← The Herd with Colin Cowherd
The Herd with Colin Cowherd
3 & Out - What the Playoffs really mean, Divisional Games Preview, Fugazi Friday
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NPR Politics Host
Lately on the NPR Politics Podcast, we're talking about a big question. How much can one guy change?
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Stuckey
They want change.
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NPR Politics Host
What will change look like for energy?
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Adnan Virk
Drill baby drill schools. Take the Department of Education, close it. Health care better and less expensive.
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NPR Politics Host
Follow coverage of a changing country.
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Adnan Virk
Promises made, promises kept. We're going to keep our promises on.
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NPR Politics Host
The NPR Politics Podcast. Listen on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts.
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Jon Stewart
Jon Stewart is back in the host chair at the Daily show, which means he's also back in our ears on the Daily Show Ears Edition podcast. Join late night legend Jon Stewart and the best news team for today's biggest headlines, exclusive extended interviews and more. Now this is the second term we can all get behind. Listen to the Daily Show Ears edition on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast or wherever you get your podcasts.
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Adnan Virk
What's up everybody? Adnan Burke here to tell you about a new podcast. It's NHL Unscripted with Virkin Demers, Jason Demers here.
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Stuckey
And after playing 700 NHL games, I got a lot of dirty laundry to air out.
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Adnan Virk
Hey, I got a lot to say here too, okay? Each week we'll get together chat with the sport that we love.
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Stuckey
Tons of guests are going to join in too. But we're not just going to be talking hockey, folks. We're talking movies. We're talking TV food and Adnan's favorite wrestling. It's all on Le Tablet.
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Adnan Virk
Listen to NHL Unscripted with Verk and demers in the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
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Bobby Bones
The volume.
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Adnan Virk
What is going on, everybody? Happy Fugazi Friday. Hopefully everyone is doing good. Here's the talk a little football talk a little legacy talk a little who's got something on the line. Because kind of a big week, some big games, obviously a big game in Detroit, big game in Kansas City, big game in City of Brotherly Love. Except for the guy screaming at that girl, which might have been egged on. Not quite sure on that story Refused to follow it more than like two minutes, but. And then obviously the heavyweight matchup in Buffalo. So we will just talk big picture with those games. Hit on a couple other things. Football wise, the biggest fugazi I think I've ever seen when it comes to college. Stuckey will join us. We will break down the games from a gambling standpoint. He's got stats, he's got notes and yeah, we've got takes and thoughts on who to gamble on this weekend. I will have a mailbag out on Saturday. I will have a podcast out after the games on Saturday night. I'm going with Colin after the Ravens Buffalo game. So we got, we got a lot of content flying. Make sure you subscribe to the podcast if you listen on Collins feed and make sure you subscribe to the YouTube because we've got a bunch of content up there as well. Listen, let's dive right in. The reason I love sports and I've said this forever is like I like watching the best. Like, when I was a kid, I loved watching the 49ers play the Cowboys for what was going to be the Super Bowl. I loved watching Michael Jordan. I loved watching as Tiger woods hit the scene. And I think ratings and interest would show you, so do most people. And I think what's made the NFL so special and I've said forever. Football was very, very popular when I was a kid, but obviously basketball was huge and so was baseball. The Internet age. When Peyton Manning and Tom Brady in the early 2000s shot off like rocket ships to me were the Larry Bird and Magic Johnson mixed with Michael Jordan of football and have taken it to popularities that most people probably thought were never possible and have created the most popular sport in America by a country mile. It's so big that it's taken college football, which was extremely regional and has made it by far the number two sport in America, not even a close third place. They're not even looking over their shoulder. It's not a fair fight. And what this group of young quarterbacks, we'll have to see. You know, Patrick Mahomes has a long way to go. Obviously, Josh Allen and Lamar have not won anything. So when you factor in what Brady and Peyton Manning, you know, they want to combine. Brady won seven, Manning one two, Tom went to whatever ten and Peyton went to four. You got Rogers one another. I mean, it was pretty historic little run there of quarterbacks of just like, I mean, Tom Brady's the greatest quarterback of all time. I think universally agreed upon. Peyton Manning is a top Five quarterback of all time, you know, Aaron Rodgers, a polarizing one because it's like he's more talented than a lot of other guys, but it's like, God, he only got to one Super Bowl. Not all his fault. The defense has let him down. But is he better than Brett Favre? I think most people would argue yes, even though I think the peak of FAR might have been better. FAR got to multiple Super Bowls. But regardless, like, these are the people we talk about. And I was thinking about it today, driving around, let's use Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson. Let's start with that game. These guys, when it's all said and done, assuming they stay healthy and knock on wood, because they are two of the more entertaining players I've ever watched any sport. In football, you know, basketball, baseball, you name it, play football, and they're going to make hundreds of millions of dollars. Both of them are under contracts that are worth hundreds of millions. And if they just stay healthy, they will sign much bigger contracts. When it's all said and done, their combined NFL earnings could be a billion dollars. And that has nothing to do with playoffs, honestly. It doesn't. Right. Both these guys, you know, obviously one of them has to win this game, but we could look back in 10 years and neither of them ever get to a Super Bowl. Never get to a Super bowl, let alone win one. And that will not impact how much money those two guys make. So when it comes to the ability to earn and change the course of your family's life, and, I mean, they're going to go down as two of the richest players, more than likely in the history of the league at the time. It's not about the playoffs, but I think what makes the playoffs so awesome is like, Josh Allen will make the same amount as the 43rd guy on the roster. Dressing the playoffs is not about money. The playoffs is truly about your legacy. And I think this game is the heavyweight fight of the weekend. And there is easily a chance that they both play well. And obviously one team has to lose. And that guy will take a lot of shit, fair or not. And there's a chance if one of these defenses, which feels more likely to be the Bills, let them down and a Guy still has 300 yards and throws for three touchdowns. He's the guy we talk about because he's the breadwinner and he's the one that drives everything in football, the quarterback. And that's what makes this all fun, man. I think one of these guys is going to be in position. I mean, Listen, Lamar Jackson, if the, if the Baltimore Ravens win, we'll have back to back opportunities to beat the Chiefs. Obviously couldn't take them down last year, but we'll have a damn good shot again. And if Josh Allen wins, he'll get his whatever shot to beat the Chiefs. He's had a lot of them. Had a good one last year at home. Lost. Played him years ago in the NFC championship game or the AFC championship game when the rule got changed for overtime and lost. And there's a chance, and we've seen it before, like no one really beat Tiger woods or Peyton Manning or Michael Jordan. It was very, very rare. And that's maybe what we're in the middle of. But this game's huge for one of these two guys because whoever wins it is just simply going to have the bragging rights over the other guy. And regardless who ends up winning the mvp, it feels sometimes like the Heisman. When the Heisman is given and then some other dude that was like third in the Heisman ends up leading his team to a national championship. And everyone's like, oh, they should have given the Heisman after the playoffs or after the national championship game. And I think that will be a lot of the conversation if the dude that doesn't win the MVP wins this game. Especially if he were to go on and beat the Chiefs. And that's what makes football fun. I mean, think about Patrick Mahomes. He's, you know, almost, I mean, a 10 point favorite in this game. I don't think you could meet a soul outside of like D'Amico, Ryan's Nick Casario, McNair's kid, and the players on Houston who would pick the Houston Texans? Not a soul in America. And there's definitely not going to be a human being. Like the difference is everyone attending the Buffalo Bills game. When you walk into the stadium as a fan, you're going to be really nervous and rightfully so. I mean you're playing, you're an underdog even though it's, it's coin flip game. But like there's no guarantee you're winning that thing. There is not one human being. Let's just, I'll just pick a even number. 70,000 people. That's what Arrowhead fits. There is not one person of those 70,000 people that is a Chiefs fan. Obviously there'll be a couple Texans fans here and there, but every single Chiefs fans that enters that stadium Saturday afternoon, none of them from the morning they get up that morning, from the moment they have a few Cocktails, few beers, eat some BBQ in the parking lot, head into the stadium. It never crosses their mind they're going to lose that game. And when they win, which feels very likely, this will be Mahomes. He's the moment he started, took over for Alex Smith. He's never missed the AFC championship game. I mean that's fucking insane. Seven straight AFC championship games. Obviously he's gone to four Super Bowls and won three of them. That's. And then obviously they're hosting the AFC championship game. If he wins, they're going to be favored in the game. It's pretty crazy, the run they're on. Even when you look back, Brady and Belichick, they win in a one, they missed the playoffs in oh two. Now granted they won then back to back in 03 and 04, but I mean there was just a lull there for a year. I mean there has been no lulls. I mean the lowest moment of this last like five or six year run, I guess technically seven for the Chiefs was losing to the Raiders on Christmas Day. A regular season game. Obviously they've lost super bowl and lost AFC championship games, you know, to Tom Brady. I mean think about that. And it's like, oh yeah, they lost the one AFC championship game to Joe Burrow, a guy that has like an argument to win the MVP on a 9 and 8 team. So it just, I think the legacy and the discussion around Patrick Mahomes, like it's going to be very, very difficult for anyone to ever do what he's doing again. Just rattle off that many AFC championship games in a row where only once during that run he's even had to go on the road. An underrated part about the Detroit Lions is that if Jared Goff he would, this would be his third conference championship game. Think about that. You know, it wasn't that long ago that McVeigh essentially had to apologize to Jared Goff for kind of shitting on him. I mean, obviously they got rid of him, but McVeigh was very outspoken and very critical of like, didn't think he was any good and didn't really like him for some reason. And in my experience, you know, I lived in the Bay Area when he was in college, I had never heard a bad word about Jared goff. Maybe Sean McVeigh who's obviously got a chance to be an all time coach. Very just in terms of urgency and no sleep and just hard charger going 100 miles an hour. Everything he does. And Jared's got a little California cool to him, but he wins this game where he's a nine and a half point favorite and he's in the NFC championship game for the second year in a row. He also took the Rams. It's got to be a short list of quarterbacks who have taken multiple teams to the NFC championship game or AFC for that. You know, either championship game. If he takes the Lions to the Super Bowl. Took multiple teams to the Super Bowl. This guy was the number one overall pick. Having a pretty unreal career. I mean, this guy Lock Pro Bowler the last couple years. Clearly one of the best quarterbacks in the league. Many would argue was the top dog in the NFC this year. Like, it's going to be hard to argue when it's all said and done. Like Jared Goff had an incredible career. Even though when you think of like Jared Goff, you don't think of like Lamar, Josh Allen or Mahomes or Peyton Manning or Aaron Rodgers. I think it's going a lot better than people realize, obviously, as a rookie, you know, I think you look at CJ Stroud last year, incredible season than losing the second round. No one holds against them. Lose, lose the Baltimore Ravens, just like this year. C.J. stroud, kind of a weird year. More people blame the. The coordinator. Lose to the Chiefs in the second round. No one's going to hold it against them. If Jaden Daniels takes one of the worst franchises in the history of sports for 20 years, I mean, an absolute laughingstock of the league under Daniel Snyder immediately gets there. Obviously he's not there anymore. And takes them to 12 wins. And then were to upset the lines. I mean, just upset the Bucks on the road. And clearly they can't win a game without him being incredible, which I don't think is going to happen. But if it does, I mean, we would be talking about like historic stuff as a rookie. And I think part of it, and this is where Jared Goff gets more credit. You're doing that with Alliance. You and Dan Campbell did that with the Lions. And I would throw Dan Campbell in there too. This guy took over the fucking Lions and four years later has him on the precipice of going to the second straight NFC championship game and being 60 minutes away from a Super bowl again. That's insane. Everyone was making fun of this guy. They called him like the player version of Jim Tomsula. I mean, can you imagine how offensive that is, saying that out loud now? I was there for like some of Jim Tomsula's practices. It's the most embarrassing thing I've ever seen. Not just in sports, I would argue in business, in just a professional setting. It was a joke. And that was who he was kind of compared to. And now this guy took the Lions, like the Redskins under Snyder, the joke of the league, and has him this good with Jared Goff pretty crazy. Now, that's. Of course, he did with Jared Goff. He's the number one overall pick. The next game is pretty fascinating because Jalen's a very polarizing player. When you just ask the simple question, like, is he good at passing? You know, it's like, the guy's really good. He's been to the playoffs basically every year. He's been starting plays on some of the best teams in the NFL, is a playmaker. But the conversation comes up a lot like, is he good at passing? Like, would you want him to be your quarterback if you had to pass a lot like, that's a legitimate question. And Sirianni is like, he actually is viewed much now that Dan Campbell. No one makes fun of him. It's like, is Sirianni actually closer to Tom Sula than we realize how he's just so good at picking players. The owner spends so much money. They're such a good drafting team, they'll pay so much for coordinators, it doesn't even matter who their head coach is. But he wins this game. Him and Jalen being criticized a lot. People have a lot of different opinions on him. I'm guilty as well be their second NFC Championship game in three years, it'd be like. And from a roster standpoint, I think a lot of people would pick them to win the game next week. So it's like, listen, you can make fun of Sirianni all you want, and we can nitpick Jalen all we want. Their resume is going to look pretty damn good. And the Rams, like Stafford's numbers outside are pretty concerning. I saw someone throw it up. His numbers recently in freezing cold situations or snow are bad. And obviously the older he gets, I mean, he's going to be 37. Underrated, sneaky, older. Way older than you think. I think if you just ask average person, like, how old is Matt Stafford? They'd be like, oh, 34. I mean, he's. He's two weeks away from being 37. And clearly, I would say these last couple years, at moments he showed his age, but he can still have, like, when he has, like last week when he's fresh, looks Incredible. Stafford and McVeigh have the Super Bowl. So once you get that moment Rogers did. There's nothing like you can nitpick them or whatever, but they always have that trump card. I'm a Super bowl champion. I won the Super Bowl. These type moments are just about adding pelts to the wall. And you go into Philly in a cold environment on a short week. Like, I don't know what else we would say about McVeigh. It'd be. It'd be pretty unreal. But I think there are just some underrated. Obviously, to me, the number one storyline is whatever quarterback wins this game in the Buffalo Ravens game is going to get talked about. Probably not even as much as the guy that loses the game. And John Harbaugh, rightfully so. I mean, I'd say he's on scholarship. Could it get a little weird for Sean McDermott? Be back to back years losing. It's one thing to lose to the Chiefs. It'd be another thing to lose to the team that's under them in the Ravens at home. And they would have lost to him twice. You know, I take Sirianni, if he were to lose this game. He's a pretty big favorite. I think he's safe just because almost you would give this operation another year. The problem is, and we'll dive into this in a second, like the interview schedule is a little weird and obviously the Dion things out there. But like, I think the easy move for Jerry is to hire Kellen Moore. Now, Kellen Moore, no one's going to get him confused with, you know, Bill Walsh this season. But I think a lot of people would be like, I don't think it's. Jalen's not the easiest guy to coach. And offensively they dominated running the football and they have had moments passing the ball. So if you lose that guy. We saw this before with Shane Steichen and there's no guarantee, like, Shane Steichen might just be a bad head coach, right? He might be a really good offensive coordinator, good offensive mind, but a head coach is too much for him. But that was clearly a big loss for the Eagles. Like, do they want to go through this again because their head coach can't call place? He's an offensive guy. They will not allow him to call place. And he doesn't even want to because that would really expose him. So the Eagles, like, do you want to just let him go to the Cowboys? And maybe they do. Maybe they have another guy. But I just think the McDermott thing, the Sirianni thing could get a little weird. And speaking of Dallas, you know, the one part Of I think the NFL that they just can't figure out is this interview thing. It's just very, very janky and it's tough. I don't have a great solution because a lot of guys that you want to talk to are in the playoffs and it makes it difficult and they've had to put in rules to protect those guys because how can a human being. It's, it's way easier. Anytime you see these GMs interviewing like Borghazi from the Chiefs, it doesn't take anything away. It doesn't impact Andy Reid the game plan one iota. But when you're talking about coordinators, it's a pretty big deal. And for the number one seed, their benefit of last week, Ben Johnson, Aaron Glenn, I think Spags Nagy, like they're not doing. They don't even know who they're playing. So those guys interviewing on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, no big deal, doesn't impact this week at all. But I saw Kellen Moore is talking with the Cowboys tomorrow afternoon. Now it's a unique interview. He's known Jerry for a long time. He was not only a player there, coach there and Jerry once talked about him like he was going to be their future head coach and all signs point might be but like you having to do an interview as a coordinator on a game week of the playoffs seems pretty fucked up. And clearly you can't do in person interviews while these people that are either out of the playoffs or out of a job can fly to owners can do whatever they want. I just wonder if this whole process should start maybe after the super bowl and almost push everything back or at least maybe till the bye week of the super bowl. Because right now things just feel not fair and I don't know, something's got to give. I mean there's been constant pushback on some of these rules on if you're Dan Campbell. Like that's why the one seed was so big, because every team wanted to talk to your two guys. And winning the one seed wasn't just giving your guys rest, but it was allowing your two coaches, who are your game planners and play callers to not have to cramp and kind of just get to do interviews where they weren't rushed, trying to game plan for something that was going to happen in 24, 48 hours. And I just think it's pretty messed up. And I, I think the league and if I was involved as an owner of a team that constantly has people getting interviewed, I would continue to want to remedy this and make some changes. Okay. I wanted to bring you something from my friends at Louisiana Hot Sauce. And I thought about this. I was like, let's do the hottest coach and player headed into this weekend. It's obviously the second round of the playoffs. And this is presented by our friends at Louisiana Hot Sauce. Bring your food to your big game party and take it to a whole nother level with the original Louisiana hot sauce with bold, authentic flavor that embodies the rich culinary tradition of Louisiana. The original Louisiana brand hot sauce is perfect for those who demand flavor with just the right amount of heat. And speaking of heat, speaking of hot, has a player ever had one catch for 10 yards, looked more angry on the sideline, yet had a more impactful week? AJ Brown, he is reading a book called Inner Excellence. It's by a guy named Jim Murphy. I'll be honest, I'd never heard of it. Based on the Amazon rankings, most people had not either because it wasn't even ranked in the top 520,000 books on Amazon yet. He gets caught. I don't even want to say caught. He just gets seen on camera during the packers game. And I think it's clear he's trying to just calm himself down because his quarterback struggles to throw him the ball. I know Jalen pretended that everything was great, everything was awesome a couple weeks ago. You don't read a book called Inner Excellence with highlighted portions if you're not trying to calm your nerves on the sideline for not getting the football. But AJ Green, you talk about this word's become very popular. Are you an influencer? What type influence do you have? He took a book that was not ranked in the top five, 500,000 books on Amazon to number one overall. He had one catch for 10 yards. Think about the impact A.J. brown just made. If I had a book and that book was struggling on Amazon, I would do everything humanly possible to get to his people, to get to his agent, to get to age, to get to Big Dom and say, what do I need to do to get my novel to get my book in AJ Brown's hands? So when the Fox cameras show AJ Just firing through pages between the series, it's my book in my name, and I go to the number one spot on Amazon. So that. That is an amazing accomplishment. What A.J. brown did. I saw a little clip online about Jim Murphy saying how cool it was. He didn't even never saw this coming. I think he's, you know, kind of a motivation guy, works with people, but just made him a lot of Money. And speaking about hot coaches, he looks good, but Sean McVay has a chance to. He has eight playoff wins. And once you win a Super bowl, you're kind of playing. Just everything's kind of gravy. And clearly he wants another one, but if he's never able to get another one, not the end of the world. You got the one. What really adds to your legacy, to your resume is doing things like last week. There's fires in la. He has to hop on a plane with not just his whole team, but their whole family, their dogs, their kids, go fly to Arizona, spend a couple days there, play essentially a road game against Minnesota because they got so many Vikings fans here in. In the Valley. And he kicks their ass and he dominates, and he wins his eighth playoff game. He's not even 40 years old. He's got a Super bowl and eight playoff victories. I would say this. If he goes on the road to Philly and upsets the Eagles, it'd be one of the most impressive stretches. This team was not even good. I mean, watch them down the stretch. Their offense looked terrible. I mean, their defense was never that good, as we just saw against Minnesota. And we all acknowledge, we saw these two teams play. The Eagles are dramatically more talented than the Rams. And it's not a shot at the Rams. The Eagles are just, you could argue, man for man, the most talented team in the NFL. So Sean McVay, we know he looks good. Got that hair, got that. Got that beard, perfectly manicured, small waist, the little, you know, the joggers rock. And he just pulls it off well. Good looking, good looking dude, awesome football coach. Could get his ninth win. Go on the road. Stay hot. Sean McVeigh. That is my hottest coach and player of the week, brought to you by my friends at Louisiana Hot Sauce. Okay, before we get out of here, I got to do Fugazi Friday. And I think I saw. I'm sure if many of you that spent some time on the Internet saw weeks ago, Schefter and my guy Gottlieb. I go on Doug's radio show every Tuesday, get into it online, and you know, Doug, this was over. Mike Vick was thinking about going to Sac State, and Sac State had a pledge of $50 million in nil. And Doug was mad because he thinks it's. It's all bullshit. And it clearly like, Sac State does not have $50 million in nil. And I think overall, people in the loop are just tired of the BS that gets thrown out there. Obviously, people make money in College athletics now Cooper flags making millions. Quinn Ewers just was making seven figures. The top quarterbacks in this championship game are making seven figures. People are making money. You got random players making 3, 400 grand. Like no one's even pretending that's not happening. And in the NFL, numbers get thrown out that are fake and then we just learn what the actual numbers are. It's like this guy actually got this. This is Jordan Love's actual contract. He gets $25 million here, he gets $25 million here. He gets $30 million here. This is not guaranteed. You just, you get a clear picture do this is Justin Jefferson what the actual money is. Where in college sports at least us on the outside have no clue what is actually true. But today it was reported that Quinn Ewers, the Texas quarterback who just declared for the the National Football league was offered $8 million in the transfer portal. Let me repeat that. He was offered $8 million in the transfer portal. I don't buy that for a second one because if you watch Quinn Ewers play this year, in really the last couple of years, he's not a first round player. I'd argue he's not even a second day player. Could he end up getting drafted in the third round for sure. Do I think he's going to go in the top 50 picks of this draft? I do not. Well, I looked and I just picked Ricky Pearsall who was the 31st pick in the draft and went to the 49ers. So at the end of the first round and in the first round you get a four year fully guaranteed contract. But his signing bonus, meaning once he signs his contract, the money he gets within, I think it's like a 14 day period, was a little over $6 million. So you're telling me that guys at the end of the first round and again Quinn, yours, the $8 million would just be for one year and then he could go to the draft and get drafted and sign a contract. So when you look at it like Ricky Pierce All's $12 million contract is over the course of four seasons. Quinn, they're offering $8 million for the transfer in the next week or two and essentially spend till potentially December there maybe middle to late December, 12 months, one year contract, $8 million. Sam Darnold this year got one year contract worth $10 million for the Minnesota fucking Vikings. I don't believe for a second this is true. I am calling complete BS and this nil is becoming the biggest fugazi we've ever Seen when it comes to some of these numbers being thrown around. And listen, if you're an agent, you want these numbers out. I think it has become the new Jordan love signs for $275 million. It's like, well, actually he got 155 guaranteed. I think that's what these nil deals are becoming. Maybe there was, hey, Quinn, you transfer here, we'll pay you $2 million with the chance to equal 8. Remember when Florida offered that kid Jaden Rashada, I think $12 million and then he thought they pulled pulled out on him and then he sued him and then he transferred from Arizona State to Georgia. Now he's transferring again. I think all these guys are realizing a lot of this money is fake. Clearly there are a lot of guys making 250, 300, $500,000 good money playing college football. And there are the occasional quarterback signing a true deal for maybe $1 million, $2 million last year. Cam Ward, who it's up for debate where he's going to go in the draft but made less than $2 million. And now Quinn yours was going to be offered $8 million in the transfer portal. I've heard of budgets that are big in the transfer portal that are like 12 to 15 million dollars. Ohio State broke the bank this year with 20 million dollars. So even if you have the biggest budget possible in the in college football, you're going to give 40% of that to Quinn yours, who many could argue is kind of the liability of this Texas team. I don't see it and I don't buy it. And if I were you and I see these headlines, I would just assume most of them are fake. Doesn't mean there's not money behind it, but the numbers getting thrown out are just completely fabricated. NFL playoffs. We're talking about the NFL playoffs. You bet we are. Get in on the action at DraftKings Sportsbook, an official sports betting partner of the NFL. Scoring touchdowns is a key to winning in the NFL playoffs. And the key to you scoring big is betting on them at DraftKings, the number one place to bet touchdowns. Ready to place your first bet? Try betting on something as simple like a player. To score a Touchdown. Go to DraftKings Sportsbook app and make your pick. Here's another reason to watch your favorite players crush it in the playoffs. 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- [36:37]
NPR Politics Host
Lately on the NPR Politics podcast, we're talking about a big question. How much can one guy change?
- [36:44]
Stuckey
They want change.
- [36:46]
NPR Politics Host
What will change look like for energy?
- [36:48]
Adnan Virk
Drill baby, Drill schools. Take the Department of Education. Close it. Health care better and less expensive Follow.
- [36:55]
NPR Politics Host
Coverage of a changing country.
- [36:57]
Adnan Virk
Promises made, promises kept. We're going to keep our promises on.
- [37:01]
NPR Politics Host
The NPR Politics podcast. Listen on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts.
- [37:09]
Bobby Bones
Hey, it's Bobby Bones. Join me and former NFL quarterback Matt Castle every Wednesday for our new podcast, Lots to say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle. Between us, we have over 17,500 passing yards, multiple New York Times bestsellers, and one Mirror Ball trophy from Dancing With a Star. So where else are you going to find a show with that much athleticism and football insight? Based in Nashville, we're more than just your basic NFL show. We talk sports, but we talk pop culture and music and a little bit of everything because we got lots to say. I. I texted you and you texted me back. Now, I don't know if you have the update, but, like, all the little thumbs up and heart and stuff, like, it's all colored. They changed it and the, the heart's a little pink. It felt like I told you I loved you. I'm gonna be honest. It was a little pink.
- [37:52]
Adnan Virk
There was something sentimental when you, when you send it, it's like, do I send the heart now?
- [37:58]
Bobby Bones
I don't like the color edition.
- [37:59]
Adnan Virk
It's extremely pink.
- [38:01]
Bobby Bones
Listen to Lots to Say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast, Podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts.
- [38:14]
Adnan Virk
Okay, as we come down the home stretch, we have four games this week. We got a national championship, that's five. We got an AFC and nfc, that's seven. And the Super Bowl. So I count eight football games left, which makes me really sad. I don't count spring football. So we really got to take these games in, enjoy them, and most importantly, gamble on them.
- [38:41]
Stuckey
Pro ball, either.
- [38:42]
Adnan Virk
I do not. Do they even still play, or is that flag football or. No clue what they're even doing there. But I got my main man Stucky from the Action Network. You can find them basically everywhere. Action Network podcast, big bets on campus. I actually watched a little college hoops the other day. Stucky Cooper flag looks pretty freaking good. He played Miami. That probably has like, me and you on the squad, but holy shit. I guess don't see how he's not going to be good in the NBA. But other than that, Stucky, how are we doing?
- [39:13]
Stuckey
Good. Yeah, Just getting ready for. It's crazy time for me. I mean, I have doing this. Just did my NFL podcast Action Network podcast. After this, have national championship preview podcast, big bets on campus, and then college basketball podcast for the weekend. So crazy time of the year, but excited for the football. For my money, it's the best weekend of the NFL season.
- [39:41]
Adnan Virk
You gamble a lot on college hoops right now or do you wait for the football season to end or are you in the conference?
- [39:47]
Stuckey
Not as much volume as I will have. Especially like, it's just. It's like college football. These rosters are changing so drastically that it's hard for me to keep up. I mean because it's so much more work to keep up in the off season with college football like and to try to keep up with college basketball and college football is crazy. So yeah, I'm betting it. But volume will really start to pick up here after this weekend. Get college football in the rear view and then, you know, NFL would only be three games left, so. But excited for to enjoy these last football games this weekend is usually awesome. There's two favorites of a touchdown or more. We haven't had two favorites sweep against the spread, so both cover multiple. We haven't had multiple favorites cover of seven or more points on divisional weekend since 2001. Sixteen times. We've had multiple favorites of seven more points since 2001. All 16. At least one dog covered. So history says at least the Chiefs or the Lions are going to get a scare here. And maybe an NFL favorite of seven or more points is due to go down in the playoffs because we've seen 18 straight win outright, which is an NFL record since the merger. The last time a favorite of seven or more points lost in the playoffs. You got to go back to 2019, I believe when the Ravens lost to the titans.
- [41:29]
Adnan Virk
Were the 49ers touchdown favorite last year against packers at home? No, probably six.
- [41:38]
Stuckey
Yeah.
- [41:38]
Adnan Virk
Might have been a little under, but that was. That had upset written all over. It wouldn't have been quite a touchdown. Obviously last year the Chiefs, which is crazy to say, but it is true they did upset the Bills based on the gambling line. Right. Which in fairness, like I think a lot of people I didn't bet against them that game but against the next two. But I think a lot of people thought they were going to go down and they did.
- [42:03]
Stuckey
Ravens too. Ravens too. That was like a four point favorite. Yeah. And the divisional round last year they had that. That did count as one of the not covering. I think the 49ers are like 10 point favorites in that game. They only won by three against the Bangers. Yeah.
- [42:18]
Adnan Virk
So didn't just win by three. I mean they were down most of the game. I mean they were getting they were in trouble. They were in major trouble.
- [42:28]
Stuckey
Yep. Yeah, that was, it's close. So we're kind of overdue for one. It's hard to see the Chiefs ever going down.
- [42:40]
Adnan Virk
Well, let's, let's, let's just start with that game. All lines here presented by DraftKings. Obviously they played, you know, a couple weeks ago. Houston actually was more than serviceable in that game and hit a big play to Tank Dell. And then his leg shattered, knee shattered, and his career feels like in jeopardy now. And it just derailed Houston. I mean, you had guys on the sideline crying. There's just, I mean, he, he looked awesome in that game. Second straight year, obviously. He has a devastating knee injury in the end zone. I mean, it was, I don't even know what to say. And then, you know, a lot like the Packers. I feel like Houston had high hopes. And then when you watched them, even though they both made the playoffs, I know Houston won the division. Part of it is their division sucked some just looked off most of the year. And even in that game last week against the Chargers, you're like, God, this team looks like shit. And then that final series of the first half, the snap, cj, they almost miss it and then he makes an incredible play and they never kind of look back. And Herbert fell apart and the Chiefs, who were winning every game, everyone's like, ah, this team's not that good, not that good. Finally get healthy and look incredible. And now it feels like, I don't know, a borderline lock maybe that they won't. I don't know if everyone would bet their life savings that they're going to represent the AFC in the super bowl because of how good the Bills and Ravens are. But it does feel like universally it would be stunning not only if the Chiefs don't win this game, but like win this game by a lot. They're eight and a half point favorite. Like I would have said anything's possible, but watching the way they played when they had to flip a switch and let's face it, a little like the Kevin Durant warriors, their season was really always about January and it kind of, they proved, actually they started taking it seriously in December and last year it took the Raiders game. So I actually think Houston's a little underrated because they have such high end players like CJ's obviously can be really good. Nico is what start for every team in the NFL. They have a two sweet pass rushers, they have the best corner. It's like they have high end impact Players problem is their offensive line is a major problem and the Chiefs defensive line is going to be well rested. So it feels like a lot of points for me, you know, eight and a half. But man, I have a hard time. If the Chiefs are clicking and Houston, I mean he played a good half a football. Could this thing get ugly fast? Because if I was going to take a side, I think he'd have to lay the points with Kansas City.
- [45:16]
Stuckey
Yeah, I think the line's a bit too high. I mean Mahomes in this team rarely ever cover these numbers. I mean I think they're oh and six this year against the spread as a favorite over a touchdown. I do think it's not a great matchup for the Texans.
- [45:28]
Adnan Virk
I mean started doing it the last couple weeks down the stretch.
- [45:32]
Stuckey
Yeah, but again they were, they were short favorites. I mean like against they were minus three. They closed at against the Texans at home. That's crazy on Christmas. Now they're minus eight. Now the Texans lost Jimmy Ward in that game and then more importantly they lost Tank Dell and they were cooking that Chiefs defense before he got hurt. They also had offensive line injuries. They were playing without a couple other defensive starters that they'll have back. I think the Chiefs defense. But well, first of all, I should say dome team going outdoors, frigid temperatures, not ideal. And historically those teams have not fared well. Although for what it's worth, home teams coming off of a buy in the divisional round, only 42% against the spread is a favorite of 7 or more. 17 and 24 against the spread. But you look at this game, I do think that the Chiefs defense is overrated and they're going to be healthy. Jalen Watson should be back. That helps their secondary. But if you look all year, I mean did they play The Ravens put up 450 in week one. After that, did they play a single team that was healthy? I mean week two, Higgins was out. You know the Falcons, they were. That was when Cousins was in. They lost two, two of their best offensive linemen in the first half to injury. You know, you had no McConkey in one matchup with the Chargers. The other one, their tackles were out and, and Herbert was hurt. Tank Dell gets hurt for Houston. We just mentioned San Francisco lost literally every single skill position player there before or during the game. Early on, no Evans or Godwin for Tampa Bay. I mean, I can go on and on. So I do think that the past defense is a little overrated. Now is Houston the team that's really going to Take advantage of that? Probably not. I mean their offensive line is not great. What is the path here for Houston? Because. Because I actually Chiefs defense little overrated. Their past defense and their run defense has been really good this year. They've really improved in that aspect. But their Chiefs offense might be underrated because I mean you have Travis Kelce rested. We always see him up his game. I think he's gone 14 straight playoff games with five or more catches, which is an NFL record and 70 or more yards in all of them, which is just insane. But you got Hollywood Brown back, Hopkins more assimilated into the offense. It's helped out worthy. Pacheco back healthy. Curious to see what they do at left tackle with Joe Tuni. Do they just. Do they put him out there, it hurts the run game or do they put them at left guard where their run game is more effective? I don't know. But this offense could just come out firing and just the short passes and that. You might really miss Jimmy Ward and Jalen Petrie here. But the Texans do have a path. The run D is really good and they have two really good corners on the outside and they have two elite edge rushers that can cause havoc. So they getting the Chiefs into passing downs and then getting to Mahomes. And you're going to have to cause turnovers. When I go back the last time a 15 win team lost in the divisional round, you got to go back 2011, the Giants, who were 9 and 7 and ended up winning the super bowl. They, they beat the 15 and 1 Packers with a Hall of Fame quarterback. And how do they do it? Turnovers forced. I think four turnovers and Hakeem Nix went nuts. I think he had like 180 yards in the first half. That has to be Nico Collins. And you got a four turnovers. So. But it's, it's hard to see. I mean what you're gonna have to do here is you're not gonna run it with mixing. And the Texans have increased their early down pass rate from like 50 to like 65 since week 12, which is top three in the league, which I think is smart. You're gonna have to just I think spread them out. Your receiving options aren't great and you're just gonna have to tell Hope Stroud is on shroud us to use his legs. And I do think if you're looking for a prop one that I do like Dalton Schultz over 33, 34 and a half, 35 and a half, wherever it is. Yards over three and a half catches. Tight end has gone over 40 yards. 12 of 17 games for Kansas, 12 of 16 games against Kansas City excluding the finale. They're one of the worst defenses in the NFL against tight ends. Tight ends are averaging about six catches for 70 yards per game. They just put Stover, their backup on IR and when Dell went out against the Chiefs earlier, Schultz ended up having five catches for 45 yards. So they're gonna, all the attention is gonna be onigo Collins, you're McDuffie following him around. Schultz has got to be the check down, got to get the ball to him quick. You're probably playing from behind. So I think it could be a big day for Schultz. I think it's a bit too many points but because the Chiefs just don't play to cover these numbers right. Like if you look at the Bills and the Ravens they're going to have all these blowouts but the Chiefs, they're going to be methodical and at the end of the game they just, they know their defense is good. They're going to have like a eight minute drive and then end up kneeing on the ball. And so I think it's a bit too many points. The Texans defense is elite, but it's definitely scary. Indoor team going outdoors, frigid temperatures, Kansas City rested. Offense could be just, it could just look a lot better. And that stroud behind that offensive line trying to deal with Chris Jones could be problematic.
- [50:57]
Adnan Virk
You know one thing I played is you can get Travis Kelsey plus 150 just to score a touchdown. I mean last year in the first two playoff games or I guess the ones against the Bills and the Ravens, he had two against the Bills and one against the Ravens. Obviously the Ravens kind of the one set the tone to me. He's a pretty big tone setter for them and we talked about them saving up. I mean of all the guys they save, obviously Mahomes, they're very dependent on him to make big plays. Chris Jones definitely throughout the season like Travis has shown life over the last month but really this is what he plays for now. Like I, I, I, I think it's an auto hammer if you can get plus money odds on Travis Kelsey scoring a touchdown in any playoff game the.
- [51:43]
Stuckey
Chiefs play Kelsey props are just for free money no matter what. Where the books put the line historically, it's insane. Yeah, he just, he's at three weeks too. He probably will be look as fresh and rejuvenated as he has since last playoffs.
- [52:03]
Adnan Virk
Let's, let's go to the Next game. I mean, it's kind of crazy that the two games on Saturday, one's an eight and a half point line, the other is a nine and a half point line. Pretty crazy swing, right? This game opened up in Detroit at like five and a half, six points and is now on DraftKings. It's nine and a half. Who knows? I mean, maybe gets 10 by the time they kick off. I feel more confident in this spot for Detroit than I do in Kansas City. Like you just listed. I mean, they just played a lot of close games. They just happened to win, like, 99.9% of them. I think Detroit really showed something in that Week 18 game against Minnesota. They're even more well rested. You know, they get the unique advantage of, like, when their coaches interview. Like, I've seen Kellen Moore's interviewing, and I don't. I mean, it's just the rules are the rules on Friday afternoon of a playoff week. Like, their guys got to bang them out during the bye week before they even technically knew who they were playing. So it doesn't take away anything. And, like, I think all the pressures on the Lions in the nfc, they have home field, they have playoff experience now. Like, literally all their guys that hadn't been, like, the Jared Goffs coming from other teams got to play in three playoff games last year. And this Washington team's an incredible story. And listen, I take them seriously. They're obviously well coached, they're tough. The coach is good. You know, Terry McLaren's a fantastic player, but this feels like a spot. I mean, I just think Detroit can go pedal to the metal. And listen, we talked about rookie quarterbacks, and he definitely passed that first test on the road in Tampa, which I wouldn't exactly say is the craziest place to play on the road. And their defense, especially the secondary, not great right now. But, like, I'm not trying to diminish anything away from Jaden Daniels. The guy's been a fucking baller this year. I. I don't know, man. I don't see how Washington keeps this thing close. I like Detroit here. Big.
- [53:51]
Stuckey
Yeah. I mean, yeah, you got to give credit to Daniels. I had the Bucks last week, and same. He, like, it came down to Baker Mayfield. They botched that handoff, and he botched the. And he fumbled the snap. Guess who didn't make any of those mistakes? It was Daniels, and he was poised throughout.
- [54:08]
Adnan Virk
I'm not trying to make an excuse for Baker. I think for Liam Cohen, though, to have. Assuming that's like a You know, a quick end around, try to get to the edge. I, I, I think you gotta, you know, mitigate your potential disasters there and just run some basic plays in spots like that. Like that was, that's a little risky in the second half of a tight game in the playoffs. Is not.
- [54:31]
Stuckey
That's fair. Also. It's, it's second and one. It's third and one and you know, you go backwards if it's second and one, why not take a shot if you want to do that? Or just pick up the first down, sneak the ball. I mean, do a tush push. In three to five years from now, everyone will do a touch push. It's unstoppable. Instead you go backwards and then backwards and then you kick a field goal. And that was a disastrous situation. So, yeah, I thought Cohen got too.
- [55:00]
Adnan Virk
Cute at times, but it feels like everyone's instituted it. Like the Ravens do it with Mark Andrews. Were they doing it with. I think they've done it this year with Mariota, who's a little bigger than Jaden. It's like everyone has their own kind of version of it. Most people don't have a quarterback that squats £8,000 like Jalen, but you have other players on the team.
- [55:18]
Stuckey
You have other players. You just practice once a week. Practice taking snaps and moving forward. I mean, it's not difficult. And that the success rate is 95%. How many times have you seen a game where these teams are lining up in shotgun at the goal line and they get stuffed? I mean, it's insane. So I mean, to not do it is just malpractice. But yeah, the, I will say the Lions defense still has major issues. I mean, yeah, they, they got the Darnold who was seeing ghosts, but we saw what the Rams did at Darnold as well. And it's not like the Rams have a great defense that you got to go back. You know, the bills put up 50 on Detroit. The, I mean, if the 49ers should have put up 50 and they weren't at full strength, a couple bad purdy throws. Otherwise they're, they probably win that game. Even the Bears, their dead offense that, you know, put up 350, 400 yards. So there's a path that command. The Lions really struggle with mobile quarterbacks, like really bad. They play cover one ton of man. They blitz. McLaren's gonna have to have to have a big day. It's not like they've had an explosive passing offense. It's not like this is the Bills or the Ravens. So maybe the Lions will be all right. But historically these playoff games with a high total, this total is 55 and a half indoors go over. I think seven of the last eight with a total of 54 more have gone over. It's. It would be over or nothing for me. 55 is a key number and you need 55 or better. But I, I don't see how the, how Washington stops Detroit. I mean their defense is really bad. They, I mean they're 27th against the run. They play a ton of man golf, was the number one quarterback in NFL against man coverage this year. I don't know how they get stops because they're not going to get pressure and their secondary is bad. So what can Daniels do? The other. What makes this tough even for the total but also the side. I mean you could also get a back door here because Washington is going to put up some points fourth down variants. There will be many fourth downs in this game. Washington has the number one epa so expected points added of any team over the past 20 years on fourth downs. They're the most aggressive team on fourth downs this year only behind the lines. So do the Lions and they've gotten like all of them. Do they keep getting those fourth downs? If not, it could be a long day because you're going to get the ball back to Detroit and they're going to score. So there's a lot of variance with the fourth down calls in this game. Someone I do like Sam LaPorta over yardage. I think 48 and a half. Last year's last two playoff games. Nine catches. Nine catches. He's healthy now and if you look over his past five games, he's averaging 5.8 catches for 67 yards over his first 11. About 2.8 for 35. Healthy, getting targeted. Washington cannot cover tight ends. So I think laporte has a big day. The spread I'm undecided on. I kind of like the over. I think it's just. It could come down to a back door. It could come down to just one or two fourth downs that both these teams are probably going to go there. There's probably be like six or seven at least fourth downs in this game. I do feel confident the line scoring though. So maybe like a Lions team total over because the line should get.
- [58:27]
Adnan Virk
I'm looking right now. You can get basically even odds anywhere after 33 and a half points.
- [58:34]
Stuckey
I, I think they should get the 34 plus.
- [58:37]
Adnan Virk
Would it shock you if they win this game? 40, 40 to 17 or something? Like that. So if you wanted to get aggressive, you can get basically plus 270 at over, you know, 39 and a half if you wanted. You think they could score like 45. You can get three to one, four to one. I mean, I think this could be one of their regular season games. Now once they got to 40 and had a decent lead, I think with like six, seven minutes, I think they would be pretty careful given what's on the line here. But I could see what it shocked you at halftime. If they got 24, 27ish points, they're going to come out fucking firing. I mean, this is a pretty big moment for Ben Johnson right now. Obviously the connection of him and Brady and it's kind of crazy, but feels like, you know, he might, he might go to the Raiders, but just a pretty big muscle flex of his team's healthy and he just knows, like, maybe not this individual game, but for them to win the super bowl, like it's going to be more on his shoulders than it is. Like Aaron Glenn can only do. He can blitz all he wants. I mean, they're players and they're players, right? Like offensively, like their margin for error just over the next whatever 6, 12, 18, 180 minutes is like they got to score a lot of points. Like they gotta, they can't be punting often. And, and I expect, I mean, this is kind of the culmination of this guy's career as a coordinator. Kind of a muscle flex like his almost Kyle Shanahan moment for the Atlanta Falcons with Matty Ice. Now obviously they blew it at the end, which ironically has bled into his Niner career. But that stretch with Julio and Matt Ryan was really kind of got the ball rolling for the guy, right? Obviously he had momentum and same thing here with Ben Johnson. I like the Lions. I think there's just a lot of pressure on the Lions and this is. I don't know if the game that's really going to come to fruition, but I like that there.
- [60:36]
T-Mobile Advertiser
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- [61:12]
NPR Politics Host
Lately on the NPR Politics podcast, we're talking about a big question. How much can one guy change?
- [61:19]
Stuckey
They want change.
- [61:21]
NPR Politics Host
What will change look like for energy?
- [61:23]
Adnan Virk
Drill baby. Drill schools. Take the Department of Education. Close it. Health care better and less expensive.
- [61:30]
NPR Politics Host
Follow coverage of a changing country.
- [61:32]
Adnan Virk
Promises made, promises kept. We're going to keep our promises on.
- [61:35]
NPR Politics Host
The NPR Politics Podcast. Listen on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts.
- [61:43]
Bobby Bones
Hey, it's Bobby Bones. Join me and former NFL quarterback Matt Castle every Wednesday for our new podcast, Lots to say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle. Between us, we have over 17,500 passing yards, multiple New York Times bestsellers, and one mirror ball trophy from Dancing with a Star. So where else you can find a show with that much athleticism and football insight? Based in Nashville, we're more than just your basic NFL show. We talk sports, but we talk pop culture and music and a little bit of everything because we got lots to say. I, I texted you and you texted me back. Now, I don't know if you have the update, but like, all the little thumbs up and heart and stuff, like, it's all colored. They changed it and the, the heart's a little pink. It felt like I told you I loved you. I'm going to be honest, it was a little pink.
- [62:26]
Adnan Virk
There was something sentimental when you, when you send it, it's like, do I send the heart? Now?
- [62:33]
Bobby Bones
I don't like the color edition.
- [62:34]
Adnan Virk
It's extremely pink.
- [62:35]
Bobby Bones
Listen to Lots to say with Bobby Bones and Matt castle on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
- [62:42]
Jon Stewart
Jon Stewart is back at the Daily show, and he's bringing his signature wit and insight straight to your ears with the Daily Show Ears Edition podcast. Dive into John's unique take on the biggest topics in politics, entertainment, sports, and more. Joined by the sharp voices of the show's correspondents and contributors, and with extended interviews and exclusive weekly headline roundups, this podcast gives you content you won't find anywhere else. Ready to laugh and stay informed? Listen on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
- [63:27]
Adnan Virk
Okay, let's, let's go to Sunday. As you alluded to before, we hopped on the weather in Philadelphia and I lived there for a couple of years, and you're obviously from that area. It can be pretty cold, especially in the middle of January, and that's, that's a pretty big factor here for a team that plays in a dome in the Rams. Now, the Rams obviously went from looking pretty Crappy, I thought, down the stretch of the season to just playing a pretty impressive game. And maybe it was. You tell me, is that just a perfect matchup for the Rams playing Minnesota? They beat him twice this year. Obviously their front is powerful, fast, and the Minnesota Vikings offensive line is not good. Sam Darnold had negative momentum coming from the playoff game. And I don't know where you stand, but one take I had is like, listen, Kevin O'Connell has been anointed as like a McVeigh, a Shanahan LaFleur. He's got no big wins in his career. He's basically like a taller, skinnier, better, regular season version of Mike McDaniel. But in that game specifically, and I'm not against passing the ball, but when your quarterback's really rattled and your offensive line is getting smoked 10 to 3 in the first half, even when it's 17 to 3, if you just get a sustainable drive, maybe get a field goal, you settle everything down May 17to6, then you get a turnover. Like, you're not totally out of the game. And he just is obsessed with passing. It's like, this is not going to work, Kevin. And I thought he gets pretty pass happy. That's why big picture, like, if you're just going to insert JJ McCarthy next year, a guy that literally came from a college program that was run heavy, that's never been dependent, it's going to be a tough transition conversation for a separate day. But overall, like, maybe that's just a perfect matchup. And we saw early in the season, like, the Eagles just have a lot more talent than the Rams because there's not a person. I was thinking about this today. If you just pulled every GM in the league, would you want Sirianni or McVeigh? It'd be 32, nothing. McVeigh. Right. Including the Eagles. And then if you said McVeigh, you got a higher Sirianni, what position would he give? Sirianni? He'd be like his wide receiver coach or tight end coach. Right. He wouldn't even be his coordinator. But the Eagles are kind of uniquely suited because, like, yeah, it's ser. Doesn't really fuck with either. It's like Kellen gets to run that and Vic definitely gets to run that. And that defensive line, I mean, Jalen Carter, pretty big muscle flex for how he. Like, yeah, we'll take a swing. Little bumpy early on. Now the guy looks like, I don't know, Chris Jones, 2.0, Nicole Smith, too. So all their young guys, I mean, the two corners Dean and Mitchell are studs. C.J. gardner is bringing them just a physical element that they clearly lack last year.
- [66:05]
Stuckey
And Jack Bond is an all pro. They brought him in to be an edge rusher. He's an all pro at linebacker, which was a huge position of need. That's been massive. But yeah, they definitely will miss Dean.
- [66:14]
Adnan Virk
A little bit here because Owen Burks last year when he had to come in. You know, the 49ers lost Dre Greenlaw in the super bowl with Achilles. And throughout the season when they get guys binged up like, he is a major drop off if you have a solid starter. And the Kobe's kind of come into his own. So I, I want to take the Rams here. I just think there might be a pretty big talent gap. Just player for player and ultimately the coaching advantage. I don't know if it can totally rear its head because I don't really know like what. It's not like Sirianni is telling Kellen or Vic Fangio what to do.
- [66:48]
Stuckey
Yeah, I mean, Fangio McVeigh, that they have some history. Fangio famously kind of put out the blueprint against McVay in the regular season when he was with the Bears.
- [67:00]
Adnan Virk
Yeah, yeah.
- [67:00]
Stuckey
Belichick took in the super bowl and shut down the Rams. And then they had their rematch earlier this year where McVeigh had a good script early, but then Fangio ended up getting the better of him. McVeigh. This is a top spot for the Rams. I mean, you played Monday night, so.
- [67:16]
Adnan Virk
You'Re on shore road.
- [67:18]
Stuckey
Yeah. And now you're going across the country and you're an indoor team going outdoors into weather. Could be snow, could be some wind. And one of the things that I think contributed to that last week is I do think it's a good matchup in a way. Vikings are really zone heavy blitz. Stafford's been really good against both this year. But McVeigh rested all of his starters Week 18, didn't care about the seed. He's got an older quarterback. He's got guys that hadn't been rested since. I think their buy was week five. I think it was most important for Stafford. He looked fresh indoors. Yeah, I mean, he looked kind of like how he did in that Buffalo game when they went toe to toe with Buffalo and won a game in the 40s. But we've also seen Stafford outdoors this year. I mean, you want to look Rams outdoors. This is. I kind of like the first half under in this game. These are two of the worst first quarter offenses in the NFL. I mean, the Eagles start slow every week. Last week they got a fumbled kickoff on the first play of the game, which led to a touchdown. But these are horrible early first quarter offenses, especially the Rams outdoors on the road. Here are their games. They played five games outdoors this year. They were down 106 at the half against the Bears, down 133 against the Seahawks, 3 to 3 against the Niners. And that was a good. Like that was a game with weather. Down 96 at the jets and they're up 1410 at New England. Cumulative score 45, 32 average score. They were down 9.6 to 6.4 in those games. So yeah, these are also two top six red zone defenses. Both offense has been struggling in the red zone and the Eagles just, yeah, they tore them apart and they didn't even have devonte Smith in that first meeting. Now you can say the Rams also didn't have their right tackle. I haven't seen. They didn't have Higby, who I think is going to play. But the problem for the Rams is that the Eagles offensive line can neutralize is good. The Rams pass rush and the Rams secondary is not very good. Now Hertz was last week just rust and the concussion, he's holding the ball too long. I don't think A.G. brown's fully healthy. And then the weather, some wind that could help the Rams, like, because you're gonna have to sell out to try to stop the run here.
- [69:38]
Adnan Virk
Well, why wouldn't you just do that? Put nine in the box and be like, okay, Jalen, you beat us. Because down I would say the majority of the season he had a couple moments, but it has been a lot of struggle. And I do think we can make fun of the book. Reading all you want. I think the AJ Brown, Jalen hurts thing, I mean, you can't tell me anything else beside there's something weird going on there. Like he's not just reading the book to try to. He's trying to calm down so he doesn't attack Jalen because he thinks he's getting open and fucking Jalen can't see anything in their passing game. That's why when anyone's trying to be critical of Kellen Moore, where it's like, okay, I understand the Chargers are like button heads with McCarthy. Like in this situation, like if your quarterback just is in the pocket and doesn't see anything and then nothing happens, like it's not always on the coach. Especially when you got A.J. brown and Devontae Smith and Dallas Goddard runner outs. I mean I'm sorry.
- [70:29]
Stuckey
Yeah, they have an identity crisis. I don't know exactly what's going on because the pieces are there. You got Barkley, which ran for 2,000 yards. Goddard, two great receivers, one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. Quarterback who's performed well at the highest levels. But something's off. I like the offense of the structure and how they want to operate. And something is. Is so off. I can't put my finger on it because a lot of the what they do is not Ellen Moore esque. So I don't know if it's like they can't mesh what hurts wants to do. And then Sirianni maybe is also trying to put his say in. And that's why they're like, the script is really bad. Like, they can never score early.
- [71:11]
Adnan Virk
They're lucky that, you know, Howie's such a good GM. They nail the two corner picks because their DBs were terrible.
- [71:18]
Stuckey
And they went and got Barkley.
- [71:19]
Adnan Virk
Yeah, and they got Barkley and they got Fangio. That is really kind of. Because when you're like, last week I had a buddy in the league text me. He's like, if the packers just played a above average game, the Eagles would have been in major trouble. But fucking Jordan Love look like me or you out there. So it's like when you just can't. I mean, that their offense, for a team like you said, that isn't just loaded like high price. These are like, Lane Johnson's a hall of famer. AJ's been one of the better players of his generation. Saquon not going to be a Hall of Famer because he'll probably never get the numbers, but is a Hall of Fame talent. You know, it's like, it's pretty crazy how much they struggle. It's in Green Bay. I mean, solid effort by Halfley, but that's not exactly the 85 bears from a personnel standpoint, is it?
- [72:00]
Stuckey
And their top corner was out.
- [72:02]
Adnan Virk
The linebacker. Cooper, 56, is a monster. That guy's sweet.
- [72:06]
Stuckey
Yeah. The packers also got so big, the Eagles got away with it. I mean, their defense is really good, but Jenkins got hurt. The packers are the worst backup guards in the NFL. I mean, they were just getting holding calls every play. They also lost three of their starting receivers to injury. Like, it was insane. The Eagles got away with that offensive performance because number one, their defense was really good, and number two, the packers, they were so inept, but a part of that was just all the injuries and then the turnover, you know, on the first play of the game, the missed field goal, the guard play is.
- [72:39]
Adnan Virk
I mean that's as bad as you'll see in the NFL.
- [72:41]
Stuckey
I mean, there was three holding calls within the first two drives on the same guard, the backup guard, but then.
- [72:47]
Adnan Virk
He yanked and put the other guy in at the end of the game and that guy flew into the center. It looked like he broke his ankle.
- [72:53]
Stuckey
Yeah, that was bad, bad news. So, yeah, I like the first half under. I think this will be lower scoring early. I do think what the Eagles, they're going to look back at that first like something's still off with the passing attack. I don't know if they solve that in a week, but I do think that they want to, that they're going to come out and they're going to run the ball. They're the most run heavy team in the NFL, them and the packers, and they're going to want to wear down the Rams and they're going to rely on their defense. And that's what happened in the first meeting. Barclay had 75 yards at the half, which is really good, but he finished with 250. He went off in the second half. The Rams defensive line just wore down. And so yeah, I think this will be lower scoring. I think the Rams will be more run heavy this week. Cooper Cup's just not the same guy. Eagles can play more, man. They can get pressure without blitzing Stafford outdoors. It's going to be tough for them. It's good. Naku is going to have to go nuts. I don't know, he's probably going to have 12 catches or something and they're going to have to hold up in the red zone. Both these reds, both these defenses are good in the red zone, but I think I need seven. About the Rams, given all the situations, but McVeigh versus Fangio, great chess match. Curious. McVeigh sometimes has these wrinkles with different formations on what he's gonna. And we'll see if Angie has a wrinkle. But McVeigh has been good in these spots. He's fifth. He's 16, seven against the spread on short rest. 12 and two his last 14 games. There's something when he goes like even across the country, short rest, he, he gets his team, he gets the most out of his team in these situations. But yeah, good, good coordinator battle here especially. And I've been impressed with Shula too on the defensive side, but especially Fangio versus McKay.
- [74:40]
Adnan Virk
Totally.
- [74:41]
Stuckey
That's, that's gonna be a fascinating watch. But first half under for me. I Could see the Rams would probably need seven.
- [74:50]
Adnan Virk
I, I do think, obviously there's no topping when you win a Super bowl, but, you know, in this, I'm not trying to take anything away from McVeigh. It's not like, you know, his super bowl did come against Zach Taylor, who, I don't know if you know, in decades is going to be remembered as, you know, it's not like Tom Coughlin, like, who'd you beat in the Super Bowl? Belichick twice. But I do think this would be by far. And he's, he's got eight playoff victories. I mean, his best. This would be like his Picasso moment as a coach to go on the road and beat Philly. Like you said, factoring in the short week, factoring in this team wasn't supposed to be even that good. They win the division, they beat the shit out of Minnesota. It would be, it would be a pretty big, like, crowning achievement early, you know, for the, in the guy's career, I think. And again, like, super bowl, there's no topping that. But you do have moments throughout your coaching career like, it's like, it's, listen, Kyle Shanahan had a terrible year. He has had some pretty incredible wins in the playoffs. Like, went on the road and, you know, beat Aaron Rodgers in a freezing cold game with Jimmy Garoppolo doing nothing. Like, you have those type moments. Like, how the hell did you pull that off? You know, Andy's had many in Philly. He had a ton of those throughout his career. When Harbaugh.
- [76:01]
Stuckey
Harbaugh's had a bunch going on.
- [76:02]
Adnan Virk
Yeah, it's like, it's just a big deal as it goes on. You know, the thing about Belichick, you remove his six Super Bowls, he has a ton of those over the years. Like, how do you beat the Ravens in that game? Like, what do you do to Mike Tomlin in that game? It's just like, those are moments that like, oh, yeah, this guy's a lock, hall of Famer, one of the greats. So that's the thing that would make me nervous if I'm an Eagles fan. Like, everyone acknowledges our team's better, but it's like this coach clearly is just cooking up some because everyone's like, Kevin O'Connell, McVeigh, same guy. No, not exactly. Like, not even close.
- [76:37]
Stuckey
Yeah. And, and McVeigh, he'll. He'll deserve not. And maybe it's just random and not correlated, but if they win this game and Stafford looks great outdoors, that's probably related to his decision that everyone gave him for for resting. Everyone not worried about the seed, but he's wanted to stay healthy and get his older quarterback rest. So if he looks good here after not looking good down the stretch, that'll be another feather in his cap. But yeah, Rams just got to keep this close, keep it low, scoring ugly stops in the red zone and then look, there's weather. Jake Elliott's been not doesn't look great goals here. You get a, a turnover. You get hurts to, you know, make a, a boneheaded throw because I also don't think AJ Brown might be I think he's still just not 100 with his knee and there's just something going on there other than that. But yeah, excited for that one. But the wet. You got to keep an eye on the weather. It could be bad.
- [77:41]
Adnan Virk
Foreign.
- [77:47]
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- [78:23]
NPR Politics Host
Lately on the NPR Politics podcast, we're talking about a big question. How much can one guy change?
- [78:30]
Stuckey
They want change.
- [78:31]
NPR Politics Host
What will change look like for energy?
- [78:34]
Adnan Virk
Drill baby drill schools. Take the Department of Education. Close it. Healthcare better and less expensive.
- [78:40]
NPR Politics Host
Follow coverage of a changing country.
- [78:43]
Adnan Virk
Promises made, promises kept.
- [78:44]
NPR Politics Host
We're gonna keep our promises on the NPR Politics podcast. Listen on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts.
- [78:54]
Bobby Bones
Hey, it's Bobby Bones. Join me and former NFL quarterback Matt Castle every Wednesday for our new podcast, Lots to say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle. Between us, we have over 17,500 passing yards, multiple New York Times bestsellers, and one mirrorball trophy from Dancing with the Star. So where else are you going to find a show with that much athleticism and football insight? Based in Nashville, we're more than just your basic NFL show. We talk sports, but we talk pop culture and music and a little bit of everything because we got lots to say. I texted you and you texted me back. Now I don't know if you have the update, but like all the little thumbs up and heart and stuff, like it's all colored. They changed it and the heart's a little pink. It felt Like I told you I loved you. I'm going to be honest, it was a little pink.
- [79:37]
Adnan Virk
There was something sentimental when you, when you send it, it's like, do I send the heart now?
- [79:44]
Bobby Bones
I don't like the color edition.
- [79:45]
Adnan Virk
It's extremely pink.
- [79:46]
Bobby Bones
Listen to Lots to say with Bobby Bones and Matt castle on the iHeartRadio app, Apple podcast or wherever you get your podcasts.
- [79:53]
Jon Stewart
Catch Jon Stewart back in action on the Daily show and in your ears with the Daily Show Ears Edition podcast. From his hilarious satirical takes on today's politics and entertainment to the unique voices of correspondents and contributors, it's your perfect companion to stay on top of what's happening now. Plus, you'll get special content just for podcast listeners, like in depth interviews and a roundup of the week's top headlines. Listen on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
- [80:34]
Adnan Virk
Okay, let's get to the main event. I have no clue. I see three scenarios out of the four that are possible. Ravens Bills win either one in a closer game, just a good NFL game. The Ravens like what happened in the regular season separate as the game goes on. I don't see, I have a hard time seeing the Bills winning a game by like 15, 20 points or just, you know, a commanding victory. Like to me, if they're going to win, they're going to win a close game. I just can't see like them doing like looking like what the Rams just look like against Minnesota. You're like they just want 31 to whatever. But this is just fantastic. Obviously the storyline speak for themselves. Ton of pressure on both teams. Both quarterbacks who are just, I mean look like they fucking mastered the position last weekend. I just, I'm leaning your squad here and you know, the Bills are an underdog at home, but the Ravens defense is just to me the biggest difference. If we just both go offenses are awesome, quarterbacks are dominant. Obviously Derrick Henry is much more famous than James Cook, but I think James Cook's emergence over this last year and a half, I mean he's changed their offense. But is Buffalo good enough on defense to slow down this freight train? Because I don't know. You know, you could argue there's when you get an all time great quarterback, they're just going to figure it out. But I do know that Baltimore is just really damn good in defense. So yeah, they might not stop every time, but they're going to get more stops than Buffalo. So that's where I would lean right now. It just Feels like Baltimore's the better team.
- [82:15]
Stuckey
Yeah, I make it a coin flip. And the Ravens defense since like week 11 has been, you know, number one in the NFL. They made some changes personnel wise. They put Humphrey in the slot, kept in there. Put what. Or Darius Washington back at safety, got rid of some of the veterans and then put Kyle Hamilton back there. Then change how they communicate. Kyle Hamilton's kind of directing everybody after the play comes in to rogue one.
- [82:40]
Adnan Virk
If we just looked at it from a personnel standpoint, how many of. How many of Buffalo's 11 starters on defense would start for the Ravens?
- [82:53]
Stuckey
Let's see. Probably so none of the safeties. Taron Johnson, well, you got Humphreys and all pro Tyron Johnson. He's their best defender. He's their slot. I don't even know if he would start. Probably Christian Bedford. Marcel Douglas is getting up there in age Milanos as well. One of the. The edge rushers or Rose Rosu. Because the Ravens. Right. Edge rushers are not great. That's like.
- [83:26]
Adnan Virk
But that's what we're talking about here. There is a pretty substantial difference of how many guys would start for, you know, one team. Like a personnel difference right now. And that's, you know, Buffalo, if that. That's why I like Baltimore in this game is the personnel on defense.
- [83:41]
Stuckey
Yeah. I mean, I will say that McDermott's a good.
- [83:44]
Adnan Virk
McDermott is obviously a really, really high end defensive coordinator. Right.
- [83:48]
Stuckey
Yeah. The. One of the. I. Props wise, I like Isaiah. Likely one of the reasons I do is that the Bills can't cover over the middle of the field. Their safeties are bad. Linebackers aren't great in coverage. And I'm curious to see how they play this because in the first meeting, the Ravens ran to 34 times for 271 yards, average 8 yards per carry. Bills and McDermott, by definition, they want to play their safeties back, prevent explosive plays. The problem is they're not great at stopping the run. They're gonna. They're undersized in the defensive line. They're not gonna be able to stop Henry. So I, I think they're gonna have to change. They're gonna have to go a little heavier here. And likely he lined up, I think out wide last week without flowers. He lined up out wide 28 times in the slot 15 times. I think you could have a huge day over the middle of the field. And this should be a competitive game. Like game script wise. It's not gonna be like a blowout where the Ravens then just run it and end the game. But the biggest difference with these two teams, you have MVP caliber quarterbacks, great offenses, unbelievable offenses, good offensive lines, quarterbacks who aren't going to take sacks can use their legs. Like a lot of similarities in the offense. You don't have like star studded receivers, but you have a lot of nice weapons and you they do a lot of different things in the run game. Mainly because you're.
- [85:10]
Adnan Virk
Do you think Flowers plays in this game or probably not.
- [85:12]
Stuckey
No. And I mean in the first meeting you only have like one catch for 15 yards. Like that's the Bill's corners are pretty good, so he's not even that. He hurts a little bit in like play action like deep shot. But the Ravens are going to just like do what they did in the first meeting. It's like throw over the middle of the field, use the tight ends, use the backs, throw to Justice Hillmore. And that's a weakness of the Bills. The, the biggest difference in this game is that the Ravens have one of the best run defenses in the NFL so they can stop the Bills rushing attack without changing what they do. Whereas the Bills do not have a good rushing rush defense. So they're either going to get gashed or they have to change what they do. And the Ravens are also much stronger up the gut and in the center in the middle of the field with their safeties and linebackers than the Bills. Now I also, I should mention that Bill's fans are probably yelling this summer that in the first meeting, I mean Toront Johnson is one of the best slack owners in the NFL. He didn't play and then a couple of their linebackers didn't play. You had like Nicholas Morrow and Balen Specter out there. I think Eagles just signed more out of their practice squad inspector special teams guy. So they were missing some starters there. But just schematically it's not going to work. So I'm curious to see how they play it the way that I think it plays out. Because the Ravens D's been trending up, the Bills D's been trending down even though they've been getting healthier. And they are the second worst defense over the middle of the field in the NFL this year. The just numbers wise Lamar Jackson is the most profitable quarterback in NFL history against the spread in the first half of games. He has insane numbers. There's always like a little shock to the system. I also think in this matchup, like they're going to be able to come out and run the ball and sustain drives A little easier than the Bills who are probably going to get stuffed on a couple runs and they might up end up punting a few more times in the first half. So Ravens first half Moneyline, even though I think it's a coin flip game makes sense to me. Guess who's the most profitable quarterback in NFL history in the second half against Josh Allen. Josh Allen. He's 15 and 2 against the spread this year in the second half 74443 against the spread in the second half most profitable quarterback NFL history, second half against spread. So and that makes sense to me like Ravens going to come out, they don't have to change what they do on defense. They're able to sustain drives running it and additionally touching them back. What you said or has done a good job this year in his first year but a lot of that was player driven and McDermott still a much better defensive coach. I trust McDermott to make better second half adjustments. Same thing I told you in the super bowl. But I like the Niners first half last year instead of the full game against the Chiefs is like I trust Spags more than Wilks to make adjustments and that's what came to fruition.
- [87:59]
Adnan Virk
So do you think last week was more personnel issue with the Steelers or a schematic issue with Tomlin and Austin? Like why, why do they look like they got no shot right now to stop them where they used to? It feels like they just completely lost.
- [88:15]
Stuckey
Yeah, I, it's a good question. I don't really truly know the answer. I think that like so much of what they did was driven by the greatness of Watt. Like Dave would fall off like 8 points per game and I don't know if Watts either falling off or he's not, he wasn't healthy. Like he just, he just wasn't having the same impact as he normally would in the run in the past and I would just a huge gap. He also had a lot of injuries but yeah, I mean they always had Lamar's number but the last two times not so much. But Watts impact just it wasn't the same this year. I don't know if he was healthy or if we're just seeing a decline.
- [89:02]
Adnan Virk
Because I think the hard, hard part is and they've you know one they at first they took away Henry or they took away Lamar and then Henry went off and they kind of were like going back between, you know, which guy do we stop? Because it's hard to take them both on some of like the, you know, the concepts of the the zone read or whatever you want.
- [89:22]
Stuckey
Yeah. They basically just said, we're going to take out, try to take out Henry and live with Lamar running it.
- [89:27]
Adnan Virk
That'll be interesting what McDermott does, like, because you can't. I, I, I could live with Lamar run around. I don't think you can just let Henry go for a buck 70. I think you're, you're a lock to lose.
- [89:38]
Stuckey
The Ravens also went multiple backs or multiple tight ends and 90% of snapshot. They had 15 snaps last week with Josh Jones in there as a sixth offensive lineman. And the Bills use their base defense, which is when there's not an extra D back on the field less than any team in the NFL. They use dime the highest with 60 backs. So, like, you're not gonna do that a lot. Braves come out with six offensive linemen, likely in Andrews. You're, you have 60 eggs here. It's not gonna work. And then, so, yeah, it's tough. The Ravens are like a unique offense that, you know, because McDermott and the defense that he built in Buffalo, it's built to stop most, you know, modern offense. Most offenses are like spread and. But the Ravens have like a different unique offense, which is one of their advantages in that most of the defenses don't see offenses like them on every week. And they're not built to stop offenses like that, which is why the Ravens numbers, historically, they're like, this year, they were like a top 10 offense of all time. Same and like, part of that is just defenses aren't built to stop them and don't see it often. At least the Bills sold earlier this year. We'll see what McDermott does adjustment wise, but that makes sense to me. Ravens first half and then what happens? Bills are down. Let Josh Allen be Josh Allen, make heroic plays. Not gonna get beat. Not gonna be under a ton of pressure here. Ravens don't generate like a ton of pressure. He can use his legs, buy time, hit some passes downfield. Josh Allen magic Ravens get tight on the road and then it comes down to, you know, like, can, can the Ravens get a couple first downs in the game or are they punting it back down and can he drive to score? Like, that's how I think the game's gonna play out. Like Raven, obviously, this. I could be way off. Like, it could be a fumble on the kickoff, opening kickoff, and it changes everything, but I could see that Ravens come out. They're the, it's a good matchup for them. Bills are gonna have to adjust and they're not gonna be able to win this game running. Ravens can move the ball running and throwing in the middle of the field. Josh Allen, second half, seen it before and easily do it. Yeah, that's how I think the game's gonna play out. So, yeah, I'm probably gonna have some Ravens first half, some likely props, like likely to score a touchdown, likely over reception yards, and then I might have some Bills second half moneyline if they're trailing at the half. But I'll be rooting for the Ravens. I'm a Ravens fan. Go Ravens.
- [92:15]
Adnan Virk
You can parlay. You know, basically if you take Lamar and Josh to each get a rushing touchdown throughout the game, it's basically five to one plus 490. Because like, if you, if you like it in that situation, Josh doing shit down the stretch, down a little bit, he easily could score. And obviously Lamar's a threat to score against. I mean, he'd score against the 85 Bears. I know you, I know you got to run, but I got to hit you on the, the national championship. It feels like it's hard to see Ohio State losing. But the one thing I think you got to say with Notre Dame and I think you saw this in the final four is like all the four teams have high end dudes on defense. And the one thing, Texas has a really good defense. I don't know how Notre Dame wouldn't be considered in that class. You could even argue, are there DBs or their corners better than what Texas was rolling out? And I do think that I always screw up his name. But Kittle Kowski, whoever, the defensive coordinator for Texas, former Boise State guy, obviously really good defensive coordinator and did a really good job. Obviously Tate Wind, that's the third wide receiver, but I think you would live. Every team in the country would live. You're playing Ohio State with, okay, we neutralize the other two guys. Tate's going nuts. Like we can live with that. So does Notre Dame have a shot here?
- [93:32]
Stuckey
It's going to be tough. The thing is that I think the two keys of this game, one, I mean, Notre Dame, Ohio State has let up nothing on the ground. I mean, if you go back, there are three playoff games. They're the number one rated rush defense in college football. They played Tennessee, Oregon and Texas. Three really good, really, really good rushing attacks. Two of the best offensive lines in Oregon and Texas, they had 96 rushes for 187 yards. Less than 2 yards per carry if you remove the sacks, just 3.8 yards per carry. And by the way, Ohio State at 16 sacks for 118 yards. That's important because they can get pressure without blitzing. And Riley Leonard's been really bad under pressure when he's not being blitzed outside the top 100 this year. So I don't know Notre Dame's gonna be able to run it here and. Right. Leonard's gonna be under pressure like the Ohio State defensive ends. And the way to beat Ohio State is like, their corners are kind of their weakness, relatively speaking. But the Penn State. I mean, Notre Dame doesn't have great receivers, so it's gonna. It's hard for me to see Notre Dame moving the ball here at all. I mean, their offense was already limited. You go back to the Georgia game, they scored on a, you know, a kick return and a fumble, and they're playing a backup quarterback. You know, Penn State, they're down, their office can't do anything, and, you know, they found a way. But they get a turnover late. But their offense is not that dynamic, especially if they can't run the ball. And then on the other side of the ball, Notre Dame plays more man coverage than any team in college football.
- [95:07]
Adnan Virk
Now.
- [95:07]
Stuckey
They were great in it, and their corners were great all year, and they even lost Morrison. They're arguably their top corner early in the season. But you can't play, man. I mean, you. They did it last year, but they. I mean, you don't. You don't play exclusively. Manners. Yeah, but they. Are they going to change it up? Because Texas played zone and they said, you know, we're going to put our attention on Jeremiah Smith. We're not going to let you beat us deep. We're going to make you drive the field and then make mistakes. And that's what happened. And they were in the game. They could score at the goal line. The other thing is obviously goal line red zone defense is historically good. So even when Notre Dame gets down there, how are they punching it in the end zone? I don't know. I do also think that if you look, Notre Dame, they. They didn't play many elite receivers this year. I mean, they're the passing offense that they faced. The Georgia was their backup quarterback. Who on Georgia scares you on the outside? I mean, maybe Arian smith goes the NFL. He had one catch for 67 yards. Go back Penn State, their receivers are all terrible. It was Tyler Warren who had six catches for 75 yards. But you go back the only two games where they played like elite receivers. USC. Makai Lemon had nine catches for 133 yards. USC had four players with a catch over 20 yards. They had almost 600 yards of offense in that game and they recently made a quarterback change. They were going with the backup and then Louisville who had a really good offense to Corey Brooks who will play in the NFL. He had five for 71 and two touchdowns. Colin Lacey at five for 71. Louisville three players with the reception over 20 yards. So that's it. Like Surat for Indiana's good. He had four for 70. Other than that they played like service academies. Backup quarterback. So this is scary going up against Ohio State if you're going to play man really good. Al Golden's a really good defensive coordinator. What does he do? He's got to mix it up. I I do think Egbuca is worth a look. Props wise he's over 19 and a half receiving yards. Over 19 and a half. Longest reception I should say he's done that nine to 15 games this year. And I think there's going to be attention on Jeremiah Smith. He's good against man or zone. They're going to have them running crossers and the way you beat this Notre Dame cover one when they are man you got to take deep shots and I think they're going to take them here. And against Notre dame the past two years when Marvin Harrison was there he had 7 for 96 and 9 for 90. And if you want a long shot Igbuka over 90 yards alt yards over 90 yards plus I don't know be probably plus 350 plus 400. He's hit 90 last two years against Notre Dame. I think he's going to get a lot of looks here and he needs 93 to set the all time school record. And this is his last game. So even if they're up big.
- [97:52]
Adnan Virk
Yeah. A couple more times they're Mike Evans moment for him.
- [97:57]
Stuckey
Yep. Ohio State also changed their running scheme after their offensive line injuries and they run more gap runs. Notre Dame struggles there. So it's going to be really tough for Notre Dame. I'm curious to see how much man they run and what they do. What Al golden does. The path for Notre Dame you got to get pressure. Algon's going to send pressure. You got to Howard can struggle under pressure and make a mistake. You got to get turnovers. This is Notre Dame's done all year. That's what they've done all the last get turnovers. They've been. They're really well coached. Marcus Freeman's got to be aggressive in the right times. You know maybe like a Crazy special teams play. You got to steal possession. And then in the middle eight. Notre Dame's been the best team in college football in the middle eight and we saw it all their playoff games. So final four minutes of the first half. First four minutes for the second half. I mean you saw. There was a minute and a half stretch against Georgia that basically decided the game.
- [98:44]
Adnan Virk
10 point, 10 points wing against Penn State.
- [98:47]
Stuckey
10 point swing against Penn State. So like they got a steel possession there. So it's going to come down to their D scheme and. But it's just hard for me to see how Notre Dame moves the ball. Notre Dame probably like a Nia Williams. They're back. Who's getting a ton of run. He's good in pass protection. They're going to. They got. They could throw them. Texas threw to their backs all day last weekend. I think he can go over his reception yards, but it's probably going to be Ohio State. It's. It kind of reminds me of. This game is very similar to Chiefs Texans in that just the talent and the matchup isn't great. But you have a good defense and you're gonna have to ste. You're gonna have to steal some things. You're gonna have to be aggressive on fourth downs and then you're gonna have to create turnovers with your defense. So. But it's just going to be hard for them to play, man. And Will Howard's been the number two quarterback in Gotcha ball against man all game the way that they have been because this is a different animal. Penn State's receivers are horrendous. They all even transfer. They transferred. All of them transferred after the game. They were not good all year. Georgia backup quarterback didn't have great receivers. You know, in Indiana, this is a different animal. So, yeah, I fear that Ohio State's just going to hit a bunch of deep shots because the receivers are so good. And then Notre Dame playing from behind against Ohio State. It's probably not going to end well because you're just not. You can't. I don't think they've got a run on Ohio State. So yeah, it's got to be a Freeman and Al golden masterclass and they're going to have to get some mistakes from Ohio State.
- [100:26]
Adnan Virk
Good. Take their Stuckey. Have a good weekend. Make some money and look forward to watching your Ravens play on the heavyweight matchup on Sunday night.
- [100:35]
Stuckey
Yeah, only we only got one good game last weekend. Let's get some.
- [100:38]
Adnan Virk
Yeah, I think we got three out of four. I feel I feel some good vibes coming?
- [100:41]
Stuckey
Yeah, same. I think we'll get some good games. I think I got a funny feeling the Texans keep it close, but I could be well. But I think the other two should be competitive and I think Bill's ratings should be a classic. So, yeah, three good days of football. Enjoy and I'll talk to you next weekend, brother.
- [100:58]
Adnan Virk
Okay. See you.
- [101:02]
Bobby Bones
The Volume.
- [101:07]
Adnan Virk
Some people just know they could save hundreds on car insurance by checking Allstate first. Like, you know to check you have the tickets in your wallet first before you drive two hours to the big game. Seriously, you had one job. Now the closest you'll get to the 50 yard line is parking lot D. Yeah, checking first is smart. So check Allstate first for a quote that could save you hundreds. You're in good hands with Allstate Savings. Vary terms apply. Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Company and Affiliates, Northbrook, Illinois.
- [101:39]
NPR Politics Host
Lately, on the NPR Politics podcast, we're talking about a big question. How much can one guy change?
- [101:46]
Stuckey
They want change.
- [101:48]
NPR Politics Host
What will change look like for energy?
- [101:50]
Adnan Virk
Drill baby, Drill schools. Take the Department of Education. Close it. Health care better and less expensive.
- [101:57]
NPR Politics Host
Follow coverage of a changing country.
- [101:59]
Adnan Virk
Promises made, promises kept. We're going to keep our promises on.
- [102:02]
NPR Politics Host
The NPR Politics Podcast. Listen on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts.
- [102:09]
Jon Stewart
Jon Stewart is back in the host chair at the Daily show, which means he's also back in our ears on the Daily Show Ears Edition podcast. Join late night legend Jon Stewart and the best news team for today's biggest headlines, exclusive extended interviews and more. Now this is a second term we can all get behind. Listen to the Daily Show Ears edition on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts.
- [102:37]
Adnan Virk
What's up everybody? Ad Nan Ver here to tell you about a new podcast. It's NHL Unscripted with Virkin Demers, Jason Demers here.
- [102:43]
Stuckey
And after playing 700 NHL games, I got a lot of dirty laundry to air out.
- [102:47]
Adnan Virk
Hey, I got a lot to say here, too, okay? Each week we'll get together, chat about the sport that we love.
- [102:51]
Stuckey
Tons of guests are going to join in, too. But we're not just going to be talking hockey, folks. We're talking movies.
- [102:56]
Adnan Virk
Movies.
- [102:56]
Stuckey
We're talking tv, food and Adnan's favorite wrestling. It's all on le Table.
- [103:01]
Adnan Virk
Listen to NHL Unscripted with Virk and demers, the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.