Hour 3 - Will Blackmon

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Episode: Hour 3 - Will Blackmon
Release Date: April 9, 2025
Host: Jason McIntyre (interim host)
Guest: Will Blackman, former NFL star and coach

---

1. Lakers as the New NBA Villains

The episode kicks off with a heated discussion about the Los Angeles Lakers' recent performance and their evolving reputation within the NBA. Jason McIntyre expresses strong opinions on how the Lakers, led by LeBron James and Luka Doncic, have become the "new villains" of the league.

• Jason McIntyre [03:16]: "Around the league, the vibe is we don't like these guys. The Lakers are public enemy number one. They are as hated as the Curry Durant Warriors were."

McIntyre highlights the Lakers' aggressive playstyle and frequent complaints as factors contributing to their unpopularity. The comparison to the Golden State Warriors during the Curry-KD era underscores the pattern of dominant teams garnering widespread antagonism.

Luka Doncic’s Ejection Incident

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around Luka Doncic’s controversial ejection during a game against Oklahoma City. McIntyre criticizes the refereeing decisions that led to Doncic’s removal from the game, suggesting bias against the Lakers.

• Jason McIntyre [06:25]: "LeBron choosing his words carefully so he doesn't get fined... The refs were out to get the Lakers last night."

LeBron James is quoted reflecting on the incident, attempting to downplay the severity of the ejection while acknowledging the unusual circumstances.

• LeBron James [06:25]: "That was a weird... The referee was taking it personal."

McIntyre argues that such decisions rob fans of thrilling game conclusions and further entrench the Lakers' status as disfavored figures in the NBA.

2. Introduction of Guest: Will Blackman

Transitioning from NBA topics, host Jason McIntyre introduces Will Blackman, a former NFL player with coaching experience at the Dallas Cowboys.

• Jason McIntyre [07:57]: "We are going to start obviously with the Lakers... Let's get to our guest, Will Blackman, former NFL star in the secondary."

3. NFL Analysis with Will Blackman

Dallas Cowboys’ Season Prospects

Blackman shares his insights on the Dallas Cowboys' outlook for the upcoming season, addressing both strengths and areas needing improvement.

• Will Blackman [10:56]: "Year in and year out, they usually are in position to have a good season. It's just a matter of health."

Blackman emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong defensive lineup, particularly at the linebacker position, which has been plagued by injuries.

Offensive Strategy and Draft Insights

The conversation shifts to the Cowboys' offensive strategies, including the integration of new wide receivers like Brandon Cooks and CD Lamb.

• Will Blackman [12:20]: "It's a matter of just finding weapons and then finding another star running back."

Blackman discusses the historical significance of star running backs for the Cowboys and the challenges faced since Ezekiel Elliott's departure.

Travis Hunter and the Cleveland Browns

A focal point of the discussion is Travis Hunter’s potential impact on the Cleveland Browns. Blackman analyses whether Hunter can sustain a dual role playing both offense and defense.

• Will Blackman [13:18]: "I believe he can play both sides of the football, but to start on both sides, play every snap... I don't think he can."

Blackman expresses skepticism about Hunter's ability to maintain durability and effectiveness in such a demanding role but remains optimistic about his versatility.

Quarterback Strategy and Team Building

Blackman shares his perspective on quarterback acquisition strategies, particularly criticizing the Browns' front office for potentially missing the mark in securing a franchise quarterback.

• Will Blackman [15:08]: "If you truly miss on the quarterback again, then you missed out on getting players to build a team."

He advocates for a balanced approach to team building, emphasizing the need to develop a robust roster while remaining flexible with future quarterback options.

4. Additional NFL Insights

Green Room Invitations and Player Prospects

The discussion touches on the significance of Green Room invitations during drafts, with Blackman advocating for players to seize such opportunities despite draft uncertainties.

• Will Blackman [25:50]: "Take the chance and if you don't get picked, then you know what? More fuel to the fire."

Blackman encourages players to attend these events for the experience, even if it means enduring the disappointment of not being selected.

Will Blackman’s NFL Journey

Blackman reflects on his own NFL career, noting his multi-faceted role at Boston College and the importance of versatility as an athlete.

• Will Blackman [26:52]: "I trained for a week in Florida... I was living with Devin Hester... Most of these guys leave to go train and then they have to still have credits."

His anecdotes underscore the dedication required to excel both on and off the field.

5. Super Bowl and Team Projections

The episode concludes with projections for the upcoming NFL season, including potential Super Bowl contenders.

• Alex Curry [47:03]: "It's an easy decision for me. It's Buffalo... And the LA Rams... Bill's Rams Super Bowl."

Curry predicts the Buffalo Bills and LA Rams as frontrunners, citing the Bills' favorable schedule and the Rams' defensive improvements as key factors.

6. Final Thoughts

The host and guest wrap up the episode with a recap of major points discussed, reaffirming the Lakers' contentious position in the NBA and the Cowboys' strategic challenges in the NFL.

• Jason McIntyre [49:20]: "Great show, powerful stuff, a lot of fun. Thanks to Adam. Will our other guest, Eddie House, see you tomorrow?"

---

Notable Quotes:

• Jason McIntyre [03:16]: "The Lakers are public enemy number one. They are as hated as the Curry Durant Warriors were."

• LeBron James [06:25]: "That was a weird... The referee was taking it personal."

• Will Blackman [10:56]: "Year in and year out, they usually are in position to have a good season. It's just a matter of health."

• Will Blackman [13:18]: "I believe he can play both sides of the football, but to start on both sides, play every snap... I don't think he can."

• Will Blackman [15:08]: "If you truly miss on the quarterback again, then you missed out on getting players to build a team."

• Alex Curry [47:03]: "It's an easy decision for me. It's Buffalo... And the LA Rams... Bill's Rams Super Bowl."

---

This episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" offers deep dives into both NBA and NFL narratives, providing listeners with expert opinions and in-depth analysis from host Jason McIntyre and guest Will Blackman. From the Lakers' unpopularity to strategic evaluations of NFL teams like the Cowboys and Browns, the conversation is rich with insights and forward-looking projections relevant to sports enthusiasts.

Transcript

[Colin Cowherd]

Banking with Capital One helps you keep more money in your wallet with no fees or minimums on checking accounts and no overdraft fees. Just ask the Capital One Bank Guy. It's pretty much all he talks about in a good way. He'd also tell you that this podcast is his favorite podcast too. Oh really? Thanks Capital One Bank Guy. What's in your wallet? Terms apply. See CapitalOne.com Bank Capital One NA Member.

[Uber Eats Announcer]

FDIC Spring is here and you can now get almost anything you need for your sunny days delivered with Uber Eats. What do we mean by almost? Well, you can't get a well groomed lawn delivered, but you can get a chicken parmesan delivered. A cabana? That's a no. But a banana? That's a yes. A nice tan? Sorry, nope. But a box fan? Happily, yes. A day of sunshine? No. A box of fine wines? Yes. Uber Eats can definitely get you that. Get almost almost anything delivered with Uber Eats. Order now. Alcohol in select markets. Product availability may vary by Regency app.

[Jeremy Hobson]

For details we live in a divided country, and our media couldn't be more polarizing. That's why we started the Middle with Jeremy Hobson. It's about bringing voices not from the extremes, but from the vast middle into the national conversation. Each week we hear from ordinary Americans from all over the country. And when you subscribe to the Middle, you also get an episode each week called One Thing Trump did that focuses on just one item. But from the avalanche of news, listen to the Middle with Jeremy Hobson on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Greg Rosenthal]

What's up everyone? It's Greg Rosenthal and I'm teaming up with the King of Spring, Daniel Jeremiah. He requires me to say that we're gonna be bringing you 40s and free agents the only podcast you'll need this NFL draft season. From DJs, mock drafts to my top 101 free agents, we'll have it covered for you with all new episodes every Thursday. Keeping you up to date as we head to to the NFL Draft. Listen to 40s and free agents on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.

[Colin Cowherd]

Thanks for listening to the Herd Podcast. Be sure to catch us live every weekday on Fox Sports Radio and noon to 3 Eastern, 9am to noon Pacific. Find your local station for the [e-mail] or stream us live every day on the iHeartRadio app by searching Fox Sports Radio or FSR.

[Jason McIntyre]

Now let's get this party started.

[Alex Curry]

You're listening to Fox Sports. Rad.

[Jason McIntyre]

Yo, welcome back. Our number three here on the herd, a fun Frisky Wednesday. Jason McIntyre in for Colin Cowherd joined by Alex Curry. Alex's show just flying by.

[Will Blackman]

Risky.

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah. Okay, well, Eddie, how's challenging me to a show that was epic. I didn't put the swagger.

[Will Blackman]

Yeah, I love that whole interview was just like chef's kiss. I've never been dumped. Let me take you in a three point contest and bet you a bunch of money on it. We put you on the spot.

[Jason McIntyre]

J, I gotta ask Blackman, who's joining us here shortly. Yeah, he's ever been dumped? Everybody's been dumped by a girl. Anybody who says they have it. I'm a little suspicious.

[Will Blackman]

There could be like a mutual agreement.

[Jason McIntyre]

Well, there's also this thing where you have to talk tough and act. Hey, listen, I'm the man.

[Eddie House]

Let's be real.

[Jason McIntyre]

Nobody's that cool.

[Will Blackman]

I mean, he kind of had that I'm that cool swag he does have. I would give that to him. I wouldn't put it past him.

[Jason McIntyre]

All right, so Will Blackman, super bowl champ, joining us in studio shortly? We are going to start obviously with the Lakers, the new villains of the NBA. They went into OKC for a two game set, smashed them Sunday and were actually playing their guys last night. Going toe to toe, leading by one on this. Luka shot in the lane with about eight minutes left and then he got ejected. And what I thought was a laughable ejection, just a travesty really. Robbing the fans of what would have been a great, great finish in Oklahoma City. So Luca scores. He has this back and forth with a some meatball in the second row and the referee doesn't see it and the referee thinks Luka's talking to him and the referee ejects him. And my instant takeaway was, oh my gosh, the league, the fans, the opponents, everybody hates the Lakers. They are the new villains of the NBA. The Lakers with Luka and LeBron too. And I'm sure they'd admit it, they complain a lot, they flop, they're a little whiny. Listen, I don't have a problem with that. But around the league, I think it's pretty clear the Lakers are public enemy number one. My take was they're as hated as the Curry Durant warriors were. Kd, why you got to go to the Warriors? Why you got to make them a totally loaded team. And everybody did not like the Golden State warriors as they began a dynasty Winning two titles with KD and Curry. If you don't think they were hated, you got to go back to The Heatles, the LeBron Wade team, which, remember, not one, not two, not three. Everybody remembers that Chris Bosh Wade and LeBron, people did not like them. And now you look around the league and it's like, damn, you got Dylan Brooks and the Houston rockets coming for LeBron and Luka, you know, getting in dust ups with them. OKC last night was getting, you know, firing back. Jared Vanderbilt had a hard foul and Jalen Williams and. And guys stepped up. I'm just telling you, around the league, the vibe is we don't like these guys. The Lakers, the golden franchise in the league, they didn't need to get gifted. Luka Doncic in one of the big trade heists in NBA history, How you got to give LeBron, who's 40, Luka Doncic, right after he took the MAV to the Finals. It feels like the venom toward the Lakers is out there. Here's JJ Redick on the ejection last night in okc.

[Alex Curry]

It was a great game. It was a great game that unfortunately didn't get to sort of finish out the way that I think every basketball fan would want because of, you know, some decision making on some individual's parts.

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah, I would agree with Reddick. He was a little safe in his commentary, but when it went down, like, half the Lakers on the court were like, look at that guy in the second row. That's the dude he was talking to. We can hear him, okay? Because Luca silenced the crowd with the shot. The guy says something, and then Luca, you know, mf him, which is fine, you know, whatever. Who hasn't done that in a men's league game in the NBA before, right? So after the game, LeBron had some thoughts. And look at how LeBron's reaction is when he talks about the ejection.

[LeBron James]

That was a weird. We're. We're a couple of minutes after that, starting with the ejection. I don't know why the ref was taking it personal. He had already gave Luca one, and Luca knew that. And Luca was going back and forth at that time with a fan that was in courtside, like Luca does when fans get the talk. Talk out of their mind, whatever the case may be. And Luca was going back and forth, and the ref took it upon himself to think it was, you know, reverse him or whatever the case may be. But then another T on Vando after a block shot, and the game was just. Just weird as Hell, after that moment.

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah, yeah. Like it. LeBron choosing his words carefully so he doesn't get fined. By the way, we didn't show highlights of the Vanderbilt block, but right after Alex Caruso drove the lane and Vanderbilt swatted the shot to, like, Austin, Texas, it was an unbelievable block, and he kind of flexed on him, and they were kind of face to face. But if you look at the up close, Vanderbilt didn't say anything. And then they get a technical for. For allegedly talking trash, but no words were uttered. The refs were out to get the Lakers last night. And I know people. That's not gonna be popular. I'm just telling you right now, around the league, people don't like the lakers. Okay? It's LeBron, it's Luca. It's whining, it's complaining. And guess what? The Lakers are going to the NBA Finals. Folks, I'm sorry. It's happening. All right, let's get to our guest, Will Blackman, former NFL star in the secondary. He's done some coaching with. With the Cowboys.

[Will Blackman]

I'll take a bump.

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah. Wine connoisseur. His son's a good basketball player.

[Eddie House]

Winemaker now. No connoisseur.

[Jason McIntyre]

You're making.

[Will Blackman]

You haven't seen it.

[Eddie House]

Blackman Sellers. Where you been at Jback.

[Will Blackman]

It's all over. His idea.

[Jason McIntyre]

Well, you don't. You don't send me any wine, so how am I supposed to know?

[Eddie House]

I don't. This is not the sending round. This is by round. And then the next round will be the sending round.

[Jason McIntyre]

All right, so we'll do a lot of NFL will, but I have to start here. Eddie House came on and said he's never been dumped by a girl. You've. Obviously, you're a man about town.

[Will Blackman]

Yeah, he's stuck on this idea. He never let it get dumped.

[Eddie House]

Right.

[Will Blackman]

He won't let it go.

[Eddie House]

No, I've never been dumped. No.

[Jason McIntyre]

So I support athletes who say they've never been dumped. Alex and I have been dumped. It's not a big deal.

[Eddie House]

No, I'm not. I'm not ashamed. Like, if I was, I was. I just. I haven't. I haven't really dated like. Like that where. I don't know if. If, like. Like I've been in situations where I'm like, okay, it's not really going anywhere. So, you know, let me just get it out the way. Like, hey, I don't see a future. Let's move on.

[Alex Curry]

Yeah, yeah.

[Eddie House]

Nothing crazy.

[Jason McIntyre]

Just speaking of crazy.

[Eddie House]

So I was focused on football, people.

[Jason McIntyre]

You should have seen Aaron Jones here. I made Aaron Jones scorm a little bit yesterday. Good running back, tough questions. We got some tough stuff coming, but I need to start the Luca ejection. I know you're a hooter.

[Eddie House]

I think about that. I've been married so long, I can't even.

[Jason McIntyre]

Luca ejection.

[Eddie House]

Yes.

[Jason McIntyre]

Now, listen, we've seen. We saw the Bears defense last year against Washington with the Hail Mary.

[Eddie House]

Right.

[Jason McIntyre]

Talking to fans. Did you ever get into it with fans? And, you know, what do you make of this?

[Eddie House]

What's funny about that is, like, Luca was drawing the first game probably with the same person.

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah.

[Eddie House]

Like, going off. So this. That was crazy. No, I haven't. I did tell someone to shut up one time, I think, playing against the Vikings. But we did play Minnesota one time, and I did Lambo Leap at the Metrodome, like, at their. At their stadium. And when I went there, this lady had two beer cans and dumped them right on me. And then I just decided to take a sip. It was great. Yeah, there's footballs. I feel like football is different, but, yeah, in NBA, like, they're ruthless. You can really hear them.

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah.

[Eddie House]

I tell you what, the worst place ever, though. The worst place in all of sports is smu. Oh, my gosh. They are.

[Jason McIntyre]

Ruth.

[Eddie House]

They are ruthless.

[Jason McIntyre]

Wow.

[Eddie House]

They are ruthless. Like, the stuff they say is crazy. I couldn't believe it.

[Jason McIntyre]

All right, so let's go to the Cowboys. You've done some coaching with them? Yes, consulting. What do you want to call that? He was an intern with the Dallas Cows. Okay. So there was an interesting article about how the Cowboys have such a rich, great draft history. They also have Jerry Jones, who seems to make bad decisions, moving on from players, signing them too late. Do you think the Cowboys are in line for a good season or not really? The roster is not that great right now.

[Eddie House]

Yeah, I mean, I think. I think year in and year out, they usually are in position to have a good season. It's just a matter of, like, especially on the defensive side of football, they've been just, like, decimated with injuries, especially at the linebacker position. And then outside that corner, you had Trayvon go down one year and then Bland go down another year. So they've been really struggling in terms of that. And so the only criticism I could. I could say is really not addressing, like, the linebacker position, like, when it comes to free agency during the season, because Vander Esch went down, and then Overshone went down. A couple years ago, Overshone got hurt again. And I remember in 2000, was it 23? They moved Marquise Bell, who's a 210 pound safety, into the box. And then teams just started running the football like crazy. And that's what Green Bay ultimately end up doing. So I just feel like it's just a matter of health. And then right offensively, I mean, just trying to find weapons. I mean, they brought in, you know, Brandon Cooks who's, you know, he's, he's known for just taking the top off of a defense. But get somebody else on the other side of CD Lamb, who is legit. Like A, nowadays you have a 1, A, 1B, you know, or your number two is making $20 million, $30 million. So it's a matter of just finding weapons and then finding another star running back. When you think of the Dallas Cowboys, like historically, you think of them having star running backs. And ever since Zeke got hurt and left, they haven't had that.

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah, I don't know. I, I, I don't want to get off the Cowboys just yet. But I do wonder, you mentioned wide receiver. I heard somebody tell me that they're probably going to draft one at 12. Do you think that's the move? What about the offensive line, Will? I mean, it's kind of in shambles.

[Eddie House]

Yeah, I mean, you, I think there's ways to address the offensive line schematically, but you got it. You still got to get playmakers, man. You definitely do. And you can get offensive line, you can get great blocking, but if you got another receiver that can't get off the line, that can't get open and so everyone's so focused. CD Lamb, and let's say you don't get a running back, you still can't run the football. You got, you got to get playmakers for Dax so he can get the ball out of his hands.

[Jason McIntyre]

All right, let's stick with the draft and this Travis Hunter stuff. Travis Hunter says I can play every snap in an NFL game. Well, you played cornerback. You think you could go out, tackle Derrick Henry 10 times in a game or five times and then go, I'm gonna catch passes and run routes.

[Eddie House]

Like if I'm, if I'm a cornerback and I have to hit Derrick Henry, I'm gonna be hot at everybody else. Like, where's my D line and linebackers at? Here's the thing. So I did play both sides at Boston College. I was all big east corner and I was all ACC receiver. So I did play my senior year. I did play probably close to 100 snaps a game and I returned kicks and punts, so I was always on the field. I think he can play both sides of the football in the NFL his career, but to start on both sides, play every snap. Like I, I don't see it happening. I can see it, let's say if he's a starter on offense, then I can see him coming in on, you know, in nickel or dime, supplementing on defense, you know. Or let's say he's a full time starter on defense. I can see him coming on, on 0, 0 personnel, which is 5 wide or 0, 1 personnel or 10 personnel. You get 4 wide. Like I can see him coming in on situations. But the main thing, it's not a, it's not a matter of like his ability that you can't do it. It's a matter of like, can he sustain himself durability wise? Because you're getting hit by like every game is going to be like when they played BYU. Every game is like that times 10 because you have guys all over the place who. You're going to have linebackers that are running four threes just like you, you know, so it's, it's just more so can he do that? And plus there's going to be other stars on the team too, you know what I'm saying? That's going to be on this position. So it's really difficult and I don't think he will. I don't think he can, but I believe he will play both sides of the football.

[Jason McIntyre]

Wow. So if we are to assume that Tennessee's taken Cam. Cam Ward first. Right. Would you agree with that?

[Eddie House]

I would say that's a strong possibility.

[Jason McIntyre]

Okay. You're the Browns at 2. You don't have a quarterback. Your owner just said we swung and missed on desean Watson.

[Eddie House]

Right.

[Jason McIntyre]

Travis Hunter's there, Abdul Carter's there. Just say trade back is not an option. What's your move? And you're advising Stefanski in that front office?

[Eddie House]

Yeah, there's no way I'm training back for number two. You, you have the, the most athletic player in the draft and Travis Hunter right there. And, and you're trying to put butts in the seats. I feel like drafting Travis Hunter will have the same impact as if you were drafting a franchise quarterback in terms of the excitement, you know, for the team. And in this case, you don't, you don't really want to get a quarterback there because you're still trying to build this team. As of late, the trend has been, hey, let me build this football team. And then maybe we can plug and play a quarterback. Like right now, that's Minnesota's in a position where, you know, they had Kirk Cousins, he left. They drafted J.J. mcCarthy, he got hurt. So they bring in Sam Donald, who goes off and gets a new deal. Obviously, Aaron is still out there. Possibly even though they say they're out, it's still a possibility, but that team is still ready to go. And I just feel like you have to build your team because if you truly miss on the quarterback again right now, then you missed out on getting players to build a team. Or you get an Abdul Carter because, you know, you paid Miles all that money. Who knows what's going to happen three years from now if he's still there or you want to pay him and you have another stud defensive end or pass rusher there. So I think you get the best player for your team and then later on there will still be another quarterback you can get.

[Jason McIntyre]

I like that. I just, I. My counter would be okay. That sounds great in theory, yeah. But Kevin Stefanski has been there since 2020. They went to the playoffs with him. Then they went 8, 9, 7. Who though, with Stefanski.

[Eddie House]

Yeah, but who was the quarterback?

[Jason McIntyre]

Well, that's the. That's the other thing. It was Ben Roethlisberger the first year. Then it was. We'd have to figure it out. Then it was Deshaun Watson. Can you three. Flacco carried them down the stretch after a 3 and 14 season. Do you think Stefanski needs to win or could he get run off? If your thing is we'll figure out the quarterback later, I don't.

[Eddie House]

The quarterback stuff is not really on him. That's the front office that did all that stuff. I think. I think Stefanski is a really good coach because, you know, they're always in situations where they have a chance to win games. And the fact that he's had all these quarterbacks come through and they were still in position to still win games says a lot about him. So I think you just continue again, you. You build the football team. You have to have a good team. You know, Sirianni was on record saying, like, you know, people aren't giving hurts credit because he has all these weapons. He's like, well, that's what you do for your quarterback. I can't have BLEEP around him and expect him to play well. So let me build my football team so that if we're in situations where we truly need a quarterback, let's say later down the road, there's a there's a veteran quarterback available.

[Jason McIntyre]

Who, Kirk Cousins?

[Eddie House]

No, I'm saying like later, like let's say like it doesn't go well for the next couple years, but the football team overall looks good and they're struggling at quarterback. I don't know. There could be another veteran quarterback later on. I'm just saying down the road that you can plug and play. Kind of like we're kind of like how your jets were like, we truly. No, no, listen. But we truly. Like I was one of those who were like, man, everything looks good and it's like Zach's just not getting it done. And unfortunately when Aaron came he the year where they were a talented team, he got hurt.

[Jason McIntyre]

Okay.

[Eddie House]

And so I feel like if he did not get hurt, we would not be having any of this conversation when it comes to him. Because that team truly was a quarterback away from having great success at that time.

[Jason McIntyre]

I just, you know, you know these billionaire owners, you've met a few of them. Do they have the patience Will? Yeah, in a couple years we'll find a quarterback. I mean we're seeing the New York Giants. They're doing this band aid with Russell Wilson. I don't think they're going to win 9, 10 games to go to the playoffs. And I think Dable's probably going to get fired after the season. Right.

[Eddie House]

If they, if they don't. If they do not get it right. See, I actually still have them getting a quarterback. I feel like they, they have to go. They have to get.

[Jason McIntyre]

They got Russ Jameis Winston and you think they're getting another quarterback.

[Eddie House]

Make it a competition. Make it to make. Get the best person to figure it out. Because they, they true Dabo and Shane are in this position where they truly have to get the quarterback position. Right. They have to fix that because I believe they are on a one year lease.

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah.

[Eddie House]

If they don't fix that and only reason why I say they or maybe another year because they inherited Daniel Jones. Like that wasn't usually when you get a GM and a head coach, you have to get your quarterback. And they never really drafted their guy. They inherited a quarterback.

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah.

[Eddie House]

And so I think they have a little more time, but they have to figure that out and find their guy.

[Jason McIntyre]

Would you go Shador at three?

[Eddie House]

I would go Shador at three.

[Jason McIntyre]

Because that probably buys you an extra year or two, right?

[Eddie House]

It does. Because you have a chance to develop him. And all the things that Shador offers as a quarterback are the things I prefer. The biggest thing for me is like, his. His mindset. Like, he. He is a true professional. He's extremely confident. He's the purest pocket passer in this entire draft. And despite, I know they understand, like, he takes a lot of sacks, but he was truly trying to make the plays. And he has an unbelievable completion percentage and just all the things that you want. People get so caught up and enamored with, like, the crazy big throws and this town, this arm talent. But at the end of the day, if you can't process, if you can't understand what's going on, if you don't, he doesn't have a line or run game, and he still threw for 4,000. Over 4,000 yards, 70% complete players, and he does not turn the ball over. So my offensive coordinator at Boston College, Dana Bible, you know, we asked him, like, what do you love about. He said, what's the one thing you want about quarterbacks? He said, I want completions. Like, completions?

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah.

[Eddie House]

And this whole. This whole patent the ball thing, which is. Which is nonsense.

[Jason McIntyre]

One of your brethren, a defensive back, I believe, from my jets, said, he's patting the ball. We're going to read that.

[Eddie House]

Which means absolutely nothing. What?

[Jason McIntyre]

It.

[Eddie House]

It helps with Alex. It helps with timing. Everyone is with timing. It's funny. I went back and watched Jameis Winston's pro day. He did not pat the ball once. And homeboy is right now. No. And I'm. And I'm a James fan. But he has, since he's been drafted, he has thrown the most picks.

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah.

[Eddie House]

Everyone passed the ball. I played with Farve, I played with Rogers, I played with Eli, I played Russell, I. Everyone passed the ball. The David Tyree catch.

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah. Eli's padding.

[Eddie House]

Pat the ball right before you threw it.

[Jason McIntyre]

Let's see here. Aaron Rodgers. Do we have to talk?

[Eddie House]

We don't.

[Jason McIntyre]

I know. You're kind of friendly with him, right?

[Eddie House]

Kind of. That's my dog. I'm not gonna look.

[Jason McIntyre]

So did you hang with him recently at that football thing? So I got invited to that, but I couldn't go. Kid sports. Did you talk to Aaron? What's going on with him?

[Eddie House]

He's chilling. No, it's not private. That's. It's kind of like, I'm not gonna. He's getting talked about all day long. Last thing I'm gonna do is, like, hey, man, you go to Pittsburgh, where you gonna go? Like, come on, man. I'm not.

[Jason McIntyre]

Obviously not a journalist. Will.

[Eddie House]

Huh?

[Jason McIntyre]

Should have just been grilling him.

[Eddie House]

Well, I have. Well, here's my here's my journalist. Is that. I did hear that the Browns are not going quarterback.

[Jason McIntyre]

I heard that at 2.

[Eddie House]

Yep.

[Jason McIntyre]

Travis Hunter, most likely. Interesting. Did you hear that from Miles Garrett? Knows what the Browns are doing, but anyways, fine, let's. Since he's your guy, Aaron Rodgers, I'm critical but fair. Should he pick Pittsburgh or wait for, like, another quarterback to get hurt and go to a better team?

[Eddie House]

I mean, I think right now, like, the cool thing is, like, Mike Tomlin is totally respected and he respects everybody, you know, guys like Aaron Rodgers. So he's kind of like, like, take your time. Like, do your thing. Like, I'm not going to put pressure, rush you. Like, none of that stuff. Like, take your time, do your thing. He already met with them several times. I'm sure they're having conversations. The whole thing with Aaron playing catch or throwing passes with DK Metcalf is I wouldn't even. I'm not gonna overlook that. Like, like crazy.

[Jason McIntyre]

Okay.

[Eddie House]

Because DK runs routes at UCLA every year. Like, that's what he does. He'll throw at Russell sometimes. He'll throw an Aaron sometimes whoever's there, like, all the guys, they work out together. So I'm not gonna sit there and be like, oh, you know, he's training with EK so that's probably why he's going there. It's like, they live in la.

[Jason McIntyre]

No big deal. All right, two more quick ones. So the cornerback from Michigan.

[Eddie House]

Yeah.

[Jason McIntyre]

Well, you studied him.

[Eddie House]

Yes.

[Jason McIntyre]

It sounds like there's. He was quiet on him for a while. Now there's momentum. Now he's going top 10. What have you heard anything about Will? Do you love him as a prospect?

[Eddie House]

No, I think. I think he's outstanding. He has just that pure confidence in terms of like, like a true cornerback. And he does a great job of finding the football. So I think just overall he has that. Just that calm, quiet confidence where man covers his own coverage. But the one thing I do love is just his ability to attack and take the football away. He's a game changer. So He's. He's been CB1 for a while and so, yeah, I definitely see him going very, very high.

[Jason McIntyre]

We'll wrap up with this. So you were a fourth round pick out of BC Y. Have you ever had any buddies whether did they get the green room invite? Because Jaylen Milro got an invite and accepted it. And a lot of people are like, why he ain't going first round? I think that's kind of sort of a tell that he has Some sort of promise somewhere in the first round. What do you, what you make of that?

[Eddie House]

Yeah, I mean, because what is the coaches or something like that, they. They make that decision on who is something like that. I mean, in, in terms of his, like, pure ability. Like, I can see somebody trading back into the first round and maybe, maybe doing that. And I think he's a situation where he's going to have. He's going to have to be in the right situation. He's going to have to have somebody who truly believes in him and is willing to coach him up. It's kind of like when Lamar came out, everyone was like, he needs to change positions. He needs to do all these other things. And Baltimore was like, no, we're going to go get him at the end of the first round and we are going to make sure we construct an offense around him to make him successful. And that's the thing too is like a lot of these coaches are. They look at certain players and they're like, man, I don't want to have to make a project. I want to just find a guy who's already ready to go. Carolina did that with Cam Newton. They were like, we're going to cater. That's what you do. You get. You cater your offense to your player. You're not going to make a player cater to your offense. It's not going to work. So I can see somebody who's like, hey, man, like, I see this and I want to make it work.

[Jason McIntyre]

Would you have advised him to go to the Green Room or no?

[Eddie House]

Go to Green Bay. In the Green Room. If he's in Green Bay for a long time and he doesn't get picked, that's who knows? I mean, I would go to. I would say yes, just for the experience. Like, just go. I would just go.

[Jason McIntyre]

I'm sure Will Levis feels the same way. After he went to the Green Room.

[Eddie House]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Jason McIntyre]

Was left sitting around. It was kind of painful to watch.

[Eddie House]

I wish I got. I wish I got a green Room invite.

[Jason McIntyre]

You would have gone, huh?

[Eddie House]

See, I would have for sure gone.

[Will Blackman]

Be a part of the experience. It's like it's a once in a lifetime opportunity. Your life's about to change forever. And if you're confident enough that if you don't go and you're still there and you have a good attitude about it, I think, why not take the.

[Eddie House]

Take the chance and if you don't get picked, then you know what? More fuel to the fire.

[Alex Curry]

Yes.

[Jason McIntyre]

By the way, did you run better than a 43740.

[Eddie House]

I didn't. I didn't even train for the combine. I ran like a four four one.

[Jason McIntyre]

You're just a natural athlete.

[Eddie House]

No, because most of these guys leave to go train and then they have to still. They still have credits. I wanted to graduate.

[Jason McIntyre]

Oh.

[Eddie House]

So I just stayed at bc. I trained for like a week in. In Florida. I was living with Devin Hurst. So we trained for Dion.

[Jason McIntyre]

For, like, with Devin Hester.

[Alex Curry]

Well, we were the same class.

[Jason McIntyre]

He's like the fastest guy ever.

[Eddie House]

Like, he's the Blur. No question.

[Jason McIntyre]

Geez.

[Alex Curry]

Wow. All right.

[Jason McIntyre]

Will Blackman. Great stuff as always. Catch him today on speak at 5pm Eastern.

[Eddie House]

And you go to blackmansellers.com buy some. And then you're gonna wait for the sample round. That's what you can do. You gotta wait for the sample.

[Will Blackman]

I don't make him buy it.

[Jason McIntyre]

I think we do. I can't promote that business. But yeah, we do order wines. I'm not going to promote their business anyway. Come up next. Alex will tell us why we're going to see fireworks tonight in one NBA city. That's next.

[Alex Curry]

Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd. Weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific Banking.

[Colin Cowherd]

With Capital One helps you keep more money in your wallet with no fees or minimums on checking accounts and no overdraft fees. Just asked the Capital One bank guy. It's pretty much all he talks about. In a good way. He'd also tell you that this podcast is his favorite podcast, too. Oh, really? Thanks. Capital One bank guy, what's in your wallet? Terms apply. See capitalone.com bank capital1na member FDIC.

[Uber Eats Announcer]

Spring is here, and you can now get almost anything you need for your sunny days delivered with Uber Eats. What do we mean by almost? Well, you can't get a wellgroom lawn delivered, but you can get a chicken parmesan delivered. A cabana, that's a no. But a banana, that's a yes. A nice tan? Sorry, nope. But a box fan? Happily, yes. A day of sunshine? No. A box of fine wines. Yes. Uber Eats can definitely get you that. Get almost, almost anything delivered with Uber Eats. Order now. Alcohol in select markets. Product availability may vary by Regency app. For details.

[Jeremy Hobson]

We live in a divided country.

[Jason McIntyre]

I am a lifelong Republican with all.

[Jeremy Hobson]

Kinds of different people.

[Will Blackman]

You know, I'm a mother. I'm a grandmother.

[Jeremy Hobson]

That's why we started the Middle with Jeremy Hobson. It's about bringing voices not from the extremes, but from the vast middle into the national conversation.

[Will Blackman]

Anna, I'M calling from Las Vegas.

[Jeremy Hobson]

Each week we bring together an all star panel. Mark Cuban, so great to have you on the Middle.

[Uber Eats Announcer]

Thanks for having me.

[Jason McIntyre]

Jeremy.

[Jeremy Hobson]

Neil Degrasse Tyson, welcome to the Middle.

[Alex Curry]

Thanks for having me.

[Jeremy Hobson]

And hear from ordinary Americans from all over the country on the most important issues.

[Jason McIntyre]

Hi, my name is Venkat. I'm calling you from Atlanta, Georgia.

[Jeremy Hobson]

And when you subscribe to the Middle, you also get an episode each week called One Thing Trump did that focuses on just one item from the avalanche of news.

[Uber Eats Announcer]

We should be examining what our government spends its money on and are these jobs necessary and what are we doing here? But that doesn't seem to be what we're doing in this situation.

[Jeremy Hobson]

Listen to the Middle with Jeremy Hobson on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Greg Rosenthal]

What's up everyone? It's Greg Rosenthal and I'm teaming up with the King of Spring, Daniel Jeremiah. He requires me to say that we're going to be bringing you 40s and free agents, the only podcast you'll need this NFL draft season. From DJs, mock drafts to my top 101 free agents, we'll have it covered for you with all new episodes every Thursday keeping you up to date as we head to the NFL Draft. Listen to 40s and free agents on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever.

[Jason McIntyre]

You get your podcasts back here on the Herd. Great stuff from Will Blackman. More great stuff. Alex with the news.

[Alex Curry]

No, no, no, turn on the news. This is the Herd line news.

[Will Blackman]

J. Mac we have one of the most anticipated matchups games of the season. Tonight, Luca makes his return to Dallas. Now, most of the time when we see a homecoming like this, it's because a player wanted to leave. But Luka had never shown a desire to leave Dallas, and we remember how upset fans were when the Mavs traded him. Also, this will be the first game that Anthony Davis plays against his former running mate in LeBron James because he was injured when the Mavs came to play the Lakers. But J. Mac, this is going to be must watch tv. Yeah, this is going to be absolutely insane. Not only do I feel like Luka is going to put on a show because of how last night ended, him getting fouled out of the game, but this trade came just as much of a shock to Luka as it did to the entire NBA world. And honestly, the trade still doesn't make sense to me. I'm not complaining as a Laker fan because like, thank you Very much Dallas. These fans, like we saw them not turning against Luka but turning against the Mavs. Like people were canceling their season tickets. Fans were getting I think Luka jerseys for the Lakers now because times have changed a little. Right. I think fans are a lot more player fan than necessarily the franchise. When you have a player like once in a generation player like Luka Doncic. But this is going to be. This is going to be wild. They are giving fans T shirts like Luka T shirts tonight with a saying on it.

[Alex Curry]

It's.

[Will Blackman]

It's gonna be wild. I mean that we. We know like who benefited from. Here you go.

[Jason McIntyre]

Was that Slovenian?

[Will Blackman]

Yeah, it's. It's. It's Slovenian.

[Jason McIntyre]

So essentially when the Mavs came to LA, Luca, he was clearly not 100. He was a little stressed out. He didn't play great.

[Will Blackman]

So this says thank you for everything.

[Jason McIntyre]

Okay.

[Will Blackman]

Is what it in Slovenia.

[Jason McIntyre]

That's a smart.

[Will Blackman]

Nice is what. Is what the shirt says.

[Jason McIntyre]

I just wish it wasn't on a back to back for the Lakers. It's not ideal and they need to go 2 and 1 in their final three games to lock up the three.

[Will Blackman]

But they're going to win. Like Luke is going to go off.

[Jason McIntyre]

I hope so.

[Will Blackman]

What do you mean? He's going back to his old stomping ground pressure. He's got. He's definitely got a chip on his shoulder like he was. He was shook by this trade. He thought he was going to spend his entire career in Dallas. He wanted to. They just went to the NBA finals and they traded away their best player. Like it does not make sense. I hope he goes off. I like not only for him, but the Lakers need this win. Okay. Switching to the NFL. Aiden Hutchinson snapped his leg in a horrible injury last year. So it's great to see Hutch back out there working out. Here he is at the Lions facility wearing a knee brace and he's moving pretty well. Moving side to side now. This is big for the Lions. That was a huge loss last year. He's one of the best pass rushers in the league and I think it's important to get it back as early as possible because they don't have Aaron Glenn anymore. That was his guy. Obviously he's gone. Their defensive coordinator. So important to. To get in with the new system as soon as you can. Now you had what you have. You picked the under for the Lions.

[Jason McIntyre]

Sorry, Hutch.

[Will Blackman]

Does this change anything?

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah.

[Will Blackman]

Healthy, healthy.

[Jason McIntyre]

Hutchinson. Aiden Hutchinson zigzagging on an empty playing field. Nobody in the facility. Yeah. I mean, no, he's a great player. I wonder if Mr. Crosby's seeing that in Vegas. I said Hutch was one of the best defensive ends in the league, and Crosby was like, behind him.

[Alex Curry]

Yeah.

[Jason McIntyre]

A lot of Raiders fans disagree.

[Will Blackman]

Oh, I was like, did. Did Crosby come after you? Did another.

[Jason McIntyre]

You made some comments. It's fine. Part of the territory, Alex.

[Will Blackman]

We love to see it.

[Jason McIntyre]

All right, Alex Curry with the news.

[Alex Curry]

Well, that's the news, and thanks for stopping by the Herd lie news. All right.

[Jason McIntyre]

I dropped my four locks for over unders earlier in the show where we're going to Vegas. Well, Vegas guy next Adam Turnoff to see if I'm right or wrong. He's got some great draft input, actionable stuff. That's next here on the Herd.

[Alex Curry]

Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific, on Fox Sports Radio, FS1, and the iHeartRadio app.

[J]

Hey, it's Steve Covino and I'm Rich Davis, and together we're Covino and Rich on Fox Sports Radio. You can catch us weekdays from 5 to 7pm Eastern, 2 to 4 Pacific, on Fox Sports Radio. And of course, the iHeartRadio app. Why should you listen to Covino and Rich? We talk about everything. Life, sports, relationships, what's going on in the world. We have a lot of fun talking about the stories behind the stories in the world of sports and pop culture. Stories that, well, other shows don't seem to have the time to discuss. And the fact that we've been friends for the last 20 years and still work together, I mean, that says something, right? So check us out. We like to get you involved, too. Take your phone calls, chop it up, as they say. I'd say the most interactive show on Fox Sports Radio, maybe the most interactive show on planet Earth. Be sure to check out Covino and Rich live on Fox Sports radio and the iHeartradio app from 5 to 7pm Eastern, 2 to 4 Pacific. And if you miss any of the live show, just search Covino and Rich wherever you get your podcasts. And of course, on social media, that's Covino and Rich.

[Colin Cowherd]

Banking with Capital One helps you keep more money in your wallet with no fees or minimums on checking accounts and no overdraft fees. Just ask the Capital One bank guy. It's pretty much all he talks about in a good way. He'd also tell you that this podcast is his favorite podcast, too. Oh, really? Thanks, Capital One bank guy. What's in your wallet? Terms apply. See capitalone.combank Capital One NA member FDIC.

[Uber Eats Announcer]

Spring is here and you can now get almost anything you need for your sunny days delivered with Uber Eats. What do we mean by almost? Well, you can't get a well groomed lawn delivered, but you can get a chicken parmesan delivered. A cabana, that's a no. But a banana, that's a yes. A nice tan? Sorry, nope. But a box fan? Happily, yes. A day of sunshine? No. A box of fine wines? Yes. Uber Eats can definitely get you that. Get almost, almost anything delivered with Uber Eats. Order now. Alcohol in select markets. Product availability may vary by Regency app. For details.

[Jeremy Hobson]

We live in a divided country.

[Jason McIntyre]

I am a lifelong Republican with all.

[Jeremy Hobson]

Kinds of different people.

[Will Blackman]

You know, I'm a mother, I'm a grandmother.

[Jeremy Hobson]

That's why we started the Middle with Jeremy Hobson. It's about bringing voices not from the extremes, but from the vast middle into the national conversation.

[Will Blackman]

Anna, I'm calling from Las Vegas.

[Jeremy Hobson]

Each week we bring together an all star panel. Mark Cuban, so great to have you on the Middle.

[Uber Eats Announcer]

Thanks for having me.

[Jason McIntyre]

Jeremy.

[Jeremy Hobson]

Neil Degrasse Tyson, welcome to the Middle.

[Alex Curry]

Thanks for having me.

[Jeremy Hobson]

And hear from ordinary Americans from all over the country on the most important issues.

[Jason McIntyre]

Hi, my name is Venkat. I'm calling you from Atlanta, Georgia.

[Jeremy Hobson]

And when you subscribe to the Middle, you also get an episode each week called One Thing Trump did that focuses on just one item from the avalanche of news.

[Uber Eats Announcer]

We should be examining what our government spends its money on and are these jobs necessary and what are we doing here? But that doesn't seem to be what we're doing in this situation.

[Jeremy Hobson]

Listen to the Middle with Jeremy Hobson on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Greg Rosenthal]

What's up, everyone? It's Greg Rosenthal and I'm teaming up with the King of Spring, Daniel Jeremiah. He requires me to say that we're going to be bringing you 40s and free agents, the only podcast you'll need this NFL draft season. From DJs, mock drafts to my top 101 free agents, we'll have it covered for you with all new episodes every Thursday, keeping you up to date as we head to the NFL Draft. Listen to 40s and free agents on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.

[Jason McIntyre]

I'm happy to have you, man. Very excited. I don't know if you could top last year's showing, but we're going to do a lot of stuff here with the picks with the draft. Let's get started. Let's start out right with the draft. One thing you told me yesterday was you have bet the Dallas Cowboys to draft a receiver in the first round. Talk us through your logic on that one.

[Alex Curry]

I have. Thanks for having me back on. In the heart of football season here, early April. I love it. I did bet it. Plus 160 for the Cowboys to take a wide receiver, I think they need to find someone opposite of CD Lamb. There's been a lot of noise lately about Matthew golden potentially going there. They've had three different visits with wide receivers and the Cowboys are a team that have typically drafted where they visit with players. And so there's some ties there and some steam continuing to grow, but that's the direction that I believe they go. I know if it was up to Jerry, he'd want to draft the running back and then trade up for another one. But I do think Genti is going to go ahead and it's going to leave them taking a wide receiver. So whether it's golden or McMillan, I think they take either one.

[Jason McIntyre]

So some, some of the mock drafts had Hampton, the kid from UNC go in there. I'm assuming you don't think it's him and then you don't believe Genti falls that far.

[Alex Curry]

No, I don't. And Brian Schottenheimer at the annual meetings last week was talking about how this running back class is so deep and it's proven over the last few years as much as he likes to run the ball, you're going to be able to get running backs later on in the draft. And so I think Hampton at 12 would be a pretty big reach for the Cowboys and he was really praising best player available. I would have a hard time believing that even as much as they want to run the football, they would have Hampton graded higher than either of these wide receivers.

[Jason McIntyre]

So when it comes to betting on the draft, you as much as anybody do a lot of breakdowns of what you hear and see and read. I don't know how you consume all this stuff, but what are you doing Shedeur Sanders wise when it comes to the draft?

[Alex Curry]

If anything, his price really took a slide after things changed a little bit with Cleveland and all the news that Travis Hunter is very much tied to the Browns now at number two. I think the Giants are pretty settled after signing both quarterbacks as well. And so we've seen the price on Sanders now. The over under is eight and a half and the over for him to be drafted ninth or later is minus 200. So that's a considerable favorite. The only real spot I see him right now as we're talking going in the top 10 would be to the Saints. And I go back to a big NFL media conference call back in late February. There were two spots outlined that Sanders was deemed to be a good fit. One was Las Vegas and then one was the Saints. And it really sounds like the Raiders are going another direction. And so unless it's the Saints, I think we see a spot where Sanders tends to slide a little bit in the first round and the prices in the betting market are certainly showing that at the moment.

[Jason McIntyre]

I don't know how much you've watched of Sanders or done a deep dive. He's a polarizing prospect. You know, first round, some people are saying day three for this guy. I don't Adam, I just remember all college football season he was great accuracy, spot on. And all season we're talking about him as one or two in the draft and now all of a sudden he's sliding. What am I missing?

[Alex Curry]

Polarizing is a good word. I don't, I don't know if I was ever buying the top one or two. I think that's just the league reacting to a quarterback class that's a lot weaker than years past. And maybe some of these teams at the top trying to justify trying to go that direction or at least encourage trades from down below to maybe get some more draft capital. Everything that I've heard from people that I respect on the draft is really more so of filling a need with a starter then it is just overwhelming top line talent where you have a lot of options. And Sanders for the most part compared to the QBs last year in most grading systems that I look at was actually behind Pennix. And so as much as he was accurate and some of the traits that he was showing throughout his time in college, it still wasn't a very high grade on him prior to all this draft hype. And so again, the betting market tends to reflect these things quite well and we're seeing his price go the opposite direction of how the hype is trending at the moment.

[Jason McIntyre]

One more quick draft. 1. Jalen Milroe. I like him a little more than others. Seems like nobody likes him. Where are you on Milro?

[Alex Curry]

Well, it's interesting because he was announced as someone who's going to be attending the draft in person on day one. Typically from a betting standpoint when that info leaks, it's a really good indication that those guys are going to be going in the first round. But Jason, I'll tell you, I can't find anybody that I hold in high regard for grading players and have a long history that's corrective when they go in the draft that suggests that he is a day one quarterback. I'm just not seeing it anywhere. And so again, as we get closer, there's oftentimes you see some of these guys hyped up, whether it's for trade interest or what have you. That's kind of the impression I'm getting here because this has been a serious 180 since that news came out on Monday about him attending and now people don't really know what to make of it. And so I don't know if I'm buying into this hype yet.

[Jason McIntyre]

All right, let's get to I had some over unders we talked about earlier. I had Falcons over seven and a half, Lions under ten and a half, Seahawks under seven and a half and commanders under nine and a half. Any of those you love or hate and then we'll get to yours.

[Alex Curry]

Well, you want me to go rapid fire on each? Agree, disagree. Do you want me to tear you down and break your heart here?

[Jason McIntyre]

Do it all, please.

[Alex Curry]

All right, so I'll agree with you on the Falcons at seven and a half, very manageable schedule, projected to be the fourth easiest. I don't need to talk about the offensive weapons. We all know they're there. They look great. When Penix took over late and and Jason, I'll tell you, I like Jeff Ulbricht coming in as the defensive coordinator. He's clearly not a head coach in the NFL. I don't think he has to be working with Robert Salah. He was very serviceable at getting that defense to buy in and play hard with the jets and coming over to work with another defensive minded head coach and Morris, letting him go back to being a head coach, I think that's a really good fit that'll elevate this defense if they can get a pass rusher. So I agree there with Atlanta. I will also agree with you on Detroit. Before I get to the two disagreements, I think losing an offensive coordinator, a defensive coordinator playing in that division and having just a brutal road schedule projected to be the most difficult for the Lions away from Ford Field. That's a lot to overcome and still win 11 or more games. So those are the two that I would agree with you. How, how, how firm do you want me to be on these disagreements? You want me to let you have it strong?

[Jason McIntyre]

Slap me around.

[Alex Curry]

All right, so I think, I think you're off on Seattle and I, I'm guessing that you're kind of skewing towards Darnold and the uncertainty. I get it. But I'll tell you what, Clint Kubiak with the Saints last year before injuries derailed everything on that offense got way more than anyone expected from a very questionable offensive line, which the Seahawks have got a lot from a backfield that had some question marks too, coming in. I think the Seattle offense is probably going to be better than expected. And Mike McDonald with the defense and what he got it playing to last year at the level that it was is really quite dominant. And so I think Seattle's being shortchanged here a little bit at seven and a half. And then for Washington, it's another disagree for me. And trust me, I, I get the regression and the third and fourth down luck, the turnover luck, the overperform last year, that's really hard to sustain season to season. And I want it to be on the under. I was trying to find ways to downgrade Washington to get on the under just to go against that. Every projection that I have run has Washington at 10 wins or higher. I just, I can't get lower than nine and a half. I think Daniels gives a floor to this team that still is not quite being priced in by the betting market. And I think Washington's getting honestly a touch short changed here with their win total. And so I disagree with Seattle and Washington, but I'll agree with Atlanta and Detroit. So you get, you got a 50, 50 grade, that's fine.

[Jason McIntyre]

That works. Now we go to yours. You've been pushing and I will say, folks, he is the leader in this Bears under win total. We know the Bills are going to be great, but let me, let me hear your big picture on the Bears.

[Alex Curry]

I've described the schedule as hellacious, especially away from home. Not only is it one of the most difficult schedules overall that's projected, but there's, there's no breaks away from home. Jason, like, this is as tough as it gets for a road schedule. And depending on the draw in May, if we see some of these early road games front loaded in the schedule, I'm just not believing that. As great as we might see Johnson be as a head coach and the traits that Caleb Williams might have unlocked and the rebuild of the interior offensive line, I'm just not buying into all of that clicking early. And again, if this is a little bit of a tough schedule draw, it is too much for the Bears to overcome at eight and a half. And so I like the under here on Chicago. I think this schedule is going to prove to be way too difficult. They might be great next year, the year after, but this is tough sledding early on in year one.

[Jason McIntyre]

My best futures hit last year was partially aided to you. And then another buddy of mine, I went in August and bet Eagles beat the Chiefs in the Super Bowl. Awesome hit. Very happy. Some of that was aided by you. You were all over the Eagles. I'm curious. We both have the Chiefs sliding. Is it too early for you without a schedule to say who you think you would bet like a futures matchup in the super bowl to win the afc?

[Alex Curry]

It's an easy decision for me. It's Buffalo and we had the graphic over 11 and a half. I think that's a no brainer. They have a far easier schedule than Baltimore, a far easier schedule than Kansas City. It's a loaded roster and I love that all their difficult games are going to be played in Buffalo. Their road schedules, the easiest projected road schedule in the entire NFL. Which is hard to believe for a team that was as dominant as they were last year getting that favorable of a road schedule draw. And so I think Buffalo here has the clearest path by far to the one seed in the afc. If you're putting me on the spot for the hypothetical matchup, maybe we can do it two years in a row. I think the LA Rams out of the NFC are the team that have the chance to emerge. So I'll. I'll go on the spot here and say Bill's Rams Super Bowl. Exactly.

[Jason McIntyre]

Cowherd is going to love that. He's big on the Rams. Rams in the suit. Now that, that caught me off guard.

[Alex Curry]

While the defense progressed far quicker than I think anybody expected. They're in win now mode. They retain Stafford for one more year. It's a team that's proven when they go all in, they can get a lot out of a team. I think they can do the same this year.

[Jason McIntyre]

All right, final 30 seconds. How far do the Chiefs fall? We have some aggression coming. Offensive lines in question. No. Damn it.

[Alex Curry]

No, I'm. This happens every year. Every year it's the Chiefs regressing, the Chiefs overperforming. They made the super bowl with their two top wide receivers injured for the majority, if not the entire season. Last year they had offensive line issues all over last year. They find they made a way. They find a way to make it work every single time. I don't think this year is any exception. But I do think this year just that step behind Buffalo. So I'm not buying regression there, Jason.

[Jason McIntyre]

All right, Adam, turn off. Follow him on social media. Right angle sports. Easy's crushing Adam. Great stuff and good luck in the offseason, pal.

[Alex Curry]

Thanks very much. Enjoy the spring and summer.

[Jason McIntyre]

All right, Adam, turn off now. I was out of the corner of my eye, I saw Alex, like, whoa, when he said Rams, Super Bowl. I did not anticipate that.

[Will Blackman]

I mean, they look good last year. Like, if that last play gets caught, they're in the championship game.

[Jason McIntyre]

Super Bowl. I mean, I guess NFC's a little down. Not bad. Great show, powerful stuff, a lot of fun. Thanks to Adam. Will our other guest, Eddie House, see you tomorrow?

[Uber Eats Announcer]

Spring is here and you can now get almost anything you need for your sunny days delivered with Uber Eats. What do we mean by almost? Well, you can't get a well groomed lawn delivered, but you can get a chicken parmesan delivered. A cabana, that's a no. But a banana? That's a yes. A nice tan? Sorry, nope. But a box fan? Happily, yes. A day of sunshine? No. A box of fine wines, yes. Uber Eats can definitely get you that. Get almost, almost anything delivered with Uber Eats. Order now. Alcohol in select markets. Product availability may vary by Regency app.

[Jeremy Hobson]

For details, we live in a divided country, and our media couldn't be more polarizing. That's why we started the Middle with Jeremy Hobson. It's about bringing voices not from the extremes, but from the vast middle into the national conversation. Each week, we hear from ordinary Americans from all over the country. And when you subscribe to the Middle, you also get an episode each week called One Thing Trump did that focuses on just one item from the avalanche of news. Listen to the Middle with Jeremy Hobson on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Greg Rosenthal]

What's up, everyone? It's Greg Rosenthal, and I'm teaming up with the King of Spring, Daniel Jeremiah. He requires me to say that we're going to be bringing you 40s and free agents, the only podcast you'll need this NFL draft season. From DJs, mock drafts to my top 101 free agents will have it covered for you with all new episodes every Thursday keeping you up to date as we head to the NFL Draft. Listen to 40s and free agents on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.