The Herd with Colin Cowherd - 3 and Out - Cowboys Playoffs, Carr Benching, Broncos Dysfunction, Week 17 3 for the $$$

Episode Date: December 30, 2022

John discusses the Cowboys keeping the pressure on the Eagles in the NFC East with a TNF win over the backup heavy Titans, and what they need to do in the playoffs to be deemed a success. Then, he discusses the bizarre circumstances surrounding the Raiders benching Derek Carr, why Broncos organizational dysfunction will make it hard to hire an elite head coach, and  the end of Zach Wilson with the Jets. Then, he runs 3 Week 17 NFL games by Action Network sharp Stuckey to see if there's professional agreement or disagreement on this week’s picks. Subscribe NOW and follow Middlekauff and The Volume on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for the latest content. It's always FanDuel for the best wagering action! #volume #herd  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is an I-Heart podcast. Guaranteed Human. 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 IHeart 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 IHard Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

The Volume. The Three Now Podcast with me, John Middilcalf, is presented by Fandul's Sportsbook. There's no better place to make every moment more than with Fandual. America's number one sportsbook, very easy to use, safe and secure, you get your winnings fast. I cannot recommend it enough. Love gambling with Fandual.

If you are new, just download the Fandual Sportsbook app to get started. Now, sign up with promo code Colin so they know we sent you. What is up, everybody? John Middlecob, fresh off a 13-hour drive back from the Bay Area because my friends

at Southwest Airlines. Don't cry for me. I never actually had to go to the airport. My flight just got canceled on the app. So I had to pivot because I wasn't going to be able to get home. So I ran into a car, drove home. Now I'm here. Watch a little football, a little cowboy game.

I basically did a rapid fire. for the pod where I just kind of wrote down some of the stories that happened over the last week. I'm not going to break down all the games from last week. We'll just talk about the games once they happen this week on like Sunday and Monday. So we're just kind of going to talk some of the major stories.

Carr, the Broncos, right? Some of the Eagles injuries. Cardinals are stories. Zach Wilson situation. A lot going on. A lot of drama. You know what I love a good drama. So at John Middlecoff is the Instagram firing those DM for Middlecough Mailbag. Also, if you you listen on Collins feed, make sure you subscribe to the three and out feed.

And, uh, and yeah, let's dive into the podcast. Okay, it's been a weird, you know, stretch for the Cowboys, right? They struggled to beat the Texans. They lost that game to the Jags. They handled business on Christmas Eve. And then tonight was a little weird. It was, I would say, a lot closer than most people thought it would be, right? I mean, the Titans, they are playing that game with,

the majority of people that we have never heard of. I mean, Joshua Dobbs, who God love them, impressive night, that's who's giving you a game. Now, ultimately, the Cowboys separated as the game went on, as they should. Short week, a little longer in your typical Thursday week because you played on Saturday afternoon. But I'm going to give the Cowboys a little bit of credit. You know, the Eagles have had an incredible season. And up until the last like 10 days, their season has been smooth sailing. It felt like they were going to cruise to 16 and 1.

But what happens in football? Guys get hurt. And now, I wouldn't say it's up in the air, like big picture for the Eagles, but it's definitely just, you know, they've been throwing a couple curveballs. And the Cowboys, who lost their quarterback early in the season for a couple games,

have just had a weird stretch this last month, have kept their division hopes alive. And most importantly, with more than likely a backup quarterback, who I think we all kind of like, I mean, he's a good backup quarterback in Gardner Minchu, have forced the Eagles hand. Like the Eagles have to win this week.

And then if the Cowboys win again next week, the Eagles have to win again. So the Cowboys have made the Eagles keep trying, not rest, and keep the focus on, because they're 12 and 4. And I know this, I'm watching the game the night thinking of like some,

I wouldn't want to say negative takes, but it's like, oh, Dak, throws a shitty pick, oh, Mike McCarthy, and you look up and they're 12 and 4. Like, they deserve credit. It hasn't always been pretty. their defense disappeared for a little bit of a stretch lately,

but 12 and 4, they're in position to, I don't want to say in position to win the division, but the division is still alive. And if I would have told you that four or five weeks ago, no one would have believed you because the Eagles were in cruise control. And that's just not the case anymore. And now with Lane Johnson being out, that game's pretty fascinating.

Let's face it, all those teams in the NFC South, or I guess three of the four teams are still alive in Carolina, Tampa, and the New Orleans Saints. And the Eagles have a lot on the line this week, not just winning, you know, to win the division, but to beat the Saints because they have the Saints pick. So I give the Cowboys credit, Mike McCarthy credit.

This is back-to-back, 12 plus wins. This is a guy that I'm guilty of, have talked a lot of shit about, you know, and his teams are winning a lot of games. Now, Mike McCartner, and the Dallas Cowboys are going to be judged on one thing and one thing only. And that's going to be the second round of the playoffs. Let's just assume they don't win the division.

They're going to get no credit if they beat whoever. The Bucks, who are god-awful, Carolina, who everyone's talking about them like they're the 07 bats because they win a couple games. I mean, they're not very good either. And the Saints, who also kind of stink. So the Cowboys, who are going to be favored in that game, just have to win. Now, I'm not going to give them like style points or whatever. You win the game.

It's the playoffs. All that matters. But you lose that game, Mike McCarthy's getting fired. Right. Back to back, wild card weekend losses at 12 plus wins. Like, it's over. So they're going to get judged on one weekend and one weekend alone because the only thing that's allowed to happen in the wildcard weekend is the Cowboys winning.

It's the second week. And whether they end up playing the Eagles, if there's maybe an upset in the first round with a two game, whether that's the Niners or more than likely the Vikings, and they end up playing one of those two teams on the road, you win that game, to me, your six seasons a major success, given that they haven't been in the NFC championship game, and I don't know, since I was in junior high. I'm 38. So it's been a while.

And you win multiple playoff games, that is a season as a success. Honestly, depending on how that game looks, it could feel like relatively successful. But you're getting judged on the second playoff game. at this point. Like, you're not just because of the way that, how terrible the NFC South is, you're going to be favored in that game on the road.

And anything less than a victory against a terrible Tampa team and the other two random teams who, you know, several times during the season have been drafting in the top five, you know, would be an utter disaster.

Now, I don't think the Cowboys are going to lose. I would bet on them to win that game. But as you saw tonight, like, I saw there was a stat after Dak threw his second pick. Then over the last

14 quarters he has seven touchdowns and seven picks. Sometimes stats can be a little deceiving, right? Sometimes you can throw, if I find you a guy that's thrown 25 touchdowns right now, maybe five of those were wheel routes or slant routes that a guy breaks a tackle

and takes to the house, right? No different than if you have 12 picks, three or four of those bounce off a wide receiver's numbers. Like happened to DAC tonight, like happened against the Jags. But he also throws hideous interceptions.

He doesn't have a big arm. As you saw tonight, Joshua Dobbs has a stronger arm than deck. But when he doesn't turn the ball over, and if he wouldn't have the night, again, one is his fault. I know he had a fumble too. Also, I think it was Tyron Smith. You kind of got smoked. His arm got hit. That happened.

I'm not putting that on the quarterback. But if he turns the ball over, like throws bad picks, had one last year in the playoff game against the 49ers. These games, like tonight for a lot of. large percentage decided on small margins. And that, to me, is what would make me nervous. Because remember down the stretch last season, I remember him throwing a pick against Washington, for a good player, and I'm not the biggest deck fan,

but I will always acknowledge he's a good player. He throws some of the worst interceptions for all the good players. And part of it is he does not have a strong arm. So, D.Bs can break on balls that they simply cannot against Josh Allen, or Justin Herbert, or Patrick Mahomes, right? or Brock Purdy, just kidding. But kind of. Now, they actually have similar arms.

But my point is that the Cowboys getting judged on the second round and it's simply going to kind of come down to if Dak does not turn over the ball, they're going to have a chance to win these games. My take on the Titans, adios. It's been a good run. But you got one more game.

See you later. Enjoy the offseason. Okay, let's go a little rapid fire around the National Football League things that have happened in the last couple days and hell, see even some of the stuff that happened over the weekend. You know, the most recent major story was Derek Carr got benched. And that story in itself was pretty crazy given that he's a nine-year starter.

But when you factor in that he's played bad, not that nuts financially. If he were to get hurt these last couple weeks, couldn't pass the physical. They'd be on the hook for $40 million. Understandable. The thing that's bad shit crazy, which is very on par with the Raiders, is that he got sent. home. And we don't have all the details. Maybe by the time you're listening to this, a story will come out from Jay Glazer, from Schefter, I need more details. Because if the Raiders sent him home, that's the most embarrassing thing I've ever seen. You know, guys that get sent home get in trouble.

You know, Aaron Hernandez, Robert Kraft told him to go home. You know, I was with the Eagles. Deshaun Jackson, contract dispute got told to go home one week. Derek Carr has been a spokesman for an organization that has been in disarray for basically his entire decade there. So unless Derek wanted this, which would also be embarrassing on his, this is pros. You know, this is, guys get benched. Welcome to sports. Welcome to life. Like, that shit happens.

You get, lose your job, you get fired, whatever. It's how you react. Like, you cannot send anyone home. And if Derek chose to do this, you should not go home. It's not the way this works. So this feels very Raiders. dysfunctional people stay dysfunctional. It's very hard for people to break out of their habits.

Honestly, I've been saying for a while, the two desert franchises on the West Coast, Arizona and the Raiders, are just a debacle. And one of both of them have in common. They both are owned by kids of former owners. Now, the difference is Al Davis is a Hall of Famer was a legend in the football world.

Bidwell's dad was not. But I'd say both of them, like the NFL would gladly get rid of them both. Definitely Mark Davis, but Bidwell stays a little more low key. But I would say for the most part, his organization sucks. Now, that's not the way it works once you're in the club you're in, but like JJ Watt retires and he had a fantastic career. No doubt about it, Hall of Famer to me.

I went to a game once, actually ironically, against the Raiders, scored a touchdown. It was sweet. They put him at tight end. He was awesome. Jay J.J. Watts having a good season. Like, his career should not be over. But I wonder, when you're a high-level guy and around low-level people, it usually puts you in a bad mood and makes you question how much you like doing professionally what you're doing.

If J.J. Watt right now was having the season he was having, even though he has a young family, and he was playing for the Cowboys, if he was playing for the 49ers, if he was playing for the Chiefs, you think he announced his retirement? Maybe I'm wrong, but I doubt it. But you play for the Cardinals, you go, get me out of here. Larry Fitzgerald still had some years left. Could have kept going as a role player. I'm done.

You know, the Raiders, like, what is going on? Josh McDaniels, we have enough evidence now. Dude might just blow as a head coach. Why are the Patriot guys, why do they struggle so much? I had someone that kind of is in the loop tells me, or that told me is like, yeah, he's heard. as a coach. Josh really struggles interacting with coaches and staff. The Patriot guys just lack Josh, Patricia, Judge.

Something is missing. Look at the Shanahan guys. It feels like they're pretty normal human beings. What LaFour had to handle with the Roger situation. Sala with the Zach Wilson situation. McDaniel with this Tua situation. Feels like they can just kind of handle it. pretty well.

Josh McDaniels. Shit just blows up on his watch. Derek Carr, a lifetime 65% passer, is now struggling to hit the 60 number. Last year he threw 68% with a bunch of injuries. No rugs.

He's a waller hurt. Now he sucks. Now he's having a bad year. I'm not trying to come up and pound the table. I don't care that he got benched or not, but sent home. Just such low-level stuff.

Now, listen, I'm a West Coast guy. I move to Scottsdale. If you could buy stock in cities, like Nashville would have been like Tesla five years ago. You would have bet the house on it and it's still not even slowing down. I would bet heavily. I would not bet on California cities. I would bet on Scottsdale and I would definitely bet on Vegas. Those two cities the next 20 years are going to not only exponentially grow from a person standpoint, but from a financial standpoint.

The money and the companies that are going to move there, start there, is going to be large. and those two markets are going to be big moving forward for potential cash for the for the league. And these two teams right now are just dumpster fires. I mean, a disaster. These are places where you host the Super Bowl. They are big West Coast markets for travel and their teams are a complete embarrassment. Complete. The Raiders like, Mark Davis is a terrible owner.

If Mark Davis was just a deep, he would not allow Derek Carr to go home. Look at the Cliff Kingsbury situation. There was a story last weekend, the Christmas Christmas Eve games that Cliff might, maybe that came out on Thursday or Friday, might walk away because he hates this situation. And Kyler's a negative Nancy. Well, it's like, hey, guys, I could have told you Kyler was a negative Nancy. I don't even know the guy. So watch his body language.

I hate being around negative people. I despise it. They bring you down. I don't like utopian 24-7 positive thinkers, but negative people, people that are always negative. avoid them like the plague. And Kyler's just, everything about him just kind of got this negative vibe to him. And I get where it would piss you off. But Cliff, you're the one that signed up for this.

You knew the guy since he was in high school. And the story is kind of bogus because I would be stunned. Cliff Kingsbury is going to walk away. He's going to retire. He's got five years remaining, or I guess he's in year one, but four more years on his contract. He ain't walking away. Fire me, bidwell. I know you don't want to because your family's historically cheap.

even though over the last 10, 15 years, you guys have made historic amount of money that you guys couldn't have dreamed of in a million years. Cliff Kingsbury is on drugs if he doesn't say, and listen, I'm not against firing him. He probably should be fired. It's their own fault for extending him. But this story wrote that he might quit. I think that is, did Michael Bidwell personally write that story? Because what incentive does Kingsbury have to quit? he has, I guess, $30, $40 million worth of reason to force their hand to fire him.

Another guy was fired. You know, it's hard. Christmas, Christmas Eve, you know, you get around family as someone that does this for a living and you just watch every game. You know, I got multiple televisions. I got iPad. You just get Christmas Eve dinner. It's hard, you know. I feel like I'm leaving a very normal life, like checking scores on my phone.

And it's not like Denver against the rain. given the status of these two teams was must watch. And by the time that game came on, it was kind of like mid-Christmas day. And I don't live around my family anymore. So it's important for me to be around them and give them time and just not watch football 24-7. So I was like, you know, I don't need to fucking watch Baker-Mayfield and Trace McSorily battle it out. But, you know, we got issues so the dog game wasn't on television. And, you know, you walk by.

At one point I walked by, I think it was like 24 to 6. Come by a little later. And it was way worse. And your first take, like, I don't care who you are, Denver fan or just a football fan, you go, this thing's getting ugly. And of course, he's fired the next day. And to me, he was always going to get fired, whether it was week 15 or whether it was, you know, Black Monday. He was fired. You could argue the moment the season started.

But one thing that was interesting watching the new owner, and what's fascinating me about the new owner, right? like the dude that just bought the Phoenix Suns, he owns a big mortgage company, former basketball player for Michigan State, he owns the Phoenix Suns. He's going to be the owner of the Phoenix Suns. Stan Cronkey, like owns the ramps, Sean McVeigh and Les Neat answered him. Yet the Denver Broncos ownership, and I remember when they bought the team, I thought it was a little weird, like the Walton, I guess he's the second generation, is the, you know, the guy that funded the transaction.

yet his daughter and her husband and her husband's the CEO of the team. Now, he worked at Goldman Sachs. He went to UPenn or whatever and he met a Walton's daughter and they got married. And they started working for Walmart, which is one of the greatest companies in the history of the world. I mean, an absolute cash cow. And as someone alerted to me on Twitter, it's like, isn't it kind of crazy that Walmart has so much money, they own two NFL teams? Now, Cronkey, big real estate guy also married into the family. So, yeah, it is kind of crazy.

It shows the power of that company and the amount of cash it's produced to the people at the top of the food chain. But to me, what's fascinating about this guy is Penner is the quote-unquote guy that runs the team. Yet he's not technically the owner. He just runs it like he is the owner because the owner's daughter, he's married to. And he said, the new coach will answer to me. Like, guys, think about Walmart, which he, and he's worked like he became a heavy hitter and one of the main guys at Walmart. It's not like he doesn't have his own money, but it all came through Walmart. Maybe he grew up rich, but a lot of his cash, I googled how much he was worth like 800 plus million stock bonuses and stuff with Walmart.

He's crushed it there as Walmart has crushed it. So it's not like he's not worth anything and he's married in this family. But, or, you know, he generated it. And I'm sure he maybe had some sweet ideas that Walmart implemented. But one thing Walmart did, and anyone that is in the business of anything related to grocery stores, you know, the beverage business, whatever, you know the power of Walmart. And their resources are so large that they just wipe you the bleep out. And their scale is, they have such an advantage, Costco as well, that they destroy the little guy.

and they have been doing that now for a long period of time. And when it comes to destroying their competition, they don't really think twice about it because it's pretty easy for them because they're always going to have more resources, more cold, hard cash. That's not the way the NFL works. Mike Brown and Mark Davis, who aren't independently wealthy and beside the team's value on paper, they don't have any other businesses and they don't have any money beside what the league gives them. that they can beat, especially look at the Bengals.

They run circles around the Denver Broncos. Just because you have money, it doesn't mean that you can just be successful in the business of football. Because ultimately, what you're doing, like, let's give this guy the benefit of the doubt. He knows what to look for in a manager, in a branch manager, in a sales guy.

He's had a lot of experience doing that. And I bet a lot of people listening, depending on your industry, if you've done it long enough, have a pretty good feel for who's going to succeed, who's going to fail. No different than me, bullshit in about football. You just do it long enough. If you have some just natural skills and whatever industry you're in, you get a good feel for it. Well, they're entering a completely different industry. Now, the reason they got to enter that industry is because of the money.

So now that the coach answers to the owner as well as the general manager also answers that guy, but technically he is the owner, but it's not his money. already let's we all we all have been in situations where we answer to someone and go yeah it's your grandpa your dad like you're not even in charge even though you're kind of in charge that to me creates some weirdness and two you their setups already screwed up so who is taking this job that has options wait so i don't i work with the gm but he might get fired they're already out of whack so i would short the denver broncos sean payton like there's not a snowball chance in hell unless they gave him $700 million.

Why would he take this job? I don't know if you saw the clip, Shannon Sharp. I guess it's well documented now. Russell Wilson's got offices in the building. He's got a separate shower. He's got all these parking spots. I'll never forget, I guess it's enough times past. Adam Peters, who was now like the number two to John Lynch with the 49ers,

was I got to know him when I was a graduate assistant at Fresnel State. And the year I did on the road doing the West Coast, I ran into him at USC. And they had just signed Peyton Manning. And I remember asking him about like, he's like it was pretty intense. We allocated some coachings. You know, he was working for Elway at the time. You know, he's one of their scouts. He's like college director or whatever.

And I just remember hearing him tell me describe all they gave to Peyton Manning. So the Broncos have history of giving a lot of stuff in terms of resources, in terms of like, I don't know if Peyton had his own office, but they put a couple quality control coaches that were just for Peyton. Like they did what a high level organization did. They put resources into their most important person. You know the difference is people love Peyton Manning. And then Peyton Manning dominated.

So Russell Wilson got all this extra shit and he sucks. And people do not like him. Now we can argue, is he weird? Is he quirky? Is he fake? Listen, we all probably have somewhat different opinions besides he's definitely a little weird. But most people, I would say quarterbacks can be a little bit. little weird, but they get along with their teammates. People do not like Russell Wilson.

The backup quarterback for Denver Broncos in that game against the Rams, attacked, attacked would be strong, started screaming at one of the offensive linemen. Why? Because he did not pick up Russell. Now, does Rippin really like Russell that much? Or it's just like kind of quarterback code. You stick up for the guy. The offensive lineman, the group that cares about notoriety the least that are actually the most normal, typically smartest, easygoing guys that if they're your neighbor in society, every person is going to like these guys. Can't stand the fucking guy. So Russell Wilson not only sucks, he is despised by his teammates. Now, could we argue he gets it back a little bit? Maybe, but his athleticism is greatly diminished. And the people on the team

do not like playing with them. So I would say that alone. And, And like I said with Walmart, when you have the resources, like when they got, like, it's not like everything they've done has probably been perfect. They have made some mistakes. Well, what could they do out of their mistakes by their way out? Do you know what you can't do when you pay a quarterback, $100 and whatever you got, $60 million guaranteed? That's on your books. That dead cap money, you can't just cut a check and have that thing go away.

That impacts your salary cap. So, you know, there are rumors out there. Dan Quinn, Brian Schott and Iimer's probably as good as they're going to do. But, yeah, I think they got, I think this ownership group is going to realize business doesn't parallel football. Because the only thing in the NFL, despite these, you know, them Broncos are $5 billion franchise. The only thing that matters for that franchise to consistently print cash is if they win. And if they win, they are a bohemist. We've seen it before.

They have been one of the biggest franchises in the league when they've been good. They're cool. The state is awesome. There's a big brand. But the only way to win is to hire good coach, have a good quarterback, and have a good operation. Picket sales, marketing, all that stuff is easy when your team runs. So everything that Penner can do, he actually can't do any of it because he needs his coach and his quarterback to be good. And how does he have any clue what to look for?

Hell, most people that know what they're looking for miss sometimes. So I'm not trying to be a downer in Denver, but I just think that the power in which this new ownership has, which is huge pocketbooks, can't really do much. Now, maybe they could just hire Jim Harbaugh. Jim Harbaugh, I want to be a Russell Wilson. To me, it's like Dan Quinn or, you know, Domeco Ryans or Gerard Mayo, get a former player. because, but if I'm those guys, because I heard someone say, maybe it was another podcast I was listening to on my 75 hour drive home, is that they need someone that can look at Russell Wilson and say they're not going to take your shit. I was like, okay, but like Russell Wilson, this rich is

really changing. Like, it doesn't feel like he's got any humble pie this year as he's been embarrassed. So I, I just, I think Russell's toxic. It's not toxic from being like a bad guy that would like rob you or going to commit crimes or he's going to be on the ticker for getting a DUI, I think he's toxic because he does not know how to interact with people. And whichever manner in which he does, the other person thinks something's way off in a negative way. It's we all know people that are like, yeah, he's a little weird, but he's quirky. You know, I like him, right? Not everyone's the same, right?

You watch Robert Salat talk. You watch Mike McDaniels talk. You watch all these people. Like everyone's got their own personality. We all have friends or brothers and sisters or cousins. personalities are all different. And you like them, you know, you have a lot of different personalities in your life that you like. Whatever his personality is completely rubs people the wrong way.

I saw Shannon Sharp went off. And guess what? He knows Denver guy. Football season is underway. So now is the perfect time to download FanDuel, America's number one sportsbook. Because right now, new customers get a no sweat first bet up to one. $1,000. That's free bets back if your first bet doesn't win.

Just sign up using the promo code, Colin. Fandul has all your favorite bets from money line to point spreads to player props. You can combine your bets for a chance at a bigger payout with a same game parlay. The app is safe, secure, and super easy to use. Get paid your winnings fast. So sign up today with promo code Colin for your no sweat first bet. every moment more this season with Fandul, official sportsbook partner of the NFL. 21 and over in president, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Louisiana,

Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, or West Virginia. Must wager in designated offer market. Max bet $5. Restrictions apply. See full terms at sportsbook.fonduel.com. Gambling problem? Call 1-800 next step or text next step to 5334-2-Arizona, 1888-88-7-7-7. Or visit CCPG.org slash chat, Connecticut, 100 gambler, or visit

Sandool.com slash RG, Colorado, Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, 18777-7-7-7-1-1-7-1-1-7 for confidential help, Michigan. 18778-8-N-Y, or text Hope NY, 467-New York, Tennessee, Redline, 1-800-88-9-9, Tennessee, 1-800-5-2-2-4700. Wyoming. Visit www.1-800 gambler.net, West Virginia. 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, 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 Tickford. Talk Podcast Network on TikTok. The Eagles. Eagles are kind of in shambles right now. I'm recording this part before the Cowboy game.

But regardless of, you know, the Eagles should win the division. I mean, they got some major injuries. I mean, Lane Johnson is one of the best players in the NFL. That is, now they have offensive line depth, but that is a big loss for them. You know, we'll see. I saw some clips that Jaylen's back in practice. I like Minchu. but if they're going to win the NFC, they need, you know,

their star quarterback. And I was hesitant to call him that earlier, but that's what he is. He's a star quarterback, healthy. And, yeah, I would just, I don't think by any means, I saw some people saying that they peak too early. No, they're just getting injuries at the wrong time.

You get injuries. There's nothing you can do to overcome when star players get hurt. And for the Eagles, if like Lane Johnson, AJ Brown, and Hassan Reddick go down, like, you're just shit out of luck. Now, if that happens in early October and those guys are coming back, whatever. See it happen with the Niners. What the Niners have gone for him is all their good players are on the field.

If the Eagles good players are on the field and they have home field advantage, I would pick them to win the NFC. But if their good players are not on the field, the Niners 100% could beat him. Even, you know, with a little purdy magic who's goddamn, he looks good. Tua, the NFL's violent. And like I don't ever get on my moral high horse about concussions. I saw, was it Justin Pugh? Like, it's a very violent game.

We all know what's at stake now. The players get paid handsomely. They know what they're signing up for at this point in time. The consumer, like I say, I don't apologize for liking violence. In the game, by no means is as violent as it was when I fell in love with football. Hell, when I played high school football, I remember people getting concussions in high school and going back in the game. It's like the game has dramatically changed for the good. but guys are going to get hurt.

And big guys get hurt and also little guys get hurt. And two is little. And he's getting slammed like a ragdoll. And he was hurt in college in the most physical conference. And he's, you know, when I, I remember my two years working in the office with the Eagles going to like

free agency meetings, just talking not even about the big guys, but just random players. If you have like, you know, he's got a, he missed middle cough. Let's say I'm,

you know, I evaluated the players. Like, let's go over his index. injury history. It's like, yeah, he's missed three games in four years. Well, what were his injuries? Well, he sprained his ankle two years ago. And last year, he broke a finger and they taped it up and he had to miss one game. But other than that, he's been durable. You'd be like, ah, kind of freak deals. Right, ACL. He's had one ACL injury. You missed the season. But other

than that, he's been durable. You're like, oh, no big deal. Where you go, oh, you had three concussions in a season. It's impossible to quantify that. Because, and by the information we have now, the more concussions you have, the more likely you're going to get more. So here's what I know. And I'm not trying to beat up on the guy because I don't think he's a very good player. I think he's a lot of smoke and mirrors. But as a person, whenever I see a press conference, knowing some of the people at Alabama, he's a good guy.

People really like him. Clearly his teammates in Miami like him. And I don't root against people, even if I don't like you as a player, if you're a good person. Now, my take ultimately is you're not good. I'm not rooting a gift of Cliff Kingsbury because I've heard really good things about him as a guy. I just don't think he's a very good coach. Just like Tua.

I don't root against Tua. Like there are shitheads in our different professions that I root against, right? You do, I do. We're all humans. But like, I think Tua's a good person who's an average player who now has major injury concerns. Like here's a fact. They're not picking

up his fifth year option, which they have to do at the end of this season. So Tua's career in Miami, obviously his career, as a human being, like if you just get concussions all the time, you're not going to play because you cannot stay on the field. And he gets thrown hard a lot. Of course he does. He's tiny. He is very, very small and he can't run away. I saw someone on the internet, you know, when Tua came out of high school, he was the number one dual threat quarterback. The way I remember him described to me was like not quite as athletic as Steve Young, but more like a younger

Russell Wilson. And I think that was kind of his game when he was younger. Well, what did he have to do? He started to get, you got to get thicker. He couldn't be like six foot 180 pounds. He had to put on weight and get thicker. Well, the thicker he got, he can't really move relative to like a quote unquote good NFL quarterback athlete. So he's a pocket quarterback who's small. And it just feels like his season's probably over. And I love this. Like there's going to be too much media pressure on them to pulled him back. No, it's like, two is going to want to play. I would imagine because people like, why is he playing out? Because he wants to. I don't know. It's his job. Like, I have no problem. Like, I'm a big believer in society. As long as you're not breaking any

laws, you do you, I do me. Once we hit a certain age, I don't know, like over 20, like there are some pretty basic things. Like, you got to make a decision, right? And that's, he's made the decision. this guy wants to play. And now clearly, you know, it doesn't look safe for him. It does not look safe for Tua to play football. I think that's a fair statement to make. But if you go, John, do you think Tua is going to keep wanting to play? I'd say, fuck, yeah, he is.

Hell yeah, he is. One million percent. But his time with Miami, I would say moving forward is in major jeopardy. Now, before, I remember, you know, part of what you do when you're around, you know, the family drinking some cocktails. You're always thinking about like, what's my angle on this game? And when two is throwing the interceptions and you'd crush him. But now if you go, well, he was concussed the whole second half, didn't quite know what

he was doing. You know, I'd give him a little leeway. Though I do think that level of play resembles more closely who he actually is than some of those numbers did earlier in the season. Numbers, I test, the whole thing is pretty terrible. Jay Glazer came out. it would have been Saturday or Sunday, probably Saturday. Zach Wilson's not going to be on the team.

And he's just, he's a god-awful player. Like, there are as, you can have hope right for projects. You know, I'm recording this before the Thursday night game. Malik Willis is not even playing. But Malik Willis is a project's project. You know, basically has all these physical attributes, but has no clue how to play the position. Then there are projects like Josh Allen.

And they're like, if we can just improve his accuracy, and it did. And then there are projects somewhere in the middle like Trey Lance, where it's like, well, he's more than likely he's not going to be any good, but there's still a lot there and he's a good guy. You know, we've got to fix his mechanics a little bit. Maybe he could be an above average player. And then there's Zach Wilson, who, you know, plays the schedule that's a complete joke, the COVID year, and gets drafted number two overall.

Like, BYU actually, look at their schedule most years, pretty solid. That was not the case in 2020. And I never understood why Joe Douglas, a Baltimore Ravens guy, didn't go with the big physical athlete in Justin Fields. I didn't get it. This guy played at Ohio State, a Georgia, five-star guy right there with Trevor Lawrence. Need some work too. Just because Zach Wilson made some good throws against Weber State and South Carolina West, who cares? Now, he fell in love with them, and it's a debacle of a situation.

Now, luckily, he's drafted well enough. His coach looks good, but it's hard. I heard Colin and Nick Wright saying, like, the only way that a quarterback situation hold you back forever is if you don't pivot on from it, right? Like, this is not a five-year mistake if they pivot on for it. But who are they pivoting it for? Like, okay, Jimmy Garoppel, natural connection, because, you know, LaFlo was around him in Sanford's.

Jimmy Garoppolo gets hurt every single year. Broke his foot this year. He hurt his shoulder last year. Also broke his thumb last year. He's torn in ACL. He's hurt his shoulder. So is Jimmy, you just signed Jimmy Garaplo and Mike White's his backup and you just, at least we got two guys. Now, they have to move on from Zach Wilson.

You can't function with the guy. He's not a functionalable player. Like there's, I would say you could argue Malik Willis, what we saw him from this year. It's not, if you can't complete package. Passes, basic passes, a wheel route, a slant route. You have no chance to operate. I'd even argue in college football and definitely the NFL. But, you know, it'll be a pretty big,

because he doesn't make that much money, you're just going to cut him and eat the dead cap. Even though it's not huge, but you did give him, you know, $26 million or whatever a signing bonus was. be a pretty crazy all-time pivot quickly. I think Jamarcus made it three years, two. I wouldn't blame them. He's that terrible, but, God, they must hate him in the jet.

That's the difference like Tua. Obviously, Tua is a better player when he's on the field of Zach Wilson. But this is what I always said. Tua, even different in Russell. Like, the guys like Tua. If the players on my team do not like Tua, or I mean, do not like my quarterback, I have an issue.

So I want to hear Sean Payton goes to Denver. They give him $150 million. Sean Payton, his entire coaching career, except one season, he had Drew Breeze as his quarterback. Drew Breeze is like one of the highest character guys in NFL history, beloved by coaches, players, and any human being that has ever interacted with the guy. That is Sean Payton's standard of human, let alone player.

and he's going to go to Russell Wilson, who is literally the opposite, who star teammates in Seattle, and now the teammates in Denver don't even pretend to hide it. No chance. And Zach Wilson, he doesn't feel quite as venomous.

Like he had a little bit of a comeback the second time he got benched, but you watch that game. It's like, it's a production-based business. And when you do not produce at the levels in which, not even close,

like we're not even functioning, I can't take you seriously. Anyone who's ever had a job with someone who shouldn't be in their position and you're reliant on them, it starts off by frustration, right? You're like, God, I wish this guy would bring a little bit more to the table. And then you get to the point a month in, six months in,

where like, it's costing you money, it's costing you stress, where you just hate the motherfucker. You can't even look at the person. Because you start, you're now hurting the way I'm feeding my family At first, like everyone, transition period, learning process, welcome to life. After a certain point in time, in high-level industries, I would say in most businesses,

like, figure it out, bro. Figure it out. The one rumor is floating around that Bill O'Brien might be the next offensive coordinator for the New England Patriots. If they fire, which is Belichick, how often does he fire coaches, gets rid of Patricia and Judge? what I think happened, I think Bill O'Brien is the next head coach of the New England Patriots.

Now, we'll see what happens this weekend. Are the Patriots going to keep losing? Mack Jones is kicking everyone in the nuts. Mac Jones, like, bro, get a hold of yourself. I have less of an issue, though, like, I know the one viral video of him Cincinnati where he went on all fours and he tried to roll the guy. Like, it doesn't look great.

My bigger issues was like he's a mental headcase. Always screaming to people. Bro, you're not Tom. You're not. Aaron Rogers screamed to someone in the Miami Dolphins game. It's like a four-time MVP. Mack, why are you always screaming? How are you any different screaming at Kendrick Bourne or any of these guys on the team?

Hunter Henry, they have played way more football than you and accomplished everything you have and more. When you're going to scream at people, whether you're a coach, whether you're a player, whether you're a parent, like, you better be setting the right example. Like, who are you, buddy? you know, parents all love to think they get to scream at you for whatever they want, which is technically true because they pay for everything. But like, it's harder to take a superior, a boss, whoever, a quarterback, if you ain't getting it done. So is the Patriot job really that desirable?

Now, Billy O worked with Mac Jones, maybe he likes them. So it does make some sense. But Patriots, man. What a, what a bizarre season. Back at it after a little Christmas festivities. with my guy Stucky, 33, and 1, who probably hasn't moved off his couch for a week watching football. It just feels like just nonstop games is the best you get up.

There's a bowl game with six and six teams. You go to bed. You got a future potentially number one pick against Oregon. And just how crazy was that kick? You find them on the Action Network, Action Network podcast, as well as big bets on campus. Stucky. What's cracking, bro?

It's got all, brother. Yeah, we, like a half an hour. there's a, you know, we're going to have a two o'clock in the afternoon. There's a ball game. If the world always operated like this, there would be, no one would ever get anything done. Absolutely no chance. How about that Oregon kick? I mean, I thought he missed.

I thought he missed. Yeah, that was insane. And people who had the over almost had a lifeline of a tie game, similar to Arkansas, Kansas, which was also a wild game. So, yeah, the bowls are getting good. The games, they'll start to matter more. And I think we're going to get too good college football playoff games. And the great thing about the schedule this weekend is normally it's like New Year's,

it's going to feel a little weird New Year's Day, not like watching the Rose Bowl and, you know, being hung over on the couch. But you're going to get Saturday, college ball playoff Sunday full NFL slate with a lot of playoff implications. And then Monday, you know, Rose Bowl and college football all day. So a hell of a weekend. Is there a Monday night football game? on the second?

Yeah, at Bill's Bengals. I mean, how do you mean, you get Roseball on Bill's Bengals? I mean, holy,

ESPN ought to come out and say if the Roseball goes a little long, they're going to keep the Rose Bowl on. They get an official announcement and put Bill's Bengals on ESPN too,

which is shocking. It's probably the only time the NFL would ever take the backseat to anything. But, yeah, it's what a weekend? I'd argue that is an incredible

back-to-back, just Rose Bowl with, you know, Penn State's going to try. And obviously Utah, this is their Super Bowl to go Bill's Bengals. I mean, that's got to be when the season ends on paper, one of the better games of the season. Yeah, Tulane, USC too, I think will be an interesting game earlier in the day.

So, yeah, that's what a Monday. It's crazy. You know, Drake May, I think you brought him up to me way earlier in the season. I wasn't super locked in on UNC. And, I mean, obviously, he's incredible. I mean, it's come out that he's turning down $5 million, dollars, which I think it's fair to say, probably Alabama, Georgia, Texas, and CNN, one of those type teams offered them money. And then yesterday I'd get up or two days ago, and the Wake Forest kid,

who's been putting up huge numbers for years, who wasn't even in the portal, just goes in the portal and he's at Notre Dame. He got an enormous direct deposit. I'll promise you this. With Notre Dame guys, if you've ever met the rich Notre Dame, that money's already through. That money went through and he said, see you guys later. And think about, you know, Drake May, Bo Nix is a guy He's got a little Zach Wilson to do his game Just in terms of kind of runs around makes plays

Has could just completely unlike Zach Has resurrected his career I mean how that guy was so terrible I didn't I was in the car yesterday So I wasn't able to watch the game But he's had a I mean for how crappy he was Just a fantastic year

It's this quarterback class next year It's gonna be pretty fun Yeah well he's yeah he's coming back Pennix is coming back Yeah And I think that I do think, I thought this from early on, just from watching him, and we'll see what Grace McCall has got some potential, we'll go from Coastal Carolina,

but yeah, just from watching Drake May, and then any time I was digging into like advanced stats, and it would be like, all right, quarterback's under pressure, what are they are, and Drake May is just jumping off the page. So I started watching him. I truly believe he's going to be the best quarterback, the best future pro quarterback that's currently in college. and last night he's playing, you know,

he has a bad offensive line. He was playing without his best receiver who opted out. His offensive coordinator was bad all year. And yeah, the kid just has it and he can make every throw. And yeah, it's one of the things that, you know, maybe some kids hang around an extra year in college because you're going to get paid. You get these superstars, you can get paid.

Come back for one more year. But yeah, I'm a huge fan of May. I would buy his stock now. Yeah, I think he's going to be in the mix. You know, everyone just puts Caleb there. And obviously he was fantastic this season. But Drake's going to have something to say. He's bigger.

You know, it's a little more difficult observation because this program is not going to just be as good as USC. But I'm with you and texting around to buddies. He turned down Alabama at high school. And obviously, he probably just turned him down again. So, I mean, you're looking at a guy that is big time. Well, let's get into some of these NFL games. The Jets who officially basically are done with our boy from BYU are taking broken rib Mike Whiteback. And you would think that Joe Namath is walking back through the door playing Seattle,

who basically we all shorted, you know, three or four weeks ago, you could tell they were leaking oil. And now they got some problems. There's a weird spot. You know, how injured is he? Is he just, I mean, it took him a while to get cleared in the, first place. So I would imagine he's not just feeling great, but give it how terrible Zach Wilson is that no one can argue. I mean, this isn't just, it's a dramatic. I mean,

they went to a guy who couldn't throw that I had never heard of in my life who had been in the CFL and who also couldn't throw in the NFL game. And it felt like, yeah, it gives him a better chance to move the ball. So I like the Jeff's weekend. Yeah, it didn't feel like that. That's how it was. I mean, Zach Wilson is, he now, if you look at a, a, stat like e-low. He's now has the lowest Elo of any quarterback through 22 starts in NFL

history. So, yeah, talk about a bust. We're going to talk week 17, week 18, and you're going to see a lot of the NFL. You always see upsets that you never expect. And I remember when the Jets beat the Rams, like, I don't know, four or five years ago, didn't get the

number one overall pick because of that. Meaningless game to them. Won the game and lost. the number one pick. And instead of getting Trevor Lawrence ended up with Zach Wilson. So it's funny on some of these late season games that are pure meaningless. That can change the direction of a franchise.

Imagine if the Jets had Trevor Lawrence. Yeah. I mean, I think they would be competing. They might not be as good as the Bills and the Chiefs and the Bengals, but they'd be a real threat. I don't know. Yeah.

Yeah, they'd be a real threat. That's the one missing piece that they have. But yeah, Mike White clearly gives him the best chance to win. And I think it's mainly just, you know, if he was cleared, he wanted to play two weeks ago. So I assume that he's fine. Going up against just a horrible Seattle defense has been trending in the wrong direction, the Jets will be able to get their run game going here as well. And White can just complete all the passes.

He's not a complete disaster out there. And I don't think the market upgrades the Jets enough for when Mike White starts. The Jets, for whatever reason, have taken money the past two weeks, a sharp late money. They did it against the Jaguars and the Lions, even though Zach Wilson was starting. I completely disagree. I think it's a two, two and a half point upgrade, maybe even three to Mike White. Jets defense still really good to be the best unit on the field here. And both teams will be motivated.

They still have outside playoff chances. Lockett, Tyler Lockett, his status is in doubt and or he might not be fully healthy with his hand. Jets get a few extra days of prep here if they're playing on Thursday. They're five and two against the spread on the road this year. defense special teams they travel well. Their only losses came against the Patriots on a walk-off punt return and against the Vikings when the game they should have won when the Vikings got three goal line stops at the end.

So Jets, you get Mike White here, Jets defense is the difference. Seattle team is just fading quick. They haven't covered in six straight weeks. I think the Jets get it done on the road here. Well, the Giants had a chance basically solidify their playoff chances last week. in that Minnesota game. And I mean, it's Minnesota just pulls these games out of,

you know, crevices. Who knows where they're grabbing them from, but they do it. So I, I've said, listen, I've started to just give them credit.

I'm not saying they're going to win the Super Bowl or anything, but you win enough of these. Maybe it's just, historically, that franchise has kind of been snake bid. Maybe this is just their year where they just win all these crazy games against the Super Bowl. But, you know,

the Giants, hold to stink. I mean, Nick Foles. Holy moly. that was pretty ugly the other day. I don't think I could put money on the Colts. And now the Giants, this is kind of their doppelganger, but much worse, right?

This is really ugly. The ball doesn't move as well. Though I'd say Sequan has looked much more explosive these last couple weeks. Daniel Jones, you got to give him some credit. I mean, definitely resurrected his career as just being a serviceable player, which he definitely wasn't. And I think that looking back, probably a Joe judge. Pat Schumer issue.

But I like the Giants in this spot, especially at home. Yeah, I played, I disagree here. I played the Colts. Now this is, shocker, I played a really bad team. The Colts this year, after double-digit losses, they've lost three, and they just got embarrassed by the Chargers. And Folls played, he was awful. He is awful, but, I mean, so is Ryan, so is Ellinger.

Yeah. I don't think there's much of the difference. Yeah, this at least will be, his second start. So, you know, he shook some of the rust off. He was missing some easy reads on defenses, things that he should know. But it was his first action of the year.

I think it'll be a little bit better. And they'll be able to run the ball a little bit here. And they still have the top 10 defenses. Defense that's ranked, you know, I have them ranked, I think, 10th or 11th in the league right now. And they're playing really well overall. Like they played well last week and just couldn't get anything

going on offense. And you're going to see this a lot. And I'll talk about this next week as well. There is, Because I think this line is just a little bit too high. I mean, the Giants were just... I agree with you there. The line probably should be like four.

Yeah, and you're asking the Giants to win by a touchdown or more. And this is a team, by the way, they have eight wins on the air. They're all by one possession. This is a team that struggles to build margin. Their defense isn't great. And you see this in the final two weeks of the regular season in the NFL every year in the market where teams that are eliminated are playing teams that need to win. and the perception is, oh, I want to bet the team that needs to win, obviously, that it doesn't really work.

If you go back to since 1990, eliminated teams, we've already been eliminated from the playoffs, playing teams that need to win for their playoff hopes. The eliminated teams are 95, 57, and 4 against the spread. That's 62 and a half percent. And the reason for that is these are still NFL players. they still have pride. A lot of times these bad teams, it's like, oh, now this is basically our play if we get a chance to play a spoiler. They play looser, the other team's playing tighter,

and then you have an inflated line, which I think you're getting in this case. And the Colts, look, they've lost three other times by double digits, the next weeks, the next week. And by the way, they were plus four and a half at Minnesota just a couple weeks ago. They were up 33-0 and covered. They also beat the chiefs the weekend after losing by double digits,

and they won at the Raiders. So the hell of a cover. Yeah, a big sweat. So, yeah, they were plus four and a half of Minnesota. So was, you know, recently. The Giants were plus four and a half at Minnesota recently. The market was like these two teams are pretty even. You know, throwing home field, falls.

Maybe it's a little down. But now you're getting six. I have to take this. And, yeah, week 16 road dogs from 2000 to 2020. So you're looking at before the week. expanded to 18 weeks. Teams that are under 500 on the road catching points. So losing team catching points over a field goal, 53 and 30 against the spread,

62%. And that speaks to, okay, no one wants to bet these teams that are eliminated against these teams that are playing for something at home. And you're just getting a couple points of value usually. So yeah, I'm holding my nose. I'm backing the Colts. It's ugly, I know. 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 you're saying. Yep, that's me, Clifford 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 Tickford. Talk Podcast Network on TikTok. You know, looking at the standings with a win, you know, if they cover or not, the Giants are essentially in the playoffs because all these eight win teams, that tie is kind of going to bail them out because they'll only,

even if they lose that last game, they would be nine, six, and one. And they're going to be more than likely an eight lost team will be the seven seed. So the Giants clinch with a win. That's an incredible season from Brian Dayball, because even in the, the old school NFL, they would have been a legitimate playoff team. Now, it's the down NFC, but still, that's that team, I don't know

about you, fuck, I didn't think they would be probably drafted in the top five. That's where I would have bet them to be not worth they're in the mix. Yeah, the, and you'll see that in this game too, there's a big coaching mismatch for sure, which is worth, which is worth something. But I value that more

if, you know, the Giants were an underdog here. Yeah. I don't think that matters as much for winning by margin, but their staff, Brian Davel, I think, deserves coach the year. Although you could argue Kyle Shanahan should be in the mix for what he's done with Brock Purdy and the 49ers. But Daible has been just amazing. I mean, you go back to a game last week, and they should have won.

We call him Joe Montana 2.0 out west. Yeah, sorry. I will refer to him as that going forward. But, yeah, we, and by if he was a guy in college, it was only. only good in October, Brocktober. And now all of a sudden, he's going to lead to 49ers of Super Bowl. But go back to last week, this is a giant seed that should have won that game, right? They outgained the Vikings 450 to 350.

The average close to seven yards per play. And it was Daniel Jones throwing to Richie James, 49ers cast off, and Isaiah Hodgins, who combined for 16 catches and 180 yards. That's Daibel. And, you know, you look at Daniel Jones this year. He's looked so much better. It's the simplified offense. It's just the play calling, simplifying everything for Daniel Jones, you know,

keeping everything on one side of the field. And that's all coaching. The game management has improved. They're not running quarterback sneaks on third and eight. Just basic stuff and the play calling. And this is a team that's dealt with so many injuries. Look at their wide receiver court. Look at their defense.

So, yeah, a lot of credit to Davele and the Giants. I think that they probably end up winning this game as they've done a lot of games this year by three or four. To me, Daniel Jones has a little poor man's Alex Smith to him. You know, not the most physically gifted as a thrower, but can move, obviously smart guys like them and just needed a coach that knew what he was doing and to believe in them, and you can just get him going on the right path.

And he's just going to have, I would imagine, a pretty long career. And I would guess they probably just re-sign them, you know, at a manageable, pretty cheap number, just keep rolling. And then they just try to build up the squad and keep competing for the playoffs, kind of like the 49ers did. Now, Harbaugh had a better team of like players. The Niners were much more equipped to be a higher-end team because he inherited the Willis's, the Vernon Davises, but I would guess that Brian Dayball attacks it that way.

Yeah, he's, I mean, it's even more amazing what he's doing because Gettleman left to just an enormous mess, just a dump fire. Yeah. and salary cap situations. So it's going to take some time to clean that up, you know, like things like the Gala Day trading contract and all that. But yeah, I mean, if you look at Jones, people could say like, oh, there was three years, we know who he is.

But look at the situation that he was in. Arguably the worst offensive lines over the past couple of years, the worst management, horrendous coaching. And, you know, it's not like he had elite weapons all over the field, but just the coaching and the offensive lines have been so, bad. Now, they have addressed that in the draft. Andrew Thomas looks like a steal. I'm assuming Neil will be great. So, yeah, I think they're trending in the right direction. It's going to take a couple years to really fix it. But, you know, the NFC is, looks like it'll probably be wide over

the next couple of years. And yeah, the Giants are on an upward trajectory. Okay, let's, Detroit, who, listen, I wanted them to make the playoffs, at least to be right there with Green Bay. And they still control their own destiny to have that game matter as long as Green Bay wins. but holy moly did they get their ass kicked last weekend. I mean, that was, did Carolina run for over 300 yards? I mean, they embarrassed at that team. Now, were they feeling themselves? 8.8 yards per play, the Panthers average.

That's like when Alabama plays like the Citadel. Yeah, was that a case of, listen, this team had probably underachieved early, overachieved. And at the end of the day, they're 7, 8, 9 kind of right where they're going to end up. And they're probably a year away. ran out of gas and got curb stomped to a Carolina team that still has a lot to play for. Obviously, they got a big game this week playing Chicago who plays in interesting games, yet they always lose. And when you look at the draft order, they have just kind of been holding down that number two spot.

And depending on what happens, the Texans the next couple weeks, like they got a chance to draft number one for as sexy and as fun as it feels their season to be. Now, it would be an upset if the Texans don't end up, you know, holding down that number one spot. but Chicago has been writing shotgun right there with them for a while, despite the way I know I and a lot of people just kind of talk about. I'm like, bright future. Look at Fields. Like, yeah, is it really just him kind of run around?

But, you know, this is a spot you would think Detroit got their ass kick, comeback swinging, numbers a little big, you know. I mean, all these coaches every week that play Justin Fields and all these players go, Jesus, he was way fast. He's just a menace. And while Detroit's defense has been better, he just, I don't care how fast your defense is he can get held, week one in a rainstorms, given the Niners problems running around.

So he's just, to me, he's a cover machine, even though your team's probably going to lose. Which is ideal. I mean, if you're a Bears fan, you love that. You're like, all right, I feel to sure. Proved himself because you want to talk about bad situations and bad management that has ruined a team. Just talked about Gettleman and the Giants. Well, look at the Bears as well.

I mean, what Fields is playing with? I mean, look at the receivers. the offensive line and the defense. The defense is the worst in the league. These are two horrendous defenses. I think the bears have to regret that midseason. They traded their second round pick for Chase Claypool. I mean, I think that was, I get it would be in, I'm all for being bold,

but that that's a swing on this there. Yeah, that's the team. You want to rebuild your draft capital. And yeah, they could get the number one pick, but I actually don't think it matters. I don't think they're drafting a quarterback. No. So like if the Texans, they would trade. drafting. Yeah, they could trade it. But the bears are two. Maybe, you know, you get Will Anderson or, you know, maybe address your offensive line. But, yeah, they need draft capital. They need to get younger. The problem is the conundrum is like, all right, fields is prudent stuff. But you got to rebuild this entire roster. And the cap situation is a nightmare. But you have fields on the rookie contract. So like, and that's when you really want to, you know, go after. And you can really build your roster. But they're in such a bad spot. But by the time they fix, like,

a lot of the other things, fields won't be on the rookie contract anyway. Yeah, this is almost, we could just take what I said for the Colts Giants game and apply it here. This is another one of those games where team that needs to win at home, playing a division opponent, no less, that can spoil, you know, spoil their season, a lot of familiarity. And this is, yeah, if you go back a month ago, the Bears were three-point favorites at, home against the Lions. Now, fast forward, you know, month and change, they're catching six. And in that game, the Bears lost by one because of a pick six late. They averaged seven yards per play against the Lions in that game. They ran wild. They should be able to do that again here. The Lions offense will cook. There's a reason this total is like 53, which is extremely high,

especially this year in the NFL. But yeah, I mean, the Bears should be able to do what they've done all year, keep games close. They're coming off a stretch of like the bills in, you know, in weather, the Eagles, which they lost by one possession. The Packers, they probably should have won that game. And then the Jets when it was Simeon versus White. So yeah, I think this is too many points in a division game. For a Lions team that they, you saw it last week.

This is a team's going to, they're a year away. It's going to take some time dealing with pressure, dealing with expectations. So I wouldn't be shocked if they dropped this game. I like where the lines are headed. They need to just hit on their next two defensive pieces. And then they've got to make a decision on the quarterback. I think golf is, he did it with the Rams.

He can get you to a Super Bowl if you have the right pieces around them. But I think they're still a year away. This line's too high for a division game. You're asking the lines to win by a touchdown plus with that defense. I think that the bears will care from everything I've read. They want fields to get the quarterback rushing record. He should be able to run wild here. They've lost eight straight.

They've been competitive. This line is way out of whack, in my opinion. Yeah, to me, when it comes to Detroit and I would throw Seattle in there because they have the Rams and Denver's pick, it's going to be interesting. And I know people think I'm nuts, but Will Levis is just, he's just going to go really high, just the physical attributes, the character stuff. John Snyder, once upon a time, love Josh Allen. One reason Russell Wilson has been mad at like the front office, because remember he went to a pro day and it was like he was in love with Josh Allen. He's trying to trade the Browns to get his hands on him. Now, I don't know, Brad Holmes, you know, they function forever.

And obviously, he likes Jared Gough. Maybe he philosophically believes differently. But I think one of those two teams just given, you know, Seattle's going to be competitive. It's clear, like they're not as long as Pete's there and they're like, they're not going to suck. And obviously, Detroit definitely is not going to suck. So having those two picks, one of those two teams, I don't know which one, but I'll be stunned if they don't kind of move up a couple spots, if they end up at four or five. and I would bet money Will Levis ends up on one of those two teams. Yeah, I mean, once anyone sees...

Do you think about Dan Campbell, big, strong, wants to throw, you know, especially now he was around Sean Payton. Sean Payton's, you know, always kind of gravitated. He started wanting one of those type guys. That's a huge mentor of his. So I... If one of those two teams could hit on a quarterback, especially Detroit, holy shit.

I mean, they got some serious offensive firepower. Yeah, there's a reason all the scout. are in love with Lois. If you just, if you go to a workout, number one, that kid, just his build. He's huge, isn't he? The size of a house. Yeah, his thighs are the size of a house. But when he throws a ball, it is a spectacle. You just watch him, you know, just YouTuber, Twitter search him,

throwing in drills. And yeah, so he's going to be, he's already, scouts already love him, but he's, once he gets to pro days and combine. Now, you have to ask yourself, does he become Josh Allen? It's risky. Malik Willis, right? Who doesn't look?

I mean, Malik Willis still has time, but I mean, Malik Willis was benched tonight for Josh Dobbs. Kyle Bowler, for example, a guy, you know, Pro Day on his knees throwing 80 yards into a trash can,

but looked more like a trash game when he got into the game. But yeah, there's a couple of teams that are just a quarterback away. And you agree? I mean, you live in Lexington. Do you think he'll end up going number two overall? Levis?

Yeah. Or just the better way to say it, the second quarterback off the board? Yeah, yeah, for sure. It's, yeah, because if it's the Bears number two overall, they're not taking them, and they might be the second pick. And, yeah, I'm looking at the rest of the quarterbacks. Yeah, I think that he will end up going as the second overall quarterback. And I'm really interested to see, there's a lot of interesting quarterback.

The next two years are going to be really fascinating with quarterbacks. you know, you have the Jets, what are the Jets going to do, like Mike White, do they go after a free agent, do they draft? 49ers, or, you know, there's a lot of teams that are, like, are a quarterback away. What are the lines of do? What are the 49ers do now? It's like, remember Lance? Like, what happened?

So another offseason of Trey Lance and a quarterback competition. But if Purdy takes them to the moon, see you, Trey. This is Purdy's team now. And where does Jimmy G? Like, I think Jimmy G would be a perfect fit for, you know, for the Jets. Like, if the Jets just had him this year, right, it would be like the Niners, really good defense and running game. And so, yeah, there's a lot of the, it's going to be a fascinating quarterback market to watch

in this off season. Well, happy New Year. Enjoy the games. Have just a degenerate of all degenerate type weekends. This is, doesn't get much better. I mean, I should like you. I haven't done anything for a week now. I don't plan on doing much moving forward for the next four or five days.

So, well, let's enjoy football while we have it because we're not that far away. I mean, we only have so many games left, right? Last Saturday, it's the last Saturday with college football. Oh. So that always gets me. So, yeah, enjoy the games. I think this both semifinals will be good. There's great college football in NFL all week.

And just be, if you're listening, be careful on the final two weeks. don't just blindly assume the team that needs to win against the dead team is going to cover. Still professional athletes, NFL teams, coaches playing for jobs, players playing for jobs, players playing spoiler. Every year, you're going to see, look no further than Colts Jags last year,

Colts 15-point favorites in Jacksonville, just winning it in. They get blown out, their doors blown off. So yeah, be careful, enjoy the games. Happy new to you and everyone listening, and let's cash some bets. Later, Stuck, you have a good weekend. All right, brother, you too.

Say it. The volume. 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 IHeart 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 IHart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. This is an IHart podcast. Guaranteed Human.