THE HERD - Hour 2 - Ranking the top QBs in the NFL playoffs, did Dante Moore make a mistake?

Summary

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The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 2 (January 16, 2026)

Episode Theme

Main Focus:
Jason McIntyre (filling in for Colin Cowherd) and Rachel Nichols break down the top NFL quarterback rankings for the divisional playoffs, dissect Sam Darnold and Brock Purdy’s narratives, evaluate Bo Nix’s and C.J. Stroud’s reputations, and debate whether college QB Dante Moore made a mistake returning to school. Five-time Pro Bowler Teron Armstead joins for insider perspective, and they explore NFL coaching rumors, including Mike McDaniel’s status.

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QB Rankings for Divisional Weekend

[02:42–09:49] Jason McIntyre counts down his QB rankings for the divisional round, sparking debate and drawing argument from guest Teron Armstead:

J. Mac’s Divisional QB Rankings:
8. Bo Nix (Broncos)

• “Hasn't really proven anything. No playoff wins… I don't know that he's a franchise quarterback.” (03:58)
• Last two games: under 200 yards passing.
• Strong defense; clear playoff underdog as a result.

7. Sam Darnold (Seahawks)

   • “Zero playoff wins, led the NFL in giveaways… It's the defense carrying them.” (04:36)
   • Darnold gets credit for resilience, but turnovers are a major concern.

8. C.J. Stroud (Texans)

   • “If you just watched that Steelers game, you would say he's 8… Guy's fumbling snaps left and right. Brutal red zone pick.” (05:15)
   • Noted: Texans have five defensive TDs in his three playoff games.

9. Caleb Williams (Bears)

   • “Most clutch quarterback in the league this season, period. It's inarguable.” (06:07)
   • Overcame early skepticism; praised for late-game heroics.

10. Drake Maye (Patriots)

    • “Potential MVP. Only one playoff start… I actually liked him more than Jaden Daniels coming out of college.” (07:14)
    • Seen as ascending but still earning stripes.

11. Brock Purdy (49ers)

    • “This is the floor for him… All he does is win. The best downfield thrower in the league… 63% on throws of 20-plus yards.” (07:14–08:31)

12. Matt Stafford (Rams)

    • “Just playing at an elite level… That drive against Panthers, back shoulder throw to Parkinson… He’s amazing.” (08:33)

13. Josh Allen (Bills)

    • “The guy is Superman… He put on a cape and lead the team to victory.” (09:49)
    • Warning about injuries: “If it doesn't happen this year… Allen turns 30 this summer. The injuries starting to mount.”

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Memorable Quotes:

• Jason McIntyre [On Caleb Williams]:
  “That fourth-and-eight throw to save their season against the Packers, I watched that and I said, is that Josh Allen?” (06:41)
• Jason McIntyre [On Brock Purdy]:
  “He’s trailed in the second half in four of his five playoff wins. The guy comes back. That’s what I want in my quarterback.” (08:11)

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Teron Armstead Joins the Show

[09:49–18:58] Pro Bowl tackle Teron Armstead offers an insider's viewpoint:

• Bo Nix’s Spot:
  Teron pushes Nix above Stroud:

  “I would move Bo in front of C.J. Stroud… Stroud has had playoff wins, but they’ve scored five defensive TDs…” (10:43) Emphasizes Nix’s record:
  “These guys are 14-3. It’s really, really hard to argue with Bo Nix and his success.” (11:20)

• Josh Allen’s Burden:
  Teron dismisses excuse-making for Allen:

  “He doesn't want built-in excuses… He has a lot of talent on that offense. That offensive line is special…Josh has enough. It's time.” (12:36) Also credits RB James Cook for supporting cast.

• Sam Darnold’s Revival:
  Teron admires Darnold's comeback but is cautious about his ceiling:

  “His story is incredible already… But the giveaways, that is the danger… the most dangerous stat in football.” (14:50) Identifies Seattle’s home field as his biggest advantage.

• On Brock Purdy:

  “I do think Purdy has done what it takes for you to feel comfortable… last week, he did struggle… this week against Seattle, two turnovers, they're going home.” (16:27–17:25)

• NFC West and Coaching Beefs:
  On NFC Rams/Bears drama and coaching beefs (Ben Johnson vs. LaFleur):

  “I love it. Bring back rivalries. Bring back the hate… healthy version of it is great for the sport… Players feed into it.” (18:02)

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NFL Playoff & Coaching Storylines

[18:58–29:16]

On Mike McDaniel’s Coaching Candidacy:

• Rachel Nichols recaps McDaniel’s ongoing interviews (Ravens, Titans, Falcons, Browns) and his offensive ingenuity; Jason and Rachel debate the appeal and pressure of the Baltimore job.
• Rachel [On Ravens]:

  "For a team where even just making the playoffs next year would be an improvement... Are the Ravens kind of sneaky, low key, one of the most high pressure jobs in the NFL?" (31:21)

Lamar Jackson Debate:

• Jason: “Does Baltimore have a lot other than Lamar Jackson?”
• Rachel defends Lamar’s status among top four league quarterbacks, despite a perceived drop-off:

  “What he can do with the football and with his legs… it’s crazy, right?” (33:43)

Sean Payton’s Motivation:

• Jason and Rachel reflect on Sean Payton’s motivational speech, “There’s going to be a time where all of us have to get off. But you know what? Not today.” (34:19)
• Rapid-fire: Will Sean Payton's motivation help Denver vs. Buffalo?
  Rachel trusts "the Josh Allen factor" if it comes down to a 2-minute drill.

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Brock Purdy & Seattle’s Home Advantage

[36:10–38:21]

• Rachel and Jason wax poetic about Seattle’s crowd noise.
• Kyle Shanahan on Purdy:

  “Nothing really rattles Brock... you can kind of see people’s character, what type of people they are on the silent tape.” (36:27)

• Jason:

  “Look at Purdy on the road versus the Seahawks in his career, 4-0 – this guy is a baller!” (37:53)

• Rachel:

  “That stadium gets loud. I mean, you cannot hear yourself think.” (37:26)

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Dante Moore’s Draft Decision: Did He Make a Mistake?

[40:13–48:33]

Jason delivers a solo editorial dissecting:

• Ty Simpson vs. Dante Moore:
  Ty leaves for the NFL, passing up NIL millions; Moore returns to school.

• Jason questions Moore’s logic, warning about loss of value with more college exposure:

  "You get to go to a real team, maybe sit for a year... You go top five, you have to play... I think Moore should have come out." (41:12–41:55)

• Risks in Staying:

  “In recent history, we’ve seen guys go back [to college], get absolutely picked apart… and next thing you know… he’s a fourth or fifth-round pick.” (42:32)

• Outlines volatile draft precedents and why guaranteed NFL money matters.

• Acknowledges Moore’s insurance, age, and the increasingly high expectations on young QBs.

Rachel Nichols [Counterpoint]:

• “I do have to think he's getting insurance… How much is this you just not wanting to accept that someone is avoiding the draft so they don't have to play for the Jets?” (47:04)

• They joke about QBs dodging bad franchises (Elway, Eli Manning examples), poke fun at Jason’s Jets fandom, and discuss the trend of young fans choosing local LA teams instead.

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Notable/Memorable Quotes

• On Josh Allen:
  “If it doesn't happen this year for the Bills… Allen turns 30 this summer. The injuries starting to mount... When he delivers, it's beautiful to watch.” (08:33–09:49, McIntyre)
• On Rivalries (Armstead):
  “Bring back rivalries. Bring back the hate in a good sense. The healthy version of it is great for the sport.” (18:02)
• On Purdy (Shanahan):
  “Nothing really rattles Brock… That's what I mean by, like, you can kind of see people's character… describes exactly the type of dude he is.” (36:27)

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Key Segments & Timestamps

• Divisional QB Rankings:
  [02:42–09:49]
• Teron Armstead Interview:
  [09:49–18:58]
• Coaching Carousel (McDaniel, Ravens, etc.):
  [30:37–35:06]
• Purdy/Seattle Home Field Discussion:
  [36:10–38:21]
• Dante Moore Editorial:
  [40:13–48:33]

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Tone & Style

• Direct, irreverent, stat-driven: Jason McIntyre delivers blunt, reasoned takes with a willingness to “hurt feelings,” while Rachel Nichols provides measured pushback and context.
• Insider perspective: Teron Armstead lends locker room insight with a player’s even-keeled, diplomatic tone.
• Humorous and self-aware: Frequent self-deprecation about Jets fandom, playful shots regarding notorious draft ducking.

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For Listeners Who Missed the Episode

• Catch up on who’s hot and who’s not among playoff QBs—and why the traditional pecking order is shifting.
• Get insight into organizational culture and leadership: how do GMs, QBs, and coaches shape a team’s destiny, and what’s the real story behind polarizing decisions?
• Receive candid, player-driven reflections on league narratives, including the perennial debate over young QB development paths.

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Note: This summary omits advertisements and other non-content as per guidelines.

Transcript

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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.

[Teron Armstead]

Now let's get this party started.

[Fox Sports Radio Promoter]

You're listening to Fox Sports Radio.

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

Here we go. Our number two here on the herd, Jason McEntire filling in. We're Colin Cowherd joined by Rachel Nichols. We are chopping it up. If you guys remember 2025 Rachel and I hosted together and there was a bunch of breaking news popping. Nothing yet, but we are on high alert. Rachel.

[Rachel Nichols]

We had. We had a week and it was literally every day it was breaking news.

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

So let's see.

[Rachel Nichols]

Let's see what happens.

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

Giannis got smoked again last night. Maybe he gets traded today. That would be a fun fight.

[Rachel Nichols]

I wouldn't count on that.

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

But, yeah, let's reach it a little bit. We got Taron Armstead, former Pro bowl, five time Pro Bowler, coming up on the show here. He's got some great insight into divisional weekend. All right, one fun thing. As soon as the staff told me, oh, J. Mac, you're coming off the bench, you're hosting, I was like, well, the first thing I'm doing is ranking the quarterbacks on divisional weekend. And I thought Colin would do this. Honestly, I don't know why he didn't. I don't think he wants to hurt anybody's feelings. You know, Listen, I call him like I see him. That's kind of why I got where I am. Just authenticity. You're never going to make everybody happy. You. You've heard the saying, if you try to make everyone happy, nobody will be happy. So I'm just going to say, say my piece and let the chips fall where they may. So here we are going eight to one, ranking the quarterbacks in the divisional round.

[Fox Sports Radio Promoter]

Number eight.

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

This is undeniable. It has to be. Brock. Bo Nicks. I'm sorry? Bo Nicks, number eight. Listen, he hasn't really proven anything. No playoff wins. He has a great defense. I've seen some numbers about how he loves to throw down the field, but the downfield accuracy is a problem.

[Teron Armstead]

Folks.

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

Bo Nix is. I don't know that he's a franchise quarterback. He has been very good and exceeded all expectations through two seasons, but he's been held under 200 yards passing in the last two games heading into the playoffs. Now, he should cook against the Bills, but I think it's undeniable. Of the eight quarterbacks, Bo Nix ranks number eight.

[Fox Sports Radio Promoter]

Number seven.

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

All right, this one was a little harder, but I'm going with Sammy D. Slinging Sam Darnold of the Seattle Seahawks. Now, that's going to look awkward. The top two seeds who had a buy have, in my belief, the weakest quarterbacks in this round. Now, I know what you're saying, Jay. That's harsh. Okay, who you put in seven, Talk to me, because I look at Sam Darnold. Zero playoff wins, led the NFL in giveaways this season. How are they the number one seed? Well, it's the defense. Like, that's the reality. The defense is carrying them. I'm not saying he's Trent Doer. I'm not saying he's bad. I'm just saying of the eight quarterbacks left, I think it's undeniable that Sam Darnold has to be seven.

[Fox Sports Radio Promoter]

Number six.

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

This is where it gets tricky. And I went with CJ Stroud because I don't know what to do with him. Honestly, if you just watch that Steelers game, you would say he's 8 because, my goodness, he couldn't hold on to the football. I thought he was going to get some gloves at halftime or even go with a Michael Jackson. One glove, something. The guy's fumbling snaps left and right. Brutal red zone pick. So C.J. stroud's really good, but what about. What a stat from our staff. In his three playoff games, the Texans have five defensive touchdowns. I mean, what. He's getting carried now. Stroud can sling it. There was a great pass to Christian Kirk on a third down. That was huge for them in the second half. I think it was fourth quarter, early fourth. He's good. We know that. Is this another OC Thing like Jalen hurts? I don't know what the answer is, but Shroud seems to have regressed from his rookie year.

[Fox Sports Radio Promoter]

Number five.

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

All right. This is Caleb Williams spot. You could argue that in a couple years he'll be number one on this list. Caleb Williams has exceeded all expectations. I don't want to point people to a bad take I had, but over the summer, when him and Ben Johnson had that friction, I was saying, hey, is this a Johnny Manziel situation? Because they did not look like they were getting along. He wasn't grasping the offense. That's water under the bridge. These guys are smooth. Caleb Williams has been the most clutch quarterback in the league this season, period. It's inarguable. And I'm just telling you that fourth and eighth throw to save their season against the Packers, I watch that. And I said, is that Josh Allen? Because I'm just. I'm of the belief. Caleb Williams, who I didn't doubt coming out of usc, Remember, there was a lot of doubters. He struggled against Notre Dame in a high profile game. He had another. I think it was against Utah also late in the season. He was really brutal. I think it was a rematch. And people are like, what about this guy painting his nails? He's crying in the stands. I didn't come off, Caleb. I Will believe her. The guy's a superstar and I have him at number five.

[Fox Sports Radio Promoter]

Number four.

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

All right. This one is the potential MVP of the league, Drake May. Listen, he's only got one playoff start. I can't go much higher than this. And frankly, Jesse Minter Co. A kind of boxed the Patriots offense. They couldn't move the ball much. They really relied on defense and the inability of the Herbert and the Chargers offense. I think May is very good. I actually liked him more than Jaden Daniels coming out of college. I didn't see it last year, but everybody's seen it this year. Drake May. Check it in at four, number three. It's my guy, Brock Purdy. I think this is the floor for him of this group. Listen, man, I, I know there's a lot of Brock Purdy haters out there and it's because he was the last guy drafted, the very last pick in the draft. You can't overcome that for some people. I don't care about that. Let me see the results. And they've been amazing. The Brock Purdy list of stats here is too long. I don't, we don't have time to read them all. But he is 5 and 1 in the playoffs. We're not giving him that loss against the Eagles where he got hurt on like the first drive they had. So five and one record. He's trailed in the second half in four of his five playoff wins. The guy comes back. That's what I want in my quarterback. And oh, by the way, you know who the best downfield thrower in the league was? Brock Purdy. 63% on throws of 20 plus yards downfield. Number one in the NFL.

[Fox Sports Radio Promoter]

Number two.

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

I went with Matt Stafford and he was probably going to be the mvp and he's amazing. And if I had, you know, money to put on a team to win the super bowl, it'd be the Rams. Because I love Stafford right now. I just don't think he's as good as number one right now. Stafford with the no look, throws that drive against the Panthers. I mean, what a back shoulder throw to Parkinson. Great catch, by the way. Stafford's just playing at an elite level. I think he's earned the mvp. I've got him at number two. Number one, Josh Allen. I don't think you can go anywhere else with this. The guy is Superman all the can. He put on a cape and lead the team to victory. Of course, you know, he feels like a man trying to do it by himself and I am very worried for him. Because he. If it doesn't happen this year for the Bills. As I said earlier, eight free agents. Allen turns 30 this summer. The injuries starting to mount. I mean, they were kind of laughing at how bad he was hurt repeatedly against the Jags. He's got the bum ankle, but man, when he delivers. It's beautiful to watch Josh Allen at number one. I, I can't imagine anybody would debate any of this, but without further ado, let's get to our guest. 12 seasons in the NFL, five time Pro Bowler to Ron Armstead. My man. How you doing?

[Teron Armstead]

I'm good. I'm good. J. Mac. I was a little, I was a little better before. Your quarterback ranking. Oh, no, but I'm good. I'm good.

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

Fire away. I'm a big boy. I could take it where you can't have beef with Josh or Matt at the top. I, I would get that right.

[Teron Armstead]

I, I think you're, I think you're solid there. It's hard to argue with Josh Allen being at the top matched up or second bo, Nick's at 8 and you're. In your reasoning behind it. You don't know if the guy's a franchise quarterback. He's sitting here at number one seed. They're, they're, they're well rested on the bye week that he's earned 14 and 3. I'm not sure what more you can do for a franchise than, than that.

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

Yeah.

[Teron Armstead]

So I, I really can stay there in that, in that space. It's a lot of guys that haven't proven much on the, on the list, but time will, Time will tell. I can't wait for this matchup Saturday with the, the Bills and, and the Broncos.

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

So, so would you, you would move Bo to where and who would drop down?

[Teron Armstead]

I would move Bo in front of C.J. stroud. And not a knock to C.J. stroud, but what you mentioned. He has had playoff wins, but they've scored five defensive touchdowns in three games. So if you're going to say anybody's being carried and you were having questions about the franchise slot, you, You. I don't, I don't see a way that we, we put C.J. in front of Bo right now.

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

Yeah. Let's start with Bo Nix. You played for Sean Payton. You guys had a great run. I don't, I don't know what to make of this team. Nobody had them this good, number one. See, nobody predicted that. Is this to the greatness of Sean Payton? Or maybe it's about Bo Nix. I don't know.

[Teron Armstead]

Sean Sean is super detailed, very prepared. He gives you a chance to win every game. These guys are, they compete at the highest level. They have built the confidence through displaying it. So they've had great comeback victories, they've had blowouts, they've had close games. So they've b. They're, they're really, really battle tested. And then it goes to Bo Nicks. Man. We've seen his fourth quarter heroics, we've seen him struggle at times but we've seen him put it together and, and win and that's, that's the game that we play. That's the business that we're in. Production based, result based business. These guys are 14 and 3. It's really, really hard to argue with Bonix and his success.

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

Yeah, I want to go to, let's actually, let's stick in that game and I want to go to Josh Allen because you agree with me that he's the best quarterback in the playoffs. But Toronto, I'm looking at this roster, they got three healthy receivers. The defense is, I mean one of the lowest graded defenses of the McDermott era. And that Jacksonville game, it was essentially is Josh Allen going to be a superhero on this play and save the day? Now you played with obviously a great quarterback in your time. I just can't recall one guy doing this much. Mahomes always had Kelsey or Andy Reid. This does feel like the Josh Allen show and I don't. Is that sustainable in the NFL?

[Teron Armstead]

Yeah, it J Mack. I just, I can't give Josh the, he don't, he doesn't need the built in excuses and he doesn't want the built in excuses. You play with who you got and he has a lot of talent on that offense. That offensive line is special. Top five unit year in and year out. So I, I think there's a lot of quarterbacks that have outside weapons that would trade for his offensive line. And then when you go to the NFL leading rusher James Cook, like we cannot diminish him, his production, his ability, what he creates and brings for the offense. Josh has enough and it's time. There's no Patrick Mahomes in his playoffs, no Lamar Jackson that he's beaten before. But he doesn't, he has, he doesn't have those hurdles. It's time for him to execute and get the job done. And I'm sure Josh feels the same way. He doesn't want the excuses or to feel no one to feel any type of sympathy.

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

It's Tom, I'm gonna, I'm looking at the list of all the guys you played with, Brandon Cooks is on that list. I mean, Tehran, you gotta be, let's be real. Nobody had Brandon Cooks being like a factor for the Buffalo Bills. He's old. He's obviously a lot of concussions in his career. I don't know. Are you surprised watching him out there? Have you talked to him this week at all?

[Teron Armstead]

I, I talked to Cooks probably his last week in New Orleans before he was that the, the, the move was made. He's productive, man. He's reliable. Great hands, great teammate. He knows where to be. Like I say, they. Joe Brady and the way that he schemes, he creates space and throwing lanes for Josh to execute and, and Brandon Cooks is a guy that you could put in. He'll be exactly where you need him to be. So that, that pickup that they made a month or so ago has come now to, to be very, very vital and a crucial moment of the season against a great defense.

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

Let's go to the nfc. I'm fascinated by this Sam Darnold situation. I don't know. I just, I'll ask your opinion. You know, you've seen Darnold. Listen, he was with the Jets. He's been, he's kind of bounced around the league. He's the number one seed. I didn't, he led the league in giveaways. Sam, like, what, what are we to make of this guy? I, I, I don't know. I want to root for him. He seems like a nice guy. I met him. He was a USC quarterback. Everybody speaks highly of just a good human being, but, man, it's, it's tough to envision him, like, winning a Super bowl, is it not?

[Teron Armstead]

It's, it's challenging. It's challenging. His story is incredible already thus far. Like, we, we've seen his, his early situation and people labeled him a bus. He went to the jets in Carolina, but now he's, and after the year in Minnesota, he's found his home now. Number one seed in a very, very tough NFC and that division specifically. So I, I definitely want to give him his flowers there. Now you brought up the, the giveaways. And that is the danger. That's the most dangerous stat in football that can create the, the loss. And I see Seattle being a very, very tough place to play in the playoffs. I've been there with Drew Brees and the Saints. We weren't, weren't able to get the job done. They went on to win a Super Bowl. The crowd is insane. So he has everything that he needs to get the job done. And to me in the nfc, I see the Rams as the only team that can go to Seattle and beat this team.

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

There we go. There's a hot take. Look at that. I mean, I largely agree with that. It's not that hot, but it's a take. Because a lot of people are afraid to like go out on a limb and say stuff. And I'll be honest, like, he's facing Brock Purdy, Toronto, dead last pick in the draft. A lot of people are like, well, he's too small, you know, why would he stay in college so long at Iowa State? Not that good. All he does is win. Man comes back in the fourth quarter on the road against the defending champs and that great defense and he's throwing to demarcus Robinson. I mean, it's not like he's got Jerry Rice out there. No disrespect to DeMarcus, but he didn't have a 50 yard game all season. I don't know. I'm just blown away by the Brock Purdy story. I do like underdogs. What do you make of Purdy, by the way? Do you think he's a franchise quarterback?

[Teron Armstead]

I do, I do. I got slight hesitation, J. Mac, but, but I, I do think Purdy has done what it takes for you to feel very comfortable and confident to have him in that position. Now, what I saw last week, I wasn't as optimistic about it because he did struggle against the Eagles. They ultimately got the win. Big, huge upset win. Christian McAffrey was special, but the giveaways, the turnovers. Brock Pie was not able to create consistent offense. He did lose George kd and I get it. It's the playoffs. You gota. You got to go out and execute with who you have on the field. So this week against Seattle, two turnovers. They. They're going home. No question about it. So those two intercept, they're going home. And I'm sure Brock knows that the the and Kyle Shanahan and the offense knows that this will be a great game, but they struggled to, to get any type of offense of production. Week 18 for the number one seed. Seattle will be looking to repeat that performance.

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

Yeah, I want to, I want to save the best game for last. And that's the, the drama between the Rams and Bears. So I'm sure you followed this whole Ben Johnson La Flor thing. They got some beef. There was the F bombs in the locker room, the handshake. Well, it turns out Lafleur and McVay are tight and they Kind of gave one of those. Oh, yeah. I talked to LaFleur this week and that was it. Have you seen a lot of this coaching beefs? Sean Payton has some legendary stories that he told us about where he doesn't mind hanging 50 on somebody and not calling the dogs off. But are you surprised that this is so out there, Ben Johnson really embracing that? We hate those guys.

[Teron Armstead]

I love it. I love it. Bring, bring back robberies. Bring back the hate in, in. In a good. In a good sense. And, and the, the healthy version of it is. Is great for the sport. You know, I. Listen, I'm not. I'm not too big on the Buddy, buddy. While you're in competition, you guys are lining up to go to war. Let's do it. Let's. Let's really get out here and battle. So I love it. I love that. The extra dramatics to it, the, the backstory, the petty handshakes, the F bombs. I'm all for it. It makes great tv. It makes great for the game. The players feed into it. Because you have a head coach like Ben Johnson who's came in, revitalize your franchise, brought you to, to new territory in year one. You're going to do anything and everything to protect that coach. You want to go out there and win for him. You want to go out there and compete for him. So these guys are playing with an extra edge, and it's just great for the game.

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

So let me ask, were you one of those guys who was more of a, you know, speak softly but carry a big stick, or were you just one of these, hey, well, I'm here. What's up? And talking trash? Which one of those guys are you? You seem.

[Teron Armstead]

I wasn't that much of a. I wasn't that much of a talker. J. Mac. I wasn't that much. Honestly. I was always tired. It was, you know, that the game is trying to catch my breath, man. I didn't do too much talk. I had a lot of teammates that did chirp quite a bit. Michael Thomas was one that really was very, very vocal throughout his tenure and his great career. But for Sean Payton, he was a talker. So I was one of those guys, quietly frontline, like, if this. What we doing? I'm riding with my guys. They know it for sure. Get behind me. Let's do it. I didn't say much. Didn't ever feel like I had to.

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

Yeah. Cause you're a big, huge, hulking individual. Nobody's talking trash to you. But like, you know, Ben Johnson, the Team has kind of embraced his identity of us against the world. And like, it's kind of working. I just wonder it's working when you're running hot and beating everybody with these last minute comebacks. You know, we saw the Chiefs last year, 11 and oh, and one score games that flip, they stink. And now it's like, oh, wait a minute, the roster. I actually heard Tehran, wait, the Chiefs wide receiving room is terrible. Meanwhile, all off season it was, whoa, whoa, wait a minute, we got Xavier Worthy and Hollywood Brown and Rasheed Wright are stacked. And it's like, oh, these narratives slip. I just. Long term, I don't know if that's a good play. What, like, do you tell your kids, hey, man, talk, talk your talk. Or are you like, hey, you got to be calm, cool, collected. You don't want to be running your mouth too much.

[Teron Armstead]

Whatever gets the engine going, man. Really. Whatever gets the engine going. You just got to be able to back it up.

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

Right?

[Teron Armstead]

You got to be able to back it up. And I play with guys with, like I say, Michael Thomas, who was very vocal and loud about it, but I also played with a guy named Quiet Storm, Marcus Colston, who never said a word, but highly productive. So I've seen, I've seen both sides of the spectrum and it's all about you backing it up. And Michael Thomas was a guy that had to talk his talk, but he'll go out there and back it up. So if you go, you're going to be loud. You better make sure you perform.

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

I want to ask you about Jared Verse. Last time you were on, you were like, I'm just glad I don't have to face that guy anymore. Bears are down. They're starting left tackle against your reverse. This that could not come at a worse time. Facing Verse, who's an animal off the edge.

[Teron Armstead]

I agree, I agree. This is, It's a, a battle to watch. It's a matchup to watch. At left tackle, Braxton Jones had just came back from ir. I don't, I'm not sure if he's getting the nod as the starter. I do love what Dan Roshard, the O line coach for the Chicago Bears have done, has done with his unit. They've been playing out of their mind. They got all pro right tackle Darnell Wright, who's been playing insane all year. So I feel very, very confident in Dan Rosher and his ability to prepare these guys. Jerry versus different. The boy. Strong, real strong, violent, aggressive. So he's going to be attacking all day long. I'M sure Ben Johnson and the schematics of the offense will create some help tight end, help running back, help left guard slide to try to minimize that as much as possible. But that matchup will be something to watch because Verse can disrupt Caleb Williams and his timing all day long.

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

We'll wrap up with the Miami Dolphins, a team you're very familiar with. Interesting. They got a coaching opening. I need you to be unfiltered on Mike McDaniel. Now, I will say some people don't love McDaniel. I have been a defender. I think the offensive mind matters a lot. I'm surprised he's fired. I, I, I would love it in my jets somehow got him. No disrespect, Aaron Glenn, but I'm curious. I need your unfiltered take on Mike McDaniel.

[Teron Armstead]

I was with Mike for three years. Highly productive the first two with the offense. The things we were able to do to create innovative, really change the scope of offense around the league. Week after week, we started to see other teams implementing everything from the motions to the schemes, from everything. So he's someone that has really came in and changed the way that we see offense and how to move skilled players. My time with Mike, man, I can't say enough good things about him. It was, I'm appreciative of everything that we had and what we did down there. He used me as a playmaker, not just as a left tackle. Was able to get out in space and, you know, block corners and safeties and all those things. It just made the game fun. I'm sure he'll find another opportunity, whether it's a head coach or offensive coordinator this year, whatever he chooses to do, I think that he will, he will be successful. I'm sure that Dolphins these last two years, all the adversity, the down moments, benching your starting quarterback and all those things, it's a learning lesson. Now it's all about his response. He's, he's had the bumps and bruises. He had these, faced the narratives and the challenges and was let go from, from Miami ultimately. So it'll be interesting to see his response to all of it, how much he's learned and grown as a head coach.

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

What do you make of the allegations that McDaniel, he couldn't command a locker room? He's, he's not a big alpha male. He's a small, nerdy guy from Yale. Again, I, I like McDaniel, but he had Tyreek Hill in there who was popping off a lot. Jalen Ramsey These are like difficult guys who, who in their prime were awesome, but they're starting to fade. I'm just curious, did you see any of that McDaniel can't come into locker room stuff?

[Teron Armstead]

Some of those guys you name had their personal relationship with Mike. That could be different from me in my view. And I come from Sean, I came from Sean Payton who was very, very stern, very strict with his approach and then transition into Mike, which was almost the opposite end of the spectrum, who was open. A lot more discussion, a lot more information was shared. So it took me time to adjust to it. I didn't see Mike have a problem command in the locker room. We, we went out and we competed very hard. I think that once losses start to happen, a lot of noise starts and that, that'll be, that'll be the same for from Miami Dolphins and any other team throughout the history of the NFL. Once you lose, you're losing games consecutively, issues will start to show face and noise will start to come from the locker room and the media. It's just, that's the part of the business. And once you're winning, everything's all fine and dandy. So that's just, it's a part of losing and it comes with territory.

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

Lastly, do you think the Dolphins is a good coaching opening given the quarterback situation? We don't know. We don't know. TUA got benched, got a big contract. You know, Tyreeks coming off the major injury offensive line since you left, kind of wobbly defense. I don't know. GM situation. Is this even a good job? Toronto?

[Teron Armstead]

I believe so, man. I strongly do. J. Mac, I, I think that the location like being in Miami one is uber attractive to all free agents. All for sure. Now it's work to be done. Don't get me wrong. Now it's a lot hard hat, hammer and nail that that needs to be done. Like there's a lot of work that has to be done. Figure figuring out the cap situation, figuring out who's on your roster for sure. But I think Miami will always be attractive. You have an owner like Stephen Ross who is open and willing to use all resources to bring in anything possible to help your team. He has shown the patience to allow a team or organization to a regime to rebuild, reset all those good things. So I think anybody getting that Miami job, you got a three, four year window to turn this whole operation around.

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

All right, Toronto Armstead, Former Pro Bowler Thanks a lot for your time, man. Enjoy the games this weekend, buddy.

[Teron Armstead]

Sure will. You too. Man. Thank you.

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

All right. Great stuff from Teron Armstead. You know, I don't know about that Miami job, Rachel. I do love the city of Miami. Oh, my. That's right. My bachelor party. He's amazing.

[Rachel Nichols]

He's not wrong. And obviously his point wasn't just it's attractive for a coach. It's attractive for free agents. So you have the ability to bring in a good team almost year by year. Look, they got to get their quarterback. It's same as every team. Do you know who your quarterback is? Is he good? That is always going to be the most. When you rate coaching jobs in terms of attractiveness, I don't care how nice the beaches are right in south beach, if you have a great quarterback, that job will trump what's going on in Miami right now.

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

All right, Coming up next year on the Herd. Rachel has a familiar name. Whoa. Being linked to the Ravens and their head coaching opening. That's next year on the Herd.

[Fox Sports Radio Promoter]

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[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

Almost.

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[How to Money Podcast Hosts]

New year new goals and in this economy, a better money plan is more necessary than ever. I am Matt. And I'm Joel. We are from the how to Money podcast. And every week we help you to spend smarter, save more, and make sense of what's going on out there. If you want 2026 to be the year you finally feel in control of your money, we're here to give you the tools and advice to help you make it happen. Listen to how to Money on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

Back here on the herd in 15 minutes. I think Dante Moore made the wrong decision to stay in school. I know, I'm a Jets fan. Jason, be quiet. We'll talk about it. But first, Rachel Nichols with the news. No, no, no, no.

[Teron Armstead]

Turn on the news.

[Fox Sports Radio Promoter]

This is the Herdline news.

[Rachel Nichols]

We'll be talking about Mike McDaniel. He got his interview with the Baltimore Ravens. You know, McDaniel's been a hot candidate since being fired. He Only has a 35, 33 record since being a head coach in those four years in Miami. But when it was humming, that offense was pretty spectacular. That also was with Tua, who, as we've discussed, is a bit limited. So he's still a, you know, golden boy in coaching circles. He's interviewed with the Titans, the Falcons and the Browns in addition to the Ravens. Meanwhile, the Ravens, Jason, they've had formal interviews now with 11 candidates. So the net is wide. I was just. We're talking to our producer, Martin, for a team where even just making the playoffs next year would be an improvement.

[Teron Armstead]

Right.

[Rachel Nichols]

They missed them this year.

[Teron Armstead]

Yeah.

[Rachel Nichols]

Are the Ravens kind of sneaky, low key, One of the most high pressure jobs in the NFL because it's not just making the playoffs, it's the expectation, Right?

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

Yeah. There's a lot going on there with this Whole Bishotti went in front of everybody and was like yeah, Lamar is going to sit in on interviews and have an input. And I'm like are we sure that's a good idea? That being said I, I just remembered as you were saying that so McDaniel was in Florida with the Dolphins. Lamar is a Florida guy. I wonder if they ever cross paths or he would be into McDaniel being their head coach. I mean it doesn't seem like a logical fit because McDaniel's kind of a, a. I don't want to say soft but offensive minded. That defense is very, that division is very defensive minded and rugged. Right?

[Rachel Nichols]

Well, yeah but if you confirm that out. I mean the real question for the Ravens is how do you utilize Lamar Jackson and get him to a Super Bowl.

[Teron Armstead]

Right.

[Rachel Nichols]

And hopefully if you're them win a Super Bowl. Right. So I, I don't have any problem hiring for off offense and then saying great, we're going to get a great.

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

D.C. okay if you're McDaniel is what's a better job and don't Baltimore or Atlanta.

[Rachel Nichols]

That's a tough one. Right. I mean again who's the best quarterback? If you just go by that, it's Baltimore. Right. But what do you think?

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

Yeah, well I. Does Baltimore have a lot other than Lamar Jackson?

[Rachel Nichols]

Well, by the way just to finish that other thought your point about. Oh, Atlanta has other stuff. They have a promising quarterback and are the expectations as high so you can succeed more easily?

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

Yeah. Bijon Robinson, Drake, London, like I don't know if they're going to franchise tag Pitts or what but if Penix is good Falcons are a great job. Again I look at that Baltimore team. If that kicker makes the 44 yard field goal. Does Harbaugh get fired?

[Rachel Nichols]

Well, he was asked that in the press conference and does he keep his job if that field goal gets made and the owner said he would for.

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

One more week so he was gone either way.

[Rachel Nichols]

I mean I. We don't know obviously if he was going to advance through the playoffs, win a Super Bowl. I doubt you're firing him but it seemed as if they were ready for a change.

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

I don't know. Do you think. I mean Baltimore is kind of your rival with the Washington thing. I don't. Do you think high pressure, you think it's.

[Rachel Nichols]

I do. I think. I think that Lamar Jackson. I think just the history of that team. I think that that is one of the most looked on teams in the NFL for a team that didn't even. Didn't even make the playoffs this year. I think that is a pretty high pressure.

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

Do you still think Lamar is in that upper echelon of top four quarterbacks in the league?

[Rachel Nichols]

I do. I mean, come on, like what he can do with the football and with his leg. It's just. It's crazy, right?

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

It looked like he may have lost a step this year. Could have been the injuries. Don't know.

[Rachel Nichols]

The whole team looked like it lost this year. They fired their coach of 18 years.

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

Yeah.

[How to Money Podcast Hosts]

I don't think.

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

Yeah, yeah. Because they were inches away. A Mark Andrews drop.

[Rachel Nichols]

Yes.

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

Right. Wasn't it last January against Buffalo?

[How to Money Podcast Hosts]

Yes.

[Rachel Nichols]

And a field goal this time.

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

Very close. And then the Dave Flowers game against the Chiefs. Fumbling. Yeah. Oh, man. Poor, horrible.

[Rachel Nichols]

Team meeting this week. Broncos Sean Payton got into an interesting topic. He talked about the year off that he took after parting ways with the Saints. At the time, he thought a break would feel good. He'd been in coaching for 34 straight years. He actually joined us here at Fox. As you know, J. Mac. But as he told his team this week, he quickly felt like talking about the game wasn't the same as being in it. He told them they should appreciate being in it as long as they can. Here was his quote. There's going to be a time where all of us have to get off. But you know what? Not today. Not today. Not today, Jason. Because it's a Friday, but could be tomorrow. What do you think? Do you think the Broncos are getting off the stage tomorrow or do you feel like, you know, his appreciate the moment, rah, rah, we got to fight for every inch kind of speech is going to work.

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

I hate to cop out. I didn't bet this game. I just have the under. I'm rude. I know this sounds crazy. As a Jets fan, I'm rooting for Josh Allen.

[Rachel Nichols]

Yeah.

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

But I do think Denver probably wins.

[Rachel Nichols]

Really?

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

Are you agreement or no?

[Rachel Nichols]

No. I mean, look, I don't have a strong feeling about it because to your point, it's very like a toss up. That's why they play the games, as Herm Edwards said. But I do, I don't know, I just think Josh, Josh Allen's the best player on the field and that, you know, there's, there's enough there. And the Bills, to your point, know that this is, this is kind of their moment and I think that's very motivating as well.

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

So it. Let's say the Broncos are down 4, 2 minutes left. Bo Nix has the ball, confidence level is like, maybe he gets it done.

[Teron Armstead]

Yeah, maybe.

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

If the Bills are down four and Josh Allen gets the ball, confidence level, they're scoring, right? Yeah.

[Rachel Nichols]

So, like, that's kind of that to me is what. You know, again, it's not a huge. Oh, my God. I'll tell you, I will bet my house, my children that, you know, the Bills are going to win. But if you make me make a pick, I guess I'm going in that direction. Just because of the Josh Allen factor.

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

I'm assuming you got a 529 plan for your kids.

[Rachel Nichols]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

I'm putting that on the Rams. No, no, no, I'm not do that. That's a. That's stupid.

[Rachel Nichols]

All right, let's get back to that Niner Seahawks game, this one being played in Seattle, which we know has one of the best home field advantages in the NFL. Go 20th. But Kyle Shanahan says no matter what happens this week, the one thing he knows is nothing phases his quarterback. Take a listen.

[J]

Brock doesn't get rattled. I mean, it's. You can be as loud as you want, they're still probably not going to hear you there, especially if you're in the gun. And then we know they'll be that much louder this week. But I think it's. Nothing really rattles Brock. He stays the same. And you felt that last week. That's what I thought was so impressive. Having that interception with like eight minutes to go and we lose the lead. And the way he came back and played the next drive after that is the perfect example of. That's what I mean by, like, you can kind of see people's character, what type of people they are on the silent tape. And a guy who can act like that on that silent tape describes exactly the type of duty is.

[Rachel Nichols]

Jason, you love Brock Purdy. Had him number three at the top of the hour in your quarterback rankings.

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

What's with that smirk, Rachel?

[Teron Armstead]

How.

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

You know, I just.

[Rachel Nichols]

I mean, I saw you walk into the building today with a Brock Rock Purdy foam finger, but whatever. I mean, you know, do you think that he can. Exactly. Do you think he can get it done even though his team's pretty depleted by injuries? Can he?

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

Yes. Will he? That's another story. Now, I have been to Seattle. I love Seattle as a city, I gotta say. Been there twice. Have you been?

[Rachel Nichols]

Oh, I spent a lot of time covering the Seahawks. I. The team, the facility, the way they run things. And the stadium is just so much fun. I mean, that stadium gets loud. I know every fan base thinks that their stadium gets loud. That stadium you cannot hear yourself think. And they were even instructing the fans this week.

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

Oh, I saw.

[Rachel Nichols]

To make noise as they go as the Niners go into the huddle. Don't just make noise when they're at the line. Make noise when they go into the huddle so that the players can't hear.

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

What? It's a tough environment, but look at Purdy on the road versus the Seahawks in his career. Rachel4 and oh, this guy is a baller. I only I was in the Lumen field for a soccer match and we won against the Sounders. But that it was loud then it wasn't even full. So I can't imagine like a night game. The vibes are going to be kind of sort of immaculate. That's gonna be a good one.

[Rachel Nichols]

Be great.

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

Rachel with the news.

[Fox Sports Radio Promoter]

Well, that's the news. And thanks for stopping by the Herd lie news.

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

All right, so a couple quarterbacks made decisions on their college futures this week. One of them decided he's going to the NFL passing big money in the nil. The other, he wants to go back to college. I think one of those guys made the wrong decision. That's next.

[Fox Sports Radio Promoter]

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

[Louisiana Hot Sauce Advertiser]

Everything tastes better after your team wins. Similarly, everything also tastes better once you've baptized it with a simple handcrafted flavor of the original Louisiana brand hot sauce. So just imagine how truly tasty something would taste if it was doused in the original Louisiana hot sauce after your team. Pretty damn good, right? That's Louisiana hot bayou.

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Savings versus Comparable Verizon plans plus the cost of optional benefits. Plan features and taxes and fees vary. Savings with three plus lines include third line free via monthly bill credits, credit stop if you cancel any lines.

[How to Money Podcast Hosts]

Qualifying credit required, New year new goals and in this economy, a better money plan is more necessary than ever. I am Matt and I'm Joel. We are from the how to Money podcast and every week we help you to spend smarter, save more and make sense of what's going on out there. If you want 2026 to be the year you finally feel in control of your Money. And we're here to give you the tools and advice to help you make it happen. Listen to how to Money on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Rachel Nichols]

Fox College Hoops Friday featuring a primetime Big 12 battle. Baylor looking to take down Bill Self's Kansas Jayhawks. And it all tips off tonight, 8 Eastern on Fox.

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

Kansas has a player who is, I mean, I don't want, you never want to consider anybody a Kobe ish player, but man, this kid Peterson, he can go. I mean he is awesome. Top five pick for sure. All right, let's, let's go back to the NFL real quick. And I saw this week Ty Simpson decided he's going to go to the NFL from Alabama. He had like five, six million dollar offers from Tennessee, Miami, blah blah blah. He said, no, I'm going pro. Okay. And it's weird because some people are like, he could use more work. Yeah, he could. But is he passing up a guaranteed four year deal in the NFL? So then Dante Moore steps to the podium, takes all the time in the world up against the deadline and says, you know what, I'm going to go back to school. Rachel said earlier, hey, I don't like to go in anybody's pockets. I don't want to go in Dante Moore's pockets. I think he made the wrong decision. And I'm not speaking as a Jets fan, I'm just speaking as a realist. Okay, sure, the jets could have used him. He ain't no franchise savior. I think we would agree with. I don't, I like Dante Moore a lot. I had him second on my mock draft. Then he played Texas Tech, didn't look great against an elite defense. Then he played Indiana and he vomited all over himself starting with a pick six on the first play and it was over. You knew he was going back to school. Here's the problem. And again, I don't think he is a slam dunk prospect. It's tough to play quarterback in the NFL. I mean, there's the pick six on the first play against Indiana. They read him like a book like that cornerback Pounds is an awesome player, but you just look at the mistakes he's making. Now you could say, oh, that's a four string running back. Come on, guys, how many times have you seen a quarterback like that bump into the running back and fumble? It's just not normal. He looked like he was slow to process in the pocket. Bottom line, he's going back to school. Here's my problem. So let's say he didn't go second in the draft and he fell to 20th. Hypothetically, due to the sliding scale, he would have had a four year deal around $13 million. Okay. That Kenny Pickett went about 20th. He flopped. Whatever he's done, that's, that's a lot of guaranteed money. And oh, by the way, you get to grow and develop. Hopefully not with a terrible franchise like the jets or the Browns or the Cardinals. You get to go to a real team, maybe sit for a year. You know, you go top five, you need to play. You're considered the franchise savior. You go 10, like Patrick Mahomes, you could sit. Mahomes sat for a year behind Alex Smith, hit the ground running. First impression was, this guy's amazing. He hasn't looked back. You go top five, you've got to play. They need you now. That's why you're. They're drafting here, because they don't got nobody. So I think more should have come out. What's the harm in going back? Jay, he's making $6 million. That's outstanding. In recent history, we've seen guys more often than not, I think like 80% is the number. Go back, get absolutely picked apart by play, by series, by game, and next thing you know, it's like, I don't know, he's a, he's a four to fourth or fifth round pick. That's really what happens when you go back to school. You get nitpicked. Now the real question is, what grades was Dante Moore given by the NFL? Because they'll give grades to give you an idea if you should come out or not. If you're told you're a first round pick, you gotta go strike while the iron is hot. Now, the iron was lukewarm given the playoff games, but otherwise Moore works great in that Oregon system. We got an Oregon guy on staff who's like, dude, he's, he's basically doing what Dylan Gabriel did. Well, Dylan Gabriel got to the pros, had a little shot with Cleveland, and you know, he looks like he could have a long career as a backup. Nothing wrong with that. But he also didn't go first round. Dante Moore's got a little more upside than that. I just didn't see it. And I would have told him, hey, listen, go. You're probably not going to go top five, probably not top 10, despite the need for quarterback. And you sit and you wait your time, you collect your paychecks, and hopefully then you pop again. I know he needs more starts. It's a tricky situation because Ty Simpson is older, Dante Moore is only 20, Ty Simpson is a little bit on the older side. And we saw J.J. mcCarthy, young guy, really struggle with the injuries getting his body right. It may not work out for him. But I just believe when you've got the opportunity to come out, first round pick, guaranteed four year deal, you got to take it. Even if it goes sideways like it did for Sam Darnold, right? Sam Darnold's now thriving six, seven years later. And again, this is. I know everybody's gonna say, well you're not going to get the second contract. Sam Darnold came out was terrible, looked like his career was in the tank, found the right spot, revived himself in Minnesota and now is making the 30, 40 million a year in Seattle. So there's no rush to this. But getting to the league helps, I think more than sitting in college. And I say sitting because Dylan Rayola transferred to Oregon and I know he's got a broken leg. That guy's super talented. Okay? He big time player at Nebraska. I know he's got some Patrick Mahomes in him, more the look than anything. But I'm not even certain that Dante Moore starting the full season in Oregon. I'm just telling you guys, take a look at what happened to Cade Klubnick at Clemson. Take a look at Nussmeyer at lsu. And I know the LSU program was a bit of a mess. I mean hell, Arch Manning struggle for the first half of the season. The burden of expectations on these college quarterbacks now is immense. Think about this, I mean a couple years ago, hey, you're the, you're the guy. You've been in the program for three years, wonderful. Now you're getting $5 million. They need to see dividends immediately. And I know every year next year's quarterback class is stacked. Essentially. Dante Moore would have to go top five next year to justify going back to school. And I don't think that he's got any shot of that. And yes, I've seen there's like seven or eight guys who have major potential. The key is going into the season under the radar. Fernando Mendoza last year Indiana, there was some chatter, oh, he could be a first round pick because he's 6, 5 with a big arm. The season plays out, no pressure, no hype. Fernando Mendoza, slam dunk, number one pick. You don't want to be one of these guys with major expectations next year it's going to be Archbanning again. We saw Archbannon kind of crumble Finish strong. Now they're hitting the portal. They got great receivers. I think Arch Manning probably is the number one pick next year. So I don't know about you, Rachel. I just. And again, I'm rooting for all these guys.

[Teron Armstead]

I want.

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

The league needs good quarterbacks. I think Moore should have probably gone to the NFL. I don't think he would have gone top five, but I do think he's making a bit of a mistake. And next year, I don't want him to get picked apart. But that's just the game.

[Rachel Nichols]

I do have to think he's getting insurance, right. For what he would have earned in that first NFL contract. I don't know how much is this you just not wanting to accept that someone is avoiding the draft so they don't have to play for the Jets.

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

They were like, hey, we got the clip. Joel Klatt saying he doesn't want to go back to the. Everybody's saying that Boomer Esiason had a good clip about the Jets. Dodged a bullet. Everybody's weighing in.

[Rachel Nichols]

We've seen this, right? Plenty in football. Right. John Elway didn't want to play for the team he was drafted for. He threatened to go play baseball for the Yankees.

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

That's right.

[Rachel Nichols]

Jackson went and played baseball instead of going to the team he was drafted by. We know the Eli Manning story. There are plenty of quarterbacks who look and say, I don't know about starting my career with that team. I'm going to do something else. Maybe this was something else.

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

It's a good point.

[Rachel Nichols]

No offense, Jet fan.

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

Hey, listen, it's been a rough 15 years. Let's just say that my kids. By the way, we're talking about our kids. They are asking me repeatedly, why are you a Jets fan?

[Rachel Nichols]

I love that.

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

Straight up.

[Rachel Nichols]

So they didn't just accept it being handed down.

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

I bought them jerseys when they were kids.

[Rachel Nichols]

Yeah.

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

And my daughter's like, I'm not wearing this at school, dad.

[Rachel Nichols]

This is gross.

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

No.

[Rachel Nichols]

Are they Rams fans?

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

They. They're. We went to a Chargers camp, and the Chargers were nice to us, and they loved the Chargers. We went to a Rams game or two, so they're gravitating toward the local teams.

[Rachel Nichols]

Okay.

[Jason McIntyre (J. Mac)]

Yeah, that's how it works. All right, final hour coming up. A couple great guests. Greg Jennings, gonna check in on Bears, Packers, Chris Felica, hopefully give us some winning bets. Stick and stay. Final hour coming up on a Friday.

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[Rachel Nichols]

Almost.

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