Jason McIntyre (3:49)

You know, the hair and makeup ladies downstairs were like, Colin's in a great mood today. I was like, it is Thursday, you know, Thursday night football playoffs almost Bo.

Colin Cowherd (3:57)

Nixon, Justin Herbert, my guys go Herbert, come on. So I saw that, you know, listen, they're all, this is the time of the year where I know it's stressful but you gotta be grateful for what you have because life can go sideways very quickly. And it wasn't that long ago that Aaron Rodgers was celebrated as kind of the rock star of the league. He was the good looking guy. He had kind of an independent streak. He was in Green Bay. It was kind of an odd fit, but it worked for a long time. And just to give you a sense of what a circus he entered because remember, that was a good marriage and Aaron wanted out of the marriage. He had the wandering eyes. According to a story in the Athletic, Woody Johnson, who owns the jets, vetoed a Jerry Judy trade. Jerry Judy, a former Bronco, now in Cleveland having a great year. He vetoed it because the influence of Madden ratings and apparently the Madden rating stems from his teenage sons, Brick and Jack, which sounds like a really Cool Nickelodeon show. Yeah. Anyway, there was also a guard that didn't have a power rating on Madden. Woody Johnson didn't like. And maybe Brick and Jack or Jack and Brick, 97.5 Clovis, New Mexico's best rock, whatever that is, they didn't like it. Also another story today is speculation that Garrett Wilson wants out. Excellent young receiver. So. Oh yeah, and your quarterbacks in a dock taking shrooms with a bunch of other lost souls. I know the Green Bay packers get a lot. You know, we kind of make fun of them. They're a little bit square. They probably all still use flip phones in the front office. But I gotta tell you something, they would be laughing their butts off right now if they weren't getting ready for the playoffs, which you know, the Green Bay packers do every single year. And you know, Aaron's out there in that self absorbed world of Netflix and documentaries and I'm sitting there thinking, the reason you're trying to find yourself because that's why you take shrooms and do that stuff, you're trying to find yourself is because Aaron lost himself. The packers never forgot who they were. This was a great marriage. I mean, if you're a quarterback and you land in Green Bay, do you know how lucky you are? You get a small, friendly local media. Go ask, go ask Aaron about the New York media you get. I mean, when's the last time the packers had a bad offensive line? 30 years ago. I couldn't tell you if they've had one in 30 years. You have a former player who went to Colgate, smart guy Mark Murphy, running the franchise. I'm not sure. Anybody, maybe the Steelers. Does anybody draft and develop players better than the Packers? They always have offensive coaches. Sometimes they have a good running back, sometimes they don't. They do now. They've missed on a few running backs, but by and large you can't do better. The fans are like collegiate. They love you, they worship you. And this was a great marriage. And somebody had wandering eyes. And it's really funny because who Aaron was married to had been successful on her own, from a great family, very dependable. Didn't need Aaron. They had Brett Favre. Jordan Love was in tow. Aaron made this marriage dissolve. This is Aaron's thing. And as they say, the grass is no is greener. The story today is Woody Johnson. Woody Johnson is listening to power ratings on Madden. Joe Douglas, the former gm, was quoted saying today that he got tired of listening for advice from teenagers. Garrett Wilson wants out. Aaron's in a dock Taking shrooms. And I look at this thing and I'm like, the Green Bay packers have the second best odds to win the super bowl from, from the nfc, Second best NFC odds. So this whole thing is, listen, I always, you know, we've all heard the saying the grass is always greener. Sometimes the grass is greener. I mean, sometimes it is. I mean, Matt Stafford, Lions to Rams, the grass was greener. Sometimes it is. But never forget the Packers. When everybody else was doubting Aaron Rodgers in the draft, the packers said, no, we think this kid can work. And when Brett Favre was treating him like crap and if you read, you know, Connors book, he was, he was, he was, it was really uncomfortable. He kind of bullied Aaron and the packers supported him and they kind of supported his prickly nature and the passive aggressive stuff. All they asked was, you know, be around in the summer, be committed. What are you doing? And he went on a retreat and into darkness. And when he came out, they'd had enough of getting kind of snipy, snarky comments for years. But it's interesting. This jets thing now is a complete circus. And it's like you were in this great marriage in this perfect organization. You want it out and this is what you get. Because by the way, there are a lot more ownership groups are closer to the jets than the Packers. No owner situation. How many great owners are there in the league? 8. And then, and the packers are better run than every team in this league that doesn't have a great owner because there's more mediocre to bad owners. So you know, I, I, I look at this thing, I don't know if Aaron understands what a mess this is, but there are three broken franchises in the league and he's with one of them. So yesterday Julian Edelman was on the show and I've said before the Philadelphia Eagles and I don't even think it's close. They have the best players in the league. They have the best roster. Especially now that Detroit's roster is falling apart physically. On the defensive side, it's the best roster. Can their pure talent in Philadelphia overcome all the nonsense? Historically, Julian Edelman was on the show yesterday and historically it's usually a bad omen. It would be unreal to me to.

Jason McIntyre (10:13)

See if they can continue to have all these little feuds, these outside noises. We got Dom, the security guy, who's a kid, like we have so many.

Greg Cosell (10:24)

Things, it would surprise me if they went on one, the super bowl, because.

Colin Cowherd (10:27)

There'S going to be a fundamentally Sound team that's going to be mentally tough. That's not going to go down this road. That's going to, you know, that's going to handle them. I've never seen this with leadership the.

Jason McIntyre (10:37)

Way that they have.

Greg Cosell (10:39)

That's to go out and win a Super Bowl.

Colin Cowherd (10:42)

And playoff football is a little like the holidays for the rest of us. Travel and family and gifts and it gets a little tight the schedule. People feel ignored. People want a little more love. You've got to play some political games, get people the right presence. Make sure you give grandma the attention and your in laws feelings get hurt. The kitchen's always hot because of the cooking. Yeah, the holidays are wonderful and joyous and so are the playoffs, but they're different and little dramas can explode into big dramas. And right now, if the playoffs started in the nfc, Philly would open at home against Washington. A rookie quarterback that's a wild. But that, that next game currently would be against either the red hot Vikings, Stafford McVeigh and the Rams weapons or a Tampa Bay team. You cannot run on forcing Jalen hurts to win the game, not Saquon Barkley. So I could see Philadelphia plowing through Washington but man, those games after that are red hot quarterbacks, red hot teams, house money, nothing to lose and, and I'll go back to that sideline confrontation. I'm sorry. I don't have a problem when a player like a Travis Kelsey gets mad at a head coach. I understand players losing their cool, but when a coach loses his cool regularly. I've never seen that and we saw it again this past weekend and Julian Edelman addressed that as well.

Jason McIntyre (12:24)

I think there's a lot of lack.

Colin Cowherd (12:26)

Of respect for the head coach and.

Greg Cosell (12:28)

I like players can. They have the best roster.

Colin Cowherd (12:32)

They got really good football players and.

Greg Cosell (12:34)

But I think that the leadership.

Jason McIntyre (12:37)

You can't have a head coach that.

Greg Cosell (12:38)

Doesn'T have the respect everyone. I just don't. When it comes down to it in.

Jason McIntyre (12:43)

Like a gotta have it situation or.

Greg Cosell (12:45)

Some kind of something where he's going to have to make a decision. I, I just don't see it happening.

Colin Cowherd (12:51)

It's either super bowl or bust for this team. That's.

Jason McIntyre (12:54)

It's not about getting to the NFC.

Colin Cowherd (12:56)

Championships, not about winning two playoff games. This team needs to win now. And it's. I just, I was thinking about this this morning about the Philadelphia playoff games. That first one. Washington will get overwhelmed. But if they have to play Tampa. Didn't, didn't. I mean we all know that Tampa's played pretty well against Philadelphia. Like we all understand that. And Sam Darnold red hot and so is McVan Stafford. All the pressure beyond Philadelphia. We all know this. Even with Kansas City back to back championships, these games call all come down to like a minute 15. The sideline intensity. Like this is a team Philadelphia that has won 10 or 11 straight bulldozing people and they're having arguments in the sideline. Now if you think your family is feisty now, wait till you're all in the same house and the oven's hot and everybody's waiting, the kids are crying and you haven't seen your in laws in a while. And now you know why? Because they're aggravating if you spend more than two hours with them. A couple glasses of vino mixed in. I'm just saying, man, playoff football ratchets up everything. Everything. And if we're seeing this now, Edelman sees it, I think it. And I think Philadelphia's easily got the best players. The question is, can their raw talent overcome so much of this nonsense and noise? Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio, FS1 and the iHeartRadio app. 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 Apple. 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 4 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. If you're looking to set the standard in athletic clothing and activewear apparel for performance, look no further than Viori Vuori integrates the best of fitness, the best of surf, sport and art. 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You're halfway through the season when an air blower belt in the furnace suffers a major tear and the whole thing goes down for the count. The furnace has been going for so many seasons, you don't have a replacement belt on hand. In fact, you're not sure if anyone does. What's your play? Easy. You call Granger. With over 1 million industrial products and supplies, their depth chart off the charts, and with fast, dependable delivery, you can get the belt you need when you need it so your furnace can get back in the game. Call 1-800-granger. Click granger.com or just stop by a local branch. Greg Cosell, 45 years, NFL Films, joining us live. All right, so I watched the Eagles and Steelers and what's funny is Philadelphia is better. It was 17 to 13 and the Steelers couldn't even move the ball. And I if Najee Harris doesn't fumble, I'm like, how is Pittsburgh staying in this game without George Pickens? So I I looked at Pittsburgh and there now Pittsburgh is going to face Baltimore. And it's funny as I Watch the Steelers in a weird way before the Najee Harris fumble, I'm like, I can't believe that they're in this game in Philadelphia and they're not moving the ball. When you watch the film of Eagles, Steelers, what are two or three things that jumped out to you?

Greg Cosell (20:44)

Well, what really jumped out to me, to be honest with you, was the Eagles offense. And I know they didn't necessarily just put a ton of points on the board, but the Steelers do have a good defense. But I thought what the Eagles are doing with their coaching staff and with Jalen Hurts is really, really good. It's a lot of no huddle. Hertz is really good at the line of scrimmage. He understands what he's seeing. He gets them in the right play. And this week they added a ton of no huddle and empty. So it's no huddle and empty is what they do. So both those things, what that does is it defines the defense before the snap of the ball, the no huddle and the empty. And Hertz this week was as decisive as he has been all season. The ball came out. He had 37 drop backs. Colin on only five of them. Did he move. He was playing from the pocket. The ball was coming out. He was hitting his receivers. He looked as good as he's looked all season long. I think you'll continue to see them do that, and I think that's sustainable for this reason. They always have the big O line and the power run game to fall back on if they didn't have that to fall back on. And it's not falling back, it's actually their foundation. But if they didn't have that, I'm not sure they could play that way. But they always can line up and give the ball to Barkley. But I thought they did a great job. A perfect marriage of coaching and Hertz's traits, and it worked really well and he looked really good.

Colin Cowherd (22:08)

So I want to talk Steelers because they face the Ravens now. Pittsburgh has just really dominated this series. You were. You were never as big a fan of Russell Wilson as I was. And many of the fans are. What do you now when you watch that get. They didn't do anything in the first half. They feel very George Pickens dependent. Where are you on rush right now? Do you see a pretty low ceiling here with this offense?

Greg Cosell (22:36)

I mean, I think it's a specific kind of offense. I think they need the run game to be effective. I think they need the vertical game to be a factor because Russell Wilson still throws A very good deep ball. You know, I think, I don't know how they coach him and I don't know what they ask him to do, but there's been a number of games this year where I've noticed that he immediately threw the check down and almost not even waiting to see the routes develop. Which leads me to wonder if maybe that's the way they coach them. They say, hey, look, if you see a play that gains eight yards, take it. Let's not worry about anything else. Take those eight yards. Let's stay on schedule. Let's stay ahead of the sticks. Let's control the pace and tempo of the game. We've got a really good defense. Hey, we'll take a shot here and there. We have a back who's in Najee Harris, who's basically a grinder, not a big play back. So if we can stay ahead of the sticks, we can control the pace and tempo of games. I think that's the way they want to play on offense.

Colin Cowherd (23:30)

Okay, so Denver tonight plays the Chargers. I tend to bet against young rookie quarterbacks on these short weeks. I think it's really tough. So and so I'll take Herbert tonight. They're at home. I just think this is a good spot for Justin and I think it's a tough spot. You know, I watched Denver last week and they got pushed around for two hours and then they kind of rebounded. I think we, we all realize these teams are a year away, a draft away. Maybe Bo Nix needs 15 more starts. When you look at the Chargers and Broncos tonight, if I said to you one of them is closer to the super bowl bubble, that five or six team bubble, is there a team, Chargers or Broncos when they play tonight that you look at and you think they may be closer than the other, you like their trajectory more?

Greg Cosell (24:22)

Oh, I mean, that's a tough question. You know, I think Knicks will continue to get better. He's been, for the most part, pretty stable, pretty consistent as a rookie quarterback. He's clearly gotten better as the season's gone on. Is he going to have some bad moments? Absolutely. That's just the nature of the NFL. You know, I think for tonight's game, I, I, I think that one thing that might concern me, and we've seen Justin Herbert be under a lot of pressure lately, and we know he's hurt and we know he always plays because that's who he is. But even though the Broncos have not played great quarterbacks in recent weeks, they do have a good defense. They've got A lot of speed. They've got a lot of movement. Their secondary, their secondary is strong. You know, there's certain players in this league who no one knows, but are really important players to the team they're on. And PJ Lock is a safety for the Broncos who was hurt and is now back. And they've got a really good safety tandem with PJ Lock and Brandon Jones. And they've got two really good edge players and Jonathan Cooper and Nick Benito. And there's been some protection issues with the Chargers, and I'm curious to see how that plays out tonight.

Colin Cowherd (25:32)

Okay. You know, I've watched the packers and the Eagles with their athletic quarterback, say, you know what, we're going to throw it a little less. We're going to lean into the run game. And I think it's been highly effective. Miami's got a quarterback with an injury history. He's not a great athlete like a Hertz or a Love, but when I watch Miami, I just don't trust them against good teams. I have four straight games of Tua throwing it over 40 times. I watch Miami, they feel too finesse to track meet. I just, I, I Mike McDaniel's clever, but Greg, every time I watch him, I'm like, there's no there there. They're pretty, they're fun. I what do you, when you look at the offense, what do you see?

Greg Cosell (26:20)

And I'm just going to give you my interpretation of the tape. I'm not suggesting I know any more than Mike McDaniel does. He certainly knows more than I do. But my interpretation, watching their offense is I feel like they throw the ball too much. 2 is average in the games he has started this year. Colin, he's averaging 40 drop backs, perhaps per game. Now, to me, given that he's a pocket quarterback and not a creator, to me that's an awful lot. And that's too much for a couple of reasons. Number one, I don't think their offensive line is good enough to handle that. Secondly, they've kind of moved away from having a, a sort of foundational, conventional run game. Everything to me when I watch them is geared toward getting on the perimeter with their speed. And there's no question they have a lot of speed, but I always feel like that they should line up and run the ball. Think about the Rams. We know how good they can be in the pass game, but they line up and they give the ball to Kyron Williams, who, by the way, is not a top two or three back in the league in terms of physical traits, but they line up and they run the ball and they generate and sustain offense. And I feel like that the Dolphins need to line up and run the ball. But one can make the argument they don't really have that kind of back. So it'll be interesting to see what they do this offseason. But to me, 40 drop backs a game for Tua, who's a pure timing and rhythm player. That's what he is and he's really good at it, but that's what he is. That to me is too many dropbacks.

Colin Cowherd (27:42)

Okay, before I get to the Buffalo Bills a lot because I think right now there's an argument Philly and Buffalo are the two best teams. I want to talk about Michael Penix. So this doesn't happen very often, but last year's quarterback class was so good. Caleb, as you've noted, is a raw, unique talent. Jaden works, Bo's working. McCarthy had a very good preseason. Drake May's gotten much better. I don't know if he's getting great coaching. I think he's gotten much better. And then there's Michael Pennix. So I like Pennix. I thought Pennix was a bigger, stronger tua. That's what I looked at him, a bigger, stronger two. So he's going to play now for Atlanta and they still, they're only one back at Tampa and they beat him two times now. So if they get tied, they got to win all three games.

Greg Cosell (28:29)

Sure.

Colin Cowherd (28:29)

What should we expect? Let's go back to your. You're very good at this. Your. What did you see coming into the league? Strength, weakness. Pennix. What are we going to see?

Greg Cosell (28:39)

Yeah, I like Michael Penix coming out. But you know, the TUA comparison is very interesting because he is a timing, rhythm player and that's what he did in college under Ryan Grubb, who's now the. The coordinator for the Seahawks. But Tua, to me, the strength of his, excuse me, Pennix, the strength of his game is the fact that he would drop back, get the ball out. And he had really good ball location. He was pretty consistent with it. Yes. He knew where to go with the ball. You know, he does have a little bit of a low delivery at times and we'll see how that plays out once he becomes a starter. But for the most part I thought that Penix was a really good prospect. Now he's not immobile, but he's going to be at his core a pocket player. Yes, but the difference is, with it, the difference is, and you can see the evaluation the difference is, and this is just part of it obviously, as you know, because I send you a lot of my evaluations, you know how detailed they are. But, but is there a running football team? They run over 60% with Bijan on first down and they're playing the Giants this week and they're going to run the ball. So barring anything strange happening in this game, Penix is not going to have 40 drop backs. They'd be thrilled in my opinion, this week playing the Giants if Penix goes, you know, 18 for 26 for 205 yards and a touchdown and doesn't turn it over. I don't think that this is necessarily a Michael Penix game in the way they're going to approach it. They've got Robinson, they've got Algiers, they're a running football team. And Bijan Robinson for whatever reason does not get talked about enough because he is truly a, a high level traits back in this league.

Colin Cowherd (30:12)

Okay, let's talk about a Super bowl team potentially in Buffalo. Sean McDermott's a very capable coach. He's a defensive minded guy. He's got a lot of toughness and grit and they draft well. Their defense right now, Matt Stafford, it was a 7 on 7 drill and I'm watching Detroit and Detroit's doing in that second half kind of whatever they want to do. What is, what is wrong with Buffalo's defense?

Greg Cosell (30:38)

Yeah, that's a concern. They're not really generating pass rush pressure with their down four and they're not necessarily a big blitz team. They started to blitz a little more in the second half this week against Detroit because they had to. They were not generating any pressure and they predominantly play zone coverage and they were missing some players on the back end due to injury. They were missing both safeties in this game, both of their starting safeties, and then they had to go to safety even beyond that due to injury. So. And they were missing Rasul Douglas one of their corners. So they're lacking people right now. But it starts with if you're going to play zone. Think of it this way, if you're going to play zone and you're only going to rush four, you need your four man D line pass rush to be a factor. It's not about sacks, but you need to speed up the quarterback and they've been unable to do that. And for two weeks their zone coverage has really, really struggled. Now we know Josh Allen's been phenomenal, but you can't when you get to the big games in the playoffs, you're not going to put up 45 every week. That's not going to happen. You.

Colin Cowherd (31:41)

You have been a huge fan. In fact, back in 2021, you had a column. You said Josh was the most intriguing quarterback you had watched in 45 years of watching film. You said, the ball coming out of his hands is otherworldly. I said, I thought the most talented quarterback I ever saw in my life was John Elway. And I said. I said a couple weeks ago, Josh Allen makes Elway look small and lumbering. He's just. It just doesn't. Again, you. You sent me out of college. You're like, you and Mel Kuyper were both like, if this thing works, it's going to be. I mean, I watched him at Wyoming. He was reckless and wild. Is he more talented than Mahomes? But Mahomes has the trophy.

Greg Cosell (32:26)

Is he more talented in terms of pure physical traits? Yes. Don't forget, he's 6'5 240. That's a trait. It's funny because in that column I wrote in 2021, When I was actually Peter King and asked me to write his column in the summer, and I did, and it was 2021, so he hadn't really become Josh Allen yet, in a strict way. And I said that he was the most physically gifted quarterback in the league and maybe one of the most physically gifted I'd seen seen, which was different at the time from saying he was the best. But of course, that's how people took it. But I wasn't saying that. Now. You can always debate whether the guy's the best or not. Those are fun debates, but, you know, you're dealing with a guy that's 6 5, 240 pounds. That is a big, big man. I've been fortunate enough to stand next to him and watch him throw a ball where I was literally standing right next to him. And it just comes out of his hand differently, Colin. I mean, this guy's a little different animal. So, again, we'll see what happens if their defense doesn't get shored up. Well, you know, that could be a big problem. It's tough to put up 40, 45 when you get to the playoffs. You know, things are different. We'll see. But he is really playing at a high level. And I think one of the most important things to me, we know he can make those special plays. We know that he could always do that. I think he's playing with a far better sense of poise and rhythm from the pocket than he ever has. And that's absolutely critical.

Colin Cowherd (33:46)

So the play, the 33 yarder is your play of the week. Fire away.

Greg Cosell (33:51)

Yeah, yeah. Now, this play was 33 yards to Ty Johnson. It was the second play of the game. So let's take a look at it. And the fact that it was the second play of the game means that it was game planned. So that's the important point here. This was game plan. They were playing against a Lions defense that was lacking starting players. So they were playing backups. So particularly at the linebacker position. So what they did on the second play of the game is they lined up in what we call 12 personnel, meaning they had one back and two tight ends. And they knew based on that what they would get from the defense. Okay, you're going to see Allen, he's in the gun. And by the way, they do put him under center a decent amount. But there's two stacked backers here and they're both backup players, by the way, and they knew that. So what they wanted to do here, this was the design of the play. They wanted Ty Johnson in the back to work against Alexander, a linebacker who's only been there for a couple of weeks. So how did they create this matchup? Well, they took Shakir and they would put him in what we call orbit motion. And that caused a switch in the coverage. You can see that they changed coverage. They moved inside. So now you have Cooper matched on Arnold and you're going to have Branch who's going to run with Shakir moving inside. So that's what they knew would happen. Those two things were all part of the plan. And don't forget, when something's the second play of the game, they know this is going to happen. And then they took the center and they actually pulled him, even though it's a pass play. And that has an impact on Alexander because now that's eye candy. He's looking inside and he's seeing the center. So he's waiting there. So now you're seeing how this whole thing is going to develop. You're going to get Cooper running against Arnold on the outside. He's going to remove him. He's going to lift him by running vertically. And then what do you get? You get Johnson, who worked through the line of scrimmage and he's working against the linebacker, Alexander, the matchup that they wanted, creating all that space with the whole the mechanics of the play and you get the back on the linebacker, one on one. And Colin, this is what I was talking about with throwing the ball from the pocket. Yep, this is a beautiful throw. It's a schemed play. Second play of the game. You couldn't place this ball any better. You couldn't hand it to him any better than that throw. And I think that's the area where Josh Allen has so significantly improved is he makes these throws now, whereas when he first came in the league, as you and I know, he would throw that ball 10 yards over the receiver's head. Now he makes those throws from the pocket.

Colin Cowherd (36:25)

Greg Cosell 45 years, NFL Films as always, Greg, Happy holidays. Good seeing you. One more herd the herd streams 24 hours a day, seven days a week within the iHeartRadio app. Search her to listen live or on demand whenever you'd like. If you're looking to set the standard in athletic clothing and activewear apparel for performance, look no further than Vori Vuori integrates the best of fitness, the best of surf, sport and art. Two of my personal favorites. The Men's Core Short. It's the most comfortable, lined athletic short you'll find. And the Men's Sunday Performance Jogger Perfect for lounging or any work activity. Vuori has the women covered as well with their Women's Performance Jogger. It's the softest jogger you'll ever own. Also check out the Women's Daily Legging, featuring a high waist drawstring tie, an upgraded no slip fit. Incredibly versatile. Plenty of new colors just came in, but hurry, get them while you can't. 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Hey, y'all know the Aflac commercials, right? With the famous Duck and the coaches? Great commercials. But did you know that Aflac is a leader in supplemental insurance? That's what the Duck is quacking about. Helping cover gaps. So, like, this is how I think of Aflac. Let's say you have an All Pro linebacker. Anytime there's a gap in the defensive line, you know he's going to fill it, no problem because he's an All Pro. Aflac does the same thing. If there's a gap in your health insurance, Aflac wants to better protect you by helping close the gap. You're sick, you're injured. Aflac can pay cash to help fill the gaps your health insurance can leave behind. You can use the cash, put it towards whatever you need. Rent, mortgage payments, medical bills. It's completely up to you. Look, life can be tough. Fortunately, Aflac is tougher. I mean, we're talking middle linebacker tough. 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On JLab.com find your perfect pair of headphones. Look for the JLab Blue Box at retailers everywhere or visit JLab.com to upgrade your sound and style Today, the Herd's brought to you by Grainger. Everyone has been in this situation. Well, maybe not everybody, but maintenance specialists certainly have. You're halfway through the season when an air blower belt in the furnace suffers a major tear and the whole thing goes down for the count. The furnace has been going for so many seasons, you don't have A replacement belt on hand. In fact, you're not sure if anyone does. What's your play? Easy. You call granger with over 1 million industrial products and supplies. Their depth chart off the charts. And with fast, dependable delivery, you can get the belt you need when you need it. So your furnace can get back in the game. Call 1-800-granger. Click granger.com or just stop by a local branch. Okay, so a lot of people talk, but what do your actions lead me to believe? So J. Mac is a Chiefs hater. He's very critical of the Chiefs. But I thought today we would take the 14 playoff quarterbacks if the playoffs started today. Now, some may get bumped out, not many. It's getting closer and closer. When Denver beats the Colts, you're getting closer and closer. If the Chargers beat Denver tonight, I kind of feel like the AFC is locked in. So these are the 14 quarterbacks. So a playoff game tomorrow in order. I'll let you start. You're very critical of Mahomes. I believe the word you use is lucky.

Jason McIntyre (42:01)

So generous.

Colin Cowherd (42:01)

So you we gonna go in the quarterbacks available? We're doing a quarterback draft for playoff success. You go first. Who would you take out of all these great quarterbacks?

Jason McIntyre (42:12)

Well, that's so kind of you. What? You're in the holiday spirit?

Colin Cowherd (42:14)

No, I'm gonna put you to the test because I would take Mahomes without even blinking the guy at 1. He's 15 and 3.

Jason McIntyre (42:22)

I don't care about 15. 3. I care about this year.

Colin Cowherd (42:24)

Okay, go ahead.

Jason McIntyre (42:25)

You pick number one pick in the quarterback draft. Jason McIntyre selects Josh Allen, quarterback of the Buffalo Bills. Who's been the best quarterback by a mile this season in the league? I mean, I. I've got a bunch of stats by the way, to win the MVP. He's minus 900. Okay, you betting that 900 bucks to win 100? I know the playoffs, he has not historically been awesome, but who cares? I'm talking about this year and this Buffalo offense. Colin with Cook Kincaid, Keon Coleman's back. They got so many weapons. And Josh Allen is the ultimate chess piece. He's the number one pick, hands down.

Colin Cowherd (42:59)

Yeah, I'm going to take the guy who's 15 and 3 and is the greatest quarterback postseason record wise we've ever seen. So far, I'm going to take Patrick Mahomes in 18 career playoff games, four 36 touchdowns, only nine turnovers. And again, that's against playing like against Belichick and Buffalo. I'm going to go Mahomes this is.

Jason McIntyre (43:23)

Tough because I really like Lamar Jackson a lot. But with the second pick in the draft, I'm going with Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles. I think they're, we're headed toward a Bills Eagles Super Bowl. So I get both quarterbacks that are going to be in the super bowl this year. Now listen, Hertz has been up and down a little bit, obviously. Saquon, you know, up and down. I just looked at the Eagles injury report for this week. It ain't great, but we're talking about the playoffs. Eagles still could get the number one seed in the buy. They could overtake Detroit. Chances are slim, but it could happen. And I just love everything about Jalen. Hurts running, passing. A.J. brown, healthy.

Colin Cowherd (44:01)

I'm going to take Matt Stafford, who's on an absolute heater. 10 touchdowns, no turnovers last five games. And the fact that the offensive line is healthy. The Kyron Williams, Puka Nukua, Cooper Cup, Sean McVeigh. I'm taking Matt Stafford. I have Patrick Mahomes and Matt Stafford. Of our last three Super Bowls, those are the three quarterbacks that have won all the Super Bowls. I'll have Mahomes and Stafford. By the way, we're taking our time on this, but that's my second. So we got four of them off the board. Who's number five?

Jason McIntyre (44:32)

Boy, you're living in the past number five. This feels almost too, too easy. I gotta go. Lamar Jackson, who's the second best quarterback in the league this year after Josh Allen. Again, I know the historic playoff issues with Lamar. I'm thinking this year, this is a this year draft. Lamar's been fantastic. Ravens are going to be live, trust me. I think I, I talked to some people. It sounds like this whole Derrick Henry struggling. They're saving Henry. Lamar hasn't really been unlocked running the ball a lot. I would not shock me if the Ravens are in the AFC championship.

Colin Cowherd (45:00)

I'll take Jordan Love, who again, excellent O line, multiple weapons, one of the healthier teams in the league. 4th most passing touchdowns in the NFL the last two years with missing a month because of injuries. I think Jordan loves, got a great coach, got a power run game, has the best collection of young tight end receiver talent. I'd take Jordan Love.

Jason McIntyre (45:24)

So I want to, I want to steal your guy, Bo Nix. But, but, but there's no way on earth I could draft him this high. I'm going to go a little bit, a little. Let's get a little crazy. Let's go with Baker Mayfield again this year. Baker Lights out. Remember, Godwin got hurt. Everybody sold their buck stock. Holy cow. Baker Mayfield's been tremendous with Mike Evans, that three headed running back game. Even the tight end Kate Otten showed well. Yeah, listen, I, I know it's not.

Colin Cowherd (45:48)

Going to be popular.

Jason McIntyre (45:49)

You guys can laugh all you want, but the way Baker's playing right now, I think Tampa is going to be dangerous in the nfc.

Colin Cowherd (45:54)

I'm going to take Jared Goff with that great offensive line. Listen, Goff has played a lot of playoff games. Eight and he's 500. So he has played eight playoff games. I think that experience matters. I like Darnold. He's never had a playoff start and they led the Rams not only to a Super bowl, he lost to the Patriots. I think golf is overlooked. The fact that you take Baker over Goff in a playoff game. Interesting. So we got nine guys off the board.

Jason McIntyre (46:20)

Eight or nine guys, you know, who won head to head this year right in that game. Listen, I love Justin Herbert as much as the next guy. I don't know about their chances. If they lose this weekend they're gonna be facing the Bills or Chiefs in the first round. That's a loss. So I am gonna go a little surprise here and go with Sam Darnold. Sliggin Sammy D. Only because I think the Vikings are gonna have a shot in the NFC and I think Darnold can make a run. Colin, this kid is lights out indoors. You know, we'll see what happens when he goes outdoor.

Greg Cosell (46:50)

Scores.

Jason McIntyre (46:50)

But I like everything I've seen from Darnold. I saw some people saying, hey, fringe MVP votes. Is he going to be the most sought after quarterback in free agency? Yeah, it's all because he's been awesome this year.

Colin Cowherd (46:59)

I'll take Justin Herbert who has gone 11 straight games at one point this year without an interception. I think the loss of J.K. dobbins has hurt him significantly. But you're talking about, I mean, let's be honest. We both think He's a top six quarterback in the league. And we're 10 quarterbacks into this thing.

Jason McIntyre (47:15)

It's a steal.

Colin Cowherd (47:15)

I get Harbaugh, Slater at left tackle. I tend to think lad McConkey is pretty special. By the way, Hayden Hurst activated tonight. Good tight end. I'll take the Chargers tonight to win and I'll take Justin Herbert.

Jason McIntyre (47:28)

Yeah, that may be a whiff by me on that one. I'll go Jaden Daniels, Washington. I like this kid. I, I know they kind of play with their food against the Saints, but man, this Kid comes out strong start to games. Look what they've been doing first quarter recently. Jaden Daniels would be my guy there next up on the board.

Colin Cowherd (47:43)

I would take CJ Stroud. Again, not a lot of playoff. You know, he's one in one career in the playoffs, so he's been there before. Bo Nicks hasn't. I think C.J. stroud's good. It's a hard team for me to figure out. They beat the Bills earlier this season there. They dominated the Dolphins. I never know quite what I'm getting, but I would take CJ Stroud.

Jason McIntyre (48:03)

My final pick. I believe we're down to. I only see two names here and I'm going to have to go with my doppelganger, Russell Wilson. Yes. Listen, once he gets Pickens back and it looks like Pickens is slaves to play, this is a dangerous Russell Wilson. Him and Arthur Smith really vibing. They just need Pickens and to invigorate the deep ball. I'll go Russell Wilson with my final take.

Colin Cowherd (48:25)

I'll take Bo Nix. And something interesting about Bo Nix that doesn't get discussed. Do you know how he has the sixth most rushing attempts this year? He runs a lot and he's. He's really up a quick, twitchy, athletic kid. So. And. And again, Sean Payton is part of the reason I like him. So let's look at J Max picks and my picks and see. See who got the better crop of quarterbacks. Obviously I get Mahomes, so I feel pretty good about that.

Jason McIntyre (48:53)

Yeah, I feel pretty great having Josh Allen.

Colin Cowherd (48:55)

I get the Mahomes, Stafford, Love, Goff, Herbert Stroud, Bo Nicks.

Jason McIntyre (49:00)

You know what would make this interesting is one of the producers said, why don't we take Cali playoff victories? You just see at the end of the postseason how things stack up. I have a feeling I am.

Colin Cowherd (49:10)

I only surprise here that you went Jalen hurts your second quarterback.

Jason McIntyre (49:17)

What do you mean?

Colin Cowherd (49:18)

Eagles.

Jason McIntyre (49:18)

You had them. Didn't you have them number one?

Colin Cowherd (49:20)

No, no. On the hurt hierarchy, I. I like them. But if they win in the playoffs, SAQUON Barkley and A.J. brown, in my opinion, will have to be substantial.

Jason McIntyre (49:32)

You know who gets in the ball, right? Jalen hurts, hands it off to them and throws it to them. He's the. He's the guy down on Jalen we all love.

Colin Cowherd (49:42)

I can't believe I got Justin Herbert as the 10th quarterback taken.

Jason McIntyre (49:46)

Well, and he's gonna have Dobbins at that point. But by the way, on Stafford, they might not even make the playoffs. And you took him second.

Colin Cowherd (49:54)

I think he's pretty good.

Jason McIntyre (49:55)

If the jets beat him, this my.

Colin Cowherd (49:56)

Sources are telling me Matt Stafford is good.

Jason McIntyre (49:59)

Breaking impeccable sources.

Colin Cowherd (50:01)

What's up, everybody? Ad Nan Ver here to tell you about a new podcast. It's NHL Unscripted with Virk and Demers. Jason Emers here. And after playing 700 NHL games, I got a lot of dirty laundry to air out.

Jason McIntyre (50:12)

I got a lot to say here, too.

Colin Cowherd (50:13)

Okay, Each week we'll get together to chat about the sport that we love.

Greg Cosell (50:16)

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.

Colin Cowherd (50:22)

And Anad's favorite wrestling.

Greg Cosell (50:24)

It's all on le table.

Colin Cowherd (50:26)

Listen to NHL Unscripted with Virk and Demers, the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. What's up, y'all? So, on a recent episode of Questlove supreme, my co hosts Mpe Bill and.

Greg Cosell (50:38)

Sugar Steve and I sat down with the king at Rock of the Beastie Boys.

Colin Cowherd (50:42)

We talked about the early days of the Beasties singing for records around the globe.

Greg Cosell (50:46)

And now he makes music these days.

Colin Cowherd (50:47)

In a cabin in the mountains. Oh, and this jewel.

Jason McIntyre (50:50)

I was trying to start a band in the 90s called the Nasal Tongues. Me and Q Tip and MC Milk.

Colin Cowherd (50:57)

Listen to Questlove supreme on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, 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.

Greg Cosell (51:20)

Joined by the sharp voices of the.

Colin Cowherd (51:22)

Show'S correspondents and contributors, and with extended.

Greg Cosell (51:25)

Interviews and exclusive weekly headline roundups, this.

Colin Cowherd (51:29)

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. What's up, everyone? It's Justin Pennik from John Boy Media, the host of the Football Today podcast with Bobby Skinner and Chris Rose. We roll three times a week, on Mondays, on Wednesdays, on Fridays, breaking down everything you need to know about the NFL. We're gearing up for the NFL playoffs. I hope you can join us. Join in with us three times a week. Listen to Football Today on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast and you will be glad you did.