JJ Watt Gets the CBS Job | Pats-Bears TNF + 5 NFL Questions — Afternoon Drive with the Coach Thursday 10/22/26

Coach opens Thursday's Afternoon Drive with the news of the day: Saquon Barkley is expected back for the Eagles on Monday night against the Cowboys (ESPN), and JJ Watt has landed a multiyear deal as CBS's lead NFL analyst alongside Jim Nantz, replacing Tony Romo (ESPN). Coach calls the No. 1 network analyst chair one of the best jobs in sports broadcasting.

Then Thursday Night Football: Patriots at Bears, both 4-2. Coach says Chicago has to stop playing prevent defense after letting Atlanta back into last week's 31-23 win, credits Buffalo for letting Drake Maye "off the mat," and runs through the morning show's best bets. Then the chat gets five questions: the best non-first-place team in the NFL, the best team in the NFC North (Coach says Detroit), whether the Eagles' season is over, Brock Purdy or Josh Allen, and Tom Brady or Peyton Manning as a GM after the report that the Colts called Manning (SI). Also: the Chiefs put Josh Simmons on injured reserve (CBS Sports).

NBA night three: Coach asks if there's any juice left in LeBron James vs. the Cavaliers after the 76ers' opening-night win at Madison Square Garden (Sky Sports), whether Denver or Oklahoma City can challenge the Spurs after Victor Wembanyama's rough opener (CBS Sports), and the Clippers dedicating a win to suspended owner Steve Ballmer (ESPN). Picks and leans are opinion; lines move.

Housekeeping: Coach is live-tweeting Patriots-Bears tonight; help name the Afternoon Drive community in the chat for a $25 BTT merch gift card; Coach and Company recaps TNF Friday at 10 AM ET and The Coach and Bro is live Friday afternoon.

BTT Studios delivers the best in sports, entertainment, and culture.

Watch on YouTube: youtube.com/@watchbttsports
Instagram: @watchbttsports Twitter/X: @watchbttsports
#BTTStudios #Podcast #Sports #Entertainment

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.