makes the case for buying into the Cavs' NBA Cup group play schedule, headlined by a November 6th matchup against LeBron James and the 76ers, while Anthony and Tone needle him about the Cavs' rough Cup history (3-1 the first year but eliminated on tiebreaker, then 2-2 the last two years). They riff on whether the Cavs are in a "group of death," compare Cleveland's championship drought to pro wrestling's midcard titles, and take shots at James Harden's offseason conditioning and legal history versus Kawhi Leonard's. The conversation pivots hard into the Browns QB debate when caller Paul from Canton argues fans are right to want Deshaun Watson gone given his cost, age, and injury history, and that every Watson snap wastes evaluation time the team needs for the 2027 draft. Tony from Canton pushes back that the Browns are genuinely a QB away and could flip this year's first-round pick (from the Rams) for a difference-maker, prompting Ken to press him on why, if that's true, the team isn't just handing the job to Shedeur Sanders now instead of letting Watson eat reps.
Ken and Anthony react to CBS Sports' Ryan Wilson saying the Browns would be a 10-11 win playoff team with CJ Stroud at quarterback, and to Lewis Riddick's take that Andrew Berry has built a roster that just needs competent QB play. They debate what "a QB away" really means, using Stroud's dramatic regression last season as a cautionary example and questioning whether the Browns' offensive line and other roster question marks (Spencer Fano, Tevin Jenkins, Zion Johnson, Titus Howard) would hold up even with a good quarterback. Ken pushes back on treating a single good QB season as proof of contention, comparing it to the Rams' talented-but-4-12 2013 team, while Anthony revisits their offseason disagreement over pursuing veteran QB help like Kyler Murray. They open the phone lines to ask listeners whether they buy the "QB away" theory or think the roster still has more question marks to answer
Curtis Danburg joins Ken and Anthony to discuss the Guardians' heavy roster turnover at the deadline, including sending down Daniel Schneemann and David Fry, and how the team is still figuring out its new identity after last night's win snapped a rough stretch. They dig into improved offensive numbers since the trade deadline (runs per game, on-base percentage, BABIP) even as other areas have slipped, and praise Chase DeLauter's veteran-like leadership through the team's struggles. The conversation shifts to promotions for the upcoming homestand, including the 20th-anniversary Rock and Blast fireworks shows, dollar dog and two-dollar beer nights, and a giveaway sling bag for the first 15,000 fans, plus some tangents on Y2K nostalgia and outrageous beer prices at MLB parks elsewhere.
Ken and Anthony debate whether Deshaun Watson will get booed once he takes the field in front of the home crowd, weighing theories that the Browns are protecting him from that reaction by starting him in the road preseason opener against the Bills first and saving Shedeur Sanders for a home start. Ken argues good play quiets any booing quickly, while Anthony is skeptical Watson can perform well given ongoing issues getting out of the huddle and functioning at live NFL speed after years away from the game. They question whether Watson deserves credit for his physical comeback, with Anthony crediting the organization more than Watson himself and doubting his long-term commitment.
Ken and Anthony debate Todd Monken's comment that the Shedeur Sanders/Deshaun Watson QB competition isn't "that big a deal," with Ken arguing it's actually good for Sanders given how the rotation has played out. They dig into rep splits, Zac Jackson's report that Watson has moved the ball better in team drills while Sanders looked sharper in stationary work, and Brian Baldinger's take that Monken wants the quarterbacks to decide it for him. The guys preview the Bears preseason opener and next week's joint practice as bigger tells than the game itself, predicting a real decision won't come until after the Buffalo game on the 24th.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima evaluate the career trajectories of Donovan Mitchell and Jalen Brunson, questioning if Brunson has surpassed the Cavs star. They shift to how Big Ten expansion has revitalized Ohio State’s regular season coverage and the rare loyalty shown by star receiver Jeremiah Smith in the NIL era. (00:02:23) Mitchell Versus Brunson (00:08:12) Big Ten Expansion (00:15:04) Jeremiah Smith Loyalty (00:20:09) Julian Sayin Outlook
Ken and Anthony reflect on the Cleveland Guardians' recent struggles and whether the season is effectively over following a string of losses to the Tigers. The focus shifts to a hypothetical 2025 Cleveland Browns quarterback competition between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders, evaluating Todd Monken's coaching strategies and roster depth. The segment also includes a division-wide AFC North update and an interview with Ryan Wilson regarding future NFL draft prospects. (00:01:55) Guardians Season Over Debate (00:07:10) Team Lack Of Identity (00:12:00) Callers Defend The Guardians (00:19:20) Tom Hamilton Injury Update (00:27:55) Browns Quarterback Competition Realities (00:33:45) Todd Monken Honeymoon Over (00:41:50) Shedeur Sanders Blister Rumors (00:53:55) Move The Ball Drills (00:58:00) Ohio State Michigan Rivalry (01:05:35) National Media Watson Perspective (01:11:20) Two-Second Trivia Game (01:22:45) Around The AFC North (01:33:35) Ranking Merged QB Rooms (01:44:15) Carrying Four Quarterbacks (01:53:10) Todd Monken Preseason Plan (02:03:35) Ryan Wilson Scouting Report (02:16:10) QB Developmental Problems (02:28:45) Desperation In QB Drafting (02:36:10) Guardians First Blood Analogy
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima discuss whether the Cleveland Guardians' season has hit a breaking point after a series of disappointing losses and a lack of offensive identity. They analyze a sobering injury report on José Ramírez and transition into the Browns' quarterback competition involving Shedeur Sanders and Todd Monken. (00:02:18) Guardians Season Outlook (00:07:11) Team Identity Crisis (00:11:51) Fan Call Reactions (00:15:25) Stephen Vogt Ejections (00:20:34) Ramirez Injury Update (00:27:49) Browns QB Competition (00:35:31) Todd Monken Honeymoon
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima analyze Shedeur Sanders' camp performance and the viral reports of him throwing through blisters. They debate the local and national perspectives on Deshaun Watson's future in Cleveland while exploring the intensity of the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry. (00:01:51) Freiermuth and AFC North Update (00:02:57) Shedeur Sanders' Hand Blisters (00:10:52) Deshaun Watson Camp Performance (00:13:43) Sherrone Moore and Rivalry Hate (00:19:04) Urban Meyer's Rivalry Legacy (00:25:16) National View on Deshaun Watson (00:33:13) Two-Second Trivia Game (00:39:41) NFL Broadcast Media Changes
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima explore the AFC North landscape with insights from Ken Weinman, Tony Pike, and Chris Mueller. They address the polarizing quarterback competition in Cleveland between Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson. Todd Monken's evaluation of the roster on 92.3 The Fan sparks a heated debate about the team's long-term future and fan frustration. (00:02:03) Ravens Training Camp Update (00:05:49) Bengals Defensive Upgrades (00:09:01) Steelers Camp Autograph Fights (00:12:51) Quarterback Power Rankings (00:18:58) Worst Division Coach Debate (00:23:20) Evaluating Deshaun Watson (00:29:57) Monken Discusses Quarterbacks (00:39:21) Fan Base Rejects Watson
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima welcome CBS Sports' Ryan Wilson to discuss Shedeur Sanders' draft prospects and the ongoing quarterback questions surrounding the Cleveland Browns. They evaluate whether the roster is truly a "quarterback away" from contention and analyze the impact of losing Myles Garrett on the defense. Additionally, they explore the NFL's broader quarterback developmental crisis and the recent struggles of the Cleveland Guardians. (00:02:11) Ryan Wilson Joins (00:05:54) Browns Roster Depth (00:10:14) Front Office Dynamics (00:13:44) NFL QB Crisis (00:19:53) Browns Roster Transition (00:24:46) QB Overdrafting Issues (00:35:16) Guardians Scoring Struggles
Using a Rambo "First Blood" analogy, the show digs into whether the Guardians' season is truly finished, pointing to a young, retooled roster's struggles with runners in scoring position as Chase DeLauder admits players are pressing instead of just taking their normal at-bats. Comparisons to last year's veteran-laden club that overcame a 15.5-game deficit highlight why this year's lineup, overhauled by call-ups and trade deadline moves, lacks the same identity and clutch numbers, even leaving nine runners on base in one recent game. The hosts wrestle with how much of this is simply what happens when a team leans this heavily on inexperienced players, while noting Jose Ramirez's rough season has coincided with Steven Kwan finally salvaging his own year.
Ken Carman pushes back on Ryan Wilson's claim that the Browns are just one quarterback away from 10-11 wins, arguing the roster is still going through a genuine transition with unproven offensive line depth, thin linebacker and secondary rooms, and only one trusted tight end. He runs a thought experiment imagining Baker Mayfield still on the roster to show that even a franchise quarterback would be dealing with the same structural questions right now. The conversation shifts into a broader breakdown of why NFL quarterback busts keep happening, with Ken and Anthony agreeing that teams overdraft quarterbacks out of desperation since missing on a passer means punting the rebuild another year, and that the position simply doesn't allow the same kind of in-season development other sports do.
CBS Sports' Ryan Wilson joins the show and argues the Browns' roster outside quarterback is good enough to contend in the AFC North, comparing it to Houston's turnaround with C.J. Stroud and predicting whoever wins the QB job only needs to play "out of their minds" to hold it beyond 2026. He backs Todd Monken as the right coaching hire, praises the rookie wide receiver duo of Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion, and says the defense should still be the AFC North's best despite losing Myles Garrett, though he flags the loss of defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz as a bigger concern. On the blister debate, Wilson notes he's never seen Shedeur Sanders throw such tight spirals in two years of watching him at Colorado, leaving open whether the issue is new or just more visible.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima play sound of Todd Monken praising all four Browns quarterbacks, including Deshaun Watson, but Ken pushes back hard, arguing nobody in Cleveland actually believes Watson can rediscover his old form after six years of decline. Ken admits his own bias openly: he'll extend Shedeur Sanders more patience while comparing Watson not just to Sanders but to the MVP-caliber quarterback the Browns traded three first-round picks for. Callers Jeffrey and Dan add fuel to the fire, with Dan predicting Watson starts the first two games only to be benched after an embarrassing 0-2 start, and Ken and Anthony debating just how well Watson would need to play this year for anyone to want him back in 2027. They land on the idea that Monken, unlike a rookie coach who might just hand the job to Sanders, is trying to win now and genuinely believes he can get more out of Watson.
Ken Carman openly admits he's straddling the fence on the Browns' quarterback competition, caught between wanting long-term stability and sympathizing with keeping a likable fourth quarterback like Tyler Huntley Green around, while Anthony Lima counters that roster spots need to go to players who can actually help win games. The two dig into Chris Mueller's point that raw stats like completions and interceptions don't capture context, using Shedeur Sanders' touchdown throw to Harold Fannin and his performance in the Tennessee loss as examples of how emotion and results can distort honest evaluation. Ken concedes he was too easy on Sanders in the moment because he was celebrating in the stadium with beer in hand, and both agree Todd Monken deserves a fair shake this year since last year's QB competition was legitimately mishandled while this year's hasn't been. They close by noting Monken's first show as head coach airs tonight and teasing a Guardians segment built around the movie First Blood.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima swing around the AFC North with radio hosts previewing preseason week one. Baltimore's Ken Weinman details Nate Wiggins' knee scare and picks Mike McCarthy as the division's worst coach. Cincinnati's Tony Pike is bullish on the Bengals' upgraded defensive line and Joe Burrow's health as the swing factor, tabbing Todd Monken as the weakest coach by process of elimination. Pittsburgh's Chris Mueller delivers a chaotic quarterback power ranking that puts 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers at number one over Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson and Dillon Gabriel, while naming Zac Taylor the division's worst coach and sparring with Ken over stolen "power rankings" bits and Youngstown's surprising 49ers fanbase.
This week's Two-Second Trivia round covers the AFC North preseason ahead, with callers racing the clock on questions ranging from J.J. McCarthy being named the Vikings' starter to Michigan's head coach and the Guardians player whose dad went after Ken Carman on social media. A caller's joking Tony Romo DUI answer, referencing his leaving a golf course to visit dead grandparents, gets debated for whether it counts before Bryant from Parma wins the free Mr. Hero combo meal on a Kyle Whittingham answer. The segment closes with Ken and Anthony riffing on whether new broadcaster Ross Tucker will ever shout out Cleveland radio hosts Nick and Jonathan during a Browns broadcast, name-checking other local sports-radio personalities across the AFC North in the process.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima open by dissecting the Michigan-Ohio State hate rivalry, debating whether Kyle Whittingham's measured comments about Ohio State are genuine or a "Trojan horse" compared to Jeremiah Smith's raw hatred of Michigan, with Albert Breer's warning that Whittingham's words will haunt him if he loses in November. The conversation pivots hard to the Browns, where Ken reveals that despite no one in local media wanting Deshaun Watson to win the starting job, he increasingly believes Watson will be "given" it out of camp over Shedeur Sanders. They play Mike Tannenbaum's blunt take that the Browns should cut ties with Watson entirely given his injury history and poor play, which Ken says just "preaches to the choir" of how locals already feel. Anthony notes the stark gap between local and national coverage, pointing out that national pundits barely mention Shedeur or the Browns at all, dismissing Cleveland's quarterback room as one of the league's worst regardless of who starts.
Ken Carman digs into a claim from someone in Shedeur Sanders' inner circle that a blister on his throwing hand may explain why some of his passes have looked shaky, arguing the Browns need to confirm it publicly for the QB competition to feel fair. Anthony Lima pushes back on urgency, noting camp throw volume is unusually high for every quarterback this time of year and questioning whether a blister even rises to the level of a real injury. The two also weigh in on Zach Jackson's report that Deshaun Watson has outperformed Sanders specifically in "move the ball" game-simulation reps, which Ken says matters more to a new coach than raw drill throws.
Ken Carman clarifies his "honeymoon is over" comment about Todd Monken isn't necessarily a criticism, using an extended marriage/honeymoon analogy (with some personal ribbing about his own wedding) before pivoting to the real question: do quarterback competitions ever actually produce a franchise QB? Ken argues historically almost none do, name-checking Kyler Murray, J.J. McCarthy, Derek Anderson and Baker Mayfield as evidence that these battles usually just mean neither guy is great. Anthony Lima pushes back that Shedeur Sanders may still be developmentally raw from a chaotic setup at Colorado and last year's limited Browns run, floating a best-case scenario where Deshaun Watson starts early before Sanders takes over once the offensive line and rookies gel.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima play sound of Guardians legend Tom Hamilton explaining that Jose Ramirez's hamate bone surgery means fans won't see the "real" Ramirez again until next season, sparking a mix of denial and grief on the show. Ken admits he doesn't want to accept the season is over, arguing the team's identity of clutch hitting and manufactured runs simply isn't who this roster is anymore. A caller pushes back that what fans are watching is essentially minor league baseball given 10-11 rookie call-ups, while the hosts note that's not new for this era of Guardians teams.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima wrestle with whether it's time to declare the Guardians' season over after a 6-4 loss to the Tigers dropped them to four games under .500 and extended a brutal 2-8 stretch. They debate José Ramírez's injury-hampered "season from hell," a thin bullpen beyond the closer, and how a lineup overhauled with rookies has lost its "Guards ball" identity of manufacturing runs. Caller Tommy argues the weak division keeps hope alive but warns the Guardians are basically out of it if they don't turn things around within a week.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima analyze the ongoing quarterback competition and roster construction for the Cleveland Browns. They discuss the perceived leadership vacuum, the pressure on rookie additions, and reflect on past organizational shifts while evaluating local fan sentiment. The conversation also shifts to sports media legends, upcoming NBA schedules, and personal anecdotes about youth hobbies. (00:05:33) Browns QB Decision (00:10:23) Watson Play Vs Injury (00:15:55) Firing Kevin Stefanski (00:22:47) Building The Roster (00:27:58) Wiping The Slate (00:32:22) Chris Berman Pants (00:38:10) Aging And Wardrobe (00:45:10) Social Media Hyping (00:51:10) Preseason Starting Decisions (00:57:43) Spencer Fano Pressure (01:03:42) Rebuilding Offensive Line (01:12:30) Tim Anderson Retirement (01:20:41) Cavs Season Opener (01:27:43) Music Instrument Debate (01:32:42) Zac Jackson Interview (01:44:40) QB Competition Update (01:55:10) Organizational Pick Theory (02:04:10) Todd Monken Explanation (02:19:10) Ohio State Rivalry (02:34:15) Final Preseason Thoughts
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima breakdown the Cleveland Browns quarterback battle between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders under hypothetical coach Todd Monken. They also discuss viral videos of Chris Berman’s wardrobe issues during Hall of Fame weekend in Canton. (00:03:35) Todd Monken’s Presser (00:07:46) QB Competition Delays (00:12:30) Watson vs Sanders (00:19:16) Monken's Honeymoon Ends (00:24:00) Earning Cleveland's Trust (00:29:15) QB Redshirt Theory (00:34:22) Berman's Wardrobe Malfunction (00:40:00) Chris Berman’s Pants
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima discuss the narrative surrounding Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson, questioning whether the team's social media strategy influences public perception of the quarterback battle. They also examine the high expectations for rookie Spencer Fano and how his performance impacts General Manager Andrew Berry's legacy. The conversation wraps up with a look at Tim Anderson's retirement and the impact of his altercation with Jose Ramirez. (00:01:20) Shedeur Sanders Narrative (00:06:47) Preseason Starting Strategy (00:13:02) Spencer Fano Pressure (00:20:31) Andrew Berry Planning (00:30:48) Tim Anderson Retirement (00:34:30) Williams Brothers And ABS
Anthony Lima and Ken Carman talk with Zach Jackson from The Athletic about the ongoing quarterback battle between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders. They analyze Todd Monken's messaging and the implications of Dylan Gabriel being an organizational draft pick. (00:01:50) NBA Schedule Release (00:04:33) Cavs Malaise and WNBA (00:07:18) Musical Instrument Debate (00:14:05) Zac Jackson Interview (00:17:40) Monken's QB Messaging (00:20:21) Evaluating Wide Receivers (00:22:00) Dillon Gabriel's Status (00:27:37) Sanders vs Watson (00:30:14) Joint Practice Memories (00:35:44) Drafting Career Backups
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima analyze recent comments regarding the quarterback competition and address fan concerns about the process being rigged. They also discuss the intense pressure on Ryan Day as the Ohio State rivalry looms and react to the leaked Cleveland Cavaliers schedule. (00:02:13) Monken on QB Competition (00:06:46) Addressing Rigged Rumors (00:12:41) Lessons from 2007 Browns (00:20:02) Whittingham on Ohio State (00:26:54) Ryan Day's Hot Seat (00:38:00) Cavs Schedule Leak Frustration
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima react to the (still unconfirmed) news that the Cavs may open their season October 22nd on the road against LeBron James and the 76ers, calling it the one marquee moment on an otherwise flat schedule. They vent about the offseason malaise, revisiting the James Harden and Donovan Mitchell trades and questioning whether LeBron ever seriously considered returning to Cleveland, per Rich Paul's comments suggesting he preferred New York/Philadelphia. The two also gripe about the NFL cannibalizing Christmas Day and diminishing the final weeks of the regular season with playoff seeding largely decided early.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima dig into Utah coach Kyle Whittingham's comments downplaying the significance of rivalry hate, arguing that emotion and hatred have historically decided big games like Ohio State-Michigan and that Whittingham's measured tone concerns them. The conversation shifts into a broader college football preview, with the two debating Ryan Day's hot-seat status entering the season given his 2-4 record against Michigan and Ohio State's brutal fall schedule against USC, Indiana, and Oregon. They also share old stories from their sports-media pasts, including run-ins with Charlie Weis and John Harbaugh, and close by hyping the September 12th Ohio State-Texas primetime showdown as a potential "Browns Bowl" distraction.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima revisit Todd Monken's explanation for Saturday's rep swap between Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson, with Lima admitting he found Monken more convincing than expected. They riff on the freedom of finally reaching a career position where you don't owe anyone an explanation, comparing Monken to Bill Belichick and contrasting it with Kevin Stefanski's inability to ever wield that kind of authority. The hosts push back hard on fans calling the competition "rigged" for Watson, arguing Monken's rep-counting story sounds too granular and fair to be fabricated, while acknowledging ownership privately wants Shedeur to succeed.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima dig deeper into Zac Jackson's claim that Dillon Gabriel was an organizational pick rather than Kevin Stefanski's, questioning why Andrew Berry would spend a top-100 pick on a player immediately labeled a career backup on a three-win team. They debate whether that framing will haunt Berry if Gabriel never develops, drawing a parallel to the pressure on Spencer Fano and the front office's uneven draft history at wide receiver and offensive line. The two also predict the Browns will use at least three quarterbacks this season, referencing the Myles Garrett trade as evidence the front office already knows this year isn't a real Super Bowl window.
Zac Jackson of The Athletic joins Ken Carman and Anthony Lima to break down Todd Monken's confusing QB messaging, calling the whole situation "madness" but predicting Deshaun Watson starts the opener since he needs preseason reps after two years away. Jackson pushes back on trade speculation, clarifies Dillon Gabriel was an organizational pick (not Kevin Stefanski's) and remains firmly the No. 3 quarterback, and predicts multiple QBs will start games this season given the team's overall lack of depth. He also shares his gut read that Shedeur won't start Week 1 but will ultimately start the most games in 2026, and the group closes reminiscing about chaotic joint-practice moments from years past, including Troy Hill's fight with Sterling Shepard.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima break down the NBA's official schedule release, highlighting the Cavaliers' October 22nd home matchup against LeBron James and the Sixers, plus a Cup Play group-stage game against Philadelphia. They vent about the Cavs' quiet, GM-less offseason, still unresolved James Harden contract situation, and no Christmas Day game as a sign of the league's diminished expectations for Cleveland. The conversation drifts into a lengthy, unrelated tangent where Ken debates his son's sudden interest in learning trumpet versus continuing with piano, roping in stories about grade-school band classes and instrument peer pressure.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima bring in producer John to react to Tim Anderson's retirement by revisiting how Jose Ramirez's 2023 fight with him seemingly derailed Anderson's career, noting his stats craterered afterward despite prior All-Star form. They also break down Quinnen Williams' massive new contract extension and needle each other over which Williams brother (the NFL All-Pro or his younger brother Quincy) is more impressive given their size and draft-position gap. The segment wraps with a light debate on MLB's ABS (automated ball-strike) system, noting it won't be used in the upcoming Field of Dreams and Little League Classic games for logistical reasons, with both hosts admitting they've come around on liking the challenge system.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima argue that Spencer Fano, not Shedeur Sanders or Deshaun Watson, is the player carrying the most organizational pressure this season, since most fans already view the Browns' QB future as sitting in college rather than on the current roster. They tie Fano's success directly to Andrew Berry's job security, revisiting the franchise's rough recent history at offensive line (Jedrick Wills, Jack Conklin, Zach Zinter) and arguing this offseason's total O-line overhaul was the product of years of poor planning finally coming to a head. They also touch on Titus Howard and Dawand Jones' positional flexibility as pieces of that puzzle.
A fan named Alex sparks debate by arguing the Browns themselves promoted Shedeur Sanders as QB1, prompting Ken Carman and Anthony Lima to dig into whether that's actually true versus a perception built by social media and fan sentiment. They contrast the muted, almost begrudging promotion Deshaun Watson got last year (down to lukewarm "happy birthday" posts) with the sense that any casual outside observer would assume Shedeur is the starter. The conversation shifts into whether Watson is now the "leader in the clubhouse" given his healthier physical traits, before pivoting to debate which preseason game each QB would rather start, weighing the tougher Bills joint-practice week against an easier matchup with Chicago's backups.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima (with producer Owen chiming in) spend the segment dissecting a viral video of Chris Berman's ill-fitting khakis at the Hall of Fame festivities in Canton, debating whether he forgot to pack pants, borrowed a wrong size, or is simply "vain" about his measurements. They riff on suspenders, the over-the-belly versus under-the-belly styling debate, and compare his silhouette to Mike Wazowski, all while insisting they still love Berman as a broadcasting legend. The bit turns briefly reflective as they wonder if ill-fitting pants are everyone's inevitable future before snapping back into jokes.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima continue the "honeymoon is over" conversation, arguing most Browns fans aren't panicking about the QB competition but are being realistic given the team's recent history. They share how genuinely reasonable golf-course fans were the day before, and pivot into a broader point that fans want players to earn support rather than have it handed to them, using Shedeur Sanders as the example. A caller, Michael, weighs in defending Monken's decision-making process while still expressing skepticism toward Deshaun Watson.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima react to Todd Monken's press conference walking back his earlier comments about the QB competition, with Monken essentially admitting he doesn't owe anyone the truth as head coach. They compare it to Urban Meyer's blunt honesty at Ohio State and debate whether Monken's "honeymoon" with media and fans is over. The two agree that if the QB battle is truly close, Monken will likely start Deshaun Watson over Shedeur Sanders as the veteran, which they find frustrating but understandable given roster and business dynamics. They also push back on trade/cut speculation around Watson, arguing it makes no sense this late in camp, and note Jackson Dart has reportedly started sliding to protect himself in Giants camp.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima analyze the fallout from Todd Monken's contradictory statements regarding the Browns' quarterback rotation. They discuss the growing tension with Shedeur Sanders fans and the reality of Deshaun Watson likely starting Week 1. (00:02:30) Browns Quarterback Exhaustion (00:06:23) Todd Monken's Practice Contradiction (00:10:45) Spencer Fano Skirmish Analysis (00:15:48) Mary Kay Cabot Reporting (00:24:00) Ian Rapoport QB Update (00:28:11) Shedeur Sanders Fan Tensions (00:34:40) Viral Field Goal Story (00:39:10) Deshaun Watson Logic Discussion (00:49:40) Front Office Talent Evaluation (00:56:15) Potential Shedeur Sanders Trade (01:02:30) Reasonable Shedeur Fan Call (01:12:10) Guardians Bullpen Recent Struggles (01:16:05) Akron Zips Rivalry Sabotage (01:22:40) Bills New Stadium Issues (01:32:40) Daryl Ruiter Joins Show (01:42:00) Quarterback Competition Fair Play (01:54:25) Out Of Town Callers (02:01:30) Anthony Castrovince Guardians Analysis (02:15:40) Re-evaluating Monken's Credibility
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima break down the drama surrounding Todd Monken's conflicting reports on quarterback repetitions between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders. They examine insights from Mary Kay Cabot and Ian Rapoport regarding who will ultimately lead the offense heading into the preseason. (00:02:13) Monken QB Rep Controversy (00:05:33) Weekend Trip To Vermilion (00:09:34) Evaluating Young Roster Talent (00:17:23) Cabot’s Rep Timeline Report (00:22:40) Rapoport on Watson Edge (00:26:21) Monken Preseason Strategy (00:33:32) Sanders Fan Base Backlash (00:37:13) Billy Cundiff Field Goal
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima analyze the ongoing quarterback competition between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders, questioning the Cleveland Browns' front office strategy. They also address the online discourse from various fanbases and the recent struggles of the Cleveland Guardians' bullpen following a Jose Ramirez injury. (00:01:50) Browns Quarterback Competition (00:06:36) Evaluating Shedeur Sanders (00:11:05) Critique Of Browns Front Office (00:15:35) Potential QB Trade Markets (00:24:06) Sanders Fans Versus Watson (00:33:05) Guardians Bullpen Performance Issues (00:37:44) NFL Hall Of Fame (00:41:10) MGK Day Rain Delays
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima examine the design flaws and obstructed views at the Buffalo Bills' new stadium, warning the Cleveland Browns to avoid similar mistakes. Daryl Ruiter joins the program to provide insights on the quarterback competition, suggesting that Deshaun Watson currently has the edge over Shedeur Sanders. They also recap a recent outing with the Lake Erie Crushers and analyze why much of the social media support for Sanders comes from outside of Cleveland. (00:01:32) Bills Stadium Design Flaws (00:11:40) Daryl Ruiter Joins (00:17:43) Browns Quarterback Competition (00:24:35) Training Camp Fight Recap (00:30:48) Lake Erie Crushers Outing (00:34:46) Analyzing Browns Fan Sentiment
Anthony Castrovince breaks down the Cleveland Guardians' recent slide, the struggles of the bullpen, and the long-term outlook for Jose Ramirez. Ken Carman and Anthony Lima also tackle the drama surrounding the Browns' quarterback reps and whether Todd Monken was being transparent about the depth chart. (00:02:12) Castrovince On Guardians Struggles (00:05:30) Steven Vogt Management Critique (00:08:52) Roster Surprises And Disappointments (00:13:10) MLB Lockout Economic Impact (00:18:22) Todd Monken Rep Controversy (00:23:54) Watson Vs Sanders Competition (00:33:15) Jimmy Haslam Business Strategy
After a quick Cavs update touching on James Harden's offseason drama and the roster's EuroLeague pickups, the show turns back to the Browns when caller Tony argues Jimmy Haslam won't let Shedeur Sanders start Week 1 because keeping him in reserve preserves fan intrigue and ticket sales for a season the team doesn't expect to win. Ken pushes back that Haslam is likely deferring to Todd Monken's football judgment rather than dictating the decision himself, but agrees with the business logic Tony lays out if neither quarterback is considered good long-term. Ken argues there's still more curiosity left in Sanders than in Deshaun Watson, so holding him back keeps something in reserve for later in a lost season either way.