1 00:00:01,360 --> 00:00:02,440 Speaker 1: The volume. 2 00:00:11,880 --> 00:00:13,880 Speaker 2: Championships. That should always be the expectation. 3 00:00:14,000 --> 00:00:17,520 Speaker 1: All right, man, you go ahead, Welcome back to the 4 00:00:17,600 --> 00:00:20,640 Speaker 1: Richard Sherman Podcast. It's that time of the year. It's 5 00:00:20,720 --> 00:00:23,000 Speaker 1: not Christmas, but it is the most wonderful time of 6 00:00:23,040 --> 00:00:25,800 Speaker 1: the year. It's time for the playoffs and the wildcard 7 00:00:25,880 --> 00:00:29,920 Speaker 1: matchups are presented. How are you feeling with the bye week, 8 00:00:30,440 --> 00:00:32,040 Speaker 1: Mitchell for your Detroit Lions. 9 00:00:33,080 --> 00:00:37,880 Speaker 3: Richard, I'm feeling calm. I'm feeling relieved. Yesterday was full 10 00:00:37,920 --> 00:00:41,080 Speaker 3: of emotion, you know, the anxiety leading up to that game, 11 00:00:41,200 --> 00:00:43,240 Speaker 3: not knowing whether you're gonna be going on the road 12 00:00:43,280 --> 00:00:45,960 Speaker 3: to la or taking the week off. And ultimately the 13 00:00:46,000 --> 00:00:48,640 Speaker 3: Lions get that one seed, which is huge. But the 14 00:00:48,680 --> 00:00:50,920 Speaker 3: rest of the NFC, I mean, let's start in the NFC, 15 00:00:51,120 --> 00:00:54,680 Speaker 3: because the landscape is set, and the Eagles take the 16 00:00:54,720 --> 00:00:56,800 Speaker 3: two seed and they're gonna play and they're gonna host 17 00:00:56,920 --> 00:00:59,240 Speaker 3: the Green Bay Packers. The Bucks are going to be 18 00:00:59,280 --> 00:01:02,040 Speaker 3: hosting the wash Into Commanders, and the Rams are going 19 00:01:02,120 --> 00:01:03,480 Speaker 3: to be hosting the Vikings. 20 00:01:03,960 --> 00:01:06,600 Speaker 2: Let's start with the Eagles taking on the Packers. 21 00:01:06,640 --> 00:01:09,280 Speaker 3: The Packers are a team, you know, they finished with 22 00:01:09,319 --> 00:01:12,000 Speaker 3: a solid record, but ultimately you look at their wins 23 00:01:12,360 --> 00:01:14,960 Speaker 3: and they didn't beat anyone crazy impressive. They went zero 24 00:01:14,959 --> 00:01:17,680 Speaker 3: to five against the Lions, Vikings, and Eagles. Do you 25 00:01:17,720 --> 00:01:19,880 Speaker 3: think there's any shot the Green Bay Packers can put 26 00:01:19,880 --> 00:01:21,759 Speaker 3: it together and come out with a win in Philly. 27 00:01:22,480 --> 00:01:24,399 Speaker 1: Uh, there's definitely a shot. You know, they got a 28 00:01:24,400 --> 00:01:26,560 Speaker 1: good staff, they got a good defense. It's playing well. 29 00:01:26,600 --> 00:01:29,240 Speaker 1: They're stopping the run really well, which is very important 30 00:01:29,240 --> 00:01:31,360 Speaker 1: in this game. With the season at Sakuon Barkley, the 31 00:01:31,480 --> 00:01:34,640 Speaker 1: historic season Stai Kawan Barkley has had for the Philadelphia 32 00:01:34,680 --> 00:01:38,000 Speaker 1: Eagles their offensive line, so the Green Bay Packers being 33 00:01:38,000 --> 00:01:39,920 Speaker 1: able to stop the run is huge. But what I 34 00:01:39,920 --> 00:01:42,560 Speaker 1: would feel better about if they had Jaire Alexander. If 35 00:01:42,560 --> 00:01:45,640 Speaker 1: they had Jaire Alexander in the lineup to help with 36 00:01:45,720 --> 00:01:48,640 Speaker 1: aj Brown and Devonte Smith, then I would feel a 37 00:01:48,680 --> 00:01:52,840 Speaker 1: lot better about it. But Keyshawn Nixon and the boys, 38 00:01:52,920 --> 00:01:56,320 Speaker 1: Rashaan Gary's having a really good season. Friends of the program, 39 00:01:56,440 --> 00:02:00,000 Speaker 1: Xavier McKinney got another pick last week, having an incredible 40 00:02:00,040 --> 00:02:03,680 Speaker 1: Pro Bowl season, all Pro season, So I think they 41 00:02:03,680 --> 00:02:05,560 Speaker 1: could get it done. But you have to be careful 42 00:02:05,600 --> 00:02:09,880 Speaker 1: because on the flip side, the Philadelphia Eagles defense has 43 00:02:09,919 --> 00:02:13,200 Speaker 1: played magnificently, and it seems like they've totally bought into 44 00:02:13,240 --> 00:02:16,600 Speaker 1: Vic Fangio's scheme. They understand it. Jalen Carter has developed 45 00:02:16,639 --> 00:02:20,560 Speaker 1: more into a leader of this defense. That d line 46 00:02:20,680 --> 00:02:23,040 Speaker 1: is playing really well versus the run in the past. 47 00:02:23,280 --> 00:02:25,800 Speaker 1: The secondary has played pretty good all year. 48 00:02:26,240 --> 00:02:28,080 Speaker 4: C J. Gardner Johnson is. 49 00:02:29,919 --> 00:02:31,800 Speaker 1: Doing what he has done, you know, in his defense, 50 00:02:31,840 --> 00:02:34,280 Speaker 1: he looks like he's back home making big plays. Obviously 51 00:02:34,360 --> 00:02:35,920 Speaker 1: had the snap food where he got kicked out of 52 00:02:35,919 --> 00:02:38,600 Speaker 1: the game, which is crazy, but outside of that, he's 53 00:02:38,600 --> 00:02:42,560 Speaker 1: made huge plays for this defense. I think Quinjon Mitchell 54 00:02:42,600 --> 00:02:46,919 Speaker 1: has played really well all season, especially for rookie. Cooper 55 00:02:46,960 --> 00:02:49,560 Speaker 1: dejen has played well, so our guy for end of 56 00:02:49,560 --> 00:02:53,960 Speaker 1: the program. Darius Slay continues to do what he does well. Offensively, 57 00:02:54,280 --> 00:02:55,760 Speaker 1: they have all the pieces. They have one of the 58 00:02:55,760 --> 00:02:58,200 Speaker 1: best offensive lines, if not the best offensive line in 59 00:02:58,200 --> 00:03:01,400 Speaker 1: football at their disposedale. I think that's what makes them 60 00:03:01,600 --> 00:03:04,640 Speaker 1: a really balanced and really dangerous team when it comes 61 00:03:04,639 --> 00:03:08,359 Speaker 1: playoff time. Now, there is a concern that I don't 62 00:03:08,440 --> 00:03:11,720 Speaker 1: understand why why Jalen Hurts is still in a concussion protocol, 63 00:03:11,880 --> 00:03:13,959 Speaker 1: you know, after this amount of time, that's a big 64 00:03:14,000 --> 00:03:16,639 Speaker 1: concerning for me, I mean, you would expect by by 65 00:03:16,720 --> 00:03:20,600 Speaker 1: Wednesday or maybe even late tomorrow, he should be cleared 66 00:03:20,760 --> 00:03:22,679 Speaker 1: to play. And if he's not, then I start to 67 00:03:22,720 --> 00:03:25,440 Speaker 1: get really concerned because they will have a much harder 68 00:03:25,440 --> 00:03:28,080 Speaker 1: time beating the Green Bay Packers without Jalen Hurts than 69 00:03:28,120 --> 00:03:28,880 Speaker 1: they would with him. 70 00:03:28,919 --> 00:03:31,600 Speaker 3: For the Packers, you know, Christian Watson went down with 71 00:03:31,639 --> 00:03:33,800 Speaker 3: an injury last week too. I mean, that's a guy, 72 00:03:34,120 --> 00:03:36,160 Speaker 3: you know, not the best hands in the league, but 73 00:03:36,200 --> 00:03:38,120 Speaker 3: one of the fastest guys in the league, can take 74 00:03:38,160 --> 00:03:41,040 Speaker 3: the top off the defense and can really stretch the field. 75 00:03:41,040 --> 00:03:43,680 Speaker 3: Without him, they're gonna have to adjust, Richard, if you're 76 00:03:43,680 --> 00:03:46,280 Speaker 3: Matt lafleor how do you scheme this up to give 77 00:03:46,320 --> 00:03:48,440 Speaker 3: your team the best shot to win this game? 78 00:03:50,280 --> 00:03:52,440 Speaker 1: Well, you you run the football. You alein't on the 79 00:03:52,520 --> 00:03:54,120 Speaker 1: run game, and you have to get that going. You 80 00:03:54,160 --> 00:03:56,360 Speaker 1: have to be consistent, Josh Jacobs, this is the reason 81 00:03:56,400 --> 00:03:58,440 Speaker 1: you got him to be effective in these playoff games, 82 00:03:58,880 --> 00:04:01,080 Speaker 1: to take pressure off of Jodan Love, to take pressure 83 00:04:01,400 --> 00:04:05,480 Speaker 1: off that defense, to possess the ball longer than your opponent. 84 00:04:05,600 --> 00:04:06,960 Speaker 4: So that's what they're gonna have to do. 85 00:04:07,000 --> 00:04:10,000 Speaker 1: They're gonna have to run the ball really effectively, Jordan 86 00:04:10,040 --> 00:04:12,000 Speaker 1: Love is gonna have to be very careful with the 87 00:04:12,000 --> 00:04:14,320 Speaker 1: football because if you give it over, give it away 88 00:04:14,320 --> 00:04:16,359 Speaker 1: in a game like this, you go home, and you 89 00:04:16,400 --> 00:04:18,640 Speaker 1: go home in a hurry and you're on the road. 90 00:04:18,760 --> 00:04:21,760 Speaker 1: So their defense are gonna need to cause the turnover 91 00:04:21,839 --> 00:04:26,440 Speaker 1: maybe two and give Jordan Love and Matt Lafour an 92 00:04:26,480 --> 00:04:30,000 Speaker 1: extra possession, and that'll help them win this game. But 93 00:04:30,480 --> 00:04:32,320 Speaker 1: without those things, if they're not able to run the 94 00:04:32,320 --> 00:04:34,240 Speaker 1: ball well, and they're having to lean on Jordan Love 95 00:04:34,279 --> 00:04:36,920 Speaker 1: and lean on this offense and the defense can't get turnovers, 96 00:04:36,960 --> 00:04:38,320 Speaker 1: and it's gonna be a long day for him. But 97 00:04:39,000 --> 00:04:40,960 Speaker 1: I think there's definitely a path for the Green Bay 98 00:04:40,960 --> 00:04:42,960 Speaker 1: Packers to win this game. But I think the Philadelphia 99 00:04:43,000 --> 00:04:43,760 Speaker 1: Eagles pull it out. 100 00:04:44,680 --> 00:04:44,800 Speaker 2: Well. 101 00:04:44,839 --> 00:04:46,560 Speaker 3: They got to lean on the run game, Like you said, 102 00:04:46,560 --> 00:04:49,080 Speaker 3: that's what gave them success in last playoffs when they 103 00:04:49,120 --> 00:04:51,640 Speaker 3: blew out the Dallas Cowboys and really you know, gave 104 00:04:51,680 --> 00:04:54,600 Speaker 3: the San Francisco forty nine ers hell and that divisional 105 00:04:54,680 --> 00:04:57,159 Speaker 3: round as well. Let's see if they can replicate that 106 00:04:57,400 --> 00:05:00,320 Speaker 3: same you know, magic that they did last year. Let's 107 00:05:00,360 --> 00:05:04,360 Speaker 3: go to Tampa Bay. They're hosting the Washington Commanders, Washington 108 00:05:04,400 --> 00:05:07,960 Speaker 3: Commanders one of the surprise teams this year. Jaden Daniels 109 00:05:07,960 --> 00:05:10,960 Speaker 3: certainly looks like the answer for them at quarterback, and 110 00:05:11,040 --> 00:05:13,920 Speaker 3: our guy, you're one of your best friends. Bobby Wagner 111 00:05:14,240 --> 00:05:17,159 Speaker 3: shows why DQ Dan Quinn brings them in to be 112 00:05:17,200 --> 00:05:20,359 Speaker 3: the leader of that defense. But the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 113 00:05:20,400 --> 00:05:22,640 Speaker 3: they're resilient, man. I mean, they don't get a whole 114 00:05:22,680 --> 00:05:25,040 Speaker 3: lot of credit, but they deserve a lot of credit. 115 00:05:25,080 --> 00:05:27,320 Speaker 3: I mean, this team we talked about on the last cast, 116 00:05:27,360 --> 00:05:29,599 Speaker 3: they had to overcome a ton of adversity this year 117 00:05:29,640 --> 00:05:32,400 Speaker 3: with key players getting injured on the offensive side of 118 00:05:32,400 --> 00:05:34,599 Speaker 3: the ball, with Chris Godwin and Mike Evans going out 119 00:05:34,600 --> 00:05:36,600 Speaker 3: for a considerable amount of time. This is going to 120 00:05:36,640 --> 00:05:38,640 Speaker 3: be a huge game. You know, the Tampa Bay is 121 00:05:38,640 --> 00:05:41,039 Speaker 3: a tough team. Do you think that they come out 122 00:05:41,040 --> 00:05:45,040 Speaker 3: on top? Vegas has got them as a three point favorite, you. 123 00:05:44,960 --> 00:05:47,320 Speaker 1: Know, I think I think Tampa definitely has the advantage 124 00:05:47,360 --> 00:05:50,080 Speaker 1: right now. Young quarterback. But you know, the way Jayden 125 00:05:50,200 --> 00:05:53,640 Speaker 1: Daniel has played this entire season, I think he's put 126 00:05:53,680 --> 00:05:55,400 Speaker 1: us unnotice that you can't doubt him. 127 00:05:55,400 --> 00:05:55,839 Speaker 4: You can't. 128 00:05:56,040 --> 00:05:58,120 Speaker 1: You can't go into a game expecting him to be 129 00:05:58,200 --> 00:06:01,320 Speaker 1: like normal rookies and to play like normal rookies are 130 00:06:02,560 --> 00:06:05,039 Speaker 1: hard to have the nerves that normal rookies would have 131 00:06:05,080 --> 00:06:07,160 Speaker 1: in these playoff games. But on the flip side, there's 132 00:06:07,160 --> 00:06:11,240 Speaker 1: Todd Bowles, and in playoff games, Todd Bowles has a 133 00:06:11,240 --> 00:06:13,920 Speaker 1: team that creates turnovers at a high tilt. They get 134 00:06:13,960 --> 00:06:16,360 Speaker 1: sacks at a high tilt, and they limit scores at 135 00:06:16,360 --> 00:06:19,320 Speaker 1: a high tilt. And they're getting healthier. They've been banged up. 136 00:06:19,400 --> 00:06:22,240 Speaker 1: Jordan Whitehead has been banged up. Mike Edwards went out 137 00:06:22,240 --> 00:06:24,320 Speaker 1: in that game. They've been banged up in the secondary. 138 00:06:24,560 --> 00:06:28,480 Speaker 1: Vida Veya has played a Pro Bowl style football this 139 00:06:28,680 --> 00:06:31,280 Speaker 1: entire season. Their offensive line has played pretty good. Bucky 140 00:06:31,279 --> 00:06:35,280 Speaker 1: Irvin has coming to his own at the running back position. 141 00:06:35,440 --> 00:06:38,839 Speaker 1: He's done a great job. And I think Mike Evans 142 00:06:38,880 --> 00:06:41,839 Speaker 1: continues to be the steadying force of this offense. And 143 00:06:41,920 --> 00:06:45,640 Speaker 1: Baker Mayfield. Baker Mayfield has really played incredible football. And 144 00:06:45,680 --> 00:06:48,120 Speaker 1: I think you know, you lose track of where he 145 00:06:48,200 --> 00:06:50,480 Speaker 1: was drafted and all that because it's a feel good story, 146 00:06:50,520 --> 00:06:52,640 Speaker 1: but he still was a top pick in the National 147 00:06:52,640 --> 00:06:55,000 Speaker 1: Football League and he's playing that way. He's played forty 148 00:06:55,000 --> 00:06:57,640 Speaker 1: one touchdowns on the season, forty five hundred yards passing, 149 00:06:57,880 --> 00:07:00,200 Speaker 1: whether it's with his legs or with his arm. He's 150 00:07:00,240 --> 00:07:02,560 Speaker 1: a gamer and he's doing whatever is necessary to get 151 00:07:02,560 --> 00:07:04,080 Speaker 1: it done. But on the flip side dead so it's 152 00:07:04,120 --> 00:07:07,440 Speaker 1: Jayden Daniel. Jayden Daniels is running the football well, he's 153 00:07:07,480 --> 00:07:10,360 Speaker 1: doing it well. They made sure to let him sit 154 00:07:10,440 --> 00:07:12,400 Speaker 1: last week so he wouldn't put his body in arms way, 155 00:07:12,400 --> 00:07:15,080 Speaker 1: because they know how he goes. This offense goes and 156 00:07:15,120 --> 00:07:16,880 Speaker 1: he's gonna put his body in arms way. He's gonna 157 00:07:16,920 --> 00:07:19,560 Speaker 1: run the football. He's not sliding, he's getting the extra yards, 158 00:07:19,560 --> 00:07:21,720 Speaker 1: and he's trying to do everything that he can to 159 00:07:21,760 --> 00:07:24,200 Speaker 1: will his team to win football games. But there's a 160 00:07:24,240 --> 00:07:25,960 Speaker 1: reason that Bucks went six and one after the buy 161 00:07:26,000 --> 00:07:27,920 Speaker 1: and after Mike Evans came back, and they really could 162 00:07:27,920 --> 00:07:31,400 Speaker 1: have been seven and oh if not for a fumble 163 00:07:31,480 --> 00:07:35,200 Speaker 1: by Rashad White at the end of one of those games, 164 00:07:35,720 --> 00:07:37,240 Speaker 1: they would have been they would have been seven and 165 00:07:37,360 --> 00:07:40,160 Speaker 1: oh and and we'd really be talking about a team 166 00:07:40,160 --> 00:07:42,160 Speaker 1: that's red hot going into the playoffs. 167 00:07:42,200 --> 00:07:44,360 Speaker 4: But I think this is going to be the most. 168 00:07:44,120 --> 00:07:47,440 Speaker 1: Intriguing matchup of the playoffs of this first round, at 169 00:07:47,520 --> 00:07:48,920 Speaker 1: least in my opinion, I think it's going to be 170 00:07:48,960 --> 00:07:50,840 Speaker 1: really close. I think it's going to be really competitive. 171 00:07:52,000 --> 00:07:53,880 Speaker 3: Well, this guy, I mean, Jayden and Daniels played in 172 00:07:53,880 --> 00:07:57,320 Speaker 3: the SEC obviously, you know, elevated the ASU before we're 173 00:07:57,360 --> 00:08:00,760 Speaker 3: transferring to LSU, and we I feel like the guy, 174 00:08:01,040 --> 00:08:03,920 Speaker 3: like you said, he doesn't get nervous, He plays wise 175 00:08:03,960 --> 00:08:06,680 Speaker 3: beyond his years. He certainly deserves the Rookie of the 176 00:08:06,760 --> 00:08:09,360 Speaker 3: Year award that I'm sure he will receive. They're also 177 00:08:09,520 --> 00:08:12,880 Speaker 3: getting Austin ecklerback, who was starting to become a solid 178 00:08:12,920 --> 00:08:15,320 Speaker 3: piece of that offense prior to going down with the 179 00:08:15,360 --> 00:08:18,200 Speaker 3: concussion and getting put on ir other side of the 180 00:08:18,200 --> 00:08:20,600 Speaker 3: ball of Tampa Bay. I mean, they seem to strike 181 00:08:20,640 --> 00:08:23,440 Speaker 3: golden in the draft twice, you know, on the offensive 182 00:08:23,440 --> 00:08:26,200 Speaker 3: side of the ball with Bucky Irving and Jaylen McMillan 183 00:08:26,240 --> 00:08:28,880 Speaker 3: out of Washington, Richard, who I know you've probably watched 184 00:08:29,120 --> 00:08:31,920 Speaker 3: time or two being up there in Seattle. This guy 185 00:08:31,960 --> 00:08:34,839 Speaker 3: has really elevated his game with Chris Godwin going down. 186 00:08:35,240 --> 00:08:37,920 Speaker 3: So I personally like the Bucks in this matchup, but 187 00:08:38,040 --> 00:08:40,040 Speaker 3: I too believe this is probably the best matchup of 188 00:08:40,080 --> 00:08:42,160 Speaker 3: the weekend, or at least the most intriguing. I think 189 00:08:42,200 --> 00:08:44,920 Speaker 3: the best matchup will probably go to La Rams in 190 00:08:44,960 --> 00:08:46,760 Speaker 3: the Vikings, which we can talk about next. 191 00:08:48,440 --> 00:08:50,560 Speaker 1: Yeah, I think that's going to be a really good 192 00:08:50,559 --> 00:08:53,679 Speaker 1: matchup just because of how they literally match up. You know, 193 00:08:53,760 --> 00:08:58,200 Speaker 1: the Brian floor as his defense is overly aggressive. You know, 194 00:08:58,360 --> 00:09:02,120 Speaker 1: zero pressure guys six seven min at the line of scrimmage, 195 00:09:02,160 --> 00:09:04,000 Speaker 1: back out, pop out in the cover, two, pop out 196 00:09:04,000 --> 00:09:06,680 Speaker 1: in a zero coverage play man to man, be multiple 197 00:09:06,679 --> 00:09:09,960 Speaker 1: on his coverage, play a little bit of palm. I 198 00:09:09,960 --> 00:09:13,160 Speaker 1: think I think Stafford had answers for that the first 199 00:09:13,200 --> 00:09:16,480 Speaker 1: time they played. I think Sean McVay had answers for that, 200 00:09:16,559 --> 00:09:18,040 Speaker 1: and that's why they were able to get the win 201 00:09:18,120 --> 00:09:20,760 Speaker 1: earlier in the season. I think there'll obviously be adjustments 202 00:09:20,800 --> 00:09:23,959 Speaker 1: made on both sides, but again, Kyron Williams is running 203 00:09:23,960 --> 00:09:27,679 Speaker 1: the ball well. Stafford with Pukaakua and Cooper Cup healthy, 204 00:09:27,920 --> 00:09:28,800 Speaker 1: Higbee's healthy. 205 00:09:28,840 --> 00:09:29,719 Speaker 4: Now, I think. 206 00:09:31,000 --> 00:09:33,360 Speaker 1: With all their weapons at their disposal, they're still a 207 00:09:33,440 --> 00:09:36,000 Speaker 1: very dangerous team. It's gonna come down to what can 208 00:09:36,040 --> 00:09:40,600 Speaker 1: they do offensively the Minnesota Vikings. Can Aaron Jones get going, 209 00:09:41,160 --> 00:09:45,119 Speaker 1: Can Cam Akers get going? Can can t J Hockinson 210 00:09:45,440 --> 00:09:48,520 Speaker 1: get open? And and be effective in this offense. Can 211 00:09:48,520 --> 00:09:51,840 Speaker 1: they can they finally, can they get Justin Jefferson and 212 00:09:51,880 --> 00:09:55,000 Speaker 1: Addison going in this game because they were shut down 213 00:09:55,080 --> 00:09:57,560 Speaker 1: against Detroit and it was straight man to man coverage. 214 00:09:57,559 --> 00:10:00,000 Speaker 1: And I think obviously the Rams seeing that on tape, 215 00:10:00,080 --> 00:10:02,240 Speaker 1: it's gonna be encouraging and they're gonna feel Chris Shula 216 00:10:02,360 --> 00:10:06,480 Speaker 1: is surely gonna think, Hey, if it's not broke, don't 217 00:10:06,480 --> 00:10:10,520 Speaker 1: break it. Why not do what Sam Donald struggled struggled 218 00:10:10,520 --> 00:10:13,360 Speaker 1: with against the Detroit Lions, which is pressureing, but pressure 219 00:10:13,360 --> 00:10:16,080 Speaker 1: in his face each and every play. Trust your defenders 220 00:10:16,120 --> 00:10:19,920 Speaker 1: down the field, Trust your dbs to be able to 221 00:10:19,960 --> 00:10:21,800 Speaker 1: hold up and stand up and coverage. Trust that he 222 00:10:21,880 --> 00:10:23,800 Speaker 1: will not be able to get the pass all and 223 00:10:24,280 --> 00:10:26,920 Speaker 1: they have good Jared Verst will probably be up for 224 00:10:27,000 --> 00:10:28,800 Speaker 1: a Defensive Rookie of the Year, if you know. I 225 00:10:28,840 --> 00:10:30,439 Speaker 1: think he'll be in the top three if he doesn't 226 00:10:30,440 --> 00:10:32,800 Speaker 1: win it, and he's having a great year. I think 227 00:10:32,800 --> 00:10:35,280 Speaker 1: Akello Witherspoon is covering his butt off. I think he's 228 00:10:35,320 --> 00:10:38,360 Speaker 1: doing great in their secondary. I think this defense can 229 00:10:38,400 --> 00:10:40,000 Speaker 1: get it done. But I do think they're gonna take 230 00:10:40,000 --> 00:10:42,800 Speaker 1: a page out of Detroit's book. To try to affect 231 00:10:42,840 --> 00:10:45,600 Speaker 1: Sam Donald, and how he responds to that will determine 232 00:10:45,600 --> 00:10:48,400 Speaker 1: who wins this ball game, because I think that Stafford 233 00:10:48,400 --> 00:10:50,559 Speaker 1: and their offense will be able to score points. If 234 00:10:51,200 --> 00:10:53,480 Speaker 1: the Vikings can score points and they can manage the 235 00:10:53,520 --> 00:10:56,560 Speaker 1: game and they can control it that way, I still 236 00:10:56,559 --> 00:10:58,640 Speaker 1: think they're the better team. But you know, the better 237 00:10:58,640 --> 00:11:00,920 Speaker 1: team doesn't always win in a playoffs. It's about matchups, 238 00:11:00,920 --> 00:11:03,640 Speaker 1: it's about scheme, it's about executing down a stretch, and 239 00:11:03,679 --> 00:11:06,240 Speaker 1: Stafford has shown that he will execute at a high level. 240 00:11:07,520 --> 00:11:07,720 Speaker 2: Well. 241 00:11:07,800 --> 00:11:10,959 Speaker 3: The last time the Vikings lost against the Detroit earlier 242 00:11:10,960 --> 00:11:13,200 Speaker 3: this season, they won on the road, and following that 243 00:11:13,240 --> 00:11:15,360 Speaker 3: and lost to the La Rams. We'll see if that 244 00:11:15,600 --> 00:11:19,240 Speaker 3: replicates itself. The Vikings, in my opinion, are a lot 245 00:11:19,280 --> 00:11:21,800 Speaker 3: better than they played last night against the Lions. You know, 246 00:11:21,840 --> 00:11:24,640 Speaker 3: I think the Lions kind of you know, schemed it 247 00:11:24,720 --> 00:11:26,160 Speaker 3: up well, especially defensively. 248 00:11:26,240 --> 00:11:26,920 Speaker 2: My goodness. 249 00:11:26,920 --> 00:11:29,600 Speaker 3: But my question for you Rich, like, after you come 250 00:11:29,640 --> 00:11:33,480 Speaker 3: off such a bad defeat, you know, and obviously with 251 00:11:33,600 --> 00:11:35,600 Speaker 3: so much on the line with that first round buy 252 00:11:35,640 --> 00:11:37,319 Speaker 3: on the right line, and now you've got to go 253 00:11:37,679 --> 00:11:41,600 Speaker 3: on the road again to La Like, how defeated do 254 00:11:41,640 --> 00:11:44,160 Speaker 3: you think this team is like mentally, do you think 255 00:11:44,280 --> 00:11:46,319 Speaker 3: I mean, do you think they're feeling all right right now? 256 00:11:46,320 --> 00:11:48,400 Speaker 3: Can they Can they provide the juice that they need 257 00:11:48,400 --> 00:11:48,959 Speaker 3: to get this win? 258 00:11:49,559 --> 00:11:51,840 Speaker 1: No question, no question. They're playing in one of the 259 00:11:51,880 --> 00:11:54,160 Speaker 1: toughest divisions in football, and really one of the toughest 260 00:11:54,160 --> 00:11:56,520 Speaker 1: divisions in the last fifty years. So I think they 261 00:11:56,520 --> 00:11:58,600 Speaker 1: more fill their battle test. And you know, it's unfortunate 262 00:11:58,679 --> 00:12:00,720 Speaker 1: how that game went up, but they they fought them 263 00:12:00,760 --> 00:12:02,800 Speaker 1: down to the wire, and obviously Detroit was able to 264 00:12:02,800 --> 00:12:05,080 Speaker 1: pull away at the end, but it was a dog 265 00:12:05,120 --> 00:12:06,880 Speaker 1: fight against a really good team, and I think if 266 00:12:06,880 --> 00:12:11,400 Speaker 1: nothing else, it showed them defensively that they can play 267 00:12:11,400 --> 00:12:14,200 Speaker 1: with anybody. You know, that they can stand up against 268 00:12:14,200 --> 00:12:17,240 Speaker 1: a really tough team. Obviously Jamior Gibbs turned it on 269 00:12:17,360 --> 00:12:19,439 Speaker 1: and pull helped Detroit pull away at the end. 270 00:12:19,440 --> 00:12:20,800 Speaker 4: But I don't think you're discouraged. 271 00:12:20,800 --> 00:12:22,840 Speaker 1: A fourteen and three team isn't going to the playoffs 272 00:12:22,840 --> 00:12:25,880 Speaker 1: feeling discouraged when you lost three games out of seventeen. 273 00:12:26,120 --> 00:12:27,800 Speaker 1: I think you feel really good that you can play 274 00:12:27,840 --> 00:12:30,400 Speaker 1: with anybody, that you can beat anybody. I know, you 275 00:12:30,440 --> 00:12:32,360 Speaker 1: know this team beat you earlier. I think they'll look 276 00:12:32,400 --> 00:12:33,800 Speaker 1: at that tape and they will take a hard look 277 00:12:33,800 --> 00:12:35,880 Speaker 1: at that tape and see the things that they did 278 00:12:35,920 --> 00:12:37,720 Speaker 1: wrong and the mistakes they made. And I think they're 279 00:12:37,720 --> 00:12:40,720 Speaker 1: a much more veteran team since they played them the 280 00:12:40,800 --> 00:12:43,000 Speaker 1: first time and lost that game. So it's gonna be 281 00:12:43,040 --> 00:12:43,600 Speaker 1: a good game. 282 00:12:44,559 --> 00:12:45,120 Speaker 4: I think. 283 00:12:45,559 --> 00:12:47,600 Speaker 1: I think Minnesota finds a way to pull it out. 284 00:12:47,679 --> 00:12:49,360 Speaker 1: You know, I know they're on the road in LA, 285 00:12:49,440 --> 00:12:52,880 Speaker 1: but it's not a weather environment. It's an indoor stadium 286 00:12:52,920 --> 00:12:55,760 Speaker 1: against a talented team, but not as talented as they've 287 00:12:55,760 --> 00:12:56,840 Speaker 1: shown to be this year. 288 00:12:57,080 --> 00:12:59,319 Speaker 3: Well, in terms of the La Rams, we're gonna see 289 00:12:59,320 --> 00:13:01,679 Speaker 3: it pooping the cool can keep up his hot streak. 290 00:13:01,960 --> 00:13:03,840 Speaker 3: The guy I would keep an eye on is Cooper Cup. 291 00:13:03,880 --> 00:13:06,040 Speaker 3: I mean, he's really been underwhelming for the last month 292 00:13:06,040 --> 00:13:08,360 Speaker 3: of the season. I think he's due for a breakout game. 293 00:13:09,000 --> 00:13:11,120 Speaker 3: We'll see if Minnesota can contain them. But this is 294 00:13:11,280 --> 00:13:13,280 Speaker 3: this is my matchup to watch right here. This is 295 00:13:13,320 --> 00:13:16,720 Speaker 3: my favorite matchup of the weekend Vikings against the Rams, 296 00:13:16,840 --> 00:13:21,080 Speaker 3: and we'll see who pulls it out. NFL playoffs, We're 297 00:13:21,120 --> 00:13:25,120 Speaker 3: talking NFL playoffs. You bet we are get in on 298 00:13:25,160 --> 00:13:29,120 Speaker 3: the action at DraftKings Sportsbook and official sports betting partner 299 00:13:29,360 --> 00:13:32,160 Speaker 3: of the NFL. Scoring touchdowns is key to winning in 300 00:13:32,200 --> 00:13:34,720 Speaker 3: the playoffs, and the key to you scoring big is 301 00:13:34,800 --> 00:13:38,240 Speaker 3: betting on them at DraftKings, the number one place to 302 00:13:38,320 --> 00:13:41,640 Speaker 3: bet touchdowns. 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You know, with new 346 00:16:14,480 --> 00:16:18,160 Speaker 3: coach Jim Harbaugh, you know, your former coach, and the 347 00:16:18,240 --> 00:16:21,480 Speaker 3: Chargers have kind of brought a whole new identity. I mean, 348 00:16:21,560 --> 00:16:25,359 Speaker 3: Jim Harbaugh likes to pound the rock. This Houston Texans 349 00:16:25,440 --> 00:16:28,880 Speaker 3: team has really, in my opinion, been very very much 350 00:16:28,880 --> 00:16:32,360 Speaker 3: so underachieved this year. I know they've battled injuries, you know, 351 00:16:32,680 --> 00:16:36,440 Speaker 3: obviously without Steph Diggs, without Tank Dell. But they they're 352 00:16:36,440 --> 00:16:39,560 Speaker 3: bringing in Deontay Johnson, we saw him in the week eighteen, 353 00:16:39,920 --> 00:16:43,160 Speaker 3: and you obviously got Nico Collins there. You know, can 354 00:16:43,200 --> 00:16:45,720 Speaker 3: Houston turn this around? And be the team that everyone 355 00:16:45,760 --> 00:16:48,200 Speaker 3: expected to be this season and go on a mini 356 00:16:48,280 --> 00:16:49,280 Speaker 3: run in this playoffs. 357 00:16:49,680 --> 00:16:51,440 Speaker 4: Well, they have the talent to do it, you know. 358 00:16:51,520 --> 00:16:53,200 Speaker 4: I guess it's to be seen, you know. C J. 359 00:16:53,280 --> 00:16:56,120 Speaker 1: Stroud has taken a step back in a pieer. Obviously, 360 00:16:56,160 --> 00:17:00,360 Speaker 1: they've been banged up, Tankdale going down, Stefan Diggs going down, 361 00:17:00,760 --> 00:17:04,720 Speaker 1: but Daniel Hunters having a good year. I think they 362 00:17:04,760 --> 00:17:07,480 Speaker 1: will get the pass rush dere Derek Stingley's having a 363 00:17:07,480 --> 00:17:10,560 Speaker 1: good year again. Nico Collins was leading the league or 364 00:17:10,600 --> 00:17:13,520 Speaker 1: receiving before he went down with injury, and maybe this 365 00:17:13,600 --> 00:17:15,240 Speaker 1: is the game that puts them back on track, that 366 00:17:15,560 --> 00:17:18,199 Speaker 1: get them back in rhythm. The Chargers have shown that 367 00:17:18,200 --> 00:17:21,760 Speaker 1: they struggle at times offensively to get a rhythm if 368 00:17:21,760 --> 00:17:22,920 Speaker 1: they can't run the ball well. 369 00:17:24,160 --> 00:17:28,200 Speaker 4: Defensively, they've been really good in most of these games. 370 00:17:28,240 --> 00:17:32,000 Speaker 1: But I think this is another intriguing matchup that can 371 00:17:32,040 --> 00:17:34,359 Speaker 1: really go either way. I don't see this being a 372 00:17:34,400 --> 00:17:37,640 Speaker 1: crazy blowout game from either side. I could see both 373 00:17:37,680 --> 00:17:39,760 Speaker 1: sides winning it. I can see how the Chargers could 374 00:17:39,760 --> 00:17:42,720 Speaker 1: pull away run the ball. Herbert's of fishing with him 375 00:17:43,080 --> 00:17:46,320 Speaker 1: with the football makes good decisions down the field, doesn't 376 00:17:46,359 --> 00:17:49,080 Speaker 1: turn it over. He hasn't in thirty three interceptions on 377 00:17:49,520 --> 00:17:51,919 Speaker 1: I think over five hundred throws. You know, had a 378 00:17:51,920 --> 00:17:54,359 Speaker 1: really good season. But I can also see how CJ. 379 00:17:54,440 --> 00:17:57,200 Speaker 1: Stroud and the boys can really get going. Joe Mixon 380 00:17:57,240 --> 00:17:59,520 Speaker 1: could get going on the ground game, and they could 381 00:17:59,520 --> 00:18:03,399 Speaker 1: start really imposing their will on this game if the 382 00:18:03,480 --> 00:18:05,800 Speaker 1: Chargers aren't able to stop the run. So that's what 383 00:18:05,840 --> 00:18:08,280 Speaker 1: I love about the playoffs. We're gonna see, We're gonna 384 00:18:08,320 --> 00:18:10,000 Speaker 1: find out, We're gonna see. 385 00:18:10,080 --> 00:18:12,879 Speaker 3: I mean, you've talked about it on past podcast. You know, 386 00:18:13,040 --> 00:18:16,560 Speaker 3: Jim Harbaugh is so good at changing the culture and 387 00:18:16,600 --> 00:18:20,400 Speaker 3: identity of teams everywhere he goes. He wins from San 388 00:18:20,480 --> 00:18:25,639 Speaker 3: Diego to Stanford to obviously you know, San Francisco and 389 00:18:25,760 --> 00:18:28,840 Speaker 3: Michigan and now with the Chargers. I mean it's this 390 00:18:29,040 --> 00:18:32,160 Speaker 3: Chargers team had just been treading water for the last 391 00:18:32,240 --> 00:18:35,879 Speaker 3: five years, and now they've seemed to again developed this identity. 392 00:18:36,240 --> 00:18:38,800 Speaker 3: You gotta love what they're doing. They bring in Lad McConkie. 393 00:18:39,040 --> 00:18:41,879 Speaker 3: I mean, if I'm a GM dude, I'm drafting guys 394 00:18:41,920 --> 00:18:45,560 Speaker 3: from Georgia or Alabama straight up, like one in doubt, 395 00:18:45,640 --> 00:18:48,040 Speaker 3: draft from one of those guys and Lad McConkie. The 396 00:18:48,080 --> 00:18:50,879 Speaker 3: fact that you know this is gonna be like a 397 00:18:50,920 --> 00:18:52,879 Speaker 3: guy I wouldn't put him in the same category as 398 00:18:52,920 --> 00:18:55,560 Speaker 3: i'man ras, same brown, but the fact that teams traded 399 00:18:55,640 --> 00:18:58,800 Speaker 3: up and took guys above Lad McConkie that aren't making 400 00:18:58,800 --> 00:19:01,679 Speaker 3: any impact and the league right now is wild. Lan 401 00:19:01,800 --> 00:19:05,359 Speaker 3: mcconcky finds himself in a perfect situation with a perfect couple, 402 00:19:05,520 --> 00:19:08,280 Speaker 3: and justin Herbert to sling in the rock. I'd keep 403 00:19:08,320 --> 00:19:10,520 Speaker 3: an eye on him. Richard, I kind of like the 404 00:19:10,600 --> 00:19:13,000 Speaker 3: Chargers in this matchup. I think you got to go 405 00:19:13,080 --> 00:19:15,840 Speaker 3: with the team that's been playing better ball. Quinton Johnston. 406 00:19:15,960 --> 00:19:18,119 Speaker 3: I don't know where that performance was all year, but 407 00:19:18,160 --> 00:19:20,800 Speaker 3: my goodness, what was one hundred and eighty some yards 408 00:19:20,800 --> 00:19:23,679 Speaker 3: that he had last game? If he can catch the ball, 409 00:19:23,840 --> 00:19:26,120 Speaker 3: I mean, the guy's a burner, big body. You know, 410 00:19:26,280 --> 00:19:29,920 Speaker 3: the Chargers might have something here. I just like La 411 00:19:30,000 --> 00:19:32,840 Speaker 3: in this matchup above Houston, just because Houston has not 412 00:19:32,960 --> 00:19:36,560 Speaker 3: been playing to the air level. Let's go to Baltimore, 413 00:19:36,680 --> 00:19:42,000 Speaker 3: rich This Steelers team goes into Baltimore after finishing the 414 00:19:42,080 --> 00:19:46,560 Speaker 3: season losing four games in a row, and let's start 415 00:19:46,600 --> 00:19:50,760 Speaker 3: the conversation about Mike Tomlin, Like, this guy is such 416 00:19:50,800 --> 00:19:52,600 Speaker 3: a good coach. The fact that he's able to get 417 00:19:52,640 --> 00:19:55,680 Speaker 3: this team into the playoffs year after year after year 418 00:19:55,760 --> 00:19:58,320 Speaker 3: is so beyond impressive. But at what point does it 419 00:19:58,400 --> 00:20:01,840 Speaker 3: just not become enough rich because obviously going to the 420 00:20:01,880 --> 00:20:05,320 Speaker 3: playoffs you want to appreciate that, but you want to 421 00:20:05,320 --> 00:20:08,200 Speaker 3: win games in the playoffs, and the Steelers just haven't 422 00:20:08,240 --> 00:20:10,720 Speaker 3: been able to do that of late. Do you think 423 00:20:10,760 --> 00:20:14,520 Speaker 3: there's a timeline with how long Steelers can accept not 424 00:20:14,600 --> 00:20:15,560 Speaker 3: winning in the playoffs? 425 00:20:16,080 --> 00:20:18,040 Speaker 1: They I don't know. I don't know, because I think 426 00:20:18,080 --> 00:20:21,359 Speaker 1: there'll be people lined up to get Mike Tomlin to 427 00:20:21,359 --> 00:20:23,879 Speaker 1: be their head coach. He's a culture builder, He's a 428 00:20:23,880 --> 00:20:27,199 Speaker 1: guy that has literally never had a losing season, And 429 00:20:27,240 --> 00:20:30,720 Speaker 1: I understand the frustration fans have, but that's that's what 430 00:20:30,840 --> 00:20:35,040 Speaker 1: happens when you never have a losing season. Fans never 431 00:20:35,080 --> 00:20:37,199 Speaker 1: want the losing season. They just want what comes with 432 00:20:37,280 --> 00:20:39,639 Speaker 1: the losing season. So you want a top quarterback, You 433 00:20:39,680 --> 00:20:42,200 Speaker 1: want to be able to draft a quarterback, a franchise quarterback, 434 00:20:42,600 --> 00:20:45,200 Speaker 1: and you'll never be bad enough to draft the franchise 435 00:20:45,280 --> 00:20:47,399 Speaker 1: quarterback and to get one in the top five unless 436 00:20:47,400 --> 00:20:49,040 Speaker 1: you get him in the later rounds in the second, 437 00:20:49,040 --> 00:20:50,959 Speaker 1: third round, and I think you thought you got that 438 00:20:51,000 --> 00:20:53,879 Speaker 1: with the feel good Canny Pickett story. Hey, he's a 439 00:20:53,920 --> 00:20:57,240 Speaker 1: hometown kid, went to pitt like, grew up around here. 440 00:20:57,400 --> 00:20:59,240 Speaker 1: Like we think we got our franchise guy, and that 441 00:20:59,280 --> 00:21:01,320 Speaker 1: didn't end up being the case. But I think some 442 00:21:01,359 --> 00:21:04,800 Speaker 1: of it starts with personnel, because offensively, your personnel hasn't 443 00:21:04,880 --> 00:21:08,320 Speaker 1: been up to snuff. Like how many receivers you know, 444 00:21:08,359 --> 00:21:10,360 Speaker 1: Deontay Johnson is playing for somebody else? 445 00:21:10,400 --> 00:21:10,639 Speaker 4: Can he? 446 00:21:11,359 --> 00:21:13,560 Speaker 1: George Pickens looks like a really good pick, but you 447 00:21:13,880 --> 00:21:16,720 Speaker 1: see the immaturity at times, and sometimes he deals with that. 448 00:21:16,800 --> 00:21:19,560 Speaker 1: But he's a really great talent. You picked up justin 449 00:21:19,600 --> 00:21:22,560 Speaker 1: Fields and Russell Wilson. Justin Fields was four and two, 450 00:21:22,680 --> 00:21:25,440 Speaker 1: but the offense was pretty stagnant. You know, he used 451 00:21:25,440 --> 00:21:27,680 Speaker 1: his legs a lot in the red zone. The past 452 00:21:27,760 --> 00:21:30,840 Speaker 1: game was pretty anemic. And so insert Russell Wilson and 453 00:21:30,880 --> 00:21:34,160 Speaker 1: he goes out, has really good games for the first 454 00:21:34,160 --> 00:21:36,920 Speaker 1: six games and looks good and looks like the guy 455 00:21:37,000 --> 00:21:39,560 Speaker 1: that maybe you need to sign an extension to. And 456 00:21:39,800 --> 00:21:41,439 Speaker 1: now if you look at if you look at the 457 00:21:41,480 --> 00:21:45,320 Speaker 1: conversation of Steelers fans were having in Russell's first six 458 00:21:45,400 --> 00:21:48,720 Speaker 1: games versus his last six, you know, our last four 459 00:21:48,800 --> 00:21:51,359 Speaker 1: or five. You know, it's totally changed. And I think 460 00:21:51,600 --> 00:21:54,200 Speaker 1: that's where the concern is, like, is that is that Tomlin? 461 00:21:55,080 --> 00:21:57,439 Speaker 1: Because the defense has regressed a little bit. You know, 462 00:21:57,520 --> 00:21:59,679 Speaker 1: they're not getting as much pressure, they're getting banged up, 463 00:21:59,680 --> 00:22:01,520 Speaker 1: but it's you know, Cam Hayward's played well, t J. 464 00:22:01,640 --> 00:22:06,040 Speaker 1: Wattis Bay played well. They're still Minka Fitzpatricks just made 465 00:22:06,040 --> 00:22:09,000 Speaker 1: another Pro Bowl, and you wonder, I don't think you 466 00:22:09,000 --> 00:22:10,280 Speaker 1: ever get rid of them. I don't think you can 467 00:22:10,320 --> 00:22:12,680 Speaker 1: get rid of them and justify it. You know, oh 468 00:22:12,720 --> 00:22:15,600 Speaker 1: we went to the playoffs and we didn't win. You really, 469 00:22:15,680 --> 00:22:18,919 Speaker 1: I'm not sure you had the talent to necessarily be 470 00:22:19,000 --> 00:22:22,000 Speaker 1: in the playoffs and do damage. And you know, unfortunately 471 00:22:22,080 --> 00:22:24,480 Speaker 1: that's just the case right now until you get a quarterback. 472 00:22:24,480 --> 00:22:26,359 Speaker 1: And if you think Russell's the guy, then you're gonna 473 00:22:26,359 --> 00:22:28,080 Speaker 1: have to surround him with more talent. You're gonna have 474 00:22:28,119 --> 00:22:31,040 Speaker 1: to surround him. Bringing Mike Williams in was helpful, but 475 00:22:31,119 --> 00:22:33,280 Speaker 1: you're gonna have to surround him with more talent and 476 00:22:34,000 --> 00:22:37,240 Speaker 1: more running game, more offensive lineman, better offensive Lineman more 477 00:22:37,240 --> 00:22:39,959 Speaker 1: protection in order for him to be successful, and then 478 00:22:39,960 --> 00:22:42,119 Speaker 1: you're gonna have to again show up that defense. But 479 00:22:42,280 --> 00:22:44,199 Speaker 1: anything gonna happen in the playoffs. But this is just 480 00:22:44,240 --> 00:22:47,280 Speaker 1: a tough division and right now it's Baltimore's. 481 00:22:47,600 --> 00:22:48,439 Speaker 2: Well, no question. 482 00:22:48,480 --> 00:22:51,640 Speaker 3: I mean, the Steelers really had a tough, tough matchups 483 00:22:51,640 --> 00:22:54,119 Speaker 3: down the stretch. They played the Eagles, the Ravens, the Chiefs, 484 00:22:54,160 --> 00:22:58,320 Speaker 3: and ultimately a very hungry Cincinnati Bengals team and Richard, 485 00:22:58,359 --> 00:23:02,199 Speaker 3: they weren't frankly close in any of these games whatsoever. 486 00:23:02,280 --> 00:23:04,480 Speaker 3: I think it's really telling about the team that they are. 487 00:23:04,560 --> 00:23:06,960 Speaker 3: I think they beat up on mediocre teams, but when 488 00:23:07,000 --> 00:23:09,400 Speaker 3: it comes to facing the big dogs, I just don't 489 00:23:09,440 --> 00:23:11,880 Speaker 3: think they're there yet. I mean, they have certain pieces 490 00:23:11,880 --> 00:23:15,400 Speaker 3: in place that certainly helped them. You know, Cam Hayward's 491 00:23:15,400 --> 00:23:19,520 Speaker 3: an absolute stud, obviously, TJ. Watt high Smith. Defensively, they 492 00:23:19,520 --> 00:23:22,440 Speaker 3: got weapons. But like you said, you see immaturity from 493 00:23:22,440 --> 00:23:24,720 Speaker 3: George Pickens. He talks a big game but then drops 494 00:23:24,760 --> 00:23:27,920 Speaker 3: three balls when it matters most against Cincinnati, and even 495 00:23:27,960 --> 00:23:30,200 Speaker 3: in that game, it took a muff punt for them 496 00:23:30,240 --> 00:23:31,960 Speaker 3: to get back and score in position to even make 497 00:23:32,040 --> 00:23:34,560 Speaker 3: that a game. So I want to talk a little 498 00:23:34,560 --> 00:23:36,760 Speaker 3: bit about the end of that game, because ultimately they 499 00:23:36,760 --> 00:23:38,600 Speaker 3: were in a position to go down and kick a 500 00:23:38,640 --> 00:23:41,240 Speaker 3: game winning field goal, but Russell does not get out 501 00:23:41,240 --> 00:23:44,640 Speaker 3: of bounds, runs the clock, and then ultimately they put 502 00:23:44,640 --> 00:23:46,920 Speaker 3: themselves in a position where they've gotta they've got to 503 00:23:46,960 --> 00:23:49,600 Speaker 3: get himself in a field goal position with eleven seconds left, 504 00:23:49,600 --> 00:23:52,480 Speaker 3: and Pat Frarman drops the ball. Like, I just wonder 505 00:23:52,520 --> 00:23:56,760 Speaker 3: again how frustrated this fan base will become and maybe 506 00:23:56,760 --> 00:23:59,280 Speaker 3: they lost a little bit of trust in Russ. We'll see. 507 00:23:59,440 --> 00:24:02,800 Speaker 3: But in terms of the Ravens, rich, Like, my goodness, man, 508 00:24:02,880 --> 00:24:05,800 Speaker 3: this team, I think they're due at some point in time. 509 00:24:06,320 --> 00:24:08,800 Speaker 3: This team, if they can get over that Kansas City 510 00:24:08,880 --> 00:24:13,240 Speaker 3: Chiefs hump there, certainly due. And Lamar Jackson showed it 511 00:24:13,280 --> 00:24:17,480 Speaker 3: all year. He's certainly worthy of being in this MVP conversation. Like, 512 00:24:18,800 --> 00:24:21,399 Speaker 3: how certain are you that the Baltimore Ravens are going 513 00:24:21,440 --> 00:24:23,400 Speaker 3: to go in there and come out with a convincing 514 00:24:23,440 --> 00:24:24,840 Speaker 3: win this weekend. 515 00:24:25,160 --> 00:24:26,560 Speaker 4: I'm pretty sure about it, you know. 516 00:24:26,680 --> 00:24:28,760 Speaker 1: I Mean, they're playing really well and they're gonna let 517 00:24:28,800 --> 00:24:30,960 Speaker 1: all let it all hang out. I think Lamar has 518 00:24:31,000 --> 00:24:32,920 Speaker 1: heard enough about him not running the ball in the 519 00:24:32,920 --> 00:24:35,520 Speaker 1: playoffs and him him being conservative and trying to be 520 00:24:35,680 --> 00:24:39,199 Speaker 1: quarterbacky or whatever. They're saying, like, hey, use everything at 521 00:24:39,280 --> 00:24:41,720 Speaker 1: your disposal, whatever's necessary to get to win. And I 522 00:24:41,720 --> 00:24:43,560 Speaker 1: think that's been his problem in the playoffs. He wants 523 00:24:43,560 --> 00:24:45,720 Speaker 1: to throw it and he stay in the pocket and 524 00:24:45,760 --> 00:24:47,600 Speaker 1: show he could be a pocket passer, and it's just 525 00:24:48,119 --> 00:24:53,120 Speaker 1: hasn't been. It hasn't been him, and so I think 526 00:24:53,160 --> 00:24:55,679 Speaker 1: he's gonna do whatever is necessary. You hear how hungry 527 00:24:55,680 --> 00:24:59,960 Speaker 1: Derrick Henry is from his locker room conversations. He's hung 528 00:25:00,320 --> 00:25:05,040 Speaker 1: a win. That defense they have that was struggling early 529 00:25:05,080 --> 00:25:08,399 Speaker 1: in the season, I think Zach Orr has finally figured 530 00:25:08,440 --> 00:25:10,560 Speaker 1: it out and made the right adjustments and that defense 531 00:25:10,640 --> 00:25:14,080 Speaker 1: is playing out of their minds now. Marlin Humphrees is 532 00:25:14,800 --> 00:25:17,720 Speaker 1: having a great season, another Pro Bowl season for him, 533 00:25:18,119 --> 00:25:20,840 Speaker 1: and I think that's gonna be the difference maker going 534 00:25:20,840 --> 00:25:23,399 Speaker 1: down to stretch. They're playing right, they're hot, they're playing 535 00:25:23,440 --> 00:25:25,800 Speaker 1: together at the right time, and I think they are 536 00:25:25,840 --> 00:25:27,240 Speaker 1: a team that can deal with the cold. You know, 537 00:25:27,240 --> 00:25:28,680 Speaker 1: if they got to go to Kansas City and get 538 00:25:28,680 --> 00:25:30,000 Speaker 1: it done, I think they can do that. If they 539 00:25:30,000 --> 00:25:31,399 Speaker 1: got to go to Buffalo and get it done. I 540 00:25:31,400 --> 00:25:33,800 Speaker 1: think they can do that. And so their team that's 541 00:25:33,840 --> 00:25:35,879 Speaker 1: built to have to weather the storm they're going to 542 00:25:35,920 --> 00:25:37,360 Speaker 1: have to get if they want to get a ring 543 00:25:37,400 --> 00:25:37,760 Speaker 1: this year. 544 00:25:38,040 --> 00:25:40,600 Speaker 3: Well, we'll check the status on z Flowers. He went 545 00:25:40,680 --> 00:25:43,320 Speaker 3: out in Week eight team with an injury, but Rashad 546 00:25:43,320 --> 00:25:47,159 Speaker 3: Bateman filled in swimmingly. I mean that that guy looks fantastic. 547 00:25:47,200 --> 00:25:50,840 Speaker 3: You got Mark Andrews is healthy again, finally, big body 548 00:25:50,840 --> 00:25:53,679 Speaker 3: and like you said, the hammer Derrick Henry just wears 549 00:25:53,720 --> 00:25:56,840 Speaker 3: these teams down. I mean, the Ravens have everything they 550 00:25:56,960 --> 00:25:59,200 Speaker 3: need to make a title run and come out of 551 00:25:59,240 --> 00:26:02,280 Speaker 3: the AFC. It starts with the Steelers, though they got 552 00:26:02,320 --> 00:26:05,600 Speaker 3: to overcome a division fow. Let's take it to Buffalo. 553 00:26:05,720 --> 00:26:10,359 Speaker 3: Rich this team, you know, Josh Allen marvelous season. They're 554 00:26:10,359 --> 00:26:13,720 Speaker 3: hosting the Denver Broncos and bo Necks. I mean, the 555 00:26:13,800 --> 00:26:15,480 Speaker 3: guy looks like he's going to be a ten year 556 00:26:15,520 --> 00:26:17,840 Speaker 3: starter at minimum in the NFL going forward. And he's 557 00:26:17,840 --> 00:26:20,960 Speaker 3: got the perfect pairing for himself with Sean Payton. You know, 558 00:26:21,000 --> 00:26:23,560 Speaker 3: this is going to be a game that's certainly worth watching. 559 00:26:23,680 --> 00:26:26,040 Speaker 3: You know, the Broncos are eight and a half point dogs. 560 00:26:26,080 --> 00:26:28,600 Speaker 3: But I could see it being a lot closer than that. 561 00:26:28,960 --> 00:26:30,760 Speaker 3: You know, what are your thoughts on the Bills and 562 00:26:30,800 --> 00:26:32,440 Speaker 3: the Broncos heading into this matchup? 563 00:26:33,000 --> 00:26:36,400 Speaker 1: Well, it could be intriguing. I think Buffalo just has 564 00:26:36,440 --> 00:26:40,760 Speaker 1: the pedigree. They're playing well. Josh Allen's having a really 565 00:26:40,760 --> 00:26:44,440 Speaker 1: fantastic season. I think Sean McDermott is doing a great 566 00:26:44,520 --> 00:26:46,840 Speaker 1: job coaching his team. Their defense is playing good enough, 567 00:26:46,880 --> 00:26:50,240 Speaker 1: but this Denver defense is one of those defenses that 568 00:26:50,359 --> 00:26:54,840 Speaker 1: could throw throw everything in the kitchen sink at Josh 569 00:26:54,880 --> 00:27:00,520 Speaker 1: Allen and really call some issues. And I think offsly, 570 00:27:01,160 --> 00:27:03,479 Speaker 1: if somehow bone Nicks plays a great game, you know, 571 00:27:03,880 --> 00:27:06,600 Speaker 1: he could play great, they have a chance and they 572 00:27:06,640 --> 00:27:09,119 Speaker 1: could pull an upset. But I think I don't know. 573 00:27:09,359 --> 00:27:12,000 Speaker 1: I just I don't think bone Knicks will play well 574 00:27:12,080 --> 00:27:14,280 Speaker 1: enough to beat Josh Allen in Buffalo. I think that'd 575 00:27:14,280 --> 00:27:17,119 Speaker 1: be really, really surprising if that happened. I think Josh 576 00:27:17,119 --> 00:27:20,159 Speaker 1: Allen is gonna will this team to a victory. They've 577 00:27:20,280 --> 00:27:24,239 Speaker 1: won their last four wild card games, and I know 578 00:27:24,320 --> 00:27:28,040 Speaker 1: this Denver defense has shown real great promise. Pratt Certannel 579 00:27:28,560 --> 00:27:30,679 Speaker 1: it might be the defensive player of the year this season, 580 00:27:31,080 --> 00:27:32,920 Speaker 1: and they do a great job against the run. 581 00:27:32,960 --> 00:27:33,200 Speaker 4: Vans. 582 00:27:33,280 --> 00:27:35,000 Speaker 1: Joseph deserves a lot of credit for what they've been 583 00:27:35,040 --> 00:27:36,919 Speaker 1: able to do, and it's a feel good story in 584 00:27:36,920 --> 00:27:39,640 Speaker 1: the playoffs. But Buffalo is just on another tier right 585 00:27:39,680 --> 00:27:43,000 Speaker 1: now than Denver, so this upset. If Denver found a 586 00:27:43,040 --> 00:27:45,840 Speaker 1: way to win, I'd be really really surprised. But anything 587 00:27:45,840 --> 00:27:48,000 Speaker 1: can happen in the National Football League, and sometimes a 588 00:27:48,080 --> 00:27:50,760 Speaker 1: rookie that comes in, young, dumb and full of gum 589 00:27:51,520 --> 00:27:54,320 Speaker 1: is just gonna it. Sometimes just goes out there and 590 00:27:54,440 --> 00:27:57,639 Speaker 1: does some things because he doesn't know, he's not supposed to, 591 00:27:57,760 --> 00:27:59,600 Speaker 1: he doesn't know what's supposed to happen. He's just out 592 00:27:59,640 --> 00:28:03,480 Speaker 1: there playing, involving and feeling good and enjoying the moment, 593 00:28:03,520 --> 00:28:06,080 Speaker 1: and sometimes that's enough to get a team going. You know, 594 00:28:06,440 --> 00:28:09,280 Speaker 1: if Sutton goes up there and makes a few big grabs, 595 00:28:09,320 --> 00:28:12,000 Speaker 1: and you know, things can happen where momentum can shift, 596 00:28:12,040 --> 00:28:14,080 Speaker 1: and Buffalo could be concerned. But I just don't see 597 00:28:14,160 --> 00:28:16,200 Speaker 1: Josh Allen losing this football game. 598 00:28:17,000 --> 00:28:20,000 Speaker 3: I really like the Bills this year, Richard. They finally 599 00:28:20,200 --> 00:28:22,600 Speaker 3: have something they haven't had in years pass and that's 600 00:28:22,640 --> 00:28:25,600 Speaker 3: a very very reliable run game with James Cook pounding 601 00:28:25,600 --> 00:28:27,359 Speaker 3: the Rock. I mean, I think he just tied or 602 00:28:27,400 --> 00:28:31,119 Speaker 3: set the franchise record for rushing touchdowns if I'm not mistaken. 603 00:28:31,840 --> 00:28:34,320 Speaker 3: But you couple him with the ability of Josh Allen 604 00:28:34,359 --> 00:28:34,880 Speaker 3: to get on the. 605 00:28:34,840 --> 00:28:35,520 Speaker 2: Move as well. 606 00:28:37,320 --> 00:28:39,720 Speaker 3: I really like the Bills this year, and if it's 607 00:28:39,760 --> 00:28:41,840 Speaker 3: not this year, I don't know when. I mean, you 608 00:28:41,960 --> 00:28:45,080 Speaker 3: got Kean Coleman, you know, a wide receiver who's a 609 00:28:45,120 --> 00:28:47,560 Speaker 3: big body down downfield that they can just huck it to. 610 00:28:47,760 --> 00:28:50,880 Speaker 3: They really haven't utilized on Mari Cooper whatsoever, so I'm 611 00:28:50,880 --> 00:28:53,320 Speaker 3: wondering when he's gonna make his appearance with them. So 612 00:28:53,800 --> 00:28:55,760 Speaker 3: on the other side of the ball, the Broncos, I 613 00:28:55,760 --> 00:28:58,880 Speaker 3: mean shout out to bow Nicks for getting Courtland Sutton 614 00:28:58,920 --> 00:29:01,280 Speaker 3: more involved. I mean that's a rookie trusting the proven 615 00:29:01,360 --> 00:29:05,400 Speaker 3: veteran the Broncos and the Bills team that's used to 616 00:29:05,440 --> 00:29:08,400 Speaker 3: playing in the cold. Both of these guys love the matchup. 617 00:29:08,680 --> 00:29:14,480 Speaker 3: We'll see what happens. Let's talk about these season awards, Richard, 618 00:29:14,560 --> 00:29:17,720 Speaker 3: not that the season concluded. Like, what's your final say 619 00:29:17,760 --> 00:29:20,680 Speaker 3: with MVP? Are you giving it to Josh Allen? Are 620 00:29:20,720 --> 00:29:22,880 Speaker 3: you going to give it to Lamar Jackson. I know 621 00:29:22,920 --> 00:29:26,400 Speaker 3: we've talked about this at length and previous podcasts, but 622 00:29:26,840 --> 00:29:29,920 Speaker 3: I mean, in my opinion, it's it's a genuine toss up. 623 00:29:30,120 --> 00:29:31,760 Speaker 2: Where does Richard Sherman lie in this? 624 00:29:32,160 --> 00:29:33,520 Speaker 1: And now that's also about all for me. I think 625 00:29:33,520 --> 00:29:35,840 Speaker 1: it's Lamar Jackson's MVP. I think the numbers he put 626 00:29:35,920 --> 00:29:39,600 Speaker 1: up right now are historic. You know, the first four thousand, 627 00:29:40,080 --> 00:29:44,959 Speaker 1: nine hundred yard, forty touchdown five under five interception season 628 00:29:45,000 --> 00:29:49,280 Speaker 1: in NFL history. This league has been around a long time, 629 00:29:49,880 --> 00:29:53,000 Speaker 1: and there's been a lot of really incredible players to play, 630 00:29:53,600 --> 00:29:58,240 Speaker 1: and for somebody to have a first at this point 631 00:29:58,280 --> 00:30:00,920 Speaker 1: in time, something that's literally never been done in the 632 00:30:01,080 --> 00:30:05,200 Speaker 1: history of the league. And and I know that you 633 00:30:05,240 --> 00:30:07,840 Speaker 1: know the argument, what the argument is for Josh Allen, 634 00:30:07,840 --> 00:30:10,240 Speaker 1: but I think it's just hard for a narrative based 635 00:30:10,400 --> 00:30:15,640 Speaker 1: MVP season to go against a statistically based MVP season 636 00:30:15,720 --> 00:30:19,200 Speaker 1: when your narrative doesn't also include the number one seed 637 00:30:19,320 --> 00:30:20,040 Speaker 1: and dominance. 638 00:30:20,440 --> 00:30:20,760 Speaker 4: And so. 639 00:30:22,240 --> 00:30:25,440 Speaker 1: If the Buffalo Bills, you know, Josh Allen led them 640 00:30:25,440 --> 00:30:28,480 Speaker 1: to a to a playoff berth, and people said, oh, well, 641 00:30:28,560 --> 00:30:32,800 Speaker 1: nobody picked them to play this, well, it would sound better, 642 00:30:32,880 --> 00:30:35,040 Speaker 1: it would it would make more sense if the team 643 00:30:35,080 --> 00:30:38,240 Speaker 1: had actually underperformed at one point. I know they lost 644 00:30:38,240 --> 00:30:40,120 Speaker 1: a lot of guys, they lost a lot of pieces, 645 00:30:40,400 --> 00:30:43,320 Speaker 1: they lost Stefan Diggs, they lost a lot of veteran leadership. 646 00:30:43,560 --> 00:30:47,200 Speaker 1: I understand fully, but what I'm saying is in this situation, 647 00:30:47,400 --> 00:30:50,440 Speaker 1: it you have to also get the one seat. Like 648 00:30:50,520 --> 00:30:53,200 Speaker 1: they never missed the playoffs. They are a playoff team 649 00:30:53,240 --> 00:30:54,920 Speaker 1: last year. They are a playoff team this year. So 650 00:30:55,360 --> 00:30:58,840 Speaker 1: although the narrative out there may have been like, hey, 651 00:30:58,880 --> 00:31:00,760 Speaker 1: we're not sure, how could they're gonn to be this year, 652 00:31:01,280 --> 00:31:04,840 Speaker 1: they they're coming off a playoff season, so they're still 653 00:31:04,880 --> 00:31:07,040 Speaker 1: a playoff team, and they're a playoff team this year. 654 00:31:07,120 --> 00:31:10,720 Speaker 1: So if they were the one seed fifteen and two 655 00:31:10,840 --> 00:31:14,240 Speaker 1: with the narrative in these stats, then I could see, Hey, 656 00:31:14,240 --> 00:31:16,280 Speaker 1: they going to give it to Josh Allen. They're best 657 00:31:16,280 --> 00:31:20,320 Speaker 1: team in football. He's carrying them to this spot. I 658 00:31:20,360 --> 00:31:22,840 Speaker 1: know Lamar has had one of the most impressive seasons 659 00:31:23,080 --> 00:31:26,400 Speaker 1: in National Football League history, but it's tough to say 660 00:31:26,440 --> 00:31:28,480 Speaker 1: the best player on the best team. I understand that 661 00:31:29,000 --> 00:31:32,120 Speaker 1: when you're the two seed, it doesn't carry the same weight, 662 00:31:32,240 --> 00:31:36,320 Speaker 1: and so Lamar Jackson carries weight, and I know everybody's 663 00:31:36,320 --> 00:31:39,880 Speaker 1: like Dereck Henry. He has good players around him. Yeah, 664 00:31:40,080 --> 00:31:43,360 Speaker 1: it's kind of how it works. MVPs have good players 665 00:31:43,400 --> 00:31:45,400 Speaker 1: around him. I mean, that's how it's gonna weird. You're 666 00:31:45,400 --> 00:31:47,760 Speaker 1: not gonna find MVPs with bad players around him. You're 667 00:31:47,760 --> 00:31:50,040 Speaker 1: not gonna find good teams with bad players around him. 668 00:31:50,160 --> 00:31:50,680 Speaker 4: You're just not. 669 00:31:51,200 --> 00:31:53,560 Speaker 1: And Derreck Henry is having a little worse season than 670 00:31:53,560 --> 00:31:56,680 Speaker 1: he had when he had two thousand yards, and I 671 00:31:56,680 --> 00:31:58,840 Speaker 1: mean it's gonna be easier for both of them. It's 672 00:31:58,840 --> 00:32:00,400 Speaker 1: a good team. It's a good season, and that's why 673 00:32:00,400 --> 00:32:03,080 Speaker 1: he picked him up. But it doesn't take away from 674 00:32:03,080 --> 00:32:06,640 Speaker 1: forty one passing touchdowns from Lamar Jackson in only four interceptions. 675 00:32:06,680 --> 00:32:08,520 Speaker 4: It's not like he's not throwing the ball at all. 676 00:32:08,680 --> 00:32:13,120 Speaker 1: He's running the ball well, he's efficient, his offense is scoring, 677 00:32:13,160 --> 00:32:15,840 Speaker 1: they're winning games. They've won four straight in December, and 678 00:32:15,880 --> 00:32:18,360 Speaker 1: that's winning football, you know what I mean. These awards 679 00:32:18,360 --> 00:32:21,520 Speaker 1: are usually one in December. You know, people remember the 680 00:32:21,560 --> 00:32:25,120 Speaker 1: last things you've done. And I know that Josh Allen 681 00:32:25,200 --> 00:32:27,160 Speaker 1: has had a really good season. I would agree with him. 682 00:32:27,160 --> 00:32:29,960 Speaker 1: I'd say, man any other year, if the narrative was this, 683 00:32:31,400 --> 00:32:34,200 Speaker 1: he probably win it. But it's the historic season by 684 00:32:34,280 --> 00:32:37,880 Speaker 1: Lamar Jackson. That's gonna make it tough for voters to say, Hey, 685 00:32:37,920 --> 00:32:41,320 Speaker 1: forty one and four, forty one and four isn't gonna 686 00:32:41,320 --> 00:32:43,320 Speaker 1: win it? Like when is it not wanted? 687 00:32:43,520 --> 00:32:46,120 Speaker 4: Win? Is some numbers like this not won MVP? You 688 00:32:46,440 --> 00:32:47,160 Speaker 4: find those numbers? 689 00:32:47,200 --> 00:32:50,560 Speaker 3: For me, those are absurd stats. Let's look at the 690 00:32:50,560 --> 00:32:52,640 Speaker 3: Defensive Player of the Year. I know you've been singing 691 00:32:52,680 --> 00:32:55,280 Speaker 3: his praises all season, and that's Patrick sir Tan. He's 692 00:32:55,280 --> 00:32:59,040 Speaker 3: the overwhelming favorite to win this, above TJ. Watt and 693 00:32:59,120 --> 00:33:03,080 Speaker 3: Kirby Joseph and some other guys in there. How happy 694 00:33:03,080 --> 00:33:05,440 Speaker 3: are you to see that a corner is actually gonna 695 00:33:05,440 --> 00:33:07,720 Speaker 3: win Defensive Player of the Year or so, it looks like. 696 00:33:08,400 --> 00:33:10,960 Speaker 1: That's pretty awesome. That's pretty awesome, and it couldn't happen 697 00:33:11,000 --> 00:33:13,360 Speaker 1: to a better guy. I think he deserves it. Patrick 698 00:33:13,400 --> 00:33:17,400 Speaker 1: Sartana has played well for so long, and he's really 699 00:33:17,400 --> 00:33:21,400 Speaker 1: been the standard for corner play over the last three 700 00:33:21,520 --> 00:33:24,440 Speaker 1: four years, and so for him to add this to 701 00:33:24,520 --> 00:33:28,040 Speaker 1: his to his resume, at this to his collection of awards, 702 00:33:28,880 --> 00:33:33,000 Speaker 1: is what he deserves. You know, he's been a consummate professional. 703 00:33:33,240 --> 00:33:35,840 Speaker 1: He's been the standard even for college kids. He's been 704 00:33:35,880 --> 00:33:38,520 Speaker 1: a standard for every coach to teach corners how to 705 00:33:38,560 --> 00:33:41,520 Speaker 1: play the position, and so I'm happy for him. He's 706 00:33:41,520 --> 00:33:45,000 Speaker 1: had a great season, one hundred yard pick six, made 707 00:33:45,040 --> 00:33:47,120 Speaker 1: tremendous plays, helped his defense be one of the top 708 00:33:47,160 --> 00:33:48,920 Speaker 1: defenses in the National Football League. 709 00:33:48,960 --> 00:33:50,080 Speaker 4: So good for him. 710 00:33:50,440 --> 00:33:53,720 Speaker 1: Obviously, pass rushers usually get it, and Miles Garrett and TJ. 711 00:33:53,840 --> 00:33:56,560 Speaker 1: Water are always around, but again, I just feel like 712 00:33:56,880 --> 00:33:58,240 Speaker 1: they're rushing the passer. 713 00:33:58,080 --> 00:33:59,920 Speaker 4: A guy playing at a high level. 714 00:34:00,080 --> 00:34:03,120 Speaker 1: A good defense needs to be celebrated, and that's what 715 00:34:03,120 --> 00:34:04,400 Speaker 1: they're They're getting it right this year. 716 00:34:06,080 --> 00:34:07,200 Speaker 2: Let's look at the coach of the year. 717 00:34:07,200 --> 00:34:09,719 Speaker 3: I mean, this is a conversation I'm looking forward to 718 00:34:09,760 --> 00:34:15,040 Speaker 3: having because you know, Vegas favors Kevin O'Connell heavily here, 719 00:34:15,160 --> 00:34:18,480 Speaker 3: followed by Dan Campbell and Sean Payton. You know, Kevin 720 00:34:18,520 --> 00:34:23,640 Speaker 3: O'Connell obviously brings Minnesota out of nowhere and finishes with 721 00:34:23,680 --> 00:34:26,479 Speaker 3: a fourteen and three record, But you know the same 722 00:34:26,480 --> 00:34:28,520 Speaker 3: could be said for Dan Campbell. I mean, granted, the 723 00:34:28,560 --> 00:34:31,080 Speaker 3: expectations for the Lions were to win the division and 724 00:34:31,120 --> 00:34:33,560 Speaker 3: be a Super Bowl contender coming into this season, but 725 00:34:33,800 --> 00:34:37,200 Speaker 3: still I would argue that Dan Campbell exceeded expectations with 726 00:34:37,280 --> 00:34:40,239 Speaker 3: this Detroit Lions team going fifteen and two. You know, 727 00:34:40,400 --> 00:34:43,000 Speaker 3: do you believe it's Kevin O'Connell's award or do you 728 00:34:43,080 --> 00:34:45,520 Speaker 3: think Dan Campbell should have equal state to that? 729 00:34:46,560 --> 00:34:46,719 Speaker 4: Well? 730 00:34:46,800 --> 00:34:48,560 Speaker 1: I think you know this is this is when it 731 00:34:48,640 --> 00:34:51,520 Speaker 1: comes down to whether you believe it's the narrative or 732 00:34:51,640 --> 00:34:54,640 Speaker 1: the expectations. You know, and I think if it's narrative, 733 00:34:54,680 --> 00:34:57,000 Speaker 1: basic guy has to go to Kevin O'Connell because he 734 00:34:57,160 --> 00:35:01,200 Speaker 1: came in with either a rookie quarterback or proven Sam Donald, 735 00:35:01,280 --> 00:35:04,759 Speaker 1: a guy who's been who's gone from a top three 736 00:35:04,840 --> 00:35:07,920 Speaker 1: pick to a journeyman coming from being a backup in 737 00:35:07,960 --> 00:35:11,600 Speaker 1: San Francisco behind Brock Perdy, and you're really expecting him 738 00:35:11,600 --> 00:35:14,080 Speaker 1: to start JJ McCarthy. JJ McCarthy goes out with the 739 00:35:14,160 --> 00:35:16,879 Speaker 1: meniscus injury, and now you got your force to start 740 00:35:17,040 --> 00:35:19,920 Speaker 1: Sam Donald. And just the season that he's had, the 741 00:35:20,000 --> 00:35:23,000 Speaker 1: season that Brian Flores has had, You're not talking about 742 00:35:23,000 --> 00:35:25,279 Speaker 1: a bunch of All pros and Pro Bowlers on the 743 00:35:25,360 --> 00:35:27,800 Speaker 1: defensive side of the ball. You're talking about Van Ginkel 744 00:35:28,040 --> 00:35:31,759 Speaker 1: and Grenard becoming Pro Bowlers this year in a great 745 00:35:31,800 --> 00:35:34,759 Speaker 1: scheme under Brian Flores, and in what they've been able 746 00:35:34,840 --> 00:35:37,000 Speaker 1: to do, which has been great. What he has done 747 00:35:37,160 --> 00:35:41,800 Speaker 1: is been masterful. These guys have come together really fast. 748 00:35:42,040 --> 00:35:44,919 Speaker 1: His scheme has been on display, his guys have played 749 00:35:44,960 --> 00:35:47,160 Speaker 1: hard for him, and they've been They won fourteen games, 750 00:35:47,200 --> 00:35:49,120 Speaker 1: and this is not a team that you expected to 751 00:35:49,160 --> 00:35:51,600 Speaker 1: win fourteen games. You're talking about a team that you 752 00:35:51,840 --> 00:35:54,399 Speaker 1: you really, I mean maybe ten games, you thought six 753 00:35:54,440 --> 00:35:57,560 Speaker 1: to seventh spot in the wild card. They were literally, 754 00:35:58,360 --> 00:36:00,600 Speaker 1: you know, playing for the one seed. And so I 755 00:36:00,680 --> 00:36:03,200 Speaker 1: think you have to give them credit for what they've 756 00:36:03,239 --> 00:36:08,240 Speaker 1: been able to build unexpectedly. I think the Lions you expected, 757 00:36:08,680 --> 00:36:10,839 Speaker 1: you know, they were top two NFC team last year, 758 00:36:10,840 --> 00:36:13,600 Speaker 1: they were in the NFC Championship, and guess what, they're 759 00:36:14,000 --> 00:36:16,839 Speaker 1: a top NFC team this year. San Francisco forty nine 760 00:36:16,920 --> 00:36:19,000 Speaker 1: ers had a bad year and fell off the face 761 00:36:19,040 --> 00:36:22,080 Speaker 1: of the earth, and the Detroit Lions have continued to 762 00:36:22,160 --> 00:36:24,440 Speaker 1: be what they were last year. And I think unfortunately 763 00:36:24,520 --> 00:36:28,040 Speaker 1: coaches get punished for that. You know, you're not Andy 764 00:36:28,120 --> 00:36:29,799 Speaker 1: Reid went fifteen to two and you're not even thinking 765 00:36:29,800 --> 00:36:31,640 Speaker 1: about him for coach a year because it's like, right, 766 00:36:32,600 --> 00:36:34,720 Speaker 1: you know what I mean, so sometimes you get punished 767 00:36:34,880 --> 00:36:37,759 Speaker 1: because your team's talented, because the expectations for your team 768 00:36:38,000 --> 00:36:41,879 Speaker 1: is high, are high, and that's why Kevin O'Connor will 769 00:36:41,960 --> 00:36:45,360 Speaker 1: likely get it. I mean, that's where Stefanski has multiple 770 00:36:45,600 --> 00:36:49,600 Speaker 1: Coaches of the Year and no postseason success to really 771 00:36:49,640 --> 00:36:50,000 Speaker 1: speak of. 772 00:36:50,640 --> 00:36:53,680 Speaker 3: Well, Richard, before wrap this up, I got to get 773 00:36:54,239 --> 00:36:58,520 Speaker 3: the landscape of the Richard Sherman Power Ranks Week eighteen style. 774 00:36:58,920 --> 00:37:01,840 Speaker 3: I know that the relative irrelevant now that we're finally 775 00:37:01,880 --> 00:37:03,959 Speaker 3: in playoffs, but I got to know how you stack 776 00:37:04,080 --> 00:37:06,239 Speaker 3: up the NFL right now with these power rankings, a 777 00:37:06,280 --> 00:37:08,640 Speaker 3: lot of teams are playing at a high level. 778 00:37:09,000 --> 00:37:11,160 Speaker 2: How do you stack them for Week eighteen, rich. 779 00:37:11,640 --> 00:37:14,839 Speaker 1: Well, Kansas City Chiefs go one, your Detroit Lions two. 780 00:37:16,440 --> 00:37:20,279 Speaker 1: Three would have to be Baltimore Ravens. I'm gonna go 781 00:37:20,360 --> 00:37:24,400 Speaker 1: Baltimore at three, I'm gonna go Buffalo at four, and 782 00:37:24,440 --> 00:37:27,520 Speaker 1: I'm gonna go Philadelphia Eagles at five until they prove 783 00:37:27,600 --> 00:37:33,080 Speaker 1: me otherwise. If Buffalo beats Baltimore in Buffalo, then you 784 00:37:33,200 --> 00:37:35,240 Speaker 1: know they they color me surprised. 785 00:37:36,040 --> 00:37:38,080 Speaker 3: The one team that the slide in those power ranks 786 00:37:38,120 --> 00:37:40,600 Speaker 3: from past weeks is the Minnesota Vikings. Fresh off the 787 00:37:40,680 --> 00:37:43,200 Speaker 3: loss of the Detroit Lions, Like, how much does that 788 00:37:43,480 --> 00:37:46,640 Speaker 3: loss really impact your view of them as a team. 789 00:37:47,400 --> 00:37:50,000 Speaker 1: It doesn't impact my view of them in totality, but 790 00:37:50,120 --> 00:37:53,600 Speaker 1: it just did show that there was a different level 791 00:37:54,200 --> 00:37:57,440 Speaker 1: that they haven't reached yet, you know, especially with Sam Darnold. 792 00:37:57,480 --> 00:37:59,279 Speaker 1: You know, he looked flustered. He went zero for four 793 00:37:59,320 --> 00:38:03,080 Speaker 1: in the red zone, and they just the Lion's defense 794 00:38:03,320 --> 00:38:06,880 Speaker 1: doesn't They're banged up, they're depleted, and a depleted defense 795 00:38:06,960 --> 00:38:10,160 Speaker 1: helped you out of the end zone four times, turnover 796 00:38:10,280 --> 00:38:13,120 Speaker 1: on downs on one of those drives and helped you 797 00:38:13,200 --> 00:38:16,040 Speaker 1: to nine points. And I think probably six of those 798 00:38:16,080 --> 00:38:18,560 Speaker 1: are like you said, all nine of them were probably gifts, 799 00:38:18,600 --> 00:38:20,760 Speaker 1: you know what I mean, from turnovers that your defense 800 00:38:20,840 --> 00:38:24,040 Speaker 1: gave you. So that's where the concern level rolls for 801 00:38:24,160 --> 00:38:26,120 Speaker 1: me is just to see him not do well with 802 00:38:26,200 --> 00:38:28,400 Speaker 1: that pressure. Now, if he goes in there against the 803 00:38:28,520 --> 00:38:31,239 Speaker 1: Rams and plays a fantastic game, then you know, my 804 00:38:31,360 --> 00:38:32,640 Speaker 1: confidence level will increase. 805 00:38:32,719 --> 00:38:35,640 Speaker 4: But that was concerning well. 806 00:38:35,560 --> 00:38:36,560 Speaker 2: Richard, that concludes it. 807 00:38:37,200 --> 00:38:40,759 Speaker 3: The regular season's over and we got a landscape of 808 00:38:40,800 --> 00:38:43,240 Speaker 3: playoff football to look forward to next weekend. 809 00:38:43,719 --> 00:38:45,279 Speaker 2: I will let you sign us off my friend. 810 00:38:45,640 --> 00:38:46,520 Speaker 4: Well, we appreciate you. 811 00:38:46,520 --> 00:38:48,640 Speaker 1: Guys joining us as always, I can't wait to watch 812 00:38:48,719 --> 00:38:50,839 Speaker 1: these playoff games and see how they pan out if 813 00:38:50,840 --> 00:38:53,320 Speaker 1: your team didn't make it. Well, so I started studying 814 00:38:53,360 --> 00:38:55,840 Speaker 1: these colleges and starts figuring out what you want in 815 00:38:55,880 --> 00:38:58,760 Speaker 1: the draft. Do your mock drafts, or enjoy the playoffs 816 00:38:58,760 --> 00:39:01,200 Speaker 1: and watch these other teams and root against your rivals. 817 00:39:01,440 --> 00:39:04,240 Speaker 1: Whatever floatship vote. I'm not mad at you. We appreciate 818 00:39:04,280 --> 00:39:07,160 Speaker 1: you joining us. Whether it was for a second, a minute, 819 00:39:07,360 --> 00:39:10,480 Speaker 1: an hour, it does not matter. You stuck around with us, 820 00:39:10,600 --> 00:39:12,880 Speaker 1: and we sure do appreciate it. Hit that up button 821 00:39:12,920 --> 00:39:32,920 Speaker 1: if you knew the volume