Best Fanimal Radio Podcasts (2025)

1
The Front Office: Assessing the Ravens Offseason to Date (Episode 6, 2025) 58:25

Play Pause

9M ago58:25

58:25

Tony Lombardi and Brian McFarland are joined by special guest, Jeff Zrebiec from The Athletic. The three examine the Ravens offseason so far in its totality, touching on some surprises, disappointments, and the work that needs to be done to get ready for the 2025 NFL Season.The• 0:00: Intro• 0:20: Michael Pierce contract adjustment• 2:40: Cooper Ru…

1
The Front Office: Ravens Go “All-in” Plus the Uncertain Future of Tyler Linderbaum(Episode 5, 2025) 53:13

9M ago53:13

53:13

Brian McFarland and Tony Lombardi from Russell Street Report touch down on the following topics (with corresponding time stamps) in this week’s edition of The Front Office:0:00: Intro1:30: Grade the offseason so far3:00: Surprised by lack of edge splash?5:30: Player development9:45: Ben Cleveland’s return11:26: Ar’Darius Washington update13:28: Ava…

1
THE FRONT OFFICE: Can The Ravens Now be Free Agent Spenders? (Episode 4, 2025) 53:17

10M ago53:17

53:17

Tony Lombardi and Brian McFarland from Russell Street Report assess the Ravens current salary cap situation following the restructure of Marlon Humphrey’s contract which frees up over $13M in cap space. Plus, they assess the additions and subtractions from the team’s roster including the acquisition of DeAndre Hopkins, and more:0:50: Can the Ravens…

1
THE FRONT OFFICE: The Countdown to the New League Year (Episode 3, 2025) 54:35

10M ago54:35

54:35

Brian McFarland and Tony Lombardi discuss:• Effective Cap Space• The Salary Cap is Fake• A surprise Ravens move• Ronnie Stanley is in the news…o Joe Thuney trade for a 2026 4th• NFLPA Player Poll• Derrick Henry’s asking price just jumped• The plethora of free agent WR’s• DK Metcalf for Mark Andrews?• Russell Street Report in the Ravens war room…

1
WORD ON THE STREET: Nest of the Midwest 17:34

10M ago17:34

17:34

#RavensFlock continues to grow. Today we meet up with Tiffany Hanyen from a Chicago-based club called The Nest of the Midwest. Tiffany shares how they started and what they're up to these days. And if you plan on attending the Orioles at Cubs in August, hit her up. Their Facebook page is Ravens Club of Chicago.…

1
The Front Office: Tackling Tough Decisions (Episode 2: Season 2025) 36:55

10M ago36:55

36:55

Brian McFarland and Tony Lombardi of Russell Street Report address some challenges confronting Eric DeCosta and the Ravens this offseason including re-signing Ronnie Stanley and what to do with Mark Andrews and Justin Tucker.By Russell Street Report

1
The Front Office: Ravens Salary Cap Preview (Episode 1: Season 2025) 46:24

10M ago46:24

46:24

Tony Lombardi and Brian McFarland discuss the Ravens current salary cap situation, some breaking NFL news and how the team can create cap space to be players in free agency.Introduction• 2:00 Breaking News Regarding the NFL Salary Cap• 2:45 The Ravens Current Cap Situation• 6:20 The critical Rule of 51• 11:00 Pre or Post June 1 and the effects on J…

1
Baltimore Birdwatchers Debut + First Half Recap 46:45

1+ y ago46:45

46:45

Join Nikhil Mehta and Daniel Rotter on the debut episode of Baltimore Birdwatchers, recapping the first half of the Orioles' season and making our predictions for the second half.By Russell Street Report

1
The Front Office: Is Eric DeCosta Setting up a Splash Signing? 39:52

2y ago39:52

39:52

The Ravens have some cap flexibility to make a splash signing but will they pull the trigger and if so, for whom? Brian McFarland and Tony Lombardi discuss some of the possibilities along with some of the recent signings and a significant pay cut for a critical player. Plus, they discuss the bargain signing of a key Ravens player who got away. It’s…

1
The Front Office: The Quintessential Ravens 2024 Free Agent Preview 1:13:20

2y ago1:13:20

1:13:20

Russell Street Report’s Brian McFarland and Tony Lombardi review each of the Ravens pending free agents, assessing their respective roles on the team, salary cap impact and then determining which will stay and which will go. Buckle up your chin strap!By Russell Street Report

1
THE FRONT OFFICE: All These Rumors 53:33

2y ago53:33

53:33

Russell Street Report's Tony Lombardi and Brian McFarland address some wild rumors tied to the Ravens and they dive into a few interesting things shared by Eric DeCosta during his recent presser at the NFL Combine.By Russell Street Report

1
THE FRONT OFFICE: Ravens Go Into The Void 32:35

2y ago32:35

32:35

Brian McFarland and Tony Lombardi from Russell Street Report discuss the case of Zay Flowers and the legal and league ramifications; the impact of the voidable option years from 2023 on the Ravens 2024 salary cap; why it seems unlikely that Kevin Zeitler will return to Baltimore; how does Nelson Agholor’s re-signing impact the cap; and ways that Ty…

1
THE FRONT OFFICE: How to Create Cap Space in Baltimore 1:02:34

2y ago1:02:34

1:02:34

Tony Lombardi and Brian McFarland discuss the aftermath of Super Bowl 58, the Zay Flowers situation along with ways to create cap space to enable the Ravens to keep veterans like Kevin Zeitler and Justin Madubuike. What will happen with Marlon Humphrey, Ronnie Stanley and Marcus Williams. Plus we discuss why Monday, February 19 is an important date…

1
The Front Office: Tough Decisions Loom For The Ravens 1:34:51

2y ago1:34:51

1:34:51

Tony Lombardi, Brian McFarland and Jeff Zrebiec from The Athletic discuss the Ravens offseason plans following the disappointing end to the Ravens once promising 2023 season.By Russell Street Report

1
The Front Office (S23, W1): The Ravens Are OVER The Cap! 45:55

2+ y ago45:55

45:55

Brian McFarland and Tony Lombardi discuss the Ravens current cap situation and what they can do to create space. Who are the most likely restructure candidates? Are void years an option? How will the team's all-in for 2023 approach affect the cap in 2024? This and more in this edition of The Front Office.…

1
RSReplay 2023 Draft Special: Breaking Down the Ravens' Rookie Class with James Ogden 1:01:04

2+ y ago1:01:04

1:01:04

Russell Street Report NFL scouting expert James Ogden joins Nikhil Mehta to break down the Baltimore Ravens' 2023 draft class! The duo explain why they're excited for Zay Flowers to join the offense, what Trenton Simpson's role could be in Mike Macdonald's defense, and praise the Ravens' shrewd selection of Andrew Vorhees. Plus, James offers his fa…

1
RSReplay 2023 Draft Special – Day 3 Preview 46:11

2+ y ago46:11

46:11

Jared Pinder returns to RSReplay to break down potential Day 3 draft targets with Nikhil Mehta. The duo highlight a number of players that could end up in Baltimore and give their picks for their favorite late-round would-be Ravens, including a few quarterbacks to back up Lamar Jackson.By Russell Street Report

1
RSReplay 2023 Draft Special: Round 1 Instant Replay 29:30

2+ y ago29:30

29:30

The first round of the 2023 NFL Draft is in the books, and Nikhil Mehta and Zachary Siegel are here to break it all down! First, we talk about the trade-heavy top-10 before taking a long, doubtful look at the picks leading up to the Ravens' selection. Spoiler alert: that's Boston College wide receiver Zay Flowers, who Nikhil and Zach both love for …

1
RSReplay 2023 Draft Special – Round 1 Preview 43:47

2+ y ago43:47

43:47

Nikhil Mehta is joined by Kevin McNelis to break down the Ravens' potential Round 1 picks (or trades!) in the 2023 draft. The DeAndre Hopkins rumors are addressed, too, before Nikhil and Kevin go through the RSR Roundtable Rankings for each position on Day 1.By Russell Street Report

1
Lamar Jackson: The Missed Trip to Cincinnati 2:56

2+ y ago2:56

2:56

There has been plenty of speculation as to why Lamar Jackson did not travel. Today we reveal the "truth" about what didn't happen. The Ravens haven't had much luck lately but could some be coming their way in the form of a player named Luck?By Russell Street Report

1
The Funding Rule: How it Affects The NFL 23:31

2+ y ago23:31

23:31

Brian McFarland and Tony Lombardi discuss the pros and cons for players and owners of an archaic rule implemented and still enforced by the NFL owners -- "The Funding Rule". Plus an update on Lamar Jackson and what we can expect moving forward. Is a 3-year, $153M fully guaranteed contract the way to go for LJ?…

1
WORD ON THE STREET: Big Truss is Long Gone 2:12

3y ago2:12

2:12

Lamar Jackson once played with boyish charm and a love for the game. Today, without a long-term contract that youthful exuberance has vanished and so too may Lamar from Baltimore.By Russell Street Report

1
Ravens Salary Cap Update: The Continuing Saga of Lamar Jackson 52:08

3y ago52:08

52:08

How will things play out with Lamar Jackson? What is the cap impact of a long-term deal v. the non-exclusive franchise tag? Can the Ravens still sign a FA WR or trade for one? What happens if Lamar sits out the season? Could he?These pressing questions and much more asked and answered.01:00: Ravens current cap situation02:36: Details on Justice Hil…

1
A CURLEY CORNERSTONE: Coach Dan Popera 36:52

3y ago36:52

36:52

Tragically and suddenly on March 5, 2023, the brotherhood of Archbishop Curley High School lost a legend, Coach Dan Popera. Dan had an insatiable passion for sports, was a HUGE Ravens fan and just an all-around terrific guy. He is survived by his wife Kate and daughters Beth and Karen – an awesome family, a host of great friends and of course, hund…

1
The Front Office: The Costs of Going All-In 1:18:07

3y ago1:18:07

1:18:07

Brian McFarland and Tony Lombardi from Russell Street Report do a deep dive into the Ravens current cap situation. Here are the topics discussed along with time stamps:0:00:00 Intro0:00:45 The Domino Effect of Lamar Jackson0:01:30 The Concept of Cash over Cap0:04:00 Lamar’s Impact on Cash over Cap0:08:20 BREAKING: The Salary Cap is Real!0:13:00 Rav…

1
WORD ON THE STREET: Featuring Jeff Zrebiec from The Athletic 1:29:39

3y ago1:29:39

1:29:39

Jeff Zrebiec joins Tony Lombardi from Russell Street Report and the two cover a wide range of topics including Jeff's days on the Orioles beat; a nostalgic look at Super Bowls 35 and 47; the contract status of Lamar Jackson; the challenging offseason ahead; the Ravens next offensive coordinator and more.This Word on the Street has been brought to y…

1
THE FRONT OFFICE: The Curious Case of Lamar Jackson 1:27:37

3y ago1:27:37

1:27:37

Brian McFarland and Tony Lombardi from Russell Street Report take a deep dive into the complex contract situation that divides the Baltimore Ravens and Lamar Jackson along with its variety of salary cap implications. Who could be cut to make way for Lamar while improving the wide receiver room? The answers might surprise you.…

1
The Front Office: Roquan Smith Deal & Its Impact on Lamar Jackson 36:09

3y ago36:09

36:09

Tony Lombardi and Brian McFarland from Russell Street Report discuss the new Roquan Smith contract with the Baltimore Ravens, its impact on the team's salary cap and how the signing affects the way they might deal with Lamar Jackson.By Russell Street Report

1
Camp Notes Podcast: Defense Starting to Look Dangerous 24:51

3+ y ago24:51

24:51

It was another day won by the defense at Ravens training camp, as Nikhil Mehta and Ronald Toothe bring you highlights of August 16's action with injury updates and a look at Baltimore's deep secondary.By Russell Street Report

1
Camp Notes Podcast: Defense Wins Sunday's Camp 22:10

3+ y ago22:10

22:10

Nikhil Mehta and Chris Schisler break down another day of action at Ravens training camp with analysis of the wide receiver battle and excitement for Mike Macdonald's versatile, dangerous defense.By Russell Street Report

1
CAMP NOTES DAY 13: Bateman Separating (Literally) From The Rest 9:53

3+ y ago9:53

9:53

Nikhil Mehta recaps the Ravens’ August 13 practice, featuring a few familiar names at wide receiver and the standout defensive line.By Russell Street Report

1
CAMP NOTES Day 12: Defense Wins Plus a Preseason Preview 7:52

3+ y ago7:52

7:52

A look back on the Ravens final practice open to the media before their preseason contest v. Tennessee. It was a day won by the defense. Plus, as the Ravens prepare for their first preseason contest at M&T Bank Stadium, here are a few things to look for during the game and a few things that you shouldn't get overly concerned about during these fake…

1
CAMP NOTES DAY 10: It's Time to Hit Someone Else 17:44

3+ y ago17:44

17:44

By this point during training camp the Ravens are champing at the bit to compete against someone other than their own teammates. What will you be looking for from the team on Thursday against the Titans. Tony Lombardi and Chris Schisler share their thoughts on who they'll be focusing on when the lights of Preseason Game 1 at M&T Bank Stadium turn o…

1
CAMP NOTES DAY 9: "Sharpest Practice of the Year" 43:03

3+ y ago43:03

43:03

James Proche keeps stacking practices as fellow WR's Devin Duvernay and Rashod Bateman sit out. How did the day go for Pro? A Ravens rookie continues to step up and for most he probably wasn't the most Likely choice. Another rookie has a pick 6. All of the details in this energetic discussion between RSR's Nikhil Mehta and Tony Lombardi…

1
CAMP NOTES DAY 8: The Injury Bug Bites 35:27

3+ y ago35:27

35:27

The dreaded injury bug bit down on the Ravens yesterday as LB Vince Biegel fell to a season-ending Achilles injury. Tyler Linderbaum also failed to finish practice although his injury isn't believed to be serious. Injuries aside, there was some progress made by some of the young players on the roster. Tony Lombardi, Chris Schisler and Nikhil Mehta …

1
CAMP NOTES DAY 7: The Offense Gets Back on Track 18:28

3+ y ago18:28

18:28

It was a hot day in Owings Mills and despite a fully-padded practice with plenty of physicality, the Ravens toughed out a 2 1/2 hour practice session with grit and energy. These Camp Notes are for the most discerning members of Ravens Flock. They drill down on both sides of the ball with "an almost disturbing obsession" ~ per Baltimore Magazine. Th…

1
CAMP NOTES DAY 6: The Offensive Struggles Continue 19:22

3+ y ago19:22

19:22

After donning pads during Day 5 the Ravens competed in shells today, the second consecutive day during which the defense had the advantage. The Play of The Day was delivered by a veteran safety; drops from key receivers continued for the second consecutive day and two behemoth linemen go at it. This and more from Training Camp Day 6.…

1
CAMP NOTES DAY 4: Bateman Returns 15:27

3+ y ago15:27

15:27

For Day 4 of Training Camp 2022 the Ravens hosted over 26,000 fans at M&T Bank Stadium. Those in attendance were treated to fireworks both on and off the field.By Russell Street Report

1
CAMP NOTES DAY 3: Lamar Looking Sharp! 17:08

3+ y ago17:08

17:08

Day 3 was the most upbeat practice so far during Ravens training camp and the offensive leaders stepped up. Included in this podcast:• The Studs & Duds• What’s up with Ben Cleveland?• Could the Ravens possibly keep 5 tight ends?• A couple of INT’s – one a Pick 6. Who got them? Who delivered them?• Plus a couple of rookies impress and more……

1
CAMP NOTES DAY 2: Rookie TE Impresses 15:55

3+ y ago15:55

15:55

Day 2 of Ravens Training Camp 2022 featured more back-shoulder throws and a 55-yard scoring strike from Lamar Jackson to Isaiah Likely. Plus the studs and duds from today's action and more!By Russell Street Report

1
CAMP NOTES Day 1: July 27, 2022 8:56

3+ y ago8:56

8:56

Day 1 of Training Camp 2022 is in the books for the Ravens and perhaps the best takeaway from today's session is that no one was injured. Other than that it was a slow-paced practice that looked like a very methodical ramp up for the long-run. In other words, it was very uneventful. However there were a few highlights and lowlights as RSR's Tony Lo…

1
THE FRONT OFFICE (S2, E11): Derek Wolfe and Earl Thomas Settlements 9:48

3+ y ago9:48

9:48

Brian McFarland and Tony Lombardi discuss the settlements reached between the Ravens and two former players, Derek Wolfe and Earl Thomas. What is the cap impact of each?By Russell Street Report

1
WORD ON THE STREET: Ravens OTA Update With Todd Karpovich 15:58

3+ y ago15:58

15:58

Tony Lombardi visits with Todd Karpovich who was on hand for Ravens OTA's on June 1. Among the topics discussed: Greg Roman's concerns about Lamar Jackson's absence; the offensive and defensive standouts plus a few edge defenders that could be sleepers in 2022.By Russell Street Report

1
Stolen Playbook Mystery Solved 3:25

3+ y ago3:25

3:25

January 7, 2001, a day that featured an embarrassing offensive performance by Trent Dilfer and the Baltimore Ravens during the Divisional Playoff Game. Despite the ineptitude, despite the Titans decided advantage aided in large part by a stolen playbook, the Ravens won anyway. Recently the perpetrator of the stolen playbook was revealed.…

1
RSReplay Offseason Analysis and 2022 Preview with PFF's Tej Seth 38:23

3+ y ago38:23

38:23

Nikhil Mehta is joined by Pro Football Focus research and development intern Tej Seth to break down the Ravens' offseason activity and preview their 2022 season. Tune in to hear why Tej loves Baltimore's draft class and how he thinks they'll do this season!By Russell Street Report

1
Super Bowl 35: Baltimore's Crowning Achievement 3:23

3+ y ago3:23

3:23

Super Bowl XXXV wasn’t any ordinary Super Bowl for Baltimore. It was a red letter day and it could be argued that Super Bowl 35 was a greater accomplishment for a scarred city, than any of the Baltimore Colts championships.By Russell Street Report

1
RSReplay Interview with UDFA WR Shemar Bridges 40:52

3+ y ago40:52

40:52

Nikhil Mehta and Ronald Toothe are joined by Baltimore Ravens undrafted rookie Shemar Bridges for an exciting exclusive interview! The former Fort Valley State wide receiver opens up about his journey to Baltimore, family connection to the Ravens and how it feels to make the NFL!By Russell Street Report

1
THE FRONT OFFICE (S2, E10): Marquise Brown & Potential Post-Draft Roster Moves 42:29

3+ y ago42:29

42:29

Tony Lombardi and Brian McFarland from Russell Street Report discuss several Ravens-related topics including:• The Marquise Brown Trade• A rarely but cleverly used tool employed by the Ravens• The signing of RB Mike Davis• Jarvis Landry to Baltimore rumors and potential costs• A potential Chuck Clark trade• Ravens current "effective" cap space• Ove…

1
RSReplay 2022 Draft Instant Recap 1:02:57

3+ y ago1:02:57

1:02:57

Nikhil Mehta and Ronald Toothe are back for a recap of the 2022 NFL Draft, with guest Richie Bradshaw joining to break down the Ravens' exciting class and rate the best and worst drafts around the league.By Russell Street Report

1
THE FRONT OFFICE (S2, E9): From Professional Athletes to Weekend Warriors 31:07

3+ y ago31:07

31:07

From Professional Athletes to Weekend Warriors: CBD Products THAT WORK!Pain management is crucial to survival in the NFL. Tony Lombardi from Russell Street Report visits with Dr. James Baumgartner from Panacea Life Sciences, a leader in CBD-based products. Dr. Baumgartner goes into detail about why CBD products are so beneficial, non-addictive and …