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.

Here we go to Tuesday. Lots to talk about live in Los Angeles. It's the Herd wherever you may be and however you may be listening. Thanks for making us part of your day. One hour from now, The Herd Hierarchy Nick right today, Ericbnemy in studio. Can't wait to talk to Eric Bnemy, Maholmes and the Reid Belichick in college. Can't wait for that in a couple of hours. Jmac, I don't even want to talk about Raiders Falcons. I'll bury that one. Why not eight people watched it? But I think what we watched last you could eat in the body language. It was visual, it was obvious. The Chicago Bears are a broken franchise. Okay, Vikings, We'll get to that in a bit, but This is a broken franchise in Chicago. The ownership, bottom three team president, a young general manager, hit and miss if he left fine, if he stayed, okay, coaching staff, none of it works, none of it. Yeah, they got some decent players. The Jets have all sorts of good players. They're four and ten. And Caleb Williams, who was privately concerned before the draft but didn't want to be a bad guy. This was his nightmare. They have no leadership top down. By the way, how do you fix it? Well, the only way to fix it go to the Chargers, who also had a really good young quarterback, hit a handful of really really good players, and they went and stopped screwing around and finally paid big money for a coach fifteen year, fifteen million dollars a year, Jim Harbaugh. And they have not regretted a second of it. They had a bad culture why, most notably they had a coach, Brandon Staley, that was completely over his skis just like the Bear staff. You can't blame Thomas Brown. I mean, he's had three different parking spots in the organization in four weeks. They keep moving him up the food chain and he's not ready for this stuff. He'll be fine, he'll have a nice career. There is only one answer to this. It's Mike Vrabel. That's it. There're no other answers, no more lightweights, no more coordinators. This lift is too big. Even with Vrabel. I'm not sure it can solve everything. But this is an organization and frankly a city that's very, very political, and the only times in the history of Chicago sports or politics that you've ever had great success is with strong, defiant leadership. Look at the history of the city sports. You had theo Epstein all right, and Mike Ditka, all right. You start looking around from politics to sports. That's Chicago's answer. Vrabel's it. There's nobody else out there. There's nobody else, no college guys, no lightweight coordinators. The job's too big. And like the Chargers, the Chargers at least, that's why I think this is a big lift. I'm not sure if Vrabel consultant. The Chargers have always been good at quarterback. I mean it was Dan Fount who I grew up watching, Breeze Rivers, Herbert. They've always been high octane, fun to watch, and it's not like the Spanos family. They had a reputation as being frugal. They weren't crazy, they weren't meddling, they were frugal. They no longer are. They finally just said sometimes in life you just have to admit I got to get out of the way. And the Spanos family said, you know what, We're giving it to Harbaugh. And Harbaugh's going to build a staff and he's going to call the DC the general manager. And they just got out of the way and it works, and that's the only way to do it. I think this is a much bigger lift, much much bigger lift than the Chargers job. Like when they hired Harball, we all kind of knew, oh yeah, I go in ten eleven games, they may make the playoffs and they're going to Okay, we could feel that, but this one is the division is really good with really good coaches. You could have had Cliff Kingsbury, you couldn't get out of the way. You could have had Harball, Kevin Warren couldn't get out of the way. There is only one way to solve this thing. I mean, you won the Bryce Young trade and you're only one game better than Carolina and it was the steal of the decade. So it's not and it's just not a quarterback thing. And let me give you an example. And I and for the television audience, you'll understand this radio is a little harder to follow. But if you look at every division in football not named the AFC, South Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Kansas City, Rams, Tampa, Detroit, Phil Washington, I can argue all have either the best owner, the best front office, or both. It's not just the quarterback and coach, although they are really important. It all starts upstairs. Bills, owner, front office excellent, Lions front office excellent, Kansas City all of the above, Washington flushed, all the losers out have much better people in Rams, Stan Kronk less need like it's just a scouting department. You can just keep blaming coaches, you can keep running around. This organization is broken. Vrabel is the only answer. I feel bad for Caleb Williams, but this is what he was worried about privately out here in Los Angeles. My people connected to him said, you're not going to be a bad guy, but man, look at their history. They've never had a four thousand yard passing quarterback. That's why I said the Chargers are a little bit. You can kind of look at the Chargers and go, well, look what they did. They got out of the way and got hardball. But the Chargers had never been this dysfunctional. They just lost a bunch of close games. They always developed quarterbacks, They had a bunch of good players in the ownership group was not meddling. I don't know if you can fix Chicago. Some things are unfixable. Vrabel's the only answer. Here's Caleb after it's been frustrating and encouraging. The frustrating part is, obviously we were on a.

Here we go to Tuesday. Lots to talk about live in Los Angeles. It's the Herd wherever you may be and however you may be listening. Thanks for making us part of your day. One hour from now, The Herd Hierarchy Nick right today, Ericbnemy in studio. Can't wait to talk to Eric Bnemy, Maholmes and the Reid Belichick in college. Can't wait for that in a couple of hours. Jmac, I don't even want to talk about Raiders Falcons. I'll bury that one. Why not eight people watched it? But I think what we watched last you could eat in the body language. It was visual, it was obvious. The Chicago Bears are a broken franchise. Okay, Vikings, We'll get to that in a bit, but This is a broken franchise in Chicago. The ownership, bottom three team president, a young general manager, hit and miss if he left fine, if he stayed, okay, coaching staff, none of it works, none of it. Yeah, they got some decent players. The Jets have all sorts of good players. They're four and ten. And Caleb Williams, who was privately concerned before the draft but didn't want to be a bad guy. This was his nightmare. They have no leadership top down. By the way, how do you fix it? Well, the only way to fix it go to the Chargers, who also had a really good young quarterback, hit a handful of really really good players, and they went and stopped screwing around and finally paid big money for a coach fifteen year, fifteen million dollars a year, Jim Harbaugh. And they have not regretted a second of it. They had a bad culture why, most notably they had a coach, Brandon Staley, that was completely over his skis just like the Bear staff. You can't blame Thomas Brown. I mean, he's had three different parking spots in the organization in four weeks. They keep moving him up the food chain and he's not ready for this stuff. He'll be fine, he'll have a nice career. There is only one answer to this. It's Mike Vrabel. That's it. There're no other answers, no more lightweights, no more coordinators. This lift is too big. Even with Vrabel. I'm not sure it can solve everything. But this is an organization and frankly a city that's very, very political, and the only times in the history of Chicago sports or politics that you've ever had great success is with strong, defiant leadership. Look at the history of the city sports. You had theo Epstein all right, and Mike Ditka, all right. You start looking around from politics to sports. That's Chicago's answer. Vrabel's it. There's nobody else out there. There's nobody else, no college guys, no lightweight coordinators. The job's too big. And like the Chargers, the Chargers at least, that's why I think this is a big lift. I'm not sure if Vrabel consultant. The Chargers have always been good at quarterback. I mean it was Dan Fount who I grew up watching, Breeze Rivers, Herbert. They've always been high octane, fun to watch, and it's not like the Spanos family. They had a reputation as being frugal. They weren't crazy, they weren't meddling, they were frugal. They no longer are. They finally just said sometimes in life you just have to admit I got to get out of the way. And the Spanos family said, you know what, We're giving it to Harbaugh. And Harbaugh's going to build a staff and he's going to call the DC the general manager. And they just got out of the way and it works, and that's the only way to do it. I think this is a much bigger lift, much much bigger lift than the Chargers job. Like when they hired Harball, we all kind of knew, oh yeah, I go in ten eleven games, they may make the playoffs and they're going to Okay, we could feel that, but this one is the division is really good with really good coaches. You could have had Cliff Kingsbury, you couldn't get out of the way. You could have had Harball, Kevin Warren couldn't get out of the way. There is only one way to solve this thing. I mean, you won the Bryce Young trade and you're only one game better than Carolina and it was the steal of the decade. So it's not and it's just not a quarterback thing. And let me give you an example. And I and for the television audience, you'll understand this radio is a little harder to follow. But if you look at every division in football not named the AFC, South Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Kansas City, Rams, Tampa, Detroit, Phil Washington, I can argue all have either the best owner, the best front office, or both. It's not just the quarterback and coach, although they are really important. It all starts upstairs. Bills, owner, front office excellent, Lions front office excellent, Kansas City all of the above, Washington flushed, all the losers out have much better people in Rams, Stan Kronk less need like it's just a scouting department. You can just keep blaming coaches, you can keep running around. This organization is broken. Vrabel is the only answer. I feel bad for Caleb Williams, but this is what he was worried about privately out here in Los Angeles. My people connected to him said, you're not going to be a bad guy, but man, look at their history. They've never had a four thousand yard passing quarterback. That's why I said the Chargers are a little bit. You can kind of look at the Chargers and go, well, look what they did. They got out of the way and got hardball. But the Chargers had never been this dysfunctional. They just lost a bunch of close games. They always developed quarterbacks, They had a bunch of good players in the ownership group was not meddling. I don't know if you can fix Chicago. Some things are unfixable. Vrabel's the only answer. Here's Caleb after it's been frustrating and encouraging. The frustrating part is, obviously we were on a.

Coming games now eight yeah, eight game losing streak, and that's not, like I said before, It's new to me.

Coming games now eight yeah, eight game losing streak, and that's not, like I said before, It's new to me.

I haven't experienced anything like this.

I haven't experienced anything like this.

So their encouraging part is how much we fight as a team.

So their encouraging part is how much we fight as a team.

Okay, so let's just talk about the Vikings again. Raiders Falcons. I can't put that in the first segment. So Sam Donald, Minnesota has a tough decision. I would franchise Sam Donald, keep him around. But they brought Daniel Jones in, they drafted JJ McCarthy. It is likely that they're gonna let Sam Darnold become you know, a free agent. And here's what's really interesting. I love Donald. You know that, first of all, his success is a total indictment on the Jets in Carolina. I mean Aaron Rodgers' career since you went to New York Circle the toilet. Okay, So Sam Darnold is only twenty seven years old. So somebody's going to get a very good quarterback in his prime, big strong, mobilemaker, playmaker, coachable kid. Here's the thing, though, You're not gonna get this good of a Sam Donald, because you know, I don't even have to tell you this coaching is not even in this league. I mean it the gap between a McVeigh and a Kevin O'Connell, Andy Reid, Sean Payton offensively, and the rest of the league or most of the rest of the league is the Grand Canyon. All that said, you're not gonna get Kevin O'Connell, You're not getting Justin Jefferson, you're not getting Jordan Addison. The old line is underrated it this is a perfect scenario for Sam. And I look around at all the teams that could get Sam Darnald and I'm like, ugh, ugh, there's one exception. There's one exception, the Indianapolis Colts. Anthony Richardson's had fourteen starts. He completes fifty percent of his throws. It's a hard decision. Sometimes you just got to say it's not working. The Colts roster, like the Vikings, above average. Colts have good receivers, not Justin Jefferson, good receivers. They're on line top ten to twelve in the league. Their defense, go ask bow Nicks and Sean Payton. Their defense had the game won. Jonathan Taylor had a goofy decision and fumbled away the game, but he's an excellent running back. There is one place where Sam Darnald can go, and it's gonna look closest to this. It's in the winnable AFC South. It's not a great ownership division. Even in Indie. It is wonky and winnable, and you'll get about eighty five percent. You don't get a Justin Jefferson. You're not getting him all right, that he is just different. But I'm watching this last night and I think they've got a very tough decision to make. But he's only twenty seven years old. Sam's got three to four years prime. That'll be the length of his contract, and I think Minnesota's gonna let him go. I think I try to franchise him, but if they don't, coaching in this league is not even. But going from Kevin O'Connell to the Colt Shane Steichen, that's as well as Sam Donald can do. Michael Pittman, he played with him at USC, good old line, nice roster, Sam Donald, Colts, you would get the closest version of Vikings Sam Donald. I don't think Minnesota is a super Bowl team, but I do think. I do think what you're seeing between Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold is this rebirth of really talented quarterbacks, and it is an indictment of the Cleveland Browns. It is an indictment for both of them. With Carolina, it's an indictment of the Jets. Ownership, GMing. Coaching is not close to equal in this league. So Donald's gonna either keep flourishing for the Vikings or potentially flourish for the Colts. And I folks, if you watch Denver and the Colts, Bo Nicks is right out of college second half. That's an NFL franchise quarterback. Colts don't have one. Took a swing, young kid. Nice kid doesn't work. J Mack. We got so many things going on today, so many things with I think people have finally come to terms with Tua in Miami. You know, for years people pushed back when we offered, when we suggested that Tua winning in January in the AFC was fools gold little pushback on the two of train this way. Wait, cow heard. You know, I thought you were onto something with the Sam Darnold to the Colts.

Okay, so let's just talk about the Vikings again. Raiders Falcons. I can't put that in the first segment. So Sam Donald, Minnesota has a tough decision. I would franchise Sam Donald, keep him around. But they brought Daniel Jones in, they drafted JJ McCarthy. It is likely that they're gonna let Sam Darnold become you know, a free agent. And here's what's really interesting. I love Donald. You know that, first of all, his success is a total indictment on the Jets in Carolina. I mean Aaron Rodgers' career since you went to New York Circle the toilet. Okay, So Sam Darnold is only twenty seven years old. So somebody's going to get a very good quarterback in his prime, big strong, mobilemaker, playmaker, coachable kid. Here's the thing, though, You're not gonna get this good of a Sam Donald, because you know, I don't even have to tell you this coaching is not even in this league. I mean it the gap between a McVeigh and a Kevin O'Connell, Andy Reid, Sean Payton offensively, and the rest of the league or most of the rest of the league is the Grand Canyon. All that said, you're not gonna get Kevin O'Connell, You're not getting Justin Jefferson, you're not getting Jordan Addison. The old line is underrated it this is a perfect scenario for Sam. And I look around at all the teams that could get Sam Darnald and I'm like, ugh, ugh, there's one exception. There's one exception, the Indianapolis Colts. Anthony Richardson's had fourteen starts. He completes fifty percent of his throws. It's a hard decision. Sometimes you just got to say it's not working. The Colts roster, like the Vikings, above average. Colts have good receivers, not Justin Jefferson, good receivers. They're on line top ten to twelve in the league. Their defense, go ask bow Nicks and Sean Payton. Their defense had the game won. Jonathan Taylor had a goofy decision and fumbled away the game, but he's an excellent running back. There is one place where Sam Darnald can go, and it's gonna look closest to this. It's in the winnable AFC South. It's not a great ownership division. Even in Indie. It is wonky and winnable, and you'll get about eighty five percent. You don't get a Justin Jefferson. You're not getting him all right, that he is just different. But I'm watching this last night and I think they've got a very tough decision to make. But he's only twenty seven years old. Sam's got three to four years prime. That'll be the length of his contract, and I think Minnesota's gonna let him go. I think I try to franchise him, but if they don't, coaching in this league is not even. But going from Kevin O'Connell to the Colt Shane Steichen, that's as well as Sam Donald can do. Michael Pittman, he played with him at USC, good old line, nice roster, Sam Donald, Colts, you would get the closest version of Vikings Sam Donald. I don't think Minnesota is a super Bowl team, but I do think. I do think what you're seeing between Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold is this rebirth of really talented quarterbacks, and it is an indictment of the Cleveland Browns. It is an indictment for both of them. With Carolina, it's an indictment of the Jets. Ownership, GMing. Coaching is not close to equal in this league. So Donald's gonna either keep flourishing for the Vikings or potentially flourish for the Colts. And I folks, if you watch Denver and the Colts, Bo Nicks is right out of college second half. That's an NFL franchise quarterback. Colts don't have one. Took a swing, young kid. Nice kid doesn't work. J Mack. We got so many things going on today, so many things with I think people have finally come to terms with Tua in Miami. You know, for years people pushed back when we offered, when we suggested that Tua winning in January in the AFC was fools gold little pushback on the two of train this way. Wait, cow heard. You know, I thought you were onto something with the Sam Darnold to the Colts.

I like that.

I like that.

I was just looking at it. Have fifty million CAPSPCE.

I was just looking at it. Have fifty million CAPSPCE.

I kind of liked that move.

I kind of liked that move.

Fifty million capsman, you follow it up with two of the problem. You think two of the problem in Miami. No, I got like a million problems. I will just say, and I'm watching Minnesota last night and I'm watching this weekend. Colts have fifty million cap space. They got the roster. Yeah, Denver was getting hammered at home, and Denver's a playoff team. They were getting unrest hammered at home with a Hall of Fame coach. One team just needs a quarterback. Because I looked at the six teams that'll go after Donald today, it's five disasters and one. I think they could turn in Minnesota very quickly. Okay, we got a lot of stuff going on, you know, Eric b Enemy and Nick Wright. Today heard Hierarchy top of the hour. Hey, it's getting close. I went shopping yesterday. I got my daughter's stuff all taking care of it in this cold weather.

Fifty million capsman, you follow it up with two of the problem. You think two of the problem in Miami. No, I got like a million problems. I will just say, and I'm watching Minnesota last night and I'm watching this weekend. Colts have fifty million cap space. They got the roster. Yeah, Denver was getting hammered at home, and Denver's a playoff team. They were getting unrest hammered at home with a Hall of Fame coach. One team just needs a quarterback. Because I looked at the six teams that'll go after Donald today, it's five disasters and one. I think they could turn in Minnesota very quickly. Okay, we got a lot of stuff going on, you know, Eric b Enemy and Nick Wright. Today heard Hierarchy top of the hour. Hey, it's getting close. I went shopping yesterday. I got my daughter's stuff all taking care of it in this cold weather.

Oh my god, it was like an arctic blast down here.

Oh my god, it was like an arctic blast down here.

In La We left the house, it was sixty okay, this morning it was like forty. It was fifty two. Okay, I had gloves in a winter hack.

In La We left the house, it was sixty okay, this morning it was like forty. It was fifty two. Okay, I had gloves in a winter hack.

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

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

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

You could catch us weekdays from five to seven pm Eastern two to four Pacific on Fox Sports Radio and of course the iHeartRadio app.

You could catch us weekdays from five to seven pm Eastern two to four Pacific on Fox Sports Radio and of course the iHeartRadio app.

Why should you listen to Covino and Rich.

Why should you listen to Covino and Rich.

We talk about everything life, sports, relationships, what's going on in the world.

We talk about everything life, sports, relationships, what's going on in the world.

We have a lot of fun talking about the stories behind the stories in the world of sports and pop culture, stories that well, other shows don't seem to have the time to discuss.

We have a lot of fun talking about the stories behind the stories in the world of sports and pop culture, stories that well, other shows don't seem to have the time to discuss.

And the fact that we've been friends for the last twenty years and still work together.

And the fact that we've been friends for the last twenty years and still work together.

I mean that says something, right, So check us out. We like to get you involved too. Take your phone calls, chop it up.

I mean that says something, right, So check us out. We like to get you involved too. 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.

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 Covino 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.

Be sure to check out Covino 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.

All right, we do it every Tuesday. Nick right around the corner. It's the herd hierarchy. Here we go, heard hierarchy.

All right, we do it every Tuesday. Nick right around the corner. It's the herd hierarchy. Here we go, heard hierarchy.

Time is now. Let's go the top ten.

Time is now. Let's go the top ten.

NFL teams according to College number ten.

NFL teams according to College number ten.

Okay, I gotta admit I'm kind of proud. Denver Broncos tied for number one scoring defense in the entire league lead the NFL in sacks. They did not play well and won. They got out played by the Colts. They won four straight games. Bow Nicks is still in the growth period. But I said before the season, I did not buy they were a bad team. Sean Payton's one of the best coaches of my life. Bow Nicks had sixty one college starts, Mims, Courtland, Sutton, Patrick Sertan. They got real dudes Denver at ten, number nine, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. I may have them low. I'm telling you I wouldn't want to play this team. The Chargers hadn't allowed over thirty points in the game. Tampa went in scored forty easy. And I'm telling you Baker Mayfield, now third in the NFL with thirty two touchdown passes, be very concerned about facing a team that can win by shootouts or win ugly, and that's what they can do. You can't run on them. Yet this roster can run on you. This is a weird team. Todd Bowles, who's a really wonderful guy and an excellent defensive coach, is proving you can get out of the way and let the offense be the offense. I got Tampa nine, number eight, Minnesota seven game winning streak. They are seven to one and one score games. I think a lot of the story here beyond Darnold is Kevin O'Connell, who they call the Tonnell Sean McVay. I think Kevin O'Connell is superb. And their defense Brian Flores number two against the run, number three in takeaways. Brian Flores deserves another job. He does because I don't think their defensive personnel is nearly as good is their defensive production. I think it's fine. The production is great. I think Flores deserves another gig. Minnesota Day number seven. The Ravens. Listen. They have five losses by a combined twenty two points. A lot of it's been special teams. It's the best run offense in the league. I am rooting so hard for Lamar to do something in the playoffs because I don't buy this thing that he's not a great pocket quarterback. He is now. I do think Jmax touched on something yesterday. Dereck Henry's productions come down a bit. These are long seasons running backs. You're seeing JK. Dobbins, Dereck Henry, Montgomery with the Lions. This is a rough sport. They're the last unprotected offensive player. I have the Ravens at seven.

Okay, I gotta admit I'm kind of proud. Denver Broncos tied for number one scoring defense in the entire league lead the NFL in sacks. They did not play well and won. They got out played by the Colts. They won four straight games. Bow Nicks is still in the growth period. But I said before the season, I did not buy they were a bad team. Sean Payton's one of the best coaches of my life. Bow Nicks had sixty one college starts, Mims, Courtland, Sutton, Patrick Sertan. They got real dudes Denver at ten, number nine, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. I may have them low. I'm telling you I wouldn't want to play this team. The Chargers hadn't allowed over thirty points in the game. Tampa went in scored forty easy. And I'm telling you Baker Mayfield, now third in the NFL with thirty two touchdown passes, be very concerned about facing a team that can win by shootouts or win ugly, and that's what they can do. You can't run on them. Yet this roster can run on you. This is a weird team. Todd Bowles, who's a really wonderful guy and an excellent defensive coach, is proving you can get out of the way and let the offense be the offense. I got Tampa nine, number eight, Minnesota seven game winning streak. They are seven to one and one score games. I think a lot of the story here beyond Darnold is Kevin O'Connell, who they call the Tonnell Sean McVay. I think Kevin O'Connell is superb. And their defense Brian Flores number two against the run, number three in takeaways. Brian Flores deserves another job. He does because I don't think their defensive personnel is nearly as good is their defensive production. I think it's fine. The production is great. I think Flores deserves another gig. Minnesota Day number seven. The Ravens. Listen. They have five losses by a combined twenty two points. A lot of it's been special teams. It's the best run offense in the league. I am rooting so hard for Lamar to do something in the playoffs because I don't buy this thing that he's not a great pocket quarterback. He is now. I do think Jmax touched on something yesterday. Dereck Henry's productions come down a bit. These are long seasons running backs. You're seeing JK. Dobbins, Dereck Henry, Montgomery with the Lions. This is a rough sport. They're the last unprotected offensive player. I have the Ravens at seven.

Number six.

Number six.

I'm gonna move Detroit down to six. And I'm not sure they are six. They've given up seventy nine points in two weeks. And it's not because the coaching's bad. They're running out of players. The defense has one takeaway in the last four games. Everybody moves the ball on them. They have eighteen players on the ir again, they can only win now in shootouts. I think green Bay this morning is the better team, and I obviously Detroit has beaten green Bay, but I have the lines at six. Number five, you do not want to play the Rams. They are now healthy, no turnovers, no sacks allowed in two games. This offensive line is winning games seven and two since the bye. Okay, and when Stafford's got a healthy Pooka Nakua, seventeen touchdowns, four picks, Kyron Williams, Stafford haven Stein, Cooper Cup, Pooka Nakua, Sean McVay. You don't want to face them. They are hot and feeling it. Number four, Buffalo, listen, their defense is an issue. I know your fall in love with Josh Allen, Folks. Detroit went up and down the field. The Rams went up and down the field. Their defense ranks twenty second now their fifth in takeaways. So they'll take the ball away. And I love Josh Allen two, but he's had like nine hundred yards in two games and they lost one of them. You're not winning in February with this defense. They had got to get healthier. I think they're getting wrapped back. They're getting some of their back end back, but they are not good enough defensively. Number three the Packers. They're hot, they're healthy, and they are now a power run team. That game in Seattle, they turned the lights out on that thing after two drives. Eight and two since the start of October. Now, both losses were to the Lions because the Lions have a better team, but they don't today. I love Green Bay when they hold opponents under twenty five. They're nine to one. And I think Matt Lafleur is on a short list of one of the most underrated coaches in the league. Remember when he was at Tennessee, his reputation was he likes to lead with the run. He had Derrick Henry in Green Bay. This is his offense and his team. This is what Matt Lafleur knows. He is a run first. He's got a lot of Sean mcvahan, Shanahan, he likes the run game. Green Bay at three number two. Listen, Mahomes is banged up. This team is still ten to zero in games decided by a touchdown or less. They still have the best coach arguably ever. Mahomes probably sits this weekend against Houston, and then he'll be fine. I do worry about offensive tackle. I just they're not going to be great at it. Just keep your eye on this team. They're getting Hollywood brown back. I think the best of Kansas City will be the version in about you know, ten days when Patrick Mahomes returns.

I'm gonna move Detroit down to six. And I'm not sure they are six. They've given up seventy nine points in two weeks. And it's not because the coaching's bad. They're running out of players. The defense has one takeaway in the last four games. Everybody moves the ball on them. They have eighteen players on the ir again, they can only win now in shootouts. I think green Bay this morning is the better team, and I obviously Detroit has beaten green Bay, but I have the lines at six. Number five, you do not want to play the Rams. They are now healthy, no turnovers, no sacks allowed in two games. This offensive line is winning games seven and two since the bye. Okay, and when Stafford's got a healthy Pooka Nakua, seventeen touchdowns, four picks, Kyron Williams, Stafford haven Stein, Cooper Cup, Pooka Nakua, Sean McVay. You don't want to face them. They are hot and feeling it. Number four, Buffalo, listen, their defense is an issue. I know your fall in love with Josh Allen, Folks. Detroit went up and down the field. The Rams went up and down the field. Their defense ranks twenty second now their fifth in takeaways. So they'll take the ball away. And I love Josh Allen two, but he's had like nine hundred yards in two games and they lost one of them. You're not winning in February with this defense. They had got to get healthier. I think they're getting wrapped back. They're getting some of their back end back, but they are not good enough defensively. Number three the Packers. They're hot, they're healthy, and they are now a power run team. That game in Seattle, they turned the lights out on that thing after two drives. Eight and two since the start of October. Now, both losses were to the Lions because the Lions have a better team, but they don't today. I love Green Bay when they hold opponents under twenty five. They're nine to one. And I think Matt Lafleur is on a short list of one of the most underrated coaches in the league. Remember when he was at Tennessee, his reputation was he likes to lead with the run. He had Derrick Henry in Green Bay. This is his offense and his team. This is what Matt Lafleur knows. He is a run first. He's got a lot of Sean mcvahan, Shanahan, he likes the run game. Green Bay at three number two. Listen, Mahomes is banged up. This team is still ten to zero in games decided by a touchdown or less. They still have the best coach arguably ever. Mahomes probably sits this weekend against Houston, and then he'll be fine. I do worry about offensive tackle. I just they're not going to be great at it. Just keep your eye on this team. They're getting Hollywood brown back. I think the best of Kansas City will be the version in about you know, ten days when Patrick Mahomes returns.

Number one.

Number one.

The most dysfunctional great team in sports. Philadelphia a ten game winning streak, with their coach getting in fights with assistant coaches. I mean, everything they do screams bad organization, and yet all they do is win. They fire super Bowl winning coaches. I Philadelphia's wild is Nick Sirianni a good coach. Did you see that defensive line coach getting in his way? Would you do that with like Andy Reid? Would you do that with Sean Payton? I mean, like Philadelphia breaks every rule in pro football. They fire winning coaches. They let go of Andy Reid, The coaches screaming at fans draw in the locker room, players calling out the team on radio, and they win and they're loaded. This roster is stacked. There's the Herd hierarchy. I like green Bay a lot. I know you're shaking your head at green Bay, aren't you didn't Buffalo beat case like I don't know three weeks ago, and Buffalo's defense now is worse. I think you're right on green Bay. I actually like this except for Casey at two. There's no shot. I don't even know if i'd have top seven. Oh that's interesting.

The most dysfunctional great team in sports. Philadelphia a ten game winning streak, with their coach getting in fights with assistant coaches. I mean, everything they do screams bad organization, and yet all they do is win. They fire super Bowl winning coaches. I Philadelphia's wild is Nick Sirianni a good coach. Did you see that defensive line coach getting in his way? Would you do that with like Andy Reid? Would you do that with Sean Payton? I mean, like Philadelphia breaks every rule in pro football. They fire winning coaches. They let go of Andy Reid, The coaches screaming at fans draw in the locker room, players calling out the team on radio, and they win and they're loaded. This roster is stacked. There's the Herd hierarchy. I like green Bay a lot. I know you're shaking your head at green Bay, aren't you didn't Buffalo beat case like I don't know three weeks ago, and Buffalo's defense now is worse. I think you're right on green Bay. I actually like this except for Casey at two. There's no shot. I don't even know if i'd have top seven. Oh that's interesting.

Be sure to catch live editions of The Herd weekdays and Noone Easter not a em Pacific.

Be sure to catch live editions of The Herd weekdays and Noone Easter not a em Pacific.

Well. Eric Benemy has had an amazing career up for the Heisman as a running back at Colorado. That was the last time Colorado was great, really truly great. Two times Super Bowl champ as a coordinator with Andy Reid, ten full seasons with the Chiefs, and he is in studio. He was at UCLA last year. So I got so many things. I want to start with the big picture on Mahomes. So he comes from you know, Texas Tech. His dad was a major league player. Did they let you in on him before they drafted in. Had you heard in the building there was a young kid, give me and I'm trying to figure out the timeline because they had Matt Nagy was there and then Eric Benemy and I'm trying to find figure out exactly when you were there. But take me through your kind of chronological order with Mahomes.

Well. Eric Benemy has had an amazing career up for the Heisman as a running back at Colorado. That was the last time Colorado was great, really truly great. Two times Super Bowl champ as a coordinator with Andy Reid, ten full seasons with the Chiefs, and he is in studio. He was at UCLA last year. So I got so many things. I want to start with the big picture on Mahomes. So he comes from you know, Texas Tech. His dad was a major league player. Did they let you in on him before they drafted in. Had you heard in the building there was a young kid, give me and I'm trying to figure out the timeline because they had Matt Nagy was there and then Eric Benemy and I'm trying to find figure out exactly when you were there. But take me through your kind of chronological order with Mahomes.

Okay, So, and foremost coaching out there in Kansas City. We're in the Big twelve country, so seeing Texas Tech play every single weekend. And one thing, you know, uh, we had a great staff. I mean we had Brett Veach on staff as a GM. Obviously he was under my man. Oh it was the original John Dorsey. He was under Dorsey and so you know, we had a lot of guys Chris Ballard and the talk of the town was always you know, have you guys seen these throws that this kid has made?

Okay, So, and foremost coaching out there in Kansas City. We're in the Big twelve country, so seeing Texas Tech play every single weekend. And one thing, you know, uh, we had a great staff. I mean we had Brett Veach on staff as a GM. Obviously he was under my man. Oh it was the original John Dorsey. He was under Dorsey and so you know, we had a lot of guys Chris Ballard and the talk of the town was always you know, have you guys seen these throws that this kid has made?

And we will watch the games.

And we will watch the games.

We got caught up in Big twelve football obviously, just watching what Pat was doing, and so we got enamored with him. We watched him grow as a player while we were coaching, because everybody was a fan of football, and so just watching him and seeing all the things that he brought to the table.

We got caught up in Big twelve football obviously, just watching what Pat was doing, and so we got enamored with him. We watched him grow as a player while we were coaching, because everybody was a fan of football, and so just watching him and seeing all the things that he brought to the table.

We all were kind of on kind of end on it.

We all were kind of on kind of end on it.

Chris Ballad was probably the lead scout at the point, on that point in time exactly. He loved him, loved him, absolutely loved him. I think everybody in the building fell in love with him. Now, did we think that we would have a chance of getting him. No, But it's amazing how things worked out. And obviously it's been. It's been history being made right before you eyes. The kid is an unbelievable kid. He takes absolutely nothing for granted and you just love him as a person and as a competitor.

Chris Ballad was probably the lead scout at the point, on that point in time exactly. He loved him, loved him, absolutely loved him. I think everybody in the building fell in love with him. Now, did we think that we would have a chance of getting him. No, But it's amazing how things worked out. And obviously it's been. It's been history being made right before you eyes. The kid is an unbelievable kid. He takes absolutely nothing for granted and you just love him as a person and as a competitor.

So let's go to the first camp with Mahomes. Yes, so you had the Alex Smith, who's a wonderful guy. Yes, And were there moments did you drive home after a practice or three, and was there a moment for you an epiphany when you're like, oh boy, this is different.

So let's go to the first camp with Mahomes. Yes, so you had the Alex Smith, who's a wonderful guy. Yes, And were there moments did you drive home after a practice or three, and was there a moment for you an epiphany when you're like, oh boy, this is different.

Let me say this, so with all due respect to Alex, Okay, we love Alex. Alex was a great quarterback. Here's one thing Alex did. Alex provided a blueprint for Pat Mahomes to follow. Because first and foremost, Alex was a come early, state late guy. He was very professional, He's very diligent, right, and everything that he did. Uh, he took the game series, he studied, he was a film junkie. So those are some of the things that you know, as an example of seeing I know the player do it helped Patrick to grow Now watching Patrick and don't get me wrong, every young quarterback has their struggles every now and then, but there were certain throws that you're seeing practice and like, oh my goodness, did you see that? And we'll just sit there, yes, like wait a minute, did you see that throw? And so there will always be those moments and then you just knew you had something special. And then uh, he had that opportunity to start up against Denver. I want to say it was the last game of the season that particular year, and he went out and he did this thing and not to anybody surprise, here we are, you know, years later looking at him and still watching him excel and all the little things that a lot of people in that he can do because he came from an air raid offense.

Let me say this, so with all due respect to Alex, Okay, we love Alex. Alex was a great quarterback. Here's one thing Alex did. Alex provided a blueprint for Pat Mahomes to follow. Because first and foremost, Alex was a come early, state late guy. He was very professional, He's very diligent, right, and everything that he did. Uh, he took the game series, he studied, he was a film junkie. So those are some of the things that you know, as an example of seeing I know the player do it helped Patrick to grow Now watching Patrick and don't get me wrong, every young quarterback has their struggles every now and then, but there were certain throws that you're seeing practice and like, oh my goodness, did you see that? And we'll just sit there, yes, like wait a minute, did you see that throw? And so there will always be those moments and then you just knew you had something special. And then uh, he had that opportunity to start up against Denver. I want to say it was the last game of the season that particular year, and he went out and he did this thing and not to anybody surprise, here we are, you know, years later looking at him and still watching him excel and all the little things that a lot of people in that he can do because he came from an air raid offense.

So obviously Andy Reid is a great play caller and play designer. You've worked with a lot of good coaches. Bobby Ross, what is the secret sauce if you were to take. If I said, Eric, you get a head coaching job, take one thing from Andy Reid His what's the structure, the foundational piece of Andy that makes him arguably the best coach ever?

So obviously Andy Reid is a great play caller and play designer. You've worked with a lot of good coaches. Bobby Ross, what is the secret sauce if you were to take. If I said, Eric, you get a head coaching job, take one thing from Andy Reid His what's the structure, the foundational piece of Andy that makes him arguably the best coach ever?

I think more than anything, it's probably the consistency. He's a consistent individual. The Andy Reid that you see today is the same Andy Reid that I played for in nineteen ninety nine. The thing that I love about Coach Read is that.

I think more than anything, it's probably the consistency. He's a consistent individual. The Andy Reid that you see today is the same Andy Reid that I played for in nineteen ninety nine. The thing that I love about Coach Read is that.

He's very stern. He expects you to be very professional.

He's very stern. He expects you to be very professional.

He expects all his coaches to be an expert at their positions. He expects his players to work hard. He expects them to be at their best when the best is needed. And there's always a culture of account of ability. And when you have all that and you combined it together, now you see the consistent winning performance that just takes place throughout the course of the years. And so the thing that I love about Coach Read is that he's provided that. And then on top of it, I got to add one more thing. He's not afraid of change. He's not afraid of you know, and that does not fear him.

He expects all his coaches to be an expert at their positions. He expects his players to work hard. He expects them to be at their best when the best is needed. And there's always a culture of account of ability. And when you have all that and you combined it together, now you see the consistent winning performance that just takes place throughout the course of the years. And so the thing that I love about Coach Read is that he's provided that. And then on top of it, I got to add one more thing. He's not afraid of change. He's not afraid of you know, and that does not fear him.

You know.

You know.

He wants to make sure that whatever needs to be done. Whatever we need to do to win.

He wants to make sure that whatever needs to be done. Whatever we need to do to win.

That's all that matters.

That's all that matters.

And then you can obviously see that's been a theme of this season. It doesn't matter what the score is. When it's all saying done with you're being measured. It ain't about the numbers, It ain't about the stats. You're being measured by two alphabets, the W or the L. And they've found a way to be thirteen and one right now, and everybody wants to talk about what they haven't done. But I'll say this, it's hard winning thirteen games in the season, let alone being thirteen and one at this particular point.

And then you can obviously see that's been a theme of this season. It doesn't matter what the score is. When it's all saying done with you're being measured. It ain't about the numbers, It ain't about the stats. You're being measured by two alphabets, the W or the L. And they've found a way to be thirteen and one right now, and everybody wants to talk about what they haven't done. But I'll say this, it's hard winning thirteen games in the season, let alone being thirteen and one at this particular point.

Credits coach Reat.

Credits coach Reat.

Yeah, so you looked at all these quarterbacks coming out, Jaden Daniels and bow Nicks and Caleb Williams and Michael Pennox and JJ McCarthy. I thought Caleb was the most talented at UCLA. You know the USC program. Well this year you faced I think it was Miller bought no the UNLV kid at the end when you watch Caleb struggling in Chicago. How do they get it right? What's the first step?

Yeah, so you looked at all these quarterbacks coming out, Jaden Daniels and bow Nicks and Caleb Williams and Michael Pennox and JJ McCarthy. I thought Caleb was the most talented at UCLA. You know the USC program. Well this year you faced I think it was Miller bought no the UNLV kid at the end when you watch Caleb struggling in Chicago. How do they get it right? What's the first step?

Well, I think more than anything, it's about the culture in the atmosphere. So you want to make sure that the kid is in a right culture, meaning you have to build it around him. If you're going to draft the franchise quarterback, you got to make sure that. And I'm not trying to step on anybody, so's a place any judgment on anything. I think Ryan Poe's has done a great job, you know Ryan. Yes, Ryan is a very good friend, and I've known him for a number of years because we spent a number of years in Kansas City. But you want to make sure that you're building that organization, that program around him.

Well, I think more than anything, it's about the culture in the atmosphere. So you want to make sure that the kid is in a right culture, meaning you have to build it around him. If you're going to draft the franchise quarterback, you got to make sure that. And I'm not trying to step on anybody, so's a place any judgment on anything. I think Ryan Poe's has done a great job, you know Ryan. Yes, Ryan is a very good friend, and I've known him for a number of years because we spent a number of years in Kansas City. But you want to make sure that you're building that organization, that program around him.

Everything benefits him exactly, and everything always starts and ends up front, So you got to build it with those guys and defensive coach, and that that worried me.

Everything benefits him exactly, and everything always starts and ends up front, So you got to build it with those guys and defensive coach, and that that worried me.

And so I'm not into who's doing hiring and all the firing, but one thing I do know, anytime you're drafting a franchise quarterback, you got to surround it with the right people.

And so I'm not into who's doing hiring and all the firing, but one thing I do know, anytime you're drafting a franchise quarterback, you got to surround it with the right people.

You got to make sure the right people are in his ear.

You got to make sure the right people are in his ear.

You got to do the things that he likes and feels comfortable with, and then you start branching out and developing him and teaching him other things.

You got to do the things that he likes and feels comfortable with, and then you start branching out and developing him and teaching him other things.

Along the way. And so, yes, the kid is special. He's a dynamic.

Along the way. And so, yes, the kid is special. He's a dynamic.

Football player, but it starts with a culture and having this opportunity to coach in the number of AFC championship games and being on a super Bowl winning team.

Football player, but it starts with a culture and having this opportunity to coach in the number of AFC championship games and being on a super Bowl winning team.

It starts and ends up top. It starts with.

It starts and ends up top. It starts with.

Family, the beach, to everybody.

Family, the beach, to everybody.

You know, and when you're in the first class organization and with first class people, you know everything is done the right way. Where there be mistakes made along the way, sure yes they will, but it always starts up top, and you want to surround your quarterback with the right people that's going to help him to develop and grow.

You know, and when you're in the first class organization and with first class people, you know everything is done the right way. Where there be mistakes made along the way, sure yes they will, but it always starts up top, and you want to surround your quarterback with the right people that's going to help him to develop and grow.

So Belichick's going to college, My take is he is building a pro model college. College athletic departments can be high maintenance. People are very parochial. They have their space, and Belichick's coming in with his NFL guys and he's like, yeah, I'm not going to volleyball matches. And my take is its bills smart. But he's a pro coach, and you're a pro coach and you went to UCLA. If you could give him what was the first shocking thing? And again, Kansas City is a well run pro football operation. The first thing if you if you could whisper for one thing to build. Hey, be careful about blind What would you say?

So Belichick's going to college, My take is he is building a pro model college. College athletic departments can be high maintenance. People are very parochial. They have their space, and Belichick's coming in with his NFL guys and he's like, yeah, I'm not going to volleyball matches. And my take is its bills smart. But he's a pro coach, and you're a pro coach and you went to UCLA. If you could give him what was the first shocking thing? And again, Kansas City is a well run pro football operation. The first thing if you if you could whisper for one thing to build. Hey, be careful about blind What would you say?

The only thing that, if anything, that I disliked or about the college game is the lack of time that we have to teach. And so I pride myself on being a teacher. And you know there's a twenty hour rule. You only get so much time trying to deal with young men. And it's always have felt that it is our duty as coaches to make sure that if there's a player that's special enough, it's our responsibility of making sure we're providing this kid with all the necessary tools that's going to give him the best opportunity to play early in the NFL.

The only thing that, if anything, that I disliked or about the college game is the lack of time that we have to teach. And so I pride myself on being a teacher. And you know there's a twenty hour rule. You only get so much time trying to deal with young men. And it's always have felt that it is our duty as coaches to make sure that if there's a player that's special enough, it's our responsibility of making sure we're providing this kid with all the necessary tools that's going to give him the best opportunity to play early in the NFL.

He's talented enough.

He's talented enough.

Eric b enemy for our radio audience. And here's the thing. That's why the NFL is it's the great scheme league for coaches. College is the recruiting league. Yes, you can only do you can only layer a college kid with so much. Yes, you only get twenty hours. So Belichick is not a recruiters scheme geniuses. And that's why Andy Reid in college would probably be exhausted by having to go to San Bernardino and look at a receiver instead of teaching them his plays, and so I feel he's gonna be Now are you surprised because you're a former Colorado great? Are you surprised by Colorado has no money like they're like you see it like not a lot of dollars there for nil? Are you surprised at the success that he has had, Dion, not at all?

Eric b enemy for our radio audience. And here's the thing. That's why the NFL is it's the great scheme league for coaches. College is the recruiting league. Yes, you can only do you can only layer a college kid with so much. Yes, you only get twenty hours. So Belichick is not a recruiters scheme geniuses. And that's why Andy Reid in college would probably be exhausted by having to go to San Bernardino and look at a receiver instead of teaching them his plays, and so I feel he's gonna be Now are you surprised because you're a former Colorado great? Are you surprised by Colorado has no money like they're like you see it like not a lot of dollars there for nil? Are you surprised at the success that he has had, Dion, not at all?

I tell you what, knowing Rick George and knowing everything that Rick George wanted ad Yes, exactly. Rick George is a great friend of mine, very close friend. He was there when we played in the National Championships era, but him in primetime as they hit it off really and yes, they hit it off, and there's.

I tell you what, knowing Rick George and knowing everything that Rick George wanted ad Yes, exactly. Rick George is a great friend of mine, very close friend. He was there when we played in the National Championships era, but him in primetime as they hit it off really and yes, they hit it off, and there's.

A nucleus, there's a bond.

A nucleus, there's a bond.

So I thought Rick, first of all, deond to the heck of a job is selling his vision to Rick. But on top of that, you can see the vision coming through because Deon did great job of basically helping those young men to go out there and be successful. But on top of that, just building a competitive program by building it with the right people.

So I thought Rick, first of all, deond to the heck of a job is selling his vision to Rick. But on top of that, you can see the vision coming through because Deon did great job of basically helping those young men to go out there and be successful. But on top of that, just building a competitive program by building it with the right people.

I thought you did a great job.

I thought you did a great job.

Hey, Travis Hunter, I plan at corner as a former offensive coordinator in the NFL for years. Here's my concern. You can't be a part time receiver. It's a timings position. Yes, So what would you do. You're a coordinator and you get Travis Hunter and he's like, hey, coach, I want to do some offense and returning. But he's an elite Sauce Gardner level corner. How would you integrate him into some of the offense. I don't think he can be your number one receiver in your number one corner, but if you had to, you only got him for half the practice. What do you do?

Hey, Travis Hunter, I plan at corner as a former offensive coordinator in the NFL for years. Here's my concern. You can't be a part time receiver. It's a timings position. Yes, So what would you do. You're a coordinator and you get Travis Hunter and he's like, hey, coach, I want to do some offense and returning. But he's an elite Sauce Gardner level corner. How would you integrate him into some of the offense. I don't think he can be your number one receiver in your number one corner, but if you had to, you only got him for half the practice. What do you do?

So, first and foremost, congratulations with Travis Hunter on winning Heisman. Troll is great, the second Heisman Trophy winner in the history of Colorado football, so outstanding. Second of all, I had to answer this question biasedly because, and don't get me wrong, I think the kid is a tremendous athlete. I'm selfish. I'm on the office side of the ball. I want him to play receiver for me and so. But because I watch all the dynamic things that the kid does. He's a he makes dynamic catch. I would use him just like I would use any other players that play jet sweeps, certain routes. I mean the kid is he can run, he has an unbelievable hand and eye coordination. He can track the football, he can come out in and out of his breaks, he transitions well. I mean, the kid is a great football player, and obviously he's one of the best because of the numbers that have shown. But on top of that, the trophy speaks for itself. But the kid is also a competitive kid. And don't get me wrong, I think the kid is a dynamic college football I think the kid could be an outstanding receiver and so. But you got to pick a shoe aside. In my opinion, it's just my humble opinion. You got to take a side, yes, because it takes away, it takes now. He could be a dynamic, great corner. Just like you said, he does have those skills and ability to be the next time.

So, first and foremost, congratulations with Travis Hunter on winning Heisman. Troll is great, the second Heisman Trophy winner in the history of Colorado football, so outstanding. Second of all, I had to answer this question biasedly because, and don't get me wrong, I think the kid is a tremendous athlete. I'm selfish. I'm on the office side of the ball. I want him to play receiver for me and so. But because I watch all the dynamic things that the kid does. He's a he makes dynamic catch. I would use him just like I would use any other players that play jet sweeps, certain routes. I mean the kid is he can run, he has an unbelievable hand and eye coordination. He can track the football, he can come out in and out of his breaks, he transitions well. I mean, the kid is a great football player, and obviously he's one of the best because of the numbers that have shown. But on top of that, the trophy speaks for itself. But the kid is also a competitive kid. And don't get me wrong, I think the kid is a dynamic college football I think the kid could be an outstanding receiver and so. But you got to pick a shoe aside. In my opinion, it's just my humble opinion. You got to take a side, yes, because it takes away, it takes now. He could be a dynamic, great corner. Just like you said, he does have those skills and ability to be the next time.

You know what, here's my takeaway on that air. It's an offensive league. A lot of bad teams. The Jets have great corners, but if you have dual weapons like the Rams, it's it's it's an offensive league. Yes, a corner has limitations. Patrick certain is unbelievable, Yes, but it's Sean Payton the offense, the left tackle. I just think if I had I think he's going to be a better corner than a receiver. But I think receivers more valuable now than a great corner.

You know what, here's my takeaway on that air. It's an offensive league. A lot of bad teams. The Jets have great corners, but if you have dual weapons like the Rams, it's it's it's an offensive league. Yes, a corner has limitations. Patrick certain is unbelievable, Yes, but it's Sean Payton the offense, the left tackle. I just think if I had I think he's going to be a better corner than a receiver. But I think receivers more valuable now than a great corner.

Because you can design and get him involved in the game early and often, okay, and that's the beauty of it. Whereas he's having an opportunity to touch the.

Because you can design and get him involved in the game early and often, okay, and that's the beauty of it. Whereas he's having an opportunity to touch the.

Football twelve fifteen times, great.

Football twelve fifteen times, great.

Things can happen.

Things can happen.

And so you would implement him in your in your in your office.

And so you would implement him in your in your in your office.

Arel. So a year ago people were lamenting that running backs they're never gonna get paid. You were a running back, and they're never gonna get paid. And now here's Derrick Henry and you're watching Green Bay now, Josh Jacobs, that's a power run team. Detroit's a power run team. Baltimore is a power run team. So rams with Kyron Williams. Yes, So why do you think in the last year Saquon Barkley, it seems like Eric there is a little bit of a pivot back to the running back.

Arel. So a year ago people were lamenting that running backs they're never gonna get paid. You were a running back, and they're never gonna get paid. And now here's Derrick Henry and you're watching Green Bay now, Josh Jacobs, that's a power run team. Detroit's a power run team. Baltimore is a power run team. So rams with Kyron Williams. Yes, So why do you think in the last year Saquon Barkley, it seems like Eric there is a little bit of a pivot back to the running back.

Why this game has a way of beast cyclical. Everything that you think was outdated, it seems to come right back. One thing that I've always have known, you throw the ball, Okay, to win you throw the ball to win football games. To score touchdowns a right, but you got to run it to win a championship. What is all saying done with the game is still one upfront, all right, whether it's the old lion or the defensive line.

Why this game has a way of beast cyclical. Everything that you think was outdated, it seems to come right back. One thing that I've always have known, you throw the ball, Okay, to win you throw the ball to win football games. To score touchdowns a right, but you got to run it to win a championship. What is all saying done with the game is still one upfront, all right, whether it's the old lion or the defensive line.

If you can run.

If you can run.

The ball, it takes so much pressure off the quarter.

The ball, it takes so much pressure off the quarter.

Also, at each claw it eats clock. You get into these close late games. That's what Josh Allen has never had. Until James Cook, he had leads. They couldn't eat the clock.

Also, at each claw it eats clock. You get into these close late games. That's what Josh Allen has never had. Until James Cook, he had leads. They couldn't eat the clock.

Up because it becomes a game of possessions. And so if you're taking care of the football ball security, you're running the ball, it limits the opponent and so it limits the opponent's opportunities. But on top of that, it applies pressure to that team because now they feel forced to be perfect to drive the ball to late of the field to.

Up because it becomes a game of possessions. And so if you're taking care of the football ball security, you're running the ball, it limits the opponent and so it limits the opponent's opportunities. But on top of that, it applies pressure to that team because now they feel forced to be perfect to drive the ball to late of the field to.

Go out and put points on the board.

Go out and put points on the board.

But when it's all sitting done with, those teams that are doing a great job of running the ball, those are gonna be teams that are gonna be wrecking with come playoff time because they're hard to stop. And then you watch what they're doing up in Green Bay, I mean with that cold weather, you know, running the ball as efficiently as they are. I mean, you're watching Philly do what they do. But this year has been fun watching all these guys do what they have done.

But when it's all sitting done with, those teams that are doing a great job of running the ball, those are gonna be teams that are gonna be wrecking with come playoff time because they're hard to stop. And then you watch what they're doing up in Green Bay, I mean with that cold weather, you know, running the ball as efficiently as they are. I mean, you're watching Philly do what they do. But this year has been fun watching all these guys do what they have done.

And then if you.

And then if you.

Look at it, it's about four or five other guys that are on the cusp of rushing over a thousand yards. You know, this year may be an all time high as far as yeah, you know thousand.

Look at it, it's about four or five other guys that are on the cusp of rushing over a thousand yards. You know, this year may be an all time high as far as yeah, you know thousand.

Rushers right now, with one thousand plus rushing yards last year, one player think about that. I also think about this. As the game got more perimeter based, safeties got smaller, so did linebackers, and I think the good coaches went time out. We got two hundred and fourteen pound linebackers, and then the game most of these running backs low center of gravity guys. They're punishing running back Kyraen Williams. You can't get a hit on. You can't, So I think it's sick little to your point, the safeties and linebackers got smaller and rangier, but not as physical.

Rushers right now, with one thousand plus rushing yards last year, one player think about that. I also think about this. As the game got more perimeter based, safeties got smaller, so did linebackers, and I think the good coaches went time out. We got two hundred and fourteen pound linebackers, and then the game most of these running backs low center of gravity guys. They're punishing running back Kyraen Williams. You can't get a hit on. You can't, So I think it's sick little to your point, the safeties and linebackers got smaller and rangier, but not as physical.

Yes, because here's what happens. So once upon a time, defensive schemes were scheming up Tom Brady and the New England Patriots on how to stop those guys. You think about all the receivers, so guys got naturally smaller, so you're primarily playing with your nickel personnel. So same thing with the Kana City Chiefs, the evolution of Patrick Mahomes. Teams are lining up trying to take away all the different receiving threats that you have on the perimeter, which leads for what a light box. So now you have an opportunity to run it even more so, and you think about some of those guys that are running the ball as efficiently as they are. Look at the players that are playing quarterback as well. There's also guys out on the perimeter. So now it's like little checks and balances because you have to be able to defend the run. But on top of that, now now you get matchups on the perimeter where you get one on one battles where guys are going to have opportunities now to make more plays efficiently down the field by making the big throw off for play action passes.

Yes, because here's what happens. So once upon a time, defensive schemes were scheming up Tom Brady and the New England Patriots on how to stop those guys. You think about all the receivers, so guys got naturally smaller, so you're primarily playing with your nickel personnel. So same thing with the Kana City Chiefs, the evolution of Patrick Mahomes. Teams are lining up trying to take away all the different receiving threats that you have on the perimeter, which leads for what a light box. So now you have an opportunity to run it even more so, and you think about some of those guys that are running the ball as efficiently as they are. Look at the players that are playing quarterback as well. There's also guys out on the perimeter. So now it's like little checks and balances because you have to be able to defend the run. But on top of that, now now you get matchups on the perimeter where you get one on one battles where guys are going to have opportunities now to make more plays efficiently down the field by making the big throw off for play action passes.

Eric, the enemy is joining us. Before I let you go, You've had opportunities to be a coach, You've interviewed. I mean, it's a competitive world. Do you ever get frustrated some people have thrown out a racial component. How does that land for you? When you interview you don't get it. The media appears to be like, give this guy a chance. Is it hard on you and your family? How do you view it? How does it land for you?

Eric, the enemy is joining us. Before I let you go, You've had opportunities to be a coach, You've interviewed. I mean, it's a competitive world. Do you ever get frustrated some people have thrown out a racial component. How does that land for you? When you interview you don't get it. The media appears to be like, give this guy a chance. Is it hard on you and your family? How do you view it? How does it land for you?

I look at it as an opportunity to grow. I've had a number of opportunities to sit down with a number of teams, and I've come away with a lot just sitting down having that experience talking to those particular teams.

I look at it as an opportunity to grow. I've had a number of opportunities to sit down with a number of teams, and I've come away with a lot just sitting down having that experience talking to those particular teams.

And the thing that you can do is I'm a competitor.

And the thing that you can do is I'm a competitor.

The only thing that you can do is go back to the drawing board, you know, and figure out what can I do to make it better? You know, I grew up in a culture of being a resilient person. My mom have always taught me, Hey, you know, you don't worry about the things you can't control. Worry about what's next and how you're going to control that particular moment. So when it's all sitting down with no you don't think about the negative. The only thing that you build upon is the positives. What are some of the things that you can come away with after learning and going through this experience, and how is it going to help you moving forward. So those are the things that I focus on, and that's that's what's important moving forward.

The only thing that you can do is go back to the drawing board, you know, and figure out what can I do to make it better? You know, I grew up in a culture of being a resilient person. My mom have always taught me, Hey, you know, you don't worry about the things you can't control. Worry about what's next and how you're going to control that particular moment. So when it's all sitting down with no you don't think about the negative. The only thing that you build upon is the positives. What are some of the things that you can come away with after learning and going through this experience, and how is it going to help you moving forward. So those are the things that I focus on, and that's that's what's important moving forward.

Well, I gotta ask you one more Yes, all your years as a coordinator offensive coordinator, if I said to you name the one defensive player you hated facing that, you would look at the film and think, Okay, it's gonna blow that. Because Chris Jones is one of those guys that other coordinators look at. He'll move up, he'll move all over the defensive line. Was there a guy in this league you're doing this for ten years and every time you faced him you thought, oh, headache.

Well, I gotta ask you one more Yes, all your years as a coordinator offensive coordinator, if I said to you name the one defensive player you hated facing that, you would look at the film and think, Okay, it's gonna blow that. Because Chris Jones is one of those guys that other coordinators look at. He'll move up, he'll move all over the defensive line. Was there a guy in this league you're doing this for ten years and every time you faced him you thought, oh, headache.

But there's probably a few of them. But one of them that stands up, it's a young Von Miller. Von was a.

But there's probably a few of them. But one of them that stands up, it's a young Von Miller. Von was a.

Beast first three four years in the leagues.

Beast first three four years in the leagues.

He was he was a beast.

He was he was a beast.

Oh coach, so he was in he was in Denver. Yes, how did you block him?

Oh coach, so he was in he was in Denver. Yes, how did you block him?

We tried.

We tried.

Now, in fact, it was a funny story too, because first of all, I have the utmost respect for Von You talking about a premiere pass rusher that also did a great job in lining up and playing against the rum this hey day. And that's not to take away anything that he's doing now in Buffalo but that young kid, he was so hard to block.

Now, in fact, it was a funny story too, because first of all, I have the utmost respect for Von You talking about a premiere pass rusher that also did a great job in lining up and playing against the rum this hey day. And that's not to take away anything that he's doing now in Buffalo but that young kid, he was so hard to block.

You had to scheme around him.

You had to scheme around him.

I remember we played him and had to be either twenty eighteen or twenty nineteen. He beats Mitch off y edge, and Mitch probably is not going to like me saying yes, Mitch was.

I remember we played him and had to be either twenty eighteen or twenty nineteen. He beats Mitch off y edge, and Mitch probably is not going to like me saying yes, Mitch was.

And here's the thing.

And here's the thing.

He probably was Vaughn's toughest matchup because Mitch, Mitch was a smart He was smart. He was very strategic with it. He did a great job of timing up his pass sets. But it was this one time he beats him, and so he beats him around and Pat scrambles to his left and Pat throws the ball with his left hand and he completes it. And so in the heat of the moment, now you got to understand, we're in a two minute situation where we're trying to go down and win the game. And so I'm sitting there and it's a lot of chaos over the headsets. I'm like, damn, did anybody see that?

He probably was Vaughn's toughest matchup because Mitch, Mitch was a smart He was smart. He was very strategic with it. He did a great job of timing up his pass sets. But it was this one time he beats him, and so he beats him around and Pat scrambles to his left and Pat throws the ball with his left hand and he completes it. And so in the heat of the moment, now you got to understand, we're in a two minute situation where we're trying to go down and win the game. And so I'm sitting there and it's a lot of chaos over the headsets. I'm like, damn, did anybody see that?

Uh?

Uh?

I'm talking to Coach Reid and Coach Rees like, uh, e b, you gotta call the play. You know, he gives me the pay. You gotta call the play. I said, did anybody see that.