Recorded right after the Detroit Lions were unceremoniously bounced from the NFL playoffs, David and Marshall discuss the emotional aftermath of the loss. We analyze key moments from the game, including coaching decisions, and reflect on the future of the team in blue. Do we need to reevaluate the Lions' direction moving forward? Theme music: Mr. Jukes and Barney Artist, "Blowin Steam (Open Up Your Mind)"

In this live—and live-wire—bonus convo, Marshall and David discuss a controversial play involving NFL player Brian Branch, who got a penalty for pushing an opposing player who was on the ground. David says the penalty on Branch was unwarranted; Marshall argues Branch broke the rules.

Along the way, we consider the nuances of referee discretion, the rules surrounding player contact, the expectations of player reactions in a physical sport like football—and how differently we each see this play. Will this be our first argument in our three decades as friends? Theme music: Mr. Jukes and Barney Artist, “Blowin Steam (Open Up Your Mind)”

Chapters:

(00:00) Intro to the controversy

(02:56) The Incident: Brian Branch's push

(05:40) Debating the rules and discretion of referees

(08:53) The nature of aggression in football

(11:47) A failed analogy

(14:43) The slippery slope of contact in sports

In this conversation, Marshall and David discuss the remarkable resilience of the Detroit Lions' defense, who overcome a staggering list of injuries to earn this team, for the first time ever, the NFC's No. 1 overall seed—and a desperately needed week off. We also celebrate "future head coach" (David's words) Aaron Glenn, wonder who'll play Dan Campbell in the movie version of this team (10:49), relive our experience of this historic victory, and finally realize what the Lions have been meaning when they say they're "built for this:" player versatility. Theme music: Mr. Jukes and Barney Artist, "Blowin Steam (Open Up Your Mind)"