Thanks for listening to the Best of the Herd podcast. Be sure to catch us live every weekday on Fox Sports Radio in noon to three Eastern nine am to noon Pacific. Find your local station for The Herd at Fox Sports Radio dot com, or stream us live every day on the iHeartRadio app by searching Fox Sports Radio or FSR.

Thanks for listening to the Best of the Herd podcast. Be sure to catch us live every weekday on Fox Sports Radio in noon to three Eastern nine am to noon Pacific. Find your local station for The Herd at Fox Sports Radio dot com, or stream us live every day on the iHeartRadio app by searching Fox Sports Radio or FSR.

This is the Best of the Herd with Colin cowher on Fox Sports Radio.

This is the Best of the Herd with Colin cowher on Fox Sports Radio.

Oh, it is a Monday, Another epic Monday, starting to clear the pieces all in place now in the AFC, down to the final teams of last year, Kansas City, Buffalo, Baltimore and Houston nfcmour questions live in Los Angeles. It's the Herd one hour from now. Where Colin was right, where Colin was wrong, Plus Matt Hasselbeck, who has been money all year. Jmac it is. You know, there's those A handful of times in a year we'll say it was it's a good loss. You got something from a loss. Over the course of the season, a young team goes to Detroit or Philly in plays tough that felt like an ugly win or a bad win for Philadelphia, considering the Packers were missing five offensive starters. Wow. Okay, yeah, that's a take. Okay. So, so Philadelphia won and I'm not sure I feel good about it at all. How can you have that offensive line, two excellent receivers Dallas Goddard and Saquon Barkley be at home and be two for eleven on third down and throw for one hundred and twenty one yards. That wasn't good. Philadelphia, if they win the Super Bowl, will do the unthinkable twice. They'll win a Super Bowl with a coach we're not sure of in a quarterback nobody really loves a Super Bowl champion and a trivia answer. They leave so much on the table. Saquon Goddard, aj Brown Hurts O line two for eleven on third down. I mean, Jalen Hurts went ninety minutes between completions. I watched that Wham documentary on Netflix in between completions. I mean, and green Bay from the opening kickoff was handing them the ball, handing them the game. They were missing Christian Watson going into the game. They lost two more receivers during the game. They lost two offensive linemen. I mean, you could tell this, but the second series of the game, green Bay was rattled and by the way. Philadelphia is so talented, but they're going to have to prove they can win the Super Bowl. They have so many great players. But when you're plus four in turnovers at home and you lead sixteen to ten in the fourth quarter, I mean, just hand the ball to Saquon Barkley and let them lean into the old line. But details matter more, the bigger the games and the better competition. I mean, the Patriots won six Super Bowls and their most talented team with Randy Moss, never hoisted a trophy. Kansas City last two years lost Tyreek Hill. Are you less talented? It's not about talent. Playoffs are about execution, They're about discipline, they're about red zone trips, they're about being good on third down. And it's not a lack of talent. I mean, Philadelphia is pro bowlers and talent everywhere. And by the way, I am all for scholastic achievement. I am all for scholastic achievement. But reading a book on the sidelines, Nick Sirianni can't control of the team. This just felt like the kind of win that you go home, you dress, you shower, you go home, and you're like, man, we left a lot on the table. It almost reminds me of when somebody eats poorly when they're young, but they have a high metabolism, a fast metabolism. Eventually that metabolism slows down and you put on weight. You just can't eat poorly over the course of a life. And this team the coach, I like Jalen Hurts, but when you watch Josh Allen, or you watch Lamar Jackson, or if you watch like a Matt Stafford tonight, there are certain guys in this league, Jared Goff, you watch them play quarterback, and then you're watching Jalen Hurts, you just don't feel the same. So I know it's a win, but I mean, this is the one game I went into the weekend and said, yeah, Philadelphia is going to win the game. But when that thing was sixteen to ten in the fourth quarter in Green base miss and half their offense and Jordan Love is reckless and just kind of out of sorts and not playing well and driving Matt Lafleu were crazy. You didn't think to yourself, shouldn't have been like twenty four to seven or twenty four to three. I couldn't believe it.

Oh, it is a Monday, Another epic Monday, starting to clear the pieces all in place now in the AFC, down to the final teams of last year, Kansas City, Buffalo, Baltimore and Houston nfcmour questions live in Los Angeles. It's the Herd one hour from now. Where Colin was right, where Colin was wrong, Plus Matt Hasselbeck, who has been money all year. Jmac it is. You know, there's those A handful of times in a year we'll say it was it's a good loss. You got something from a loss. Over the course of the season, a young team goes to Detroit or Philly in plays tough that felt like an ugly win or a bad win for Philadelphia, considering the Packers were missing five offensive starters. Wow. Okay, yeah, that's a take. Okay. So, so Philadelphia won and I'm not sure I feel good about it at all. How can you have that offensive line, two excellent receivers Dallas Goddard and Saquon Barkley be at home and be two for eleven on third down and throw for one hundred and twenty one yards. That wasn't good. Philadelphia, if they win the Super Bowl, will do the unthinkable twice. They'll win a Super Bowl with a coach we're not sure of in a quarterback nobody really loves a Super Bowl champion and a trivia answer. They leave so much on the table. Saquon Goddard, aj Brown Hurts O line two for eleven on third down. I mean, Jalen Hurts went ninety minutes between completions. I watched that Wham documentary on Netflix in between completions. I mean, and green Bay from the opening kickoff was handing them the ball, handing them the game. They were missing Christian Watson going into the game. They lost two more receivers during the game. They lost two offensive linemen. I mean, you could tell this, but the second series of the game, green Bay was rattled and by the way. Philadelphia is so talented, but they're going to have to prove they can win the Super Bowl. They have so many great players. But when you're plus four in turnovers at home and you lead sixteen to ten in the fourth quarter, I mean, just hand the ball to Saquon Barkley and let them lean into the old line. But details matter more, the bigger the games and the better competition. I mean, the Patriots won six Super Bowls and their most talented team with Randy Moss, never hoisted a trophy. Kansas City last two years lost Tyreek Hill. Are you less talented? It's not about talent. Playoffs are about execution, They're about discipline, they're about red zone trips, they're about being good on third down. And it's not a lack of talent. I mean, Philadelphia is pro bowlers and talent everywhere. And by the way, I am all for scholastic achievement. I am all for scholastic achievement. But reading a book on the sidelines, Nick Sirianni can't control of the team. This just felt like the kind of win that you go home, you dress, you shower, you go home, and you're like, man, we left a lot on the table. It almost reminds me of when somebody eats poorly when they're young, but they have a high metabolism, a fast metabolism. Eventually that metabolism slows down and you put on weight. You just can't eat poorly over the course of a life. And this team the coach, I like Jalen Hurts, but when you watch Josh Allen, or you watch Lamar Jackson, or if you watch like a Matt Stafford tonight, there are certain guys in this league, Jared Goff, you watch them play quarterback, and then you're watching Jalen Hurts, you just don't feel the same. So I know it's a win, but I mean, this is the one game I went into the weekend and said, yeah, Philadelphia is going to win the game. But when that thing was sixteen to ten in the fourth quarter in Green base miss and half their offense and Jordan Love is reckless and just kind of out of sorts and not playing well and driving Matt Lafleu were crazy. You didn't think to yourself, shouldn't have been like twenty four to seven or twenty four to three. I couldn't believe it.

Was that close.

Was that close.

I'm like, how's this game close? Here's Nick Sirianni. After no victory Monday for us. You know we could play Saturday too, we don't know, But no victory Monday for us, We're gonna go back to work because we do have a lot of things to clean up. Yeah, a lot. So I want to talk about Buffalo thirty one seven over Denver. So it's this. This league takes a while. You know, when Jim Harbaugh, even in college football, got to Michigan five wins to ten the first year, but it took him like six years to get the kind of roster where he could beat in Ohio State or he could beat play with a Georgia. It takes a while. In this league. You only get seven draft picks. Everybody's got a salary cap. It's taken them a while to get Josh Allen the pieces. Buffalo's got him first of all. James Cook smells the end zone. Two excellent tight ends, excellent offensive coordinator Joe Brady, three very solid wide receivers. You almost forget. Amari Cooper's on the team, a top left tackle. I mean, they were amazing on third down. And Denver's got a good defense. They were fantastic yards per pass over nine total yards, almost five hundred, dominate time of possession. Again, we all knew. Jay McK and I talked about this Friday. It's gonna be a tough place for bow Knicks to win. This is gonna be a tough place to win, no question. But it's the way they do it. This is the best version.

I'm like, how's this game close? Here's Nick Sirianni. After no victory Monday for us. You know we could play Saturday too, we don't know, But no victory Monday for us, We're gonna go back to work because we do have a lot of things to clean up. Yeah, a lot. So I want to talk about Buffalo thirty one seven over Denver. So it's this. This league takes a while. You know, when Jim Harbaugh, even in college football, got to Michigan five wins to ten the first year, but it took him like six years to get the kind of roster where he could beat in Ohio State or he could beat play with a Georgia. It takes a while. In this league. You only get seven draft picks. Everybody's got a salary cap. It's taken them a while to get Josh Allen the pieces. Buffalo's got him first of all. James Cook smells the end zone. Two excellent tight ends, excellent offensive coordinator Joe Brady, three very solid wide receivers. You almost forget. Amari Cooper's on the team, a top left tackle. I mean, they were amazing on third down. And Denver's got a good defense. They were fantastic yards per pass over nine total yards, almost five hundred, dominate time of possession. Again, we all knew. Jay McK and I talked about this Friday. It's gonna be a tough place for bow Knicks to win. This is gonna be a tough place to win, no question. But it's the way they do it. This is the best version.

I mean.

I mean.

And just remember this, Buffalo was not at their best. Five red zone trips, one touchdown. This was like they were missing their off speed stuff. This wasn't the best version of Buffalo. And you know, you start watching Detroit in Philadelphia's offense and we all look at that and we all go, they don't have Superman at quarterback. This thing. I mean, even as good as Kansas City's defense is and as well coached as they are, you remember that game in Week eleven, Buffalo Kansas City. They dropped a thirty burger on Kansas City. And by the way, they did something that's never been done. There's so much diversity in their offense with Superman at quarterback, thirty two rushing touchdowns, thirty passing touchdowns, the quarterback runs, I don't know what the hole is in the offense. I don't know what it is. I can't find it, but I mean, you know, you notice something this weekend. I was talking to the guys this morning as we were building the show, and I said, you know what did Jayden Daniels, Lamar Jackson, Josh One you know kind of have in common when you start watching the winning quarterbacks over the weekend, Jalen Hurts, movement really matters. Now, you can win if you're Brady or Jared Goff and you got the greatest coach or you got the greatest O line in run game, but mobility matters. So you're talking about Buffalo's got three receivers. I like two tight ends. I like a starback, top three left tackle, excellent o C and maybe the first or second best running quarterback in the league. And he's also got maybe the best arm in the league. So I just I mean, And by the way, both Kansas City and Buffalo lost a star receiver and with it a little drama and got better. I don't want to hear about how valuable star receivers are. I'm watching this league this weekend. You know it's valuable. Derek Henry, that's Saquon Barkley, James Cook, Stefan Diggs and Tyreek Hill. And by the way, we're super noisy, not demanding, but there was a little bit of drama Buffalo and like the Chiefs, they went, you know what, We're gonna try this without drama. They're noticeably better. I've been saying this for years, For years and years, I said, the quarterback, the rush, end the run game, the O line is the cake, and receivers are icing. And for a few years I didn't believe that because the rule changes. And then j Mack was like, you've heard of the housing bubble. This is a wide receiver bubble. This weekend. You know what this weekend was. Receivers are back to icing on the cake. That's what I mean. Do you see what Houston did. Didn't have Tankdale, didn't have Stefan Diggs, this running game with Josh Allen. I mean again, you forget Amari Cooper's on the team, He's a really good B plus wide receiver. Here was Josh Allen after I don't think I think there was one certain thing over another. We just wanted to come out and nextque well. But at the end of the day, we just wanted to come out and play play our best foot and I feel like we did that. I'll tell you what Buffalo is. They become Kansas City without the trophies yet really solid ownership, really solid ownership, excellent GM, better than average coach, star quarterback. This team feels like they're gonna get a trophy. And there is breaking news right now in the NFL. Put that red bar. Now we have breaking news. Mike McCarthy is out as the Dallas Cowboys head coach. The sides could not agree on the length of the contract and Mike McCarthy, and I think he's smart here, will pursue other options. In my opinion, the winner here is Mike McCarthy. This is not a talented roster. The one thing that eliminates eliminates winning a Super Bowl is not a rookie quarterback necessarily or a young quarterback. You don't even have to be great at quarterback, Nick Foles. You cannot pay a B quarterback a plus money or you are out. And that's where Dallas is. And Mike McCarthy, for all the criticism, he won with Farv, he won with Aaron, He's won with Dak. He's one with Cooper Rush, Chicago Bears, Mike McCarthy all go on record right now, that's who I would hire. I know you love the whiz kid in Detroit, but Mike McCarthy is win in twelve games with the worst running back room in the league and an offensive line that may not have more than one player that could start for the Eagles or Lions Z line. So Mike McCarthy out in Dallas. It doesn't sound like money was the issue. It was length of the contract. According to Ian Rappaport, Bears and the Saints are in interested go to Chicago. Jay Mackett was funny during my rant, I looked at Jay mack and his eyes he went. He turned around at Ryan and went and I thought, well, either Joe Burrow has demanded a trade or we've got big NFL news. So for me, my money is Chicago feels like to play. First of all, my bad for that reaction. I was just kind of stunned. It's like, heyday morning, NFL. You get one for that.

And just remember this, Buffalo was not at their best. Five red zone trips, one touchdown. This was like they were missing their off speed stuff. This wasn't the best version of Buffalo. And you know, you start watching Detroit in Philadelphia's offense and we all look at that and we all go, they don't have Superman at quarterback. This thing. I mean, even as good as Kansas City's defense is and as well coached as they are, you remember that game in Week eleven, Buffalo Kansas City. They dropped a thirty burger on Kansas City. And by the way, they did something that's never been done. There's so much diversity in their offense with Superman at quarterback, thirty two rushing touchdowns, thirty passing touchdowns, the quarterback runs, I don't know what the hole is in the offense. I don't know what it is. I can't find it, but I mean, you know, you notice something this weekend. I was talking to the guys this morning as we were building the show, and I said, you know what did Jayden Daniels, Lamar Jackson, Josh One you know kind of have in common when you start watching the winning quarterbacks over the weekend, Jalen Hurts, movement really matters. Now, you can win if you're Brady or Jared Goff and you got the greatest coach or you got the greatest O line in run game, but mobility matters. So you're talking about Buffalo's got three receivers. I like two tight ends. I like a starback, top three left tackle, excellent o C and maybe the first or second best running quarterback in the league. And he's also got maybe the best arm in the league. So I just I mean, And by the way, both Kansas City and Buffalo lost a star receiver and with it a little drama and got better. I don't want to hear about how valuable star receivers are. I'm watching this league this weekend. You know it's valuable. Derek Henry, that's Saquon Barkley, James Cook, Stefan Diggs and Tyreek Hill. And by the way, we're super noisy, not demanding, but there was a little bit of drama Buffalo and like the Chiefs, they went, you know what, We're gonna try this without drama. They're noticeably better. I've been saying this for years, For years and years, I said, the quarterback, the rush, end the run game, the O line is the cake, and receivers are icing. And for a few years I didn't believe that because the rule changes. And then j Mack was like, you've heard of the housing bubble. This is a wide receiver bubble. This weekend. You know what this weekend was. Receivers are back to icing on the cake. That's what I mean. Do you see what Houston did. Didn't have Tankdale, didn't have Stefan Diggs, this running game with Josh Allen. I mean again, you forget Amari Cooper's on the team, He's a really good B plus wide receiver. Here was Josh Allen after I don't think I think there was one certain thing over another. We just wanted to come out and nextque well. But at the end of the day, we just wanted to come out and play play our best foot and I feel like we did that. I'll tell you what Buffalo is. They become Kansas City without the trophies yet really solid ownership, really solid ownership, excellent GM, better than average coach, star quarterback. This team feels like they're gonna get a trophy. And there is breaking news right now in the NFL. Put that red bar. Now we have breaking news. Mike McCarthy is out as the Dallas Cowboys head coach. The sides could not agree on the length of the contract and Mike McCarthy, and I think he's smart here, will pursue other options. In my opinion, the winner here is Mike McCarthy. This is not a talented roster. The one thing that eliminates eliminates winning a Super Bowl is not a rookie quarterback necessarily or a young quarterback. You don't even have to be great at quarterback, Nick Foles. You cannot pay a B quarterback a plus money or you are out. And that's where Dallas is. And Mike McCarthy, for all the criticism, he won with Farv, he won with Aaron, He's won with Dak. He's one with Cooper Rush, Chicago Bears, Mike McCarthy all go on record right now, that's who I would hire. I know you love the whiz kid in Detroit, but Mike McCarthy is win in twelve games with the worst running back room in the league and an offensive line that may not have more than one player that could start for the Eagles or Lions Z line. So Mike McCarthy out in Dallas. It doesn't sound like money was the issue. It was length of the contract. According to Ian Rappaport, Bears and the Saints are in interested go to Chicago. Jay Mackett was funny during my rant, I looked at Jay mack and his eyes he went. He turned around at Ryan and went and I thought, well, either Joe Burrow has demanded a trade or we've got big NFL news. So for me, my money is Chicago feels like to play. First of all, my bad for that reaction. I was just kind of stunned. It's like, heyday morning, NFL. You get one for that.

Wow?

Wow?

Yeah, the years is interesting.

Yeah, the years is interesting.

My guess is McCarthy went into that meeting with Jerry and was like, I got all the cards here, buddy, what's the word. Well, and Jerry kind of didn't. We'll secure off for two years or something.

My guess is McCarthy went into that meeting with Jerry and was like, I got all the cards here, buddy, what's the word. Well, and Jerry kind of didn't. We'll secure off for two years or something.

I don't know.

I don't know.

By the way, I'm surprised we haven't seen more of this for years and years. Owners totally control coaches and gms, and I don't love that at all. I love McCarthy saying there's a lot of openings. You're not up to my standard. I got a ring in the last ten years. You can't get to the conference championship. So I think Mike McCarthy and Chicago I do that job is too big of a lift to give it to a coordinator. And I think Aaron is great, Ben Johnson's capable, Liam Cohen and Tampa. There are a lot of talented guys, but you don't know if coordinators make it. Mike McCarthy has won everywhere.

By the way, I'm surprised we haven't seen more of this for years and years. Owners totally control coaches and gms, and I don't love that at all. I love McCarthy saying there's a lot of openings. You're not up to my standard. I got a ring in the last ten years. You can't get to the conference championship. So I think Mike McCarthy and Chicago I do that job is too big of a lift to give it to a coordinator. And I think Aaron is great, Ben Johnson's capable, Liam Cohen and Tampa. There are a lot of talented guys, but you don't know if coordinators make it. Mike McCarthy has won everywhere.

I think I would agree with you. It is interesting that Jerry wouldn't. He blocked him last week from talking to the Bears.

I think I would agree with you. It is interesting that Jerry wouldn't. He blocked him last week from talking to the Bears.

Remember he blocked him.

Remember he blocked him.

And now, oh, we don't want to We don't want to give you what you want in your contract.

And now, oh, we don't want to We don't want to give you what you want in your contract.

I think you're right.

I think you're right.

I think Chicago makes a ton of sense.

I think Chicago makes a ton of sense.

Three playoff appearances in Dallas and a winning record, And here's the other thing about him since Josh since I think it's since Mike McCarthy arrived in Dallas. I could be wrong on this. It could be when Josh Allen arrived in Buffalo, but I think it's when Mike McCarthy arrived in Dallas. They have the second best offense in the league to Josh Allen. Okay, not Kansas City, not Sean mcvanan Stafford, not Detroit. So again we've been saying this now for three weeks. It is very easy. There's two things. Mike McCarthy isn't young and hip and we all love the mcveigh's or like old in Alpha Vrabel he's not that. For years and years when he was in Green Bay, I said, you know, he looks like a retired Milwaukee comp. You know he's like, he's a responsible guy. There's no flash to him. He's a bottom line, goes to work every day, buses butt. But this guy can coach everywhere he goes quarterbacks, he gets the best. Go to his last year with FARV. Aaron had his best years and go look at Aaron in New York.

Three playoff appearances in Dallas and a winning record, And here's the other thing about him since Josh since I think it's since Mike McCarthy arrived in Dallas. I could be wrong on this. It could be when Josh Allen arrived in Buffalo, but I think it's when Mike McCarthy arrived in Dallas. They have the second best offense in the league to Josh Allen. Okay, not Kansas City, not Sean mcvanan Stafford, not Detroit. So again we've been saying this now for three weeks. It is very easy. There's two things. Mike McCarthy isn't young and hip and we all love the mcveigh's or like old in Alpha Vrabel he's not that. For years and years when he was in Green Bay, I said, you know, he looks like a retired Milwaukee comp. You know he's like, he's a responsible guy. There's no flash to him. He's a bottom line, goes to work every day, buses butt. But this guy can coach everywhere he goes quarterbacks, he gets the best. Go to his last year with FARV. Aaron had his best years and go look at Aaron in New York.

All ad.

All ad.

I got a Cowboys friend texting me, we gotta go get Belichick. Hold on, Belichick is not leaving North Carolina for the Cowboys job.

I got a Cowboys friend texting me, we gotta go get Belichick. Hold on, Belichick is not leaving North Carolina for the Cowboys job.

I don't think the think is a Cowboys job that good A one.

I don't think the think is a Cowboys job that good A one.

No, no, don't time out a better job. I know this is hard for people to figure out. A better job was the Patriots stable owner who stays out of the way, and you got a franchise quarterback that you're not paying a nickel two for the next four years. That's why I've rabeled the best job last year was Hardball, and the best job this year was New England non medaling owner quarterback for the future. I'll tell you right now, I think New England is a viable playoff team next year. I'm just gonna tell you I saw what Demico did Hardball. These good coaches can turn around cultures and wins very quickly.

No, no, don't time out a better job. I know this is hard for people to figure out. A better job was the Patriots stable owner who stays out of the way, and you got a franchise quarterback that you're not paying a nickel two for the next four years. That's why I've rabeled the best job last year was Hardball, and the best job this year was New England non medaling owner quarterback for the future. I'll tell you right now, I think New England is a viable playoff team next year. I'm just gonna tell you I saw what Demico did Hardball. These good coaches can turn around cultures and wins very quickly.

I'm really curious where you think Dallas turns here, because, like you said, like I don't see Ben Johnson. Oh, I got to get to Dallas and get with this old roster. Like that's such a downgrade from from where the Lions are.

I'm really curious where you think Dallas turns here, because, like you said, like I don't see Ben Johnson. Oh, I got to get to Dallas and get with this old roster. Like that's such a downgrade from from where the Lions are.

You know again, people will push back on McCarthy. Just go to the data. They are the number two offense in the league since he got to Dallas behind Josh Allen. Do you watch Josh Allen this weekend? He's talented. So you're talking about a terrible run room Cooper Rush playing games Dak hurt multiple times. Rebuild of the old line. You know, the old line was great with Jason Garrett and McCarthy. Got about a year and a half of that. It's not great anymore. It's an old expensive Zach Martin and a bunch of good question marks. Some of these bad.

You know again, people will push back on McCarthy. Just go to the data. They are the number two offense in the league since he got to Dallas behind Josh Allen. Do you watch Josh Allen this weekend? He's talented. So you're talking about a terrible run room Cooper Rush playing games Dak hurt multiple times. Rebuild of the old line. You know, the old line was great with Jason Garrett and McCarthy. Got about a year and a half of that. It's not great anymore. It's an old expensive Zach Martin and a bunch of good question marks. Some of these bad.

Teams rolled over and were getting blitzed and buried by twenty thirty points this season.

Teams rolled over and were getting blitzed and buried by twenty thirty points this season.

I didn't see Dallas get totally tracked. They were fighting and in most of those games copy quarters about he didn't have the horses to compete. We were talking about Dallas soft tanking in week twelve. I was I was like, oh that this looks like and he got them with Cooper Rush. They were competitive, absolutely compact. They were winning games.

I didn't see Dallas get totally tracked. They were fighting and in most of those games copy quarters about he didn't have the horses to compete. We were talking about Dallas soft tanking in week twelve. I was I was like, oh that this looks like and he got them with Cooper Rush. They were competitive, absolutely compact. They were winning games.

I wonder could he fix Derek Carr in New Orleans.

I wonder could he fix Derek Carr in New Orleans.

I wouldn't even I wouldn't get Okay, all right, Packers, Cowboys, I'm not going to the Saints, Packers, Cowboys, I'm going to the Bears. Yeah, This is not a party guy. He didn't need He didn't need Bourbon Street. You know, he needs to go to Chicago. Mike McCarthy looks like a Chicago coach.

I wouldn't even I wouldn't get Okay, all right, Packers, Cowboys, I'm not going to the Saints, Packers, Cowboys, I'm going to the Bears. Yeah, This is not a party guy. He didn't need He didn't need Bourbon Street. You know, he needs to go to Chicago. Mike McCarthy looks like a Chicago coach.

Well, lot Raiders does do they make a move on him.

Well, lot Raiders does do they make a move on him.

I think he'd be a good coach. I think he's a good hire. I mean they're already paying three other guys. Why not pay Mike. Everybody's on the payroll. Yeah, Okay, Matt hasselback. Colin right wrong? Is there anything better than breaking news eight minutes? I literally I just finished my rant, and Mike McCarthy and Jerry Jones said, let's give coward a story to help him get through the first hour.

I think he'd be a good coach. I think he's a good hire. I mean they're already paying three other guys. Why not pay Mike. Everybody's on the payroll. Yeah, Okay, Matt hasselback. Colin right wrong? Is there anything better than breaking news eight minutes? I literally I just finished my rant, and Mike McCarthy and Jerry Jones said, let's give coward a story to help him get through the first hour.

Be sure to catch live editions of The Herd weekdays and noon eastern nin am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio FS one and the iHeartRadio app.

Be sure to catch live editions of The Herd weekdays and noon eastern nin am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio FS one and the iHeartRadio app.

All Right, we do it on Mondays. Colin was right, Colin was wrong. Here we go where Colin was right. I picked the Washington Commanders as my surprise playoff team in the NFL. I didn't know if they'd win a game, but they did. I love Dan Quinn, Cliff Kingsbury, Jaden Daniels. I thought it worked and I thought their division had a couple of teams in the Giants in Dallas with the week rosters, I said Friday, I don't think they're as good as Tampa. I don't think they'll win, but if they do, it's because of, singularly Jaden Daniels. And that's exactly what happened.

All Right, we do it on Mondays. Colin was right, Colin was wrong. Here we go where Colin was right. I picked the Washington Commanders as my surprise playoff team in the NFL. I didn't know if they'd win a game, but they did. I love Dan Quinn, Cliff Kingsbury, Jaden Daniels. I thought it worked and I thought their division had a couple of teams in the Giants in Dallas with the week rosters, I said Friday, I don't think they're as good as Tampa. I don't think they'll win, but if they do, it's because of, singularly Jaden Daniels. And that's exactly what happened.

Where Colin was wrong, I got a.

Where Colin was wrong, I got a.

Little too high on Jordan Love jmaxco me the entire season. But you know what I thought after that Green Bay Dallas performance, I thought this guy is gonna be great. And it was a roller coaster year. Three picks against Philly. I was told out of college by a GMI trust that he thought he was a little loose and he wasn't sure you could coach that out of him. But if you count the playoff game in Philly, he ended up with fourteen picks and the nineteenth highest passer rating in the NFL. I think he needs an off season with Matt Lafleur to clean it up. I still like him a lot, but I was a little too high on him.

Little too high on Jordan Love jmaxco me the entire season. But you know what I thought after that Green Bay Dallas performance, I thought this guy is gonna be great. And it was a roller coaster year. Three picks against Philly. I was told out of college by a GMI trust that he thought he was a little loose and he wasn't sure you could coach that out of him. But if you count the playoff game in Philly, he ended up with fourteen picks and the nineteenth highest passer rating in the NFL. I think he needs an off season with Matt Lafleur to clean it up. I still like him a lot, but I was a little too high on him.

Where Colin was right.

Where Colin was right.

Mike Rabel to the Patriots, I said Friday, Rabel's the best candidate Patriots. The best job. This is an easy one. People always say you can't go home again, but this is the only opening where you get two things that are necessary, and they get both a stable owner with championship pedigree and and a young quarterback on a rookie deal. That shows great promise. Now, I mean, I guess you could say Washington, but we didn't know much about the new own own. We know Robert Kraft. This makes a lot of sense. I think he's gonna win. In fact, I think New England next year. You think I'm crazy. I think they'll battle for a playoff spot, a wild card playoff spot. You can always get better on the perimeter faster than you can on the lines. You can go get corners, you can go get wide receivers in the draft. This is the best running back draft in a decade, and there's tons of receivers. I think he's a culture builder. I think it's.

Mike Rabel to the Patriots, I said Friday, Rabel's the best candidate Patriots. The best job. This is an easy one. People always say you can't go home again, but this is the only opening where you get two things that are necessary, and they get both a stable owner with championship pedigree and and a young quarterback on a rookie deal. That shows great promise. Now, I mean, I guess you could say Washington, but we didn't know much about the new own own. We know Robert Kraft. This makes a lot of sense. I think he's gonna win. In fact, I think New England next year. You think I'm crazy. I think they'll battle for a playoff spot, a wild card playoff spot. You can always get better on the perimeter faster than you can on the lines. You can go get corners, you can go get wide receivers in the draft. This is the best running back draft in a decade, and there's tons of receivers. I think he's a culture builder. I think it's.

Perfect where Colin was wrong.

Perfect where Colin was wrong.

Justin Herbert Listen, you know I love him, but that was a stinker. Now, former Charger Dan Foutz had his worst game as a pro in the playoffs. But if you take out one pass to lad McConkey, they didn't do anything, and I love him, but he was off in two playoffs starts. I've got to be honest. He has a passer rating a sixty and has completed only fifty two percent of his throws. I still think he's great, but you know what, your legacy gets cemented and regresses in the playoffs, and he needs a really great playoff performance. Two trips, two ugly ones.

Justin Herbert Listen, you know I love him, but that was a stinker. Now, former Charger Dan Foutz had his worst game as a pro in the playoffs. But if you take out one pass to lad McConkey, they didn't do anything, and I love him, but he was off in two playoffs starts. I've got to be honest. He has a passer rating a sixty and has completed only fifty two percent of his throws. I still think he's great, but you know what, your legacy gets cemented and regresses in the playoffs, and he needs a really great playoff performance. Two trips, two ugly ones.

Where Colin was right.

Where Colin was right.

Ohio State. I picked them to be in the National Championship before the year. I said they would lose at Odson and beat Oregon the next time. And I also said, even after they beat Michigan, I still think they're one of the top two teams in the country. I think they're gonna beat Notre Dame and I like Notre Dame a lot. But Ryan Day and Chip Kelly that Michigan loss was jet fuel. They are playing tremendous football. Will Howard after a bad Michigan game is on it. I don't. I mean, listen, Their O line isn't all time stuff, and the Buckeyes usually have great old lines. But running back receiver Will Howard coaching, there's there's nothing not to like here, and it just proves rivalries are great, but Nick Saban won a Natty one year after losing to Auburn. It comes in Ohio State. You got to move past the Michigan game sometimes this team. The Michigan loss actually was a catalyst for the performance where Colin was raw. Listen, I had the Longhorns winning the National championship and they lost twice to Georgia, once to Ohio State, and they should have lost Arizona State situationally, and I think Sarks a very good coach, but boys, situationally, they made some calls. I did not love running outside on that goal line. Play was not didn't work for me. I think they got the most out of Quinn viewers. I think he is what he is. Arch Manning will start this point forward, But watching that game, I never felt Texas was as good as Ohio State. And maybe it just comes down to personnel. But I had them winning the Natty and I'm wrong where Colin was right. I've been saying this now for several years. I like Mike Tomlin and he's great as an underdog coach, but when they lose effort, you're in trouble because offensively, he can't figure out offensive lines, their offensive lines awful again seven straight year. They can't establish a run game, and again they'll lead the NFL in defensive spending. I think he's a good football coach, but I think even good football coaches sometimes need a fresh start. And again, I would hire Mike Tomlin. I mean, if the Cowboys called now that McCarthy's leaving, I'd hire Mike Tomlin. I think he's a good coach. I think the Pittsburgh thing, I think they need to reboot, and I think Mike Tomlin does too. Where Colin was right, Lamar Jackson won his third playoff game. Listen, I know, I know, but he can't beat Kansas City, and nobody could beat Tiger Woods in his prime or Michael Jordan when he got to the finals. Sometimes winning in the playoffs against the greatest quarterback playing in the sport is really hard. But I think Lamar once again one hundred and thirty two passer rating, two tens, no picks without Zay Flowers. I mean, they they knew everybody in the ballpark knows. They don't have they don't have a receiver. It's Mark Edwards, Dereck Henry, and Lamar. It didn't matter poised great. We got to stop the Lamar Jackson stuff. Yeah, he struggles against Kansas City, the world struggled against MJ. Like Phil Mickelson's an old timer, couldn't be Tiger much. I still think Lamar Jackson is really really special. Colin right, Colin wrong?

Ohio State. I picked them to be in the National Championship before the year. I said they would lose at Odson and beat Oregon the next time. And I also said, even after they beat Michigan, I still think they're one of the top two teams in the country. I think they're gonna beat Notre Dame and I like Notre Dame a lot. But Ryan Day and Chip Kelly that Michigan loss was jet fuel. They are playing tremendous football. Will Howard after a bad Michigan game is on it. I don't. I mean, listen, Their O line isn't all time stuff, and the Buckeyes usually have great old lines. But running back receiver Will Howard coaching, there's there's nothing not to like here, and it just proves rivalries are great, but Nick Saban won a Natty one year after losing to Auburn. It comes in Ohio State. You got to move past the Michigan game sometimes this team. The Michigan loss actually was a catalyst for the performance where Colin was raw. Listen, I had the Longhorns winning the National championship and they lost twice to Georgia, once to Ohio State, and they should have lost Arizona State situationally, and I think Sarks a very good coach, but boys, situationally, they made some calls. I did not love running outside on that goal line. Play was not didn't work for me. I think they got the most out of Quinn viewers. I think he is what he is. Arch Manning will start this point forward, But watching that game, I never felt Texas was as good as Ohio State. And maybe it just comes down to personnel. But I had them winning the Natty and I'm wrong where Colin was right. I've been saying this now for several years. I like Mike Tomlin and he's great as an underdog coach, but when they lose effort, you're in trouble because offensively, he can't figure out offensive lines, their offensive lines awful again seven straight year. They can't establish a run game, and again they'll lead the NFL in defensive spending. I think he's a good football coach, but I think even good football coaches sometimes need a fresh start. And again, I would hire Mike Tomlin. I mean, if the Cowboys called now that McCarthy's leaving, I'd hire Mike Tomlin. I think he's a good coach. I think the Pittsburgh thing, I think they need to reboot, and I think Mike Tomlin does too. Where Colin was right, Lamar Jackson won his third playoff game. Listen, I know, I know, but he can't beat Kansas City, and nobody could beat Tiger Woods in his prime or Michael Jordan when he got to the finals. Sometimes winning in the playoffs against the greatest quarterback playing in the sport is really hard. But I think Lamar once again one hundred and thirty two passer rating, two tens, no picks without Zay Flowers. I mean, they they knew everybody in the ballpark knows. They don't have they don't have a receiver. It's Mark Edwards, Dereck Henry, and Lamar. It didn't matter poised great. We got to stop the Lamar Jackson stuff. Yeah, he struggles against Kansas City, the world struggled against MJ. Like Phil Mickelson's an old timer, couldn't be Tiger much. I still think Lamar Jackson is really really special. Colin right, Colin wrong?

One more heard. The Herd streams twenty four hours a day, seven days a week within the iHeartRadio app. Search Herd to listen live or on demand whenever you like.

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Hey, Steve Covino and I'm Rich David and together we're Covino and Rich on Fox Sports Radio.

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We like to get you involved to take your phone calls, chop it up. As they say, I'd say the most interactive show on Fox Sports Radio, maybe the most interactive show on planetar. Be sure to check out Cavino and Rich Live on Fox Sports Radio and the iHeartRadio app from five to seven pm Eastern, two to four Pacific, And if you miss any of the live show, just search Kovin on Rich wherever you get your podcasts, and of course on social media that's Covino and Rich.

And with that eighteen years in the NFL, three Pro Bowls, Super Bowls as well. Matt Hasselbeck, Let's first address, Mike McCarthy. You know, generally in this sport, players occasionally have leverage. You guys do occasionally. Coaches don't. Almost never GMS don't. I kind of feel like Mike McCarthy after Vrabel signed, he and his agent went, you know, Jerry, we want five years guaranteed. It feels like I don't I think Mike's a good coach. Matt, what do you make of it? And what do you make a Mike?

And with that eighteen years in the NFL, three Pro Bowls, Super Bowls as well. Matt Hasselbeck, Let's first address, Mike McCarthy. You know, generally in this sport, players occasionally have leverage. You guys do occasionally. Coaches don't. Almost never GMS don't. I kind of feel like Mike McCarthy after Vrabel signed, he and his agent went, you know, Jerry, we want five years guaranteed. It feels like I don't I think Mike's a good coach. Matt, what do you make of it? And what do you make a Mike?

Yeah, there's no doubt. I think I think he's a great coach.

Yeah, there's no doubt. I think I think he's a great coach.

You know, this is kind of one of those things in negotiating, it feels like Mike McCarthy's just kind of betting on himself. You know, he looks out there, he realizes what he is as a coach and what his resume is, and then also, I think, probably most importantly, his resume working with quarterbacks. His first ever quarterback coaching job in the NFL was with the Kansas City Chiefs, coaching Joe Montana, and it started with Joe Montana and it runs right through look it up. It's pretty impressive Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers, and so like I think, if you think about the jobs that are out there and the quarterback help that needs to happen, Micha McCarthy's the perfect guy. And I think when it comes to these negotiations as well, he's not just thinking about himself. He's thinking about the job security of his entire staff. And that's probably where he kind of bowed up for his staff and said, hey, you know, we want more, We want more commitment than you're offering for the rest of the guys here. And I think the coaching staff appreciates that as well, and I think you'll get a lot of the coaches to come with him.

You know, this is kind of one of those things in negotiating, it feels like Mike McCarthy's just kind of betting on himself. You know, he looks out there, he realizes what he is as a coach and what his resume is, and then also, I think, probably most importantly, his resume working with quarterbacks. His first ever quarterback coaching job in the NFL was with the Kansas City Chiefs, coaching Joe Montana, and it started with Joe Montana and it runs right through look it up. It's pretty impressive Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers, and so like I think, if you think about the jobs that are out there and the quarterback help that needs to happen, Micha McCarthy's the perfect guy. And I think when it comes to these negotiations as well, he's not just thinking about himself. He's thinking about the job security of his entire staff. And that's probably where he kind of bowed up for his staff and said, hey, you know, we want more, We want more commitment than you're offering for the rest of the guys here. And I think the coaching staff appreciates that as well, and I think you'll get a lot of the coaches to come with him.

Yeah, that's really interesting. I said this last week, Matt, and I made me off my rocker, but I said, the public loves two kind of coaches, the hip young ones, you know, Sean McVay, Mike McDaniel, the cool guys, and they like the old alphas, they like Rabel and Dan Campbell. And I'm like, he's not really either. He's just a really good coach among players. How is he viewed like like what's his little secret sauce? Because he wins with everybody, including Cooper Rush.

Yeah, that's really interesting. I said this last week, Matt, and I made me off my rocker, but I said, the public loves two kind of coaches, the hip young ones, you know, Sean McVay, Mike McDaniel, the cool guys, and they like the old alphas, they like Rabel and Dan Campbell. And I'm like, he's not really either. He's just a really good coach among players. How is he viewed like like what's his little secret sauce? Because he wins with everybody, including Cooper Rush.

Yeah, listen, he was my quarterback coach early in Green Bay when Ray Rhodes was the head coach, actually, and it was kind of miserable to have him as a position coach because he worked us so hard, you know, so like I mean that, I guess it's a compliment, like it was tough. But he was a great teacher, and I think he was a great developer. Like he developed the roster Brett farv was the starting quarterback, but he was developing me, some kid off the practice squad the year before. He was developing Aaron Brooks, a late round pick that later came his starting quarterback. When he was the offensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints, So you know, teacher, developer, those are all things you're looking for in a coach. And then I think at some level you have to be able to, you know, push a guy and inspire a team or the guys that you're with to think bigger than they're actually thinking for themselves. I know he did that for me personally, and so just take that as a position coach, as a coordinator, and just move it up to the head coach. That's really what you are doing for the team when you talk to the team. And then I think one of the most underrated parts of being the head coach. Yes, game management, that's important, everybody knows about that, but handling the bullets at the podium at the press conference when adversity strikes, when there's drama around your team, being the guy that takes the blame, being the guy that deflects the credit. He's got a lot of experience at the podium that way. Some head coaches they can coach, but they can't handle the podium. And for that reason, I think you've got a proven commodity.

Yeah, listen, he was my quarterback coach early in Green Bay when Ray Rhodes was the head coach, actually, and it was kind of miserable to have him as a position coach because he worked us so hard, you know, so like I mean that, I guess it's a compliment, like it was tough. But he was a great teacher, and I think he was a great developer. Like he developed the roster Brett farv was the starting quarterback, but he was developing me, some kid off the practice squad the year before. He was developing Aaron Brooks, a late round pick that later came his starting quarterback. When he was the offensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints, So you know, teacher, developer, those are all things you're looking for in a coach. And then I think at some level you have to be able to, you know, push a guy and inspire a team or the guys that you're with to think bigger than they're actually thinking for themselves. I know he did that for me personally, and so just take that as a position coach, as a coordinator, and just move it up to the head coach. That's really what you are doing for the team when you talk to the team. And then I think one of the most underrated parts of being the head coach. Yes, game management, that's important, everybody knows about that, but handling the bullets at the podium at the press conference when adversity strikes, when there's drama around your team, being the guy that takes the blame, being the guy that deflects the credit. He's got a lot of experience at the podium that way. Some head coaches they can coach, but they can't handle the podium. And for that reason, I think you've got a proven commodity.

And Mike McCarthy here, Okay, I know you your Eagles, but they've got Jalen Hurt, Saquon Barkley, the best all line, two good receivers, Dallas Goddard, and they were two for eleven on third down. I watched them.

And Mike McCarthy here, Okay, I know you your Eagles, but they've got Jalen Hurt, Saquon Barkley, the best all line, two good receivers, Dallas Goddard, and they were two for eleven on third down. I watched them.

Yeah that was bad. I mean bad.

Yeah that was bad. I mean bad.

Well, when you watch it, is it fair to say they're really led by Saquon Barkley, not the quarterback. That's kind of what I feel like.

Well, when you watch it, is it fair to say they're really led by Saquon Barkley, not the quarterback. That's kind of what I feel like.

You know, I just think they're a team, you know, I really think they're a team. And I think the unselfishness of Saquon Barkley is uh is like, you need more guys to have that mindset.

You know, I just think they're a team, you know, I really think they're a team. And I think the unselfishness of Saquon Barkley is uh is like, you need more guys to have that mindset.

Listen, I've been on this team this entire year. I like this team.

Listen, I've been on this team this entire year. I like this team.

I like the quarterback. The quarterback did not play well. You could pretend like he played great.

I like the quarterback. The quarterback did not play well. You could pretend like he played great.

He didn't. But I would just say this, having.

He didn't. But I would just say this, having.

Been a quarterback who's come out of concussion protocol. It's one thing to pass concussion protocol. It's a whole another thing to feel like you are really absolutely one percent yourself. And so, like I saw a guy that was maybe a little tentative, maybe a little bit slower than normal, maybe just didn't have that same like something just felt off to me. So if I'm just speaking anecdotally for myself or what it was like for.

Been a quarterback who's come out of concussion protocol. It's one thing to pass concussion protocol. It's a whole another thing to feel like you are really absolutely one percent yourself. And so, like I saw a guy that was maybe a little tentative, maybe a little bit slower than normal, maybe just didn't have that same like something just felt off to me. So if I'm just speaking anecdotally for myself or what it was like for.

Me coming out of those situations.

Me coming out of those situations.

You know, that first game back usually wasn't my best, and you know, maybe this next week he'll feel more like himself, He'll look more like himself, and the Eagles are gonna need him to be that way to get the win because it's gonna take more than what they had offensively in the passing game this week.

You know, that first game back usually wasn't my best, and you know, maybe this next week he'll feel more like himself, He'll look more like himself, and the Eagles are gonna need him to be that way to get the win because it's gonna take more than what they had offensively in the passing game this week.

I don't I said, if you look at the history of the NFL and you talk all time stuff, and I'm talking forar of Peyton Mahomes, I mean, like all time stuff, you could argue there's been fifteen or sixteen of those quarterbacks that are just different. I don't know how Jayden Daniels as a rookie is this good laden games? Is it cognitive? Is it intuitive? Is it just innate? Matt he looks calmer. This is very Mahomes. Remember Mahomes first couple of years, we were like, you could never tell what the score was. He was as good trailing as he was leading, and it was just like it almost like he just kind of privately shifted a gear and was more accurate in crisis. I don't even know what to make of Jaden Daniels. I mean, what do you see?

I don't I said, if you look at the history of the NFL and you talk all time stuff, and I'm talking forar of Peyton Mahomes, I mean, like all time stuff, you could argue there's been fifteen or sixteen of those quarterbacks that are just different. I don't know how Jayden Daniels as a rookie is this good laden games? Is it cognitive? Is it intuitive? Is it just innate? Matt he looks calmer. This is very Mahomes. Remember Mahomes first couple of years, we were like, you could never tell what the score was. He was as good trailing as he was leading, and it was just like it almost like he just kind of privately shifted a gear and was more accurate in crisis. I don't even know what to make of Jaden Daniels. I mean, what do you see?

Yeah, he's unfazed and and he's really unbelievable, Like in the pressure moments, not only does his team believe in him, does everyone at home believe like, yeah, he's.

Yeah, he's unfazed and and he's really unbelievable, Like in the pressure moments, not only does his team believe in him, does everyone at home believe like, yeah, he's.

Gonna get it done.

Gonna get it done.

I really believe the opponent thinks like, ah, here we go again. You know, we gave him too much time the balls in his hands, and that's as a runner or as a thrower. And you know, some of those great quarterbacks you mentioned Mahomes, Like I'm as big a Mahomes fan as you could possibly be. But like he's got that emotional like roller coaster he gets, you know, he gets into it with officials and he's yelling and he's you know, I feel like Andy Reid's got to put his hands on his shoulders sometimes and be like, hey, I'm down, take a deep breath. Yeah, And you know, like that's great, you can be that way. Jaden doesn't seem that way, like up down, high low, game winner.

I really believe the opponent thinks like, ah, here we go again. You know, we gave him too much time the balls in his hands, and that's as a runner or as a thrower. And you know, some of those great quarterbacks you mentioned Mahomes, Like I'm as big a Mahomes fan as you could possibly be. But like he's got that emotional like roller coaster he gets, you know, he gets into it with officials and he's yelling and he's you know, I feel like Andy Reid's got to put his hands on his shoulders sometimes and be like, hey, I'm down, take a deep breath. Yeah, And you know, like that's great, you can be that way. Jaden doesn't seem that way, like up down, high low, game winner.

He's just kind of like he's just cool.

He's just kind of like he's just cool.

He's just medium, as they say, and and that's fine. Like I just I think, to me, to me, I talk about it like all the time, the quarterback position. When you get that right, it could be you're you now are amazing Marinara sauce over yesterday's pasta you cover up for all bad play calls. Uh, medium talent, missed block up front, wide receiver, didn't run a great route.

He's just medium, as they say, and and that's fine. Like I just I think, to me, to me, I talk about it like all the time, the quarterback position. When you get that right, it could be you're you now are amazing Marinara sauce over yesterday's pasta you cover up for all bad play calls. Uh, medium talent, missed block up front, wide receiver, didn't run a great route.

It's all of a sudden, a perfect throw. Like he is that guy. He is everything you're looking for at a quarterback that way. So so look out.

It's all of a sudden, a perfect throw. Like he is that guy. He is everything you're looking for at a quarterback that way. So so look out.

I mean, you want to talk about a guy that can pull off an upset, Jayden Daniels is your guy.

I mean, you want to talk about a guy that can pull off an upset, Jayden Daniels is your guy.

So I got to ask you. I know it's a it's a week off, but Baltimore without Jay Flowers, Wow, Uh, Buffalo, this is the most complete I would argue outside of Detroit and Philly, and maybe along with them James Cook, two tight ends, three receivers. You forget Amari Cooper's on the team, a great left tackle, Josh Allen. I don't know, I I I think Buffalo is the best team I've seen in the AFC. What do you expect in that game?

So I got to ask you. I know it's a it's a week off, but Baltimore without Jay Flowers, Wow, Uh, Buffalo, this is the most complete I would argue outside of Detroit and Philly, and maybe along with them James Cook, two tight ends, three receivers. You forget Amari Cooper's on the team, a great left tackle, Josh Allen. I don't know, I I I think Buffalo is the best team I've seen in the AFC. What do you expect in that game?

Listen?

Listen?

I like Buffalo. I love their quarterback, I love the coach. I love a lot about what they're doing offensively. I don't like this matchup. I mean, the only good thing I can say really is that this time around, this game is in Buffalo. But if you go back and watch that game September twenty ninth, Buffalo goes to Baltimore, I mean that was a beat down. I mean, it wasn't even really competitive, and so like matchup wise, you know, I just really think that they're gonna have their hands full with the running game. You know, we're gonna talk about Derek Henry, we talk about Lamar. I just think Todd Munkin in Baltimore, they're rolling right now. A lot of times you'll hear coaches say this, Hey, let's just get into the tournament and let's play our best football at the at the right time. I think that's what's happening for Baltimore right now. So quite honestly, this might be you know, the Super Bowl may happen a few weeks whatever. This might be the best game though, This might be the best game of the entire playoff.

I like Buffalo. I love their quarterback, I love the coach. I love a lot about what they're doing offensively. I don't like this matchup. I mean, the only good thing I can say really is that this time around, this game is in Buffalo. But if you go back and watch that game September twenty ninth, Buffalo goes to Baltimore, I mean that was a beat down. I mean, it wasn't even really competitive, and so like matchup wise, you know, I just really think that they're gonna have their hands full with the running game. You know, we're gonna talk about Derek Henry, we talk about Lamar. I just think Todd Munkin in Baltimore, they're rolling right now. A lot of times you'll hear coaches say this, Hey, let's just get into the tournament and let's play our best football at the at the right time. I think that's what's happening for Baltimore right now. So quite honestly, this might be you know, the Super Bowl may happen a few weeks whatever. This might be the best game though, This might be the best game of the entire playoff.

Two of the top quarterbacks.

Two of the top quarterbacks.

I just think that run game is going to be a real problem for Buffalo. They have to have a different game plan than they had the first time around.

I just think that run game is going to be a real problem for Buffalo. They have to have a different game plan than they had the first time around.

Yeah, Derek Henry is the opposite of most great backs. He wasn't great early in his career, but he's better as an old running back. Usually running backs have like six years of great and then they tail off. I don't know what he I mean, it's some vitamin program, but it is well.

Yeah, Derek Henry is the opposite of most great backs. He wasn't great early in his career, but he's better as an old running back. Usually running backs have like six years of great and then they tail off. I don't know what he I mean, it's some vitamin program, but it is well.

It fits.

It fits.

It fits together because you have to. You have to decide are we gonna honor the naked bootleg or are we going to honor the zone read to the quarterback? Or are we going to commit an extra guy to Derrick Henry And if one guy misses, he's out the gate. And Todd Munkin's done a great job of having naked bootlegs and plays off of it, direct snap eye candy smoking mirrors to the quarterback running a jet suite. I mean, it all fits together right now, and it's just headaches. You can't play your normal NFL style defense against this offense.

It fits together because you have to. You have to decide are we gonna honor the naked bootleg or are we going to honor the zone read to the quarterback? Or are we going to commit an extra guy to Derrick Henry And if one guy misses, he's out the gate. And Todd Munkin's done a great job of having naked bootlegs and plays off of it, direct snap eye candy smoking mirrors to the quarterback running a jet suite. I mean, it all fits together right now, and it's just headaches. You can't play your normal NFL style defense against this offense.

Wow. Finally, I look, I look it over the landscape, and almost every quarterback outside of Jared Goff that is winning in this league moves. They all move. Mahomes moves, Hurts moves, Jaden moves. It's I look at this pocket thing and I think, well, Brady want a bunch and GoF does have a great old line. But I'm watching Jaden last night and I'm thinking to myself, is the pocket court? I know you gotta throw from the pocket, but it felt like all weekend the mobility was a huge factor on third down for these teams. Do you feel like as a pocket you could move, but as a pocket guy that the game's just changed and you have to move to win the ring.

Wow. Finally, I look, I look it over the landscape, and almost every quarterback outside of Jared Goff that is winning in this league moves. They all move. Mahomes moves, Hurts moves, Jaden moves. It's I look at this pocket thing and I think, well, Brady want a bunch and GoF does have a great old line. But I'm watching Jaden last night and I'm thinking to myself, is the pocket court? I know you gotta throw from the pocket, but it felt like all weekend the mobility was a huge factor on third down for these teams. Do you feel like as a pocket you could move, but as a pocket guy that the game's just changed and you have to move to win the ring.

I would agree with you.

I would agree with you.

I think the movement, the quarterback movement was a major factor this weekend. Big plays, third down, fourth down, especially fourth down this week I thought that was a real factor. I would just say this though, I've heard that conversation for years and years and years, and I heard it all throughout the playoffs, and you saw a lot of it. And at the end of the year, it was a guy like Tom Brady or Nick Foles or somebody else, you.

I think the movement, the quarterback movement was a major factor this weekend. Big plays, third down, fourth down, especially fourth down this week I thought that was a real factor. I would just say this though, I've heard that conversation for years and years and years, and I heard it all throughout the playoffs, and you saw a lot of it. And at the end of the year, it was a guy like Tom Brady or Nick Foles or somebody else, you.

Know, having the great year.

Know, having the great year.

Matt Ryan had an MVP year, And so I don't think there's one way to skin a cat that way. I think quarterback movement keeps defensive coordinators up at night. You say, who would you rather defend? They don't want to defend a guy that can move around. But at the end of the day, it's the consistent top delivering the ball on time on the proper shoulder to convert third downs to win in the red area. I think that's that's probably the thing that's been true over time. But there's there's no doubt the creativity from the college game with these quarterbacks that can move and then the scramble drills. If you ask any decordinator, they want none of that.

Matt Ryan had an MVP year, And so I don't think there's one way to skin a cat that way. I think quarterback movement keeps defensive coordinators up at night. You say, who would you rather defend? They don't want to defend a guy that can move around. But at the end of the day, it's the consistent top delivering the ball on time on the proper shoulder to convert third downs to win in the red area. I think that's that's probably the thing that's been true over time. But there's there's no doubt the creativity from the college game with these quarterbacks that can move and then the scramble drills. If you ask any decordinator, they want none of that.

Finally, Jimmy Johnson yesterday suggested McCarthy to Pittsburgh, Tomlin to Dallas. What do you make of that? It sounds fun, It's genius.

Finally, Jimmy Johnson yesterday suggested McCarthy to Pittsburgh, Tomlin to Dallas. What do you make of that? It sounds fun, It's genius.

I mean, that'd be fun.

I mean, that'd be fun.

There's nobody more at Pittsburgh that I've ever met than Mike McCarthy. I mean that that dude loves Pittsburgh.

There's nobody more at Pittsburgh that I've ever met than Mike McCarthy. I mean that that dude loves Pittsburgh.

But I just you know, I think Mike Tomlin's an awesome coach.

But I just you know, I think Mike Tomlin's an awesome coach.

I think the talks of getting rid of Mike Tomlin are kind of ridiculous. The only way I think that that could work is if if Mike Tomlin wanted to wanted to change the scenery for some reason. I think he's a great coach. Changes need to need to happen, though, like the effort in the pursuit that I saw defensively from from Pittsburgh yesterday, at times it looked like a Pro Bowl defense, like, you know, just tagging off, standing around the pile.

I think the talks of getting rid of Mike Tomlin are kind of ridiculous. The only way I think that that could work is if if Mike Tomlin wanted to wanted to change the scenery for some reason. I think he's a great coach. Changes need to need to happen, though, like the effort in the pursuit that I saw defensively from from Pittsburgh yesterday, at times it looked like a Pro Bowl defense, like, you know, just tagging off, standing around the pile.

I just didn't recognize it.

I just didn't recognize it.

Having gone against that team for many, many years, their defense was just always relentless, always tough, physical, flying around to the ball. You know, Like I used this quote before on defense, your love for your teammate and for what we're doing can be measured by how close you are to the ball when the whistle blows.

Having gone against that team for many, many years, their defense was just always relentless, always tough, physical, flying around to the ball. You know, Like I used this quote before on defense, your love for your teammate and for what we're doing can be measured by how close you are to the ball when the whistle blows.

And uh, you know so, I think that's got to get fixed.

And uh, you know so, I think that's got to get fixed.

I think if Mike Tomlin wants to stay, he's earned the right to be the guy to fix it.

I think if Mike Tomlin wants to stay, he's earned the right to be the guy to fix it.

Matt Hasselback eighteen years in the NFL. Love having you on on a Monday. Thanks buddy, all right

Matt Hasselback eighteen years in the NFL. Love having you on on a Monday. Thanks buddy, all right

See you calling.

See you calling.