The Herd with Colin Cowherd - The Richard Sherman Podcast - Divisional Round: 49ers come back vs. Packers, Chiefs escape Bills, Lions advance!

Episode Date: January 22, 2024

Richard Sherman reacts to the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoff. The San Francisco 49ers came back to beat the Green Bay Packers, led by a huge fourth quarter from Brock Purdy and Christian McCaffrey, while Mitch's Detroit Lions advanced to the NFC Championship with a win over Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In the AFC, Patrick Mahomes moved to 3-0 vs Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills in the playoffs and will face Lamar Jackson's Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship after their win vs. C.J. Stroud and the Texans. What are Richard's predictions for the Lions-49ers and Chiefs-Ravens conference championships and who are his picks to advance to the Super Bowl? 2:45 - Packers at 49ers 9:30 - Buccaneers at Lions 17:00 - Chiefs at Bills 27:00 - Texans at Ravens 32:30 - Conference Championships (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements.) #volume #herdSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Notice, sir. No balls for these young. Super Bowl. Championship. That should always be the expectation. All right, man. That's going on here. Welcome back to the Richard Sherman podcast. and we're in the divisional, Mitchell.

Wow, what a weekend. Richard, what a weekend it was. I'm fired up to say the least. I bet. You know I am, Richard. And I want to get, you know, I want to discuss the trip. But we got to start with San Fran. San Francisco 49ers pull off an absolute gut-wrenching victory

against the Green Bay Packers. Richard, did you see this one? playing out the way it did. An absolute squeaker at the end for the San Francisco 49ers, 24 to 21. Huge win. Mitchell, I expected it to be a dog fight. I did. I expected them to trade blows back and forth,

but I did not expect San Francisco to be trailing going into the fourth quarter. Because going into this game, Mitchell, the San Francisco 49ers, when trailing by seven points or more entering the fourth quarter under Kyle Shanahan were 0 and 30 Mitchell they were down 21 to 14 going into the fourth quarter

when they're in the fourth quarter if they're ever down by five plus points Mitchell they were 2 and 41 Mitchell they were down most of it and this team showed something they had not shown all season or ever under Kyle Shanahan the ability to make a fourth quarter comeback

when down more than a score. And they did that and that like it was really cool because Brock Purdy, the elements, anytime it rains, you're kind of nervous for the San Francisco 49ers. They just have not played well under those conditions. So as soon as I saw that on the forecast, and I'm sure every Niner fan,

when they saw that on the forecast, was sitting there very, very strong. stress their anxiety level went up substantially. But Brock Purdy, last drive of the game, 12 plays, 69 yards, capped off by a CMC five-yard run for a touchdown. Metro for the fourth time in the last five years, the San Francisco 49ers are in the NFC championship. Third year in a row is becoming common practice.

They expect to be there. They should be there. But you got to give a lot of credit to the Green Bay Packers and what they were able to do, Jordan Love, played a solid game. He turned the ball over twice. So, you know, you do got to give him credit for those because the last interception was kind of a head scratcher. Where was he going with the ball? Why? It was first down. It was unnecessarily forced play. It wasn't like he had to have it at that time. They had time on the clock. They had timeouts.

But Drake Greenlaw made a heck of a play. CMC played a really good game. You got the concerns about Deepo and his shoulder and he wasn't able to return to the game. but Joanne Jennings. Third and Joanne deserves a ton of credit. He stepped into a moment. He wasn't expect to play the role that he had to play when Debo went out. He made huge play after huge play. And for a while there, he and Kiddlewood were all they had.

He kiddo and CMC. You know, he was the go-to guy making plays, pushing the ball down the field. But this defense stepped up, made huge plays when they needed to. They got a huge stop in the red zone, fourth down, to keep points off the board. That was a huge play in the game and it ended up being probably the difference maker in it, Mitchell. There's no question about it, Rich.

I mean, this game, for all intents of purposes, did not go the way. I think the vast majority of folks thought it would go. Green Bay had their fair share chances to put this one away. Darnell Savage should have been picked six, right in the hands, dropped. Anders Carlson, the rookie. kicker, miss field goal. Trouble with the snap, trouble with the hold, still miss field goal. I mean,

Green Bay exceeded expectations. You got to tip your hat to this team. They gave San Francisco hell, Richard. I think you, they gave them hell, and they looked like a team that is going to be on the rise here for the next several years. But that's where you get concerned, because I don't trust playoff performances like

used to, Mitchell. It used to be a great indicator, a great barometer of future success. You could say, hey, look at what he did in the playoffs. He's going to do that starting next year. And then you get the Jacksonville Jaguar situation where you're like, okay, they started eight and three and then just imploded down the stretch and weren't even a playoff team after, you know, making that big comeback against the Chargers. They looked good against Kansas City last year. You thought, hey, all the arrows are pointing up and they end up not even be a playoff team the next year. So while you've got to give them a lot of credit, but sometimes these kind of losses are backbreaking.

Sometimes these kind of losses are ones where you let it get away and then you never even get close again. But Jordan Loves looks like an elite quarterback. The future looks bright. They have a very strong young receiving core that are very unselfish. Aaron Jones played his best game against the San Francisco 49ers that I think in recent memory.

I don't think I've ever seen him play. run that well against San Francisco's defense. He had the big 53-yard run. But at the end of the day, Mitchell, ugly, pretty, clean, whatever. A win is a win and winners advance. And losers go home. That's the playoffs.

Mitchell, it's the tournament. And for the third time in the last three years, the San Francisco 49ers advanced to the championship game on the NFC side. And I think it's going to be a fantastic game versus your Detroit Lions. But we'll get there when we get there, Mitchell because speaking of your Detroit Lions Mitchell they're in a championship.

Richard, I was in Fort Field today and much like last weekend it was absolutely electric. That city was a buzzing. And I'm so proud of this team. I'm so happy for this city. Richard, speaking candidly, we deserve it. You know, I mean, it's been it's been decades. I mean, it's been a generation. you know, since we've had an opportunity to celebrate something like this,

and this team has embraced, this city has embraced this team, this mentality, this mentality, this game wasn't pretty, but Detroit got it done. And Richard Gerrigoff, you know, this is a guy that had to overcome a lot of adversity throughout his young career, comes to Detroit and has now becomes a mainstay. For the second game in a row, his name is being chatted, chanted in Fordfield. Jared Gough, Jericho.

throws for 287, two touchdowns, no turnovers. They beat the bucks. Richard, I got to know your thoughts about this team. I know they're going to be playing your San Francisco 49ers. They had overcome the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. What were your thoughts about this performance today? I thought it was a great performance. I thought they would stood Baker Mayfield

because he was playing really well at different stretches of the game. They withstood Todd Bowles' attack, his ferocious defense. They brought a lot of different pressures. They hit Jared Gull, and he was unfazed, unrattled. That was one of the concerns going into the game. Was him potentially getting rattled by the pressure and by him constantly being on his back or having people in his face? But he played well.

I'm on Ross St. Brown. Your boy, Jamiro Gibbs played really well. was really explosive. You know, obviously he had the long touchdown run, but also caught some passes. Aiden Hutchinson had a sack. And so it just was, there were so many great contributors.

It was so many great efforts. And Tampa Bay played well. Mike Evans had a big game. Baker Mayfield threw for 349, three touchdowns. He had the two interceptions that ended up being costly. The last one is the one that sealed the game. But, you know, it's one of those things.

You got to just feel good for the city of Detroit. everything they've been through. To have, what, two home wins in the past 60 years and then to get two home wins, playoff wins, in the last two weeks is unbelievable for that city.

They're in a championship game and they've earned their way there. Who would have knew? Who would a new Dan Campbell would be the answer? Who would have new Dan Campbell come in talking about biting kneecaps

and he's the guy that is the one to take Detroit to the Promise Land? Mitchell, I don't know if you. you could have called this. I certainly couldn't. Game time is a fast and easy way to buy tickets for all the sports, music, comedy,

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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 I-Hard Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. A win is a win.

A win is a win. I don't care which I'm saying. Yep, that's me, Clever 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. I'm so happy, though, Richard. I mean, you look at our guy, and I don't want to cast the spotlight on to myself, but I got to every once in a while, Richard. The lion struck gold in Iowa earlier in this year in the draft. Sam Leporta, this guy comes off for a hyper-extended knee, nine receptions, 65 yards. He was Jerigoff's safety blanket all game, this game.

And this is the type of guy. He's got a Travis Kelsey, George Kittle vibe to him. He's the type of guy that's going to help elevate this team the rest of the season, years to come. But Richard, you get through this game. you're going on to San Francisco. We'll talk about the matchup after this, but I cannot stress you enough

how fired up the Detroit fan base is, including myself. Let's talk about their defense real quick. Aidan Hutchinson continues the sack streak. Another sack. Ify Melafonwu. I mean, this guy has come out of nowhere this second half of the season.

One and a half sacks, Brian Branch, this team, C.J. Gardner Johnson. Richard, I got to know, you were a trash talker in your day. You were the best of the best in the trash talk game. CJ Gardner Johnson got into it a little bit with Baker Mayfield going in this week, exchanging verbal blows. He gets the better of him with the pick.

Richard, how good does that feel as a defender being up to back up your talk, man? Oh, Mitchell, it's liberating. Mitchell, it's invigorating. It's, I mean, it's hard to describe when you speak about something and then you go out there and you prove yourself right on the football field. under the bright lights. It was an incredible play. Then he threw the ball at him.

I thought he was going to catch 15 for that. Maybe the refs didn't see it, but he tossed the ball to Baker Mayfield. And I said, oh, my God, is it to add icing onto the cake, Mitchell, with the ball toss and to not get the penalty. I mean, that was unbelievable. But it was a huge win for them,

huge win for Detroit, and him coming back from injury and able to play as well as he did because he was injured for a good portion of the season. And now he's, had a little bit of an offseason verbal spat with Tycheon, Rick Juan Samuel. Mitchell, I don't know if Debo's playing, but I think this little bit of extra motivation may get him out there, Mitchell.

It may. We shall see. Well, Richard, I know you had your eyes on this matchup. Kansas City goes into Buffalo. It was the old David versus Goliath. Can Josh Allen finally slay Goliath? He couldn't, Richard. You called this going into this week.

You said there's no way Josh Allen overcomes Mahomes. And sure shit, he didn't. Your thought on this outcome, Rich. Mitchell, I did not think everybody talks about the David Goliath story. Like it's one to really be proud at and hang your hat on. Like, man, David really got Goliath. He got him that one day. He got him at one time.

But most of the time, Goliath wins. And so until Josh Allen is able to beat Patrick Mahones in the playoffs, I will not give him that credit. I will not give him that kind of support and say, hey, I got the Buffalo bills over the camera. I will not. I will refuse. I'm not doing it because you have not shown me anything that would allow me to feel confident in making that decision. Because Josh Allen went to this game and he was playing really well. he played confident.

He looked like he was moving well. But then he went super conservative. And I don't know what it was. I don't know if it was Joe Brady. I don't know who was making the decisions, but it was super conservative. I hear everybody talk about Josh Allen and Patrick Mahones and Burroughs and all these big armed quarterbacks and everything they do.

Well, he played scared. Mitchell, he played very scared down the stretch. He played to not lose the game. And that's why they lost because he threw, he did throw a few bombs. He did take a few shots. He had a drop by Stefan Diggs. But for the most part, you're seeing most of the passes at or behind the line of scrimmage.

Swing passes to cook all over the place. Swing passes and screens to the tight end. You're not making plays. Dalton Kincaid caught probably three or four screens in the fourth quarter. And it was just not the Josh Allen that we're used to seeing. It was almost like, hey, we know he has a propensity to turn the ball over. So we're not even going to give him a situation. where he could possibly turn the ball over.

We'll keep it easy. We'll keep it everything under control and we'll try to sneak out of here with a win. I don't believe in it. That's when you can't win in a play. You can't beat Patrick Mahones like that. You're not beating Patrick Mahones by playing not to lose the game because you're going to lose. And Patrick Mahones and Isaiah Pacheco, who had a really good game and Travis Kelsey had two touchdowns. He had the five catches where she Rice had a solid game. They were playing the win.

They've been in this situation before. I know they've had an off year. but until they're slayed, they are champions. And they were the national, I mean, they were Super Bowl champions coming in. So until they are beating, they are the champions. And they have the heart of a champion and they have the pedigree of a champion. And they're not going to go home without a fight. Buffalo had a number of chances to win this game.

They had a number of chances. But they also had a number of things go their way that probably shouldn't. I mean, I don't know what that fake punt was. I really don't. don't think Sean McDermott knew what that fake putt was. And then they get a break. The defense forces a turnover, a touchback in the end zone. And then again, Josh Allen all of a sudden flumbles the ball, running the ball.

And then they get a break then and they get it back. And then he almost throws an interception to the Jerry's sneak, but McDuffie bats it away. Okay, you get a break there. You're only getting so many breaks. And then you get in field goal range and your kicker misses it wide left. Okay. it got it. You did not deserve to win this game. You got outplayed by Patrick Mahones. You played too conservatively. Yeah, you had the rushes and the rushing touchdowns. But in the past game,

26 to 39 for 186, you were pretty inaccurate on some of your passes. You looked scared. You looked like you were playing not to lose the game, not to turn the ball over. Now, you have a propensity to throw interceptions. But when you decide to play timid, it's almost worse than throwing interceptions because it's it you're a shell of yourself and a shell of himself isn't good enough to beat Patrick Mahon and that's what he lost his care there's no question about it and richard also you know we were talking about it offline before we jumped on there's been this downfall with stephan diggs after week seven stephan diggs did not have another hundred yard game i'm going to read these stats off for you after week seven 58 yards 70 yards 86 34

27, 74, 24, 44, 48, 29, 26, 87. Richard, 21 receiving yards today. I mean, this is his number one receiving option. How can you explain this fall off by somebody that is just really, you know, I would think he's an overwhelming top 10 receiver in this league with a can of an arm quarterback. What happened? I don't know, Mitchell. I don't know if his confidence.

I don't know if their rapport just fell apart. But he had opportunities today. He had opportunities. He had a deep ball where he went up. The safety pretty much failed. If he would have caught that, I think it would have been a touchdown. But he drops it. That's what he drops it.

Josh Allen hits him right in the hands over the shoulder and he drops the pass. And for an elite receiver, you can't have it. There's no excuse. There's no like, oh, man, that was a tough play. That wasn't a tough catch. That's not for an elite receiver. That's a ball we expect you to catch. Your quarterback expects you to catch.

your team expects you to catch. And that was a turning point in the game where you have to make those plays. You have to, you know, that changes the whole complexion of the game. You catch that and score. And we're maybe having a different conversation. But we're not having a different conversation. We're having a conversation for the sixth year in a row of Patrick Mahones going to the AFC championship. Because is it six in a row?

Oh, boy, it's a lot in a row, Richard. I'm pretty sure it's six in a row. I'm pretty sure they've gone six in a row. He hasn't won them all, but he's always there. He's always there. He is the new Tom Brady. And he went back to his bread and butter, Travis Kelsey, five receptions, 75 yards, two touchdowns. And Richard, this is vintage Patrick Mahomes.

And stack check here, yes, it is six in a row for you, Rich. Patrick Mahomes gets it done. Isaiah Pacheco, almost 100 yards rushing. I mean, this team, just when we thought they were. down and out throughout this year when they had no receiving options. All of a sudden, Rishie Rice is stepping up. Travis Calsy looks like his vintz himself. I don't want to get too far ahead of ourselves here,

but Richard, this is looking like a team that could wreck the Baltimore Ravens absolute miracle run down the stretch here. Mitchell, they're the only team that I think and I have thought would have a chance to be Baltimore. They're the only team in the AFC side. they're the only chance that team that I saw that I would say, oh, okay, they're going to make it a game. It's going to be very interesting in Baltimore. And I don't think Baltimore feels as confident as they would have against Buffalo because Buffalo, you know, Josh is going to turn the ball over that defense. Baltimore defense is going to get after him.

He's going to make mistake. Mike McDonald is going to draw some things up. He's going to confuse him. He's going to make it happen. They're going to send him home and they're going to be on their way to a Super Bowl. But Patrick Mahomes is one of those ones, Mitchell. It's just like playing Tom. It's just like playing.

playing Aaron is just like playing any other other greats. When you play Patrick Mahones, regardless of if he has the better team or the worst team, he is the difference maker. And he is a guy that is moving the needle that tilts the odds into his team's favor. And he has been playing some of his best ball. It seems like his receivers,

even Baldess Scantley was playing a really good game, caught some huge passes down the stretch. They didn't have any of those characteristic drops that they've had this season. You know, they were amongst the league leaders and dropped passes, and they didn't have those. And the elements aren't going to be an issue because this is Kansas City. So them going to Baltimore and playing in a frigid game and what's new for them, that's not new. That's not changing anything for them.

Their defense travels, they have playmakers, they have good secondary players. They have active linebackers. Spags has been bringing a lot of pressure. I think it's going to be a really interesting matchup, but I think this is the worst-case scenario in terms of an opponent that Baltimore could see and feel comfortable about it's going to be a game. Baltimore should still be favored. They're still a great team. They should still expect to win this game.

But when Patrick Mahomes is out there, Mitchell, you do not bet against him. And I'm not sure I'm betting against him, Mitchell. I don't blame you. Let's talk about Baltimore because they took it to Houston. Houston was riding high. I mean, C.J. Stroud looked like, I mean, he is. I would assume the rookie of the year. He looks like a future MVP candidate for sure.

Houston got steamrolled. But for a punt return touchdown, they were held off the board offensively. And Baltimore took it to him. Lamar Jackson, 100 rushing yards, two pass touchdowns, two rush touchdowns, 100 plus pass rating. Richard, has he proven himself to you?

as an MVP worthy candidate? Well, Mitchell, it's one of those situations where he's going to get it. He's going to get it by what I would say default. Mitchell, he had 29 total touchdowns in a regular season. That'll be the least amount of touchdowns for an MVP, I think since 1987, at least for a quarterback. And so it's just a different year. You know, I still think there would be a chance for he and Christian McCaffrey to split it.

Christian still had a fantastic year. They wore the number one seat in their conference. But he'll get it. He deserves it. But in these playoffs, he's played really well, and he's going to have to play well because right now he's one in three versus Patrick Mahomes, one and three. And now he's gotten his second playoff win,

but he's been, you know, now he's two and three in the playoffs. He's one and three. If he beats Mahomes, you've earned everything you get. You go to the Super Bowl, you feel very confident going through the reigning Super Bowl champs to get there. But it's not going to be an easy game. I don't think it's going to be like any of the playoff games, our regular season games that they've had.

That's going to be a dog fight. Kansas City knows a sense of urgency. Andy Reed is one of the best play callers and drawing them up. And I think they're going to, and Mike Munch, I mean, Munch, Munch, Munch, I always, Munchin. I always mess his name up. I always mess his name up. And Mike McDonald, on the defensive side, are going to do a great job drawing it up.

This is going to be a definite chess match, and I can't wait to see this game. It looks like they're going in as the favorites. The Ravens are three-point favorites at home, which is standard. You know, that's just home field. Vegas is saying if it's a neutral site, it's even with a three-point spread. And that's about the way I see it. Kansas City can play with them. Baltimore can play.

They both can score. In any given Sunday, anything can happen. This is one of those games. 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 iHeart 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 you're saying.

Yep, that's me, Clifert Taylor the 4th. You might have seen the skits, the reactions, my journey from basketball to college football, or my career in sports media. Well, somewhere along the way, this platform became bigger than I ever imagined. And now I'm bringing all of that excitement to my brand new podcast, The Clifford Show.

This is a place for raw, unfiltered conversations with some of your favorite athletes, creators, and voices that not only deserve to be heard, but celebrated. One week I'll take you behind the scenes of the biggest moments in sports and entertainment and the next we'll talk about life,

mental health, purpose, and even music. The Clifford Show isn't just a podcast, it's a space for honest conversations, stories that don't always get told, and for people who are chasing something bigger. So, if you've ever supported me or you're just chasing down a dream, this is right where you need to be.

Listen to the Clifford Show on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast. And for more behind the scenes, Follow at Clifford and a TikTok podcast network on TikTok. Do you remember when Diana Ross double-tap Little Kim's boobs at the VMAs? Or when Kanye said that George Bush didn't like black people. I know what you're thinking. What the hell does George Bush got to do with Little Kim?

Well, you can find out on the Look Back at it podcast. I'm Sam J. And I'm Alex English. Each episode, we pick it here, unpack what went down, and try to make sense of how we survived it. Including a recent episode with Mark Lamont Hill, waxing all about crack in the 80s. To be clear, 84 was big to me, not just because of crack.

I'm down to talk about crack on day, but just so you all know. I mean, at this point, this is the second episode where we've discussed crack. So I'm starting to see that there's a through line. We also have AIDS on the table right now. Thank you for finishing that sentence. I don't think there's a more important year for black people. Really? Yeah.

For me, it's one of the most important years for black people in American history. Listen to look back at it on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. The Lions are playing at the 49ers, Mitchell. I think it's going to be a dogfight. I think the concern I would have for Detroit is their secondary. You know, they're mostly at the corners. Mostly at the corners. The corners are the spots that they've been vulnerable.

The pass rush has gotten hotter than they had been earlier in the season. Aidan Hutchinson, I think, has gotten a sack in just about every game in the last. four or five games. Offensively, they've run the ball well. Their offensive line has done a great job. Opening holes for Jemir Gibbs, Ben Johnson, drawing it up. It's been great and it's looked good. But I think San Francisco, I mean,

there are six and a half point favorites for a reason in this game. I think they match up really well with the Detroit Lions. But any given Sunday. And this team has shown a lot of fight, a lot of grit, and found ways to win. So we'll see. We shall see. And Richard, the last few weeks I've asked you with underdog teams,

if the Lions are to go into San Francisco and get a win, how is that going to happen? Lay the blueprint for me. So us Detroiters, give me some faith back here in Detroit. How are you going to play this game as Dan Campbell, Ben Johnson, scripting this out for a win for the Lions? Well, the only way that the ways that San Francisco has been beaten are when they turn the ball over. You have to force Brock Purdy to turn the football over.

When they've lost, that's what has happened. They lost to Baltimore. He had the four interceptions. They lost to Cleveland. He had interceptions. They lost to Minnesota. He threw interceptions. They lost to Cincinnati.

He threw interceptions. Those are the games that they find a way to lose. And when teams run the ball, So you got to run the ball, and that's something Detroit has done really well. They have run the ball, run the ball, run the ball really well with these two good backs that they have. They got to shorten the game like that, and they got to turn the ball over, and they got to own the time of possession. That's something Green Bay did really well in this game. They owned the time of possession.

They shortened the game a ton. They made sure that San Francisco didn't have as many possessions that they couldn't lap them before the half when they missed a field goal, then came out after the half. and went three and out. Like those were huge things in the ball game, huge parts of the ball game, huge reasons why they were leading and why they had a chance to win because they own the time of possession.

So shorten the game. You have to shorten the game with a team like this. You can't keep giving them the ball back and you definitely can't turn the ball over them. This defense has struggled a bit versus the run. And if they don't get that corrected, then you guys should be able to move the ball down the field. but they have been fantastic in the red zone and standing up in the red zone.

You can't exchange field goals in this game with this team or it's going to be a long day, Mitchell. I'm trying to avoid a long day, Rich. And I got to ask, before we conclude this podcast, I got to no predictions. I know it's fresh in your brain. And we're going to have a long week for me to try to coerce you to the Detroit side. You know, Richard, I need you to stand up for us undisputed. at its at the minimum, please. And I know you will.

But Richard, what do you see the outcome? Niners, Lions, Ravens Chiefs. Who do you like and why? I see the Niners' Lions game being really competitive and a fun game, physical. Both defenses getting after it. I think San Francisco's G-line finally starts to come to life because they've been very pedestrian in the last few games of the season. And in his first playoff game, they look kind of rusty, looked kind of off.

It was Eric's first game back. They didn't record a sack against Jordan Love. And so I expect them to get on track and put some pressure on Jared golf because he's not moving around the pocket. He's not moving anywhere. He's going to be where he's supposed to be. I expect Detroit to be able to run the ball. They'll probably score some points.

I don't think Jared will turn the ball over, but they, Kyle Shanahan and this defense is very familiar with Jared golf. They played him for a really long time. So they know his habits, they know his tendencies, they know his adjustments, they know how to get to them. They know how to change his demeanor. So I think that will come into play as well. I think San Francisco wins this game, Mitchell, but it will be competitive. It won't be any kind of blowout or a runaway game.

But I think it's going to be a really good game. I think Chiefs at Ravens is harder to call because I just need to see how this, Chiefs defense responds to this Baltimore offense. And can they block this D-line, which nobody has been able to block them yet? That's the reason why they're number one in sacks, number one in scoring, number one in all these categories. But Patrick Mahones has done it before, and he's done it with less. So I see Baltimore winning in like a field goal game, but it's going to come down to

the last possession, last drive of the game. and I think Lamar drives them down for a game winning field goal and they walk away with the win and they go meet San Francisco in the Super Bowl in Las Vegas. Viva, Los Vegas. Well, Richard, I'll tell you this much. The Detroit Lions are not going to go out without a dramatic fight. I can promise you that.

This is a first time in my lifetime, actually second time, first time that I can really be conscious and enjoy it, that they've been in the NFC championship game. And Richard, just what if, my friend. What if, what if? What if? What if?

It only takes one. And God bless it. Any given Sunday. It's going to be Jared Goff that just does it. And Richard, I got to have this one promise from you. When that happens, please, can you down the Honolulu Blue and Silver for Super World Sunday? I can die in, Mitchell.

I like Detroit. I like their team. I would have no problem downing that. But I don't know if they could beat San Francisco 49. But if they do, Mitchell, I can give me a Sam LaPorteursey and throw it on, Mitchell. I much love that, much of that. Richard, this concludes it the divisional round. You know who's not in this discussion?

The Dallas Cowboys, because they were wild card and done. Richard, I will let you sign us off. Mitchell, they found a way to ruin my day, even when they weren't even playing. The divisional and done. Mitchell, for a second there, the San Francisco 49ers were struggling and I said,

I know they're not going to make me do the divisional and done for them. Don't do this to me. Don't make me get there. Divisional and done. Mitchell, and done. Mitchell, I was concerned. I was like to go into the office on Monday

and have to deal with. skip, if they would have lost Mitchell, I don't even want to think about it. Don't even want to think about it. But this is going to be an incredible weekend of football. Unexpected, watch that Kansas City Baltimore game. Do not sleep on the Kansas City Chiefs. I think Baltimore pools it all.

But it would not surprise me at all if the reigning Super Bowl champions walk away and go play San Francisco in the Super Bowl again. That would not be that surprising, Mitchell. Patrick Mahones, he's a hard man to bet against these days, Mitchell. And that's why I would, I caution Baltimore fans, I know they're feeling it,

Mitchell. They may be walking around with, with confident and feeling good. They would have rather play Josh Allen than Patrick Mahons. Anybody that's saying they would have rather play Patrick Mahones than Josh Allen is lying to your face. And you need to call them out on their BS because not a team in this league. What prefers that? Not one.

I agree with you, Rich. But we'll see you. It concludes it. Sign us off, my friend. We'll see you next week. Oh, enjoy your weekend. Enjoy your week. Stay warm. It's pretty cold outside and get ready for a fantastic championship Sunday next week.

We'll see you after. The volume. 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 funny. This week, my guest, S&L's Mikey Day and headwriter, Streeter Seidel, help an a cappella band with their between songs banter. Where does your group perform?

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