The Ken Carman Show with Anthony Lima

Ken Carman and Anthony Lima preview the upcoming divisional clash between the Browns and Steelers while Ken explains how he managed to forget his Halloween costume. They also dive into the performance of Jared Verse and compare recent NFL trade hauls to the one received for Jeffery Simmons.

(00:01:50) Ken Botched Halloween Intro

(00:06:15) Borrowing Rex Sunahara's Boots

(00:11:45) Jared Verse Versus Steelers

(00:17:15) Browns Defensive Line Discussion

(00:22:00) Caller Allen Defends Verse

(00:29:15) Jeffery Simmons Trade Analysis

(00:37:15) Pass Rusher Development Moves

(00:44:30) Ken Rants On Expectations

(00:50:00) Browns...

Ken Carman and Anthony Lima debate whether Jared Verse is putting too much pressure on himself after calling the Steelers dirty while still searching for his first sack. They analyze the Browns' defensive success without Myles Garrett and examine the impact of the Jeffrey Simmons trade. Additionally, Ken shares a humorous story about forgetting his Halloween costume and missing a chance to impersonate Jim Traficant.

(00:01:50) Browns Mentality and Physicality

(00:03:00) Ken's Halloween Costume Fail

(00:09:20) Ohio State Quarterback Concerns

(00:11:45) Jared Verse Labels Steelers Dirty

(00:17:10) Pressure for Verse to Produce

(00:23:45...

Ken Carman and Anthony Lima analyze the Browns' 5-2 start and the stakes of their upcoming game against the Steelers, emphasizing that one loss shouldn't define the season. They are joined by Pittsburgh hosts Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson for a heated cross-city debate. The discussion concludes with a recap of the Cavaliers' recent loss and the playoff disqualification of Glenville High School.

(00:01:50) Costume Brain Fart

(00:05:36) Browns Season Stakes

(00:10:57) Handling Team Success

(00:16:10) Divisional Race Debate

(00:22:10) Pittsburgh Radio Simulcast

(00:31:33) Cavs and Glenville Ruling

Daryl Ruiter joins Ken Carman and Anthony Lima to discuss the intensity of the upcoming Browns game against the Steelers and whether it qualifies as a must-win situation. They analyze the performance of Jared Verse and the team's quarterback depth while addressing rumors of potential trades. Ken also recounts his unique solo experience watching a marathon Nathan Fielder film.

(00:02:03) High School Rivalry Memories

(00:04:54) Nathan Fielder Film Talk

(00:15:23) Daryl Ruiter Browns Preview

(00:21:12) Jared Verse Defensive Impact

(00:26:10) Quarterback Trade Rumors

(00:31:33) Debate On Physical Play

(00:36:13) Raising Team Standards<...

Nathan Zegura joins to discuss the massive implications of the Browns-Steelers matchup for the AFC North lead. He explains why the Jared Verse trade haul holds up against recent league moves and addresses concerns over Cleveland's record in one-score games. Later, tensions flare over on-air crosstalk before the weekly roast segment begins.

(00:02:14) Nathan Zegura Joins

(00:06:07) Jared Verse Trade Analysis

(00:09:41) Browns Offensive Evolution

(00:13:12) NFL Parity Discussion

(00:19:21) Browns Roster Breakdown

(00:23:25) Radio Station Infighting

(00:35:02) Coming In Hot Segment

Ken starts by pointing out that the Browns have 11 former first-round picks, tied for second most in the NFL, and says it should make fans feel good about the future. The segment then falls apart as Ken refuses to bring Nick Wilson on two hours after his comments, while a caller named Carl argues the Steelers game is bigger than people think and pushes for a rivalry bet. Ken refuses to do a “hack radio” bet, and Frank from Lyndhurst wins the Fan Cash Friday $100.

Browns Color Commentator Nathan Zegura joins Ken and Anthony to explain why Sunday in Pittsburgh matters, with both teams at 5-2, first place in the North on the line and decades of Steelers history hanging over the Browns. He defends the Myles Garrett trade, arguing Jared Verse’s value at the time means the Browns got a bigger haul than the Bears paid for Jeffrey Simmons. He also explains why the Browns’ one-score wins could regress, why the young offense is trending up, and why so many NFL games are close this year.

Ken and Anthony debate whether Browns fans want payback on Sunday in Pittsburgh, with Ken insisting cheap shots show you’re focused on the wrong thing and would cost the team penalties. They also ask whether the standard for this team changes if the Browns win, with Ken saying a win would get him thinking about the division title, and a caller shares his case for standing up for teammates.

Beat reporter Daryl Ruiter joins Ken and Anthony to explain why the Browns are approaching the Steelers game with a level head, with the Browns still looking for their first regular season win in Pittsburgh with a full house since 2003. They debate whether Jared Verse needs a splash play after his bold comments, whether Deshaun Watson can keep it going, and whether Shedeur Sanders could be traded with Dylan Gabriel reportedly eating into his second team reps.

Ken explains why Massillon fans were shocked he defended them, recalling the time they spray-painted his dad’s fence, which leads into a riff on All the Right Moves. Lima then recounts seeing a Nathan Fielder movie about Elizabeth Holmes alone in an empty theater, calling it a mix of documentary and reenactment that is very awkward and very meta. Ken and Lima joke about his birthday lie for free popcorn and the length of the previews, then tease the Daryl Ruiter segment on Andrew Berry and Browns-Steelers.

Ken and Lima open with the Cavs’ loss to the Hawks in a game pushed back an hour for the WNBA Finals, calling it an extended preseason with both teams on a back-to-back. They then dig into Glenville being kicked out of the OHSAA playoffs because Ginn Academy students played for the team, the same issue that got them in trouble in 2018. Ken and Lima question the bracket’s integrity and want to hear from Ted Ginn and the mayor, and Ken ends by defending Massillon as the OHSAA fights it in court.

Ken says he’s fine win or lose at 5-2 and refuses to fake a pep rally for Browns-Steelers, while Lima and a caller argue the Browns should be aiming to win the division, not just make the playoffs. Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson of 93.7 The Fan in Pittsburgh call in as “Bob in Pittsburgh” to talk smack and push a radio bet, which Ken turns down. He says they sound like him calling their station under fake names when the Browns were bad, and he warns them about the fan behavior he sees creeping in.

Ken apologizes again for forgetting his Halloween costume and promises to show up as Dusty Rhodes if the Browns win in Pittsburgh. He then defends himself against claims that he isn’t hyping Browns-Steelers enough, arguing that 5-3 with a trip to New Orleans next is no reason to panic. Lima and the others push back that first place in the AFC North is on the line and a loss would be a missed opportunity, and the debate turns to whether fans know how to handle a winning team.

After the Titans send Jeffrey Simmons to the Bears for a haul of first-round picks, Ken and Lima debate whether Andrew Berry got burned by landing Jared Verse in the Myles Garrett deal instead. Ken argues a proven player in a jersey beats a draft pick that is only a hope, and that Verse, in year three, will develop more pass rush moves the way Garrett once had to. They also expect Verse to get a big contract extension despite the zero sacks, while acknowledging the pressure on him if the Browns lose to Pittsburgh.

Ken and Lima revisit Jared Verse’s bulletin board comments after Cam Hayward says they will be addressed, with Ken warning that a close loss and another zero in the sack column will turn fans on Verse. Callers weigh in on whether he needs more pass rush moves, his move from a 3-4 scheme, and how much of the defense’s success comes from the interior line and the guys stepping up without Myles Garrett. Ken defends Verse as a leader and part of a deeper defense, but admits he has to answer for his talk on Sunday.

Ken opens by admitting he forgot his Jim Traficant Halloween costume at home and botched his planned bit, then moves on to Browns-Steelers week. He and Lima react to Jared Verse calling Pittsburgh dirty and promising to dominate on Sunday, while Todd Monken stays quiet. They then debate whether Verse needs a sack at the season’s halfway point, and how good the defense has been without Myles Garrett.

Daryl Ruiter and coach Lance Reisland preview the first place in the AFC North showdown between the Browns and Steelers. Is Todd Monken's messaging on point this week? Slow starts but big finishes for Browns a concern or formula for sustained success? How to slow down Aaron Rodgers and who is the one Steeler that has to be stopped? Plus keys to victory and more!

Ken Carman and Anthony Lima analyze the Cleveland Cavaliers' win over the Wizards and the local television access issues impacting fans. They discuss the Cleveland Browns' rivalry with the Pittsburgh Steelers, evaluating Deshaun Watson's award candidacy and the latest trade rumors with Mary Kay Cabot. The conversation also explores NFL playoff predictions and offers lighthearted dating advice for a member of the production staff.

(00:02:35) Cavaliers Defeat The Wizards

(00:08:23) Cavaliers TV Access Issues

(00:15:56) Postseason Heartbreak And Baseball

(00:20:47) Monken Downplays Steelers Rivalry

(00:33:12) Denzel Ward History Lesson

(00:40:13) Seven In Heaven...

Ken Carman and Anthony Lima react to the Cleveland Cavaliers' recent win while venting frustration over the team's complicated television broadcast situation. They analyze Todd Monken's comments downplaying the Ravens-Steelers rivalry and discuss the psychological impact of the Cleveland Browns' historical struggles in Pittsburgh. They also explore the emotional hangover from the Guardians' postseason exit and the heartbreak of major sports championships.

(00:02:28) Cavaliers Win and A.J. Dybantsa

(00:09:26) Frustration Over Cavaliers TV Deal

(00:16:00) World Series and Postseason Heartbreak

(00:22:03) Todd Monken's Rivalry Comments

(00:27:20) Browns History in Pittsburgh

(00:35:20) Denzel...

Ken Carman and Anthony Lima evaluate the AFC playoff landscape, highlighting the Bengals' rise and the Texans' fall in their latest rankings. They dispute the notion that Cleveland must defeat Pittsburgh to earn national respect, arguing the team has already proven its maturity through recent grit. The segment also covers the Cavaliers' win over the Wizards and the retirement of broadcasting legend Ernie Johnson.

(00:01:50) 7-7 in Heaven Rankings

(00:06:40) Offense vs Defense Debate

(00:09:40) Browns Steelers Litmus Test

(00:15:40) Watson and Quarterback Play

(00:21:18) Schedule and Maturity Tests

(00:27:30) Cleveland's Postseason Outlook<...

Mary Kay Cabot joins Ken and Lima to discuss Deshaun Watson’s emergence as a candidate for NFL Comeback Player of the Year. They analyze potential trade deadline moves, address rumors surrounding Shedeur Sanders, and preview the upcoming rivalry matchup against the Steelers.

(00:01:50) NBA Tip-Off Hair Turnover

(00:03:05) Spencer Rattler Trade Rumors

(00:07:28) Todd Monken QB Strategy

(00:15:50) Mary Kay Cabot Interview

(00:19:15) Shedeur Sanders Backup Status

(00:22:33) Browns Trade Deadline Outlook

(00:23:50) Watson’s Comeback Award Odds

(00:27:45) Jared Verse Defensive Impact

(00:32:15) NFL Comeback Award Debate

Ken Carman and Anthony Lima analyze Todd Monken's stoic approach to the Steelers rivalry compared to the 2019 Browns' antics. They are joined by Mackenzie and Alyssa from Q104 to critique producer John's dating preparations, followed by a discussion on the cultural relevance of the World Series.

(00:01:50) Cavs Ticket Giveaway

(00:04:37) Monken On Steelers Rivalry

(00:08:41) Lessons From 2019 Browns

(00:15:47) John’s Dating Intervention

(00:23:30) Producer John’s Date Details

(00:28:02) John’s Future In Cleveland

(00:34:20) Cavs And NBA Injuries

(00:37:14) World Series Cultural Impact

Ken and Lima start with the Cavs’ win, with Ken arguing that all the early-season injuries around the NBA explain the lazy defense, and they joke about James Harden’s effort and Darius Garland’s hair and back tightness. They then debate why the World Series no longer feels like appointment viewing, with Ken saying fans check out when their own team is eliminated and Lima pointing to baseball’s lost star power. They also look ahead to a possible labor fight that could threaten baseball’s future.

Ken and Lima play audio from Q104’s morning show, where Alyssa and Mackenzie coached a guy on candles and pillows before a date, and they realize it’s producer John. John joins the conversation and admits he’s been on four dates with a woman who’s smarter than him, including a Cavs game last night. Ken and Lima feel betrayed that he told a rival station and not them, so they roast his dating history, his brown jacket, and the fact that she paid for drinks.

Ken and Lima start with Aaron Glenn admitting it’s harder than he thought to call the defense and be a head coach, then replay Todd Monken downplaying the Steelers rivalry. They argue Monken learned from the 2019 Freddie Kitchens shirt fiasco and is probably firing up the team privately, pointing to the Renegade song at practice. They also make the case that winning in Pittsburgh matters for division tiebreakers, then open the phones on whether Monken should make a bigger deal of it.

Ken and Lima argue over whether Deshaun Watson deserves any Comeback Player of the Year consideration, with Ken saying he came back from an injury and is playing effective football, so he shouldn’t need to defend himself for giving him a vote. They agree Patrick Mahomes is the likely winner, since the odds list him as a heavy favorite and Watson way down at 33-1. They also debate how much the award should reflect character, bring up Chad Pennington’s two wins, and wrap up by teasing more on Todd Monken’s handling of the Steelers rivalry.

Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot tells Ken and Lima that Andrew Berry is not shopping anyone before the trade deadline but will make a deal for the right offer, noting that Myles Garrett wasn’t off limits either. She says Shedeur Sanders is still the next man up behind Deshaun Watson, shoots down the Spencer Rattler trade idea, and makes the case for Watson as a Comeback Player of the Year candidate. They also get into the Steelers rivalry, Cam Heyward’s threat to address Jared Verse’s comments, Verse’s slow start, and the progress of the young offensive line.

Ken and Lima open by laughing at Darius Garland losing the opening tip while fixing his hair, then dig into Connor Orr’s Sports Illustrated suggestion that the Browns trade for Spencer Rattler. They debate whether a fifth quarterback makes sense, what a backup should be, and why Orr calls Shedeur Sanders a “non-starter” for Todd Monken. Ken wonders where that came from given Orr’s connection to Albert Breer, and they admit Monken has been proven right about Deshaun Watson so far.

In About Last Night with producer John, Ken and Lima recap the Cavs’ 121-111 comeback win over the Wizards after an ugly first half, with Evan Mobley hot from three. Ken blames the lazy defense on teams being scared of injuries in a late October game. They argue over whether the Brewers’ title really ends a drought when the Milwaukee Braves won in 1957, then react to Ernie Johnson’s retirement and what it means for Inside the NBA. A Halloween costume guessing game opens the segment.

Ken and Lima keep arguing that the Browns don’t need to beat the Steelers to be taken seriously, and they push back on a national take calling Deshaun Watson a bottom-three quarterback. Ken says Watson is now helping the team win instead of costing it games. Caller Deion says the Browns need the win with the Bengals closing in, while Jadon agrees with Ken and thinks nine or ten wins would be a great season. Ken adds that the young roster’s ignorance of the Pittsburgh history actually helps it, and he accuses fans of bracing for a loss to p...

In their weekly 7 in Heaven playoff rankings, Ken and Lima put Buffalo at number one and the Browns at number seven, and Lima drops Houston after its loss to the Giants and takes the Bengals over the Steelers and Broncos for the last spot. They debate whether a great offense beats a great defense, with Ken arguing that fans always want to be entertained. Ken then pushes back on Ashley Bastock’s take that the Browns need a win in Pittsburgh to earn national respect, asking why a 5-2 team has to use the Steelers as a litmus test and op...

Ken and Lima play Denzel Ward saying he doesn’t look at the history with Pittsburgh, and Ken argues this young 5-2 team plays hard and doesn’t need to be screamed at. Lima counters that the Browns have finished with a better record than the Steelers just once in 27 seasons since 1999, and the two credit Kevin Stefanski for at least splitting the series most years. They also play Jared Verse’s trash talk and Cam Hayward’s response on the Rich Eisen show, with Ken wondering why anyone is worried about the intensity after the Browns already beat Pittsburgh on natio...

Ken and Lima debate whether Todd Monken is right to downplay the Steelers rivalry in week eight. Ken argues he’s handling it responsibly with a young team that already beat Pittsburgh a month ago, pointing to the 2019 Freddie Kitchens shirt fallout as a cautionary tale. They note that ten players on the roster weren’t alive for the Browns’ last regular-season win in Pittsburgh, and they joke that Monken is surely a lot louder behind closed doors. They close by asking listeners if Monken should make a bigger deal of it.

Ken and Lima react to the Cavs’ win over the Wizards and Evan Mobley’s long-range shooting. Ken vents that he couldn’t watch it because the Spectrum deal still isn’t done, and that the DirecTV news helps almost nobody. They also joke about the WNBA Finals tipping off at 12:30 in Atlanta, and Ken explains why a YouTube highlight reel can’t replace the story of a game. The conversation ends with whether the World Series is still appointment viewing and whether you can hate-watch a Super Bowl after a heartbreaking loss.

On The Ken Carman Show with Anthony Lima, they analyze Deshaun Watson's viability as the Cleveland Browns' franchise quarterback and debate the importance of the upcoming matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. They also interview Joe Thomas and Brian Baldinger to discuss Todd Monken's leadership and the NFL trade deadline.

(00:01:50) Watson Extension Discussion

(00:07:10) Future Quarterback Comparisons

(00:13:43) Todd Monken Influence

(00:23:10) Caller Rodney Comments

(00:32:05) NFL Quarterback List

(00:37:00) Trade Deadline Rumors

(00:42:00) Steelers Game Significance

(00:55:45) Brian Baldinger Interview

(01:09:30) Browns Roster Depth

(01:21:45) AFC North Report<...

Ken Carman and Anthony Lima analyze Deshaun Watson's improved play under offensive coordinator Todd Monken and discuss whether the Cleveland Browns should pursue a contract extension. They compare Watson's performance to other starters around the league while examining potential trade targets and the team's cap space heading into the midseason.

(00:01:50) Future of Deshaun Watson

(00:05:00) Trusting Todd Monken

(00:08:45) Exploring Quarterback Options

(00:13:25) Watson and Monken Partnership

(00:20:15) Resurrecting Deshaun Watson

(00:24:40) Football as Team Sport

(00:28:40) Monken Versus Stefanski

(00:34:05) Ranking NFL Starters

(00:40:00) Evaluating Trade Scenarios

Ken evaluates the Cleveland Browns' 5-2 start and challenges the notion that the upcoming rivalry game against the Pittsburgh Steelers is a "Super Bowl" moment. Brian Baldinger joins to break down Deshaun Watson's improvement and the impact of young offensive linemen like Austin Barber. They also discuss the upcoming trade deadline and why adding veteran depth might not be necessary for this young roster.

(00:01:50) NFL Trade Rumors Analysis

(00:07:10) Browns Steelers Rivalry Discussion

(00:15:40) Brian Baldinger Interview Starts

(00:21:15) Deshaun Watson Progress Report

(00:27:10) Trade Deadline Team Strategy

(00:34:10) Indianapolis Figures Power...

Ken and Lima dive into the AFC North landscape, analyzing the tension in Baltimore surrounding Lamar Jackson and the offensive identity of the Bengals. The conversation shifts to the Browns' performance, debating Deshaun Watson's role in their five-win start and his legitimacy as a Comeback Player of the Year candidate while previewing a critical matchup against the Steelers.

(00:01:50) AFC North Odyssey Begins

(00:05:20) Bob Haynie on Lamar Jackson

(00:08:40) Geoff Hobson on Bengals Offense

(00:12:15) Chris Mueller on Steelers Identity

(00:18:15) Evaluating Deshaun Watson's Play

(00:23:50) Comeback Player of the Year

Joe Thomas explains why Todd Monken’s leadership style is the perfect fit for the Browns’ young roster while highlighting the progress of Deshaun Watson. They also delve into the Hall of Fame Farms business and upcoming hunting trips before critiquing Nicolas Cage’s John Madden impression.

(00:01:50) Cavs Giveaway & NBA Talk

(00:02:41) Joe Thomas on Browns Culture

(00:08:43) Rookie Standards & Accountability

(00:14:38) Steelers Rivalry & Team Downfalls

(00:19:05) Hall of Fame Farms Wagyu

(00:23:25) Comparing Monken and Stefanski

(00:34:19) Nick Cage’s Madden Impression

(00:42:32) Final Thoughts & Teases