Overview of 3 & Out - NFL Coaches' Favorites, Kyler vs. J.J., Watson's Contract Demands & Dad Diaries
John Middlecoff dives into a wide-ranging NFL episode centered on how coaches shape roster decisions, quarterback and running back value, and several league storylines that are generating debate. The main theme is that coaches often have more influence than fans realize, especially when they “fall in love” with certain players and build the offense around them. He also hits on the Vikings’ quarterback situation, Lamar Jackson’s evolving role, the 49ers’ injury issues, Deshaun Watson’s astonishing contract comment, and a light personal update in “Dad Diaries.”
Key NFL Takeaways
Coaches drive player value more than fans think
Middlecoff argues that head coaches and coordinators have massive influence over personnel decisions and playing time. A player who is “their guy” can get a much longer leash, more reps, and a bigger role than outsiders expect.
- Coaches often override personnel preferences.
- If the head coach loves a player, that player’s ceiling rises immediately.
- He uses examples from his own NFL experience to explain how much a coach’s belief can matter.
Ben Johnson is clearly high on Luther Burden
One of the biggest recurring points was Ben Johnson’s apparent belief in Luther Burden.
- Johnson’s praise and comparisons suggest Burden is one of his favorite players.
- Middlecoff notes Johnson comparing Burden to Amon-Ra St. Brown, which is a strong signal.
- He suggests Johnson will likely design the offense to feature Burden heavily.
- He also frames this as potentially huge financially for Burden, since a breakout under Johnson could lead to a massive second contract.
Kyler Murray’s starting job is not a surprise
Middlecoff says Kyler Murray being named the starter should not shock anyone, given his recent history.
- He views it as the expected outcome after last season and prior availability issues.
- The real question is what happens with J.J. McCarthy if he doesn’t win the job.
- He believes McCarthy might not be a good fit as a backup, especially with Carson Wentz already on the roster.
- His guess: McCarthy could be traded rather than kept around in a stalled situation.
Lamar Jackson under center could unlock the Ravens offense
He sees Lamar Jackson’s increased under-center usage as a potentially important evolution.
- Under-center play can improve the run game and create easy play-action passes.
- It also opens up bootlegs and movement throws that fit Lamar well.
- Middlecoff compares this type of adjustment to what helped quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers and Matt Ryan thrive in scheme changes.
- He thinks Lamar’s athleticism makes the system especially dangerous.
Ashton Jeanty could be a big-time rookie weapon
Middlecoff is bullish on Ashton Jeanty’s role and future production.
- He praises Jeanty’s character, shape, and fit in the offense.
- Notes the coaching lineage and scheme fit as positives.
- Predicts a strong year if the offensive line holds up and the offense stays run-centric.
- He views Jeanty as a possible featured player in the system.
49ers injury concerns and the “substation” theory won’t go away
Middlecoff revisits the long-running theory that the 49ers’ practice facility/substation situation may be linked to the team’s repeated injuries.
- He acknowledges he doesn’t know the science, but says the story won’t go away because the injuries keep happening.
- The 49ers’ long-term injury track record makes the theory hard to dismiss for fans.
- He thinks the narrative will keep growing as long as the injuries continue.
Deshaun Watson wants another Browns contract
His reaction to Watson reportedly wanting another Browns deal was blunt and cynical.
- He calls the comment an all-time bad look.
- Middlecoff argues no Browns fan or team decision-maker would want that outcome.
- He says Cleveland should move on and see what they have elsewhere.
- He also points out how damaging the original contract has been for the franchise.
Aaron Rodgers went on a rant
He briefly reacts to Rodgers going after people at ESPN and elsewhere.
- Middlecoff finds Rodgers entertaining when he’s angry.
- The tone is sarcastic, but he clearly thinks Rodgers’ bitterness makes for good content.
Mailbag and Listener Questions
Are elite GMs or elite coaches more important?
Middlecoff says no team is immune from collapse if the quarterback situation goes sideways.
- Even well-run teams can bottom out if injuries hit at QB and elsewhere.
- A strong roster gives you a higher floor, but it doesn’t guarantee safety.
- He emphasizes that quarterback injuries or misses can wreck any team.
Michael Wilson extension?
He supports the idea of paying Michael Wilson if the Cardinals believe in what he showed.
- He says Wilson may already look like a better long-term bet than Marvin Harrison Jr.
- Notes Wilson’s breakout production and contract timing.
- He would be comfortable extending him if the price made sense.
Are running backs being valued differently now?
Middlecoff says yes, but mostly because today’s elite RBs are more complete players.
- He distinguishes between old-school bell cows and modern hybrid backs.
- He views Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs, Christian McCaffrey, Saquon Barkley, and Ashton Jeanty as special all-purpose talents.
- Those players are being paid more because they function like offensive weapons, not just runners.
- He argues agents will push for bigger deals because the market has changed.
Parag Marathe leaving the 49ers?
Middlecoff downplays the panic around the move.
- He says Marathe isn’t really “leaving” the organization entirely.
- He describes it more as a shift in responsibilities within the broader ownership/business structure.
- He also says NFL contract negotiation has changed and teams don’t have the same leverage they once did.
Is John naturally talkative?
He admits he talks for a living, but says he’s actually more introverted than people may think.
- He says he can be exhausted by constant conversation.
- He jokes that podcasting is literally “talking to myself into a computer.”
- He says he’s trying to be a better listener, especially since becoming a father.
Baseball labor, Dodgers, and collusion talk
Middlecoff dismisses most of the outrage around the Dodgers and MLB labor narratives.
- He says he doesn’t blame the Dodgers for being aggressive.
- He questions the idea that fans should care about billionaire vs. millionaire narratives.
- His main point: just play the games and stop the endless labor posturing.
Joe Brady moving from the booth to the field
He thinks the concern is overblown.
- Brady already spends plenty of time on the sideline during games and practice.
- Middlecoff says the difference is real, but not earth-shattering.
- He believes good coaches adapt quickly, and the bigger issue is how well Brady and Josh Allen already know each other.
“Dad Diaries”
A lighter personal segment focused on feeding his baby solid food.
- The baby is resisting avocado, eggs, and purees.
- Middlecoff jokes the child acts offended by regular food.
- He reflects on how strange it is that humans start life refusing all the food we later love.
- He also shares a funny anecdote about younger people using apps and fake IDs to get alcohol delivered, contrasting that with his own generation’s scrappier methods.
Bottom Line
This episode is mostly about how much power coaches have in shaping NFL careers and offenses. Middlecoff uses current storylines to argue that:
- coaches create player value,
- quarterbacks and running backs are highly scheme-dependent,
- the modern NFL contract market has shifted toward paying elite talent more aggressively,
- and some teams, like the Browns and Vikings, are facing big-picture quarterback questions that could define their seasons.
He mixes in his usual football takes with a few personal and comedic detours, but the core message is consistent: in today’s NFL, coaching belief, scheme fit, and quarterback stability matter more than ever.