Jerry O’Connell: Expanding the NFL schedule could harm player performance, the arbitrary MVP voting rule needs reform, and inhaled protein may revolutionize nutrition | Pardon My Take

The NFL's shift to an 18-game season could reshape player performance and fan experience.

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Add us on Google by Editorial Team Apr. 10, 2026

Key Takeaways

• Increasing the number of NFL games could negatively impact player performance and viewer experience.
• The NFL is expected to move towards an 18-game season in future collective bargaining agreements.
• The announcement of the Super Bowl schedule is linked to finalizing the 18-game NFL season.
• The Bulls’ GM is criticized for poor management and is suggested to be replaced.
• The 65-game rule for MVP voting is seen as arbitrary and problematic.
• Naming the MVP rule after Joel Embiid is perceived as insulting to other players.
• Inhaled protein may offer faster absorption and efficiency compared to traditional methods.
• Deflections in basketball can significantly influence game outcomes, especially during critical moments.
• Referees often call quick fouls in high-pressure situations, affecting game strategies.
• Drawing up plays in high-pressure situations depends on team and individual performance.
• The NFL’s scheduling complexities impact major event announcements like the Super Bowl.
• Criticism of the Bulls’ management reflects broader issues in sports team administration.
• The MVP voting criteria are under scrutiny for their impact on player recognition.
• Innovations in protein consumption could shift fitness and nutrition trends.
• Basketball strategies are heavily influenced by defensive tactics and referee behavior.

Guest intro

Jerry O’Connell serves as a permanent co-host on CBS’s The Talk. He is known for his role as Vern Tessio in the film Stand by Me and previously starred as Detective Woody Hoyt on Crossing Jordan.

The impact of expanding the NFL schedule

• Adding more games to the NFL schedule could degrade the quality of the product. “The more games they add, the worse the product’s gonna be somehow” – Jerry O’Connell
• Player performance and viewer experience may suffer from an increased number of games.
• The NFL is likely to implement an 18-game season as part of the next collective bargaining agreement. “It’s like we’re not even going to entertain a seven-game season or 17-game season; we’re gonna start at 18” – Jerry O’Connell
• Understanding the dynamics of NFL negotiations is crucial for anticipating future changes.
• The timing of the Super Bowl announcement is contingent on finalizing the 18-game schedule. “They’re holding it for the eighteenth game” – Jerry O’Connell
• Scheduling complexities in the NFL affect major event announcements.
• Expanding the NFL schedule is a debated topic among fans and analysts.
• The potential negative impact of an expanded schedule is a significant concern for stakeholders.

Criticism of sports management and MVP voting rules

• The Bulls’ GM is criticized as the worst in sports and should be fired. “AK, the Bulls GM, is the worst GM in all of sports and should be fired” – Jerry O’Connell
• Poor management is a recurring issue in sports team administration.
• The arbitrary nature of the 65-game rule for MVP voting is problematic. “It’s weird to put an arbitrary number on like hey if SGA actually gets hurt and he plays 62 games but he’s the best player he should still win MVP” – Jerry O’Connell
• The naming of the 65-game rule after Joel Embiid feels insulting to other players. “He’s upset that it’s called the Joel Embiid rule” – Jerry O’Connell
• MVP voting criteria are under scrutiny for their impact on player recognition.
• Criticism of management reflects broader issues within sports organizations.
• The emotional and reputational implications of naming rules after players are significant.
• Understanding the context of MVP voting criteria is essential for evaluating player performance.

Innovations in fitness and nutrition

• Inhaled protein may enter the bloodstream faster and be absorbed more efficiently than traditional protein consumption. “A doctor claims that inhaled protein enters the bloodstream faster and absorbs more efficiently” – Jerry O’Connell
• This new method of protein consumption could impact fitness and nutrition trends.
• Understanding the potential benefits and mechanisms of inhaled protein is crucial for fitness enthusiasts.
• Innovations in protein consumption could shift current dietary practices.
• The efficiency of inhaled protein compared to traditional methods is a topic of interest.
• Fitness and nutrition trends are evolving with new consumption methods.
• The impact of inhaled protein on fitness goals is a subject of exploration.
• This claim presents a specific perspective on enhancing protein intake efficiency.

Strategic elements in basketball

• Deflections in basketball can significantly impact the outcome of a game, especially in critical moments. “The best thing for you at that point of a game is obviously a deflection” – Jerry O’Connell
• Defensive strategies and game management are crucial in basketball.
• Referees tend to call quick fouls in high-pressure situations, affecting game strategy. “Most referees at that point call a quick foul because there’s not a lot of time left” – Jerry O’Connell
• Understanding referee behavior is important for developing effective team strategies.
• Strategic decision-making in basketball is influenced by defensive tactics.
• Referee tendencies can impact team strategies during crucial game moments.
• Game dynamics are heavily influenced by defensive actions and referee calls.
• High-pressure situations require strategic adjustments in basketball.

Decision-making in high-pressure sports scenarios

• In high-pressure situations, the decision to draw up a play depends on the overall performance of the team and individual players. “You definitely would… because it was kind of like a team-wide struggle” – Jerry O’Connell
• Team performance and individual player confidence are critical in decision-making.
• High-stakes scenarios require careful consideration of team dynamics.
• Strategic perspectives are essential for effective decision-making in sports.
• Understanding the dynamics of team performance is crucial in critical game moments.
• Decision-making processes are influenced by team and individual performance.
• High-pressure situations demand strategic planning and execution.
• The role of team dynamics in decision-making is a key focus in sports strategy.

Disclosure: This article was edited by Editorial Team. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.