Best of The Herd

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Best of The Herd" – The Herd with Colin Cowherd Release Date: August 13, 2025
Host: Colin Cowherd
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

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1. Introduction to the Episode

In this special "Best of The Herd" episode, Colin Cowherd revisits some of the most compelling discussions and analyses from previous broadcasts. The episode delves deep into NFL dynamics, with a particular focus on the Cleveland Browns, quarterback performances, and the concept of dynasties in professional sports.

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2. Cleveland Browns Quarterback Analysis

Colin opens the episode with a critical examination of the Cleveland Browns' rookie quarterbacks, referencing Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades for preseason performances.

Colin Cowherd [06:00]: "Jackson Dart was good. Jalen Milroe, Cam Ward struggled. Tyler Schuck and Quinn yours were bad."

He highlights Shador Sanders as the standout quarterback despite critiques of his on-field maturity and the quality of the receiving corps.

Colin Cowherd [06:30]: "Shador Sanders may have had a famous dad, but basically he went to a trade school and J.J. McCarthy got a liberal arts degree. One looks really impressive on a resume, the other actually gets you ready for the workforce."

Cowherd praises Sanders for his performance, noting his adaptability despite being paired with a largely undrafted receiving team.

Colin Cowherd [07:10]: "Shador Sanders, a fifth-round quarterback, can have two of them, but he is clearly comfortable being uncomfortable throwing to a bunch of no-name guys."

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3. NFL Dynasties: Past and Present

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing what constitutes a dynasty in the NFL, comparing iconic teams like the New England Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs to current franchises.

Colin Cowherd [07:43]: "New England blew everybody out of the water. They had like you know, it felt like two different dynasties, early and late, but in the middle, they went 10 years and didn't get a trophy."

He argues that the concept of a dynasty is evolving, emphasizing that enduring success is now more challenging due to increased competition and excellent coaching across divisions.

Colin Cowherd [11:50]: "But the truth is, Mahomes' coach is 67, and I love Andy, but the chance of him lasting six to seven more years physically is probably very small."

Cowherd questions the sustainability of current dynasties, citing age and team composition as potential limiting factors.

Colin Cowherd [13:03]: "You’re not going to do another 20-year dynasty. It's just not going to happen with the division that good by Brady was."

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4. NFL Season Predictions and Team Evaluations

Colin transitions into his annual NFL predictions, offering a detailed breakdown of each division’s prospects across the AFC and NFC.

AFC East:

• Bills to win the division.

• Patriots as the most improved team, projected to secure a wild card spot.

  Colin Cowherd [20:34]: "Bills are going to win it. Patriots are my most improved team in the NFL."

AFC North:

• Cincinnati Bengals remain strong with Joe Burrows' promising camp.

• Baltimore Ravens are lauded as the best operation in the sport.

  Colin Cowherd [21:00]: "Ravens are the best operation arguably in the sport."

AFC West:

• Kansas City Chiefs, despite challenges, are expected to remain competitive.
• Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers receive mixed reviews based on offensive line concerns and player health.

NFC East:

• Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders are favored, while the Dallas Cowboys receive skepticism about their staff and performance.

NFC North:

• Green Bay Packers gain confidence despite Jordan Love's injuries.

• Detroit Lions are moved to second place due to roster strength.

  Colin Cowherd [22:30]: "Green Bay seems more promising as they work through their first-round picks."

NFC South:

• Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints are identified as potential playoff contenders, with specific concerns about team injuries and quarterback performance.

Throughout his predictions, Cowherd emphasizes the impact of coaching, player health, and strategic acquisitions on team success.

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5. Interview with Tony Grossi: Cleveland Browns Ownership and Future

A highlight of the episode is an interview with Tony Grossi, a renowned Cleveland sports journalist, providing insider perspectives on the Browns' ownership and quarterback strategy.

Ownership Critique: Grossi discusses Jimmy Haslam's tenure as owner, acknowledging his initial hardships but noting signs of maturation.

Tony Grossi [33:20]: "The Haslam family and the record has been awful. But he is maturing as an owner."

He emphasizes the stability brought by Coach Kevin Stefanski and GM Andrew Berry, who have been pivotal in evolving the team.

Tony Grossi [34:13]: "They've outlasted any other combination under the Haslam ownership."

Quarterback Depth Chart: Grossi addresses the Browns' decision to maintain four quarterbacks, citing the absence of opportunities to trade or discharge certain players.

Tony Grossi [37:34]: "I think it's very possible... they can keep four quarterbacks on the 53 and accommodate the positions that they sacrifice then on the practice squad."

Personality and Leadership: Discussing Shador Sanders' demeanor, Grossi defends his playful personality as an asset rather than a liability.

Tony Grossi [39:53]: "You cannot leave a conversation with Shador without smiling. He is a very positive and playful guy."

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6. Concluding Thoughts on Team Development and Future Prospects

Wrapping up the discussions, both Colin and Grossi reflect on the future of the Browns and broader NFL trends. The conversation underscores the importance of player development, strategic management, and leadership stability in achieving sustained success.

Tony Grossi [42:45]: "I don't have any doubt that the scenario you're describing will not be the end of this partnership."

Cowherd expresses cautious optimism about the Browns' trajectory, acknowledging the challenges but also the potential for growth under current management.

Colin Cowherd [43:24]: "It's been a tough journey, but with the right moves, the Browns can turn things around."

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7. Final Remarks

Colin wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to stay informed and engaged with his expert analyses, reinforcing the podcast's commitment to providing in-depth sports coverage.

Colin Cowherd [43:31]: "Of course. Gotta support those radio guys. See you tomorrow."

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Notable Quotes:

• Colin Cowherd [07:43]: "New England blew everybody out of the water... they went 10 years and didn't get a trophy."
• Tony Grossi [33:20]: "The Haslam family and the record has been awful. But he is maturing as an owner."
• Colin Cowherd [20:34]: "Bills are going to win it. Patriots are my most improved team in the NFL."

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Conclusion

"Best of The Herd" offers listeners a comprehensive look back at some of the most insightful NFL discussions, particularly focusing on the Cleveland Browns' strategic decisions and the broader landscape of NFL dynasties. With expert analysis from both Colin Cowherd and Tony Grossi, the episode provides valuable perspectives for sports enthusiasts keen on understanding the intricate dynamics of professional football.

Transcript

[Angela Rye]

This is an iHeart podcast.

[Colin Cowherd]

American public.

[Unknown]

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[Colin Cowherd]

About truth when the lies More Entertaining welcome home.

[Angela Rye]

I'm Angela Rye, co host of the Native Lampod with Andrew Gillum and Tiffany Cross and we want y' all to survive and thrive in this political moment.

[Tiffany Cross]

We're having the same debates that American households are having all over the country.

[Angela Rye]

I am terrified that in our rest we're going to miss the moment.

[Andrew Gillum]

You want me to stop resting? What specifically are you asking me to do? Stay informed and take action.

[Tiffany Cross]

Listen to Native Land pod on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Jake Hofer]

I'm Jake Hofer and this is back 40, a limited series show on Wire to Hunt, part of Meat Eaters Podcast Network. Each episode I'll be asking eight whitetail hunting pros a focused, thought provoking question about hunting and land management. How do I hunt the best part of the farm with less than ideal access?

[John Lithgow]

Should you? That's what the real question is. Stand without good access is not a good stand.

[Jake Hofer]

Listen to Back 40 on iHeartRadio app, Apple podcast or wherever you get your podcast.

[John Lithgow]

Hello, I'm John Lithgow.

[Colin Cowherd]

We choose to go to the moon.

[John Lithgow]

I want to tell you about my new fiction podcast.

[Tony Grossi]

That's one small step for About Buzz.

[John Lithgow]

Aldrin, one of the true pioneers of space.

[Colin Cowherd]

You're a great pilot, Buzz.

[John Lithgow]

That's the story you think you know. This is the story you don't. Buzz starring me, John Lithgow on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Colin Cowherd]

Thanks for listening to the Best of the Heard podcast. Be sure to catch us live every weekday on Fox Sports radio at noon to 3 Eastern, 9am to noon Pacific. Find your local station for the [e-mail] or stream us live every day on the iHeartRadio app by searching Fox Sports Radio or FSR. This is the Best of the Herd with Colin Cowher On Fox Sports Radio. Here we go. It is Wednesday lot going on. We are live. It is the herd. And wherever you may be and however you may be listening, always appreciate you making us part of your day. A lot of choices out there, but fun today. Tony Grossi, who was, I mean let's be honest, virtually attacked by Shador Sanders after that season game. Tony Grossi has the courage to not only go back on the air in Cleveland, he'll come on our show today. I'm here to defend America's journalist Tony Grossi, calling it like he sees it. Hey, listen, these talk show hosts, you got to defend them. Yeah, you basically need a bodyguard at this point. I mean, goodness, if you were to go to the Cowboys with a backward hat saga. Yeah, a lot of drama. So it is interesting, interesting when I show up for work in the morning, what's on my desk? And this was interesting. It was the, the, the, the, the PFF grades for preseason week one rookie quarterbacks. Oh, look, Shador Sanders, according to pff, easily the highest graded quarterback. Jackson Dart was good. Jalen Milroe, Cam Ward struggled. Tyler Schuck and Quinn, yours were bad. This is, by the way, exactly what you saw. This is what we would have all guessed, right. Jackson Dart better than I thought. Shador looked like he did in college. But here's the other thing, because I've said this all week, I think he needs to grow up and maybe he never will. But you could argue of all the rookie quarterbacks, he was throwing to the weakest receiving core. This morning I went and found the 10 guys who made a catch for the Cleveland Browns in this game. Eight are undrafted. One of them is Sal Canela, who honestly is my favorite Sopranos character ever. One of them is Toa Tua. Jamari Thrash. Now I remember James Thrash. No relation to Jamari Thrash. Gage Larva Dan. Larva Dan I thought was a headache medication. The point being is 8 of the 10 are undrafted and this is what he did. With the exception of Travis Hunter, this is what he did at Colorado. He had to outscore teams. He had to carry a team. You mean Colorado had the 42nd best defense. His biggest win at Colorado was arguably TCU 45, 42 shootout or something like that. He also had the worst rushing offense in college football. Not bad. The worst 134 FBS battle line. It was always on Shador Sanders. And when I looked at that receiving card this morning, I went, this is Colorado all over again. That basically he's having to carry it by the Way. This is the opposite of J.J. mcCarthy's experience. When he was at Michigan, they had the number one defense, never had to win by shootout. He had the number five FBS run game, could rely on others throwing on play action. Yeah, Snoop didn't get a throw on play action because no linebacker bit on Colorado's run game and the offensive line couldn't block it anyway. So what it says is JJ McCarthy had a very comfortable college experience and he has struggled kind of finding his groove. Right. And building his confidence because how could he. When you go to school, you know, it's the old trust fund kid. I've met trust fund kids before. Never that impressive. There's no grit to them. Shador Sanders may have had a famous dad, but basically he went to a trade school and J.J. mcCarthy got a liberal arts degree. One looks really impressive on a resume, the other actually gets you ready for the workforce. And so when I look at Shador in that receiving core, in that PFF grade, yes, he needs to grow up. There's no question Miles Garrett got a speeding ticket. He can. He's arguably the best player in football. Shador Sanders, a fifth round quarterback, can have two of them, but he is clearly comfortable being uncomfortable throwing to a bunch of no name guys. One guy played at Scottsdale Community College, so he's fourth. Remarkably, he's fourth on the Browns quarterback depth chart, but number one on PFF's rookie opening week quarterback performance. I don't know. Here's Kevin Stefanski on all Cleveland quarterbacks.

[John Lithgow]

It's an all encompassing evaluation. Obviously, I know, you know, week one is coming and we'll make a decision there, but we're very, very obsessed with player development and the development of our, of our quarterbacks. So that's really been something that we've worked hard at. Whether it's reps in practice or the meeting rooms or the walkthroughs, we want to make sure that we're doing everything in our power to get these guys better.

[Colin Cowherd]

For the record, Shadour Sanders today injured his oblique at practice. He may or may not in the next game. Cleveland's quarterbacks are all banged up, so he's the latest. Apparently this comes down from Ian Rapaport. He got banged up in practice today. So we'll, we'll see what transpires. So the other part of the best football dynasty of my life was New England, Kansas City, the Niners, Bill Walsh, Montana was pretty special. Jimmy and the Cowboys was certainly memorable. New England blew everybody out of the water. They had like you know, it felt like two different dynasties, early and late, but in the middle, they went 10 years and didn't get a trophy. It does not mean they were bad. During that time, they got to five NFC championships and won eight division titles. Those were in the years. And Brady and Moss shattered NFL records. Those were in the years they didn't win the Super Bowl. So when everybody, myself included, says the dynasty is over in Kansas City starting this year, it doesn't mean they're not going to be great. It doesn't mean they won't get to another Super Bowl. It doesn't mean. It doesn't mean winning is over. But they only hoist one. And Mahomes is older and more expensive. There is one Travis Kelce, and he's probably in his last year. Chris Jones isn't getting any younger. And the truth is, Mahomes coach is 67, and I love Andy, but the chance of him lasting six to seven more years physically is probably very small. The other thing is, when Brady was dominating his division, the jets were a circus. Very briefly, Rex Ryan got it together and beat them. Not a great team, but the Rex Ryan team beat them. Miami's a perpetual average franchise. Never terrible. Not Carolina, where they're, you know, intermittently exceptional or awful. Miami's always kind of 8, 9, 9 and 8. That's just kind of what they feel like. Always interesting, never great. And then Buffalo at the time, I don't remember what it was, but it didn't. Didn't Brady go like 32 and three against Buffalo? I mean, he just dominated him until Josh Allen got there. But that's not what Kansas City's facing. And I talked about it this week, the reason LeBron was so dominant in the east wasn't that he was just great. It was that the east was terrible. I mean, even the. And it's been like that for 30 years. Go look at the NBA's Christmas schedule and opening day schedule. It's all Western teams, and it's been mostly like this forever, except when LeBron was there. So he was running through the Raptors and the. And the Pacers, and Nick Saban was dominating. When Tennessee couldn't get the coach right and Ole Miss couldn't get the coach right, and Georgia couldn't get the coach right. The minute Sark in Texas came into the conference and Georgia got Kirby Smart, the dynasty ended. By the way, Urban's dynasty ended when Nick Saban came into the sec. So dynasties just don't happen when you've got a stacked division because you're going to lose some close games. Last year The Chiefs were 11th in point differential, 11th in the league, 11th. So they dominated the margins and they deserve it. But now Bo Nix with Sean Payton is in year two and Herbert in Harbaugh is year two and the Raiders, Chip Kelly, Geno Smith, Pete Carroll, Max Crosby, Brock Bowers, that is a really good fourth place team. Ashton Genty could end up being. What are the odds on him being rookie of the year at running back? So my point is when you start looking at dynasties, LeBron dominating the East, Saban dominating the SEC, you know, I mean, for the record, the Dodgers with all that money have just dominated their division. But the San Francisco Giants have been down a lot of it and the Padres shouldn't be able to compete and haven't been able to beat them in the postseason because it's a much smaller market and market size matters in baseball. This is not a shot at Kansas City. It's the reality of now. You got hall of Fame coaches in the division. Pete Carroll, Sean Payton, Jim Harbaugh, now the one of one. Travis Kelsey probably has a year left. Chris Jones and Andy are not getting easier. And let's be honest about Mahomes. He's already got blown out in two Super Bowls. He's been blown out in two Super Bowls.

[Unknown]

Why?

[Colin Cowherd]

It's not because he's a bad quarterback. It's because they unraveled because the O line, which by the way is getting rebuilt for a third time, let him down. So you go look at Brady. Brady had the advantage over Mahomes because they both have great coaches and great ownership. Brady had an advantage. Everybody in his division was dysfunctional for a majority of his run. It wasn't until Josh Allen arrived at the very end. You're like, oh, oh, this is a challenge. This division's not. This division that Mahomes is in is the opposite of that. It's incredibly functional now. Peyton Harbaugh, Herbert, Bo Nix and the Raiders have the best coaching staff and star power. Fashion Genti is what we think and they've ever had. So Andy Reid, now, Andy Reid always says the right stuff. Was on with Kay Adams this week. Talking about people like myself who say the dynasty, part of their winning is.

[John Lithgow]

Over when it's all said and done, it's winning the game and we have winners and they figured it out. And so I was proud of him for that. And we don't listen to all the noise. I mean, you know, if you do that, you're going to go crazy then you're not going to have fun. Right?

[Colin Cowherd]

And it's been spun so far. So again the Patriots in the decade long they didn't win a Super Bowl. That's the Moss Brady Space5 5 AFC Championships, 8 division titles, set records. They were still great but it just. You're not going to do another 20 year dynasty. It's just not going to happen with the division that good by the Brady was. I was almost right. Brady was 30 and three against the bills. And by the way Mahomes is like 35 and five against his division. That's not going to remain the same of the next 40 games he's not winning 35. I'd be surprised if he won 30. And that's not a knock on Mahomes or Andy Reid. J. Mack Sometimes I read these stories. Wait that. Hold on. That Tom Brady Station 30 and three against the Bills were dysfunctional. The Dolphins are always average and the jets were mostly dysfunctional. And that's not a knock. But remember when years ago the Colts were in the Patriots division? Oh yeah. Had that move not transpired to remove them. He may only win half as many divisions if Peyton Manning in his primes in that division. So it's like Drew Brees and Sean Payton. It did help. They were in a dysfunctional division and LeBron was in the east and Saban nobody in the SEC. All the powerhouses, the Tennessee's, the Georgias, they couldn't get their coaches right. Auburn still trying to figure out who's the absolute next great coach there. So it's, it's. That's the reality of dynasties. Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio FS1 and the iHeartRadio app.

[Jake Hofer]

Hi, this is Jay. I'm the producer of the Paulie and Tony Fusco show. Usually in these promos they ask you to listen to the show. I'm here to ask you, please don't.

[Tony Grossi]

Listen to the show.

[Jake Hofer]

The hosts are two absolute morons who have the dumbest takes on sports imaginable. Don't listen to this show so it can get canceled. Whoa, whoa, whoa.

[Colin Cowherd]

What the hell are you doing in our studio? Get him, Paulie. Ignore that fool. Listen to the Paulie and Tony Fusco show on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcast. He's still moving.

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[Colin Cowherd]

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[Colin Cowherd]

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[Colin Cowherd]

Who cares about truth when the lies more entertaining.

[Angela Rye]

Hey everybody, I'm Angela Rai, co host of Native Lampa with Tiffany Cross And Andrew Gillum through the lens of politics and culture. We talk with you every week to make sense of this madness.

[Andrew Gillum]

I've been telling Angela I don't even know how to fight back right now. So what I'm focused on is just looking out for ourselves.

[Angela Rye]

That's the truth.

[Tiffany Cross]

We're having the same debates that American households are having all over the country.

[Angela Rye]

Rest is certainly a form of self care, but if you are watching your full neighbors starve, not be able to pay bills, your rest is selfish.

[Andrew Gillum]

But the thing is, Angela, this is not the mess we created. So I do understand black folks feeling like, you know what, y' all got it.

[Tiffany Cross]

We're like family, but we disagree all the time. And we love when our listeners chime in.

[Andrew Gillum]

What would happen if we built our own little Wakandan communities in the rural South?

[Colin Cowherd]

Tiffany, do not run to no rural South. I don't know what you're on.

[Andrew Gillum]

What our audience is asking is. Okay, fine. You want me to stop resting? What specifically are you asking me to do? Stay informed and take action.

[Tiffany Cross]

Listen to Native Land Pod on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Colin Cowherd]

Welcome home. Welcome home, y'. All. All right, here we go. It's hour two. The Herd, wherever you may be, however you may be listening, Brian Baldinger gonna be joining us from the Jetson Gian. They're having joint practices with the jets and the Giants. Both teams have some real talent on the defensive side. We don't know what transpires. A quarterback. So J. Mac likes one of them and has disdain for the other. Jackson Dart. Pretty promising. Justin Fields. We'll see. So, J. Mac, once the NFL season ends, I give myself four opportunities to make predictions for the following year. Last year, I went 4 for 4 in the AFC division champions, 2 for 4 in the NFC. I did get Washington was my surprise team in the NFL. Nailed it to make the playoffs. I predicted Denver was the easiest team to double their win total. I don't think they quite did, but they were much better. They made the playoffs. So I felt pretty good about last year. It's hard. You're not going 8 for 8. AFC is much easier than the NFC. But I do think now that you watch OTAs and rookie camp and you get consensus opinions from camps on what rookies are crushing, who's hurt, who's injured. So you ready to go?

[Jake Hofer]

Fire away, buddy.

[Colin Cowherd]

Here we go. This is my final big tweak. My NFL predictions. We start in the afc, and most of what I am Predicting will stay the same. AFC East. Bills are going to win it. Patriots are my most improved team in the NFL. Will be a wild card team. They've had a very good camp. Dolphins coming out now as we predicted. The culture, the accountability. Mike McDaniel saying it must improve. We said that and we got nothing. But you know what from Dolphin fans. The coach says it and everybody says, well of course the Jets. I just structurally I have no idea. They're fourth. We go to the AFC north, it's going to stay the same. Bengals Joe Burrows had a great camp. That's promising because they've been a slow starting team. Ravens are the best operation arguably in the sport. Steelers have not been impressive once again can't run the ball in camp or in the season. Cleveland's trying to get a number one pick next year. Shedeur is going to start Mark my word, probably finished fourth but they'll be an interesting fourth place team that stays the same. My first change, not a major one. I am going to move the Jags into the second spot. They've had a very good camp. Travis Hunter has been effective on both sides. Travis Trevor Lawrence has had a very good camp. Leon Coleman him are on the same page. Brian Thomas Year two and this has mostly been about the Titans who I think they have the quarterback and the coach for the future. But they've acknowledged both the quarterback and the coach are acknowledging the offense is struggling. They probably have the worst receiving core in the league. So I think Tennessee will be a fun watch and I really like Cam Ward but I Trevor Lawrence is healthy. Offensive coach between Brian Thomas and Travis Hunter in the camp they've upgraded their O line. I'm going to put them at second. Titans third, Colts fourth and AFC West. I am flipping the Broncos and the Chargers. Makai Becton is banged up. Rashawn Slater out for the year on the offensive line. Joel Alt is going to have to change positions. Offensive line, which was a concern is now once again a bigger concern than last year. They still also have a couple of receivers that are young that can't consistently catch. I I think all of these are legitimate concerns. Denver maybe has the best camp so far in the league. Every reporter that's been there wow. Also they picked up a running back, RJ Harvey in the second round. He's had a great camp. Sean Payton is raving about him. So I'm, I think Kansas City is a good team. I think they're not going to go 11 and oh in one score games. So Bills, Ravens, Texans, Broncos now Winning their divisions. Patriots, Bengals, Chiefs are playoff teams. Patriots, Bengals, new playoff teams. We go to the nfc. The east remains the same. Eagles, Commanders, Giants, Cowboys. I just don't think I I don't think the Cowboys are very good. I don't like the staff. I do think they'll be interesting. But that's an Eagles division. I know everybody says well it flip flops. I wouldn't be shocked if the Commanders won the division. But they've been noisy. Terry McLaurin holdout noisy, don't love that. But Jaden Daniels, in my opinion in the staff are too good to fall to third so that stays the same. NFC north major change Green Bay quiet camp I don't worry about Jordan Love's non throwing hand injury yesterday. The Lions, I'm dropping them to second. I think their roster and O line and quarterback and culture is too good not to be a playoff team in the nfc. Bears have been the noisiest camp. I don't trust it but I know more about the Bears than I knew J.J. mcCarthy and the Vikings. So I am taking the Bears from second to third, the Lions from first to second. And the more I look at Green Bay, they love their first round pick, the more I like the Packers. Do not worry about Jordan Love's non throwing hand. He will start week one and then in the NFC south it stays the same. You know, Falcons, Bucks are both teams capable of making the playoffs. I think the best quarterback in division is Baker Mayfield. It's a workable schedule. I love their gm. They can make a move at the trade deadline. Overall, the Saints are one of the worst teams. The Bucks are always feisty. Baker Mayfield playing with more maturity. I'm going to take them to win the division again. And then I have a change. The Rams have had a bumpy camp. Matt Stafford's not practicing. I know. And their left tackle, their best offensive lineman or second best. Alaric Jackson not practicing. Blood clots. Well, with an old quarterback in Matt Stafford. Yeah. I'm concerned that the left tackle again has blood clots and is not practicing. Rob Havenstein could be playing his last year at right tackle. So that worries me. It has been a bumpy, bumpy camp with a left tackle and a quarterback not practicing. I'm not saying not playing, not practicing. I'll move the Niners from fourth to third even though they've got massive wide receiver grouping injuries. And I'm going to put Seattle. This is my shocker. I think Seattle is going to win the division. Gray Zabel, that offensive lineman, their first pick has been a dog in practice. So the Eagles, Packers, Bucks and Seahawks are the division winners. Commanders Lions and Rams are the playoff teams. So it matters. I'm sorry if your quarterback who's old and your left tackle or not practicing, especially the left tackle issue. It worries me. And remember, of all the good teams in the league last year, go look at point differential for the Rams. Ravens blew a lot of people out. Bills blew a lot of people out. Lions blew a lot of people out. Eagles blew a lot of people out. Rams won a lot of close games. Left tackle not practicing. Stafford banged up bad back. It worries me. J Mac Quick thoughts on that. Oh my gosh. I have all these notes for your Patriots pick. They're not good. But then this Seahawks nonsense just has me totally rattled. I mean I'm shaking to the core. What are you doing, my friend? Colin Seahawks new offensive lineman, new offensive court. They've had a very, very, very, very good camp. Sam Darnold I'm Colin, I'm looking at their do you want to guess how many times they're favored in their first six games? I'm sorry. For six games they're favored once they're they're underdogs most of the how many times was Washington favored in their first six games last year? How many games? How many times was Bo Nick's favorite in his first eight games? Colin oh, this is a setback. Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific.

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[Colin Cowherd]

Who cares about truth when the lies more entertaining.

[Angela Rye]

Hey everybody, I'm Angela Rai, co host of Native Lampot with Tiffany Cross and Andrew Gillum. Through the lens of politics and culture, we talk with you every week to make sense of this madness.

[Andrew Gillum]

I've been telling Angela, I don't even know how to fight back right now. So what I'm focused on is just looking out for the truth.

[Tiffany Cross]

We're having the same debates that American households are having all over the country.

[Angela Rye]

Rest is certainly a form of self care, but if you are watching your full neighbors starve, not be able to pay bills, your rest is selfish.

[Andrew Gillum]

But the thing is, Angela, this is not the mess we created. So I do understand black folks feeling like, you know what, y' all got it.

[Tiffany Cross]

We're like family, but we disagree all the time. And we love when our listeners chime.

[Andrew Gillum]

In what would happen if we built our own little Wakandan communities in the rural South.

[Colin Cowherd]

Tiffany, do not Run to no rural South. I don't know what you're on.

[Andrew Gillum]

What our audience is asking is. Okay, fine. You want me to stop resting. What specifically are you asking me to do? Stay informed and take action.

[Tiffany Cross]

Listen to Native Land pod on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcast.

[Colin Cowherd]

Franchises are just not interesting. But there are two the Chicago Cubs for years and years and the Cleveland Browns that even when they're losing and dysfunctional, they're kind of fascinating. And I was joking with our next guest is I, I think I've outside of maybe the Patriots with Brady and the Chiefs with Mahomes, I talk more Cleveland Browns than almost any other NFL franchise. Maybe, maybe, maybe the Bills now over the last seven, eight years with Josh Allen. But Tony Gross, he's been covering this.

[Unknown]

Team and the NFL since the early 80s.

[Colin Cowherd]

Host of the Daily Grossi and former Plain Dealer, kind of a legendary Midwest newspaper. So Tony, first of all, you have endured for sure, that is. Let's start with Jimmy Haslam. So I've been very critical of Haslam where I think and I was of Jim Irsay. I think there's at any one time there are six great quarterbacks, six great left tackles and six great owners. There's a lot more impulsive, dysfunctional owners than fans realize is that you know Robert Kraft, but Jerry Jones has moved into sort of impulsive, odd category. I'm not a huge Haslam fan based on some things I've heard and seen. How is he viewed not by you, but by Cleveland fans. Is he viewed as part of the problem?

[Tony Grossi]

Well, the record speaks for itself. He's in his 13th season of owning the Browns, the Haslam family and the record has been awful. And he had a lot of growing pains early. I actually think he's maturing as an owner. You know, Kevin Stefanski, Andrew Berry partnership, the coach GM are now in their sixth season. They've outlasted any other combination under the half of ownership. And I think he's learned to be patient and trust his football people a lot more than previously. But he still has that reputation. And until they win, I mean they've never won a division title since they've been back as an expansion team. So the record, you know, precludes him. It's what he's known for. But I think he's maturing.

[Colin Cowherd]

Okay, listen, we all grow. So I said I thought Shador Sanders was underdrafted. Jackson Dart a little overdrafted. And I've been very, I have been very positive with Him. I thought he played great Friday. I think he's got maturity issues. I hated the legendary draft room nonsense. The speeding tickets drove me nuts. I did not love him. Coming up to you. So let's. Let's go to that moment. You're outspoken. You don't last as long as you do. You've got to be credible in the market. So what did you say that had him all riled up?

[Tony Grossi]

You know, I don't know if there's anything specific. It's just that since he arrived, I've treated him as just one of the 90 players. He's got these legion, these incredible legion of fans who think the Cleveland Browns season is all about Shador Sanders this year. And I haven't. I've stayed away from that mentality. Although we talk Shador constantly on our air, I have to be fair to, you know, what else is going on with the team. And there have been a few things I questioned. The first time at rookie minicamp, seeing Dylan Gabriel and Shedur Sanders on the field together. That first day, I came away and said, I understand why the Browns took Dylan Gabriel ahead of Shadur Sanders. I thought Gabriel did some things that Sanders at that time didn't do. I'm not sure. There's one smoking gun thing that I said to get him riled up. And that was the first time, you know, we've been in this camp for three, going on four weeks, and after that game was the first time he said anything to me.

[Colin Cowherd]

Fourth on the depth chart after that performance, I don't know. It's like the depth chart should be based on performance. Everybody else is hurt. Staying healthy is a skill. Were you surprised he was still fourth?

[Tony Grossi]

The reason I say no, Colin, is because I think the Browns are following their script of their training camp, and one performance wasn't going to affect the next day. That performance will probably, well, obviously will affect his whole body of work when they evaluate everything. But the thing is, Dylan Gabriel hasn't had his opportunity yet. They evaluated Gabriel, you know, what, 40 spots, 50 spots higher in the draft, and they want to be fair to their own evaluation of him, and they want to see Gabriel on the field before they make any adjustment to the depth chart. I think that's coming after this week. They're here in Philadelphia practicing against the Eagles. Gabriel is scheduled to start that game in all likelihood. And the coach said today, finally, for the first time, the plan was to have each of the rookies start one game in preseason. So I think that's why they haven't adjusted his either snap counts in practice or the rotation.

[Colin Cowherd]

Do you think they'll keep four quarterbacks? I've speculated they'll move Kenny Pickett at the end of camp or trade deadline or somewhat. What do you make about keeping four quarterbacks?

[Tony Grossi]

I think it's very possible, you know, with 16 guys on the practice squad that they can keep four, four quarterbacks on the 53 and accommodate the positions that they sacrifice then on the practice squad. I think they're very disappointed and frustrated that the Pickett has not gotten on on tape during game action to show everybody what they might see in him. They think highly of him, but his hamstring problems have set back any idea of trading him or a market for him. But I can see them going into the season with all four and just seeing what happens around the rest of the league. Pickett does have some redeeming qualities for the right team. In his fourth year, he's been with two other teams. He's been a first round pick. He just hasn't been able to show this camp what the Browns saw in him.

[Colin Cowherd]

So I've said through the years I don't like my quarterbacks to be too light and unserious. Johnny Manziel was too goofy. Baker was too cocky. But I like confidence and I get a lot of pushback on that. But I always say I've been pretty good at seeing it. I didn't like Will Levis and the gun show. I thought it was arrogant. Again, confidence, arrogance and silly. There are times I've said with Shadour, he's a little unserious for me, a little playful. Is that. Am I. That's my take is that history shows you that serious, driven, focused, almost obsessed guys do well in this league. What do you make of that comment that he's a bit unserious?

[Tony Grossi]

I think he's got a playful personality. You know, he's really. I've constantly said this since I met him at the combine. You cannot leave a conversation with Shador without smiling. I mean he is a very positive and playful guy. I don't think that gets into the way of his job. I think that endears him to teammates. It's a different kind of charisma about him. So I find him really charming as a young person. Actually, I've not had confrontations with him. That was an interaction and that was the only time he said anything to me that he was even hearing things or reading things.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, it really is interesting. The obviously they have two first round picks. They want to Get a quarterback. Boy, it's a good quarterback. Class Cade Club Nick at Clemson and Drew Aller and Nuss Meyer and obviously Arch Manning and I mean, they. Cleveland's looking for a quarterback and it's the year to be looking for a quarterback. Finally, Tony Grossi for the radio audience, a very, very, very popular and renowned Cleveland host and former newspaper guy. It looks like to me in this division they're like a four win team. It's not an easy schedule. It's not an easy division. But I've said before, like when Peyton Manning left, there are years in a franchise when four wins is okay and this is the year for Cleveland. Let's say they go 4:13. I worry about Haslam being impulsive. Is Stefanski held in high enough regard that if they're really bad and get the number two pick that Stefanski maintains his job? It seems obvious he would. But the history of Cleveland and Haslam is they make moves that surprise us. So let's say they're 3 and 14. Does Stefanski retain it?

[Tony Grossi]

Yeah, this is where I think Haslam's maturity comes in. I think that decision's already been made. I think both Stefanski and Andrew Berry are part of the solution of bringing the Browns out of the deshaun Watson era. You know, they still have a few years of salary cap ramifications no matter what happens with Watson from here on out. So they need to go to the young rookie quarterback contract. Way to get out of this thing. And I think Haslam is relying on this partnership to see it through. In effect, he's not holding them accountable for the mistake that the desean Washington trade has been. And I don't have any doubt that the scenario you're describing will not be the end of this partnership. It's really, they're the guys that are going to lead them into the next quarterback era, whether that's the Dylan Gabriel or Shadow Sanders era or the Lenora Sellers or that next crop era. I think Haslam is determined that this is the. This is the plan. And he said before the draft, if we don't find the guy this year, we'll keep looking for him. And, you know, people want Shadow to start and they got to find out about him. You know, it's a long season. The Browns have played nine starting quarterbacks the last two years. Both of these guys are going to get their, you know, their dress rehearsals. So we'll see how it plays out. But I agree with you. I don't think you can let that quarterback class next year pass you by. No matter what happens this year, to.

[Colin Cowherd]

Be honest with you, no, it's. It is a great one. So we have. Jalen Hurts. Gave Shadow a ride in a golf cart today. Joint practices, which is good to see. Apparently they had a. They had a long conversation. We got to run. Tony Gross. He's been kind enough to take time. He's a busy guy. There we go. By the way, if you're going to take advice from any young quarterback, take it from Jalen Hurts, who's 27 going on 47. Might as well bring a briefcase to the podium. He's one of the most mature young men that is. I don't know if I've ever seen a guy who is better at the podium. In a loud, relentless market in Philadelphia's media is brutal and Hertz has mastered it. Tony, thank you for stopping by. You were great. Tony Gross.

[Tony Grossi]

Thanks, Colin. Thanks for having me.

[Colin Cowherd]

Of course. Gotta support those radio guys. See you tomorrow.

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[Colin Cowherd]

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[Andrew Gillum]

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[Colin Cowherd]

Not even a crumb. What if. No, please. Mine. When it's too legit to split.

[Tiffany Cross]

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[Colin Cowherd]

Who cares about truth when the lies More entertaining.

[Angela Rye]

Welcome home. I'm Angela Ride, co host of the Native Lamp Pod with Andrew Gillum and Tiffany Cross, and we want y' all to survive and thrive in this political moment.

[Tiffany Cross]

We're having the same debates that American households are having all over the country.

[Angela Rye]

I am terrified that in our rest rest we're going to miss the moment.

[Andrew Gillum]

You want me to stop resting? What specifically are you asking me to do? Stay informed and take action.

[Tiffany Cross]

Listen to native Land Pod on the IHEARTRADIO app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Jake Hofer]

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[Jake Hofer]

Listen to Back 40 on iHeartRadio app, Apple podcast or wherever you get your podcast.

[Angela Rye]

This is an iHeart podcast.