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Colin Cowherd
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Colin Cowherd
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Colin Cowherd
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Colin Cowherd
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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 beginning biggest topics in politics, entertainment, sports and more. Joined by the sharp voices of the show's correspondence 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.
Colin Cowherd
Thanks for listening to the Herd 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 herd@foxsportsradio.com or stream us live every day on the iHeartRadio app by searching Fox Sports Radio or FSR thanks for listening to the Herd podcast. All right, here we go on a Monday. Calling right, calling wrong.
Michael Irvin
Where Colin was right well, they were.
Colin Cowherd
My number one dark horse team to make the playoffs. Every year I pick one team. Last year it was the Rams. This year it was Washington. I felt just getting Dan Snyder, the owner, out of the building was worth wins. I also thought Jaden Daniels was going to be a little Lamar Jackson light. He is a spectacular talent and a wonderful kid. You knew he was going to be great when the coaching staff couldn't stop heaping praise on him in the preseason, which coaches never do.
Michael Irvin
We got the commanders right where Colin was wrong.
Colin Cowherd
I think I've probably been high on the Green Bay Packers. They got beat by the Lions twice, the Vikings twice and the Eagles. I like this roster a lot. I like the coach. But they can't beat the good teams and I had them above Minnesota and Detroit in the herd hierarchy when they're really good. Like the fourth quarter when they came roaring back. They are so talented and so much fun to watch. But they're.05 against the top teams in the NFC. So I they're probably a year away. I kind of fell for them, but I still like their future.
Michael Irvin
Where Colin was right Justin Herbert I.
Colin Cowherd
No young quarterback has had to overcome coaching in his career more than Justin Herbert. Just get him Harbaugh and he'll be magic. Right now his efficiency for a quarterback with over 400 attempts is the best ever next to Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers. He's a remarkable kid. 4:2, college major and a tutor in biology. Size, speed.
Michael Irvin
Justin Herbert finally got the coach where Colin was wr.
Colin Cowherd
I like the Colts all year. I love their roster. But that may have been the worst loss in the NFL this year. They lost a close game to the Giants. They were getting housed early in some of their issues on the back end of their defense. I don't think they're very good. But there's no division titles here in the last 10 years and this was a bad one. I've said this before, if Darnold's on the market, I would go after him. I like Joe Flacco. I think Anthony Richardson's talented. But sometimes you got to cut your losses and acknowledge in the afc if we're going to win big boy games, we got to get better at quarterback. If Darnold hits the market and you're.
Michael Irvin
The Colts, go get him where Colin was right?
Colin Cowherd
Yes. I said Baker Mayfield in Tampa I would sign him to a long deal. I thought this was A perfect fit. This organization's always had talent and always had a bit of a chip on its shoulder for being ignored. I thought this was a great fit. And even though Baker and I have had disagreements, Mike Evans, Baker, Mayfield. Time to throw pretty magic. You know, he leads the NFL in touchdown passes since he joined Tampa. It's a good receiving core. It's not that good. Baker and Darnold, same draft, can both.
Michael Irvin
Play where Collin was right.
Colin Cowherd
I said the Rams are going to win their division, but keep your eye on the defense, not Matt Stafford. And they just held their last three opponents to single figures. This defense is really good and getting better. They're very reliant offensively on Puka Nakua and Kyron Williams. But I've said before, I think they're a good team, but not a Super bowl team. But everybody was loving San Francisco and I said, no, they're getting old, expensive and brittle. Keep your eye on the Rams to win the division and watch this defense.
Michael Irvin
And they delivered where Colin was. Raw.
Colin Cowherd
Yeah, I'm officially selling most of my Kyler Murray stock. I was wrong. I've defended him for years. But listen to this. He is 1 and 16 against the NFC west in November and December. What can I say? If I'm going to sit here all the time and tell you I like winners, he doesn't win. I think he's talented. I think he's elusive. I've defended him even with the gaming stuff. But at some point, I can't keep saying, yeah, I love this guy. He can't beat division rivals. One in 16 in November and December. I'm selling my stock. At a loss, by the way.
Michael Irvin
At a loss where Colin was right.
Colin Cowherd
Stop telling me the Kansas City Chiefs are lucky. Best coach, best coordinator, best quarterback, best defensive lineman. Xavier Worthy's becoming a star. Number one seed in all of football. Number two, scoring defense. Listen, they don't blow you away. They don't win by route. This is not college. It's hard. The AFC's loaded. God, look at their division. It's harbaught, Sean Payton, even. The Raiders play hard. It's hard to win in this league. It's really hard. And the Chiefs just keep doing it. You were all saying they were lucky in week eight. No, they're not. There is a skill to winning close games. The Patriots did it for 20 years and they handed the baton to Kansas.
Michael Irvin
City, where Colin was right.
Colin Cowherd
You know, when Rex Ryan's name got floated for the jets job, I said, absolutely, he's a viable candidate. Ian Rapoport reporting today, Believe it or not, he could be interviewed. Everybody makes fun of Rex because he puts it out there. But he's a culture changer. Woody Johnson liked him, great energy. He's got a view of the world and how to build a football team. And as running games have had kind of a return in the NFL, I would interview Rex Ryan. I said last week I'd interview Pete Carroll. He's a smart guy. I'd like to interview Pete Carroll. I'd interview Rex Ryan. I don't think the best candidates, I think they're very wary of going to the jets. And I think Rex Ryan has proven like a Dan Campbell. He'll change the culture. And that's one of the issues. That's why I've said I think Vrabel's the guy I would hire. If not, Rex Ryan's one of the better culture changers out on the market. Where Colin was right. Where Colin was wrong.
Michael Irvin
Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio, FS1 and the iHeartRadio app.
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Hey, it's Steve Covino and I'm Rich Davis and together we're Covino and Rich on Fox Sports Radio.
Rich Davis
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Rich Davis
We talk about everything, life, sports, relationships, what's going on in the world.
Steve Covino
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.
Rich Davis
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Steve Covino
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Rich Davis
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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.
Rich Davis
And if you miss any of the live show, just search Ko Vino and Rich wherever you get your podcast. And of course, on social media, that's Covino and Rich.
Colin Cowherd
Hi, it's the Herd.
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Colin Cowherd
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Jon Stewart
Jon Stewart is back at the Daily show, and he's bringing his signature wit and insight straight to your ears with the Daily Show Ears Edition podcast. Dive into John's unique take on the biggest topics in politics, entertainment, sports and more. Joined by the sharp voices of the show's correspondents and contributors and 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.
Colin Cowherd
All right here. We do it every week at this time. The Herd Hierarchy. Let's go.
Michael Irvin
Herd hierarchy Time is now.
Colin Cowherd
Let's go.
Michael Irvin
The top 10 NFL team according to college well, number 10.
Colin Cowherd
If they beat the Saints, they can clinch their four straight division title. I've said it. I like their Personnel. Baker Mayfield leads the NFL in touchdown passes over the last two years since he joined the Bucks. They're a big play offense with excellent running backs. Jason Light's a great gm. They've always got talent. When they've had good quarterback play like Brady and Baker, they can, they can play with anybody. 5 and 1 over their last six games blew the Chargers out. That was a real eye opener. I don't think they can hoist a trophy, but they could certainly host a playoff game and knock off an injury riddled Detroit if possible. Bucks at 10.
Michael Irvin
Number nine.
Colin Cowherd
I'm going to go Rams. Their offensive sluggishness in the first half is hard to explain, but their defense is really good and young and it's getting better. They've held opponents under 20 points in three straight games. Matthew Stafford's having a very good year over his last seven games. A passer rating of 105. They're a little Puka Nukua dependent, so I don't think they're a trophy team, but I have them at nine.
Michael Irvin
Number eight.
Colin Cowherd
I would put the Chargers at eight because their quarterbacks younger and can run and I think that mobility is the difference between the two teams. Justin Herbert, 99 passer rating hyper efficient, never reckless, big with mobility. That gives them a slight edge in my opinion, over the Rams. Also. Five of their six losses have come to good teams. The Chiefs a couple of times. Ravens, Buccaneers. They're losing to the right teams. I have them in eight.
Michael Irvin
Number seven, the Packers.
Colin Cowherd
I thought the packers could hoist a trophy, but they're owing five against the Lions, the Vikings and the Eagles. They're 11 and oh against everybody else. So they're a bully against average to pretty good teams. They're not gonna. You're not gonna. They're not gonna beat your Ravens. They're not gonna beat your Chiefs. Bills, that's not who they are. Six straight games without a giveaway though, and I think that's coaching. And Matt LaFleur. They have taken some attempts away from Jordan Love. They don't turn it over. They're kind of a power run team. I have the packers at seven, number six. But you know, Lamar Jackson's better than Jordan Love in my opinion. So I have them at 6, second largest rushing differential in a season in league history. They remain a run team. Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews allows them to pass as well. But number one scoring defense. Number one total defense since week 11. You know, I love this organization. Kind of holding your breath on what they look like. In the January playoffs. But the Ravens at six, number five. I thought Sam Darnold was amazing. I've got him at 5. They're tied for the most give takeaways in the league this year at 31. That is the Brian Flores factor. The fact that Brian Flores isn't front and center for everybody from the Bears job to the Saints job. This defense does not have elite personnel, but they're putting up elite takeaway stats. That's a Brian Flores factor. By the way, Sam Darnold's the first quarterback in league history to win 14 games in his first season with a new team. Even Tom Brady did not do that. Maybe Darnold is better than Brady when you think about it. Number four.
Michael Irvin
Number four, Detroit.
Colin Cowherd
Stacked roster, offensively falling apart defensively, but I mean they have five games this year with 40 or more points and no turnovers mean it pretty easy for them. They're clever, they can play power run. They're getting Montgomery back four straight games for three plus touchdown passes. I think we all know the story on them. If they were healthy, they could win the super bowl. But we don't trust their defense going forward.
Michael Irvin
Number three, Philadelphia.
Colin Cowherd
They're 11 and oh, and Jalen Hurts and A.J. brown play the number one total defense. They allow 4.8 yards of play, so that's pretty good in the NFL in this day and age. 4.8 yards of play. Their O line and D line combination is the best in the NFL. They got a great GM and they got a roster to show for it. Do I worry about the concussion? I would worry about it if it was in two weeks. I don't worry about it now. I have them at number three.
Michael Irvin
Number two, the Bills.
Colin Cowherd
The Bills have cut down on giving the football away. They only have eight giveaways and they've only allowed 14 sacks. So we always like Buffalo, but we thought, yeah, they'll beat themselves. Well, they don't beat themselves this year. They don't turn it over. They don't give you sacks, don't have a lot of negative plays and they do it without a single thousand yard rusher or thousand yard receiver. So they are still somewhat too reliant on Josh Allen. But you know what? I like James Cook, I like Kincaid, Dawson, Knox. I like their receiving core. Coleman's getting better. I got at two.
Michael Irvin
Number one.
Colin Cowherd
Same old Chiefs, best coach, best defensive coordinator, best quarterback and arguably the best defensive lineman, Chris Jones. Let's just say this, it's the same team we've seen, except I think it's a better offensive version. It always since Tyreek Hill left, it's a lot of patchwork at receiver. That's what they've been for three years now. And then now they got Hollywood Brown back. They wish they had Rasheed Rice, but that'll do. And worthies become a real player. And Travis Kelsey, this is what they do because they play Mahomes what they pay him. And they lost Tyreek Hill. This is the one unit they've tried to kind of figure out and bring in a guy for a year and move this guy over there. But you know what? Third team in NFL history to go six straight games without a without a turnover. So that's very rare. So you get all the upside and not a lot of the downside. Best situational team in football. And that's that's not even arguable. Although I will say Detroit on third down and fourth down with Ben Johnson. You know a coach, you know a team is rolling when they go to the red zone in a congested area. Remember Andy Reid a couple years ago in the super bowl, they in the congested area. Sky Moore is wide open like you know you have a good offensive scheme and this is what Shanahan does. Anybody guard George Kittle or is he just open by 20 yards on every play?
Michael Irvin
Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio, FS1 and the iHeartRadio app you can count on.
Colin Cowherd
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Jon Stewart
Jon Stewart is back at the Daily show, and he's bringing his signature wit and insight straight to your ears with the Daily Show Ears Edition podcast. Dive into John's unique take on the biggest topics in politics, entertainment, sports and more. Joined by the sharp voices of the show's correspondents and contributors, and with extended interviews and exclusive weekly headline roundups, this podcast gives 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.
Colin Cowherd
Twelve years in the NFL, three Super bowl championship Rings. One of my favorite people, the playmaker. So we got a lot of things. You know what? Let's just. I wanna. I wanna. Before we get to the NFL, I want to address a couple of college issues. So let's start with the easy one. So I have not heard Coach prime say, I want my son to play blank, blank, blank. But once again, Deion Sanders is quoted on Twitter today saying, listen, it'll be multiple idiots that will say things that are totally untrue regarding where I want my son to play in the NFL. Can you clarify this? Is there places he wants his son, both of them, to play or not?
Michael Irvin
Well, you know, there's always a place that you prefer.
Colin Cowherd
Okay?
Michael Irvin
Everyone has a place that they prefer. But if you're smart, you prefer not to say it at this time. That's just smart to do. Right? Because you don't want to say, hey, we prefer to go just throwing out teams to the Giants and then the Raiders get you. And now you got to answer all of those questions, right? So, you know, why even set yourself up for that? Just say, listen, I. Well, I'm ready to play for any team that draft me. You know, the reality is now we can't lie and hide. Well, who's your team growing up? I'm sure you've said that a million times, right? So you might. You can't say, well, I don't have a team now because we'll pull up film and receipts. Just be honest. Like, I. I like the Cowboys growing up. But. But I. I want to play for whatever team. Let's see, that thinks I fit the team. That's just. That's the right thing to say. And Dion's saying the right thing, even though he's gonna be like that, the man in wizard of the all you back to pushing buttons. And then if you pull back the curtain, they go, pay no attention to the man behind the curtain while he's pushing buttons. You know what I'm saying? He's going to be pushing buttons.
Colin Cowherd
Okay. Elway's family did it. Eli's family.
Michael Irvin
Right.
Colin Cowherd
I'm okay with it.
Michael Irvin
And I'm glad you said that. I'm glad you said that. Cause I said on my YouTube channel, those guys did it.
Colin Cowherd
Sure.
Michael Irvin
And. And what I do now, I'm just gonna say that don't mean that people, but I'm gonna put it out there. I love. I love seeing that. That I love seeing when I watch Beyonce and her daughter next to her in that appearance at halftime on Christmas. I love seeing what LeBron James has done with LeBroni. And I love seeing what Deion Sanders is doing with Shadow and Shiloh. We, as African Americans don't get a chance to see this. You just mentioned Eli and all of those guys.
Colin Cowherd
John Elway went out.
Michael Irvin
They always done that. They've always protected and had people protecting them. I'm glad to see the African American parents having these. Presenting these lanes to their kids now like those other guys have been.
Colin Cowherd
It's been happening in America. America forever.
Michael Irvin
Forever, right?
Colin Cowherd
Forever.
Michael Irvin
But not. Not over here on our side. So I'm just glad that some people are getting the power to do it now.
Colin Cowherd
Now, I don't want to be controversial.
Michael Irvin
I love what he says that y'all.
Colin Cowherd
But Cam Ward, oh, God, Just played to get a record and then bailed on his team. That. I'm not sure if that sits well with me.
Michael Irvin
First of all, first of all, first of all, these things that come out, he can. Will play just to get a record. Stop, stop. The man played all year long, you know what I mean? So it is just to get a record. He told coach, we're going to play the first half. I want. I want. You know the first thing I thought about when I said when I heard this?
Colin Cowherd
Yeah.
Michael Irvin
I thought about Allen Iverson. I said, practice, right? It's the part Tarp bowl. We talking about the Park Tart bowl, the Pop Tart Bowl. You know what I mean? This ain't the. We ain't talking about the 12 team playoffs. We ain't talking about college football playoffs.
Colin Cowherd
We're not even talking about the Citrus Bowl.
Michael Irvin
We not even talking about. We talking about the Pop. Pop Tart Bowl. The man popped in the Pop Tart Bowl. That's all you can expect for him. It's the Pop Tart bow. And he's gonna be the top four, four, five picks in the draft. And he put it all on the line and pop in the Pop Tart Bowl. Stop popping. Stop popping. Just leave it alone. Let it go.
Colin Cowherd
Yeah. Cut it out.
Michael Irvin
But we gotta stop doing this, though. We gotta stop from the moment players throw their last pass or run their last. Their last play in college. Then. Oh, God, we turn to drop them. You know, we build them up all through. And now we're looking for the drop right here. Y'all can stop that. Cam ain't dropping and we ain't nobody thinking about that. We talking about the Park Tart bowl, y'all. Yeah, the Park Tart Bowl.
Colin Cowherd
Listen, it happened. I remember when Andrew looked the layoff between Your last call college game to the draft is so long, people. I mean, I remember Andrew Luck. They were like, I don't like his arms.
Michael Irvin
They're finding things. You're gonna find things.
Colin Cowherd
Stop.
Michael Irvin
What do you mean? I got into arm. Yeah. I don't know if he loves the game. Stop. Let's stop finding ways to bring people down, bring these kids down when they're in their most precious and most incredible time of the. Of their life.
Colin Cowherd
Okay, so the count Bowl.
Michael Irvin
Don't y'all. Come on, man. Don't do that to us. Don't do that to us.
Colin Cowherd
Mike McCarthy had a pretty good Dec. Cooper Rush, pretty good. Obviously, this team has issues. What do we do with the Cowboys, Michael? What's job one? What is. What do you do with the Cowboys, man?
Michael Irvin
And when I see a 79 record and you see how that game played out Sunday, you start saying, well, okay, wow. I know everybody felt good about December and all of that stuff. I still say it was too little, too late. But, but, but right, right here, right here. Then everybody starts jumping this for me, this kinds again kind of game erases December. I don't. You can't tell me, oh, play good in December. And then. And then the backups to the. To the team, their backups playing your backups and they put up a 40 burger on you and you look like the way you look. So I think, yeah, this makes. This takes away some of the things that you have.
Colin Cowherd
Would you replace McCarthy?
Michael Irvin
Yes, I would. Yes, I would. I just think it's time to go in another direction.
Colin Cowherd
Okay.
Michael Irvin
You know, and I hear these late. This late surge to maybe go in to stay with Mike McCarthy. I. I'm not on that. I'm not on that bandwagon. I just. What I believe is this team needs more discipline. I don't. I'm not saying Mike McCarthy is not a good coach. X's and O's coach, you know, but. But I think the team needs more discipline. And sometimes. And it's hard to bring that in when you say, okay, this guy who doesn't have that firm hand in discipline is now going to either bring somebody else in to help him.
Colin Cowherd
You know what I always said, Michael? It's much easier. It's easier to be the tough dad.
Michael Irvin
And eat, lighten up and ease up.
Colin Cowherd
Than to do Wade Phillips. Where your ice cream for breakfast? You're over.
Michael Irvin
You can't come in soft and then try to get tough.
Colin Cowherd
You can't.
Michael Irvin
It's a wrap. You got to come in tough and then and then lighten up because then the guys will feel like they've earned some respect and earned you lightning lighting them. But now if you're loosening up a little bit, but if you come in loose and, and, and, and, and I don't want to say soft, but you know what I mean. Players, coach players apologetic, try to get firm. You just, you just get flat.
Colin Cowherd
Okay? I want you to go back to your cowboy days. The Chargers, they're going to have a buy. Would you play starters or not? Did you want to take a week Chargers cheap? No, I'm talking of Chiefs. So the Chiefs, my bad are going into the playoffs. Belichick was always a let's play the guys. Tony Dungy was like, you know, if I can give an old safety time off, where do you land on this?
Michael Irvin
And Jimmy was always let's play the guys. And Jamie would always say we were playing the guys because Jimmy didn't want to lose the week of practice. See, see when you go into this week right now everybody's talking about we're gonna sit out Chiefs got this game a by next week. After that game, I mean, you're Talking about forever 18 days or something like that, right? That's forever. For all of those teams you just mentioned for those Dallas Cowboys team because we played a timing offense. Troy hit that third step, fifth step, let that ball go. For, for all the New England teams, all of that timing stuff that they do not. And I'm sorry to tell everybody out there, but they want to affect Kansas City Chief, this is not a timing offense. This is an offense that is built between Travis Kelsey and Patrick Mahomes and there is no timing on it. That's why it's been impossible to stop because you can't figure out the time when he's supposed to do yeet, he does Jack. When he's supposed to do yin, he does yang. That's what Travis Kelsey is. But it's so it's not timing to it. It's, it's. We're going to find where you are not. And I'm going to go to that spot and look and, and they wouldn't like it.
Colin Cowherd
Look at their wide receiver unit. They have different guys every week, every week.
Michael Irvin
And, and, and now even though they, they had every different guys every week, they still, they barely won those games. I won't be. People were getting and saying, man, should we keep Kansas City up there? Because they're barely winning these games. Do you know all of these games come down to this? I had Minnesota Over Green Bay yesterday, right? Went in, it was minus one, you know, and I'm okay, I got Minnesota minus one. And I'm watching the game, we have 17, 10. I'm like, oh, this is over. It's over. And we go up 27, 17.
Colin Cowherd
I think it's over.
Michael Irvin
Next thing you know, it's 25, 27. I'm sweating like a monk. I'm a God. It all comes down to this. Every one of them comes down to this. If you can win late, you can win great in this league because they all come down to this.
Colin Cowherd
Well, and all the teams that make the playoffs, almost all of them have great quarterbacks. Meaning you go into a little bit of a prevent defense, you soften coverage. They're just, it's a wrap. They're just going to go 8 yards, 12, 13, 18. Jordan Love, just boom, boom, boom. Okay, Right.
Michael Irvin
Jaden Daniels. Yeah, yeah.
Colin Cowherd
Okay. Finally set you up for this. So I'm, I understand players. If I was a coach and a player could get a record, I would try to do it. If it's super close, I'm just going to call plays to win the game. But if it's like Cowboys getting thumped, I want Saquon Barkley to get a record. I get it. Players have bonuses. But now all of a sudden. So I got Jalen Hurts beat up Saquon Barkley. I think running back's different. I wouldn't play him this week. Now, now, left tackle, Mike, linebacker, wide receiver. Do you play Barkley if you don't have to this week?
Michael Irvin
You know, and this is, this, this is a tough decision, this tough decision because let's be real here, where running back position is in the league on the whole, I'm sure Saquon wants to go and try to help that whole position, not just him, by getting this record. It kind of reintroduced the year of the running back. And we can call this the year of the running back because two running backs have moved and made major differences in both offenses. So, yes, this is a 40 year record. What I love most. What I love most, and I got to say, this is how coach Sirianni handled it. He said, we are, we're going to do what the team wants to do. Let me tell you why that's very important, because he's saying, I'm not breaking the psyche of what they want, what they want to accomplish in that locker room. They went in that game yesterday, that game Sunday, saying, we're going to get you over 2,000 against the Durham Dallas Cowboys. So so. So they set their mind. They went and got it done. If they're setting their mind to get him the record, I want to be right there with them. Because that means every time after we set our mind to get him the record, we gonna set our minds on the Super Bowl. I want them to keep running right on the setting of their minds. You see what I mean? I'm gonna stay with. With that. That's why that's very important. Now, all intents you would want to say, hey, man, this man's too important to lose. But it's as important to lose that mentality. That team's mentality is it is an injury. So if the. I love that he said, I'm going to do what the team wants to do. Even though Jimmy Bill would have never said that. Are we gonna do what I want to do, what they would have said. But I love that he says that it this day and time. And I hope I. I do hope he gets it.
Colin Cowherd
Yeah. I think things. I think things have changed. I think players, college players now get paid. I saw. I saw a story. Somebody said that every secuan is a guy.
Michael Irvin
You. You. If anybody's going to get it, that's the guy you want to get it.
Colin Cowherd
Think about this, though. The world's changed. Every SEC quarterback makes more than Brock Pie in nil money. It's the player.
Michael Irvin
Right, Right.
Colin Cowherd
So, I mean, listen, if a guy.
Michael Irvin
Wants a record that is crazy.
Colin Cowherd
You got to give him the. If a guy can get the record, get him the record.
Michael Irvin
Yeah, get it. Especially a record that's still for 40 years.
Colin Cowherd
And also a guy that's a great guy.
Michael Irvin
Right. A great.
Colin Cowherd
And Barkley is one of the least selfish guys in the league. He's never been about records.
Michael Irvin
Right. And you know, he would be okay.
Colin Cowherd
Yes.
Michael Irvin
If you didn't chase it. And I thought that. I knew they went in, said, we're going to get this 2000 against the Dallas Cowboys. And I'm going to say this now, if that would have been. If that was one of those games like last year where that game came down to between Dallas and Philadelphia for the NFC east and Barkley went over 2000, that would have pushed him right on in front for the MVP because, you know, because of the eyes, it's kind of like the Heisman Trophy. Now, as you get down towards the end, it's who. Who did I see play great late.
Colin Cowherd
Yes. I'm gonna give you Carson Palmer. Remember Carson Palmer's year.
Michael Irvin
Yep, yep, yep. That year in Cincinnati. And that's exactly how. How they. These things. So. So, yeah, that would have been a meaningful game. I think Saquon could have snatched the MVP yesterday.
Colin Cowherd
And. And we leave you with this. It was the Pop Tart Bowl. Chill out, folks.
Michael Irvin
The Pop Tart Bowl. The man popped in in the Pop Tart bowl and now you want to mess with them.
Colin Cowherd
Michael Irvin.
Michael Irvin
We're back popping with that stuff. Just pop out of here with the Pop Tart.
Colin Cowherd
Back in LA after this Pop Tart.
Michael Irvin
Bowl, Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific.
Colin Cowherd
So there's always been an understanding in the NFL that football, real football, starts post Thanksgiving, that you want to be peaking in December and January. You can experiment in September. It's not punitive if you lose a couple of games by early October. Meanwhile, college football with the younger athletes who have to go to school while they play, there's been this unhealthy and unrealistic standard that you've got to be on your A game and perfect starting Labor Day weekend. Stumble in October, you are unworthy. Off to the Fiesta bowl, off to the Citrus bowl, off to the Pop Tart Bowl. But now you're allowed to grow. And Ohio State is the first team in college football history allowed to grow. They had a close loss early at Austin. All right. They were awful at home and stumbled against Michigan late.
Michael Irvin
All right.
Colin Cowherd
But they did beat Penn State and blew out a lot of teams. So you know what? We're going to let them in. We're going to let them in. And they've been the best team, easily in the tournament. Ryan Day, get him out of here. Oh, wait, my bad. He had a bad Saturday. Will Howard had a bad Saturday. Yeah, it was late in the season that would have disqualified them my entire life. The Buckeyes this moment, are easily the best team in college football. Why did it take so long? Well, I don't know. Their best player. Player. Jeremiah Smith, receiver. He was in high school last year. Their second best player, Caleb Downs, he's a sophomore and a transfer also. Yeah, their quarterback transferred, too. It takes a while. Sometimes you gotta let the cake bake. By the way, Notre Dame lost in Northern Illinois earlier this year. How is that possible? Because they had a transfer quarterback who now Riley Leonard is playing really, really well. In the NFL, you've always been given time. Tom Brady won a Super bowl in week 10, 11, 12. That Tampa Bay team was terrible. They got hot. Then Peyton Manning had a team in Denver. They were 2 and 2 in December and January. And they got hot and won the Kansas City Chiefs the last two years. I mean, last year, Kansas City lost to the Raiders late in the year, yet they were the best team in football yet. We've always held college kids to this unbelievable standard of. What do you mean? You lost to Purdue October 1st. You're out of here. Liberty bowl or nothing. Give me Liberty Bowler Death. The point being is Ohio State's the first team in college football history that has been allowed to make a couple of mistakes. The Oregon loss, who's winning at Austin? How about we start with nobody? Yeah, they had a. They had a bad game against Michigan. Great. Coach Andy Reid's had bad games in Philadelphia. They ran him out of town. He had bad games. Tom Brady had bad games. He had a pick six in the Super Bowl. So finally, finally, you can take different paths to a Natty. It's not perfection. By the way, how many 17, 0 NFL teams there have been? And if Penn State gets to the Natty, they will have played 17 games. And you're holding them to a perfect standard. In a sport, football, where a guy jars the ball loose, if you fumble at the one out of the end zone, the other team gets the ball and it can ruin your season. Let kids make mistakes. When you were a freshman or sophomore in college, did you have it all buttoned up your first semester in September? College football is getting more and more like the NFL. And finally, we're allowing a team like Ohio State with this transfer portal where chemistry challenges, especially at quarterback, are a real issue. Nobody knew what they were getting with Will Howard. I watched them at Kansas State. I was like, yeah, he's. He's going to be pretty good. And then I thought he was pretty good. And then against Michigan, he was pretty bad. And it's, you know, he had a bad game because all quarterbacks do, including Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes. Mahomes stunk earlier this year. Now he doesn't. So you got to let. You got to let the cake bake. And Ohio State. Ryan Day is secure, has the best team, and here he is after dominating the Ducks.
Ryan Day
I know that you know your sum of your experiences, and this team has had great wins this season. It's had some tough losses, and, you know, we have learned from those. And you got to grow and you got to build and you got to make sure you're, you know, focusing on your strengths and making sure that, you know, you understand what your, your weaknesses are. And, you know, we're in a place where, you know, you can you can hear a lot of noise. But.
Colin Cowherd
But they didn't do it.
Ryan Day
That and I'm very, very proud of our staff. I'm very, very proud of our players.
Colin Cowherd
But we're far from done. All those Buckeye fans are now erasing their posts on buckeyes.com and Reddit boards. Get him out of here. No terrible loss, suffered some pain. What does pain create for all of us? Toughness and resiliency. And rethink the way your football team's operating. Ohio State, check, check, check. Did all of those. And now they're the best team in college football. Okay, let's talk Texas, Texas football. There's a saying in Texas, all hat, no cattle. Sometimes Texas is all talent, no discipline. How many penalties they had? I don't know.
How many?
How many three and outs did they have? So first of all, let's talk about Arizona State. Let's just give them a minute of love here. Outplayed out, schemed out. Coach Texas. Here's another out. An outrageously missed targeting call that would have probably given Arizona State, which had all the momentum, the win. What a coach. Dillingham, 39 last year, pick for 16th in the Big Ten. This year, no five star players should have beaten Texas. And yes, that's targeting in every game I've ever watched. I don't like to call, I don't like when they throw college players out of games, but that's targeting. Yes, Texas had the deeper roster, the more NFL bodies. And listen, they're a splash team. They average 10.7 yards of pass. That is Texas. But I think they're going to get rolled by Ohio State, who's playing with a level of defensive violence and offensive perfection that is just looks like a Sunday team. So you know Sark, and I like Sark, and I consider him a coaching friend, right? Like somebody in coaching. I could call and ask a question. They're saying all year has been all gas, no brakes. They need some brakes. They need to stop the car, pull over, go to a rest area, wash off and figure out what they are. Because that's not beating Ohio State. 10 penalties, three and outs. Now they are a splash team. And in fourth quarter to tie it up and then in overtime, a couple overtime passes, like that's what they are. That's what they are. But in between these amazing plays by these amazing Texas Longhorn athletes, you can't have 10 penalties. You can't miss assignments. I mean, it looked like Arizona State really could not wait to play another game. They were so intense. Playing with such intention and urgency and sometimes I just feel like my entire life this has been Texas football. I feel like they should be six time national champs, not that one. Vince Young team and disappointment. I can't explain it. I thought Arizona State outplayed them. I thought they got hosed on a call. Yes, I do think Texas matches up with Ohio State better. More NFL bodies. They're only a six point underdog this morning. I'll take Ohio State. But I guess they were resilient. That's what Sark said after the one thing that I know about our group is when our backs are against the wall and when our best is needed, our best shows up time and time again. And the resiliency that these guys showed today was, was something as a coach.
Jon Stewart
Makes you really proud.
Colin Cowherd
Yeah, well, they didn't show up twice against Georgia. And that targeting call gets called, which it should have been. And they don't beat Arizona State. So they're kind of an all or nothing team. Right. Like it's. The report card is a plus and D. There's a. And I'm never quite sure what I'm getting with Texas football. I've said this before. I love Texas football. As a kid, I had never gone to Texas. It was the uniforms, the hook em, the horns, the rust orange. I don't know what it was. They just had good players and they were in big games. And it was at a time when Oklahoma, Nebraska and Texas were huge and Nebraska and Oklahoma bored me. And I was fascinated with Texas. I've always been pulling for them. When they beat usc, you know, my team for the national championship, I was like, well, if somebody had to beat us, it'd be okay if it's Texas. But I watched that game and I'm like, all gas, no brakes, pump the brakes, pull over, rest area, figure it out, wash off. I can't ever get my arms around them. I know when they come out of the tunnel or in the hotel lobby they have looked like the best team in college football 10 times in the last 20 years. But man, I can't get my arms around them. I feel like even Oregon in the loss, I know what they are. Penn State, I figured out. Notre Dame, I like them tonight. I kind of know what they are and what they're not. Ohio State, get out of their way. Texas, they should change their helmet to a big question mark because I don't know what I'm getting. First half to second, first series to third. But congratulations on the win. And again, Dillingham, that program. I tell you what, they want a lot of fans because Dillingham grew up around Arizona State. Like he always wanted to be the coach of Arizona State. So he's not going to be a guy that just jumps to another job. And Arizona State, if you live out west, has always been kind of one of those sleeping giants when you're like, when's Arizona State going to roll the table? I mean, they got as much money as Oregon, right? I mean, they don't have a Phil Knight, but I don't know. I watched Arizona State and I'm like, boy, that was their turnout, their team, their effort, that running back. Easy team to like. So congrats in Tempe to all those fans. You got yourself a rock star head coach.
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Colin Cowherd
We're in.
Jon Stewart
We got the table.
Colin Cowherd
Yep.
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Colin Cowherd
Save the best for last thanks to.
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In action on the Daily show and in your ears with the Daily Show Ears Edition podcast. From his hilarious satirical takes on today's politics and entertainment to the unique voices of correspondents and contributors, it's your perfect companion to stay on top of what's happening now. Plus, you'll get special content just for podcast listeners, like in depth interviews and a roundup of the week's top headlines. Listen on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Host: Colin Cowherd
Co-Host: Michael Irvin
Platform: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Description: The Herd with Colin Cowherd navigates through the top sports stories with insightful analysis and candid opinions. In this episode, titled "Best of the Week on The Herd," Colin teams up with NFL legend Michael Irvin to dissect the current state of both professional and collegiate football, offering a comprehensive look into team performances, player motivations, and the evolving dynamics of the sport.
[02:48]
The episode kicks off with Colin Cowherd reflecting on his previous predictions and discussions about NFL teams. He acknowledges instances where his analysis was spot-on and areas where he might have missed the mark. This candid assessment sets the tone for an in-depth exploration of the NFL landscape.
In a segment aptly named "Herd Hierarchy," Colin and Michael delve into their rankings of the top 10 NFL teams. This comprehensive breakdown offers listeners a nuanced understanding of each team's strengths, weaknesses, and potential for the upcoming season.
[12:22]
Michael Irvin: "Herd hierarchy Time is now."
Colin Cowherd: "Let's go."
[02:48 - 05:00]
Colin discusses the Colts as his top dark horse team poised to make the playoffs. He highlights the impact of Dan Snyder's departure and the promising talent of quarterback Jaden Daniels, whom he compares favorably to Lamar Jackson. Michael acknowledges Colin’s correct assessment by stating, "We got the Commanders right where Colin was wrong," referring to the team's fluctuating performance.
Notable Quote:
Colin Cowherd [03:52]: "No young quarterback has had to overcome coaching in his career more than Justin Herbert. Just get him Harbaugh and he'll be magic."
[05:33 - 06:09]
The Rams are praised for their improving defense and Matthew Stafford's resurgence. Colin notes their reliance on key players like Puka Nukua and Kyron Williams but expresses skepticism about their Super Bowl aspirations.
Notable Quote:
Colin Cowherd [05:35]: "I think I've probably been high on the Green Bay Packers... but they're probably a year away."
[06:45 - 08:28]
Colin elevates the Chargers to the eighth spot, commending Justin Herbert's efficiency and mobility. He contrasts them with the Rams, emphasizing their ability to lose only to top-tier teams like the Chiefs and Ravens.
Notable Quote:
Colin Cowherd [07:00]: "If you can win late, you can win great in this league because they all come down to this."
[08:37 - 10:27]
Despite recent losses, the Packers are lauded for their robust defense and coaching under Matt LaFleur. Colin appreciates their low turnover rate and powerful running game, though he remains cautious about their performance against elite teams.
Notable Quote:
Colin Cowherd [09:50]: "They're not gonna beat your Ravens. They're not gonna beat your Chiefs. Bills, that's not who they are."
[10:27 - 11:37]
The Ravens secure the sixth spot, driven by their outstanding turnover numbers and Sam Darnold's historic performance. Colin credits coach Brian Flores for enhancing the team's defensive prowess.
Notable Quote:
Colin Cowherd [11:07]: "Sam Darnold's the first quarterback in league history to win 14 games in his first season with a new team."
[11:37 - 13:07]
Detroit is recognized for its offensive explosiveness despite defensive inconsistencies. Colin underscores the return of key players like Montgomery and criticizes the team's defensive reliability.
Notable Quote:
Colin Cowherd [13:00]: "But we don't trust their defense going forward."
[13:07 - 14:35]
The Eagles are praised for their stellar defense, led by Jalen Hurts and A.J. Brown. Colin commends their balanced offensive line and robust defensive coordination, placing them high in his hierarchy.
Notable Quote:
Colin Cowherd [14:04]: "They allow 4.8 yards of play, so that's pretty good in the NFL in this day and age."
[14:35 - 15:44]
The Bills are lauded for their minimal turnovers and strong pass defense. Colin appreciates their reliance on a dynamic receiving core and acknowledges their dependence on Josh Allen while still placing them firmly in the upper ranks.
Notable Quote:
Colin Cowherd [15:36]: "They don't give you sacks, don't have a lot of negative plays, and they do it without a single thousand-yard rusher or receiver."
[15:44 - 17:09]
Claimed as the second-best team, the Chiefs are celebrated for their consistent performance, strategic coaching, and exceptional quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Colin emphasizes their robust defense and the seamless integration of Travis Kelce into their offense.
Notable Quote:
Colin Cowherd [17:09]: "Third team in NFL history to go six straight games without a turnover."
[17:09 - 18:30]
Elevating to the top spot, Colin reaffirms the Chiefs' dominance. He highlights their versatile offense, strategic adaptability, and resilience in close games. The Chiefs are portrayed as the epitome of a well-rounded and formidable team.
Notable Quote:
Colin Cowherd [18:30]: "The Chiefs just keep doing it. They are the best situational team in football."
Beyond rankings, Colin and Michael engage in a nuanced conversation about the intricate dynamics of the NFL, touching upon coaching philosophies, player incentives, and the evolving standards of the game.
[27:10 - 27:46]
The duo debates the importance of coaching discipline versus flexibility. Michael advocates for a balance, suggesting that coaches need to be both firm and adaptable to earn player respect.
Notable Quote:
Michael Irvin [27:16]: "You can't come in soft and then try to get tough."
[30:03 - 34:33]
A significant portion of the discussion centers on players chasing personal records versus team success. They particularly focus on Saquon Barkley's pursuit of a 2,000-yard season and the implications of such motivations on team dynamics and coaching strategies.
Notable Quote:
Colin Cowherd [33:24]: "He's one of the least selfish guys in the league. He's never been about records."
[34:03 - 34:35]
Colin critiques the emerging trend of "Pop Tart Bowls," where players enter bowl games primarily to achieve personal milestones rather than team success. Both agree that this shift undermines the spirit of the game and places undue pressure on young athletes.
Notable Quote:
Michael Irvin [24:32]: "We gotta stop from the moment players throw their last pass or run their last. Their last play in college."
Shifting focus to collegiate athletics, Colin and Michael dissect the unrealistic expectations placed on college football teams compared to their NFL counterparts. They advocate for allowing teams and players the space to grow and improve, rather than imposing punitive measures for early-season setbacks.
[35:40 - 39:24]
Colin praises Ohio State as the first college football team allowed to err and still be considered for championship contention. He underscores the importance of resilience and learning from losses, comparing it to the NFL's tolerance for late-season improvements.
Notable Quote:
Colin Cowherd [35:40]: "Ohio State's the first team in college football history that has been allowed to make a couple of mistakes."
Ryan Day's Leadership:
Referencing Ohio State's coach, Colin highlights Ryan Day's acknowledgment of the team's growth and adaptability, though he critiques the external pressures that fans and media place on coaching decisions.
Notable Quote:
Ryan Day [38:55]: "You have to grow and build and make sure you're focusing on your strengths."
[39:25 - 44:57]
The conversation shifts to Texas football, where Colin expresses frustration over the team's lack of discipline and inconsistent performance. Despite having a roster with significant talent and NFL-ready players, penalties and missed assignments hamper their effectiveness, leading to unpredictable outcomes.
Notable Quote:
Colin Cowherd [40:07]: "They have looked like the best team in college football 10 times in the last 20 years."
Arizona State's Loss to Texas:
Colin dissects Texas's controversial victory over Arizona State, questioning the fairness of a missed targeting call that potentially cost Arizona State the game. He criticizes Texas's "all gas, no brakes" approach, emphasizing the need for strategic discipline to complement their athletic prowess.
Notable Quote:
Colin Cowherd [40:07]: "But I think they're going to get rolled by Ohio State, who's playing with a level of defensive violence and offensive perfection that just looks like a Sunday team."
In wrapping up the episode, Colin and Michael reiterate the necessity of evolving standards in both the NFL and college football. They advocate for a more forgiving and growth-oriented approach in collegiate sports, mirroring the NFL's emphasis on peak performance towards the season's end.
[44:57 - 45:27]
Colin concludes by praising Arizona State's effort and resilience under coach Dillingham, while expressing skepticism about Texas's ability to maintain consistent performance. The episode ends on a reflective note, urging for a balance between discipline and flexibility to foster true sporting excellence.
Notable Quote:
Colin Cowherd [45:27]: "Finally, finally, you can take different paths to a Natty. It's not perfection."
Team Performance Analysis: Colin provides a thorough evaluation of the top 10 NFL teams, offering insights into their strengths, weaknesses, and potential for success.
Coaching and Player Dynamics: The discussion underscores the delicate balance coaches must maintain between discipline and adaptability to foster team success and earn player respect.
Evolving Collegiate Standards: Colin and Michael advocate for a more growth-oriented approach in college football, allowing teams and players the necessary space to develop without the burden of unrealistic expectations from the outset of the season.
Player Motivations: The episode highlights the tension between individual player achievements and overall team success, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the latter for long-term success.
This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers a comprehensive analysis of current NFL standings, delves into the complexities of coaching and player motivations, and calls for a paradigm shift in collegiate football standards. Colin's candid opinions, paired with Michael Irvin's seasoned insights, provide listeners with a nuanced perspective on the ever-evolving landscape of American football.