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- [00:00]
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- [00:33]
J. Mac
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- [01:18]
Larison Campbell
Gotta be Wendy's in Mississippi. Yazoo clay keeps secrets.
- [01:24]
J. Mac
7,000 bodies out there or more.
- [01:28]
Larison Campbell
A forgotten asylum cemetery.
- [01:30]
J. Mac
It was my family's mystery.
- [01:32]
Larison Campbell
Shame, guilt, propriety. Something keeps it all buried deep until it's not. I'm Larison Campbell and this is under Yazoo Clay. Listen on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
- [01:49]
Rocket Mortgage Ad
Banking with Capital One helps you keep more money in your wallet with no fees or minimums on checking accounts and no overdraft fees. Just ask the Capital One bank guy. It's pretty much all he talks about in a good way. He'd also tell you that this podcast is his favorite podcast too. Oh really? Thanks Capital One Bank Guy. What's in your wallet? Terms apply. See CapitalOne.com Bank Capital One NA Member FDIC thanks for listening to the Herd podcast. Be sure to catch us live every weekday on Fox Sports Radio and noon to 3 Eastern, 9am to noon Pacific. Find your local station for the herd@foxsportsradio.com or stream us live every day on the iHeartRadio app by searching Fox Sports Radio or FSR.
- [02:37]
J. Mac
Now, let's get this party started. You're listening to Fox Sports Radio, our number two here on the Herd. It's a fun Friday, folks. Oh, you like that alliteration, Alex Got Alex Curry joining me. Got on my case earlier for being a little negative. So we're gonna start this hour positive. What?
- [02:57]
Alex Curry
No, you're not.
- [02:58]
J. Mac
You're like.
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Alex Curry
You're coming out, like, blazing today, which.
- [03:01]
J. Mac
Kind of got enough yesterday fired up.
- [03:05]
Alex Curry
Yeah. Good for you. I like it ending the week on a strong note. Well, I told you on a spicy note. We'd like a little spicy Friday.
- [03:12]
J. Mac
Only time someone came after me in public.
- [03:15]
Alex Curry
Okay. Was someone in public.
- [03:17]
J. Mac
It was this meatball downtown over a Cam Newton take from, like, two years ago.
- [03:23]
Alex Curry
Oh, I was here. Yeah, yeah, I remember that.
- [03:26]
J. Mac
That guy was upset at that. I was like, bro, that was like two years ago. I've had a thousand take since then.
- [03:30]
Alex Curry
It's okay. Keep them coming.
- [03:32]
J. Mac
I listen. What I'm about to say is real and authentic.
- [03:36]
Alex Curry
Let's go.
- [03:36]
J. Mac
Maybe not Shador Sanders level, keeping it real, but there's this guy in the NBA named Ja Moran, and he is a phenomenal basketball player, period. Like, three years ago, John Morant was on track to be the face of the NBA. I looked this up. In his third year, Memphis got to the conference semifinals, and this guy was dynamite, just an outstanding player. And it has gone rapidly downhill for John Moran. So last night, he's playing against the Minnesota Timberwolves. And John Moran, who earlier this week was doing a gun celebration, pointing it at the warriors bench. I believe it was at Buddy healed. And now John Moran has decided since he got told stop doing the gun celebration. Guy who was in trouble for having a gun on Instagram Live, he decided, okay, let me pivot off the guns and I'll go to a grenade celebration. So last night, John Morant bangs a three against Minnesota in another loss. By the way, Minnesota smoked him. And here you see on the screen, John Moran 3. He's all excited, pulls the pin, chucks the grenade, and cover his ears. My guy. What are we doing? Somebody on our staff. I should call him out by name, but I'm not going to. I thought it was a great take. Is he trying to get his way out of Memphis? Like it's possible. Unlikely, but possible. Why do you keep doing dumb things? This is not a cool celebration, you know? Are guys jealous that Steph Curry has the sleep thing when he hits a three late in a game? I Mean, he did at the Olympics. And it's an iconic image. He does it in the NBA. It's pretty awesome. So J's like, I need my signature thing. How about winning? How about playing for your coach? Now? You know, the Memphis has been a little rocky this season. Which end adds to the potential? Is Ja trying to get out of Memphis? So Memphis, their head coach kind of had let John Morant do his thing and whatever, and then he keeps getting hurt. So they're like, we need some protections. Let's bring in some assistant coaches who are going to take the ball out of Jaw's hands and make everyone else better, make it more well rounded. And so that worked for a little while and jaws numbers came down, but then it stopped working. And Ja said, bleep this. I'm going get mine. And then they end up firing the coach. And so it's this weird tug of war inside Memphis internally. Do we want to ride Jaw or do we want to get everybody better? This reminds me, and I'm not comparing John Morant to Michael Jordan. It's just an obvious coaching strategy. Michael Jordan had the run of the show in Chicago. Doug Collins, who he loved as head coach. Doug, you want me to do me? I got you. I'm going to get 35. Oh, we're going to lose in the second round of playoffs. So they bring in Phil Jackson and Tex Winter and they put in the triangle offense. More structure for Michael. Michael, we're going to take a few shots away from you. We're going to spread the wealth, but we're going to be unstoppable. Now, the timing was great for Jordan and the Bulls and Phil Jackson. The rest of the east was weakening. The Celtics were breaking down. The Pistons definitely broke down. The Ewings, Knicks, my, my favorite team of my youth. They could never take down the Bulls in a playoff series that mattered. And the rest is history. You know, Michael Jordan rides a triangle offense to massive success. Six titles, blah, blah, blah. Is there a world where Ja Morant can fall in line for the betterment of the team and franchise? And given his track record in the last, I don't know, four years, I'm going to go ahead and say that's not happening. Okay. I like John Moran as a player. I know he's immensely popular among the young kids, but he is losing that grip the same way Zion, who was supposed to be face of the league, it was like him and John Morant, could they be the face of the league? Can they share it because they're dynamic and explosive and just high level athletes and neither of them has been able to A, stay healthy and B, get their act together off the court. John Moran, just advice you don't need to take. Ditch the grenade celebration, man. Just play basketball, be a leader and win some games. That's probably your best bet to get back on top. All right, let's welcome into the show a great guest. He covers the NFL for the Boston Globe, Ben Wallin. Ben, it is great to have you, man. It's a good time to be a Patriots fan, right? Colin Cowherd loves them. I said earlier in the show, Ben, I think they're a playoff team this year. That may be a bridge too far. But you got a good coach in Mr. Vrabel, huh?
- [08:05]
Ben Volin
You know what, things are looking a lot brighter in Foxborough these days. They've got, I think, a very quality coach and Mike Vrabel and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. I think that was a great hire. They've got a young quarterback in Drake May. They've won the off season spending all this money on free agents. Milton Williams, Stefon Diggs, Harold Landry. Things are the arrow is definitely pointing up in Foxborough and it's not crazy to predict them as a playoff team. I mean, I don't think they're going to be a real contender. But if the commanders can do it in one year, if the Minnesota Vikings can go from last place to the playoffs, why can't The Patriots go 9, 8 or 10, 7 and sneak into the playoffs next year? I think the expectations are definitely a lot higher in Foxborough than they were in the past.
- [08:51]
J. Mac
So I don't want to go back to last year too much because I'm sure it was a ghastly time for you covering the team. They were obviously very bad, but did they need to just take out a lot of guys who weren't meant for that? Locker room weren't a good fit and Vrabel is now reshaping the roster in his vision.
- [09:08]
Ben Volin
Yeah, I don't think the issue was like a spoiled locker room that I don't think attitude was the reason. I think it was talented. This is a team that for the last four to five years under Bill Belichick really struggled to draft. And it all came to a head the last year or two where they just didn't have much veteran talent. You know, back in 2021 they had to go out and overpay. For several free agents like Hunter Henry, Matthew Judon, that's a clear reflection of poor Drafting and same thing this offseason with all the money that the Patriots have spent. I mean, last year they had the worst offensive line, the worst group of receivers. Drake May was playing with nothing last year. So I wouldn't say that it's, it was like a bad attitude or they had to, you know, get rid of some, some rotten apples in the locker room. They just need to add talent. And if you're Gerard Mayo, I think you're wondering, well, where was this free agency spending last year? The Patriots didn't really bring in many top guys from that, from the outside last year. And I think if you're Gerard Mayo, it's like, well, you know, gee, it's nice that Mike Vrabel can get all this talent, but where was this talent for me last year?
- [10:11]
J. Mac
Yeah, I think I saw a stat, Ben, that the Patriots had the most different starting offensive line combinations in the league. That might have been from you or someone, but like they could just couldn't figure it out. Have they done enough in free agency to solidify the O line or do you think they still stick with offensive line at four in the draft?
- [10:29]
Ben Volin
No, I mean offensive line is still definitely a big question. And left tackle is the one glaring hole that they didn't fill in free agency. They got a receiver and Stefon Diggs. They got a lot of help on defense. A cornerback, Carlton Davis, Milton Williams, defensive tackle, Robert Spillane, linebacker. One hole they didn't fill was left tackle. They brought in Morgan Moses, the 34 year old veteran from the Jets. He'll be on the right side, but the Patriots still definitely need to find an answer at left tackle. You know, it's not a, it's an interesting decision they face at number four. There's not like a guaranteed sure thing left tackle prospect like Joe Alt last year who went to the Chargers. You know, Will Campbell from LSU is an excellent football player, a top prospect, maybe the best lineman in the draft. But there is some concern about his size and his measurables. You know, the whole arm length thing. Does he have the arm length to be a left tackle in the NFL? And I think that's what the Patriots are facing right now. Is he the guy they want to take it for or is that a little high for a guy who you're not quite sure is going to be a left tackle and might ultimately have to play guard in the NFL? But you know, protecting Drake May is the number one goal for the Patriots this year. And I don't know if they've done enough Bringing in Morgan Moses and center Garrett Bradbury for Minnesota. Those are good moves, but, you know, adding a left tackle, you know, getting Will Campbell in the draft will look good on paper, but then there will be questions, of course, if he can actually play the position in the NFL.
- [11:56]
J. Mac
So let's just assume that Cam Ward goes one, Travis Hunter two and Abdul Carter three. Although I find it hard to believe the Giants would take another defensive lineman. But who knows if the Patriots don't go offensive tackle? Do you have a wild card? Is Ashton Genty in play? Is that too crazy? Is there Tyler Warren, the tight end seems a little rich. Four seems to be a kind of a tough spot here for the Patriots.
- [12:21]
Ben Volin
It is a tough spot for the Patriots, who are. I think if you're sitting there at 4, you're praying that Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter falls to you and makes it a very easy decision. And really, it highlights just how. How awful that Week 18 win was for the Patriots over the Bills last year when Joe Milton came in and won the game, dropped them from number one to four. If they were sitting at number one right now, they could trade that pick to Tennessee or Cleveland, get a nice haul and still feel good about getting Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter. Now they're kind of in purgatory with that fourth pick if they decide Will Campbell's not their guy. There's another offensive tackle, Armand Menbu from Missouri. He looks the part, but he's only been a right tackle. And moving him to the left side is a little bit of a projection. And then otherwise, I think the Patriots go past rusher. You can never have enough of those guys. Variable seems to want guys who can pin their ears back and get after the quarterback. And the guy that's gaining some buzz is Jaylon Walker from University of Georgia. Just a freak of an athlete. Can play on the line of scrimmage, can play off the ball. You can do a lot of different things with him. He'd be, I think, a tremendous piece in the Patriots defense. You know, the one issue is this draft is stacked with pass rushes. There's going to be almost maybe 20 guys in the top three or so rounds to go. So do you necessarily need to take a pass rusher at number four when there are fewer left tackles, there are fewer tight ends available. I would love for them to get Warren from Penn State, Ashton Genti from Boise State. I don't think they go there. I don't think that's a team that's ready to take a running back with number four. But they do need playmakers on offense. That's been the Patriots biggest issue the last two years, is they finished 31st and 30th in scoring. They need playmakers. So Ashton Genti would be fun. He'd be a controversial pick. I don't see them making it. I think it's going to be either Will Campbell, Armand Menboo, one of the tackles, or Jaylon Walker, probably the pass rusher.
- [14:10]
J. Mac
One more on the Patriots. You know, Cowherd really likes this team. This year he started convinced me like, hey man, there's something there. Obviously they're going to be better than the jets and Justin Fields at quarterback. Can they be better than the Miami Dolphins? Is the question is that a realistic expectation? Let's assume Tyreek Hill's playing for the Dolphins this season.
- [14:29]
Ben Volin
Of course, yeah. I mean, honestly, I think it's very realistic that the Patriots could finish second in the division this year. Not a fan of what the Dolphins have done. I think this is a team that needs a hard reset. But they have stood by their coach, their quarterback and their gm. I don't know, the Dolphins, to me, feel like a team that is about to fall apart in 2025. They've really lacked discipline the last few years, haven't been able to get over that hump and then have really struggled in high leverage situations, bad weather, important games, December playoff teams. I'm not a big fan of where the Dolphins are headed. And I think that, like I said, the arrow is definitely pointing up for the Patriots. I think Mike Vrabel is going to be an excellent coach for them, really instilling an attitude and a culture that's been missing the last few years. They've already increased their talent. You know, we'll see what Stefon Diggs can give them. The Patriots put a lot of protection in that contract in case he's not quite the same player coming back from that acl. But Drake May in year two, he's going to have a lot more talent around him. The defense should be better. And I just think the coaching with rabel and Josh McDaniels is going to be a lot better than what Drake May and the Patriots got last year. So I definitely think that they can finish second in that division and compete for a wild card.
- [15:37]
J. Mac
All right, one more on the Patriots. I forgot. So Vrabel, historically, gamblers love him because he does more with less seemingly than any coach in like the last 15 years. He's a great, great schemer and a mastermind and a leader. I'M just curious, what are your early impressions with him? Will the Patriots look radically different as an offensive team next year?
- [15:59]
Ben Volin
Well, yes, but just because, you know, last year's offense was radically different for them under Alex Van Pelt. More of the west coast scheme that he brought from Green Bay. Now they're going back to the Josh McDaniels offense, which everyone around here is very familiar with over the last 20 years. So it's going to be different. It's not going to be like Tom Brady running a show. But Josh McDaniels has been very adaptable. He's worked with Cam Newton, Mac Jones, Matt Castle. So I expect Josh McDaniels and his staff to put Drake May in a position to succeed. And I think Drake May. That's a. To me, that's a great coach for him, having McDaniels kind of tutor him. And I think Drake May is definitely on the up and up. You know, with Vrabel in Tennessee, you know, the people down there will like to point out that with the more power he got with the team, the kind of the worst they did. And then once he lost Arthur Smith, his offensive coordinator, that's when Tannehill and the rest of the offense didn't start doing as well. But Vrabel, to me, is a terrific motivator and he's a great leader. He's. He's exactly what this program needs, a guy who's been there and done that. He's one coach of the year. He's won playoff games. He came into Foxborough and won a playoff game and beat Tom Brady. He's got confidence. He was a player. He won as a player. Like, he's everything. With all due respect to Geron Mayo, he, Rabel, brings a lot more to the table than Mayo did last year as far as leadership. And I know things didn't end well for Variable in Tennessee, but I think there's something to be said for having a guy who has made some mistakes and is willing to learn from them. And I definitely see that from Variable every time I've heard him speak so far, three or four times in the offseason. You know, you just listen. You're like, man, this is the perfect guy for this team in this situation. And I really do like the way that he's got the program headed right now.
- [17:41]
J. Mac
All right, two real quick ones. Big picture afc. I made a case earlier that Chiefs will regress this season. I have not gone online to see how bad people hate me for it. But Ben, I mean, 110 in one score games. We know historically that flips year to year and they haven't done anything to help their roster this offseason. They picked up a backup left tackle from the Niners, hoping that he will salvage their offensive line. Traded away. Tony. Listen, man, you can't stay on top forever in the NFL. That's the reason we have this salary cap. The league is structured for parody. Do you see the Chiefs progressing? They win in 15 games. We know that. Right.
- [18:16]
Ben Volin
Well, I mean, I like everything you're saying here, J. Mac. It makes a lot of sense. And I think with most teams, what you're saying would be the case that the Chiefs would take a step back this year. Maybe there'll be a 10, 7 team. You know, you didn't get Patrick Mahomes much help. What are you doing with the offensive line? But this is the Chiefs and it's Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes. I know that's not the most scientific analysis, but I would never count these guys out. And they're bringing Kelsey back for another year. There's still plenty of time before they kick the ball off in September. There are still moves to be made, whether it's finding another receiver or, you know, bolstering the offensive line. The draft is coming up. I think the Chiefs, they're not just sitting on their hands this offseason. They're trying to make their. Their roster better and trying to specifically address their offensive line. So, you know, maybe, you know, maybe you're right in that they're not going to win 15 games and go 15 and two. But that said, I'm never counting out Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid and Travis Kelson. These guys are too good and too savvy and have won too many games for them not to have things figured out by the fall.
- [19:19]
J. Mac
All right, so last one. So we did a thing on Bill Belichick earlier and Alex was like, listen, he sounds like a new person. I don't know how closely you've paid attention to what's happening in North Carolina. I know Bill's social life has picked up certainly considerably. I'm just curious. You spent so many years around this guy. Based on what you've seen and read and heard, do you feel like it's a totally new Bill Belichick?
- [19:43]
Ben Volin
No, I think it's a Bill Belichick who's trying to sell himself a little bit. You know, he's. He's on social media now and he's very prominent with his young girlfriend out there. I just think now that he's been fired from the Patriots, he's trying to rehab his image a little bit and coming across as, you know, your soft grandpa and your fun grandpa and that kind of thing. But he's still the same old Bill Belichick. And I guarantee you those players aren't going to love his practices this August down at unc, where there are fewer practice restrictions at college than there are in the NFL. So I don't think he's going to be too changed in that respect. But, yeah, you know, when you're fired, your ego is bruised a little bit. I think he's just out there trying to show the world that he's not just some old curmudgeon, that he still has some magic left up his sleeve. You know, we'll see. We'll see how he does down at unc, that it's definitely. He's gonna do good things for that program. But, man, it's unc. He still has a lot of work to do at a place like that.
- [20:41]
J. Mac
Great, great stuff. Ben Volin, Boston Globe NFL reporter. Great stuff. Has always been. And good luck with the draft, the offseason. It's gonna be a fun summer.
- [20:52]
Ben Volin
Yeah, absolutely. Thanks a lot, J. Mac.
- [20:54]
J. Mac
Ben, that was great stuff. Did you like the commentary on Bill?
- [20:57]
Alex Curry
I. I do, but again, like, he. He saw a side of Bill that we didn't get to see on a daily basis. And like I said, it's. It is. It's like it's a new public version we're getting of Bill, which he started to do in the media last year once. He was kind of doing some analyst work, and he was on different shows. But I be tough. These guys need tough. But, like, he's also still, like, such a great mind to mold these young men into great people and athletes.
- [21:27]
J. Mac
He. He. Ben said he's like your old grandpa softening. And just the idea of Bill Belichick being a grandpa, it's just hard to. I think of him as an NFL coach, as, like, the hoodie.
- [21:38]
Alex Curry
He's. But he is late 70s.
- [21:40]
J. Mac
He's starting to humanize himself a little bit. I think he's early 70s, right?
- [21:43]
Alex Curry
Early 70s. I don't know. It's 70 somewhere, but it's just a facet.
- [21:47]
J. Mac
It's probably my favorite college football story.
- [21:49]
Alex Curry
Proud of him. Yeah, I'm proud of him. This is a big step, especially for, like, someone that wasn't in the social media.
- [21:57]
J. Mac
72.
- [21:58]
Alex Curry
Okay. So, yeah, he's a young 70.
- [22:00]
J. Mac
Yeah.
- [22:00]
Alex Curry
That's like my mom's age 72. Is Pete Carroll around?
- [22:05]
J. Mac
I think he's older than that. Oh, Belichick turns 73 this week.
- [22:09]
Alex Curry
Okay.
- [22:09]
J. Mac
And he's going to be. Okay. This is a decent question I've had with. So if you're 73, are you in your early 70s or mid 70s?
- [22:17]
Alex Curry
Early. So I would say 74 to 76 is mid. 74 to 76 is what?
- [22:24]
J. Mac
77. Late 70.
- [22:25]
Alex Curry
Yeah, late 70s.
- [22:26]
J. Mac
So it's three. Three and three is early. Okay. Yeah.
- [22:30]
Alex Curry
Right. Come on.
- [22:32]
J. Mac
The math problem, you're probably right. But you know, as you get older, trust me, when you hit 30, I don't even know if you're 30.
- [22:38]
Alex Curry
I get it. Yeah.
- [22:39]
J. Mac
I'm like, I'm like mid-30s at 37.
- [22:41]
Alex Curry
You know, I mean, you can say that if you. I'm proud of my age. I have lived every single one of my years, like to the fullest. So I'm proud and I feel grateful to get older. Not everyone gets to do that.
- [22:51]
J. Mac
I don't. Coming up next, Alex is going to tell us why one NBA team controls its own destiny. That's next.
- [22:59]
Rocket Mortgage Ad
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- [23:00]
Ben Volin
The herd streams 24 hours a day.
- [23:02]
J. Mac
Seven days a week within the iHeartRadio app.
- [23:05]
Ben Volin
Search herd to listen live or on.
- [23:07]
J. Mac
Demand whenever you'd like.
- [23:09]
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- [24:09]
J. Mac
Equal housing lender licensed in all 50 states. NMLS consumeraccess.org Number 3030 there's a type.
- [24:14]
Larison Campbell
Of soil in Mississippi called Yazoo Clay. It's thick, burnt orange and it's got a reputation.
- [24:21]
Alex Curry
It's terrible, terrible dirt.
- [24:22]
Larison Campbell
Yazoo Clay eats everything. So things that get buried there tend to stay buried until they're not. In 2012, construction crews at Mississippi's biggest hospital made a shocking discovery.
- [24:36]
J. Mac
7,000 bodies out there or more, all.
- [24:40]
Larison Campbell
Former patients of the old state asylum. And nobody knew they were there.
- [24:45]
J. Mac
It was my family's mystery.
- [24:47]
Larison Campbell
But in this corner of the south, it's not just the soil that keeps secrets.
- [24:52]
Ben Volin
Nobody talks about it. Nobody has any information.
- [24:55]
Larison Campbell
When you peel back the layers of Mississippi's Yazoo clay, nothing's ever as simple as you think.
- [25:01]
Alex Curry
The story is much more complicated and nuanced than that.
- [25:06]
Larison Campbell
I'm Larison Campbell. Listen to under yazukle on the iHeartRadio app, Apple podcast or wherever you get your podcast.
- [25:17]
Jeremy Hobson
We live in a divided country.
- [25:19]
J. Mac
I am a lifelong Republican with all.
- [25:22]
Jeremy Hobson
Kinds of different people.
- [25:23]
Alex Curry
You know, I'm a mother, I'm a grandmother.
- [25:26]
Jeremy Hobson
That's why we started the Middle with Jeremy Hobson. It's about bringing voices not from the extremes, but from the vast middle into the national conversation.
- [25:34]
J. Mac
Anna, I'm calling from Las Vegas.
- [25:36]
Jeremy Hobson
Each week we bring together an all star panel. Mark Cuban, so great to have you on the Middle.
- [25:41]
Ben Volin
Thanks for having me.
- [25:42]
Jeremy Hobson
Jeremy, Neil Degrasse Tyson, welcome to the Middle.
- [25:44]
Alex Curry
Thanks for having me.
- [25:45]
Jeremy Hobson
And hear from ordinary Americans from all over the country on the most important issues.
- [25:49]
Ben Volin
Hi, my name is Venkat.
- [25:51]
J. Mac
I'm calling you from Atlanta, Georgia.
- [25:53]
Jeremy Hobson
And when you subscribe to the Middle, you also get an episode each week called One Thing Trump did that focuses on just one item from the avalanche of news.
- [26:02]
J. Mac
We should be examining what our government spends its money on and are these.
- [26:05]
Ben Volin
Jobs necessary and what are we doing here? But that doesn't seem to be what.
- [26:08]
J. Mac
We'Re doing in this situation.
- [26:10]
Jeremy Hobson
Listen to the Middle with Jeremy Hobson on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
- [26:16]
Greg Rosenthal
What's up, everyone? It's Greg Rosenthal and I'm teaming up with the King of Spring, Daniel Jeremiah. He requires me to say that we're going to be bringing you 40s and free agents, the only podcast you'll need this NFL draft season season. From DJs, mock drafts to my top 101, free agents will have it covered for you with all new episodes every Thursday keeping you up to date as we head to the NFL Draft. Listen to 40s and free agents on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.
- [26:45]
J. Mac
It was great stuff from Ben Volen, Patriots, Boston Globe, NFL. He does it all really, really Fun segment. If you missed it, I'm sure it'll be on the podcast. Let's go to Alex Curry with the news. No, no, no. Turn on the news.
- [27:00]
Ben Volin
This is the headline news.
- [27:03]
Alex Curry
A lot of draft talk this week, J. Mac. Now that we're. We're getting close. We're almost. We're under two weeks. Yeah, we're under two weeks. So draft analyst Todd McJay had suggested for the teams at the top of the draft, J. Mac, he said, I don't think you're going to. I don't think you're going to like this, J. Mac. But McShay said, with Abdul Carter, here's what it comes down to for me. You don't pass on a blue chipper, a tier one guy, even if the other option is a quarterback, you don't pass on a blue chip player. And this year there may only be two. Now, the two he's talking about are Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter. Now, he did add that Cam Ward is not a blue chipper, but has a high enough grade as a quarterback to still be taken ahead of the two blue chippers he considers in Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter. But again, like, we can all assume what teams are going to do, we can all make our mock drafts, but it's all going to come down to what this specific team thinks that they need and they want. And do you agree with McShay and what he's going with here?
- [28:06]
J. Mac
Define best. How would you define best?
- [28:09]
Alex Curry
How would you define best? Best would be best fit for your team, I think. Best fit for your needs. Best fit for what you need. Best fit to immediately plug and play in the NFL.
- [28:23]
J. Mac
Yeah, I mean, listen, I get it. He's safe, right? He's good. He's really good.
- [28:27]
Alex Curry
I would say six. Like safe for success. You don't know. There's always going to be a learning curve.
- [28:33]
J. Mac
Right. And listen, I'll point to Chase Young, the Ohio State legend. He goes to the NFL and is like, I think he's on like his third or fourth team already. Like, he was considered safe. These edge rushers I get, Miles Garrett delivered. I get it. But you know Crosby of the Raiders, he fell in the draft. He was like a mid round pick. TJ Watt was not like a top five pick or anything. It's weird. Guys go first and it goes to their head. I was the number one pick. I got the most money, I got the most endorsements, and they don't always deliver. I did read some stuff that makes you want to question Carter. And it's not just the foot injury and surgery, but again, everybody has holes.
- [29:10]
Alex Curry
Yeah. But Travis Hunter, though, I do think is a blue chip player. He's a stud Heisman. He talks about football is his life. He plays football and he fishes. He is so focused. He is so determined. Like, this is his life. That's big. Yeah.
- [29:25]
J. Mac
You also want some outside interest, you know, like you and I don't just watch sports.
- [29:29]
Alex Curry
Fishing, that's what he said.
- [29:30]
J. Mac
Is that an interest?
- [29:31]
Alex Curry
I think people are really into fishing. Jmac. I mean, obviously I've only like been.
- [29:35]
J. Mac
Once, but you've been what, fishing once in your life?
- [29:38]
Alex Curry
Fiji. I told you, remember? And I caught a bar.
- [29:39]
J. Mac
The only time you've been.
- [29:40]
Alex Curry
I caught a barracuda.
- [29:42]
J. Mac
That's it.
- [29:42]
Alex Curry
I've been in Hawaii. But like, I just hang out on the boat. I'm not the one actually like tossing the reel out.
- [29:47]
J. Mac
So. Fishing is great for patience. And I don't have a lot of patience, whether it's traffic.
- [29:52]
Alex Curry
Okay, so it's not your. It's not your thing.
- [29:54]
J. Mac
But fishing is great, cuz, you know, it's like a meditative kind of thing.
- [29:59]
Alex Curry
A picnic in the park. You just gotta hang out.
- [30:01]
J. Mac
Yeah. I don't know how we got to talk about fishing with Abdul.
- [30:04]
Alex Curry
Hobbies, he said it's good to have hobbies.
- [30:06]
J. Mac
Travis Hunter's hobby.
- [30:07]
Alex Curry
Yeah. Yeah.
- [30:07]
J. Mac
I like guys who are well rounded. Outside of sports. That is the big number, Lawrence, is that he doesn't love eat, sleep, breathe football the way quarterbacks should. I don't know. Yeah.
- [30:20]
Alex Curry
Unless you're there with the player. It's hard to like, judge that from like a secondhand account. Yeah, I. I don't know.
- [30:29]
J. Mac
I get it. Carter's gonna go to Cleveland.
- [30:30]
Alex Curry
They're all. They're all gonna be top. They're all top picks.
- [30:33]
J. Mac
Or he's gonna go to the Giants and pair with Kayvon Thibodeau. And they're gonna be great. Yeah.
- [30:37]
Alex Curry
Okay. Let's switch to the NBA. Golden State was rooting hard for the Timberwolves to beat the Grizzlies last night. And the warriors got their wish. Golden State now controls its own destiny. If they beat Portland on Friday and the Clippers on Sunday, they are guaranteed to avoid the playing tournament. So we were talking about this earlier. If the warriors can hold on to that sixth seed and the Lakers can hold on to that third seed, it's looking like that will be a possible matchup. But I mean, anytime. The warriors are going to be scary, no matter who they face. Because anytime you have, I think, one of the greats in the game and one of the greats that was a dynasty at one point and has the playoff experience, they know what it takes. Win. They're going to be a tough series regardless, no matter who you're facing.
- [31:26]
J. Mac
Yeah. This Western Conference is crazy.
- [31:28]
Alex Curry
So let's say it's such. It's so tight.
- [31:30]
J. Mac
So Clippers, warriors play in game 82.
- [31:32]
Alex Curry
Yeah.
- [31:32]
J. Mac
It could be for playoff seating.
- [31:34]
Alex Curry
It will be. It most likely will be. Like, they are.
- [31:37]
J. Mac
Do you think one team says, like.
- [31:39]
Alex Curry
Clippers, one game ahead. Clippers are one game ahead of the Warriors.
- [31:42]
J. Mac
I don't want to play Jokic in the Nuggets. I want to face the Lakers. Do you think someone would say, I'd rather face the Lakers or Nuggets and then sit there, guys to get.
- [31:49]
Alex Curry
No, no. You don't want to be in the play. And I think guys are just.
- [31:53]
J. Mac
I thought it was for six. So warriors are six.
- [31:56]
Alex Curry
They want to avoid. They want to avoid the plan. They have to win the next two. They have to beat Portland on Friday and the Clippers on Sunday to guarantee to avoid the play in tournament.
- [32:05]
J. Mac
That would be a plan. Would be bad because they're not.
- [32:07]
Alex Curry
They're still tied. Warriors are tied with Grizzlies and the T. Wolves. Same record. Like, it's insane. Nuggets and Clippers are tied. Warriors, Grizzlies, Timberwolves. It's so close.
- [32:19]
J. Mac
Yeah.
- [32:19]
Alex Curry
Like these last two games. Like, it is. The. Like, the playoff will be decided in these last two.
- [32:24]
J. Mac
So this weekend has NBA playoffs, basically. Playoffs, implications.
- [32:28]
Alex Curry
Yeah. Yeah.
- [32:29]
J. Mac
The Masters.
- [32:30]
Alex Curry
Yes.
- [32:31]
J. Mac
Coachella. Are you going, by the way?
- [32:33]
Alex Curry
No, no, we're staying here.
- [32:34]
J. Mac
Spring break for a lot of people on the West Coast.
- [32:36]
Alex Curry
Yeah. I did coachella for, like, 10 years. It was a beautiful time. But now that my husband's playing festivals, we just go when he's playing.
- [32:42]
J. Mac
That makes sense.
- [32:43]
Alex Curry
Yeah.
- [32:43]
J. Mac
But this weekend, a lot of eyes on the NBA for show.
- [32:45]
Alex Curry
Yeah. No, it's going to be fun. It's going to be fun. Okay, back to the NFL. Bucks GM Jason Light told reporters that he expects less movement in the upcoming draft, saying draft boards are pretty leveled out at this point, adding that he feels teams will be able to get the same level of player in the second round that they could get in the fourth round. So, I mean, the way I'm kind of taking this is we know it's not a strong quarterback draft.
- [33:11]
J. Mac
Right.
- [33:11]
Alex Curry
In the last few years, we've seen quarterbacks get drafted Very high. Last year we had six quarterbacks in the first round, like five in the top 11 taken before any defensive players were taken in the draft. This is a strong defensive line class. So I think that means if I'm reading between the lines here, like you're gonna be able to get a decent quarterback in the second and third round is what he's saying here.
- [33:41]
Ben Volin
Yeah.
- [33:41]
J. Mac
He also made the point, like trading up people. Nobody's doing that.
- [33:45]
Alex Curry
Yeah.
- [33:46]
J. Mac
If you look at the last two big trade ups.
- [33:48]
Alex Curry
Yeah.
- [33:48]
J. Mac
Trey Lance and Bryce Young, like, Alex.
- [33:54]
Alex Curry
Didn'T pan out very bad. We still don't even know what Trey Lance is like. What. What kind of NFL player is he?
- [34:01]
J. Mac
I don't even know.
- [34:01]
Alex Curry
We don't know.
- [34:02]
J. Mac
I think he's on a roster, but I don't.
- [34:03]
Alex Curry
I mean, he is.
- [34:04]
J. Mac
Is he gonna make another NFL start? That's not like week 18 is charity or whatever. I doubt it. I don't know. And Bryce Young obviously is kind of on the clock.
- [34:12]
Alex Curry
Yeah. Land. Is he with the Chargers?
- [34:15]
J. Mac
He was Cowboys. Now he's Chargers.
- [34:16]
Alex Curry
He's Chargers.
- [34:17]
Ben Volin
Yeah.
- [34:17]
Alex Curry
I think. I think he's with the Chargers. Yeah.
- [34:20]
J. Mac
But if the Chargers have to play him, they're not winning the division like I predicted earlier. That's obvious. Yeah.
- [34:25]
Alex Curry
It's gonna be interesting. This is fun. We're under two weeks away.
- [34:28]
J. Mac
Yeah. Listen, the draft is very exciting. We had a guy on talking about gambling on the draft.
- [34:32]
Alex Curry
Yeah.
- [34:32]
J. Mac
I haven't made any bets yet.
- [34:33]
Alex Curry
Are you going to.
- [34:34]
J. Mac
I'm good. Yeah.
- [34:35]
Alex Curry
Yeah, yeah.
- [34:36]
Ben Volin
For sure.
- [34:37]
J. Mac
Alex with the news.
- [34:39]
Ben Volin
Well, that's the news.
- [34:40]
Alex Curry
And thanks for stopping by.
- [34:42]
Ben Volin
The Herd lie news.
- [34:44]
J. Mac
Nikola Jokic. Is it possible that the guy having the greatest statistical season in NBA history is actually underrated? We'll dig into that one next.
- [34:54]
Ben Volin
Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd. Weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific, on Fox Sports Radio. FS1 and the iHeartRadio app.
- [35:02]
Rocket Mortgage Ad
Hey, it's Steve Covino.
- [35:04]
J. Mac
And I'm Rich Davis.
- [35:05]
Rocket Mortgage Ad
And together we're Covino and Rich on Fox Sports Radio.
- [35:08]
Ben Volin
You can catch us weekdays from 5 to 7pm Eastern, 2 to 4 Pacific, on Fox Sports Radio. And of course, the iHeartRadio app.
- [35:15]
Rocket Mortgage Ad
Why should you listen to Covino and Rich?
- [35:17]
Ben Volin
We talk about everything. Life, sports, relationships, what's going on in the world.
- [35:21]
Rocket Mortgage Ad
We have a lot of fun talking about the stories behind the stories in the world of sports and pop culture.
- [35:26]
Ben Volin
Stories that, well, other shows don't seem.
- [35:28]
Rocket Mortgage Ad
To have the time to discuss.
- [35:30]
Ben Volin
And the fact that we've been friends for the last 20 years and still work together. I mean, that says something, right?
- [35:34]
Rocket Mortgage Ad
So check us out.
- [35:35]
Ben Volin
We like to get you involved too.
- [35:37]
Rocket Mortgage Ad
Take your phone calls, chop it up as they say.
- [35:40]
Ben Volin
I'd say the most interactive show on Fox Sports Radio, maybe the most interactive show on planet Earth.
- [35:45]
Rocket Mortgage Ad
Be sure to check out Kavino and Rich live on Fox Sports radio and the iHeartradio app from 5 to 7pm Eastern, 2 to 4 Pacific.
- [35:51]
Ben Volin
And if you miss any of the live show, just search Kovino and Rich wherever you get your podcast.
- [35:55]
Rocket Mortgage Ad
And of course on social media, that's Covino and Rich. All you renters out there, here's something from Rocket Mortgage you're going to want to hear now. Anyone who has ever rented before knows that feeling you get every month. Your hard earned cash gone. It's like throwing money away. Even more frustrating is the knowledge that every dollar you spent on rent is a dollar you could have put towards your future. It can make it feel like you'll never be able to save enough to afford a home of your own. And that's what makes what Rocket Mortgage is doing so special. Rocket Mortgage is now helping you put your monthly rent payments towards home ownership. It's called Rent Rewards, and for the first time, you can save up to $5,000 off the cost of your home just by paying rent. Only at Rocket Mortgage. If this sounds like something that could make a difference in your life, call 804Rocket or visit Rocket.com learn more about rent rewards. That's 804Rocket or Rocket.com Rocket Mortgage LLC.
- [36:59]
J. Mac
Equal housing lender licensed in all 50 states. NMLS ConsumerAccess.org number 3030 there's a type.
- [37:04]
Larison Campbell
Of soil in Mississippi called Yazoo Clay. It's thick, burnt orange and it's got a reputation.
- [37:11]
Alex Curry
It's terrible, terrible dirt.
- [37:13]
Larison Campbell
Yazoo clay eats everything, so things that get buried there tend to stay buried until they're not in 2012, construction crews at Mississippi's biggest hospital made a shocking discovery.
- [37:27]
J. Mac
7,000 bodies out there or more, all.
- [37:30]
Larison Campbell
Former patients of the old state asylum, and nobody knew they were there.
- [37:35]
J. Mac
It was my family's mystery.
- [37:37]
Larison Campbell
But in this corner of the south, it's not just the soil that keeps secrets.
- [37:42]
Ben Volin
Nobody talks about it. Nobody has any information.
- [37:45]
Larison Campbell
When you peel back the layers of Mississippi's Yazoo Clay, nothing's ever as simple as you think.
- [37:51]
Alex Curry
The story is much more complicated and nuanced than that.
- [37:56]
Larison Campbell
Larry I'm Larison Campbell. Listen to under yazukle on the iHeartRadio app, Apple podcast, or wherever you get your podcast.
- [38:07]
Jeremy Hobson
We live in a divided country.
- [38:09]
J. Mac
I am a lifelong Republican with all.
- [38:12]
Jeremy Hobson
Kinds of different people.
- [38:13]
Alex Curry
You know, I'm a mother, I'm a grandmother.
- [38:16]
Jeremy Hobson
That's why we started the Middle with Jeremy Hobson. It's about bringing voices not from the extremes, but from the vast middle into the national conversation.
- [38:24]
J. Mac
Anna, I'm calling from Las Vegas.
- [38:26]
Jeremy Hobson
Each week we bring together an all star panel. Mark Cuban, so great to have you on the Middle.
- [38:31]
Ben Volin
Thanks for having me.
- [38:32]
J. Mac
Jeremy.
- [38:32]
Jeremy Hobson
Neil Degrasse Tyson, welcome to the Middle.
- [38:34]
J. Mac
Thanks for having me.
- [38:35]
Jeremy Hobson
And hear from ordinary Americans from all over the country on the most important issues.
- [38:40]
Ben Volin
Hi, my name is Venkat.
- [38:41]
J. Mac
I'm calling you from Atlanta, Georgia.
- [38:43]
Jeremy Hobson
And when you subscribe to the Middle, you also get an episode each week called One Thing Trump did that focuses on just one item from the avalanche of news.
- [38:52]
J. Mac
We should be examining what our government spends its money on and are these jobs necessary?
- [38:56]
Ben Volin
And what are we doing here? But that doesn't seem to be what.
- [38:58]
J. Mac
We'Re doing in this situation.
- [39:00]
Jeremy Hobson
Listen to the Middle with Jeremy Hobson on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
- [39:06]
Greg Rosenthal
What's up everyone? It's Greg Rosenthal and I'm teaming up with the King of Spring, Daniel Jeremiah. He requires me to say that we're going to be bringing you 40s and free agents, the only podcast you'll need this NFL Drafts season. From DJ's Mock Drafts to my top 101, free agents will have it covered for you with all new episodes every Thursday keeping you up to date as we head to the NFL Draft. Listen to 40s and free agents on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.
- [39:36]
Alex Curry
The road to the Indy 500 hits the streets of Long beach for the 50th running of the Long Beach Brand Prix. The fastest racing on earth continues Sunday at 4:30 Eastern on Fox. And to celebrate Sunday's race, Fox Sports has partnered with LA's I iconic Randy's Donuts to celebrate the Grand Prix Chocolate donut. And we've got some on set with us. You can get them at Randy's Donuts locations in LA and Orange county up until Sunday's race. J. Mac, you're donut guy.
- [40:04]
J. Mac
I'm a donut guy.
- [40:05]
Alex Curry
You've been having donuts every morning.
- [40:07]
J. Mac
Well, I need you to take a bite first and then I'll go second.
- [40:09]
Alex Curry
Well, I am gluten free.
- [40:10]
J. Mac
Oh, come on. Gluten free.
- [40:12]
Alex Curry
I'll I'll eat the frosty.
- [40:13]
J. Mac
Very suspicious.
- [40:15]
Alex Curry
It's not.
- [40:15]
J. Mac
I mean, they want me to get reluctant because I got to talk for 10 minutes after.
- [40:19]
Alex Curry
Do it.
- [40:19]
J. Mac
But I'll take a little donut bite.
- [40:20]
Alex Curry
Okay, you're a donut guy as a weak, weak bite. But that was a weight bite.
- [40:25]
Rocket Mortgage Ad
Really good.
- [40:25]
Alex Curry
Yeah, duh.
- [40:26]
J. Mac
Cancel my lunch order.
- [40:27]
Alex Curry
Yeah, there's a whole box here for you.
- [40:30]
J. Mac
£15. All right. Yes, guys, I'm aware. You're killing me for the chief stuff. We'll talk. Give me like five minutes. Let me just cook on this.
- [40:38]
Ben Volin
All right.
- [40:39]
J. Mac
Nicola Jokic is a story out that he is having the greatest statistical season in NBA history. It's bolstered by an avalanche of numbers. Yet the media, the ink stained wretches who vote for the NBA MVP are going to give it to sga. That's fine. I don't care. Do whatever you want. We know Jokic is the best player in the league. Again, I like to think I have all the best takes, but when you sit at a table with like eight guys and girls, they're going to cook with some good stuff. Folks, just hear me out here. Jokic is playing at a level we've never seen before. This is better than anything Shaq did. So sorry, Shaq. Okay. This is better than Wilt Chamberlain in the 70s against off duty firefighters and plumbers. All right. Jokic is tearing up the golden era in the NBA. Tearing it up. Averaging a 30 point triple double of 29.8. Whatever roundup. And he's doing it without another all star on his team. Let that sink in. The. The Denver Nuggets have three max players and one all star. What? And that's when enter our amazing staff here. Somebody forgive me. I don't remember who. You know, he's having a season like LeBron had early in his run with the Cavs. And I was like, oh, damn, that's a fire take. Now initially I'm like, wait a minute, whoa, Whoa, hold up. LeBron didn't have anybody. He had Hogowskis, Mo Williams. Timeout, J. Mac. Those guys were NBA all stars. What now that just shows you how. I'm sorry, how weak the league was in like 2005-2009 when Il Gauskis and Mo Williams were all stars. I'm not gonna lie. Mo Williams would not be a top 20 scorer in the men's league. I plan no disrespect. I know he was good 15, 16 years ago. He was. How's he an all star? Jamal Murray, no All Star Aaron Gordon, no All star Michael Porter Jr. And his big fat contract, no All Star. And Jokic is carrying them. Before this late season swoon here, they were looking at being two or three in the west, and Jokic is basically carrying the franchise without an All Star. They just fired the coach. And there's a huge article that just came out a few hours ago about what the hell happened in Denver. And apparently the Nuggets wanted to fire Michael Malone mid season. At the All Star break, they wanted to run him out. That's how toxic it was. But they somehow peeled off eight wins in a row, and it was basically Jokic just destroying some really bad teams. So of course, they play their first game without Malone. Jokic is drawing up plays on the sideline. I'm sure you guys saw that. And then afterward, here's their new head coach, David Adelman, talking about the dub.
- [43:29]
Ben Volin
We know what's ahead here. We got a playoff team Friday and playoff team Sunday. So we have a big journey ahead of us. The great thing about tonight is you all stayed with it. Everybody stayed with. Hold on. Yeah. Yeah, David.
- [43:54]
J. Mac
It's a happy locker room again. So are the Nuggets going to turn it around, or does this go south? They lose in the first round, and Jokic maybe asks out. Now, it seems unlikely that he would ask out. Jay. No European, no international superstar has ever asked out. Okay? Why can't he be the first? What if he's unhappy? Now, this is interesting. I'm sure you guys saw this. So Michael Malone, like, after the Pacers lost, I think it was Sunday was like, we hope to get back Jamal Murray for the playoffs. We don't know. Jamal Murray just announced he may play tonight. So was it like, whoa, wait a minute. Jamal Murray, did he hate Malone that much? And why didn't Jokic step up and be like, yo, hey, this is my guy. Don't fire him. Like, you would think if they like Malone, Jokic would have stepped up. Jamal Murray's now back. They're playing the bench. Guys, it seems everything is copacetic in Denver. The only problem is Jokic has no help. And I love Jamal Murray. He's super clutch. He's killed the Lakers in the playoffs. In the bubble, he was Mr. 50 piece. I think he averaged, like, 48 points in a series. Some of them ridiculous. They're a good team. But I just wonder if they're teetering, because you remember when LeBron kept asking the front office for help, and they were like, oh, yeah, we'll get you a 34 year old Shaq. And here's Antoine Jameson who was good for like eight minutes in Washington. You want that'll help you, right? And LeBron looked around is like, do you see Dwight Howard getting legit help in Orlando? Do you see the Celtics leveling up with friggin hall of Famers? And you're doing nothing for me. And LeBron just peaced out. Could Jokic do that? I know you're saying no way. He would rather ride horses in Serbia than form a team or force his way somewhere. We'll see. It's still early in his career. He's only 30 and Jokic is probably going to age gracefully given his skill set is in insane. He's like an Arvida Sabonis passing. We know he can hit threes. He's hitting 41% on threes this year. That's insane. So I think it's worth keeping an eye on the, on the Jokic situation where he is possibly somehow underrated. All right, we'll wrap up this hour because I'm going to go back to my Chiefs take. I had one of the producers in my ear J Mac, you're getting crushed online for this. Kansas City Chiefs are going to miss the playoffs as Alex laughs more maniacally. So we had Ben Volen on covers the league for the Boston Globe and I asked him about the Chiefs and I and I made a my strong case. Like remember I wanted to be a lawyer when I was a kid and my teacher and I'll never forget this, one of my few teachers that I remember from elementary school was like to my parents at back to school night. Jason would make a great lawyer because he loves to argue. And at the time I was like, oh, I'll be a lawyer. Cool. And then I found out you got to go like bunch of years of school after college, I was like, I'm good, no thanks. But I feel like I can argue anything. And I made the case the Chiefs are going to miss the playoffs. And I asked Ben about it and he said I would never count these guys out.
- [46:49]
Ben Volin
And they're bringing Kelsey back for another year. There's still plenty of time before they kick the ball off in September. There are still moves to be made whether it's finding another receiver or, you know, bolstering the offensive line. The draft is coming up. I, I think the Chiefs, they're not just sitting on their, their hands this offseason. They're trying to make their, their roster better and trying to specifically address their Offensive line. So, you know, maybe, you know, maybe you're writing that they're not going to win 15 games and go 15 and two. But that said, I'm never counting out Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid and Travis Kelson. These guys are too good and too savvy and have won too many games for them not to have things figured out by the fall.
- [47:28]
J. Mac
And Ben obviously is not wrong there. I'm not counting out Reed and Mahomes. I mean, two. Two of the best to ever do it. That being said, I don't have the Chiefs in the playoffs right now. Now. So, I don't know, sometimes something, an idea will kick in your head. You're like, oh, that's good. And then you're like, oh, I probably shouldn't say that on air. So we talked about, like Shadour Sanders and he's kind of botching interviews. Well, think about this. With the Chiefs, sometimes you don't reveal everything, right? Sometimes you hold some stuff back. I'm going to save it for next time you meet a girl at a bar. Kick game, get a number. But you're. You're withholding some of your good. Your good stuff for maybe a first date, a second day, whatever. I talked about the Chiefs earlier, right? I went on my little tangent. I saved some stuff, little ammo, save it just in case I'm backed into a corner. Do you guys know the history of the super bowl loser? It's called the super bowl hangover. You're familiar with it, obviously. 49ers fans sure as hell are. Last two times they went to the super bowl, the following year, it fell apart like a house of cards. Okay? Four of the last nine super bowl losers didn't even make the playoffs the next year. I know it's a tiny sample size. That being said, I will go back to the other point I made. This team has had a lot of playoff battles in January and February the last three years. Ten playoff games. That wear and tear adds up on your body. I mean, Isaiah Pacheco started to show the first cracks. He was hurt. Offense really sagged. They went out and got who? Another oft injured running back in Elijah Mitchell. Guys, go look at the Chiefs depth chart. It doesn't scare a soul. You cover up Patrick Mahomes, right? You cover up the quarterback. And I'm just telling you, as I call it up here, none of these guys are like, oh, gee, how do.
- [49:21]
Ben Volin
How the hell do we game plan.
- [49:22]
J. Mac
For Xavier Worthy, Rasheed Rice. We. We assume Rashid Rice is gonna be back we don't know. Hollywood Brown. Remember they got him last year and it was like, Hollywood Brown. Oh, what a value get there is. He could be awesome as a number three. Come on, Hollywood. What the hell did he do last year? Sky Moore. Guy can't catch a cold. Kelsey's getting old. I'm just saying there is a lot of weakness on this Chiefs team. McDuffie, their great slot corner, they moved him outside last year. Not as great. Not as great. Struggled. So they went out and got Christian Fulton, who just can't stay healthy at all. So you can move McDuffie back to slot. Like, they're tinkering around the edges. It's difficult. It's tough to stay on top forever. I'm gonna stand by it. It's not happening for the Chiefs this year. Now I can see Alex smirking, see a couple other people in the studio here, like, oh, dear. J. Mac, what are we doing? Alex, listen, go. Go big or go home. You gotta be bold.
- [50:16]
Ben Volin
You're bold.
- [50:17]
J. Mac
You got the. You got the teal. No, not teal.
- [50:19]
Alex Curry
Turquoise.
- [50:19]
J. Mac
Turquoise.
- [50:20]
Alex Curry
Yeah, but J. Mac, when you're talking about the super bowl hangover, that I think that applies to every other team except the Chiefs, who have won three Super Bowls since 2019. So that's not. I don't think that plays has the same effect on a team that is like a dynasty. And they just laid an egg in the super bowl last year. Like, they are still Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid and Travis Kelsey, if he's healthy. Chiefs, and they've always just been. As long as those three are locked in, they'll figure out the rest. Obviously, Their. Their defense is also top notch as well. Not. No one showed up in the super bowl, but I. I'm not gonna base their whole next season on that one Super Bowl.
- [51:05]
J. Mac
No, of course.
- [51:05]
Alex Curry
Performance. It's still Patrick Mahomes.
- [51:08]
J. Mac
One score games. No way. Offensive line is a train wreck. I. I just. I'm not buying them. Like, nothing lasts forever in this league. You know that, Alex. The Patriots, they couldn't keep it together. Two decades. It was so tough every single year to make the playoffs. They had Brady Abelichek. There's just not a lot they can do around the margins. Coming up next, did the Browns just send us another signal that they're not going to draft Shador Sanders at 2?
- [51:35]
Alex Curry
The best moments happen when you're with your people, laughing, vibing, and just enjoying life. Coke is making those moments even sweeter. Shara. Coke is back and it's all about sharing with the whole crew. Doesn't matter if it's your bestie or bro.
- [51:50]
J. Mac
This.
- [51:50]
Alex Curry
There's a can with their name on it. So grab one for the squad and make some memories. But hurry because these Coca Cola limited edition bottles and cans won't be here forever. Don't miss your chance to share a Coke with all your favorite people.
- [52:05]
Larison Campbell
In Mississippi. Yazoo clay keeps secrets.
- [52:09]
J. Mac
7,000 bodies out there or more.
- [52:13]
Larison Campbell
A forgotten asylum cemetery it was by families Mystery, shame, guilt, propriety. Something keeps it all buried deep until it's not I'm Larison Campbell and this is under Yazoo Clay. Listen on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcast.
- [52:34]
Jeremy Hobson
We live in a divided country, and our media couldn't be more polarizing. That's why we started the Middle with Jeremy Hobson. It's about bringing voices not from the extremes but but from the vast middle into the national conversation. Each week we hear from ordinary Americans from all over the country. And when you subscribe to the Middle, you also get an episode each week called One Thing Trump did that focuses on just one item from the avalanche of news. Listen to the Middle with Jeremy Hobson on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
- [53:04]
Greg Rosenthal
What's up everyone? It's Greg Rosenthal, and I'm teaming up with the King of Spring, Daniel Jeremiah. He requires me to say that we're going to be bringing you 40s and free agents, the only podcast you'll need this NFL draft season. From DJs, mock drafts to my top 101, free agents will have it covered for you with all new episodes every Thursday keeping you up to date as we head to the NFL Draft. Listen to 40s and free agents on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.