First Things First - Dante Moore returns to Oregon, Ravens & Steelers without coaches, Must-Win Divisional, Nick’s Tiers

Episode Date: January 15, 2026

(0:00) Nick’s Best HC Job Openings, Should Lamar Jackson get a new contract? (26:19) Divisional Must-Win (40:37) Giannis boos fans after loss, Should he leave the Bucks? (46:34) Nick’s Tiers (01:07:00) Dante Moore returning to Oregon, Steelers entering a rebuild?  (01:21:46) Trust Purdy or Darnold more on Saturday? (01:28:07) Packed Stats, Could Caleb Williams outplay Matthew Stafford? (01:51:02) Bo Nix vs. Josh Allen, Can the 49ers upset the Seahawks? (02:01:30) Eye Test (02:09:14) Packers vs. Bears is bigger than football Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I from New York is the show that's wishing a very happy birthday to LL Cool J. LL Cool J is hard. Dump. Brough. Drew, you're, you're, all time, all time, great. I thought you were gonna swear on it. Oh, no, no, no, no. All time great.

I nailed his age to the year. 58? Yeah. I knew he was like around my age. Similar physiques. Yeah, yeah. Absolutely. Also, you have- I got bars like a little.

Also, you have that goat tattoo in the microphone. Yeah. First hour of first things first things for. Today, Steelers are looking for a new coach, but are we sure this is actually a great job? We made a list and by we, I may, I mean I asked Nick if he could make a list and I sat back and ate Sour Patch kids. Meanwhile, after a stunning 8-0 victory, Coach Manjini passes the baton to Greg Jennings to see if he can deliver another W in the divisional round of must win. And finally, special edition of Tears coming up at four o'clock. A little bridged, version of tears.

You're only a handful of team. I don't know about, I'm kind of done with the Caleb thing. That video is, buddy, you don't like Caleb. A lot. I love Caleb. A friend of the show who's on the show. Look at his face. I was in America. This is just, I think it's a lot.

KW, you don't have to like everyone. I do. You don't believe, you don't believe in. Drew actually does like everyone. He's a great person. You're a bad guy who's a good actor. I am too. And you thought if you're allowed.

I will say this. Is there a photo of, and I'm not saying they can win the Super Bowl. But is there a photo of any of the recent Super Bowl quarterbacks doing something like that? I'm just asking. And I like Caleb. I do. I'm just saying like it's funny. This is the like Caleb's having fun.

No, but you're, it's okay for, there's a real. Your answer, Brew, probably not. But for you, KW, it's kind of, there's a reason for you to be like, not anti, but Caleb's skeptical. He's worried. But because him and Drake May. Yeah, you're worried. Same draft class. See?

You know I like when Vrable win the locker was at? Oh, the Chargers. Settle down. See, there you go. He's making fun of Ben Johnson now. Ben Johnson. I like Ben Johnson. See, just lean in.

You got to love his locker. It also makes sense because you don't like Perkins either. So we're starting with the Steelers search. Pittsburgh and Barks. on their first coaching search in nearly two decades after Tomlin decides to step away. Team has been a model of success and stability. Also, they might not have a quarterback. And at 27 and a half, they have the oldest roster in the NFL, but that may drop if Rogers decides to retire.

Like Adam Thieland, congratulations on Adam Thieland calling it career. Well, even if he doesn't retire, I mean, why would he go back there? He signed there for Tomlin. Why would he go back and why would they bring him back? No, you probably give you no reason. You guys, I'm just trying to kick it around. Okay. 27 a half is not that.

All right. Here are the head coach openings. There's a lot of them. Brut, how do you view the Steelers open job? Well, look, I'll comment on Nick's list. But for me, obviously, to me, the Baltimore job is number one. Yeah. Lamar Jackson, period.

You got your quarterback. But I think after that, Steelers is the best, second best job. And I say, obviously, they don't. don't have a quarterback. Some of these other teams don't as well. But that's stability. Like, you go there, you know. And honestly, if you're so bad, they get rid of you in a year or two, that just means you weren't ready. They picked the wrong guy. I think they're going to give you a chance, a legitimate chance to be their coach for the next 10, 15 years. And they take pride in the fact that they've only had three coaches since 1969. So the last thing they want to do,

is hire somebody and get on that cycle of, you know, hiring all these different coaches. So you know the stability there, I think, makes it number one. And look, they got about $40 million, I think they can spend in free agency. That could increase if they do, as Nick suggested yesterday, start trading away some of the older players. I just think it's obviously a great organization. I even think the fan base after years of being good but not great and making the playoffs and winning 10 games

and losing in the first round, I think they'll be fine with a rebuild year. Okay. Maybe two, year and a half, something like that. But I just think you get the job security that you may not get in other places. Yeah, I think if I were ranking attractiveness of jobs, which I'm going to give my full list in a second,

but if I were one of the coaches, you have to approach it from a place of realism across the league, not optimism, which is half of these jobs you might not even want your wife and kids to move for. Yeah. Like half of these... We're renting. Right.

Like if you had high school age kids, you might be like, oh yeah. You know, it's going to be tough, but I don't want to pull you out because, again, 14 of the 32 teams fired their coach, either this season,

season or one year ago. And one of those teams did it twice. So almost half the league gave their, it has changed coaches in the last two seasons. And as when I go over this list, I think you're going to see how common, how being a head coach somewhere for five years means, man, you must have done something really good. And so the fact that the Steelers and the Ravens to an extent, but really the Steelers, because of the long history of it have a reputation of you are going to get real time. That is the best thing that is going for it. And it's why it's going to be high on my list, KW.

Okay, here we go. Here's the list. Nine to one. Worst to best. The worst job opening is the Cleveland Brown. Oh, wow. Just awful ownership, a brutal division. They have 136 million cap dollars still.

to pay Deshawn Watson. That's ridiculous. How many years is that? He has one year left on the cap. How many years left is that on the cap? Well, they split. It's going to be, technically, he has this year and then a massive void charge.

It's a disaster is the short version of it. And I would also, listen, if you really think Shador is a star, then you pump him up. I think Shador is actually, if I'm looking, at jobs, almost for a future head coach, a potential net negative just in that, man, if he's not, if he doesn't play well,

there's going to be a portion of the fan base that says I'm sabotaging him, like there is extra, there is, it's just harder than a situation of, right, a blank slate at quarterback. So they're the worst job open. Number eight is the Tennessee Titans. Since Amy Adams strunk has taken over, It has been a constant turnover of GM head coach, GM head coach, GM, GM changes.

They had Mike Brable. He lost a power struggle with the GM who since they are twice removed from. Other than Jeff Simmons, I don't know that there's one player on the roster that I love. And then if you then Cam Ward... He shows some promise at the end. Right. But if you're very high on Cam Ward, this job is better than I have it. But the only player on the roster that I feel like I know is excellent is Jeff Simmons.

They do have the second most money in the fourth pick of the draft. Number seven, Miami Dolphins. Since Don Shula, okay, no coach has made it past four years. That's this century. Since Stephen Ross bought the team in 2009, 2009, they've had five head coaches in two interim, coaches. They have mediocre draft assets and they are in a brutal cap situation because they really went for it a couple years ago and they're going to owe that money to Tua. Can I, Tua just signed last in 2020.

Right. Just he's signed through 2028 and he's a backup right now. If all that money. I don't know where we're at with Tyreeks. Uh, but can it waddle, you know, the bills wanted waddle. If Tyreek goes somewhere, like could they tar. tear it down and start fresh with a new coach.

Yeah, I think that's what they'll have to do. But my point is they're not going to be able to, they can tear it down. What they can't do is what the Patriots did this off season and go on a quick spending spree of veteran players to try to get good quickly. Yeah. Like it will be a tear down. Number six, the Arizona Cardinals. One winning season in the last decade, they are moving on from Kyler, I would imagine,

and they're in a very tough division. However, they have the third overall pick. They're an above average cap situation. for this year and moving forward. It's like a fine job. I think the other one's really, really, really hard. Number five, the Atlanta Falcons. So I don't believe they have the quarterback

and they don't have a first round pick this year because they traded that to Atlanta. They have won exactly seven or eight games in seven of the last eight years. They are just the league average of, sorry, kids, mid. And they have an average cap situation. But it's the worst division in football every year.

And it does feel like they have a few blue chippers. Yes. That if you got the quarterback in place, that maybe you could quickly win a division. Number four, the New York Giants. Do you like Jackson Dart is the question you've got to ask yourself there? Now, Joe Shane is still there. I do wonder that if it's,

In order to get John Harbaugh, or a Liam Cohen situation, where you remember, Trent Balke stayed in Jacksonville. And then they wanted Liam Cohen. He was like, I'll come if you get rid of, if you let me have a say in who the GM is. I'm not trying to get Joe Shane fired. My point is, could a head coach like Harbaugh say, I want to pick the GM rather than the GM pick me? But here's what's remarkable. Since Tom Coughlin, Ben McAdoo lasted less than two years.

Pat Shermer, two years, Joe Judge, two years, Brian Dable, three and a half years. So since Coughlin, they've just been on the carousel, they do have the number five pick in the league average cap situation. Number three, the Raiders. Do you, if you like Mendoza, then your biggest issue for the franchise is fixed. You have the number one pick.

I know people say there's not a good quarterback draft, and Dante Moore going back makes it even. Less of a good quarterback draft, but it doesn't have to be a good quarterback draft if you have pick one, one, and there's one quarterback in it you like. Now, what is, they have the number one pick and a ton of money brew. Now, what is remarkable is, you remember Art Shell, the late Art Shell? Art Shell's first stint with the Raiders ended just over 30 years ago. Since then, they have had 14 head coaches.

And other than John Gruden, who had a long tenure and then came back with a decent length tenure for it, disgrace. And Jack Del Rio, we got three years. They've had a dozen head coaches and none of them made it three years. So they have money to spend. They're in a new, a cool stadium. They're a new city and they have number one pick. And then I agree with you entirely, bro. Number two is the Pittsburgh Steelers. They have a few extra picks. They've had three coaches in 55 years. They do have, they're in a good cap situation that can get even better. And you have stability. And the best job is the Ravens, Because even though they're in a tough cap situation, they're in a tough division, but they have really good ownership and they have a star quarterback in place, which makes it obviously the best job. And so that's how I would rank them one through nine.

Can I push back on the narrative that is just being unchallenged that the Steelers take pride in only having three coaches, which I think they do. But we looked it up in the break, and I don't know if you can remember it or not. Cower and Tomlin got there and immediately started to win and then quit very quickly won a Super Bowl. So I wonder if the Steelers take pride in winning quickly and often and consistently more so than they value having a stable coach. I think if a coach comes in and there's one losing season, two losing seasons, I don't think like, well, we're the Steelers. We don't know. I think they're more used to winning than they are the stability in the coach. I think they'll look at how the coach is doing.

If they tear it down and give up some of their veterans and are kind of starting over roster-wise and the coach wins five games and then six games, his first two years, I think it'll be what does the coach look like? What are you seeing in the building? What do you see in the locker room? What do you see it on the field? I thought like a Jonathan Gannon did a pretty good job in Arizona,

you know, even though the record didn't show. and I think in a situation like that, the Steelers might feel like we could keep him, you know, or somebody that's doing like that based on what they see versus just the record. I just feel like it's so hard to, I think it's so hard to find like in the last, a quarterback who, excuse me,

a coach who's losing games, but losing them and you're seeing gold. Well, look, a lot of coaches who might get hired, Mike McDaniel might get hired. I mean, he did do some winning in my name. You're a winning record. still recently. Sala.

Sala. People take Kevin Stefansky. People take into consideration the situation you're in too. I also would just very quickly, I've always wondered, I've talked with coach a bit

about this off the air, that take a, I'm not going to name of something, but a coach that is generally thought of it didn't work. He did a bad job at one shot. If that coach got hired and the contract read,

if I fire you within seven years, I have to give you ownership of the team. Meaning you are not, you are going, you get seven, no matter, would almost any coach unless they're total incompetent, if they have the security of I'm going to get time, I don't have to do panic moves, you know, trading away future picks in year three because I don't want to,

I don't have to work, I don't have to re-sign a mediocre quarterback that I don't really believe in. Like I think it happened with Dable and the Giants because I don't want to bottom out. I know I am going to get at least a half decade for my vision to come in. Would that instantly make them a top 10 coach? Because just by the time, the security and the fact that all these other teams are on the carousel. And five years in, you have your system, you have your staff, this is the types of players we want the draft.

This is how we run practice. And so I wonder if the Steelers have learned how. how much you benefit from that stability, and therefore they will have a longer leash than other teams would. I think you make a lot of sense. I don't think they. Chuck Noel obviously is a completely different era. No free agency, totally different.

Coward, they just happened to get two good coaches in Cowher and Tomlin, and they had the quarterback over both of those guys' careers, Ben Rothensberger. So I think that is more, I think it's just kind of happens. stands, hey, our coach is actually good and we're winning versus we don't fire guys. Quick, quick pop quiz. Who do you think is taking snaps week one in Pittsburgh? Gosh. Kyler Murray.

So that's got, then you're going to be. I think Malik Willis has to be in there too. Yeah. I think Malik Willis. If Tomlin was there, I would say, assuming Rogers didn't come back, it would be Malik Willis. I also, I think the worst. I agree with our bottom four were not in the same order. but I thought the worst job was Miami.

I just, Tua is contracted on a $215 million contract or whatever it is through 2028. And he's your backup right now. I mean, ended the season as a backup. So that's a tough situation. And we've seen it. I don't know whether it's lifestyle, weather, whatever, it's tough to win big down there. Also, Miles Garrett should ask for a trade again.

Just saying. I had Cleveland at seven. Yeah. And it's probably really because you have a little more faith in Shador than you. You think they might have the quarterback and he's free. And Schwartz, it looks like they're going to keep Jim Schwartz as a D.C., so their defense should be pretty good. I don't know that they'll give up miles. All right, move on to Baltimore.

Lamar Jackson goes into next year with the new coach. Will he also have a new contract? Sounds like it. Here's Raven's owner, Steve Schottie. We want another window, and Lamar knows that. and I think that he's amenable to doing something that mirrors the last deal he did, although the annual number will be a little higher,

but I'm hoping that it's plug a new number and the same contact he signed last year and move on. And the urgency of that matters to me because we've got free agents and I don't want to go into free agency without hanging over our head. And I made that clear to Lamar and I think he was very appreciative of my stance.

Literally the exact opposite of Jerry Jones. Would you give Lamar a new contract, bro? Absolutely. Like, it's a no-brose. I feel like Bashadi feels. He's 29 years old. He's smack dab in the middle of his prime. And even last, like last season off what a down year.

Here are some of his numbers on a down season. Passer rating, he still was fourth in the league. Yards per attempt, third in the league. Touchdown percentage, because he was 21 third in the league and top 10 in TD the interception ratio. And we know he had that bad five game stretch. But in one of those games, he threw two interceptions. So he only, he had one game where he threw two interceptions, but never more than two, and that was only one time.

Like his bad games were he wasn't completing passes at his typical rate. So it was like in the 50s as far as completion percentage. And he wasn't throwing any touchdowns. And but I believe Nick, he was, I believe he was hurt. Now, it was apparently nagging type of stuff, but I think it limited him. We know he was healthy. The first four games got hurt in the fourth game against Kansas City. We know he was healthy when he came back against Miami.

And then we know he was healthy in the last game against Pittsburgh. Other than that, he was hurt. Here's the, I don't know what is that, six games he was healthy. Six games where he didn't miss practice that week and didn't have an injury. Those are his numbers. I mean, so as he, as his running declines, Nick, I think he's become a very good path. So I think this is, I think this is. But those are, no, I'm making that point that those are the games he was healthy.

But it's not the games, Brew, that includes this first game. after his injury. Yeah, and he came back healthy. So he came back healthy and played great in that game. When did he get hurt? Well, I'm going off the injury report and him missing practice. Okay. So the weeks he did not miss practice, this is what he did.

Okay. Listen, I, so I, the, I'm fine with it. I'm fine with that. That's a fact. He's about to go to worry about it. No, I mean, you wouldn't sign him? So I think Steve Bichotti's a very smart guy and I think it's very interesting what he said.

Because I would do exactly what Steve Bichotti said he would do. Oh, pencil in a new number? Yeah. That same contract you signed before that was nothing close to fully guaranteed. That contract with a raise deal. I would 100% do that. But it was a good amount of it.

How much was guaranteed? $135 million out of 260. Half of it. 135 million, Garon. He's going to want more than that. And Steve Bishadhi also told us, because his cap figure is $75 million.

He was like, yeah, if something doesn't get done, then we just tack on some void years and we make sure. So he made it, to me, what he made it clear was, we don't have a gun to our head in the form of this $75 million cap figure because we can just tack on void years and honor this contract. And yeah, now, Lamar deserves a, raise and I'll give him a raise and I agree Lamar deserves a raise even though

I am I think it's fair to say far more down on Lamar Jackson's 2025 season than you are and it was a bad don't get me wrong it was a bad season but I'm saying even in a bad season those were his numbers yeah right and I think the numbers were better than the play was but regardless it was

even with that said he deserves a raise because where he is even in a bad year amongst NFL quarterbacks but if Lamar wants after winning another MVP and two first team all pros, something similar to what he wanted three years ago, which is a fully guaranteed top of market deal,

I'm not doing that. I am not doing that. I am saying, then I guess we're going to play this out. And we're going to, we can revisit in one year, because in one year, Lamar will have real leverage because he'll be on, have one year left on his deal. and he has a no tag clause. You know what I mean?

So, like, he could hit true free agency at 31 and go test what the market is. But I... Lamar... I said it the other day, and I don't know if people got upset with me. It just is what it is. It surprised people.

In the last five years, he has been exactly as available as Joe Burrow. They have played to the game, the same number of football games. In the last five years, Lamar Jackson has played in the playoffs twice. I believe he is coming off the worst year of his career by far, and the best version of why this year was the way it was for Lamar is because he was injury-riddled.

I am not interested in giving five years of fully guaranteed money to a 29-year-old mobile quarterback coming off an injury-riddled season. So if it's just a raise, absolutely. I'll give Lamar Jackson a raise. know, with a similar structure. Nobody's been getting fully guaranteed money. So I know he wanted that last time. Why would he not want it now, is my question. Well, he settled for less last time. So again, so he had to make,

talked about a trade, but settled for less. So if he would, if he'll take what Steve Bishad he's talking about, then I think that is a huge, like that's great for both sides. Lamar gets a raise and the Ravens maintain some risk against if he,

the way most mobile quarterbacks have aged. But he throws it better than most mobile quarterbacks. Yeah. There's no question. He's all time leader with Aaron Rogers and passerating. Yeah, but when you say it like that, it's true. I know, but it's like pure growers of the football. He didn't run this year.

Rogers won Lamar. You're right. And he wasn't good this year. But when he was healthy, he was. The first four games, was he good? No, not against the Chiefs. Not against the Chiefs. That's one game.

Well, that's a quarter of the sample. Was he, he wasn't good against Buffalo? He was awesome. Oh, my gosh. I'm not, I didn't say any, brew. You said he wasn't good to first four games? No, I didn't. I asked you, was he good to first four games?

You said no. He wasn't good. I thought you were asking me, was he good every single one of the first four weeks? He, I mean, he was good four of his first five games. I think he was awesome. against Buffalo. He was awesome against Cleveland. He was batting. Kansas City was game three. And he got hurt. He then Kansas City was the third game of the year. And he got hurt. So did he? And then the fourth game of the year. The, the fourth, not as far as I know,

is the fourth game of the year against the, am I wrong about this? Do I ever wrong? I thought my, okay. He came back against Miami and was out of this world, right? And then so, And he was good at the end against Pittsburgh. And so, and maybe I'm wrong. Maybe it was the fourth game. Maybe I have it wrong. I just, I thought Lamar this year, one of the reasons he was not as effective, and I think this is what Wilde is referring to, was because teams weren't threatened by his running.

And I think that that was, and I think that that would concern me moving forward. Not enough to where I wouldn't give him a raise, but it would concern me moving forward. Coming up next. special edition of must win. Hubs in my ear said Kansas City was. Week four. The fourth game, yeah. When was the Eagles?

It was a third game. Was it Detroit third maybe? I'll trust you. I was wrong. If I was stoned wrong, I was wrong. In the podcast, Best in the World, we're at 16 million views. Really seven to me and 17. Let's be honest with you.

Until we get to a billion views on YouTube. Thank you for your continued support. Best YouTube channel. in the country, I believe, not globally. Time now for the most literal segment of this segment of all time. The division around version of must win. First up, Bill's Broncos Saturday afternoon. Bills do a great job protecting Josh, fourth lowest pressure percentage,

but Broncos pressure QBs at the second highest rate. So quite a conundrum here. Greg, coach had a eight nothing victory last week, So he's passing the baton to you. Would you like to pass or play on the divisional round? Segment of must win. We're playing. Let's ride.

Let's ride. He has a game face. Oh, my gosh. Little Broncos on my gosh. He got this gang. He got this gang. He must have taken some smelling salts before this segment. Okay.

Go ahead. It's on me. You just said your pass or play. Oh, let's go. High expectations were set before the season even start. Sean Payton. Get it done. He stole your month's win?

Look, not only did he say, you know, we could win the division, short-term goal, long-term goal, this team is capable of winning the championship. Facts. Well, we all kind of scoffed at the idea. Well, guess who's sitting at the number one overall seed hosting Josh Allen and the bills? Understanding what's at stake, he has delivered. And now if he gets this win against Josh Allen, who is the favorite quarterback to go on because there's no Patrick Mahomes,

there's no Joe Burrell, there's no Lamar. We know the drill. It didn't matter to Sean Payton. He believed in this team from the start, and he's going to have a lot of us believing that they can actually get it done if he delivers against Josh Allen and the bills. Great start.

Greg is correct on who it is, but I'm going to tell you really why. Because Sean Payton, no, you're right. Thank you for the point. Sean Payton has also pre-celebrated. He did it last year when they got, they were up 7-0 on the bills in the playoffs, only to see the bills score 31 straight. And then afterwards told everyone, yeah, had we not gotten curb stomped by them, we probably would have gone to the Super Bowl. We liked our matchup in the next round.

He then also, as recently as yesterday, is treating people who cover the team as if they're just an inconvenient or a nuisance for, I don't know. Asking football, Jesus, Sean Baten, legitimate questions. Here's Sean Baten when asked about the return of Dre Greenlaw and his ability to stop the run. John having Greenlaw back with this game his ability to attack downhill in the run games. How big is that the timing of it for this one? Do you want them to attack downhill? Is that your, like, what do you know about attacking downhill in the run game?

You don't know. All right. That's right. It's all, listen, as long as you win, as long as, he might. He might. He might. He might. I hope so. But I'm just, that was right. Or maybe he's just kind of known to be a bit of a jerk at times.

I don't know. What I do know is next year the Denver Broncos play the bills, the Patriots, the Seahawks, the Rams, the 49ers, the Chargers twice, the Steelers twice. And then, yeah, next year. Meaning this is your moment. This is your opportunity. It's amazing how two guys can be so wrong. Sean Payton, two years ago, the Denver Broncos were a mess.

They were in Miami Dolphins territory where they had a quarterback with a huge salary that they didn't want that was coming off the bench. And what did Sean Payton do in two years? They are the number one seed and have a chance to go to the Super Bowl. If they lose this game, people in Denver are just going to be like, we're there though. And your quarterback is just in the second year. and we know the quarterback's not that good. The guy is Sean McDermott. There are real tangible things at stake for Sean McDermott.

Like his job? He's not getting fired. Maybe not. Maybe not. But Sean Payton, we know it's not getting fired. And again, he's getting praise for getting them this far this fast. Sean McDermott, real tangible things at stake. Nobody's going to kill.

Some people will kill Josh Allen, but nobody. You landed the plane. One nothing brew. Easy. You guys split votes. You guys said the same thing. And it was I split a vote and I started. Hey.

Wow. San Francisco in Seattle Saturday night on Fox. Seahawks more than touchdown favorites after beating Brock by 10 in week 18. Brock was dismal on third and fourth down. Two for 11. 18% worst in any game since 2022. Nick, this is your ball. Yeah.

Who's it a must win for? There's only one correct answer here. Everyone's going to agree so much so I won't even mind if you guys just copy off my paper. It's Sam Darnold and it's only Sam Darnold. It's his biggest career moment. Greg should. Buy a mile. If Sam Darnold loses this game, he's simply never going to be trusted.

Oof. Permanent pumpkin. You know what? That's exactly what I was about to say. Permanent pumpkin mode. He took the words right out of my mouth, Judge. against this defense in this spot, this rest advantage. It's Sam Darnold and only Sam Darnold.

Right down in the middle. It's Sam Darnock. I'm not even going to waste my breath. It's Sam Darnock. Let's go, Clint. Coobi, you're the only one that can control the mindset of Sam Darnold with the play calling, the scheme, the preparation, sitting in the meeting rooms,

putting into him the idea that he can, be the guy in this moment that he hasn't been. I'm not going to talk about Sam because Clint, you're like the puppet master. Oh, my goodness. If you orchestrate the perfect game plan, any player, including Sam, will go into a game with the level of confidence and belief that they can get it done. Clint Coupi at effort. Yeah, that's good try.

Let's go get the head coaching job somewhere. It's a good job. I appreciate you. All right, Nick's up. It's a good try. Nick's on the board now. Oh, sorry, that's actually just. Whoa.

That's actually just a charismatic one. I'm starting to think I'm just not beloved in this. What are you talking about? I mean, I had to split with Nick. They didn't get docked to split because they both said Sam. But I, you know, I mean, I didn't even try. Texans up against breaking the Patriots Sunday afternoon. New England, a top two offense.

Houston a top two defense. Last 10 years, six of these matchups. The offense has won four of these games only lost two. This one is worth two points. Who's in a must win for? C. Jay Stroud. Every other big name in this game is playing with house money.

Camico Ryan's, if they lose, nobody's killing him. He's created the best defense in the league. He resurrected that franchise from a few years ago when Deshawn Watson had demanded his way out and they looked done like they might as well fold up the franchise. He's brought him back. Drake May, second year quarterback, first year in the playoffs. Nobody's killing. He won his playoff game.

Nobody's killing him if against the best defense in the league. league he loses. And Mike Vrable might be the coach of the year. He has revitalized that historic franchise. C.J. Strau has gone from, man, the golden child. Future MVP, maybe his second year to is he the reason they can't win the Super Bowl? So it's on C. J.

Excellent. C.J. Straub. Oh, my gosh, guys. Drake May is living your football life that we, all thought it was yours the prophecy second year your coach believes in you he goes and gets everybody defensively because we have the guy and now you have to go into foxborough playing a guy that is literally doing everything that we thought you would be doing have some competitive drive some pride about yourself and go out there and execute c j stroud this is all on you huh

it's a good answer the right answer though is mike gravel interesting because he can't let D'Amico Ryan's come snatch his chain. These guys, whether they know it or not, have been competing for whole lives. Mike Vrable was a really, really good high school recruit at linebacker. Good enough to go to Ohio State. Tomiko Ryans, just a little better when Alabama. Mike Grable was a third round pick. Tomic-O-Reynolds, same position, same idea, second-round pick.

Mike Vrable was a good as a round pick. rookie, Demico Ryan's defensive rookie here. Mike Brable, one time pro bowler. Domeco Ryan's, two time pro bowler. Now they're coaches. Mike Grable is Mr. Tough guy, the guy I'm getting bloody lips. My team playing your team in a very similar situation.

Domeko Ryan's, who was the slightly better player, high school, college, and pro, beats Mike Vrable in his building be like, hey, buddy, I'm the better coach too. The big tough linebacker turn coach that everyone wants, it'd be me. Nothing that it's you, Mike, you've been good. You just haven't ever quite been to Miko Ryan's. It's Mike Vrable. How many coach of the year in Super Bowl rings does Domeco Ryan have?

Well, let's see. Let's see. As it, let's see. Two points for brew. What? Finally, Rams at Bears. I thought Nick was good. I passed.

You're like, eat no facts. It's a nice story. He did a whole salad of. Braybo, Damico, everybody else. What you had me? It's a nice story line. It's a nice story line. Nobody's thinking about.

I knew you guys were going to go see, but it's not really good. It's true. Right. Exactly. Allstate Alabama. Staff for favorite individual round. You know.

You should be done all this point. No, I should get a little bit of extra points. Yes. Making you laugh. the break. That's what I did. It's not the break. I'm trying to do the news. I'm trying to do the news. I'm going to break between the questions.

Three of the last four road favorites lost and the Rams are favorite, so they might lose. Greg, it's back to you. This is worth four. So it's still anybody's ball game. I honestly feel like it's anybody's giving you guys. He's just giving the table. Oh my gosh.

I thought we had a heart of a champion. But Matthew, Stafford. Legacy game. Oh, legacy. I'm talking there's not a long list of guys that have two championships and a potential MVP attached to their name. This is a legacy game, a legacy statement. This is a team that you're familiar with, the organization that you're familiar with. You've played in these inclement weather opportunities. You have to get it done. We'll talk more about your entire entire team, but this is about you. You have to show up.

You have to deliver. You've done it all season long. You can't come up short in this moment. Go get your legacy, man. First ballot. First ballot. You get this done. First ballot.

MVP, two championships. First ballot. He wins the championship at FEMA this week? No. Dennis Allen. You went back to history. I went back to things that have happened. I haven't presumed things will have matters in future.

Dennis Allen, everybody knows the Rams offense against the Bears defense is a mismatch. What are you mad about? Everybody knows that. If Dennis Allen can cook up, he's the defensive coordinator for the Bears. No, I know. I was just letting you know, you seem so shocked just want to make sure we're all the same bank. Yeah. Not a huge name, you know.

Not a huge name, but maybe the most. Everybody's going to be focused on. Dennis Allen. Why are you so focused on the airport? Because this is the third time to say. Shout out to you if you're taking a flight right now. Now, Grater can be killed. Number one pick, generational guy.

We're focusing on the linebackers coach. No, he's not a lineback. He didn't like Dennis Allen. He was on the same of mind. Oh, he's quitting. No, I mean, I had great analysis. Do I even need to? I didn't want it.

You didn't want it. I want to, too bad. I don't even think I need to go to get this way. I mean, my goodness, we're talking about crash outs. All right, here we go. It's Nick Wright. What? What is the fumble at the goal?

Is the Nick? I got it. Let me finish. Let me finish. Let me finish. Is the Nick pick becoming the kiss of death in the NFC? Let me take you through it. Like Nick took you through?

I don't know. I'm going to take you through. through with some facts last year. Chicago Bears win the Super Bowl. They don't even make the playoffs. I can't believe it. They don't know. Were you listening to?

A half of grade doesn't make what? That was a big. That was a pink. You didn't even let her brother finish. You got made fun of the same. You wouldn't even listen to me. Nobody at the airports like Nick Wright. Sorry.

Enjoy your flight, everybody. Why? The sound's not even on at the airport. That's a good point. Can you both enjoy your flight on the bar? Oh my God. We were running out of time. I'm sorry, bro.

I'm going to have to go. Head to Milwaukee where the bucks were booed at halftime after falling behind by 31 to the wolves without Rudy or Ann. After the break, Yannis gets an and one to fall and then is on the ground and starts booing his own fans. Here he is after the game. When I get boo, I boo back. I've been doing all season.

You guys haven't been with me on the road. Whenever I get boo, I boo back. I mean, do you have a message? It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter. I play basketball for my teammates. I play basketball for myself and my family.

When people don't believe in me, I don't tend to be with them. I tend to be against them. Yikes. Now this is six days after he said he would never ask for a trade. Yeah. This seems like a pivot. I think the root of this is that Janus feels, understandably feels like I'm doing y'all a favor. Now, you disagree with that. But I'm being loyal to you fans here in Milwaukee.

I'm doing you a favor and this is how you trick. I think that's really how he feels. I'm speculating, but that's my take on the matter. And look, and I think Because he booed, he doesn't, and he said it, he does that on the road when he gets booed. They'll boo back at the fans after a big play. This is the first time he did it at home.

Nick, this might be good if it sparks Janus to go ahead and say, you know what, they're booing me. I ask for a trade. You hate that it happens this way if it does because, and I think he still will, no matter how it is, have a statue out in front of that building. But if this is what is going to take, to drive him out of there, then find, and it'll be good for Milwaukee, too.

They're a terrible team. They're not, they don't have a chance. So go ahead and ask for the trade and get somewhere where you can compete for championships. They weren't booing Janus. They're booing the team, which is different. Like, maybe people might look at that as a distinction without a difference because he's on the team. But I don't, I think if I viewed them booing as, discussed with the fact that a team with Janus can be this bad.

Down 29. Down 29 at half time. And I don't know. Janus has been in the public eye for at this point, gosh, almost 15 years. He is the only thing close to a misstep was when he assaulted the latter. Yeah. And he, I wanted to play more basketball. Right.

And so I am as pro-Yon- as I can as anyone can be. I think this was a mistake and I thought his explanation was poor. I, again, I understand it's different markets and different sports. The Eagles are defending Super Bowl champions. Their fans been booing them all year. Oh, yeah.

If Jalen Hurts turned to the crowd and booed them. I mean, that's like, so I think this was a, I think it also shows that Yonis is re, nearing, I don't say a breaking point, that sounds more drastic, but he's, he's frustrated. I think that's fair. As can be. And so I generally agree with you, Brew, that what would be best for both parties would be, you know, a mutual parting of ways. The problem is, I think it's going to be hard to find a team that can give up fair value for Janus, that that team is still a contender.

Houston is far. I think it should be Houston. San Antonio appears they, they should stand pat. Nix, I don't know if they can get the draft picks with the third or fourth team in the deal. Houston's fall into the sixth seed. Now, I know it's still jungle, but they're the sixth seed. Shingoon and a Reed Shepard, you know, whatever else to make it work financially.

But I think for Milwaukee, that's not bad. And Yonis plays like Shingun. You were a better version, but handles the ball. You were talking about a breaking point. This is the other video that was going miniature viral. A lot of people are speculating that Janice is crying here. We don't know that. He might just be wiping sweat from his eyes.

But, oh, I didn't see this. Yeah, kicking around. One of the popular Twitter fans, Bucks fans, blogs that we don't deserve this man. He should leave for his own good. Well, look, he's clearly very loyal. And it may have really hurt him more than we think, Nick, to be booed by those fans. Again, I do feel like he's saying, look, I'm staying here for, yes, the franchise, my teammates, whatever. The fans, I don't want to let them down and to be booed.

I mean, if that's what it looks like, then, um, well, I don't know. I would, I would hope Janus knows. They are not booing Janus on Tenancumpo. They're booing the 2026 Milwaukee Bucks that you are the only, it's, it's a it is just a dog of a movie that has you know

a great DiCaprio performance in it but that it's wasted in the and so if you honest I legitimately I try to be prepared every day I hadn't seen that video at all I didn't know like and that initially right but no I would have assumed he was wiping sweat

but the look on his face when he takes the towel away is something whether he was tearing or not he clearly was desponding. And so, I mean, this is just a crummy situation. You all want him out of I think it's time to go. I just want him to play big games again. Yeah, which

is he's not going to happen there. Bucks in San Antonio tomorrow night. All right, coming up after the break, divisional round tiers. Next. The show just made an excellent joke about the outdated printers at dentist's office.

Yeah, the dot matrix, the little things on the side that. That's what we control our telehealth. That's what we control our telepropter with one of those. That's a savvy observation. Thank you. Yeah. It's exactly what it is. Yeah.

But now, but luckily now in the control room, Tatiana's hand is on the control. It looks like something from the 60th. Yeah. Second hour of first things first. Today, Josh Allen loses another wide receiver. Does he have enough support to beat the Broncos? Hmm.

Meanwhile, where do the Steelers go from here? And are we sure this is a great job? But right now, Let me get you caught up to speed on what's been happening last night, last night, while eating flaming hot Cheetos as a substitute for a pack of cigarettes. An elite committee of experts, analysts, and you ate a family-sized bag of Sour Patch kids as well. Wow. Is that?

Fought and toiled and toiled and burn the midnight oil to deliver the best segment in all sports. It's an honor. And it's a privilege. It's time for divisional round tears. Indeed it is. He's trying his best, guys. I'm doing great. 14 days.

That's great, man. No, no, no black of milds, no cigarettes, no faith, no, nothing. But today I started like salad back of my people, they know. And it was like, I got to get something. I found some flaming hot Cheetos. And I'm like, now I'm just going to become just, I'm going to die a different way. But whatever, right? Not going to be smoking.

Right. Right. Has it has butter in five years. Time for the tears, fresh eliminations. We know who you are. Wow. Yikes. Eagles.

Again, defending a title's not for everybody. Jags, Packers, Chargers, Steelers, and Panthers. Eight teams left. And I would argue that of the nine best teams in the NFL this season, eight of them are represented in the final eight. The Jags are the only team that was a clear-cut top-nine team. didn't make the final, the divisional round. Bottom of the tiers.

Coaching Masterclass, the San Francisco 49ers. I think this is as impressive of a coaching job as I've seen in a single season in my life covering the NFL. The keeping everyone together when less than a month into the year, you have suffered devastating injuries to your best players and your quarterback. To not have guys let go over the rope and just be like, you know what, this ain't our season. To lose week 18 for the number one overall seed

and go from we're going to get a week off. We're going to be at home next to that power plant hanging out. And instead, we got to go on the road to the defending Super Bowl champs in the cold and finding away. I just think Shanahan and Sala and John Lynch, everybody involved, the players as well, obviously. but they all deserve a ton of credit. It's pretty basic to your name,

but it describes their style of play. Repeatedly punching you in the face. Yeah, that's fair. The Houston Texas. I really appreciate the fact that they don't have a fancy defensive scheme. They don't try to trick you. They don't like to disguise a bunch of coverages.

They're like, hey, what if this is our philosophy? Four defensive linemen that can get home, The best secondary in football as far as coverage goes, and oh yeah, by the way, the best tackling secondary as well, and some mean-ass linebackers. What if that's our plan? What if we don't care how many times C.J. Stroud fumbles the ball? Because we're going to score on defense. A head coach who seems to get more enjoyment out of a three-and-out caused by a sack than an offensive touchdown, they are just bruising. And I think the offense might if the offense doesn't get better, they have a ceiling, but they are unbelievable to watch.

Oz the mentalist. Oh, wow. Here's what I mean. You see it happen again and again and again. And eventually you're like, I don't know, maybe it's real. Great take. Added bonus. What a Oz the mentalist and the Chicago Bears have in common?

Kevin Wilde can't stand either one of them, but pretend it's gonna pretend, oh, I don't have a problem with Oz the mentalist or shows that platform him, and I don't have problem with the Bears as he writes. Kevin Wilde's deep down and maybe publicly just on the air, can't stand the Bears, Benjotton and Caleb or Oz the Mentalist. Next. One win ballot. Enough with the ATM code, okay?

The ATM code. He can't stand it. One win validates everything. You win this game, Denver, most notably Sean Payton. You're hosting the AFC championship game. You were the one seed. Went to the AFC title game. You beat Josh Allen.

You beat the bills. Even if you don't get to, much less win the Super Bowl, nobody's going to say, ah, we knew you guys were frauds. Like, win one playoff game. That's what a buy means. That's what being the number one seed is. The flip side is, lose this week. and those folks of which I am one of them

who all year long did not believe in you who believe your come-ups come-upance is in route next season who thinks Sean Payton nobody and this is a lot coming for me nobody likes the sound of their own voice as much as Sean Peyton likes his gonna feel a little different

if you lose your first playoff game got the jitters out of the way Patriots and that makes him very scary. I don't think Drake May is going to play a worse half these playoffs the rest of the way. Then he played in the first half, pardon me against the Chargers. I also, when you watch the NC-17 film known as the All-22 for Justin Herbert, what you realize is your guy's secondary had some jitters as well early in that game. A lot of guys running wide open.

Now, Herbert didn't see them, and the Chargers offense couldn't capitalize on May's mistakes. If you guys offensively and defensively, the rest of the playoffs are the team you were in that second half, you can win the Super Bowl. It only gets harder, Josh Allen and the Bills. That was a great win going to Buffalo. I'm sorry, going to Jacksonville and beating that Red Hot Jags team. Now you go to Mile High and have to take on. a rested Denver Broncos team. And then after that, you got to either go to New England or to Houston,

two teams that beat you this year. It only gets harder every step of the way, but that's how it's supposed to be if you're trying to have a legendary run as Josh Allen is to the Super Bowl. This one makes me sad a little because I like Caleb, happy, because everybody knows I'm a Rams guy. MVP Masterclass on deck. Oh, wow.

I think we could have a five touchdown, 325-yard, 40-point Rams performance this weekend. I do not think that that Bears defense is going to be able to even slightly slow down that Rams passing attack and what Sean McBay is going to dial up as far as to exploit some of the weak spots in that Bear's secondary and I don't think the Bears pass rush is going to be able to impact Stafford the way they need to. I think he's going to have a gaudy, gaudy stat line and it is going to take a superhuman performance from Caleb in the Bears offense to even keep it close. And atop the tears, Greg Jennings, not midnight yet. Listen, I don't know if he's going to go pumpkin, but I do know that it ain't midnight yet, and as long as it's not, the Seahawks are the best team.

As long as they can just get steady play from Sam Darnel, much less great play, steady play. They are the best overall team. They are rested. They are at home. They have the most advantageous matchup of any of these round two games. They're atop the tiers once again, Greg. That's a great tiers.

Yeah, I love the tier of the titles. Look, I'm going to focus on the Rams. And I'm actually going to move them down because although I'm with you on the master class and it can definitely very well be a masterclass for that offense and putting up 40 points that defense is going to hope that they do that. Oh. Because I don't think we really have dialed in on what we've been seeing from this Rams defense. But they are, to your point, wilds, getable. First, from week one of week 12 and we have the numbers to support it, like they were like. Lights out. Only giving up 16 points a game.

310 yards basically yards per game. Opponents passed a touchdown intercept 13 and 10. Like they were lights out. Pass a rating under 80. And then the rest of the season unfolded. The last seven games of the season. This is including Carolina the Wild Card performance. Giving up almost 30 points a game.

350 plus yards a game. and look at the opponent past touchdown and interception. They're no longer creating turnovers, but they're giving up points. And then the passer rating has shot up. Like this defense has allowed so many explosive plays, not only in the passing game, but also in the running game. If the bears are able to have that Oz show, Oz the mentalists show up and put on the magic show and be what they've been,

they are going to put points on the board against this defense because for whatever reason, this is who they've been since week 12. And it hasn't been against juggernaut offenses and quarterbacks. But that has to not be the case. If you're the Rams and you're that offense and you're Matthew Stafford and you've been executing, Pook and Nicole have been playing lights out, Sean. They've been downing up all kinds of plays. You've got to get better.

out of your defense if you're going to make this run. It's good. Listen, I think that though what gives me a little hope for the Rams in that regard is it's not a small sample of the season when the defense was out of this world. Correct. And it's not like, oh, they can't do it. They lost Micah Parsons and so they're not the same. But it has been, we're going on now two months of bad, of bad play from that side of the ball.

I also, though, wonder how much of a home field advantage the Bears are going to have this game. I, it, that crowd was so loud and so good and that game was such, as Danny talked about, like, a religious experience. Letdown crowd? I just, I don't think, I think the Bears fans felt like we have to win this game. We're playing the Packers, where the two, we won the division. I love this thing. Like, I just don't know. It feels a little.

house money at this point in the season more so than you normally would have for a two seed in round two. I like that take. I think Nick, you share my skepticism, which is why I'm surprised they're atop the tiers. I got to move the Seahawks down just because of the quarterback. I mean, that's it. The defense, we know is great, the head coach is great, the receivers are great, the running game, the offensive coordinator, everything. I'm moving them. Sam Darnold in his last nine games. Now, they're eight and one. I know. But in his last nine games, nine touchdowns, nine interceptions. And obviously those all weren't against playoff teams, let alone, you know, the final eight. So I just, with his question marks, I'm going to move them down. And look,

I'm going to put the bills on top. We all know this is Super Bowl win or bust. They're the only team of the eight left where it is absolutely we got to win a Super Bowl. I don't even think it's we got to get to the Super Bowl because they've gotten there so in the past and been so disappointed, not been able to win it. They have to win it. And I think that little extra, obviously, all the teams want to win it. You got the best quarterback left. I think both conferences, you got the best quarterback, the best player, you have a good squad. Your defense in some ways can be pretty good. Offensive line is great. And even without the receiver they just lost, they still got. Brandon Cooks has actually played really well lately. And Khalil Shakir has,

and maybe Keon Coleman will step up and they got the tightness. They literally have three wide receivers on the roster. Brandon Cox is moderately new. They bench Keon Coleman multiple times and Khalil Shakir. Well, Shakir has been playing, was really good last week. And Cooks has made some great kids. I know, but just having. going into their, you know, they're going to, they're going to bring up Cole Hardman. I don't know. They're talking about signing OBJ.

I mean, he's nothing to sneeze. I mean, we're talking about the offense that heavily relies on their tight ends as well. Right. And the run game. They got a great running back and the quarterback. But in reality, this is a, I don't think they're the best. But you're like, you're saying it's wide open. They have the most experience and they have the best player.

Yeah. That's, that's your. So I. I would, if we got a Seahawks Bill's Super Bowl, if we got Bill's Rams, I would be picking the Rams. But if we got Bill's Seahawks, even though I have the Seahawks there, I don't know that I would be able to, like, I feel like I could put my head down on the pillow night before the game,

be like, I'm really going to bet on Sam Darnold over Josh Allen. It's going to be hard. But I do think the Seahawks have been the best team. I understand what you're saying. I think they've been the best team. You know what they call me the mayor? call me a Pucksetani Philopold. Also the mayor of fair. It's because I give you a straightforward analysis, not colored by my own fan allegiances. About about Buffalo. The Buffalo bills better

win their game and then put on a bunch of Patriot stuff because I don't think they had any chance at beating the Texans. They definitely don't want to go play there. I don't know if they go go away. They already beat the Patriots at home. Like they're like, I don't think they, they have any chance of beating the Texas. I don't, that game was such a one-sided destruction. Where Josh Allen,

it was, had more weapons, was healthier. They didn't, like you said, they didn't. And wasn't that Davis Mills? Quarterbacking for the Texas. So last, last, the last two regular seasons. The last two times they played them.

We're Davis Mills. No, no, no, no. The last one was David Davis Mills, but you're talking about, I think, last year. No, I'm talking about this. I'm talking about this, the last time we saw them play in Houston where Josh Allen was being crushed by this. He was. I've got the Texans moving. If you've won them bills number one, I'll put the Texans wherever you got the bills.

The Texans are ahead of the bills. They are a Super Bowl champion defense. We could pull a thousand stats. Josh is like, oh, here's what, remember the 2015 Broncos? They're better than the 2015. No-fly zone Broncos. Both games, and as a nice little bonus, both of these Super Bowls in Santa Clara.

Also, and this is a little bit of a spin on one of Danny stats, 12, and if you've won 12 games or more when you score 20 or more, you win the Super Bowl. So to me, it's a little bit on CJ, just has to play adequate, but I'm very nervous as a Patriots fan on going up against this defense.

We've got some good Josh McDaniels, Stats coming up later this week. But this defense is just that I close my eyes and I can see that it passes the confetti test. I've seen it. I saw the Eagles defense get to Mahomes without blitzing and ruin the game. And Mahomes was the best player in the world. It's like doesn't really matter if we can get to you. So I understand that.

But the and I've said this for, but I'll say it again real quick. The problem with that style of. play where the offense gives you so little and the defense is, you know, just so dominant is a game like Texans bills can happen where the bill's offense is just rattled. Josh plays poorly. The Texans defense plays damn near perfect. Sure. And with 45 seconds left, the Buffalo Bills have the ball 18 yards from the end zone down

four points. But that was Davis. That was a CJ. Again, this year. This year, there's not been a big difference in the Texans' offense with Davis Mills or with C.J. Strout. I mean, they were up 7-6 on the Steelers going into the fourth quarter. Right. And so, right. That's the, I mean, I think the Steelers game is a good example. Now, that game is 10-6, 7-6 going into the fourth.

10-6 Steelers ball, and then the Texans get two defensive sports gets away. It's just, it's very difficult to create separation from a team if you're an A triple plus defense and C minus offense. And if you're saying we get Texans bills, which by the way would mean they beat the pads, which I don't think you think. But I understand what you're saying. I'm very nervous. And if it's a one score game in the fourth quarter and Josh Allen can have to be in the same situation as in the regular season. I'd be like, I take my chances. And let's not forget,

Nico Collins is in concussion protocol. Right. Like, I expect him to play. Oh, you do? I do. I do not. I do expect him to play. We've rarely seen a guy.

We have, but I expect him to play. But if he doesn't, I mean, Christian Kirk was great. Yeah. I don't know if that's enough. I agree. And I just want to say something real quick about that, because you mentioned it. To my eye watching Monday Night Football, it looked to me like Nico Collins got a concussion on the third play of the game.

And he hit his head. They went, checked him out, and then somehow he went back in. And then late in the game, he had a pretty regular fall. And he had to be carted off and he didn't know where he was. We've got to do a better job of, if it looks like a, I understand it's the playoff game and I get that. But the reaction he had to the second, what I perceived to be, the second head injury, looked so catastrophic. It really made me feel like that on the first drive of the game, he suffered a concussion,

and he kept playing. And that was brutal. The flip side of it, Christian Gonzalez, was the other side. He says he's okay, and they wouldn't let him back in the head. I think he's going to be clear, but I don't know if Nico is going to be. Yeah, well, see, that second one, though, he hit his head pretty hard. So that was a clear cut. But I'm with you.

It felt like he had gotten hurt early. A little skeptical too. Steelers looking for a new coach next. Saturday on Fox 49ers versus the Seahawks. This one's at 7.30 on Saturday. 430 Pacific only on Fox. Welcome back to first things first. Steelers looking for a new head coach after Tomlin leaves after 19 years.

There's nine current job openings. We ranked them all. Nick, you had the Steelers as. the second vest opening and the Browns as the worst. Greg, how do you view the Steelers job? Do you think it's a great job? I definitely, I don't know if it's a great job in terms of what you're going to have from a roster standpoint because of you not, the fact that you won't have a quarterback

right away. If we're looking at it from the lens of having an opportunity to create and establish what you want to do, your plan of attack, your vision, and having a runway to execute that vision, great job. I just believe the Steelers are in lockstep with a head coach who they believe in, who they feel like, okay, if we're going to invest in you, we're going to give you the time and the opportunity

to create this plan and execute this plan. And we don't see that across the NFL any longer. You have a short leash, and it's like if you don't get it done because you typically do have the quarterback when you go to a place like the Ravens, then it's like, because you had Lamar, I don't know if we can give you that much time. We already expect to win.

So with that being the case, the Steelers have a lot of draft capital. You've mentioned this several times on the show with the personnel that they have on their current roster, with some of those older guys and the cap hits that they're going to be taking, they could retool some of that. And so you could get even,

more. I just think because the culture and the organization is run in such a great manner, this is an fantastic opportunity for most coaches. Yeah, no, I completely agree. I mean, that's what you're looking for is stability. Can I be there the next 10, 15

years? And I even think, Greg, the fans, after so long a period of, we're good. We make the playoffs. We win 10 games. They've had that now for 10 years. whatever it is.

They will accept, certainly one season, I believe, of we're five and 12. Maybe two seasons, if they see things moving in the right direction, you're getting some good young players. So I think that helps the coach as well. And as long as he's, I mean, I think they'll hire a solid guy. And if you're solid and even if the record's poor, but you can see, you know what you're doing offensively, you know what you're doing defensively, you have control of the locker room and the players play for you,

I think they'll give you a long leash, and that's what you want. I know you did your list already, so I'm going to flip the question for you. I know we're like, whoever this is is going to have the job for however many years, but even on your list, they're the second best job. So if I was the best

candidate, you're the silver medalist. Does any part of you feel like this is not the strongest coaching class that there wasn't like Ben John was like the bell of the ball, and next thing you know, the bears are riding in the playoffs. Like, do you feel like the job, the candidates that are out there are up to having the job for 50 plus years?

Well, listen, Mike Tomlin wouldn't have been. Mike Tomlin was a very lightly known assistant. He had only been a coordinator for one year. One year, yeah. An assistant in Minnesota. Harbaugh. Harbaugh. You know, Harbaugh was special teams coordinator.

I Sean McVeigh spouted an entire tree that was a shocking hire when it happened because he was you know 32 years old like Sean McI was viewed as a savant type guy I was so young but he wasn't Ben Johnson it wasn't somebody that had been in the news year after year I think Liam Cohen has done a great job Liam Cohen was like a late stage in the coaching search hire and he wasn't viewed as throughout the year like oh he's a surefire. So I just, I don't know that you, there certainly isn't a, like, you said Ben Johnson, what there definitely is not right now is a Jim Harbaugh, Sean Payton,

except for the two guys who just got let go or left the Ravens and the Steelers. Super Bowl? The thing about McCarthy is, and I know his name keeps getting brought up, it's very rare for coaches to get three shots. It's a two-shot thing typically. When you say shot, I mean, he produced in both places. No, I know. So it's not like he failed.

You know what I mean? No, but it's just rare for coaches to have three different head coaching tenures for three different teams. I think that for the Steelers, what is, Bru's point is such an important one as far as how good of a job is it. What do the fans expect and how much pressure will fans? put on ownership if things aren't going well. These fans in Pittsburgh, now maybe they'll rue the day, but treated,

this was, yesterday was a celebratory day in Pittsburgh. I thought maybe to a degree that was disrespectful to Tomlin, but it's fine. Fans call and talk radio, do whatever they want. A friend of this show, Andrew Philpone had started him up for five years

that Tomlin needed to go, and they treated yesterday like it was a big, you know, relief because I think that if you were to poll Steelers fans, the 2026 Pittsburgh Steelers, would you rather be 9 and 8 or 3 and 14?

I think 3 and 14 runs away with it. Obviously, what they'd want is 14 and 3 and try to win a Super Bowl. But I think that they are sick of being stuck in the middle and they do have an appetite of bottom out, short term to build it back up into excellence.

The question will be, do you have a coach that once you have a high ceiling can bring with him a high floor? Like assuming you get the quarterback that allows you to have a high ceiling, that doesn't mean you're going to have a high floor. Like the, you know, they don't have that in Cincinnati. They have the quarterback. They don't have a high floor there. And so it's not as easy. Greg, can I pitch you on that? something we don't know who the person is going to be and it seems like they have to be a great

higher for they're going to have this stability we've also talked about some of the challenges that college coaches would face making the leap to the NFL Marcus Freeman signetti's older obviously but seems to be the obvious the best coaching college football arguably do you think that having a long runway with the Steelers would entice Marcus Freeman or Signetti to make the jump Yeah, I think it would entice any coach because, again, it's, this is not the norm. When you sign up, yeah, everybody has hopes of having a long tenure with whatever team that they sign up, sign the contract with. But this is almost, and I don't want to make it seem like it's a guaranteed thing because, of course, it's not. But more so than anywhere else, this is almost a guarantee.

They're going to allow you a runway. So I don't know, even if Marcus Friedman, the Steelers have been known because of what you mentioned with Mike Tomlin being a one-year guy, not being in-house, not being the guy that they, you know, even Willie Colon spoke to it yesterday, that they felt even in the locker room was a stealer guy, he was just a guy. young, I think they're going to go to a young guy that has a mind, a vision, a way of doing things that they can get behind and allow them to go. Can I throw, I'm going to throw a name out there that wasn't mentioned yesterday,

and I'm going to mispronounce his last name. But the kid, he's very young in Los Angeles. Nathan Skeel House, Skeel House, it's S-C-H-E-E-L, and then H-A-S-S-E. I don't know to pronounce it, I apologize. It just reminds me of an offensive Tomlin.

Kind of like the first year with a big job in his early 30s considered incredibly sharp. And I do think while the Steelers have always been, I say always, it's three hires, but they've had three defensive guys. I wonder if they feel like we like the model of like young can grow all of it. But if our big problem at this point has been, we need to find and develop a quarterback, having an offensive mind that can grow with the quarterback is a good idea. So, like, Flores is interesting. He's the defensive side of the ball.

Jesse Minter with the Chargers is young and interesting. His defensive side of the ball. So I wonder if that's, you know, a name to look at four with the Steelers. Okay. Speaking of college football, Dante Moore, staying at Oregon. Had a rough game against Indiana, but was projected to be the number two pick. The Jets are in need of a quarterback, and there is some discussion that perhaps he's purposely avoiding. the Jets. Nick, do you think the Jets having a high pick affected Dante's decision or should it have?

Here's what I think that if what's a good example of a franchise, everyone respects, that just doesn't have a quarterback. So I should have thought of this earlier. The Steelers, I mean. Okay, sure. Great. Yeah, I didn't want to use them as if Pittsburgh had the number two pick or the Giants. Giants, maybe. It feels a little more stability. Right.

If a team such as that had the number two pick, I think he'd be in the draft. And I also want to make this clear. I don't think it's a mistake for him to be like, I'll go spend another year at Oregon, make four or five million bucks. And avoid a franchise that has, is probably the number 31 or number 32 draft pick in the NFL for quarterback development.

Like, I don't blame him for that. Like, I don't look at view him as such a can't miss. Like, wherever I go, I'm going, you know, I will make it work. I think it's probably right needs, right fit, right system, all of it. And I don't blame him for not wanting to go to the New York Jets, if that's the case. Yeah, look, I have no idea if that is the case with the Jets. But when Joe Burrow was coming out and everybody was saying, man, avoid the Bengals,

don't go to the Bengals. I was saying if you're that guy, go somewhere and make it happen, which he obviously did. He also was from Ohio, not far from Cincinnati. I can't blame if that is what Dante Moore is thinking.

We have so much evidence. Robert Salah is one of the top coaching names on the market, even though he lost tremendously. with the Jets. Everybody's saying it was them, not him. All right? Sam Darnold, you and others have him as the best. They're the best team in the league.

If Sam Darnold somehow wins this Super Bowl, that is a terrible look for the Jets because they got what we're talking about with Pittsburgh. Bottom out, get a top pick, get your quarterback. They apparent, if Darnold goes on to do that, they had him and didn't know what to do with him. And so, and Garrett Wilson, I mean, it's great, but he's kind of languishing in almost anonymity because the organization is so bad. And you, Rogers, the numbers are similar.

You could say Rogers, though. I mean, it ended really badly for him there. And then he goes to the Steelers and they at least make the playoffs and he plays fairly well. So I can't blame the kid if that is the reason. And we're talking about a young man that it's him. There is no quarterback competition in this year's draft. Right, because we know Mendoza's won. Yeah, it's like it's him.

So to go back to school knowing, okay, I got to go through an entire entire season, not get injured to kind of guarantee that, and play well, to kind of guarantee that I can still be in this position at the end of another complete season, that's, I mean, if you're the Jets, you've got to change something. because if teams are, if players are dodging you, and I'll add this, NIL has changed everything too because the fact that he's going to, he's going to make money, like it's changed everything as well. I will say this, having watched him this year in the Big Ten,

and he's played Indiana twice, not played a bunch of stiff competition, and their personnel offensively has typically been a little bit better than everybody that they've played, he definitely does need to sharpen up his arsenal in this toolkit. So it can benefit him as well, but the Jets definitely has a role in this. Because usually if you're at that high number two. Right. What am I waiting for? I also think just it Oregon has taken a step every year under Dan Laining.

You know what I like that? And each year their final loss is a brutal one. Like they get just clocked, but it's a step. By champs. Right. And it's a step closer. This now, in my opinion, should make Oregon the favorites for next season. Wow.

I mean, Indiana is going to lose their quarterback. I understand that Arch and Texas people are going to really believe in, and Arch should be better next year. But Oregon, getting him back with that team, and it should feel like the progression for Dan Lannning and the Ducks is next year we play for the next. I guess the progression would be, to the national title game, we get blown out in that one. And the year after is when we win it.

But we're one step closer is what they should. More Dylan Riola news in the break. It's going to be a podcast exclusive. Did he transfer somewhere else? Not yet. I'm waiting for it, though. It's College of Friday. I'm just messing.

Big 12 battle. Baylor picking on Kansas. All tips off Friday night, 8 Eastern on Fox. Welcome back to the show. San Francisco in Seattle. Saturday night. This one is on Fox as well. Sam Darnold is a seven and a half point favorite against Brock and Friends. Seattle is down to seven. KW. Oh, down to seven. We're moving lines. Seattle's hot, but as you know, this side of the desk, you know what we believe in, due dates. Seahawks may be due for a loss. We do. If you're on a seven-game win streak and you had a buy in the last 20 years, this one. And if your name is not Tom Brady, you lost. Oh my goodness. So who do you trust more?

Hold on. Really? Wait, seven game win street. Yep. Divisional round. After having to buy. Really? Evidently.

Rest versus Russ. And you're due for a loss. It's a due date. So that is, that's interesting. So that's, that's Lamar's Ravens, that's Tanna Hills Titans. I'll think of a couple more that they were. Oh, no. Oh, no.

Oh, maybe I'm wrong. Okay. Here we go. But go ahead. It doesn't matter. It's, what do you trust more? It does matter. The, I.

This Saturday, I trust Arnold more. Wow. Just because of who they're against. Purdy's, listen, I, as I said Monday, you like you. I am open to say it. That's all you can ask for. About Brock Purdy. I'm open to the possibility that maybe there's a chance that one day I'll change my opinion.

I'm open to that. And I gave him credit for what I thought was a gutsy performance. this weekend. But against this defense, with no George Kittle, the rest disadvantage, the way they're going to be flying around, that crowd noise, all of it. And Darnold, I think Darnold has shown us that if I, if the picture is clear to me, I can be accurate, I can deliver. That's the problem.

And no, no, but I'm saying, I think against the Niners defense, it's going to be pretty clear. So this Saturday, I trust Sam Darnold more as weird as that is because in general, I don't trust Sam Darnel. Look, obviously you're right in that Darnel's facing a much easier defense.

No question about it. Pertie's numbers in the two games against the Seahawks as year. He's completed 73% of his passes but two touchdowns, three interceptions. I think like I trust him more. I get it. I'm not necessarily picking the Niners. We'll do our picks later in the week. But

But I trust him more. I think he's going to learn from those two games, Greg. Like he threw the interception. He obviously had a game winning touchdown in the first game of the season against Seattle. But I think he's going to learn from that. In the playoffs, he's five and two, hasn't had a bad game. He hasn't been great in every game. But his overall playoff passer rating in seven games is 93.8, which is pretty high.

He hasn't ever been under 80. We know the moment won't be too big for it. We're not sure about Darnel in the moment. So I'm going to trust Brady more or Purdy more, but I get what you're saying, totally. Yeah, this is tougher than what people may think because Purdy is obviously going against that defense without George Kittle, no true number one weapon.

I still trust Purdy. Wow. I still trust Purdy because if he can go into Philadelphia against that defense and have those mistakes and still bounce back and do enough. And I know they had a couple other plays dialed up that worked out in their favor.

But he still had to perform at a level of where we need you to be great. We need you to execute. And he did that against a really good defense that we all would say is one of the best one of the better defense they had been playing like it. Now you're playing against a team that you've performed against both matchups. But because of the familiarity, I believe that Robert Sala, knowing they can't get pressure,

you don't even sometimes have to get pressure on guys who mentally checks out. Man. And if you can just almost make him feel like there's. pressure and murky up the picture for Sam Darnold. It's almost a win. I do that in basketball. Hey, hey. I'm not going to, if like if I'm behind a guy, you're going to like, hey.

The tough part, the tough part. They think I'm right there. I'm actually no pressure. The tough part is if you, if you give a player like Sam Donald confidence and you don't get to him, you show that you can't get to him. They're not going to get to him very much. Well, that's what they, that's what they don't do. They're last in the league. So can I, this is where.

Well, he only scored. what, 13 points? Yeah, it was 13 to 3 and the other one was 18, 7, 60. We got to go get it. Can I, this is where I think Donald in that game against the Rams that they won 38, 37, maybe that was better for their chances to win the Super Bowl than, because he played really poorly through the first three quarters and then good at the end. maybe that's better for their chance to win the Super Bowl

than if he just had to start to finish really good game. Definitely. I do think there's an element of because of that game, if he has an early interception, it won't necessarily ruin him. I think he's like, hey, you know what I mean? I've rallied in a big spot before after a really shaky start.

That may be because otherwise you would be really concerned if he makes a mistake early, that it's definitely going to snowball. If he makes a mistake early, it's probably going to snowball, but it's not definite. I just don't know if the Niners can force a mistake. Welcome to first thing's first overtime live from New York City. Today, is it on the board that Caleb Williams outplays MVP runner-up Matthew Stafford? He's not going to be the runner-up.

You never know. You totally skipped the story that he was first-team all-pro. Somehow, you've Who was first team off for last year? Exactly. That's the first time that's happened like 20 years. I don't, but some people do. Meanwhile, a special edition of cool stats

that makes a goat case for Josh Allen. Wait, what? Goat case, more like briefcase. And finally, Hobbs is like, yes, nailed it. And finally, do the 49ers have the Seahawks on Upset Alert, a special edition of Upset Alert. Oh, come in, is that yet? Oh, we'll ask the question.

Is that a special edition of Upset Alert? I thought that was trademarked for the regulation. I did too, but I thought I could get rid of the brief game. Yeah, well, this guy. I'm outside Chris Broussard. I'm Kevin Wilde's and outside Nick Wright and Danny Parkins from Chicago. This guy is such a baby. Why?

You are such a baby. Why? You just because you were yelling at brew because he didn't have the Ravens schedule. No, but I was wrong. By the way, I was going to apologize to Brue off the air and on the air. I yelled at him, and I was going to was wrong. But Brue, because he's not a baby, got over it in eight seconds. You stoo all day if you don't get your way and then bring it up repeatedly.

I only brought it up twice in 140. Right now, we're heading to Chicago, where the Rams are favored Sunday night. Matthew Stafford against Caleb. Here's Sean McVey paying some compliments to the Chicago QB. He's an explosive play waiting to happen. It's why they can get back in games and finish the way that they have. I think there's a belief that they've established. And I think when you have those types of successful outcomes, no different than Matthew the other day.

I think he had full expectation to lead us down the field. I feel that when I watch Caleb and I watch that team. There's a belief that they can find ways to finish. And that's why they're in this situation. But he is going to be a nightmare to defend. All right, Danny. What would a win over Stafford mean for Caleb Williams, your guy? He is my guy, and I get that it would mean a lot for everyone other than me.

Oh, no. Well, I mean, I think that everything that you guys are about to say in your answers is inevitable. Like, best quarterback in the NFC going in the next year of Stafford. Like, yeah, he will eventually be the best quarter. quarterback in the NFC. He is going to win an MVP. He is going to win a Super Bowl. This is a huge game because this magical season can continue. And I do think they legitimately can win the Super Bowl. If you're still playing this round, you can win it. But I just think the rest of people will start catching up to what I felt last year. I said bust was off the table

with him last year. He is excellent, a tier one elite talent in the game. And I don't think it really comes down to the result of one game for him. So I, but that's, yeah, I agree with you that win or lose his long-term potential might be the same, but this game has a ton to do with where he is right now this moment. Like this would, how quickly. Right. And how the, if Caleb Williams, if they, and I, listen, I think the Rams are going to win, not because I think Caleb's going to play poorly, but because I think the Rams might score 42 points in this game.

They easily could. But if that happens, then it is, even if Caleb plays well, it is very difficult to make Caleb Williams top five in the NFL case at the start of next season. I don't think that's on the board. Hold on. If they win this game? Absolutely. If they win this game, you're saying that's not a five. No, I'm saying it's all.

That is, I'm saying if they lose, that's not available. If they win, I'm open. Let's see. how the rest of the thing goes. Sure, you can say, Kayla, it's like, let me hear you. The possibility is still there. Right, in the similar way that people might have said that for Jaden, after the year they had last year, that going into the divisional round, the upsides, the upside, you know,

he's going to be a star all of this. But winning that game in the divisional round against Detroit, right? It was against Detroit. Getting to the conference championship game is what made people feel. differently about Jaden. Put him in that, you know. Yeah, he's top five. Right. Or a trendy MVP pick for next year, those types of things.

If Caleb winning this weekend and executing this upset, if Caleb wins, plays great and they upset the Rams, and Drake May loses and plays poorly and they get upset by the Texans, whether you like it or not, Caleb versus Drake is going into next year, A very fair conversation. Really? If Caleb is the reason. Nick said if Caleb plays great.

If Caleb just wins and he's okay. But it's hard to imagine they could win without him playing great in this matchup. True, true, because it might be a shootout. I'm not to be like a Drake apology, but the Texans defense versus this Rams defense, if they want to play slightly better than another. If Caleb wins, plays great is the reason they beat the Rams in this round. They get to the NFC championship game. it is on the take it.

Yeah, and Drake plays for me. I guess I don't need all of these qualifiers. Like, if Caleb plays poorly in this game and they lose, you might not think the conversation is fair, but we have seen guys take the leap. It's either year two in the league or year three in the league, year two in the system. There is going to be a huge conversation going in the next year.

Caleb's talent, Ben Johnson, and a full off season to master his office. Caleb Williams, no matter how he plays, in this game is going to be on a ton of preseason MVP lists for next year. I agree. And's top five lists and all the happening. What Nick brought up with him and why would he be? If he doesn't.

He can be. If he loses this game and doesn't play well, you think he's on top five lists? Yeah. I think people will talk about that. It would all be just projection. Yeah. It would all be. No, but I, I, let's see him be more accurate.

We're projecting that. Let's see him do it. I mean, that the preseason MVP pick, I agree with. Like C.J. Stroud was last year a trendy preseason MVP pick. Jordan Love this year. Jane Daniels this year were trendy picks. But people were picking those guys without saying they're already top five quarterback. Right.

I don't think that I don't think if Caleb loses this game, it is fair to say right, like, I'll just use the Drake Maycomb. You lose any ability to make an argument that he right now is ahead of Drake Maycomb. in the quarterback hierarchy. Sure. But if you think he is going to win the MVP, you're talking, Danny, I think you're talking projections. Like if they lose this game,

I'm sorry. And Caleb has been phenomenal down the stretch of games. And I do think he's looking like he's going to be a superstar. But if he plays a similar game and they lose, like he's bad the first two and a half quarters, three quarters, whatever it is, and then comes on strong but say they lose.

I'm sorry, I can't put him in the top five right now. Like, I want my quarter, most great quarterbacks can play four quarters of good football. That's what I want to see him start doing. KW, can I ask you a question? Yeah, sure. Because there are the things that you, you personally, historically have valued about quarterbacks. Caleb Williams this year has checked off nearly all of them. I've never heard you prior to your guy, Drake May, being a completion percentage God,

and Caleb being bad about it. And the whole years we've done the show. Is he bad or is he the worst starting quarterback in the league? Well, hold on. But that is a stat that prior to this year, it never was mentioned ever. I don't want to be weird, but we never talk about a guy having the, the worst. We don't talk about the guy who has the worst completion. No, that's fine.

And maybe I sidebarred myself. But you have never cared. All you have cared about with quarterbacks is do they find a way to win? Correct. Caleb not only has been finding ways to win, but has been doing it in spectacular fashion that it's undeniably his doing at the end of these games. And for some reason, you seem to, in this specific case, be like, I actually don't like that because you're inaccurate early.

when in the past with quarterbacks, you didn't care if they threw three picks and no touchdowns. If they won, it was the only thing that matter. I love wins. I don't, but am I supposed to say that Caleb is better than Jordan Love because he was spectacular at the end of that game. You historically, you. And Matt LaFleur, like, wasn't able to hold a huge lead, even though Jordan Love threw four touchdowns. What I'm saying is historically, in. With any quarterback I've ever heard of with you, if it was like, hey, these two guys played three times.

One, one, two of them. Oh, wow. Oh, my goodness. Right. You will make a case for Jalen Hurds over Matt Stapper. You will do that because of quarterback wins. Two Super Bowls. But with Caleb, you don't seem to be into it.

I just don't know I'm not saying he's top five. And being the worst. I don't think anybody is saying he's top five. But if he wins this game, it has to be available to him. I totally agree. It should be a, I don't, top five has to be available if you're in the NFC championship game. I feel like. What happens if you've gone to two Super Bowls and are the reigning Super Bowl MVP and then

we're saddled with a bad offensive coordinator? Guess what? He came into this year. Top five? Top five available to him. We talked about that after the Super Bowl. This year he, he and Jaylor hurt himself. Anybody that, if they win this game, lose the championship game, anybody that puts him in the top five,

which I think Danny might do, it's based on projection. which is fair if you're saying I predict he will be one of the five best quarterbacks next season next year next year but to say already right that's what I'm saying if you're saying already not even just accomplishes this game and then loses the nfc championship game but still plays well not great just the jaden story the exact so we're your top five next year going to next year it would be mahomes it would be allen it would be stafford Herbert and burr and burr. and Drake Mac. Herbert?

In your top 5? They'd be ahead of... Those guys would be ahead of Caleb. Yeah. Those guys would be ahead of Caleb. So I... So the... Now it's Justin Herbert.

I like that. I mean... I want somebody to love me like... For heading you to next year? But again, if you think... I don't know what there is to doubt. Because I think the accuracy... No, Caleb.

I think the accuracy stuff is very clearly going to get fixed. He has plenty of throws that are right on the money from the pocket on time. You know, like he... Usually, well, from the pocket. His best throws are when he's rolling out and he's under a little duress and he's making something happen.

Yeah, I think he's a rhythm player for his highlight throws. That's why I think he's great at the end because he's playing off instinct. I just think once he gets more comfortable in this new system, it had been three systems in three years with college last year and now this year with Ben Johnson. I do think that he is going to settle into the fundamentals. There's no, he's talented enough to complete 66% of his past. in the NFL. Yeah, I, that, I also,

when young people ask me about, this is broadcasting. This is, this will be, brew, I think you'll like this. We should have a segment called Grandpa, Nick. Yeah, I'll get that.

And they're like, especially if they just started a podcast or something. One of my biggest piece of advice is I'm like, listen to your first five episodes and find the one thing you think you do the worst, whether it's say um or you know whatever it is don't ignore every other mistake you think you made and fix that and once that is fixed and you do a bunch episodes with whatever you think you're

biggest then move on to the next thing that's good idea and then don't tackle everything it wants fixed figure to me Caleb this year the number one thing he went into going from year one to or two is, I cannot be sacked 70 times. And once he got his arms around that, it was, I got to figure out a way to make sure we're not getting out of the huddle at eight seconds and having these procedural penalties and pre-snap stuff. And to me, he licked them both. So I would imagine his number one thing this offseason is going to be, man, I got to get

better. That stupid video in the preseason actually did matter. the one of him throwing at the net at the net and missing it badly and then being pissed at himself like that's the number one thing so i just assume he will get better at that because he got better at the stuff he needed to that's fair it feels like dating also thinks the rams are going to win this game all right time now for a great edition of packed stats um three of the coolest stats and one of the coolest presenters and all television presenters yes british yes That's what they get ready for some cool. Some cool stats. Here they come. Don't worry about the gloves, Nick. Something coming there.

I was gonna say, I usually have a job. I hand Danny the gloves. No, no, we- The gloves, I like the gloves. You got fired. Proof, just wait. Wow. You guys know what else is cool?

What else is cool? He showed me that. You've been waiting. What's cool? Thanks for asking. Superheroes. I agree with that. Superheroes are objectively cool, right?

Yeah. We always talk about Josh Allen. He's got to put on his cape. Yeah. Like a superhero. What's you in there. Basically, just wait. No one's done it more than him except Brady.

Would you say that that's a superhero game, the three or more touchdowns and the zero picks, basically the perfect game for the quarterback? He did it last week against Jacksonville. We say he has to just be the one who carries the team. He can pass Patrick Mahomes for second most playoff games in NFL history with three or more touchdowns and zero picks. If Josh Allen is going to be that superhero,

tough to see Bo Nix keeping up with him. And by the end of these playoffs, he could be number one. He could pass Tom Brady for most of these games all time. I think he's going to run the table on that. I mean, that's going to be. Tom the board. The banner. On the board.

Well, I mean, that would get him a banner. If he ran the table and they would mean they won the Super Bowl. Well, sure. Yeah, you will drop banners for the Super Bowl. The, uh, the I am, okay. I like the stat. Me too. I don't think you do.

What, no, that's, no, that stat I like. No, it was cool. I like three touchdown zero turnover. I revile your thesis bar. In terms of playoff performers. Allen already among playoff goat quarterbacks. There's no way you believe. Based on how he individually performs in the playoffs

because I'm a guy who, yes, playoff wins matter, but I don't knock Josh Allen for losing in the 13 second game. That's the only loss. Okay, Nick. That you can say that he had nothing to do it. I'm not saying that he's been perfect. in every playoff game.

But when you say goat, that's a little, that's just a bridge way too far. How he individually plays in the playoffs? You got, you need some hardware. All, all, I'm going to, I'm going to enrage wilds via Danny. Hey, Danny, who was a better playoff? If their careers ended today, who was the better playoff quarterback performer? Josh Allen or Eli Manning? Josh Allen?

Yeah, easily. Yeah, not even close. You think that? Of course not. Okay. Okay. All right. That's fine.

I'm sorry. A two to one touchdown the interception ratio with a pass a rating of 87 in the playoffs for Eli Manning. Congratulations. Here's what, let me ask you this. I mean,

what if Josh epically bettaker? Never won a Super Bowl. Yeah. It wouldn't matter to Danny. That's the ball. That would not matter. Winning the games don't actually matter.

No, winning. Winning? Yes. For how he. If he continued to play this well, but never won. Correct.

How he. individually performs. Yeah, he is a great playoff performer. It would never matter. It's like if you were an IndyCar driver, you never won a race.

But you had the average top speed. Tracy McGrety, one of the greatest playoff performance. Yeah, I mean, it's just because his, he was great individual. Okay, we have. You know what else is cool?

Wow. Actually, we'll agree with this one. Good. Riding shotgun. I like that. I like that one. I just loves riding shotgun. I don't understand it.

I like to drive. C.J. Stroud. Elite shotgun rider. In the Texans playoff wins, their last three seasons. This blew my mind. I knew they were good. I didn't know they were this good. The Texans defense has allowed 32 points against them.

Their defense has scored 32 points. Wow. They have five touchdowns defensively. And a safety. No. A blocked extra point returned for a two-point conversion. Oh, wow. The other way you can get two points.

Exactly. So if I would have included the extra points for the defense, the defense actually would have 36, but obviously those four extra points go to the special teams. Obviously. C.J. Straub. five total touchdowns against four turnovers in his playoff wins. But I have to say that C.J. Stroud is a great playoff quarterback.

No, no. He gets carried by a defense literally playing his opponents to even. No one says C.J. Stroud is a great playoff. You literally said you'd rather have him start a playoff game over Justin. Well, yeah, because Justin Hurd is one of the worst playoff quarterbacks ever. If you don't have to be, buddy. Oh my God.

Buddy, I'm going to, I'm going to strangle you. He had the number one defense in the league last year against CJ's Trout the playoffs and CJ outplayed him. Four picks. I mean, you can't stop. The team is playing it to any here. We got to stop with Herbert. It's just nobody, this, now I get it,

you think that anybody that people would rather have than Herbert, that means they think that player's awesome. That's not what it means. It doesn't mean that we think that we think. You don't have to be awesome to be better than Justin Herbert. You just have to literally be any quarterback that's not in the playoffs. Guys, stay cool. Pretty impressive.

We like the Texans defense. We like the Texas defense. Yeah. You like them. So many. Nerves about the Texas defense? Heck yeah. Just like so many of me and Brew's most vitriolic arguments, if we were to be like this,

baguette that, begat that, forget that. It's actually about Jimmy Garoppolo versus Brian Hoyer and C.J. Bethard. So many of Danny's most like, what? takes are actually a defense of Justin Herbert. Just a bunch of different proxy wars elsewhere. Eventually that lottery ticket is going to hit.

You're going to be the guy. Next year. I'm not saying. Next year. All right. You guys know what else is cool? Props. Props. That's right. What is this? We have so many props. I do you have your mother's

dishwasher. I'm going to tell you why. Wilds wanted to get rid of my briefcase for another delivery. mechanism and I did not like that very much so Troy if you don't mind this is the box what is happening we have over propped this segment he's got gloves there Troy's involved you know what else is cool guys think you know what we have dry ice in the budget you know what what nicknames Caleb Williams his nickname is the ice man I'm supposed to be a little bigger

Ice is gone down. Ice man. This is America. Trust us, this is dry ice. Hold on. Got some warm water here. So some pour water. Oh, this is.

Oh, yeah. That's cool, actually. Pretty cool. That is cool. I'm impressed. Caleb Williams' nickname, the Ice Man. Can you still support this? I know.

I was going to do it at the end, but that's cool. That's really cool. Wow. I like that. That's cool. Who has? Take it easy, Brew. Who has the most?

the most fourth quarter passing yards this season. I don't know that guy. I was a kid. Ice man. That's how he's earned his nickname. And I know what you're thinking. You're thinking, well, Danny, maybe it's because bears are always trailing and they're coming back. Yeah, that is one.

That is really. Well, who's he in front of? Second and third place, fourth quarter passing yards. This year, I don't know, two guys who are pretty good. Josh Allen and Matt Stafford. So why I wanted to give Caleb Williams the nickname of the one and he paints that his nail. So I think that's what Caleb likes to. Iceman has stuck. So I like the ice man is great. Iceman's a great nickname. Two other people already have that, but ice man. George Gervin.

George Garvin and. And did somebody die in Belkimer. Oh, Iceman didn't die. No, no, goze. Yeah. Spoiler. Well, not. I mean, top gun maverick actually, Iceman does die. Oh, yeah. Double spoiler. Yeah. Sorry. No, no, no your top. The one is better. No one is better. That is great. That is great. How do you think about this new delivery mechanism? I think it doesn't work and it's not even on camera. I did like it. Oh man.

It's cool. We might. Why are you wearing these gloves, bro? I think they're cool. They told you, I knew it. I knew it. Every once in a wild game. There's a whole idea is you're wearing a leather jacket of being cool and somebody in

standards and practices was like we're not allowed to bring out dry eyes if we don't make it put on these damn goggles and dishwashing gloves. Which are not going to protect you at all. That is one. You know what else is cool? Safety. That's right. Couldn't have said it better myself. Excellent job.

The Ice Man. Another wonderful edition of Pack Stats and top five quarterback, the ice. Don't take my briefcase. Coming up next, Willie Colon and Greg Jennings join us to break down the divisional round. Thanks for hanging out with us on the OT. We got Greg Jennings and Willie Colon out here. We're talking one seeds. We begin in Denver.

The Broncos have the Bill's first game of the divisional round slate. Broncos, of course, well rested. Bill's coming off. John Monster game against Jacksonville. So Bo Nix was asked about how he feels about going up against the quarterback of Josh Allen's caliber. Actually, Josh Allen specifically, take a listen. He's incredible. He's a, you know, MVP of the league for a reason.

You know, he continues to make play after play when sort of the game's not necessarily looking like he can make the play. He just goes out there and, you know, does superhero stuff. So the question is, can I see, can we see, Bo Nix keeping up with Josh Allen. And I know I'm not terribly popular with Broncos fans based on where I've had them in my rankings over the course of the season. For a time, they were off of it entirely. And then they had some, you know, the Jacksonville win, Green Bay. They've had some better ones late. But I just, no, I can't. Like, that doesn't mean Denver can't win. But I will be shocked if Bo Nix individually outplays Josh Allen. I don't, I don't, even though Buffalo's defense is worse than

and it's in Denver and Bo Nix is rested and the Denver's rested. It's just very hard for me to believe that Bo Nix is going to outplay Josh Allen. And if that is remedial or reductive, so be it. We can talk about it in the comments. Do you disagree? Well, I would be shocked if he doesn't at least knuckle up a pair of fare with Josh Allen, meaning, considering the injuries that the Buffalo bills are going into this game with, right? You also got to understand.

Josh Allen, man, he put on a master class on how a dual threat quarterback should, look in the playoffs. You're talking about 80% completion rate, three tough time, no turnovers, and he did it banged up. So if you're Bo Knicks right now, you understand that you're looking at a dog right now who's been here, done that, and it feels like his window is now, right? So if you're Bo Nix, your level of play has to be ramped up. So overall, man, I hope Bo Nix is ready for a fight because he's got one coming at him. Yeah, look, they don't need them to.

They simply don't need them to. They haven't needed him to try to be an elite form of a quarterback all season long. Now, that doesn't mean that they don't want him to. They wouldn't. And he has for stretches. He's had good fourth quarters on that side. But if they can get Bo Nix, if Bo Nix plays a clean brand of football, and what that means, assess the defense, understand and be decisive when you have assessed it and dissected what they're doing. Now you be decisive.

And understand that you have legs. Use them. You can't panic. The game starts. They're going to throw wrinkles at you. It's going to be a hostile environment. Even at home, it's a playoff environment. So it's going to feel different.

All eyes on you. Understand you can have a moment where it's like take a beat, get to the sideline, adjust if things don't go right, and you have the remainder of the game. But you can't turn the ball over. You can't be sloppy. Those types of things only hurt you and that defense that we know. can put up points if you allow them. Right. And you also have to start faster, right?

You can't wait to the fourth quarter for you to feel like you need to wear the cape. I think you have to be able, if your Bow Nix, understand that this Buffalo team is probably the most resilient team in the playoffs in the AFC and NFC. They've been to deep waters and they've been able to survive it. So if you're Bo Nix, you have to get in rhythm early, win early downs and able to get the run game going. I agree with you. I think the defense is going to give a lot of chops like the Apple.

But if we're talking about him specifically, man, play a cleaner brand of football. and realize also, man, that you're going to have to have some explosive plays. You're going to need some explosive plays to survive this game. That's where I've just struggled with Denver. It's like their record when Bo Nix doesn't have a good game is just totally, it just doesn't compute in my brain. You're six and one when your quarterback is a passer rating under 85? But it's close wins against bad teams, and it's like the Raiders and the Giants and the Jets.

What are you going to do? when Josh Allen comes to talent. I don't think they can afford, he doesn't need to outperform Josh Allen individual. It's not one-on-one basketball. But I don't think they win if he has a bad game. Like,

I don't think they win if Bo Nix's pass-a-rating is in the 80s. Yeah, so here's a deal. I think they can win. Okay. Because they've done it all year, so I guess I'm wrong. Exactly.

They've done it all year. But you talk about when he has those moments, this isn't a defense that gives up a lot of big plays. The Buffalo Packers. defense. If you use your legs and when the moment does come, you have to execute. That's the one thing this we've seen out of Bow Nix or we haven't seen him do consistently is when they have a play drawn up, he hasn't hit it or he is inconsistent, inconsistent ability to execute those plays. In the postseason, you're not going to get a whole lot of those shots. When they present

themselves, you have to capitalize. So let's talk about the other one seed. We go to Seattle where the top-ranked Seahawks are hosting the very short-handed San Francisco 49ers. Right now they are seven-point home favorites in this NFC West rematch. Of course, the Hawks rested. Niners have the big injury bug. They had George Kiddell out for the year last week. Head coach Kyle Shanahan was asked about his team, how they're handling the injuries, the short week, the lack of rest, and the tough circumstances heading into this divisional round matchup.

Take a listen. It is what it is. You're like that this time of year. We kind of been in a whole. for about seven months. And once you get to the playoffs, it really doesn't matter. Everyone's into it.

So whether they gave us three days, one day, eight days, you know, you always have your preferences for common sense reasons. But whenever you get dealt with your hand, you're ready to roll. Greg, I'll start with you. More likely, Niners upset, Seahawks blowout. So last time these teams played Seattle Seahawks.

It was a great game. And they dominated. I don't know. For me, it was a compelling watch. For the 90s, you almost lost Brock Purdy for the year. Well, they dominated the time of possession. They killed you with the first downs, like, but they didn't score. And so for me, I just feel like it's more likely that the 49ers upset this Seattle Seahawks team.

Simply because what your head coach just said, look, man, we've been here. We've done this all season long. We've played this team. times. In both times, we've had a chance because of whatever it is, whether we had a chance to score at the end of the game, our defense held up, which they have against this team. Now, obviously they had some breaks in the last game where they missed a couple field goals, Seattle did, and they just couldn't get it done in the red zone. But you believe that we have enough, even though we can't pressure like everybody else, we can fabricate some pressures to where we can

disrupt what you do because we've done it before. And Kyle Shanahan is right, man. Look, all everything's in. All hands on deck. We're pushing all cards in everything, all chips in. You put the chips in. You don't really hold on to the card. Yeah, you put all the poker player. Put all the chips in and you let it, you let whatever happened. I'm saying, if you put your cards in the middle of the

table, it's folding. But you know what he was trying to say. I know, I'm sorry. It's the poker analogy. This is the gambler. Right. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Help me, you guys are the stats guys. See, I don't hell the Niners in their last three meetings 17, 17 and three points, right? Yeah. The Niners are smoke. See, how I was going to dog walk the Niners like they did in Week 7th.

Like, I don't see. Listen, I respect Shanahan and I respect what he's been able to do. I love the duct tape defense and the heart they play with. I love what they did in Philly. But this is Reynolds. This is a wrap. Let's just call. I love this from you because then you picked them to win in week 18.

Who? The 49ers. Yeah, they lost. I learned from my answer. This is new information. New information. This is me learning. This is what Brock Purdy looks like versus the blitz.

Can we, do we got graphic, Troy? Give me some. Look at this. Purdy's hard. Thank you, Troy. Thank you. I know, you know what I mean. But anyway, this is Brock Purdy under pressure.

He's horrible. Like this is, this is your habits, tell me who you are. And if you look at him versus the Seattle Seahawks and this defense, and what's crazy about the Seahawks, they have matchup answers, right? They can blitch you, but they can blitz you and cover you. They're disciplined in the back in the back end. They tackle really well. I mean, they imposed their win on you.

So once again, I love the story of the 49ers, but this is over. Listen, I tend to be with you here because, now, I was wrong last week. We had this exact question more likely Niners upset or Eagles blowout in front of me, this was me and Nick, and I said Eagles blowout. And so, and I was wrong. Niners pulled off the upset. Right. I do think now you have the kiddle injury.

The Seahawks are extra arrested with the buy. I do think if I'm just a finding blowout as double-digit win, one team is exceptionally healthy, one team is exceptionally injured, the team that's healthy is the team that's at home. Correct. I just, it feels like, man, Shanahan's amazing, Purdy's been better than, it's a good story. It's a success.

Without a doubt. Coach of the year, give it to. They have exceeded all that day. They don't view it that way. No, of course they. But what team would? I understand that. But when you have played this team a couple of times and you have.

Three. Yeah. Well, this will be the third time. Yeah, this will be the third. Correct. When you played this team a couple times and they get close but you bend and you bend and but you don't break, which they have. Like Seattle in the red zone seem to not show up for whatever reason against this team.

So if they struggle to put the ball in the end zone and score touchdowns, you provide this Brock Party led team. I don't care how much pressure you get. opportunity to have belief, confidence, and feel like we have something left and we're in striking distance to win this game. Darnold obviously can give it away, but Darnold, when he's not pressured, it's pretty good. So I think the Seahawks are in a real good spot. A preview for Parkins' picks.

Applying the I-T. To the nine job openings coming up next on the O.T. Gentlemen, it is time now for the eye test. As everyone knows, I see the league clearly. So we look even closer in the postseason. There are nine job openings. It's almost a third of the league. Yeah.

I can do the math. So we're going to apply the eye test to which are the best openings for prospective candidates looking for NFL employment. To the bottom row, the Cardinals, Browns, and Dolphins. These are among the worst jobs. The Dolphins, they haven't had a coach last more than five years since Don Shula, and Tyree Kill and Tua are both more than 50 million apiece against the cap next year. But you do get to live in South Beach.

The Browns are the Browns. Those are the Browns. They're basically a punching punch line into themselves. $80 million cap hit just for Deshawn Watson. Do have two first round picks. I look at Shador Sanders' presence there as a negative, not a positive. And then Arizona, they have pieces in place,

but it is just a brutal division. It is a absolutely brutal division to work through. And with not having the absolute top pick to go pick your quarterback, I don't see a way out for them for at least a couple of years. So the next row on the eye test. Titans, Raiders, and surprisingly the Steelers. I'll get to the Steelers in a second.

Okay. I am not a believer in Cam Ward, but if you are, this obviously bumps up. You have the fourth pick at the second most cap space, and you're in a winnable division. But if you take a job with the number one overall pick attached to it, he's attached to it. This isn't a late first round pick, a late round pick.

Like, Cam Ward's your guy for two years, and we've seen coaches be one and done. So that is purely a, I don't know if I see enough from Cam Ward there. The Raiders have had five coaches in their last eight years and have no talent on offense. So there is no stability there. The Steelers historically don't fire coaches, but I don't know if that is like a 21st century thing or a historical thing. Like maybe this next coach is going to get 15 years to figure it out. But if he doesn't, they have an old expensive roster, no cap space, and the 21st pick in the draft.

As we go to the next row, the New York Giants. and the Atlanta Falcons. Now, the Falcons, to me, there's just a lot of talent. Now, there's not a lot of talent at quarterback, which is a big other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how is the play observation? But you're not married to panics or cousins. And you have, you have an all-pro guard in Lindstrom. You have an all-pro safety and baits.

You have an all-pro running back in Bijan who just had one of the best under 24 seasons of running backs had an NFL history. Drake London is awesome. If you want to bring back Pitts, he looked good to be good at the end of the year. They finally addressed their pass rush in the last drafts. And they got young pieces there.

They've got a lot of talent two through 53. You play in a dome and you play in the easiest division in football. And then the New York Giants, while I am also not as a huge Jackson Dart guy, you can move off the 24th pick in the draft. A lot easier than you can move off the number one pick in the draft in Cam Ward. And the Giants have talent. They definitely do. They have a lot of young talent with Carter and Tibido.

and Thomas and obviously Malik neighbors. They have some blue chip talent at blue chip positions. And you're in New York. You win there. It's an immortal spot. We can apply that to Pittsburgh. And obviously, this one is not very difficult to understand. I don't need the magnifying glass for it.

The Baltimore Ravens. They've had three coaches ever. They had six pro bowlers. They have the third most wins in the last 10 years. Stable organization, stable front office. And oh yeah, by the way, 29-year-old in his prime two-time MVP, Lamar Jackson, is attached to the job.

Some people would view that as negative if you don't like Lamar for his 30s. I think for at least a couple of two, three of the next four years, you'll get elite Lamar Jackson. That is the best job available of the nine, Greg. Yeah, so the Steelers, in my opinion, you have too low because even without knowing

who your quarterback could be moving forward, you understand that the second best thing for a head coach that they're looking for if not the first is how much time would I have? If they say you have 10 years and okay fine, then yeah, make it number one. And understanding you have draft capital. They got five picks in the first 99.

They got 12 picks right now as of the 2026 draft. You can do things with those picks. Obviously you talked about the cap hits with what they don't have. If you decide. They got the oldest roster in football. If you decide to start moving and shuffling some of those pieces, it opens up some some money

there, which they have the option to do. But again, time. If a head coach is understanding, we got the culture set. Organization is going to support me. They're going to allow me to create my plan and execute my vision. That's right next to the Ravens, if not above the Ravens, pending you don't care. You're not tied to Lamar and having to have the pressure of winning right away because you have Lamar. I would just be guessing.

Like, do the Steelers employ coaches for two decades at a time because they just believe in it or because they've only had great coaches? Like, if the next coach struggles, I just have a hard time believing it's like, all right, four wins, five wins, two wins. We're just going to keep you because we believe in it. They don't believe in being impulsive. And I think that's the biggest thing about the Pittsburgh Steelers. They allow a coach to figure it out.

And they also back them publicly and behind the curtain. That matters. together a plan where he feels like going into every season, he has a legit shot. As far as the eye test for me, man, I'm going to knock down those ridders and I'm going to those dolphins. And I get it. You're right. The quarterback situation is a nightmare.

The cap is a puzzle in itself. But I watched this team towards the back end of the season and they started to rally. Go back to that game against Pittsburgh. They were in that game, especially defensively. Two was absolute horrible. He didn't them getting benched. But nevertheless, man, I watched this team, even with Quentin Ures and how they perform towards the back end.

I just believe they have enough. They just obviously got to figure out the quarterback position. And they start adding some more pieces. This could be a good destination for a young head coach. So the Raiders piece of it, I struggled with it. Because they are the opposite of the Steelers. Like I said, five coaches in eight years. They just, they just fire you.

They're the worst offensive football this year. And they're still paying their coaches. They're fired. Right. Yeah. But they have a ton of cap space and they got the number one pick in the draft. So we've seen if Mendoza's. The guy, right?

If he, that. And they got some really foundational pieces that are young. But I'm just saying if, if Mendel. So I just, I kind of just put the Raiders in the middle because it was like, well, a quarterback can change everything. Like honestly. But they have a lot of holes. Like outside of Brock, Brock Bowers and Gentie and obviously Max Crosby is going to be going.

They don't have much. They all. And the trenches, they're horrible on both sides of the ball. They are. Would you? Do you think the. Steelers is the best job, though, because of the, because they don't have much there, but they have the organization.

I think the organizational backing a coach that allow him to grow into the position is probably one of the best destination. Now, also I think right now, like, if they happen to get, and I'm just throwing stuff out here, we dwell in hypotheticals, if they happen to get an AJ Brown to be a number two or one, however you put it next to D.K. Meckaff, both were teammates at Ole Miss. I think you start changing things around offensively. I think Aaron may come back, believe it or not. comes back without Tomlin?

I'm telling you. What? Yeah. I'm just, I got a feeling. It's just a feeling. Got a feeling. Okay. Yeah.

I don't have that feeling. I do. Today, I'd like to end with a word on why being at Bears Packers were so special to me that had nothing to do with the final score. I was at the game with my nephew Jack. He was the one behind the camera taking the videos of me losing my mind. His dad, my brother Brad, passed away from glioblastoma in April of 2023. Brad and I had different moms, but the same dad, and our father was born and raised on the south side of Milwaukee,

a diehard Packers fan, like Brad and Jack, and he passed away from Alzheimer's just six months before Brad. My dad and I bonded by going to games. When I got a bit older, I did the same with my brother. I was with my parents and Brad when Jordan won his fourth title on Father's Day. This is a picture of us at Lambo when I brought my Kansas City radio show there ahead of Chiefs and Packers. They were both so proud of me. I was always close with my nephew, Jack. He credits me with getting him into daily fantasy at Thanksgiving when he was nine. But we got closer when his dad got sick and in the years since.

He's in college now at Yukon, so he comes down to New York and we go to the garden for the Big East tournament, just like I did with Brad when I was at Syracuse. You see, I bond with my nephew through sports just like we both did with our dads. It doesn't matter that I was born in Chicago and root for the Bears and he's a Packers fan. I've been dealing with grief for a long time. First, the anticipatory grief that comes with a terminal diagnosis in the years leading up to their deaths, and then actual grief in the two-plus years since they're passing. It crushes me that Brad and Dad don't know that I got this big TV job and moved the family to New York

or where Jack ended up at college or a thousand other things. But I know they'd be proud of us. I have Brad out here on the desk with me every day with this pin for brain cancer awareness. When I got back to my hotel after the game, I saw this viral video of the father and son hugging after the bears go out. ahead touchdown to DJ Moore. And I'll be honest. There have been images like that in the last few years that have made me sad because of course I wish Dad and Brad would have been at that game with us and body. But they were with us up here and right here. So the fact that this time I was

nothing but happy for that father and son showed me that it does get better with time. And I can't wait to have more moments through sports like Saturday with Jack and eventually my sons when they get older. That was the best part of the game for me, even more than the Bears win and Caleb's throw, though that throw was pretty sick. Thanks so much for watching. We'll be back tomorrow on the OT.