The Rundown Take
NFL Edition, Episode 2: Preseason Reactions, a Steelers Train Wreck, and a Mystery Guest Tease
Devin and Larry Frank Jr. rolled out episode two of U Talk's NFL Edition with week-two preseason reactions — plus a heartfelt opener from D thanking the family and breaking down the three new U Talk memberships (Talk Club, Talk VIP, and the You Talk Box with exclusive guest-interview access).
Key Takeaways
- Larry Frank's Steelers state-of-the-union stayed grim: a "train wreck" compounded by an underpaid, disgruntled Cam Heyward while TJ Watt got the bag and Aaron Rodgers got the money — with the Pickens and Najee departures still stinging.
- Devin's Raiders report had brighter spots: Geno Smith looking poised on rollouts and play action, and Ashton Jeanty bouncing back with a hard-running day — plus a fatherly plea for the rookie to get out of bounds and stay healthy.
- The Cam Ward love flowed freely: the former Cane is assuming leadership in Tennessee, staying off social media, living with his mom, and taking the rookie hazing (a late hit and a practice dust-up) like a franchise quarterback should.
- James Freeman's marathon call covered the map: the case for and against losing the fourth preseason game, sympathy for Browns fans watching two drafted QBs sit behind Joe Flacco, a scorched-earth Mike McDaniel prediction as first coach fired, and Super Bowl picks of Eagles and Bills.
- The tease of the night: next Thursday's guest, sworn on mama, will be the biggest in U Talk history — "worldwide recognized, you've seen them on your television for years." Ellen V's guess of The Rock was denied. Barely.
Grown Man Weekend Energy
The show's warmest stretch was two 40-somethings agreeing on the Gen X creed: don't bother nobody, don't want to be bothered — just work, family, good food and football. Both admitted Sundays aren't what they were in the highlight-show era, but the love of the game survives the softening rules and the soft-tissue injury epidemic nobody can explain.
Looking Ahead
Friday night's college show topic: if you were the coach, what's your game plan to beat Notre Dame and freshly-named starter CJ Carr? Monday brings Real Talk's marriage part two, and week one promises three top-ten matchups including Miami vs Notre Dame. Katie caught a loving roast for texting through her entire commute, Malik dropped the wisdom of the night — beat Florida and Notre Dame and the job still isn't finished — and the family signed off with 48 hours to kickoff season. It ain't no us without you.