The BIGPLAY Cleveland Show 06/30/26

The BIGPLAY Cleveland Show 06/30/26

Former Browns first-round pick Phil Taylor joins Max Loeb, Chef Zae, and Jack O'Rourke to discuss whether new head coach Todd Monken and his staff can unlock the full potential of Cleveland's young, transitioning roster. Plus, the crew breaks down the importance of developing young talent while still finding ways to win games and establish a winning culture around the franchise's emerging cornerstones. One of those young cornerstones, Carson Schwesinger, has officially cracked the NFL's Top 100 list. Is the rising linebacker on track to become a perennial All-Pro, and does he have what it takes to emerge as the Browns' next defensive leader following the departure of franchise legend Myles Garrett? Plus, Max Loeb, Chef Zae, and Jack O'Rourke react to the Cavaliers' latest offseason move, bringing back center Thomas Bryant on a one-year deal, and discuss reports that Cleveland is emerging as a potential landing spot for free agent Jonathan Kuminga. Finally, the crew reacts to reports that the Warriors are pursuing LeBron James and Anthony Davis, raising the question: Would LeBron's legacy take a hit if he joined Golden State? Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands [https://redcircle.com/brands] Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy [https://redcircle.com/privacy]

The BIGPLAY Cleveland Show 06/29/26

Browns legend Hanford Dixon joins Chris McNeil and Gab Kreuz to break down whether the national media is overlooking Cleveland’s offensive rebuild and how quickly new head coach Todd Monken can flip the Browns’ scoring output compared to the struggles of recent years under Kevin Stefanski. Plus, linebacker Carson Schwesinger lands on the NFL Top 100 list. Has last year’s Defensive Rookie of the Year already established the highest ceiling of any player on the Browns’ defense? Also, Jensen Lewis returns to the show to break down his takeaways from the Guardians’ big series win over the Seattle Mariners, Cooper Ingle’s Major League debut, Khalil Watson’s hot streak at the plate, and the outstanding performances from Cleveland’s starting rotation. Finally, the crew reacts to news that Cavaliers guard James Harden will decline his player option and instead pursue a new deal with Cleveland following a polarizing end to his first season with the team. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands [https://redcircle.com/brands] Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy [https://redcircle.com/privacy]

The BIGPLAY Cleveland Show 06/26/26

Chris McNeil, Gabb Goudy, Jack O'Rourke, and Ryan Tyler react to the first phase of MLB All-Star voting, where not a single Cleveland Guardian earned a spot among the leaders—underscoring a frustrating, injury-plagued season that has seen the club struggle to find consistency. Is Cleveland's disappointing showing a fair reflection of its performance, or have the Guardians been overlooked by fans? Plus, the crew dives into MLB's sweeping proposed Collective Bargaining Agreement, the most significant labor proposal in decades. With a potential lockout looming, baseball could be headed for major changes, including the possibility of a salary cap and salary floor. Would those changes create a more competitive league, or fundamentally alter the sport as fans know it? The panel breaks down what the proposal could mean for the future of Major League Baseball. Also, the crew reacts to Jack's midseason report card, grading every player on the Guardians' active roster and debating who's exceeded expectations, who's underperformed, and who still has time to turn things around. Finally, former Indians catcher Chris Gimenez joins the show to break down the promotion of highly touted catching prospect Cooper Ingle, discuss what Cleveland should prioritize ahead of the MLB trade deadline, and answer the big question hanging over the season: Will the Guardians' inconsistent offense once again be their downfall? Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands [https://redcircle.com/brands] Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy [https://redcircle.com/privacy]

The BIGPLAY Cleveland Show 06/25/26

Bruce Drennan and Matt Fontana recap the Cleveland Guardians’ series loss to the Chicago White Sox, where Cleveland narrowly avoided being swept and managed to salvage a critical win to stay atop the American League Central. They break down how the series slipped away early, what went wrong in the losses, and how the Guardians were able to battle back just enough to keep pace in a tightly contested division race. Plus, senior NBA writer Sam Amico joins to break down the Cavaliers’ decision to draft Meleek Thomas, his projected outlook and role on the team, and whether a potential LeBron James reunion in Cleveland could be on the horizon. He also weighs in on how he views the Eastern Conference following the blockbuster trade sending Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Heat. Finally, the discussion turns to cover the NFL’s polarizing decision not to hold a supplemental draft for quarterback Brendan Sorsby, as well as the team’s move to bring back Ryan Grigson. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands [https://redcircle.com/brands] Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy [https://redcircle.com/privacy]

The BIGPLAY Cleveland Show 06/24/26

Cleveland Browns legend Josh Cribbs joins Matt Fontana and Ryan Tyler to break down the NFL's decision not to hold a supplemental draft, a ruling that leaves former Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby’s NFL future uncertain and removes him from consideration for Cleveland's quarterback room. Was the league justified in its decision to protect the integrity of the game, or does Sorsby have a legitimate case to challenge the NFL and pursue his path to the professional ranks? Plus, the discussion shifts to the NBA as the Cavaliers leave the first night of the 2026 NBA Draft without making a selection after trading back with the Sacramento Kings. What does the move signal about Cleveland's offseason strategy, and how does the Eastern Conference hierarchy look after the blockbuster trade that sent Giannis Antetokounmpo to Miami? With the Heat surging into contender status, where do the Cavaliers now stand in the race for an NBA Finals berth? Finally, the Guardians are back under the microscope after dropping back-to-back games to the White Sox and surrendering control of the AL Central. Is this simply a rough stretch during a long season, or are there legitimate concerns beginning to emerge for a team with postseason aspirations? Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands [https://redcircle.com/brands] Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy [https://redcircle.com/privacy]