The Herd with Colin Cowherd - 07/14/2021 - HOUR 2 - AFC, Chris Paul

Episode Date: July 14, 2021

Colin gives his predictions for the AFCWhat to expect from Chris PaulGuest: Michael Redd Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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We have an interesting guest today. Michael Red played with the Bucks for years and years over a decade. It was an Olympian. A fascinating story. He walked into the league, average two points a game. Three years later, he's averaging 20 a game. Had a year he was all NBA, 26 a game. It doesn't happen like that.

Gary Peyton Michael Redder, two players. They come into the league and you're not sure if they can play. Like a bucket of game. And then you look up three years later. They're all stars, all NBA. Smart dude, he'll be joining us. The Olympic experience, what to expect, the Bucks, as the finals, game four starts tonight. So, Joy, mid-July every year.

today I'm going to do AFC tomorrow at this time I do NFC and I lay out my divisions and the playoff teams. Now I'm allowed two amendments. Right. There's a big trade. There's a major injury. I will probably do an amendment mid-August and then I'll probably do my final one

the weekend before the NFL season starts. That's fair. That's how we do it. Constitution's had 25 amendments, 27, I get two. Now, the staff this morning said I always use more than two. I had to fire those people and whatever. Okay, so let's not waste any time. We're going to start with the AFC East. I think this was one of the easier ones at the top to pick.

I have the Buffalo Bills winning at 12 and 5. Miami, New England were more difficult. I love everything Miami's doing. The coach, the GM, the defense, the special teams were exquisite. I even think they've upgraded offensively. I don't love the quarterback position, but I didn't last year either, and they got to 10 and 6. This is a better roster than a year ago. I'm not sure it's a better division than a year ago. I have them finishing second, the Patriots third at 9 and 8. the more I think about New England, the more I hear about the Mack Jones love affair,

I don't know what they are. They also, historically, Belichick starts slow in September, and they've got nine new free agents. This could be really choppy for New England in September. I think Miami will come out with a bang, Tua will be energized, I'll take the Patriots, third at nine and eight. The Jets, I think will be mostly a mess. I do not believe in Zach Wilson. I think he is the one quarterback out of the draft.

I have questions about. I see a lot of Johnny Mansell. I see a little bit of arrogance. I see a smaller athlete who can make plays off schedule. But this roster, though they've improved significantly on the offensive line, because of the last two drafts, Joe Douglas GM has done a very good job. I don't see the kind of playmakers you need. So that's the AFC East.

AFC North. Again, little tough at the top. I'll take Baltimore, 11, and 6 over Cleveland, 10 and 7, Steelers 8 and 9, Cincinnati, 6 and 11. For the record, I think Cincinnati will be a very competitive 6 and 11. I think it's a pretty tough division. I took Baltimore over Cleveland for a couple reasons. One, I feel that Baltimore has a quarterback who's won 80% of his games. He keeps getting better every year. I feel they were a really good team that just added pieces that fit in nicely and seamlessly. With Cleveland, I'm a little worried that the movie poster, OBJ, Clowny, is better than the movie itself. They've got a new secondary. I think they could be choppy a little bit in September.

In April, Sheldon Richardson, a very good interior lineman was a cap casualty. They bring in Clowny, who again can be explosive but disappears in big game. Sheldon Richardson is a man. He's gone. I don't love that. Again, this could be an amendment. I want to see the preseason. The Browns have the best offensive line in football,

and it is hard not to make the playoffs with the best offensive line in football. And it's no joke. It may not be as good as Dallas about five years ago where you got three Hall of Famers, but it is good. And I don't buy Pittsburgh. The offensive line now is regressed badly. Well, they got a bunch of good defensive players. They've had that for 10 years.

They've had a good defense for 10 years. That's never the issue. Can they get their act going offensively? That's the AFC North. All right. AFC South. Bad division with one good team. Colts 11 and 6.

I don't buy the Titans. Arthur Smith leaves. I think he's a tremendous coordinator. Don't know if he works as a head coach. Ryan Tannahill regresses. Two Derek Henry dependent. I still don't trust the pass rush or the secondary. Eight and nine Titans.

Jacksonville's fun to watch. A little bit of a mess. mess defensively, six and eleven, and nobody can tell me they trust Houston. I don't know what the hell's going on with that franchise 4 and 13. AFC West. Chiefs are going to win the division. That's not really the question. Now, a lot of betters in Vegas have the chargers as the surprise team in the NFL.

I have them at 9 and 8. It's not a shot at anybody, but their offensive line has three new starters, including a rookie. Justin Herbert is unbelievable, but he didn't face road crowds. This will be the first time in the NFL. Well, not that he would step back, but it's something. Also, we have a rookie head coach who's not been coaching football very long. I have Denver and the Raiders at 7 and 10.

The Raiders' offensive line is significantly been downgraded from a year ago. They have lost really good players and now depend on the seemingly ageless Richie incognito. And I think Van Geo is in danger of losing this locker room if they don't start quick in Denver and the schedule is tough. So that's my predictions. my playoff picture looks like this in the AFC. Kansas City plays Buffalo early at Arrowhead. Chiefs are the number one seed. Bills are the number two seed with the same record 12 and 5.

Baltimore and Indianapolis play. It's Monday night in Baltimore. Ravens win that game. Ravens, Colts 11 and 6, but the Ravens benefit of winning that game are the third seed Colts 4. Cleveland is easily, easily the best wild card team in the AFC Miami, then the Chargers. When I started hearing these stories about Cam and Mack Jones,

I moved the Patriots out. I don't have to love the last couple teams that make the playoffs. I don't love the two a situation, but I will say this. He's focused, he's in shape, he's the healthiest he's been, and I love everything else around him. They have absolutely upgraded the pieces around him. The Chargers, I think, are a football team that could get very, very good post- Thanksgiving. new coach, new O-line, schedule early could be tough.

But I have a feeling the Chargers are going to be one of those seven seeds that nobody wants to play. And they've shown an ability with Justin Herbert. They can play with a lead. They can play behind. They can win in shootouts. But again, they have not been good. The Chargers have it. They have disappointed us a lot over the last several years.

Right. So here we go. I went seven for seven last year in the AFC. Chiefs, Bills, Ravens, Colts, Browns are really good football teams. Chargers, I think, will be Miami is, but a hold it quarterback, in my opinion. There you go. All right. That was fun.

Michael Redd sitting there. Can you get me on the air already and done with your stupid NFL takes? Let's bring him on 12 years in the NBA, 11 with the bucks and all NBA, gold medal in the 2008 Summer Olympics. Michael, sometimes I got to talk football even during the finals. I apologize for that. No worries at all. Go Browns. There you go. You're a Columbus guy, by the way.

You just opened, I heard, a new yoga studio in Columbus. So good for you. You have seamlessly moved into retirement. I want to talk about first thing, the Bucks. It's a very old physical team. The Sons are a young finesse team. They like fast tempo. They're small. They're thin.

McHale Bridge is barely 210 pounds. The Bucks are Brooke Lopez and Janus. It's 250. It's P.J. Tucker. It's Bobby Portis. I kind of feel like in this finals, Mike, Michael, if it's half court and situational, I like the Bucks. If Monty Williams can increase the tempo, I like the Sons.

That's how I view it. How do you view it this morning? It's funny you mentioned that because I was thinking about the game tonight, and I'll be there tonight at the game. The Bucks made their size centric, and they became more dominant in game three because of their size and physicality. And that's the one advantage that they have. when Aitin was out the game, you can see how the Bucks imposed their physicality on the Sons.

You're right. The Sons are up and down, fast pace. And so the Bucks figured out, you know, we need to make our offense big-centric. And they did that and did a great job. And Janus was just down it and primarily because Aten was out the game. Yeah, even Drew Holliday is a physical point guard. Bobby Portis, P.J. Tucker. You know, Yannis is an interesting player. First of all, he's a wonderful guy. He works hard in his game. the free throw stuff. He's not going to be the first big that's not great at the free throw line. Tim Duncan for years, Michael, as you know, struggled at the free throw line. But he can be streaky.

There's moments he hits him. Would you be reluctant to have him on the floor, Michael, in the last three minutes of a big game? Or would you just be like, you know what? He's not Ben Simmons. He's not afraid to shoot. But would you be a little concerned if we got to a game six or a game seven? We're tied late. Would you pull him off the floor?

How would you do that? Speaking of, Giannis? Yeah. No. No. It's the moment, right? And as a player, you adjust to the moment. You rise to the moment.

And he's shown that in spurts, the route is the series especially. So, no. You trust your best player in those moments. He's made improvements at the free throw line as he did the other night. You have no choice, I think, at that moment, but to trust him in those moments. Yeah. You know, Michael, your career is interesting. I mentioned it before you came on last.

segment. It reminds me a little of Gary Peyton where Gary came in for a year or two and people were like, yeah, it's just not explosive. And then a year or two later, Gary Payton's an all star and Michael Red's an all star. In fact, you had a year you average 27. Usually we have a sense

in the first year. We have a sense in the first year. This guy's going to be an all star. You and Peyton explode. And I look at DeAndre Aiton, Michael. I thought he was a bus first year. I was like, this doesn't work. And now you're like, oh my lord take me back to your career what was the spark that turned you from four a game to 20 i think confidence in in myself um no matter where i was drafted i was drafted late the second round

but the one thing that i had that uh aton has is great leadership great veterans i had great veterans in lindsay hunter ray allen uh urban johnson sam cassell um guys that really, really poured into me and mentored me. And so Aiden has a Chris Paul who's been big for him this year in a lot of ways. There are certain things that players can do that coaches can't do as far as veterans. And so that's what was the big beneficiary for me. I had tremendous veterans that I really learned from. And my career took off from there.

For the record, you played in the Olympics with Chris Paul. Now, many have said, Michael, many have said he's tough. He's verbal. I mean, I've gone to games when he was a clipper. I would sit court side, and I would hear him. And I'm like, Blake Griffin had tuned him out. So when you played with him, did you sense that he's not for everybody? He was young at the time.

So he was 22, 23 at the time. And so he was very irreverent. He was himself, but he was very reverent to myself, Jason Kidd, Kobe, Tashon Prince, Carl's Boozer. We were kind of odor-heavy. at the time too. So we had a good balance between young and older. And he was Chris. He was a leader, vocal on the court, but he, you know, he wasn't what people say he is now as far as being more tough and not acquired taste. But I enjoy him. He's my

little brother. We had a great relationship when we played together in those three years, did a lot together. Our fathers are close to this day still. So he's terrific. He's a winner, and he's a leader. Yeah. I want to talk about the Olympic experience because you went to Beijing, won a gold medal 2008. You went eight and no. And I was saying this. First of all, the construction of Olympic teams is interesting in America. Where team Australia, you know, the Spanish team for years and years, it was the same guys. Australia. We have so much talent in America, Michael. We just have new guys going constantly. And it can be choppy. We also don't, this team doesn't have a rim protector per se. Some guys didn't want to go after. the condensed season. They didn't want to go play on the Olympics. Our team has struggled a little bit in the first three games they've played. Is the world catching up to us or is it a matter of, you know, we keep throwing different guys on this

team. You can't create chemistry in a week in Vegas. I mean, where do you land on their early struggles? Oh, man, great question. I think the one thing that we have, from our experience, that Jerry Colangelo and Coach Shoshkevsky established with stability, at the top. Jerry was clearly in control. Mike was in control. In 2005, we all had a conversation with Jerry Calangelo, and Jerry was very direct and saying, hey, listen, this is going to be a three-year process. Is everybody committed? And we all, to a man, said, we're committed. And so we had the

cohesion. We have familiarity. We had a chemistry that made winning to go metal also more sweet. So as much as we love that moment of winning to go metal, we knew it took three years to get to that point. So I don't know if this current team has had that. And the world has certainly caught up, for sure. The world is advanced as far as basketball skills. We in America, our AAU system, that's a whole another conversation for another day. We're athletic, we're gifted in so many different ways, but the world is certainly cut up as far as learning how to play the game, skill, all of that. And so we should be surprised to see challenging. We were challenged when we were. play Spain in the championship of gold medal games. So I'm surprised that we're losing still,

but I'm not surprised that the world is caught up. You know, I said this yesterday. 15 years ago in America, Michael, our football and basketball cultures were the exact same. You were ridden hard by a good high school coach. You went to college for three to four years and were ridden hard by a good college coach. And when you went to the NBA, you had to be pretty respectful to the coach because he still had power. The football. culture is still that today. The basketball culture is different. It's more transitional. You play, you don't even play high school. You have an AAU coach for a couple years that wants you on the team. You have a college coach for a year that will do anything to get you. And we have a league now

where you walk into this league. There's too much money. You'll get rid of the coach in an hour. Stan Van Gundy's gone. I said this the other day. I think we're creating better basketball players, but less resilient basketball players is that they are bothered by Twitter. I can't see Michael Red and Michael Jordan being bothered by Twitter. Maybe I'm wrong. It's a generational opinion. But do you worry a little bit that the player, it's always been a labor-driven league. The employees, the players have always had the power in this league.

When I was a kid and Spencer Haywood, I can go back to the 70s. But are you worried that sometimes now it's so much of it. about the players that they're not as resilient as they used to be. I think you have the balance of both, and you did a great job of articulating that, Colin, as you always do. It's a different generation. We've always, we've all said that in the last few years. I had a dad that was challenging to me in a great way.

He grew me up to become a man. When I felt things were tough in college, he said, shut up and go listen to your coach. NBA, dad, this is hard. Shut up, fight through it, get through it, show some grit. As you can see, work hard, do what you're told to do and get through it. And then I had leverage as a player too within the organization. I was a lot to have a voice with our GM and with our owner.

Yeah. I think you can do both. I think you can utilize and leverage your leverage and your influence of the team. But at the same time, be supported to the coach and be coachable. I think that's a lost art in today's game, where people are coachable and not so easily offended. Go work hard, go get better,

go do with coach as you do, and you'll see better results. I don't know if we had that as much as we did in my time. Yeah. By the way, you're one of those guys. The game has changed. The game would have been great to you right.

You ever look at this and think 26 a game? Hell, I'd have averaged 36 a game. You were built. You were born too soon, Michael, because you were built for this game. You ever think that? Steve Kirk came up to me a couple years ago. I said you would flourish in this era.

You had to be efficient in my time. Yes. Three ball because if you missed two or three in a row, you come up the game. That's right. That's how it was. So I always shot maybe, I think, four three is a game, maybe five. And I was more of a score, obviously,

and people know me as a three-point shooter, but I was a score. But different, and then it was more physical, right? The game was more physical. you can get away with more back then. So in this day and age now, I do think about it and wonder. I talked to my wife about it, my friends about it,

like, man, what would I do in this era of where it's okay to shoot 15 to 23s in the game? So it's a different time, different time. I celebrate these guys. They're doing remarkable things. But I certainly respect those who came before them and became before me. They just have more league right now. Yeah. What a pleasure. Michael, you've done so well for yourself. I love having you on the show. Good luck with your yoga studio in Columbus, Ohio. You're a former Buckeye. Let me look at this up real quick here. I think you were drafted 43rd. How about that? And became an all-N-Ba dude. Good for you, Michael. It's great senior. Thanks for coming on. And go Browns. Thank you, buddy. Thank you, man. Appreciate you, buddy. All right. Michael Red, great NBA player. I had the Browns at 10 and 7. No disrespect.

It's a very solid choice. I love how upset people get with you about the Browns. Oh, no. If I walk anywhere, anywhere in the country this week in Wyoming, Ohio fans, there was a bunch of, it just, it doesn't matter if I'm on a horse with my kids, riding a horse, I'm at a water park. It doesn't. I get asked about it.

Why is Colin Hay Baker? I'm like, he doesn't hate him. I don't hate anybody. Westbrook drives me insane. Baker drives me nuts. It's not about hate. It's about people that live in tunnels can drive me nuts. Politically, athletically, Westbrook lives in that tunnel

and my best friend's the ball, it drives me crazy. And Maker Mayfield, a little cocky, a little Johnny Mansell-like. It's like, have some success before you have 48 commercials. Don't hate anybody. Sandwiches around the corner. I'm going to take a break. One more herd? The herd streams 24 hours a day, seven days a week, within the iHeart radio app.

Search Herd to listen live or on demand whenever you'd like. Imagine an Olympics where doping is not only legal but encouraged. It's the enhanced games. Some call it grotesque. Others say it's unleashing human potential. Either way, the podcast's Superhuman documented it all, embedded in the games and with the athletes for a full year. Within probably 10 days, I'd put on 10 pounds.

I was having trouble stopping the muscle growth. Listen to Superhuman on the I-Hart Radio. app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. A win is a win. A win is a win. I don't care what you're saying. Yep, that's me, Clivert Taylor the 4th. You might have seen the skits, the reactions, my journey from basketball to college football,

or my career in sports media. Well, somewhere along the way, this platform became bigger than I ever imagined. And now I'm bringing all of that excitement to my brand new podcast, The Clifford Show. This is a place for raw, unfiltered conversations with some of your favorite athletes, creators, and voices that not only deserve to be heard, but celebrated. One week, I'll take you behind the scenes of the biggest moments in sports and entertainment, and the next we'll talk about life, mental health, purpose, and even music. The Clifford Show isn't just a podcast, it's a space for honest conversations,

stories that don't always get told, and for people who are chasing something bigger. So, if you've ever supported me or you're just chasing down a dream, this is right where you need to be. Listen to the Clifford Show on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast. And for more behind the scenes, follow at Clifford and at TikTok podcast network on TikTok. Hey, it's Edwin Castro, also known as Castro 1021. And I'm Kunky, his best friend and business manager. And we've got a new show called the 1021 podcast. I'm taking you behind the scenes on how I became one of Twitch's most popular streamers. We also

love sports. And with the World Cup right around the corner, we'll be breaking down the biggest storylines ahead of the big tournament here in the USA. Listen to the 1021 podcast on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you're watching the latest season of the Real Housewives of Atlanta, you already know there's a lot to break down. Georgia accusing Kelly of sleeping with a merry man. They holding Kay Michelle back from fighting Drew.

Pinky has financial issues. I like the bougie style of Housewives show. I think it looks like to be interesting. On the podcast, Reality with the King, I, Carlos King, recap the biggest moments from your favorite reality shows, including the Real House Wise franchise, the drama, the alliances, and the team everybody's talking about. As an executive producer in reality television, I'm not just watching it. I understand the game. As somebody who creates shows, I'll even say this. At the end of the day, when people are at home, they want entertainment. To hear this and more, listen to Reality with the King on the IHard radio app, Apple Podcasts,

or wherever you get your podcast. Saturday, rivals collide as Xander Bogars and the Red Sox battle Aaron Judge and the Yankees or the surprising giants look to keep rolling as they take on the Cardinals. Or Al-Tube and the Astros take on the White Sox. Saturday, 6.30 Eastern on Fox and the Fox Sports app. Check local listings for the game in your area. Yankees are very much built for the home run. and if they don't hit with power,

they don't do a lot of other things very well. They're starting pitching has been tenuous. They're base running and their defense, so we'll see how that plays out. Here is Joy Taylor with the news. No, no, no, no. Turn on the news. This is the herd line news.

So the Lakers are going to be making some changes, and one of those changes might be to bring someone back. According to Mark Stein, he expects the Lakers to search for pathway to reacquire Lonzo Ball. So he is 23 now. He'll be a restricted free agent this off season. Obviously, he was drafted number two overall in 2017

and spent the first two seasons of his career with the Lakers before he was traded. To New Orleans and the Anthony Davis trade. So he's entering his fifth season in the league. Still a kid. Yeah. I mean, he's, he had in 55 games, he averaged 31.8, basically 32 minutes,

41.4 field goal percentage. Like, he's very consistent in a traditional point card. Yeah, and the other thing, he is long and a pretty good defender. And he's improved his three-point shooting a lot. Yes, and so we do this a lot, that we judge a player when he comes into the league, and then we kind of abandon him if he doesn't accomplish what we think. Lonzo Ball has gotten stronger. He's a better shooter.

He's a little bit of a playmaker. And this is also, if you're a Laker fan about Dennis Schrooter, who wants $120 million, Shruder is a difficult personality. Lonzo and LeBron get along very well. I'm told by people around the NBA, Lonzo's a good hang. There's an old saying for guys, is he a good hang? You're going to go to Vegas for a weekend?

Is he a good hang? Lonzo's a good hang. Like guys like him, he's a very unselfish player. He came into the league a little brittle and thin. He's not. He's ripped. And he's become a very nice, not elite, but a very nice three-point shooter. So for Laker fans, if you're not watching Pelican Games, he's a better player.

He's a thicker, better player who shoots better, and I think he's a playmaker. And this morning, if you told me, you'd probably have to trade Kyle Kuzma for him, which I would be comfortable doing, because I don't think LeBron and Kuzma play well together. I think Lonzo and LeBron would. it. Lonto's always been a more mature player for his age, but his body didn't match the type of player that he needed to be. And he needed to improve his three-point shooting. And he's done all those things. You mentioned he's bigger, he's shooting better, and he is a great distributor. Yeah. And he doesn't have to learn the Lakers' culture or building or any of that he's been there

before he was drafted there. So I actually think this would be a good move for them. And sometimes expectations change the reality for players. You expected him to be something that he wasn't there at that moment and didn't fit what the team was doing at that moment, and now he does. By the way, he's also, he's a very long guard, he's a good rebounding guard. So AD's a good rebounder. You'd lose Dennis Schroeder's athletic ability. He's very dynamic, but Schroeder's a difficult player who wants to be paid a fortune, and he's not the kind of personality. I think the Lakers, I just don't, I think Dennis is sort of a, he's his own guy, and I think LeBron's more comfortable. Like, there's a little Kyrie Irving to Shooter's personality. He's

going to do his own thing. LeBron tends to like a more collaborative effort. LeBron, you can be flawed with LeBron. J.R. Smith, but J.R. was one of the guys. Schroeder doesn't feel like that to me. He's kind of his own personality. I don't think you need to be any of those things if you're working at the right number. But if you want to be paid, what he's asking to be paid, then that's all those things are going to start to matter. Like star money. Yeah. So Ben Rathesberger's 39 in entering what many people believe could be his final season in the NFL. And former Steelers head coach Bill Kauer said he thinks Big Ben is out to prove the doubters wrong this year. I'm sure he's just thriving right now

on the fact that everyone thinks that he's done, the Steelers are done. I used to always say to people, I said, the greatest thing in sports is to do something nobody thinks you can do. It's one of the greatest accomplishments. And I think right now Ben is just thriving on that. You can't wait to get out there probably chopping at the bit to prove. I think he's, I would be very surprised if he didn't have a great year this year. I think it's their worst O-line in years. And Joy, say what you want about Lavian Bell. This team has not run the football since Lavian Bell left.

And I'm sorry, you cannot ask Ben to throw 50 times a game. He had a game last year. I think he threw over 60. So this is a bad O line, which wouldn't have been as punitive to ban his first five years in the league because he didn't even look like another quarterback. But before Cam came in, nobody looked like. been at 6-6-2-70, or 260. So I just think battle line.

They haven't shown an ability to run the ball. That's why they went and got Naji Harris from Alabama, who, by the way, is a power runner, is not a break it down the sideline. He's only had a handful of 20-plus runs at Alabama. So this all sounds great that he's working out, but I don't buy it. Hey, look, I've born and raised in Pittsburgh. I've watched the Steelers my entire life. Okay.

They wrap the babies in terrible towels at the hospitals in Pittsburgh. Yeah. I love the Steelers. I love Pittsburgh. I don't like hearing in what might be the final year of your career that your biggest concern this offseason is getting in shape. And we're making a big deal out of it. I don't love working out. Okay.

I go to the gym. I sit on the little elliptical machine, okay? And I watch an episode of Breaking Bad. Okay. I'm not a gym warrior, all right? You stay in shape. You do some jogging. Yeah.

If it was my job. That's what I do all day. That's what I would do? So I always find it to be like, what is this news, like, that you're in shape this year? Why is that supposed to be exciting to me? Isn't that what you're supposed to do? Now I understand some guys take it a little more seriously than others, but this is your job. Like, I don't need you to post videos in the gym doing box jumps every day, but I don't also need to hear that this is like the year that you're really focused on working out.

I just, that's just me. I don't know. This was you're supposed to do. Right. So I don't know why that's new. like that you're in the best shape of your life now. Why? Why am I supposed to be?

I actually, I'm like the opposite. I'm the other side. Like, I'm angry now. This is like what you've started to focus on. I just think the Steelers aren't built the way the Steelers need to win. There's a certain way you have to build your team to be successful, especially in that division. They haven't had a running game.

They've been patchwork on the offensive line. They've been asking Ben to throw a million times. None of this is what the Steelers do. This is not what you do. So they've come. completely lost their identity as far as how they build their team. And I really feel like the Super Bowl window close on this current situation. When they lost Levam Bill and Antonio Brown and Ben Rathosberger couldn't win together.

That was when you should have done something. Totally agree. The windows closed. And the windows never stay open as long as you think. By the way, Brady had, there was windows in the middle of his two dynasties in New England where they just, they weren't good enough on, they didn't have enough dynamic players. They didn't win Super Bowl every year. Right. But this is what it is.

And like, look, they might, they might, I still think they'll be consistent because of the Steelers and they have a great coach. Mike Tomlin's never had a losing season. So it's not like they're going to be a disaster. But the standards should be championships. And that's just not, I don't see that happening this year. So Jake Paul was on undisputed this morning to talk about his upcoming fight with Tyrone Woodley. And he was asked about potentially squaring off against Connor McGregor in the ring. I still think Jake Paul versus Connor McGregor would be one of the biggest pay-per-views.

and in the history of boxing. But look, man, I don't want to fight losers. The guy keeps on losing. You know, his act is being exposed. And he's on a downhill trajectory. My career, my boxing is on uphill trajectory. So, you know, I got $23 for him, and he can buy 23 McChiccans at that.

I will say this. His act has peak, McGregor's. I am in the, I don't know if this is supported by many people. I love these Paul fights, Jake Paul fights, because it's got an everyman quality. He's a big, strong kid who's totally committed to boxing. He started way late. And it's like, I got to be honest, when you watch him, he's committed. And he's not refined.

It's not a beautiful, it's not, it's not the sweet science with him as much. But he's so committed to it, I'm kind of into. watching him fight. What is hard for people to swallow is that he's getting these fights and is able to transition into this space because of his fame.

Well, fame has value. That's why people want to be famous. So while I don't love it, it is reality and I don't try and project my own feelings onto facts. Right. And that's what it is. So they're in this space now. If you're going to do it, be serious about it to your point.

But I also firmly believe believe that half of what being a great star in the fight game, whether it's UFC or boxing, is selling the fights. There are brilliant fighters who we never talk about because they're not interesting. And that's what that is. That's just a reality of that sport. I grew up with Larry Holmes. He was a complete dud as a personality. Larry held a heavyweight championship forever. But nobody liked him. They liked All Lee. We liked. We liked. Thomas Hitman Hearns, Sugar Ray Leonard. Tyson.

For all of his issues, there was a dynamic quality about him. I never understand this. You hear this all the time with bands. That bands a sellout. You're a performer. REM did great music and then didn't want to deal with all the industry stuff. So they disappeared. You too is willing to do stuff and deal with the industry stuff.

You have to be dynamic as an entertainer. Oli got that. And McGregor gets that. Arnold Palmer, the great golfer, understood to be friendly to fans and put his name on endorsements. That's part of what we do is entertainment. Exactly. So for all the, like, his losing talk, that would be one of the top selling pay-per-views maybe ever. I mean, McGregor, the UFC 264 was the second highest selling card in UFC history.

McGregor sells. Whether he's losing or winning, people want to watch. That fight was a disappointment because it didn't actually end in a win or loss. It was a doctor's stoppage. And there wasn't a tap out. So they're going to probably have another fight. And people are going to watch because whether McGregor is still a good fighter or not is irrelevant. He sells the fight.

My wife is not into sports. She's barely into me and I talk sports. But she loves going to fights. We've gone to UFC together. We went to the Connor McGregor Mayweather. I can get my wife to a fight anytime. Why? It's an event.

And if you want to be, I mean, I'm sorry, but Jake Paul fights, I'm fascinated. Connor McGregor's way past his prime. I watch his fights. I'm sorry, I'm into it. I watched that stupid Mayweather. Who did he fight? It was, yeah, when he fought, Paul, and I knew it was dumb. But in the end, I was fascinated by it.

I couldn't take my eyes off it. It's not the refined traditional, you know, sweet science. But part of the. sport, UFC and boxing, part of the fight game is selling the fight. Make me interested, make me compelled, make me pick a side. And if you can't do that, then you're just, you're not going to sell it, and that's just part of that sport. Yep. Joy with the news. Well, that's the news. And thanks for stopping by. The Hurd Lie News. Escape QuickBooks, quicksand by going to NetSuite by Oracle. The number one financial system. Special financing is back for

those ready to graduate. Head to netsuite.com slash herd right now. NetSuite.com slash H-E-R-D. Be sure to catch live editions of the herd weekdays in noon Eastern, 9 a.m. Pacific on Fox Sports Radio, FS1, and the IHeart Radio app. Hey, I'm John Middlecoff, and I host the three-and-out podcast. Do you like football? Do you like the NFL? Do you like the NFL draft? Quarterbacks, coaches? Well, I talk about it all. On the show. I used to work for Andy Reed as a Now I give you my unfiltered and raw opinions on everything that goes on the NFL. And you know we're talking college football because of how important the draft is year-round. Listen at the three-and-out podcast with me, John Middlecock, on the Iheart radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.

Imagine an Olympics where doping is not only legal but encouraged. It's the enhanced games. Some call it grotesque. Others say it's unleashing human potential. Either way, the podcast Superhuman documented it all, embedded in the games and with the athletes for a full year. Within probably 10 days, I'd put on 10 pounds. I was having trouble stopping the muscle growth. Listen to Superhuman on the I-Hard Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. A win is a win.

A win is a win. I don't care which I'm saying. Yep, that's me, Cliver Taylor the 4th. You might have seen the skits, the reactions, my journey from Bats, basketball to college football or my career in sports media. Well, somewhere along the way, this platform became bigger than I ever imagined. And now I'm bringing all of that excitement to my brand new podcast, The Clifford Show. This is a place for raw, unfiltered conversations with some of your favorite athletes,

creators, and voices that not only deserve to be heard, but celebrated. One week, I'll take you behind the scenes of the biggest moments in sports and entertainment, and the next we'll talk about life, mental health, purpose, and even music. The Clifford Show isn't just a podcast. It's a space for honest conversations, stories that don't always get told, and for people who are chasing something bigger. So, if you've ever supported me or you're just chasing down a dream, this is right where you need to be.

Listen to The Clifford Show on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. And for more behind the scenes, follow at Clifford and at TikTok Podcast Network on TikTok. If you're watching the latest season of the Real Housewives of Atlanta, you already know there's a lot to break down. Cues and Kelly of sleeping with a married man. They holding Kay Michelle back from fighting Drew. Pinky has financial issues.

I like the bougie style of Housewives show. I think it looks like it's going to be interesting. On the podcast, Reality with the King, I, Carlos King, recap the biggest moments from your favorite reality shows, including the Real Housewives franchise, the drama, the alliances, and the team everybody's talking about. As an executive producer in reality television, I'm not just watching it.

understand the game. As somebody who creates shows, I'll even say this. At the end of the day, when people are at home, they want entertainment. To hear this and more, listen to Reality with the King on the IHard Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Hey, it's Edwin Castro, also known as Castro 1021. And I'm Konki, his best friend and business manager. And we've got a new show called The 1021 Podcast. I'm taking you behind. behind the scenes on how I became one of Twitch's most popular streamers. We also love sports. And with the World Cup right around the corner,

we'll be breaking down the biggest storylines ahead of the big tournament here in the USA. Listen to the 1021 podcast on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Game four of the finals is featured on the free-to-play Fox Bet Super 6 app. Scan the QR code below, download the app, and answer six questions about tonight. game for your shot to win $1,000.

I'll take the, I think it's a close game. Bucks may win. I have the sons winning in six. I think tonight I'll take the points. Is it up to four and a half or five? Bucks are favored by five right now. So it's moved up from four and a half. I would take the sons tonight. But I do think, you know, we have a, you know, styles make fights.

And what we have in this fight, basketball is very much the same as a veteran physical team that is wearing down a younger Phoenix team. And if you remember, when A.D. and LeBron were healthy, they won a couple of games over the Suns because they were bigger and stronger and more physical. The Sun's team is very young and very slender and very fast and very up tempo. And if you took Jay Crowder out, there's not a lot of beef there.

And if you look at the Suns in the NBA draft, they're going to go try to get some size to go along with DeAndre Aiton. And so it's going to be a lot. Which coach can kind of manipulate the tempo. Phoenix wants to run. And Milwaukee wants to pound and pound. And then Bobby Portis and Brooke Lopez and Janice and PJ Tucker. So as I said yesterday, if this was in an octagon or a tug of war, Milwaukee would end it in the first round.

But it's not, and I'll still take Phoenix to win. By the way, with Marcus by Goldman Sachs, you can get a personal loan with a fixed rate and no fees ever. Go to Marcus.com. Marcus.com to learn more about their no fee personal loan. So today, I predicted the AFC standing. I get two amendments before the season starts. last year I went seven for seven on AFC teams. Didn't have as much success, although I had some, got about half right in the NFC.

This year, by the way, I feel very strongly about the AFC. I think we have a very strong top and a very average bottom. In the NFC, I don't think we have as good at top. I think it's Tampa Bay and a lot of guessing. In the NFC, the bottom isn't generally quite as bad as the AFC. So I think the AFC, again this year, is the, easier conference to predict. And we'll go through again, my predictions.

I thought the AFC East, Buffalo's got a coach I like, a GM I love, a stable ownership. Their running game is never going to be elite, but Josh Allen elevates that himself. They addressed their lack of pass rush. I do think their secondary has got real talented guys. I think Buffalo is the easy pick here for me. They've got the best quarterback, the best young coach. Frankly, we got three great coaches in this division.

We have no idea who Robert Sala is or what he'll do. I think the Jets are an easy fourth place pick. I've said before, Zach Wilson to me, I got a lot of questions. I know he can sling it. He looks a lot like Johnny Mansell, small shoulders, small waist, small guy, did not do well against the best teams he faced in college. Now, either to Josh Allen, in fairness, but Josh is 6'6 and a much bigger, stronger athlete. I think the argument in this division is Miami in New England.

I go Miami simply because they know who their quarterback's going to be. They are, I think they have better personnel right now than New England. New England is flush with new free agents. This is not an easy offense to figure out. It took Cam a while last year. It would certainly take Mack Jones a rookie a while. New England, I got a lot of questions. Miami, I got more answers.

And with only one question, can Tua stay healthy? So Miami's second, New England, third, jets fourth. AFC North. Again, I think it's pretty easy to vision. Baltimore and Cleveland have the best, most balanced rosters. Now the Cleveland has a legitimate grown-up as a general manager and a grown-up as a head coach. I pick Baltimore over Cleveland because I think Baltimore was an excellent team that just added some pieces that will work seamlessly into the offense. Cleveland feels like a great movie poster. I don't know if the movie's great yet, but their O-line is sensational.

Their running backs are tremendous. there'll be a team that jumps on Leeds, runs downhill. They can play in front behind. And they'll go, they match up pretty well with Baltimore. Those are the two best teams easily in the division. But again, I do think Cleveland could have a little bumpy September. They've got some new faces in the back end of their secondary, good players, but new. They did lose Sheldon Richardson, a cap casualty in April, which worries me.

He's an under the radar player, but a stud. Gidevian Clowney, great in the post. shows up occasionally. We don't know about OBJ. Baker played better last year when OBJ left, but they're a really good team. Pittsburgh, to me, worst on the line in years, can't run the football since Levian left. And frankly, I think Cleveland and Baltimore are better teams. Cincinnati is not an embarrassing 6 and 11. They'll be in a lot of games. I think they've patched their offensive line. I think it looks like they have a quarterback for the future. I know people look at that and go 6 and 11. They're kind of a 6 and 11, 7 and 10 team. I think it's a really

hard division. That in the end, a really good division. But I think Cincinnati's a very game, six and eleven. AFC South is a mess except for the Colts. I thought about giving them 12 and five, but we don't know yet with Carson Wentz. They've got to rebuild his confidence. Jonathan Taylor became a star last year at running back. Michael Pittman, USC wide receiver, started to emerge late in the season. And they have a tremendous O line. This division's kind of a mess to me. the Texans. I mean, the Texans could win 10 games, but I don't trust the coach, the old line. I just don't think they have talent or guidance and who the hell knows what's going on with Deshawn Watson. Jacksonville will be fun to watch. Again, I think Jacksonville will be a very

fun, spirited 6-11 team. They'll probably win a game or two. You can't believe. They'll be underdogs in most games. The offense will be fun. Urban Myers, very smart and clever. Tennessee, I'm selling my stock on. A lot like Pittsburgh. I like the coach. But I think losing Arthur Smith, it's like Matt Ryan losing Kyle Shanahan. He's never been the same. Great coordinators, not good, great coordinators are hard to find in this league. And there's not many of them. And Arthur, now, Arthur may not work as a head coach.

I got no idea. But as a coordinator, he was sensational. And they also become very Derek Hill dependent. It had no pass rush last year. It's a lot of questions. And finally, the AFC West, Kansas City is the class of it. Now, I do think the Chargers, from a personnel standpoint, match up pretty well with them. But I get Andy Reed against Brandon Staley.

That's the difference. That's an Andy Reed thing into Brandon Staley. I like the Chargers roster. If Derwin James stays healthy, it's a real defense, Bosa. Denver and the Raiders, I don't trust Drew Locke. I think their roster's good. I think they still will be on the phone in September with Green Bay and Aaron Rogers. Listen, the Raiders, I haven't bought into this act yet with Gruden.

I don't think they know what they're doing in the draft. I think they've overdrafted half their roster. I'm really concerned about their offensive line. Trent Brown is gone. Gabe Jackson now is gone. You're kind of relying on Richie Incognito. And they just haven't shown the ability in the last two years to play winning football post- Thanksgiving. Sorry.

If a company's not well-run, it may start okay, but it deteriorates. over time. The Raiders have been a bad football team post Thanksgiving. All sorts of questions defensively as well. And Denver's a talented team, but I don't trust Drew Locke. So the playoff teams, chiefs will be by number one seed. They'll beat the Bills in week five at Arrowhead. Bills a two seed. Ravens and the Colts go three and four. The Ravens play the Colts at home on Monday Night Football.

I think they win that game. So despite the fact they're both 11 and 6, I'll take the Ravens as a three seed, the Colts as a four. I also think Carson Wentz could be choppy in September. Cleveland will be an excellent wild card team with a chance to get the AFC championship. They'll be a way better than average wild card team. Miami and the Chargers.

Miami, love the team, questions about the quarterback. Chargers, love the team, questions about the head coach. Tua could be fine. Brandon Staley could be great. I just don't know. I got to watch it to see it. And there you go. And we were seven for seven last year.

I think I've mentioned that 32 times. Today, hour three, Mark Sanchez, joins us. Next. Another podcast from some SNL late-night comedy guy, not quite. Unhumor me with Robert Smygel and Friends. Me and hilarious guests from Bob Odenkirk to David Letterman help make you funnier. This week, my guest, SNL's Mikey Day and head writer Streeter Seidel help an a cappella band with their between songs banter.

Where does your group perform? We do some retirement homes. Those people are starving for banter. Listen to humor me with Robert Smigel and Friends on the I-Heart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get. your podcasts. Imagine an Olympics where doping is not only legal but encouraged. It's the enhanced games.

Some call it grotesque. Others say it's unleashing human potential. Either way, the podcast's Superhuman documented it all, embedded in the games and with the athletes for a full year. Within probably 10 days, I'd put on 10 pounds. I was having trouble stopping the muscle growth. Listen to Superhuman on the I-Hard Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

A win is a win. A win is a win. I don't care what I'm saying. Yep, that's me. Clivert Taylor the 4th. You might have seen the skits, my basketball and college football journey, or my career in sports media.

Well, now I'm bringing all of that excitement to my brand new podcast, The Clifers Show. This is a place for raw, unfills of conversations with athletes, creators, and voices that not only deserve to be heard, but celebrated. So let's get to it. Listen to The Clivert Show

on the IHeard Radio app, Apple Podcast, wherever you get your podcast. And for more behind the scenes, follow at Clifford and at TikTok Podcast Network on TikTok. On the Look Back at it podcast. From 1979, that was a big moment for me.

84 was big to me. I'm Sam Jay. And I'm Alex English. Each episode, we pick a year, unpack what went down, and try to make sense of how we survived it. With our friends, fellow comedians, and favorite authors.

Like Mark Lamont Hill on the 80s. 84 was a wild year. It was a wild year. I don't think there's a more important year for black people. Listen to look back at it on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. This is an IHeart podcast. Guaranteed human.