December 3, 2025 • 33 mins
Colin talks to senior NFL reporter Albert Breer about what he is hearing about what might be the result of Mike Tomlin and the Steelers struggling this season, what's wrong with the Eagles, the teams who are fighting to make the playoffs, and more
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Thanks for listening to The Herd podcast. Be sure to
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Speaker 2 (00:21):
You're listening to Fox Sports Radio.
Speaker 1 (00:24):
All right, let's bring in Albert Breer and we'll eventually
get to the college football playoff for rankings because he's
a Buckeye and he knows it very well. Let's just
go Tomlin to start. What is the internal temperature in
Pittsburgh on Tomlin?
Speaker 3 (00:39):
You know, I think that there's definitely a little tension
and knowing that a reset is coming, and that's natural
just based on the age of the players in the roster.
I mean, you look at the guys they've built around
now and the guys that are the highest paid guys there.
You're talking about Jalen Ramsey in his thirties, t J.
Watt in his thirties, Aaron Rodgers in his forties. Cam
Hayward has been there forever. And I actually didn't mind
(01:01):
the addition of Aaron Rodgers because it was sort of
the last shot for this core of players that's been
there for the last five, six, seven years. Like this
was right, This was just ahead of where you would
naturally reset. And when you do get to that point
when it is time to reset, that's when you start
to ask the big picture questions. That's when the Steelers
have to ask do we want Mike Tomlin leading the
(01:23):
rebuild here? It's when Mike Tomlin has to ask the question,
do I want to go through the sort of rebuild
that's going to take two or three years? Because I
think that that's probably what the Steelers are looking at now,
and I don't think Colin it's totally dissimilar from the
situation in Philadelphia a little over a decade ago where
they reached the end with Andy Reid and if you
remember the twenty eleven Dream Team season that didn't work out,
(01:47):
and then the whole thing came apart in twenty twelve,
and I think everybody in that building knew at the
time the last two months were like Andy Reid walking
the Green Mile. Everybody knew it was just time for
a divorce. And that didn't mean the e didn't think
they thought less of Andy Reid more than anything else.
It was just this isn't working anymore. And obviously both
(02:08):
sides in that divorce have done pretty well for themselves
since the Eagles have been to three Super Bowls and
one two, and obviously Andy Reid's won three Super Bowls
and been to five. So I think it's that sort
of scenario in Pittsburgh right now. And you know, I
think that the state of the roster is what gives
you the natural.
Speaker 4 (02:29):
Breakpoint that could come in the next year or two.
Speaker 1 (02:31):
Okay, Monday Night Football Chargers eight and four hosting the Eagles.
Hypothetically Philadelphia loses, do they make a change at OSEA Listen,
three game losing streaks in Philadelphia is chaos in Carolina.
Speaker 5 (02:49):
It's business as usual.
Speaker 1 (02:51):
In Philadelphia, WYP Radio. I mean, they lose Monday and
it's a two point spread. I mean, it's a real game.
Could something happen in on the staff? What happened? Something's
gonna happen.
Speaker 3 (03:05):
I mean, it's not impossible, And you're right, like Philadelphia
is different. Like I would say, it's crazy to start
to talk about those things when we're what like ten
months separated from them winning a Super Bowl, But it
happened a couple of years ago there, right like they
were coming.
Speaker 4 (03:21):
Off of a Super Bowl in twenty twenty two.
Speaker 3 (03:23):
You go into twenty twenty three, you've got young coordinators
that you really thought you believed in Brian Johnson, Sean Deci.
One winds up getting fired in season, the other one
gets fired after the season. And in twenty twenty four
you've got two new coordinators in Kellen Moore and Vic Fangio.
Now you've lost more that isn't working out, And this
sort of feels like it could be the same scenario.
(03:45):
And again I think Kevin Patula is a really good coach,
but the temperature there is certainly high. We know the
egos that are in that room, Jalen Hurts, AJ Brown.
You know, it's just a lot of mouths to feed there.
A team that's leveraged to win right now now, and
you know it's a high stakes game. The Eagles are
playing from year to year based on how they're structured
here again, how that roster is built, and so you know,
(04:08):
again normally I would say this is crazy, the idea
that you can move on from an offensive coordinator in
season this close to a Super Bowl Championship. But you know,
I just think based on what we saw two years ago,
it's not impossible.
Speaker 1 (04:22):
Listen, when the Cowboys treaded Micah, I said, I love
it for Green Bay, but I love it for Dallas,
and it was very I always think it's easy for
to pick a winner and a loser in a trade.
But these gms, Jerry Jones a better GM than people
given credit for. Are you when you talk to people
around the league and you mentioned Jerry the GM?
Speaker 5 (04:41):
Is there an acknowledgment?
Speaker 1 (04:43):
You know, Pickens quinnin Kenny Klark to first rounder Mike
of trade? Is there an acknowledgment maybe Jerry kind of
knows what he's doing.
Speaker 3 (04:54):
Can I flip this around on you for a second
call and ask you a question?
Speaker 6 (04:57):
All right?
Speaker 3 (04:58):
Over the last twenty years, what was last time talent
was an issue on Dallas?
Speaker 4 (05:05):
It really hasn't been, right, Yeah, not really.
Speaker 3 (05:07):
I mean it was before Parcells got there, and Parcelles
was there from three to six. Parcells rebuilt that roster,
and I really, I mean I covered the.
Speaker 6 (05:17):
Team day to day.
Speaker 4 (05:17):
I was gonna beat No. Seven and O.
Speaker 7 (05:18):
Eight.
Speaker 3 (05:19):
I don't remember. Talent doesn't mean they don't have holes.
But I don't ever remember talent being an issue, like
I think from a talent.
Speaker 1 (05:26):
Their guards, they're two young guards are star excellent.
Speaker 3 (05:32):
Yeah, I mean they've effectively rebuilt the offensive line. Now
their offensive line outside of the right tackle Terrence Steele,
all four of the other offensive linemen are twenty four
and younger is Tyler Guidon, Tyler Smith, Tyler Booker, and
then and then and then Cooper.
Speaker 4 (05:47):
Bebe at center.
Speaker 3 (05:49):
And yeah, I mean I think you have to give
them credit for what they did here because they told
you when they traded Micah this story isn't over yet.
We are, we're retooling a little bit. And I think
what happened was and this goes back to August. I
think I said to this tea in August was when
the conversation about Micah being traded got real because they
were trying to re sign him. They started to take
(06:10):
a bigger picture of look at where they were organizationally,
and what signing Micah would have done would have been
to kind of say, okay, like we're going forward with
what we've already done that wasn't really working.
Speaker 6 (06:20):
And so if it was.
Speaker 3 (06:21):
DAK and CD and Micah making whatever the percentage of
the cap would be, fifty percent of the cap. Was
that going to work or do you start to reimagine
things and rethink things a little bit? And they brought
in George Pickens at that point, which that again was
something that required patients because they didn't draft a receiver
and they traded for Pickens after the draft, you know.
And then in this case, it was okay, like we've
(06:42):
got a new defensive coordinator here in Matt Eberflus. Where
did he have his greatest success. It was in Indianapolis
with dominant defensive tackles and that was to Forest Buckner
and Grover Stewart. And now you see in Dallas they
resigned Ocia Digezua. In the off season, they traded for
Kenny Clark, They trade for Ken and Williams, Quinn and Williams.
(07:03):
In that Raiders game, the first game they had Quinn,
they had eleven quarterback hits.
Speaker 4 (07:08):
Nine of them were from the defensive tackle position.
Speaker 8 (07:11):
Wow.
Speaker 3 (07:11):
And so now you're seeing what was a weakness in
the team, which is the defense with Micah as part
of it, right, Like that was that looked like it
was going to be weakness going into the year. Now
that's becoming a Now that's becoming a strength. And the
offense looks unstoppable with CD and and UH, with CD
and and and and Pickens outside and on the offensive line,
(07:31):
which lost Zach Martin. By the way, they've got four
starters who are twenty four and younger. You know, I
certainly think you got to give them some credit for
the job that they've done. From a personnel standpoint, that
looks like a dangerous team going forward. And that's a
credit to Jerry Jones, to Steven Jones, and to Will.
Speaker 4 (07:49):
McLay again a lot. It took a lot of drama
to get here.
Speaker 3 (07:52):
But that's a really good team and they're playing really,
really well and.
Speaker 4 (07:56):
Peaking at the right time.
Speaker 5 (07:58):
Hey, the I mean the Chiefs.
Speaker 1 (08:01):
If I had to win a game, I'd rather not
play the Texans, whose defense right now is just completely
lights out. But there is a chance they could run
the table. I don't think they will if they don't,
Like I thought the last couple of years, I mean,
I would always put it in Andy Reid's wallet. He
(08:21):
makes the decision, he'll pull out the I'm retiring card.
But I mean, what do you do if you're Kansas
City with Mahomes and you don't make the playoffs, Harbaugh
and Herbert are going to make the playoffs losing their
entire line and Marion Hampton Denver's got bow Nicks on
that rookie contract. You start looking around, It's like, well,
this isn't even the best of the division yet this
(08:44):
was a year you were gonna still make it. Could
you see Kansas City making a big swing on something?
Speaker 3 (08:50):
I could, because like if you remember, like the last
time it really looked like something was in a massive
state of disrepair was after that Super Bowl loss to
team where Mahomes got knocked around and they completely like
blew up their offensive line and if you remember, I
think it was five new starters, right, So they brought
in Joe Toney from New England, They brought in Joan
(09:12):
Taylor from from Jacksonville. They Brian Donovan Smith, and they
drafted Creed Humphrey and Tray Smith. So like, they haven't
shown fear for blowing things up in the past and
trying to retool an area or multiple areas of their
team on the fly. You know, the Tyreek Hill trade
was very bold at the time. So I think if
(09:34):
you if you look at where they are, and the
one thing that sticks out to me, because I don't
think the defense has broken Colin, it does look like
things are hard for them on offense. It looks like
it's hard for them to churn out third downs that
were routine in the past. It just it looks like
there's more instances where Mahomes either has to run or
(09:54):
do something like Superman in the passing game for them
to to look like they have in the past. And
Patrick's certainly certainly capable of that. But yeah, I mean
like it's it's one of those things where as long
as you have Mahomes, it's incumbent on you to build
aggressively and be aggressive in the way you're putting your
operation together. And if things continue the way that they've
(10:17):
gone to this point, I certainly think you have to
look at a bunch of different things, especially on offense,
to try to turn the tie, because it does feel like,
for whatever it's worth, like the age of Kelsey and
then the state of the receiver position, like they just
look stuck in the mud a little bit. And maybe
that resolves itself, you know, because there's been a vision
(10:37):
here over the last couple of years, and the way
they've built, which is Worthy on one side, Hollywood Brown
on the other, taking the top off the defense, and
then Rice and Kelsey running in free space underneath for
one reason or another just hasn't come together the way
they've envisioned it.
Speaker 4 (10:52):
And so you know, I certainly think if things.
Speaker 3 (10:54):
Keep going the way that they have gone, that you
would take a look at in the off season and
say what do we need to be what do we
need to do different?
Speaker 1 (11:01):
Finally, you and I can complain about the college football playoff,
but it is signing day US he has the number
one class and I'm not sure if you noticed did
flip an Ohio State receiver. Let's not get in there.
Let's talk about this Ohio State is really, really good,
Julian saying I was texting pro people this past weekend.
(11:21):
Presence feet, accuracy, release, that kid is. He's a guidebook
on a young quarterback. But let me ask you, Michigan
wasn't a threat. Is there a way to beat this
Ohio State State team? You've seen every snap. I think apathy.
I think this is the last game. I think this
game because of apathy.
Speaker 5 (11:41):
Off Michigan and looking ahead.
Speaker 1 (11:43):
That would worry me and the Georgia game if they
could give Julian saying some heat, some pressure. He's young,
he makes a mistake or two. When you look at
Ohio State, is there any way to beat them? Because
Michigan it wasn't the team.
Speaker 3 (11:56):
Well, I show you a picture from last year if
you remember, this might be the one year in a
versary of you's showing me this picture which was me
in the stands.
Speaker 4 (12:03):
It's hard to see, it's hard to see.
Speaker 3 (12:04):
We'll see if we can, but it was me in
the stands, and you guys put it up like one
of your Fox guys might have been Brady Quinn himself
took that picture of me looking miserable in the stands.
And Ryan Day is sixteen and oh since since you guys,
So yeah, I do have some level.
Speaker 4 (12:21):
Of trust in what's going on there in Columbus.
Speaker 2 (12:25):
I would say this.
Speaker 3 (12:26):
I think I think the thing that people are going
to focus on the skill players, right like people are
going to focus on Jeremiah and Carnellen rightfully. So like
Bo Jackson as a freshman running back, Max Clair at
tight end, like yeah, there's an embarrassment of weapons and
riches on the offensive side of the ball.
Speaker 4 (12:41):
I think the defense is better than the offense.
Speaker 3 (12:45):
And I.
Speaker 4 (12:47):
And I think Matt Patricia can go to.
Speaker 3 (12:49):
Ryan Day and legitimately say on a week two week basis,
no matter who they're playing, get me seventeen points and
we're fine. And as long as like there isn't a
touchdown scored on special teams or the other team's defense
doesn't score a touchdown, they can they can produce that
sort of result. The other thing is they're very fresh legged,
(13:10):
and that was last year too, where they took this
strategy of being the slowest playing offense in college football.
I think I read somewhere that they've played two games
worth fewer snaps than Texas Tech. Right, because of the
way that they operate, the way that they play, the
way that they plan for this and you saw what
fresh legs did for them in the playoffs last year.
(13:30):
It's allowed them to manage injuries the guys like Tate
and Jeremiah. I'm pretty confident going in the team that
scares me the most. Actually, this might surprise you, Oregon.
That's the team that I think when I watched them,
I just since they have this other gear that doesn't
always come out, but when it comes out, I think
Oregon's got a chance to be pretty scary.
Speaker 6 (13:52):
Well.
Speaker 1 (13:52):
Also, also, they've been without their their injury situation at
receivers absurd. They've been winning games at Iowa. They've been
winning games on their fourth, fifth, and sixth receivers. So
if they get help, those are NFL guys. So that's
an interesting point. We haven't seen the best of Oregon.
Ohio State's the best every weekend. All right, buddy, it's
great seeing you.
Speaker 4 (14:11):
All right, Thanks con Yeah, I like Ohio.
Speaker 1 (14:13):
State to beat Indiana. I think it's a good game.
I want to see Mendoza against this defense. That's what
That's why I'm watching the game. Because it doesn't mean anything.
They're both gonna get into the tournament, you know. I
I Ohio State's got more Sunday players.
Speaker 6 (14:27):
I'll take them.
Speaker 2 (14:28):
Be sure to catch live editions of The Herd weekdays
and neon eastern non am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio
FS one and the iHeartRadio app.
Speaker 9 (14:38):
Hey, it's Rob Parker and Calvin Washington from The Odd
Couple on Fox Sports Radio.
Speaker 10 (14:42):
And in addition to hearing US live week nights from
seven to ten pm Eastern on Fox Sports Radio. We
are excited to announce brand new YouTube channel for the show.
Speaker 11 (14:52):
That's right, you can now watch The Odd Couple live
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Speaker 10 (14:58):
Oh you gotta do search our COUPLESR on YouTube again YouTube,
Just search Odd Couple FSR. Check us out on YouTube
and subscribe.
Speaker 1 (15:10):
Well, you know, Jmack and I can't wait. June eleventh,
Fox FS one the FIFA World Cup. The draw is Friday.
Alexi Lawless gonna be joining us in about twenty minutes.
Speaker 5 (15:18):
First though, Jmack with the news.
Speaker 6 (15:20):
No, no turn on the news.
Speaker 2 (15:23):
This is the herd Line News.
Speaker 7 (15:26):
It's very very excited for the draw. Let's go to
the NFL. Here, the Dallas Cowboys are a threat.
Speaker 1 (15:31):
Colin.
Speaker 7 (15:31):
It's official, and I'm gonna make the prediction right now.
If they beat the Lions, they're gonna run the table
and make the playoffs.
Speaker 12 (15:37):
The Lions game is a huge swing game.
Speaker 7 (15:39):
Remember they started three to five and one, they're now
six five and one.
Speaker 12 (15:44):
Dak says they got to continue to stack.
Speaker 11 (15:46):
W's It's about us really just controlling what we control,
winning the games in front of us and right now.
I don't think we're in a position where we truly
got to know count wins and losses from other teams.
I think we just win and handle our business, will
put ourselves in a great book.
Speaker 12 (16:02):
Here we go Lions, followed by the Vikings. They will
be favored.
Speaker 7 (16:07):
Chargers could be a dicey game. We'll see Commanders. They
will be favored. I don't even care if Jaden Dams
is back. And then the Giants, who are not a
good football team. Now three of those are on the road,
two of them outdoors. It's possible that Washington and the
Giants and weather's crappy and they can't throw the ball.
Speaker 12 (16:26):
But Colin, this smells like a five and O to me,
doesn't it.
Speaker 1 (16:29):
No, I keep your eye the Chargers are getting Chargers
defense is great. Now, they've got a run game that's working.
I keep your eye on that. But I do think
I think three of those feel like W's Detroit.
Speaker 5 (16:43):
They're a dog.
Speaker 1 (16:44):
I like him against Detroit, but I think Detroit and
the Chargers keep your eye on. I mean, Detroit is
getting due a point. Detroit's desperate, and by the way,
we're surprised Dallas. Is this good people are picking Detroit
to make the super Bowl. So I think there's a not.
Speaker 12 (17:00):
Here, not on this show.
Speaker 1 (17:01):
No, we didn't, but that's for the record, one of
the best games ever on Thursday.
Speaker 5 (17:08):
That is a great Thursday.
Speaker 7 (17:09):
Game and indoors, so no inclement weather. It should be
should be a banger.
Speaker 4 (17:14):
I'm with you.
Speaker 12 (17:15):
I'm on the Cowboys there. All right, let's move on
to the next story. And that is a bit of
a surprise.
Speaker 7 (17:20):
The Cleveland Browns announced today that DeShawn Watson was designated
to return to practice.
Speaker 12 (17:27):
He has twenty one.
Speaker 7 (17:28):
Days to prove he's healthy enough to be activated.
Speaker 12 (17:30):
If he passes, he can join him at any point.
Speaker 7 (17:32):
If not, he'll be placed on season ending I are
in the meantime, Schdur Sanders will get the start. Dylan
Gabrielle the backup. Here's Shador talking about how he can
improve his game.
Speaker 9 (17:44):
Sometimes I look for the big play, you know, And
I do that when I feel like I'm pressing, like
I feel like we don't have no when I feel
like we need to get a spark, when you get
an energy, that's you know, typically what when I do that,
whenever we stagnant, you know, so has something I review
with myself and I know I in those situations, I can't.
Speaker 4 (18:03):
I can't do that.
Speaker 9 (18:06):
You know, at certain times.
Speaker 7 (18:08):
That's exactly what the defensive coordinators want.
Speaker 12 (18:10):
We don't think you're patient enough.
Speaker 7 (18:12):
That's right to matriculate down the field, go for the
big play, go for it, you know, chuck it into
too deep. And I don't know if you saw the
clip that Jerry Judy was kind of getting on his
case on the sideline. Jerry Judy and Chador, I don't
want to say they had words, but Jerry's like, I
was open, You've got to make that throw. And again
it plagued Chador a little bit. But holding the ball,
he's getting time to throw. He's just afraid to make mistakes.
(18:36):
This is obviously stuff.
Speaker 12 (18:37):
For a young quarterback. I don't know, you know, Deshaun.
Speaker 1 (18:41):
I like Cleveland this weekend. I don't like betting on
bad teams. I like Cleveland this weekend.
Speaker 12 (18:46):
They're at home against the Tennessee Titans. Marl Miles Garrett
may have eight sacks. I don't know.
Speaker 7 (18:52):
But this to Shan Watson things interesting. I thought the
franchise was done with him, but we'll see finals. R
con let's go to your guy.
Speaker 12 (19:02):
This is your guy, Aaron Rodgers.
Speaker 7 (19:04):
You know he's prickly after the Bills lost, saying that
some of the receivers it did not attend film sessions. Well,
Mike Tomlin was asked about the team swoon and said,
I'm willing to do whatever we need to do to
improve the team. It feels like things are falling apart here.
Usually Raven Steelers, you just automatically put the spread at three.
(19:25):
Look at that number six. I mean Pittsburgh cannot stop
the run against Buffalo.
Speaker 1 (19:29):
I'm sorry, I like Pittsburgh is a really Jillie. Oh,
it's a ridiculous number for that. Baltimore's offense is stuck.
I'm six points in this rivalry.
Speaker 12 (19:40):
You know how to get unstuck. Right, face the Steelers.
Speaker 7 (19:43):
They gave up two hundred and forty nine yards to
the Bills on the ground. Now you face Lamar and
Derrick Henry and oh, by the way, this is fun.
So Lamar's been skipping the Wednesday practice a lot lately.
It's Wednesday. He's at practice today taking snaps. This is
a big one for the Ravens. They clearly were not
locked in against.
Speaker 1 (19:59):
The Ba taking the Ravens minus six and the Packers
minus six and a half.
Speaker 7 (20:03):
I haven't taken the Ravens yet, but it's Ravens are passed.
Speaker 12 (20:07):
I ain't touching the Steelers.
Speaker 5 (20:08):
They're cooked, buddy.
Speaker 12 (20:09):
It's over.
Speaker 1 (20:12):
By the way, the Ravens put up fourteen points against
the Bengals defense.
Speaker 7 (20:17):
Now listen, Isaiah likely fumbles at the goal line. Lamar
hands them a touchdown drop dropping the ball his three litlwonky.
Speaker 5 (20:26):
Okay.
Speaker 6 (20:27):
J Mack with the news.
Speaker 2 (20:29):
Well, that's the news, and thanks for stopping by the
Herd Line News.
Speaker 1 (20:34):
This is the most excited I've ever been for a
World Cup by far. I mean, it's gonna be here Canada,
some matches in Mexico. It's June. It's around the corner.
Alexi Lawless to draw his Friday controversy with our United
States men's national team.
Speaker 5 (20:51):
He's next.
Speaker 2 (20:53):
Be sure to catch live editions of The Herd weekdays
and noon Eastern not a em Pacific.
Speaker 1 (21:01):
All right, the World Cup draws Friday, you can watch
it on Fox's going to be at the US, Canada, Mexico.
Sofi Jerry World MetLife. It's different when that's on our
soil totally different. Well, he's a Soccer Hall of Famer,
National Soccer Hall of Famer, made two World Cup appearances.
(21:25):
He's our friend, Alexi lalas Fox Sports.
Speaker 5 (21:28):
He is joining us June eleven.
Speaker 1 (21:31):
All right, let's start with this, the state of the
United States men's national team. What is the state of
the team Alexi today?
Speaker 8 (21:42):
I think we could accurately and fairly describe it as
in flux, in that all of the positives relative.
Speaker 6 (21:48):
To a home World Cup are there.
Speaker 8 (21:50):
The magic that seems to appear, the brigadoonish type of
environment that a home World Cup is I think gives
us cause for being bullish. However, there certainly have been some,
you know, some problems and some pickups along the way.
New coach Mauricio Pochettino, I think, is in a better
place than he was even a few months ago. But
you know, there is this there's this opportunity that's barreling
(22:12):
down the tracks at us, both on and off the field,
by the way, and you do hope that this team
gets it together, but I think it's going to be
in a very different way, and I think there's going
to be some surprises both in the personnel and ultimately
in the results next summer from a US perspective, but
I still remain heavily excited and cautiously optimistic.
Speaker 1 (22:33):
What concerns you most about the personnel? Because I think
we both agree this is an aggressive, talented foot on ball.
We are good in space, we're athletic. I think we
believe we can go toe to toe with most teams,
and we don't have to play defensive soccer. We can
be aggressive. I didn't always feel that way. But what
(22:56):
worries you about personnel? What are we lacking?
Speaker 6 (23:00):
Let's start with the goalkeeper.
Speaker 8 (23:01):
We have Matt Freeze, who I think is a good goalkeeper,
potentially could be a great goalkeeper, but I have yet
to see him make the saves that he shouldn't make.
Goalkeepers need to make the saves obviously that they need
to make and they should make. But the great goalkeepers,
and let's be honest, from a US men's perspective, we
actually have produced some really really elite goalkeeping over the years,
so that's one of my concerns. Doesn't mean he can't
(23:23):
step it up, and I think he is the number
one goalkeeper right now, so I think he is going
to be your starter, by.
Speaker 6 (23:27):
The way, and I haven't looked this up.
Speaker 8 (23:29):
Potentially if he starts for the World the US team
in the World Cup, the first harvard Man to play
in a World Cup, so that's going to be interesting.
Speaker 6 (23:36):
So that's in the back.
Speaker 8 (23:38):
Scoring is over the last couple of cycles has been
a concern flow Alligan right now I think is the incumbent,
but a consistent scorer has yet to crop up, and
certainly a world class striker relative to the people that
we always talk about has not cropped up yet.
Speaker 1 (23:55):
Now polisk is top three, I believe scoring right now
over season his league, so I think were as good
as politics.
Speaker 6 (24:03):
Health.
Speaker 1 (24:03):
I think if he's healthy, and there's just certain players
in my life landon Donovan Dempsey, polistic I feel like
they're a bit of the soul, the fabric, and so
I feel like, if he's healthy, were good. What is
his current relationship with this new coach because it was
a little froth it was a little frosty two months ago.
Speaker 6 (24:27):
Yeah, I think it's good. I think it's positive.
Speaker 8 (24:29):
I also think but you know, it's it's a definite
change and the dynamic has changed. Actually actually just flew
down from new York and coach Pochettino was on my flight.
You know, all that is to say is that I
think Pochettino has come in and recognized that while it
worked before with Greg Burhalter, keep in mind that he
was a coach of a lot of young players, some teenagers,
and whether it's Christian Polistic or anybody else, they are
(24:51):
very very different men now than they were even a
few years ago, and almost you needed somebody different to
come in with a different type of message and a
ruthlessness in the way that he has approached the coaching perspective.
Christian Polisic I still think is heading towards being the
best male American soccer player in history. You could certainly
argue he's the best player in city all right now.
(25:12):
And to your point, you guys talk about stars all
the time, you know, as goes Christian Polisic, I do
think goes this team because he can do things that
others can't. But he's never going to be the leader
that people expect or want him to be. He is
a reluctant star, but that's fine. He can do all
of his talking with what he does on the field.
Because to your point, there's not a lot of people
that do that on a consistent basis like he does.
Speaker 1 (25:33):
Maurizio Barcentino came over, he had had some success with
the younger teams. I think it's unfair. I think the
way our soccer works in this country, the national team,
it's harder to galvanize. The downside are quality of player is.
They're all playing overseas and you were a rare guy
(25:55):
to go over to an Italian league.
Speaker 6 (25:56):
You you were.
Speaker 1 (25:57):
I mean, I think you're the first guy ever to
go play in that league in Italy.
Speaker 5 (26:00):
You were the first.
Speaker 1 (26:01):
Well, now we got guys not only going overseas, they're
high end players making a lot of money. I think
it's much harder to galvanize our national team.
Speaker 5 (26:11):
Where are you with Mauricio.
Speaker 1 (26:13):
He feels a little bit like a hardliner, and our
young guys aren't quite used to it. But I do,
I do see his messaging. I do feel he's on
the right it's the right.
Speaker 8 (26:23):
Path, do you Yeah, I mean, suck it up, Buttercup. Yeah,
there's a new sheriff in town and he doesn't take
any of you know what. I think that's a good
thing for this team. I'm so glad that you brought
up the relationship and the dynamic between American players and
the national team. And this isn't me grumpy old manning
the situation. It's just the reality of the situation is.
Back in my day when I was running around with
(26:44):
Kobe Jones were running around, we needed the national team.
We needed the national team to establish I guess what
the kids would now call a brand. We also needed
it to give it give us opportunities from a club perspective,
and that's not the case anymore. That's a good thing
that our players are playing. But what I think, Mauricia
but Chattino as identified is that you need to recognize
that even though you don't need the national team, you
(27:07):
need to want to be on the national team for
more than money, for more than fame, for the pride
and the honor that comes with representing what I feel
is the greatest country in the world.
Speaker 6 (27:16):
And I do think that he is instilled.
Speaker 8 (27:18):
That, and he has lamented that maybe that generation, to
your point, doesn't look at the national team as a
must have.
Speaker 1 (27:27):
Yeah, what when the draw happens Friday? Best case scenario.
Let's start with best case scenario. What to you would
be Oh, that's where they should play, and that's who
they should play. What would be the best case scenario
in a draw?
Speaker 8 (27:44):
I mean, so you can go through teams and say,
for example, all right, you got to have a you
have to have a European team, so you know, you know,
maybe you got in Austria and a South Africa and
a New Zealand or something like that.
Speaker 6 (27:57):
But that's that's all on paper. I will say this.
Speaker 8 (28:00):
You know, you could get a group like let's say Columbia,
Norway and Ghana, okay, And I think a lot of
people would look at that as, oh, my goodness, this
is a big problem. What we have found historically is
the US men's team they play up to the opponent. Now, look,
I want as easy a path as anybody, but I
also don't want to get complacent if and when we
get a good group.
Speaker 6 (28:21):
But I think we're gonna get a good group.
Speaker 8 (28:23):
So there's almost a part of me that wants it
to be not really really hard, but not completely easy,
because I worry about them being and taking their foot
off the pedal.
Speaker 1 (28:33):
Hey listen, in twenty twenty two, we were the second
youngest team we got to draw with England. We were
outclassed by the Netherlands, but we got to draw with England.
I was overjoyed we got out of the group stage.
What is a realistic so polistics, there are young players,
Weston McKinney are healthy. What is a realistic World Cup?
(28:53):
Through the eyes the prism of an American?
Speaker 8 (28:57):
All right, Look, if we don't get out of the group,
it's an abject fi I mean, it is a national
disaster and an embarrassment if you don't get out of
the group. Because by the way, top two teams as
normal come out of the groups of.
Speaker 6 (29:06):
Four, but also best third place teams. So we we
should absolutely get out of the group.
Speaker 8 (29:11):
Not only that, I think we no matter who those
balls are that come out on Friday in the draw,
I think that we should go in expecting to be
number one and win win our group. Now, what does
a successful World Cup and not just a World Cup,
a home World Cup look like?
Speaker 6 (29:25):
You know, I've told you before.
Speaker 8 (29:26):
It's kind of like you know, the Supreme Court trying to,
you know, to define obscenity.
Speaker 6 (29:30):
Right, I don't.
Speaker 8 (29:31):
I can't tell you what it is, but I know
what when I see it, right, we will know it
when we see it on the field, because it'll it'll
it'll make you feel.
Speaker 6 (29:39):
Good about yourself.
Speaker 8 (29:40):
It'll make you feel good about your country and the
way that they are playing. That goes beyond the actual scores.
And yes, winning is important, don't get me wrong. But
you know, if you lose because of a fluke call
or a penalty here, and you played, you played really
really well against a team that a lot of people
maybe feel as older. We absolutely should get past the
round of thirty two and back to the round of sixteen,
and that's usually where we faulter, where we're coming up
(30:01):
against a team that's better.
Speaker 6 (30:02):
Than us, and that's where the magic has to happen.
Speaker 8 (30:04):
That's where Marisio Pochettino, who's being paid six billion dollars,
that's where he earns his money to do things that
we haven't done before.
Speaker 1 (30:11):
Finally, we haven't had a repeat World Cup champ since
it was Brazil late fifties, sixty two, fifty eight sixty two.
Messi and Argentina your thoughts and can they repeat?
Speaker 6 (30:23):
I think they can repeat.
Speaker 8 (30:25):
And it's interesting that Messi continues to play at the
top of his game. By the way, MLS Cup this
weekend with Inter Miami and Vancouver, and Messi is the
MVP and looking to get his.
Speaker 6 (30:33):
First MLS Cup.
Speaker 8 (30:35):
But it's really going to be interesting next summer as
Messi and his Argentina team defend their championship their World Cup. Oh,
by the way, in his new home and backyard and
neighborhood of the United States, I think people.
Speaker 6 (30:48):
Are gunning for him. Lake.
Speaker 8 (30:48):
You mentioned it's very, very difficult to maintain multiple cycles
and win World Cups. Keep in mind that since the
dawn of the World Cup, only eight countries have ever
won the World Cup. So it's difficult in and of itself,
let alone, to repeat. And there will be people that
are licking their chops out, the least of which is
teams like teams like Spain, keeps like France, and even
though it pains me to say it, a team like England.
Speaker 1 (31:10):
By the way, that looks like a junior suite. Did
Fox take care of you in that room?
Speaker 6 (31:15):
It's okay.
Speaker 8 (31:15):
I mean I got myself a coffee maker here, and
you know I made the bed up. You know, everybody
does these things from hotel rooms, and you know, you
got to be careful what you have hanging around back here.
Speaker 6 (31:25):
But it's very very nice. It's clean, and it's gonna
be fun.
Speaker 5 (31:29):
Good feeling you, my friend.
Speaker 6 (31:31):
Great to see you.
Speaker 8 (31:32):
You look great all right, and I love the fact
that you're so excited. I hope everybody tunes in this
Friday eleven thirty a eleven thirty am Eastern Time on
Fox three and a half hours of draw. And it's
not just the picking of the balls and selecting of
the teams. There's something for everybody. Even the village people
are going to play. So come on in, there you go,
There you go. Takes a village people. Alexi Lawless is
always your money, you know. I kind of feel like,
(31:54):
thank you, Alexi. I feel like it's a transition. Is
that for the first time in my life, we have
a high number of players that play overseas. And it
used to be like the World Cup defined US. Well,
now players are you know. It's like you look at
international basketball players. They can have success, but they're defined
by how they do in the States, like that's where
(32:17):
they make their money. Right, So in an internationals Luca
can be a big deal in Europe, but it's defined
by does he go to the best place in the world.
Of basketball and crush and the best place in the
world for soccer. It's over in Europe, and so our guys,
you know, it's an other They don't want to perform
for the United States men's national team. But we've gotten
so good that, you know, we have players, top players
(32:40):
going over there and they're leading scores and they're first
or second best player on squads.
Speaker 5 (32:47):
So it's a transition.
Speaker 1 (32:48):
Period for US. I think this is going to be
a fascinating World Cup. Canada, Mexico and here in the
States cannot wait, absolutely cannot wait.
Speaker 5 (33:02):
We'll see you tomorrow. First things, first night,
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 noon 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.
Speaker 2 (00:21):
You're listening to Fox Sports Radio.
Speaker 1 (00:24):
All right, let's bring in Albert Breer and we'll eventually
get to the college football playoff for rankings because he's
a Buckeye and he knows it very well. Let's just
go Tomlin to start. What is the internal temperature in
Pittsburgh on Tomlin?
Speaker 3 (00:39):
You know, I think that there's definitely a little tension
and knowing that a reset is coming, and that's natural
just based on the age of the players in the roster.
I mean, you look at the guys they've built around
now and the guys that are the highest paid guys there.
You're talking about Jalen Ramsey in his thirties, t J.
Watt in his thirties, Aaron Rodgers in his forties. Cam
Hayward has been there forever. And I actually didn't mind
(01:01):
the addition of Aaron Rodgers because it was sort of
the last shot for this core of players that's been
there for the last five, six, seven years. Like this
was right, This was just ahead of where you would
naturally reset. And when you do get to that point
when it is time to reset, that's when you start
to ask the big picture questions. That's when the Steelers
have to ask do we want Mike Tomlin leading the
(01:23):
rebuild here? It's when Mike Tomlin has to ask the question,
do I want to go through the sort of rebuild
that's going to take two or three years? Because I
think that that's probably what the Steelers are looking at now,
and I don't think Colin it's totally dissimilar from the
situation in Philadelphia a little over a decade ago where
they reached the end with Andy Reid and if you
remember the twenty eleven Dream Team season that didn't work out,
(01:47):
and then the whole thing came apart in twenty twelve,
and I think everybody in that building knew at the
time the last two months were like Andy Reid walking
the Green Mile. Everybody knew it was just time for
a divorce. And that didn't mean the e didn't think
they thought less of Andy Reid more than anything else.
It was just this isn't working anymore. And obviously both
(02:08):
sides in that divorce have done pretty well for themselves
since the Eagles have been to three Super Bowls and
one two, and obviously Andy Reid's won three Super Bowls
and been to five. So I think it's that sort
of scenario in Pittsburgh right now. And you know, I
think that the state of the roster is what gives
you the natural.
Speaker 4 (02:29):
Breakpoint that could come in the next year or two.
Speaker 1 (02:31):
Okay, Monday Night Football Chargers eight and four hosting the Eagles.
Hypothetically Philadelphia loses, do they make a change at OSEA Listen,
three game losing streaks in Philadelphia is chaos in Carolina.
Speaker 5 (02:49):
It's business as usual.
Speaker 1 (02:51):
In Philadelphia, WYP Radio. I mean, they lose Monday and
it's a two point spread. I mean, it's a real game.
Could something happen in on the staff? What happened? Something's
gonna happen.
Speaker 3 (03:05):
I mean, it's not impossible, And you're right, like Philadelphia
is different. Like I would say, it's crazy to start
to talk about those things when we're what like ten
months separated from them winning a Super Bowl, But it
happened a couple of years ago there, right like they
were coming.
Speaker 4 (03:21):
Off of a Super Bowl in twenty twenty two.
Speaker 3 (03:23):
You go into twenty twenty three, you've got young coordinators
that you really thought you believed in Brian Johnson, Sean Deci.
One winds up getting fired in season, the other one
gets fired after the season. And in twenty twenty four
you've got two new coordinators in Kellen Moore and Vic Fangio.
Now you've lost more that isn't working out, And this
sort of feels like it could be the same scenario.
(03:45):
And again I think Kevin Patula is a really good coach,
but the temperature there is certainly high. We know the
egos that are in that room, Jalen Hurts, AJ Brown.
You know, it's just a lot of mouths to feed there.
A team that's leveraged to win right now now, and
you know it's a high stakes game. The Eagles are
playing from year to year based on how they're structured
here again, how that roster is built, and so you know,
(04:08):
again normally I would say this is crazy, the idea
that you can move on from an offensive coordinator in
season this close to a Super Bowl Championship. But you know,
I just think based on what we saw two years ago,
it's not impossible.
Speaker 1 (04:22):
Listen, when the Cowboys treaded Micah, I said, I love
it for Green Bay, but I love it for Dallas,
and it was very I always think it's easy for
to pick a winner and a loser in a trade.
But these gms, Jerry Jones a better GM than people
given credit for. Are you when you talk to people
around the league and you mentioned Jerry the GM?
Speaker 5 (04:41):
Is there an acknowledgment?
Speaker 1 (04:43):
You know, Pickens quinnin Kenny Klark to first rounder Mike
of trade? Is there an acknowledgment maybe Jerry kind of
knows what he's doing.
Speaker 3 (04:54):
Can I flip this around on you for a second
call and ask you a question?
Speaker 6 (04:57):
All right?
Speaker 3 (04:58):
Over the last twenty years, what was last time talent
was an issue on Dallas?
Speaker 4 (05:05):
It really hasn't been, right, Yeah, not really.
Speaker 3 (05:07):
I mean it was before Parcells got there, and Parcelles
was there from three to six. Parcells rebuilt that roster,
and I really, I mean I covered the.
Speaker 6 (05:17):
Team day to day.
Speaker 4 (05:17):
I was gonna beat No. Seven and O.
Speaker 7 (05:18):
Eight.
Speaker 3 (05:19):
I don't remember. Talent doesn't mean they don't have holes.
But I don't ever remember talent being an issue, like
I think from a talent.
Speaker 1 (05:26):
Their guards, they're two young guards are star excellent.
Speaker 3 (05:32):
Yeah, I mean they've effectively rebuilt the offensive line. Now
their offensive line outside of the right tackle Terrence Steele,
all four of the other offensive linemen are twenty four
and younger is Tyler Guidon, Tyler Smith, Tyler Booker, and
then and then and then Cooper.
Speaker 4 (05:47):
Bebe at center.
Speaker 3 (05:49):
And yeah, I mean I think you have to give
them credit for what they did here because they told
you when they traded Micah this story isn't over yet.
We are, we're retooling a little bit. And I think
what happened was and this goes back to August. I
think I said to this tea in August was when
the conversation about Micah being traded got real because they
were trying to re sign him. They started to take
(06:10):
a bigger picture of look at where they were organizationally,
and what signing Micah would have done would have been
to kind of say, okay, like we're going forward with
what we've already done that wasn't really working.
Speaker 6 (06:20):
And so if it was.
Speaker 3 (06:21):
DAK and CD and Micah making whatever the percentage of
the cap would be, fifty percent of the cap. Was
that going to work or do you start to reimagine
things and rethink things a little bit? And they brought
in George Pickens at that point, which that again was
something that required patients because they didn't draft a receiver
and they traded for Pickens after the draft, you know.
And then in this case, it was okay, like we've
(06:42):
got a new defensive coordinator here in Matt Eberflus. Where
did he have his greatest success. It was in Indianapolis
with dominant defensive tackles and that was to Forest Buckner
and Grover Stewart. And now you see in Dallas they
resigned Ocia Digezua. In the off season, they traded for
Kenny Clark, They trade for Ken and Williams, Quinn and Williams.
(07:03):
In that Raiders game, the first game they had Quinn,
they had eleven quarterback hits.
Speaker 4 (07:08):
Nine of them were from the defensive tackle position.
Speaker 8 (07:11):
Wow.
Speaker 3 (07:11):
And so now you're seeing what was a weakness in
the team, which is the defense with Micah as part
of it, right, Like that was that looked like it
was going to be weakness going into the year. Now
that's becoming a Now that's becoming a strength. And the
offense looks unstoppable with CD and and UH, with CD
and and and and Pickens outside and on the offensive line,
(07:31):
which lost Zach Martin. By the way, they've got four
starters who are twenty four and younger. You know, I
certainly think you got to give them some credit for
the job that they've done. From a personnel standpoint, that
looks like a dangerous team going forward. And that's a
credit to Jerry Jones, to Steven Jones, and to Will.
Speaker 4 (07:49):
McLay again a lot. It took a lot of drama
to get here.
Speaker 3 (07:52):
But that's a really good team and they're playing really,
really well and.
Speaker 4 (07:56):
Peaking at the right time.
Speaker 5 (07:58):
Hey, the I mean the Chiefs.
Speaker 1 (08:01):
If I had to win a game, I'd rather not
play the Texans, whose defense right now is just completely
lights out. But there is a chance they could run
the table. I don't think they will if they don't,
Like I thought the last couple of years, I mean,
I would always put it in Andy Reid's wallet. He
(08:21):
makes the decision, he'll pull out the I'm retiring card.
But I mean, what do you do if you're Kansas
City with Mahomes and you don't make the playoffs, Harbaugh
and Herbert are going to make the playoffs losing their
entire line and Marion Hampton Denver's got bow Nicks on
that rookie contract. You start looking around, It's like, well,
this isn't even the best of the division yet this
(08:44):
was a year you were gonna still make it. Could
you see Kansas City making a big swing on something?
Speaker 3 (08:50):
I could, because like if you remember, like the last
time it really looked like something was in a massive
state of disrepair was after that Super Bowl loss to
team where Mahomes got knocked around and they completely like
blew up their offensive line and if you remember, I
think it was five new starters, right, So they brought
in Joe Toney from New England, They brought in Joan
(09:12):
Taylor from from Jacksonville. They Brian Donovan Smith, and they
drafted Creed Humphrey and Tray Smith. So like, they haven't
shown fear for blowing things up in the past and
trying to retool an area or multiple areas of their
team on the fly. You know, the Tyreek Hill trade
was very bold at the time. So I think if
(09:34):
you if you look at where they are, and the
one thing that sticks out to me, because I don't
think the defense has broken Colin, it does look like
things are hard for them on offense. It looks like
it's hard for them to churn out third downs that
were routine in the past. It just it looks like
there's more instances where Mahomes either has to run or
(09:54):
do something like Superman in the passing game for them
to to look like they have in the past. And
Patrick's certainly certainly capable of that. But yeah, I mean
like it's it's one of those things where as long
as you have Mahomes, it's incumbent on you to build
aggressively and be aggressive in the way you're putting your
operation together. And if things continue the way that they've
(10:17):
gone to this point, I certainly think you have to
look at a bunch of different things, especially on offense,
to try to turn the tie, because it does feel like,
for whatever it's worth, like the age of Kelsey and
then the state of the receiver position, like they just
look stuck in the mud a little bit. And maybe
that resolves itself, you know, because there's been a vision
(10:37):
here over the last couple of years, and the way
they've built, which is Worthy on one side, Hollywood Brown
on the other, taking the top off the defense, and
then Rice and Kelsey running in free space underneath for
one reason or another just hasn't come together the way
they've envisioned it.
Speaker 4 (10:52):
And so you know, I certainly think if things.
Speaker 3 (10:54):
Keep going the way that they have gone, that you
would take a look at in the off season and
say what do we need to be what do we
need to do different?
Speaker 1 (11:01):
Finally, you and I can complain about the college football playoff,
but it is signing day US he has the number
one class and I'm not sure if you noticed did
flip an Ohio State receiver. Let's not get in there.
Let's talk about this Ohio State is really, really good,
Julian saying I was texting pro people this past weekend.
(11:21):
Presence feet, accuracy, release, that kid is. He's a guidebook
on a young quarterback. But let me ask you, Michigan
wasn't a threat. Is there a way to beat this
Ohio State State team? You've seen every snap. I think apathy.
I think this is the last game. I think this
game because of apathy.
Speaker 5 (11:41):
Off Michigan and looking ahead.
Speaker 1 (11:43):
That would worry me and the Georgia game if they
could give Julian saying some heat, some pressure. He's young,
he makes a mistake or two. When you look at
Ohio State, is there any way to beat them? Because
Michigan it wasn't the team.
Speaker 3 (11:56):
Well, I show you a picture from last year if
you remember, this might be the one year in a
versary of you's showing me this picture which was me
in the stands.
Speaker 4 (12:03):
It's hard to see, it's hard to see.
Speaker 3 (12:04):
We'll see if we can, but it was me in
the stands, and you guys put it up like one
of your Fox guys might have been Brady Quinn himself
took that picture of me looking miserable in the stands.
And Ryan Day is sixteen and oh since since you guys,
So yeah, I do have some level.
Speaker 4 (12:21):
Of trust in what's going on there in Columbus.
Speaker 2 (12:25):
I would say this.
Speaker 3 (12:26):
I think I think the thing that people are going
to focus on the skill players, right like people are
going to focus on Jeremiah and Carnellen rightfully. So like
Bo Jackson as a freshman running back, Max Clair at
tight end, like yeah, there's an embarrassment of weapons and
riches on the offensive side of the ball.
Speaker 4 (12:41):
I think the defense is better than the offense.
Speaker 3 (12:45):
And I.
Speaker 4 (12:47):
And I think Matt Patricia can go to.
Speaker 3 (12:49):
Ryan Day and legitimately say on a week two week basis,
no matter who they're playing, get me seventeen points and
we're fine. And as long as like there isn't a
touchdown scored on special teams or the other team's defense
doesn't score a touchdown, they can they can produce that
sort of result. The other thing is they're very fresh legged,
(13:10):
and that was last year too, where they took this
strategy of being the slowest playing offense in college football.
I think I read somewhere that they've played two games
worth fewer snaps than Texas Tech. Right, because of the
way that they operate, the way that they play, the
way that they plan for this and you saw what
fresh legs did for them in the playoffs last year.
(13:30):
It's allowed them to manage injuries the guys like Tate
and Jeremiah. I'm pretty confident going in the team that
scares me the most. Actually, this might surprise you, Oregon.
That's the team that I think when I watched them,
I just since they have this other gear that doesn't
always come out, but when it comes out, I think
Oregon's got a chance to be pretty scary.
Speaker 6 (13:52):
Well.
Speaker 1 (13:52):
Also, also, they've been without their their injury situation at
receivers absurd. They've been winning games at Iowa. They've been
winning games on their fourth, fifth, and sixth receivers. So
if they get help, those are NFL guys. So that's
an interesting point. We haven't seen the best of Oregon.
Ohio State's the best every weekend. All right, buddy, it's
great seeing you.
Speaker 4 (14:11):
All right, Thanks con Yeah, I like Ohio.
Speaker 1 (14:13):
State to beat Indiana. I think it's a good game.
I want to see Mendoza against this defense. That's what
That's why I'm watching the game. Because it doesn't mean anything.
They're both gonna get into the tournament, you know. I
I Ohio State's got more Sunday players.
Speaker 6 (14:27):
I'll take them.
Speaker 2 (14:28):
Be sure to catch live editions of The Herd weekdays
and neon eastern non am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio
FS one and the iHeartRadio app.
Speaker 9 (14:38):
Hey, it's Rob Parker and Calvin Washington from The Odd
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Speaker 10 (14:42):
And in addition to hearing US live week nights from
seven to ten pm Eastern on Fox Sports Radio. We
are excited to announce brand new YouTube channel for the show.
Speaker 11 (14:52):
That's right, you can now watch The Odd Couple live
on YouTube every day.
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and subscribe.
Speaker 1 (15:10):
Well, you know, Jmack and I can't wait. June eleventh,
Fox FS one the FIFA World Cup. The draw is Friday.
Alexi Lawless gonna be joining us in about twenty minutes.
Speaker 5 (15:18):
First though, Jmack with the news.
Speaker 6 (15:20):
No, no turn on the news.
Speaker 2 (15:23):
This is the herd Line News.
Speaker 7 (15:26):
It's very very excited for the draw. Let's go to
the NFL. Here, the Dallas Cowboys are a threat.
Speaker 1 (15:31):
Colin.
Speaker 7 (15:31):
It's official, and I'm gonna make the prediction right now.
If they beat the Lions, they're gonna run the table
and make the playoffs.
Speaker 12 (15:37):
The Lions game is a huge swing game.
Speaker 7 (15:39):
Remember they started three to five and one, they're now
six five and one.
Speaker 12 (15:44):
Dak says they got to continue to stack.
Speaker 11 (15:46):
W's It's about us really just controlling what we control,
winning the games in front of us and right now.
I don't think we're in a position where we truly
got to know count wins and losses from other teams.
I think we just win and handle our business, will
put ourselves in a great book.
Speaker 12 (16:02):
Here we go Lions, followed by the Vikings. They will
be favored.
Speaker 7 (16:07):
Chargers could be a dicey game. We'll see Commanders. They
will be favored. I don't even care if Jaden Dams
is back. And then the Giants, who are not a
good football team. Now three of those are on the road,
two of them outdoors. It's possible that Washington and the
Giants and weather's crappy and they can't throw the ball.
Speaker 12 (16:26):
But Colin, this smells like a five and O to me,
doesn't it.
Speaker 1 (16:29):
No, I keep your eye the Chargers are getting Chargers
defense is great. Now, they've got a run game that's working.
I keep your eye on that. But I do think
I think three of those feel like W's Detroit.
Speaker 5 (16:43):
They're a dog.
Speaker 1 (16:44):
I like him against Detroit, but I think Detroit and
the Chargers keep your eye on. I mean, Detroit is
getting due a point. Detroit's desperate, and by the way,
we're surprised Dallas. Is this good people are picking Detroit
to make the super Bowl. So I think there's a not.
Speaker 12 (17:00):
Here, not on this show.
Speaker 1 (17:01):
No, we didn't, but that's for the record, one of
the best games ever on Thursday.
Speaker 5 (17:08):
That is a great Thursday.
Speaker 7 (17:09):
Game and indoors, so no inclement weather. It should be
should be a banger.
Speaker 4 (17:14):
I'm with you.
Speaker 12 (17:15):
I'm on the Cowboys there. All right, let's move on
to the next story. And that is a bit of
a surprise.
Speaker 7 (17:20):
The Cleveland Browns announced today that DeShawn Watson was designated
to return to practice.
Speaker 12 (17:27):
He has twenty one.
Speaker 7 (17:28):
Days to prove he's healthy enough to be activated.
Speaker 12 (17:30):
If he passes, he can join him at any point.
Speaker 7 (17:32):
If not, he'll be placed on season ending I are
in the meantime, Schdur Sanders will get the start. Dylan
Gabrielle the backup. Here's Shador talking about how he can
improve his game.
Speaker 9 (17:44):
Sometimes I look for the big play, you know, And
I do that when I feel like I'm pressing, like
I feel like we don't have no when I feel
like we need to get a spark, when you get
an energy, that's you know, typically what when I do that,
whenever we stagnant, you know, so has something I review
with myself and I know I in those situations, I can't.
Speaker 4 (18:03):
I can't do that.
Speaker 9 (18:06):
You know, at certain times.
Speaker 7 (18:08):
That's exactly what the defensive coordinators want.
Speaker 12 (18:10):
We don't think you're patient enough.
Speaker 7 (18:12):
That's right to matriculate down the field, go for the
big play, go for it, you know, chuck it into
too deep. And I don't know if you saw the
clip that Jerry Judy was kind of getting on his
case on the sideline. Jerry Judy and Chador, I don't
want to say they had words, but Jerry's like, I
was open, You've got to make that throw. And again
it plagued Chador a little bit. But holding the ball,
he's getting time to throw. He's just afraid to make mistakes.
(18:36):
This is obviously stuff.
Speaker 12 (18:37):
For a young quarterback. I don't know, you know, Deshaun.
Speaker 1 (18:41):
I like Cleveland this weekend. I don't like betting on
bad teams. I like Cleveland this weekend.
Speaker 12 (18:46):
They're at home against the Tennessee Titans. Marl Miles Garrett
may have eight sacks. I don't know.
Speaker 7 (18:52):
But this to Shan Watson things interesting. I thought the
franchise was done with him, but we'll see finals. R
con let's go to your guy.
Speaker 12 (19:02):
This is your guy, Aaron Rodgers.
Speaker 7 (19:04):
You know he's prickly after the Bills lost, saying that
some of the receivers it did not attend film sessions. Well,
Mike Tomlin was asked about the team swoon and said,
I'm willing to do whatever we need to do to
improve the team. It feels like things are falling apart here.
Usually Raven Steelers, you just automatically put the spread at three.
(19:25):
Look at that number six. I mean Pittsburgh cannot stop
the run against Buffalo.
Speaker 1 (19:29):
I'm sorry, I like Pittsburgh is a really Jillie. Oh,
it's a ridiculous number for that. Baltimore's offense is stuck.
I'm six points in this rivalry.
Speaker 12 (19:40):
You know how to get unstuck. Right, face the Steelers.
Speaker 7 (19:43):
They gave up two hundred and forty nine yards to
the Bills on the ground. Now you face Lamar and
Derrick Henry and oh, by the way, this is fun.
So Lamar's been skipping the Wednesday practice a lot lately.
It's Wednesday. He's at practice today taking snaps. This is
a big one for the Ravens. They clearly were not
locked in against.
Speaker 1 (19:59):
The Ba taking the Ravens minus six and the Packers
minus six and a half.
Speaker 7 (20:03):
I haven't taken the Ravens yet, but it's Ravens are passed.
Speaker 12 (20:07):
I ain't touching the Steelers.
Speaker 5 (20:08):
They're cooked, buddy.
Speaker 12 (20:09):
It's over.
Speaker 1 (20:12):
By the way, the Ravens put up fourteen points against
the Bengals defense.
Speaker 7 (20:17):
Now listen, Isaiah likely fumbles at the goal line. Lamar
hands them a touchdown drop dropping the ball his three litlwonky.
Speaker 5 (20:26):
Okay.
Speaker 6 (20:27):
J Mack with the news.
Speaker 2 (20:29):
Well, that's the news, and thanks for stopping by the
Herd Line News.
Speaker 1 (20:34):
This is the most excited I've ever been for a
World Cup by far. I mean, it's gonna be here Canada,
some matches in Mexico. It's June. It's around the corner.
Alexi Lawless to draw his Friday controversy with our United
States men's national team.
Speaker 5 (20:51):
He's next.
Speaker 2 (20:53):
Be sure to catch live editions of The Herd weekdays
and noon Eastern not a em Pacific.
Speaker 1 (21:01):
All right, the World Cup draws Friday, you can watch
it on Fox's going to be at the US, Canada, Mexico.
Sofi Jerry World MetLife. It's different when that's on our
soil totally different. Well, he's a Soccer Hall of Famer,
National Soccer Hall of Famer, made two World Cup appearances.
(21:25):
He's our friend, Alexi lalas Fox Sports.
Speaker 5 (21:28):
He is joining us June eleven.
Speaker 1 (21:31):
All right, let's start with this, the state of the
United States men's national team. What is the state of
the team Alexi today?
Speaker 8 (21:42):
I think we could accurately and fairly describe it as
in flux, in that all of the positives relative.
Speaker 6 (21:48):
To a home World Cup are there.
Speaker 8 (21:50):
The magic that seems to appear, the brigadoonish type of
environment that a home World Cup is I think gives
us cause for being bullish. However, there certainly have been some,
you know, some problems and some pickups along the way.
New coach Mauricio Pochettino, I think, is in a better
place than he was even a few months ago. But
you know, there is this there's this opportunity that's barreling
(22:12):
down the tracks at us, both on and off the field,
by the way, and you do hope that this team
gets it together, but I think it's going to be
in a very different way, and I think there's going
to be some surprises both in the personnel and ultimately
in the results next summer from a US perspective, but
I still remain heavily excited and cautiously optimistic.
Speaker 1 (22:33):
What concerns you most about the personnel? Because I think
we both agree this is an aggressive, talented foot on ball.
We are good in space, we're athletic. I think we
believe we can go toe to toe with most teams,
and we don't have to play defensive soccer. We can
be aggressive. I didn't always feel that way. But what
(22:56):
worries you about personnel? What are we lacking?
Speaker 6 (23:00):
Let's start with the goalkeeper.
Speaker 8 (23:01):
We have Matt Freeze, who I think is a good goalkeeper,
potentially could be a great goalkeeper, but I have yet
to see him make the saves that he shouldn't make.
Goalkeepers need to make the saves obviously that they need
to make and they should make. But the great goalkeepers,
and let's be honest, from a US men's perspective, we
actually have produced some really really elite goalkeeping over the years,
so that's one of my concerns. Doesn't mean he can't
(23:23):
step it up, and I think he is the number
one goalkeeper right now, so I think he is going
to be your starter, by.
Speaker 6 (23:27):
The way, and I haven't looked this up.
Speaker 8 (23:29):
Potentially if he starts for the World the US team
in the World Cup, the first harvard Man to play
in a World Cup, so that's going to be interesting.
Speaker 6 (23:36):
So that's in the back.
Speaker 8 (23:38):
Scoring is over the last couple of cycles has been
a concern flow Alligan right now I think is the incumbent,
but a consistent scorer has yet to crop up, and
certainly a world class striker relative to the people that
we always talk about has not cropped up yet.
Speaker 1 (23:55):
Now polisk is top three, I believe scoring right now
over season his league, so I think were as good
as politics.
Speaker 6 (24:03):
Health.
Speaker 1 (24:03):
I think if he's healthy, and there's just certain players
in my life landon Donovan Dempsey, polistic I feel like
they're a bit of the soul, the fabric, and so
I feel like, if he's healthy, were good. What is
his current relationship with this new coach because it was
a little froth it was a little frosty two months ago.
Speaker 6 (24:27):
Yeah, I think it's good. I think it's positive.
Speaker 8 (24:29):
I also think but you know, it's it's a definite
change and the dynamic has changed. Actually actually just flew
down from new York and coach Pochettino was on my flight.
You know, all that is to say is that I
think Pochettino has come in and recognized that while it
worked before with Greg Burhalter, keep in mind that he
was a coach of a lot of young players, some teenagers,
and whether it's Christian Polistic or anybody else, they are
(24:51):
very very different men now than they were even a
few years ago, and almost you needed somebody different to
come in with a different type of message and a
ruthlessness in the way that he has approached the coaching perspective.
Christian Polisic I still think is heading towards being the
best male American soccer player in history. You could certainly
argue he's the best player in city all right now.
(25:12):
And to your point, you guys talk about stars all
the time, you know, as goes Christian Polisic, I do
think goes this team because he can do things that
others can't. But he's never going to be the leader
that people expect or want him to be. He is
a reluctant star, but that's fine. He can do all
of his talking with what he does on the field.
Because to your point, there's not a lot of people
that do that on a consistent basis like he does.
Speaker 1 (25:33):
Maurizio Barcentino came over, he had had some success with
the younger teams. I think it's unfair. I think the
way our soccer works in this country, the national team,
it's harder to galvanize. The downside are quality of player is.
They're all playing overseas and you were a rare guy
(25:55):
to go over to an Italian league.
Speaker 6 (25:56):
You you were.
Speaker 1 (25:57):
I mean, I think you're the first guy ever to
go play in that league in Italy.
Speaker 5 (26:00):
You were the first.
Speaker 1 (26:01):
Well, now we got guys not only going overseas, they're
high end players making a lot of money. I think
it's much harder to galvanize our national team.
Speaker 5 (26:11):
Where are you with Mauricio.
Speaker 1 (26:13):
He feels a little bit like a hardliner, and our
young guys aren't quite used to it. But I do,
I do see his messaging. I do feel he's on
the right it's the right.
Speaker 8 (26:23):
Path, do you Yeah, I mean, suck it up, Buttercup. Yeah,
there's a new sheriff in town and he doesn't take
any of you know what. I think that's a good
thing for this team. I'm so glad that you brought
up the relationship and the dynamic between American players and
the national team. And this isn't me grumpy old manning
the situation. It's just the reality of the situation is.
Back in my day when I was running around with
(26:44):
Kobe Jones were running around, we needed the national team.
We needed the national team to establish I guess what
the kids would now call a brand. We also needed
it to give it give us opportunities from a club perspective,
and that's not the case anymore. That's a good thing
that our players are playing. But what I think, Mauricia
but Chattino as identified is that you need to recognize
that even though you don't need the national team, you
(27:07):
need to want to be on the national team for
more than money, for more than fame, for the pride
and the honor that comes with representing what I feel
is the greatest country in the world.
Speaker 6 (27:16):
And I do think that he is instilled.
Speaker 8 (27:18):
That, and he has lamented that maybe that generation, to
your point, doesn't look at the national team as a
must have.
Speaker 1 (27:27):
Yeah, what when the draw happens Friday? Best case scenario.
Let's start with best case scenario. What to you would
be Oh, that's where they should play, and that's who
they should play. What would be the best case scenario
in a draw?
Speaker 8 (27:44):
I mean, so you can go through teams and say,
for example, all right, you got to have a you
have to have a European team, so you know, you know,
maybe you got in Austria and a South Africa and
a New Zealand or something like that.
Speaker 6 (27:57):
But that's that's all on paper. I will say this.
Speaker 8 (28:00):
You know, you could get a group like let's say Columbia,
Norway and Ghana, okay, And I think a lot of
people would look at that as, oh, my goodness, this
is a big problem. What we have found historically is
the US men's team they play up to the opponent. Now, look,
I want as easy a path as anybody, but I
also don't want to get complacent if and when we
get a good group.
Speaker 6 (28:21):
But I think we're gonna get a good group.
Speaker 8 (28:23):
So there's almost a part of me that wants it
to be not really really hard, but not completely easy,
because I worry about them being and taking their foot
off the pedal.
Speaker 1 (28:33):
Hey listen, in twenty twenty two, we were the second
youngest team we got to draw with England. We were
outclassed by the Netherlands, but we got to draw with England.
I was overjoyed we got out of the group stage.
What is a realistic so polistics, there are young players,
Weston McKinney are healthy. What is a realistic World Cup?
(28:53):
Through the eyes the prism of an American?
Speaker 8 (28:57):
All right, Look, if we don't get out of the group,
it's an abject fi I mean, it is a national
disaster and an embarrassment if you don't get out of
the group. Because by the way, top two teams as
normal come out of the groups of.
Speaker 6 (29:06):
Four, but also best third place teams. So we we
should absolutely get out of the group.
Speaker 8 (29:11):
Not only that, I think we no matter who those
balls are that come out on Friday in the draw,
I think that we should go in expecting to be
number one and win win our group. Now, what does
a successful World Cup and not just a World Cup,
a home World Cup look like?
Speaker 6 (29:25):
You know, I've told you before.
Speaker 8 (29:26):
It's kind of like you know, the Supreme Court trying to,
you know, to define obscenity.
Speaker 6 (29:30):
Right, I don't.
Speaker 8 (29:31):
I can't tell you what it is, but I know
what when I see it, right, we will know it
when we see it on the field, because it'll it'll
it'll make you feel.
Speaker 6 (29:39):
Good about yourself.
Speaker 8 (29:40):
It'll make you feel good about your country and the
way that they are playing. That goes beyond the actual scores.
And yes, winning is important, don't get me wrong. But
you know, if you lose because of a fluke call
or a penalty here, and you played, you played really
really well against a team that a lot of people
maybe feel as older. We absolutely should get past the
round of thirty two and back to the round of sixteen,
and that's usually where we faulter, where we're coming up
(30:01):
against a team that's better.
Speaker 6 (30:02):
Than us, and that's where the magic has to happen.
Speaker 8 (30:04):
That's where Marisio Pochettino, who's being paid six billion dollars,
that's where he earns his money to do things that
we haven't done before.
Speaker 1 (30:11):
Finally, we haven't had a repeat World Cup champ since
it was Brazil late fifties, sixty two, fifty eight sixty two.
Messi and Argentina your thoughts and can they repeat?
Speaker 6 (30:23):
I think they can repeat.
Speaker 8 (30:25):
And it's interesting that Messi continues to play at the
top of his game. By the way, MLS Cup this
weekend with Inter Miami and Vancouver, and Messi is the
MVP and looking to get his.
Speaker 6 (30:33):
First MLS Cup.
Speaker 8 (30:35):
But it's really going to be interesting next summer as
Messi and his Argentina team defend their championship their World Cup. Oh,
by the way, in his new home and backyard and
neighborhood of the United States, I think people.
Speaker 6 (30:48):
Are gunning for him. Lake.
Speaker 8 (30:48):
You mentioned it's very, very difficult to maintain multiple cycles
and win World Cups. Keep in mind that since the
dawn of the World Cup, only eight countries have ever
won the World Cup. So it's difficult in and of itself,
let alone, to repeat. And there will be people that
are licking their chops out, the least of which is
teams like teams like Spain, keeps like France, and even
though it pains me to say it, a team like England.
Speaker 1 (31:10):
By the way, that looks like a junior suite. Did
Fox take care of you in that room?
Speaker 6 (31:15):
It's okay.
Speaker 8 (31:15):
I mean I got myself a coffee maker here, and
you know I made the bed up. You know, everybody
does these things from hotel rooms, and you know, you
got to be careful what you have hanging around back here.
Speaker 6 (31:25):
But it's very very nice. It's clean, and it's gonna
be fun.
Speaker 5 (31:29):
Good feeling you, my friend.
Speaker 6 (31:31):
Great to see you.
Speaker 8 (31:32):
You look great all right, and I love the fact
that you're so excited. I hope everybody tunes in this
Friday eleven thirty a eleven thirty am Eastern Time on
Fox three and a half hours of draw. And it's
not just the picking of the balls and selecting of
the teams. There's something for everybody. Even the village people
are going to play. So come on in, there you go,
There you go. Takes a village people. Alexi Lawless is
always your money, you know. I kind of feel like,
(31:54):
thank you, Alexi. I feel like it's a transition. Is
that for the first time in my life, we have
a high number of players that play overseas. And it
used to be like the World Cup defined US. Well,
now players are you know. It's like you look at
international basketball players. They can have success, but they're defined
by how they do in the States, like that's where
(32:17):
they make their money. Right, So in an internationals Luca
can be a big deal in Europe, but it's defined
by does he go to the best place in the world.
Of basketball and crush and the best place in the
world for soccer. It's over in Europe, and so our guys,
you know, it's an other They don't want to perform
for the United States men's national team. But we've gotten
so good that, you know, we have players, top players
(32:40):
going over there and they're leading scores and they're first
or second best player on squads.
Speaker 5 (32:47):
So it's a transition.
Speaker 1 (32:48):
Period for US. I think this is going to be
a fascinating World Cup. Canada, Mexico and here in the
States cannot wait, absolutely cannot wait.
Speaker 5 (33:02):
We'll see you tomorrow. First things, first night,
Hosts And Creators
Colin Cowherd
Jason McIntyre
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