Thanks for listening to 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 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.

You're listening to Fox Sports Radio.

You're listening to Fox Sports Radio.

Oh, we got a Wednesday show today, Drew Brees, Greg Olsen, Peter Schrager live in LA. It's The Herd wherever you may be and however you may be listening. Thanks for making as a part of your day, and thoughts and prayers to the people in Malibu and Pacific Palisades. I've never seen anything like it. I did not grow up in Los Angeles. I've been here almost a decade. It is apocalyptic in Los Angeles this morning. Dark clouds over all over Los Angeles as fires in one hundred mile an hour winds reportedly last night just in Golf Malibu. It's hard to see anything left standing. So Fami, these kids. So far, it's been property and homes lost just just a rough twenty four hours in Los Angeles. Pretty gutting to drive to work this morning. J. Mac is joining me as always, and again we've got a really good show today, but it's a pretty somber tone here in Los Angeles as we're watching friends and associates and neighbors and colleagues go through really, really difficult times. Some of the videos online that I watched for thirty minutes this morning, it's hard to wrap your brain around. It looks like an awful movie. So again, best everybody out there getting through in Los Angeles in absolutely horrible, horrific, unspeakable tragedy with these very unique, bizarre, eighty ninety mile an hour wins which are spreading wildfires all over the city. And we'll go from there, and we'll start our show today and listen, we got college football theF tomorrow and Friday, great games. I mean that Ohio State Texas game is going to be one for the ages. And then we have you know, NFL Playoff Action starts this weekend, and you know, we talk are more willing to fire coaching staffs. So I'm going to play a game today called defend the owner and blame the owner. And let's start with the latter. Blame the owner. The Raiders fired Antonio Piers I would have not fired Antonio Piers. They are now as a franchise, paying four coaches. They're paying John Gruden still, Josh McDaniel still, Antonio Peers, and probably in the next two days a fourth coach. That'll be official. They'll hire somebody else. I assume they'll have another coach, And they've tried every path. The owner wanted to hire a legend who'd been out of the sport for a while. John Gruden didn't work. They tried to hire Josh McDaniels, the whiz kid from the Dynasty. That did not work, and then they thought, well, we're going to do We're going to keep the interim coach who's a former Raider and love by players. And I didn't know if it would work, but I still would have kept him on. And Antonio Pierce got fired. So for the record, he was nine and seventeen. But I thought the Raiders, considering their quarterback situation, played close games. I mean, they beat Mahomes in Red in Arrowhead in Arrowhead last season with Aiden o'connollt quarterback, and they were a block kick away from beating Mahomes in Reid this year in Arrowhead with Aiden o'connollc quarterback. I mean Andy Reid in his division with a better quarterback, Jim Harbaugh his division with a better quarterback. Sean Payton in his division with a better quarterback. I mean they were three and one in division last year and almost all their games in division were close. He even beat the Ravens this year in Baltimore and Lamar Jackson with Gardner Minshew. So I don't think it's to an Antonio Pierce issue. But we all know being the Raiders head coach is not a job. It's a residency. Fifteen months, get some cash, be on your way. We are. This is a classic example where we are blaming the coaches and often blaming the gms, and that's not the issue here. You tell me the great candidate for this job right now, Ben Johnson. You think with this carousela coaches, he's putting the Raiders on his list. And oh, by the way, I like Ben Johnson. This Detroit offense is like eight guys that could end up getting Hall of Fame votes. There's a dozen coordinators in the NFL that could score a lot of points with the Lions. In fact, I'd argue the Lions' most impressive coordinators Aaron Glenn, the defensive coordinator who lost his best player, Aiden Hutchinson early in the year. At one point had like twelve guys on the ir on defense, and yet week after week, I mean, they just made Sam Darnold look like he saw ghosts again. So who are the great candidates? The truth of this, I'm blaming the owner here. If they would have given Cliff Kingsbury one more year as the coordinator, he was offered a two year deal, Washington said, we'll give you three years. If they'd have offered one more year, Kingsbury wanted to stay out West. A Texas College coach, Arizona NFL coach had done USC for one year. He wanted to stay out West. He wanted that Raider offensive coordinator gig, and it wouldn't give it to him. And if he would have gotten the gig, Cliff Kingsbury would have pounded the table I imagine for Jaden Daniels, because he pounded the table to Dan Quinn, for Jaden Daniels, not Drake May, not JJ McCarthy, not Michael Pennix, not Bo Dix, and Jayden Daniels. This year looks like the best rookie quarterback. So this is on the owner. You know, the Raiders owner keeps giving his coach spam and can beans, and he wants him to beat Bobby Flay and Wolfgang Puck. Across the street Andy Reid with Mahomes, Jim Harbaugh with Justin Herbert, Sean Payton with a very good rookie bow knicks. And this is a guy that should have in back to back beaten Andy Reid and Mahomes and Arrowhead with Aidan O'Connell. So in this instance, to me, this is blamed the owner. This is not blamed the coach. I would not have fired Antonio Pierce. I'm a friend of the GM, Tom Telesco. Nobody knew if he would keep the job. I'm not sure he knew if he would keep the job. They kept the GM.

Oh, we got a Wednesday show today, Drew Brees, Greg Olsen, Peter Schrager live in LA. It's The Herd wherever you may be and however you may be listening. Thanks for making as a part of your day, and thoughts and prayers to the people in Malibu and Pacific Palisades. I've never seen anything like it. I did not grow up in Los Angeles. I've been here almost a decade. It is apocalyptic in Los Angeles this morning. Dark clouds over all over Los Angeles as fires in one hundred mile an hour winds reportedly last night just in Golf Malibu. It's hard to see anything left standing. So Fami, these kids. So far, it's been property and homes lost just just a rough twenty four hours in Los Angeles. Pretty gutting to drive to work this morning. J. Mac is joining me as always, and again we've got a really good show today, but it's a pretty somber tone here in Los Angeles as we're watching friends and associates and neighbors and colleagues go through really, really difficult times. Some of the videos online that I watched for thirty minutes this morning, it's hard to wrap your brain around. It looks like an awful movie. So again, best everybody out there getting through in Los Angeles in absolutely horrible, horrific, unspeakable tragedy with these very unique, bizarre, eighty ninety mile an hour wins which are spreading wildfires all over the city. And we'll go from there, and we'll start our show today and listen, we got college football theF tomorrow and Friday, great games. I mean that Ohio State Texas game is going to be one for the ages. And then we have you know, NFL Playoff Action starts this weekend, and you know, we talk are more willing to fire coaching staffs. So I'm going to play a game today called defend the owner and blame the owner. And let's start with the latter. Blame the owner. The Raiders fired Antonio Piers I would have not fired Antonio Piers. They are now as a franchise, paying four coaches. They're paying John Gruden still, Josh McDaniel still, Antonio Peers, and probably in the next two days a fourth coach. That'll be official. They'll hire somebody else. I assume they'll have another coach, And they've tried every path. The owner wanted to hire a legend who'd been out of the sport for a while. John Gruden didn't work. They tried to hire Josh McDaniels, the whiz kid from the Dynasty. That did not work, and then they thought, well, we're going to do We're going to keep the interim coach who's a former Raider and love by players. And I didn't know if it would work, but I still would have kept him on. And Antonio Pierce got fired. So for the record, he was nine and seventeen. But I thought the Raiders, considering their quarterback situation, played close games. I mean, they beat Mahomes in Red in Arrowhead in Arrowhead last season with Aiden o'connollt quarterback, and they were a block kick away from beating Mahomes in Reid this year in Arrowhead with Aiden o'connollc quarterback. I mean Andy Reid in his division with a better quarterback, Jim Harbaugh his division with a better quarterback. Sean Payton in his division with a better quarterback. I mean they were three and one in division last year and almost all their games in division were close. He even beat the Ravens this year in Baltimore and Lamar Jackson with Gardner Minshew. So I don't think it's to an Antonio Pierce issue. But we all know being the Raiders head coach is not a job. It's a residency. Fifteen months, get some cash, be on your way. We are. This is a classic example where we are blaming the coaches and often blaming the gms, and that's not the issue here. You tell me the great candidate for this job right now, Ben Johnson. You think with this carousela coaches, he's putting the Raiders on his list. And oh, by the way, I like Ben Johnson. This Detroit offense is like eight guys that could end up getting Hall of Fame votes. There's a dozen coordinators in the NFL that could score a lot of points with the Lions. In fact, I'd argue the Lions' most impressive coordinators Aaron Glenn, the defensive coordinator who lost his best player, Aiden Hutchinson early in the year. At one point had like twelve guys on the ir on defense, and yet week after week, I mean, they just made Sam Darnold look like he saw ghosts again. So who are the great candidates? The truth of this, I'm blaming the owner here. If they would have given Cliff Kingsbury one more year as the coordinator, he was offered a two year deal, Washington said, we'll give you three years. If they'd have offered one more year, Kingsbury wanted to stay out West. A Texas College coach, Arizona NFL coach had done USC for one year. He wanted to stay out West. He wanted that Raider offensive coordinator gig, and it wouldn't give it to him. And if he would have gotten the gig, Cliff Kingsbury would have pounded the table I imagine for Jaden Daniels, because he pounded the table to Dan Quinn, for Jaden Daniels, not Drake May, not JJ McCarthy, not Michael Pennix, not Bo Dix, and Jayden Daniels. This year looks like the best rookie quarterback. So this is on the owner. You know, the Raiders owner keeps giving his coach spam and can beans, and he wants him to beat Bobby Flay and Wolfgang Puck. Across the street Andy Reid with Mahomes, Jim Harbaugh with Justin Herbert, Sean Payton with a very good rookie bow knicks. And this is a guy that should have in back to back beaten Andy Reid and Mahomes and Arrowhead with Aidan O'Connell. So in this instance, to me, this is blamed the owner. This is not blamed the coach. I would not have fired Antonio Pierce. I'm a friend of the GM, Tom Telesco. Nobody knew if he would keep the job. I'm not sure he knew if he would keep the job. They kept the GM.

I like that.

I like that.

I would have kept the coach. Okay, So that's that's the first part of this, and that is blame the owner. Now I'm going to defend an owner, So Bill Belichick. This week the Legend weighed in on the New England Patriots firing Gurrod Mayo.

I would have kept the coach. Okay, So that's that's the first part of this, and that is blame the owner. Now I'm going to defend an owner, So Bill Belichick. This week the Legend weighed in on the New England Patriots firing Gurrod Mayo.

That shared vision between ownership and coaching and scouting and that's when you can be successful. And I had that up until with the last four years in New England. And when you have that shared vision and you know everybody kind of pulling in the same direction, you know you have a chance you can get a lot done. When you're going in different directions, then that's that makes it really hard to keep up with everybody body else. So I think you look at the organizations and you can kind of see the ones that are and the ones that aren't.

That shared vision between ownership and coaching and scouting and that's when you can be successful. And I had that up until with the last four years in New England. And when you have that shared vision and you know everybody kind of pulling in the same direction, you know you have a chance you can get a lot done. When you're going in different directions, then that's that makes it really hard to keep up with everybody body else. So I think you look at the organizations and you can kind of see the ones that are and the ones that aren't.

No, Bill, It's it's simpler than that. Tom Brady left New England somebody you wouldn't have dinner with for twenty years, not one time, who struggled to give him a game ball. He had good years, left, won a Super Bowl in Tampa, and you built no coalition, no relationship with him. I watched the documentary we all did. This isn't about Robert Kraft not sharing and pulling in the same direction. Robert Craft didn't get dumb at eighty and decide I want to do business differently. Now. Quarterbacks are like filters on Instagram. They make everything pretty. Take them away. A lot of people look average. Take the Indianapolis Colts when they had Andrew Locke eleven and five, eleven and five, eleven and five with an average roster. Everybody loved Chris Ballard, Jim Ursay straight letting go of Peyton Manning. Now everybody thinks everybody in the building's dumb. And I like that roster more than I did with Andrew Luck and I like Shane Steikin. But the quarterback position in Indianapolis is awful. I mean, go look at the Bills pre Josh Allen. They were gonna move to Toronto. They didn't have a playoff win in twenty five years. They've now won five straight division titles and they literally own Miami the Jets in New England. This is not about pulling in the same direction. This is about a coach who made everybody bend the knee and the minute. Tom Brady, who bought into it for twenty years, took pay cuts, rallied behind the coach, did a local AM radio hit every Monday to have the same message as Bill Belichick the next week. I mean, it was all sacrificed by Brady until it was enough sacrificing and he wanted to have some say in the offense. Go watch the documentary and then he left and won a Super Bowl in Tampa, being that franchise as best quarterback too. This is not about Robert Kraft. The minute Brady left, the filter was off Instagram. Bill hired a defensive coordinator to be offensive coordinator. He had a draft in which he picked three offensive guards and two kickers, and they desperately needed speed. In fact, if you go back and look at the last twenty years, only one of Belichick's drafts at New England, one player, one skill player made a Pro Bowl. Gronk won twenty years. Bill seized control, made everybody bend to knee, and that worked when you had that eraser and Tom Brady, and when he left, it all came tumbling down. And by the way, I think Dan Quinn's doing a great job in Washington, but Jaden Daniels erases all the mistakes. So after winning six Super Bowls, Robert Kraft did not get dumb. But as we know in multiple books, Bill took more power. If Brady was irritated, annoyed, defeated and left, and that's when the problem started. Brady's last year the year he would complain on television and the cameras caught him about yelling at receivers. Somebody gets separation. They can't. They were Belichick's draft picks and free agent makings. So you know, I think what happens is Brady hid Bill's inability to draft well, his grumpiness, his inability to create a progressive young staff. It's the same old re treads every time, and Brady hit all of it. Then he left and it all came tumbling down twenty years with Belichick mostly controlling the personnel. One skill player grunk me the Pro Bowl. So the Raiders situation, that's an owner situation, the New England one. I don't buy the craft suddenly who wanted to keep Tom? Who pushed back on keeping Garoppolo and keeping Tom and they won other Super Bowls. I don't buy it's all craft. I don't buy it for a second. Ask yourself this, If it's all craft, why did Belichick get one legitimate interview for a job, Because a lot of people saw what I saw on what you saw. Everybody was going in the same direction, and Tom kept it all together. Colin, you're saying that because he works at Fox. I said it three years ago, I said it five years ago. It's the most lob sided divorce in pro sports history. Brady left and one in Tampa, literally Belichick, who couldn't win in Cleveland, who couldn't win with Ledsoe, who couldn't let win when Brady left won one time with one quarterback Andy Reid's one with a Bunch, Sean Payton's one with a bunch, Bill one, Greg Olsen, Peter Scheger, and Drew Brees. I'll stop by today again. Heart's thoughts prayers go out to the people in Malibu and Pacific Palisades coastal towns here just over the last twenty four hours. The winds continue to whip. As I drove in this morning again, it was just a haunting scene the hills on fire in Los Angeles. So you just you cross your fingers. We got a lot of people in this building. I don't think we'll be evacuated, but we're not that far from the beach. You know, rough day here in LA for a lot of people thinking of you.

No, Bill, It's it's simpler than that. Tom Brady left New England somebody you wouldn't have dinner with for twenty years, not one time, who struggled to give him a game ball. He had good years, left, won a Super Bowl in Tampa, and you built no coalition, no relationship with him. I watched the documentary we all did. This isn't about Robert Kraft not sharing and pulling in the same direction. Robert Craft didn't get dumb at eighty and decide I want to do business differently. Now. Quarterbacks are like filters on Instagram. They make everything pretty. Take them away. A lot of people look average. Take the Indianapolis Colts when they had Andrew Locke eleven and five, eleven and five, eleven and five with an average roster. Everybody loved Chris Ballard, Jim Ursay straight letting go of Peyton Manning. Now everybody thinks everybody in the building's dumb. And I like that roster more than I did with Andrew Luck and I like Shane Steikin. But the quarterback position in Indianapolis is awful. I mean, go look at the Bills pre Josh Allen. They were gonna move to Toronto. They didn't have a playoff win in twenty five years. They've now won five straight division titles and they literally own Miami the Jets in New England. This is not about pulling in the same direction. This is about a coach who made everybody bend the knee and the minute. Tom Brady, who bought into it for twenty years, took pay cuts, rallied behind the coach, did a local AM radio hit every Monday to have the same message as Bill Belichick the next week. I mean, it was all sacrificed by Brady until it was enough sacrificing and he wanted to have some say in the offense. Go watch the documentary and then he left and won a Super Bowl in Tampa, being that franchise as best quarterback too. This is not about Robert Kraft. The minute Brady left, the filter was off Instagram. Bill hired a defensive coordinator to be offensive coordinator. He had a draft in which he picked three offensive guards and two kickers, and they desperately needed speed. In fact, if you go back and look at the last twenty years, only one of Belichick's drafts at New England, one player, one skill player made a Pro Bowl. Gronk won twenty years. Bill seized control, made everybody bend to knee, and that worked when you had that eraser and Tom Brady, and when he left, it all came tumbling down. And by the way, I think Dan Quinn's doing a great job in Washington, but Jaden Daniels erases all the mistakes. So after winning six Super Bowls, Robert Kraft did not get dumb. But as we know in multiple books, Bill took more power. If Brady was irritated, annoyed, defeated and left, and that's when the problem started. Brady's last year the year he would complain on television and the cameras caught him about yelling at receivers. Somebody gets separation. They can't. They were Belichick's draft picks and free agent makings. So you know, I think what happens is Brady hid Bill's inability to draft well, his grumpiness, his inability to create a progressive young staff. It's the same old re treads every time, and Brady hit all of it. Then he left and it all came tumbling down twenty years with Belichick mostly controlling the personnel. One skill player grunk me the Pro Bowl. So the Raiders situation, that's an owner situation, the New England one. I don't buy the craft suddenly who wanted to keep Tom? Who pushed back on keeping Garoppolo and keeping Tom and they won other Super Bowls. I don't buy it's all craft. I don't buy it for a second. Ask yourself this, If it's all craft, why did Belichick get one legitimate interview for a job, Because a lot of people saw what I saw on what you saw. Everybody was going in the same direction, and Tom kept it all together. Colin, you're saying that because he works at Fox. I said it three years ago, I said it five years ago. It's the most lob sided divorce in pro sports history. Brady left and one in Tampa, literally Belichick, who couldn't win in Cleveland, who couldn't win with Ledsoe, who couldn't let win when Brady left won one time with one quarterback Andy Reid's one with a Bunch, Sean Payton's one with a bunch, Bill one, Greg Olsen, Peter Scheger, and Drew Brees. I'll stop by today again. Heart's thoughts prayers go out to the people in Malibu and Pacific Palisades coastal towns here just over the last twenty four hours. The winds continue to whip. As I drove in this morning again, it was just a haunting scene the hills on fire in Los Angeles. So you just you cross your fingers. We got a lot of people in this building. I don't think we'll be evacuated, but we're not that far from the beach. You know, rough day here in LA for a lot of people thinking of you.

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

All right, welcome back, Greg Olsen, who's just fantastics going to join us in twenty minutes. Drew Brees also, Peter Scheger stops by. There's a lot of movement in the coaching area and we should know stuff here in the next six to seven days. The Chicago Bears are interested in Mike McCarthy and Jerry Jones. In the last twelve twenty four hours has denied the Chicago Bears the right to interview Mike McCarthy until his contract runs out. So my guess is they're working on extending Mike McCarthy in Dallas, and we can take jabs at Jerry Jones, but I think it's a smart move. So first of all, there's not a huge list of proven candidates, and McCarthy is actually the guy that gets the most out of Dak and that's a real thing since he arrived. This is hard to believe, but since Mike McCarthy arrived in Dallas, they have the number two offense in the NFL. That is ahead of Reied Mahomes, Sean mcvah and Stafford and boy genius Kyle Shanahan is ninth on that list. And that's what Dak Prescott. So once you decided to pay Dak Prescott two hundred and forty million. In an extension, you got to find somebody that gets the best out of Dak Prescott. And you know who gets the best out of him? That guy. When Dak is healthy, they win twelve games. But remarkably, when Dak isn't healthy and doesn't play, there's still five hundred and I think one of the things that really hurts Mike McCarthy is optics. There's two kind of coaches. Everybody, including me, loves the slick, young, clever, a lot of motion in the offense, offensive guy. It's a lot of McVeigh lafleur. We like those guys. People like those guys, the young, progressive, smart, clever, outthink people. Ben Johnson now is that. And the other kind of coach we really wrap our arms around is the alpha the presence as Mike Tomlin, that's Vrabel, as Dan Campbell, that's Jim Harbaugh, a little bit of John Harbaugh. McCarthy's neither. It's not slick, young and clever, just a good offensive coach, and he doesn't have a big alpha presence in the locker room. So and a lot of it to me is optics. Those are the two kind of coaches we like so and I think Mike McCarthy though, the one thing I will defend him on. If you're gonna defend Mike Tomlin, who is a defensive coach and the offense feels absolutely outdated under him in Pittsburgh for about seven, eight, nine, ten years, then you got to defend Mike McCarthy because in an offensive league, because a rule changes and safety practices, he's on the right side of the ball. And none of us think Dak is Josh Allen or Lamar or Mahomes or Burrow. We think he's pretty good and he's winning twelve games a year when Dak Prescott is healthy with a pretty good quarterback. McCarthy's got a Super Bowl ring. He's effective, he wins a lot, and he wins with different personalities. Now that we've seen more about Aaron Rodgers and his for lack of a better word, quirkiness, he worked with that, he worked with Farv, he works with Dak, he works with Cooper, rush, starters, legends, backups. He wins with all of them. So we can take all the jabs at Jerry Jones, but I will say, if you're defending Tomlin. You got to defend Mike McCarthy. He's got a Super Bowl ring. He's worked with multiple personalities, He's won with stars and non stars, non legends and legends at quarterback, and he's on the right side of the ball. And I think right now Dallas saying no to the Chicago Bears is saying actually yes to an extension of Mike McCarthy. And I think they're working on one. J Mack with the.

All right, welcome back, Greg Olsen, who's just fantastics going to join us in twenty minutes. Drew Brees also, Peter Scheger stops by. There's a lot of movement in the coaching area and we should know stuff here in the next six to seven days. The Chicago Bears are interested in Mike McCarthy and Jerry Jones. In the last twelve twenty four hours has denied the Chicago Bears the right to interview Mike McCarthy until his contract runs out. So my guess is they're working on extending Mike McCarthy in Dallas, and we can take jabs at Jerry Jones, but I think it's a smart move. So first of all, there's not a huge list of proven candidates, and McCarthy is actually the guy that gets the most out of Dak and that's a real thing since he arrived. This is hard to believe, but since Mike McCarthy arrived in Dallas, they have the number two offense in the NFL. That is ahead of Reied Mahomes, Sean mcvah and Stafford and boy genius Kyle Shanahan is ninth on that list. And that's what Dak Prescott. So once you decided to pay Dak Prescott two hundred and forty million. In an extension, you got to find somebody that gets the best out of Dak Prescott. And you know who gets the best out of him? That guy. When Dak is healthy, they win twelve games. But remarkably, when Dak isn't healthy and doesn't play, there's still five hundred and I think one of the things that really hurts Mike McCarthy is optics. There's two kind of coaches. Everybody, including me, loves the slick, young, clever, a lot of motion in the offense, offensive guy. It's a lot of McVeigh lafleur. We like those guys. People like those guys, the young, progressive, smart, clever, outthink people. Ben Johnson now is that. And the other kind of coach we really wrap our arms around is the alpha the presence as Mike Tomlin, that's Vrabel, as Dan Campbell, that's Jim Harbaugh, a little bit of John Harbaugh. McCarthy's neither. It's not slick, young and clever, just a good offensive coach, and he doesn't have a big alpha presence in the locker room. So and a lot of it to me is optics. Those are the two kind of coaches we like so and I think Mike McCarthy though, the one thing I will defend him on. If you're gonna defend Mike Tomlin, who is a defensive coach and the offense feels absolutely outdated under him in Pittsburgh for about seven, eight, nine, ten years, then you got to defend Mike McCarthy because in an offensive league, because a rule changes and safety practices, he's on the right side of the ball. And none of us think Dak is Josh Allen or Lamar or Mahomes or Burrow. We think he's pretty good and he's winning twelve games a year when Dak Prescott is healthy with a pretty good quarterback. McCarthy's got a Super Bowl ring. He's effective, he wins a lot, and he wins with different personalities. Now that we've seen more about Aaron Rodgers and his for lack of a better word, quirkiness, he worked with that, he worked with Farv, he works with Dak, he works with Cooper, rush, starters, legends, backups. He wins with all of them. So we can take all the jabs at Jerry Jones, but I will say, if you're defending Tomlin. You got to defend Mike McCarthy. He's got a Super Bowl ring. He's worked with multiple personalities, He's won with stars and non stars, non legends and legends at quarterback, and he's on the right side of the ball. And I think right now Dallas saying no to the Chicago Bears is saying actually yes to an extension of Mike McCarthy. And I think they're working on one. J Mack with the.

News this is the herd Line.

News this is the herd Line.

News stick in the NFL where the Eagles, they are the number two seed in the NFC playoffs. They will host the seven seed Packers. Last year, everybody remembers the Packers becoming the first seven seed to advance to the divisional round when they smoke Dallas. Eagles did lose to Tampa in the wild card. Obviously, the Eagles don't want to repeat a history. And Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fongio broke down what makes the Packers offense special.

News stick in the NFL where the Eagles, they are the number two seed in the NFC playoffs. They will host the seven seed Packers. Last year, everybody remembers the Packers becoming the first seven seed to advance to the divisional round when they smoke Dallas. Eagles did lose to Tampa in the wild card. Obviously, the Eagles don't want to repeat a history. And Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fongio broke down what makes the Packers offense special.

Well, they got a really good line to begin with. You know, I think their five o linemen have stayed, have been in there for every play. I think number one, number two, they have a great back. Jacobs has had as good as your as anybody, and he's hard to tackle, runs physical, and they have the play pass game off of it, you know. So they have really good big play receivers that you're always worried about, and the combination of them being to throw it down the field and run it is a tough combination.

Well, they got a really good line to begin with. You know, I think their five o linemen have stayed, have been in there for every play. I think number one, number two, they have a great back. Jacobs has had as good as your as anybody, and he's hard to tackle, runs physical, and they have the play pass game off of it, you know. So they have really good big play receivers that you're always worried about, and the combination of them being to throw it down the field and run it is a tough combination.

By the way, Jalen Hurts will practice today, According to Ian Rappaport, Nick Seriani says, Jalen Hurts is practicing. Therefore, in the concussion protocol now he's moved forward. And that's what we talked about yesterday. I feel good about Philadelphia winning this game. This was the first day of practice for them, first day of eligible practice. So Hurts is out there. Hurts is playing, and that means he'll play against green Bay.

By the way, Jalen Hurts will practice today, According to Ian Rappaport, Nick Seriani says, Jalen Hurts is practicing. Therefore, in the concussion protocol now he's moved forward. And that's what we talked about yesterday. I feel good about Philadelphia winning this game. This was the first day of practice for them, first day of eligible practice. So Hurts is out there. Hurts is playing, and that means he'll play against green Bay.

My guess is most people who are looking at the Packers here just remember that Dallas game last year, yeah.

My guess is most people who are looking at the Packers here just remember that Dallas game last year, yeah.

And are like, oh, well, you know, the end of the season wasn't great, but they'll be fine. They're a playoff team.

And are like, oh, well, you know, the end of the season wasn't great, but they'll be fine. They're a playoff team.

I'm with you.

I'm with you.

I think Eagles will decide if it Hurts is okay.

I think Eagles will decide if it Hurts is okay.

I think green Bay is built now, and I think green Bay's staff deserves a lot of credit. We talk about this all the time. Doesn't matter if it's a business or a football team, what's your identity. And I thought last year their identity was Jordan Love ascension and all these great receivers and Aaron Jones sort of got lost. And then in the offseason they said, we're going to become a power run team and our off speed pitch is Jordan Love and the young receivers and tight ends. And so I think what they did a really good job of is here's what we were last year, young, ascending, a little bit reckless, very youthful. Now we're going to be an older team and more of a power run team first, and Jordan Love will throw twenty six times, not thirty eight times. And I think they're a very good team. So I still think I think this is a bit and I like Green Bay's personnel, but it's a bit of a personnel matchup. I think Philadelphia's got the best roster in football, and Green Bay without Jai r Alexander and Christian Watson and on the road, and Jordan Love's got a semi groin injury. This just feels like they're just not going to have the ammo to go three and a half hours toe to toe with Philly.

I think green Bay is built now, and I think green Bay's staff deserves a lot of credit. We talk about this all the time. Doesn't matter if it's a business or a football team, what's your identity. And I thought last year their identity was Jordan Love ascension and all these great receivers and Aaron Jones sort of got lost. And then in the offseason they said, we're going to become a power run team and our off speed pitch is Jordan Love and the young receivers and tight ends. And so I think what they did a really good job of is here's what we were last year, young, ascending, a little bit reckless, very youthful. Now we're going to be an older team and more of a power run team first, and Jordan Love will throw twenty six times, not thirty eight times. And I think they're a very good team. So I still think I think this is a bit and I like Green Bay's personnel, but it's a bit of a personnel matchup. I think Philadelphia's got the best roster in football, and Green Bay without Jai r Alexander and Christian Watson and on the road, and Jordan Love's got a semi groin injury. This just feels like they're just not going to have the ammo to go three and a half hours toe to toe with Philly.

So I think that if you look back at that Vikings game two weeks ago against the Packers where the Green bakerld do nothing for three quarters, the Minnesota folks talked about they changed their defense up because Jordan Love destroys zone defense on the back end. If you play zone, he can find the spots his receivers sit down, but against man coverage his numbers are way down. Philly can play a lot of man because they got the two young corners. I'm leaning toward the Eagles with Yell.

So I think that if you look back at that Vikings game two weeks ago against the Packers where the Green bakerld do nothing for three quarters, the Minnesota folks talked about they changed their defense up because Jordan Love destroys zone defense on the back end. If you play zone, he can find the spots his receivers sit down, but against man coverage his numbers are way down. Philly can play a lot of man because they got the two young corners. I'm leaning toward the Eagles with Yell.

That's my favorite bet of the weekend.

That's my favorite bet of the weekend.

Favorite.

Favorite.

I like, Wow, there's a college game I like, and I think Philadelphia is there's one underdog this weekend. I like in the NFL.

I like, Wow, there's a college game I like, and I think Philadelphia is there's one underdog this weekend. I like in the NFL.

Now, the only reason to not love Philly, I'm telling you, Laflor versus Sirianni is a really lopsided matchup when coach is awesome and then they're Sirianni. Let's move on to the Chicago Bears. They got a lot of work to do this offseason. Topic Number one, obviously for them is finding a new head coach you can work with.

Now, the only reason to not love Philly, I'm telling you, Laflor versus Sirianni is a really lopsided matchup when coach is awesome and then they're Sirianni. Let's move on to the Chicago Bears. They got a lot of work to do this offseason. Topic Number one, obviously for them is finding a new head coach you can work with.

Caleb Williams.

Caleb Williams.

Caleb spoke to the media about what he's looking for in a new coach.

Caleb spoke to the media about what he's looking for in a new coach.

I would just say, I mean, just challenge me, you know, whether it's you know, pulling me aside, whether it's you know and saying whatever, or you know, I haven't talked consistently or maybe not or uh maybe having you know, a list of things that you know, we want to accomplish, you know, myself first, and then you know, because that that helps helps team, and then you know, from there, you know, help find ways to you know, set other goals and things like that.

I would just say, I mean, just challenge me, you know, whether it's you know, pulling me aside, whether it's you know and saying whatever, or you know, I haven't talked consistently or maybe not or uh maybe having you know, a list of things that you know, we want to accomplish, you know, myself first, and then you know, because that that helps helps team, and then you know, from there, you know, help find ways to you know, set other goals and things like that.

So Howiver Alver may work out, you know, just a challenge.

So Howiver Alver may work out, you know, just a challenge.

Yeah, I've got more thoughts on that later. But I mean, let me ask you should he have a say in the coach.

Yeah, I've got more thoughts on that later. But I mean, let me ask you should he have a say in the coach.

I don't have a major problem with going in and saying, hey, Caleb, I'm just curious, what do you think about X y Z.

I don't have a major problem with going in and saying, hey, Caleb, I'm just curious, what do you think about X y Z.

I don't have a problem with that asking for his input. What's wrong with that?

I don't have a problem with that asking for his input. What's wrong with that?

The only downside of that, I'm sure you could predict is if he has a strong opinion and you'd go in an opposite direction.

The only downside of that, I'm sure you could predict is if he has a strong opinion and you'd go in an opposite direction.

Well, again, That's why I'm not saying who do you want?

Well, again, That's why I'm not saying who do you want?

I'm saying, like, hey, Joe Smith, over here.

I'm saying, like, hey, Joe Smith, over here.

Do you know him at all? You know, Mike, Mike Jones. What do you think about that guy? And I'm looking on the list. I don't see a lot of guys who have a history with Caleb. Yeah, I don't see a lot of guys that he is gonna David Shaw, that's a surprise name. I don't Would you be interested in David Shaw? Well, you're not giving him the keys to the franchise, but he is the face of your team.

Do you know him at all? You know, Mike, Mike Jones. What do you think about that guy? And I'm looking on the list. I don't see a lot of guys who have a history with Caleb. Yeah, I don't see a lot of guys that he is gonna David Shaw, that's a surprise name. I don't Would you be interested in David Shaw? Well, you're not giving him the keys to the franchise, but he is the face of your team.

There is only one coach that I know would win on that list, Mike Roumele. Mike Rabel would win games. I don't know how many, but Mike Rabel would win games. Outside of that, it is coordinators, coaches who have listen br I like Brian Flores. He robbed a lot of people the wrong way. So he's an intense guy.

There is only one coach that I know would win on that list, Mike Roumele. Mike Rabel would win games. I don't know how many, but Mike Rabel would win games. Outside of that, it is coordinators, coaches who have listen br I like Brian Flores. He robbed a lot of people the wrong way. So he's an intense guy.

We'll get to him later.

We'll get to him later.

Yeah, But like you see Joe Brady on the list. Okay, Joe Brady awesome regular season? Can I see in the playoffs? By the way, Todd Munkett, you see what he dig up against the Chiefs last year in that playoff lost They.

Yeah, But like you see Joe Brady on the list. Okay, Joe Brady awesome regular season? Can I see in the playoffs? By the way, Todd Munkett, you see what he dig up against the Chiefs last year in that playoff lost They.

Looked it was one of the worst game plans I've ever.

Looked it was one of the worst game plans I've ever.

Seen Remember they didn't run the football, remember, and it's like, oh, Tod Munkin's on the list.

Seen Remember they didn't run the football, remember, and it's like, oh, Tod Munkin's on the list.

Can we just see the playoffs?

Can we just see the playoffs?

I get regular season success, but I don't want to see postseason success as well.

I get regular season success, but I don't want to see postseason success as well.

Yeah, I agree, all right, It.

Yeah, I agree, all right, It.

Just it doesn't look great for Chicago. But it did like a month ago, didn't it. Things changed quickly.

Just it doesn't look great for Chicago. But it did like a month ago, didn't it. Things changed quickly.

Man, they changed very quickly. If you if you hired Rabel tomorrow or even to me, Pete Carroll, I would be like, Okay, this is interesting. I'm gonna win some games. But I but I would say I said this yesterday on there set nine guys on this list aren't serious candidates for this kind of franchise and this kind of lift in that kind of division. I mean, let's just be honest. The Raiders have to hire a coach who goes up against Andy Reid, Jim Harbaugh, Sean Payton. That's six of your games every year. You're gonna go with the first time coach, you know? I mean that, I mean to me, uh, I'm I'm if Tom Brady's got to say get on the phone with some hitters. Now.

Man, they changed very quickly. If you if you hired Rabel tomorrow or even to me, Pete Carroll, I would be like, Okay, this is interesting. I'm gonna win some games. But I but I would say I said this yesterday on there set nine guys on this list aren't serious candidates for this kind of franchise and this kind of lift in that kind of division. I mean, let's just be honest. The Raiders have to hire a coach who goes up against Andy Reid, Jim Harbaugh, Sean Payton. That's six of your games every year. You're gonna go with the first time coach, you know? I mean that, I mean to me, uh, I'm I'm if Tom Brady's got to say get on the phone with some hitters. Now.

It was early December when I mentioned Marcus Freeman or Notre Dame. I know, Notre Dame re up to him.

It was early December when I mentioned Marcus Freeman or Notre Dame. I know, Notre Dame re up to him.

If Freeman gets the win over Penn State, Okay, goes to the national Championship.

If Freeman gets the win over Penn State, Okay, goes to the national Championship.

I mean, do you do you have to revisit dude, don't you?

I mean, do you do you have to revisit dude, don't you?

I would say, I know some people are gonna think this is crazy. I would at least put in a call to Dillingham at Arizona State. The speed in which he turned that program around and the ingenuity that they have offensively, the creativity, I would at least see what he's got to say. I'm more intrigued by a couple of college guys sark as opposed to no disrespect with some of these guys on this list.

I would say, I know some people are gonna think this is crazy. I would at least put in a call to Dillingham at Arizona State. The speed in which he turned that program around and the ingenuity that they have offensively, the creativity, I would at least see what he's got to say. I'm more intrigued by a couple of college guys sark as opposed to no disrespect with some of these guys on this list.

I'm refused, like, what are we doing now?

I'm refused, like, what are we doing now?

Final story, Colin, I love this. You and I both love takes. Okay, this is an outside the box. So Peter King has chimed in on a suggestion the Pittsburgh Steelers could do at quarterback next season.

Final story, Colin, I love this. You and I both love takes. Okay, this is an outside the box. So Peter King has chimed in on a suggestion the Pittsburgh Steelers could do at quarterback next season.

Are you ready for this? Here we go.

Are you ready for this? Here we go.

If I were the Pittsburgh Steelers, knowing that I've got Cam Hayward, TJ wh I got guys on defense with their expiration dates not long in the future, you know, and I would want to come in and try to get a quarterback who could make me competitive with Baltimore and Cincinnati in twenty twenty five. And that guy, to me would be Aaron Rodgers.

If I were the Pittsburgh Steelers, knowing that I've got Cam Hayward, TJ wh I got guys on defense with their expiration dates not long in the future, you know, and I would want to come in and try to get a quarterback who could make me competitive with Baltimore and Cincinnati in twenty twenty five. And that guy, to me would be Aaron Rodgers.

That is juicy stuff. You're not as intrigued.

That is juicy stuff. You're not as intrigued.

I think Aaron's gonna have a market. I think he should stay in New York. I don't think Aaron should be a bounce around the league guy.

I think Aaron's gonna have a market. I think he should stay in New York. I don't think Aaron should be a bounce around the league guy.

That's where he is. My friend Brett Farve was a bounce around the league guy.

That's where he is. My friend Brett Farve was a bounce around the league guy.

Until he got to the perfect spot. He got to a really good spot in Minneapolis with the Vikings had some real good players. I again, I got DeVante Adams, my friend, I got a place there. I've got teammates. I like, I've got a really good defense. Want you now?

Until he got to the perfect spot. He got to a really good spot in Minneapolis with the Vikings had some real good players. I again, I got DeVante Adams, my friend, I got a place there. I've got teammates. I like, I've got a really good defense. Want you now?

You know the Jets don't want to there.

You know the Jets don't want to there.

Man, that feels like a leap. I don't know if that's true.

Man, that feels like a leap. I don't know if that's true.

Garret Wilson was on record, well I don't know if he's on record, but there was a lot of chatter that Garrett Wilson was like, get me out of here, okay. Soft Gardner look at some of the social media stuff from him and dj Reen like Rogers rubbed people the wrong way, just like he did in Greenville.

Garret Wilson was on record, well I don't know if he's on record, but there was a lot of chatter that Garrett Wilson was like, get me out of here, okay. Soft Gardner look at some of the social media stuff from him and dj Reen like Rogers rubbed people the wrong way, just like he did in Greenville.

Well, he's gonna do it in Pittsburgh. Go fine, just do it in another locker.

Well, he's gonna do it in Pittsburgh. Go fine, just do it in another locker.

Room on the Jets. I don't know how how do you think he would fare in that division? That's a tough division.

Room on the Jets. I don't know how how do you think he would fare in that division? That's a tough division.

I think Aaron at this point is about the fifteenth best quarterback in the league, and I think he would fare the same in virtually every situation. There's no place he's gonna win the super Bowl, and there's no place he's going to go, you know, oh and seventeen. I think I think you're going to be looking at a guy in a really good situation. He could win nine games and a bad one. It's the Jets. He wins four or five.

I think Aaron at this point is about the fifteenth best quarterback in the league, and I think he would fare the same in virtually every situation. There's no place he's gonna win the super Bowl, and there's no place he's going to go, you know, oh and seventeen. I think I think you're going to be looking at a guy in a really good situation. He could win nine games and a bad one. It's the Jets. He wins four or five.

No, I do I think actually does he work in Pittsburgh?

No, I do I think actually does he work in Pittsburgh?

Because I felt like it was oil and water in New York and it hasn't gone great.

Because I felt like it was oil and water in New York and it hasn't gone great.

Well. He worked in the smallest city in the NFL, Green Bay, and the biggest city in our country, New York.

Well. He worked in the smallest city in the NFL, Green Bay, and the biggest city in our country, New York.

So I don't think work well in New York. Please stops well.

So I don't think work well in New York. Please stops well.

I think he said it's the best two years of his life. He is, well, the success is not there. The media is all over him like the owner.

I think he said it's the best two years of his life. He is, well, the success is not there. The media is all over him like the owner.

I think, Aaron, we have to shift our expectations. I think he in a very good spot. He could win nine ten games.

I think, Aaron, we have to shift our expectations. I think he in a very good spot. He could win nine ten games.

Hey, Russell Wilson did that.

Hey, Russell Wilson did that.

If he didn't, well that's what Pittsburgh went. That's what I'm saying is I don't think. I think you look at it and think, oh, he'd be an upgrade over Russell Wilson. Russell Wilson with Mike Tomlin beat the teams they should have and couldn't beat the really good teams in the league. I don't think you're beating Baltimore with Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson.

If he didn't, well that's what Pittsburgh went. That's what I'm saying is I don't think. I think you look at it and think, oh, he'd be an upgrade over Russell Wilson. Russell Wilson with Mike Tomlin beat the teams they should have and couldn't beat the really good teams in the league. I don't think you're beating Baltimore with Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson.

So would you bring back Russell Wilson over Gopher Aaron because he wants money. Russ wants money.

So would you bring back Russell Wilson over Gopher Aaron because he wants money. Russ wants money.

Yeah. I think there's again I can see the ceiling with Russell Wilson and Aaron. I can see the ceiling. Sometimes it's not about the ceiling, it's just you know, it's just like Lamar Jackson, by the way, losing in the playoffs. It's not a ceiling issue. It's he gets all worked up, issue intense, and he admitted that yesterday. But I think with Aaron and Russell, I think they're closer inability than people. I think Aaron's better from the pocket, and I think Russell's better moving around. But I think in both instances, in a really good situation, they can win nine or ten games. No shot to win a playoff game in the AFC, no way. There's just too many great players and great quarterbacks. Look at look at how good the quarterbacks are in the AFC. Now Mahomes Allan Lamar Herbert just right off the top Borough. That's five of the there's an argument those are the five best quarterbacks in the league, all in the AFC. Now, Stafford's up there, Gof's very good, Jalen Hurts, But there's an argument the five best are in the AFC.

Yeah. I think there's again I can see the ceiling with Russell Wilson and Aaron. I can see the ceiling. Sometimes it's not about the ceiling, it's just you know, it's just like Lamar Jackson, by the way, losing in the playoffs. It's not a ceiling issue. It's he gets all worked up, issue intense, and he admitted that yesterday. But I think with Aaron and Russell, I think they're closer inability than people. I think Aaron's better from the pocket, and I think Russell's better moving around. But I think in both instances, in a really good situation, they can win nine or ten games. No shot to win a playoff game in the AFC, no way. There's just too many great players and great quarterbacks. Look at look at how good the quarterbacks are in the AFC. Now Mahomes Allan Lamar Herbert just right off the top Borough. That's five of the there's an argument those are the five best quarterbacks in the league, all in the AFC. Now, Stafford's up there, Gof's very good, Jalen Hurts, But there's an argument the five best are in the AFC.

Don't forget your guy bo Nicks of course.

Don't forget your guy bo Nicks of course.

Well, and then the second tier is bow Nicks and C. J. Stroud, and they're not bad. So I just think that you have to come to terms expectations, and I think Aaron and Russell Wilson are closer in talent than anybody would want to admit. One's more popular than the other, or at least Aaron used to be more popular. I'm not sure what he is now. Jmack with the news.

Well, and then the second tier is bow Nicks and C. J. Stroud, and they're not bad. So I just think that you have to come to terms expectations, and I think Aaron and Russell Wilson are closer in talent than anybody would want to admit. One's more popular than the other, or at least Aaron used to be more popular. I'm not sure what he is now. Jmack with the news.

Well that's the news, and thanks for stopping by The Herd Line news.

Well that's the news, and thanks for stopping by The Herd Line news.

Greg Olsen did such a remarkable job and has done a remarkable job for us here at Fox Sports. He's going to join us around the corner.

Greg Olsen did such a remarkable job and has done a remarkable job for us here at Fox Sports. He's going to join us around the corner.

Be sure to catch live editions of The Herd weekdays at noon Eastern non am Pacific.

Be sure to catch live editions of The Herd weekdays at noon Eastern non am Pacific.

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. I mean that says something, right, So check us out.

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, as they say.

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.

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 for Pacific, and if you miss any of the live show, just search Kobe non Rich wherever you get your podcasts, and of course on social media.

Be sure to check out Covino and Rich live on Fox Sports Radio and the iHeartRadio app from five to seven pm Eastern for Pacific, and if you miss any of the live show, just search Kobe non Rich wherever you get your podcasts, and of course on social media.

That's Cavino and Rich. Well. Greg Olsen played for fourteen years in the NFL, primarily for the Bears and the Panthers. He was a multiple time pro bowler. Now he's a great broadcaster for Fox Sports. He's now joining US Live. And you know there's the Game of Note on our network primarily as Packers Eagles. Everybody will talk about that. It's interesting because you know, Green Bay did something in the off season. I really liked. They identified and you know this, you're as good as your identity. And they were a little bit young and reckless last year, very dependent on Jordan Love making plays, which he could do. But then in the off season they said, you know what, we're gonna go get Josh Jacobs. We're gonna be a little bit more of a power running team. And Jordan Love's not gonna throw thirty eight times, he's gonna throw twenty six, and I like that version. But he's banged up, Christian Watson's out, JayR Alexander banged up. And I don't know, Greg, if they you've seen both these teams, I don't know if they can go into Philadelphia and win. I mean, are they just outmanned here? Listen.

That's Cavino and Rich. Well. Greg Olsen played for fourteen years in the NFL, primarily for the Bears and the Panthers. He was a multiple time pro bowler. Now he's a great broadcaster for Fox Sports. He's now joining US Live. And you know there's the Game of Note on our network primarily as Packers Eagles. Everybody will talk about that. It's interesting because you know, Green Bay did something in the off season. I really liked. They identified and you know this, you're as good as your identity. And they were a little bit young and reckless last year, very dependent on Jordan Love making plays, which he could do. But then in the off season they said, you know what, we're gonna go get Josh Jacobs. We're gonna be a little bit more of a power running team. And Jordan Love's not gonna throw thirty eight times, he's gonna throw twenty six, and I like that version. But he's banged up, Christian Watson's out, JayR Alexander banged up. And I don't know, Greg, if they you've seen both these teams, I don't know if they can go into Philadelphia and win. I mean, are they just outmanned here? Listen.

I've been pretty clear the multiple games I've called for Philadelphia. I think the Eagles, from top to bottom, have the best roster in football. Now the caveat it. By all measures, it sounds like that Hurts is going to be back out there at practice and take the next step in the concussion protocol. So obviously that's the big kind of question mark that lingers. But just overall, big picture, top to bottom, both sides of the ball, both coordinators, head coach, play style. They're probably the best roster top to bottom in football. Now, how does that always play out? Not always the case in the NFL that the best team wins. So in this matchup, more about the Packers and the place that I agree with you like that was a conscious effort by Laflora to say, Okay, we're gonna put last last week, we put a ton on Jordan Love. Yes, we put a ton on the youngest wide receiver corps in football, and they took it way longer than anybody imagine going into the season. We called that upset win over the Cowboys there in the wildcard round. That kind of started the downfall in Dallas. But the biggest difference, remember now, their only ability to play that run style with Josh Jacobs and be more committed to all that heavy run and not and take some load off Jordan Loup is completely dependent upon how good are they playing on defense. Right, So every time everyone talks about, man, they've got this great run game, your ability to run the ball in the NFL is directly proportionate to your ability to play defense. If your defense can't get stops and Philly goes up and down the field, no one cares how good you're running back is. Nobody cares if you run for one hundred and fifty yards, because you're gonna run for one hundred and fifty yards, you're gonna score seventeen points and we're gonna score thirty. So like it's that's been the biggest difference. I think defensively in Green Bay they've played well. I think they've really and that run game and play good defense and then make the plays with the young athletic wide receiver corps and Jordan Loup. That formula has served them well. The question is against the team like Philly on the road that with a healthy Jalen Hurts can score, can run ken pass is explosive and is one of the top defenses in football. Can you keep the game close enough to allow Josh Jacobs and this really fun, kind of diverse style of run game that that Lafleur has concoct it up? Can you play?

I've been pretty clear the multiple games I've called for Philadelphia. I think the Eagles, from top to bottom, have the best roster in football. Now the caveat it. By all measures, it sounds like that Hurts is going to be back out there at practice and take the next step in the concussion protocol. So obviously that's the big kind of question mark that lingers. But just overall, big picture, top to bottom, both sides of the ball, both coordinators, head coach, play style. They're probably the best roster top to bottom in football. Now, how does that always play out? Not always the case in the NFL that the best team wins. So in this matchup, more about the Packers and the place that I agree with you like that was a conscious effort by Laflora to say, Okay, we're gonna put last last week, we put a ton on Jordan Love. Yes, we put a ton on the youngest wide receiver corps in football, and they took it way longer than anybody imagine going into the season. We called that upset win over the Cowboys there in the wildcard round. That kind of started the downfall in Dallas. But the biggest difference, remember now, their only ability to play that run style with Josh Jacobs and be more committed to all that heavy run and not and take some load off Jordan Loup is completely dependent upon how good are they playing on defense. Right, So every time everyone talks about, man, they've got this great run game, your ability to run the ball in the NFL is directly proportionate to your ability to play defense. If your defense can't get stops and Philly goes up and down the field, no one cares how good you're running back is. Nobody cares if you run for one hundred and fifty yards, because you're gonna run for one hundred and fifty yards, you're gonna score seventeen points and we're gonna score thirty. So like it's that's been the biggest difference. I think defensively in Green Bay they've played well. I think they've really and that run game and play good defense and then make the plays with the young athletic wide receiver corps and Jordan Loup. That formula has served them well. The question is against the team like Philly on the road that with a healthy Jalen Hurts can score, can run ken pass is explosive and is one of the top defenses in football. Can you keep the game close enough to allow Josh Jacobs and this really fun, kind of diverse style of run game that that Lafleur has concoct it up? Can you play?

I got to ask you about something I said this a couple of days ago about Detroit. When Dan Campbell gives these speeches sometimes I'm you know, I'm a little bit of a cynical media person. I go, oh, they're a little they're a little cringey, but they're not to the players. You know, you guys are all there's a brotherhood and the masculinity to football that I can't relate to. And one guy unravels a locker room if he's not on board. So I think Dan Campbell I missed on that. I think he's a home run coach. Now, Sirianni can drive me crazy because he has assistance holding him back from players. He's barking at fans. But my brain goes to, well, Dan Campbell is very emotional. I didn't see it. It works. Do you ever watch the Sirianni theatrics as a player who's got a better feel of this than I do. Do you ever look at it and go, Nick, you're not a fan? Or do you get the emotion in an emotional city? Philadelphia works because I look at it and I think this is going to unravel. You can have your coach being held off by assistance. How do you view him?

I got to ask you about something I said this a couple of days ago about Detroit. When Dan Campbell gives these speeches sometimes I'm you know, I'm a little bit of a cynical media person. I go, oh, they're a little they're a little cringey, but they're not to the players. You know, you guys are all there's a brotherhood and the masculinity to football that I can't relate to. And one guy unravels a locker room if he's not on board. So I think Dan Campbell I missed on that. I think he's a home run coach. Now, Sirianni can drive me crazy because he has assistance holding him back from players. He's barking at fans. But my brain goes to, well, Dan Campbell is very emotional. I didn't see it. It works. Do you ever watch the Sirianni theatrics as a player who's got a better feel of this than I do. Do you ever look at it and go, Nick, you're not a fan? Or do you get the emotion in an emotional city? Philadelphia works because I look at it and I think this is going to unravel. You can have your coach being held off by assistance. How do you view him?

No, I think it's a great question right there, and that was something we always preaching in a locker room. There's a very there's a difference between being emotional and being passionate. Right, Emotions sometimes can get away from you and be a distraction. Passionate means like, I am so committed to the goals and the objectives of this unit that I'm willing to do anything and everything when it comes to the emotion and the passion whenever you want to classify it in this case, on the sideline of these two guys, remember the advantage that they have is that they're not the play callers right, So their team, their their role on the team on game day is game day management, timeouts, end of game situations, before half clock management. We got we got four downs here, Hey, we got to play for the touchdown, we're in field goal range.

No, I think it's a great question right there, and that was something we always preaching in a locker room. There's a very there's a difference between being emotional and being passionate. Right, Emotions sometimes can get away from you and be a distraction. Passionate means like, I am so committed to the goals and the objectives of this unit that I'm willing to do anything and everything when it comes to the emotion and the passion whenever you want to classify it in this case, on the sideline of these two guys, remember the advantage that they have is that they're not the play callers right, So their team, their their role on the team on game day is game day management, timeouts, end of game situations, before half clock management. We got we got four downs here, Hey, we got to play for the touchdown, we're in field goal range.

Whatever.

Whatever.

The game management. I think the two of these guys do it as well as anybody in football. I think that's there in game day roll. But they are not living and dying like Kevin O'Connell and that lafleur and McVeigh, where they're living and dying with their call sheet in every single play. I'm mad about first down, I'm mad about the offensive holding call. I'm mad, but I've got to call second and twenty right. So it's a little bit of an advantage that the non play calling head coaches have is they can really dive deep into messaging and vision and game day emotion and strategy and manage the team, manage the people, manage the relationships because they don't have to do the play to play first and ten, second and five, third and two. That's a whole different advantage. Kevin O'Connell can't be losing his mind getting into it with defensive players because the offense is on the field, so again it's a different role. I think it's two roles that these guys have obviously done as well as anybody in football. And I think I don't think Sirianni gets enough credit. I think right now Dan Campbell's getting all the flowers, and god, he probably even deserves more. He's what he's done there is remarkable. Sirianni. All he has done is win. He's won with different coordinators on both sides of the ball. Obviously, how he wrote, they draft incredible, they develop. I think Sirianni doesn't get enough credit. And I think to your point, it's a lot because if everyone sees the high emotion in the high But as a player, I love it. I don't mind my coach being into it because that's how I was like, I'm cool with it.

The game management. I think the two of these guys do it as well as anybody in football. I think that's there in game day roll. But they are not living and dying like Kevin O'Connell and that lafleur and McVeigh, where they're living and dying with their call sheet in every single play. I'm mad about first down, I'm mad about the offensive holding call. I'm mad, but I've got to call second and twenty right. So it's a little bit of an advantage that the non play calling head coaches have is they can really dive deep into messaging and vision and game day emotion and strategy and manage the team, manage the people, manage the relationships because they don't have to do the play to play first and ten, second and five, third and two. That's a whole different advantage. Kevin O'Connell can't be losing his mind getting into it with defensive players because the offense is on the field, so again it's a different role. I think it's two roles that these guys have obviously done as well as anybody in football. And I think I don't think Sirianni gets enough credit. I think right now Dan Campbell's getting all the flowers, and god, he probably even deserves more. He's what he's done there is remarkable. Sirianni. All he has done is win. He's won with different coordinators on both sides of the ball. Obviously, how he wrote, they draft incredible, they develop. I think Sirianni doesn't get enough credit. And I think to your point, it's a lot because if everyone sees the high emotion in the high But as a player, I love it. I don't mind my coach being into it because that's how I was like, I'm cool with it.

I love that. Okay, I want to give you some time for this one. We got about four minutes left. There are times that I see players in Major League Baseball, the NBA, or football. They have a ceiling and they get to the playoffs against the very best, and they hit the ceiling and then there's Peyton Manning or a rod until the Yankees or Aaron Judge or Lamar Jackson. It's not a ceiling thing. They're clenching their teeth too hard. Lamar came out and said, I just get too anty in these games. And you know, and so like Aaron Judge dropping a fly ball, that's not Aaron Judge. That's not a thing. So how do you break through it? Bill Pollian once told me with Peyton Manning, he said, Peyton, you're a teeth clencher. Give yourself a break. You make me up tight being around you in a playoff game. And Peyton got some wins and got through it. How does Lamar do that?

I love that. Okay, I want to give you some time for this one. We got about four minutes left. There are times that I see players in Major League Baseball, the NBA, or football. They have a ceiling and they get to the playoffs against the very best, and they hit the ceiling and then there's Peyton Manning or a rod until the Yankees or Aaron Judge or Lamar Jackson. It's not a ceiling thing. They're clenching their teeth too hard. Lamar came out and said, I just get too anty in these games. And you know, and so like Aaron Judge dropping a fly ball, that's not Aaron Judge. That's not a thing. So how do you break through it? Bill Pollian once told me with Peyton Manning, he said, Peyton, you're a teeth clencher. Give yourself a break. You make me up tight being around you in a playoff game. And Peyton got some wins and got through it. How does Lamar do that?

Yeah? Well, I think the last thing you just said, right, the Peyton example is sometimes in order to get through something, the only option is is that's the way, right. The obstacle is the way. The only way through it is through it. So I think it's gonna take one playoff win. I think it's gonna get off, get off to a fast start, right, And I think that's where coaches. I think Todd Munkin's done a masterful job there since since Harball bought him in. We talked about this in our game we covered a couple of weeks ago he said, Harball's done an unbelievable job surrounding Lamar Jackson with the right coordinator at the right time, and early in his career they built it around his run, and now with Todd Munkin, they've really as he makes a bigger impact as a passer than he does as a runner, and that's kind of crazy to say for a guy like Lamar Jackson. So the point being made is understand who he is, Understand what he does well, Understand the emotion, the character again, the relationship between coach, play caller and in this case the quarterback. Get him off to a really fast start. Call the plays that he loves, Call the plays he's had success with. See completion, see the ball go into the hands of your player, get him tackled, run all the things that are the magic and the beauty of Lamar Jackson. You know who he is as a person, you know the caliber he wants to play at, and you know how much pressure he's putting on himself. You've got to coach around it. You've got to help him through that early in games, early in series, and let him settle into the first playoff game this weekend. And then you know, what one win turns into two all of a sudden, he gets that off of his back and he's the Lamar Jackson that we've seen now for years and you know, potentially could win another MVP. So I can't stress enough x's and o's and who can draw the best plays we are seeing weekend and week out all across the NFL, which is that understand the relationships and the motivations of their players, playing to their strengths. Who are they as people? What motivates them, what scares them? Where are their weakness?

Yeah? Well, I think the last thing you just said, right, the Peyton example is sometimes in order to get through something, the only option is is that's the way, right. The obstacle is the way. The only way through it is through it. So I think it's gonna take one playoff win. I think it's gonna get off, get off to a fast start, right, And I think that's where coaches. I think Todd Munkin's done a masterful job there since since Harball bought him in. We talked about this in our game we covered a couple of weeks ago he said, Harball's done an unbelievable job surrounding Lamar Jackson with the right coordinator at the right time, and early in his career they built it around his run, and now with Todd Munkin, they've really as he makes a bigger impact as a passer than he does as a runner, and that's kind of crazy to say for a guy like Lamar Jackson. So the point being made is understand who he is, Understand what he does well, Understand the emotion, the character again, the relationship between coach, play caller and in this case the quarterback. Get him off to a really fast start. Call the plays that he loves, Call the plays he's had success with. See completion, see the ball go into the hands of your player, get him tackled, run all the things that are the magic and the beauty of Lamar Jackson. You know who he is as a person, you know the caliber he wants to play at, and you know how much pressure he's putting on himself. You've got to coach around it. You've got to help him through that early in games, early in series, and let him settle into the first playoff game this weekend. And then you know, what one win turns into two all of a sudden, he gets that off of his back and he's the Lamar Jackson that we've seen now for years and you know, potentially could win another MVP. So I can't stress enough x's and o's and who can draw the best plays we are seeing weekend and week out all across the NFL, which is that understand the relationships and the motivations of their players, playing to their strengths. Who are they as people? What motivates them, what scares them? Where are their weakness?

Is?

Is?

Man, those guys that have a pulse of their players in their locker room are the reason you look around and they win the amount of games. That's Dan Campbell, that's Sirianni, that's Kevin O'Connell. That's horriball and so many of these guys, like there's no question Harbaugh, Todd Mounkin, they know this, They know who Lamar is, they know the level of expectations he has for himself. They're going to do a good job settling him to this game this weekend and saying, hey, the better start we get, the more comfortable and the more pressure, the less pressure he feels, and when he feels no pressure, he's he's Lamar Jackson, and we see the magic that comes with him.