Transcript

Playoff Quarterbacks RANKED: Rams, Broncos, Patriots, Seahawks, Bills, Bears, 49ers | THE HERD NFL

From The Herd with Colin Cowherd · Episode page · Watch on YouTube

· 42 min · 8,961 words · 123 timestamped sections

This is the full, timestamped transcript of "Playoff Quarterbacks RANKED: Rams, Broncos, Patriots, Seahawks, Bills, Bears, 49ers | THE HERD NFL", an episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd published January 16, 2026 (42 min, about 8,961 words). It mentions 65 people, works and ideas, including Terron Armstead, Jason McIntyre, NFL, quarterback rankings, NFL playoffs.

What this episode is about

The discussion focuses on ranking the playoff quarterbacks ahead of the divisional round, highlighting their performances and potential impact on their teams. Key points include a candid evaluation of each quarterback, starting with a critical assessment of Brock Bowers, underscoring the significance of playoff experience and accuracy in their rankings.

Key takeaways

  • Ranking quarterbacks is like herding cats—no one's happy, but authenticity beats appeasement every time.
  • Sam Darnold: the NFL's equivalent of a headline act with a backup band—great defense, but zero playoff wins.
  • Brock Purdy’s the last pick that isn’t a punchline; he’s got the talent to prove doubters wrong.
  • Caleb Williams: from doubted prospect to clutch performer, showing that a nail painter can sling it with the best.
  • Drake May is proof that sometimes, the MVP can pop from one playoff start—watch out for this rising star.

Who speaks in this episode?

What is discussed, and when

  1. – 5:00: Sam Darnold, Jason McIntyre, Terron Armstead, quarterback rankings
  2. – 10:00: Matthew Stafford, Super Bowl, Terron Armstead, franchise quarterback
  3. – 15:00: Super Bowl, Sam Darnold, Seattle, AFC
  4. – 20:00: Michael Thomas, Chicago Bears, Jared Verse, locker room
  5. – 25:00: locker room, Terron Armstead, Tua Tagovailoa
  6. – 30:00: Super Bowl, Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Denver Broncos
  7. – 35:00: Broncos, Dante Moore, Seattle, quarterback rankings
  8. – 40:00: Dante Moore, Indiana, Sam Darnold, Cleveland Browns
  9. – 42:06: Green Bay Packers, Chargers, Chris Felici, Greg Jennings

Notable quotes from "Playoff Quarterbacks RANKED: Rams, Broncos, Patriots, Seahawks, Bills, Bears, 49ers | THE HERD NFL"

  • Here we go. Hour number two here on the Herd. Jason McIntyre filling in for Colin Coward joined by Rachel Nichols.
    about Jason McIntyre · at
  • Field, but the downfield accuracy is a problem. folks, Bon Knicks is I don't know that he's a franchise quarterback. He has been very good and exceeded all expectations through…
    about franchise quarterback · at
  • Against the Panthers. what a back shoulder throw to Parkinson. Great catch, by the way. Stafford's just playing at an elite level. I think he's earned the MVP. I've got him at number two.
    about Super Bowl · at
  • Imagine anybody would debate any of this. But, without further ado, let's get to our guest. 12 seasons in the NFL, five-time Pro Bowler, Terron Armstead. My man, how you doing?
    about Terron Armstead · at
  • Yeah. I want to go to let's actually let's stick in that game and I want to go to Josh Allen because you agree with me that they he's the best quarterback in the playoffs. But.
    about Chicago Bears · at
  • Well, we've been talking about Mike McDaniel. He got his interview with the Baltimore Ravens. McDaniel's been a hot candidate since being fired.
    about Baltimore Ravens · at
  • A team meeting this week. Broncos Shawn Peyton got into an interesting topic. He talked about the year off that he took after parting ways with the Saints. At the time, he thought a break would feel.
    about Denver Broncos · at
  • All right, let's get back to that Niner Seahawks game. This one being played in Seattle, which we know has one of the best home field advantages in the NFL, go 12elves. But Kyle Shanahan says no.
    about 49ers · at

Who and what is mentioned in this episode?

People

  • Terron Armstead — Person · Main guest · 3 mentions · first at
    Former Pro Bowl LT interviewed about divisional-round QB rankings, Bills/Broncos, Purdy, and Mike McDaniel/Dolphins context.
  • Jason McIntyre — Person · Host (filling in) / main speaker · 1 mention · first at
    Leads the hour: introduces the show, ranks divisional-round QBs, interviews Armstead, and debates storylines with Rachel Nichols.
  • Rachel Nichols — Person · Co-host / news anchor in segment · 2 mentions · first at
    Co-hosts with McIntyre, delivers “Herdline News,” and challenges/extends discussion on coaching jobs and QB narratives.
    Here we go. Hour number two here on the Herd. Jason McIntyre filling in for Colin Coward joined by Rachel Nichols.
  • Brock Purdy — Person · Referenced player (ranked #3 QB) · 6 mentions
    Discussed as an underdog/franchise-QB debate; highlighted for playoff record and downfield accuracy; key to Seahawks matchup.
  • Sam Darnold — Person · Referenced player (ranked #7 QB) · 5 mentions · first at
    Used as an example of a flawed but successful-seeded QB; discussed for giveaways and whether he can win a Super Bowl.
    But, man, it's it's tough to envision him like winning a Super Bowl, is it not?
  • Matthew Stafford — Person · Referenced player (ranked #2 QB) · 3 mentions · first at
    Presented as elite and MVP-level; used to justify Rams Super Bowl belief and compared against Josh Allen at #1.
    Number two, I went with Matt Stafford and who's probably going to be the MVP and he's amazing and if I had, money to put on a team to win the Super Bowl, it'd be the Rams because I love Stafford.
  • Jared Verse — Person · 1 mention · first at
    Last time you were on, you were I'm just glad I don't have to face that guy anymore. Bears are down. their starting left tackle against your Verse.
  • Dante Moore — Person · Referenced player (college QB decision topic) · 7 mentions · first at
    Used in a segment about draft decisions and NIL; McIntyre argues Moore made the wrong choice by returning to school.
    Have gone top five, but I do think he's making a bit of a mistake. And next year, I don't want him to get picked apart, but that's just the game. I do have to think he's…
  • Michael Thomas — Person · 2 mentions · first at
    Michael Thomas was one that really was very vocal throughout his tenure and his great career. But for Shawn Peyton, he was a he was a talker.
  • Colin Cowherd — Person · Primary host (absent) / show brand anchor · 1 mention · first at
    McIntyre fills in for him; referenced as the usual host and as someone who might avoid rankings to not “hurt feelings.”
    Welcome to the Herd's official YouTube channel. Make sure to like and subscribe. Don't forget to check out the Colin Coward podcast. All of our NFL instant reactions and more football content.
  • Drake May — Person · Referenced player (ranked #4 QB) · 2 mentions · first at
    Placed high as a potential MVP; discussed as talented but limited playoff sample size.
    Inability of the Herbert and the Chargers offense. I think May is very good. I actually liked him more than Jaden Daniels coming out of college. I didn't see it last year, but everybody's seen it this year. Drake May checking in at four.
  • Brandin Cooks — Person · Referenced player (supporting cast example) · 2 mentions · first at
    Discussed as a surprising contributor; Armstead describes him as reliable and vital in Buffalo’s offense (as framed in the episode).
    Brandon Cooks is on that list. Terron, you gota be, let's be real, nobody had Brandon Cooks being like a factor for the Buffalo Bills. He's old.
  • Marcus Davenport — Person · 1 mention · first at
    Michael Thomas, who was very vocal and loud about it. But I also play with a guy named Quiet Storm, Marcus Coulson, who never said a word, but highly productive. So, I've seen…
  • Dan Roshard — Person · 1 mention · first at
    Had just came back from IR. I don't I'm not sure if he's getting the nod as the starter. I do love what Dan Roshard, the old line coach for the Chicago Bears, have done has done with his unit.
  • Captain James Cook — Person · Referenced player (Bills supporting cast) · 1 mention · first at
    Cited by Armstead to argue Allen has enough help; described as the NFL leading rusher and key to Buffalo’s offense.
    And then when you go to the NFL leading rusher, James Cook, like we cannot diminish him, his production, his ability, what he creates and brings for the offense. Josh has enough. And it's time. There's no Patrick Mahomes in his.
  • Ian Brady — Person · 1 mention · first at
    Productive, man. He's reliable, great hands, great teammate. he knows where to be. like I say, they Joe Brady and the way that he schemes, he creates space and throwing lanes…
  • Tua Tagovailoa — Person · Referenced player (Dolphins QB context) · 1 mention · first at
    Central to evaluating the Dolphins job and McDaniel’s offense; described as limited and part of the uncertainty for the opening.
    Tua got benched, got a big contract. Tyreek's coming off the major injury. Offensive line since you left kind of wobbly defense. I don't know.
  • Mark Andrews — Person · 1 mention · first at
    Because they were inches away. A Mark Andrews drop.
  • Greg Jennings — Person · 1 mention · first at
    Final hour coming up. Couple great guests. Greg Jennings going to check in on Bears Packers. Chris Felica hopefully give us some winning bets. Stick and stay. Final hour coming up.
  • Chris Felici — Person · 1 mention · first at
    Final hour coming up. Couple great guests. Greg Jennings going to check in on Bears Packers. Chris Felica hopefully give us some winning bets. Stick and stay. Final hour coming up.
  • Giannis Antetokounmpo — Person · Referenced athlete (NBA aside) · 1 mention · first at
    Briefly mentioned as a sports-news aside to open the hour; used as a joke about trade rumors.
    Giannis got smoked again last night.
  • Colin Coward — Person · 1 mention · first at
    Channel. Make sure to like and subscribe. Don't forget to check out the Colin Coward podcast. All of our NFL instant reactions and more football content.
  • Dylan Gabriel — Person · 1 mention · first at
    We got an Oregon guy on staff who's Dude, he's he's basically doing what Dylan Gabriel did. Well, Dylan Gabriel got to the pros, had a little shot with Cleveland, and he looks…

Companies & orgs

  • Baltimore Ravens — Company · 1 mention · first at
  • Denver Broncos — Company · 1 mention · first at
  • Chicago Bears — Company · 2 mentions · first at
  • 49ers — Company · Business focus · 1 mention · first at
    Discussed in the context of their performance and quarterback situation in the NFL.
  • Broncos — Company · Business focus · 4 mentions · first at
    Discussed in the context of their performance and quarterback situation in the NFL.
    A team meeting this week. Broncos Shawn Peyton got into an interesting topic. He talked about the year off that he took after parting ways with the Saints. At the time, he thought a break would feel.
  • Bears — Company · Business focus · 1 mention · first at
    Discussed in the context of their performance and upcoming games in the NFL.
    Yeah, I want to I want to save the best game for last and that's the drama between the Rams and Bears. So I'm sure you followed this whole Ben Johnson laflur thing. They got some.
  • Green Bay Packers — Company · 2 mentions · first at
    Final hour coming up. Couple great guests. Greg Jennings going to check in on Bears Packers. Chris Felica hopefully give us some winning bets. Stick and stay. Final hour coming up.
  • Cleveland Browns — Company · 2 mentions · first at
    Discussed is a bit limited. so he's still a, golden boy in coaching circles. He's interviewed with the Titans, the Falcons, and the Browns in addition to the Ravens. Meanwhile…
  • Atlanta Falcons — Company · 1 mention · first at
    Discussed is a bit limited. so he's still a, golden boy in coaching circles. He's interviewed with the Titans, the Falcons, and the Browns in addition to the Ravens. Meanwhile…
  • Cowboys — Company · Business focus · 3 mentions
    Mentioned in passing in the context of NFL teams.
  • Chargers — Company · Business focus · 2 mentions · first at
    Mentioned in passing in the context of NFL teams.
    Really relied on defense and the inability of the Herbert and the Chargers offense. I think May is very good. I actually liked him more than Jaden Daniels coming out of…
  • Chiefs — Company · Business focus · 2 mentions · first at
    Mentioned in passing in the context of NFL teams.
    Beating everybody with these last minute comebacks. we saw the Chiefs last year 11 and0 and one-score games. That flip they stink and now it's like oh wait a minute the roster…
  • Browns — Company · Business focus · 2 mentions · first at
    Mentioned in passing in the context of NFL teams.
    Still a, golden boy in coaching circles. He's interviewed with the Titans, the Falcons, and the Browns in addition to the Ravens. Meanwhile, the Ravens, Jason, they've had…
  • Falcons — Company · Business focus · 2 mentions · first at
    Mentioned in passing in the context of NFL teams.
    Still a, golden boy in coaching circles. He's interviewed with the Titans, the Falcons, and the Browns in addition to the Ravens. Meanwhile, the Ravens, Jason, they've had…
  • Indiana — Company · 2 mentions · first at
    I had him second in my m draft. Then he played Texas Tech. Didn't look great against an elite defense. Then he played Indiana and he vomited all over himself starting with a…
  • Carolina Panthers — Company · 1 mention · first at
    Right now. I just don't think he's as good as number one right now. Stafford with the no look throws, that drive against the Panthers. what a back shoulder throw to Parkinson.…
  • Fox — Company · 1 mention · first at
    The time, he thought a break would feel good. He'd been in coaching for 34 straight years. He actually joined us here at Fox, as Jac. But as he told his team this week, he…
  • Alabama — Company · 1 mention · first at
    Real quick. And, I saw this week Tai Simpson decided he's going to go to the NFL from Alabama. He had like five, $6 million offers from Tennessee, Miami, blah. He said, No, I'm…
  • Arizona Cardinals — Company · 1 mention · first at
    Oh, by the way, you get to grow and develop. Hopefully not with a terrible franchise like the Jets or the Browns or the Cardinals. You get to go to a real team, maybe sit for a year. you go top five, you need to play.
  • Clemson — Company · 1 mention · first at
    Season in Oregon. I'm just telling you guys, take a look at what happened to Cape Clubick at Clemson. Take a look at Nusmeer at LSU. And I know the LSU program was a bit of a…
  • LSU — Company · 1 mention · first at
    Guys, take a look at what happened to Cape Clubick at Clemson. Take a look at Nusmeer at LSU. And I know the LSU program was a bit of a mess. hell, Arch Manning struggled for…

Concepts & topics

  • NFL — Concept · Core topic · 1 mention · first at
    Central theme of the episode, discussing various teams, players, and events within the NFL.
    We are chopping it up. If you guys remember in 2025, Rachel and I hosted together and there was a bunch of breaking news popping. Nothing yet, but we are on high alert. Rachel,.
  • quarterback rankings — Concept · 2 mentions · first at
    Off the bench. You're hosting. I was Well, the first thing I'm doing is ranking the quarterbacks on divisional weekend. And I thought Colin would do this. Honestly, I don't…
  • Divisional Weekend — Concept · 1 mention · first at
    Terron Armstead, former Pro Bowl, fivetime pro bowler coming up on the show here. he's got some great insight into divisional weekend. all right, one fun thing as soon as the…
  • franchise quarterback — Concept · 3 mentions · first at
  • locker room — Concept · 4 mentions · first at
    Sure you followed this whole Ben Johnson laflur thing. They got some beef. There was the fbombs in the locker room, the handshake. Well, it turns out Lafleur and McVey are…
  • coaching beef — Concept · 1 mention
    Stories that he's told us about where he doesn't mind hanging 50 on somebody and not calling the dogs off, but are you surprised that this is so out there? Ben Johnson really embracing the we hate those guys.
  • NFC — Concept · Key argument · 1 mention · first at
    Mentioned in the context of the NFL's conference structure and team performance.
    To win a Super Bowl. The crowd is insane. So, he has everything that he needs to get the job done. And to me, in the NFC, I see the Rams as the only team that can go to Seattle and beat this team.
  • NIL — Concept · 1 mention · first at
    Decisions on their college futures this week. one of them decided he's going to the NFL, passing big money in the NIL. The other, he wants to go back to college. I think one of those guys made the wrong decision. That's next.
  • AFC — Concept · Key argument · 2 mentions · first at
    Mentioned in the context of the NFL's conference structure and team performance.
    Insane. So, he has everything that he needs to get the job done. And to me, in the NFC, I see the Rams as the only team that can go to Seattle and beat this team.

Places & events

  • NFL playoffs — Event · Key argument · 2 mentions
    Central theme of the episode, discussing teams and players in the NFL playoffs.
    We are chopping it up. If you guys remember in 2025, Rachel and I hosted together and there was a bunch of breaking news popping. Nothing yet, but we are on high alert. Rachel,.
  • Super Bowl — Event · Key argument · 7 mentions · first at
    Mentioned as a significant event in the NFL season and a goal for teams.
  • Lumen Field — Place · 1 mention · first at
    The road versus the Seahawks in his career. Rachel 4 and0. This guy is a baller. I only I was in the Lumen Field for a soccer match. and we won against the Sounders, but that…
  • Seattle — Place · Setting · 6 mentions · first at
    Mentioned as the location of the Seattle Seahawks and their home games.
    The danger. That's the most dangerous stat in football that can create the loss. And I see Seattle being a very tough place to play in the playoffs. I've been there with Drew…
  • USC — Place · Setting · 1 mention · first at
    Mentioned in the context of a player's college background.
    Allen? Because I'm just I'm of the belief Caleb Williams, who I didn't doubt coming out of USC. Remember, there was a lot of doubters. He struggled against Notre Dame in a…
  • New Orleans — Place · Setting · 2 mentions · first at
    Mentioned as the location of the New Orleans Saints and their home games.
    Loss. And I see Seattle being a very tough place to play in the playoffs. I've been there with Drew Brees and the Saints. We weren't weren't able to get the job done. They went…
  • California — Place · Setting · 1 mention · first at
    Mentioned as the state where Los Angeles is located.
    Against the Panthers. what a back shoulder throw to Parkinson. Great catch, by the way. Stafford's just playing at an elite level. I think he's earned the MVP. I've got him at number two.
  • Clemson — Place · 1 mention · first at
    Season in Oregon. I'm just telling you guys, take a look at what happened to Cape Clubick at Clemson. Take a look at Nusmeer at LSU. And I know the LSU program was a bit of a…
  • LSU — Place · 1 mention

Media & podcasts

  • The Herdline News — Media · Official YouTube channel of The Herd · 2 mentions · first at
    Provides sports news and commentary, particularly focused on NFL content
    Welcome to the Herd's official YouTube channel. Make sure to like and subscribe. Don't forget to check out the Colin Coward podcast. All of our NFL instant reactions and more football.
  • Colin Cowherd podcast — Media · 1 mention
    Welcome to the Herd's official YouTube channel. Make sure to like and subscribe. Don't forget to check out the Colin Coward podcast. All of our NFL instant reactions and more football content.
  • NFL Instant Reactions — Media · 1 mention · first at
    Channel. Make sure to like and subscribe. Don't forget to check out the Colin Coward podcast. All of our NFL instant reactions and more football content.

Full transcript with timestamps

Welcome to the Herd's official YouTube channel. Make sure to like and subscribe. Don't forget to check out the Colin Coward podcast. All of our NFL instant reactions and more football content. Here we go. Hour number two here on the Herd. Jason McIntyre filling in for Colin Coward joined by Rachel Nichols. We are chopping it up. If you guys remember in 2025, Rachel and I hosted together and there was a bunch of breaking news popping. Nothing yet, but we are on high alert. Uh Rachel,

we had we had a week and it was literally every day it was breaking news. So let's see what happens.

Giannis got smoked again last night. Maybe he gets traded today. That that'd be a fun Friday.

I wouldn't count on that. But yeah, let's reach it a little bit. Uh we got Terron Armstead, former uh Pro Bowl, fivetime pro bowler coming up on the show here. Um he's got some great insight into divisional weekend. Um all right, one one fun thing as soon as the staff told me, "Oh, Jac, you're coming off the bench. You're uh hosting." I was like, "Well, the first thing I'm doing is ranking the quarterbacks on divisional weekend." And I thought Colin would do this. Honestly, I don't know why he didn't. I don't think he wants to hurt anybody's feelings. You know, listen, I call him like I see him.

That's kind of where why I got to where I am. Just authenticity. You're never going to make everybody happy. You You've heard the saying. If you try to make everyone happy, nobody will be happy. So, I'm just going to say say my piece and let the chips fall where they may. So, here we are going eight to one ranking the quarterbacks in the divisional round. number eight.

This is undeniable. It has to be Brock uh Bo Knicks, I'm sorry. B Knicks number eight. Um listen, he hasn't really proven anything. No playoff wins. He has a great defense. I've seen some numbers about how he loves to throw down the field, but the downfield accuracy is a problem. Uh folks, Bon Knicks is I don't know that he's a franchise quarterback. He has been very good and exceeded all expectations through two seasons, but he's been held under 200 yards passing in the last two games heading into the playoffs. Now, he should cook against the Bills, but I think it's undeniable. Of the eight quarterbacks, Bo Knicks ranks number eight.

Number seven. All right, this one was a little harder, but I'm going with Sammy D slinging Sam Darnold of the Seattle Seahawks. Now, that's going to look awkward. The top two seeds who had a buy have, in my belief, the weakest quarterbacks in this round. Now, I know what you're saying, Jay. That's harsh. Okay, who you putting seven? Talk to me because I look at Sam Darnold, zero playoff wins, led the NFL in giveaways this season. How are they the number one seed? Well, it's the defense. Like, that's the reality. The defense is carrying them. I'm not saying he's Trent Dopher. I'm not saying he's bad. I'm just saying of the eight quarterbacks left, I think it's undeniable that Sam Darnold has to be seven.

Number six, this is where it gets tricky. And I went with CJ Strad because I don't know what to do with him. Honestly, if you just watch that Steelers game, you would say he's eight because my goodness, he kept couldn't hold on to the football. I thought he was going to get some gloves at halftime or even go with a Michael Jackson one glove, something. The guy's fumbling snaps left and right. Brutal red zone pick. So CJ Stout's really good, but what about what a stat from our staff in his three playoff games. The Texans have five defensive touchdowns. I mean, what? He's getting carried now. Straoud can sling it. There was a great pass to Christian Kirk on a third down that was huge for them uh in the second half. I think it was fourth quarter, early fourth. He's good. We know that. Is this another OC thing like Jaylen Herz? I don't know what the answer is, but Shroud seems to have regressed from his rookie year. Number

five. All right, this is Caleb Williams' spot. Uh, you could argue that in a couple years he'll be number one on this list. Caleb Williams has exceeded all expectations. I don't want to point people to a bad take I had, but over the summer when him and Ben Johnson had that friction, I was saying, "Hey, is this a Johnny Manzel situation?" Because they did not look like they were getting along. He wasn't grasping the offense. That's water under the bridge. These guys are smooth. Caleb Williams has been the most clutch quarterback in the league this season, period. It's inarguable. And I'm just telling you that fourth and eight throw to save their season against the Packers. I watch that and I said, "Is that Josh Allen?" Because I'm just I'm of the belief Caleb Williams, who I didn't doubt coming out of USC. Remember, there was a lot of doubters. He struggled against Notre Dame in a high-profile

game. He had another I think it was against Utah also late in the season. He he was really brutal. I think it was the rematch and people are like, "What about this guy? He's painting his nails. He's crying in the stands." I didn't come off Caleb. I I'm a believer. The guy's a superstar and I have him at number five.

Number four. All right. This one uh is the potential MVP of the league, Drake May. Listen, he's only got one playoff start. I I can't go much higher than this. And frankly, Jesse Mter and company, they kind of boxed the Patriots offense. They couldn't move the ball much. Um, they really relied on defense and the inability of the Herbert and the Chargers offense. I I think May is very good. I actually liked him more than Jaden Daniels coming out of college. I didn't see it last year, but everybody's seen it this year. Drake May checking in at four.

Number three, it's my guy Brock Pury. I think this is the floor for him of this group. Listen, man. I I know there's a lot of Brock Party haters out there, and it's because he was the last guy drafted, the very last pick in the draft. You can't overcome that for some people. I don't care about that. Let me see the results and they've been amazing. The Brock Pretty list of stats here is too long. I we don't have time to read them all, but he is 5- one in the playoffs. We're not giving him that loss against the Eagles where he got hurt on like the first drive they had. So, a five- one record.

He's trailed in the second half in four of his five playoff wins. The guy comes back. That's what I want in my quarterback. And oh, by the way, you know who the best downfield thrower in the league was? Brock Pery. 63% on throws of 20 plus yards downfield. Number one in the NFL.

Number two, I went with Matt Stafford and who's probably going to be the MVP and he's amazing and if I had, you know, money to put on a team to uh win the Super Bowl, it'd be the Rams because I love Stafford right now. I just don't think he's as good as number one right now. Stafford with the no look throws, that drive against the Panthers. I mean, what a back shoulder throw to Parkinson. Great catch, by the way. Stafford's just playing at an elite level. I think he's earned the MVP. I've got him at number two.

Number one, Josh Allen. I don't think you can go anywhere else with this. The guy is Superman. All the Can he put on a cape and lead the team to victory? Of course. You know, he feels like a man trying to do it by himself. And I I'm very worried for him because if it doesn't happen this year for the Bills, as I said earlier, eight free agents, Allen turns 30 this summer, the injuries starting to mount. I mean, they they were kind of laughing at how bad he was hurt repeatedly against the Jags. He's got the bum ankle, but man, when he delivers, woo, it's beautiful to watch.

Josh Allen at number one, I I can't imagine anybody would debate any of this. But, uh, without further ado, let's get to our guest. Uh, 12 seasons in the NFL, five-time Pro Bowler, Terron Armstead. My man, how you doing?

I'm good. I'm good. Jac, I was a little I was a little better before your quarterback ranking

Oh, no. took off. But I'm good. I'm good. Fire away. I'm a big boy. I could take it. We're You can't have beef with Josh or Matt at the top. I I would get that right.

I I think you're I think you're solid there. It's hard to argue with Josh Allen. Um being at the top, Matt Ster second. Bo Nick's at eight and your and your reasoning behind it. You don't know if the guy's a franchise quarterback. He's sitting here at the number one seed. They're they're they're well rested on the by-week that he's earned. 14 and three. I I'm not sure what more you can do for a franchise than than that.

Yeah, that's fair. So, I I really can stay there in that in that space. It's a lot of guys that haven't proven much on the on the list, but time time will tell. I can't wait for this matchup Saturday with the the Bills and and the Broncos.

So, so would you you would move Bo to where and who would drop down? I would move Bo in front of CJ Stra and not a knock to CJ Stra, but what you mentioned, he has had playoff wins, but they've scored five defensive touchdowns in three games. So, if you're going to say anybody's being carried, and you're having questions about the franchise slot,

you I don't I don't see a way that we we put um CJ in front of Bo right now. Yeah. Let's start with Bo Nicks. You played for Shawn Payeyton. Um you guys had a great run. I don't I I don't know what to make of this team. Nobody had them this good. Number one seed. Nobody predicted that. Is this to the greatness of Shawn Payeyton or maybe it's about Bo Nicks? I I don't know.

Uh Sean Sean is super detailed, very prepared. He gives you a chance to win every game. These guys are they compete at the highest level. They have built the confidence through displaying it. So they've had great comeback victories. They've had blowouts. They've had close games. So they've b they're really really battle tested. And then it goes to Bo Knicks. Man, we've seen his fourth quarter heroics. We've seen him struggle at times, but we've seen him put it together and and win. And that's the that's the game that we play. That's the business that we're in. Productionbased, resultbased business. These guys are 14 and three. It's really really hard to argue with Bo Knicks and his success.

Yeah. I I want to go to uh let's actually let's stick in that game and I want to go to Josh Allen because you agree with me that that they he's the best quarterback in the playoffs. But Terron, I'm looking at this roster. They got three healthy receivers. Uh the defense is I mean low one of the lowest graded defenses of the McDermott era and that Jacksonville game it was essentially is Josh Allen gonna be a superhero on this play and save the day. Now you played with obviously a great quarterback in your time. I just can't recall one guy doing this much. Mahomes always had Kelsey or Andy Reid. This does feel like the Josh Allen show and I don't Is that sustainable in the NFL?

Yeah, it Jac I just I can't give Josh the He don't He doesn't need the built-in excuses and he he doesn't want the built-in excuses. You play with who you got and he has a lot of talent on that offense. That offensive line is special. Top five unit year in and year out. So I I think there's a lot of quarterbacks that have outside weapons that would trade for his offensive line. And then when you go to the NFL leading rusher, James Cook, like we cannot diminish him, his production, his ability, what he creates and brings for the offense. Josh has enough. And it's time. There's no Patrick Mahomes in his playoffs. No Lamar Jackson that he's beaten before, but he doesn't he has he doesn't have those hurdles. It's time for him to execute and get the job done.

And I'm sure Josh feels the same way. He doesn't want the excuses or to feel no one to feel any type of sympathy. It's time. Um, I'm gonna I'm looking at the list of all the guys you played with. Brandon Cooks is on that list. I mean, Terron, you gota be, let's be real, nobody had Brandon Cooks being like a factor for the Buffalo Bills. He's old. He's obviously a lot of concussions in his career. I don't know. Are you surprised watching him out there? Have you talked to him this week at all?

I I talked to Cooks probably uh his last week in New Orleans before he was that the the the move was made. Um, he's productive, man. He's reliable, great hands, great teammate. he knows where to be. Uh like I say, they Joe Brady and the way that he schemes, he creates space and throwing lanes for Josh to execute and and Brandon Cookie is a guy that you can put in, he'll be exactly where you need him to be. So that that pickup that they made a month or so ago has come now to to be very very vital and a crucial moment of the season against a great defense.

Uh let's go to the NFC. I'm fascinated by this Sam Darnold situation. Um, I don't know. I I just I'll ask your opinion. You know, you've seen Darnold. Uh, listen, he was with the Jets. He's been he's kind of bounced around the league. He's the number one seed. I didn't He led the league in giveaways. Sam, like, what what are we to make of this guy? I I I don't I want to root for him. He seems like a nice guy. I met him. He was a USC quarterback. Everybody speaks highly of just a good human being.

But, man, it's it's tough to envision him like winning a Super Bowl, is it not?

It's uh it's challenging. It's challenging. His story is incredible already thus far. Like we we seen his his early situation and people labeled him a buzz. He went to the Jets and Carolina, but now he's and then after the year in Minnesota, he's found his home now. Number one seed in a a very very tough NFC and that division specifically. So I I definitely want to give him his flowers there. Now you brought up the the giveaways and that is the danger. That's the most dangerous stat in football that can create the the loss. And I see Seattle being a very very tough place to play in the playoffs. I've been there with Drew Brees and the Saints. We weren't weren't able to get the job done. They went on to win a Super Bowl. The crowd is insane. So, he has everything that he needs to get the job done. And to me, in the NFC, I see the Rams as the only team that can go to Seattle and beat this

team. There we go. There's a hot take. Look at that. I I mean, I largely agree with that. It's not that hot, but it's a take cuz a lot of people are afraid to like go go out on limb and say stuff. And I'll be honest, like he's facing Brock Pury, Toronto, dead last pick in the draft. A lot of people are like, "Well, he's too small. You know, why would he stay in college so long at Iowa State? Not that good." All he does is win, man. Comes back in the fourth quarter on the road against the defending champs and that great defense. And he's throwing to Demarcus Robinson. I mean, it's not like he's got Jerry Rice out there. No disrespect to Demarcus, but he didn't have a 50 yard game all season. I don't know. I'm just blown away by the Brock Perie story. I do like underdogs.

Um, what do you make of Pertie, by the way? Do you think he's a franchise quarterback?

Uh, I do. I do. And I I got a slight hesitation, JM, but but I I do think Party has done what it takes for you to feel very comfortable and confident to have him in that position. what I saw last week, I wasn't as optimistic about it because he he did struggle against the Eagles. They ultimately got the win. Big huge upset win. Christian McCaffrey was special. Um, but the giveaways, the turnovers, Brock Party was not able to create consistent offense. He did lose George KD. And I get it. It's the playoffs. You got to you got to go out and execute with who you have on the field. So, this week against Seattle, two turnovers, they they're going home.

No question about it. So those two intercept, they're going home. And I'm sure Brock knows that the the and Kyle Shanahan and the offense knows that this will be a great game, but they struggle to to get any type of offense of production week 18 for the number one seed. Seattle will be looking to repeat that performance.

Yeah, I want to I want to save the best game for last and that's the uh the drama between the Rams and Bears. So I'm sure you followed this whole uh Ben Johnson laflur thing. They got some beef. There was the fbombs in the locker room, the handshake. Well, it turns out Lafleur and McVey are tight and McVey kind of gave one of those. Oh yeah, I I talked to Laflur this week and that was it. Have you seen a lot of this coaching beefs? P Shawn Peyton has some legendary stories that he's told us about where he doesn't mind hanging 50 on somebody and not calling the dogs off, but are you surprised that this is so out there? Ben Johnson really embracing the we hate those guys.

I love it. I love it. bring bring back robberies, bring back the hate in in in a good in a good sense in and the the the healthy version of it is is great for the sport. You don't I listen, I'm not I'm not too big on the the buddy buddy while you're in competition. You guys are lining up to go to war. Let's do it. Let's let's really get out here and battle. So, I love it. I love that. The extra dramatics to it, the the backstory, the petty handshakes, the fbombs. I'm all for it. It makes great TV. It makes great for the game. The players feed into it because you have a head coach like Ben Johnson who's came in, revitalize your franchise, brought you to to a new territory in year one.

You're going to do anything and everything to protect that coach. You want to go out there and win for him. You want to go out there and compete for him. So there these guys are playing with an extra edge and it's just great for the game.

So let me ask were you one of those guys who was more of a you know speak softly but carry a big stick or were you just one of these hey I'm here what's up and talking trash. Which one of those guys are you?

You seem so I wasn't that much of a I wasn't that much of a talker JM. I wasn't that much honestly I was always tired. It was you know that that the game is

trying to catch my breath man. I didn't do too much talk. I had a lot of teammates that did chirp quite a bit. Michael Thomas was one that really was very very vocal throughout his his tenure and his great career. But um for Shawn Peyton, he was a he was a talker. So I was one of those guys quietly front line like if this what we doing, I'm I'm riding with my guys. They know it for sure. Get behind me. Let's let's do it. I didn't I didn't say much. Didn't never feel like I had to.

Yeah, cuz you're a big huge hulking individual. Nobody's talking trash to you, but like you know Ben Johnson, the team has kind of embraced his identity of us against the world and like it's kind of working. I just wonder it's working when you're running hot and beating everybody with these last minute comebacks. You know, we we saw the Chiefs last year 11 and0 and one-score games. That flip they stink and now it's like oh wait a minute the roster I actually heard Ton wait the Chiefs wide receiving room is terrible. Meanwhile, all off seasonason it was, whoa, whoa, wait a minute. We got Xavier Worthy and Hollywood Brown AND RASHEED RICE.

THEY'RE stacked and it's like, oh, these narratives slip. I just long term, I don't know if that's a good play. What? Like, do you tell your kids, "Hey, man,

talk talk your talk." Or you like, "Hey, you got to be calm, cool, collected. You don't want to be running your mouth too much."

What? Whatever gets the engine going, man. Really, whatever gets the engine going. You just got to be able to back it up, right?

You got to be able to back it up. And I've played with guys with, like I say, Michael Thomas, who was very vocal and and loud about it. But I also play with a guy named Quiet Storm, Marcus Coulson, who never said a word, but highly productive. So, I've seen I've seen both sides of the spectrum. And it's all about you backing it up. And Michael Thomas was a guy that'll talk his talk, but he'll go out there and back it up. So, if you going you're going to be loud, you better make sure you perform.

I want to ask you about Jared Verse. Last time you were on, you were like, I'm just glad I don't have to face that guy anymore. Bears are down. their starting left tackle against your Verse. This that could not come at a worse time facing Verse, who's an animal off the edge.

I agree. I agree. This is it's it's a um a battle to watch. It's a matchup to watch at at left tackle. Braxton Jones had just came back from IR. I don't I'm not sure if he's getting the nod as the starter. Uh I do love what Dan Roshard, the old line coach for the Chicago Bears, have done has done with his unit. They've been playing out of their mind. They got all pro right tackle Darnell Wright who's been playing insane all year. So I feel very very confident in Dan Roshard and his ability to prepare these guys. Jerry verse is different.

The boy strong real strong violent aggressive. So he's going to be attacking all day long. I'm sure Ben Johnson and the schematics of the offense will create some help, tight end help, running back help, uh left guard slot to try to minimize that as much as possible. But that matchup will be something to watch because verse can disrupt Caleb Williams and his timing all day long.

We'll wrap up with the Miami Dolphins, a team you're very familiar with. Interesting. They got a coaching opening. Uh I need you to be unfiltered on Mike McDaniel. Now, I will say some people don't love McDaniel. I have been a defender. I think the offensive mind matters a lot. I'm surprised he's fired. I I I would love it if my Jets somehow got him. No disrespect to Aaron Glenn, but I'm curious. I need your uh unfiltered take on Mike McDaniel.

I uh I was with Mike for three years. Um highly highly productive the first two with the with the offense. The things we were able to do to create innovative really changed the scope of offense around the league. Um we week after week we started to see other teams implementing everything from the motions to the schemes from everything. So, he's he's someone that has that that's really came in and changed the way that we see offense and how to move skilled players. Um, my time with Mike, man, I I can't say enough good things about him. It was I'm appreciative of everything that we had and and what we did down there. He used me as a playmaker, not just as a left tackle. Was able to get out in space and, you know, block corners and safeties and all those things. It just made the game fun. I'm sure he'll find another opportunity, whether it's a head coach or offensive coordinator this year, whatever he chooses to do. I think

that he will he will be successful. I'm sure that Dolphins these last two years, all the adversity, the down moments, uh, benching your starting quarterback and all those things, it's a learning lesson. Now,

it's all about his response. He's he's had the bumps and bruises. He had he's faced the narratives and the challenges and was let go from from Miami ultimately. So, um, it'll be interesting to see his response to all of it and how much he's learned and grown as a head coach. What do you make of the allegations that McDaniel he couldn't command a locker room? He's he's not a big alpha male. He's a small nerdy guy from Yale. Again, I I like McDaniel, but he had Tyreek Hill in there who was popping off a lot. Jaylen Ramsay. These are like difficult guys who who in their prime were awesome, but they're starting to fade. I'm just curious, did you see any of that McDaniel can't come into locker room stuff?

Some of those guys you name had their personal relationship with Mike that could be different from me in in my view. And I come from Shawn P. I came from Shawn Peyton who was very very uh stern, very strict with his approach and then transition into Mike which was almost the opposite end of the spectrum who was open uh a lot more discussion, a lot more information was shared. So it took me time to adjust to it.

I didn't see Mike have a problem commanding the locker room. We we went out and we competed very hard. I think that once losses start to happen, a lot of noise starts and that that'll be

that'll be the same for from Miami Dolphins and any other team throughout the history of the NFL. Once you're lo you're losing games consecutively,

issues will will start to show face and noise will start to come from the locker room and the media. It's just that's the part of the business. Once you're winning, everything's all fine and dandy. So, that's just it's a part of losing.

It comes with territory. Lastly, do you think the Dolphins is a good coaching opening uh given the quarterback situation? We don't know. We don't know. Tua got benched, got a big contract. Um, you know, Tyreek's coming off the major injury. Offensive line since you left kind of wobbly defense. I I don't know. GM situation. Is this even a good job, Terrell?

I believe so, man. I strongly do. J Mac I I think that the location like being in Miami one is uber attractive to all free agents all for sure now it it's work to be done don't get me wrong now it's it's a lot hard hat hammer and nail that that needs to be done like there's a lot of work that have to be done fig figuring out the cap situation figuring out who's on your roster for sure but I think Miami will always be attractive if you have an owner like Steven Ross who is open and willing to use all resources to bring in anything possible to help your team. He has shown the patience to allow a team or organization to a regime to rebuild, reset, all those good things. So, I think anybody getting that Miami job, you got a three, four year window to turn this whole operation around.

All right, Terron Armstead, former Pro Bowler, thanks a lot for your time, man. Enjoy the games this weekend, buddy.

Sure will. You, too, man. Thank you. All right, great stuff uh from Terron Armstead. You know, I don't know about that Miami job, Rachel. I do love the city of Miami. Oh my, that's why I have my bachelor party. Amazing.

He's not wrong. And obviously, his point wasn't just it's attractive for a coach, it's attractive for free agents. So, you have the ability to bring in a good team almost year by year.

Look, they got to get their quarter. It's the same as every team. Do you know who your quarterback is? Is he good? That is always going to be the most attract and when you rate coaching jobs in terms of attractiveness, I don't care how nice the beaches are right in South Beach. If you have a great quarterback, that job will trump what's going on in Miami right now.

All right, coming up next year on the Herd, Rachel has a familiar name. Whoa. Being linked to the Ravens in their head coaching opening. That's next year on the Herd.

All right, quick trip. What's the latest, buddy? I just actually I went there the other day, got a bunch of cold brew on tap because there's not one right in my backyard. Sometimes I'll overly load up on the cold brew and I was literally drinking it out of this bottle here. So, I uh didn't even plan it that way. Uh they have fueled our tour the entire year. They let us go courtesy of their fuel pumps and their cold brew on tap to college football games coast to coast. It's been a really really good partner and they're about it, man. They speak college football fluently just like we do and it is a uh big blessing to have them along for the ride.

I think Dante Moore made the wrong decision to stay in school. I know I'm a Jets fan. Jason, be quiet. We'll talk about it. But first, Rachel Nichols with the news.

No, NO, NO. TURN ON THE NEWS. THIS is the Herdline news. Well, we've been talking about Mike McDaniel. He got his interview with the Baltimore Ravens. You know, McDaniel's been a hot candidate since being fired. He only has a 35 and 33 record since being a head coach in those four years in Miami. But when it was humming, that offense was pretty spectacular. That also was with Tua, who as we've discussed is a bit limited. Um, so he's still a, you know, golden boy in coaching circles. He's interviewed with the Titans, the Falcons, and the Browns in addition to the Ravens. Meanwhile, the Ravens, Jason, they've had formal interviews now with 11 candidates, so the net is wide. Um I was just we're talking to our producer Martin. For a team where even just making the playoffs next year would be an improvement, right? They missed them this year.

Yeah. Are the Ravens kind of sneaky low-key one of the most high pressure jobs in the NFL

because it's not just making the playoffs. That's the expectation, right? Yeah. There's a lot going on there with this whole Bashadi went in front of everybody and was like, "Yeah, Lamar's gonna sit in on interviews and have an input." And I'm like, "Are we sure that's a good idea?" That being said, I I just remembered as you were saying that so McDaniel was in Florida with the Dolphins.

Lamar is a Florida guy. I wonder if they ever cross paths or he would be into McDaniel being their head coach. I mean, it doesn't seem like a logical fit because McDaniel's kind of a I don't want to say soft, but offensive minded. That defense is very that division is very defensive minded and rugged, right? Well, yeah, but if you can farm that out, I mean, the real question for the Ravens is how do you utilize Lamar Jackson and get him to a Super Bowl and hopefully if you're them, win a Super Bowl, right? So, I I don't have any problem hiring for offense and then saying, "Great, we're going to get a great DC."

Okay. If you're McDaniel, is what's a better job? And don't Baltimore or Atlanta?

That's a tough one, right? I mean, again, who's the best quarterback? If you just go by that, it's Baltimore, right?

Um, but what do you think? Yeah. Well, I does Baltimore have a lot other than Lamar Jackson.

Well, by the way, just to finish that other thought, your point about Oh, Atlanta has other stuff. They have a promising quarterback and are the expectations as high?

Yeah. So, you can succeed more easily. Yeah. Bean Robinson, Drake London, like I don't know if they're going to franchise tag pits or what, but if Pennix is good, Falcons are a great job. I I again, I look at that Baltimore team. If that kicker makes the 44 yard field goal, does Harbaugh get fired?

Well, he was asked that in the press conference. And does he keep his job if that field goal gets made? And the owner said he would for one more week.

So, he was gone either way. I mean, we don't know obviously if he was going to advance through the playoffs and win a Super Bowl. I doubt you're firing him, but um it seemed as if

they were ready for a change. I don't know. Do Do you think I mean Baltimore's kind of your rival with the Washington thing? I don't Do you think high pressure? You think it's

I do. I think I think that Lamar Jackson I think just the history of that team I I think that that is one of the most looked on teams in the NFL for a team that didn't even didn't even make the playoffs this year. I think that is a pretty high pressure.

Do you still think Lamar is in that upper echelon of top four quarterbacks in the league or not?

I I do. I mean come on like what he can do with the football and with his legs. It's just it's crazy,

right? It it looked like he may have lost a step this year. Could have been the injuries. Don't know. The whole team looked like it lost this year. They fired their coach of 18 years.

Yeah. I don't know. Nobody was good. Yeah. Because they were inches away. A Mark Andrews drop.

Yes. Right. Wasn't it last January against Buffalo? Yes. And a field goal this time.

Very close. And then the Z Flowers game against the Chiefs. Fumbling. Yeah. Oh man, poor Harbaugh.

A team meeting this week. Broncos Shawn Peyton got into an interesting topic. He talked about the year off that he took after parting ways with the Saints. At the time, he thought a break would feel good. He'd been in coaching for 34 straight years. He actually joined us here at Fox, as you know, Jac. But as he told his team this week, he quickly felt like talking about the game wasn't the same as being in it. He told them they should appreciate being in it as long as they can. Here was his quote. There's going to be a time where all of us have to get off, but you know what? Not today. Not today. Not today, Jason, because it's a Friday, but um it could be tomorrow. What do you think? Do you think the Broncos are getting off the stage tomorrow, or do you feel like, you know, his appreciate the moment? Rahr, we got to fight for every inch kind of speech is going to work.

I I hate to cop out I didn't bet this game. I just have the under. Um I I I'm rooting I know this sounds crazy as a Jets fan. I'm rooting for Josh Allen.

Yeah. But I do think Denver probably wins the game. Really? Are you agreement or No,

no. I mean, look, I don't have a strong feeling about it because to your point, it's it's very

feels like a tossup. It's why they play the games as Herm Edwards said, but I I do I don't know. I just think Josh Josh Allen's the best player on the field and that, you know, there's there's enough there and the Bills, to your point, know that this is this is kind of their moment and I think that's very motivating as well.

So, it let's say the Broncos are down four, two minutes left. Bo Nicks has the ball.

Confidence level is like maybe he gets it done. Yeah, maybe. If the Bills are down four and Josh Allen gets the ball,

confidence, they're scoring, right? Yeah. So, like that's kind of that to me is what, you know, again, it's not a huge, oh my god, I'll tell you, I will bet my house, my children that, you know, the Bills are going to win, but if you make me make a pick, I I guess I'm going in that direction just because of the Josh Allen factor.

I'm assuming you got a 529 planned for your kids. Yeah. Yeah. I'm putting that on the Rams. No, no, no. I'm not.

Don't do that. That's how you That's stupid. All right, let's get back to that Niner Seahawks game. This one being played in Seattle, which we know has one of the best home field advantages in the NFL, go 12elves. But Kyle Shanahan says no matter what happens this week, the one thing he knows is nothing phases his quarterback. Take a listen.

Brock doesn't get rattled. I mean, it's you can be as loud as you want. They're still probably not going to hear you there. Um especially if you're in the gun. Um and then we know they'll be that much louder uh this week. But I think it's nothing really rattles Brock. He stays the same. I mean, you felt that last week. That's what I thought was so impressive having the interception with like 8 minutes to go and we we lose the lead and the way you came back and played the next drive after that is the perfect example of um that's what I mean by like you can kind of see people's character, what type of people they are on the silent tape and a guy who can act like that on that silent tape describes exactly the type of dude he is.

Jason, you love Brock Py had him number three at the top of the hour in your quarterback rankings. What's with that smirk, Rachel? Huh? You don't

I just I mean, I saw you walk into the building today with a Brock party foam finger, but whatever. I mean, you know, do you think that he can Exactly. Do you think he can get it done? Even though his team's pretty depleted by injuries,

can he? Yes. Will he? That's another story. Now, I have been to se I love Seattle as a city. I got to say been there twice. Have you Have you been?

Oh, I I spent a lot of time covering the Seahawks. I The theme, the facility, the way they run things, and the stadium, it's just so much fun. I mean, that stadium gets loud. I know every fan base thinks that their stadium gets loud. That stadium, you cannot hear yourself think. And they were even instructing the fans this week. Oh, I saw

to make noise as they go as the Niners go into the huddle. Don't just make noise when they're at the line. Make noise when they go into the huddle so that the players can't hear what

tough environment. But look at birdie on the road versus the Seahawks in his career. Rachel 4 and0. This guy is a baller. Uh I only I was in the Lumen Field for a soccer match. Um and and we won uh against the Sounders, but that it was loud then it wasn't even full. So I can't imagine like a night game. The vibes are going to be kind of sort of immaculate at uh that's going to be a good one.

Be great. Uh Rachel with the news. Well, that's the news and thanks for stopping by.

The Herd lie news. All right, so a couple quarterbacks made decisions on their college futures this week. Um, one of them decided he's going to the NFL, passing big money in the NIL. The other, he wants to go back to college. I think one of those guys made the wrong decision. That's next. Kansas has a player who is I mean, I don't want you never want to consider anybody a Kobeish player, but man, this kid Peterson, he can go. I mean, he is awesome. Top five pick for sure. Um, all right. Let's let's go back to the NFL real quick. And, um, I saw this week Tai Simpson decided he's going to go to the NFL from Alabama. He had like five, $6 million offers from Tennessee, Miami, blah blah blah. He said, "No, I'm going pro." Okay. And it's weird because some people are like, "He could use more work." Yeah, he could, but is he passing up a guaranteed four-year deal in the NFL? So then Dante Moore steps to the

podium, takes all the time in the world up against the deadline, and says, "You know what? I'm gonna go back to school. Rachel said earlier, "Hey, I don't like to go in anybody's pockets." I don't want to go in Dante Moore's pockets. I think he made the wrong decision. And I'm not speaking as a Jets fan. I'm just speaking as a realist. Okay? Sure, the Jets could have used him. He ain't no franchise savior. I think we would agree. I don't I like Dante Moore a lot. I had him second in my m draft. Then he played Texas Tech. Didn't look great against an elite defense. Then he played Indiana and he vomited all over himself starting with a pick six on the first play and it was over. You knew he was going back to school. Here's the problem. And again, I I don't think he is a slam dunk prospect. I It's tough to play quarterback in the NFL. I mean, there's the pick six on the first play against Indiana. They read him like a

book. Like that quarterback pounds is an awesome player. But you just look at the mistakes he's making now. You could say, "Oh, that's the fourth string running back." Come on, guys. How many times have you seen a quarterback like that bump into the to the running back and fumble? It's just not normal. He he looked like he was slow to process in the pocket. Bottom line, he's going back to school. Here's my problem. So, let's say he didn't go second in the draft and he fell to 20th. Hypothetically, due to the sliding scale, he would have had a four-year deal around $13 million.

Okay, that Kenny Picket went about 20th. A he flopped whatever he's done. That's that's a lot of guaranteed money. And oh, by the way, you get to grow and develop. Hopefully not with a terrible franchise like the Jets or the Browns or the Cardinals. You get to go to a real team, maybe sit for a year. You know, you go top five, you need to play. You're considered the franchise savior. You go 10 like Patrick Mahomes, you can sit. Mahomes sat for a year behind Alex Smith. Hit the ground running. First impression was, "This guy's amazing. He hasn't looked back." You go top five, you've got to play. They need you now.

That's why you're they're drafting here because they don't got nobody. So, I think more should have come out. What's the harm in going back, Jay? He's making $6 million. That's outstanding. In recent history, we've seen guys more often than not, I think like 80% is the number. Go back, get absolutely picked apart by play, by series, by game, and next thing you know, it's like, I don't know, he's a he's a fourth fourth or fifth round pick. That's really what happens when you go back to school. You get nitpicked. Now, the real question is what grades was Dante Moore given by the NFL because they'll give grades to give you an idea if you should come out or not. If you're told you're a first round pick, you got to go strike while the iron is hot. Now, the iron was lukewarm given the playoff games, but otherwise more works great in that Oregon system.

We got an Oregon guy on staff who's like, "Dude, he's he's basically doing what Dylan Gabriel did." Well, Dylan Gabriel got to the pros, had a little shot with Cleveland, and uh you know, he looks like he could have a long career as a backup. Nothing wrong with that, but he also didn't go uh first round. Dante Moore's got a little more upside than that. I just didn't see it. And I would have told him, "Hey, listen, go. You're probably not going to go top five, probably not top 10 despite the need for quarterback." And you sit and you wait your time. You collect your paychecks and hopefully then you pop.

Again, I I know he needs more starts. It's a tricky situation because Tai Simpson is older. Dante Moore is only 20. Tai Simpson is a little bit on the older side and we saw JJ McCarthy, young guy, really struggle with the injuries getting his body right. It may not work out for him. But I just believe when you've got the opportunity to come out, first round pick, guaranteed four-year deal, you got to take it. Even if it goes sideways like it did for Sam Darnold, right? Sam Darnold's now thriving six, seven years later. And again, this is I know everybody's gonna say, "Well, you're not going to get the second contract." Sam Darnold came out, was terrible. Looked like his career was in the tank, found the right spot, revived himself in Minnesota, and now is making the 30 40 million a year uh in in Seattle. So there there's no rush to this, but getting to the league helps, I think, more than sitting in college. And

I say sitting because Dylan Rayola transferred to Oregon and I know he's got a broken leg. That guy is super talented. Okay, he big- time uh player at Nebraska. I know he's got some Patrick Mahomes in him, more the look than anything. But I'm not even certain that Dante Moore starting the full season in Oregon. I'm just telling you guys, take a look at what happened to Cape Clubick at Clemson. Take a look at Nusmeer at LSU. And I know the LSU program was a bit of a mess. I mean, hell, Arch Manning struggled for the first half of the season. The burden of expectations on these college quarterbacks now is immense.

Think about this. I I mean, a couple years ago, hey, you're the you're the guy. You've been in the program for three years. Wonderful. Now, you're getting $5 million. They need to see dividends immediately. And I know every year next year's quarterback class is stacked. Essentially, Dante Moore would have to go top five next year to justify going back to school. And I don't think that he's got any shot of that. And yes, I've seen the there's like seven or eight guys who have major potential. The key is going into the season under the radar. Fernando Mendoza last year, Indiana, there was some chatter, oh, he could be a first round pick cuz he's 6'5 with a big arm. The season plays out, no pressure, no hype. Fernando Mendoza, slam dunk, number one pick.

You don't want to be one of these guys with major expectations. Next year it's going to be Arch Manning again. We saw Arch Manning kind of crumble, finish strong. Now they're hitting the portal. They got great receivers. I think Arch Manning probably is the number one pick next year. So I I don't know about you, Rachel. I just And again, I'm rooting for all these guys. I want the league needs good quarterbacks.

I I think Moore should have probably gone to the NFL. I don't think he would have gone top five, but I I I do think he's making a bit of a mistake. And next year, I don't want him to get picked apart, but that's just the game. I do have to think he's getting insurance, right, for what he would have earned in that first NFL contract. I don't know.

I I How much is this you just not wanting to accept that someone is avoiding the draft so they don't have to play for the Jets?

They were like, "Hey, we got the clip." Joel Clatt saying he doesn't want to go back to the Everybody's saying that. Boomeras had a good clip about the Jets dodged a bullet. Everybody's weighing in.

We've seen this, right? Plenty in football, right? John Elway didn't want to play for the team he was drafted for. He threatened to go play baseball for the Yankees. That's right.

Jackson went and played baseball instead of going to the team he was drafted by. We know the Eli Manning story. Yeah,

there are plenty of quarterbacks who look and say, "I don't know about starting my career with that team. I'm going to do something else. Maybe this was something else."

It's a good point. No offense, Jet fans. Hey, listen. It's been a rough 15 years. Uh, let's just say that. My kids, by the way, we're talking about our kids. Um, they are ask me repeatedly, "Why are you a Jets fan?"

I love that. like straight up. So they didn't just accept it being hand. No, I bought I bought them jerseys when they were kids

and my daughter's like, "I'm not wearing this to school, Dad. What? This is gross."

No, they Are they Rams fans? They They're We went to a Chargers camp and the Chargers were nice to us and they loved the Chargers. We went to a Rams game or two,

so they're gravitating toward the local teams. Okay. Yeah, that's how it works. All right. Final hour coming up. Couple great guests. Greg Jennings going to check in on Bears Packers. Chris Felica hopefully give us some winning bets. Stick and stay. Final hour coming up.

Questions about this episode

Who speaks in "Playoff Quarterbacks RANKED: Rams, Broncos, Patriots, Seahawks, Bills, Bears, 49ers | THE HERD NFL"?

Colin Cowherd (Host), Jason McIntyre (Guest), Rachel Nichols (Guest), Terron Armstead (Guest).

What is "Playoff Quarterbacks RANKED: Rams, Broncos, Patriots, Seahawks, Bills, Bears, 49ers | THE HERD NFL" about?

The discussion focuses on ranking the playoff quarterbacks ahead of the divisional round, highlighting their performances and potential impact on their teams. Key points include a candid evaluation of each quarterback, starting with a critical assessment of Brock Bowers, underscoring the significance of playoff experience and accuracy in their rankings.

What is mentioned in this The Herd with Colin Cowherd episode?

65 people, works and ideas are mentioned, including Terron Armstead, Jason McIntyre, NFL, quarterback rankings, NFL playoffs, Rachel Nichols. Each one on this page links to its own page with every episode that mentions it.

How long is "Playoff Quarterbacks RANKED: Rams, Broncos, Patriots, Seahawks, Bills, Bears, 49ers | THE HERD NFL"?

The episode runs 42 min; the transcript is about 8,961 words in 123 timestamped sections.

More from The Herd with Colin Cowherd

About this transcript: the episode's spoken words as captioned on YouTube, split into timestamped sections. Reclip.Me locates every person, work and idea in the text, keeps the time it is first named, and quotes the words around it verbatim. Last updated January 29, 2026.