H20man & Friends Sports Podcast

About H20man & Friends Sports Podcast

A podcast covering the world of sports with a focus on strategy. The goal: be entertaining and informative. The hosts each have roughly 50 years of experience following and playing organized sports in the New York/New Jersey metro area. Strong emphasis on NFL football. Good friends and one former sports journalist offer commentary with a pretty good chance of good-natured silliness mixed in. Dedicated to the memory of Steven Waterman, who was a passionate, ultra-knowledgeable sports fan with a great sense of humor who loved the NY Giants, Mets, Rangers and Brooklyn Nets, and adored his daughter, Lea and wife Andrea even more. He passed away unexpectedly in 2022 way, way too soon.

Publisher

Howard Waterman

Category

news · sports

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

7 Mar 2023

Latest episode

29 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

37 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   29 Sept 2026

   S4 E 13 Jets Beat Titans, Lose (OT) to Packers, Lions & Bears Preview v1 9-24-26

   Segment 1: Recap of Jets Win vs. Titans, disappointing OT Loss vs. Packers (starts at 1:01) Perspective after just two games needed Detroit Week 3: explosive offense but porous on D (giving up 36 PPG) Bears could be starting their third string QB due to QB Caleb Williams hamstring injury Week 1: Jets 23, Titans 10 Strong execution on both sides of the ball, offensive line and run game dominated Type of game for years Jets would lose 19-play drive took the heart out of the Titans D on a super hot, humid day Scored TD on opening drive, a rarity; used two new weapons WR Omar Cooper Jr. (30 yard catch and run that set up the TD) and TE Kenyon Sadiq (two touches including a reverse for his first career NFL TD) Jets fans enjoyed beating Robert Saleh, former NYJ HC and now the HC in Tennessee Curious why Sadiq was not more involved in the offense after that first drive (likely on a pitch count after being injured the majority of the preseason...also could be he needs work on his run blocking, while the team ran the ball heavily) Key injuries: S Minkah Fitzpatrick (groin) WR Omar Cooper Jr. (ankle, hurt on the 30-yard catch) Segment 2: Packers 20, Jets 17 OT (9:50) Jets blew a 17-7 lead in the 4th quarter to squander the opp to be 2-0 for the first time in a decade D continued to play well, holding Packers offense to 199 yards and 1-9 on third down conversions Underrated huge play by Packers S breaking up a long pass to AD Mitchell late in the game that could have set up the game-winning points Numerous questionable coaching decisions integral to the loss, as was poor special teams (allowed a 63-yard punt return that led to the game-tying FG) despite having a hard time running the ball (total of 67 yards rushing), OC Frank Reich called two runs: 3rd and 2 and then 4th and 1 at the 50 late in the game; despite this lack of success all game, Reich called for a run up the middle on 4th in shotgun formation, making RB Braelon Allen run 5 yards just to get to the line of scrimmage; play failed Jets won the OT coin toss, elected to receive vs. playing D Reich called two pass plays in OT, that both resulted in sacks (Jets RBs did not pick up key blocks, ditto with TE Jeremy Ruckert) Packers got the ball and went down the field for the game-winning FG Huge play in OT: 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalty on CB Jarvis Brownlee Jr. (threw a Packer out of bounds inexplicably) sealed the team's fate Very disappointing after big Week 1 dominating win Expect more from tight ends in a league that uses TEs heavily Segment 3: Observations of Jets Coaching through First Two Weeks (19:00) Liked OC Frank Reich's play calling for the most part (except points above) HC Aaron Glenn doing well with defensive play calls Coaching issues to address Week 2: no points at end of first half despite having ball over the last 4 minutes vs GB Jets coaches burned timeouts in first half including unsuccessful challenge Jets NOT calling TO with about 1 minute remaining that would have forced GB to punt vs. holding the ball for a final hail mary Segment 4: Preview of Jets-Lions Week 3 (26:00) Many roster moves signed 4 WRs: veteran Sterling Shepard (former Giant), Tyler Johnson, Malik McClain, WR Jamaal Pritchett signed free agent QB3 Will Levis, takes roster spot from Bailey Zappe, released Injuries: LB Marcelio McCrary-Ball (who was playing well on special teams and forced a fumble vs. GB) suffered ankle injury, placed on IR, out at least 4 games DT David Onyemata (groin surgery) placed on IR, out at least 4 games and likely more; big loss, one of top DTs...Jowon Briggs stepping up and needs to do so WR Arian Smith (ACL surgery) out for season TE Mason Taylor (thumb) not expected to play Edge David Bailey expected to play Edge Joseph Addai (foot) expected to make his Jets debut Need to have RBs catch ball out of the backfield Need more play action to set up TE Sadiq in passing game (matchup challenge for defenses given his speed) Jets also need to run the ball to maintain possession and keep the Lions' explosive offense off the field, Goff good QB NYJ not good enough to be involved in an offensive shootout with Detroit Lions are one 2-point conversation by the Saints in OT being 0-2 (after losing to Buffalo 41-31) Key Matchups: Jets secondary vs. Lions WRs Detroit WR Amon-Ra St. Brown off to a great start: leads NFL in receptions (19), tied for the lead with TD receptions (4) and 5th with 209 yards receiving over first two weeks Will miss S Minkah Fitzpatrick this week Jets run D vs. superstar RB Jahmyr Gibbs Segment 5: Week 3 Big Matchups (35:30) Patriots at Jaguars (good test for New England on the road) Chargers at Bills: Jim Harbaugh 0-3 to start season? impact of new Chargers OC Mike McDaniel? Josh Allen playing at MVP level, D has to play better Texans at Colts: one team will be 0-3, Indy scoring a lot of points, tough loss in KC Raiders at Saints: could Raiders be 3-0? Saints look very good, 2 pt conversion in OT being 2-0, QB Tyler Shough leading NFL with over 600 yards passing Ravens at Cowboys will Baltimore remember to use RB Derrick Henry late in games? Henry has the 4th most rushing TDs in NFL history Wondering if John Harbaugh was not the problem... Segment 6: Jets at Chicago Week 4 Preview (45:06) Bears QB Caleb Williams out 3-4 weeks with a hamstring injury in loss to Vikings (great D and D Coordinator Brian Flores) Jets to face backup QB, perhaps third stringer vet Case Keenum Jets facing third NFC North team in a row (0-2 so far) Observations of surprising 2-0 teams Discussion of Rams-Niners game, Rams D vs. Giants Niners QB Brock Purdy leading NFL with an 80% completion percentage Praise for Niners HC Kyle Shanihan offensive prowess and fielding strong teams despite having several defensive coordinators the past five seasons Patrick Mahomes: fastest slow guy in the NFL Segment 7: Week 4 Key Games (1:03) Cowboys at Texans, battle for Texas Patriots at Bills Rams at Eagles Packers at winless Bucs Chiefs at Raiders Broncos at Niners

2. 

   10 Sept 2026

   S4 E12: Jets 2026 Season Preview (Weeks 1, 2)

   Segment 1: Season Preview (starts 0:51) off-season recap: must excited about the revamped defense and D line, QB Geno Smith as massive upgrade vs. last season QB play and the addition of offensive weapons many upgrades at several positions on both offense and defense, and new offensive and defensive coordinators Segment 2: Biggest Questions Going into the 2026 NFL Season (7:45) Will vet free agents be productive and strong presence in the locker room? Demario Davis, Minkah Fitzpatrick... Which Frank Reich will we see as offensive coordinator? Super Bowling OC with Eagles or fired HC in Indy, Carolina Has Aaron Glenn grown into the head coaching role? How will he handle being the CEO and calling defensive plays? Can the revamped D stop the run? Generate more turnovers? Improved secondary? Can the rookie draft class contribute materially? Can TE Kenyon Sadiq stay healthy and get on the field? Will Geno Smith will we get: strong play and playoff games in Seattle, or last year's debacle with the Raiders, 17 INTs on very bad team? Can Geno perform to the level of Aaron Rodgers' last season with the Jets (3,900 yards, 28 TDs) Big mistake having rookie QB Cade Klubnik as QB2 and not sign a veteran QB on the roster if Geno gets hurt? Letting steady K Nick Folk leave... Segment 3: Week 1 Preview: Jets at Titans (22:48) So many story lines, including Titans new HC is Robert Saleh (former Jets HC) 5 former Jets on Titans squad, all on D line Former Titans NT D'Vonte Sweat and CB Jarvis Brownlee Jr. on Jets roster Key to get RB Breece Hall involved in the passing game out of the backfield Former Giants HC Brian Daboll now the OC in Tennessee 2025 No. 1 overall pick QB Cam Ward...major improvements in sophomore season with new offensive system? Geno Smith vs. Titans secondary favors the Jets WR AD Mitchell had strong camp. Will it translate to the regular season Big matchup: Jets O line vs. strong Titans D line Segment 4: Interesting Week 1 Matchups (32:48) Patriots vs. Seahawks (lost OC Kubiak now Raiders HC, Super Bowl MVP RB Kenneth Walker)...how does QB Sam Darnold play a season after winning the championship Very hard to repeat; every game for defending champ is like a Super Bowl for the opposition Niners/Rams in Australia...many picking the Rams to go to the Super Bowl (a home game for them) Bills/Texans (Billls new HC, Texans dominant D...can offense improve?); how does Buffalo bounce back from crushing playoff loss in Denver Packers/Vikings: tough division game Week 1; possible all four team in the division make the playoffs; Kyler Murray at QB Broncos/Chiefs: Is Mahomes fully recovered from ACL tear? Denver QB Bo Nix coming off broken ankle vs. Bills Return of Joe Burrow (Bucs/Bengals) Sunday night matchup: Cowboys at Giants (first game in John Harbaugh era; get RB Cam Skattebou and WR Malik Nabers) Segment 5: Week 2 Preview: Packers at Jets (45:01) Jets home opener, first of three straight vs. NFC North teams Packers expected to be without two stars: stud edge Micah Parsons and RB Josh Jacobs (on Commissioner's Exempt List); court hearing moved from Nov. to Sept. 10; how long to get him into game shape Tough early test for Jets Important to establish ability to win at home Segment 6: Predictions (46:00) Jets projected win total: 5.5 (taking the over); expecting 6-7 wins Titans, Dolphins (2x), Browns, Cardinals winnable games Rookie of the Year: David Bailey? Way premature but fun to consider Aaron Glenn survives the entire season; team needs to be competitive; starting 1-0 could be huge to set the tone early

3. 

   26 Aug 2026

   S4 E11 Jets Training Camp & Preseason Game 1 Recap

   Segment 1: Observations from training camp of the Jets top draft picks (starts at 0:48) David Bailey's talent as advertised, learning his craft especially related to run blocking, talk of camp Head Coach Aaron Glenn seems noticeably more confident and comfortable, more professional with the media, concern how will he function as head coach while also serving as defensive play caller Rookie TE Kenyon Sadiq hurt through most of camp (reinjured surgically repaired hernia); expected to be a key part of the team's offense (WR speed, matchup nightmare for LBs); Sadiq's college QB Dante Moore at Oregon could have been his pro teammate except he chose to go back to college to refine his game (good decision) WR Omar Cooper Jr. like most rookies a work in progress; behind last year's MVP Isaiah Williams; on the depth chart Cooper played in six drives and 21 snaps, led all Jets offensive skill position players; had 26-yard reception Cooper college teammate at Indiana, CB D'Angelo Ponds hurt calf in first practices and has not been on the field since 4th round DT Darrell Jackson Jr. has been impressive and getting reps Segment 2: Bucs 24, Jets 16 (17:36) 4th Round Pick QB Cade Klubnik started the game after Geno Smith ankle injury; led scoring drives of a FG and TD, left leading 10-0; demonstrated poise and did not make any major mistakes; Klubnik's first reps with the first team came during the game Great to see second year RB Braelon Allen back after season-ending knee injury, scoring a 31-yard TD Sophomore TE Mason Taylor having a strong camp and played well vs. Tampa Bay in both organized practices and the preseason game Former Colt TE Jelani Woods (6'7") playing well this summer, potential weapon in the red zone Expecting a much improved D line with free agent signings including DT David Onyemata and DT D'Vondre Sweat trade from Tennessee Vet QB not on the roster yet; good to see Klubnik get reps this summer but need vet in case Geno goes down Backup QB Bailey Zappe had 2 INTs including a pick 6 Segment 3: Preseason Game 2: Jets at Pittsburgh, Week 3 vs. Giants (29:57) What to look for: can WRs get open running vanilla plays so star WR Garrett Wilson can avoid double teams every play Expecting big things from the O line, including young tackles Fashanu and Membou; concern around interior O line depth C Josh Myers pretty shaky last year, RG Joe Tippmann likely the better center Looking for first team offense looking competent moving the ball in the air with the starters, extended looks from the 2025 and 2026 drafts, see progress on d stuffing the run and getting off the field on third down Would like more info on how the practices on what is really going on at Florham Park Shout out to podcaster Paul "Boy Green" Esden Jr., a favorite guest of ours Looking for better in-game decisions and clock management from the head coach Would love to see TE Sadiq on the field; likely not going to happen until Week 1 or later, to see all weapons on the field at the same time Segment 4: Initial Thoughts, Week 1 at Tennessee, Comments around the NFL (36:33) So many story lines...many former Jets are on the Titans and vice versa, Titans Head Coach Robert Saleh the Jets former HC Critical to win vs. the Titans because the Jets play the Packers, Bears and Lions in Weeks 2-4; could have 3 or all 4 teams in the NFC North making the playoffs (Vikings strong D, good head coach, new QB Kyler Murrary; QB JJ McCarthy does not appear to have many fans in his corner) Bears won several games by a TD or less; teams tend to revert to the mean the following season...to that point, the Chiefs lost 10 games last season by a TD or less; key question: when does Patrick Mahomes come back and does he play to his usual elite level? Stretch: Mahomes is a slow fast guy, TE Travis Kelce swan song in 2026 Kelce a HOF, one of the best tight ends in his generation; might not be the best TE in a Chiefs uniform (Tony Gonzalez) Kelce seemingly always open, why not chip him off the line? Jets 2026 need to learn how to win 7 wins would be a success over/under 5.5 wins (we all like the over); critical to win Week 1 will be rooting against the Colts because the Jets have Indy's first round pick in April 2027 draft one NYC sports personality: best (draft) scenario....go 0-17 and secure the No. 1 overall pick given the expected number of college QBs in the draft tough schedule; have to be competitive coming off worst point differential in December in NFL history great problem to have: Jets win "too many games" - no tanking for draft picks! Win dammit!!! Dumb and Dumber movie reference...explosive situation

Podcast Authority Score: 18 / 100

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