Hour 1 - Bears Head Coaching Candidates, Sam Darnold's Big Moment

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd — Hour 1: Bears Head Coaching Candidates, Sam Darnold's Big Moment

Release Date: January 7, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, hosted by iHeartPodcasts and The Volume, Colin dives deep into the latest NFL developments, focusing primarily on the Chicago Bears' head coaching search and Sam Darnold's pivotal performance. The discussion encompasses coaching dynamics, quarterback evaluations, team strategies, and playoff implications, providing listeners with a comprehensive analysis of current sports narratives.

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1. Chicago Bears' Head Coaching Search

Overview

Colin critically examines the Chicago Bears' extensive list of head coaching candidates, highlighting the inefficiency and lack of focus in their search process. He argues that the Bears have inflated the number of potential hires, diluting the quality and seriousness of their selection.

Key Points

• Overextended Candidate List: Colin points out that the Bears have 13 candidates on their list, which he deems excessive and counterproductive. He emphasizes the need for a more streamlined approach, similar to how the Chargers narrowed their choices effectively.

  "You can't have 13 people up for a job. Not 13 people on the planet that can turn around the Jets and the Bears." (35:09)

• Top Candidate Highlight: Mike Vrabel emerges as Colin’s preferred choice, with Pete Carroll and Brian Flores also being considered viable options. Colin stresses that the Bears should focus on proven head coaches rather than coordinator-level candidates.

  "To me, is Vrabel or a Mike Tomlin... I would be all over Mike Vrabel. I'd have Pete Carroll on speed dial and I'd be watching the Steelers outcome against the Raiders." (35:14)

• Comparison with Other Teams: He references the Chargers' successful coaching search, where a short, focused list led to hiring Vrabel, contrasting it with the Bears' scattered approach.

  "The Chargers figured it out after hiring, like, Anthony Lynn and Brandon Staley... So, you know, what's the Bears path? This is just too broad of a list." (14:59)

Notable Quote

"When you're hiring a head coach, it's a little bit like house hunting. In a really competitive market, you don't have time to waste." (03:25)

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2. Sam Darnold's Pivotal Performance

Overview

The episode shifts focus to Sam Darnold's significant game against the Rams, discussing its implications for both his career and the Minnesota Vikings' quarterback situation. Colin expresses concern over the pressure and high stakes surrounding Darnold's performance.

Key Points

• Performance Analysis: Colin assesses Darnold's recent game, highlighting the high financial and career stakes involved. He draws parallels to NBA players' critical moments, emphasizing the lasting impact of such performances.

  "If Sam crushes, he's either getting franchised for a year in Minnesota... But if Sam Darnold loses, plays poorly... it's almost like Sam Darnold has been typecast." (14:33)

• Vikings' Future: The discussion extends to how Darnold's performance could influence the Vikings' decision to retain or replace their quarterback. Colin speculates on potential outcomes based on Darnold's success or failure.

  "The Vikings are a fascinating team and I don't think they have the answers yet. I think they're waiting for this Rams game and they want to see it." (25:03)

• Psychological Pressure: Colin comments on the immense pressure placed on young athletes like Darnold, noting the potential long-term effects of high-stakes games on their careers.

  "There's so much on the line. Think about Sam Darnold, Southern California kid when he plays The Rams in LA. It's a hundred million dollar football game." (14:10)

Notable Quote

"This game for Sam Darnold against the Rams is fascinating... and there are times I get nervous for young athletes because I know so much is on the line." (14:33)

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3. NFL Coaching and Management Insights

Overview

Colin delves into broader NFL coaching trends, emphasizing the balance between stability and the necessity for change within organizations. He critiques the reluctance of some teams to make decisive coaching changes despite lackluster performances.

Key Points

• Stability vs. Change: Colin argues that while stability is often valued, it can become detrimental if an organization becomes complacent. He uses the Pittsburgh Steelers as an example, questioning the effectiveness of long-term coaching without playoff success.

  "Stability like anything else, is overrated... You can be all loyal until you shouldn't be. Loyalty for loyalty's sake sometimes is suckerville." (35:22)

• Coach Accountability: Highlighting Mike Tomlin of the Steelers, Colin suggests that even respected coaches may face repercussions if the team fails significantly, advocating for accountability based on performance.

  "If Tomlin gets blown out, they're ten point dogs and they've had a bad end of the season and he's been getting criticism forever. And I like Mike Tomlin." (35:31)

• Impact of Ownership: The role of ownership in coaching stability is discussed, citing Jerry Jones of the Cowboys as an example of an owner deeply involved in team decisions, potentially hindering effective coaching changes.

  "Jerry Jones said, 'I bought it for me... I bought something that I was going to do for the rest of my life.'" (35:36)

Notable Quote

"The power of Justin Herbert is that Jim Harbaugh could have had 15 teams, and he chose the team in a division with Mahomes and Andy Reid... A plus... You go. I want to go in that division." (31:19)

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4. Playoff Outlook and Team Performances

Overview

The conversation transitions to playoff projections, analyzing team performances and the likelihood of various franchises advancing. Colin provides insights into which teams are poised for success and which may falter.

Key Points

• Team Evaluations: Colin assesses several teams, including the Steelers, Eagles, Packers, and Lions, discussing their strengths and weaknesses in the context of upcoming playoffs.

  "Philadelphia have that much respect for their personnel... They got nine or 10 elite players and almost everyone in a unit." (24:44)

• Quarterback Impact: Emphasis is placed on the role of quarterbacks in playoff success, with discussions on injuries and performance pressures affecting team outcomes.

  "Aaron Rodgers is going to have to decide... I think Aaron is sort of open-minded and would be willing to accept a new coach." (32:35)

• Historical Context: Colin references historical playoff performances to underscore the importance of high-caliber quarterbacks in securing playoff victories.

  "When is the last time the Steelers beat a legitimate top five quarterback in a playoff game?" (46:37)

Notable Quote

"If Philadelphia defeats the Packers, they are a heavy favorite at home and not too much to worry about." (24:44)

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5. Team Updates: Eagles, Giants, and Jets

Overview

Colin and co-host Jason McIntyre explore recent developments within the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants, and New York Jets, touching on quarterback statuses, coaching decisions, and organizational challenges.

Key Points

• Philadelphia Eagles:

  • Jalen Hurts' Status: Nick Sirianni announces that Jalen Hurts remains in concussion protocol, raising concerns about his availability and performance.

    "Nick Sirianni has told the media that Jalen Hurts is still in concussion protocol." (23:11)

  • Team Depth: Colin expresses confidence in the Eagles' ability to win even with a backup quarterback, praising their robust roster.

    "I honestly think that the Eagles are good enough to win with a backup quarterback." (24:44)

• New York Giants:

  • Coaching and Management: The Giants retain their head coach and GM but are operating under short-term expectations due to recent frustrations with performance.

    "Owner John Mara announced he will be retaining Dable and Shane next season. But it sounds like they're going to be on a short lease." (28:25)

  • Quarterback Search: Ongoing discussions about acquiring a franchise quarterback, with Colin suggesting trading down in the draft to address roster needs.

    "Unless there's an Andrew Luck or a transformational quarterback... you always trade down." (30:26)

• New York Jets:

  • Coaching Search: The Jets are actively searching for a new head coach and GM, with speculation surrounding Aaron Rodgers' potential return or retirement.

    "Talk is Aaron Rodgers is the guy, and I think he should be. I would bring Aaron back." (31:47)

  • Ownership Influence: Discussions about owner Woody Johnson's role in the decision-making process and the impact on Rodgers' future with the team.

    "This leads me to believe Aaron's the guy... I don't think Aaron is in a position." (32:12)

Notable Quotes

"He works. It works. You have to be able to in our profession to just say, you know, it's like if you're a political pundit and you're absolutely sure one candidate's going to win and they don't, you have to show up the next day and go, I was wrong." (27:38)

"I think the Giants roster is close. I think it needs about four dudes. They have to up. They need another receiver, they need a tight end." (30:26)

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6. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Overview

In wrapping up the episode, Colin reiterates his analysis of the Bears' coaching search and reflects on the broader NFL landscape, emphasizing the necessity for decisive leadership and strategic planning.

Key Points

• Bears' Decision-Making: Colin emphasizes the importance of the Bears narrowing down their coaching candidates to ensure they select the most capable individual to lead the team.

  "This is too big of a job for 90% of the guys on this list. And you should have it narrowed down." (03:25)

• NFL Landscape: He comments on the dynamic nature of the NFL, where teams must continuously adapt and make bold decisions to stay competitive.

  "The Steelers are the opposite where they never make changes. And I think you have to be careful if you run a business saying, hey, stability is the key." (35:22)

• Playoff Predictions: Colin briefly outlines his playoff hierarchy, indicating which teams he believes have Super Bowl potential and those likely to make shorter playoff runs.

  "Our final regular season herd hierarchy. I think we got about four or five teams that can win a Super Bowl and then about four or five teams that can win a playoff game or two." (35:22)

Notable Quote

"This whole idea of stability for stability say it's like loyalty. Yeah, I'm loyal until I shouldn't be. Loyalty for loyalty's sake sometimes is suckerville." (35:22)

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "You can't have 13 people up for a job. Not 13 people on the planet that can turn around the Jets and the Bears." — Colin Cowherd (35:09)

• "This game for Sam Darnold against the Rams is fascinating... and there are times I get nervous for young athletes because I know so much is on the line." — Colin Cowherd (14:33)

• "When you're hiring a head coach, it's a little bit like house hunting. In a really competitive market, you don't have time to waste." — Colin Cowherd (03:25)

• "If Sam crushes, he's either getting franchised for a year in Minnesota... But if Sam Darnold loses, plays poorly... it's almost like Sam Darnold has been typecast." — Colin Cowherd (14:33)

• "This whole idea of stability for stability say it's like loyalty. Yeah, I'm loyal until I shouldn't be. Loyalty for loyalty's sake sometimes is suckerville." — Colin Cowherd (35:22)

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Conclusion

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers a critical and in-depth analysis of current NFL issues, particularly focusing on the Chicago Bears' coaching search and Sam Darnold's consequential performance. Colin's insights into coaching dynamics, quarterback pressures, and team strategies provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of the complexities within professional football. His candid opinions and strategic comparisons underscore the importance of effective leadership and decisive action in shaping successful sports franchises.

Transcript

[Colin Cowherd]

You can count on T Mobile to help keep you connected from big cities to small towns on America's largest 5G network. Switch the T Mobile keep your phone and they'll pay it off up to 800 bucks per line via prepaid card. Learn more@t mobile.com heap and switch up to four lines via virtual prepaid card. Allow 15 days qualifying unlock device credit service port in 90 plus days with device and eligible carrier and timely redemption. Acquired card has no cash access and expires in six months. Banking with Capital One helps you keep more money in your wallet with no fees or minimums on checking accounts and no overdraft fees. Just ask the Capital One bank guy. It's pretty much all he talks about in a good way. He'd also tell you that this podcast is his favorite podcast too. Oh really? Thanks Capital One Bank Guy. What's in your wallet? Terms apply See capitalone.com bank Capital One NA Member FDIC Wasn't that delicious?

[Jason McIntyre]

So good.

[Colin Cowherd]

Your bill, ladies. I got it. No, I got it. Seriously, I insist. I insisted first.

[Jason McIntyre]

Don't be silly. Silly?

[Colin Cowherd]

You don't be silly. People with the Wells Fargo Active Cash Credit card prefer to pay because they earn unlimited 2% cash back on purchases. Okay.

[Jason McIntyre]

Rock paper scissors for it.

[Colin Cowherd]

Rock, paper scissors.

[Jason McIntyre]

Shoot.

[Colin Cowherd]

No, the Wells Fargo Active Cash credit card@wells fargo.com ActiveCash terms apply.

[Katie Couric]

Hey everyone, it's Katie Couric. Well, the election is in the home stretch, right in time for a new season of my podcast. Next Question. I'm bringing in some foks friends of Katie's to help me out like Ezra Klein, Jen Psaki, Asted Herndon. But we're also going to have some fun thanks to some of my friends like Samantha Bee and Charlamagne the God. We're going to take some viewer questions as well. I mean, isn't that what democracy is all about? Check out our new season of Next Question with me, Katie Couric, on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Colin Cowherd]

Thanks for listening to the Heard Podcast. Be sure to catch us live every weekday on Fox Sports radio at noon to 3 Eastern, 9am to noon Pacific. Find your local station for the [e-mail] or stream us live every day on the iHeartRadio app by searching Fox Sports Radio or FSR. Thanks for listening to the Herd podcast. Here we go on a Tuesday. Live in Los Angeles. It is the Herd. Wherever you may be and however you may be listening, thanks for making Us part of your day. My New Year's resolution, no haircuts. I am going shaggy, baby, and I don't care. J. Mac in one hour. Nick Wright, Herd hierarchy. I'm so fired up. There are so many things percolating in the NFL with all these jobs, job openings. Yeah, it is crazy.

[Jason McIntyre]

I don't know what's wilder, your. Your hair flow this morning or you coming off the birthday with a bunch.

[Colin Cowherd]

Of hot takes today. Yeah, it was a hot take. Birthday for Seaman. I brought in a lot of smoke.

[Jason McIntyre]

Is that new? Did you just give yourself a nickname? Seaman?

[Colin Cowherd]

Okay, everywhere, everywhere. People were nice to me yesterday, so thank you very much. And we move on in life. Okay, so I look at the Bears list for reported interview requests for the Chicago Bears for their job, head coaching job. I mean, I follow this league. There's a couple of guys. I mean, there's not this many great candidates. Why are you wasting your time? I mean, Anthony Weaver, Dolphins defensive coordinator. Did you watch the Dolphins at any point this year? And go, man, that defense is something else. Drew Petzing, offensive coordinator, Arizona. Folks, this is not American Idol. I'm not here for the fun tryouts. The hell you doing, Amir? You're wasting time on second, third tier candidates. Somebody else is hiring. Mike Vrabel. What are you doing here? I mean, the Chargers, last year in late November, in the building, we're talking about two candidates, Harbaugh and Vrabel. It was late November, early December, and they narrowed it down in the office to two guys they really wanted. One is great now and one. Mike Vrabel's the best candidate this year. So, you know, what's the Bears path? This is just too broad of a list. It's unserious. You can't have 13 people. Let's be honest about this year's candidates. There's one a candidate, Mike Vrabel. That's it. I do think Pete Carroll and Brian Flores are worth a zoom call, but they're not a candidates. Flores, too intense, didn't work in Miami, though. I like him and think he deserves a second chance. And Pete Carroll, again, tends to be too loyal to average assistant. I think he's worth the zoom call. I am not hiring a coordinator for the Bears job. And I think Aaron Glenn is great. Ben Johnson, likewise. This is too big of a job, too big of a list. And coordinator candidates are like half a candidate. You don't know if it's going to work. You know, Mike Frable is going to work. So I look at this Bears list When you're hiring a head coach, it's a little bit like house hunting. In a really competitive market, you don't have time to waste. If you qualify for a $5 million house, skip the fixer uppers. Don't even stop off at the condos. Get to the big boy houses. Don't waste your time. It's a competitive market. So it, it's. I mean, this list is a who's who of who's he. What are we doing here? No, no. Waste of time for the Chicago Bears. And, you know, it's, it's. This is too big of a job for 90% of the guys on this list. And you should have it narrowed down. I mean, you got rid of Matt Eberfluss the day after Thanksgiving, and it's what, January 7th? If you fire a coach the day after Thanksgiving and it's the day that is officially too late to say Happy New Year's to people in the office, you're wasting your time. Get to it. It's the prom. Either ask the girl out or she's dancing with somebody else. But this list is just, it's unserious. This is an unserious list. I've said before, it is too complicated, too political, too big, historically, too wonky for a coordinator. Even a great one. Even a great one. And you could say, well, look at what Sean McVeigh did. Stan Kroenke is one of the richest, smartest owners in the NFL. Jeff Fisher sort of felt a little outdated offensively. McVeigh knocked everybody's socks off. But you had Stan Kroenke. You had, you know, a number one picket quarterback and some good players on the roster. You needed a. You needed a left tackle and a head coach. But there was stuff working there. An organization that had had some success. Chicago, is it. This is an 800 pound lift. I mean, this is a big lift. Albert Breer yesterday, I mean, this, this list I'm looking at now has got unserious candidates. Here's Albert Brewer yesterday on the Bears job. They haven't won a playoff game in 14 years. And I think if they look in the mirror, that's what, what they'll find is, is that there are issues there that go deeper than just one coach or how just one player is developed. If they do bring in a guy who's a leader of men who works on the defensive side, that person's going to have to come in with a very clear, concise plan for the quarterback and not just for the next year or two. But going forward, if you lose an offensive coach, how do you replace them? All that stuff, there's, you know, one of the things that it's. It's hard to say it out loud, but it's sort of true. In every business I've ever been in, there's a really small, finite number of candidates qualified for most jobs. And you look at the resume and you make a couple calls and the list gets whittled down very quickly. The Chargers figured it out after hiring, like, Anthony Lynn and Brandon Staley. Dean Spanos figured out, I need a culture changer. We are lost as a franchise. We are, we are on fire. I got to bring in the number one captain. I got to bring in the fire captain in the big truck. And they went, Vrabel interviewed him and Jim Harbaugh and Vrabel, by the way, they, they called Vrabel after they decided on Harbaugh and they said you were amazing and if Jim Harbaugh is not in the market, you are amazing. I heard this from like six different people in the Chargers building. They loved Vrabel. They thought they were going to hire Vrabel. They loved him. And so, I mean, they, they got down very quickly to the two candidates. You talking jets and Bears. You can't have 13 people up for a job. Not 13 people on the planet that can turn around the jets and the Bears. Okay, I saw this story and I have heard something similar. We've discussed it this week. I think J. Mac said this. The Minnesota Vikings are a fascinating team. This off season, they got this brilliant offensive coach. They have Sam Darnold, a reclamation project, who until Sunday was in the MVP race. And then they brought in Daniel Jones in November. And then they drafted J.J. mcCarthy. Well, according to Jeff Howe of the Athletic, J.J. mcCarthy would rank over Shadour Sanders and Cam Ward by several executives and coaches. That is what I have heard. That is what I have heard from people I've asked that. That J.J. mcCarthy would be higher ranked than the two quarterbacks doesn't mean everybody's right or my sources are right. But that's what you're hearing. And that's why this game for Sam Darnold against the Rams is fascinating. And there are times I get nervous for young athletes because I know so much is on the line. Think about Sam Darnold, Southern California kid when he plays The Rams in LA. It's a hundred million dollar football game. Kevin O'Connell could lose it. So what? McVeigh could lose it. So what? Stafford could lose it. If Sam Darnold loses, plays poorly. I mean that people are going to make a decision that it's just all Kevin O'Connell and Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. And in the end, the elite competition, big stage, he couldn't handle it. The market dries up. I don't even know. I don't even know if, if the Vikings keep it. But if Sam crushes, he's either getting franchised for a year in Minnesota, I would guess maybe they sign him to a contract franchise or he goes to the market and you got teams like the Raiders now that don't have a great draft pick. They may spend a fortune on him. And I wouldn't doubt it. So it's a hundred million dollar game. And here's the thing that is cruel and unfair in sports, but it is a fact. Sam Darnold was one kind of quarterback for six years. Super athletic, big arm, but reckless big. Too many mistakes in big spots. That's what he was. And that's where my brain goes and your brain goes and general managers brains go. When we see the Detroit game, yeah, too much juice, can't make the play. Missing open wide receivers, that's where our brains go. And it's like, it's almost like if you miss a big free throw in the NBA Finals as a young player. Nick Anderson did this for Orlando against Houston. You have to hit so many big free throws for me to forget about that free throw you missed in the finals and Nick Anderson didn't. And that's what I remember him for. And he was a good guy and a good player, but that's what I remember him for. And so if Sam Darnold beats the Rams, wins a playoff game, then Detroit's a one off. It was Detroit. It was the biggest game in 50 years. The Lions have better players. I forget all about it, but it's, it's almost like Sam Darnold has been typecast. It's like Daniel Radcliffe, Harry Potter. He has got to be in so many movies for me not to see Harry Potter. Every time I look at him, you put him in a crime drama. I'm like, I was gonna cast a spell on somebody. I mean, I'm sorry, that's what I see. I mean, he got me in so many movies. And so this game for Darnold is making me nervous. I try not to pick winners on this. I just want Darnold to play well. And J. Max over here got the Rams rolling in this game. He's got me all freaking out. It's my birthday. Week. I need some symmetry. I need, I need calm. And this in the Darnold situation is if I see something for six years and then all of a sudden you're really good and I'm starting to forget about it and oh, biggest game, that's where my brain goes and that's where GM's brains go. So. The Vikings are a fascinating team and I don't think they have the answers yet. I think they're waiting for this Rams game and they want to see it. And I don't think they were going to be Detroit anyway. I don't think it was a winnable game. I said it last week. Take the Lions. This is going to be a crazy standalone, once in a generation game for the Lions. Good luck, Sam Darnold. But it's cruel. I still think Nick Anderson, I think missed free throw in the finals because he didn't go back and hit 13 big free throws in the finals to make me forget. Michael Jordan missed free throws in the Finals. LeBron has missed dozens of big free throws, but he's hit enough that I forgot about it. I mean, Chris Weber, the GOL guy that called timeout. If, if Chris Weber would have gone on to win four titles in the NBA, that, that, that barely makes his resume, but his NBA career was a little sideways and wonky and underachieving. So that's what I think of. And it's just, it's unfair. But that's where my brain goes. And J. Mac, the whole time here has got a very confident smirk looking at it. You love the Rams in this game.

[Jason McIntyre]

You see the line, you see the screen. It was two and a half yesterday. Now it's one and a half. Obviously, you know, just one point. But I'm just telling you there is a lot of support for the Rams in this game at home. And I don't. You don't want to bash Darnold too much because I know he's your guy. He had a great season. Listen, Lamar Jackson does this every year. Amazing regular season. Show me the playoff success. When has he ever had an amazing play? I know in a big spot.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, for a long time people said that to be fair about Peyton Manning in the playoff.

[Jason McIntyre]

It was true at the beginning.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah.

[Jason McIntyre]

I mean, nothing wrong with that. It's a fact. He struggled. I think the first five years he had zero playoff wins. Yeah, like, it's not great. Take some time.

[Colin Cowherd]

That game is making me nervous.

[Jason McIntyre]

As well it should. We're going to try to go to that.

[Colin Cowherd]

Right. Would you like to go to that.

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah, use your superpowers to cook us up.

[Colin Cowherd]

Listen, I have superpowers. One day, my birthday. I can ask for stuff on my I got free cake yesterday and a backpack.

[Jason McIntyre]

What if you sold the Rams? Both of our birthdays are this week. Could you hook us up? Make it happen?

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, it's a small game that nobody's going to. It should be easy. 3114 oh, come on. It's. I don't want 31. I'm not interested in that. I want 30. 27. Anybody could have won heroic performances by Stafford and Darnold.

[Jason McIntyre]

Whose house?

[Colin Cowherd]

Rams house.

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah, baby.

[Colin Cowherd]

Obnoxious. Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio, FS1 and the iHeartRadio app banking with Capital One helps you keep more money in your wallet with no fees or minimums on checking accounts and no overdraft fees. Just ask the Capital One bank guy. It's pretty much all he talks about in a good way. He'd also tell you that this podcast is his favorite podcast, too. Oh, really? Thanks. Capital one bank guy. What's in your wallet? Terms apply. See capitalone.com bank capital1na member FDIC playoffs.

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[Jason McIntyre]

So good.

[Colin Cowherd]

Your bill, ladies. I got it. No, I got it. Seriously, I insist. I insisted first.

[Jason McIntyre]

Don't be silly.

[Colin Cowherd]

You gonna be silly? People with The Wells Fargo ActiveCash credit card prefer to pay because they earn unlimited 2% cash back on purchases. Okay.

[Jason McIntyre]

Rock, paper, scissors for it. Rock, paper, scissors. Shoot.

[Colin Cowherd]

No. The Wells Fargo ActiveCash credit card. Visit Wells Fargo.comActiveCash terms apply. You can count on T Mobile to help keep you connected from big cities to small towns on America's largest 5G network. Switch the T Mobile, keep your phone and they'll pay it off up to 800 bucks per line via prepaid card. Learn more@t mobile.com heap and switch up to four lines via virtual prepaid card. Allow 15 days qualifying unlock device credit service port in 90 plus days with device and eligible carrier and timely redemption. Required card has no cash access and expires in six months.

[Jason McIntyre]

Lately on the NPR Politics podcast, we're talking about a big question. How much can one guy change? They want change. What will change look like? Like for energy. Drill baby, drill schools.

[Colin Cowherd]

Take the Department of Education, close it. Health care better and less expensive.

[Jason McIntyre]

Follow coverage of a changing country.

[Colin Cowherd]

Promises made, promises kept. We're going to keep our promises on.

[Jason McIntyre]

The NPR Politics podcast. Listen on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, things change very quickly in the NFL and we know that a month ago The Steelers were 10 and 3 and we were talking about Russell Wilson getting a real contract extension. Mike Tomlin was giving thumbs up to the cameras and he was winking and hugging Russell Wilson. It was a feel good story. Four games later, they're a 10 point underdog to their biggest rival, Baltimore. And Mike Tomlin is saying, according to reports this morning, yeah, we may go back to the other guy, Justin Fields. Yeah, Justin Fields is 14 and 30 as a starter with a passer rating under 85 and he gets hurt a lot. That's not the answer. This is something, and I know I can sound preachy, so I, I'll try not to, but this is something I've been on with defensive head coaches for a long time. They do not sense the urgency at quarterback. I have watched Kyle Shanahan move off Jimmy Garoppolo who got his team to a Super Bowl. Andy Reid move off the very good Alex Smith, Sean McVay move off super bowl quarterback Jared Goff. You're watching Goff deal in Detroit. He's an A quarterback in this league. So defensive coaches do this regularly and When Pete Carroll said, you know, hey, Geno Smith is my guy, John Snyder, the gm, decided, pete, you're not my guy. And I think it was probably the right decision. So, memo to defensive head coaches. The best quarterback, eight for eight, won every division. And yesterday for my birthday, my staff at the Volume got me a gift, which was incredibly thoughtful, that, you know, I worked in Portland for a long time and I knew Phil Knight, and I've always had great respect for Nike and its vision and its business. And when Phil Knight founded the company, he had this manifesto, I guess is lack of a better word. A manifesto. The 10 principles, you know, of Nike. And. And what number one was, our business is change. And the number two was we're on offense all the time. Phil Knight would have been a good NFL GM and head coach. The league has changed. It has changed. Eight for eight, best quarterback won every division. I thought Kirk Cousins throughout the rest of the year would be the best quarterback. He was the best quarterback in his division until about October 30, and then Baker was. But that's just the way it works. And so you can talk about play calling this and that, and people are making moves. Who's got the best quarterback? There was one great coaching candidate last year. You could argue Belichick. I'll go. Jim Harbaugh. What job did he take? Did he take an organization that had a history of Super Bowls? No. That had the best roster? No. He took a team that was in the division with Andy Reed and Mahomes because they had Justin Herbert. Think about that. Think about that. Think about the power of Justin Herbert is that Jim Harbaugh could have had 15 teams, and he chose the team in a division with Mahomes and Andy Reid and the Hunt family and Brett Veach, top to bottom. A plus. A plus. You go. I want to go in that division. Why? Why would you do that? Do the Chargers have a lot of Super Bowls? They have a history of winning big games. No, the opposite. Well, why would you do that? Justin Herbert. And now they're in the playoffs and a favorite in round one. So whenever the NFL innovates, it is overwhelmingly on offense. I mean, there are 14 teams in the playoffs. Thirteen have a better quarterback situation than the Steelers. So it's. I think it's fair to start asking questions. And Mike Tomlin, I mean, I gave him credit. Justin fields had a 4 and 2 record and he replaced him. And everybody thought he was wrong. Remember this sound bite, your boldest decisions to go with three. You know, I'm A piss workout from East Liberty.

[Jason McIntyre]

That's why I'm well compensated.

[Colin Cowherd]

I love that answer and I love his defiance. But if we're all being realistic here at quarterback for the Steelers, the answer is not in the building. Right? It's probably not in the building. J. Mac with the news. No, no, no, no. Heard on the news. This is the Herd line news.

[Jason McIntyre]

All right, let's start with troubling news out of Philadelphia. Nick Sirianni has told the media that Jalen Hurts is still in concussion protocol. This is not good. Colin. He has missed the last two weeks. Sirianni has no other updates, but he isn't worried about him being rusted if he. Rusty. Sorry. If he's available. Packers still four and a half point underdogs in Philly. I mean, does this take away the tush? Push, if you will. Like you. You can't do that with a guy coming out of concussion protocol. I wonder how limited Hertz will be as a runner, which is when he is a big factor.

[Colin Cowherd]

I didn't think much of this story, and I don't think I'll make much of this story until tomorrow. Okay, if he's in protocol tomorrow. But I. But I do feel like, what's the rush? He knows the offense. Season's never been longer. He's played a ton of games. They have a dominating team. They'll be at home. They're a heavy favorite over a banged up packers team. So I don't. I'm not too worried about it yet. I honestly think that the Eagles are good enough to win with a backup quarterback. I really do.

[Jason McIntyre]

Have you had a concussion in the last, I don't know, 15?

[Colin Cowherd]

I don't know. I don't think I've ever had one. I've gotten banged up a few times.

[Jason McIntyre]

What about that skiing thing?

[Colin Cowherd]

I did not have a concussion. Broke ribs, but I don't. I did not have a. I don't think I've ever had a concussion. I can remember one, you know, one incident in my life where I was fuzzy, but I don't think it qualified as anything more than that.

[Jason McIntyre]

So I got one in a soccer tournament two years ago. And I'm just telling you, like you're in a fog. And you're not supposed to be on your phone. You're not supposed to watch tv. You just aren't really processing stuff. You're slow, you're tired, you're lethargic. Now, make that an NFL quarterback when you got to do so many things. And, Colin, there are some numbers Floating around the. The web about. People have charted quarterbacks coming off a concussion.

[Colin Cowherd]

It's not good. The first game is not good.

[Jason McIntyre]

Significantly lower. Yeah. So I.

[Colin Cowherd]

You're right.

[Jason McIntyre]

Maybe tomorrow's panic time for the Eagles, but I don't know if it's going to be who the backup is. Pickett. Remember he got dinged up and then. What's his name? Tanner McPhee or something like that. I think Stanford quarterback could. Could he be in line to start that?

[Colin Cowherd]

That's not great for Philadelphia at home with this roster against the young Packer team now missing. Christian Watson, I think is good enough to win a close game at home. It is not ideal. If Jordan Love was out, I think the packers would be toast in most instances. You know, if. If, you know, if Bo Nix was out for Denver, they're losing by 30. If Josh Allen's out, maybe they're good enough to beat Denver without him, but I don't think so. I think Philadelphia is the 1 team in this league, and this is no disrespect to Green Bay. They are so good and they have so many weapons that I think a Kenny Pickett could play a game and win a game. A low scoring, close game, it will not. They'll not win a shootout. But I think Philadelphia have that much respect for their personnel. I mean, we did this before. They got. They're like Detroit, and maybe even more so than Detroit. They've got nine or 10 elite players and almost everyone in a unit. They got corners, pass rushers, D line, linebacker, O line. Every unit has a star. Even Detroit can't say that. Buffalo can't say that. Philly can.

[Jason McIntyre]

I would. Boy, if the packers ended up advancing here and facing the Lions. Do you remember how good that Monday night game was it?

[Colin Cowherd]

Monday?

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah, it was a Monday night game. Packers, Lions.

[Colin Cowherd]

If I'm the Lions, I would take Green Bay. Something I know over Philadelphia I don't want to face. Philadelphia is the one team that can flex and has better players than we do. I'm gonna take Green Bay. I'm familiar with them. I think I have a better team than them and a better roster than them.

[Jason McIntyre]

Better coach.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, I. They're. Neither one has a ring, so let's just leave it there.

[Jason McIntyre]

Oh, lafleur versus Sirianni. Are you kidding? That's not even close.

[Colin Cowherd]

Listen, Sirianni's winning a lot of games. I'm a LaFleur guy, but I. Listen, I've said I'm wrong on Sirianni. I didn't like the opening presser. I don't like the nonsense with fans. I'm clearly wrong. It works. Matt Hasselbeck loves him.

[Jason McIntyre]

He's just winning games. He's got a loaded amazing team.

[Colin Cowherd]

He does. I can admit when I'm wrong. It's, it's, you know, it's just. I see a lot of his stuff as childish but you know, it's an emotional game. Your football players are 28 years old. They rally around him. They don't judge as harshly as I would do. So the guy is working. It works. You have to be able to in our profession to just say, you know, it's like if you're a political pundit and you're absolutely sure one candidate's going to win and they don't, you have to show up the next day and go, I was wrong.

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah. Next up is staking in the NFC east, the New York Giants. Lot of work to do this off season. Gotta find a franchise quarterback among other things. But they are keeping their head coach and GM owner John Mara announced he will be retaining Dable and Shane next season. But it sounds like they're going to be on a short lease. Listen to this.

[Colin Cowherd]

I understand, believe me that that's not going to be the most popular decision in Giant land.

[Jason McIntyre]

But we believe it's the right decision.

[Colin Cowherd]

For us going forward. How long will it take to improve the product, John?

[Jason McIntyre]

Better not take too long, Bruce, because I've just about run out of patience. I've run out of, hey, you can keep your job but I'm running out of patience. Not great. And Colin at which sitting fourth in.

[Colin Cowherd]

The draft now I would have kept day ball for the record. Let's put our, let's put our name on it.

[Jason McIntyre]

Okay.

[Colin Cowherd]

I would have kept day ball. I, I could have moved off the GM and been okay with that. I do not love what I saw on Hard Knocks with the gm.

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah.

[Colin Cowherd]

I've got two people that have dealt with this GM and have had reservations with the situations. I am a day ball fan and I think this franchise, they're the one franchise in the league. Maybe there's two where I think they have a lot of pieces, just not the quarterback. I don't think the Giants are miles away. I don't. So.

[Jason McIntyre]

Okay, so he says I'm running out of patience. Colin at 4, you're not getting Cam Ward or Shador. I don't believe the top two teams could take them.

[Colin Cowherd]

Okay, give me the draft order right now.

[Jason McIntyre]

Hey guys, Tennessee is at 1.

[Colin Cowherd]

Okay.

[Jason McIntyre]

Browns need a quarterback at 2. Did you see Deshaun Watson had a setback from his Achilles? That's a big sign they're taking a quarterback.

[Colin Cowherd]

His career is a setback.

[Jason McIntyre]

I would agree. Giants. Oh, it says three here, so I don't think they're getting a quarterback at three. Patriots are at four. My bad. So now you're looking at free agency. Sam Darnold, Kirk Cousins. Are any of those guys turning the fortunes around for the Giants?

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, the Giants aren't winning a Super bowl next year. I just don't think they're that far off.

[Jason McIntyre]

Are we looking at Gardner Minshew starting for the Giants next year? I don't know. Who's it going to be?

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, you are a Jets fan, so you tend to be a little harsh on the Giants prospects. I think they're going to land a quarterback. I do not think it's a great quarterback draft class, but I think they'll land one.

[Jason McIntyre]

I love your optimism.

[Colin Cowherd]

I'll tell you what I would do if I was the gm. I would trade down. I would make the roster fantastic. And then I would consider Kirk Cousins for a year. I would. I think the Giants roster is close. I think it needs about four dudes. They have to up. They need another receiver, they need a tight end. They can keep going. Putting people on the D or O line.

[Jason McIntyre]

Offensive line has some holes.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah. So I, I, I. My rule on the NFL draft has never changed. Unless there's an Andrew Luck or a transformational quarterback or you need a quarterback and there is one you like, you always trade down. Yeah, this will be a. I just talked to a organization over the weekend that wants to trade down and their concern is nobody wants to trade up. So this organization has some needs and they're trying to fix them and there's just not a lot of takers moving up.

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah, that's not great. Final story is my New York jets, another team with a crummy off season ahead. We're looking for a head coach, a GM and hopefully a quarterback. So talking to the New York Post owner Woody Johnson would not say who would be under center next season and added the answers won't come until the new head coach and GM are in place.

[Colin Cowherd]

Interesting.

[Jason McIntyre]

The coach will have to decide what the quarterback situation is. That's going to be very important job for the GM and the coach.

[Colin Cowherd]

So that's interesting. There's been all this speculation that Aaron Rodgers, he keeps saying, I've never been fired by a teenager. Now the owner is saying the coach will make the call. So that leads me to believe Aaron's the guy, and I think he should be. I would bring Aaron back. Absolutely. So that, that, that feels like that's a change. A week ago, this thing was swimming in question marks. That is definitive.

[Jason McIntyre]

All right, let's just. I'll just toss this out there. Just a name. So let's say the jets settle on Brian Flores is the head coach. Okay. They decide that's the guy that he would keep. I'm just picking a name. I don't have any info here. And then Aaron Rodgers says, yeah, I don't want to play for that guy. I'm out.

[Colin Cowherd]

I don't think Aaron Rodgers is in a position.

[Jason McIntyre]

You don't think he could just up and retire Mr. Darkness retreat?

[Colin Cowherd]

Oh, I think he could, and that would be fine, but I don't think Aaron has a huge market. I think he has probably a two to a three team market. I do. I think. I think Aaron's play in the last two months was pretty darn good. I think it was pretty good. He had one stinker and he played very, very well.

[Jason McIntyre]

He watched his buddy Brett Favre hold the packers hostage for many years. And then there was the Jets, Vikings. I'm just telling you, there's going to be. This is going to be an ugly offseason because you know what? Aaron loves seeing his name in the headlines. He's going to go on podcasts. He's going to be a. Doing this and that and.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, let's, let's, let's.

[Jason McIntyre]

He can hold the jets hostage as long as he wants.

[Colin Cowherd]

I don't think that's his personality. I don't think Aaron's going to hold people. I think Aaron just said something recently where he said, these have been the two best years of my life. Meaning winning isn't that important to him because he was rehabbed for one year and got his head kicked in the other year. So it's the worst two years of football in his life, and he said it was the best two years of his life. So Aaron would be willing to stay in New York if he liked the vibe? I mean, Aaron just said his words, these are the two best years of my life. Can you imagine Mahomes or Brady or Peyton Manning or Breeze after two awful years of winning games, saying, it's the best two years of my life? So Aaron's different. It's not about winning. That's not the most important thing. He's saying, these are the two best years of my life. So it's a vibe thing. And I think Aaron is sort of open minded and would be willing to accept a new coach. I don't think he's going to hold anybody hostage. I don't think he has that kind of market leverage. This is my take.

[Jason McIntyre]

Sounds so depressing. The Jets. This is what this is. You know, the fandom I picked when I was a young like 8 year old kid.

[Colin Cowherd]

JMAC with the news. Well, that's the news and thanks for stopping by. The Herd line news. You know, you, you kids make choices and that, that was your choice. Nick Wright, top of the hour. Mark Sanchez to herd hierarchy. Our final regular season herd hierarchy. I think we got about four or five teams that can win a Super bowl and then about four or five teams that can win a playoff game or two. And we'll have that around the corner. Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific Banking with Capital One helps you keep more money in your wallet with no fees or minimums on checking accounts and no overdraft fees. Just ask the Capital One bank guy. It's pretty much all he talks about in a good way. He'd also tell you that this podcast is his favorite podcast too. Oh, really? Thanks. Capital One Bank Guy. What's in your wallet? Terms apply. See capitalone.com bank capital1na member, FDIC. Wasn't that delicious?

[Jason McIntyre]

So good.

[Colin Cowherd]

Your bill, ladies. I got it. No, I got it. Seriously, I insist. I insisted first.

[Jason McIntyre]

Don't be silly.

[Colin Cowherd]

You don't be silly. People with The Wells Fargo ActiveCash credit card prefer to pay because they earn unlimited 2% cash back on purchases. Okay.

[Jason McIntyre]

Rock, paper, scissors for it. Rock, paper, scissors.

[Colin Cowherd]

Shoot. No. The Wells Fargo Active Cash credit card. Visit Wells Fargo.com ActiveCash terms apply. You can count on T Mobile to help keep you connected from big cities to small towns on America's largest 5G network. Switch the T Mobile, keep your phone and they'll pay it off up to 800 bucks per line via prepaid card. Learn more@t mobile.com heap and switch up to four lines via virtual prepaid card. Allow 15 days qualifying unlock device credit service port in 90 plus days with device and eligible carrier and timely redemption required. Card has no cash access and expires in six months.

[Jason McIntyre]

Lately on the NPR Politics podcast, we're talking about a big question. How much can one guy change? They want change. What will change look like for energy?

[Colin Cowherd]

Drill baby.

[Jason McIntyre]

Drill schools. Take the Department of Education.

[Colin Cowherd]

Close it. Health care better and less expensive.

[Jason McIntyre]

Follow coverage of a changing country Promises made, promises kept.

[Colin Cowherd]

We're going to keep our promises on.

[Jason McIntyre]

The NPR Politics podcast, listen on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts. Saturday on Fox Primetime Hoops. It's a battle in the Big Ten as Indiana takes on Iowa at 8pm Eastern only.

[Colin Cowherd]

All right, Top of next hour, herd hierarchy and Nick Wright, Mark Sanchez today, too. Great Tuesday show. Great to have you. And this time next week we'll be talking Rams, Vikings because that game's on next Monday. So we'll be open on our show Tuesday on that. We started today talking about the Bears coaching search and there was a list that was published of 13 different candidates. And here's the thing. It's like there's one great candidate. I would hire a proven head coach. I'd hire Mike Vrabel, I'd consider Pete Carroll. But things a lot of people in my space in the media are terrified of getting criticized by like irrelevant bloggers and trolls. And so they don't take swings on stuff and they're afraid to. I'm gonna walk on eggshell. I'll throw one at you. Mike Tomlin, coach and the Bears, if the Bears get blown out this weekend by Baltimore Steelers excuse me, Mike Tomlin of the Steelers. If they get blown out this weekend, I think they're gonna have discussions in the room in Pittsburgh. I would have them and I think I'd move. And you think it's crazy. Did you think it was going to happen that KD was going to go to the Warriors? Did you predict that? Or Joe Montana would be bailed on by San Francisco, the most popular player ever, and end up in Kansas City? Did you think Brett Favre would be leading the Vikings to an NFC championship? Crazy stuff happens in sports. And if I'm Chicago, the number one candidate to me is Vrabel or a Mike Tomlin. You can't have some coordinator walk into town with a snazzy resume and he's a scheme guy. Scheme. Guys, you don't fix tire fires. You need a real mechanic who owns his own shop. You're not going to have a guy, a kid back there he can put on a tire. That's not going to work. This is a big lift. And if Tomlin gets blown out, they're ten point dogs and they've had a bad end of the season and he's been getting criticism forever. And I like Mike Tomlin, I like Pete Carroll. But I mean, Andy Reid got let go. Bill Belichick got fired. You could have the discussion. You can be A grown up and have a discussion. I would if I was the Chicago Bears and I ran them and I don't and I never will, and that's obvious. I would be all over Mike Vrabel. I'd have Pete Carroll on, on speed dial and I'd be watching the Steelers outcome against the Raiders. I don't think Ravens, I don't think it's crazy at all. This, this organization needs a swing. I mean, it's like, it's funny because I saw this story this morning where there was a reporter at a radio station in Dallas who said Mike Vrabel would want this job 100%. He would want the cowbo. And I think, you know, the Cowboys job, it's interesting. I think the Cowboys and people in the Dallas media view the job one way and the rest of us view the job the other way. Just, I have a rule. Say it out loud. Before you do anything in life that's big decisions, say it out loud or you're trying to, you're trying to weigh if you should take a job or not take a job, Stay at a job, not stay at a job. Just say it out loud. Dallas Cowboys are paying a B plus quarterback A plus money, and he's coming off another injury. We have a story today that came out that Jerry Jones will not consider giving up his GM title. That's a story out today. You think I bought this franchise for my kids, said Jerry Jones. Let me listen to Jerry Jones. He goes, I bought it for myself. Listen to this. I bought the team. I think the first thing that came out of my mouth, anybody here was at that press conference, okay? Somebody asked, did you buy this for your kids? And I said, hell no, I bought it for me. And I didn't buy an investment. I bought an occupation. And I bought something that I was going to do. I was 46. I bought something I was going to do for the rest of my life. And that's what I'm doing. And that's fine. It's his right. But the idea that Cowboys is a great job, I mean, just, just, just when you're looking for a job, what's the ownership situation? What's the roster look like? What's my quarterback and what is he getting paid? And you start looking at the Cowboys, I mean, that's what I would look at. If I look for a job, stable ownership, quarterback situation, is it a total rebuild? A semi rebuild like the Chargers was not a total rebuild. They had to get a right tackle and they had to get a coach. It was a pretty darn good roster. And what's the team's history? Well, I mean, Dallas. I mean, Dallas is one of those things. It's a mirage. The Cowboy job is a mirage. You look at that job, and you think it's paradise, and it's more like fyre fest, that music festival. I mean, that's. You think you see one thing. You go look at that Philadelphia roster. How many players for the Cowboys in an offensive league offensively, would start for them? CD Lamb would be in the rotation at receiver. That's about it. Zach Martin, old, expensive, little, brittle, wouldn't start for me. I take their guards. So, I mean, since 2000, the Cowboys have fewer playoff wins than the New York Jets. We looked it up. They have not been to a conference championship in 30 years. You're getting into Cleveland Brown territory here. I mean, so that you can see it as this now. It's. It's down with Cleveland, It's Detroit before Dan Campbell took over. That's what it is. That's what the job is. I saw Micah Parsons today saying, hey, we got to go after Tyreek Hill. That's not the solution. You got a meddling owner who, hey, I bought this for me, not my kids. So, I mean, one of the reasons people are bringing this up, and I think it's re. Reality is Mike McCarthy is considering other jobs. I mean, think about that. When Mike McCarthy took the cowboy job, he now acknowledges he kind of BS'd his way into it, saying, hey, I watched every one of the Cowboys plays. And then he admitted years later, I didn't really watch all their plays. So Mike McCarthy was on the beach and wasn't getting offers. He was down in his basement dreaming up. You know, he was cooking up some story that I'm watching all the Cowboy plays, and I sit here and do analytics and. And I think Mike's a good coach. I really do. I think Mike McCarthy is a good coach. But just to give you a sense of where the Cowboys are now, there are multiple legitimate reporters who I followed for years who are now saying, McCarthy's considering leaving Dallas, he's considering other jobs. What does that tell you? I mean, you know, McVeigh may go to broadcasting. McVeigh's not going. You know, I. That. That Arizona Cardinal job is very interesting to me. McVeigh's like, I'm the Rams coach or I'll go work for Amazon. I mean, that. That's what he's going to do. So I think this is a. I. I don't I know Mike Vrabel, but I haven't asked him about the Cowboys job and I have no information. But this idea that it's a great job. Ownership, recent history, quarterback, roster. I mean, go look at Detroit's roster and Philadelphia's roster. Go look at Baltimore's roster. I mean, I'm not even mentioning Kansas City. I'm not even. They're not even on the table yet. Go look at Buffalo's roster. I've said this. If the Rams had a number one corner and that's going to probably be their first or second pick in the draft, if the Rams, because they're a very, very young team on defense, if the Rams had one more ex receiver on the sideline because Cooper Cup's aging and they need a, they need a down the field guy Pukas sort of around the middle of the field and a corner. The Rams roster suddenly is really, really good. J. Mac doesn't believe it, but it's really, really good. So Herd hierarchy, top of the hour. It's this, this, this coaching thing is fascinating. So if you look at the top of the draft, if the current draft order, it's basically teams that run through coaches and GMs, it's just chaos. The Steelers are the opposite where they never make changes. And I think you have to be careful. If you run a business saying, hey, stability is the key. Stability like anything else, is overrated. Stability is important, but stability for stability sake is overrated. And so yeah, you look at the top of the draft order, Tennessee, Cleveland, Patriots, Jags, Raiders, Jets, Panthers, yeah, Bears. It's just constant change. But you know what would stabilize any of these is getting the right coach. If Mike Vrabel gets the Patriots job, they're not getting another coach for five years. So they'll be out of this list. So that's why I say the fascinating situation this weekend in the NFL. There are two that really, really to me are riveting. Sam Darnold against the Rams, what's that performance look like? And Pittsburgh against Baltimore. If Pittsburgh gets run out of the building, 34, 10, not competitive. Andy Reid and Bill Belichick got let go. You can't tell me you can't have discussions. The other team in that state, the Philadelphia Eagles, who have been dynamic for the last decade, they're the franchise in the state that wins a bunch of games and is relevant. They're moving through coaches, they keep taking big swings. They like Chip Kelly for a couple years, then they didn't like him and they liked Doug Peterson and they want to. They want a trophy. And then they didn't like him. So Philadelphia has proven you can move off winning coaches. Kansas City has moved off winning coaches. You can do that, too. This, this whole idea of stability for stability say it's like loyalty. Yeah, I'm loyal until I shouldn't be. Loyalty for loyalty's sake sometimes is suckerville.

[Jason McIntyre]

So do a quick pop quiz. What was the last Pittsburgh Steelers playoff victory for Mike Tomlin?

[Colin Cowherd]

I would say six years ago. Six, eight years ago.

[Jason McIntyre]

January of 2017.

[Colin Cowherd]

So I was right. Six years ago, seven years ago.

[Jason McIntyre]

It's a bit of. It's been a while.

[Colin Cowherd]

Ask yourself.

[Jason McIntyre]

And the last few times they've been to the playoffs, they got their butts kicked by the Bills. They lost by 14 to the Chiefs, by 21 to the Browns in the. I think that was the Baker Mayfield.

[Colin Cowherd]

But ask yourself this. Here's the bigger question. It's one thing winning a playoff game. When is the last time the Steelers beat a legitimate top five quarterback in a playoff game? Because that's what the great franchises do. That's what Kansas City does. That's what Philadelphia does. When is the last. I mean, the Philadelphia Eagles beat Brady in the Super Bowl. The New York Giants at their best beat Brady twice in the Super Bowl. When is the last Steeler playoff win over a Manning, a Brady, you know, a big boy quarterback? I'm. I'm.

[Jason McIntyre]

It's been a while, but this is the. Again, this is like the Portland Trailblazers argument from the NBA. They had Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum, an awesome backcourt. You were guaranteed 45, 50 wins. Hold on. And the playoffs every year. And maybe one year you'd make a run. So you were going to be good and you're going to be in the postseason. That's what the Steelers are for the last eight years. They're going to be good in the season and they're going to make the playoffs. Is that not good enough for you?

[Colin Cowherd]

Pinch me. Tell me it's real. Yippee.

[Jason McIntyre]

Come on.

[Colin Cowherd]

All right, let's talk about Amazon Prime. It's not just one thing. It's a collection of services that help you get the most out of whatever you're into, whether it's a hobby, sport, or getting things done fast. Prime's got you covered. Like my hobby for all things sports. You can order sports supplies, listen to content like this podcast on Amazon music, or watch content. You can do it all with Prime. Everybody loves the fast, free same day shipping, especially as we kick off the year. But what about all the content you can listen to on Amazon? Music Music to podcast, fast shipping. What is not to love about this membership I'm in Prime fuels your passions, makes everything easier. So whatever you're into, it's on Prime. Visit Amazon.com PrimeNow banking with capital One helps you keep more money in your wallet with no fees or minimums on checking accounts and no overdraft fees. Just ask the Capital One Bank Guy. It's pretty much all he talks about in a good way. He'd also tell you that this podcast is his favorite podcast too. Oh really? Thanks Capital One Bank Guy. What's in your wallet? Terms apply. See capital1.com Bank Capital One NA Member.

[Katie Couric]

FDIC hey everyone, it's Katie Couric. Well, the election is in the home stretch, right in time for a new season of my podcast Next Question. I'm bringing in some foks friends of Katie's to help me out, like Ezra Klein, Jen Psaki, Asted Herndon. But we're also going to have some fun thanks to some of my friends like Samantha Bee and Charlamagne the God. We're going to take some viewer questions as well. I mean, isn't that what democracy is all about? Check out our new season of Next Question with me, Katie Couric, on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.