J. Mac (3:58)

Hey, you're Ivan Drago. I'm Rocky Balboa.

Colin Cowherd (4:00)

Yeah, I had it.

J. Mac (4:01)

That's what I do. I just take the punches. It's fine. And I come back like the underdog that I am.

Colin Cowherd (4:06)

My good buddy, John Middlekoff, former NFL scout, got the podcast on three and out. He's just fantastic. He's got thought in the Raiders. Sam Darnold really knows his stuff. Eagles, San Francisco 49ers and Brock Purdy. But let's start with this. The playoffs are upon us and right now it's a season of haves and have nots. This weekend it's the haves. But we're talking about the teams that aren't in the playoffs. And despite being a good team for so long, the Niners are one decision away from potentially being a have not for potentially a very long time. A lot of these bad teams are bad forever. Like a lot of these bad Raiders have been bad forever. Bears have been ridiculous forever. And then there's the Niners, and they want to be and are usually in the halves and now they're a have not. And they've got a big decision to make because what you don't want to do is make the wrong decision at quarterback or you will stay a have not forever. You make the bad decision there or you become Dallas when you win, when it doesn't matter and, and you're never around in January and February to play. And so John lynch, he is telling you now, we are signing Brock Purdy to a big deal.

John Middlekoff (5:14)

What we know about Brock is that he's our guy. We've got, you know, we have interest in Brock being around here for, for, for a long, long time. He's done so much for our organization. He's won big games and, you know, had a little tougher task as we.

Colin Cowherd (5:30)

All did this year with some of.

John Middlekoff (5:31)

The things that happened throughout the course of the year. We just never could string games where.

Colin Cowherd (5:35)

We were all together.

John Middlekoff (5:36)

And through that he continued to lead.

Colin Cowherd (5:38)

He continued to play at a high level. So we have every interest in him being around. Okay, so it's really interesting. The Niners used to be a have and now it looks like, oh, this year they're a have not. So what we know is the eight teams that won their division all had the best quarterback. First time I can remember. Do you think Brock Purdy is the kind of guy that will be a best quarterback in a division? I do not. You have to reframe the discussion on Brock Purdy. It has to go from ooh, look what he's done to what can he do? Because once he gobbles up a big chunk of the salary, he plays with less talented players. Remember Jared Goff before he got paid in LA? Sean McVeigh loved him and then he paid him and he didn't love him so much. If you ever wonder if you should pay a quarterback, ask yourself one question. What does our rival think? Because Buffalo loved it when Miami paid Tua big boy money. Buffalo loved it. He's 1 and 8 against the bills and he can't play when it's cold. Buffalo loved Tua signing a long term deal, by the way. The Eagles loved Daniel Jones signing up for more money with the New York Giants. What do you think Sean McVeigh thinks with Matt Stafford? Ooh, scary. Brock purdy? Nope. Sean McVay this year, next, probably the following year, will have the best quarterback. So ask yourself it's not about what he's done, it's about what can he do once you take people away from him. Scheme and stats. This is where Tua and Purdy are very similar. The scheme and the stats make you go, ooh. Eye test. Hammond Egger little, small, weather affected, need certain weapons, lose weapons, not as good. And what's interesting with the Niners is you already have the answer. How many games you win this year without Christian McCaffrey? Trent Williams hurt, Brandon Aiyuk hurt. You got the answer. Would you win six, seven, eight games? He got the answer in front of you. So if you're the Niners, you have to reframe the question. And here's something else because you want to be playing this weekend, the halves. There's 14 halves and that means there's. What do you got? 18 have nots. And the Niners are in the have nots. And one thing we know, if you have a great quarterback and Purdy's not that, in my opinion, you're not going to be winning your division going forward. I mean, good God. Kyle Shanahan, boy genius, has a losing record in San Francisco. Without Christian McCaffrey, Sean McVay doesn't have losing seasons often. Shannon's had him. So one of the disturbing trends is that Stafford needs McVeigh, but is he totally reliant on McVeigh? Because the stats this year for Brock Purdy are disturbing. In the first and second quarter, the schemed quarter, his passer rating is excellent. In the third and fourth quarters, the non schemed quarters, he has a. He has a passer rating that should pay you about $16 million a year, not 58. And so it is an interesting time for the San Francisco 49ers. They used to be in one group, now they're in the other. And the only thing that guarantees no Super Bowls is paying a B quarterback a money. You win a bunch of games, so does Dallas, but nobody will take you serious come January. Big decisions. The idea of paying him early has never made any sense. I would let it play out. Oh, by the way, he got hurt again this year. So I saw this story yesterday. Belichick. Bill Belichick made sure, as he's on the recruiting trail, he made sure to get a hold of a couple of sources or his people did to say, hey, I am not going back to the NFL because it's hurting recruiting. And here's the thing. Bill Belichick did such a great job, and you've had this before in your life. Somebody does such a great job doing something, it's the only way I can see them. It's like the Rock. The Rock is an action star. He could do a rom com. But if you're trying to convince me he's going to give up action films for Rom coms. His personality is an action film. His experience with wrestling, he's action. His physique is an action film star. The Rock does action films. I don't want him crying a lot on screen. I don't want Rock being too tender and huggable. That's not who he is and that's not what he is. And that's not what he's built to be. Bill Belichick is a pro coach. He is much more ROTC than Nil. He is rigid. He doesn't pander. He doesn't have time for small talk. And that's what college football is. Hi, volleyball coach. Hey, recruit. Nice to meet you, Mr. Donor. I've always thought it's easier, although the coaching is much better in pro football than college. It's much easier to go psychologically college to pro. Just more football and less nonsense. It's very difficult to be a great pro coach and have to go backwards to college. A lot of handshakes, a lot of pandering, a lot of small talk. I mean, Bill hates mistakes. What do 18 and 19 and 20 year old boys do? Make a lot of mistakes in football and out of it. There's a reason Belichick is an NFL historian. He loves great players. And great players play at Georgia and, and they play at Notre Dame and they play at Ohio State and they play at Alabama and lsu. And a lot of great players don't play at Carolina. Now Bill has the advantage of being a big brand and some kids may want to play for him, especially defensive players. But, but Bill was so great at the NFL. I just can't buy into. I don't care what sources say about, you know, Bill because I saw the story this morning. Bill's got no interest going back to the NFL. Yeah, and the Rock would have no interest going back to action films if somebody offered him 30 large for one. I'm sorry, that's who Bill is. That's his experience, that's his personality. That's who he is. And so I, I would love to see Bill because, because, you know, some of these offensive coaches, they age well. Sean Payton ages well. Drew Brell is yesterday. Andy Reid is aging well. You see, these old offensive go, old defensive coaches don't generally age as well because they don't necessarily, you know, they're, they're, they're, they're not necessarily always the best adapters. And college football, nil Portal is all about adapting. So I, it just, it's almost like Belichick staying in college. It's like, you know, New Year's resolutions. You can tell me you're going to go to the gym every day. You, you can tell me you're going to keep your New Year's resolution and you're going to eat better. You know, about three weeks in, you start to kind of fade off. That nine weeks in, you drive by the gym and think you should go and 12 weeks, and you just don't. You take a different way to work. Like, like. So you're, you're getting me to buy into. Belichick's going to love this college football thing. I can't. I just can't do it. He was so great at one thing. I don't buy the other thing. That's where I stand on it. And I still contend Philadelphia or Buffalo get bounced early in the playoffs, and I don't think they will. I think Philadelphia is going to beat Green Bay. I think Buffalo is going to win at home against Denver. I do. But if they got bounced, you are having absolute phone calls to Belichick. My belief is he would pick up the phone for both. And with that, I bring on my friend. He's a former NFL scout. John Middelkoff has a very popular podcast and he's been on our show several times before. I want to talk about several things. Tom Telesco, who I know very well and like and admire, just got fired the Raiders gm, so they got rid of Antonio Pierce. I thought the team played very hard considering their quarterback situation in a division with Mahomes and Herbert and Vonix. I thought they were very competitive. They beat the Chiefs last year. They could have beaten them again this year at Arrowhead. So now they fire Tesco. That, that means they've had three different coaches in four years. What is this signal? Wait, Brady's involved now? You hear stories about. He, you know, he's talking to candidates. What is this signal, John, to you?

John Middlekoff (14:54)

Well, I think a lot of people go, do the Raiders have something cooking? What does Mark Davis have up his sleeve? I would say, look at the last 15 years. They got no clue what they're doing. I mean, this organization right now is a complete disaster. Feels like a rudderless ship. And, you know, Mark Davis was, was quoted recently of talking, ideally, in the future, he hands it off to Tom and Tom gets to run, you know, kind of like a John Elway type operation. But that, that is not happening, at least by all accounts, anytime soon. So I, I think you just, I mean, how many people can Mark Davis pay to go away and listen he made the right move. Oakland was a sinking ship in terms of their sports franchises. Every team leaves and he has made way more money financially by going to Vegas. But he is paying a lot of people to not work. And I think it goes back last year to the Telesco hiring with Antonio Pierce. Felt a little clunky. I mean, remember Telesco got fired after losing like 100 to nothing to them on Thursday Night Football. Antonio Pierce, the only reason he got the job was because Devonte Adams and Max Crosby wanted him to have the job. And Jacobs. Jacobs then left. Devonte Adams six months later wanted a trade and Max Crosby by the middle of the season said, yeah, I might want to trade as well if we don't win. So this, this franchise, I think Mark's heart's in the right place, but he just consistently cannot get it right when he hires either coaches or general managers.

Colin Cowherd (16:27)

Nobody knows. You worked in the Bay Area for a long time and you're really tied into the 49ers. I think the answer on Brock Purdy was this year when he had less talent around him. And when you look at his numbers off script in the second half, you know he's a. He was a C quarterback. I wouldn't sign him early. Why do you believe the Niners are selling this insistence? Because he's got a year left in his deal. Why are they so embedded in to sign him early? What is the rush to sign he's hurt again to sign Brock Purdy early?

John Middlekoff (17:03)

Well, I think this is a Kyle Shanahan led operation here when it comes to the quarterback. Kyle loves him. And I kind of came to grips after watching that press conference yesterday. We can debate whenever the contract comes out in terms of how much money he ultimately gets. Does he get a contract closer to Baker? Does he get a contract closer to Trevor Lawrence? But he's going to be the quarterback for the foreseeable future. And Kyle Shanahan said yesterday, I want to coach as long as he's here. So I think this off season is a pivot point for the franchise. I don't think most people realize this, but the 49ers have not won a game in a long time. They went 6 and 11. So on the bright side, that means they get a high draft pick. Not as high as usual because we had so many bad teams in the NFL, but they're drafting 11. And when you draft high, that also means you draft high every round. And because of the Trey Lance failed trade, they lost a bunch of first round picks. Also Last year because they were in the Super Bowl. Right. They didn't draft till the end of the first round. They have the 11th pick and they have the 43rd pick. And I think if they are going to sustain winning, this has to be one of those off seasons where they land, I think core impact players for the foreseeable future. Last time in 2020 they made a trade with the Forest Buckner and they traded the Force Buckner to the Colts for a the 13th overall pick and they got cute. They traded from 13 to 14 and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers drafted Tristan worse.

Colin Cowherd (18:34)

Yeah.

John Middlekoff (18:35)

And they ended up drafting Javon Kinlaw. And this is an opportunity. Can they land, you know, another version, you know, Micah Parsons I think was pick 11.

Colin Cowherd (18:43)

Yeah.

John Middlekoff (18:44)

Picks in the, you know, high in the second round become all Pro Pro bowl players. If they can do that, even if they pay Brock Purdy, they'll be able to sustain winning for a while. But if they miss on these picks because they're good picking in in the fourth through seventh round, they are littered with starters in those rounds high in the draft partly because they haven't had the picks and partly because they've missed on some picks. They got to be aggressive and they got to get it right. If they do, I think we could, you see the 49er schedule, Colin, that they have the easiest strength of schedule in the NFL, at least based on going into next year. They, they have no business not winning 12, 13 games in 2025.

Colin Cowherd (19:25)

I want to talk about Sam Darnold. I really liked him out of college. I didn't think he was good enough like an Andrew Luck to overcome, you know, bad ownership or bad teams. And that was that bore out. So I thought they were going to franchise him or sign him to a short contract or he'd go to the market and get a fortune. But it's so embedded in our brains that once he struggled with Detroit, we, we all, we all went back to the Sam is seeing ghosts. I think it's a one off. I think he'll play fine against the Rams. But let me ask you, as a former scout who has been in the front office in Philadelphia, you know how they operate. Let's say Sam struggles a little bit and they lose to the Rams. Does it change his ascension? Does it change his off season?

John Middlekoff (20:13)

I think one element of the broadcast on Sunday night against the Lions is they show J.J. mcCarthy, who obviously is, you know, coming back from multiple knee surgeries and he had a knee sleeve, Colin. He looked like he weighed 190 pounds. And I looked the other day at the combine, he weighed basically 220 pounds. So to me, when you look at that player, he's not even remotely close to filling the void of being a starting quarterback on a playoff team, which Sam Darnold has proven to do. But I think when you start talking about giving a guy $100 million, $150 million, this seven day stretch, I guess it's eight because they plan Monday night is massive for Sam Donald. I think he's already kind of locked in on being their quarterback in 25. Yeah, that just may be the franchise tag. And there are multiple franchise tags. There's the exclusive one, there's the non exclusive one. I think Sam Darnold is getting that. At minimum, even if this game does not go well on Monday against the Rams, he throws three or four touchdowns. They beat the Rams, maybe they go on and win a second round game. Then I think we start like you said, Lions game, little bit of an outlier and he gets a long term contract. But I, I think he's already done enough and given JJ McCarthy situation with the injuries, with the way his body looks right now, I'm sure he's not been able to work out and he was a project to begin with that Sam Darnold is going to be the, the quarterback for Minnesota next year. I just think that, you know, you could look at, you win this game, you win another game. We're talking hundreds of millions of dollars. We see these quarterback contracts. So the pressure is immense and let's face it, confidence can take a while to build up for any young person, heck, for any, anyone in life. But it can go like that. You just have to wonder if that Lions game, does it snowball on him a little bit and can he get it rolling against the Rams finally?

Colin Cowherd (22:11)

You watch a lot of college football about as much as anybody I know. And you're a former N scout. I've always leaned on you for college quarterbacks. Cam Ward, Shador Sanders. If you had to take one, which would it be? And give me a breakdown of both if you could. John?

John Middlekoff (22:27)

Well, I think Cam physically, I remember talking to a scouting buddy a couple of years ago when he was transferring to Washington State from Incarnate Word.

Colin Cowherd (22:36)

Yeah.

John Middlekoff (22:37)

And he said this guy is physically really gifted. He throws the ball, I mean as well as any prospect in the draft last year. I just think people, there's an up and down nature with his game. His explosive plays, his highlight plays are exceptional. Physically, he is much more talented than Shador. I Might be in the minority. I think Shador is a good player, but his physical gifts. When you think of Deion Sanders.

Colin Cowherd (23:05)

Yeah.

John Middlekoff (23:05)

One of the greatest athletes of my life. I wonder if Shador got some of his athleticism from his mother because Shedor is not, you know, I would say Cam Ward is a better athlete.

Colin Cowherd (23:15)

Yes.

John Middlekoff (23:15)

Shador is not a great athlete and he doesn't have a big time arm.

Colin Cowherd (23:18)

Yeah.

John Middlekoff (23:19)

So physically when it comes to gifts, I wouldn't put him on the upper echelon of quarterbacks that we've seen in recent memory. He's just a solid player.

Colin Cowherd (23:28)

Yeah.

John Middlekoff (23:29)

I actually think the curveball in this draft and we'll see they play tonight. Drew Aller, if he were to beat Notre Dame, even if they were to get boat raced by Ohio State. Talk about a guy that's gained a lot of momentum.

Colin Cowherd (23:40)

Yeah.

John Middlekoff (23:40)

Very physically gifted guy. Little old school. Not as much scrambling as Shador or Cam Ward, but I think he would be a curveball that like could he end up going in the top five if he were. He's committed to coming back to Penn State. But all of a sudden you're in the national championship game and people are talking about you like a top 10 pick. You would have to wonder if he would come out and heck, could he be in the mix, you know, if he throws a bunch of touchdowns against Notre Dame and looks good against Ohio State to compete to go as high as any of these other quarter. The simple fact is this quarterback draft universally around the league is not viewed as great.

Colin Cowherd (24:19)

Yeah.

John Middlekoff (24:19)

Yet there are some high end players at other positions. Travis Hunter, the, the pass rusher at Penn State, obviously Walker at Georgia.

Colin Cowherd (24:29)

Yeah.

John Middlekoff (24:29)

So is a quarterback inflation. Are these guys a lock to just be the 1 and 2 pick or some other players going to go and we're going to see these guys go six and eight.

Colin Cowherd (24:39)

Yeah.

John Middlekoff (24:39)

I wouldn't bet on that because we know teams need quarterbacks. But I think as we sit here today, everything's on the table.

Colin Cowherd (24:47)

All right. John Middelkoff 3 Announces podcast. Great seeing you, buddy. As always.

John Middlekoff (24:52)

See you, Colin.

Colin Cowherd (24:54)

Yeah, the Drew Aller, Penn State's fascinating because big arm. He's kind of a traditional big arm guy. And here's what's funny. You know, now everybody is like, ah, you got to run around at quarterback. Jared Goff has the number one seed in the nfc. Jared Goff, the least mobile quarterback, by the way, in the last 20 years. Tom Brady has the most Super Bowls. So this idea. Matt Stafford, by the way, is favored to beat hyper athletic. You know, everybody thinks Matt Stafford is going to be better than Sam Darnold. This, this idea. You can't be a pocket quarterback. It makes me laugh. I don't know how good Drew Aller is because I thought he was coming back to college, but that dude can spin it like that guy is a big guy. Much better traits, by the way, than one. Brock Purdy had to slide that in there. A lot of show left Live in la it's the Herd. Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific. Hi, it's the Herd. NFL playoffs. We're talking about NFL playoffs. You bet we are. Get in on the action in DraftKings sportsbook, an official sports betting partner of the NFL. Scoring touchdowns is the key to winning in the NFL playoffs. And the key to you scoring big is betting on him at DraftKings, the number one place to bet touchdowns. Just download the DraftKings sportsbook app. Super easy to do. 90 seconds and use the code herdherd. Here's another reason to watch your favorite players crush it in the playoffs. New customers bet five bucks to get 200 in bonus bets instantly. So score big during the NFL playoffs with DraftKings Sportsbook. Download the DraftKings Sportsbook app now. Use the code HERDHERD. New customers can bet five bucks. Get 200 instantly in bonus bets only on DraftKings Sportsbook with code HERD. HERD. The crown is yours. Gambling problem. Call 1-800-GAMBLER in New York. Call 8778 HOPENY or text HOPENY 467-369. In Connecticut, help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org Please play responsibly on behalf of Boothill Casino and Resort Kansas 21. Age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Void. In Ontario, new customers only. Bonus bets expire 168 hours after issuance. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see DKNG Co Audio. Hey folks, this message brought to you by the one and only official Whiskey of the Herd with Colin Coward Green River Whiskey. Now here's a story that'll knock your socks off. Picture this. Founded way back in 1885, Green River Whiskey is OG Kentucky Cool, the 10th oldest distillery in the state. And get this. It was so valuable back in the day that 20 barrels of the good stuff were traded for shares in a gold mine. That's liquid gold. Literally. But like any great drama, tragedy struck in 1917 with a fire that almost wiped it off the Map. Cue the hero music. It was rebuilt on the same hallowed grounds, let me tell you, better than ever. So whether you're sipping their single barrel bourbon or a smooth straight rye, know you're raising a glass to history, folks. Here's to Green River Whiskey, where rich flavor meets richer stories. Hop on over to greenriverwhiskey.com, discover a legend in a bottle today. Cheers to that. A product of Green River Distilling Company, Owensboro, Kentucky. Alcohol by volume varies by product. Greenriverwhiskey.com Please drink responsibly.

Katie Couric (28:24)

Hey everyone, it's Katie Couric. Well, the election is in the home stretch and I'm exhausted. But turns out the end is near. Right in time for a new season of my podcast. Next Question. This podcast is for people like me who need a little perspective and insight. I'm bringing in some foks friends of Katie's to help me out, like Ezra Klein, Van Jones, Jen Psaki, Asted Herndon. But we're also going to have some fun, even though these days fun and politics seems like an oxymoron. But we'll do that thanks to some of my friends, bee Roy Wood Jr. And Charlemagne the God. We're gonna take some viewer questions as well. I mean, isn't that what democracy is all about? Power to the podcast for the people. So whether you're obsessed with the news or just trying to figure out what's going on, this season of Next Question is for you. Check out our new season of Next Question with me, Katie Couric, on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

John Middlekoff (29:31)

What's up, everybody? Adnan Burke here to tell you about a new podcast from iHeart podcast in the National Hockey League. It's NHL Unscripted with Burkin Demers. Hey, I'm Jason Demers, former 700 game NHL defenseman turned NHL network analyst. And boy, oh boy, does daddy have a lot to say. I love you, by the way, on NHL Network, we're looking forward to getting together each week to chat and chirp about the sport and all the other things surrounding a that we love. Right? Yeah, I just met you today, but.

Colin Cowherd (29:57)

We'Re going to have a ton of.

John Middlekoff (29:58)

Guests from the colliding worlds of hockey, entertainment and pop culture. And you know what, tons of back and forth on all things NHL. Yeah, you're soon going to find out we're not just hockey talk. We're into all kinds of random stuff on this podcast. Movies, television, food, wrestling, even the stuff that you wear on NHL. Now you wish you could pull off my short shorts. Ferkie. That shirt of kazarakas. Listen to NHL Unscripted with Burke and Demers, the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Colin Cowherd (30:31)

John Middelkoff, Joel Klatt, Greg Cosell. We don't get many days like that. 3. Three Rock Stars show up on the broadcast and then J. Mac has lost his footing a little bit about halfway through this show with a blind resume with Mike McCarthy. Let's see if he regained his composure. J. Mac with the news. No, no, no, no. Turn on the news.

John Middlekoff (30:53)

This is the Herd line.

J. Mac (30:55)

News of new material here with a comedian in 2025. Let's start with the breaking news out of Vegas. The Raiders have parted ways with GM Tom Tesco after one season. Okay, I don't even know what to make of the Raiders now. They let Antonio Pierce meet the media, right? Fired him a day later. Tesco seems safe. He's gone now. Tesco obviously drafted Brock Bowers with the 13th pick overall. Bowers had the greatest season any tight end has ever had. What's interesting is six quarterbacks, one in the top 12. The Raiders, you know, just missed out on all the quarterbacks, hit a home run with the tight end, but that doesn't matter. I have a feeling I know what's going on with the Raiders, but I'm curious, where are you on the Tesco firing?

Colin Cowherd (31:38)

Well, I just don't get it. I know Tom very well. I mean, find the organizations that draft at the top of this draft in the last decade. There's only one thing they have in common. It's not quarterback, head coach, scout. It is impulsiveness at the ownership position. The Raiders now will be paying four head coaches be paying for and not all seven figures. So does that sound like a well run corporation? I don't know.

J. Mac (32:14)

They're trending towards the Browns.

Colin Cowherd (32:15)

One of the reasons, one of the reasons that the Chargers are good instantly is not just Jim Harbaugh, that the roster was good. Now he missed on a J.C. jackson cornerback acquisition. He missed on that to let go quickly though.

J. Mac (32:29)

Give him credit for that.

Colin Cowherd (32:30)

Yeah, but the truth is this roster was good. They had a quarterback, a left tackle, they had weapons, they had pass rushers. I mean, the Chargers were ready to pop to go toe to toe against the Chiefs because they had a good roster, right? Like so they didn't have a lot of needs outside of like one more, you know, right tackle, try to get another slot Receiver next year's draft. They don't have a ton of needs, even at a running back. So Telesco is not the issue. Telesco. The issue is lots of people who have had lots of success in other places are just getting run off. I mean, it. Does it feel like. I mean, to me, it feels a little like Tom Brady now has major influence in the organization. That's what it feels like.

J. Mac (33:13)

It also feels like teams around the league are starting to realize. Listen, I. Coaches are going to want their GM to work with someone they can trust and someone they believe in. I think Vrabel was so scarred by what happened in Tennessee where they traded A.J. brown, that my guess is Vrabel is going to be going to the Raiders. And I think he just says, listen, I want someone I know is my gm, who I can work with and build the roster, has the same vision as me. And I guess they have someone in mind. And that's why they said telescope by. I would. I don't want to. You never guarantee anything, but I think Rabel is going to be picking the Raiders.

Colin Cowherd (33:50)

Well, it's very interesting. I thought it was New England, but I mean, if you just connect the dots. And I'm just spitballing here, but Brady is really close with Vrabel.

J. Mac (34:01)

Yeah.

Colin Cowherd (34:02)

And now the GM and the coach are fired. And we know from reports two days ago that Tom Brady has influence in the decision making. I said if I was Brady, I'd sit down with Vrabel. There's no way Tom. I mean, he already called Belichick. That's been confirmed. Right. So it's not surprising that Tom and Vrabel Price sat down and played around a golf or had dinner and discussed it. And I think what you're leading to makes sense is that Tom has major influence. And I mean, if the. If. If the GM's not fired, I wouldn't buy that. But with the coach and the GM out after a year, after all the moves, it tells me Vrabel Brady feels like it's cooking.

J. Mac (34:47)

And remember yesterday you said the two guys who are far and away better than every other candidate are Vrabel and Ben Johnson. What did we hear about Ben Johnson a couple weeks ago? He wants a specific gm. If he's taking the job, he already has his vision. Hey, everybody wants me. I'm in demand. Well, guess what? Here's my demand. You see this GM right here? I know him. I want to work with him. I respect him. And I feel like some of these coaches. Can you imagine Commodities.

Colin Cowherd (35:11)

Think about this. Let's just say Vrabel takes the job. This will be the greatest coaching division in the history of football. Andy Reid, Jim Harbaugh, Sean Payton, Mike Vrabel, that's your division.

J. Mac (35:21)

That's pretty strong.

Colin Cowherd (35:23)

There's never been a division with that good of coaches. And I'm not one of these guys that would duck competition, but it would give you pause. Diany Reid may retire in two years, so. But it's like I would feel better about the Raiders job if it was a really strong quarterback class. Well, I think, how about this for a year? Aaron Rodgers, that's in play, he's got a place in Malibu and in Nashville. Vegas fits.

J. Mac (35:50)

The other thing I would say, you know, in the short term they may bottom out. Vrabel and the new GM may look at the roster and say, yeah, we got some stuff here. We want to gut the old guard who's been for like three coaches in the last five years, and we want to bring in our guys. So they might have a painful year, draft high next year, and all of a sudden they get this thing cooking again. Remember, Vrabel went. Was he the number one seed with Ryan Tannehill? Yeah, he's a pretty damn good.

Colin Cowherd (36:13)

Tom Brady's last game in Foxborough. Rabel's Titans beat him.

J. Mac (36:18)

That's right.

Colin Cowherd (36:18)

Remember they had that pick six. It was Logan Ryan. I think maybe it was. I forget.

J. Mac (36:22)

That was right. Good call. Tennessee in the post. It's just a shocking development out of Vegas. Next up is the Pittsburgh Steelers. They got an 8 season streak without a playoff win in current 4 game losing streak this season. They're trying to snap all that on Saturday. Pittsburgh has the longest super bowl odds in the playoffs, but Russell Wilson is staying positive ahead of round three with Baltimore.

John Middlekoff (36:47)

I think that the opportunity that we have in front of us, it's a great one. We're excited about the opportunity to play obviously in the playoffs. And it's many old guys that, you know, have played 15 years, never got in the playoffs or for a lot of these guys who haven't, it's exciting moment, exciting time. It's exciting for all of us because we also know how, how, how, how good of a team we are when we play our best. And we're excited about the opportunity of, you know, facing the challenge that we're in.

Colin Cowherd (37:12)

It's interesting. With Zay Flowers out for the Ravens, do you think Pittsburgh keeps it close?

J. Mac (37:18)

No.

Colin Cowherd (37:20)

Okay.

J. Mac (37:21)

You do?

Colin Cowherd (37:22)

Well, I think Zay Flowers is a dynamic player that can Certainly can force you to do things defensively you don't want to do. I mean he's just underneath drag routes. He turns five yards into 25. He's a, he's a dynamic player that a couple times a game like changes field position.

J. Mac (37:38)

Yeah. Russell Wilson's got to come back down to earth. He really needs a big game here. Pickens remember the last time we saw him? One catch for zero yards and three drops in that Cincinnati game and he was yelling at fans and teammates had to hold him back. So they're unraveling. I don't know if Russ can get them together. Look at these numbers for Russ in the last four games. Just not good. Offense, not great. Pickens starting to fall apart as we all.

Colin Cowherd (38:03)

Is it me or. The Steelers have more high maintenance receivers in the last decade than anybody in football. They take always drama. Deontay Johnson, Antonio Brown, Chase Claypool, I mean they roll the dice on and they know these guys usually they call it red flag. Generally speaking, if a guy comes in with a lot of drama, he had some drama. Pickens had some drama in column. There's, you know. Yeah, yeah. So it's like they. But they roll the dice and that their feeling is our culture is so good that we'll bring these remarkably gifted players in. But it's like it's almost as a rule Pittsburgh will have every year last decade somebody's dealing in drama at that position.

J. Mac (38:44)

Final story is the Bucks commanders matchup Sunday night in the wild card round. Second straight season the Bucks have faced an NFC east team member. Last year they smoked the Eagles and ended up losing to Detroit. This year, Baker Mayfield believes the run game will help them go deeper into the playoffs.

John Middlekoff (39:02)

The biggest difference is the run game.

Colin Cowherd (39:03)

Of when we've needed to run the ball to win games. We've been able to do that. And so that's, that's a physical mentality and everybody being on the same page with that and understanding that when you get into a certain mode late in the game where you're having to run.

John Middlekoff (39:14)

The clock out, we're able to do that.

Colin Cowherd (39:16)

And that's to me that's the biggest difference.

John Middlekoff (39:17)

You know, skill, player wise. In the past game, yeah, we're, we're.

Colin Cowherd (39:21)

Connecting quite a bit.

John Middlekoff (39:22)

But the biggest difference is the run game.

Colin Cowherd (39:25)

I like Tampa in that game and I think that I get a more experienced team at home that stops the run and runs. And I think Washington is going. Jaden Daniels is going to have to be the hero because they will not run the ball and he is going to have to do some hero ball here and they don't have a number two receiver I love after McLaurin. So I think, I think you're putting. I think Baker Mayfield could throw 24 times complete 16 and they'd win. I think Jaden has to be a superstar to win this game. They will not have a run game.

J. Mac (39:55)

This could be one of those games where like you said, only one receivers. McLaurin. I mean they got what Zach Zakihias, the guy they got from the Falcons. They're going to be if they can't score. My guess is they're they're big game hunting for a receiver this offseason. Tyreek Hill.

Colin Cowherd (40:09)

Yes.

John Middlekoff (40:09)

Debo.

Colin Cowherd (40:09)

I mean, I think Higgins Baker doesn't have to play great for Tampa to win. He could be okay. He could be B. He could. I mean, honestly, he could go 16 for 24 with a pick and one touchdown and you could see the run game dominate. Washington doesn't defend the run, particularly Bucky Irving. Man, if Jaden Daniels isn't great, they're not winning that game.

J. Mac (40:26)

Yeah, it's a tough one.

Colin Cowherd (40:28)

J. Mac with the news.

John Middlekoff (40:29)

Well, that's the news and thanks for stopping by.

Colin Cowherd (40:32)

The herd lie news live in LA. It's the herd. One more herd. The herd streams 24 hours a day, seven days a week within the iHeartRadio app. Search herd to listen live or on demand whenever you'd like. Hey, 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 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 Kobe, Known Rich wherever you get your podcasts. And of course, on social media, that's Covino and Rich. Hey, folks, this message brought to you by the one and only official Whiskey of the herd with Colin Coward, Green River Whiskey. Now here's a story that'll knock your socks off. Picture this. Founded way back in 1885, Green River Whiskey is OG Kentucky Cool, the 10th oldest distillery in the state. And get this, it was so valuable back in the day that 20 barrels of the good stuff were traded for shares in a gold mine. That's liquid gold. Literally. But like any great drama, tragedy struck in 1917 with a fire that almost wiped it off the map. Cue the hero music. It was rebuilt on the same hallowed grounds, let me tell you, better than ever. So whether you're sipping their single barrel bourbon or a smooth straight rye, know you're raising a glass to history, folks. Here's to Green River Whiskey, where rich flavor meets richer stories. Hop on over to greenriverwhiskey.com, discover a legend in a bottle today. Cheers to that. A product of Green River Distilling Company, Owensboro, Kentucky. Alcohol by volume varies by product. Greenriverwhiskey.com Please drink responsibly.

Katie Couric (42:42)

Hey, everyone, it's Katie Couric. Well, the election is in the home stretch and I'm exhausted. But turns out the end is near. Right in time for a new season of my podcast. Next Question. This podcast is for people like me who need a little perspective and insight. I'm bringing in some foks friends of Katie's to help me out, like Ezra Klein, Van Jones, Jen Psaki, Asted Herndon. But we're also going to have some fun, even though these days fun and politics seems like an oxymoron. But we'll do that thanks to some of my friends like Samantha bee, Roy Wood Jr. And Charlemagne the God. We're gonna take some viewer questions as well. I mean, isn't that what democracy is all about? Power to the podcast for the people. So whether you're obsessed with the news or just trying to figure out what's going on, this season of Next Question is for you. Check out our new season of Next Question with me, Katie Couric, on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

John Middlekoff (43:49)

What's up, everybody? Adnan Burke here to tell you about a new podcast from iHeart podcast and the National Hockey League. It's NHL unscripted with Vir and Demers. Hey, I'm Jason Demers. Former 700 game NHL defenseman turned NHL Network analyst and boy oh boy does daddy have a lot to say. I love you by the way on NHL Network, we're looking forward forward to getting together each week to chat and chirp about the sport and all the other things surrounding it that we love. Right? Yeah, I just met you today but.

Colin Cowherd (44:15)

We'Re going to have a ton of.

John Middlekoff (44:16)

Guests from the colliding worlds of hockey, entertainment and pop culture. And you know what, tons of back and forth on all things NHL. Yeah, you're going to soon going to find out we're not just hockey talk. We get all kinds of random stuff on this podcast. Movies, television, food, wrestling, even the stuff that you wear on NHL. Now you wish you could pull off my short shorts Virky. That's sure to cause a ruckus. Listen to NHL Unscripted with Burke and demers, the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

J. Mac (44:49)

Make sure you play this week's Fox Super Six sponsored by DraftKings. Go to the Fox Sports app and enter for a free chance to win cash prizes.

Colin Cowherd (44:59)

So Antonio Pierce got fired a couple of days ago as the Raiders head coach and now within they have fired Tom Telesco, the general manager. My guess is Tom Brady now who is partial owner has significant impact and say in the organization and that leads both J. Mac and I to believe that Mike Vrabel now could be a leading candidate for that job. Vrabel and Brady are very close, but Peter Schrager yesterday with some foreshadowing about what's going on with the Raiders, they.

J. Mac (45:32)

Had Antonio Pierce do a press conference yesterday at 10am local and they fired him two hours later. Like there's 31 teams and there's the Las Vegas Raiders and there's one man in charge and he acts how he.

John Middlekoff (45:44)

Wants to act and he pays out.

J. Mac (45:45)

Who he wants to pay out and.

John Middlekoff (45:47)

Mark Davis is that guy.

J. Mac (45:48)

Tom TeleEscoe is the GM.

Colin Cowherd (45:50)

He's got his thoughts.

J. Mac (45:51)

He's got a great record in the first round with the LA Chargers and the San Diego Chargers before that.

John Middlekoff (45:56)

But I will tell you there are.

Colin Cowherd (45:57)

A lot of people who are in.

J. Mac (45:58)

That building who did not know that Antonio Pierce was getting fired early in the morning yesterday.

Colin Cowherd (46:03)

That tells me that Mark Davis holds.

J. Mac (46:05)

A lot of cards here and anything could happen as far as the Raiders go. I mean anything. And I know who tells you otherwise.

Colin Cowherd (46:12)

Is either a very close friend of Mark Davis or is talking out of there. You know what, you know it's funny. I grew up as a kid in the Pacific Northwest and we didn't get a football team until the Seattle Seahawks arrived and played in the Kingdome. It was 1977. I could be wrong on that. 1977. And it was interesting because the Raiders at the time were the swashbucklers, big brand. Kenny Stabler was one of the great quarterbacks and they had, you know, Mark Van Egan and you know, I, I jog my memory, but it was like Cliff Branch and Fred Bulitnikov and Lester Hayes and Jack Tatum, Phil Villapiano, they were just great. And they were just like unkept. They were an unmade bed of a team. It was like mustaches be wild, crazy. You'd go into a locker room before the game and players would be smoking. I mean, it was really a crazy brand. It was, it was anti corporation. And Al Davis was a visionary owner. A young Al Davis saw the world differently, always pushing back on the NFL. And I remember it because my Seahawks as a kid, Jim Zorn, Steve Larget gave the Raiders fits. And after about four years, one of the Raider players, I think it was Jack Tatum, said, would you guys stop calling them an expansion team? They're not an expansion team. They got good players. So the Seahawks had this great offense with Steve Largent, former, I think governor of Oklahoma, and Jim Zorn and Sherman Smith and they had this high powered offense, usually had very good offensive lines and they would give the Raiders fits. And the Raiders were a much better team. And so my, you know, I grew up with the Raiders were these kind of rebels with a cause. They were, they were like UNLV basketball with Tark pushing the envelope, making the league and the commissioner uncomfortable. And they were just good forever. Then John Madden was the coach and it was just, they were just. It was the Steelers, it was Don Shula and the Dolphins. It was the Raiders and they were such a cool brand. And then as Al Davis aged, he made poor and poor decisions, had a little too much control. Probably should have ceded some control to some other NFL people and wouldn't. Then he gives it to his son and his son. You were hoping his son would be like Al Davis when he was young, sort of a pioneer and a visionary. And instead it just feels like they're taking these big swings and they keep missing and it just. They're going to be paying four coaches here. So I, I do. Yep. Seahawks first season was 1976, my bad, not 77. So I wish the Raiders mattered because I have such fond memories. What's Interesting. There's another team like this was the Golden State Warriors. Again, I'm taking you down memory lane. This drives J. Mac crazy, but I grew up with the Golden State warriors, were great with Rick Barry and Jeff Mullins and Keith Wilkes and Al Adols and was the coach, was Al adolescent. Clifford Ray was the center for years and years. I was just starting to fall in love with sports in the mid-70s. And the Raiders were great and the War warriors were great, and these Bay Area teams were great. And I was just getting my Mariners and getting the Seahawks. And so I had this kind of fascination with, like, Oakland because all their teams on the west coast and the warriors and Rick Barry was a hot head and he was getting technicals and screaming at refs. And I mean, you had the Raiders and you had the warriors and then both go into the tank and they don't matter for a long time. And the warriors then get resurrected. Joe Laka buys them, gives it to Mark Jackson, Steve Kerr, Steph Curry. You know the story. I'm waiting for the resurrection of the Raiders. And like the Warriors, I'm kind of waiting for the right coach and the quarterback. And listen, I didn't know if Tom Telesco and Antonio Pierce were going to rule the world. Antonio Pierce is the, you know, the cautionary tale. You hire the interim coach because he has a winning record or they play really hard for the interim coach for seven or eight weeks. Watch out. Most interim coaches don't. Don't hang around. But it just. It just feels like they're a little lost at sea here. And I mean, the Raiders are going to have to hire a GM and a coach for the third time since 2022. I mean, the jets look like IBM compared to these guys. I mean, Robert Sala got like five years. Joe Douglas got four, five, six years. I mean, seriously, the jets are looking at the Raiders going. You guys are poorly running. I mean, the Browns, the Bears look at the Raiders and they're like, would you guys settle down and take a deep breath? So we'll see. You know, it feels like Brady's got a lot of influence, which is not surprising. But I think. Did you read this online when you heard the Mike Vrabel stuff? Is that online or is that when you were talking about Vrabel? And I mean, it does feel like.

J. Mac (51:06)

I'm just speculating.

Colin Cowherd (51:07)

I mean, I just. I read the story where Brady. A source said Brady called Belichick. Well, if he called Belichick, he certainly called Mike Vrabel. I mean, obviously they're closer in age generationally.

J. Mac (51:16)

Feels like a tug of war over Vrabel between Kraft and the Patriots and the Raiders, does it not? They both want Vrabel.

John Middlekoff (51:25)

He's the.

J. Mac (51:25)

He's the best guy on the market.

Colin Cowherd (51:27)

We would agree. But I would take the Patriots job because of Kraft and because I've got Drake May. So I. The Patriots job to me is more. I only. Not only do I have Drake May, I got Milton for the next four years. If I mean, I literally, I have a legitimate backup.

J. Mac (51:41)

You're not picking the job because of a legit backup. But what does it tell you if he picks the Raiders? So what does that say about Kraft and May?

Colin Cowherd (51:49)

Well, I'm just saying if I pick the Patriots, yes, I have to face Josh Allen, but I get the Jets, I get Miami. If I take the Raiders job, I got Andy Reed, Mahomes, I don't know Harbaugh, Herbert, Bo, Nixon, Payton.

J. Mac (52:03)

I don't think he's viewing it that.

Colin Cowherd (52:04)

Okay.

J. Mac (52:05)

View it that way. And I understand. I would agree. That's a logical way to look at. That's why Brady went to the.

Colin Cowherd (52:09)

Let me. Let me ask you this. When you take a football job, how many of those SEC guys last. You have to consider the competition?

John Middlekoff (52:16)

Yeah.

Colin Cowherd (52:17)

I mean, all of a sudden you look that Oklahoma Sooners job doesn't look nearly as good in the SEC as it did in the Big 12.

J. Mac (52:24)

You know, these coaches are ultra confident.

John Middlekoff (52:26)

Super.

J. Mac (52:26)

Hey, if I'm able to do my system, get my guys in, we're going to win. I don't care about Patrick Mahomes or Herbert. We're going to win because I'm Mike Vrabel and I know.

Colin Cowherd (52:34)

Would you. If you could do both, would you take the Patriots job or would you take the Raiders job?

J. Mac (52:39)

It's just tough because I don't know Kraft personally. I don't know Brady that. You know, I just.

Colin Cowherd (52:43)

What you. But you've read a couple of the. I mean, Kraft's got. There's six books out on him.

J. Mac (52:47)

I don't know him personally. I don't know if he's in.

Colin Cowherd (52:49)

Well, I don't know him.

J. Mac (52:50)

I mean, he's just fired. What's his name after one year.

Colin Cowherd (52:53)

A guy he loved Gerard Mayo by every report. And I supported the hire. I didn't love the hire, but he was over his head.

J. Mac (53:00)

I know, but that was like Craft's guy. He's known him for over a decade.

Colin Cowherd (53:03)

I mean, listen, the best owners in the history football miss on coaches.

J. Mac (53:07)

Yeah.

Colin Cowherd (53:07)

And everybody. I mean, it's like missing on a draft pick.

J. Mac (53:09)

Okay, what if. What if Rabel's family sees? Oh, Vegas. So that's close to the West Coast. It's warm weather. Tax situation versus New England, snowy. Maybe they don't like winter. I don't know. There's so many factors at play. But yes. Drake May versus who? Whatever.

Colin Cowherd (53:24)

You start looking at the current NFL head coaching Vegas. Okay. Bears, Jags, Jets, Patriots, Raiders, Saints. I'm going to make the argument the best ones, the Patriots, why they don't run through coaches, the winningest owner. And I get Drake May. Drake May can play. And by the way, the reason I like this job, it's never going to get lower than this in the division. The best team, Buffalo. We don't even know if Sean McDermott's going to be there in five years. I get a couple of. I get. I get an opportunity. Miami's dysfunctional jets are dysfunctional.

J. Mac (53:57)

By that argument, you could say the Jags job is great. I get Trevor Lawrence.

Colin Cowherd (54:01)

They have no history of winning that organization.

J. Mac (54:05)

Or, sorry, AFC championship with Blake Bortles.

Colin Cowherd (54:07)

Like Bortles. Do you know why?

J. Mac (54:08)

You can remember, by the way, that division. You want to talk dysfunction. Titans, Colts, who are a bit of a mess, and the Texas are flipping.

Colin Cowherd (54:16)

Ask yourself, this is a coach. What are the two things that matter? Owner, quarterback. New England's got both.

J. Mac (54:22)

More than that, man.

Colin Cowherd (54:23)

I'm not saying it's not more than that, but if you tell me there's this one job and there's six job opens, you get the best owner and potentially the best quarterback. And the quarterbacks on a rookie deal, that's attractive to me. That's a tr. I'm not saying New England has everything. They need upgrades in speed offensively, but they got about a half dozen players. I like.

J. Mac (54:42)

Raiders have a good shell. They just need a quarterback.

Colin Cowherd (54:44)

None of these jobs have everything or they wouldn't have it open. I'm just saying New England, I get owner and quarterback. I like. And I like Joe Milton as a backup. Come on, you need to pay close attention to that. All right, let's talk about Amazon Prime. It's not just one thing. It's a collection of services that help you get the most out of whatever you're into, whether it's a hobby, sport, or getting things done fast. Prime's got you covered. Like my hobby for all things sports. You can order sports supplies, listen to content like this, podcast on Amazon music or watch content. You can do it all with Prime. Everybody loves the fast, free same day shipping, especially as we kick off the year. But what about all the content you can listen to on Amazon? Music Music to podcast fast shipping? What is not to love about this membership? I'm in prime fuels your passions, makes everything easier. So whatever you're into, it's on Prime. Visit Amazon.com prime now. This message brought to you by the Official Whiskey of the Herd with Colin Coward Green River Whiskey Green River Whiskey is the 10th oldest distillery in Kentucky and was once the most expensive Whiskey purchased when 20 barrels were traded for shares in a gold mine. From single barrel bourbons to straight rye, Green River's the perfect combo of rich flavor and richer history. Visit greenriverwhiskey.com to discover a legend in a Bottle, a product of Green River Distilling Company Owensboro, Kentucky. Alcohol by volume varies by product. Green RiverWhiskey.com, please drink responsibly. 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 two for one Pizza to buy one get one Wings. Uber Eats will 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. Terms and conditions apply. See app for details. Jon Stewart is back in the host chair at the Daily show, which means he's also back in our ears on the Daily Show Ears Edition podcast. Join late night legend Jon Stewart and the best news team for today's biggest headlines, exclusive extended interviews and more. Now this is a second term we can all get behind. Listen to the Daily Show Ears edition on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

John Middlekoff (57:06)

What's up everybody? Adnan Burke here to tell you about a new podcast. It's NHL Unscripted with Virkin Demers, Jason Immerse here. And after playing 700 NHL games, I got a lot of dirty laundry to air out. I got a lot to say here too, okay? Each week we'll get together to chat about the sport that we love. Tons of guests are going to join in too, but we're not just going to be talking hockey, folks. We're talking movies, we're talking TV food, and Adnan's favorite wrestling. It's all on le Table. Listen to NHL Unscripted with Virk and Demers. The Iheartradio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.