Hour 3 - NFL ratings

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 3: NFL Ratings

Release Date: January 29, 2025

Introduction

In Hour 3 of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," hosted by iHeartPodcasts and The Volume, Colin Cowherd delves deep into the current state of NFL ratings, team performances, player movements, and the intricate dynamics that influence the league's popularity. Joined by esteemed guests Albert Breer and Daniel Jeremiah, the episode offers insightful analysis and engaging discussions on pivotal NFL topics.

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1. Saquon Barkley's Impact and the Giants' Decision ([18:59])

The episode kicks off with a critical analysis of the New York Giants' decision not to re-sign star running back Saquon Barkley, allowing him to join their divisional rival, the Philadelphia Eagles.

• Daniel Jeremiah highlights the repercussions:
  "Saquon Barkley has been a pivotal factor for the Eagles' success this season after the Giants did not resign him as a free agent. Letting him go to a rival who is now an MVP finalist is a significant misstep for the Giants." ([18:59])

• Albert Breer commends Barkley's professionalism:
  "He’s handled this situation first class. He’s always loved the Giants but has fully embraced his new role with the Eagles, showing remarkable enthusiasm every time he gets the ball." ([19:21])

• Colin Cowherd reflects on the Giants' management decisions:
  "Somebody sat in a room and decided to sign Daniel Jones to an expensive contract without properly valuing Saquon. It shows a lack of contextual decision-making." ([21:17])

2. The Enduring Value of Running Backs ([19:53])

Colin and his guests discuss the evolving perception of running backs in the NFL, emphasizing their importance despite fluctuating market values.

• Colin Cowherd argues for the inherent value of running backs:
  "Running backs will always have value because they control the clock and help quarterbacks, especially young ones. A great running back can elevate a team's performance significantly." ([19:53])

• Daniel Jeremiah underscores the strategic acquisitions:
  "Teams like the Packers, Ravens, and Eagles saw the market for running backs was depressed, allowing them to secure incredible values with players like Derek Henry, Josh Jacobs, and Saquon Barkley." ([20:43])

3. NFL Officiating and Technological Integration ([11:44])

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the challenges and potential improvements in NFL officiating, particularly in the wake of controversial calls that impact game outcomes and viewer perceptions.

• Albert Breer criticizes the current officiating system:
  "The league has the technology to get calls right but isn't fully utilizing it. Officials should have access to all camera angles to make accurate decisions in real-time." ([12:13])

• Colin Cowherd emphasizes accountability:
  "The NFL owes it to the public to ensure as many calls are correct as possible. Implementing a system where officials can review plays using all available footage would enhance transparency and trust." ([12:56])

4. Matthew Stafford and the Rams' Future ([22:00])

The conversation shifts to the Los Angeles Rams and the future of veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford amidst the team’s strategic planning.

• Colin Cowherd speculates on potential trades:
  "If the Rams consider trading Stafford, they could leverage his current high value to acquire substantial assets like first and second-round picks, aiding in a strategic rebuild." ([23:31])

• Daniel Jeremiah debates the likelihood of a trade:
  "While it’s possible, Stafford’s value remains high, especially given his leadership and performance. Trading him might not align with the Rams' immediate championship aspirations." ([24:37])

5. Cleveland Browns and Shedeur Sanders ([26:05])

The episode explores the Cleveland Browns' potential drafting of Shedeur Sanders, son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, amidst speculations about possible interventions from the elder Sanders.

• Colin Cowherd voices skepticism:
  "It's hard to say if Deion would step in to prevent Shedeur from joining the Browns, but historically, such interventions are rare, especially if the team is a less attractive franchise." ([27:07])

• Daniel Jeremiah offers a counterpoint:
  "Shedeur may not be in a position to demand his draft preferences. With Stefanski's sharp decision-making, the Browns could provide a conducive environment for his growth." ([27:33])

6. General NFL Ratings and Team Success Factors ([35:31])

Towards the end of the episode, the focus returns to broader NFL ratings, analyzing what elements contribute to high viewership and team success.

• Colin Cowherd identifies key components:
  "The best roster, the best coaching, and a top-tier quarterback consistently drive teams to the Super Bowl and, consequently, boost NFL ratings." ([39:06])

• Discussion on Team Dynamics:
  The guests discuss how different team cultures and leadership styles impact performance and fan engagement, citing examples like the Chiefs under Andy Reid and the Patriots' efficiency.

7. Viewer Engagement and Interactive Segments ([40:58])

The episode concludes with segments promoting upcoming podcasts and encouraging listener interaction, highlighting the show's commitment to engaging with its audience.

• Colin Cowherd interacts with guests about personal anecdotes and upcoming content, fostering a sense of community among listeners.
  "Caffeine does not affect the way I sleep. I had a Red Bull at 7:30 and slept like a baby." ([41:03])

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Notable Quotes:

• "Saquon Barkley could have that. Imagine if he's a Super Bowl MVP and he gets to stand at the podium and be like, hey, I did it despite the Giants not wanting me." — Daniel Jeremiah ([21:00])

• "Running backs will always have value because they control the clock and help quarterbacks, especially young ones." — Colin Cowherd ([19:53])

• "The league owes it to the public to ensure as many calls are correct as possible. Implementing a system where officials can review plays using all available footage would enhance transparency and trust." — Albert Breer ([12:56])

• "If the Rams consider trading Stafford, they could leverage his current high value to acquire substantial assets like first and second-round picks." — Colin Cowherd ([23:31])

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Conclusion

Hour 3 of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" offers a comprehensive exploration of the NFL's current landscape, addressing critical decisions by teams, player valuations, officiating standards, and strategic planning for the future. Through candid conversations and expert insights, Colin and his guests provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of what drives NFL ratings and the league's enduring appeal.

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Key Takeaways:

• Player Movements: The strategic implications of Saquon Barkley's move from the Giants to the Eagles highlight management decisions' impact on team performance and league dynamics.

• Position Valuation: Running backs maintain significant value in the NFL, influencing team strategies and player acquisitions.

• Officiating Enhancements: There's a pressing need for the NFL to integrate comprehensive technology to improve officiating accuracy and transparency.

• Veteran Quarterbacks: The future of quarterbacks like Matthew Stafford involves complex trade considerations, balancing immediate performance with long-term team building.

• Draft Speculations: The potential drafting of Shedeur Sanders by the Browns underscores the importance of legacy and strategic talent acquisition in team composition.

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For More Information:

To stay updated with "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," listen live on Fox Sports Radio, stream via the iHeartRadio app, or search for the podcast on your preferred platform.

Transcript

[Colin Cowherd]

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[Bobby Bones]

And they don't even see what's coming at them.

[Colin Cowherd]

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[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 mirrorball trophy from Dancing with the 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 and 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 FSR. Now let's get this party started. You're listening to Fox Sports Radio. Very interesting. I'm reading out of the Senior bowl, where Albert Brear is going to join us. That Riley Leonard, Notre Dame quarterback, had some impressive throws. Very interesting. Everybody knows I love Riley Leonard and Kyle McCord, by the way, at Syracuse, I will say this right now, I'm going to predict he will be a second round pick and I think he has a chance to be the best quarterback in the draft. You think I'm out of my. Is he there, by the way? Is Kyle McCord there? No, he's not.

[Albert Breer]

No, he's not here. I watched Kyle McCord quite a bit, you know, when he was, when he was a junior. So yeah, he's got an interesting story and I think it's sort of indicative of the whole class, you know, Colin, where there are, I mean, two guys who I think have a good shot to go in the first round and Shador Sanders and Cam Ward. Then after that it's just sort of this big mishmash of players that have their pluses and their minuses. Jackson dart from old Mrs. In that group. Will Howard from Ohio State may have played himself into that group. Kyle McCord, Jalen Milroe. So it's interesting from that standpoint, like I don't know that any of these guys would have gone over the top six last year, even Shadora, Cam. But you know, there are a lot of guys, I think who have a chance to help themselves quite a bit over the next three months and that should make it exciting.

[Colin Cowherd]

So, you know, we have all these coaching situations going on. I went back and looked at the Jerry Stephen Jones press conference. It was at minimum uncomfortable at times, a little cringy. I said this and I'm trying to be fair. It's starting to feel like the old Al Davis Raiders where they're kind of doing their own thing. They're not really. They're not amongst the league. They're kind of on their own island. What was your take on that press conference? Using air quotes to talk about. He goes, we're in a drought. Well, yeah, it's 29 years. It is a drought. It's not make believe by us.

[Albert Breer]

Yeah, I mean, when I would check in with people about where their search was and this is the way it's been, you know, for the last couple of years in a number of different areas. Like there's this is up to Jerry, refrain to almost everything. And you do wonder if it's time for Stephen who's, you know, I mean, grown up in the business. You know, you can say what you want about him being the owner's son. Like this is really his life's work, is the football team, is it time.

[Colin Cowherd]

For him to have a little bit.

[Albert Breer]

More control over things? And, you know, I think you're right. Like to look at the way this happened now, I. Brian Schottenheimer is a good football coach and one of the more well liked guys you'll find in the NFL. There are a lot of people out there rooting for him. That doesn't mean the process wasn't a mess. And, you know, the first thing you think of and you know when you talk to other teams about this is the Cowboys looked unprepared to do a search.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yes.

[Albert Breer]

You know, they're the second week of January, which is kind of mind blowing when you consider the fact that they're the ones who sent Mike McCarthy into the contract year in the first place, knowing this was a possibility from the very start and, you know, really didn't have much of the groundwork done. And to hold McCarthy to his contract for an extra eight days and then launch your own coaching search after you sort of jeopardize your ability to talk to the Lions, Chiefs assistants. It was messy in about a million different ways. And so, you know, I think you come out of this saying like, how is it possible that the Cowboys weren't more prepared to do a coaching search? And the other piece of evidence that they weren't prepared is how insular the whole thing was. They had two renewal candidates and Leslie Frazier and Robert Saw. And other than that, every name you heard was connected to the franchise. People the Joneses know whether it was Brian Shot Norman who they wind up hiring. Jason Whitten, Deion Sanders, Kellen Moore. There's just something that's so insular about the whole thing, you know, and so I think there are big picture questions here, separate from whether or not Brian Schottenheimer's success as the head coach.

[Colin Cowherd]

You know, I think Pete Carroll to the Raiders fits. I actually like spy tech. The kid from Tampa. I feel like, oh my God, did the Raiders get it right? There are no A plus plus quarterbacks. Milroe, Shador, Cam Riley, Leonard. They're all. They're all don't. They don't feel transformational. What do you. What do you think? What do you think? Raiders have to get a quarterback in the division with Herbert, Bo, Nixon, Mahomes, which creates real urgency. What would be a guess? I mean, there's a Darnold, there's Kirk Cousins, there's Russell Wilson. There's some options out here. If you had to guess where Pete goes in the quarterback because you're not winning in that division without a quarterback. The coaching and quarterbacking is too good. Where do you think they go?

[Albert Breer]

I think the easy answer is Russell Wilson. And that at least allows you to tread water where you're not forced to do something you don't want to do in the draft. Right. I mean, before Carol and Spytech were hired, one thing I had heard was the football people there were going to be under a mandate to go find one. And they, like the Giants, spend a lot of time on the road their scouting department did, looking at the quarterbacks ahead of the end of the college season. So there's a lot of groundwork that's been laid there to take a quarterback. But I think you and I both know the worst thing you can do is overdraft a quarterback and take yourself out of the market for quarterbacks for two or three years and get it wrong. So, you know, I think the smart thing to do, I think what Pete Carroll will look to do and John Spytek will look to do is to find somebody that they're comfortable treading water with for the next couple of years. And again, like to me, like, Russell Wilson is the one that sort of makes sense for them because Pete has the background with them. He's familiar with what Pete's going to be trying to establish from, you know, a cultural standpoint and look like I think a lot of the friction between Seattle and, and Russell, like I think the Seahawks have been proven right on a lot of that stuff. Like Pete Carroll knew how to play Russell Wilson, he knew how to deploy Russell Wilson. And I think, you know, Russell had to find out for himself in a lot of different ways that his, his, his desire to go out and be Peyton Manning or Tom Brady and throw the ball all over the yard and run the offense out of the shot. Yeah, it wasn't realistic. And you know, and I think that's one thing Pittsburgh did really well with him last year is get him back to what he does well. And there's nobody who knows what he does well better than, than Pete Carroll, because I think he got it right for a lot of years.

[Colin Cowherd]

Saquon Barkley, I was saying this, whether it's Reggie White, Drew Brees to the Saints, Reggie White, Charles Woodson to the packers, to get a great all time player in their prime in the market, somebody has to make a big mistake. The Eagles, if you remember, they had an owner that made players pay for equipment. They hired Rich Kotite. That was a bad ownership Situation, let Reggie White go. Al Davis got old Charles Woodson, great player, lets him go. Doctors in Miami would know. Key. Okay, Drew Brees, Saints pick up on him. Somebody has to make a mistake. Are you, are you surprised A little. That there hasn't been more fallout on the Giants handing their rival a Walter Payton, Barry Sanders level great player and that he now humiliates them? It's, it's not quite Babe Ruth to the Yankees, but it is a rival. And he humiliates you every Sunday and yet the GM retained his job.

[Albert Breer]

Yeah, I think it's, I think there's the hard knocks thing. Definitely made it worse. You know what I mean? Like in the optics, evolved. That definitely made it worse, you know, that said, I think you look at it and it's, I don't think it's. The situation is created the same when you're talking about an older running back for all teams, right? And you know, I look at like the three teams that did really well signing running backs because what they saw, all three of them, the packers, the Ravens, and of course the Eagles, they saw that the market had been depressed at that position to the point where now a great running back was an incredible value. And they, they all got incredible values. Derek Henry in Baltimore, Josh Jacobs in Green Bay, Saquon Barkley in Philly. But the reality here, Colin, is if you are going to pay Saquon Barkley, how much longer is he going to be great for based on the wear and tear in his body, his mileage, his age, all of that, and are you going to be good enough to be able to maximize him? Right. Like in other words, are you going to be able to rebuild that thing fast enough where Saquon Barkley is going to be a great player on a championship level team the way he is in Philly? And I think for the Giants, the answer to that was no. Well, like we, like we are not going to be on a championship level fast enough where we can put this guy in position to be the best player on a championship level team, which I think is a big reason why they let him go. Now, you could argue that they should have done them the year before. And that's a fair argument. That's 100% something you can look at and say, yes, they should have gotten that done, especially with what they paid for Daniel Jones. But I think where they did it, you just look at it. The guy is, you know, going into his seventh year at that point. And historically running backs don't do great after that point. Yeah, and you say to yourself, we're just not going to be at a championship level fast enough to maximize what Saquon Barkley is.

[Colin Cowherd]

Finally, I don't make anything of it. I heard it for years. I was in ESPN for 11 years in Connecticut. Oh, the league wants Brady to win. They get all the calls. I don't make anything of it. I thought it was a first down. It's go either way. But do you think the league is sensitive? I mean, the game got 56 million viewers. Do you think they're sensitive to all this? The league wants Taylor Swift, Mahomes and the Chiefs to win.

[Albert Breer]

The league office hears everything, and they do have rabbit ears. And that's what happens when you stuff an office with lawyers and PR people. Their training is to react. Right. So they're always reacting to something. And, you know, certainly, like, the way that game was officiated has given them a lot to react to. But here's the bottom line, Colin, and I feel really strongly about this. And this isn't new for me. I've said this for a while now. You have the technology to get these things right. And the reality is, the reason these things have become a bigger deal is because we can see more now. Because at every game you have 15, 20 different angles, Crystal clear, high definition. So you, as the viewer on your couch at home in Southern California, Colin, have the benefit of all those cameras. Right?

[Colin Cowherd]

Right.

[Albert Breer]

Yet we're not giving the officials the benefit of that. So, like, it still makes no sense to me why you can't find somebody at every game, put them up top and say you are in charge of paying attention to what's going on on all the different angles. And you have the power to buzz down to the official and make a change. If there's something that is wrong or egregious, that happens, and then at least the fan knows that you've done everything that you can to try and get it right. These questions are going to keep coming up, and it gets thornier when you're talking about having, you know, partnerships with gambling companies and all that different stuff. You know, I just think, like, you owe it to the public to try to make sure that they know that you're doing your very best to get as many of the calls right as you possibly can. And I don't think they're doing that yet. And so I think you get there and then maybe that helps a little bit with all of this. And look like the reality of it is, like, I hear people in New England, where I live complaining about, about Mahomes getting calls which might be the most death thing I've ever heard based on the benefits that they had for 20 years with Tom Brady as a quarterback. The reality is guys like that are just going to get officiated differently. It is what it is. You know, it's Brady, it's Mahomes. The way Michael Jordan was officiated when he was, when he was, when he was with the Bulls, you know, it's just sort of a reality of it. And again, I think the best the NFL can do is is pull every lever to try to get as many of the calls right as they possibly can. And I think you use the technology to get yourself there.

[Colin Cowherd]

Albert Brear at the Senior Bowl Always appreciate keep your eye on Woody Marks, USC running back. Keep your eye on Woody.

[Albert Breer]

Mark, I'll take an. I'll head right back out there.

[Colin Cowherd]

Keep an eye on for you. Hey, I watch your Buckeyes. You can watch an occasional Trojan. We only send a couple to the NFL every year. Good. Good seeing you, Albert.

[Albert Breer]

All right, thanks.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, I've never gone to the Senior bowl. Heard great things about it. It just comes every year. It's at this time I can't get. I've heard everybody just raves about it.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Daniel Jeremiah, I was texting with him this week. He's there and it sounds like a party for journalists. Basically you go down there and just live it up. Hang out with NFL front office guys all week.

[Colin Cowherd]

Let me tell you what a party is. Who's in it up super bowl week in New Orleans. Do you like oysters?

[Daniel Jeremiah]

I do, yeah.

[Colin Cowherd]

Okay. You like cocktails?

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Yeah, kinda, yeah, they got plenty of both down there.

[J Mac]

Nice. That's great.

[Colin Cowherd]

I can't wait. 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. With AMEX Platinum, you can enjoy access to dedicated card member entrances at select events because skipping the line makes you the star of game day. That's the powerful backing of American Express. Terms apply. Learn more@american express.com with Amex card member entrance access not limited to Amex Platinum Card 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. I'm somebody that likes to experiment with food. My son, my daughter are the same thing. But even when I go to get a traditional meal like steaks, the best chefs know that grass fed grain finished beef delivers an exquisite marbling that produces rich steakhouse flavor you crave even with steaks. Keep your eye on it. With all the football this weekend, it was a great time to bust open my Omaha Steaks assortment. Pack air Chilled boneless chicken breasts, ribeye and steak burgers Gourmet jumbo franks. They're great butcher's cut top sirloins, Steakhouse fries and for dessert, caramel apple tartlets Football plus Omaha Steaks it doesn't get better than this. Every bite at Omaha Steaks is back by their 100% guarantee. And now's the perfect time to shop during the Omaha Steaks Big yum [e-mail] plus get an extra 20 bucks off, use the promo code Herdherd at checkout. Winter is a perfect time to indulge in classic comfort foods, but it's also a great time to discover something new. And during the Omaha Steak Big Yum event, you can do that. They offer unrivaled quality and variety and every bite is backed by their 100% guarantee. Every steak is extra aged to maximize tenderness and hand cut by master butchers in America's heartland, the fan favorite Filet mignon has earned the coveted distinction of USDA certified tender. Five generations of uncompromising quality dating back to 1917, bring home the world's best steak experience with omaha steaks. Visit omahasteaks.com Save in your favorites and discover something new during their Big Yum event. And for an extra $20 off, use the promo code herdherd at checkout. That's omahasteaks.com an extra $20 off with the promo code herdherd at checkout. 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] J Mac with the news. No, no, no, no. Turn on the news. This is the Herd line news. All right.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Colin Saquon Barkley. Boy, what a factor he's been for the Eagles success this season after the Giants Giants did not resign him as a free agent. Letting you let him go to divisional rival MVP finalist now in the Super Bowl. What a disaster for the Giants. Kyle Van Noy, who was on the show this week gave kudos to Saquon season.

[Albert Breer]

I just want to give my kudos to Saquon. How he's handled this whole situation has been just first class, right? Always love to the Giants. Always love. But he's like, you know what? I got a new family. I got the Eagles. I'm going to put the Eagles on my back like I did the Giants. He's used this year as middle finger year. I literally see that in his play, in his playstyle, the enthusiasm he has each and every time he gets the ball.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, it's. It's been it. You and I didn't buy into this narrative. You and I did not. We push back this idea that running backs, it was a lot of young media running backs. This is unfair. Safeties and tight ends have never been paid. Running backs will have value because they control the clock. They help quarterbacks, especially young ones. A wide receiver is largely dependent on a quarterback. A quarterback can sometimes, like Brock Purdy, be dependent on a running back. It's the opposite. A great running back take out the top five quarterbacks. Brock Purdy's a different quarterback with Christian McCaffrey. Yeah, he didn't when McCaffrey was healthy. You didn't miss Brandon Iuk. Running backs will always have value.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Have you seen 8 Mile with Eminem? The. The movie?

[Colin Cowherd]

I, I think I've seen. I don't. I, I don't think I. The movie. I don't think I did just this.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Whole movie middle finger thing. Reminds me at the end of the movie there's this amazing wrap off scene and Eminem basically says, I'm still standing here screaming, you know, bleep.

[Colin Cowherd]

The.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

The guys who have been beating me up all the time. And Saquon Barkley could have that. Imagine if he's a Super Bowl MVP and he gets to stand at the podium and be like, hey, I. They did not want me. And here I had a 2000 yard season and I won the Super Bowl. Colin, that is as good as it gets of a story in the NFL.

[Colin Cowherd]

Think about, think about somebody sitting in a room. This tells you the state of football in New York Somebody sat in a room and said, you know what I'm going to do? I'm going to sign Daniel Jones to an expensive contract. What about Saquon? We can find another Saquon Barkley. Did they not contextualize it and go, God, it's amazing how good Saquon is when he has a bad O line and no receivers to keep safeties out of the ball box. Like I, I, you start to look at the Giants and some of these decisions between Gettleman and Joe Shane, I just don't understand them. Yeah, I watch Daniel Jones play in college and I, I don't, I don't get.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Yeah, I don't remember anybody saying, you gotta lock down Daniel.

[Colin Cowherd]

No, I mean I watched him against bad teams. I never got, I know he beat.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

The Vikings in that playoff game. He had a, he had a good game.

[Colin Cowherd]

Vikings that year are the worst defense in the league.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Exactly like context matters. Anyways, let's move on to the Rams. This is kind of an interesting story. I think GM Less need was asked about the future of both Matthew Stafford and Cooper cup and Less need left the door open for potentially trading both players. We're talking about a subset of players, not just Matthew and Cooper, that are coming to the end of their careers and contracts. Those are issues we really have to sit down and talk through now. I understand Cooper Cup. Right. But Matthew Stafford, well, but I think.

[Colin Cowherd]

Now let's, let's, let's talk about this for a second. So we both love Stafford, both love him. And like Brady at the end, he's still very effective. But as the game, as the culture of the league has changed, look at the team's left two mobile quarterbacks. Look at the top seven or eight teams in the league. Goff and Stafford are the last two elite pocket quarters quarterbacks is, I think the Rams are looking around, they've always been ahead of the curve on this stuff. They're looking around going, guys, we may have the last great pure pocket quarterback. We may have the last one because all these kids now come out and can move overwhelmingly five or six of the quarterback. Michael Penix was the only quarterback. I mean Bo Nicks moves, Jaden moves, Drake moves, Caleb moves. They all move, they all move.

[Albert Breer]

Okay.

[Colin Cowherd]

And I, and I think I could see them saying if we can get a second round pick for Stafford and you'd get at least two twos for Stafford. They think they, they have a good enough roster to kind of rebuild it with McVay. I, I think, I think it's on the table. I, I would rather move early than late. I think he has more value now if he comes back next year and it doesn't go as well because Washington's better and. Right. And you look at it and you're thinking, will Matt Stafford ever have more value than this moment right now? Because he is. Nobody talks about his age right now. It's like Stafford, we're putting him in number five in the league.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

He is 36. Oh, he turns 37 here in like eight days or 10 days.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah. And, and, and he's been this year.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

He was, had some injuries. Numbers were a little down this year. 20 touchdown passes.

[Colin Cowherd]

I, I totally get them. If somebody can. I'm, I'm dead serious. We have seen big name quarterbacks move last several years. Aaron, Kirk, Russell, they're moving. Okay, I, I am, I am dead serious. I think they would move him and I think they love him and they'd move off him for the right price.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Don't see it happening. What if the New York jets called the Rams and said, hey, do you want to get in the Aaron Rodgers business? We would love a Matthew Stafford final tour with the Jets. Who would you rather have next year, Matthew Staff Stafford or Aaron Rodgers?

[Colin Cowherd]

Stafford by mile. Absolutely. Easier in the locker room. That's a bad, Give me another one.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

I guess the jets would have to throw in a pick of some kind. Like.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, yeah, I would love to get.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

In the Stafford business. Great guy in the community. Standup guy in the locker room.

[Colin Cowherd]

No, no, everybody.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

I would take him over Rogers.

[Colin Cowherd]

The Rams love him. They have two options. They cannot draft the quarterback and use all their picks and give him one final run at the super bowl with four or five new good players. But Matt makes so much money and Cooper cup makes so much money. Their offense, those guys are a lot of money. So they have limitations on what they can acquire in the market.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

How's this one? Saints Derek Carr goes to the Rams.

[Colin Cowherd]

No, they don't want him. No, no, no, you're not going to. McVay is not going to take a significantly less talented guy quarterback now he will take a less talented guy who's free as a second round pick for.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Oh yeah.

[Colin Cowherd]

So my take is if somebody came up, they would not trade you Stafford. They would get a number one and a number two.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Like it's a tough fit for Stafford. Every, every quarterback left is mobile or the quarterbacks left in the playoffs are all mobile. Baker Mayfield's mobile. Stafford. Stafford's not mobile.

[Colin Cowherd]

No. So I, I, I, I think it's one of those things. If you're the Rams, you absolutely take a phone call because I think his value now is higher than it's going to be. Okay, then it's going to be next year.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Final story is the Cleveland Browns. They have the second pick in the draft. They're probably going to need to replace Deshaun Watson, who not only is terrible, but retour his Achilles. There have been reports Deion would step in and not allow his son Shedeur to play for certain teams. But the Browns, despite all appearances that, hey, they probably wouldn't want Deion would not want us on there. According to a reporter in Cleveland, GM Matthew Berry says he doesn't anticipate that being a problem. That is Deon intervening and saying, shador, don't go to Cleveland Browns, do not draft him. Do you think Deon would be cool with that, his son going to Cleveland now? Stefanski is a very sharp guy. We know Brown's ownership is.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, I mean, Cleveland, it's not a. It's not a franchise. I'd love my kid to go to. No, it's not. It's not it.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Do you think Dion would step in, be like, don't take my son well.

[Colin Cowherd]

I mean the Elways did it. Eli did it.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Those were number one overall picks. I don't think well is going to go one. I don't think there's that's happening.

[Colin Cowherd]

I mean, I. It's just hard to say. I think Doer is a really good kid. I. I am rooting for him to go somewhere not called Cleveland. I'm rooting for him to have a great career. I think it'd be fascinating if Shador Sanders, I even like the name. He just sounds cool. Sounds like a franchise guy. Plays like it. He's a nice pocket guy that got a little bit of movement. I am rooting for him to succeed. I don't think Cleveland's where you go to succeed. Do you. Do you disagree with me?

[Daniel Jeremiah]

I don't think Shedeur is in a position where he could say, I'm not going to use second overall. I don't think he's in the Eli Manning class coming out. I don't think he's in the. The Elway class coming out. I just don't. I like him. I think he could do well with Stefanski and Cleveland.

[Colin Cowherd]

J. Mac with the news. Well, that's the news and thanks for stopping by the herd lie news. We have a contentious show today. Back and forth show. We got into G league basketball today. You know the wheels are coming off when we get into that. Live in la, it's the Herd. Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific. 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 kobenonrich wherever you get your podcast. And of course, on social media, that's Covino and Rich. With AMEX Platinum, you get priority notified with global dining access by Resy so you can get first dibs if a spot opens up at restaurants and compliments to the chef turns into compliments to your Platinum card. That's the powerful backing of American Express. Terms apply learn [e-mail] with Amex, you can count on T Mobile to help keep you connected from big cities to small towns on America's largest 5G network. Switch the T Mobile, keep your phone and they'll pay it off up to 800 bucks per line via prepaid card. Learn more@t mobile.com 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.

[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 mirrorball trophy from Dancing with the Star. So where else are you going to 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 texted you and you text 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, the heart's a little pink. It felt like I told you I loved you. I'm going to be honest, it was a little pink.

[Albert Breer]

There was something sentimental when you, like when, when you send it, it's like, do I send the heart now?

[Bobby Bones]

I don't like the color edition.

[Albert Breer]

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 podcasts.

[J Mac]

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 gonna 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 podcast.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Saturday on fox. Primetime hoops. Two of the Big East's best tip off as the two time defending national champion UConn Huskies take on 9th ranked Marquette Saturday at 7:30 Eastern on Fox.

[Colin Cowherd]

So we had the great Andy Reid on earlier today. Always fun. Another thrilling victory for the Chiefs and I wanted to bring just about five minutes back. One of the things I asked him if he manages and coaches his star older players differently like Travis Kelsey, to.

[F]

Be honest with you, because I've been around him for so much, so long and we've had him my whole duration here and, and drafted him and so on So I know, I kind of know where he's at physically, mentally, I know what he can do in games and, and, and so we try to utilize him. I also know what's around him, which helps him because for a while there we were banged up a little bit and guys were trying to learn and you know, he was being double teamed and that wasn't as good for him. But Travis would be a heck of a football coach. He's able to get up there and explain things and teach these young guys exactly what he sees and feels. Not that they all have that same talent, but he's got a good feel for the game.

[Colin Cowherd]

Years ago, I asked Pete Carroll, I was sitting in his office at USC and I said, what are you proudest about about your team? And he said, I never forget. He said, you have to play nearly perfect to beat us. He goes, we play so hard. We play so hard. Now this is where I'm going to ask you not to be humble for 10 seconds. I'll never ask you this again. This is the only time if there was a room of great coaches and they were talking about Andy Reid and they said, here's Andy's best quality. With Andy's teams, what is the thing that you want to be remembered for beyond trophies, but that you're proud of and your team? And by the way, it may be players and you, but, but what matters to you beyond the winning in your legacy?

[F]

Yeah, I think teaching, I think that's an important thing. Being honest with the guys, trusting the guys, I think those are all, all things I think are important. I hope I'm, I'm doing that part of it. So I would tell you that those would probably be the things that, that I'd look for.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, people would call you a great teacher. So Michael Vick once told me, he said, with Andy, Andy lets you be you, but he coaches around what you can do. Now you've had Mahomes now for so many years. Are you coaching Patrick differently today in big games than you did like four to five years ago?

[F]

Yes, four or five years ago he didn't have the same feel he's got for the game now and wasn't as solid with all of his surroundings there and different options. So yeah, we do it different with him now. Have a lot of trust in him and what he, what he knows and what he can do at the line of scrimmage, and he's very accurate with that. So it's definitely different.

[Colin Cowherd]

Has he ever talked to, in or out of something on the sidelines when the cameras at CBS go on and you're now it'll be at Fox when we have the cameras on you. Has he ever talked to in or out of something late?

[F]

No, but he'll have an idea. But normally he just goes, just call it. You know, he just wants you to call, he wants you to call what's on your mind and, and you know, he'll go run it. He doesn't get into all that. But I, I ask him, like, what do you like here? I have no problem with that. Matt Nagy does a great job with that. So it's, we try to keep it as open as possible. And as you know, you're a quarterback, normally if the quarterback likes something, it's going to get done.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, the. I know you've looked at the tape of Philadelphia. It is a green wall of talent. They, they got dudes, Andy, it may be the only team you match up with all year. And they have more Pro bowl kind of level players. What, when you pop that tape in all your years, what is the first thing that jumps out to you with Philadelphia?

[F]

Yeah, I tell you, their skill position and their D line jumps out at you. They've got great skill. They've got a quarterback that can deal it. Their offensive line is strong. They've been banged. They were banged up a little bit, but they're strong. And then that D line and their speed on the second level, the linebacker level and the in the back end with the secondary shows up.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah. Do you.

[F]

He's done a nice job there.

[Colin Cowherd]

He has. Do you envision how games are going to go? Do you have a sense like Buffalo? If I said you, it's going to kind of look like this, like you came out attack dog. I mean, your first drive look felt like it was kind of scripted a little bit, but I could tell you'd seen something in the coverage. You went right after it. Do you have a sense of what games look like before they happen or do they develop? And sometimes you just sit back, watch it develop and call it as it goes.

[F]

Normally this time of the year, Colin, you have a pretty good idea what teams are doing. They have a pretty good idea of what you're doing. And it allows really, it allows your guys to go out and play and play fast. And so I'm always telling the guys that every step you take in the playoffs, the games get a little faster. Well, that's why, you know, it's not just an effort thing. It's that you've mastered kind of all these different schemes that we've got in and, and, and you can play fast and it's, it goes that way, both sides and special teams.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah. I did a story at essay this week and I said, I, I, I hope you don't retire. Yeah, I mean, I cannot imagine retirement, even if you love golf, is nearly this fun. Do you ever take a breath and go, damn, this is fun. This is, this is a good time?

[F]

Yeah, no, absolutely. I mean, I love doing what I'm doing. And so how many guys have an opportunity. There are 32 of us in the whole world and that have an opportunity to do this. And then I'm around these kids. So I'm getting older, losing my hair, no red hair left. And I go out there and I'm with a group of guys that are somewhere between 22 and 35 every day, and they bring all this energy. So. And if you're limping, they're going to get after you and make fun of you, you know, so I've got to try to stand up straight and go right and, and do my thing.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah. I think we were talking about this yesterday on the show about dynasties all kind of look different. The spurs were led by the big fundamental. Alabama was mostly led by this dominating, suffocating defense. USC's was Reggie and Leinert and, and big personality and flair in Los Angeles and, and New England's was efficiency and, and do your job. And I do think there's a certain flair. That's why I think Taylor Swift is so fitting in Kelsey's personality. And Taylor Swift and Mahomes, he's got, you know, kind of a quirky family. I think it, I think it, I think it wears well over time. I thought I even felt, being in Connecticut and in Patriots country, I had Patriot fatigue. I kind of had, I'll be honest with you, I have a little bit of LeBron fatigue. Like, I'm waiting for the NBA to find its next revolutionary player. I've seen that. I'm happy. Don't begrudge it. Like Michael Jordan. Like, when he left, you're like, oh, man, no more Michael. That's how I feel when football seasons end, it's like, oh, no more Bills, Chiefs, nothing against March Madness. I like that, too. But I, I don't know. I tend to think this wears pretty well. I think the rating is going to be big. I think you have the best roster and the best coaching quarterback, and it's not a surprise those are the things that get you to Super Bowls. Best roster best coaching quarterback. It wouldn't be good if the team of the best coaching quarterback also had the best roster. Then you could have a blowout. But what the ying and yang here is Philadelphia. They're not as good at coach, they're not as good at quarterback, they're probably better overall roster and that's why you got a 3027 game. Jmac this this show was a little all over the joint today. I started, I was on one, I had a good night's sleep and I had some caffeine this morning I was on one this you want to tell.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

People what you had to drink last night? Listen. Cowherd reveals a lot of information to me during the breaks.

[Colin Cowherd]

Go ahead. Caffeine does not affect the way I sleep. I had a red bull at 7:30, I mean, and slept like a baby. But I think I woke up this morning and it was still going through my system. See you tomorrow.

[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 mirrorball trophy from Dancing with the 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.

[J Mac]

Hey everyone, it's Katie Couric. Well, the election is in the home stretch right in time for a new season of my podcast, Next Question. I'm bringing in some foks friends of Katie's to help me out, like Ezra Klein, Jen Psaki, Asted Herndon. But we're also going to have some fun thanks to some of my friends like Samantha Bee and Charlamagne the God. We're going to take some viewer questions as well. I mean, isn't that what democracy is all about? Check out our new season of Next Question with me, Katie Couric, on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Colin Cowherd]

What's up, everyone? Julie Swearbinks here along with former NHL player Nate Thompson.

[Albert Breer]

We're doing a new podcast together.

[Colin Cowherd]

Here we go, Energy Line with Nate and jsb.

[Albert Breer]

Each week we'll get together and talk about hockey life. All topics are fair game, right?

[Colin Cowherd]

And you'll never know who will drop by to join us.

[Albert Breer]

Yeah, Julie is pretty well connected. She has text threads going that you wouldn't believe.

[Colin Cowherd]

Listen to Energy Line with Nate and jsb starting on February 4th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Albert Breer]

What's up everybody? Ad Nan Ver here to tell you about a new podcast.

[Colin Cowherd]

It's NHL Unscripted with Verkin Demers, Jason.

[Albert Breer]

Emers here, And after playing 700 NHL games, I got a lot of dirty laundry to air out.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Hey, I got a lot to say here, too, okay?

[Albert Breer]

Each week we'll get together to chat.

[Colin Cowherd]

With the sport that we love.

[Albert Breer]

So tons of guests are going to join into. But we're not just going to be talking hockey, folks. We're talking movies, we're talking TV, food, and Ednad's favorite wrestling. It's all on Le Table.

[Colin Cowherd]

Listen to NHL Unscripted with Virk and Demers in the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.