The Herd with Colin Cowherd - 3 and Out - Saints Actions On Taysom Hill Louder Than Words; Middlekauff's Elite 8 NFL Rankings (Top 4 NFC/AFC); Mailbag

Episode Date: May 22, 2020

In this episode, Middlekauff explains why the Saints actions on Taysom Hill say they don't believe in him as a starter, and debuts his top four AFC and NFC teams with his Elite 8 rankings. He also answers questions in the Middlekauff Mailbag. Follow John on twitter @JohnMiddlekauff and go to theherdnow.com to find the latest content. Subscribe now! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is an I-Heart podcast. Guaranteed Human. Last night, a blown call changed a game. This morning, the internet lost its mind, and nobody's telling you exactly what happened. That's where Sports Slice comes in. I'm Timbo, and every episode, we're cutting through the noise,

breaking down the biggest moments in sports and giving you the real story behind the headlines. And we're going straight to the source, the athletes themselves, their locker room stories, their reactions in the moment, and the stuff nobody gets to hear. Listen to Sports Slice on the Iheart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. And for more, follow Timbo Sliced Life 12 in the TikTok podcast network on TikTok.

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. On the Look Back at it podcast. From 1979, that was a big moment for me. 84 is big to me. I'm Sam J. And I'm Alex English. Each episode, we pick a hear, unpack what went down, and try to make sense of how we survived it. With our friends, fellow comedians, and favorite authors.

Like Mark Lamont Hill on the 80s. 84 was a wild. I mean, it was a wild year. I don't think there's a more important year for black people. Listen to look back at it on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. 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 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. You coming to bed, hon? Yep, honey, I'll be right there. Just got to turn out the light. Ow!

Some things never change. Like your kids always leaving tiny toys on the floor for you to step on. And Geico's saving folks lots of money on their car insurance. Sweetie, I think I left the downstairs light on. Please don't make me go. Fifteen minutes could save you 15% or more. What is going on, everybody? John Middlecough, three and out podcast on this beautiful, beautiful, I can't even say that,

beautiful Thursday afternoon. May 21st, went outside today, 80 plus degrees, hopefully wherever you are, The sun is shining. I know many people listening. Your states are open. You can go to restaurants. You can live life. I know state of California counties left and right around me opening up.

It feels like we're trending in the right direction. It's been a long 60 plus days. But it does feel like there's some light at the end of the tunnel. It's okay to smile. It's okay to celebrate, you know, businesses reopening. Only place in the world where that's a polarizing topic would be on social media. but feels like we're We got the train back on the tracks

Which I don't know if we could have said about a month ago But there's still some football stuff going on Even mid-quarantine as the OTAs are basically canceled And everyone's Zoom meeting We had the big story that was making its waves Was about Jay Glazer's comments on Taysam Hill And it kind of blew up on the different shows And I'll dive into that off the top

Someone reached out and like, Middlecough, Coward does a herd hierarchy every week during the season, you should do one too. I'm like, well, I'm not big into stealing other people's ideas. I like to be, you know, creative and figure out my own things. Though that is a genius idea.

I mean, he's had some genius ideas maybe why he's the best in the business. But one thing I was thinking of, why don't we do this? And maybe we'll do this when the season starts. I don't know about every week, but maybe we could revisit it once a month or maybe every other week.

I don't know. We'll see. A great part about podcast, You can do whatever the hell you want. I thought we'll do my Elite 8. And we'll call it Middlecoff's Elite 8, and I'll take the best four teams from the AFC and the best four teams from the NFC.

And I'll rank them, one through four. And maybe we could revisit it every month in the fall. That's kind of what I was thinking. But who knows? We'll just see where the win takes us. Again, podcast. And then, of course, Middlecoff mailback. At John Middlecoff is my Twitter handle,

my Instagram handle. Direct messages are open. Ask a question. It's the people's show. We take your questions. on the show, read them. For those of you guys that have been listening, you know the deal.

DM's wide open, fire in there if you want to ask a question. And also, I appreciate everyone doing this, and I know a lot of you guys have been active doing this, is the Apple review section of the Three and Out podcast. A lot of you guys have left reviews. Appreciate it. We're well over 1,000 now.

If you could, if you haven't, I'd greatly appreciate it. And, you know, five star if you want, if not, it's on you. But a lot of you guys have left nice reviews. I appreciate that. And yeah, keep telling your friends about the podcast. But let's start with this.

Big story on Thursday. I guess I think I read it late last night on Wednesday, but it kind of blew up on Thursday. It was Jay Glazer, Fox Superstar, you know, kind of like I'd say him, Schaefter, Woj, there's a select few reporters that are unique. A large percentage of the reporters that you follow on Twitter, and I do too,

they are just talking to agents, so they just get the player side of it. And you see it a lot in the NBA. I like a good well-rounded reporter. Like, I'm not looking for, like, a lot of reporters are basically relievers. They got one pitch. The Schefters, the Glazers, the Woj's,

they're talking to everybody. They got every single GM and coaches number in their phone. And Jay Glazer knows them all, and he's very tight with the Saints. He knows Sean Payton very, very well. So what he's saying, I do believe he believes what he's saying. And I don't even disbelieve that he's been told this.

I mean, he's telling the truth here. Jay Glazer said that Taysam Hill will be the guy in 2021. That's not a smokescreen. He'll be the guy. Quote. And, and listen, he said that Sean Payton loves him and all that. It's just, okay. My, big pet peeve of mine in life is judging people on words.

You see it a lot on social media. people love getting on their moral high horse. Listen, I see it a lot in California. People love telling you about how they're living, how their way of life is the right way. And it's like the Bob Knight way of coaching. Do as I say, not as I do. My mom always gets mad at me.

She's like, you are too honest. Why do you swear so much? I'm like, Mom, every time I've ever recorded anything, every time I've ever gone live on Periscope, anytime I've ever done anything on a podcast. I have been as honest and completely candid about what's really going on in my life as possible. Sometimes some people are going to like it,

some people are not, but I am not a fraud. I despise frauds. And I think, let's face it, I would say a majority of people are pretty fraudulent, especially the majority of like, you know, celebrities or media people. And it's just not, I hate that. Because I don't judge anyone by what they say.

I really, now listen, I mean, your songs or your radio show. I mean, I want to be entertained. But I'm not looking for moral guidance by words. And you see it a lot in society. And you also see it a lot in football. Coaches all the time and executives say things all the time. And it's not often very true. Brian Pace won the season ended with Chicago Bears

said Ms. Trubisky's going to be the starting quarterback. And technically he's still the starting quarterback. They just went and traded for Nick Foles. Right? A lot of people tell you, you should pay more money in taxes. Celebrities and super rich people. And then what do they tell their accountant? Find every single loophole so I don't have to pay.

Again, I just judge people on action. Remember Kaepernick? When Seattle was going to sign them and John Harbaugh was thinking about signing them, and they all said, I think he's a starting quarterback. And then nobody signed him. Like, no, you don't.

You're just saying that because you think it's going to, and a lot of people in public jobs, including the media, like saying things because they think it looks good. Me personally, I like saying things that I think people can relate to because that's how I actually think. And, you know, most people I know think. Doesn't mean everyone's going to agree,

but I try to be very, very real. And I think there's an element. that Sean Payton really, really likes him. I would not argue that. Sean Payton really, really likes Taysam Hill. But last year, Teddy Bridgewater was the highest paid backup quarterback in the NFL.

And what happened? Drew Breeze got hurt. Teddy Bridgewater became the starting quarterback, not Taysam Hill. And you can tell me, well, John, plays running back. He plays pump protector. He does so much.

Yeah, find someone else to do that. quarterback's more important, your punt protector. So if you think Taysam Hill is better than Teddy Bridgewater, Taysam Hill should have been the quarterback. But they didn't think that, because they paid Teddy Bridgewater $7 million to be the backup. And you go, okay, this is the year. Drew Brees signs a contract with NBC.

He's going to be, they claim, in the studio. If there was a prop bet that you could bet that Mike Tariko and Drew Brees will be the Sunday night, broadcast crew, let's see, it's 2020. I'd say by 2023, I would have no hesitation putting a wager on that one, because that's happening.

But he's gone. This is going to be his last year, at least it feels like that way. But here's what I know. They signed James Winston. And here's what I know about James Winston. He was the number one overall pick as a quarterback.

Last year, he threw 7 million interceptions. He also did throw 33 touchdowns. And I'll probably, promise you this. If I had to win a game next year, if I needed a starting quarterback next year, if I needed a bet on a guy for the next five years, if I had an elite quarterback coach, which they do in Sean Payton, and an infrastructure and a culture of playing quarterback there, and a guy to be around Drew Brees, I'd bet on James Winston over Taysam Hill. So again, they've said all this, and they've been saying since last year how much they love

this guy, they just gave them a two-year contract and guaranteed him $16 million. So they have them under contract for next year. Now, granted, they only gave them. James a one-year contract. But what if they find out this year? They go, wow, James is around Drew Breeze, and Drew Breeze is telling Sean, like, this guy's really impressive.

And then he's at in the practice field, he's playing well. Let's say Drew gets hurt again. Here's what I do know. James Winston will be the starting quarterback that given week if Drew Breeze goes down. I promise you that. Because James Winston's a better quarterback

than Taysam Hill. Now, he also has some flaws, and maybe there's an upside. Here's what I also know. If you're like Taysam Hills, this kind of raw product, you know there's a bunch of raw product that you had to mold?

with Steve Young. You know what they used to do with Steve Young? Play him at quarterback. He also could do a lot of other things. They played him at quarterback, developed him as a quarterback. This guy does not ever develop as a quarterback. Maybe he doesn't practice. In the games, he's carrying the ball, catch the ball. To play quarterback, you actually have to, I don't know, play quarterback. So we're freaking out, and I understand it because words and headlines move the needle. They get us all to react, including myself. I'm just as guilty. I'm not pretending to not. I mean, I get worked up about stupid stuff as much of the next guy. But here's what, after I take a deep breath, I try to say to myself,

I don't give a shit what they're saying. It just, does it even matter? Because I don't think he probably will be the quarterback. They can say it, and they might even believe that. But their actions always tell you that that's not what they're actually thinking. Why do they keep signing actual quarterbacks? Teddy Bridgewater, who was a first-round pick, whose knee fell off, who they rehabilitated, and got $60 million.

It's pretty good. I mean, he started all those games. They won a bunch. James Winston, who's been in their division, who they played twice a year for the last, you know, whatever, five years. I played 10 times. Unless one of the games he was suspended, I have to go back and check. But let's just assume they played him 10 times over the last five years.

Actual James, like, John Payton knows him pretty well. So they can tell me whatever they want. People say, especially in football, the stupidest things. And then they often do something else. And I only judge football teams. I only judge general managers. I only judge head coaches, just like I only judge the media elites and celebrities and athletes on their actual actions. I don't care what they say.

You know, I just don't. It doesn't bother me at all. And it's something I've had to, you know, work on as I've gotten older. But, you know, I just, we get so freaked out about it. One thing I see is going on on social media right now is they're making fun of that Karen, and she's just kind of symbolic of every person that doesn't want to wear a mask. here's what I know and it's it's a cool

everyone's ganging up on on that person right whenever you complain about wearing a mask I understand if you're told to wear a mask you gotta wear a mask like that's just part of the deal but if you're complaining about wearing a mask and you're like crushing them here's what I know there is not one person in my life not one single person

that I know not on social media no in actual real life that doesn't hate wearing masks and the moment they are told you don't have to wear a mask anymore, they will never wear a mask again. Now, they're wearing masks where they have to. They're not breaking laws here.

Every single person I know hates it. Yet on social media, it's like a cool thing to wear a mask. It's classic social media. Just like this is classic football talk. Like, great little headline. Yeah, they sign James Winston. If Drew Breeze breaks his ankle tomorrow, James will be the starter.

Taysam will be the punt protector. And then they'll have to sign another quarterback to be the backup. Because Taysam couldn't even be the backup. So this Taysam Hill thing. I'm not saying there's not something there. He's a really good football player. He's like a poor man's Kyle Hughes Check.

You know? But Kyle Uschek is a full... Last night, a blown call changed a game. This morning, the internet lost its mind. Highlights are trending. Opinions are flying. And nobody's telling you exactly what happened. That's where Sports Slice comes in.

I'm Timbo. Every episode, we're cutting through the noise. Breaking down the plays, the controversies, and the stories behind the headlines. We go straight to the source, the athlete themselves. Their locker room stories, their reactions, the stuff nobody gets. to hear. The laughs, the drama, the triumphs, the moments that never make the highlight real. From viral

moments to historic games, from buzzer beaters to controversial calls, we break it down, give you context, and ask the questions everybody wants answered. Sports Slice brings you closer to the action, with stories told by the people who live them. Listen to Sports Slice on the Iheart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. And for more, follow Timbo Slic Life 12 in the TikTok podcast network on TikTok. Welcome to my new podcast. Learn the Heart. 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, 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, or are you a good person because you're afraid? Because 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 on my new podcast, Learn the Hardway. Open your free, our heart radio app. Search Learn the Hardway and listen now. Do you remember when Diana Ross double-tapped Little Kim's boobs at the VMAs?

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 with Little Kim? Well, you can find out on the Look Back at It podcast. I'm Sam Jett. And I'm Alex English. Each episode, we pick a here, unpack what went down, and try to make sense of how we survived it. Including a recent episode with Mark Lamont Hill, waxing all about crack in the 80s.

To be clear, 84 is big to me, not just. because of crack. I'm down to talk about crack on 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 AIDS on the table right now. Then you're finishing that sentence. 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 IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. What's up, guys? This is Clever Taylor the 4th.

And on my podcast, The Cliverts Show, I'm bringing you conversations about all kinds of stuff. Like being an internet famous referee. We're in the middle of a game. This linebacker, this linebacker walks up to me. He goes, hey, ref, my mom wants you to wave at her. What? Time out.

Quarterback on office blue of 42. Hey, rep, my mama want you to wave at her. What? Hey, Ms. Parker. Listen to the Cliverts show on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. We keep acting like this guy's the next Steve Young or something. He's 30 years old. He tore his ACL like three times in college.

And now he has a nice little niche. He's getting two-year contract at $16 million guaranteed. Made some cash. Great story. Props to Sean Payton. Just stop worrying about the hype on this guy. And just wait until he actually starts. the game. Because I'm waiting, you know, and I'm pretty sure we're going to be waiting a while.

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People have been asking for this who you think are the best teams. Can you rank the teams? We've had an offseason. We had a free agency. We had the draft. Where did everything shake up? What I decided to do, and we're going to call it the middle cough, elite eight. It's my elite eight.

But it's not a true elite eight, because I, pick the top 14s from the NFC and the top 14s from the AFC. And so I just, I picked eight teams. But I think we'd all agree because you don't need to be Bill Walsh to figure this out. The NFC is way better than the AFC. And I think it's fair to say that maybe my third AFC team would crack the top eight if we did a true league. But I'm going to go elite eight. I'm going to break it down by conference.

So we'll call it the middle cop elite eight and we'll start in the AFC. and number one in the AFC to me is pretty easy. They won the Super Bowl. They have Patrick Mahomes. They returned 20 of 22 starters. They add a sweet running back in the draft. They add a sweet linebacker, Willie Gaye Jr. in the draft.

They have Andy Reed. They bring all their coaches back. They're really freaking good. I would not be shocked to see the Kansas City Chiefs win another Super Bowl. I think they're the heavy favorite for a reason going into this season. They're going to be really good. They've been really good for the last, basically since Andy Reid showed up. They've gone to a completely different level since they drafted Patrick Mahomes.

I don't see why anything would stop. Now, the pushback, now granted, they went 11 and 5 last year, though Mahomes was banged up. Division's going to be good. The AFC West, I don't know who's going to be the second best team, but you could make a case for all three teams. And when the dust settles, wouldn't shock me if they get two and maybe three teams competing, to make the playoffs. I mean, I think Drew Locke's going to be good, and the Broncos went 7 to 9 last year and started terribly. They had a really good draft, a good offseason. Chargers have talent, blue-chip talent everywhere. They came out of the draft with a stud quarterback and

Kenneth Murray, and the Raiders were feisty last year. Now, they don't compete very well with the Chiefs, but that division's really good. I still like Kansas City against any team in the AFC in the playoffs, and then the Super Bowl, as you saw, they'd come back from 10 points. Number two is pretty easy too. Now, I'm going to put a caveat on the Baltimore Ravens. Their roster is really good, and they might end up having a better record in the Kansas City. I don't care.

I look at them a little bit right now, like the Houston Rockets and the NBA. I no longer judge you on the regular season. You'll win 12 to 14 games. Lamar will be running around, making a ton of plays. Wink Martindale will be dialing up defensive play calls, and you'll be kicking everyone's ass. Oh, the Ravens, 13 and 3.

Number one seed, you gotta win a playoff game. Back-to-back years, hosted playoff games, you lost. You lost them both. And last year of the Titans kicked your ass. So I'm putting them at two. They deserve to be at two. I think they're gonna be really good. Their roster is really, really talented.

Harbaugh wins, but you gotta do something. I'm just strictly gonna judge them in January. That's the only thing I care. Now, they're a fun watch, and I think they'll win that division relatively easily depending on who that second team if Rotherzberger's healthy

maybe there are a couple games behind and a playoff team who knows about the Browns but this is about to win in playoff games if you're the Ravens because everyone's oh they draft they crushed the draft

I mean we always see the off season the media loves the Ravens Eric DeCost is friends with everyone in the media we get it win a playoff game again I like the Ravens but number two

pretty easily three I think we have a new I won't say heavyweight, but team to beat in the AFC East. And I still think I'm not counting out the Patriots with Jared Stidham, though he's pretty big unknown. I love Belichick, greatest coach ever. But I think the Buffalo Bills win the AFC East this year, and they trade for digs. They have a good, you know, I think Sean McDermott's one of the better young coaches that we don't really talk about that much.

Maybe it's because he's bald. Maybe it's because he's not an offensive play caller, but his defense kicks people's ass. They add Zach Moss this offseason, the running back from Utah, who's a really good player. Their offense, if it can just get incrementally better, Tom Brady's gone. I saw Jim Kelly said this week, and he's right. There's no excuse anymore. Tom Brady's out of the division. If the bills do not win the NFC East, it would be a failure.

Just that simple. As harsh as that sounds, it's time for Bill's Mafia and the bills to take a next step. That's why I have them at three. during quarantine, watched that playoff game against the Houston Texans, they were working them. They were dominating that game. And then it kind of unraveled Deshaun and D'Andre took off, but when they're on and the quarterback plays well,

they're really, really good. Number four, this is a tough one. But another guy like Sean McDermott that I just don't think we talk about that much is Mike Vrable. Mike Vrable is a really good coach. Two years ago, it was a play-in game to get into the playoffs. Marriota was hurt, and they had to start Blaine Gabbard and they lost. This year, they bench Marietta, bring in Tanny Hill, start kicking everyone's butt.

A.J. Brown became a stud. Their defense is just really good. Derek Henry dominated back. Didn't have to pay him. Franchised them. We'll see, maybe he holds out. I don't know. I doubt it.

I mean, too much money. Only Levy on Bell holds out. Franchise tag is just too much cash. I just think the Titans are good. And when you look at the division, you go, yeah, the Colts could be really good. Like Chris Ballard a lot. Think Frank Wright's solid. But the Phillip Rivers, I love Philip Rivers.

But the version we saw last year was kind of a shot fighter. He wasn't bad, he was awful. In certain games, I remember watching against the Raiders. Remember that Thursday night game? He couldn't even complete a pass at the end of the game. Somehow they got like a penalty, remember on a fourth down, they got eight plays. I don't think they gained a yard beside off penalties.

He just, something's off. And there's a chance. It's just over. There is a decent chance. You know, 12 months from the start of the season, he's coaching the high school team. I know he says, we'll see, we'll go year by year, but there's just so much, you know,

weird stuff going on with the Texans. Now, Bill O'Brien wins. I think he's won that division three or four times, the last six years. He goes to the playoffs all the time. Everyone, I get Twitter hates him, but he wins a lot. Now I think the division's better. Titans, now the Colts are solid.

We'll see if he still wins it, but I would put the Titans probably getting rid of Hopkins, I gave the Titans that spot over the Houston, Texas. Let's go to the NFC. Number one's pretty easy. And I get they were a one-year wonder, right? In Kyle Shanahan's first two years, I got the 49ers at one. They won, I think two years ago, they won six games.

Remember Jimmy Garoppolo came in at the end of the season, Rottel off five straight. They had one win in last, and the year before, when Jimmy Tours ACL, they won four. He ended up drafting number two. Well, that draft pick changed their franchise. Nick Bosa. And they have a really good roster.

Joe Staley retires, who's one of the stalwarts of this franchise over the last two decades, been the starting left tackle on multiple Super Bowl teams. He's been the starting left tackle on, I think Harbaugh won five playoff games. They won two this year. He's been a starting left tackle for a team that's won seven playoff games over the decade and played in multiple Super Bowls. So you'd say that's a massive loss. Somehow they upgraded.

Trent Williams is now on their team. They add Javon Kinlaught to replace to Forrest Buckner. They also kind of turned to Forrest Bukter and his asset being able to trade back a spot to get Brandon Ayuk to go along with the young core of guys in George Kittle, in Debo Samuel, in Fred Warner, in Bosa, in Jimmy Ward, who's turned into a really good player. They got a great veteran in Richard Sherman

who's still playing at a high level. They have arguably the most dynamic young coach in football. So I think the Niners are poised to just be a dominant team again. And they're the best of both worlds. They can score when they need to, and their defense is like a heavyweight fighter. They want to hit you in the mouth. Sometimes with offensive coaches,

their defense can not be quite, it takes on the personality of the team, and you become much more offensive-oriented. Look what happened with Coach Reed. Last year their defense came on, they want a whole thing. Look at Sean Payton. When he's had really good teams, their defense has been good.

You got to have a good defense when you're a good offensive play caller. If you give a good offensive play caller a good defense, they're going to win. Every time Andy or Sean Payton have had good defenses, they kick people's asses. You're not going to win the Super Bowl every year. And the Niners could be better this year and not even make it back to the Super Bowl. But to me, based on the offseason, based on their core guys, based on what they added, even though they did lose some things, some of that's their own choosing. I'd put the Niners at one.

Number two, I thought this was the second best team in the NFC last year. and they end up becoming the three seed and they lost in the first round, but that was the Saints. And there was a portion during the season where I thought they were a little, you know, more well-rounded than the Niners. And then the Niners played them and beat them by two points. But they were just, they were both the cream of the crop and somehow Kirk Cousins beat him. I still don't know how that happened, but it happened.

I think Saints are going to be really good. They had Emmanuel Sanders. They've been desperately looking for a second wide receiver for a long time. Emmanuel was pretty good last year. When he got traded the 40 Diners, was a big reason they went on that kind of second half run and we're in the Super Bowl. And hell, if Jimmy Garoppolo doesn't throw it five feet too far, Niners might be champs and Emmanuel Sanders be a hero for the Niners.

But they add him, their defense is solid, their whole coaching staff's coming back, Drew Breeze comes back, they got Kamara and Michael Thomas in the peak of their powers, they got a really good offensive line, division kind of sucks, the Panthers aren't going to be any good, who know, Falcons are just always average. I like the Saints at too. This is where it gets a little hard in the NFC because part of it's projecting. And I'm going to go with Philly here.

Now, Philly had a million injuries last year. Their entire team was injured. But you saw at the end of the season until he got a concussion in the playoff game, when Carson Wentz flips a switch, he might not be Mahomes, but he ain't far off. He can dominate.

And they draft a first round receiver. Alshan's coming back. hopefully he's in a better mood. They should just, Miles Sanders now has a full year under. They'll adjust their offense a little bit. They got two really talented tight ends. They do lose Jason Peters. Who's getting long in the tooth?

But they're replacing him with a first round left tackle. They have an excellent interior offensive line. They still have Fletcher Cox. They add Darius Slay. Doug Peterson has proven it in big games. He could win. I mean, up until last year, he had won. He won a playoff game, you know, the previous year,

the Bears on the road with Foles again. So I like the Eagles. I just, I like their quarterback a lot. Now, if you wanted to push back, you'd go, John, he's always hurt. Yeah, he's got to stay healthy. But when he was healthy, which he was last year, played 16 games, that second half of the season,

when he kind of figured it out, and he's playing with Greg Ward Jr., he's playing with guys that look like me. It's like, who are these guys? Every dude's going down. Lane Johnson's out. This guy gets hurt. This guy gets hurt.

It didn't matter. I think Philly, if Carson can stay healthy, has a chance to be really, really good. My fourth spot, I don't like this roster that you could argue, how are you going to put Seattle above Green Bay? Or hell, even Minnesota. Dallas too much. Last night, a blown call changed a game.

This morning, the internet lost its mind. Highlights are trending, opinions are flying, and nobody's telling you exactly what happened. That's where Sports Slice comes in. I'm Timbo. Every episode, we're cutting through the noise, breaking down the plays, the controversies, and the stories behind the headlines.

We go straight to the source, the athlete themselves, their locker room stories, their reactions, the stuff nobody gets to hear. The laughs, the drama, the triumphs, the moments that never make the highlight real. From viral moments to historic games, from buzzer beaters to controversial calls, we break it down, give you context and ask the questions everybody wants answered. SportsSlice brings you closer to the action with stories told by the people who live them. Listen to Sports Slice on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. And for more, follow Timbo Slic Life 12 in the TikTok podcast network on TikTok. 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, 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? Are you a good person because you're afraid? Because 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, as we have real conversations about healing, growth, fatherhood, pressure, and purpose on my new podcast. Learn the hard way. Open your free iHeartRadio app. Search Learn the hard way and listen now. Do you remember when Diana Ross double-tap Little Kim's boobs at the VMAs? 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 Kim? Well, you can find out on the Look Back at it podcast. I'm Sam Jek. 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. Including a recent episode with Mark, Mark, Alamond Hill, waxing all about crack in the 80s. To be clear, 84 was big to me, not just because of crack. I'm down to talk about crack all day, but just so you 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 AIDS on the table right now. Thank you for finishing that sentence. 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 IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

What's up, guys? This is Clivert Taylor the Fourth. And on my podcast, The Clivert Show, I'm bringing you conversations about all kinds of stuff. Like being an internet famous referee. We're in the middle of a game. This linebacker, this linebacker walks up to me. He goes, A, ref, my mom wants you to wave at her. What? Time out. Quarterback on office blue with 42. A rep, Mom, I'm a one. want you to weigh better.

What? Hey, Ms. Parker. Listen to the Clippers show on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. I don't with DAC, new coaching staff, and Corona. I can't put them at four. The Rams, not quite good enough. I went Seattle.

Now, I would probably just take on paper the Packers, but, you know, Seattle lost to Green Bay last year. They were another team that had a million injuries. I'm betting on the culture. I'm betting on the coach, because I'll take Pete Carroll over to the floor any day of the week. I'll take at this point in time, like in 2020, I'm taking Russell Wilson over Aaron Rogers.

And I just think their culture, again, they were so decimated by injuries at the end of the season. They were a shell of themselves. But never forget, they were within an inch last year. An inch! A Dre Greenlaw, incredible play at the goal line, of winning the NFC West. and they were not as talented as the Niners.

Now, they win, they pulled more games out of their ass than any team, probably in like sports history the last couple years. But they win every freaking year. Since Russell Wilson became the starter, they'd miss the playoffs one time, and that was three years ago. And they went nine and seven.

All they do is win. And the division's going to be really tough this year. Arizona plays them well. The Rams play them well. Obviously them and the Niners have fantastic battles. But you'll look up. and Seattle will be 10 and 6 or 11 and 5. And just, I'll be offseason.

I don't even love their offseason. You know, they're not bringing Clowny back. I don't love their pass rush. I mean, way on what corner they got arrested for something that might have robbed his own stuff back. Who even knows what's going on? But you got Russell Wilson, D.K. Metcalfe looks like a star. Tyler Lockett's a stud.

Bobby Wagner's still around. And just that culture on defense, they might have guys that you haven't really heard of. not many like the LLB ain't walking through that door but I saw them live last year and every time they tackle someone they tackle them violently there's a culture there that Pete has

they always compete you can make fun of them for being you know kind of cheesy or whatever shit works because they're just really good and you look up and it's the second round of the playoffs and there's the Seattle Seahawks every freaking time and depending on injuries

you know if they're playing at home All of a sudden, NFC championship, there they are. So I would have the Niners, Saints, Philly in Seattle as my four in the NFC, and in my AFC, the top two are easy, Chiefs and the Ravens. Then I'd go Bill's and Titans. The middle cuff, elite eight. What grows in the forest? Trees?

Sure. Know what else grows in the forest? Our imagination, our sense of wonder, and our family bonds grow too. Because when we disconnect from this and connect with this, We reconnect with each other. The forest is closer than you think. Find a forest near you and start exploring at Discovertheforest.org. Brought to you by the United States Forest Service and the Ad Council.

If I could be you... And you could be me for just one hour. If you could find a way... To get inside. Each other's mind. Walk a mile in my shoes. Walk a mile in my shoes. Walk a mile in my shoes.

We've all felt left out. And for some, that feeling lasts more than a moment. We can change that. Learn how it belonging begins with us.org. Brought to you by the ad council. Adoption of teens from foster care is a topic not enough people know about and we're here to change that. I'm April Dinwiddie host of the new podcast, Navigating Adoption, presented by Adopt U.S. Kids. Each episode brings you compelling real-life adoption stories told by the families that live them with commentary from experts.

Visit Adoptuskids.org slash podcast or subscribe to navigating adoption presented by Adopt U.S. Kids. Brought to you by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families and the Ad Council. Okay, time to dive in to a little something. We call the Middlekopf mailbag at John Middilkopf. Instagram handle. Follow it. And shoot me a question. So let's attack.

Hey, John. I'm a fan of the show. Ravens fan and yes I understand I'm biased since you begging for questions here's one here's a good one and a long one you wrote a lot but yeah it's I like long questions what are the Ravens up to I don't think it's arguable that they are one of the better run franchise but by how much seems like De Costa is playing chess while others are playing checkers before we even discuss players they retain their entire offense and coordinators losing wink or roman would be more detrimental to the team than any player outside of Lamar agree then that

the players. While I'm a huge fan of Lamar, I think he fell into the best possible situation. Agree. Coach and GM and a staff know what they're doing, built accordingly. A defense that smothers any receivers. Agree, agree, agree, agree. While I hope Lamar stays healthy and breaking ankles for a long time. If he has injury concerns come his contract time, do they resign him to a big deal? Is it a reasonable strategy to draft a skilled, intelligent, athletic, and probably run him into the ground before he gets paid and then not pay him when he can earn a big contract like Joe Flacco.

I'm torn. How much time in quarantine, I guess. Or too much time in quarantine, I guess. Yeah, I mean, I think sometimes we, and if you're the general manager or coach, you have to think big picture. But as fans, I think they did a good job in the Michael Jordan documentary.

And it's easier as a player. But I think sometimes as a franchise, you just got to live in the moment. And I think too often, and we all do this, right, professionally, personally, what's going to be, what I'm shooting for in three years or five years. I think that Tom Brady documentary that's coming out, he spoke about always just being present. And I think sometimes just like, let's just enjoy Lamar Jackson for Lamar Jackson. And I wasn't a big Lamar Jackson guy coming out. He has been very fun to watch, and he's been awesome.

you know he's only going into year three you don't have to pay him till technically he'll after year five so just just enjoy it you know I don't know I don't even think they know

and let's just see how this year goes and then this year goes well and maybe they take a step and win a couple playoff games let's see how next year goes I just I think we're always in a rush and we're doing it with Mahomes like what's he gonna make

I don't know he's going into his fourth year why don't they play it out I mean what's what's always the rush to pay everyone at the first possible moment. Now there's a balance with other, you know,

D-line men and wide receivers. You want to kind of pay them early. But I think with quarterbacks, especially one like Lamar, where it's just like no player, his style has ever had a dominant 10-year career. I mean, they were running the option last year. Just enjoy it and just see where it goes.

But I don't think we need to be in a huge rush. And I think sometimes, and I'm not acting like I'm not guilty, but I think sometimes we just, We kind of put the cart before the horse. What are your thoughts in the Bears' quarterback situation? Us reasonable fans have known Mitches and the guy for a couple years, and I think changing offense to second year, stunned his development. Foles and Nagy have a history together from Philly and Kansas City,

but it's safe to say Nick struggled his starter in Jacksonville. I mean, he broke his collarbone week one after throwing one of the best touchdowns, so it's hard for me to judge him coming back to a shitty team. Like that first game, who knows? What influence, if any, do you think Nagy and Foals' relationship? will have on the quarterback race, and do you think Nick is a solution to the passing game or just the 25th guy under center in the last 20 years? Go Bears. It is pretty wild that, you know, one of the more famous flagship franchises of the NFL

in a sport that you become famous as a franchise for your quarterback, right, or your coach, but Seattle really became famous, Russell Wilson, the Niners, Montana Young, right? And then Kaepernick. the Eagles Donovan McNabb Now Carson Wentz The Patriots Brady and then before that bledso

The Jets you think Namath Right now you think hopefully Sam Donald Becomes a guy The Bills Jim Kelly Or Don't you know Marvee The Miami Dolphins Marino

You Peyton Man You just farve Your quarterbacks kind of make your fran The Bears have never really had one How have they never had a franchise quarterback? It's kind of nuts But to your question I think I just think Foles will be the starter.

Now, how good is Foles? That's a hell of a question. I don't pretend to have the answer to. He's better than Mitch. And they went 8 and 8 with Mitch. And Chase Daniels. So he's better than that. I have two suggestions for the NFL and would appreciate your opinion.

One, steal the concept of conditional protected pick selections from the NBA. Conditional. Don't they have conditional picks now? Oh, you mean in trades? Steal the concept of loaning players from European soccer. Explanations. One, say if the Browns wanted to trade for Jamal Adams, and the Jets want their 2021 first-round pick.

The Browns counter by placing a top-10 protection on the first-round pick, so if the Browns pick 1 to 10, it would keep it and instead give the Jets two second-rounders, depending on how it's negotiated. But if the Browns pick from 11 to 32, then the Jets would get it. I think that would increase the flexibility for teams and increase the number of trades. Absolutely loved the idea. You know, don't quote me on this. but I think there are

provisions in the league bylaws against this. That's remember when, because in the NBA, you can trade for salaries, right? I can trade you picks for salary cap if I have space. The Browns got some heat from the league when they basically bought Brock Iceweiler for a second round pick.

The league is not okay with that. That's what makes the NBA style trades, and I'm in agreement. I think it would add some juice to, everything. Right. If we have a super high pick, conditional picks, I'm with you. Two, if Stidham stinks and the Patriots lose his first six games, the Patriots can then look to loan off some of their star players of title contenders in return for something. Draft picks. This would be beneficial for title contenders, teams the opportunity to put all the chips

toward the middle of the table, a win for bad teams as they can acquire more draft picks, a win for players on bad teams to potentially become a Super Bowl champion, a win for the media, the only losers, short-term, and all this is probably the fans. I'm not a soccer aficionado, EPL. I've watched a little EPL. I'm a World Cup guy. No, don't get me wrong. Soccer's growing on me, and a soccer becomes probably the second biggest sport in America

over the last 20 years, which sounds crazy, but it's coming that way. You look at viewership numbers, like baseball, basketball, get ready, because it's coming for you. I'm not opposed to this line of thinking, but my question would be, so if I'm the Patriots and I'm 2 and 6. six and the trade deadlines there. You're saying I could loan them Julian Edelman or loan them Thune or loan them Devin McCordy and get like a fourth round pick

and then I get them back at the end of the season? That'd be pretty nuts and I would imagine teams don't necessarily go for that. Though what's the difference in like the Niners trading a third round pick for Emmanuel Sanders and he's a free agent, right? So whether you're loaning a guy or he's becoming a free, if you're getting a lone guy or a free agent, why do you care?

So you might be on. of something there. See, that's where I need you guys. You guys got a lot of ideas. I really like the idea of conditional picks, but back to what I said, I'm pretty sure it's against the rules. With Big Ben back and seemingly healthy, what do you think the stealing, the ceiling can't even speak, is for the Steelers in 2020. In 2018, Ben was playing at a very high level. Maybe through a few too many interceptions, but you live with that with the style of play. In my opinion, the Steelers' offense could be dangerous. Deonti Johnson is a future star, and I think he'll be another number one whiteout for the foreseeable future.

The receiving core solid with Juju and Washington and Claypool in the addition, I think one-two punch of Ebron and McDonnell is also very solid and the backfield is stacked with talented running backs. My thing is, is he's 38 years old. I know he looked pretty good thrown to those guys on Instagram or Twitter or wherever he did it. And I'm with you. He had,

they had been playing well. Last night, a blown call changed a game. This morning, the internet lost its mind. Highlights are trending, opinions are flying, and nobody's telling you exactly what happened. That's where Sports Slice comes in. I'm Timbo. Every episode, we're cutting through the noise. Breaking down the plays, the controversies, and the stories behind the headlines.

We go straight to the source, the athlete themselves. Their locker room stories, their reactions, the stuff nobody gets to hear. The laughs, the drama, the triumphs, the moments that never make the highlight real. From viral moments to historic games, from buzzer beaters to controversial calls, we break it down, give you context and ask the questions everybody wants answered. Sports Slice brings you closer to the action with stories told by the people who live them. Listen to Sports Slice on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. And for more, follow Timbo Slic Life 12 and the TikTok podcast network on TikTok.

Welcome to my new podcast, Learn the Hard Way 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, 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? Are you a good person because you're afraid?

Because 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, Keir Gaines, is we have real conversations about healing, growth, fatherhood, pressure, and purpose on my new podcast, Learn the Hard Way. Open your free, Our Heart Radio app. Search Learn the Hardway and listen now. Do you remember when Diana Ross double-tapped Little Kim's boobs at the VMAs? 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 with Little Kim's?

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. Including a recent episode with Mark Lamont Hill, waxing all about crack in the 80s. To be clear, 84 is big to me, not just because of crack. I'm down to talk about crack on 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 AIDS on the tape. right now. Thank you for finishing that sentence. 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 IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. What's up, guys? This is Clivert Taylor the Fourth. And on my podcast, The Cliverts Show, I'm bringing you conversations about all kinds of stuff. Like being an internet famous referee. We're in the middle of a game. This linebacker walks up to me, he goes, hey, ref, my mom wants you to wave at her.

What? Time out. Quarterback on office blue of 42. Hey, rep, my mama wants you to wave at her. What? Where's she at? Hey, Miss Parker. Listen to the Clifford show on the Iheart radio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast.

On like 16, 17, 18. know, when he was healthy. They're with Antonio, with Levion, getting juju, when their defense was good and their defense is good now, they were a legitimate threat. The one year when Levion got hurt against the Patriots, I thought that's earlier in that season before, what's his name, I don't know, my brain is failing me right now.

Ryan Chazir got hurt. I thought they were the best team in the league. And now their defense is kind of back up to par. You would think, remember last year they trade for the middle. They had Minka. They got a sweet pass rush. They're kind of getting their Pittsburgh Steelers swag back. It's just you can't win with Duck Hodges or Mason Rudolph.

So there's no way Ben is not better than those guys. I get nervous that he's going to get hurt again. And at 38 injuries, we saw what happened last year. An injury turns in the entire season is over. So that to me is the only thing that I kind of have them red flag. If he plays solid, they're a lock playoff team. Now, are they going to beat the Ravens and win the division? Probably not.

But if you tell me Ben plays 15 games, they're in the playoffs, which I mean, you're Steelers, you've got to be happy with that and then take your chances. What are your thoughts in Jacoby Bresset? Is his NFL future and what the Colts may do with them? I believe he's a top 25 quarterback when on the field, but there isn't much of a difference in the group from 15 to 25.

Yeah, I would put him definitely in the 20s. I think he's a slow processor. I think he's a bad athlete. And in 2020, if you can't move, it's tough. You know, and that's going to be, I get they got a really good offensive line in Indy, but Rivers can't move. The day and age of guys not moving,

just look at all the good quarterbacks in the NFL. Mahomes, Russell Wilson, Lamar, Deshawn, Jimmy Garoppolo, Wence, Dach, you know, Tom Brady is the last of a dying breed. Those guys, Eli retired. I mean, Breeze is about to be done. You've got to have some mobility.

I think the day and age of the stiffs are just done. We just don't play the game like that anymore. The rules, the amount of offensive linemen coming in the league, I just, I think Jacoby's okay. I think he's a backup, but that's probably about it. What does the Steelers, what do the Steelers do if Ben comes back this season and has a very productive year? If we can make the playoffs, do we sign someone like Rosen and let him learn under Ben one more year, or do we shoot for a quarterback in the draft?

I know no one feels confident in Mason or Duck, true. Will the Pittsburgh make a trade for a higher pick or see wherever they land in the draft and see what's available the quarterback may be available in the future? I think this back what I was saying about Lamar's contract. Like I, you know, I get it's Kevin Colbert's job to think like this, but you just, Ben comes back healthy. If you can get a guy like Rosen to back him up right now because Mason stinks and ducks not better either.

So you just get a good quarterback room with an aging veteran and just take your shot. And then in the next off season, maybe you sign a guy like James, maybe someone becomes available for trade. Think how many quarterbacks are in the NFL now? I think you'll have options. I don't think you need to worry about next draft. Just worry about Ben staying healthy and trying to make a run this year.

That to me is all I'd be worrying about if I was a Steeler fan. What do we have to do to keep Rathusberger upright, to keep his body parts intact, and make the playoffs? I mean, you went 8 and 8 with the worst two quarterbacks that were functional in the league, and it's because your defense is sweet. Well, now you've got a functional quarterback. Problem, I just get back.

I think he's played. full seasons and like four of the last, I heard the stat the other day on the radio, like four of the last nine seasons. Like, he just doesn't say healthy. And he's coming back for a major injury. I know he shaved his beard and the mayor of Pittsburgh got mad at him. And it's like, yeah, Ruffsper shaved his beard.

Get over it. Good morning, John. Just wanted to drop in and say thanks for putting out great content. It's easily the top podcast I listen to every week. I guess no question here. I don't want to just read a compliment to boost up my own self-esteem. So we'll move on. Thanks.

Appreciate that, Cody. What grows in the forest? Trees? Sure. Know what else grows in the forest? Our imagination, our sense of wonder, and our family bonds grow too. Because when we disconnect from this and connect with this, we reconnect with each other.

The forest is closer than you think. Find a forest near you and start exploring at Discovertheforest.org. Brought to you by the United States Forest Service and the Ad Council. The past few years, the league MVP's have emerged onto the scene out of pretty much nowhere, Mahomes, Lamar Jackson. Can you see this happening again this year with Sam Darnold with an improved offensive line and weapons? Well, what really are as improved weapons?

I mean, they drafted a wide receiver in the second round. They have a levy on Bell. They lost Robbie Anderson. You know, Randy Moss and Jerry Rice aren't walking through that door. I just don't know if they have enough. I don't think he could put up the stats to win the MVP. Now, could their team be good enough if their defense is better and their offense is just solid with Adam Gase

and their middle of the pack both places and compete to win eight, nine games? I think that's possible. But I would be, I would be floored. And I think Sam Donald one day can win an MVP when they get better players around them. But I think given their roster, it's just a lot to ask.

And to me it's unrealistic. I think it'd be more likely that Josh Allen with some wide receivers, the running backs, just his ability to run would probably be a sleeper MVP candidate and that's a pretty big sleeper, right? I was listening to a podcast the other day

and they were talking, I was listening to a podcast the other day and they were talking about arm strength of certain quarterbacks. I noticed what they said did not line up with what I had previously thought about those quarterbacks. For example, I think most people are in consensus

that Mahomes and Stafford have elite arms but guys like Jimmy, Dak, Gough, James, I feel like have very mixed things said about their arm strength. Could you give us the tiers of quarterbacks based on arm strength? Yeah, I would just say best pure arm would probably be Stafford. If we do this, let's just use baseball. Stafford would be like a Raldus Chapman. It can throw like 102.

To me, Mahomes is probably more like a Cinderguard or a DeGrom. Like he can pump like 98, but it's really all his other stuff, like his accuracy, his ability to throw on the move, his arm angles. Like, I don't look at Mahomes throwing like 102 miles an hour. Then I would put guys like, Wence has a huge arm. Josh Allen has a huge arm. I'm just kind of going off the top of my head. I think when you think like middle tier arm strength,

you'd think like a DAC, a golf. I mean, that's just like solid NFL arm strength. Jimmy. I think Russ has a beautiful deep ball. and when he really wants to put something in it can throw like 95. I'd say like Jimmy G. Goff, Dack, or like 93. I'd say Wence and Josh Allen are like 99.

100. I mean, they're throwing gas. Just kind of, Matt Ryan's would be like a throwing like 91. 90. Brady, you know, I'd say Brady's peak when he was just humming in this decade was like 96. But he was just dominant, you know, pinpoint. Drew Breeze would be like a Maddox You know throwing about 90

Dishon Watson actually is one of those guys That would be like a You know like a Roy Halliday Because he throws like 92 But he's just He's just a playmaker You know cousins would be low 90s Uh

Kyler Murray's got a pretty good arm Kyler Murray can sling it Kyler Murray's got a hose You know what's weird is like foals I wouldn't say he throws that hard but he can throw it really far. Darnold, kind of the same thing. Doesn't throw it really hard, but can throw it really far.

Dwayne Haskins, I don't even have a, no take there. I haven't watched him throw enough. Tua would be probably like 92, 93, but really accurate. Burrow probably about the same, low 90s. So I'd say Stafford's the cream of the crop with Wence and Josh Allen kind of right there. Mahomes kind of gets more hype, but I think Mahomes would be like,

would be like one of the Mets guys that just has the whole package. But he's actually good, but he comes through like Madison Bumgardner. You like my baseball analogy there? I thought that was pretty good. That was a good question. Because I think we get, you know, that thrown out a lot.

You know, most starters in the NFL have average to above arm strength. Like relative to Stafford, they might not have a strong arm. But even Alex Smith. Like Alex Smith's arm was fine. It was average. It was functional. That's where I think sometimes weak-armed quarterbacks

when they get to the playoffs because what happens in the playoffs? You usually playing cold weather. Now, if you're playing in a dome, like Philip Rivers, who now's, I'd say Philip Rivers throws about 88 now, but if he's in a dome, he could function, in theory. Now that Brady has moved out of the AFCEs, thank God,

what do you think of the, other than the Patriots, do you see taking commanding lead of the division over the next five to seven years? I would lean the bills, But a huge reality with my bill's take is based on Josh Allen continue to improve. If I had to pick one of the three quarterbacks, Tua with a questionable hip, Josh Allen and Sam Darnold for the next five, seven years, I take Sam Darnold. The bills are clearly the best roster.

Sam Darnold, I think, has the highest ceiling. And the dolphins feel like they know what they're doing, but still a lot of unknowns. So in the short term, you're definitely betting on the bills. but I wouldn't count the Jets or the dolphins out. I think the problem with this question, so many unknowns. Is Adam Gaye's going to be the coach there next year? Like if they win six games, he's going to get fired

and Joe Douglas is going to hire his own coach? Is Tua even going to be healthy? Can Tua stay healthy? He's been hurt every year he played in college that he started. Right? And the bill's like, if Josh Allen just stays the same, they'll be like your consistent 9-10 playoff team and just be one and done.

So you could argue Belich. It pains you to hear this, but he can be floating around there if he gets decent quarterback plays. He's the best coach in the division. He's the best coach in the league. But yeah, I think division's wide open. I think short-term in the bills are the clear favorite. But the next three or four years, you know, it's whoever gets the most offensive

weapons, whoever can find pass rushers, whatever coach kind of emerges. Like, is Brian Flores a really good coach. Everyone in the media acts like Brian Flores is Don Chula. He won four games. Now, I get it he did it with a crappy roster, but, He won four games. No coach in NFL history has gotten more credit for winning four games, Brian Flores. And rightfully so.

Trade it away everybody. But it did lead them to the fifth overall pick. I wanted to get your opinion on the potential. Layton Van der Wesch and Jalen Smith and Nolan's multi-defense. They look like superheroes as it is and have all the measurables. But do you think Nolan can get all the talent on the field? Full disclosure, little biased. I don't think Mike Nolan's that good.

but I'm a big Mike McCarthy fan. I like the Cowboys roster. Love Jerry Jones. I get that Mike Nolan kind of made Mike McCarthy's career. Made him an offensive coordinator. A year later he gets the Packer job. I just can't believe they hired Mike Nolan to be the defensive coordinator.

Like the defense that they were running with the Saints, maybe wouldn't name him the defensive coordinator and the Saints. They chose Dennis Allen. Now, I get that Mike McCarthy can't hire another defensive coordinator all these guys have jobs, but I don't know. Now, Mike Nolan's good with linebackers. drafted Patrick Willis, Patrick Willis was really good. Those guys are going to be good.

To me, my bigger question mark is, now they also hired Jim Tom Sula. He's a really good defensive line coach. Can Mike Nolan dial up coverages? I'm not worried about that. Those two guys are healthy. They're going to kick ass. And their pass rush with Tom Sula is going to be good.

But the NFL and winning in the NFL is about playing chess. And to be a good defensive coordinator, it's about calling the right coverages against top offenses. And look who they got to play. Doug Peterson. Kyle Shanahan Russell Wilson Sean McVeigh

Like it's a big chess game Is Mike Nolan good enough Because the head coach is going to be I know he's technically not calling plays But he's an offensive guy So it's all It's Mike Nolan's got You know

Full reins to do whatever the hell he wants Is he good enough? I'd have to Google I don't think he's been a defensive coordinator In a long time When's the last time Mike Nolan's been a D.C? I'm actually kind of interested right now I know he's not a head coach

It just when I think Mike Nolan, I think position coach. And he's a good position coach, but then he becomes the Broncos defensive coordinator for a year, then the Dolphins defensive coordinator for two years, then the Falcons defensive coordinator, okay. So he hasn't been a defensive coordinator since 2014. Linebackers coached the Chargers,

took a year off, and then the Saints linebacker coached the last two years. I don't know. I'm not trying to be a hater. I just being honest. Big fan, I'd love to hear your thoughts on Kyle Whittingham and the disappointing Utah seasons ever since the Sugar Bowl.

They have been pretty sad, but always in the range of winning the conference and choking. Yeah, I'm going to push back. I mean, they were just in the Pac-12 championship. Within this decade, they were not a Power 5 program. They've moved to the Pac-12. They have easily become a top two or three program in the Pac-12. They are producing a ton of NFL guys.

they are constantly beating programs that they have no they shouldn't be able to beat usc they shouldn't kick ucla's ass and they do they shouldn't be able to beat or you know i guess they didn't beat oregon but the washington the washington like they are without utah and the pack twelve pack twelve would be in trouble you know thank god for utah or else it'd just be like oregon in washington some years i i i say they've been a disappointment i got to push back i think howell whittingham has been fantastic I mean, I think he's been awesome. I mean, they win 9, 10 games every year.

They produce, I think they had like 7 or 8 guys drafted. Think how many Utah guys you see in the NFL. They're all over. And not just all, they're on good teams. I know there's a very broad question, but Brady or Bill, who's more responsible for the dynasty? In my opinion, Brady, I could go into crazy detail if you want,

but only if you reply. LOL. By the way, love the pod. You know, it's going to sound like a kind of, top out and I was taught early in my radio career, never sit on the fence, have an opinion. To me, this one is like, I think it's fair to say they both played a huge role. You can't win without a good quarterback, that's proven, and you can't win with a shitty head coach. And when you put one of the best quarterback ever, with the best coach ever, like here's what

I know. Brady couldn't start at Michigan. Here's what I also know. Bill Parcells couldn't have won Super Bowls without Belichick. He admitted as such. He said that Bill Belichick devised the game plans to shut down Walsh and the Niners, which they did twice on their path to Super Bowls. You hear Montana, Walsh isn't around and talk anymore,

but Montana and those Niners team talk about playing those New York Giants teams. Their schemes were insane. Belichick was going to win. Now, what do you have won six? I don't know. Probably not. Definitely not. But what do you want a couple?

He would have founded Jimmy Garoppolo. he would have found a Deshaun Watson. He would have found someone. He did find Jimmy. He would have found a quarterback eventually. He's just too dynamic of a coach. Just like Tom, I'm a big believer. The cream always rises.

Tom would have succeeded. But for whatever reason, like he couldn't start in Michigan. Now, he overcame it, but, Belichick was going to be good. Here's what I know. Belichick was going to be an all-time great. Again, six football is probably not. But he would have won a couple.

Pretty clear. because we've all watched his games and the shit he does is insane, right? No one argues that. Where Brady, like, what if Brady got drafted instead of by Belichick in the 6th? What if, like, the Arizona Cardinals picked him? Or the Jaguars picked him. Or just some terrible franchise picked him. The Lions.

Do we even know who Tom Brady is? And I'm the biggest Tom Brady fan you'll meet. I mean, I have nothing but admiration for the guy. I think he's the greatest quarterback of all time. He was more dependent on the circumstances than Belichick. Because those first several years, their defense was unstoppable. And Belichick's moves as a GM, just look at the 20 years. You guys are genius.

I'm talking about a guy that missed on some draft picks. Doesn't even phase him. He makes the best trades, always. He always has. So I would probably lean Belichick if I was going to get off the fence. I'd go like 55-45, Belichick over Brady. So that's kind of a cop-out, but I'll lean Belichick.

because he would have found a quarterback. And there's no guarantee if Tom Brady, instead of drafted pick $199, I'm just going to pick some, you know, 207 to the Lions. I mean, is Tom Brady, just some good-looking guy that used to play in the league?

Probably. Appreciate everyone listening. Three and out podcast. Thanks. For going to the Apple, iTunes, leaving your reviews. And I just want to say, I appreciate everybody and have a great,

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