The Killer B's: Joel Blank & Jeremy Branham
09/03 Hour 3- What's Holding the Texans Back from a Championship?
[MUSIC PLAYING] Don't sweat technique. You're locked in with the Killer B's on ESPN 97.5 and 92.5. Live from the Veritex Community Bank Studios, here's Joel Blanken, Jeremy Branham. Which Houston team do you most want to win a championship index, 713 17 0 3 7 7 6. Before that are Toast of the Week, presented by Stella Rosa Wines. My Toast of the Week, Kyle Tucker's Fractured Leg, suspected Fractured Leg. I must be healed. He's in the lineup today, de-aging, batting clean up. So my Toast of the Week, Kyle Tucker's Fractured Leg. What do you got, Blake? Look, I love the fact that with the new segment with Stella Rosa Wines that we have a chance to kind of honor somebody. I'm going to honor in my Toast of the Week Ben Gamel. Because without Ben Gamel, I think it could have been a lot worse for this team with a guy that you expected nothing from, that you picked up off of the scrap heap that's been a guy that's been able to produce for you since he's become a member of the Houston Astros. So as much as it's good to your Toast, getting Kyle Tucker back, I'll toast the guy that kind of helped bridge the gap when you need it the most. I'm going to toast Ben Gamel. And I'm going to go ahead and toast the football action on TV this week, especially Texas, Michigan, 11 o'clock, kickoff on Saturday into Texans at noon. My two favorite teams are in action. I don't even have-- and I don't have to wait all day. I'm very much looking for that. So toast to those two big games. There you go. Toast of the Week is going to be on Fridays. Brought to you by Stella Rosa Wines. You can check out all the Stella Rosa Wines at StellaRosaWines.com. Stella Rosa available at all your local retailers. You serve it chilled, but you celebrate responsibly. Yeah, if you have a Toast of the Week, let us know 7-1-3-7-8-0-3776. Which Houston sports team do you want to win a championship next? I say the Cougars, y'all don't let me say that. Y'all say big three professional teams. So I'll play by the rules. Big three professional team, 7-1-3-7-8-0-3776. Which Houston team do you most want to win a championship next? To me, this one is as easy as it can be. I think it's the Houston Texans. And I think it's because we've experienced the other two. I think as much as we've seen this golden era of Houston Astros baseball and all the success and the two world series and the four appearances and the consecutive ALC championships appearances. The thing that we're missing that everybody is so desperate for in the land of football, that where football has been king for the longest time, I think it's the Houston Texans. And I think now we can actually see the light at the end of the tunnel. We know that we have a quarterback. We know that we have a head coach. We know that the ownership group has kind of rited the ship and pulled the 180. And now we see a team that's focused on being in go for it mode, adding the free agents, getting the right draft picks. I think we've seen the Rockets. We've seen the Astros. And both of them have multiples. I think the time is now that I really want to see the Super Bowl here in Houston. You can't win them off if you don't win the first one. So because of that, and I want to win them all, that's where I'm at, I want to win every single big three professional championship. And if you want to win them all, you can't if you don't win the first and which of the three will be crowned the first from this conversation? Well, it's serious. So my answer is the Astros because I'm going to win them all. Give me the Astros the first one, then give me the Texans, then give me the Rockets and then win them all again the next year. So that's my mantra. Give me the Astros because we're just going to take all of them in Houston. It's kind of a cop out answer there, Jeremy. A cop out answer. It's a baller answer. That's what it gets you. Well, you know, I just want to win the next one because it's the next one. It's right. You got to be right. I would actually, if we're going to rake, if we're going to rake him in order, I think you probably can guess where I'm going first because I brought this up a few days ago when it came up. Houston Comet, Dynamo. Exactly. You guys nailed it. No, I mean, it's been 23 years for the Houston Texans. And obviously, if you clue the Oilers, my fandom goes back to, you know, like around 91 or so. It's been much, much longer than that in this town with professional football and not winning a championship. So I would definitely go with the Houston Texans at number one. It's the only team of the three that hasn't won a title. It's obviously the longest drought. So I would take that. Then two, this might surprise because we've obviously had so much fun with the Astros over this dynastic run going back to maybe even the 2015, if you want to clue that that year. But I would go with the Rockets next. The Rockets, I mean, and the chemilizer one specifically is kind of what got me into sports to begin with. I mean, the Astros were, you know, they were OK at that time. They're back well and biggio are around. But I'd like to see the Rockets return to glory. I mean, it hasn't happened in almost 30 years, whereas the Astros we have a title just two years ago. So I'd really like to see the Rockets return to winning a championship next and then followed by the Astros. Interesting. All right. 713 780 ESPN, which big three Houston pro team. Do you most want to win a championship next? So what I've heard from both of you is you don't want the Astros to win the World Series. Here we go. You'll both said that. You'll know the World Series is the next on the calendar. You had the opportunity to choose that. You went for the championship in February. So what I'm hearing from both of you is that you do not want the Astros to win it all. That's what I heard. That's what you heard. That's not what everybody else heard. And I think we explained it eloquently enough. But look, I think that the golden era of Houston Astros baseball has been solidified. I think the dynasty title, in my personal opinion, has been solidified. Yes, everybody else's opinion. I still want them to win every single World Series. But I think the one missing of the big three in this fine sports town is a Super Bowl. I think you might have repurposed the question there a little bit. I think you might have spun it like a spin doctor. No, the question is, as you can see, which Houston team do you most want to win a championship next? OK, I answered. Yeah, so you don't want the Astros. No, I didn't ask for you to re answer for me with what you thought you heard. I answered. Well, I mean, you can answer two things at once. Like if you're saying yes is also like it's it's dismissing the no, right? Like if you were to if you're answering a yes or no question, the answer is yes, you're dismissing the no. Well, you can also spin it to say that because I answered the Texans and Brian answered the Texans that we don't want to see the Astros win another World Series. Just not the next one. 0754 says the Astros 9440 with the boss answer, the Astros, because it's the next championship up. Exactly exactly. That's what's not soft answer. That answers gangster 256 Astros because no. I'm a dog team Earth's other fan base is more than the happy people. Yeah, I want I want every title. I want I want Houston to win every big three title. Quite frankly, they call me greedy. I don't care. I want Houston to win every every title. Like, I mean, obviously I'm a Houston Cougar. So give me the collegiate ranks to give me the dynamo. Let's let's add to the greatness in the dynamo. You know, all the history they have in the MLS. Give me the saber cats. I do reads for them. Of course, I want the saber cats to go deep into the playoffs. One, seven, nine, zero Astros first to solidify the dynasty than the Texans. See, I think that's the one thing. Yeah, I do think they're a dynasty. Blankers, you said you think they're a dynasty. I I think it's 50 50, though, and actually, everybody's kind of high. I feel like more people say it's not a dynasty than it is a dynasty. Well, let me ask you this. Do you think the Atlanta Braves on their run were a dynasty? I do, but I'm pretty soft with my definitions. I I think that they are, too, because whether you want it all or not, that was pretty significant, the run that they went on and the dominance that they that they personified in the National League. But yeah, I mean, I think it comes down to they won two, which I think was the one that I always said would would signify to me over that run of time. And they got the four that that was that was pretty pretty steep bardic to set for anybody else. And I think that solidified it. Yeah, I do too. I just think we're in the minority. Like if you ask this country or the Astros of dynasty, you ask baseball fan. Now you might get a little bias here because they hate the Astros. But I feel like a lot of people would say that you need three titles to be a dynasty. One texture said he wants the Astros because no one hates the Astros as much as the other teams next championship by one of the Astros, so they can solidify the dynasty and how to be able to get in the Hall of Fame. I already, well, he's not a Hall of Famer yet, but I do think he is bound to be a Hall of Famer. Yeah, Richard says the Rockets, but they have to get rid of green. OK, well, caveat to that one, Astros. So everyone accepts this era as a dynasty. This text says Jeremy, two princes, Branham. I don't even know what that means. Is that an insult? Oh, two princes is the spin doctors. That's embarrassing. You know that I'm kidding. I'm kidding 0167 Astros. So everyone would accept this era as a dynasty, another one like that. You have to win it all to be a dynasty. Yeah, the Astros have multiple times. You have to win it all to be a dynasty. What does that mean? Oh, did you say the bills were a dynasty? No, I asked about the Braves. Oh, yeah, I said, well, I don't know if I mentioned it or not, but I was thinking a lot of people don't think the bills are, but that's a conversation because of how many Super Bowls they got to. That some some people would at least give them consideration. Yeah, OK, so maybe that's what he said. I think the bills were a dynasty, too, certainly an AFC dynasty. But I mean, what a what a run. Like you get a four straight troubles. That's nuts. 4515, I feel like it takes three titles for a dynasty. And Jeremy's answer is in world hunger. See, that's what the bills. I don't consider them a dynasty because they never even won one. Yeah, I mean, I admit that my viewpoint of a dynasty is a little bit lenient compared to most. But I mean, what a run like you go to four straight Super Bowls. Like that's incredible. Look, that was that was an exceptional team. I just think with dynasty, that's where I thought the multiples was so important, especially with the Astros case of how much everybody wanted to turn to 17. Yeah, great dynasty requires multiple championships. I think most people would have that argument. I think that is definitely a majority opinion. I will concede that 7137803776. Let's go out to the HRP listener line. Keith, you're in the hive with the bees. What's up, Keith? Hey, guys, love the conversation. My Houston team that I want to win the next title is the Houston Cougars men's basketball team. In the last nine seasons, they've got about 230 wins. One final for last year was devastating with the Jamal Shedd injury. Kelvin Sampson is due a title. Appreciate it. Out on his own. Rackham. Rackham. It's a great call. That was a fantastic call. That's the best call. This is what? Three years now, three plus years of the killer bees. That is the greatest call we've ever had on this fine radio program. Of all time. Easily. OK. There's no second place. I mean, at least they gave you information you weren't aware of. You in particular. I mean, I couldn't have given you the exact win count. I'll be honest. Like, that's stuff I write down. No, but you know the final fours and how far they've gone. I want the Houston Cougars to win a national championship in a sport that I call. That would be very cool. That is a definitely a dream. I want that for you. Thank you, Blankers. Thank you. I appreciate that. That might be the nicest thing you've ever said to me. All right. Seven, one, three, seven, eight, zero, three, seven, seven, six. Which Houston team do you want to win a championship next? Also, who's the bigger threat? We asked this to DJ earlier. Is it? Is it JT? Is it Jonathan Taylor? Or is it Anthony Richardson? Seven, one, three, seven, eight, zero, three, seven, seven, six. It's the bees on ESPN 97.5 and ESPN 92.5. You know what's coming up tomorrow? You already know it's the Red Bull show run. Tomorrow is finally the day. If you're an F1 fan, you've got to get out to Discovery Green tomorrow. And don't worry if you don't need a ticket. It's free for everybody of all ages, thanks to Red Bull. Red Bull is bringing F1 to Houston tomorrow in the heart of downtown Houston at Discovery Green. See, championship winning F1 cars doing sprints, burnouts, and much, much more around Discovery Green on a custom build race track. This will be the first time ever in the US where you will witness dual appearances with two championship winning F1 cars racing across a downtown Houston. In addition to that, explore the Red Bull fan zone. It features cool local food vendors, so you'll be fed. You'll be happy. All the Red Bull Racing merch, or stap in all of his merchandise, racing simulators, to 10 racing simulators. It's going to be a lot of fun. And free activities for racing fans of all ages. Single day, mission-free event, open to everyone. Tickets are not required. If you are headed down there tomorrow and you need to be, here are some tips to help you plan for some Formula One fun. Street closures will be in effect, so public transportation ride shares are highly encouraged. The event will kick off at 10 a.m. with the opening of the Red Bull fan zone, so arrive early to experience the racing simulators, photo opportunities, claim your viewing spot, and then the racing action will begin at noon. Do not be late. Make sure you get the best spot on the track. This is tomorrow at Discovery Green. Do not need a ticket. Just head down there, you're going to have a great time. If you want to learn more, you can visit redbull.com/showrunheuston, redbull.com/showrunheuston. [MUSIC PLAYING] You're back with The Killer B's on ESPN 97.5 and 92.5. Live from the Veritex Community Bank Studios, here's Joel Blanken, Jeremy Branham. It's that time of year again, where we want to thank our loyal listeners at our 2024 listener appreciation party. Join the broadcast editorial and management team of ESPN 97.5 and 92.5 for an evening of food, drinks, and fun at the home of Galmenia. Collar number four, right now to 713-780-3776, wins a pair of tickets to our ESPN listener party for a behind-the-scenes look at where and how your favorite shows and videos are made. Didn't win? Question mark. Limited amount of guaranteed admission tickets are still available and includes food and drink. Head to espn97.5.com. Under the promotions tab, secure your tickets now. Use promo code LAP15, LAP15 for $5 off. 713-780-3776, 50-10, how many championships does Houston's own Booker T have? Five fake ones. Five ones that were determined by a Booker and not Booker T. He had nothing to do with him winning the title. 0754, Keith will tweet that he was on your show. He does it on the bench. Yes, he already did. He asked if that was a 10 out of 10 call. I said no, it was a 9-9. Best we've had, but not a 10. It wasn't the perfect 10. We've never had a perfect call. 170-90, bills are remembered for going to the Super Bowl 4 straight times and not winning. Definitely not a dynasty. Again, that was telling you that's the majority opinion. I would agree with that. And then they were both-- OK, that's a cult fan. 732-22, Brandon, spinning like a ballerina. I have been told I do have very nimble feet. So it's not the first time that I've been told that I can spin like a ballerina. I'm very quick on these toes, Blankers. You said ballerina like Trump like ballerina. Ballerina? No. You've also spun your ankle or a time or two when being athletically inclined to spin like a ballerina. That's because that's a little bit more because I'm top heavy and I put a lot of strain on these skinny ankles that a time or two I will. I have been known to sprained an ankle. I actually got an ankle broken playing basketball. No, Blankers didn't cross me over. I stepped on somebody else's foot. Were you sure it wasn't just a bone bruise? That's-- the member I was telling you the other day that whenever I broke a bone once, I went to the X-rays and they told me-- or the doctor, they took X-rays and they said it was not broken. That was the time. That was the time I was back a week later and they said it was broken. They're like, oh, my-- are bad. I had cow tuckers, doctors. I had the Astros, doctors. Well, I thought there was something else that I just covered. Yeah, it did hurt. It was not-- although I am very tough. I did play through a full season of baseball, the broken thumb. I'm a dog! Actually, I didn't really play. I watched the game from the bench. I had a great view. It's more keeping tough without a thumb. I actually broke my wrist in a basketball game, too, and stayed in because I thought I just sprained it. And then I took a shot and it went halfway to the game. I took a three and it went halfway. And I was like, OK, something's wrong. Why are you sustaining all these severe injuries playing basketball? I have very-- I'm a dog! Yeah, but I promise you, I played through it because I thought I had never broken a bone. It was the first bone that I broke. I was taking a charge and I fell funny. And I was like, this hurts. But I was like, you know, I never experienced a broken bone. So I went up the floor the next time and I had a wide open look at three. And they leave me wide open because they didn't trust me as a shooter. And I airballed it by 20 feet. I'm not even kidding. I airballed it by 20 feet. I was like, yeah, coach, I got to check out. When he got x-rays, broken bone. All right, that's enough about me. Let's talk-- 30? That was in middle school. Oh, OK. That was in-- that was seventh grade, humble middle school basketball. B-team, by the way. It was the B-- it wasn't the A-team. It was the B-team there. Who's a bigger threat on the Colts rushing attack? Is it Taylor? Is it Anthony Richardson? I think, to me, it's a healthy Jonathan Taylor. I think that regardless of whoever plays quarterback in the Colts have had multiples and they've tried different things as we know with GM Chris Ballard, I just feel like Jonathan Taylor is that guy. We saw it last year at the end of the season that no matter what kind of up and down in and out of the roster and the lineup, Taylor was. When he's healthy, he's one of the best running backs in the game. And yes, Richardson can get outside the pocket run. But I think part of what the Texans are going to do and what we've seen is they're going to force him to pass. And they want him to pass more than they want him to run. So I think that they'll try and hold the edges. They'll try to force him inside the pocket. But Jonathan Taylor is a beast. And that's where I would start with number-- priority one to me is Jonathan Taylor. Yeah. DJ said Anthony Richardson playing the quarterback position adds a much different dynamic, right? Because now you have to-- like Jonathan Taylor-- I mean, Taylor can beat you in the passing game too as a receiver. But the fact that it's in his hands every single time, and even whenever it's not a design running play, he can all of a sudden bust out for a 30-yard run. And I mean, he's so dangerous in the open field too. It's kind of crazy that we're having this conversation. Because Taylor, at one point, was the best running back in the NFL, not that long ago. Not that long ago. I mean, it was just 2021 when he had 1,800 yards. And he's only 25. Like, we forget Jonathan Taylor's only 25 years old because he's been around for a while. And he had that huge year three years ago. But he's still only 25. Like, it's nuts how young that he still is. So I think that Taylor is one of the better running backs in the NFL. I would have him up there. Is he as good as McCaffrey? I don't know. But I would have him up there with Bijon. I would have him up there with Breece Hall. And it's crazy that we're lumping Anthony Richardson into this conversation with Jonathan Taylor. And I do think a lot of it is because of the position. And because he's a threat to-- you have a busted pass play. Boom, he's going to rip off 30 yards. You're not sound with your gaps, OK? Like, he's going to bust through the B gap whenever you're charging through the A gap, 20-yard run. Like, you had to be so disciplined when the quarterback's as big a threat as Anthony Richardson. I want to lean that way. It feels crazy saying that over Jonathan freaking Taylor. But I have to because of the position. But don't you think that Richardson has to be able to make those throws in order for it to gain the respect that you're talking about? Didn't he last year, though, against you? Yeah, kind of early on, he showed he could make a couple. But I mean, I just think the sample size is also kind of changes this conversation. Because we just haven't seen enough to know, is it fair or foul to say that he can't make the throws, that he doesn't have the touch and he had the issues he had at Florida? I don't know. Is he hyper-talented as an athlete? You have to respect him because of it. Absolutely. Yeah, I'm going to give him the slide edge there. But I admit that it's very, very close. 7, 1, 3, 7, 8, 0, 3, 7, 7, 6, cold fans, cold fans. They're both a threat to exclamation points. I wasn't the question. I agree with you. They're both threats. The question is, who is the bigger threat, cold fan? It's like a cold fan right there. Cold fan doesn't really know interpretation and has zero idea how to answer a question. Cold fan, which of the two is the bigger threat? That was you, 8, 5, 3, 2. We're on to you. That was you singing that terrible song. He says, "Cult's 31, Texans 14." We'll talk Monday. We'll talk Monday, especially for that spread. Get out of here. Who do you think is the bigger threat? Be back. Oh, I think it's definitely Anthony Richardson. I mean, just from the fact that-- I mean, you look at the two games last year that they played. Anthony Richardson plays two series in the first game, and the Colts win. They obviously score touchdowns on those two drives. And Jonathan Taylor's out of that game, and the Colts win easily. Where you look at the week 18 game, Jonathan Taylor's there, Anthony Richardson's not. Taylor rips off, what? Like 175 rushing yards, and the Texans still win. So, and I think that's a perfect summary of the two positions in the threat to the Texans' defense from either one. The quarterback's ceiling, if Anthony Richardson hits, especially a quarterback like him, who has the added element of the unbelievable run game, possibly maybe the best runner in the league if he hits his potential, that is so much more damaging to you than a running back. You can have a running back go off for 150 yards, and you can still win the game if you're able to hold down the passing game. If the passing game goes off because Anthony Richardson's that guy, Michael Pittman, is great, and he's beating you with the run, I don't think he can win the game. - Don't you see Anthony-- - Sorry, Jeremy, real quick. Just the fact that you mentioned everything you did about that last game of the regular season. But if they make the right offensive play call, and maybe it is Jonathan Taylor one more time, Jonathan Taylor basically won the entire game for you all by himself. - I mean, you could say that, but I mean, how much more different would that last play be if they had Anthony Richardson in the added element of the possible run with the QB instead of relying on, you know, Kerner Menchoo throwing the flat out to the running back that he missed? - Yeah, I just think the way Richardson was-- I mean, the way that Taylor was dominant, all game. - I mean, Richardson was dominant when he played in that week two game. I mean, he was only in for two series, but-- - For two series, as opposed to the biggest game of the year, and Taylor is putting the entire team on his back. - Yeah, I don't-- - I think that shows that you can win against a good running back game. I mean, let's stay with the Texans, the single tear in that game against the Bengals midway through the year, ran for 150 yards, and if Tyler Boyd doesn't drop the pass, the Bengals probably still win, or at least have a chance to win. I think you just, you can overcome big running back games more than you can big quarterback game. So I would say Richardson's the bigger threat. - Brian doesn't believe in C.J. Stroud with 77 seconds to go. That's what I heard, what I heard, that Taylor, Tyler Boyd, dropped pass, 17 to play. Anthony Richardson's not a good throw to the football, but his running ability makes the passing game easier. Like, it really does, 'cause like you have to, you have to commit to, you have to commit to him. You have to be able to either commit to stopping the run with Taylor and Richardson. You also have to commit to Anthony Richardson in the passing game, like you're probably spying 'em. Like, you're not gonna spy Anthony Richardson, so that's one committed body to the running game, which means one less body you have to commit to defending the pass, and they have good receivers. Like, Richardson's not accurate, but Michael Pittman's a stud. Downs isn't playing in this game, which I do think is a big blow, but I think AD Mitchell is talented. Now it is his first rookie, it's the first game. I think Alec Pierce is underrated. Their tight ends are kind of mad. They kind of like, they do that by committee, and they're without their starter, but Anthony Richardson's a freak, and I feel like this entire week, he's been kind of dismissed in this city, and I don't think it's great, 'cause I think that we're all gonna be reminded on Sunday, how good Anthony Richardson can be. - Yeah, I think the biggest thing to your point is to you have to respect him because of just how freak of an athlete he is, because of how good he can be, and because of the fact that you have to respect, you can't overcome it, and you have to make sure all your gaps and lanes are covered, the throws become easier, because guys are gonna be open because you can't have the same kind of guys dropping in the flats, watching them, because of the fact that whether he's really accurate or not, he's so hyper potentially game-changing with his ability to just run off 20, 30, 40 yards and do whatever he wants, that it makes it very, very difficult to game-plan with him. - Yeah, I was listening to Matt Burke on the drive up here. I made my wife and kids listen to coordinators for the Texans talk about football on the right up, and he was talking about how this defensive line for the Texans, it's kind of their mantra and philosophy that they don't love their defensive lineman thinking. Like, they just wanted to get upfield and go wreak, like, wreak havoc on the quarterback, go make his life living hell. But he says whenever you have a quarterback like an Anthony Richardson, you know, like a Lamar, like a Josh Allen, that you still wanna have that mindset, at least in their philosophy, at least in their game-plan, but you do have to be a little bit more like team rush, where it's like we need to be disciplined and where the rush is coming from. We can't get out on an island by ourselves, we can't J.J. Watt this thing, and if we're trying to get through the C-gap, and we're going through the D-gap. So like, that's something that the Texans are gonna have to be like very mindful of, and I think that stuff is more difficult in game one than it is in game eight. That's why this game worries me on Sunday. All right, seven, one, three, seven, eight, zero, three, seven, seven, six, let's get to busy money. We won a lot of money for you, lots and lots of money. We did great for you, we did great for the country, we're gonna do it for you again this year. Busy money, coming up next, we're gonna give you all the winners that we have for you. It's the bees on ESPN 97.5 and ESPN 92.5. Direct TV and Direct TV stream customers, you have lost ESPN, including college football, Monday night football, ESPN Sunday night baseball, sports center and more, take action now. Call 844, keep my ESPN or visit keepmyespn.com. - Mind before we get back to the show, mybookie.ag is the place you need to be. 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We get to put it on the line, starting in week one of the NFL season. Lankers, what's the first game you're gonna sell to us? - I would like to entice you guys to consider the Seattle Seahawks at home where the 12th man is prevalent. Very loud, good home field against a rookie quarterback and hosting the Denver Broncos. I think that the one thing you know about the new coach of Seattle Seahawks in McDonald is the fact that my McDonald is getting his feet wet as a head coach, but he is a hell of a defensive coordinator. He knows exactly how to run a defense. He's going to give things to Bonix that Bonix is gonna struggle with. Seattle's given six. I like Seattle by at least a touchdown. I got the Seahawks over the Denver Broncos. - I like J. Bonix. I didn't play this game. I faded this one entirely. I don't have a good feel for this game. Seattle's kind of mid, Denver's kind of mid. It's a six point favorite for Seattle. Peyton can coach a little bit. This was a no play for me. I don't hate if you guys play it, but it does not have my chill approval. - Brian, I hate to pass on the first game of the week, but this feels like a four point game to me. I just like it's Shino Smith, it's a rookie head coach. I know he's facing a rookie quarterback on the other side of the field and Seattle's a great place to play. I just feel like this is like a four point Seattle win. I think I pass on it. - Okay, fair enough, thanks, boys. - You're welcome. - Yeah, I know it's the first one of the year. I hate the pass from the pass, my lead. - It feels right, feel right, go ahead. - I'm always in the best interest in Mr. Galf, and I think this is the best interest in Mr. Galf. - We'll see, all right. - First one that I'm gonna give to you is a game where the wrong team is favored. Minnesota, going to New York, the Giants are a home dog. Both of these teams are bad. They're both bad. Minnesota's bad. The Giants are bad. The only reason we want to watch this bad game is because we want to play some busy money on it. They're both bad. Giants are at home and they're getting points. I actually played Giants' Moneyline. Give me the New York football giant, G-I-A-N-T. That's the wrong New York team. Give me the Giants. - I think they're the little Giants. I think that's the Sam Darnold homecoming to prove everybody in New York that he was the guy that got away in the city of New York. I think that the Vikings' defense is better. I think Sam Darnold is going to be a better quarterback for one game than Daniel Jones that has better weapons. I'm gonna take the Vikings, so I'm out. - If Sam Darnold is the favorite, I'm gonna take the other side. I just, I can't even, honestly, I, no, I mean, Joe, don't play the victim card. This is not that we do with anything other than Sam Darnold on the road as a favorite. I can't wrap my head around that. So therefore I will take Giants plus one and a half. And then you guys have to work out the money. - Vanilla Vicks, all right. - I don't think it's a Sam Darnold on the road. I know you guys got to work out the money then on the back. - Yeah, yeah. - I love your quarter. - You said the bankers didn't like it. What in your name is how about a quarter? - 25? Yeah, that's fine. - 25. - All right, what do you got, Brian? - My first one is, as the game, I'm very excited to watch lots of fantasy options and this should be a fun game to watch. And I do agree with the favorite in this because they are at home, but I think the spread's too big. Buffalo getting six and a half points at home against Arizona. I think Buffalo wins, but look, I believe in Colin Murray, and maybe I'll be proven wrong on that. He's got new weapons with Marvin Harris, the junior James Conner's healthy for now. So while he is, I'll still take him in Buffalo. I mean, obviously they lost Milano. I don't think they're defensive as good as last year. I think Buffalo wins, but this is about a field goal game and I'll take Arizona plus six and a half. - Jeremy? - I'm on the other side. I like the bills of this game. I think it's a tough trip. Arizona, desert, you going up to Buffalo, where it's always very, very, I have no idea what the weather is there, but it's a tough environment. It's a tough environment to play in. It is a tough travel game. Kyler, Marvin Harrison, I think will be dynamic, but are they dynamic in week one? I am bullish on Trey McBride this year, but I have Buffalo winning this game by double digits. I'm completely on the other side. - Yeah, I was too. I like Buffalo sending the message early. You guys know that I've never been a believer in Kyler Murray. I like the Buffalo side. - You want to flip it on them and play it? - Sure, how much, 25? - We just got 20. - 20 bucks. - A lot of weird things. - It's weird things. - It's a flip. - Yeah, we're going to bet 20 on it. - I like it. - Okay. - We flipped it on. What's your second game? - My second game is the Matt Stafford Bowl. I just, I think that Detroit obviously is a Super Bowl perennial favorite in the NFC. Everybody's looking at them anyway, but I think that as much as they were rooting for Stafford when he was in the Super Bowl, coming into their building where now they're the team that everybody's looking at. And it's going to be on national TV. I think that the fans are going to be Jack. I think the Lions are going to be Jack. I just feel like the Lions giving four and a half. I think this is, to me, this is an emotional game where Detroit really, really wants this one. And I think that the Lions are going to win by a touchdown. - When do you want to feel teams not really, really want to win? - I'm just saying there's more emotion in this game. You don't think there's emotion for Stafford returning home to Detroit? This was a no play for me. I think this is a four point game. I think Vegas hit the number right on it. I don't like either side. This is one that I faded entirely. I didn't play it. - I think it's close to the four and a half, but I'm actually with Joel with this one. I just think Detroit's the much better team. I would take them at pretty much every position. I mean, Rams are a little deeper wide receiver. Obviously, they've, I'm in RAW than your second best wide receiver is probably Jameson Williams, although it's actually Sam Loporta that tied in. But I think the Lions at home and the Dome, I think they're the better team by several games on the season. I would go ahead and take them win by six and I would take the Detroit side. - All right, so then we got to figure out what we want to do. - Yes, since it's not unanimous, you want to say 25? - Yes. - All right, my second game. - 25. - Yeah, my second game. - Actually, no, go ahead Jeremy, your second game. - I have another wrong team favored. The Dallas football Cowboys are headed to Cleveland. Cleveland's all right, they're okay. They're not better than Dallas. Dallas getting two and a half on the road. I know it's a road game, but they're the better team. They should be the ones giving the points. They're getting the two and a half, giving the Cowboys road win at Cleveland in week one. - Yeah, I don't believe it to Sean Watson. And I believe that Dak Prescott company in the offense, now that CD Lam is back, I think they're going to be fine enough. I realized that the offensive Lions got a challenge with some rookie offensive linemen against Miles Garrett, but I like getting the points on the road. I like Dallas in this game. - Well, I mean, it sounds like we're going with Dallas, but I would actually not bet it. I think Cleveland wins this game. I like the line at minus two and a half. The vibes in Dallas are terrible. CD Lam with the late start. They're running back to terrible. They added nothing in the off season. Hey, why not? Let's jump onto the Amari Cooper revenge game narrative as well. I would take the Cleveland side, but it sounds like we're betting Dallas. - I love the whole didn't practice. He's not going to be any good narrative that Brian's been spinning for the last two weeks. - How about the Cowboys? - 25. - Sure. - Yeah, he's in his early season. I'm talking about week one. - They've been all, Jerry Jones all in on the season and we're all $25 in on the Cowboys in week one. All right, final game, Brian. - All right, so I'll make this one quick. I don't trust Vegas on the road. It's got to mint you. And I know the Chargers obviously had an up and down off season lost a lot of talent out of that roster, especially a wider receiver. But give me the better quarterback at home with the better coach. Give me the Chargers minus three at home against the Raiders. Better coach, better quarterback. I'll take the home team in that situation. - Yeah, I like the Chargers. I stayed away from this game because I just, I don't know what to expect to be their team. I like the defense of the Chargers, but I don't dislike the defense of the Raiders. I think it comes down to which offense is going to be better. And if you like Herbert better than Gardner Mintz, you like I do too, I can see your way. I'm fine with the small bet on the Chargers. - Yeah, I stayed away from it too. I didn't like either side. Both teams are unknowns. I think it's going to be an ugly, low scoring game, which ugly, low scoring game. Do I want to give three points? I know it's small, but I stayed away from it entirely. - You want to do 20 or 25 on the Chargers? - Yeah, let's do 20, 20, there you go. - Gross. - All right. - This is how it comes out before you get so disgusted. - Just gross. - Just gross bet, just gross bet. - All right, we got, we bet five. $20 Buffalo minus six and a half giants, plus point and a half, 25 bucks. A Chargers minus three at 20 Dallas, getting two and a half to 25. And then Detroit given four and a half at 25 dollars. The only bet we didn't play was the first one that Blankers pitched to us. - Yay. - De-generates, except for that first one. - Well, well, asterisk there, because we played the Buffalo game, we didn't play the side-eight percent. - No, let's try to flip it on you. That's even worse. I forgot about that. Let's get to our car wreck of the day. We teach it every Friday, or all the mean things you said to us. That's next, it's the B's on ESPN 97.5 and ESPN 92.5. (upbeat music) - Now back to the Killer B's. - On ESPN 97.5. - And 92.5. - Live for the Veritex Community Bank Studios, here's Joel Blank and Jeremy Branham. - It's Palmer Valdez's music. Palmer Valdez pitching tonight for the Astros. They tried to snap a three-game losing streak. Fat is pitching for Arizona. At least that's what I like to call it. - I wouldn't expect the pronunciation of that. - What are you expecting from Palmer tonight? Well, Blankers left, he didn't want to take part in the mean text, which, far for the course. - What are you expecting from Palmer tonight? - I mean, Arizona's been so good over the second half, and they're actually been a really good road team as well. More wins on the road than they have at home. So I guess kind of some work the Astros in a way, or at least the Astros last year. So I don't think Palmer dominates as much as he has been. I still think he has a good outing. I'll go six and a third, three-iron runs. - Yeah, okay, I'll take it, I guess. Hopefully it's enough runs to, hopefully he gets the support that is necessary. - Against fat. - Against fat. All right, let's get to our car wreck of the day. All right, a bunch of mean stuff has been said this week. A bunch, bunches of mean stuff. - It sounds like you feel us more than usual. It's a bit of uptake in the mean stuff. - Yeah, there's probably more in the doc, the mean text doc than normal. I probably didn't put a lot of it in there. - Oh, wow. - Yeah, it was probably a hundred times. - Maybe we should allotted more time. - I mean, 713-780-ESPN, if you wanna be mean to us in the next six minutes. 7308, I hope this is a mean text and not sincere. Every single day that I listen to the show is worse than the day before. It means that on any given day you see me, that's the worst day of my life. - Oh, that is a line from a movie. Oh, yeah, it's from office space. - Yeah, that's stolen from office space. - I'm sad that I'm embarrassed that I didn't pick that up. I love office space. - Yeah, that's my favorite movie. (laughs) - Yeah, that's ripped off from office space. So actually, even though it's a rip off, I should be mad that's my favorite movie. So I should give them kudos for that. - Can't Twitch tell me to embrace the suck. I'm not gonna say what for. Yesterday, I was, I don't know if it was yesterday before. I was wearing my U of H trucker hat. Actually, it might have been Monday. I like to show my loyalty after defeat. A J-bone looks like he just got done working at a gas station with that hat. - So, are trucker hats out? I'm not a man of fashion. As you might know. - I don't think so. I'm honestly asked, how often do you see somebody working at the gas station wear a hat though? Like they're usually dressed up. They usually have a costume. They usually have a uniform. - Yeah, I'm very off to it. - I'm very off to it. - No, like when I get gas, I can't remember any of the employees wearing hats. - I wonder what, it stinks that Blanker's left. 'Cause I wonder what it was like when you used to have attendance that would pump the gas for you. - Is that still, I don't know, I've never been to New Jersey, but is that still a thing there? - I don't think. - 'Cause that was the thing for a long time that even in modern times, they made their employees pump the gas for you. - I think that's been done with for like 20 years. - Oh, no, no. I mean, it may be done now, but I guarantee it's way more recent than 20 years New Jersey was still doing that. - Really? - They probably had unions. I bet you that's what it was. - Probably so, yeah, AKA the mob. - The unions. - K-Crow on YouTube. - That's beautiful. - So you're our idiots. So don't fight fake contracts posted about you. That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard, but it came from Branham, so no surprise. - K-Crow. - Yeah, I'm curious how these people think they can win a fight against the internet. Like, you're not gonna be able to beat every rumor against you. It's an endless supply of things coming your way. You have to be able to let some things go. - I think it was a bad move by Kelsey's story. - I did, too. - I think it actually adds some like seriousness to the allegation. The other part of that saying that like, I'm dumb. Like if you think that I'm smart by now, you're the dumb one. Because like, what is the definition of insanity? Like, whenever you do the same thing over and over again and expect different results, expecting me to be smart? That's insanity on your part. - Yeah, you've openly admitted you're one trick pony, so. - And hardly that. So yeah, if you expect me to be smart and say things that are wise, that's on you. You now are the moron. Booker T earned his titles. Don't dismiss him. We love him more than you, Branham. I guess that means I do have a minimal amount of love. The Booker chose him because of his work ethic. Respect the man and apologize. Or what? He's gonna hit me with a chess chop that I have to sell? - I haven't heard you mean to do. - I haven't heard you take shots at Booker and-- - I took one when you were, and I took one when you were-- - Oh, okay. Okay, when I was out on Tuesday, okay. - No, no, no, it was earlier. Like, I think you were doing a, I think it was during the giveaway. - Oh, okay. Okay, let's say you heard the trick. - I haven't heard that come up in weeks, so they must have said it'll just take forever. - I think we were talking, it was whenever we were talking championships and somebody said what about Booker? - Oh, okay. - I said Booker's never won a real title. And then-- - Six-time jerk. - I mean, what's Booker two gonna do? He's gonna try to punch me in the face and stop it in short, and then jump real hard on the mat so it acts like it hurt me? It's up to me how bad it hurts. - I don't think it's the end of a stance. - Stand the spinner, Rudy. As soon as he hits the spinner, Rooney, you're gonna pass out and the match is over. - Has Booker T ever landed a real punch? 7, 1, 3, 7, 8, 0, 3, 7, 7, 6. Somebody the other day, we were talking about storylines. They were tired of them in the off season. They were happy the season's here so we can stop hearing these tired storylines. Tired of getting the Houston football, AKA Stute Pay g-mails about subscribing for training camp updates. Well, you gotta hurt the hustle, man. That's messed up. - Why are you sending us that? - Yeah, I mean, you're trying to make them live it and trying to take a risk better on themselves. Don't kill them for that. - Yeah, what are you doing? Keep the-- - Don't make him don't describe, move on. - Or you can keep the insults to the Gs like this. One glad Ho George is off the air. - Come on. Ho George, that's brutal. - You think it was a typo though? 'Cause the H and the J are very close. Like they're literally the letters next to each other. - Yeah, maybe a happy accident. - Do you think it was? - Uh, no, I don't, I don't. But I hope it is, but I don't think it is. - If I were a cop, B-Mac would be in Huntsville lockup. I was king of Twitch. - I think so. I think it's wish I didn't really like you a whole lot, Brian. - Oh, no, I'm aware and I don't care. - If the killer bees are open to implementing the good suggestions of their listeners then why is Branham still working at the station? Stop texting the station, jerk. All right, it does it for us. Thanks to Brian for doing the hard work. He was blank, I am Branham. Have a great weekend, everybody. We'll talk to you on Monday, goodbye. - ESPN, 97.5.