The Herd with Colin Cowherd - 3 and Out -  CP3 & NFL QB Parallels, Pats Red Flag, Mailbag

Episode Date: May 17, 2022

John explains the parallel between Chris Paul and James Harden’s postseason failures and some NFL QB’s, why Belichick’s unwillingness to publicly name an OC is a red flag , and answe...rs listener questions in the Middlekauff Mailbag.  Follow John and The Volume on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for the latest content and updates and check out FanDuel for the best wagering and daily fantasy action! #herdSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcript
Discussion (0)
Starting point is 00:00:00 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.
Starting point is 00:00:23 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. A win is a win. A win is a win. I don't care what I'm saying.
Starting point is 00:00:38 Yep, that's me, Clifford 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 Clifford 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 Clifford show on the IHard Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.
Starting point is 00:01:04 And for more behind the scenes, follow at Clifford and at TikTok's podcast network on TikTok. 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 put on 10. I was having trouble
Starting point is 00:01:31 stopping the muscle growth. Listen to Superhuman on the I-Hard Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hey, what's good, y'all? You're listening to Learn the Hard Way with your favorite therapist and host, Kear Games. This space is about black men's experiences, having honest conversations that it's really not safe to have anywhere,
Starting point is 00:01:52 but you're having them with a licensed professional who knows what he's doing. How many men carry a suit or armor? It signals to the world that you're not to be played with. And just because you have the capability that does not mean that you need to. Listen to learn the hard way on the AHA radio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast. The Volume. The Three Now Podcast with me, John Middilcough, is presented by Fandual Sportsbook.
Starting point is 00:02:21 There's no better place to make every moment more than with Fandual. Great odds and markets for baseball, the NBA, NHL, PGA, PGA, tour, and so much more. Awesome, new and existing. User promotions. America's number one sports book, very easy to use, safe and secure. You get your winnings fast. I cannot recommend it enough.
Starting point is 00:02:41 Love gambling with Fanduel. If you are new, just download the FandualSportsbook app to get started. Now sign up with promo code, Colin, so they know we sent you. On my people, John Middlecock,
Starting point is 00:03:04 three and out podcast, back at it again. Monday night. I've just got back from a long, long weekend. in my favorite place in the world, Scottsdale, Arizona. It's just hard to beat. You know, I wouldn't call it a bender, but it was an intense three days of having a good time.
Starting point is 00:03:23 The good times were rolling. The booze was aflowing. Good times were a had. And just got off the plane, powered down a salad for the first time in four days. And realized that, you know, if I want to buy a place there, I've got to keep making money, so I got to do a podcast. And luckily, I thought a lot about on the plane
Starting point is 00:03:43 right home, something that I think, you know, it's just something that we talk about a lot with quarterbacks, but you saw it this weekend with Chris Paul. And we'll dive into that. I saw something Steve Belichick. I don't understand why the Patriots
Starting point is 00:03:58 are doing something right now. It just doesn't make any sense. And I appreciate their kind of cloak and dagger history and just how different they are. But it's just, it's kind of getting exhausting. And then what I thought I'd do is I have so many mailbag questions because I told everybody, I was running low, slide into those DMs,
Starting point is 00:04:15 at John Middlecoff is the Instagram. I have a million. And people get mad when I don't respond. Like, I have so many DMs. I don't mean to not put you in the mailbag. Sometimes, like, you don't, people like, just my question suck. Why were you answer it?
Starting point is 00:04:28 I don't know. It's just hard. There's a lot of DMs. It's not like an email where everything is just, it's, it's, I mean, everyone, I guess if you're DM and me also have DMs, but imagine I'm basically like a hot babe, but I'm John Middokoff. And my inbox is just full of dudes asking questions.
Starting point is 00:04:46 And there, I mean, a lot. It's cool. I don't get me wrong. But it's hard. It doesn't, there's not like a way that just the latest, it's complicated, I guess. So I miss some. And I miss some where I respond manually. And that's why you don't get your question answered here on the show.
Starting point is 00:05:00 So I feel for all the babes out there whose DMs just have dudes everywhere. Though I like it. I want you guys to DM me. But sometimes I just DM you back manually not on the show because it's just, I miss it or something. It's just, it's, I make excuses. I make an excuse. But also subscribe to the podcast, three and out podcast.
Starting point is 00:05:22 You guys know the deal. And if you listen on Collins feed, subscribe to the podcast. But I wanted to start with Chris Paul, another epic choke job. And James Harden, same deal, you know, three or four days ago in basketball. And I've said for a long time, like the ultimate point of pro sports, think about this. you make it to the NFL, you make it to the NBA, the PJ champions this week, championship, if you make it to a golf major, right, as a PJ tour player, if you're playing like at the highest level of tennis, any of it,
Starting point is 00:05:52 you're such a small percentage of what you're doing. You're so fucking good at what you do. It's incredible, right? You're the 1% of the 1% because think how many people play football, think I'm many people play basketball, think how many people play baseball? How many of us know someone who played college baseball? and hell might have got drafted, but never sniff the big leagues.
Starting point is 00:06:13 Like, it is so, so difficult. You're in such a unique class when you make it to the highest level of the NFL, of the NBA, or whatever. Like, ultimately, anyone can have a podcast. I mean, it's just, that's a fact, right? Not anyone can play in the NFL or the NBA. That's just, we know that.
Starting point is 00:06:30 Now, can you make money? Can you get a lot of people listening? Well, you know, probably not. But it is much, much easier to do anything, anyone can, there's a lot of jobs that we could attempt to do. Does it mean we're going to be any good at it? But it is very, very difficult. I have nothing but respect for any human being.
Starting point is 00:06:46 Hell, it's like in a training camp right now as an undrafted free agent. I guess not training camp, but, you know, OTAs, right? If you're just there and you're participating, you have accomplished so much in your individual field as an athlete. That is very, very impressive. And I, you know, from a scouting standpoint, and now someone who goes to these just, you know, as an entertainment product who talks about it and goes to these OTAs, I have nothing but respect for a hard it is to make it. But we judge you once you get there on how you perform when it really matters. And football is a little different than baseball and basketball because they're
Starting point is 00:07:21 individual games through the season. There aren't as many. Right. It's why when the schedule release came out, came out, whatever last week, it's a big deal. One, because if you're a fan and you're going to travel to the game, but there's only so many games. The baseball schedule comes out. Do you know what no one cares about? Who you're playing in June and July. The season takes forever. You know, there's a million games. You know, you play all the teams your division, whatever, 19, 18 times, right? You're going to play basically, it feels like every team in the league. I know you don't, but you know what I mean? There's an unlimited amount of games. A basketball season goes on forever. So I, my beef, I have a take that I think James Hardin
Starting point is 00:07:57 is the most overrated NBA player I've ever seen. Because I truly, I just do not think it matters when you score 45 points against the Sacramento Kings on December 18th. No. No. I just do not. I just do not think it matters when you score 45 points against the Sacramento Kings on December 18th. No one cares. Like, it's an incredible accomplishment like individually. But ultimately, once you start making all this money,
Starting point is 00:08:16 we're only judging you on the big time games. We're in football, if you're a quarterback, like Kirk Cousins, if Kirk Couss has a season where he throws whatever 35 touchdowns, like I think we can watch him playing and go, you know, he was pretty good.
Starting point is 00:08:28 And, you know, in basketball, one individual can control winning more than even the quarterback, right? Like, listen, Aaron Rogers has really, really, the last couple years have been remarkable. Anyone listening to this podcast has watched Aaron Rogers play. And if you're a big Packer fan, you've watched every snap. If you're someone like me, you've probably watched the majority of his games, you know,
Starting point is 00:08:47 because so many of them have been big. You know, probably 10, 11, start to finish, Packer games. So, you know, 30 plus Packer games the last three years. And definitely the last two, whatever, 15, 18 plus Packer games, all the playoff games. He was remarkable in the regular season. Like you're watching that. You know how good you have to be. But you watch the playoffs.
Starting point is 00:09:07 You go, God, there leaves a little bit to be desired. And we're critical, right? You go, but here's the thing Aaron has that, like, some of these bass, why Patrick Beverly went on television today and took a complete dump all over Chris Paul's career. And you can say it was harsh. You could say he's bitter because ultimately he got traded. But listen, Chris Paul's career is pretty hollow. No one cares how many assists he had in a game in February.
Starting point is 00:09:29 And do you know what he doesn't have? That even Aaron Rogers, when we're critical of him, Aaron Rogers won a Super Bowl. He won the Super Bowl. He did the hardest thing and he got it out of the way. And the best thing Patrick Mahomes ever did is he immediately won the Super Bowl. His first year or second year starting. Boom. Super Bowl champ.
Starting point is 00:09:45 MVP, Super Bowl champ. So no matter what, like last year, I was thinking about today. Like that game, right, against Cincinnati Bengals in the second half at home is one of the most bizarre experience. It was a James Harden-like experience. But you know why he'll never like, whatever, yeah, he had a bad game. He's already won at all. he's already been to the mountaintop.
Starting point is 00:10:04 Right? It's always what, like Peyton Manning, I was a huge Peyton Manning guy late in high school and early on in college. And this is, you know, Tom Brady and the Patriots were not as popular as they became, right? And it was just, it was different.
Starting point is 00:10:18 And Tom was, no one thought he was as good as Peyton. That clearly died about a decade later. But they could not beat the Patriots. And you're thinking like, is Peyton Manning ever going to win a Super Bowl? And then I'll never forget when he finally won that Super Bowl. And it took him a lot longer than obviously guys like Patrick Mahomes or whatever.
Starting point is 00:10:32 But that's the whole point. When you are the highest percent, when you're the 1% of just the league, and like Peyton Manning and the best players are really the small outliers in their own league. So we judge you in football, it's the playoffs. In the NBA, it's the playoffs. And golf, it's the majors. And tennis is the grand slams. That's what you're doing all this for.
Starting point is 00:10:53 All the brand bullshit, all the talk about selling sneakers, like all that stuff is great. Selling merchandise and being on commercials and making the cash. the job description and the goal is to win when the lights are the brightest. And like I said, in basketball and in baseball, you can, it's a different setup to the sport because there are so many games. In football, you got to be good in the regular season and then you've got to be even better in the playoffs. And it's why, like Lamar Jackson, who I've really come around on.
Starting point is 00:11:23 I did not like him as an NFL prospect. I would not have drafted him. And I've become to, I root for the guy. I love everything he stands for. I love every time I hear him talk, I'm like, this is my type guy. I know someone that works with the Ravens. The way he talks about Lamar, like I find myself rooting for the guy. Now, I don't know Chris Paul.
Starting point is 00:11:41 I'm not a fan of Chris Paul because I actually just despise Chris Paul the player. But, and I get a lot of joy watching him fail. But the reason people can quadruple down is because he has nothing to show for his entire career. All the best players in NBA history, besides like Charles Barkley, are NBA champions. That's not necessarily the case in the NFL, right? It's not everyone's a Super Bowl champ. Hell, some of the best players in league history
Starting point is 00:12:08 didn't even get to Super Bowls. Some of them get there like one time and they don't win it. It's very, very difficult, right? Because the team-oriented is much more of a team game. But you see this young crop of quarterbacks right now and Herbert's going to start facing this, even though like last year, we all watched the game against the Raiders
Starting point is 00:12:25 to get into the playoffs and I went, I think Justin Herbert was the best player in that field. But his team lost. But it's like, I thought he was the best player on the field. For Aaron Rogers, like, you're watching that game against the 49ers. Like, leaves a little something to be desired. But that's what makes this all so fun. Like, the whole point of building up, talking about the draft and then the OTAs and then the training game is all the buildup to the playoffs.
Starting point is 00:12:46 We talk about, are we a playoff team? We start talking about that in like September. It's what it's all about. And sometimes I think we forget it and watching these games. And what's cool is like, I was just in Scottsdale. So on Sunday night When the game was on We went to Phoenix
Starting point is 00:13:01 And it was packed But listen it was I was kind of You know I was boozed up Talking a little mess But it's not like I would not Have acted like I did If I would have been in Philadelphia
Starting point is 00:13:10 And you know Routing against the Sixers Right Or if L.A Or the Bay Area With the Warriors and Lakers It was a little It's a different crowd
Starting point is 00:13:18 You know Phoenix People come from all over the place As a son's like really that big a deal But ultimately my point is It's fun The playoffs This whole point of all this stuff, think of how many people listening right now,
Starting point is 00:13:31 if you're a fan of like probably 20 of the 32 NFL teams, you think you might have a chance to make the playoffs. Obviously, if you're like one of the, you know, the Tampa or L.A. Rams or the Chiefs or whoever, right, you think you're going to the playoffs. But then there are a lot of teams like, yeah, I think we can make the playoffs. Like, if you're a Jets fan, you're like,
Starting point is 00:13:48 you know, if this came together, could we compete for the seven seed? If you're the Washington football team, like, well, we just get like what Carson Wentz did for the Colts, Can we compete to be a seven seat? Like, you can talk yourself into it. And nothing like the playoffs. There's nothing like the biggest games.
Starting point is 00:14:03 And it's still, as someone who kind of gets numb to this stuff, and, you know, not that I get bored talking about it, but it's like anything. It can be a job. Now it's the off season. You're like, the playoffs are the best. And it's what we do, you know, if you work for a team, if you're a player, as Bill Parcells,
Starting point is 00:14:21 like, this is why you lift all them weights. And it's career to, finding. I say it all the time, you know, growing up in Northern California around the 49ers, like their players are legends. They're not legends because they were really good players. They're legends because they're champions. When Ronnie Lott walks in the door, it's not like, oh, it's just Ronnie Lott, the greatest players. Like, Ronnie Lott, four-time Super Bowl champion. Brent Jones, Super Bowl champion. Merton Hanks, Super Bowl champion, right? Jerry Rice, Joe Montana. But even the role players, it's just the first thing you think about. And it's just, it's
Starting point is 00:14:55 what defines you. And, you know, we could nitpick. And I know, like, Rogers takes a lot of shit from Colin. And listen, you could argue that he's underdelivered in terms of his resume for how great he is, because I think we all admit or agree that if you've watched him in his peak, you're like, this guy's great. But he does have the Super Bowl. You know, I think it would, it would suck if he didn't, because then there would be a lot more validity to it. Yeah, so I just, I don't even know why. I just got, I got so much joy out of Chris Paul losing. I don't even get joy that of James Harden anymore because he just sucks now. But, you know, you're defined at the biggest moments.
Starting point is 00:15:30 The reason Tiger is the biggest golfer of all time is not because he won all these golf tournaments. It's because he won all the majors, the most important tournaments, right? Like, I'm not an F1 guy, but like the reason Lewis is the biggest is because he's a champion. I always get, like, and you see it with the NIL, which, and listen, I'm as pro money as anyone you'll meet who talks about sports. I mean, I would say the majority of people that talk about sports are like anti-business. I am pro-money. But I do get uncomfortable is the wrong word.
Starting point is 00:16:00 I just think it's kind of embarrassing. When we're just brand, brand, brand, brand. You win the brand comes. Michael Jordan, the brand happened when he started to become a champion. And then won championship after championship after championship. Tom Brady has a brand. I don't know because he has seven fucking Super Bowl race. So I think we always try to put the cart before the horse.
Starting point is 00:16:21 The point God. The point God, who's been to one NBA finals. Now, you ain't no point God. He got Jason Kidd, the opposing coach, check, Google the two resumes. I'd take Jason Kidd any day of the week over Chris Paul. But that's, you know, the media narratives can take on a lot. Point God. It's just, it's funny, too, like in the NFL, I always say this.
Starting point is 00:16:44 The NFL's covered a lot like politics, absolute war zone. You just, you know, I mean, look at the way Rogers was covered. but just in general, like coaches, not even political stuff, but just a coaching, a play call, a draft decision. It's intense. There's not, like, it doesn't always feel sometimes in the NBA, not sometimes, a lot of the times. It feels like the reporters are working for the league and the players.
Starting point is 00:17:07 It's just, it's kind of bizarre. And for me, a little off-putting. And I think their narratives can kind of feel like reality. Where in the NFL is like, it's hard. Like, I mean, you have a couple bad games. They started like buried you. The playoffs are heating up, and you can make every game feel like game seven
Starting point is 00:17:32 on Fandual Sportsbook, an official partner of the NBA. Throughout the playoffs, all customers can place a no-sweet same game parlay each week. You'll get up to $20 in free bets if you don't win. Fandua has so many ways to play.
Starting point is 00:17:48 And best of all, when you do win, you'll get paid faster than a fast break. Here's what I love. I love the Warriors. I like the Warriors to win this series in six. Every single game, I will hammer the Steph Curry over in points. New to Fandual, just download the Fandual Sportsbook app and sign up with promo code Colin.
Starting point is 00:18:14 Once again, that's promo code Colin. And if you already have an account, you're all set to bet. No sweat. Either way, you'll get up to $20 in free bets if your same game parlay during the playoffs, does it win? Fanduil Sportsbook, an official partner of the NBA. 21 and over in president of 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 $5.5. Restrictions apply. See full terms at sportsbook.
Starting point is 00:18:42 com. Fandul.com. Gambling problem? Call 1-800 next step or text next step to 533-4-2-Ari-2-2-2-2-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-Glor or visit fenduel.com. RG, Colorado, Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, 18777-7-7-7-7-7-1-7-1-1-7. Stop, Louisiana, or 1-800-2-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-800 for confidential help, Michigan. 1-8-8-N-Y, or text, Hope, N.Y, 467-N, New York, Tennessee, 888-98-9-9, 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.
Starting point is 00:19:34 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.
Starting point is 00:19:57 A win is a win. A win is a win. I don't care what you're saying. Yep, that's me, Cliver 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.
Starting point is 00:20:27 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.
Starting point is 00:20:57 Talk Podcast Network on TikTok. Also, I saw Steve Belichick. Well, I actually saw this. I think I mentioned it a couple weeks ago. Maybe the last week. I saw Nelson Aguilar was asked who's going to be the offensive coordinator for the Patriots. And he couldn't answer. Or he said, you have to ask Coach Belichick.
Starting point is 00:21:18 And kind of weird, kind of not. But it's like, I've really been thinking a lot about this. Every single team in the league beside the Patriots, who's your offensive coordinator? Kyle Shanahan. Right? I'm trying to even think of a team, right? Brian Dayball, Nick Siriani, who's your defensive coordinator? D'emico Ryan's, Steve Spagnola, Nate Hackett's the offensive coordinator.
Starting point is 00:21:41 Like, it's not even, this is not something we're hiding, right? Part of, I understand, even though I can think it's stupid sometimes, the injury stuff with football, it's like, the guy tore his ACL, just say he's out for the season, right? I get it if a guy is like a rolled ankle and you don't know if he's going to play. But to me, when it comes to certain. things. It's like, what are we doing? You know, you go to every single team in the NFL beside the Patriots. In every major college, you know exactly who they're offensive and defensive coordinator are. There is no competitive advantage to keeping it secret. Literally nobody does. So, like,
Starting point is 00:22:16 the Patriots are not breaking new ground here. I think the problem they have, this is where I'm going with, I saw Steve Belichick today, was ask if he's the defensive coordinator and he, like, refused to answer. And listen, I appreciate the Belichick's grumpy nature of just kind of the way they live their life. I'm a fan of the Belichick family. They've brought a lot of entertainment value into my life. So I appreciate them for that. I appreciate Stephen's father.
Starting point is 00:22:44 And I like what, you know, everything, obviously Stephen, I think Bill's probably done a hell of a job raising a good young coach. And I'd be shocked if Stephen Belichick is not an excellent coach on his own merit one day in the NFL, whether it's a head coach or he becomes a defensive court, somewhere else, whatever. After Bill retires, maybe he leaves, who knows?
Starting point is 00:23:04 But this notion that, like, they refused to, and this all starts for Bill. I'm not blaming Stephen for not being able to answer it. Why can't we just tell who the coordinators are? One problem I think on offense, they don't have one. And I know rumors are that Bill was going to be the coordinator, but then I was reading last week, it's like, no, it might be between Matt, Patricia, and Joe Judge. And I said this a while back, like, it's like anything in life. The older you get, it is harder.
Starting point is 00:23:29 to be on the forefront of the movements in whatever industry you are, just a nature of getting old. And the more successful you are, you're just going to, especially in football, but I would argue any business, but specifically football, because there can only be one head coach,
Starting point is 00:23:45 you lose a lot of people. And it does feel for the first time that Belichick has crossed the line of like, you know, law of diminishing returns where it's like, he can't replace Josh. You know, and if you think about it, Josh has really been one of the start,
Starting point is 00:23:59 Hallworth's in his organization beside a couple years that he left. And they might be screwed. Because if you have to place Matt Patricia or Joe Judge is your offensive coordinator, because ultimately like Steve Belichick, Bill Belichick and Gerard Mayo, defense is going to be fine. Their defense has been really good. I don't think they're going to be bad at defense. They're good defensive team.
Starting point is 00:24:20 But I think they have a little bit of a problem because they just, they've lost too many guys. And they lost one guy who they couldn't replace. and that was Josh McDaniels. And now they have these two people. Listen, I'm not going to... I was pretty confident last year that the Patriots were going to make the playoffs. And I just bet on Bill.
Starting point is 00:24:41 I bet him being on this revenge tour, and he was. And he made the playoffs. He was whatever, the sixth seed. He made the playoffs with a rookie quarterback. He had one of the most impressive wins of the season when he shoved it down the Bill's throat. And even though he got destroyed in the first round of the playoffs,
Starting point is 00:24:58 the Patriots had a successful season. They really did. But given that the influx of all the talent in the AFC, the Chargers missed the playoffs last year, I mean, the Raiders acquired Devante Adams, Denver got Russell Wilson, who knows how this whole Deshawn Watson situation plays out, but if he can play, I mean, they're going to be pretty good,
Starting point is 00:25:17 that you just have to think to yourself that, I don't know if I like the Patriots as much to make the playoffs this year. And in Bill Belichick, I trust. I think he's the greatest coach in the history of the league. but when you tell me that Joe Judge and Matt Patricia and just the whole kind of cloak and dagger thing with the coordinators in general, and I know they did that last year with defensive coordinator,
Starting point is 00:25:37 even though it was kind of clear that it was like a mixture of Stephen and Bill, regardless, all those guys know the defense. But the offense? I'm sorry. Josh McDaniels on his worst day would be better than Joe Judge Matt Patricia combined on their best day when it comes to offensive football. We're not coaches special teams, Joe Judge.
Starting point is 00:25:55 We're not a pencil in our year. dialing up a blitz, Matt Patricia. We're calling offensive plays. Think about the best offensive coordinators in the league. Andy Reid has been calling offensive plays for two and a half decades. Kyle Shanahan has been talking offense with his father for 40 years. 40. You know, since he was like two years old.
Starting point is 00:26:17 And Joe Judge is going to call offensive plays potentially. Now, if Bill does it, maybe you got a chance. But I think clearly being the head guy, I don't know if he wants. wants to do that. And they're acting really weird. And I just got that whole situation red flagged right now. Let's answer some mailbag questions. At John Middlecough is the Instagram.
Starting point is 00:26:40 Really easy. Fire in those DMs. God, I'm just, I'm so happy that Chris Paul got us. I mean, got at their ass kicked. God, that makes you feel good. Really does. Kansas native cheese fan. When we trade it away, start with Reese.
Starting point is 00:26:54 So mailbag, you guys know the deal, slide up in those DMs, get your question answers here on the show. I'm going to try to answer a bunch right now. When we traded away Tyreek, I was pretty disappointed when we didn't grab a wide receiver in the first round. I was worried. Looking back on the trade post-draft, I feel much better about it. Only time we'll tell, or not it truly was smart move to trade away Tyreek and not
Starting point is 00:27:17 resign Tyrone. However, do you feel like the Chiefs are doing what needs to be done to win? Or do you think they're backed into a corner because the massive, amount of money, it cost to pay number 15. Listen, I know those guys in Kansas City love the Honey Badger. Like, I mean, they legitimately love the Honey Badger. And I think one thing,
Starting point is 00:27:39 was it the, was it the chief, was it the game against the, did he get a concussion, the Honey Badger against the Cincinnati Bengals in the playoffs or did that happen in the regular season? I can't remember. But the Honey Badger got a concussion in one of the games. and they gave up a bunch of points.
Starting point is 00:27:58 And you talk to people in KC, it's like, well, he lines up everyone. Like, the guy's a really good player, even though he's an older. And I think his arrow, right, is probably starting to point down a little bit. Eric Reed's brother, I think Justin Reed,
Starting point is 00:28:12 the dude they sign from the Texans, Duke can play. So they, at minimum, that's a wash, if anything, it might be an upgrade given the age. And like you said, like, Fitch and Andy know what they're doing with the offense and getting, drafting Skymore's
Starting point is 00:28:27 I know they drafted in the second round whatever wide receiver they drafted I think the Western Michigan guy ironically I think he went to Antonio Brown's school and that was kind of his comp like that style of player he's going to be good and I think Patrick Mahomes is really their you know most important piece I mean as long as you got him you got a chance every year
Starting point is 00:28:46 so I don't think he's hindering them at all and I think I'm not right now I think the chiefs are going to be a playoff team now they might not win the division division, but I think in two years, maybe not this year, right? Maybe they go like 10 and 7 or 11 and 6, but I think in a year, get some of these younger guys experience in their second year, they'd be more apt to like win 13 games again. Now, if you told me that the Chiefs win 12 games this year, I would not discount it. Like, I'm prepared for it, but I just think that division's going to be
Starting point is 00:29:15 really, really hard. Uh, I mean, they've won the division, whatever, six, seven straight years. And, uh, I, you know, for the first time, because I've, I've, I've, I've, I've, never thought one time over that six years, especially since Patrick started, it was their division. Now, I mean, I think even they tell you, I mean, the talent that has come in, the division is, is the real deal talent. Like, this isn't like, you know, pretty good move. It's like, Khalil Mack last year before he got hurt. You see Devont de Adams? I mean, these guys, Russell Wilson, Drew Locke to Russell Wilson? It's a pretty big upgrade. It really is. Do you think Aaron Rogers struggles in the playoffs or due to cold weather? He plays amazing in the
Starting point is 00:29:53 regular season when it's warmer and nicer. I've always said the Packers under Rogers and a little bit under Favre too. It's just their best player on the team by a mile is the quarterback who's two, these are two of the greatest pastors of all time. And then they play their playoff games in negative 10 degrees. Think about the teams that have beaten them the last couple years. The 49ers just wanted to play a heavyweight fight. Tampa Bay, physical defense.
Starting point is 00:30:20 So like if your team is built like, you know, the Indianapolis Colts or the Mike Mart's St. Louis Rams, and I know the LaFloor team the last couple years hasn't been built quite like that. But I mean, their quarterback's throwing 45 touchdowns a year. And then you get in this situation, it's just hard, you know, it's just harder to throw and catch the ball. Now, listen, I'm a Rogers defender as a player. I did think he, something was like, that game wasn't good enough. That game just simply wasn't good enough. You can't lose the 49ers in that game.
Starting point is 00:30:52 It cannot happen. And to me, I do put that on him. Now, I do think they built their team. You know, LaFleur, like, they ultimately want to play defense and run the football. Like, that is, to me, LaFleur is closer to Kyle than McVeigh. Like, I think McVeigh, like, lives to kind of throw the ball. Where Kyle lives to run it, I think LaFleur likes running it a lot, too. And I think he's convinced Rogers, and it's why it's taking his career to another level to do it.
Starting point is 00:31:18 The problem is in the playoffs, like, You know, if it's just the game plan doesn't go perfectly, you're just going to rely on Aaron, and then again, it's freezing cold. It's hard to catch. I catch you on my warning, my warning, sorry, I can't even speak, fan. I catch you in the morning on my way to work and Colin on the way home. I'm a cardiac operating room nurse at the Cleveland Clinic, and it's tough being a Steelers fan in a sea of Brown's fans. I know not many people are really high on Pickett, but I have huge expectations.
Starting point is 00:31:50 after having Big Ben as my quarterback ever since I was in fourth grade. You've lived a pretty charmed life. Being a young guy growing up on the Steelers, you've seen a lot of winning. You haven't seen a losing team since you were like, one. In your opinion, do you think the Steelers will get it right at quarterback soon and later? Or end up being in a quarterback drought, like some teams across the league? Well, I said it, and listen, I think that Kevin Colbert is, or was, I mean, I guess he's retiring, one of the best GMs in football
Starting point is 00:32:20 that they have figured out every position skill guys running backs defensive linemen linebackers dbs the trade he made for Minka fantastic but the only evidence I have beside Ben which has been on the team
Starting point is 00:32:36 like you said since you were in fourth grade and now you're you know have a job in the real world is his draft picks of quarterbacks the last couple years now they weren't high picks but they're awful players like Mason Rood and Dobbs are two quarterbacks that he evaluated and clearly liked.
Starting point is 00:32:53 So this notion that he is a good quarterback drafter, I can't be in agreement there. And I know Tomlin, and listen, spoke really highly at Kenny Pickett. I think Kenny Pickett's a high-level guy. I just don't like the physical traits. I don't see it. When you're a poor man's Mack Jones, I'm out. I wasn't the biggest Mac Jones guy. I would not have taken Mac Jones in the first round.
Starting point is 00:33:17 and as anyone in the NFL who evaluated these guys, not on the Steelers will tell you, Kenny Pickett wasn't in Matt Jones's league. So I just, I don't love it. I really don't. Now, I think your team is so solid
Starting point is 00:33:31 that a little bit like Ben when he was young before he became a star that you can just operate and function. So you might still be able to compete to get to 8, 9, 10 wins. I don't think you're going to suck. But I don't, I think you missed on the quarterback. Am I the only one who thinks Kyler Murray played last year's pathetic playoff game safe
Starting point is 00:33:52 because he knew he was going to ask for more money and didn't want to get hurt? Or is that reaching? Sometimes you watch a game and I'll speak to Chris Paul's game the other night and you just go, what is going on? Like if I was gambling on this team that's losing, like if I would have money on the Arizona Cardinals
Starting point is 00:34:10 or I would have money in game seven on the Phoenix Suns, I'd go, I think that Kyler Murray or Chris Paul is throwing the game. I would want an investigation by the feds into what is going on. I grew up hearing about Pete Rose, Pete Rose, Pete Rose. I'd want to invest the freaking gation. I'd want answers. So listen, that game, the Rams were better, right?
Starting point is 00:34:35 The Rams were the Super Bowl champs. So the Cardinals should not have won that game. The Rams should beat them. If they play 10 times, the Rams should win, especially in a big game, probably seven. seven or eight. But to have that level of performance is really weird.
Starting point is 00:34:53 I don't know the guy. I don't have any explanation. I think we've had seen evidence now. He wears down. Little guys wear down. So, yeah, I just, if I was a Cardinal fan, I'd want an explanation.
Starting point is 00:35:08 If I'd gambled on that game, I'd want an explanation. But here's what I know. You can't have that game. Like, that game can't happen. and then you're like, yeah, $150 million. You're like, uh, what? That's, that's not how it goes.
Starting point is 00:35:23 Like, you know, you don't get to like, uh, get grounded or, you know, get suspended from high school and then it's your 16th birthday and be like, you know, time for a car. I'm ready. Mom, dad, buy me a car, right? You get in a fight with your wife. It's probably not the time to ask. You know, it's like, honey, I'm, I'm going to take a guy's weekend, play some golf. I'll be out of town.
Starting point is 00:35:43 It might be, they might blow up in your face, right? you lay that egg on that stage, you can't ask for $150 million and expect to get it. Not when they don't need to pay you. So I just, yeah. I'm from Fresno and know you worked for Fresno. At the time, were you working for Fresno?
Starting point is 00:36:07 Who was the head coach? Also, if Mark Davis has to sell the team, are there rumblings on who would want to buy the team? as a rated fan, I'm hoping for a guy that loves football. I was there with Coach Pat Hill. It was awesome. It was,
Starting point is 00:36:23 I graduated Cal Poly, went to work at Fresno State. It was one of the two of the funner years in my life. It was really fun. And I mean, it changed my life forever. Led to me getting the job of the Eagles. You know, decade later, podcasting with Coward. I am a full-time podcaster.
Starting point is 00:36:40 So without that, I'd never be here. I love I got family who lives in Fresno I'm a Fresno State fan rooting for Jay Canter the quarterback right now like him too I would say
Starting point is 00:36:51 if the Raiders if that story's kind of quieted down but if Mark Davis had ever been if he ever gets forced to sell the amount of people that would blind up to buy the Vegas Raiders
Starting point is 00:37:06 would be fucking around the corner I mean there every billion millionaire in shouting distance of this country would have their financial advisors, you know, crafting up some agreements and putting together some money and doing what they had to do to get a piece of that pie. Because the stadium is awesome. There is no state income tax. It would be, it has a history as a franchise in terms of the colors. You could kind of do a rebrand a little bit as a new. owner. I say it all the time. You know, and listen, I, I didn't live, I obviously lived in
Starting point is 00:37:49 Philadelphia, and I've only been to Washington, D.C. one time in my life. My college roommate, Steve Mayette, who actually still lives there. I went out when I, my first year in Philadelphia, I went from Fourth of July in D.C. And I just, this would have been, you know, 2010. And I just remember think, and he was, he was a lot, he, will he go to law school? No, maybe his wife went to law school. Steve went to business school, but he lives out there, does business, construction business, and we went out all day, and it was just,
Starting point is 00:38:18 it was awesome. I mean, I just remember feeling like the power of the place. Like, this is, it's a pretty cool place. I don't think it would even be close in terms of the interest of Vegas versus Washington, D.C.
Starting point is 00:38:31 I think people would want the Raiders more than the football team, commanders, whatever the hell they're called. I just, think about that, they don't even have a name. I guess they do, but like,
Starting point is 00:38:39 don't take their name seriously. What are your thoughts on shows like undisputed with Skip and Shannon? Also, what do you feel like makes your pod unique? I mean, is this my future agent? I don't know. I don't know. I don't. Clearly, they have an audience.
Starting point is 00:38:56 I don't watch. But I don't really. They're not for me. I mean, that's just, that is content not made for yours truly. Now, clearly some people are. I find it boring. it doesn't do anything for me.
Starting point is 00:39:11 So that's what my take would be. First take actually today of Pat Beverly was pretty entertaining. My uncle actually sent me a text because he was watching it and he's like, you know, Mike Greenberg is doing a hell of a job. And Greenie Get Up is a,
Starting point is 00:39:29 Greenie's a really, really good host. Like to me, my issue was Skip is I just don't believe everything he says is all just fake. Like I would tell you what makes iPod unique is I just say what I think. This isn't, I'm not like, what do you want to do today? Then we'll get some social hits.
Starting point is 00:39:44 Like, that's not my, I'm not, I'm not doing it for that. Like, that's not me. I'll go into a different business before I do crap. I do not care. I'm just going to do stuff that I think people will like. And if they like it great, if they don't, they don't have to listen, you know? And I think that those shows are scripted toward like algorithms, you know, and I'm not doing an algorithmic show. I'm just doing whatever I'm fired up on.
Starting point is 00:40:06 That's what I will talk about. and I'd say so far we're having some success. So, like, I just, I don't try to talk. I mean, obviously there are certain stories. You're not going to avoid like Tom Brady retires. Like, you're talking about that. But I do think, you know, they just play the same hits over and over. Like, God damn, no one cares about Kyrie Irving anymore.
Starting point is 00:40:25 Stop talking about it. But clearly in their algorithmic of the 250,000 people that watch their show on a daily basis, like it. I don't know. It's, again, not for me. It's, I can't. Like, I enjoy talking about Jerry Jones. I'll talk about the Cowboys. and I understand their power.
Starting point is 00:40:38 Like I try to mix in some stuff about the Jets and the Giants. They have a lot of fans. But I'm not going to go out of my way every single week to do a cowboy segment. Now when stuff happens with the Cowboys, I'm not going to avoid it because I do find them interesting.
Starting point is 00:40:51 But I think shows like that, there's a reason like the Cowboys get a lot of talk. Why? No different the Yankees, no different the Lakers. They have the most fans. So it could I, hell, could I have more podcast downloads if I made sure to talk about the Cowboys every single pod?
Starting point is 00:41:05 Maybe. But I'd also say it'd be, disingenuous. I would say one thing that I think everyone that listens to the show would agree with that, you know, I've been pretty consistent, you know, I just give my takes. And I think if you listen, you go, yeah, he actually believes that. And I'm not afraid to say I was wrong. I've admitted I was wrong on Lamar Jackson. I have not admitted I was wrong on Kyler Murray because I was right, right. I did not, I will not admit I was wrong on James Harden because I was right. There are certain things. And like, I think Colin's really good on this. And it's what makes Colin probably the best in the business.
Starting point is 00:41:37 He'll have a take, and sometimes he's out of left field. Like, I thought his Baker Mayfield take was kind of crazy, and I thought Baker Mayfield was going to be really good. Colin's proven right. Colin nailed that one. You know, I think his Aaron Rogers take, like, I heard some things about Devante leaving. You're like, well, I mean, Colin hasn't been wrong on everything with Aaron.
Starting point is 00:41:54 You know, I'd say you got the John Wall and the Russell Westbrook one pretty right too. But when he is wrong, he'll pivot. And if I'm wrong on something, like if Cliff Kingsbury and Kyler Murray win a Super Bowl, Next year in Glendale, Arizona, I will wear that on the chin, right? And I think sometimes that some of these shows, they, like, won't pivot off their take. I'm also not a journalist. I think a lot of these guys, like, ultimately skip Bayliss and Stephen A. And I like Stephen A.
Starting point is 00:42:24 But, no, I don't watch his content, but I do enjoy Stephen A. These guys started as newspaper writers. Like, at their core and at their heart, you can say they're sold out of it. They're journalists. I am not even close to a journalist. I'm an anti-journalist, I'd say. So we just don't have as much in common about the way I think we view the world.
Starting point is 00:42:43 I'm doing this for business purposes. And I love sports, but I'm, it's not really the same. 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.
Starting point is 00:43:08 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.
Starting point is 00:43:27 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.
Starting point is 00:43:54 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 what 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. Do you remember when Diana Ross double-tapped Little Kim's boobs at the VMAs?
Starting point is 00:44:27 Or when Kanye said that George Bush didn't like black people. I know what you're thinking. What the hell does George Bush got to? Do a little kill. Well, you can find out on the Look Back at it podcast. I'm Sam J. And I'm Alex English. Each episode, we pick it here, unpack what went down, and try to make sense of how we survived it.
Starting point is 00:44:45 Including a recent episode with Mark Lamont Hill, waxing all about crack in the 80s. To be clear, 84's big to me, not just because of crack. I'm down to talk about crack all day, but just so y'all know. I mean, at this point, Mark, this is the second episode where we've discussed crack. So I'm starting to see that there's a through line. We also have age. on the table right now. Thank you for finishing that sentence.
Starting point is 00:45:08 Yes. I don't think there's a more important year for black people. Really? Yeah. For me, it's one of the most important years for black people in American history. Listen to look back at it on the IHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Starting point is 00:45:23 Welcome to my new podcast, Learn the Hardway with me, your host, and your favorite therapist, Kear Games. And in recognition of mental health awareness month, I'm bringing over a decade of my own experience in the mental health field and conversations with so many incredible guests. I'm talking. Tripp Fontaine, Ryan Clark. Sometimes when we're in the pursuit of the thing,
Starting point is 00:45:42 we get so wrapped up in the chase that we don't realize that we are in possession of the thing. And we're still chasing it. And we don't know when we've done enough. Because people scoreboard watch. Life becomes about wins and losses. Steve Burns, Dustin Ross. Because you find it important to be a good person while you hear on earth.
Starting point is 00:46:01 Are you a good person because you're afraid? that's two different intentions, bro. Absolutely. And that's two different levels of trust. I want you to just really be a good person. Join me, Kear Gaines, is we have real conversations about healing, growth, fatherhood, pressure, and purpose
Starting point is 00:46:16 on my new podcast, learn the hard way. Open your free, our heart radio app. Search, learn the hard way, and listen now. A theory. What do you think, Jimmy G,
Starting point is 00:46:28 what do you think San Fran wanted to trade Jimmy G? He got hurt, trade value plummeted, this whole unimpressed Lance, would it not be trying to reinflate Jimmy's value as much as possible? Well, Jimmy got hurt during the season. Jimmy played the playoff games with
Starting point is 00:46:43 a messed up shoulder and a messed up thumb. And he hurt his thumb because his shoulder was hurt and in the Titans game he tried to brace his fall because he didn't want to hurt his shoulder more. So he hurt his thumb. Jimmy was injured when the season ended. So this notion that like Jimmy G's surgery came out of nowhere, it's like, hey guys,
Starting point is 00:47:00 and I like John. I mean, I'm obviously want the 49ers to thrive. It's good for my other podcast and the business of it. But like I I don't necessarily agree that it completely came out of left field. He told him he might get surgery. He was injured. So him getting surgery wasn't like if all of a sudden, you know, I would say like Patrick Mahomes had surgery, like yeah, didn't see that coming. Like Jimmy Gropa was literally hurt. He missed games last season because of injuries. He was on the injury report. We didn't know if he was going to start in the playoff games. So I think it's just,
Starting point is 00:47:33 I don't know. I think Jimmy's legitimately hurt. Or, I mean, was. He got surgery. The Trey Lance stuff, like, OTAs are starting, and he's going to be on the practice field. It's time to piss or get off the pot. It's time to show you can play.
Starting point is 00:47:48 Now's the time. I don't care what happened last year. Time is now. You're the starter. OTAs. Go in there, impress Kyle, make it a no-brainer decision. You've been in the round for a year.
Starting point is 00:47:59 You know the playbook. You got all the physical tools. Time is now. We're about to find out. Do you think the Chicago Bears made the right decision to take two defensive players with our first two picks in the draft? Also, what are your thoughts of Matt Iberflus?
Starting point is 00:48:14 I don't know that much about that you took two DBSs. I think you took a corner and a safety. I texted someone after the draft because I was like, God, they, what are they going to do? Their offensive line stinks. Didn't take an offense? He's like, well, both those two guys are really good players. So I know the people in the league that I knew
Starting point is 00:48:31 that liked those two guys. So they're good players. But when I thought like, what do the Chicago Bears need? It was not like, oh, DBs. Not saying, I mean, every team needs DBs. Do you know what they need? Someone to block for their star young quarterback. Someone to catch passes from their star young quarterback. So he was running for his life last year.
Starting point is 00:48:50 I don't see why he won't be running for his life again this year. So I would imagine that Iberfluse, listen, my philosophical belief, and I could be wrong because, I would take Mike Vrable. So there are outliers to this philosophy. I would only hire offensive coaches, especially if I had young offensive quarterback
Starting point is 00:49:14 or young quarterbacks that I had drafted. Now, I get that Ryan Poles didn't draft this guy. But this is an offensive league. And the best coaches, look at the final four last year. Kyle Shannon, Sean McVeigh, Andy Reed, and kind of sad. I swore.
Starting point is 00:49:29 Now, I've had a long weekend. I can't even think of the Vangels coach. Name off the top of my head. That's no disrespect to him. He's a good young coach, we think. They get to the team of the Super Bowl. I'll be completely honest. If you, like said, here's $10,000.
Starting point is 00:49:44 What is his name? As of right now, again, long weekend. I have no clue what his name is. But he's an offensive coach. Quarterback Nebraska. I'm not even going to look it up because I think it's funnier. But my point is that I would hire offensive guys. And I think they're the most inclined to help your quarterback.
Starting point is 00:50:03 I don't know if it's going to work. I'm rooting for him, but I like what Denver did. They went with Hackett, an offensive guy who's going to call the offensive place. So when they trade for Russell Wilson, who their franchise's success is going to hinge on his success, the head coach, who is also the play caller, controls the situation. So my take on Uber Fluse says, I don't know much about him. Josh McDaniels liked him. Remember he was hired before?
Starting point is 00:50:30 I would not have hired that guy. not because he's not a good football coach, but I just, I like having offensive guys. I get it, Chicago Bears, defense, the 85 Bears. It's like, it's 2022, you know. Walter Payton and Singletary and the refrigerator Perry, RIP, are not walking through that door. Play offense, scores and points.
Starting point is 00:50:54 You know, the Packers who beat your ass all the time, offensive franchise. The Minnesota Vikings, who have been a lot better than you, like they've had pretty good offenses lately. It's time to figure that out. You have Justin Fields. And is it going to be good? I hope so.
Starting point is 00:51:07 I was a fan of them coming out. But sometimes young quarterbacks, they are, their success is predicated on other people. Who's blocking for them? Obviously, there are weapons around them. Who's the play caller? I'm from Hartford County, Maryland,
Starting point is 00:51:23 big fan of the show. I've been listening to you for years. I like your takes and being honest on everything. I'm a huge Ravens fan and have a question. With all the offseason moves we've done, for example, signing Marcus Williams, Morgan Moses, and doing very well in the draft, you'd think the Ravens are contenders.
Starting point is 00:51:39 I know we lost Hollywood Brown, but I think without him, targets for Lamar are going to be distributed better because I felt like Lamar was forcing him the ball. I think guys are going to be really good. I mean, on paper, your team is really, really good. On paper, I would pick you to win the division. I'm not saying the Bengals are a fluke,
Starting point is 00:52:00 but, you know, I don't. don't view them quite as a division champ. Though, I mean, they might have the better quarterback than you. I know I get Bengals fan gets mad. Like, whenever you bring up Mahomes and Allen and Herbert, you never mention him. You got to mention him with Lamar. He's a stud. But your team top to bottom is better.
Starting point is 00:52:19 Your team top to bottom is better. I'm no clue the guy's name. None. Absolutely none. I'm sorry for you, Bengal fans. No, bad question. As a Browns fan, I know I'm biased, but I'm getting too carried away with the optimism.
Starting point is 00:52:36 Way I see this, the roster and Kevin Stefansky were an 8 to 11 win team with Baker Mayfield, who, let's be honest, has been shown to have no physical traits. He's got a decent arm. He's got a decent arm. Short, can't run, though. And questionable, you know, teammates aren't in love with them. Now you take some, you take the same situation
Starting point is 00:52:56 and just pop in one of the most talented quarterbacks in the league and a go-to-head-to-head with Mahomes and the Herberts. I know the division is tough, though I really think they're the best team in the north permitting a small, no suspension. That's the problem. I saw today that Goodell, they've been waiting for everything to happen
Starting point is 00:53:17 to like talk to, they have not talked to Deshawn Watson, so they're going to talk to Deshawn Watson last. You know, I mean, 10 games, 8 games, 4 games, I got no clue. You know, I'd be a complete. guessing game. If Deshawn Watson could play the entire season,
Starting point is 00:53:32 now he did miss all the year. He did not play a football game. Like iron sharpens iron. One of Collins' greatest takes was the Gruden thing. And that was one where I was wrong. I thought John Gruden was going to be successful. And his take, which I'm going to use this theory moving forward,
Starting point is 00:53:49 you can't leave a high end industry for a long period of time and then come back and expect to be successful. Now, I think as a player, it's a little different, right? he didn't miss 10 years. He didn't miss one season in the prime of his career and not for injury. He was fully healthy, just on the sideline.
Starting point is 00:54:07 And I know he could work out and throw balls. It ain't the same. So I do think it's fair to say that there is going to be a process for him to like reaclimate. So if he were, let's just pick a game. Let's say he suspended six games. So then he'll have missed 17 games plus another six. So he'll have missed 23 straight NFL games. And like I said, baseball, basketball, there aren't an unlimited amount of games.
Starting point is 00:54:32 So what if it takes him a month to kind of get his sea legs under him? I think this year, not saying it's a wash, but I have the unknown on the Browns. I do think in the future years, you guys should be pretty good. But I do think this year could be a little weird, depending on how long his suspension is. And even if he's not suspension, you could start slow. I'm from Alabama, so I don't really have an NFL team. I just like certain teams because of players. Like, I love the Colts because of Manning.
Starting point is 00:55:02 I was the same. I don't get what the strategy is, getting older from, because I love the Colts because of Manning. I don't get what their strategy is. Getting older, former elite quarterbacks that make it to the wild card and get bounced, making their draft picks lower. They have a good history and shouldn't be desperate
Starting point is 00:55:17 to just make the playoffs. Why do you think they didn't just tank to try to get an elite college quarterback? Well, there wasn't one this year, and they obviously didn't have their first round pick. They traded it to, you know, the Eagles, so they were incentivized to win and try to make the playoffs. I do think once you go through Manning, you realize winning 10, 11 games, even getting bounced in the first round of the playoffs, is much better in the alternative. Sucking.
Starting point is 00:55:45 In the NFL, being competitive is a very, very lucrative thing. Like the Minnesota Vikings under Mike Zimmer, they had like five years where they were really good. They won like a total of what? One playoff game, two playoff games maybe? but like maybe three, I guess the one year they made the the year they lost to Foles and then they won the digs catch. They won a couple playoff games.
Starting point is 00:56:08 Cousins beat True Breeze the one year. But like they never, they got to one championship game and they got blown out the year after they beat Breeze. They lost the Niners. But you would say if you were a Vikings fan, like that was a lot better than being the Jags. A lot better than being, you know,
Starting point is 00:56:26 some of these crappy teams. You think the commanders would have like that? You think the Raiders who've made the playoffs twice in 20 years would have signed up for making the playoffs every year? So I think part of it is like making the playoffs every year is a big deal. And in football, like we talked about earlier in the show, like playoff football, playoffs in the NBA, playoff baseball, that's what it's all about. That is the entire point of the sport. The entire point of the draft, the entire point of free agency, the entire point of hiring coordinator, and position coaches is to have the best team possible and win.
Starting point is 00:57:01 That is the goal of this whole thing. And the more you win, the more money you make. So I would say that I think the Colts, I respect what they do. I guess would be my ultimate take. Saints fan here, I know your view on the Saints' upcoming season, but what are your thoughts on the Bengals? I see everyone picking them to win their division
Starting point is 00:57:21 and make the playoffs like it's a lock. After last year, I just feel like they caught lightning in a bottle and think they make a step back, take a step back this season. I know they have some improvements to the offensive line this offseason, but the AFC is loaded. And while the Brown Steelers are a crapshoot with DeShon Watson not being resolved and Mitch, a rookie quarterback situation, I do think the Healthy Ravens team could give them a good fight for the division.
Starting point is 00:57:45 What are your thoughts? Yeah, I think one thing with the Bengals, if I was a Bengals fan, do you know what I'd say? We got Joe fucking Burrell. And as long as he's healthy, which, you know, he's got hurt. you know, one year, he didn't make it. Now, they've improved the offensive line, but last year, like, that's not sustainable,
Starting point is 00:58:02 him running and making plays out of his you know what because his offensive line's terrible. Like, that's not a healthy way to play. When you're young, you can pull it off one year, but for them to sustain success, they're going to have to be able to block for him. But he's elite. Like, I mean, he's a special cat, man.
Starting point is 00:58:19 And Higgins is a baller. Jamar Chase is a star. Mixing stud. I mean, they got some dudes. Now, defensively, are they good enough? We're going to find out. Here's the other thing. It's easy when you get to kind of fly under the radar.
Starting point is 00:58:37 Or when you kind of get to be the attacker. Hell, I get to be the attacker right now. I'm not coward or my podcast isn't, you know, porting away or whatever. I mean, it's doing well, but it's not like considered like super famous or whatever. It's just I can say whatever I want. It does not matter. It is a little bit different when you're the top of the mountain. Like, coward can't just say whatever he wants, right?
Starting point is 00:59:00 You know, he's, he's, once everyone starts gut it, and think how many people are gunning for you when you're Colin, right? When you're Rogan, when you're Portnoy, everyone's gunning for you. Well, the Bengals, no one even thought twice about them last year. Now, I'm not saying I'm putting them on the pedestal of the Chiefs or the Rams, but they are to be taken very, the opponents. Like, hell, you just play a random team. you're just playing like the Lions,
Starting point is 00:59:26 you're playing the Vikings, like they're coming for you. You're viewed as a Super Bowl level team, just won the AFC. Like, you kind of got a target on your back. And I think it's always much easier to operate when you're the guy, when you're chasing the person
Starting point is 00:59:39 with a target on their back. In any business, in any industry, it's always easier to chase. Once you got the target on your back and everyone's coming for you, it's just more difficult. It's hard to sustain success in anything in life.
Starting point is 00:59:52 So, and especially young teams. But I would say, Joe Burrow now, we have some evidence. 19 LSU team, that team last year of the Bengals, like, I'm not in the business of betting against that kid. I guess he's actually a sneaky older player than you realize, but
Starting point is 01:00:06 I just, I'm a believer. You know, and I might not know your head coach's names with the Bengals. Still have absolutely no clue. James, Bill, I'm not making this up. I don't know his name. But I do believe in your quarterback.
Starting point is 01:00:23 And his name's Joe Burrell. And I think he's got a chance to be one of the all-time grades. Anytime you got one of the all-time grates, he can elevate the franchise. And that's what the Bengals needed. That was the only way they were going to make it. The franchise had to be elevated. They were a joke. And he did that.
Starting point is 01:00:40 I mean, in a second year starting with one of the worst offensive lines in football, they were winning in the Super Bowl. They didn't just make it to the Super Bowl. Remember, like, Marino, his second year with the Dolphins made it to the Super Bowl. And they lost, like, the Niners killed him, right? Burrell was leading in the Super Bowl. So this is no like Stafford and McVeigh, their Super Bowl champions,
Starting point is 01:00:58 they were losing in that game. Like that was, they were losing to the Bengals. So it wasn't that fluky. You know, I mean, they beat the Chiefs. They got after the Chiefs, man. They got after Ryan Tanyhill.
Starting point is 01:01:11 I mean, even that Raider game, the final score was close. They kicked the Raiders ass. They had a really good season. And honestly, their playoffs, they were good in the playoffs. I mean, that Titans game, there's a reason, you know,
Starting point is 01:01:23 John Robinson was crying at the combine. He's like, you know, we were than one seed and we kind of got her ass kicked. Three picks. The Bengals took it to him. It's one of the worst halves of football. Honestly, in like the rest of his career, that might be one of the worst halves of football Mahomes ever plays in a game that really matters. I mean, he might have random games in the regular season,
Starting point is 01:01:45 but you'd be hard pressed to watch Bahams in the playoffs. I mean, he just outduled Josh Allen the previous week. Or just, I mean, outduled. you know, I put that a little on Sean McDermott, but he went totally, like they were, they look like two superhuman people. And then to have that second half, and even the first half, remember they were up,
Starting point is 01:02:04 had 21 points, you're like, God, my homes looks incredible. This is the guy that Andy and Veach banked their whole careers on. I would do. So you got to get the Bengals some credit. You know, you got to get the Bengals some credit. Appreciate everyone listening to the show. Share with your friends.
Starting point is 01:02:21 Share with your enemies. Have a good week. of golf podcast out on Wednesday with my guy Sobel. Can't wait. I love the PJ championship this week. Tigers back. Adios. Volume.
Starting point is 01:02:57 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 acapella band with their between songs banter.
Starting point is 01:03:15 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. A win is a win. A win is a win. I don't care what you're saying. Yep, that's me, Cliver Taylor the 4th.
Starting point is 01:03:34 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, unfilts. conversations with athletes, creators, and voices that not only deserve to be heard, but celebrated. So let's get to it. Listen to the Clifford Show on the IHeard 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.
Starting point is 01:04:03 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 Heart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Starting point is 01:04:32 Hey, what's good, y'all? You're listening to Learn the Hard Way with your favorite therapist and host, Kear Games. This space is about black men's experiences, having honest conversations, that it's really not safe to have anywhere, but you're having them with a licensed professional who knows what he's doing. How many men carry a suit or armor. It signals to the world that you're not to be played with.
Starting point is 01:04:52 And just because you have the capability that does not mean that you need to, listen to learn the hard way on the IHard radio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast. This is an IHart podcast. Guaranteed human.

There aren't comments yet for this episode. Click on any sentence in the transcript to leave a comment.