On today's episode, Jason kicks things off with a quick thought on the health of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. His status for the AFC Championship game is unclear at the moment, but based on what Andy Reid is saying (or not saying), it sure feels like they're willing to do anything to get him on the field. On the NBA front, James Harden is flourishing with the Brooklyn Nets, but the bigger story may be what's going on with the team he didn't get traded to: The Philadelphia 76ers. According to reports, the Sixers thought they had a Ben Simmons-for-Harden deal in place until Houston pulled out. That may have been the final straw for Simmons. He seems to be lacking confidence and his overall demeanor just feels off even when the team is winning. They couldn't get the Harden deal done but don't be surprised if Philadelphia decides to deal Simmons by the deadline. Back to the NFL, Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith could really learn a lot from Packers head coach Matt LaFleur and the way he navigated his way around Green Bay. The situations are similar in a few ways, and if Smith is willing to put in the work, he could have some success. Finally, Jason drops a couple of advanced stats that don't bode well for the New York Jets and the Los Angeles Chargers. According to Football Outsiders' DVOA, four of the top 5 offenses in the NFL are still in the playoffs. By contrast, only two of the top 15 defenses are left. This isn't your Dad's NFL; Defense doesn't win championships these days, offense does. So if you're a fan of the Jets or the Chargers, you may want to pump the breaks on all that excitement.

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On today's episode, Jason kicks things off with a quick thought on the health of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. His status for the AFC Championship game is unclear at the moment, but based on what Andy Reid is saying (or not saying), it sure feels like they're willing to do anything to get him on the field. On the NBA front, James Harden is flourishing with the Brooklyn Nets, but the bigger story may be what's going on with the team he didn't get traded to: The Philadelphia 76ers. According to reports, the Sixers thought they had a Ben Simmons-for-Harden deal in place until Houston pulled out. That may have been the final straw for Simmons. He seems to be lacking confidence and his overall demeanor just feels off even when the team is winning. They couldn't get the Harden deal done but don't be surprised if Philadelphia decides to deal Simmons by the deadline. Back to the NFL, Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith could really learn a lot from Packers head coach Matt LaFleur and the way he navigated his way around Green Bay. The situations are similar in a few ways, and if Smith is willing to put in the work, he could have some success. Finally, Jason drops a couple of advanced stats that don't bode well for the New York Jets and the Los Angeles Chargers. According to Football Outsiders' DVOA, four of the top 5 offenses in the NFL are still in the playoffs. By contrast, only two of the top 15 defenses are left. This isn't your Dad's NFL; Defense doesn't win championships these days, offense does. So if you're a fan of the Jets or the Chargers, you may want to pump the breaks on all that excitement.Click <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/straight-fire-with-jason-mcintyre/id1523353907">here</a> to subscribe and download all of the latest Straight Fire with Jason McIntyre podcasts! Learn more about your ad-choices at <a href="https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com">https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com</a>

When the moon comes out, Ben Maller emerges with the most compelling overnights in sports talk radio. One of the original sports bloggers, Maller brings his token sarcasm, informative insight and stimulating opinions to sports fans each evening, while taking calls from listeners nationwide.

The Ben Maller Show

SPECIAL PREVIEW - Straight Fire with Jason McIntyre - Concussion Protocol Could Doom the Chiefs, Defense Doesn't Win Championships in the NFL & Is Ben Simmons on the Move? 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/df8626be-05bf-4398-a2d7-ae3300ef29ed/transcript