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Colin Cowherd
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Jason McIntyre
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Colin Cowherd
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Jason McIntyre
Now let's get this party started.
Colin Cowherd
You're listening to Fox Sports Radio. Welcome in. It's hour two and a Monday. First one flew by. Thanks to Tom Izzo for stopping by live in Los Angeles. It's the Herd. Wherever you may be and however you may be listening, thanks for making us part of your day. Later this hour, the best free agent signing that' getting discussed. I think you'll love it. And I'm really rooting for this guy. Calling right, Colin wrong in a couple of minutes. And the NCAA tournament, listen, last year was easy. UConn ended up 37 and three four NBA guys. Physicality, size, guard play. They were great, great coach. This year, a lot of the best teams, Michigan State, St. John's Houston, they're really defensive teams. The scoring does not come easy. So now, now Duke, Duke, scoring comes a little more easily. But I just, I can't go. It's not going to be perfect. I do think coaching will matter. That benefits, you know, Izzo, Mark Few, it's going to benefit Rick Patino. I think coaching will end up being big in this tournament because I don't think we have a dominant team. And I've watched as much college basketball in the last two or three weekends as I'm, as I'm going to watch. And so defense is the overwhelming story. Very few teams score easily or a lot. Tom Izzo made a great point. They score. They just don't shoot threes to score. But they'll end up in the high 70s and 80s. They just, they do it a little unconventionally. Their defense leads their offense. All right, here we go. Colin right. Colin wrong. Every Monday where Colin was right, take another right on the Warriors. Now 14 and 2 since Jimmy Butler arrived. They have the best net rating in the league. And when they made this move, I said it's more than just scoring. It's the fact that he's tough. He fits their ethos, he fits their mindset. And what's great about Jimmy Butler is completely unselfish player on this team. He's not taking a lot of shots, he's not taking a lot of threes and he does not care. Playoff Jimmy, he has been absolutely great. And this was a move I had said a month before. Get him in the building. It will work.
Jason McIntyre
Where Collin was raw.
Colin Cowherd
I thought the historically perpetually frugal Bengals would not sign Ja'marr Chase and T. Higgins and they did. And reportedly Trey Hendrickson is now talking his reps to the team. Listen, will they be top heavy? Yeah. But the NFL owners all get a check for $450 million. This league is swimming in money. There's four great players on this team. Pay them. Everybody swimming in cash. You see what they're paying coordinators. I mean, these owners have money to burn. I was wrong on this one where Colin was right. What a shocker. Aaron Rodgers is dramatic. Minnesota now not sure if we're going to go. Giants have offered him but reportedly we're going to draft the quarterback to her, bring another one in. He was going to have to battle for the job. So I've said this before. You know, Aaron's his own guy. You're going to get some noise and drama. And it has turned out if I would have told you that there's one quarterback who can't make up his mind, you would have guessed Aaron.
Jason McIntyre
Colin was raw.
Colin Cowherd
I, I thought Geno Smith to the Raiders. I don't have a problem with it. But reportedly he's going to get 40 to 45 million. That's a big contract. He's never won a playoff game. Last year, 21 TDs, 15 picks. Sam Darnold, criticize him all you want. Signed a team friendly deal and he's seven years younger and more athletic. So I don't have a problem with Geno Smith making them. You know, going to Seattle, I kind of like it for Pete Carroll, but I didn't think he had another $45 million a year contract. And where Colin was right. I said a year ago the Niners should reboot. They waited a year and now they're. They're doing. They're getting doged essentially. They're moving off all sorts of contracts. And I said they should have done it last year. Ward is now gone. Greenlaw smart, good players gone. Hufanga had excellent safety, struggles with health is gone. I thought last year they got too old, too expensive and increasingly too Brittle. So this is what I said last year they should have done. They waited a year to do it. Where Colin was raw little surprise John Snyder signed Cooper cup to that deal. His yards have declined four straight seasons. McVeigh moved often because he couldn't get open. He's also missed 18 games in the last three years. Now Schneider has drafted and acquired receivers at a really good rate, so he knows his stuff. But again, there's a $45 million three years. Again, the league has so much money now they're looking for like a number two or three receiver. But I be honest with you, I didn't think, I didn't think he'd get that. Where Colin was right when Brian Kelly left Notre Dame, I said it's because the SEC is all about commitment. And this weekend LLSU doubled its nil money to 18 million a year after losing a recruit to Michigan and again Notre Dame. You have rigorous debates about academics at lsu. What's it cost to win a nanny? And that's not a knock on Notre Dame. I love them for who they are, but this is why he left. Because you don't have to argue. You lose a top recruit to a northern school, sudden double the nil at lsu, where Colin was raw, well, the Falcons kept their veteran quarterback on their roster. A little bit of a surprise after the way he played. End of the year. I like Kirk Cousins. I didn't have a problem with a move. I thought his first half of the season was excellent and I, I thought that's what you would get for the two year contract. He kind of regressed whatever it was, lost his fastball. I would think it's Michael Pennock's time in Atlanta, but this move makes me question that and Colin, right? Colin wrong. On a Monday, let's bring in Matt Hasselbeck. 18 NFL seasons. So, you know, it is interesting. I've said free agency is not just about the player, it's about the fit. And it's interesting. So explain the Sam Darnold over Geno fit. As a former Seahawk, in fact, we have some video of you last time you were a Seahawk and it looked pretty cool. That's the last time they made a splashy quarterback move. But there, look at that there.
Matt Hasselbeck
Oh boy.
Colin Cowherd
Look at Matt Hasselbeck. Spry.
Matt Hasselbeck
Look at the haircut. I mean quit on your hair before it quits on you. All you balding guys out there, I think that's the takeaway. That was a great moment. That was a great. That was a great moment. And you know I see a lot of similarities to me in that picture, in that video right there to Sam Darnold and where he is. I played too early. You know, when I first got to Seattle, I played too early, got benched and had to take a step back to take two steps forward. And the second time around, I was ready. Sam Darnold, similar thing. He was in a tough situation, didn't play very well on any of the teams that he was on. Went and did kind of what I would call a red shirt year in San Fran and really came out swinging. He was on this year, had a great year. Still a young quarterback, though. And so I think they see a guy who's like 27 years old. He was really young when he came out, and they said, you know what? We'll take this guy right now where he is over all of the other options out there, much younger than Gino, and I think they're excited about him.
Colin Cowherd
I want to ask you about the Bears because, I mean, Joe Tuney, I would take him on any roster. He's just terrific. Drew Dahlman, the center is good, but offensive line, as you know very well, Matt, offensive line is the one unit in pro football where cohesion and chemistry is the game. And now veterans now no longer play in preseason football. So I look at that and I think Caleb's young, new coach, new O line, on paper, it looks great, but this is not 1988 where like veteran O lines will play all four games of the preseason. That's not the way it works. What is a realistic gauge or prediction on when Dolman and Tuney and Jonah Jackson are humming like a cohesive unit?
Matt Hasselbeck
No doubt. Colin, you're, you're. You're right in a lot of ways. And listen, they're building this thing inside out, right? Three offensive linemen, two defensive tackles, that. That's how they're building this thing. I would say this. When I got to the Green Bay packers, we were, as a rookie, they were coming off of two consecutive Super Bowls. They knew how to practice when they weren't in full pads. Like, every practice felt like a game. Like, you need to learn how to practice fast. And so when you have these, you know, a center and two guards, the inside, like, you just learn how to pass off games. You learn how to step with the right foot, you learn how to communicate on the fly. You get guys that are absolutely, without a doubt, going to be dependable guys that are going to do their job. And so therefore, it takes just one more thing off of the quarterback. In terms of redirecting pass protection and all that kind of thing. Oh, line calls that sometimes that you put on the, on the quarterback, if you have a center or if you have a center and two guards that can communicate, you can take that, take that off of his plate. So I really don't think that the. I think where we, where we really lose on the preseason games is defenders proving that they can tackle. That's where we really lose. But I think the best O lines, especially the veteran ones, they can get their work done if they learn how to practice and practice fast and stay off the ground.
Colin Cowherd
So I had said I thought the Niners should have rebooted last year. They did it this year. Here's what I worry about. Between Ward the corner, Hufanga the safety, Greenlaw the linebacker, these are smart, instinctive players and now you got to go to the draft and replace them. I think sometimes we forget how important intelligence is in this league. Experience is in this league. I can, I can go replace a back or a receiver. Do you worry about the Niners losing so much intellectual capital and experience on that defense?
Matt Hasselbeck
Well, I would, except I think they play a pretty simple style of defense where it's just, hey, we're going to simplify so you can play fast. My biggest concern really, Colin was on the offensive side of the ball when they lost Kyle Jus check. And then he was able to come back on a different contract and get him back. I think that would have been a much bigger loss than people realize. I mean, some teams don't even carry a fullback. If they do, he's like the last, you know, he's the 53rd guy on their roster. But with this offense, with what Kyle does offensively, you'll use checks position. He's. He, you know, and a lot of the guys on offense, but he's. He's almost like another quarterback out there. Defensively, I think it's, you know, if you can go younger, cheaper, faster, and you believe in that scheme, I think that's where they're choosing to figure it out.
Colin Cowherd
So we, we got into this discussion. Let's reportedly Minnesota saying we're probably going to go with J.J. mcCarthy. So I had this argument last week and this is great for you because you. So I said there's the Giants and the Steelers. I said I would actually go Giants for three reasons. The Steelers lost their left tackle. I'm an old quarterback. I love the Giants left tackle. I get an offensive coach and I get a coach on the hot seat who is going to go all in also. I get it. I get a young weapon. It. It's also a team that needs a running back and it's a great running back draft and I think the Giants will take with a first go pick a running back. And I'm like, I kind of like the Giant situation. Low expectations. Pittsburgh worries me. Najee Harris, who I think's underrated, gone o line's been a mess for six years. Lost their left tackle defensive culture. I know everybody thinks I'm nuts and I don't love either team as a quarterback, but if you were Aaron, what would you do?
Matt Hasselbeck
I mean, it's hard not to like those wide receivers they have in Pittsburgh and that tight end and to also, I think when you're an older quarterback, a guy with, you know, much as much on your resume as Aaron Rodgers and as much as you're in your bank account, you don't want to be on a team that's not relevant in January. Like, that's like, that's like that's your biggest nightmare is like going to a team that's absolutely irrelevant. Basically what he experienced last year. So to me, I think being on a team that has a chance to be in the playoff hunt, contend for a Super Bowl, I think that's, that's a huge thing. And I'll also say this as a, as a veteran quarterback who switched teams late in my career, the last thing you want to do is learn a new playbook, like a new language, you know, so for as an example, right, like Aaron Rodgers is coming from this world where like a sprint out down in the goal line is probably called something like red left, swap tight close, Z right, sprint right, gu corner, halfback, flat. Okay, that's simple to him because he's been speaking that language. If he goes to some other team or some, some, some coach, that the language is not that language, where he's getting in there like a, like a freshman in college trying to like memorize a brand new thing, man, at some point you're like, I think I might be too old for this. Like, I'd rather it's worth something to not have to redo that. And you know, so I think language is a part of it too, believe it or not.
Colin Cowherd
Finally, we were talking about this earlier. My take has always been if you draft a guy and he delivers, pay him. I also think it sends a great message to the locker room. So, CD Lamb, Max Crosby, Miles Garrett, Jamar Chase. I know it's 40 million for a receiver, but you drafted him you got criticized for drafting Jamar Chase. He's absolutely delivered. I think it's terrible for the fabric of an organization to let a first rounder who's delivered go, am I full of it? That's my take on this league is pay the guys who have delivered for you.
Matt Hasselbeck
I'll add to that. Pay him right away. Like, why wait? I remember being on teams, we get our draft picks, you know, usually have like 7 to 10 draft picks or whatever. They come on your team. It does not take long for you to realize, like, that's a guy. Like, we want that guy to. That guy's a Hall of Famer. Like, we. He's a Ring of honor guy. Like, we want that guy forever. Like, why wait? Why wait till the price goes way up? I remember we drafted a guy named Lofa to Tupu. You know, everyone's like, I don't know. He's going to be our backup middle linebacker this year. Like, yeah, right. That dude was in three Pro Bowls in a row. Right away, one, two, three. Like, why wait? You know, like, there's absolutely no reason to wait. So I love that. The fact that they were able to keep everybody together. My critique would be, you knew these guys were the kind of guys you wanted to keep. So figure it out way sooner. Otherwise, now what do you do? Now you've turned into, like, what the Indianapolis Colts were with Peyton Manning and Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne. On the other side of the ball, they had Freeney and Mathis. Like, now you need. You need to figure out other guys that can sort of, like, help you, you know, accomplish your goal of raising a Lombardi. Because. Because that's really what these contracts are saying, hey, you guys better go figure it out and help us raise Lombardi.
Colin Cowherd
By the way, let me throw this out. When you're on a team and your team in free agency goes and buys players and Milton Williams to the Patriots signed an Aaron Donald deal, does it ever create. That's why I worry about free agency. Does it ever create a little resentment when a D lineman comes in and gets 60% more than the guy that's been there, drafted, and is a better player?
Matt Hasselbeck
You know the weird thing for me, like, I'll use the Seattle Seahawks when I was there as an example. Like, you know, a lot of us had been there for the Seahawks, like, giving up, like, broken bones, blood, sweat, tears for the Seahawks. And then all of a sudden, we would bring in free agents on Paul Allen's plane on their visits and wine and dine them, and it was like, man, you would never wine and dine us. Like, and then those guys don't even sign with our team. They sign like with our rival. And it was just like this weird. Like, you know, this feels weird, man. Like, you know, this, this feels really weird. I think the Seahawks over the years have done an amazing job of not making players feel that way, but I think there's other teams around the league that they know they get, they get some of that stuff wrong. And I'm sure it's like in every company, like, take care of the people who are there giving it all, you know, giving it their all for you rather than like, sort of like throwing a going away party for the person who just quit on you, you know, it's like a weird, it doesn't make sense sometimes.
Colin Cowherd
Matt Hasselback. Great as always as free agency wraps up. Good seeing you, buddy.
Matt Hasselbeck
Always see you.
Colin Cowherd
All right, Matt Hasselbeck. It's, it's always, it is true. You bring in new people to a building and they may be good, but people look around and think they're getting that. I didn't get that. We're not getting that.
Jason McIntyre
Oh, I have no idea what you're talking about. I don't know. It doesn't really resonate with me here. Cowherd Want more herd?
Colin Cowherd
The herd streams 24 hours a day, seven days a week within the iHeartRadio app. Search herd to listen live or on.
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Colin Cowherd
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Jason McIntyre
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Colin Cowherd
So like we all know Joe Tooney and Drew Dahlman interior line for the Bears. That's going to work. Devonte Adams, Rams that's going to work. Like you know the stuff that's going to work. I will tell you. Najee Harris from the tone deaf offensive culture in Pittsburgh, the Harbaugh. Watch it work. So Najee Harris is the only running back in the league behind a battle line four straight years of at least a thousand yards rushing. Number one high school back in the country best back coming out of college. And he's been behind an old line that has struggled to find itself. And this feels like that show the American pickers. You know, those guys would go in, remember, they'd go in and they'd find an oil can and a bicycle and a guitar that Elvis Presley's dad used or something like that. And you'd. All of a sudden you're like, oh, they sold it for a lot. Najee Harris may not be Saquon Barkley. He's not that explosive. He's a really good player. He's been a good player since he was 16 years old. And he went. I mean, think about this. The last six years, the Steelers have been last in yards rushing. Yards per attempt. How is that possible? It's possible because they can't get the online right. They haven't had a passing game to force teams to cheat. And I think this guy is going to be a 1308 touchdown guy. And by the way, did you hear his press conference? He made it very clear that things were a bit outdated in Pittsburgh.
Jason McIntyre
This is a great weight room, first of all. You know, even the facility is, Is a. Is. Is. Is all great things, man. This is a lot of. A lot of things that they provide here and that, you know, you take advantage of. And I was just telling them, I was like, man, it's not like this everywhere, man. Like, you know, this is. This is. This is a special thing right here. Remind me of college at Alabama, you know, all the resources that they have. So, you know, just getting the chance to take an opportunity, take advantage of all this opportunity is just. Is a blessing. And I was telling him that. I'm like, man, y'all have a great thing going on right now, you know, because it's not like this everywhere.
Colin Cowherd
Yeah, Alabama Chargers, great new facilities. Pittsburgh not so subtle shot outdated their facilities and their offense. Watch the J.K. dobbins, when healthy last year, was very good for the Chargers. And Najee Harris a better player. So this is the classic. You know, a couple years ago, there was a guy named Kevin Dotson. He was a guard. He was not gonna. He was scheduled. I read a story that he wasn't going to start in Pittsburgh. Sean McVeigh took him, became the PFF number one rated guard for two of the last three years. Stabilize the interior of their O line. You find these outdated offensive cultures and these. These offensive coaches cherry pick and know. Dotson, Najee Harris, this kid's gonna flourish. He's a really good player. Again, he did not say Quan Bark. They're not going to run past you. But the fact that he's the only back in the league with a thousand yards behind an offensive line that can't get its act together. Watch him pop with the Chargers. J. Mac with the news.
Jason McIntyre
No, no, no. Turn on the news. This is the Herd line news. Not a bad call by you. How about this one? Russell Wilson visited the Giants and the Browns last week, but did not leave with a signed deal. Reports indicate he is ready to sign, but unfortunately, both teams are waiting for Aaron Rodgers. So basically, you're the backup option. You've been waitlisted by Stanford. Russell Wilson. Sorry to hear it, but. However, Miles Garrett just inked a massive deal with the Browns and he has chimed in on adding Russell Wilson at quarterback. Him and I had a little conversation at the Pro bowl as well as, you know, here, and I definitely think he'd be a viable asset as a. As a leader, as a. As a mentor to those young guys. Veteran leadership can't be understated. And I think he has. Definitely has some juice left at the position. No, he's plenty of arm left. He's. He's very smart and. No, he knows what he's capable of. So he'd be a. He'd be a valuable asset. Interesting verbiage there, if you want to read between the lines. He'd be a mentor and a leader to the young guys. They have a quarterback on staff who's a veteran. I guess he wasn't that Deshaun Watson. Is that fair to say? Or is that just Miles talking about Russ, not thinking about Watson, who's still on the roster?
Colin Cowherd
Yeah, I don't know if he took a shot.
Jason McIntyre
Okay.
Colin Cowherd
Did you notice he signed that new contract? You see, Miles Garrett looked like he was a CEO there. He's all. It was all professional and everything like that.
Jason McIntyre
Our staff, you know, they're always working hard. They built out a graphic, Colin, of Russell Wilson last season versus the Browns quarterbacks. It was a poo poo platter, to say the least. James Winston's gone. DTR's gone. I don't know what Applebee's, Bailey Zappy's working at currently, but that was a shot. Russell Wilson would clearly be a valuable asset to the Browns. Yes, I. I just don't think Watson has anything left. Is that. Is that fair to say? Like the two Achilles surgeries, I just.
Matt Hasselbeck
There's.
Colin Cowherd
So it's such an enigma.
Jason McIntyre
The negative aura, points, mystery.
Colin Cowherd
I mean, he was literally cleared to play by doctors and said, yeah, I don't want to play. I've never seen that happen with a quarterback. So I. I'm just out. I was never in on the desean Watson move. I'm. I'm just. It's not worth discussing. Let. Let's move on.
Jason McIntyre
As a franchise, I know you wouldn't know how this feels, but try to get in Russell Wilson's shoes for a moment. Hey, man, we like you. We'll let you know. They're waiting for Aaron Rodgers. You know, how does that make Russ feel?
Colin Cowherd
Damn.
Jason McIntyre
I've accomplished a lot. I won a Super Bowl. You know, I've been to another Super Bowl. I put up good numbers in Pittsburgh, like, and nobody wants me.
Colin Cowherd
Yeah, that's. That's. It's not like. That's never happened to me.
Jason McIntyre
Yeah, you've gotten that kind of hype. Ladies, before.
Colin Cowherd
We all get. We all get stuck before you were famous, Tampa. No, I think it's just part of being a pro athlete. Like, very few people end like Tom Brady totally on his turn. I mean, even. Even Peyton Manning. Yeah. John Elway ended on his terms. Derek Jeter. Did you know? Kobe did. But a lot of times, if it's Peyton Manning, you change teams and John Elway comes down and said, will you take a pay cut? I mean, that's the reality of being a pro athlete. Mostly.
Jason McIntyre
Yeah. All right, let's move on to. Oh, we have to talk about my Jets. We won't be talking about him a lot this year, but they have Justin Fields at quarterback. He's taken over for Aaron Rodgers. He is reunited Fields with his former Ohio State teammate Garrett Wilson, who is thrilled to be paired with Field. Once again, Field spoke about the possibility of partnering up with Wilson. That would be awesome to link back up with Justin, do that on the NFL level. Be a dream come true. That was before he was drafted. So now they reunite after dominating at Ohio State, and Carol Wilson's coming off a good season. Now, listen, I talked about this on my podcast, but, like, Wilson had massive numbers. He's played three seasons. He's going to be up for a contract deal after this season.
Colin Cowherd
Yeah.
Jason McIntyre
Are we going to look at the Justin Jefferson in those massive deals and be like, well, Garrett Wilson's the next tier. You got to give him 35 million. Well, I mean, that's what's happening.
Colin Cowherd
Well, he's a very good player, and they don't have a lot of productive, reliable offensive players. So if you got to pay him, I would rather have Garrett Wilson on My team that not have Garrett.
Jason McIntyre
Well, yeah, Garrett Wilson.
Colin Cowherd
And remember, remember Justin Fields, after a year, they'll probably not retain him. So they'll go get a rookie quarterback. And my take is. So the Garrett Wilson contract, you don't want him. You don't want to be like Bryce Harper, where you trade DJ Moore and Bryce Harper's like, I got nobody to throw to. You want a rookie quarterback, Bryce Young, right? Like, he's like, well, who do I throw to? That was a terrible mistake by Carolina. You want a rookie quarterback coming in. And by the way, last year, Caleb William comes in and the old line's terrible. You want a guy coming in like Denver, where you got Bowles at left tackle. You have Cortland Sutton, the number one. You want to give him some gifts to make it easier. So I have no problem paying Garrett Wilson. So the rookie quarterback's like, okay, we got the left tackle from Penn State. I got Garrett Wilson. I've got a running back I like. That's a great spot.
Jason McIntyre
You want to go ahead and guess the jets season win total? Just humor me.
Colin Cowherd
Six, seven, six, six and a half. I mean, I'd. The over under will be six and a half. I'd probably take the under. I think they're going to be about a 6 and 11 team. 6 and 11.
Jason McIntyre
It sounds probably. I mean, they won what, seven last year with Rogers, seven with Zach Wilson.
Colin Cowherd
New coach. You play real hard in September, you know, you get that new coach energy.
Jason McIntyre
Yeah, yeah, yeah. Final story, Colin is to the NBA. Lakers yesterday snapped a four game skid with a win over the Suns. Luka Doncic cooked 33, 11 and 8. He had 45 in his last game out. So Luca's on an absolute tear right now. I think he's had seven straight games over 30 points.
Colin Cowherd
You know who also matters on this team?
Jason McIntyre
Jackson Hayes.
Colin Cowherd
He does.
Jason McIntyre
He returned and he was catching lobs.
Colin Cowherd
They don't have. They don't have a lot of size in the interior and he is an automatic six to eight points on lobs. This team's an interesting team. A lot of these role players who have been around the league for a few years are important, like Rui. They miss Rui, you know, they miss Jackson Hayes.
Jason McIntyre
Look at the Lakers right now in the West. I'm not. Look at. Let me look at number two is one game up on the Lakers, who are fifth. Warriors have a tough one this week. I think they're playing the Nuggets. Is it? Yeah. That's our next game. Lakers still have a brutal stretch. LeBron's gonna be back in a week. I know it's about the Lakers, but could we just briefly. Suns. Did you see the.
Colin Cowherd
Oh, I did, I watched some of it.
Jason McIntyre
Did you see the boon holes? So upset. He stood up and like.
Colin Cowherd
They'Re moving off kd. I mean, they're moving off.
Jason McIntyre
You remember last time they had beef in the huddle and we were making out to be something and Kevin Durant's like, no, this is passion. This is what it looks like. Does it?
Colin Cowherd
Well, I don't think.
Jason McIntyre
And there was another one. Nick's over the weekend. Josh Hart going at it with Tibetan. I saw Tim and it's like, I'm telling you, these old school coaches. Boone holds her tits. It's tough to not just, it's not flying anymore with the young guys. It's a different generation. You, I don't think you can coach guys like, well, the old school way.
Colin Cowherd
I, I also think I, I, it's okay for a coach and a player to bar. Steve Kersh had run ins with Draymond Green. I think it happens. Phil Jackson and Kobe had a dozen. I, I, I'm, I'm. Hold on.
Jason McIntyre
You just aimed two title winning teams. Well, the Suns and Boon Holzer might not even make a play.
Colin Cowherd
Well, no, that, that's not going well. But I mean, I think, I think the NBA is a hard league to coach in because the players have guaranteed deals and Boon Hol the way knows that Kevin Durant's out of there, so why should I back down?
Jason McIntyre
No, they ran Bogle out after a year. Could they run Budenholzer out of there?
Colin Cowherd
My take with Budenholzer, Budenholzer's like, you're going to be gone. I'm not going to create a culture where I let players walk all over me. So Budden Holzer's like, yeah, I'm going to stand up. Damn, you're going to be out of here anyway. I want all these guys to see me standing up to you. Like, then we're going to get rid of you. I think Boudino, that's the play by Budenholzer is I'm sending a signal to Everybody not named KD is that it's my show, I'm running it.
Jason McIntyre
KD's going through some stuff. I got a buddy who posts a lot of stuff for the Phoenix Suns and KD went on his social media and responded, you know, calling him a clown and stuff. Durant's going through it right now. The Suns want to kick you to the curb. I don't know what the market is for Kevin Durant. I'm just telling you, it feels a little combustible in Phoenix with KD and Colin. I just. I don't know who's going to be like, we need to get in the Kevin Durant business after the season.
Colin Cowherd
Oh, I think he's going to have a huge market. Remember, he went to Phoenix as the guy. He went to Brooklyn as the guy. This is not in Oklahoma City. He was the guy. He's not. He's going to be your number two option. He'll. He'll go like. Even if he went to the Knicks and Jalen Brunson, that's Brunson's team. He'll be off to the side dropping threes, but it's Brunson's team.
Jason McIntyre
What if he goes to the Knicks for like, I don't know, Karl Anthony Towns and a first round pick and that's it?
Colin Cowherd
I mean, Rudy Gobert I would take. If I was the Knicks, I'd take that in a second. I get Kevin Durant and I have to give up cat in the first round pick in one second. I would do that. I get a 26 a night. A guy that's a willing defender.
Jason McIntyre
Yeah, but if you're the Suns, you want more. I think you probably want the package from the Rockets. A lot of picks.
Colin Cowherd
You'd probably want OG mixed in there or something.
Jason McIntyre
You're not. I'm not doing OG And Carl Anthony Towns, both young guys.
Colin Cowherd
Kevin Durant's really good.
Jason McIntyre
He's like 37 in this, this fall. Are you kidding me?
Colin Cowherd
What has he done in Justin Verlander, Adam Wainwright.
Jason McIntyre
Oh, stop it. The pitcher compared to Kevin Durant.
Colin Cowherd
All you have to do is grab and shoot a basketball.
Jason McIntyre
That's all you've got to do. Just grab a basketball and shoot it.
Colin Cowherd
You bury.
Jason McIntyre
Give me a 10 day with the Suns.
Colin Cowherd
Let me tell you something, Kevin. You really would be shocked if Kevin Durant, who's always been in impeccable shape, who's always ready to play who. All he does in the off season is ball. You really wonder how he's going to age. He's going to. If he stays away from ankle injuries, Kevin Durant can play for five more years.
Jason McIntyre
So five more first round exits in the playoffs is.
Colin Cowherd
Oh, boy.
Jason McIntyre
I'm not too nervous today.
Colin Cowherd
Kevin, I don't know why you and I don't talk. You're. You're up here with a flamethrower I would take Kevin Durant on almost any team in the league.
Jason McIntyre
Tomorrow I'll take him, but I'm not giving up a lot for a 37 year old ornery guy.
Colin Cowherd
You wouldn't give up Carl Anthony towns in a first round pick for, for KD.
Jason McIntyre
Protected first, baby. God, you like that?
Colin Cowherd
In one second. Jalen Brunson, OG McHale Bridges, Kevin Garnett, just. Why don't you just start scheduling the parade ride?
Jason McIntyre
Oh, boy. Wow. Okay. All right.
Colin Cowherd
Well, you're not going to catch Boston and Cleveland without a dude.
Jason McIntyre
Boston's gonna have to start getting awesome guys soon. They just can't.
Colin Cowherd
You're not gonna catch those two teams. You need a dude. You need 26.
Jason McIntyre
I think you need a new coach in New York.
Colin Cowherd
So was the answer J. Mac with the news.
Jason McIntyre
Well, that's the news and thanks for.
Colin Cowherd
Stopping by the herd lie news TV this year. The staff just told me 41% on threes. Yeah, yeah. Three point shot, kind of. It's the only way you're beating Boston and Cleveland. You got to get. You got to get threes. Coming up are our picks in the March Madness with J. Mac and I. This kid, he's a wizard. You better listen to J. Mac. Be sure to catch live editions of.
Jason McIntyre
The Herd weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am.
Colin Cowherd
Pacific, on Fox Sports Radio, FS1 and the iHeartRadio app. Hey, Steve Covino. And I'm Rich Davis and together we're Cavino and Rich on Fox Sports Radio. You can catch us weekdays from 5 to 7pm Eastern, 2 to 4 Pacific, on Fox Sports Radio and of course, the iHeartRadio app. Why should you listen to Covino and Rich? We talk about everything. Life, sports, relationships, what's going on in the world. We have a lot of fun talking about the stories behind the stories in the world of sports and pop culture. Stories that, well, other shows don't seem to have the time to discuss. And the fact that we've been friends for the last 20 years and still work together, I mean, that says something, right? So check us out. We like to get you involved too. Take your phone calls, chop it up, as they say. I'd say the most interactive show on Fox Sports Radio, maybe the most interactive show on planet Earth. Be sure to check out Covino and Rich live on Fox Sports radio and the iHeartradio app from 5 to 7pm Eastern, 2 to 4 Pacific. And if you miss any of the live show, just search KO Vino and Rich wherever you get your podcast. And of course on social media. That's Covino and Rich.
Jason McIntyre
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Colin Cowherd
Learn more@americanexpress.com withamx this podcast is brought to you by Pfizer. Let's talk health. You may not know about pneumococcal disease, but if you're 50 or older, or 19 or older with certain medical conditions like diabetes, you're at risk. And it could turn your plans, big or small, into a hospital visit. So get vaccinated. It's one action you can take to help protect against pneumococcal pneumonia, an invasive pneumococcal disease. Keep enjoying everything you're looking forward to, even if it's just a podcast. Schedule a shot@vaxassist.com this message is brought to you by Apple Card. Choosing the right credit card can be daunting. Among the countless credit card options, Apple Card stands apart. You get up to 3% daily cash back on purchases every day. That daily cash can automatically earn interest when you open a High Yield Savings account through Apple Card. Apply for Apple Card in the Wallet app on iPhone and see a credit limit offer in minutes.
Jason McIntyre
Subject to credit approval. Savings is available to Apple Card owners subject to eligibility. Savings and Apple Card by Goldman Sachs Bank USA Salt Lake City Branch Member, FDIC terms and more@applecard.com as he leads the reigning champion Dodgers against the Cubs. The MLB World Tour live from Tokyo Tomorrow at 6am Eastern on Fox.
Colin Cowherd
All right, so let's just give the audience now we we know you don't care about our brackets. And by the way Ohtani is going to be leading off for the Dodgers. That's where he'll start the season. So let's give everybody. We're going to give everybody our dark horse and then our Final Four and then the national champ. So I'll start my dark horse. He doesn't like this. I'm going to take Arizona. I watched them play Houston. Henry Vaser is a center. He didn't play much around Thanksgiving against Duke. Now he's giving you 12, six and hitting three pointers. They have Caleb Love. I thought they matched up really well with Houston, a team many people think can win it. They've got size. I think their coach, Tommy Lloyd, that came from Gonzaga, they made the Sweet 16 three of the last four years and the guy they replaced as a coach could recruit. So I think now again this season, it's a lot of matchups and they would have to get through some pretty good teams. They're a four seed. They're going to be. I think they play. They were on fire in December. They've cooled off, but I'll take Arizona as my dark horse.
Jason McIntyre
Yeah, they don't shoot it from three well enough for me. 247th in the country. My dark horse is the Texas Tech Red Raiders, the team that lost to Arizona in the Big 12 tournament. However, Texas Tech was down their second and third leading scorers. Their coaches announced they will be back for the first round. I don't think they'll need them. Probably a minute's restriction. They got a favorable draw. Texas Tech will probably play like Drake. I have them upsetting Missouri, and then again, I don't buy St. John's I know a lot of people love them. You were hyping them, Colin. There's 364 teams in the country. St. John's is 338 in threes. They cannot shoot the basketball. And I see them going down to Kansas. So I think Texas Tech kind of rolls through, ends up playing Florida for a right to the final.
Colin Cowherd
All right, my final four is Auburn, Arizona, St. John's and Tennessee. By the way, very few teams shoot the three. Michigan State doesn't, Arizona doesn't. St. John's doesn't. So I think coaching and defense are going to be the key. Auburn's the number one overall seed. I watched them four times this year. Super athletic. Didn't play well necessarily down the stretch. I don't think that's that big of a deal. I think teams know they start, you know, playing for the tournament in the last five or six games. Again, multiple guys that could give you 12 to 15 points in the game. I like the coach. Arizona. I've talked about size and. And Caleb Love. St. John's four losses this year by combined seven points. Unbelievable. Coach. Play good defense again. Most teams in this tournament can't shoot the three. And then Tennessee. That was hot at the end. Now, I watched Tennessee at one point and I thought they were the best team I saw last year. I thought they were great. I think they're better than last year. I think Tennessee Barnes been around good coach. Now they can shoot, they can hit some threes. So my final four again. Auburn, Arizona, St. John's Tennessee. I don't know what to make of Michigan State. If I'm missing one here, it would be Michigan State. They don't shoot the three at all either. But I'm not going to hold that too much against teams that don't.
Jason McIntyre
Damn. Only one number one seed. That's impressive. You said people don't care about our brackets. They do if you get chalky, and I'm about to get a little chalky. I'm sorry, the audience hates that. I will go with Michigan State as a mild surprise. I like Florida a lot. Colin. Man, that team is so freaking good. Good. You know they've won. I believe it is 23. They're 23 and five against the spread in their last 28 games. That's the best streak in the country by a mile. Duke, obviously. Cooper flag coming back. They said he's cleared to play in the opener. I don't think he'll play that much, if at all. And then Houston is my other team going to the Final Four. I like this Houston Cougars.
Colin Cowherd
Very chalky.
Jason McIntyre
A little chalky. Three number ones to go to your.
Colin Cowherd
Auburn point real quick.
Jason McIntyre
I like Auburn a lot. Why don't I have them? They got jobs, Colin. Okay, opening round they're going to win, but second round they will play Louisville probably in Lexington. Kentucky. That crowd is going to be like 80, 20. Louisville. That is super dangerous. Now, Louisville had to go by Creighton, which is good. But they're like, they're getting like a home game in Lexington.
Colin Cowherd
So 24 of the 33 games Auburn played were against teams that made the tournament. They have been in harsh SEC environments. That's one of the reasons I take like an Auburn is that their schedule, like these SEC teams, the SEC was so much better than the Big Ten. So I think Michigan State's good. I mean, Auburn was playing against NBA dudes all year. So I think I Have Tennessee and, and by the way, a lot of people like Florida. I'll take Tennessee and Auburn to make it. Just because I, I talked to you about this two months ago. I started watching like January after the football season's winding down. Tuesday night, Wednesday night, I'm like these SEC dude, there's like six NBA dudes on the floor and the games are intense.
Jason McIntyre
They got I think 14 teams in the tournament of record. So Auburn, the other mild concern, they got a freshman point guard. I've been following him for a while because he was like a high school phenom who was all over Instagram. This kid Pettiford, nasty crossover, you know. 3. He had a brutal SEC tournament final when they got eliminated. He was like 0 for 9 to start. Just a young guy and going up against a pretty damn good Louisville background.
Colin Cowherd
Court.
Jason McIntyre
I'm worried about Auburn a little bit. Colin.
Colin Cowherd
So you have Auburn getting whacked.
Jason McIntyre
I don't. I. I mean, listen, I'm a 20 bracket guy, so probably 10 of them all haven't gone.
Colin Cowherd
Did you have Arizona doing anything in any of your brackets?
Matt Hasselbeck
No.
Jason McIntyre
I know you have a buddy who's a big Arizona guy. At least. I'm pretty sure I'm just out. Not.
Colin Cowherd
I may have a little intel on the cat.
Jason McIntyre
Yeah, I know there. Listen, there's some, there's some love for Arizona out there. Sure. I'm just surprised you're not all in on. On Duke or is. What about Denzel?
Colin Cowherd
First of all, first of all, I'm so insulting to ISO. He comes on the show and I, you know, I take somebody else in his bracket. I worry about Michigan State because the Big Ten wasn't very good.
Jason McIntyre
Yeah.
Colin Cowherd
And they don't shoot threes at all. So I just think there are, I think there are other teams that play defense and. But they don't just shoot the three at all. And I do think it's hard to come from behind in this tournament with four minutes left if you're not, if you're playing a team that doesn't turn the ball over and you don't hit three. So I think Michigan State has to play a certain way to win. But I like Michigan State. I like them. They're going to win multiple games.
Jason McIntyre
What do we talk about? The NBA playoffs, The whistle, the referees. It's a lot tougher. That's going to hurt teams like Tennessee and Houston. I'm worried about Houston. Mark Few, your boy, who I know watches the show, remember, he's referencing you and your magnesium. They got a really damn good chance to take down Houston.
Colin Cowherd
I like that you. I like that you got Michigan State nizzo in there.
Jason McIntyre
Yeah, I. I like them.
Colin Cowherd
If you're asking me what I want to be the Final Four, I want it to be Michigan State, St. John's Duke and Tennessee.
Jason McIntyre
I thought you were going to say Gonzaga.
Colin Cowherd
There.
Jason McIntyre
Website. Ken Palm. Ken Palm.
Colin Cowherd
Yeah, I know. I followed it yesterday.
Jason McIntyre
He's a top 10. Gonzaga's a top 10 team.
Colin Cowherd
I think they're a.
Jason McIntyre
Like a low seed and Houston's got to play him in round two. I like Houston, but, man, they. They play a brand that's like super physical and if they get a lot of fouls, Gonzaga is going to have a chance.
Colin Cowherd
No, you and I should put our. Where you and I could put our brands out there. Our. Our brackets. Whatever.
Jason McIntyre
Whatever you want to do. Put them on the herd. You hit. You. And I don't like social media. Right. I mean, I know you like it.
Colin Cowherd
You're on it way more than I am.
Jason McIntyre
You don't follow me on Instagram. I'm.
Colin Cowherd
I don't.
Jason McIntyre
Devastated by that.
Colin Cowherd
I don't follow you still.
Jason McIntyre
No.
Colin Cowherd
I don't think I've ever gone to Instagram.
Jason McIntyre
You'll take me out to dinner. We'll have. What do we have? Beef stew Friday.
Colin Cowherd
Oh, so good.
Jason McIntyre
It was really. I'm not kidding, folks. Cowherd's got a guy beef stew and he still doesn't follow me on. On Instagram.
Colin Cowherd
I don't think I've ever been to Instagram. I mean, I know what it is. I know Influencer. I don't. I don't. I don't.
Jason McIntyre
You don't know what that is? Okay.
Colin Cowherd
No, I don't go to Instagram. I don't go to a lot. I mean, I'm not.
Jason McIntyre
You're a Snapchat.
Colin Cowherd
I. No, I go to TikTok. I like Tick Tock.
Jason McIntyre
Some people just know they could save hundreds on car insurance by checking Allstate first. Like, you know, to check for the nearest bathroom first before the game starts. Now you're heading in the wrong direction and it sounds like your team's taking the lead. Checking first is smart. So check Allstate first for a quote that could save you hundreds. You're in good hands with Allstate Savings. Vary subject to terms, conditions and availability. Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Company and Affiliates, Northbrook, Illinois.
Colin Cowherd
This is Nikki Glaser from the Nikki Glaser podcast. Have you guys seen this new commercial from Stand up to All Hate it's basically Snoop Dogg and Tom Brady going back and forth with reasons that they hate each other. But then when you really listen to them, the reasons for the hate are just so stupid. I don't know. This this commercial really got me. It's a strong remind that hate in our country continues to be out of control. So join us at iHeart in standing up to it. If you see hate, speak up. Call it out. Your voice is a powerful tool in this fight. You can learn more by following ot'supwithhate Prohibition is synonymous with speakeasies, jazz flappers.
Matt Hasselbeck
And, of course, failure.
Colin Cowherd
I'm Ed Helms, and on season three.
Matt Hasselbeck
Of my podcast, Snafu, there's a story.
Colin Cowherd
I couldn't wait to tell you.
Matt Hasselbeck
It's about an unlikely duo in the.
Colin Cowherd
1920S who tried to warn the public.
Matt Hasselbeck
That prohibition was going to backfire so badly it just might leave thousands dead from poison. Listen and subscribe to snafu on the.
Colin Cowherd
Iheartradio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Jason McIntyre
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 starting on March 6th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.
Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 2: "Where Colin Was Right and Wrong"
Release Date: March 17, 2025
Host: Colin Cowherd
Guests: Jason McIntyre, Matt Hasselbeck
Platform: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
1. Introduction and Welcome
Colin Cowherd kicks off Hour 2 of "The Herd" by welcoming listeners and highlighting the episode's focus on areas where his previous predictions in sports were both accurate and off the mark. He sets the stage for an engaging discussion on current sports narratives, particularly zeroing in on college basketball's March Madness and the intricacies of NFL free agency.
2. College Basketball and March Madness Predictions
Colin and his guests delve into the unpredictable nature of March Madness, emphasizing the inevitability of upsets, buzzer beaters, and Cinderella stories. Colin reflects on last year's NCAA tournament, praising UConn's performance with "guard play" and "great coaching," which led them to secure four NBA players (00:00-01:15).
Key Insights:
Notable Quote:
Jason McIntyre states, “Defense is the overwhelming story. Very few teams score easily or a lot” (04:30).
3. NFL Free Agency: Colin Was Right
a. Warriors’ Success with Jimmy Butler
Colin praises the Golden State Warriors' acquisition of Jimmy Butler, highlighting his unselfish playstyle and alignment with the team's ethos. He lauds Butler's impact on the team's net rating, stating, “He’s tough. He fits their ethos, he fits their mindset” (06:00-07:00).
b. San Francisco 49ers' Reboot Strategy
He commends the 49ers for finally rebooting their roster, a move he had advocated for a year prior. Colin points out the strategic release of high-paid veterans in favor of younger, more cost-effective talent, ensuring the team remains competitive without being financially overburdened (13:00-14:30).
Notable Quote:
Colin remarks, “I said last year they should have done it. They waited a year to do it” highlighting his foresight on the 49ers' roster restructuring (13:00).
4. NFL Free Agency: Colin Was Wrong
a. Cincinnati Bengals’ Unexpected Moves
Colin reflects on his misjudgment regarding the Bengals signing Ja’Marr Chase and T. Higgins, initially doubting their willingness to invest heavily. However, the Bengals defied expectations by securing these top talents, making the team more formidable (05:35-06:00).
b. Minnesota Vikings’ Quarterback Quandary
He admits being off the mark in predicting Aaron Rodgers' uncertain future with Minnesota. Colin notes Rodgers' indecisiveness, which has kept both the Giants and the Vikings in limbo regarding the quarterback position (06:00-07:00).
Notable Quote:
Colin concedes, “I was wrong on this one where Colin was right. What a shocker” referring to Rodgers' unpredictable situation (05:35).
5. NFL Free Agency: Geno Smith to the Raiders
Colin discusses Geno Smith's lucrative contract with the Las Vegas Raiders, weighing his past performance against his potential. He remains optimistic, citing Smith's athleticism and team-friendly demeanor despite his lack of playoff success (07:00-08:30).
Notable Quote:
Colin states, “He signed a team-friendly deal and he's seven years younger and more athletic. So I don't have a problem with Geno Smith making them” (08:00-08:30).
6. Team Dynamics and Player Contracts
The conversation shifts to the broader implications of high-paying free agents on team chemistry. Colin raises concerns about resentment among existing players when new signings receive significantly higher contracts. Matt Hasselbeck echoes this sentiment, sharing his experiences with the Seahawks and emphasizing the importance of valuing existing team members to maintain harmony (19:15-20:00).
Notable Quote:
Matt Hasselbeck remarks, “They don’t even sign with our team. They sign like with our rival. And it was just like this weird” (19:15).
7. NCAA Tournament Final Four Predictions
Colin and Jason engage in a spirited debate over their March Madness Final Four picks. Colin favors teams like Auburn, Arizona, St. John's, and Tennessee, emphasizing defensive strength and coaching acumen. In contrast, Jason leans towards more conventional powerhouses like Michigan State and Houston, adding depth with teams like Florida for a well-rounded bracket (37:00-45:00).
Notable Quote:
Colin confidently predicts Auburn as a "dark horse," citing their rigorous SEC schedule and defensive prowess (42:41).
8. NBA Discussions: Lakers' Performance and Player Dynamics
Turning towards the NBA, the discussion covers the Los Angeles Lakers' recent performance, highlighting Luka Doncic's exceptional scoring streak and the team’s reliance on role players like Rui Hachimura and Jackson Hayes. Colin speculates on the Lakers' potential struggles in maintaining consistency without key players like LeBron James (32:30-34:00).
Notable Quote:
Jason comments on Doncic, noting, “Luka's on an absolute tear right now. I think he's had seven straight games over 30 points” (32:48).
9. Q&A and Audience Interaction
In the latter part of the episode, Colin engages with audience questions, addressing topics such as team strategies, player trades, and the impact of social media on athlete branding. The hosts inject humor and personal anecdotes, making the conversation relatable and insightful for listeners (48:00-49:00).
Notable Quote:
Colin humorously admits, “I don't follow you on Instagram. I'm...” highlighting his disconnection from certain social media platforms (48:50).
10. Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Wrapping up the episode, Colin reiterates the importance of strategic player acquisitions and coaching decisions in both college and professional sports. He encourages listeners to stay tuned for insightful analysis in future episodes, ensuring they remain informed and engaged with the ever-evolving sports landscape (50:00-51:00).
Notable Quote:
Jason concludes with optimism, “What a day. That's the powerful backing of American Express” metaphorically tying back to the episode's themes of support and strategy (49:00).
Key Takeaways:
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
This episode of "The Herd" offers a comprehensive exploration of current sports trends, strategic team decisions, and the unpredictable outcomes that make sports exciting. Colin Cowherd, alongside his guests, provides thought-provoking analysis that both fans and casual listeners will find insightful and engaging.