Video: ESPN’s Mike Greenberg all in on Baker Mayfield

He may be one of the few nationally but “Greeny” is on board with Baker Mayfield.

While the Cleveland Browns and quarterback Baker Mayfield haven’t come to an extension agreement, the team has presented all in on him as their franchise quarterback for years to come. A vast majority of the team’s fanbase is, also, all in on Mayfield’s future with the team.

Nationally, the perception hasn’t been as strong backing the former Heisman Trophy winner. Instead, some have focused on his record as the team’s starting quarterback or minimized his accomplishments in 2020 as a product of Kevin Stefanski’s offensive system.

Others wonder what Mayfield will be like when the team can’t surround him with as much talent after paying him whatever his big extension ends up costing them on the salary cap.

While the last point is fair, it is a fair question for all quarterbacks that sign huge deals. Teams must manage their salary cap around a good starting quarterback who is bound to get paid quite handsomely.

While it is rare that folks in the national media are believers in the Browns quarterback, ESPN’s Mike Greenberg placed his belief solidly behind Mayfield today on his show:

 

There are no lies in Greenberg’s statements and he does a good job of setting the scene for what Mayfield has been through in the NFL. The number of head coaches and offensive coordinator’s the Browns have had since drafting Mayfield in 2018 puts his success even further in perspective. He’s overcome so much to help create a winner in Cleveland.

He may be one of the few nationally but “Greeny” is on board with Baker Mayfield.

Mike Greenberg predicts breakout season for Giants QB Daniel Jones

Mike Greenberg predicts a breakout season for New York Giants QB Daniel Jones and thinks Big Blue are the safest pick in the NFC East.

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There has been an overflow of Daniel Jones criticism and pessimism of late — something that seems to come in waves. But if you’re tired of hearing it and looking for a break, ESPN’s Mike Greenberg has got you covered.

During a recent segment on the “Greeny” show, Greenberg pondered which NFL quarterbacks are primed for a breakout season in 2021. In the end, he settled on the New York Giants’ gunslinger.

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“I thought about it for a while. And here’s the name I came up with… How about Daniel Jones? How about Danny dimes? Let’s think for just a minute about that situation. Set up to succeed? I think so,” said Greenberg.

Greenberg did note that his initial choice was Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert but was told that was “not an acceptable choice” because Herbert had already broken out.

Despite that, Greenberg maintains that Jones wasn’t exactly an afterthought and that there are any number of reasons to believe he’ll take a big step forward this coming season.

“They have moved heaven and earth to make this thing work this year. As they do every year, they’ve addressed their offensive line — it needs to get better at some point. They get back Saquan Barkley, they bring in Kenny Golladay, who is your tall, physical go-up and get 50-50 balls receiver…

“The Giants also drafted Kadarius Toney, who I’m here to tell you has a chance to be a superstar. He is a terrific player — slot guy, speed and quickness… They have the talent at tight end, but [Evan Engram] needs to catch the ball. This is an offense that could be, should be set up.”

The Giants didn’t really address their offensive line, but Greenberg is not the first talking head to suggest they have, so we’ll give him a pass on that. Still, he has faith that Danny Dimes will come through with all the added talent around him.

“I think it is set up for success. I actually think Danny Dimes has a chance to have a very good year,” said Greenberg.

“I think there is a real path for the Giants to win that division. I think they might be as safe a pick as there is.”

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Paul Finebaum: ‘They (Notre Dame) need to join a conference’

Could a true conference affiliation be in the future for the Irish?

The SEC’s “champion” Paul Finebaum has spoken up for Notre Dame. Well, sort of. The ESPN personality joined Mike Greenberg and Heather Dinich to discuss the College Football Playoff proposal to expand the field from it’s current 4 team format to include twelve.

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Finebaum was critical of the Irish “literally stolen championships because they are Notre Dame,” but that wasn’t the point, it was about the potential CFP chaos that could be on the horizon if the proposal is passed.

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As we found out, under the proposed new format, the Irish wouldn’t be able to qualify for a first-round bye due to not being able to be crowned a conference champion. According to Finebaum, this could force Notre Dame to join a conference, like they did this past season.

It’s time Jack Swarbrick and those who run Notre Dame need to get with the program The ‘program’ is that they need to join a conference… I think it’s better for Notre Dame to be in a conference because there are too many obstacles. – Finebaum

If the CFP does actually make the move to 12 teams, it does make for an interesting conversation for the Irish. Is it worth not getting a chance to have a bye? Does having a home game in the first-round and not having to play an extra game outweigh not even qualifying for a top-4 seed?

It’s something to ponder if this does get passed but would it be worth it for the Irish to join a conference? That’s the real question.

Paul Finebaum: ‘They (Notre Dame) need to join a conference’

Could a true conference affiliation be in the future for the Irish?

The SEC’s “champion” Paul Finebaum has spoken up for Notre Dame. Well, sort of. The ESPN personality joined Mike Greenberg and Heather Dinich to discuss the College Football Playoff proposal to expand the field from it’s current 4 team format to include twelve.

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Finebaum was critical of the Irish “literally stolen championships because they are Notre Dame,” but that wasn’t the point, it was about the potential CFP chaos that could be on the horizon if the proposal is passed.

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As we found out, under the proposed new format, the Irish wouldn’t be able to qualify for a first-round bye due to not being able to be crowned a conference champion. According to Finebaum, this could force Notre Dame to join a conference, like they did this past season.

It’s time Jack Swarbrick and those who run Notre Dame need to get with the program The ‘program’ is that they need to join a conference… I think it’s better for Notre Dame to be in a conference because there are too many obstacles. – Finebaum

If the CFP does actually make the move to 12 teams, it does make for an interesting conversation for the Irish. Is it worth not getting a chance to have a bye? Does having a home game in the first-round and not having to play an extra game outweigh not even qualifying for a top-4 seed?

It’s something to ponder if this does get passed but would it be worth it for the Irish to join a conference? That’s the real question.

Mike Greenberg: ‘I am a Stafford fan’, sees the Lions as a potential surprise team

ESPN Radio’s Mike Greenberg professed his belief in Lions QB Matthew Stafford and offered hope the team could exceed expectations in an appearance on the Big Drew and Jim Show

ESPN Radio personality Mike Greenberg is known for being a New York Jets fan, but the man affectionately known as “Greeny” has a soft spot for Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford too.

In an appearance on the Big Drew and Jim Show on ESPN 96.1 in Grand Rapids to promote his own new show on the network, Greenberg professed his belief in Stafford’s ability to win.

“I am a Stafford fan and I have long been, and remain, a believer in him. They’ve never gotten it right around him really. Maybe they will.”

While prefacing his comment with the telling “they’re probably a long ways away” from contending, Greenberg offered this on the Lions,

“I wouldn’t be shocked if they won a lot more games this year than most people are probably going to project.”

It’s a candid view from the outside that isn’t necessarily shared by many of Greenberg’s colleagues.

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Mike Golic back to college football role at ESPN

Mike Golic’s incredible run doing mornings on ESPN radio may be ending but his career in broadcasting isn’t over by any stretch…

Mike Golic is wrapping up an incredible run as the host of ESPN’s national radio show, a role he has held since January of 2000 when he and Mike Greenberg began hosting “Mike and Mike”, a run that would last over 17 years together.

Golic continued to host the morning show with Trey Wingo after Greenberg left to focus on the TV side but earlier this month it was determined Golic would no longer be a part of ESPN Radio’s plans.

Now he’s onto his next role, that being his original job at the “Worldwide Leader in Sports”, news that Adam Schefter broke on Monday.

I was never a big “Mike and Mike” fan but their success together speaks for itself.  Working in radio since 2005 I have nothing but admiration for anyone who can hold onto a morning drive hosting spot for over twenty years.

The college football world gets to hear Golic now analyzing their game on the regular, something he starred at decades ago.

The former Notre Dame captain played eight years in the NFL for the Oilers, Eagles and Dolphins.  His media career began while playing for the Eagles as he’d have a weekly segment on quarterback Randall Cunningham’s television show.

The rest as they say, is history.

Mike Golic’s wife claims he offered to do a ‘Mike and Mike’ reunion show

Fans would have loved this.

Of the many reactions to Mike Golic no longer having a show on ESPN Radio after over two decades on the air with the Worldwide Leader (he’s still reportedly under contract with ESPN), there were many who called for Golic to be reunited with Mike Greenberg to bring back the legendary Mike & Mike.

According to Golic’s wife Christine, that was proposed by her husband.

A fan on Twitter replied to her tweet congratulating her son Mike Golic Jr. on his new show with Chiney Ogwumike, saying that Greenberg — who has a new show of his own in the revamped lineup — could use a cohost: “You know anyone?”

Here’s what Christine Golic said:

When Outkick the Coverage asked ESPN about the tweets, “a spokesperson declined to comment.”

It would have been amazing for fans to have the two Mikes back together again, but with Greenberg hosting Get Up! and now his own radio show, it seems like that ship has sailed.

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What quarterback is Chase Young most looking forward to sacking next year?

Chase Young was asked which NFL quarterback he was most looking forward to sacking when he got to the NFL. His answer may surprise you.

Ohio State defensive end Chase Young is most likely less than a week away from getting drafted as a top two or three pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. In other words, he’s about to make a lot of coin.

Many see him as a sure-fire pick that will make an immediate impact. In fact, ESPN draft expert Todd McShay has him graded as the only tier 1 prospect available this year.

Former defensive ends Nick Bosa and Joey Bosa both hit the ground running in the rookie campaigns, and there’s a very good chance Young will be coming to a television set near you as a household name real soon as well.

But who is Young looking most forward to sacking next year? ESPN’s Mike Greenberg asked that very question on a segment of Get Up this past week, and Young had a pretty quick answer.

“Probably, if I get a chance to play him, Lamar Jackson,” Young said. He’s real fast, real shifty, hard to get down, elite — in my opinion, the best player in the league this past season. It’s just something that I want to do because at quarterback I feel like he’s the one doing it right now in the league.”

When asked about the possibility of getting the elusive Jackson one on one in open space, and whether he felt good about getting him down, Young didn’t blink.

“Yeah, I have 100 percent confidence,” said Young.”

You can watch the exchange for yourself by clicking on the below Tweet shared to Get Up’s Twitter profile.

Ryan Day provides update on Ohio State football’s challenges through COVID-19 measures

Ryan Day was interviewed by Get Up’s Mike Greenberg on Friday and provided updates on Ohio State football amid the COVID-19 health crisis.

Everyone is dealing with a new normal these days. From social gatherings, to face coverings, to almost everything being shut down to try and mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus, we’re all grappling with ways to make it through our day to day lives.

It’s no different with the Ohio State football team. While things may have come to a screeching halt as far as meeting and practicing in person, there’s still a routine the coaching staff is trying to get the players to follow to remain sharp and in shape.

But it doesn’t come without its challenges.

Head coach Ryan Day was interviewed on ESPN by Mike Greenberg on Get Up Friday morning and had several updates on what’s going on behind closed doors. You can listen to that entire interview by clicking on the below link that’ll take you to the YouTube channel of ESPN where Day’s comments are archived.

Watch and listen to how he expresses the utmost concern for his players and those impacted by COVID-19, discusses workout regimens and plans players are adhering to from different parts of the country, and the timeline of potentially returning to the field of play.

 

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ESPN’s Mike Greenberg predicts the Eagles will be No. 1 seed in the NFC

Mike Greenberg says the Eagles will be No. 1 seed in the NFC

The Philadelphia Eagles would have made the playoffs last season even with the NFL’s new expanded format.

With the NFL moving to 14 teams in the playoffs with only the No. 1 seeds getting a bye, ESPN’s Mike Greenberg, host of the hit show ‘Get Up’, went out on the limb and predicted the Birds would be the top seed in the NFC this coming season.

Greenberg’s argument centered around the fact that no NFL team has made the Super Bowl since 2012 without having a bye in Wild Card Weekend.

With that extra bye taken away, Greenberg is banking on the Eagles having the best shot to come out of the NFC because all three of their division opponents will be unveiling new head coaches and schemes.

“The other three teams in their division all have new coaching staffs and will not have the benefit of full OTAs. That division is going to be bad. The Eagles have the most stable quarterback situation, and I think they have a chance to run the table.”

The Eagles are in the midst of a retool that’s expected to get the roster younger after the team parted ways with the likes of Jason Peters, Malcolm Jenkins, and Ronald Darby.

The Eagles made a huge splash during free agency, trading for Darius Slay while signing defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman and safety Will Parks.

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