The Optimistic Fan Club

Shedeur Sander's received two speeding tickets in two weeks, and suddenly the media is out on him as a franchise quarterback.In this episode, I explain why the context of these incidents matter and why both he, and every person, has the capacity to change and mature.🐥 Follow Me on Twitter: https://x.com/joeyricottone👕 Buy a Shirt: https://pumpkinhead.shop/

🎧Audio Version Here: https://open.spotify.com/show/0idoCjSwOCXpa2LyY5Bntn?si=7amQZA5KQX6p_js0VJ8aUw🐥 Follow Me on Twitter: https://x.com/joeyricottone👕 Buy a Shirt: https://pumpkinhead.shop/In this episode of The Optimistic Fan Club, we're diving into the madness that was the Cleveland Browns mini camp, answering whether or not stats from mini camp matter, our expectations for Mason Graham in 2025, predicting what will happen in training camp, and touching on the Dolphins and Mike McDaniel's struggles.0:00 - Intro + Agenda 1:03 - QB Battle in Mini Camp / Do Stats Matter?24:02 - Expectations for Mason Graham's Rookie Year32:26 - Training Camp Storylines and Hot Takes45:36 - Mike McDaniel and the Dolphins are in Trouble

🐥 Follow Me on Twitter: https://x.com/joeyricottone👕 Buy a Shirt: https://pumpkinhead.shop/Welcome to The Optimistic Fan Club, June 10th edition. This week, we're diving deep into some of the most talked-about topics in the NFL. We kick things off by grappling with the bittersweet news of Nick Chubb signing with the Houston Texans. It's tough to see a fan favorite go, and we'll break down the Browns' decision and what it means for their future backfield.Next, we tackle Zac Jackson's intriguing proposal: a trade that would send Greg Newsome to Green Bay in exchange for a Packers receiver. Could Romeo Doubs be the missing piece for the Browns' offense? We'll analyze the potential fit and implications of such a move.Then, we'll dissect Colin Cowherd's latest take on Shedeur Sanders. Is his "impulsive owner" theory truly the reason Shedeur will get a shot in Cleveland, or is there a simpler explanation? We'll challenge Cowherd's narrative and offer our own perspective on the Browns' quarterback situation.Rounding out the show, we turn our attention to the AFC North. We revisit our take on Aaron Rodgers joining the Steelers—can he truly coexist with Arthur Smith and Mike Tomlin, or is friction inevitable? Plus, we'll examine the ongoing contract disputes in Cincinnati with Trey Hendrickson and rookie Shemar Stewart. Is the Bengals' "cheapness" holding them back from true title contention? Tune in for all this and more.0:00 - Intro + Agenda1:03 - Reacting to Nick Chubb News14:15 - Colin Cowherd’s Shedder Take is Wrong28:05 - Browns Trading Newsome to GB?37:09 - Aaron Rodgers to Steelers Revisited44:45 - Bengals Cheapness is Killing Title Contention

🐥 Follow Me on Twitter: https://x.com/joeyricottone👕 Buy a Shirt: https://pumpkinhead.shop/Aaron Rodgers has officially signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and we're reacting to that news and sharing why it might not work out the way people hope.We're also running through the 5 Cleveland Browns with the most on the line in 2025.0:00 - Intro + Agenda 1:05 - Aaron Rodgers to the Steelers and Why it Might Not Work20:16 - Dawand Jones Weight Loss22:07 - The 5 Browns with Most on the Line in 202525:12 - Martin Emerson28:29 - Zak Zinter and Luke Wypler32:02 - Alex Wright and Isaiah McGuire35:15 - Shedeur Sanders

Deion Sanders finally breaks his silence after the draft — and we’re calling out the critics, including Jason McIntyre, who claim Deion’s handling it wrong. Plus, we unpack why PFF’s decision to rank the Browns’ roster dead last at #32 doesn’t add up. And we react to Zac Jackson’s comments about Dillon Gabriel that have stirred up some controversy.New drama, bad rankings, and even worse takes — we’re covering it all.0:00 - AGENDA1:07 - DEION SPEAKS OUT3:04 - DEION’S COMMENTS ON ASSANTE SAMUEL’S SHOW13:00 - REACTING TO JASON MCINTYRE’S BAD TAKE ON DEION30:48 - ZAC JACKSON’S COMMENTS ON DILLON GABRIEL36:22 - REACTING TO PFF’S ROSTER RANKINGS44:49 - SHEDEUR WILL GET A FAIR CHANCE.

🐥 Follow Me on Twitter: https://x.com/joeyricottone👕 Buy a Shirt: https://pumpkinhead.shop/Are Myles Garrett’s OTA absences really a big deal? We dive into why Garrett’s leadership is often misunderstood — and why missing voluntary workouts isn’t the crisis some want it to be (hint: it’s not Stefon Diggs on a boat). We also tackle the absurdity of crowning a starting QB based on 7-on-7s. Colin Cowherd pivoting on Shedeur Sanders? Not surprising — and we break down why anyone doubting Shedeur’s spot on the roster is out of touch.The Browns defense looks elite on paper, but can they deliver when it actually matters? Why 2024 is a legacy year for Jim Schwartz, the early signs from Jerry Jeudy, and what’s really going on with Kyle Pitts' career — including why skipping OTAs while asking for a payday might not be the best look.0:00 - Agenda2:05 Reaction to Myles Garrett Skipping OTAs14:14 - Colin Cowherd's Shedeur Lunacy25:01 - Reacting to People Saying Shedeur Isn't a Lock to Make Team29:20 - Browns Defense Has A lot to Prove37:55 - Why Jerry Jeudy is Poised for a Huge Season43:03 - Kyle Pitts Can't Figure it Out

🐥 Follow Me on Twitter: https://x.com/joeyricottone👕 Buy a Shirt: https://pumpkinhead.shop/In this episode of The Optimistic Fan Club, we're discussing why Shedeur Sanders has a higher ceiling than Dillon Gabriel, why Harold Fannin Jr. will go on to have a better career than David Njoku, the future of the Steelers as they continue to wait on Aaron Rodgers, and Darrell Doucette's recent comments about team USA flag football.0:00 - Intro + Agenda 2:46 - Pickett vs Gabriel for QB310:03 - Shedeur Has a High Ceiling and Will Improve15:35 - Late Bloomers Dominate Sports20:11 - Harold Fannin Jr Will Be Better Than Njoku32:04 - The Steelers Are Screwed43:33 - Team USA Flag Football Controversy

🐥 Follow Me on Twitter: https://x.com/joeyricottone👕 Buy a Shirt: https://pumpkinhead.shop/Everyone wants to see Shedeur Sanders start right away—but just because the hype is loud doesn’t mean it’s right.In this episode, I break down why throwing Shedeur or Dillon Gabriel into the fire from Week 1 could be the worst move the Browns make all year. From rookie QBs who've been ruined by early starts (Bryce Young, Justin Fields, Zach Wilson...) to examples of stars who benefited from waiting (Mahomes, Brady, Lamar), I explain the risks of rushing a young QB into the chaos of the NFL too soon—especially behind a questionable O-line.We also dive into:Why Joe Flacco might be the right guy to take the hits earlyThe CU Aunties phenomenon and what Browns fans can learn from themBrock Purdy’s contract and what it reveals about QB value in today’s NFLCaleb Williams vs. Shedeur Sanders media narratives—and the double standards nobody wants to admitWhy Carson Schwessinger might just be your best DPOY dark horse at +4000We’re not anti-Shedeur here—we’re pro-career longevity, confidence, and smart development. And yes, it’s pronounced “Shuh-DOOR.”0:00 - Intro + Agenda 2:52 - Why Shedeur Can't Start Week 123:45 - The CU Aunties25:29 - Thoughts On Brock Purdy's Contract and NFL QBs39:02 - Caleb Williams Drama vs Shedeur Sanders' Drama51:22 - JOK Injury and Carson Schwessinger

Follow me on Twitter: https://x.com/joeyricottoneBuy a Shirt: https://pumpkinhead.shop/Join the Patreon: patreon.com/OptimisticFanClubThe Browns schedule is out — and so is the roadmap for Shedeur Sanders’ rise. In this episode of The Optimistic Fan Club, we break down when and why Shedeur takes over, what Joe Flacco’s leash really looks like, and why this season isn’t about tanking — it’s about evaluation.We also dive into:The Jaguars' sneaky importance to the Browns’ 2026 draft capital.Why Cleveland needs a bold QB, not a backup mindsetWhich NFL coaches are on the hottest seats this season.And the bizarre backlash surrounding Mason Graham’s training camp “controversy”.0:00 - Intro1:06 - Browns Rookie Mini Camp Reaction3:28 - Browns Schedule Reaction9:15 - When Will Shedeur Get His First Start12:01 - Browns' Record Prediction16:04 - The Browns Need a BOLD Leader at QB21:50 - Reacting to the Jags Schedule26:09 Top 3 Coaches with Most Pressure in 202544:39 - The Mason Graham Controversy and "Draft Experts"

Buy a Shirt: https://pumpkinhead.shop/Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/OptimisticFanClubIn this episode of The Optimistic Fan Club we're diving deep into RG3's insanely bad take of the Browns and Shedeur Sanders situation.We're also touching on the rise of modern coaches who are ruining the NFL and the recent George Pickens trade.0:00 - Intro1:12 - RG3's Shedeur/Browns Take is Ridiculously Bad3:21 - RG3 Says the Browns are Dysfunctional for Drafting Shedeur24:02 - The Rise of BS Coaches43:40 - The George Pickens Trade

In this episode of The Optimistic Fan Club, we take a closer look at the shifting media narrative around Shedeur Sanders — from early praise by top scouts and outlets to the sudden criticism of his confidence and draft position. I unpack the double standard and what it says about the current media cycle.Also in this episode:My top 3 Browns rookies and why they stood outKey concerns surrounding the Browns’ offensive line heading into campA breakdown of the recent controversies involving Bill Belichick and Shannon Sharpe — and what they reveal about power and perception in sports media0:00 - Welcome to the Show2:11 - Exposing the Media's Takes on Shedeur Sanders7:36 - Why I Believe in Shedeur16:16 - Top Browns Rookies I'm Excited For22:44 - The Browns O-Line is Concerning29:08 - My Take on the Belichik/Sharpe Situations

Join the Patreon: patreon.com/OptimisticFanClub Follow on X: https://x.com/joeyricottone In this episode of The Optimistic Fab Club, we're recapping the Browns brutal week 3 loss to the New york Giants. We're discussing who is to blame, did Watson do enough, and can the season be saved?

Join The Patreon Here: patreon.com/OptimisticFanClub In this live episode of The Optimistic Fan Club we're recapping the Browns week two win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, and talking about whether or not Deshaun Watson did enough to silence the doubters. We also talk about the emergence of Jerry Jeudy, the disapointing start of Amari Cooper, and so much more. In this episode we'll also talk about SNF, the Chiefs vs the Bengals, and the Ravens and Steelers week 2 performances.

In this live episode of The Optimistic Fan Club, we're talking about the Browns terrible performance against the Cowboys, what went wrong, Deshaun Watson's performance, and whether or not we should be hopeful for the rest of the season. We also talk about the Steelers game against the Falcons, and Sunday Night Football. Buy OFC Merch Here: https://optimisticfanclub.com/

Buy Merch: https://optimisticfanclub.com/  Today, we launch The Optimistic Fan Club with our first ever live episode in the new studio. In this episode we're going in deep on the Browns offensive and defensive expectations for the 2024 season, as well as giving our division winner picks across the NFL and our dark horse picks. We cover who to watch out for in the NFL, as well as topics like Deshaun Watson's resurgence, and finally give our predictions for the Ravens vs Chiefs, Packers vs Eagles, and Browns vs Cowboys. 0:00 - Intro 3:20 - The State of the Browns and Offensive Expectations for 2024 31:00 - Browns Defensive Expectations 47:55 - Division Picks 48:30 - AFC East 53:55 - AFC West 58:40 - AFC South 1:05:00 - AFC North 1:14:55 - NFC West 1:22:00 - NFC North 1:24:17 - NFC East 1:25:45 - AFC and NFC Playoff Picture and Dark Horse Picks 1:30:05 - NFL Major Award Winner Predictions 1:34:45 - Ravens at Chiefs Predictions 1:37:55 - Packers at Eagles (in Brazil) 1:40:15 - Cowboys at Browns 1:47:15 - Week 1 Parlay Picks

 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/optimistic-fan-club/id1724973365 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0idoCjSwOCXpa2LyY5Bntn?si=18a41d26484c4cd1 BUY STICKERS: https://optimisticfanclub.com/ In this episode of The Optimistic Fan Club, we're recapping all of the games from the NFL's Super Wild Card (minus the Bills routing of the Steelers). We're covering Baker Mayfields great performance, why the Eagles should fire Nick Sirianni, why the Cowboys should hire Bill Belichik, Jordan Love's greatness and what people missed about him, why the Chiefs are a major threat in the AFC, and why the Browns defense was not legitimate in many factors this season. Overall, we discuss the Browns need to add skilled ball carriers on the offensive side, and focus on improving vital fundamentals like open field tackling. What did you think of the weekend's NFL games? 0:00 - World's Greatest Intro 0:51 - Daniel Jeremiah Snaked My Take on Puka? 7:18 - Green Bay vs Dallas / Bill B to Cowboys? / Love is Great 13:35 - Chiefs vs Dolphins / Tua's Future / Fraud Stats 19:05 - Eagles vs Bucs / Fire Sirianni / Baker 28:01- Browns vs Texans / Need for MEAN Players / Playmakers Wanted Stock Media provided by dannyj / Pond5

 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/optimistic-fan-club/id1724973365 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0idoCjSwOCXpa2LyY5Bntn?si=18a41d26484c4cd1 BUY STICKERS: https://optimisticfanclub.com/ Today on the Optimistic Fan Club Show, we're breaking down and giving our predictions for Super Wild Card weekend in the NFL's 2024 playoffs. The Dolphins will play the Chiefs in what might be the coldest game in NFL history, while the lucky lucky Steelers travel to Buffalo for a battle on Lake Erie. Green Bay's Jordan Love will look to upset Dak Prescott and the Cowboys in Dallas, where Mike McCarthy could quietly be coaching his final games barring a Super Bowl appearance. Matt Stafford and Jared Goff will meet in Detroit to settle the score on The Trade. Jalen Hurts will look to salvage a dismal finish to the regular season as they take on the Bucs in Tampa with Baker Mayfield. Finally, or foremost considering they play the first game of Wild Card weekend, the Browns head to Houston to take on rookie sensation CJ Stroud. The Browns have a slew of injuries in key spots, and as of January 11th at 6:40pm, Denzel Ward is questionable to play. How do you think the games will play out? 0:00 - Watch the New Intro 1:20 - Dolphins at Chiefs 7:09 - Steelers at Bills 10:47 - Green Bay at Dallas 14:56 - Rams at Lions 18:09 - Eagles at Bucs 22:57 - Browns at Texans Stock Media provided by dannyj / Pond5

Buy Stickers Here: https://optimisticfanclub.com/ What a game! Amari Cooper just put up the performance of his career! The Browns take down the Texans 36-22 for win 10 of the 2023 season! So many great things to unpack, and some questions to answer after injuries to key pieces like Dustin Hopkins.

We’re talking a quick Browns vs Texans preview on Christmas eve eve. We’re also talking about why the Steelers must stop the Bengals, and asking, how dangerous could the Bills be?

Buy a Sticker! https://optimisticfanclub.com/ Instant reaction after the Browns heart attack win over the Chicago Bears. The Browns are 9-5!

In this episode of The Optimistic Fan Club Podcast we're diving into a quick instant reaction after Jake Browning lead the Bengals to a huge win over the Vikings. How good can Browning be this season and beyond? Will he begin to fold now that the pressure is on? We're also diving into the Steelers loss against the Colts, why they must change now, and why the Steeler way can no longer exist.

Follow the show for exclusive audio only recaps!: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joey-ricottone Buy some stickers: https://optimisticfanclub.com/ In episode 3 of The Optimistic Fan Club Podcast, we’re talking about Brandon Staley’s outrageous Thursday Night Football collapse against the Vegas Raiders, and why Justin Herbert’s greatness cannot be denied. We’re also touching on Mike Tomlin post Big Ben vs Bill Belichik post Tom Brady, and why we shouldn’t be so quick to judge Bill. Then we move onto why I believe the Buffalo Bills will win the AFC East after Miami lost a stunner to the Titans on Monday Night Football. Finally, we’re previewing the Cleveland Browns vs the Chicago Bears, and why this game will not be a walk in the park like so many believe. The Browns can continue to make progress towards the post season with a win, but the Bears have been playing great defense since aquiring Montez Sweat at the trade deadline, and Justin Fields has been playing better each week. What are your predictions for Sunday?  0:00 - Intro 0:56 - Brandon Staley's EPIC Collapse 8:51 - Bill Belichik vs Mike Tomlin without GREAT QBs 17:15 - The Bills Are Winning the AFC East 23:53 - Browns vs Bears Preview38:56 - Audio Only Instant Reaction on Sunday

Buy Optimistic Fan Club Merch!: https://optimisticfanclub.com/ In this second episode of The Optimistic Fan Club Podcast, we're talking about the wild article that came out about Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott and what it means for his team going forward. We're also discussing DTR vs Joe Flacco and Kevin Stefanski's refusal to name a starting QB. We also touch on the Dallas Cowboys vs Philadelphia Eagles week 14 match up and talk about Nick Sirriani's emotional volatility on the sidelines. 0:00 - Intro 1:14 - Sean McDermott Article and The Bills 20:59 - Philly vs Dallas and Nick Sirianni's Questionable Attitude 27:58 - Flacco or DTR? Previewing Jags vs Browns 36:11 - Packers Bold Prediction

Buy merch! https://optimisticfanclub.com/ Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/joeyricottone In this inaugural episode of The Optimistic Fan Club Podcast, we're previewing Joe Flacco's first start as a Cleveland Brown vs the LA Rams, why the 49ers will beat the Eagles, and why the Kansas City Chiefs dynasty is coming to a close. Finally, we talk about how Jordan Love will continue to improve and why we shouldn't write off struggling young QBs. 0:00 - Joe Flacco vs the Rams and The Browns Season So Far 6:40 - 49ers vs Eagles and the Eagles Luck This Season 10:40 - Are the Eagles Legit? Can Nick Sirianni Last? 14:38 - Chiefs vs Packers and the END of the Chiefs Dynasty 21:51 - Jordan Love and Other QBs Who Don't Get Enough Development Time