NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal - Radio Row Day 2: Justin Herbert, Marlon Humphrey and Mad Dog Chris Russo

Episode Date: February 10, 2022

A convention center filled with heroes - Dan Hanzus, Marc Sessler and Gregg Rosenthal are back on radio row with a whole bunch of superstars! Chargers QB Justin Herbert stops by as well as Ravens CB Marlon Humphrey. Of course we end the show with a Super Bowl week tradition, Mad Dog Chris Russo. If you are afraid of spiders: beware of this episode. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comNFL Daily YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nflpodcastsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is an I-Heart podcast. Hey, everybody. Daniel Jeremiah here. And I'm Bucky Brooks. On Move the 6th, we take you inside the game from breaking down college prospects and NFL rookies to evaluating team building philosophies, coaching trends, and how front offices construct winning rosters. We study the tape, talk to decision makers, and give you a perspective you won't find anywhere else.

It's everything you need to understand the why behind what happens on Sunday. Don't miss it. Listen to the Move the Sticks podcast on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. I'm Marcus Grant. And I'm Michael Fiorio, and together we host the NFL Fantasy Football Podcast. Ready to dominate your fantasy league this season? Then you need the NFL Fantasy Football Podcast, your ultimate source for player news, draft tips, and winning strategies. Whether you're a rookie manager or a fantasy vet. We've got the insight to help you crush your opponents.

Listen to the NFL Fantasy Football podcast on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Toyota, the official automotive partner of the NFL. Visit Toyota.com slash NFL now to learn more. The Around the NFL podcast is perfectly fine about turning 30. From the Los Angeles Convention Center Radio Row. it's the around the NFL podcast Super Bowl 56 week edition part two i'm dan hansis joined on a set filled with heroes mark sessler greg rosenthal rickie hollywood to my right hey gang i mean uh we're just gonna leave the elephant in the room here the the 30 coming up

we're not going to be together i just realized on erika tamposi's birthday Thursday tomorrow yeah 30. You are perfectly fine. Well, here's a question. Do you think, has Ricky been dropping breadcrumbs expecting us to be organizing something? I thought we've talked about this for months, that you guys were planning something. Multiple times you've dropped. I wouldn't call them loaves of bread that's been dropped on us. You started this about a year ago.

Right. Dan said to me, he goes, hey, me and Mark are going to be out if you want to come meet up at 11 when we're done this event. I was like, thanks. Well, we're very, we're professionals, we're exceedingly busy and we, like, the thought was we can fit you in. And that's, you're not appreciating that. Okay, you're right. Yeah. No, we're very excited for your 30th birthday, Erica.

It is the main headline of the week. It's just there is a level of anxiety, an understanding or like a creeping dread that I have that you're expecting us to have something planned to lift a finger at all, essentially. And at this point, there is nothing, but it's not even necessarily on you. It's just, it's bad timing. I'm just sorry. It's just like the kid whose birthday is on December 24th. It's like, what do you want us to do about it? Right.

Yeah. Yeah, no, it is. It is tough. And I mean, I know this is all like a facade and I can't wait to see what you guys have cooked up. Yeah. I do have that creepy and that anxiety that like feeling like you have to like with my, with my family and some friends. But I don't have it in this case because Erica has such a big group of really close friends.

Yeah. Yeah. You know, shocker, Greg. You know, this. This is, she is Ricky Hollywood. This is Los Angeles, and it is a Super Bowl here in our adopted hometown. And, you know, we are busy. We're doing shows, interviews, media availability ourselves.

We're meeting with friends who are in town. And we had a great Hollywood moment. We met with a friend at the Sunset Marquis, a legendary hotel yesterday. And there was a moment, one of those brushes with celebrity, that I'll never forget is when I was walking down this like hallway and it was dog the bounty hunter. I mean, we know dog the bounty hunter, right? I mean, there is no you just say dog the bounty hunter. You don't have to give a last name. It's just dog. It is dog. And I kind of was walking behind him. I had to get my phone because I found out the place where you're going into. I needed

to show proof of vaccinations. And I left my phone to the car. So I'm like kind of booking it back to the ballet and dog is in front of me and I kind of sneak up on him because dog moves at a certain pace and he turns around and he's jumping and it's like he is a literal bounty hunter and he's like, oh, sorry. And he's like, it's okay. You're quiet like an electric car. I'll just never forget that dog, the bounty hunter said to me. I mean, you got into his peripheral vision there or not, but he is operating as a bounty man. And in that moment, I thought to myself, that was kind of a compliment. You to move swiftly in that spot. So I will not forget that.

Dog the Bounty Hunter. In a week where you see a lot of celebrities, who's going to beat dog? I mean, I'm assuming he respects electric cars. Part of me thinks that he's more like, I don't know, but yes, it sounds like a compliment. Yeah, I just, I don't, maybe it was a shot.

No, I think, could have been a shot. Could have been a shot. You came up quite, you do drive an electric car, maybe it's rubbing off on you. Well, when someone says something, I didn't know what to say. So I was just like, yeah, seriously. I was like, okay.

Anyway, all right. So let's see if anybody could beat that story before the week is over. Today's show. All right. So now we're really in the thick of it. Radio Rose heating up. We got a lot to get to. What's wrong, Mark?

What is wrong? I mean, to be honest, like, I wouldn't call the room like on fire. I think we're still getting there. No, I would say there's a lot more. But the general disgust there. There's a lot of well-known athletes. in the mix today that weren't here yesterday. I would say, I'm just saying that, you know, we were in, we've been in the early ones in New York City.

And, you know, this is, this is still building. This set, though, our NFL and I heart set is probably the coolest one in here. Yeah. And it's, there's more, there's more buzz today than yesterday. It builds through the week. Just your, you know how there's resting Greg face? And you're always like, is Greg mad or disgusted about something? He's just, no, Greg's just listening.

You had, you had open disgust. It's like when I mentioned, the Pentagon. And you were on fire last week. I'm not attempting to rain on your parade. I mean, I guess it is bustling with activity. I'll, I stand corrected. Would you say it's bustling here right now, Greg? But Greg, it's going to say anything that is pro-lead.

There's a spider on your shoulder. There's like a huge spider on your shoulder. I mean, I don't want to like act too crazy about it. There's also a bugger of fly crawling behind your shirt. It's on your head. Wait, wait, wait, wait. Oh, my God, it is the big. Oh, I flicked it.

I flicked it in a big spot. Now it's on your seat. Greg, it is so big. It is the biggest, I want to gag. It's going to crawl up your butt. It is heading up the butt. Kill it, kill it, don't flick it. You don't have to kill it.

But it's... Little mini ones that almost look like it has hair on it, you know what I mean? Whoa! I don't know, mini isn't the word I would apply to it. Wow. Erica, now you have to give Erica a party. She just saved your life.

That was close. I'm now, I look at life differently. But you flicked it, so now it's gonna... Oh, it's alive somewhere, yes. And it's probably how to torture you, Eric. I didn't want to stop the showdown and shriek and run away. No, you handle it in a very masculine way.

Really, male type approach to the whole thing. I didn't expect it to Greg to handle that, like Mr. Ruggenbeck. Spiders don't matter. It was on his neck and it was the size of his entire neck. And Greg's like, just flick it. It's one of my favorite things. Every once in a while, I'll do something. And Dan will be like, I thought it was surprisingly manly out of you, Greg.

It's like, oh, you can really drive. Whatever happened to Gary Cooper. He's right here to my left at Radio Row. Greg Rosenthal. Anyway, today's show, as Radio Row heats up, here's the proof. It's eating up now. There's spiders.

Here's the proof. We got guests coming up today. And I know you're going to say, oh, you know, the guys when they do their Q&As, it's not. No, first of all, F off. It's a free show. Our show, by the way. Enjoy the content or don't. Don't care, really.

Don't care. But these are good interviews. We have three good ones for you to share. The great legend, Chris Mad Dog Rousseau of Mike and the Mad Dog fame and Sirius XM, we're going to break down all sorts of kind of a little bit of a gambling hook to it. We're going to talk about some over-unders that we cook up and we'll dig in on that. And also, I've got to find out where Rousseau's at. He's a big cinephile, loves TV, the legend, Mark.

A bit obsessive. I think we will discover. Also, Marlon Humphrey, star cornerback of the Baltimore. Ravens. We'll talk about Humphrey, who has not always pleasant memories of this Cincinnati Bengals team. Bengals lit up the Ravens twice this year. Humphrey, he didn't play both games, but he saw the rise of Cincinnati like the rest of us. So he'll give us a little a FC North perspective on the rise of the AFC champion. But first, now this is a good, this is probably in terms of active player, maybe the best get we've had. Oh, in person.

Yeah. We did we did have Tony Romo once on the phone, kind of at the peak row. That was a Doug Q&A. And he was reading a script about his uncle going shopping and the uncle can only think about direct TV or something like that. No, it was totally authentic. But this one in Ricky Hollywood on the eve of her birthday, keeping just enough focus to get us one of the great young quarterbacks in the sport. Ricky, good job. Thank you. Justin Herbert.

We're talking to him. So we're going to. You guys, he is hot. Well, listen, that I don't disagree. I know. We know, we know, Mark, and I don't want you to comport yourself as a professional during the interview because he's going to be on the couch next to you and just understand that this is a podcast ultimately and you don't have a true relationship with him, even if we have microphones in front of you say. Okay. Well, I guess let's do it.

Here he comes. He's coming our way up next. Justin Herbert on the around the NFL podcast, Super Bowl 56 weeks special. Hey, this is Matt Jones. I'm Drew Franklin. And this is NFL Cover Zero. We're just here to try to give you an NFL perspective a little bit different. Did you see the Colts Pretzel?

That was my other big takeaway from that game. What was that? Oh, my. We think NFL coverage should be informative and entertaining. And twice a week, that is exactly what you're going to get. Listen NFL Cover Zero with Matt Jones and Drew Franklin on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Toyota, the official automotive partner of the NFL.

Visit Toyota.com slash NFL now to learn more. What's up, everybody? Daniel Jeremiah here. And I'm Bucky Brooks. On Move the Sticks, we take you inside the game from scouting reports and player development to team-building philosophies, coaching trends, and how front offices construct winning rosters. Every week, we study the tape,

talk to decision-makers, and share the insights you won't find anywhere else. It's the kind of conversation that connects the dots from college football prospects to the NFL stars of tomorrow. We break down the draft, analyze matchups, and evaluate how teams put it all together on game day. Plus, we dig in the coaching strategies, roster construction, and the trends that shape the league year after year. Whether you're a diehard fan or just love understanding the game on a deeper level, we give you the full picture. If you want insight that goes beyond the box score, this podcast is for you. Don't miss it.

Listen to the Move the Six podcast on the IHeart radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. I'm Marcus Grant. And I'm Michael Florio, and together we host the NFL fantasy football podcast. Ready to dominate your fantasy league this season? Then you need the NFL fantasy football podcast, your ultimate source for player news, draft tips, and winning strategies. Whether you're a rookie manager or a fantasy vet, We've got the insight to help you crush your opponents. Listen to the NFL Fantasy Football Podcast

on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Toyota, the official automotive partner of the NFL. Visit Toyota.com slash NFL now to learn more. And now we are joined by a superstar. Mark Sessler on the couch. Oh, no. That's Justin Herbert next to Mark.

And isn't it, Greg, how amazing is it to see Mark Sessler next to Justin Herbert? it like in person it is amazing the contrast and the similarities just physically emotionally i enjoyed the the chit-chat before we started i can tell greg getting a little green a little with envy because you know just and i got very close talking before the segment here and you know i think that's that's a problem for greg so just it has a feel well i appreciate it guys i'm glad to be here and excited to get after it like are you looking forward to more interviews where they just talk about you for two minutes before actually bringing you into the conversation

I think it could get worse than that, so it's not too bad. You're going to be, as you are a superstar quarterback, you're hot in demand here on Radio Row. There are going to be many worse interviews than this one. That's the only thing we could promise you, okay? But this one won't be too professional. We're going to do our best to make this work. And how are you feeling Justin Herbert as the Pro Bowl MVP? Let's start there.

It was a huge honor to be able to share the field with those competitors and the guys that you look up to in the NFL. But at the same time, it was a little bit of a soft. slower game than I'm generally used to, not a whole lot of tackling, but it was a fun experience. That was like going to be my follow up question, because to be honest, we have our fun with the Pro Bowl on our show. And it's like, what does it feel like on the field? Is there just more talking than usual? Like, what is the speed difference? Like, is there any processing you need to do as a quarterback? Is it like, oh, that guy's always open. I'm just going to throw it to him immediately. Like, how does it work? Yeah. So you don't have to worry about pressures or blitzes or

anything like that. They're not allowed to bring pressure. And so you know you're going to get certain coverages. You're going to run very simple plays. You put it in the week of the game. So it's pretty basic. But at the same time, the Pro Bowl, you don't want to get anyone hurt. Everyone's kind of done for the year. But it's just kind of have fun, go out there and, you know, talk to the guys, hang out. Is there one guy, like, if you're playing at the Y and pick up basketball, there's always one guy to try hard guy with knee pads and the nose guard and everything. And then he's playing a little bit too hard and everybody's like what's up with this guy you don't have to say who it is but was there a what's up with this guy why is he playing so hard um thankfully we had a couple guys on our team that that tried

like really hard and we ended up winning and so it's always good to win the pro bowl is um you know i think it's important to have a couple guys like that that uh you know take it pretty seriously so it was good for us it sounds like i could run for 25 yards in this pro bowl scenario is that too far fetched let's see what you can do next all right mark was um he likes to bring up a lot a cornerback I believe a running back slash cornerback versatile in pop Warner age 10 11 but that's what that's not relevant it was the early 60s it was a different time like what did you have friends around that age like a mark for instance that like it was clear that like their future wasn't in football necessary but they were like close with you and how how was that like for you as you sort of

sort above them no it's it's always great to have guys like that on the team and you know they're awesome to be around they're fun to hang around they give their best effort and and you need guys like that that's fair uh did you geek out on anyone at the pro bowl like just in terms of you know you're young guy still second year in the league and i played a lot now for for a second year player but just seeing some guys whether in the locker room or on the field that you kind of go back to being a young guy a fan yeah i think there's a whole bunch of guys that we went up against this year that causes a whole bunch of troubles when they were on defense and now you get to have them on your team for that that game and it's you know miles garrett and cam haward and all these guys

on defense that Tyrone Matthew at the same time, you're like, all right, now that you're on our team, we can kind of talk and have a little bit of fun. What about the Chargers? Like, where do you, how would you classify the season? Obviously, you fell short of the playoffs, but it did feel like there were gains made. When the season ended short of the playoffs, what was the level of disappointment? I'm sure you guys thought, like in the AFC, a wide open AFC, a four seats playing in the game. Any team could have gone on a run, including the Chargers.

What were your thoughts, big picture thoughts on the season? Yeah, that's a good question. I think we made some big gains this season, some big steps forward. And, you know, you go back to last year where we were at three and nine at one point, and obviously things were tough last year. But for us, they kind of bounce back, come together and have a chance to go into the playoffs. And obviously, it's tough that you don't make it. But you know that we believe in each other.

We believe in the coaching staff. And this offseason is going to be big for us because we're going to have to get together and we're going to have to do some things differently. But there's a lot to look forward to for sure. I mean, and, you know, after your rookie season, there's a coaching change. You have to learn a whole new offense. I'm sure that adds layers of work to your offseason. But now there's continuity.

And I like Brandon Staley, we all kind of dug the experience of his first year. Like how would you describe him like behind the scenes? And well, I just think he's part of a new wave of coaches. And just the going like aggressiveness on fourth down and how you had total buying with that. Like what is it like working with him behind the scenes as a person? Because he seems very intriguing to me. He's been awesome. He's a guy that has emphasized, you know, relationships, commitment, dedication,

in competitiveness and we all want to play for him and we respect him and you know we have been aggressive and as a quarterback selfishly I want to be out there for every fourth down and so he believes in us we believe in him so it's been a lot of fun playing for him did you think the NFL would be harder um I think it's very very difficult like I know it's like extremely challenging of course but you you come into the league you're a young quarterback and you you are throwing for yard you're throwing for touches just like physically was there a moment early that that you're like, oh, I actually, I thought this would be harder. I do fit in, like, right away.

I think I've got a moment where it goes the other way. I came in, and I didn't really know what to expect. I knew it was going to be really fast. But I remember I threw a screen pass, a normal, easy screen pass. They got picked off one-handed by Melvin Ingram, and that's when I realized I'm not in Oregon anymore. And guys are here, and they make plays. And so that was kind of the tough way to go about it.

And you got some incredible skill players. Yourself, Austin Eckler, just walked by the set. he gave you a big smile um i wouldn't say it's it felt like you blew him off because you didn't see him yeah but maybe when you see him privately later you'd be like hey how come you didn't smile back in me it's just something you guys are going to have to work out shoot that's thorny like he's one he's one of those guys that like you put the ball in his hands and he does something special that has to be a nice feeling to have a weapon like that oh he makes my job so much easier and and that's our whole mission of get those guys the ball it's it's mike williams keen and out on the

outside and Austin Neckler and Jared Cook and all these weapons that if I just get them the ball, something good will happen. Can you like, I mean, your life has changed along with the fact that you're blooming into an NFL superstar. It's like, can you just go to a movie in L.A. and waltz in and buy a seat and buy popcorn and sit down and no one bugs you? Or are you getting bugged everywhere you go? No, I don't get bugged at all. You know, it's great because I think L.A. is such a big city and we're able to kind of go do whatever we want to. And obviously within reason and being safe and being smart but no it's been great so far was there any like trepidation you're from oregon you went to school there uh when you got drafted did you have any experience with like

big cities like that or living anywhere outside oregon before i always loved my time in eugene oregon um but having been there for so long it was nice for me to kind of get out and go experience something else and i've always loved going down and visiting southern california and i think it's a great city and uh to move there be a part of that community um i thought it's been a great opportunity so How's the cat experience going? I know you got like a cat. It's a young guy that's a lot of responsibility. Like first season with the cat, how that's been great? It's been great. I'm more of a dog person, but unfortunately, I couldn't take care of a dog by myself. And so kind of got rolled up into it, but it's been great so far. I mean, the Chargers quarterback previous to you had nine kids. So they're, there may, I understand the dog thing, but I know cats are easier. You can leave them alone for three days or two days or something. Yeah, no kids yet, no dogs yet. So I can barely take care of myself. I feel like, though, like I support you, because I'm a cat and dog person. I feel like people take sides. You got to make a plan.

And it's like, well, but he didn't. He's both. That's the way to go. Well, let me. Greg has stopped the conversation. Let me ask you this. Like going back to the, you're a young guy. You're a star in a big market.

Are you going to, do you plan to take the Derek Jeter path? I grew up in New York a Yankee fan. Derek Jeter is like, I'm keeping out all distractions, no wives, no dog, no nothing. I'm going to play 20 years and then I'm going to put all my focus else. Are you going to be like that football only guy? Is that how you see your big picture playing out? I think if we're going to be as successful as we want to be, I think that's kind of the commitment that you have to make toward the games. And so whatever happens happens, I'm going to do my best to win games as many as I can. And if that means, you know,

limiting all distractions, I've got no problem with that. You know what Mickey said and Rocky women weakened legs. That's just what he said. I mean, that's a regressive old movie. I'm not saying, Nikki said it. Take it into account. You're saying, yeah. So if I stadium, like, I want to talk the vibe there, Justin, because there is much made about the fans, like, and how many fans are there for the Chargers or the Rams? Like, how much of a difference does this make?

I do a show with Matt Money Smith, the voice of the Chargers, and he pushes back to say, it's really not a big deal. Like, the players, they deal with that they know what's coming. Like, is it something that bothers you? Is it something that you've gotten used to? Like, how do you, do you think that could change with, does the charges become more entrenched in Los Angeles? I actually saw a change this, this past season.

I think if you started early on, we had a pretty good turnout. You know, it's always a weird situation in Los Angeles, but we had our fans. They showed their support. And throughout the year, and if we keep winning games, and we keep doing things the right way, more and more will show up. And that's what comes with winning. And, you know, we have to get things figured out here.

And I know that we will. But I saw a change. And those guys, they show. showed up. They gave their support and it was awesome. Is it annoying? I mean, there's obviously a rivalry between the Chargers and Ram. Is it annoying to you or the collective Chargers group that the Rams are here? I mean, just let's be real. Is it sort of a problem? Well, I mean, it was up to us. We didn't get here. And that's the unfortunate part is they, they worked. They did everything right. They got here. And you know, you have to give them credit for that. And, you know, we had our opportunity. And we didn't unfortunately make the playoffs. And so that's on us.

So you're not like rooting on the 40. When you're watching that game, you're not like rooting on Jimmy G and the 49ers. I don't know. You're just hoping for a good game. Lake, if you're rooting for the 90s. You don't really have a pick one or the other. Did you have a favorite throw this year? I think there were a couple.

I think maybe the one that comes in mind would be against the Giants to Jalen Gaiton down the middle. It was one of the longer throws I think I've made in my career. So it was fun to be a part of that one. Do you remember there was a throw? against the Cowboys that was called back by penalty. It was like early in the third quarter to Mike Williams. Like how annoyed were you that like an offensive lineman ruined that throw for you? Because that was one of the craziest throws I've ever seen in my life.

It was like 60 yards on a dime. What? Are you annoyed about the offense line? That's his teammate. Well, I'm just saying though. Thank you. But you know the throw I'm talking about, right? I know the throw.

And, you know, I thought it was great by Mike because that's a route that we give him the option of whether to keep it straight or whether he flattens it. And, you know, he saw the safety. He ran a great route. And I had plenty of time because of the offensive lineman, giving me enough time. There you go. So I was able to put it on it. So what's like, but when you see them the flag and they call it, like, what is?

Or when you're watching it the next day in the film room with everyone. He's not going to let you get out of here without some sort of negative response. No, it's not a negative response. Can you at least appreciate it? I guess the next day are people like giving him grief? Are they like, are they, are they wowed by that throw too? I think it's more so you look at it and you say we can't have these penalties because in that game against the Cowboys,

we had a couple penalties that brought back a touchdown, brought back that play. And we kind of just shot ourselves in the foot there. So if we could limit those, we'd be able to kind of. It's true, though, because like with a quarterback especially if there's a drop or something, the camera's always going to be right in your grill.

Like they want your reaction. They want you to be like, ah, this guy. But Herbert is good because he's never too high or too low. So they never get you. Some guys, maybe the last quarterback with the Chargers, he was pretty emotional guy. Bill Rivers, but yeah, that is part of being a quarterback, right? You know the camera is always on.

Even when you're on the sideline going through the surface tablet, like there's probably a camera on you looking to use B-roll or something like that. At all times. And I think that's one of the things about playing quarterback is no one's trying to make mistakes. I'm going to throw interceptions, incompletions. And if I hold myself accountable, just like I hold the other. guys accountable. I think we'll get along and you can't get too high like you said are too low on those guys because everyone's going to make mistakes. So you give yourself like a second and just be like,

oh, that was pretty sweet. Um, it was a good throw. I think it's one of those things that we work on a lot. So it was nice to see in the game. Three quarter zip, huh? Yeah. Yeah, I like the three quarter zip. So I'm, I'm big on them right now. Eli and Peyton are really like kind of bringing it to the forefront. Is that a quarterback thing? Everybody's into the three quarter. I think it's a golf thing. This is one of those jackets I wear golfing sometimes so it's just a go-toe are you going to do the romo thing where you like go crazy on the golf course and get way into it i'm not it gets weird for everyone i'm not good enough for that so i don't have to deal with that all right unless someone else has another question i have a quick one just like if you you're you've been here with us for a bit you've sort of seen us um in the physical

form like which this which of the three of us would be the most uh who would you want to fight least if we were like in an alley fight or just like who would you're sizing us up who's the most intimidating. We doesn't know any of our names. That's Mark. Yeah. You can just point. You could say that guy, that guy or that guy. It's fine. I would have got a couple of the names. Yeah. Um, how about I answer this way? Mark, it probably wouldn't be you. Oh, that's fine. Perfect. Perfect answer. Mark. Mark asked that to pretty much everyone. I'm going to make it makes us feel awkward. Yeah. All right. Before we let you go, it was so easy for you. Well, from our vantage point to transition from

college to pros. So you're talented guy. But. We have a instant answer game to end things with called 8 o'clock delight. Are you ready for this challenge? I'll do my best. There is no math. There was a joke earlier that there's going to be a lot of math. I promise you, I once got a 39 on a state-mandated math test. There will be no math in these questions.

Quick answers. Here we go. Hit it. Ricky ladder match. Brendan Staley versus Sean McVeigh versus Kyle Shanahan. Who wins? Brendan Staley. Ice cream or Sherbert?

Ice cream. Herbert Sherbert, though. that's not a brand not a finisher group uh is joe burrow's like swag like out there swag an issue for other young star qbs no good answer were you popular in high school no ever think about her you know everybody's got her no all right the ball's on your own 23 yeah minus 23 that's football talk you need to reach the end zone with a throw can you do it yeah with the seven step drop you're now inside the 20 no i was going to throw right the line of scrimmage so you guys you And you can get it.

Get a couple steps up. Yeah. Okay. 77 yards. Whoa. Guns and Roses versus Oasis. Guns and roses. Right answer.

Rams. Bluh. Whatever. Am I right? No. Fruit on pizza. Okay. Ever?

Pineapple. Ah. Did Oswald act alone? No comment. Beatles. Ooh. Mark. He's a conspiracy.

Yeah. You made a fan. Beatles or Nickelback. Beatles. Last movie you said. saw in a theater? Spider-Man. Omicron. More like, oh my God, I can't anymore with this.

Not really a question. Lakehouse or Beach House? Lakehouse. You can take a pill that allows you to live until 135 years old. Do you take it? Of course. Really? Because we're going to be old. Like, really old. I was born in 1998, and so if I could live in three different centuries,

I think that'd be pretty cool. Well done. I'm from New York. I'm a jet span. My children are in Los Angeles. They're trying to decide between the Chargers and the Jets. We were at that Chiefs Thursday night game. You were awesome. Thank you. Why should my children choose the Chargers over the Jets? I think

the Chargers are a great team. We've got a bunch of great guys on the team and I love playing with them. You did it. Nailed it. Justin Herbert. A superstar in our midst. Thank you, good sir, and best of luck with all the other boring interviews you'll do today. The unprofessional one, that's the good one. Thank you guys.

Thanks, for the pleasure. Hey, Mark, I got to say, you held it together mostly. I thought so because you know when there's sort of just a natural at first of all he's obviously they paired the right two people just and I on the couch and when there's just that natural chemistry it's not work it's not work it's just a it's a friendship slash relationship the Oswald thing during the speed round he no comments it does it mean that Justin Herbert A doesn't know Oswald the name he is he was born in 1998 as he said B no comments it because he does believe there was a conspiracy to murder the president of the United States beyond Lee Harvey Oswald up in the book depository or see you guys fill in the blank? Where do you come down on it? I think he knows who Lee Harvey Oswald is, but I think that in that moment, in that the question asked with Just Oswald, that he offered a no comment in a savvy fashion because it kind of

maybe it didn't register who we were talking about. Yet, he is an extremely bright individual who, like, ripped through Oregon in, like, a number of just a couple of years. So I, maybe he does know. I think he knew. I, you know, you're sitting next to him here. I got to look right into those eyes. I think there was recognition. I was looking into his eyes, too, Greg.

We all were, you know. We heard from many people. Mark was eyeing him like a piece of steak. I don't think he wants to put himself out there necessarily as a conspiracy guy, and he just thought, let's just say, let's just say no common. Is it a conspiracy, Greg, when, like, the majority of the country feels that. So that supports my thought, you know, that if you say no comment, you're basically being put into the category of, we know what you think. And do we buy that he wasn't popular in high school?

I do. I do not at all. I'd buy that he saw, didn't see himself that way. I think a lot of people don't see them, even if, like, other people maybe looked at him. He's the quarterback in school, but he probably saw, he was, you know, quiet guy. It's a chore to be like six foot six and the star quarterback of your high school and look the way that he does and not. And what are you doing to be unpopular? Right, but boys, you know, take a longer time to grow.

Why don't you tell me about my gender? Okay, I will. I see. So you men are brain. Are you women spreading? Yeah. Your brains are much smaller than us women. And also, no, women grow faster when they're younger.

So if he was like little and in middle school coming into high school, he wasn't, I'm sure he wasn't varsity quarterback as a freshman. I mean, I don't think he was 6, 6, 2.30 in high school. I thought it was a size that, although, who knows, you stand out as a talk. Right. Not everyone's born at 32 like me. I mean, I hit high school ground running. That was really the peak of my social activity.

Well, Greg says that he had tons of girlfriends in high school and that he was like the hot guy, right? You did not say that. I did not say that was the hot guy. You said you always dated the hot girls. I did not say that. I have it on record. I will find it. I said I was doing fine, but I was doing fine.

Erica, you are a proud gay woman. What? You are a proud gay woman. Now, let me ask you a question. A PGW. I was getting from our IM client, private techs from women that I know through the company that are way into this Herbert guy. Any thoughts? No.

Making a jump? Like Wes, I try to get West to come back to the Bengals. Yeah, no. No, no. I don't think that's it for me. but she didn't need to do a dossier to quit. Yeah, I think she knew. He was a big, he was a big boy.

And next to Mark, like, it was, that was an image that I will take with me. Well, I love the way you phrased that. That was a bit of sunshine in my day. All right. Coming up next as we transitioned away from Justin Hervey, I liked him. He is a very easy guy to root for. And it'll be fun to be here in Los Angeles, God willing, and track his career for the next 15 years.

That's a good dude to get on the ground floor with. I think he liked us, by the way. I just felt that he... I got that vibe a little bit. I want to... I'll manufacture that belief. Yeah, no, either way. If we believe it, maybe it's true.

Let's now get to another cool dude. This guy is Marlon Humphrey. He is a star for the Ravens. But before we bring him on, let's take a break right after this. Hey, this is Matt Jones. Now I'm Drew Franklin, and this is NFL Cover Zero. We're just here to try to give you an NFL perspective a little bit different. Did you see the Colts Pretzel?

That was my other big takeaway from that game. What was that? Oh, my. We think NFL coverage should be informative and entertaining. And twice a week, that is exactly what you're going to get. Listen to NFL Cover Zero with Matt Jones and Drew Franklin on the I Heart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever. You get your podcast. Toyota, the official automotive partner of the NFL.

Visit Toyota.com slash NFL now to learn more. What's up, everybody? Daniel Jeremiah here. And I'm Bucky Brooks. On Move the Sticks, we take you inside the game from scouting reports and player development to team-building philosophies, coaching trends, and how front offices construct winning rosters.

Every week, we study the tape, talk to decision-makers, and share the insights you won't find anywhere else. It's the kind of conversation that connects the dots from college football prospects to the NFL stars of tomorrow. We break down the draft, analyze matchups, and evaluate how teams put it all together on game day. Plus, we dig in the coaching strategies, roster construction, and the trends that shape the league year after year. Whether you're a diehard fan or just love understanding the game on a deeper level, we give you the full picture. If you want insight that goes beyond the box score, this podcast is for you.

Don't miss it. Listen to the Move to Six podcast on the IHeart radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. I'm Marcus Grant. And I'm Michael Fiorio, and together we host the NFL fantasy football podcast. Ready to dominate your fantasy league this season? Then you need the NFL fantasy football podcast, your ultimate source for player news, draft tips, and winning strategies. Whether you're a rookie manager or a fantasy vet, We've got the insight to help you crush your opponents.

Listen to the NFL Fantasy Football podcast on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Toyota, the official automotive partner of the NFL. Visit Toyota.com slash NFL now to learn more. All right, we told you big guess. We got one. We got one of the best defensive players in the league. He is the pro ball cornerback for the Baltimore Ravens. Marlon Humphrey, welcome to the around the NFL podcast, buddy.

Hey, thank you. I'm happy to be here and get some talking going. So here's a question. All right. So AFC North, they say it's rugged. That's the word that everybody always says. Is there any division pride with a North team in the Super Bowl or is it make it that much more annoying that Cincinnati is the one getting all the love right now? It's a little bit that much more annoying for sure. But it's also exciting in the same way. You know, now it's, you know, that you're, you're playing. playing that team. When I came into the league, you know, it was all about, you know, beating the Steelers. So now it's like, you know, whether they win the Super Bowl or lose Super Bowl, it's like, yo, they got that serious, you know, funk, that serious team. And, you know, they've kind of, they've taken the driver's seat in the AFC Norse. Now they're the team to beat, you know, along with the Steelers, along with the Browns. But it just makes it

really exciting. I can't say I want them to win the Super Bowl. But okay, so you're rooting against them. I'm rooting against, but not because, like, Jessica, I don't like him. I just think the Rams will have a better shot. I do like the way you put that. The Bengals do have some serious funk. There is something like cooking with with the team. I mean, and Mark is a Browns fan. So just so you know, I've done they've done very little damage to the Ravens. So I think you're winning that debate at the moment. Is it the Ravens are coming off a season? Well, last year, everybody was talking up the Browns obviously and now it's Bengals. But the Ravens, you guys were coasting. You were the number one seed about midway through the year. And then

this avalanche of injuries and eventually it got you too. I know you had the torn pack and we're curious where you're at with that. But was there a sense in the locker room at a certain point? Like the Grim Reaper was coming for everybody because that was like unprecedented injury poor luck there. Yeah, it was crazy. It was like, you know, that day when two guys tore the ACL and four plays. Oh, my goodness.

It was like the weirdest feeling ever we just called her practice that ended it. But, you know, I think as many injuries and COVID that hit, you know, guys actually stayed really positive. I think it was a true testament to, you know, Coach Harbaugh and everything, and it was just crazy because, like, even the last game of the year when we had to, when I was, I came back to the building to see how things were and talking to guys, and we knew we had a long shot to make the playoffs, but guys were still like, hey, let's go out here and win this game, you know, so I know that's really tough when all those injuries happened and COVID happens, but, you know, we really stayed strong through all the injuries and, you know, we'll get some guys healthy, and I'm super excited for the team we'll have next year. How does a secondary function, I mean, the secondary especially, at one point, you guys were down, you know, pulling people out of, like, CVS and local, local Baltimore area stores. Like, how do you function when you're that messed up with injuries? It just seems like you got guys who barely played. I mean, is it, do you go and just say, it doesn't matter, next guy up to thing?

Man, it was, it was crazy because we literally, you know, I watched, you know, I got hurt. And then, you know, I took a week or so from rehabbing. And I was watching the game. I was like, who is this guy? So it was crazy how quickly you got to plug and play some of the guys because it seemed like even when the starters end up getting hurt, it seemed like the backup guys were hurt too. And then the backup, it was all over the place.

So it was crazy how it worked. You know, we plugged and played the way we could. And it was a testament to those guys. I mean, some of those guys were, you know, Robert Jackson getting his first start. You know, there was guys that were literally had never really played, you know, extensive playing time. And, you know, they stepped up to the challenge and did their thing.

Dan mentioned, you know, our friend Mark here that you're sitting next to is a big Browns fan. And the way our workplace happens, we're all sitting there Sundays watching the games. And so over the years, like, I've seen some dark moods that you personally have helped to put Mark in. You were part of that. He just slid over on the couch. He moved down, violent slid down the couch. Like, it, like, it, like, it gets a little tense in the newsroom, and, and we're kind of on edge. Do you feel guilty, Marlon, at all,

for just how you've affected us in our workplace and especially Mark in his mood over the years? And to that point, have you ever thought about the power of a good game against the Browns how it could change the psyche of one man in Southern California? Well, you know, for me, you know,

when I got my first year playing the Browns, there were 0 and 16. So if anything, you should smile because it's been way worse over the past five years. That's what we try to tell him, Marlon. He doesn't like to hear it. Those are wise words.

We're coming, no, this is coming from a higher source here. Lamar Jackson is running out of the bathroom in the fourth quarter. Exactly. That was by far. Tell us about that. Yeah, that was, you know, I still to this day say Lamar was, you know, he was not cramping. He was doing something else in the bathroom, you know, but he said he was cramping. Oh, he never acknowledged even privately.

He just stuck to the story. He's stuck to a story. Hey, man, he's a wise man. He's a wise man. Well, maybe he's telling the truth. Yeah, maybe he's telling the truth. I'm not going to say he's a liar, but I don't know. I guess, I guess it'll go to the grave with him, I guess so.

I want to ask a question about something we shine a light on on the podcast every August and early September that not enough people talk about. And you've been in league, how many years now? Going on year six. Six. So like in your time, I don't know if the Ravens have ever lost a preseason game. And it's reached, I think, 21 straight. And I think it's the greatest record in sports to never lose a preseason game. Do you pinch yourself at the end of each one of those contests?

Honestly, we go really hard in the preseason. season yeah well that's i'll say that i remember when i was a rookie i got i got hurt so i had to miss the first three train the first three preseason games and you know i was still a rookie so you know you're supposed to play a pretty good amount and in the fourth one i played the entire game and i remember seeing marshala latimore we're playing the saints he looked over at me i was on the side i was like he was on the sideline of course not playing anymore because it was the fourth quarter in the preseason game he was like bro what are you doing like why are you still in the game i was like honestly we don't even have another corner dressed out like so it gets to the point to where the

rookies there's not even like one of those like if i need a breather you look over and everyone's wearing like sweatpants and a t-shirt so you're like you're for sure playing so we we take pride in winning anything that has a score so um i don't mind that you know anytime if it wasn't supposed to win they would not keep score that is that is a true statement it was a 2015 preseason the last time the Ravens lost. It's a remarkable record and I think it's the A storyline here. You've faced a ton of receivers. Like is there one that is, I'm not saying the best or the most the most annoying individual on the field, whether they're talking stuff to you just if they try to get in your head, someone you're like, get out of my face. For sure, Pittsburgh, Big Ben,

Antonio Brown. The dude. I could imagine that. The connection him made Big Ben had was this crazy like, all right, let me run this route. As soon as Big Ben doesn't hit me, I just spin up and just run up the field and catch a touchdown on me in Heinzfield that I'll never forget. But they just have such a great, like, connection. And A, B, he's like, I don't know if he even gets tired. Like, every time I've just lined up in front of him, seems like he's not breathing hard. It seems like he's just running all over the place, just scrambling all around. And it's, it's just like, it's just crazy the way. I haven't guarded him since he's been, you know, You might not have to worry about it anymore.

At this point, although you never know. He always comes back. What about Jamar Chase? Now, in you guys, your team struggled mightily. I think 82 points in two games. You weren't in the second game. So that's not your fault, the second one at all. But that first game, that was Chase's first explosion game.

Yeah. Where he had 200 yards. What makes him different? Is he one of those guys where he's just a little different than most players in the league? He, yeah, I wasn't in the second one. When I was in the first one, he gave me a hard day. He gave me a very long day. But the crazy thing about him is like he doesn't, you know, this doesn't make sense.

But he doesn't do, like when you look at him on film, it's like he's not doing anything special. He's not like doing this crazy release. He just takes off. And, you know, when you put a hand on him, he's so, what you can't see on film is how strong he is. Like him just running, you think you push him. He doesn't really get affected by it. He goes up in the air, his body control. He just does a lot of things.

things that on tape you can't really see. And it's, I mean, it's just crazy. Like, he just does, he just does things that, like, kind of, you don't see often. Like, a corner will be outside, leverage on him. He'll still go outside. And, like, there's things that, like, kind of, like, no receiver really does. And it's really worked well in his favor. I mean, you see it all the time with just, like, how simple he does things.

And that's sometimes, sometimes the key. You know, a lot of wide receivers do all the fancy stuff. But sometimes doing it simple is what, you know, makes it. really tough on my job. I mean, he got some of the draft nicks that way, the people watching the draft because they were, they were watching the tape. And even though he was that special in college, they kind of couldn't figure out exactly what made him so good. And some people were a little down on him going into it. If you were facing him and then also facing Joe Burrow, if you're in this game, like what, what do you think you would try to do? And what do you think

a defensive coordinator could do to try to slow down this offense right now? Man, I would think I think the best way is, you know, when you get back there to Joe, you got to sack them. I think when I was watched, what game was that? The Chiefs, you can't keep getting back there and not getting them because then once they get heated up, they really start going, you know, so many times there should have been for sure sacks that happened in that game, and Joe just got right out of it. But, you know, to slow them down, it's really tough. You know, everyone talked about Jamar Chase, but T. Higgins and Boyd, you know, me and

Boy, it had a lot of battles in the past, and they just added T and then added Jammar. And so it's, it's really tough. You know, you got to mix in your zones. You got to mix in your man's. But I think the pass rush will really be key, which I think the Rams have a really good job of. And, you know, I think, you know, Ramsey and, you know, Darius Williams, the guys that got out there covering, I think they'll be able to hold their own. So it'll be really interesting. But I think for the Bengals to have their best shot of winning, I think it'll be running the football.

You know, I don't think a lot of people think that. But I think if no one's, people would really try to get on the ramp and try to throw and you want to play, you know, out of Aaron Donald's hands. And I think, you know, just running right at them would be probably the biggest key. Isn't it surreal thinking where we were a year ago and that you're having to come to the Super Bowl and answer questions about the Cincinnati Bengals? I'd imagine that's a mix of annoying and totally unbelievable. It's this is a weird universe. It is. Yeah.

Marlon. It's definitely crazy. I just want, and best, best wish is health next year. and I assume you'll be ready for training camp with this tech and everything. We can't wait to see you play again and be on the field. When you're playing the Browns,

I want you to remember Mark, and I want you, when Baker Mayfield trusts his arm too much, and he tries for a little out pattern, and you could step in front of it and go the other way, how will we just knock it away because that matters,

that affects this man's mental health, an incompletion, maybe as good as a pick six in the big scheme of the world. I'll, I will remember that, and hopefully that, I'll maybe catch it and like right before I score

like the pick six I just step out at the one that would be that would be fun and go in and find the camera and just be like sorry Mark and then nobody else will get it but we will. I'm sure next November that's what will be in your mind when that happens. All right Marlon Humphrey thank you so much for joining

us and best of luck with everything and next season thanks for talking with us. Thanks for talking with us. Thanks for Alan. Thank you for having me. There he goes Marlon Humphrey and I did think that was now listen that might be confusing if he does go up to the camera and say, sorry, Mark, after the Baker picked

six. But that would probably be the peak of the podcast if that ends up happening in week three or whatever. Yeah, it feels like a stretch. I think that he's already forgotten me and probably the entire experience. But you never know. The human mind is mysterious. No, he seemed very down to earth. Like he got what we were selling. And I think he wouldn't be here unless he wasn't kind of interested in getting his name out there and just like getting into media, just seeing what it's all about, right? And so he's savvy. He checks the iTunes rankings.

He's aware of the 2014 Stitcher Awards who won best new podcast. 2013. He was like a high school kid, really growing up on us, I'm sure. And he knows how big that would be with our audience. And I think he's going to make a power play. I think he's going to do it. I mean, it worked for former Raven Mark Ingram to shout out another mark. So I'm just saying it's in the wheelhouse of the Ravens in general.

I don't know why I don't like dislike the team generally, but generally. I like them better now, though. Don't you got to like them better now? I'm over my issues mostly. No, you're not. Okay. Ricky, before we talk to the legend, Chris Russo, we did talk about it on Monday. You attempted to apologize for botching the Don't Say Super Bowl episode.

And then you botched the apology for the don't say Super Bowl episode. So this is the apology to the, the apology, the runway's yours. Yeah, Greg, Mark, Dan, ATN listeners, ATN Instagram followers, ATN TikTok followers. We have a TikTok? Yeah, I made an egregious mistake when I apologized the other day. And I just really wanted to say that I'm really sorry. And I do really treasure this job and take it very seriously.

And, you know, when I'm trying to book a bunch of guests, like the ones we have today, sometimes my phone is ringing off the hook while we're recording and I should maybe block those calls but you know you have to multitask in this and I'm not trying to make excuses for my behavior so I'm sorry that I made a bad apology yesterday I mean in today's culture I think that was well done I feel like a large portion of it was fabricated but I can't prove that can anybody else can anybody else now picture the hit piece on our show at some esteemed publication and it's like and then they made their

producer Erica apologize on back-to-back episodes yeah you got a real rogan situation here all she's doing is apologizing anyway that was excellent erika thank you you are charming young woman you are until the next thing all right let's uh now welcome him in the great chris russo right after this hey this matt jones now i'm drew franklin and this is nfl cover zero zero we're just here to try to give you an NFL perspective a little bit different. Did you see the Colts Pretzel? That was my other big takeaway from that game. What was that?

Oh, my. We think NFL coverage should be informative and entertaining. And twice a week, that is exactly what you're going to get. Listen to NFL Cover Zero with Matt Jones and Drew Franklin on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Toyota, the official automotive partner of the NFL. Visit Toyota.com slash NFL now to learn more. What's up, everybody? Daniel Jeremiah here. And I'm Bucky Brooks.

On Move the Sticks, we take you inside the game from scouting reports and player development to team building philosophies, coaching trends, and how front offices construct winning rosters. Every week, we study the tape, talk to decision makers, and share the insights you won't find anywhere else. It's the kind of conversation that connects the dots, from college football prospects to the NFL stars of tomorrow. We break down the draft, analyze matchups, and evaluate how teams put it all together on game day. Plus, we dig in the coaching strategies, roster construction, and the trends that shape the league year after year.

Whether you're a diehard fan or just love understanding the game on a deeper level, we give you the full picture. If you want insight that goes beyond the box score, this podcast is for you. Don't miss it. Listen to the Move the Six podcast on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. I'm Marcus Grant And I'm Michael Florio And together we host the NFL fantasy football podcast Ready to dominate your fantasy league this season

Then you need the NFL fantasy football podcast Your ultimate source for player news, draft tips, and winning strategies Whether you're a rookie manager or a fantasy vet We've got the insight to help you crush your opponents Listen to the NFL fantasy football podcast on the iHeart radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Toyota, the official automotive partner of the NFL. Visit Toyota.com slash NFL now to learn more.

All right, this is now, this is tradition. This is what we've always wanted as a kid from New York, a Connecticut boy, another northeast guy and Greg Rosenthal. This man is legendary. He almost said Massel, and then he held back. We have Chris Mad Dog Russo of, Mad Dog Sports Radio, Sirius XM. Before that, of course, Mike and the Mad Dog.

And this, I believe, Chris, is your fourth Super Bowl cameo with us. Is it our fourth time? Wow. Yeah. Yes, sir. Pretty good. You guys done a heck of a job. I know we lost one, too.

Terrible, right? Yeah. Pairs away. But I mean. Chris Wesley. Yep. Yeah, I hated to hear that. But great to be here today with you guys.

You are our pals. Appreciate it. Whatever you want. I mean, hopefully have a pretty good ballgame. Hopefully we have a decent. Yeah. What are your, like, kind of initial thoughts? about the game?

My initial thoughts are about the game is that Cincinnati's got a lot of momentum right now. Burrow is an ex he knows how to play in big games. He won champions. He won the championship

at LSU beat Alabama on the road. Chiefs, you know, that was a hell of a win down 21-3. Obviously, throwing the game against Tennessee.

They got a lot of karma and the Rams can be a little sloppy. They were sloppy week 18 against San Francisco, 17-0-0-0 lost. Certainly sloppy against Tampa.

There's no way that game should have gone down. And if he didn't make that pass, it would have lost if that game went into overtime. And even a nineer, even a nineer game, that should not have been that difficult with San Francisco. And they, you know, they threw the interception early in the game. And you know, they were a little sloppy there too. And I think if they're sloppy in this when they could lose. I think this is a dead even game. I would take the points. Because since now it could win the game outright, since now it could lose and cover. The Rams could win the

game outright. And they could win and not cover like they did against San Francisco. Three and a half they did not cover. So I would take the points for Cincinnati in the mid-20s, so I'd go with the under. But I'm going to bet the Bengals in this game. I might even take them on the money line, 170. Oh, I like this. I like it. You go right to the heart of the matter.

I might do that too. What matters? Tuck and Greg's language here. Yeah, but I do think, and the key with the money line with that is find a to a parlay and find something college basketball on the NBA and over and under that you like. Oh. And then put it with the parlay. because then you'll get at the plus 170, you'll get a big hit.

Did Chris Madag Rousseau just break out the Rainmaker? That's the way you do it. That's the way I've done it. That's the way I've done it. You got to raise your game now, that's how I do it. That is amazing. Yeah, it feels like one of those games. Maybe neither team wants to be ahead.

I kind of like both of these teams coming from behind. The Rams actually have been in some tough spots, and they crawl their way out of it. And I think the Bengals at this point are confident in any situation. But especially when they're trailing, that's kind of when they let Joe Burrow be Joe Burrow. So it's a spot where whoever's leading in the fourth quarter, especially if it's the Rams, I'm with you.

I'm not that confident in who's going to be ahead. I agree. I think it's a 50-50 game, and I don't like the Bengal offensive line against this matchup, so that does worry me. And I'm not saying that the Bengals are going to win. I like the four and a half better. But if you want a big payout and you say,

ah, what the heck, let's go for it, take the Bengals on a money line and find something this weekend. Here's what I do. Just parlay it with like Creighton over. I had the over last night of the Purdue game. This is what I do. I will find a parley something, and I will find one, and if I lose a couple, I won't mind,

I'll still play it, and eventually I'll get it, because if you get the Bengals with the parley, you're going to make a, you'll do well. So I won't be deterred if I open up a parley and lose. I'll try another one and another one and another one, and eventually I'll get it, and then if the Bengals ever win, you're going to make up for the couple losses,

and you're in good shape. us to take some pressure off you, Sunday. You don't feel like you got a bet. Hey, I got the Bengals on the money line anyway. What the heck? I mean, Mark and I are we're renters. We're looking to buy homes. I think this is a great opportunity, Chris.

I sound too into it. That's what I'll do this weekend. We are forbidden from betting on the NFL, but I, but I have a point taken. I mean, if we could leave our jobs and go do that. There's a camera right up there, Chris. Roger Goodell, like, beams right into his office. Roger, I love you, Raj, but it's part of the game, baby.

I love you. This is actually a great segue into how. we wanted to have a talk about the game with you, Chris, which is let's do some over unders. Yeah, why not? Go ahead. All right. So we'll set it up this way. And I'll start with a guy that to me has been a weird guy to figure out, not just in this season, but really going back to his giant days. And he really stepped up in the NFC title game and had that game they really needed. Odell Beckham, Jr. when he is their true number to the offense cooks, but he's known to

disappear at times too he's a you know enigmatic guy now odell beckham junior receiving yards i'm setting the over under at 99 and a half that's that you know i don't think it will be that high is that what it is in Vegas no it's our own over under it was 51 and a half in the championship game and i took the over with just with mike lombardi who i have on the air on Fridays at 5 o'clock to do the picks and he hit it so 99 and a half's lose strong because you know cups going to be great so i would go under that i would say somewhere in the 70 yard make for them. Which works for them because he's a red zone guy as well. I tell you, I love Higgins over for Cincinnati.

Well, I like in Super Bowls and I checked, you know, they do specials in the Super Bowl. So you can do OBJ versus T. Higgins. And it doesn't even matter what the number is, which number two receiver gets more yards. I would take Higgins. You would. Because I think that's a huge part of this game because they're going to have to do everything they can to take away cup. I think T. Higgins, big receiver, matched up against Darius Williams or long. Some of the secondary cornerbacks, if you're looking for a weakness for the Rams.

I would take Higgins on that. He'll get some chances. He had a good game against the – I had him, too, in the over-in-the-championship game, and I got that, again, just took a prop with Lombardi making some picks on Friday. He didn't bet it. But I like that, too. Who's got better receivers in this matchup in general? I think Cincinnati does.

I do, too. Because their third receiver here is better than Jefferson. And that is Boyd. I get it, but you've got maybe the greatest receiving season I've ever seen in my life. And you've got Odell Beckham as a number two. I don't know. Chase is, you know. Chase is great.

I think Cup kind of puts it away. I understand. It's close. It's close. Mark, give us an over under. All right. This may not be out there in the desert. But how many times does Aaron Donald come within a foot or closer of Joe Burrow?

I'm putting the over under at 5.5. I take the over the half. that I take the over. He will be into it. Now, they're going to triple team them. That's like a hurry at the very least. The problem with the bet is if you take that over, is that you know that's their number one assignment.

He's not going to hurt our QB. So somebody else along that defensive line will be great. So that's the way I would look at it instead of Donald. But, you know, Donald is so good. He's going to be into it. And that Bengal offensive line spotty, I would still take you over. I keep going back to that NFC title game in that moment when they showed on the sidelines. He's this generational talent, Donald, in the prime of his career,

and this huge spot to use Chris Rousseau as of what we've been saying on our show for 100 years in a big spot. And he then takes over the game with the rest of that defensive line. And now here he is in the Super Bowl with a chance to really stamp his legacy. I can absolutely see Donald going nuts. He can have a big game. I completely agree. And that offensive line, you know, nine sacks against Tennessee.

He had two huge scrambles in the chief game to get the first down. You remember that in the fourth quarter? which ended up giving them a lead before the Chiefs tied it, the last drive. That offensive line's worried Donald could have a big game. Especially on the interior. If Von Miller starts winning on the left side, I mean, talk about an all-time great

who cemented his legacy in the Super Bowl and now can do it again. It's scary. That's, to me, the worst-case scenario for this game because that could be... That could be a game breaker. If you like the Rams... It could be a boring game.

If you like the Rams, that's your argument. My defensive line's going to dominate Cincinnati. If you like Cincinnati, a little karma, Stafford can make a big mistake, and the Rams have been sloppy in these fourth quarters. Well, let's talk, let's talk Stafford then, because I think, yeah, that is the Bengals. Over under Stafford Interceptions, one and a half.

That's the number you'd have to pick. See, I have more experience with this than these guys. I don't think the game. I don't think he's going to have to throw it. I would say over. I think he's going to throw two. There's always a couple, even in his good game. that are up for grabs, and then it's up to the defense.

That's the game of San Francisco. I mean, that ball is caught by the defensive back. The Rams might lose that game with 10 minutes to go. I would say over, that's a good one. I would say, that's right on the number here, throw one. I'll say over the one and a half. It's a good one, no. All right.

How about this? Now it's going to get a little trickier. You know the halftime show, Dr. Dre headlining with Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and over under songs recognized by Mad Dog during the show, one and a half. Zero. under that would be like saying to my son who's 19 at wisconsin over under songs you know if it was clausby stills and nash over what he wouldn't know any of them either at this point

they're a legacy on c s and i love this point they're not a new act this is like for the most part from the early 90s i mean you're a young man back then i wouldn't i you know i'm not that listen if you had johnny mitchell up there i'd get every single one of them if you'd have uh see if you had The CSNY, you know, if had Crosy Nation stills up there and you throw Neil Young in, I get every, if you had the birds up there with Roger McGuin, you're good. I would get every one of them. What if we get all the classic rockers that have moved off Spotify with the Joe Rogan scandal,

put them on a stage, and then Chris Rousseau's going nuts. I get, I get them. Erica, how many of those acts are you familiar with? My mom used to play Joni Mitchell in the car all the time. And I'm going to Laurel Canyon tonight for dinner. There you go. Because Laurel Canyon is where they all, everybody, I know you love that documentary.

Oh, I love to talk about Windows last time. So I've gone there tonight for dinner with three callers because who talked. And I had in February, best spot I've ever done. Yeah. Not the best, but a very good one. An hour on Zoom. And he played six songs with McGuin. Wow.

That's it. Roger McGwin, turn, turn, turn, eight miles high. Oh, I loved it. I don't think we're going to top you giving Mark a good job for the Laurel Canyon doc reference. That's true. That's really the high of the interview at this point. Any documentary that opens with Tom Petty going through a guitar shop. Yeah.

Oh, that was the echo. That was Echo Canyon. Oh, that's a different one. This is Laurel Canyon. Well, they're, you know. How about just the traditional over under 40 and a half? Bad job by me. I actually, I think that's interesting because do we think it's a defensive game?

24, 21. I tend to think it's a little more of a defensive running game. They'd be conservative. They don't want to make a mistake. I feel stronger about this than either team covering or winning because I think it might be a who can play the softer, more boring coverage that just forces you to make long drives that takes up clock and force field goals.

And each team only has eight or nine possessions and there's more running and that means not a lot of points. That's the problem with the unders though. You're rooting for tackles. Yeah. And puns. It takes away the fun of the game. I don't like that because I want to see touchdowns

and big plays. So that's why I wouldn't play an under in this game based on that alone. I don't like playing unders when you're watching it. That's why people lose money because they all bet over. That's good point. Yeah. Now, if you're a real good better, you deal with that.

You're not going to get them off. You guys are good with this. He's the rainmaker. He's our guy. And yes, a true foil in Chris Russo. I didn't know you were that much into this. You know, I don't gamble this much. Now you're on your seventh contract.

Maybe a new habit. A new habit. A new has that DFS money coming in over there on Mad Dogg radio. I get 62 years of age. They're usually throwing you out of the freaking business instead of giving Yeah, so that's, you're adding jabs. I'm adding job once a week. I'm going to have to go in here and be five.

I have one for you. This is a traditional. I'm very into when this happens. It's rare, but we've seen it on Monday Night Football. Animals running on the field. Not part of the halftime show, not orchestrated, but just a random animal that's gotten into. We're in L.A. Anything could happen.

I'm just putting it at 0.5 because we're thinking black cat scenario from the Monday night a few years ago. A rare event, but a possible event. I live on the west side. coyotes are a thing. It's a jungle out here. And this is a wonder. I tell you, if you got a place to live in a world, Southern California, you'd be a lot worse. It's not too bad.

This is a summer. I live here in a minute. I would, a lot of security. It's a new stadium. I don't know the area that well. Not a lot of coyotes in England. I would say under it. I would say under with that.

It seems safe. All right. Chris, before we let you go, last year, well, first of all, Russo nailed the exact score two years ago. Did I really? Did I absolutely nailed the cheap swing. Did I really? Yes. You hit the number, the exact score.

Did you know that, Erica? I did. I did. He was there. She's still talking about it. I was not aware of that. I just listen to Joni Mitchell and replay your clip over and over and over again. The circle game, 1966.

Go ahead. It's great talk. All right. So you got the Mad Dog, we'd like a score. And then we need a check in on your TV habits, what you're watching right now. Last year you gave us a really deep and nuanced answer. I'll give you a good one with the TV. Score.

I want to go under. I think the Bengals, I'm going to take Cincinnati. Under's what, 48 and a half? Yep. My first inclination would be 27, 24, but that's an over. So I say 24, 21 Bengals. Okay. That's good.

And you're on the side. I think our heart is with the Bengals this week. Chris, who you mentioned, his family's from Cincinnati. His brothers are coming in for the game. Oh, I didn't know that. So it's an emotional, sentimental pick. I think we're all kind of Bengals fans this week. in karma and the Bengals are due

the franchise. They got juice here. They're due. They're due. They lost to San Francisco. They're due to win one. The franchise is due to win one. Rams won in St. Louis, maybe an anti-crunky sentiment with bailing out. So I would say I would say the karma, I'll take the bear. There's a clear good guy here. Don't tell me the Bengals are due. My Jets haven't even been back to the game in 53 years. Well, what are we then?

Wilson will be good. I think Sala knows what he was doing. I think the Jets making an improvement. All right. How about the TV set? You know, I just read a, I'm trying to get them on. I just read a great book, The Boys, Ron Howard and his brother, Clint, good job knowing that, growing up in Hollywood in Burbank being child actors. Book came out in October.

I saw him on a today show, so I got it for my wife for Christmas. She didn't want to read it. I did. I just finished it. What are those things? Oh, it's so good. And so what I did this weekend, and I've seen a lot of the Howard movies, but I went to two that I hadn't seen.

And believe it or not, I've had Howard on. He's a huge Dodger fan, Ronnie Howard. And on March 1st, 2013, I did a spring training show for radio in Glendale. Guess who was there? Howard, because he loves the Dodgers. Wow, that's hard core to be at the spring training site. Yeah, he was in Glendale. And I had him off for 20 minutes, and he was working on and not yet released Rush,

the Nicky Lauda movie with Hunt about the race car drivers so this weekend I watched it very good and so the next night Sunday night nothing on TV Sunday there's a terrible night of sports

who cares about Tom Hogi winning the PGA and Pebble Patriots Hey we just talked to Pro Bowl MVP Justin Herbert he was very proud of that of the Pro Bowl he was the MVP

I have him on tomorrow but anyway so I went to watch Howard's documentary than did in 2016 on the Beatles. It's an hour in 45 minutes, a lot about why they stopped touring and everything, and Howard was a big Beatles fan.

So right now, I'm into the Ron Howard thing because of that book, 259 episodes of Opie in The Andy Griffith Show, American graffiti into Happy Days, and then all the great movies he directed. He's won two, he's nominated millions of times for Oscars, and he won an Oscar for a beautiful month, He's probably accomplished much more as a director, but I mean, I think I've seen every episode of Happy Days, too, so it's burned into the mind.

Right. And, you know, he signed a seven-year contract with Happy Days, and he was annoyed because that show became Henry Winkler. But he was the second story. They redid his contract with two years to go to give him more money because Winkler was making a fortune. And he didn't want to do that to Howard and have said, you know, make you happy would give you more money for the last year. Great book. By the end of that show, Henry Winkler, The Fonz had supernatural abilities to start music.

He literally jumped over a shark, creating the jump to shark. Right. That's good. They jumped over the show. Yale, Yale acting school for Winkler. And Winkler and Howard are best buddies. Anyway, so I'm into the Ron Howard team. I love it.

There's the recommendation. I gave you guys a lot of weird things to do that. That's what we love. That's what we wanted. Cany, Cincinnati weird bets. Ron Howard, New Haven. And before you go, I just want to make sure because we've said it so many times on the show. in a big spot you don't have that like in terms of litigation you haven't copyrighted that or

anything in a big spot oh no in a big spot i haven't now mad dog mad dog is what's the way you're looking for uh is trademark trademark you got that good i got that long time of course you better watch out dan might trademark in a big spot for himself i would never do that big spots a good out of respect for chris i would never do that i like that so it's a sports term absolutely oh it's amazing all right christopher mad dog russo headlines the mad dog sports radio channel on Sirius XM and host his own podcast called Digging Up the Past. Oh, I'm checking that out. It's good.

Thank you, Mr. Rousseau. Always a pleasure, gentlemen. Good to see you guys. You got it. There you go. I mean, this is, I think it is the fourth year we've done it with Mad Dog. And every year I just leave tickled pink and gross. And also like, isn't it weird, Mark, when he does say, because he said it to you a couple

times and I got one as well on Clint Howard. And Greg at the end. And when he says, good job by you. Well, it's in the middle of a point, you actually, it like lights me up inside like a Christmas tree. It's the, it's the interview we do each year. And I, you know, I should break out of this where it's like, again, I'm staring at him and just like, I just get lost. I'm like, I forget that I'm here and I don't, there's no tangible thoughts running through my head. And I think it shows to the listener.

I think that's what we're looking for in life, like moments where we completely disassociate, you know? And you're next to a hero. No, it's great. I actually, I totally agree. I think he got in your wheelhouse big time. When he said good, when he says good job, it does, it's like, oh, I just said a good job. Thank you. That makes me feel good.

And I think he was joking about it because my dog's been around now for 30 plus years as like, you know, a major figure. Like when he starts rolling into all that like talk, it's like, that's because he's evolved and that's become a much bigger part of the sports scene. We kind of, we don't hit it as hard. And I think that we do that on some level on purpose because we don't. want to be become just another gambling show but it's it's funny how how big it's become throughout sports and russo is adapted with the times and evolved as have the NFL you know many of these shows what about your program coming up later this week by fan duel yeah check out game debut friday night on nfll network i love that saturday

i love the half-time talk with him too and it made me think of the super bowl uh in Miami where we were all dying laughing because we're like, Wes, you could pick any Super Bowl halftime performer. And he was like, oh, Snow Allegra. What are you talking about? The Snow Allegra halftime show. The zeitgeist. Oh, it's not too late. In fairness, she was like kind of a young cool artist. Yeah, she's great. That was surprising. It was just that it was great. It was not Crosby stills. There wasn't really hesitation from West. I was like, Snow Allegra. Plug and play halftime show act. Uh, speaking of plugs, speaking of plugs, the NFL, uh, network has a program that stars us called the around the NFL broadcast and you can check

that out Saturday 7 a.m. Eastern with rears throughout the day. That's going to be our kind of Super Bowl TV preview special. Ricky, you get a plug in there, of course, because oh no. Oh, no. The evil wretched Rhett Lewis just came in with a big time pump up of move the sticks. It's unnecessary. And I will not forgive and I will not forget. You have a podcast venture with NFL media. And you have a big show coming up. You want to get in some plus? Oh, yeah, split ends this week on Radio Row, too.

We've got some cool players. I forgot the name of the show temporarily. So that's why I set it up like that. But I know you do a show with Colleen. Split ends fell out of my mind. Happy birthday. Didn't have to share that necessarily. Yeah, thank you for that.

So it's total honesty. It's cool. We've got some cool guests coming up. Debo Samuel. Robert Woods is on. Pat McAfee's on today. That's a good job. Yeah, thanks.

There's a good catch. And then I'll be on the red carpet tomorrow on my 30th for NFL honors. So I'm really excited for that. Happy birthday to you on our next episode, a la like Marilyn Monroe to JFK. You have to wear the white dress. Sure. And we have to get like a fog like the event. I remember Tybee Island.

This is, we're fine. We're good. What happened on Tybee Island? Mr. President. Do you care to share that more? What? No, we can't talk about that. Well, can we?

I don't know. Talk about what? You mentioned something on top of it. No, no, we cannot talk about that. Okay. Not now. I just wanted to see if there was a green light on that, but there isn't. Greg was a red light.

You were asleep during, you were not on the premises, but I wasn't there. At that Bachelorette party where we all dressed up like Britney Spears. Do you remember that? I do. I do recall that, yes. Yeah, it was nice. All right. Well.

All right. That's it for today's show. Thank you to everyone for listening. So, yes, we have the network show coming up on Saturday. We have our, yes, the super. Super Bowl 56 preview. That's the episode where we're going to dig in deep on the big game, including our sandwich props for the big game.

So we don't say the big game. Could you say Super Bowl, Super Bowl, Super Bowl, Super Bowl, Super Bowl. So that's Friday. Make sure you check that out. And of course, Sunday night right after the game, we will be breaking down the winner and loser. Also, our lock picks coming up on Friday. You have a big decision.

I know. I'm still, I've not made a decision yet. That's where I'll leave it. Interesting. Is that true? It's completely true. Why would we assume that I'm lying when I say that? Yeah. Okay.

Well, I'm not, though. So we'll have the lock breakdown and then Sunday night. Yes, we'll be flagship program wrapping up another year of football. This is it for now. Dan Hansa is signing off for Quiet Storm, the old boss. Ricky Hollywood. Thanks to all of our guests. Where's that spider?

Good job by all yous Until Friday Head the call You know really We got to find that Because if that crawls on me I'm not going to be as calm as Greg Like I'm going to lose my shit

He had some He had some girth to him though If you just were a thick He was pretty girth Yeah he could have crawled up though It was a hairy Hey, everyone. Hey, everybody. Daniel Jeremiah here.

And I'm Bucky Brooks. On Move the Six, we take you inside the game from breaking down college prospects and NFL rookies to evaluating team building philosophies, coaching trends, and how front offices construct winning rosters. We study the tape, talk to decision makers, and give you a perspective you won't find anywhere else. It's everything you need to understand the why behind what happens on Sunday. Don't miss it. Listen to the Move the Sticks podcast on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. I'm Marcus Grant.

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