AI Summary
5 min read"It's Not Like We're Some Kindergarten Sticker Chart Thing"
The NFL's offseason is a slow news cycle, but Ben Maller is genuinely baffled by the reaction to one particular story: Lamar Jackson showing up to the Ravens' voluntary offseason workouts. "Why is everyone acting like Lamar Jackson showing up to the Ravens voluntary workouts as some kind of heroic achievement?" Maller asks. "He's the franchise quarterback." The media buzz around Jackson's attendance, Maller argues, reveals something deeper about how the league and its observers actually view the former MVP—and it's not flattering.
The Puffy Sticker Problem
Maller frames the Jackson coverage as a symptom of how low the bar has dropped for the quarterback's reputation. "We're not some kindergarten sticker chart thing," he says. "It's not like, hey, great job, Lamar. You made it into the building. Here's a puffy sticker." The fact that basic attendance at voluntary workouts—which are, by definition, optional—became trending content tells Maller that "nobody actually trusts Lamar Jackson." The reaction, he insists, is "so over the top" and "so out of bounds that it tells you everything you need to know about the reputation of Lamar Jackson."
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What you'll learn
- 1 (02:06) **Opening Tease** - Ben Maller sets up the hour's three NFL topics: Lamar Jackson's voluntary workout attendance, Andrew Luck's retirement clarification, and Dexter Lawrence's trade demand.
- 2 (05:34) **Lamar Jackson’s "Heroic" Attendance** - Maller argues that the media frenzy over Jackson showing up to voluntary workouts reveals how low the bar has been set for the franchise quarterback.
- 3 (10:20) **Andrew Luck’s Retirement: No Conspiracy** - Maller analyzes Andrew Luck's statement that Chris Ballard did not push him to retire, arguing the simple truth is Luck just didn't want to play football anymore.
- 4 (15:01) **Dexter Lawrence's Trade Demand** - Maller breaks down the Giants defensive tackle's request for a new contract or a trade, questioning his leverage after a down year.
- 5 (25:41) **Jim Nance Defends Tony Romo** - Maller briefly touches on Jim Nance's defense of his CBS partner against criticism that Romo has become lazy and distracted by golf.
- 6 (27:11) **Caller: Mouthwash Mike** - A legendary, recurring caller from Las Vegas checks in from a bus, reporting he completed 45 days of rehab but relapsed within half an hour of getting out.
- 7 (31:32) **Caller: Mark in West Palm Beach** - A listener asks about the possibility of a meet-and-greet in South Florida, citing health restrictions that prevent him from traveling far.
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Guests on this episode
Show Notes
Ben Maller talks about the reaction to Ravens QB Lamar Jackson showing up to voluntary workouts, Andrew Luck saying Colts GM Chris Ballard didn't push him to retire, Dexter Lawrence being at loggerheads with the Giants, Cite the Bite, and more!
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