89 with Steve Smith Sr.

Steve Smith Sr.
  • 5.0 (5)
  • FOOTBALL
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Steve Smith Sr. brings you the NFL and WR expertise weekly, along with NFL insider James Palmer

  1. JAN 26

    Matthew Golden's rookie season graded by Steve Smith Sr.

    For 89's next Rookie Report Card, we’re heading to Lambeau Field. Matthew Golden entered the league with a massive weight on his shoulders—the first wide receiver taken by the Green Bay Packers in the first round since 2002. But as the season has progressed, the box scores have left fans asking: Where is the first-round spark?   NFL Legend Steve Smith Sr. and Insider James Palmer go deep into the tape to find the answer, and Steve’s conclusion is a wake-up call for the league.   Inside the Episode:   *The Tape Doesn't Lie:* Steve reveals the most frustrating part of Golden’s rookie season—he is getting open. Steve breaks down specific plays where Golden wins his route and finds the window, only to be overlooked in a crowded progression.   *The Snap Count Struggle:* We discuss the "Numbers Game" in Green Bay. How has a veteran-heavy room featuring Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, and Christian Watson inhibited the rookie’s growth? Steve explains why "Role Acceptance" is the hardest part of Golden’s grade this year.   *The Surtain Stamp of Approval:* James brings exclusive insight from Denver, sharing what All-Pro CB Patrick Surtain II really thinks about facing the rookie. When the league’s best corner puts you on notice, the stats tell only half the story.   *Lofty Expectations:* Steve and James dive into the psychological toll of being "The Streak Breaker" in Green Bay and why the Packers' offensive success has actually made it harder for Golden to find his rhythm.   *The Final Grade:* Steve puts Matthew Golden through the gauntlet: Route Running, Role Acceptance, Big Dog Factor, Transition, and Potential. Is Matthew Golden a "bust," or is he a superstar currently trapped behind a depth chart logjam? Steve gives his definitive verdict.   Packers fans, are you worried about Golden, or do you trust the process? Let us know in the comments! 👇   0:00 Matthew Golden 4:30 Film Session 7:40 Grades 14:50 Final Grade   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    17 min

  2. JAN 13

    Travis Hunter's rookie season graded by Steve Smith

    The most anticipated evaluation of the year is here. Travis Hunter took the league by storm as a top-2 pick, attempting something we haven't seen in the modern era: playing both ways at an elite level. While a practice injury cut his debut campaign short after just seven games, the "Heisman Hawk" left enough on tape to spark a massive debate in Jacksonville and beyond.   NFL Legend Steve Smith Sr. and Insider James Palmer go into the lab to grade the Jaguars’ phenom on his historic—albeit brief—rookie season.   Inside the Episode:   *The Two-Way Reality:* Steve and James dive into the internal discussions within the Jaguars organization. Does Jacksonville actually plan to keep playing him on both offense and defense in 2026? We discuss the reports on how the team envisions his workload once he returns from LCL surgery.   *The Hidden Struggles:* It wasn't all highlights. Steve pulls back the curtain on the "unknown difficulties" Hunter faced adjusting to the NFL. From the mental drain of two different playbooks to the physical toll of 100+ snaps a week, we break down why the "slow start" was more complex than the box score suggested.   *The Grade: Just like our T-Mac episode, Steve puts Travis through the gauntlet. We grade his Route Running, Football Intelligence, Big Dog Factor, Transition, and Potential   Travis Hunter is a rare breed, but is he being set up for success or failure in Jax?   Should the Jags pick a side for Travis next year? Let us know your take in the comments!   0:00 Travis Hunter 3:15 Route Running 4:10 Transition 7:20 Football Intelligence 10:00 Big Dog 13:00 Potential + Final Grade     Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    15 min

  3. JAN 12

    Tetairoa McMillan's Rookie Season Graded By Steve Smith Sr.

    The first Rookie Report Card of the year is officially in session! To kick off the 2025 draft class series, Steve Smith Sr. and James Palmer are diving deep into the film of the Carolina Panthers’ standout wideout, Tetairoa McMillan.   T-Mac has been the engine of the Panthers' offense this year, but how does his game translate to the "Steve Smith Standard"? Steve goes under the hood to see if the 8th overall pick is just a big body or a true generational technician.   Steve grades T-Mac on his 5 Essential Categories:   *Route Running:* Is he creating separation with nuance, or relying on his 6'5" frame?   *Role Acceptance:* How has he handled being the #1 target in Dave Canales’ system?   *Big Dog (Star Factor):* Does he have that "alpha" mentality when the game is on the line?   *Transition:* How quickly did he adjust from the Pac-12/Big 12 to the speed of NFL secondaries?   *Potential:* What is the absolute ceiling for this kid in Charlotte?   Steve speaks glowingly about what he’s seen on tape, but the final grades might surprise you. Is he an Honor Roll student, or are there areas where the rookie still needs to hit the books?   Drop your own letter grade for T-Mac in the comments below! 👇   0:00 T-Mac 1:30 Film 7:40 Route Running 8:55 Role Acceptance 9:40 Big Dog 10:28 Transition 12:55 Potential 13:40 Final Grade   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    17 min

  4. JAN 8

    RAVENS FIRE HARBAUGH 🤯 Steve Smith explains the WHY and WHAT'S NEXT

    An era of excellence has come to a stunning end in Baltimore. After 18 seasons, a Super Bowl ring, and 180 wins, John Harbaugh has been fired as the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens.   NFL Legend Steve Smith Sr. and Insider James Palmer take you behind the curtain of the most shocking move of the early NFL offseason. Having played three seasons under Harbaugh and maintained a close relationship with owner Steve Bisciotti, Steve provides a perspective you won't find anywhere else.   Inside the Episode:   *The Locker Room Truth:* Steve and James address the heavy rumors that John Harbaugh "lost the locker room" during the 2025 season. We dive into the reported friction between Harbaugh and Lamar Jackson and whether the message finally went stale after nearly two decades.   *The Monken Ultimatum:* Reports suggest Harbaugh was given a choice: fire Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken or lose his job. We discuss John’s unwavering loyalty and why his refusal to change the staff was the final "pressure point" for Steve Bisciotti.   *The Bisciotti Relationship:* Steve talks about his personal relationship with Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti. What makes Bisciotti one of the most respected owners in sports, and why was this the hardest decision he’s ever had to make?   *The Raven Way:* Steve reflects on the prestige of the franchise. He explains why the Baltimore job is the #1 opening in the league—not just because of Lamar Jackson, but because of the organization’s culture—and why finding a "Harbaugh replacement" will be the hardest task in sports.   *The Market for John:* James breaks down Harbaugh’s next move. With 7 openings on the market, including the Giants and Cowboys, we discuss why John is still the most coveted coach in America and where he might land next week.   The Ravens are at a crossroads. Is the grass actually greener on the other side?   Ravens fans: Is firing Harbaugh the right move for Lamar's prime? Let us know in the comments. 👇   0:00 John Harbaugh Fired 4:30 Lost The Locker Room? 7:30 Head Coach Search 15:28 Steve's Ravens Experience 25:00 Steve's Harbaugh Story   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    27 min

  5. 12/11/2025

    STOP The George Pickens Slander! 🗣️ Steve’s Film SHUTS DOWN Richard Sherman

    Richard Sherman and Ryan Clark went viral for questioning George Pickens' effort and body language in the Cowboys' loss to the Lions, suggesting he was "loafing" and "disengaged."   But was Pickens actually taking plays off, or was he a victim of the game situation and elite defensive scheming?   In this explosive film breakdown, Steve argues that the criticisms are DEAD WRONG and shows the All-22 footage that proves George Pickens was not loafing. He defends the star receiver's effort and explains why the narrative around him is so unfair right now.   Here’s what Steve and James dive into:   *The Film Never Lies:* We show the specific routes and plays that prove Steve's overall point that George Pickens was playing hard throughout the game, putting his body on the line at times.   *Coaching Mismanagement:* While George Pickens is under fire, Steve shifts some of the blame to the Cowboys' coaching staff. He calls out Offensive Coordinator Klayton Adams for failing to adjust the scheme immediately after CeeDee Lamb exited the game.   *The Double-Team Reality:* Steve explains the unique mental and physical toll of being double-covered and bracketed like Pickens was after CeeDee Lamb's exit.   The Contract Year Pressure: We discuss the massive projected $30M+ annual contract Pickens is playing for and why analysts need to show more grace when judging a young player under that level of scrutiny.   Join the debate in the comments! Was George Pickens loafing, or is the film being misinterpreted?   0:00 Pickens vs Sherm 1:00 Film 2:37 Film 3:21 OC Problems 6:50 Pickens' Post 11:28 Ex-Player Criticisms   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    17 min

  6. 11/24/2025

    Panthers Playoff Hopes: Bryce Young's Leap & T-Mac's Rise!

    The Carolina Panthers have quietly played their way into the thick of the playoff race!   Panthers legend Steve Smith Sr. and Insider James Palmer dive into the team that's suddenly a major factor in the NFC South.   Inside the Episode:   *Tetairoa McMillan Breakdown:* Steve does a deep dive on rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan. He details the impressive traits he's seen from T-Mac's game so far—including the maturity and nuance—and lays out what the young receiver needs to do to continue impressing a Hall-of-Fame mind.   *Bryce Young's Potent Attack:* Steve and James analyze how quarterback Bryce Young has silenced the critics this season, leading the offense to become a surprisingly potent attack. We look at the growth that has fueled Young's immense development.   *Playoff Hopes Are REAL:* James breaks down the current NFC playoff picture and gives the Panthers' current odds of securing a postseason berth after their impressive mid-season run and upcoming schedule   *Coach Canales' Blueprint:* Steve provides his exclusive, insider take on Head Coach Dave Canales and what has made him such a great coach from a perspective inside the building. We discuss the culture and offensive philosophy that has fueled this Panthers turnaround.   Can the Panthers shock the NFL world and secure a spot in the January postseason?   0:00 Dave Canales 8:00 Bryce Young 19:00 T-Mac   NFL,football,Steve Smith,steve smith football,steve smith wide receiver rankings,89,NFL Podcast,Carolina Panthers,Panthers Playoff Hopes,Bryce Young,Dave Canales,Tetairoa McMillan,T-Mac,NFL Analysis,Steve Smith Sr,Panthers Offense,Panthers News,Bryce Young Breakout,NFL 2025,NFC South,Panthers Playoffs,Monday Night Football,Panthers 49ers,Panthers vs 49ers,MNF,ESPN,Cam Newton,Xavier Legette,Rico Dowdle,Chuba Hubbard,NFL Playoffs,NFC Playoffs   @NFL   @NFLFilms   @NFLVault   @espn   @ESPNNFL   @NFLonNBC   @NFLonCBS   @NFLRush    @nflmatchuphighlights   @nflhighlightshd2024   @BarstoolSportsTV   @CBSSports   @CheckTheMic   @minakimes   @GreenLightPodcast   @BootlegFootball   @BrettKollmann   @ThePatMcAfeeShow  @ThePatMcAfeeShow   @GrudenLovesFootball @ColinCowherdPodcast @TheFacilityonFS1 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    26 min

  7. 11/20/2025

    Sean McVay is a GENIUS 🤯 Steve Smith's Scheme Breakdown

    he Los Angeles Rams offense is firing on all cylinders, dominating the league and making a serious case for the NFC's top seed. What is the secret ingredient to this sudden surge?   🔥 *The McVay Genius:* James dives deep into the tactical brilliance of Head Coach Sean McVay and his radical shift in offensive philosophy this season. We break down what McVay is doing differently with 13 personnel (3 tight ends) and how that scheme has forced defenses to play his game. Plus, we analyze how this creative usage of personnel has specifically impacted star receiver Puka Nacua and allowed him to maintain elite production.   🎯 *Stafford's Historic Run:* Steve makes the case for why Matthew Stafford is having an insane start to the season and deserves to be the current MVP frontrunner. We look at his eye-popping efficiency, league-leading touchdown numbers, and his incredible ability to execute McVay's complex schemes to perfection.   🤯 *The Ultimate Weapon:* We analyze the immediate and massive impact of Davante Adams on this offense. With Adams, Nacua, and a deep tight end group, the Rams present a nightmare for defensive coordinators. Find out why this balanced, high-powered attack is virtually impossible to stop!   0:00 Best in the NFC? 7:30 Davante Adams/Puka Nacua 9:55 13 Personnel 20:08 Rams or Eagles Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    24 min

  8. 11/19/2025

    Ja'Marr Chase SPIT on Jalen Ramsey?! 🤢 Steve Smith NEEDS ANSWERS 😤

    The NFL world is reeling after Ja'Marr Chase was suspended for spitting on Jalen Ramsey. But no one has the unique insight of Steve Smith Sr.!   Dissecting Spitgate: Steve breaks down the volatile moment and reveals his personal conversation with Ja'Marr since the incident went down, giving an exclusive look into the mindset of the Bengals star. Steve also shares his shocking story of a spitting incident that took place during the Super Bowl!   Insider Suspension & Fallout: NFL Insider James Palmer provides the concrete details on Chase's one-game suspension, what it costs him, and the likelihood of a successful appeal. Steve and James then dive deep into the crucial topic of the player/reporter relationship—and how Ja'Marr Chase’s public denial and subsequent suspension will permanently affect his standing with the media and the league.   Don't miss the most candid discussion on one of the most disrespectful acts in sports.   0:00 Spitting Incident 0:35 Steve's Spit Story 2:05 The Evidence! 10:59 Player/Reporter Relationship Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    19 min
See All (19)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Steve Smith Sr. brings you the NFL and WR expertise weekly, along with NFL insider James Palmer

Information

  • Creator
    Steve Smith Sr.
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 89 Show
  • Show Website
    89 with Steve Smith Sr.

You Might Also Like