Matt Lombardo

a baseball player with a p on his helmet ALT: a baseball player with a p on his helmet

Ring. The. Damn. Bell. 🔔

Appreciate you! 👊🏼

You can make a case they’re the most balanced, for sure. The question mark may even be mitigated a bit by the O’Connell QB cocoon …

5 Burning Questions Facing the NFC North Can the Lions fend off the Injury Bug, and loaded rosters being built around young quarterbacks in the NFL's most competitive division?

If J.J. McCarthy is even replacement-level Darnold, the Vikings are going to be one of the toughest outs in the NFC because of the defense and the explosive potential of their pass catchers.

Five questions facing the NFC North in 2025: mattlombardonfl.substack.com/p/5-burning-...

I’ll look them up!! Appreciate the recommendations 👊🏼

Essential!

This one’s homemade! Need to zero in on a good local spot.

The simple deliciousness of an extra cheesy meatball parm on a seeded roll. 👨🏻‍🍳

I heard rumors they are no longer there?

Heading to Latrobe on Thursday for Steelers camp. Looking for any and all burger and beer recommendations for after practice and setting up shop to write time.

Any locals or Steelers reporters know the best spots?

The air quality is just atrocious today, and another indictment of our new normal. It’s what we need to expect for the rest of our lives after electing a corrupt regime intent on dismantling climate protections and air quality regulations.

5 Burning Questions Facing the NFC North Can the Lions fend off the Injury Bug, and loaded rosters being built around young quarterbacks in the NFL's most competitive division?

NEW and FREE at Between The Hashmarks: No one is doubting, for even half a second, the talent across the roster that general manager Brad Holmes has built or the culture that is the envy of the league that Dan Campbell has established with the Lions

The injury bug, though, would like several words:

Training Camp Tour: Abdul Carter Wrecking Things, Dan Quinn Building a Culture | 4 Downs This is my favorite time of year.

The Commanders arrived ahead of schedule in 2024, thanks in part to the culture being built by Dan Quinn.

“His energy, his willingness to learn players outside of the football field makes players want to play for him,” Bobby Wagner told me after Saturday’s practice.

5 Burning Questions Facing the NFC North Can the Lions fend off the Injury Bug, and loaded rosters being built around young quarterbacks in the NFL's most competitive division?

NEW and FREE at Between The Hashmarks: No one is doubting, for even half a second, the talent across the roster that general manager Brad Holmes has built or the culture that is the envy of the league that Dan Campbell has established with the Lions

The injury bug, though, would like several words:

What to Watch in the Preseason (If You Can't Watch Nothing) The annual Walkthrough Preseason Viewing Guide walks you through 32 third-string QBs, camp battles and rookies everyone will be talking about until they are cut at the end of August.

"Frankly, I already have J.J. McCarthy fatigue. I keep reading about 'learning experiences' and 'opportunities for growth.' You don’t need to be a former remedial algebra teacher to know what those phrases mean."

miketanier.substack.com/p/what-to-wa...

Carl Banks: Malik Nabers “Good Beyond His Years,” Poised to Ignite Giants Offense [EXCLUSIVE] Giants legend Carl Banks is impressed by Malik Nabers' special traits, athleticism, and believes he can spark New York's offense for years to come.

“He’s just, he’s good beyond his years. The way he separates, the way he sets up routes, if it’s a back-shoulder fade, the way he goes about it is different than everybody else.”

I caught up with #Giants legend Carl Banks, who is all-in on Malik Nabers.

My latest for Heavy:

For those in the back!
youtube.com/shorts/hNAIx...

I think Myles staying, and the commitment they made to him should signal a commitment to winning now, right?

First Chimay is on me, at our next business lunch, or in Mobile. Whichever comes first!

Sending a six pack of your favorite brew 🍻

I still don’t understand the point of Flacco on that roster with two rookies and a former first-round pick. Especially when all the data points suggest that playing young QBs is the best way to evaluate and develop them.

Besides, better to find out Sanders or Gabrial ain’t it before April …

Training Camp Tour: Abdul Carter Wrecking Things, Dan Quinn Building a Culture | 4 Downs This is my favorite time of year.

This morning’s column is loaded.

A rundown of who I spoke to, in addition to voices from the podium in East Rutherford and Virginia:

- Carl Banks
- James Franklin
- Bobby Wagner
- Zach Ertz
- Jeremy Reaves
- Multiple Executives

Check it out!

mattlombardonfl.substack.com/p/training-c...

Well, well, well, lookie here!

This Phillies team seems to have really turned a corner and shifted into overdrive.

KYLE SCHWARBER JUST BOMBED ONE TO THE MOOOOOOON! 💣

Son woke up, so I’m going to try to put the phone down and be a Dad for a bit here.

Thanks for the questions, and thanks to everyone who read the column, and new subscribers, it’s truly appreciated! 🍻 👊🏼

I think the Buccaneers are the favorite and the deepest roster in that division. But, don’t sleep on the Falcons. A full year of Penix with Bijan and Drake London will be huge, but Atlanta’s additions on defense are why they should be so optimistic, in my opinion.

I can’t imagine them taking more than three. Also? Don’t think there’s a purpose to Joe Flacco, but could also see them trading Kenny Pickett if someone gets huet league wide.

That’s my “it’s wide open” cop out. My best guess: Pickett, Gabriel, Sanders.

Exponentially. Just talking to people around the league and Vrabel’s arrival is a big reason to take the Patriots seriously. I like their offseason and think they take big steps this year.

Wut