Hour 1 - The Knicks can win this

Summary

The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Episode Summary: "Hour 1 - The Knicks Can Win This"

Release Date: May 30, 2025 | Host: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

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1. Knicks' Dominant Playoff Performance

Jason McIntyre and Alex Curry kick off the episode with exhilarating news: the New York Knicks secured a convincing victory against the Indiana Pacers in Game 5 of their playoff series. The Knicks showcased a "wire-to-wire" dominance, leaving little room for the Pacers to mount a comeback.

• Defensive Adjustments: Coach Tom Thibodeau made pivotal changes, particularly in defensive strategies. A notable adjustment was applying full-court pressure on Tyrese Haliburton, significantly hindering his performance. McIntyre highlights, “The Pacers shot 3 for 14 with Brunson as the primary defender” (04:00), emphasizing the effectiveness of this strategy.

• Jalen Brunson’s Impact: Brunson emerged as a key player, not only offensively but also defensively. His ability to "fight through screens" and apply consistent pressure was crucial. After the game, Brunson remarked, “I wasn't thinking I need to play better than him. I was just thinking I need to help my team win” (05:42), underscoring his team-first mentality.

• Carl Anthony Towns and Team Resilience: Alongside Brunson, Towns delivered an excellent performance, contributing significantly on both ends of the court. The Knicks' ability to force turnovers and control the pace underscored their resilience and adaptability.

Alex Curry adds, “Carl Anthony Towns played desperate and it worked. They outplayed the Pacers in every part of the game” (15:34), highlighting the team’s collective effort and strategic execution.

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2. Analyzing Jalen Hurts and NFL Quarterbacks

The conversation shifts to the NFL, focusing on Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback Jalen Hurts. Despite being the Super Bowl MVP, Hurts faced criticism, which McIntyre vehemently disagrees with.

• Statistical Defense: McIntyre presents compelling statistics from Pro Football Focus, noting that Hurts ranks second in completion percentage and third in yards per passing over the past three seasons (24:15). He challenges the narrative that Hurts is the Eagles' weakest link, arguing, “Jalen Hurts has proven he can win from the pocket. He is the biggest quarterback in comebacks, second only to Patrick Mahomes” (24:29).

• Overcoming Adversity: Hurts’ journey from being a second-round pick to Super Bowl MVP showcases his resilience. McIntyre attributes Hurts’ success to his ability to overcome challenges, including being benched during his college career and succeeding under different offensive coordinators.

Alex Curry concurs, emphasizing Hurts’ leadership and determination: “He is a baddie and just understands what it means to be great” (27:27).

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3. Oklahoma City Thunder’s Mid-Range Revival

A standout moment in the episode is the discussion on the Oklahoma City Thunder’s strategic pivot back to the mid-range game, inspired by comments from former NBA player Jeff Teague.

• Jeff Teague’s Take: Teague asserted, “I think SGA saved the NBA. He perfected the mid-range game” (09:47). This bold statement suggests that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA)’s proficiency in the mid-range is revitalizing a critical aspect of basketball strategy.

• Host Analysis: Jason McIntyre acknowledges the validity of Teague’s perspective but counters that while SGA excels in the mid-range, it doesn’t singularly save the league. He points out, “The reason they can do the mid-range with SGA is because they play phenomenal defense” (10:17), emphasizing the holistic approach of the Thunder.

• Impact on the NBA: McIntyre debates whether other teams will adopt the mid-range focus, analyzing the current league trends towards three-point shooting. He remains skeptical, noting, “I don't necessarily think that's going to happen” (10:17).

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4. NFL Team Updates and Prospects

The hosts delve into updates on various NFL teams, with particular attention to the San Francisco 49ers and the New York Jets.

• San Francisco 49ers: With the return of Christian McCaffrey and a favorable schedule, the 49ers are positioned for a strong season. Alex Curry highlights, “They have an easy schedule and just locked in Brock Purdy. They can be sneaky” (29:07), suggesting that strategic advantages could propel them back into contention.

• New York Jets: Justin Fields’ transition to a new environment is discussed, focusing on his potential under coach Aaron Glenn. Jason McIntyre remarks, “This is his make or break opportunity. This is his third team” (32:37), underscoring the high stakes for Fields to establish himself.

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5. Baseball World Series Preview: Yankees vs. Dodgers

A thrilling segment previews the World Series matchup between the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers, featuring star-studded lineups.

• Key Players: The Yankees boast Aaron Judge, Paul Goldschmidt, and Cody Bellinger, while the Dodgers feature Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman. The clash of MVP-caliber players promises an offensive spectacle.

• Host Excitement: Jason McIntyre expresses enthusiasm, “It's going to be historic, with multiple MVPs in each lineup” (35:11), highlighting the high stakes and exceptional talent on display.

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6. Guest Interview with Ian Begley on Knicks' Strategy

In an insightful interview, Ian Begley, a Knicks' expert since 2011, provides an in-depth analysis of the Knicks' recent performance and future prospects.

• Game 5 Breakdown: Begley commends Mitchell Bridges for his defensive efforts against Haliburton, noting, “Bridges pressured Halliburton and really prevented him from doing much” (45:53).

• Future Outlook: Discussing the ramifications of potentially losing the series, Begley advises stability for the Knicks, suggesting that "running it back and seeing where that gets you" is the best path forward (52:00). He emphasizes the importance of maintaining the current roster and building upon their recent successes.

• Team Stability: Begley posits that the Knicks have reached a point where they should continue with their current strategy, stating, “If you can create that hierarchy where it's Brunson and Towns and everybody else fills in a specific role, this team can be better next season” (52:00).

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7. Conclusion and Upcoming Topics

The episode concludes with a teaser for upcoming discussions, including the performance of Jalen Hurts against the Eagles and potential segments featuring personalities like Rachel Nichols.

Colin Cowherd wraps up with energy, ensuring listeners stay tuned for future episodes: “Next hour, we haven't talked Chiefs yet. My favorite team in the NFL” (52:33), setting the stage for continued sports analysis.

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Notable Quotes

• Jalen Brunson: “I wasn't thinking I need to play better than him. I was just thinking I need to help my team win” (05:42)

• Jeff Teague: “I think SGA saved the NBA. He perfected the mid-range game” (09:47)

• Jalen Hurts: “I think the sky's the limit for this team, for this offense” (31:16)

• Ian Begley: “If you can create that hierarchy where it's Brunson and Towns and everybody else fills in a specific role, this team can be better next season” (52:00)

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Conclusion

In this episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," listeners are treated to a comprehensive analysis of the New York Knicks' impressive playoff performance, insightful discussions on evolving strategies in the NBA, and previews of key NFL and MLB matchups. With expert commentary from Jason McIntyre, Alex Curry, and guest Ian Begley, the episode provides a nuanced exploration of current sports dynamics, highlighting both challenges and triumphs across the board.

Transcript

[Jason McIntyre]

This is an iHeart podcast.

[Colin Cowherd]

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[Jason McIntyre]

Now let's get this party started. You're listening to Fox Sports Radio. Hello and welcome to the herd. A beautiful Friday because the Knicks won last night, baby. It's me, Jason McIntyre in on a Friday for traveling. Colin Cowherd. He's. I don't know if I can say, parts unknown. I think he's going to be posting on IG later. I'm joined by Alex Curry. Alex, not only do we have a great Thursday with the Knicks winning, we have Yankees Dodgers this weekend.

[Alex Curry]

It's. I love when you get a good slate of games, but you're the first person I thought about last night. I was like, what a awesome Friday show. It's going to be jmax Nick's fight to live and see another day.

[Jason McIntyre]

I was so excited. Listen, I, I got to say, I'm excited. I'm going to a Yankees Dodgers game. This is my first one. Was able to secure some tickets. I can't really say I don't want to. I don't need everybody coming up to me at the game.

[Alex Curry]

Let them know where you're going to be.

[Jason McIntyre]

By the way, I went to a Kendrick Lamar concert.

[Alex Curry]

Good for you.

[Jason McIntyre]

Last weekend with the fam. And there were some Herd fans who were like, j. Mack.

[Alex Curry]

Yeah. And I was like, we love Ken.

[Jason McIntyre]

He's.

[Alex Curry]

He's a family friend.

[Jason McIntyre]

You obviously are very close. I won't reveal that stuff. But anyways, life good out here in la? Life is good if you're a Knicks fan. Folks. We have a series once again. Knicks get the win at home at the Garden last night. Pretty convincing wire to wire. I don't want to overreact, but I think they're actually back in the series. Okay. They dominated last night. I don't think there was 1/10 moment in the second half. I don't even know if it got to single digits. I know there's going to be a lot of basic analysis out there today. Hey, the Pacers didn't really try. They had game six at home, so you could see they were lethargic. You have to watch the game closely, guys. And the Knicks actually made some adjustments. Tom Thibodeau, thank you for making changes. I mean, it's a small things like Tyrese Halliburton had an awful game and we'll get to him later. But it wasn't just he played poorly or he wasn't locked in. The Knicks made adjustments again. It's a small thing, but they picked him up full court. You know, as a guy who plays in men's leagues, you got to pick up full court. Point guards hate that. Tyrese Haliburton struggled against the full court pressure only ended up taking seven shots. And the Knicks defense was so good. For the first time in the entire series. Guys, the Knicks won the turnover battle. Yes, they forced the Pacers into more turnovers than the Knicks committed. And it really helped the Knicks offense. Obviously, Jalen Brunson was phenomenal. Carl Anthony Towns was excellent. And listen, I think this is series back on. A lot of people are saying, oh, the Pacers got it. I was mildly surprised to see the Pacers are three and a half point favorites for game six Saturday night. But the biggest change I saw was Jalen Brunson defensively. Jalen Brunson heard all your criticisms, heard all your, oh, Halliburton's better now. Yeah, he, he's better. No, no, let's just take a deep breath. It was one game. Jalen Brunson was locked in defensively. He. Here he is after the game talking about the dub.

[Colin Cowherd]

I mean, I brax against the wall and so I, I wasn't thinking I need to play better than him. I was just thinking I need to.

[Jason McIntyre]

Help my team win.

[Colin Cowherd]

And that's my mindset every time on the court. Just help my team win.

[Jason McIntyre]

Folks, I got a mind blowing stat for you. So in Games 1 through 4, the Pacers picked on Jaylen Brunson. Literally, give me him. I want him in the pick and roll. And they attacked him. According to some stats, The Pacers were 68% from the field. 68% when Brunson was the primary defender in Games 1 through 4. So what happened in Game 5? Brunson fighting through screens, locked in, getting down. Pacers shot 3 for 14 with Brunson as the primary defender. That's 21% for you math majors out there. Just a phenomenal performance at both ends from Brunson. Offensively carried him. Carl Anthony Towns obviously was excellent. And specifically Brunson went at Halliburton. I don't know if you guys noticed. They started attacking Halliburton in the pick and roll and Halliburton struggled coming off a one of the games that were, they're calling it one of the best performances ever where Halliburton had 30, 15 and 10 with no turnovers. Halliburton had eight points. And you know, we'll go after him later, we'll take some jabs at Halliburton later on. But here he is after the game talking about his lack of intensity and the Pacers kind of getting rolled. We're a resilient group. You know, we, we always want to Respond when things don't go well. You know, after a game like that, we understand what the stakes are and we understand the conversation, what will be around our group. But, you know, we're. We're fine. We're fine. There's no need to panic or anything. We're fine. We'll see. A lot of people already like the Pacers to win game six. I told you, the spread's three and a half. I do want to point out two things. Number one, for the first time this year or last year, the pressure is on Indiana, okay? Last year, the Knicks got injured in the series despite being up 3 2. Now the Pacers, pressure's on them, folks, and they have not felt this pressure before. They've got to win this game. You don't want to have to go back to the Garden. And for those that are saying, oh, trust me, Jay, Pacers weren't locked in. They didn't care. They were going home for game six. Look at the last round, okay? They had to go back to Cleveland on the road, Game five, and they smashed the Cavs in a let's end the series. So I don't want to hear this. They didn't lay down or they laid down because they had game six. And the other point is, so nine years ago this weekend, I moved my family across the country for this job here at fox. It's been fun. We're having a lot. We're having a blast. But something else happened nine years ago this week, and that was golden state lead, trailing OKC 3 1. You remember OKC was up 3 1. They go to Golden State for game five, they lose. It was similar, not quite wire to wire, but Golden State controlled that game. So then they had game six in OKC. All right, do you guys remember this game nine years ago? Klay Thompson special hit 11 threes, 41 points, and the warriors erase the 31 deficit, end up winning in seven. My question to the Knicks, who is Klay Thompson Saturday night in Indiana? Somebody's got to blow up. We know Brunson is going to get his. Is it going to be Bridges? Is it going to be Karl Anthony Towns? OG Anunoby? Are you going to be the guy that shows up? Someone has to erupt. They're going to need a volcanic performance from someone to take down the Pacer Saturday. I like the Knicks in that one. All right, let's shift topics and go to my favorite team in the NBA, the Oklahoma City Thunder. Yes, I know, Jay. You've been banging on them all season. You've been calling SGA the free throw Merchant. Can you put some respect on OKC's name? And I will. But first I've got to give a quick shout out to a former NBA player who I thought I saw one of the hottest takes I've seen on okc. And that's courtesy of Jeff Teague, former Indiana Pacers point guard who played in Minnesota and a couple other stops. He has a podcast and he went on raving about SGA and the mid range and get this. Saving the NBA.

[Jeff Teague]

I think SGA saved the NBA. Okay, this is what I'm saying. I'm not saying because of how he performed, but the way he play. He saved the NBA because the NBA is a copycat league and he perfected the mid range game, right? So he brought back the ability to be able to shoot mid range shots. I got crucified in Minnesota for wanting to shoot a mid range shot if it wasn't a three year old layup for analytics and him being the MVP and his go to shot is a mid range shot. He literally just saved the NBA.

[Jason McIntyre]

All right, listen, I got to give my guys credit here. A couple producers sent me that yesterday. I was like damn, that's a good take. I think, I don't think it's complete and I'm not going to give Teague all the credit. I think it's a phenomenal take. I don't think he's totally accurate. Let me tell you why. Yes, SGA is killing in the mid range. He's totally dominant. I saw some stats where he's shooting over 50% in the mid range. Now he's not quite saving the league. I saw some stats Michael Jordan attempted like 1200 or mid range shots or whatever it was in the 90s. SGA is only like around 400 so it's not quite what it was with MJ and even Kobe. But the reason they can do the mid range with SGA is because they play phenomenal defense. They're number one in defensive efficiency in the league by a mile. They're calling this one of the best defensive teams in a generation. Well guys, if you can get stops and they can, no denying it. Of course you can trade twos for threes. It's not that big a deal. Now you can't not play defense and then spam threes and expect to win every game because you're going to go cold from three. I did look this up. The two best three point shooting teams this year were Boston and Cleveland. Guess what happened to them? In the playoffs, Boston shot 60 threes at a game. They just, they went cold from three against the Knicks. It happens. And we all know what happened to Cleveland. They got outshot from three, I believe in every game against Halliburton. And all of a sudden you go cold from three. You don't have a counterpunch. So OKC has one in the mid range game. Now an Amazing stat for okc is their 3 point shooting way down. You're not going to believe this. So 16 teams in the playoffs, OKC is 13th in three point shooting. Ordinarily, that's a death knell. OKC has been outshot from three in 10 of 16 playoff games. Usually that's like, oh, they're getting bounced. But because of the defense and the mid range game, they're able to completely blow teams out. But we don't see this a lot because nobody's playing defense in the league anymore. So you guys know I love the hey zig when everybody's zagging. So right now in the NBA, the analytics say spam threes fire away. It's a math equation. And we've seen this before, right? So Billy Bean and Moneyball in baseball, okay, hey, we can't compete with the big spenders, so we've got to find obscure stats that matter and kind of build our lineup that way. And they did that with the Oakland A's and they had a lot of success. Another analogy. So YouTube comes out and all their videos are horizontal because hey, we want to look like TV. So what does TikTok do? Hey, let's do vertical for the phone. So TikTok goes totally different and boom, TikTok goes to the moon. Well, guess who starts copying TikTok YouTube shorts, Instagram Reels. Now all video videos are vertical. So will we see like Jeff Teague is saying, everybody copy OKC and go to the mid range. Well, I'm sure the Minnesota Timberwolves, Anthony Edwards, who led the league in threes and only got layups and dunks, is he going to pivot and say, I got to work on my mid range. Are all these NBA trainers who are helping everybody work on threes, are they going to say we got to get back to the mid range? I don't necessarily think that's going to happen. I do think there is a world where other teams can copy, but you got to play good defense. Like the Cavs would make a lot of sense to play. They play great defense with Mobley and Allen. But are they going to say Donovan Mitchell, let's get to the mid range. I don't know that that's going to happen. So while I like the take, I don't think this whole saving the NBA is 100% spot on. I do think OKC is going to be favored, obviously heavily against the Pacers or Knicks. But I would wrap up by saying we saw OKC stop Anthony Edwards fairly easily. And you looked at it and you're like, why didn't the Lakers try that? Let's just put up a picket fence right at the foul line. Say, you're not getting to the lane. We're not going to let it happen. And he couldn't do that. And Minnesota couldn't make any threes. So are we going to see the Pacers or Knicks say, hey, sga, we're going to wall off the paint. No more middies for you, buddy. Let's see what Jalen Williams, J Dub and Loot Dort. Let's see what those guys can do from three, because, oh, look, the analytics say they're not hitting threes in the playoffs. And I think that's what we're going to see in the finals. And I don't think OKC is going to waltz over the Knicks or Pacers, whoever it may be. But SGA certainly is making people think and the hot takes are flying about saving the NBA. So, Alex, we got a game six Saturday night. I know you're excited. I know I'm fired up.

[Alex Curry]

I got to be honest. Like, I was all in on the Knicks after they kind of blew through Boston. And at the start of this series, I was like, okay, maybe that Boston series was their finals and they just kind of blew it out. But what impressed me most about last night was listening to Carl Anthony Towns on his post game interview with Shaq and Charles. And they were asking him, you know, like, what's the conversation you guys are having, like, on the plane privately, not in front of everybody. And he goes, why not us? Like that, one game at a time. Why can't we do it? Why can't we be the team that does it? And you kind of saw that attitude last night.

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah.

[Alex Curry]

Of they played desperate and it worked. They outplayed the Pacers in every part of the game.

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah, totally.

[Alex Curry]

If they can do that and win game six in Indy tomorrow, anything is possible in a game seven.

[Jason McIntyre]

I'm going to call Josh Hardy.

[Alex Curry]

Anything is possible in a game seven, but they all have to show up. Like Carl Anthony Towns has to show up.

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah, no more dumb fouls, Cat. Let's Dial back.

[Alex Curry]

Did you hear him call him out? They called him out on that last night.

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah. Stan Van Gundy during the broadcast was amazing. I think the Knicks got a shot. I'm not saying I'm betting them yet.

[Alex Curry]

But I think they got, like, after last night, like. So you're saying there's a chance?

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah, I love it. A little dumb and dumber. All right, coming up next, Jalen hurts. Can you believe he's getting crushed? I can't believe it. They're saying he's the biggest weakness on the Eagles. Let me just say I totally disagree. I'll tell you that. Next here on the Herd.

[Colin Cowherd]

Be sure to catch live editions of.

[Jason McIntyre]

The Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio. FS1 and the iHeartRadio app.

[Colin Cowherd]

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[Jason McIntyre]

Back here on the herd Got Rachel Nichols coming up to talk about the Knicks. Probably we'll get into the free throw merchant as well. Listen, I I gotta say, if you Guys watch the show yesterday, you know, Coward and I went at it. I think it was a 12 round that felt like, you know, Foreman Tyson or Foreman Holyfield. Sorry. Regarding Jalen Hurts. Okay? Now, I did before I moved out here to la. I did live outside of Philly, but I don't really have a super connection to the city. It was a suburban life. But I like the Eagles and I pay attention to them. And for some reason, the bashing of Jalen Hurts. It's just getting under my skin. Okay? I like, you know, I like to defend underdogs. I like to defend guys who I think are really good that maybe the market is not up to speed on. And this Pro Football Focus on website I go to helps a lot with the gambling. They said that the biggest weakness on the defending super bowl champion was, wait for it, the super bowl mvp. They said it was the passing game that was the weakness of the Eagles. So, you know, it's not that hard to look up some stats on the Pro Football Focus website. And, you know, let me give you some stats here. This is the Super Bowl MVP last year. Passing, which is the biggest weakness from the pocket. Here's Jalen Hurts, you know, second in completion percentage, third in yards per passing, yards per game, and then pass a rating, fifth. I think that should be yards per attempt. But bottom line is it's not like this is a dink and dunk offense. Jalen Hurts can beat you anyway. Deep down the field, over the middle, scrambling. Best running quarterback in the league. Sorry, Lamar Jackson. Jalen Hurts it better. He's got the tush push, which is automatic. I don't get the bashing of Jalen Hurts. And I think it all comes down to him being drafted in the second round, which, oh, man, he's not a first round pick. I think it's stupid and goofy. And then there's the whole saga that happened in Alabama where he gets benched in the national championship, replaced by Tua. Tua goes on. I mean, that's like, that's historic stuff. You never see that. And he had to transfer. But all Jalen Hurts has done is overcome everything. His height, the benching in Ala at Alabama. Remember, he didn't come in as the starter in Philly. He. He had to win that job. He had an awful. And I'm talking. I think they lost their first playoff game with her 31 nothing. People wanted to bench him at halftime. I think me included. All he's done is overcome everything. And now he's the super bowl mvp and they're still disrespecting him. Philadelphia catered the offense to Jalen Hurts and it's working. And now it's like, oh, no, no. The roster's stacked. What do we play that game with? Joe Burrow? Hey, man, Joe Burrow's got the best wide receiver duo in the league. Probably. Higgins and Chase are historically a great wide receiver combo. Got to be top five, six all time. I don't know if it's Rice and Taylor, but it's certainly up there. Okay, we don't play this game with Patrick Mahomes. Well, he has a generational tight end in Travis Kelce and one of the top five coaches, top three coaches in NFL history. We don't do that. Lamar Jackson gets Derrick Henry a first ballot hall of Fame lock, and we make excuses for Lamar. We don't bash it. So anyways, Shady McCoy was on the facility yesterday. Shady, a former Eagles player who I know. Great guy, Shady. I like him. Here's what he said. Defending Jalen Hurts.

[Jeff Teague]

AJ Told me, well, players tell me that the offense is really the offense.

[Colin Cowherd]

I don't care who the corner is.

[Jason McIntyre]

You come over here to fit the Jalen Hurts offense. So think about this. We. We know that the top four guys are Mahomes. Josh Allen's A rating MVP, Lamar's got two MVPs, and Joe Burrow went to a Super Bowl.

[Alex Curry]

That.

[Jason McIntyre]

That's the consensus top four. I don't see why this isn't a consensus top five. It doesn't make sense. Jalen Hurts has to be fifth. You can make a case for Stafford, but he hasn't been to the super bowl twice. Okay, he has it. And that's what Hertz has done in a short time. Spanish people want to push Jaden Daniels in there. I'm like, guys, one year, one season, like, he was historically great. Let's see him do it again. Because we saw C.J. stroud have a great rookie year and then kind of fell off a cliff and took 63 sacks last year. Yes, Hertz has a loaded roster, great offensive line, great running back, two good receivers. But you know who else had it pretty damn good? The second best quarterback in NFL history. Joe Montana. It's funny. If Joe Montana were playing now, would he be in the hurt spot? Well, you know, he's got Bill Walsh and Jerry Rice and Roger Craig. I don't know. He's got a stacked deck. Maybe he's not in that group. Like the NFL discussion is just lazy and silly. Jalen Hurts has proven he can win from the pocket. And I'm sure there's some people at home saying, oh, well, one year winning from the pocket. No, we've done the homework, guys. Let's get on the screen. The last three years, Jalen Hurts from the pocket. Oh, would you look at that? Three years, three different offensive coordinators. 20, 23, they regressed. Offensive coordinator was a nightmare and he threw a bunch of more picks. But that's three successful years for Jalen Hurts. What more does he have to do? Can he do any more to prove that he belongs? And I'm sure what you're saying. Oh, Jason, Stack roster. You know, I happen to look it up, guys. The Ravens had the most Pro Bowlers last year. I mean, what metric do you want to use for stack roster? The Ravens had eight Pro Bowlers, Minnesota Vikings had seven, the Steelers had six, the Lions had six and the Eagles had six. So are they the best roster? What are we saying? Like, they had the most first round picks. It's just people are embarrassing themselves, bashing Jalen Hurts. And I'll close out with one more stat because I know you guys are going to love this. Well, he's got an awesome roster. They just run away with every game. Actually, not really. Jalen Hurts has the second best winning percentage in games his team has trailed by 10 or more points. He's a comeback king. He. The only guy he trails is Patrick Mahomes. One quarterback better at comeback wins than Jalen Hurts. And that's Patrick Mahomes. Not Lamar Jackson, not Josh Allen. It's Jalen Hurts. So is it the stacked roster or is it Hertz delivering with and without Saquon Barkley? You make the call. Let's go to Alex Curry with the news. No, no, no, no. Turn on the news. This is the Herd line news.

[Alex Curry]

J. Mac, honestly, I think it's great for his brand, it's great for the Philly brand and it's great for Jalen Hurts. Like, doubt me. Doubt me all you want and let me prove you wrong.

[Jason McIntyre]

He doesn't have the celebrity girlfriend that Josh Allen has. Lamar Jackson has the swag. He's cool. Who's he? Joe Burrow goes to fashion shows.

[Alex Curry]

He doesn't need it. You know, he shows up, does his briefcase, right? With his briefcase, doubt me. And a full female team. Every single person on his team, agent, manager, everything is a full female team. Like, he is a baddie and just understands like what it means to be great. And that kind of goes along with that last that you gave. Like, he's the comeback king. Yeah, yeah, like doubt me. I mean, don't worry. I'm not going to sweat it. I'm going to come back and I'm going to do it. All right, well, let's move to San Francisco because the 49ers started OTAs and it was pretty much to be expected. The only vet who didn't report is 36 year old Trent Williams, who generally never comes to voluntary workouts. But the good News is Christian McCaffrey is back on the field and Kyle Shanahan says that the running back is as healthy as he can be. So hope that McCaffrey can stay healthy because when he is, he is in the MVP conversation. And a positive for the 49ers this year is because they had such a disappointing season last year. They have one of the easier schedules this year and they just locked in Brock Purdy. They got their franchise guy, they got McCaffrey. Like they still have a very solid team together. Trent Williams is going to be there. Like there's nothing you have to worry about contract wise. But they don't have a target on their back. No one's expecting anything from them. And they have an easy schedule. They can be sneaky. Good. I still think Rams are going to win the division, but 49ers could be right back, right back into mix.

[Jason McIntyre]

It's a good point about the target.

[Alex Curry]

Yeah.

[Jason McIntyre]

The last, like, I think two or three years.

[Alex Curry]

This is your super bowl window. Like they were in the super bowl two years ago. Like, and they had every. They were paying all their top guys and they had to let them go. And then they completely wet the bed last year.

[Jason McIntyre]

I wonder if Kyle Shanahan will cook up some new stuff.

[Alex Curry]

Well, and they have Robert Saleh as their. Robert Salah back as defensive coordinator.

[Jason McIntyre]

They lost Deebo Samuel, who's kind of a locker room leader, but also a.

[Alex Curry]

It's okay, you know, they still, they were still able to maintain a good core of this 49ers team, lock up their guy. And you cannot look past their strength of schedule.

[Jason McIntyre]

You mentioned, do we have the schedule? Because.

[Alex Curry]

Yeah, it's like one of the easiest.

[Jason McIntyre]

I think 11 or 12 wins could be a place like number one seed because they don't. I don't think they face any of the top five quarterbacks. So the first quarterback they'll face is Sam Darnold, who's in a new city. Then it's tbd because we don't know what the hell's going on with the Saints.

[Alex Curry]

No idea.

[Jason McIntyre]

Kyler Murray Okay.

[Alex Curry]

Yeah.

[Jason McIntyre]

Trevor Lawrence. I mean, those two are at home, right? Then they come to the Rams for a Week 5 game. They'll probably be undefeated at that point. And then like going to Baker Mayfield, not a big deal. Show me the games.

[Alex Curry]

These are winnable games.

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah.

[Alex Curry]

For the 49ers, going from having like a first place schedule to like what, third. Third place schedule is. Is very favorable for Shanahan.

[Jason McIntyre]

Look at that. They face the Browns, Titans, Colts, Panthers. Like, this is 11 or 12 wins, even if you don't like Rockford.

[Alex Curry]

And no one's really kind of talking about it because it's like, well, you know, kind of fell off. They didn't do much. Had a, like, horrible season last.

[Jason McIntyre]

It was bad. They had like injuries galore. They'll have like five new defensive starters. Yeah.

[Alex Curry]

Christian McCaffrey needs to stay healthy. He can stay healthy again. Like he's in the MVP conversation when he's healthy.

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah, it's like Trent Williams, Christian McCaffrey, Brock Purdy. But Brandon Ayuk should be back from the acl. Yeah.

[Alex Curry]

Yeah, that'll be good. All right, let's move to your jets because Justin Fields is on his third team, but he's got a ton of confidence. New York jets head coach Aaron Glenn has spoken very highly of his QB1 and Fields shares the same feelings.

[Justin Fields]

I think I can Drake, you know, that. And that's, you know, been the goal for me my whole life, my whole career. So like I said, you know, I think the sky's the limit for this team, for this offense, but we do have a long way to go. Like I said, our offense and defense are new, so guys are really tuned in and locked in and trying to get everything down. But I think, you know, once we do, I think the sky's the limit. I mean, we have, you know, all the guys we need, we have all the talent. So it's really just going to come down to discipline and execution when the games come.

[Alex Curry]

I think this change of scenery can be great for Justin Fields. Obviously his new coach, Aaron Glenn, former Lions defensive coordinator, is very familiar with Fields from their time in the NFC north together when he was on the Bears. I think the only downside is now he has another defensive coach. Like he had Eberfluss, Mike Tomlin. He's never really had an offensive coach to allow him to do everything that he should be able to do. But I mean, this is his. This is his make or break opportunity. This is your third team. This is your chance.

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah, this is the tough part. You've been on both sides of this. You know, you play sports, people ask you questions, but you also ask questions.

[Alex Curry]

Yes.

[Jason McIntyre]

I don't know. Like, it doesn't, to me, look great on the screen. I think I can be great. Are you doubting yourself because you're on your third team? I know when anybody asks me, jay, are you good at basketball? Of course. I'm awesome.

[Alex Curry]

You gotta hype yourself up. And I think he will. I mean, it's still really early.

[Jason McIntyre]

I think I can be great.

[Alex Curry]

Hey, no, I mean, I can be great.

[Jason McIntyre]

There's a fine line.

[Alex Curry]

Alex has to switch that.

[Jason McIntyre]

You know, he put up major numbers at Ohio State.

[Alex Curry]

Yeah.

[Jason McIntyre]

And he was great.

[Alex Curry]

He was.

[Jason McIntyre]

Now, he hasn't been great in the NFL, but that doesn't mean he isn't great.

[Alex Curry]

I mean, he was good enough with the Steelers when he played. He was good enough. He kept them afloat. But again, another defensive coach.

[Jason McIntyre]

It's a fine line because, like, you know, even my kids, when I'm. I try not to talk sports with them after practice and tournaments and stuff, but one of my kids will be like, oh, I wasn't that great. No, no, no, don't say that. Yeah, don't be negative.

[Alex Curry]

Better.

[Jason McIntyre]

I can be.

[Alex Curry]

I can be better.

[Jason McIntyre]

I have room for improvement.

[Alex Curry]

Yes, you always have to. I tell everybody it's all a mindset.

[Jason McIntyre]

I do.

[Alex Curry]

Mindset.

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah.

[Alex Curry]

I manifest everything. Like, literally, like, I'm going to do that. I'm going to, like, I don't know how to do it, but I'm going to figure it out and I'm going to be great at it.

[Jason McIntyre]

It feels has some work to do.

[Alex Curry]

He's got a lot, but also, like, AFC East. It's a doable second place finish if everything.

[Jason McIntyre]

Oh, really Rosy, Alex. I don't know.

[Alex Curry]

Well, Bills are favored to win it. All right. Like, they're. They're the super bowl favorite. They're favorite to win every game.

[Jason McIntyre]

Patriots are coming.

[Alex Curry]

People are high on the Patriots. Mike Brable, obviously, is like, the huge addition, but again, like, I need to see it to believe it before I buy in on the Patriots because it's. It's a lot of new. And then Dolphins. A lot's going to come down to if Tua can stay healthy. Tyreek Hill is always a wild card. You never know. You never know what you're going to get.

[Jason McIntyre]

I don't know if we're doing on.

[Alex Curry]

The field or on the field, but, like, I. It's. It's doable. If they can get it together. And if it pans out, there's low expectations.

[Jason McIntyre]

Right. Hey, if they win, if they win eight or nine games, that's a huge win.

[Alex Curry]

Good for you. Go in with low expectations, be excited when they prove you wrong.

[Jason McIntyre]

Under promise and over deliver. Is that what it is?

[Alex Curry]

Yeah. Don't have too high expectations. Okay, let's switch to baseball. The Yankees and Dodgers face off in a World Series matchup this weekend. Fox has the game on Saturday, and there's a great chance that for the first time in MLB history, each Lineup will have three MVPs at once. For the Yankees, the trio will be Aaron Judge, Paul Goldschmidt, and Cody Bellinger, who ironically won his MVP with the Dodgers. We all miss him. For Dodgers, it will be Shohei Otani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman. Now, these are two of the best teams in baseball right now. They're both leading the their divisions, AL east and no West. But these are also two of the best players in baseball. With Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, the reigning MVPs from last year. They just keep going back and forth with leading the league in home runs. It's just, it's so incredible. I like. You're going this weekend, right?

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah.

[Jason McIntyre]

It's funny.

[Alex Curry]

You're in for a treat, like, because you're going to see like Dinger City, baby. Like, that's my favorite thing ever. Like an offensive explosion, home run city. Especially from these two guys. Because both Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani have been like, yeah, what? Every, Every other game, Every couple games, like, we're hitting 20 home runs. Let's go.

[Jason McIntyre]

It's funny because there's this baseball team, the Savannah Bananas I love. They're in Anaheim this weekend. Usually when they're in town, everything shuts down. Huge ticket.

[Alex Curry]

Yeah.

[Jason McIntyre]

My family went to it.

[Alex Curry]

I haven't been, but apparently like over 250 bucks. I looked at it.

[Jason McIntyre]

Except they're taking a backseat to Yankees Dodgers, which is like historic rematch of the World Series. Like, I'm very excited for this series. Good weekend for sports to start June. I'm fired up.

[Alex Curry]

It's a great weekend.

[Jason McIntyre]

By the way, what's Aaron Judge? Is he at 400 still?

[Alex Curry]

Who?

[Jason McIntyre]

Aaron Judge, Because I saw he was.

[Alex Curry]

I didn't check this morning.

[Jason McIntyre]

401 earlier this week.

[Alex Curry]

Oh, yeah.

[Jason McIntyre]

Chasing 400 is impossible. But he's been putting up.

[Alex Curry]

I mean, he's still first in home runs, extra base hits.

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah.

[Alex Curry]

Slugging percentage.

[Jason McIntyre]

Ohtani might outshine him this weekend.

[Alex Curry]

That's what I think that's what's going to make it so fun is like the slug fest.

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah.

[Alex Curry]

That we're going to get from these two guys now. It's special.

[Jason McIntyre]

I'm sure you saw Ohtani did batting practice this week. He was pitching.

[Alex Curry]

Yeah. So he. He did live bp.

[Jason McIntyre]

So we talked about that, like, six months ago, I think, you and I. Yeah, yeah.

[Alex Curry]

So I said he. You're not going to see him pitch until after the All Star break.

[Jason McIntyre]

Okay.

[Alex Curry]

For sure. Like, you're. He's not going to be in a game.

[Jason McIntyre]

You think he will, though?

[Alex Curry]

He might. Yeah. Again, it all depends how he progresses. His velo was hitting like mid-90s, which is great. So, like, the velocity's there. He feels healthy. But again, you have to remember it's his second Tommy John. They're not calling it Tommy John, but it's still a UCL repair. But it's. So it's a different part of the ucl. So it's not technically the same Tommy John, but it still is coming back from a major injury, his second one, so you don't want to push it. But he was having an amazing time. I'm sure you saw the videos where he was like, yeah, having fun, like on the mound, Wally. And then he went and hit a home run. I think a leadoff home run, like.

[Jason McIntyre]

To start the game. So. So they're saying Judge is at 3. 91. I guess he had a rough Thursday. What day is today? Rough Thursday night. Yeah. Yeah.

[Alex Curry]

I was like, I didn't check this morning, but that's okay. Okay, let's head back to the NFL. The Raiders have a whole new look this season, especially with a brand new coaching staff and quarterback. Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly talked about how much new quarterback Geno Smith is impacting the players around him.

[Jason McIntyre]

He's great. Gino's literally like a second coach. You know, when you're in that room with him and Greg Olson, it's, you know, there's a lot of ideas going around, and then it's just a matter of corralling.

[Alex Curry]

I mean, that's what you want to hear. Right? He's saying all the right things. And we know that Chip Kelly has a relationship or, like, is a fan of Geno because he tried to recruit him in college. He didn't end up getting him. He didn't go to Oregon. But being familiar and comfortable and already having a relationship in a new situation is only going to be great. My question to you is, though, because I. Which I do not agree with you, I've made this very clear. You don't think the Chiefs are going to make the playoffs, do you?

[Jason McIntyre]

What do you mean?

[Alex Curry]

You've gone on rants about this. Do you think the Raiders are going to be a factor?

[Jason McIntyre]

Of course. Yeah. Carol's a good coach. I, I wouldn't have hired him. He's very old. But I do think for the next couple years, you see.

[Alex Curry]

Yeah, he's a culture guy.

[Jason McIntyre]

They're going to be competitive.

[Ian Begley]

We.

[Jason McIntyre]

We'll see. They always fight the Chiefs hard.

[Alex Curry]

Always.

[Jason McIntyre]

I, I mean, if you ask me, yes, I would say Raiders last in the division, but. Oh, look at this. Look at this. Gino Smith.

[Alex Curry]

Yeah.

[Jason McIntyre]

Fourth most passing yards in the NFL last three years. Jared Goff, number one. Yeah. Gino, how many playoff wins in that tenure anyways? I think they'll be good. Seven, eight, nine wins, right?

[Alex Curry]

Yeah. That's fair. That's. That's an improvement.

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah. To step up, Alex Curry with the news. Well, that's the news. And thanks for stopping by the herd lie news. All the pressure on the Pacers. Game 6 at home, will they crumble? What's going to happen? We head to New York next to find out.

[Colin Cowherd]

Be sure to catch live editions of.

[Jason McIntyre]

The Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific.

[H]

Hey, it's Steve Covino and I'm Rich Davis, and together we're Covino and Rich on Fox Sports Radio. You can catch us weekdays from 5 to 7pm Eastern, 2 to 4 Pacific, on Fox Sports Radio. And of course, the iHeartRadio app. Why should you listen to Covino and Rich? We talk about everything. Life, sports, relationships, what's going on in the world. We have a lot of fun talking about the stories behind the stories in the world of sports and pop culture. Stories that, well, other shows don't seem to have the time to discuss. And the fact that we've been friends for the last 20 years and still work together, I mean, that says something, right? So check us out. We like to get you involved, too. Take your phone calls, chop it up, as they say. I'd say the most interactive show on Fox Sports Radio, maybe the most interactive show on planet Earth. Be sure to check out Covino and Rich live on Fox Sports radio and the iHeartradio app from 5 to 7pm Eastern, 2 to 4 Pacific. And if you miss any of the live show, just search Covino and Rich wherever you get your podcast. And of course, on social media, that's Covino and Rich.

[Colin Cowherd]

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[Jason McIntyre]

Good start to the show. It's only going to get better now because we got a Knicks guest in. Ian Begley. Covered the Knicks since 2011. Listen, we're gonna get to game six in a second. Ian, I gotta start with you. Got Ben Stiller on your podcast this week. How did that go?

[Ian Begley]

Ben was tremendous, man. And I was impressed by his knowledge of the game. He really, he broke things down in a way that I did not expect. And I actually had to ask him to tone it down at one point because I'm sure my bosses, the wheels were spinning there and they were thinking, hey, Ben Stiller could host this show. Let's get him in, let's get Begley out. But he was great. He was fantastic. He talked. Pat McAfee, we got into a lot, and he's a really, really legitimate Nick fan. Not a bandwagon hopper at all. He's been, you know, bleeding orange and.

[Alex Curry]

Blue for a while.

[Jason McIntyre]

So who's next? Timothy Chalamet, obviously. I think he's coming on this show next week.

[Ian Begley]

Absolutely.

[Jason McIntyre]

So it was a scene last night at the Garden, obviously. Great win. I need to start with the defense on Halliburton. Clearly he was bothered by something. It can't just be, hey, we're going home for game six. He had an awful game after a historic one. What did you see courtside?

[Ian Begley]

I think you have to give Mikhail Bridges credit, right? Because, you know, he's been kind of a lightning rod for the Knick fan out there following this Team all year, blaming Bridges for a lot, not being satisfied with his play. But I think game five, he pressured Halliburton, he picked him up further down the court than they had been earlier in the series, got into his body, tried to deny the ball when he was off the ball and did well. Did really well pressuring him and really preventing him from doing much of what he did in game four. Now, look, game six, you know, Haliburton is going to take more than seven shots. You know, he's going to be much more active there. So he's going to adjust. How do the Knicks adjust? But at least for one night, for game five, you know, Bridges led the Chargers there and helped slow Halliburton down.

[Jason McIntyre]

It also looked like Jalen Brunson was more locked in, fighting through screens. It looked like some. Some tough stuff up near mid court, just pressuring the ball. And I saw The Pacers shot 3 for 14 with him as the primary defender after he had been. I don't know about a turnstile, but he had been getting abused there in the series.

[Ian Begley]

Look, the Pacers targeted him and they targeted Karl Anthony Towns with the pick and roll. And that was happening throughout. Happened to game five. And yeah, I agree with you. I mean, whether it was just simply being more physical, more locked in, whatever it was, he was different in dealing with those situations. And he said, look, that's their game plan. That's what they're going to try to execute. We have our game plan. That's what we're going to try to execute. He didn't make too much of it, but. But certainly it was noticed in the locker room, the idea that he was. Maybe it was a pride factor. Whatever it was, he. There was intensity, more intensity from him on that end. And then you saw the other end of the floor. He just came out really, really confident, getting to his spots, knocking shots down in a big way, giving the Knicks the kind of early cushion in Game 5 that they hadn't really enjoyed much at all over the course of this postseason.

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah, I'm looking for a third scorer. Sometimes you need that third guy. We know Brunson's going to get his. And Kat probably if he's out of foul trouble. Can it be OG Anunoby? It's almost like he's night and day. He's only averaging 16 in the series, not shooting it well from three. Who can be the third guy for Game 6 Saturday night?

[Ian Begley]

Look, he has his nights and he has his off nights. Talking about OG Anunoby, Bridges, same thing sometimes he's knocking down that mid range and he gets going from the perimeter and sometimes he does not. And so usually it's one or the other. If the Knicks could get one or the other going, it's going to be a good night. They give themselves a good chance to win. But when both of those guys are off those, those points that we're talking about, that third score that we're talking about, it gets spread out a little more and it's more difficult to supplement Towns and Brunson. And so yeah, on a good night, it's one of the two of Annobe and Bridges. And I think they're going to need that formula going into Game 6. Hostile territory in Indy. But I think the Pacers probably feel a little pressure there at home because the last thing you want to do if you're Halliburton and that group has come back to New York for a game seven on Monday, 100%.

[Jason McIntyre]

Let me zoom out on the Knicks for a moment, Ian. So if they lose this series, they've got several options, right? But I will point out the Celtics losing Jayson Tatum kind of opens the east up next year, right? It's Cavs, Pacers, Knicks, mostly maybe there's a surprise team, but the Knicks essentially could chase Giannis, they could chase Kevin Durant, they could stand pat and then switch out the coach. Perhaps they move on from Thibodeau and get Michael Malone, who's out there in a Super bowl, not Super Bowl, NBA Finals winning.

[Ian Begley]

Coach.

[Jason McIntyre]

I'm curious your thoughts, like how much will what happens in game six and seven matter?

[Ian Begley]

I think everything matters. But I think particularly when you get through game five, you don't get embarrassed at home to end the season. I think that resonates. And I think, you know, it's funny because you zoom out Jason, and you see a nick team that did something that no one thought they could do, beating the Boston Celtics in the second round. And here they are making progress from past years getting to the conference finals. But the pathway here through Indiana is clear to the finals. And if you trip yourself up against the Pacers, there's going to be, you know, hard analysis in the aftermath of that. But I do think getting through five, not getting embarrassed at home is big. Look, you get back to seven, I think you can make a strong case to just run it back. Let's bring everybody back. Let's sign Bridges to the extension. Thibodeau has gotten us here. He's on an extension. Let's bring him back and let's see how this group can grow together. But there's always that unknown, you know, at the top. Owner James Dolan, how is he going to react to a bad playoff loss or to a team that's not competing at the level that he sees that it should compete at? That's something that, you know, you only know when you know. But I do think them getting to the conference final, getting past that, Game five at home, I think it leans more towards stability for this Knick team than it does any huge change in the offseason.

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah, that's a good take. I mean, I just. Watching last night, I'm like, why didn't Thibodeau pick up Halliburton? Full court the whole series, and of course, the counter as well. The Knicks bench is thin. Well, he rested Bridges, I think, for nine minutes in the second quarter, and it looked like it helped him with the energy in the second half. Landry Shamet playing, I don't. Whatever that's worth, I guess I'll wrap up with this. The Knicks have a star in Brunson, but if Giannis is out there and the package is available, don't you kind of have to part with whoever to get him?

[Ian Begley]

It's interesting, Jason. You know, if we were talking before the playoffs, I would have said absolutely. If we were talking in the Detroit series, I would have said absolutely, even early in the Boston series. But I think they are at the point now where, again, you've passed certain level of expectations and you've done it with this group, and there's a. There's a good argument to be put together to keep this thing together, to run it back, to allow everybody to get more comfortable with one another. Because I think if you can create that hierarchy where it's Brunson and it's Towns and then everybody else kind of fills in a specific role and buys into that role, you could see this team being better next season than they are right now. And you mentioned Boston and East opening up, so you could make that argument. Obviously, Giannis, if he becomes available, and you have to make the phone call, you have to see where you land there. And I do think at certain points in the season, Nick, people felt like they would be in the mix there if it came to Giannis leaving Milwaukee. But given where we are, especially given what happened, Game five there, I think you. You should lean more towards running things back and seeing where that gets you.

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah. All right. Big one Saturday night. Ian, I'm sure you'll be there. Enjoy the game. 10. Bill. 10. Tell Ben Stiller and Chalamet I said, what's up? I'll be wearing my Knicks Patrick Ewing jersey Saturday night, buddy.

[Ian Begley]

And look, I'll book. I'll book Chalamet for you. I got you. We'll get him on next week, so.

[Jason McIntyre]

What a good guy. Take it over for a booker. All right. Ian Begley. Great stuff on the Knicks. All right. Coming up next hour. Yeah, we haven't talked Chiefs yet. You know my favorite team in the NFL? Kansas City Chiefs. Can't wait for that one.

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[Jason McIntyre]

This is an I Heart podcast.