Boomer Between The Games: Week 8 Preview With Brian Jones
In Week 7 of the NFL season, the Seattle Seahawks and Arizona Cardinals reminded us all that you can tie a football game and the Denver Broncos proved they are just fine without Brock Osweiler. This season, NFL fans will be able to hear even more about their favorite teams in a brand new digital show called Boomer Between the Games. Hosted by NFL on CBS analyst and WFAN radio host Boomer Esiason, the former NFL quarterback gives his thoughts on the week that was in the National Football League and chats with an all-star roster of guests about the upcoming week of games.
This week on Boomer Between the Games, former NFL linebacker Brian Jones joined the program. Jones played for the Indianapolis Colts, the Miami Dolphins, the Los Angeles Raiders and the New Orleans Saints. The co-host of Gio & Jones on CBS Sports Radio recorded 53 tackles in his NFL career and also serves as a College Football Analyst on CBS Sports Network.
This week's episode started off with a conversation about the New England Patriots' win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Boomer and Brian discussed how difficult it was for the Steelers to contain LeGarrette Blount on the ground. Blount rushed for 127 yards and two touchdowns. Jones loved how tough Blount played against his former team and stressed the importance of New England's explosive offensive options. Boomer just doesn't know how defenses can stop New England's offense. Esiason highlighted how great tight ends Martellus Bennett and Rob Gronkowski have been as pass catcher and run blockers. Boomer believes the Steelers would've been a little bit better with Cam Heyward and Ben Roethlisbeger in the lineup, but he didn't think it would've made a huge difference.
Additionally, the two former NFL players discussed Philadelphia's victory over Minnesota in the battle between Carson Wentz and Sam Bradford. Jones loved how the Eagles defense got after Bradford. The CBS Sports Radio host believes defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz deserves a ton of credit for the way he attacked Bradford's weaknesses. The Birds have allowed 10 points or less in three of their six games this season. Boomer added onto the conversation by pointing out why Bradford has always struggled against blitzing defenses and highlighted the performances of Eagles linebacker Jordan Hicks and defensive back Malcolm Jenkins. Philadelphia dominated the game despite the fact that Carson Wentz threw two interceptions.
The biggest storyline heading into Week 8 is the matchup between the red hot Dallas Cowboys and the Eagles. Jones thinks the Eagles defense is in for a tough game because Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott has finally found his stride. The former NFL linebacker also said that Cowboys offensive coordinator Scott Linehan has done a wonderful job of highlighting Dak Prescott's strengths through his first six games. Boomer really missed watching the Cowboys play last week and enjoys how Prescott commands the offense and gets his receivers involved. Esiason and Jones also previewed Bengals vs. Redskins and Patriots vs. Bills. Boomer is riding with the Redskins in London and is confident Tom Brady will rip the Bills defense to shreds.
Finally, Boomer and Brian grabbed a fan question from Twitter. The former NFL MVP and former NFL linebacker debated whether Sam Bradford or Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian is more important to his team's success. Both Esiason and Jones went with Bradford. Brian chose Bradford because the Broncos proved last year they could win a Super Bowl with a mediocre quarterback. Meanwhile, Boomer chose Bradford because he picked the Vikings to go to the Super Bowl and stated that the veteran quarterback should carry more responsibility on his shoulders given his time in the league and #1 draft selection.
Boomer Between the Games will be available every week here on CBS Local Sports. Throughout the entire season, Boomer will be joined by guests like former Pro Bowl wide receiver Mike Quick and 2x Super Bowl champ Phil Simms. Former NFL head coach and NFL on CBS analyst Bill Cowher will stop by next week to look back at Week 8 and look ahead to the great games in Week 9. Join the conversation with Boomer each week by using #BoomerBTG and one of your tweets could be included in next week's show.
DJ Sixsmith hosts CBS Sports Radio Roundup from 2-6pm. DJ is also a play-by-play announcer who has called games on Fox Sports, ESPN 3 and the Big East Digital Network. Follow DJ on Twitter @DJ_Sixsmith.