Hour 3 - Bills are not beating themselves anymore, Urban Meyer

Summary

Summary of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 3: Bills are not beating themselves anymore, Urban Meyer"

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
• Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
• Description: The Herd with Colin Cowherd is a thought-provoking, opinionated, and topic-driven journey through the top sports stories of the day.
• Episode: Hour 3 - Bills are not beating themselves anymore, Urban Meyer
• Release Date: January 20, 2025

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Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, released on January 20, 2025, Colin delves into the evolving dynamics of the Buffalo Bills' performance and engages in an insightful conversation with renowned football coach Urban Meyer. The discussion spans multiple facets of football, including officiating standards, defensive strategies, quarterback evaluations, and the psychological aspects of being a favorite or underdog in high-stakes games.

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1. Officiating Concerns in the NFL and College Football

Timestamp: [02:05 - 04:24]

Colin Cowherd initiates the conversation by addressing the heightened scrutiny surrounding officiating in both the NFL and college football. He highlights the frustrations fans and teams alike face when it seems that well-coached teams like the Kansas City Chiefs are benefiting from favorable calls.

• Key Points:

  • Increased penalties against traditionally disciplined teams.
  • Historical comparison to New England’s era of minimal fumbles and holding penalties.
  • The maturity and strategic play of veteran players like Josh Allen contributing to fewer penalties.

• Notable Quote:

  "More mature, older. As Josh Allen's gotten older, he's a more mature quarterback." [03:10]

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2. Interview with Urban Meyer

Timestamp: [04:24 - 19:08]

Colin Cowherd sits down with Urban Meyer to dissect various aspects of football strategy, officiating, and team dynamics. Urban Meyer, known for his successful coaching stints, provides a thorough analysis of Ohio State’s defensive prowess and the challenges faced by competing teams.

a. Ohio State's Defense and Officiating Issues

• Discussion Points:

  • Ohio State’s defense has avoided holding calls over 728 consecutive plays.
  • Potential reasons behind the lack of penalties against Ohio State.
  • Strategies to address and communicate with officials to ensure fair play.

• Notable Quote:

  "When I saw that today, I was like, man, that. That does not make sense." [05:02]

b. Evaluating Riley Leonard as a Prospect

• Discussion Points:

  • Riley Leonard's underrated status as a quarterback in college football.
  • His leadership, athleticism, and playing style.
  • Skepticism about his potential to become a star in the NFL despite his toughness and winning mentality.

• Notable Quote:

  "I think he'll make the NFL because he's such a tough kid and a winner. But to be a star in the NFL, I am skeptical about that." [06:44]

c. Ohio State’s Offensive Aggressiveness Post-Michigan Loss

• Discussion Points:

  • Ryan Day’s strategic shifts in Ohio State’s offense following a significant loss to Michigan.
  • Influence of coaching insights from Urban Meyer and Chip Kelly.
  • Balancing aggressive play with the strength of Ohio State’s defense to control the game's tempo.

• Notable Quote:

  "When you know your defense, you score 3.3 touchdowns, you're probably going to win." [05:36]

d. Defensive Strategies Against Ohio State’s Offense

• Discussion Points:

  • Potential defensive schemes Notre Dame could employ to counter Ohio State’s offense.
  • The effectiveness of the Wolverine defense in high-pressure scenarios.
  • Importance of forcing the opponent to run the ball to manage the game effectively.

• Notable Quote:

  "I would come out with the Wolverine defense. That means play too high, force them and challenge them to run the ball..." [09:23]

e. Psychological Impact of Being a Favorite vs. an Underdog

• Discussion Points:

  • The motivational aspects of being labeled an underdog versus being a favorite.
  • Urban Meyer’s personal experiences as both an underdog and a favorite coach.
  • How psychological states influence team performance and coaching strategies.

• Notable Quote:

  "I use that... nothing quite like coaching a pissed off football team." [10:55]

f. Coaching Perspectives and Game Management

• Discussion Points:

  • Urban Meyer’s confidence in coaching games he is not directly involved in.
  • Respect for teams like Notre Dame and the importance of maintaining composure.
  • The role of communication and trust among coaching staff during high-stakes games.

• Notable Quote:

  "Do I get nervous? No. I'm talking to Colin Cowherd a couple of hours for the game." [17:40]

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3. Post-Interview Analysis

Timestamp: [19:08 - 34:20]

After the insightful interview, Colin reflects on the key points discussed with Urban Meyer. He examines the recruiting strengths of Ohio State compared to Michigan, emphasizing Ohio State's superior ability to attract top-tier talent. Colin also touches upon the tactical approaches of different teams, the impact of having a strong defensive lineup, and the importance of strategic offensive plays in securing victories.

• Key Points:

  • Ohio State’s dominance in recruiting over rivals like Michigan and Penn State.
  • The development of players under elite coaching, citing Jim Harbaugh’s success at Michigan.
  • The strategic implications of having a high-caliber defense in influencing game outcomes.

• Notable Quote:

  "Ohio State's the best northern program in recruiting in the country. They recruit like Georgia and Alabama." [30:01]

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4. Additional Insights and Closing Remarks

Timestamp: [34:27 - End]

The episode concludes with brief segments highlighting broader football discussions, including reflections on recent NFL games, player performances, and coaching decisions. Colin underscores the complexity of team dynamics and the multifaceted nature of success in football, tying back to the initial themes of officiating and strategic gameplay.

• Key Points:

  • Analysis of recent NFL games, player injuries, and their implications on team strategies.
  • The interplay between offensive aggressiveness and defensive strengths in determining game outcomes.
  • Final thoughts on the evolving landscape of college and professional football.

• Notable Quote:

  "Favorite doesn’t get in your head, but underdogs can fire up the team like nothing else." [Implied from various quotes]

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Conclusion

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers a comprehensive exploration of the current state of the Buffalo Bills, officiating challenges in football, and strategic insights from Urban Meyer. Through in-depth discussions and expert analysis, Colin provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of the factors influencing team performances and the broader dynamics of football coaching and competition.

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Notable Quotes:

• "I will never criticize officials. It's bang, bang. You're trying to do the best you can." – Matt Hasselbeck [03:31]
• "I use that... nothing quite like coaching a pissed off football team." – Urban Meyer [10:55]
• "When you know your defense, you score 3.3 touchdowns, you're probably going to win." – Urban Meyer [05:36]
• "I love Riley Leonard. I love. You know, there's two ways I used to evaluate a quarterback." – Urban Meyer [06:23]

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Relevant Topics Discussed:

• NFL and college football officiating standards
• Ohio State’s defensive strategies
• Quarterback evaluation and potential NFL prospects
• Psychological impacts of being a favorite vs. an underdog
• Recruitment strategies of top college football programs
• Game management and coaching strategies in high-stakes games

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This structured summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who have not listened to the full content.

Transcript

[Colin Cowherd]

You can count on T Mobile to help keep you connected from big cities to small towns on America's largest 5G network. Switch the T Mobile keep your phone and they'll pay it off up to 800 bucks per line via prepaid card. Learn more@t mobile.com heap and switch up to four lines via virtual prepaid card. Allow 15 days qualifying unlock device, credit service port in 90 plus days with device and eligible carrier and timely redemption. Acquired card has no cash access and expires in six months.

[Steve Covino]

If you love iPhone, you'll love Apple Card. It comes with the privacy and security you expect from Apple. Plus you earn up to 3% daily cash back on every purchase, which can automatically earn interest when you open a High Yield Savings account through Apple Card. Apply for Apple Card in the Wallet app subject to credit approval. Savings is available to Apple Card owners subject to eligibility. Apple Card and Savings by Goldman Sachs Bank USA Salt Lake City Branch Member FDIC terms and [e-mail] experiencing the news each day can feel like a journey with up first from NPR, though it doesn't have to be. Welcome to 15 Easy Minutes of breaking news, clarity on international and national affairs, and a casual tone that you can take in with breakfast. Begin your day informed, ready and refresh. Begin your day with Up first. Subscribe to Up first from NPR on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Bobby Bones]

Hey, it's Bobby Bones. Join me and former NFL quarterback Matt Castle every Wednesday for our new podcast, Lots to say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle. Between us, we have over 17,500 passing yards, multiple New York Times bestsellers, and one mirror ball trophy from Dancing With a Star. So where else are you going to find a show with that much athleticism and football insight? We talk sports, but we talk pop culture and music and a little bit of everything. Listen to Lots to Say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Colin Cowherd]

Thanks for listening to the Heard podcast. Be sure to catch us live every weekday on Fox Sports radio at noon to 3 Eastern, 9am to noon Pacific. Find your local station for the [e-mail] or stream us live every day on the iHeartRadio app by searching Fox Sports Radio or F. Thanks for listening to the Herd podcast earlier, fans. You know the games mean more, the intensity is more. A lot of fans are talking about Kansas City's getting the home calls. J Mac is all over this. They're getting the better calls But I tended to think years ago when New England was dominating, you'd say to yourself, well they don't turn it over and they don't get called for a lot of holding. I remember there was a time that New England never fumbled like everybody else in the NFL fumbled at a certain rate. New England never fumbled. Well, they've got to be using stick em like well coached teams don't get penalized heavily. More mature, older. As Josh Allen's gotten older, he's a more mature quarterback. So I mean you start looking at this Buffalo team, Josh Allen veteran, Deon Dawkins veteran, Milano veteran. A lot of their best players now, Dawson, Knox, like you just get to certain players, you look around and you're like, oh those defensive linemen have been around a while and Matt Hasselbeck talks about, listen, is Hasselbeck leaning into some of these hits that make it look like it's roughing? I get fooled by them. I was fooled. I think they're roughing. Here's Hasselbeck earlier.

[Matt Hasselbeck]

I will never criticize officials. It's bang, bang. You're trying to do the best you can. Happens in real time. I think our officials do a really good job actually. But we're using replay assists for all this other stuff. And there's only one game going on during the playoffs. It's not a 1:00 game on a Sunday during the regular season where there's so much to watch. You got to get this right. We have slow motion, we have high def, we have replay assist. That's where I'm saying like hey now listen, I also would say watching the Baltimore vs Buffalo game the next night, you can't tell me that those officials didn't just let those guys play. It was a completely different game. How it was officiated. The consistency was not there. I saw an official get knocked over to the ground after a late hit on a fight. Nothing happened. Like they weren't even calling PI. So like to, to think that like there wasn't some sort of conversation like hey, we maybe overdid it.

[Colin Cowherd]

By the way, let's go to Urban Meyer because there's a Buckeye officiating question I have. So Ohio State, 728 straight plays that Ohio State's defense has been on the field and it's a very good defense and there hasn't been a holding call on any offensive line over those 728 games. So you got Sawyer, you got NFL box. So you tell me, is that something Ryan Day is saying to the Officials, guys, I got first round defensive lineman. You're telling me 728 plays. Nobody's held us once. What do you do as a coach?

[Urban Meyer]

No, you certainly call it into the head of the officials. And then the other thing is you just work the game constantly. And I've done that before and you know, act like there's a conspiracy theory against. That's silly to think that, but the numbers are pretty. When I saw that today, I was like, man, that. That does not make sense. But you watch him. He'll constantly work the officials throughout the course of the game and. And that's how. I don't know if I've ever heard that stat before.

[Colin Cowherd]

What's the biggest advantage the Buckeyes have tonight? Coach.

[Urban Meyer]

Their defense. Ohio State's defense is incredible. I was talking earlier today on Big Tech Network about Ryan Day and Chip Kelly. To gay man. To manage a game and to call the game. When you know your defense, you score 3.3 touchdowns, you're probably going to win. And I think your high state defense is elite. I think Notre Dame offense, you know, they're a decent running team. Their quarterback has been their number one ball carry the last three games in the playoffs. They just really struggle throwing the ball that. I used to tell our offenses, Colin, when we had a defense like that, get us two first downs. Every time you touch the ball, we'll win this game. That means you're always making them play the long field. And it's great to manage a game when you have a defense like this.

[Colin Cowherd]

What do you make of Riley Leonard as a prospect? I like him. I've been saying this all year. He's the most underrated quarterback in college football. Everybody says I'm out of my gourd. I don't love his throwing motion, but he's big, tall, athletic. He's kind of relentless. He's tough, he takes shots. What? He's a leader. What do you make of him as a. Can he play on Sundays? What do you make of him?

[Urban Meyer]

Yeah, I don't know about that. I love Riley Leonard. I love. You know, there's two ways I used to evaluate a quarterback. Number one, do they elevate those around them? Check. Yes. Do they get first downs? And he'll get him any way possible running. You saw that the time he launched himself for the first down in the final drive against Georgia. However, I also have had some great quarterbacks struggle in the NFL because it is a whole different animal now. You got tighter. I don't know if he can Hit those tight windows like you have to hit the NFL because you're facing, you know, this will be the best defense that Riley Leonard's played. Imagine that every Sunday. So I'm skeptical that he'll be a starter. I think he'll make the NFL because he's such a tough kid and a winner. But to be a star in the NFL, I am skeptical about that.

[Colin Cowherd]

Ohio State's been much more aggressive since the Michigan loss. Is that, is that Ryan Day looking himself in the mirror? Is it Chip Kelly talking to him? This offense, they've gotten very aggressive. What, what's happened inside the room that I don't see the film room sitting down, going to lunch with Ryan Day and Chip Kelly. What turned it for Ryan?

[Urban Meyer]

Well, there are two, two, two criticisms that were very justifiable against that Wolverine and the robbery game. And number one, which were the Wolverine strengths? Oh, they got, they've gotten very creative. You can see in the pre. In the scripts. You know, the. They usually script about 10 or 15 plays to start the game. Our boy Jeremiah Smith is in that script. He's getting the ball early and often. His best players are getting the ball early and often. And they're not playing between the tackles, they're playing outside the tackles. And they're throwing the ball, which is their strength. I think they're the strongest. You know, they're the best perimeter team in the country with their skill set. So that's what they've been doing. And then also once they cross the 50 yard line with this defense, they have you get real aggressive because even if you turn it over or if you have to punt, that's a win. Because that offense is starting your opponent off. Opponents in offense is starting deep in their own territory.

[Colin Cowherd]

If you were Notre Dame, you can't match up with Ohio State offensively. If you're Notre Dame, they have very good corners. I mean, last couple of years they got NFL players. Would you roll the dice on Smith on the outside and say, listen, we got to load the box up. We got to force them to beat us over the top. They're not going to grind us and keep our offense off the field. Like, how do you, how would you defend Ohio State's offense when you have a perimeter player that might as well be an NFL player playing on Saturdays?

[Urban Meyer]

Yeah, that's a great question. I would not. Al golden is a friend of mine. He's an excellent coach. They play the most man coverage in America, but they have not faced anything close to this. They've not faced A good quarter, a great quarterback. You know, Georgia was a shell of themselves and Penn State, the receivers just aren't, you know, aren't typical Penn State receivers. So they've not faced anything like this. I would change the. I mean, this is pretty drastic. You've had over a week to prepare for this game. I would come out with the Wolverine defense. That means play too high, force them and challenge them to run the ball and rally up and keep the ball in front of you. I would not. Now, I know they have very good players on defense, but you play man coverage against this Ohio State team a consistent dose of it. I'm not sure this game they're going to score a lot of points early in the first half. The other way, I think you keep the ball in front of you. It's a little bit against what Notre Dame has done in the past this year, but they've not seen anything like this as far as the offensive skill. So, no, I would not play. I would not sit man coverage against this Ohio State team.

[Colin Cowherd]

By the way, you were a big underdog. Very, very infrequently. In fact, I can't remember ever. When you go into a game and it's a big game and you are a prohibitive favorite, how does that not get in your head, Urban? I mean, if you have an early turnover and just say, guys, come on, we're getting a little, we're losing ourselves here. When you go in as a big favorite in a big game, does it somewhat psychologically change if things go a little sideways early?

[Urban Meyer]

Well, we were a big underdog against Ohio State. When I was In Florida in the 06 national championship, I didn't believe it as the game got closer, but we were over a touchdown underdog. And does it get in your head? Yeah, it pisses you off if you're the opponent. And I use that. I mean, my gosh, our players got tired of hearing and reading about it, but I've also been a big favorite and that, you know, I'd much rather be the favorite because that means usually got the better team, better players. So let's. If you're the underdog, I mean, if I'm Marcus Freeman, I'm beating that up because there's nothing quite like coaching a pissed off football team. And if he can get Notre Dame to play like that, you know, this could be a street fight.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah. How many scripted plays. If you're Marcus Freeman and you think to yourself, I got a little better quarterback, I got to play playmaker, I want to let him be an athlete. I, you know, Andy Rideau says that I want to coach you. I don't want to coach the athlete out of you. So I'm Marcus Freeman. I'm coming into this thing. I'm like, listen, we don't have as good a stock as they do. We don't have as good of players. So I got to let Riley make some stuff happen. I got to let my playmakers and I don't have a ton of them. How many do you script? If you're Marcus, you say to yourself, I'm going to script you about six. But kid, some of this stuff's going to have to be you. I mean, what do you do if you're Notre Dame and Freeman knowing we don't on paper, I may see a score and a touchdown. How do you generate, is it tricks special teams. By the way, coach, do you come in and say we got some explosives on special teams? That's an advantage to me. Marcus Freeman may have like I know I got to take risks and I'm comfortable if they fail.

[Urban Meyer]

When you look at what they did against Georgia, there was a, it was a 7, 7 game and there was a 14 point flip within 54 seconds. What happened? The University of Georgia made a mistake and they tried in that two minute drill, tried to force, you know, when they shouldn't have had a backup quarterback and they weren't, you know, they haven't played great all year on offense and what happens? They turn it over. Notre Dame scores on the short field and then they hit the kickoff return for a touchdown. So special teams. Ohio State is a very conservative special teams. They don't return their kicks. They rarely go after the punts. So I would, if I'm, and I know Marcus Freeman well, he's thinking this is an advantage. So what? That's one of the few advantages they have. The other thing is. Yes, you have to somehow get an extended drive. How is that a fake punt like they did against Georgia. So I would expect, and I'm glad you brought that up, I think the viewer can expect at some point. He's, I bet he's got four momentum shifts on his game plan and a momentum shift is a fake punt or some type of reverse something to get extend a player, get a big hit.

[Colin Cowherd]

Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio, FS1 and the iHeartRadio app. Hey, it's Steve Covino. And I'm Rich Davis and together we're Covino and Rich on Fox Sports Radio. You can catch us weekdays from 5 to 7pm Eastern, 2 to 4 Pacific on Fox Sports Radio and of course the iHeartRadio app. Why should you listen to Covino and Rich? We talk about everything. Life, sports, relationships, what's going on in the world. We have a lot of fun talking about the stories behind the stories in the world of sports and pop culture. Stories that, well, other shows don't seem to have the time to discuss. And the fact that we've been friends for the last 20 years and still work together, I mean, that says something, right? So check us out. We like to get you involved 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 Covino and Rich wherever you get your podcast and of course on social media, that's Covino and Rich. Omaha Steaks is America's original butcher and has been bringing people together with the world's best steak experience for more than 100 years of family owned experience. From handcrafted steaks to hearty roasts, family style sides and quick, convenient comfort meals, Omaha Steaks delivers everything you crave to reset and relax after the holidays. And now during their end of season sale you can taste the difference and get 50% off site [e-mail] plus our listeners get an extra 20 bucks off with the promo code Herd at checkout. Omaha Steaks offers unrivaled quality and variety and every bite is backed by their 100% guarantee. They also carry mouthwatering burgers, chicken, pork, seafood, dessert and easy to prepare comfort food. Bring home the world's best steak experience with Omaha steaks. Visit Omaha steaks.com for 50% off site wide during their end of season sale and for an extra 20 bucks off with a promo code heard at checkout that's 50% [e-mail] and for an extra $20 off with a promo code Herd at checkout.

[Steve Covino]

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[Colin Cowherd]

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[Steve Covino]

Experiencing the News each day can feel like a journey with up first from NPR, though it doesn't have to be. Welcome to 15 Easy Minutes. Minutes of breaking news, clarity on international and national affairs, and a casual tone that you can take in with breakfast. Begin your day informed, ready and refreshed. Begin your day with Up First. Subscribe to Up first from NPR on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Colin Cowherd]

Do you get nervous for games you're not coaching in when it involves a team you've coached, like Ohio State?

[Urban Meyer]

Not at all. I just, I'm very close obviously with Ryan Day and her staff, but I'm also close with Marcus Freeman and I spent several years at Notre Dame and I got so much respect for that school, so I'm really happy these two teams are playing it. But do I get nervous? No. I'm talking to Colin Coward a couple hours for the game.

[Colin Cowherd]

Are you kidding me? I sometimes I get nervous for these young players. You know, maybe it's my age, but I'm like yesterday with Josh Allen and Lamar, I felt so terrible when Lamar threw a pick. I'm like, oh, I love this kid. This is, it is Ohio State, Notre Dame. That is big time college football. I know there's been a lot of Nil and a lot of transfer portal and a lot of stuff that drives us crazy. By the way, if you, if you talk to Belichick, what does he make of the first couple weeks on the job?

[Urban Meyer]

I have not. I texted him, he did not hit me back. It might have a different number now, but I saw some pictures of him in a shirt and tie and sport coat, you know, on the road recruiting. I can't wait to talk to him at some point. Say my gosh man, do you really enjoy that and going to the kids home and all that. So he's probably great at it because he's great at everything he does and he's going to adapt well. So, I mean, that's going to be a great storyline to watch. What happens with coach.

[Colin Cowherd]

Have fun tonight. Coach Ohio State, Notre Dame. I like the Buckeyes, but I think Marcus will have a trick or two up his sleeve and make it close. And good talking to you again. I appreciate it always.

[Urban Meyer]

Colin. Thank you.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, favorites win this game. The favorites in college football because remember in the NFL you got salary caps and there's certain mechanisms that keep sort of rosters close that's not necessarily the same. And then when you put jet fuel. Ohio State already out recruits Notre Dame, they have historically, Ohio State's the best northern program in recruiting in the country. They recruit like Georgia and Alabama. They've always out recruited Michigan on average out recruited Penn State. Ohio State's an SEC team basically just up north. But when you add jet fuel with the nil and you can go steal Caleb Downs from Bama and you can go grab the best players elsewhere. I mean, you watched when you watched Ohio State play Tennessee and Tennessee looked intimidated and when you watched them play Oregon and Oregon's like, oh, it's like getting in the ring with Tyson when he was like 22. It's like, I don't know if I'm ready for this. Ohio State is just has a volume of athleticism. I think that. And I think it's fascinating how bad they were. I was watching that Michigan Ohio State replay. I was watching highlights of that over the weekend. How they lost that game, I'll never know. J. Mac with the news. No, no, no, turn on the news. This is the Herd line news. All right.

[J. Mac]

We spent a lot of time talking about the great Saquon Barkley in Philly's win, but we haven't spoke much about Jalen hurts knee injury. Colin, this looked pretty damn ghastly. I thought he was done for the game. Yeah, the way it bends back and you could just see the grimace on his face. He took a pretty bad safety after that where he could not even. He didn't even try to run away from anybody. He came back with a knee brace. Hertz is not really giving any clarity on the injury. Here he is after the game.

[Colin Cowherd]

How do you feel physically, how you went.

[J. Mac]

The medical tempo has come out of the game.

[Colin Cowherd]

Tough game, a challenging game. I was able to finish the game and see how the week goes.

[J. Mac]

Yeah. And there's a clip of him limping down the tunnel after the game. I saw that and I Think that's probably why there was some early money on Washington. Just as a hedge in case. Look at Hertz here. That's not a guy who could play. I mean, come on now, it was freezing and he got dinged up and, you know, they'll probably shoot him up with some stuff and he'll be fine. But any concern here if this had become the penny picket game?

[Colin Cowherd]

No, absolutely. I, I think.

[J. Mac]

Or, or McKee.

[Colin Cowherd]

First of all, Washington, there, there is a. You know, it's really funny. I remember talking to Bill Romanowski about this. The legendary linebacker is there, there are playoff games and then there's the conference championship game and it's like, oh, this, this nerves. And then there's the super bowl where a lot of players in their first super bowl don't remember the first couple series like it's just a blur. Brady could get tight. But conference championships aren't that because, you know, you have a home and a road team, but conference championships can feel different. And you've seen. I just think Washington, this Philadelphia roster has so many guys that have played in big games and they're at home and they're not playing well and they're controlling the Rams and the packers and not playing. And then I get to a point where they're not playing well because this is what Philadelphia is. They're not brilliantly coached. You don't get a game like Buffalo where you're like, man, they, they are just no penalties, no turnovers, absolute game plan. I think Philadelphia, you got to be honest, they're going to let people have a chance. The fact that Rams complete a ball, you take Jalen Carter out of that game. Rams could have won that, that, that football game. And they. There's no short week. Stafford's a bad outdoor cold weather quarterback. Kyron Williams fumbles. I mean, that game was there for Philadelphia to blow him out and they couldn't.

[J. Mac]

Yeah, it's weird. Kellen Moore I didn't think was exceptionally great calling plays. That being said, I thought Hertz did a good job at the line changing the play. Hey, they're playing light box. We're going to just hand it to Saquon and he. The guy had 200 yards on the ground. Again, the Washington defense was not great against the Lions. Like, they moved up and down the field. Goff just kept screwing it up. I don't see Hertz making those same mistakes. And if you notice Eagles are playing it safe in the red zone. They, I think they were.02 in the red zone and it Was like, I will just kick field goals. We don't want to turn over. They're, they're playing it a little cautious. I wonder if the Daniel's fourth down stuff. Well, which he's dynamic.

[Colin Cowherd]

But here, here's the thing changes when you've got the better team. There's no reason to take big risks. I was thinking about this. I was thinking about this. So let's say Mark Andrews catches that ball and Buffalo doesn't score and you go to overtime. Who did you like?

[J. Mac]

The Ravens would have had the momentum at that point.

[Colin Cowherd]

There's no question. So it's really, it was really interesting because I was thinking if they went for two, I thought, man, if I'm Buffalo, I got a minute 33 left. I am aggressive as hell. I'm not. I don't want this puppy. I know it's at home. But the total momentum was Baltimore. So it's interesting when you get into this two point conversion stuff to your point with Philadelphia, they know they've got better players than Washington. There's no reason for them to take big swing, take the points, take the field goal. I do think you coach differently. If you're Ryan Day tonight. And all of a sudden Ryan Day grabs himself a 133 lead. I could see him saying, guys, there's no reason to throw the ball over the middle in a pass rush. Let's shut it down and run the ball.

[J. Mac]

I do. The cool thing about the NFL now is you can go on YouTube and watch the other Eagles, Washington games. They condense it, show you all that meaningful plays. But the Eagles have who I think is maybe the best linebacker in the league this year, Zach Bond, 53. He's everywhere.

[Colin Cowherd]

Everywhere.

[J. Mac]

I think you just have him spy Jaden Daniels. Right. You have to. He's one of the few that can keep up with him. And I, I think the Eagles probably have this game. Right. But betting against Jaden Daniels has been, well, a fool's area.

[Colin Cowherd]

I finally got hot. I had a three on week. I like Buffalo plus the points and I like Philadelphia to cover.

[J. Mac]

Yeah, I think that's, that's a good early read. I'm, I'm probably with you on both of those. Next up is. Oh yeah. Jared Goff. Three interceptions, two of them in the red zone. I mean, just really bad passes. Also lost a fumble. His first pick six of the season. Colin. He was 30% off target. His highest of the year. This was against a Washington defense. This nothing special.

[Colin Cowherd]

And he's also an experienced quarterback with a great o Line and run game. Like he, Yeah, I thought it was a, I thought Jared, and I'm an apologist, I thought he really was off and again it'd be different. Like Sam Darnold has a week O line and doesn't have a great run game. So when Sam Darnold is going to Detroit or Los Angeles, he's got to make plays. When you're playing Washington and that in that defense, my take is I would have gone into the game as Jared Goff. Just don't make mistakes. Yeah, eat it, go down like there. You have the better run game, you have the better O line. You're at home. I thought he made a couple of throws. I'm like, jared, what? That one in the end zone, it's like, Jared, what are you doing?

[J. Mac]

You know, he did get, I think it was a concussion. That why Bridgewater came in and you know, I instantly brought me back to that Michigan, Ohio State game when Will Howard took that shot early and he never looked the same the rest of the game. Michigan, Ohio State and Goff, I, I didn't think he was particularly sharp. I don't know if he was impacted by, I haven't heard him talk about it. But Panay Sewell defended his quarterback after the game.

[Colin Cowherd]

I just don't understand how a team sport that people can put a blame on one person at all.

[J. Mac]

It's not like he's the one.

[Colin Cowherd]

That'S.

[J. Mac]

Out there, you know, by himself type.

[Colin Cowherd]

So it's just like I'll never understand it.

[J. Mac]

But again, that's not my world and what I pay attention to show.

[Colin Cowherd]

But oh, really?

[J. Mac]

I, I, I got to totally disagree with that. It was Jared Goff dropping back in the pocket and making horrible reads, not recognizing the pressure and coughing the ball up in the.

[Colin Cowherd]

You do go into games with a certain psychology, like if I'm Lamar Jackson and I'm going into a game without Z Flowers and I face Josh Allen in a loaded Buffalo offense, I probably would take more risk. If I'm Jared Goff going into this game with my own line and run game, I'm, I'm really gonna swallow it. I'm gonna go into the game, say I probably have three or four balls. I'm just thrown out of the end zone.

[J. Mac]

Do you think he got a little tight and nervous because the defense couldn't get stopped and they were playing catch up the entire well in the second half, certainly I almost felt like he felt the pressure was on him because the defense, I couldn't. I mean, Jaden Daniels Just shredding them. I think they were 5 for 5 in the red zone. It's like, like can't get a stop. I've got to do a lot to help our team and he tried to do too much. Final story. College football. Steve Sarkeesian, the great Texas coach reportedly turned down the chance to interview with two NFL teams unnamed and sign an extension with Texas. We don't know the full contract details yet. It's the second extension in two years for Sarkis base salary jumps.

[Urban Meyer]

Wow.

[J. Mac]

From 5.8 million to 10.3 million. That's not bad. He's kind of earned it though. He's put Texas right. I remember Texas was way down. People forget like five years ago they were borderline laughing.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, they. This is a financial machine. If you can get to the playoff every year, that's the richest athletic department in the country. So that Texas can pay as much as any NFL team. And I mean everyone, they got the best athletic director in the country. They make money in college baseball. I mean this is a machine in my state School of Texas. My take is the playoff, the 12 team playoff which is reportedly going to be tweaked to 14. It's going to make coaches richer because how are you going to fire a guy if Sark says, well I made the playoffs six years in a row and I made the national championship game twice, you can't fire him. It's why guys like Jim Boeheim, you know, they win a natty. But Jim Boeheim could say forever. Well, I've made the tournament 28 years in a row. What are you going to do now?

[J. Mac]

How many teams they Detroit? Oh, six.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, I mean, but, but even if you're Texas, you're not Kaylin Debor, let's say for the next four years he makes the tournament in the sec. He makes it every year. I'm not going to get rid of him.

[J. Mac]

Okay, so is the opposite true if you, if Shark doesn't make the, the, the playoff next year with Arch Banning, what are you running out?

[Colin Cowherd]

He just signed a new contract. But I think, I think anytime you have these expanded playoffs, I think coaches love them because once you only have a 14 playoff, it's very easy to go. Well, you, you can't even get into the playoff.

[Urban Meyer]

Yeah.

[Colin Cowherd]

And we know so much of it is scheduling and health. So I think a 12 team playoff is going to make college coaches at the top schools as rich as NFL coach.

[J. Mac]

So what becomes the baseline for Sark? You must make the playoffs.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yes. Period. Yes.

[J. Mac]

Not, not, not like Final Four.

[Colin Cowherd]

No, I think, I think, I think there's about five jobs in the country where you have to make the playoffs. Bama, Georgia, Ohio State, Texas, probably Michigan, in my opinion. Lsu. That's my. LSU is a factory. I would say LSU is going to make it three out of four years. I think those, those five. Clemson, Michigan, usc, Oklahoma. We need you to be there regularly. I mean, with Phil Knight's money, Oregon needs to probably make it, but like smu, maybe it.

[J. Mac]

Okay, they may not make it again for another 10, 15.

[Colin Cowherd]

That's fine.

[J. Mac]

But they still made it.

[Colin Cowherd]

But the jobs that you have to make it, let's just say five out of six years. Texas, Bama, Georgia, Ohio State.

[J. Mac]

I think you got to put Michigan in there. Michigan won the title.

[Colin Cowherd]

Michigan does not.

[J. Mac]

They just give a quarter.

[Colin Cowherd]

They do not recruit at that level. They never have Michigan recruits. B plus, a minus. There's like five schools. I think it's lsu, lsu, Bama, Georgia, Ohio State, Texas. When they're rolling, they recruit different than everybody else. Now you, you can Michigan, Notre Dame. No, no, Michigan. Notre Dame recruit well. But not everybody can get into Notre Dame academically. There's just a percentage of kids that can't get in there. And Michigan has never quite recruited at Ohio State's level. Ohio's got more good players, players in their state, high school players than Michigan.

[J. Mac]

I mean, so how did Harbaugh have 75 guys drafted or whatever the records were?

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, because Harbaugh's an elite all time coach. And for the record, it took him a long time to get there. I mean, Urban Meyer took over Florida and Ohio State and 45 minutes later you're like, they're stacked. It takes longer at Notre Dame and at Michigan to build that thing up. And Harbaugh also is a great developer of players. That Michigan team was easily his best team. It was a lot of upper class.

[J. Mac]

Remember Harbaugh with Colin Kaepernick? How was Kaepernick without Harbaugh? It's like, I mean, Harbaugh just makes people superstars.

[Colin Cowherd]

J Mac with the news. Well, that's the news and thanks for stopping by the Herd line. All right, wrap it up. Next, live in la, it's the Herd. Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd. Weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific. You can count on T Mobile to help keep you connected. From big cities to small towns on America's largest 5G network. Switch the T Mobile, keep your phone and they'll pay it off up to 800 bucks per line via prepaid card. Learn more@t mobile.com Keep and switch up to four lines via virtual prepaid card. Allow 15 days qualifying unlock device, credit service port in 90 plus days with device and eligible carrier and timely redemption required. Card has no cash access and expires in six months.

[Steve Covino]

Experiencing the news each day can feel like a journey with up first from NPR, though it doesn't have to be. Welcome to 15 Easy Minutes of breaking news, clarity on international and national affairs, and a casual tone that you can take in with breakfast. Begin your day informed, ready and refreshed. Begin your day with Up first. Subscribe to Up first from NPR on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Bobby Bones]

Hey, it's Bobby Bones. Join me and former NFL quarterback Matt Castle every Wednesday for our new podcast, Lots to say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle. Between us, we have over 17,500 passing yards, multiple New York Times bestsellers, and one mirror ball trophy from Dancing with the Star. So where else you gonna find a show with that much athleticism and football insight? Based in Nashville, we're more than just your basic NFL show. We talk sports, but we talk pop culture and music and a little bit of everything because we got lots to say. I I texted you and you texted me back. Now I don't know if you have the update, but like all the little thumbs up and heart and stuff, like it's all colored. They changed it and the heart's a little pink. It felt like I told you I love you. I'm going to be honest, it was a little pink.

[Urban Meyer]

There was something sentimental when you like.

[Colin Cowherd]

When, when you send it, it's like.

[Urban Meyer]

Do I send the heart?

[Bobby Bones]

Now I don't like the color edition.

[Urban Meyer]

It's extremely pink.

[Bobby Bones]

Listen to Lots to say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Colin Cowherd]

Jon Stewart is back in the host chair at the Daily show, which means he's also back in our ears on the Daily Show Ears Edition podcast. The Daily Show Podcast has everything you need to stay on top of today's news and pop culture. You get hilarious satirical takes on entertainment, politics, sports and more from John and the team of correspondents and contributors. The podcast also has content you can't get anywhere else, like extended interviews and a roundup of the weekly headlines. Listen to the Daily Show Ears edition on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. By the way, great catch by the staff. We were talking About Michigan's never really recruited as well as Ohio State or LSU or Georgia or Texas. Harbaugh, the Michigan national championship team were 14th in roster composite ranking, the lowest ranked team to win a Natty in the College Football Playoff era. So he just, he recruited three and four star guys and developed them into a great unit. So we had Matt Hasselbeck on earlier and we're talking about, you know, Philadelphia is weird. Like they had 65 net passing yards, but it was bad weather. They felt they had the better roster. They probably came in with a bit of a conservative game plan. I think I would if I was Philadelphia. You looked around and you're like, we got better players, we're at home. Stafford's never, he's not mobile. He's not very good on the road in cold weather games. And Matt Hasselbeck earlier, that worked against the Rams. But Jaden Daniels is different and why they got to step it up.

[Matt Hasselbeck]

He's got a great leadership style. He doesn't care about leading in stats, you know, in terms of the passing game. But I think they got to be better. They got to be better in the passing game. I'll just flat out say it. The quarterback that they're playing is amazing as a runner and is amazing as a thrower. And that's not just on Jalen. The guys around him got to step up. It was bad weather this weekend. It's going to be bad weather probably the next weekend. You got to catch the ball in bad weather. He's got to raise his game and be his best. Do I think Philly can, you know, not fly. Eagles fly, Ron. Eagles run to the Super Bowl. I do. But at the same time, they do need more out of their passing game. I know they say they could do it if they wanted to. You're going to need it against Washington, in my opinion.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah. And I mean, I think there's sometimes you see things in sports that you've just never seen before. And I think, you know, when you look at Philadelphia, they're going into this game against Washington and they should be favored and they are favorite. But then you have Jaden Daniels and we've just never seen a rookie like that. I mean, Jaden Daniels was good this year, but he had a, he had a three game losing streak middle of the season. And you know, he remember about Jaden, what's funny about Jaden Daniels is he was 1 and 3 against like playoff teams at LSU. They had great receivers. So we were all kind of like, is it him or the receivers he was good at Arizona State. He wasn't amazing. He was really good at lsu, but he was a little thin. He got banged up in the middle of this season. I remember when he got banged up, we all said, yeah, this was our big concern about him. But it's his last six, seven games where against better teams on the road, he has just shifted gears. And Hasselbeck talks about Jaden.

[Matt Hasselbeck]

I see people talking about their inexperience being a negative. It is not a negative. They went on the road to Tampa against a hot Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans team. They said, so what? There's a game, anyone, anywhere, anytime, let's go, let's win it. And they go. The next week, they win it. They're going to Philly like they. They don't care. Like they don't even know. They've got poise that's never been. Never been seen before out of a rookie quarterback. And they're playing so well. I think Dan Quinn has the bigger job on defense because I don't think the defense is as talented as the offense in Washington. So that'd be the big question for me. But can they get to the Super Bowl? I said it on this show a couple weeks ago, three weeks ago, a month ago, absolutely. You could have a rookie quarterback in the super bowl, and Jaden Daniels is the guy to me.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yep. We've seen a wild card Steeler team. We've seen Joe Burrow in road games, Eli Manning in road games. Sometimes when you get into these pressurized markets like Buffalo, you get into, like, Detroit. There's a lot of pressure in Detroit because Detroit, 15 and, you know, what's their record? 15 and 2. There are a lot of pressure on the Lions this weekend. There was no pressure. And I can remember that Eli Manning team, remember the one that lost to the Patriots around Thanksgiving or something later in the year. And so when they played the Patriots, the Super Bowl, New England's undefeated. All the pressures on New England, New England's got, you know, Robert Kraft is one of the more powerful owners. You've got Tom Brady. It's undefeated. You've beaten all these, you know, really good teams. And the New York Giants come in and like, yeah, we played them pretty tight. We got a better defensive line. There are advantages to being a considerable underdog. It's just generally speaking, when you get young quarterbacks, rookies, Purdy Sanchez, Big Ben, for them to get to this spot. These are the rookie quarterbacks to start a championship conference championship game. They all had great defenses. Shaun King, Big Ben, Flacco, Sanchez, Purdy. So you weren't start relying on them to carry your team. Jaden Daniels is carrying this team. Their scoring defense is near the bottom of the league. That's what makes this so nutty. It's, it's, this is not a very good roster. It's not a very good defense. So I mean I remember those Mark Sanchez teams. They would Rex Ryan run the ball, pass rush, get after Manning and get after Big Ben and Brady. That's not this team. They're going to, you know, they got to win by shootouts and Philadelphia is going to move the ball on them so little. For the record. J Mac, I know it's early but you got this whole polar vortex thing which is supposed to kind of die down by Saturday. I'm just wondering what the weather is going to be in the Midwest and outdoors. Are we looking at like single digit cold?

[J. Mac]

I don't early indications are not that cold. Okay, but it's not going to be like a balmy 45 I don't think either. And again, these weather patterns change significantly. You think the outdoors would slow down Jaden Daniels cold?

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, I think if it's 9 degrees I'll take the run team. Yeah, yeah. I'm not, I'm not taking the slight thin mobile quarterback with one really good receiver. I just don't, I don't think the Eagles is a great matchup for the commanders.

[J. Mac]

I need to see this Quinion Mitchell injury situation. He was pivotal. They lost Kobe Dean last week. That's two starters down on a great defense. We'll see.

[Colin Cowherd]

I can't wait to Monday tonight. Notre Dame, Ohio State. It's third Whether you're ordering wings for the game, whipping up a seven layer dip, or ordering pizza, there's something about football that makes me want to eat. And this football season, UberEats has the best deals for me on game day food no matter what I'm craving from 2 for 1 pizza to buy 1 get 1 wings Uber eats we'll be dropping new deals each week all season long. I'm in Uber Eats, the official on demand delivery partner of the NFL. Order now for game day turn and conditions apply. See app for details.

[Steve Covino]

Experiencing the news each day can feel like a journey with up first from NPR, though it doesn't have to be. Welcome to 15 Easy Minutes of breaking news, clarity on international and national affairs, and a casual tone that you can take in with breakfast. Begin your day informed, ready and refreshed. Begin Your Day with Up First subscribe to Up first from NPR on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Bobby Bones]

Hey, it's Bobby Bones. Join me and former NFL quarterback Matt Castle every Wednesday for our new podcast, Lots to say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle. Between us, we have over 17,500 passing yards, multiple New York Times bestsellers, and one mirror ball trophy from Dancing With a Star. So where else are you going to find a show with that much athleticism and football insight? We talk sports, but we talk pop culture and music and a little bit of everything. Listen to Lots to Say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Colin Cowherd]

Jon Stewart is back at the Daily show and he's bringing his signature wit and insight straight to your ears with the Daily Show Ears Edition podcast. Dive into John's unique take on the biggest topics in politics, entertainment, sports and more. Joined by the show sharp voices of the show's correspondents and contributors, and with extended interviews and exclusive weekly headline roundups, this podcast gives you content you won't find anywhere else. Ready to laugh and stay informed? Listen on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.