May 15, 2025 • 32 mins
Colin talks to new Bears head coach Ben Johnson about his vision for Caleb Williams and Chicago's offense
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
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Speaker 2 (00:21):
You're listening to Fox Sports Radio.
Speaker 1 (00:24):
I thought Chicago's old line would get better. Last year,
it felt worse. He completed sixty two and a half
percent of his throat is running for his life, twenty
touchdown passes, only six picks. Now, he was sacked sixty
eight times, but the numbers aren't you know, I mean
only six picks, sixty two and a half percent completion.
Persiage running for his life in a division that had Detroit,
(00:45):
Green Band, Minnesota all really good teams. So I don't
think Minnesota is going to be as good this year,
and I think Caleb's got a much better quarterback. Also,
the story coming out today seth Wickersham had talked to
Caleb's father, Carl Williams, and reporting that Carl did not
want to son initially to play in Chicago, and Albert
Breer addressed that an hour ago.
Speaker 3 (01:05):
And his dad's a very smart and accomplished businessman, and
you know, taught his son to think differently.
Speaker 4 (01:11):
And the reality is like, this is.
Speaker 3 (01:14):
Something that all teams were looking into, and anybody that
was going to be in a position to draft him
was concerned about this. You can understand his concerns certainly.
Speaker 5 (01:23):
You know.
Speaker 3 (01:24):
I think this is something that more and more athletes
think about. And you know, it's something we heard about
with Shadur a lot, you know, going into his draft
a lot of times. You know, I think these guys
were able to take a bigger picture view of it,
and the bigger picture view of it would show that
going to the right place isn't more is absolutely more
important than the game.
Speaker 2 (01:44):
Drafted as high as you can.
Speaker 1 (01:47):
Yeah, I think I think Listen, I never had a problem.
I reported this a year ago. I said, you know,
his dad had some misgivings about it. But Caleb's like,
you know what, I'm going to go to Chicago. It's
a great American city and I'm going to be their
first great quarterback. So I always like Caleb. I got
along with him great, He's very respectful. I saw I
went to the Notre Dame USC game, and I told
the story is I saw his dad, said hi to
(02:08):
his dad, and Caleb was sitting in the front row
with friends, and I came down and just out of respect,
I just tapped him on the shoulder. I said, hey, buddy,
just great seeing you. He got up, made a point.
I'm like, you don't have to get up. I just
wanted to say, hey, keep kicking butt, You're going to
do great, and very respectful got up, came up the stairs.
Caleb did, and I was like, I just think he's
a really I really like him. And I also think
(02:30):
it's sometimes it's unfair that, you know, all these quarterbacks
now the nil they are stars coming out of college.
Bill parcell is a brilliant guy, used to say, do
not draft a celebrity quarterback. Well, Baker Mayfield was a star.
Sam darold you know he was a star. Caleb's a star.
I mean, yeah, it's just the reality of it. I
mean Bo Nick's at Oregon. I mean everybody knew Bo
Nicks for the last five years. I think we the
(02:52):
world's changed. These kids make money in college. Take a
deep breath with that. Ben Johnson now is joining us
the new Bears coach is joined live. So you know
it's funny we forget about this coach is that you
know I was looking and people forget Tua came out
of college, didn't have a great fit with the staff.
You know, he and the Brian Flores struggle. Got Mike McDaniels,
(03:15):
Pro Bowl, Jared Goff, got a defensive coach, get a
great stutt Boom, here comes McVeigh Popps. So listen, we
all said last year, I said, it's just easier.
Speaker 6 (03:25):
To get an offensive coach. Go ask Bo Nix and
Sean Baiton. It just helps.
Speaker 1 (03:30):
Did you feel when you first sat down with Caleb,
I gotta build this kid's confidence up like a Tua,
Like a golf it's rough, it's a hard sport. Did
you feel that was part of your process. I want
to make sure this kid knows we really believe in him.
Speaker 7 (03:44):
Yeah, well he does know that we believe in him,
there's no question about that. But Caleb Steele has never
been a confidence issue. He knows he's a high level player.
He's been that way since middle school, high school, college.
Speaker 5 (03:57):
And it's going to continue to be that way here
in the end.
Speaker 7 (04:00):
But what we're trying to do is we're trying to
support him, give him some clarity on what our expectations
are on and off the field, and help him grow
and develop. And so far we've only had call it
six weeks now the off season program.
Speaker 5 (04:15):
It's going really well.
Speaker 1 (04:16):
So you got two new coordinators, you're on first time
head coach, Caleb's in year two.
Speaker 6 (04:21):
Who do you lean on in that locker room? Ben?
Speaker 1 (04:25):
What player or maybe unit is it Tony? Is it Dolman?
Speaker 6 (04:29):
Who do you lean on in that offense?
Speaker 7 (04:32):
We've got a number of players offensively and defensively that
have Pro Bowls under their belt, that have playoff game experience,
win experience, and so I think when you look at that,
those are the guys not just for Caleb, but for
the entire team that we're leaning on to show us
what good football looks like, what good teams do, and
to establish that standard for the rest of us to
(04:54):
fall into line. And so Toney's a great name on offense.
I mean, I don't know that anybody's had quite the
level of success on our entire roster that he's had,
call it six Super Bowls and he's won four of them.
Speaker 5 (05:05):
I mean, it's outstanding. And then you go over.
Speaker 7 (05:07):
To the phase two drill workout on the field and
he's busting his rear end and he just had a
Super Bowl that he was in a few weeks ago.
Speaker 5 (05:14):
So I mean, it's pretty outstanding.
Speaker 7 (05:16):
And it doesn't take long for somebody that first time
these rookies coming in. They turn and they see how
he goes about his business, and pretty quick they understand, well,
if I want to last a long time, I need
to just do what he does.
Speaker 1 (05:29):
So I asked a GM, a very very good GM
in the NFL recently, about you, and he said, you know,
he goes most coaches we hire CEOs now it's a
CEO job. He said, you get occasionally lucky with a
Shanahan or and Andy Reid that they're scheme geniuses and
they can do CEO. That's really hard. And he said
Ben has a chance to do that. Ben's excellent on
scheme and he has the personality. A lot of guys
(05:53):
in the league think Ben has the chance to be
the CEO. But most it's a CEO job now more
than it is x's and o's the difficulty with you, Ben,
You're gonna be on that headset. How do you manage
yourself to go, oh no, no, I'm the CEO here,
because there are things that happen on a sideline in
game where you gotta put the CEO hat on and
(06:14):
you can't be a mile deep on calling plays. Will
that be hard on the first call you disagree with
coming to the headset? Well?
Speaker 7 (06:21):
Shoot, I mean yeah, everything that Everything I'm doing right
now springtime training, it's my first time doing it, so
there'll be some things that pop up that I got
to work through and find the best process for not
only myself but what's best for the team.
Speaker 5 (06:35):
That's the most important thing.
Speaker 7 (06:36):
And the fortunate thing is the way this staff has
been constructed is with that in mind. A lot of
my blind spots or the areas that I could use
the most help in. We've got some really good experienced
coaches with Dennis Allen or Richard high.
Speaker 5 (06:51):
Tower on defense and special teams on offense.
Speaker 7 (06:54):
We got Eric the Enemy that's coordinated in this league,
Press Taylor that's coordinated in this league. So there's a
lot of high left will experience throughout this coaching staff
that they're going to help help foresee any bumps in
the road. And help me navigate on game day. We
got a great game management guy of the name Harry Freed.
He's done it for a long time and he's going
to be able to help me stay ahead of that
(07:14):
that because I really haven't.
Speaker 5 (07:16):
As a play caller, you have to be exposed to
that and understand those situations.
Speaker 7 (07:20):
But now it's a little bit different moving over to
the defensive side of the ball and being on the
headset with them when they're up.
Speaker 1 (07:27):
So one of the things I liked about Jaden Daniels
and Caleb Williams coming out of college.
Speaker 6 (07:31):
They move a lot.
Speaker 1 (07:32):
You get all the upside, not a lot of picks.
It's a little Mahomes. Aaron Rodgers in his prime didn't
throw a lot of picks. Most great quarterbacks l Way
Manning far, they throw picks. That's what Andrew luck, It's
part of the deal. Caleb doesn't. Now some have said, well,
he holds the ball along whatever. I mean, he's a playmaker.
The criticism I heard out of college from GMS with
(07:56):
rings was he is so gifted, And we saw a
little bit of this with Mahomes. Sometimes you got to
just give him layouts, just take what the defense gives you.
How do you coach that? Because it's a strength, it
can be a little bit of a burden, that great athleticism.
Speaker 6 (08:15):
How do you coach that?
Speaker 7 (08:17):
Well, I think it starts with what we're doing right
now in the springtime is establishing the intent of every
play call. And that takes time, and it takes a
number of reps. But the more time we spend together
with myself with Declan Doyle or our offensive coordinator, with J. T. Barrett,
our quarterback coach, in that room with the quarterbacks, the
(08:37):
more it comes to light and why we're calling plays
and where that ball should go. And the more the
quarterback understands the why the quicker he is to see
the defense and deliver the ball to the primary or
the secondary targets.
Speaker 5 (08:51):
So that's what we're working through right now.
Speaker 7 (08:53):
At the end of the day, though, Caleb was taken
as a high draft pick because of that playmaking ability
that you're alluding to, and so.
Speaker 5 (09:00):
We don't want to newter that as well.
Speaker 7 (09:02):
So here's a fine line of understanding what we're doing
and how we're doing it.
Speaker 5 (09:06):
But at the same time, when things don't go maybe
to plan.
Speaker 7 (09:10):
We're not going to discourage his playmaking ability and his
ability to create outside of the pocket as well. So
that's going to be a fun balance for us to
go through both spring and training camp. I mean, we
can't get enough reps right now really as a team,
and so we're looking to maximize those going forward.
Speaker 2 (09:29):
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Speaker 1 (09:39):
So offensive line is to me the most underrated unit
in the sport, but it's also the hardest to create cohesion.
You've got a young guy, you got a rookie, You've
got Drew Dolman, you got Joe Tooney.
Speaker 6 (09:49):
You've got a lot of moving parts here.
Speaker 1 (09:51):
I think potentially it could be great, but I've seen
a bit of a trend over the last five to
six years that veterans aren't playing preseason football. So you're
going to have this September. You're going to get a
lot of the work in for the tunies. You don't
want to put him out there and get banged up.
What is a I looked at your schedule and I said, well,
the toughest part of their schedules late. They're going to
have until Thanksgiving to get that puppy rolling. You don't
(10:12):
want to face the toughest part in the first four weeks.
Not that your early schedule is easy, but at the
end you're facing defensive front that can be substantially tough.
How long what is realistic to say okay, Dolman, Tony
the rookie, What is a realistic time to go okay,
we are a cohesive top ten unit.
Speaker 6 (10:34):
Yeah.
Speaker 7 (10:34):
I think that's going to be the challenge there during
training camp is how quickly can we come together. I mean,
they're really bonding as a unit right now communication wise,
but we don't have the pads on. I think we
need the pads on before we truly start gelling together.
So training camp is going to be critical for us.
I actually like where that bye week is because it
usually takes about four weeks into the season to find
(10:56):
out who you are as a team and what you
do well and which you don't do well. And then
that's at a good time so that we can reflect
on that as a coaching staff to really hone in
on what we want to be for that the remaining
three quarters of the season. I would say my experience
has been when you when you get a new group together,
it could take up to half the season before they
(11:19):
really start to mesh in and come together.
Speaker 5 (11:22):
In terms of the run game.
Speaker 7 (11:23):
More so than pass pro, I think I think we
should be a pretty good pass pro unit right off
the jump. But that run game, the communication, the angles
with which we're all going trusting each other, particularly in
the wide zone scheme that that we're installing right now
in OTAs. That's that's something that we want to make
sure that we get plenty of time on task on.
Speaker 1 (11:45):
So all human beings are the same in one aspect.
If you're afraid of flying and you're on a plane
and the minute turbulence hits, where does your mind go
back to your fears? So I reported a year ago,
Seth Wickersham reported it today that Caleb was worried about
the history of the Bears offense. And so you didn't
(12:05):
inherit it. That's not your issue. You don't care about that.
But there is a psychology. Ben that's true. He goes
into a two week losing streak and it's turbulence on
a plane that he was scared to fly anyway, how
do you ensure that when there are bumps in this
division and there are bumps for him, that those fears
(12:25):
that are now reported of oh Man, this organization and quarterback,
he's had those, that's okay, some installed by his dad, whatever.
How do you ensure during the turbulence of this season
and there will be your division's too good, there's too
many good teams on the schedule. How do you ensure
he doesn't lose faith, faith and belief in your system.
Speaker 7 (12:47):
Well, you talk about fears, and I don't see it
quite the same way.
Speaker 5 (12:52):
I see.
Speaker 7 (12:53):
This is what a great opportunity we have to do
something that really has never been done.
Speaker 5 (12:59):
There hasn't been a fourth New York pastor here in
this franchise.
Speaker 7 (13:02):
And I think Caleb is gonna be the first one,
and one of many years, many seasons to come where
he's able to accomplish that feat. So I see a
chance for greatness here for him. He's been communicated that way,
and he feels the same way. I don't know what's
going on prior to him joining the organization, but he
he is very proud to be a Chicago Bear. That's
(13:25):
what our conversations have included. And he's really excited to
get to work right now and be the best version
of himself for twenty twenty five. There's no question we're
gonna face adversity both he will, he's not gonna. We
want to see growth from here to here over the
course of the season, and it's not gonna be linear growth.
It's gonna be a little bit of ups and downs
and stair steps along the way. But we want to
(13:47):
see from game one the game seventeen that we're getting better.
Speaker 2 (13:52):
As a whole.
Speaker 5 (13:53):
And that's not just him, that's us as a team
as well. So I'm excited.
Speaker 7 (13:57):
That's what makes coaching fun is whin the hiccup occur,
when the adversity strikes, how do we respond to That's
that's when you find out who you are as a man.
Speaker 1 (14:06):
Finally, was there a moment in your practices and seeing Caleb.
It could have been a throw, it could have been
something that you went, oh, oh, that's pretty good, Like
what have you had one of those moments yet where
you were just like, yeah, no, no, I.
Speaker 6 (14:24):
See it, I see the number one pick.
Speaker 7 (14:27):
That's every day, that's every day we're out there routes
versus air we're changing maybe some footwork and some coaching
points with what we're working.
Speaker 5 (14:35):
Through right now.
Speaker 7 (14:36):
But today it was a post route that he just
he probably threw it sixty yards right on the money.
Speaker 5 (14:42):
A few days ago it was a it was a keeper.
Speaker 7 (14:44):
He's out of the pocket going to the left and
he just able to flip his hips and fling that thing.
Speaker 5 (14:49):
Right on the money.
Speaker 7 (14:50):
So he's got he's got such great God given ability
that we're looking to tap into.
Speaker 5 (14:55):
Uh. You see it every day right now.
Speaker 7 (14:57):
And like I said, it's gonna be more fun once
we get the competitive nature of offense versus defense a
little bit.
Speaker 1 (15:03):
No tas coach, it is great seeing you. All I
see is a smile. All you coaches smile so much
during this period. Keep the smile.
Speaker 6 (15:12):
Through the sea. Don't let the league beat you down.
Speaker 1 (15:15):
As a head coach, it's great seeing you.
Speaker 5 (15:18):
You got it, Thanks Colin, Thanks for having me on.
Speaker 6 (15:20):
All right, coach, thank you.
Speaker 1 (15:21):
No, I think those are good answers like my and
my takeaway on this story is it's it's not Ben
Johnson's issue. But if you're afraid of flying when you
hit turbulence, where does your mind go right back? Up.
Speaker 6 (15:31):
We're going down.
Speaker 1 (15:33):
And if Caleb goes into a two game winning streak,
is he going to be a boy?
Speaker 6 (15:36):
This is last year? How do you keep them on track? Self?
Speaker 1 (15:39):
Believe Caleb's got confidence. We all you know a Rod
got moved down to eighth in a batting order. I
don't care how great an athlete are. You struggle.
Speaker 6 (15:46):
It gets into your head. Jmack with the news.
Speaker 5 (15:50):
No, no, turn on the news.
Speaker 2 (15:52):
This is the herd line news.
Speaker 4 (15:55):
All right, Colin, Let's start with a team in the
NFL that you know I love to hate on. That's
the New York Football Giants, the second best team in
New York City, Colin. They have a brutal schedule. New
York's opponents hosts eight fifty seven percent win percentage based
on last year and open. They start the season with
(16:16):
six playoff teams in their first eight weeks. This is
a rigorous schedule. I think if Brian Dable were smart,
he would already start looking for an exit door. He
should start looking at his other options around the league.
As I'm telling you right now, if they start two
to seven, I think that's generous. I can find me
the second win in their first nine games done.
Speaker 1 (16:36):
Well, what's really interesting to me because Da Boll can
coach and he'll get a job. What's interesting is what
do you do with Jackson Dark? So you know at
some point they went all in on Jackson Dart as
you pointed out yesterday, doesn't mean the next guys will.
I don't see Jackson Dark as a top ten quarterback
in the league.
Speaker 6 (16:52):
And I think if you draft a quarterback in.
Speaker 1 (16:53):
The first round, your hope is always they become a
top ten quarterback. I think Boe Nicks has a chance
to be somewhere a ten or level and twelve eventually,
maybe it's this year, so it'll be interesting. I'm at
the most interesting part of this team is watching Jackson Dark.
Because Russell's gonna get the nod. Absolutely, But this schedule
is two good not to have a three to four
game losing streak. When it happens, when do you go
(17:15):
with Jackson Dark? So that this is not a playoff team,
This is not a roster offensively built. Yeah so, but
I do listen. It's I'd rather be right than wrong.
I want to see Jackson Dark prove me wrong.
Speaker 4 (17:30):
All right, humor me for a second. Let's call up
the schedule, Colin, They're going to be at least a
seven point underdog. I mean, if you want to say
four and a half, fine, but I think six or
seven point dog in a lot of these games. Certainly
against Washington Dallas, you know, probably a coin flip there,
but I think Dallas probably win. Zechi Kansas City. They're
big underdogs even at home. Okay, that's gonna be on
(17:51):
Sunday Night football as well. The Chargers are going to
be favored. The Saints game is the one they should win.
They should face a bad quarterback. Finally, Eagles are going
to be dogs. I'm just telling you right now, this
Denver team. I love the Denver defense. They're the first
bet I'm making in Week one. We'll talk about that
later on, but I think Denver smashes the New York Giants,
and then the Eagles again, and then San Franz Colin
(18:13):
two and seven start. I just don't see where the
upside is for Jackson dart Stable. They need an utter
miracle to get anywhere near five hundred midway through the season.
Speaker 1 (18:23):
Yeah, I mean, look at the Niner schedule and look
at the Giants schedule.
Speaker 6 (18:27):
I mean, it's not the same sport.
Speaker 1 (18:30):
I mean, you face Jaden Daniels, Dak Prescott, Mahomes, Justin Herbert,
Jalen Hurts, Bonick.
Speaker 6 (18:35):
With Peyton, bone Nicks with Peyton.
Speaker 1 (18:37):
Then you face the great brock Purty after Jalen Hurts,
Caleb Williams, Jordan Love, Jared Doff, Drake May, Jaden Daniels.
Speaker 6 (18:45):
God, it's just insane murderers.
Speaker 4 (18:48):
Row a nice digt rock Perty by the way I
saw it, I heard it. Let's go on to the
next Dorey cons and that's the Detroit Lions. They're gonna
look a little different this season. No Ben Johnson, he's
with the Bears now. Detroit brought in their former senior
offensive assistant from twenty twenty two, Sean Morton, to replace
Ben Johnson, and he doesn't plan on shaking up their winning.
Speaker 1 (19:12):
Formula some ads maybe have done before in the past.
Speaker 6 (19:18):
You know, we'll see it would be something like that.
But I mean not changing much.
Speaker 1 (19:23):
I mean why, I mean, it's working right, so that
would be the smartest thing to do. It's just it's
just about like techniques and certain things.
Speaker 4 (19:34):
Man, so hardcore NFL fans remember Johnny Morton, former wide receiver,
good player. So if you just looked at the name
John Morton, you're like, oh, they got Johnny Morton. He
knows football. And then you see this is a different
John Morton. I don't know this guy. I'm looking at
its history. I'll let you guys do the homework. I
don't have any faith whatsoever in the Detroit Lions.
Speaker 5 (19:55):
This season, Collin.
Speaker 4 (19:56):
That schedule is very difficult. I see an aggression. I'm
ready to almost say they missed the playoffs.
Speaker 6 (20:02):
No boy, slow down.
Speaker 1 (20:04):
It's it is hard to miss the playoffs when you
have the first or second best offensive line.
Speaker 6 (20:08):
In the sport.
Speaker 1 (20:09):
It's hard that on line. Philadelphia's on line. They're gonna
make them. They've got too many smart people in the room.
But I do think when you lose coordinators and you
just kind of move people up from inside the building,
it's a little too insular for me. I like, I
don't think the two best candidates in the world were
(20:30):
both in your building. I like, reinventing yourself. But so
they kind of went safe, And I think some of
that is they love their culture and they didn't want
to bring anybody in that maybe.
Speaker 6 (20:41):
Would tweet the culture.
Speaker 1 (20:43):
But I also think this Dan Campbell sold for the
first three or four years. Nobody believes in us. We
are not losers. That no longer works. People all know
you're good. So Dan Campbell has to week his formula.
It was worthy underdogs. No, you're favored overwhelmingly to win
(21:05):
your Divasi. This is everybody believes in you. In fact,
we were disappointed if you lost to Washington. So I
think what they were built on doesn't work anymore. Like
you can't tell the players nobody believes in them, and
it's like, now we're favor to win fourteen games.
Speaker 6 (21:21):
Everybody believes in us.
Speaker 4 (21:22):
We're scrappy underdogs. By the way, there's some breakdowns online
colling about this Lion's schedule. So last year I think
they had something like fourteen games indoors. They played like
six outdoor games early in the season. Now they got
lucky that a lot of these are not in cold,
terrible weather. They could have had to go to Baltimore
in December, Cincinnati, KC. Those are all early, which is
(21:44):
a bit of a benefit. Their only cold weather games
are maybe Philadelphia in November and then of course the
Bears in week eighteen. But there's a bit of a
break that caught there. But this is a top five
toughest schedule in the league, and that's why I've got
them coming out like ten nine or ten wins.
Speaker 1 (22:00):
Yeah, I think there are a ten to eleven win
team we did. I think they're gonna be fine. I
think you've just got too many smart people upstairs. I
think they Goff's too consistent, all lines too good, Hutchison's back.
They feel like a twelve win team to me.
Speaker 4 (22:12):
Yeah, you know, not a dig but it felt like
the brains behind this team last year were Ben Jonson
and Aaron Glenn and they're both out the wall. I mean, listen,
Dan Campbell's a raw, raw guy. You've said that. I'm
not saying he's a bad coach. He's a raw, raw guy.
He's gonna ski. He's not gonna ski try scheme you
up to victories.
Speaker 6 (22:29):
So he's a CEO.
Speaker 4 (22:30):
Yeah, exactly. We'll see final story calls to the NBA.
The Spurs have the number two pick in the draft,
and there's a lot of anticipation.
Speaker 5 (22:37):
Now.
Speaker 4 (22:37):
I think one guy is saying ninety nine percent that
San Antonio is gonna draft Ron Harper's kick, Dylan Harper
out of Rutors with the number two pick. However, there
is a world where the San Antonio Spurs make a
play for Gianni's right and they whiff. There is a guy,
I'm just telling you right now, there's a guy out
there who they have pursued in the past. His name
(22:59):
is Lauri Market in the Utah Jazz. He's a very
good player, not one of these super max guys. He
would fit amazingly next to Webin Yama stretch for hits threes.
Speaker 6 (23:10):
Yeah, I mean, he.
Speaker 4 (23:10):
Hasn't been on a winning team in a while. I
would say keep an eye on Lowry Market and going
with the number two pick from the Utah to the
San Antonio spurg That's a name that hasn't really been
out there. But you know, I'm a Jim rat, I'm
a nerd who goes to the gym and there's I'll
just say, there's NBA players working out of my gym frequently.
Lorii Market is the name, but a lot of guys
(23:30):
respect and San Antonio has pursued him in the past.
Utah has him. Would love to move up to in
the draft from five, well, I would keep an eye.
Speaker 1 (23:39):
On Dylan Harper, great wingspan, can play multiple combo guards,
Soken Stefan Castle, Castle, Yeah, great wingspan, he's a one
or two. So those guys can play together, so can
d Aaron Fox. So they have three guards that I
think could play together. This kid's really talented. I mean,
Louri Marketing is twenty four points. It feels like anytime
(24:02):
he wants it, he's just a score. He scores the
ball really well. I do worry about if your best
players are Dylan Harper, Wemby and Castle, you are really young.
Speaker 4 (24:12):
Yeah, you're not going anytime.
Speaker 6 (24:14):
No no, I mean so if you have Wemby marketing, Wemby.
Speaker 4 (24:20):
Market in front line, that's a playoff team next year
in the West.
Speaker 6 (24:22):
Well it's Oncastle.
Speaker 1 (24:25):
Yeah, I mean, I just I think that Houston's a
great example, like Amen Thompson works, but a lot of
those Jabari Smith, Jalen Green.
Speaker 6 (24:32):
You can be too young. You think Okse's young, SGA's
not young. Sj's been around the league for a long time.
He's not young. So it is Caruso, you got to
have a mix. Like to me, Houston is too young.
Speaker 4 (24:46):
Well, you made a great point the Thunder we're super young.
So what they do. They brought in veterans Caruso Hartenstein.
Those guys are on the on the floor at the
end of the game against Joki and the Spurs don't
have that. They need to go get marketing, San Antonio,
make it happen.
Speaker 1 (25:03):
Jmckle the news, Well, that's the news, and thanks for
stopping by The Herd. Lie News, wemby Marketing. Stefan Castle
dearon Fox. That's pretty good. That's pretty good. Now Utah
would have to replace twenty five points.
Speaker 6 (25:20):
But I don't know.
Speaker 1 (25:22):
A lot of people don't want to take the call
when Danny Ainge, when the phone rings and you see
Salt Lake City area code, a lot of people are like,
I'm not answering.
Speaker 6 (25:29):
It's Danny Age.
Speaker 1 (25:29):
I don't want to get worked. I don't want to
I'm not answering. I'm out for lunch again. But it's
four in the afternoon, late lunch, late quid lunch.
Speaker 6 (25:36):
I'm out live in Chicago, It's the Herd.
Speaker 2 (25:40):
Be sure to catch live editions of The Herd weekdays
in Noone eastern nin am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio
FS one and the iHeartRadio app.
Speaker 8 (25:48):
Hey, Steve Covino and I'm Rich David, and together we're
Covino and Rich on Fox Sports Radio. You could catch
us weekdays from five to seven pm Eastern two to
four Pacific on Fox Sports Radio and of course the
Heart Radio app. Why should you listen to Covino and Rich.
We talk about everything life, sports, relationships, what's going on
in the world. We have a lot of fun talking
about the stories behind the stories in the world of
(26:10):
sports and pop culture, stories that well other shows don't
seem to have the time to discuss. And the fact
that we've been friends for the last twenty years and
still work together.
Speaker 2 (26:19):
I mean that says something, right.
Speaker 6 (26:20):
So check us out.
Speaker 8 (26:21):
We like to get you involved too, take your phone calls,
chop it up. As they say, I'd say the most
interactive show on Fox Sports Radio, maybe the most interactive
show on planetar. Be sure to check out Covino and
Rich live on Fox Sports Radio and the iHeartRadio app
from five to seven pm Eastern, two to four Pacific.
And if you miss any of the live show, just
search Covino and Rich wherever you get your podcasts, and
of course on social media that's Covino and Rich.
Speaker 6 (26:48):
So it is interesting if you look.
Speaker 1 (26:50):
We have a graphic here and I do apologize to
the radio audience a little bit here because it's it's
a lot of teams, but the most standalone games really interesting?
Speaker 6 (27:00):
Who gets standalone games?
Speaker 1 (27:01):
Like? I would put Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson in
standalone games like every week. I have no problem. Kansas City, Dallas,
and Washington have the most standalone games. I have no
problem with Kansas City and Washington. Dallas sorry, eight standalone games.
I think by like week six, they're going to be
two and four. But what's interesting, Also, Minnesota has seven
(27:24):
standalone games. I think they're going to finish fourth. How
did Miami get six stand alone games? I don't get that,
like it just I'm looking worse. Buffalo, Okay, Buffalo has
five standalone games. I think Sean Payton and Bonnicks are
interesting rams do Niners? Do Chicago charge Steelers five standalone games?
That's betting on Aaron Rodgers, But I mean it's amazing.
(27:48):
I guess it's market size. I love watching Baltimore play.
I love watching the Ravens play four standalone games. Vikings
have seven. That's crazy. That's probably market size. Who else
jumps tightened to the one of the few teams that
doesn't have a single standalone game. I think cam And
(28:11):
again I if Cam, I'm certainly gonna watch cam Ward
in September now if the team's awful. But I think
Tennessee's going to make the playoffs. It's Atlanta's got six
standalone games. Now that's some of that's Panics, and they
do have some nice skilled people, So Atlanta could be
a fun watch.
Speaker 6 (28:26):
But you know there's Dallas eight standalons, Colin.
Speaker 4 (28:29):
If you look closely, the NFC North is so highly
thought of. The Bears have five, the Packers have six,
and the Vikings and Lions have seven apiece. They're just
really good teams that put on a good product. And
oh by the way, Minnesota Vikings, just keep an eye
on them. If they're in the NFC Championship, it would
not shock me. That's how good this team is. The
(28:50):
roster and the coach. Hey, you got your boy, Caleb
Williams out here. I want to go play for. Kevin
O'Connell said that a year ago. It's in the book.
Like I'm just telling you, Vikings Vikings would be the A.
Speaker 1 (29:02):
Again, I don't have a problem with Philadelphia, Detroit, Washington,
Kansas City, Green Bay. Harbaugh's captivating. San Francisco is a
big brand. I think Chicago's going to be fun. I
don't have a problem with most, but boy, they're they're
putting some stock in it.
Speaker 6 (29:19):
Minnesota. Yeah, and then Miammy has six standalone games.
Speaker 4 (29:23):
Call it AFC South Jaguars, two Colts, two Titans zero.
I mean, these are teams that I hate to be mean,
but nobody cares about those teams. They're terrible, bad quarterbacks,
bad markets.
Speaker 1 (29:38):
Think about how lean you have to be, how little
the NFL regards you. When the Jets and the Giants
combined have fewer standalone games than Minnesota.
Speaker 6 (29:53):
I mean, think about that.
Speaker 1 (29:54):
That gives you an exac I mean, like the Jets
and the Giants, they would love to put those new
When Eli Manning was winning Super Bowl with the Giants,
I felt like they were on Sunday Night Football every
third week.
Speaker 6 (30:05):
And it's some of it's quarterback.
Speaker 1 (30:08):
To me, it's such a quarterback league, Like I will
watch Bo Nixon Sean Payton, Like that's interesting to me
because I love the coach and I really like the quarterback.
To me, Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams. I'm gonna watch that.
That's interesting to me. So it's like a combo deal.
Speaker 4 (30:22):
You could also tell the teams with eight, seven and six,
how many of those are west of the Mississippi Collin.
I'll wait for you to count them up. Not a lot, exactly.
Nobody cares West coast. You know, you cut off half
the audience, you know, the wacky start times. So it's
loaded up with teams in big markets, just the way.
Speaker 1 (30:41):
It's a huge bet on the NFC North Detroit, Minnesota,
and Green Bay and Chicago. Between those teams you're talking,
you know, twenty five standalone game. So the NFL made
a huge bet, and Fox is going to lean into
minutes Minesota, Chicago, Detroit, and green Bay. I don't have
(31:03):
a problem with three of those. I just Minnesota doesn't
work for me.
Speaker 4 (31:07):
McCarthy, That's what it is. I don't like McCarthy or Brockberty.
Speaker 1 (31:11):
There's there's there are some people in the league who
I am connected to.
Speaker 6 (31:19):
I am not the only one with JJ McCarthy doubts.
Speaker 1 (31:23):
Oh okay, I am not the I'll just say this,
I am not the only one, all.
Speaker 6 (31:29):
Right, well, you're the way on an island.
Speaker 1 (31:33):
The only outrageous thing is the layup Brock Purtty got
for seventeen weeks.
Speaker 6 (31:37):
Seriously, he may not even have to do game prep.
Speaker 1 (31:41):
Just show up on Sunday, park your car and walk
in and listen to Kyle Shannan's play calls.
Speaker 4 (31:45):
Do I need to look about Ben johnsonotts for.
Speaker 6 (31:48):
Ben Johnson was very good? JJ McCarthy.
Speaker 1 (31:50):
Here's an interesting stat since September of twenty twenty three.
Speaker 6 (31:54):
So what is it now? It's May.
Speaker 1 (31:56):
It's May of twenty twenty five, so September. Since September
of twenty twenty three, JJ McCarthy, JJ McCarthy, the Vikings
quarterback has thrown over thirty passes one time.
Speaker 4 (32:10):
He didn't play last season. Come on, that's it?
Speaker 1 (32:13):
Well, and in that in that division, these are that's
a track meet division. Those those offenses are fueled creative coaches,
You better get ready to throw thirty eight times forty
times a game. We are out of time thanks to
Ben Jonson, head coach the Bears.
Speaker 4 (32:32):
This here
Thanks for listening to The Herd podcast. Be sure to
catch us live every weekday on Fox Sports Radio in
noon to three Eastern nine am to noone Pacific. Find
your local station for The Herd at Fox Sportsradio dot com,
or stream us live every day on the iHeartRadio app
by searching Fox Sports Radio or FSR.
Speaker 2 (00:21):
You're listening to Fox Sports Radio.
Speaker 1 (00:24):
I thought Chicago's old line would get better. Last year,
it felt worse. He completed sixty two and a half
percent of his throat is running for his life, twenty
touchdown passes, only six picks. Now, he was sacked sixty
eight times, but the numbers aren't you know, I mean
only six picks, sixty two and a half percent completion.
Persiage running for his life in a division that had Detroit,
(00:45):
Green Band, Minnesota all really good teams. So I don't
think Minnesota is going to be as good this year,
and I think Caleb's got a much better quarterback. Also,
the story coming out today seth Wickersham had talked to
Caleb's father, Carl Williams, and reporting that Carl did not
want to son initially to play in Chicago, and Albert
Breer addressed that an hour ago.
Speaker 3 (01:05):
And his dad's a very smart and accomplished businessman, and
you know, taught his son to think differently.
Speaker 4 (01:11):
And the reality is like, this is.
Speaker 3 (01:14):
Something that all teams were looking into, and anybody that
was going to be in a position to draft him
was concerned about this. You can understand his concerns certainly.
Speaker 5 (01:23):
You know.
Speaker 3 (01:24):
I think this is something that more and more athletes
think about. And you know, it's something we heard about
with Shadur a lot, you know, going into his draft
a lot of times. You know, I think these guys
were able to take a bigger picture view of it,
and the bigger picture view of it would show that
going to the right place isn't more is absolutely more
important than the game.
Speaker 2 (01:44):
Drafted as high as you can.
Speaker 1 (01:47):
Yeah, I think I think Listen, I never had a problem.
I reported this a year ago. I said, you know,
his dad had some misgivings about it. But Caleb's like,
you know what, I'm going to go to Chicago. It's
a great American city and I'm going to be their
first great quarterback. So I always like Caleb. I got
along with him great, He's very respectful. I saw I
went to the Notre Dame USC game, and I told
the story is I saw his dad, said hi to
(02:08):
his dad, and Caleb was sitting in the front row
with friends, and I came down and just out of respect,
I just tapped him on the shoulder. I said, hey, buddy,
just great seeing you. He got up, made a point.
I'm like, you don't have to get up. I just
wanted to say, hey, keep kicking butt, You're going to
do great, and very respectful got up, came up the stairs.
Caleb did, and I was like, I just think he's
a really I really like him. And I also think
(02:30):
it's sometimes it's unfair that, you know, all these quarterbacks
now the nil they are stars coming out of college.
Bill parcell is a brilliant guy, used to say, do
not draft a celebrity quarterback. Well, Baker Mayfield was a star.
Sam darold you know he was a star. Caleb's a star.
I mean, yeah, it's just the reality of it. I
mean Bo Nick's at Oregon. I mean everybody knew Bo
Nicks for the last five years. I think we the
(02:52):
world's changed. These kids make money in college. Take a
deep breath with that. Ben Johnson now is joining us
the new Bears coach is joined live. So you know
it's funny we forget about this coach is that you
know I was looking and people forget Tua came out
of college, didn't have a great fit with the staff.
You know, he and the Brian Flores struggle. Got Mike McDaniels,
(03:15):
Pro Bowl, Jared Goff, got a defensive coach, get a
great stutt Boom, here comes McVeigh Popps. So listen, we
all said last year, I said, it's just easier.
Speaker 6 (03:25):
To get an offensive coach. Go ask Bo Nix and
Sean Baiton. It just helps.
Speaker 1 (03:30):
Did you feel when you first sat down with Caleb,
I gotta build this kid's confidence up like a Tua,
Like a golf it's rough, it's a hard sport. Did
you feel that was part of your process. I want
to make sure this kid knows we really believe in him.
Speaker 7 (03:44):
Yeah, well he does know that we believe in him,
there's no question about that. But Caleb Steele has never
been a confidence issue. He knows he's a high level player.
He's been that way since middle school, high school, college.
Speaker 5 (03:57):
And it's going to continue to be that way here
in the end.
Speaker 7 (04:00):
But what we're trying to do is we're trying to
support him, give him some clarity on what our expectations
are on and off the field, and help him grow
and develop. And so far we've only had call it
six weeks now the off season program.
Speaker 5 (04:15):
It's going really well.
Speaker 1 (04:16):
So you got two new coordinators, you're on first time
head coach, Caleb's in year two.
Speaker 6 (04:21):
Who do you lean on in that locker room? Ben?
Speaker 1 (04:25):
What player or maybe unit is it Tony? Is it Dolman?
Speaker 6 (04:29):
Who do you lean on in that offense?
Speaker 7 (04:32):
We've got a number of players offensively and defensively that
have Pro Bowls under their belt, that have playoff game experience,
win experience, and so I think when you look at that,
those are the guys not just for Caleb, but for
the entire team that we're leaning on to show us
what good football looks like, what good teams do, and
to establish that standard for the rest of us to
(04:54):
fall into line. And so Toney's a great name on offense.
I mean, I don't know that anybody's had quite the
level of success on our entire roster that he's had,
call it six Super Bowls and he's won four of them.
Speaker 5 (05:05):
I mean, it's outstanding. And then you go over.
Speaker 7 (05:07):
To the phase two drill workout on the field and
he's busting his rear end and he just had a
Super Bowl that he was in a few weeks ago.
Speaker 5 (05:14):
So I mean, it's pretty outstanding.
Speaker 7 (05:16):
And it doesn't take long for somebody that first time
these rookies coming in. They turn and they see how
he goes about his business, and pretty quick they understand, well,
if I want to last a long time, I need
to just do what he does.
Speaker 1 (05:29):
So I asked a GM, a very very good GM
in the NFL recently, about you, and he said, you know,
he goes most coaches we hire CEOs now it's a
CEO job. He said, you get occasionally lucky with a
Shanahan or and Andy Reid that they're scheme geniuses and
they can do CEO. That's really hard. And he said
Ben has a chance to do that. Ben's excellent on
scheme and he has the personality. A lot of guys
(05:53):
in the league think Ben has the chance to be
the CEO. But most it's a CEO job now more
than it is x's and o's the difficulty with you, Ben,
You're gonna be on that headset. How do you manage
yourself to go, oh no, no, I'm the CEO here,
because there are things that happen on a sideline in
game where you gotta put the CEO hat on and
(06:14):
you can't be a mile deep on calling plays. Will
that be hard on the first call you disagree with
coming to the headset? Well?
Speaker 7 (06:21):
Shoot, I mean yeah, everything that Everything I'm doing right
now springtime training, it's my first time doing it, so
there'll be some things that pop up that I got
to work through and find the best process for not
only myself but what's best for the team.
Speaker 5 (06:35):
That's the most important thing.
Speaker 7 (06:36):
And the fortunate thing is the way this staff has
been constructed is with that in mind. A lot of
my blind spots or the areas that I could use
the most help in. We've got some really good experienced
coaches with Dennis Allen or Richard high.
Speaker 5 (06:51):
Tower on defense and special teams on offense.
Speaker 7 (06:54):
We got Eric the Enemy that's coordinated in this league,
Press Taylor that's coordinated in this league. So there's a
lot of high left will experience throughout this coaching staff
that they're going to help help foresee any bumps in
the road. And help me navigate on game day. We
got a great game management guy of the name Harry Freed.
He's done it for a long time and he's going
to be able to help me stay ahead of that
(07:14):
that because I really haven't.
Speaker 5 (07:16):
As a play caller, you have to be exposed to
that and understand those situations.
Speaker 7 (07:20):
But now it's a little bit different moving over to
the defensive side of the ball and being on the
headset with them when they're up.
Speaker 1 (07:27):
So one of the things I liked about Jaden Daniels
and Caleb Williams coming out of college.
Speaker 6 (07:31):
They move a lot.
Speaker 1 (07:32):
You get all the upside, not a lot of picks.
It's a little Mahomes. Aaron Rodgers in his prime didn't
throw a lot of picks. Most great quarterbacks l Way
Manning far, they throw picks. That's what Andrew luck, It's
part of the deal. Caleb doesn't. Now some have said, well,
he holds the ball along whatever. I mean, he's a playmaker.
The criticism I heard out of college from GMS with
(07:56):
rings was he is so gifted, And we saw a
little bit of this with Mahomes. Sometimes you got to
just give him layouts, just take what the defense gives you.
How do you coach that? Because it's a strength, it
can be a little bit of a burden, that great athleticism.
Speaker 6 (08:15):
How do you coach that?
Speaker 7 (08:17):
Well, I think it starts with what we're doing right
now in the springtime is establishing the intent of every
play call. And that takes time, and it takes a
number of reps. But the more time we spend together
with myself with Declan Doyle or our offensive coordinator, with J. T. Barrett,
our quarterback coach, in that room with the quarterbacks, the
(08:37):
more it comes to light and why we're calling plays
and where that ball should go. And the more the
quarterback understands the why the quicker he is to see
the defense and deliver the ball to the primary or
the secondary targets.
Speaker 5 (08:51):
So that's what we're working through right now.
Speaker 7 (08:53):
At the end of the day, though, Caleb was taken
as a high draft pick because of that playmaking ability
that you're alluding to, and so.
Speaker 5 (09:00):
We don't want to newter that as well.
Speaker 7 (09:02):
So here's a fine line of understanding what we're doing
and how we're doing it.
Speaker 5 (09:06):
But at the same time, when things don't go maybe
to plan.
Speaker 7 (09:10):
We're not going to discourage his playmaking ability and his
ability to create outside of the pocket as well. So
that's going to be a fun balance for us to
go through both spring and training camp. I mean, we
can't get enough reps right now really as a team,
and so we're looking to maximize those going forward.
Speaker 2 (09:29):
One more Heard The Herd streams twenty four hours a day,
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Speaker 1 (09:39):
So offensive line is to me the most underrated unit
in the sport, but it's also the hardest to create cohesion.
You've got a young guy, you got a rookie, You've
got Drew Dolman, you got Joe Tooney.
Speaker 6 (09:49):
You've got a lot of moving parts here.
Speaker 1 (09:51):
I think potentially it could be great, but I've seen
a bit of a trend over the last five to
six years that veterans aren't playing preseason football. So you're
going to have this September. You're going to get a
lot of the work in for the tunies. You don't
want to put him out there and get banged up.
What is a I looked at your schedule and I said, well,
the toughest part of their schedules late. They're going to
have until Thanksgiving to get that puppy rolling. You don't
(10:12):
want to face the toughest part in the first four weeks.
Not that your early schedule is easy, but at the
end you're facing defensive front that can be substantially tough.
How long what is realistic to say okay, Dolman, Tony
the rookie, What is a realistic time to go okay,
we are a cohesive top ten unit.
Speaker 6 (10:34):
Yeah.
Speaker 7 (10:34):
I think that's going to be the challenge there during
training camp is how quickly can we come together. I mean,
they're really bonding as a unit right now communication wise,
but we don't have the pads on. I think we
need the pads on before we truly start gelling together.
So training camp is going to be critical for us.
I actually like where that bye week is because it
usually takes about four weeks into the season to find
(10:56):
out who you are as a team and what you
do well and which you don't do well. And then
that's at a good time so that we can reflect
on that as a coaching staff to really hone in
on what we want to be for that the remaining
three quarters of the season. I would say my experience
has been when you when you get a new group together,
it could take up to half the season before they
(11:19):
really start to mesh in and come together.
Speaker 5 (11:22):
In terms of the run game.
Speaker 7 (11:23):
More so than pass pro, I think I think we
should be a pretty good pass pro unit right off
the jump. But that run game, the communication, the angles
with which we're all going trusting each other, particularly in
the wide zone scheme that that we're installing right now
in OTAs. That's that's something that we want to make
sure that we get plenty of time on task on.
Speaker 1 (11:45):
So all human beings are the same in one aspect.
If you're afraid of flying and you're on a plane
and the minute turbulence hits, where does your mind go
back to your fears? So I reported a year ago,
Seth Wickersham reported it today that Caleb was worried about
the history of the Bears offense. And so you didn't
(12:05):
inherit it. That's not your issue. You don't care about that.
But there is a psychology. Ben that's true. He goes
into a two week losing streak and it's turbulence on
a plane that he was scared to fly anyway, how
do you ensure that when there are bumps in this
division and there are bumps for him, that those fears
(12:25):
that are now reported of oh Man, this organization and quarterback,
he's had those, that's okay, some installed by his dad, whatever.
How do you ensure during the turbulence of this season
and there will be your division's too good, there's too
many good teams on the schedule. How do you ensure
he doesn't lose faith, faith and belief in your system.
Speaker 7 (12:47):
Well, you talk about fears, and I don't see it
quite the same way.
Speaker 5 (12:52):
I see.
Speaker 7 (12:53):
This is what a great opportunity we have to do
something that really has never been done.
Speaker 5 (12:59):
There hasn't been a fourth New York pastor here in
this franchise.
Speaker 7 (13:02):
And I think Caleb is gonna be the first one,
and one of many years, many seasons to come where
he's able to accomplish that feat. So I see a
chance for greatness here for him. He's been communicated that way,
and he feels the same way. I don't know what's
going on prior to him joining the organization, but he
he is very proud to be a Chicago Bear. That's
(13:25):
what our conversations have included. And he's really excited to
get to work right now and be the best version
of himself for twenty twenty five. There's no question we're
gonna face adversity both he will, he's not gonna. We
want to see growth from here to here over the
course of the season, and it's not gonna be linear growth.
It's gonna be a little bit of ups and downs
and stair steps along the way. But we want to
(13:47):
see from game one the game seventeen that we're getting better.
Speaker 2 (13:52):
As a whole.
Speaker 5 (13:53):
And that's not just him, that's us as a team
as well. So I'm excited.
Speaker 7 (13:57):
That's what makes coaching fun is whin the hiccup occur,
when the adversity strikes, how do we respond to That's
that's when you find out who you are as a man.
Speaker 1 (14:06):
Finally, was there a moment in your practices and seeing Caleb.
It could have been a throw, it could have been
something that you went, oh, oh, that's pretty good, Like
what have you had one of those moments yet where
you were just like, yeah, no, no, I.
Speaker 6 (14:24):
See it, I see the number one pick.
Speaker 7 (14:27):
That's every day, that's every day we're out there routes
versus air we're changing maybe some footwork and some coaching
points with what we're working.
Speaker 5 (14:35):
Through right now.
Speaker 7 (14:36):
But today it was a post route that he just
he probably threw it sixty yards right on the money.
Speaker 5 (14:42):
A few days ago it was a it was a keeper.
Speaker 7 (14:44):
He's out of the pocket going to the left and
he just able to flip his hips and fling that thing.
Speaker 5 (14:49):
Right on the money.
Speaker 7 (14:50):
So he's got he's got such great God given ability
that we're looking to tap into.
Speaker 5 (14:55):
Uh. You see it every day right now.
Speaker 7 (14:57):
And like I said, it's gonna be more fun once
we get the competitive nature of offense versus defense a
little bit.
Speaker 1 (15:03):
No tas coach, it is great seeing you. All I
see is a smile. All you coaches smile so much
during this period. Keep the smile.
Speaker 6 (15:12):
Through the sea. Don't let the league beat you down.
Speaker 1 (15:15):
As a head coach, it's great seeing you.
Speaker 5 (15:18):
You got it, Thanks Colin, Thanks for having me on.
Speaker 6 (15:20):
All right, coach, thank you.
Speaker 1 (15:21):
No, I think those are good answers like my and
my takeaway on this story is it's it's not Ben
Johnson's issue. But if you're afraid of flying when you
hit turbulence, where does your mind go right back? Up.
Speaker 6 (15:31):
We're going down.
Speaker 1 (15:33):
And if Caleb goes into a two game winning streak,
is he going to be a boy?
Speaker 6 (15:36):
This is last year? How do you keep them on track? Self?
Speaker 1 (15:39):
Believe Caleb's got confidence. We all you know a Rod
got moved down to eighth in a batting order. I
don't care how great an athlete are. You struggle.
Speaker 6 (15:46):
It gets into your head. Jmack with the news.
Speaker 5 (15:50):
No, no, turn on the news.
Speaker 2 (15:52):
This is the herd line news.
Speaker 4 (15:55):
All right, Colin, Let's start with a team in the
NFL that you know I love to hate on. That's
the New York Football Giants, the second best team in
New York City, Colin. They have a brutal schedule. New
York's opponents hosts eight fifty seven percent win percentage based
on last year and open. They start the season with
(16:16):
six playoff teams in their first eight weeks. This is
a rigorous schedule. I think if Brian Dable were smart,
he would already start looking for an exit door. He
should start looking at his other options around the league.
As I'm telling you right now, if they start two
to seven, I think that's generous. I can find me
the second win in their first nine games done.
Speaker 1 (16:36):
Well, what's really interesting to me because Da Boll can
coach and he'll get a job. What's interesting is what
do you do with Jackson Dark? So you know at
some point they went all in on Jackson Dart as
you pointed out yesterday, doesn't mean the next guys will.
I don't see Jackson Dark as a top ten quarterback
in the league.
Speaker 6 (16:52):
And I think if you draft a quarterback in.
Speaker 1 (16:53):
The first round, your hope is always they become a
top ten quarterback. I think Boe Nicks has a chance
to be somewhere a ten or level and twelve eventually,
maybe it's this year, so it'll be interesting. I'm at
the most interesting part of this team is watching Jackson Dark.
Because Russell's gonna get the nod. Absolutely, But this schedule
is two good not to have a three to four
game losing streak. When it happens, when do you go
(17:15):
with Jackson Dark? So that this is not a playoff team,
This is not a roster offensively built. Yeah so, but
I do listen. It's I'd rather be right than wrong.
I want to see Jackson Dark prove me wrong.
Speaker 4 (17:30):
All right, humor me for a second. Let's call up
the schedule, Colin, They're going to be at least a
seven point underdog. I mean, if you want to say
four and a half, fine, but I think six or
seven point dog in a lot of these games. Certainly
against Washington Dallas, you know, probably a coin flip there,
but I think Dallas probably win. Zechi Kansas City. They're
big underdogs even at home. Okay, that's gonna be on
(17:51):
Sunday Night football as well. The Chargers are going to
be favored. The Saints game is the one they should win.
They should face a bad quarterback. Finally, Eagles are going
to be dogs. I'm just telling you right now, this
Denver team. I love the Denver defense. They're the first
bet I'm making in Week one. We'll talk about that
later on, but I think Denver smashes the New York Giants,
and then the Eagles again, and then San Franz Colin
(18:13):
two and seven start. I just don't see where the
upside is for Jackson dart Stable. They need an utter
miracle to get anywhere near five hundred midway through the season.
Speaker 1 (18:23):
Yeah, I mean, look at the Niner schedule and look
at the Giants schedule.
Speaker 6 (18:27):
I mean, it's not the same sport.
Speaker 1 (18:30):
I mean, you face Jaden Daniels, Dak Prescott, Mahomes, Justin Herbert,
Jalen Hurts, Bonick.
Speaker 6 (18:35):
With Peyton, bone Nicks with Peyton.
Speaker 1 (18:37):
Then you face the great brock Purty after Jalen Hurts,
Caleb Williams, Jordan Love, Jared Doff, Drake May, Jaden Daniels.
Speaker 6 (18:45):
God, it's just insane murderers.
Speaker 4 (18:48):
Row a nice digt rock Perty by the way I
saw it, I heard it. Let's go on to the
next Dorey cons and that's the Detroit Lions. They're gonna
look a little different this season. No Ben Johnson, he's
with the Bears now. Detroit brought in their former senior
offensive assistant from twenty twenty two, Sean Morton, to replace
Ben Johnson, and he doesn't plan on shaking up their winning.
Speaker 1 (19:12):
Formula some ads maybe have done before in the past.
Speaker 6 (19:18):
You know, we'll see it would be something like that.
But I mean not changing much.
Speaker 1 (19:23):
I mean why, I mean, it's working right, so that
would be the smartest thing to do. It's just it's
just about like techniques and certain things.
Speaker 4 (19:34):
Man, so hardcore NFL fans remember Johnny Morton, former wide receiver,
good player. So if you just looked at the name
John Morton, you're like, oh, they got Johnny Morton. He
knows football. And then you see this is a different
John Morton. I don't know this guy. I'm looking at
its history. I'll let you guys do the homework. I
don't have any faith whatsoever in the Detroit Lions.
Speaker 5 (19:55):
This season, Collin.
Speaker 4 (19:56):
That schedule is very difficult. I see an aggression. I'm
ready to almost say they missed the playoffs.
Speaker 6 (20:02):
No boy, slow down.
Speaker 1 (20:04):
It's it is hard to miss the playoffs when you
have the first or second best offensive line.
Speaker 6 (20:08):
In the sport.
Speaker 1 (20:09):
It's hard that on line. Philadelphia's on line. They're gonna
make them. They've got too many smart people in the room.
But I do think when you lose coordinators and you
just kind of move people up from inside the building,
it's a little too insular for me. I like, I
don't think the two best candidates in the world were
(20:30):
both in your building. I like, reinventing yourself. But so
they kind of went safe, And I think some of
that is they love their culture and they didn't want
to bring anybody in that maybe.
Speaker 6 (20:41):
Would tweet the culture.
Speaker 1 (20:43):
But I also think this Dan Campbell sold for the
first three or four years. Nobody believes in us. We
are not losers. That no longer works. People all know
you're good. So Dan Campbell has to week his formula.
It was worthy underdogs. No, you're favored overwhelmingly to win
(21:05):
your Divasi. This is everybody believes in you. In fact,
we were disappointed if you lost to Washington. So I
think what they were built on doesn't work anymore. Like
you can't tell the players nobody believes in them, and
it's like, now we're favor to win fourteen games.
Speaker 6 (21:21):
Everybody believes in us.
Speaker 4 (21:22):
We're scrappy underdogs. By the way, there's some breakdowns online
colling about this Lion's schedule. So last year I think
they had something like fourteen games indoors. They played like
six outdoor games early in the season. Now they got
lucky that a lot of these are not in cold,
terrible weather. They could have had to go to Baltimore
in December, Cincinnati, KC. Those are all early, which is
(21:44):
a bit of a benefit. Their only cold weather games
are maybe Philadelphia in November and then of course the
Bears in week eighteen. But there's a bit of a
break that caught there. But this is a top five
toughest schedule in the league, and that's why I've got
them coming out like ten nine or ten wins.
Speaker 1 (22:00):
Yeah, I think there are a ten to eleven win
team we did. I think they're gonna be fine. I
think you've just got too many smart people upstairs. I
think they Goff's too consistent, all lines too good, Hutchison's back.
They feel like a twelve win team to me.
Speaker 4 (22:12):
Yeah, you know, not a dig but it felt like
the brains behind this team last year were Ben Jonson
and Aaron Glenn and they're both out the wall. I mean, listen,
Dan Campbell's a raw, raw guy. You've said that. I'm
not saying he's a bad coach. He's a raw, raw guy.
He's gonna ski. He's not gonna ski try scheme you
up to victories.
Speaker 6 (22:29):
So he's a CEO.
Speaker 4 (22:30):
Yeah, exactly. We'll see final story calls to the NBA.
The Spurs have the number two pick in the draft,
and there's a lot of anticipation.
Speaker 5 (22:37):
Now.
Speaker 4 (22:37):
I think one guy is saying ninety nine percent that
San Antonio is gonna draft Ron Harper's kick, Dylan Harper
out of Rutors with the number two pick. However, there
is a world where the San Antonio Spurs make a
play for Gianni's right and they whiff. There is a guy,
I'm just telling you right now, there's a guy out
there who they have pursued in the past. His name
(22:59):
is Lauri Market in the Utah Jazz. He's a very
good player, not one of these super max guys. He
would fit amazingly next to Webin Yama stretch for hits threes.
Speaker 6 (23:10):
Yeah, I mean, he.
Speaker 4 (23:10):
Hasn't been on a winning team in a while. I
would say keep an eye on Lowry Market and going
with the number two pick from the Utah to the
San Antonio spurg That's a name that hasn't really been
out there. But you know, I'm a Jim rat, I'm
a nerd who goes to the gym and there's I'll
just say, there's NBA players working out of my gym frequently.
Lorii Market is the name, but a lot of guys
(23:30):
respect and San Antonio has pursued him in the past.
Utah has him. Would love to move up to in
the draft from five, well, I would keep an eye.
Speaker 1 (23:39):
On Dylan Harper, great wingspan, can play multiple combo guards,
Soken Stefan Castle, Castle, Yeah, great wingspan, he's a one
or two. So those guys can play together, so can
d Aaron Fox. So they have three guards that I
think could play together. This kid's really talented. I mean,
Louri Marketing is twenty four points. It feels like anytime
(24:02):
he wants it, he's just a score. He scores the
ball really well. I do worry about if your best
players are Dylan Harper, Wemby and Castle, you are really young.
Speaker 4 (24:12):
Yeah, you're not going anytime.
Speaker 6 (24:14):
No no, I mean so if you have Wemby marketing, Wemby.
Speaker 4 (24:20):
Market in front line, that's a playoff team next year
in the West.
Speaker 6 (24:22):
Well it's Oncastle.
Speaker 1 (24:25):
Yeah, I mean, I just I think that Houston's a
great example, like Amen Thompson works, but a lot of
those Jabari Smith, Jalen Green.
Speaker 6 (24:32):
You can be too young. You think Okse's young, SGA's
not young. Sj's been around the league for a long time.
He's not young. So it is Caruso, you got to
have a mix. Like to me, Houston is too young.
Speaker 4 (24:46):
Well, you made a great point the Thunder we're super young.
So what they do. They brought in veterans Caruso Hartenstein.
Those guys are on the on the floor at the
end of the game against Joki and the Spurs don't
have that. They need to go get marketing, San Antonio,
make it happen.
Speaker 1 (25:03):
Jmckle the news, Well, that's the news, and thanks for
stopping by The Herd. Lie News, wemby Marketing. Stefan Castle
dearon Fox. That's pretty good. That's pretty good. Now Utah
would have to replace twenty five points.
Speaker 6 (25:20):
But I don't know.
Speaker 1 (25:22):
A lot of people don't want to take the call
when Danny Ainge, when the phone rings and you see
Salt Lake City area code, a lot of people are like,
I'm not answering.
Speaker 6 (25:29):
It's Danny Age.
Speaker 1 (25:29):
I don't want to get worked. I don't want to
I'm not answering. I'm out for lunch again. But it's
four in the afternoon, late lunch, late quid lunch.
Speaker 6 (25:36):
I'm out live in Chicago, It's the Herd.
Speaker 2 (25:40):
Be sure to catch live editions of The Herd weekdays
in Noone eastern nin am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio
FS one and the iHeartRadio app.
Speaker 8 (25:48):
Hey, Steve Covino and I'm Rich David, and together we're
Covino and Rich on Fox Sports Radio. You could catch
us weekdays from five to seven pm Eastern two to
four Pacific on Fox Sports Radio and of course the
Heart Radio app. Why should you listen to Covino and Rich.
We talk about everything life, sports, relationships, what's going on
in the world. We have a lot of fun talking
about the stories behind the stories in the world of
(26:10):
sports and pop culture, stories that well other shows don't
seem to have the time to discuss. And the fact
that we've been friends for the last twenty years and
still work together.
Speaker 2 (26:19):
I mean that says something, right.
Speaker 6 (26:20):
So check us out.
Speaker 8 (26:21):
We like to get you involved too, take your phone calls,
chop it up. As they say, I'd say the most
interactive show on Fox Sports Radio, maybe the most interactive
show on planetar. Be sure to check out Covino and
Rich live on Fox Sports Radio and the iHeartRadio app
from five to seven pm Eastern, two to four Pacific.
And if you miss any of the live show, just
search Covino and Rich wherever you get your podcasts, and
of course on social media that's Covino and Rich.
Speaker 6 (26:48):
So it is interesting if you look.
Speaker 1 (26:50):
We have a graphic here and I do apologize to
the radio audience a little bit here because it's it's
a lot of teams, but the most standalone games really interesting?
Speaker 6 (27:00):
Who gets standalone games?
Speaker 1 (27:01):
Like? I would put Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson in
standalone games like every week. I have no problem. Kansas City, Dallas,
and Washington have the most standalone games. I have no
problem with Kansas City and Washington. Dallas sorry, eight standalone games.
I think by like week six, they're going to be
two and four. But what's interesting, Also, Minnesota has seven
(27:24):
standalone games. I think they're going to finish fourth. How
did Miami get six stand alone games? I don't get that,
like it just I'm looking worse. Buffalo, Okay, Buffalo has
five standalone games. I think Sean Payton and Bonnicks are
interesting rams do Niners? Do Chicago charge Steelers five standalone games?
That's betting on Aaron Rodgers, But I mean it's amazing.
(27:48):
I guess it's market size. I love watching Baltimore play.
I love watching the Ravens play four standalone games. Vikings
have seven. That's crazy. That's probably market size. Who else
jumps tightened to the one of the few teams that
doesn't have a single standalone game. I think cam And
(28:11):
again I if Cam, I'm certainly gonna watch cam Ward
in September now if the team's awful. But I think
Tennessee's going to make the playoffs. It's Atlanta's got six
standalone games. Now that's some of that's Panics, and they
do have some nice skilled people, So Atlanta could be
a fun watch.
Speaker 6 (28:26):
But you know there's Dallas eight standalons, Colin.
Speaker 4 (28:29):
If you look closely, the NFC North is so highly
thought of. The Bears have five, the Packers have six,
and the Vikings and Lions have seven apiece. They're just
really good teams that put on a good product. And
oh by the way, Minnesota Vikings, just keep an eye
on them. If they're in the NFC Championship, it would
not shock me. That's how good this team is. The
(28:50):
roster and the coach. Hey, you got your boy, Caleb
Williams out here. I want to go play for. Kevin
O'Connell said that a year ago. It's in the book.
Like I'm just telling you, Vikings Vikings would be the A.
Speaker 1 (29:02):
Again, I don't have a problem with Philadelphia, Detroit, Washington,
Kansas City, Green Bay. Harbaugh's captivating. San Francisco is a
big brand. I think Chicago's going to be fun. I
don't have a problem with most, but boy, they're they're
putting some stock in it.
Speaker 6 (29:19):
Minnesota. Yeah, and then Miammy has six standalone games.
Speaker 4 (29:23):
Call it AFC South Jaguars, two Colts, two Titans zero.
I mean, these are teams that I hate to be mean,
but nobody cares about those teams. They're terrible, bad quarterbacks,
bad markets.
Speaker 1 (29:38):
Think about how lean you have to be, how little
the NFL regards you. When the Jets and the Giants
combined have fewer standalone games than Minnesota.
Speaker 6 (29:53):
I mean, think about that.
Speaker 1 (29:54):
That gives you an exac I mean, like the Jets
and the Giants, they would love to put those new
When Eli Manning was winning Super Bowl with the Giants,
I felt like they were on Sunday Night Football every
third week.
Speaker 6 (30:05):
And it's some of it's quarterback.
Speaker 1 (30:08):
To me, it's such a quarterback league, Like I will
watch Bo Nixon Sean Payton, Like that's interesting to me
because I love the coach and I really like the quarterback.
To me, Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams. I'm gonna watch that.
That's interesting to me. So it's like a combo deal.
Speaker 4 (30:22):
You could also tell the teams with eight, seven and six,
how many of those are west of the Mississippi Collin.
I'll wait for you to count them up. Not a lot, exactly.
Nobody cares West coast. You know, you cut off half
the audience, you know, the wacky start times. So it's
loaded up with teams in big markets, just the way.
Speaker 1 (30:41):
It's a huge bet on the NFC North Detroit, Minnesota,
and Green Bay and Chicago. Between those teams you're talking,
you know, twenty five standalone game. So the NFL made
a huge bet, and Fox is going to lean into
minutes Minesota, Chicago, Detroit, and green Bay. I don't have
(31:03):
a problem with three of those. I just Minnesota doesn't
work for me.
Speaker 4 (31:07):
McCarthy, That's what it is. I don't like McCarthy or Brockberty.
Speaker 1 (31:11):
There's there's there are some people in the league who
I am connected to.
Speaker 6 (31:19):
I am not the only one with JJ McCarthy doubts.
Speaker 1 (31:23):
Oh okay, I am not the I'll just say this,
I am not the only one, all.
Speaker 6 (31:29):
Right, well, you're the way on an island.
Speaker 1 (31:33):
The only outrageous thing is the layup Brock Purtty got
for seventeen weeks.
Speaker 6 (31:37):
Seriously, he may not even have to do game prep.
Speaker 1 (31:41):
Just show up on Sunday, park your car and walk
in and listen to Kyle Shannan's play calls.
Speaker 4 (31:45):
Do I need to look about Ben johnsonotts for.
Speaker 6 (31:48):
Ben Johnson was very good? JJ McCarthy.
Speaker 1 (31:50):
Here's an interesting stat since September of twenty twenty three.
Speaker 6 (31:54):
So what is it now? It's May.
Speaker 1 (31:56):
It's May of twenty twenty five, so September. Since September
of twenty twenty three, JJ McCarthy, JJ McCarthy, the Vikings
quarterback has thrown over thirty passes one time.
Speaker 4 (32:10):
He didn't play last season. Come on, that's it?
Speaker 1 (32:13):
Well, and in that in that division, these are that's
a track meet division. Those those offenses are fueled creative coaches,
You better get ready to throw thirty eight times forty
times a game. We are out of time thanks to
Ben Jonson, head coach the Bears.
Speaker 4 (32:32):
This here
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Colin Cowherd
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