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Summary

The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 3

Episode Date: February 6, 2026
Main Guests: Ryan Fitzpatrick (Amazon Prime analyst, former NFL QB)
Main Focus: Super Bowl 60 preview and analysis, Sam Darnold's journey, coaching trends, and quarterback authenticity

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Episode Overview

In the third hour of "The Herd," Colin Cowherd is joined by former NFL quarterback and current Amazon Prime analyst Ryan Fitzpatrick to provide a deep dive into the upcoming Super Bowl 60 matchup between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks. The discussion covers key team comparisons, quarterback journeys with a focus on Sam Darnold, coaching intangibles, and player authenticity. There's a blend of football analytics, player psychology, and signature Cowherd wit as they preview one of the marquee sports events.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Lakers Roster Moves and NBA Musings

[02:45–05:24]

• Cowherd briefly analyzes the Lakers adding Luke Kennard:
  • "He can hit threes. Can't defend this microphone, but you know..." (Colin, 02:45)
  • Predicts the Lakers must "score their way" to wins, noting their lack of defense.
• Touches on NBA playoffs dynamics, noting the contrast between regular season experimentation and playoff precision.

NFL Coaching & Roster Developments

[05:24–06:57]

• Discusses Mike Vrabel joining the Patriots and the rarity of Super Bowl wins by first-year head coaches.
  • "It's a massive leap... Usually this is an exclusive group." (Colin, 05:24)
• Reports that Mike McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers have spoken, but Rodgers’ future remains uncertain.

The Journey of Sam Darnold & Quarterback Growth

[08:52–09:44]

• Fitzpatrick reflects on Sam Darnold’s career arc, the value of adversity, and the importance of learning from experience.
  • "It takes a special guy to be able to overcome the adversity that he has. Because I've been there, and it is not easy." (Fitzpatrick, 09:18)
• Compares his journey to Darnold’s and praises Darnold for taking a step back and learning in San Francisco under the McVay-Shanahan system.

Managing Quarterback Aggression: Fitzpatrick’s Insights

[14:43–16:55]

• Discusses the challenges of dialing back a QB’s aggression:
  • "Colin, I never found a way to turn it down... you do have to rely on your coach for a lot of that." (Fitzpatrick, 15:57)
• Emphasizes the critical relationship between quarterback and play-caller, especially under pressure.

The Vrabel Effect and Authentic NFL Leadership

[16:55–18:31]

• Both agree on Vrabel’s authenticity and his effective blend of respect, confrontation, and team care.
  • "I think the word we’re looking for is authenticity. I mean, [Vrabel] has it." (Fitzpatrick, 17:43)
• Contrast Vrabel’s style with that of Belichick’s disciples.

Super Bowl 60 Matchup: Patriots vs. Seahawks

[18:31–20:19]

• Discuss perception bias against New England, predicting they have a real shot:
  • "I think New England's got a real shot here. I really do." (Colin, 18:54)
• Fitzpatrick’s analysis:
  • "Josh McDaniels is the X factor in this game... I think the New England Patriots are going to win this game." (Fitzpatrick, 19:25)

Quarterback Authenticity & Team Chemistry

[20:19–22:39]

• Talks about how quarterbacks need to be authentic, referencing current and former QBs.
  • "[Players] are going to gravitate and love it, especially if he has the work ethic to back it up." (Fitzpatrick, 22:13)

Fitzpatrick’s Broadcasting Success & Personal Anecdotes

[22:39–24:55]

• Colin praises Fitzpatrick for his transition to media and his unique presence.
  • "Your passion for football and your passion for what you do just—just jumps. It's like a strong drink. It hits you right through the TV." (Colin, 23:58)
• Fitzpatrick talks about vacationing in Aruba, showing his personable side.

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In-depth Super Bowl 60 Breakdown – "Take Your Pick"

[25:05–37:24] Cowherd systematically compares Patriots and Seahawks positional groups, providing detailed rationale:

• Coaching: "I think I'd go Mike Vrabel. ...Super Bowl experience, experience at various times in this game does matter." (Colin, 30:27)
• Quarterback: "Sam Darnold. ... Highest passer rating of any quarterback that played this year in the postseason was Sam Darnold." (30:53)
• Running Back: Leans Seattle—Kenneth Walker’s explosiveness and blocking edge.
• Receivers/TEs: New England gets the nod for overall depth and fewest drops.
• Offensive Line: Seattle has the edge, particularly in the run game and O-line development.
• Front Seven: Seattle’s depth, preventing 100-yard rushers for 28 games, is highlighted.
• Secondary: Slight edge to Seattle, led by Devon Witherspoon; key metrics on third downs.
• Special Teams: Seattle rated slightly higher.
• Play Calling: Josh McDaniels (NE) seen as "the best play caller in the league." (Colin, 35:18)

Memorable Quote:

"I think the four best players in the game are Seahawks. And then I think when you go 5 through 15, it’s evenly dispersed now."
— Colin Cowherd (36:16)

Game Dynamics & Betting Angles

[37:24–43:16]

• Discusses whether Darnold is a comeback QB, Seattle’s defensive dominance, and draws parallels to past Super Bowls where the underdog triumphed via preparedness and coaching.
• Notes the psychological effect of media narrative on underdog teams:
  • "I think human beings, especially competitive, athletic human beings, are largely driven by, you can't do this and you're going to get humiliated. ... I think you, you get more focused, you get more driven, you get angrier..." (Colin, 42:14)

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• On quarterback journeys:

  "It's not easy to get picked that high and to fail. ... The smartest thing that Sam did ... he took a step back. He wanted to insert himself into the McVay-Shanahan tree."
  — Ryan Fitzpatrick (08:52)

• On Vrabel’s coaching style:

  "You can fake some stuff. I don't think you can fake that [care for players]."
  — Colin Cowherd (16:55)

• On an underdog’s mindset:

  "In the last 15 years, why are underdogs doing well? ... The explosion of media ... your ability to watch the media in your hotel room, therefore, coaches can feed you and then it can be verified."
  — Colin Cowherd (42:14)

• On Patriots' path to victory:

  "If you tell me it’s close and I think it will be, that’s why I give the edge to New England."
  — Colin Cowherd (38:56)

• On big-game psychology:

  "So much of this league is just keeping your head right."
  — Colin Cowherd (21:35)

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Timestamps of Key Segments

• 02:45 – Lakers & NBA playoff preview
• 05:24 – Vrabel’s chance at Super Bowl in year one, NFL news
• 08:52 – Ryan Fitzpatrick on Sam Darnold’s journey
• 14:43 – Managing QB aggression: Fitzpatrick on coaching relationships
• 16:55 – Leadership authenticity and Vrabel’s edge
• 18:54 – Patriots’ Super Bowl chances previewed
• 19:25 – Fitzpatrick picks Patriots to win
• 22:39 – On QB authenticity and Fitzpatrick’s TV career
• 25:05 – "Take Your Pick" Super Bowl positional analysis
• 37:24 – Game dynamics, comeback scenarios, betting angles
• 42:14 – Media narrative, psychology of underdog teams

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Overall Tone & Takeaways

• Tone: Analytical, conversational, engaging, peppered with humor and personal insight
• Style: Cowherd’s trademark blend of stats, analogies, and straightforward critique; Fitzpatrick’s candor and player perspective enhance the discussion.

Useful for Listeners Who Missed the Episode Because:

• You get a thorough preview of Super Bowl 60 with unique insider commentary.
• Perspectives highlight both tactical football analysis and the intangibles of leadership and mindset.
• Insights extend beyond Xs and Os, tackling why certain teams and players succeed under certain conditions.
• Plenty of memorable quotes and natural banter bring the analysis to life.

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This summary covers all essential topics, insights, and memorable moments, providing a full picture for listeners who missed the episode.

Transcript

[Colin Cowherd]

This is an iHeart podcast.

Guaranteed Human I'm Colin Coward from the Herd. Whether you're a seasoned small business owner or thinking about getting started, you'll definitely want to check out season four of Mind the Business small business success stories from iHeartMedia's Ruby Studio and Inuit QuickBooks. In the latest season, hosts Austin Hanquitz and Jenise Torres are talking to self starters about the ins and outs of entrepreneurship and how QuickBooks helps you to get more done in less time. You don't want to miss it. Listen to Mind the Business Small Business Success Stories on the iHeart app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Remember when people were nice? When we could occasionally stop fighting and come together? Well, here's some good news. The Ripple Effect is here. Hosted by comedian Jenna Kim Jones, it's a show about how powerful it is when we reach out to one another. It's the perfect weekly proof that goodness isn't gone. The Ripple Effect is more than a podcast. It's a reminder that you can start a ripple that changes everything. Listen to the ripple effect on iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Commercial Announcer]

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[Colin Cowherd]

Thanks for listening to the Herd podcast. Be sure to catch us live every weekday on Fox Sports radio and noon to 3 Eastern, 9am to noon Pacific. Find your local station for the [e-mail] or stream us live every day on the iHeartRadio app by searching Fox Sports Radio or FSR. Now, let's get this party started.

[Commercial Announcer]

You're listening to Fox Sports Radio.

[Colin Cowherd]

Lakers picked up Luke Kennard today. Can hit threes. Can't defend this microphone, but you know.

Austin Reaves and Luke Kennard on the back court. Are they stopping? SG I can't even.

Deandre Ayton at center. And, and, and listen. I mean, listen. You got it. They, they don't have shooters and they don't have defenders. So their thing is. Well, let's just add, add another score. If the Lakers are going to make the playoffs and win a series, they're gonna have to score their way to it. They're not going to defend their way to it. So that's okay. I mean, J.J. redick, LeBron Luca, Austin Reeves, Deandre Ayton, Luke Canard, I mean, they're, they're, they're going to win. They're going to win playoff games. They will have nights where they'll just be really good offensively. They'll get the whistle.

It's all about the matchup. You know, Minnesota was a bad matchup last year. Anthony Edwards and company. We'll, we'll see who they match up with this year. I listen. Denver looks. Doesn't look unbeatable with all these injuries. SGA now on the shelf for a few weeks. Spurs. Spurs are the team. I think. I think Spurs. Nick's NBA Finals don't.

Didn't you think it was interesting? No takers for Giannis? No. Serious. Yeah. Again, 31, not healthy now several injuries. Does not shoot. Needs ball. Like the Knick fans are all like, I like. He would definitely help your defense, but he needs the ball.

Yeah.

And Jalen Brunson needs the ball. So he would be an upgrade from Cat, because Cat and Jalen Brunson on the floor. You can hunt them. And we talked about this yesterday. The regular season of the NBA is open mic night for comedians. You can experiment. Nobody's taping it. You can make mistakes. Two nights later, you're in New Orleans at the Giggle Factory. You know, the playoffs is your Netflix or streaming comedy special. All the jokes have to land large audience. You've got to be precise. The weak stuff gets cut and it's more memorable. Yeah, and that's the thing. Guys like Luke or James Harden, you can be in the regular season where scouting reports are thin, teams flying to town, they're tired. You get to the postseason, people hunt weak defensive players. So the Lakers have about five of them. But can they win in the regular season? Yeah. Can they win A playoff game because again, you just opening game of a series, you're feeling each other out and Luca gets red hot, get somebody in foul trouble. But the Lakers, basically, you have to make choices. And the Lakers are like, we're. We're choosing offense, going to be an offensive team. J. Mac with the news.

No, no, turn on the news. This is the Herd line news. All right, so Mike Vrabel is trying to join some exclusive company with a Super bowl win. Colin, I was not aware of this until moments ago. So Vrabel just joined the Patriots. And would you believe it that in there's only four head coaches to win a Super bowl in their first season with the team? Doesn't really happen. You know, there's got to be a rebuild. Usually this is an exclusive group. Kubiak in Denver 2015, Jon Gruden memorably with Tampa Bay. Then you got to go back to the 80s. George Seifert in San Fran who had a stacked deck, and then someone named Don McCafferty in Baltimore in 1970. Yeah, it's a massive leap. Remember this team, this Patriots team last year was not good with Mayo as head coach. They were not good at all.

Yeah, yeah. I mean, Seattle has, I think, the more fortified roster, but it's a lift. What he's doing should be noted. What Liam Cohen did four 13 to 13 and four. You've got to acknowledge that is just great coaching.

And even if they lose, it's like, hey, man, we're a year ahead of schedule. Nice job, brable. All right, let's move on to the next story. Colin, that's Mike McCarthy, the Pittsburgh Steelers head coach. Everybody's excited about that, but they are curious about Aaron Rodgers future. Well, according to Jay Glazer, McCarthy and Rodgers have talked since the hiring, and Rodgers has more of an appreciation for McCarthy than he did by a lot. However, Glazer couldn't say where Roger's head is at regarding returning for 2026. So that is interesting that they spoke.

Well, they. Mike's already built an offensive staff and it's very Mike McCarthy friendly. So, I mean, if Mike's in control here, this is not the Green Bay situation. Mike's in control. It's his team. Especially in year one where coaches all have probably the most leverage they ever have unless they just win a Super Bowl. Jay Mack with the news.

[Commercial Announcer]

Well, that's the news.

[Colin Cowherd]

And thanks for stopping by the herd lie news. Well, we've talked about over the. I mean, I've been a Sam Darnold fan For a long time since usc. But that, you know, you have to be careful about judging, especially the quarterback position early. So much of it's a journey. You can look at Baker Mayfield. It was success, it was bumpy. Then McVeigh wants him, and then he gets Dave Canales and he gets Liam Cohen. It is a position that is sometimes very dependent on your left tackle and your offensive coordinator. And when you think of Darnold's journey and you think, wow, what a. What a crazy journey for Sam Darnold. Double it and add another 30%. And that's the journey of Ryan Fitzpatrick, who now does a great job on Amazon Prime. Thursday Night Football analysts. Very outspoken. Starting quarterback for nine different teams, which is a record. You know what's really interesting is I always think when guys go to Harvard and then end up in the NFL, they always get shortchanged because everybody's like, well, yeah, he's smart. And I've said this about you multiple times. I'm like, ryan Fitzpatrick has a lot of Darnold is that he's really athletic, strong, thick. Sometimes that aggressiveness got him in a little trouble. But, I mean, I do think that you've got some Sam, is that you were never afraid to let it rip. You had a very short memory. Teammates really liked you. So I would guess, Ryan, you would appreciate Darnold to some degree.

[Ryan Fitzpatrick]

Oh, I love. I love Sam, and I've known him since his rookie year and so always been a fan. But it's not easy. It's not easy to get picked that high and to fail. Right. He failed in New York and the biggest media market. I think the smartest thing that Sam did when he went to San Francisco, he took a step back. He wanted to insert himself into the McVeigh Shanahan tree. He did that. He meets Clint Kubiak there. And I love that he talks about how much he learned from being in San Francisco, from watching Brock Purdy, even though Brock Purdy's younger than him in the way that he operated, and then to take those tools and to apply them the rest of the way in his journey. It's been awesome. But it takes a special guy to be able to overcome the adversity that he has. Because I've been there, and it is not easy. All the criticism. But he's got a great team and great friends around him.

[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.

[Ryan Fitzpatrick]

Stugatz. Here I have a podcast empire. It continues to grow and I have brought it here to iHeart.

[Colin Cowherd]

I'm also doing a live radio show.

[Ryan Fitzpatrick]

From 3 to 5pm Eastern because my wife wanted to kick me out of the house.

[Colin Cowherd]

It's called Stugac company Live, which is.

[Ryan Fitzpatrick]

Available in podcast form right when the show finishes every single day. Some of the biggest names in sports.

[Colin Cowherd]

A lot of phone calls.

I love you guys show. It's one of my favorites.

A lot of interaction, guys not taking themselves too seriously.

[Ryan Fitzpatrick]

Those are just some of the things that you can expect from Stugots Co.

[Colin Cowherd]

And Stugots Co. Live. So listen to Stew Gots Co. Live.

[Ryan Fitzpatrick]

And our original podcast.

[Colin Cowherd]

Please subscribe, rate and review Stugatson Co. And God bless football. Taylor's livelihood depends on it.

[Ryan Fitzpatrick]

Do it today and you can check.

[Colin Cowherd]

All of those out on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. This month, iHeartRadio is celebrating the stars of the 2026 Winter Games. Representing Vienna, Virginia, Ilya Malonen is redefining what is possible on the ice. Known as the Quad God, the reigning world champion arrives in Milano, Cortina as.

[Commercial Announcer]

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[Colin Cowherd]

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[Colin Cowherd]

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[Colin Cowherd]

You know, you know, you go and look at your career and I said this earlier, you you weren't a people could say, well Ryan was a bounce around the league guy. No, you started for nine different teams. You are a starting quarterback. In fact, I've said if you ever want to go win money at a bar, just ask them. Most consecutive 400 yard games ever by a quarterback. You're going to win, you're going to win a Guinness or eight. On that question is I do think it's harder when people like you and Sam move well. So you were probably great in high school. You dominate college, you go to the NFL, you have big. I remember you had a September with Buffalo one year. You were absolutely on fire. What is the line that you self manage that you were in a game all of a sudden, Ryan, you have hit eight straight passes. You are feeling it. It's 72, it's Buffalo. You're beating New England. How do you turn down the governor? Because I watch Sam sometimes and he can get a bit frenetic, but I watch him and I'm like, sometimes I think you gotta let Sam be Sam. You add some of that. Is that a hard thing thing to do if, even if you respect your coach, is it hard sometimes to turn that governor down in big emotional games?

[Ryan Fitzpatrick]

Colin, I never found a way to turn it down. You know, I'll tell you, you have to, you do have to rely on your coach for a lot of that though. I think that's why it's important that there is a previous relationship with Clint Kubiak and Sam Darnold. Clint knows Sam well and he has to know in those moments what Sam's feeling, what Sam's going to do. There's play calls that you have dialed up for this super bowl that you've been working on for two weeks and sometimes you've been working on the whole year and you just haven't had a chance to call them that are going to get dialed up in particular moments. And when they get dialed up, Clint and Sam have already had the conversations. Look, Clint, if you call this play and it's one on one, we're putting it down the field. And so Clint has to know on certain situations that certain plays. If I call this, I know we're taking a shot. I know we're going to be really aggressive. So he has a better idea of how to turn it up and down with Sam as the game goes on. And it's a really important relationship. Quarterback and play caller.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, you overlapped with Brable in Houston. Mike's really bright. He also has a quality. I love that he's confrontational but doesn't hold grudges. I like that. I mean, Mike is, he'll get, I mean he'll, he'll poke. He used to poke Belichick in the ribs, but Mike doesn't. He got mad at me about a year ago on something. He doesn't hold grudges, and I think that's just a good human quality. When you see. I think. I don't think, Ryan, you can fake toughness with players or that you really care about him. You either care. You don't. And players can sniff that crap out in a second. There's something about Vrabel, and I don't know if you felt that overlap in Houston. I just think players know he loves them. And I don't think you can fake. You can fake some stuff. I don't think you can fake that.

[Ryan Fitzpatrick]

Yeah. I think the word we're looking for is authenticity. I mean, he has it. And the thing that Mike does so well, though, it's a blend, because we always talk about Belichick and all of his disciples, and he never coached for Belichick, but he played for him. But the problem is that all the Belichick disciples, they try to be Bill. They try to have that hard line. I'm your coach, and you're my player. And Mike has done such a great job of navigating that line to where he's played in the league. He's got instant respect because he's been through everything. You're going through, all the shit in training camp that you're going through, the tough times, the injuries, and playing through it. Mike's already done all of that as a player, he knows what you're going through, but he has a clear vision, he's authentic, and he's also very consistent in what he's demanding out of these players, and that's why it works so well with him.

[Colin Cowherd]

You know, I said, I'm from the Pacific Northwest. And I said, guys, I know Seattle plays at a different speed than almost every team in the league. And, you know, on Thursday Night Football, Ryan, you've seen both these teams. You watch a lot of football, you know the culture of New England. But I said, there is some value. You. And being told for two weeks you could get run over by the Seahawks.

[Ryan Fitzpatrick]

Yeah.

[Colin Cowherd]

And I. I gotta tell you, I think we. What's happened, Ryan, is we've watched New England for a month, and they keep playing in blizzards against good defenses. So everybody now thinks, Drake, man, the offense stinks. And I'm like, guys, they dropped 31 on Buffalo. You just. It's recency bias. I think New England's got a real shot here. I really. I mean, first of all, the 10th Super bowl for Josh McDan, you can't tell me that's not an advantage. How do you see the game?

[Ryan Fitzpatrick]

Yeah, I think what you're talking about them being told that they're not belonging in this game, but it's also Seattle listening to that. Right. And then all of a sudden we get through the first quarter and we get to halftime and the game's still close. And Seattle's been being told all week long like it shouldn't be close. I think the big thing is going to be early in this game when you watch that Seattle San Fran game, we've got the kickoff return for a touchdown and then we've got the fumble by San Fran. All of a sudden you look up at the scoreboard and Seattle's winning 17. Nothing could that happen in this game? It sure could because Seattle's that good. But I think you're right. I'm favoring and leaning towards the New England Patriots because I think the longer this thing is the game, they're going to shorten the game. On offense, Ramon J. Stevenson is going to have a ton OF carries. Josh McDaniels is the X factor in this game. He's been in a bunch of these. Drake May has a calmness about him. When Josh is calling the place, he's going to put him in good situations. I think the New England Patriots are going to win this game.

[Colin Cowherd]

How about that? The, you know, so interesting about quarterbacks. There's they're tall, they're big, they move their pocket. Your personality is totally different than Kirk Cousins. You know, it's just it. It's one of the things I love about this league. But I do think Fernando Mendoza. I'm interested on your opinion. Fernando Mendoza. I heard this once from a quarterback coach. He said it doesn't matter what your personality is, but you can't be a chameleon. You have to be what you are. And you. And if people think Russell Wilson had a little bit of this, where people think didn't always buy the authenticity of it. You were a quirky guy, but that's who you are. And people buy that. I watch Fernando Mendoza and I could see where a pro athlete would go, man, this is a little cringe. And I'm like, okay, he may be Mr. Rogers a little, but I. There's something I love about his willingness to just put it all out there. And I. I don't know. I don't know. I mean, obviously he's a tall guy, can move and I think his personality is an advantage, is that he seems so optimistic and grateful and this league just beats the hell out of you. And he just looks like a guy that could go 1 in 16 and would be in a great. So much of this league is just keeping your head right. What do you make of him?

[Ryan Fitzpatrick]

Yeah, I do think there's. I've never met him, but he looks real, it looks authentic. And it is easy to be happy when you win all your games, right? So I would love to see him in an adverse situation to see how that goes. But I think what players really are drawn to with quarterbacks is are you the hardest working guy on the team? Are you somebody that's going to demand a lot of me and demand a lot of yourself? And when we go out there, I mean, people obviously love winning, but can you command a huddle? Can you sit in a huddle and make those other 10 guys believe that you're going to win this football game when they look at you in the eyes and you call play? And I think that's one of the most important things in a quarterback. Again, he had an unbelievable season. I don't know him, but I love, I think his personality is infectious. I mean, he looks like a goober a little bit and he's talking and. But I mean it is, it is. Guys are going to gravitate and love it, especially if he has the work ethic to back it up.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, you, you've really become you. In the Amazon, I just saw Richard Sherman last night. They've put a collection of unique personalities. These. You have crushed it on Amazon Prime. You really have. And I see here today you are, and this is the most fitting advertiser of any guest I've ever had on my show in the history of my 33 year career and super bowl interviews. You are doing work for the Aruba Tourism Authority and I completely buy it. I know. Just talk about Aruba. I'm going to Anguilla. I've never gone there, so I'm in March. Tell me about Aruba.

[Ryan Fitzpatrick]

Aruba is incredible. It's great. They gave me this shirt and I pretty much already had the same one in my closet, so. But my wife and I went and we've got seven kids, Colin. So very rarely are we going on a vacation with just the two of us. We've been married for almost 20 years and this was one of the first times we've been off together. So it had to be a special place. They call Aruba one happy island for a reason. It has the white sand beaches, but it also has the adventure, you know, going on the hikes, doing the natural Swimming pools, doing the snorkeling. So it was very refreshing. We came back, we felt lighter, we felt happier, we felt rejuvenated. But would recommend it to anybody that's thinking about going down to a tropical place. Aruba is incredible.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, I hope people appreciate you. You just ended up being just a. Your. Your passion for. I see it in broadcasting. Your passion for football and your passion for what you do just. Just jumps. It's like a strong drink. It hits you right through the tv. You've got a great sense of humor, and I'm really happy for you, Ryan. You've done. You've done well for yourself. Not. Not surprising.

[Ryan Fitzpatrick]

Thank you, Colin. And we have, of course, Carissa Thompson to wrangle us all in. She's amazing and has been awesome for us on Thursday Night Football.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, she is. By the way, what was the hardest class you ever took at Harvard?

[Ryan Fitzpatrick]

I get that a lot. I don't know. Some econ class probably. But I'll tell you what. My son is there now. He's a freshman, and he sends me the chalkboard in his Math 55 class of the teacher up there grinding and writing, and there aren't any numbers. And it's a math class, so I don't know what he's learning or what they're teaching him, but it is way above my head.

[Colin Cowherd]

Say hi to the crew. Thanks, buddy. Thank you so much.

[Ryan Fitzpatrick]

All right, thank you. We'll see you, Colin.

[Colin Cowherd]

All right. Ryan Fitzpatrick, he's really a credit. He's just done a terrific job. They put all sorts of different personalities on that.

[Ryan Fitzpatrick]

Good for them.

[Colin Cowherd]

And Chris is great. We know her well here on the show. Okay, I'm going to do my. Take your pick. I took both these teams and these units and all of them quarterbacks and coaching and all this stuff. By the way, we have. I've been doing this for a while, right? This is my favorite week of guests I have ever had during a Super Bowl. We have had more thoughtful, smart guests than any. Like, yesterday was amazing. Liam Cohen's unbelievable. And Ryan Fitzpatrick and Aiden Hutchison, and they're swearing on the air. I mean, we've had more. I love it. We have had multiple words that, you know, people get uncomfortable with, and I am here for it. Great job, Everybody. Live in LA, it's the herd want more heard the herd streams 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, within.

The iHeartRadio app search heard to listen live or on demand whenever you'd like.

All right, two truths and a lie. Here we go. I went to college with college football coach Jim McElwain, I began my broadcasting career doing play by play for the Las Vegas Stars, and I've been a Verizon customer for 15 years. Okay, I lied. All three are true. A Verizon isn't as expensive as you think. In fact, if you bring in your AT&T or T mobile bill to a Verizon store, they'll give you a better deal. That's right, a better deal on the best network with the most ways to save on plans, streaming and phone deals. So take that AT and T or T mobile bill to your local Verizon store today. Get a better deal and start saving based on root metrics. Best overall Mobile Network Performance U.S. 2nd Half 2025 All Rights Reserve must provide recent consumer mobile bill and the name of the person redeeming the deal. Additional terms, conditions and restrictions apply.

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[Colin Cowherd]

I've got Dan Morgan here on the pod. Say hi Dan. Hey, how's it going today? It's going good, man.

[Ryan Fitzpatrick]

Tell us who you are and what you do.

[Colin Cowherd]

I'm Dan Morgan.

[Ryan Fitzpatrick]

I'm an attorney and a managing partner at Morgan and Morgan, which is America's largest injury law firm.

[Colin Cowherd]

That's pretty awesome. I think I saw a billboard of yours recently that said 20 billion won. 20 billion is an insane number.

[Ryan Fitzpatrick]

Yeah, 20 billion recovered. It's actually I think somewhere north. Probably closer to 22, 23 after this year. And each year we get bigger and badder and Our army grows.

[Colin Cowherd]

So the number will hopefully keep getting bigger and bigger as time goes on. Awesome. So how does someone get in contact with Morgan and Morgan. What?

[Ryan Fitzpatrick]

What would I do if I got into an accident? Probably the easiest way is dialing pound law. That's £529 from your cell phone. We are always open. Our call center is always waiting to take your call. 247 365.

[Commercial Announcer]

Wow.

[Ryan Fitzpatrick]

Dan Morgan from Morgan and Morgan, America's.

[Colin Cowherd]

Largest injury law firm. Thanks for coming by the show.

[Ryan Fitzpatrick]

Thanks for having me. Visit forthepeople.com for an office near you.

[Colin Cowherd]

This mood check is brought to you by State Farm. Porque tu bieng estar ta am bien. Mere se protecion que tal mi gente. Honey.

German. Checking in.

Contigo. Take a second. Literal. Mente un momentico para ti. How's your corazon feeling today? If it's a little tired. A little. Oof. You're not alone. Have you eaten Algorico? Taken a deep breath, maybe even turned off your phone for cinco minotitos. I promise the memes will still be there. Sometimes self care is in candles and meditation. It's just saying no. It's drinking a little bit of agua. It's letting yourself rest. Simpena, you don't have to prove anything today. Just be breathe. Estas haciendo lo mejor que puedes. And yes, that's enough. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.

There are some edges by. I think Ryan Fitzpatrick put it well, if Seattle took a 17 nothing lead, you'd be like, oh, I'd be surprised if New England took a 7 nothing lead. I would not be surprised if Seattle did. So if there's going to be an avalanche, one way or the other, it'll be the Seahawks bearing New England. I think they play with that sort of speed, but I think it's close. The longer it's close. Advantage New England. And I think there's a huge advantage. Vrabel and Josh McDaniel being in so many of these games. I think it matters for a lot of different reasons. So we're going to play a game of take your pick. Three days away from Super Bowl 60. Let's do take your pick.

All right, Colin, which team has the better head coach?

I think I'd go Mike Frable. I mean, this, this team, New England was a mess for three years before he got there. Fourteen seasons as a player, his fourth appearance in a Super Bowl. Again, it. It's. It's. It's like comparing Quarterbacks both good, but I do think super bowl experience, experience at various times in this game does matter.

Now this one's tough. Which team has the better quarterback?

Well, the highest graded quarterback, the highest passer rani of any quarterback that played this year in the postseason was Sam Darnold. So it's Sam Darnold. Wow. Well, he played a flawless football game against a very good defensive team in the Rams and he's had three games with no turnovers.

Which one of these guys is going to be the runner up to MVP.

Sam Darnold?

Which team has the better running back? Scholars.

I think New England's are underrated, but I would say Seattle though they don't have a lot of depth. Kenneth Walker led all running backs 5.7 yards per touch in the playoffs. Like he's been crazy explosive and he's got good speed, but he also makes you miss. Highest rushing grade by any team this season was the Seahawks. They're, they're run blocking o lines pretty good. Now I think Charbonnet, I don't think it would be. I think Seattle could be in trouble if it was like a six game stretch with no consistent backup running back. They do have a fullback they can use employ but I think he is kind of the star running back in this game.

Which team has the better pass catchers.

In the Super Bowl? I think that's New England. I think they have a mix of young and old. You get Stefan Diggs, you get Hunter Henry, Mack Holland, so you get some veterans. Then you get K Sha Boute and Kyle Williams. Williams is not getting a ton of touches, but man, he's explosive. They were tied for the fewest drops in the NFL this year. That is again coaching. Hunter Henry had a great year and finds himself. Seattle can be a little vulnerable to the tight end maybe, maybe a little bit here, especially with the safety being dinged up. So I think New England actually, actually has one of the more interesting receiving groups in the league and I think Seattle can be very reliant on jsn.

Okay, which team has the better offensive line in the super.

I think Seattle and I don't think either is great. But Seattle grades very well as a run blocking o line pass pro. There's. And the thing about Seattle, they're all homegrown. You know, they drafted Charles Cross and Gray Zabel. It's a homegrown offensive line they've drafted, they've been patient, they've developed in terms of the ability to run the football. The advantage is to Seattle. So I would Give the Hawks the O line edge.

All right, let's go to defense. Which team has the better front seven?

Seattle is has seven. Four different players with seven plus sacks. Their both good. I think Seattle's depth is crazy. Seattle also has not allowed a hundred yard rusher in 28 games and that's notable because Christian McCaffrey they played him a couple times. Yeah. So it is really hard. They also Seattle corners safeties tackle well so the front seven is good.

All right, let's go to the secondary. Which team has the better defensive backs in this game?

It's kind of a coin flip to me. I would probably, I think Devin Weatherspoons the best corner so I'd probably go Seattle. But I love Christian Gonzalez. But now Nick Emanwari now the coach said he's going to play. He's something else. So the other thing is Seattle secondary. Seattle was great defensively on third down that's often a passing down. So Seattle was a big play secondary. They were very good. Remember Matt Stafford was 0 for 6 on third down and Matt Stafford played well. So a lot of super bowl comes down to situational football secondaries. When you go secondary to secondary. If I have the best corner, Seattle and unbelievable on third down in that back end, you'd have to go Seattle.

Let's go to special teams. Which team has the better special teams in the Super Bowl?

I think everybody says Seattle and I think that's a large part of that. Is Rashid Shahid as a returner. New England's okay. Seattle was ranked seventh. So I know you're saying Seattle's going to blow him out in this game but sometimes the edges aren't pronounced like quarterback is I think close. I think coaching is New England experience. New England little older roster which I like in this game. New England, I think Seattle's youth worries me but I think special teams I'd give the edge.

Finally, which team has the better play calling in the Super Bowl?

New England. I think Josh McDaniels is the best play caller in the league. I mean his history is he is. He tried as a head coach and it didn't work. But I think this is his third run with New England. So they keep bringing him back for a reason. I don't think he ever leaves. I think he'll stay. He loves his family, loves it. I also think if you looked at the play calling in a blizzard, I think he faced really good defenses. The O line's not great. They played an inclement weather. And if you go back to third Key third downs for New England in this playoff run. Pretty impressive. So I know what you're saying. Oh boy. Okay. Oh boy. Okay. But. But now let's be honest. Coaching and play calling are huge to New England. Pass catchers in 2026 is a big.

Deal, but you could argue the pass catchers. JSN's the best receiver in this game. Seattle tight ends, you've raved about him.

Seattle has very good high end talent. I think the four best players in the game are Seahawks. And then I think when you go 5 through 15, it's evenly dispersed now. You know star players in big games. But I think a lot of it is. I think I'm. I still haven't picked who I think is going to win. I think New England against the spread feels like the bet. And I do think Seattle has a deeper roster and I do think Seattle. But you can make up so much ground in coaching. I mean a prime example is how did the dynasty for New England start. They were 14 points point underdogs and they coach their west before Brady was dominant. They had a good defense, New England and a coaching edge. New England and they were 14 point dogs in one. Ryan Fitzpatrick. Talk about this. The longer this game goes, the closer it is that empowers the underdog. So you get a little tight in games. Seattle. I think Seattle wants to start fast because I think the coaching staff's like the. Listen, we, we don't want to go in mid third quarter tied at 17. So there we go.

Colin, I had to look this up. So Sam Darnold, not much of a comeback guy, right? He hasn't had a lot of comebacks because he's a great front runner. And the Seattle defense takes some leads. They've got a lot of blowouts. Does that kind of muddy the water? Like what if this is 1714 patriots with four minutes left? I mean do you trust Sam Darnold to get it done? Because he hasn't really done that well.

He was again against the Rams. He was very good on third down. So Seattle's been sort of a dicey red zone team. I think a lot of it's youth. I think also a lot of it is you kind of know JSN's the guy so you kind of bracket even though he'll get open. But you try to take JSN out and then it. Listen so many. I think Ryan Fitzpatrick hit on it. If you told me it was 2447 at half, I would bet my 401k that would be Seattle but if you told me the final score is 2423, I'd probably 60, 40 New England, because that tells me New England wasn't overwhelmed on the offensive line. That's my concern, is that New England can't consistently block them. That's my concern. If you tell me it's 2420 or 2423, that tells me New England's offensive line is just fine. Now it's coming down to situational football and coaching. Well, Seattle gives the ball away. Seattle's very average in the red zone. And Seattle has a coaching disadvantage in term of play calling. So if you tell me it's close and I think it will be, that's why I give the edge to New England.

Do you remember that Patriots, Rams, Super Bowl?

Oh, yeah.

Okay, so Goff was an up and coming star. McVeigh was a genius offense. That offense lit up everybody all season. And Belichick and that spectacular defense almost shut them out. I think the final was 13:3.

It was.

Would you be surprised if Seattle, you look up at halftime and it's 13 nothing and. And new England can't do anything because, Colin, I'm just telling you, May is a young quarterback who takes a lot of sacks.

Yeah.

And this defense in McDonald has cooked up some schemes to stop basically everybody except Matt Stafford and I. And I know Baker Mayfield had a good game against him, but I'm a little starting to get worried about the Patriots. You start to drill down on this team and it's like, well, Seattle is the best run D in the league.

Well, it's interesting. So Liam Cohen and the Jags had a great season. They played Seattle and if you remember that game, couldn't do anything. They got, I mean, and Jacksonville, they.

Were at home in that game too, because I think I bet Jacksonville, and.

That'S a long flight for Seattle. And Jacksonville got worked and we had Liam Coleman and I asked him. I mean, you're there, you're looking at film. I mean, you. You got worked by sea. And I think that's the only game this year where Jacksonville just got pushed around the field.

Yeah.

And here was Liam Coleman facing the Seahawks. They've got waves of rushers, right, Colin? Like they've got groups up front in their front seven specifically, that can really impact and affect the quarterback. They are exciting. It's an exciting defense. And then really, really offensively, a ton of explosive plays. Right. They've lived and died by the explosive play. Sam's playing at a high level. I think their run game is really Coming to life and thought they did great things over the course of the year. Yeah, it's, Listen, I, Everybody is betting Seattle, Seattle's got more elite players. I am staking a lot of this in coaching experience and managing the game. But it is, I mean, I can tell in your voice you are, you really like Seattle. The numbers are telling you Seattle is the play now. And this year, if I recall, pros against the Joes. The Joes did pretty well. A lot of favorites won, so the casual fans did not. They had a good year.

I just looked up that Seattle Jags game. Jaguars did not get to the red zone once. I mean, that was a good offense this year in Jacksonville. That was before they traded for Jacoby Myers. But, I mean, I'm gonna take a look at, you know, shut out, no touchdowns for the Patriots. I'll look at those odds, put some pizza money on them. Let's see what happens. I don't have a lot of faith in this Patriots offense, man. You, you, they couldn't do anything in the postseason. So far, they are historic low point.

Total after they played in snowstorms.

Half of a 1/2 against Denver was in storm.

Well, Houston was awful weather.

I mean, fine. All right, I'll give you a half of the awful weather.

Like, when's the last time you even shoveled snow?

2015, maybe.

No, I, listen, I think when you go back to the early portions of that game, they move the ball well enough. They, you know, I, I, I think they're very good on third down. It's, listen, it's not facing Jarrett Stidham out here. Remember the lower seed in the last 15 years, dogs have been cooking in zoo. Dogs have been cooking. The media is larger than ever and louder than ever. And the players have access to the media through their phones, which they didn't 15, 20 years ago. So the underdogs go into this game and these players sit around in their hotel rooms, right? They're focused in, they watch film, they go back, they get their rest and they just hear all week about, Seattle's gonna bury you. And I think in the last 15 years, why are underdog before that favorites did well. Why are underdogs doing well? The explosion of media, your ability to watch the media in your hotel room, therefore, coaches can feed you and then it can be verified. And I think human beings, especially competitive, athletic human beings, are largely driven by, you can't do this and you're going to get humiliated. I think you, you get more focused, you get more driven, you get angrier I I think now Seattle's got more good players.

Yeah. DeMarcus Lawrence, two sacks, force fumble MVP. Can I interest you in that? I mean, May was a fumble machine this year. Colin.

He. He had a few. He had a couple.

Okay. You know where my flag is planted, baby.

Oh, sheesh. 36, nothing at half, apparently.

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[Commercial Announcer]

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People make the same fitness goal train harder, but most fail because recovery gets ignored, especially connected with tissue that muscles depend on to grow. Frog Fuel was developed by Navy Seals and perfected by a Stanford trained scientist. Delivering 15 grams of nano hydrolyzed collagen protein that digests in just 15 minutes. It's science backed and ready to drink. No mixing, no sugar, no junk. This year, don't just train harder. Recover smarter. Go to frogfuel.com that's frogfuel.com Stay unbreakable.

[Ryan Fitzpatrick]

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[Colin Cowherd]

This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.