Best of The Herd

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode: Best of The Herd
Release Date: January 17, 2025
Host: Colin Cowherd (iHeartPodcasts and The Volume)

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Introduction

In the "Best of The Herd" episode, Colin Cowherd delves into some of the most compelling sports narratives of the season. From quarterback showdowns in the NFL playoffs to intricate team dynamics and coaching strategies, Colin and his guest, Joy Taylor, provide in-depth analysis and insightful commentary. This summary captures the essence of their discussions, highlighting key points, notable quotes, and the overall flow of the episode.

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1. Bills vs. Ravens: Quarterback Showdown

Overview:
Colin opens the episode by analyzing the high-stakes matchup between the Buffalo Bills and the Baltimore Ravens, focusing on the performances and playoff impacts of Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson.

Key Points:

• Josh Allen's Playoff Prowess: Allen has showcased one of the best passer ratings in the postseason, standing out against top quarterbacks like Joe Burrow and Patrick Mahomes.

  [05:00] Colin Cowherd: "Josh Allen's actually been very good in the postseason. In fact, his passer rating in the playoffs is one of the best ever."

• Lamar Jackson's Pressure: Jackson often seems to elevate his game in the playoffs but has shown signs of anxiety that could define his future performances.

  [05:50] Colin Cowherd: "If Lamar delivers another clunker and he's had a few as a playoff quarterback... it's going to start to define him."

• Historical Comparisons: Colin draws parallels between Jackson and legends like Peyton Manning and Eli Manning, emphasizing the psychological aspects of playoff performances.

  [06:38] Joy Taylor: "I see the comparison or the parallels."

Quote Highlight:

[05:40] Colin Cowherd: "I just think Buffalo. My guess today, I think Buffalo wins the Super Bowl. That's my take."

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2. Philadelphia Eagles vs. Los Angeles Rams: Team and Coaching Dynamics

Overview:
The discussion shifts to the Eagles' matchup against the Rams, with a deep dive into the relationship between Head Coach Nick Sirianni and Quarterback Jalen Hurts, as well as the broader team dynamics.

Key Points:

• Sirianni and Hurts Relationship: Joy Taylor explores the rumored tensions between Sirianni and Hurts, questioning the sources of these leaks and the actual dynamics within the team.

  [07:00] Colin Cowherd: "They have an issue in the locker room. You could talk to him and he's fired up in the games and practice, and you see it."

• Team Performance: Despite rumors, the Eagles have a strong record, winning 12 of the last 13 games, indicating harmony and effective collaboration.

• Coaching Style: Sirianni's emotional and feisty coaching style aligns perfectly with the intense and passionate culture of Philadelphia, making him a respected leader among players.

  [23:11] Joy Taylor: "Every player I ask, from the role players to the superstars, they love Nick Sirianni. He's that type of coach where you can relate to him."

Quote Highlight:

[24:37] Joy Taylor: "Saquon could have had another 40 yards rushing. He sat down."

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3. Blazing Five: Colin's Game Picks

Overview:
Colin presents his "Blazing Five" picks for the week, offering predictions and reasoning for each selected game.

Key Picks:

• Chiefs vs. Texans: Favoring Kansas City due to their undefeated home record and improved defense.

  [12:34] Colin Cowherd: "I think we're going going to be treated like college football. The longer the playoffs went, the better the games went."

• Eagles vs. Rams: Predicting an Eagles victory, highlighting their superior offensive line and running game.

• Ravens vs. Bills: Leaning toward the Bills, citing their strong offense and Josh Allen's playoff experience.

• Ohio State vs. Notre Dame: Taking the under on the total points, emphasizing the defensive strengths of both teams.

Notable Insights:

• Colin emphasizes the importance of organizational strength and quarterback performance in his predictions.

  [29:11] Colin Cowherd: "I think Buffalo. My guess today, I think Buffalo wins the Super Bowl. That's my take."

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4. Coaching Analysis: Deion Sanders and the Dallas Cowboys

Overview:
Joy Taylor and Colin discuss the potential impact of Deion Sanders joining the Dallas Cowboys, considering his unique connection with players and his coaching philosophy.

Key Points:

• Respect and Relatability: Sanders' ability to relate to players and earn their respect is seen as a critical factor for success in Dallas.

  [37:09] Joy Taylor: "Coach prime brings the element to the players where I can really relate to him."

• Contrast with Current Coaching: Comparing Sanders to current coaches like Andy Reid and Bill Belichick, highlighting his ability to connect and hold accountability.

• Impact on Team Culture: Sanders is expected to bring a winning mentality and financial benefits to the Cowboys, aligning with owner Jerry Jones' focus on success and publicity.

Quote Highlight:

[37:30] Joy Taylor: "Coach prime has that aura and respect that you're going to give him because who he is, right?"

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5. Running Back Dynamics: Saquon Barkley

Overview:
The conversation shifts to the playing style of running backs, with a focus on Saquon Barkley's ability to navigate defenders without direct eye contact.

Key Points:

• Peripheral Vision and Agility: Saquon utilizes his peripheral vision to anticipate defenders, allowing him to make swift cuts and evade tackles.

  [26:09] Joy Taylor: "If you watch Saquon Barkley, he always reacts to what the defense does."

• Comparative Analysis: Comparing Barkley's style to other running backs like Derek Henry, emphasizing the diversity in running techniques.

  [27:17] Colin Cowherd: "He’s like a chess player. The two play two moves ahead."

Quote Highlight:

[28:10] Joy Taylor: "Because he doesn't know that you see him. Matter of fact, the first long run he had against the Rams, he ran up the hole and scored a touchdown."

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6. Caleb Williams and Offensive Coaching

Overview:
Caleb Williams' recent comments on the need for offensive coaching leadership spark a discussion on the importance of offensive strategies in team success.

Key Points:

• Offensive Genius Requirement: For a talented quarterback like Williams, surrounding him with innovative offensive coaches is crucial for maximizing performance.

  [38:59] Joy Taylor: "You want to surround him with some offensive geniuses."

• Impact of Coaching on Player Development: Highlighting examples like Jared Goff with Sean McVay and Andy Reid's influence, showcasing how coaching can transform player capabilities.

Quote Highlight:

[39:00] Joy Taylor: "It's about what the offense is going to do. He's going to need an offensive mind that can really help him out, make the game easier for him."

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Conclusion

The "Best of The Herd" episode offers a comprehensive analysis of current NFL playoff scenarios, coaching dynamics, and player performances. Colin Cowherd and Joy Taylor provide nuanced perspectives, enriched with historical comparisons and strategic insights. Whether discussing quarterback pressures, running back agility, or the potential impact of high-profile coaches, the episode serves as an informative guide for sports enthusiasts navigating the complexities of the season's top stories.

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Notable Quotes:

• "[05:00] Colin Cowherd: 'Josh Allen's actually been very good in the postseason. In fact, his passer rating in the playoffs is one of the best ever.'"

• "[23:11] Joy Taylor: 'Every player I ask, from the role players to the superstars, they love Nick Sirianni. He's that type of coach where you can relate to him.'"

• "[28:10] Joy Taylor: 'Because he doesn't know that you see him. Matter of fact, the first long run he had against the Rams, he ran up the hole and scored a touchdown.'"

• "[37:09] Joy Taylor: 'Coach prime brings the element to the players where I can really relate to him.'"

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This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the episode, providing a clear and organized overview for those who haven't listened to "The Herd with Colin Cowherd."

Transcript

[Colin Cowherd]

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[Joy Taylor]

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[Colin Cowherd]

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[Joy Taylor]

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[Colin Cowherd]

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I have a blazing four in one hour. J. Mac's got his picks. Actually, I think it gets easier as you get to the playoffs because you have the best quarterbacks and you kind of know what you're going to get in the performances. So here we go on a Friday. J. Mac, I want to start the show talking Bills, Ravens and then Rams Eagles because the Eagles field combustible but yet they keep winning. But let's start with Baltimore and Buffalo. That sounds good. I thought you would start with your haircut. Looks like you got a little trick. Always try. Hygiene is essential for our show, especially during the football season. So let's start with this. It is Bill's Ravens which has a chance to be the best football game of the last five, six months. But it's also a game about Josh Allen and about Lamar Jackson. And it really is, and it may be unfair, but it's a quarterback dominated league. And so I think the game means more to Lamar Jackson. Josh Allen's actually been very good in the postseason. In fact, his passer rating in the playoffs is one of the best ever. He just lost to Joe Burrow once and Mahomes three times. But Lamar Jackson often feels like a different player in the playoffs. It's like Derek Jeter in baseball. You got the same Jeter. Regular season or the World Series, that's Josh Allen. Lamar, you look at the numbers, you don't. He's closer to Barry Bonds, the Great Barry Bonds. First 28 playoff games, he had one home run. Where did the power go? Lamar looks tight, he looks anxious, he admits it and you're left scratching your head. And that's why I believe this game means a lot more for Lamar Jackson. If he plays well and loses, that's okay because we all get how good Josh Allen is and we all get how good Buffalo is. I mean, if he loses in overtime and puts up 300 total yards, we're fine. But if Lamar delivers another clunker and he's had a few as a playoff quarterback, not all, but if he delivers a clunker, it's going to start to define him and how he plays matters. Peyton Manning for the longest time was known as the second best Manning in the playoffs. It was Eli Quirky. Eli that was cool under pressure, could win on the road weather didn't matter. And it wasn't until Brady. If you go, if you go back to I was looking this morning, Manning was three in six. He started the playoffs three and six. That was his playoff record. And he was 02 against Brady and he was awful in the games against Brady. It was Eli that was cool under pressure. So that Denver stay for Peyton Manning really, really helped his legacy. And now we consider him. Oh, Peyton Manning was great all the time. Like Lamar, he'd had some decent early playoff games, but until he won that first super bowl, we were looking around going, I don't know, he gets a little tight. He's a teeth clencher. And that's how we feel about Lamar. What Lamar doesn't want to be and I don't think he is at all, but you don't want to be James Harden, where everybody kind of rolls their eyes. You're great in the games that don't count, but you're shrinking the big ones. So I think the pressure is absolutely on Lamar Jackson. Now here is the good news. You have to dig a little bit deeper on Lamar Jackson. And this is why a lot of the odds makers think Baltimore should be the favorite is Lamar's first four playoff games. It was like early Peyton Manning, he wasn't very good passer rating at 68, but he has gotten better in his last three playoff games. So Sean McDermott this week talked about the battle not only Bill's Ravens, but about Josh against Lamar.

[Joy Taylor]

I see the comparison or the parallels.

[Colin Cowherd]

They probably end there though in terms of the uniqueness of both players. Right. And not shortchanging either of them. I mean, they're the, they're the best. They're the top shelf in the NFL, those two. And it should also be noted, whereas Joe Burrow some would argue is equally talented, his franchise had to sell off naming rights for the stadium for them to be able to afford Joe Burrow's contract. You can't take the Bengals seriously because upstairs the Ravens are well run, the Bills are well run. So both franchises have gotten these remarkable all time unique talents. Really, really good players. Now I think Buffalo's got more good players than Baltimore. So I like the Bills at home this week. But what's really great about this game, it's not just great quarterbacks, it's great organizations, much like Mahomes in Kansas City. And I think we have a chance to see the best football game in the last six months. So I want to talk now about the Philadelphia Eagles, who I think will beat and host the Rams. So I just tried. They're a jigsaw puzzle to me. I can't. I know the Eagles are well run, but it is fascinating. I saw another story this morning, and it said, Jalen Hurts and Nick Sirianna's. Sirianni's relationship is finally in a better place as they get ready for the the playoff run here. And I thought to myself, I'd hope so. They won 12 of the last 13 games. They're 48 and 14 all time together. How can they not get along? It would be like one of those Hollywood divorces. You're like, the people are both beautiful, their kids are beautiful, they're rich, they're pampered, they live in Beverly Hills. Can't you guys get along? A lot of couples with much less are doing much better. And what's interesting about it is, you know, the story's not coming from Jalen Hurts. All these stories about their relationship, right? Because Jalen hurts went to the Nick Saban School in Alabama of never say anything. And he's also a very mature, adult, quiet, reserved kid. So the leaks must be coming from Sirianni. I don't think they are. Why? Because Nick Sirianni looks bad in this. How the hell can you not get along with him? Everybody likes Jalen Hurts. Where are the stories coming from? So I think it's fascinating, and that's the first part. Who's leaking it? The second part is that I keep thinking about this is if you're struggling to get along now and you're winning five of six games, you're together, what happens when you start losing? I mean, and this is what's interesting. Last year, remember down the stretch, they were awful. If you take that stretch last year when they were awful, lost six to seven games, they're 48 and 14 together. If you count the playoffs, that's that 48, 14 record. I'm taking out that bad stretch. So it's almost all been rainbows, harmony pots of gold. But maybe it was that little stumble last year, that little stumble at the end that 6 is 7. Take that out there, 48 and 14 that caused all this, that they're really not built for each other. Or maybe it's this. And I was thinking about that. Every time I see a story on this, I think about this. There are families, and I've known people like this. They're always arguing, and yet they last forever. And they're incredibly close. You see this all the time. Sirianni is young and he's emotional and isn't Philadelphia One of our more emotional cities. Sirianni is combative. So is Philadelphia. Nick Sirianni always looks tired and ornery. Philadelphia is kind of tired and ornery. Doug Peterson was too chill for Philadelphia. Chip Kelly, you could argue, was too emotionally remote for Philadelphia. And there's an argument that Nick Sirianni is perhaps perfect. Combative, feisty, looks tired, and Big Dom has his arms around all of it. We have all known a family like this. There's a comedian out there, Manicasco, Sebastian Manicowsko. He jokes about his family. He's like, we fought, we argued. Dad couldn't give you a compliment. At some point, I wouldn't let him come to my shows. And the guy is one of the biggest rock stars in comedy in the United States today. And I thought about that comedian because I went to see him in Chicago about six, seven weeks ago, and he was hysterical. And a lot of it's about his family. And I'm like, this sounds like a brutal childhood, yet they're incredibly close. And I'm like, maybe this is Sirianni, the Philly fans, Big Dom, Jalen hurts, the loud sports talk radio. It's the family that screams and yells and argues even at Thanksgiving, even on vacation, and that they love each other. It wouldn't work for me, but it works for them. I like Philadelphia and Buffalo blazing. Five picks, top of next hour. J. Mac. You know, it's same four teams in the Final Four in the afc. We all. We talk about this all the time, week to week. The NFL is really difficult to predict, especially when you talk about betting lines. But on a macro level, it's very easy to figure out. You start looking around, it's, it's Lamar, it's Josh, it's Hertz, it's golf, It's Stafford, it's C.J. stroud. You know, the only great quarterback who didn't make the playoffs, Joe Burrow, whose organization always feels like they're frugal and pinching pennies and a little backwards. But I got blazing five today. You got your picks. I think we're going to be treated like college football. The longer the playoffs went, the better the games went.

[Joy Taylor]

Hmm.

[Colin Cowherd]

So I think we're going to be treated to that. So you don't think we're getting three blowouts? I mean, how many blowouts we get last weekend? Like five?

[Joy Taylor]

No.

[Colin Cowherd]

I even think commanders, if they get the opening kick and score and get the Lions a little bit on their heels, then I think it's interesting. Now, if Detroit wins, it takes it down seven, nothing and starts marching with confidence. Rested and by they're getting defensive players back. That game I feel could get ugly. For what it's worth, that line just hit 10. Detroit is favored by 10. Yeah, that's the one biggest spread this week. Yeah, that I, you know me in big spreads. I stayed away that in that in the blazing five. I could see Detroit rolling them, but I could also see commanders. Jaden Daniels is hard to figure out. They stay in games, the commanders stay in games. When they get outplayed and it's almost a talent that you look up and you're like, Washington doesn't have as good of players. They're getting outplayed. One of the only games I saw all year where I thought it was a stinker for them, I mean they really didn't show up was New Orleans and they still ended up, remember that game, they go down to New Orleans, they don't play very well at all and they're the better team there and they still figure out a way to win the game. They figured out ways to win games, the Bears game in which you think they're outplayed. Yeah. Hanging around. Just hang around and let Jaden Daniels take you to the promised land. Yep. Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio, FS1 and the iHeartRadio app. Omaha Steaks is America's original butcher and has been bringing people together with the world's best steak experience for more than 100 years of family owned experience. From handcrafted steaks to hearty roasts, family style sides and quick, convenient comfort meals, Omaha Steaks delivers everything you crave to reset and relax after the holidays. And now during their end of season sale, you can taste the difference and get 50% off site [e-mail] plus our listeners get an extra 20 bucks off with a promo code Herd at checkout. Omaha Steaks offers unrivaled quality and variety and every bite is backed by their 100% guarantee. They also carry mouth watering burgers, chicken, pork, seafood, dessert and easy to prepare comfort food. Bring home the world's best steak experience with omaha steaks. Visit omaha steaks.com for 50% off site wide during their end of season sale and for an extra 20 bucks off with a promo code heard at checkout that's 50% [e-mail] and for an extra $20 off with the promo code heard at checkout. Hi, it's Colin. JLab Audio is changing the audio game for good, producing some of the best earbuds and headphones designed for everyday life without breaking the bank. And they are made in the same location as some of the other popular earbuds on the market that are triple the price. Don't overpay for quality headphones and earbuds. I don't for those looking to conquer their fitness goals in 2025, JLab recommends the JBUD Sport ANC4, offering a secure fit and super long battery life for those tough workouts. For small ears, check out the JBuds Mini, so small they fit on your keychain so you're never without headphones. And if you're looking to zone out with a podcast or get in the zone at the office, check out their active noise canceling headphones. It's a true luxury feel. Discover your perfect pair of headphones just like I did and upgrade your audio game today. Look for the JLab Blue Box at retailers everywhere or visit jlab.com youm can count on T Mobile to help keep you connected from big cities to small towns on America's largest 5G network. Switch the T Mobile keep your phone and they'll pay it off up to 800 bucks per line via prepaid card. Learn more@t mobile.com heap and switch up to four lines via virtual prepaid card. Allow 15 days qualifying unlock device credit service in 90 plus days with device and eligible carrier and timely redemption required. Cart has no cash access and expires in six months. Lately on the NPR Politics podcast, we're talking about a big question. How much can one guy change? They want change. What will change look like for energy? Drill baby Drill schools.

[Joy Taylor]

Take the Department of Education.

[Colin Cowherd]

Close it. Health care better and less expensive. Follow coverage of a changing country. Promises made, promises kept. We're going to keep our promises on the NPR Politics podcast. Listen on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts. All right, here we go. Not that many games. I'm picking four. Fire away. That's a hot one. Let's blaze it up. Fire it up. It's Collins Blazin Five. Sponsored by DraftKings Texans and Chiefs. Listen, I don't love eight and a half, but I'm going to swallow it. I'm going to lay it and take Kansas City. Two of their last three wins have come by 10 plus points. Undefeated at home, 13 and 4 up a by under Andy Reid and they don't give the ball away anymore. Seven straight games without a giveaway. CJ Stroud has never been the same quarterback on the road. Warm weather team in really cold weather. And I also think the Texans benefited from those interceptions against Justin Herbert. That's not going to happen. They're missing their two of their top three receivers. Joe Mixon's banged up. And if you look at C.J. stroud on the road versus teams that made the playoffs in his career.05 passer rating at 71, I think the Chiefs win by 9. I wish the number was better.32, 21. Take Kansas City, Rams and Eagles. It's my favorite bet of the weekend. I like Philadelphia. Inclement weather is going to favor the better O line, the better run game. I mean, they held the number eight scoring offense, packers, to 10 points in the wild card win. They have the number one offensive line and the number two rushing offense. And they're going to give it to Saquon Barkley, who's been on a heater seven of his last eight games plus 100 yards. The Rams, listen, they took advantage of a battle line and they've got a very good defensive line. They were at home. Now it's a short week. They allowed 124 big plays this year, so you can beat them downfield. And let's be honest, Matt Stafford, in his career rain and snow games one, he is not the same quarterback. Eagles win 28 to 20, pull away in the second half. Ravens at Bill. I like the Bills nine. And oh, at home. They lead the NFL with 13 games of 30 plus points and they don't give the ball away. They're like Kansas City. They're very clean. Fewest giveaways and fewest sacks allowed in the NFL season. Which is wild for how dynamic they are as an offense. Josh Allen's been a good playoff quarterback. Lamar Jackson, 3 and 4 in his playoff career. Missing Zay Flowers, who may play but hasn't practiced. I gotta be honest, in a big playoff spot, Lamar's been a bit tense. He's gotten better, but a bit tense, a little anxious. Josh Allen has been great. I just think. I think Buffalo. My guess today, I think Buffalo wins the Super Bowl. That's my take. I think this is the best version Josh Allen's had. I'm going to take the points and take Buffalo 28 to 24. Ohio State versus Notre Dame. I'm taking the under 46 and a half. I'm going to stay away from the spread. These are unbelievable defenses. Okay, if you go look at Ohio State, they held Texas to 14 points. They held nine straight opponents to 21 points or fewer. And the Irish are missing a couple offensive linemen. We don't think they'll play. And their offense is okay. Notre Dame, meanwhile, lead the country with 33 takeaways. Unbelievably well coached on defense, excellent secondary. Opposing Quarterbacks had 12 passing touchdowns and 19 interceptions. They will. Howard can lose his confidence. So Notre Dame and Ohio State, if you look at their defensive rankings this year, you're looking at creme de la creme. Points allowed, they were 1 and 2. Passing yards allowed, 1 and 2. I don't think Notre Dame has the offensive firepower to win, but I'm going to take the under 46 and a half points. DraftKings sportsbook, America's top rated sportsbook. 200 bucks in bonus bets instantly betting just 5. The pro promo code is heard. H E R D. So I still can't believe the Buffalo Bills are getting points at home. And I know the wise guys like Baltimore, and I know you can run the football on the Bills. I get that. But I'm going to take a couple of big favorites to cover the Chiefs and Eagles. Take the under on Notre Dame, Ohio State. And with that couple of championship shots, Shady McCoy, you see him on the facility, is now joining us.

[Joy Taylor]

You got some good picks, man.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, that's how I see the world.

[Joy Taylor]

Let me ask you a serious question.

[Colin Cowherd]

All right, all right. Serious.

[Joy Taylor]

You know, I'm. I'm known from time to time, Jada. The place is better, too, you know.

[Colin Cowherd]

Okay.

[Joy Taylor]

And I want to know, how well do you normally do?

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, I had a very bad year because. Okay, we talked about this. Favorites did very well this year. And I like underdogs.

[Joy Taylor]

I like favorites.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, you had a good year then.

[Joy Taylor]

Yes, I did.

[Colin Cowherd]

So. But has the playoffs have started now? I'm taking in college football. I'm taking favorite.

[Joy Taylor]

Okay.

[Colin Cowherd]

So I want to ask you about the Rams and Eagles. I said this. You know, Philadelphia well, so I. There's always a couple in your social circle.

[Joy Taylor]

Yeah.

[Colin Cowherd]

Or a family. And you fight and you argue and you're like, these people don't like each other.

[Joy Taylor]

Right.

[Colin Cowherd]

And yet nobody gets divorced. You stay together forever still, kind of. And you're like, they're always battling, they're always fighting. And I think to myself, with Nick Ceriani, he looks ornery, tired, he's feisty. But so is Philadelphia.

[Joy Taylor]

That's right.

[Colin Cowherd]

Doug Peterson was too chill.

[Joy Taylor]

Yeah.

[Colin Cowherd]

And Chip Kelly was a little west coast, you know, remote. And here's Nick, who'd get in a fistfight with you, if it wasn't for Big Dom. And my takeaway is, maybe I'm wrong, is that Nick Sirianni is Philly. He acts like Philly, he's emotional like Philly, and the players and the fans feed off him.

[Joy Taylor]

They love Nick Sirianni, you know, and who loves him the most are the players. Every player I ask, from the role players to the superstars, right to the franchise guys, they love Nick Sirianni. He's that type of coach where you can relate to him. Right. They have an issue in the locker room. You could talk to him and he's fired up in the games and practice, and you see it. One thing about Nick Sirianni is like, he's the type of guy, he wears his emotions on his sleeve.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yes.

[Joy Taylor]

And I think Philadelphia is that type of place. There's a lot of players, there's a lot of coaches that can't coach or play in Philadelphia. The media is too tough, the fans are too tough. Right. Things get aggressive. It's a tough city. And Nick Sirianna is perfect for it. And this is the reason why. It's. It's not a accident that this guy is a winner. Every year he's been in Philadelphia, he's been to the playoffs, he's been. Took this team to the Super Bowl. Right. We look at Jalen Hurts how far he's come from his rookie season to right now. And a lot of credit goes to Nick Ceriani. You talk about getting the players in there. A lot of has to do with Howie Roseman, the gm, but also Nick Sirianni and him working together, getting them players get. Find a guy like Jalen Carter to be that most dominant guy on defense in football. So I can say a million great things about Nick Ceriani. I would love, if I was playing, I would love for him to be my coach.

[Colin Cowherd]

You know, I think the Rams are a little like the Packers. I think they're another draft away. I think they need a corner, a left tackle. I think they need a speed receiver. I think they probably need another defensive tackle. They're a very young defense. Philadelphia gets in your head. I mean, were you ever on a team or when you. When you were an Eagle, that you. You faced a team and they were good, but they were young. And Philly on a Saturday or Sunday in a playoff game, it's just too big for him.

[Joy Taylor]

Yeah, I can see that. Like. Like as you. As we're speaking into existence, I could see how you come off a big win. Right? You beat the Vikings.

[Colin Cowherd]

And you had nine.

[Joy Taylor]

Right? Right. And everything's going on la, with the, with the wildfires and et cetera. You had all these sacks. Everybody played well. And now everybody's like, yo, the Rams might be a team that could potentially beat the big time Eagles.

[Colin Cowherd]

Right?

[Joy Taylor]

Till you get to Philadelphia and that weather comes in to play with the snow and get them fans involved. And then you see that running game again. See, one thing about football players you don't really like, forget and as good as the, the. The Ray the Rams team did against who they play, the Vikings, when you play the Eagles is different. Like we played you before. We. Our running back had 255 yards rushing. That like that did happen. If you really watch that game, you see how the offensive line really controlled the line of scrimmage.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, Saquon could have had another 40 yards rushing.

[Joy Taylor]

He sat.

[Colin Cowherd]

He sat down.

[Joy Taylor]

Sat down. So I just think that, like, you didn't forget that in this game, right? Where in football you get paid a lot, a lot of money to kick butt, right. I want you to dominate this other guy on the other side of the field. And we do that best. Now, I think Jalen Hurts has a better performance than he did against the Packers. They are in trouble. They are in trouble.

[Colin Cowherd]

I'm going to ask you a question. This is a weird question.

[Joy Taylor]

Okay.

[Colin Cowherd]

I can assure you you've never been asked this, because as I watch Saquon Barkley, when you're a running back and you go through the hole and you know violence is coming, it's coming, do you look for shades of colors? So I watched Saquon a couple of times against Green Bay and he didn't look directly at the defender. You never do, but it was as if he just sees from his peripheral vision a color.

[Joy Taylor]

Yeah.

[Colin Cowherd]

So when you were doing that, how do you see players coming through a gap but your head's here. Do you get sort of in tuned and it becomes part of your style that you're just moving away from the colors on the T Because I, I don't know how he makes so many damn people miss without seeing them.

[Joy Taylor]

Jay, you know what's crazy? I don't know, man. You. You might in your other life be a running back because that's how we see it, Right. The best running backs are the running backs that fill it. Right. And you see color, you never look at the person. If I look at the defender, he sees me, I see him. Then they could. He could.

[Colin Cowherd]

So you see color, you see color.

[Joy Taylor]

You feel and you See color. So as I'm running through the hole, right, you don't look at him, but you see the guy coming. He's coming forward. Speed and you jump cut to the right. You know what I'm saying? If you watch Saquon Barkley, he always reacts to what the defense does. The one play had against the Green Bay, right, It was the first. So they fumbled the first kickoff, right? The next run, I think saquon got about 12 yards to the left. The play was to the right. He felt the color shift into the right. He makes his jump cut and spins to the left. That's what a running back does. The best running backs, they. They feel and they see not players, they see color.

[Colin Cowherd]

You know what, it's a little like I'm. I'm so out of my element here. But I love you close though.

[Joy Taylor]

You on it.

[Colin Cowherd]

I was shifty, but it's. But it's almost like I've seen this before. If you get into a hip hop space in the studio, okay, and somebody's got the melody, right, and you're just kind of riffing.

[Joy Taylor]

That's true, yes.

[Colin Cowherd]

That's a little bit the running back's life that you're kind of like, give me the melody, give me the whole. And I'm going to kind of ad lib and riff. And there's a basic things like I. Basic lyrics I have in my head, but I'm going to kind of ad lib through the melody. And that's how I see a running back.

[Joy Taylor]

Totally, right? And it's so many different types of running backs. Like a guy like Derek Henry, he's just different, right?

[Colin Cowherd]

He doesn't mind, he doesn't mind it.

[Joy Taylor]

So he'll look at that guy. Okay, we'll bring it on. But a guy like Saquon, because he is big, but he is so explosive. And when you get a defender that you don't look at, right, and you don't make eyes on, you can keep.

[Colin Cowherd]

Full speed, keep full speed.

[Joy Taylor]

Because he don't know that you see him. Matter of fact, the first long run he had against the Rams, right, he ran up the hole. It was a big hole. Runs through it. And as the safety's coming, right, Saquon doesn't even look at him, okay? And he feels that color. He jumps cut to the right and it was a touchdown. Like, that's a simple example of not really, like looking at the defender, but feeling him and knowing he's there. It's like, it's like you're Selling something to somebody, right? You're making a defender believe that I don't see you and I'm running straight. And you think you're going to hit me, right? You. As soon as you get so close, then I jump cut because I felt that color. And if you watch a lot of Saquon Barkley's runs, man, he just shows.

[Colin Cowherd]

You like, he doesn't look at defenders and yet pivots. He feels like he's setting everybody up. He's a. He's like a chess player. The two play two moves ahead. And Saquon probably thinking right now, I coward. When I want to talk about running backs, I go to.

[Joy Taylor]

Anybody call you.

[Colin Cowherd]

You.

[Joy Taylor]

He might call you first before you call me.

[Colin Cowherd]

Okay, Ravens, Bills.

[Joy Taylor]

Oh, that's a good one, baby.

[Colin Cowherd]

Okay, here. Here's the thing. They're. They're both great. Let's get over it. And Lamar's gotten better in the last couple playoffs.

[Joy Taylor]

Yes, he has.

[Colin Cowherd]

He's been a bit tight. And we've seen this with baseball players. Barry Bonds, a rod where they're just. They get golfers on the 18th. Get a little in your head, people.

[Joy Taylor]

On TV talking about it every day, the week. And as a player, you try to block it out. You hear it everywhere you go, social media, grocery stores. You know, the matchup. You hear the rumors. You, the narrative. Can you win playoff games? Josh hears it. Lamar definitely hears it. So they hear them things.

[Colin Cowherd]

When you ever got nervous, forget about playing better or worse, how did it affect your game? Was there a game where you were anxious? Did it affect your game? Were you tentative? I mean, because I do feel sometimes he's a bit tentative. Aaron Rodgers could do this. If he threw a pick in a big game, he'd get a little safe. Aaron would. He wouldn't let it rip.

[Joy Taylor]

Right.

[Colin Cowherd]

Sam Darnold against the Rams a couple times after he got sacked, you could tell.

[Joy Taylor]

Yes. Yeah, that's a different story. But I get what you're saying. And I think every player, especially superstars, they go through this because all the pressure is on you, right? If the. I don't know if the slot cornerback has a bad game for the Ravens, we're not going to come on TV and talk about. We're going to talk about the main guys. And I think sometimes with a lot of the. The superstar players like the Josh Allens and Lamars, you're talking about the Patrick Mahomes. And actually with these, these two guys, Josh and Pat, there's sometimes the games, they gotta calm down, right? You get anxious. You can't wait. You've been waiting all week for this game. It's the only game on tv. Everybody's watching. Every neighborhood, every neighbor. Neighbor is watching this game. So you kind of get antsy. And then there's. Sometimes you gotta relax. Okay, let's calm down. Might take a serious or two.

[Colin Cowherd]

So sometimes you had to, like.

[Joy Taylor]

Oh, for sure. There's times in the game where I can't wait the ball out, right? And maybe my first carry, you know, I'm stepping over my feet, I'm not really comfortable, right. And then I get hit. Okay, okay. Shady McCoy. Calm down, relax. And then I get back to this. The basics and playing.

[Colin Cowherd]

That's interesting. I. There's a. There's a clip on the Internet with Belichick telling Brady earlier in the super bowl. He's like, hey, settle down, calm down. Step into the ball.

[Joy Taylor]

The simple thing. That's the basics.

[Colin Cowherd]

That's right.

[Joy Taylor]

But you get so, so anxious. Oh, man, he's open. It's. Take it easy.

[Colin Cowherd]

Same with running backs. Yep, one more herd. The herd streams 24 hours a day, seven days a week within the iHeartRadio app search heard to listen live or on demand, whenever you'd like. Hey, it's Steve Covino and I'm Rich Davis, and together we're Covino and Rich on Fox Sports Radio. You can catch us weekdays from 5 to 7pm Eastern, 2 to 4 Pacific, on Fox Sports Radio. And of course, the iHeartRadio app. Why should you listen to Covino and Rich? We talk about everything. Life, sports, relationships, what's going on in the world. We have a lot of fun talking about the stories behind the stories in the world of sports and pop culture. Stories that, well, other shows don't seem to have the time to discuss. And the fact that we've been friends for the last 20 years and still work together, I mean, that says something, right? So check us out. We like to get you involved, too. Take your phone calls, chop it up, as they say. I'd say the most interactive show on Fox Sports Radio, maybe the most interactive show on planet Earth. Be sure to check out Covino and Rich live on Fox Sports radio and the iHeartradio app from 5 to 7pm Eastern, 2 to 4 Pacific. And if you miss any of the live show, just search Covino and Rich wherever you get your podcast. And of course, on social media, that's Covino and Rich. Hi, it's Colin. JLab audio is changing the audio game for good, producing some of the best earbuds and headphones designed for everyday life without breaking the bank. And they are made in the same location as some of the other popular earbuds on the market that are triple the price. Don't overpay for quality headphones and earbuds. I don't. For those looking to conquer their fitness goals in 2025, JLab recommends the JBuds Sport ANC4, offering a secure fit and super long battery life for those tough workouts. For small ears, check out the JBuds Mini, so small they fit in your keychain so you're never without headphones. And if you're looking to zone out with a podcast or get in the zone at the office, check out their active noise canceling headphones. It's a true luxury feel. Discover your perfect pair of headphones just like I did and upgrade your audio game today. Look for the JLab Blue Box at retailers everywhere or visit jlab.com youm can count on T Mobile to help keep you connected from big cities to small towns on America's largest 5G network. Switch the T Mobile keep your phone and they'll pay it off up to 800 bucks per line via prepaid card. Learn more@t mobile.com Keep and switch up to four lines via virtual prepaid card. Allow 15 days qualifying unlock device credit service port in 90 plus days with device and eligible carrier and timely redemption required. Card has no cash access and expires in six months. Lately on the NPR Politics Podcast, we're talking about a big question. How much can one guy change? They want change. What will change look like for energy? Drill baby Drill schools. Take the Department of Education. Close it. Health care better and less expensive. Follow coverage of a changing country. Promises made, promises kept. We're going to keep our promises on the NPR Politics Podcast. Listen on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts. Hey, it's Bobby Bones. Join me and former NFL quarterback Matt Cassel 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 gonna 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 text 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. There was something sentimental when you like.

[Joy Taylor]

When, when you send it, it's like.

[Colin Cowherd]

Do I send the heart now? I don't like the color edition. It's extremely pink. Listen to lots to say with Bobby Bones and Matt castle on the iHeartRadio app, Apple podcast or wherever you get your podcasts. Okay, now we. I'm not going to talk Chiefs Lions, they're heavy favorites. I'm going to get to two other things. Dion was about a 500 coach in college, but I do think he has a connection to players that other coaches don't have.

[Joy Taylor]

Yes, he do.

[Colin Cowherd]

Tell me why I I take it you think it would work and you would hire him.

[Joy Taylor]

I would. I think especially players in NFL it's about a respecting there's a lot of players that may play for a coach because this is my job, right. And I have to do this. I have to. My job is run the ball block. I have to do everything. But sometimes you have coaches that whatever he says, no matter if I think it's right or wrong, I'm gonna do it because I got that type of respect for him. That's who Deion Sanders is. That's the prime time players respect Coach prime, what he stands for another guy, Andy Reid. Andy Reid could tell everybody, hey man, go out there and run through the wall and 99% of players are going to do that because they got that type of respect. Another thing is relating to the players. There's sometimes where certain coaches they really can't relate to these players. Andy Reid could, right. I think Belichick later in his years that's why things kind of went south because he really can't relate to the players. It's either my way or the highway. Well that's not always the case any people you work with or in football. And I think Coach prime brings the element to the players where I can really relate to him. I could talk to him about anything. And the next big thing is I think about what the Cowboys they have an issue with the ownership as far as can people work with Jerry Jones. Right. Mike McCarthy really good coach. I think was more of Jerry says this that's how we gonna do it.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah.

[Joy Taylor]

Jason Garrett another one. Right. We're going whatever he says we're going to do.

[Colin Cowherd]

But he J. Mac says that's not going to work with Deion.

[Joy Taylor]

I think with, you know, that's not work with him. When you have the interview with Coach prime, right. First of all, the last thing winning a championship, I was on your team, so you know how I get down. I think when you bring Coach prime in the office and interview him, it's not gonna go just, hey, whatever Jerry wants to do. What's. What we doing? Because it's a sense of respect. Coach prime has that aura and respect that you're going to give him because who he is, right? If I want to draft this player, but you might not want to. It's my team. You get what I'm saying? I think they can really work together. I think Jerry needs somebody that can hold him accountable. There's some things he might say in interviews and media about some coaches where I don't think he's going to say that about Deion because it's a sense of respect. And the last thing is Jerry likes money. He likes to be talked about. He likes to make his money. You telling me the things that Coach Prom has done for Colorado, right? And that town, that city, that team, the money they're making, all the, all the attention they're getting. You bring up the Dallas Cowboys and you can win because I'm not even talking about the winning part. Jackson State, he got there. They started winning Colorado. They won one game before he got there. Now there's something to talk about. They're winning teams. So you bring the winning aspect to the Cowboys. And then the financial part, Jerry loves all that. I think they have a really good matchup together. I just hope it happens.

[Colin Cowherd]

Finally, Caleb Williams came out this week and without demanding it, he said it, and I thought it was smart, right? And they asked him what he wants and he goes, well, you know, leader of men, which. What the hell's that mean? But he said, you know, it'd be nice to have an offensive coach I could grow with, with. What he was saying is give me an offensive coach like college. Did you think it mattered? Now you're a running back. But still, did you feel it was different when you had an offensive coach, not a deep, now college, you had won stat. You had a, you had a defensive coach. So as an offensive coach, does it feel different in the locker room, in the meeting room, film room?

[Joy Taylor]

Yeah.

[Colin Cowherd]

Does it feel different?

[Joy Taylor]

It feels different. Especially when you have an offense that's struggling, that you have an offense where you go, the number one pick and super talented guy like Caleb Williams, you want to surround him with some officer geniuses. I look at guys like Sean McVay. Whatever people thought about Jared Goff, right? When he's with the rams before Sean McVay, you see the difference, you know what I'm saying? You see how he's changed for him, Andy Reid, another guy that's super, super smart. Alex Smith, he's with the Niners. Whatever the narrative was with him, he got to the Chiefs, they were winning. He still was productive. I think Kelly Williams is really, really talented. I think he needs to be around an offensive mind that can really help him out, make the game easier for him. You look over there with the Detroit Lions right now, Jared Goff is playing phenomenal. But I think you need the talent, which the Bears have, right? The wide receivers. Then you need the coaching. If you watch some of the Lions games, a lot of that is talent, right? But a lot of that is, like, play calling. Like, wow, did you see that play? And you see that over and over again with the Lions, you bring that type of coordinator to the Bears and he's the head coach, Everything's gonna be offense first, right? I think the Bears, for some of years, defense has been a good thing.

[Colin Cowherd]

Since the 80s, but with Andy Reid.

[Joy Taylor]

Like, I remember being with her, with him is, we're going to draft him and Brett Veach, the gm, we're going to draft some offensive guys, because that's what we are. You get what I'm saying? So now that's the approach. I think it'd be good for him to have a good coordinator. As far as the head coach for.

[Colin Cowherd]

All right. Love having you on the show.

[Joy Taylor]

That's so comfortable, man. Like, this is. Hey, this show, I mean, it's like. It's like my therapy right here, huh? It's therapeutic.

[Colin Cowherd]

I love.

[Joy Taylor]

Who's that guy right there, though?

[Colin Cowherd]

That. Well, that's you. Do you like snow games? Yeah. You love snow games because it doesn't hurt when you fall?

[Joy Taylor]

No. Like pillows. I do think that's gonna be the biggest. The biggest difference from that game against the Rams. Playing that type of element in the snow, we're used to that. We play outdoors. It was cold as hell against the Packers.

[Colin Cowherd]

What's the difference?

[Joy Taylor]

We ready to roll, Jay?

[Colin Cowherd]

Let's do it.

[Joy Taylor]

Who gonna win? You better. You know I'm with you. Okay. Hey, you need to show everybody your Eagles dance. You want to stand up and. I saw you doing it. You seen it earlier? Check out my, my.

[Colin Cowherd]

Okay.

[Joy Taylor]

Shitty McCoy on Instagram. We got the Hype video We ready to go, baby. It's time to hunt. Philly. Let's go. And Jalen Hurts will have a big game this game against the Rams. Yes, he will. All right, standing behind my quarterback.

[Colin Cowherd]

Whether you're ordering wings for the game, whipping up a seven layer dip, or ordering pizza, there's something about football that makes me want to eat. And this football season, Uber Eats has the best deals for me on game day. Food, no matter what I'm craving from two for one pizza. To buy one, get one wings. Uber Eats will be dropping new deals each week all season long. I'm in Uber Eats, the official on demand delivery partner of the NFL. Order now for game day. Terms and conditions apply. See app for details. Lately on the NPR Politics podcast, we're talking about a big question. How much can one guy change? They want change. What will change look like for energy? Drill baby. Drill schools. Take the Department of Education. Close it. Health care better and less expensive. Follow coverage of a changing country. Promises made, promises kept. We're going to keep our promises on the NPR Politics Podcast. Listen on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts. 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 a Star. So where else you gonna find a show with that much athleticism and football insight? We talk sports, but we talk talk pop culture and music and a little bit of everything. Listen to Lots to say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. 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.