Bald Guys On The Bench
Bald Guys On The Bench
The Week to Peak!
Recorded August 10th, 2025
When persistence pays off in professional sports, it's something worth celebrating. This week, Graham and Scott raise their glasses to Rickie Fowler, whose steady climb back to form culminated in a top-50 FedEx Cup finish that secures his PGA Tour card for next season. After weeks of mounting pressure, Fowler delivered when it mattered most, navigating a tense final round that had the hosts literally puckering with anxiety as they watched critical putts drop.
The golf drama extended beyond Fowler's storyline, as Justin Rose mounted a spectacular comeback with five consecutive birdies to force a playoff, which he ultimately won after a precarious shot that barely cleared the water hazard. Meanwhile, Tommy Fleetwood added another heartbreaking chapter to his quest for an American victory, leading for three days before faltering on Sunday – prompting comparisons to Colin Montgomery's similar career trajectory.
With the Ryder Cup selections looming just a week away, the hosts dive into who's likely to make the team beyond the automatic qualifiers. JJ Spaun's remarkable journey from fighting for his tour card to second in the Ryder Cup standings earns special mention, as does Scottie Scheffler's 12th consecutive top-8 finish – a streak that surpasses even some of Tiger Woods' best runs.
The conversation shifts to NFL preseason action, where the Steelers showed promising depth in their victory over the Jaguars. For the Chargers, excitement about their dominant defense is tempered by the sobering loss of left tackle Rashawn Slater to injury, forcing first-round pick Joe Alt to switch positions. The Browns provided unexpected entertainment by starting rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson due to injuries throughout their quarterback room.
Check out our next episode for BMW Championship coverage and final Ryder Cup team selections! And don't forget to follow us wherever you get your podcasts for weekly sports insights from two passionate fans who aren't afraid to speak their minds.
#baldguysonthebench #graboneandcrackone #pgatour stjudeschampionship #rickiefowler #justinrose #jjspaun #nfl #preseason #steelers #lachargers
welcome to another episode of the bald guys on the bench podcast, with your host, graham cohen and scott wasco what's up everyone?
Graham:welcome back to another episode of the Bald Guys on the Bench. I'm here with my boy, Scotty Wasco. It's Graham Cohen. We're glad to be here. And hey, it's August 10th already. Oh my lord, the NFL season is already here. Almost Praise the lord Brother. How you doing, How's your weekend?
Scott:I'm doing great, but after your intro I have to bring up last week you know best defensive player, garrett Wilson, not Miles Garrett. I mean I had to just throw that back out there because a lot of people didn't pick up on that and I just had to throw it back out.
Announcer:Why.
Scott:Because that was awesome. I'm doing great. It's Sunday night. It's been a hell of a weekend. Let's grab one, let's crack one. We got a lot of shit to talk about and this one right here, this grab and crack goes out to my boy Romance let's go, let's go, romance. What did we say last week? Need a week to peak.
Graham:Need a week to peak.
Scott:And by God they did.
Graham:Hey, no time better than the present, that's for sure.
Scott:And not only was it a week to peak, it's a week to hear that bank account go cha-ching because my boy got paid with that top 10 finish. Let's go Ain't mad at that. Paying off another bass boat. I can just see it now.
Graham:He already has two. What the hell.
Scott:When you got two, what's better than having three?
Graham:I don't know, Bro. You're going to have a busy schedule next year. You're in the top 50. You don't got time to fish.
Scott:Dude? Yeah, he does, because my boy gets to play in all the signatures. No, cut Double points. Make that cash, let's go. But anyhow, before we even jump into that, how was your weekend, dude?
Graham:Weekend was pretty low-key actually, just spent a lot of it watching some golf, cheering on our boy I got to show for the rent last night. My parents decided to make a last-minute purchase to see Lenny Kravitz last night down at the Dolby Theater on the Strip, so that was.
Scott:I was stoked, even sent Mama Cohen a text.
Graham:Yeah, she's like Scott likes him. I'm like he's Lenny Kravitz, like what do you mean? Does he like him?
Scott:I got a pocket full of money, dude, I'm not even getting into it. Yeah, I got a pocket full of keys that have no bounds, and when I think of loving, I just can't get you off of my mind. Let's go, dude. Little Lenny Kravitz and Mama Cohen said they didn't even play that song Like come on, dude. Hey, it is what it is, I know I mean, and if I messed up the lyrics in any way, don't care, y'all got the fucking picture, okay, so yeah, don't care.
Graham:Uh, you were the driver for the rent yeah, well, the thing is, it's just there also was a huge event that was going on at uh t-mobile. There was an uh, a mexican performer that was going, and it's just like I knew how ridiculous it was going to be, with parking and traffic for them, and it's like you know what? This is your night. I'll do something special for you guys, I'll show for you and, um, I ended up while they were at the concert. I just just did a couple of things, some errands, and then picked them back up, stopped to have some Mexican food later and then called it a night. So it was pretty chill, yeah, pretty low key weekend. What about you, brother? How was yours?
Scott:Dude, it was a great weekend. It was a blast A lot of time with family, had some fun with some friends, went and played some poker with Maros and Billy Friday night. And I'm literally leaving and Kristen's like hey, you don't have to work tomorrow. You know you always don't get to hang out long because you got to work on Saturdays. Why don't you just have fun at Jay's and Uber home? Oh man Boy, did your boy have some fun? I mean Nothing better.
Graham:Nothing better when the wife gives you the green light to go deep had the hall pass, had lots of old fashions played some poker.
Scott:You know I suck at poker, I hate poker. You know I just go over there. I call it my friendship dues so I can see my boys that I haven't seen in a while. I'll pay $40 for the buy-in just to hang out with them for a couple hours and you know whatever. But man, yeah, it was a struggle bus. I mean literally I was talking to you afterwards and for the first time in the history of my life I dropped my phone and cracked my screensaver at some point. What First time ever.
Graham:Tell them the best part of that though.
Scott:Are you going to? No, I was waiting for you to tell them, because that was. That was pretty classic. I mean, what was I thinking? I mean I'm just going to before you even talk about it. I'm just going to smack myself for that, wow. But I mean whatever, go ahead, tell the story.
Graham:We're on the phone that night for like almost two and a half hours Hence, like why we could do this podcast. We can just chat to chat. I mean, he's a few beers deep and, as we always like to say, hey, where are you? On a scale from one to ten. Before he called me, he texted me. He's like, bro, I'm already 7.8. And I'm like, oh boy, here we go. And that was before Uber. Yeah, so we're on the phone.
Graham:I don't want to be like we're an hour and a half in the conversation, but he's like, oh man, he's like I just dropped my phone. He's like, oh, I think I cracked it. He's like, bro, so he screenshots me a picture of the phone. I'm like, bro, I'm not gonna be able to see the crack. If you cracked it, like, what are you doing? And he's just like, oh, what do you mean? And I'm like, well, do you have a cover on it, right? He's like, yeah, yeah, I'm like, well, did it go through? So he like took it off. He's like, all right, cool, it was just, it was just the cover, it wasn't the screen. I'm like, all right, well, that's good. He's like are you sure there's no? Like black dog at the bottom of the screen. I'm like no dude, you're fine, it's totally fine.
Scott:I'm like, oh my god whatever I mean, I was trying to walk down the stairs to the garage to get another beer and had gram on speakerphone and you know, bada bing, bada boom, it is what it is.
Graham:I'll blame the new case. You said it was slippery.
Scott:Yeah, dude, I bought a new case. It was day two and I was a little skeptical. It ain't on my phone, no more. Already filed a return on that son of a bitch. But that was Friday. Then, saturday, kellen had an inter-squad football scrimmage they called it green gold and went and did that, watched a little bit of that stuff. And you know, like I mentioned, I think, last week, kristen and my dad share the same birthday, august 6th, and you know the tradition here is just on their birthdays we get a shit ton of blue crabs and we have everybody over and we eat a shit ton of blue crabs. And that's what we did last night, you know, had the family over and it was a blast. You know, I don't have you ever eaten a blue crab. I don't need seafood, bro. Oh, that's right, I forgot about that. Yeah, forgot about that. So the answer to that is no so long story short.
Scott:Uh, you know and woke up today. You know we were texting last night and talking last night and the biggest round of the year for fowler and romance was today yeah yeah, put it this way, I didn't watch the mets, dude, not.
Scott:That's a different story, because the mets are in free fall mode. We've lost fucking nine out of ten. And jeff ain't on the bridge, dude, he's jumped, whatever I mean that's. We're not even going to talk about that, but I was stressed, dude, for our boy. You know it's different when you know somebody and they're in this situation and you know they don't have status for next year. You know their two-year exemption for their PGA Tour card was over after if they didn't get into the top 50.
Scott:That's crazy, they're going to get sponsor exemptions and you know that's not an issue. But it's a lot easier when you can make your own schedule.
Graham:Oh, 100%, 100%, 100%.
Scott:When you're automatically into the signature events that have no cuts and guaranteed cash, money Right and points Right. And you know, fuck, they got it done. Dude, Top 50. I mean, I don't even know it was stressful, dude, Right, I mean you were watching it, Absolutely. We're all texting me. You TP my dad. We're all like fuck, I got members of the club texting me and you know, like I told you earlier, you know, early on the back nine, when Bud Colley hold that bunker shot and everybody knows how much I hate Bud Colley after he, you know, bent me over last week on my debts he holds that bunker shot to get inside the top 50 and kick Fowler out. I was like, dude, I'm about to get on a plane right now to Memphis, I'm about to go tackle that little son of a bitch Like, are you kidding me right now. But, dude, he got it done, man Got it done.
Graham:Right, as you were saying, a week to peak, peak. It's really like a month to peak. After he played well, even at the british and before that, you know, he decided to play the next week and flew out there. He's just been riding the momentum and it's been good. I I mean I'm excited to see what he could possibly do next week. I mean, look, he's got to jump from 48th into the top 30. So it's going to be tough, but looks like he's playing well and he's got to jump from 48th into the top 30. So it's going to be tough, but it looks like he's playing well and he's rolling the ball pretty nice.
Scott:Like you just said I said it to Kristen. I'm like the best decision that was made was to leave the British and go to the 3M for those extra points. They've been playing the last month and a half taking advantage of the situation, yeah, getting points finishing well. And I know I told you earlier I talked to romance his caddy after and I was just like let's go, yada, yada. And romano with his response to me is dude, it's been a hell of a year.
Scott:This one feels good, right, couldn't imagine, dude oh, as it should not only does it feel good, this bank account feels real good, I know I keep talking about that but, dude, but just to know you're you're good for next year oh, absolutely it look, being able to control the pressure of knowing what you have to do to make a cut or, you know, get into the top 50.
Graham:It's stressful. I mean to know that you're set for next year and at least set for the next event. Yeah, you can have that little pressure off your shoulders a little bit, but at least you can still go out there and be like all right, look, I'm already locked up, I can go out there, shoot for pens and just try to go low and see what happens.
Scott:Would it surprise you if he top five it next week and got in the tour championship? Not at all.
Announcer:No.
Scott:Not at all. Obviously, he started off the first round, played his dick off.
Scott:Second round got off to a little shaky start Bogeyed two of the first four or five holes, then birdied a couple on the front nine to make the turn even, which I thought was huge, and then I think the weather delay kicked in when they were on the 11th hole. But then to come back yesterday morning, finish off the second round, get it to one under, that was huge. And then he played his ass off yesterday. I think he shot 66 yesterday. Yeah, four under, and, you know, shot one under today. Just did enough, dude the par putt on 17. Like, oh my God, I'm sitting here going. I mean Tristan's got the Chargers preseason game on, I'm watching it on my iPad. Right, I mean Kristen's got the Chargers preseason game on, I'm watching it on my iPad. I'm just like puckering. I'm like, oh my God, this has got to go in, this has got to go in, and I'm like let's go yeah, even that par at 18.
Scott:Dude, when Chris Kirk makes the birdie putt on 18, before that went in, my dad's like you think he's in. I'm like I think he's good, but Kirk needs to miss this putt, I think. And he fucking hoops it from 40 feet and I'm like, oh my God, are you kidding me right now? And then Ricky misses, makes par and he's still in. Kirk finishes 51st Ricky's in. I'm like all I can think about is three or four weeks ago, remember when I had that big bet on chris kirk to win yeah I'm like you know what, I'm glad he didn't win.
Scott:That's situation. That's all I could think about, dude. Remember that. Hey, dude, I had two of the three dudes in the playoff and and I'm like I am so glad and and I don't hate Chris Kirk, but I'm so glad he rinsed it on that one hole, dude that's all I can think about.
Graham:Oh man, hey, as I always say, things in life happen for a reason, and perfect example of what's been going on on tour this year and even in this event Just certain bounces will go a certain way and certain guys will get what they need and not need. I mean, just from watching from the back, nine on for all those players at the end it was just like seeing the fluctuation. I mean, look, we got to give hats off to a few people. I mean, look, the guy who ended up winning it, justin rose. I mean, bro, he was three back. How good was his finish.
Graham:Bro, he was three back at one point. And went five birdies in a row. What, not to mention in the second playoff hole? He barely covers the lake pond, whatever you want to call it. My boy's about to fall in the water. Has that terrible eye, has the ball above his feet, he's choked down. Granted, it's only like 120 yards or whatever 1.15.
Scott:But still hits it stiff to 10 feet with that angle, dude, if that ball, if that tee shot bounce does what it's supposed to do, oh yeah, it's over.
Graham:I mean also, how unique was it that at that tournament, if you tie two times, I knew you were going to bring this up.
Scott:Of course, they did it a couple weeks ago too. Oh, I didn't know. Yeah, in the playoff. Yeah, yeah, I like it, dude, I like it.
Graham:It's nice. Well, look, rose had two back-to-back same putts at the end of regulation 18. Yeah, and at the end of regulation 18, yeah, and then also in the first one. And then you know, it's just like, and heck, even jj spawn had almost the same putt. I mean, dude, when he hold that 30 footer for birdie, when rose hit it underneath the hole by seven feet and I, I was just like, well, he's obviously making that right. And for spawn to make that, I'm like, oh my God, the way he rolls those long putts. I'm just like, oh, baby, let's do this Even on the first playoff hole, yeah.
Graham:Yeah, I mean.
Scott:I mean, if you're Justin Rose on the first playoff hole, when that ball's 10 feet away from the hole, you're telling me you ain't about parking. I mean, wow, yeah, it was fun, it was a great battle, but let's don't forget, okay, last night we're on the phone, yeah, and I'm talking to you and I'm like dude, I'm searching DraftKings, I'm searching Hard Rock. I'm talking to you and I'm like dude, I'm searching DraftKings, I'm searching Hard Rock, I'm searching FanDuel. I cannot find a bet that says Tommy Fleetwood is not going to win this event, Dude.
Graham:It's not even comical anymore. At least he's taken the interview after the round's over.
Scott:I mean, that's more than what you can say about Colin Morikawa and Rory. That would have jumped in their car and sped off and been like I'm out. He handled it with class and you know what can you say? Golf is not easy. Did he choke? No, he didn't choke. It's golf, dude. It's not a fucking easy sport. No, when you're trying to get that first, anything for the first three days, guess what? Yeah, it might be easy for you, but guess what? We talked about it before the Masters. We talked about it about Rory going to the back nine at Augusta and all the demons come out. You remember everything. We talked about it, about Rory going to the back nine at Augusta and all the demons come out. You remember everything. You're trying to do the first. You're trying to get your first ever. You know what I mean? It ain't easy, dude. I mean the par five when he was over the green in two and then chips hit over the green. It's not an easy game. Anybody says this guy choked go play golf?
Graham:oh for sure. I mean, look scheffler on. Was that 15? Did he hit it in the 15 or 14? Did he hit it in the left? And luckily he, uh, he had a shot. He had to like hit it under the first tree and then over the other one. And it's just like yo, the great players, like they're still human, they're still gonna make you know bad shots. But I mean, look, bad shots to the pros are like what a lot of us would be like, oh, I'll take that all day. But I mean, still, I just you speaking of him, shuffler, I didn't pick it up on the broadcast. Was there a reason he didn't have Old Faithful caddying?
Scott:I don't know what happened. I didn't pick up on it. Shame on me and shame on you for not knowing. But, ted Scott, I don't know what happened.
Graham:I was like I don't know, I'm like who's this guy.
Scott:I forget I was like Ted don't know. I'm like who's this guy.
Graham:I forget, I was like Ted's got stuff like that. I was like uh what?
Scott:Yeah, I forgot. But dude, fleetwood, your heart goes out to the guy you know, hey, what did I tell you? Is he a bad dude? Is dude like colin montgomery. You know, we all, you know, we've talked about it pp. Hit the nail on the head modern day colin montgomery is he? Yeah, maybe, but you know he's not a douchebag like colin right?
Graham:no, not at all. I just he, yeah. But the thing with call the difference with those two, it's like, not that you wanted ill will to call montgomery, but it's just like I don't know, like you still kind of like I'm still rooting for Fleetwood Like I was rooting for him on the back nine Like I really was. I'm like, dude, get the monkey off your back, get this dub, you're playing well, and then dude, those last three holes.
Scott:And then choke at Bethpage.
Graham:You can't right.
Scott:Like you can't bogey a par 5.
Graham:Well, you made par.
Scott:Par. Sorry, but when you're over the green in 2.
Graham:Yeah you can't do that. And, like I was telling you after the tournament ended and we were talking, it's just like man, he's right there, you know what's going to happen. He's going to be like oh okay.
Announcer:I can't make cuts now.
Graham:I'll just wait until we get to Bethpage in six weeks and you know I'm going to be on the last day making the last he's going to Ian Poulter us is what's going to happen.
Scott:Ian Poulter, colin Montgomery, sergio, anybody else you want to bring up? I mean mean, it was. It was so funny, you know, because I'm in a text thread with Billy and Jay and we're talking, we're like god dang it, and Billy texts just like, as it's going on, he goes this will all be forgotten. When he clenches the cup at that page and I'm like, fuck you, billy. I would love to say you're wrong, but you're not.
Graham:Right.
Scott:Hopefully, not Hopefully you're wrong, especially since I'm going to be there, I'm going to be heartbroken. But real quick, before we even get into Ryder Cup. You brought up Scheffler earlier. Top eight finish for the 12th straight event. What and I forgot what the stats were? It was something in the 70s, right? I think it was Tom Weiskopf it is. I want to say it was right.
Graham:I was just like hey, that's a record Tiger doesn't even have.
Scott:I mean like let's, I just got you there, buddy I mean, when he got, when he got there today I was and he was tied on my shit's over. Scotty's gonna run away with it and yeah, he hit some other shots and you know whatever. Jj spawn rose? I mean, geez, dude. What JJ Spahn Rose? I mean these dude, what can you say? Like the old PGA Tour used to say, these guys are good.
Graham:Right and, to be honest, some things that I was taking in while I was listening to the commentary, especially towards the end. Look, is it safe to say Scottie Scheffler's Player of the Year? Are you even debating that? Okay, okay, there's a reason that I'm saying this.
Scott:Okay, when they're talking about JJ Spahn, no, no, just I'm not saying he deserves it, I'm just saying I'm not saying I disagree with you what you're about to say, but JJ Spahn is not going to get player of the year.
Graham:I'm aware of that. I'm just saying.
Scott:JJ Spahn should get the holy fuck. Did he just do this? Player of the year?
Graham:Clip it. He was 127th or 104th in the world last year at this point he had to win. Or, like a month ago, he had to place in his last two events just to get his card for this year. He had to fit place in his last two events just to get his card for this year and your boy Spahn is ranked three right now.
Scott:Not only is he three, but he's second in US Ryder Cup standings, right, yeah, so something you just asked about, Ted Scott and the caddy, I guess I just looked it up. Okay, had a family emergency. Okay, and couldn't caddy today, he caddy, I guess. I just looked it up. Okay, had a family emergency.
Announcer:Okay.
Scott:And couldn't caddy today. He caddied for the first three rounds.
Graham:Okay, I was going to say I was like what I thought he did. I'm like what happened. Okay, that makes sense. Yeah, family emergency. But I mean dude with what happened at the U S open. Dude, he had a great showing at the open, the British.
Scott:I mean he's been consistent in other top events. If he can take that putter to the best page.
Announcer:Oh.
Graham:I love it, love it. Dude, who would you want him to play with? I don't know don't care.
Scott:Like we talked about last week, I think him and Bryson as two California kids.
Graham:I like that yeah.
Scott:Would be solid together because you know, especially in I mean in both formats and four ball and alternate shot, you got JJ hitting fairways. You got Bryson hitting bombs, JJ rolls it, I mean I don't know. Well, got Bryson hitting bombs, JJ rolls it, I mean I don't know.
Graham:One last question Would you an alternate shot if homeboy makes it, if he gets picked?
Scott:the lefty why I can't think of it. He's 13th in standings right now.
Graham:Okay.
Scott:And he's dead to me too, because I bet remember on the episode last week I said take ryan harman, top 20.
Graham:Yeah, it finished 22nd would, if he gets picked, would harman and de chambeau, just because chambeau could make up for the length?
Scott:it's tough dude, I mean it's, I don't, I mean who.
Graham:Yeah, I don't know.
Scott:Hey, we're not the captain, so no, no, we're not as we jump to the Ryder Cup. I mean standings as of I don't know six, seven minutes ago, when they updated, scottie won Spahn two, xander three, henley4, bryson5, harrisenglish6. So, as of right now, those are your automatics, right? Yeah, 7, JT 8, morikawa 9, griffin 10, keegan 11, Maverick Menealy 12, novak 13, harmon 14, cam Young 15, cantley, 16 Burns Dude.
Graham:Cam Young, by the way, shot 64 today to finish out, or 64-65, one of those two numbers to finish out today.
Scott:He's making the team. I'm saying it right now he's making the team.
Graham:Look, the BMW next week is going to determine a lot of things, I think, depending upon how people play.
Scott:Well, the picks have to be made on Monday before the Tour Championship. We're literally a week and one day away.
Graham:That's why next week's event is going to be huge.
Scott:Gambione is on this team.
Graham:He's playing well.
Scott:He's from New Jersey. He putts on the greens in the Northeast really well. He's making this team. I love it. Scotty's pick of the day.
Announcer:All right.
Scott:Cam Young is on this fucking team.
Graham:Let's go, come on, cam you, my boy Blue.
Scott:I mean, dude Keegan's going to be on the team. So there's two, yeah, of the captain's picks. Who's your other four?
Graham:Like I said, it's really going to come down to how this last event plays. I mean, it could be McNeely, it could be. I just I know. It's just like really thinking about it right now. It's like If I was to guess.
Scott:Look, I'm going to send you the rankings right now.
Graham:No, I'm looking at it right here. I got live.
Scott:I love Sam Burns just because he's one of the best putters on the planet.
Graham:Yeah, he's a little outside looking in.
Announcer:Man.
Graham:Is Goddard up too far back?
Scott:Unless, he has a great event.
Graham:Well, that's what I'm saying. This last event's really going to make a big difference, especially with McNeely Novak.
Scott:We're going to have a couple rookies, but we can't have a shit ton of rookies.
Graham:No Two.
Scott:I'd rather have Cantley than Morikawa.
Graham:I mean, I don't know let me ask you a question. Do you know off the top of your head? Does Keegan have what is his friend loyalties with some of these players? Do you think, and could that sway his decision?
Scott:I'm going to tell you right now he wants a dub. Just because of all the podcasts that I've listened to, with Keegan on it. Yeah, and the way everything went down before Rome. Keegan don't give a shit about anything. Oh, okay, all Keegan wants to do is win. Right, that's it. That's all he wants to do is win. I'm not talking it. That's all he wants to do is win.
Graham:I'm not talking about friendship amongst, like the camaraderie amongst the players, which what happened the last time with why some of those players got picked. I'm saying with him personally, being like, oh, you know, I'm closer with this guy so I might give him a little more of an edge over someone else.
Scott:It's hard to say dude yeah, it's hard to say dude yeah, it's hard to say, I mean, he's got a. It's tough, it sucks.
Graham:Dude. Hey, this BMW it's the last audition and, look, the guys that are in it Are fairly safe To make the tour championship To be in the top 30, like some of those guys. I think McNeely is somewhat close, I think he's around like 25 to 30, but like they got to say to themselves, hey, am I going all out to try to do my best to impress so I can get those rider cup points and and show something to him to pick me for the team. Do they sacrifice? I don't say to say sacrifice, but do they try to go for broke and have and determine what their circumstances of what can or can't happen in the play for this event that would affect him to go into the tour championship, just based on what they need to do to make it to the Ryder cup? You know what?
Scott:I mean, I don't disagree, I'm just all I know is your boy is trying to figure out his schedule because I can't go to Baltimore on Sunday because I have to work. What?
Graham:Switch.
Scott:It's a long story, okay, but I'm trying to maybe leave early Thursday. It's four hour drive, okay. Go Thursday, go Friday, go Saturday and drive back Saturday afternoon Cause I have to be at work on Sunday. All right, so I'm trying to figure it out.
Graham:Well, hey, three days is better than one, but I mean, but the day you want to be there is on Sunday, because that's what it all comes down to.
Scott:It's hours leading by six At the end of Saturday. The phone is definitely getting used. Okay, I'm just saying just throwing that out there. But yeah, it's only four hours away. You know, johnny called me tonight and he goes dude, we're going to Baltimore next week. It's only two hours away. I'm like Johnny, put Baltimore in your ways or maps or whatever. Multiply that two times two. Okay, but I've already looked at hotels. You know it could happen. I mean I'd love to get up there just see romance.
Announcer:Steve fowler, you know I haven't seen him this year.
Scott:I'm gonna try to figure it out, but I don't know, not making any promises, but I'm just so pumped for our boy romance dude, so pumped, I mean geez, louise. And you know Ryder tells right around the corner, I mean literally, dude, it's Sunday, right now. Next Monday the pics are going to be made. I know, nuts, dude, nuts, but anyhow, the official week one preseason started and you know, like we always say we're making fancy football tech. You know, keepers are due and it's getting close to that time of the year. Right, I saw a YouTube commercial today. I guess the Chargers-Chiefs game. That Friday, I think the 5th, that game's being broadcasted on YouTube, not YouTube TV, but YouTube.
Announcer:What.
Scott:Yeah, it's free for everybody. I don't know. I mean, you know all these different platforms trying to make cash from the NFL.
Graham:Hey, and they are. I forgot what the lineup's going to be for that Christmas time. It's like we got here here, here and also I forgot. And it's going to be a trend from now on week one NFL Thursday, nfl Friday, nfl Saturday and NFL on Sunday. Not only that, dude, let's go Something that's crazy to that dude. Let's go.
Scott:Something that's crazy to me is the Sunday ticket must not be doing so well now that they're on YouTube, because they came out with a promo this year, teachers and first responders can get the NFL ticket plus the red zone for $220.
Graham:A lot of companies do that and last year it's $480. And get the.
Scott:NFL ticket plus the red zone for 220 bucks. A lot of companies do that and last year it's 480. Okay, so you know your boys signed up for that, Thanks to my wife being a teacher. But then DraftKings came out with a promo. Make any a $15 anytime touchdown bet and you get a promo code to save $130 on the ticket. Dude, it's crazy.
Graham:You know, I'm so happy that everyone else can have a chance to get discounts on things that I like. But no, I live in Nevada, where Las Vegas is, and Las Vegas is like oh no, we want all your money, screw everyone else. So, oh wait, do we get DraftKings in Las Vegas? No, I get none of that shit. And the worst part is oh wait, isn't DraftKings corporate office in Las Vegas? Oh, you mean, it's right down the road from where I used to work and I would pass by it five days a week.
Graham:Oh, interesting, I think maybe I might have to stop in there and be like hey, who do I need to talk to to get a discount around this mofo? I've been a loyal customer for many a years. I follow you. You're not worried about my $250. Help a play out, come on, what do I need to do? Do I need to give you some shout outs on the ig? Like we got you the bald guys on the bench. We support draft kings 100 like we. We love you, bro. And hey, if I could bet you I would. And trust me, I'm pissed because I can't even do dfs with you. I can't like it's.
Graham:it's so frustrating makes no sense, and I'm not driving to Arizona just so I could cross the line and be able to do that, considering I can't even get an account that way because you have to use your license and all that stuff. It's all bullshit all the way, really. I mean, look, I'm just trying to save a couple hundred bucks. Look, is the NFL ticket worth it? Yeah, I mean's, it's a lot cheaper than going to the bar, that's for damn sure. I mean, you got me there, I get it.
Scott:But and I hate going to the bar and watching your team. It's too loud well yeah, you can't, you know me. You can't say shit, you can't say fuck I don't know what parts you go to. Well, you know what I'm saying?
Graham:I just Folks, this is also coming from the same individual that I've said this to many times on the podcast and even also to all my other friends. You're also the same person that if you had free tickets to go to the Super Bowl for your Chargers to be in the Super Bowl, you would still rather sit at home and watch it. So I mean 100% Like look 100%.
Graham:Different strokes for different folks. You not wanting to go to the bar that wouldn't surprise me at all. Granted, you also used to be a season ticket holder for so many years that it's just like now, after doing that, the whole being at home situation. I totally get why you would want to do it the accessibility, the bathroom, your own drinks.
Scott:Don't get me wrong. There's nothing better than live sports Facts, dude. Like I said, preseason week one started Thursday night. Whatever Yada, yada, yada. Friday night the Browns were playing, shador was thrown in the starting lineup because all the 17 different quarterbacks on their roster hurt and he was the only one available. We'll get into that in a few minutes. But you know the only teams that we give a shit about here. I'm going to apologize on the big chart your Steelers, my Tartars, right now. Okay, don't care, am I wrong? Nope, yeah. So you know Pittsburgh's playing the Jags last night, and you know, the only thing that I got to witness because everybody was over here was a 70-yard field goal from the Jags.
Graham:Record setting.
Scott:But does it count because it's preseason? Why wouldn't it? It ain't regular season.
Graham:Yeah, I mean, I was thinking about that too, but they kind of made it sound like it did, so I just kind of went with it. I have no idea.
Scott:I don't have a clue?
Graham:I have no idea. But look, dude, the humidity, the you know. I just that helps when was the game?
Scott:Was it in Jacksonville? Yeah, it was in Jacksonville. It was in Jacksonville. That hurts it. Dude the humidity.
Graham:Oh well, that yeah, let me retract my statement. Yeah, the neck boy has a leg.
Scott:Dude.
Graham:Look, going into that game, you know, just listening to all the different Steeler podcasts that I listened to and I didn't have a lot of it's not that I didn't have a lot of faith. Look, Pittsburgh uses the preseason to evaluate talent. They don't play their starters so was I. But everybody does.
Scott:Yeah, I know, but like Unless you're the Chiefs or the Bengals starters.
Graham:so was I what everybody does? Yeah, I know, but like pit, unless you're the chiefs or the bangles like yes, but what I will say with the bangles? The bangles have just been getting off to a slow start for so many years now that to see them do that great point I I think it was a good thing and, to be honest, they looked good. I mean there's a reason why jamar chase is the number one player in fantasy football because the boy looks good.
Scott:I mean there's and we all know the chiefs don't do it because they don't do joint practices right so they like to play.
Graham:But anyhow, sorry, back to the steelers preseason yeah, I just, you know, I I wasn't expecting much. I knew the heavy, the heavy hitters, aka, you know, tja, tj Cam, all those guys.
Scott:Yeah, they're not playing.
Graham:So I was excited to see everyone else step up, all the players that were doing well during training camp, some names that I've been listening to stepped up. I was really curious to see how the offensive line was going to play. They did have the first string offensive line out there for a good majority of it, at least the first half. Broders Jones didn't look terrible, so that was a positive sign. But I mean, look, mason Rudolph Boy, he looked good. Ain't mad at that. Also, our other guy his name is drawing a blank right now. We played well, dude darnell, washington he had a great catch.
Scott:That was a good catch for a touchdown and that's what I'm saying.
Graham:Dude, when you're 6'8, 275 or however big, that dude is like that's a weapon, that's something where it's just like yeah, I know we got john new smith, I know we got pat fryer move, but it's just like dude, we still got options. I mean look kim, but it's just like dude, we still got options. I mean look Kim Hayward's brother, connor Haywood. He still played really well. Roman Wilson had his first two catches, or should I say had the Steelers' first two catches. They wanted to make sure they got him into the offense and he was looking nice. Scotty Miller had a nice game.
Scott:Wait, the infamous Scotty Miller from Tampa is one of the Steelers. Yeah, wow, yeah. I remember him in fancy like three or four years ago, everybody was Free agent. Waver wire. Give me that Scotty Miller dude. Yeah, yeah, wow, that's awesome.
Graham:Peyton Wilson looked good, a couple of our the one corner we picked up in free agency looked good Like. Look, the defense looked good. I just there was just so much positivity to come out of the game and we got the dub. It was nice. I mean, look, pittsburgh, most of the time go one and three, or you know back when they used to be four games and stuff Like they would usually only win one of the games. So to see the other players step up.
Graham:Look, there's going to be a lot of tough choices on Pittsburgh. Who's making that 53? That's for sure. And then the other, what is it like? 12, 10 or 12 guys for the practice squad? I mean there's going to be some serious questions on what's going to happen. So I'm looking forward to it. I'm looking forward to it. I'm looking forward to what the next game is going to bring.
Graham:Um, I mean, dude, derrick harman looked amazing. Ye black looked amazing. Just a lot of positivity. I mean, look, I had positivity going into last year. I had, let's just say this, compared to this year year I was almost as hyped, but it was more like hope With the moves that they made and I liked who we drafted last year. But who we got this year, the free agents, and what Rodgers could possibly do it sounds like he's doing better. I mean, look, I'm knocking on some wood right now, bro, obviously staying healthy and that's a big deal, because we'll talk about it with your team, but it's just like dude, if we can stay healthy, bro, the sky's the limit. I'm very excited about it and it's just hey, give us a chance to make the dance and let's see what happens once we get in there With a great defense. If we could run the ball and just not turn it over, I like our chances. So Health.
Scott:Yeah, name of the game with everybody dude, and not only the name of the game, it's been the name of the week this week. Yeah, because a lot of dudes are going down. Yeah, no one more important in my life than Rashawn Slater yeah, I mean, chargers made him the highest paid offensive lineman in the league. Non-contact injury Thursday I think yeah, was it two days later Goes out with a torn, whatever.
Announcer:Meniscus.
Scott:Patellar tendon. No, but you know it is what it is. You know you got to do what it is. You know you gotta do what you gotta do right. And the funny thing is I know you and I have said this maybe not on the episodes when we drafted Joe Alt last year with the fifth overall pick. Obviously Slater is an all pro, a top five left tackle in the league. I said back then before the injury, I can totally see Alt going to left tackle where he played in college and Slater ending up going to the right tackle position. Well, after this injury, I don't think Slater will ever play left tackle ever again.
Scott:And the thing that sucks the most for Charger fans going into this season when we sign Becton from the Eagles that massive human being at right guard to have him and Alt on the right side of our offensive line and an all-pro left tackle was the strength of the team. And now not only was it his strength pass blocking but can you imagine Najee and if he ever can open his eye and Hampton running on that right side? How big are those holes going to be? But now you got to break that up and put Alt to the left tackle position, which is fine. He's going to make the Pro Bowl as a left tackle guaranteed. There's another guaranteed thing that's going to happen. But now you've got to put on the right side the right tackle, pipkins, which, pipkins, is a good swing tackle. That's why we didn't release him. You know he was going to be a swing tackle for injury subs making a lot of money.
Scott:And everybody during the offseason was like why is he still on the roster? Why is he still on the roster? Well, you know what All y'all motherfucking Charter fans y'all are happy this he still on the roster. Why is he still on the roster? Well, you know what All y'all motherfucking Chargers fans y'all are happy. This dude's on the roster right now, ain't ya? Because he's got a lot of starts Facts I mean. But you know it sucks, dude. It sucks. Like you know, our boy Rob we talk about, ooh, he's already jumped off the ledge like Jeff with the Mets, but Chargers are going to.
Scott:Chargers, dude. It's a goddamn injury, bro. It's an injury. You know. Chargers Chargering is when beanie head Brandon Staley is up 27-0 in a fucking playoff game against the Jaguars, your quarterback and your offense doesn't turn the ball over once and you lose. That's Chargers Chargering, right. Anybody that blames that on Herbert can come on over to Chesapeake, virginia, and we'll talk about it. But anyhow, dude, you got to do what you got to do. Okay, it is what it is. Injuries happen. These dudes are god dang warriors out there playing. They're massive human beings, but you know, yeah, it sucks Slater's out. You know is what it is.
Scott:But the thing I'm more depressed about is, once again, a personal situation with Taylor. I don't know what's happening in that situation because I mean, he played the first quarter today and then Trey Lance came in and he played the second third. He was still in the game, dude, with four minutes left, yeah, and I was like oh man. And then I started thinking about it and reading a couple tweets. All you Heineke fans out there, don't worry, this is an audition to trade Trevor Lance or Trey Lance, whatever his name is. Dude, dude, heineke didn't look good at all At all. And reading Weacher Report, chargers Forum. It's like everything is Heineke's done, heineke's done, heineke's done. And you know, your boy, with a personal relationship with somebody, I'm just like nope, nope, nope. You know, it was just like Maddie when Cliff was in Arizona and all the negative things coming out in Cliff when he was the head coach there. It's so hard, when you know somebody and you have a relationship and you care for somebody, to not say something.
Graham:Oh, for sure.
Scott:Is it Heineke's fault that the wide receiver we got in the fifth round that was I love from my hometown, dropped a pass on the first drive? Nope, but I don't know, is what it is. Uh, I love the charter step. The defense is stupid good. This dude Murray, undrafted free agent, had two sacks today. This dude Rogers from Rutgers, undrafted free agent, had a pick last week, had a pick six today and had another pick later in the game. I'm stoked for the kind of football we have and I'm stoked that Brandon Staley and Kellen Moore's return visit to SoFi left with a beatdown.
Scott:You know, loved it, dude, absolutely loved it. What can you say about that? I mean, am I wrong?
Graham:No no.
Scott:No, and like I told you, dude playing the Saints, did we play Trey Lance for a long time? Dude, they ain't got a quarterback with any NFL experience. Yeah, I'll trade you Trey Lance and a pick. Give me your backup left tackle. I mean the Chiefs are going out and starting a rookie left tackle this year.
Graham:They still find a way. Somehow, that team, I don't know.
Scott:I mean, I don't even need to play that dude at left tackle, I just need him to be better than Pickens. I don't even need to play that dude at left tackle, I just need him to be better than Pipkins. But anyhow, we talked about it a little earlier Sanders started for the Browns because everybody was banged up. I thought the Browns threw him to the wolves dude because he's had no reps out there.
Announcer:He played well.
Graham:Look, you can't take it away from the guy. He's an athlete. He is Now granted. Look, we'll give him his flowers. He played well. But I don't want to sound like one of those guys like, oh, now I'm going to trash him. Be like well, he was playing against you know second and third string. I mean, yeah, like it is what it?
Graham:is. It's still preseason, like I get that, but look, did he look like he knew what he was doing out there? Yeah, did he look polished? No, he's a rookie. Like what rookie looks Polish, like it is what it is.
Announcer:Exactly.
Graham:Although I will say cam word didn't look that bad. I'll give him that he he was definitely the most ready, but he also knows, like he's starting day one Like there's no yeah, he's day one so exactly.
Graham:And also it's like remember, cleveland didn't play all their starters either, so if they didn't start Jerry Judy, like, and Njoku wasn't playing. So it's like he's throwing to all backup guys, like for what it was. They got out of it what they wanted to. And my question is this what happens next week? Is Gabriel still going to be hurt? What's going on with the other guys? Like I just dude, they have six quarterbacks, they can't keep them all. Like what's going to happen? I just I don't get it. What I don't.
Scott:And then they just signed What's-His-Name Huntley.
Graham:That's what I'm saying. He's a part of the Six. Now I know they can't get rid of Watson because of the contract. So if you're not getting rid of him, you're not keeping five quarterbacks. And I'm not saying this because of any loyalty to the steelers. But it's just like pickett I've heard he's been good in camp, so it's like they're gonna have to get rid of someone that's a good player. And look, there's teams that need a backup. That's why I'm kind of surprised the teams are like, as long as they're waiting to be like, hey, can we take a look at this guy? So I mean I don't know. I mean, do we have any type of confidence in what's going to happen in the Rams situation? I mean look, yes, we heard that Stafford. He was throwing.
Scott:He was throwing yeah.
Graham:Okay, that's great. I know a lot of people that can throw. Look, tiger Woods hit how many chip shots and how many shots before he could even like walk. Yeah, he's still hitting the ball. Does that mean he can walk 18 holes for four rounds? No, and my point in this is, folks, yeah, you can throw the ball, but if you're not getting chased after by a defensive lineman or an outside linebacker and you're not getting hit, kind of doesn't mean shit. I mean, let's be real, am I wrong?
Scott:so yeah, you ain't wrong.
Graham:And look for a team that was two plays away from going to the super bowl last year and they got talent, and especially with the addition of Devontae Adams. They're not. They're right there. The defense is pretty solid. They're an injury away like a lot of teams, but I mean especially the quarterback position. Do they have confidence in Garoppolo which, by the way, a raise of hands. Who remembered that Garoppolo was still their second-string quarterback? Garoppolo?
Scott:is still their second string quarterback. Not only that, but do you remember Devante and Garoppolo going at it in Vegas last year? You know what? When Devante is like get me off this field, this guy is going to get me killed. And now they're teammates.
Graham:Completely forgot about that. Not going to lie, wow, wow. So I, I mean, you know, I mean look how about even for, uh, the giants game. Russ didn't play a lot, but he looked pretty decent. Jackson dart looked actually pretty decent pretty decent yeah, that touchdown that he threw was was nice.
Scott:I'll give him credit don't forget, your boy said he's going to be the best quarterback coming out of the draft last year.
Graham:Yeah, you did. But hey, crab legs didn't look bad either. He's done, yeah, but here's the thing now.
Scott:He could be traded.
Graham:Teams in the NFL need a guy like him. They need a rah rah, rah, rah. Let's psych up the team, let's have positive morale out there and if worse comes to worse, if we need a gunslinger, all right, we'll take our chances. Is that our best option? Probably not, but comparative to what's out there in the backup land, I mean.
Scott:That's why, like I said, that's why the Chargers played Trevor Lance all day.
Graham:Trevor.
Scott:Lance Tree, lance God, I've said that like eight times. I mean, don't forget. He's only 25 years old, I know, and he was the third overall pick.
Graham:That's why it's unfortunate for us. Well, you, I mean, it's just like with the whole Taylor thing. It would be smarter to keep Trey Lance.
Scott:Yeah, it would, but is it smarter to hope he doesn't ever enter a game and try to trade him away for somebody you paid 3.5 to Right To get maybe a hope? I had a backup tackle.
Graham:Oh, of course, A hundred percent, a hundred percent. I totally get it.
Scott:I mean, let's don't forget, the last player you ever want to see entering a game is your backup quarterback.
Announcer:Well, yeah.
Graham:Unless his name's, tom Brady, when blood so it's hurt, took the words right out of my mouth. I mean, that's it. I know there's been one or two other guys, I just not. There's been a couple people. But yeah, it's just, you're not wrong. So I mean, look week one's in the books, and by week one I mean obviously a preseason, just the excitement of what's going to happen in week two. We know what's going on in everyone's training camps. Look it's here. We got NFL until January more or less, and then obviously the Super Bowl, february.
Announcer:Yeah.
Graham:College football is coming up. I mean, we're really getting excited for fantasy football, not looking forward to this drive out to California, but it is what. It is Glad to get that over with, excited to see the homies, excited to do the fantasy draft, and, dude, I'm just ready to get back at it Like it's just crazy to see to watch, even today. Watching a little bit of the Chargers, I'm like, dude, it's back on and that's another thing. I'm watching this and I'm like I'm not a season ticket holder anymore. I'm looking at my seats, I can see them on the broadcast and I'm like, uh. And then I'm like, oh yeah, there's literally 40% capacity right now. There was nobody there.
Scott:No, it's preseason.
Graham:I mean I get it, it's preseason, but still I'm just like, no, I can't. It's not that I can't go, but it's just like I'm not going anymore. I'm like, oh man, kind of a bummer, but look, I'm excited for what's coming up, excited for fantasy and excited for next week and what's happened in the PGA tour. So, at the BMW, romano, rick, get it done, and, bro, it's about it. For me, what?
Scott:about you. All I can say is something we need to talk about real quick in passing. Okay, you know, smith gives the finger to a fan. Was that game in Seattle or was it in Vegas?
Graham:No, it was in Seattle.
Scott:Some fan had a sign that said Geno Smith is a bigger bust than Jamarcus Russell and Geno gave him the finger. It was caught on camera. First off the fan in Seattle. I don't know what you're drinking, smoking, inhaling, injecting but let's don't ever put Geno Smith in the same sentence as Jamarcus Russell, ever again, please.
Announcer:Oh no.
Scott:I mean, but dude, it was awesome and Pete Carroll approved it. I love it, right? I mean, come on, anyhow, you ain't wrong. Graham Golf is going to be sick next week. Calling it, let's go. 1107 on Sunday night after the FedEx first round of the playoffs Fowler top 10. Get your bet in. He's advancing to Atlanta, let's go. Let's do it.
Scott:Atlanta, let's go let's go and, like I said last week, a week to peak. This is the week. What's going to rhyme with week whatever, it doesn't even matter, you get the point. A week to lead the what the Caves Valley in Baltimore and hopefully I get to go to the first couple rounds.
Graham:Let's go brother.
Scott:So Graham, another episode in the books Fun. Like I said earlier, dude couldn't be happier for our boy and it's getting close. And Mama Cohen went and saw Lenny Kravitz and we got a little song tonight. Early in the episode. I mean, let's go. What could be better?
Graham:I mean, as you're saying, I'm just thinking to myself. Man, it's been a while since you've done that, but now that the NFL's starting again, are we getting more of this coming up? So I don't even know what to say.
Scott:I can't sing that one Christmas song Because it's not almost week one.
Announcer:But hey, let's go, dude, let's do it, let's go.
Graham:Scott, it's always a pleasure doing the podcast with you. I had a lot of fun this week, Excited for next week and what's going to happen. But hey, as the best homie always says, booba.
Scott:Good night friends. Let's go romance. Let's go. Mama Cohen hanging out with Lenny Kravitz Got a pocket full of money. Oh yeah, I got a pocket full of keys that have no bounds. Oh yeah, and when it comes to loving, I just can't get you off of my mind. Good night, friends.
Graham:Mwah.
Announcer:This episode of the Bald Guys on the Bench podcast is brought to you by our friends at Northstar Credit Union and Southern Auto, located in Southeast Virginia.
