3 and Out with John Middlekauff AFC and NFC Championship REACTION, McCarthy to the Steelers, What's going on in Cleveland
Jan 26, 2026
Reactions to the Seahawks’ big win and why Sam Darnold’s resurgence matters. A breakdown of the snowy Patriots-Broncos game and questionable fourth-down calls. Why Pittsburgh hired Mike McCarthy and what that means for their timeline. Criticism of Cleveland’s hiring process and discussion of Buffalo and Miami’s coaching approaches.
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Start Conversations By Asking About Their Kids
- John recounts meeting Joe Montana and starting a conversation by asking about his son.
- He says asking about someone's children is the best way to open a conversation with famous people.
Quarterback Success Is Contextual
- John Middlekauff argues quarterbacks depend heavily on surrounding players and coaching to succeed.
- Sam Darnold’s turnaround shows environment and coaching can resurrect a QB’s career.
Special Teams Can Win Or Lose Seasons
- Special teams failures can decide playoff games and season outcomes.
- John blames head-coach emphasis more than coordinators for chronic special teams collapse.