The Herd with Colin Cowherd - Hour 2 - The Chiefs will miss the playoffs

Episode Date: April 11, 2025

Jason shares his AFC playoff teams and why he has the Chiefs missing for the first time in the Patrick Mahomes era Ja Morant is still making poor decisions    Guest: Ben Volin See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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I'm Michelle McPhee, and I've been unraveling the strangest criminal alliance I've ever reported on. A Mormon polygamist and an Armenian businessman. Multi-million dollar house, Ferraris and Lamborghinis, private jets, a billion dollar fraud. But how long can this alliance last? Tell me what you know. Is somebody coming after me? Listen to Kingdom of Fraud on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for listening to The Heard podcast.

Be sure to catch us live every weekday on Fox Sports Radio in noon to 3 Eastern, 9 a.m. to noon Pacific. Find your local station for the herd at Fox SportsRedio.com or stream us live every day on the IHeart Radio app by searching Fox Sports Radio or FSR. You're listening to Fox Sports Radio. Hour number two here on the herd. It's a fun Friday, folks. Ooh, you like that alliteration? Alex Curry joining me.

Got on my case earlier for being a little negative. So we're going to start this hour positive. What? No, you're not. You're coming out, like, blazing today, which kind of... Got enough pool of pump yesterday, fired up. Yeah. Good for you.

I like it. Ending the week on the strongness. Well, I told you. On a spicy note. We'd like a little spicy Fridays. Only time someone came after me in public. Okay. Was for a camp.

Oh, you had someone in public? It was this meatball in downtown. Over a Cam Newton take from like two years ago. Oh, I was here. Yeah. Yeah. I remember that. That guy was upset at that.

I was like two years ago. I met a thousand takes since then. It's okay. Keep them coming. Listen, I think what I'm about to say is real. Yeah. And authentic. Let's go.

Maybe not Shador Sanders level keeping it real. Yeah. But there's this guy in the NBA named John Moran, and he is a phenomenal basketball player, period. Like three years ago, John Morant was on track to be the face of the NBA. I looked this up. In his third year, Memphis got to the conference semi-finals, and this guy was dynamite, just an outstanding player. And it has gone rapidly downhill for John Moran. So last night, he's playing against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

and John Moran, who earlier this week was doing a gun celebration, pointing it at the Warriors bench, I believe it was at Buddy Heald. And now John Moran has decided since he got told, stop doing the gun celebration, guy who was in trouble for having a gun on Instagram live, he decided, okay, let me pivot off the guns and I'll go to a grenade celebration. So last night, John Morant bangs a three against Minnesota in another loss, by the way, Minnesota smoked him. And here you see on the screen, John Moran 3, he's all excited, pulls the pin, chucks the grenade, and cover his ears. My guy, what are we doing? Somebody on our staff, I should call him out by name, but I'm not going to. I thought it was a great take. Is he trying to get his way out of Memphis?

Like, it's possible, unlikely, but possible. Why do you keep doing dumb things? This is not a cool celebration. You know, are guys jealous that Steph Curry has the sleep? thing when he hit the three late in the game. I mean, he did it at the Olympics, and it's an iconic image. He does it in the NBA. It's pretty awesome.

So, John's like, I need my signature thing. How about winning? How about playing for your coach? Now, you know, the Memphis has been a little rocky this season, which adds to the potential. Is John trying to get out of Memphis? So Memphis, their head coach, kind of had let John Morant do his thing and whatever, and then he keeps getting hurt. So they're like, we need some protections.

Let's bring in some assistance. assistant coaches who were going to take the ball out of Jaws hands and make everyone else better, make it more well-rounded. And so that worked for a little while, and Jaws' numbers came down. But then it stopped working, and Jaws said, bleak this, I'm going to get mine. And then they end up firing the coach. And so it's this weird tug of war inside Memphis internally. Do we want to ride Jha, or do we want to get everybody better?

This reminds me, and I'm not comparing John Morant to Michael Jordan, it's just an obvious coaching strategy. Michael Jordan had the run of the show in Chicago. Doug Collins, who he loved his head coach. Doug, you want me to do me? I got you. I'm going to get 35. Oh, we're going to lose in the second round of playoffs. So they bring in Phil Jackson and Tex Winter, and they put in a triangle offense. We're structure for Michael. Michael, we're going to take a few shots away from you. We're going to spread the wealth, but we're going to be unstoppable. Now, the timing was great for Jordan and the Bulls and Phil Jackson, the rest of the East was weakening, the Celtics were breaking down, the Pistons definitely broke down.

The Ewing's Knicks, my favorite team of my youth, they could never take down the Bulls in a playoff series that mattered. And the rest is history. You know, Michael Jordan rides a triangle offense to massive success, six titles, blah, blah, blah. Is there a world where John Morant can fall in line for the betterment of the team and franchise? And given his track record in the last. last, I don't know, four years, I'm going to go in and say that's not happening.

Okay? I like John Moran as a player. I know he's immensely popular among the young kids, but he is losing that grip. The same way Zion, who was supposed to be face of the league, it was like him and John Morant, could they be the face of the league? Can they share it? Because they're dynamic and explosive and just high level athletes. And neither of them has been able to, A, stay healthy and B, get their act together

off the court. John Moran, just advice you don't need to take. Ditch the grenade celebration, man. Just play basketball, be a leader, and win some games. That's probably your best bet to get back on top. All right, let's welcome into the show. A great guest. He covers the NFL for the Boston Globe.

Ben Valen, Ben. It is. Great to have you, man. It's a good time to be a Patriots fan, right? Colin Cowherd loves them. I said earlier in the show, Ben, and I think they're a playoff team this year. That may be a bridge too far, but you've got a good coach in Mr. Vrable, huh?

You know what? Things are looking a lot brighter in Foxborough these days. They've got, I think, a very quality coach in Mike Brable and offensive coordinator, Josh McDaniels. I think that was a great hire. They've got a young quarterback in Drake May. They've won the offseason spending all this money on free agents, Milton Williams, Stefan Diggs, Harold Landry.

The arrow is definitely pointing up in Foxborough, and it's not crazy to. predict them as a playoff team. I mean, I don't think they're going to be a real contender, but if the commanders can do it in one year, if the Minnesota Vikings can go from last place to the playoffs, why can't the Patriots go 9 and 8 or 10-7 and sneak into the playoffs next year? I think the expectations are definitely a lot higher in Foxborough than they were in the past. So I don't want to go back to last year too much because I'm sure it was a ghastly time for you covering the team. They were obviously very bad. But did they?

need to just take out a lot of guys who weren't meant for that locker room, weren't a good fit, and Vrabel's now reshaping the roster in his vision? Yeah, I don't think the issue was like a spoiled locker room that I don't think attitude was the reason. I think it was talent. This is a team that for the last four to five years under Bill Belichick really struggled to draft, and it all came to a head the last year or two where they just didn't have much veteran talent.

You know, back in 2021, they had to go out and overpay for some. several free agents like Hunter Henry, Matthew Judon. That's a clear reflection of poor drafting. And same thing this offseason with all the money that the Patriots have spent. I mean, last year they had the worst offensive line, the worst group of receivers. Drake May was playing with nothing last year. So I wouldn't say that it was like a bad attitude or they had to get rid of some rotten apples in the locker room. They just need to add talent.

And if you're Gerard Mayo, I think you're wondering, well, where was this free agency spending? last year. The Patriots didn't really bring in many top guys from the outside last year. And I think if you're Gerard Mayo, it's like, well, gee, it's nice that Mike Brayble can get all this talent, but where was this talent for me last year? Yeah. I think I saw a stat, Ben, that the Patriots had the most different starting offensive line combinations in the league. That might have been from you or someone, but like they could just couldn't figure it out. Have they done enough in free agency to solidify the O line? Or do you think they still stick with offensive line at four in the draft?

No, I mean, offensive line is still definitely a big question. And left tackle is the one glaring hole that they didn't fill in free agency. They got a receiver and Stefan Diggs. They got a lot of help on defense, a cornerback, Carlton Davis, Milton Williams, defensive tackle, Roberts Blaine, linebacker. The one hole they didn't fill was left tackle. They brought in Morgan Moses, the 34-year-old veteran from the Jets. He'll be on the right side, but the Patriots still definitely need to find an answer at left tackle.

you know, it's not a, it's an interesting decision they face at number four. There's not like a guaranteed sure thing left tackle prospect like Joe Alt last year who went to the Chargers. You know, Will Campbell from LSU is an excellent football player, a top prospect, maybe the best lineman in the draft, but there is some concern about his size and his measurables. You know, the whole arm length thing is he have the arm length to be a left tackle in the NFL. And I think that's what the Patriots are facing right now. Is he the guy they want to take it for, or is that a little high for a guy who you're not quite sure

is going to be a left tackle? It might ultimately have to play guard in the NFL. But protecting Drake May is the number one goal for the Patriots this year. And I don't know if they've done enough. Bringing in Morgan Moses and Senator Garrett Bradbury from Minnesota, those are good moves. But adding the left tackle, getting Will Campbell in the draft will look good on paper, but then there will be questions, of course,

if he can actually play the position in the NFL. So let's just assume that Cam Ward goes one, Travis Hunter, two, and Abdul Carter three. Although I find it hard to believe the Giants would take another defensive line, but who knows? If the Patriots don't go offensive tackle, do you have a wild card? Is Ashton Genty in play? Is that too crazy? Is there Tyler Warren, the tight end seems a little rich? Four seems to be kind of a tough spot here for the Patriots. It is a tough spot for the Patriots.

who are, I think if you're sitting there at four, you're praying that Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter falls to you and makes it a very easy decision. And really, it highlights just how, how awful that week 18 win was for the Patriots over the bills last year when Joe Milton came in and won the game, dropped them from number one to fourth. They were sitting at number one right now.

They could trade that pick to Tennessee or Cleveland, get a nice haul, and still feel good about getting Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter. Now they're kind of in purgatory with that fourth pick. if they decide Will Campbell's not their guy. There's another offensive tackle. Armand Membue from Missouri. He looks the part, but he's only been a right tackle

and moving him to the left side, a little bit of a projection. And then otherwise, I think the Patriots go past Russia. He can never have enough of those guys. Brable seems to want guys who can pin their ears back and get after the quarterback. And the guy that's gaining some buzz is Jailon Walker from University of Georgia. Just a freak of an athlete can play on the line of scrimmage, can play off the ball.

You can do a lot of different things with him. It'd be, I think, a tremendous piece in the Patriots defense. You know, the one issue is this draft is stacked with pass rushes. There's going to be almost maybe 20 guys in the top three or so rounds to go. So do you necessarily need to take a pass rusher at number four when there are fewer left tackles? There are fewer tight ends available. I would love for them to get Warren from Penn State. Ashen Genti from Boise State, I don't think they go there.

I don't think that's a team that's ready to take a running back with number four. but they do need playmakers on offense. That's been the Patriots' biggest issue the last two years is they finished 31st and 30th in scoring. They need playmakers. So Ashen Gentie would be fun. He'd be a controversial pick. I don't see that making it.

I think it's going to be either Will Campbell, Armand Membue, one of the tackles, or Jailon Walker, probably the pass rush. One more on the Patriots. You know, Cowherd really likes this team this year. He started to convince me like, hey, man, there's something there. Obviously, they're going to be better than a jet. and Justin Fields at quarterback. Can they be better than the Miami Dolphins is the question?

Is that a realistic expectation? Let's assume Tyree Kills playing for the Dolphins this season, of course. Yeah, I mean, honestly, I think it's very realistic that the Patriots could finish second in the division this year. Not a fan of what the Dolphins have done. I think this is a team that needs a hard reset, but they have stood by their coach, their quarterback, and their GM. I don't know, the Dolphins, to me, feel like a team that is about to fall apart in 2025.

they've really lacked discipline in the last few years, haven't been able to get over that hump, and then I've really struggled in high leverage situations, bad weather, important games, December, playoff teams. I'm not a big fan of where the dolphins are headed. And I think that, like I said, the arrow is definitely pointing up for the Patriots.

I think Mike Grable is going to be an excellent coach for them, really instilling an attitude and a culture that's been missing the last few years. They've already increased their talent. You know, we'll see what Stefan Diggs can give them. The Patriots put a lot of particular. protection in that contract in case he's not quite the same player coming back from that ACL. But Drake May in year two, he's going to have a lot more talent around him.

The defense should be better. And I just think the coaching with Rabel and Josh McDaniels is going to be a lot better than what Drake May and the Patriots got last year. So I definitely think that they can finish second in that division and compete for a while. All right. One more on the Patriots. I forgot. So Rable historically, gamblers love him because he does more with less seemingly than any

coach in like the last 15 years. He's a great, great schemer and a mastermind and a leader. I'm just curious, what are your early impressions with him? Will the Patriots look radically different as an offensive team next year? Well, yes, but just because last year's offense was radically different for them under Alex Phantel, more of the West Coast scheme that he brought from Green Bay. Now they're going back to the Josh McDaniels offense, which everyone around here is very familiar with over the last 20 years. So it's going to be different.

It's not going to be like Tom Brady running the show. But Josh McDaniels has been very adaptable. He's worked with Cam Newton, Mack Jones, Matt Castle. So I expect Josh McDaniels and his staff to put Drake May in a position to succeed. And I think Drake May, to me, that's a great coach for him having McDaniels kind of tutor him. And I think Drake May is definitely on the up and up. You know, with Rabel and Tennessee, you know, the people down there will like to point out that with the more power he got with the team, the kind of the worst day.

They did. And then once he lost Arthur Smith, his offensive partner, that's when Tannenhill and the rest of the offense didn't start doing as well. But Vrable, to me, is a terrific motivator, and he's a great leader. He's exactly what this program needs. A guy who's been there and done that. He's one coach of the year. He's won playoff games. He came into Foxborough and won a playoff game and beat Tom Brady. He's got confidence. He was a player. He won as a player. He's everything, with all due respect to Geron Mayo. So Brable brings a lot more to the table than Mayo did last year as far as leadership. And I know things didn't end well for Vrable in Tennessee,

but I think there's something to be said for having a guy who has made mistakes and is willing to learn from them. And I definitely see that from Brable. Every time I've heard him speak so far, three or four times in the offseason, you know, you just listen to him. You're like, man, this is the perfect guy for this team and this situation. And I really do like the way that he's got the program headed right now. All right, two real quick ones.

big picture AFC. I made a case earlier that the Chiefs will regress this season. I have not gone online to see how bad people hate me for it. But Ben, I mean, 11 and 0 in one score games, we know historically that flips year to year. And they haven't done anything to help their roster this offseason. They picked up a backup left tackle from the Niners hoping that he will salvage their offensive line. Traded away, Tune. Listen, man, you can't stay on top forever in the NFL.

That's the reason we have this salary cap. The league is structured for parity. do you see the Chiefs regressing? They ain't win in 15 games. We know that, right? Well, I mean, I like everything you're saying here, J-Mack. It makes a lot of sense, and I think with most teams, what you're saying would be the case,

that the Chiefs would take a step back this year. Maybe there'll be a 10-and-7 team. You know, you didn't get Patrick Mahomes much help. What are you doing with the offensive line? But this is the Chiefs, and it's Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes. I know that's not the most scientific analysis, but I would never count these guys out.

And they're bringing Kelsey back for another year. There's still plenty of time before they kick the ball off in September. There are still moves to be made, whether it's finding another receiver or, you know, bolstering the offensive line. The draft is coming up. I think the Chiefs, they're not just sitting on their hands this offseason. They're trying to make their roster better and trying to specifically address their offensive line.

So, you know, maybe you know, maybe you're right in that they're not going to win 15 games and go 15 and 2. But that said, I'm never counting out. Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reed and Travis Kelsey. These guys are too good and too savvy and have won too many games for them not to have things figured out by the fall. All right. So last one. So we did a thing on Bill Belichick earlier, and Alex was like, listen, he sounds like a new person.

I don't know how closely you've paid attention to what's happening in North Carolina. I know Bill's social life has picked up, certainly, considerably. I'm just curious. You spent so many years around this guy. Based on what you've seen and read and heard, do you feel like it's a totally new Bill Belichick? No, I think it's a Bill Belichick who's trying to sell himself a little bit. You know, he's on social media now, and he's very prominent with his young girlfriend out there. I just think now that he's been fired from the Patriots, he's trying to rehab his image a little bit and coming across as, you know, your soft grandpa and your fun grandpa and that kind of thing.

But he's still the same old Bill Belichick, and I guarantee you those players aren't going to love his practices this obvious down. at UNC where there are fewer practice restrictions at college than there are in the NFL. So I don't think he's going to be too change in that respect. But yeah, you know, when you're fired, your ego bruised a little bit. I think he's just out

there trying to show the world that he's not just some old curmudgeon that he still has some magic left up his sleeve. You know, we'll see how he does down at UNC. It's definitely, he's going to do good things for that program, but man, it's UNC. He still has a lot of work to do at a place like that.

Great stuff. Ben Volin, Boston Globe NFL reporter. Great stuff has always been. And good luck with the draft, the offseason. It's going to be a fun summer. Yeah, absolutely. Thanks a lot, Jamie. Ben, that was great stuff. Did you like the commentary on Belmonton?

I do. But again, like he saw a side of bill that we didn't get to see on a daily basis. And like I said, it is. It's like it's a new public version we're getting a bill, which he started to do in the media last year once he was, kind of doing some analysts work and he was on different shows, but I be tough. These guys need tough. But like, he's also still like such a great mind to mold these young men into great people and athletes. Ben said he's like your old grandpa softening. And just the idea of Bill Belichick

being a grandpa. It's just hard to, I think of him as an NFL coach as like the hoodie. Yeah, but he's late 70s. He's starting to humanize him. self a little bit. I think he's early 70s, right? Early 70s? I don't know. It's 70s somewhere. But it's just a fascinating. It's probably my favorite college football story. I'm proud of him. Yeah. I'm proud of him.

This is a big step, especially for like someone that wasn't in the social media side of things. The staff is saying he's 72. Okay. So yeah, he's a young 70. Yeah, that's like my mom's age. 72 is Pete Carroll around. I think he's older than that. Is Pete Carroll? Oh, Belich turned 73 this week.

Okay. And he's going to be a, okay. This is a decent question I've had with. So if you're 73, are you in your early 70s or mid-70? Early. So what is mid? I would say 74-76 is mid. 74-76 is mid.

What 77? Late 70s. So it's 3-3 and 3 is early in mid. Okay. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Right? Come on. The math is mapping.

You're probably right. But, you know, as you get older, trust me, when you hit 30, I don't even know if you're 37. I get it. Yeah. I'm late 30. mid-30s at 37. You know, I mean, you can say that if you want, I'm proud of my age.

I've lived every single one of my years, like, to the fullest. So I'm proud, and I feel grateful to get older. Not everyone gets to do that. I don't. Coming up next, Alex is going to tell us why one NBA team controls its own destiny. That's next. One more herd? The herd streams 24 hours a day, seven days a week within the IHeart Radio app.

Search Herd to listen live or on demand whenever you'd like. Hey, it's us, the Jonas Brothers, and guess what? We have some big news. What's the news, name? Huge news. We created our own podcast called, Hey Jonas. We invented a podcast? Well, we didn't invent it.

We just contributed to it. We're the first people to do podcasts. Pretty, yeah, pretty wide range of podcasts throughout there. But this one's extra special. So how do we actually come up with a name, Hey Jonas, guys? I honestly don't remember. I think it was on a call about what we should call it. Oh, we were thinking I'm originally calling.

it one of the early names of our band before Jonas Brothers was... This is how you guys remember it going down? Yes. I have a very different memory of this. We were talking about a thing, a bit for the podcast, people could call in and say, Hey, Jonas. And then I wrote down on my little notepad, Hey Jonas, and offered it up as a potential title for the podcast.

But thanks for remembering that, guys. Listen to Hey Jonas on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Just listen. We don't care where you hear it. Another podcast from some SNL, late-night comedy guy, not quite. Unhumor me with Robert Smygel and Friends. Me and hilarious guests from Bob Odenkirk to David Letterman help make you funnier.

This week, my guest, SNL's Mikey Day and head writer, Streeter Seidel, help an a cappella band with their between songs banter. Where does your group perform? We do some retirement homes. Those people are starving for banter. Listen to humor me with Robert Smigel and Friends on the I-Heart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Last night, a blown call changed a game.

This morning, the internet lost its mind. Highlights are trending, opinions are flying, and nobody's telling you exactly what happened. That's where Sports Slice comes in. I'm Timbo. Every episode, we're cutting through the noise, breaking down the plays, the controversies, and the stories behind the headlines. We go straight to the source, the athlete themselves. Their locker room stories, their reactions, the stuff nobody gets to hear.

The laughs, the drama, the triumphs, the moments that never make the highlight real. From viral moments to historic games, from buzzer beaters to controversial calls, we break it down, give you context and ask the questions everybody wants answered. SportsSlice brings you closer to the action with stories told by the people who live them. Listen to SportsSlice on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. And for more, follow Timbo Sliced Life 12 in the TikTok podcast network on TikTok. The French Open is one of the toughest tests in tennis. And I know firsthand because I competed there myself.

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

Consider this your court-side seat to the French Open. Listen to the Renee Stubbs Tennis podcast on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Presented by Capital One, founding partner of IHeart Women's Sports. It was great stuff from Ben Volan, Patriots, Boston Globe, NFL. He does it all. Really, really fun segment. If you missed it, I'm sure it'll be on the podcast. Let's go to Alex Curry with the news.

No, no, no, no, no. Turn on the news. This is the Heard Line news. A lot of draft talk this week, J-Mack, now that we're getting close. We're under two weeks. 13 days. Yeah, we're under two weeks. So draft analyst, Todd McChay had suggested for the teams at the top of the draft, Jay Mack.

He said, I don't think you're going to like this, J-Mack. But McShea said with Abdul-Carter, here's what it comes down to for me. You don't pass on a blue chipper, a tier one guy. Even if the other option is a quarterback, you don't pass on a blue-chip. And this year, there may only be two. Now, the two he's talking about are Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter. Now, he did add that Cam Ward is not a blue chipper, but has a high enough grade as a quarterback to still be taken ahead of the two blue chippers he considers a Travis Hunter and

Abdul Carter. But again, like, we can all assume what teams are going to do. We can all make our mock drafts. But it's all going to come down to what this specific team thinks that they need and they want. And do you agree with McShea and what he's going with here? Define best. How would you define best?

How would you define best? Best would be best fit for your team, I think. Best fit for your needs, best fit for what you need, best fit to immediately plug and play in the NFL. Yeah, I mean, listen, I get it. He's safe, right? He's good. I would say safe for success.

You know he's going to show up to live. You don't know. There's always going to be a learning curve. Right. And listen, I'll point to Chase Young, the Ohio State legend. He goes to the NFL and is like, I think he's on like his third or fourth team already. Like he was considered safe. These edge rushers, I get Miles Garrett delivered.

I get it. But, you know, Crosby of the Raiders. He fell in the draft. He was like a mid-round pick. Yeah. T.J. Watt was not like a top five pick or anything. It's weird. Guys go first and it goes to their head.

I was the number one pick. I got the most money. I got the most endorsements. And they don't always deliver. I did read some stuff that makes you want to question Carter. And it's not just a foot injury and surgery. But, again, everybody has holes. Yeah.

But Travis Hunter, though, I do think is a blue chip player. Two-way. He's a stud. He's a stucing. He talks about football is his life. He plays football and he fishes. He is so focused. He is so determined, like, this is his life.

That's big. Yeah, you also want some outside interests, you know? Fishing. You and I don't just watch sports on fishing. That's what he said. Is that an interest? I think people are really into fishing Jemak. I mean, obviously I've only been once, but...

You've been fishing once in your life? Fiji! I told you, remember? And I caught a barracuda. That's it? I've been in Hawaii, but, like, I just hang out on the boat. I'm not the one actually, like, tossing the reel out. So fishing is great for patience.

And I don't have a lot of patience, whether it's traffic, other stuff. It's not your thing. But fishing is great because it, you know, it's like a meditative kind of thing. It's like a picnic in the park. You just kind of hang out. Yeah. I don't know how we got to talk about fishing with Abdul-Hunner. Hobbies. He said it's good to have hobbies. It's Travis Hunter's hobby. Yeah. I like guys who are well-rounded outside of sports.

That being said, the big not-going Trevor Lawrence is that he doesn't love, eat, sleep, breathe football the way quarterback should. I don't know, yeah. Unless you're there with the player, it's hard to, like, judge that from, like, a second-hand account. Yeah. I don't know. I get it. Carter's going to go to Cleveland. They're all going to be top. They're all top picks. Or he's going to go to the Giants and pair with Kvon, Tibido, and they're going to be great. Yeah.

Okay. Let's switch to the NBA. Golden State was rooting hard for the Timberwolves to beat the Grizzlies last night, and the Warriors got their wish. Golden State now controls its own destiny. If they beat Portland on Friday and the Clippers on Sunday, they are guaranteed to avoid the play-in tournament. So we were talking about this earlier. If the Warriors can hold on to that six-seed and the Lakers can hold on to that third-season,

seed. It's looking like that will be a possible matchup. But, I mean, any time the Warriors are going to be scary no matter who they face, because anytime you have, I think, one of the greats in the game and one of the greats that was

a dynasty at one point and has the playoff experience, they know what it takes to win. They're going to be a tough series, regardless, no matter who you're facing. Yeah, this Western Conference is crazy. So let's say... It's such, it's so tight. So Clippers Warriors play in game 82.

Yeah. It could be for playoff seating. It will be. It most likely will be. Like they are... Do you think one team says... Like, Clippers are one game ahead of the Warriors right now. I don't want to play Yokets in the Nuggets.

I want to face the Lakers. Do you think someone would say I'd rather face the Lakers or Nuggets and then sit there guys to get their... No. No, you don't want to be in the play-in. I think guys are just going to... Well, no, I thought it was for six. So Warriors are six... They want to avoid...

They want to avoid the plan. They have to win the next two. They have to beat Portland on Friday and the Clippers on Sunday to guarantee to avoid the play in tournament. That would be, yeah, playing would be back. Because they're not losing. They're still tied. Warriors are tied with Grizzlies and the T-Wolves. Same record.

Like, it's insane. Nuggets and Clippers are tied. Warriors, Grizzlies, Timberwolves. It's so close. Yeah. Like these last two games, like it is the, like the playoff will be decided in these last two games. So this weekend has NBA playoffs. Yes.

Basically playoff seedings. Yeah, yeah, yeah. The Masters. Yes. Coachella, are you going, by the way? No, no, we're staying here. Spring break for a lot of people on the West Coast. I did Coachella for like 10 years.

It was a beautiful time. But now that my husband's playing festivals, we just go when he's playing. That makes sense, yeah. But this weekend, a lot of eyes on the NBA for show. Yeah, no, it's going to be fun. It's going to be fun. Okay, back to the NFL. Bucks GM, Jason Light told reporters that he expects less movement in the upcoming draft,

saying draft boards are pretty leveled out at this point, adding that he feels teams will be able to get the same level player in the second round that they could get in the fourth round. So, I mean, the way I'm kind of taking this is we know it's not a strong quarterback draft, right? In the last few years, we've seen quarterbacks get drafted very high. Last year, we had six quarterbacks in the first round, like five in the top 11 taken before any defensive players were taken in the draft. This is a strong defensive line class. So I think that means, if, If I'm reading between the lines here, like, you're going to be able to get a decent quarterback in the second and third round is what he's saying here.

Yeah, he also made the point like trading up. Nobody's doing that. Yeah. And if you look at the last two big tradeups, Trey Lance and Bryce Young, like Alex. Didn't pan out. Very bad. We still don't even know what Trey Lance is. Like, what kind of NFL player is he?

I don't even know if we don't know I think he's on a roster But I don't I mean Is he gonna make another NFL start That's not like week 18 Is charity or whatever I doubt it I don't know

And Bryce Young obviously is kind of on the clock Yeah where the tree lands Land is he with the Chargers He was Cowboys now he's Chargers He's Chargers He's Chargers yeah yeah I think he's with the Chargers The Backup Yeah

But if the Chargers have to play him They're not winning the division Like I predicted earlier That's obvious Yeah it's gonna be interesting It's fun We're under two weeks away Yeah listen the draft is very exciting

we had a guy on talking about gambling on the draft. Yeah. I haven't made any bets yet. Are you going to? Yeah, yeah, obviously. Yeah, yeah. For sure. Alex with the news.

Well, that's the news. And thanks for stopping by. The Herd Lye News. Nicole Yokic, is it possible that the guy having the greatest statistical season in NBA history is actually underrated? We'll dig into that one next. 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. Hey, it's Steve Kavino. And I'm Rich David. And together we're Kavino and Rich on Fox Sports Radio. You can catch us weekdays from 5 to 7 p.m. Eastern, 2 to 4 Pacific on Fox Sports Radio, and of course the IHart Radio app. Why should you listen to Kavino and Rich? We talk about everything, life, sports, relationships, what's going on in the world? We have a lot of fun talking about the stories behind the stories in the world of sports and pop culture.

Stories that, well, other shows don't seem. to have the time to discuss. And the fact that we've been friends for the last 20 years and still work together, I mean, that says something, right? So check us out. We like to get you involved, too. Take your phone calls, chop it up, as they say. I'd say the most interactive show on Fox Sports Radio.

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

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

Yes. I have a very different memory of this. We were talking about a thing, a bit for the podcast, where people could call in and say, hey, Jonas. And then I wrote down on my little notepad, Hey Jonas, and offered it up as a potential title for the podcast. But thanks for remembering that, guys. Listen to Hey Jonas on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Just listen. We don't care where you hear it. Another podcast from some SNL late night comedy guy. Not quite. Unhumor me with Robert Smygel

and friends. Me and hilarious guests from Bob Odenkirk to David Letterman help make you funnier. This week, my guest, SNL's Mikey Day and head writer Streeter Seidel help an a cappella band with their between songs banter. Where does your group perform? We do some retirement homes. Those people are starving for banter. Listen to humor me with Robert Smygel and Friends on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Last night, a blown call changed a game. This morning, the internet lost its mind. Highlights are trending, opinions are flying, and nobody's telling you exactly what happened. That's where Sports Slice comes in. I'm Timbo. Every episode, we're cutting through the noise, breaking down the

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

The French Open is one of the toughest tests in 10. and I know firsthand because I competed there myself. I'm Renee Stubbs, and on the Renee Stubbs tennis podcast, I'm breaking down everything happening at Roland Garris, every match, every upset, and what it really takes to win on Clay. Jenchian went. I mean, she went down in three to Rabakina, but I'm delighted. She's an outsider to win the French for me.

And she likes Clay. Listen, Lena Rabakina is arguably the best player in the world right now, and I actually can win on any surface, Because if she's serving, well, good luck. Consider this your court side seat to the French Open. Listen to the Renee Stubbs Tennis Podcast on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Presented by Capital One, founding partner of IHeart Women's Sports. The road to the Indy 500 hits the streets of Long Beach for the 50th running of the Long Beach Grand Prix.

The fastest racing on Earth continues Sunday at 4.30 Eastern on Fox. And to celebrate Sunday's race, Fox Sports has partnered with L.A.'s iconic Brandy's Donuts to celebrate the Grand Prix chocolate donut. And we've got some on set with us. You can get them at Randy's Donuts locations in L.A. and Orange County up until Sunday's race. J. Mack, your donut guy. I'm a donut guy. You've been having donuts every morning. Well, I need you to take a bite first and then I'll go second. Well, I am gluten-free.

Oh, come on, gluten-free. I'll eat the frosting. Very suspicious. It's not. I mean, they want me to take a bite first. I'm reluctant because I got to talk for 10 minutes after this. You can do it. But I'll take a little donut bite.

Okay. You're a donut guy. That was a weak bite. That was a weak bite. It's really good. Yeah, duh. Cancel my lunch order. Yeah.

There's a whole box here for you. 15 pound dough. 15 pound dough. You're going to eat them all up. All right. Yes, guys, I'm aware you're killing me for the chief stuff. We'll talk. Give me like five minutes.

Let me just cook on this, all right? Nicole Yokich is a story out that he is having the greatest statistical season in NBA history. It's bolstered by an. avalanche of numbers. Yet the media, the ink-stained wretches who vote for the NBA MVP are going to give it to SGA. That's fine. I don't care. Do whatever you want. We know Yokic is the best player in the league. Again, I like to think I have all the best takes, but when you sit at a table with like, hey, guys and girls, they're going to cook with some good stuff. Folks, just hear me out here. Yokic is playing at a level we've never seen before. This is better than anything Shaq did.

Sorry, Shaq. Shack. Okay? This is it better than Wilts Chame. in the 70s against off-duty firefighters and plumbers. All right. Yokic is tearing up the golden era in the NBA, tearing it up, averaging a 30-point triple double of 29.8, whatever, round up. And he's doing it without another All-Star on his team. Let that sink in. The Denver Nuggets have three max players and one All-Star.

What? And that's when enter our amazing staff here. somebody, forgive me, I don't remember who. You know, he's having a season like LeBron had early in his run with the calves. And I was like, oh, damn, that's a fire take. Now, initially on my, wait a minute, whoa, whoa, hold up. LeBron didn't have anybody. He had Elgouskis, Mo Williams.

Timeout, J. Mack. Those guys were NBA All-Stars. What? Now, that just shows you how, I'm sorry, how weak the league was in, like, 2005 to 2009 when Ilgouskis and Mo Williams were All-Stars. I'm not going to lie, Mo Williams would not be a top 20 score in the men's league I plan. No disrespect. I know he was good 15, 16 years ago.

He was bad. How's he an All-Star? Jamal Marie, no All-Star. Aaron Gordon, no All-Star. Michael Porter, Jr. And his big, fat contract, no All-Star. And Yokic is carrying them. Before this late season swoon here, they were looking at it being two or three in the West.

and Yokic is basically carrying the franchise without an All-Star. They just fired the coach, and there's a huge article that just came out a few hours ago about what the hell happened in Denver. And apparently the Nuggets wanted to fire Michael Malone mid-season at the All-Star break. They wanted to run him out. That's how toxic it was. But they somehow peeled off eight wins in a row, and it was basically Yokic just destroying some really bad teams.

So, of course, they played their first game without Malone. Yokic is drawing up plays on the sideline. I'm sure you guys saw that. And then afterward, here's their new head coach, David Adelman, talking about the dub. We know what's ahead here. We got a playoff team Friday, a playoff team Sunday. So we have a big journey ahead of us. The great thing about tonight is you all stayed with it.

Everybody saved with it. Hold on a question. Yeah, David. Yeah, David. Yeah, yeah. It's a happy, love, baby. locker room again. So are the Nuggets going to turn it around? Or does this go south? They lose in the first round. And Yokic maybe asks out. Now it seems unlikely that he would ask out, Jay, no European,

no international superstar has ever asked out. Okay. Why can't he be the first? What if he's unhappy? Now, this is interesting. I'm sure you guys saw this. So Michael Malone, like, after the Pacers lost, I think it was Sunday, was like, we hope to get back Jamal Murray for the playoffs. we don't know. Jamal Murray just announced he may play tonight. So was it like, whoa, wait a minute. Jamal Marie, did he hate Malone that much? And why didn't Yokic step up and be like, yo, hey, this is my guy. Don't fire him.

Like you would think if they like Malone, Yokich would have stepped up. Jamal Marie's now back. They're playing the bench guys. It seems everything is copacetic in Denver. The only problem is Yokic has no help. And I love Jamal Marie. super clutch. He's killed the Lakers in the playoffs. In the bubble, he was Mr. 50 piece. I think he averaged like 48 points in a series. Some of them ridiculous.

They're a good team. But I just wonder if they're teetering. Because you remember, when LeBron kept asking the front office for help, and they were like, oh, yeah, we'll get you a 34-year-old Shaq. And here's Antoine Jameson, who was good for like eight minutes in Washington. That'll help you, right? And LeBron looked around as like, do you see Dwight Howard getting legit help in Orlando? Do you see the Celtics leveling up with friggin' hollas? of Famers and you do nothing for me and LeBron just pieced out. Could Yokic do that? I know you're saying no way. He would rather ride horses in Serbia than form a team or force his way somewhere. We'll see. It's still early in his career.

He's only 30 and Yokic is probably going to age gracefully given his skill set is insane. He's like an Arvita Sabonis passing. We know he can hit threes. He's hitting 41% on threes this year. That's insane. So I think it's worth keeping an eye on the, uh, on the, on the, on the situation where he is possibly somehow underrated. All right, we'll wrap up this hour because I'm going to go back to my chief's take. I had one of the producers in my ear, J-Mack, you're getting crushed online for this Kansas City Chiefs are going to miss the playoffs as Alex laughs maniacally. So we had Ben Volan on, covers the league for the Boston Globe, and I asked him about

the Chiefs. And I made my strong case, like, remember, I wanted to be a lawyer when I was a kid. And my teacher, and I'll never forget this. one of my few teachers that I remember from elementary school was like, to my parents at back to school, like Jason would make a great lawyer because he loves to argue. And at the time, I was like, oh, I'll be a lawyer, cool. And then I found out you've got to go like bunch of years of school.

After college, I was like, I'm good. No thanks. But I feel like I can argue anything. And I made the case that Chiefs are going to miss the playoffs. And I asked Ben about it, and he said, I would never count these guys out. And they're bringing Kelsey back for another year. there's still plenty of time before they kick the ball off in September.

There are still moves to be made, whether it's finding another receiver or bolstering the offensive line. The draft is coming up. I think the Chiefs, they're not just sitting on their hands this offseason. They're trying to make their roster better and trying to specifically address their offensive line. So, you know, maybe you're right in that they're not going to win 15 games and go 15 and 2.

But that said, I'm never counting out Patrick Mahomes and Andy Rehn. and Travis Kelsey. These guys are too good and too savvy and have won too many games for them not to have things figured out by the fall. And Ben, obviously, is not wrong there. I'm not counting out Reed and Mahomes. I mean, two are the best to ever do it. That being said, I don't have the Chiefs in the playoffs right now.

Now, so, I don't know. Sometimes something, an idea will kick in your head. You're like, ooh, that's good. And then you're like, oh, I probably shouldn't say that on air. So we talked about like Scha Duer Sanders and he's kind of botching interviews. Well, think about this with the cheese. Sometimes you don't reveal everything, right? Sometimes you hold some stuff back.

I'm going to save it for next time. You meet a girl at a bar, kick game, get a number, but you're withholding some of your good stuff for maybe a first day to second day, whatever. I talked about the chiefs earlier, right? I went on my little tangent. I saved some stuff, a little ammo. Save it just in case I'm backed into a corner. Do you guys know the history of the Super Bowl loser? It's called the Super Bowl Hangover.

You're familiar with it, obviously. 49ers fans, sure as hell are. Last few times they went to the Super Bowl, the following year, it fell apart like a house of cards. Okay? Four of the last nine Super Bowl losers didn't even make the playoffs the next year. I know.

It's a tiny sample size. That being said, I will go back to the other point I made. This team has had a lot of playoff battles in January and February the last three years. Ten playoff games. That wear and tear adds up on your body. I mean, Isaiah Pacheco started to show the first cracks he was hurt. Offense really sagged.

They went out and got who another oft-injured running back in Elijah Mitchell. Guys, go look at the Chief's depth chart. It doesn't scare a soul. You cover up Patrick Mahomes, right? You cover up the quarterback. And I'm just telling you, as I call it up, here. None of these guys are like, oh, gee, how the hell do we game plan for Xavier Worthy? Rishie Rice. We assume Rishie Rice is going to be back. We don't know. Hollywood Brown.

Remember they got him last year and it was like, Hollywood Brown? Oh, what a value get there is. He could be awesome as the number three. Come on. Hollywood. What the hell did he do last year? Skymore. Guy can't catch a cold. Kelsey's getting old. I'm just saying there is a lot of weakness on this chief's team. McDuffie, their great sloth. corner, they moved him outside last year. Not as great. Not as great. Struggled. So they went out and got Christian Fulton who just can't stay healthy at all. So you can move McDuffie back to slot. Like they're tinkering around the edges. It's difficult. It's tough to stay on top forever. I'm going to stand by it. It's not happening for the Chiefs this year. Now I can see Alex smirking. See a couple other people in

the studio here like, oh dear, J-Mac, what are we doing? Alex, listen, go go bigger and go home. You got to be bold. You're bold. You've got to be bold. You've got the You got the teal, no, not teal. Turquoise. Turquoise. Yeah, but Jamak, when you're talking about the Super Bowl hangover, I think that applies to every other team except the Chiefs who have won three Super Bowls since 2019.

So that's not, I don't think that plays, has the same effect on a team that is like a dynasty. And they just laid an egg in the Super Bowl last year. Like they are still Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reed. and Travis Kelsey if he's healthy, Chiefs, and they've always just been as long as those three are locked in,

they'll figure out the rest. Obviously, their defense was also top-notch as well. No one showed up in the Super Bowl. But I'm not going to base their whole next season on that one Super Bowl performance. It's still Patrick Mahometh

and the Chiefs. The one-score games. No way. Offensive line is a train wreck. I just, I'm not buying them. Like, nothing lasts forever in this league. You know that, the Patriots.

They couldn't keep it together. Two decades. It was so tough every single year to make the playoffs. They had Brady and Belichick. There's just not a lot they can do around the margins. Coming up next. Did the Browns just send us another signal that they're not going to drafts.

Shoulder Sanders at 2? Hey, guys, it's us. The Jonas Brothers. I'm Joe. I'm Kevin. And I'm Nick. And guess what? We created our own podcast called,

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

Listen to Hey Jonas on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Just listen. We don't care where you hear it. Another podcast from some SNL late night comedy guy, not quite. Unhumor me with Robert Smigel 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. I'm Michelle McPhee, and I've been unraveling the strangest criminal alliance I've ever reported on, a Mormon polygamist and an Armenian businessman. Multi-million dollar house, Ferraris and Lamborghinis, private jets, a billion dollar fraud. But how long can this alliance last?

Tell me what you know. Is somebody coming after me? Listen to Kingdom of Fraud on the I-Heart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Last night, a blown call changed a game. This morning, the internet lost its mind, and nobody's telling you exactly what happened. That's where Sports Slice comes in.

I'm Timbo, and every episode we're cutting through the noise, breaking down the biggest moments in sports and giving you the real story behind the headline. And we're going straight to the source, the athletes themselves, their locker room stories, their reactions in the moment, and the stuff nobody gets to hear. Listen to Sports Slice on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. And for more, follow Timbo Slicalife 12 in the TikTok podcast network on TikTok. This is an IHeart podcast.

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