August 25, 2025 • 31 mins
Fox Sports Analyst Geoff Schwartz joins the show to talk about Arch Manning, the Texas vs Ohio State matchup this weekend, Notre Dame vs Miami, and more. Plus, Browns reporter Mary Kay Cabot stops by The Herd to talk about Shedeur Sanders' horrible game over the weekend, the Browns QB situation, who will make the 53 man roster, and more.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Thanks for listening to The Herd Podcast. Be sure to
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for listening to The Herd podcast.
Speaker 2 (00:22):
Welcome back. All right, I've known.
Speaker 3 (00:24):
Jeff Schwartz for a minute, done a lot of stuff
on the gambling front with him here at Fox.
Speaker 2 (00:30):
Let's bring in Jeff.
Speaker 3 (00:31):
Schwartz, NFL veteran Fox Sports analysts.
Speaker 2 (00:35):
Can we call him a college football guru? Do you
like guru? I just like tossing that around. It sounds cool.
Speaker 4 (00:41):
I don't know if I'm with guru.
Speaker 5 (00:42):
I'm good at it's specifically wagering on like West Coast teams.
I'll get a couple of years now, so I don't
if that's a guru, but I do I'm good at
one specific thing where it comes to gambling, which is
wager on on Cal and Oregon State the games.
Speaker 4 (00:57):
No one's paying attention to.
Speaker 3 (00:58):
My buddy Fu graduated from Cal, so they're going to
be awful this year. I guess they lost everybody.
Speaker 5 (01:02):
Oh, I have their under I have their under buddy,
It's gonna be a rough year for the cal Bears.
Speaker 3 (01:06):
The cal Bears berserkly will not be berserk All right,
let's get started, obviously, Texas Ohio State, Jeff, it is
a big one. We're on opposite sides here. I think
there's a slam dunk winner, but the line's going in
the opposite direction. I got it at two and a half.
I'm seeing two one and a half in some spots
here on a Monday morning. Where are you and Buckeyes
(01:28):
versus Longhorns.
Speaker 5 (01:30):
So I think a couple of things that we don't
do very well when covering this sport is talk about
quarterbacks basically starting for the first time. And there are
a lot of quarterbacks making their first starts in week
one and week two and week three. Right as we
continue to go forth, and it has a new quarterback
Jason that that does matter a lot. Tackle onto that
new offensive coordinator, a new defensive coordinator, a new offensive
(01:53):
line coach, new running backs. They have one new wide
receiver right, new offensive lineman. So a lot of new
in week one, Jason, A lot of new look at
the defensive side of the ball, some new pass rushers,
some new linebackers. Now OHASA has the two best players
maybe an old sport in Jeremih Smith and came up down,
so like they have that going for them.
Speaker 4 (02:12):
But there's a lot of new there. There's a little
bit less new at Texas.
Speaker 5 (02:14):
I know arch Maney has not played a ton of football,
but he has played some football. Like he has played
in college football, he will not be intimidated by the
environment in Week one. Texas also has to replace some
players as well as every team, and some of those
are offensive linemen and wide receivers and still position guys
that are important goes on defense as well. I think
this is a very low scoring game. I think both
offenses are really going to struggle to move the ball
(02:36):
at times in this game. But I give a little
bit to Texas of having a quarterback that has played,
has experienced a coach obviously start that's won a lot,
so is Ryan Day. Of course, like there's no real
coaching mismatch here except the fact that Ohio State does
have new coordinators. That does matter in these games in
big game Week one, so I lean ever slightly to
(02:56):
text I missed.
Speaker 4 (02:57):
Obviously it's the best of the number now, like the
undermabe more than anything of this game.
Speaker 2 (03:01):
Interesting.
Speaker 3 (03:02):
So, speaking of new the Longhorns have four I believe
four new offensive linemen this year, which could be a
problem against Ohio State. That's a good point on the
newness for the Buckeyes. What about the home field advantage
do you think that plays a big factor? Obviously Fox
will be there, It's going to get a huge jumper.
It's going to be a scene there.
Speaker 4 (03:20):
What a weekend, by the way, what a great week
on a ball.
Speaker 5 (03:22):
I don't know if Ohio State has the home field
advantage that other places do. You know, it's very tough
to win there. I know people say, well they've lost
only x amount of games in a number of years. Well,
they're typically the better team as well. Very rarely do
teams come in there and are competitive with them because
they're just not good enough for the Oregon obviously won
a few years ago. Michigan's won there recently as well.
I mean, they don't have a lot of teams like
(03:43):
Texas that come in there. And Ohio State fans routinely
complain about these these early kickoffs and the environment for
early kickoffs firus obviously a later game when people might
have a couple more adult beverages and feel a little
bit more inclined to cheer. And I don't know if
if I don't know if the students are in quite
yet four game like this, so I don't know if
it's quite the same home field as other places. But
(04:04):
it's a road game. It's gonna be loud in the
Texas off to prepares. You mentioned new offensive lineman for
a hostile road environment.
Speaker 3 (04:10):
So this is a tough question. I'm gonna be blunt.
Do we know if arch Manning is good? We know
he has a five star last name, but is he
maybe a three star player?
Speaker 2 (04:22):
Let's be real if you remove the last.
Speaker 3 (04:24):
Name, have we seen anything from march Manning unable to
beat out a seventh round pick in quinn Ewers, Like
I mean.
Speaker 2 (04:31):
I'm Steve Spurrier said it.
Speaker 3 (04:33):
I'm not breaking new ground here, but yeah, do we
know if he's good?
Speaker 5 (04:37):
I don't think we know if he's good yet? And
that's okay. Soon one hundred passes of college football. There
are certainly people that evaluate quarterbacks. You Thinkey's very good,
and they are the traits there that he has shown
at certain times that are.
Speaker 4 (04:52):
High level traits.
Speaker 5 (04:53):
And of course trades have to be something that we
see happen often if you're showing that the plays now,
but he has made throws, he's made big runs. They
put him into games and situations where you think to yourself,
maybe I'm surprised he's in this, you know, in that spot, he's.
Speaker 4 (05:07):
Shown those abilities now.
Speaker 5 (05:08):
Of course, it's different when teams have watched film on
you all year, when teams have seen you play four
or five six games, when you're on the road with
new offensive linemen, the potentials all there, I think earlier
to say yes or no. But look if he did,
if he does come out on this draft, people already
walking him to beat the top of the travel. It's
not the be all end all, but there's certainly a
(05:28):
lot of talent there he has to live up to.
And now when he gets to play on Saturday.
Speaker 3 (05:32):
All right, I'm not bashing, but I'm just pointing out
some facts. So those highlights largely were against Utsa Colorado
State ULM mostly in backup duty. Okay, for whatever reason,
he barely played against Georgia three of six for nineteen
yards in the regular season, did not play in the
(05:54):
SEC title game, did not play against Clemson, did not
play against Ohio State, and I mean sorry, did not
throw a pass. He was on the field, but he
didn't really play one carry. What is that about? If
he's so good, why didn't he play more?
Speaker 5 (06:08):
Look, I think there used to be the thought process
that you just wait on young guys to play. But
there's no rush for these guys to play. Texas had
a draftable quarterback right, a guy who was thought to
be obviously a little better than where he was drafted
ahead of him. And they're winning a lot of football games,
and so there's no need to rush arch Manning to
(06:31):
possibly lose quinn Ewers to the portal, I think, to
one more portal time. So I think, look, I'm fine
with quarterbacks waiting. I mean, there's a lot of places
around the country that had quarterbacks wait that might end
up being better than the players that they're replacing at
some point.
Speaker 4 (06:46):
This feels like natural.
Speaker 5 (06:47):
Look, Texas made a playoff two years in a row,
so like they're not doing it to spite basically winning
that they had a winning quarterback. Announced architern to wait
announce its term to play.
Speaker 3 (06:57):
All right, let's go to the Miami Notre Dame. I
also loaded up on the Irish in this one. Wow,
kind of risky, I know, I think I got two
and a half. I just I know there's some questions
about the quarterback play. But I'm a huge Marcus Freeman fan.
I think he's, you know, one of the sharper coaches
in college football.
Speaker 2 (07:15):
I liked them.
Speaker 3 (07:15):
I'm not a believer in Carson beck. I drank the
kool aid last year before the season and then he
kind of I know he's enjoying the NIO money and
all the trappings of fame and the ladies in Miami.
Speaker 2 (07:26):
But I mean, do you think Carson.
Speaker 3 (07:28):
Beck is Are you back on the hey man, he's
an NFL quarterback or I need to see more?
Speaker 5 (07:33):
Oh man, So this game is in Miami, right, I'm
right on that. I have that right sound neutral side game.
I am just allergic to taking like a quarterback making
his first start on the road in the top ten opponent.
I that is bold, buddy. I mean, Miami's pretty good
this season. The years of recruiting have finally come to fruition,
(07:54):
especially on the offensive defensive line for Mario. Obviously, what
Marcus Freeman did last year was fantastic. But I think
Miami at this stage right now, with their quarterback, with
their returning players and in this situation, is probably better
at the moment.
Speaker 4 (08:11):
I think that maybe week ten, once Cars played.
Speaker 5 (08:15):
A little bit more, we know a little bit more
about him and whether or not the offense functions quite
like it did last season. But that to me is
that's a bold that's a bold spot to be and
I'd rather have my money on Miami. I think the
under certainly played in this game as well, where it's
a physical game. It's a run the ball game. We
know with with love and Mark Chris Ball wants to
do in Miami that that's certainly a part of the game.
(08:35):
But I think I'm allergic to taking new quarterbacks on
the road against top ten teams a week one.
Speaker 3 (08:42):
Yeah, the game is in Miami, you are correct, it
should be a good one. And then you know, one
of the other bets I made this was Clemson to
go undefeated in the regular season.
Speaker 2 (08:51):
I have been bashing Dabo here.
Speaker 3 (08:53):
Dabbo whatever you however you want to say it here
on the show for several months, maybe even a year
now because he's been allergic to the portal. He kind
of changed his tune a little bit. And Bruce Feldman
Fox get Fox's fine as has convinced me that they
have a lot of NFL talent on that defense. So
I went Clempson to go undefeated regular season. I don't
think they wolin the National Championship. Your thoughts on the Tigers, Well.
Speaker 5 (09:16):
My bear bets co host Chris Felika thinks we're crazy
for like. He comes in so much. Him and Bruce
would add it on the show. I love comes in
as well. Jason. I mean, look, if you check the
boxes for things that you want in teams, right, you
would say, veteran offense with a returning quarterback who has
high level NFL talent, check right, offensive line much improved
(09:37):
this year. Check they returning productions by the way number
one the country. And offense defensively right, a bunch of
defensive lineman go in the NFL. Check the box. Look, Dabbo,
we all have laughed at him over the years for
not adopting sooner to the landscape of college football. Well
he did, Jason, He finally did. Okay, he adapted and
the team is better for it.
Speaker 4 (09:55):
Now.
Speaker 5 (09:55):
Their schedule has set up very well. They have a
couple of tough games. I think Georgia check is a sneaky,
really good team in the a SEC. Their team have
over seven and a half wins. They played them ear
in the season. They obviously play LSU. I think they
beat LSU and cover in Week one, and their schedule
does it up pretty well for them. They have stumble
over the years though, They've been one of the teams
that you know can be upset, which does worry me
for a perfect season. But if they were twelve and
(10:18):
oh to end the season number one, the country would
not surprise me whatsoever.
Speaker 3 (10:21):
All right, let's do one NFL one or two NFL
real quick. I see the Giants helmet behind you.
Speaker 2 (10:26):
A lot of excitement for the Gman.
Speaker 3 (10:28):
I mean, listen, Jackson dart boy, what a dominant preseason.
I know Abdul Carter is wrecking everyone, which is understandable,
But are you buying this hype about the Giants?
Speaker 2 (10:38):
Are they going to be? You know, a five and
a half win team that Vegas says they are.
Speaker 5 (10:41):
Well, the numbers come down for Week one. I see
it's experienced by six now it was I think it
was seven or even seven and a half.
Speaker 4 (10:47):
Yeah, one point.
Speaker 5 (10:49):
No, I'm not I'm not a buyer in this. We
have to treat the preseason like it is. It's the preseason.
There are things to take away from the preseason, and
there's certainly things I've taken me from the preseason. But
to change your mind on all win total over to
me is kind of ludicrous. Under sure, like people go
to some quarterback rooms right now, and I'm like, I'm
out in those quarterback rooms. Dart's not gonna play for
(11:10):
at least the first month, I would imagine. So everything
that you saw about him being good is great, great start,
don't get me wrong, great start. He's not gonna play.
So if you're basing your idea on their success based
off Jackson Dart, he's not going to see the field
for probably a month or longer. Their schedule, Jason is
so difficult. It's Commanders, I believe it's Cowboys, then Chargers,
Chief Saints, and then a combination of like Eagles, Broncos, Bears.
(11:33):
It's hallacious schedule. And so they might be better as
a team, and I really think they are better, Their
defense is going to be good, their offense line is healthier.
Lake Davers hopefully is healthy. That's a big loss if
he can't be head of this season. Quarterbacks certainly better
than the last season, but the schedule is so difficult
it might not matter how better they are this season.
So I'm not buying the hype. I have them under
(11:55):
five and a half wins. I would not be surprised
if things went sideways early one. They went to dart
and just sort of worked their way through a rookie
playing this season.
Speaker 3 (12:03):
All right, Final question, I see the Kansas City Chiefs
helmet behind you. I am public enemy number one in
in and around the franchise. I'm curious do you believe
that they can they still have a runway to win
more Super Bowls year this year or get back to
a Super Bowl.
Speaker 5 (12:18):
Okay, so I told you taking away from the preseason,
you know, be careful doing it.
Speaker 2 (12:22):
Oh yeah, Open three for the Chiefs. In the preseason,
the notes say.
Speaker 5 (12:25):
There nineteen points in the fourth quarter last game. All
of you saw the first half. But if the Chiefs
are going to run that style of offense, the style,
not the results of matter, but the style of offense
where they take chances down the field. They were running
plays they have not run in four or five years
in that game. If they get back to doing that,
which I think they feel comfortable with their offensive line
(12:47):
and the skill guys be healthier this year, they'll lose
rights obviously for some point this year that if that
is what the offense is, watch out, like, just watch out,
because the defense don't have to be great, just have
to be good. Go lose them the game.
Speaker 4 (13:00):
Right.
Speaker 5 (13:01):
If they return to this offense, which is taking shots
down the field using the running back out of the backfiel,
which they did a lot with Smith in this game,
they're there, their rookie, They're going to be really good again,
and that windows is not going to close this year.
Speaker 4 (13:13):
I think.
Speaker 5 (13:13):
Look, I think when Kelsey leaves eventually, Jason is what
all pull back a little bit. I think the offense
is so reliant on what he does so well that
if he doesn't play, that changes what the Chiefs are.
But with Kelsey still there for one more season, I
think so super Bowl bus for Kansas.
Speaker 2 (13:27):
City, all right, super Bowl or bus?
Speaker 3 (13:29):
Jeff Schwartz, Yeah, good stuff as always, Buddy, Fox Sports
NFL analyst, gambling guru.
Speaker 2 (13:36):
We'll we'll just do it out there. We'll take you
good luck to your ducks this season.
Speaker 4 (13:39):
Jeff, Thank you, buddy. Take care.
Speaker 6 (13:41):
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Speaker 7 (13:50):
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Speaker 8 (13:55):
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Speaker 2 (14:47):
All right, good stuff from Jeff Schwartz. Let's go to
Rachel Nichols with the news.
Speaker 4 (14:51):
No, no tarn on the news.
Speaker 6 (14:53):
This is the herd Line news.
Speaker 9 (14:57):
Well, Jason.
Speaker 10 (14:57):
Last week the Ravens had a major injury scale at
practice Lamar Jackson. Someone inadvertently stepped on his foot. Lamar
then missed the remaining week of practice. There were reports
over the weekend the injury could be worse than the
team was letting on First, Lamar chime did on social
media with a little laughing crying emoji to that one.
But you know the real response from Lamar Jackson is
(15:21):
that Jason, he is on the field and practicing as
we speak.
Speaker 9 (15:25):
With the Ravens. Do you worry about this injury? Is
it something to watch or are we done.
Speaker 10 (15:29):
With this now? No?
Speaker 3 (15:30):
I think we're probably done with it, but I do
want to go back to their loss to the Bills.
So Mark Andrews obviously had a rough game. Are we
a little more high on the Bills than the Ravens
simply because Mark Andrews dropped a couple passes than I
think Lamar fumbled in the first half?
Speaker 10 (15:46):
Well, look, I mean, Lamar Jackson's a two time MVP,
but you've got to look at Josh Allen, who is
the most recent MVP.
Speaker 9 (15:52):
And we always have.
Speaker 10 (15:53):
A recency bias, right, I mean, look, we'll never know
what would have happened that, you know, dropping that pass
would have tied the game.
Speaker 9 (16:00):
It wouldn't have won them the game. We would have
tied the game and we would have to see where
they went from there.
Speaker 2 (16:04):
Ravens had a.
Speaker 9 (16:04):
Bunch of turnovers in that game, remember.
Speaker 10 (16:06):
So I just think that the there's an accurate idea
of how we're coming into this season. I don't think
it's crazy biased on that one game. I think both
of those teams, the Bills and the Ravens, need to
prove they can get to the super Bowl. And you've
talked about the Chiefs not being as much of an
obstacles in the past.
Speaker 9 (16:26):
We just heard you double down on them not making.
Speaker 10 (16:28):
The playoffs, which is you know, ludicrous and saying over
on this side of the desk, but whatever, But it
really does feel like it's between one of those two
teams for that Super Bowl.
Speaker 3 (16:39):
So do you have it Ravens, Bills, Chiefs and or
the Bengals in the mix?
Speaker 2 (16:43):
Broncos?
Speaker 4 (16:44):
What do we got?
Speaker 10 (16:45):
I'm not putting the Bengals of Broncos is graduating into
making the Super Bowl this year. But you know you
go with that. No, no, no, certainly, No, you're not
there yet. No, all right, let's talk about the Patriots.
They are under going a big regime change after hiring
Mike Rabel this offseason.
Speaker 9 (17:03):
Brabel has left his mark on the team. Do you see, Jason.
Speaker 10 (17:05):
He's getting into the middle of practice fights.
Speaker 9 (17:07):
He's been taking part in reshaping.
Speaker 10 (17:09):
The froster and notably, last week, a report emerged indicating
that receiver Jalen Polk would be out for the seat
for the year the entire season due to a shoulder injury.
Speaker 9 (17:19):
Here is Mike Rabel's response, This is amazing, Like.
Speaker 8 (17:22):
There was a report today that Jalen Pope will have
have to have seasons shoulder surgery.
Speaker 11 (17:26):
Can you add anything to that, No other than I'd
like to find out where some of these come from.
You know, somebody's rats around here, so we'll figure that out.
Speaker 9 (17:39):
Wow, that's after.
Speaker 10 (17:41):
By the way, when the initial report came out, Rabel
posted a meme on social media that was just Jack
Nicholson from The Departed. So he has made his feelings
on this. You know, snitches get stitches sort of thing.
So it will deal with Polk is he We don't
know yet. I mean, it could be the report was accurate.
We're still waiting to hear. But what's interesting is that
(18:03):
he is out for the season. Then Drake May would
be the only player from last year's draft.
Speaker 9 (18:10):
Left on the roster twenty twenty four draft.
Speaker 3 (18:12):
Now now Listen Cowherd for years bagged on Belichick watching drafts.
Speaker 6 (18:16):
Yep.
Speaker 2 (18:16):
Who was running the draft was not mill but somebody
messed up that no uther. So the only guy Drake
May who was like, well where did he go? Like
top twelve? Maybe I'm right there. That's not good. That's
not good. I mean a year later and almost all
of them are not coming back.
Speaker 9 (18:34):
Yeah, that's not what you want.
Speaker 2 (18:36):
You gotta gut the scouting department. Holy maybe that's why
he was posting the Maybe.
Speaker 10 (18:41):
That was maybe he needs to worry less about the
leaks and more about scouting.
Speaker 2 (18:46):
We'll say that's a great movie by They Departed.
Speaker 3 (18:49):
If it's ever on cable, even the sanitized version, it's watching.
Speaker 9 (18:52):
It's fantastic.
Speaker 10 (18:54):
We got to go through a list of some time
of your If it's on cable, I'll watch it.
Speaker 9 (18:57):
Yeah, that's for later.
Speaker 2 (18:58):
Enough for that body, kid, It's all that all right.
Speaker 10 (19:01):
The Vikings are going to hand the ball to JJ
McCarthy this season. They made a move at the quarterback
position those signing Carson Wentz and trading Sam Howell to
the Eagles over the weekend. With the Wentz edition, he
now joins his sixth team in his many seasons and
will hope to help JJ in his first season of action.
So does this tell you the Vikings have more confidence
(19:21):
than McCarthy? Less confidence? And McCarthy, where are you on this?
Speaker 2 (19:24):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (19:24):
I was trying to figure this out why this move happened.
Speaker 2 (19:30):
Maybe they like Sam Howell. He was in the.
Speaker 3 (19:32):
Division, right, I think he was playing for Washington. Maybe
he had a good showing, but this is like his
third team in three years.
Speaker 2 (19:40):
Carson Wentz was on his sixth team in six years.
Remember when he was a thing.
Speaker 3 (19:43):
Yeah, I was at the game Eagles rams of the
Coliseum before so far was built for he was like
an MVP candidate and then he like limps off the
field and they were like, oh, he's got its ACL injury.
Speaker 9 (19:55):
Right.
Speaker 2 (19:56):
He's never been the same guy since then.
Speaker 3 (20:00):
For Carson Wentz, because he was it felt like he
was close to breaking through, right Yeah.
Speaker 10 (20:04):
And look, he's reliable, He's not going to mess up
a game for you. And I think that's why the
Vikings wanted him there. They are all in on JJ
McCarthy and I don't think you know, people are like, oh,
what does this mean about JJ? Or do they want
Carson to compete? No, they want JJ to be their quarterback.
But let me give you a pretty interesting stat. Over
the last ten years. How many teams, just percentage wise,
(20:25):
do you think have kept their starting quarterback for the
entire regular season every game in the regular.
Speaker 2 (20:30):
Season in the last how many year? Ten names, ten years?
All about ten percent. Yeah, it's oh wow, but that
just but.
Speaker 10 (20:40):
That means sixty percent of the teams are going to
have to for at least a game or two, go
to a back, go to their backup, and Carson Wentz
is a reliable backup for the Vikings.
Speaker 9 (20:49):
That's what they're seeing. And obviously he's also an experienced
guy who can sort of talk to JJ off the field.
Speaker 3 (20:54):
So if you need him for a game or two,
a spot start, you can trust him.
Speaker 2 (20:57):
He's a veteran, he's been in the league for years ago.
I don't hate it. Yeah, you like the Vikings is
here or No.
Speaker 10 (21:06):
I think they're going to be a fun team. I
like The Quarterback Switch. I thought that was a good movie.
Speaker 9 (21:10):
Yeah, and we'll see. I mean, I don't think they're
winning Super Bowl.
Speaker 2 (21:13):
But I got to make that leap to the super Bowl. Yes, correct.
Speaker 3 (21:17):
I was on them in the off season and then
I went on this rant about how good they're going
to be, and I heard from some people.
Speaker 2 (21:22):
And they were like, be careful, n Dave, all right,
out let me downshift on that. Anyways, all right, Rachel
with the news. Well that's the news, and thanks for
stopping by.
Speaker 6 (21:31):
The herd Line News.
Speaker 3 (21:33):
Coming up next, a reporter who covers the Browns asking
all the tough questions is Shadure on thin ice as
the team gets ready to make their cuts by four
pm tomorrow.
Speaker 2 (21:43):
That's next.
Speaker 6 (21:45):
Be sure to catch live editions of The Herd weekdays
and noone Easter. There not a Empacific.
Speaker 2 (21:52):
Welcome back to the Herd.
Speaker 3 (21:53):
Let's bust right into our next guest, Mary K. Cabot,
who's been covering.
Speaker 2 (21:58):
The Cleveland Browns or years. Unbelievable. She is one of
the best in the business.
Speaker 3 (22:04):
Mary Kay asking the tough questions Cleveland dot Com and
the plane Dealer. Mary Kay, We're so happy to have
you on. Let's start with Saturday. How was that for you?
Speaker 2 (22:13):
Was that fun?
Speaker 4 (22:15):
Well?
Speaker 12 (22:16):
It was?
Speaker 13 (22:16):
It was really something because I did not expect Shador
to even play in that game. He had a strained
oblique muscle, and he practiced for a couple of days,
and leading up to him rejoining practice, I really thought
that he might sit out that game. So I was
expecting it to be more of a Joe Flacco gets
out there, gets a little work with the first team offense,
(22:37):
everybody goes home and we get ready for the opener.
But it turned into the Shador Sanders Night in so
many ways. And now here we are with all kinds
of things to write about talk about in regards to Shador.
Speaker 3 (22:50):
Yeah, that's interesting you say that, So, I mean, now
that I think about it, Shador didn't look like he
was ready to play in that one. Took five sacks,
kept running backwards and I know, no pro football focus,
and everybody breaks down the time to throw, and he
had five seconds to throw and Dylan Gabriel had two
and Dylan Gabriel was great. I'm wondering, why do you
think Stefanski even played Shador if most people didn't expect
(23:14):
him to show up in that given the oblique.
Speaker 13 (23:16):
Well, he passed the medical tests that he needed to
and Shador really really wanted to play. He's a very,
very tough young man. Remember he was sacked an FBS
high ninety four times in his last two years of Colorado,
and he just kept popping right up and playing again.
So he's physically very very tough, and I think he's
mentally tough too. Kevin Stefanski even noted that about him,
(23:39):
that he wanted to get out there and show what
he could do. Certainly, he wanted to build on his
excellent start against the Carolina Panthers. Unfortunately for everybody involved,
he wasn't able to do that. But I don't think
too too much should be read into this. Of course,
he was playing with the backup, backup, backup skis that
are not going to be on this football team, and
he's just going to go out there and continue to dive.
Speaker 2 (24:01):
All right, let me ask.
Speaker 3 (24:02):
I floated the idea, Hey, the Raiders lost their backup quarterback,
why wouldn't they trade for Shador? He did meet with
them at the combine. Some people seem to think that
maybe Shador gets cut. I can't see that. The GM's
talking about keeping four quarterbacks. Your thoughts on Shador making
the roster, getting traded, all that fun stuff.
Speaker 13 (24:21):
Well, I have no doubt in my mind whatsoever that
Shador Sanders is going to make the Cleveland Browns roster. Yes,
they are keeping four quarterbacks. I've been writing that for
months actually, since this four way competition began. And basically
what's happening here is they have two really good young
quarterbacks that they're excited about and that they want to develop.
(24:42):
As they look into next year's draft, they have two
first round picks and they have to find out do
they have a potential franchise quarterback on their roster as
they head into that twenty six draft.
Speaker 12 (24:53):
So they want to develop these guys. They want to
see what they have.
Speaker 13 (24:57):
And who knows, they could end up with Dylan Gabriel,
Shador Sanders, and then another rookie next year. So they
like what they see in Shador, they like what they
see in Dylan Gabriel, and they want to move forward
with both of these guys.
Speaker 3 (25:09):
So you covered the franchise for thirty years, so you
were through the Belichick era, the Baker Mayfield era, the
what's Jesshaun want?
Speaker 2 (25:22):
I mean, you've seen them all. I'm just curious Stefanski.
Is he on thin ice here?
Speaker 3 (25:27):
Given hey Man a lot of negative stories three and
fourteen when they were projected to win nine games by
Vegas last year? Is Stefanski in trouble if they don't
get five or six or seven wins here?
Speaker 12 (25:40):
No, he's not on thin ice. And here's why.
Speaker 13 (25:42):
Because they know right now that they are in quarterback
finding mode. They're looking and searching for their franchise quarterback.
The owner knows that they are trying to figure out
who that guy is. That's why you probably will see
Dylan Gabriel and Shador Sanders played down the stretch this season,
and once again they know they might not have their
(26:03):
quarterback of the future until next year. There's talk that
maybe they'll go after Arch Manning. Who knows if they'll
even come out. I'm sure the Browns will have a
nice large contingent at that Texas Ohio State game coming
up here on August thirtieth. So there is a lot
to happen here in the quarterback space. And I just
don't think that Kevin Stefanski is on. Then I said, all, well.
Speaker 2 (26:26):
That's good to hear. What about Barry the GM.
Speaker 3 (26:29):
I know that you know, he hasn't been as acclaimed
as Stefanski has, But do you think Barry's job is safe?
Speaker 2 (26:36):
Yeah?
Speaker 12 (26:37):
I think so.
Speaker 13 (26:38):
Once again, I think that these guys are trying to
assemble a roster that can win as soon as possible
while also having an eye towards the future, and that
future will include a franchise quarterback of some sort.
Speaker 12 (26:50):
Is he on the roster right now? They don't know.
Speaker 13 (26:53):
Maybe they have something in Dylan Gabriel, maybe they have
something in Schado, or maybe they even have something in
Kenny Pickett, who they really like a lot. But now
of course, as we know, they have the two first
round picks next year. It's a rich quarterback class, and
if they don't find what they like out of this
year's class, then they will go into next year hoping
to find their guys. So I think these guys are
(27:15):
very solid. I know the ownership really loves the alignment
in the organization, and I think that it's not that
they have a haul pass this year, but they do
have a little bit of time to get the quarterback
thing together.
Speaker 2 (27:26):
Nice usage of hall pass.
Speaker 3 (27:28):
I do have to ask, though, you sound really positive
and optimistic about the Browns. Yet the narrative if you
go online or listen to a podcast or radio or whatever,
is the sky is falling. They remain an embarrassment dumpster
fire because they don't have a quarterback, you know. And
I just wonder it seems like there's a disconnect. You
(27:49):
seem positive, guys are not in trouble, but the narrative
is very negative.
Speaker 2 (27:55):
What do you think that's about.
Speaker 13 (27:56):
Well, first of all, when I say they're not in trouble,
it doesn't mean that I think that that they are
going to go out and contend.
Speaker 12 (28:02):
For the Super Bowl this season.
Speaker 13 (28:03):
I think it means that they have a little bit
of time to figure out what they're doing here in
terms of their quarterback in the future. So I don't
know if they're going to even necessarily contend for the
playoffs this season. I think it will all come down
to if they get good quarterback play, and.
Speaker 12 (28:20):
That is the whole key.
Speaker 13 (28:21):
Joe Flacco is going to start the season, and what
he has to do is hit those explosives plays, but
stay away from the interceptions.
Speaker 12 (28:29):
Can he Pickett? He's coming back from a hamstring injury.
Speaker 13 (28:32):
They really liked him a lot, and if he's ready
to go sooner than later, then he will be back
in the conversation to be starting for this football team.
Speaker 12 (28:40):
If Joe isn't getting the.
Speaker 13 (28:42):
Job done and in the event that they need to
turn to someone else, I think they feel pretty good
about Dylan Gabriel being able to go out there and function,
But it comes down to quarterback play.
Speaker 12 (28:53):
Can he manage the game?
Speaker 13 (28:55):
Can he find the open man, score some touchdowns, stay
away from interceptions, not getting the turnover game like they
did last year. If they can do that, I think
they have enough pieces around the quarterback and on defense
where they can stay relevant for at least, you know,
maybe into November.
Speaker 2 (29:12):
Interesting. All right, we got about ninety seconds left.
Speaker 3 (29:14):
I'm curious, who do you think they could flip for
a higher draft pick?
Speaker 2 (29:18):
Can he pick it? Or Joe Flacco?
Speaker 3 (29:20):
Because it seems like, hey, if we could showcase one
of these somebody needs a quarterback, we could flip one
for all fourth. I don't know, but do you think
one has more value than the other?
Speaker 4 (29:31):
Well?
Speaker 13 (29:31):
I would think at this point that a team might
be more interested in a Joe Flacco because he has
more experience and he's done it. But right now, I
just don't really think they're thinking along those lines. They're
not looking to trade one of these guys. And it
almost seems like no matter what I say, or what
I write, or what some other people say, or what
even Andrew Barry says about keeping for nobody really wants
(29:52):
to believe that they're going to keep four quarterbacks. But
that is the plan. The only way that doesn't happen
is if someone makes them an offer they absolutely can't refuse,
and that wouldn't happen unless a starter goes down.
Speaker 2 (30:03):
Got it, all right?
Speaker 3 (30:04):
Mary Kaycabot, Cleveland, Plaindealer, Cleveland, dot Com always asking the
tough questions.
Speaker 2 (30:10):
Thanks a lot, Mary Kay, and good luck this season.
Speaker 12 (30:13):
Thanks a lot, thanks for having me all.
Speaker 2 (30:15):
Right, good stuff from Mary Kay, Cabot Rachel. I like
her optimism.
Speaker 3 (30:20):
I mean it's totally she seems positive about everything with
the Browns. And I'm not saying, you know, she's faking
the funk or putting it on for TV, but like that,
it doesn't The narrative that she's putting out from the
Browns is totally different than the vibe of fans and pundits.
Speaker 4 (30:34):
Right.
Speaker 10 (30:35):
First of all, Mary Kay is a legend, so I
trust for judgment on this. She's seen so many Browns
teams come and go. But I do think she's talking
about specific areas of the team being more positive. She's
not talking about the overall outlook for the team being
more positive.
Speaker 9 (30:49):
She hit it right on the head.
Speaker 10 (30:51):
They're building, right, They're trying to build and rebuild this team,
and there are positive spots within that rebuild.
Speaker 9 (30:58):
Quarterback maybe one of maybe not. This team has gone.
Speaker 10 (31:01):
Through more starting quarterbacks than any other team in the
league since they came back into the league in nineteen
ninety nine.
Speaker 3 (31:07):
That's pathetic and I'm a Jets fan, all right. Before
we go, two quick notes. So Matt Stafford full practice
participant today. Rachel and I were right, He's fine and
then not good. No sign of Micah Parsons during the
open portion of practice to the media. That's from Todd Archie,
who covers the Cowboys. So the Micah drama continues. Rachel
(31:27):
and I were praying that this would get done tomorrow
so we can move on to other.
Speaker 2 (31:31):
Topics, but the Cowboys mess continues.
Speaker 9 (31:34):
We'll never move on never, it's never happening.
Speaker 2 (31:37):
All right, we'll see tomorrow
Thanks for listening to The Herd Podcast. Be sure to
catch us live every weekday on Fox Sports Radio on
noon to three Eastern nine am to noone Pacific. Find
your local station for The Herd at Fox Sports Radio
dot com, or stream us live every day on the
iHeartRadio app by searching Fox Sports Radio or FSR. Thanks
for listening to The Herd podcast.
Speaker 2 (00:22):
Welcome back. All right, I've known.
Speaker 3 (00:24):
Jeff Schwartz for a minute, done a lot of stuff
on the gambling front with him here at Fox.
Speaker 2 (00:30):
Let's bring in Jeff.
Speaker 3 (00:31):
Schwartz, NFL veteran Fox Sports analysts.
Speaker 2 (00:35):
Can we call him a college football guru? Do you
like guru? I just like tossing that around. It sounds cool.
Speaker 4 (00:41):
I don't know if I'm with guru.
Speaker 5 (00:42):
I'm good at it's specifically wagering on like West Coast teams.
I'll get a couple of years now, so I don't
if that's a guru, but I do I'm good at
one specific thing where it comes to gambling, which is
wager on on Cal and Oregon State the games.
Speaker 4 (00:57):
No one's paying attention to.
Speaker 3 (00:58):
My buddy Fu graduated from Cal, so they're going to
be awful this year. I guess they lost everybody.
Speaker 5 (01:02):
Oh, I have their under I have their under buddy,
It's gonna be a rough year for the cal Bears.
Speaker 3 (01:06):
The cal Bears berserkly will not be berserk All right,
let's get started, obviously, Texas Ohio State, Jeff, it is
a big one. We're on opposite sides here. I think
there's a slam dunk winner, but the line's going in
the opposite direction. I got it at two and a half.
I'm seeing two one and a half in some spots
here on a Monday morning. Where are you and Buckeyes
(01:28):
versus Longhorns.
Speaker 5 (01:30):
So I think a couple of things that we don't
do very well when covering this sport is talk about
quarterbacks basically starting for the first time. And there are
a lot of quarterbacks making their first starts in week
one and week two and week three. Right as we
continue to go forth, and it has a new quarterback
Jason that that does matter a lot. Tackle onto that
new offensive coordinator, a new defensive coordinator, a new offensive
(01:53):
line coach, new running backs. They have one new wide
receiver right, new offensive lineman. So a lot of new
in week one, Jason, A lot of new look at
the defensive side of the ball, some new pass rushers,
some new linebackers. Now OHASA has the two best players
maybe an old sport in Jeremih Smith and came up down,
so like they have that going for them.
Speaker 4 (02:12):
But there's a lot of new there. There's a little
bit less new at Texas.
Speaker 5 (02:14):
I know arch Maney has not played a ton of football,
but he has played some football. Like he has played
in college football, he will not be intimidated by the
environment in Week one. Texas also has to replace some
players as well as every team, and some of those
are offensive linemen and wide receivers and still position guys
that are important goes on defense as well. I think
this is a very low scoring game. I think both
offenses are really going to struggle to move the ball
(02:36):
at times in this game. But I give a little
bit to Texas of having a quarterback that has played,
has experienced a coach obviously start that's won a lot,
so is Ryan Day. Of course, like there's no real
coaching mismatch here except the fact that Ohio State does
have new coordinators. That does matter in these games in
big game Week one, so I lean ever slightly to
(02:56):
text I missed.
Speaker 4 (02:57):
Obviously it's the best of the number now, like the
undermabe more than anything of this game.
Speaker 2 (03:01):
Interesting.
Speaker 3 (03:02):
So, speaking of new the Longhorns have four I believe
four new offensive linemen this year, which could be a
problem against Ohio State. That's a good point on the
newness for the Buckeyes. What about the home field advantage
do you think that plays a big factor? Obviously Fox
will be there, It's going to get a huge jumper.
It's going to be a scene there.
Speaker 4 (03:20):
What a weekend, by the way, what a great week
on a ball.
Speaker 5 (03:22):
I don't know if Ohio State has the home field
advantage that other places do. You know, it's very tough
to win there. I know people say, well they've lost
only x amount of games in a number of years. Well,
they're typically the better team as well. Very rarely do
teams come in there and are competitive with them because
they're just not good enough for the Oregon obviously won
a few years ago. Michigan's won there recently as well.
I mean, they don't have a lot of teams like
(03:43):
Texas that come in there. And Ohio State fans routinely
complain about these these early kickoffs and the environment for
early kickoffs firus obviously a later game when people might
have a couple more adult beverages and feel a little
bit more inclined to cheer. And I don't know if
if I don't know if the students are in quite
yet four game like this, so I don't know if
it's quite the same home field as other places. But
(04:04):
it's a road game. It's gonna be loud in the
Texas off to prepares. You mentioned new offensive lineman for
a hostile road environment.
Speaker 3 (04:10):
So this is a tough question. I'm gonna be blunt.
Do we know if arch Manning is good? We know
he has a five star last name, but is he
maybe a three star player?
Speaker 2 (04:22):
Let's be real if you remove the last.
Speaker 3 (04:24):
Name, have we seen anything from march Manning unable to
beat out a seventh round pick in quinn Ewers, Like
I mean.
Speaker 2 (04:31):
I'm Steve Spurrier said it.
Speaker 3 (04:33):
I'm not breaking new ground here, but yeah, do we
know if he's good?
Speaker 5 (04:37):
I don't think we know if he's good yet? And
that's okay. Soon one hundred passes of college football. There
are certainly people that evaluate quarterbacks. You Thinkey's very good,
and they are the traits there that he has shown
at certain times that are.
Speaker 4 (04:52):
High level traits.
Speaker 5 (04:53):
And of course trades have to be something that we
see happen often if you're showing that the plays now,
but he has made throws, he's made big runs. They
put him into games and situations where you think to yourself,
maybe I'm surprised he's in this, you know, in that spot, he's.
Speaker 4 (05:07):
Shown those abilities now.
Speaker 5 (05:08):
Of course, it's different when teams have watched film on
you all year, when teams have seen you play four
or five six games, when you're on the road with
new offensive linemen, the potentials all there, I think earlier
to say yes or no. But look if he did,
if he does come out on this draft, people already
walking him to beat the top of the travel. It's
not the be all end all, but there's certainly a
(05:28):
lot of talent there he has to live up to.
And now when he gets to play on Saturday.
Speaker 3 (05:32):
All right, I'm not bashing, but I'm just pointing out
some facts. So those highlights largely were against Utsa Colorado
State ULM mostly in backup duty. Okay, for whatever reason,
he barely played against Georgia three of six for nineteen
yards in the regular season, did not play in the
(05:54):
SEC title game, did not play against Clemson, did not
play against Ohio State, and I mean sorry, did not
throw a pass. He was on the field, but he
didn't really play one carry. What is that about? If
he's so good, why didn't he play more?
Speaker 5 (06:08):
Look, I think there used to be the thought process
that you just wait on young guys to play. But
there's no rush for these guys to play. Texas had
a draftable quarterback right, a guy who was thought to
be obviously a little better than where he was drafted
ahead of him. And they're winning a lot of football games,
and so there's no need to rush arch Manning to
(06:31):
possibly lose quinn Ewers to the portal, I think, to
one more portal time. So I think, look, I'm fine
with quarterbacks waiting. I mean, there's a lot of places
around the country that had quarterbacks wait that might end
up being better than the players that they're replacing at
some point.
Speaker 4 (06:46):
This feels like natural.
Speaker 5 (06:47):
Look, Texas made a playoff two years in a row,
so like they're not doing it to spite basically winning
that they had a winning quarterback. Announced architern to wait
announce its term to play.
Speaker 3 (06:57):
All right, let's go to the Miami Notre Dame. I
also loaded up on the Irish in this one. Wow,
kind of risky, I know, I think I got two
and a half. I just I know there's some questions
about the quarterback play. But I'm a huge Marcus Freeman fan.
I think he's, you know, one of the sharper coaches
in college football.
Speaker 2 (07:15):
I liked them.
Speaker 3 (07:15):
I'm not a believer in Carson beck. I drank the
kool aid last year before the season and then he
kind of I know he's enjoying the NIO money and
all the trappings of fame and the ladies in Miami.
Speaker 2 (07:26):
But I mean, do you think Carson.
Speaker 3 (07:28):
Beck is Are you back on the hey man, he's
an NFL quarterback or I need to see more?
Speaker 5 (07:33):
Oh man, So this game is in Miami, right, I'm
right on that. I have that right sound neutral side game.
I am just allergic to taking like a quarterback making
his first start on the road in the top ten opponent.
I that is bold, buddy. I mean, Miami's pretty good
this season. The years of recruiting have finally come to fruition,
(07:54):
especially on the offensive defensive line for Mario. Obviously, what
Marcus Freeman did last year was fantastic. But I think
Miami at this stage right now, with their quarterback, with
their returning players and in this situation, is probably better
at the moment.
Speaker 4 (08:11):
I think that maybe week ten, once Cars played.
Speaker 5 (08:15):
A little bit more, we know a little bit more
about him and whether or not the offense functions quite
like it did last season. But that to me is
that's a bold that's a bold spot to be and
I'd rather have my money on Miami. I think the
under certainly played in this game as well, where it's
a physical game. It's a run the ball game. We
know with with love and Mark Chris Ball wants to
do in Miami that that's certainly a part of the game.
(08:35):
But I think I'm allergic to taking new quarterbacks on
the road against top ten teams a week one.
Speaker 3 (08:42):
Yeah, the game is in Miami, you are correct, it
should be a good one. And then you know, one
of the other bets I made this was Clemson to
go undefeated in the regular season.
Speaker 2 (08:51):
I have been bashing Dabo here.
Speaker 3 (08:53):
Dabbo whatever you however you want to say it here
on the show for several months, maybe even a year
now because he's been allergic to the portal. He kind
of changed his tune a little bit. And Bruce Feldman
Fox get Fox's fine as has convinced me that they
have a lot of NFL talent on that defense. So
I went Clempson to go undefeated regular season. I don't
think they wolin the National Championship. Your thoughts on the Tigers, Well.
Speaker 5 (09:16):
My bear bets co host Chris Felika thinks we're crazy
for like. He comes in so much. Him and Bruce
would add it on the show. I love comes in
as well. Jason. I mean, look, if you check the
boxes for things that you want in teams, right, you
would say, veteran offense with a returning quarterback who has
high level NFL talent, check right, offensive line much improved
(09:37):
this year. Check they returning productions by the way number
one the country. And offense defensively right, a bunch of
defensive lineman go in the NFL. Check the box. Look, Dabbo,
we all have laughed at him over the years for
not adopting sooner to the landscape of college football. Well
he did, Jason, He finally did. Okay, he adapted and
the team is better for it.
Speaker 4 (09:55):
Now.
Speaker 5 (09:55):
Their schedule has set up very well. They have a
couple of tough games. I think Georgia check is a sneaky,
really good team in the a SEC. Their team have
over seven and a half wins. They played them ear
in the season. They obviously play LSU. I think they
beat LSU and cover in Week one, and their schedule
does it up pretty well for them. They have stumble
over the years though, They've been one of the teams
that you know can be upset, which does worry me
for a perfect season. But if they were twelve and
(10:18):
oh to end the season number one, the country would
not surprise me whatsoever.
Speaker 3 (10:21):
All right, let's do one NFL one or two NFL
real quick. I see the Giants helmet behind you.
Speaker 2 (10:26):
A lot of excitement for the Gman.
Speaker 3 (10:28):
I mean, listen, Jackson dart boy, what a dominant preseason.
I know Abdul Carter is wrecking everyone, which is understandable,
But are you buying this hype about the Giants?
Speaker 2 (10:38):
Are they going to be? You know, a five and
a half win team that Vegas says they are.
Speaker 5 (10:41):
Well, the numbers come down for Week one. I see
it's experienced by six now it was I think it
was seven or even seven and a half.
Speaker 4 (10:47):
Yeah, one point.
Speaker 5 (10:49):
No, I'm not I'm not a buyer in this. We
have to treat the preseason like it is. It's the preseason.
There are things to take away from the preseason, and
there's certainly things I've taken me from the preseason. But
to change your mind on all win total over to
me is kind of ludicrous. Under sure, like people go
to some quarterback rooms right now, and I'm like, I'm
out in those quarterback rooms. Dart's not gonna play for
(11:10):
at least the first month, I would imagine. So everything
that you saw about him being good is great, great start,
don't get me wrong, great start. He's not gonna play.
So if you're basing your idea on their success based
off Jackson Dart, he's not going to see the field
for probably a month or longer. Their schedule, Jason is
so difficult. It's Commanders, I believe it's Cowboys, then Chargers,
Chief Saints, and then a combination of like Eagles, Broncos, Bears.
(11:33):
It's hallacious schedule. And so they might be better as
a team, and I really think they are better, Their
defense is going to be good, their offense line is healthier.
Lake Davers hopefully is healthy. That's a big loss if
he can't be head of this season. Quarterbacks certainly better
than the last season, but the schedule is so difficult
it might not matter how better they are this season.
So I'm not buying the hype. I have them under
(11:55):
five and a half wins. I would not be surprised
if things went sideways early one. They went to dart
and just sort of worked their way through a rookie
playing this season.
Speaker 3 (12:03):
All right, Final question, I see the Kansas City Chiefs
helmet behind you. I am public enemy number one in
in and around the franchise. I'm curious do you believe
that they can they still have a runway to win
more Super Bowls year this year or get back to
a Super Bowl.
Speaker 5 (12:18):
Okay, so I told you taking away from the preseason,
you know, be careful doing it.
Speaker 2 (12:22):
Oh yeah, Open three for the Chiefs. In the preseason,
the notes say.
Speaker 5 (12:25):
There nineteen points in the fourth quarter last game. All
of you saw the first half. But if the Chiefs
are going to run that style of offense, the style,
not the results of matter, but the style of offense
where they take chances down the field. They were running
plays they have not run in four or five years
in that game. If they get back to doing that,
which I think they feel comfortable with their offensive line
(12:47):
and the skill guys be healthier this year, they'll lose
rights obviously for some point this year that if that
is what the offense is, watch out, like, just watch out,
because the defense don't have to be great, just have
to be good. Go lose them the game.
Speaker 4 (13:00):
Right.
Speaker 5 (13:01):
If they return to this offense, which is taking shots
down the field using the running back out of the backfiel,
which they did a lot with Smith in this game,
they're there, their rookie, They're going to be really good again,
and that windows is not going to close this year.
Speaker 4 (13:13):
I think.
Speaker 5 (13:13):
Look, I think when Kelsey leaves eventually, Jason is what
all pull back a little bit. I think the offense
is so reliant on what he does so well that
if he doesn't play, that changes what the Chiefs are.
But with Kelsey still there for one more season, I
think so super Bowl bus for Kansas.
Speaker 2 (13:27):
City, all right, super Bowl or bus?
Speaker 3 (13:29):
Jeff Schwartz, Yeah, good stuff as always, Buddy, Fox Sports
NFL analyst, gambling guru.
Speaker 2 (13:36):
We'll we'll just do it out there. We'll take you
good luck to your ducks this season.
Speaker 4 (13:39):
Jeff, Thank you, buddy. Take care.
Speaker 6 (13:41):
Be sure to catch live editions of The Herd weekdays
in noon eastern non am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio
FS one and the iHeartRadio app.
Speaker 7 (13:50):
Hey, Steve Covino and I'm Rich David and together we're
Cavino and Rich on Fox Sports Radio.
Speaker 8 (13:55):
You could catch us weekdays from five to seven pm
Eastern two to four Pacific on five Sports Radio and
of course the iHeartRadio App.
Speaker 7 (14:02):
Why should you listen to Covino and Rich.
Speaker 8 (14:04):
We talk about everything life, sports, relationships, what's going on
in the world.
Speaker 7 (14:08):
We have a lot of fun talking about the stories
behind the stories in the world of sports and pop culture,
stories that well, other shows don't seem to have the
time to discuss.
Speaker 8 (14:17):
And the fact that we've been friends for the last
twenty years and still work together. I mean that says something, right.
Speaker 7 (14:21):
So check us out. We like to get you involved too.
Take your phone calls, chop it up, as they say.
Speaker 8 (14:27):
I'd say the most interactive show on Fox Sports Radio,
maybe the.
Speaker 2 (14:30):
Most interactive show on Planetar.
Speaker 7 (14:32):
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 2 (14:47):
All right, good stuff from Jeff Schwartz. Let's go to
Rachel Nichols with the news.
Speaker 4 (14:51):
No, no tarn on the news.
Speaker 6 (14:53):
This is the herd Line news.
Speaker 9 (14:57):
Well, Jason.
Speaker 10 (14:57):
Last week the Ravens had a major injury scale at
practice Lamar Jackson. Someone inadvertently stepped on his foot. Lamar
then missed the remaining week of practice. There were reports
over the weekend the injury could be worse than the
team was letting on First, Lamar chime did on social
media with a little laughing crying emoji to that one.
But you know the real response from Lamar Jackson is
(15:21):
that Jason, he is on the field and practicing as
we speak.
Speaker 9 (15:25):
With the Ravens. Do you worry about this injury? Is
it something to watch or are we done.
Speaker 10 (15:29):
With this now? No?
Speaker 3 (15:30):
I think we're probably done with it, but I do
want to go back to their loss to the Bills.
So Mark Andrews obviously had a rough game. Are we
a little more high on the Bills than the Ravens
simply because Mark Andrews dropped a couple passes than I
think Lamar fumbled in the first half?
Speaker 10 (15:46):
Well, look, I mean, Lamar Jackson's a two time MVP,
but you've got to look at Josh Allen, who is
the most recent MVP.
Speaker 9 (15:52):
And we always have.
Speaker 10 (15:53):
A recency bias, right, I mean, look, we'll never know
what would have happened that, you know, dropping that pass
would have tied the game.
Speaker 9 (16:00):
It wouldn't have won them the game. We would have
tied the game and we would have to see where
they went from there.
Speaker 2 (16:04):
Ravens had a.
Speaker 9 (16:04):
Bunch of turnovers in that game, remember.
Speaker 10 (16:06):
So I just think that the there's an accurate idea
of how we're coming into this season. I don't think
it's crazy biased on that one game. I think both
of those teams, the Bills and the Ravens, need to
prove they can get to the super Bowl. And you've
talked about the Chiefs not being as much of an
obstacles in the past.
Speaker 9 (16:26):
We just heard you double down on them not making.
Speaker 10 (16:28):
The playoffs, which is you know, ludicrous and saying over
on this side of the desk, but whatever, But it
really does feel like it's between one of those two
teams for that Super Bowl.
Speaker 3 (16:39):
So do you have it Ravens, Bills, Chiefs and or
the Bengals in the mix?
Speaker 2 (16:43):
Broncos?
Speaker 4 (16:44):
What do we got?
Speaker 10 (16:45):
I'm not putting the Bengals of Broncos is graduating into
making the Super Bowl this year. But you know you
go with that. No, no, no, certainly, No, you're not
there yet. No, all right, let's talk about the Patriots.
They are under going a big regime change after hiring
Mike Rabel this offseason.
Speaker 9 (17:03):
Brabel has left his mark on the team. Do you see, Jason.
Speaker 10 (17:05):
He's getting into the middle of practice fights.
Speaker 9 (17:07):
He's been taking part in reshaping.
Speaker 10 (17:09):
The froster and notably, last week, a report emerged indicating
that receiver Jalen Polk would be out for the seat
for the year the entire season due to a shoulder injury.
Speaker 9 (17:19):
Here is Mike Rabel's response, This is amazing, Like.
Speaker 8 (17:22):
There was a report today that Jalen Pope will have
have to have seasons shoulder surgery.
Speaker 11 (17:26):
Can you add anything to that, No other than I'd
like to find out where some of these come from.
You know, somebody's rats around here, so we'll figure that out.
Speaker 9 (17:39):
Wow, that's after.
Speaker 10 (17:41):
By the way, when the initial report came out, Rabel
posted a meme on social media that was just Jack
Nicholson from The Departed. So he has made his feelings
on this. You know, snitches get stitches sort of thing.
So it will deal with Polk is he We don't
know yet. I mean, it could be the report was accurate.
We're still waiting to hear. But what's interesting is that
(18:03):
he is out for the season. Then Drake May would
be the only player from last year's draft.
Speaker 9 (18:10):
Left on the roster twenty twenty four draft.
Speaker 3 (18:12):
Now now Listen Cowherd for years bagged on Belichick watching drafts.
Speaker 6 (18:16):
Yep.
Speaker 2 (18:16):
Who was running the draft was not mill but somebody
messed up that no uther. So the only guy Drake
May who was like, well where did he go? Like
top twelve? Maybe I'm right there. That's not good. That's
not good. I mean a year later and almost all
of them are not coming back.
Speaker 9 (18:34):
Yeah, that's not what you want.
Speaker 2 (18:36):
You gotta gut the scouting department. Holy maybe that's why
he was posting the Maybe.
Speaker 10 (18:41):
That was maybe he needs to worry less about the
leaks and more about scouting.
Speaker 2 (18:46):
We'll say that's a great movie by They Departed.
Speaker 3 (18:49):
If it's ever on cable, even the sanitized version, it's watching.
Speaker 9 (18:52):
It's fantastic.
Speaker 10 (18:54):
We got to go through a list of some time
of your If it's on cable, I'll watch it.
Speaker 9 (18:57):
Yeah, that's for later.
Speaker 2 (18:58):
Enough for that body, kid, It's all that all right.
Speaker 10 (19:01):
The Vikings are going to hand the ball to JJ
McCarthy this season. They made a move at the quarterback
position those signing Carson Wentz and trading Sam Howell to
the Eagles over the weekend. With the Wentz edition, he
now joins his sixth team in his many seasons and
will hope to help JJ in his first season of action.
So does this tell you the Vikings have more confidence
(19:21):
than McCarthy? Less confidence? And McCarthy, where are you on this?
Speaker 2 (19:24):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (19:24):
I was trying to figure this out why this move happened.
Speaker 2 (19:30):
Maybe they like Sam Howell. He was in the.
Speaker 3 (19:32):
Division, right, I think he was playing for Washington. Maybe
he had a good showing, but this is like his
third team in three years.
Speaker 2 (19:40):
Carson Wentz was on his sixth team in six years.
Remember when he was a thing.
Speaker 3 (19:43):
Yeah, I was at the game Eagles rams of the
Coliseum before so far was built for he was like
an MVP candidate and then he like limps off the
field and they were like, oh, he's got its ACL injury.
Speaker 9 (19:55):
Right.
Speaker 2 (19:56):
He's never been the same guy since then.
Speaker 3 (20:00):
For Carson Wentz, because he was it felt like he
was close to breaking through, right Yeah.
Speaker 10 (20:04):
And look, he's reliable, He's not going to mess up
a game for you. And I think that's why the
Vikings wanted him there. They are all in on JJ
McCarthy and I don't think you know, people are like, oh,
what does this mean about JJ? Or do they want
Carson to compete? No, they want JJ to be their quarterback.
But let me give you a pretty interesting stat. Over
the last ten years. How many teams, just percentage wise,
(20:25):
do you think have kept their starting quarterback for the
entire regular season every game in the regular.
Speaker 2 (20:30):
Season in the last how many year? Ten names, ten years?
All about ten percent. Yeah, it's oh wow, but that
just but.
Speaker 10 (20:40):
That means sixty percent of the teams are going to
have to for at least a game or two, go
to a back, go to their backup, and Carson Wentz
is a reliable backup for the Vikings.
Speaker 9 (20:49):
That's what they're seeing. And obviously he's also an experienced
guy who can sort of talk to JJ off the field.
Speaker 3 (20:54):
So if you need him for a game or two,
a spot start, you can trust him.
Speaker 2 (20:57):
He's a veteran, he's been in the league for years ago.
I don't hate it. Yeah, you like the Vikings is
here or No.
Speaker 10 (21:06):
I think they're going to be a fun team. I
like The Quarterback Switch. I thought that was a good movie.
Speaker 9 (21:10):
Yeah, and we'll see. I mean, I don't think they're
winning Super Bowl.
Speaker 2 (21:13):
But I got to make that leap to the super Bowl. Yes, correct.
Speaker 3 (21:17):
I was on them in the off season and then
I went on this rant about how good they're going
to be, and I heard from some people.
Speaker 2 (21:22):
And they were like, be careful, n Dave, all right,
out let me downshift on that. Anyways, all right, Rachel
with the news. Well that's the news, and thanks for
stopping by.
Speaker 6 (21:31):
The herd Line News.
Speaker 3 (21:33):
Coming up next, a reporter who covers the Browns asking
all the tough questions is Shadure on thin ice as
the team gets ready to make their cuts by four
pm tomorrow.
Speaker 2 (21:43):
That's next.
Speaker 6 (21:45):
Be sure to catch live editions of The Herd weekdays
and noone Easter. There not a Empacific.
Speaker 2 (21:52):
Welcome back to the Herd.
Speaker 3 (21:53):
Let's bust right into our next guest, Mary K. Cabot,
who's been covering.
Speaker 2 (21:58):
The Cleveland Browns or years. Unbelievable. She is one of
the best in the business.
Speaker 3 (22:04):
Mary Kay asking the tough questions Cleveland dot Com and
the plane Dealer. Mary Kay, We're so happy to have
you on. Let's start with Saturday. How was that for you?
Speaker 2 (22:13):
Was that fun?
Speaker 4 (22:15):
Well?
Speaker 12 (22:16):
It was?
Speaker 13 (22:16):
It was really something because I did not expect Shador
to even play in that game. He had a strained
oblique muscle, and he practiced for a couple of days,
and leading up to him rejoining practice, I really thought
that he might sit out that game. So I was
expecting it to be more of a Joe Flacco gets
out there, gets a little work with the first team offense,
(22:37):
everybody goes home and we get ready for the opener.
But it turned into the Shador Sanders Night in so
many ways. And now here we are with all kinds
of things to write about talk about in regards to Shador.
Speaker 3 (22:50):
Yeah, that's interesting you say that, So, I mean, now
that I think about it, Shador didn't look like he
was ready to play in that one. Took five sacks,
kept running backwards and I know, no pro football focus,
and everybody breaks down the time to throw, and he
had five seconds to throw and Dylan Gabriel had two
and Dylan Gabriel was great. I'm wondering, why do you
think Stefanski even played Shador if most people didn't expect
(23:14):
him to show up in that given the oblique.
Speaker 13 (23:16):
Well, he passed the medical tests that he needed to
and Shador really really wanted to play. He's a very,
very tough young man. Remember he was sacked an FBS
high ninety four times in his last two years of Colorado,
and he just kept popping right up and playing again.
So he's physically very very tough, and I think he's
mentally tough too. Kevin Stefanski even noted that about him,
(23:39):
that he wanted to get out there and show what
he could do. Certainly, he wanted to build on his
excellent start against the Carolina Panthers. Unfortunately for everybody involved,
he wasn't able to do that. But I don't think
too too much should be read into this. Of course,
he was playing with the backup, backup, backup skis that
are not going to be on this football team, and
he's just going to go out there and continue to dive.
Speaker 2 (24:01):
All right, let me ask.
Speaker 3 (24:02):
I floated the idea, Hey, the Raiders lost their backup quarterback,
why wouldn't they trade for Shador? He did meet with
them at the combine. Some people seem to think that
maybe Shador gets cut. I can't see that. The GM's
talking about keeping four quarterbacks. Your thoughts on Shador making
the roster, getting traded, all that fun stuff.
Speaker 13 (24:21):
Well, I have no doubt in my mind whatsoever that
Shador Sanders is going to make the Cleveland Browns roster. Yes,
they are keeping four quarterbacks. I've been writing that for
months actually, since this four way competition began. And basically
what's happening here is they have two really good young
quarterbacks that they're excited about and that they want to develop.
(24:42):
As they look into next year's draft, they have two
first round picks and they have to find out do
they have a potential franchise quarterback on their roster as
they head into that twenty six draft.
Speaker 12 (24:53):
So they want to develop these guys. They want to
see what they have.
Speaker 13 (24:57):
And who knows, they could end up with Dylan Gabriel,
Shador Sanders, and then another rookie next year. So they
like what they see in Shador, they like what they
see in Dylan Gabriel, and they want to move forward
with both of these guys.
Speaker 3 (25:09):
So you covered the franchise for thirty years, so you
were through the Belichick era, the Baker Mayfield era, the
what's Jesshaun want?
Speaker 2 (25:22):
I mean, you've seen them all. I'm just curious Stefanski.
Is he on thin ice here?
Speaker 3 (25:27):
Given hey Man a lot of negative stories three and
fourteen when they were projected to win nine games by
Vegas last year? Is Stefanski in trouble if they don't
get five or six or seven wins here?
Speaker 12 (25:40):
No, he's not on thin ice. And here's why.
Speaker 13 (25:42):
Because they know right now that they are in quarterback
finding mode. They're looking and searching for their franchise quarterback.
The owner knows that they are trying to figure out
who that guy is. That's why you probably will see
Dylan Gabriel and Shador Sanders played down the stretch this season,
and once again they know they might not have their
(26:03):
quarterback of the future until next year. There's talk that
maybe they'll go after Arch Manning. Who knows if they'll
even come out. I'm sure the Browns will have a
nice large contingent at that Texas Ohio State game coming
up here on August thirtieth. So there is a lot
to happen here in the quarterback space. And I just
don't think that Kevin Stefanski is on. Then I said, all, well.
Speaker 2 (26:26):
That's good to hear. What about Barry the GM.
Speaker 3 (26:29):
I know that you know, he hasn't been as acclaimed
as Stefanski has, But do you think Barry's job is safe?
Speaker 2 (26:36):
Yeah?
Speaker 12 (26:37):
I think so.
Speaker 13 (26:38):
Once again, I think that these guys are trying to
assemble a roster that can win as soon as possible
while also having an eye towards the future, and that
future will include a franchise quarterback of some sort.
Speaker 12 (26:50):
Is he on the roster right now? They don't know.
Speaker 13 (26:53):
Maybe they have something in Dylan Gabriel, maybe they have
something in Schado, or maybe they even have something in
Kenny Pickett, who they really like a lot. But now
of course, as we know, they have the two first
round picks next year. It's a rich quarterback class, and
if they don't find what they like out of this
year's class, then they will go into next year hoping
to find their guys. So I think these guys are
(27:15):
very solid. I know the ownership really loves the alignment
in the organization, and I think that it's not that
they have a haul pass this year, but they do
have a little bit of time to get the quarterback
thing together.
Speaker 2 (27:26):
Nice usage of hall pass.
Speaker 3 (27:28):
I do have to ask, though, you sound really positive
and optimistic about the Browns. Yet the narrative if you
go online or listen to a podcast or radio or whatever,
is the sky is falling. They remain an embarrassment dumpster
fire because they don't have a quarterback, you know. And
I just wonder it seems like there's a disconnect. You
(27:49):
seem positive, guys are not in trouble, but the narrative
is very negative.
Speaker 2 (27:55):
What do you think that's about.
Speaker 13 (27:56):
Well, first of all, when I say they're not in trouble,
it doesn't mean that I think that that they are
going to go out and contend.
Speaker 12 (28:02):
For the Super Bowl this season.
Speaker 13 (28:03):
I think it means that they have a little bit
of time to figure out what they're doing here in
terms of their quarterback in the future. So I don't
know if they're going to even necessarily contend for the
playoffs this season. I think it will all come down
to if they get good quarterback play, and.
Speaker 12 (28:20):
That is the whole key.
Speaker 13 (28:21):
Joe Flacco is going to start the season, and what
he has to do is hit those explosives plays, but
stay away from the interceptions.
Speaker 12 (28:29):
Can he Pickett? He's coming back from a hamstring injury.
Speaker 13 (28:32):
They really liked him a lot, and if he's ready
to go sooner than later, then he will be back
in the conversation to be starting for this football team.
Speaker 12 (28:40):
If Joe isn't getting the.
Speaker 13 (28:42):
Job done and in the event that they need to
turn to someone else, I think they feel pretty good
about Dylan Gabriel being able to go out there and function,
But it comes down to quarterback play.
Speaker 12 (28:53):
Can he manage the game?
Speaker 13 (28:55):
Can he find the open man, score some touchdowns, stay
away from interceptions, not getting the turnover game like they
did last year. If they can do that, I think
they have enough pieces around the quarterback and on defense
where they can stay relevant for at least, you know,
maybe into November.
Speaker 2 (29:12):
Interesting. All right, we got about ninety seconds left.
Speaker 3 (29:14):
I'm curious, who do you think they could flip for
a higher draft pick?
Speaker 2 (29:18):
Can he pick it? Or Joe Flacco?
Speaker 3 (29:20):
Because it seems like, hey, if we could showcase one
of these somebody needs a quarterback, we could flip one
for all fourth. I don't know, but do you think
one has more value than the other?
Speaker 4 (29:31):
Well?
Speaker 13 (29:31):
I would think at this point that a team might
be more interested in a Joe Flacco because he has
more experience and he's done it. But right now, I
just don't really think they're thinking along those lines. They're
not looking to trade one of these guys. And it
almost seems like no matter what I say, or what
I write, or what some other people say, or what
even Andrew Barry says about keeping for nobody really wants
(29:52):
to believe that they're going to keep four quarterbacks. But
that is the plan. The only way that doesn't happen
is if someone makes them an offer they absolutely can't refuse,
and that wouldn't happen unless a starter goes down.
Speaker 2 (30:03):
Got it, all right?
Speaker 3 (30:04):
Mary Kaycabot, Cleveland, Plaindealer, Cleveland, dot Com always asking the
tough questions.
Speaker 2 (30:10):
Thanks a lot, Mary Kay, and good luck this season.
Speaker 12 (30:13):
Thanks a lot, thanks for having me all.
Speaker 2 (30:15):
Right, good stuff from Mary Kay, Cabot Rachel. I like
her optimism.
Speaker 3 (30:20):
I mean it's totally she seems positive about everything with
the Browns. And I'm not saying, you know, she's faking
the funk or putting it on for TV, but like that,
it doesn't The narrative that she's putting out from the
Browns is totally different than the vibe of fans and pundits.
Speaker 4 (30:34):
Right.
Speaker 10 (30:35):
First of all, Mary Kay is a legend, so I
trust for judgment on this. She's seen so many Browns
teams come and go. But I do think she's talking
about specific areas of the team being more positive. She's
not talking about the overall outlook for the team being
more positive.
Speaker 9 (30:49):
She hit it right on the head.
Speaker 10 (30:51):
They're building, right, They're trying to build and rebuild this team,
and there are positive spots within that rebuild.
Speaker 9 (30:58):
Quarterback maybe one of maybe not. This team has gone.
Speaker 10 (31:01):
Through more starting quarterbacks than any other team in the
league since they came back into the league in nineteen
ninety nine.
Speaker 3 (31:07):
That's pathetic and I'm a Jets fan, all right. Before
we go, two quick notes. So Matt Stafford full practice
participant today. Rachel and I were right, He's fine and
then not good. No sign of Micah Parsons during the
open portion of practice to the media. That's from Todd Archie,
who covers the Cowboys. So the Micah drama continues. Rachel
(31:27):
and I were praying that this would get done tomorrow
so we can move on to other.
Speaker 2 (31:31):
Topics, but the Cowboys mess continues.
Speaker 9 (31:34):
We'll never move on never, it's never happening.
Speaker 2 (31:37):
All right, we'll see tomorrow
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Colin Cowherd
Jason McIntyre
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