Interview Only: NFL Hall of Famer Cris Carter states why Cowboy Owner will not HIRE Primetime Deion Sanders..

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Stephen A. Smith Show

Episode Title: Interview Only: NFL Hall of Famer Cris Carter states why Cowboy Owner will not HIRE Primetime Deion Sanders
Release Date: November 19, 2024
Host: Stephen A. Smith
Guest: Chris Carter
Platform: iHeartPodcasts

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Introduction

In this episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, host Stephen A. Smith engages in a deep-dive conversation with NFL Hall of Famer Chris Carter. The discussion spans various pressing topics in the NFL, including team performances, player evaluations, coaching strategies, and the potential future roles of prominent figures like Deion "Prime Time" Sanders.

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1. NFL Week 11 Highlights: Bills vs. Chiefs

Timestamp: [02:57]

Chris Carter opens the discussion by analyzing the Buffalo Bills' recent victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, emphasizing Josh Allen's standout performance. Carter questions the broader perception of Allen's abilities without key receivers like Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis.

Notable Quote:

Daniel Jeremiah: "Josh Allen is anything but overrated against Patrick Mahomes. He is probably the best matchup head-to-head that Patrick Mahomes has had his whole career playing at home."

The conversation highlights how Josh Allen's adaptability and improved game management have solidified his status as a top-tier quarterback, challenging critics who underestimate his capabilities in adverse conditions.

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2. Josh Allen's Performance Without Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis

Timestamp: [04:45]

Carter probes deeper into Allen's performance metrics in the absence of his primary receivers, raising concerns about whether this shift masks underlying issues within the Bills' offensive strategy.

Notable Quote:

Chris Carter: "There's a lot of people out there who believe Josh Allen is better than through subtraction, that the thing that was ailing him was him trying to force the ball to receivers like Stefon Diggs who were too demanding for attention."

Daniel Jeremiah responds by commending Allen's maturation as a quarterback, emphasizing his ability to excel even without his star receivers. He attributes this success to Allen's running prowess and improved decision-making, asserting that Allen has grown into a quarterback who can lead his team effectively under pressure.

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3. Steelers vs. Ravens Game Analysis

Timestamp: [07:42]

The discussion shifts to the Pittsburgh Steelers' recent matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. Carter questions the Steelers' offensive execution, particularly their struggle to score touchdowns against a formidable defense.

Notable Quote:

Daniel Jeremiah: "Russell didn't play great, made a huge mistake there in the red zone, but managed the team great defense, got a huge divisional win."

Jeremiah acknowledges the Steelers' defensive strengths while critiquing their offensive shortcomings. He highlights the importance of maintaining momentum and strategic execution in high-stakes divisional games.

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4. Baltimore Ravens' Recent Performance

Timestamp: [09:15]

Carter delves into the Ravens' inconsistent performances, attributing their losses to lapses in key moments, such as Derrick Henry's fumbles and questionable play-calling by offensive coordinator Todd Monken.

Notable Quote:

Daniel Jeremiah: "It was unfortunate the way the ball balanced for Baltimore. But Baltimore you got to look at the head-to-head. They'll be looking forward to the second matchup."

Jeremiah emphasizes the Ravens' potential in future games, suggesting that their second encounter with Pittsburgh could showcase improved strategies and execution.

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5. NFC Overview: Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears

Timestamp: [11:19]

The conversation transitions to the NFC, focusing on the Detroit Lions' dominant performance and the Chicago Bears' ongoing struggles with coaching and quarterback development.

Notable Quote:

Daniel Jeremiah: "Caleb Williams is a legitimate superstar. You have to develop him. Don't ruin him, develop him. And I think they need another coach."

Jeremiah praises Caleb Williams' talent while criticizing the Bears' management for their inability to provide a stable and supportive environment for their quarterbacks. He suggests that a coaching change, possibly bringing in someone like Cliff Kingsbury, could be beneficial for the team's future.

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6. Deion Sanders' Potential Coaching Role

Timestamp: [15:20]

In a climactic segment, Carter and Jeremiah discuss the potential coaching trajectory of Deion "Prime Time" Sanders. They explore ideal franchises for Sanders, considering his dynamic coaching style and the current needs of various teams.

Notable Quotes:

Daniel Jeremiah: "A place like Jacksonville in the division that they're in, where you know, you can rebuild it and you do have a quarterback. He can't go into the NFL trying to rely on his son being his quarterback. That's what he can't do."

Daniel Jeremiah: "Deion Sanders is not going to be the coach of Dallas Cowboys next year. ... Jerry wants all the optics on him. He wants all the credit."

Jeremiah advocates for Sanders taking on a role with teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars, where his innovative approach could spearhead a rebuilding process. He dismisses the likelihood of Sanders joining the Dallas Cowboys, citing entrenched ownership dynamics that would hinder Sanders' influence and effectiveness.

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Conclusion

The episode offers a comprehensive analysis of current NFL dynamics, with Chris Carter and Daniel Jeremiah providing insightful commentary on team performances, player development, and coaching strategies. The discussion on Deion Sanders underscores the challenges and considerations involved in integrating high-profile coaches into established franchises. Overall, the conversation delivers valuable perspectives for NFL enthusiasts seeking to understand the evolving landscape of professional football.

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End of Summary

Transcript

[Talkspace Sponsor]

This podcast is sponsored by Talkspace. You know, when you're really stressed or not feeling so great about your life or about yourself, talking to someone who understands can really help. But who is that person? How do you find them? Where do you even start? Talkspace. Talkspace makes it easy to get the support you need. With Talkspace, you can go online, answer a few questions about your preferences, and be matched with a therapist. And because you'll meet your therapist online, you don't have to take time off work or arrange childcare. You, you'll meet on your schedule wherever you feel most at ease. If you're depressed, stressed, struggling with a relationship, or if you want some counseling for you and your partner or just need a little extra one on one support, Talkspace is here for you. Plus, Talkspace works with most major insurers and most insured members have a $0 copay. No insurance, no problem. Now get $80 off of your first month with promo code space80 when you go to talkspace.com match with a licensed therapist today at talkspace.com save $80 with code space80@talk.

[Greg Rosenthal]

What's up everyone? It's Greg Rosenthal and I'm teaming up with the king of spring, Daniel Jeremiah. He requires me to say that we're going to be bringing you 40s and free agents, the only podcast you'll need this NFL draft season. From DJs mock drafts to my top 101 free agents, we'll have it covered for you with all new episodes every Thursday keeping you up to date as we head to the NFL Draft. Listen to 40s and free agents starting on March 6th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcast.

[Chris Carter]

Let's get to the NFL, specifically week 11 where the Bills and the Steelers are making the case as the best teams in the afc. Joining me to break it all down as the hall of Famer. All he did was catch touchdowns, okay? Primarily for the Minnesota Vikings. The one and only Chris Carter's in the house. What's going on, purple people eater? What's going on, man? I. I mean, you see, I'm being affectionate this one. Is that all right, man? Is that all right? Call your purple people either it was that how it worked?

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Hey, listen, bro, okay, we're through the political season now. Is. Is balling season, college football, pro football, basketball starting to being played, okay? I know, I know you everywhere, but just get a little attention on my Vikings, all right? We are 8 and 2 right now. Yes.

[Chris Carter]

No, listen, I ain't giving you no damn attention today. Not the Vikings, man. No, not the Vikings, because the Buffalo Bills are the story today. And the Steelers. Let's get to the Buffalo Bills first. They beat the Kansas City Chiefs 30 to 21 at home Sunday. People look at Josh Allen, they're saying he's the best. He's the best in football right now. He's the front runner for league mvp. People think that the Buffalo Bills can come out of the AFC primarily because even though the Kansas City Chiefs hadn't lost the game in 15 tries until this past weekend, they still think that Kansas City is vulnerable right now. What are your thoughts based on what you've seen from the Buffalo Bills?

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Well, Buffalo and Josh Allen have been sensational against Kansas City in the regular season, not so sensational during the postseason. So this was a great game for Buffalo because Buffalo didn't have the expectations. Let Stefan Diggs go to the Texans and you thought that they might be rebuilding a little bit and you thought maybe Miami might take it. And the jets, they got all the attention. And also the question was Josh Allen is overrated. I think those people, now they're looking for a platform to be able to dance on because he's anything but overrated against Patrick Mahomes. He is probably the best matchup head to head that Patrick Mahomes has had his whole career playing at home. I'm not surprised that this Buffalo and their defense matched up. Josh Allen won this game a lot like Patrick Mahomes did last year when he had a bunch of injured guys. We talked about the receiving core, but he made enough plays to be able to get it done. That's who Josh Allen was in yesterday's game.

[Chris Carter]

How surprised are you that Josh Allen has been as good as he has? Considering the fact that there's no Stefon Diggs there anymore, nor Gabe Davis.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Well, his running ability and his now his ability to be able to manage the game and not turn the ball over. You know, his only problem before was he was a little careless with the football. Now people thought it was the system that made him compared to him being in a system being built around him. And that's what. And that's what the case in Buffalo is. He is a superstar quarterback and when you need to go put the cape on him, he's able to do that. A lot like Lamar, a lot like Patrick Mahomes. But that running ability on 4th and 2, that's what makes him unique because a regular quarterback is going to run the ball and. And go down he is going to try to score. And in the game, which he did.

[Chris Carter]

See, see, see, see, see you, you, you shortchanged me on that answer because I asked you about two wide receivers. And see, here's the problem, Mr. Hall of Famer, because you were a Hall of Famer at that position and you know that wide receivers religiously get called out for being prima donnas. Not that that was you, of course, certainly not accusing you of that. But the bottom line is this. There's a lot of people out there, cc who believe Josh Allen is better than through subtraction, that the thing that was ailing him was him trying to force the ball to receivers like Stephon Diggs who were too demanding for attention and obviously getting the ball. And that was what was serving as an Achilles heel for the Buffalo Bills. So now that they're no longer there and Buffalo is looking the way that it's looking without a guy like a Stefan Diggs, what are we to make of that?

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Well, as you mature as a quarterback, you're going to be able to do more with less. Patrick Mahomes has been able to do the same thing in Kansas City. Once you trade away Tyreek Hill, yes, that's part of the maturity and everything. But you always want a wide receiver, a go to guy. That's why late trade, they go to Amari Cooper, he fits into their system because Keon Coleman is not ready to be that guy full time yet. But when you get into a playoff run and you have to beat someone like Baltimore, someone like Pittsburgh, someone like the, the Chargers and Kansas City, that's when, that's when you gonna need that number one wide receiver to curve up. You know, during the regular season you'll be able to get through that. But when they start to isolate you and they start taking away the things that you do well, that's when you want that wide receiver number one to step up. And that's when you need that.

[Chris Carter]

But, but don't they have that under Mari Cooper?

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Amari is a good combination. He is a good complimentary player. Amari Cooper is not going to be your top number one guy. Bust you for 150 every day. But he is a good in a team concept. Take the pressure off. If you put him, if you put him in one on one coverage, he will get open. But you double team him, you put a cover 2 on him. Amari Cooper is not still going to dominate the game. He is not a receiver you throw to during a double team like Justin Jefferson, A.J. brown and those Receivers, but a good receiver.

[Chris Carter]

We, we. Okay, okay. We tried to. We tried to give the Steelers props because they deserve it. Mike Tomlin, to me, I think should be a leading candidate for coach of the. The job that he has done is clearly elite. Oh, you did tell me. You did tell me that. No doubt. But I was getting to a point about Russell Wilson because we were both on that Russell Wilson bandwagon. In terms of Russell Wilson needing to start. My issue is they go up against Baltimore yesterday and yeah, they won, but damn, you couldn't get in the end zone 16 field goals. To me, this is a problem. This is why I have to look at a Kansas City. This is why I have to look at a Baltimore even with a loss. This is why I have to look at a Buffalo team as being a bigger threat than the Steelers come playoff time. Am I wrong?

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Well, I think that you can't just look at this snapshot and how they play against Baltimore because a lot of the games through the history of this matchup are very tight. Both of these organizations, they know the personnel of the organization, other organizations, better than any personnel. So that's why you end up getting five or six field goals in the game, because they know your personnel. Kansas City does know their personnel as well. Some of the other teams, Buffalo doesn't know their personnel as well. Now, there are games that you have to be able to get into 28, potentially 30 points. And I do believe by the time they get to the end of the season, because the season is about momentum, this was critical to win this game. Russell didn't play great, made a huge mistake there in the red zone, but managed the team great defense, got a huge divisional win. Now they are in the driver's seat as far as winning that division. And when they do potentially get into a shootout, are they able to do that? That is the question. You can't get into a shootout when you get in those rivalry games. And I know your personnel just as well as you know your personnel.

[Chris Carter]

What do you have to say about Baltimore and the fact that they lost this game yesterday? Lamar Jackson lived, looked relatively pedestrian. Monkin, the. You know, Todd Monkin, the offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens, for some inexplicable reason, didn't get the ball to Derrick Henry. When you give him the ball, he scored. He runs for more than 90 yards. They're undefeated. When he doesn't, they've lost the games that they've lost. What do you make of what you saw from Baltimore right now? And how are you feeling about them in light of the fact that they lost to the Steelers team.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Well, Styles make fights. Stephen A. And at the beginning of this fight, we give the ball to Derrick Henry. He fumbles the football. So any football coach that I've ever been with, if you fumble the ball early, I mean they're not going to be as apt to give you the ball as much. This was a very, very physical game. It was a number of freak plays. The Derek Henry, he doesn't fumble. He fumbles. Isaiah likely is trying to get extra yards. He fumbles the interception that turned into a fumble. Interception where the running back had had the linebacker beat down the sideline. Lamar puts it on a dime, puts it right where he's got to. It turns out to be a turnover. So it was unfortunate the way the ball balanced for Baltimore. But Baltimore you got to look at in the head to head. They'll be looking forward to the second matchup. They know they match up well against the Steelers, but this Steelers offense is typically a little bit better than they have been the last several years with the quarterback struggles that Pittsburgh's had.

[Chris Carter]

Let's transition to the NFC because I know that, listen, you look at Detroit, I think they above the crowd, their head and shoulders above everybody else. They romped Jacksonville. I'd be surprised once this po, once this show is posted if Doug Peterson even has his job as head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars. I just, I can't see that happening. But also I think the other thing for us to look at is I think that it's a two horse race in the NFC between Philadelphia and Detroit with Detroit being at the number one spot. There's other teams like the Green Bays of the world, Minnesotas. I got to put them up there. No doubt. Somebody's got to come out of the NFC West. I get all of that. I guess my question to you is I, I can't get my mind off Chicago because I'm paying attention to this kid does the number one overall pick, Caleb Williams. And I think he's got skills, I think he's got promise. I just can't believe one mistake after another what their coach Matt Eva Flutes has made. I want to know your thoughts about him, some of the things he has said to explain some of the mistakes that he has made and whether or not you're comfortable with the direction that the Chicago Bears are going in, particularly with him as their head coach.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Right. Chicago's have the same thing, same problem. They've had the last three quarterbacks, their last three quarterbacks and their general manager and head coach were not in sync. They were not lined up contract wise and the head coach, quarterback or general manager didn't select those people. So now that's what you have with Caleb Wings. They should have given him a clean slate before the season started because there is no way that you put this rookie under duress, under a coach that had plenty question marks going into this season with the Chicago Bears. Chicago Bears are plenty talented and you could see that now they've made the quarterback change. He did play improved football, getting rid of the football a lot quicker. I mean he, he getting the ball out of his hands. But when you look at Stephen, when it's under three seconds, he's one of the top five passers in the league. So now it's okay. How can we repeat that? And more quarterbacks, you know, are ruined in this league than May. So be careful. Chicago, you have made a history of ruining quarterbacks. Caleb Williams is legitimate superstar. You have them develop him. Don't ruin him, develop him. And I think they need another coach. The offensive coordinator in Washington, Cliff Kingsbury, I think would fit great in Chicago with the way Chicago already runs their defense. And you can already see what he's doing with Daniels there in Washington in his first year. What a match he would be in Chicago matched up with Katie.

[Chris Carter]

Well, listen, I got, listen, I got nothing but the respect for the job Cliff Kingsbury has done in Washington with Jaden Daniels. But you're going to really sit here after watching him coach all of those years in Arizona, you understand, knowing that he didn't deserve to get the job to begin with. Now you going to advocate for him to be a head coach in the NFL after one year in Washington, Really? That's what we're doing?

[Daniel Jeremiah]

No, absolutely. Because I respect Dan Quinn and when Dan Quinn made him offensive coordinator and you see the way he's running and he's taking care of top, top talented players coming into the draft. Can he develop? All right, Tyler Murray, is he developing? Oh yeah, he's a top flight quarterback also. So I do believe you'll be better on your second chance. Stephen, these 32 jobs of head coaches, I do believe you can mess it up the first time. Raheem Morris is doing a better job in Atlanta the second time around. So I do believe there are coaches that do deserve a second chance at it. I do believe he's a brilliant offensive mind and he's relatable to the younger players that are in the locker room.

[Chris Carter]

Kyler Murray, you brought his name up MVP candidate, I don't think yet.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

I do believe he is one of the top stories to the NFL and I don't believe we're getting enough attention on his overall play because people coming into the season, including myself, questions overall leadership skills, question how much time he spends in the build equipment, his overall dedication. Like, is he the real CEO like Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, he might be a little bit different and we have to respect that. But the most respect comes from what the results that they're getting on the field. Coming back in several other victories and winning tough games a lot like the Chargers did, used to losing. Arizona Cardinals are used to losing those tight games. Now they're winning some of those games. So respecting what he's doing.

[Chris Carter]

Last question for you, Prime Time Deion Sanders. You and I talked about this. You remember when I went on the air and I was talking about he should be the next coach of the Dallas Cowboys. How I felt about that? Right. I'm really proud of what I'm seeing him in Colorado do. I know I saw them spank Utah this weekend. I saw that. I saw Travis Hunter do his thing. I thought Shador Sanders do his thing. I thought I saw Warren SAP coaching that defensive line. Them bro, them boys doing their thing. My question to you would be this, strictly this. If you had the ideal landing spot for Prime Time Deion Sanders as head coach of an NFL franchise, which franchise would it be and why?

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Wow.

[Chris Carter]

Take your time.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Well, this is the thing. I don't, I don't think there's a perfect spot for him. I think what Dion. Dion is a game changer. When he comes into the room, he changed the temperature. No matter what it is in a typical spot. But Raheem Morris is there. I would say Atlanta, he has such deep roots in the state of Florida. But in pro football, that don't matter. It really don't matter. Where you at?

[Chris Carter]

Not in, bro.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

I do think that a place like Jacksonville in the, in the division that they're in, where, you know, you can rebuild it and you do have a quarterback. He can't go into the NFL trying to rely on his son being his quarterback. That's what he can't do. That works in college. That does not work in pro football. Jacksonville Jaguars shot Khan. I do believe, with their international thinking, thinking outside the box, bring Dion back to Florida. That's probably the best spot for him in pro football.

[Chris Carter]

Why not Dallas?

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Because we know what's wrong with Dallas. And there's no, there's no one that's going to go and and fire the boss who happens to be the owner. The only one could probably do that is his wife, and I doubt that she can do it. So that's not going to change. I'm just going to stop wasting time on Dallas trying to think Jerry's going to change. We know Jerry too well. Deion Sanders is not going to be the coach of Dallas Cowboys next year. And if you think Dallas was a show before Dion, if the players were complaining about people coming in out the locker room before Dion got there, no, I do believe it can work, but I don't believe Jerry's going to change at this stage. It was like Jerry wants all the optics on him. He wants all the credit. And if he hires Deion Sanders, we know he is not getting all the credit.

[Chris Carter]

CC the one and only Chris Carter. Appreciate you, bro. Get back to your business. I'll holla at you next week. All right. Thanks for being here.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Okay, bro. Appreciate you.

[Talkspace Sponsor]

This podcast is sponsored by Talkspace. You know, when you're really stressed or not feeling so great about your life or about yourself, talking to someone who understands can really help. But who is that person? How do you find them? Where do you even start? Talkspace. Talkspace makes it easy to get the support you need. With Talkspace, you can go online, answer a few questions about your preferences, and be matched with a therapist. And because you'll meet your therapist online, you don't have to take time off work or arrange childcare. You'll meet on your schedule wherever you feel most at ease. If you're depressed, stressed, struggling with a relationship, or if you want some counseling for you and your partner or just need a little extra one on one support, Talkspace is here for you. Plus, Talkspace works with most major insurers and most insured members have a zero dollar copay. No insurance, no problem. Now get $80 off of your first month with promo code space80 when you go to talkspace.com match with a licensed therapist today at talkspace.com save $80 with code [e-mail] what's up everyone?

[Greg Rosenthal]

It's Greg Rosenthal and I'm teaming up with the King of Spring, Daniel Jeremiah. He requires me to say that we're going to be bringing you 40s and free agents the only podcast you'll need this NFL draft season. From DJs mock drafts to my top 101 free agents, we'll have it covered for you with all new episodes every Thursday keeping you up to date as we head to the NFL Draft. Listen to 40s and free agents starting on March 6th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcast.