Co-host/Producer (Sports Commentary) (2:38)

You're listening to Fox Sports Radio.

Colin Cowherd (2:43)

All right, here we go. It's hour two live in Chicago. Lago Jmack back from Vacay. It's the herd. Nick Wright's around the corner. The listen, I don't know. Last year the Dodgers won the World Series. Last couple years, March Madness has been very chalky. Last year in the NBA playoffs, Oklahoma City was the dominant regular season team and won. I don't know exactly what's happening. I do. What? Know what's happening in college sports where your powers, your traditional Ohio states can just, you know, Michigan's and your top teams, they're just buying the better players. They got more money, more revenue. So college sports is getting chalkier. Fewer upsets, March Madness. But with the new cba, I think basketball is getting chalkier because who's got the best front office? Oklahoma City, Boston. So here are my five NBA playoff predictions. Not throwing you a lot of off speed stuff. There's no knuckler in the rotation. Number one is the Lakers lose in the first round. First of all, Luca had owned the Rockets this year. He was a bad matchup for them. He won't play. If he does, it's late in the series and he won't be in great shape. You know, two teams headed in opposite directions. Lakers are all banged up. They'll be overly reliant on LeBron who I'm sure will have one or two great games. But the Rockets were hard to figure out this year, have won nine of their last 10 games. So I don't think it's a terribly competitive series. I'd like to see the Lakers win one of the first two games, push it to a, a, a five fifth game. Can Luca come back and give you something because he was so good against the Rockets this year? Lakers lose round one. Number two is Wemby's going to play a lot of minutes. So I mean, it's the first player ever in NBA history to play less than 30 minutes a game and average 25 and 10. I think they've been resting him because of the playoffs. I think they're going to start playing him 34, 35 minutes, which doesn't sound like much. It's a lot for Wemby. He comes into the playoffs well rested. They're 28 and 2 over his last 30 games. I have them in the finals by the Way as well. My third prediction, Knicks lose in the second round to Boston. They beat Boston this year, I think three out of four games. But Brown and Tatum both didn't play in the games. I think they don't have a bench. All right, so that means Jalen Brunson, we're going to need more from you. Carl Anthony Towns also had a down year. Mikhail Bridges kind of had a down year. That's more of a load on Jalen Brunson. The other thing is they don't defend threes. And the Celtics are great defensively and they shoot a lot of threes and hit a lot. I don't think it's a great matchup. Number four prediction, Spurs Nuggets, by far and away the best series. The best defensive player in Wemby. The best offensive player if you. If you count the entire package in Jokic. Two hottest teams entering the playoffs. I think it's just going to be a fantastic. Eventually a fantastic meeting. And the fifth prediction is, and this is an easy one, I don't think the Pistons have the firepower to beat Boston and I don't think the Knicks have the bench or the defense to beat Boston. So I think the Celtics are going to get into the Finals good enough, I think, to make it competitive against okc, but can't beat him. Could potentially beat a very young spurs team if I had to pick. What I want to watch, it's the Celtics and the Denver Nuggets in the Finals. I would love to watch that. That would be a go either way series. And with that Nick Wright, I imagine, you know, Nick wants me to go out there. You know, he wants me to get. You want me to have KD in the Finals, right?

Nick Wright (6:22)

No, I just. I mean, I. We might have broken new ground here in sports television history. I don't know that we've ever had a list of five predictions like this where the first one is a -800 Vegas probability and it might not be your safest pick of them all. You mean WIMBY is going to average at least one more minute per game in the playoffs? No.

Colin Cowherd (6:54)

Yeah.

Nick Wright (6:55)

The Knicks are going to lose in round two to a Boston team that you have making the Finals. Of course they're going to lose around two. They play your Finals team in round. Colin, listen. Now, in your defense, I agree with all of these. I think these are five good predictions. I'm just surprised you didn't have OKC makes it out of round one in there as well. The Hornets won't win the title My God.

Colin Cowherd (7:20)

I didn't call them bold predictions. It just says Collins, NBA predictions. I do think it's going to be. I thought the Rockets Lakers was going to be a fascinating series. And I like the Lakers because as well as Houston's playing, they don't have a true point guard. They can struggle to get into their offense. People have been talking about, like, I think LeBron's legacy is set, and I mostly think KD's is. I think KD is such a fascinating player. What if. I mean, what are we going to say with kd? I don't think they're going to lose the series, but I think they're. I don't think they have the firepower or the backcourt strength to win a second series. Where are we on KD's legacy?

Nick Wright (7:58)

Well, well, listen, if they lose this series, they being Houston, it's a catastrophe.

Colin Cowherd (8:04)

Yes.

Nick Wright (8:05)

I mean, listen, I know people can say I'm biased, I think, and I think he's shown it over the last couple of weeks since he had to assume this alpha role again. Yeah, I think LeBron is the best player in the series. The problem is the next five best players are on the Rockets. And so this would be a catastrophic loss for the Rockets for Ime Udoka and for Durant. And I do, I really like Durant. I think he is, you know, I don't have to do the list right now, but about the 16th greatest player of all time. He is one of the greatest natural scorers, one of the two or three in the history of the league. But this is. He was brought there to be the final piece. Now Van Vliet gets hurt and then Steven Adams has surgery, so that lowered their ceiling. But they were the 2 seed last year. And granted, they did lose in round one, so winning the first round would be a step further. But I feel like most people were expecting them to lose in round one until the Lakers got decimated by injury.

Colin Cowherd (9:11)

He.

Nick Wright (9:12)

He really needs this Houston stop to work because Brooklyn ended so poorly. Phoenix was a disaster from the beginning. And it does feel like Houston season, they steadied themselves at the end, but went awry with his, you know, texting scandal, if you will. Talking trash on teammates.

Colin Cowherd (9:33)

Yeah.

Nick Wright (9:34)

And as the veteran leader on the team and the guy that a bunch of his teammates looked up emulating, that's just brutal for a team's ability to go through the playoff cauldron of it all. And, and can I add an extra little take on this? It's also. Why. Because the Lakers are So injured and the Rockets are so shaky. It's why I found the spurs punting that final game of the year against Denver weird. And, and allowing Denver into their side of the bracket. One of the most outrageous decisions of the NBA season. The, the, the spurs, all they had to do was beat the Denver backups, play wimy 20 minutes, let him get 30 points like he did on Friday night, and you put the, you put the Nuggets with the Thunder on the opposite side of the bracket and you are smooth sailing. So to the conference finals. Instead you lose to the backup Nuggets because you sit Wimby and Cornette. And now I agree with you. I think that Spurs Nuggets series could be the series of the playoffs. And I lean Nuggets in that I saw them play a few weeks ago at full strength and Joker won. I just thought that was so bizarre, such a bizarre decision by the Spurs.

Colin Cowherd (10:54)

You know, you're known as somebody who's always had LeBron's back. And you know, I did say that sometimes you need clarity and that Oklahoma City loss and, and LeBron only takes like seven shots and Luka and Austin hurt. You're like, yeah, we're a long way away. We're not like a player away. Let's just say the Lakers, they get swept. It's possible. Let's say they get swept like the OKC game. It's just an ugly series. I do think when you have new ownership, those things matter, you know. Jeannie Buss, I. LeBron has been so impactful since he arrived in town. AD was never quite consistently as good as we thought. LeBron was arguably better than Lucas first year. Like at some point, Jeannie Buss felt like, you know, this guy's been incredibly hardworking, dependable. These new owners don't care. What if this is. What if it's a sweep? And the Lakers, LeBron gives you a couple good games, but he can't. He doesn't have the armory here. What do you think happens and how long before we hear LeBron's not coming back?

Nick Wright (11:56)

So, you know, I think it's really interesting because I would have liked and I think it's a shame we're not going to be able to see what this team was going to look like in the playoffs. You might be right, that the OKC game was a window, that they were a second round ceiling team anyway. I happen to think they would have had a real shot against San Antonio in the semifinals. But then whoever they played in the conference finals, whether it was in that scenario, OKC or Denver was potentially going to be problematic. I. So here's what I find the most interesting about LeBron's future. LeBron took on that Swiss army knife third option role out of necessity. It was because Luca can only play great one way. Austin has one outstanding skill set. Neither of those guys could do what LeBron did as the third option. And I think he was fine with it because they were winning and because he loves Austin. Austin Reaves is one of LeBron's longest tenured teammates of his entire career. Played seven years with him. It's unbelievable. And he, you know, he and Luke have a great relationship, but I don't know if that's the role he wants for the final days of his basketball life. Especially because the moment. Here's a crazy stat for you, Colin. The. The first three games that Austin and Luka were out, when LeBron went immediately back to being the number one option, he had not had a three game stretch with that many points and that many assists since the Lakers won the title six years ago. He instantly was able to keep it back into number one option offensive engine mode. And it sure seems like that's the way he likes to play the most. So I do think places like New York or Golden State or even Denver, where he might not be the number one option, but he would clearly be a top two option alongside Jalen, alongside Steph, alongside Joker, I think might be more appealing than signing up for the final years of his basketball life. Being this third, you know, being basically a rich man's Draymond Green with no disrespect to Draymond, that's on. I don't think how he wants to end his basketball career. I don't think.

Colin Cowherd (14:19)

Yeah, you know, we were talking about this earlier about the Knicks when outside of Aaron Judge and maybe Juan Soto, who's hurt now, it's really a starless sports city. Brianna Stewart, New York could be one of the bigger stars. And so what happens because New York's such a large, passionate lot of media, a lot of voices, talk radio, sports market is you turn and convince yourself good players are very good and very good players are great. Mikhail Bridges is good. I'm not sure he's very good. But they gave up five first round picks and 140, 150 million. He's good. He's not very good. Didn't have a great year. Jalen Brunson's very good. He's not great. If you look at the teams in the playoffs, they their best Player is Wemby and Jokic and ant right now, LeBron Tatum and Brown. He just doesn't, he doesn't. He's not that guy. He's not that guy. And so I look at the New York Knicks and this is why the Giannis discussion is so relevant, is that Jalen Brunson has to be a number two on a great team of three. But I think New York is convinced, hey, he's one of the best Knicks of all time. You live in the city. Cats had a down year. I, I don't think this team can beat Detroit or Boston. I don't think they, I don't think they match up with either, in my opinion. What say you?

Nick Wright (15:35)

All right, I. The last point I listen, I don't think they can beat Boston. I don't know that anyone's beating Boston, to be totally honest. Certainly not in the east and I don't know about in the west either. I, I think you are short changing Jalen Brunson a bit. There it, Listen, there is a ceiling on a player his size. That's just the fact of the matter. Becky Hammond said it two years ago. Everyone killed her for it. All of league history tells us that that is true. There are two small players ever who have led teams to championships. Isaiah Thomas and Steph Curry. Isaiah Thomas had one of the greatest defensive teams ever. Steph's the greatest shooter ever. And they're both bigger than Jalen Brunson. Steph's considerably bigger than Jalen Brunson. So I mean, I still think though, if you he's a deserving perennial all NBA guy. I don't think on a great team, he's the third best player. I think you could be a great team and him be the second best player. Probably really hard for him to be the best player and you win a championship unless you fill out the rest of the roster perfectly, which the Knicks thought they did. And that's to me, to me, the Knicks not being a touch better is less about Jalen Brunson and, and more about what you said. Mikhail Bridges, not an amazing year. OG Anunoby, a really good player in his specific role. Towns is who Towns is. Nobody ascended. And the Knicks also thought those of us that thought the Knicks could have a special season, part of it was belief in the Knicks and part of it was, well, Boston's going to be, you know, in this weird 40 wind zone without Tatum all year and instead Boston was excellent and Detroit jumped the line. So I think the Knicks are going to be In a really tricky spot because they won more games than last year. They had a slightly better offense, slightly better defense. They're healthy. And yet last year they make the conference finals, beating Boston in round two. And this year, I think they're going to lose to Boston in round two, and it's going to feel like a step backwards.

Colin Cowherd (17:38)

Yeah, the. You know, it's funny I've said this. I think Jayson Tatum's really good. I don't think he has much of an aura. I said yesterday, some actors just pop. And some like Michael Jordan. The look, the style, the flair, the game, the Persona, the clothes, the earring, the smile, that's a star. Magic Johnson, that's a star. Steph Curry's got that. LeBron's got that ant is really good, but doesn't want to be it. And Jayson Tatum wants to be it, but there's no aura. He just, no. And he comes back and everybody goes, yeah. People say, Colin, I mean, look what Tatum's done. I think the opposite. I think Tatum left and because their gm, their coach and Jalen Brown has always been a bit underrated is so good. Their culture is the star of their team. Brunson and Jalen Brown and Tatum are both excellent players, but the fact that one of them can be gone, the other is a MVP discussion and they're still the best team. It doesn't tell me that Tatum's great. It tells me this is a. Much like we give so much credit to Mahomes, it's Brett Veach, it's Andy Reid, it's Spags. I mean, when he doesn't have protection, Mahomes can get blown out in the Super Bowl. They literally. Tatum is the icing the cake there is the culture. That's the Celtics star, is the cult. They lost four of their nine guys in the rotation. They're still excellent.

Nick Wright (19:08)

So that. So I understand what you're saying here is the distinction I would draw. And then I'm going to throw something at you on Tatum. I think what you saw this year was the roster that Brad Stevens puts together. The intensity and strategy that Missoula brings to the table gives Boston about as high of a floor as any team in the league. I agree with that. But they had, in my opinion, a zero percent chance. I don't care what their record was. A zero percent chance to actually win the championship. Before Jayson Tatum came back, Jaylen Brown was having a great year. They were a great story. There was no shot that team was going to win four straight rounds and win a championship. If Jayson Tatum doesn't have arguably the fastest and thus far most successful quick turnaround Achilles recovery ever. And he did it knowing he was opening himself up to massive criticism. A guy who was the best player on their team for years but didn't win finals mvp. And then the team is rolling and Jaylen Brown's having the best year of his career. Tatum came back knowing I'm not at 100%. Jalen will be the number one option. And if things go sideways, I think some fans, I think they'd be foolish. But some fans be like, man, yeah, things sure were rolling well before Jason came back. Right. All that. He did it anyway because I think he knew and the team knew this is our only chance to win a championship. And if Boston does end up in the finals as you are predicting. Yeah. Then they if you're in the finals, you can win the championship. If they do, then I think you've got to consider reframing how like some of the Tatum analysis and that you might be right that he doesn't have like the je ne sais quoi of an Anthony Edwards like the. You know what I mean? You're calling it aura, the star power, but neither did Tim Duncan. And I'm not calling him Tim Duncan, but a guy who has been a consistent winner, consistently available, suffered one major injury, came back faster than any of us expected. If he is the final piece that puts the team over the top to be to potentially win a single range, that's something else.

Colin Cowherd (21:35)

Okay, here's my pushback. If Brown would have been hurt and Tatum would have been their only MVP level star, they would have had zero chance to win a championship. Is that they're much closer. They're different personalities, but Brown's more aggressive, Tatum's more skilled. They're both high IQ EQ players. They're totally committed professional athletes. They're great. But they wouldn't have won without Brown in his aggressiveness. And I don't think they can win without Tatum. I think Brown and Tatum are much closer than we, than we consider. Brown's a little stronger and he's more aggressive. Tatum is more gifted and skilled. But they're very close that well.

Nick Wright (22:16)

So listen, I think Jaylen Brown's an excellent player having an excellent season. Tatum is though a better rebounder and passer. I think, you know, pre injury they were equivalent defenders. Obviously right now Jaylen Brown's a better defender because Tatum still getting his athleticism back. I agree with you that you take either One of them out, they can't win the title. But you took. You took Jamal Murray away from Nikola Jokic for two postseasons. That team couldn't win a playoff series. It doesn't mean Murray is Jokic fair. And so listen, I think Tatum is a top 10 player. We're talking healthy Jason Tatum, not this moment, but Tatum this time next year,

Colin Cowherd (22:59)

he's a top 10 player. Seven, eight. Yes.

Nick Wright (23:02)

And Jaylen Brown is top 15. That's what I would say, like off the top of my head. Jason Tatum 7 or 8, Jaylen Brown 4, 13 or 14. That's how I would slot it. And I do think that Jaylen Brown's job historically on offense was made easier by Tatum being there, which is why Jaylen Brown's production this year, so impressive. Everyone knows he's the number one option. He's still delivering. He deserves a ton of credit for that. But I. It's just very. I know we're going long. Just. It's very interesting. Colin, you're in my entire life, it has been about how many rings can you get? Bird has three, Magic has five, Jordan has six, Kobe has five, Duncan has five, Shaq has four, Bron has four. This generation, everyone's stuck at one. No one's gotten to two. Giannis got one. Joker got one. Tatum Brown got one. Shay got one. It's an interesting. Luke is still at zero. It's an interesting race to see who's going to be the first to two because I don't know that anyone from this generation is going to get to four or five because it's so much harder to win multiple rings.

Colin Cowherd (24:16)

Yeah, it's hard to make sure.

Nick Wright (24:17)

Yeah, it would be interesting if these guys beat Joker or Shay or obviously Giannis, who's out of the mix now as the first team with the second championship of this mini post warriors era.

Colin Cowherd (24:33)

Good stuff. Nick Wright. First things first. After us. It went a little long, but that's okay. It was all good stuff, buddy. Good seeing you.

Nick Wright (24:39)

Great to see you. Can't wait for your next five bold predictions. Oh, my goodness gracious. See you, Colin.

Colin Cowherd (24:46)

That's why I didn't put bold in the headline. They were just predictions.

Co-host/Producer (Sports Commentary) (24:49)

One more Herd. The herd streams 24 hours a day, seven days a week within the iHeartRadio app. Search herd to listen live or on demand whenever you'd like.

Colin Cowherd (25:00)

Hey, it's Rob Parker and Kelvin Washington from the Odd Couple on Fox Sports RAD Radio. And in addition to hearing us live weeknights from 7 to 10pm Eastern on Fox Sports Radio. We are excited to announce brand new YouTube channel for the show. That's right. You can now watch the Odd couple live on YouTube every day. All you got to do search Odd Couple FSR on YouTube again. YouTube just search Odd Couple FSR. Check us out on YouTube and subscribe. Hi, it's Colin Coward. If you want your outdoor space to really stand out. Deckorators surestone technology is where you should start when you build your deck. With Deckorators decking made with surestone technology, you're getting something totally different from the typical wood fiber composites out there. Decking with surestone technology is made through a patented process that uses crushed rock which gives every board incredible strength and durability. And Deckorators engineered it with a unique surface design that increases traction in wet conditions. So if you live in a rainy area or you've got kids running around outside, it's a safer, more comfortable surface. Plus, there are more than 40 different color and size combos so you can design a customized outdoor space that actually fits your home and your style. It's durable, it's safe, it looks great and it's going to stand out. Build seasons right around the corner. Order a sample today. Visit decorators.com herd to get your free sample. That's decorators with A K. Again, decorators.com

Julian Edelman (26:28)

herd this is Julian Edelman from Games With Names. You know, I always got something going on. Lifting, chasing my kid, or heading on a family road trip where I'm somehow both the snack guy and the dj. But no matter what's going on in my schedule, one thing never changes. I I make sure I stay hydrated. That's where Liquid IV shows up. Clutch. We've said it before. It's the key to faster hydration. You gotta have a Liquid IV on you. Gym bag, glove box, the pantry you swear is organized. Toss one in just a stick and 16 ounces of water hydrates you faster than water alone.

Colin Cowherd (27:15)

Boom.

Julian Edelman (27:16)

Efficiency. It's powered by Liquid IV Hydro Science sounds like a playbook term, but it's an optimized ratio of electrolytes, vitamins and clinically tested nutrients, turning water into a game changer. Worried it tastes like science? Don't Liquid IV Hydration Multiplier flavors are delicious. Lemon, lime popsicle, firecracker and cotton candy. Plus sugar free favorites like white, peach and rainbow sherbet. That's a win tear pour. Enjoy. Even I can handle that. Go to liquid IV.com and use the promo code nuthouse for 20% off your first purchase.

Caller/Listener (28:01)

We're lost and kickoff's coming up. I don't want to miss the lineup. I'm going to ask that man for directions. Hi there. We're trying to get to the stadium.

T-Mobile Store Representative (28:10)

Well, you're going to take a left at the old oak tree at the this here road.

Julian Edelman (28:15)

Nah, I'm just kidding.

T-Mobile Store Representative (28:16)

Let me get my phone out.

Caller/Listener (28:17)

How is there signal out here?

T-Mobile Store Representative (28:19)

T Mobile and US Cellular are coming together so the network out here is huge. We get the same great signal as the city, saving a boatload with benefits. And there's a five year price guarantee too. Okay, here's the turn.

Caller/Listener (28:31)

Actually, can you pull up the way to a T Mobile store?

T-Mobile Advertiser (28:35)

America's best network just got bigger. Switch to T Mobile today and get built in benefits the other guys leave out plus our five year price guarantee. And now T Mobile is available at US Cellular stores in Hermiston. Best mobile network Based on analysis by Ooklove Speed test intelligence data second half of 2025 bigger network. The combination of T Mobile's and US Cellular's network footprints will enhance the T Mobile network's coverage price guarantee on talk text and data exclusions like taxes and fees apply. See t mobile.com for details.

Geico Advertiser (29:00)

Geigo presents a 30 second podcast between your podcast Today's story is shared by one of our listeners. It's called Betrayed by Bill. It was in that moment I caught who was staring back at me in betrayal or more like what my insurance bill. With trembling hands I grabbed my phone and switched to geico, saving about $900 in the process and never to be betrayed again. Now that was bloody riveting.

Geico Advertiser (Tagline) (29:27)

It feels good when the story ends with savings. It feels good to Geico.

Colin Cowherd (29:32)

Eric Caros, Dodgers analyst is going to be joining this last hour. We shut out the Mets last night with their number six starter, their spot starter, J. Mac with the news. No, no, no, no, turn on the news.

Co-host/Producer (Sports Commentary) (29:48)

This is the third line news. I love how into baseball you are this early in the season. I mean it is, it's.

Colin Cowherd (29:54)

Well, I mean the Dodgers are number one in everything. We have a real, I mean in the last couple years the Dodgers have won the World Series, but they've had flaws last year like the bullpen going into the playoffs. Ohtani couldn't hit against the Phillies the year before. There were some injuries, starting pitching. This team does not have a weakness. I mean Kyle Tucker's not hitting is about the only thing you look at and go that's concerning. They are one of the few teams in baseball Night after night. Yeah, that is station to station power hitting there. I mean, they. Their defensive guys are hitting now. They are stacked offensively.

Co-host/Producer (Sports Commentary) (30:30)

I love it. I. Passionate. I can. It's coming off the screen. All right, let's go to a passion of mine. That's the Philadelphia Eagles, because I'm a Jalen Hurts guy. Colin. And Howie Roseman recently came out and was like defending Jalen Hurts, but not totally. Here's what he said about the scrutiny and all these reports surrounding his star quarterback. We don't have the sound, but here it is. I'll read it for you. He said it's. I totally understand. That's what sells at this point. He's essentially calling the media engagement farming over his star quarterback. I should not just say star quarterback. Colin, let me call Jalen Hart's Super Bowl MVP winning quarterback. Okay. And I do think it's a little unfair how the piling on. I mean, he's the target. Why are we going after Patrick Mahomes, who, by the way, has declined the last three seasons? Why are we picking on Jalen Hurt? What's going on here?

Colin Cowherd (31:22)

Well, I think there's a lot of different reasons. First of all, Kansas City is not Philadelphia as a media market. Philadelphia is loud talk radio's king competing. I mean, it's just a very competitive sports crazy market. Also, there is, you know, you got a head coach who's volatile. They become very. I mean, the franchise right now is incredibly offensive coordinator dependent. Both Hurts and Nick Ceriani, I mean, they're as good as their offensive coordinator. So, like, that feels kind of irrelevant. In Kansas City, it's. Or. Or in LA with, with. With McVay and Stafford, it's everything in Philadelphia. So why is that? Because Sirianni's record is bloated. He's like a B coach. And Hertz's record is a bit bloated because he struggles from the pocket throwing down the middle of the field. Every analytic tells you that. So again, this would not be, I mean, again, if Jacksonville won a Super bowl with Jalen Hurts, they'd be appreciative. Philadelphia is not appreciative, sports wise, of anything less than a title. That they're built to be critical. And that's fine. That's why it's a great sports city.

Co-host/Producer (Sports Commentary) (32:34)

Well, they're built to eat cheesesteaks and yell at guys on the radio about quarterbacks who won a Super Bowl MVP 15 months ago. It just feels like a bunch of bozos screaming, oh, Jalen Hurts again. He's not good. What are you talking about? I understand your criticism, but the Philly Meatballs are the guys I'm going after.

Colin Cowherd (32:52)

I don't think it's fair. They, they remember this and I don't have it in front of me, but I think they didn't score any more than the Saints did last year. Isn't that, wasn't that the number or. I mean, you can't have a stacked offensive roster and offensively be the Saints. So I think the criticism now, it's louder in Philly than. Than it would be even in New York or Boston. But I think the criticism of Sirianni and Sirianni, I think it's fair.

Co-host/Producer (Sports Commentary) (33:19)

I mean, second layer.

Michael Irvin (33:20)

Hold on, hold on.

Co-host/Producer (Sports Commentary) (33:21)

Michael Irvin just said this. Jalen hurts has Hertz has earned more respect than he is getting from his own organization. That's a great point by Michael Irvin. Where teammates. Why are they coming out?

Colin Cowherd (33:36)

Well, he's not that loved that.

Co-host/Producer (Sports Commentary) (33:38)

That's interesting. It's weird. Like Lane Johnson, all these guys do podcasts every week, right?

Colin Cowherd (33:45)

Okay, here it is. Think about this. Scatter Boo got hurt. Jackson Dart was a rookie, Neighbors got hurt and the right tackle was a turnstile. The Philadelphia Eagles roster scored fewer points than the New York Giants.

Co-host/Producer (Sports Commentary) (33:58)

Context needed. They went to the super bowl, played a brutal schedule. I know the Giants fired Day bowl and all that.

Colin Cowherd (34:03)

Worse total offense than the Saints in Philadelphia, that's going to get heat. If you can't handle it, I mean, ask your agent to move you. But that it's Philadelphia is a different ball game.

Co-host/Producer (Sports Commentary) (34:13)

It's fun.

Geico Advertiser (34:14)

Fun.

Co-host/Producer (Sports Commentary) (34:15)

All right, let's move on. Let's go to a real underperforming quarterback and that's Joe Burrow. When was the last time that guy made the playoffs? Glass Joe. Cincinnati continued failures. Here's left tackle Orlando Brown saying things are overblown in Cincinnati and winning is the solution to all of Burrow's problems.

Michael Irvin (34:35)

At the end of the day, no matter where you are, winning cures all. And you know, we haven't these last three years, we haven't been in the playoffs. And so of course that kind of buzz I think is going to come. You know, when we start, we get in the playoffs, we start putting ourselves in position to play in February. You know, I think a lot of that kind of stuff would die down naturally.

Colin Cowherd (34:58)

Yeah, well, Burrow has been agitated the last two years. Nothing's going to change. Now. The good news is if Aaron Rodgers decides not to come back, you're going to have Will Howard as one of the combatants in your division and Shador Sanders. So that kind of opens the door up for them. And who knows what Baltimore and Lamar contract will be But I do think Cincinnati is probably a playoff team this year. That's my guess. Probably.

Co-host/Producer (Sports Commentary) (35:28)

So you got two teams in that division, Ravens and Bengals go to the playoffs.

Colin Cowherd (35:34)

Yeah, probably.

Co-host/Producer (Sports Commentary) (35:35)

Oh because we like a lot in the afc. Yeah, I think you're going to be backpedaling on that one pretty quickly because when you look at the Texans are going to be there again. We know the defense Jags. I don't think too took too much of a step back. We like the Titans on the come up. We like what the Raiders have done. We love the Chargers, we really like the Broncos. Somebody's going to is going to be SOL as the kids like to say. And if it's Joe Burrow four straight, no playoffs Colin, that's a major problem. All right, let's go to baseball, your favorite sport right now. And what a night in the Bronx between Mike Trout and Aaron Judge. Oh my gosh. They went toe to toe, each of them hitting two home runs. It was only the second time in Major League Baseball history that three time MVPs each hit two homers against each other. Thrilling game. Here's Judge talking about the great night.

Michael Irvin (36:33)

That's great. I was going to talk some snacks to him after the one he hit all the way to the warning track and he did the weight room but I didn't get a chance to. And then he, you know answers right back with two, two big homers for him. But it's, you know, you put that guy in a clutch situation, a big moment, he's going to show up every single time. So it's, it's fun going back and forth a guy like that, especially in New York and the Bronx.

Colin Cowherd (36:55)

It was nice but I still wish Mike Trout would have taken a big swing in his career. He's from the east coast but he kind of disappeared.

Co-host/Producer (Sports Commentary) (37:01)

Well I saw, I saw a hot take on social media last night that why aren't the Yankees pursuing Mike Trout? Why not just hey we'll, we'll make a big trade. We'll get the big bat.

Colin Cowherd (37:12)

Expensive guys with injury history is not what the Yankees no salary cap.

Co-host/Producer (Sports Commentary) (37:15)

Come on, who cares?

Colin Cowherd (37:16)

They got to upgrade their bullpen and they, they need to be a better station to station team. Well I mean they, you, you can't.

Co-host/Producer (Sports Commentary) (37:24)

They're asleep station.

Colin Cowherd (37:26)

Well it's give me the home runs,

Co-host/Producer (Sports Commentary) (37:28)

give me the smacks out of the yard, by the way, Yankees number one in the AL and run differential. I know the record's not quite there yet, but you can see the team.

Colin Cowherd (37:37)

They're, they're, listen, they're starting. Pitching when Cole comes back is one of the few that could give the Dodgers problems. I don't think there's any question. J Mac with the news. Well, that's the news and thanks for

Co-host/Producer (Sports Commentary) (37:47)

stopping by the Herd lie news. Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio, FS1 and the iHeartRadio app.

Colin Cowherd (37:59)

Hi, it's Colin Coward. If you want your outdoor space to really stand out, decorator surestone technology is where you should start. When you build your deck with decorators decking made with surestone technology, you're getting something totally different from the typical wood fiber composites out there. Decking with shur stone technology is made through a patented process that uses crushed rock which gives every board incredible strength and durability. And deckorators engineered it with a unique surface design that increases traction in wet conditions. So if you live in a rainy area or you've got kids running around outside, it's a safer, more comfortable surface. Plus, there are more than 40 different color and size combos. So you can design a customized outdoor space that actually fits your home and your style. It's durable, it's safe, it looks great and it's going to stand out. Build seasons right around the corner. Order a sample today. Visit decorators.com herd to get your free sample. That's decorators with A K again.

Caller/Listener (38:56)

Decorators.com Herd we're lost and kickoff's coming up. I don't want to miss the lineup. I'm gonna ask that man for directions. Hi there. We're trying to get to the stadium.

T-Mobile Store Representative (39:08)

Well, you're gonna take a left at the old oak tree at this here road.

Julian Edelman (39:13)

Nah, I'm just kidding.

T-Mobile Store Representative (39:14)

Let me get my phone out.

Caller/Listener (39:15)

How is there signal out here?

T-Mobile Store Representative (39:17)

T Mobile and US Cellular are coming together. So the network out here is huge. We get the same great signal as the city, saving a boatload with benefits. And there's a five year price guarantee too. Okay, here's the turn.

Caller/Listener (39:29)

Actually, can you pull up the way to a T Mobile store?

T-Mobile Advertiser (39:33)

America's best network just got bigger. Switch to T mobile today and get built in benefits the other guys leave out. Plus our five year price guarantee. And now T Mobile is available at US Cellular stores in Hermiston Best mobile network Based on analysis by Ooklo Speed test intelligence data second half of 2025 bigger network the combination of T Mobile's and US Cellular's network footprints will enhance the T Mobile network's coverage price guarantee on talk text and data exclusions like taxes and fees apply. See t mobile.com for details.

Geico Advertiser (Tagline) (39:58)

Support for the show comes from Public, the investing platform for those who take it seriously. On Public, you can build a multi asset portfolio of stocks, bonds, options, crypto and now generated assets which allow you to turn any idea into an investable index with AI. It all starts with your prompt. From renewable energy energy companies with high free cash flow to semiconductor suppliers growing revenue over 20% year over year, you can literally type any prompt and put the AI to work. It screens thousands of stocks, builds a one of a kind index and lets you back test it against the S P500. Then you can invest in a few clicks. Generated assets are like ETFs with infinite possibilities, completely customizable and based on your thesis, not someone else's. Go to public.com podcast and earn an uncapped 1% bonus when you transfer your portfolio. That's public.com podcast paid for by Public Investing Brokerage Services by Open to the Public Investing Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC Advisory Services by Public Advisors, llc, SEC Registered Advisor. Generated Assets is an interactive analysis tool. Output is for informational purposes only and is not an investment recommendation or advice. Complete disclosures available@public.com disclosures you ever wonder

Electric Vehicle Advertiser (41:00)

how far an EV can take you on one charge? Well, most people drive about 40 miles a day, which means you can do all daily stuff no problem. Go to work, grab the kids at school, get the groceries and still have enough charge to visit your in laws in the next county. But they don't need to know that. And the best part? You won't have to buy gas at all. The way forward is electric. Explore EVs that fit your life@electricforall.org

Colin Cowherd (41:30)

we

Co-host/Producer (Sports Commentary) (41:30)

got a full weekend of football coming up. Friday at 8 Eastern, the Dallas Renegades and quarterback Austin Reed look to stay hot as they face the Columbus Aviators. Then Saturday at 4 Eastern, the Orlando Storm meet the Birmingham Stallions. The United Football League is on Fox.

Colin Cowherd (41:49)

So for years and years and it made people in Iowa very mad. But I was right. I called Iowa the fake ID of college football. You know, they'd puff their chest out with eight wins, but they played a Mickey Mouse out of conference schedule. You know, Citadel, Panera Bread, Directional schools, they go three and oh, never really had an offense. Always felt like A receiver or four shy, a running back or three shy. But they had good tight ends. They were tough. They'd win eight games, then they go play a big game and couldn't move the ball. Well, Iowa, I thought last year, lost a lot of close games. Usc, Oregon, Indiana. But I thought they redeemed themselves as a tough, physical, smartly coached program. Be honest, I just read a story this morning. In year four with Deion Sanders, the spring game attendance keeps falling. We have a new fake idea of college football. It's Colorado. I'm sorry, they can't beat ranked teams. They don't beat teams in their conference. They're 11 and 21 overall. I thought when they hired Dion, it was interesting. And I, and I do think if I see Colorado football on television, I usually stick around to see what's going on. It's usually Colorado losing is what's going on. So they get much more publicity than they've probably earned at this point. They're like the restaurant. Cause they started 3 0, remember that beat TCU 3 0. And it's been downhill since. So they're a little like the restaurant that opens up and you can't get in for about two months. And then by about week 10, 11, 12, they're accepting walk inside. And it's nothing against Deion Sanders, but I would argue that Indiana was as bad as Colorado. Kurt Signetti walked in, brought a bunch of no name, James Madison transfers and got him into the playoffs. Now, they weren't. They shouldn't have been there. They weren't very good. They got, you know, beat soundly that year by Notre Dame in the playoff and Ohio State. They had kind of a weak schedule this year. They won the national championship. So I don't want to hear about time. We got to be honest. Signetti is kind of the opposite of Dion. Like, it's bottom line accountability, not a lot of flash, all substance. Teams are detail oriented. You know, it's not about putting friends on the staff. I got nothing against Dion. He's made a great career for himself. It's. It's a lot of. It's a lot of salesmanship. And I do think he still makes Colorado more interesting. But Kurt Signetti gets Indiana to a playoff very quickly and wins a natty. That's a coach. And it's kind of the opposite of Dion, where it's not. I mean, nobody knew. You start looking around at Fernando Mendoza, their star. I watched him at Cal on YouTube and I'm from the west Coast. Nobody was watching Fernando Mendoza. They don't bring in high profile guys. Shador Sanders had a high profile, gets drafted in the fifth round. Mendoza was a nobody. He's going to be the number one pick. But I will say this for Dion, he's optimistic, he's positive. I'm still talking about Colorado. That's got value. I don't think they're great in the details. They can't beat ranked teams. I mean Indiana, in a much tougher conference with a much steeper climb has been everything. You want to rebuild to be Colorado. Now even their local fans aren't showing up for spring games. Here's Dion. We're going to make it better. We're not trying. We already have with the staff as well as the players. That's inside the locker room. I love it. I love the everyday grind of it. I'm not going to say 100%, but things are tremendously better on the field as well as with the staff. The over unders, four and a half in the Big 12, it would be two and a half in the Big 10. So you say whatever you want. I got nothing against him, but it's kind of the opposite of the Indiana build which was meteoric. Very quick. All details, air free football. That's not really, that's not really what Colorado is. Both are interesting. I'd rather be good. Interesting's got a ceiling and it's pretty low.

T-Mobile Advertiser (46:02)

So.

Colin Cowherd (46:02)

Kevin Durant has played very well this year for Houston. He is favored and they, they will beat the Lakers because The Lakers are LeBron Rui and not much fire firepower. And I was talking to Nick Wright earlier about this is that I think KD is a better Dirk Nowitzki. He's a little enigmatic, not a foxhole guy, just a great baller. And he's always been upfront about it. I mean, Kevin's gonna tell you I love basketball. The Golden State thing, you know, Draymond was the leader. Steph was the soul of the team. Kevin Durant was the easiest bucket and I think that's what he's been. Same in Brooklyn, same in Phoenix, same in Houston. And that's okay. There's nothing wrong with that. You know, a lot of times we want our star athletes to be great leaders. We don't know childhoods, we don't know if you're built like that. I will say this. We've got to leave room for great players that aren't all time leaders. Because if you really go back, I mean, you could say what you want about Kareem Kareem's like, high iq, not a leader. You ever watched that HBO documentary I thought was really interesting. Magic walked in as like a 19 year old, immediately led the team. And you know, Kareem is always been like a great writer, brilliant guy, but not really, not really a leader. Stoic, prickly, a little aloof. We've got to leave room for that. Wilt Chamberlain was a great player. He wasn't a leader. He was a flake, but he was an unbelievable player. So here's Nick Wright earlier on Katie's first season in Houston as they get ready to take on the Lakers.

Nick Wright (47:49)

He was brought there to be the final piece. Now Van Vliet gets hurt, and then Steven Adams has surgery. So that lowered their ceiling, but they were the 2 seed last year. He really needs this Houston stop to work because Brooklyn ended so poorly. Phoenix was a disaster from the beginning, and it does feel like Houston's season, they steadied themselves at the end of the day, but went awry with his, you know, texting scandal, if you will.

Colin Cowherd (48:22)

You know what was interesting about the texting, Texting scandal. He's always had burner accounts. It was sort of fitting. Like the way LeBron's career is ending, which is the secret to LeBron's success, is that he always made teammates better. Matthew Della Vadova doesn't have that career without Matt, without LeBron. And so LeBron's career, if this was his last year, it's fitting that LeBron, though he's better than Austin Reaves and more consistent, at least in terms of being in shape and leadership than Luka. LeBron's taken a back seat because that at his core, LeBron was always about elevating others beyond just himself. So it's kind of fitting that LeBron this year and what could be his last year, said, I'm going to step back from Austin Reeves, who he's a better player than. But that's always been LeBron's ability to be like, hey, listen, I, I'm, I, I still contend that after the COVID championship the next year, when AD came in out of shape, really ticked LeBron off because LeBron was ready to be like, bro, I want to play about 6 minutes less or 4 minutes less a night, and he couldn't. And I think it's fitting, similarly, that KD's big controversy at the end of his career involves a burner phone. That's who he is. It's kind of fitting, if I would have told you LeBron had a burner phone issue, you'd be like, what? And if I told you at the end, Katie's like, you know, I'm gonna, I'm gonna be like the fourth wheel on the offense and let Aman Thompson take the big shots. No, no, no. Katie's about getting shots and burner phones and being a little enigmatic. And so eventually the truth comes out. Eventually. Beginning, middle and end, you're the same guy. Doesn't like people talk about therapy. Therapy's hard if you want change. Most people don't. So the burner controversy is like, if I would have guessed NBA star has a burner phone issue with teammates. I just said, as much as I like kd, that's probably going to be kd. That, that's, that's kind of his thing. Dodge Rogers roll in, hour three coming up. Hi, it's Colin Coward. If you're looking for the best blend of durability and affordability in decking, trust Summit Decking from Deckorators. Summit features Deckorators patented Surestone technology so the boards won't splinter, sag, chalk or crack over time. And the colors. Three great options that really capture the rich textures of natural wood. Honestly, it's the best decking you didn't know you could afford. Order a sample before peak build season. Order a sample today. Visit deckorators.com herd to get your free sample. That's Deckorators with a k again. Decorators.com herd.

Electric Vehicle Advertiser (51:14)

You ever wonder how far an EV can take you on one charge? Well, most people drive about 40 miles a day, which means you can do all daily stuff no problem. Go to work, grab the kids at school, get the groceries and still have enough charge to visit your in laws in the next county. But they don't need to know that. And the best part? You won't have to buy gas at all. The way forward is electric. Explore EVs that fit your life at electricforall.org

Geico Advertiser (51:44)

Geico presents a 30 second podcast. Between your podcast, today's story is shared by one of our listeners. It's called Betrayed by Bill. It was in that moment I caught who was staring back at me in betrayal or more like what, my insurance bill. With trembling hands, I grabbed my phone and switched to geico, saving about $900 in the process and never to be betrayed again. Now that was bloody riveting.

Geico Advertiser (Tagline) (52:10)

It feels good when the story ends with savings. It feels good to Geico.

Podcast Host (Guaranteed Human Intro) (52:14)

Your social media feed delivers plenty of advice, but it doesn't know you. It doesn't ask questions. It doesn't give physical exams or order tests doctors do. At the American Medical association, we believe the best care starts with a real conversation with someone who understands the science and your unique health. So stay curious, ask questions, but when it's time to make decisions, make them with a doctor. Learn more at amahealth versus hype.org that's amahealthvship.org this is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.