00:00 – Opening & Introductions
Pat welcomes listeners to the Patig Sports Network from Imigai Studios. He introduces Pro Football Guru Russell Baxter and sets the stage for discussing the final stretch of the NFL regular season.
01:09 – The Good Panthers, the Bears Comparison & Rams Upset
Pat explains his epiphany comparing the Panthers and Bears — physical run games, young QBs, turnover-oriented defenses.
Russell breaks down Carolina’s improvement under Dave Canales, Bryce Young’s progression, the Rams upset, and the impact of their run-heavy approach.
05:01 – Lions Sputtering, Cowboys Surging & NFC Implications
Pat and Russell examine Detroit’s struggles and Dallas’ momentum after big wins over the Eagles and Chiefs.
Discussion of defensive inconsistency, tiebreaker implications, and whether Lions fans should be worried heading into Thursday Night Football.
06:59 – AFC Picture: Chiefs Decline, Texans Rising, Broncos Grinding
Evaluating Kansas City’s defensive issues, Houston’s fast and ferocious defense, and Denver’s “Chiefs of last year” trend — winning tight games weekly.
Russell highlights conference record problems that could haunt several AFC contenders.
10:01 – Colts, Texans & Jaguars: AFC South Rollercoaster
A deep dive into the Colts blowing leads, the Texans’ resurgence, and Jacksonville’s inconsistency.
They discuss Jonathan Taylor, chunk plays allowed by Indy, Houston’s two matchups vs the Colts, and why the Jaguars might be the most unpredictable contender in the league.
18:48 – Steelers vs Ravens: AFC North Identity Crisis
Pat breaks down Pittsburgh getting gashed by Buffalo’s run game and their lifeless response after early turnovers.
Russell questions whether Baltimore’s loss to Cincinnati was even more shocking.
Discussion includes playoff droughts, Tomlin’s future, and AFC North unpredictability.
25:56 – Run-Game Renaissance, Bears–Packers Preview & Packers Offense
Why running the football is back in style in the modern NFL.
Pat and Russell preview Bears–Packers, discuss Josh Jacobs’ fit in Green Bay, Jordan Love’s development, and the importance of tight end Tucker Kraft.
30:40 – Panthers Offensive Line Continuity & Young Weapons
Russell explains how Carolina brought back all OL starters and backups, building unusual continuity.
Bryce Young’s efficient, turnover-free outing and the emergence of big, athletic young receivers.
32:44 – Eagles vs Chargers Monday Night Preview & Who Gets Hot
Pat and Russell analyze both teams’ struggles — Chargers’ banged-up OL, Eagles’ run-defense issues — and discuss the idea that one unpredictable team might get hot and win the whole thing.
Fun note: the possibility of a Bears–Patriots Super Bowl 40 years after 1985.
36:14 – NFL Scheduling, Week 18 & No Flex Games Yet
Praise for the league’s scheduling balance, both teams entering TNF with equal rest, and the rarity of reaching Week 14 with zero flexed Sunday Night games.
38:03 – Top 5 Chargers of All Time: Russell vs ChatGPT
Pat reveals ChatGPT’s list while Russell gives his own off the top of his head.
A lively back-and-forth covering Dan Fouts, Kellen Winslow, Lance Alworth, Wes Chandler, and LaDainian Tomlinson, plus historical anecdotes about Air Coryell and Chargers playoff heartbreak.
50:01 – Closing Remarks & Plugs
Pat wraps the show, promotes social channels, and lets Russell plug his new Pro Football Guru subreddit.
They sign off while previewing Thursday’s Cowboys–Lions matchup.