Greg Cosell (6:02)

Take care of the football and stay on schedule. I think when we stay on the.

Jason McIntyre (6:07)

Schedule and we take care of football.

Greg Cosell (6:09)

We'Re a formidable group. And at times, particularly in the last several weeks, we've been spotty in those regards.

Colin Cowherd (6:15)

So, you know, if they beat Cincinnati and the Texans, Steeler fans are going to tell you, look at us. Yeah, I'm looking no Pro Bowlers offense, you've graduated out of lousy to okay, middle of the pack offensively. Greg Cosell, 45 years, NFL Films all right, we were talking last hour. Vikings, Lions. I think sometimes this happens where you get a great coaching staff. I think Kevin O'Connell's remarkable. I think Brian Flores is excellent. I don't love the Vikings defensive personnel. I love how it's coached Detroit. I think offensively there's like hall of Famers on this roster. Like, it's just two running backs, great O line. When you look at the film on the Vikings and Lions, do you see a clear delineation in talent scheme? Like, what does the film say when these two teams match up?

Greg Cosell (7:13)

Well, staying with the side of the ball, you're on. Colin, I think you're right to some extent about the Vikings defense in terms of personnel, but I think they're difficult to play against because they're so multiple with their front looks. They're multiple on the back end in terms of coverage rotation, so it's difficult for quarterback to process it because he has to be concerned about what the front looks like. You get too focused on the front, you lose track of the coverage rotation. You get too focused on the coverage, you lose track of what the pressure concepts could be. So they're difficult to play against. Now, these teams did play Week 7 and Jared Goff, who, by the way, has had an outstanding season and is just one of those really, really solid veteran quarterbacks in all areas. He did a phenomenal job as did the entire Lions offense against all these Vikings looks. Goff was tremendous against their pressure schemes, but they're still a difficult defense to play against even if they don't necessarily have pro ball, all pro type players on the defense.

Colin Cowherd (8:17)

So I want to, I want to engage here on a couple of young quarterbacks before we get into some of the bigger names in the sport. So let's start with Michael Penix. I think we both liked him out of college. He had a ton of starts, a lot of pass. I mean he led the nation in past attempts at Washington. It was a pro style offense. What have you seen so far on tape on Michael Penix?

Greg Cosell (8:38)

I think he's been solid. I think he's a pocket player for the most part. He's poised, he's composed. I thought in the last game he missed a few that we would expect him to hit and he's going to have to make those. He can't miss because of the style of quarterback he is which is essentially a pure pocket passer. He can't miss routine throws. But I think that he's calm, he's composed, he stays with the game. It doesn't overwhelm him based on the given situations in the game. I thought in the first game they did a much better job of mixing the run and the pass elements. I thought this past week they didn't do it as well because they're a foundational outside zone run team with Bijan Robinson who by the way is absolutely terrific. And I thought we, the first week he played they did a great job of using that to get to their play action element. They didn't do that quite as much the second game he played and I don't think they looked as comfortable.

Colin Cowherd (9:34)

Is there a rookie quarterback you've been most impressed with?

Greg Cosell (9:41)

Well, you know, it's interesting. I'm impressed with, with some of them in different ways. I mean, Jaden Daniels has obviously shown the ability situationally to rise to the occasion. You know, when you watch him and you watch every snap like I do and sit with a remote clicker in my office. You know, quarterbacks that are very good with their legs and that leave the pocket and make plays with their legs, they're always going to leave some throws on the field because they leave the pocket early at times and you just have to, I think, live with that. I don't think you're coaching them out of moving, you know, Great quarterbacks in our league like Josh, Allen, Mahomes, they leave the pocket early at times as well, and you're not going to tell them not to do that. That's kind of built into their DNA. And I think Daniels is cut from the same cloth. So there'll be some throws he leaves on the field. But yet this past week, for instance, was a great example where his legs kind of took over the game. I think Drake May has actually played really well given the circumstance and the situation that he's in. And I've noticed that there are a number of things that were. I don't want to say concerning coming out of college, but I knew that he needed to clean up that I feel like he's done a good job cleaning up in his first year in the league. He's just on a team with a poor old line and no weapons on the perimeter. So obviously they're not going to win games and he's not necessarily going to put up big numbers. Nix has been. In some ways he's gone beyond what I thought he could be because I think the strength in his arm and not just on this throw, which was obviously an unbelievable throw. But we've talked about this, we've seen him make those deep dig throws, which those are arm strain throws. I remember talking to Joe Flacco years ago and Joe telling me that those deep digs where you're just kind of sitting on your back foot and you have to drive the ball 22, 24 yards between the numbers, between the hashes, window throws, that those are really arm strength throws. And Knicks has really shown the ability to do that. I guess Caleb Williams would be the last guy. And I think while he's probably incredibly gifted throwing a football, I mean really gifted just throwing a football, I think he has a ways to go. When I watch him at times I feel like he still has to learn how to play in the NFL.

Colin Cowherd (11:53)

Yeah.

Greg Cosell (11:53)

And I've never been a guy, Colin, who decides a guy's a bust after playing one year in the league. So that's not what I'm saying at all. I just think he's got to learn and I think he needs hard coaching. I think they need. This is just my opinion. Of course the Bears will do what they want, but I think they need to hire an NFL coach to coach him that has an NFL resume and that's done it in the league and knows what it takes.

Colin Cowherd (12:17)

All right, so Baltimore's defense was a complete liability early. It's been better. It's Been. Yeah, I mean really on the back end. It has been better recently. It looks like a team that a playoff defense. What is the ingredients that have helped the turnaround?

Greg Cosell (12:38)

Well, it's funny because, you know, watching so much tape and researching them starting week 11, they made a big change. They basically moved Kyle Hamilton, who's obviously a very gifted player. You know, he'd been playing a lot near the line of scrimmage. He'd been playing slot, slot, corner. They basically moved him to full time safety. Now, that doesn't mean he plays on the back end every single snap, but he's now a safety in the context of their defense. Not a slot corner, not a box player. So since they made that change since week 11, Colin, they are the number one third down defense in the NFL. They're only allowing offenses, opposing offenses, to convert at a 29% clip. Wow.

Colin Cowherd (13:17)

Wow.

Greg Cosell (13:18)

Their defense has gotten to be really, really good. I mean, Hamilton is six four. He's incredibly rangy. He can still do multiple things. He just doesn't play near the line of scrimmage. The interception, for instance, he had last week against CJ Stroud was a great example of coverage rotation, how they sort of tricked the quarterback a little bit and just the length and range which he has playing closer to the back end than the front end.

Colin Cowherd (13:43)

So I said if I was the Jets, I'd bring Aaron Rodgers back because it's not a robust quarterback draft and I don't think the Vikings are going to let Sam Darnold hit the market, so I'd bring him back. I have also said I think he's somewhere between the 13th and 16th best quarterback in the league. That's just sort of what he is. You tell me, can you. Can he lead a team and carry a team? What is he now?

Greg Cosell (14:08)

Yeah, you know, I think if you just look at the way he throws a football and the mental part of the game, he's still right up there. I mean, he can just still snap it off with the best in the league. Mentally, he's smart. Don't forget he's 40 and he's coming off an Achilles, you know, and I think this is almost. I don't want to say it's a practice year for him because that'd be wrong. He's playing in the league and when you're out there, you got to perform. But I'm very curious to see if he's back with the jets and if he's a starting quarterback next year, how he would play. Because coming off that injury at that age, that's a really difficult thing to do, I would imagine. Obviously, I've never had to do that, but just when you watch him throw a football and you know the mental part of the game, you speak to any coach that's been around Aaron Rodgers and they'll tell you how incredibly smart he is as a player. So, you know, elite's a word that's thrown around too much. I'm not going to sit here and say, man, he's elite, but I think he still can play in this league based on how he throws it and how he sees the game mentally. I'd love to see him get another year to see if he can come back even more from that Achilles.

Colin Cowherd (15:10)

Yeah, no. Last eight weeks he had one stinker and six or seven good games. So one of the enigmas of the NFL this year, and I just can't explain it. Why are the Rams so bad offensively? In the first half? It's like. It's like Stafford needs a half to warm up the old bones. Usually offensive coaches on script are pretty good. First two drives, the Rams are a much better team after the break. It's almost like it takes a while to get heated up. What I mean, they also feel very Puka Nakua dependent. What is it with the Rams offense?

Greg Cosell (15:45)

Yeah, yeah, I don't have a. You know, I get asked that about a lot of teams. You know, that starts slowly and you make a great point. I mean, most of these coaches do script everything to start, and you would think that that script would really be good based on the fact that they're working that off the tendencies and probabilities of the opponent. But some teams just seem to get off to slow starts. I will say this, and you and I both like Stafford. There's no question he's a great quarterback and has been for a long time. But I think they are now a running football team. And that's where it all starts. It starts with Kyron Williams. Now, he's not a great back in the way we think of the great backs. He's certainly not explosive, but he's a grinder. He gets hard yards. I mean, he has well over 300 carries, Colin. So this is an offense that starts with him. And very often when you start with the run game, you see that at times with the packers, too, they start with Josh Jacobs. Sometimes these teams that start with the run game don't necessarily hit the big explosive plays early and they sort of work through the game. A lot of these coaches work through the game. And they want to see how the defense reacts to certain things. They do certain. You know, it's funny, these teams we're talking about are all heavy shifting and motion teams and very often the coaches want to get a feel for how the defense reacts to the shifts and the motions. And then they make it a four quarter game. And as the game goes on, they get such a good feel for the defense that that's when they start executing better.

Colin Cowherd (17:11)

Yeah. Another question, C.J. stroud. I mean, I know he lost a star receiver, but it does feel like he's regressed.

Greg Cosell (17:21)

Yeah.

Colin Cowherd (17:21)

What's happened?

Greg Cosell (17:24)

Yeah, a couple of things in my opinion. Number one, I think, you know, even going back to his days at Ohio State when he was rarely under duress, and then last year in the NFL he was rarely under duress. This year the O line hasn't been quite as good. Laramie Tunsil's not had his best season as a pass protector, so he's been under a little more consistent pressure. So I think one of the next things in his developmental stages is he's going to have to learn how to play out of squeezed and muddied pockets better. You can't just say, well, the O line's not good. This is the NFL. There's going to be bodies around you. And I think that what happens with quarterbacks that aren't used to playing when there's people around them, Colin, is they start to feel pressure when it's not there, they perceive it, they anticipate it and they speed up everything they do. And when you start to speed up everything you do, your mechanics, your throwing motion, you lose a little bit of your ball location. And this year he's not been as precise with his ball location as he was a year ago when it seemed like he never missed a throw. This year he's missing some throws that by NFL standards are routine. And I think he's just playing a little fast. He needs to slow down and I assume that'll come with time. I don't think that he's not going to be a good quarterback in the league. I think he just needs to work through that process.

Colin Cowherd (18:44)

So it's interesting. I think the Chargers, Harbaugh's obviously made them a more physical football team. And I think when J.K. dobbins is healthy, they have enough offense to win multiple playoff games. I don't think because they, because they could use another X receiver. But their offense, it has its moments. And those moments are usually when they have their best back on the roster. J.K. dobbins. I think then they're pretty lethal because, you know, I've always said with Parvaugh, he squeezes the juice out of every roster. Even the national championship team had two five star guys. Alabama had 18. What has he done to just squeeze the juice out of this offense? Because there's not a lot of Pro bowl level players on it outside of Herbert.

Greg Cosell (19:33)

No. And Herbert's really, really good. He's actually a joy to watch on tape. You know what really surprised me because I did a deep dive into them this week because obviously they're going to be in the playoffs. People might be surprised that 75% of his drop backs this year have actually come with three wide receivers on the field. Because I think there's a sense that now playing with this Scott Matlock, the converted defensive end, who essentially is their fullback, I think there's a sense that this is a team that just lines up with big people and they come after you and they, you know, they knock you down. You know, they play physically, which they do, by the way, but when they throw the football, it's high percentage out of three wide receivers. And I wouldn't say their three wide receiver group is anywhere near the best in the league. Although I think you and I both love McConkey and he's been phenomenal working out of the slot. Yeah. But when they throw the ball, they throw out a three wide receivers, they push it down the field. Herbert is an easy a thrower as there is in the league, and they do a lot of really good things schematically to attack defenses that they anticipate. So it's a combination of many things, as it usually is when a team plays well.

Colin Cowherd (20:42)

All right, Baker Mayfield, I thought Tampa was a great fit. I thought he has a young, smart offensive coordinator. Both. I think it's interesting that Darnold and Baker in that 2018 draft class combined with Lamar and Josh Allen from that class. There are four hits in that class. And we've had a string of really good quarterback classes about every third year. What is it with Baker in Tampa that works beyond just. Mike Evans is very good. That we know.

Greg Cosell (21:13)

Yeah, I think they do a great job with play action. The run action game is really, really good for them, you know. And Baker has always been an aggressive thrower.

Colin Cowherd (21:22)

Yes.

Greg Cosell (21:23)

And you know, I think that to me that's always been a positive. Will he make a couple of bad throws here and there? Where you go, hey, Baker, why did you throw that one? Sure, he'll do that. But he is willing to make tough throws between the numbers, between the hashes. And you know, when you talk to quarterbacks, they will tell you, and the tape confirms this, he's got a really good arm.

Colin Cowherd (21:43)

Yes.

Greg Cosell (21:43)

I mean, you know, because he's smaller. And maybe people don't see him as a physical quarterback the way they see some other quarterbacks in the league, but he really can snap off throws and he can make throws to all parts of the field and he is willing to make those throws. And he's played really, really well this year. And I think that offense presents him with a lot of clean, defined looks. Same same as in Minnesota with Darnold.

Colin Cowherd (22:09)

So let's look at the play of the week. It's against Carolina and it's Baker doing his thing.

Greg Cosell (22:15)

Yeah, this play was one of my favorites from the week because you know me, I've always been a big believer. And you have to make these tight window throws in the NFL. It's hard to play quarterback in this league if you can make those kinds of throws in squeezed environments because the hash marks are closer. So let's take a look at this. And this is to Mike Evans as well. So let's take a look at this play from last week. You're going to see it ends up being a 30 plus yard play, but there's so much to this play that that is really, really good. And we spoke about the play action. You're going to see that Mayfield is under center and I've always believed under center play action is more effective. They're in what we call a one by three nub set, meaning the tight end is the single receiver to the boundary side and he's attached. So what you're going to get here is what we call cross country dagger. You're going to get McMillan from inside running across the field, not straight vertically across the field. And then Evans is going to run the dig. So it's dagger, but it's cross country dagger. And then to eat up the outside corner, they're going to take the third receiver and run him on an outside vertical. Now on that side of the field, they're going to get cover two. So what does that mean? That the safety is going to expand and sink and the corner is going to stay low. That's cover two. That's the underneath hook defender to that side of the field. He becomes important in this play because Baker's going to have to beat him. But the safety on the other side is important because they're playing quarters to the other side so his eyes are to the trip side of the offensive formation. And so what happens is he gets eaten up. Now as we're going to start to run this play, he's getting eaten up by the cross country part of the dagger concept, by McMillan, because McMillan's not running a straight vertical. McMillan's basically running at that backside safety so that safety can't come into the middle of the field. He's being held by McMillan. So now you get Evans on the dig and that's going to be in a void. So now you get the safety to that side. He's sunk because it's cover two. So he retreats. And the player that Baker has to beat is that underneath hook defender. But he's going to throw this between the numbers in the middle of the field. These are hard NFL throws, these are big time throws. And you see Baker make this throw and you're going to see it really cleanly from behind Baker. You can almost see how he's seeing it, that it's how tough these throws are. There's a lot of bodies in the middle of the field and by the way, that's an area that a lot of college quarterbacks, Colin, when they get to the league they struggle with because with the hash marks much wider in college, you don't have to make a lot of tight window throws in college football.

Colin Cowherd (24:55)

Yeah, you don't. Great seeing you. Happy holidays. And I always appreciate you stopping by and making us smarter, Greg. Thank you, Colin.

Greg Cosell (25:06)

I appreciate it. I love being with you. Thanks.

Colin Cowherd (25:07)

All right, Greg Cosell, 45 years, NFL Films. Yeah, that's a big time throw by him. It's, it's great. You go back to that 2018 draft class. Josh Allen, Lamar Darnold, Baker, boom, boom, boom, boom. Then you go a couple years later, Herbert Burrow, Jalen Hurts Tua, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom. This year, Caleb, Jaden, Bo, Penix, Drake, May, don't know about J.J. mcCarthy. So that's from 2018 until last year. A six year stretch. Every other year roughly we've had a star. It used to be the big quarterback draft was the Elway Marino draft. This draft right now, if Caleb Williams gets it right, Jaden's a star, period. Penix, Drake, May and Bo Nix have a lot of talent. You keep rolling your eyes on this stuff. I, I'm not.

Jason McIntyre (26:00)

Panicks has started two games now.

Colin Cowherd (26:03)

Let me ask you this, let me ask you this, slow down. How about when Greg Cosell said the Rams are now a run team, telling you they are seeing some Limitations at quarterback. Why don't the Rams, who only need a number one corner and probably another X receiver, why wouldn't the Rams give up one of their third round picks for J.J. mcCarthy?

Jason McIntyre (26:26)

Oh, that's, it's going to cost way more than that.

Colin Cowherd (26:29)

Well, I'm saying I'll give you a three this year and a four and then I'll give you, you give us a five and I'll give you a two the following year.

Jason McIntyre (26:37)

Top 12 overall. There's no way they're doing it for a third.

Colin Cowherd (26:40)

And had two surgeries.

Jason McIntyre (26:42)

No shot. None. I, I, I'm surprised you don't want to see what you've got in McCarthy like you saw a little preseason.

Colin Cowherd (26:49)

You know, the Rams did homework on him because Stafford was older last year. The Rams have done their homework.

Jason McIntyre (26:54)

I meant the Vikings. Before you ship him out of town, you don't want to see him with.

Colin Cowherd (26:58)

Like, remember, remember when everybody told you, let's go back to our show. Everybody loved J.J. mcCarthy and there were multiple reports teams are moving up for him. Not even the Vikings. The Vikings gave away a fourth and a fifth round pick to move up a couple slots. That's all they gave up. That's all the Vikings gave up was a fourth and a fifth. So Kevin McConnell, the quarterback expert, he wasn't willing to give up that much. And he's the guy that knows quarterbacks.

Jason McIntyre (27:30)

Now you got me thinking. The Vikings are like one of the top five off season interesting teams. They are, but they wouldn't have been like a month ago. I mean, Darnold wasn't playing this well a month ago. He's really, I don't see a world where they keep him but making a decent argument.

Colin Cowherd (27:45)

You would let him walk out the door? Yeah. Oh, you would not? No. I think Darnold's playing at I, I.

Jason McIntyre (27:55)

You have like a man crush on him and he's your butt.

Colin Cowherd (27:57)

Did you text him?

Jason McIntyre (27:58)

Happy New Year, by the way. Are you guys that close?

Colin Cowherd (28:00)

I don't like to get into my relationships. Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, weekdays Eastern, 9am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio, FS1 and the iHeartRadio app. 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, to 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 Ko Vino and Rich wherever you get your podcast. And of course, on social media, that's Covino and Rich. Hi, it's the Herd. It's the most wonderful time of the year for getting in on all the hoops, football and hockey action at DraftKings Sportsbook. In a season of giving, we're being gifted. College football and basketball, pro football and basketball, and pro hockey, too. Almost 24 7. So many games every day. So many opportunities to place your first bet, try betting on something simple. Pick a team to win. Go to DraftKings Sportsbook's app. Place your bet and here's the gift for all new customers. If you bet just $5, you can get $150 in bonus bets if your bet wins Again, download the DraftKings sportsbook app. The code is heard H E R D new customers get $150 in bonus bets if your bet wins when you bet just five bucks. Happy holidays from DraftKings. The crown is yours. Gambling problem. Call 1-800-Gambler in New York. Call 877-8-Hopeny or text hopeny 467-369 In Connecticut, help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org Please play responsibly on behalf of Boot Hill Casino and Resort in Kansas. 21 + age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Void. In Ontario, bet must win to receive reward. Bonus bets expire 168 hours after ISS. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see DKNG Co Beball.

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Jason McIntyre (33:31)

It was nice 60 degrees yesterday out near the beach.

Greg Cosell (33:33)

You.

Jason McIntyre (33:33)

You soak up any of the rays?

Colin Cowherd (33:35)

I was watching college football after my workout from 1010 until I went to bed.

Jason McIntyre (33:40)

You mean when it was 34. Nothing you were locked into or.

Colin Cowherd (33:42)

I was. I don't know if I was locked in. I was making something to eat, but I was watching JMAC with the news. No, no, turn on the news. This is the Herdline news.

Jason McIntyre (33:53)

Speaking of locking in, the Eagles have locked up the number two seed in the NFC, resting their starters in week 18. The smart move. We agree. However, interesting thing on Wednesday's injury report, Colin Jalen hurts is still in concussion protocol and was non participant. Was a non participant in yesterday's walkthrough. This is obviously bears monitoring because this is get not quite two weeks, but we're getting getting up there. Close to two weeks still in concussion protocol. Eagles resting their guys this week. They would be hosting if things hold now the packers opening weekend. That, that's not good for Philly.

Colin Cowherd (34:38)

That is a fascinating game. We start looking at these playoff games, Green Bay and Philadelphia. I like Philadelphia in that spot. I think, I think Detroit. Well, Detroit beat Green Bay twice and part of it was running that football and that offensive line and Philadelphia is a line team right now. My favorite part of Green Bay is the perimeter. I think they've got a lot of speed on the perimeter. I do like, I do like what Jacobs has provided to their run game. But I think Philadelphia and Detroit are a hard matchup for almost everybody in the nfc. They just overpower you.

Jason McIntyre (35:09)

So it was going to be Washington, Philly and then, you know, packers keep losing, Washington keeps winning. I think Green Bay is extremely dangerous. We saw what they went into Dallas.

Colin Cowherd (35:19)

But Dallas doesn't have the roster that's close to Phil.

Jason McIntyre (35:22)

I think the packers were like six or seven point underdogs in memory serves. I could be wrong. They were significant underdogs and it was like 27 nothing early in that. Yeah, there's a beat down. I, I'd be careful. Christian Watson's there. There's some splits circulating on the Internet about the packers offense with and without Christian Watson healthy and it's not good if he's back for that game. You got young cornerbacks in Philly. Nick Sirianni potentially hot seat. I, I'd be a little nervous facing the Packers. Remember that season opener in.

Colin Cowherd (35:52)

Well, what worries me, Jalen Hurts isn't practicing or playing for several weeks. That's what I don't like.

Jason McIntyre (35:58)

Major concern.

Colin Cowherd (35:59)

And they've also been a bad first quarter team all year, worst in the league. So if Green Bay gets off to a 7 nothing, 10 nothing lead and all of a sudden the crowd's grumbling, Hurts is kind of rusty, panicky, yelling at the crowd and yelling at his players, you could see it unravel in Philadelphia really fast.

Jason McIntyre (36:16)

Definitely, for sure. Next up is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers heading to Week 18, needing a win to lock up the fourth seed and the NFC south title. However, let's keep an eye on Mike Evans. Colin, chasing an 11th straight 1,000 yard season. He's only 85 yards away from a thousand. And Baker Mayfield wants to make sure to get that achievement for a wide receiver.

Colin Cowherd (36:40)

Getting him involved early and often is a lot of the reasons we've had success. And so those things go hand in hand. Yeah, there's balance and the most important thing is winning. But I see it playing out, you know, if we win, that's Mike's getting the record. And so, yeah, we got to focus on winning and getting him the ball. But guys playing for each other and that's. Mike won't say anything about it. And that's just who he is. And that's why we love him.

Greg Cosell (37:02)

That's why everybody loves him.

Colin Cowherd (37:03)

That's why he's been so consistent for so long. It's never been about just himself. It's been about winning and trying to find ways to win. Baker, he feels like a good fit in Tampa.

Jason McIntyre (37:11)

He's really grown up.

Colin Cowherd (37:12)

He's a little swashbuckler. They're the Pirates. It kind of feels like it works.

Jason McIntyre (37:17)

So Mike Evans can earn a $3 million bonus if he gets five catches for 85.

Colin Cowherd (37:23)

Well, I would if I was Baker Mayfield, first series, I'd get him three right there.

Jason McIntyre (37:26)

I don't think they put the prop totals up, but Mike Evans is going to be high and he's probably going to hit it. Colin, look at the, the class that Mike Evans is in here. Most consecutive seasons with a thousand or more receiving yards. Jerry Rice is one. And then it's Mike Evans, Tim Brown, legendary player, Tori Holt, Marvin Harrison, Chris Carter. We're at the point where Mike Evans, is he a top 10 receiver in the history of the NFL? I mean, top 15. He's got the numbers to back it up and he hasn't always had amazing quarterbacks.

Colin Cowherd (37:58)

So who are the top 10 receivers, Jerry Rice, Randy Moss, Calvin Johnson, Chris.

Jason McIntyre (38:03)

Carter's probably got to be in there for some of his accolades to certainly up there. I mean, and Mike Evans, you know, not the sexiest name. He just every, every season he goes out and delivers consistently. He's really good, man.

Colin Cowherd (38:18)

I think he is. I mean, top five I can name. Then it gets a little dicey. I'm not sure if I can.

Jason McIntyre (38:24)

Yeah, because there's some. There's a lot of baseball stat patterns. You know, this is not SAT patting. He's got to do this for the bucks to win. And no Godwin. I mean, Evans is just a great story, man. Awesome player. Final story, Colin is to college football. We had the crazy matchup in that Beach Bowl. Texas, Arizona State, just an absolute thriller. The Sun Devils, as I said earlier, out gained the Longhorns 510 to 375. They were down 16 in the final seven minutes for double overtime. Kelly, Kenny Dillingham thinks that Arizona State proved they belong.

Colin Cowherd (39:00)

When you look at it, did we belong on the field? I think a lot of people were questioning that and I don't think any person questions if we belonged on the field. Now there are no moral victories when the season ends.

Greg Cosell (39:11)

There's no such thing.

Colin Cowherd (39:12)

This should hurt. This should be painful. The locker room is dreadful right now and it should be. If it wasn't, something would be wrong. But at the same token, now that this is over, I. I really am going to challenge our guys to reflect on where it all started because it really is remarkable. That's great. I mean it. They were able to create offense. They didn't have three and outs. How many plays they have? 97. So it's insane. They, I mean, Texas with all that talent had three and outs. I mean, they had sustained drives. It was one of those games that if I would have guessed time of possession, I'm like, I'd have to. Because Texas had big plays and a lot of sustained drives.

Jason McIntyre (40:00)

Yeah, it felt like an NCAA tournament game. 16 versus 1, right? Huge underdog, big deficit. And then they store back and you're rooting for them. Man, I can't get over that target and play. How angry do you think ASU grads must be that was. I mean, helmet to helmet, clear targeting. No.

Colin Cowherd (40:17)

Well, I was talking to my buddy John Midkoff last night. I don't like the call because I think over the course of the last six, seven years, players aren't doing that. Anytime there's a collision, it's accidental. Nobody's head hunting it's been kind of coached out of the sport. So I don't like it. And I never like college kids getting thrown out the game of football. The players are getting bigger, stronger, faster, the collisions are getting gnarlier and they're happening quicker. I don't know a single player in college that I would say that guy's a headhunter. That's just not that. That's not something college football has. When you have these occasional helmet to helmet hits. Now, that's about as bad as it gets in college. I understand. That to me is a penalty. I think they should get rid of the ejection rule. And I, to be honest with you, I think it was necessary seven to eight years ago. I don't even think. I don't think it is necessary.

Jason McIntyre (41:10)

Well, it's like, what is a catch in the NFL? You know how it's still debated. A lot of these guys are saying, I don't know what targeting is. And I think Dillingham was one of them. He's like, I don't know what targeting is. That the rule just doesn't. I mean, that was clear helmet to helmet. But speaking of headhunting in that Boise State game, Colin, that guy who decked Ashton Genti out of the blue, Come on, that. That was as dirty as it gets. I think at number 33 at Penn State. You remember that play? It was like off the turnover, Genti standing there and he just blindsided. What? We don't need that in football. Well, that guy got a 15 yard penalty later for hitting the quarterback in the end zone.

Colin Cowherd (41:42)

Yeah, well, you know, I don't want.

Jason McIntyre (41:44)

To go after a college kid, but that's that.

Colin Cowherd (41:45)

Well, football's rough. It's a rough sport.

Jason McIntyre (41:48)

That's probably why I didn't play it.

Colin Cowherd (41:49)

You've got a genty sort of physical stature.

Jason McIntyre (41:52)

Oh, really?

Colin Cowherd (41:52)

So you're the little guy?

Jason McIntyre (41:55)

I prefer Scatter Boo, but Scatter Boo's a house. That's how I feel sometimes. Getting the handoffs.

Colin Cowherd (42:01)

Yeah. All right, beach volleyball guy. All right. J. Mac with the news. Well, that's the news, and thanks for stopping by the Herd line. Winter is officially upon us. Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific, with Amex Platinum. Welcome to the Centurion Lounge. You get access to the Centurion Lounge. So the sounds of vacation start before you get there. That's.

Jason McIntyre (42:28)

That's the powerful backing of American Express.

Colin Cowherd (42:30)

Terms apply. Learn more@american express.com With Amex, you can count on T Mobile to help keep you connected from big cities to small towns on America's largest 5G network. Switch the T Mobile keep your phone and they'll pay it off up to 800 bucks per line via prepaid card. Learn more@t mobile.com heap and switch up to four lines via virtual prepaid card. Allow 15 days qualifying unlock device credit service port in 90 days with device and eligible carrier and timely redemption required. Card has no cash access and expires in six months. If you're looking to set the standard in athletic clothing in activewear apparel for performance, look no further than Viori. Vuori integrates the best of fitness, the best of surf, sport and art. Two of my personal favorites. The Men's Core Short it's the most comfortable lined athletic shirt you'll find and the Men's Sunday Performance Jogger perfect for lounging or any work activity. Vuori has the women covered as well with their Women's Performance Jogger. It's the softest jogger you'll ever own. Also check out the Women's Daily Legging featuring a high waist drawstring tie, an upgraded no slip fit. Incredibly versatile. Plenty of new colors just came in, but hurry, get them while you can. Viori is designed to look great in everyday life outside the gym. It's not a brand, it's a way of life. Viori is an investment in your happiness. For our listeners. They're offering 20% off your first purchase. Get yourself some of the most comfortable and versatile clothing on the planet@vuori.com Colin that's V U O R I.com Colin not only will you receive 20% off your first purchase, but you're also going to get free shipping on any US orders over 75 bucks and free returns go to vuori.com Colin Discover the versatility of VUORICLOTHING V U O R I Catch Jon Stewart back in action on the Daily show and in your ears with the Daily Show Ears Edition podcast. From his hilarious satirical takes on today's politics and entertainment to the unique voices of correspondents and contributors, it's your perfect companion to stay on top of what's happening now. Plus plus you'll get special content just for podcast listeners, like in depth interviews and a roundup of the week's top headlines. Listen on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Jason McIntyre (45:02)

Sunday on Fox. The final week of the NFL season comes down to this at one Eastern. It's win and they're in as Baker Mayfield and the Buck look to punch their ticket to the playoffs against the Saints. Then at 4, the Dolphins fight for the final AFC playoff spot against the Jets. It's a huge doubleheader Sunday on Fox.

Colin Cowherd (45:22)

You know, years ago when Trevor Lawrence came out in the draft the quarterback for the Jags, he got some criticism for saying, my life is not designed by football or defined by football. And Andrew Luck retired early. His life was not defined by football. Aaron Rodgers, his measuring stick for success is one that Brady Mahomes and Peyton Manning and Drew Brees would probably roll their eye out. You know, he doesn't consider football the be all end all, nor does he consider winning the be all end all. He talked about his future with the New York Jets. I mean, gratitude, honestly, it's been the best two years of my life. And that's a perspective adjustment that happened.

Greg Cosell (46:04)

I think at some point during the.

Colin Cowherd (46:05)

Rehab process last year. But then just the excitement, falling back in love with the game, getting to know these guys in here, getting to know the great men and women that work here.

Greg Cosell (46:14)

Been a lot of fun. You know, it's obviously on the field's.

Colin Cowherd (46:18)

Been been short of expectations, no doubt. But this game is more than just that. This game is about the relationships. Well, I mean, for a quarterback, relationships are important, especially when the relationships equal rings. But Aaron's different and Trevor Lawrence probably different, and Andrew Luck was different. To be an all time great, generally you have to be and I don't care if it's on Wall street or football, kind of obsessed, Tech law kind of obsessed. Aaron isn't so he said he needs a break mentally, physically, put his feet in the sand. It doesn't really shock me. I think Aaron's still talented, but I just think he measures success differently. And I do believe you got a lot less of this early in his career when he was going toe to toe with Brady and Manning. And then I think both Peyton and Tom Brady separated from him on the field and he kind of pivoted to a, hey, football is not the most important thing. Maybe it's a protective mechanism, I don't know. But it does feel like the last six or seven years when Brady and Manning sort of stacked trophies and that he kind of pivoted away from football in terms of off season. I want to do more than football. It's his right. He's not the first quarterback to not be obsessed with winning. I still, if I was, the jets would keep him because I think, you know, he's somewhere between 12, 13, 15th, 16, best quarterback. Maybe he's played very well. Late, he gets another off season, you know, because he was a bit rusty early in the season. Maybe next year is the big year and the final year. Here's Greg Cosell and what he's seen on tape of Aaron.

Greg Cosell (47:51)

And he can just still snap it off with the best in the league. Mentally, he's smart. Don't forget, he's 40 and he's coming off an Achilles, you know, And I think this is almost. I don't want to say it's a practice year for him, because that'd be wrong. He's playing in the league, and when you're out there, you got to perform. But I'm very curious to see if he's back with the jets and if he's a starting quarterback next year, how he would play. But I think he still can play in this league based on how he throws it and how he sees the game mentally. I'd love to see him get another year to see if he can come back even more from that Achilles.

Colin Cowherd (48:25)

So he said New York's been the best two years of his life. One of them was injured and one of them, they stunk. So winning is obviously not the most important thing. I'm not taking a shot at him, but that's what he's saying. I mean, if. If I went through a two years of a bad marriage and said it's been the best two years of my life, it's an indictment on the marriage, right? So it's like winning is not the most important thing because he won in Green Bay and got great coaching and won the division. Listen. And he. He considers that second to his New York experience. So you just have to listen. He kind of spends his off seasons like that is true. Maybe that's why he started the season slow. Maybe his rehab was like that. It wasn't the most important thing. I don't know. But when you say this is the best two years of my life and it's been one injured rehabbing and one a disaster, it tells me that winning's not the most important thing. Okay, no judge, free zone, whatever. But I always kind of. I kind of feel like he trains like that and his off seasons are like that, and maybe his rehab was like that. That's what it feels like to me. Also the story that deserves another discussion. Adam Schefter saying teams will call on J.J. mcCarthy. Why is that out? Diana Rossini reporting. Vikings want to sign Sam Darnold. I'll say it again, two legitimate reporters. They may just be putting J.J. mcCarthy feelers out there. Seattle's got the 18th pick. Minnesota desperately needs draft picks. They don't have a second, a third or a fourth. Don't have it. And in a division where Detroit is stacked, Chicago could ascend with a new coach and Green Bay is the youngest good team in the league. You can't have a first round pick and not draft until the 5th. So I could see because Daniel Jones is not going to fetch a lot of picks in a bad quarterback draft. And it's bad JJ McCarthy because remember the Vikings, a lot of teams did their work on J.J. mcCarthy and the Vikings only used a 4th and a 5th rounder to get him. They didn't consider him. I mean what you trade for a player is what you consider. I think you can get draft picks that Minnesota desperately needs. And I also think they're not letting Sam Darnold go. And why did they bring Daniel Jones in in November? I'm just saying there's a lot of drip, drip, drip. There's a lot of things that connect and on this show we would love to be the first one to put the pieces together. But Schefter now reporting teams will be interested. Why is that out today? Our three next Wasabi Technologies is purpose built to free businesses from skyrocketing storage costs and unpredictable egress fees from those old and top heavy legacy providers. You know the big guys. Wasabi is the go to provider for professional and collegiate sports teams around the world. From Wasabi's AI enabled intelligent media storage Wasabi Air to the industry's only cloud storage service with triple protection against cybercriminals, Wasabi is driving innovation in data storage. All for up to 80% less than the other guys. Triumph for free@wasabi.com Wasabi Hot Cloud Storage Proud partner of the Voluum Podcast Network. Traveling to see your fave sports team is cool, but traveling with AMEX Platinum for the big game is even better. Right this way. With access to dedicated card member entrances at select events, you can skip the line and one. And with access to the Centurion Lounge.

Jason McIntyre (52:19)

He shoots a three.

Colin Cowherd (52:20)

You can catch the next game on the way home. That's the powerful backing of American Express. Terms apply. Learn more@americanexpress.com with AmEx card member entrance access not limited to AMEX Platinum Card 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 Join late night legend Jon Stewart and the best news team for today's biggest headlines, exclusive extended interviews and more. Now this. This is a second term we can all get behind. Listen to the Daily Show Ears edition on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.