Colin also shares his final NFL predictions for the start of the season: why the Chiefs will miss the playoffs and why the Lions are back as contenders.
Colin shares his first Herd Hierarchy of the season: He has the Lions in the top 5, but what about the Chiefs?
Broncos head coach Sean Payton joins the show to explain why QB Bo Nix deserves more respect, what makes Patrick Mahomes hard to defend and why he likes the 49ers approach to international games vs the Rams approach.
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Thanks for listening to the Herd Podcast. Be sure to
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Speaker 2 (00:21):
You're listening to Fox Sports Radio.
Speaker 3 (00:27):
Welcome in.
Speaker 1 (00:36):
It is good to be back. Took a little bit
of a long vacay, but it's okay. August is pretty
lifeless at the end of it. I'm good, by the way, guys.
I can hear now. I think this is, so I'm
doing my herd hierarchy. Tomorrow, and I got to go
to the last day. Today is my final herd hierarchy.
(01:00):
We're going into the season a little bit blind. I'm
going off a little last year. How did you draft?
Do I like your new coaches? How did you play
at the end of the year? Did you have a
big free agent signing? I will say there are teams
that I think are good and that I have in
the playoffs that but don't make my top 10 because
(01:21):
14 teams make the playoffs. So let's go. Here's my
herd hierarchy. We'll start at number 10 on the eve
of the NFL season. Number 10 is one of the
most improved teams and a team that I thought made
real moves, the Cincinnati Bengals. Okay, they've won the division
the two times they've given Joe Burrow a top 20 defense.
(01:43):
And by adding Dexter Lawrence, Jonathan Allen, Kyle Duggar, Cassius Howell,
Boye Mafe, I think they're going to have a top
20 defense. You also look in their division, old Aaron
Rodgers twice, the Browns quarterback situation twice. I think Burrow,
when he doesn't have to only win by track meet,
(02:04):
is a playoff quarterback. I have them at 10.
Speaker 2 (02:07):
Number nine.
Speaker 1 (02:09):
I would say the Houston Texans. Best defense in the
league by a margin. Listen, they won 10 of their
last 11 games. I'm a fan of CJ Stroud. Although
the last two years, too many mistakes. They return 10
of the 11 starters that made their defense that shut
down the LA Rams. The Seahawks couldn't even do that.
(02:29):
I like the Texans a lot. Daniil Hunter, Will Anderson,
Derek Stingley are about as good as anybody in the
league at their positions. And I love D'Amico Ryans and
their GM. They draft very well. They just can't stay
healthy at wide receiver. Texans nine.
Speaker 2 (02:44):
Number eight.
Speaker 1 (02:46):
The Bears. Listen, 10 and one when they won the
turnover battle. And here's the good news. Caleb Williams doesn't
turn the ball over. He does not throw interceptions. He
didn't at USC. He doesn't in the NFL. He didn't
in high school. And I think Colston Loveland, Luther Burden,
and Roma Dunze, as they now age, are going to
(03:09):
become an elite top-of-the-league trio. Roma Dunze had a nice camp.
He's finally healthy. Do I worry about a lack of
a consistent pass rush? Yes, that's why I have the
Bears at 8th. Number seven, the Broncos. Listen, I think
we're overselling the fact that, you know, they trailed in
a lot of games last year. Well, adding Jalen Waddell,
(03:32):
there's a chance that will rejuvenate the passing game a
little bit. They gave up the fewest sacks and for
two years in a row have led the NFL in sacks.
They have an elite coach, returned 41 of their 43
offensive touchdowns. Yes, their schedule's hard. Yes, it's a great
coaching division. But I think Bo Nix is just, I
(03:52):
think a lot of people are struggling to acknowledge is,
it's pretty good. He may not be great, but he's
pretty good. Denver at seven. Number six. Worry about the
interior O-line again, but I'm going to put the Chargers in.
11-6 last year with the lowest rated offensive line. They
get an upgraded offensive coordinator. I think their weapons, they're
(04:13):
good enough. They've added a rookie edge with their first
round pick. Hampton now healthy at running back. Only team
in the league top five in third down and third
down defense. Now they have the perfect coordinator for Justin Herbert.
I put him at six.
Speaker 2 (04:30):
Number five.
Speaker 1 (04:31):
It gets real close now. Philadelphia, week one, big favorites
against Washington. Number two ranked O-line. And you know what
I say about O-lines. Hard not to make the playoffs
when you have a top five or six O-line in
the league. Eagles are number one. Devontae Smith, is he
a great number one receiver with A.J. Brown gone? Well,
(04:52):
they added Wicks and Hollywood Brown and Makai Lemon from
USC who had a spotty camp. They're good enough at
wide receiver, great at running back, good at quarterback. Easy
schedule by NFC standards. I have the Eagles at five.
Speaker 2 (05:05):
Number four.
Speaker 1 (05:06):
I think the Lions will battle for the Super Bowl.
Easiest schedule in the league. They have a new offensive coordinator.
It's viewed in-house as an upgrade. Their skill positions, Jameer Gibbs,
Omar on St. Brown, Sam LaPorter, Williams are really, really
electric playmakers and That matters in the long NFL season.
You can't have 13 play drives week after week. You
(05:30):
need some over-the-top home runs by Jameer Gibbs or Williams.
Great teams get occasional easy touchdowns. Not everything are perfect
long drives. Lions at four.
Speaker 2 (05:42):
Number three.
Speaker 1 (05:44):
I like Buffalo more than most largest favorites to win
their division. Josh Allen's 28 and eight against his division.
It's got a Brady feel. They traded for DJ Moore
because he's not flashy and not terribly demonstrative. People don't
understand how good he is. Durable, professional, open. I love
the DJ Moore, a real serious number one receiver. Um,
(06:09):
We got to be honest about this. Their rush defense
was bad. But the last two years, they've spent more
draft picks on defensive capital than any other team. I
think some of those start to pay off. Bills at three.
Speaker 2 (06:21):
Number two.
Speaker 1 (06:23):
Rams are the most talented team in football. I put
them two because I worry about being hunted week after
week after week. I also think if you look at
their schedule, when you're a heavy favorite, I think it's
hard to stay motivated. They've also got some age in
a couple of spots. Will Devontae Adams stay healthy? Will
(06:45):
Puka always be available? I love their tight ends, running back, coach,
and quarterback, but he is, what, 37, 38 years old.
I have them at number two.
Speaker 2 (06:55):
Number one.
Speaker 1 (06:57):
What I like about the Seahawks is all their best
players are all either just going into their athletic prime, Darnold, JSN, Witherspoon,
or they're in their prime. They have no egos. It's
not like the other Seahawks with Pete Carroll, where Lynch
was a star and Richard Sherman was a star and
Russell Wilson was and Pete Carroll was. God, in his
(07:18):
own division, Mike McDonald is the third most talked about
head coach and Sam Darnold still has that perfect chip
on his shoulder. JSN doesn't get nearly the pub that
he should. I think Seattle doesn't have the brand stars,
so they're still sort of undervalued in the market. You're
saying to yourself, oh, where are the Chiefs? I have
(07:40):
them in 11th. Where are the Ravens? I have them
at 12. I didn't love the Jacksonville Jaguars offseason, but
I love their coach and I like their quarterback.
Speaker 2 (07:50):
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Speaker 3 (07:59):
Hey, it's Covino and Rich from Fox Sports Radio. Now,
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Speaker 1 (08:29):
Everybody's got Oklahoma blowing out Michigan. Be very, very careful.
Early in the season, Michigan's O-line is better than they
represented themselves in week one. Be very careful bailing on Michigan. Okay.
It's Wednesday. It's the start of the NFL season. Tonight.
wherever you're, 8.30 Eastern, 7.30 Central, whatever time that is
(08:53):
in Albuquerque. It's the NFL season starts tonight. Here are
my divisional, my final going into the season divisional predictions. Okay,
the easiest one. is the AFC East. I'm going Bills, Patriots, Jets, Dolphins.
I have the Bills getting to the Super Bowl. I
think New England having a number one receiver for Drake
(09:13):
May is really exciting. Maybe that gets flipped, but I
like DJ Moore. Joe Brady, yes, there are questions, but
they're still the most heavily favored team to win a division.
The Jets have talent, but it's a coach quarterback league.
I have doubts in both those spots. The Dolphins have
the least talent possible. on their roster, in the league.
(09:34):
They're spending more money on guys not on the team
than on the team, which is weird. Hasn't happened since
like 2011. There's my AFC East, Buffalo, New England, Jets, Dolphins. Listen,
the Ravens and the Bengals are both going to make
the playoffs. It's a coin flip. If Cincinnati won and
Baltimore finished second, I wouldn't be shocked. I do like
(09:57):
the Ravens, but it's a new coach in Jesse Minter.
They went and got, and let's be honest, they struggled
with sacks last year and they went and got Trey Hendrickson,
but they lost Isaiah Likely to the New York Giants
and Tyler Linderbaum, their great center to the Raiders. Don't
love that. Here's what I like about Cincinnati. They almost
looked well-run. They bought a defense. and they didn't change
(10:20):
any of their coaches. Continuity, and they spent money. What
do you know? It's a new day. Pittsburgh has a
very high floor and a lower ceiling. They're third. Cleveland's
got talent. It's just quarterback Todd Munkin finally gets a
head coaching job at age 60 plus. The last couple
of times that happened with David Cully and Vic Fangio,
(10:41):
it was a disaster. Feel pretty strongly about Cleveland last
and Pittsburgh third here. AFC South, this is a tough one.
I'm not sure. I know the Texans defense will be
the best in the league. Outside of that, it's a
coin flip. I love the Texans. I think C.J. Stroud
bounces back. Listen, the Colts last year were 8-2 and
a number one seed going into the bye. Every time
(11:04):
Daniel Jones was upright, they averaged 29 points a game.
I like their roster a lot. What about Jacksonville? They
lost Travis Atien, who I thought... I think Travis Atien
is one of those guys that doesn't get talked about
because he plays in Jacksonville. He's a really, really high-end
NFL player. If they beat the Colts for the wild card,
(11:24):
would not be shocked. Tennessee is without talent, like the
coaching staff, still waiting for a verdict on Cam Ward. Again,
that's a tough division for me. No great teams, but
one unbelievable unit in the Texans defense. I love D'Amico Ryans.
He and Mike McDonald, two best defensive coaches in the sport.
(11:44):
AFC West, I made a change. Denver second, Kansas City third.
I flipped them on the news that left tackle Josh
Simmons will not start. He is hurt again. The Chargers,
I think Mike McDaniel is a perfect fit. Listen, last year,
they were 5-1 against the AFC West and a playoff
team with the worst offensive line in the sport. They
(12:06):
had more interceptions than they gave up touchdown passes. Now,
they lost Jesse Minter. Probably won't be quite as good,
but I think it's a pretty magical year for the Chargers.
Denver adds Jalen Waddell. They lose some of their defensive oomph.
but they bring back their offense. I think Waddle gives
them a vertical component to the offense. Cortland Sutton will
(12:27):
be one of the best number two receivers in the league.
I like Bo Nix. Most of you still got cold
feet on that. I slept on it, and I'm going
to put Kansas City third because as much as I
like Kenneth Walker, he's not giving you 17 games, and
now their left tackle, Josh Simmons, and that has always
been Mahomes kryptonite. Left tackle, if they're bad there, they're
(12:50):
less efficient. The Raiders will be a very fun fourth
place team. Even more fun when Fernando Mendoza starts. So
my playoff picture, Bills, Ravens, Texans, Chargers, Patriots, Bengals, Broncos,
the Ravens and the Bengals are new playoff teams. All right,
now let's go to the NFC. I have five new
(13:10):
playoff teams total. The average over the last 30 years
is six. All right, NFC East. Listen, Philadelphia's roster, I'm
going to take them. I think they've upgraded an offensive coordinator,
and Jalen Hurd, since he was drafted, is the winningest
quarterback in the league. It's not always pretty, but he's
a grown-up. He's an adult. He moves the chains. I
(13:31):
love their GM. Sirianni works, mystifies me sometimes, but I'll
take them to win it. I'm very high on the Giants.
One and seven in one-score games. That's not going to happen,
and I thought they had a great draft. Arvel Reese.
Francis Mauiaga, and I think Malachi Fields at wide receiver
could be the best third-round pick. I love him as
(13:52):
a red zone target. I also think the rush ends
are elite, and John Harbaugh, he did it in Baltimore,
one-year turnaround. Please, please, Jackson Dart, if you see a
blue tent, look the other way. Cowboys will be much
better defensively, but we've pumped the brakes here. Once again,
they're the most penalized team in the NFL last year,
and they were lousy against playoff teams, 1-5-1. Let's slow
(14:15):
and pump the brakes. I know the offense will be good.
They weren't very buttoned up last year. Washington, old, lost
their left tackle. I just don't feel good about the
direction of that franchise right now. They'll finish fourth. All right,
NFC North, best division in football. I'm going to take Detroit.
(14:37):
Easiest schedule in the league? Yes, that matters. And I
think they're... Listen, they're going to just... They can win
by track meet every week or almost every week. Sam Laporta,
Jameer Gibbs, Omar on St. Brown. They figured out their
tackle situation. They get Blake Miller over to the right,
Panay Sewell to the left. Listen, I wish Jared Goff
had more mobility They got stars everywhere. This is a very,
(15:01):
very good football team. Chicago probably won't be as great
in the fourth quarter with two minutes left, but I
think Colston Loveland's the best young tight end arguably in
the sport. Luther Burden exploded. He's fantastic. Roma Dunze is healthy.
I love their skill players. O-line's good. Will it be
as good as last year? Not sure. Take the Bears second.
(15:23):
I don't know what to do with Green Bay and Minnesota.
If Minnesota got to the playoffs, I would not be shocked.
Minnesota's coach, coordinator, star receiver, Kyler Murray, left tackle. I
like Minnesota. I don't know what to do in this division.
I think Green Bay and Minnesota, we could have third
place decided in the last couple of weeks of the year.
I worry about no Micah in September. Jordan Love has
(15:43):
not been a great quarterback in September. And let's be honest,
Josh Jacobs suspension, possibly. So there's a lot of things
going on with Green Bay in September, and I don't
know the outcomes on any of them. but I'll still
take their playoff momentum, their third Vikings fourth. NFC South, Saints, Panthers, Bucs, Falcons.
(16:04):
Not a very good division. I think Carolina, to their credit,
same DC, same OC, same head coach, same quarterback. I
like their continuity. Really bright coach and GM. The Saints...
Second easiest schedule, Tyler Shuck was pretty good. I worry
about Jordan Tyson, the rookie receiver, getting hurt. But I'm
(16:25):
going to go, listen, this division's wonky. I'll take the
Saints to win it. And in the NFC West, I
flipped it. I went Seattle second, Rams first. I mean,
they're both great teams. I do worry about... Brian Fleury,
a first-time offensive coordinator who spent 15 years on defense,
getting his first play calling at 47. I think it
(16:46):
could be a little turbulent. Doesn't mean the plane's crashing.
Could be turbulent. I think the Rams are the most
talented team in football. Niners lost another player yesterday to injury.
I think they're too old in key spots. And Arizona
is in an absolute rebuild, potentially drafting number one next year.
So the playoff teams in the NFC look like this. Eagles, Lions, Saints,
(17:10):
and Rams win the division. Seahawks, Bears are great wildcard teams.
The Giants are a good wildcard team. I think they're
undervalued on the market. They'll double plus their win total.
And there you go. Four, excuse me, five new playoff teams.
Giants are a new playoff team, obviously. Saints are a
(17:31):
new playoff team. And Lions are a new playoff team.
Speaker 5 (17:35):
I can't quibble much with the AFC. I think Patriots
could be in some trouble, Broncos. I think the NFC
did a bad job.
Speaker 6 (17:44):
Giants, Saints, come on. They got no shot. Those are
whiffs by you early. That's okay.
Speaker 2 (17:49):
Nobody's perfect.
Speaker 5 (17:50):
Nobody's going to go 14 for 14 picking playoff teams.
And I'll remind people, last year at this time, zero
people had a Seahawks-Patriots Super Bowl.
Speaker 1 (18:00):
One person still loved Sam Darnold, though. Worked out pretty,
pretty well for me. Deluxe Dilfer.
Speaker 2 (18:13):
Be sure to catch live editions of The Herd weekdays
at noon Eastern, 9 a.m. Pacific.
Speaker 1 (18:18):
He's one of my absolute favorite people that's ever worked
at Fox. And when he was at Fox, I knew
he couldn't stay forever, even though he loved it. I'm like,
your mind's going too fast. You've got to get out
there and coach. And he did not take over the
easiest situation. Denver, you know, they had some problems. I'll
just leave it at that. And he fixed that O-line
(18:39):
very quickly. And he was one of the few people
in the NFL that said Bo Nix is a first-round
quarterback and Bo Nix is going to work. And he
was right. And the other day he sent me a
text because I don't know what to do with Denver.
The first six games were brutal. Bo had his second
ankle surgery. The division now, even the Raiders are dangerous.
(19:02):
So let's bring on Sean Payton, fourth year with the
Broncos head coach. It's flown by. They've improved every year.
So you text me and you said, why are you
doubting Bo Nix? And I'm like, your schedule, the division.
What was the, I mean, you watched a lot of
film on Bo and I knew you liked him. What's
the one thing he's better at that you didn't know
(19:22):
before you had him in Denver?
Speaker 7 (19:25):
I think his ability.
Speaker 8 (19:28):
When the pocket gets murky, which it's going to for
all of these guys. He's tough to sack. We knew that,
but his playmaking ability outside the pocket is elite. You know,
throwing off the run to the right, to the left,
(19:49):
that's a superstructure.
Speaker 7 (19:50):
Of his and a few others in our league as well.
Speaker 8 (19:54):
And look, it's tougher with some of the pressure packages
you get with defenses, but he.
Speaker 7 (20:00):
Does a really good job of that.
Speaker 1 (20:02):
You know, Sean, it's interesting. I always say offensive coaches
and defensive coaches don't always do this. Ben Johnson did this.
You did this. Offensive coaches always go offensive line first.
They solve the offensive line. And I've criticized defensive coaches.
I'm like, guys, there are no great teams with bad
old lines. What is your theory? You told me off air.
(20:25):
Your theory, because you saw that offensive line. It was bad,
and then it was top eight by the end of
your first year. Give me your theory on that.
Speaker 8 (20:33):
I think it's the one position group that permeates the building.
And what I'm saying is if that group isn't really good,
you really don't know how good your defensive line is
then because on a daily basis, they're not getting taxed,
if you will, or tested.
Speaker 7 (20:54):
And all the other things you want to do, You
want to run the ball.
Speaker 8 (20:58):
You want to be more efficient throwing the ball, play
action pass, boot snake.
Speaker 7 (21:02):
Whatever it is you.
Speaker 8 (21:03):
Want to do, all of it is difficult if that
group is subpar and all of it is possible. Now,
it's not like it's definitely going to be, but if
your offensive line is good, then you get proper evaluations
in the other areas. It's harder to evaluate a running back,
(21:26):
a quarterback, you know, all the skilled people if.
Speaker 7 (21:31):
If that position group's not right.
Speaker 8 (21:34):
And the two best allies for good quarterback play, and
this will never change, is good defense and a good
run game. You know, your quarterback's not on the high
dive in a game as much. They're going to have
to climb up there, but they're not up there as much.
Speaker 7 (21:49):
And so.
Speaker 8 (21:51):
I think the front and drafting, because it's hard to find,
you know, we signed a couple guys in free agency.
We've drafted to that position group. but drafting the big people,
both on the offense and defensive line, I think is
really important. I mean, it's, it's, it's, it's from my experience,
(22:12):
it's what, really helped us in new Orleans.
Speaker 7 (22:14):
We didn't know it.
Speaker 8 (22:16):
And yet very quickly, that offensive line became very good.
And in the same thing exists here.
Speaker 1 (22:21):
You know, I'm a big fan of Cortland Sutton. You
got Mims, you got Franklin and I, I, when you
got Jalen Waddle, I knew he'd be great, but my
take was, Ooh, boy, now you got to share the ball.
Now there's more mouse to feed. And how's that going
to play in the wide receiver room? Cause Cortland Sutton,
I always thought you could argue he's a one. He
But when you bring in a star receiver, did you
worry at all about, okay, we've got to share the ball.
(22:43):
I'm trying to get these young guys to feel good
about themselves. Now Waddle's your one. How did that play?
Speaker 8 (22:50):
I think it's a great question. It starts with what's
the vision for the player. I think he's someone that
plays exceptionally well in the slot and then can go
outside to Z.
Speaker 7 (23:00):
And I think you take the approach. It was more.
Speaker 8 (23:07):
About like this guy's football makeup is fantastic. He's extremely,
extremely good on the field relative to his communication skills. He's,
he's great with his position, you know, with his peers,
you know, he endears himself to his teammates and his
work ethic. So he's, Then you get to the question like, well,
(23:29):
we'll worry about these touches when the time comes.
Speaker 1 (23:33):
Right.
Speaker 8 (23:33):
But we're finding a different type player. This is a
guy that runs exceptionally fast and then he stops fast.
Speaker 7 (23:40):
So there's two ways you separate in our league.
Speaker 8 (23:42):
You run faster than somebody or you stop faster. And
it's not often you get a guy that does both. Um,
Pat Bryant's had a tremendous camp, like, you know, and
so I think when we game plan and we're in
the middle of it and you, you put up a play,
you're discussing where these pieces are, where you think primary
(24:04):
is going to be secondary or, and does it fit,
you know, their skillset in the, in the same thing
exists a little bit at running back when we drafted
Jonah Coleman, you know, Dobbins is healthy. RJ Harvey, it's
hard to feed three in a game. Um, But you're
putting together the best roster you can with the right makeup.
(24:24):
And where we were picking in this year's draft, in
the first round, at the way back end of it,
we didn't feel like there was a player like Waddle
at that pick.
Speaker 7 (24:38):
And so then it was all about the study of him.
Speaker 8 (24:44):
You could see it on tape, but it was all about,
you know, what kind of fit is he going to be?
And man, his training camp has been something.
Speaker 1 (24:52):
I don't know how much you watch the Rams Niners
or Seahawks Patriots. I'm sure you heard the Niners kind
of pushed them around. Week one is weird. Nobody plays
starters in the preseason. It's joint practices, older players. You know,
you don't want to get them banged up. If you
didn't watch, it's okay. If you did watch a little,
what do you take from week one? I mean, San
(25:14):
Francisco pushes the Rams all over the field, and everybody
loved the Rams. What do you take from week one
or what you've seen so far?
Speaker 8 (25:23):
Well, so we were game planning, and it was on
one of the back screens with no volume.
Speaker 7 (25:29):
So, you know, you're just turning over your shoulder.
Speaker 8 (25:33):
Obviously, the time of possession, I thought the kickoff return
to start the second half from San Francisco's first return
in the second half, what, you know, they'll came out
to the 50, you know, that was significant. Certainly the,
you felt the run game more in the second half.
We do these studies in week one in, in, you know,
(25:57):
I don't want to use the term.
Speaker 7 (25:59):
It's very easy to lose a game in week one.
Speaker 8 (26:02):
And, and so I think it's important to dial your
list down a little and, And.
Speaker 7 (26:09):
Make sure there's not too much in the plan. We're
going to be in this sprint. You brought it up.
Speaker 8 (26:15):
You go through training camp. There might be a joint practice,
three preseason games. And then there's this five-week race. It's
the first time everyone's blinders are off. There's 32 horses
at the gate. And you don't really know to your
right or left what's going on during the spring.
Speaker 7 (26:32):
And you really don't know in training camp.
Speaker 8 (26:35):
And so this weekend, you know, you kind of hear
that bell and the horses, you know, all get out
in the block. You're seeing kind of like right away
where teams are, where teams are at. Um, week one
can be a little deceiving and yet, um, We traditionally,
when I say our three years here, we haven't been
(26:55):
real good in the first quarter of the season, you know,
two and two at best. But, you know, we've gotten
off to one and two starts, lost a tough game
a year ago. And so it's not the be all
end all. And yet you really want to see how
we're measured. And in this case, we're playing a divisional opponent.
a very good opponent on the road. So we're all
(27:16):
excited just as Kansas city is. And you're really anxious
to see what you got a little bit, if that
makes any sense, you know, and then quickly, and I'm
sure Sean and Kyle and, and the Seahawks no different
than the Patriots very quickly.
Speaker 7 (27:32):
It's, All right, next week's got to be better in
these areas. We're in this race here.
Speaker 8 (27:36):
The first month of the season, I think, is that
teaching race to improve that I think is so important
for these teams.
Speaker 1 (27:45):
Okay, so I got to ask you this. I'm going
to wrap with this. Davis Webb, you give him the
play calling. And listen, I know you. You're intense. You
get to the point. You don't beat around the bush.
and you're on that headset, and Davis Webb calls a draw,
and you're like, I don't like that. How are you
going to be like, you know, I gave the young
(28:06):
man an opportunity. How in the world are you going
to just say, zip it, no biggie, let's see how
it plays out?
Speaker 8 (28:15):
You know, having done it for so long, I had
a great three years in experience with Bill Parcells.
Speaker 7 (28:23):
Now, Bill.
Speaker 8 (28:25):
You had commentary almost after each call. There would be
a deep breath like... And then if something went well,
he would say, attaboy, attaboy.
Speaker 1 (28:35):
But it was.
Speaker 7 (28:37):
And it became white noise. It had to, right?
Speaker 8 (28:41):
And so I've tried to take the approach, look in
the preseason, Davis a year ago called plays this preseason,
and it might be between series or maybe there's a
clock stoppage or there's something and I'll just, I might
be thinking about this. It's important that he understands if
I'm thinking this is a four down situation.
Speaker 7 (29:02):
In other words, he's calling it like, Right. Third down.
Speaker 8 (29:06):
But if we're approaching a third down at the 38
yard line, I might say to him, hey, I'm thinking
four downs here. And that can change his third down call.
So that has to that has to exist. But I
think it's it's more during the week, you know, like
last night in our meetings, you know, ultimately what we
put on that sheet.
Speaker 7 (29:27):
He's got to feel good about.
Speaker 8 (29:28):
And so I, you know, I'll go through some plays,
some thoughts that I think look good.
Speaker 7 (29:34):
Here's why.
Speaker 8 (29:34):
And, um, and I said the worst last night, I said,
the worst thing we can do is take down and
install plays that, you know, in your heart of heart
on Sunday, you're not going to be interested in calling.
Speaker 7 (29:47):
So let's not do that. In other words, um.
Speaker 8 (29:51):
Because we want to practice and be efficient. Um, but
I look, I think I, I, I wouldn't have done
it if I didn't think it was going to help
us win games.
Speaker 1 (30:01):
Yeah.
Speaker 7 (30:02):
And I also think that, um, look, there'll.
Speaker 8 (30:05):
Be a time where I might say, Davis, think about
keeping it.
Speaker 7 (30:08):
On the ground here a little bit.
Speaker 8 (30:09):
Like we're supposed to have a lot of wind Monday night,
I think 20 to 30 mile an hour wind gusts.
And so that can impact, you know, how you play
in the first quarter or the second quarter.
Speaker 1 (30:19):
Sure.
Speaker 8 (30:19):
And so it's those types of things that, um, just
from an experience standpoint that, that I think, but I'm
certainly going to be mindful of that line.
Speaker 7 (30:30):
And I already am with anyone else. Like let's, you know,
let him focus on the calls.
Speaker 8 (30:35):
And then, you know, during the breaks or during the stoppages,
now we crossed the 50 there's communication. But I think,
I think that part of it will go well. I think, look,
the challenge is the opponent each week. And so, you know,
we can't, we can't create, our own obstacles, we got
to worry about the opponent. And so I think he's
(30:58):
someone that look, he's played the position and he's been
a part of some really good offenses and he's been
here a while.
Speaker 7 (31:05):
And I think all of that has helped him.
Speaker 1 (31:07):
By the way, your first six games are ridiculous. It's
just insane. What a gauntlet it is. I said this
a week ago. I say you come out of there
three and three. I'd take that today. Of course you
wouldn't take that today. Now you open up at Kansas city.
You played my homes multiple times. Is there a cheat
code with Patrick or is it just like put pressure
on him and cross your fingers?
Speaker 8 (31:29):
I think, look, her question, one of the things he
does so well is.
Speaker 7 (31:36):
From huddle break to ball snap.
Speaker 8 (31:40):
He multitasked with the motions, the pressures, what he sees,
you hear, whenever you hear it, get a chance to
get him mic'd up and you actually hear him that, that,
you know, that happens twice a year, but when you
actually hear him mic'd up from huddle to line of scrimmage, um,
and let's say there's 70 snaps in a game. These
(32:00):
are 70 different huddles that come to the line of
scrimmage with different information, him pointing to a receiver, looking
at the running, you know, it's one of his superpowers, uh, is,
is identifying what you're doing.
Speaker 7 (32:13):
He's extremely smart that way.
Speaker 8 (32:15):
And then, you know, the, the release, the, the off
schedule throws, they do a great job systematically to his
strengths and, and, um, he's a handful. And I, I
think when this game appeared on the schedule release, you know,
I think the feeling was certainly.
Speaker 7 (32:35):
Nick's was going to be healthy and my homes was
going to be healthy.
Speaker 8 (32:39):
And there are two entirely different injuries, but I think
from a fan standpoint, you're going to see two quarterbacks that,
that have worked hard in their off season approach, the
rehab and to put themselves in this position.
Speaker 1 (32:53):
Hey, by the way, I don't, If you ever go
play in Melbourne, Sean, I want you to go a
week early.
Speaker 7 (33:00):
Well, see, I'm of that. And this is just my opinion.
Speaker 8 (33:05):
I'm always of that, like, let's get out of town.
Speaker 7 (33:08):
Meaning it helps your team.
Speaker 8 (33:10):
So the three times we played in London, we would
go over Sunday after the game, spend the week there.
And then in New Orleans, there were three different times
where we had a hurricane that forced us to leave.
And then we would The first one in 07, go
to Indianapolis for a week. We practice at their stadium
(33:30):
and then fly back for the game. But my last,
I think my last season in New Orleans, I would
always ask Mickey, you know, there's a hurricane in the Gulf.
When it got a name, I would go see Mickey
and say, Mickey, it's got a name now.
Speaker 7 (33:42):
Can we leave?
Speaker 8 (33:43):
And he knew I'd like taking the team somewhere because
today's team, you know, they're on their cell phones, they're
in their locker room. But when you take them somewhere, Australia,
for instance. Well, the unique thing was that's the first
game of the season. So you could actually go two
weeks in advance if you want to. And truly get acclimated.
(34:05):
But if it was week two or week four, your
choices are simply Sunday night or Thursday. And I don't
think anyone's choosing Thursday now. In other words, from a
sleep standpoint. But I always looked at it in a
different light relative to the, any team that I've taken somewhere,
(34:28):
we've ended up having pretty good seasons, you know, in
17 or 18, we go to London, play the dolphins
this past year, you know, Cincinnati, Monday night football, we
go on.
Speaker 7 (34:37):
The road to Philly. We get a good tough comeback.
Speaker 8 (34:40):
When it Philly, then go to London for a week,
play the jets when they're in. And it's always been
a good experience because they're around each other more than
they would be if you were at home.
Speaker 1 (34:52):
Yeah, that's right.
Speaker 8 (34:54):
And I get the beds are good at home, and
I'm going to find a way to make the beds better.
You know, we've used these eight sleeps and these mattresses
and the fresh sheets. Like, I'm going to make the
beds better than the ones you have at home.
Speaker 7 (35:07):
And so, but it's always interesting.
Speaker 8 (35:11):
It certainly in the game last night provided a big
storyline because two teams handled it.
Speaker 7 (35:17):
You know, completely differently.
Speaker 8 (35:18):
And, you know, Sean even said prior, you know, whoever
comes out of this game, you know, because it's Australia,
we didn't go to Mexico city. We just went to
Australia and, you know, that certainly was something that was
discussed a lot.
Speaker 1 (35:35):
Yeah.
Speaker 7 (35:35):
I would have liked to have gone like in.
Speaker 1 (35:37):
August and, I'll tell you, I looked, I said this morning,
I woke up and I was looking at travel sites
to Australia. That country is so beautiful in and out
of commercials. I was like, my God, this place is unbelievable.
Made me want to, their state parks look like museums.
I mean, the whole cliffs and water. It was like,
(35:58):
the Aussies have a good time living. I'll say that. Hey,
it's great seeing you. You gave us 20, coaches never
give me 20 minutes. This was unbelievable. Good luck to you.
Speaker 7 (36:06):
Thank you. I appreciate it, and I miss our Mondays.
Speaker 2 (36:10):
So do I.
Speaker 7 (36:11):
I loved them.
Speaker 1 (36:12):
Sean Payton, the great Sean Payton, thank you so much.
His way is, oh, kids are on their phones all
the time. We get these guys away from their comfort zone.
That's a totally different way I didn't think of. That's
why I'm, of the 37 reasons I'm not a coach,
that's one of them. All right, tomorrow's headlines. Today's around
the corner. J-Mac. J-Mac's been a better week one picker
(36:37):
than I have. Now, eventually, he wobbles a little, and
I am able to catch him.
Speaker 6 (36:43):
By the way, we didn't get.
Speaker 1 (36:45):
To go over your picks.
Speaker 6 (36:46):
Can I just see them on the screen real quick?
Speaker 5 (36:47):
Sure. Because I think I agree with three of the five,
maybe four from your best picks.
Speaker 6 (36:53):
There was one that I did not like. It might
have been, did you take Carolina?
Speaker 1 (36:57):
I did. I did.
Speaker 6 (36:58):
So here's the thing, Colin.
Speaker 5 (36:59):
Everybody's taking Carolina. Everybody, oh, Chicago's overvalued. They're going to
pull back. And I see a lot of love for
the Panthers. We're talking about Ben Johnson here.
Speaker 8 (37:10):
He's a genius.
Speaker 2 (37:11):
I know.
Speaker 1 (37:13):
Well, Sean McVay's a genius. How'd that look last night?
Speaker 6 (37:16):
Well, that's a different, oh, okay. It's in Australia, but okay.
Speaker 1 (37:20):
Fair point.
Speaker 6 (37:20):
Um, Interesting. Well, I guess getting threes not bad for
the Panthers.
Speaker 5 (37:25):
Everybody's last memory of Carolina is, hey, hey, they almost
beat the Rams. So automatically, yet nobody's picking the Panthers
to win the division. They aren't favored odds-wise. Nobody loves
the Panthers, but the last time you saw them, oh,
they were spicy. Meanwhile, Bryce Young was not great last
season for much of it.
Speaker 6 (37:42):
He just had a couple big games.
Speaker 1 (37:44):
I'm not disagreeing with anything. Bears don't have a consistent
pass rush, so I think at home he'll be fine.
Speaker 6 (37:50):
Actually, let's see, one.
Yeah, we have three similar.
Speaker 3 (37:55):
Damn it.
Speaker 6 (37:55):
I mean, that's usually a really good sign.
Speaker 5 (37:57):
I'm going to go take out a second line credit
on my house and back it up.
Speaker 6 (38:02):
Back up the brinks.
Thanks for listening to the Herd Podcast. Be sure to
catch us live every weekday on Fox Sports Radio and
noon to 3 Eastern, 9 a.m. to noon Pacific. Find
your local station for the Herd at foxsportsradio.com or stream
us live every day on the iHeartRadio app by searching
Fox Sports Radio or FSR. Now let's get this party started.
Speaker 2 (00:21):
You're listening to Fox Sports Radio.
Speaker 3 (00:27):
Welcome in.
Speaker 1 (00:36):
It is good to be back. Took a little bit
of a long vacay, but it's okay. August is pretty
lifeless at the end of it. I'm good, by the way, guys.
I can hear now. I think this is, so I'm
doing my herd hierarchy. Tomorrow, and I got to go
to the last day. Today is my final herd hierarchy.
(01:00):
We're going into the season a little bit blind. I'm
going off a little last year. How did you draft?
Do I like your new coaches? How did you play
at the end of the year? Did you have a
big free agent signing? I will say there are teams
that I think are good and that I have in
the playoffs that but don't make my top 10 because
(01:21):
14 teams make the playoffs. So let's go. Here's my
herd hierarchy. We'll start at number 10 on the eve
of the NFL season. Number 10 is one of the
most improved teams and a team that I thought made
real moves, the Cincinnati Bengals. Okay, they've won the division
the two times they've given Joe Burrow a top 20 defense.
(01:43):
And by adding Dexter Lawrence, Jonathan Allen, Kyle Duggar, Cassius Howell,
Boye Mafe, I think they're going to have a top
20 defense. You also look in their division, old Aaron
Rodgers twice, the Browns quarterback situation twice. I think Burrow,
when he doesn't have to only win by track meet,
(02:04):
is a playoff quarterback. I have them at 10.
Speaker 2 (02:07):
Number nine.
Speaker 1 (02:09):
I would say the Houston Texans. Best defense in the
league by a margin. Listen, they won 10 of their
last 11 games. I'm a fan of CJ Stroud. Although
the last two years, too many mistakes. They return 10
of the 11 starters that made their defense that shut
down the LA Rams. The Seahawks couldn't even do that.
(02:29):
I like the Texans a lot. Daniil Hunter, Will Anderson,
Derek Stingley are about as good as anybody in the
league at their positions. And I love D'Amico Ryans and
their GM. They draft very well. They just can't stay
healthy at wide receiver. Texans nine.
Speaker 2 (02:44):
Number eight.
Speaker 1 (02:46):
The Bears. Listen, 10 and one when they won the
turnover battle. And here's the good news. Caleb Williams doesn't
turn the ball over. He does not throw interceptions. He
didn't at USC. He doesn't in the NFL. He didn't
in high school. And I think Colston Loveland, Luther Burden,
and Roma Dunze, as they now age, are going to
(03:09):
become an elite top-of-the-league trio. Roma Dunze had a nice camp.
He's finally healthy. Do I worry about a lack of
a consistent pass rush? Yes, that's why I have the
Bears at 8th. Number seven, the Broncos. Listen, I think
we're overselling the fact that, you know, they trailed in
a lot of games last year. Well, adding Jalen Waddell,
(03:32):
there's a chance that will rejuvenate the passing game a
little bit. They gave up the fewest sacks and for
two years in a row have led the NFL in sacks.
They have an elite coach, returned 41 of their 43
offensive touchdowns. Yes, their schedule's hard. Yes, it's a great
coaching division. But I think Bo Nix is just, I
(03:52):
think a lot of people are struggling to acknowledge is,
it's pretty good. He may not be great, but he's
pretty good. Denver at seven. Number six. Worry about the
interior O-line again, but I'm going to put the Chargers in.
11-6 last year with the lowest rated offensive line. They
get an upgraded offensive coordinator. I think their weapons, they're
(04:13):
good enough. They've added a rookie edge with their first
round pick. Hampton now healthy at running back. Only team
in the league top five in third down and third
down defense. Now they have the perfect coordinator for Justin Herbert.
I put him at six.
Speaker 2 (04:30):
Number five.
Speaker 1 (04:31):
It gets real close now. Philadelphia, week one, big favorites
against Washington. Number two ranked O-line. And you know what
I say about O-lines. Hard not to make the playoffs
when you have a top five or six O-line in
the league. Eagles are number one. Devontae Smith, is he
a great number one receiver with A.J. Brown gone? Well,
(04:52):
they added Wicks and Hollywood Brown and Makai Lemon from
USC who had a spotty camp. They're good enough at
wide receiver, great at running back, good at quarterback. Easy
schedule by NFC standards. I have the Eagles at five.
Speaker 2 (05:05):
Number four.
Speaker 1 (05:06):
I think the Lions will battle for the Super Bowl.
Easiest schedule in the league. They have a new offensive coordinator.
It's viewed in-house as an upgrade. Their skill positions, Jameer Gibbs,
Omar on St. Brown, Sam LaPorter, Williams are really, really
electric playmakers and That matters in the long NFL season.
You can't have 13 play drives week after week. You
(05:30):
need some over-the-top home runs by Jameer Gibbs or Williams.
Great teams get occasional easy touchdowns. Not everything are perfect
long drives. Lions at four.
Speaker 2 (05:42):
Number three.
Speaker 1 (05:44):
I like Buffalo more than most largest favorites to win
their division. Josh Allen's 28 and eight against his division.
It's got a Brady feel. They traded for DJ Moore
because he's not flashy and not terribly demonstrative. People don't
understand how good he is. Durable, professional, open. I love
the DJ Moore, a real serious number one receiver. Um,
(06:09):
We got to be honest about this. Their rush defense
was bad. But the last two years, they've spent more
draft picks on defensive capital than any other team. I
think some of those start to pay off. Bills at three.
Speaker 2 (06:21):
Number two.
Speaker 1 (06:23):
Rams are the most talented team in football. I put
them two because I worry about being hunted week after
week after week. I also think if you look at
their schedule, when you're a heavy favorite, I think it's
hard to stay motivated. They've also got some age in
a couple of spots. Will Devontae Adams stay healthy? Will
(06:45):
Puka always be available? I love their tight ends, running back, coach,
and quarterback, but he is, what, 37, 38 years old.
I have them at number two.
Speaker 2 (06:55):
Number one.
Speaker 1 (06:57):
What I like about the Seahawks is all their best
players are all either just going into their athletic prime, Darnold, JSN, Witherspoon,
or they're in their prime. They have no egos. It's
not like the other Seahawks with Pete Carroll, where Lynch
was a star and Richard Sherman was a star and
Russell Wilson was and Pete Carroll was. God, in his
(07:18):
own division, Mike McDonald is the third most talked about
head coach and Sam Darnold still has that perfect chip
on his shoulder. JSN doesn't get nearly the pub that
he should. I think Seattle doesn't have the brand stars,
so they're still sort of undervalued in the market. You're
saying to yourself, oh, where are the Chiefs? I have
(07:40):
them in 11th. Where are the Ravens? I have them
at 12. I didn't love the Jacksonville Jaguars offseason, but
I love their coach and I like their quarterback.
Speaker 2 (07:50):
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Speaker 3 (07:59):
Hey, it's Covino and Rich from Fox Sports Radio. Now,
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Speaker 1 (08:29):
Everybody's got Oklahoma blowing out Michigan. Be very, very careful.
Early in the season, Michigan's O-line is better than they
represented themselves in week one. Be very careful bailing on Michigan. Okay.
It's Wednesday. It's the start of the NFL season. Tonight.
wherever you're, 8.30 Eastern, 7.30 Central, whatever time that is
(08:53):
in Albuquerque. It's the NFL season starts tonight. Here are
my divisional, my final going into the season divisional predictions. Okay,
the easiest one. is the AFC East. I'm going Bills, Patriots, Jets, Dolphins.
I have the Bills getting to the Super Bowl. I
think New England having a number one receiver for Drake
(09:13):
May is really exciting. Maybe that gets flipped, but I
like DJ Moore. Joe Brady, yes, there are questions, but
they're still the most heavily favored team to win a division.
The Jets have talent, but it's a coach quarterback league.
I have doubts in both those spots. The Dolphins have
the least talent possible. on their roster, in the league.
(09:34):
They're spending more money on guys not on the team
than on the team, which is weird. Hasn't happened since
like 2011. There's my AFC East, Buffalo, New England, Jets, Dolphins. Listen,
the Ravens and the Bengals are both going to make
the playoffs. It's a coin flip. If Cincinnati won and
Baltimore finished second, I wouldn't be shocked. I do like
(09:57):
the Ravens, but it's a new coach in Jesse Minter.
They went and got, and let's be honest, they struggled
with sacks last year and they went and got Trey Hendrickson,
but they lost Isaiah Likely to the New York Giants
and Tyler Linderbaum, their great center to the Raiders. Don't
love that. Here's what I like about Cincinnati. They almost
looked well-run. They bought a defense. and they didn't change
(10:20):
any of their coaches. Continuity, and they spent money. What
do you know? It's a new day. Pittsburgh has a
very high floor and a lower ceiling. They're third. Cleveland's
got talent. It's just quarterback Todd Munkin finally gets a
head coaching job at age 60 plus. The last couple
of times that happened with David Cully and Vic Fangio,
(10:41):
it was a disaster. Feel pretty strongly about Cleveland last
and Pittsburgh third here. AFC South, this is a tough one.
I'm not sure. I know the Texans defense will be
the best in the league. Outside of that, it's a
coin flip. I love the Texans. I think C.J. Stroud
bounces back. Listen, the Colts last year were 8-2 and
a number one seed going into the bye. Every time
(11:04):
Daniel Jones was upright, they averaged 29 points a game.
I like their roster a lot. What about Jacksonville? They
lost Travis Atien, who I thought... I think Travis Atien
is one of those guys that doesn't get talked about
because he plays in Jacksonville. He's a really, really high-end
NFL player. If they beat the Colts for the wild card,
(11:24):
would not be shocked. Tennessee is without talent, like the
coaching staff, still waiting for a verdict on Cam Ward. Again,
that's a tough division for me. No great teams, but
one unbelievable unit in the Texans defense. I love D'Amico Ryans.
He and Mike McDonald, two best defensive coaches in the sport.
(11:44):
AFC West, I made a change. Denver second, Kansas City third.
I flipped them on the news that left tackle Josh
Simmons will not start. He is hurt again. The Chargers,
I think Mike McDaniel is a perfect fit. Listen, last year,
they were 5-1 against the AFC West and a playoff
team with the worst offensive line in the sport. They
(12:06):
had more interceptions than they gave up touchdown passes. Now,
they lost Jesse Minter. Probably won't be quite as good,
but I think it's a pretty magical year for the Chargers.
Denver adds Jalen Waddell. They lose some of their defensive oomph.
but they bring back their offense. I think Waddle gives
them a vertical component to the offense. Cortland Sutton will
(12:27):
be one of the best number two receivers in the league.
I like Bo Nix. Most of you still got cold
feet on that. I slept on it, and I'm going
to put Kansas City third because as much as I
like Kenneth Walker, he's not giving you 17 games, and
now their left tackle, Josh Simmons, and that has always
been Mahomes kryptonite. Left tackle, if they're bad there, they're
(12:50):
less efficient. The Raiders will be a very fun fourth
place team. Even more fun when Fernando Mendoza starts. So
my playoff picture, Bills, Ravens, Texans, Chargers, Patriots, Bengals, Broncos,
the Ravens and the Bengals are new playoff teams. All right,
now let's go to the NFC. I have five new
(13:10):
playoff teams total. The average over the last 30 years
is six. All right, NFC East. Listen, Philadelphia's roster, I'm
going to take them. I think they've upgraded an offensive coordinator,
and Jalen Hurd, since he was drafted, is the winningest
quarterback in the league. It's not always pretty, but he's
a grown-up. He's an adult. He moves the chains. I
(13:31):
love their GM. Sirianni works, mystifies me sometimes, but I'll
take them to win it. I'm very high on the Giants.
One and seven in one-score games. That's not going to happen,
and I thought they had a great draft. Arvel Reese.
Francis Mauiaga, and I think Malachi Fields at wide receiver
could be the best third-round pick. I love him as
(13:52):
a red zone target. I also think the rush ends
are elite, and John Harbaugh, he did it in Baltimore,
one-year turnaround. Please, please, Jackson Dart, if you see a
blue tent, look the other way. Cowboys will be much
better defensively, but we've pumped the brakes here. Once again,
they're the most penalized team in the NFL last year,
and they were lousy against playoff teams, 1-5-1. Let's slow
(14:15):
and pump the brakes. I know the offense will be good.
They weren't very buttoned up last year. Washington, old, lost
their left tackle. I just don't feel good about the
direction of that franchise right now. They'll finish fourth. All right,
NFC North, best division in football. I'm going to take Detroit.
(14:37):
Easiest schedule in the league? Yes, that matters. And I
think they're... Listen, they're going to just... They can win
by track meet every week or almost every week. Sam Laporta,
Jameer Gibbs, Omar on St. Brown. They figured out their
tackle situation. They get Blake Miller over to the right,
Panay Sewell to the left. Listen, I wish Jared Goff
had more mobility They got stars everywhere. This is a very,
(15:01):
very good football team. Chicago probably won't be as great
in the fourth quarter with two minutes left, but I
think Colston Loveland's the best young tight end arguably in
the sport. Luther Burden exploded. He's fantastic. Roma Dunze is healthy.
I love their skill players. O-line's good. Will it be
as good as last year? Not sure. Take the Bears second.
(15:23):
I don't know what to do with Green Bay and Minnesota.
If Minnesota got to the playoffs, I would not be shocked.
Minnesota's coach, coordinator, star receiver, Kyler Murray, left tackle. I
like Minnesota. I don't know what to do in this division.
I think Green Bay and Minnesota, we could have third
place decided in the last couple of weeks of the year.
I worry about no Micah in September. Jordan Love has
(15:43):
not been a great quarterback in September. And let's be honest,
Josh Jacobs suspension, possibly. So there's a lot of things
going on with Green Bay in September, and I don't
know the outcomes on any of them. but I'll still
take their playoff momentum, their third Vikings fourth. NFC South, Saints, Panthers, Bucs, Falcons.
(16:04):
Not a very good division. I think Carolina, to their credit,
same DC, same OC, same head coach, same quarterback. I
like their continuity. Really bright coach and GM. The Saints...
Second easiest schedule, Tyler Shuck was pretty good. I worry
about Jordan Tyson, the rookie receiver, getting hurt. But I'm
(16:25):
going to go, listen, this division's wonky. I'll take the
Saints to win it. And in the NFC West, I
flipped it. I went Seattle second, Rams first. I mean,
they're both great teams. I do worry about... Brian Fleury,
a first-time offensive coordinator who spent 15 years on defense,
getting his first play calling at 47. I think it
(16:46):
could be a little turbulent. Doesn't mean the plane's crashing.
Could be turbulent. I think the Rams are the most
talented team in football. Niners lost another player yesterday to injury.
I think they're too old in key spots. And Arizona
is in an absolute rebuild, potentially drafting number one next year.
So the playoff teams in the NFC look like this. Eagles, Lions, Saints,
(17:10):
and Rams win the division. Seahawks, Bears are great wildcard teams.
The Giants are a good wildcard team. I think they're
undervalued on the market. They'll double plus their win total.
And there you go. Four, excuse me, five new playoff teams.
Giants are a new playoff team, obviously. Saints are a
(17:31):
new playoff team. And Lions are a new playoff team.
Speaker 5 (17:35):
I can't quibble much with the AFC. I think Patriots
could be in some trouble, Broncos. I think the NFC
did a bad job.
Speaker 6 (17:44):
Giants, Saints, come on. They got no shot. Those are
whiffs by you early. That's okay.
Speaker 2 (17:49):
Nobody's perfect.
Speaker 5 (17:50):
Nobody's going to go 14 for 14 picking playoff teams.
And I'll remind people, last year at this time, zero
people had a Seahawks-Patriots Super Bowl.
Speaker 1 (18:00):
One person still loved Sam Darnold, though. Worked out pretty,
pretty well for me. Deluxe Dilfer.
Speaker 2 (18:13):
Be sure to catch live editions of The Herd weekdays
at noon Eastern, 9 a.m. Pacific.
Speaker 1 (18:18):
He's one of my absolute favorite people that's ever worked
at Fox. And when he was at Fox, I knew
he couldn't stay forever, even though he loved it. I'm like,
your mind's going too fast. You've got to get out
there and coach. And he did not take over the
easiest situation. Denver, you know, they had some problems. I'll
just leave it at that. And he fixed that O-line
(18:39):
very quickly. And he was one of the few people
in the NFL that said Bo Nix is a first-round
quarterback and Bo Nix is going to work. And he
was right. And the other day he sent me a
text because I don't know what to do with Denver.
The first six games were brutal. Bo had his second
ankle surgery. The division now, even the Raiders are dangerous.
(19:02):
So let's bring on Sean Payton, fourth year with the
Broncos head coach. It's flown by. They've improved every year.
So you text me and you said, why are you
doubting Bo Nix? And I'm like, your schedule, the division.
What was the, I mean, you watched a lot of
film on Bo and I knew you liked him. What's
the one thing he's better at that you didn't know
(19:22):
before you had him in Denver?
Speaker 7 (19:25):
I think his ability.
Speaker 8 (19:28):
When the pocket gets murky, which it's going to for
all of these guys. He's tough to sack. We knew that,
but his playmaking ability outside the pocket is elite. You know,
throwing off the run to the right, to the left,
(19:49):
that's a superstructure.
Speaker 7 (19:50):
Of his and a few others in our league as well.
Speaker 8 (19:54):
And look, it's tougher with some of the pressure packages
you get with defenses, but he.
Speaker 7 (20:00):
Does a really good job of that.
Speaker 1 (20:02):
You know, Sean, it's interesting. I always say offensive coaches
and defensive coaches don't always do this. Ben Johnson did this.
You did this. Offensive coaches always go offensive line first.
They solve the offensive line. And I've criticized defensive coaches.
I'm like, guys, there are no great teams with bad
old lines. What is your theory? You told me off air.
(20:25):
Your theory, because you saw that offensive line. It was bad,
and then it was top eight by the end of
your first year. Give me your theory on that.
Speaker 8 (20:33):
I think it's the one position group that permeates the building.
And what I'm saying is if that group isn't really good,
you really don't know how good your defensive line is
then because on a daily basis, they're not getting taxed,
if you will, or tested.
Speaker 7 (20:54):
And all the other things you want to do, You
want to run the ball.
Speaker 8 (20:58):
You want to be more efficient throwing the ball, play
action pass, boot snake.
Speaker 7 (21:02):
Whatever it is you.
Speaker 8 (21:03):
Want to do, all of it is difficult if that
group is subpar and all of it is possible. Now,
it's not like it's definitely going to be, but if
your offensive line is good, then you get proper evaluations
in the other areas. It's harder to evaluate a running back,
(21:26):
a quarterback, you know, all the skilled people if.
Speaker 7 (21:31):
If that position group's not right.
Speaker 8 (21:34):
And the two best allies for good quarterback play, and
this will never change, is good defense and a good
run game. You know, your quarterback's not on the high
dive in a game as much. They're going to have
to climb up there, but they're not up there as much.
Speaker 7 (21:49):
And so.
Speaker 8 (21:51):
I think the front and drafting, because it's hard to find,
you know, we signed a couple guys in free agency.
We've drafted to that position group. but drafting the big people,
both on the offense and defensive line, I think is
really important. I mean, it's, it's, it's, it's from my experience,
(22:12):
it's what, really helped us in new Orleans.
Speaker 7 (22:14):
We didn't know it.
Speaker 8 (22:16):
And yet very quickly, that offensive line became very good.
And in the same thing exists here.
Speaker 1 (22:21):
You know, I'm a big fan of Cortland Sutton. You
got Mims, you got Franklin and I, I, when you
got Jalen Waddle, I knew he'd be great, but my
take was, Ooh, boy, now you got to share the ball.
Now there's more mouse to feed. And how's that going
to play in the wide receiver room? Cause Cortland Sutton,
I always thought you could argue he's a one. He
But when you bring in a star receiver, did you
worry at all about, okay, we've got to share the ball.
(22:43):
I'm trying to get these young guys to feel good
about themselves. Now Waddle's your one. How did that play?
Speaker 8 (22:50):
I think it's a great question. It starts with what's
the vision for the player. I think he's someone that
plays exceptionally well in the slot and then can go
outside to Z.
Speaker 7 (23:00):
And I think you take the approach. It was more.
Speaker 8 (23:07):
About like this guy's football makeup is fantastic. He's extremely,
extremely good on the field relative to his communication skills. He's,
he's great with his position, you know, with his peers,
you know, he endears himself to his teammates and his
work ethic. So he's, Then you get to the question like, well,
(23:29):
we'll worry about these touches when the time comes.
Speaker 1 (23:33):
Right.
Speaker 8 (23:33):
But we're finding a different type player. This is a
guy that runs exceptionally fast and then he stops fast.
Speaker 7 (23:40):
So there's two ways you separate in our league.
Speaker 8 (23:42):
You run faster than somebody or you stop faster. And
it's not often you get a guy that does both. Um,
Pat Bryant's had a tremendous camp, like, you know, and
so I think when we game plan and we're in
the middle of it and you, you put up a play,
you're discussing where these pieces are, where you think primary
(24:04):
is going to be secondary or, and does it fit,
you know, their skillset in the, in the same thing
exists a little bit at running back when we drafted
Jonah Coleman, you know, Dobbins is healthy. RJ Harvey, it's
hard to feed three in a game. Um, But you're
putting together the best roster you can with the right makeup.
(24:24):
And where we were picking in this year's draft, in
the first round, at the way back end of it,
we didn't feel like there was a player like Waddle
at that pick.
Speaker 7 (24:38):
And so then it was all about the study of him.
Speaker 8 (24:44):
You could see it on tape, but it was all about,
you know, what kind of fit is he going to be?
And man, his training camp has been something.
Speaker 1 (24:52):
I don't know how much you watch the Rams Niners
or Seahawks Patriots. I'm sure you heard the Niners kind
of pushed them around. Week one is weird. Nobody plays
starters in the preseason. It's joint practices, older players. You know,
you don't want to get them banged up. If you
didn't watch, it's okay. If you did watch a little,
what do you take from week one? I mean, San
(25:14):
Francisco pushes the Rams all over the field, and everybody
loved the Rams. What do you take from week one
or what you've seen so far?
Speaker 8 (25:23):
Well, so we were game planning, and it was on
one of the back screens with no volume.
Speaker 7 (25:29):
So, you know, you're just turning over your shoulder.
Speaker 8 (25:33):
Obviously, the time of possession, I thought the kickoff return
to start the second half from San Francisco's first return
in the second half, what, you know, they'll came out
to the 50, you know, that was significant. Certainly the,
you felt the run game more in the second half.
We do these studies in week one in, in, you know,
(25:57):
I don't want to use the term.
Speaker 7 (25:59):
It's very easy to lose a game in week one.
Speaker 8 (26:02):
And, and so I think it's important to dial your
list down a little and, And.
Speaker 7 (26:09):
Make sure there's not too much in the plan. We're
going to be in this sprint. You brought it up.
Speaker 8 (26:15):
You go through training camp. There might be a joint practice,
three preseason games. And then there's this five-week race. It's
the first time everyone's blinders are off. There's 32 horses
at the gate. And you don't really know to your
right or left what's going on during the spring.
Speaker 7 (26:32):
And you really don't know in training camp.
Speaker 8 (26:35):
And so this weekend, you know, you kind of hear
that bell and the horses, you know, all get out
in the block. You're seeing kind of like right away
where teams are, where teams are at. Um, week one
can be a little deceiving and yet, um, We traditionally,
when I say our three years here, we haven't been
(26:55):
real good in the first quarter of the season, you know,
two and two at best. But, you know, we've gotten
off to one and two starts, lost a tough game
a year ago. And so it's not the be all
end all. And yet you really want to see how
we're measured. And in this case, we're playing a divisional opponent.
a very good opponent on the road. So we're all
(27:16):
excited just as Kansas city is. And you're really anxious
to see what you got a little bit, if that
makes any sense, you know, and then quickly, and I'm
sure Sean and Kyle and, and the Seahawks no different
than the Patriots very quickly.
Speaker 7 (27:32):
It's, All right, next week's got to be better in
these areas. We're in this race here.
Speaker 8 (27:36):
The first month of the season, I think, is that
teaching race to improve that I think is so important
for these teams.
Speaker 1 (27:45):
Okay, so I got to ask you this. I'm going
to wrap with this. Davis Webb, you give him the
play calling. And listen, I know you. You're intense. You
get to the point. You don't beat around the bush.
and you're on that headset, and Davis Webb calls a draw,
and you're like, I don't like that. How are you
going to be like, you know, I gave the young
(28:06):
man an opportunity. How in the world are you going
to just say, zip it, no biggie, let's see how
it plays out?
Speaker 8 (28:15):
You know, having done it for so long, I had
a great three years in experience with Bill Parcells.
Speaker 7 (28:23):
Now, Bill.
Speaker 8 (28:25):
You had commentary almost after each call. There would be
a deep breath like... And then if something went well,
he would say, attaboy, attaboy.
Speaker 1 (28:35):
But it was.
Speaker 7 (28:37):
And it became white noise. It had to, right?
Speaker 8 (28:41):
And so I've tried to take the approach, look in
the preseason, Davis a year ago called plays this preseason,
and it might be between series or maybe there's a
clock stoppage or there's something and I'll just, I might
be thinking about this. It's important that he understands if
I'm thinking this is a four down situation.
Speaker 7 (29:02):
In other words, he's calling it like, Right. Third down.
Speaker 8 (29:06):
But if we're approaching a third down at the 38
yard line, I might say to him, hey, I'm thinking
four downs here. And that can change his third down call.
So that has to that has to exist. But I
think it's it's more during the week, you know, like
last night in our meetings, you know, ultimately what we
put on that sheet.
Speaker 7 (29:27):
He's got to feel good about.
Speaker 8 (29:28):
And so I, you know, I'll go through some plays,
some thoughts that I think look good.
Speaker 7 (29:34):
Here's why.
Speaker 8 (29:34):
And, um, and I said the worst last night, I said,
the worst thing we can do is take down and
install plays that, you know, in your heart of heart
on Sunday, you're not going to be interested in calling.
Speaker 7 (29:47):
So let's not do that. In other words, um.
Speaker 8 (29:51):
Because we want to practice and be efficient. Um, but
I look, I think I, I, I wouldn't have done
it if I didn't think it was going to help
us win games.
Speaker 1 (30:01):
Yeah.
Speaker 7 (30:02):
And I also think that, um, look, there'll.
Speaker 8 (30:05):
Be a time where I might say, Davis, think about
keeping it.
Speaker 7 (30:08):
On the ground here a little bit.
Speaker 8 (30:09):
Like we're supposed to have a lot of wind Monday night,
I think 20 to 30 mile an hour wind gusts.
And so that can impact, you know, how you play
in the first quarter or the second quarter.
Speaker 1 (30:19):
Sure.
Speaker 8 (30:19):
And so it's those types of things that, um, just
from an experience standpoint that, that I think, but I'm
certainly going to be mindful of that line.
Speaker 7 (30:30):
And I already am with anyone else. Like let's, you know,
let him focus on the calls.
Speaker 8 (30:35):
And then, you know, during the breaks or during the stoppages,
now we crossed the 50 there's communication. But I think,
I think that part of it will go well. I think, look,
the challenge is the opponent each week. And so, you know,
we can't, we can't create, our own obstacles, we got
to worry about the opponent. And so I think he's
(30:58):
someone that look, he's played the position and he's been
a part of some really good offenses and he's been
here a while.
Speaker 7 (31:05):
And I think all of that has helped him.
Speaker 1 (31:07):
By the way, your first six games are ridiculous. It's
just insane. What a gauntlet it is. I said this
a week ago. I say you come out of there
three and three. I'd take that today. Of course you
wouldn't take that today. Now you open up at Kansas city.
You played my homes multiple times. Is there a cheat
code with Patrick or is it just like put pressure
on him and cross your fingers?
Speaker 8 (31:29):
I think, look, her question, one of the things he
does so well is.
Speaker 7 (31:36):
From huddle break to ball snap.
Speaker 8 (31:40):
He multitasked with the motions, the pressures, what he sees,
you hear, whenever you hear it, get a chance to
get him mic'd up and you actually hear him that, that,
you know, that happens twice a year, but when you
actually hear him mic'd up from huddle to line of scrimmage, um,
and let's say there's 70 snaps in a game. These
(32:00):
are 70 different huddles that come to the line of
scrimmage with different information, him pointing to a receiver, looking
at the running, you know, it's one of his superpowers, uh, is,
is identifying what you're doing.
Speaker 7 (32:13):
He's extremely smart that way.
Speaker 8 (32:15):
And then, you know, the, the release, the, the off
schedule throws, they do a great job systematically to his
strengths and, and, um, he's a handful. And I, I
think when this game appeared on the schedule release, you know,
I think the feeling was certainly.
Speaker 7 (32:35):
Nick's was going to be healthy and my homes was
going to be healthy.
Speaker 8 (32:39):
And there are two entirely different injuries, but I think
from a fan standpoint, you're going to see two quarterbacks that,
that have worked hard in their off season approach, the
rehab and to put themselves in this position.
Speaker 1 (32:53):
Hey, by the way, I don't, If you ever go
play in Melbourne, Sean, I want you to go a
week early.
Speaker 7 (33:00):
Well, see, I'm of that. And this is just my opinion.
Speaker 8 (33:05):
I'm always of that, like, let's get out of town.
Speaker 7 (33:08):
Meaning it helps your team.
Speaker 8 (33:10):
So the three times we played in London, we would
go over Sunday after the game, spend the week there.
And then in New Orleans, there were three different times
where we had a hurricane that forced us to leave.
And then we would The first one in 07, go
to Indianapolis for a week. We practice at their stadium
(33:30):
and then fly back for the game. But my last,
I think my last season in New Orleans, I would
always ask Mickey, you know, there's a hurricane in the Gulf.
When it got a name, I would go see Mickey
and say, Mickey, it's got a name now.
Speaker 7 (33:42):
Can we leave?
Speaker 8 (33:43):
And he knew I'd like taking the team somewhere because
today's team, you know, they're on their cell phones, they're
in their locker room. But when you take them somewhere, Australia,
for instance. Well, the unique thing was that's the first
game of the season. So you could actually go two
weeks in advance if you want to. And truly get acclimated.
(34:05):
But if it was week two or week four, your
choices are simply Sunday night or Thursday. And I don't
think anyone's choosing Thursday now. In other words, from a
sleep standpoint. But I always looked at it in a
different light relative to the, any team that I've taken somewhere,
(34:28):
we've ended up having pretty good seasons, you know, in
17 or 18, we go to London, play the dolphins
this past year, you know, Cincinnati, Monday night football, we
go on.
Speaker 7 (34:37):
The road to Philly. We get a good tough comeback.
Speaker 8 (34:40):
When it Philly, then go to London for a week,
play the jets when they're in. And it's always been
a good experience because they're around each other more than
they would be if you were at home.
Speaker 1 (34:52):
Yeah, that's right.
Speaker 8 (34:54):
And I get the beds are good at home, and
I'm going to find a way to make the beds better.
You know, we've used these eight sleeps and these mattresses
and the fresh sheets. Like, I'm going to make the
beds better than the ones you have at home.
Speaker 7 (35:07):
And so, but it's always interesting.
Speaker 8 (35:11):
It certainly in the game last night provided a big
storyline because two teams handled it.
Speaker 7 (35:17):
You know, completely differently.
Speaker 8 (35:18):
And, you know, Sean even said prior, you know, whoever
comes out of this game, you know, because it's Australia,
we didn't go to Mexico city. We just went to
Australia and, you know, that certainly was something that was
discussed a lot.
Speaker 1 (35:35):
Yeah.
Speaker 7 (35:35):
I would have liked to have gone like in.
Speaker 1 (35:37):
August and, I'll tell you, I looked, I said this morning,
I woke up and I was looking at travel sites
to Australia. That country is so beautiful in and out
of commercials. I was like, my God, this place is unbelievable.
Made me want to, their state parks look like museums.
I mean, the whole cliffs and water. It was like,
(35:58):
the Aussies have a good time living. I'll say that. Hey,
it's great seeing you. You gave us 20, coaches never
give me 20 minutes. This was unbelievable. Good luck to you.
Speaker 7 (36:06):
Thank you. I appreciate it, and I miss our Mondays.
Speaker 2 (36:10):
So do I.
Speaker 7 (36:11):
I loved them.
Speaker 1 (36:12):
Sean Payton, the great Sean Payton, thank you so much.
His way is, oh, kids are on their phones all
the time. We get these guys away from their comfort zone.
That's a totally different way I didn't think of. That's
why I'm, of the 37 reasons I'm not a coach,
that's one of them. All right, tomorrow's headlines. Today's around
the corner. J-Mac. J-Mac's been a better week one picker
(36:37):
than I have. Now, eventually, he wobbles a little, and
I am able to catch him.
Speaker 6 (36:43):
By the way, we didn't get.
Speaker 1 (36:45):
To go over your picks.
Speaker 6 (36:46):
Can I just see them on the screen real quick?
Speaker 5 (36:47):
Sure. Because I think I agree with three of the five,
maybe four from your best picks.
Speaker 6 (36:53):
There was one that I did not like. It might
have been, did you take Carolina?
Speaker 1 (36:57):
I did. I did.
Speaker 6 (36:58):
So here's the thing, Colin.
Speaker 5 (36:59):
Everybody's taking Carolina. Everybody, oh, Chicago's overvalued. They're going to
pull back. And I see a lot of love for
the Panthers. We're talking about Ben Johnson here.
Speaker 8 (37:10):
He's a genius.
Speaker 2 (37:11):
I know.
Speaker 1 (37:13):
Well, Sean McVay's a genius. How'd that look last night?
Speaker 6 (37:16):
Well, that's a different, oh, okay. It's in Australia, but okay.
Speaker 1 (37:20):
Fair point.
Speaker 6 (37:20):
Um, Interesting. Well, I guess getting threes not bad for
the Panthers.
Speaker 5 (37:25):
Everybody's last memory of Carolina is, hey, hey, they almost
beat the Rams. So automatically, yet nobody's picking the Panthers
to win the division. They aren't favored odds-wise. Nobody loves
the Panthers, but the last time you saw them, oh,
they were spicy. Meanwhile, Bryce Young was not great last
season for much of it.
Speaker 6 (37:42):
He just had a couple big games.
Speaker 1 (37:44):
I'm not disagreeing with anything. Bears don't have a consistent
pass rush, so I think at home he'll be fine.
Speaker 6 (37:50):
Actually, let's see, one.
Yeah, we have three similar.
Speaker 3 (37:55):
Damn it.
Speaker 6 (37:55):
I mean, that's usually a really good sign.
Speaker 5 (37:57):
I'm going to go take out a second line credit
on my house and back it up.
Speaker 6 (38:02):
Back up the brinks.
Hosts And Creators
Colin Cowherd
Jason McIntyre
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