Podcast Summary: Richard Sherman Podcast - Week 13 Reaction
Podcast Information:
- Title: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
- Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
- Episode: Richard Sherman Podcast - Week 13 Reaction
- Release Date: December 2, 2024
- Description: The Herd with Colin Cowherd is a thought-provoking, opinionated, and topic-driven journey through the top sports stories of the day.
Introduction
In the Week 13 episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," hosts Richard Sherman and Mitchell Schwartz delve deep into the latest NFL developments. The episode provides a comprehensive analysis of key games, player performances, and team prospects as the season approaches its climax.
San Francisco 49ers: A Season of Struggles and Uncertainties
Richard Sherman opens the discussion by addressing the disappointing performances of the San Francisco 49ers. Despite high expectations, the team has faltered, culminating in back-to-back losses by over 25 points.
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Game Analysis: Sherman critiques the 49ers' inability to execute under tough conditions, highlighting numerous uncharacteristic mistakes.
"The San Francisco 49ers just could not pull it together. And it was bad. It was everything that could go wrong." [02:25]
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Player Concerns: He expresses concern over key injuries, including Christian McCaffrey's knee injury, and the potential impact on the team's future.
"Christian McCaffrey with the injury, they're saying it's a knee injury. I thought maybe it was just irritation of that Achilles, but they're saying it's a knee injury that concerns me a lot more." [09:40]
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Future Prospects: Sherman discusses the challenges ahead, including salary cap issues and the need for strategic acquisitions.
"Even if Nicholas John Bosa returns and Trent Williams returns and all that, it may be too little too late." [09:50]
Buffalo Bills: AFC Contenders or Overrated?
The conversation shifts to the Buffalo Bills, questioning their standing within the AFC despite a respectable record.
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Performance Evaluation: Sherman acknowledges the Bills' improvements but remains skeptical of their dominance.
"When it comes to certain teams, I fully respect what I'm seeing on tape and what they're doing. And every season is different." [14:00]
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Playoff Prospects: He doubts the Bills' ability to surpass established teams like the Kansas City Chiefs in high-stakes playoff scenarios.
"I think they could win that game in the wild card. Potentially? Sure. But then you go and you potentially have to play a Pittsburgh team." [14:00]
MVP Conversation: Does Josh Allen Merit the Title?
Mitchell Schwartz raises the topic of Josh Allen's performance and his place in the MVP conversation.
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Statistical Analysis: Sherman argues that while Allen is impressive, his statistics may not suffice for MVP consideration.
"The numbers aren't there for Josh Allen. He's not top five in touchdown passes. He's not top five in yards." [16:15]
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Comparative Insight: He compares Allen's situation to other candidates, suggesting players like Saquon Barkley may have stronger cases.
"You have to give it to Saquon." [16:36]
Seattle Seahawks: Emerging Strengths and Defensive Resilience
The Seahawks' recent performances receive commendation, emphasizing their defensive improvements and strategic gameplay.
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Defensive Highlights: Sherman praises Leonard Williams and Devin Witherspoon for their standout performances.
"Leonard Williams, the last couple weeks has been incredibly dominant... Devin Witherspoon just seems to be the reason everybody scores touchdown." [20:32]
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Game Highlights: He notes the Seahawks' ability to overcome early setbacks and maintain composure.
"The more reps they get, the more games they get under their belt, the more consistent they get." [24:22]
Detroit Lions: Navigating a Tough Season Amidst Injuries
Discussion turns to the Detroit Lions, focusing on their impressive record juxtaposed with a series of injuries.
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Injury Impact: Sherman acknowledges the Lions' depth and ability to manage injuries effectively.
"I'm slightly concerned but not overly concerned because they'll get a lot of guys back before the playoffs." [35:10]
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Team Strengths: He highlights the Lions' strong defensive front and the emergence of players like Zedarius Smith.
"Zedarius Smith got a sack and a half were really starting to come into their own." [35:46]
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens: A Nail-Biter with Implications
The Eagles' victory over the Ravens is dissected, with Sherman exploring the implications for both teams moving forward.
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Eagles' Dominance: Sherman commends Saquon Barkley's performance and the Eagles' balanced approach.
"Saquon is having an incredible season. So sure, maybe you can ride that all the way to the super bowl." [39:20]
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Ravens’ Concerns: He raises concerns about Justin Tucker's performance and the Ravens' defensive inconsistencies.
"Justin Tucker has been one of the most deadly long-range kickers for a long time. If he does this in the playoffs, I don't know what they're going to do." [43:43]
Cincinnati Bengals: Offensive Prowess Overshadowed by Defensive Weaknesses
The Bengals' high-powered offense is contrasted with their failing defense, leading to perplexing losses.
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Offensive Brilliance: Sherman lauds Joe Burrow's performance despite multiple losses.
"Joe Burrow and this offense are literally doing every single thing they can to score." [45:03]
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Defensive Woes: He criticizes the Bengals' inability to stop opposing teams, resulting in high-scoring defeats.
"They can't play defense. They're not stopping anybody and it's, you have decent players but you're not going to just like Trey Hendrickson can't do it by himself." [45:03]
LA Chargers: Defensive Powerhouse with Offensive Challenges
The Chargers' defense is praised, yet Sherman remains cautious about their offensive consistency.
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Defensive Excellence: Sherman commends the Chargers' ability to force turnovers and stifle opponents.
"Derwin James with an interception. Tarheeb Steele with two interceptions, one of them being a pick six." [53:40]
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Offensive Struggles: He points out Justin Herbert's inconsistent performance, which could hinder their playoff ambitions.
"Justin Herbert hasn't had a really great season, hasn't had to be great." [54:26]
Kansas City Chiefs: The Epitome of Luck and Skill
Sherman discusses the Chiefs' remarkable record, attributing their success to both skill and fortunate circumstances.
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Consistent Performance: He highlights the Chiefs' ability to win tight games, often relying on clutch plays.
"They're good and very lucky. And the Chiefs are both of those things right now." [58:27]
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Playoff Predictions: Sherman remains optimistic yet realistic about their continued dominance as the season progresses.
"They're 11 and 1 and they're good and lucky." [58:27]
Atlanta Falcons: Struggling Offense Amid Defensive Pressure
The Falcons' offensive inconsistencies and defensive vulnerabilities are examined.
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Offensive Challenges: Sherman criticizes Kirk Cousins for turnovers and the Falcons' inability to capitalize on opportunities.
"He's going to have to protect the ball a lot better." [59:03]
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Defensive Efforts: While acknowledging some defensive plays, he emphasizes the need for better offensive conversion.
"They do the things that they needed to do to give this team a chance to win. But you have to be able to convert on offense and they weren't able to do that." [59:03]
Conclusion
Richard Sherman and Mitchell Schwartz wrap up the episode by reflecting on the intensity of Week 13 and the looming playoff implications. Sherman offers a blend of encouragement and critical analysis, urging teams to capitalize on their strengths and address their weaknesses as the season nears its end.
"If your team's doing great, feel great, get ready for these playoffs, make your plans to maybe attend the game. If your team isn't doing great, study college because there's some good players out there that could potentially change the direction of your team." [60:06]
Notable Quotes:
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Richard Sherman on 49ers' Failures:
"The San Francisco 49ers just could not pull it together. And it was bad. It was everything that could go wrong." [02:25]
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Sherman on Josh Allen's MVP Chances:
"The numbers aren't there for Josh Allen. He's not top five in touchdown passes. He's not top five in yards." [16:15]
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Sherman on Seahawks' Defense:
"The more reps they get, the more games they get under their belt, the more consistent they get." [24:22]
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Sherman on Bengals' Defense:
"They can't play defense. They're not stopping anybody and it's, you have decent players but you're not going to just like Trey Hendrickson can't do it by himself." [45:03]
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Sherman on Chiefs' Success:
"They're good and very lucky. And the Chiefs are both of those things right now." [58:27]
This episode offers an in-depth look into the NFL's Week 13, providing listeners with valuable insights into team dynamics, player performances, and strategic challenges as the season advances toward the playoffs.