The Herd with Colin Cowherd - Hour 3 - Dwight Freeney

Episode Date: December 29, 2023

In this hour of The Herd, legendary Indianapolis defensive end Dwight Freeney joins Colin to share stories about his former coach, Tony Dungy, calling penalties on defensive players for being too rough with quarterbacks, Joe Flacco's resurgence, and much more. Finally, "Tomorrow's Headlines Today."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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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 IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hey, this is Robert from the Stuff to Blow Your Mind podcast. Joe and I are both lifelong Star Wars fan, so we're celebrating May the 4th with a brand new week of fun, thought-provoking Star Wars-related episodes.

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Here we go. Live in Los Angeles, it's the hurt. Wherever you may be and however you may be listening, thanks for me. That's part of your bed. A lot of people in my family are sick, Jay Mack. Hope your family's doing okay. A lot of colds going around. It's getting windy and cold and wet all over the country.

I don't know. I'm more focused on NFL this week. Than your family's health. Well, yeah. I mean, Will Levis just announced he's starting again this week. You know, a lot of NFL stuff happening. Davo Sweeney getting his butt kick. right now and a bowl gate.

Like there's just so much happening. I can't bother. I can't be bothered by like colds. I'm kind of the same way. Yeah. I'm above colds. Take some vitamin C and just move on. Yeah, exactly.

Mind over matter. Right? Work out. Apparently that helps you when you're sick. I saw that. Yeah. Working out. Get to a gym.

Go for a run. Get out of the house. It's going to be fine. It's just the flu. You and I agree with that. Yeah. So that was fun last night. Joe Flackoff, if you're Browns fan.

And Joe Flacko led the Browns to their fourth straight win last night. And for the first time in years, there's no pressure on the quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, none. And this is what it looks like with this roster. Fun, competitive, collaborative, grown-ups all in one direction. Cleveland's had a very good roster for years, but Baker came in. He was young, Hootspah, cocky, little immature. And then Deshawn Watson enters, weird baggage. coaching carousel.

Uh-uh. Today, Cleveland. Today, great young GM Andrew Barry, great young offensive coach, and that matters, Kevin Stefansky, excellent players, and an adult at quarterback

with no baggage. This is what it looks like. And Stefansky's doing it. They're missing linemen, running back, Amari Cooper, fourth quarterback. This guy, Stefansky and Flacco,

it works. And this offense is, undeniably better with Joe Flacco starting than DeShon Watson. Sorry if it hurts your feelings. But in five starts, just five, Flacko's got 13 touchdown passes. Over two years, Deshawn Watson in 12 starts has one more than that. The offense is better with Flacko.

Big arm, sees the field better, grown up, not weird, no baggage. Coach isn't the problem. Stefansky's never been the problem. The people criticizing him don't get it. And those who don't get it, don't get it. Stephansky's never been the problem. And it shouldn't be lost. Last night, Cleveland's on their fourth quarterback,

missing several starters. Offense is rolling. The Jets on a backup with a defensive coach. Mess again. Shouldn't be lost. It's happening all over the league. When you get a quarterback disruption, the offensive coaches can handle it.

The defensive coaches and teams spiral. Of course, there's a controversy looming. It's the Cleveland Browns, after all. What do you do if Flacco gets him to the AFC championship? What do you do? Well, thanks, Joe. It's been fun. The team loves him.

The coaches clearly trust him. He's doing it without starters. What do you do? What do you do with Watson and Flacco? I don't know, but here's what I do know. In this moment in December, soon to be January, maybe playing until February, this is a viable AFC championship team with a young, really, really bright offensive coach, with an excellent roster again, and with a quarterback who's a grown-up with no baggage having the time of his life.

Cleveland's real, real grown-up at coach and quarterback. It's not a shot at Baker. He's a kid. Deshawn Watson, not my guy. But this is what Cleveland should be looking like. This is what this coach can deliver, this GM, this roster, these players, they're good. They're really good players all over it. Even missing players, they're at a different level than many teams in the NFL.

Tip of the cap to Flacco, and here's the coach after. And what this team has showed time and time again is that I will fight my a a-off for my teammate. And I appreciate that, fellas. Okay? That's what makes great teams, okay? This second season that we're going into, there's going to be a bunch of great teams. That's what it is.

But the team I see in here is a connected football team that will not be denied for the brother next you, okay? That's the truth. We still, we still have work to do. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Work to do.

We got work to do, but I'm telling you, fellas, you earned it tonight. You earned it. You took care of business and you earned it. I'm proud of you guys. Team on three, one, two, three. And this can't be lost. In 2023, NFL quarterbacks are tall. Some are thin.

Some are stout. Some are short. Some move. Some don't. But one thing in common with the quarterbacks that win consistently. No baggage. Not weird. Grownups.

Adults. Cleveland finally has one at quarterback. And this is what you get. Russell Wilson's post Seahawk career has been interesting, hasn't it? I was thinking about this last night. It's been complicated. So Michael Jordan's wizard years, little bumpy, didn't affect his legacy.

That odd year, ugly year, far with the Jets. Didn't really affect his football legacy. Shack bouncing around the NBA last several years. It's had no impact on his legacy. Hall of Fame level guys. Russell Wilson's Seattle legacy is very complicated. There was a while there.

We were all watching thinking, is this what quarterback's going to look like going forward? Have to move. Intuitive. impulsive, quick, raindrop throws. New information. When he had the top defense and the top run game, Seattle rolled. And then they started using a phrase,

Let Russ Cook, and the team became more Russ-centric, and they won a lot less. Even in the two seasons, Russ got to a Super Bowl, those two seasons, with the number one run game, a Hall of Fame level coach and a great defense, 13 times in two years. Rush through for under 200 yards. In two years, 13 times. And again, once they let Russ cook, the food wasn't as good.

So Russ wanted respect and moved to Denver to open up his own restaurant. Two words. Kitchen nightmare. It failed. That's the reality. This Bronco debacle absolutely tarnishes his legacy. It has crystallized the truth that he is a good quarterback, sometimes very good, but with an all-time coach, an all-time running back, and an all-time defense. He's good to very good.

It doesn't help his legacy that Seattle, and I think they'll beat Pittsburgh this weekend, will make the playoffs for the second straight year in a tough division with a combination of Gino Smith and Drew Locke. Yeah. I have been a huge Russ guy. Still thought earlier this year he was playing pretty well. But I've always leaned on a saying and I believe it more than ever today. New data, I have to reassess my opinion.

I don't get locked into anything other than my wife and kids. New information, new data, time to reassess. and with Russell Wilson, I don't think there's much of a market going forward. I think there is a bigger market for Justin Fields, who I'm not sure can quarterback consistently and win than Russell Wilson. Albert Breer talked about this yesterday.

Well, he has the same problem that Cam Newton and Tim Tebow had. Can you imagine him as a backup, Colin? You can envision Kirk Cousins going somewhere as he gets older and becoming a backup or becoming a bridge quarterback. It's a lot harder to do that with Russell Wilson because everything he brings with him, his celebrity, all of the different things, the history. You know, I just, it's hard to figure where his fit is going to be. It's not even finding an individual team.

It's finding a particular circumstance that he would fit into at this point. At another layer, Sean Payton's won with everybody. Tassum Hill, more athlete than quarterback. And he's bailing on Russell Wilson and the contract, even though it will be punitive for multiple years in Denver. He'll have to overcome him. He'd rather have him out and pay for him than have him in and pay for him.

The let Russ cook thing didn't really work. The new kitchen was a nightmare. Peyton moving off him, not exactly a big market. Russ has to be reflective here. I'm not a fan of anything outside of my kids and wife forever. You got to look in the mirror. and I don't see a market.

Denver's basically saying we'd rather take the cap hit without him here with Jared Stidham. And so I do think legacies get very complicated. And I'm not sure there's ever been a quarterback with a more complicated one, about 60% through his career than Russell Wilson. I have a great parley for you this weekend. Thanks to Drafking Sportsbook. New users use the coat heard. H-E-R-D.

That's me when you download the ad. 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 out played 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. If you want to take the herd parlay, check out Draft King Sportsbook. New users, the code is heard when you download the app. 21 plus in most eligible states, but age varies by jurisdiction. Eligibility restrictions apply. Gambling problem. Call 1-800 gambler in New York. Call 8778-8-Hope-N-Wire.

Text Hope and Y-467-369. See show notes for full detail. Be sure to catch live editions of the herd weekdays in noon Eastern 9 a.m. Pacific on Fox Sports Radio, FS1 and the IHeart Radio app. Imagine an Olympics where doping is not only legal but encouraged. It's the enhanced games. Some call it grotesque. Others say it's unleashing human potential. Either way, the podcast's Superhuman documented it all, embedded in the games and with the athletes

for a full year. Within probably 10 days, I put on 10, I was having trouble stopping the muscle growth. Listen to Superhuman on the I-Hard radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. A win is a win. A win is a win.

I don't care what I'm saying. Yep, that's me, Cliver Taylor the 4th. You might have seen the skits, the reactions, my journey from basketball to college football, or my career in sports media. Well, somewhere along the way, this platform became bigger than I ever imagined. And now I'm bringing all of that excitement

to my brand new podcast. The Clifford Show. This is a place for raw, unfiltered conversations with some of your favorite athletes, creators, and voices that not only deserve to be heard, but celebrated. One week, I'll take you behind the scenes of the biggest moments in sports and entertainment, and the next we'll talk about life, mental health, purpose, and even music. The Clifford Show isn't just a podcast. It's a space for honest conversations, stories that don't always get told,

and for people who are chasing something bigger. So, if you've ever supported me, or you're just chasing down a dream, This is right where you need to be. Listen to The Clifford show on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. And for more behind the scenes, follow at Clifford and at TikTok Podcast Network on TikTok. Do you remember when Diana Ross double-tap Little Kim's boobs at the VMAs?

Or when Kanye said that George Bush didn't like black people. I know what you're thinking. What the hell does George Bush got to do a little Kim? Well, you can find out on the Look Back at it podcast. I'm Sam Jek. And I'm Alex English. Each episode, we pick it here, unpack what went down, and try to make sense of how we survived it. Including a recent episode with Mark 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, so. Thank you for finishing that sentence. Yes. I don't think there's a more important year for black people.

Really? Yeah. For me, it's one of the most important years for black people in American history. Listen to look back at it on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. We'll get to Dwight Freeney, just named a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame for 2024. I will say this. The Athletic had a story this morning about Jim Harbaugh, multiple sources, saying he's a great coach, well-respected, but he's a lot. and what are you willing to deal with?

So he and Trent Balke, the GM of the Jags, formerly of the Niners, used to really battle. I will say this. I've been told by more than one source that the L.A. Chargers will make a call. And once the season ends for Michigan, they're going to engage with his agent. The Chargers, this league's pretty simple to figure out in 2023. If you get the quarterback right and the coach right, you win instantly. Good God. Joe Flacko is the fourth Brown's quarterback in their winning.

So if you can get the offensive coach right and the quarterback can even be good, and Herbert certainly qualifies as better than good, you're going to win for 10 years. So the Chargers are interested. They also have a reputation in a very distracted, expensive L.A. market with people have options that they're a little cheap. They're trying to beat up that reputation. They're building a new facility in El Segundo. They spent money on Herbert and Bosa and the center, Lindsay, Kaleo Mac. so the Chargers want their fan base in Los Angeles fans.

And there's a lot of casuals out there that will go if you win. They want them to know, we're going to spend money. You can say what you want about the San Diego Chargers, but the L.A. Chargers, we're going to build a facility and spend some money. So I've been told again that Harbaugh, the former Colt, is somebody the Chargers are seriously interested in, and money would not be an obstacle. So there was a story a couple days ago that Michigan offered $125 million,

It would be well beyond that. Dwight Freeney doesn't know Jim didn't play with him, but is a former cult now finalist for the Hall of Fame class. You know, it's interesting. The knock on hardball is he's a lot to deal with. And my takeaway is there's not a lot of Tony Dungey's out there. Okay? Most guys, they bring a lot of stuff.

You had one of the easiest going, chill, decent coaches ever. Did Dungee ever raise his voice ever? I mean, listen, he, I mean, if he did, it may have happened one time. I think there was a fight in practice. It was a, you know, early like 2003, 2004, there was a special teams fight. And I, for the first time heard Tony raise his voice one decibel, one more decibel than normal. And you know what? the guys who got in a fight,

they were cut off the team. Wow. It doesn't happen often. It didn't happen often. You know, Tony sometimes yells at the reps, you know, from time to time. But how he deals with us. He always dealt with us like men and treated us with tremendous amount of respect.

And this is one of the reasons why we love him so much. So I watched the Dolphins Cowboys game and Dak pulls Wilkins into him. and Micah can't get a holding. Micah hit Tua, and in real time, it was bang, bang. I don't know what in the world Micah Parsons is supposed to do. I don't know how you go full stop at 250 pounds running full speed, full stop. Like, I don't get it.

I understand macro level, Dwight, why they're doing it. We've got a bunch of backups plan this weekend. But what would you have done to alleviate penalties and still play with a regulated level of speed and violence? what would you have done as a delineman? Well, I mean, to be quite honest with you, I think you hit, you know, nail on the head. It's virtually impossible for a defensive lineman going at the speed

and acceleration of a Michael Parsons. Those guys are undersized, okay? So when you're an undersized, I guess, defensive lineman or a linebacker, The way that you win, the way that you beat your offensive tackle guard is with momentum, right? Because you're not going to just be able to push a guy. Right. That's right. Once in a while, you'll be able to do that.

But most times, you're going full speed around the corner. So as you're going full speed around this corner, you've got somebody who's 350 pounds who does not want you to go around the corner. You have a quarterback who wants to avoid you and throw. you off, you know, look to think about all the times Josh Allen is fighting back there, throwing guys off. It's literally impossible for a guy, especially Micah's stature, to come around the corner and then ask him to then slow down and then gently lay this quarterback down. What it is is he's going to play as hard as he can play. And if the ref's going to decide, hey, you know, know what, I'll call it this time, then that's what's going to happen.

You know, it's based on what the refs want to see and how they see it. And that's just what it is. I think it's left up to too much interpretation and how is the glass half full, half empty type of, you know, mindset or vision from the offense, from the refs. I think it should be reviewable. I think it's something that needs to be reviewable. And it's too detrimental. to the game. It's too big of a penalty.

You know, I just think it's just, I understand what they're doing like you're saying. From a macro standpoint, protect the quarterback. I get it. The money makers, I guess. But I'm just saying is other guys have jobs to do and the team has a job to do. Defense has a job to do. And they have to have the ability to do so and play the game as it was meant to be played hard and reckless.

So I'm watching Flacko last night. And my interpretation is Cleveland's quarterbacks, Baker and Deshawn, had enormous pressure. And Flacco's got none. And he's laughing and he's smiling. And I think people feed off it. And, you know, years ago, somebody talked about Peyton Manning. I remember Bill Pollian telling me this story. He said, Peyton was intense.

He was a teeth clencher. You know, he was intense. And he said, sometimes we'd say, Peyton, you're making everybody a little anxious. You got to loosen up a little bit. And I think there is value. when I watch Flacko in Cleveland, is there is a temperament. I want my Dwight Freenees to be ticked off and coming off the edge.

I like my quarterbacks to be a little bit mentors and quarterbackial out there. What do you make of flacco, this resurgence, this success, the happiness? It just looks like the team feeds off him. I mean, do you have any stories that relate to that, that there is a casualness and the team doesn't feel pressured and uptight with Baker and Deshawn? They feel collaborative and fun and competitive with Flacco. Well, I think this, you know, for us, all right, the defense, we worried about what we need to worry about.

And the offense, they worried about the things that they need to worry about. So I don't know collectively how much that is a factor from a defensive perspective, other than what happens on the scoreboard or what happens in the game, whether he be cool, calm, collective, or intense clinging. teeth. But that being said, from an offensive standpoint, I would have to believe that, you know, the more comfortable you are with the system in the scheme, you know, the more confident you're going to be. I always said that being a veteran in this league counts double, you know, and I've always said, I wish I knew the stuff I knew when I was 34 when I was 24, you know, because I had all the

ability in the world and athletic when I was 24, but didn't know much. You know, but when I got 34, it was like, I knew everything, but I didn't have the athletic ability to match it the way I wanted to match it up. So at the quarterback position, you know, you have a chance to sit there, analyze, no read coverages, and have confidence about what you're doing. And so that experience that you're seeing, I think that's what you're really seeing is experience. And that, you know, the more experience that you have brings calmness. And that calmness, you'll see. he'll make the right throw when he's time to make that right throw.

He knows when to gamble. He can see what's happening before it happens. And the only reason why you can do that is because you've played as long as Joe has. Yeah. Dwight, you're a Hall of Fame finalist. Take me to the, your life right now is great. That jacket, that moment. What does it mean for somebody that played at a high level?

How does it, how, is it the icing on the cake or is it the cake? It's definitely the icing on the cake. And for me, you know, I love to live that life of, you know, you only worry about things that you can control. Right. You know, and I've done, I think, a pretty decent job at that. But the Hall of Fame is a little different because you can't control it and it matters. And even even though you want to tell yourself, ah, you know what, if I never get the call,

it's okay. I played this many years. I had a great career. But it does matter. Yeah. Because it's the top of the top. And, you know, if you are at this level, especially a final 15 guy, you know, you have a certain mentality. And you want to, you know, achieve the greatest and the best of it all.

You know, and I think the Hall of Fame would be that. You know, I don't have control over it. I've done what I've done. And it's up to those who decide whether if I've done enough to get into that prestigious club. So hopefully, God willing, this is the year. And, you know, if it's not, then, hey, I have to wait another year. It is what it is. I can't control it.

For the record, you got to like Shane Steichen because Gardner Minshu may make the playoffs, and that's nothing against Gardner. But in Indianapolis, I feel like I'm watching the next McVeigh, honestly, the next brilliant coach. I honestly think that's what I watch. Your thoughts watching. I think he's done an amazing job. I mean, you go from what they did last year, okay? And you think, all right, this team is going to be a rebuilding team.

Don't expect much from them. They have a rookie quarterback coming in. They're going to draft early. And now you turn it on TV and you're like, wait a minute, they're tied for first. How did that happen? You know, this wasn't part of the recipe or the plan per se of viewers kind of going and tuning into the Indianapolis coach. I think he's done a great job.

He's had a whole bunch of injuries. Okay. Obviously, the issues with Jonathan Taylor in the beginning of the year, him not playing for a big portion of the year. So the rhythm of him is still coming. It's still not where it was a couple years ago. You know, you have a starting quarterback of Gardner-Mitchie, who's a backup, okay? He is a good quarterback, but that's not what the plan was.

All these RPO's. and having Jonathan run downhill and you have Anthony Richardson coming off of that. They don't have that. And they're doing a great job offensively and defensively. The big thing that they're doing is they're getting turnovers. And that is what the Indianapolis formula is. And hopefully they can keep that thing going. You know, I love turning on the tube and watching the old squad do what they do.

Seven Pro Bowl, Super Bowl champ, Dwight Frini. Good luck to you. Always good having you on, man. Have a great weekend. him. Oh, man, thank you for having me. You take care of yourself. Happy New Year. Yeah, that's a Hall of Famer. That's a guy that was a Hall of Famer that you had to scheme around. That to me is the definition. Did you put the tape in as an offensive coach or a defensive coach and say, we've got a scheme around him. That's a Bosa. That's a Frini. That's an Aeronald. That's a Miles Garrett.

That was a Dion Sanders. That was a Derelle Rivas. Do I have to scheme around Debo Samuel, Christian McCaffrey? They need a few more years. That to me has always been sort of the definition in football. Do I have to literally look at the tape with all these great players and go, oh, I have to double block him? Oh, we have to chip block him. Oh, we have to roll the coverage on him. Oh, we have to double team him.

That's what a Hall of Famer to me is, and that was Dwight Friedie. J-Mack with the news. No, no, no, no, no. Turn on the news. This is the herd line news. I feel like if this were another day, this story would be bigger for us. So Caleb Williams, we know is a generational draft prospect.

You love him going one. I think he's going to go one. We'll see about the chatter about Drake May. However, NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper, who you used to work with, is saying that Red Hot Jaden Daniels from LSU is drawing some buzz and could go number one in the draft.

Now, we know the draft process is long. We're going to hear a bunch of names. We're going to hear probably a scenario where Marvin Harrison goes one, whatever. It's silly. He is smaller. I'm asking. He is thinner.

He doesn't have the body frame. And that we've seen this year, it matters. I think he's a little, he was a rail at Arizona State. He's put on weight. But I think he is a smaller body. And off the Bryce Young concerns where Stroud looks big, Will Levis looks big, Anthony Richardson looks big, and Bryce looks tiny.

I do think he comes off as a little slender. Now, I would pick it. I have no problem taking him too. Okay. I'm looking at this up just because it looks like he's like a rangey dude. The height listed at 6-4. Even if they exaggerate that, James Daniels fight. 6-3.

Weight's probably exaggerated 200 pounds. His weight is, he is a, again, these guys all, Russell Wilson's 511. Right, I know. But that being said, he's running away from everybody all season and making crazy plays. I know people love Bryce Young at Alabama. Daniel's had some players with him, no doubt. What are we talking to your ceiling? Top five pick? Oh, absolutely.

I would have no problem him going two over Drake May. No problem at all. That's a surprise. You think you could go two. Yeah, I think Caleb's number one. I think Caleb's bigger and stronger, more of a power thrower. Yeah. And equally elusive.

So I mentioned top five because if the Jets end up, let's say they lose to the Patriots next week, they haven't beat them in forever. And the Jets are at five. That would be amazing. Because then now you're in a great spot where you can trade down. Somebody wants to come up and get a quarterback. Daniels being in the discussion is fascinating. I'm just going to, I'm not selling my JJ McCarthy stock Monday.

We shall see what McCarthy does against Alabama's defense. Next up, Colin, the Detroit Lions headed to the playoffs for the first time in nearly a decade. Dan Campbell's teams loves playing physical. Some people don't buy them as a postseason threat. on a podcast, Larry Fitzgerald, the former great Cardinals wide receiver, said, it's hard for you to take them seriously. Colin, this is a shot. Can't take the lion seriously.

What do you think he means here? Well, I think anybody that has that good of an offensive line you take seriously. I think that's their, I mean, there's a lot of things I like about the Lions, but I think, like, they played Dallas this weekend, and I was really on Dallas early. and then my takeaway was, oh, they can run the ball on Dallas. And Dallas, Dackle sitting on the sidelines and watch some of this. I would take Detroit seriously. You've got a Super Bowl quarterback, a great offensive line, and do they got playmakers?

That game against Minnesota, 90% of the teams in this league would have lost that game. Like, you're just down and it's out. That team can score 17 points, like a college team. They can really move around. It's weird. People seem to be poo-pooing the lions. like they don't have a chance. I'm just telling you, everybody at the top of the NFC is flawed.

San Fran, we're seeing Trent Williams. Is he not going to go this week? Debo, Samuel? Like, San Francisco banged up ain't great, Colin. We know that. We saw them struggle earlier this season. Eagles have flaws. Cowboys have flaws.

Like, why not the Lions? I can see them making a run. I mean, they got to beat Dallas this weekend. And my pick will be coming up with that one in like 10 minutes. Oh, wow. Interesting. Final story here. I don't know if you saw this.

The Vikings are benching Nick Mullins. He had a chance. They are turning to real. rookie. Jaron Hall at quarterback Sunday night football. First of all, how is this a Sunday night game? How was this not flexed out in Miami, Baltimore put in it? Well, because Green Bay has a huge, huge brand. And the Vikings can still make the playoffs. I wouldn't have flex this one out. Jordan Love and Jaron Hall, even if it was Nick Mul? I don't. Jordan Love's fun to watch. Green Bay's offense is a blast. Baltimore, Miami?

It's like an A. Fancy championship game. You've got to put that on Sunday night football. You're not waiting all day for the Sunday night game featuring Geron Hall. Now, I don't know this for sure, but I think those calls, now you've got to call network Pee. You have to massage. You can't just flex anything you want anytime. I think it's harder than you think. Okay.

Different networks. You've got to deal with all these presidents and they're leaning on you and you can't take this game. And our president, I don't know this. But I'm sure our CEO upstairs is fighting like mad when they want to flex out a game or flex in a game. you're fighting for this stuff. You've got contracts. So it sounds just, hey, just put the best games on.

Even the, they don't let you put anybody on more than six times. Okay, fine. But buried in the deck in like a nine game slate at 1 p.m. is Miami and Ravens. I mean, that shouldn't be a 1 p.m. game. That's a standalone. I want to watch it, right? You and I agree.

That's the game of the day. It's just disappointing. Anyways, what do you got here? Vikings, Packers, you did not have it. Green Bay is, I was talking to, some very important gamblers and Green Bay is the side. I didn't like it because I don't like those late TV home games where the crowd is buzzing. Green Bay is the side.

So Minnesota's at home favored, I think, by one. I would take Green Bay to win that game. I'm telling you, I like watching their offense. Jordan loves erratic, but those receivers, I don't know. I'm not joking when I say this. I'm not joking. Green Bay has drafted more good receivers in two years than Belichick didn't. They are stacked.

All those dudes can play. They're all twitchy. They can all run. I should note, I shouldn't be looking at my phone. Someone just texted me that Sunday night football is also New Year's Eve. So probably not the usual massive audience with a lot of people going out for New Year's Eve, which I guess is fair.

Jaron Hall, good luck. Is that it? Yeah, that's it. We're done. J-Mac with the news. Well, that's the news. And thanks for stopping by. The Hurd-Lie News.

So that's a good point. I didn't have even thought of that. New Year's Eve, you'll be out boozy. What would you say it again? Oh, my bad. New Year's Eve, you'll be all boozed up. No, I won't. Taking an Uber around town.

Let the audience know. Having a beer with my friends having chicken rings. Correction. Having a pop. Whatever that means. A pop. Okay, 70s guy. You can't say anything because I saw the picture of you with double earrings.

Now the producers are going to ask for it again. It's not happening. You know what it looked like a little bit? Remember the band Wham? Oh, get that guy out. I'm not joking. Listen, when it's, we're out of football season and we need to gin up the ratings,

we'll, uh, all right. 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. What you 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. Some call it grotesque. Others say it's unleashing human potential. Either way, the podcast's Superhuman documented it all,

embedded in the games and with the athletes for a full year. Within probably 10 days, I'd put on 10 pounds. I was having trouble stopping the muscle growth. Listen to Superhuman on the I-Hard Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. A win is a win. A win is a win. Yep, that's me.

Cliver Taylor the 4th. You might have seen the skisks. hits, the reactions, my journey from basketball to college football, or my career in sports media. Well, somewhere along the way, this platform became bigger than I ever imagined. And now I'm bringing all of that excitement to my brand new podcast, The Clifford Show. This is a place for raw, unfiltered conversations with some of your favorite athletes, creators, and voices that not only deserve to be heard, but celebrated. One week, I'll take you behind the scenes of the biggest moments in sports and entertainment,

and the next we'll talk about life, mental health, purpose, and even music. The Clifford Show isn't just a podcast. It's a space for honest conversations, stories that don't always get told, and for people who are chasing something bigger. So if you've ever supported me or you're just chasing down a dream, this is right what you need to be. Listen to The Clifford show on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. And for more behind the scenes, follow at Clifford and at TikTok Podcast Network on TikTok. Do you remember when Diana Ross double-tap little Kim's boobs at the VMAs? Or when Kanye said that George Bush didn't like black people. I know what you're thinking.

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

To be clear, 84 is big to me, not just because of crack. I'm down to talk about crack on day, but yeah, yeah. But just so y'all know. I mean, at this point, this is the second episode where we've discussed, correct. So I'm starting to see

that there's a through line. We also have AIDS on the table right now. Thank you for finishing that sentence. I don't think there's a more important year for black people. Really? Yeah. For me, it's one of the most important years for black people in American history.

Listen to look back at it on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. The herd will be live on. On New Year's Day, we'll break down Tua and the Dolphins. Big matchup with Lamar and the Ravens. Plus, Jimmy Johnson joins the show, fresh off being inducted into the Cowboys Ring of Honor. Oh, I like that.

And much more to start the new year. Way to go, Dave, the Talent Booker. Monday at noon Eastern on FS1. We get Jimmy Johnson after the Ring of Honor. That's exciting. He likes an occasional Heineken. You don't judge him. I love a good Heineken.

It's no rolling rock, but it's a good beer. Okay. All right. Hold on. Yeah, you've got to fix that hair, buddy. Hey, listen, there's a lot of stuff going on here today. A lot of maintenance. Okay, so I said earlier today, it's a weird week. There's only four games with franchise quarterbacks facing each other.

And the one game, Baltimore, Miami, I refused to bet. I don't want to be stressed out. I just want to watch the game. This week is interesting. Two of the best games to watch are in the early one o'clock window. Ravens Dolphins. I think Giants Rams is going to be a really good game. Okay. Okay, here we go.

Tomorrow's headlines today. You're not dumpster diving this week. Yeah, I thought I gave you a holiday treat. Pick some good games. So you have Lions Cowboys Great Watch. I need that sweat during the day. You're just sweating. Like literally your T-shirt is sweating because of the fantasy and the gambling.

Cowboys Lions Saturday night. It's going to be a good one. You're going to stay in for this one. The headline will be Dacuponcture. Prescott Pokes and Prods Lions. Listen, the big theme this week for me, me is it's a week-to-week league. Remember, everybody's all excited for the Lions. Colin, did you see Nick Mullins had 400 yards of total offense last week? They were like over

seven yards of play for the Vikings against the Lions. And they lost Hawkinson during the game. Like, what is DAC in that offense going to do to Detroit? Like, Detroit's gotten moved on a lot. Herbert hung 38 points on, remember? I mean, this defense is really atrocious. The question is, can Dallas get stops? I believe Dan Quinn's hearing all the noise. He's in a big showdown. Hey, how about this one? Dan Quinn versus Ben Johnson. Both these guys up for going to be head coaching jobs, right? Two of the best candidates. Quinn's against the wall. He's up against the two straight losses. I think he shows up and I do believe Dallas gets the win. You're going to have to sweat the backdoor cover because

Goff's going to be chucking. Oh yeah. But give me Dallas covering five and a half. Very proud of you. And this game I didn't have the courage to pick. What's? Or the temperament. Tomorrow's headlines today. Dolphins Ravens. My gut is Ravens, you beat the Niners handily, week-to-week league. Baltimore's going to come back down to Earth and maybe not play that effective. Yeah, I got a couple angles here for this one. You know I've been hyping them all week. The headline will be MVP please. Finns take action from Jackson. Sorry to Lamar and Company. I have Miami here winning and covering. Listen, man, this is an interesting theory. Okay. So last week the Ravens kind of bottled up San Francisco. I know they moved the ball, but they held them to one of their

weakest outputs of the season. Well, Miami runs pretty much the same thing San Francisco does, McDaniel from the Shanahan tree. I think that's a big edge to McDaniel. We know what doesn't work. We saw what their defense did to slow what we run. We're going to adjust. He's had an entire week to adjust. And I believe, I know Waddle's out, that's not great. Most are not really practicing, not great. But why's the line coming toward Miami? It was four, three and a half. Now it's a Juice three. I think Miami's aside here. And I just, you look at Baltimore, Colin. They've gone. Great game, great performance in the next week, a little less. A little bit. And I think there's some pullback here coming off the by week. Remember they're facing the Rams, big favorite. Didn't

totally show up. Need a punt return in overtime. I think Miami comes up strong here and Tua pulls the upset on the road. Yeah. Boy, can you imagine how obnoxious the Dolphin fans will be to me if that happens? Oh, that will be exciting. Yeah. Bring it on to daddy. Tomorrow's headlines today. All right, let's dumpster dive. Falcons Bears. Now, I like Chicago in this spot, but the wise guys I've been told like Atlanta. You got a coach fighting for his life, Arthur Smith.

You got a quarterback fighting for his job. Justin Fields. The headline will be Smokey Bear. Only Fields can prevent franchise fires. Justin Fields never really smiles, which is disappointing. But I like the picture there. I like Chicago. So do I.

Everybody wants to go Atlanta. I just don't get it. The Chicago defense has been outstanding. standing second half of the season. Montez Sweat's been incredibly impactful. Totally changed everything. And now we just expect Atlanta to come in with a backup quarterback and move the ball? I don't. It's something I'm missing something here. I don't get the

I would have thought, I would have guessed Chicago plus minus five and a half. So whenever this happens, I stay away. Because somebody knows something I don't. Yeah. I mean, again, this is Justin Fields against a mediocre. Falcons defense is not great. Okay? I think Justin Fields can do just enough. Now, the DJ Moore injury is not great.

Turned an ankle last week. He's practicing. He's a big-time player. And I just believe this, Atlanta defense is overrated all season long. They can't get the stops in the big moments. CJ Stroud goes down the field. Like, I see Justin Fields getting the win here and covering. And I don't know.

I'm going up against some sharp money, but I'm fine with that. You and I both follow certain people and certain trends with professional gamblers. And it happens to me about three times a year. I don't at all understand the line. Remember last week the pros were on Arizona. hammer them all week. And Chicago wins handily. It wasn't really close. They went by double digits. I didn't see it, but good luck, sharp gamblers.

All right. The last two we both picked. Tomorrow's headlines to Matt Stafford's on a heater. Early game New York cold weather against the Giants. Well, it was a heater. So last five games, 14 touchdowns one pick for Stafford. The headline will be. Buckle up, Buttercup. Rams take Giants on a joy ride. Listen, I'm sorry. I know you love the Giants here and Tyrod Taylor and blah, blah, blah.

I'm just telling you this Stafford Puka Cup, Kyron Williams. This is like triumvirate. I think that's right, four people. Anyways, they're dominating of late. And I just, I don't see how the Giants are able to slow down. Remember the Eagles last week up and down the field, 450 yards of offense. Why won't the Rams do that? This whole outdoor narrative, 1 p.m. start.

I'm not worried about any of that. And I know some people are even pointing to, well, Rams have Sanfran next week, huge game. I looked it up. The week before San Francisco, Rams 10 and 3 straight up in their last 13, right before the big meeting against San Francisco. There's nothing there. Folks, I'm done underestimating McVeigh. Remember I was bagging on him in the offseason, rebuilding.

I was wrong. I don't mind taking the L there. I think they put it on the Giants here. Wink Martindale is like an old-school defensive coordinator, right? He does that one pitch. He's just coming with the Blitz all the time. Good luck against Puka and Stafford. I just think this is Rams.

30 points easily and they call it. I mean, come on. You think the Giants are slowing these guys down? Well, my take is it does matter. Early start, cold weather, giants. Tyrod doesn't make any mistakes. And it'll be just a boring, ugly, 26, 23 mess. Giants are getting to 23. That would surprise me.

I don't know. Rams' defense has pulled back. Finally, another game. I think we have agreement. Tomorrow's headlines today. Seattle and the Steelers, they need to get to the playoffs. What say you? Listen, this is Monday night football, I believe, right?

This should be a good game. I don't understand what some people are seeing. The headline will be Puppete Master. Carol controls third string. Mason, Rudy. Look at that. Pete Carroll grinning. I don't know. Have you looked at the injury report?

Do you dig into that? Make a Fitzpatrick's out. Make a Fitzpatrick's out. The leading tackler Roberts, a linebacker out. The third leading tackler, KZ, was suspended. for that hit on Pittman. How were they stopping Kenneth, the running back from Seattle?

Walker and Charbonate. Walker, Charbonate, like this running game should be fine. And let's be real. Mason Rudolph struck gold last week a couple times against the Bengals in a game that we both loved Pittsburgh last week. I don't see how they recapture that magic here.

I like Seattle big. I don't know why this. I'm going up against some money this week. Like people are betting Pittsburgh. I know. Mason Rudolph. K. Metcalfe is on the injury report today, which is not great, but he's a gamer.

That guy always plays. They're Noah fan. Yeah. Smith, Gigba. Would be nice if Witherspoon came back and played. He's been out the last couple weeks. But listen, you know I'm not a Seahawks guy. There will be no shaving anything in the side of the head this year.

But I do believe Seattle's the side here. They're a playoff team, Colin. Now, I don't know how live they are with Gino Smith, right? Well, I mean, my thing with Gino is, Gino doesn't like me anymore. But the point is, he's more than capable, and his story is wonderful. But I do classify quarterbacks as sort of can you get to the trophy game.

And if you can't, eventually I got to keep drafting quarterbacks. I think the Drew Locke game was amazing. And I think Gino's story is redeemable. But I think defensive coaches tend to be more patient with B minus quarterbacks. Whereas offensive guys, like they move off Alex Smith and Goff and Garoppolo. And that's Russell Wilson. Sean Payton's like, that's not good enough. Yeah.

A defensive coach would just keep going year after year. years. That's why when Pete Carroll moved off Russ, it was like, wow, that's not generally the way it works. You don't move off good quarterbacks as a defensive coach. I want to quickly go back to this week to week league thing. It is. Two weeks ago we're talking about Mike Tomlin

coaching in other spots. Remember that? I think it was Breer, Diana Rochee. A lot of people, Mike Tomlin could be in play for other teams. They go out and pick up a huge win and now all of a sudden everybody likes Pittsburgh again and all of the everything's hunky-dory in Pittsburgh. I think fans struggle with this.

Like fans, you and I have a a lot in common with fans. And not all fans are the same. But there's two groups of fans. The fans that are kind of reasonable. And then the fans, mostly young guys, that just emotionally, you love my team or you're an idiot. And that's about half the fans.

This is a situational league. Week to week, weather to weather, you just don't know. San Francisco, I thought, was kind of bulletproof with that. And then they went out and got crushed. Yeah. By and large, Miami has been a game-to-game week-to-week team. Good at home, not on the road. Good in their perfect weather, not in bad weather.

How about this? Seattle, two weeks ago, toe to toe with the Eagles, get the win, right? Oh my gosh, they beat the Eagles. Last week, outplayed by the Titans. Outplayed by the Titans and need like a late drive by Gino Smith at the final two minutes. The margins in pro football are this. Which Seattle team shows up? The one against Philly at home or the one that pooped their pants against the Titans?

Okay, so I'm getting Gino Smith. He's at home. You know what Sean Payton always told me? when you win a game in which you play poorly is the best week to be a coach. Seattle played poorly and won. So you can sell, we're magical. I love you guys, but you can hard coach them for six games. I watched that entire game.

Seattle didn't play well. They did not play well. So I think Seattle's going to, like you, I think Seattle's going to, I think you're going to watch this game. And you're going to know from the very beginning the Seahawks are the better team on this night. And that's what the league is. It's a situational league. And I think people saw Atlanta last week dispose of the Colts, right? They look good, 29, 10.

Oh, my God. Oh, how about the Raiders? So the Raiders, that's another one. So the Raiders look unbelievable against the Chiefs. And now, well, it's just the Colts, Gardner Minchews. It's not Mahalms. Watch the Raiders come back down to Earth. Divisional matchup, a team you know well,

and now you're stepping out of the division and like less of an exciting moment. It's tough to understand what it is really week to week. Now, in the playoffs, that clearly changes. Yeah, and also, I've done very well so of you last several years. Predicting the season. I know who the better teams are.

Generally, if Joe Burrow doesn't get hurt, I'd really be accurate in the AFC. But week to week, it's wild. It's like kids. I know my kids are going to grow up to be nice people. But day to day is rough. You don't know what you get when they're seven and chewing on stuff, right? That's true.

All right. We'll see you Monday. Be safe. 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, S&L's Mikey Day and head writer Streeter Seidel help an a cappella band with their between songs banter.

Where does your group perform? We do some retirement homes. Those people are starving for banter. Listen to humor me with Robert Smigel and Friends on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Imagine an Olympics where doping is not. 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, this is Robert from the Stuff to Blow Your Mind, podcast. Joe and I are both lifelong Star Wars fan, so we're celebrating May the 4th with a brand new week of fun, thought-provoking Star Wars-related episodes. Join us as we tackle science and culture topics from a galaxy far, far away, such as the biology of taun tons and wampas on the ice planet hot, or the practicality and corporate business sense of the Sith rule of two. Listen to stuff to blow your mind on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. This is an IHeart podcast. Guaranteed human.