Hour 2 - NFL Christmas, Nick Wright

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd - Hour 2: NFL Christmas, Nick Wright
Release Date: December 24, 2024
Host: Colin Cowherd
Guest: Nick Wright
Source: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

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1. Introduction to the Episode

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, the focus centers on the NFL's landscape during the holiday season, particularly the performance and prospects of various teams as they vie for playoff positions. The episode features a live discussion with sports analyst Nick Wright, delving into team rankings, player performances, and strategic decisions shaping the league.

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2. The Herd Hierarchy: Top 10 NFL Teams

Colin Cowherd introduces the segment by presenting his "Top 10 Herd Hierarchy" of NFL teams. This ranking evaluates teams based on their current performance, roster strength, coaching, and playoff potential.

• #10 Washington Commanders
  Key Points: Highest scoring average of 29 points per game, rookie quarterback Jaden Daniels shows promise with three of five touchdown passes in the fourth quarter.
  Quote: “I like the staff. I like the rookie. I still think the roster's a year away.” ([08:00])

• #9 Los Angeles Chargers
  Key Points: Strong defensive score but offensive limitations. Reliant on defense to stay competitive.
  Quote: “Great coaching and Herbert, but I put them at nine.” ([09:30])

• #8 Baltimore Ravens
  Key Points: Balanced offense led by Lamar Jackson, concerns about handling high-pressure playoff games.
  Quote: “Lamar has been amazing. He's my MVP.” ([10:00])

• #7 Los Angeles Rams
  Key Points: Improved defense, solid performances from Matt Stafford, and a rejuvenated offensive line.
  Quote: “Matt Stafford over his last six games has a passer rating over 110.” ([11:00])

• #6 Minnesota Vikings
  Key Points: Sam Darnold's breakout season with 30 touchdown passes, strong coaching under Brian Flores.
  Quote: “Sam Darnold should be the comeback player of the decade.” ([12:00])

• #5 Detroit Lions
  Key Points: Robust run game, physical playstyle, but defensive concerns due to injuries.
  Quote: “They're the only undefeated team on the road. That speaks well to their run game and physicality.” ([13:00])

• #4 Green Bay Packers
  Key Points: Leading in point differential, healthier roster, effective integration of Josh Jacobs under Matt LaFleur.
  Quote: “Green Bay's one of them at number four.” ([14:30])

• #3 Buffalo Bills
  Key Points: Strong offense led by Josh Allen, minimal turnovers, consistent winners even with occasional poor performances.
  Quote: “Josh Allen doesn't get sacked. Even when they play poorly, they win.” ([16:00])

• #2 Philadelphia Eagles
  Key Points: Dynamic duo of Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley, top-ranked rushing offense, exemplary offensive line play.
  Quote: “They are the number one rush offense and have the best overall roster in the league.” ([18:00])

• #1 Kansas City Chiefs
  Key Points: Dominant team with a high win record, exceptional coaching, and star players like Patrick Mahomes.
  Quote: “They never lose. They're peaking at the right time.” ([20:00])

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3. Nick Wright's Live Analysis

Nick Wright joins the discussion live, providing his perspective on Colin's rankings and offering additional insights into team strategies and player performances.

• Chiefs’ Dominance
  Commentary: Nick acknowledges the Chiefs' impressive record and defends their standing as a top team despite some media skepticism.
  Quote: “This year's team is, objectively speaking, one of the greatest teams ever.” ([11:30])

• Sam Darnold's Future
  Commentary: Discusses potential suitors for Sam Darnold outside the Vikings, evaluating teams like the Raiders and Giants.
  Quote: “If they don’t win out, they franchise and trade.” ([16:40])

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4. Focus on Sam Darnold and the Minnesota Vikings

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to analyzing Sam Darnold's performance with the Vikings and his potential future in the NFL.

• Darnold's Performance
  Insight: Darnold has showcased remarkable improvement, leading to Minnesota's eight-game winning streak.
  Quote: “Sam Darnold is playing out of his mind.” ([14:00])

• Potential Trades and Contracts
  Discussion: The viability of extending Darnold's contract versus trading him, comparing him to other quarterbacks like Kirk Cousins and Brock Purdy.
  Quote: “I think with a Super Bowl appearance, they franchise and play.” ([17:00])

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5. Debate on Chiefs and the Concept of 'Sizzle vs. Substance' in NFL Teams

Colin and Nick engage in a discussion about the perception of teams based on their 'sizzle' (flashy playstyle) versus 'substance' (consistent performance).

• Kansas City Chiefs
  Argument: Colin argues that the Chiefs are underrated due to their consistent performance and strong coaching, despite lacking the 'sizzle' seen in other teams.
  Quote: “Sizzle doesn't win in this league. Great coaching, high-end quarterback play, a big-time pass rusher.” ([20:50])

• Comparison with Other Teams
  Insight: They compare the Chiefs to historically great teams like the Chicago Bulls, emphasizing that substance often trumps flashiness in securing championships.
  Quote: “Good coaching, high-end quarterback play a big time pass rusher.” ([21:30])

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6. Holiday Segment: 'NFL Teams' Christmas Presents'

In a lighthearted segment, Colin and Jason exchange humorous holiday gifts tailored to various NFL teams based on their performances and challenges.

• Philadelphia Eagles
  Gift: A year's worth of therapy sessions to address team drama.
  Quote: “Nick Ceriani's yelling at fans, he's yelling at coaches.” ([49:00])

• Kansas City Chiefs
  Gift: Patrick Mahomes receives a bubble wrap bodysuit to protect him during the pursuit of a three-peat.
  Quote: “He's got a high ankle sprain. If he's healthy, they'll hoist the trophy.” ([49:30])

• Pittsburgh Steelers
  Gift: Mike Tomlin gets a fire extinguisher to manage the offensive turnovers under Russ.
  Quote: “Russ gets to cooking and almost burns the house down.” ([49:50])

• Minnesota Vikings
  Gift: A Norse drinking horn for Sam Darnold and the team to celebrate their success.
  Quote: “How about one of those Norse drinking horns.” ([50:20])

• Green Bay Packers
  Gift: Clutch jeans reflecting the team's history of last-minute victories.
  Quote: “A pair of clutch jeans. Like Brett Favre the gunslinger.” ([50:44])

• New York Jets
  Gift: Woody Johnson receives a DeLorean to revisit past decisions and improve the team's trajectory.
  Quote: “Nine straight seasons with a losing record. Look back to the back to the future vehicle.” ([51:10])

• San Francisco 49ers
  Gift: Kyle Shanahan is given earmuffs to block out distractions regarding Brock Purdy's contract.
  Quote: “Earmuffs to keep out all the chatter.” ([51:50])

• Cleveland Browns
  Gift: A prescription of Ozempic to manage the team's salary cap issues, particularly concerning Sean Watson.
  Quote: “A prescription of Ozempic to cut the dead weight.” ([51:57])

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7. Brief NBA Commentary

Towards the end of the episode, Colin and Jason touch upon recent NBA events, including a triple-double performance by LeBron James and predictions about the NBA playoffs.

• LeBron James' Performance
  Insight: LeBron's impressive stats despite the Lakers' loss, setting the stage for the playoffs.
  Quote: “LeBron had another triple-double, his 120th.” ([40:00])

• NBA Playoffs Prediction
  Prediction: The New York Knicks and Boston Celtics will meet in the Eastern Conference finals, revitalizing interest in the NBA playoffs.
  Quote: “I think the Knicks Celtics will meet in the Eastern Conference finals and they'll save the NBA this year.” ([40:40])

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8. Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

Colin wraps up the episode by reflecting on his accurate predictions throughout the season, expressing satisfaction with his calls but acknowledging mixed outcomes.

• Season Predictions
  Reflection: Despite some misses, Colin highlights successful predictions like the Washington Commanders as a playoff team and Denver's performance.
  Quote: “I will have gotten seven out of eight divisions right.” ([53:30])

• Final Analysis on Kirk Cousins and Team Dynamics
  Discussion: The potential resurgence of Kirk Cousins with the Colts and the overall stability of team rosters in upcoming playoff scenarios.
  Quote: “I think Kirk Cousins is not done. Keep your eye on the Raiders.” ([54:00])

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9. Notable Quotes

• On Team Rankings:
  “I like the staff. I like the rookie. I still think the roster's a year away.” - Colin Cowherd ([08:00])

• On Chiefs’ Performance:
  “They never lose. They're peaking at the right time.” - Colin Cowherd ([20:00])

• On Sam Darnold:
  “Sam Darnold is playing out of his mind.” - Colin Cowherd ([14:00])

• On Sizzle vs. Substance:
  “Sizzle doesn't win in this league. Great coaching, high-end quarterback play a big time pass rusher.” - Colin Cowherd ([20:50])

• Holiday Gifts Segment:
  “Nick has the highest win percentage of any active coach in the NFL, including Andy Reid. Therapy is what this team needs.” - Colin Cowherd ([49:06])

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10. Conclusion

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers a comprehensive analysis of the current NFL season, highlighting team performances, strategic player moves, and the ever-present dynamics influencing playoff prospects. With expert insights from Nick Wright and engaging segments like the NFL Christmas gifts, listeners receive a blend of serious sports commentary and entertaining takes on the league's happenings during the festive season.

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Note: The timestamps provided correspond to the segments within the provided transcript and serve to reference notable moments and quotes discussed in the summary.

Transcript

[Colin Cowherd]

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[Jason McIntyre]

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[Colin Cowherd]

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[Jason McIntyre]

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[Colin Cowherd]

NA Member FDIC.

[Lavar Arrington]

Hey, what's up guys? It's Lavar Arrington here from up on Game. Wanted to talk to you about a serious issue Hate. You know, something personal that I have experienced and witnessed and watched is how the hate in our country is getting so out of control. It's at an all time high and people are facing way too much hate. A lot of people don't think it's a problem, but I do. I can recall growing up being in high school. One of my high school teammates, good dude too, just happened to wear a shirt that was a derogatory shirt towards my racial group. It it depicted Malcolm X moments after he was assassinated and it just made me feel really, really sad. It made me feel upset and so many other emotions. And it's really because we're supposed to be a team, but it's going to take all of us to stop that sort of hate. As I mentioned, we are a team in this country. So let's take a break from hate so our team can regroup and regain our momentum. We need to take a timeout against hate. Visit Stand up to all hate.org to help and join me in calling for a timeout against hate by following at what's up with Hate or posting the blue square emoji.

[Colin Cowherd]

Hey, so if I say Aflac, you probably think that famous duck, you should also think supplemental insurance. So that's like in football, what you'd call the second level of your defense. I mean, if there's gaps in your health insurance, Aflac's job is to help fill them. If you're sick or injured, Aflac can pay cash to help cover things your health insurance doesn't, unexpected medical bills, even rent or mortgage payments. To learn more about how Aflac can help fill the gaps health insurance can leave behind, visit aflac.com what gift are you going to get that person that's impossible to shop for? Give the gift of sound. JLab has the perfect gift for anyone with a variety of styles, sizes and colors, and they have products for under $100, under $50 and even under $25. I love that. Save up to 60% on select JLab products this holiday season. On JLab.com look for the JLab Blue Box at retailers everywhere or visit JLab.com today. 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 [e-mail] or stream us live every day on the iHeartRadio app by searching Fox Sports Radio or FSR. Thanks for listening to the Herd podcast. Here we go. Our two we're off tomorrow bringing everything our herd hierarchy in. Nick Wright in about one minute live in Los Angeles, it's the Herd. J Mac went to the Lakers last night. They lost both games of the Pistons this year. Brutal.

[Jason McIntyre]

It was tough. My guy, Austin Reeves, you know, I'll defend him, but I got to call him out. He had a rough game. Yeah, turning the ball over like I do in my men's league.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah. Austin Reeves and Brock Pie.

[Nick Wright]

Stop.

[Colin Cowherd]

Just stop. Rough year.

[Jason McIntyre]

It was one game. Brock Pie didn't even have a terrible game.

[Colin Cowherd]

You've been good with your picks, but some of your takes been lukewarm at best.

[Jason McIntyre]

Are you still upset? I went after the inside the NBA guys. I heard from more people in like the 72 hours after that than I for any story I'd had in a while.

[Colin Cowherd]

Did they call you out?

[Jason McIntyre]

They were just like, wow, dude, that was crazy. And I don't know if that's like a nice way of saying you're crazy.

[Colin Cowherd]

Or they're agreeing with me, but NBA's got its issues right now. All right, let's do our top 10 herd hierarchy on a Tuesday. Here we go. Herd hierarchy time is now. Let's go. The top 10 NFL teams according to college number 10, the Washington Commanders. Now, highest scoring average 29 a game. All time for a rookie starting quarterback. But they've also played the easiest strength of schedule so far this year. The teams they've played, 96 wins and 129 losses. But Jaden Daniels, three of his five touchdown passes coming in the fourth quarter. I like the staff. I like the rookie. I still think the roster's a year away. Six or seven draft picks and a free agent signing or three commanders at number 10. Number nine. The Chargers have limitations offensively but they are the number one scoring defense in the league. So they're going to crack the hierarchy. And they're six and oh, when they score 20, when they, when, when scoring 25 plus points, you're not going to beat them. It's hard for this team to get to 25 plus points though, lad. McConkey has been great but they've kind of got B level running backs. They don't get a ton out of their tight end position. They stay in games mostly because of their defense. Great coaching and Herbert, but I put them at nine. Chargers number eight. The Ravens. They're probably better than this, but they've been a bit hot and cold. They have the number one offense. It is a run first offense, back to back wins by 17 plus points. But I will say and Lamar has been amazing. He's my mvp. Leads the NFL in passer rating. I worry about them getting tight in big games. I would just be terrified if I was Baltimore. Having to open the playoffs in Pittsburgh after you just hammered them. But I have so much respect for the organization. I'll put them at eight. Number seven. But I think the Rams right now have a better defense. McVay, Stafford, Tyler Higby. The tight end is back. Matt Stafford over his last six games has a passer rating over 110. Nobody's getting to him. They're not turning it over in the last four weeks. Number three, scoring defense. I think they're a year away, but Stafford has all sorts of time. It's the first time all year the offensive line's in great shape. They got a weapon at tight end, wide receiver, running back, quarterback and a brilliant head coach. Rams at seven. Number six, Minnesota. You know, you keep, you keep waiting for the shoe to drop. Sam Darnold has 30 touchdown passes this year. He had only 27 over the previous four seasons combined. So he's playing out of his mind. I don't think they have a great roster. I think they have a great coach, a really good quarterback and a couple of outstanding young receivers. And Brian Flores right now is the best defensive coordinator in the league. So I can absolutely see them winning a couple of playoff games. Eight game winning streak. The Darnold story is comeback player of the decade in Sam Darnold. Vikings at 6, number 5. But I like the Lions roster better. Even with 19 defensive players, 14 currently on the IR. 19 total players on the IR. But I think they've got a better roster. They're the only undefeated team on the road. That speaks well to their run game and physicality. They're 7 and oh on the road. Third straight game, over 34 points. I like him a lot, but at some point this league is a league of attrition and I have concerns defensively. Number four. That's why I put the packers at four, not because they drub the Saints. They lead the NFL in point differential, 92 record. Now their losses are to Detroit, but this morning they're a much healthier team. Josh Jacobs is so perfect for Matt Lafleur, the head coach. From Derrick Henry in Tennessee to Matt Lafle to Josh Jacobs. Jordan Love, by the way, is throwing less and yet scoring more. This team is on a roll. I always say my final four teams in the Herd hierarchy are the teams I believe that can win the Super Bowl. Green Bay's one of them at number four. Number three, Buffalo nine and one over their last ten. Listen, the story of this team is the defense isn't as good, but the offense offense is better and they don't turn the ball over. And you can't get the Josh Allen. He doesn't get sacked. Even when they play poorly, they win. Like this past weekend. James Cook has been a revelation for them for years and years. Josh didn't have a running back. Now he's got an A running back. Team is very good, can win it all. Number two, Philadelphia. They lost, but Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley are the best running back, quarterback, run tandem in a long time. And he got a concussion early in the game. So it's the number one rush offense, the number one or number two offensive line to Detroit. Their line play is exemplary and I think it remains the best overall roster in the league in terms of young stars, stars in their prime and older stars. Philly at two, number one. But you know, you guys can all keep denying it. They're 19 and 1 Kansas City over the last 20 games and 11 and oh and one score games. Not every super bowl champ. You should have learned this from the dynasty known as the Patriots. Not every super bowl champion is physically overpowering. Those Ray Lewis teams had better players than New England teams in most years. There were Colts offenses that blew you away. The Randy Moss offense for New England never got a trophy. This team, best coach, best big pressure quarterback, arguably best defensive lineman along with Myles Garrett and T.J. watt and Chris Jones. They'll probably rest him down the stretch. Hollywood Brown is back. Isaiah Pacheco is back. I have them at number one and Nick right now, who occasionally mentions the Chiefs on his show is joining us live. All right, attacked my herd hierarchy. What do you make of it?

[Nick Wright]

Great hierarchy. I don't really have. I mean I can't find much to quibble with, you and I. Neither one of us are going to quit the Rams. I mean they don't like it doesn't the. I still think they could win the conference. I'm not picking them to win the conference, but I still think they could. But yeah, let's talk about the team at the top your hierarchy because here's. Here's the question I have Colin. They beat Pittsburgh tomorrow and get to 15 and 1.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah.

[Nick Wright]

Which I think is going to happen. Then rest everyone in the final week of the year and they're now finally once again favorites to win the Super Bowl. This Chiefs team that has been neg all year that has been discussed only as vulnerable, not as impressive as other Chiefs teams. A lot of people threw out one and done they have a chance to go down. This year's team, not the three year run as objectively speaking, one of the greatest teams ever. Full list of 18 win teams in NFL history. 84 Niners, one of the five greatest teams ever. 85 Bears, one of the three greatest teams ever. Oh 7 Patriots, one of the maybe the greatest team ever. Certainly the greatest team ever to not win a championship. And it would be the Chiefs if they win the title this year. And all year the media coverage has been. Something's wrong with them because people have decided that we're going to do an old BCS computer style strength of victory rather than the actual record. No team has beaten more playoff teams than the Chiefs. No team has beaten more teams still alive for the playoffs than the Chiefs. They are the only team right now that has a no doubt future hall of Famer at coach at quarterback, two at skill positions in Kelsey and Hopkins, maybe two on the offensive line in Tuney and Creed. You mentioned Chris Jones, a Hall of Fame defensive coordinator. They never lose. They're peaking at the right time. And listen I your your buddy J. Mac across from you in the studio last week said even they might not be in his top six. What top six all time? Maybe. I think they're getting there. So just seems like maybe we should put a little respect on a team that's about to three peat. That's all that's lost one game the whole year.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, I would go to the Chicago Bulls, the best basketball team of all time. What made them great wasn't this sizzling Offensive dexterity. They just had the best player. What made them unbeatable? It's the best defensive team ever. Rodman, Pippen, mj. They didn't get a lot of scoring from their bigs before ku, coach. They didn't have a lot of great perimeter players, but even their bench guys, Ron Harper could defend. And so sometimes no. Golden State was way more fun to watch because they had all the three ball shooters. But sometimes the greatest doesn't have the most sizzle. And to your point, Kansas City, third down, goal line coordinator, coach, quarterback are great. Now let's go to a team that does have more sizzle. And you know, I love Sam Darnold. In fact, I made a claim yesterday. This is a little bit of hubris, but there's only one American that didn't like Zach Wilson or Daniel Jones and loved Darnold. Three for three on New York quarterbacks. But let's not get into that. Let's get into this.

[Nick Wright]

That's true.

[Colin Cowherd]

Let's get into this. What do they do? They draft a quarterback, they get Daniel Jones. Sam Darnold can leave. How in the world he and Justin Jefferson right now are the tandem in the league. If you're Minnesota, do you let him walk?

[Nick Wright]

All right, so this is a complex question that deserves a complex answer. But first, it is Christmas Eve, so my first gift to you should be. I choke on the words a bit. But I might owe you an apology because I have mocked you publicly, privately, via text, on tv, via Twitter, any medium for your Sam Darnold love affair for the last. Well, for the whole time I've known you.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yes.

[Nick Wright]

For seven years. And it would appear that this rose has finally bloomed and you never gave up. And you, I mean, this is the fact that you never gave in on him and now you're. The play you just showed is the single best play of that young man's career. Yeah, like the one seed still available for them trailing against a team fighting for its playoff life. Climbing the pocket, throw a perfect pass through double coverage to one of the best receivers I've ever seen in Justin Jefferson. So you deserve credit. Here is though, the answer. I think his future with the Vikings is going to be determined, fair or not. I just think what's going to happen, it's going to be determined by the playoff run. Because if they, they could finish 14 and three and all of a sudden be on the road in Los Angeles in round one like that, because they could be, they'd be the five seed. If they don't Win out. And that's a losable game. And even if that doesn't happen, I think that the Vikings plan right now is to franchise Darnold and see if someone wants to give them a great draft pick for him and roll with JJ with this faith of hey, maybe Colin was mostly right about Darnold. However, we have gotten a 13 win season out of Kirk Cousins. Yeah, we just got a 13 plus win season out of Sam Darnold. We think JJ has more natural talent in those guys and he's incredibly cheap. Now if they were to end up in the super bowl then I think you've got to do the Drew Brees, Philip rivers thing from 20 years ago, which is even though you drafted the replacement, you keep the veteran for one more season probably on the franchise tag and let him start next year and then figure it out from there. But I honestly think anything short of the super bowl, they franchise and trade. I think with a Super bowl appearance, they franchise and play. I don't think they're going to give him a long term extension.

[Colin Cowherd]

So you and I have both been on the Purdy thing. You can have an old quarterback, a pocket quarterback, a small quarterback, a big quarterback. You can do quarterback in a variety of shapes, ages, sizes, styles. What you cannot do in this league is pay a B guy A plus money. Dallas did their sunk and Brock, you know, and again he's a franchise guy. It should start with a three or a low four. It can't start with a five or six. That pick against Miami, that play.

[Nick Wright]

Oh, I didn't know if you went the one the week before. Back to back game losing picks. Here's the thing, Colin, and this is where neither one of us owe each other an apology. But the whole sports world owes us apologies.

[Colin Cowherd]

Exactly.

[Nick Wright]

Because we held the line.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yes.

[Nick Wright]

And we listened to everyone on every network scold us say oh, whether it's former quarterback, former player, just analyst, they all said oh, what more do you want to see? Look at the numbers. Best 25 game start to his career. If you don't have him butting up against the top five, you're biased. You're holding the fact that he was the last pick of the draft against him. What more do you want? And our answers were more. Our answers every time were, you know what I want what more I want. I want more. I want to see what Brock Purdy looks like in less than absolutely ideal circumstances. And I honestly thought all off season when we argued about him every day on this show on first things first, like man we're probably. You know what's probably going to happen? The Niners are going to have CMAC and IUK and Debo and Trent Williams and Kyle Shanahan, and he's going to put up another awesome year and they're going to be really good again. And I'm going to be on tv. Like, yeah, I still don't believe. But instead, sadly for the Niners, those guys got hurt. They weren't there. Trent Williams got a little old and then hurt. We know cmc, all of it. And it's like, okay, Brock Purdy, instead of being in the top 1% of all situations for a young quarterback in NFL history, you're now in a league average situation. And color me shocked. He produced below league average results. And so you're talking about paying him in the, you know, 40s or low fours, high threes. I would not pay this player. I would tell this. I would say, hey, man, you're under contract. And very rarely in business or in sports when you are trying to get a new contract. Or early, can you go to the bosses and say, pay me early? They're like, okay, how was your last year? And it's like, well, the worst of my career by a mile. Usually in those circumstances they say, okay, let's see how next year goes. And I just. It was. What was so baffling to me about this discourse is it was so many of the same players, media players, from the Jimmy G discourse, some of us holding the line like, I really don't think he's that good. And then being screamed at. Look at the winds. Look at Shanahan without him. And then Jimmy G leaves immediately. Is terrible. They drop in, literally. Anybody that guy produces better than Jimmy G results like, no, this guy's awesome, too. So I think the Niners are about to enter a really tough situation. Trent Williams is 37. Who knows CMC, who knows what he looks like next year. IU coming off the ACL, a lot of problems. And I don't. Do not believe they have a quarterback that can solve them. Even though you and I got yelled at about that for the better part of a year.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah. Finally, Danny Parkins says hire Ben Johnson, who was showing off this weekend his playbook against the Bears. I say, when you have a broken franchise, you gotta get a culture changer. You got to do a Dan Campbell. He didn't have to be a schematic whiz. You get Jim Harbaugh doesn't have to be a schematic whiz. When you're broken Jets, Bears. It's not about it's not about drawn up plays. It's about changing the temperature in the room. What say you on what to do with Caleb Williams and the Bears?

[Nick Wright]

I would lean like the ideal would have been Jim Harbaugh. Yes, a culture changer that's also an offensive mind. My concern is the one guy out there that feels like a culture changer. Mike Vrabel is another defensive coach when the Bears so desperately need to lean into Caleb's talent and become a modern franchise. So Ben, I tend to agree with Danny that I think Ben Johnson makes a lot of sense. With that said, can I say something about Ben Johnson auditioning for his next job while he still has his current job?

[Colin Cowherd]

Please?

[Nick Wright]

I I'm very impressed by him. He seems to be brilliant. Everyone seems to like him. Take none of that away. I really hope his trick play bag is as endless as he seems to think it is because rolling that that fake fumble play was brilliant and using that in that spot against that team up that many points seemed foolish. I'm going to take the audience back a decade to one of the most one of the seminal moments of Tom Brady and Bill Belichick's run the 2014 season. Going into that year, Colin, keep in mind they had not won a Super bowl in a decade. Peyton Manning is now in the afc, instantly got to a Super bowl, beat Tom in the playoffs, one league mvp. And there's a real question about like, oh, are the Patriots, they've come close, ever going to win again? They pretty clearly figured out early that year, oh, there's a quirk with the rule book on eligible receivers where if you put a tight end here and a tackle here but declare one eligible, it'll trick people. And they had that in their pocket all year long. And then in the playoffs, having not won a Super bowl in a decade, down 14 points to Baltimore, they pulled it out for a whole drive to flip that game, go on to win that championship and start the second part of their dynasty. Bill Belichick didn't figure out that that would work the week before that game. They knew it and they saved it. The Lions are about to enter the most important postseason in the history of their franchise and their only path is going to be outscoring people because the defense is so hurt. I maybe would have kept that play in my back pocket rather than showed it off to everyone. Now maybe Ben Johnson will prove me wrong and in the playoffs he'll have seven more super cute cool plays. But if he doesn't. I think that was a mistake.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah. Nick Wright. First things first. Happy Christmas Eve and Christmas for you and your beautiful family, buddy.

[Nick Wright]

You too. Absolutely. Colin. Merry Christmas. Talk to you soon.

[Colin Cowherd]

All right, time to start thinking about holiday gifts. JLab.com 60% off several several gifts. They have headphones. You like music podcasts? Get headphones as a gift. Jlab.com check it out. Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio, FS1, and the iHeartRadio app. This podcast is sponsored by PayPal. We've partnered with them to make this holiday season even better. With all the shopping, gifting and holiday prep, my PayPal debit card is my go to for getting more out of my purchases. Here's how it works. I choose my monthly category. Gas, restaurants, apparel, groceries, health and beauty, or just for the holiday season, tech. And I earn 5% cash back on up to a thousand bucks in the purchases in those categories. Yeah, 5% cash back this month. I'm gonna go with tech. It's my category. It's a no brainer, right? Everybody loves the latest tech gifts. So whether it's stuff for the fam or adding new gadgets to my personal collection, that cash back adds up fast. So this holiday season, let the PayPal debit card do the heavy lifting. Sign up for the card when you download the PayPal app, then pay in store and online and get cash back with a PayPal debit card. Don't just pay PayPal terms and limits apply. See paypal.com rewardspal the PayPal Debit MasterCard is issued by the Bancor Bank N.A. pursuant to a license by MasterCard International, Inc. And may be used everywhere MasterCard is accepted. Apple Card is the perfect card for your holiday shopping. You can apply on your iPhone in minutes and start using it right away. You'll earn up to 3% daily cash back on every purchase, including products at Apple like a new iPhone 16 or Apple Watch Ultra. Start holiday shopping for your friends and family today with Apple Card subject to credit approval. Apple Card issued by Goldman Sachs Bank USA Salt Lake City Branch terms and.

[Lavar Arrington]

[e-mail] hey, this is Levar Arrington here from up on Game and listen, I want to talk to you about something very serious for a minute, all right? Something personal to me and right now something that should be personal to you as well. In our country, the hate is at an all time high and it's like we're going backward. The hate is winning. We can't allow that. All right? It's out of control. So many different people, so many different groups are facing too much hate. And it's enough. It's time for it to stop. We need to stop, regroup, change the momentum as a team, because that's what we are. Everyone in this country is on the same team, so let's act like it. And when a team can't get it together, what do you do? You call a timeout. And that's what we need to do. Call a timeout against hate. Let's think about what we say and do. And when we see hate, when we see someone doing or saying those things we know are wrong and hateful, we need to call it out. I'mma call it out. You need to do the same thing. Visit Stand up to all hate.org to help and join me in calling for a timeout against hate by following at what's up with Hate or posting the blue square emoji.

[Colin Cowherd]

What's on your list of popular game day foods? Probably multiple dishes with the bold flavor of the original Louisiana brand hot sauce. You can't beat the original with a 90 year history of great taste and quality. Tailgate, house party, game day gatherings, whatever. Include real flavor sliders with the original Louisiana brand hot sauce. The beer cheese with that hit of Louisiana peppers. There has to be original Louisiana brand hot sauce on your game day food list. It's the perfect everyday hot sauce that complements every meal. There's a rich food tradition in Louisiana bringing bold peppery flavor with just the right amount of heat. Pigs in a blanket Pigs not in a blanket. Spinach Artichoke dip. Artichoke spinach dip. Wings are wingier than ever with the original Louisiana brand wing sauce. Perfect for self appointed flavor experts. The original Louisiana brand Hot sauce the game day Flavor Changer Flavor Favors the Bold. Available at a store near you. I'm Colin Coward from the herd Intuit. QuickBooks wants you to achieve your dreams of starting your own business and working for yourself. And if you're a small business owner launching a company, then you'll want to check out Mind the Business Small business success stories from iHeart's Ruby Studio and Inuit. QuickBooks Season 1 and 2 are out now and Season 3 is launching Thursday, January 9, with new episodes coming out every other Thursday after that. So make sure you catch up and listen as hosts Austin Henkwitz and Jenice Torres talk to small business owners about how they've grown and maintained their businesses and tackled the hurdles and challenges that come with Being your own boss. From tracking money in and out to cutting through day to day management with an all encompassing platform like Intuit QuickBooks, you don't want to miss these inspiring stories of small business journeys. Listen to Mind the business small business success stories on the Iheart app, Apple podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. J. Mac, things are good. Things are rolling. Still contemplating that invite to your house tomorrow. J. Mac with the news.

[Nick Wright]

No, no, no, turn on the news.

[Colin Cowherd]

This is the her.

[Jason McIntyre]

A such a large social circle. You're weighing invites, huh?

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, Christmas Day, a lot of options.

[Jason McIntyre]

All right, let's get started with the Minnesota Vikings and your boy Sam Darnold. Eight straight wins and they are in the mix for the top seed overall, according to Adam Schefter. The Vikings and Darnold have yet to have any discussions about a long term deal. Schefter adds that he believes there will be some intriguing scenarios out there for Darnold with at least five teams needing a quarterback after Shedeur and Cam Ward are drafted. So I tried to do this experiment during the commercial. Okay, can you name five teams that would be interested in Sam Darling?

[Nick Wright]

Five.

[Jason McIntyre]

That's a lot of teams.

[Colin Cowherd]

Oh, I'll be honest with you. The Raiders, the Titans.

[Jason McIntyre]

Okay, so remember, shadow camera out. So we'll give them to the Giants and who. Let's go, Giants, Raiders. Just to be easy.

[Colin Cowherd]

Okay. I think the Raiders would consider Darnold over Shadour Sanders. Shedeur is going to go number one to the Giants. He's a more polished thrower of the football. Cam is thicker, a better athlete with a better arm. They're not the same kind of quarterback.

[Jason McIntyre]

Okay, so fine, we'll do that. But give me your five teams for Sam Darnold. Where are they? Saints. Are the Saints kicking the tires on Sam Darnold?

[Colin Cowherd]

Absolutely.

[Jason McIntyre]

So they're moving off Derek Carr.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah.

[Jason McIntyre]

To get in the Sam Darnold business.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah.

[Jason McIntyre]

After one good year of Sam Darnold.

[Colin Cowherd]

Okay, I, I just, I'm watching Sam Darnold. I'm watching Derek Cards two different players right now.

[Jason McIntyre]

Correct. Are the jets going back to Sam Darling? No, absolutely not.

[Colin Cowherd]

Sam Darnold doesn't.

[Jason McIntyre]

Cleveland Browns. They're not going after. I'm, I'm not poo pooing Sam Darnold. He's had a great year. I just don't know where this market is that Schefter's talking about.

[Colin Cowherd]

Let me ask you this, let me ask you this. What if the Raiders call the Jaguars and say we'll take the contract of Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars say, okay, we'll take a quarterback and they start over the clock.

[Jason McIntyre]

I don't think that's the worst thing in the world.

[Colin Cowherd]

Seahawks, by the way, Seahawks have.

[Jason McIntyre]

Seahawks are mildly interesting.

[Colin Cowherd]

That's a very good roster that could trade picks and a player to move up and get a quarterback.

[Jason McIntyre]

Okay, so do you want Sam Darnold in Seattle or would you say take a flyer on Jalen Milroe in the draft?

[Colin Cowherd]

I would take Darnold over Milroe. I would probably take Cam Ward because I do think he has first round arm talent and first round body type. I would probably go. But I think Jalen Milroe, by the way, is mechanical and not terribly fluid, but the ball does arrive accurately. He's got strengths and weaknesses. He's a great kid. Work ethic's excellent. He's a better Anthony Richardson. He's nice. A little bit mechanical for my taste. I don't see him as a star, but when he lets go of the ball, it usually ends up where he wants it to be. So it's a pretty deep ball.

[Jason McIntyre]

This is a little left field, but I'll just toss him out here.

[Colin Cowherd]

How about this? I've told you before, the best fit for Darnold is Minnesota 1 and the Colts, too. Yeah, that's that to me. I think you have to move off Anthony Richardson, who's a wonderful kid, but they won a game this week with seven completions.

[Jason McIntyre]

Arizona Cardinals decide. You know what, Kyler, I think you.

[Colin Cowherd]

Have to think about that one, too.

[Jason McIntyre]

Do we do weight?

[Colin Cowherd]

And then how about this? I'm dead serious. Trevor Lawrence and Kyler Murray. I could see the Raiders calling both.

[Nick Wright]

Oh, God.

[Jason McIntyre]

Getting into the Kyler Murray.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, I'm just saying. Calling both. I think they would take. I think they would take Trevor Lawrence.

[Jason McIntyre]

I would certainly take it. Listen, I don't want to be negative toward Kyler Murray again. Legendary high school quarterback. We know that historically great, awesome college football player. I don't just. I just don't see it in the NFL column. What are we at five years now of Kyler Murray? He's inconsistent. All I hear is just have weapons. Oh, we'll get a Marvin Harrison. We got him. Trey McBride. We got him. James Conner. And he's still, like, just not coming up big in all the important spots. They miss out on the playoffs again. Is it time to consider moving on from Kyler and getting in the Sam Darnold business?

[Colin Cowherd]

I could see this. I can see Jacksonville going into The Cam Ward business and getting picks and getting out of Trevor Lawrence's salary and getting picks. I can see him doing that. I'm just saying that's live. And I don't think the Raiders love these quarterbacks. I can see the Raiders trading down and taking Milroe at 15. I'm dead serious.

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah, Milroe. Listen, if Anthony Richardson goes top five, Milroe's gonna go first round.

[Colin Cowherd]

No, he's going first round. Milroe's going. I've been told that by two GMs. Milroe is going first round. It's a weak quarterback draft. It's a weak first round. Milroe's going first round.

[Jason McIntyre]

The people listening to this, Colin driving their cars wherever they're going. It's starting to sound like we're getting that NBA vibe where there's like a handful of awesome number one players who can lead a team and then there's a lot of twos and threes in the NFL. Collins. I don't know how many franchise quarterbacks there are. If we're talking about moving off Kyler, he ain't a franchise guy. If we're talking about moving off Trevor Lawrence.

[Colin Cowherd]

No, no, no, no. Let's be fair.

[Jason McIntyre]

I don't know that he's a franchise guy. Has he shown you he's a franchise guy?

[Colin Cowherd]

Trevor Lawrence has won a playoff game. He's shown me. Listen, Greg Cosell's never loved him. I like him more than most, but I think different environments matter. I mean, good God. Aaron Rodgers as a Jet. Aaron Rodgers is a Packer. It's like two different players. Sam Darnold is a Panther. Sam Darnold is a Viking. Sometimes it's a reboot. Geno Smith is a Jet. Two Pro Bowls with Seattle as a Seahawk. So sometimes it's a fresh start. I think if. If you gave Trevor Lawrence, like a really good offensive line and a. A run game and. And some continuity instead of Jacksonville, I think Trevor Lawrence is a playoff quarterback.

[Jason McIntyre]

That. That's probably accurate. I. I just keep bringing it. Like BAKER Mayfield got what, 30, 35 mil a year?

[Colin Cowherd]

I have no problem.

[Jason McIntyre]

I think that's a great contract for Darnold, Brock Purdy, and everybody who's not proven. I don't disagree that they're not like a 50 million.

[Colin Cowherd]

I don't.

[Jason McIntyre]

Prescott really messed things up for the Cowboys. Next up, good news for the Steelers. George Pickens sidelined with that hamstring injury. It breaking news, he's off the injury report and will play tomorrow for the Steelers in a huge game and the offense has missed him badly. They've lost, I believe two of three. The doctors made this decision. And Steelers and Ravens are tied for first in the AFC North. This hasn't done anything to the line. The Chiefs are still three point favorites in Pittsburgh on Christmas day. With Pickens, you think they got a shot here at the upset?

[Colin Cowherd]

Absolutely. I think Pickens is a difference maker. Yeah, I think he's really good. I mean, Kansas City wins all these games. I think people struggle with this. Before the Golden State Warriors, a lot of NBA championships weren't about sizzle. The 76ers with Dr. J always had sizzle. Okay. I think we think sizzle equals championship. Baltimore's had the most sizzle in the league last year. San Francisco, previous three years, big sizzle team. The way they look. McCaffrey over the top. Deebo, New England's dynasty. When they had their most sizzle was Randy Moss. Never won a Super Bowl. The New York Giants have never had sizzle and won multiple Super Bowls. I think we're not giving Kansas City credit. They have the best head coach, the best defensive coordinator, a top three defensive lineman, the best quarterback, arguably next to Brady of all time, the best tight end ever, two elite interior O linemen. I'm just saying good corners. I think the Kansas City thing is when you go back to Michael Jordan's Bulls, they were easily the best defensive team in the league. Utah was second. They kept ending up in finals. What flash did the Jazz have? They had Jordan, but Pippen wasn't a long range shooter. He was a slasher. KU coach was their first good player who could shoot. They never got. They never had a dominant center. It was Will Perdue, Luke Longley. It was Artist Gilmour. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, that's right. Weddington did Gilmore. Gilmore. Time out. Gilmore didn't play. Yeah, he. That. I'm confusing him with Cartwright. My point is we're always seeking sizzle. The greatest show on turf lost to the Patriots and Tom Brady with no sizzle. Remember that Buffalo Bills team they lost to Phil Simms and the Giants? No sizzle. Sizzle doesn't win in this league. Great coaching, high end quarterback play a big time pass rusher.

[Jason McIntyre]

Who are the sizzle teams right now?

[Colin Cowherd]

Give me.

[Jason McIntyre]

Are the Buffalo Bills sizzle?

[Colin Cowherd]

No, no, the sizzle. Baltimore will always be sizzle. Detroit Lions, Dolphins last year, Baltimore always Buffalo with Josh Allen. Those are sizzle teams. Those are big.

[Jason McIntyre]

I think we need a list of sizzle teams. This is Am I Wrong on this. No, I think you're onto something. I don't know that I would agree with all those sizzle teams, but did.

[Colin Cowherd]

I have Artist Gilmore playing for the Bulls? It was Luke Longley, Will probably Perdue, Bill Winnington, Stacy King. Those are their four centers. Those are their four centers.

[Jason McIntyre]

Oh, my gosh.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, Artist Gilmore, I'm going aba.

[Jason McIntyre]

By the way, update. Amazon strike has. My terrible towel's not going to be arriving in time for tomorrow's game, so I won't be waving it around in.

[Colin Cowherd]

My favorite Amazon strike.

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah, there was some kind of Amazon strike, so they delayed my terrible towel arriving so I won't be able to wave it Thursday on air.

[Colin Cowherd]

You ever gone to the store and they say, are you a prime member? And I'm like. I'm like, first of all, I pay for Amazon prime because I get Thursday Night Football. I'm a prime member. Right? Why can't they just. I show them my phone and give me free groceries. Why is it so hard? I don't want to show you my club membership. I don't know what the number is.

[Jason McIntyre]

Final story is to the NBA. I was there last night for Lakers, Pistons, LeBron. Another triple double his 120th. He had 28, 11 and 11. Buddy missed the game tying three at the buzzer. It was a good look. Lakers were swept.

[Colin Cowherd]

You were there, buddy.

[Jason McIntyre]

By the Detroit.

[Colin Cowherd]

That's a good look. That's a good look.

[Jason McIntyre]

It was turnovers, lack of rim protection. I think the Lakers are personally looking ahead to the Golden State Warriors.

[Colin Cowherd]

You know what I think is going to save the NBA playoffs this year?

[Jason McIntyre]

LeBron.

[Colin Cowherd]

The New York Knicks. I think the New York Knicks. They've been irrelevant forever. I watched them. I probably watched them a half a dozen times for a half this year. Great. Watch that team between Madison Square, Kooky, Karl Anthony, Jalen Brunson. Their toughness, I think, because the Celtics are a good watch, and I do think OKC is fun. Denver doesn't feel the same. A lot of teams aren't ready yet. I think the Knicks are going to make. I think the Knicks Celtics will meet in the Eastern Conference finals and they'll save the NBA this year because the ratings have been in the tank.

[Jason McIntyre]

So Spurs, Knicks tomorrow from msg.

[Colin Cowherd]

No, that'd be a great game.

[Jason McIntyre]

Now, listen, it is Christmas. You got to be in.

[Colin Cowherd]

I'll watch that game.

[Jason McIntyre]

I don't want to hear If Wemby attempts 11 threes. You're like, come on, Wemby, go post up on the block.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, everybody told me was a unicorn. And the most versatile big he's a 7 4. Steph Curry now 11 threes than Shaq.

[Jason McIntyre]

And Olajuwon and Yui Kamau.

[Colin Cowherd]

Gross.

[Nick Wright]

Who cares?

[Colin Cowherd]

Gross. It's awesome.

[Jason McIntyre]

He's 75 shooting threes. Feathery touch like Curry. Isn't that unbelievable?

[Colin Cowherd]

I don't want my 74 guy to have a feathery touch. I want elbows and rebounding and dunks and in your face.

[Jason McIntyre]

So you're like a Charles Oakley, Anthony Mason kind of guy. Bring back the dale.

[Colin Cowherd]

Give me Artist Gilmore.

[Jason McIntyre]

Artist Gilmore.

[Colin Cowherd]

It all comes first. Nate Thurmond. Bob Lanier.

[Jason McIntyre]

You talk about sleepy NBA Bob Lanier.

[Colin Cowherd]

J. Mac with the news. Well, that's the news. And thanks for stopping by the Herd line. I'll go Elmore Smith on you. Number three for the Lakers. I'll go old school on you. I don't even have to go wilt. I'm not a weatherman. I'll give you my forecast. Snow and ice coming. Gonna make driving a challenge. Thankfully, the experts at Tire Rack know a thing or two about conquering winter's worst rain, sleet, slush, whatever winter means to you. Tirerack.com as you cover first of all, they got dedicated winter tires. All season tires, all weather stuff. Whatever you need. Right now, they have a full line of T o y o Toyo tires. They ship them fast. They ship them free. And here's the best part. Two years of free road hazard protection for any tire from tire rack. Screw, pothole, nail, run over it. I've done that before with a pothole. It's brutal. You're set. Two years free road hazard protection. Go to tirerack.comcommon they'll install them. They'll send them to you. It's free. Check out their test results. They have some special holiday offers. The way tire buying should be. Tire Rack Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd. Weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific. This podcast is sponsored by PayPal. We've partnered with them to make this holiday season even better. With all the shopping, gifting and holiday prep, my PayPal debit card is my go to for getting more out of my purchases. Here's how it works. I choose my monthly category. Gas, restaurants, apparel, groceries, health and beauty or just for the holiday season. Tech. And I earn 5% cash back on up to a thousand bucks in the purchases in those categories. Yeah, 5% cash back this month. I'm going to go with tech. It's my category. It's a no Brainer, right? Everybody loves the latest tech gifts. So whether it's stuff for the fam or adding new gadgets to my personal collection, that cash back adds up fast. So this holiday season, let the PayPal debit card do the heavy lifting. Sign up for the card when you download the PayPal app. Then pay in store and online and get cash back with a PayPal debit card. Don't just pay PayPal. Terms and limits apply. See paypal.com rewardspal the PayPal Debit MasterCard is issued by the Bancor Bank N.A. pursuant to a license by MasterCard International, Inc. And may be used everywhere MasterCard is accepted.

[Lavar Arrington]

Hey, this is Levar Arrington here from up on Game and listen, I want to talk to you about something very serious for a minute, all right? Something personal to me and right now something that should be personal to you as well. In our country, the hate is at an all time high and it's like we're going backward. The hate is winning. We can't allow that, all right? It's out of control. So many different people, so many different groups are facing too much hate and it's enough. It's time for it to stop. We need to stop, regroup, change the momentum as a team. Because that's what we are. Everyone in this country is on the same team. So let's act like it. And when a team can't get it together, what do you do? You call a timeout. And that's what we need to do. Call a timeout against hate. Let's think about what we say and do. And when we see hate, when we see someone doing or saying those things we know are wrong and hateful, we need to call it out. Imma call it out. You need to do the same thing. Visit Stand up to all hate.org to help and join me in calling for a timeout against hate by following at what's up with Hate or posting the blue square emoji.

[Colin Cowherd]

What's on your list of popular game day foods? Probably multiple dishes with the bold flavor of the original Louisiana brand hot sauce. You can't beat the original with a 90 year history of great taste and quality. Tailgate, house party, game day gatherings, whatever. Include real flavor sliders with the original Louisiana brand hot sauce. The beer cheese with that hit of Louisiana peppers. There has to be original Louisiana brand hot sauce on your game day food list. It's the perfect everyday hot sauce that complements every meal. There's a rich food tradition in Louisiana bringing bold peppery flavor with just the right amount of heat. Pigs in a blanket Pig's not in a blanket Spinach Artichoke Dip Artichoke Spinach Dip Wings are wingier than ever with the Original Louisiana Brand Wing Sauce Perfect for self appointed flavor experts. The Original Louisiana Brand Hot Sauce the game day flavor changer Flavor Favors the bold. Available at a store near you. I'm Colin Coward from The Herd Intuit QuickBooks wants you to achieve your dreams of starting your own business and working for yourself. And if you're a small business owner launching a company, then you'll want to check out Mind the Business Small business success stories from iHeart's Ruby Studio and Inuit. QuickBooks Season 1 and 2 are out now and Season 3 is launching Thursday, January 9th with new episodes coming out every other Thursday after that. So make sure you catch up and listen as hosts Austin Henkwitz and Jenice Torres talk to small business owners about how they've grown and maintained their businesses and tackled the hurdles and challenges that come with being your own boss. From tracking money in and out to cutting through day to day management with an all encompassing platform like Intuit QuickBooks, you don't want to miss these inspiring stories of small business journeys. Listen to Mind the Business small business success Stories on the iHeart app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Jason McIntyre]

Congratulations to CBS Sports and Sony Electronics for their first place wins for innovation in industry at this year's Unconventional Awards by T Mobile for Business. In a collaboration that was clearly built on breaking new ground, CBS and Sony created a first of its kind broadcast for the PGA Championship. Using a custom built T Mobile Private 5G network to power the live production, they deployed a 5G wireless camera system throughout the event. The network speed combined with Sony's innovative ultra low latency video codec allowed for seamless, high quality footage without disruption. With that innovative approach, CBS gave broadcasters the tools they need to do what they do best. Take their coverage to entirely new places. These innovations will shape the way live sports are covered moving forward. And for that, T Mobile congratulates Sony and CBS for their unconventional thinking. Friday on Fox It's a Yuletide Showdown in the DIRECTV Holiday bowl as the nation's leading passer Kyle McCoy Cord leads 21st ranked Syracuse against Washington State. The action kicks off Friday at 7:30.

[Colin Cowherd]

Eastern on well, I know the elves are hard at work. It's Christmas Eve. Every year on Christmas Eve, Uncle Colin, America's honesty broker, likes to give out presents to NFL teams. So JMac, are you ready? You give me the team JMac. Let's have a little Christmas spirit and a little Christmas jingle and let's give out presents around the NFL.

[Jason McIntyre]

All right, Santa Collin, let's start in Philly. What are we giving the Eagles this year?

[Colin Cowherd]

I think Nick Ceriani's yelling at fans, he's yelling at coaches. I'm gonna give him and the team a year's worth of therapy sessions to work out their drama. Believe it or not, Nick has the highest win percentage of any active coach in the NFL, including Andy Reid. Therapy is what this team needs.

[Jason McIntyre]

Oh, boy, here we go. How about the two time defending champion Chiefs? What do they get this year?

[Colin Cowherd]

Ho ho, ho. Hey, how you doing? I'm going to give Patrick Mahomes a bubble wrap bodysuit to make sure he has every chance of completing the three peat. He's been sacked 36 times. He's got a high ankle sprain. If he's healthy, they hoist the trophy in my opinion. But this guy has taken a beating this year.

[Jason McIntyre]

All right, what's under the tree for the Pittsburgh Steelers this year?

[Colin Cowherd]

I'm gonna give Mike Tomlin a fire extinguisher. So when Russ gets to cooking and almost burns the house down. He's got three giveaways in the last two games. 41 touchdowns, 12 picks over the last two seasons. Sometimes Russ cooks and it gets a little too hot. And Tomlin would rather win with Najee Harris in the defense.

[Jason McIntyre]

All right, you love Sam Darnold and the Vikings. What do we get for them on this Christmas?

[Colin Cowherd]

How about one of those Norse drinking horns so they can celebrate their success like their namesake 13, 28 game winning streak. Does Darnold look like a Viking?

[Jason McIntyre]

He does.

[Colin Cowherd]

I know he's from the sunny Southern California beaches. He looks like Game of Thrones territory to me.

[Jason McIntyre]

Alright, sticking in the NFC north, what are we gifting the Packers?

[Colin Cowherd]

Let's give them the clutch jean or at least a pair of clutch jeans. The Brett Favre specials. Jordan love in week 11 or later over the last two years? 11 and three. Yeah, that's the old Favre ad. A pair of clutch jeans. Like Brett Favre the gunslinger. Yes.

[Jason McIntyre]

Love it. Well, I know that my jets are getting a lump of coal from me, but what are you gifting me?

[Colin Cowherd]

Ooh, let me think about that.

[Jason McIntyre]

The New York Jets.

[Colin Cowherd]

Tough season. Let's give Woody Johnson a DeLorean so he can go back in time and change a few things. Nine straight seasons with a losing record. The longest active streak in the NFL. Look back to the back to the future vehicle.

[Jason McIntyre]

All right, what about Kyle Shanahan and the Niners? What are they getting for Christmas?

[Colin Cowherd]

Lot of drama, a lot of noise with Brandon Ayuk Deebo last year. Nick. Now with Brock Purdy's contract, how about some earmuffs to keep out all the chatter for the next six months? Who needs a headset? Let's give Kyle Shanahan earmuffs to keep out the Purdy contract extension noise.

[Jason McIntyre]

And finally, everybody in Cleveland needs holiday cheer. Colin, what are we gifting the Cleveland Browns?

[Colin Cowherd]

I know what I'm gonna give them. A prescription of Ozempic so they can cut the dead weight into Sean Watson owed 92 million over the next two seasons. We got one more, don't we? There's one more there in there.

[Jason McIntyre]

That's all that's on my sheet. I don't know.

[Colin Cowherd]

One more.

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah, fine. Fine.

[Colin Cowherd]

The NFL is going to give the NBA because Christmas day has always been historically NBA day. But the NFL is going to give the NBA. They're going to a little stocking stuffer. They're going to re gift some of the NFL's viewers to the NBA. Was that a cheap shot?

[Jason McIntyre]

That might be a low blow. You might hear from NBA PR on that one. Should they be watching?

[Colin Cowherd]

All right, there you go. Happy holidays, happy Christmas, blah, blah, blah. All that stuff.

[Jason McIntyre]

How many TVs you got at home? Will you. Will you have multiple TVs going for the NBA and NFL?

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, I always do. Yeah, you do too, don't you?

[Jason McIntyre]

Of course. And I have a remote control that works. So I don't need to like worry. Switch the channel.

[Colin Cowherd]

No, I think. I think if I look at the NFL season, there's a couple of things that jump out to me. I will say this now. I don't want to get braggy because every week I do call in. Right, Colin? Wrong. I do that every week. But do you realize if Michael Penck and Atlanta can maintain their division lead and Baltimore, which is tied with Pittsburgh but Pittsburgh loses to the Chiefs, I will have gotten seven out of eight divisions right. And called the Washington commanders as the surprise playoff team and said Denver would be the double your win total. Vegas is wrong team. And the Cowboys and the Niners, I called them teams with big winning ways the last three years. That would start a significant regression. Not terrible.

[Jason McIntyre]

Pretty good.

[Colin Cowherd]

My picks have stunk.

[Jason McIntyre]

Pretty good off season.

[Colin Cowherd]

You've had an amazing year of picks.

[Jason McIntyre]

I'm trying to think in the nfc if the Falcons win the division and they get the. They would have the 4 seed right? Would they host the Vikings in the playoffs?

[Colin Cowherd]

I think so.

[Jason McIntyre]

And Kirk Cousins would be on the bench.

[Colin Cowherd]

With Michael Panick starting, everybody's banging on the Cousins move. There's no guarantee Panics would have been as good as he was against the Giants, the worst team in the league in Week 1. Cousins got you two wins over the Buccaneers. You can say whatever you want. Yeah, Kirk Cousins, whatever the cost is, got you two wins over the Buccaneers. That's the tiebreaker. So if Pennix can win you, you can bang on that contract all you want. Tampa is a good team. They beat him twice.

[Jason McIntyre]

It would look strange that Kirk Cousins is facing the Vikings who cut him loose last year and Kirk Cousins is on the bench in the playoff game.

[Colin Cowherd]

No.

[Jason McIntyre]

Bizarre.

[Colin Cowherd]

I think once you make the playoffs, you are so gratified in this league to make the playoffs and host a playoff game.

[Jason McIntyre]

Well, the Falcons are, but not Kirk Cousins.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, I think here's another thing. I think Darnold, I think the Colts are going to make a big run at Darnold. I think the Vikings probably keep him. I think Kirk Cousins a year to rehab. Keep your eye on the keep your eye on the Raiders. Keep your eye on some of these teams, on Kirk Cousins for one year. Can he come in for a year and get get his fastball back and stabilize an unstable, turbulent, chaotic organization. So I don't think Kirk Cousins is done. I think Aaron struggled post injury until the last month. Cousins was better early and has struggled in the last.

[Jason McIntyre]

If you're the Raiders, do you want Cousins or Rogers?

[Colin Cowherd]

Probably cam ward. Hour 3 Next Want more herd? The herd streams 24 hours a day, 7 days a week within the iHeartRadio app. Search herd to listen live or on demand whenever you'd like from the Delta Sky Club. Welcome back Ms. Klein to the JetBridge.

[Jason McIntyre]

Delta Air Lines relies on 5G solutions.

[Colin Cowherd]

From T Mobile for business to power operations and serve customers faster. Together we're putting 5G into the hands of ground staff so they can better assist on the go travelers with real time information throughout the airport. This is elevating customer experience. This is Delta Air Lines with T Mobile for business. Take your business further@t mobile.com Now I'm partnering with PayPal. The holiday season is here and I'm going to save big with cash back offers in the PayPal app. It's easy. I browse deals from my favorite brands, save offers in the app and use PayPal checkout online. Really, really easy. Whether I'm buying gifts for my family or treating myself to something nice. I'm earning cash back and you can too. Don't just pay PayPal check offers in the app for details and exclusions. Cashback earned as points redeemable for cash and other options. See PayPal rewards terms. As we gather together during this holiday season, let me share a gift that keeps on giving. Chase Freedom with Chase Freedom UNL, you'll not only experience the joy of 1.5% unlimited cash back, but also the freedom to create cherished memories with your loved ones. Discover the magic and learn [e-mail] and let this season be filled with love, laughter and the delight of extra cash in your pocket. Cards issued by JPMorgan Chase Bank NA member FDIC we've all got a thing, an obsession. For some of us, it's vintage fashion. Our cars, anything we can collect, they all live under one. EBay. It's where closets get filled with statement pieces and vintage finds, where must have sneakers wait for you and designer handbags are the real deal on ebay. Doors open to stacks of the rarest trading cards and a garage stocked with all the car parts you need for any DIY job. EBay's home to whatever thing you're into that keeps you up at night. EBay Things people love this is Doug Gottlieb from All Ball with Doug Gottlieb.

[Jason McIntyre]

Listen, I'm gonna get serious for a minute. The hate in our country is getting out of control. In fact, it's sadly at an all time high. But it's gonna take all of us to stop it. I mean, we're all on the same.

[Nick Wright]

Team in this country.

[Colin Cowherd]

So let's take a break from our.

[Jason McIntyre]

Hate so our team can regroup. We need to take a timeout against hate. Visit stand uptoallhate.org to help and join.

[Colin Cowherd]

Me in calling for timeout against hate by following at what's up with Hate?

[Jason McIntyre]

Or posting the blue square emoji.