The Herd with Colin Cowherd - THE HERD - Hour 1 - Josh Allen is under the most pressure, top head coach openings

Episode Date: January 6, 2026

Colin Cowherd argues Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills are the team under the most pressure heading into Wild Card Weekend with other star QBs like Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow missing...  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Starting point is 00:02:21 Find your local station for the herd at Fox SportsRadio.com or stream us live every day on the IHeart radio app by searching Fox Sports Radio or FSR. We're listening to Fox Sports Radio. Oh, here we go. We are loaded today. An embarrassment of riches. Nick Wright, Greg Olson, Joel Clatt, It is the Herd.
Starting point is 00:02:48 We're live in Los Angeles. Wherever you may be, however you may be listening or watching, whatever the platform. Thanks for making us part of your day. stories breaking everywhere. We will have all of them. You know, a lot of times you'll hear people say, well, you know, these teams, I mean, they're just, they don't know how to draft quarterbacks.
Starting point is 00:03:11 Twelve of the 14 playoff quarterbacks are first-round quarterbacks. And the best one left is Josh Allen. That's why, as I peruse the playoff matchups this weekend, One team cannot lose. Until maybe they get to a Super Bowl, that's Buffalo. Here's the bad news. Last eight road playoff games, Buffalo is 0 and 8.
Starting point is 00:03:41 Not all of those on Sean McDermott. All the playoff games this weekend, only one team is not allowed to lose Buffalo, or the domino effect starts. Kevin Stefansky don't take a job yet. And the excuse for Buffalo has been, well, there's Patrick Mahomes and Joe Burrow. Neither made the playoffs.
Starting point is 00:04:03 It's bad enough that you lost your division to Drake May and Mike Vrable, and it was Vrable's first year taking over a team that is still, in my opinion, in a rebuild. You can't then lose the AFC to potentially Liam Cohen taking over the wobbly Jacksonville Jaguars. And Sean McDermott can coach. He has a higher winning percentage, believe it or not, than Belichick and Andy Reed. Sean McDermott can coach. But the downside to having a generational quarterback talent, like an Elway, or a Peyton Manning, or a Josh Allen, is the new standard is January. That's the new standard.
Starting point is 00:04:47 So there's a saying, great power comes with great responsibility. In the NFL, great quarterbacks create great responsibility. It is Sean McDermott's responsibility to be completely buttoned up and win a road playoff game over a team, frankly, Jacksonville, that is better than you this year. I was looking this morning at the most consecutive seasons of 10-plus wins NFL all time. The bills are now fifth, and they're the only team that has not reached a Super Bowl in that seven-year stretch. not only is every other team when they have these stretches
Starting point is 00:05:28 been to a Super Bowl six of the seven have won a Super Bowl Buffalo hasn't reached it and Josh Allen leads the NFL in yards in playoff history think about that most yards in playoff history
Starting point is 00:05:46 is averaging not total averaging is Josh Allen never been to a super Super Bowl. So losing to Mahomes and Burrough, okay, that's a reason. You can't lose to Boe Nix.
Starting point is 00:06:02 You can't lose to Drake May. You can't lose to Liam Cohen and Trevor Lawrence. You can't. Doesn't matter. You can't. Twelve of fourteen four-time playoffs have first-round quarterbacks.
Starting point is 00:06:18 You have the best one. Here's Sean McDermott on the weekend ahead. you don't take them for granted let's just start there but at the same time you the experience is we've i've been here we've been here and so that comes with like i guess it brings some level of called seasoning and you would hope poise and composure as we prepare this week and go through our process like anything else you learn from experience okay so So I had mentioned there's a lot of coaching openings.
Starting point is 00:06:56 J-MAC will have more of those in 12, 15 minutes. I said this yesterday, and I have a little company, and I don't like to fire people. I really don't. I think there's a spot almost always somewhere in a company for people. But you can always tell, I was told this years and years and years ago by a boss I had, like 30 years ago. He said, you can always tell if you made a mistake when you let someone. somebody go based on how the job market reacts. So Cleveland fires Kevin Stefansky. In my opinion, mistake. According to Adam Schaefter, the Falcons, Giants, and Titans, top of their list.
Starting point is 00:07:40 Yeah, Cleveland, you screwed up again. Can't get the right quarterback. Fire the wrong coach. So five years in a row, I have made a pick. I call it a double your win total team, and if not double, the most improved team. Vikings in 2022, I got that right. Rams the year after a Washington and Denver, a couple years ago. This year I had New England double your win total. Most improved team would be Seattle. So I'm on a little bit of a heater. Not only should Stefanski be the leading candidate if the bills lose, the team I would pick next year, double your win total, would be the New York Giants if Kevin Stefansky is hired.
Starting point is 00:08:24 That's how highly I think of him. So I've gotten it right, four or five years and teams in a row. The Giants with Kevin Stefansky would have a last play schedule. Jackson Dart, Scataboo, Neighbors Returns, Andrew Thomas, good left tackle. Again, last play schedule, number five pick in the draft. They can manipulate and get more picks. This is an absolute layup. Nothing against Mike Kafka, the interim guy.
Starting point is 00:08:49 But you know, I don't like when teams fire a coach, the interim guy. comes in and you're like, wow, that looked pretty good. It's the substitute teacher. Everybody loves the substitute teacher. Right. They're more chill than the previous teacher, more chill than the previous coach, not as harsh. Yeah, Mike Kofka's not the answer. Could be someday, I don't think this is the space. And people can say, well, Colin, you thought Pete Carroll was going to work in Las Vegas. Yeah, I thought Pete Carroll was a solid choice. It should be noted. I picked the Raiders to finish fourth with Pete Carroll. I said they'll still be a last place team, but they need like guidance and maturity and
Starting point is 00:09:30 stop with the interim stuff. Just go hire a guy that's one big Pete Carroll. It didn't work. It's a man overboard, but I still picked him for fourth. The New York Giants have several key components. Like, you know, Jackson Darts in the blue tent, way more than I like. But when you have a number one receiver, a number one left half. a number one back, a number one quarterback, an excellent pass rusher, the number five pick,
Starting point is 00:10:00 that's pretty solid. That's pretty solid. I mean, you go look at the teams at the top of the draft. Outside of the team that gets Mendoza, Giants pretty interesting. Here's Joe Shane on their coaching vacancy right now in New York. Each of those franchises brought in new head coaches and were able to turn it around rather quickly. And, you know, Drake May's in the MVP, you know, race right now. And, you know, Caleb Williams, we obviously played against him and has had a really good year and playing at a high level. So, yeah, that's certainly an opportunity that you look at those franchises and how they put it together in the quick turnaround. And, you know, an ideal world, yeah, that would be it. From the people I've talked to, you know, the consensus,
Starting point is 00:10:44 there are a lot of potential head coaching candidates that are excited about the opportunity here because of Jackson Dart. Yeah, 50 to 40, 50% of first round quarterbacks that are drafted don't become great franchise quarterbacks. I don't know what Jackson Dart's going to become, but no reasonable person would deny it's encouraging if he can stay out of the blue tent. The Giants were swimming in chaos. He was kind of encouraging. Scataboo, Neighbors, Andrew Thomas, Jackson Dart, Abdul Carter. It's kind of encouraging.
Starting point is 00:11:19 Kevin Stefansky takes that job. That is a double your win total team. Not saying it's a great team. They're not going to turn into New England this year, but they'd be a really good team. Jay Mack, we got all sorts of stuff happening. Some of it not surprising. One move, very surprising.
Starting point is 00:11:40 And this is such a great time. You're starting Thursday. Do you want to just tell them what happened in the last time? So Cliff Kingsbury is now mutually decided. He does not get along with the GM Adam Peters, I've been told. Oh, I didn't. Yeah, he doesn't necessarily see eye to eye with the GM. And now Dan Quinn, this is the downside to hiring a defensive coach.
Starting point is 00:12:00 And I like Dan Quinn. I thought it was a solid hire. Oh, now you lose your offensive coordinator. And here's Jaden Daniels all banged up going, who's my coach? By the way, also fired their defensive coordinator. So both coordinators gone. That usually means, hey, head coach, deliver this season or you're gone. That's right.
Starting point is 00:12:17 Not good for Jaden Daniels. Yeah, that's what we've always said. said, hire an offensive coach. Now, there are exceptions. D'Amico Ryan's came highly touted. Jesse Minter with the Chargers, everybody loves. Mike McDaniel was thought of as the Sean McVey of defense. There are great defensive coaches. But even if you nail that guy, he loses his offensive coordinator every couple of years. I mean, Dan Campbell did a great job. This year, offensive coordinator didn't work as well. He had to take over offensive play calling, and it disrupted the flow of the team. There'll probably be a line out the door for this.
Starting point is 00:12:49 job, right? You want to get in coaching Jaden Daniels because he's such a superstar. I wonder, where does Cliff Kingsbury land? Do you think he wants to maybe spend the fall in New York with the Jets? I'll tell you, I have this as well sourced as I can. I love Cliff. He's not an NFL head coach. No, no, as EOC, if we get Dante Moore
Starting point is 00:13:06 in New York as a quarterback. Could that excite Cliff Kingsbury? Living in New York, coaching young Dante. Working for the Jets does not excite anybody. I mean, right now it's the worst situation in the league. It's up there. I mean, say what you want about Tennessee. They have Cam Ward.
Starting point is 00:13:23 Well, the Raiders are in trouble right now. Well, but they get Mendoza. Yes. Yeah, I mean, everybody, Tennessee has Cam Ward. Giants have Jackson Dart. Think what you want. Raiders are getting Mendoza. I mean, you can say what you want about the Falcons,
Starting point is 00:13:35 but Kirk played well at the end. They still have panics. They're going to hire an offensive guy, perhaps Stafansky. Jets are at the bottom right now, 32 at 32. I'll accept it. Be sure to catch live editions of the herd. Weekdays in noon Eastern, 9 a.m.
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Starting point is 00:14:19 Just search Odd Couple FSSR. Check us out on YouTube and subscribe. 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?
Starting point is 00:14:35 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,
Starting point is 00:14:50 what we should call it. Well, we were thinking I'm originally calling it one of the early names of our band before Jonas Brothers. This is how you guys remember it going down? Yes. I have a very different memory of this. We were talking about a thing, a bit for the podcast
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Starting point is 00:15:25 The story I've told myself about love or relationships can then shape my behavior and that can lead me to sabotage the possibility of connection. This Mental Health Awareness Month, tune into the podcast deeply well with Debbie Brown and explore the journey of healing, self-discovery, and returning to yourself. We explore higher consciousness,
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Starting point is 00:16:24 Hey, I'm Jared Adano. You might know me as that loud guy who yells out, help on the internet. Help! Somebody! Please! But there's so much more to me than that. I'm an actor.
Starting point is 00:16:35 I'm a comedian. And recently, I've become quite the helper myself. And on my new podcast, Hope from a Hypocrite, I'll be changing lives, helping people in need with my sage advice and thoughtful solutions. Sike! I'm a comedian. I'm not qualified to give good advice.
Starting point is 00:16:52 Join me and my comedian friends as we riff, rant, recommend some of the most legally dubious advice known to man. If I'm calling you, even if you're on your phone, let it ring twice. One ring is too scary. Cream a chicken suit. Hey, cream. Cream a chicken suit.
Starting point is 00:17:11 This is Help from a Hypocrat, the worst advice from the dumbest people you know. Listen to Help from a Hypocrite as part of the Mike Coutura podcast network available on the IHart radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. What's up, fam? It's Isaiah Thomas. And I'm C.J. Toledano, and our podcast, Point Game is about defining the odds.
Starting point is 00:17:30 Like LeBron heading into the playoffs without Luca and Austin Reed. And finding ways to win no matter what. He's the smartest player to ever play the game. His IQ is at a level that we've never seen before. And he knows. Without Luca and Austin Reeves, I got to manipulate the game. We get a player's perspective on the challenges of the playoffs. I think Joker's going to be exhausted this series
Starting point is 00:17:52 because when they don't have Rudy in the lineup, he has to really guard guys like Nas Reid. He has to guard Julius Randall. And then he has to give us everything he gives us on the night-to-night basis on offense. And when IT's friends stop by, like Quentin Richardson, we dive into some playoff history too. Steve Nash would get that thing.
Starting point is 00:18:10 That man, hell get to fly. He running up the court, licking his fingers, why he got the ball, like, you go through a training camp with that Isaiah, you figure it out. real quick. Get your ass up and down the court, and you're going to get the ball. So listen to Point Game on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your
Starting point is 00:18:27 podcasts. I don't think people, maybe they do, but there's been a sea change in college football. And we're down to the final four teams. It's Tuesday, Thursday night, they start playing again. And the SEC is no longer. It's not disputable. their bull record this year is four and nine. The SEC is no longer the number one conference.
Starting point is 00:18:54 In fact, of those four wins, only two or non-SCC teams. They beat themselves, and then they beat Tulane who lost their coach in Michigan, which has been in a free fall for the last eight weeks until they hired Kyle Whittingham. Those are your two wins, Tulane and Michigan. So if Ole Miss loses to Miami on Thursday, Thursday, Thursday, year, no SEC team in the championship game. They're not even getting there. This year, National Letter of Recruiting Day, which was always an SEC parade for the top five teams, non-SEC teams, and they're richer schools, Notre Dame, Oregon,
Starting point is 00:19:36 USC, and Ohio State. So the Big Ten plus Notre Dame have a lot more money. A great example of this is Bama's number one booster is Bear Bryant's son. Oregon has Phil Knight. founder of Nike, Indiana's got Mark Cuban, who's among three huge boosters for the Hoosiers. So the SEC always had a slogan. It just means more. Passion ruled the sport. Big problem, though. Now going forward, the new slogan in college football is, it just costs more.
Starting point is 00:20:11 And that is the reality. I'm reading a story this morning. Well, is money taking over college football? Yeah, it was always leading college football. There was the facilities, mad rush, paying kids in the south through the churches. And now it all comes through the front door, as Ed Orgeron said, not the back door. All four quarterbacks left in the playoff transfers. And here's something that's fascinating.
Starting point is 00:20:36 The number one SEC team on the rise is Vanderbilt. The number one academic school, which has the richest group on average of graduates. Academics do matter. So it's very interesting when people talk about, oh, which is a better conference? There's no arguing. Right now, they are four and nine in bowl games. The only two wins against non-SCC teams were Tulane that lost a coach and Michigan did two a different way. That's it. It just means more. Nah. It just costs more. That's the reality. That's the reality. college football now is 40 to 50% pro football by the way attendance up ratings up it was always sort of a provincial tribal wonky sport with no leadership now it kind of looks like the NFL playoffs and the numbers prove people are into it SEC super expensive conference this point forward that's how you win it keep your eye on vandy j mac with the news
Starting point is 00:21:42 no no turn on the news this is the herd line news All right, Colin. Let's go back to the NFL. Dallas Cowboys fired their D.C. Matt Iber Flues, not a huge surprise. I mean, their defense was a dumpster fire all season. You know, you trade Micah Parsons, and then you allow 29 points per game worse than the league.
Starting point is 00:22:02 They were 31st in points allowed and allowed 376 yards per game. Colin, it was abysmal all around. I don't really know where they go from here. They got a lot of work to do on the back end of the defense. Trayvon Diggs, by the way, who they refused to play. Goes to Green Bay has a pretty good week 18 in a meaningless game. Cincinnati is a great example. You could have Joe Burrow and Jamar Chase and T. Higgins.
Starting point is 00:22:25 You can't score your way to the playoffs. You're seeing in college football. Oregon, Miami, and Indiana play real defense. Ole Miss doesn't. You have to play. I mean, the downfall, the SEC is that Bam and Georgia don't have dominating defenses anymore. It's not that they don't score points. So Cincinnati proves that you can have a great offense.
Starting point is 00:22:45 You have to make some stops. In fact, that's what I think both of us agree will be the downfall of Chicago. It's a bears give up big plays. They're better defensively at home. But yeah, I largely agree with you. So I think take Cincinnati as an example. Your first two picks should probably be defensive players. And you should probably let pickings go and go buy another.
Starting point is 00:23:09 I mean, you got Quinn Williams, Kenny Clark, draft an edge, get a safety, Caleb Downs or a corner. And then you probably go off to spend some money somewhere. in that secondary as well. It's a lean secondary. Caleb Downs would be a home run. I don't think he's going to be there when they're drafting. I mean, hell, the Chiefs could be interested in Caleb Downs. So a really rough one for the Cowboys defense this year. All right.
Starting point is 00:23:28 Sticking in the NFC East, the big news, the commanders dump both of their coordinators. Joe Witt, the DC, gone, and we're calling it a parting of ways with Kingsbury and Dan Quinn. Now, I, my guess is something's going to come out on this, Colin. This feels awkward, right? Like, why would you move off Kingsbury?
Starting point is 00:23:45 You were in the NFC championship a year ago with the healthy Jayden Daniels, Kingsbury was amazing. And now you're just moving on from him? You get a whiff that there's anything going on here? Well, they hired a defensive coach who had been fired in Atlanta, Dan Quinn. We both thought it was a good B plus hire. Because we both love the idea of stabilizing the organization. But if you're asking me what I would have ideally done is hire an offensive coach.
Starting point is 00:24:14 By the way, the Bears, Caleb Williams inherited a defensive coach. They have now permitted to do an offensive coach. I'm like, Bo Nix, offensive coach. Drake May has a defensive coach, but he has probably the best coordinator in the sport, Josh McDaniels. Right. I think Dan Quinn's on the clock. So interesting. What great coordinator is going to take that job in Washington?
Starting point is 00:24:36 Why would I take the commander's job? Well, I know that if Quinn doesn't win, I'm not getting the job as a coordinator. I think you're trapped. I think this puts the pressure on Dan Quinn. And what guy with options is choosing this job? And now that would be year three with Jaden. And if next year's bad, then you get a new coach, year four? Then the rookie deal is wasted.
Starting point is 00:24:59 Colin, what if there's a scenario that Kingsbury is going to be a head coach? There are six openings. I know you don't think it worked well in Arizona. He did get them to the playoffs. Kylo Murray's only trip. What if the Raiders kick the tires on Kingsbury? Remember, he was in discussions with them. The answer is, Pete Carroll's last couple of jobs bad.
Starting point is 00:25:17 Kingsbury, Kingsbury got fired by his alma mater. He's not a head coach. That's not, I know. Because there are a couple good quarterbacks out there. Dart, Cam Ward, and Mendoza are on the board. The knock on Kingsbury has always been. He's not, he will not hold fairly disruptive players accountable. He's an offensive guy.
Starting point is 00:25:37 He's a nice guy. But things get loose very quick. They did it as alma. His alma mater. But again, that was like seven years ago, eight, ten years ago. Now we're, maybe he needed to be around Quinn to see what it's like, around a round of mature head coach. You either have that personality or you don't. You don't learn how to be tough.
Starting point is 00:25:57 Now, there are tough coaches, Coughlin, who lighten up. But Wade Phillips was always a great guy. The knock on him was always. He's not tough enough. You can go backward. Tough people can lighten up. The tough dad can lighten up and chill out. light, soft, nice, don't get mean.
Starting point is 00:26:15 Players don't buy into it. Kingsbury's not going to become McVeigh. He's not going to become, like, Shanahan in that building is not only respected. He's a little feared. He'll move off you. McVeigh is feared. He moved on. Vaughn Miller.
Starting point is 00:26:29 I mean, Cooper Cop. Like, McVeigh in that building, players love him, but he moves off guys a year early. Kingsbury doesn't need to become anyone. He could just become a slightly different. version of himself. And maybe not crack the whip, hardcore. I mean, that almost makes it sound like Mike McDaniel in Miami. He's soft.
Starting point is 00:26:49 He's kind of a quiet guy. He can't change. No. Kenny? Mike McDaniel made two a Pro Bowl or made the playoffs. With a GM that was apparently completely over his skis. I mean, if I'm Kingsbury sitting in a meeting with Tom Brady or whoever, hey man, Kyla Murray's only trip to the playoffs with me.
Starting point is 00:27:07 Jane Daniels, I took him to the NFC championship in his first year. Like, I think he's got a decent resume. I'm not totally out on Kingsbury being a head coach in this cycle. I mean, obviously, Stefansky would be ahead of him, but you're saying no shot? No, he may get hired. I'm not saying no shot. I'm telling you when your alma mater gets rid of you. Alma monitors don't want to get rid of people that went to the school.
Starting point is 00:27:30 And then you go to Arizona. And I'm not blaming him entirely in Arizona. But the knock was he didn't quite hold people accountable. It's not his personnel. We say this all the time. A lot of people are vice. presidents. A lot of people are VPs. They're not built for the boardroom. They're not built to make hard, tough decisions. I don't think Kingsbury is, I think Cliff's great guy. I think he's sharp.
Starting point is 00:27:52 I think he's a good OC. But why would Adam Peters, the GM, who's highly respected, why would he butt heads with Cliff Kingsbury? Why? Something's going to come out in D.C. Or Kingsbury has over the next week or two, start reading all your, I mean, I'm going to make two. I'm going to make two calls after the show today, why didn't Peters and Cliff get along? I mean, Peters is considered super sharp. Yeah. They turned it around quickly. This year, a disaster.
Starting point is 00:28:24 But anyways, final story, Colin, Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams, their big playoff debut is this weekend. Caleb, obviously, had a great season with the Bears. Franchise record, 3,942 passing yards. Ben Johnson is confident in his quarterback. he's played in a lot of big games over the course of his life I think he's he's primed and he's ready to go he was built for these moments
Starting point is 00:28:50 he plays his best when when we need them to and so there's really not a whole lot that needs to be said he just needs to be him okay so wise guys slash sharps always look at the weather very interesting the weather
Starting point is 00:29:08 for this game Yeah. Up to 30-mile-hour wind gusts. What does that tell you? Take the better run game. So where is Chicago vulnerable giving up big plays? Good luck throwing it down the field to Christian Watson. So run games and throws to tight ends, Colston Loveland.
Starting point is 00:29:32 Loveland's really come on strong. Well, Colcomette Loveland, Caleb Strong Arm, run game, better offensive line is Chicago. So the weather right now is favoring Chicago. Keep the ball on the ground. Throw to your tight ends. Underneath stuff. Bears at home. So Caleb, in the first meeting with the Packers, 186 yards passing, not a great game,
Starting point is 00:29:56 had a bad pick. Did come on strong late. Second game wasn't doing much and then had the big throw in overtime to put them over 200 yards. But two meetings against the Packers, this is a tough one for him. This is the one game I'm afraid to pick. I just don't have a strong feeling either way. Gut tells me maybe the Packers win, but I'll be rooting for your bears.
Starting point is 00:30:15 Sometimes I'll root for your teens. Even though you take dumps on the Jets regularly, I'll root for your bears. I'll root for it. All right. A J-Mac with the news. Well, that's the news. And thanks for stopping by.
Starting point is 00:30:26 The Hurd-Lie News. So as we get ready to go into, college football starts Thursday, then Friday, then Saturday through Monday night with the Steelers, Texans. It's just going to be a parade of greatness. So I want to establish something as we go into the playoffs. So this is hard for the radio audience to devour because it's a lot of numbers. But PFF has ranked every playoff team in order, pass blocking O line on the left, run blocking O line in the right.
Starting point is 00:31:03 Here's the good news. Denver and Buffalo have the two best offensive lines in the playoff. Look at the very bottom. The Chargers have the worst pass blocking of all these playoff teams, 31st, only one team in the whole league, and they have the worst blocking offensive line in the entire league, playoff teams, non-playoff teams. So the Chargers would be the worst offensive line in the pro football, the PFF era, to just win a playoff game.
Starting point is 00:31:39 to just win and and and and justin herbert i know what you're saying if they lose in new england colin how good can he be i mean how good can he be now on a playoff game if justin herbert out of college landed in philly with howie roseman they'd be building a bust in canton ohio if you look at justin herbert's career all of it including the playoffs when he has sacked once or fewer, he's 21 and 6. But even when he's sacked two or more times, he's still excellent. Now, he's under 500, but a 91 passer rating. So there is a difference. Let's get it all out here. There is a difference between not doing something, winning a playoff game, and being the reason you haven't done something. This is an offensive line that should immediately disqualify
Starting point is 00:32:35 you as a team from making the playoffs. And yet Herbert has engineered an 11 and 6 record with the worst run blocking line in the league and the second worst pass blocking. And of the playoff teams, it's not close. The second thing we need to establish, the second thing we need to establish on those rankings of offensive lines, The Chicago Bears have the number six passing O-line and the number three running O-line. So the Bears and Caleb Williams have an excellent top four O-line in the league, not just playoff teams. They have an excellent play designer and caller Ben Johnson, excellent weapons, and the better run game against Green Bay.
Starting point is 00:33:25 So two things this weekend. If Justin Herbert loses, I don't want to hear about, well, Colin. Oh, where the playoff wins? They're an underdog for a reason. They have an offensive line that should not sniff the playoffs. The fact they're 11 and 6 is insane. But if Caleb Williams loses when he's got the coach, the O line, the pass blocking, the run blocking, the weapons, that's on Caleb. He has got to beat Green Bay at home facing a Packard team without Michael Parsons.
Starting point is 00:34:00 No excuses. the pressures on Caleb. You got the home. You actually have weather that benefits you. You've got the run game, the O-line, the play calling, the play design. Herbert is looking uphill.
Starting point is 00:34:17 Here's Harbaugh on facing the Patriots. Excited for the game. Excited for the opportunity, alter competitive season. This is that time, you know. and yeah, kind of
Starting point is 00:34:35 put up or shut up time. For the record, Herbert, Justin Herbert, led the Chargers in rushing seven times this year. That is not what they want in Los Angeles. It's why I like the Patriots in this matchup.
Starting point is 00:34:56 Heard hierarchy, our last regular season, herd hierarchy of the year. Joel Clats around the corner, college football, Playoff start Thursday. It's the Hurt. Be sure to catch live editions of the herd weekdays in noon Eastern 9 a.m. Pacific. Hey, it's us, the Jonas brothers. And guess what? We have some big news. What's the news, new? Huge news.
Starting point is 00:35:20 We created our own podcast called, Hey Jonas. We invented a podcast? Well, we didn't invent it. We just contributed to a... 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.
Starting point is 00:35:39 I think it was on a call about what we should call it. Well, we were thinking I'm originally calling it one of the early names of our band before Jonas Brothers. This is how you guys remember it going down? Yes. I have a very different memory of this. We were talking about a thing, a bit for the podcast, where people could call in and say, hey, Jonas. And then I wrote down on my little notepad, Hey Jonas, and offered it up as a potential title for the podcast. But thanks for remembering that, guys.
Starting point is 00:36:07 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. Hey, I'm Jared Adano. You might know me as that loud guy who yells out, help on the internet. Help! Somebody! Please! But there's so much more to me than that. I'm an actor. I'm a comedian. And recently, I've become quite the helper myself. And on my new podcast, Hope from a Hippocrite, I'll be changing lives, helping people in need with my sage advice. and thoughtful solutions.
Starting point is 00:36:39 Sike, I'm a comedian! I'm not qualified to give good advice. Join me and my comedian friends as we riff, rant, recommend some of the most legally dubious advice known to man. If I'm calling you, even if you're on your phone, let it ring twice. One ring is too scary.
Starting point is 00:36:56 Oh, cream of chicken suit. Hey, cream a chicken suit. This is Help from a Hypocrite, the worst advice from the dumbest people you know. Listen to Help from Hippocrat as part of the Mike Coutura Podcast Network available on the IHartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. The story I've told myself about love or relationships can then shape my behavior, and that can lead me to sabotage the possibility of connection. This Mental Health Awareness Month, tune into the podcast deeply well with Debbie Brown and explore the journey of healing, self-discovery, and returning. to yourself. We explore higher consciousness, emotional well-being, and the practices that help you
Starting point is 00:37:41 find clarity, peace, and self-mastery in a world that can feel overwhelming. The world is becoming lonelier. We're not becoming more social and connected. We're becoming more individualized, but we actually meet people in connection. If you've been searching for a soft place to land while doing the work to become whole, this podcast is for you to hear more. Listen to deeply well, with Debbie Brown from the Black Effect Podcast Network on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. What's up, fam? It's Isaiah Thomas.
Starting point is 00:38:16 And I'm CJ Toledano, and our podcast Point Game is about defying the odds. Like LeBron heading into the playoffs without Luca and Austin Reed. And finding ways to win no matter what. He's the smartest player to ever play the game. His IQ is at a level that we've never seen before. And he knows without Luca and Austin Reeves, I got to manipulate the game. We get a player's perspective on the challenges of the playoffs. I think Joker's going to be exhausted this series
Starting point is 00:38:42 because when they don't have Rudy in the lineup, he has to really guard guys like Nas Reid. He has to guard Julius Randall. And then he has to give us everything he gives us on the night-to-night basis on offense. And when IT's friends stop by, like Quentin Richardson, we dive into some playoff history too. Steve Nass would get that thing.
Starting point is 00:39:00 That man, hell get the flying. He running up the court, licking his fingers, why he got the ball, like, After you go through a training camp with that, Isaiah, you figure it out real quick. Get your ass up and down the court, and you're going to get the ball. So listen to Point Game on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. By the way, this news that is coming out, Todd McShay advised Dante Moore, the Oregon quarterback, regardless of how he is playing, that Mendoza is going to be the number one pick out of Indiana.
Starting point is 00:39:33 and he, Todd McShay said, avoid the jets, do not go to the NFL stay at college. Now, Dante Moore at Oregon is going to make $4 million probably around that ballpark. That is what the top quarterbacks are going for. Texas Tech just signed a really talented quarterback who I think is good enough to play now in the NFL for about $4 or $5 million. So it's great for college football because, you know, football's as good as quarterback play. So it's great for college football. You're going to keep guys in college another year at the moment. most important position. It's also great for these kids who can get another 13 to 15 college
Starting point is 00:40:09 starts. That can't hurt. It's also good for the secondary quarterback market in the NFL like Malique Willis is going to eat and Mack Jones and Kyler Murray and Daniel Jones. It's great for those guys. It's not good for poorly run organizations because I and I would strongly, don't listen to your agent. Agents want to get paid. All you college guys when you get agents, all agents want, they want to get paid. They don't really care what's best for you. They want money. And the bottom line here is Aaron Glenn and the Jets is a is a hazmat spill. What do they offer? Strong ownership, proven coach, great old line, lots of weapons. I mean, Garrett Wilson, I think remains the number one Jets receiver. I don't think he's got a catch since week six. I mean, it is. So to me, Oregon for another 15 games,
Starting point is 00:41:03 Dan Lannings a great recruiter. Stay at Oregon. Win a bunch of games. With that, Joel Clatt joins us live as we get ready for the game starting Thursday. Miami Ole Miss. You know, I've got to tell you, and I've been saying this about college basketball. College basketball had about a 20-year stretch where it was unwatchable because guys were going to Europe. It was won and done. And the European players weren't coming over.
Starting point is 00:41:28 Then the NIL came. And suddenly now, the American universities go by 50. Europeans. Europeans can't keep. I mean, like Spaniards now, they'll leave a Spanish league. They'll come over here and go play for Illinois. And then guys like Zach Edie,
Starting point is 00:41:43 who are really good players, say, I'm going to stay at Purdue one more year. So college basketball has been fortified with about 20 to 25 to 30 kids. But instead of playing in, you know, it could be Israel. It could be overseas. Lithuania.
Starting point is 00:41:55 It could be Japan. It could be wherever. They just come back to college and make $3 million a year. So I think this is great. for college football. That Texas Tech kid who played at Cincinnati and Dante Moore,
Starting point is 00:42:09 they could both play in the NFL now. They're going to come out with 50 more starts. I mean, you played the position in college. I love this for college football. I do too. And by the way, it's going to make them better pros. You know, this is not just about the money. It's also about the impact that they're going to have once their NFL
Starting point is 00:42:25 players. You and I have talked about this a lot. You look at the best players in the NFL, and in particular the quarterbacks that win in the postseason and ultimately go on and win Super Bowl, you average out their college career and you've got 30 plus starts, a thousand plus attempts, very experienced guys. In fact, do you know the least experienced quarterback from a college perspective to have won a Super Bowl in the last 25 years is actually Tom Brady? Wow. I mean, that should tell you everything that you need to know about what you need coming into the league and obviously fit like you were talking about with the Jets.
Starting point is 00:42:57 Fit and organization are obviously going to impact that as well. but your experience and maturity level is a big factor in that. And so I would also, if Dante Moore called me today and he said, hey, like, what should I do? I wouldn't blink an eye. I would say, go back to school because it's no longer just a financial decision. He can make life-changing money at Oregon, much less the National Football League and getting extra starts prepares you for what you could potentially have, which is a long NFL career,
Starting point is 00:43:27 because you want to get to the second contract. That's when it really matters for you in the national football league. And we're starting to see, by the way, in the last couple of years, experience at that position and experience teams in general are the ones that are winning in the postseason. Look at Indiana. They've got experience. Look at Ohio State last year. Michigan the year before. Experience at the quarterback position, experience across the line of scrimmage.
Starting point is 00:43:50 That's what's ultimately winning out right now in college football. Well, I mean, Bo Nicks had 61 college starts. So Sean Payton, it's not a coincidence. that when he got to Denver, Sean Payton said, here's the entire playbook. And through luck, three years,
Starting point is 00:44:05 four years at Stanford, three years. Like, when he came into the league, they're like, okay, here's the entire playbook. We don't have to babysit you. So it not only helps you in college,
Starting point is 00:44:13 but by the time you get the NFL, I mean, Bo Nix had like four or five different coordinators in college. He was like a pro in college. So I love that. Well, and Mahomes had a ton of starts. Matthew Stafford had a ton of starts. Look at what he's doing.
Starting point is 00:44:24 It's a good chance he's going to win the MVP. So, So this has borne out, this is not a one or two year sample size. In the National Football League, this has been a 25-year deal where we can look and see who's succeeding in the postseason in particular. And that's why it's easy to say to a guy like Dante Moore or a lot of these quarterbacks, stay in school, stay in school, and now they're getting paid to do so. Well, when I watched Alabama in Georgia, my takeaway was those defenses are,
Starting point is 00:44:57 don't have a lot of depth. They didn't generate the pass rush without bringing extra people. And my takeaway is, college football has officially changed. The SEC has gone two and seven against non-SEC teams, and that's over Tulane,
Starting point is 00:45:13 who lost their coach in Michigan. That's been a mess for, you know, six to eight weeks. I think we have to be honest about this is that of the four teams left, Joel, three play real big boy defense, and Ole Miss doesn't. No, they don't. And I think a lot of it, Joe, it's just money.
Starting point is 00:45:30 Ohio State can buy both sides. Miami and Oregon can buy both sides of the ball. I do think it's money. I do think it's experience as well. You know, I think that that comes into it, which I was alluding to in that last answer. But think about who lost in the quarterfinals. Ohio State lost in the quarterfinals.
Starting point is 00:45:49 Alabama lost in the quarterfinals. Georgia lost in the quarterfinals. And you could make a strong argument that a lot of that was depth related. and line of scrimmage related. Like Georgia started losing players on defense. They got banged up on defense. They lost a guy to targeting. And all of a sudden,
Starting point is 00:46:04 they didn't have what they had five and six and seven years ago, which is a two deep littered with five-star players because they could just hoard those guys. They didn't want to go anywhere. So now all of a sudden, they don't have the depth that they used to. What would have been a 40 to 19 Georgia win seven years ago turned into an old miss win because they were able to make some plays
Starting point is 00:46:23 and attack that Georgia defense. Similarly, like Miami was able to invest in a line of scrimmage game that ultimately beat Ohio State. The defensive line for Miami was outstanding. The offensive line for Miami was outstanding. Oregon, very similarly, was able to handle the game at the line of scrimmage and more specifically on defense. This sport has turned into, you've got to have a great defense to win in the postseason, and in particular down the stretch when you get to the semifinals and the finals. That's why I think it's going to be tough for Ole Miss.
Starting point is 00:46:54 their defense is ranked 29th in scoring defense. The rest of the participants, Miami is sixth, Oregon is fourth, and Indiana is second in scoring defense. So everybody can play defense right now, and that's ultimately what it comes down to. So Ole Miss has multiple coaches who are splitting time between LSU and Ole Miss. I think Miami's the better team, significantly better defense. Now that you look, see, here was my thing on Lane Kiffin. I don't want to be a hypocrite. I have been mobile in my career.
Starting point is 00:47:26 I'm not going to tell people not to upgrade. So I don't want to be a hypocrite. That said, I was curious. I said, I'm not so sure. Old Miss couldn't score their way to the national championship game. I think they'd be beaten by a better defense, but they could knock some teams off. Now in the rear view mirror,
Starting point is 00:47:44 you look at the mess at Ole Miss. What do you make of Kiffin leaving? It's a mess. Like you just said, that's the best way to describe it. I said at the time, and I said it on your show, I said it on others. I said it on Big Noon kickoff right before Michigan, Ohio State. I said that if Lane was ultimately doing all this and making all these decisions in order to compete for a national championship, then all he had to do was look at what's right in front of him because he's going to have that chance this year with this old Miss team.
Starting point is 00:48:14 And that's exactly what has panned out. They're just doing it with Pete Golding. Now he decided to move. And that's fine. Although, like I also said during that time, there are consequences to those decisions. Listen, what I don't think Lane understands is that he's not the victim in this scenario. You know, I think that there's a lot of things going on right now. And what I look at is the player.
Starting point is 00:48:37 If I'm Trinidad Chambliss, don't I expect desire my offensive coordinator to be 100% invested in what's going on with the national semifinal? Yes, that's what I hope for if I'm in that position as a quarterback. And the reality is that's not the case. Now, Lane would tell you that Charlie Weiss has had all the time necessary and hasn't missed a meeting. And don't worry, he's been back and forth to help recruited LSU and being back there. And it's been a little bit toxic at Ole Miss. All these things, that's what Lane would tell you. But the bottom line is, is the quickest way to be defeated is be distracted.
Starting point is 00:49:14 And you cannot serve two masters, period. Yeah. Period. And so the situation sucks for the players. and and I'm sure Lane is is catching heat from Old Miss and old miss and old miss is catching heat from Lane and they're bantering back and forth now and all of these different things and all I keep thinking about are the players the players just want their coaches to be there to help build support, prepare them for the task at hand and I don't know if that's taking place right now 100%. And that's unfortunate and that's one of the reasons why I would pick Miami in this game. The matchup actually if you look at it, Ole Miss resembles SMU enough that they can get their quarterback, Trinidad Chambliss on the edge, tire out, Bain and Mezzador. Like the matchup is not bad for Ole Miss.
Starting point is 00:50:01 It really isn't. No. But you better have an offensive coaching staff and they better be 100% vested in this game. And that's what you can call into question. Yeah, I always like underdogs. If the underdog is built the play from behind and we just watched Old Miss, they're absolutely built the play from behind because then Trinidad Chamblis can do a little off script stuff. I always think underdogs get in trouble when
Starting point is 00:50:24 they're static. Ole Miss can throw it if they're forced to or they want to. They're fine throwing the football. So they're built to be outplayed for three quarters and come roaring back and win. And I can't wait to what I do like Miami. I think Miami's the most physical, I hate to use the word, but the most violent physical team I've seen, that's what the Buckeyes were last year. Sure.
Starting point is 00:50:49 and they beat people up physically. Yeah, I would agree with that. I think it comes down to two things. Pay attention, obviously, to quarterback play. But here's the deal, Colin. Carson Beck has been allowed to play in manageable third-down situations and he's been brilliant doing. So if he can do that, Miami will succeed.
Starting point is 00:51:06 Yep. Joel, great stuff. Joel, appreciate it on a Tuesday. Awesome, bud. Have a good one. Yeah. I mean, listen, there's an argument that the best offense left is not Indiana, Oregon, it's actually Ole Miss.
Starting point is 00:51:21 So, Ole Miss, and you saw it against Georgia, I like underdogs when they can, you know, like Chicago is a great example. Chicago can be brilliant. They get outplayed against Detroit the entire game, and then you look up and six minutes later, it's tied. So Ole Miss has the ability to do that. You know, it's just interesting.
Starting point is 00:51:39 The best SEC team now doesn't have a good defense. They're led by offense. Welcome to 2025 and 2026 college football. Heard hierarchy, last one of the regular season next. 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.
Starting point is 00:52:03 We invented a podcast? Well, we didn't invent it. We just contributed to it. We're the 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. Listen to Hey Jonas on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Just listen.
Starting point is 00:52:23 care where you hear it. Turn someday into right now with Body by Jake Radio. Nonstop workout music and expert tips 24-7. Hey, head over to iHeart.com. Search Body by Jake Radio and stream it for free right now. Awesome health and wellness tips 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Remember, stick to the fight. When your hardest hit, it's when things seem worse that you must not quit.
Starting point is 00:52:45 Don't quit. Body by Jake Radio, where hope meets momentum. Search Body by Jake Radio and stream it for free. Have a great day. Radio. This is Saigon, the story of my family and of the country that shaped us. From IHeart Podcasts, Saigon. You don't think I'm serious about a free Vietnam?
Starting point is 00:53:06 One city, a divided country, and the war that tore America apart. It's for Vietnam. They're pouring Patrick all over here. Freedom for Vietnam! There's a fire coming to this country and it's going to burn out everything. Listen to Saigon on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get. It's your podcast. Hey, it's Edwin Castro, also known as Castro 1021.
Starting point is 00:53:30 And I'm Kunky, his best friend, and business manager. And we've got a new show called The 1021 podcast. I'm taking you behind the scenes on how I became one of Twitch's most popular streamers. We also love sports. And with the World Cup right around the corner, we'll be breaking down the biggest storylines ahead of the big tournament here in the USA. Listen to the 1021 podcast on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. This is an IHeart podcast.
Starting point is 00:54:04 Guaranteed human.

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