Hour 2 - Cal Raleigh's Injury, Where Does Sam Darnold Rank Among NFL QB's, Blue 88
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The episode opens with a heated discussion about Cal Raleigh's injury, with hosts Brock Huard and Mike Salk expressing deep concern over the Mariners' decision to let the star catcher remain in the game despite visible pain. They argue that Raleigh’s toughness—comparing him to the Terminator—must be overridden by medical judgment, urging the team to place him on the 10-day injured list immediately to avoid long-term damage. The hosts emphasize that even a short-term absence is worth the risk, especially in a weak AL West. They also critique the Mariners’ bullpen management, particularly the overuse of Bryce Miller and the poor late-game decisions involving Munoz and Hoppy, which ultimately cost them the game. Later, the conversation shifts to NFL quarterback rankings, with Sam Darnold landing at number 10 on Colin Cowherd’s list. The hosts debate whether this is too low, citing Darnold’s high win percentage, durability, and playoff performance, while questioning the NFL’s tendency to overpay elite quarterbacks. They explore a broader philosophy: whether teams should prioritize mid-tier QBs with lower salaries to build stronger rosters, using the Seahawks’ $30 million cap strategy as a case study. The episode closes with a deep dive into the Seahawks’ Super Bowl defense, analyzing their elite expected EPA and how they outcoached the Patriots—raising questions about whether the Patriots’ coaching staff will adapt in time for the rematch.
Place Cal Raleigh on the 10-day IL immediately—his toughness is a liability, not an asset, and the risk of long-term injury outweighs short-term gains.
Sam Darnold’s 35-10 record in his last 45 starts and playoff composure justify a top-10 ranking, and his $30M salary makes him a model of value in the NFL.
NFL teams should prioritize mid-tier quarterbacks under $40M to free up cap space for better supporting talent, a strategy the Seahawks are executing well.
The Seahawks’ Super Bowl defense was one of the best in 20 years, with a -0.329 expected EPA per play—better than the Legion of Boom’s performance.
Coaches like Mike McDonald and Bill Belichick emphasize that winning is about giving players a chance, not just scheme—great players win games, not just great coaches.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Cal Raleigh's Injury: A Crisis of Toughness
“He is like Arnold at the end of the original Terminator, where he just keeps coming, even though you squash everything. You just, oh, I've blown him up? That's okay. He's going to crawl after me.”
Why the Mariners’ Bullpen Management Failed
The hosts dissect the Mariners’ poor late-game decisions, criticizing the overuse of Bryce Miller and the mismanagement of Munoz and Hoppy, which led to a collapse in the ninth and tenth innings.
Sam Darnold’s Hidden Value in the NFL
“Sam Darnold, highest win percentage by any quarterback last two years in the league. Big athletic risk taking no turnovers when it mattered in the playoffs.”
The Seahawks’ $30M QB Strategy: A Blueprint for Success
“I'd rather pay a guy that I think is in that mid-tier range, 30. They're interchangeable parts to me and I'll build up the roster around.”
The Super Bowl Defense: A Hidden Masterclass
“They allowed negative 0.329 expected EPA per play, kind of expected negative, negative. That is the third best Super Bowl defensive performance over the last 20 years.”
“can't win games without good players. I don't care who the coach is. It's impossible. You can't win without good players.”
“He is like Arnold at the end of the original Terminator, where he just keeps coming, even though you squash everything. You just, oh, I've blown him up? That's okay. He's going to crawl after me.”
“Sam Darnold, highest win percentage by any quarterback last two years in the league. Big athletic risk taking no turnovers when it mattered in the playoffs.”
Hosts
mike salk
person
brock huard
person
seahawks
organization
mariners
organization
sam darnold
person
cal raleigh
person
bryce miller
person
matt stafford
person
colin cowherd
person
bill belichick
person
Hour 2 - So Many Mariners Contributed This Weekend, Mariners Takeaways, Blue 88
Brock and Salk • 42m • 4/13/2026
Hour 3 - Julio Rodriguez Weekend Quotes, Keith Law
Brock and Salk • 47m • 4/13/2026
Hour 3 - Julio Rodriguez Is The Ultimate Driver Of The Mariners, Jeff Passan
Brock and Salk • 42m • 4/14/2026
Hour 4-Brock's Draft Profile, How real was the M's last series?, and Answer the Question Jerk
Brock and Salk • 43m • 4/14/2026
Hour 1 - Late Night Mariners Texts, Jeff Passan
Brock and Salk • 43m • 4/15/2026
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