Podcast Summary: Richard Sherman Podcast - NFL Week 17 Reaction

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
• Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
• Episode: Richard Sherman Podcast - NFL Week 17 Reaction
• Release Date: December 30, 2024

Introduction

In this episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," hosted by Richard Sherman and Mitchell Eisenstein, the duo delves deep into the pivotal NFL Week 17 games, offering expert analysis, key insights, and engaging discussions on team performances, player statistics, and playoff implications. The conversation is rich with notable moments, strategic breakdowns, and memorable quotes, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the week's NFL action.

Green Bay Packers vs. Minnesota Vikings

Timestamp: [03:28] Richard Sherman

Sherman opens the discussion by reflecting on the Packers' performance against the Vikings. Highlighting Sam Darnold's impressive statistics, Sherman remarks:

"Sam Darnold threw for 377 yards and three touchdowns. He’s getting everyone involved from Justin Jefferson to Jalen Naylor to Jordan Addison, who's had a breakout second half of this."

Mitchell Eisenstein adds to the analysis, noting the Vikings' unexpected strong performance this season:

Timestamp: [04:23] Mitchell Eisenstein

"Minnesota was viewed as having a rebuilding year, but this team just got off to a hot start and never got off the gas pedal."

Sherman responds by emphasizing the Vikings' deserved success:

Timestamp: [09:51] Richard Sherman

"This is deserved. This is 14-2. They've earned it. They got a lot of names on defense that are playing really well right now."

The discussion underscores the Vikings' potential as true Super Bowl contenders, crediting both coaching and player development as pivotal factors.

Playoff Implications: One Seed Contention

Timestamp: [12:54] Mitchell Eisenstein

Eisenstein transitions the conversation to the playoff picture, highlighting the critical Week 18 matchup:

"Week 18 could not have dreamed up a better scenario to end the season. Minnesota Vikings and the Lions next week... it's going to be legitimately for all the marbles."

Sherman concurs, projecting confidence in the Vikings' playoff prospects:

Timestamp: [09:51] Richard Sherman

"No, this isn't luck. This is great coaching. Great game planning by both offensive and defensive coordinators... Sam Darnold's what, 25, 26 years old, has a lot of football left ahead of him."

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Denver Broncos: A Wild Finish

Timestamp: [15:52] Mitchell Eisenstein

Eisenstein recounts the dramatic finish of the Bengals-Broncos game, focusing on strategic decisions and standout performances:

"Cincinnati could have easily been up multiple scores going into halftime, but it was a close game... Marvin Mims, what a catch."

Sherman analyzes the controversial touchdown call:

Timestamp: [17:03] Richard Sherman

"I don't disagree with Eric. Nobody wants to see their record break broken, regardless of the circumstances... If he breaks this one, somebody will break Saquon's record."

The conversation highlights the game's intensity and the implications of coaching decisions on the game's outcome.

Saquon Barkley's Record-Breaking Season

Timestamp: [34:21] Mitchell Eisenstein

Eisenstein shifts focus to Saquon Barkley's exceptional performance:

"31 rushes for 167 yards. He's got 205 yards on the season and he's only 101 yards away from Eric Dickerson's record."

Sherman congratulates Barkley, discussing the evolution of NFL records:

Timestamp: [35:21] Richard Sherman

"Congratulations, first off to Saquon Barkley for the 2000-yard club. Big season for him... The National Football League and if you have a great one, you have a chance."

Their dialogue reflects admiration for Barkley's achievements and contemplates the future of NFL record-keeping with the expanded game schedule.

New York Jets and Aaron Rodgers' Future

Timestamp: [26:37] Mitchell Eisenstein

Eisenstein introduces concerns regarding the Jets' quarterback situation:

"Aaron Rodgers returns. What do the Jets do with Aaron Rodgers?"

Sherman provides a candid assessment of the Jets' challenges:

Timestamp: [27:05] Richard Sherman

"They got a tough decision this offseason... I think you draft that. What, you want Aaron to mentor him? I'm not sure... they want to have your quarterback of the future."

The discussion explores the complexities of maintaining veteran quarterbacks amid organizational instability and future planning.

Kansas City Chiefs: Dominance Under Scrutiny

Timestamp: [44:10] Mitchell Eisenstein

Eisenstein praises the Chiefs' recent performances while questioning external criticism:

"They are 16 and 1... They've been making the right adjustments, the right moves and the show keeps going on."

Sherman defends the Chiefs against detractors, emphasizing their adaptability and strategic prowess:

Timestamp: [45:13] Richard Sherman

"Being 16 and 1 is an incredible feat... They're 16 and 1 sitting there saying, man, they, they don't look good. They are."

Their exchange highlights the Chiefs' resilience and potential roadblocks they might face in the playoffs.

Pittsburgh Steelers: A Season of Ups and Downs

Timestamp: [53:24] Richard Sherman

Sherman discusses the Steelers' inconsistent performances and potential playoff fate:

"They're falling back to reality... losing three straight and could be four straight... Their defense just didn't show up in the way they needed to."

Eisenstein reflects on the Steelers' internal dynamics and future decisions:

Timestamp: [53:24] Mitchell Eisenstein

"Some of them are claiming they want to see Justin Fields in the playoffs. They want to see a change up. And I don't think that's the right decision."

The conversation underscores the Steelers' struggles and the critical decisions they face moving forward.

Buffalo Bills and Josh Allen's MVP Candidacy

Timestamp: [22:20] Richard Sherman

Sherman evaluates Josh Allen's impact on the Bills and his MVP chances:

"Josh Allen deserves credit... He's on his way to a Hall of Fame career."

Eisenstein supports Sherman, highlighting Allen's leadership and statistical achievements:

Timestamp: [22:20] Mitchell Eisenstein

"Buffalo is playing really good football. He's elevating his team... He's the reason they are number two seed."

Their dialogue affirms Allen's significance to the Bills' success and his standing in MVP discussions.

Baltimore Ravens: Defensive Resurgence

Timestamp: [56:50] Richard Sherman

Sherman expresses strong confidence in the Ravens' defensive improvements:

"I got a tremendous amount of belief... they can't stop running the football in general."

Eisenstein concurs, praising Lamar Jackson's balanced playmaking:

Timestamp: [56:50] Mitchell Eisenstein

"If he throws for 200 yards and rushes for 25 yards and Derek Henry rushes for 85 yards and they lose that game, people are going to question, hey, why aren't you moving the way you want it to move?"

Their analysis highlights the Ravens' strategic adjustments and Jackson's critical role.

Conclusion and Season Wrap-Up

As the episode draws to a close, Sherman and Eisenstein recap the week's significant events, player performances, and looming playoff scenarios. Sherman offers motivational insights for listeners looking ahead to the New Year:

Timestamp: [64:07] Richard Sherman

"Give yourself some goals. Work to them. At least make them last more than two weeks."

Eisenstein acknowledges the nearing end of the season and anticipates continued high-stakes games:

Timestamp: [63:56] Mitchell Eisenstein

"Things are going to heat up continuing tonight and tomorrow."

The episode concludes with Sherman extending gratitude to listeners and encouraging engagement with the podcast.

Notable Quotes

• Richard Sherman [03:28]:

  "Sam Darnold threw for 377 yards and three touchdowns. He’s getting everyone involved from Justin Jefferson to Jalen Naylor to Jordan Addison, who's had a breakout second half of this."

• Mitchell Eisenstein [09:51]:

  "This is deserved. This is 14-2. They've earned it. They got a lot of names on defense that are playing really well right now."

• Richard Sherman [35:21]:

  "Congratulations, first off to Saquon Barkley for the 2000-yard club. Big season for him... The National Football League and if you have a great one, you have a chance."

• Richard Sherman [45:13]:

  "Being 16 and 1 is an incredible feat... They're 16 and 1 sitting there saying, man, they, they don't look good. They are."

• Richard Sherman [22:20]:

  "Josh Allen deserves credit... He's on his way to a Hall of Fame career."

Key Takeaways

• Minnesota Vikings' Dominance: The Vikings have emerged as strong contenders with a 14-2 record, largely due to strategic coaching and player development.

• Cincinnati Bengals' Strategic Decisions: The Bengals showcased aggressive play-calling, leading to a thrilling finish against the Broncos, though some decisions remain contentious.

• Saquon Barkley's Milestone: Barkley's exceptional season brings historic NFL records into focus, sparking discussions on the evolving nature of the game schedule and record-keeping.

• Jets' Quarterback Conundrum: The Jets face critical decisions regarding Aaron Rodgers' future, amidst organizational instability and performance challenges.

• Chiefs' Resilience: Despite external criticism, the Chiefs maintain an impressive 16-1 record, underscoring their adaptability and championship-caliber performance.

• Steelers' Struggles: The Steelers grapple with inconsistent performances, prompting debates on coaching and player leadership.

• Bills' MVP Contender: Josh Allen's leadership and statistical prowess position him as a strong MVP candidate, elevating the Bills' playoff prospects.

• Ravens' Defensive Turnaround: The Ravens have strengthened their defense, with Lamar Jackson playing a pivotal role in their strategic execution.

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the core discussions and insights from the Richard Sherman Podcast's Week 17 NFL reaction, providing listeners with an in-depth understanding of the unfolding NFL landscape.