Crunching Tackles

On this episode, Chad and John analyze the USMNT's disappointing loss to Belgium in the Round of 16 of the World Cup. What went wrong? What can we do to fix it? Also, Kylian Mbappe is subjected to a shocking racist attack, Cape Verde win the hearts of the world, and we say a not-so-tearful goodbye to Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar. 00:00 Introduction to the World Cup 03:57 Team USA Go Out of the Tou...

In this episode, Chad and John continue covering the biggest games and most surprising upsets of the World Cup. We preview a monumental game for the USMNT against Bosnia and Herzegovina, and discuss some controversies off the pitch, including inconsistent refereeing, Seattle's Pride Night, and a star player facing a serious criminal trial. 00:00 John's Experience at the World Cup 07:32 World Cup F...

Join us as we dive into the latest World Cup action, cultural moments, and social issues surrounding the tournament. From thrilling matches to fan interactions and political debates, this episode covers it all. Here is the CNN story Chad mentioned with some Iranian-American perspectives on the World Cup team: https://www.cnn.com/2026/06/15/sport/video/iran-world-cup-us-war-soccer-vrtc 03:51 NBA Fi...

On this episode, Chad and John preview the US Men's National Team for the World Cup, and share their final thoughts before the games begin. They also preview the Stanley Cup and NBA Finals, recap the Champions League final, and dive into the chaos at the French Open this year. 00:00 Stanley Cup Finals Ticket Costs and Preview 10:15 Champions League Final Recap 26:30 The Chaos of the French Open To...

On today's show, Chad and John preview the 2026 World Cup. First, John celebrates a monumental Premier League Championship for Arsenal, and then the guys look ahead to the World Cup, ranking teams based on some on-the-field and off-the-field metrics. Join our World Cup Predictions group on Pick26! Join here: https://pick26.com/auth?mode=signup&invite_code=CA9DPG 00:00 - Arsenal Wins the Premie...

In this episode, Chad and John analyze a recent debate between Chris Christie and David French on sports gambling regulation, explore the implications of legal and illegal sports betting, and discuss the broader societal impacts of gambling. They also touch on the latest sports news, with good news for Arsenal fans, and bad news for LIV Golf. 00:00 Introduction to Crunching Tackles 02:52 Arsenal's...

With the rumored collapse of LIV Golf, we reexamine whether the Saudi sportswashing program is ending. We also talk about the increased prices of transportation for the FIFA World Cup, Rory McIlroy winning another Masters, and … Coachella? All that and more on a new episode of Crunching Tackles. Link to our previous episode about Saudi Sportwashing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pW14ugEJvy4&...

On today's show, Chad and John dive deep into McKay Coppins' viral story about his experience as a sports better. Before that, we talk about March Madness, the USMNT, and talk briefly about Tiger Woods latest horrific car accident. Chapters 00:00 March Madness Reflections 03:14 Is Duke Underperforming with Jon Scheyer? 09:05 The Impact of Experience in College Basketball 22:19 Women's College Bask...

Join us as we delve into the latest sports headlines, including March Madness strategies, controversial soccer results, and the evolving world of Formula One. We also explore global issues like Iran's political climate and the ethics of sports sponsorships, providing insights and lively debates. And of course, we react to the 2026 Oscars and the Dune: Part Three teaser trailer. 00:00 Introduction...

In a gripping discussion, Chad and John delve into the intricate web of war, politics, and sports in Iran, shedding light on how recent conflicts have reshaped the landscape for athletes and sporting events. This conversation uncovers the powerful role of sports as a stage for protest, the persistent challenges faced by women in Iran, and the ethical quandaries confronting international sporting o...

In this episode, Chad Wylie and John Nekrasov discuss the highlights and controversies of the Winter Olympics. They delve into the excitement of competition, the curling cheating scandal, and the absurdity of doping in ski jumping. In this conversation, John Nekrasov and Chad Wylie discuss the impact of Russia's absence from the Olympics, the challenges faced by athletes like Lindsey Vonn, and the...

In this episode of Crunching Tackles, hosts Chad Wylie and John Nekrasov dissect Super Bowl 60, focusing on the Seahawks' impressive performance and Drake Maye's struggles as a young quarterback. They discuss the halftime show, the cultural significance of the event, and the disappointing quality of commercials this year. The conversation wraps up with predictions for next year's Super Bowl and re...

In this episode of Crunching Tackles, hosts Chad Wylie and John Nekrasov dive into a variety of pressing sports issues, including the upcoming Super Bowl, Carlos Alcaraz’s latest history-making performance, and the shocking news surrounding Bill Belichick's Hall of Fame denial. They also discuss the implications of the Epstein files on the NFL, the controversy surrounding Shedeur Sanders' Pro Bowl...

On today's show, Chad Wylie and John Nekrasov discuss the dramatic and controversial final in the African Cup of Nations. They also discuss the latest gambling investigation, this one involving almost 40 college basketball players. The big story today is all about head coaching changes in the NFL. Why have their been so many, and is this trend going to continue? Also, we are finally on YouTube! If...

Chad and John look back on the year in film, giving their top 5 movies of 2025, along with some coverage of Stranger Things and the upcoming NFL Playoffs. 0:30 - Chad reflects on the Steelers amazing regular season finale and we look ahead to the NFL Playoffs 16:20 - A brief aside on Manchester United and the state of the club after another manager is fired. 27:00 - We review Stranger Things seaso...

Chad and John reflect on the first quarter of the 21st century, as they rank five athletes who have had the biggest cultural impact of the past 25 years. 2:40 - Chad recounts his freezing and fun time at the NCAA Men's Soccer Championship game 7:25 - Philip Rivers comeback and a NFL update 19:30 - Top Five Athletes of the Century: Number 5 39:30 - Number 4 43:30 - Number 3 1:01:30 - Number 2 1:14:...

Chad and John look back on 2025 and identify our top 5 sports stories of the year. They also unveil their theme for the year, award the sports "Man of the Year" and commemorate the first ever "Benedict Arnold" designation on the podcast! As always, make sure to share this episode if you enjoyed it, and give us a follow on all your social media platforms!

We are now just months away from the 2026 World Cup, and there is a lot to catch up on. From teams who have qualified, to the status of the USMNT, to the never-ending political circus circling this event, John and Chad are here to make sense of it all. As always, make sure to share this episode if you enjoyed it, and give us a follow on all your social media platforms!

ESPN has not just been reporting the news lately, they have been the news—and not in good ways. On today's show, Chad and John discuss: 3:00 - We briefly recap a wildly entertaining World Series and that instantly classic Game 7. 7:30 - The betting scandal we covered last episode has now come to MLB. We react to the news of two Cleveland Guardian pitchers who are facing significant jail time if co...

NBA Hall of Famer and current head coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, and LeBron James insider Damon Jones were all arrested by the FBI on serious gambling charges, involving improper betting, high-stakes poker, and the Italian mafia. Do they matter culturally? On today's show, Chad and John discuss: 7:30 - After Chad's solo podcast about Formula 1 and Apple TV, we briefly revi...

In this special, emergency episode of Crunching Tackles, Chad reacts to the breaking news about Formula One's broadcast rights going to Apple TV. What does this shift mean for the sport, and the larger streaming sports landscape? We will be back with a regularly scheduled podcast later. John is enjoying a wonderful honeymoon in Ireland with his new bride, and the Crunching Tackles family sends the...

This week, Ousmane Dembélé won the Ballon D'or—the award for the best men's soccer player. This choice was surprising, and underwhelming, and led us to a conversation about the importance of individual awards. Are they measured correctly? Do they matter culturally? On today's show, Chad and John discuss: 25:00 - A quick update on the Pablo Torre investigation into Steve Ballmer and the Los Angeles...

A bombshell investigation by Pablo Torre alleges that Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer funneled money through a shadow company to Kawhi Leonard to compensate him above the salary cap. If true, this is one of the most shocking frauds in NBA history. On today's show, Chad and John discuss: 10:00 - U.S. Open recap and the amazing rivalry of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz that is not slowing...

The NFL and ESPN have announced a merger that gives ESPN control of NFL Media and gives the NFL an ownership stake in ESPN. This arrangement comes with huge conflicts of interest and moral implications. On today's show, Chad and John discuss: 5:45 - Chad recaps his recent trip, including some amazing sporting experiences that he brings back to the pod. 19:00 - Cadillac Formula 1 team have announce...

Pablo Torre has unearthed a shocking scandal taking place with the NFL and the NFL Player's Association in recent weeks. This scandal has caused major embarrassment for the league, and has led to the resignation of several prominent player's union executives. On today's show, Chad and John discuss: 1:00 - We discuss how Nikola Jokic has finally found a sport he cares about 9:00 - We react to the h...