The Herd with Colin Cowherd - The Richard Sherman Podcast - NFL Week 4 Reaction: Cardinals-49ers, Patriots-Cowboys, Dolphins-Bills, Raiders-Chargers

Episode Date: October 2, 2023

Richard Sherman reacts to Week 4 in the NFL, including Christian McCaffrey's dominant performance in the San Francisco 49ers' win over the Arizona Cardinals, Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs torching the Miami Dolphins, and the Dallas Cowboys defense suffocating Mac Jones and the New England Patriots. Richard gives his takes on Justin Herbert and Brandon Staley, Russell Wilson vs. Justin Fields, and Joe Burrow's 1-3 start with the Cincinnati Bengals. Richard also shares his predictions for the Seattle Seahawks' road game against the New York Giants on Monday Night Football. #volume #herdSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is an I-Heart podcast. Guaranteed Human. Another podcast from some SNL, late-night comedy guy, not quite. Unhumor me with Robert Smygel and friends. Me and hilarious guests from Bob Odenkirk to David Letterman help make you funnier. This week, my guest, SNL's Mikey Day and head writer, Streeter Seidel, help an a cappella band with their between songs banter.

Where does your group perform? We do some retirement homes. Those people are starving for banter. Listen to humor me with Robert Smigel and friends on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Imagine an Olympics where doping is not only legal, but encouraged. It's the enhanced games. Some call it grotesque.

Others say it's unleashing human potential. Either way, the podcast's Superhuman documented it all, embedded in the games and with the athletes for a full year. Within probably 10 days, I'd put on 10 pounds. I was having trouble stopping the muscle growth. Listen to Superhuman on the IHard Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. We're back with another week of football, and Draft King's Sportsbook is keeping us in on the NFL action with great offers every single game day. New customers can bet $5 and get $200 instantly in bonus bets.

Throw down $5 on this week's epic matchups to walk away an instant winner. And Draft Kings isn't stopping there. customers can take advantage of two new offers every game day this September. Football is more fun when you're in on the action. So download the app now and sign up with Code Richard. New customers can bet just $200 to get $200 instantly in bonus bets. Only on Draft King's Sportsbook, an official sports betting partner of the NFL with code Richard. The crown is yours.

Gambling problem, call 1-800 gambler or visit www.1-800 gambler. In New York, called 8778-8-H-O-P-E-N-Y, or text H-O-P-E-N-Y 467-367-69. In Connecticut, help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-789-77-7-7 or visit ccpgg.org. Please play responsibly. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino and Resort, licensee partner, Golden Nugget, Lake Charles, 21-plus age varies by jurisdiction, void in Ontario. See sportbook.draftkings.com slash football for terms for eligibility, terms and responsible games resources. Bonus bets expire seven days after issuance.

Eligibility and deposit restrictions apply. The volume. Notice, sir, few balls for these. Super Bowl. Championship. That should always be the expectation. I ain't mad at you go on here. Welcome back to the Richard Sherman podcast, Metro Crazy Week.

But the thing that's always true, that's... San Francisco 49ers win again. I love it. They look good doing it, Rich. CMC, we talked about it the last couple times, man. He is a game breaker. He's a difference maker. I'm just shocked.

He didn't break the record, man. I was hoping they'd give it to him on the goal on with that last one. Richard, your thoughts on this game. Well, they were in control the entire time. Brock Purdy had a darn near perfect game. He threw one away under pressure. almost got there, but missed one pass, 20 or 21, 95.2 completion percentage, fourth highest in NFL history.

Another win. I think he's 10 and 0 now in regular season starts, 10 starts in the regular season, 10 wins in a regular season for Brock Purdy. Obviously, Christian McCaffrey looked fantastic, 20 carries from 106, three touchdowns, and then, of course, the receiving touchdown, seven catches for 71 yards. He does it all. Not a huge game for Debo Samuels. Still beat up, so they kind of used them as a decoy today.

But Brandon Ayuk, six for 149, 148. Great game. I'm looking forward to this next game against the Cowboys, Mitchell, against the Cowboys. Everyone's going to be watching that game, Rich. That's Sunday night football. But Richard, this game, I mean, the Cardinals are playing better football than I think a lot of people expected. You know, Josh Dobbs is turned into a halfway decent quarterback for him. So, you know, much props to the Niners.

They go out there and win by 19. But obviously, everyone's looking forward to next week, Rich. I know it's early in the podcast. I don't want to get into the Richard Sherman Power Ranks, but I got a feeling these two teams are pretty darn high up on that list. Yeah, they're definitely going to be high up on the power ranks. The Cowboys might sneak back into the top five. They had that stinker against the Cardinals,

but they came back this week with a very good game against New England Patriots. First time ever, Bill Belichick is lost by 35 plus points. Eish. All right, Rich. Let's go down to Buffalo here, or over to Buffalo. This is a game I was wrong on. I thought Miami was going to come out there and get a win today. Buffalo just does it again on their home field.

And winning by 28, 48 to 20, Richard. Did you see this coming? No, Mitchell, I cannot say I've seen it coming. I thought, you know, Tua Tunga Vailoa is on MVP watch, been playing fantastic football all season. You know, Tyreek Hill was difficult to stop. Only had three catches today for 58 yards. Don't know what's going on there. Devon, a cane, a chain.

Still had a solid game. Eight rushes for 101 and two touchdowns, but you wonder why he didn't see it, see the ball more. But Josh Allen has been playing dang near perfect ball. Since that stinker versus the Jets, he's been. outstanding. I don't think he's thrown an interception or had a turnover since week one. Today, he's 21 for 24, 21 for 25, 320 and four touchdowns, a perfect passer rating. I mean, he ran for another touchdown. I mean, he's back to looking like his old self. And that's the guy that a lot of people had as an MVP candidate last year and coming into this year.

But they did lose Tradavius White. You'd hate to see it. You know, he went down a couple seasons ago with the knee injury. And now he goes back with the Achilles injury. And he's just like, you just feel for the guy because he's just, he's such a great human being, a great football player. And you just wish you could stay on the field. They're going to get Von Miller back soon. But you just hate to see that.

That is a brutal loss. Even with Vaughn coming back, Tredavius White was an anchor in their defensive backfield, Rich. But this game, like we talked about, I thought it was going to be a lot closer. the AFC East, it's going to probably come down to these two teams. Does this make the Buffalo Bills your favorite in this division right now, Rich? Well, they have to be. They have to be.

I mean, you got the two best teams in the division. They went head to head. Buffalo, I beat them handily, 48 to 20 after Miami just, you know, ran up 70 points against the Denver Broncos last week. Greg Rousseau, two sacks. Michael Hyde had interception. Stefan Diggs, six for 120 and three touchdown. A fantastic game for him.

You got to feel like they're in control the division. That's a statement game. They were at home, but still, Miami is not Buffalo when it's snow outside and it's cold and all that. So you don't really have that excuse. It was Buffalo in September. So, you know, Miami had to find a way to get that win. They didn't. Jalen Waddle played.

Not sure what the answers are for them. Yeah. Well, Richard, we've had our partner every week, Morgan and Morgan. And now it's time for this week's segment, making it look easy. Player of the Week, brought you by Morgan and Morgan in America's largest injury law firm. Richard, this week, I think we got to give it to Stefan Diggs. He made it look really easy out there against the Dolphins. You already touched on it.

Six receptions, 120 yards, and three touchdowns. That's got to feel real good for Stefan. There was a lot of, you know, rumblings during the offseason that he might want out of town. You know, like you said, I think Josh Allen has righted this ship. I think Stefan Diggs, if he can get looking like he did today, three touchdowns made a huge play on the sideline, broke two tackles, ran for, I don't even know how long it was, 60-yarder, you know, so those are the big plays we're used to seeing out of Stefan. Richard, this has been making it look easy brought to you by Morgan and Morgan, America's largest injury law firm. If you're ever injured, you can check out Morgan and Morgan. Go to for the people.com slash Sherman or dial pound law.

That's pound 529. Winning in this league, Rich, you know it. It's not easy. Not easy. Hiring Morgan and Morgan is super easy. Richard, we're going to go to L.A. The Chargers. They had this game in hand.

They looked absolutely dominant. They were given Aidan O'Connell and his debut. All the heck in the world. You know, Khalil Mack doing his thing. Almost breaking an NFL record with six. sacks against his former team. But lo and behold, Brandon Staley's making questionable moves down the stretch and this game becomes a heck of a lot closer than a lot of people thought it would be.

Richard, your thoughts on the Chargers, because this team has all the talent in the world to be a Super Bowl contender. I don't know if Brandon Staley is a guy. Your thoughts on this team? I think he's coaching for his life. I think regardless of how this season goes, unless they get to a Super Bowl or a FACC championship, I think he gets the boot. I think they're looking for a different,

to go in a different direction. He continuously shows that he just keeps making the same mistakes. He makes terrible critical mistakes down the stretch. The game is hard enough when it's just players making mistakes. You know, you can't have coaches, especially a coach with all these analytics. You know, all you hear about is analytics, the chargers, analytics, analytics, fourth down. They go through all these, whatever.

But then you make critical mistakes down the stretch each and every week. And then you get bailed out. This week it was Asante Samuel Jr. who made a heck of a play at the goal line. Last week it was T.J. Hawkinson dropping the pass at the goal line that gets intercepted. Like, okay, you guys keep getting bailed out, but these are games you probably should have lost. But give props to Khalil Mack. He clearly woke up on the right side of the bed today.

Six sacks. Only, what, the second player in the history of the game to have a five-plus sack game, two five-plus sack games and others, Derek Thomas. the late great Derek Thomas. And I mean, you just, I just don't know about Brandon Staley. He's supposed to be a defensive coach. They had a little bit better performance, but they were playing against Aiden O'Connell, not Jimmy G. So this offense wasn't at 100%.

He was still moving the ball down the field during critical situations. He moved the ball down the field. Josh Jacobs, eight catches for 81 yards. He had a better day in the air than he did on the ground. Mason Crosby. I mean, Max Crosby. Mason Crosby, kick me. Max Crosby deserves a lot of credit.

He deserves a lot more credit than he's getting, but he plays for the Raiders, and they always have something overshadow him, whether it's the terrible offensive play or the Chandler Jones situation, but Max Crosby has been an amazing player in the National Football League for a long time, and it's continuing to make an impact week in and week out.

I just hope he gets to a team that could utilize him correctly. I don't know if it's the San Francisco 49ers, the Jets, the Cowboys, even like. somewhere that's going to use him and get him the spotlight that he deserves, because my goodness, he's wasting away in Las Vegas, and you hate to see it. He's a grinder. Eastern Michigan product, by the way, Rich. Who would have thought?

J.J. Watt, Central Michigan, Max Crosby, Eastern Michigan. They got something right going on over here in Michigan, Rich. But Richard, before we leave this game, I mean, you're not one. You're one just like Khalil Mack that has played against a team you had a long tenure with. how much extra motivation does a guy like this have playing his old team? What was it like for you going back to Seattle for the first time? Well, I'm sure there's a ton of extra motivation. I mean, I don't think this is the first time he's played him.

They're a division team for these guys. So he's played him a couple times a year for a long time. But, I mean, it's definitely woke up with something on his mind today. You don't just wake up and get six sacks clearly because nobody else in the history of the game has done it twice other than he and Derek Thomas. but it's cool to see, man. It's always cool and it's fun. I'm sure he's feeling really good. Obviously, the head coach is different.

Some people in the organization, but the owner's still there, and he made his point. Man, he sure did. For a limited time, you can save 40% on an NFL Plus premium annual subscription when you sign up through Plus Play from Verizon. Plus Play is a platform

where you can shop, manage, and save on the subscriptions you already love, like NFL Plus. With NFL Plus Premium, you can get access to live games on mobile, NFL Red Zone, NFL Network, and much more.

So you can watch multiple games all at once, on any screen around you for updates. Never miss a touchdown. And for Fantasy players, NFL Plus Premium makes all the difference.

Access to programming like Fantasy Live through NFL Network, Red Zone for tracking player performance on Sundays, access to live, local, in primetime games.

Access to Fantasy Plus. Just go to Verizon.com forward slash NFL to get NFL Plus premium today. It's 40% off for an annual subscription. That's just $59.99 for the full season. Get it before it's gone. Imagine an Olympics where doping is not only legal but encouraged. It's the enhanced games.

Some call it grotesque. Others say it's unleashing human potential. Either way, the podcast's Superhuman documented it all. embedded in the games and with the athletes for a full year. Within probably 10 days, I'd put on 10 pounds. I was having trouble stopping the muscle growth. Listen to Superhuman on the I-Hard Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

A win is a win. A win is a win. 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, 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. Let's go to Nashville, Rich. I know you liked Nashville. I love Nashville. Nashville is a good time. Tennessee Titans, shocker today. I did not see this coming. The Bengals, they need a win desperately, and they went into Tennessee and got embarrassed.

And you can see the team is frustrated, Rich. Jamar Chase, some choice words after the game. I'm open. I'm always effing open was his comment. Richard, how concerned are you about these Cincinnati Bengals? I'm really concerned, Mitchell, because I thought this would happen if Joe Burrow didn't play. If he got, if he went out with the injury,

missed a couple games, I thought they'd struggle in these couple games, but he decided to play, and he's not 100%. You can see that. He was 20 for 30, but only 165, wasn't really pushing the ball down the field, and it's almost like the defense doesn't expect him to push the ball down the field.

They're putting a lot of pressure in his face. They're blitzed him. It's really weird, but, I mean, you've got to give Derek Henry a lot of credit. He looked like Derek Henry, King Henry of old, 22 carries for 122, a Russian TD, a pass in TD. I mean, they're having fun out there in Tennessee. they're doing well, they're playing well,

they're playing great defense. And offensively for the Bengals, they just haven't had an identity all season. I mean, they got one win, but in the other two losses, they've been very lopsided when they lost to the Cleveland Browns. It was the rain, and it was this, and it was that. But the Browns blew them out,

and they just got blown out again. And you just start to wonder, like, what is, do you need to rest Joe Burrell and let him be fully healthy if you're going to have a chance, Now T. Higgins is out. Tyler Boyd hasn't looked great. I don't know what you do. I don't know what you do. I mean, Ryan Tannahill played a solid game. He managed a game like he did. Touchdown, Interception, 18 for 25, 240. But nothing special. There's nothing crazy. But you wonder, like, what is the problem in Cincinnati? Because you got teams like the Baltimore Ravens. They're having their way. They're moving down the field. I mean, if it wasn't for Deshaun Watson getting hurt, that would have been the game of the week, probably. probably, but, you know, they played the rookie. He struggled. The Ravens did their thing. You kind of expect that. Then you have Pittsburgh getting blown out by the Houston Texans. So all of a sudden, this is Baltimore's division to lose. You know, they look like the class of the division. It's not even close. So you wonder, like, what's really going on? I mean, Cincinnati has to figure some things out, but it may be time to rest him. It might. And, Richard, if they go to Arizona next weekend and lose there, they're going to be a lot of alarm sounding in Cincinnati. I know you don't want to talk about them,

but they looked damn good today, Richard. The Dallas Cowboys absolutely obliterated the New England Patriots. And the New England Patriots just looked downright terrible. I was listening to Julian Edelman talk about the team pregame. And he just said they struggled in situational football. But Richard, situationally, they look terrible. They look terrible from the opening, kickoff to the finisher. Richard, this team has hit a very, very low point as an organization, and it makes you really, truly wonder what would this organization been like without Tom Brady?

Because I don't know what they got going on here, Richard. I'm interested to hear your thoughts about New England. His game didn't go how I expected to go. I thought Balliuchick would have a better plan in terms of the run game. I thought he'd try to execute like Arizona did. Obviously, I didn't see Mac Jones. being as inefficient as he was, all the turnover is he turned the ball over twice,

one of them being a pick six, him throwing across his body, across the other side of the field late in the play. Like, what are you doing? And they finally bench him for Bailey Zap, Zappy, at the beginning of the fourth quarter, but it's like, I mean, it's just terrible football. But give all the credit in the world to the Dallas Cowboys.

They played really well in the secondary to Ron Bland, had an outstanding game. locked down in coverage, took advantage of his opportunities. We talked about the pick six. He had another pick. There was some great things in the past rush. You know, obviously they lost their guy, 11 from heaven, as Skip Bayless calls him, 11 from heaven.

It got a little banged up, but it looks like he'll be okay, Michael Parsons. And there was a fumble recovery to Mac Jones. Mac Jones' fumble recovery by Layton Vanderash for a touchdown. It's two touchdowns by the defense. They cook him. You know, they've led the league and turnovers for the past two years. But, I mean, my goodness, we talk about this on the other show all the time. Like, maybe Belichick is very human in terms of coaching.

You know, you talk about his record with Tom Brady and his record without Tom Brady. And it's getting worse and worse by the day, by the game. You're starting to see him get a lot of firsts in his career. This is the first time he's been beaten about 35 plus points. And it's the first time, the largest half-time deficit of a. his career. It's just, you wonder, like, what's going on? They lose their two best players in the game. Matthew Judon and Christian Gonzalez, both get injured in the game. Zeke, who I was expecting to have a big, like, revenge game, six carries for 16 yards, not enough. Two receptions for

six yards, not enough. No impact at all, really. But then you look on the other side. Dack played really well, very efficient, 28 to 34 for 261 in a touchdown, move the ball down the field, but they're zone woes continue. Their red zone woes continued, Mitchell. They do not execute in the red zone. They were 0 for three last I looked. I got to look how they ended the game. But it just doesn't feel like they get down there and can get the job done. And we're going to, we're going to find out next Sunday night when they play to San Francisco 49ers. We will. I mean, it's their defense, Richard, that is holding this team together, these big splash plays defensively that are leading to these huge blowouts. And, you know, for the Patriots, we know, for the Patriots, we're. We will. We're

They just lose their game plan right away, it seems. I mean, this is a team that was hard, no, that always run the ball. You're hardly seeing Remandre Stevenson making any big plays. I mean, Zeke Elliott against his former team, we already talked about the emotions of going against your former team. I mean, give the guy, LA's 10 touches, man. He only got six rush attempts and two catches.

But, you know, Richard, this Dallas Cowboy defense is looking very, very good. And I know you know a thing or two about Dan Quinn. We got a new segment to bring up today. brought to you by Uber Eats, Rich. And now for our segment, brought to you by Uber Eats, the almost, almost perfect defense, where we highlight the NFL defense that put on the week's most dominant performance.

Richard, this week, we got to give it to the Dallas Cowboys. We have to give it to the Dallas Cowboys. They held the Patriots at three points. Sack Mac Jones twice, forced to fumble, returned it for a touchdown, two interceptions, another touchdown. Layton Vanderash, Duran Bland, both played really good football. That's this week's almost, almost perfect defense of the week.

And remember, you can order almost, almost anything you want with Uber Eats, the official on-demand partner of the NFL. Order now. Oh, Mitchell. Oh, what happened in Denver? I could not understand what I was seeing. I mean, they were getting blown out. It looked like all was lost.

and Justin Fields had finally arrived. The Justin Fields that everybody was so high on coming out of Ohio State had finally arrived. Almost perfect, perfect 17 for 17. He had three touchdowns. He was rolling. They were up 28 to 7 and then they were not. Yeah, it's demoralizing when you look at Justin Fields and the way he's been playing all season. And maybe he's not the guy.

But then he just goes out and puts up 335 yards, four touchdowns. It's 132-plus pass a rating. You know, he did turn the ball over a couple of times. But Richard, this guy went out there and played one of the best games of his career, and they still can't get a win. They're the only team in the NFL. I mean, they've lost 14 straight games. You're starting to see these memes out there about Elon Musk acquiring Twitter

and every other professional sports teams won a game. Since that date, with the exception of the Chicago Bears, I mean, this marks 14 straight. loss is Richard. The one silver lining in this game for them is they do hold the top two picks in the draft. So Caleb Williams, maybe Justin Fields won't be there for long, but I don't know if he's necessarily the problem. But let's talk about the Broncos a little bit. They needed a win. They got it. Russell's looking a little bit more consistent this year. Are you liking his game right now? Mitchell, he's been playing fine. He's been playing fine. That a defense has been absolutely

atrocious and they were atrocious until the second half of that ball came, they came to life. But Russell, 21 or 28, pretty efficient game, 2, 23 and 3 touchdowns, no turnovers. That's a big game for him. They lost Javonte Williams, and here comes Jalil McLaughlin, seven rushes for 72 yards, and three receptions for 32 yards in a touchdown. Cream Jackson gets the game-sealing interception. They looked really good, but Justin Fields played the game of his life.

28 to 35, 335, 4 touchdowns, 1 interceptions, 1 interception. He had a career high in passing yards and passing touchdowns. He got his boy DJ more of the ball early and often, eight catches for 131 in a tug. Khalil Herbert looked good. Everything looked good. Where is the defense? Where is the defense?

The Chicago Bears left their defense at home in the second half, and that's why they lost the game. They had a chance, Mitchell, they had a chance. They were on Denver's 18, fourth and one. Could have just kicked the field goal, went up 31 to 38. And then Denver would have came down and tied it. Maybe you go to O.T. and find a way. But they went for it. They didn't get it.

Denver drives down the field, kicks the field goal. You get another shot at it. Justin Fields throws his first interception of the game to Kareem Jackson. So again, what's going on? What's going on with the Chicago Bears? Eberfluse is, I mean, it's starting to seem like he's not the answer in any way. But we got to see both of these things. We got to see the Bears and commanders this Thursday in Washington, D.C.

Mitchell, I got the commanders with how they played against the Super Bowl runner-ups and the Philadelphia Eagles. I got them winning this game. I hope Justin Fields keeps playing how he does. But if they have the one and two picks, I expect them to be playing for a different team next year, Mitchell. I agree. I agree with you on that.

The Bears remind me a lot of the Detroit Lions years ago that the same old Lions mantra was created. no matter how good they played, they always found a way to lose the game in the fourth quarter. And that's what happened here. I mean, this, you know, fumble for a touchdown and this team. And then, like you said, not making the right decisions, kicking the field goal, going up 10 points instead of going for it. But Richard, you're going to have fun in Washington with this game next Thursday. I have a feeling, man.

Right. Right. It's so fun. Join us on Thursday night. And let's pray. It'll be a good game. Commanders look halfway decent. 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-Hart Radio app.

Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. A win is a win. A win is a win. I don't care what I'm saying. Yep, that's me, Clifford 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 Cliverts show on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcast, or we're you get your podcast. And for more behind the scenes, follow at Clifford and at TikTok podcast network on TikTok. Do you remember when Diana Ross double-tap little Kim's boobs at the VMAs?

Or when Kanye said that George Bush didn't like black people. I know what you're thinking. What the hell does George Bush got to do with a little Kim? Well, you can find out on the Look Back at it podcast. I'm Sam J. And I'm Alex English. Each episode, we pick a here, unpack what went down, and try to make sense of how we survived it. Including a recent episode, with Mark Lamont Hill waxing all about crack in the 80s. To be clear, 84 is big to me, not just because of crack. I'm down to talk about crack on day, but just so y'all know. I mean, at this point, Mark, this is the second episode where we've discussed crack.

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

Listen to look back at it on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Another teams that's starting to look good and starting to surprise quite a bit is the Rams, Richard. And once Cooper Cup comes back next week, hopefully, him and Pooka Nakua might form a nice little formidable wide receiving core for Matthew Stafford to start slinging the rock around. Here was a game. The Rams got out to a 23-0 to lead early.

They looked like they were going to have us. super easy time in Indy. And then not so fast. We're going to overtime. Indy has all the ample opportunities to win this game. Richard, first and foremost, I want you to talk about Puka Nicole. He's become the most receptions and most yards in the first four games in NFL history. How does this happen?

And no one really had this guy on their draft boards, but the Rams found him and he's been kicking it for him right now. Yeah, I mean, it's a perfect storm. It's obviously Cooper Cup being out, he would have been their go-to guy. A lot of these targets and catches would have probably gone to him. He's been injured. And Matthew Stafford has to have somebody throw to and he's chosen Pooka Nakua. And he's taking advantage of every single one of his opportunities.

He had a great game today. He had the game-winning touchdown. It's just like he's built. This offense is built for him. He's built for it. And they're having a great time. Most receptions and most yards through the first. four games in NFL history.

That's history. That's the entire league. It's so many history books being rewritten right now with players that you never even heard of, which is really cool. You love to see it. A great fifth round pick by the L.A. Rams because they didn't have any first round picks Mitchell for so long,

so they had to make it work with whatever they got. But great for him, great for Matthew Stafford, who had a good game, 319, a touchdown, an interception, which was a heck of a play by Kenny Moore. That was a good game. It ended up being a good game. The Rams are doing great. I'm sure Sean is having fun coaching a team with low expectations.

They're going into every game with low expectations and producing. And I'm sure they can't wait to get Cooper Cup back. It's going to be a really tough out for a lot of teams going forward. Yeah, well, the other side of this is Anthony Richardson starting to look halfway decent. I mean, Indy's got a squad, but he, you know, what are your early impressions of him as a quarterback? There was a lot of question marks about his accuracy coming out of college. 11 for 25 certainly are not the stat line you're looking for, but, you know, he's a threat on the ground.

Richard, do you like his game? I mean, it's still up there. It's still up to be decided Mitchell. He hasn't played enough football for me to say if I like it or not. We saw how the offense could play with Gardner Menchu at the helm, and it looked a lot different than when Anthony Richardson, which is the same can be said for Carolina when Andy Dalton played. These career backups that can come in and they can get the job done.

They can sing the ball around the yard. and they can put up the numbers. He's just inaccurate, Mitchell, and there's no way around it. He needs to get more accurate. The same questions that you had coming out of college are the same questions you have now. He's 11 for 25, 200 yards, two touchdowns. He didn't turn the ball over, but you need more from that. He ran it 10 times for 56 yards, which is fine.

He got a touchdown. But you need a little bit more accuracy, Mitchell. There were a couple balls in there. I thought he would probably want back right now. But give him all the credit in the world. He kept him in the game. He made some game, you know, some winning, played some winning football down the stretch, but just wasn't enough to be a veteran quarterback in Matthew Stafford and the team with the lead,

playing with the lead like they were. Well, the Rams are going to be taking on the Eagles next week. And then the Colts got an indivision battle against the Titans. So two interesting matchups. Let's talk about Philly a little bit here, Rich. I, again, another OT thriller, great game. Washington gets up early. Philly fights back.

gets up. Washington ties the game late. But you're the coach. You tie the game against your divisional rival on the road. You're hot right now. Do you go for two in that situation? Are you just taking the ball and going to OT with it? No question you go for two. No question. You've got all the momentum. You're feeling good. What do you got to lose? You don't have anything to lose. You don't want to go into overtime against a team like this that technically has you outmatched and outgunned. You take your shot while you got it. You know they'll never get another shot at this.

If you make it, you win. If you don't, you lose. I think that was a mistake on their behalf. They played a conservative, and that's how you lose ball games like that. You know, when you got everything working for you, you need to take your shot while you got it. Don't let the other team get another shot at it,

but they had their hands full, Mitchell, with all day, always open. A.J. Brown, nine catches for 175. and two tugs. I talked about the rookie corner, Emmanuel Forbes. He started talking mess to the wrong one. Mitchell,

you cannot talk mess when you're a young guy to all day, always open, AJ Brown, because he humbled him including the game-winning touchdown,

or the game, you know, the touchdown to bring them back to bring him back into the game to give him the lead late in the game. He was having his way out there.

Nicholas Morrow had a heck of a game, three sacks. It's happening for guys you're not even, expecting. They got all these big names on a defensive line that you're expecting to have these big sack numbers, and the sacks are covered from Nicholas Morrow. Jaylon Hurd had another great game, now 17 and 1 over the last two seasons. You got to give him a lot of credit. He's been at the helm.

He's winning a lot. He's playing winning football each and every week. No interceptions, 25 for 37 for 319. People said they have the answers for Jaylen Hertz. He's not going to have the big passing numbers anymore. He had the big passing numbers, and he still ran it nine times for 34 yards. So they got the Eagles and the Rams next week, Mitchell. That's going to be a fun game, too. I look forward to that. Again, we got the Bears and the Commanders, and I got the commanders coming out of that with a win.

Wow. Richard, we were talking about it a bit when we were together this week. The Eagles have become known for their tush push or brotherly shove that they're calling it in Philly now. What are your thoughts? I mean, at what point do you think, do you see the NFL changing this rule at all? Do you think it should be allowed?

What are your thoughts on that play? Because it's becoming unstoppable. Well, I don't mind to play. You know, I mean, it's QB Snake. They get good push. It's the assisting the runner that's always going to be the issue, especially with the rule in place that they have with the field goals where you can't, there's no pushers are out.

And they said there's no pushers because it's an injury concern for the offensive line. You've got too much pressure, too much force going on to one person. And the same can be true, truly said. about that play, especially when you got, you know, three or four guys behind Jalen Hurts pushing him into the line. You know, that's a lot of weight on maybe the two detackles or the detackle and the linebacker without the ability to push anybody back through. So I don't know. I don't know if it should be banned, but it should just follow the letter of the law for both sides of the football. You know, if it follows the letter of the law and neither side can push anybody,

then have your way. You know, I think they'll still probably have about the same success rate. but it'd just be a safer place for everybody. I'm with you, Rich. The dark horse in this league, we talked about it early in our preseason preview. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, we said everyone was sleeping on them a little bit. Baker Mayfield has come in to this team,

has revitalized his career to degree. I mean, he's kind of this year's Geno Smith, if you will, in Tampa. Richard, the Bucks have the lead in the NFC South right now, and they went on the road and won in commanding fashion, 26 to 9 against New Orleans. Your thoughts on Tampa Bay and their win today. Well, my guy, Dee Delaney had another interception back-to-back games.

Yeah, I went against the Eagles, the fantastic diving interception over Devante Smith. They were missing Mike Evans for a majority of the game. He went out with a hamstring injury. And of course, Chris Godwin takes over, eight catches for 114. His boy, I mean, this boy Baker looks like something, Mitchell. He looks like he's in a good spot. Dave Canales is spreading the ball around as he should. Vita Vaya got him two sacks.

I think they got a chance. Baker Mayfield, 25 at 32, three touchdowns. He had the interception. Dark horse, but they're rolling, Mitchell. They're rolling, and the Saints are always their cryptonite. So for them to win 26 to 9 with the Saints playing Derek Carr, he didn't play very well. He was 23 for 37 for 127, all checked down.

So the injury clearly is bothering him. Alvin Camara comes back, but doesn't have much of an impact. Had 13 catches, but for only 33 yards, I don't even get that. But on the ground, 11 for 51, looks like him himself. Michael Thomas, 4.53, but just doesn't look like they have enough with Derek Carr playing as conservative as he did. Well, Richard, the bucks go on by next week, and then they got a real test at home. Do you know who they're playing, Richard?

They're playing my hometown Detroit Lions. That is going to be a showdown. You know, three and one now, one lost team. The Lions go out to Carolina next week or stay home and take care of business against Carolina and then go on the road. That might be the game of the week, my man. Who knows?

I know you have some friends down south in Houston. Demico Ryan's. You played under him, right, Rich? I did. Well, I'm not under him, but he was the linebacker's coach when I played for San Francisco. 49ers and a great coach, a great man.

Are you surprised what you're seeing out there in Houston right now because he turned this around quick? Yeah, I mean, I'm super surprised. The cupboard seemed bare out there. You know, you couldn't name receivers that they had. I mean, Tankdale looks like an answer. Nico Collins looks like a really good receiver for him right now. He had seven catches for 168 and two touchdowns.

But overall, it's just C.J. Strout is answering the bail. He's playing turnover free, three consecutive games with two touchdowns and no interceptions. That's winning football. You got to give him a lot of credit. The first rookie with 250 yards passing, two touchdowns and no interceptions in three straight games. He played against Mike Tomlin. And Mike Tomlin was what? Something like 23 and 4 versus rookie quarterbacks or something crazy like that.

So now he's 23 and 5, which Mike Tomlin has been coaching a long time. And he got beat by a rookie quarterback. And can he pick it? Yes, he can. Can he pick it, Mitchell? Yes, he can. Can he get picked again? Yes, he can.

He gets picked again. By Stephen Nelson, the former Pittsburgh Steeler. Can he picket look like the answer in the offseason and the preseason, but he does not look like it in the regular season? They asked Tomlin, will there be changes? He said, ale, yeah, there are going to be changes. And I look forward to seeing what those changes will be. because they have to find a way because this team was supposed to be picking

early in the draft this year. They weren't supposed to be beating you, especially about 24 points. So a lot of guys looking in the mirror right now. Well, CJ Stroud looks like he might be the guy out of this draft class, Richard. I mean, he's got sneaky athleticism. He's got a great arm.

I mean, obviously there's a lot of, I guess, stereotypes from these quarterbacks coming out of Ohio State. We haven't seen one that's truly panned out. C.J. Stroud might be the difference in that, Rich. I mean, he's got a legitimate arm. He's a past first quarterback with, you know, sneaky athleticism back there, too. So who knows, man? Houston might be one of those surprised teams this year, especially in a softer division. Maybe we've got to keep an eye out for them. Yeah, you definitely got to keep an eye out for him. They got a good running back. They got C.J. Stroud. Nico Collins is coming into his own. This offense is running well. Domingo got that defense playing well. Held Pittsburgh to six point. It's a great game. I'm looking forward to see how they do next week versus the Falcons, which is another beatable team who just lost in London today to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Well, Richard, before we wrap things up, we got a big game tomorrow night. The Seattle Seahawks, your Seattle Seahawks are on the road against the Giants. Saquan is doubtful for the game right now last I saw. Richard, Vegas has got this at about a three-point line right now. in Seattle's favor. What do you think the outcome is going to be tomorrow? I mean, I got to think that Seattle is going to come away with this victory, but the Giants are tough, man.

So what do you think? Yeah, I got to expect Seattle to win this game. I expect them to take strides defensively in a positive way. They always struggle with running quarterback similar to the San Francisco 49ers, but Gino's playing some fantastic football. Tyler Lockett was back, and he's in rare form. D.K. Medcalf is looking for some touchdowns. needs. He's been getting a yard. He needs to find paint, pay dirt. So I expect him to win.

Your boy, K9 is going to be doing well. You saw Chabinay. He looked like he had explosives in his pads last week. So I expect him to come away with a win tomorrow night convincingly. I don't disagree with you. Richard, I will let you wrap this up as we conclude our week four reaction podcast. Well, thank you. I appreciate you guys joining us as always. We'll see you next week with a special guest. Of course, hit that sub button if you knew. If you got a clue, you know who you are. Appreciate you joining us.

Appreciate you. Always supporting. See you next time. The volume. Another podcast from some SNL late night comedy guy, not quite. Unhumor me with Robert Smigel and Friends. Me and hilarious guests from Bob Odenkirk to David Letterman help make you funnier. This week, my guest, SNL's Mikey Day and head writer Streeter Seidel, help an

Acapella band with their between songs banter. Where does your group perform? We do some retirement homes. Those people are starving for banter. Listen to humor me with Robert Smigel and friends on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Imagine an Olympics where doping is not 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 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, 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 them with a licensed professional who knows what he's doing. many men carry a suit or armor. 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 iHeart radio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast. This is an iHeart podcast.