THE SPORTS TALK DOSSIER

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

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Edition of Wednesday, 23 September 2026 · 4 episodes · 6 stories

Analysts debate whether the Rams' 28-6 win over the Giants proves they are Super Bowl contenders

The Rams defeated the Giants 28-6, with Matthew Stafford throwing four touchdowns and DeVonta Adams recording 195 receiving yards. The Rams' improved pass defense and physical play on both lines were noted, though analysts cautioned that the Giants were missing their starting quarterback.

Agreed

1 show

Multiple analysts agree the Rams are ascending and have put early-season concerns to rest. Jeff Saturday points to their offensive production and defensive improvements, while Chris Canty and Stephen A. Smith praise Aaron Donald's disruptive return after 981 days, highlighting his run defense impact and pass rush. Stephen A. Smith adds that Donald's performance was superhuman and that the Rams' defensive front will be formidable once fully healthy.

Disputed

3 positions

Does the Rams' win over the Giants prove they are Super Bowl contenders?

Jeff Saturday

Rams are ascending contenders.

The Rams are a very good, ascending team that put to rest Week One concerns, noting their offensive production and defensive improvements.

Stephen A. Smith

Not ready to concede Rams as favorites.

He is not ready to concede the Rams as Super Bowl favorites, pointing to Stafford's errant throws and the need to see them against tougher competition.

Michael Wilbon

Win doesn't prove contender status.

The Rams haven't proven they are contenders because they beat a bad Giants team that lost its starting quarterback early.

SOURCES 1 · 2 · 3

Giants' season outlook dims as Jameis Winston struggles and Jaxon Dart is out for the year

Jameis Winston started for the Giants after Jaxon Dart's injury, but analysts note Winston's poor recent record and the likelihood that opponents will stack the box against him. Jeff Saturday agrees Winston was unprepared and notes the Giants' defensive injuries compound the problem, while Stephen A. Smith adds that Winston's pregame hype contrasts with his on-field inconsistency. The hosts confirm Jaxon Dart is likely out for the season, expressing sympathy for Giants fans and noting the team's quarterback instability.

SOURCES 2 · 4

Commanders face scrutiny over Jayden Daniels' injury handling and Dan Quinn's coaching

Chris Canty argues the Commanders may need a new head coach because Dan Quinn failed to protect Jayden Daniels, and the team cannot commit a market-level contract to Daniels given his recurring elbow dislocations. Jeff Saturday adds that the organization failed to mandate protective bracing and that Daniels' unavailability undermines locker room trust.

SOURCES 2

Bears can survive Caleb Williams' hamstring absence due to elite rushing attack and coaching

Jeff Saturday asserts the Bears can survive Caleb Williams' hamstring absence because Ben Johnson can balance the offense and the team's rushing attack is elite. Chris Canty agrees the Bears remain competitive due to their run game and favorable division landscape, while Stephen A. Smith notes the Bears are not ruling Williams out for Monday night, suggesting a short absence.

SOURCES 2

Chargers' offensive struggles and Justin Herbert's performance draw criticism

Jeff Saturday and Chris Canty criticize the Chargers' offense for missing routine plays and failing to establish the run, while asserting Justin Herbert has not elevated the team despite his talent. Stephen A. Smith adds that Herbert's struggles have reached a point where he is good enough to get coaches fired.

SOURCES 2

Pete Alonso makes history with 40 home runs in first seasons in both leagues

Pete Alonso hit his 39th and 40th home runs of the season, becoming the only player in history to hit 40 homers in his first seasons in both the National and American Leagues. He also leads the American League in RBIs and is on pace to win the RBI crown in both.

SOURCES 3

Here’s what else you should know

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Trinidad Chambliss is viewed as a potential NFL starting quarterback despite his height, with analysts citing his arm talent, poise in big moments, and success against SEC defenses.

SOURCES 1

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Stephen A. Smith ranked the Bengals, 49ers, Seahawks, Bills, and Chiefs as the top five NFL teams, citing the Bengals' improved defense, the 49ers' elite roster, the Seahawks' championship pedigree, the Bills' Josh Allen, and the Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes and Kenneth Walker.

SOURCES 1

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Drake May has struggled with sacks and interceptions early in the season, but analysts believe he will improve with better offensive line play and coaching adjustments.

SOURCES 1

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An 0-3 start would be more disastrous for the Colts than the Texans due to Indianapolis's win-now mode and lack of playoff success.

SOURCES 1

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C.J. Stroud's performance against the Bills and Bengals has raised questions about his market-level contract extension.

SOURCES 1

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The Bengals are considered a top threat to the Bills and Chiefs in the AFC due to their improved defense, strong offensive line play, and elite receiving corps.

SOURCES 1

Sources

First Take

Hour 2: Did the Rams Put the NFC Back on Notice?

First Take

Hour 1: Can the Giants Keep their Season on Track Without Jaxson Dart?

PTI

Should We Be Convinced The Rams Are Back on Track After MNF Win?

Pardon My Take

Scottie Scheffler, MLB/NFL Announcer Joe Davis, CFB Talk, Caleb Williams Becomes A Meme + Guys On Chicks

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