What the sports shows argued about today, and who took which side.

The Chiefs' dominant rushing performance against the Broncos, featuring Kenneth Walker, signals a return to a balanced offense that will allow Patrick Mahomes to play more efficiently and peak later in the season. Fullback usage rose to 12.4% of offensive plays in week one, up from 7.5% last year, indicating a potential return to smash-mouth football. Derek Carr notes that the Ravens' use of Lamar Jackson under center with Derrick Henry creates a defensive nightmare, and the old school under center run game will make Mahomes more efficient. The real test for the Chiefs will be whether Andy Reid commits to the run game consistently, as he historically prefers to pass even when the run is working effectively.

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Arch Manning faced backlash for acknowledging he saw and found funny an AI video depicting Steve Sarkisian slapping reporter Holly Rowe, prompting a public apology and private conversation with Rowe. Manning apologized for laughing about the AI-generated video, calling his comment insensitive and hurtful. Holly Rowe accepted the apology, appreciating their private conversation and wanting to move forward with respect and kindness. Stephen A. Smith says the apology was inevitable because the Manning family would have corrected the mistake quickly due to their core decency.

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The Protect College Sports Act cleared a Senate hurdle with a 74-24 vote, proposing a $49 million salary cap on third-party NIL groups to curb spending chaos in college sports. Jordan Rogers supports the bill as a necessary step to create equity and allow the NCAA to enforce rules without constant lawsuits, though he worries political additions could delay it. Stephen A. Smith opposes the bill's approach, arguing that student athletes lack representation at the negotiating table and that any agreement must involve collective bargaining to avoid exploitation. He cites Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh's past criticism of the NCAA and warns that passing legislation without player representation will lead to more legal battles.

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Oklahoma State shocked the college football world by dominating Oregon as 23.5-point underdogs, raising questions about whether Oregon's season could spiral after a loss they were expected to win easily. After a disappointing week one loss to Tulsa, Oklahoma State simplified their game plan, emphasized physical play, and graded players solely on effort and speed to dominate Oregon. Eric Morris notes that the players were embarrassed by the Tulsa tape and responded by playing with raw emotion and physicality, which helped the fans and program regain their winning identity. Oklahoma State identified a run-pass tell in Dante Moore's footwork, which may have contributed to their upset win over Oregon.

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Kyle Brant asserts Caleb Williams has become the NFL's best scrambler, surpassing Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen, and argues the Bears' 59-point Week 1 performance didn't even feature their most talented offensive player, Colston Loveland. Stephen A. Smith counters that Loveland's lack of targets was likely accidental due to other weapons working, and questions the Bears' ability to score 40 points against Brian Flores' defense. Brant warns that if Brian Flores dials up an 80% blitz against Caleb Williams, the Vikings will get run out of the stadium due to Williams' unmatched escapability. Smith notes that Flores blitzed Williams about 58% of the time last year, holding him to a 48% completion rate, but concedes Williams has improved this year. Brant defends Ben Johnson's aggressive fourth-down decision-making, while Smith criticizes the decision to go for it on fourth-and-one at his own 28-yard line in the third quarter while up by a touchdown.

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Mets fans gave a standing ovation to former Met Pete Alonso after he hit his 300th career home run against them. Stephen A. Smith says the reaction is an indictment of management, arguing Steve Cohen should have kept Alonso and that the team's performance is an embarrassment. Jason McCourty says Mets fans had every reason to stand and cheer for Alonso's 300th home run because they love him and the team has been awful. Shawn Manaya says the reaction from Mets fans to an opposing player hitting a home run to tie the game is crazy and different. Tony Kornheiser says the reaction shows fans love Alonso and are frustrated with the team's underperformance despite spending.

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