Beyond The Game

Rarely in sports does a team miss opportunities and still come away victorious. Benson shares a few biblical thoughts on missed opportunities. Barletta introduces three new 'Shenanigans' statements, including wondering if the Yankees should have traded for Gerrit Cole when they had the chance; if hiring Joe Maddon as manager immediately makes the Los Angeles Angels a better team' and whether or not the Buffalo Sabres are for real in light of their hot start to the season. Plus, 'You Like That' and the weekly 'Redhawks Recap'.

On this week's broadcast, a discussion on Major League Baseball's appeal to younger audiences. Benson makes the spiritual case that the church needs to worry less about being relevant and more about being life-changing. Barletta introduces 'Shenanigans' statements which include wondering if it's fair for fans to criticize college players for their appearance and should teams have a minimum standard; If the NLCS will be a let down as compare to the Dodgers-Nationals NLDS series; and if most people over-rated the Cleveland Browns and their Quarterback Baker Mayfield. Plus, of course, 'You Like That'.

Benson and Barletta discuss professional athletes such as Marcus Stroman and Baker Mayfield who debate with broadcasters or others who are critical of them. Why do they bother? Benson gives some biblical encouragement to just avoid such potential traps. Plus, in an NHL preview segment, Barletta provides some insight into the season. Of course there is the weekly 'You Like That' segment where the guys share something encouraging from sports over the past week, and Benson closes out the broadcast with 'One More Thing' dealing with the selfishness of some who let their teammates down by getting suspended for foolish reasons.

Benson and Barletta discuss the debut of New York Giants Quaterback Daniel Jones and more specifically, the class with which Eli Manning has handled being benched. Benson makes a spiritual application of how believers can continue to honor God even in difficult circumstances. During his 'Shenanigans' segment, Zac questions if Cleveland Browns coach Freddie Kitchens should give up play calling duties; Whether or not pitching will be as important in this year's baseball playoffs as compared to past years in light of this season's record setting offense; and if the Chicago Cubs will clean house after being swept by the rival St Louis Cardinals in a pivotal late-season series. 

Benson and Barletta discuss how that despite playing with the same sets of rules, some teams are able to enjoy sustained success while others seemingly always seem to struggle. Benson gives a biblical perspective on sustaining a strong walk of faith. During the 'Shenanigans' segment, Zac wonders if The NHL has a cocaine problem; whether or not Ben Roethlisberger’s NFL career is over; If the Jaguars will trade Jalen Ramsey; and if Daniel Jones is the answer for the NY Giants. Plus, 'You Like That' and a 'One More Thing' discussion about Drew Brees' video promoting Bring Your Bible to School Day and the subsequent backlash against it.

Good friend of the program, Dan Borrello calls in to talk about his new program on ROC Sports Network (@rocsportsnet), The Dan Borrello Overtime Show. Dan talks about his career, his passion, as well as his faith and influences.

Benson and Barletta welcome in good friend of the program, Dan Borrello to talk about his new program on ROC Sports Network (@rocsportsnet), The Dan Borrello Overtime Show. Dan talks about his career, his passion, as well as his faith and influences.Plus, Zac's 'Shenanigans' statements include wondering if there will ever be another Coach-QB tandem who have the same successful run in the NFL as enjoyed by Bill Belichick and Tom Brady; If Peyton Manning will be remembered more as a football player or media personality; and if Antonio Brown had planned all along to be a member of the New England Patriots. All that, and 'You Like That'.

It's an NFL preview show during which, instead of the regular 'shenanigans' feature, Benson turning the tables a bit on Barletta by asking him the questions as they look ahead to the upcoming NFL season. Which team has the best shot to win its division? Which teams are Super Bowl bound? Which teams will surprise, and which will take a step back? And most importantly to Zac, 'the Buffalo Bills will makes the playoffs because....' and 'The Buffalo Bills will miss the playoffs because...'. Plus, 'You Like That' and a faith-based perspective on the recent ESPN Peyton Manning 'Bears fan baptism' skit which leads to a challenge to not take our Christianity so casually.

Benson and Barletta discuss the sudden retirement of Colts QB Andrew Luck. Zac questioned his health and whether or not the Colts should be concerned a number of weeks ago and now that news of his decision had slipped out, some fans acted unfairly. Benson reminds us that scripture records several times how Jesus looked upon people who were suffering with compassion. Plus, in 'Shenanigans', Zac wonders if the Colts can still be considered a favorite; If MLB should have an embellishment rule; and if the Cowboys should make Ezekiel Elliott the highest paid RB in the league. All that, plus 'You Like That'.

Bryce Johnson of Unpackin' It Ministries is a guest on the program. Bryce discusses his faith with the guys as well as his fantasy football program, 'Fantasy Football Fellowship', which is designed to engage small groups of sports fans with others within their church who share a passion for fantasy football. Plus, in 'Shenanigans', the guys discuss whether or not all the home runs being hit in Major League Baseball is good for the game; If Kyler Murray of the Arizona Cardinals will be the runaway NFL Rookie of the Year; and if more teams will take advantage of the 40-man September roster expansion this season before it is trimmed to 26 next year.Plus, the guys bring back 'The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly' segment to discuss their views on preseason football.

Bryce Johnson of Unpackin' It Ministries is a guest on the program and discusses with the guys his fantasy football program, 'Fantasy Football Fellowship', designed to engage small groups of sports fans with others within their church who share a passion for fantasy football. Benson also asks him about his faith in Christ, writing daily devotional features, and how the 'Unpackin' It' radio program first got started.

Benson and Barletta discuss Oakland Raiders' receiver Antonio Brown's initial insistence to wear an outdated football helmet despite the fact that the NFL rules require a newer model shown to be safer. Man's rules are usually for own good and God's rules are ALWAYS for own good. Benson gives a biblical perspective on trusting and obeying the laws of God. Plus, in 'Shenanigans', the guys debate if the NCAA amending its initial version of the 'Rich Paul rule' is the right thing; If the New York Mets are the one team nobody wants to face in a Wild Card scenario; and if the preseason game one over-reaction to Colts QB Andrew Luck missing action and Jacksonville Jaguars being shutout 31-0 are justified. And as usual, the guys close out the show with some encouraging stories in the 'You Like That' segment.

Benson and Barletta discuss expectations. Is it fair to expect more from clubs like the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Lakers, or Dallas Cowboys than it is from clubs like the Detroit Lions or San Diego Padres? As a believer in Christ, do you approach the new day expecting great things from God? Also, in the 'Shenanigans' segment, Barletta suggests the New York Mets will be a Wild Card team, The NFL and NFLPA will be able to avoid a labor stoppage, and the Oakland Raiders season will be a disaster. Plus of course the guys will leave you with something encouraging from the world of sports in the 'You Like That' segment.

Benson and Barletta discuss Derek Jeter's Hall of Fame qualifications for next year's Cooperstown induction. Should he be unanimous? Benson argues that he is unquestionably a Hall of Famer and makes a spiritual application that Christians should similarly be clearly identified based on the evidence of their lives. Zac's 'Shenanigans' statements include wondering if the Yankees failed at the trade deadline, whether or not Ezekiel Elliott will be on the field for the Dallas Cowboys in week one, and if Le'veon Bell will have a top-ten season for RBs. Plus, 'You Like That' and 'One More Thing'.

While Zac is out of town, Benson talks about Odell Beckham Jr and how he feels 'disrespected' by the New York Giants. Benson shares a biblical perspective on respect and honor, and how the Bible says we need to honor ALL people. Plus, Zac calls into the show for the 'Shenanigans' segment where he and Benson discuss whether of not Baker Mayfield will have the best season of all second-year QBs, if LeSean McCoy will be the Bills' starting RB this season, and if the MLB trade deadline will be quieter than normal. All that and 'You Like That'.

Benson and Barletta talk about the possibility of expanding the number of games in the NFL season, if RB Melvin Gordon will remain with the LA Chargers, and if the Red Sox are done making trades after acquiring Andrew Cashner. Plus, Benson talks with Paul 'Doc' Waller of the Christian Sports Medicine Alliance (@TweetCSMA) about sports injuries, the ministry of CSMA and how they are using sports medicine to introduce people all around the world to Jesus Christ.

Benson talks with Paul 'Doc' Waller of the Christian Sports Medicine Alliance (@TweetCSMA) about sports injuries, the ministry of CSMA and how they are using sports medicine to introduce people all around the world to Jesus Christ.

In advance of the Symetra Tour stop in Rochester, Benson talks with professional golfer Taylor Totland about her career and about how her faith impacts it. Barletta brings his weekly 'Shenanigans' statements, including if the OKC Thunder will trade Russell Westbrook, if Major League baseball should do away with its draft, if Astros' pitcher Gerrit Cole is right when he says half of MLB teams are tanking, and finally if Astros' outfielder Jake Marisnick should be suspended for his collision with Angels catch Jonathan Lucroy. Plus of course, 'You Like That' and Benson shares 'One More Thing' with a thought about tennis sensation Coco Gauff.

Benson talks with professional golfer Taylor Totland about her career and about how her faith impacts it. This conversation is in advance of Taylor and other Symetra Tour golfers returning to Rochester once again for the Danielle Downey Credit Union Classic. 

Fourth of July weekend brings a 'highlights' show of BTG. In a previously aired segment from June 14th, Benson and Barletta are joined by friend and former co-host, Darren Metzger. The guys discuss the injury to Golden State Warriors' Kevin Durant while Benson makes a biblical application to things not necessarily always having to be someone's fault. Sometimes things just happen and God shows His greatness by doing amazing things in our lives through those unfortunate events.Then, in a segment from June 21st, the guys discuss the 'Vandy Whistlers'. What do you do when you come across annoying people at a ballgame? Could you be that annoying person? As the guys discuss, Benson brings a thought from God's Word.Happy Independence Day everyone!