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All right, here we go. It's Thursday, Final FOURIGN college football on the precipice of a huge first NFL playoff weekend, 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. You know, it's an interesting time right now in professional football, and so you have the haves and the have nots are both being discussed at the same time. So as we look forward to the weekend of the halves, it's the Chargers, it's the Eagles, you know, it's it's Buffalo, it's Baltimore, it's everybody except Kansas City and Detroit. They get buys. And then it's also fascinating to see what the other teams that did not make the playoffs, what are they gonna do? In Chicago? What are they gonna do with the Raiders? So Jay Mackett's so interesting week. And then you have a team that's been a have forever and suddenly was a have not San Francisco forty nine ers. So they have been usually the team either waiting for a playoff game one week or two, a buye or not a buye. A lot of these bad teams are bad forever, like a lot of these bad Raiders have been bad forever. Bears have been ridiculous forever. And then there's the Niners, and they want to be and are usually in the haves, and now they're a have not and they've got a big decision to make, because what you don't want to do is make the wrong decision at quarterback, or you will stay a have not forever you make the bad decision there, or you become Dallas when you win when it does matter, and you're never around in January and February to play. And so John Lynch, he is telling you now we are signing Brock pretty to a big deal.

All right, here we go. It's Thursday, Final FOURIGN college football on the precipice of a huge first NFL playoff weekend, 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. You know, it's an interesting time right now in professional football, and so you have the haves and the have nots are both being discussed at the same time. So as we look forward to the weekend of the halves, it's the Chargers, it's the Eagles, you know, it's it's Buffalo, it's Baltimore, it's everybody except Kansas City and Detroit. They get buys. And then it's also fascinating to see what the other teams that did not make the playoffs, what are they gonna do? In Chicago? What are they gonna do with the Raiders? So Jay Mackett's so interesting week. And then you have a team that's been a have forever and suddenly was a have not San Francisco forty nine ers. So they have been usually the team either waiting for a playoff game one week or two, a buye or not a buye. A lot of these bad teams are bad forever, like a lot of these bad Raiders have been bad forever. Bears have been ridiculous forever. And then there's the Niners, and they want to be and are usually in the haves, and now they're a have not and they've got a big decision to make, because what you don't want to do is make the wrong decision at quarterback, or you will stay a have not forever you make the bad decision there, or you become Dallas when you win when it does matter, and you're never around in January and February to play. And so John Lynch, he is telling you now we are signing Brock pretty to a big deal.

What we know about Brock is that he's our guy. We've got, you know, we have interest in Brock being around here for a long, long time. And he's done so much for our organization. He's won big games and you know, had a little tougher task as we all did this year with some of the things that happened throughout the course of the year. We just never could string games where we were all together. And through that he continued to lead, he continued to play at a high level. So we have every interest in him being around.

What we know about Brock is that he's our guy. We've got, you know, we have interest in Brock being around here for a long, long time. And he's done so much for our organization. He's won big games and you know, had a little tougher task as we all did this year with some of the things that happened throughout the course of the year. We just never could string games where we were all together. And through that he continued to lead, he continued to play at a high level. So we have every interest in him being around.

Okay, so it's really interesting. The Niners used to be a have and now it looks like, oh, this year they're a have not. So what we know is the eight teams that won their division all had the best quarterback first time I can remember. Do you think brock Purdy is the kind of guy that will be a best quarterback in a division?

Okay, so it's really interesting. The Niners used to be a have and now it looks like, oh, this year they're a have not. So what we know is the eight teams that won their division all had the best quarterback first time I can remember. Do you think brock Purdy is the kind of guy that will be a best quarterback in a division?

I do not.

I do not.

You have to reframe the discussion on brock Purty. It has to go from Ooh, look what he's done to what can he do? Because once he gobbles up a big chunk of the salary, he plays with less talented players. Remember Jared Goff before he got paid in LA Sean McVay loved him and then he paid him, and he didn't love him so much. If you ever wonder if you should pay a quarterback, Ask yourself one question, what does our rival think? Because Buffalo loved it when Miami paid to a big boy money, Buffalo loved it. He's one and eight against the Bills and he can't play when it's cold. Buffalo loved to As signing a long term deal. By the way, the Eagles loved Daniel Jones signing up for more money with the New York Giants. What do you think Sean McVay thinks with Matt Stafford ooh, scary Brock Purtty, Nope, Sean McVay this year, next, probably the following year will have the best quarterback. So I ask yourself, it's not about what he's done, It's about what can he do once you take people away from him. Scheme and stats. This is where Tua and Purty are very similar. The scheme and the stats make you go ooh, I test h Hamnegger, little small weather affected, need certain weapons, lose weapons not as good. And what's interesting with the Niners is you already have the answer, how many games you win this year without McCaffrey, Trent Williams, Hurt, Brandon Ayuk Hurt. You got the answer. Would you win six seven eight games. He got the answer in front of you. So if you're the Niners, you have to reframe the question. And here's something else, because you want to be playing this weekend the haves. There's fourteen halves and that means there's what you got, eighteen have knots, and the Niners are in the have nots. And one thing we know, if you have a great quarterback and perty's not that, in my opinion, you're not gonna be winning your division going forward. I mean, good god. Kyle Shanahan, boy genius, has a losing record in San Francisco without Christian McCaffrey. Sean McVay doesn't have losing seasons often Shanny's Adam. So one of the disturbing trends is that Stafford needs McVeigh, but is he totally reliant on McVay. Because the stats this year for brock Purdy are disturbing. In the first and second quarter, the schemed quarter, his passer rating is excellent. In the third and fourth quarters, the non schemed quarters, he has a passer rating that should pay you about sixteen million dollars a year, not fifty eight. And so it is an interesting time for the San Francisco forty nine ers. They used to be in one group, now they're in the other. And the only thing that guarantees no Super Bowls is paying a b quarterback a money. You'll win a bunch of games. So does Dallas, but nobody will take you serious come January, big decisions. The idea of paying him early has never made any sense. I would let it play out. Oh, by the way, he got hurt again this year, So I saw this story yesterday. Belichick. Bill Belichick made sure as he's on the recruiting trail, he made sure to get a hold of a couple of sources or as people did, to say, hey, I am not going back to the NFL because it's hurt in recruiting. And here's the thing, Bill Belichick did such a great job. And you've had this before in your life. Somebody does such a great job doing something, it's the only way I can see them. It's like the Rock. The Rock is an action star. He could do a rom com But if you're trying to convince me he's going to give up action films for rom comms, uh huh, uh huh. His personality is an action film. His experience with wrestling's action. His physique is an action film star. The Rock does action films. I don't want him crying a lot on screen. I don't want Rock being too tender and huggable. That's not who he is, and that's not what he is, and that's not what he's built to be. Bill Belichick is a pro coach. He is much more rotc than nil. He is rigid, he doesn't pander. He doesn't have time for small talk. And that's what college football is high volleyball coach, Hey, recruit. Nice to meet you, mister donor. I've always thought it's easier. Although the coaching is much better in pro football than college, it's much easier to go psychologically college to pro just more football and less nonsense. It's very difficult to be a great pro coach and have to go backwards to college. A lot of handshakes, a lot of pandering, a lot of small talk. I mean, Bill hates mistakes. What a eighteen and nineteen and twenty year old boys do make a lot of mistakes in football and out of it. There's a reason Belichick is an NFL historian. He loves great players, and great players play at Georgia, and they play at Notre Dame, and they play at Ohio State, and the play at Alabama LSU, and a lot of great players don't play at Carolina. Now, Bill has the advantage of being a big brand, and some kids may want to play for him, especially defensive players. But Bill was so great at the NFL. I just can't buy into I don't care what sources say about you know, Bill, because I saw the stories this morning. Bill's got no interest going back to the NFL. Yeah, and the Rock would have no interest going back to action films if somebody offered him thirty large for one. I'm sorry. That's who Bill is, that's his experience, that's his personality, that's who he is. And so I would love to see Bill because because you know, some of these offensive coaches they age well. Sean Payton age as well, Drew breesold as yesterday, Andy Reid is aging well. You see these old offensive goal old defensive coaches don't generally age as well because they don't necessarily you know, they're they're they're not necessarily always the best adapters. And college football nil portal is all about adapting. So it just it's almost like Belichick's staying in college. Just like you know new Year's resolutions. You can tell me you're gonna go to the gym every day. You can tell me you're gonna keep your New Year's resolution and you're gonna eat better, you know, bought Three weeks in you start to kind of fade off that. Nine weeks in you drive by the gym and think you should go, and twelve weeks in you just don't. You take a different way to work, like like so you're getting me to buy into Belichick's gonna love this college football thing. I can't. I just can't do it. He was so great at one thing, I don't buy the other thing. That's where I stand on it. And I still contend Philadelphia or Buffalo get bounced early in the playoffs, and I don't think they will. I think Philadelphia is gonna eat Green Bay. I think Buffalo is gonna win at home against Denver. I do. But if they got bounced, you are having absolute phone calls to Ballichick. My belief is he would pick up the phone for both. All right, J Mack. We got so many things this weekend. I'm starting to really feel good about my picks this weekend. The one game I'm gonna stay away from and you feel strongest about it is Rams Vikings. You love Los Angeles. I like Minnesota, but I am concerned you have been so good this year. I may just want to stay away. It's the Jmack factor.

You have to reframe the discussion on brock Purty. It has to go from Ooh, look what he's done to what can he do? Because once he gobbles up a big chunk of the salary, he plays with less talented players. Remember Jared Goff before he got paid in LA Sean McVay loved him and then he paid him, and he didn't love him so much. If you ever wonder if you should pay a quarterback, Ask yourself one question, what does our rival think? Because Buffalo loved it when Miami paid to a big boy money, Buffalo loved it. He's one and eight against the Bills and he can't play when it's cold. Buffalo loved to As signing a long term deal. By the way, the Eagles loved Daniel Jones signing up for more money with the New York Giants. What do you think Sean McVay thinks with Matt Stafford ooh, scary Brock Purtty, Nope, Sean McVay this year, next, probably the following year will have the best quarterback. So I ask yourself, it's not about what he's done, It's about what can he do once you take people away from him. Scheme and stats. This is where Tua and Purty are very similar. The scheme and the stats make you go ooh, I test h Hamnegger, little small weather affected, need certain weapons, lose weapons not as good. And what's interesting with the Niners is you already have the answer, how many games you win this year without McCaffrey, Trent Williams, Hurt, Brandon Ayuk Hurt. You got the answer. Would you win six seven eight games. He got the answer in front of you. So if you're the Niners, you have to reframe the question. And here's something else, because you want to be playing this weekend the haves. There's fourteen halves and that means there's what you got, eighteen have knots, and the Niners are in the have nots. And one thing we know, if you have a great quarterback and perty's not that, in my opinion, you're not gonna be winning your division going forward. I mean, good god. Kyle Shanahan, boy genius, has a losing record in San Francisco without Christian McCaffrey. Sean McVay doesn't have losing seasons often Shanny's Adam. So one of the disturbing trends is that Stafford needs McVeigh, but is he totally reliant on McVay. Because the stats this year for brock Purdy are disturbing. In the first and second quarter, the schemed quarter, his passer rating is excellent. In the third and fourth quarters, the non schemed quarters, he has a passer rating that should pay you about sixteen million dollars a year, not fifty eight. And so it is an interesting time for the San Francisco forty nine ers. They used to be in one group, now they're in the other. And the only thing that guarantees no Super Bowls is paying a b quarterback a money. You'll win a bunch of games. So does Dallas, but nobody will take you serious come January, big decisions. The idea of paying him early has never made any sense. I would let it play out. Oh, by the way, he got hurt again this year, So I saw this story yesterday. Belichick. Bill Belichick made sure as he's on the recruiting trail, he made sure to get a hold of a couple of sources or as people did, to say, hey, I am not going back to the NFL because it's hurt in recruiting. And here's the thing, Bill Belichick did such a great job. And you've had this before in your life. Somebody does such a great job doing something, it's the only way I can see them. It's like the Rock. The Rock is an action star. He could do a rom com But if you're trying to convince me he's going to give up action films for rom comms, uh huh, uh huh. His personality is an action film. His experience with wrestling's action. His physique is an action film star. The Rock does action films. I don't want him crying a lot on screen. I don't want Rock being too tender and huggable. That's not who he is, and that's not what he is, and that's not what he's built to be. Bill Belichick is a pro coach. He is much more rotc than nil. He is rigid, he doesn't pander. He doesn't have time for small talk. And that's what college football is high volleyball coach, Hey, recruit. Nice to meet you, mister donor. I've always thought it's easier. Although the coaching is much better in pro football than college, it's much easier to go psychologically college to pro just more football and less nonsense. It's very difficult to be a great pro coach and have to go backwards to college. A lot of handshakes, a lot of pandering, a lot of small talk. I mean, Bill hates mistakes. What a eighteen and nineteen and twenty year old boys do make a lot of mistakes in football and out of it. There's a reason Belichick is an NFL historian. He loves great players, and great players play at Georgia, and they play at Notre Dame, and they play at Ohio State, and the play at Alabama LSU, and a lot of great players don't play at Carolina. Now, Bill has the advantage of being a big brand, and some kids may want to play for him, especially defensive players. But Bill was so great at the NFL. I just can't buy into I don't care what sources say about you know, Bill, because I saw the stories this morning. Bill's got no interest going back to the NFL. Yeah, and the Rock would have no interest going back to action films if somebody offered him thirty large for one. I'm sorry. That's who Bill is, that's his experience, that's his personality, that's who he is. And so I would love to see Bill because because you know, some of these offensive coaches they age well. Sean Payton age as well, Drew breesold as yesterday, Andy Reid is aging well. You see these old offensive goal old defensive coaches don't generally age as well because they don't necessarily you know, they're they're they're not necessarily always the best adapters. And college football nil portal is all about adapting. So it just it's almost like Belichick's staying in college. Just like you know new Year's resolutions. You can tell me you're gonna go to the gym every day. You can tell me you're gonna keep your New Year's resolution and you're gonna eat better, you know, bought Three weeks in you start to kind of fade off that. Nine weeks in you drive by the gym and think you should go, and twelve weeks in you just don't. You take a different way to work, like like so you're getting me to buy into Belichick's gonna love this college football thing. I can't. I just can't do it. He was so great at one thing, I don't buy the other thing. That's where I stand on it. And I still contend Philadelphia or Buffalo get bounced early in the playoffs, and I don't think they will. I think Philadelphia is gonna eat Green Bay. I think Buffalo is gonna win at home against Denver. I do. But if they got bounced, you are having absolute phone calls to Ballichick. My belief is he would pick up the phone for both. All right, J Mack. We got so many things this weekend. I'm starting to really feel good about my picks this weekend. The one game I'm gonna stay away from and you feel strongest about it is Rams Vikings. You love Los Angeles. I like Minnesota, but I am concerned you have been so good this year. I may just want to stay away. It's the Jmack factor.

Well, he said at in college, but I don't have a strong ceiling starting tonight with Notre Dame.

Well, he said at in college, but I don't have a strong ceiling starting tonight with Notre Dame.

I think we both we're gonna go watch that together. I think we both know what it's gonna look like. Very physical, lot of defense, low scoring. By the way, two NFL quarterbacks, one I like a lot, one you don't. But it's you have two very talented quarterbacks, two very young, energetic recruiters, two huge brands. I don't see a ton of offense tonight.

I think we both we're gonna go watch that together. I think we both know what it's gonna look like. Very physical, lot of defense, low scoring. By the way, two NFL quarterbacks, one I like a lot, one you don't. But it's you have two very talented quarterbacks, two very young, energetic recruiters, two huge brands. I don't see a ton of offense tonight.

Yeah, I would agree.

Yeah, I would agree.

It's a field goal game, a turnover game, a penalty game. Like it's gonna be fewest mistakes wins.

It's a field goal game, a turnover game, a penalty game. Like it's gonna be fewest mistakes wins.

Yeah. This is like an appetizer for the five days of football we get, you know, a shrimp cocktail kind of games. Yeah, yeah, decent. I like it.

Yeah. This is like an appetizer for the five days of football we get, you know, a shrimp cocktail kind of games. Yeah, yeah, decent. I like it.

I like Notre Dame. Yeah, and I mean twenty three twenty like Notre Dame. What say you?

I like Notre Dame. Yeah, and I mean twenty three twenty like Notre Dame. What say you?

How the seventeen sixteen Irish.

How the seventeen sixteen Irish.

Okay, and we both had Notre Dame over Georgia. I do like Ohio State over Texas as well. Tomorrow.

Okay, and we both had Notre Dame over Georgia. I do like Ohio State over Texas as well. Tomorrow.

That's gonna get that spice pulling out all the Yeah.

That's gonna get that spice pulling out all the Yeah.

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

You're now entering the No Bull Zone sponsored by Credible Great Rates No of the bull. So you know, the Chicago Bears have been critical of a lot of the executive sweet stuff to me is political and it doesn't feel centered. But Ryan Poles, a young GM did say something because I pushed back on this whole. Hey, hire Ben Johnson, He'll fix Caleb Williams. All right, that's part of it. Here's Ryan Poles.

You're now entering the No Bull Zone sponsored by Credible Great Rates No of the bull. So you know, the Chicago Bears have been critical of a lot of the executive sweet stuff to me is political and it doesn't feel centered. But Ryan Poles, a young GM did say something because I pushed back on this whole. Hey, hire Ben Johnson, He'll fix Caleb Williams. All right, that's part of it. Here's Ryan Poles.

Obviously there's ideal fit. But at the end of the day, you got to look at all the characteristics of what you're looking for in the head coach, and then you got to see what's the best bundle of those to bring in the building. Obviously we're talking about leadership, accountability, some of those important things that carry over. To ignore those just to go to the other side I think is a bad deal too.

Obviously there's ideal fit. But at the end of the day, you got to look at all the characteristics of what you're looking for in the head coach, and then you got to see what's the best bundle of those to bring in the building. Obviously we're talking about leadership, accountability, some of those important things that carry over. To ignore those just to go to the other side I think is a bad deal too.

Yeah, so I agree with this. The Chicago Bears hire can't just be about Caleb Williams again, it's like getting in being healthier and losing weight. Can't just be about the gym. You got to eat better and sleep better. It's got to be holistic. Maybe a little less alcohol, you know, and then you got the gym. It's got to be holistic. And when it comes to the Bears, I mean they got to go all the way down to the gut health. They need cases of kombucha. This is not just a hey, let's hire a whiz kid. It'll solve everything. Now, bro, the gym won't solve everything. Can't go taco bell four times a week. Gotta do better than that. That's why I've said Mike Vrabel and Pete Carroll I think they'd be good hires. They're defensive guys because they're culture creators. They've created run games, good defenses. So the quarterback is important, but not the only thing. Maximizing Caleb Williams and maximizing a quarterback has its perils. Buffalo, in my opinion, and the Bengals are two quarterback reliant Kansas City was able to win this year when Mahomes wasn't playing great football. Yes, believe it or not, sometimes great quarterbacks have bad stretches. Mahomes has had a few through the years. But Kansas City is more than just Mahomes. It's Steve Spagnola and that defense when Poteco's healthy, a run game, and a great tight end in physicality and intelligence. So the Philadelphia staff has said, you know what we want, Jalen Hurt throwing less and they've won more. Lamar Jackson won the MVP. Baltimore said, let's get him Dereck Henry. They didn't say more. Lamar he won a game this year completing I think ten passes. So this whole thing about just maximize Caleb. What Gay Caleb Williams needs is protection. O line stunk this year. You know my rule in football, find the quarterback, protect the quarterback. Draft guys who make the other quarterbacks life uncomfortable, the three step plan. You worry about wide receivers, running backs, later quarterback, and protect him. Chicago has the quarterback. They couldn't protect him, so they gotta solve the old line. He needs protection and guidance. He doesn't need to be shot out of a cannon every week. That's not what wins in this league. For years, and I mean it took Buffalo years to figure this out. They finally went and got kid k Ad the tied end and James Cooked the running back. It was basically you were asking Josh Allen to be Superman every week. Think how great Joe Burrow is on any Sunday. The best quarterback in the league did not make the playoffs. They're too reliant on him. So to me, the Ben Johnson, let's just hire a whiz kid. Can he change the culture? Can he hire a good staff. It's not just about the gym. You got to eat better. It's not just about Caleb. And I mean I was looking at a stat this morning on Jalen Hurts seven and a half fewer pass attempts per game this year, and I think there have been moments it's been the best Jalen Hurts. Matt Lafleur has asked Jordan Love to throw less. They acquired Josh Jacob's run more so, I don't need a quarterback shot out of a cannon. I don't want to be quarterback reliant. If you told me Caleb Williams, they get a coach, whoever it is, and Caleb throws twenty eight times a game and rushes five. I'm good. You can go look at Dak's career. When he throws over thirty eight times game, he has a losing record. I remember when Kobe Bryant was in his prime, if he scored over forty, the Lakers were less successful. I mean, Michael Jordan's a great example. Speaking of Chicago, Michael loved Doug Collins. Doug Collins put the ball in his hands, score however many you want. Phil Jackson came in and said, you want to be a scorer, you want to hoist trophies, you gotta trust your teammates, right, you gotta trust Kerr, and you gotta trust Luke Longley and Scottie Pippen and others and Packson to hit jumpers. So Chicago's got a history of it. It wasn't just about Jordan.

Yeah, so I agree with this. The Chicago Bears hire can't just be about Caleb Williams again, it's like getting in being healthier and losing weight. Can't just be about the gym. You got to eat better and sleep better. It's got to be holistic. Maybe a little less alcohol, you know, and then you got the gym. It's got to be holistic. And when it comes to the Bears, I mean they got to go all the way down to the gut health. They need cases of kombucha. This is not just a hey, let's hire a whiz kid. It'll solve everything. Now, bro, the gym won't solve everything. Can't go taco bell four times a week. Gotta do better than that. That's why I've said Mike Vrabel and Pete Carroll I think they'd be good hires. They're defensive guys because they're culture creators. They've created run games, good defenses. So the quarterback is important, but not the only thing. Maximizing Caleb Williams and maximizing a quarterback has its perils. Buffalo, in my opinion, and the Bengals are two quarterback reliant Kansas City was able to win this year when Mahomes wasn't playing great football. Yes, believe it or not, sometimes great quarterbacks have bad stretches. Mahomes has had a few through the years. But Kansas City is more than just Mahomes. It's Steve Spagnola and that defense when Poteco's healthy, a run game, and a great tight end in physicality and intelligence. So the Philadelphia staff has said, you know what we want, Jalen Hurt throwing less and they've won more. Lamar Jackson won the MVP. Baltimore said, let's get him Dereck Henry. They didn't say more. Lamar he won a game this year completing I think ten passes. So this whole thing about just maximize Caleb. What Gay Caleb Williams needs is protection. O line stunk this year. You know my rule in football, find the quarterback, protect the quarterback. Draft guys who make the other quarterbacks life uncomfortable, the three step plan. You worry about wide receivers, running backs, later quarterback, and protect him. Chicago has the quarterback. They couldn't protect him, so they gotta solve the old line. He needs protection and guidance. He doesn't need to be shot out of a cannon every week. That's not what wins in this league. For years, and I mean it took Buffalo years to figure this out. They finally went and got kid k Ad the tied end and James Cooked the running back. It was basically you were asking Josh Allen to be Superman every week. Think how great Joe Burrow is on any Sunday. The best quarterback in the league did not make the playoffs. They're too reliant on him. So to me, the Ben Johnson, let's just hire a whiz kid. Can he change the culture? Can he hire a good staff. It's not just about the gym. You got to eat better. It's not just about Caleb. And I mean I was looking at a stat this morning on Jalen Hurts seven and a half fewer pass attempts per game this year, and I think there have been moments it's been the best Jalen Hurts. Matt Lafleur has asked Jordan Love to throw less. They acquired Josh Jacob's run more so, I don't need a quarterback shot out of a cannon. I don't want to be quarterback reliant. If you told me Caleb Williams, they get a coach, whoever it is, and Caleb throws twenty eight times a game and rushes five. I'm good. You can go look at Dak's career. When he throws over thirty eight times game, he has a losing record. I remember when Kobe Bryant was in his prime, if he scored over forty, the Lakers were less successful. I mean, Michael Jordan's a great example. Speaking of Chicago, Michael loved Doug Collins. Doug Collins put the ball in his hands, score however many you want. Phil Jackson came in and said, you want to be a scorer, you want to hoist trophies, you gotta trust your teammates, right, you gotta trust Kerr, and you gotta trust Luke Longley and Scottie Pippen and others and Packson to hit jumpers. So Chicago's got a history of it. It wasn't just about Jordan.

It was it was.

It was it was.

Ron Harper and Rodman and Pippen and the length and the perimeter shooters. That's when Jordan won trophies. This is not just a Caleb thing. J Mack with the.

Ron Harper and Rodman and Pippen and the length and the perimeter shooters. That's when Jordan won trophies. This is not just a Caleb thing. J Mack with the.

News, No, no tar on the news.

News, No, no tar on the news.

This is the Herdline News.

This is the Herdline News.

All right, let's start with Jalen Hurts returning from his concussion. He returned to practice yesterday in limited fashion. Offensive tackle Jordan Malatta said Hurts came back with energy, high energy, and looked sharp. But to be clear, Hurts has not officially been cleared of the concussion protocol. I don't know. It's sounding like he's going to play in the game. Yes, Eagles are four and a half point favorites.

All right, let's start with Jalen Hurts returning from his concussion. He returned to practice yesterday in limited fashion. Offensive tackle Jordan Malatta said Hurts came back with energy, high energy, and looked sharp. But to be clear, Hurts has not officially been cleared of the concussion protocol. I don't know. It's sounding like he's going to play in the game. Yes, Eagles are four and a half point favorites.

I think Philly's gonna use the run game to their advantage because the Packers run defense has been a little hot and cold. Yeah, Packers defense this year has been it's been good takeaways, but it's been a bit hot and cold.

I think Philly's gonna use the run game to their advantage because the Packers run defense has been a little hot and cold. Yeah, Packers defense this year has been it's been good takeaways, but it's been a bit hot and cold.

Yeah, and they want to they want to play the cover two and like, uh, you know that will give up the run game. No big plays over the top, right, So they they just feed take one Barkley. This could be twenty five carries for Barkley.

Yeah, and they want to they want to play the cover two and like, uh, you know that will give up the run game. No big plays over the top, right, So they they just feed take one Barkley. This could be twenty five carries for Barkley.

Yeah. It feels like that between the concussion and the way Green Bay plays defense. What you don't want to go You don't want to go to Philadelphia and get beat over the top with the home run ball early. The crowd's going crazy and then you become pass centric because you have to. You'd like to slow this game down. I think both teams want to run the football. I think it could be a quick game. I think it's gonna be Josh Jacobs Saque Barkley. I don't think either staff wants their quarterback throwing thirty five. You don't want to send Jordan Love on the road with that pass rush throwing thirty seven times. Yeah, you want to eat the clock speed. If I was the Packers, I want to shrink the game. Speed it up. I'm on the road. Philadelphia's got a better roster. Jordan loves banged up. I want a quick, fast I want completions, tight ends, running back. I want my passes to be twelve yards an end. First downs, move the chains, keep the clock running. When you have less talent, shrink the game gives you a bet. When you have more talent, you want more snamps. So if you start poorly, just give me more snaps. Well, eventually our players will win.

Yeah. It feels like that between the concussion and the way Green Bay plays defense. What you don't want to go You don't want to go to Philadelphia and get beat over the top with the home run ball early. The crowd's going crazy and then you become pass centric because you have to. You'd like to slow this game down. I think both teams want to run the football. I think it could be a quick game. I think it's gonna be Josh Jacobs Saque Barkley. I don't think either staff wants their quarterback throwing thirty five. You don't want to send Jordan Love on the road with that pass rush throwing thirty seven times. Yeah, you want to eat the clock speed. If I was the Packers, I want to shrink the game. Speed it up. I'm on the road. Philadelphia's got a better roster. Jordan loves banged up. I want a quick, fast I want completions, tight ends, running back. I want my passes to be twelve yards an end. First downs, move the chains, keep the clock running. When you have less talent, shrink the game gives you a bet. When you have more talent, you want more snamps. So if you start poorly, just give me more snaps. Well, eventually our players will win.

I think there's some data out there that says teams that played in the regular season then have a rematch in the playoffs. Historically that's been a lower scoring game. So I would look at the under and any saq One Barkley running props you want it, you're if you're gambling on the game. Next up is the Denver Broncos, back in the playoffs for the first time since their Super Bowl running twenty fifteen. They got a tough matchup against Josh Allen and the Bills, but bo Nicks and Denver they don't want to hang their hat on just making the playoffs.

I think there's some data out there that says teams that played in the regular season then have a rematch in the playoffs. Historically that's been a lower scoring game. So I would look at the under and any saq One Barkley running props you want it, you're if you're gambling on the game. Next up is the Denver Broncos, back in the playoffs for the first time since their Super Bowl running twenty fifteen. They got a tough matchup against Josh Allen and the Bills, but bo Nicks and Denver they don't want to hang their hat on just making the playoffs.

I don't want to be handcuffed by just making it just because we haven't done it in so long. But you know, if we're gonna make it, we might as well go win some games. It'd be a shame to get this far and then, you know, start enjoying where you are and then become complacent and then not do your best in this game when you got a chance to go out there and compete to go win.

I don't want to be handcuffed by just making it just because we haven't done it in so long. But you know, if we're gonna make it, we might as well go win some games. It'd be a shame to get this far and then, you know, start enjoying where you are and then become complacent and then not do your best in this game when you got a chance to go out there and compete to go win.

So I'm surprised this is coming down a little bit from it was nine to eight and what are people seeing in the Broncos.

So I'm surprised this is coming down a little bit from it was nine to eight and what are people seeing in the Broncos.

Well could have Dicey Weather, the better defenses Denver, Sean Payton over Sean McDermott.

Well could have Dicey Weather, the better defenses Denver, Sean Payton over Sean McDermott.

Sean Payton. Do you want to a quick number four and zero against the spread in the playoffs on the road. He's a really good coach. I know people don't want to know he's dunk last year. This is a good coach. He's been in the playoffs. What took New Orleans to the super Bowl. I just don't see it upset here.

Sean Payton. Do you want to a quick number four and zero against the spread in the playoffs on the road. He's a really good coach. I know people don't want to know he's dunk last year. This is a good coach. He's been in the playoffs. What took New Orleans to the super Bowl. I just don't see it upset here.

I don't either. That would be stunning, Listen. I don't think Jayden Daniels is gonna win in Tampa. And we both love Jayden Daniels. I think Tampa's got the better roster. I think right now, Baker's better than Jayden in a big game, so I mean to me, and bo Nicks is good, but he's not close to Josh Allen, who's the best football player on some Sundays in the world. And Baker's good. Jayden Daniels and Baker are fairly close, I think. I mean, obviously, Jaden's a quicker ear, twitch your athlete. But my take is rookie quarterbacks on the road, first playoff game, Yeah, there's not a lot of winners historically.

I don't either. That would be stunning, Listen. I don't think Jayden Daniels is gonna win in Tampa. And we both love Jayden Daniels. I think Tampa's got the better roster. I think right now, Baker's better than Jayden in a big game, so I mean to me, and bo Nicks is good, but he's not close to Josh Allen, who's the best football player on some Sundays in the world. And Baker's good. Jayden Daniels and Baker are fairly close, I think. I mean, obviously, Jaden's a quicker ear, twitch your athlete. But my take is rookie quarterbacks on the road, first playoff game, Yeah, there's not a lot of winners historically.

If I'm Buffalo, I'm win the coin toss. I want the ball first. I want to road go right down the field, stript to drive, get that lead. Bo Nicks you're playing catch up. What are you gonna do?

If I'm Buffalo, I'm win the coin toss. I want the ball first. I want to road go right down the field, stript to drive, get that lead. Bo Nicks you're playing catch up. What are you gonna do?

You know?

You know?

Bo Knicks faces his first third and eight right, juiced up crowd, it's cold, he's a wide eyed you know this, This could get squirreling. I think Buffalo want to blowout. But you gotta respect the money coming in on uh Monday.

Bo Knicks faces his first third and eight right, juiced up crowd, it's cold, he's a wide eyed you know this, This could get squirreling. I think Buffalo want to blowout. But you gotta respect the money coming in on uh Monday.

I respect the money. I just don't want my money on that side.

I respect the money. I just don't want my money on that side.

Yeah, exactly, final story. Now, this is interesting, Colin. Obviously we have been linking Dion to Shador in the NFL. He's a coaching candidate, right, we know that. However, yesterday, Dion Sanders was on Good Morning America and was asked whether he would consider making the jump to the NFL. He replied, the only way I would consider is to coach my sons, not son sons. Dion later added, he loves Colorado and everything they've been doing.

Yeah, exactly, final story. Now, this is interesting, Colin. Obviously we have been linking Dion to Shador in the NFL. He's a coaching candidate, right, we know that. However, yesterday, Dion Sanders was on Good Morning America and was asked whether he would consider making the jump to the NFL. He replied, the only way I would consider is to coach my sons, not son sons. Dion later added, he loves Colorado and everything they've been doing.

Well, Uh yeah, I think the sons sons going to the NFL.

Well, Uh yeah, I think the sons sons going to the NFL.

One of them definitely gonna be the NFL probably.

One of them definitely gonna be the NFL probably.

Yeah, it just feels like a browny thing. It's cute, but the NBA is gonna eventually You're gonna become a have not very quickly. If you're more worried about your kids than actually acquiring great players. And I don't think the NFL. This is a cute story, but they're not going to bend over for Dion Sanders kids.

Yeah, it just feels like a browny thing. It's cute, but the NBA is gonna eventually You're gonna become a have not very quickly. If you're more worried about your kids than actually acquiring great players. And I don't think the NFL. This is a cute story, but they're not going to bend over for Dion Sanders kids.

Really, I don't think. Okay, so the two teams good teams won't hold on. The two teams at the top are Tennessee and Cleveland. Brian Callahan had fifteen against the spread. Okay, if he's awful this year, they get your door. Dion's coming in next year. And Cleveland with Stefanski multiple time Coach of the Year, really good coach. Right, you could be considered.

Really, I don't think. Okay, so the two teams good teams won't hold on. The two teams at the top are Tennessee and Cleveland. Brian Callahan had fifteen against the spread. Okay, if he's awful this year, they get your door. Dion's coming in next year. And Cleveland with Stefanski multiple time Coach of the Year, really good coach. Right, you could be considered.

A the hot See you think the Titans are gonna waste a draft pick on a player that is just a cousin or a friend or an appell.

A the hot See you think the Titans are gonna waste a draft pick on a player that is just a cousin or a friend or an appell.

I mean he could be undrafted free agent you signed.

I mean he could be undrafted free agent you signed.

Okay that I have no problem with that. Everybody signs fifteen to.

Okay that I have no problem with that. Everybody signs fifteen to.

Those Yeah, maybe you grab the other son. I don't know where he is in the draft. But the two teams at the top have coaches who just had really really bad seasons. And if one of them takes your door and they have another bad season, you don't think Deon's coaching In twenty twenty six, in the NFL.

Those Yeah, maybe you grab the other son. I don't know where he is in the draft. But the two teams at the top have coaches who just had really really bad seasons. And if one of them takes your door and they have another bad season, you don't think Deon's coaching In twenty twenty six, in the NFL.

I don't. I think Giants or third, but I think the media. He loves these stories. The young media loves Bronny to the Lakers. But it's a little embarrassing. I mean, for considering bronze greatness. Bronni's on the team, Bronnie's not an NBA player. It was a cute story. Let's let's stop. And by the way, Shaudu or Sanders is very good. If the other son's not an NFL player, then I'm not drafting somebody because I want to accumulate or create a relationship with Shaudeur. Sanders goes three and fourteen and is not very good. He's done. Nobody cares. He's gonna have about a year and a half and then people in the building are going to raise their hand and go, yeah, he's not good enough. I think the NFL is very bottom line, very bottom line. I don't think they care. I mean, I'm telling you right now, I'm not saying that it hasn't happened. I mean, Gronk had a bunch of brothers. If you know, the undrafted free agent root is something that could happen. It is sure, But boy, the NFL's bottom line they forget about you very fast. Bill Belichick got fired a couple of years after the dynasty. They just the NFL doesn't play by the NBA rules. The NBA has got a meaningless regular season. There's a zillion games most or not watched or forgettable, and the brawny story. You can just waste a game and play around and have fun and everybody likes it.

I don't. I think Giants or third, but I think the media. He loves these stories. The young media loves Bronny to the Lakers. But it's a little embarrassing. I mean, for considering bronze greatness. Bronni's on the team, Bronnie's not an NBA player. It was a cute story. Let's let's stop. And by the way, Shaudu or Sanders is very good. If the other son's not an NFL player, then I'm not drafting somebody because I want to accumulate or create a relationship with Shaudeur. Sanders goes three and fourteen and is not very good. He's done. Nobody cares. He's gonna have about a year and a half and then people in the building are going to raise their hand and go, yeah, he's not good enough. I think the NFL is very bottom line, very bottom line. I don't think they care. I mean, I'm telling you right now, I'm not saying that it hasn't happened. I mean, Gronk had a bunch of brothers. If you know, the undrafted free agent root is something that could happen. It is sure, But boy, the NFL's bottom line they forget about you very fast. Bill Belichick got fired a couple of years after the dynasty. They just the NFL doesn't play by the NBA rules. The NBA has got a meaningless regular season. There's a zillion games most or not watched or forgettable, and the brawny story. You can just waste a game and play around and have fun and everybody likes it.

You don't think all the all the billion spots on an NFL roster, you can't find one for Dion's other son, But the shads brother you can't find one.

You don't think all the all the billion spots on an NFL roster, you can't find one for Dion's other son, But the shads brother you can't find one.

I'm saying if they go undrafted free agent, yea, possibly, But I don't think any really well run organization is desperate for Shador Sanders. Look at the top of the draft, it's the same have nots the last decade.

I'm saying if they go undrafted free agent, yea, possibly, But I don't think any really well run organization is desperate for Shador Sanders. Look at the top of the draft, it's the same have nots the last decade.

Because they're not well run.

Because they're not well run.

That's right. So a poorly run franchise I could see doing that.

That's right. So a poorly run franchise I could see doing that.

That's all we've got here, Collin. I mean the Giants right now are poorly run. We have to admit that. Well. The Cleveland Browns.

That's all we've got here, Collin. I mean the Giants right now are poorly run. We have to admit that. Well. The Cleveland Browns.

Are in a bu I do not think the Patriots. I think the Patriots have good ownership and they've got their quarterbacks for the future not going for.

Are in a bu I do not think the Patriots. I think the Patriots have good ownership and they've got their quarterbacks for the future not going for.

The Jaguars are not going for. They're poorly run. Raiders are poorly run. Jets. Come on, uh, Panthers. How many coaches as they had in the last like six years. All these teams stink right, they're poorly run. I think Schudor didn't playing well a year after.

The Jaguars are not going for. They're poorly run. Raiders are poorly run. Jets. Come on, uh, Panthers. How many coaches as they had in the last like six years. All these teams stink right, they're poorly run. I think Schudor didn't playing well a year after.

I don't think Shadoor Sanders is good enough in my opinion, nor is cam Ward to trade away a bunch of picks for him. Agre Yeah, yeah, so, I mean, I think you know who's gonna get Shadur one of the first two teams. I like Shduur Sanders. I think he's a good prospect. I kind of feel the same way, although he's a different player. When Deshaun Watson came out of Clemson, I thought he was a B plus prospect. He was hot, he was a great college he was a great college quarterback. But I didn't think. I talked to my NFL guys, you know, they're like, he's not a natural pure thrower, and.

I don't think Shadoor Sanders is good enough in my opinion, nor is cam Ward to trade away a bunch of picks for him. Agre Yeah, yeah, so, I mean, I think you know who's gonna get Shadur one of the first two teams. I like Shduur Sanders. I think he's a good prospect. I kind of feel the same way, although he's a different player. When Deshaun Watson came out of Clemson, I thought he was a B plus prospect. He was hot, he was a great college he was a great college quarterback. But I didn't think. I talked to my NFL guys, you know, they're like, he's not a natural pure thrower, and.

We're forgetting how good he was in Houston. He was definitely a top ten quarterback in the league, maybe top like seven, not for not very long Houston in the playoffs, like every year he was good, I.

We're forgetting how good he was in Houston. He was definitely a top ten quarterback in the league, maybe top like seven, not for not very long Houston in the playoffs, like every year he was good, I.

Mean very forgettable. Yeah, but Houston was never a viable super Bowl team. I mean I think they had the Chiefs down twenty four to nothing. Oh they ended up losing fifty to one and something out of that game, go it, you'd still live. Brady never lost a twenty four to nothing leaves Jay Matt I like Shador. I like him, but in order to move up, you have to love somebody. So I think the teams at the top are going to get Shador and I think those teams aren't necessarily very well run, and his ascension and greatness will be limited. Jmck with the news, Well that's the news, and thanks for stopping by the.

Mean very forgettable. Yeah, but Houston was never a viable super Bowl team. I mean I think they had the Chiefs down twenty four to nothing. Oh they ended up losing fifty to one and something out of that game, go it, you'd still live. Brady never lost a twenty four to nothing leaves Jay Matt I like Shador. I like him, but in order to move up, you have to love somebody. So I think the teams at the top are going to get Shador and I think those teams aren't necessarily very well run, and his ascension and greatness will be limited. Jmck with the news, Well that's the news, and thanks for stopping by the.

Heard Line News.

Heard Line News.

You know, I saw a story this morning. Somebody was asking the story once thriving Mike Tomlin's legacy hangs in the balance, and it's it's really interesting because if Mike Tomlin and the Steelers got routed this weekend, then they're ten point underdogs to Baltimore. I think you'd have to have a harsh discussion and in a real discussion. But I've always said Mike Tomlin to me is very much Pete Carroll, two Super Bowl appearances, hoisted a trophy, great motivator, defense first, very intense, actual leader, highly passionate, tremendous energy, and both Pete Carolyn Mike Tomlin, as the NFL culture has pivoted to offense first, feel a little behind their contemporaries. And here's the thing is, I think Mike Tomlin and Pete Carroll, I would hire them both with the Chicago Bears. But I think there's an argument to be made that these strong leaders as the world is pivoted, I'm not sure Tomlin's the answer in Pittsburgh. And I think if they get smoke this weekend and they could, I think you have to address the question in the room. And I think with both Mike Tomlin and Pete Carroll, the legacy is two super bowls, got a trophy, great energy, respected passion leaders, all that stuff, and I'd hire them with the Bears tomorrow. But I do think I do think they're contemporaries. Especially coaches who coach offense, feel like they're more innovators. They're ahead of the curve, and I just don't feel like Pittsburgh can get offense right. I don't think their answer for quarterback is probably in the building. And if you go to the last twelve playoff games with Pittsburgh, I mean, if Belichick and Andy Reid can be removed in the NFL, you can have the discussion. The last twelve Mike Tomlin playoff games a lot of losses, a lot of ugly losses, and a couple of narrow wins, one over Matt Moore, one over AJ mccheron. So I think this weekend, I don't think Pittsburgh. I just think that organization is so uncomfortable with the discussion of moving off Mike Tomlin. They don't even want to discuss it. And I think you have to have these uncomfortable conversations. You could run a television network, you could be a mayor, you could be a GM and a football coach. You gotta have uncomfortable And if they get rounded this weekend and you're looking at the top of this league with Philly and Detroit and Kansas City and Buffalo and Baltimore, Pittsburgh doesn't feel like they're in that class. I don't think Pittsburgh feels like they're in the Rams Chargers Minnesota class. This morning. It's an offensive league. Here's Tomlin on the playoff woes.

You know, I saw a story this morning. Somebody was asking the story once thriving Mike Tomlin's legacy hangs in the balance, and it's it's really interesting because if Mike Tomlin and the Steelers got routed this weekend, then they're ten point underdogs to Baltimore. I think you'd have to have a harsh discussion and in a real discussion. But I've always said Mike Tomlin to me is very much Pete Carroll, two Super Bowl appearances, hoisted a trophy, great motivator, defense first, very intense, actual leader, highly passionate, tremendous energy, and both Pete Carolyn Mike Tomlin, as the NFL culture has pivoted to offense first, feel a little behind their contemporaries. And here's the thing is, I think Mike Tomlin and Pete Carroll, I would hire them both with the Chicago Bears. But I think there's an argument to be made that these strong leaders as the world is pivoted, I'm not sure Tomlin's the answer in Pittsburgh. And I think if they get smoke this weekend and they could, I think you have to address the question in the room. And I think with both Mike Tomlin and Pete Carroll, the legacy is two super bowls, got a trophy, great energy, respected passion leaders, all that stuff, and I'd hire them with the Bears tomorrow. But I do think I do think they're contemporaries. Especially coaches who coach offense, feel like they're more innovators. They're ahead of the curve, and I just don't feel like Pittsburgh can get offense right. I don't think their answer for quarterback is probably in the building. And if you go to the last twelve playoff games with Pittsburgh, I mean, if Belichick and Andy Reid can be removed in the NFL, you can have the discussion. The last twelve Mike Tomlin playoff games a lot of losses, a lot of ugly losses, and a couple of narrow wins, one over Matt Moore, one over AJ mccheron. So I think this weekend, I don't think Pittsburgh. I just think that organization is so uncomfortable with the discussion of moving off Mike Tomlin. They don't even want to discuss it. And I think you have to have these uncomfortable conversations. You could run a television network, you could be a mayor, you could be a GM and a football coach. You gotta have uncomfortable And if they get rounded this weekend and you're looking at the top of this league with Philly and Detroit and Kansas City and Buffalo and Baltimore, Pittsburgh doesn't feel like they're in that class. I don't think Pittsburgh feels like they're in the Rams Chargers Minnesota class. This morning. It's an offensive league. Here's Tomlin on the playoff woes.

What you mentioned is my story is not just collective story. Many of these guys involved do not tote those bags. I happily tote those bags, but it's not something that I'm gonna project on the collective.

What you mentioned is my story is not just collective story. Many of these guys involved do not tote those bags. I happily tote those bags, but it's not something that I'm gonna project on the collective.

Now. I can like Pete carrolln Mike Tomlin and think they deserve Hall of Fame nominations and votes. I can like both. But I did think in Seattle it had run its course. And I do think in Pittsburgh, if they get blown out again by a better quarterback, can we have the conversation. I mean, Belichick was removed, Andy Reid was removed, we can't have the conversation. I think it's a very big I think if Baltimore loses this weekend, Lamar is gonna get some heat. I thought last year when the Cowboys lost, it was about McCarthy, not about Dak. And I do think in Pittsburgh, I'm not gonna blame Russell Wilson. He's out of his prime. I think if Pittsburgh gets hammered, let's just have the conversation. Here. I got about twelve years of playoff performance and it's kind of starting to look the same. I said this last week. The Steelers have become a slightly different variation of the same team every year, and it's been going on for over a decade.

Now. I can like Pete carrolln Mike Tomlin and think they deserve Hall of Fame nominations and votes. I can like both. But I did think in Seattle it had run its course. And I do think in Pittsburgh, if they get blown out again by a better quarterback, can we have the conversation. I mean, Belichick was removed, Andy Reid was removed, we can't have the conversation. I think it's a very big I think if Baltimore loses this weekend, Lamar is gonna get some heat. I thought last year when the Cowboys lost, it was about McCarthy, not about Dak. And I do think in Pittsburgh, I'm not gonna blame Russell Wilson. He's out of his prime. I think if Pittsburgh gets hammered, let's just have the conversation. Here. I got about twelve years of playoff performance and it's kind of starting to look the same. I said this last week. The Steelers have become a slightly different variation of the same team every year, and it's been going on for over a decade.

Be sure to catch live editions of The Herd weekdays and Noone Eastern non am Pacific.

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

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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.

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

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Is that well other shows don't seem to have the time to discuss.

Is 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.

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.

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

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That's Covino and Rich.

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Joel Clapp, the voice of college football at Fox, is now joining us and he is down in Orange County and we're gonna watch that Notre Dame Penn State game tonight, so as he as we're down to the final four in college football, James Franklin said, and I don't want to go too far into the weeds on this, that he thinks all teams should be in a conference. I like that Notre Dame is independent. I think college football needs to be a little different than pro football. I'm for it. Do you believe going forward, not just this season, but going forward, nil transfer portal Marcus Freeman is Notre Dame positioned well going forward for college football? Certainly seems that way.

Joel Clapp, the voice of college football at Fox, is now joining us and he is down in Orange County and we're gonna watch that Notre Dame Penn State game tonight, so as he as we're down to the final four in college football, James Franklin said, and I don't want to go too far into the weeds on this, that he thinks all teams should be in a conference. I like that Notre Dame is independent. I think college football needs to be a little different than pro football. I'm for it. Do you believe going forward, not just this season, but going forward, nil transfer portal Marcus Freeman is Notre Dame positioned well going forward for college football? Certainly seems that way.

And I think that maybe what James Franklin is touching on is that it is advantageous because they have kind of a direct carve out in the college football playoff. And I think they would continue to get that direct carve out even if this playoff changes to a fourteen team model. I mean, you can understand why coaches would want them in a conference. I think that conferences inherently are more difficult than being independent, although you know with their scheduling partnership with the ACC, it kind of depends on how that league is going. It was not very very good this year. And then the other side of this would just be the financial impact. And Notre Dame and people around Notre Dame have told me that their independence is vital to the way that they raise money for their institution writ large, not just their athletic department and their football program. So that is a big piece of this. It's important to them on many different levels, including that don't feeling like their dollars really matter for the institution.

And I think that maybe what James Franklin is touching on is that it is advantageous because they have kind of a direct carve out in the college football playoff. And I think they would continue to get that direct carve out even if this playoff changes to a fourteen team model. I mean, you can understand why coaches would want them in a conference. I think that conferences inherently are more difficult than being independent, although you know with their scheduling partnership with the ACC, it kind of depends on how that league is going. It was not very very good this year. And then the other side of this would just be the financial impact. And Notre Dame and people around Notre Dame have told me that their independence is vital to the way that they raise money for their institution writ large, not just their athletic department and their football program. So that is a big piece of this. It's important to them on many different levels, including that don't feeling like their dollars really matter for the institution.

I think this is the first year that college football is playing in NFL season, which is sixteen or seventeen games, and I think Ohio State has a huge advantage Chip Kelly, who was gone. He knows the NFL riggers, he knows how to balance play calling, what to hide, how to interpret certain things, and I think it's an advantage. I think that's not a surprise, is that the last two weeks they have looked like a different offense. Will Howard's regained his confidence, and that college football now, at least at the end is the NFL, which I don't think gives little guys much of a chance at all and gives the big dogs a decided advantage. But I think Chip helps Ohio State in this regard.

I think this is the first year that college football is playing in NFL season, which is sixteen or seventeen games, and I think Ohio State has a huge advantage Chip Kelly, who was gone. He knows the NFL riggers, he knows how to balance play calling, what to hide, how to interpret certain things, and I think it's an advantage. I think that's not a surprise, is that the last two weeks they have looked like a different offense. Will Howard's regained his confidence, and that college football now, at least at the end is the NFL, which I don't think gives little guys much of a chance at all and gives the big dogs a decided advantage. But I think Chip helps Ohio State in this regard.

Well, don't forget that Ryan has NFL experience as well, you know, I mean, and Brian Hartline has NFL experience. And I've talked that length with Ryan about this, and this goes back all the way to when I went in last last year to do their spring game, and we talked at length about the length of the season and how they would approach it and how differently they were going to approach it than even what they have done previous. If you take a look at the regular season, they were one of the slowest offenses in all of college football. Their snaps per game were way down, and that was intentional because remember, if you've got better players, you would want to play more a higher volume of snaps, and they didn't intentionally. They played very slow for this reason. It wasn't anything other than this is going to be a long season and we want to make sure that we're at our best and we're fresh late. It was one of the reasons why the two running backs were big for them, you know, getting junkins in the portal. They also and I would think that this is a very important piece of this from a schematic standpoint, They were strategic in what they were showing teams during the course of the year. Their offensive and defensive game plans and structures have changed drastically during the course of the year, and that was intentional. Part of it was because they lost to Oregon and Michigan, and yes, we've all talked about that, butcaulin the other part of it was intentional from Brian Day and Chip Kelly that they didn't want to show everything. They didn't want to show every formation so that when they get into these games late in the year, they have things that the opposing defenses have not seen and that is a very NFL structure.

Well, don't forget that Ryan has NFL experience as well, you know, I mean, and Brian Hartline has NFL experience. And I've talked that length with Ryan about this, and this goes back all the way to when I went in last last year to do their spring game, and we talked at length about the length of the season and how they would approach it and how differently they were going to approach it than even what they have done previous. If you take a look at the regular season, they were one of the slowest offenses in all of college football. Their snaps per game were way down, and that was intentional because remember, if you've got better players, you would want to play more a higher volume of snaps, and they didn't intentionally. They played very slow for this reason. It wasn't anything other than this is going to be a long season and we want to make sure that we're at our best and we're fresh late. It was one of the reasons why the two running backs were big for them, you know, getting junkins in the portal. They also and I would think that this is a very important piece of this from a schematic standpoint, They were strategic in what they were showing teams during the course of the year. Their offensive and defensive game plans and structures have changed drastically during the course of the year, and that was intentional. Part of it was because they lost to Oregon and Michigan, and yes, we've all talked about that, butcaulin the other part of it was intentional from Brian Day and Chip Kelly that they didn't want to show everything. They didn't want to show every formation so that when they get into these games late in the year, they have things that the opposing defenses have not seen and that is a very NFL structure.

Is there more pressure on Sark or Ryan Day tomorrow? I think Ryan.

Is there more pressure on Sark or Ryan Day tomorrow? I think Ryan.

Day just because of the Michigan aspect of this, because of the fact that they have now looked so dominant. They are so very clearly the odds on favorite to win the national championship. It's one of the only things that will get that fan base off of his back from a Michigan loss perspective. Whereas Sark you know, let's face it, they were for about ten years roaming around in the desert as a program, this Texas team. Yeah, and he's put them now back in the national semifinals and back to back years. You know, he went on the road and beat Alabama. He went on the road and beat Michigan. He's now played for the SEC championship in his first year after winning the Big Twelve championship and there last year in the conference. He has elevated this program to a point where now they can see some sustainability at the top. And for those reasons, I think Ryan is still under more pressure.

Day just because of the Michigan aspect of this, because of the fact that they have now looked so dominant. They are so very clearly the odds on favorite to win the national championship. It's one of the only things that will get that fan base off of his back from a Michigan loss perspective. Whereas Sark you know, let's face it, they were for about ten years roaming around in the desert as a program, this Texas team. Yeah, and he's put them now back in the national semifinals and back to back years. You know, he went on the road and beat Alabama. He went on the road and beat Michigan. He's now played for the SEC championship in his first year after winning the Big Twelve championship and there last year in the conference. He has elevated this program to a point where now they can see some sustainability at the top. And for those reasons, I think Ryan is still under more pressure.

You do a great job on draft coverage. I got to ask you. I think cam Ward's more talented arm mobility than Shadur. Chador is a bit more polished. The betting markets now have cam above Shaduur. Who would you draft if you were a GM and needed a signal caller, I would draft Shador.

You do a great job on draft coverage. I got to ask you. I think cam Ward's more talented arm mobility than Shadur. Chador is a bit more polished. The betting markets now have cam above Shaduur. Who would you draft if you were a GM and needed a signal caller, I would draft Shador.

I think that he does what the NFL wants and needs more so than Cam. Cam's great, and I think both of these guys are top five picks. And this is the only part of the draft process I don't love Colin is that when I say, like, well, I would take Shador, people.

I think that he does what the NFL wants and needs more so than Cam. Cam's great, and I think both of these guys are top five picks. And this is the only part of the draft process I don't love Colin is that when I say, like, well, I would take Shador, people.

Like, well, why do you hate cam Ward? I don't. I love him.

Like, well, why do you hate cam Ward? I don't. I love him.

He should be a top five pick, and I think that he will have success. I like Shador because of the control that he exudes from the pocket. You know, he has such an understanding of the game, and then he can be both surgical and he can be kind of a magician at the same time, whereas as Cam's game is a little bit different than that. It's a little bit more college Shotors I think is a more NFL style. He can be surgical when he's on time and everything is right, and then he's got that kind of fran Tarkentin ability to be mobile, get himself free, and make plays down the field. I alwould take Shudor if I had the number one pick and everything aligned, although who knows, you know what the demands are going to be, you know, from Shudor in terms of where he wants to play one.

He should be a top five pick, and I think that he will have success. I like Shador because of the control that he exudes from the pocket. You know, he has such an understanding of the game, and then he can be both surgical and he can be kind of a magician at the same time, whereas as Cam's game is a little bit different than that. It's a little bit more college Shotors I think is a more NFL style. He can be surgical when he's on time and everything is right, and then he's got that kind of fran Tarkentin ability to be mobile, get himself free, and make plays down the field. I alwould take Shudor if I had the number one pick and everything aligned, although who knows, you know what the demands are going to be, you know, from Shudor in terms of where he wants to play one.

More question one minute. Does Penn State have a shot tonight you like James Franklin Champs, Yes, I do.

More question one minute. Does Penn State have a shot tonight you like James Franklin Champs, Yes, I do.

I think that they've got a good shot. That's a very evenly matched game. I will say this, I'm I'm going to pick Notre Dame. But one of the things that Penn State has is the ability to learn from their history and what they've done is gotten in their way at times. Against Ohio State, they didn't give the ball to Tyler Warren inside the ten yard line. You know, I thought that they got away from k Tron Allen against Boise State. If they just lean into where they can have success, they'll have a good chance to win this game. That program is elevated to a point where they need that tipping point victory and it could be tonight.

I think that they've got a good shot. That's a very evenly matched game. I will say this, I'm I'm going to pick Notre Dame. But one of the things that Penn State has is the ability to learn from their history and what they've done is gotten in their way at times. Against Ohio State, they didn't give the ball to Tyler Warren inside the ten yard line. You know, I thought that they got away from k Tron Allen against Boise State. If they just lean into where they can have success, they'll have a good chance to win this game. That program is elevated to a point where they need that tipping point victory and it could be tonight.

Yeah.

Yeah.

And it's interesting. As great a program as they are, it feels like all everybody's talking about is Notre Dame, Texas Ohio State. So very rarely in sports are you excellent and under discussed? You're excellent but viewed as sort of irrelevant. And Penn State's got two Natties as an independent by the way, so's I've been talking about this with friends. I'm like, boy, what a great spot to be in. You're just that other team of the four and you have like six NFL guys all over your roster. And maybe it's because they haven't had that win where you're like, oh, man, that's a great upset win, or that's a mark he win, a tipping point victory. They've beaten everybody that they should college football for the better part of four or five years. They haven't had that victory over a team that maybe they shouldn't beat. And I think that's where the apprehension is. Joe Klatt, you're great. Good seeing you, buddy, appreciate it.

And it's interesting. As great a program as they are, it feels like all everybody's talking about is Notre Dame, Texas Ohio State. So very rarely in sports are you excellent and under discussed? You're excellent but viewed as sort of irrelevant. And Penn State's got two Natties as an independent by the way, so's I've been talking about this with friends. I'm like, boy, what a great spot to be in. You're just that other team of the four and you have like six NFL guys all over your roster. And maybe it's because they haven't had that win where you're like, oh, man, that's a great upset win, or that's a mark he win, a tipping point victory. They've beaten everybody that they should college football for the better part of four or five years. They haven't had that victory over a team that maybe they shouldn't beat. And I think that's where the apprehension is. Joe Klatt, you're great. Good seeing you, buddy, appreciate it.

Yeah you too, Bud, you too, have a good one.

Yeah you too, Bud, you too, have a good one.

All right. Greg Cosell, topa Next Hour. You know you like fantasy football, you like betting on football. You want to get smarter on pro football? Greg co cell, Top of the Hour. Yeah, it's I mean, if you look at college football in the format, everybody loves the little guy favorites or eight. No, all the little guys except Arizona State got their doors blown off. Inviting more people to the party doesn't change who the coolest people at the party are, right, And so it's one of those things where I look at college football, you can invite more people. We're down to Notre Dame, Ohio State, Texas and litl Old Penn State, which has been the Northeast's best football program for a majority of my life. They've been the program campus. It take you a while to get there, but it is beautiful. Hour two next