Guest Analyst (4:05)

You know, Christian Watson went down with an injury last week too. I mean, that's a guy, you know, not the best hands in the league, but one of the fastest guys in the league, can take the top off the defense and can really stretch the field. Without him, they're going to have to adjust. Richard, if you're Matt LaFleur, how do you scheme this up to give your team the best shot to win this game?

Richard Sherman (4:25)

Well, you, you, you run the football, you lean on the run game and you have to get that going. You have to be consistent. Josh Jacobs, this is the reason you got him to be effective in these playoff games, to take pressure off of Jordan Love to take pressure off that defense to, to possess the ball longer than your opponent. So that's what they're going to have to do they're going to have to run the ball really effectively. Jordan Love is going to have to be very careful with the football because if you give it over, give it away in a game like this, you go home and you go home in a hurry and you're on the road. So their defense are going to need to cause a turnover, maybe two, and give Jordan Love and, and, and Matt Lalor an extra posit possession and that'll help them win this game. But without those things, if they're not able to run the ball well and they're having to lean on Jordan Love and lean on this offense and, and the defense can't get turnovers and it's going to be. But I think there's definitely a path for the Green Bay packers to win this game, but I think the Philadelphia Eagles pull it out.

Guest Analyst (5:20)

Well, they got to lean on the run game like you said. That's what gave them success in last playoffs when they blew out the Dallas Cowboys and really, you know, gave the San Francisco 49ers hell and that divisional round as well. Let's see if they can replicate that same, you know, magic that they did last year. Let's go to Tampa Bay. They're hosting the Washington Commanders. Washington Commanders, one of the surprise teams this year. Jaden Daniels certainly looks like the answer for them at quarterback. And our guy, you're one of your best friends. Bobby Wagner shows why dq. Dan Quinn brings him in to be the leader of that defense. But the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, they're resilient, man. I mean, not. They don't get a whole lot of credit, but, but they deserve a lot of credit. I mean, this team we talked about on the last podcast, they had to overcome a ton of adversity this year with key players getting injured on the offensive side of the ball. With Chris Godwin and Mike Evans going out for a considerable amount of time, this is going to be a huge game. You know, the Tampa Bay is a toug team. Do you think that they come out on top? Vegas has got them as a three point favorite.

Richard Sherman (6:20)

You know, I think, I think Tampa definitely has the advantage right now. Young quarterback, but, you know, the way Jaden Daniel has played this entire season, I think he, he, he's put us on notice that you can't doubt him. You can't, you can't go into a game expecting him to be like normal rookies and to play like normal rookies are hard to have the nerves that normal rookies would have in these playoff games. But on the flip side, There's Todd Bowles and in playoff games, Todd Bowles has a team that creates turnovers at a high tilt, they get sacks at a high tilt and they limit scores at a high tilt. And they're getting healthier. They've been banged up. Jordan Whitehead has been banged up. Mike Edwards went out in that game. They've been banged up in the secondary. Vita Vea has played a Pro bowl style football this entire season. Their offensive line has played pretty good. Bucky Irvin has come into his own at the running back position. He's done a great job and I think Mike Evans continues to be the steadying force of this offense. And Baker Mayfield, Baker Mayfield has really played incredible football and I think, you know, you lose track of, of where he was drafted and all that because it's a feel good story. But he still was a top pick in the National Football League and he's playing that way. He's plays 41 touchdowns on the season, 4,500 yards passing, whether it's with his legs or with his arm. He's a gamer and he's doing whatever is necessary to get it done. But on the flip side, so is Jaden Daniels. Jaden Daniels is running the football well. He's throwing it well. They, they made sure to, to let him sit last week so he wouldn't put his body in harm's way because they know how he goes, this offense goes. And he's going to put his body in harm's way. He's going to run the football. He's not sliding, he's getting the extra yards and he's trying to do everything that he can to will his team to win football games. But there's a reason The Bucs went 6 and 1 after the buy and after Mike Evans came back and they really could have been seven and oh, if, if not for a fumble by Rashad White at the end of one of those games, they would have been, they would have been seven and oh, and, and, and we'd really be talking about a team that's red hot going into the playoffs. But I think this is going to be the most intriguing matchup of the playoffs of this first round, at least in my opinion. I think it's going to be really close. I think it's going to be really competitive.

Guest Analyst (8:27)

Well, this guy, I mean Jaden Daniels played in the sec, obviously, you know, elevated the ASU before transferring to lsu. And we, I feel like the guy, like you said, he doesn't get nervous. He plays wise beyond his years. He Certainly deserves the Rookie of the Year award that I'm sure he will receive. They're also getting Austin Eckler back, who was starting to become a solid piece of that offense prior to going down with a concussion and getting put on ir. Other side of the ball, Tampa Bay, I mean, they seem to strike gold in, in the draft twice, you know, on the offensive side of the ball with Bucky Irving and Jalen McMillan out of Washington. Richard, who I know you've probably watched time or two being up there in Seattle, this guy has really elevated his game with Chris Godwin going down. So I, I personally like the Bucks in this matchup, but I too believe this is probably the best matchup of the weekend, or at least the most intriguing. I think the best matchup will probably go to LA Rams and the Vikings, which we can talk about next.

Richard Sherman (9:24)

Yeah, I think I, I, I think that's going to be a really good matchup just because of how they literally match up. You know, the, the Brian Flores defense is overly aggressive, you know, zero pressure. Disguise six, seven men at the line of scrimmage, back out, pop out in the COVID two, pop out in a zero coverage play, man to man, be multiple on his coverage play. A little bit of palms, I think, I think Stafford had answers for that the first time they played. I think Sean McVeigh had answers for that and that's why they were able to get the win earlier in the season. I think there obviously be adjustments made on both sides, but again, Kyron Williams is running the ball well. Stafford with Pukina Kua and Cooper cup healthy, Higby's healthy now. I think with all their weapons at their disposal, they're still a very dangerous team. It's going to come down to what can they do offensively. The Minnesota Vikings. Can Aaron Jones get going? Can Cam Akers get going? Can TJ Hawkinson get open and be effective in his offense? Can they get Justin Jefferson and Addison going in this game because they were shut down against Detroit and it was straight man to man coverage. And I think obviously the Rams seeing that on tape is going to be encouraging and they're going to feel Chris Shula is surely going to think, hey, if it's not broke, don't break it. Why not do what Sam Darnold struggled with against the Detroit Lions, which is pressure him, put pressure in his face each and every play. Trust your defenders down the field, trust your dbs to be able to hold up and stand up in coverage. Trust that he will not be able to get the pass off and they have good. Jared Verse will probably be up for defensive rookie of the year if, you know, I think he'll be in the top three if he doesn't win it and he's having a great year. I think Akello Witherspoon is covering his butt off. I think he's doing great in their secondary. I think this defense can get it done. But I do think they're going to take a page out of Detroit's book to try to affect Sam Darnold. And how he responds to that will determine who wins this ball game. Because I think that Stafford and their offense will be able to score points. And if, if the Vikings can score points and they can manage the game and they can control it that way, I still think they're the better team, but, you know, the better team doesn't always win in the playoffs. It's about matchups, it's about scheme, it's about executing down a stretch. And Stafford has shown that he will execute at a high level.

Guest Analyst (11:43)

Well, the last time the Vikings lost against the Detroit earlier this season, they went on the road following that and lost to the LA Rams. We'll see if that replicates itself. The Vikings, in my opinion, are a lot better than they played last night against the Lions. You know, I think. I think the Lions kind of, you know, schemed it up well, especially defensively. My goodness. But my question for you, Rich, like, after you come off such a bad defeat, you know, and obviously with so much down the line, with that first round by on the line, and now you got to go on the road again to la, how defeated do you think this team is, like mentally? Do you think. I mean, do you think they're feeling all right right now? Can they, can they provide the juice that they need to get this win?

Richard Sherman (12:25)

No question. No question. They're playing in one of the toughest divisions in football and really one of the toughest divisions in the last 50 years. So I think they more feel they're battle tested. You know, it's unfortunate how that game went out, but they, they fought them down to the wire and obviously Detroit was able to pull away at the end. But that was a dog fight against a really good team. And I think if nothing else, it, it showed them defensively that they can play with anybody, you know, that they can, they can stand up against a really tough team. Obviously, Jameer Gibbs turned it on and helped Detroit pull away at the end, but I don't think you're discouraged. A 14. 3 team isn't going to the playoffs feeling discouraged. You lost three games out of 17. I think you feel really good that you can play with anybody, that you can beat anybody. I know you know this team beat you earlier. I think they'll look at that tape and they'll take a hard look at that tape and see the things that they did wrong and the mistakes they made. And I think they're a much more veteran team since they played them the first time and lost that game. So it's going to be a good game, I think. I think Minnesota finds a way to pull it out. You know, I know they're on the road in la, but it's not a, it's not a weather environment. It's an indoor stadium against a talented team, but not as talented as they've shown to be this year.

Guest Analyst (13:32)

Well, in terms of the LA Rams, we're going to see if Puka Nakua can keep up his hot streak. The guy I would keep an eye on is Cooper Cup. I mean, he's really been underwhelming for the last month of the season. I think he's due for a breakout game. We'll see if Minnesota can contain him. But this is, this is my matchup to watch right here. This is my favorite matchup of the weekend. Vikings against the Rams, and we'll see who pulls it out. 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 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.

DraftKings Ad (14:49)

Gambling problem. Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.1-800gambler.net In New York, call 8778 H O P N Y or text H O P E N Y or text 467369 In Connecticut, help is available for problem gambling, call 888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org Please play responsibly on behalf of Boot Hill Casino and Resort licensee partner Golden Nugget, Lake Charles 21/ Age varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. See sportsbook.draftkings.com Football terms for eligibility and deposit restrictions terms and responsible gaming resources.

Mitchell (15:30)

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 a 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.

Richard Sherman (16:26)

Shipping on orders over $85.

Mitchell (16:29)

Discount code valid through December 31, 2024.

Guest Analyst (16:33)

Richard let's go to the AFC wildcard matchups and let's start at the top. I mean, the Chargers are taking on the Texans, the Steelers are taking on the Ravens, and the Broncos are taking on the Bills. Let's start in Houston. I mean, the Houston Texans are going to be hosting this LA Chargers team, you know, with new coach Jim Harbaugh, you know, your former coach, and the Chargers have kind of brought a whole new identity. I mean, Jim Harbaugh likes to pound the rock. This Houston Texans team is really, in my opinion, been very, very much so underachieved this year. I know they've battled injuries, you know, obviously without Steph Diggs, without Tank Dell, but they're bringing in Deontay Johnson. We saw him in week 18 and you obviously got Nico Collins there. You know, can Houston turn this around and be the team that everyone expected to be this season and go on a mini run in this playoffs?

Richard Sherman (17:25)

Well, they have the talent to do it. You know, I guess it's to be seen. You know, CJ Stroud has taken a step back and appeared. Obviously they've been banged up, Tank Dale going down, Stefan Diggs going down. But Danielle Hunter is having a good year. I think that they'll get the Pass rush there. Derek Stingley's having a good year again. Nico Collins was leading the league and receiving before he went down with injury. And maybe this is the game that puts him back on track, that gets him back in rhythm. The Chargers have shown that they struggle at times offensively to get a rhythm if they can't run the ball. Well, defensively, they've been really good in most of these games, but I think this is another intriguing matchup that can really go either way. I don't see this being a crazy blowout game from either side. I could see both sides winning it. I see how the Chargers could pull way run the ball. Herbert's efficient with him with the football, makes good decisions down the field, doesn't turn it over. He hasn't three interceptions on I think over 500 throws. You know, had a really good season. But I can also see how C.J. stroud and the boys can really get going. Joe Mixon could get going on the ground game and they could start really imposing their will on this game if the Chargers aren't able to stop the run. So that's what I love about the playoffs. We're going to see, we're going to.

Guest Analyst (18:44)

Find out, we're going to see. I mean, you've talked about it on past podcasts. You know, Jim Harbaugh is so good at changing the culture and identity of teams. Everywhere he goes, he wins. From San Diego to Stanford to obviously, you know, San Francisco and Michigan and now with the Chargers. I mean, this Chargers team had just been treading water for the last five years and now they've seemed to again develop this identity. You gotta love what they're doing. They bring in lad McConkey. I mean, if I'm a GM dude, I'm drafting guys from Georgia or Alabama straight up, like one in doubt draft from one of those guys. And lad McConkey, the fact that, you know this is going to be like a guy, I wouldn't put him in the same category as Amanra, same Brown. But the fact that teams traded up and took guys above lad McConkey that are aren't making any impact in this league right now is wild. Lad McConkey finds himself in a perfect situation with a perfect couple and Justin Herbert to sling him the rock. I'd keep an eye on him, Richard. I kind of like the Chargers in this matchup. I think you got to go with the team that's been playing better ball, Quentin Johnston. I don't know where that performance was all year, but my goodness what was 180 some yards that he had last game if he can catch the ball? I mean, the guy's a burner. Big body. You know, the Chargers might have something here. I just like LA in this matchup above Houston just because Houston has not been playing to their level. Let's go to Baltimore, Rich. This Steelers team goes into Baltimore after finishing the season losing five, four games in a row. Let's start the conversation about Mike Tomlin. This guy is such a good coach. The fact that he's able to get this team into the playoffs year after year after year is so beyond impressive. But at what point does it just not become enough? Rich? Like, because obviously going to the playoffs you want to appreciate that, but you want to win games in the playoffs. And the Steelers just haven't been able to do that of late. Do you think there's a timeline with how long Steelers can accept not winning in the playoffs?

Richard Sherman (20:51)

They. I don't know. I don't know because I think there'll be people lined up to get Mike Tomlin to be their head coach. He's a culture builder. He's a, he's a guy that has literally never had a losing season. And I understand the frustration fans have, but that's, that's what happens when you never have a losing season. Fans never want the losing season. They just want what comes with the losing season. So you want a top quarterback. You want to be able to draft a quarterback, a franchise quarterback. And you'll never be bad enough to draft a franchise quarterback and to get one in the top five unless you get him in the later rounds in the second, third round. And I think you thought you did got that with the feel good Kenny Pickett story. Hey, he's a hometown kid. Went to Pittsburgh, like grew up around here. Like, we think we got our franchise guy and that didn't end up being the case. But I think some of it starts with personnel because offensively your personnel hasn't been up to snuff. Like how many receivers you know, Deontay Johnson is playing for somebody else. George Pickens looks like a really good pick, but you, you see the immaturity at times and sometimes he deals with that. But he's a really great talent. You picked up Justin Fields and Russell Wilson. Justin Fields was 4 and 2, but the offense was pretty stagnant. You know, he used his legs a lot in the red zone. The past game was pretty anemic. And so insert Russell Wilson and he goes out, has really good games for the first six games and looks good and looks like the guy that maybe you need to sign an extension to. And now if you look at, if you look at the conversation of Steelers fans were having in Russell's first six games versus his last six, last six, you know, our last four or five, you know, it's totally changed. And I think that's where the concern is. Like, is that. Is that Tomlin? Because the defense has regressed a little bit. You know, they're not getting as much pressure, they're getting banged up. But still, Cam Hayward's played well. TJ Watt has played well. They, they're still. Minka Fitzpatrice has made another Pro bowl. And you wonder. I don't think you ever get rid of them. I don't think you can get rid of them and justify it. You know, oh, we went to the playoffs and we didn't win. You really. I'm not sure you had the, the talent to necessarily be in the playoffs and do damage. And, you know, unfortunately, that's just the case right now. Until you get a quarterback and if you think Russell's the guy, then you're going to have to surround him with more talent. You're going to have to surround him. Bringing Mike Williams in was helpful, but you're going to have to surround him with more talent and, and more running game, more offensive linemen, better offensive lineman, more protection, and in order for him to be successful. And then you're going to have to, again, shore up that defense. But anything can happen in the playoffs. But this is just a tough division, and right now it' Baltimores.

Guest Analyst (23:23)

Well, no question. I mean, the Steelers really had a tough, tough matchups down the stretch. They played the Eagles, the Ravens, the Chiefs, and ultimately a very hungry Cincinnati Bengals team. And Richard, they weren't, frankly, close in any of these games whatsoever. I think it's really telling about the team that they are. I think they beat up on mediocre teams, but when it comes to facing the big dogs, I just don't think they're there yet. I mean, they have certain pieces in place that certainly help them. You know, Cam Hayward's an absolute stud, obviously. T.J. watt, Highsmith. Defensively, they got weapons, but like you said, you see immaturity from George Pickens. He talks a big game, but then drops three balls when it matters most against Cincinnati. And even in that game, it took. It took a muff punt for them to get back in scoring position to even make that a game. So I want to talk a little bit about the end of that game because ultimately they were in a position to go down and kick a game winning field goal. But Russell does not get out of bounds, runs the clock and then ultimately they put themselves in a position where they've got to, they've got to get himself in field goal position with 11 seconds left and Pat Fryermuth drops the ball. Like, I just wonder again how frustrated this fan base will become and maybe they lost a little bit. Trust in Russ. We'll see. But in terms of the Ravens, Rich, like, my goodness, man, this team, I think they're due at some point in time. This team, if they can get over that Kansas City Chiefs hump, they're certainly due. And Lamar Jackson showed it all year. He's certainly worthy of being in this MVP conversation. Like, how certain are you that the Baltimore Ravens are going to go in there and come out with a convincing win this weekend?

Richard Sherman (25:00)

I'm pretty sure about it. You know, I mean, they're playing really well and they're going to let all, let it all hang out. I think Lamar has heard enough about him not running the ball in the playoffs and him, him being conservative and trying to be quarterbacky or whatever. They're saying like, hey, use everything at your disposal, whatever's necessary to get the win. And I think that's been his problem in the playoffs. He wants to throw it and he stay in the pocket and show he could be a pocket passer. And it's just. Hasn't been, it hasn't been him. And so I think he's going to do whatever's necessary. You hear how hungry Derrick Henry is from his locker room conversations. He's hungry for a win. That defense they have that was struggling early in the season, I think, I think Zach Orr has finally figured it out and made the right adjustments and that defense is playing out of their minds now. Marlon Humphries is having a great season, another Pro bowl season for him. And I think that's going to be the difference maker going down the stretch. They're playing right, they're hot, they're playing together at the right time. And I think they're a team that can deal with the cold. If they got to go to Kansas City and get it done, I think they can do that. If they got to go to Buffalo and get it done, I think they can do that. They're a team that's built to have to weather the storm. They're going to have to get if they want to get a ring this year.

Guest Analyst (26:13)

Well, we'll check the Status on Zay Flowers. He went out in Week 18 with an injury, but Rashad Bateman filled in swimmingly. I mean that guy looks fantastic. You got Mark Andrews is healthy again, finally. Big body and like you said, the hammer. Derrick Henry just wears these teams down. I mean the Ravens have everything they need to make a title run and come out of the afc. It starts with the Steelers though. They got to overcome a division foe. Let's take it to Buffalo. Rich. This team, you know Josh Allen, marvelous season. They're hosting the Denver Broncos and Bo Necks, I mean the guy looks like he's going to be a 10 year starter at minimum in the NFL going forward and he's got the perfect pairing for himself with Sean Payton. You know this is going to be a game that's certainly worth watching. You know the Broncos are eight and a half point dogs but, but I could see it being a lot closer than that, you know. What are your thoughts on the Bills and the Broncos heading into this matchup?

Richard Sherman (27:08)

Well, it could be intriguing. I think Buffalo just has the pedigree. They're playing well. Josh Allen's having a really fantastic season. I think Sean McDermott is doing a great job coaching this team. Their defense is playing good enough. But this Denver defense is one of those defenses that could throw, throw everything in the kitchen sink at Josh Allen and really cause some issues. And I think offensively if somehow Bo Nix plays a great game, he could play great. They have a chance and they could pull an upset. But I don't know. I don't think Bo Knicks will play well enough to beat Josh Allen in Buffalo. I think that'd be really, really surprising if that happened. I think Josh Allen is going to will this team to a victory. They've, they've won their last four wild card games and, and I know this Denver defense has shown real, real great promise. Pratt Sir Tan is, it might be the defensive player of the year this season and they, they, they do a great job against the run. Vance Joseph deserves a lot of credit for what they've been able to do and it's a feel good story in the playoffs but Buffalo is just on another tier right now than, than Denver. So this upset, if Denver found a way to win, I'd be really, really surprised. But anything can happen in the National Football League and sometimes a rookie that comes in young, dumb and full of gum is just going to, it sometimes just goes out there and does some things because he doesn't know he's not supposed to, he doesn't know what's supposed to happen? He's just out there playing and balling and feeling good and enjoying the moment, and sometimes that's enough to get a team going. You know, if Sutton goes up there and makes a few big grabs and, you know, things can happen where momentum can shift and Buffalo could be concerned. But I just don't see Josh Allen losing this football game.

Guest Analyst (28:52)

I really like the Bills this year, Richard. They finally have something they haven't had in years past, and that's a very, very reliable run game with James Cook pounding the rock. I mean, I think he just tied or set the franchise record for, for rushing touchdowns, if I'm not mistaken. But you couple him with the ability of Josh Allen to get on the move as well. I really like the Bills this year, and if it's not this year, I don't know when. I mean, you got Keon Coleman, you know, a wide receiver who's a big body down downfield that they can just huck to. They really haven't utilized Amari Cooper whatsoever. So I'm wondering when he's going to make his appearance with them. So, on the other side of the ball, the Broncos, I mean, shout out to Bo Nix for, for getting Cortland Sutton more involved. I mean, that's a rookie trusting the proven veteran. The Broncos and the Bills team that's used to playing in the cold. Both of these guys love the matchup. We'll see what happens. Let's talk about these season awards, Richard, not that the season concluded like, what's your final say with mvp? Are you giving it to Josh Allen? Are you going to give it to Lamar Jackson? I know we've talked about this at length in previous podcasts, but I mean, in my opinion, it's a, it's a genuine toss up. Where does Richard Sherman lie in this.

Richard Sherman (30:07)

Is not a toss up at all for me. I think it's Lamar Jackson's mvp. I think the numbers he put up right now are historic. You know, for first 4900 yard, 40 touchdown, five under five interception season in NFL history. This league has been around a long time and there's been a lot of really incredible players to play. And for somebody to have a first at this point in time, something that's literally never been done in the history of the league. And, and I know that you know the argument, what the argument is for Josh Allen, but I think it's just hard for a narrative based MVP season to go against a statistically based MVP season when your narrative doesn't also include the number one seed and dominance. And so if the Buffalo Bills, you know, Josh Allen led him to a, to a playoff berth and people said, oh, well, nobody picked him to, to play this well, it would sound better. It would, it would make more sense if the team had actually underperformed at one point. I know they lost a lot of guys, they lost a lot of pieces, they lost Stefon Diggs, they lost a lot of veteran leadership. I understand fully. But what, what I'm saying is in this situation, it, you have to also get the one seat. Like, they never miss the playoffs. They're a playoff team last year, they're a playoff team this year. So although the narrative out there may have been like, hey, we're not sure how good they're going to be this year, they, they're coming off a playoff season, so they're still a playoff team and they're a playoff team this year. So it, if they were the 1 seed, 15 and 2 with the narrative in these stats, then I could see, hey, they go and give it to Josh Allen. They're the best team in football. He's. He's carrying them to this, this spot. I know Lamar has had one of the most impressive seasons in National Football League history, but it's tough to say the best player on the best team. I understand that when you're the 2 seed, it doesn't carry the same weight. And so Lamar Jackson carries weight. And I know everybody's like, derek Henry has good players around him. Yeah, that's kind of how it works. MVPs have good players around him. I mean, that's how it's going to work. You're not going to find MVPs with bad players around them. You're not going to find good teams with bad players around them. You're just not. And Derek Henry is having a little worse season than he had when he had 2,000 yards. And I mean, it's going to be easier for both of them. It's a good team, it's a good season. That's why he picked him up. But it doesn't take away from 41 passing touchdowns from Lamar Jackson and only four interceptions. It's not like he's not throwing the ball at all. He's running the ball well. He's efficient. His offense is scoring. They're winning games. They've won four straight in December, and that's winning football. You know what I mean? These awards are usually won in December. You know, people remember the last things you've done. And I know that Josh Allen has had a really good season. I would agree with him. I'd say, man, any other year, if the narrative was this, he'd probably win it. But it's a historic season by Lamar Jackson that's going to make it tough for voters to say, Hey, 41 and 4. 41 and 4 isn't going to win it. Like, when is it not wanted? When is some numbers like this, not one mvp? You find those numbers for me?

Guest Analyst (33:24)

Those are absurd stats. Let's look at the defensive player of the year. I know you've been singing his praises all season, and that's Patrick certain he's the overwhelming favorite to win this above TJ Watt and Kirby Joseph and some other guys in there. How happy are you to see that a corner is actually going to win defensive player of the Year, or so it looks like.

Richard Sherman (33:44)

That's pretty awesome. That's pretty awesome. And it couldn't happen to a better guy. I think he deserves it. Patrick Sartan has played well for so long, and he's really been the standard for corner play over the last three, four years. And so for him to add this to his resume, add this to his collection of awards is what he deserves. You know, he's been a consummate professional. He's been the standard even for college kids. He's been a standard for every coach to teach corners how to play the position. And so I'm happy for him. He's had a great season. 100 yard pick six, made tremendous plays, helped this defense be one of the top defenses in the National Football League. So good for him. Obviously, pass rushers usually get it, and Miles Garrett and TJ Water are all the ways around, but again, I just feel like they're rushing a passer. A guy. A guy playing at a high level on a good defense needs to be celebrated, and that's what they're getting it right this year.

Guest Analyst (34:41)

Let's look at the coach of the year. I mean, this is a conversation I'm looking forward to having because, you know, Vegas favors Kevin O'Connell heavily here, followed by Dan Campbell and Sean Payton. You know, Kevin O'Connell obviously brings Minnesota out of nowhere and finishes with a 14. 3 record. But, you know, the same could be said for Dan Campbell. I mean, granted, the expectations for the Lions were to win the division and be a Super bowl contender coming into the season, but. But still, I would. I would argue that Dan Campbell exceeded expectations with this Detroit lions team going 15 and two. You know, do you believe it's Kevin OConnell's award or you think Dan Campbell should have equal state to that?

Richard Sherman (35:22)

Well, I think, you know, this is, this is when it comes down to whether you believe it's the narrative or the expectations, you know, and I think if it's narrative based, the guy has to go to Kevin O'Connell because he came in with either a rookie quarterback or an unproven Sam Darnold, a guy who, who, who's been, who's gone from a top three pick to a journeyman coming from being a backup in San Francisco behind Brock Purdy. And you're really expecting him to start JJ McCarthy. JJ McCarthy goes out with the meniscus injury and now you got your forced to start Sam Darnold. And just the season that he's had, the season that Brian Flores has had, you're not talking about a bunch of all pros and Pro Bowlers on the defensive side of the ball. You talking about Van Ginkel and Grinard becoming Pro Bowlers this year in a great scheme under Brian Flores. And what they've been able to do, which has been great, what he has done has been masterful. He's. These guys have come together really fast. His scheme has been on display. His guys have played hard for him and they've been, they won 14 games. And this is not a team that you expected to win 14 games. You, you're talking about a team that you, you really, I mean, maybe 10 games, you thought six, seven spot in the wild card. They were literally, you know, playing for the one seed. And so I think you have to give them credit for what they've been able to build unexpectedly. I think the Lions, you expect it. You know, they were top two NFC team last year. They were in NFC championship. And guess what? They're a top NFC team this year. San Francisco 49ers had a bad year and fell off the face of the earth. And the Detroit Lions have continued to be what they were last year. And I think unfortunately coaches get punished for that. You know, you're not. Andy Reid went 15 and two and you're not even thinking about him for coach of the year because it's like, you know what I mean? So sometimes you get punished because your team's talented, because the expectations for your team is high, are high. And, and that's why Kevin O'Connell will likely get it. I mean, that's where Stefanski has multiple coaches of the year and no, no postseason success to really speak of.

Guest Analyst (37:26)

Well, Richard, before we wrap this up, I gotta get the landscape of The Richard Sherman power ranks week 18 style. I know that they're relatively irrelevant now that we're finally in playoffs, but I gotta stack up the NFL right now with these power rankings. A lot of teams are playing at a high level. How do you stack them for week 18, Rich?

Richard Sherman (37:47)

Well, Kansas City Chiefs go one, your Detroit Lions two. Three would have to be Baltimore Ravens. I'm going to go Baltimore at three, I'm going to go Buffalo at four, and I'm going to go Philadelphia Eagles at five until they prove me otherwise. If Buffalo beats Baltimore in Buffalo, then, you know, they color me surprised.

Guest Analyst (38:11)

The one team that slide in those power ranks from past weeks is the Minnesota Vikings. Fresh off a loss to the Detroit Lions. Like, how much does that loss really impact your view of them as a team?

Richard Sherman (38:23)

It doesn't impact my view of them in totality, but it just did show that there was a different level that they haven't reached yet. You know, especially with Sam Darnold, you know, he looked flustered. He went 0 for 4 in the red zone. And they just. The Lions defense doesn't. They're banged up, they're depleted. And a depleted defense held you out of the end zone four times. Turnover on downs on one of those drives and, and held you to nine points. And I think probably six of those are like you said, all nine of them were probably gifts, you know what I mean, from turnovers that your defense gave you. So, so that's where the concern level rose for me is just to see him not do well with that pressure. Now if he goes in there against the Rams and plays a fantastic game, then my confidence level will increase. But that was concerning.

Guest Analyst (39:10)

Well, Richard, that concludes it. The regular season's over and we got a landscape of playoff football to look forward to next weekend. I will let you sign us off, my friend.

Richard Sherman (39:21)

Well, we appreciate you guys joining us as always. I can't wait to watch these playoff games and see how they pan out if your team didn't make it. Well, start. Start studying these colleges and, and start figuring out what you want in the draft. Do your mock drafts or enjoy the playoffs and watch these other teams and, and root against your rivals. Whatever floats your boat. I'm not mad at you. We appreciate you joining us. Whether it was for a second, a minute, an hour, it does not matter. You stuck around with us and we sure do appreciate it. Hit that sub button if you're new.