THE HERD - Hour 3 - Caleb Williams needs to improve, the Browns QB situation, tomorrow's headlines today, Eric Mangini

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 3

Title: THE HERD - Hour 3 - Caleb Williams needs to improve, the Browns QB situation, tomorrow's headlines today, Eric Mangini
Host: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Release Date: August 14, 2025
Description: The Herd with Colin Cowherd delves into the top sports stories, offering insightful and opinionated discussions on current events in the sports world.

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1. Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, host Colin Cowherd engages in a multifaceted discussion covering the performance and future of Caleb Williams, the quarterback dynamics within the Cleveland Browns, and a comprehensive rundown of upcoming playoff predictions in the AFC. Renowned NFL analyst Eric Mangini joins the conversation, providing his expert insights into the evolving landscape of professional football.

2. Dolphins and Miami's Practice Culture

Colin Cowherd welcomes Eric Mangini to discuss the recent controversial reports surrounding the Miami Dolphins’ training sessions. The Dolphins have been criticized for conducting what some have termed "the most lopsided practice in league history," sparking concerns about the team's cultural direction under head coach Mike McDaniel.

Key Points:

• Criticism of Practice Methods: Reports indicate that the Dolphins' practices lack the physicality traditionally associated with successful teams, contrasting sharply with the Detroit Lions' more intense sessions.
• Impact on Team Culture: Mangini expresses concern over the Dolphins potentially developing a reputation for softness, which could undermine the team's competitiveness and the owner's perception.

Notable Quote:

[04:44] Devin (Eric Mangini): "If you're the owner of the Dolphins, you're going, is this really what I want my organization to be known for? So not, not a great day for Mike McDaniel, if that's what's coming out of there."

Mangini emphasizes that the Dolphins' current practice approach may not align with the ownership’s expectations, potentially affecting the team's performance and reputation.

3. Cleveland Browns Quarterback Situation

The episode delves into the quarterback conundrum facing the Cleveland Browns, focusing on Russell Wilson's influence and the emergence of Jackson Dart as a potential successor.

Key Points:

• Russell Wilson's Leadership: Despite his experience, Wilson has struggled to galvanize his teammates effectively, a trend observed across his tenures with various teams.
• Jackson Dart's Potential: Dart showcases promise with his performance in training camps and preseason games, exhibiting confidence and the ability to connect with his teammates without appearing cocky.
• Coaching Strategy: Coach Ben Johnson prioritizes system familiarity and confidence-building for Dart, opting to start Russell Wilson to stabilize the young offense.

Notable Quotes:

[08:09] Noah: "Russell Wilson has not galvanized teammates. That's not an opinion. That's true."

[09:03] Devin: "So giving him another week to learn and to grow, to me, that makes a lot of sense."

Mangini advocates for allowing Dart more time to develop within the system, suggesting that this approach will yield long-term benefits for the Browns' offensive coherence.

4. Tomorrow's Headlines Today: AFC Playoff Predictions

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to analyzing and predicting the AFC playoff contenders. Colin Cowherd and his co-host Noah delve into detailed forecasts for each playoff seed, assessing team performances, key player impacts, and organizational strengths.

Key Predictions:

• 7th Seed – Jacksonville Jaguars:
  Colin: "They get Travis Hunter, who's going to play a lot of offense and some defense... I think they're gonna sneak in the playoffs as a 7 seed."

• 6th Seed – Los Angeles Chargers:
  Noah: "I like Jim Harbaugh a lot and I know people want to say, Jay, what about the Chiefs? Come on, Chiefs have got to get in."

• 5th Seed – Cincinnati Bengals:
  Colin: "Joe Burrow gets it done. This is a team in the playoffs, remember that?"

• 4th Seed – Tennessee Titans:
  Noah: "Cam Ward can have a Jaden Daniels type rookie season. Give me the Titans winning the division."

• 3rd Seed – Denver Broncos:
  Colin: "Bo Nix your guy and Sean Payton... Give me the Broncos as the 3 seed in the AFC."

• 2nd Seed – Baltimore Ravens:
  Colin: "Lamar and Derrick Henry for sure... I like the Ravens 11 or 12 wins in the playoffs."

• 1st Seed – Buffalo Bills:
  Noah: "Josh Allen, best player in the league... I think the Bills are going to the Super Bowl."

Notable Quotes:

[31:10] Colin: "Travis Hunter and Jacksonville and Trevor Lawrence, obviously in the playoffs."

[35:12] Colin: "Joe Burrow could have won the MVP. They were in every game and then the defense lets them down in the final two minutes..."

[37:11] Colin: "The headline for the number one seed in the AFC will be Buffalo loaded for bear. Locked cocked and safeties look stuff."

Colin and Noah provide a balanced analysis, highlighting both offensive prowess and defensive capabilities as critical factors influencing their predictions.

5. Kansas City Chiefs Analysis

The discussion turns to the Kansas City Chiefs, with Colin expressing skepticism about their chances to maintain playoff consistency. Concerns are raised about their offensive firepower and the impact of recent player movements.

Key Points:

• Offensive Inconsistencies: Despite having a top-tier quarterback in Travis Kelce and head coach Andy Reid, the Chiefs face challenges in maintaining offensive dominance without significant reinforcements.
• Defensive Weaknesses: The Chiefs' defense lacks elite stars, making them vulnerable in closely contested games.

Notable Quote:

[38:52] Noah: "They’re going to be in close games. I don't think they have the offensive firepower. They're just too inconsistent at wide receiver."

The hosts collectively agree that while the Chiefs remain a formidable team, underlying issues may impede their ability to secure a top playoff spot consistently.

6. Additional Segments

The episode briefly touches upon international sports, specifically U.S. soccer star Christian Pulisic's recent decisions and public commentary. Although not a primary focus, the discussion underscores the broader sports landscape and athlete dynamics.

Notable Quote:

[25:52] Noah: "Christian Pulisic is the most talented soccer player in the history of America."

7. Conclusion

Colin Cowherd wraps up the episode by reiterating the key discussions on quarterback performances, team cultures, and playoff predictions. The conversation underscores the ever-evolving nature of sports, emphasizing strategic decisions and player development as pivotal elements shaping the upcoming season.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• [04:44] Devin (Eric Mangini): "If you're the owner of the Dolphins, you're going... is this really what I want my organization to be known for?"

• [08:09] Noah: "Russell Wilson has not galvanized teammates. That's not an opinion. That's true."

• [31:10] Colin: "Travis Hunter and Jacksonville and Trevor Lawrence, obviously in the playoffs."

• [37:11] Colin: "The headline for the number one seed in the AFC will be Buffalo loaded for bear."

• [38:52] Noah: "They’re going to be in close games. I don't think they have the offensive firepower. They're just too inconsistent at wide receiver."

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This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers an in-depth examination of pivotal developments in the NFL, blending expert analysis with strategic foresight to provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the sport's current state and future trajectory.

Transcript

[Host]

This is an iHeart podcast.

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[Manny]

Why are TSA rules so confusing?

[Noah]

You got a hoodie on. Take it all.

[Manny]

I'm Manny.

[Noah]

I'm Noah.

[Manny]

This is Devin, and we're best friends and journalists with a new podcast called no Such Thing, where we get to the bottom of questions like that. Why are you screaming? I can't expect what to do now if the rule was the same, go off on me.

[Noah]

I deserve it, you know? Lock him up.

[Manny]

Listen to no Such thing on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Az Fudd]

No Such Thing hey guys, it's Az Fudd. You may know me as a gold medalist, you may know me as an NCAA national champion. You may even know me as a people's princess. Every week on my new podcast, futaround, and find out I'll be talking to some special guests about pop culture basketball and what it's like to be a professional athlete on and off the court. Listen to FUT around and find out a production of iHeart Women's Sports in partnership with Unanimous Media on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Noah]

Not today. Not today.

[Host]

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[Noah]

He never thought he was going to get caught and I just looked at.

[Devin]

My computer screen, I was just like, ah, gotcha.

[Noah]

This technology's already solving so many cases.

[Host]

Listen to America's Crime Lab on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Noah]

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. You're listening to Fox Sports Radio. Well, I need a coach to talk to because there's a lot of this preseason stuff that interests me, but I'm not sure how valuable it is. My belief has always been with life and in sports, everything is something. Nothing is everything. Don't overreact. But everything matters a little in evaluation and drafting, in game planning. Eric Mangini, Fox Sports, is joining us now live. So, like yesterday, there was a report that the Dolphins had perhaps the most lopsided, ugly practice in. In league history. And Detroit lion players were saying, they don't even practice like us. This is for a culture that has been diplomatically a little loose since Mike McDaniel got there. What do I make of a story like that? Is it something. What do you make of Miami, an organization that's had some accountabilities and physicality shortcomings? What do you make of a practice like that?

[Devin]

Well, I'm the head coach of the Dolphins. That's the last thing I want people saying about my practices. And especially in a situation where they've been accused of being soft and they've been accused of not being able to sustain things as the season goes on. And what do we know about Detroit? We know Detroit is tough. We know they're physical. We know they've dramatically changed the trajectory of the organization because of the mentality that they've had and the mentality of the head coach. So now that group goes down to Miami and it's called the most lopsided practice in history. And the players are talking about how different their practices are. If you're the owner of the Dolphins, you're going, is this really. Is this really what. What I want my organization to be known for? So not, not a great day for Mike McDaniel, if that's, if that's what's coming out of there.

[Noah]

Yeah. I mean, by the way, owners watch and listen to that stuff. If you don't think they do, you're crazy. They absolutely listen. I also think anytime there's a report that you are what the previous criticism has been, that's always bad news. Right. Like it. He would have been better off with a report being Miami is physical and out of control, but literally got into nine fistfights with Alliance. That would be better for Mike McDaniel. It'd be against type.

[Devin]

It would be absolutely better for Mike McDaniel because as an owner now, your friends at the country club or wherever are going to be saying, okay, you're letting this happen. This is ultimately, it's a reflection on him. And Steve Ross is an incredibly successful businessman and he's. I don't think anybody's ever going to accuse him of being soft. So I'm sure he doesn't want his team to be represented that way and he doesn't want his friends to be giving me a hard time over golf about his soft football team that can't win late in the year.

[Noah]

So Jackson Dart had 41 college starts. With Lane Kiffin in the SEC, that's more than enough time to play. But there's a bigger thing than that. One thing we know to be true is that, you know, Russell Wilson has not galvanized teammates. That's just, that's not an opinion. That's true. He and Pete Carroll, he and Sean Payton it in Pittsburgh, wherever. That's not been his strength. So Jackson Dart, good looking, confident kid, comes in, you know, chops it up. I mean, my take is you can't fool the players. Sometimes you can fool a coach maybe. I don't think you could fool guys in the locker room. Could you get in trouble here if you play the quarterback with a rough schedule? Like I think Jackson darts an easy guy for an athlete to like. Good looking, good arm moves. Well, I could see players buying into Jackson Dart. What do you make of their quarterback situation?

[Devin]

Yeah, Jackson darts had a really good training camp. I thought he had. I thought his first preseason game was outstanding. He made a range of throws along the sideline. There's one vertical, there's one corner out. So it's sort of that mid level. He hit one short, he set up a screen, hit one over the middle, had the two really good scrambles. And at practice he's extremely competitive as well. And it seems like he's more. He's definitely confident. It didn't feel like cockiness. I've made it out to a couple Giants practices and been able to watch him and it does look like his teammates enjoy being around him and he's developing that relationship. But I would say there's a 0% chance that he's going to start in the opener. I think the approach is go with Russell Wilson and his experience and the positive things that he brings the table. And look, Russell hasn't had the best post Seattle trajectory, but he does give a stabilizing influence to a young offense and to an offense that needs a stabilizing influence. I don't know if he'll be able to hold the job throughout the course of the season, but I would say there's 100% chance he's going to start the first, first games and probably the, you know, early part of the season at least.

[Noah]

So you coached in very loud media cities. New York and Cleveland and Chicago, where I am now, is a very loud city. And they didn't start Caleb Williams last game. Now, Ben Johnson said he got 70 snaps at practice, but part of me was like, okay, so standalone game against the Dolphins. Dolphins are having their own issues. Let's just let the Dolphins steal the thunder this week on talk radio. And, you know, I, I felt like there was a little, it was a little more than just football. Do you think in the preseason that's true? I mean, did you ever say, you know what, this is a preseason game, it doesn't count in the record. I'm not going to play this guy or for sure I'm going to play this guy. But it was, I did think for a young quarterback that just needs reps, it was weird to hold him out.

[Devin]

Yeah, I don't think so, Colin. I imagine what Ben Johnson wants to do is he wants his first game tape under the, under his system to be as good as it can possibly be. So for them to take another week of him practicing within the system, of him learning the system, and then being able to come out in the second preseason game play and ideally put together some really good tapes. So not only does it build Caleb's confidence, it builds the rest of the group's confidence, and they're going to do everything they can to script for success so that the team looks at this and says, okay, we're going in the right direction. This is going in the right direction. There's no soft openings like you have with a restaurant when the whole world's watching what you do in the way that guys are scrutinized. So for him to take another week before putting him on the field, I don't think that's, that's the worst idea in the world. You, you want it to look as good as you possibly can going into the season. So giving him another week to, to learn and to grow, to me, that, that makes a lot of sense.

[Colin Cowherd]

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

[Noah]

Hi, this is Jay. I'm the producer of the Paulie and Tony Fusco show. Usually in these promos, they ask you to listen to the show. I'm here to ask you, please don't listen to the show. The hosts are two absolute morons who have the dumbest takes on sports imaginable. Don't listen to this show so it can get canceled. Whoa whoa whoa. What the hell are you doing in our studio?

[Colin Cowherd]

Get him Paulie. Ignore that fool. Listen to the Paulie and Tony Fusco show on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcast. He's still moving.

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[Noah]

A foot washed up, a shoe with.

[Colin Cowherd]

Some bones in it.

[Noah]

They had no idea who it was. Most everything was burned up pretty good from the fire that not a whole lot was salvageable.

[Host]

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[Noah]

He never thought he was going to.

[Devin]

Get caught and I just looked at my computer screen, I was just like ah, gotcha.

[Host]

On America's Crime Lab, we'll learn about victims and survivors and you'll meet the team behind the scenes at othram, the Houston lab that takes on the most hopeless cases to finally solve the unsolvable Listen to America's Crime Lab on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Manny]

Imagine that you're on an airplane and all of a sudden you hear this.

[Noah]

Attention passengers. The. The pilot is having an emergency and.

[Colin Cowherd]

We need someone, anyone, to land this plane.

[Manny]

Think you could do it? It turns out that nearly 50% of men think that they could land the plane with the help of air traffic control. And they're saying like, okay, pull this. Until this, pull that, turn this. It's just, I can do my eyes closed. I'm Manny.

[Noah]

I'm Noah, this is Devin.

[Manny]

And on our new show, no Such Thing, we get to the bottom of questions like, like these. Join us as we talk to the leading expert on overconfidence.

[Noah]

Those who lack expertise, lack the expertise. They need to recognize that they lack expertise.

[Manny]

And then as we try the whole thing out for real. Wait, what? Oh, that's the run, right?

[Noah]

I'm looking at this thing.

[Manny]

See, listen to no Such thing on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Noah]

So you are part of the Patriots dynasty. And even though they did 10 years where they didn't win a Super bowl, you weren't there for all that. But they were still winning division championships. I think they got to five AFC championships. They were still winning their division eight or nine times in that 10 year stretch. And I've said with Kansas city, part of LeBron's dominance in the east is that the east was a mess. Part of Saban's dominance in the SEC is that Auburn, Tennessee and Georgia couldn't get the coach right until Kirby Smart came around. And I said, part of Brady's dominance is they moved the Colts out of that division and the Dolphins and the jets and Buffalo. I mean, Buffalo was dysfunctional for almost all of Brady's run and that. I'm sorry, if you put Harbaughn, Herbert, Bo, Nick, Sean Payton, Pete Carroll, Chip Kelly, I don't think you can win the division every year. And I think part of dynasties is the fact that New England basically got a home playoff game and a buy because they were 5 and 1 or 6, 0 in their division every year and you had to win two playoff games. What do you. My assertion is Kansas City will still be really good, but the days of going 35 and five against the AFC west are over. That's my. Take your thoughts.

[Devin]

Well, I, I would say that Kansas City has the chance to win the super bowl every single season. So as long as Long as Mahomes is there, they've got a chance to win the Super Bowl. And then when you combine Mahomes with Andy, you combine Mahomes with Andy and Spagnolo and Brett Veach. Organizationally, they're different than all those other places because they've got so many reps built up. They're not chasing a ring. They can make good business decisions, they can make long term business decisions where everybody else is trying to get. Get to where they are. So. So they're always going to be in the hunt for the Super Bowl. Can they have the dominance that they've had in the division and gotten a lot harder? You've got. You've got three great coaches in that division now that you're going to have to compete against. You know, from a quarterback perspective, you know, you still have the most dominant quarterback, but all those guys have shown the capacity to win. It's different than what we were facing in New England during part of that run. I mean, the coaches came and went. This is definitely a different challenge for Kansas City now just based on who they're lining up against week in and week out within the division.

[Noah]

Finally, when you were coaching the Browns, I'm sure you heard sports radio at least once. It's kind of crazy. Yeah. We had Tony Grossi on yesterday. He was fun. And now Shedeur plays Friday and he plays well. And I'm sure it's all tempered and nuanced. And you live in Cleveland, so what do you make? I'm sure you thought he was pretty good, but what do you make of the reaction, action and sort of the circus around Shador? You're. It's probably familiar territory for you.

[Devin]

Yeah, well, the second they drafted Shador in the fifth round, it was going to be that way, especially because they had drafted Dylan Gabriel in the third. That made that. That heightened everything. Drafting another quarterback ahead of Shador and then bringing Shador in. And then there's questions. Who made that decision? I know the owner says he wasn't involved, but I think he might have been a little bit involved. But either way, now you have this situation where everybody is tracking a 5th round draft pick and pressing for him to be the guy. Now, I will say that I thought Chador played really well. I thought he put a lot of good plays together. He put some good drives together. The start of the second half where they had two false starts, he got sacked. They went three and out both times. So it was six plays for four yards. I thought that's what we were Going to see at the beginning of the game, not at the beginning of the second half, but I'd say overall for him, it was as good as he could have hoped. And him being hurt is not the worst thing in the world going into this game. He can only benefit from this because for Dylan Gabriel or Kenny Pickett, they go in and play. This is going to be a much more game plan game. It's going to be a harder opponent. He's put the good tape already out there. They've got to go out there and match that good tape. And he can sit back, not play, and actually bump up on the depth chart because of how they play without him ever having to go in the game this week and match what they're doing.

[Noah]

Yeah, no, I think it's all worked out for the Browns and especially Shador. Eric Mangini, as always. Coach, great seeing you.

[Devin]

Great senior Colin.

[Noah]

Tomorrow's headlines today is coming up into the show. But first, J. Mac with the news. No, no, no. Turn on the news.

[Colin Cowherd]

This is the Herd line news. All right, Colin, I know you're very excited about the Cleveland Browns quarterback situation. Well, Shedeur obviously very good in the opening preseason game, but he will miss this weekend. Dylan Gabriel will get his first action. Remember, he's been out with a hammy, and here's what he had to say. The young quarterback from Oregon.

[Noah]

I don't know if I can answer that question, but I will say I do feel better from.

[Colin Cowherd]

From day one, and it's just been a good progression.

[Noah]

So you just want to keep stacking it that way and keep feeling better. So want to continue that trend. I have no clue what's going to happen. I'm just right where my feet are. But time will tell and then we'll see what happens. But it's up to the coaches, and, you know, we got a lot of time to that point. Very interesting.

[Colin Cowherd]

I like that. I don't know what's going to happen, but I'm right where my feet are. I haven't heard that before, have you?

[Noah]

I like. Yeah, I have. I like that.

[Colin Cowherd]

It's like I'm living the moment. I'm not going to think about week one.

[Noah]

Yeah, I like that.

[Colin Cowherd]

Dylan Gabriel, if we're picking horses, I think you have Shador and I have Dylan Gabriel.

[Noah]

Right. Yeah. I think my. I think he is a better prospect, but I think Dylan Gabriel's had really, really elite college coaching. I think anytime you get a quarterback that's a little smaller, they play with a chip on their shoulder. Because they've been told several times in their football life they're not big enough. So I think Dylan is a really focused, driven kid who throws a really, really pretty ball. Pretty ball. I do think size matters in this league. I, you know, I mean, it's, I mean, I only remember one small quarterback my entire childhood. Fran Tarkenton for the Vikings. Everybody else was felt big.

[Colin Cowherd]

Oh, wait, is Jalen Hurts considered?

[Noah]

Yes. Yeah. Yeah. I mean, there's a few and they've, I mean, Russell Wilson got to two Super Bowls. Jalen Hurts gets the Super Bowls. But by and large, six two and up has dominated the sport my entire life. So he is, I mean, listen, Brock Purdy admitted like a week ago on a podcast. He's like, yeah, 40% of the time I don't see the throw where it goes. So, I mean, it matters. It's something.

[Colin Cowherd]

Next up, Colin. Let's go to Kyler Murray and Arizona. You know, I'm bullish on them after last week. Remember early last season they were in good shape. I think they had six wins and they were headed toward the playoffs. But then they cratered badly, dropping five of their last seven. Kyler Murray knows, man, I don't have a playoff win and I know this city is looking at me for to get one.

[Noah]

We built a foundation with guys that want to be here, that have belief in the system. Jg, obviously at the helm of that, has built a foundation and a system where guys can believe in something and guys follow online and listen and really, you know, like I said, believe in what he's preaching. So the leadership there is there. I know this city, this team organization, you know, everybody's. They've been prime and ready for us to make some noise and then finally, you know, take that next step. You're very pro. Arizona, which is interesting because you've never been a big Kyler Murray fan. But you. Why do you like Arizona? You have them as a playoff team.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, a lot of metrics seem to favor Arizona, like some of the moves they made. And listen, man, if you're just stacking wide receiver, running back, tight end, quarterback, they're right there in the top 10.

[Noah]

No, their personnel is better than their record.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, yeah, for sure. I just. Who's got more pressure this year to win or get to the playoffs and get a dub? Trevor Lawrence or Kyler Murray?

[Noah]

I think Kyler Murray because I think because of the off field stuff, if Kyler can't get you there, they would consider moving on. I think Trevor is going to be a Jag. I just think in the community, he's a Southern kid. They don't doubt his work ethic. There hasn't been any stuff off the field. You know, Trevor Lawrence has been banged up, but I think they love him there. Kyler Murray's been more controversial. You know, he's. I think if they did not make the playoffs, I think they like the coach a lot. Remember when the owner, Bidwell, they were saying that he leaked the information about Kyler's lack of preparation and being on the Internet and video games. They said that came from the owner's, you know, space. So I think Kyler Murray's got about as much pressure as any quarterback in the win in the league to get to the playoffs. He's. He's at very top of the list.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah. There's no way that that stat on the screen screen is. Is accurate. Where are my Jets? Where are the Giants? Worst record in the NFL since 2022. Arizona checking in at third. I thought the jets would be down there. Wow.

[Devin]

Yeah.

[Noah]

And what's interesting is Arizona has played like the Rams and the Niners. Close. They've. They've. They are. They are not a team. I mean, I know playing down in Arizona, you talk to coaches, it's a tough place to play, so their record's not great, but they've lost a lot of close games. And I'm with you. I think they're. I think their personnel is much better than their record.

[Colin Cowherd]

Let me. It's funny. Kyler went number one overall. You love to say he throws a beautiful deep ball. How come I don't hear when in inclement weather, he shrinks the way you ding Brock Purdy, Mr. Seventh Rounder. Brock Purdy, I think, has bigger hands and he's taller than Kyler.

[Noah]

I think Kyler throws a better deep ball, has a stronger arm and is more athletic. I love it.

[Colin Cowherd]

Oh, this is fun. All right, final story. Colin, look at this. We got some soccer here now. Christian Pulisic making some news. Obviously, this. The skipping the Gold Cup. Some people did not like that. He cited fatigue and fitness issues after a long year with AC Milan. Well, Pulisic was talking to Tyler Adams on some sort of documentary. And Pulisic and Tyler Adams saying, hey, listen, Pulisic doesn't have to earn the respect of anybody. He wants to throw his name in the gutter if somebody does, because it creates a big story and noise around the team. That's how big of a player Pulisic is and how important he is. Now this is interesting. I thought the beef was over at the Gold cup, but Tyler Adams talking about it is like re bringing it up again. And I'm. This is a little puzzling to me that they're question that people are still.

[Noah]

Well, it sounds like Tyler is saying christian so good that he doesn't have to earn. Earn the respect of anybody.

[Colin Cowherd]

Exactly. Yeah.

[Noah]

So.

[Colin Cowherd]

So he was at AC Milan and people like why'd you get AC Milan? He's not a superstar. I had to look this up. Four American players have played at AC Milan ever. Four. He's one of them.

[Noah]

And he's had some success there, in my opinion.

[Colin Cowherd]

What are we doing?

[Noah]

Christian Pulisic is the most talented soccer player in the history of America.

[Colin Cowherd]

I would. I think you're probably right. I'm sure other guys would make. There's a case for other guys.

[Noah]

But foot on ball, he's the most skilled player we've ever had.

[Colin Cowherd]

But you know. Yes. Yeah, I think you're right. Yeah. And I'm rooting for him and I think he's great. And what do they call him? Captain America. Like there's a lot of positivity but this negativity swirling now for months. The Gold cup's over. The U. S. Had a great run without him. Is a little puzzling to me. Not great World Cup. By the way, where's the calendar? We're like 10 months out.

[Noah]

Oh yeah, I'm fired up.

[Colin Cowherd]

By the way. You, you gotta go to some games with me. You know how I act as a sports fan at some of these games in USA Soccer?

[Noah]

No, it's. I can't wait for it. J. Mac with the news. Well, that's the news and thanks for stopping by the herd lie well last. Last Thursday it was NFC playoff teams and he had a couple of sizzlers. He had Arizona making the playoffs. Good luck. He picked Atlanta. I never trust the Falcons. So J. Mac, I imagine, has his seven AFC playoff teams. I cannot wait. Tomorrow's headlines today. Next, be sure to catch live editions of the Herd.

[Colin Cowherd]

Weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific.

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[Noah]

A shoe with some bones in it. They had no idea who it was. Most everything was burned up pretty good from the fire that not a whole lot was salvageable.

[Host]

These are the coldest of cold cases. But everything is about to change. Every case that is a cold case that has DNA right now in a backlog will be identified in our lifetime. A small lab in Texas is cracking the code on DNA using new scientific tools. They're finding clues in evidence so tiny you might just miss it.

[Noah]

He never thought he was going to to get caught. And I just looked at my computer screen.

[Devin]

I was just like, ah, gotcha.

[Host]

On America's Crime Lab, we'll learn about victims and survivors and you'll meet the team behind the scenes at othram, the Houston lab that takes on the most hopeless cases to finally solve the unsolvable. Listen to America's Crime Lab on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Manny]

Imagine that you're on an airplane and all of a sudden you hear this.

[Noah]

Attention passengers.

[Colin Cowherd]

The pilot is having an emergency and we need someone, anyone to land this plane.

[Manny]

Think you could do it? It turns out that nearly 50% of men think that they could land the plane with the help of air traffic control. And they're saying like, okay, pull this. Until this, pull that, turn this. It's just I could do my eyes closed. I'm Manny.

[Noah]

I'm Noah, this is Devin.

[Manny]

And on our new show, no Such Thing, we get to the bottom of questions like these. Join us as we talk to the leading expert on overconfidence.

[Noah]

Those who lack expertise lack the expertise. They need to recognize that they lack expertise.

[Manny]

And then as we try the whole thing out for real. Wait, what? Oh, that's the Runway.

[Noah]

I'm looking at this thing.

[Manny]

See, listen to no such thing on the the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Noah]

All right, no time to waste. Last week it was the predictions for the NFC. J. Mack was very bullish on the San Francisco 49ers, Kyle Shanahan and Brock Purdy. Without further ado, we call it tomorrow's headlines. Today, let's start with the number seven seed in the afc.

[Colin Cowherd]

All right, well, we're going to come right out of the gate and just say it, Colin. I have a major surprise sneaking in as a wild card team. The headline for the 7 seed will be co inspiracy theory defensive star. Also secret offensive asset. Yes, I have Travis Hunter and Jacksonville and Trevor Lawrence, obviously in the playoffs. Colin, I know that's going to sound crazy. They were really bad last year. Remember the gm, the coach, everybody got dusted. But they were an abysmal defensive team and obviously they decided, hey, we can't really fix the D in one offseason. Let's go offense. So they get Travis Hunter, who's going to play a lot of offense and some defense. Brian Thomas, the rookie receiver last year, it was excellent. And let's remember Trevor Lawrence did not play the full season last year. He was banged up. Colin, how about this stat? Last year in one score games, Jacksonville 3 and 10. 3 and 10. You know that's going to turn around. They had close losses to the likes of Philly, the Char, some playoff teams. And I just, I wonder if there's a world where can that 3 and 10 become, I don't know, 7 and 5 in one score games. And then you've got Jacksonville in a weak division with a awesome offense. Remember they got three new offensive linemen in the offseason. Cohen kind of fixed Baker Mayfield and I know a lot of people think Trevor Lawrence, is he a bust? Is there a world, Colin, where Cohen goes in, fixes Lawrence, Travis Hunter's a hit. The offense is a top 7 unit in the league. Remember they got ETN a good running back. Diami Brown they got from Washington. He's a great number three. Not a lot of people outside of D.C. know him. I think they're gonna sneak in the playoffs as a 7 seed.

[Noah]

Tomorrow's Headlines today. I like it. I got him in 6 seed AFC.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, I had this team winning the division, but like you, due to a major injury, I have kind of backpedaled a little bit. The sixth seed in the afc. The headline will be herb, your enthusiasm. Justin delivers binge worthy season. Yeah, I'm gonna go with the Chargers. I did think the Slater injury. You can't just lose a centerpiece to your team. Not just offensive line, not just offense. Your team like Slater and not expect a pullback. Now, Joe Alt should slide over, but he hasn't done a lot of left tackle. The big guy from Notre Dame who had a really solid rookie season, but that now shakes up the right side. Let's see what's going on with Makai Becton who they added. Obviously the wide receiver unit has upgraded significantly around lad McConkey. I like Jim Harbaugh a lot and I know people want to say, Jay, what about the Chiefs? Come on, Chiefs have got to get in. This is a Chargers team. Nobody's played the Chiefs tougher than the Chargers basically in the division the last few years. I think Harbaugh does it again. Chargers get in as a six seed.

[Noah]

Tomorrow's headlines. Today we move up the ladder. Number five seed in the afc.

[Colin Cowherd]

This team missed it last year, but it was no fault of their offense, which was a machine. The defense. The headline for the fifth seed in the AFC will be Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Burrow invents new way to get to the playoffs. I have the Bengals getting back there. Colin, it was a disastrous season from Cincinnati. I'm reading reports about the percentage of backup quarterbacks they faced last year was the highest in the league. I mean, you're facing like DTR twice. Okay. Andy Dalton and the defense still could not stop them. That's troubling. Also troubling, they didn't really improve the secondary or the defense materially. So I have concerns. I just think this offense, which if you track last season, Colin, their offense was awesome. Joe Burrow could have won the mvp. They were in every game and then the defense lets them down in the final two minutes, giving up a late touchdown or. This is a team in the playoffs, remember that? That lost to the. I mean, you could pick out any loss, but the Ravens one particularly was brutal. I just see this Bengals team as a playoff squad in the afc. Joe Burrow gets it done.

[Noah]

Tomorrow's headlines today. Speed her up, J. Mac, we're at four.

[Colin Cowherd]

All right, here we go. No doubt about it. The headline Will be division winner Camel back Ward carries Titans over Humps yes, I've got Tennessee in the playoffs now. Colin, that's Tennessee and Jacksonville. That means no Houston. I like Cam Ward a lot. I like the leadership. This is a team that there's just a lot to love right now about the the Tennessee Titans offensively defense. We'll see. There's some questions about the wide receiver room, but I'm a believer Cam Ward can have a Jaden Daniels type rookie season. Give me the Titans winning the division.

[Noah]

Tomorrow's headlines Today, the number three seed in the afc.

[Colin Cowherd]

This one seems like a layup, right? I mean AFC west has been dominated by a certain team. The run has ended. The headline for the number three seed in the AFC will be that's a serious badonka bronc. Denver kicks KC to the rear. Bo Nix your guy and Sean Payton. Collin, I have them as the 3 seed in the AFC again this is the best defense in the league. We could just call it now. And I do believe even though Knicks doesn't have the highest ceiling, his floor is excellent. Sean Payton, one of the mastermind offensive guys in the league. Give me the Broncos as the 3 seed in the AFC.

[Noah]

Tomorrow's Headlines Today let's move up to the final two spaces. Here's number two with J. Mac.

[Colin Cowherd]

This offense is was incredible last year. Somehow they melted down in the playoffs. Once again, the headline for the two seed will be Harbaugh and order trophy exhibit admitted into evidence. Yes, Baltimore wins the division once again. Cincinnati will be close but Baltimore Colin, the numbers they put up last year with a. With a defense that kind of gave up a lot of big plays. I think they led the league in defensive penalties. They must be better if they want to get to the Super Bowl. But Lamar and Derrick Henry for sure. Despite a wide receiver room that's shaky. I like the Ravens 11 or 12 wins in the playoffs.

[Noah]

Once again, I know what's coming next. Tomorrow's headlines Today, the number one seed from a chilly northern city.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, it's not the Chiefs. It's not the Texans. The headline for the number one seed in the AFC will be Buffalo loaded for bear. Locked cocked and safeties look looked off. Khaled Josh Allen, best player in the league. I don't really think you can argue it at this point. Lamar's excellent burrow is excellent. It's got to be Josh Allen. Remember their win total. They eclipsed it by three games last year. That's how good this team was. I mean there's not there's not a lot to hate about Buffalo. They upgrade the defense. I think the Bills are going to the Super Bowl.

[Noah]

Well, that leaves a conspicuous absence. Kansas City is, is nowhere to be seen. Now I have the Chiefs as a wild card team. So our final entry this week, tomorrow's headlines today, what would the headline be for those losers in Kansas City?

[Colin Cowherd]

Oh boy, we had to do one for the KC audience. The headline for the Kansas City Chiefs this season will be T. Swift drops new album as T. Kelce dropped out. Look at that. Travis Kelce on stage with Taylor Swift. I'm sorry, I gotta stick to it guys. I've been on this boat for months. I get it. The wide receiver room should be upgraded. By the way, the Rasheed Rice news today. He's going to play the first few games but we'll see. Due to a September 30th hearing, I just, I got to see it. I don't see it from Kelsey. I didn't see it in the playoffs. Obviously we're Taylor Swift fans here on the show. I'm sorry. I see some drop offs for the Chiefs. It's tough to stay on top forever without reinventing yourself. I didn't see the reinvention this offseason. Colin. I know it's crazy and I'm sure Nick is very upset watching this, but I don't have the Chiefs in the playoffs. I'm sticking with it.

[Noah]

Yeah, I mean they have, they're crossing their fingers at left tackle with Josh Simmons. They lost Joe Tuney so the interior line has Creed Humphrey but probably not quite as strong. The run game has been a little disappointing. You know, I mean Chris Jones is still in the biggest games. A monster. Travis Kelsey sorts of sort of disappears. I mean listen, they're, they're going to be in close games. I don't think they have the offensive firepower. They're just too inconsistent at wide receiver.

[Colin Cowherd]

11 and oh in one score games last year.

[Noah]

It's not going to happen. Even if they went 8 and 3 or 7 and 4, that's a great one score record. So I think, I think both of us agree. Denver's O line coach. Quarterback. Quarterback. Still inexpensive pass rush. Best corner in football. I mean I don't, I don't think it's a reach to say Denver's got the best roster in the division. I, I think pff may disagree. I think, I mean again if Rasheed Rice becomes a number one then maybe I'm wrong here because I just worthy to me is a gadget player. Rice. I Don't trust, though. I think he's really good. I think Denver's got the best roster.

[Colin Cowherd]

I'm going to ask you, you like to say sometimes, well, if CD Lamb goes down, the Cowboys are cooked. Is there a single point of failure with the Chiefs defense if something happens to Chris Jones?

[Noah]

Yeah, I mean, they're. They're still good, though. They've got.

[Colin Cowherd]

But they're not elite superstar, top five. I mean, spaghetti can only do so much.

[Noah]

Yeah, I think they're pretty good. I think they've drafted the defensive side, I could argue better than the offensive side. They've had some misses at wide receiver. All right, we're done today. J. Mac takes over the controls tomorrow. First things first is right around the corner. I think I'm gonna go golf for a couple days. Why not?

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[Manny]

Why are TSA rules so confusing?

[Noah]

You got a hoodie on. Take it all.

[Manny]

I'm Manny.

[Noah]

I'm Noah.

[Devin]

This is Devin.

[Manny]

And we're best friends and journalists with a new podcast called no Such Thing, where we get to the bottom of questions like that. Why are you screaming? I can't expect. What to do now if the rule was the same. Go off on me.

[Noah]

I deserve it, you know? Lock him up.

[Manny]

Listen to no Such thing on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Colin Cowherd]

No Such Thing.

[Az Fudd]

Hey, guys, it's Az Fudd. You may know me as a gold medalist. You may know me as an NCAA national champion. You may even know me as a people's princess. Every week on my new podcast, futaround, and find out. I'll be talking to some special guests about pop culture basketball and what it's like to be a professional athlete on and off the court. Listen to FUT around and find out. A production of iHeart Women's Sports in partnership with Unanimous Media on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Noah]

Not today. Not today.

[Host]

Every case that is a cold case that has DNA right now in a backlog will be identified in our lifetime. On the new podcast, America's crime Lab. Every case has a story to tell, and the DNA holds the truth.

[Noah]

He never thought he was going to get caught. And I just looked at my computer screen.

[Devin]

I was just like, ah, gotcha.

[Noah]

This technology's already solving so many cases.

[Host]

Listen to America's Crime Lab on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. This is an iHeart podcast.