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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.comprime now 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. I up to 800 bucks per line via prepaid card. Learn more@t mobile.com Keep 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. Look around. Every car you see is probably on autotrader. Like that sleek convertible that turned heads when it picked you up from the airport. Or the custom ride from your favorite van. Life couple on social media. Even that vintage sports car that's tailing you a little too closely. New cars, used cars, electric cars, even flying cars. Okay, no flying cars yet, but as soon as those get invented, they'll be on autotrader. If you see a car you like, it's probably on Auto Trader. That's kind of their thing.
Jon Stewart
Autotrader Jon Stewart is back at the Daily show, and he's bringing his signature wit and insight straight to your ears with the Daily Show Ears Edition podcast. Dive into John's unique take on the biggest topics in politics, entertainment, sports and more. Joined by the sharp voices of the show's correspondence and contributors, and with extended interviews and exclusive weekly headline roundups, this podcast gives you content you won't find anywhere else. Ready to laugh and stay informed, listen on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Colin Cowherd
Thanks for listening to the Herd podcast. Be sure to catch us live every weekday on Fox Sports Radio and noon to 3 Eastern, 9am to noon Pacific. Find your local station for the herd@foxsportsradio.com or stream us live every day on the iHeartRadio app by searching Fox Sports Radio or FSR. Thanks for listening to the Herd podcast. Here we go. It's hour two. Going to be a tasty one live in Los Angeles. It's the Herd. Wherever you may be and however you may be listening, thanks for making us part of your day. Matt Hasselbeck, he does this about once every five weeks or so. Sits down with us for a good 20, 25 minutes. I can't wait for that. He's got so many thoughts on this. Yesterday and there was only a handful of NFL games that truly mattered. There were a lot of backups, which is another reason I don't like the NFL exp to 18 games because we already got to the 17th game and it was kind of like you had about two games. You had to watch one of them last night. J Mack Albert Brer last hour as well. We're going to go J. Mac and I are going to go through some of the coaching openings. We're also going to go through the games we like you like you like the Rams hosting the Vikings. I feel very strongly about the Vikings matchup on their perimeter against the Rams. Is there a game off the top that you really like?
Matt Hasselbeck
I irrationally like many games this weekend, including the college football by the way, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. All with playoff college football or NFL games. How good is that? Colin? I guess my favorite bet of the week so far is is Rams money line. I think they went outright. I can't believe the Vikings are favored in this spot. Did you see Darnold when he has to hold the ball and I know Hasselbeck will talk about it, but like when Darnold has to hold the ball and think and come off his reads, he's not great. He was 18 of 41 last night. Yeah, it was not good. And that was against a shoddy Lions defense. I think the Rams defense is going to be better. They slowed Darnold in the initial meeting. Remember that one out here at Sofi. Yeah, I like Rams.
Colin Cowherd
All right, let's do it every Monday at this time. Colin right? Colin wrong. Plenty of both. Here we go. Where Colin was right. Double right. Bo Nix and the Broncos. I said the Broncos would double the win total. Vegas thought and I thought Bo Nix would be a home run. He finished the season six in the NFL and touchdown passes and it's the Most among rookies, second most touchdown passes by a rookie ever. 18 for 18 to start the game Against Kansas City, his maturity, his athletic ability, his experience. I didn't get him kind of being ignored and considered a second class, second tier quarterback in the draft. I didn't get it at all. I watched him at Auburn, I watched him at Oregon. He went through multitude of coordinators and was good with all of them. Bo Nix is a right where Colin was raw. You know, Nick Ceriani drives me nuts. But you know, in his three years as a coach, they've won 14, 11 and you know, these skirmishes on the sidelines with fans battling his own staff, you know, it feels like he has to be a chaperoned on a weekly basis. But there is something about his message and his personality that resonates in the NFL that I clearly am missing on. I thought his opening press conference was brutal. I'm still surprised they're this good. I think it's more of a GM than a coach story. But I'm wrong on it because the dude keeps winning where Colin was right. I said last January when Gerard Mayo got the Patriots job, it feels like adding a new chapter to the same old book. You know, young quarterback, defensive coach. I just never felt this was the right hire. I thought they may retain him because they were so embarrassed by it. But I read a lot of Boston writers and listen to Boston radio and you know, situationally, circumstantially he was over his head. You know, Bill Jr. Was his nickname. You know, his only real influence was Belt. And I think once Bill left, you were probably better served to go on the offensive route. But I also think Mike Vrabel would be a good fit. But I never loved this hire. Where Colin was wrong. Well, it's the Atlanta Falcons. I've never been right. I had him winning the division. I thought Kirk Cousins was a good signing. He ended up tied for the NFL lead in picks and he only played 14 games. I like Raheem Morris over Belichick. They started six and three. They beat the Buccaneers twice and then just regressed quickly and badly. This is an organization that does a lot right. But it does feel like in certain organizations are like this, that they kind of shrink in big spots. And that's always sort of been the reason why I've lost my 401k several times betting the Atlanta Falcons where Colin was right. I'm not sure there's a bigger fan in the world of Justin Herbert or Jim Harbaugh than myself. And they're now together. I felt they'd win 10 or 11 games. I didn't know if they'd make the playoffs because of Mahomes and Reed. But, you know, I was just watching this game yesterday. They just figure out ways to win. Harbaugh can have a bad first half and then they reset the chairs and they have a good second half. They've got a grit and a toughness. It's the first time ever the Chargers have led the NFL in defense. They've always been finesse and fun to watch, then aesthetically pleasing, but you don't trust them. And now they're not nearly as pleasing to watch, but they're tough and they win games. So the magic formula was don't do what you've always been. Go the opposite route. And they have, and they're winning. And I'm happy where Colin was. Right. The Pittsburgh Steelers in the last decade, isn't it the same team with just a little variation? Once again, we said before the season, it's all going to come down to the final seven games. Go look at the schedule. It did. And they went 2 and 5. They still can't get offense right. You know, they end up 10, 7 and with no chance to win the Super Bowl. And that's what the Pittsburgh Steelers have been. People in Pittsburgh want a new head coach. I don't think the Steelers are moving off Mike Tomlinson, but I feel like every Pittsburgh team in the last decade is a slight variation of the previous year's team where Colin was raw. I thought Doug Peterson was a good fit in Jacksonville, I really did. And in Trent Bulkey, the GM survived. He survived. And Peterson got fired. I watched them in Philadelphia out coach Bill Belichick in a Super Bowl. This was my number one pick. I liked him. People like him, players like him. It just never worked. Trevor Lawrence has regressed. I don't know where they go. Do you need more of a tough leader than Doug Peterson? Do you need a Brian Flores? Somebody that's a culture changer, not just an offensive guy who people like. But the Jacksonville situation, I don't think I've ever been right on it. Coach, gm, players, nothing works that I predict. Where Colin was right When Tyreek Hill got traded from Kansas City to the Dolphins, I said, they'll be fine without him. The league is not built around small, fast football players. He's very good. But why would you leave Patrick Mahomes as a wide receiver? Why would you leave Andy Reid as a wide receiver? They're just moves I didn't get. Like, yeah, chase the bag. The guy wants out of Miami now. There's got to Be more than just money. I mean, if you like the coach and you like the quarterback, it's not like you can't afford a nice home in Kansas City. Like, I never understood this move. It was fun. And I get people that want to go live in Miami with no state tax and a clever offensive coach. But I never thought this was going to change the league. I never thought it was going to change the Chiefs. They would figure out with Mahomes and Reed and Spags and Kelsey and Chris Jones to win regardless where. Colin was right. My number one college football prediction before the season was Oregon is going to beat Ohio State at Austin, and then Ohio State will come back to beat Oregon, and, man, they did the next time they play in the playoff. So that was my top prediction. They led 31 to nothing in the first half against Oregon. I also said after they lost to Michigan, don't be shocked if they don't end up playing like a Texas for the national championship. And I still believe that college football more than ever feels like the NFL, where you can have a stinker of a game in December and you're okay, we don't eliminate you. And I think that is a good thing. I think college football has grown up and graduated to more professional football. Meaning you get a mulligan. You can stumble your toe. It shouldn't be about, you lose late in the season, you're done. The Chiefs lose late in the season. Peyton Manning won a Super Bowl. He lost twice in. In January, December, and he won a Super Bowl. It shouldn't be about the calendar. It should be about an entire book, several chapters, and who's good now? And it's Ohio State. And with that, Matt Hasselbeck is coming out to the set. We are so lucky to have him. Eighteen years in the NFL, six playoff appearances with Seattle. My friend, it's great to see you. You. You know, I was saying, where does that come from? What's that?
Unnamed Analyst
I heard some claps in the background.
Colin Cowherd
Thank you.
Unnamed Analyst
Okay, good. Thank you.
Colin Cowherd
So I said a year ago, sam Darnold is a backup starting in a meaningless game. He was considered a bust to walk into Detroit last night and be great. I thought was as a big ask. It felt like a playoff game. And I, and I said last week, I'm like, I'm just going to the biggest game in Detroit in 50 years. Do you think differently about Darnold after that performance?
Unnamed Analyst
Now, listen, like, the future is a whole lot of right nows. And that was a right now moment. Like he had never been in that situation before, he'll learn from it. I thought it was just an awesome game plan by Aaron Glenn. I thought they came out and was it man or was it zone? It was both. Was it a blitz we can pick up? Yes. But now we're one on one in an area of strength against an area of weakness. I thought the crowd noise was a real factor. I mean, the people in Detroit should feel like they had a hand in that victory. They had a hand in that defensive success, because they did. I'm not worried. I don't think I'm worried about Sam Darnold. I'm sure a lot of people are going to jump off the bandwagon. He's a really good football player, but here's what they'll do. And I think Kevin O'Connell did a good job last night. Even at the podium right after the game, he kind of gave his messaging. He kind of gave his messaging. Like, hey, I was with the team. I believe it was the Rams. We lost the last game of the season and we made it to the Super Bowl. Like, we can do that. But what do we got to do? We got to watch his tape, learn from it, flush it and move on. We got another one this week, and that's what they'll do. But I do think the key there is learning from it. And I just think they were surprised and they didn't match the intensity of the moment.
Colin Cowherd
Yes.
Unnamed Analyst
And Detroit brought it. It was like years and years of frustration came out in one game. And think about what was at stake that first round buy for a team that's as banged up as Detroit is with home field advantage the way they have it, that's a hungry fan base. And a lot of players on that team that have been there, you know, almost a decade. Like some of those guys, it meant more like. Like sometimes you say it in the locker room, like it means more to us. I think it really did mean more to Detroit last night, and it showed.
Colin Cowherd
Yeah, I want to say this about. I said this to start the show. I said, in some ways, the NFL is the anti NBA. You have to be selfless and you always play hurt. By week four, quarterbacks, kickers are dinged. And sometimes me as an outsider can roll my eyes at some of the messaging. It's a little cheesy, but there's a brotherhood and a masculinity in the NFL. And when you're going downhill, I think Dan Campbell is the perfect coach for the city. They're the Cubs and shoulder pads, like, they're just. He has been able. This, this team on Monday against the Niners could have just mailed it in. Let's get healthy. He's like, no, yeah. No, we're Detroit.
Unnamed Analyst
Yeah.
Colin Cowherd
This is a. Every game matters. I think he is literally the perfect coach.
Unnamed Analyst
Yeah. Well, and I think you, I think their style of play, their identity, their head coach's personality, who he is at the podium resonates with the city, resonates with Detroit. We're a tough city. We're a blue collar city. We're not like everybody else. Like, we're built. I don't want to say Ford tough, but like, it's kind of like that mindset.
Colin Cowherd
Yeah.
Unnamed Analyst
And I think that it matters. Now, listen, Dan Campbell's not just some tough guy though. Like, he's a guy that he, he played for. I think he coached with Parcells. He coached for Sean Payton for a long time.
Colin Cowherd
Parcels and Peyton love him.
Unnamed Analyst
And so like, he's not just some like, meathead. He's a guy that's like weathered the storms. He's, he's pretty smart. He's been around. He's been around. Hall of Fame type coaching. He was the interim head coach at the Miami Dolphins. Do I think he would have been the perfect head coach for the Miami Dolphins? No. Do I think he's the perfect head coach for the Detroit Lions? Yes. And I think that's what like, honestly, just like the synergy of your cast off quarterback, you know, just like that, that toughness, that grittiness, that resilience, it all fits together with what they got now. Listen, the danger for him though, he's got to learn how to be tough and physical and all that and still survive these long seasons. Now, like, you don't want to be limping into the super bowl, right. You gotta, I don't know if you call it load management, but you gotta practice smart and you got, you have to coach smart from, I don't know, like an injury standp. Standpoint.
Colin Cowherd
Sure.
Unnamed Analyst
And, and, and that remains to be seen if they can do that. But there's a lot of, there's a lot of good things to sell to. Sorry to, to. To say about Detroit. I mean, a lot of good things.
Colin Cowherd
Yeah. So the Bonex story, it's interesting. He fell to six. Now, it was a very good quarterback draft class. And by the way, Lamar fell to the end of the first round. It's hard. You don't know. But.
Unnamed Analyst
And it's, it's never in order. Like never the order that is in Your mock draft is never how it.
Colin Cowherd
Turns out, but it was almost as if he was considered in the draft. Well, let's get to Caleb and Jaden. He's the second level. And I'm like, I saw him play live twice. I saw 61 college starts. I probably saw 35 to 40 of them. This dude's athletic. He is in. I mean, I was sat on a sideline of an Oregon game watching him. He is direct. He's like a coach. Are you surprised by how effective he was?
Unnamed Analyst
Yeah, listen, you say second level, you should have seen the combine. Like he, the dude got bonix, got no attention at the combine. Like very little. Everyone was talking about all these other guys. They were talking about guys that weren't even working out that day. And so for Bo Nix to go do his private with Sean Payton, for him to say, bam, that's my guy. Like, that's our guy. I don't think people jumped on board and said, oh, he's going to be successful. And I know for sure they didn't feel like in year one, what he has done this year with Bo Nix has done what Sean Payton has done. I think he's absolutely a candidate for coach of the year. The playoff drought that they had, the season season that they had last year, the dead cap money, dead cap. Vance Joseph's done a great job. But no, when you watch Bo, Nick's play does not look like a rookie quarterback. I do believe that like in this era of young quarterbacks and this is somewhere where I think I had to grow and learn a little bit, these guys are so much more prepared coming into the NFL. Like they get the extra year, they get the COVID year. The way kids are trained now. Like, I just even remember being at the financial literacy stuff at the combine and like, oh, guys, you know, hiring an agent, hiring, paying your taxes, all this stuff. Half the room was like, yeah, we've been getting paid for a couple years now. We're good. We're just all about the football. So I think these quarterbacks are coming into it. And then you talk about a guy like Bo Nix that has all these starts under his belt in huge games in the sec, out at Oregon. It's very different than say like an Anthony Richardson situation. A guy that hadn't played a ton of football, he's got a, he's got a bunch of starts under his belt. I think it matters. And having a Hall of Fame coach and Sean Payton, I mean, they're doing great.
Colin Cowherd
So I got a, I got a lot of things I want to ask you about. We're gonna get to the coaching thing in a second because I want your thoughts on Pete Carroll potentially in Chicago. I don't think it's ridiculous. And I forget ageist. I just think Pete's really good. But.
Unnamed Analyst
Well, you can't be ageist since you're 61 today. Happy birthday, by the way.
Colin Cowherd
I am 61 today. Whatever. I looked at Aaron Rodgers and listen.
Unnamed Analyst
We were talking Pete Carroll. Are we talking?
Colin Cowherd
I want to go to Aaron and back to Pete.
Unnamed Analyst
You're back to Aegist. Got it?
Colin Cowherd
Yeah.
Unnamed Analyst
Yeah.
Colin Cowherd
So it's not a great quarterback draft class. Cousins looked a little washed. Vikings probably retain Darnold. It is easy to just punt on Aaron, but I look at him in the last eight weeks and seven of them, I was like, that's. That's pretty good. I think there's. I don't think the Jet should cut him. I actually think he has a semi vibrant market.
Unnamed Analyst
Yeah, I don't. I mean, listen, he can still play. You saw that. And I talked about earlier in the year. The jets look like a team that were having no fun. I would say the total opposite. The end here, like last yesterday, they look like they were having so much fun. It was anything but a chore. There was like a bunch of grown men playing to, you know, almost like paying to play with like in like what those legends things, you know, like, they look like a great way to go out if he goes out. But no, I would just say that if Aaron Rodgers wants to keep playing, he can. The thing, though, I don't think it can be like Aaron Streetball. I don't think he has the mobility for that. I just don't think that's winning football. I don't think that's what people are going to pay for. What they would pay for is an amazing conductor, a point guard. Not the guy that's going to be Michael Jordan. They're looking for more of a distributor. They're looking for more of a. Someone to steady the ship. Maybe to just sort of be humble and be like a little bit more of a system quarterback. But can he throw? Yeah, he can throw. Is the game slowed down for him? Yes. Is he as mobile and durable as he once was? Was like, no. And I think that's going to be the decision that he has to make. But seeing the joy, it. It was certainly there yesterday. I mean, that. That part for me, I think was fun to watch.
Colin Cowherd
So I have said. So let's now go into some of the Coaching stuff. So we've got a bunch of coaching openings. We got the Saints, the Patriots, the Jags, the Jets, the Bears, and there may be another one. We'll. We'll wait on the Raiders. So I said I didn't think Rex Ryan to the jets was nuts. And I don't think Pete Carroll to Chicago is crazy for a lot of reasons. I do not think you can give this to a snazzy coordinator who's never been a coach. This is a city, football to politics. Everything's political, everything in Chicago. And they don't have the strongest ownership as a city. Nobody's got like the super wealthy owners. I think Pete Carroll works in Chicago. You know, Pete, does he fit?
Unnamed Analyst
Yeah. I mean, listen, I thought you were going to say Brian Flores, because that. That feels like it's. It fits also. That's one that people are talking about. The synergy from GM to head coach to quarterback is very important in Chicago. That's something they have not gotten right since who knows when I would say this. Pete Carroll, like, the more dysfunction you have in an organization, the more you need a culture builder, an identity maker, an absolute rock star at the podium. Like a rock star, not someone who's learning on the fly. And like you mentioned, those two organizations, the jets and the Bears, I think they need a culture builder. I think they need a rock star at the podium. To me, Pete Carroll, just knowing Pete, he is in love with usc. So if there's any new head coach coming into Chicago that wants to see Caleb Williams succeed, it's Pete Carroll. But the. The revolving door in Chicago where the gm, the head coach and the quarterback, they didn't sort of come in together. That's been one of the problems. If you get a new head coach in there who. Caleb's not my guy. I'm not married to him. My contract's not tied to his contract. Like I can, I can move on if I want to blame somebody. That could easily happen to the young quarterback. So I think you need someone that can handle the young quarterback who's got a tremendous amount of potential. And I think Pete Carroll will be the perfect guy. Culture setter will bring a bunch of people with him who have been there and done it. And a lot of times, you know who you are as a head coach is who's willing to come with you. And I think Pete Carroll, you know, has the credentials to bring a lot of people with him.
Colin Cowherd
So, you know, I was saying, as this is the first time I remember, best quarterback won every division and I think Jared Goff is playing the best quarterback in a division where Darnold and Lover and Caleb are super talented. But virtually every division best quarterback won. And that's why I don't like the season extending to 18 games. Because the more games you have, if I have a better quarterback and I get 60 more snaps in two more games than five years ago, I'm going to win the division. I like the NFL when there's, you can be a defensive team that we would go into the playoffs and think, all right, the Steelers have a chance to win the Super Bowl. But we don't think that because in the afc, Russell Wilson's fine but not special. When I, when I look at all this, the dark horse team to me that nobody is saying to win a Super bowl is the Chargers. So Harbaugh is arguably as good a coach as the sport has outside Andy Reid. Herbert now is as efficient as Aaron Rodgers and Brady in their prime. They don't have a star receiver. It's January football. You. I mean, the Tyreek Hills disappear very quickly. Number one defense, rush end Harbaugh Herbert. Best offensive tackle combination. I look at the Chargers and I'm like, if you told me the boxes that fit playoffs, you're smirking at Matt.
Unnamed Analyst
I wasn't, I wasn't expecting that. I wasn't expecting Chargers. But maybe that's exactly what your point is. You know, like, this is what I'd say.
Colin Cowherd
There's going to be a curveball.
Unnamed Analyst
My favorite week, maybe you could say championship weekend, you know, AFC NFC championship. But my favorite weekend is wild card weekend. Those were like, if you look throughout the history of the best playoff games that have ever been played, I feel like it's always wild card weekend. And so like, you know, they call it wild card because like any, it's anybody's weekend and it's different. Everybody's 0 and 0. And the boost that you can get from having sort of like a disappointing season and now all of a sudden like, no, we're oh and oh, and the Chiefs are O and O. And like everybody's O and O. And besides the buy, it's an E, it's an equal playing field. So anything can happen. Like, that's the beauty of it. You just got to get hot at the right time. That's why. Listen, every single team that I was ever on, ever, the head coach in the very first meeting of the year said the same thing. Didn't matter. The team, offensive coach, defensive coach, what do they all say? Win our division. That's goal one. Because if we win the division, we are in the playoffs. And if we're in the tournament, anything can happen. And that, that's just, that's just like the mindset that goes into it. So, like you're saying the Chargers. Yeah, why not? They have a short week at Houston. Here we go. You know, now we're into round two. Like, it doesn't take that much to get there. Like, that's what the exciting thing is. And all your peers are watching. Everybody in the league is watching. There's no other games. It's just your game. Yeah, the, the Chargers, they would not have been my dark horse.
Colin Cowherd
Okay, so let's go back to it. I want you to give me a paragraph on each game. So let's start.
Unnamed Analyst
Okay.
Colin Cowherd
Chargers at the Texans.
Unnamed Analyst
I feel bad. The Texans are always in that like, not prime time game, you know, that Saturday 3:30. Like, I think that's like how I felt when we were in Seattle kind of joke. You're in the witness protection program out there and like, they never give you the primetime game because you're not like one of those original. Yeah, six and hockey kind of deal. No, listen, they're not a team like Ascending. I think the Chargers defense is way better than people realize. They're a team to reckon with probably in the second round of the playoffs. I don't know if the Texans can protect CJ Stroud the way they need to.
Colin Cowherd
That's. To me, that's the takeaway. Steelers at the Ravens.
Unnamed Analyst
I think the Ravens are my dark horse team. Like, Lamar Jackson's playing as good as anybody. I think that people have sort of written them off because they didn't have the most amazing regular season. But you want to talk about a team that can win it all and they have all the pieces. Like, to me, I think the Ravens would be that team. The Steelers, I said earlier, I think they should have been playing both quarterbacks. I think Russell Wilson is obviously great at a lot of things, but he's not as mobile. I think Justin Fields is a. Is a pretty. He's a difficult, difficult quarterback to. Game plan for. Mike Tomlin, I just felt. Arthur Smith. I felt like two quarterbacks playing would make them a more difficult team on offense. They didn't do that. I think the Ravens are the team.
Colin Cowherd
Denver at Buffalo.
Unnamed Analyst
Listen, playing in Buffalo, there's a couple things, like, I've done it a bunch of times. The weather's a thing. The crowd's a thing. The weather's a thing. I've Seen a lot of warm weather teams go up there and kind of get like spooked before the game even starts because like the cold, Denver's not dealing with that. And like you listen to Sean Payton talk and he's in the, in the locker room right after the game and he's like, listen up, guys. You are young. You're the one of youngest teams in the league. You are young and you are hungry. And that is a dangerous thing in the playoffs. Young and hungry. And he is selling them. He's a great example of a Hall of Fame type coach who's saying, hey, we're. Oh, it does not matter. We can go in there, get this win. And I believe, listen, that, that I don't know how I would pick that game. Game. And I love Buffalo. Love them. Whoever wins that game could definitely represent the afc.
Colin Cowherd
Wow. How about that packers at Philly? Philly's kind of been downshifted some of the. Obviously the concussion to Jalen Hurts. What say you?
Unnamed Analyst
I like Philly. I've liked him all year. You know, I thought Green Bay did a horrible, horrible end of the game situation yesterday. Kind of gave that game away. But despite that, I think that Philly is a great team. Even with their backup to the backup quarterback, I think they look good. I mean, this is a team they draft well. And whoever they drafted the quarterback position or whoever that plays quarterback for them, that coaching staff for years and years now, they seem to just play okay, you know, like they got a six round quarterback out there. He looks good to me. So listen, obviously Jalen Hurts, one of the game's best quarterbacks, but I don't think this is a team that lives and dies by that. I think they're, they're better than people give them credit for.
Colin Cowherd
For commanders at the Bucks.
Unnamed Analyst
Listen, hard one, listen. I love watching Baker Mayfield play. Like, I love it and I love what they did with Mike Evans yesterday. Like, Baker is doing awesome. Love him. But this is wild card weekend. If you were going to force me to pick sort of like an underdog on the seating chart, I told you, I believe if, if Washington can clean up just like the sloppy defensive penalty, like, you know, they have something really special at the quarterback position in Washington. But again, Baker Mayfield, he's playing tough, gritty, definitely gritty. That'd be fun. That'd be a fun game to watch. If I had to pick an upset, Washington might be one to pick though.
Colin Cowherd
Finally, J. Mac and I disagree. Vikings at the Rams. I don't love the Rams secondary matchup. Against the Vikings receivers. And I also think everybody's selling their Vikings stock. And to your point, that was almost a non winnable game last night. Night, Vikings, Rams, tough game.
Unnamed Analyst
Like this is not like, that's why last night's game was so big. One team gets the buy. Like Detroit gets to go heal up. Some of their players are. Their wives are like due this week. They're having babies. Like they needed this bye week literally. Okay. And instead the Vikings have to go play Sean McVeigh, Matthew Stafford, Puka Cooper. Like that's not a tough one. That defense, defense is good.
Colin Cowherd
They are arguably the Rams, arguably the healthiest team in the league.
Unnamed Analyst
League now, which is crazy. But don't you think it's a good lesson as people are trying to figure out what to do with their head coach and next year, this year, people were trying to sell off the LA Rams. They were trying to trade Cooper Cup. They were trying, literally trying to happen. And then they played a nationally televised game and they played outstanding. Was right before the trade deadline and everyone's like, whoa, whoa, maybe, maybe they could be a playoff contender. And so like that's just the thing. The best teams are the teams when adversity hits, you don't pull apart. You don't quit on your team. You don't do that. You, you stick together and you pull together. And that's why that locker room matters. That's why the head coach at the podium matters. And the Rams are just one of those teams. And so what's the strength of the Vikings to me, if I'm a quarterback man, Brian Flores, in that defense is difficult to recognize what they're doing. You have Matthew Stafford, one of the most experienced quarterbacks. It's such a. With shot with Sean McVay, it's such a great matchup.
Colin Cowherd
Good stuff. Matt Hasselbeck, who was a free agent on the market, and we feel like we got a steal on him now. Why are you in LA this week? We don't get you in la.
Unnamed Analyst
No. Yeah, like what you say every five weeks probably. My son's a freshman quarterback at UCLA and they start school today. So I said, hey, I'll come out with you. We had some luggage. We brought some extra bags this time, if I'm being real, you know what I mean?
Colin Cowherd
Yeah. So you're, you're going to be out here more often.
Unnamed Analyst
We'll see. Yeah, hope so. I mean, I don't know if he wants me around, you know what I mean? I got, he's like, dad, I'm at Rocco's. Like, what are you talking about? Leave me alone. I know inside your joke.
Colin Cowherd
I know he. You gotta be smart, though. That's not an easy school. He can't. You can't be party son.
Unnamed Analyst
No.
Colin Cowherd
I could see you in college leading.
Unnamed Analyst
I had hair back then. It was dangerous. No, he does well in school. He had a great first semester.
Colin Cowherd
Way to go. And his name is Henry. That's awesome.
Unnamed Analyst
Yeah.
Colin Cowherd
Love having on the show, Bud.
Unnamed Analyst
Thank you.
Colin Cowherd
Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific, on Fox Sports Radio, FS1 and the iHeartRadio Apple. 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 Kobe, no, Rich, where you get your podcast. And of course, on social media, that's Covino and Rich. All right, let's talk about Amazon prime for a minute. I've got mine. Do you have yours? Not just about one thing. It's a whole collection of services that help you get the most out of whatever you're into. If you're passionate about a hobby, a sport, or all sports in my case. Or you just need to get things done fast. Prime. Amazon Prime's got your back. You can watch content, order supplies, listen on Amazon Music, music. It's all included under one prime membership. Of course, we can all agree one of the best things about prime is the fast, free delivery. With prime, you can have what you need delivered the same day. But it's more than that. Prime is a collection of excellent services I love it. Amazon Music Listen to the tunes that keep you in the zone or this podcast. Whatever you're doing working out on the road, prime doesn't just help you get closer to the things you care about, it helps you discover new things too. Do Prime's always there to fool your passion, make it just a little bit easier. So whatever you're into, it's on Prime. Visit Amazon.comprime now 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 Keep 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. If you love iPhone, you'll love Apple Card. It comes with the privacy and security you expect from Apple. Plus you earn up to 3% daily cash back on every purchase, which can automatically earn interest when you open a High Yield Savings account through Apple Card. Apply for Apple Card in the Wallet app subject to credit approval. Savings is available to Apple Card owners subject to eligibility. Apple Card and Savings by Goldman Sachs Bank USA Salt Lake City Branch Member, FDIC terms and more@applecard.com Jon Stewart is.
Jon Stewart
Back in the host chair at the Daily show, which means he's also back in our ears on the Daily Show Ears Edition Podcast the Daily show podcast has everything you need to stay on top of today's news and pop culture. You get hilarious satirical takes on entertainment, politics, sports and more from John and the team of correspondents and contributors. The podcast also has content you can't get anywhere else, like extended interviews and a roundup of the weekly headlines. Listen to the Daily Show. Here's edition on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Colin Cowherd
No no, no. Turn on the news. This is the Herdline news.
Matt Hasselbeck
Let's start with Mike Evans. What a story in Tampa. I don't know if you saw this yesterday, he only needed 85 yards to get his 11th straight thousand yard season. So Evans was five minutes away from breaking the the reaching the mark with two minutes left and the Bucs were up eight. Everybody thought it was over. Well, they got the ball back in the final seconds and here's Mike Evans on the moment. He went over a thousand yards.
Colin Cowherd
I was hoping we'd get a style because I can't pass up history and coach Bowles didn't want to let it pass up or Liam so I'm happy that they had me go out there and get that because it's been hard to do for 11 straight years and to be tied to one of the it's not the greatest receiver of all time. It means a lot to me and my family. Yeah good dude. Super productive. I have I have no problem in week 18 if it's a non running back heading into the playoffs. I don't want my running backs taking extra hits but if a wide receiver tight end quarterback is seeking a record I and I, I kind of am not a record guy or an award guy but in this instance I think it's cool.
Matt Hasselbeck
Spoken like a guy guy who's not set a lot of records in his life. Records are cool man. Come on. So not only that but Evan's got a 3 million dollar bonus for reaching a thousand years.
Colin Cowherd
Well look how his teammates look how his teammates are reacting. Nobody thinks he's selfish. They love this guy.
Matt Hasselbeck
Well he did wear a shirt with his name and face in the post game Mike Evans T shirt Mike Evans speaking at the podium which is pretty cool. Bucks lock up the fourth seed in the NFC south and they were will host Washington really really spicy games.
Colin Cowherd
Yeah I think I like Washington.
Matt Hasselbeck
I think Mayfield Jaden ding a lot of good storylines here.
Colin Cowherd
I, I maybe both rookie quarterbacks go in and just get ambushed and it's over and Bo Nixon Jaden are gone but it just Denver's defense is real and Washington if I I deal with Washington just cut down on the mistakes. They cut kind of they could get kind of penalty choked from time to time and hurt themselves but Washington's a tough out.
Matt Hasselbeck
Cliff Kingsbury has a do over. Do you remember how he did as a head coach with Arizona in their playoff game against the Rams? That was the Kyler Murray I don't want to go back in face Aaron Donald game. Next up is the Tennessee Titans officially on the clock for April's NFL draft. They secure the number one pick since the Patriots got the dub and now the question becomes do they go Shador Sanders or Cam Ward? Because everybody thinks you know will love us. He ain't the dude. There is a report I will stress report that Tennessee is rumored to love Cam Ward and could take him first overall. Colin, are you ready for three and a half months of Cam or Shedeur or do you already have your pick now?
Colin Cowherd
Well I think Cam has the Bigger arm, better athlete. Shadour is the more polished, refined guy. I think both are B pro prospects and you take whoever you want. I mean, I think they both have upside. I think both are better prospects than Will Levis. I mean, Cam's got a big boy arm. I mean he's going to sling it and he's a playmaker. So I, I don't have a strong feeling. I think what's going to happen in this draft of quarterbacks is there's going to be two or three guys drafted second round, third round and they will land with better teams teams and be the best quarterbacks in the class.
Matt Hasselbeck
That's not a bad take in.
Colin Cowherd
In a weak quarterback class there will be a second round or late first or top of the third rounder. You know, I've told you this about Riley Leonard. I think Riley Leonard, he's gonna do.
Matt Hasselbeck
For 90 yards against Georgia. Come on.
Colin Cowherd
That's what was needed to win.
Matt Hasselbeck
One last note on Tennessee. So Callahan in Cincinnati when he was the OC had Joe Burrow at quarter quarterback. Is there any either of these guys that you think came or should door that fits what Callahan would love to have another burrow. Obviously neither of them are.
Colin Cowherd
Well, Shadur's not going to leave the pocket. He's going to sit there and throw strikes. Holds it a bit too long. So you. Cam is a playmaker. Cam has got, you know, he's a little Jaden Daniels, a little playmaker, a little move. You know, I mean, if, if. Which is fine. I mean Bo Nix and Jaden Daniels, dude, they run a lot not. And it's successful. J.J. mcCarthy, by the way, if you watch them in the preseason for the Vikings, he'll just take off. So you know, he. I'm not. That's not a negative to me. Ten years ago it was more negative. Now if a guy wants to take off and pick up Yar, I always say it takes you about three years for the game to slow down for a quarterback. If you can move the chains for three years with your feet as you're trying to figure out the pocket, by all means do it.
Matt Hasselbeck
Interesting, because for most of the season, a lot of the guys who came on this show thought Shador was going to be number one. And now it's, it's more people seem to like.
Colin Cowherd
Well, I just, I don't think either one is viewed as transformational.
Matt Hasselbeck
What did you make of the stuff Deion was saying that hey, Travis Hunter and Shedeur, they're not going to the draft. They're Going to hang with us on campus. We're going to do our own thing. Did you have any thoughts on that or.
Colin Cowherd
I don't. I think they're both going to get drafted in the top five. Right. I think Deion pokes people a little bit. He's a little non conformist and I'm okay with that.
Matt Hasselbeck
Yeah, yeah, non conformist. Now, final story, Colin is. How about Bryce Young? Can we give the man some props?
Colin Cowherd
Let's give him some problem he had.
Matt Hasselbeck
I know it was meaningless. I know the Falcons, you know, they're not a good defense, but 251 yards passing, three touchdowns, 123 and a half passer rating, two rushing touchdowns. And after the game, owner David Tepper chimed in. I think we got our QB here. Look, you see the.
Colin Cowherd
No, look.
Matt Hasselbeck
Touchdown. Or like this definition.
Colin Cowherd
This is what we saw in high school and college. And he moved well. Accurate, quick release. This is exactly what we. This is why I said the draft. I thought he was the number one quarterback. I thought. I thought he had juice. I thought C.J. stroud was good, but I didn't see it. He was more of a golf comp. This is what I saw out of college. A guy that moves good enough arm, by the way, when he's moving around like this, he doesn't look as small.
Matt Hasselbeck
Does he does not look as small.
Colin Cowherd
Figured it out. No, I mean it's. He looks small. His first year, he was nervous, he was in the pocket, he was overwhelmed. But when he starts moving his feet. I met his high school quarterback, his high school football coach, legendary coach in Southern California. I said, who's the best player you ever had? And in a program that has 15 Division 1 guys every few years. And he said, Bryce Young is as gifted a player as he ever had.
Matt Hasselbeck
So with the win in overtime, Carolina got to five wins. Do you remember their season win total was four and a half.
Colin Cowherd
That was one of your favorite overs.
Matt Hasselbeck
Well, we had when I hosted one day you were gallivanting around the globe. We had a guy on and he's like, we. We hammered Carolina over four and a half. The line moved to five and Bryce Young come through with the career game. I don't know if he's a franchise guy, but he was so good yesterday. If Stroud struggles. And by the way, we'll talk about the charges. Defensive coordinator who by the way was at Michigan and really bottled up Stroud. If Stroud struggles and Bryce Young looks so good, I wonder if we get. They're kind of getting closer to who's better?
Colin Cowherd
No, no, no. I think we you and I both said this about two weeks ago. It's like if you redrafted, I'm not sure right now that you would go to see Jay Stroud over Bryce Young.
Matt Hasselbeck
Yeah, I think you're onto something there.
Colin Cowherd
J. Mac with the news. Well, that's the news. And thanks for stopping by the Herd lie going to take my first stab at it. Who would I hire if I'm the Bears, the Jags, the Jets, the Patriots, the Saints? I'll do that next. Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9:00am Pacific. All right, let's talk about Amazon prime for a minute. I've got mine. Do you have yours? Not just about one thing. It's a whole collection of services that help you get the most out of whatever you're into. If you passionate about a hobby, a sport, or all sports in my case. Or you just need to get things done fast. Prime. Amazon Prime's got your back. You can watch content, order supplies, listen on Amazon Music. It's all included under one prime membership. Of course, we can all agree one of the best things about prime is the fast, free delivery. With prime, you can have what you need delivered the same day. But it's more than that. Prime is a collection of excellent services. I love it. Amazon Music Listen to the tunes that keep you in the zone. Or this podcast. Whatever you're doing working out on the road, prime doesn't just help you get closer to the things you care about, it helps you discover new things to do. Prime's always there to fool your passion, make it just a little bit easier. So whatever you're into, it's on Prime. Visit Amazon.comprime now 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 Keep and switch up to 4 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. Cart has no cash access and expires in six months.
Jon Stewart
Jon Stewart is back in the host chair at the Daily show, which means he's also back in our ears on the Daily Show Ears Edition Podcast. The Daily show podcast has everything you need to stay on top of today's news and pop culture. You get hilarious satirical takes on entertainment, politics, Sports and more from John and the team of correspondents and contributors. The podcast also has content you can't get anywhere else, like extended interviews and a roundup of the weekly headlines. Listen to the Daily show, here's edition on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast or wherever you get your podcasts.
Colin Cowherd
The reason I think I'm going to get is because I'm the best guy and it ain't close. The thing that you have to do, you have to connect with a football team. You have to connect with your fan base and the way they play. That's the most important thing, not just the X's and O's and all that. Look, this Ben Johnson, I love him, I absolutely love him. But I'm a better candidate for this job than he would be. Okay, I'm going to tell you, this is just my kind of first swing at this stuff. I'm going to give you the vacancies. Let's start with the Saints. I would hire if I'm the New Orleans Saints to weaken the best team in the division, Tampa. I'd hire Leon Cohen, who's the offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It would weaken the Buccaneers and Baker, he's part of the Sean McVeigh tree. The Saints are currently in cap hell, so they've got to figure out ways to be creative and that's what this guy is. So could weaken one of the big dogs in my division. Pull him from Baker. I go with him. Liam Cohen for the Saints Patriots. I would love to go offense with Drake May, but I'm going to take Mike Vrabel. Listen, I think he's the best coaching candidate on the market and I don't think this is a dysfunctional job. You know, New York, Chicago feel a bit dysfunctional. I think Vrabel would bring in a guy like maybe a Josh McDaniels and I think it would work very quickly. I also think Buffalo is obviously the best team in the division, but you can win a lot of games here. The jets in Miami are always a little wonky. I would do Vrabel Jaguars. I would go Aaron Glenn, who is Jacksonville's defense is 31st in the league and even with the injuries to Detroit's defense, they have the number seven scoring defense now. Think about how good of a job he's done. You're in a division with high scoring Minnesota, Green Bay and Caleb Williams. Your defense gets Aiden Hutchinson gets injured early and you become the seventh best defense in the league. I thought he put on a clinic last night. I mean that Sam Darnold has not been rattled in like three and a half months. And I thought Sam Darnold struggled. So I think this organization needs to go with an intense coach, a defensive coach, and I think it's Aaron Glenn, the Jets. I would go Ben Johnson, Rex Ryan. I don't think is ridiculous. This has not been a top 10 offense in the league since 2008. They've got Aaron Rodgers, they've got a top running back. They've got two receivers, they've got a left tackle for the future. Their defense is fine. You are not winning with defense in this division. If you've got a fake case, Josh Allen, you got to score points. It's the same thing with. With Patrick Mahomes. You're not winning that division. Justin Herbert gives you a fighting chance. I would go offense. The organization worries me, but they've gone defense too often. I would go Ben Johnson, who I think is clever and creative. Chicago Bears. I would go Brian Flores. He has head coaching experience. Pete Carroll would be my 1A. I think you need a culture guy over a scheme whiz. I'm not giving this job to somebody that's never been a head coach. I need a strong alpha, defiant. I think he's excellent. Ryan Poles and Flores were teammates at Boston College. So again, I cannot give Ben Johnson the Chicago job. He has never been a head coach. This is a political job. Flores has learned his mistakes through tua. Yes. Believe it or not. People. People improve. People make mistakes. Nobody's perfect. That's probably my first run at it. Now, if new information comes out, I don't think Pete Carroll to the Bears is a bad choice. He'd be my 1A. I don't think Rex Ryan to the jets is crazy, but I think Ben Johnson offense, let's get it right. Great. Let's get the offense right. I mean, look at the afc. Herbert now, Bo Nix, Mahomes, Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson. You're not winning with great defense. You got to score some points. I'm not saying spags doesn't matter, but you get to a Super bowl, you get to conference championships. You got to score in the high 20s or 30s. Jets can't get their offense right and haven't for years. So, J. Mac, you're. You're grimacing.
Matt Hasselbeck
I'll take Ben Johnson. I just don't see why on earth he. He would downgrade from a Super bowl contender to a dysfunctional disaster.
Colin Cowherd
How about eight and a half million a year?
Matt Hasselbeck
Who's my quarterback?
Colin Cowherd
Aaron Rodgers.
Matt Hasselbeck
No thanks.
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 prime now Jon Stewart is.
Jon Stewart
Back at the Daily show, and he's bringing his signature wit and insight straight to your ears with the Daily Show Ears Edition podcast. Dive into John's unique take on the biggest topics in politics, entertainment, sports and more. Joined by the sharp voices of the show's correspondence and contributors, and with extended interviews and exclusive weekly headline roundups, this podcast gives you content you won't find anywhere else. Ready to laugh and stay informed? Listen on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 2: Colin Right / Colin Wrong featuring Matt Hasselbeck
Release Date: January 6, 2025
In the second hour of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," host Colin Cowherd teams up with NFL veteran Matt Hasselbeck to dissect the current NFL season's highs and lows, evaluate coaching decisions, and make playoff predictions. This detailed discussion offers listeners an in-depth analysis of team performances, player developments, and strategic moves that could shape the postseason.
Colin Cowherd kicks off the discussion by reflecting on the recent NFL games, highlighting a limited number of consequential matches amidst numerous backup players taking the field. He critiques the NFL's expansion to 18 games, noting, “By the 17th game, it was kind of like you had about two games you had to watch” (03:00).
Matt Hasselbeck complements this by expressing enthusiasm over the variety of games this weekend, including both playoff-bound college football and NFL matchups. He shares his optimistic stance, stating, “I irrationally like many games this weekend” (03:41).
In the "Colin Right" segment, Cowherd celebrates his accurate forecasts regarding several NFL teams:
Bo Nix and the Broncos:
Gerard Mayo and the Patriots:
Tyreek Hill’s Trade to the Dolphins:
College Football Predictions:
In contrast, the "Colin Wrong" segment addresses his missteps in predicting the performance of certain teams:
Atlanta Falcons:
Jacksonville Jaguars:
Pittsburgh Steelers:
A significant portion of the discussion centers around coaching hires and strategies:
Pete Carroll for Chicago Bears:
Aaron Glenn for the Jaguars:
Brian Flores for Chicago Bears:
The conversation delves into individual player performances and potential future trajectories:
Sam Darnold:
Jalen Hurts and Bryce Young:
Mike Evans:
In their playoff analysis, Colin and Matt identify potential dark horse teams:
Los Angeles Chargers:
Baltimore Ravens:
Washington Commanders:
Towards the end of the episode, Colin outlines his hypothetical coaching hires for various teams, demonstrating his strategic vision:
New Orleans Saints:
Buffalo Bills:
Chicago Bears and New York Jets:
In this insightful episode, Colin Cowherd and Matt Hasselbeck provide a comprehensive analysis of the NFL season, balancing successful predictions with candid reflections on missed forecasts. Their discussion underscores the intricate interplay between coaching decisions, player performances, and team dynamics, offering listeners valuable perspectives as the league heads into the playoff season.
Listeners are encouraged to tune in for future episodes where Colin continues to explore coaching vacancies, team strategies, and postseason prospects, all while maintaining an engaging and thought-provoking dialogue on the state of professional football.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
This summary encapsulates the critical discussions and insights shared by Colin Cowherd and Matt Hasselbeck, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of the episode’s key points without needing to listen to the full podcast.