The Ex-pats Podcast - A Patriots Podcast

With Koppen and Mayo out, Mike Giardi interviews Eric Edholm of Yahoo Sports’ Shutdown Corner. The two discuss the value Malcolm Butler could fetch in a deal with the Saints, whether the Browns can connect on a last-ditch effort to acquire Jimmy Garoppolo, and which positions might be hits for the Patriots in the NFL Draft.

Jerod Mayo and Mike Giardi dissect Super Bowl LI, and how Atlanta played into New England’s hands in the second half. In discussing Dont’a Hightower’s future, Jerod Mayo brings up the contract of Rob Gronkowski. And a look at the offseason decisions facing the Patriots.

Dan Koppen and Mike Giardi take a walk down memory lane, going over Koppen’s Super Bowl experiences with the New England Patriots. The impact of Pat Chung in defending the Falcons is also broached. Who to feature in the running game?

Dan Koppen and Mike Girardi break down both team’s performances on Opening Night. They also look at how Atlanta might attack the Patriots, and what the Patriots need to do to stop them.

Mike Giardi and former Patriots center Dan Koppen discuss all aspects of the dominating performance by the Patriots over the Steelers in the AFC Championship. The two wonder why Pittsburgh refused to try and employ some of the strategies that were successful for the Houston Texans during the Divisional game last week. Also, Dan talks about what the players need to do this week to get ready for the circus that is the week leading up to the game.

Dan Koppen, Jerod Mayo, and Mike Giardi discuss the upcoming AFC Championship game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Jerod Mayo draws up a plan for defending running back Le’Veon Bell. Antonio Brown’s Facebook Live controversy is also broached. 2:30 Recapping the win over Houston 6:09 Improving pass protection vs Steelers 8:18 Antonio Brown’s Facebook Live controversy 13:00 Defending Le’Veon Bell 17:35 Importance of tackling vs Steelers and Ben Roethlisberger 20:19 The rivalry with Pittsburgh

Dan Koppen and Mike Giardi lay out how the Texans could beat the Patriots. Koppen explains how the Patriots will scheme up the blocking to limit Jadeveon Clowney’s impact. Plus, a look at Vince Wilfork’s history with the Patriots. They conclude with a discussion around Odell Beckham, Jr.’s infamous boat trip. 1:23 How Texans can beat the Patriots 7:05 Blocking scheme against Clowney 10:35 Vince Wilfork talk 13:52 Vrabel interviewing for Rams coaching job 16:11 Odell Beckham, Jr. 19:30 Reviews

Dan Koppen, Jerod Mayo, and Mike Giardi give their regular season MVPs for the Patriots (excluding Tom Brady, because he’s the clear choice). Mayo shares insight into what makes Matt Patricia a strong head coaching candidate. Dan Koppen does the same for Josh McDaniels. 1:21 Patriots combatting Miami’s antics 6:10 Patriots regular season MVP (aside from Tom Brady, duh) 11:05 How Patriots use playoffs bye week 15:32 Matt Patricia and Josh McDaniels as head coaching candidates

In a split episode, Mike Giardi and Dan Koppen first discuss the Jets game, including the “FU” touchdown to end the half. After the break, Giardi and Jerod Mayo discuss which AFC team is the biggest threat to the Patriots in the playoffs. 1:20 Patriots defense improving or opponents that bad? 7:50 Jets kicking field goal down 41-0 11:50 The “FU” touchdown before the half 14:15 On to Miami 18:25 Jerod Mayo joins 21:35 Chiefs as biggest AFC threat 25:36 Difficulties of playing in Miami

Jerod Mayo, Dan Koppen, and Mike Giardi break down the win in Denver. Included in that is reaction to Emmanuel Sanders tweeting about his performance against Malcolm Butler. The play of Dion Lewis, who rushed for 95 yards, is under the microscope. And the claim of Michael Floyd is broached. 5:40 Passing game and altitude in Denver 9:15 Offensive/Defensive divide internally in Denver 10:40 Emmanuel Sanders vs Malcolm Butler 13:50 Dion Lewis vs LeGarrette Blount 16:00 Thoughts on claiming Michael Floyd 19:50 College players McCaffrey, Fournette skipping bowl games

Jerod Mayo, Dan Koppen, and Mike Giardi look at the struggles of kick returner Cyrus Jones from the perspective of a teammate. Also, how a defense approaches plays close to the opponents own end zone. And Bill Belichick’s approach of using sarcasm to get his players motivated.

Mike Giardi and Dan Koppen look back at a solid Patriots win against a bad team in the Los Angeles Rams. The guys were trying to figure out exactly what L.A.'s gameplan was going in. The linebacker rotation seems to be more consistent a few weeks after the Jamie Collins trade. How much of an impact will the loss of Rob Gronkowski have on offense? Malcolm Mitchell continues to impress, but 3rd down was a problem. Finally, we look ahead to Monday night's game against the Baltimore Ravens, who have been playing well and are never intimidated coming into Gillette Stadium.

Dan Koppen and Mike Giardi discuss Tom Brady playing hurt, and whether it negatively impacts the Patriots. Koppen also discusses Marcus Cannon’s improved play. The right tackle reportedly signed an extension the day after this podcast was record. Jerod Mayo and Giardi talk defense, including the play of Dont’a Hightower.

Jerod Mayo, Troy Brown, and Mike Giardi discuss the emergence of rookie receiver Malcolm Mitchell. Brown also shares his analysis of rookie Cyrus Jones, who has struggled as a punt and kick returner. And Mayo offers his thoughts on Jabaal Sheard, who was left behind as the team traveled to San Francisco this past week.

Jerod Mayo, Dan Koppen, and Mike Giardi dive into who’s at fault for the shoddy zone defense Sunday night against the Seahawks. They also dissect the final goal line sequence, which ended in an incomplete pass intended for Rob Gronkowski. And the two former Patriots players critique the quiet home crowd at Gillette Stadium.

Dan Koppen and Mike Giardi discuss how the Patriots will move forward as a team after a divisive election. They also preview the Seahawks game, and discuss the quarterback situation in Dallas.

Jerod Mayo, Dan Koppen, and Mike Giardi discuss the win over the Steelers, LeGarrette Blount’s running style, and going with a limited number of pass rushers.