THE HERD - Hour 1 - Wild Card Weekend was amazing, issues with the Eagles, never doubt Josh Allen

Summary

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The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Episode: THE HERD - Hour 1 - Wild Card Weekend was amazing, issues with the Eagles, never doubt Josh Allen
Date: January 12, 2026

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Overview

In this energetic Monday episode, Colin Cowherd recaps a wild NFL Wild Card weekend, highlighting key storylines such as the Philadelphia Eagles' struggles, the Niners' coaching wizardry, the emergence of Caleb Williams and his Steph Curry-like impact for the Bears, and why doubts about Josh Allen should be put to rest for good. The show also touches on standout college football performances and the ongoing debates surrounding coaches like Matt LaFleur and NFL newcomers. Cowherd's unique blend of analysis, colorful metaphors, and candid opinions drives the conversation, making this episode a must-listen for NFL and college football fans alike.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Eagles’ Playoff Exit and Coaching Woes

[02:03 – 06:34]

• Colin celebrates the Eagles' elimination:
  "I'm so glad Philly lost that their tushes got pushed out of the playoffs because the NFL playoffs are about the best coaches and the best quarterbacks and Philly has neither." (04:10)

• Comparison of coaching styles:

  • Praises Kyle Shanahan's resourcefulness and compares Nick Sirianni unfavorably.
  • "Shanahan is using coupons and buying a month full of groceries for 48 bucks. And I feel like Sirianni hit the lottery and he's broke. Two years later." (04:27)

• Eagles’ second-half struggles:

  • Lack of creativity and in-game adjustments.
  • "Philly, like a poorly coached team, is getting worse over time." (04:56)

• Vic Fangio gets credit for Eagles' defensive strength:

  • "Everything I liked about the Eagles was Vic Fangio." (05:24)

• On Brock Purdy:

  • Overcame adversity, poor throws, absence of star tight end George Kittle, and delivered a clutch final drive.

• On Jalen Hurts:

  • Often ineffective in the pocket; small stature leads to rollouts.
  • Echoed by Greg Cosell and Tom Brady on the broadcast.

• Notable Quote:

  • "That was a coaching mismatch. One coach was chatgpt and the other was crayons." (05:56)

• Big Picture:

  • Coaching and high-level quarterback play are paramount in playoff success.

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2. San Francisco’s Ingenuity and Overcoming Adversity

[06:34 – 08:30]

• Overcoming injuries:

  • "San Francisco's six highest paid players missed 60% of the snaps. How are they 13 and 5? Shanahan put on a clinic." (05:32, 06:16)

• On coaching value:

  • Debunks the idea that coaching is overrated.
  • "Exhibit A of why it's not. Coaching mismatch."

• Shanahan’s postgame comments (paraphrased by Colin):

  • Pride in team overcoming adversity with backup linebackers and no Kittle.

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3. Praise and Caution for Bears’ Caleb Williams

[08:30 – 14:41]

• On Caleb Williams' inconsistency and brilliance:

  • Compares to Steph Curry: "Rules for him. I feel like with Caleb. Look at this throw. It's just different rules." (09:28)

  • Accepts flaws: "Yeah, I'll be honest with you. Caleb misses too many layups. Man, that ball sails on him. Yeah, but it's what you do. What do you produce to mitigate or overcome your flaw?" (11:46)

• Unique personality and leadership:

  • Dismisses minor concerns—"the fingernails painting is a little emotional. Not the end of the world." (09:52)

  • "If you're from Chicago, the Bears finally have real leadership. Monday through Friday, it's Ben Johnson, and Sunday it's Caleb and Pope Leo." (12:41)

• Caleb’s emotional response postgame:

  • "He's been monumental in my life so far." (13:25, attributed to Caleb Williams)
  • Colin: "How do you not get emotional? I'm watching it on television. I'm emotional." (13:33)

• Highlight Reel Throw:

  • "That throw he made with five minutes left up the sideline, three packers around him. I've never seen anything like that. ...That throw looks like AI." (13:58)

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4. Reliability and Ascendancy of Josh Allen

[20:25 – 25:37]

• Allen’s playoff heroics:

  • "He is, in my lifetime, and I really believe this, the most impressive football player I've ever seen." (20:33)
  • "80% completion percentage on the road against a good defense to nine different receivers, and this is not a very good receiving room." (20:53)

• Allen’s toughness:

  • Played through concussion protocol, hand, and knee injuries.
  • "The guy got 10 yards on a tush push." (20:49)

• On never doubting Allen again:

  • "I'm not doubting him ever again." (21:25)

• Legacy parallel:

  • Compares to athletes who “must get a trophy” (Jordan, Elway, Messi).

• Playoff stats:

  • "Josh Allen's playoff career...all-time rank. Total yards first ever...Touchdown-to-interception ratio: 35 to 4. Best ever." (23:07)

• Notable Quote:

  • "Kids are going to...think it's mythology and folklore. And I'm here to tell you kids, if I'm still around, I saw him play." (21:59)

• Buffalo’s likeability:

  • "I find that Buffalo is impossible not to root for. It's like the Cubs..." (22:14)

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5. Packers, Coaching, and Fan Overreactions

[41:00 – 45:00]

• Matt LaFleur's Job Security:

  • Defends LaFleur despite playoff loss, citing unique constraints of the Packers’ organization.
  • "Green Bay fans can be a little delusional. You had Favre and Aaron Rodgers for 31 years. You got to three Super Bowls and won two." (41:12)

• LaFleur outcoached Ben Johnson in first half:

  • "First half is the coach's half...Green Bay led 21-3. The second half, as Caleb Williams and Josh Allen proved, is the baller half." (42:34–42:51)

• Context for Packers’ limitations:

  • Draft-and-develop is essential due to lack of free agent attractiveness.
  • "Fewest free agent signings, youngest roster..." (41:23–41:35)

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6. Rams’ Mysteries and McVay’s Magic

[45:00 – 48:19]

• On McVay and defensive coordinator myths:

  • "Everything McVay touches seems to work...we always believe McVay's assistants are brilliant, and then they leave and they're not so brilliant." (45:54)

• Matthew Stafford’s vulnerabilities:

  • "He's the only quarterback in the NFL that didn't even rush for a first down this year." (46:31)

• The Rams’ offensive limitations:

  • "If the play design doesn't work, the play's done." (46:33)

• Special teams an adventure:

  • "Special teams guy for the Rams, that's a total adventure." (47:13)

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7. College Football Quick Hits: Indiana, Mendoza, Dante Moore

[25:42 – 30:49]

• Fernando Mendoza’s rise at Indiana:

  • "Now gone five games this season with more TD passes than incompletions...He has the poise in the pocket, the ball placement, the accuracy—I see a young Tom Brady." (J. Mac, [29:09])_

• Indiana’s efficiency:

  • "It's the most efficient offense, it's the best tackling defense and flawless special teams. There's no hole here." (26:47)

• Dante Moore’s struggles:

  • "You watch that and you're like NFL? Really? I mean how many fumbles did he have?" (J. Mac, [29:54])_
  • Advises Moore to stay in school and develop further.

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8. NFL Wild Card & Playoff Previews, Miscellaneous Notes

[34:37 – 51:11]

• Steelers-Texans preview:

  • Predicts low-scoring, defensive battle, and resourceful play from Pittsburgh. Special teams and turnovers will likely decide the game.
  • "I think it's 17-13. Here's where Pittsburgh's very good in these games: When you think Pittsburgh...they always find a way to do something on defense." (34:57)

• On coaches and quarterbacks:

  • Reiterates theme: good coaching and QB play win playoffs.

• NFC playoff breakdown:

  • Predicts aggressive start by injury-thinned 49ers, sees close games and warns against expecting a blowout.

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Notable Quotes

• "That was a coaching mismatch. One coach was chatgpt and the other was crayons." – Colin Cowherd on Niners vs. Eagles coaching battle [05:56]

• "He is, in my lifetime, and I really believe this, the most impressive football player I've ever seen." – Colin Cowherd on Josh Allen [20:33]

• "Caleb misses too many layups. Man, that ball sails on him. Yeah, but it's what you do. What do you produce to mitigate or overcome your flaw?" – Colin Cowherd [11:46]

• "How do you not get emotional? I'm watching it on television. I'm emotional." – Colin Cowherd on Caleb Williams’ emotional moment [13:33]

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• 02:03 – 06:34: Eagles loss, coaching mismatch, and Niners creativity
• 08:30 – 14:41: Caleb Williams, Bears leadership, and emotional win
• 20:25 – 25:37: Josh Allen’s heroics and playoff legacy
• 25:42 – 30:49: Indiana, Mendoza’s rise, Dante Moore’s struggles
• 41:00 – 45:00: Packers, Matt LaFleur job talk
• 45:54 – 48:19: Rams’ questions, McVay’s coaching touch
• 34:37 – 36:01, 48:19 – 51:11: Playoff previews, closing thoughts

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Memorable Moments

• Colin weaving pop-culture analogies, comparing sports stars to legends in other fields (Steph Curry, Jimi Hendrix, AI).
• Defensive praise of polarizing figures: "If you're from Chicago, the Bears finally have real leadership. Monday through Friday, it's Ben Johnson, and Sunday it's Caleb and Pope Leo." [12:41]
• Openly calling Buffalo "impossible not to root for," rooting for Josh Allen to finally get his championship.

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Tone & Language

Colin keeps his signature blend of high energy, colorful metaphors, hyperbole, and forthright assessments. The show flows conversationally but is full of sharp takes, NFL folklore, and immediate reactions to the sports weekend.

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Perfect for listeners seeking:

• Weekend sports recaps
• Strong NFL and CFB opinions
• Deep-dive analysis with humor and candor
• Nuanced quarterback discussions
• Current coach and playoff debates

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Transcript

[Colin Cowherd]

This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human New Year Same extra value meals at McDonald's, so now get two snack wraps plus fries and a medium soft drink for just $8 for a limited time only. Prices and participation may vary. Prices may be higher in Hawaii, Alaska and California. And for delivery Pro Savings Days are on at Lowe's. Get up to 35% off. Select major appliances plus Milo's Pro Rewards members get an additional 5% off when you buy five or more. Select GE Whirlpool and elect Luxe Kitchen or laundry. Major appliances Lowe's we help you Save valid through 123 discount valid to my Lowe's Pro Rewards members only. Exclusions and other restrictions apply. Selection varies by location while supplies last. See associate or lowe's.com for details. Loyalty program subject to terms and conditions. Visit lowe's.com terms for details.

[Katie Couric]

Subject to change if you only listen to one thing to make sense of the news this year, make it this the final episode of this season of Next Question pulls together the most important conversations of the year. You'll hear David Graham on Project 2025, Liz Oyer on the plethora of presidential pardons, Tina Brown on the year's biggest scandals here at home and across the pond, plus much, much more. It's a crash course in the last 12 months, how we made it through the year, and a look at what might be coming in 2026. Listen to next Question with me, Katie Couric on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Colin Cowherd]

What's up?

[Cam Jordan]

It's Cam Jordan. I'm back with season three of your favorite podcast, the off the Edge with Cam Jordan Podcast. Tap in every Wednesday to hear conversations with my friends and stars from the NFL, the sports world in general, and entertainment about anything from teams and players making waves to pop culture. And I'll take you inside my journey through my 15th season in the NFL. Looking forward to you joining me this season. The season of More on the off the Edge with Cam Jordan Podcast. Catch new episodes every Wednesday on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Colin Cowherd]

Wasabi Hot Cloud Storage.

[Brad Palumbo]

Store more and do more with your data.

[Colin Cowherd]

Try them for [e-mail] thanks for listening to the Herd podcast. Be sure to catch us live every weekday on Fox Sports Radio and noon to 3 Eastern, 9am to noon Pacific. Find your local station for the [e-mail] or stream us live every day on the iHeartRadio app by searching Fox Sports Radio or FSR. Now let's get this party started. You're listening to Fox Sports Radio. Oh, man, do we have a Monday show. Baby, here we go. We're live. We're in Chicago. They win football playoff games in this city, baby, it's the Herd. Wherever you may be, however you may be listening, thanks for making us part of your day. The city is buzzing. Should be. I gotta be honest, I'm so glad Philly lost that their tushes got pushed out of the playoffs because the NFL playoffs are about the best coaches and the best quarterbacks and Philly has neither. They don't have either. Bottom line is, let's talk Niners. From the opening drive to the perfectly timed trick play to their ingen to their efficiency on third down, Kyle Shanahan is using coupons and buying a month full of groceries for 48 bucks. And I feel like Sirianni hit the lottery and he's broke. Two years later, San Francisco is totally resourceful. I mean, think about this. Nick Sirianni gets two picks, a 27 yard punt by the Niners, George Kittle gets hurt. You're at home. And this year in the second half, all year, Philadelphia averages nine points in the second half, including the playoffs, 26 in the league, 26th and second half yards. There's no creativity. And I think Philadelphia, like a poorly coached team, is getting worse over time. I mean, I. I'm. The one thing I'll say about Philly is that their run defense was great, but that's Vic Fangio. Everything I liked about the Eagles was Vic Fangio. Think about this. San Francisco's six highest paid players missed 60% of the snaps. How in the hell are they 13 and 5? How are they winning these games? And I've been critical of Brock Purdy, but you know what? Short memory. Couple of bad picks, one really bad. Did not matter. Great final drive, big throws. Didn't have George Kittle, second quarter on, didn't have. Didn't always have the greatest protection. There was pressure and let's be honest about Jalen Hurts. He's pretty consistently ineffective in the pocket. Greg Cosell's been telling us for years. Tom Brady on the broadcast said it. Why are you rolling out? He's rolling out because he can't see, because he's too small. And so again, that playoffs to me are about Shanahan and Robert Sala. I mean, Shanahan's a wizard. That opening drive, I was like, whoa, whoa, whoa, what was that? And that Trick play wasn't like a hook and lateral in the red zone. That's a big boy trick play. Reverses receiver, throwing deep for three and a half hours. You saw coaching. Whenever a coach makes like 15 million a year, people are like, whoa, coaching's overrated. Exhibit A of why it's not. That was a coaching mismatch. One coach was chatgpt and the other was crayons. That wasn't even close. So the Eagles are boring. They're not creative. They've got an unbelievable roster. But 40% of their drives yesterday were three and out. They Philadelphia led the NFL in percentage of three and outs. How? A.J. brown, Devontae Smith, Dallas Goddard, Saquon Barkley. Get out of here. Get that tush pushed out of here. And by the way, I don't want to hear about Sirianni. Boy, he's great in the locker room. He is great putting a fence around this team. He's barking at A.J. brown again on the sidelines. Come on, you got to grow up at some point. So I just. To me, the NFL playoffs are about quarterback play, efficiency, ingenuity, overcoming, resourcefulness.

[Brad Palumbo]

And.

[Colin Cowherd]

And that all came outside of Vic Fangio from one side. So. And I don't want to hear about what a great manager he is. I don't buy it. Part of managing. I mean, you say what you want about certain coaches in this league, but a lot of the top offensive coaches, Ben Johnson, Sean Payton, Andy Reid, their teams are great in the fourth quarter. That's what they are. All I know is the better quarterback played, the better coaching, the better coordinating, the more creativity. Was all on San Francisco. 44 year old Philip Rivers, five years out of retirement, face this same San Francisco defense. You saw it this year and 44 year old Philip Rivers had more points passing yards and was better on third down than Jalen Hurts. Nick Sirianni was against this Niner defense. How is that possible? It's possible because the best coaches change outcomes, not just field position. That was wizardry. Shanahan put on a clinic. Salah put on a clinic with half the roster. The minute Kittle went down, I'm like, oh. And they were playing so well and they did it late, they won. And here's Shanny after. Proud of the guys, how hard they battled. And I was just kind of saying in there, having two linebackers who weren't on our team a month ago and those guys playing that whole game and playing at a high level was so impressive to find a way to win that game. We thought it Would be a grimy game is how we say it. It was our defense allowed it to be that way. And then, you know, that last drive, you know, some of the plays Juice made on it I thought were so big. Brock had a couple mistakes, obviously, with his two picks and stuff, but to come back on that last drive, get us in the end zone, lead us all the way down there, get to like a third guy in his progression on the touchdown. Real proud of the guys. Yeah, I mean, I've defended Darnold's bad picks, Stafford's bad picks. I've got to be fair. What do you do after the pick? You go into a shell to body language, get bad Brock Purdy on the road, no kittle lot of pressure, and they weren't getting a lot of yards on the ground. Fangio did a great job, great run defense. And yeah, I know Jennings may have had the best throw of anybody on the field, but that is what coaching looks like. Okay, I want to talk about the Bears. So I'm not saying the Pope being from Chicago is why the Bears are winning, but there's a. There's a correlation causation thing we need to discuss because I don't. Seventh win after trailing in the fourth quarter, and when it comes to Caleb Williams, I've gotten to the point where I just. I. Not that I want to be like ice cream for breakfast parent, but it's hard scolding him. Well, you know, his completion percentage is a little low. Yeah, whatever. Well, you know, he does miss some layups. Yeah. But you see the ones in the end, it's got a Steph Curry vibe. I don't want anybody in the NBA shooting 34 footers except Steph Curry when he's on a heater. And then it's like, well, he's different. Rules for him. I feel like with Caleb. Look at this throw. It's just different rules. I mean, the guy had the lowest completion percentage of any playoff quarterback, yet the most passing yards. What do you want me to do? I'm going to bend some rules. You know, you hear about all the time these gifted kids, you know, and sometimes they can be really unique personalities. And it's like watching the gifted child where, okay, he puts his pants on backwards at 12, but he's taking advanced calculus at 13. What do you want me to do? He's different. Caleb's special. I heard all the scouts. Well, you know, he's moody a little bit. Well, he can be erratic. Yeah. Regularly. Well, the fingernails painting is a little emotional. Not the end of the world. All I know is I'm watching these fourth quarters and I'm like, it's Steph Curry. I don't want anybody else shooting it. I don't want anybody else with a 57 completion percentage over the course of a season. But I'm going to live with it. I mean, I don't know. I don't know what I'm supposed to do that second half. I mean, he made. He made Jordan Love, really talented guy look incredibly pedestrian. I said it last night in my podcast, is a little John Elway. There's a little Josh Allen, there's a lot of Caleb Williams. And here's the thing, all great quarterbacks, when people say, well, he's got Ben Johnson. Ben Johnson did not have his best performance. I thought Matt LaFleur out coached him, especially in the first half, which is the coach's half. Second half's the baller half. First half, the coaching half, the scripted half. I didn't think Ben Johnson had a very good game. By Ben Johnson standard. I got. I think I little desperate, little too cute, too often so. But every. So when people say, well, Ben Johnson's been special, I'm not denying that. Aikman at Jimmy Johnson. Foul. Ted Air, Coriel, Brady, Belichick, you know, Montana Walsh. Every. Everybody's got Marino, Shula Elway, Shannon. I don't want to hear about that because I didn't think Ben Johnson had one of his better games. But I will say this. Every quarterback also has flaws. Manning didn't have a huge army Mahomes and his mechanics. Tom Brady, not a great athlete. Yeah, I'll. I'll. I'll be honest with you. Caleb misses too many layups. Man, that ball sails on him. Yeah, but it's what you do. What do you produce to mitigate or overcome your flaw? I mean, Jimi Hendrix had to occasionally miss a note, right? It's not just about the floor. It's got to be about the ceiling. And I'm. I'm sitting there watching him in the fourth quarter. And you know what's great? If you're from Chicago, the Bears finally have real leadership. Monday through Friday, it's Ben Johnson, and Sunday it's Caleb and Pope Leo. Because I don't really know exactly how to explain it, that Caleb can really be out of sync. Miss his notes in the first half, and then be a combination of the greatest stuff I've ever seen in the fourth. Here's Caleb after. Look at this guy right here. First player, everything he's done for us as a coach, everything the other coaches have done for us, you know, and it started with him bringing in. Everybody get emotional, right? And for me personally, for me personally, he's been take it emotional. For me personally, he's been monumental in.

[Cam Jordan]

In my life so far.

[Colin Cowherd]

To his first playoff win as a Chicago. Oh, there's that Caleb guy. He's getting very emotional. How do you not get emotional? I'm watching it on television. I'm emotional. I just moved to Chicago. I'm emotional. How do you not get emotional? This stuff's, I mean, it's video game stuff. That throw he made with five minutes left up the sideline, three packers around him. I've never seen anything like that. I mean that, that is a top four or five throw of my life. Like this one. Look at this throw. It doesn't make any sense. Rolling right, throwing left, huh? How did ball get in there? Look at it from this view. That doesn't even make sense. Again, that's one of those videos of Steph Curry before the game when he's going into the tunnel and makes a 75 footer. You're like, oh, that's got to be AI. That throw looks like AI. I don't even know what to make of it. All right, we got. Everybody wants to get rid of Matt Lafleur. I think you're out of your mind. Colin right? Colin wrong. Top of next hour. J. Mac, don't worry. You did not, you did not have a great weekend.

[J. Mac]

Oh, it, it great. I had a, it was a bloodbath. Couldn't pick a game to save my life. Got screwed by coaches, kickers, you name it. I mean, listen, I thought, I still can't get over this packers loss, Colin. I mean, total domination. 21 touchdown, touchdown, touchdown to start the game and then just fold late. I don't want to fire the floor, but man, I got some packers buddies who are livid. They, they just, they can't be. They're beyond themselves right now. Well, how do you. Jordan Love was incredible in that game. Four touchdowns, 300 yards. The Matthew Golden Touchdown.

[Colin Cowherd]

13. Let me tell you, Matthew golden has been banged up all year. Matthew golden was worth a first round pick. That guy is a spectacular talent.

[J. Mac]

He's really good.

[Colin Cowherd]

He is really good. He's just been hurt on and off all year. But they, you know, the packers draft and develop very well. Matthew golden by next year is he's going to be a star. I mean, like Colston Loveland. It took him a couple of weeks and you're like, whoa, he is a top two tight end talent in the league that, that, that golden kid by next year. Watch out.

[J. Mac]

Yeah. Regarding tonight, Colin, fortunately one of us will get a win because you have the Steelers, I have the Texas. One of us will get off the Schneide. I have no, maybe it ends in a tie, if that's possible.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah. So we got great. Another with four for four until the Patriot sleeper last night, but it was a win for New England nonetheless. Be sure to catch live editions of the her at Noon Eastern, 9am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio, FS1 and the iHeartRadio app. Fox Sports Radio is taking over YouTube and you can be a part of it. Pay attention. Just go to YouTube and search Fox Sports Radio. Hit that subscribe button and smash that notification bell and catch all the videos from your favorite shows. Two pros and a cup of Joe, Dan Patrick, Colin Cowherd, Doug Gottlieb, Cavino and Rich the Odd Couple with Rob Parker and Kelvin Washington, the Jason Smith show with Mike Harmon and the Ben Maller Show.

[Podcast Narrator/Promoter]

Fox Sports rad video on YouTube.

[Colin Cowherd]

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[Katie Couric]

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[Colin Cowherd]

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[J. Mac]

And now the more you buy, the.

[Colin Cowherd]

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[Podcast Narrator/Promoter]

Like if we're on the air here and I literally have my contract here and I'm looking at, you know, as soon as I sign this, I'm going to get a seven figure check. I've told them I won't be working here in two weeks. From the underground clubs that shape global music to the pastors and creatives who built the cultural empire, the Atlanta Is podcast uncovers the stories behind one of the most influential cities in the world. The thing I love about Atlanta is that it's a city of hustlers.

[Colin Cowherd]

Man. Man.

[Podcast Narrator/Promoter]

Each episode explores a different chapter of Atlanta's rise. Featuring conversations with ludicrous Will Packer, Pastor Jamal Bryant, DJ drama and more, the full series is available to listen to now.

[Colin Cowherd]

I really just had never experienced anything.

[Brad Palumbo]

Like what was going on in the city as far as, like, you know, seeing so many young, black, affluent creatives in all walks of life.

[Colin Cowherd]

The church had dwindled almost to nothing. And God said, this is your assignment. And that's like, how you know, like, okay, are you from Atlanta for real? I ain't got to say too much. I'm Grady, baby. Shut up.

[Podcast Narrator/Promoter]

Listen to Atlanta is on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Brad Palumbo]

The social media trend that's landing some gen zers in jail. The progressive media darling whose public meltdown got her fired.

[Colin Cowherd]

I'm gonna take Francesca off the network entirely.

[Brad Palumbo]

The massive TikTok boycott against Target. That makes no actual sense.

[Colin Cowherd]

I will continue getting stuff from Target.

[J. Mac]

And I will continue to not pay for it.

[Brad Palumbo]

And the MAGA influencers whose trip to the White House ended in embarrassment.

[Colin Cowherd]

So refreshing to have the press secretary after the last few years who's both intelligent and articulate.

[Brad Palumbo]

You won't hear about these online stories in the mainstream media, but you can keep up with them and all the other entertaining and outrageous things happening online in media and in politics with the Brad vs. Everyone podcast, hosted by me, Brad Palumbo. Every day of the week, I bring you on a wild ride through the most delulu takes on the Internet of criticizing the extremes of both sides from an independent perspective. Join in on the insanity and listen to the Brad vs. Everyone podcast on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Katie Couric]

As we head into 2026, it's safe to say that 2025 was a year like no other. So much news, so much disruption, and, yes, so much division. That's why we're wrapping up this season of Next Question with a look back at everything that's happened. Things are coming at us with such a velocity, we thought it was important to take a moment, connect the dots and explore what it all means. We're summing up the first year of Trump's second term with David Graham on Project 2025 and how many of the goals have been implemented. Richard Haass on foreign policy and the changing world order. Jessica Valenti on reproductive rights and the terrifying consequences of abortion bans. Tina Brown on the year scandals here and across the pond. The President has upended everything from pardons to the press, so we're covering it all. Listen to Next Question with me, Katie Couric on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Colin Cowherd]

Just amazing weekend. You may have noticed the NFL playoffs were just fine without the Kansas City Chiefs. And one of the many reasons, a big reason, is Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills. He is, in my lifetime, and I really believe this, the most impressive football player I've ever seen. Doesn't mean he's going to be the most decorated or the most beloved. He's the most impressive football player. The size, the arm, the caginess. The guy got 10 yards on a tush push. I mean, just 80% completion percentage on the road against a good defense to nine different receivers, and this is not a very good receiving room. Oh, yeah, he also was in concussion protocol, hurt his hand and tweaked his knee. It doesn't matter. I swear, I think he's better trailing because then he can be like, you know what? I'm just going to. I'm going to take the game over. I mean, do you know how good you have to be to be this good against pro athletes? I mean, this is what you do if you're a Division 1 athlete and you're in high school or you're a Sunday player at a small college. That's what he looks like. The guy's all banged up. Head gets hurt, hand gets hurt, knee gets tweaked. Doesn't matter. 12 for 12 to his primary target. And that's a weak receiving room. So I said, all week, I asked the question. I said, all week, how is Jacksonville the underdog? And then I watched the second half and I'm like, oh, yeah, yeah, Josh Allen. My bad. I. I'm not doubting him ever again. Because, you know what's going to happen is 50 years from now, they're kids are going to be listening to Grandpa, and Grandpa is going to go, hey, this guy named. Yeah, it was like Paul Bunyan. And the kids will think it's mythology and folklore. And I'm here to tell you kids, if I'm still around, I saw him play. I find. I find that Buffalo is impossible not to root for. It's like the Cubs when they were. You know, they finally get to the Series. Like, everybody in the country wanted the Cubs to win, but the Cubs were kind of pathetic for decades. Buffalo has been good for long stretches. I always say this. My wife used to go to Buffalo a lot for her business. She's like, nicest people in the world. The players get their snow blowers after blizzards and clear them for the players. So. And there's just certain people, and this is Josh. It's like LeBron or Michael Jordan or Magic or like Messi in the World Cup. They're too great not to get a trophy. I felt like that when I was younger with John Elway. He's got to win some of these Super Bowls. He's too good not to win it. And I'm looking at Josh Allen's playoff career. Looked it up this morning. All time rank. Total yards first ever. Again, this is not with loaded receiving course. Total touchdown interception ratio 35 to 4. Yeah. Best ever. So they face Denver. There'll be the road team. It's at 7,000ft. Sean Payton's got extra time. And my guess is Buffalo wins. I'm done doubting them. So, I mean, you just, you get to a point if you have a little gray in your hair or your beard or your mustache or wherever, and you've watched all these great players like Lawrence Taylor, but Lawrence Taylor didn't have the ball 60 times in his hand. Reggie White, you know, Brady, you watch all these players. I'm just talking, watching a professional athlete. And I can remember when Jordan was in the league, and I remember thinking, he's not the best shooter, he's not the best ball handler, he's not the strongest guy. I mean, Dominique Wilkins had a better vertical jump. How is he so much better than the second best player? And that's, that's what I. When I watch Josh Allen, I'm like, this is. And it's a great example in life, keep your head down and work. Couldn't get college offers, couldn't get college dad sending out tapes. And what you're watching is, it's, it's the ultimate cliche that is one on one, what he does most consecutive seasons winning a playoff game. The Bills are now at 6. And with due respect to Brandon Bean and Sean McDermott and Dion Dawkins and all the good Bills, there one reason there on that list on TV that you're looking at, here's Josh after the win. To have the wherewithal to again not blink. And I think that's just the mantra that we have adopted this year of if we've got time left and we got the ball, we got a shot. And you saw that there today. Yeah, that. It's when you're on the field with Trevor Lawrence, who was the number one high school quarterback, college quarterback, number one pick, and you're on the field and you forget Trevor's playing, it's like, that is. That is what a weekend. I mean, we saw everything. Great coaching, shaky coaching, tenuous quarterback play. Caleb in the fourth, and Josh Allen, concussion protocol, tweak, knee, hurt hand. Whatevs they move on to Denver. I'm done doubting him. J. Mack with the news.

[Podcast Narrator/Promoter]

No, no, no. Turn on the news.

[Colin Cowherd]

This is the Herd line news.

[J. Mac]

All right, let's go to college football. We haven't talked about the Indiana, just destruction of Oregon.

[Colin Cowherd]

What?

[J. Mac]

And mauling. That was. Holy cow. And you want to talk about somebody who you don't want to doubt. Fernando Mendoza. I don't hear anybody doubting after the five tutties he put on Oregon. And it wasn't just five touchdown passes. I mean, these are darts. The guy was incredible. Colin, everything right on target. He has now gone five games this season with more TD passes than incompletions. Yet he's ever the superstar that afterward he wanted to share the credit among everybody else. It ain't just about him.

[Brad Palumbo]

I would say I've came a long way from, you know, being here in January, being game one, game one. I threw zero touchdown passes. I was trying to be Superman. And then the coaching staff settled me down like, hey, you don't got to be Superman. We have a great defense and a great superstars, you know, playmakers and offense, line on offense. So just do your job. So my job is to be effective with making, you know, really accurate balls and really great decisions. And that's what I pride myself on every single play. And so I'm glad those results have came. However, none of that matters. All that matters right now is national championship.

[Colin Cowherd]

It's the most efficient offense, it's the best tackling defense and flawless special teams. There's no hole here. Like I had said, I thought Indiana would win because Oregon's good, but they make mistakes. I do think Miami and their physical style up front will make this a really competitive game. I'll take Indiana, but I think Miami matches up pretty well with everybody when you can be as. As. By the way, Miami's got so many athletes on the perimeter, they're so physically capable. And the other thing to remember is Carson Beck has been how many national champions be his third national championship game? You could see Indiana Mendoza being a little hyper. You know, the first couple series, you're playing for all the marbles. Carson Beck's been in that game multiple times. So I think it's a really good game. And I think the physicality of Miami keeps it close, but it's hard to root. It's hard to see a team that doesn't make mistakes losing. They're so efficient.

[J. Mac]

Interestingly, there's some comparisons out there. Mendoza to Joe Burrow during his title Run with lsu. Unbelievably, the numbers are kind of similar. Both offenses are doing some just ridiculous things. Are you surprised that the spread for Indiana Miami is seven seven and a half?

[Colin Cowherd]

Colin?

[J. Mac]

No, seems like a big number.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, but I mean again, look what they're doing. Beat Ohio State, hammered Alabama, embarrasses Oregon. This is. Here's what I don't get. You watch Dante Moore and Fernando Mendoza at the field at the same time. It's not close.

[J. Mac]

We'll talk about Mendoza more in a second.

[Colin Cowherd]

But I mean it's like settle down folks. Mendoza is. I'm not saying he's Andrew Lucker Elway, he is a high end. This idea that he can't run. C.J. stroud's not a big runner. Doesn't matter if you sit in the pocket, throw darts, big arm, grateful. I mean these are big time throws in huge games. They don't have a five star guy on their team, so. And by the way, Indiana was good last year. Why are they so unbelievable this year? Because they've got the icing on the cake. The cake is Signetti. They're o line, they tackle well. Good special teams. This kid, you ever notice in the end zone throws, nobody can catch him but Indiana guys, nobody. Everything's just a little. He makes sure one guy can catch all those end zone throws.

[J. Mac]

Colin, I know people are looking for an NFL comp for Mendoza and I'll just say this. The poise in the pocket, the ball placement, the accuracy. I see a young Tom Brady in his pinpoint accuracy. Colin, I'm not saying he's going to win a million Super Bowls and be the best quarterback ever. But in terms of like just structure in the pocket and delivering the football, he's doing it as well as anybody I've seen in forever. I mean this guy really is incredible. Now when it comes to Dante Moore, I'm sure you saw the news this morning. Dylan Raiola, the Patrick Mahomes look alike. Who was at Nebraska. He is committed to Oregon. He is now waiting to find out what Dante Moore does. But it's interesting that he doesn't care what Dante Moore does, NFL or stays. Dylan Raiola wants to compete for the job next year. And I'll say this, Dante Moore, Colin, that was a forgettable. You watch that and you're like NFL? Really? I mean how many fumbles did he have? The interception on the first play of the game. He does not look NFL ready to be. I'm assuming you agree.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, I think he should go and sit but he'll go to a crappy team and be forced to play at 20 years old like the jets, and it'll ruin his career. So I, I think Indiana makes everybody look bad. Ty Simpson's not terrible. Guess who made him look terrible? Indiana. Georgia. Georgia made a lot of players look bad when they were in Kirby Smarts, you know, four years ago. They didn't necessarily weren't bad players. So I wouldn't, I wouldn't put too much of Dante Moore's career into that start.

[J. Mac]

He wasn't great against Texas Tech the game before.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, Texas Tech, again, is a great defense.

[J. Mac]

So you would tell him.

[Colin Cowherd]

I would say stay in school. I think Dante Moore needs another 15 starts with good players.

[J. Mac]

Agreed.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah.

[J. Mac]

All right, let's go to the NFL. Last night, my Chargers big egg offensively did not show up. Couldn't do a damn thing. Patriots, they were not great either. It was a bit of a defensive struggle. Patriots did have a few big plays. Drake May. I don't know how even how you characterize his performance. He had a couple good throws, but took way too many sacks.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah.

[J. Mac]

You know, after the game, make credit the defense as the driving force for the win.

[Colin Cowherd]

Proud of this team. You know, we never feel like, you know, we never doubted it. We never doubted it.

[Brad Palumbo]

You know, it didn't look, you know.

[Colin Cowherd]

It wasn't pretty, that's for sure. But this defense was so fun to watch. You know, Congrats to them, man. It was so fun to watch. They. They won the game for us. I didn't throw very well tonight. You know, need to be better, but, you know, we, we did what we had to do, and that's what it takes in the playoffs and just proud of this team. That was fun, man. That was fun to.

[Brad Palumbo]

To get one at home and look.

[Colin Cowherd]

Forward to be back here next week. Yeah. I mean, listen. Peyton Manning's first three playoff games, he completed 47% of his throws because he didn't have great stuff around him and he was young. And Justin Herbert's completing 54% in his first three playoff games. He's struggling. But we. I said this Friday because all week this was your pick. And I kept saying, you cannot go on the road with the 32nd best offensive line and win. It has to be like 1310. You block a punt, you hit a bunch of field goals. You can't. I mean, they're on a third back. Backups to backups on the offensive line. Herbert hasn't played well and he has to own it. But I, you Know, I go back to Peyton Manning's early playoff career. He was dreadful. And then Peyton ends up being, you know, in the end as good as anything we've seen. So, you know, New England's the better team, the healthier team. They're at home. Drake May was fine for his first playoff appearance. I mean, I thought he was fine. They also have Will Campbell, a real left tackle who is, you know, it matters. When you have a starting high end left tackle and you have a backup, it matters.

[J. Mac]

But of the three first time playoff quarterbacks this weekend, Bryce Young, Caleb Williams and Drake May, I think Drake may look like the third best quarterback. I mean, he played the third best quarterback this weekend. I don't care about the mvp. Just a quick word on Herbert. So as you noted, Peyton Manning, 03.

[Colin Cowherd]

So Stafford's first three was 0 for 3 in Detroit. Yeah.

[J. Mac]

But Peyton Manning's third one I remember well because they played my jets and The jets won 41 nothing. Okay, 41 nothing. Now the Colts in Manning's first year were 13 and three and hosted a playoff game and he wasn't good and they lost. So it's Justin Herbert stuff. People are going overboard, Colin. They seem to think that like, oh, he's not good. Well, I don't know. There's a spotlight right now in the OC. Greg Roman, last two playoff games, 22 possessions, one touchdown. Yeah, now listen, 49ers defense, you've talked about it, they're playing practice squad guys. They figured out a way, they schemed it up. How do you not, given the basically the week off last week, have anything prepared to protect Herbert? That's kind of unacceptable to me. They looked ill prepared offensively.

[Colin Cowherd]

What? Yeah, there was just no juice. I mean now Herbert was in, they got, they had a possession in the red zone. I mean he had an opportunity, but when that ball was dropped by Keenan Allen, kind of the underneath, I was like, oh, okay, there's your ball game.

[J. Mac]

And by the way, Hampton running back, who's really good, one carry leaves injured. I mean, I don't know, are the Chargers ever going to get healthy ever? Just extremely frustrating. Final story Con Tonight, Texans Steelers. What hopefully will cap off one of the better wild card weekends we've seen in a while. Houston's defense has been unbelievable. Mike Tomlin looking to snap his six straight playoff loss streak ahead of the game. When asked about his playoff drought, Tomlin said, despite being AFC north champs, the Steelers, they got a lot of stuff ahead of them and they seem to think that they're ready to go on a roll here. I don't necessarily agree, but who am I to to call a game after this?

[Colin Cowherd]

I said all year. I mean the playoffs are crazy. All year I doubted the Jaguars. Then the last two weeks I'm like, yeah, Jacksonville's good. Then at home they lose all year. I love the Texans, but I'm watching Gainwell and Warren and Friarmouth and here comes DK and I can't unsee that great second half against the Ravens by Aaron Rodgers. Tomlin as a dog is excellent. Tomlin as a home dog is even better. Tomlin is a Monday home dog. I think you're going to see a pretty low scoring. I mean I think it's 17, 13. Here's where Pittsburgh's very good in these games. When you think Pittsburgh, you're trying to figure out how they're going to score. They always find a way to do something on defense. T.J. watt gets a pick fall into his hands. Pittsburgh is very resourceful in games where they don't move the ball consistently, they find a way to grab points. I think it's going to be low. I think it's a quick game. It's going to be a lot of running underneath stuff, a lot of it played in between the 30s. Kicking could be a big deal and there'll be a turnover at some point in this game because these defenses live on that stuff. So I think it's really close and given three points, I would take the points. I wish it was three and a half, not three, but I think I'll take the points.

[J. Mac]

We'll go head to head and if I if I lose, I've officially lost my shirt. I'll have to do the show shirtless tomorrow because I don't have anything to wear.

[Colin Cowherd]

J. Mac with the news. Well, that's the news and thanks for stopping by the Herd lie news. Okay, people want Matt LeFleur fired. I'll tell you why. It's crazy. And what are we to make of the Rams? I what, what are the Rams who now fly home, will be back playing Chicago on Sunday night as a 4 1/2 point favorite. I gotta, I may just talk myself into the Bears here. What are The Rams? Matt LaFleur next. The hurt. Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific.

[Podcast Narrator/Promoter]

Like if we're on the air here and I literally have my contract here and I'm looking at, you know, as soon as I sign this, I'm gonna get a seven figure check. I've told them I won't be working here in two weeks. From the underground clubs that shaped global music to the pastors and creatives who built the cultural empire Fire, the Atlanta Is podcast uncovers the stories behind one of the most influential cities in the world. The thing I love about Atlanta is that it's a city of hustlers, man. Each episode explores a different chapter of Atlanta's rise, featuring conversations with ludicrous Will Packer, pastor Jamal Bryant, DJ drama, and more. The full series is available to listen to now.

[Colin Cowherd]

I really just had never experienced anything.

[Brad Palumbo]

Like what was going on in the.

[Colin Cowherd]

City as far as far as, like.

[Brad Palumbo]

You know, seeing so many young, black, affluent creatives in all walks of life.

[Colin Cowherd]

The church had dwindled almost to nothing. And God said, this is your assignment.

[Cam Jordan]

And that's like, how, you know, like, okay.

[Colin Cowherd]

Oh, you from Atlanta for real? I ain't gotta say too much. I'm Grady, baby. Shut up.

[Podcast Narrator/Promoter]

Listen to Atlanta is on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Brad Palumbo]

The social media trend that's landing some gen zers in jail. The progressive media darling whose public meltdown got her fired.

[Colin Cowherd]

I'm gonna take Francesca off the network entirely.

[Brad Palumbo]

The massive TikTok boycott against Target. That makes no actual sense.

[Colin Cowherd]

I will continue getting stuff from Target.

[J. Mac]

And I will continue to not pay for it.

[Brad Palumbo]

And the MAGA influencers whose trip to the White House ended in embarrassment.

[Colin Cowherd]

So refreshing to have the press secretary after the last few years who's both intelligent and articulate.

[Brad Palumbo]

You won't hear about these online stories in the mainstream media media, but you can keep up with them and all the other entertaining and outrageous things happening online in media and in politics with the Brad vs. Everyone podcast, hosted by me, Brad Palumbo. Every day of the week, I bring you on a wild ride through the most dulu takes on the Internet, criticizing the extremes of both sides from an independent perspective. Join in on the insanity and listen to the Brad vs. Everyone podcast on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Katie Couric]

As we head into 2026, it's safe to say that 2025 was a year like no other. So much news, so much disruption, and, yes, so much division. That's why we're wrapping up this season of Next Question with a look back at everything that's happened. Things are coming at us with such a velocity, we thought it was important to take a moment, connect the dots, and explore what it all means. We're summing up the first year of Trump's second term with David Graham on Project 20 and how many of the goals have been implemented. Richard Haass on foreign policy and the changing world order. Jessica Valenti on reproductive rights and the terrifying consequences of abortion bans. Tina Brown on the year scandals here and across the pond. The President has upended everything from pardons to the press, so we're covering it all. Listen to next question with me, Katie Couric on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. On June 11, 1998, a deputy from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department went missing.

[Colin Cowherd]

It's an all out manhunt for John Awjay. Every search and rescue team in LA county has been called in to help. Within days, tips started flooding into the sheriff's department.

[Katie Couric]

The ruler around the drug scene was that a deputy was taken care of. Is this the story of a man.

[Colin Cowherd]

Who just got lost in the desert?

[Katie Couric]

Or of a cover up inside the nation's largest sheriff's department?

[Colin Cowherd]

A homicide captain saying detective, do not find out if this guy's guilty or innocent. Who does that? Valley of Shadows, a new series from Pushkin Industries about crime and corruption in California's high desert. Do you have any advice for us while looking into this disappearance? I wouldn't do it alone. Listen to Valley of shadows on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[J. Mac]

Fox College Hoops Friday features a prime time Big 12 battle as Baylor let's take down Bill Self's 22nd ranked Kansas Jayhawks. It all tips off Friday night at each Eastern on Fox.

[Colin Cowherd]

So you know I When the packers lost, it was predictable that everybody in Green Bay wants him fired. Adam Schefter reporting. The packers are working on a deal to retain Matt Leflore and they should. Green Bay fans can be a little delusional. You had Favre and Aaron Rodgers for 31 years. You got to three Super Bowls and one two. Why? Because free agents mostly don't want to play in Green Bay. Small town, not a lot to do. So you got to live through the draft. Third straight year, youngest team in the league was Green Bay. That happens a lot. Third straight year, fewest free agent signings. So they're missing a leg on the bar stool in Green Bay. Couple years ago, McVay and Les Snead talked the owner Stan Kroenke into paying for Jared Goff and Matt Stafford at the same time at quarterback. Good luck doing that in Green Bay. There is no owner so they're, they're kind of, they've got some obstacles and Packer fans are like, well, why can Philadelphia do. Because it's Philadelphia and they have huge game day revenue and they have a highly aggressive owner. They don't have to get things approved. And so if and Rodgers each win one Super bowl in 31 years, it's hard. Don't be Cleveland and fire a really smart offensive guy and the following week he's the first or second best candidate for six jobs. The other thing to remember is Matt LaFleur out coached Ben Johnson this weekend. Yes, he did. The first half is the coach's half. That is play design, play calling, game plan, scheming. Green Bay led 21 3. The second half, as Caleb Williams and Josh Allen proved, is the baller half. That was Elway's half. Josh Allen's better in the second half. You're not on script now. Everybody's seen everything. So if you want to blame somebody for Chicago's 25, you know, points late in the game, that's Jeff Halfley. But even, even Jeff Halfley, what are you going to do? So all three games the packers played the Bears, Green Bay led. Well, the coaches take leads, by the way, Philadelphia, San Francisco, who was the coach that had a great first drive? Kyle Shanahan, not Nick Sirianni. So you're leading games and once Micah Parsons went down, remember they trade Kenny Clark, a good defensive tackle in that Micah deal and then Micah gets hurt. So you're missing a B plus defensive tackle and an A edge. Well, your defense, which by the way, if you ever watch games, defenses are always usually better early because they have more energy and then they're chasing, you know, the 300 pound guys, the 280 pound guys are chasing people for three and a half, four hours. They're not as good late. That's why you need a Micah Parsons and you also need a Kenny Clark and you don't have either now. One due to a trade, one due to an injury. So all I know is when Ben Johnson got hired, the first thing he did is buy an offensive line. I just think that kind of stuff is harder in Green Bay without an owner. I. You say whatever you want. The first half, I thought Matt LaFleur and the packers played a flawless first half. Isn't that the coach's half? Was it a tough loss? Yes. Playoffs. Jacksonville looked better than Buffalo all year. We're at home. They lost too. We all like Liam Cohen. I mean, you got Sean McVay almost lost to The Panthers twice. And so I know here, here was Matt LeFleur. After the loss, we just got to.

[J. Mac]

Do a better job of keeping our composure as a football team and going out there and doing the fundamental things that we practice all the time. There's a lot of pieces. All you're trying to do in. In the moment is when mistakes are made, you're correcting them. There's not. There's not long discussions on the sideline. It's just you. You correct mistakes and you try to keep it moving. And I felt like just our team got a little bit disheveled in the second half.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, it happens. You're on the road. It's loud. Caleb's doing Caleb. It happens. And so the Rams. Rams are hard to wrap your brain around. So, I mean, Carolina scored 30 plus points twice this year, both times against the Rams. And I keep hearing Chris Shula. Oh, I always Hear this about McVeigh's defensive coordinators. Brandon Staley, Raheem Morris. This guy is something else. I don't know. Carolina was 4 for 4 in the red zone. Good on third down. I mean, Robert Sala is making a souffle with a pack of gum and some peanut brittle. The Rams are healthy. They have a great front seven. Jared versus Plateaued. Carolina was great on third down and perfect in the red zone. Don Shuler was great. I don't know if Chris Shula is great.

[Podcast Narrator/Promoter]

I don't know.

[Colin Cowherd]

It's the McVeigh magic. I'll say this. Everything McVeigh touches seems to work. I'll give you an example. Matt Stafford, first of all, he's gotten into one of his streaks where he's a little reckless. Seven picks in seven games. The other thing is, he's the only quarterback in the NFL that didn't even rush for a first down this year. So you're kind of limited with the Rams. If the play design doesn't work, the play's done. If the play design doesn't work for Buffalo or Chicago, you get a second play. So, you know, I think. I think McVeigh's magic. We always believe McVeigh's assistants are brilliant, and then they leave and they're not so brilliant. I mean, I defend Zach Taylor in Cincinnati. Most people don't. Another thing is the special teams guy for the Rams, that's a total adventure. So, you know the Carolina Panthers, you were. You were watching. I was watching. They. They almost beat the Rams twice. And they. And they took that defense up and down the field in key moments. So I don't know. I don't know what to make. I think the Rams got a huge break that the left tackle for the Bears is hurt. And TJ Edwards, an excellent defensive player, probably their second best defensive player. He's hurt and he's out of the playoffs. That's a big break. But the last four or five weeks, you're watching. I'm watching. Something's off with the Rams now. Now, that said Stafford, big moments like, it's hard not to trust he's not going to run around, look one way, throw the other. Puka Naku is basically. You can't defend him. From what I can tell in the NFL, you can't cover Puka, Nakua, devonte, Adams got the, you know what knocked out of him, stood up, kept playing. They run the ball. Their tight ends are great. So they pulled it out, the McVeigh magic. But I don't know how good they are. Bears four and a half at home. I don't know. I'm watch Carolina work this great defense, which is healthy. I mean, San Francisco is doing it with smoke and mirrors. This defense is healthy. Jared versus plateaued. I don't know what to make of the front because I think it's full of good players. Here's McVay after. I could feel Matthew and I were on the same page and he did such a great job. I did feel really good that you knew you had four downs. Never even got to that point where we needed to even really get it to a third down. But he was. He was outstanding. I thought our guys made the plays that they needed to and they made their plays.

[J. Mac]

That's what great players do.

[Colin Cowherd]

That's what you love about this league. But ultimately the players did a nice job. All right, let's look at the NFC playoff picture. Let's look at all of them here. So San Francisco, Seattle. I will tell you this. San Francisco is going to come out aggressive in the first half because they know they don't have the overall roster. Seattle is a favorite off rest. What do young teams, we saw it in college. What do young teams do off a buy? They don't play well in the first half. They don't watch. San Francisco, Seattle, very competitive. I would take Seattle to eventually wear them down. But Shanahan. No, he doesn't have the roster. He knows he doesn't have the roster. Shanahan's going to be hyper aggressive against this Seahawk team. And Seattle probably goes in knowing they have the better roster. A little cautious. I think the game at least at halftime is really close. And then you cross your fingers on what, what quarterbacks make plays. The Bears had two really tough injuries to deal with. They're at home. Rams go home. Back out to cold weather. Let's see. Let's see. I don't know what to do with the Rams here. They should be favored. They are. I think those injuries really, really hurt the Bears. It was also such a gigantic win. Is there a little bit of a letdown? We'll see in the afc? I. I am done doubting Josh Allen. I think Denver's got the better team. I think Denver's got the better coach. I'm not touching it. I just. I'm done doubting Josh Allen. New England takes on J. Mac thinks the Texans. He's probably right. I like Pittsburgh to cover. I'll tell you, though, if you're New England, you're rooting for the Steelers to win. Drake May against that pass rush and that defense of Houston. That is a handful. That is not that. That could be. I mean, listen, Drake May struggled last night at a layer of talent and length and pass rushing with Houston's defense.

[J. Mac]

Wow, It's Colin. That nfc. So three teams from the NFC west are left. Okay, that. That's a little crazy. Second, if Seattle and Chicago are playing for a trip to the super bowl, will that be the most insufferable you are since I've joined the show because you basically called those teams your teams of destiny in the off season. I mean, you had both of them and Denver as well.

[Colin Cowherd]

I don't.

[J. Mac]

I don't know how you nailed all these guys, but I'm just.

[Colin Cowherd]

I'm absolutely New England. If. If New England and Seattle get in, it will be my greatest moment in doing what?

[J. Mac]

30 years of TV, radio. I mean, come on.

[Colin Cowherd]

I think San Francisco, Seattle. Keep your eye on a hyper, aggressive 49er team and a heavily favored and cautious home Seattle team. Don't buy into blowout talk. Colin. Right calling wrong. Next.

[Katie Couric]

If you only listen to one thing to make sense of the news this year, make it this. The final episode of this season of Next Question pulls together the most important conversations of the year. You'll hear David Graham on Project 2025, Liz Oyer on the plethora of presidential pardons, Tina Brown on the year's biggest scandals here at home and across the pond, plus much, much more. It's a crash course in the last 12 months, how we made it through the year, and a look at what might be coming in 2026. Listen to next question with me, Katie Couric on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Colin Cowherd]

What's up?

[Cam Jordan]

It's Cam Jordan. I'm back with season three of your favorite podcast, the off the Edge with Cam Jordan Podcast. Tap in every Wednesday to hear conversations with my friends and stars from the NFL, the sports world in general, and entertainment about anything from teams and players making waves to pop culture. And I'll take you inside my journey through my 15th season in the NFL. Looking forward to you joining me this season. The season of More on the off the Edge with Cam Jordan podcast. Catch new episodes every Wednesday on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Colin Cowherd]

Wasabi Hot Cloud Storage. Store more and do more with your data.

[J. Mac]

Try them for [e-mail] I'm Maria Hinojosa, host of Latino USA. Venezuelans around the world are celebrating the takedown of former President Maduro. But inside the country, there is fear and silence. And in the United States, people are concerned about Donald Trump's rogue tactics. Listen to Latino usa, the fall of.

[Colin Cowherd]

Maduro and the rise of an unconstrained Trump. That's on your iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts.

[J. Mac]

Or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Katie Couric]

On June 11, 1998, a deputy from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department went missing.

[Colin Cowherd]

Hey, if they'll kill a copping barium, what are they gonna do to me? What really happened to the missing deputy? Valley of Shadows, a new series from Pushkin Industries about crime and corruption in California's high desert.

[Katie Couric]

Listen to Valley of shadows on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. This is an iHeart podcast, Guaranteed Human.