The Herd with Colin Cowherd - Colin Cowherd Podcast - Eagles Survive Bills Rally, Steelers Are In BIG Trouble, Don’t Sleep On The Pats, Pete Carroll One & Done?

Episode Date: December 29, 2025

Colin’s joined by John Middlekauff, host of “3 and Out” to break down the week 17 NFL Sunday slate. They start with the Eagles holding off a late rally by the Bills to win in Buffalo and agree the Bills are entirely too Josh Allen dependent when he’s clearly not 100%, and discuss the hot/cold nature of the Eagles offense. They both agree the Bills look like a one and done team in the playoffs (2:30). They move to the Steelers loss to the Browns putting their playoff hopes in jeopardy and point to DK Metcalf’s suspension making their offense completely inept and discuss whether Mike Tomlin’s tenure in Pittsburgh has run its course (15:00). They recap the Seahawks win over the Panthers and Colin explains that while the Seahawks don’t excel at any one thing, they also don’t have a real weakness (29:30).  They break down the Patriots blowout win over the Jets and Colin believes that people are underselling the Pats and that if they’re “on” they can beat anybody in the AFC (35:30). They move to the Saturday games and start with the Ravens win over the Packers. Colin believes the Ravens will beat the Steelers to make the playoffs but John counters that the Ravens can look vastly different week to week. They also believe that Malik Willis will be a hot commodity for QB needy teams in the offseason (42:30).  They move to the Texans win over the Chargers and they marvel at the resurgence of the Texans under DeMeco Ryans & break down why the Texans are a terrible matchup for the Chargers (46:30).  They pivot to the last week of games being on 4 different broadcast networks and 3 streaming services and Colin argues that it’s a BIG ask of fans to buy extra streaming services to watch late-season games where injuries can make for terrible games (56:45).  They move to the Raiders losing to the Giants that will result in the Raiders likely landing the #1 pick in the draft and debate whether the Raiders should bring back Pete Carroll for a second year or blow it up to pair a young offensive coach with Fernando Mendoza (1:01:45). Finally, they discuss former Utah coach Kyle Whittingham being hired at Michigan and Colin explains why having an adult in the room will be a positive for UM and his style of football will work perfectly in the Big Ten (1:09:00).  All lines provided by hardrock.bet (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements.) Follow Colin and The Volume on Twitter for the latest content and updates!  #VolumeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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former NFL Scout. I like the idea going for it, too. I think when you're the home team, you've got to go for it. You have Josh Allen. You have momentum. You've dominated the second half. I mean, I don't, did Philadelphia, what do they have, 17 yards in the second half? Like I like, let's start with that.

I like going for it. I think that's the play at home. Yeah, I think you go for it, especially because win or lose, you're not going to win the division with the Patriots playing the dolphins next week. So you're locked into a wild card, I think, the way you look at it. Now, you're in that position because you're field. unit couldn't convert an extra point. And you could also argue, you know, the Eagles, they had nine more first downs the

bills did than the Eagles. Yet the Eagles going into the fourth quarter of 13 to nothing. I thought in the first half, I mean, they're just getting worked. If you would have told me with going into the fourth quarter that the bills would have a chance, I get it's only 13 to nothing, but the way they look, Josh Allen was going to be to have a chance to win the game, pretty remarkable. I mean, the guy's kind of superhuman. I mean, listen, the Eagles had four defensive players make the Pro Bowl.

The Bills didn't have any. Cooper DeGine today was unbelievable. It was all over the field. I mean, I think we could both admit this, is that Philadelphia's got the better roster. I mean, they really do. I mean, that's not in close, I think. Like, I'm the same thing. They don't have a defensive pro bowler in Buffalo.

You know, once again, the Eagles, I thought in the first half, it was a complete utter mismatch. I'm like, are they going to win this thing like 27 to 3? But again, I think Philadelphia, and you can complain about it. it, but they got really conservative. Their takeaway was, we're going to make them drive down the field. I mean, you could argue that Brandon Cook's catch and the Shavers catch, you know, those are really uniquely not lucky. These are pro athletes.

Brandon Cook's been around the league, bounced around forever. But you may not complete. If you did that five times with that coverage, with both, you wouldn't get completions. They ran a hook and ladder on the last drive, Colin. It would look like Boise State against Oklahoma. I mean, three really tough plays for Josh Allen, the interception, the huge loss on the sack, and then the missed two-point conversion. So again, but they put so much on Josh Allen.

At one point, they took a shot of the offensive coordinator upstairs, and Josh had missed on something. They're kind of complaining, like, what are you doing, Josh? And I'm thinking, guys, this is an average roster. You have a good left tackle, and James Cook's a nice player. That wide receiving core is Hammondeggers. I mean, that's just bounced around the league guys. I'm surprised. Brandon Cooks was thinking of retiring years ago. You know, he had some concussion issues. He's a real grinder, loves the game.

But a lot of people thought years ago he was going to leave just because of the concussions. But he bounces around because he's a good teammate, hard worker, diligent, as Tom Brady talked about the broadcast. But I don't know. I watched that game. You know, it's funny in the first half, I thought Hertz made really good throws. Crappy weather. I would, like, a couple of them, like to AJ Brown were even the incompletion and what looked like AJ Brown's hand was being held. I'm like, boy, Jaylen is in a rhythm. But it's weird with Philadelphia, John.

You know it well. It just dies. The offense just dies. Well, their offensive line's not as good, so they can't just lean on the run game. I mean, that's a killer for them. Last year, they could just hammer Sequin, and he would go, he had 19 for 68. The 2004 version of this team, I think he has 20 carries for 150 yards. You know, I think that's the big difference.

They just can't lean on you, and he's not breaking off these 40-yard runs and just ending the game, which he was doing last year. I'm with you. The first half, my takeaway was, I don't know if I'd want to play this Eagle team. Because Jalen Carter's back. Their defensive line looks fantastic. The Hunt kid, who I think is a third rounder. You got Jordan Davis.

You got, you know, Bon, the linebacker, their D.Bs. Like you said, Dijin. Vic Fangio, you're like, just you, it is fantastic. And offensively, there's no disputing their talent. You know, A.J. Devonte, Goddard, that touchdown. I mean, I thought the play calling on the one drive, even Tom Brady was like, you know, they ran like A.J. Brown on a big post to the left. And then they had a play action play. They got them a touchdown. It was like, you know, when they run drives, well, you go, this is one of the best teams of the league.

And then they have halves where they get 17 yards with a $50 million quarterback to $30 million wide receivers and a $25 million running back. It doesn't really make sense, but it happens over and over. Well, when they get leads and get conservative, what they do is stop throwing to A.J. Brown. Like, A.J. Brown in the first half, crucial. Second half. Where is A.J. Brown? Why aren't you throwing the ball to A.J. Brown? He is a much better athlete than the guy's covering in the secondary. Like, it's one thing if you don't want to throw the ball to the bill receivers because the two pro bowl corners for the Eagles and the pass rush. But if you're Philadelphia, throw the ball to A.J. Brown. He's dealing with guys that aren't in his class. So it's just, you know, it's in the second half, I wrote it down here with 11 minutes left in the fourth quarter, Hertz was 0 for six. And I'm like, they were doing all this smart short stuff in the first half, getting AJ Goddard, like really clever stuff, three step drop, get it out. And I just stopped doing it. I was like, just go back to the stuff you were doing in the first half. So that's one of the reasons I don't think Philadelphia wins a Super Bowl is I don't, every Seattle's about the only team that doesn't have a huge hole. That doesn't mean Seattle's great at a bunch of stuff. But, They don't have a huge hole. Texans offense, you know, Rams special teams. The Eagles have these halves where they just don't throw the ball to A.J. Brown.

Yeah. Mistifying. One note I had at halftime was Jalen is playing really well making Pro Bowl level throws. Yes. You know, in those conditions, too. So part of the reason it was so impressive, you're going to this place that has some of the worst weather in America. It's pouring rain. Brady keeps harping on it.

These guys were the wrong gloves. Balls are going right through. The Eagles are just dialed in, moving the ball at will relative to them. Their quarterbacks in complete control and their defense. You know, that play you mentioned where Josh Allen scrambled around and got sacked. I can kind of live with that. It's like, yeah, Steph Curry is going to miss some 35 foot threes. He takes a lot of them.

You know, they have to, he makes a lot of those plays into touchdowns. You know, I don't think he takes that sack if he psychologically belies. leaped in his roster. I think Josh feels like I've got to make a play. I mean, that receiving core is just not good. I mean, it's funny. We thought New England had this bad receiving core this year. I look at New England's.

I'm like Williams, Diggs. Booty, digs. And I'm like, no, it's fine. It's actually really good. Even compared to like average receiving course, Buffalo is maybe the most average in the league. I think, Josh, when I watch that sack, I'm like, you can't take that. sack. And I was thinking about it. He's like, well, I have to take one or two of those game. I have to make some big. I mean, they're big plays. Think about it. Hook and lateral,

clever call. And then two deep balls. One felt like luck. And the other one was a, I don't remember the last time Brandon Cook had a catch that big and that good in the game. Like, that's their offense kind of. Like sometimes, it's just you have to generate it doing either unique stuff or you feel like they got a pass interference break. I didn't like that. call it all. And then they got the ball down the right side line, the next play. That was a weird drive. Until that point, they didn't really have, they didn't threaten much. And the other thing is, even when going for two, I'm like, I wasn't sure they were going to make it on the sneak. I'm like, oh, it's a 50-50 proposition. Totally. And let's be real, too. Was it the Brown's game where he

kind of did that move and rolled his ankle? It almost was a safety. He closed. He clearly rolls his ankle again. I mean, he's kind of like a younger version back when Cam, what is his prime. It's hard to tell what percentage he is, but he's clearly not 100% run around out there. And I just think that, listen, I think it would be an incredible story. I'm a huge Josh Allen fan. It's hard to watch that team and go, they got three victories to the Super Bowl with that roster, the way they play, how dependent they are on him to be Superman, where he's probably 70, 80%. And the roster around him, If you can just sell out, if James Cook is not going to get, I would say, 120 plus yards,

their receivers, I mean, they got their tight ends okay. And obviously they had an injury today. But their offensive lines, that's another issue. Today, halfway through the game when the Eagles were really humming, they felt a little bit like, again, it was a Thursday night game, but the Texans have an elite pass rush. Remember that Thursday night game? I remember a buddy in the league text me.

If you sack Josh seven, eight, nine times, that might as well be 25. because he's a hard guy to sack. And today they sacked him five times. Against a normal quarterback, that number is probably like eight or nine. And there were a couple times late in the game where he's making some great plays, getting out of it. I mean, the Eagles are all over this guy.

I just think their offensive line, underrated part, not playing that well. I don't know if guys are banged up. They are just not as dialed. And he is under constant pressure against the better competition. It's, listen, you're not going to bet against them probably in the first round. We'll have to see who they end up playing, especially if they get the Steelers or the Ravens.

But I just, I have a hard time seeing this team go on some run. I think Denver would beat him. I think Jacksonville would beat him. Oh, yeah. I think, listen, Houston already did kick their ass on a Thursday night. Yeah. And by the way, you know, I watched New England today.

I mean, New England's had one bad half in three months at Buffalo. They had a great first half in that game control. They had a terrible second half against Buffalo. But the previous three quarters against Buffalo, they were the better team. Yeah, I can see Buffalo being a one and done team. I've had them in the herd hierarchy around 8, 9, 10. I just, it's hard for me. I just, I think Josh Allen and their left tackle and James Cook, but I, again, I'll

give them credit. I thought the hook and lateral was such a clever call. It was so smart. But again, you had to kind of go to an exotic. You had to go to a trick play because you can't trust any receivers down the field. I felt honestly, at the end of that game, I felt that Buffalo was lucky to be going for the win. I didn't think they should have been in it. 100%.

Totally. I mean, they had, I thought they got worked in the first half. I mean, it was 13 to nothing, but the Eagles just don't score that many points. It felt like they were just overwhelming you with the talent gap. And your quarterback, you know, he was having, for his standards, not as great as game as he sometimes had. and you have no chance. Your defense actually played pretty well in the second half. Yeah, yeah.

But still, I mean, to score, well, they end up scored 12 points at home. I mean, it's just, it's tough, you know, man. And Colin, they had zero for the majority of the game. You know, this is part of the weather, and this is kind of, I was really young with those Marta Levy teams, but they were a tough physical team with a dominant running back that they leaned on, and then Jim Kelly could make big plays. Obviously, Josh, you know,

is much more mobile, I think, than that version of Jim Kelly. But you've got to, and this is the Packers problem, you know, historically sometimes those Rogers teams. Your weather should be in your advantage to play like the Eagles. We're just going to overwhelm you physically and lean on you and ugly up the game. Well, the bills don't want to play that way. The bills want to play in a dome like the Lions or something, right? They would love to just sling that thing around.

And even Brady mentioned that the OC for the bills are like, we don't want to get into a place where we're just passing it nonstop, it will not go well for us. So he knows. But the problem is that you neutralize the run a little bit. And Josh's run because he's rolled up his ankle. He's not a huge threat in this game against them. Their team speed is excellent. All of a sudden, it's like, God, your offense looks putrid.

Listen, I really. They might play New England. They might play New England as of right now. Again, these teams might throw. In Foxborough. They're the seventh seat. You know, the Texans are the five. the charges are the six, and the bills are the seven.

So if they go to New England, even if they play in the Jags as the six-three, it would not stun me at all if they're at one and done team, which is crazy to say because they have this quarterback in this prime. All right, Cleveland, their biggest win in a long time at home beats the Steelers 13 to 6. So Pittsburgh will face Baltimore for the division title in week 18. What a mess this is. It was so classic Tomlin. Omlin has there, I want to read this.

This record is, this record is crazy. The Steelers are winless, 04 and 1 in the past five games against teams entering eight plus games below 500. Longest streak in NFL history. So Mike's a motivator, but it doesn't work when they face an awful team, right? Mike's always been a great underdog. But when Mike's a big favorite or a favorite against the. crappy team. His motivational raw-wroth stuff doesn't work.

You just, it was one of those games. This is why Seattle got rid of D.K. McKaff. So D.K. doesn't play today because he's suspended for the altercation with the fan. And the reason Darnold, by the way, in J.S.N. now were a great, great combination, but they got rid of D.K. Because D.K. could be, I was told, maintenance. He, he, you know, didn't run the specific route tree. He was a big play guy, but they felt there was some maintenance with D.K. He didn't he lead the league in personal fouls for like a two-year stretch? And penalties for a receiver. So because he punches a guy, he's out, and you saw today, there's a reason Aaron Rogers doesn't throw the ball down the field.

They have a really weak receiving core after DK Metcalf, just tight ends. Fryer moves, excellent. But, you know, you're watching them today and you're like, they're 0 and 2 in the red zone. I don't know why they were picking on Denzel Ward three straight times at the end of the game. That's probably the last corner on Cleveland I'd pick on. I didn't get that at all. But if you took D.K. Metcalf out, you know, it's just, this is so Mike Tomlin. A week ago, we're celebrating this great victory.

And then you watch the next week and you're like, as a favorite against the bad team. And you're like, they laid a complete egg. I mean, Colin, they scored six points in a game worth. They win it. They win the division. I mean, they scored six points. Oh, for two scoring. They got two turnovers.

didn't score on either one against the bad team. They're playing a 3 and 12 Cleveland Brown team with their star running back that they just drafted, broke his leg last week. He's gone. This is a team that couldn't really run the ball today. Shador's throwing them the ball. Through the multiple picks,

tried to throw another one that I think, you know, one of the linebackers dropped. I thought today was pretty embarrassing. It was, as just a football consumer, it was a hard game to watch. It was ugly. And give Cleveland, credit first two drives. That's Kevin

Stefansky. That's on script. Those first two drives for Shadur in Cleveland, they march right down the field. Again, that's on script. That's where I think Stefansky's really good. These young quarterback, especially rookie quarterbacks, they really rely on those first couple of drives. Like, that's a big part.

So, I mean, I just, that was big though, Colin. I mean, now D.K., it's not like they get him back next week. He's gone, and the big tight end, Darnel Washington broke his arm. So I don't know how you play with a broken arm. seven days later. I would imagine he's out. So you're relying on Scotty Miller, MVS, who I think we could argue how good he ever was, but definitely at this point in time,

not great. You know, if you just kind of can neutralize those two running backs, their offense was awful. Now, the Brown's defense came to play today, these divisions. But you can get after, you know, Aaron, they were hitting him a lot. He was getting rid of the ball. You know, the one thing the Ravens got a little mojo now after that, you know, that Steelers went, or I mean that Packer win, I think the Steelers are in major trouble. And we're going to go. At one point in time last week, I'm like, they're going to end up 11 and 6. Pretty impressive year with how weird it went.

Now it feels like they're going to end up 9 and 8 missing the playoffs. I don't know about you. I'm out on them this week. I'm out on them this week. I don't care. Snoop Huntley plays. Lamar plays. Derek Henry plays quarterback.

What I witnessed today and the injury they had. And I'm going to assume, T.J. Watt, I mean, he's just, I can't assume he's coming back with this long issue. So he's been MIA. They have other injuries. And D.K., they are so dependent. No team. This includes Minnesota.

This includes Jamar Chasen, is more dependent on one wide receiver than the Pittsburgh Steelers on DK. MacCaf. Most people in the league probably wouldn't even consider a top 10 wide receiver. Yeah. Well, all year I defended Aaron Rogers, people, like PFF was like he doesn't throw down field. And I'm like, who does he throw to?

I mean, he and D.K. early in the year, just, I mean, there's nobody to throw to. Like, DK was it. You can't just have that relationship over time because DK again doesn't run the route tree. That's not what he does. He's a big play guy. So, like, and if you don't trust the offensive line, it's hard for a guy to get deep. So Aaron's 42. He didn't want to get hit early in the year.

It's like, I'm not throwing the ball deep down the field. We're going to do stuff underneath. And then they started, you know, then you trust the offensive line more. You play with a little momentum. But, I mean, it's the final Aaron Rogers drive that didn't. pan out. I mean, he went to Friermouth two times. Like, that's his guy. Like, that's who you have to go to. He made some beautiful

throws on that drive. Yes. Yes. It was nice until the end. You know, there's a group of people in the media out there that will just defend Mike Tomlin to the end. And last week, it was their

classic moment in the sun. How can you fire this guy? But I think today is one of the reasons that that Tomlin gets heat is that it's the way seasons end perpetually, like no playoff wins in eight years. It just feels like at the end of the year, there's more smart offensive coaches.

You have these performances where I'm sitting there watching it, and I'm like, I mean, first of all, they made Aaron throw 39 times. That's not what you want to do with a 42-year-old quarterback on the road with Miles Garrett about to break the all-time record. So, Shadour, by the way, was like 17, 23. I mean, listen, he was good in the first couple of drives after that. I just think he's at a point right now where he needs to be on script. He's got to get out of that running backwards thing.

Like, that was a Colorado issue. It's clearly one of those things. He needs an offseason to just get that out of his game. Well, they, before, because there's only the two games in the afternoon, there was a big gap and they go to the on the CBS crew they went to Bill Cowr. And he's like, I'm a little perplexed why they didn't run the ball more. Jalen Warren was having success. He only had 12 carries for 60 yards. You know, to force Aaron Rogers 42 with the group of guys he's throwing to

to have almost 40 past attempts, you know, in a crappy, it wasn't great weather. You know, just ugly up the game. It was low scoring anyway. it felt like they thought they were down 25 to 6. Instead of, guys, you're just down one score here. Cleveland's doing nothing on offense. Just what are you doing? Especially with their identity.

And who knows, maybe it's Aaron checking, do these calls at the line of scrimmage. But, you know, when you, they've been so dependent on these three tight ends, right? That's been their thing. Well, the Rams do it too, three times. The Rams also have Pooka Naku and Devonte Adams. You know, so it's a little, even if only one of them is on the first. field, those guys can run every route and make dominant plays. And they also, Kyron Williams, Blake Corum, especially in the second half, Blake Corum,

they run the ball consistently. The Rams consistently run the ball. And I also think the reality is most people don't go out like John Elway on the dais getting the Super Bowl trophy. Most people go out, legendary players. Michael was on the Wizards. I wasn't alive, but I heard Willie Mays played for the Mets. You know, this situation isn't as ugly as like Michael Jordan on the Wizards,

but if they lose next week, pretty embarrassing. And I do think Aaron Rogers' career probably ends, even though like he's not, it's not like he's not an NFL player, but it's like he's going to come back for what in this situation? Because I think Pittsburgh is going to have to seriously answer, ask themselves the question, which they already can kind of put out through Schfter a month ago, like Tomlin's contract situation, we're not going to fire him, but hell, we'll be open.

John, if not now, then when, Colin. I mean, he can go to the Giants. It's not like he's going to be out of work. but this thing's run its course, hasn't it? I mean, Cam Hayward's old, T.J. Watt, D.K. Metcalf's an older player. Aaron Rogers. Jalen Ramsey. They're old. Like, I mean, to me, you start looking at the teams that I really like in this league, and they've got a great mix of young and experience.

Like, Philadelphia's got good veterans. They have great young players. Rams have great young players. I mean, you know, Detroit for all their struggles. Green Bay, great young players. Yeah, I, you know, it's, it's, the 49ers did it last year when they hit eject. Like, they let everyone walk because they said we have to pivot. Yep. Even if we take a little bit step back for the next five years. And the Steelers, they're just kind of beholden to like every game, every year. And it's like, you don't get credit anymore for going nine and eight.

And okay, you have a much better record some team that won five games. Who cares? You know, it doesn't matter at this point. Yeah, they're not going to fire him. And so, you know, to me, I don't have any sympathy for people that keep doing the same shit and get the same results. I got no sympathy for Pittsburgh. Want to know where I bet on sports during the holiday season? Hard Rock bet.

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We have some big news. What's the news, name? Huge news. We created our own podcast called, Hey Jonas. We invented a podcast? Well, we didn't invent it. We just contributed to it. We're the first people to do podcasts.

Pretty, yeah, pretty wide range of podcasts throughout there. But this one's extra special. So how do we actually come up with a name, Hey Jonas, Jonas, guys? I honestly don't remember. I think it was on a call about what we should call it. Well, we were thinking I'm originally calling it one of the early names of our band before Jonas Brothers. This is how you guys remember it going down? Yes.

I have a very different memory of this. We were talking about a thing, a bit for the podcast, where people could call in and say, hey, Jonas. And then I wrote down on my little notepad, Hey Jonas, and offered it up as a potential title for the podcast. But thanks for remembering that, guys. Listen to Hey Jonas on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. podcast. Just listen. We don't care where you hear it. 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. 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 Slices Life 12 in the TikTok podcast network on TikTok. The French Open is one of the toughest tests in tennis. And I know firsthand because I competed there myself.

I'm Renee Stubbs, and on the Renee Stubbs tennis podcast, I'm breaking down everything happening at Roland Garris. Every match, every upset, and what it really takes to win on Clay. Jenchian won. I mean, she went down in three to Rabakina, but I'm delighted. She's an outsider to win the French for me. And she likes Clay. Listen, Lerabakina is arguably the best player in the world right now,

and I actually can win on any surface. Because if she's serving, well, good luck. Consider this your court-side seat to the French Open. Listen to the Renee Stubbs tennis podcast on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Presented by Capital One, founding partner of IHeart Women's Sports. Imagine an Olympics where doping is not only legal but encouraged. It's the enhanced games.

Some call it grotesque. Others say it's unleashing human potential. Either way, the podcast's Superhuman documented. it all, embedded in the games and with the athletes for a full year. Within probably 10 days, I'd put on 10 pounds. I was having trouble stopping the muscle growth. Listen to Superhuman on the I-Hard Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. All right, Seattle 27, Carolina 10, I took the Panthers three times this year in Blazing 5, officially went 0 for 3. I don't know why the hell I do it. This felt like a classic case.

It was 3-3 at half, but Seattle's talent in the second half. half overwhelmed Carolina. Carolina was one for 11 on third down, two and a half yards of play. Bryce Young had a couple of, a couple interesting drives. You know, the funny thing about Sam Darnal, I always said his comp, he was a less talented Andrew Luck. He and Luck have one thing in common. Very short memory. Sam does not care if he turns the ball over. He doesn't care. And, you know, that helped him today. He didn't have a great game. A friend of mine who's a The Seahawk fan. We talked today. We hadn't reached out to each other in a while. And he said, you know, my concern about Seattle, they don't do anything great. And I said, well, they also don't have a hole. The Rams special teams are a mess. Philadelphia's offense dies. Houston Texans can't move the ball consistently. The Chargers are lines a disaster. I said, or there's a bad coordinator situation. I said, the Seahawks don't do anything brilliantly, but they do everything up to snuff. They don't really have a whole. And when I watched them today is a prime example.

You know, they traveled cross-country. They played a lot of snaps in that ram game. Defense was on the field, like 90 snaps. They weren't real, you know, they weren't totally polished offensively. And then you look up and it's like to go on the road against the team that's going to probably win their division and you beat them by 17 points. It's like, I mean, I don't know. I just kind of look at Seattle. And I'm like, I'm not so sure this isn't outside of Philadelphia, the best roster in the league.

They got a lot of dudes that can run. I think if they played this game 10 times, Seattle's winning nine of them. I thought the talent gap as this game went on was pretty dramatic. I'm with you, Bryce makes good individual plays. Then you look at the box score. He had 14 completions. He threw 54 yards. You know, and I saw McMillan, the wide receiver from Arizona, saying, you know,

they ran a lot of man coverage. We didn't expect that to come. And that's one huge advantage they have is their head coach is a defensive genius. You know, for McVeigh and Kyle, that's him on defense. as these chess pieces, the different D.Bs, they can play multiple positions. Their pass rush is really good. They also, I think they control their own destiny. So if they win next week, they're going to be the number one seed.

But I think they've lost two games in Mike McDonald's career on the road. I mean, they are, I think after this game, they're 14 and two. I mean, they are a dominant road team under McDonald. So in that game, once they showed like the overhead kind of good year view, it's like, ugly and rainy. play. This is right in Seattle's wheelhouse, you know. And listen, obviously, Carolina and Tampa, I mean, these are two bad teams. Let's be real. Neither of them probably deserve to make a playoffs, but one gets to go. I thought Seattle was just in a different class. I'm with you,

Darnold. Can have an individual play where he just looks like just, I mean, a practice squad level guy, but they don't come right back. I didn't even think about it that way, but that's, you know, that goldfish has a memory. You know, you just on the next thing. It's like it didn't even phase him. And I, you have to wonder if, He's been through a lot. You know, maybe early on his career with the Jets, you start dwelling on stuff longer, and you realize you can't operate like that. Back to back 13 win seasons, I think it is now.

And by the way, Pro Bowl's two different teams. Like, Darnold's now entering conversation in the record books. Some of the guys that have done this are like Peyton Manning, like Colts. He won bunch of games, and then he goes to Denver. Like, Darnold's talents indisputable. He is Andrew Luck. I don't think he's as gifted. But he is Andrew Luck and that he can be a bit reckless.

He's hyper-aggressive. But I'll tell you what, he gets flushed out of the pocket. And he's not running to run. He's running to throw. His eyes are downfield. And he and JSN, I was telling a friend today, I said, I'm not trying to be a Seahawk Homer, but if I said to you, quarterback receiver combination,

like Jamar Chase Burrow is just unbelievable. But you can't put AJ Brown and hurts in there. But you start looking around the league. you're like, Darnold and JSN, first year together, is really strong. Like really,

these corner routes, the timing routes, you're like, okay, like this is really elite stuff. So, yeah, I think good,

they have good personnel. I mean, I like, you know, Sharvade is a good, he's a number two running back. I've always liked him. You know,

they trade for Shaheed. He only had the one catch today, but he gives them a speed element that they haven't had. You know, Cooper Cup. I think he had a bad fumble the day, but actually I think they overturned it. But, you know, he gives them a veteran.

They have just a high level team, like a really smart bunch of guys, a lot of guys with a lot of winning in their background. You know, so Sam comes to this operation with Mike and John Schneider. It's really impressive. I thought the betting odds coming into the season, they were five to one to win the division. And then the Rams and the 49ers were heavy favorites. I thought that was a little, I mean, this was a team that won 10 games last year. So this is not, to me, the Jags.

who went from four wins to 12 wins. It's pretty remarkable when you watch the Jags. You're like, they just look good. They look like a high-level operator. Seattle, even those weird Pete teams that kind of got them fired, they weren't winning four or five games. Remember, they were nine and seven or nine and eight. They were 10 and seven.

They were just getting blown out in the first round of the playoffs. But they have, they've always had really good players. They've done an excellent job transitioning to multiple, you know, the L-O-B teams, and then kind of that latter years of Russ Wilson, and now the last couple of years of this version of young guys, I mean, listen, I think they have one of, if not the best general manager in the league. So that helps a lot, too. And now for our next segment, Whiskey Business, yes, whiskey business brought to you by Green River Whiskey, the official Whiskey of the Colin Coward podcast. This isn't a game I think I would talk about,

but the New England beat the Jets 42 to 10. They've now won 18 of 21 matchups. They were on a 15 straight until January of 24, New England had beaten them 15 straight times. I'm watching Vrable and Drake May today with Aaron Glenn, who may not be long for the place, and they have no idea what they're doing. The Raiders lost today, so the Raiders will get Fernando Mendoza as the number one pick. If Dante Moore doesn't come out, I think the Raiders are probably, you know, they may go by like Malik Willis is a free agent. I mean, I don't know what you do. Malik Willis has been unbelievable. Looks good. It looks good. I mean, yeah, I mean, I think if you're the Jets and Dante more doesn't come out. I would probably go with that kid. But he's gone from, you know,

turmoil in Tennessee to Green Bay. Now to the jets. You're like, who knows how it turns out. But I will tell you this, it was 35 to 3 at half, is Kraft, Vrable, Josh McDaniels, Drake May. John, I think we're, I think people are underselling them. We went into this season with New England. And I think you and I agreed. They're just not good enough on the sidelines. They just just don't have enough players. This wide receiving group now is a big play wide receiving group. Like they've got, I mean, Diggs and Williams and Booty, it's like, no, they have big play wide receivers. I look at New England right now. I think Jacksonville beats them. I think Jacksonville's better. I think Denver probably beats them. I take them over Buffalo. People think

I'm crazy. I think we're sleeping on New England. I think I think they, coach, coordinator, quarterback, I don't know. To lead 35 to 3 over an NFL team, you're on the road. I don't care how bad the team is. Jesus, that's impressive. Yeah, I mean, you didn't even mention Henderson,

who at any moment can take 150 or 60 yards, right? So they're passing game, and they got this running back who's got to be one of the faster guys in the league. I do think Brable is elite as kind of, he's like the new prime version of Tomlin, chip on his shoulder, underdog and they played it all season long today. I mean, Drake Mays had harder games in junior high school than what he faced today.

But I do think in the playoffs, a lot of people are going to be picking them. So there's going to be a lot of pressure then to me on Mike to like, you know, kind of the chip on his shoulder, the underdog mentality that they've had this year has been really impressive to watch. I think they're going to be a pretty big favorite, you know, potentially. Like a lot of people are going to say this team can win the eight. AFC because they can. But we saw Drake a couple weeks ago getting that spot against the bills, didn't have a great last couple drives.

That's the thing with the AFC. It's like, do I trust? It wouldn't shock me if Drake May has a bad playoff game. Peyton Manning used to have him youngest. Trevor Lawrence. Like, I mean, how many playoff games that guy played in his group? You just, you don't know. But for both those two guys, if they're on, they can dominate, especially.

I mean, Drake, when he's on, he throws as beautiful, he's got the new Russell Wilson, the deep ball. is as good as it gets in the NFL. And he's just the dual threat nature of his ability to keep plays alive with his legs. You know, Josh McDaniels deserves credit because, you know, he kind of fallen off the Raider situation, but you come back and you do this with it. Because everyone bought into the physical attributes. It's why Ben Johnson gets a lot of credit. It's like, okay, now make him into a good football player, right?

And he's made Drake May, I mean, into a legitimate, I don't know who's going to, I guess Stafford's probably going to end up winning it. But, I mean, Drake May was in the way. the MVP conversation, the majority of the year. That's, there's a reason, you know, Josh McDaniels is in Vic Fangio's this. They are tailor-made to just be incredible number twos and be the best in their field. When all they have to focus on the offense and all they have to focus in on that unit of the players, they clearly, you know, communicate perfectly with those guys.

Maybe they struggle with the opposite side of the ball because the mentality is different. You know, for Vic, the offensive guys don't think like defensive guys. for Josh, defensive guys don't operate cerebral like offensive guys. And those guys, I think both those two guys, I mean, look what they, look what Vicks meant to the Eagles. Look what Josh. I mean, the higher has meant for Mike. Because part of the reason Mike got ran out of Tennessee, his offense kind of fell apart when he lost Arthur Smith. Yeah.

Yeah, I just think it's one of those things that I think psychologically we all think, okay, this is just year one of the rebuild. And it's like, no, this is Ben Johnson's first year in Chicago. when you can spend $200 million in Chicago and go get Joe Tunney, Drew Dolman, and Jonah Jackson, with our right tackle who's pro-ball level guy. Now we have an Alito line. Bad O-Line to elite.

Then the quarterback we upgrade. So then you take this quarterback, like Chicago, upgrade, and you go buy $275 million, and you solve your perimeter issue. And it feels like New England's receiving course getting better, like as Drake made. Like it was okay for six weeks. Now you're like, oh, it's pretty good.

Now I'm like, oh, God, yeah, they can play from behind. I like them a lot. I will say this, the three wild cards, the Chargers, Houston, and the bills in whatever order. So you're going to play one of those. Those are not easy to play. I mean, you're talking to Miko Rines, Jim Harbaugh, and McDermott and Josh Allen. These guys have had a lot of success. I mean, all of a sudden, you just draw as the seven seed.

Again, we'll have to see who plays who next week. I would imagine the Chargers. Justin Herbert doesn't play next week, right? Because that game doesn't even matter anymore against Denver. So all of a sudden, what if you get them? And you're getting Jim Harbaugh and Justin Herbert in just 60-minute game to go to that. That's just a tough draw. You know, and same thing, even if, you know, if they give Josh the week off next week, he gets to rest his ankle.

You get Josh for the third time. That's hard. He's very comfortable coming into your building. Even if their team is not as good, we don't like them as much to go on a huge run. They are comfortable playing you. So it's those three eight, and obviously the Texans, I mean, I would not want to play the Texans. the wilds card game. So these are just tough. The high level operations, you know, the bills have just won a lot of playoff games over

the last five years. And obviously Harbaugh and D'Amico, I think you and I would, if they were stocks, would both own a lot of it. So it's, you know, the Patriots are going to get tested immediately as the two seed, which is sometimes, you know, whoever draws the Packers as the seven seed, like they're leaking a lot of oil. They got a lot of injuries. They got a lot of issues. They're just, they're falling apart. That's, that's not going to be the, case with whoever you potentially draw as the two seed, you know, in the, in the AFC wildcar round. When you want to enjoy life's simpler pleasures, reach for Green River Whiskey, whether it's rye whiskey or single barrel bourbon. You're getting over a century of craftsmanship packed into

every bottle. Hop on over to Green River Whiskey.com and discover a legend in a bottle today. I want to talk about two Saturday night games because they matter. Baltimore 41 at Green Bay 24. Malik Willis is going to make a lot of money in free agency. He went from chaotic Tennessee to Green Bay. The Green Bay environment has clearly helped him. The kid was 18 to 21. I thought he was, he's the best backup in the league.

I mean, he is absolutely the best backup in the league. He's obviously coachable. He is really good on third down. I mean, they averaged eight and a half yards of play and lost. Like, they just made big plays. So I think, never. In fact, the story of the game is Baltimore had 30 first downs, like 40 minutes of time of possession.

But when he got the ball, he was exceptional. So my take is Derek Henry, obviously, had a monster game and he has those. I like Baltimore to beat Pittsburgh, and I even like him to beat Pittsburgh with, again, a Huntley is a very good, high-end backup. Remember, he beat Chicago earlier this year.

Everybody, remember that game? I remember I had Baltimore. Lamar's called out, and I stayed with my bet. And I just, just Baltimore at home. And he just outplayed Caleb. You're like, he's a good backup. Baltimore, I don't know, Chicago clinched the NFC North with the Green Bay win. I think Baltimore, I think they beat Pittsburgh.

The one thing I would say is Pittsburgh and Baltimore have some similarities when you watch him on the right night. And Pittsburgh's done this over the last month. You go, that's a really good team. And then you watch them on the wrong day, like today with the Steelers. You're like, I'm out. That team. That looks like a five-win team. I mean, Baltimore last night when they're handing it to him. He looks like Secretariat running. It's like this guy's an unstoppable force. The previous week against the Patriots, he wasn't even on the field in the fourth quarter. And John Harbaugh was like, yeah, I'm trying to screw that one up. Yeah, you might have John. You can argue that that game. Like, there was just a lot of heat on these two coaches just because they're both in high-level organizations. You have to wonder whoever loses this game between John and Mike

could get pretty weird that first weekend in January, the talk surrounding those guys. Because these organizations, I mean, the Ravens were two years ago, the number one seed in a favorite to beat the Chiefs in the AFC championship game in their own building. And now two years later, they have a winner get-in game against the Steelers on the road, which my guess would be they'd be favored. I mean, we'll have to see how that plays.

I guess I would imagine Lamar plays. but yeah, I mean, I just think that game, it reminded me a little bit of the previous week with Philip Rivers. You know, if you watch that game, like Philip Rivers played great against the Niners, but his defense was atrocious. Like Malik Willis, the two best players on the field were Malik Willis and Derek Henry. Yeah, by a mile.

But Malik Willis can't play linebacker or pass rusher. So, I mean, they're just getting shredded. There's nothing because he came on the field, and this is bang, bang, boom, touchdown. Bang, bang, boom. They're in the red zone for a field goal. So, yeah, I was, I was blown away. Malik Willis is who I think social media told us Justin Fields was forever.

Yeah. Yeah. That's what I think people that thought Justin Fields was good. That's what Malik Willis actually looks like, running the touch over the middle of the field, the deep ball accuracy, the composure, the toughness. If Justin Fields can get two year, $40 million, I'd be stunned if Malik Willis can't get, you know, a little inflation in previous two years, $50 million. Something gives them like $30 million guaranteed for the off season? I think Malik Willis and Mac Jones, I think people are going to come after both. And I think I would go with Malik Willis.

I just think he's such a natural athlete. But I'm watching that game and I'm like, this kid, plus he had nine carries. You know, forget. You could argue that Packers are better off because their defense is so banged up now and their running game is in shambles again. Malik Willis gives him a running element that Jordan Love just doesn't give him. Like at least he can run the ball. he gives them a better chance to win a game because if you can't,

if Jordan Love's not throwing for 300 yards, they're not running it on anybody. They're in major, they could get rolled in the first round, you know, if they play the better, depending on who their matchup is. Okay, Houston beats the Chargers 20 to 16.

This was my favorite bet of the weekend, almost a 40% pressure rate on Herbert, who also had multiple drops, his tight end dropped a couple of balls. Here's my takeaway. So when Nick Casario was the GM in New England, they could not draft a wide receiver to save their life for Brady. I always go back to that Brady moment where he's screaming on the sidelines his last year in New England.

Can you just get open? They could not draft a wide receiver. Nikiel Harry was a bus. Chad Jackson from Florida was a bus. They had to go buy Wes Welker or get Randy Moss. So Nick Casario's in New England. God, that guy doesn't know how to draft receivers. He now goes to Houston and clearly proving that Belichick had his thumb on him.

He got Tank Bell. He goes and gets two guys out of Iowa State. Jalen O'L. and Jaden Higgins both, like, you know, really talented guys. And I'm sitting there watching Houston. And John, let's not forget what an absolute league embarrassment they were. before D'Amico Ryan, C.J. Stroud, and Casario got there. Like, we questioned whether those guys should take the job. We're like, I remember saying that Casario, is this a career ender?

This was considered three, four years ago. Like the laughing stock of the league, I think they've got, and I think Casario, go look at his drafting record. Go look at D'Amico Ryan's defense. C.J. Strat, I'm going to argue all day long. C.J. Sarot throws one of the prettiest balls in the league. those first couple of throws, you know, to Iowa State guys, like young kids, I'm like, man, this is, this is beautiful stuff.

But I don't really put that on Herbert, not because I love him, but I've seen this two or three times this year. I saw it when the Chargers went to Jacksonville. They just have trouble blocking people. If they face an elite rush, they just, they just discombobulate offensively. There's only so much they can do. Texans are a terrible matchup for him. I mean, absolutely terrible.

Terrible. And they're two tackles gone. I'm with you on Casario. Think about this offseason. the NFL doesn't have too many of like the NBA where the guy's so famous. It just feels like you're an idiot if you get rid of them, even though the guy, like the team couldn't wait to get rid of them.

I don't think the Texans were thrilled. You know, Laramie Tunzel was a good left tackle, but they were never going to pay him again. And they just were ready to move on. And when they made that trade, everyone went to Houston, Texans, their offensive lot, you can't get, well, they're cruising to the playoffs. I don't know if you've checked on the commanders lately. but they're not making the playoffs.

Oh, yeah, and the Texans, this upcoming draft, are going to have their second round pick, which might be like picked 38. So part of the reason the last two years, they traded up, because remember, they drafted C.J. Stroud, and they traded right up to get Will Anderson. And if you're going to make a move like that,

you better get it right, and they got it right. So now they got two franchise players who are super high character guys, team captain level guys, and they got reinforcements now coming with draft picks, which they haven't had because they made that move. But like you said, they nailed some picks. And their young offensive coordinator that they hired, I think, from the Rams via New England,

has kind of figured it out. Like I was late to the game yesterday. I came in, we were at lunch, and I was like, let's watch the first half at this bar. I walk in, it's 14-0 and there's 10 minutes left in the first quarter. I'm like, what the hell happened? I immediately go online. I mean, they hit just two bombs. If they can add that element to their offense over the course,

the next couple years. They are, because D'Amico, he is, he is such a good coach. I mean, he was, he's like a Vrabel or a hardball, one of those players that was just destined to be a star at this job. And how about this, they started 0 and 3, and it did not look pretty. And there were points in times in the middle of the year. And they are, they're going to end up with 12 wins. I mean, they're probably, they look back and they go, if we can just have one of those

games back. I mean, we're right there with Jacksonville, who's kind of been like the story of the league, right there with the bear. So it's what the Texans have done. I'm with you. I loved them in that game just because of the matchup, but just over the course of the last, you know, two and a half months has been pretty remarkable.

Go back to the Texans game against the Rams. It's like 14-9. It's the one time this year the Rams just got stonewalled. Like this defense is, it is big boy football. You know, I was thinking about this. Do you think they could win the, like, could they, I think they could win the AFC? Oh, I've said this.

I said it a month ago. I said, if you look at this is the year that I think the Texans, I want to see the matchups, I think they're going to end up in the AFC championship. Yeah. I don't know who it's against. My gut feeling is I think New England's undervalued and Houston's undervalued. But Jacksonville's really good. But I can see Jacksonville going in as a favorite.

I can see Trevor Lawrence making a big mistake. It feels like I just, I trust a great defense to show up. I mean, if you go look at the Texans' road defense, you know how like Cleveland's a much better defense at home than a way? That's usually the case. Like, if you go look at Houston splits, they're the best defense in the league on the road. It doesn't even matter. You play in the parking lot. They're just great.

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Swipe-Tap ticket. Go. Download the GameTime app today. Hey, it's us, the Jonas Brothers. And guess what? We have some big news. What's the news? Huge news.

We created our own podcast called, Hey Jonas. We invented a podcast? Well, we didn't invent it. We just contributed to it. We're the first people to do podcasts. Pretty, yeah, pretty wide range of podcasts throughout there. But this one's extra special. So how do we actually come up with a name, Hey Jonas, guys?

I honestly don't remember. I think it was on a call about what we should call it. And, well, we were thinking I'm originally calling it one of the early names of our band before Jonas Brothers. This is how you guys remember it going down? Yes. I have a very different memory of this. We were talking about a thing, a bit for the podcast, where people could call in and say, hey, Jonas. And then I wrote down on my little notepad, Hey Jonas, and offered it up as a potential title for the podcast.

But thanks for remembering that, guys. Listen to Hey Jonas on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Just listen. We don't care where you hear it. 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. 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 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 and the TikTok podcast network on TikTok. The French Open is one of the toughest tests in tennis. and I know firsthand because I competed there myself. I'm Renee Stubbs, and on the Renee Stubbs tennis podcast, I'm breaking down everything happening at Roland Garris,

every match, every upset, and what it really takes to win on Clay. Jenchian went. I mean, she went down in three to Rabakina, but I'm delighted. She's an outsider to win the French for me. And she likes Clay. Listen, Lina Rabakina is arguably the best player in the world right now, and I actually can win on any surface. Because if she's serving, well, good luck.

Consider this your court side seat to the French Open. Listen to the Renee Stubbs tennis podcast on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Presented by Capital One, founding partner of IHeart Women's Sports. Imagine an Olympics where doping is not only legal, but encouraged. It's the enhanced games. Some call it grotesque. Others say it's unleashing human potential.

Either way, the podcast's Superhuman documented. it all, embedded in the games and with the athletes for a full year. Within probably 10 days, I'd put on 10 pounds. I was having trouble stopping the muscle growth. Listen to Superhuman on the I-Hard Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. I did think it was interesting thinking about this, the Green Bay game. So up until 1978, there were 14 NFL games. And then until about three years ago, there were 16 NFL games.

Now we have 17, there's talk of 18. So for the first time ever, because I buy all these services, to watch week 17 in the NFL, you had to have Netflix, Amazon, Peacock, the NFL network, Fox, CBS, and ESPN. I was like, I got to write this stuff off. You and I write it off. But I was going to, I'm not buying peacock for the Olympics, okay, because I don't talk about it. If I get some highlights or there's a big event, I would buy it. I don't buy it for the NBA because I have ESPN and I already have Amazon.

Everybody's got Netflix, so I don't mind that. And Netflix is pretty good at everything they do. But I wasn't going to watch the game. I'm not going to buy Peacock for the NBA. And I'm not buying it for Tyler Huntley and Malik Willis. And my stepson said, oh, I have it. So I'm like, okay, because my takeaway is I'm protesting. Like, I don't even know what average fans that don't get to write this stuff off do.

But it is interesting. I was thinking, as the NFL keeps extending games, you know, Netflix is a monster. It doesn't matter. Like, it just doesn't. Amazon and Netflix, Amazon because of the retail business, Netflix because of, you know, their entire business. But Peacock's going to lose a billion dollars on the NBA deal. For Peacock to get late season games, and I was thinking about this as you extend the season, going to be 60 quarterbacks played last year. It's going to be 58 this year. And I was thinking to myself, these streamers, like when Fox broadcasts a game, John, you get the broadcast and they stream everything.

Same with CBS. Streamers just stream. And I'm thinking, man, I'm watching that Peacock game. I'm like, I wonder what the real number is without Jordan Love and Lamar Jackson because you're asking a lot for fans to buy like four. Week 17, I needed three streamers, cable, two networks and the NFL network. Peacock's been a stalwart in the middle cough home because my wife watches a show called Below Deck where these guys go on a boat and get drunk.

and they follow the captain and the crew. So we've been a loyal subscriber of that one for a long time. I do wonder, right, NBC is a good example, right? They have Sunday Night Football is the number one television show in America, right? And Fox and CBS the Afternoon Games are monsters that as a certain generation dies, people don't watch. I mean, when I was a kid in the 90s, all the big shows run NBC, CBS, ABC, ABC, Fox at night, Monday through Friday. well, no one, you couldn't meet anyone under 50 that even knows what regular television even means anymore, right? Especially anyone under like 30, like your son would, you're not going to ABC to watch a show.

No. So for NBC to survive over the course of the next 20 years, they need Peacock to, I guess, be successful. But I'm with you. I thought the NBA deal, what do you think the actual numbers on some of these games? I'm a casual at this point in time because I spent so much time talking football. I've never, and like you, I don't do like a, you talk way more, but I don't talk basketball anymore. So I'm not as dialed in beside like the Warriors.

NBC. I'll be, we'll be logging on to Peacock or Amazon Prime and I'll see they have an NBA game on. I'm like, who's watching unless you're like some diehard Zach Lowe type? I don't think the casual guy that would have stumbled into it on TNT. Well, and the NFL's a little different because it's a one-off situation. But yeah, I'm with you. This is not, we're in a slippery sleep. with the situation for sure.

Well, the other thing is the incumbent ESPN for me as a built-in audience. Okay? And then Amazon, like Netflix, I have those for obvious reasons. You've got to have those two. And Amazon beat Peacock to the punch with the NFL for years ago, right? So, like, I have that. Peacock's like, well, I don't need that much NBA. And you're not getting playoffs.

I don't believe Peacock has a great playoff. They don't get the finals. I don't get, I don't know what they get playoffs-wise. If I recall, it's not great. And who wants to watch? I mean, the Western Conference playoffs will be, you know, dynamic. If you get those, maybe. But it's just, I looked at it and I thought to myself, man, you're asking a lot of the consumer to go to a third streamer.

You're asking a lot of the consumer. And increasingly, is these, we're averaging 60 quarterbacks a year. So you, if you're just parachuting in and you think, hey, we get the December 26th game every year. Good luck. You watch these games. Good luck getting starting. Either teams will have their division sealed. You know, a lot of seedings are done, or you're getting a backup quarterback. I want to throw this out there talking NFL. The Raiders got clobbered by the Giants. So it was a corner TV game for me. You know, Jackson Dart played pretty well. The Giants played with a lot of pride. Giants actually have some good, yeah, they have some good players.

So the Giants hammered the Raiders. So the Raiders are going to get the number one pick. So they'll get Mendoza. They have Brock Bowers. They have Ashton Jentie. Colton Middle Left tackle. O-Line's bad. They have to address that.

The Giants now have the second pick. And if you're the Giants now, you were rooting like crazy that Dante Moore comes out, not to draft him because I don't think I would draft Dante Moore so you can trade down. So the New York Giants really want Dante Moore to go pro. I don't think any other. quarterback rises to that level. But when you look at the Raiders, let me ask you the question.

They're going to get Fernando Mendoza. We have now seen multiple times old defensive coaches, you're Belichick, you know, Ron Rivera, old defensive coaches with young quarterbacks, even younger defensive coaches, Matt Eberfluse with Caleb Williams. if you're the Raiders, do you bring back Pete Carroll, Pete Carroll's son on the staff and go with Fernando Mandoza? Or do you just say to yourself, okay, we're going to go find our Liam Cohen. We're going to go find, we're going to go find, we're not going to mess around and do like the Bears did with Iber Flues for a year, a defensive guy and a staff that Chip Kelly's gone now. And now there's a lot of, you know, there was criticism up in Seattle about Pete's son.

I got nothing against Pete, so I never met him. What do you do if you're the Raiders, you take Mendoza? Do you clean house? Do you stay with his staff? Well, a couple things. I think Pete's done. I think everyone I know in the NFL assumes that he is going to get fired. Every article I've read points to he's in major trouble.

And let's face, I think look at him and Belichick, that they just refused to waive the white flag. I mean, they had more, they had nine figures in the bank. They didn't need to keep doing this, but they just couldn't tap out. Right? These guys were in their mid-70s. They were legendary coaches, and they just couldn't stop. And look at the way it's going for both. You know, Pete, this year was pretty sad.

You know, he's down on the table. I kind of believed him. He's like, get ready. I win. That's what I do. And then they comes the Raiders. I actually would be careful, though. They play the Chiefs this week.

Not that Andy's losing sleep over playing Fernando Mendoza over the next five years. But I could see Andy. I mean, one, he's rolling out a practice squad guy. They had 95 yards of offense against Denver. It's not like they're very good right now either. I could see them resting a bunch of guys. They're not playing at home so Travis doesn't have to play. I could see them screwing the Raiders.

And you better be very careful. I commend what the Raiders did. Spy Tech takes it out of everyone's control. Max, you're not playing anymore. Crosby almost single-handedly beat the Texans a week ago. So I understand why Max is, you know, I respect it. But to me, if I'm Max at this point in time, like it's time, I was looking, I think the Raiders,

actually, if they do take care of business and lose the Chiefs, having out with Max where you could still get, even in his late 20s, multiple first round picks because he doesn't drink, he's not a part of your, he's a high character guy, team leader, plays, there's not a guy that plays harder in the NFL. He's every, they love him. I mean, but what a waste. Remember when the Kansas Chiefs traded Jared Allen to Minnesota?

And it changed his career. You know, he goes to a good team, ends up in the Hall of Fame. I think teams, Eagles, the lions, the bears, you know, these teams would be lined up to give you multiple first round picks. So I think that's their move. You get Fernando Mendoza and you just start over the problem with the Liam Cohen thing. Who is that guy? You know, is it Kubiak up in Seattle? You know, there's not really like, it doesn't feel like there's the next Ben Jotson, Kyle Sean McPay, who just, there might be that guy,

but it doesn't feel like he's standing out like Ben was last year. or even Liam Cohen, clearly he's really good. I don't know. I mean, actually the guys are, you know, Robert Sala, give him part number two. Yeah. And just maybe it was the Jets and get him with Spike Tech and kind of that infrastructure.

I respect the hell out of Tom and everything his career stood for. I do think it's hard, though, having been in a front office and know the time and seen how much time Andy and Howie and know these guys now and how often they're in the office to kind of be a Baker's Bay in Florida, but still have a bunch of opinions. Like, you know, if you're going to, you know, Matt Ryan's been rumored. If Matt Ryan's going to do it, when John Elway was the GM and ran the Broncos, he was in the office every day with his guys.

You can't, it's not one of those jobs where you can have, Jerry West was around, I saw him at Warriors games, every single game I went to. And at that point in, he wasn't even the GM. Like, so you're going to have to either be all in or all out. You can't have, because Mark Davis is desperate for help. I do respect that Mark has taken big swings. He said, John, you do it. Ten years, $100 million. Turns out it didn't work.

But like, hey, I have no, the bucks were trying to hire him. A couple years later, Josh McDaniels, six years, $80 million. Again, he's blew up in his face, but he's taking huge swings. And the Pete Carroll thing, I think they were just, you know, Tom really wanted Ben Johnson. He wouldn't take their job, right? So I don't really know, you know, Robert Sala, but you take a quarterback. Who's your offensive coordinator? It's kind of a weird spot.

I think the Raiders just kind of got to hope that you fire them and you just hire one of these young coaches and you kind of strike the will. Folks, I mean, if you look at the NFL draft order right now, it actually made me laugh today when I looked at the NFL draft order. It is, I mean, John, Raiders, Giants, Jets, Titans, Arizona Browns. If I'd have said to you, that's the 2016 draft order. It's the 2021 draft. It's like it's the same nonsense, the same owners, the same teams over and over. Well, look at, a team that I think deserves credit is Kellynne Moore and the Saints. You know, look at Kellynne Moore, what his background is.

Chris Peterson Boise winner. His dad, high school coach, winner. He goes to the Cowboys as a player and as a coach where they had a ton of success. And then last year, Eagles, Sue, you look at Kellyn's background. guy's a pretty high-level guy. Ask Chris Peterson about him. He's pretty, and he goes, Tyler Shuck, throwing touchdowns left and right now look. They just look like a, you know, a little more stable than they've been over the last couple of years. And you look at places like the Titans, you know, it's really hard to overcome the Raiders. I'm a big John Spiteck guy, but

the negativity surrounding the organization, that that owner, just some of his just, I would say insecurities, and you get Tom involved, and you got the Giants who just, they've been a mess for the Jets. I mean, the Jets, you could argue ours is embarrassing of the franchise guys. There is an all professional sports right now. Oh, no, no, in North America. Today was, today was bad. 353 at home trail, not competitive. It was pitch and catch for Drake May. All right, one college thing, Kyle Whittingham, who I think we both like at 66 years old got the Michigan job.

Now, I do think 66 isn't ideal, although I'd say, you know, he is younger than his age. He's fit. He's a skier. He's a lifter. He's a wiser. He's a wifter. He's a workout guy. I know Kyle a little bit. He's just a grown-up. But one of the things I would say is there's two reasons why age is less vital than ever before. One is NIL and two is the transfer portal. This job got more administrative. It got more transactional. It's signing. Basically, if you can build a staff, Wittingham can, and you have 15 to 18 million NIL money, Michigan does, you're going to win 10 games. So I wish he was 58. I wish he was wasn't 66, but Sharon Moore was just over his skis. Like he just wasn't, he was out of his element.

He is a position coach. I don't even think he's a great coordinator. He was a co-coordinator. Harbaugh ran everything. So, I mean, Michigan made the mistake of, you know, and this is a classic mistake. They hired proximity, not professionalism. Matt Campbell, the Penn State's a real coach. Kyle Winningham's a real coach. I like it. I, listen, I always felt Utah, was the most Big Ten like West Coast team. So I like to move. Your thoughts. I would say Kyle Whittingham is more than real coach.

I mean, at one point in time, a couple years ago, I think he was considered like top five coach in America. Yeah. He was rattling off Pack 12 championships at Utah. I mean, you're talking Oregon, USC, Washington, pretty big disadvantage for Kyle Whittingham, who for 20-plus years has had pro after pro after pro after pro. So, you know, I do think it's a pretty big cultural change.

You know, he, he was an Andy Reid teammate at BYU. He's basically been at Utah as an assistant and the head coach, I think for like three decades. I mean, the majority of his life is Provo and Salt Lake City as a professional. Now going to the Big Ten. Or again, he had high expectations because he, him and Urban created them. But this is a different animal, isn't it? I mean, you know, they asked him, I saw the clip about Ohio. stage. Like, yeah, I guess I got to hate him.

You know, again, I think they're very lucky that this was even available. A little weird. Like, Utah kind of forced him out. Maybe they were just ready for this coach and waiting. Well, he said he wanted to get out at like 65, I think, and then he wanted, then he got to 65 and said, I want to keep doing this. And he had a long time assistant. Yeah.

I mean, his teams in Utah were very predictable. A lot of NFL, good O-line, D-line. I mean, right now, two of the three best offensive tackles in college football. are at Utah. They'll be both drafted in the first round, like the other ones at Miami. It's like, wait, time out. Utah's got two of the three best offensive tackles.

Yes, his tight ends are excellent. They were always kind of mediocre at quarterback. I mean, they just, they always, again, kind of just threw out guys. But you always knew if you were playing Utah in Utah, you had your hands full physically. They blocked, they tackle, they hit, they're physical, they're intimidating. Yeah, if you asked Ryan Day, Who would you rather play Sharon Moore or Kyle Whittingham?

I think we all know what that answer would be. They also do good special teams in Utah. They had good special teams in Utah. Well, they get NFL players at every level of their defense, D-line, linebackers, and all the DB positions. So that they will look like the Harbaugh team of a couple years ago. And offensively, I mean, they already have the quarterback under contract. This is the modern day college.

But, yeah, I mean, I think they, I mean, they were in a bad spot. I mean, the Sharon Moore thing is it's probably not even, you know, we're almost underrating how really ugly it is. You can't have a head coach doing that with an assistant in the office. Like, what are we talking about? I mean, that's embarrassing. I mean, that was a pretty low point. It shows you how desperate they were to kind of keep the Harbaugh mojo up.

It's not really how it works. And they're getting a no-nonsense guy. I mean, I'll tell you this, that is not going to fly. He's going to purge that place and kind of, I think one thing the Michigan people like about them, they're a little, I would say stiff. It's the culture. He's, you know, the Utah, Provo, Salt Lake City. Like, he's used to that.

Like, he's thrived in that environment. So I think it'll fit right in. All right, let's do our Monday night hard rock bet. All right, John, both of us got it right last week. Hard Rock bet pick of the week. I'm going to take the Rams minus seven and a half. The number was bigger against the Falcons, even though they're on the road. The game matters.

I mean, with San Francisco's play, with the Seahawks play, the game matters. If it didn't, and there were some backups playing, I don't know how I'd feel. I think like the Seattle-Carolina game, it's going to be the energy, the efficiency of the Rams is going to overwhelm the Falcons. You know, it's a little advantage. Rahim Morris was in the Rams building. You know, Sean does know what Rahim likes. Rahim may know what Sean likes, but he doesn't have the players. I think there's some points in this game.

I would take the Rams to cover. I'm going to take the Falcons in this spot. I just think it's, I saw a stat today that if they all end up eight and nine, that the Carolina Panthers would win the division. So like the Falcons have just kind of, you know, steady the ship a little bit with Kirk Cousins. You know, Bejohn Robinson is one of the more talented players in the league. And like you said, there is a knowledge between the two guys.

The Falcons are a bad team, but they're like a good bad team. I just think seven and a half, that extra half point. I'm going to go with Rahim Moore's at home. And, yeah, I'll take the Falcons. Great stuff, John. Crush it. Go watch the Niners. See you.

The volume. Hey, guys, it's us. The Jonas Brothers. I'm Joe. I'm Kevin. And I'm Nick. And guess what? We created our own podcast called,

Hey, Jonas. We invented a podcast? Well, we didn't invent it. We just contributed to it. We get to ask people to do podcasts. We get to ask other people questions because we're sick and tired of being asked questions. Well, sick and I'm tired. It's a strong way to put it, but, you know, tired and sick.

Tired and sick. Listen to Hey Jonas on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Just listen. We don't care where you hear it. 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.

your group perform? We do some retirement homes. Those people are starving for banter. Listen to humor me with Robert Smigel and friends on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Imagine an Olympics where doping is not only legal but encouraged. It's the enhanced games. Some call it grotesque. Others say it's unleashing human potential. Either way, the podcast's Superhuman documented it all, embedded in the games and with the athletes for a full year. Within probably 10 days I'd put on 10 pounds, I was having trouble stopping the muscle growth. Listen to Superhuman on the IHard Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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 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 SportsSlice on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.

And for more, follow Timbo Slicalife 12 in the TikTok podcast network on TikTok. Winning on Clay is an art. The rallies are relentless. And at the French Open, only the toughest survive. I'd know. I competed there for decades. Join me, Renee Stubbs, on the Renee Stubbs tennis podcast for no non-sense. breakdowns of the biggest matches, the toughest players, and the moments that define Roland Garris.

She's an outsider to win the French name. And she likes Clay. Listen, Lernerabakina is arguably the best player in the world right now, and I actually can win on any surface. Listen to the Renee Stubbs tennis podcasts on the Iheart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Presented by Capital One, founding partner of IHeart Women's Sports. This is an IHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.