The Herd with Colin Cowherd - The Richard Sherman Podcast - Eagles lose to Falcons, 49ers lose Deebo, Panthers bench Bryce Young

Episode Date: September 17, 2024

Richard Sherman reacts to the NFL Week 2 Monday Night Football matchup between the Atlanta Falcons and the Philadelphia Eagles. Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley thought they'd put the game away for the ...Eagles, but Kirk Cousins led the Falcons on a last-minute game-winning drive as he hit Drake London for the win. Where do the Falcons and Eagles go from here? Also, Richard reacts to the Houston Texans beating the Chicago Bears on Sunday Night Football, the news from San Francisco that Deebo Samuel will be out with an injured calf from a 49ers offense already missing Christian McCaffrey, the Carolina Panthers benching Bryce Young for Andy Dalton, and the Kansas City Chiefs losing Isaiah Pacheco for 6-8 weeks with a fibula injury. Finally, Richard previews the upcoming Thursday Night Football matchup between Aaron Rodgers' New York Jets and the New England Patriots on Prime Video. #volume #herdSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Starting point is 00:04:39 All right, man. That's going on here. Welcome back to the Richard Sherman podcast, presented to you by our friends and partners over at Brightling. I don't know if you watched the game tonight, but Rahim Morris in that last was, he was a smoldering, Mitchell. And you could see his brightling on his. wrist. It looked dang good. And he felt really good about his team's chances because they had just drove down the field to score the game winning touchdown in this game to beat the Philadelphia Eagles in dramatic fashion. That was a crazy ending, Mitchell. What'd you think? It was. I mean,
Starting point is 00:05:14 and shout out to Rahim Morris, you know, friend of our friends, Brightling. I think it was his good luck charm today. The Atlanta Falcons come back and win in dramatic fashion, Richard. This game was one that was a defensive battle early. We saw some big plays. CJ Gardner Johnson made a huge stop on fourth and one. It looked like it was Philly's day. The fan base was fired up. You saw Jason Kelsey
Starting point is 00:05:38 on Monday Night Football, representing his old team and Kurt Cousins leads a huge charge down at the end. Big touchdown pass to Drake London, the huge receiving threat. Richard, this is a big time win for the Atlanta Falcons and all of a sudden competitive
Starting point is 00:05:53 NFC South. I want your thoughts because Atlanta Falcons winning on the road against Philly who looked very good last week against Green Bay. I think they put the world on notice here, Richard. How much do you like Atlanta right now? Well, I like them, but that NFC South is looking like going, like the NFC East did a couple of years ago. Went from, you know, not a lot of people thinking this is going to be a very tough conference to the Saints, you know, surprising the Dallas Cowboys, really blowing a game open and looking like a really dominant team and then you look over at Tampa Bay and what Baker Mayfield's doing made a statement game against your beloved Detroit Lions. And so it's looking like a dog fight in this conference.
Starting point is 00:06:34 So the Atlanta Falcons really, really needed this game to really stay in the hunt for this conference. But this is what they expected when they got Kirk Cousins. Sometimes Mitchell, sometimes adversity is the fuel of innovation. And you could see Atlanta's offense got better when they had to have it. They only had a little bit of time. Kirk couldn't think about that Achilles tendon. He couldn't think about, oh, man, how am I going to drop back? He just had to stand in the pocket.
Starting point is 00:07:03 The offensive line saved their best for last. They gave him a heck of a pocket. He didn't have a lot of pressure in his face when that last drive, and he was able to really shred this Philadelphia Eagles defense that was playing a really soft two. It looked like, I mean, I would have thought they were in quarters, but it just looked like they were trying to prevent. really, really big plays.
Starting point is 00:07:24 And I would have thought they would have played two men or something like that. You don't need to rush Kirk Cousins, but they played a really soft zone. And Kirk just attacked the young corner throughout the game. Really, really took his time. And then at the end of the game, I mean, at the end of the drive to score the touchdown in Drake London, he attacked Darius Lake for end of the program, a veteran. And very dangerous playing with fire over there, Mitchell. They are.
Starting point is 00:07:49 But as a corner, as a corner, when you get in a race, red zone situation, especially in hurry up. Really, the last route you're thinking about is out. I don't think there's any other route. I'm like giving them because you're thinking fade ball, you know, not an out, slant, maybe a hitch, like an over route or return route in the back of the, you know, inline route where they're returning the back of the end zone, but you're not thinking he's got to run up here and run out.
Starting point is 00:08:17 And it's such a timing play. And quarterbacks don't do it because it's the easy. pick six in the world if you mistake it and I don't I don't give you as much room as you thought or that ball sells on you just a little bit. It's a pick six. So it was an incredibly ambitious throw by Kirk Cousins and it was an absolute dime when they had to have it to Drake London. He made big throws throughout that drive to get him in position. But you got to give Bajon Robinson. He had a heck of a game almost 100 yards rushing. Darnel Mooney had some really crucial catches on that drive almost slipped out for what could have been the game
Starting point is 00:08:57 when he touched down himself had a touchdown earlier in the game. Jesse Bates had a freaking incredible, the pro bowler, you know, it had a heck of a game. Obviously, we all saw the game sealing interception, but he had 12 tackles and was just all over the place leading his defense. And then on the other side, Jaylon Hertz, he had a solid game throwing a football at times. he was leaving the pocket a little prematurely, and I don't understand what that is. They have one of the best offensive lines in football. They were giving him good pockets.
Starting point is 00:09:32 Atlanta wasn't bringing a ton of pressure, so there was no real reason for him to vacate the pocket as many times as he did. At one point, there was a safety blitz, and Milata had taken on both defenders. Like, it was still a clean pocket, and Jalen Hertz exited to the right. He ended up making a play. But, you know, that's something they're going to have to talk about, and you're going to have to keep an eye on because I'm not understanding why he's leaving a pocket, leaving really clean pockets at times so early
Starting point is 00:09:58 without going through his reads. He ran the ball really well for 83 yards, 85 yards in a touchdown. On the tush push, Sequin Barclay, 22 rushes for 95 yards, that two-point conversion. But the play that's going to live in infamy for Seqon Berkeley is that drop, that critical drop on third down, that could have sealed the game, if not ended the game, right there, and allowed the Philadelphia Eagles to pretty much run out the clock,
Starting point is 00:10:29 or maybe he runs it in and scampers in for a touchdown, gives him a two-score lead, and games over right there. But that was a huge drop, really huge drop. And, you know, that's one he's going to want back. It was right in his hands. They slow-mode it, look like he focused, easy. I don't know if his hands were slippery. The ball had something on it.
Starting point is 00:10:49 But it's an unfortunate play in that defense. They're going to have to get that together because you can't let a team just walk down the field like that. Mitchell, you want to not give up touchdowns, but you can't just give up 15, 20 yards each pass. Mitchell, you got to keep them in front of you. You know, you can give up eight and eight and eight, but you can't give up 15 and 15 and 25. Like, you get down the field pretty quick doing that. And then he's hurrying up so they can't rotate those defensive linemen. They're getting a little fatigue.
Starting point is 00:11:20 They're not getting the pressure they were getting earlier. And when Atlanta, Atlanta got very little pressure outside of a Matthew Judon sack in this ballgame, very little pressure on Jalen Hertz because this Philadelphia offensive line, I told you, they're stout with Maelada and Lane Johnson on the other side. I mean, this is one of the best offensive line in football. But when they had to have it, they put pressure on Jalen Hertz, got a quarterback hit right as he released the football, leading to the Jesse Bates interception that sealed the ball game, and you talk about a timely play.
Starting point is 00:11:55 That was a heck of a play by Jesse Bates to be roaming in the right spot, make the play on the football, bring it down, and end that ball game. Football season is here, and Game Time has you covered. Game Time has a new feature called Game Time Picks that makes getting tickets to see your team play live even easier. Game Time Picks filters out all the fluff to show you only incredible deals on great seats so you don't have to waste time searching through thousands of tickets. Download the GameTime app, create an account, and use the code Sherman for $20 off.
Starting point is 00:12:31 Terms apply. Again, create an account and use the redeem code S-H-E-R-M-A-N for $20 off. Download GameTime today. Last minute tickets, lowest price, guaranteed. Philly missed A.J. Brown who's going to be out a few weeks with a hamstring injury. And as you know, these hands during the injuries tend to linger if you don't take care of them right away. They didn't look explosive out there. I mean, Philly obviously gave the ball a lot to Saquan,
Starting point is 00:13:01 who looks like he's going to really elevate this offense to the next level. But without A.J. Brown, it's really just Devante Smith and they were giving the ball to Covey. They really didn't get Jehan Dodson involved much or the tight ends. It was just more consistent first down after first down, not many big hit plays. like they're used to having with A.J. Brown. But Richard, this game was huge for Kirk Cousins, the way this game ended. Because prior to that final drive, Kirk Cousins had about 180 yards in a touchdown. And you already know.
Starting point is 00:13:35 If Atlanta starts this season, 0-2, there's going to be a lot of folks in that local media market that are going to be calling for a change at quarterback. This was huge for Kirk. He showed his veteran leadership abilities. He took a handful of hits out there too, which I think. I think probably for the long run is good for him and gaining trust with his Achilles. Richard, this is a big time win for Atlanta. Let's not make lead of that at all.
Starting point is 00:14:01 They play next week at home against the Chiefs. So that's going to be another battle for them. And then the Eagles go and take on the hot saints. So both of these teams are staring sub 500 in the face with their next matchups here next week, Richard. And you've got to think, you know, Atlanta's got really. high hopes for this season, deservedly so. They just got Matthew Judon. They got Justin Simmons. They got a talented offensive core. So they got high expectations. But, you know, the playoffs, making the playoffs will be a big win for this team, big win for first year coach Rahim Morris.
Starting point is 00:14:39 But on the opposite side, Philadelphia Eagles, their expectations are much higher, much, much higher. And so to lose this game and then to go into New Orleans and then into Mercedes-Benz Dome or a Super Dome or whatever it is these days and have to battle these freaking scorching hot saints in a game. If they lose that game, then you're starting to have very difficult conversations about who's the problem. And with AJ Brown out, you know, their big time, huge playmaker. It changes the complexity of the defense. You talk about Marshawn Lattimore being a really elite corner in that game, you'd be like, oh, he's not following anybody.
Starting point is 00:15:21 But without A.J. Brown in, he could follow Devante Smith and make the other guys beat you. You know, can Dallas Goddard beat you? Can you beat us with just Saquan? You know, and they got a talented team. They got a talented pass rush with Cam Jordan and those guys. They're going to put some pressure on the quarterback. They put a lot of pressure on Dak Prescott, the secondary with Tyron Matthew and Paulson-Adebo. they made some huge plays in that ballgame, got interceptions.
Starting point is 00:15:46 So you got to think Joe Woods is going to have these guys really prepared to play when Philadelphia comes into town. Obviously, Jalen Hertz has been intercepted in both the games to start the season, intercepted to end the game this week. And so that's going to be something he needs to get fixed. You've got to clean up. You can't, you know, you're the $50 million quarterback now. You can't be turning the ball over to end the game.
Starting point is 00:16:10 This is, I mean, early in the season, man, this season is turning out to be a real barn burner, Mitchell, and really sending a lot of plot twists and turns throughout the game. That is really cool. And we could look at last night's game in Houston, you know, everything you wanted to see in that game, Mitchell. two quarterbacks that have a lot of acclaim, a lot of praise, a lot of early, maybe expectations from the outside world. You know, I mean, Caleb Williams going the number one pick. C.J. Stroud having an outstanding season last season. What were they going to do? And is this Chicago's Bears team, is that defense really ready to take the next step?
Starting point is 00:17:02 and I think they really acquitted themselves really well in this game last night. I think the Chicago Bears defense made enough plays. You know, they were making it, like, really difficult on C.J. Stroud and that really talented receiving core made things very difficult on mixing. I think had a really hard time throughout this game. Finding running room after having a really good first game. But Caleb Williams, Mitchell, I told you. I called this early.
Starting point is 00:17:33 I did not. I don't know. I don't know if this translates. I don't know if what he does translates. And on top of that, what were the bears doing in the draft? Like when you got Caleb Williams, everybody blamed Justin Fields for everything last year,
Starting point is 00:17:48 but they could all agree. That line was atrocious last season. And you thought, hmm, okay, you got two picks in the top 10 in the draft. Sure, you take Caleb Williams. Everybody can live with that. Everybody can understand. Chicago is finally going to get their quarterback of the future.
Starting point is 00:18:06 Best quarterback they've ever drafted, et cetera, et cetera. Okay, got it. But then you go receiver? For what? For what? You have nobody to protect him. Like, I thought they go Joe out right there. I thought they, you know, maybe they bounce back and get a center or a guard.
Starting point is 00:18:23 But you need to draft an offensive lineman. Drafting a receiver who ends up going out and dropping a touchdown. He looked like an easy touchdown. You know, I can understand he missed time. It looked like somebody might tip the ball. But in the National Football League, receivers make that play, Mitchell. That's a wide open three-pointer in the NBA. You know, maybe somebody just did a flyby.
Starting point is 00:18:43 Now you up, regather, maybe take a dribble, drain. But he dropped it. And so you could say the defender was on him a little bit and all this, but you put two hands on that football. But I have not seen. from Caleb Williams. And that offensive line is a big reason why we haven't seen it because he doesn't have time to really showcase his talent.
Starting point is 00:19:09 And we were talking about this earlier. We had a production meeting for TNF. And we were talking about why the Patriots played Jacoby Brissette instead of Drake May. And everybody was all up in arms. But this is why. Because you don't want to shell shock a young quarterback. You don't want a shell shock and make him gunshot
Starting point is 00:19:31 because now he doesn't have that confidence and swagger and everything, all that talent and moving around and throwing its sidearm. Everybody's like, oh, Patrick Mahomes. Patrick Mahones waited behind Alex Smith and then got to play. Very few greats. Tom Brady waited. And then he got to play. There's very few great quarterback that come out and have that expectation.
Starting point is 00:19:57 and then really play well, because Peyton got to play early, but he didn't play well. I mean, he threw a lot of interceptions in his rookie year. And people just forget about that because he went on to have a Hall of Fame career, deservedly so. He's everything he was supposed to be. No question about it. But his rookie year was different than it could have been because they threw him in the fire early. They're picking with the number one pick for a reason, Mitchell,
Starting point is 00:20:24 because they weren't a very good team. And although their defense, the last eight games this season was number one, that offensive line needed to be addressed. And they did not address it. They went receiver. That was a mistake. And it's damning this team. And it's damning this quarterback right now.
Starting point is 00:20:38 Like, it all seems good seven on seven. But when you don't have an offensive line to protect the quarterback, you can't even see how talented he is. Like, is he a bust? Is he not a bust? We can't tell because he got sex seven times. This team scored one touchdown in the last two games offensively. They won.
Starting point is 00:20:54 They beat the Titans off of special teams and defensively. defense and their defense kept them in this game. To your point, and you see it too, running the ball. I mean, because of this, you know, Caleb Williams gets sacked seven times. There was two interceptions. They developed no run game. Their big free agent addition and DeAndre Swift goes off for 14 carries for a grand total of 18 yards, Richard.
Starting point is 00:21:15 I mean, and then you got, the problem here is, Rich, is we saw it last year. Everyone saw C.J. Stroud, right? Here's a rookie that takes the league by. storm and, you know, is an outside shot as being an MVP, you know, conversation towards the end of the year. Everyone's like, wow, CJ Stroud did it. There's no reason Caleb Williams can't do it. And look what he has around him. He's got Keenan Allen. He's got DJ Moore. He's got Roma Dunzee. But to your point, Richard, keep it simple, stupid, right? I mean, the football is being meant to be built in the trenches from the center position outwards. And they addressed
Starting point is 00:21:55 a little bit in free agency, but to your point, the young talent influx needs to be on that old line for the Bears because they've got a great defense and a team, frankly, that would scare the living heck out of me if you gave him a mediocre offensive line. But Richard, we look here at the Texans, and they could truthfully go on a roll here because outside of the Texans, the AFC South is a hot pile of mess. This team, I don't see a world that they don't win this by a number of games unless Trevor Lawrence miraculously turns this thing around or Anthony Richardson gets hot. But Rich, talk to me more about the Texans. Like what are your real thought process here?
Starting point is 00:22:37 Do you still view them as a Super Bowl contender? Yeah, I still view them the same way I viewed them before. There's still a young team who needs to go through these learning curves. They need to find a way to incorporate. Stefan Diggs into this offense and graciate him of sorts, Mitchell, into this offense because Nico Collins is the go-to guy, Tank Dale, but it's always hard, Mitchell,
Starting point is 00:23:02 to bring a third guy into the equation and have him mesh in the other way. They had a great chemistry, a great rapport. But the book on Stefan Diggs coming out of Buffalo last year, and you hear it, you know, I don't think Josh Allen is purposely trying to take any shots, but he's like, everybody eats. He's not focused on just getting Stefan the ball all the time.
Starting point is 00:23:24 He's able to just say, hey, who's open? That's where I'm going. And right now you could see at moments, C.J. Strauss trying to get Stefan Diggs the ball. And he's a fantastic receiver, so I can understand why. But is it within the flow of the offense? Is it in Bobby Sloick's offense? Is that where the boss should be going? And is this the same flow that they were in last season?
Starting point is 00:23:44 And I think that's where they're going to have to get back to is that you're going to have to get back to saying, hey, let's just run the offense and the guy who gets open is the guy who gets the ball. Hey, what the defense gives us, hey, it's covered three. That means the ball goes to the corner route. Whoever's on the corner route is getting the ball. Not, hey, I know Stefan needs a few targets here. Stefan is a great receiver and fantastic. But if the play in the defense does not say that he should be getting the ball, then don't throw it there.
Starting point is 00:24:10 And I think you got to, you know, as a young quarterback with a veteran receiver who's been very successful, incredibly talented receiver, you feel the pressure to get him the ball, as you should, but you got to stay within the offense. And I think if C.J. Strau can do that and really maintain his command of that offense. I think they'll be great. That defense looked really good. Derek Stingley is a problem. He's making him target the other corner all the time.
Starting point is 00:24:39 You look on that D-line. I mean, Daniel Hunter looked incredible. I mean, Daniel Hunter was a monster, Mitchell, a monster all night. Will Anderson, Henry Toy Toil?
Starting point is 00:24:56 Mitchell, I'm not going to be able to pronounce that. I'm hoping I got it. I didn't know disrespect. He had a 13 tackles in a sack, and he looks like he has a great feel for what they want from their linebackers, the 99-9-Eyes division, the breaking down on checkdowns.
Starting point is 00:25:13 He's getting home on pressure. I like that. And then on the other side, Chicago's defense still looked good. Jaquam Brisker got a sack. Kyler Gordon got a sack. Javon Dexter got a sack. They were putting pressure on the quarterback all night long. They were covering well.
Starting point is 00:25:27 Our guy, we're into the program. For end of the program, he played a really good game. He played a really good game. Jalen Johnson played a really good game. They did their part. You know, you can't, that's an offense. You don't expect to hold to under 20 points. You hold this offense under 20 points.
Starting point is 00:25:40 You expect to win the game. And at the end, they still had chances to, to win the game. But Caleb Williams, you know, he didn't, he didn't feel comfortable in that pocket, deservedly so. He got hit 11 times. And he missed on some goal routes where it was almost intentioned. Did they call it? They called the intentional grounding on one of them. But you got to give the receiver a chance. If you're going to put it up, put it up. You know, he's throwing it 20 yards beyond the receiver. And I can't really blame him. You know, don't, look, I don't play the position. And I'm not saying I'm sitting out there and getting hit it 11 times and I'm going
Starting point is 00:26:10 to throw the ball accurately. I'm not saying that because I cannot say that. So give the kid a break. And I'm going to give him a break because I'm saying, like, protect him. But that's on Ryan Poles. Like, what were you thinking drafting a receiver instead of a tackle or a guard or a center? Like, if you were to use freaking five picks on old linemen, nobody would have said anything about it. It would be like, oh, makes sense. They didn't have a lot of great offensive linemen last year. But you didn't.
Starting point is 00:26:39 And now your quarterback is suffering. It looks great if this was seven on seven. and your offense would be fantastic. But it's not. Trenches. The teams that win are built in the trenches. If you look at the Final Four last year, you look at the Detroit Lions, trenches.
Starting point is 00:26:54 They got good trench play, Mitchell. You look at the Baltimore Ravens. Great trench play, Mitchell. You look at the San Francisco 49ers. Great trench play, Mitchell. You look at the Kansas City Chiefs. You can look at either side of the ball for them, the Interior O-Line with Thune and those boys,
Starting point is 00:27:12 or Chris Jones on the other side. Great trench play. And you think we're going to draft the receiver. Richard, I mean, the way you simplified things, man, I mean, God bless. Yeah. I mean, yeah, you convinced me of it. There's no question about it. Draft the damn tackle.
Starting point is 00:27:37 I'm with you a thousand percent. 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
Starting point is 00:28:08 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, 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,
Starting point is 00:28:44 and the next we'll talk about life, mental health, purpose, and even music. The Clifford Show isn't just a podcast. 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.
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Starting point is 00:30:01 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. Welcome to my new podcast, Learn the Hard Way with me, your host, and your favorite therapist, Kear Games. And in recognition of mental health awareness month, I'm bringing over a decade of my own experience in the mental health field
Starting point is 00:30:23 and conversations with so many incredible guests. I'm talking. Tripp Fontaine, Ryan Clark. Sometimes when we're in the pursuit of the thing, we get so wrapped up in the chase that we don't realize that we are in possession of the thing. And we're still chasing it, and we don't know when we've done enough.
Starting point is 00:30:41 Because people scoreboard watch. Life becomes about wins and losses. Steve Burns, Dustin Ross. because you find it important to be a good person while you hear on earth? Are you a good person because you're afraid? Because that's two different intentions, bro. Absolutely. And that's two different levels of trust.
Starting point is 00:30:57 I want you to just really be a good person. Join me, Keir Gaines, is we have real conversations about healing, growth, fatherhood, pressure, and purpose on my new podcast, learn the hard way. Open your free, our heart radio app. Search, learn the hard way, and listen now. American soccer is about to explode. The World Cup is coming.
Starting point is 00:31:19 Ramers sending on to Ernie Stewart for chip. I'm Todd Ramos. I'm Tom Boe. On our podcast, Inside American Soccer, you'll get the real storylines. I'm not worried about Policic. I'm not worried about Balagan. I'm not worried about McKinney. My only concern is what happens in the back.
Starting point is 00:31:42 The biggest decisions. If you're going to look at stats and numbers, he has no shot at making this World Cup team. And the truth about the U.S. national team. It wouldn't be a huge surprise. prize if our team ends up in the quarterfinals or potentially a great run into the semifinals. The World Cup is almost here. Experience it all with us. Listen to Inside American Soccer with Tom Bogart and Tab Ramos on the IHeart radio app, Apple Podcasts, wherever you get your podcast.
Starting point is 00:32:16 Let's shift focus here a little bit, Rich. We got to talk about your San Francisco 49. We already talked about a last podcast. Tough loss against the Vikings. But even tougher today as we just got news that Debo Samuel is going to be sidelined with an injured calf. You pair this with the loss of CMC, who is now on IR. And Richard, you kind of hinted at it a little bit. We've seen it in the past, in football and in the NBA, calf strains are not to be messed with. You can vouch for that a thousand times over.
Starting point is 00:32:51 Kevin Durant played in the NBA files with a calf strain. We saw what happened there. When you play with calf strains, Richard, you can take it away. but CMC is putting himself at risk of an Achilles injury, and that's why it looks like they put them on IR. Richard, what is your panic meter at right now with the San Francisco 49ers? They look a little bit vulnerable with these injuries. It's still six, Mitchell, only because I feel comfortable and fingers crossed,
Starting point is 00:33:19 knock on wood and all that stuff. You know, they're going to play a Rams team that had a really difficult time with Arizona Cardinals. They're really banged up on an offensive line. I'm hoping that this can get the San Francisco D-line on track, Javon Hargrave, and those boys to start to get pressure and be able to get home a little bit. Matthew Stafford isn't moving a lot in that pocket. Cooper Cup is a little banged up.
Starting point is 00:33:44 You know, they're receiving corps is banged up. Kyron Williams isn't having the same start to the season as he had last year. So there's a number of things that's working in San Francisco's favor. Jordan Mason has been a revelation. in this offense, it would have been nice to say, hey, maybe this is Ricky Purcell, but they were forced to put him on the IR with the incident of him being robbed and being shot. And, you know, thank goodness he's okay. And he pulled through and he looks like he's going to be ready to go very soon after the bye week.
Starting point is 00:34:17 But this is going to be a chance. This is going to be a chance for Brandon Ayuk to shine. Brandon Iyuk and Brock Purdy, this is going to be, Cal is going to have very much. very little choice, but to draw up plays for Brandon Iyuk to showcase his abilities to put pressure on this defense and really push the ball down the field. They're going to have to push the ball down the field this game to Kittle. And they're going to have to find a third. They're going to have to push it to B.A. to kiddle. And they're going to have to find somebody else to get open.
Starting point is 00:34:47 Is it going to be Joanne Jennings? Because he's shown up in very critical situations in these first two ball games as he has in the past. is he's going to be a bigger presence in this game. I would expect so. On the flip side, this is a good chance for all pro Fred to continue his defensive player of the year campaign that started off incredibly strong.
Starting point is 00:35:09 He's doing a great job himself, and it's time for everybody else to meet him where he's at. You know, Nicholas John Bosa had two sacks in the ball game last week. We need more from everybody. This should be a dominant performance from this defense, and that's what they're going to need with the end. injuries on offense, you've got to lean on your defense. And it's an incredibly talented.
Starting point is 00:35:29 The two corners, the Amador Lenore and Traverius Ward, Mooney, they're doing a great job. I think Tala Noah Hufanga has a chance to come back this week. And he's going to, I'm sure, put his imprint on this game. And I'm hoping that that's enough to get them over the top. This game is in Levi South is what they call that stadium, Mitchell in LA. They call it Levi South because it is usually pretty goddamn packed with San Francisco. 49ers fans and not as many Los Angeles Rams fan, even though they were able to win a world championship just a few years ago in this same
Starting point is 00:36:03 stadium. So far has not been filled up with Rams fans, but I think Debo will be fine. I don't, you know, I hope knock on wood again, that, you know, this is just a strain. And I've had calf strains that's just calf strains. You have calf strains that feel more Achilles-ish, but they're saying calf-strain, and I'm going to believe them that this is just a calf-strain. strain and, you know, usually happens when it's dehydration and muscle. And hopefully it's just a grade one.
Starting point is 00:36:30 And, you know, he just needs to rest it for a few days, maybe a week. And then he'll have a chance to get back out there. And it's nothing more serious than that. Well, and you kind of touched on it, too. With, if he's going to miss a couple games, he might as well miss these next few. I mean, the Rams are limping into this game without Cooper Cup or Pooka Nacua. And then you got the Patriots at home after that. So, you know, these are not necessarily guaranteed losses for this team without Debo.
Starting point is 00:36:57 I expect the San Francisco 49ers to come out on top even without him. But fortunately for them, they're able to get him right and move forward as the season progresses. Richard, a team that's gotten a lot wrong over the last year is a Carolina Panthers. And it seemed to hit rock bottom now out in Carolina. David Tepper forced the hand of this team to draft Bryce Young. He mortgaged their future and traded first. round picks, DJ Moore, multiple first round picks, second round picks. I mean, the amount of assets that were given up for Bryce Young, who looks nothing short of beyond mediocre in this league at this point,
Starting point is 00:37:36 it's come to the point where you almost feel bad for the guy. Richard, there are reports that Frank Reich was pushing and pounding the table for CJ Stroud. And the rumor is that David, David Tepper overruled him on that. Richard, what are your thoughts about Bryce Young getting bench? Because I don't know if there's a more poorly managed team in all professional sports than the Carolina Panthers right now. Well, I'm sure C.J. Stroud is, you know, on his knees with his hands together, praying to God and thanking him that he dodged that bullet, Mitchell, because that could be a career changer. We could be talking about a whole different C.J. Stroud. We could be talking about a whole different player, a whole different career trajectory.
Starting point is 00:38:20 like we are because they weren't a very talented team when Bryce Young got there. Not that, you know, it's all the teams fault and it's all the old line or the receivers because the receivers are getting open schematically. They're open players. You can look at the tape, the All 22, they're drawing it up where guys are open. He's still our receivers in the National Football League, and they can make some plays. Adam Thielen, you know, it was a viral clip showing his frustration last week when he was open on an overrout and he had a step and that's all you get in this league is about a step
Starting point is 00:38:53 Mitchell the windows aren't very big so you don't need a ton of room your accurate quarterback put the ball where it's supposed to be he'll run and he'll do what he's paid to do I think this is the right move you know there were times that when when Bryce Young got injured last season that Andy Dalton had to step in and he played well you know hey the the red rifle as they called him in Cincinnati. Mitchell can still sling the ball around the yard and he does it at a high tilt and he will get the most out of this offense. That's what people don't get about the NFL.
Starting point is 00:39:27 You know, you may, you know, like Sam Darno. Sam Darno is a great study in how development and just getting in a right situation, pushing a reset button, being able to go back out there and he's in a good spot with Kevin O'Connell in Minnesota. I had a big win against San Francisco 49ers, a team that, you know, helped him get to where he is, and now he's got a different confidence. Now he's walking out. He walked into MetLife and got a win.
Starting point is 00:39:54 I know Jet fans were like, it's suspicious. But at the same time, when you give veteran quarterbacks who really have played the game at a high level, and you can say what you want about Andy Dalton, but in his heyday, he did have some really, really good years where he played at a high level. He and AJ Brown, I mean, AJ Green had some really good years. and, you know, they had Sanoo, and, you know, they were moving to football. But he's going to get the most out of his offense. You're going to look at this offense and you're going to say, oh, why haven't they been doing
Starting point is 00:40:28 this the whole time? Because sometimes you just don't get the opportunity. It was weird to us rookie year when the Miami Dolphins set Ryan Fitzpatrick on the bench after like a 400-yard game and played Tuauaua. And he had like less than 100 yards for two or three games. and they won the game against the Rams. It's just weird what these teams do sometimes, but this is the opposite.
Starting point is 00:40:51 It seems like, hey, David Canales and his offense, and these coordinators are like, hey, we're not saying he's a bust. We're not saying that he can't do the job. We're saying he needs to sit. He needs time to develop. And we're not helping him. We're not doing him any favors by continuing to put him out there and plummeting his confidence.
Starting point is 00:41:11 So what we need to do is allow him to watch a quarterback, run this offense, prepare each week and really learn and develop as a player so that when we get him a chance out there, that his actual talent can be showcased because it's not being showcased right now. Mitchell, he didn't get a chance to develop. And I don't care if you pick number two, number one, wherever you're picked in a draft. Like, you still shouldn't be forced. And Tom Brady said it as well as anybody.
Starting point is 00:41:36 And if you're not listening to me, that's fine. You better listen to Tom. If you're not listening to the goal, then you probably just don't need to be around this game or hearing about it. because that's the truth. You need to develop. It's a very tough league to come in when you've never been here. You've never been able to do this job. You did it in college, but that's a whole different game.
Starting point is 00:41:55 And now you're in the NFL. You're doing your best, and it's not good enough. And you have nobody to look at. You have nobody to ask questions to bank ideas off of, all the pressures on you, your own social media. They're talking bad about you every single week. You know, they're saying all is lost and they don't expect your team to win a game. So I'm thankful for Bryce Young to get a chance to sit back and watch a veteran quarterback who's going to have a really good command of this offense.
Starting point is 00:42:19 And now teams better be a little bit more wary of the Carolina Panthers than they would have been earlier in season because now you've got a veteran quarterback. They can't sneak up on you now. This is still an NFL team. And they got an NFL quarterback. Be careful. Richard, changing gears again here. The Kansas City Chiefs that is defending Super Bowl champions, escape and the nail biter yesterday against Cincinnati Bengals.
Starting point is 00:42:45 And today we find out Isaiah Pacheco is going to be out six to eight weeks with a fractured fibula, I believe is the injury. Richard, he's going to be on the IR. He's expected to return this season. But, you know, this is a team that was really leaning on Isaiah Pacheco coming into the season. You talked about it. Jerich McKinnon is no longer in the fold over there.
Starting point is 00:43:05 They're left with undrafted rookie Carson Steele and Samadjai Piron. And is there two running backs right now with Clyde Edwards-Hillair at some point coming back. And we just got news that they brought in Kareem Hunt for a visit. Richard, what's your level of concern for Kansas City without Isaiah Pacheco at starting running back? Two, three. Like, not that he's not an important piece, but Mitchell, they'll weather this storm without him. They'll do a good job. They don't have a crazy schedule.
Starting point is 00:43:36 You know, the Atlanta Falcons, that'll be a good game. Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman has these chargers right where they need to be. They're running a football at a really high tilt. They got the Saints. Then they got a buy week. I think they can survive it. I'm sure Kareem Hunt is, you know, he's going to come in and do what he does. I'm sure if they had to, Jet McKinnon might get a call and brought in to see if he's in shape.
Starting point is 00:44:00 You know, he's a guy that played some good football for him at times. Obviously, Father Tom is undefeated. But if they just need a band-aid, somebody to get them through a couple games, but they have options. And when you have Patrick Mahones and you have Andy Recall in the plays, Mitchell, I'm not going to say a running back is going to hold them back, Mitchell. I'm sorry, that's just not where they're going to be at. You know, it sucks because Isaiah Pacheco was having a really good season
Starting point is 00:44:26 and is a really good player, really dynamic, fun to watch. So I hope he comes back healthy as fast as possible with speedy recovery, but I think they'll be fine. another team dealing with the injury bug. And this one is a big way. The L.A. Rams have now lost Cooper Cup, Puka and Kua, and several offensive line starters. Richard, this team is now 0 and 2. Two huge losses.
Starting point is 00:44:50 I mean, one against the lines and a nail-biter and getting blown out by the Cardinals next week. They get the luxury playing the 49ers next week, fresh out of loss. Richard, it could get ugly in L.A. what is your concern level about the L.A. Rams? Nine, Mitchell, nine. That's up there. Because I don't think it's a two. I don't tell you that.
Starting point is 00:45:14 It can be. It can't be. Because losing one pro bowl receiver, you're like, ah, well, we got the other. And then you lose both. And you're like, hey, you know, we draft well. But nobody drafts that well. You know, if somehow the Eagles lost AJ Brown and Devante Smith, Mitchell, their concern level is up. there too. You know, they still got a great old line. He still got all this, but you lose a lot.
Starting point is 00:45:37 And so to lose Pooka Nikul coming off a great season that he had last year, to lose Cooper Cup, you know, as a leader and everything he's done in his past, that's going to be tough with the San Francisco 49ers coming into town. But these are always the scary games for me, Mitchell, because you should dominate. It should be a blowout, right? Yeah. But you got to do it, Mitchell. And these are still NFL players and Matthew Stafford is still at the helm. The old Gunslinger, who does not say die. As you know, watched him for a number of years. He does not say die.
Starting point is 00:46:08 He does not. He's going to go out there with a bad old line, young receivers, unproven receivers, and try to give San Francisco 49ers to run for their money. Now, should it be a really good game for San Francisco 49ers to get back on track
Starting point is 00:46:23 and show their dominance, run Jordan Mason, consistently let Brock Purdy push the ball down the field a little bit? Yes, yes. for all intents and purposes, this should be a dominant performance for the San Francisco 49ers and we should feel good going in. But this is the kind of trap game that you got to be careful with. And I know Kyle Shanahan is saying the exact same thing I'm saying.
Starting point is 00:46:46 And so is Nick Sorensen. Like, hey, don't sleep on these dudes. Do not sleep. Do not sit there and say, oh, man, we got this one in a bag or feel comfortable. You should feel, you shouldn't eat this week. You should starve yourselves because you, You should feel ravenous. You should feel chopping at the bit to get to this game and to put on the show.
Starting point is 00:47:09 Like, you should feel like, hey, man, like desperate. You know, they're going to play. The Rams have nothing to lose. They're going to play with desperation. They know, man, all their players are injured. The San Francisco 49ers have to play with the same desperation from everybody. You know, you can't have the special team snafuels that you did last week. You almost still won the game.
Starting point is 00:47:30 but unnecessary. A block punt, number one. That's unacceptable. And then a muff kick that we got back, but these are things you got to clean up. You can't have that championship team. But I'm not seeing this as a game
Starting point is 00:47:46 that the Rams should win. The San Francisco Portnano should win this game. We shall see, Richard, it is the NFL. Three teams this week, where we're touchdown or more underdogs. Well, one, I don't know when the last time that's happened. in the NFL, but it was a wild one for underdogs this past week.
Starting point is 00:48:09 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.
Starting point is 00:48:32 Listen to Superhuman on the IHard 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, 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.
Starting point is 00:49:00 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.
Starting point is 00:49:31 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.
Starting point is 00:49:50 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 Jette. 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.
Starting point is 00:50:15 I mean, at this point, Mark, this is the second episode where we've discussed crack. So I'm starting to see that there's a through line. We also have AIDS on the table right now. Thank you finishing that sentence. Yes. I don't think there's a more important year for black people. Really? Yeah.
Starting point is 00:50:31 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. Welcome to my new podcast, Learn the Hard Way with me, your host, and your favorite therapist, Kear Games. And in recognition of mental health awareness month, I'm bringing over a decade of my own experience in the mental health field and conversations with so many incredible guests. I'm talking, Tripp Fontaine, Ryan Clark, Sometimes when we're in the pursuit of the thing, we get so wrapped up in the chase that we don't realize that we are in possession of the thing
Starting point is 00:51:06 and we're still chasing it and we don't know when we've done enough. Because people scoreboard watch. Life becomes about wins and losses. Steve Burns, Dustin Ross, because you find it important to be a good person while you hear on earth, or are you a good person because you're afraid?
Starting point is 00:51:21 Because that's two different intentions, bro. Absolutely. And that's two different levels of trust. I want you to just really be a good person. a good person. Join me, Kear Games, as we have real conversations about healing, growth, fatherhood, pressure, and purpose on my new
Starting point is 00:51:35 podcast, Learn the Hardway. Open your free iHeartRadio app. Search Learn the Hardway and listen now. What's up, fam? It's Isaiah Thomas. 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
Starting point is 00:51:51 Reed. And finding ways to win no matter what. He's the smartest player to ever play the game. His IQ is out of 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
Starting point is 00:52:05 on the challenges of the playoffs. I think Joker's going to be exhausted this series 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.
Starting point is 00:52:21 And when IT's friends stop by, like Quentin Richardson, we dive into some playoff history too. Steve Nass would get that, That man, hell get the flying. 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.
Starting point is 00:52:41 So listen to Point Game on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Richard, last week was the return of you going to Miami for Thursday night football. I know you were fired up. You guys looked like you were sweating profusely next to you and wit. I don't know what was going on with him. I know you were playing towel guy for him and helping him out. Richard, how fun was it being in Miami, I guess week two, but your first Thursday night football?
Starting point is 00:53:08 It was a lot of fun, Mitchell. You know, the best party in sports is TNF tonight, 7 p.m. Eastern, Thursday night, on Prime every week. If you guys want to be entertained, we come to entertain. That's what we're here for. You know, it's not a diet eater, but are you entertained? Kind of ordeal. I was pretty damn entertained, Rich.
Starting point is 00:53:29 I tuned in at like 701. I saw you, you know, a national ad. You're strutting your stuff at Wingstab. God bless you, man. That's awesome. But Richard, we got a doozy. I know you always love flying in New York, a nice six-hour cross-country flight for you.
Starting point is 00:53:44 Back to back. To New York. You get to spend two weeks there, man. It's going to be awesome for you. We see the New York Jets take on division foe, New England, who's a little bit better than teams, anticipated. New England almost beat Seattle. I mean, very well could have won that game. Richard, this game
Starting point is 00:54:03 is going to be an interesting one. You get to witness Aaron Rogers first hand. What are your thoughts on this matchup? Vegas has it as a six and a half point jet favored. Your thoughts. Vegas is trying to get some action. They're trying to get some action, Mitchell. They're trying to win them some money. You know, Vegas is Vegas for a reason. If they're saying six and a half, you know, bet they're better. Be careful. Because Vegas knows more than we know for some reason. I don't know, you know.
Starting point is 00:54:30 But the Jets get an opportunity to play at home for the first time this year. In front of their fans, Aaron Rogers, you know, coming full circle, was at home. When he injured that Achilles, he's on this turf at MetLife, fingers crossed, you know, toes crossed, ankles crossed, Mitchell. That everything goes great and he plays well. The Patriots have played really well. Jacoby Brissette is the most hot. pressured quarterback in National Football League right now, but not the most sacked because he's able to avoid pressure even from free rushers. He did it a couple of times in the Seattle
Starting point is 00:55:05 game. He did it the week before in that win that they had against Cincinnati. And that's why they're not playing Drake Meade. This offensive line isn't quite where they need to be yet. And he's able to still make plays and still be productive offensively. So this Jets defense is going to have to impose their will. You know, they've had some, they had a tough matchup against the San Francisco 409ers to start. And then they had a game where a lot of people thought they should be in control of against the Titans.
Starting point is 00:55:36 They held them the 17 points, got the win. And now this is a game where they got to stop the run because Ramonre Stevenson has been running the ball really well. They're going to lean on him. They're going to keep trying to run the ball down your throat defensively. They're going to play man-to-man coverage. They're not going to let, they're not going to, let your best player beat him. They're not. They're not. So they're not going to let Gary Wilson
Starting point is 00:55:57 just play one-on-one all day, every day, throughout this game. They're not. They're going to double him. They're going to make Alan Lazar beat him. They're going to make Breeze Hall find a way to beat him. They're going to make the other guys beat him. And that's been the Patriot way since Belichick first got there. He's not going to let your best receiver beat him. So I'm excited. I'm excited. This is going to be a really good game. Anytime it's a division game, divisional game. You feel like, man, it's going to be a dogfighter. I don't think it's ever going to be a blowout. CJ Mosley is questionable.
Starting point is 00:56:29 DJ Reed is questionable. I think they're going to, you know, in a game like this, they have to have it. It is a short week. But I think those guys are tough human beings. And DJ Reed knowing the guy he is, he's going to play. But this Patriot defense has been legit all season. And they gave the Seattle Seahawks all they can handle last week. It took an overtime drive.
Starting point is 00:56:52 from Gino Smith to get the win and a Jason Myers field goal to get this win, but they are playing good football. And so Aaron is going to have to show some Aaron. He's going to be efficient, not turn the ball over, man coverage, and he knows he's going to get it. I expect him to be effective. Richard, I'll say this.
Starting point is 00:57:13 After watching your first Thursday night football broadcast, one of the coolest thing I saw Amazon ended this year is that alternative broadcasts with the all 22s with the next-gen stats. For those of you guys that haven't checked it out yet, you guys should flip over to there if you're watching it tomorrow or on Thursday night. You guys will love it.
Starting point is 00:57:31 It's really unique how they break it down. So make sure you check that out. That's this week's Thursday night football preview presented by a prime video. Be sure to watch the Patriots take on the Jets. Like you said, you can tune in at 7 p.m. Eastern time this Thursday. Richard, I want to introduce a new. segment here before we sign off. It's called buy or sell. I'm just going to
Starting point is 00:57:56 throw a I'm going to throw a couple statements of fact at you, or opinion rather. You tell me whether you would buy or sell that. We'll start with the LA Chargers. They're 2 and O. Jim Harbaugh has got this team playing with an entirely new identity.
Starting point is 00:58:12 Gone is Keenan Allen and gone is Mike Williams. And now here is J.K. Dobbins, the revelation, Totin the Rock for 100 plus yards. again this week. Richard, are you buying or selling the L.A. Chargers making
Starting point is 00:58:28 the playoffs this year? I'm buying that, Mitchell. I'm buying it, and I'm buying a lot of it. If you look at Jim Harbaugh's years in San Francisco when he first got there, they were a muffed punt, fumbled punt away from making,
Starting point is 00:58:43 what was that, the NFC championship? His first year, they made it to the NFC champion. I mean, they made it to the Super Bowl, his second year. They made it back to the NFC championship to face our Seattle Seahawks in his third year. So this Chargers team was very talented. They were ridiculously underachieving for a long time. So it's not like he inherited a really bad team and didn't have any weapons.
Starting point is 00:59:08 They have a ton of weapons on a defensive side. They got Khalil Mack coming off a career year. They got Joey Boleso on the other side. They got Derwin James in the secondary. They got the players. They got Asante Sammer. Junior at one corner. They got playmakers.
Starting point is 00:59:25 They got paramed at the linebacker's spot. And so offensively, Jim Harbaugh lives by running the football. That's why he brought Greg Roman in because they're going to run the football. And they've run it and they've shown that J.K. Dobbins can really do it. And he's been a really great story. The first two weeks of the season,
Starting point is 00:59:44 just finding his home after all the injuries, the debilitating pain that he was in. And for him to have incredible success, running the football in this offense, found a home. They're winning ball games, and I think they were going to continue to win ball games. I look forward to them playing the Kansas City Chiefs with this new strategy, with this new formula
Starting point is 01:00:02 that Jim Harbaugh has used for years, that his brother, John Harbaugh used. You're going to play great defense. You're going to run the ball. We're going to play fantastic special team. You don't have to guess a lot of times what they're doing. They're going to play most of it by the book. Now they're going forward on fourth down a little bit.
Starting point is 01:00:21 more than they used to, you know, with the analytics and all that. But they're as football one-on-one as it gets. Like, hey, what's the decision that should be made? It's made. Hey, should it be a timeout here? Bang. It's, you know, football intelligence is there for the hard balls. And I think the L.A. Chargers found the coach they needed.
Starting point is 01:00:38 And it's going to be a really good season. It's going to be a playoff, a playoff appearance. And then it's going to be up to Justin Herbert what they're going to be. Because you see he's not putting the game in Justin Herbert's hands very often. Even though Justin Herbert is this all world, he's paid really, really well to play quarterback, they don't care about that. They care about winning the game. When they need to lean on Justin Herbert, they will.
Starting point is 01:01:00 But right now, I don't think he's thrown for 200 yards in either of these ball games, and they've won them very comfortably. And I think they're going to continue with that formula until something changes. Maybe something changes. They've got to lean on Justin Herbert. Then they will. But until then, this is the way the offense got to run, and they're winning ball games. And I think it's a good job.
Starting point is 01:01:17 Well, he did the same thing last year and taking Michigan in the national title. I mean, J.J. McCarthy was not throwing the ball a whole lot. I mean, occasionally you see him in play action situations, but a lot of people were shocked to you when top 10, and now you can see what Michigan looks like without a quarterback, but we're not going to get too much in a college football talk. Richard, let's move on. You witnessed his firsthand when you were in Miami last week. Tua Tua Vailoa goes down with another huge hit, another concussion.
Starting point is 01:01:47 at this point, Richard, what are your thoughts here? Tua should retire by or sell? Well, I need answers, first off, because, you know, it looked like a concussion to me. And maybe it was just like his neck got pushing a weird angle because it didn't seem like enough of a collision with the head to the body that would have, you know, shaking the brain enough to concuss him. but hey, I'm not a doctor. But there was a guy in Brandon Cooks who got concussions, Mitchell, who was getting concussions all the time. And everybody was like so worried that he should retire, should retire.
Starting point is 01:02:30 And then one day he actually went to the doctors to figure it out. And they found out that he was like clenching up so much right before the hit that he was almost passing out. So he wasn't necessarily always getting concussed, Mitchell, but he was passing out because he was just anticipating a hit, I guess, or something of that nature. And it's been written about, you know, I might, you know, maybe they call it as something else other than clinching up and, you know, may have scientific terms, but you can look it up. But they found out he wasn't necessarily getting concussions. Now, Tuatunga Vailua, it looked like an actual concussion, but I'm not sure every single one has been. but if it's me, Mitchell, you know, if I'm his family, if I'm his brother, if I'm his dad, I'm saying, hey, son, proud of you.
Starting point is 01:03:17 You've done and shown that you can play this game at the highest level. You could play at a high level. You took this offense, you know, one of the hottest offenses in most explosive. You are able to overcome your concussions by being more accurate, more precise with the ball, making quicker decisions, and able to not get a concussion at all. last year, you got your money. They're going to have to pay you. Go enjoy your family.
Starting point is 01:03:46 Live to fight another day because you never know what the next one's going to do. You know, you never know how bad the next one is. You know, is the next one going to put you in a much different state? Like, do you walk away from the next one? And those are the questions you have when it happens in a way where you're like, everybody that watched the play was like, I don't, I wouldn't have thought you would got, got concussed by that play. It didn't, it wasn't a helmet to helmet like collision by any means. You know, it looked like they were just, he was just trying to stay in the way.
Starting point is 01:04:20 You know, he was just trying to stay in the way. He was just trying to get in his way, not let him score, not like deliver a hit. And he went down in that way. So yeah, I would, I would, I would say, hey, you got to hang him up. Richard, the Buffalo Bills. They're off to two and oh start. They dominated last week against the dolphins. And frankly, it became a boring game. They got ahead so early. All the talk was about Stefan Diggs and Gabe and Davis leaving town.
Starting point is 01:04:48 Now they've got a mystery crew of wide receivers, but they look good. Richard, are you buying or selling the Buffalo Bills are actually a better team this year than last? I'm selling that, Mitchell. I'm not ready to buy that quite yet. I mean, they have played really well. Josh Allen played well. James Cook had his breakout game of this season last week. Their defense had a lot of unheralded guys.
Starting point is 01:05:14 Jamarcus Ingram with two interceptions and a pick six. You know, they have unheralded guys with 46 and 47 getting interceptions, Mitchelm. As a fan, I was sitting there like, I know who the guys are because I'm watching the team and we studied it. But it looked weird, but they're still making big plays. And they got getting good safety play after losing Micah Hyde. Jordan Poyer. And so you lost Tredavius Light and you still getting good corner play.
Starting point is 01:05:42 You're getting good receiver play from Khalil Shakir. Don Kincaid is starting to impose his will a little bit. But I just can't see them as better. I need more of a sample size for me to make that call. Richard, we see the Baltimore Ravens off to an 0-2 start. How concerned are you about this team? Buyers sell them not winning the AFC North? I'm selling that.
Starting point is 01:06:15 I'm going to guess they're going to win the AFC North, Mitchell. They're going to win it. I know Pittsburgh got off to a great start. They're going to run into some controversy or chaos or bumps in the road here soon. Their defense and T.J. Watt is playing. They're playing outstanding football. Mika Fitzpatrick's playing great football. Porter. They're just a good team right now. Hi Smith. Cam Hayward is going to be a big time player
Starting point is 01:06:44 for him as always, as he always is. But what did they do when Russell Wilson comes back? When you have to sit there and answer questions that, hey, Russell Wilson's healthy, but he's not playing. That's going to be something that I'm interested to see how they navigate that because it's going to be a legit conversation. You know, whichever camp you in, you know, if you believe Justin Fields is the answer and he's earned his spot or you think, hey, cool, he got us through, but we want to play Russell Wilson. That's what you brought him for. I'm interested to see how the great Mike Tomlin navigates this situation. But no, I don't think Baltimore is out of it. I think John Harbaugh, this is the first time. I think he started 0-1-2 in his career.
Starting point is 01:07:26 And I think they're going to come out and find answers and be able to get this situation rectified. The Cincinnati Bengals are all in two. The Browns are one in one and haven't looked as good as they had as they did at times with Joe Flacco, even though, you know, they looked a little bit better this week. I'm looking forward to,
Starting point is 01:07:46 I think Baltimore is going to get it back together. Trevor Lawrence, your favorite. To say that Jacksonville Jaguars couldn't have got off to a much worse start to the season. It's an understatement. Trevor Lawrence gets paid a huge, amount of money, Richard, and looks frankly inept.
Starting point is 01:08:07 By yourself, Trevor Lawrence is the most overpaid player in the NFL. No, no, no, no, I'm not buying that. I'm not buying that. I'm not, I mean, Daniel Jones is getting $40 million right now, and I'm just, I'm not sold on Daniel Jones. I'm not sold that Daniel Jones is an upgrade over a Gardner, Minchu, or even Andy Dalton, or, you know, a lot of these veteran quarterbacks, and he's getting $40 million. So, no, no, I'm not going with him.
Starting point is 01:08:35 I'd probably stick very aggressively to Daniel Jones being that guy. And the best for last, Richard, your Seattle Seahawks. There is a window of opportunity opening for the Seattle Seahawks. The L.A. Rams are riddled with injuries. The San Francisco 49ers are battling their own injuries. Richard, is this a year? Seattle Seahawks win the NFC. West. buy or sell?
Starting point is 01:09:06 I'm very close to buying, Mitchell. I'm at the register. It's in my cart. But I'm not there yet. I need to see a little bit more. They got that win over the New England Patriots, but it was by the skin of a chin. And there were some soppy plays, there was some mistackles or some dropped footballs that just wouldn't allow me to buy.
Starting point is 01:09:26 And I'm not ready to give up on San Francisco 49ers after the Minnesota game because they just have, they don't win them. Minnesota. You wanted it to be different, but after 30 years, you know, don't matter what's happening, how good your team is, you get to Minnesota, you're taking a loss. I don't know why it's that way, but it's been that way. And, you know, I think they get things back on track with this week against L.A. Rams. I think to Seattle Seahawks get a, get a much needed win with the Miami team, banged up Miami team, obviously with Tuatunga Vailout, coming to Seattle to Lumen Stadium,
Starting point is 01:10:02 Thompson, I think they're able to find a way to win that game, confuse a quarterback with obviously the various looks that Mike McDonald gives. I'm close, Mitchell. I'm close, but I'm not there. I'm selling that for now. We can revisit that later in the season, and we'll see if I'm still there. But right now, they're at the top of the division, playing really good football, and have a really favorable matchup coming up.
Starting point is 01:10:31 So it's good. Richard, before we wrap, my personal favorite segment every week, the Richard Sherman Power Rankings. Where do you stack them up this week, Rich? Mitchell, it's tough. It's really tough because it's a lot of movement now. Obviously, the Kansas City Chiefs are still won because they are undefeated and deservedly so.
Starting point is 01:10:58 Who's two is the question? Because I wanted to be the San Francisco 49ers, even though they took that law. They took that loss to a very talented team in the Minnesota Vikings who are playing really good football right now. Your Detroit Lions also, like my top five took a beating. Beating. And Dallas just didn't want to be in there, Mitchell. I knew I shouldn't have put them in there. I knew I should have went Seattle.
Starting point is 01:11:27 And some told me to just split it and I should have just went my gut. Kansas City Chiefs, trying to make sure I don't miss anybody. miss anyone. Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills jump in there. Just a dominant performance against a team that's supposed to be a contender. San Francisco 49ers.
Starting point is 01:12:14 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Wow. Seattle Seahawks. Seattle Seahawks for Houston Five. Okay. Seattle makes an appearance here, Richard. Let's see how long they can stay in the top five of your power rankings.
Starting point is 01:12:34 Richard, that concludes it as we wrap up. I will let you say your last words here. Well, thank you guys for joining us. As you can see, we're trying to get a lot more content, instant reactions as often as we can. Stick with us. We appreciate you joining us. I know you're getting a lot of notifications, but keep those notifications coming. We're trying to give you the content that you want. Hopefully we're talking about your team because we love this game. Hit that subscribe button if you're new, and we're talking about your team.
Starting point is 01:13:03 We're going to be talking about them a lot this season. Hopefully it turns out how you want it. Stay tuned. The volume. Another podcast from some SNL, late night comedy guy, not quite. Unhumor me with Robert Smigel and friends.
Starting point is 01:13:38 Me and hilarious guests from Bob Odenkirk to David Letterman help make you funnier. This week, my guest, SNL's Mikey Day and head writer Streeter Seidel help an a cappella band with their between songs banter. Where does your group perform? We do some retirement homes.
Starting point is 01:13:54 Those people are starving for banter. Listen to humor me with Robert Smigel and friends on the I-Heart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Imagine an Olympics where doping is not only legal but encouraged. It's the enhanced games. Some call it grotesque. Others say it's unleashing human potential. Either way, the podcast's Superhuman documented it all,
Starting point is 01:14:16 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 IHard Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hey, what's good, y'all? You're listening to Learn the Hard Way with your favorite therapist and host's Kear Games. This space is about black men's experiences, having honest conversations that's really not safe to have anywhere, but you're having him with a licensed professional who knows what he's doing.
Starting point is 01:14:48 How many men carry a suit are armored. It signals to the world that you not to be played with. And just because you have the capability that does not mean that you need to. Listen to learn the hard way on the AHA radio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast. On the Look Back at it podcast. From 1979, that was a big moment for me. 84 was big to me. I'm Sam Jay.
Starting point is 01:15:10 And I'm Alex English. Each episode, we pick a here, unpack what went down. try to make sense of how we survived it with our friends, fellow comedians, and favorite authors. Like Mark Lamont Hill on the 80s. 84 was a wild year. It was a wild year. I don't think there's a more important year for black people.
Starting point is 01:15:28 Listen to look back at it 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. Clifford Taylor the 4th. You might have seen the skits, my basketball and college football journey, or my career.
Starting point is 01:15:44 career in sports media. Well, now I'm bringing all of that excitement to my brand new podcast, The Clifford Show. This is a place for raw, unfills of conversations with athletes, creators, and voices that not only deserve to be heard, but celebrated. So let's get to it. Listen to The Clifford show on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast. And for more behind the scenes, follow at Clifford and at TikTok podcast network on TikTok.
Starting point is 01:16:09 This is an IHeart podcast, guaranteed human.

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