Overview of PMS 2.0 1593 - Going Campin' with Art Stapleton, Lindsay Thiry, Mike Tannenbaum, Ian Rapoport, Eric Hosmer, & AJ Hawk
This episode is a wide-ranging training-camp roundup focused on the NFL’s biggest early storylines, plus major MLB trade drama and the looming college sports NIL/playoff fight in Washington. Pat McAfee and crew bounce between beat reporters and insiders to hit everything from Bengals camp fights and Baker Mayfield’s contract frustration to Tarik Skubal trade rumors, the Eagles’ new offensive identity, and whether Congress can actually pass a college sports bill before the window closes.
NFL Training Camp Storylines
Bengals bring the edge early
- Cincinnati generated the biggest camp fireworks:
- A sideline scuffle involving Jamar Chase, Mike Gesicki, and Jalen Davis.
- Jalen Davis said the fights are just “competition” and that he hopes it’s like that every day.
- Shamar Stewart was carted off but later reported to have only a hyperextended knee, easing concern.
- The crew read the Bengals’ early camp intensity as a sign the defense is trying to set a tone for the season.
Steelers camp looks sharper under Mike McCarthy
- Ian Rapoport said Pittsburgh’s practices have looked organized, fast, and more energetic than in recent years.
- The show contrasted that with last year’s camp, which they felt lacked “juice.”
- First padded practice was framed as a major checkpoint for the Steelers’ new era.
Eagles: new messaging, new system, same expectations
- Nick Sirianni’s speech about “chopping wood, carrying water,” small details, and using books/AI was a major talking point.
- The crew felt Sirianni is showing real adaptability: changing his messaging to keep veteran players engaged.
- Jalen Hurts looked good in camp, and the Eagles’ offense appears to be entering a more balanced phase.
- Vic Fangio became the punchline of the day after repeatedly responding to questions with a “Fifth Amendment” gag.
Giants: optimism at the Greenbrier
- Art Stapleton described a positive vibe around the Giants’ camp at the Greenbrier.
- Key takeaways:
- Jackson Dart is being encouraged to take chances and learn through mistakes.
- Malik Nabers looked much healthier and more explosive.
- Cam Skattebo is back to full strength and expected to be a major part of the offense.
- The segment emphasized how camp is about proving health and building trust, not overreacting to every rep.
Cowboys, Chargers, Rams, and Dolphins notes
- Cowboys: Jerry Jones is “open for business” and willing to make a trade if the right “wagon” comes along.
- Rams: Lindsay Thiry said the team loves Puka Nacua and likely handles his extension next offseason, while still wanting to be smart about his off-field growth.
- Chargers/Dolphins: Jim Harbaugh and Mike McDaniel were discussed as an unlikely but entertaining coaching duo; the crew expects their interactions to be one of camp’s best storylines.
- Bucs: Baker Mayfield’s contract situation dominated the discussion, with the vibe described as tense but motivating.
Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers
Baker feels disrespected, but locked in
- Baker went on a long, candid rant about:
- Feeling undervalued by Tampa Bay’s offer.
- Believing he has already proven himself as a franchise QB.
- Wanting the issue resolved so he can focus on football.
- He also expressed support for Vita Vea, saying Vea deserves to get paid too.
- The crew saw this as either:
- a genuine frustration point, or
- a “bet on myself” setup that could fuel a huge season.
MLB: Tarik Skubal, Small-Market Reality, and CBA Tension
Hosmer says baseball is not “fine”
- Eric Hosmer pushed back on the idea that MLB’s labor situation is stable.
- He sees Tarik Skubal as the latest example of small-market teams needing to trade elite talent before arbitration gets too expensive.
- The Dodgers were framed as the likely power team in the mix for a star like Skubal.
The broader baseball problem
- The discussion centered on:
- Small-market clubs struggling to keep superstars.
- The next CBA/lockout risk.
- Whether baseball is entering a tipping point in competitive imbalance.
- Hosmer argued that teams like the Tigers often know a trade is coming once arbitration money gets too close to free-agent value.
Pirates as a potential buyer
- Hosmer was bullish on Pittsburgh:
- Paul Skenes was called “America’s starting pitcher.”
- Young talent and pitching depth give the Pirates a legit chance to be buyers.
- He even predicted the Pirates could make a real run if they add bullpen help and keep building around their arms.
College Sports: NIL, Enforcement, and the Playoff Fight
Pete Thamel on the congressional bill
- The Protect College Sports Act appears to be in serious danger of stalling.
- Thamel said there’s broad pessimism that Congress will actually deliver a workable system.
- Main issue: enforcement and whether the NCAA or a new structure can really police spending.
SEC vs. Big Ten
- The debate over expanding the playoff to 24 teams is still unresolved.
- Thamel explained:
- Coaches mostly want expansion because it gives more teams hope.
- Greg Sankey and the SEC are more focused on protecting the value of the regular season.
- The Big Ten and SEC are the real power brokers; everyone else is mostly reacting.
The money race keeps escalating
- The crew noted how roster spending has ballooned:
- What used to be a top-end $20 million roster is now closer to a cheap roster in the Big Ten.
- Some schools may push toward $80–90 million if the rules stay loose.
- The takeaway: college football is increasingly acting like a pro sport without pro-level guardrails.
Notable Quotes and Running Bits
Recurring joke of the show
- Vic Fangio’s repeated line: “I’m going to be like Fauci and take the Fifth Amendment on questions.”
- The crew found this both absurd and hilarious.
Sirianni’s camp theme
- “Chop wood, carry water” was the big coach-speak phrase of the day.
- The crew liked that Sirianni is trying to find fresh ways to motivate veteran players.
Baker’s message
- Baker’s core stance: “It’s all ball from here.”
- He made it clear he’s done negotiating and wants football to do the talking.
Hosmer’s baseball message
- Hosmer’s bluntest point: MLB is not fine if the league keeps cycling stars out of small markets before they can be retained.
What to Watch Next
- Whether Bengals camp intensity translates into a tougher defense or just early chaos.
- Whether Baker Mayfield turns contract frustration into an MVP-caliber season.
- Whether Skubal is actually moved and what that says about MLB’s competitive balance.
- Whether Congress and the major conferences can agree on a college sports enforcement model before the window closes.