Ep. 53 of Talkin’ Ball with Pat Leonard, the New York Daily News’ NFL columnist and Giants beat writer. Michael Lombardi, former NFL GM and 3x Super Bowl winning executive, returns to Talkin’ Ball for a second straight season to discuss his new book “Football Done Right: Setting the Record Straight on the Coaches, Players and History of the NFL,’ available Sept. 5 (Running Press). Lombardi and Leonard also discuss Eli Manning’s Hall of Fame candidacy in 2025, the Giants’ chances in the NFC East, Bailey Zappe’s release by the Patriots, whether defenses can adjust to the Eagles’ 6-back offense and why the Washington Commanders might be more formidable than doubters believe. They also dive into ‘Football Done Right,’ in which Lombardi tells a history of football through the lens of 35 years of front office experience working with the San Francisco 49ers, Oakland Raiders, New England Patriots and Cleveland Browns. He pays tribute to the founding fathers, his ‘White Oaks,’ from Colonel Earl ‘Red’ Blaik to Clark Shaughnessy to Paul Brown, Sid Gillman and Bill Walsh. He makes compelling arguments for how to standardize the Hall of Fame voting process, with new standards that would help the likes of Tom Coughlin, Dan Reeves and Marty Schottenheimer get in to Canton. Lombardi also ranks his Top 10 NFL Coaches and Top 100 Players of All-Time, separating players into different categories of appreciation and importance from the ‘Everlasting’ to the ‘Elite.’ He also tells inside stories about the NFL’s history of television, the draft and front office trades that helped shape the sport everyone loves today. Lombardi is also co-host of the popular ‘GM Shuffle’ NFL podcast and host of ‘The Lombardi Line’ on VSiN. Listen to the audio of this podcast on Apple, Spotify or wherever else you get your podcasts. Find Pat also on Twitter (@PLeonardNYDN), Instagram (@PLonNFL) & TikTok (@PLonNFL). @Bleav @BetOnlineag_Official #estate98coffee
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3 Comments
I have no problem that Lombardi does not think that Eli is a HOFer, however, to even mention that Weatherford could be MVP is ridiculous. The QB has so much more impact on a game. I could accept the Tuck argument. Sometimes we outsmart ourselves, and get too cute with our knowledge.
I think Lombardi is unaware of the planned changes to the O. There will be more passing this year. Jones imo is versatile enough to play whatever is necessary depending on the surrounding players and game plan. I do not believe he will be restricted. He also seemed to forget that Giants came from behind quite a few times when he made the comment that tlhey have to win from in front. Smh. Pat, you should have taken the opportunity to ask him to clarify his disease of me statement.
Michael Lombardi is a true expert in so many aspects of the NFL. His podcast, The GM Shuffle is the best NFL podcast in the business. Also, very impressed with this channel. This host knows & appreciates the NFL & the game.