← The Herd with Colin Cowherd
The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Colin Cowherd Podcast - Caleb IS The Bears Problem, Broncos BLOW OUT Cowboys, Trade AJ Brown? Drake Maye Is A STAR
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- [00:00]
Colin Cowherd
This is an iHeart podcast.
- [00:04]
John Middlekauff
This podcast is sponsored by PayPal. Okay, let's talk holiday shopping. When you want to make the most of your Money, head to PayPal's app before you check out. They give you the flexibility to pay in four no fees, no interest. And this is big. Bigger than the 12 foot snowman on your lawn right now. You can get 5% cash back when you pay later with PayPal. So whether it's the must have merch or for that signed jersey you've been eyeing, PayPal helps you make the most of your money this holiday. Save this offer in the PayPal app.
- [00:37]
Colin Cowherd
Expires 1231 see paypal.com promoterms subject to approval. Learn more at paypal.com payin4paypal inc.nmls910457 if.
- [00:49]
John Middlekauff
You smoke or dip, I'm going to give you a few good reasons to try Zynn Zyn Nicotine Pouches. First, it's America's number one nicotine pouch brand and and Zen offers a robust rewards program. There's a lot of options for nicotine satisfaction, but there's only one Zyn. So if you go to zyn.com find that's z y n.com find to find Zyn at a store near you. This product does contain nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive chemical. The Toyota Certified Used Vehicle Sales Event is here. It is packed with great surprises. Choose from a wide selection of low mileage vehicles, all backed by Toyota, with warranties that begin on the date of purchase. Because when it comes to quality, the best new cars make the best used cars. So don't miss your chance. Find your certified Toyota today. But hurry. These Great offers end November 3rd. Toyota Certified used Vehicle Sales Event where every surprise is a great one. Inventory may vary by dealer. Participating dealers only. Comprehensive and powertrain are limited. Warranties. See tcuv warranty supplementtoyotacertified.com or your Toyota dealer for details. Get almost anything you need delivered with Uber Eats. What do you mean by almost? Well, you can't get a well groomed lawn delivered, but you can get chicken parm delivered. A Little escape? No Delicious bowl of grapes? Yeah. An afternoon stroll? Sorry, no. A burrito bowl? Happily, yes. How about the clear skies? Can't deliver that, but French fries? Yeah. Get almost almost anything delivered with Uber Eats. Order now. Alcohol in select markets. Product availability may vary by region. C app for details. The volume all right. I'm a football fan for a long time, since the 70s. I don't watch football without something to eat and drink. Trust me, it's. It's a whole different ball game when you're eating right now. I got two things today from Uber Eats right now. When you buy one large extra most bestest pepperoni pizza from Little Caesars like this one, you get another one free. By the way, one of these has already been eaten by me and my wife 15 minutes ago. Yes, that's right. An extra, extra most bestest pizza thrown in there. Extra cheese, extra pepperoni, all for the price of just one. And since Uber Eats is the official on demand food delivery partner of the NFL, you know all the game day deals keep coming all season long. Wings and tacos and subs and pizzas, chips and dips, whatever. Whatever it is, Uber Eats delivers right to your door. So when your team puts up the extra point, reward yourself with an extra pizza order. Little Caesars on Uber Eats today we did. Terms apply. See the app for details. Pizza, pizza, extra extra. Something's going on here. All right, there's a lot to talk about. Is Brian Kelly going to get fired at lsu, who's guaranteed to draft a quarterback in the first round. And the Saints have to be one of them, along with the Raiders, jets and Cleveland. So let's start with the Ravens 30, bears 16. So the bet of the weekend, all the sharps, was Baltimore with Lamar Jackson over Caleb and the Bears on the road. And then he doesn't play. And I thought to myself, I'm just going to let it see, let it see it play out. Roquan Smith is back, they're healthier and you know, let's be honest, Tyler Huntley's been around. I thought it was really smart game plan. I thought Huntley outplayed Caleb Williams. Although he's not nearly as spectacular. They didn't ask him to do as much. And there's become a disturbing trend with the Bears. John. John Middlekopf joining me, former NFL scout is that this year, in the first quarter, the Bears plus 22 point differential, Caleb 71 completion percentage. He's mostly on script. Quarters 2 through 4, 58% completion percentage for Caleb Williams, minus 39 point differential. When the game gets off script, the coach and Caleb early, they take leads. Remember last year they couldn't score in the first quarter. But I'm watching this game and my take is the backup for Baltimore, didn't make mistakes, took what was there. Very safe game plan. Yeah, I'll say this again. Caleb, in my opinion, is never going to be an accurate, consistently accurate thrower of the football in this league. Am I too harsh?
- [05:23]
Colin Cowherd
No. And if he's not, he's not going to work with Ben Johnson. I mean, the thing that hit me today, and let's face the elephant in the room now, for several weeks he has not played well. Their team has. The running back has played well and the defense has played well. The quarterback has not. Ben Johnson became a star in the league with Jared Goff, who excelled with a couple things. Timing and touch, getting rid of the ball and hitting guys so they could make moves after how many times a day with Caleb. Guys in the flat, even on completions, they have to stop and catch by. You can't function. You saw Bo Nix, obviously the Cowboys defense is atrocious. It's. You're going to hit or miss and he's missing a lot of deep balls. But if you hit the basic stuff in the flat, some basic out routes, any offense can function, right? It's. The NFL is not high school football. It's not a. These huge explosive plays are pretty overrated. Caleb hit one today, scrambling around and threw it over the side to DJ To DJ Moore. I mean, that's just an individual play. As spectacular of a play as you're going to see bad Sunday, but still, I mean, it was remarkable. That's not the NFL. The NFL is like second and eight. Can you just complete that six yarder so you're third and two instead of third and eight? And Caleb simply cannot timing and touch. Colin terrible. There's no rhythm to his game. He has he. To me, it's like the struggle between watching a pitcher who has no changeup or off speed, but his fastballs all over the map.
- [06:50]
John Middlekauff
11 penalties. You know, he and Roma Dunz have a real relationship. That is true. But I thought today is when you take away the takeaways. The Bears have had a formula. We take the ball away, we steal field position and we run the football. And then Caleb, on those first couple series when he scripted we take a lead and we kind of play downhill today they played a much better coach, by the way. John Harbaugh is 15 and three off a bye. I thought Baltimore's play calling today, John, it was Andy Reid. Like they had Chicago guessing constantly and I just watched it and I thought to myself, when they don't get the turnovers, they're just not even operationally good enough or even the underneath stuff, it's just not good enough. They have to run the ball and take the ball away to win this league.
- [07:50]
Colin Cowherd
Well, one big story on the Internet, right, was this Lamar Jackson, was he going to play, was he not going to play? And a big difference. And I saw like Florio trying to parallel to the NBA situation. The difference is in the NFL, the reason Lamar couldn't play because he's not healthy. And in the NBA, guys are getting, they're trying to tank and actively lose games. Whether a guy plays or doesn't play in the NFL, the team you're playing, even if they're as terrible as Tennessee is still going to really try. Right In Baltimore, let's face it like their season's kind of on the line because of how they started poorly. So you were going to get a good spirited effort. And their backup quarterback has played before. Now I, I like Jake Browning. Anyone that watched Tyler Huntley play Utah stunned that he's still around. But it shows you guys can mature and get better late, get in the right situation. More of a running offense. Yeah, for sure it was, it was really impressive. But to me, the story with the Bears, I watch Ben Johnson calling plays. I think he's good. Their defense, obviously the takeaways speak for themselves this year. I think Caleb isn't remotely a good player. He's a talented, physical, you know, physically he's got a lot of gifts. But in terms of playing the quarterback position, I think he's borderline, not even average. Like that's a problem. And this is now year two. I know you drafted him year one. I know this is the first year with the coach, but you don't just get, we've been talking about this. You don't get forever. I would say 20, 26. This keeps going like this. Got major question marks surrounding it for sure.
- [09:22]
John Middlekauff
Quarters two, three and four and first quarter leads are important, but quarters two, three and four, he completes 58% of his throws. And I'm, I watch Bo Nix now it's the Cowboys, but bo nix underneath 18 yards and in is a stud. I mean he, he, he's, he's got a strong arm. And by the way, they routed the Cowboys. We'll get to that in a second. But I mean he, it would have been worse but guys were dropping balls so I don't know. It's just people in Chicago.
- [09:52]
Colin Cowherd
What about the Caleb pocket? You know, he just takes off a lot of the time. I can't imagine the head coach who again just played with a guy who can't run as fast as me and you and they were winning 15 games a year. He's not looking for his quarterback when the first read isn't there to start running sideline to sideline. And it feels like he's kind of a throwback to like 2015 Russell Wilson. But Russell made a lot of plays when he scrambled around. Caleb simply does not. So you're not getting the instructure stuff, which is, I'm sure Ben Johnson's like, that's his bread and butter. I mean, right. That's, that's the way he's built his career, you know, over the last several years. And then all the scramble around stuff, which I would imagine if we got an offensive line coach or an offensive coordinator, they would say half those, he does not need to be doing it. But if you are going to do it, you better hit some big plays. And he's not doing that.
- [10:44]
John Middlekauff
Yeah, I mean, I'm looking at my copious notes here and you know, I'm, you know, Tyler Huntley, great late fourth quarter drive at that point. 186 yards passing, 55 yards rushing. Derrick Henry, touchdown. You know, again, you're talking about an elite coach, a desperate team at home. It's the reason the Sharps were all on this. But it was really interesting because at half it was 10, six Baltimore and I'm like, God, they're the better team. This is not a mirage. I mean, at half Huntley was 12, 13. I mean it was just like throwing catch, passing catch. So I think there are real issues here. I've said this before. Watch Ben Johnson's body language, John. It's not good. He's frustrated, he's discouraged by it. So. And I think there's the difference between, you know, like when Sean Payton gets upset with Bo Nix, it's because he knows at practice or he's seen what he can do. Like when Ben Johnson's upset with Caleb, we're now in week seven, week eight. It's sort of like he's resigned to this is what it is. He's not screaming and yelling. It's not like Jared Goff missing stuff that a coach would be like, bro, you make that throw 9 out of 10 times. I just think there's stuff Caleb is never going to be terribly accurate at.
- [12:06]
Colin Cowherd
Well, I also think there's a huge part of football, no different than a lot of different industries, is Bo Nix is Sean Payton's guy. Ben Johnson inherited this situation. Now you can tell me he chose this situation and that is true. He didn't draft him. And you don't know if he. Obviously Detroit wasn't anywhere near the top of the draft. But like, what were his rankings in that draft, would that have been the guy he chose? Because based on the way I watch him call plays, that's not really his style of player.
- [12:33]
John Middlekauff
That's right.
- [12:34]
Colin Cowherd
So I get back to, I don't care what you do. I've been in situations where I've had the support of leadership and been in situations where you don't. It doesn't work when you don't, and that's if things are going well. You know, we see this in football and in pro sports all the time. Good players, good executives, new ownership, new management. Things change. When things don't go well and you don't have the support because he didn't pick you, you're not his guy. It's over. I never thought this was going to work. You win a couple games and listen, their next two games, looking at their schedule, I got the Bengals, who can be beat, obviously, and the Giants. So this is where you got to be very careful about. They could end up 9 and 8.
- [13:16]
Katie Couric
That.
- [13:16]
Colin Cowherd
That doesn't mean. Because I think he'd go, if we had better quarterback play, we would have won 11 or 12. You know, hell, we might have won the division. I think that's the way he's looking at it.
- [13:25]
John Middlekauff
I'd be interested to see the Bengals line. I think the worst part for the Bears today isn't the loss. It's a blueprint. And the blueprint is don't let him run the football. Stack the box. Do not let him run the football. And if you can avoid turnovers, this offense is. It's a BB gun. I mean, if you do not let them run with DeAndre Swift and just say, beat us down the field. Even the. Even the throw to DJ Moore, John. DJ Moore was the better part of.
- [13:56]
Colin Cowherd
That, you know, so it was incredible catch, tapped it to himself.
- [14:01]
John Middlekauff
The Bears are minus one and a half at the Bengals. So that tells you that the league's like. Is close. And I've been. I'm watching Flacco go up, you know, up and down the field. So I. They were up.
- [14:12]
Colin Cowherd
They were up 14 points with 10 minutes to go in that game. You know, I mean, it's. They. They melted down. They. They are much more functional now with Joe throwing the ball, and their offense actually can work. But I. To me, the. The game plan is simply. Which is crazy because you go, well, John, look at his stats. He threw 25 at 38 for 285 yards. I watch him and I go. I just. I don't see it. You know, I don't See, from the height for the number one overall pick. And to me, he's the problem, which is a problem.
- [14:42]
John Middlekauff
Houston Texans at home. This was one of my blazing five picks. Blazing five. Had a good week. For the third week in a row. Texans 26, San Francisco 15. It did not feel that close. I thought the story of the game was C.J. stroud had time to throw. I mean, his first 20, his first 19 drop backs, he was pressured three times. And so my take on C.J. stroud has always been if you give him an extra beat, he throws an absolutely beautiful football. He throws a beautiful football. And today, I mean, it should have been 27 nothing at one point and it was 16 to 7 at half. Houston, I just don't know what San Francisco do with the injuries. There's no Bosa, there's no Warner. They had to move off Humonga and Greenlawn, Huanga and Greenlaw, they're beat up on the offensive end. Mac Jones made some great throws today. I think it's come to a point with San Francisco is they have to figure out their medical and health issues. Nobody's available. I mean, today Houston's got a really well coached defense that felt like a little bit of an unfair fight in the Octagon. Like they're just. San Francisco couldn't protect line play. And for the record, it's not like Houston's offensive line is formidable. It's been garbage for two years. My take is C.J. stroud was comfortable. He is too good of a distributor if he's comfortable. And it didn't feel like a fair fight for most of it.
- [16:17]
Colin Cowherd
Yeah, to me, it happened again. I mean, they lost multiple guys that they rolled into this game with. They put up a graphic on the, on the television that since Kyle Shanahan became the Niners head coach in 2017, they've had 2300 missed games from starting players. Jesus, that. That leads the league. Now, I don't have a context who's number two, but if you told me they had 500 more missed games over that period than you can't function what they're doing. They just lose multiple players every game. And the domino effect, I mean, today it's a bad matchup. They have legit pass rushers and beside an old Trent Williams, the 49ers offensive line isn't good. And that's on Kyle. They have openly talked about they don't value offensive linemen. They value these skill guys. Well, it's like all your skill guys are on injured reserve. So the Guys that you choose over these offensive linemen. You. Will Anderson look like Lawrence Taylor today. Yeah, he had a couple of plays where, you know, one thing. The Texans, they traded, they got CJ Stroud at 2. They traded pick 12, I think it was pick 33 and a following year's number one to move up to get Will Anderson. They nailed the player, but I think we watch them sometimes. You're like, God, they're missing some depth. Well, big reason is because they made that big trade. So they lost a high second round pick and another first round pick. All of a sudden you're losing a couple players. Could be a right guard and a right tackle. Could be a star running back, it could be a star tight end. So that. But they got the right individual. And listen, you're going to play the 49ers defensive. Can't even name some of the guys they're rolling out. And even the guys they are have, you know, clubs on their hand, knees wrapped and C.J. stroud look good. And they, they physically dominated. Yeah, you know, the 49ers now, it was also a pretty desperate spot for Houston. You know, you're two and four. You just got your ass kicked on Monday Night Football, which I thought was a pretty unfair to have a team have to fly four hours and have a double header kickoff. They kicked off at 7 o' clock in Seattle. So by the time Houston got back, they probably don't even board the plane till midnight or one o'.
- [18:21]
John Middlekauff
Clock. Yeah, brutal.
- [18:22]
Colin Cowherd
They lose a couple hours, probably get home when the sun's out. So it's on Tuesday and I give d' Amico credit. Listen, I'm a believer in d' Amico Ryan's it's hard to win when your offensive line stinks. That's what's remarkable about what Kyle Shannon has done. Like, Trent's been good over the years, but most of the other guys are pretty replaceable and they've won a lot of games. But when they get the right matchup a couple of years ago, they, they lost. They got destroyed by Cleveland. If you have a good defensive line and you know Trent's a little banged up, it can make the 49ers look completely overwhelmed. And that's what happened today.
- [18:56]
John Middlekauff
I mean, C.J. stroud goes 30 of 39. I mean, come on, that, that is. He had one. And again, I think he's, I think he throws a beautiful football. You know, Christian McCaffrey, four catches, eight carries. They never had the ball. I mean, San Francisco literally never had the Ball. Yeah, I picked, I think it was the Rams to win the division, Seattle to be the wild card team and San Francisco third. And I got a lot of pushback and I said it's not the team, it's not the coach. They can't stay healthy, which when you're young, three to four years ago, that was okay because young guys recover faster. But then you add the Hufunga and Greenlaw leave because you can't afford them and now you lose Bosa. Okay, that's a different defense. And I think we both admit that Salah is a great football coach. I mean, he's a really great coach. He may not be a head coach. I still think he deserves a head coaching job. I really do. I mean, look at the jets since he left last year and this year. But you know, my takeaway is there's just limitations on what you can do in this league. And I don't have an answer for it, but it's brutal.
- [20:05]
Colin Cowherd
I think some of these physical coaches too, you know, the 49ers, their practices are pretty intense relative to what you can do, you know, in this modern day cba. And I think that takes, you know, these guys, I think there's just something overall to the league about the guys over trained. They don't play as much football. There's no such thing as double days, the mandatory days off. And then you just play in these games. Guys have been faster than ever that they train so well, but they're not used to actually playing football. And I just feel like we see a lot more shattered ankles injuries that I think guys had a better feel for tackling and in space because they were doing it constantly in practice. And now you don't really do any of that. But you're playing these games at warp speed. You basically go from like 20% to 110%. And we're seeing it all over the league. It's not even just the Niners, obviously. The Niners are the worst example of it.
- [20:59]
John Middlekauff
Yeah, I mean, listen, you're seeing teams now that feel like they're quitting or teams like the Saints here if you don't have the right quarterback, like Miami crushing Atlanta. Well, Penix isn't playing. Or the Saints getting crushed. I mean, listen, there's four teams that are drafting a quarterback. Jets, Cleveland, Saints, Vegas. And then there's three others, Pittsburgh, Rams, Minnesota, that probably should. But this, this was a lopsided weekend. Today's show is brought to you by our new presenting sponsor, Hard Rock Bet great partners on Hard Rock Bet. You don't have to wait for week nine to kick all the action and you want to get in on that action. It's a golden time of the year with basketball, homers, hat tricks always something to bet on. If you haven't tried your first bet on Hard Rock Bet, there's still time to get 150 bucks in bonus bets. If you win, just place a $5 bet. Five bucks. That's it. If it hits you, not only get your winnings, but 150 bucks in extra bonus bets from Hard Rock Bet. If you think baseball is slow even when the title's on the line, not when you bet. The average first inning lasts just 17 minutes and first inning bets are one of the most popular one in the entire Hard Rock Bet app. So you can bet if there's a run in the first inning or a no run first inning. Fast, fun, easy. You can parlay first inning bets for a bigger, faster possible payout. Download the Hard Rock Bet app today. Make your first deposit payable and bonus bets not a cash offer offered by the Seminole Tribe of Florida in Florida Offered by Seminole Hard Rock Digital LLC in Alder States. Must be 21 plus and physically present in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, York, New Jersey, Ohio, Tennessee or Virginia to play terms and conditions apply. Concern about gambling in Florida, call 1-888- admit it in Indiana. If you or somebody you know has a problem, wants help, call 1-800-9 with it gambling problem, call 1-800- gambler Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, New Jersey, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia hey, it's Colin. Last major League Baseball postseason, you might have noticed the new logo on the batting helmets. That red ostrich on the word Strauss. You see it behind me. They made history as the first brand ever on a Major League Baseball helmet. Check them out. Strauss has been family owned and run since 1948 and they've built one of the most trusted names in workwear. The pants are designed like tools you can wear. Made with materials up to five times stronger than standard cotton pockets that keep everything where you need it and comfort that holds up all day long. Their boots? Amazing. Built, tough, built to last, and built to actually look good while they last. Strauss isn't just workwear. It's gear engineered to perform for you. From grit to glory. Gear up now@strauss.com, s t r a u s s.com strauss.com youm'll see it all baseball post season. This podcast is sponsored by PayPal. Okay, let's talk holiday shopping. When you want to make the most of your Money, head to PayPal's app before you check out. They give you the flexibility to pay in four no fees, no interest. And this is big. Bigger than the 12 foot snowman on your lawn right now. You can get 5% cash back when you pay later with PayPal. So whether it's the must have merch or for that signed jersey you've been eyeing, PayPal helps you make the most of your money this holiday. Save this offer in the PayPal app.
- [24:10]
Colin Cowherd
Expires 1231 see paypal.com promoterms subject to approval. Learn more at paypal.com payin4paypal inc.nmls910457.
- [24:24]
Katie Couric
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- [25:22]
John Middlekauff
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- [26:00]
Katie Couric
On the latest episode of Next Question with with me, Katie Couric. I sat down with Bernie Sanders, who is 84 years old, has spent 34 years in Congress and he can still pack a rally with people a quarter of his age.
- [26:13]
John Middlekauff
Denver, 34,000 people come out. Salt Lake City, 20,000 people. You know, huge turnouts. People are really dissatisfied about the status quo.
- [26:23]
Katie Couric
His Fighting Oligarchy tour with AOC and other young progressives has become a movement. But is his message too far to the left? Well, he certainly doesn't think so.
- [26:34]
John Middlekauff
Does that sound like a radical idea? Is that too far left for you?
- [26:37]
Katie Couric
Okay, okay, wait. I get your point, Bernie. We talk about the billionaire class, the cost of living and of course the government shutdown, not to mention the current state of the Democratic party.
- [26:51]
John Middlekauff
To me, the failure of the Democratic party has been an unwillingness to recognize the real issues.
- [26:58]
Katie Couric
Open your free iHeartRadio app search next question with Katie Couric. And listen, now.
- [27:09]
John Middlekauff
I wanna go to Philadelphia 38, New York Giants 20. The scatter boo injury that happens about twice a year where you watch it and you're sick to your stomach. But the bigger story of this game is AJ Brown, due to a hamstring, didn't play. And Jalen Hurts was unbelievable. And the Philadelphia offense was unbelievable. And Devontae Smith had six catches and the run game had 277 yards and they averaged 7.5 yards of carry. Against the good defensive front, it is pretty obvious that A.J. brown at the trade deadline, I mean, addition by subtraction sounds weird. I know fans can struggle with that, John. Like you're like, how can you lose him and be better? But you get into these locker rooms and when you feel like you remember when Dak took over the Cowboys and that sense, you had to get it to Des. And the truth is Dak was like, I'm spending all this time worrying about one guy. And Dax always been a guy that likes to spread the ball around like he likes to spray it around the Infield. Philadelphia today, 38 points, offense hasn't looked better. And A.J. brown didn't play. To me, if that's not. I think Philadelphia was really interested on what they would look like today without him. Do you think they're going to move him at the deadline?
- [28:24]
Colin Cowherd
Well, plus, I mean, Washington plays tomorrow, but they're a 12 point dog at Arrowhead, their seasons in shambles. The Cowboys defense, I mean, best case scenario, they're an 8, 8 and 1 team and obviously the Giant season is over, right? So if you're the Eagles, you go, our division's over. So now it's just about trying to get seating, get that number one seat and how do we match up? Rams, Seattle, Detroit? So to me, that's the conversation around A.J. brown, because one thing, you know, Howie and the Eagles are pretty good. They got a lot going on at all times. They're kind of unfazed by it. You know, Howie, like, one of Howie's best friends is Brian Cashman. Like, they're used to. He's comfortable in that environment. I think some, like Kyle Shanahan, John lynch, they don't like it. They don't want that. I think the Harbaugh brothers aren't how he kind of thrives off that. So I think a lot of people think, get rid of AJ not that they're against it. And I saw some quotes that Jeffrey Lurie had at the owner's meetings this week, like, yeah, we'll trade him if it's good for us. But we're not just. They're not afraid to deal with it. Him posting on Instagram, unfazed by it. And listen, I'll give Sirianni credit. They have kind of molded him in. In the, like, you got to be able to handle this to coach and Philly, and he kind of can't. But I do think if they go, listen, are we better off? Does it free Jalen up a little bit? Can we also transition to the next several years because some of these core guys aren't going away? Can we get two twos from New England and give him back to Variable? Can we get a bidding war going with some AFC teams for services? To me, New England makes a lot of sense. And, you know, would you take a two and a three form right now and just be like, hey, let's get rid of some money. Let's pivot, make him happy. Yeah, we don't have to see this team. So I definitely think it's. It's on the table. But if you're New England, because I think a lot of people are going to be variable, they could use a little more offensive firepower. Like, are you. Your schedule's pretty easy. Who is really giving up a lot for AJ and that's where it gets to, like, how he's not just going to give him away for like a third round pick, but, like, are people bidding against each other for the guy who, let's face it, freak. I mean, extremely. Can be a little tough.
- [30:33]
John Middlekauff
Yeah.
- [30:34]
Colin Cowherd
You know, so to me, that's where Variable makes sense because he knows them. But I could see some of these other organizations, like, yeah, I don't really want to like the Bills. They've kind of done that with digs, and it's like, I don't think that's really their thing.
- [30:45]
John Middlekauff
Well, also New England's wide receivers, and a lot of it's because of Drake May. They all look capable. They all make catches. Yeah, they're fine.
- [30:53]
Colin Cowherd
And don't you need those picks moving forward with your young quarterback? Like, I, you know, this year, making the playoffs, win 11 games would be pretty good.
- [31:00]
John Middlekauff
I could see New England saying, we're really young. We don't need more draft picks. Like, we love our core. We got a lot of young guys, especially on offense. Our left tackle, our running back, our quarterback, Hunter Henry is like a rare veteran guy. We could use a veteran presence. I've heard GMs have told me before, sometimes if you make a big deal, you don't want just five draft picks. You'd like a player because you don't want to. You know, you don't want, like, certain coaches, Belichick on defense and McVeigh on offense, you know, they don't like to. Terrence Ferguson, finally last week in week seven, GoT looks, as you know, they're, you know, one of their top draft picks at tight end. Like, they just don't want to play guys early. So, yeah, no, I look at Philadelphia, I think you make a great point. You know, Dallas can't defend, Wash Giants can't score. It's a bad year for Washington, Health and beyond. It's Philadelphia. And so at this point, I've said this, though, John, the only thing that gets or punctures momentum and a. And a loaded roster is drama. It is the only thing. And I'm watching them today, and I'm like, oh, shit, they almost have 300 yards rushing. Some of this is tied to A.J. brown's absence. Like, they're just free to do what they want to do.
- [32:19]
Colin Cowherd
Well, and to me, it felt like I. First couple plays of the game, saquon takes it 65, 70 yards. That looked exactly like the carbon copy last week. Now, I. I understand they need some outside pass rush help. Do you think it's random that they resigned Brandon Graham, a veteran presence who can come in that locker room, calm everyone down a little bit. Maybe you bring him back and it does open you up. Hey, we got a little more. We don't need aj, you know, chirping if he's truly not happy because you've been talking about this for a while. He's clearly not. You know, those two are not friends anymore, right? And it's like, it's not One of those situations like, hey, my linebacker, my quarterback, hate each other, whatever. They barely see each other. They're never. This is kind of an important relationship. They're in the huddle every time together. He's, I mean, one of the best players not on your team, but in the league. So, like, his words do have some juice. Even if the younger players like, listen, I don't want to get involved in this, it can become an issue where the coaching staff and how you're unfazed by it. And even Jalen, I think his personality, he's. He's really good at just kind of being, you know, blinders on moving forward. But I think AJ's been trying to like throw gasoline on this fire and everyone else is like, calm down. So it's.
- [33:29]
John Middlekauff
He.
- [33:29]
Colin Cowherd
I don't know if it's going to go away. So I would say that trading him, I've never thought they would. I would give it a decent opportunity again, assuming someone's willing to pay the market rate because they're not just going to give them away to get them out of there.
- [33:42]
John Middlekauff
Well, I was told, I was told this summer by an NFL exec that Jalen wasn't beloved in the locker room because he's not really one of the guys. He's super mature. And I think A.J. brown wanted to stir things maybe a little. Jalen doesn't bite on it. That's just not who he is. And so I've said this before, is that Brady did a great job in New England to introduce himself to the 21 year olds. But a lot of these older quarterbacks, it's like, guys, I listen to the Rolling Stones. I mean, you listen to bands I've never heard of. And I think Jalen Hurts is uniquely mature. I mean, when Dak came in, DEZ wasn't mature enough for Dak. Like, Dak's like, I can't babysit you, bro. I'm trying to figure this league out. I just don't have time. I mean, Dak's really mature for his age. And I think Jalen Hurts is. And when it happens, it's, you know, when you're mature at 23 or 24 years old and most young men aren't. I mean, if you look at crime statistics, binge drinking statistics, who gets into trouble with sports, gambling, it's young men, they're not terribly mature. So it's almost like a burden or a punishment. When you're as mature as Jalen Hurts, you're attracted to older people. Your friends are in their mid-30s or 40s, because most young men aren't mature, especially pro athletes who have been sort of protected or coddled. And so I think with Jalen Hurts, he's never going to be the best. He's never going to be everybody's best buddy. He's not going to relate to a lot of these young. The NFL's never been younger. So I just think, I just don't think this team needs A.J. brown. And now for our next segment, whiskey business. Yes, whiskey business. Brought to you by Green River Whiskey, the official whiskey of the Colin Coward podcast. Let's talk New England. New England 32, Cleveland, 13 miles Garrett, 5 sacks, yada, yada, yada. The question is with Drake May, his last seven games, he's completing 77% of his throws. John, I watched his running today. He had four rushes, 13 yards per rush. I watched his throwing today. Frable's such a good coach. They don't ask him to throw 40 times. It's like 18, 24. I'm watching Drake May today. John, you're going to think I'm out of my mind saying this. I'm not so sure. He's not a top eight quarterback in the league now. Jesus, he's good.
- [36:06]
Colin Cowherd
Yeah. I mean, I think he's number three right now for the betting mvp. Now, I don't think he's going to win the mvp, but he has. I think we talked about it last year with him and Caleb Williams. It was really hard to judge both of them because all their games were 20, 25, 18 to nothing at halftime. So they're just getting routed. And then their stats would come in the second half when the game just doesn't matter. It's like scoring 20 points when you're down 50 in the fourth quarter saying, I don't know what to make of this. And the one thing that's happened this year is you've seen him play in real games and be awesome, you know, and that's, you know, I'd say him and Caleb kind of. I put them both coming into the season at the same spot. They both got real coordinators, right? Ben Johnson and Josh McDaniels. And one guy is thriving. And I don't even think most people would say New England has a top 20 group of skill guys, you know, I mean, Henderson had his first kind of breakout game. A lot of it's been maybe scrambling around. Diggs has only played a handful of games. K. Sean Boute, the kid from LSU is making a bunch. Every time you look up he's making a play.
- [37:16]
John Middlekauff
Yeah.
- [37:16]
Colin Cowherd
You know, Hunter Henry, like you said, this is not exactly, you know, George Kittle, Justin Jefferson and Jamar Chase running around out there for him. So, yeah, I mean, we like them coming in because the coach, I mean the upgraded coach is an all timer and their schedule was pretty conducive.
- [37:31]
John Middlekauff
Yeah.
- [37:31]
Colin Cowherd
But they're playing these easy teams. They're beating the shit out of them. I took the Browns today because I was like, you know, good defense. I could just see an ugly game. They're starting to feel a little bit like it's not a perfect parallel because I think this team had more talent. But remember that first year, Jim Harbaugh got, got to the Niners and they just kept winning. They just kept winning. You're like, oh, this is the game that'll probably be weird. All of a sudden you looked up, they're hosting the NFC championship game. I don't think it's crazy. We look up and this is like a 9 and 18. This is like a 13 and 4 team.
- [37:59]
John Middlekauff
Yeah, John, I watched them today. I watched a lot of this game and Mike, because it was a weird slate and I'm like, they don't really have a hole. I mean, Drake May's youth is a hole. I mean again, Campbell rookie got worked by Myles Garrett. Well, God, all pro left tackles get worked by Miles Garrett. And my take was watching them. I'm like, kansas City doesn't really have a hole. They don't run the ball very effectively. But you know, the defense, the coaching, the skill level, the speed, you know, Kansas City could use another pass rusher. And they don't run the ball well. But they're so good at the other stuff. I look at New England, I'm like, they run it, they throw it. Their receivers are all capable. There were seven different guys made catches. Drake made moves. Frable's a great coach. I mean they, they're secondary today. I mean, they had a couple that once you see the one handed interception by their corner, Jesus, it was the play of the day. It was insane. Like New England's one of those teams. The Colts are like this. But the Colts have real stars like Jonathan Taylor and Warren. Those are real stars. New England doesn't have that star power. But when you watch the Colts play, they're just highly efficient. They pick up first downs, they rush the passer and you look up and it's like they put the Colts put pressure on you on every down, both sides of the ball. New England's just super efficient. Well coached, not necessarily great yet on third down, like they're just not quite powerful enough. They lack star power. If you put Hunter Henry's good. If you put Warren with Hunter Henry at tight end, that would change the dynamic. That's why to me, A.J. brown's interesting. You put in A.J. let's say you give up a, you give up the third round pick and you're like, okay, what are our needs next year? They don't have a big hole. So the hole is they don't have a dominant perimeter player. To me, it's like it gets really interesting with New England.
- [39:50]
Colin Cowherd
Well, because, you know, if you think about it, if you're these guys, you start going, well, we got the capability to win 12 or 13 games. So it's like we're going to have to beat Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes, you know, potentially. We'll see how we're recording this before the Steelers. But Aaron Rodgers, who still got a little something left, right? Who knows? Lamar Jackson, they could come storming back if he ever gets back. I think they play Miami this, this week on Thursday Night Football. So all of a sudden Baltimore get back. That's who we got to beat. And to me, that'll be the one question. I know he beat Josh Allen earlier this year, but it's like all the hype, this guy's as good as these. We've seen this before. So the more you can equip him with, I think they definitely got to be in the mix. And to me, AJ Makes the most sense because of Rabel. But I also think, is it Brable the perfect coach for kind of keeping this is why I keep betting against him and I keep regretting it because like Vrabel's actually perfect for when you're winning because he doesn't feel himself. He kind of keeps the whole unit humble.
- [40:46]
John Middlekauff
The only two teams definitively to me that are better than New England, Kansas City and the Colts. There's no question the way to catch up is big plays over the top. That's really the way to catch up now because if you play Indianapolis, they're going to hit you for big plays. Taylor, Warren, Pittman, there's no question. I mean, Indianapolis is not only efficient.
- [41:11]
Colin Cowherd
They look good, they're going to hit.
- [41:12]
John Middlekauff
You on big plays and Kansas City, with Andy Reid in the playoff game, are going to hit you for big plays. Now if Lamar comes back, that dynamic, that's a big play offense. The only thing I think New England misses is that cheap 76 yard touchdown that you'd get in the playoff game because his physical presence, I mean there's just so many things to A.J. brown I like. But I mean I'm watching them and.
- [41:38]
Colin Cowherd
It is, I think their defense is playing well as like a unit. But I would say the other thing that they lack is, you know, the Chiefs have Chris Jones who at any given moment gets you a couple sacks. Yeah, the Bills have some big time, you know, guys up front. Baltimore used to, I mean these guys are injured, but you know, when the Chargers, the Broncos, I mean these guys got some high end, big time names. Now that guy you can't really trade. You know, there's not like Max Crosby, probably not getting dealt. So, you know, if I was New England, I would, I would rather have one of those guys than a wide receiver. But I would just say, hey, we'll just try to play together as a unit because their secondary, Spain had a nice pick. I guess Dylan Gabriel threw it right to him today. But you know, Christian Gonzalez is really, they do have some like individual talent, especially in the secondary linebacker. But you just go like, who's there outside? Just. I mean no one has Miles Garrett. But I also think watching the Cleveland, they were given the opportunity. The guy said, trade me. Your team sucked. You were restarting. No one was going to get back. He's telling you, I don't want to be any more. Trade me. He's over 30 years old, but he's so good. He's still at a bunch of value. You could have traded him for multiple ones, probably multiple twos and the Travis Hunter trade and had this war chest of draft picks and had all this room to kind of reset. Instead you still stink and have this guy on your team who's getting five sacks where you're losing 30 to 10. It's, it's completely pointless to have this all time great pass rusher on a team that's awful with no offense. Especially he, he gave you the out this off season and they were, it's what bad franchises do. They, they could have traded them, they would have been in the same record. Probably would have been the exact same.
- [43:23]
John Middlekauff
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- [44:43]
Colin Cowherd
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- [44:55]
Katie Couric
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- [45:55]
John Middlekauff
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- [46:32]
Katie Couric
On the latest episode of Next Question with me, Katie Couric. I sat down with Bernie Sanders, who is 84 years old, has spent 34 years in Congress and he can still pack a rally with people a quarter of his age.
- [46:46]
John Middlekauff
Denver, 34,000 people come out. Salt Lake City, 20,000 people out. You know, huge turnouts. People are really dissatisfied about the status quo.
- [46:56]
Katie Couric
His Fighting Oligarchy tour with AOC and other young progressives has become a movement. But is his message too far to the left? Well, he certainly doesn't think so.
- [47:07]
John Middlekauff
Does that sound like a radical idea? Is that too far left for you?
- [47:10]
Katie Couric
Okay, okay, wait. I get your point, Bernie. We talk about the billionaire class, the cost of living and of course the government shutdown, not to mention the current state of the Democratic party.
- [47:24]
John Middlekauff
To me, the failure of the Democratic party has been an unwillingness to recognize the real issues.
- [47:31]
Katie Couric
Open your free iHeartRadio app search next question with Katie Couric and listen now.
- [47:43]
John Middlekauff
Okay, Denver Broncos blazing 5 went 4 and 1 for the third week in a row. I took Denver minus 3. Dallas has never had much success. You have to go back to the Troy Aikman era when Dallas is 95. Denver, yeah, they just kicked the living, you know what out of them. Denver 44, Dallas 24. This game to me felt very much John, like it was over in the second quarter. I mean, Denver average 8.7 yards of play. I've been saying this now, John, for two months. Mims Franklin, Cortland Sutton and now this Bryant kid, Matt Bryant, who they got out of Illinois. They have four and they're all same body type. They run, they're long, they have a catching radius. All four of those guys, the kid out of Illinois today, did you see that catch in the corner of the end zone? Great play.
- [48:33]
Colin Cowherd
Awesome.
- [48:34]
John Middlekauff
Bo Nix was, he had a really bad early pick. You can just see Sean Payton here. I we could talk about Dallas's defense all day. I mean, the holes in this defense today, it was like a seven on seven drill. I mean, Jesus, there were guys wide open in the end zone. But I did feel like watching Bo Nix today. I see What Sean Payton does better arm than you think. Really, really athletic. And today when he threw that ball to Bryant and there was a penalty flag, Nix it kind of had an Aaron Rodgers feel. Nick's is like I got to play to burn here. And what did Aaron Rodgers do his entire career? When there's a flag on the defense goes way downfield, he takes a big shot. Bo Nix throws an absolute seed to get that rookie from Illinois his first touchdown. I was impressed with Denver that I again I didn't think it was a fair, I mean this thing was over really mid second quarter. And I think if you watch Dallas's roster against Denver's roster today, it looked like a complete mismatch to me.
- [49:43]
Colin Cowherd
Yeah, I mean Dallas is a good team to go up against to get your offense right. You know, that's where it felt like when he threw that early pick, you're like that's not a good sign, not against this team. And then immediately, you know, the gates came open. I think one thing Denver can do and you saw them do it today when RJ Harvey had the big run. I think they're running game, I mean those two guys, J.K. dobbins a really good player. Yeah, easiest way to set it because they're going to play in these big games, I mean they're going to be in the playoffs. They're going to have as good a chance as any because their defense is awesome, they have a kicker and their return game like they have a lot of positives even beside when they're passing game can be out of whack. Mims had an incredible kind of broken tackle reverse field. I mean they got explosive players a lot. Take a little pressure off the young quarterback at times I would hammer people like Jim Harbaugh would die to have this team because they would lead the league in rushing or Kyle Shanahan, we would lead the league. But you know, listen, you are who you are. Andy Reid, Sean Payton, like they like to pass. I mean they're, that's the, your, your philosophy as a coach is your philosophy as a coach. It's and it's definitely not going to change for Sean Payton to 60 years old. But I, I, I, this is a bad example because this Dallas is so bad with their secondary. But I do think as they get into some of these games, I would rely much more on my run game. He obviously likes RJ Harvey. They drafted him pretty high to get it. Today was his first touchdown. But you see that explosive speed now there was no one in Dallas out There, but it's like, yeah, just get this guy in space. Run some screens to him. I'm not trying to act like I know more football than Sean Payton, but I think sometimes it's like he's trying to prove with Bo Nix, like, I think you could kind of almost ease him in sometimes. And it's like even the day early in the game, they hit a couple. They tried to hit some big plays down the field and he missed one in the end zone. It's like they're really trying to hit these deep bombs. It's like, I don't think this is necessary to play well.
- [51:31]
John Middlekauff
You could.
- [51:31]
Colin Cowherd
But you see when it's on, like there are. If he's throwing well, they could beat anyone in the league on any given week, for sure.
- [51:37]
John Middlekauff
Yeah. And blow people out. John, to your point, there was a point in this game where they were crushing Dallas and Dallas had a significant time of possession advantage. Like Denver is a. I think what Sean is trying to create. John, this is my take, what he's trying to create. He wants a big play offense because his take is he can do death by a thousand cuts because he's such a great play caller or play designer. His take is if I have to score quickly, I want Bo to be able to work very quickly and throw the ball. It's almost like he is what he's doing. He's trying to put Bo in situations. I think he has confidence in Bo to do all the underneath stuff. I don't think he yet quite trusts Bo down the field. Today felt like, and this was the second time I've watched them this year, that Sean is making a point of Bo. I want you to get uncomfortable. I want you to throw it down the field. That's what it feels like to me. Like that Sean knew early in this game we have a personnel advantage. We're at home. Dallas defense is awful. We're going to score in this game. We're going to score the way I want us to score. We can score two different ways. I want us to be aggressive. It just felt like the game plan today was exploit them, be aggressive and throw over the top. Yeah.
- [52:57]
Colin Cowherd
I mean, he has no. He has no excuse to not be a very high efficient player because they got, like you said. I mean, Troy Franklin's really good. Sutton's a monster. The two running backs can catch. I mean, Ingram's really talented. I did look last week because they had the miraculous comeback. So you kind of forget about how ugly it was for three quarters if you go Back and look, Bo Nix. Those three years at Auburn, again, chaotic place. Was very inaccurate. Was in the 50s, but then he went to Oregon and was like 70 and then like 78%. But remember, a lot of the. The conversation was it was a lot of short stuff and he removed the short stuff. I do wonder if he's just not the most natural, accurate passer. Like, that's. That was droopy. It's not his thing in terms of deeper routes. And you saw it today. Again, if a guy's wide open, he can hit plays, especially on the move. He's actually a really good thrower on the run to his right. Like, I feel very confident when they roll him out, but I just think they kind of got to find that sweet spot. But there's no disputing. I mean, guy for guy, they're as good as any team in the afc. Like, they got to be thinking, like, we can win the afc. We should beat the Colts, who are one of the best teams we had them beat. We screwed up at the end. The Chiefs. I mean, hell, they almost beat them last year. Remember when they missed that field goal? So they, they got to feel pretty good about being the other thing is home field for them. Because when you factor in not just it's an intense place to play, but the. The elevation is a really, really big deal.
- [54:24]
John Middlekauff
Yeah. I mean, you know what I noticed today? I didn't think it was very. If Lamar Jackson would have played, maybe it's better, maybe it's not. Actually, I think Tyler Huntley made the game more interesting because you kind of kept waiting for him to make a mistake and he never did. But, you know, watching the games today, you do get to like a week seven or eight. John. And teams realize they're bad. Like the Titans, it wasn't much of an effort. Like, they just got the S kicked.
- [54:52]
Colin Cowherd
Out of them and they're terrible.
- [54:54]
John Middlekauff
They're absolutely awful. And the Saints are awful and Las Vegas is awful. And Cleveland has a good spirit and a good coach. They're awful. Those four teams are taking quarterbacks. I've watched every quarterback, by the way, every single college quarterback. And I like the kid at South Carolina, and I don't. I think he's totally raw. I watched him against Alabama this weekend. He needs to sit for a year with a McVeigh or sit for a year with somebody, you know, obviously in Vegas. Saints, Cleveland, jets, they need a starter. You know, I can see Aaron Rodgers coming back for a year in Pittsburgh going, we're going to go get that kid at South Carolina. I think he's a fascinating prospect. The kid is thick, he's strong, he's all over the map. But it's funny, I've watched all these quarterbacks. Mendoza's pretty good and Dante Moore is talented. There's about eight guys. John, the kid at South Carolina is the only one. And I think he would need to sit for a year that I go, that looks special. I watched Tyler, I watched Ty Simpson this weekend. And by the way, he sat for tour. This is. He sat for two years. He's been the back up. His ball doesn't have a lot of juice. You know, like a lot of his deep balls are under thrown. A lot of his underneath stuff, it's hit and miss. He looks like a coachable, great kid who will play in the NFL. He can be accurate if he gets the right coach. But I don't watch him and go, wow, there's a ton of juice.
- [56:26]
Colin Cowherd
He looks like a better version of who was the Georgia quarterback that McVeigh drafted that kind of had some off the field issues that disappeared. Now he's back. Yeah, he kind of, he kind of feels like a version. He's on a really good team with a really good coaching staff. You know, he's better. I think he's a better college player. I, I do not see first round physical abilities. Lenore Sellers. His team's pretty terrible. So it's, you know, physically gifted. You're almost judging him a little bit off. Last year when they had, I think they went nine and three. They look like they're headed for five or six wins and they just. That was one of their better efforts. He has the tools. Yeah, he has the tools. I would say the other guy that has the juice. Did you watch A and M? I mean, absolutely. Curb stomp lsu. The problem with, with Marcel Reed, who is like a mixture of Jaden Daniels meets Lamar Jackson. I googled it. Now I listen. You can fudge Wade a little bit. Lamar, when he went to the combine was 250.
- [57:21]
John Middlekauff
That kid looks 1 70.
- [57:22]
Colin Cowherd
Yeah, he's 181. But he told Herb street during the game he usually loses seven or eight. So during games he's playing at 1:75, which again, you see him. And even if Lamar was playing it, let's say 205, there's a. I mean, you're talking 25 pound difference. And this is a runaround player. So Marcel Reed is really impressive, but at 175, 180, that's a little concerning even Jaden Daniels was 200. That's you're talking £20. This is a. I mean Miles Garrett hitting you, Max Crosby hitting you. Chris Jones landing on you like that's. I don't care Vita Vea throwing you to the ground. I understand you can make these guys miss and stuff but eventually you're going to get it Hu Funga blindside you. There is no disputed to me he might be the best quarterback. It's now he's on the best team too.
- [58:12]
John Middlekauff
I can't draft 180 pound quarterback.
- [58:15]
Colin Cowherd
No. And us Meyer, you know, looks like a guy you would draft in the third round. So I think most of these quarterbacks, including Sellers, this is not a great year to feel a lot of like Joe Burrows, Jaden Daniels, Andrew Lux. That doesn't mean you can't find good starters, but it's a crapshoot. I mean I think there's a lot of other positions that are pretty solidified. I don't think this is a great year to be like, oh, we need to solve our issues.
- [58:38]
John Middlekauff
Yeah, I mean look at last year.
- [58:39]
Colin Cowherd
Colin, you're dealing with human beings. I would have taken Cam Ward over Jackson Dartu. It was not that crazy. And who knows, I mean it's. You could argue that Cam's in like a Jared Goff. That is rookie year with the Rams. Maybe we look back and go that. But just based on this year, it's not even close. I mean if you just pulled the 32 GMs I don't know if Jackson be 32 out of to 0 over Cam Ward, but he would be in the high 20s and that might include the Tennessee brass. So that's how fast things change. And this was a pick one and two. This was pick one and what dark like 25, 24.
- [59:16]
John Middlekauff
Well this.
- [59:16]
Colin Cowherd
So you just, you just don't know.
- [59:18]
John Middlekauff
This is why Dallas is in a great spot and so are the Rams. The Rams can take one of these guys in the first round and not play them for two years because they have two firsts. That's what you'll want with Lenora Sellers is we're just going to draft the kid. You're going to learn like Alex Smith with Mahomes. You're just going to learn how to be a professional quarterback and McPhail clean up the accuracy. But I mean I watch all these guys and I'm like man, I don't know. I just, I'm watching who the hell knows what's going on with Minnesota. But I think Aaron, if he has success, may play one more year. Because I think he's really enjoying.
- [59:55]
Colin Cowherd
For sure.
- [59:56]
John Middlekauff
Yeah. And he's too good. I mean, Aaron's still really solid. But it's just interesting. You watch all these guys speaking at college. Reportedly, Brian Kelly has a $54 million buyout for the record. I was told this weekend by somebody in college coaching that these universities, after a couple years have insurance policies. So if they do have to fire a coach, insurance comes in like a James Franklin and can cover a big part of that nut. So LSU has a $54 million buyout on Brian Kelly, who's 64 years old. He's a really good coach. I think he took it for the money. I don't think his heart was in it. I don't think. I had somebody tell me a year ago, who knows Brian. You know, he didn't want to recruit in the South. He's not here for the grind. He's just, listen, when you get into your 60s, I'm lucky. I don't feel this way. Maybe I will. I love going to work. I love doing this. But some guys get to their 60s, and if they've been in really, really intense careers and they go to their wife and go, listen, it's an $80 million contract, even if I get fired, you know, we can buy that second beach place. You know, we got a place in the Cape. We can buy one in West Palm Beach. And the kids are like, go for it, dad. And I kind of feel like with Brian Kelly, it was a go for it, dad move. He wasn't a natural fit. He was sort of an older Midwestern guy who's really intense, can be combative. He had the fake. And I like Brian Kelly, but he had kind of the fake Southern twang. People said it was like Hillary Clinton, like his dialect, his voice changed as he went below the Mason Dixon line. It's like. Like, I just feel like it just never felt right to me.
- [61:45]
Colin Cowherd
Yeah, I mean, I thought it ended last night. I mean, I thought A and M kind of took LSU Soul as a program in the third quarter. And that's a program that anyone around LSU has not viewed anywhere close to as an equal for decades. And the other thing is, Brian Kelly took over a program where the last three coaches won national championships, and that. That includes Ed Ogeron and Les Miles, who, I would say, in a vacuum, you would say, who's a better coach? Right. Brian Kelly or those guys? I think most people in football would say, I would take Brian Kelly to run my program. But down there, you would not. You know. And listen, obviously Ed had his fault, started feeling himself and had some other stuff going on, but took a lot of passion in the region, obviously enjoyed recruiting. He got lapped. I thought when Lane beat him back to back years, I said, I don't think it's going to fly. Well, Ole Miss is now the better program. Then Vanderbilt kicks his ass because that's what they did two weeks ago. And then last night I thought it officially, like, I just don't see how you could just keep going at this. This is not year two.
- [62:51]
John Middlekauff
This is year four.
- [62:52]
Colin Cowherd
And to me, you know, who's really forever. It was like Saban put a lot of people on the unemployment line because like Florida, Georgia, they held themselves to that standard. Now I think some of these programs are looking at Lane. It's like, well, he's an Ole Miss locked to win nine, 10 games with his eyes closed. And now this year, after he beats Oklahoma, he's going to the playoffs.
- [63:13]
John Middlekauff
Yeah.
- [63:14]
Colin Cowherd
And I give Lane a lot of credit and I think there's some people would. He clearly has cleaned up his life. Right? Changed his life. You see it in his face that the booze. I mean, it's evident his personality feels like. Like what he has done. LSU would not even talk to him when they had the opening and they hired Brian Kelly wouldn't.
- [63:33]
John Middlekauff
I'd hire Lane Kiffin at LSU tomorrow.
- [63:36]
Colin Cowherd
Oregon wouldn't interview him. Now, I think LSU goes, well, do we, Lane, if. Listen, I mean, I have a lot of respect for Ole Miss, the program, what he's done, if he gets the opportunity, I think he's going to go to Florida, but maybe LSU goes. We're a way better program than Florida. They fired four guys since Urban Meyer. That program is a joke. We win national championships here with anybody. And Lane's no dummy's been the conference long enough, especially at Alabama. And Ole Miss had a front row seat for lsu. You could argue that job with the recruiting aspect, especially if they're going to fund, you know, give you the money. Ole Miss is giving them the money. It's got to be a top five job in America, potentially. So if he's willing to go to Florida, why wouldn't he be going to lsu? So if he's willing to move, if I'm lsu, I make this move. Because the other thing is, you can't. You just can't go on. You know, it becomes like apathetic. People just quit on Brian Kelly. The other thing is, Colin, when you're a CEO head coach. You know, there were some videos, did you see some of them last night of him screaming at his coaches? Once you start screaming at your offensive coordinator, why are you doing that on third down? Your special team says like Brian, you are the boss. You could tell them run a different play when you're in the headset. So I just think that it's all out of whack right now and to me it unofficially ended last night.
- [64:51]
John Middlekauff
All right. Kansas City Chiefs hard Rock bet 11 1/2 point favorite over Washington. I've been taking favorites on Monday Night Football and I took four favorites this weekend. If we learn anything from Sunday, the bad teams now know they're bad. I generally don't love big spreads, but I think Kansas City is about a touchdown better than anybody in the National Football League. Maybe, maybe Philadelphia is. Their roster keeps them closer. I would take Kansas City to win. Win it comfortably. Marcus Mariota against this defense feels like multiple turnovers. John yeah, I want to throw a.
- [65:28]
Colin Cowherd
Curveball here and go against you, but I can't with a straight face. Colin we're going to ride the Chiefs and I think Washington, their Great season from 2024 looks like it's coming to a screeching halt here in 2025.
- [65:40]
John Middlekauff
There you go. The volume football season's here and if you want to go to an NFL or college football game, Game time is the place for you. The gametime app just gives you the advantage back to you the fans. It's a hack for unlocking amazing tickets and experiences in a few taps. I love it. Easy to use. The game time guarantee means you can Trust you'll get 100% authentic tickets on time and at the best price. 100% so they even let you preview your seat on the app. That's special. Plus fees are always included. So what you see is what you pay every time. Take the guesswork out of buying professional football tickets with game time. Just download the gametime app. Create an account. If you use the code Colin C O l I N 20 bucks off your first purchase Terms apply again. Create an account Redeem code C o L I N 20 bucks off swipe, tap, ticket. Go download the Gametime app today in.
- [66:32]
Katie Couric
The heat of battle, your squad relies on you.
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John Middlekauff
Don't let them down.
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Katie Couric
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Colin Cowherd
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Katie Couric
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Colin Cowherd
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Katie Couric
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Colin Cowherd
Lenovo.
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John Middlekauff
Today's episode brought to you by a scent that's made a legendary comeback. Degree Original Cool Rush the OG is back and better than ever. Cool Rush isn't just a scent. It's a movement kind of fragrance guys remember, ask for by name and rave about online. It's bold. It's fresh all day, sweat protection, cool crisp vibe that made it legendary. So whether you're heading to the gym, the office, or just trying to stay fresh all day long, Cool Rush has your back. So if you haven't tried it yet, head to your local Walmart. Grab Degree Cool Rush, the fan favorite scent from the world's number one antiperspirant brand. This is the story of the one As a maintenance supervisor at a manufacturing facility, he knows keeping the line up and running is a top priority.
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Colin Cowherd
That's why he chooses Grainger.
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John Middlekauff
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- [68:04]
Katie Couric
On the latest episode of Next Question with Me, Katie Couric, I sat down with Bernie Sanders. We've talked many times over the years, and today he even throws a few questions my way.
- [68:14]
John Middlekauff
All right, are you ready for another question?
- [68:17]
Colin Cowherd
Go ahead, hit me, Bernie.
- [68:20]
Katie Couric
We talk about the billionaire class, the cost of living, and of course, the government shutdown. Listen to Next Question with me, Katie Couric on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
- [68:34]
Colin Cowherd
This is an iHeart podcast.