← The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Loading summary
Transcript87 lines
- [00:00]
T-Mobile Representative
You can count on T Mobile to help keep you connected from big cities to small towns on America's largest 5G network. Switch the T Mobile keep your phone and they'll pay it off up to 800 bucks per line via prepaid card. Learn more@t mobile.com heap and switch up to four lines via virtual prepaid card. Allow 15 days qualifying unlock device credit service port in 90 plus days with device and eligible carrier and timely redemption. Acquired card has no cash access and expires in six months.
- [00:36]
Jon Stewart
Jon Stewart is back in the host chair at the Daily show, which means he's also back in our ears on the Daily Show Ears Edition podcast. Join late night legend Jon Stewart and the best news team for today's biggest headlines, exclusive extended interviews and more. Now this is a second term we can all get behind. Listen to the Daily Show Ears edition on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
- [01:03]
Adnan Virk
What's up everybody? Adnan Burke here to tell you about a new podcast. It's NHL Unscripted with Verkin Demers, Jason.
- [01:09]
Jason Demers
Demers here, And after playing 700 NHL games, I got a lot of dirty laundry to air out.
- [01:14]
Adnan Virk
Hey, I got a lot to say here too, okay? Each week we'll get together, chat about the sport that we love.
- [01:18]
Jason Demers
Tons of guests are going to join in too, but we're not just going to be talking hockey, folks. We're talking movies, we're talking tv, food and Adnan's favorite wrestling. It's all on le table.
- [01:28]
Adnan Virk
Listen to NHL Unscripted with Virk and Demers in the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
- [01:36]
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 a Star. So where else 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.
- [02:07]
Richard Sherman
The volume. You know this girl, you ball for these joke, you dope. Super bowl championship. That should always be the expectation. I ain't mad at you. Go ahead. Welcome to the Richard Sherman Podcast. Another day, another wild card. Wild game upset. Kinda. I mean, not by seating, but by record. A 14 win. Minnesota team goes into Phoenix to play the LA Rams. And the LA Rams have their way. Their defense takes a page out of Aaron Glenn's playbook and puts a lot of pressure on Sam Darnold to the tune of nine sacks in the game. They come away with a 27 to 9 victory. Great game by Matt Stafford and their offense. Really rough game by Sam Darnold and their offense, TJ Hawkinson and those boys. But Mitchell, did you see this coming?
- [03:10]
Mitchell
Because, Richard, I'm telling you, I kind of had a gut instinct here that Matthew Stafford's not done yet, man. I mean, this LA Rams teams a lot more locked and loaded that I think they're giving credit for. And they've come on strong late in the season much like they did last year. Matthew Stafford's tough, man. And I know they were not playing in la, but they had, they were very motivated coming into this game with everything going on in la, prayers for LA right now. But Richard, I mean, you got to think about how motivated they were to put on for their city. And they did just that from start to finish today. I'm sure happy. I was a little bummed out the Commanders won because, you know, Richard, I was looking forward to hopefully taking on the Vikings again. But I'm so happy the Detroit Lions do not have to face this team in round two, because that matchup against the Eagles is going to be a wild one. Let's look at this game Rich, because as good as Sam Darnold has been all season, he's looked equally bad the last two games. Oh, boy. I mean, Richard, what went wrong for Sam Darnold tonight?
- [04:17]
Richard Sherman
Everything. Everything that could go wrong. It was. What do they call it? Murphy's Law. Everything that could go wrong went wrong for Sam Darnold in the Minnesota Vikings. What I think happened, Mitchell, what I think happened is they watched the Detroit Lions and Aaron Glenn's plan. And Aaron Glenn had a decimated defensive line, just like had a ragtag defense, you know, so beat up, so injured. And he said, you know what? All we can do is trust our DBs and blitz them to all hell. And they did that. And then Chris Shula comes in, I'm sure watches that tape and says, why not? Why not? Let's blitz them. Let's blitz them to all hell. And sometimes they didn't even need to blitz because they had Jared Verse and Jared Verse was getting home and a lot of their D line was winning one on ones. Kello Witherspoon, and we'll get to that. Later and break it down in a lot of detail because I'm pretty sure I know what, what he was doing and what he was thinking on that play. And it was an incredibly heady play, ballsy play. One of those plays that, you know, it's feast or famine. Either he gets the sack on that play or the tight ends wide open for a huge game. And big time players make big time plays and big time game. No hesitation, no hesitation. Big play was made. But the Vikings defense, they didn't have answers for Kyron Williams, they didn't have answers for Matt Stafford, they didn't have answers for Higby. He, he was open a lot of the game. Puka Nakua didn't have as big of a game as he had the last time, but still made really impactful plays. But Kobe Turner, the two sacks, Byron Young, Neville Gallimore, one and a half sacks each, Kobe Durant sack and an interception in the game. And that book was clean. They were playing a lot of two, man. They're not worried about Sam Donald running the football and it just worked out. And sometimes the lack of expectations allow people to play free. You know, sometimes the burden of expectations is so much it paralyzes you. It paralyzes you, it tightens you up. But the team that's playing on house money, the team that barely even made it into the playoffs, the team that everybody's like, oh man, change the seating, they shouldn't be here, they shouldn't have a home game. Division winners shouldn't get this. Well, guess what? The 14 win team played the division winner, that, that should have been the six seed and they beat him very handily. And I think that that is the reason the league doesn't change it, because it's still something about being a division champion that just feels earned. It does. And now, sure, you have the Tampa game that they were in a dog fight with the Washington Commanders, but it wasn't like it was a blowout. But yes, I think the Minnesota Vikings had a really cool season, really fun season, exceeded expectations, but this isn't good enough. And I think Sam Darnold cost himself some money. It's been a great story all season long. I think he played really good football all season long. Now it's going to be the question, how did the Minnesota Vikings see him? Is he the long term answer in Minnesota or do you, do you go with the kid next year? Is, is J.J. mcCarthy going to be healthy? And if he's not healthy, do you have enough time to make a decision in an interim free agency starts in March. What do you do? I think they at least have Sam Darnold for another year. But what does that look like contract wise? What is Sam Darnold going to ask for? Are there going to be other teams that are looking to put their hat in the ring that may not get the quarterback they want in a draft because they're not in a draft position to get them? Las Vegas Raiders being a team that could potentially do that, I don't know.
- [08:03]
Mitchell
I will caution you with that, Richard. I mean, as much as I love the guy, Kirk Cousins, Justin Jefferson made that man a lot of money and he made him look awfully good. And he's doing the same thing with Sam Darnold. I mean, how much do you think Sam Darnold owes his success to the offensive weapons that are in Minnesota? Because to me, if you have a quarterback that could be a decent game manager, much like Kirk Cousins has been in Minnesota throughout his career, insert Sam Darnold in that same equation. I mean, it seems like a perfect fit for Sam Darnold. How much do you think that helped him? And his ultimate success this year versus him going to a place like the Raiders, like back to the jets, something like that? I just can't see this guy having that level of success that a payday with Warren.
- [08:49]
Richard Sherman
I think it's tough because. Because yes, Justin Jefferson is an incredible receiver, but there's also an aspect of Kevin OConnell in the way he's drawing it up and he's drawn up a really good game plan. He's got guys wide open. The run game, Aaron Jones, you know, it opens up lanes. Cam Aker started to get going in this game a little bit early on. And sometimes that's the thing, hey, you're in the perfect situation for your talents, for your mind, your processing. He's putting him in positions to be really successful throwing a football. And so I'm sure Kevin, Kevin O'Connell and Justin Jefferson and all those pieces are having a positive effect on what Sam Darnold's able to do, but he's still doing it. So I think there, you know, I think there's something to be said about that. You know, they've won a lot of games. It's. It's a hand in glove fit. If you're not willing to go into the unknown with JJ McCarthy because maybe JJ McCarthy is everything they thought he'd be. And he goes, he's healthy. He comes in there off the, off the injury, he's healthy, he's able to go out there and execute and play, run his offense at a high level. Cool. We go with him. We let Sam Darnold walk. Make a lot of money in free agency. If somebody wants to take a flyer on him, gotcha. But if you think, hey, we want to run it back with Sam Darnold, you're going to have to make that decision so early, and you're going to have to give him some money. I don't think he takes too much of a discount. I mean, at least 35 million, ish, you know, maybe 3, 400. The Baker Mayfield deal with a little bit of extra, maybe less guaranteed because he struggled. But remember, he's. He's a top three draft pick coming out, so he's got money. He can, he can pass the deal up and say, hey, I want to test my. Test the waters. I think I've proven myself. I think I've proven that I can be a guy. We'll see. We'll see. If they think he's done enough to, to, to earn his, his money. Something tells me that they, they'll believe in him, at least for one more season. But, you know, I don't call the dis. I don't make the decisions in Minnesota.
- [10:57]
Mitchell
Let's talk about the LA Rams. They deserve to be a part of this conversation after that performance tonight. Richard, do you view them as a true super bowl contender after a performance like this tonight?
- [11:09]
Richard Sherman
Yeah, you have to. You have to. Because all year you, you, you can, you can put it all together and say, man, this offense was ranked this. The defense was ranked this. What did they do here? What did they do here? Did they get any sacks in the playoffs? Sometimes all that goes away and you're, you know, you have an idea what the, what they've done, so you can kind of figure out what they should be doing. But the way the Rams look tonight, they look like the best defense in football. You know, looked very dynamic, well prepared. Their defense played really good football. Kello Witherspoon, friend of the program Kobe Durant played good football. Like they made names for themselves and they were flying around the field. So nothing tells me that they won't be competitive against the Philadelphia Eagles. And everybody's talked about Jalen hurts, struggles, and, you know, there's some of its rust and some of it is. Is play call, and some of it's a little bit everything. But if he plays like that in a game against the LA Rams and Stafford gets hot and Puka Nakua gets hot and they find A way find some holes in that defense that the, that the Green Bay packers weren't able to exploit. This is going to be a very interesting game. There's no fear there. And that's the thing. Matthew Stafford has played so much football. He's seen Vic Fangio. He has a notebook, I'm sure, with notes on Vic Fangio's defense, whether it was with the San Francisco 49ers or it was with the Miami Dolphins or if it was with the Denver Broncos. You got to think, how many places did Matt Stanford play against Vic Fangio? Like that's how much football he's played. Vic Fangio was with the San Francisco 49ers in 2012 or 2010 or 20. When did I get there? 2011, from 2011 to like 2014. Then he head coached for Denver for a couple years. But Matthew Stafford, I got to look back, probably played him at every place that helps you in your preparation for these games. So I think he'll be prepared, McVay will be prepared, and they'll have a good plan. So they got as good a chance as any. And again, your Detroit Lions, they, if they beat the Washington commanders and they see the Rams in the NFC championship, yeesh, Mitchell. It's frightening.
- [13:25]
Mitchell
They could write about, they can write a book about this matchup between the Rams and the Lions and everything that is taking place with Matthew Stafford and Jared Goff. Richard, I want to talk to you about the X's and O's of football. We had a good chat off air, but you need to break it down for the listeners because I left very impressed. We're talking about the Akela Witherspoon strips strip sack which resulted in a scoop and score touchdown. Richard, you broke down the play. I mean, just describe what, what you think went on there for our listeners.
- [13:55]
Richard Sherman
Well, in that situation, if you look at it, it's a closed part of, of the formation, which is just a tight end by himself. No receiver outside to open the formation up. Both receivers are to the opposite side. So in my mind, usually if it's man to man coverage, then Akello would have, would have traveled to the other side, covered one of the receivers or covered the other tight end or, or whatever the case may be, they were playing some kind of zone, we used to call it Reno, where the backside corner is man to man on the tight end, he's locked in coverage. And then the rest of the 3 DBs or 4 DBs if they're, if they're in a nickel situation, they're Covering the two receivers. So they're zoning that off. It's too high. You know, it's. It's kind of like a palms look for people who know what palms is, but with the, with the rules tweaked a little bit. So anything quick to the flat, you know, the opposite side corner triggers the safety, goes over the top. All that's good stuff. But that corner is man to man. And Akello was with me in San Francisco when I've only got two career sacks. Mitchell, I only have two career sacks and both of them were in this coverage where the tight end blocked both situations. The tight end ended up being an extra tackle. And so I was already had my mind made up that I was triggering. As soon as the ball was snapped. Akello waited for a second, he took a step, he took a bead to read the situation. Soon as he saw the tight end engaged with the end, he made a very fast decision. People don't understand. Things happen really fast out there. And when you're making a decision like that, everything can go through your mind like what if, what if, what if, what if? There was no hesitation, there was no what if in that situation. In his thought soon as he saw him engage, he triggered. Sam Darnold didn't have a chance to even look up and see the tight end. The tight end was wide open. The tight end was wide open because he, he blocked and then he released. But Kello had already made the call and he played fast enough. So that's one of those plays where the coach is probably like, no, no, no. Yes, yes, yes. Oh, great. Great job. Chris Jeweler, great call. But that call was totally made by Kello Witherspoon. He made the decision, he took the risk. He went out there and made a split second decision that led to a huge play in the ball game. And really the play of the game is that play because it opened it up. That was a defensive touchdown. And after that, I think it pretty much broke the backs of the Minnesota Vikings. They were reeling from that point forward. They were able, the ends and the tackles of the LA Rams were able to pin their ears back and go to work. They had the lead. But that was just an outstanding play by Kello Witherspoon and he should be commended that, that, that is the play of the game because it's a play, not. It's not the way the defensive coordinator drew it up when he called the play. Aello made that play come to life with a decision and a reaction and smart, heady football love. To see it.
- [16:48]
Mitchell
Richard, you had a similar sack against Mark Sanchez and the jets, resulting also in a sack fumble. Walk through that play a little bit. I mean, what was Pete's reaction after he saw you do that?
- [17:01]
Richard Sherman
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. I mean, I had the tackle and, you know, they never gave us a rule that, hey, if the tackle blocks, if there's a tackle, you can trigger. But I'm a smart ballplayer, and I'm not going to. I don't need you to tell me rules. I'll. I'll make rules. And then maybe you'll put this in the notebook as a rule for everybody else to play. And so when the tackle blocks, I have nothing to do. Either I can go deep down the field and try to find some work, or I can just trigger and sack the quarterback. And I saw. I did it a few times in practice, and I don't think Pete ever thought. Thought about it that way. He thought I was just joking around or just messing around because the tackle was just blocking. And when I did it in the game, I went to the sideline. Pete was like, hey, Sherm, great play. You know, sack force, fumble, but what the hell were you doing? And I was like, you didn't see the tackle? Do you want me to cover the tackle? He's like, no, why would you cover the tackle? Like, exactly. So I blitzed. It's like, what? Great play. Yeah, that's a great play, Sherm. That's a great play. Like, yeah, I know I'm a good player. Sheesh. Always the tone of surprise.
- [18:09]
Mitchell
Oh, my God. Hey, that's why you're a Stanford guy, Rich. NFL playoffs. We're talking NFL playoffs. You bet we are. Get in on the action at DraftKings Sportsbook, an official sports betting partner of the NFL. Scoring touchdowns is key to winning in the playoffs. And the key to you scoring big is betting on them at DraftKings, the number one place to bet touchdowns. Ready to place your first bet? Try betting on something simple like a player to score six. Go to the DraftKings sportsbook app and and make your pick. Here's another reason to watch some of your favorite players crush it in the playoffs. New customers bet five bucks to get $200 in bonus bets instantly. Score big during the NFL playoffs with DraftKings Sportsbook. Download the DraftKings Sportsbook app today and use Code Richard. That's Code Richard for new customers to get $200 in bonus bets instantly. When you bet just five bucks only on DraftKings sportsbook, the crown is yours gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.1-800gambler.net. In New York, call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY 467-369. In Connecticut, help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org Please play responsibly on behalf of Boothill Casino and Resort licensee Partner Golden Nugget, Lake Charles 21/age varies by juris in Ontario. See sportsbook.draftkings.com Football terms for eligibility and deposit restrictions terms and responsible gaming resources.
- [19:49]
Richard Sherman
Be at the forefront of style with Rockport's new DMX Casual sneaker Fusing sport with comfort, Reebok's iconic DMX technology meets Rockport's casual style in this exclusive collection. Reebok DMX technology is a lightweight dynamic cushioning system that moves air from heel to toe with every step to give you that springy feel underfoot and give you that long lasting cushioning. This collection features two unique rides, DMX Comfort plus and DMX Micro Bubble. Both deliver all day comfort that keeps you light on your feet. DMX Comfort plus technology offers extra rebound and a pillow soft landing with every stride while DMX Micro Bubble technology offers dynamic cushioning with the firmer midsole giving you lateral stability and support all day. Visit rockport.com and use the code Sherman for 30 off your order plus free shipping on orders over 85 discount code valid through December 31, 2024 let's talk.
- [20:53]
Mitchell
About the Dallas Cowboys. We had some news break. I don't really want to call it breaking news because I don't think it really comes with much of a shock, but Mike McCarthy was let go, which opens the floodgates to a bunch of rumors and speculation about something you brought to life about a month ago. Neon Dion, Coach Prime Deion Sanders is rumored as one of the the leaders in the clubhouse for that job. I mean, Richard, first off, what are your thoughts on this move to get rid of McCarthy? And do you see, do you see Deion Sanders as Coach prime of the Dallas Cowboys in the near future?
- [21:31]
Richard Sherman
Things are playing out in a way that makes it very difficult to say it. It can't happen. Because how curious is this whole thing, this whole Dallas Cowboys debacle because the Bears request an interview with McCarthy and then the Cowboys say, no, you can't interview our coach. He's our coach, we're going to work on an extension with him. But then they don't and then they fire him I said, look, there's been a couple dick moves by the Cowboys. The Cooper Rush situation where he had just to play that game and he got $250,000 bonus and they played Trey Lance. Dick move. Not allowing McCarthy to interview with the Bears when you knew you were going to fire him. Dick move. But then to wait this long and not be in the first window to interview Aaron Glenn and Ben Johnson. What? Why? And that's the part I don't get unless you're telling me that, hey, you talked to Deon, and he says, for the right price, I'd hear you out, Jerry. And Jerry said, well, that's enough for me. See you. See you, Mike. I sure do appreciate everything you did for us. And, man, you a good old coach. We wish you the best. If you need letters of recommendation from the Dallas Cowboys, we'd be happy to tell them everything that you did for our program. And we sure do love you. And don't let the door hit you on the way out. But pry, brother, come on in for an interview. Now, then it makes a little sense, Mitchell. Then it makes a little sense, because you would have thought they would have been high on trying to get Ben Johnson, or you would have thought, hey, call Bill Belichick and tell him not to take the NC, NC job because we're going to be interested in you and we're going to get rid of McCarthy. But they didn't do that. And so now I'm like, what was your. What was your plan, Mitchell? I think it's prime the way you painted that picture.
- [23:52]
Mitchell
Richard. I. I have to agree with you 100%. I mean, it makes no other sense, but you know what I mean. Jerry Jones has been doing this for the last several years. Hey, hey, why don't you get ahead of the game and extend deck Prescott? No, I'm not going to do that. I'm going to wait till the next five quarterbacks sign and. And then pay him close to $60 million a year. Hey, what about CD Lamb? No, I'm going to wait for Amon Ra to get paid. I'm going to rate for all these guys to get paid. I'm going to pay him more than all those guys. Hey, how about Micah Parsons? Why don't you sign him early? Nah, I'm going to hold out until I can pay him the absolute most I can possibly pay him. Richard, you know, Jerry Jones is one of the staples in the NFL. No question about. He's one of the biggest names in sports. But I got to question Some of these decisions, point blank period. But the way you painted things with Deion Sanders to the Cowboys, I'm a fully on board with that. But the question is, do you think it'd be a good fit? I mean, is that going to bring wins to Dallas?
- [24:56]
Richard Sherman
Maybe, but the wins I don't think were the problem. Like, and I know I'm, I was tough on Mike McCarthy as anybody, but I've said this too. There are very few coaches that have won as many games as Mike McCarthy in the last five years. I think it's Andy Reid, I think Sirianni, maybe Kyle Shanahan. Like all the guys that have won more than, than Mike McCarthy have probably been to a Super bowl or been to an NFC championship game and he just hasn't had the playoff success, which leads to criticism. That's, it's, it's welcome. It's, it's what comes with the job. Hey, you win in 12 games every year, 13 games. But then you get to the playoffs and do I need to start the zone? No, you guys already know it, divisional and done. But do I think that Deion would come in and push them over 12 and 5 or 13 and 4? Probably not. You know what I mean? I don't think, I don't know if he could push him further than Mike McCarthy did record wise. Now what I do think he would be able to do is put butts in the seats like you thought they were a draw before when prime gets there. You've never. Well, we've never seen it. I don't think we've seen it yet. We've not seen fans come wearing the coach's jersey. There'll be more fans in these stadiums wearing the coach's jersey than there will be the players jersey. And that's everybody included. I mean, Dak Prescott might have a couple, but they're going to be in that pro shop. It's going to be Sanders 21s being sold if he's the head coach and they're going to sell out. I just don't know if it's up, you know what I mean? And that's what I, that's what I'm concerned about. For any coach that goes to coach the Dallas Cowboys right now, that's a tough act to follow. That's a lot of wins over four or five year span. Now you didn't have the playoff success, which is the ultimate success that defines a coach's legacy and does all that. But regular season he did phenomenal, built good offenses. The offenses succeed. Solid defenses, had multiple DBs with nine, 10 interceptions. Daron Bland was having crazy years. Trevon Diggs was playing great, which means, I mean, Al Harris, Al Harris, I look for him to get a head head coaching interview or DC's interview. Like he did a great job with those guys in Dallas. But that's the part that concerns me. Is anybody going to be able to live up to what Mike McCarthy did? Because otherwise they're going to get fired in two years. And so that would be my concern with Deion if he can't turn it around. Because now you have to deal with the big contracts of CD Lam, the big contract to Dak Prescott, the big contract for Micah Parsons, the big contract for Trey Diggs. So it changes the way you build a roster. It limits your resources. And sure, there will be guys that take pay cuts to maybe play for Deion, but not that great and taking half. And so that's the part that concerns me. And then again, Deion has only, he's only coached his son at quarterback for a long time now. He has not coached another quarterback for a long time and he won't be able to coach his son in Dallas. The Dak Prescott is going to be the quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys for the foreseeable future. There's no trade partner I think that'll take him. There's no out of this contract anytime soon. And I don't think there's any world where you draft Shador Sanders with your first round pick if you're the Dallas Cowboys. If it, you know, with everything being said, he should be gone within a top five picks. So that's where it doesn't make as much sense for Dion to take take the job in my opinion, but for speculatory purposes makes all the sense in the world.
- [28:54]
Mitchell
I love it. I love it.
- [28:57]
Jon Stewart
Jon Stewart is back in the host chair at the Daily show, which means he's also back in our ears on the Daily Show Ears Edition podcast. The Daily Show Podcast podcast has everything you need to stay on top of today's news and pop culture. You get hilarious satirical takes on entertainment, politics, sports and more from John and the team of correspondents and contributors. The podcast also has content you can't get anywhere else, like extended interviews and a roundup of the weekly headlines. Listen to the Daily Show Ears edition on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, Uber, wherever you get your podcasts.
- [29:37]
Adnan Virk
What's up everybody? Adnan Burke here to tell you about a new podcast from iHeart podcast in the National Hockey League. It's NHL Unscripted with Verkin Demers.
- [29:45]
Jason Demers
Hey, I'm Jason Demers, former 700 game NHL defenseman turned NHL Network analyst and boy, oh boy, does daddy have a lot to say.
- [29:54]
Adnan Virk
I love you. By the way on NHL Network, we're looking forward forward to getting together each week to chat and chirp about the sport and all the other things surrounding it that we love. Right?
- [30:02]
Jason Demers
Yeah, I just met you today, but we're going to have a ton of guests from the colliding worlds of hockey, entertainment and pop culture and you know what, tons of back and forth on all things NHL.
- [30:13]
Adnan Virk
Yeah, you're going to soon going to find out we're not just hockey talk. We had all kinds of random stuff on this podcast. Movies, television, food, wrestling, even the stuff that you wear on NHL.
- [30:22]
Jason Demers
Now you wish you could pull off my short shorts, Virky.
- [30:25]
Adnan Virk
That's sure to cause a ruckus. Listen to NHL Unscripted with Burke and Demers, the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
- [30:38]
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 texted me back. Now, I don't know if you have the update, but like all, all the little thumbs up and heart and stuff, like, it's all colored. They changed it and the heart's a little pink. It felt like I told you I loved you. I'm gonna be honest, it was a little pink.
- [31:21]
Mitchell
There was something sentimental when you, like when, when you send it, you're like, do I send the heart now?
- [31:28]
Bobby Bones
I don't like the color edition.
- [31:29]
Mitchell
It's extremely pink.
- [31:30]
Bobby Bones
Listen to Lots to say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts.
- [31:38]
Mitchell
Well, Richard, we have a final eight in the NFL playoffs. The Commanders are taking on the Lions. This guy, Jaden Daniels, man, he. He's a future star, Richard. I mean, we might be talking NFL MVP in the next five years with this guy. The way he plays in the pocket and is able to scramble. I Mean, he plays this game wise beyond his years. How much of a threat do you think he can be to an injured and battered Detroit Lions team?
- [32:04]
Richard Sherman
It's going to be a challenge because it has to be contained, contain, contain. And some of the things he does, you can't simulate. You know, they're going to have to put a receiver or a DB at quarterback just to give you an idea of the kind of speed that you're going to be dealing with in dynamic elusiveness that you're going to be dealing with at the quarterback position. And it's a little easier when you got tape of your team going against him. You have tape of you dealing with him at times or somebody. You know what I mean? A plan. And now he has gotten stopped at times, like people have had success stopping him, but not a lot and not lately. And so that's the part that concerns me, is that if they can't consistently stop him and this ends up being a shootout, and just like with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, if he gets the ball last and he's only down three, he's going to win. And that's what he's shown. I mean, I think he has the most fourth quarter first downs and touchdowns of just about any quarterback. And whether it's rushing or passing, like, he finds a way to make winning plays in the fourth quarter consistently. And his team knows it and his team believes it. So when you have an unwavering belief and faith, it's powerful. It's powerful for a team and it allows guys to unlock their true potential. And defensively, that defense is playing better. You got veterans who have been there, done that. Bobby Wagner, friend of the program, been there, done that. Hey, got Super Bowls, been to Super Bowls, been 11 times straight all Pro. And people were like, oh, he's getting it from name. Where do you think the name came from? It's synonymous. I think there's only two or three people with more All Pros than Bobby Wagner in the history of the National Football League. You talking about a Hall of Famer's hall of Famer, like you're talking about a goat's goat. And I don't care how much you watch football or how much you appreciate football, you have to appreciate the greatness of a player like Bobby Wagner and what he's been able to sustain as long as he has in different places. Went to the Rams for a year, All Pro, came back to Seattle, they said, I love him. Welcome home all bro. Hey, Seattle, we moving on, new direction, new coach commanders. Hey, Dan, Quinn, Bobby, old friend. Kenny Norton, I love you to death. Back home, back together. Oprah. Like, he's a guy and this defense rallies behind him. Louvu. There's a number of guys, they got guys that believe in that play hard and that really make plays. I think Chin, the safety, he plays hard. He makes plays. Last week it was Lattimore. Lattimore against Mike Evans was a big storyline and Mike Evans had a really good game. But Lattimore and his defense did just enough to squeak out the win because they kept fighting and they kept believing. And the reason they kept believing is because they knew if their offense got the ball last and had a chance and it was 20 to 20. Oh, I know they felt great, Mitchell. I knew they felt like they could go out there and win that game. And he did. He made plays, whether it's with his legs or his arms. And just like the Detroit Lions, they go for it on fourth down. They go for it consistently on fourth down. I don't think they hesitate. I think they're the most efficient 4th down team in the National Football League. It's got to be them in Detroit right there, 1 and 2. But that's what scares me about this matchup, Mitchell, because they, they don't know they shouldn't be there. You know what I mean? Does that make sense?
- [35:32]
Mitchell
Well, Richard, I mean, this team, we talked about it in our season intro. We said if Jaden Daniels plays at the level that C.J. stroud did last year, this team could be very competitive and could squeak into the playoffs. And here they are. You know, the one thing, and when you analyze this matchup, as good as the Commanders are offensively and as good as they are at certain position position groups, defensively, where they lack is in defense, run game. I mean, their run defense ranks one of the worst in the league. And when you go against a team like the Detroit Lions that lean heavily on their run game and they do it from a bunch of different ways and they're getting David Montgomery back. Like, how big of advantage is that matchup for the Detroit Lions?
- [36:15]
Richard Sherman
That's huge advantage. And that may be the advantage, the winning advantage for the Detroit Lions, because it does a number of things. It keeps Jaden Daniels off the field and you're running the ball, you're controlling it. And one thing about the Washington Commanders, they have long drives. It takes them a long time to get there. They had, they had a 17 play drive the other day, and I think it took nine minutes. You know, 17 plays. Like that's a Long time to get to the end zone. And so if somehow the Lions, you know, are doing their meticulous just run it five yards a pop. Jameer Gibbs pops one. Then the defense gets the stop and they go up 14 points, 10, 14 points. It becomes a really difficult game for the Washington commanders to play because they do not score quick. They're not a quick strike offense really. They, they, they take time. They dink and dunk sometimes. He, he's very, very accurate and very efficient with the football, but he doesn't take a ton of risks. He's not going to put the ball in harm's way if he can help it. So if the, if the, if the Detroit Lions are playing great defense and they're playing the way they have all year defensively, if their corners are playing as good of men coverage as they have been under Aaron Glenn, it's going to be very small windows and it's going to be up to Jaden Daniels legs to get it done. And I just, I can, I'm worried that if Detroit gets up and they're able to control the clock running the ball, that he will run out of time in this game.
- [37:38]
Mitchell
Well, Richard, I. The Lions finally, for the first time in their franchise history to have the one seed and earned a first round by. How big is that bye week for them? I mean, you've played with so many different teams, Seattle and San Francisco, where you earn that first round by how big is it to have that bye week this late in the season and be able to see who you're playing with, battle it out the weekend before?
- [38:02]
Richard Sherman
It's really important. It's really important and it's, it's interesting because some people think, think it's tough. You know, if you look at college football and every team that got the bye week lost and when you look in the league, it's not usually how it happens. I mean it's at times it does happen. You know, the bye week team, it lost. I think maybe last year they struggled. But was it, who was it last year? Baltimore. Baltimore ended up losing in the NFC champ or AFC championship to the Kansas City Chiefs at home. But for a team like Detroit, they're so banged up, they got so many guys on ir. You got David Montgomery right on the edge of coming back. You got guys that, that could potentially impact players that just needed one more week. This is critical for them and it's critical because it's, it's them getting to take their time rehabbing and coming back and getting the reps and, and really making sure those injuries are a lot healthier than they would have been if you try to force yourself to come back for a wild card in battle for the team, because you never know if this the last game of the season. So it definitely helps a team like Detroit, who's gotten so many guys on IR to get more guys healthy, to give them more chances to be whole. Because you need it. Maybe you don't need totally whole to beat the Washington Commanders, even though they're playing really good football right now. But you'll need it for the NFC Championship, regardless of who it is you're playing, whether it's the Philadelphia Eagles or the LA Rams. And so if they could get some of those defensive players back. And then, you know, Aiden Hutchinson said a long time ago that, hey, you make it to the super bowl, he'll be back. Do you make that decision to play him? You know, is that the right decision or do you play the hot hands? I think obviously the fans would say put him out there, like, that's our guy and all that, but you don't, you know, from. It depends on how he looks in practice and, and what he looks like. Does he look like the player he was? You don't want your first game back. You don't get a preseason. You don't get live reps before the super bowl, and you don't want your first game back to be the Super Bowl. And then something happens, like something a setback happens in the super bowl, you only get 46 men that you can call active on that game day. You cannot have an injury on the super bowl day to a pass rusher that you're depending on. So that's the story for down the line. But just something to keep in mind when you're, when you're talking about activating these players and the way fans are thinking about things down the line, like, if you can get guys healthy, great. But if not, you got to start getting guys in the mindset that we're going to go all the way with you.
- [40:28]
Mitchell
Well, that's just it. I mean, this Lions defense, they've had so many injuries and DJ Reader was on air. Forget what broadcast it was on, but he was on air and he was basically saying what happened? They asked him what happened in the Minnesota game. He just said they finally got time together. They finally been able to communicate with each other better on the field. Like, when you're mixing things up and you have so many injuries, how difficult is it? Just a sub and play next man.
- [40:55]
Richard Sherman
Up it's really difficult because some of these guys haven't haven't even been on the team for weeks or a month. And so just understanding the defensive scheme, understanding the philosophy, understanding what the expectations are from your peers, from your coaches, the techniques that they want you to play, you know, the picks or, you know, the games, what the signals are, things like that, that are. That are second nature for some of these players. Some of these new guys are like, hey, I'm learning on the fly. I'm trying to figure it out. You know, you got Zadarius Smith, who just got there, just trying to figure it out on the fly. He could be a really dynamic, helpful pass rusher, but it's hard to. To. For them to scheme up what he does well and, and really play to his talents and make him fit within the scheme and him understand the scheme so that he can showcase his talent. So it's really important in another week together, another week without the chaos of game planning and football allows that to grow and allows that to jail.
- [41:47]
Mitchell
The Rams are going to Philly, and the line just came out. It's Philly favored by six points. The last time these two teams met, the Eagles dominated the Rams 37, 20 on the road in Week 11. Richard, you already broke it down a little bit here, but who do you favor in this matchup?
- [42:06]
Richard Sherman
Momentum. I favor momentum because that's what it's going to come down to. You know, everybody's criticized Jalen hurts for his performance last week. And again, I've said it all season. I just. Something about me just doesn't trust these Philadelphia Eagles because of that. Because if somebody can stop Saquon, it becomes a whole different game for the Philadelphia Eagles, a very different game. And that is the concern. Nobody has been able to stop Saquon for good reason. This is one of the best offensive lines in football. They manhandled everybody, and they're going to continue to do that. But if the Rams somehow can find a way to bottle him up a little bit, can they find a way to not shut him down? Because that's pretty impossible in this day and age. But can they stifle him just enough times to give Matt Stafford and those guys a chance to get a lead? Can they make enough plays? Can they. Can they create a turnover like they did tonight against the Minnesota Vikings? Can they. Can they get an interception and jump around like they did tonight against the Minnesota Vikings and give Matt Stafford one extra possession? That is when I would get concerned for the Philadelphia Eagles, if they can, if they get behind two scores and they can't just consistently ground and pound and run. Saquon Barkley and they have to lean on Jalen hurts his arm consistently. That is where we'll. We'll learn a lot about the Philadelphia Eagles. We know they have the dynamic playmakers. Goddard, A.J. brown, Devonte Smith. Even in the past game, you. You still got Saquon Barkley, who's a dangerous. In the past game. Can Jalen hurts shake off the rust that he's shown over the past four or five games that he's played? He just has not looked the same. He did have the one game or is that what y'all wanted? Where he threw for I think over 250 and he looked really good. And he's just like that. What y'all wanted, that. That's what y'all wanted. That's what y'all wanted to see. Gotcha that. But we need to see that in the playoffs. And if he does that and he's done it, he's done it before. But let's not, let's not act like he hasn't played well in the playoffs. He played well on his way to the Super Bowl. He got to the super bowl against Patrick Mahomes and some would argue he outplayed Patrick Mahomes. But this season he's just had a lot of ups and downs. And this Rams defense has shown they can be relentless, they can be disruptive, they can cause issues, and they can play a lot better than their. Than their 17th ranking over the season. And they've gotten healthier, they've gotten more experienced and their offense has gotten more experienced. But the Philadelphia Eagles are just a more talented team. They're a more complete team. Their offensive line full of all pros and Pro Bowlers. Their defensive line, Jalen Carter, full of all pros and Pro Bowlers. Their secondary, Quinon Mitchell, they call it Quintanamo Bay locking. You know, a rookie playing at a really high level. Cooper Dean, impactful player, big play safe, rented a program. Impactful player. C.J. gardner, Johnson, Blankenship, they're all really experienced, really impactful players that play well together. Nicole Dean is going to be a big issue, though. Second leading tackler on the team has. It looks like he's out for the rest of the playoffs with the ruptured patella tendon. That's a big loss. What will his replacement do and how will he fare and how will he factor into this game? But you know, their D line is playing as good. Nolan Smith playing some of their best football of their careers. So that's what has allowed this Philadelphia defense to be number one in the land or number two defense in the land. But it's. It's that offense that sometimes kind of, kind of struggles. And if they struggle in this game and it's just the wrong time, anything can happen.
- [45:43]
Mitchell
So who do you like, Rich? I mean, you think the Rams go on the road and squeak one out, or you think Philly's going to be heading hopefully to Detroit to take on the Lions in the NFC championship game? That's my hope, Rich.
- [45:56]
Richard Sherman
I think Philly goes, You know, I think Philly just, you know, Saquon is just having a special season. He's running the ball well. Their offensive line is really, really tough to deal with for a lot of people. You know, Lane Johnson, my lotta. There's just so much talent on that team. So I think they're gonna figure it out. And I just don't know if the Rams have enough experience and enough beef up front to really deal with that consistently. And if they get to. To Detroit, you know, you get Philadelphia, Detroit. Guess what? We go back to Mitchell. Guess what gets you to the championship games, Mitchell?
- [46:30]
Mitchell
Momentum.
- [46:32]
Richard Sherman
Momentum in O. Line D. Line, Mitchell. It's built in the trenches. Trench work. Trench work. You gotta have it. You gotta have great trenches if you want to win in this league.
- [46:45]
Mitchell
I'm with you. And that would be both of those matchups. Would be incredible matchups.
- [46:52]
Jon Stewart
Jon Stewart is back in the host chair at the Daily show, which means he's also back in our ears on the Daily Show Ears Edition podcast. The Daily show podcast has everything you need to stay on top of today's news and pop culture. You get hilarious satirical takes on entertainment, politics, sports, and more from John and the team of correspondents and contributors. The podcast also has content you can't get anywhere else, like extended interviews and a roundup of the weekly headlines. Listen to the Daily Show Ears edition on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
- [47:32]
Adnan Virk
What's up, everybody? Adnan Virk here to tell you about a new podcast from iHeart podcast in the National Hockey League. It's NHL unscripted with Virk and Demers.
- [47:40]
Jason Demers
Hey, I'm Jason Immerse, former 700 game NHL defenseman turned NHL Network analyst, and boy, oh boy, does daddy have a lot to say.
- [47:49]
Adnan Virk
I love you, by the way, on NHL Network. We're looking forward to getting together each week to chat and chirp about the sport and all the other things surrounding it that we love. Right?
- [47:57]
Jason Demers
Yeah, I just met you today, but we're going to have a ton of guests from the colliding worlds of hockey, entertainment and pop culture and you know what, tons of back and forth on all things NHL.
- [48:08]
Adnan Virk
Yeah, you're soon gonna find out we're not just hockey talk. We get into all kinds of random stuff on this podcast. Movies, television, food, wrestling, even the stuff that you wear on NHL.
- [48:17]
Jason Demers
Now you wish you could pull off my short shorts, Virkie.
- [48:20]
Adnan Virk
That's sure to cause a ruckus. Listen to NHL Unscripted with Virk and Demers, the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
- [48:33]
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. Hey, I. I texted you and you texted me back. Now, I don't know if you have the update, but like all the little thumbs up and heart and stuff, like it's all colored. They changed it and the heart's a little pink. It felt like I told you I loved you. I'm gonna be honest, it was a little pink.
- [49:17]
Mitchell
There was something sentimental when you, when you send it, it was like, do I send the heart now?
- [49:23]
Bobby Bones
I don't like the color edition.
- [49:24]
Mitchell
It's extremely pink.
- [49:26]
Bobby Bones
Listen to Lots to say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts.
- [49:33]
Mitchell
But the afc, man. I mean, like we talked about last podcast, the afc, once these playoffs start, they hit you quick because we see in the divisional round, the Ravens are going on the road to take on the Buffalo Bills in a must see matchup. One of the best games of the of the year. No question about that. In terms of matchup, we get two great teams and two great quarterbacks who are going to be battling out for the MVP as well. Vegas likes the Ravens, giving them a one and a half point edge over the Bills. Richard, who do you like in this game?
- [50:08]
Richard Sherman
I like who Vegas likes this time because that's the team that I think has the advantage. You know, I think Derek Henry and Lamar Jackson had the advantage. They played this Buffalo Bills team. Obviously it was without Matt Milano in the lineup. So it's going to be a little different here. But they, they've seen success on that tape. It looks like success. It looks like they have answers. It looks Derek Henry of old, it looked like Lamar Jackson had answers. They'll be likely getting Zay Flowers back for this game who they didn't have last week against the Pittsburgh Steelers. So I like them. Usually when you, when you get a point and a half from Vegas and you're the, when you're the away team, you're the road team, that's really like four and a half because they give the home team three just for being home. If you're the home team, you get three points. Like if you see a three point margin, hey, they're three point favorites. They're really just a home team. That's what they give you for being home. And if you see them down by three, that's really six points. Like they're saying this is a six point dog. But that's, you know, a little background info about how that goes. But I give it to Buffalo, they're playing good football and they've shown they can run the football really well. James Cook has been incredible. 17 rushing touchdowns on the season now has been a great compliment to Josh Allen and what he's been able to do. When Josh Allen isn't having a big game, it's usually because James Cook is running the ball really well in that game and he doesn't need to pass it that much or he himself is running the ball well and he had 12 touchdowns on the year rushing to football. So it's going to be a good game. I don't think It'll be the 3510 game that it was when they played earlier in the year. But I still think Buffalo struggles to stop the, the, the Baltimore Ravens. And I think the Baltimore Ravens defense is playing as well as they have all season and they'll find ways. They're number one in just about every category. Pass yards, yards per play, scoring. Since week 11, the adjustments they've made have just been great. Now Josh Allen isn't going quietly into the night, especially when the MVP conversation has been happening all year long, especially in the last month between he and Lamar Jackson, who deserves it more. They gave it to Lamar last year with stats that weren't as great as the stats he put up this year. And obviously Josh Allen with the 41 touchdowns or 40 touchdowns is going to say, hey man, this team was, was projected not to be in the playoffs this season with the departures of a lot of veterans, a lot of captains, a lot of production offensively with Stefon Diggs and the boys. But he willed this team with rookies and young players. Khalil Shakir and Keon Coleman and James, James Cook who we talked about, Dalton Kincaid, the tight ends, they've willed this team to a very good record. Second ranked offense in the National Football League, the 11th ranked defense. So they're not going to be an easy out, but I think the Baltimore Ravens pull this one up.
- [53:04]
Mitchell
Richard. While Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen are on their way to the Canton. Let's be real, these guys are playing like Pro Football hall of Famers in the future, no question about it. But neither one of them has been able to get to that top level that, that Super Bowl. How important is this game? How important is one of these guys making a run and getting their teams over the final hurdle, which is Patrick Mahomes, and get out of this AFC and out of the Super Bowl? How important is this to their legacies?
- [53:34]
Richard Sherman
It's incredibly important. This is essential because whoever loses this game takes a knock. You know what I mean? They take a step down on the pedestal and whoever wins it takes a step up. Now Mahomes is at the top of the mountain. Regardless of how he's been playing, regardless of if you think he's played elite this year or last year, what you think of him, Patrick Mahomes is at the top of the mountain. Three Super bowl wins, three Super Bowl MVPs, two MVPs in a national Football League. If he retired today, some would call him the greatest quarterback to ever play. No offense to the goat tom 12, but the things he's been able to do early in his career have given him the leeway and the space. He's the greatest. Now the only way anybody takes a step closer and separates themselves from the pack more is winning this game. Now if, if Josh Allen wins this game, then it's Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, then Burrow and Lamar, and then everybody else after that. And if vice versa happens and Lamar wins, then it's Patrick Mahomes, Lamar, Josh Allen, Burrow and everybody else. That's how it's going to work and that's how it's going to shake out for whoever wins is going to give them itself a chance to go against the top of the mountain and potentially inch themselves closer to greatness and to closer to him in comparison. But you're not going to be able to catch him because you're not going to be able to win three Super Bowls this year. You can only win one. So that's what's on the line right now. The other will deal with a lot of criticism in the offseason about how they can't win the big game. You know, I think if Josh Allen loses, he'll be a little bit lighter because he just doesn't have the talent offensively. And that's what they'll say. He doesn't have the weapons. That's what they said in the preseason, that's what they said all year long. But he is a two seed right now, so you kind of eliminate that, that conversation. But I'm sure that's what they'll say if he loses that, hey, and he doesn't have the receivers yet, they're going to get more experience, they're going to get more pieces, they're going to get better in that space and they'll be better next year. If Lamar Jackson loses, though, Mitchell, with everything that they've been have and everything they've been able to do, that's going to be a lot different. A lot more noise coming out about Lamar Jackson in the Baltimore Ravens if they're unable to win this game and unable to to make it further, if they're unable to make it to the super bowl this season. So I think a lot more pressure is on the Baltimore Ravens because their expectation in their disappointment would be so much greater because coming into this season, they were supposed to be one of the best teams in football and it was supposed to be them in the Kansas City Chiefs in an AFC championship. And again, you're expecting that to be a battle, but we're expecting it to be in Baltimore again. It's going to be in Kansas City if it happens. So they would have to go through Buffalo and go through Kansas City on the road to get to a Super bowl, then potentially go through one of these great quarterbacks and one of these great teams in the nfc and that would get them a lot of acclaim. So I'm looking forward to watching this game and this result. A lot riding on this one.
- [56:38]
Mitchell
And then finally, let's talk about Kansas City. They're hosting the Houston Texans. A lot of folks, including myself, were surprised at how how dominant the Houston Texans were in that last game, especially in the second half. Absolutely killing the LA Chargers in every facet of the game. Offensively, defensively, special teams, it just looked like they wanted It a lot more. A lot of people were talking about them as a possible super bowl contender. I mean, coming out of the AFC this year. Richard, how do you view this matchup? I mean, is Big Mo momentum on Houston's side or do you think they just get. They get tossed out aside easily with going into Kansas City?
- [57:18]
Richard Sherman
It depends. And, and I do think they're riding high. They have momentum. CJ Stroud has just struggled a little bit and regressed a little bit this year, but it looked like he and Nico Collins found a bit of rhythm. But they're going to have an even tougher matchup than they did last week against this spag. No, Spags coach defense and all the talent that Chris Jones and, and, and Carloftis and, and Bolton and McDuffie and et cetera, et cetera. Justin Reed, they have a lot of talent on this secondary. They're getting Watson back at the corner and that's where I'm concerned. Like, are they going to be able to score enough points? I think the defense may be able to get it done. I love the corner matchups. I love Lassiter and Derek Stingley are playing as good of football as they played all season. You talked about Petrie. I think they could be really problematic. Like Patrick Mahomes has turned the ball over and this defense has been one of the best in the National Football League this year of taking the football. So they're going to be able to potentially give their offense a few more possessions. But are they going to be able to run the ball? Is Joe Mixon going to be effective? Like how do they manufacture points? Because I think they can get enough stops. I think, you know, we talk about this Kansas City offense. This isn't their best offensive year. This isn't their most talented offense. They don't have a ton of big time playmakers. Xavier Worthy is a speedy guy, but I think you put a guy like Stingley on him, they can handle it. You got veteran receivers in JuJu, Smith, Schuster, you got new Copkins, but they can be handled. You got the veteran in Kelsey who hasn't looked like he has in the past. You know, he'll find his spots, he'll get open. He has his rapport with Patrick. But their tackles have struggled. You know, they've moved one of the best guards in National Football League to tackle to try to just band aid their way through these playoffs. And he's done a great job. Tunis done a great job at tackle. They've been able to fix some things, but now he's going to go against Daniel Hunter and Will Anderson, and those are two of the premier pass rushers in the National Football League. How do they both stand up? And you talk about on the right side, the right tackle, and he's had a lot of penalty issues and he, you know, whether it's alignment or whether it's holding, I think he's one of the most penalized offensive linemen in National Football League and they'll attack him relentlessly in this game. So there is a space where, where the Houston Texans defensively can hold their own, but can their offense survive? That's the part that I'm most concerned about. And I just think Andy Reid and Spags just are going to be too much for this team in the end and they're going to. They're going to pull out a win.
- [59:58]
Mitchell
Well, yeah, I mean, they get Isaiah Pacheco back, too. I mean, they're well rested. This Kansas City Chiefs team quietly went 15 and 2 this season and return and are looking for a 3. Pete. I don't know if anyone's going to want to see him again in the Super Bowl. Like, I think folks are rooting for somebody else, but I just don't know how you stop them. They're an absolute juggernaut. I got to believe Kansas City comes out of this victorious. And then, my goodness, we'll see who comes out of the Bills and Ravens game alive because that AFC title game is going to be an absolute wild one again. Richard, this is amazing. Wild card weekend is already come and gone. We're going on to the divisional round now. The NFL, there's no greater sport in the world than the NFL. You win and you move on. You don't and you go home or you go to Cancun. Richard, this final eight is going to we're going to have a heck of a rest of the run here. I will let you sign us off, my friend.
- [60:56]
Richard Sherman
I wonder how Mexico feels about always being the butt of the jokes of teams getting eliminated from for major sports either.
- [61:06]
Mitchell
It's free. Advertisement Man, I would love to go to Cancun right now, so.
- [61:10]
Richard Sherman
Me too. The weather's great, but as always, thank you guys for joining us at the Rich German Podcast. We know you could be anywhere in the world for your sports coverage and you're here with us and we sure do appreciate it. Thank you guys. Have a beautiful, blessed day. Thanks for joining us. And please hit that sub button if you're new. See you next week. The Volume.
- [61:51]
Peter Schrager
I'm Peter Schrager, host of Good Morning Football on the NFL Network and the Season with Peter Schrager podcast. Whether you're ordering wings for the game or you're whipping up a seven layer dip or you're ordering a pizza, there's something about football that makes you want to eat in this football season. Uber Eats has the best deals on game day food, no matter what you're craving, from two for one pizzas to buy one, get one wings to whatever it is you want. Uber Eats will be dropping new deals each week all season long. Uber Eats is the official on demand delivery partner of the NFL. Order now for game day. Terms and conditions apply and see the app for details.
- [62:27]
Jon Stewart
Jon Stewart is back in the host chair at the Daily show, which means he's also back in our ears on the Daily Show Ears Edition podcast. Join late legend Jon Stewart and the best news team for today's biggest headlines, exclusive extended interviews and more. Now this is a second term we can all get behind. Listen to the Daily Show Ears edition on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
- [62:54]
Adnan Virk
What's up everybody? Adnan Burke here to tell you about a new podcast. It's NHL Unscripted with Virkin Demers, Jason.
- [63:00]
Jason Demers
Immerse here, And after playing 700 NHL games, I got a lot of dirty laundry to air out.
- [63:05]
Adnan Virk
I got a lot to say here too.
- [63:06]
Richard Sherman
Okay?
- [63:06]
Adnan Virk
Each week we'll get together to chat about the sport that we love.
- [63:09]
Jason Demers
Tons of guests are going to join in too, but we're not just going to be talking hockey, folks. We're talking movies, we're talking tv, food, and Adnan's favorite wrestling. It's all on Le Table.
- [63:19]
Adnan Virk
Listen to NHL Unscripted with Virk and demers in the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
- [63:27]
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.