The Herd with Colin Cowherd - Hour 1 - No need to panic Eagles fans

Episode Date: December 19, 2023

Colin preaches patience for the Eagles as they drop their 3rd game in a row and why Philadelphia remains a serious contender in the NFC He deciphers the latest on Aaron Rodgers as he continues his recovery from a torn achilles Thoughts on the Seahawks upset over the EaglesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Oh, here we go on a Tuesday, a rambunctious Tuesday. Lots to talk about Tuesday. In L.A. it's the herd, wherever you may be and however you may be listening. Thanks for making us part of your day. One hour from now, the herd hierarchy, the league coming into form right now. Don't overreact, don't underreact. One hour from now. the herd hierarchy and a tip of the cap to our art department that has made this more comfortable

and Christmassy than my actual house. We do appreciate the work. J-Mack last night, you know, a lot of these standalone games are clunkers, especially on Thursday. But that last night was, you don't see that very often where a team gets outplayed, comes roaring back in a backup. I mean, backups are winning games, but that was special. Yeah, I have an apology card. here. I'm going to deliver to Drew Locke later in the show for, you know, I was banging on the guy.

He was unbelievable last time. And it finished to that game. Well, all right. Philadelphia, chill out. First downs. You dominated. Rushing yards. 180 yards. Third down efficiency. Magnificent. Possession. Time of possession. You dominated. You controlled the game. And you lost. It happens. Philadelphia is still 10 and 4. My guess is they finish 13 and 4. Yeah, that's pretty good. And win the division. Dallas's schedule down the stretch is harder, much harder than Philadelphia's. All these issues were predictable.

Your schedule was tougher. Both J-Mack and I said, you'll be good, probably not as good. You lost a remarkable offensive coordinator. You just went on the road, cross-country, your quarterback was sick, had to fly out individually, probably at 75 percent. You controlled the game. Hey, Trulock had the greatest play of his life, the greatest drive of his life. Good for him.

It was emotional. It was fun. But if you took San Francisco out right now, take the Niners out. Think about the playoffs. Detroit at Philly. I'll take Philly. Rams at Philly. I'll take Philly.

Tampa at Philly. I'll take Philly. Minnesota at Philly. I'll take Philly. Dallas, schedules tougher, ends up having to go to Philly. Coin flip, I'd probably take Philly. Take the Niners out. You're fine.

One crucial play changes everything last night, and it's not by Drew Locke. Remember that interception by the Seahawks against Philadelphia, eight minutes left, fourth quarter. There's an interception by Julian Love. Okay, this is interference. I'm from the Northwest. It was interference. He grabbed him. It wasn't called.

So they get the interception. That's an interference for positioning. If not, Philadelphia gets the ball to one where they're unstoppable with a tush push, and they lead 24-13, game over. It's a great gutty road win. Your quarterback had to fly out late because he was so sick. The problem with the Eagles, they're living on the margins. They remind me a lot of the Kansas City Chiefs. Eagles Chiefs in the Super Bowl last year.

They're not as good this year. Schedule has been tougher this year. The margins are shrinking. So those games they won, now they're losing. but I still think Kansas City is going to play in the AFC Championship, and I feel okay about Philadelphia getting to the NFC championship. San Francisco's there for sure. But again, go to the playoffs.

Detroit at Philly, L.A. at Philly, Tampa at Philly, Dallas at Philly. I'd still take Philly. So listen, sometimes great happens. D.K. Metcalf had an unbelievable catch-up the right sideline. Drew Locke had the greatest drive of his professional career. I mean, sometimes great happens. So, D.K. Metcalf, a remarkable player. Great throw by Drew Locke.

You also had Jackson Smith & Jigba. Make an unbelievable catch right there. That's one of the catches of the year. Plus, then you had a spectacular interception by love down the sideline. What body control? What are you going to do? Seattle's got all sorts of talent. as much young town as anybody in football.

And they all made great plays. D.K. Metcalf is a star. First round receiver from Ohio State. Star when he's healthy. Julian Love, one of the plays of the year by a DB. It's okay. You controlled the game and lost. Magic happens in Seattle from time to time with the Seahawks.

Nick Sariani says, we're okay. We still have our goals ahead of us. We know we clinched playoffs this week, but we're not really looking at that, but we know what we want to do. We want to be able to win this division. But that's the last time you'll hear me say that. We've got to go win a game this upcoming week. They play the Giants twice. I think they play Arizona.

Dallas has to play Miami and Detroit. It's okay. Sometimes in pro sports, magic happens. And it all happened in about two minutes. and it was all good for Seattle and all bad for Philadelphia. Those were remarkable catches and remarkable throws. And Drew Locke had the greatest drive of his life. You're 10 and 4.

With a chance to go 13 and 4, 99% of the league not called the Niners would take it today. All right. You ever feel like you got like grift radar when you feel like you're being sold something. You know, you go, it could be a car lot, it could be a convention, and you feel like, I don't know, you're kind of selling me something. This doesn't feel right in my gut. Is it me, or is Robert Sala, a coach I've defended, selling Aaron too hard on this comeback thing? He's trying a little too hard to sell it. Here's the latest. Aaron wants to play

That's let's not confuse that one That's why he's been working so hard To get back and His willingness to play even if he's not even 100% As Is at the forefront of his mind Like he wants to go But like I said

Until he's actually cleared I'm not going to talk about it with anybody I feel like I'm kind of being sold something I think it's Aaron's PR Aaron's like All have your back to Woody Johnson. Your job's on the line. I like Saul.

I'd bring him back. But Woody Johnson can be impulsive. It's like, Aaron, I'll have your back. You have mine. Buddy buddy-buddy system. That's how Aaron works historically. Have my back. You're the greatest, including Nat Hackett. If not, you don't get it. But Aaron does not want to spend the next six months in the

off-season having radio stations and newspapers and columnist clobber him. So he's selling hope right now, and he also has Robert Sala selling hope. Aaron wants to prove eventually he's right. The Nat Hackett thing, I'll make it right. Alan Lazzard, you wait and see. Randall Cobb,

he'll make a big catch. Giving up draft picks, we're all good here. Aaron's like selling this, hey, I got injured. Otherwise, my moves and my ideas were really, really smart. And a lot of Aaron's vibe over the last six or seven years has been,

you don't get it, I see what you don't see, you need to broaden your horizon, I'm operating intellectually at a different level. Government mandates and football. That's what it feels like to me. You know, a little bit like the musician. Got a band together.

Hey, you just wait until the album comes out. This thing's going to be epic. Yeah. I don't really buy it. I don't really buy it. I feel like I'm being sold. Aaron's working so hard, and I always get that video released of Aaron throwing the ball.

Isn't it feel like you're being sold? something you've had that gut before that gut feeling salesman here convention there car lot there you feel like you're being sold something you're smart enough to feel it it's magic dust I don't think the jets are very good ownership offensive line one weapon what a breeze hall got hurt again never root for it would hate to see it but he is sort of the running game the dalvin cook thing the lezard thing the cob thing the nat hackett thing I'm not buying it but I do feel like there's a buddy-buddy thing going on here. Sala tells you how hard Aaron's working.

Aaron's going to have Sala's back when he goes upstairs, and Woody Johnson says, Aaron, what should we do with the coach? I love him. He is my guy, but I feel like I'm being sold something here. You're trying too hard to convince me how hard Aaron's working. He's a pro athlete. Of course he works hard.

I've never questioned whether Aaron works hard or not. I mean, he's a pro athlete. He's in good shape. He's committed. I don't doubt that at all. I don't know. I'm getting a little cynical on this whole sales pitch. I'm getting.

Sal is trying to save his job. Aaron's trying to save his PR for six bumpy months of talk radio and column shots in New York. All right. What do we make a Seattle last night? That was fun. That was, you know, as somebody from the Pacific Northwest, I try not to root, right? We're trying to be kind of like the judge, the fans of the jury. But that was pretty special.

For a night. For a night. Can I give you an Eagles number? I'm shocked that your takeaway is that no big deal. They're 10 and 4. They're going to be fine. Their point differential this season is plus 18. Yeah.

That's it. That's lower than the Minnesota Vikings who are 500. That's lower than the New Orleans Saints. Yeah. Colin, you could argue the Eagles are trending as poorly as any team currently in the playoffs. Anyone. Well, they've played a very tough schedule. Indeed.

That's what happened when you go to West. Buffalo got hot and Dallas got hot and the Niners are great. How about all those fluky one-score wins? They were seven and one-score games earlier this season. Are we going to see the regression turn? I would not be shocked if they drop one of these final three games. And they're now on the road in the playoffs. What's what Jalen hurts and the decision-making down the stretch?

Well, he was sick. He was sick. That's why he didn't hit the checkdown to Kenneth Gainwell instead of just chucking duck with timeouts. And I was just some of this process. Carol had a regrettable game management situation as well. This stuff. They're a media team. Philadelphia is a Super Bowl team.

What on earth is Matt Patricia calling on the final drive? Man coverage on D.K. Medcalf and Smith the Jigba, Colin. Eagles have major, major. I mean, James Bradbury, he got beat on four passes on the final. He did not have a good night. Where's the safety help? Like, there's some process issues here in Philly. We will address these today.

Yes, okay. We will. It was a great Monday night. It was a thrilling game. Be sure to catch live editions of The Herd weekdays in noon Eastern, 9 a.m. Pacific. On Fox Sports Radio, FS1, and the IHeart Radio app. Imagine an Olympics where doping is not only legal but encouraged. It's the enhanced games.

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

A win is a win. I don't care which I'm saying. Yep, that's me, Cliver Taylor the 4th. You might have seen the skits, the reactions, my journey from basketball to college football, or my career in sports media. Well, somewhere along the way, this platform became bigger than I ever imagined. And now I'm bringing all of that excitement to my brand new podcast, The Clifford Show. This is a place for raw, unfiltered conversations with some of your favorite athletes, creators, and voices that not only deserve to be heard, but celebrated. One week, I'll take you behind the scenes of the biggest moments in sports and entertainment, and the next we'll talk about life, mental health, purpose, and even music.

The Clifford Show isn't just a podcast. It's a space for honest conversations, stories that don't always get told, and for people who are chasing something bigger. So if you've ever supported me or you're just chasing down a dream, this is right what you need to be. Listen to the Clifford show on the IHeard radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. And for more behind the scenes, follow at Clifford and at TikTok Podcast Network on TikTok.

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 with Little Kim? 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's 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. Thank you for finishing that sentence. 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.

All right, Seahawks beat the Eagles last night, 2017. I've said this before. I really, really like Seattle's roster. I like their linebackers. I like their corners. They're receivers. I like their tight ends. I like their O line, their D-line, their safety.

I like everything about Seattle. I think they need to upgrade a quarterback. So Drew Locke, two things can be true. It was a magical night for Drew Locke, the last three minutes. But he's not a hoist the trophy guy. He's a great story. And Gino Smith's resurgence. He was at Boston, New York.

Has been a great story. I'm looking for hoist the trophy guys. yes, Drew Locke, a backup one. There were four game-winning drives by backup quarterbacks this week alone. Josh Dobbs did it without a practice. Tommy DeVito. Case Keenum. We saw it last night, Drew Locke.

Gardner Minchew may make the playoffs. We got backups winning games. There's never been more talented quarterbacks out there. So we got backups winning games. But just think about this. winning a game is not the goal. So Pete Carroll is a legendary college football coach, and has been a damn good NFL coach.

But ask Belichick. Belichick is way under 500 if you take Tom Brady out of his Cleveland and New England career. Go ask Mike Tomlin right now without a star quarterback. So Pete Carroll, a great coach. To me, I think you should count college football in the Hall of Fame boating like, you know, NBA would. NFL doesn't. But Jimmy Johnson and Pete Carroll are really Jim Harbaugh, great college and pro coaches.

But even Pete without Russell Wilson, a star quarterback for about 10 years in his prime. Pete's under 500 in his career, fired twice, under 500 in Seattle. You've got to have the guy. This roster's really good. John Snyder and Pete, this is a really, really dynamic, young, and most of their great players, they're not even paying yet.

They're not paying 90% of this roster yet. They got two everything, corners, running backs, wide receivers, tackles, they got everything. They don't have a trophy guy. And so I think it's a young team. They need to make a bold move in the draft and go get a young quarterback. Drew Locke's not the answer.

He just was late last night. And that's the difference. The Seattle Times has a headline today. Drew Locke becomes a Seattle legend Monday night. Yes, he does. For an episode of a TV show that through 14 weeks, that TV show is 7 and 7. Not exactly.

Exactly. Must see TV. It's not appointment TV. But it was a great episode. It was remarkable. A great game. A great broadcast. A great final drive. A great interception. I'm not denying any of the magic. That's a top five Monday Night game that I can remember. And Drew Locke, I'm happy for him. His career hasn't been what we thought it would be. Hasn't been what he thought it would be. Gino Smith. Gino Smith's career wasn't what he thought it would be. wasn't what a lot of scouts thought it would be. So Seattle's got two quarterbacks who are writing either season-long great stories or final drive great stories. Don't confuse that with great quarterbacks. Here's Drew Locke and Pete after. Amazing won't do it justice.

Amazing won't do it justice. It takes a special group to rally around a guy that has come into a second game of the year, right? And then you sit there, you watch games, you wonder, can I do this still? I haven't been out there on the field. That's the human nature of it. You get back out there last week, I'm like, you know what?

I'm the man, so I can go do this. What a beautiful night for a Monday night football game. And to make it that dramatic and all those, an incredible football game, when nobody will forget that game. The last catch is exquisite on the sidelines. Toes tap and hang on to the football in the game, a walk off interceptional, but just fantastic stuff. By the way, fantastic stuff from Seattle.

young, fantastic players. This is a stacked roster. It really is. It reminds me a little bit, a little bit of that Tampa roster Brady went to. Remember they were like 500-ish, didn't have the quarterback right? And you were like, all they need's a right tackle, they're ready to go. Old quarterback brings in gronk, A, B, and you're like, man, they're stacked. Well, they were stacked the year before.

I'd argue this Seattle roster is more complete than they're. that Tampa roster. That Tampa roster, they didn't love their tight ends. They were talented. They wanted Gronk. Chris Godwin, good receiver, hurt, though. You know, there were pieces there, but really good pieces. And everybody would, you know, Tom Brady could choose anywhere he wanted to go.

He's like, I like Tampa's roster. We're all like, that's crazy. They draft Tristan Worst. He brings in Gronk in A.B. And by week 13, 14, we're like, they're completely stacked. That's Seattle. And I'd argue Seattle's roster. is younger and more offensively dynamic than I think Tampa's roster.

I don't think there's a hole with it. Tampa had a couple holes. I don't see any holes. These are great players making great plays. You could go out and get a veteran quarterback, take a big swing in a veteran quarterback. I mean, if Detroit someday gets impatient with Jared Gough, I'm just telling you, Seattle is really good. Matt Stafford goes to L.A., bang. Brady goes to Tampa, bang.

This is a big-time roster with two great stories at quarterback. I don't think they're raised a trophy, guys. J. Mack with a news. No, no, no, no. Turn on the news. This is the herd line news. You know what's so incredible about the NFL?

So last night before the Drew Locke heroics, they had 205 yards of total offense. Yeah. And Pete Carroll was fumbling and bumbling with the timeouts. Right, all right. That was going to be the story. Pete Carroll, it's over. No, it was.

He has no clue what he's doing. If you were on X, that was the story. That was the story. And then Drew Locke makes a couple fluky, we can call that fluke. No, those are nice throws. Well, like the D.K. Metcalf catches it on his hip. Well, but again, that's a beautiful. Bluelock lobs it down the sideline.

Metcalf makes a heroic catch. Like, there was some. We got to give Drew credit. We do. Those were beautiful throws. He made two beautiful throws. But do you agree? Like, again, 205 yards, total offense before the final drive.

Well, I was sitting there thinking last night. So I won that bet last night, but I shouldn't have. I was on the wrong side. I won a game I shouldn't have won. But you know what? Four and one, I'll take it. Yes, yeah. I lost a game earlier this year with a doink off a crossbar and a short field goal.

So I shouldn't have won that game. I got lucky. But I was thinking as Seattle won, you know, I'm like, this is magical. You almost never see in the NFL where one team statistically dominates, leads the entire game, felt like first series on was the better team. and they go home losing. Like it just last night was a very rare NFL night, but Seattle now at 7 and 7,

Rams 7 and 7. Now Rams beat them twice, so Seattle has to win out, and they go to Tennessee, Pittsburgh, and Arizona, and Arizona in division is sneaky tough. Sneaky tough. I don't think Seattle's going to make the playoffs. I think the Rams will, but it's one of those nights.

I didn't want to overreact to Philadelphia because for 98% of that game, they were the better team. Is this Fool's Gold with, Seattle, though, Colin. I mean, again, I think Jamal Adams was bench last night. I don't remember. Was he inactive? They're going to probably move off, Jamal.

Okay, so they were looking at with that loss, six and eight. And then it's like, we're missing the playoffs. We don't have a quarterback. Pete Carroll's old. Like, it is just insane. How the narrative shift quickly. Yeah, no, that's why I came out this morning and I didn't want to be overreact guy because Seattle got outplayed. So Philadelphia is fine. They're 10 and four and favored in their last three. Seattle, is potentially excellent. I can see Pete Carroll saying,

forget drafting a quarterback. I'll tell you right now. Kirk Cousins without offense? That is a lot of words. Coming off a major injuries. Jared Goff, I know you said, he won't work outdoors in the implement. You're right, you're right.

But Kirk Cousins with that roster. Could work. Yeah, anyways. All right, let's get to Bill Bealecheck and the Patriots. Colin, it's starting to get ugly. And as you're seeing, look at the line. You see that? Russell Wilson and Sean Payton in favor by six and a half now over the

Patriots. Everybody's selling their stock. Belichick is getting, he's like a cornered animal at the media podium. Here he is talking about his future with the Patriots. Nothing's changed. I'm going to keep, you know, we got Denver this week and do all the candid team ready to play well against Denver. I mean, I'll sit around and listen to it and read and listen to our talk radio and read stuff every day. So I'm going to do what I do. And that's a fair team to get ready for Denver. Do you feel that Robert Kraft has had your back? I think any questions you have for Mr. Kraft. You should ask Mr. Kraft.

Is this a place that you want to be long term if it were up to you? Yeah, I'm not getting into the past, the future, or anything else. Get ready for a time to this week. I don't know why they bring him on that morning show. Well, I don't know why he does it. How about this? This is a very basic question. How would you characterize his season, Bill?

How's the season gone? I mean, he's good at dodging, and I'm sure he'd come up with something. I don't think he's that good. I think he's that good. I think he's that good. Well, he's been doing this further. I think Brady's good. Tom was always good at dodging trouble. I think Bill's grumpy.

I think he's a brilliant defensive mind and the greatest defensive coach ever and the most productive head coach ever. But the sport feels like they're drafting and developing issues on the offensive side. Let's be honest. Not only Brady, but Josh McDaniels. Those guys were really Dante Scarnacchio. One of the biggest indictments is him drafting that kicker who has missed like,

I feel like he's one of the worst kickers in the league this season. And it's like, dude, what do you draft a kicker? for. The Cowboys got this dude, Aubrey? I don't think he's Mr. Fielgo. He hasn't. He hasn't. What are you doing drafted? I mean, three guards, two kickers in the draft. Come on. Out of touch. Come on. Rough. Next up, another bad story. The Chiefs.

According to the NFL, the Chiefs lead the league in drops with 34, Patrick Wilhomes keeps deflecting. Once they minimize drops, keep their confidence up. Said he wants the receivers to have confidence in their ability to catch passes and no, he'll keep firing them the ball. They're fine. Every team, other than Niners, has a pretty glaring weakness. We can go down the list.

Well put. This is, without question, number one for Kansas City. Okay. Travis Kelsey is still viable. Rishie Rice, I do believe, is had a very good year. I think Skymore is somebody to keep your eye on. Watson and Skymore are not dynamic, but they're nice, complimentary pieces. I think one of the keys here is you have to bake in Cadarius Tony drops.

You got to bake it in. I don't think they're problems. I think they're getting healthier defensively. I think they're going to win their division. I think they're going to go to the playoffs. I think the defense will only get better. I don't think they're probably. I think they're very much Philadelphia.

I like Kansas City's chances because I like Mahomes more than Jalen Hertz. Andy Reed more than Suriani. I think Kansas City is fine. So you watch that Patriots game, and again, I'm on social media during it. I had dozens of people the whole time. Patriots are in this game. They were. Chiefs cannot put them away.

And then Bailey Zappy does what he does. But Colin, if you look closely, like, if they have a bad matchup, let's say they face the Browns in the playoffs, who play a lot of man-to-man. These Chiefs receivers are not getting open against a Browns receivers. No, that's a tough. Browns TV, that's a bad matchup. Yeah, that's a really tough match. And those linebackers are excellent in coverage. I can see a team like Cleveland giving KC major fits.

Now Cleveland's in good shape. A couple years ago when they won the Super Bowl or were great, Baker Mayfield and Cleveland had him dead the rights. That was the game. The Holmes had like a concussion and Henny came in. Yeah, I mean, we got to be honest about this. This stuff, then they went to a Super Bowl one year. Their tackles are hurt, they got blown out.

It's hard to win Super Bowl. By the way, Jacksonville? By the way, Jacksonville's fading. Okay, now their defense kind of stinks. But if they fall into a wild card spot and they got to go to Kansas City, that game was not touch and go, but it was a 10-point game last year. Jacksonville's not beaten Kansas City. They played them tough this year, and they couldn't move the football.

I think at home was like 17-9. I'm not penciling in the Chiefs to be like a lock for the... I trust their leadership. And I think Rishie Rice has become a number one. Kelsey, I think Skymore and Watson are good threes. They're fine. What they need is Tony to be a two, which is probably what he is because he's not trustable. If Tony can get back, he's just had a bad year of drops.

Where's the edge for them if they have to go to, say, Baltimore in a big place? Well, they don't have a lot of edges. They'll probably lose that game. I mean, it's okay to lose to the Niners or lose to Baltimore. Those are the number one seeds. Like, it's okay to lose to them on the road. It's okay. It is?

Yes, it's okay. All right. Final story. Uh-oh. Here we go. The paper clips. Last night, James Hardin put on a show, Colin. I mean, this was, listen, he's doing Snow Angels when he went off in the fourth quarter.

35 points, 21 in the fourth. listen, I know it's NBA, it's Monday, nobody cares. It's December. Listen, James Hardin was cooking with gas last day. It was something to behold. And he just, look at this, he's just saucing up guys, step back three, and the foul. And here he is on the ground doing snow angels. He's all geeked.

Come on, listen. It's the NBA. It's fantastic. They're playing really well. I think NBA champion should not be crowned in December. I am shocked by the winning streak. but I give Russell Wilson credit willingness to come off the bench

Hardened Westbrook excuse me and Westbrook as he comes off the bench Hardens always been a remarkable regular season player and we know James can be efficient when he wants to be in Philadelphia I never worry about James Hardin in December, January, February, March that's what he shows up. Well I mean just saying it's my misgivings with him

are on these big game sixes big playoff games where he didn't have a lot of gas He's not... You know it's May is strip club season So, you know, hard-in's priorities are a lit. I'm just kidding, James, that's a joke. They're way better than I thought. I thought it'd be a circus.

So I give him credit. And for the record, Ty Lou, and we said this from the beginning. You don't figure it. What gives you hope with the Clippers is they have an excellent coach who his entire career has dealt with maintenance. He's very good at that. A lot of coaches aren't. Mike Dan Tony won't confront people.

You know, his legendary reputation. Ty Lou will confront people. And so he's very good with higher maintenance. players, and Westbrook, again, deserves a lot of credit, stepping back for the team. You know, it's easy to be critical of Russell. I have been. That's a grown-up professional move by Westbrook. In the NFL and on Monday and football, the story is backup quarterbacks.

Can your backup deliver? Do you trust him? That's been a cute. Jake Browning's got him in the mix. Gardner Minchew. In the NBA, you lose a star. It's over. Like, you're not doing anything.

If the Clippers stay healthy, Colin? Well, they're, yeah. I'd love to see a Laker Clippers series. It's just too early. There's still like, what, 40 games left? We also have to be, if we're going to be critical of moves, we have to celebrate when they're good. And right now the clippers are absolutely on fire and Hardin is money. Some of us, some people may have seen this coming.

Jay Mack with the news. Well, that's the news. And thanks for stopping by. The Heard Line News. So over a Saturday night, Sean Payton lit up Russell Wilson. And he was asked about it after the game. And it was one of those kind of big, ugly, turbulent moments. quarterback. We saw Brady sometimes

yelled a coach. Sean Peyton went after Russ and Ross didn't say much and we don't know what they said and Sean Payton wouldn't say what he said. And yesterday he came out Sean Payton and said, we got a great relationship. Here's the coach. Nothing more to share. It's certainly

in-game intensity, heat at the moment, all those things, but nothing more to add. Did you feel the need to hash things out with Russ one-on-one or address the blow up with the team? Not at all. First off, we haven't had a team meeting, and Russ and I have a great relationship. No, not at all.

Okay. Let's just look at big picture. Denver is 7 and 7 with games against New England and the Chargers at home and at the Raiders. Should go 10 and 7. That's two interim coaches and three backups. They should go 10 and 7. They would have signed up for 10 and 7. Considering the shipwreck, they, when, show them,

Sean Payton walked in the door. The mess. They had to solve Russell. The O line was awful. The culture was broken. Next year, they're not going to be terrible in rebuilding in September and October. They have a first round pick. The roster should be better.

So if you go to September and October, they were awful. And they may go, should go 10 and 7. So Sean Payton was asked to fix the offensive line. They were 21st last year by PFF. going into the weekend they were fifth he solved it he had to solve or get russell wilson right russell wilson's passerating last year was 84 this year it's 98 check check next year they probably need to add another receiver they got to get tied end figured out maybe their biggest need is get a pass rusher everybody in the league needs one of those but those are tweaks privately would

This team have taken 10 and 7? I think the minute Sean Payton walked in that door without his GM, new owners, Russell's broken, O lines amass, culture has to be completely rebuilt. Don't get too caught up in controversial comments in the preseason about Nat Hackett. They don't matter. Or the wristband comments, they don't matter. Or the sideline outburst. It doesn't really matter.

This team gets the Chargers, Patriots at home. they'll be favored by a touchdown in both, and then they go and face the Raiders. Three backup quarterbacks, two interim coaches. If you look at the AFC playoff picture today, they are jumbled up. Go look at that group. They're jumbled up with Cincinnati with a backup quarterback and Indianapolis with a backup quarterback and Houston with a rookie quarterback and Pittsburgh can't score. Buffalo's 8 and 6, but Denver's arguably got the

easiest schedule of all those teams jumbled up. So big picture, it's been bumpy, it's been turbulent. They could land this flight. They still have a chance to get into the playoffs. Touchdown favorite over New England. New England can't score, and they may not score this weekend. Chargers will not win a game with Easton Stick. Raiders, they'll win.

10 and 7. All right. Big picture, they'd have signed up for it. live editions of the herd weekdays in noon Eastern 9 a.m. Pacific. Hey, I'm Doug Gottlieb. The podcast is called All Ball. We usually talk all basketball all the time, but it's more about the stories about what made these people love their sport

and all the interesting interactions along the way. We talk to coaches. We talk to players. We tell you stories. You download it. You listen to it. I think you like it. Listen to All Ball with Doug Gottlieb on the IHeartRadio app Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Imagine an Olympics where doping is not only legal but encouraged. It's the enhanced games. Some call it grotesque.

Others say it's unleashing human potential. Either way, the podcast'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. A win is a win. A win is a win.

I don't care what I'm saying. Yep, that's me, CliverTaylor the 4th. You might have seen the skits, the reactions, my journey from basketball to college football, or my career in sports media. Well, somewhere along the way, this platform became bigger than I ever imagined. And now I'm bringing all of that excitement to my brand new podcast, The Clifford Show. This is a place for raw, unfiltered conversations with some of your favorite athletes, creators, and voices that not only deserve to be heard, but celebrated. One week, I'll take you behind the scenes of the biggest moments in sports and entertainment, and the next we'll talk about life, mental health, purpose, and even music. The Clifford Show isn't just a podcast.

It's a space for honest conversations, stories that don't always get told, and for people who are chasing something bigger. So, if you've ever supported me, or you're just chasing down a dream, this is right where you need. to be. Listen to the Clifford show on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. And for more behind the scenes, follow at Clifford and at TikTok Podcast Network on TikTok. Do you remember when Diana Ross double-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 with Little Kim? 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 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 was big to me, not just because of crack. I'm down to talk about crack all day, but just so y'all know. I mean, at this point, Mark, this is the second episode where we've discussed crack. So I'm starting to see that there's a through line. We also have 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. Celebrate the holidays with the gift of football on Fox. On Sunday, it's an NFL doubleheader. Featuring a showdown between the title contenders as DAC leads the Cowboys against Tua and the Dolphins. Then on Christmas Day, the Giants take on the Eagles and Jalen Hertz all on Fox.

Uh, yeah, I gotta tell you. It's a good week for numbers. You're like what I'm saying that because I went four and one this week. It's a good week for numbers. I really, really like the numbers this week. I also had a four and one in the contest. I'm in the mix, Colin. I know you care.

A pick-em season long that your buddy West got me into. I'm fourth out of like 112 people. Big money on the line. Your boy needs a pick-in-winners. Why don't you? Come to me on your picks, and I'll give them a check home. You'll let me know. Okay. You'll let you know.

Okay. So, Philadelphia loses a game they controlled. first downs, third downs, time of possession, rushing yards. They really control the game. But this is an interesting comment, and I don't know exactly what to make of it, by a player I love, an excellent young leader, Jalen Hertz. Listen. I've been talking about execution all year.

Been on the same page. Everyone been on the same page, and we didn't execute. I don't think we're out. were committed enough. What do you mean by that? About being committed enough? Commitment. I don't know that. I had a dictionary on me now.

Excuse me. I don't know how it was to say that. Let me just throw this out there. Coaching is a collaborative effort. Belichick's at his best with Josh McDaniels. Nick Seriani starts with a laughably inept opening press conference. He makes fun of it. First year, seven games with this roster, two and five.

Then he surrenders play calling to a brilliant young coach Shane Steichen. Finish the year, make the playoffs. Next year, magical, get to the Super Bowl almost win. That coordinator leaves. So does the defensive coordinator. And the two replacements aren't great. offense has not had one great game this year for four quarters and defensively they just replaced the DC with Matt Patricia

late in the season. The offense is completely uneven. It rarely has great halves. The quarterback now is questioning commitment, whatever that means. So could I suggest that the secret sauce to this organization has always been Shane Steichen? Bad opening presser, two and five.

You finally surrender. render play calling to Stuyken. Great year and a half. He leaves ugly since. Losing streak. It does feel a little bit like Dan Quinn in Atlanta. Dan Quinn pre-and-post Kyle Shanahan losing record.

With Shanahan for two years, a trip to the Super Bowl, and a winning record. Again, coaching is hard. Coordinators matter. That Dan Quinn Atlanta team was only special when Shanahan was there. roster. And this team

without Shane Steichen is uneven. I'm not sure what they are offensively. They've got the tight ends. They got the O line. They got the quarterback. They have the running back. They have the wide receivers. It's not a personnel issue. The defense has some holes. The offense doesn't.

Best right tackling football. Best center in football. Two excellent star receivers. Good tide ends. Jalen Hertz is an eight quarterback. Why aren't they better? They're not better. They lost their Shan. Shane Steichen could win the division with Gardner Minshu. This stuff is hard.

Belichick without Josh McDaniels. When he had him, Mac Jones made the playoffs. Without him, circus. I mean, Doug Peterson had Frank Reich in Philly. He left. Never the same. I wouldn't be surprised if Doug Peterson and Jacksonville calls Frank Reich and says, you got a lot of money coming.

Come down here and help me. Doug Peterson without Frank Reich in Jacksonville and in Philly, not the same coach. So I'm not saying Nick Seriani, it doesn't know what he's doing. I'm saying, I mean, I remember, you know, covering Oregon football years and years ago. When they got Chip Kelly, different program. It was just a different program as a coordinator. Then he took over his head coach. Sometimes you have these coordinators that are brilliant.

They don't always become great coaches. Frank Reich was not a superstar coach. But, boy, he made Doug Peterson better. And I'm Kyle Shanahan, Dan Quinn, without him under 500. So it just, it feels like something is missing. And I think it's very possible that Nick Seriani, when he was hired, it was surprising. It was very bumpy early. Two and five.

And then he finally said, all right, you call the place. It was magic for a year and a half. It's not magic anymore. And you tell me what's, don't tell me the old line's not good. They have one of the top-rated left tackles, a great right tackle, a first ballot Hall of Fame center, better than average tied-in. two-star receivers, a great leader that's mobile and can throw it deep in Jalen Hertz, and capable running backs.

What is it? It's the same guys. Last year they were blowing everybody out. Now, the schedule's been harder. Dallas is better. You know, there's things here. But I would also argue the giants are worse than last year, and so is Washington. Washington now is circling the drain.

So, J-Mack, you can say what you want. This whole coaching thing is absolutely collaborative. You can go to the Belichicks, the Pete Carrolls, the Andy Reid. I mean, Eric Bienemy and Andy Reid were really special. Bianemy leaves, and it's been a work in progress for Kansas City's offense. They're average in 19 points a game. I was just texting a buddy who would know. So did you notice that Siriani is like the big guy?

He's not like in charge of the offense as head coach or in charge of the defense. He's a walk-around guy. Right. That's nothing wrong with that. That's the best place to be, walk-around guy. You know why? Something goes wrong with the offense. I'm going to blame that guy.

I'm going to get someone else. Something goes wrong with the defense. Let's change it. Walk-around guy doesn't get a lot of blame, does he? Well, many of the great coaches have been walk-around guys. Nick Siriani is a great coach. Did he earn that? I don't know how he got that.

But that's pretty awesome. He's being absolved of all blame during this three-game losing streak. I don't hear any blame for Siriani. Nick pre-Stykin calling the plays. Two and five. Nick post Shane Steichen. Uneven. They were great for about.

a 20-game, you know, 25-game run with Stuyken. Stuyken now may win a division with Gardner-Minshu. I mean, he looks like Shanahan and me where you're like, holy-molly, we got a star star coach here. I remember when he was in San Diego and Tom Telesco recently released of his duties and with the Chargers told me he goes, Stuyken's a star. Like this guy is, this guy is special. When we talked about Belichick earlier, hey, what's wrong with the players?

Well, Belichick, you picked him. You're a defensive guy. Why can't you guys stop anybody? Belichick, he gets a lot of the blame. Obviously, you know, he gets the accolades when they're going well. Right now, three-game losing streak, where's a lot of the blame going? Oh, well, is fluky lost. They're crushing the O.C.

Crushing the O.C. They're crushing the Jalen Hertz. A lot of change in the D.C. They're crushing the corners. Nothing for Nick Siriani here, huh? Listen, I'm not hammering the guy. I'm not saying he's the problem. I'm just saying it's interesting how walk-around guy gets no blame.

And I like Dan Quinn. I think he's a very good candidate. but Dan's two years when they were really special were the Shanahan years. The first year it was like, ooh, this team's getting better. Matt's really good. Second year Super Bowl. And then he leaves, and we just have to be honest here, even great coaches can be very reliant on a start.

Mike McCarthy, I think, is absolutely benefiting from having the best defensive coordinator in football, Dan Quinn. I'll say this. By the way, Sean McDermott with Brian Bable. The offense was, it just may have just finally found its footing a year. Because we play the blame game in media. But Colin, hey, why can't the Eagles last night put away a team with a backup quarterback?

What? Like, that's a reasonable ask. Put them away. Get some distance, run away and hide, and walk. So it's not an issue in the fourth quarter. We saw the Niners do it to this Seattle team twice. They just pulverized them.

Dallas had some issues, getting stops. I just, I haven't seen that ability to get separation, run away and hide, and it's not a sweat in the fourth quarter. I don't see that from this Eagles team. All games are close. They let inferior teams hang around. That's not a great recipe for success. Jalen Hurt says I question commitment.

Who's he talking about? I don't know. I do not know. Nick right around the corner, Heard hierarchy, top 10 teams in the league. I moved a team way up fast. Into the Hurt. Another podcast from some SNL late-night comedy guy,

not quite. Unhumor me with Robert Smygel and friends. Me and hilarious guests from Bob Odenkirk to David Letterman help make you funnier. This week, my guest, SNL's Mikey Day and head writer, Streeter Seidel, help an a cappella band with their between songs banter.

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

Some call it grotesque. Others say it's unleashing, human potential. Either way, the podcast's Superhuman documented it all, embedded in the games and with the athletes for a full year. Within probably 10 days, I'd put on 10 pounds. I was having trouble stopping the muscle growth. Listen to Superhuman on the I-Hard radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. A win is a win. A win is a win. I don't care what I'm saying. Yep, that's me, Clifford Taylor the 4th. You might have seen the skits, my basketball and college football journey or my career in sports media.

Well, now I'm bringing all of that excitement to my brand new podcast, The Clifford Show. This is a place for raw, unfilled of conversations with athletes, creators, and voices that not only deserve to be heard, but celebrated. So let's get to it. Listen to The Clifford Show on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast. And for more behind the scenes, follow at Clifford and at TikTok podcast network on TikTok. This is an IHeart podcast.

Guaranteed human. Thank you.