The Herd with Colin Cowherd - Hour 1 - Russell Wilson Benched

Episode Date: December 27, 2023

In this hour of The Herd, Colin argues that the NFL MVP award is not about statistics—it's about impact and influence on the game. Colin sees Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson as the most impactful and influential player in the league. Also, Colin isn't ready to give the respect and admiration that the Miami Dolphins are clamoring for. Later, Colin reacts to the breaking news that Denver head coach Sean Payton has benched quarterback Russell Wilson for the season's final two games. Finally, Colin gives some credit to Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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thanks for making us part of your day. I don't know what happened. Maybe it was a good night's sleep. I got things to talk about today and strong opinions on them. I will end the Lamar Jackson's MVP debate here in 90 seconds. the attention-seeking validation-seeking Miami Dolphins. I hear you. I'll talk about that.

J-Mack, there are days. It's sleep, got up, fired up. I'm sitting there at 5 in the morning. I got things I got to get out today, and they all crystallized this morning at about 5 a.m. Wow, the takes are just firing. 5 a.m. I was at L.A.X. Airport this morning. Early, very early.

So, little groggy, you may have to carry the show today, big guy. So there was a big discussion. a back and forth, a tate to say, if you will, about Lamar Jackson to a DAC Brock Purdy as MVP. I thought Lamar Jackson put it to bet against the Niners, but I want to talk about this. And I don't think I'm necessarily talking to fans. Maybe I'm talking to a niche audience.

They're called the media. But I hope this resonates a little. Probably won't. They're dug in. They have their opinions. But MVP is not about stats, singularly. I want you to remember the words impact and influence. Impact and influence.

Lamar Jackson is easily the most influential NFL player this season. Ask the bosses. Ask people who have chased him around the field. Ask Fred Warner, who was neutralized for the first time this season. I'll give you Aaron Donald. Offensive linemen are terrified for 10 years of Aaron Donald of the Rams. terrified of him. He is never singularly blocked. Double-teamed on every snap. Even today, often triple-teamed. So his stats have to be contextualized. He's not an edge rusher who

occasionally gets chip-blocked. Interior linemen scared of Aaron Donald. How many sacks is Aaron Donald all these years gotten players on his offensive line? Von Miller sure seemed better as a ram, briefly as a bill, didn't he? The Rams have two rookie defensive linemen, third rounders, not first or second. They're having really good years because of Aaron Donald. Aaron Donald is the most impactful defensive player for over a decade. People are scared to block him. Everything starts with double teams. There's video on the internet of triple teams. And that's Lamar Jackson. You ever notice the Ravens' running game is always good. What are they on? Their 13th running back this season? They're 28th in the last four years. But it's always good. Why is that? Because the threat of Lamar Jackson on that

handoff keeping the ball paralyzes defense. Linebackers get humiliated by him. Years ago, Chris Spielman, a friend, a broadcaster, a former NFL great, told me when Barry Sanders broke into the Lions, Chris Spielman, who's one of the most dominating college linebackers I've ever seen, maybe the best college linebacker ever, said he would watch Barry Sanders a rookie in line and count. Oh, do I have to go up against Barry Sanders? And Chris said, he would humiliate you. Pro athletes have egos.

They don't want to be humiliated. Lamar humiliates you. Aaron Donald humiliate you. you. That's impact. The Ravens are the number one rushing team in the league this year. Ask the Niners. And it's not because of Gus Edwards. They've missed key offensive linemen. They're on their third running back. The Ravens are always perpetually on their third running back. I looked up stats this morning and it's remarkable. Speaking of the words, I just simply asked you to consider as a media member, influence and impact. Lamar Jackson's impact on the Ravens since

2019. When he plays, they win 52 of 72 games and they average 28 points in the AFC. In that division, with the Steelers defense, the Brown's defense, pretty good defensive players. Miles Garrett's been around a while. T.J. Watt has been around a while. Average is 28 a game. When he does not play, they're a BB gun. 17 points a game and a losing franchise, 4 and 9. I'll remind you, Dak Prescott and the Cowboys, Dak got hurt. They went 5 and 1 with Cooper Rush. 4 and 1, 5 in 1.

They won. That's not how it works in Baltimore. Tua? One win this year against a winning team. Nine of Lamar's 11 wins are against winning teams. Brock Purdy? Let me use the word influence again. Jimmy Garoppolo got to a Super Bowl

and Brock Pretty got to an NFC championship. The influence in San Francisco, bro, it's the coach, not the quarterback. Stop telling me about stats. Lamars are good, but it's his impact and his influence and the fact that he paralyzes Fred Warner. Great linebackers are neutralized. Fred Warner dominates games.

every Sunday. One of the best linebackers I've ever seen. Erlacker, Ray Lewis, Fred Warner, he plays Lamar. He looked kind of pedestrian. That's what Great does. That's what LeBron does to KD. It's what Michael Jordan did to great players. They looked average. MVP, stats and production need to be considered. But influence and impact are even more important.

and the Ravens collapse without. Collapse. With John Harbaugh as a coach. With good defenses, excellent front offices, great ownership, they collapse without Lamar. Cowboys win with Cooper Rush.

Niners, Garoppolo Purdy and win games. I'm not anti-anybody, but I am pro-Lamar Jackson. Watch the games. All those Hall of Famers on the field. Lamar was easily the most impactful player. Easily. Here's his star linebacker who faces him every day at practice.

If anybody watched the game, if anybody watched football this season and watch the Baltimore Ravens, they know for a fact Lamar Jackson is the MVP hands down. If anyone that watches football and know football and to see the type of impact he has on the game, not even like stat-wise, but just individually like the plays that he made quarter-ins, and quarter out, play in and play out, compare his film to anyone else in the league, and then I would love to hear what anyone else I should say after that. Thank you.

I want to talk about the Miami Dolphins. Apparently they're very upset in South Beach. I have not given them the respect they deserve. So I was thinking about this. Let's take a profession. We were talking about media. sports writer. And let's say for 23 years

you were a sports writer. Not necessarily terrible, but average. Didn't win a lot of awards. Nobody really talked about you, feared you. And then one week you write a really good column.

Finally. And you demand to be respected for that column. That's the Miami Dolphins. 23 years is the last time you won a playoff game. 23 years of nothing remarkable. This past weekend, you didn't win a Pulitzer, i.e. a Super Bowl. You didn't even win an award, i.e. a playoff game.

You beat a Dallas team that's talented, but strangely bad on the road. You're super high-powered offense, which you're so proud of. Let me see here. Generated a single touchdown. And if not for a bad exchange at the goal line, Cowboys go up 14-3 and probably win the game. Miami is constantly seeking validation and respect. Let's give us some credit, Colin.

That's Visa, MasterCard. It's not my job to give you respect. It's my job, to be honest. You have a singular playoff when in 23 years, won. You beat Dallas at... home. And I do like your physicality. That part of Miami, a lot of Miami teams are just flashy. Bradley Chubb, Wilkins on the inside. You're physical. I like that. Vic Fangio. But you haven't won a division since 2008. A division. And that was because Tom Brady got hurt or

he would have won it again. You have according to percentages, this is not my opinion. You have played the easiest schedule in the league. And you finally beat a team with winning record at home and you want everybody to do backflips. I like your hipster coach too. And you have really fast receivers. And I do think your physicality is finally legit. But even in your own division, which Josh Allen is owned since year two of his career,

I look this morning, the last nine times you've faced Buffalo, you're one and eight. So you can't control your division. You can't win playoff games. You've been really unremarkable for 23 years, but you wrote a really good column, and you need to be respected. How about a add-a-boy, and we move on? At-a-boy, good column.

You're paid to do that. Let's move on. It's okay. I like Miami. Two is a great kid. Minds me a DAC. Don't love him as an A-plus quarterback, but a leader can throw the ball accurately, humble, good kid.

The hipster head coach, I like him too, super smart, clever, creative. a lot of motion. Very Sean McVeigh, Kyle, Shannon, and Ish. You have some really nice players. Jalen Ramsey, Bradley Chubb. Wilkins on the defensive interior. I mean, Tyree kills crazy good. Jalen Waddle's a bit inconsistent, fast, but I like him too.

O-Lines a bit of a mess, but Austin Jackson's always had talent, the USC kid. Vic Fangio, Mike McDaniel, good combo. You're going to win a playoff game. But one in eight last nine against Buffalo. No playoff wins in 23 years. Mike McDaniel against winning teams is one in three, minus 47 point differential, and he's crushed bad teams. Sunday was a out of boy, and nothing more. No credit given, that's Visa.

No validation. Look elsewhere. You still make the herd hierarchy, but if you play Dallas again, I'd take Dallas, and Vegas probably would too. And that's okay. But if you haven't done anything remarkable in two and a half decades, I'm not doing backflips. I told you, Jay Mack, I had a lot to get off my chest. Wow. So I did look up those Miami Dolphins games versus the winning teams.

So they lost in Buffalo. No harm in that. Early in the season, Buffalo was good. They lost to Philadelphia. No harm in that. Philly was good earlier this season. You mean the team you've been bad-mouthing for three months? Well, two months.

And then they lost to Kansas City. I believe in the Germany game, which was a final possession game. Those are respectable losses, Mr. Coward. Listen, if you think your take on Miami was hot, yep, yep, I see you finally see it. I just saw the news. Breaking news. Yeah. Can we do the red bar?

Yeah, put it up. Guys in the back who do the red bar. Russell Wilson has been benched for the final two years of the season. Two games. Two games. Two games. But. Russell Wilson has been benched.

Some of the guys have looked at it. It's over for him in Denver. Financially, we could talk about it next segment. They're doing this so he doesn't get injured. Oh. We have a topic. I have a great parlay for you this weekend. Thanks to Drafking Sportsbook.

New users use the code heard. H-E-R-D. That's me when you download the app takes about a minute. Now for my parlay pick of the week via Draft King Sportsbook. Cowboys at home minus six against Detroit. I like Detroit, but they're hot and cold. Never as good on the road. Cowboys have to get good and get right. I'll take them to win by a touchdown.

Steelers plus three and a half at Seattle. Let's be honest about the Seahawks. They've been outplayed and won the last two weeks. I'll take the hook at three and a half Pittsburgh. Broncos minus five hosting the Chargers. Listen, it's the season. Russell Wilson may get moved out of town if he plays poorly again. I get a coaching and a quarterback edge at home Broncos minus 5.

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Breaking News. Sean Payton takes over the Denver Broncos, fixes Russell Wilson about as much as you can fix him. You got about 80% of Russell in Seattle. He has now been benched Russell for the final two games. Why? Here's why. so he's already got 39 million guaranteed for next year on the books. He would get an additional 37 million Russell would

if he can't pass a physical in early March. So they're taking him out of games. They're going to play Jarrett Stidham. And by the way, we thought they overpaid when Sean Payton got there for Jarrett Stidham. We couldn't figure out why are you paying a backup so much? Because Sean Payton knew very early this was a weird fit. It's a personality clash. One guy is intense, confrontational, outspoken.

Another is highly uber optimistic, which has turned lots of teammates off through the years. They think it's phony and cringy. I'm not making those judgments. I'm just saying I know both. The coach really well. He's an authentic, straight shooter, lots of opinions. He's going to tell you what he thinks. Russell tends to be more laid back in that space.

Kind of everything's going to be okay. positive outlook, a little bit of Kirk Cousins, and for a lot of teammates, they don't like it. So one of the things I have noticed in this relationship, number one, the signing of Stidham was to me bizarre. But that told me Sean Payton had seen enough, discussed enough, and knew this was a problematic relationship. The second thing is, when I watched Denver games, and I really noticed it in the last couple of weeks as Russell Wilson has struggled, Russell's smaller. Tua has acknowledged, honestly, he at times has trouble seeing over the offensive line. Kyler Murray's greatest success is often moving outside of the pocket. Russell Wilson's career is highlighted by rainbow throws up the sideline and moving around a lot and making plays out of the pocket.

But if you watch Russell Wilson in the pocket, it is something I would argue that he struggles to see downfield between the hash marks. I saw it again this weekend. Denver's got very few 20, 25-yard completions. And they have Cortland Sutton. And they have Jerry Judy. Those are fast guys that can get open. They have very few middle-of-the-field completions. It's sideline stuff.

Russell escaping the pocket and going it deep. And the Brady's and the mannings and the big bends and the great ones live in the middle of the field. Eat it alive. Mahomes eats it alive. Russell sometimes can't see the field. Greg Cosell, 44 years NFL films, pointed this out on our show a couple of weeks ago. The Sean Payton's of the world, as you well know, they spend a lot of time putting together their offense, their game plan, the structure of what they want to do, the route concepts, the route combinations. So they expect those things to be executed on Sundays.

Russell Wilson does not execute those at a high enough percentage, but he's an eye dropper. He looks at the rush. And the result of that is that he doesn't see throws that need to be made. So he leaves throws on the field. So again, I'm not breaking down film. But after Greg said that, I've been watching Russell and Denver's offense a lot regarding that testimony, that opinion. And it's true. There are open plays down the middle of the field, and I just don't think he sees them.

If he was 6'5, I'd be concerned that he's afraid to get hit. At his size, some of it's the average offensive lineman, 6'6. tackle six seven some of it's that two has acknowledged sometimes i struggle seeing down the field that's why in miami's offense get rid of the ball quickly off into the flat quick completions don't have to sit in the money pocket so um now the question becomes where does russell go because clearly Denver's going to move off ross my take is keep your eye on tennessee and Washington so um you know remember first round quarterback are less than a 50-50 hit rate.

First round. And, you know, you have a new owner in Washington. Russell Wilson's from around that area. He would be the best quarterback they've had in a while. He's a dynamic playmaker. Money's not going to be a problem. They already have a, I think Washington's got a very interesting roster. Tennessee's another place.

Are they going to depend on Will Levis? As good as Mike Vrable is, does he want to keep losing? Look at the AFC. Come on. Will Levis? I mean, I'm not saying we'll have us can't become something. He certainly could, but I think Washington and Tennessee are places to look at. Now, Atlanta and Minnesota have offensive coaches.

I think they'd push back on Russell. Offensive coaches talk amongst themselves. There's a different code and language and secrets among offensive coaches. I think Kevin O'Connell would talk to McVeigh, and McVeigh would say, no, it doesn't work for you. I think offensive coaches have a greater sense of it. Defensive coaches don't know offense, so a playmaker at offense, upgrade over Will Levis upgrade over Sam Howell in their eyes, defensive coaches, Pittsburgh look at it and go, okay, he's a star. I think defensive coaches see the world differently. But, you know, Pete Carroll,

by the way, got frustrated with it. And now Sean Payton is like, I'm out. So in two years, Pete Carroll and Sean Payton, you know, these are Super Bowl winning coaches have said, yeah, this doesn't work. So we have to be honest about that. Even though I like Russ, even though I know Russ, even though I think he's a good guy, you got to be honest about it. If two really good bosses in my industry over the course of a couple of years said, that guy doesn't work. I'd be in trouble, right? So there's something here. I think there's

going to be a market for him, but he is expensive. I do think Sean got a lot out of him. I said this a couple of weeks ago. He's regressed, but I think a couple of weeks ago I felt like you were getting about 80% of the Seattle, Russell Wilson, and that

Russell Wilson, Pete Carroll said I'm done with. Some of that's probably cost. But I think there's a market somewhere. Jay Mack with the news. No, no, no, no, turn on the news. This is the herd line news. Boy, where does Russ land? That's going to be super fun. Colin, I know you do, you know, Kevin O'Connell and probably not, you don't think he would go for a guy like Russell Wilson.

I don't know. I see McVeigh pulling Matt Stafford out of Detroit. All anybody said, oh, Stafford can't win the big game. He can't get to the playoffs. He can't do anything. But Stafford. Stafford's a classic pocket quarterback with a huge arm. and these offensive coaches look at film.

Well, you're going to look at Denver's film like Sean Payton is. Sean Payton's looking at this. Sean Payton's gotten upset with Russell visibly a couple times. Why? My take is he's telling Russell, there's the play, run the play, the play's open. Why won't you throw it? I'm not a mouth reader. But I think sometimes the frustrations with Russell are, I just read a quote yesterday.

In fact, this morning I read it very early. It was, do I have to simplify the offense? That's like the third time he's talked about simplifying the offense. What it means is Sean doesn't think Russ can run big chunks of his offense. Well, what offensive coach wants? The reason McVeigh moved off golf, there were throws he didn't believe Jared can make that Stafford can't. Why did they move off Garapolo? Because Brock Purdy moves the pocket.

He can make more throws and run more higher percentage of Kyle's playbook. So remember, offensive coaches are. loyal to their system, their scheme, and their playbook. Russell limits apparently what Sean can do with his. I'll maintain, I think there's a good buying opportunity at the right price, of course, for Russell. You don't have to give up any high picks or anything, because Denver's going to move off him. This is going to be awesome for the offseason.

January is going to be fun. All right, let's get started with the Detroit Lions, clinching the NFC North, Colin, impressively done over the weekend, ending the NFL's second longest active drought without a division title. Jared Goff said the team celebrates. but won't get complacent down the stretch. I think that's what you get fearful of when you do win a division, and certainly in our situation, win one for the first time in a long time,

and think the job's done. And by no means is that we've got a ton more goals ahead of us and everything is in our control, and we can go out there and do whatever we want to this year, just have to go execute. I know the fans are thrilled. We get a home playoff game at the very least, but with that being said, like I said earlier,

We got so much more in front of us that we want to accomplish. And we're very, very happy with winning the division, but by no means satisfied or content. Got a lot to do still, and it'll be fun. By the way, the Lions and Cowboys are very similar teams. At home, watch out. Everything going right, Dack and Goff, watch out. Muddy Pocket, on the road, weather's chilly.

You don't know what you're getting. So the Lions and Cowboys are environment sensitive. Ravens aren't. Niners generally aren't. Buffalo isn't. These two teams are environment sensitive to me, so I'm interested to watch the Cowboys feels like the side because they've got to get right and the lines just wrapped up a division and they're feeling themselves and having an extra glass of Vino. I think Dallas wins this game. But again, I thought they'd beat Miami and they didn't.

It was six and a half down to six for Saturday night's game. Colin, I'm looking at the standings. Detroit's not totally out of it for the number one seed. Now they would need help. the Niners would have to lose as double-digit favorites. The Eagles would have to go down again. I just don't know what to expect in this game. Are we going to see like the Seattle-Dalice game?

Remember that Thursday night game? Are we going to see that kind of high-achane offense? Fans constantly seek respect. But this league is situational. So Detroit just wrapping up a conference crown, they may not be the same intense Detroit. By the way, Baltimore just thumped San Francisco. Do you think they could go home and pull back emotionally against Miami?

on Miami yesterday. Yes, Miami's decide this weekend, not because I think Miami's better than Baltimore, but because Baltimore is being celebrated now after thumping the heavyweight champ, they're great. So it's only natural. You fly cross country and you go home and you're a bit flat. And so fans don't want to hear that. We won the game. We're great. This whole league, including the Niners, is completely situational. It's why you love the Steelers this week against the Bengals. Oh, you're facing Jake Browning a second time. You're backed into a corner. Tomlin's being talked about getting fired.

Pittsburgh came out with their hair on fire and looked like the best team in the league last week. I do not like Pittsburgh this week. Just to put that out there in Seattle. You don't like him getting three and a half. Yeah, I think Seattle could put it on. Come on, Mason Rudolph on the road against Seattle team that's on the version of the playoff.

Next up, Joe Flacco, Colin, is leading Cleveland to something special. And remember, last year, he was, with the Jets. They decided not to re-sign him. And Joe Flacko's now on his way to being comeback player the year. Flacco said he has no hard feelings against his former team. There's all kinds of things that happen throughout the course of a season and an offseason and things like that. And I enjoyed my time while I was there.

And, you know, it is what it is. I'm happy to be where I am, that's for sure. He's just, you know what I love about Flacco? Baker was going to save the franchise. Deshaun is going to save the franchise. And it's Joe Flacco. And you watch them and you're like, okay, this is a weird story.

But with that defense, so I'm going to ask you, okay? Joe Flacco was in the building in New York last year. Aaron Rogers goes down in week one. You didn't think, well, let's call Joe Flacco. He's a, you guys are frigging professional. He can come in and steady the ship. Hold on, hold on.

You're telling me the GM didn't think. Let's call, let's call Flacco and see what's going on. This is what's happening in the league. So an offensive coach, Kevin Stefansky, takes Flacco with a singular practice, and he is more than capable. Kevin Stofansky takes Flacco, and you watch them and you're like, this is a better version of the Deshawn Baker Browns. That's what I think. Defensive coach in New York couldn't even see the possibilities. And that is what is happening all throughout this league.

I'm sure the Jets argument was, hey, hack it. I don't think he's a good fit for our offense. We got Zach Wilson. He's been in the building. You think Flacco was a great fit for Stifansky? Stifansky said, I'm going to make this work. We're going to salvage a season. And now they're a playoff team.

Like this is, I mean, this is exactly why Jets fans should be irate that Woody Johnson's keeping this town show together. And not just Jets fans. This is happening in Indian, Minnesota. Atlanta still playoff viable. Minnesota playoff viable. They're on a fourth quarterback, I think. Indianapolis. When there's disruption at quarter.

quarterback in the NFL. If you have a defensive coach, good luck. If you have an offensive coach, you're viable. It doesn't mean you'll be great, but you're viable. Final story. A lot of rumors about Bill Belichick and the Patriots being done after this season. Belichick has now, wait for it, reportedly expressed doubt about his future with the Patriots and his staff.

He's also not yet sat down with ownership to discuss his future following the season. and I'm surprised he didn't get called into a glass office and yelled at for beating the Broncos on Saturday. Listen, they're playing their way out of Caleb and Drake May. Patriots are fighting hard here down the stretch. I know the players don't want to hear it. The coach doesn't it. But if your ownership, you're not happy with that win. That's the reality.

Like, what do I care about a December win for? I want Drake May. I want Caleb Williams. I don't know, Colin. Well, and they don't have a lot of interesting personnel. They have picks they could give people to move. up, but I mean, the teams that are really in a good space. Chicago?

Well, no, because they don't know if they have the right quarterback. Arizona has a quarterback that they could live with. The Chargers have a quarterback they like. That Chargers spot? The Chargers, if you hire a GM, if you're the Chargers, and you do not move down, the three things the draft gives you in the top 12, edge rushers, quarterbacks and left tackles, chargers have all of them. They've got all of them.

If the Chargers don't find a GM willing to roll the dice, they can trade down three different times. But they're going to need a lot of dudes because they're losing, you know, Eccler's gone, Mike Williams, maybe Jeremy. You can find running back, safeties. Those guys are replaceable. And they've got three pass rushers, Mac, Bosa, and Tully from USC. They can all rush the pass.

Some people have argued the Patriots. They lost their first round pick, Gonzalez, the kid out of Oregon, who was really good in limited time. They lost him for the season. They had a couple other defenders. He's like, if we can find a quarterback. Does Russell Wilson seem like he would fit in New England with Belichick? First of all, when Russell left Seattle, you had to have been surprised that all the players taken shots of him.

He got him to two Super Bowls. That's right. Okay. And then he goes to Denver and this coach can't get along with him. So at some point, is Russell going to own the fact that players and coaches, he struggles to connect with him? I mean, you can say all the positive things. but Seattle multiple teammates dinged him. I couldn't believe it.

He got him to two Super Bowls. The Seahawks. And he goes to Denver and the coaches yelling at it. Hold on. He got them to two Super Bowls. I'm sure the reason the players dinged him is because he thought that. And other people thought, well, we had Marshawn Lynch in the Legion of Boom. And you were the bus driver or whatever they call it.

You know, instead of like... Pittsburgh's had great defenses forever. They're not getting to Super Bowls. Quarterback had something to do with it. I would agree. I'm a big Russ guy. I was. I don't know where I am now.

I'm in the same boat, but the point is there is something with Russell's personality between Sean Payton and the Seattle locker room. You've got to own that. If you're two different networks in our space and can't get along with people, that's on you. You've got to look at the mirror. So, I mean, it's one thing to fail. Russell's got talent. But there's a weird component here that I think has to be asked in that situation. So I don't, you're asking me would he fit in New England.

And I'm saying I would have questions why it's not working in all these places. and why the conflict. But he's an upgrade over Zappy and Jones. Well, obviously, right. I think. Yeah, by the way, Russ, I just saw this stat. He's tied for the league lead in fourth quarter comebacks this season. Like, his numbers are not bad.

But again, I know your argument to stats. It can just be stats. Matt, Matt Stafford had great stats for years because he trailed all the time. So you've got to be careful about stats. Lamar Jackson's stats aren't as amazing in some areas as Russell Wilson this year. Well, come on that. Sure. And watch the games.

One guy is just a playmaker. One guy feels like his coach doesn't trust him. That's what I see when I see the games. Jay Mack with the news. Well, that's the news. And thanks for stopping by. The Herd Lie News. I have so many things prepared and, you know, you get a breaking story.

It's crazy. Be sure to catch live editions of The Herd weekdays in noon Eastern 9 a.m. Pacific. Hi, this is Jay Glazer. And you may know me for the world of football or fighting or even shows like HBO's ballers. don't know is for my entire life. I have lived in something I refer to as the gray. Depression, anxiety. So now I'm coming out with a new podcast. Unbreakable, a mental health podcast with Jay Glazer where each week, while we talk about mental health, I hope to describe it. Give it words.

Listen to Unbreakable with Jay Glazer 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. 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

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

The Clifford Show isn't just a podcast, it's a space for honest conversations, stories that don't always get told, and for people who are chasing something bigger. So if you've ever supported me or you're just chasing down a dream, this is right where you need to be. Listen to the Clifford Show on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast. And for more behind the scenes, follow at Clifford and at TikTok Podcast Network on TikTok. Do you remember when Diana Ross double-tapped Little Kim's boobs at the VMAs? Or when Kanye said that George Bush didn't like black people.

I know what you're thinking. What the hell does George Bush got to do with Little Kim? Well, you can find out on the Look Back at it podcast. I'm Sam 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 is big to me, not just because, of crack. I'm down to talk about crack on day, but just so y'all know. I mean, at this point, Mark, this is the second episode where we've discussed crack. So I'm starting to see that there's a through line. We also have AIDS on the table right now. 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 Sunday, the race for the NFL postseason is on Fox as Matthew Stafford and the Rams continue their push for the playoffs against the Giants or the Seahawks try to keep their hopes alive as they host the Steelers. Check for the game in your area only on Fox. Baker Mayfield, early window. I will give the appropriate affection and love to Baker Mayfield before the end of the show today. Okay. I know Antonio Pierce, and I like Antonio Pierce. He's a straight shooter. He's done a great job with the Raiders. But there is a difference between a backup quarterback Josh Dobbs who can come in for a few weeks, win games, and Patrick Mahomes, who can do that for years. People tend to forget that about the really great players. People game plan against them, and they still beat you. A backup, you need a couple of weeks of film.

But they can surprise you. Same with interim coaches. They bring great energy. It's like a substitute teacher. Everybody's trying to impress the substitute teacher for the first couple of days. There's the reason she's a substitute teacher or he's a substitute teacher. So Antonio Pierce, only two years coaching in the NFL. He makes Brandon Staley look like Andy Reed.

He's barely been in the NFL coaching two years. I like him. And he has won games and here's how he's selling Antonio Pierce. is classic Antonio. I'm going to keep saying it as long as it looks right, sounds right, and smells right. I'm fine with it. Won't lose a draw. And I'm going to be me, and they're going to be them.

And when his bad boys over with, hopefully it all works out, and we're together for more years to come. And hopefully Mark Davis sees improvement and growth within our team. He sees the style and play that he wants from the Raiders. He sees a fan base that's behind us. He sees a building that loves come to work and loves being here and people that's covering the team and enjoying covering their team. And at the end, we've got to win.

And right now, my record, our record, is four and three. Without a script, nailed it. Landed the flip. He's right, in all cases. And I know him and like him. He's a real guy. He's a real guy. But emotion can get in the way of the truth.

And let me throw this out to you. 12 of the 14 current playoff teams have an offensive coach. Antonio Pierce is a defensive guy. His Raiders did not complete a single power. pass in the last three quarters against Kansas City. Not one. His entire game plan this week was beat him up physically, and that can work for a game or two weeks.

Number three, most successful NFL coaches serve as coordinators for years. He's been in the league two years as a coach. Step back, take a deep breath. Don't conflate a physical win against a baseball. a struggling rival for clever, progressive game plans that can win you consistently, divisions and or playoff spots. The Raiders haven't scored an offensive touchdown in two of the last three weeks. But, Colin, they have a backup.

Cleveland is on their fourth quarterback. Indy right now is a playoff team at 8 and 7 with Gardner Minshu. Atlanta, Minnesota, Cincinnati backups vying for playoff spots. not a completed pass in three quarters against the chiefs. I like him. He's a good dude. But the Raiders, in my opinion, have been chasing an image of what they think a Raiders coach can be. That's why they went and got Gruden again, instead of just hiring the best guy in the market. I'd call Jim Harbaugh. I'd call Ben Johnson.

I'd call people with years of experience. I'd take a deep breath. rooting for Antonio. If he gets it, he is right on every account. The players like it, the team likes it, the media likes it, the locker room likes it, right, right, right, right, right, right. I'm not rooting against him, but I'm saying I've seen the interim thing before where teams get a bounce, play very, very hard, and then you look up and go, yeah, that guy didn't have a ton of experience, and it was an interim situation, and the chiefs were struggling anyway, and it's a rivalry game, and it's the truth of what you often see.

It's why you have to be very careful about firing a coach in season. Because the interim coaches, I watched the Chargers this weekend, play their butts off with Easton Stick. The energy was unbelievable, much better energy I'd seen from the Chargers in months with a linebacker coach who the players were trying to impress and playing for. everybody loves the substitute teacher you know I know many of you

view my opinion on Baker Mayfield as one-sided and too harsh but I will say this I think actually everybody is underplaying the Baker Mayfield story I really do so this morning

I went and looked at the NFL standings currently in the playoff picture there are two ways, there are two ways to get to the playoffs. Great quarterback or offensive coach. The only exception is the Seahawks who have neither an offensive coach or a great quarterback. Everybody else, Ravens, Dolphins, Chiefs, Jags, Browns, Bills have Josh Allen, Colts have Shane Steichen, Niners, Eagles, Lions, Cowboys, Rams, Seahawks. So you say to yourself, well, Colin, the Bucks don't have.

a great offensive coach. No, but they have Baker Mayfield. And he was a number one pick. And if Baker Mayfield wins this division, he's going to get an AFC team to the playoffs and an NFC team winning a division to the playoffs. Russell Wilson couldn't do that. And he may have just started his last game for the Broncos in the AFC.

This story's underplayed. And Baker's done it with Cleveland, mostly a laughingstock. Let's be honest, Cleveland, mostly a laughing stock for 30 years. And Tampa, which pre-Tom Brady had not won a playoff game in 17 years. 17. This is this year, not Cleveland. This is validating Baker Mayfield. This is because that Cleveland O'Line, the Cleveland run game, Stifansky,

he's doing it with a defensive coach that got run out of New York and has won less than half his games. Yeah, I know the division's not great, but I didn't hold that against Trevor Lawrence last year when he won his division, the AFC South. So why should I hold it against Baker Mayfield? Now, you know I like Trevor Lawrence as a talent more than Baker, but that's not fair as a sportscaster.

I didn't hold it against Trevor Lawrence. I can't hold that against Baker. His division's bad. You're still going to win games. He's doing it with a defensive coach. 23 with a sub 500 record. Baker deserves more credit than he's getting. This is a great story.

If the Buccaneers decided, if they make the playoffs, in my opinion they will, and they decided we're not going to give away our future, we're going to roll it with Baker for three years. We're going to give him a big contract. I'm okay with it. And I'm also getting a much more mature Baker-Mayfield. Now, he's always had a chip in his shoulder, but like a lot of young people,

it took being humbled for him to go, wow, I got to look in the mirror a little bit. Kind of screwed that up. And I think Baker's a smart guy. I've always felt he's smart. He's funny. He'd be a great broadcaster. He'd be a great.

In our space, Baker would be a home run. He would be a great, great analyst. He's very quick, very bright. I've been told on a whiteboard, he's brilliant. And now I get more mature. I'm not saying he's Brady mature. I'm not saying, but he's more mature. and so if they decided, hey, replacing Tom Brady's hard, right?

Like really hard? Go ask the Patriots and Belichick. If Baker's the guy that gets a four-year deal, I'm okay with it. I think this is the rare story that we're underselling the quarterback. This is a real thing. Browns, Tampa gets both of the playoffs. Well, have a lot. Say what you want.

Well, what about Brady? Brady's the goat. You can give me examples of great players who have done it. But I think it's a real story. Here's Baker talking about his future. It's a hell of a lot better in the past five years. I can say that. The answer's not going to change.

I would love to be here. It's a great city. Great group of guys. Great organization. But winning ball games take care of that. So we'll have that discussion after the year. You were rolling your eyes at my affection. I'm not rolling my eyes.

He's been a great story. tremendous season. I just wonder, how much of this is, hey man, Baker, last chance. You're playing with house money. You had a great run in college, good start to your career, no pressure here in Tampa.

And he plays great. You're going to go pay him now and make him your guy. Is that what I heard you say? Well, time out. Everybody wants a defensive interim coach with two years to be a head coach. I'm saying Baker is a number one quarterback who led the tire fire browns to the playoffs,

and he's now doing the same in Tampa. This is legitimate. Okay. If you're going to sell me on a coach with no experience, I got a quarterback who led a team in the AFC when Mahomes was there and Burrow was there. Wasn't Big Ben still playing? I mean, it was like the AFC was loaded. I just think, and you could say Gino Smith is a retribution, you know.

No, no. But I think Baker's a much better deliverer of the football than Gino, in my opinion. Okay, so he's going to go to you and say he wants a deal after this. Are you getting locked in or are you doing like a Gino Smith, two-year deal type thing? I would have no problem if the number is right. You're not getting the first number is not four, and it may be three low. Look around. Look around.

Look around. I'm just saying. Ninth and passerating. Something to think about. Hour two next. 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,

make you funnier. This week, my guest, S&L's Mikey Day and headwriter, 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 I-Heart 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. Hey, what's good, y'all? You're listening to Learn the Hard Way with your favorite therapist and host, Kear Games. This space is about black men's experiences, having honest conversations that it's really not safe to have anywhere, but you're having them with a licensed professional who knows what he's doing. How many men carry a suit or armor. It signals to the world that you not to be played with. And just because you have the capability that does not mean that you need to, listen to learn the hard way on the IHard radio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast. This is an IHart podcast. Guaranteed human.