One & Done (Hour 2)

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Need to know what it takes for a home to fit your budget, a home to fit your budget and your family? Well, Rocket can. Now joining us is a two-time Super Bowl champion, played his college ball at Florida State, his NFL football with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and now is a media star for CBS Sports HQ. Also does the great podcast, The All Things Covered, which I don't know why I've not been invited on the show yet, but that's all right. I thought we were friends.

That is Brian McFadden. Brian, how you been? What's happening, Zach?

You know what, Zach? You would have been on this show already, but you just talk so much trash about my beloved Steelers. It's hard for me to overlook that.

Well, I'm a big Patrick Peterson fan and I'm a big fan of yours, so I think you should stop just having each and every week crying and bringing up your terrible towel and just bitching about me just telling you the truth of your football team and get over it. Wow. See? See? And it continues.

The criticism, the critical statements continue from Zach in regards to my beloved Steelers. Let's do this. I'll send you a terrible towel. We have to get a video of you waving that terrible towel, and yes, we'll have you on frequently if that's possible. Okay, fine.

That's a good publicity for me. I'm all good. I'll wave the terrible towel.

I may make some alterations to the towel, but you send me a terrible towel, I'll wave it. By the way, I gotta wish you a happy anniversary. Do you have any clue why I'm wishing you a happy anniversary? No.

No clue. Week 14, 2007. Anthony Smith ran his mouth and then Brady embarrassed him. So that's what we're doing? That's how you intro me into the show. That's what we're doing, right? You started it. You started it. I wasn't even gonna bring up the Patriots and the Steelers, and then you said I was talking all this smack, so you basically like dangled the cheese in front of my face. That's what we're doing.

Okay, that's fair. And that's not an anniversary. No one considers that to be an anniversary except you. Brian McFadden here with us. It's gonna be a wonderful conversation. Here's something that we'll both agree on. How are the Detroit Lions two two-and-a-half point favorites this weekend, and isn't this the ultimate sign of disrespect to the Minnesota Vikings?

It is. It's the ultimate sign of disrespect for the Vikings, and it's the ultimate sign of praise for the Detroit Lions and what they've been able to do over the last few weeks. Even in the games they lost, if you go back to Thanksgiving Day against the Buffalo Bills, I took the Lions to cover, and they almost won that ball game. So the Detroit Lions, they've been a very, very competitive team throughout the entire year. So if you look at the Lions and the way they've been playing inspired football, especially the defense is playing much better. Offensively they're scoring points. They can run the football against anybody.

I'm surprised, but then I'm not surprised. But because of that, I'm staying away from that game. I am staying away from that game. You talk about a team that's 10-2. In the Minnesota Vikings, they're finding ways to win one of the best teams in the National Football League in regards to one possession like ball games. They're finding ways to win, and they're an underdog against a below-500 team on the road. Something is fishy about that line.

I'm staying away from it. It makes me think that in your heart down deep you think the Lions are winning this game. That answer that I just heard makes me think. Listen, one thing I know about Vegas, they're extremely good at what they do, and the line usually dictates the flow of the game.

Not all the time. It's not 100% exact, but if you know anything about betting and gambling, the line can kind of tell you, hmm, I don't like their thinking in this particular outing. And with that being said, I do not like the odd-makers thinking in regards to the Lions-Vikings game. I'm staying away from it. Of course, I'm rooting for the Vikings to win because my guy, Pat Peterson, they show us a lot of love, but in regards to putting a dollar on that game, no.

I'm staying away from it. Brian McFadden here with us. I started this show just screaming about Josh McDaniels.

He's going to be back next year, but there's no justification for having him come back for your number two. This is disgraceful. Listen, Zach, I'm so disappointed. I really thought, and I'm a gambling man like a lot of our listeners may be. They were given six and a half, seven.

Depending on where you're shopping, I think it closed at six and a half. I took the under also. You jump out 10-0. You're playing against two quarterbacks who nobody respects.

The quarterback that plays the entire ball game basically just got to town ten minutes before the game kicked off. And you lose that ball game. I was so hyped about the Raiders because they had a lot at stake. If you look at the playoffs, they still have a shot before last night's matchup, so you had a lot at stake playing pretty good football over the last few weeks. You're playing against the team. The uncertainty of the quarterback position was well documented. Heck, I thought we were going to see Willie Beamon jump in the lineup for the Rams because the quarterback position was just spiraling everywhere, and you lose.

You lose. That is horrible. That has been the most disappointing thing I had to endure so far this week. You look at the Rams, and we were just talking about this, Brian McFadden, before you came on. Everyone was talking about the two times Stafford had to go into concussion protocol. Now we find out he has a spinal cord contusion. I'm not ready to say Baker Mayfield is going to go on to have this great redemption career, but I wonder if Matthew Stafford this offseason already won a Super Bowl, has made all the money in the world. You start talking about a spinal cord contusion. I wonder how much of a retirement he starts to contemplate. That's a good question. Remember, in the beginning of the season, he had an elbow-ish issue that kind of hampered his development during the offseason.

Are you talking about a spinal cord situation? No question. He's done everything you would want a player to do on that level. Won a championship. Individually, he has the stats.

He's made a lot of money, as you alluded to. So, what's left? Especially if you've got to endure these types of ailments next year. That's a good question. Clearly, that's something they will monitor. I think they said he's in the clear in regards to surgery.

So, that's a plus. But, heck, playing the quarterback position, even though they protect those guys extremely well, he's going to get touched. He's going to get touched and it can happen. So, it's all about where he is personally in regards to wanting to play the game and continue to play the game. How do you know when it's time? Because you may see signs that it's time to walk away, but you still just don't let your brain tell you, okay, I've got to hang it up. How did you know when it was time to leave?

Well, for me, it was a little different because I had an injury that kind of made things easy for me. In regards to some players, I think two things will tell you it's time to go. You keep getting hurt or your production is just failing. You're not consistent. You're not a guy that people respect anymore when you're in the lineup.

Those are two things that I think can be the ultimate telling sign that, you know what, your time might be done. Talking to Brian McFadden, I want to get your thoughts on two games this weekend. I'll start you off with the Buccaneers and 49ers. The Niners are a three and a half point favorite with Brock Purdy at quarterback going up against Tom Brady.

Yeah, Brock Purdy played pretty good football in relief of Jimmy Garoppolo. You know, defensively, they still play style football as well. You like the makeup offensively and running the football and allow the run to open up opportunities and throwing the football. Even though Tampa won that ball game last Monday night, they look bad. They look bad in probably 57 minutes of that ball game.

I like San Francisco. I just love their defense against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. You haven't really been paying attention to the Buccaneers offensive line. They have been inconsistent.

And if they're inconsistent, 9 times out of 10, Tom Brady will be inconsistent as well. Yeah, their offensive line. We knew right when Jensen this summer got hurt that it was going to be messy and they just keep on losing guys week in and week out.

But you know what? I look at that defense, Bryant. That defense I thought was going to be a great unit this year. They've been underwhelming this year, that Tampa Bay defense.

Yeah, I think it's for two reasons. Number one, injuries. A lot of injured guys throughout their lineup throughout the entire year. At one point, they were missing like three stars in the secondary. So, you know, trying to uphold the standard in which they set over the last few years playing with a lot of backups, that was going to be tough.

And then you look at it just schematically speaking, you know, things haven't really worked out. We haven't seen the execution, the chemistry that we've seen over the last few years. But that's still a group that can play inspired football because let's keep it real. They kept them within reach of winning that ballgame last Monday against the Saints. And made the stop. They made the stop to get the ball back too. Made the stop to get the ball back. If you look at their defense forcing the Saints to settle for field goals, that was huge as well. So, yes, they haven't been as dominant as we thought they would be, but last week they showed signs of, telling signs of, you know what, we can still play good football and keep things close until Tom Brady wakes up. Is Brady quarterbacking the 49ers when he enters free agency this offseason?

Wow. If you're Tom Brady and they say we need you for one year, along with everything they have in place, why not? And you know he would want to. That's where he's from. That's where he grew up.

And it would make sense to me. Like, I think Brady's after this divorce, not to get too into that, but I think he's playing football next year. And he's going to make a push for the 49ers. I just wonder if the 49ers are going to want him because they invested so much in Trey Lance. Yeah, and I think they were ready for Trey Lance to get the keys to the car.

Heck, he would have had the keys this year if it wasn't for that injury, season-ended injury. So, I mean, that's a great storyline, something good to talk about, but I don't think the 49ers were willing to make that investment in Tom Brady when they were ready for their young stud to jump in the lineup and do what he's been called to do. How are you betting Dolphins and Chargers this weekend? Dolphins a 3-3.5 point favorite depending on what book you look at. Yo, so they're saying Mike Williams is slated to be back in the lineup, right?

That's what they're saying. Now, when we play a full game, remember the last time he jumped to the lineup he only played one series, one catch, he was out. If Mike Williams can play a full game and he's healthy, I like to charge his defense. I don't trust their defense, let's keep it real, I don't trust anything Chargers related in regards to the defense. But offensively, they can score points. They will be able to go toe-to-toe with the Dolphins offensively and they're getting points, as you mentioned.

They're getting 3.5, you know, that's huge if you want to buy it up to 4, so, you know, that gives you a little cushion, I would advise that as well. But for me, if they're healthy offensively, I wouldn't be surprised to see the Chargers at least cover. It seems like Sean Payton is going to be the next coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, do you agree with that? And listen, Sean Payton, just my personal opinion, should be the next coach for the Chargers, for the Raiders, for the Broncos, and for the Cardinals. Which one would you pick? If, let's say, all four of those jobs opened up, you or Sean, who do you pick? If I'm Sean Payton, give me the Chargers. I think Sean Payton, he has a die-hard love for quarterbacks.

If you look at, you know, having Drew Brees for such a long time in New Orleans, if you look at all four quarterbacks in that situation, with the brightest future potentially, and the most unique skill set, it gotta be Justin Herbert, so I would take the Chargers. What do you think the conversations are like on the defensive side of the ball in that Denver locker room with the teammates when they talk about their quarterback and Russell Wilson? Man, they probably say, man, this is some bull you-know-what. Like, we didn't sign up for this. No one signed up for what they're getting in Denver. You talk about one of the more disappointing teams, one of the more disappointing offenses, one of the more disappointing quarterbacks, Russell Wilson looks nothing like he looked in Seattle. Heck, if you want to go back to his collegiate days at NC State and Wake Forest Act, what we're seeing from Russell Wilson is something we've never seen from him as a quarterback playing on television. And I don't know, it's something off about Russell, it's something off about the entire offense in Denver, and can they right their wrongs for 2023?

You would hope so. But, man, you talk about one of the more disappointing teams, you remember when they made this move? It was like, okay, you look at what Denver had last year defensively, some of the guys coming back on the offensive end. This is a team that should contend for a playoff spot. They've been extremely short of that.

I gotta give credit, by the way, to Kenny Pickett. You gotta like what you're seeing from your quarterback, right? No question, and let's keep it real, Zach. Let me ask you this question.

I want the most honest answer you can give me. Oh, I know what you're gonna ask me. Who's been a better quarterback, Mac Jones or Kenny Pickett? This year? Yes, this year.

Kenny Pickett this year. But, let's just say this. If Belichick would actually hire an offensive coordinator, and if Pickens is frustrated, I'll take Pickens in a second, okay? Because Mac has no one to throw the football to. That's the most frustrating part with my football team. They'll always win some games because you have Bill Belichick, but I don't know what Mac Jones is.

Like, I know we talked at the draft. You like Mac Jones, but I don't know what he is as a quarterback because they're not putting him in a position to succeed like what the Eagles did with Jalen Hurts or what the Dolphins did with Tua. Yeah, and that's not Mac's fault.

That's an organization issue. And number one, not having an offensive coordinator, that's the one thing you want to do with a young quarterback because how can a player at the quarterback position look better in his rookie year than his second year? Yeah, it's one of those things, especially when the coaching isn't up to par.

I know McDaniel's the disaster as a head coach, but as an offensive coordinator, he did a wonderful job with Mac Jones last year. Before we let you run, if you were still in that Steelers locker room, you being a veteran voice, what would your conversations be like with Pickens after what happened on the sideline last week? Man, I like that. Keep it going, but don't make it a public spectacle.

Like, keep things a little private. We know you want the football. I like that you want the football every play. That's what you're supposed to do. But don't cause a distraction. By the way, the Steelers are five and seven. I know they could win this week and get to six and seven. Are you ready to wave the white flag and just submit that you're going to have to owe me that steak dinner because the Steelers aren't making the playoffs this year?

I'm not waving anything. And I thought I bet was... Two bets. We made two bets. We made two bets.

One was, and I have the audio here. I come with receipts, Brian McFadden. One was who would get to the Super Bowl first, the Patriots or the Steelers, and the other one, you came back on. And when I was saying it's Trubusky and you're like, I don't care if it's Trubisky or Pickett, they'll make the playoffs this year and you bet another steak dinner. Don't weasel your way out of this. When you see me, if I don't have a steak dinner, it's not going to be good for you. You'll be doing this CBS Sports HQ hit and I'll be screaming in the background, McFadden's a mooch.

He owes me a dinner. Hey, don't count your chickens too fast, Zach. So you're still believing the Steelers can make the playoffs? I mean, it's a slim chance, but I think we can make things interesting. Okay, okay. Anyway, I always appreciate you coming on. Keep on kicking ass with the podcast and CBS Sports HQ and we'll talk to you soon, alright? Okay, and I'll get you that terrible towel, by the way. Yeah, go ahead.

I do a lot of shameless things on the radio to get publicity, so I'm good if I have to wave a terrible towel to get on your podcast. Okay, no problem, Zach. Appreciate you having me.

You got it. There's Brian McFadden. Now here's the thing about Brian McFadden, Hickey, that I need you to kind of be the voice of reason here.

This is how desperate I am. That's right. Now you're wising up. If I'm going at you for the voice of reason. Nah, please.

Now common sense has prevailed. With how now this is the second time we've had McFadden on talking about this bet and both times she's like, I don't think that's what the bet was and I've had to correct him now twice and I have the audio. If he sends me this terrible towel and I wave it to get on this podcast, since he's already weaseling his way out of this steak dinner, do you think I'll wave this terrible towel on social media and then Patrick Peterson will be like, yo, we're not putting on, you know, Brian, no offense. We're not putting on Zach Gill. Now I had a good conversation with Patrick Peterson at the Super Bowl. But if he sends me that terrible towel and I'm waving it, do you think he'll actually be a man of his word and get me on the podcast? Two things. This is not against Brian.

This is just what I've seen so far. I'm skeptical considering the steak dinner, like you said, is trying to weasel his way out. Selective memory from McFadden.

Yes. I am skeptical that he'll remember this. I'm skeptical he'll remember to send you the terrible towel so you can do it in the first place. Also, let's say he does pay it forward and says, OK, we're not pay for just owns up to the bet. I wonder if one of those not for Gazi, but one of those segments where Patrick Peterson's off and then it's just you and Brian, like, you know, tuck it in the back end of the pod for like 10 minutes.

I don't think so. Whenever I do a lot of guest hits around the country, I take over shows when I go on shows. You may think it's your show, but it ends up being my show. I control the conversation if he weasels his way out of this. I'll tell you, when we're at the draft this year and we broadcast right next to them or we see him at the Super Bowl, I'll be heckling him. And and you know me, I could get really loud.

Here's the thing, though. You know, I'll get kicked out of the Super Bowl or kicked out of the draft because I'll be screaming McFadden's a lawyer. He's been retired for. He could still kick my ass if that's what you're saying. He looks tremendous.

He is still in tremendous shape. So even though you are you want to be taller than him, you want to hit me. That's fine. I'll sue you. I like to sue friends, but I'll sue you if he has to get down this road. All right.

He touched me. Call my lawyer. She's this is what this is what radio is about to come down to. I say I'm going to be having to be a witness on the witness.

Let's be real. What happened here? Who said what first? Who threw the first punch? Do you see some of those shows that broadcast from the Super Bowl and how dreadful they are that they would need that excitement? There was almost a fight on radio a few years ago.

Yeah. With Josh in and how that was probably the most exciting we've had. And you know who Josh in this was fighting that week. Was it Seth Payne? It was Seth Payne.

You talk about a mismatch. Seth Payne would have threw him into Josh. But I don't think Josh is a fighter verbally. I don't think he's a fighter physically.

Without a doubt. But now they're friendly. I've known Josh for a long time when I was a college student at Temple University. And he would always just be involved in the radio scene hosting at WIP in Philadelphia.

And he was very nice to little old me being a college student. But now ever since that kerfuffle they're friends. Seth has gone on his podcast numerous times. They like post about the anniversary of their fight all the time.

I would not be surprised if they had a few beers together Seth Payne and one Josh in. Okay. You know what? That's what happens. There's a lot of sensitive people in our business. There's some people that host in major markets that are really really thin skinned and sensitive. And you get a little fight. You say some things and they're like, Oh never call me again. Oh I'm going to block you on Twitter.

Oh I'm a loser. There's people like that. And there's people like Josh and Seth that after they go at it they can laugh about it.

And they can have a beer over it and be okay. I like both those guys. Seth Payne's always great with us.

And Josh Ennis is one of the more talented hosts I've ever heard. I'll tell you that. So anyway. Maybe you and Brian ever get you know maybe not too physical. But let's say face to face yelling me too much.

It probably will end well. He likes me too much. But when he came on our show at the draft and I was throwing back all of his Steelers nonsense right in his face. He appreciated the smack talk. Because it's better than just a traditional interview where everyone's like, Oh you played for the Steelers. Oh the Steelers. Oh you're a two time Super Bowl champion.

Just tell us everything about the Steelers. He liked that I was throwing some zingers at him. Why do you think he keeps on coming on anytime I ask?

Yeah I'm surprised. You texted him today. And then 30 seconds later he's like, Anything for my man Zach. I'm in.

He's in. Maybe he likes, you know maybe he's a masochist. I love Brian McFadden.

Likes a little torture. I love Brian McFadden. But he's a great dude. And he's good on air. And he could actually have a laugh. Some of these guys, man. Can't laugh about anything. And if you can't laugh in life, what's the point of living? Totally agree.

Totally agree. Look at us. Hickey and I, we're usually at each other's throats. We're agreeing on everything.

Alright, what are you going to start telling me next? Live, laugh, love? No, what is a Friday? If we're feeling good here, maybe. Taron Hickey?

Live, laugh, love. Whoopee! I do have a short haircut. That fits right in. What?

What do you mean what? You have a short haircut? All the Karens have you, they're haircut. Yeah, like the short crop.

Gotcha. Tighter on the neck. You know, made little bangs in front. You may have to bleach your hair, though, blonde. Is that Kelp Joe? I don't think you'd be a good blonde. People here are experts at it, so I'm in good hands. But yes, I would not look good blonde. Yes, Pat Boyle!

Hey, Pat! You need a little highlights. Can you dye my hair for me? Looks like bangle stripes from the helmet in my hair. I don't think it would be a good look.

You're right, whatsoever. What's the difference between you and Pat Boyle? Pat Boyle did that for her attention.

You wouldn't dye your hair blonde because you don't need the attention. We give you enough attention as is. Zach Kelp Show CBS Sports Radio. There's a lot to listen to.

So get started and download the free Odyssey app today. Throughout the 60s and 70s, cops hunted down key figures of the Dixie Mafia, including its enigmatic ringleader, Kirksey Nix. I'm in a rush to making money.

I'm not in a rush to hurting people. Fifteen years into Kirksey's life sentence, the Dixie Mafia was practically folklore, but that would soon change. I'm Jed Lipinski. This is Gone South, a documentary podcast from C-13 Originals, a Cadence 13 studio. Season two, the Dixie Mafia.

Available now on the Odyssey app or wherever you get your podcasts. So my biggest fear is there's going to be sneaks in the toilet. We're all afraid of that one strange thing. I'm Larry Mullins, the host of a new short 10-minute podcast called Your Weirdest Fears. We unpack where these fears come from.

A rat climbed into my toilet. And learn how to manage them. Listen and subscribe to Your Weirdest Fears on the Odyssey app or wherever you get your podcasts. You're listening to The Zach Gelb Show. And you can think of O'Reilly Auto Parts for your car care needs.

Get guaranteed low prices and excellent customer service from the professional parts people at O'Reilly Auto Parts. We had no Urban Myers yet in this NFL season. No first-year head coaches that have been given the ax and have been shown the door and handed their walking papers in season.

We may have one, two, who knows? Maybe even more of these first-year head coaches. Because, Hickey, we had 10 coaches hired this past hiring cycle, which is a ridiculously large number. And I remember last year, there were times we were talking like, oh, maybe at most four or five jobs open up? We were wrong on that. Double.

Even and sometimes more than double from what we were talking about around this time last year. So you have the 10 coaches for me. You give me the coach. I'll tell you where I'm at with them. Heading into week 14. I'm one of those coaches, by the way.

Already got week 14. Started off with a bang. That's right.

Or a thud. We'll start with his namesake, sort of, but not the guy we're referencing. We'll start with Mike McDaniel. No S. He's been phenomenal.

He's embraced to a tongue of Iloa. The players love him. I was a little skeptical of Mike McDaniel, just because you would hear how much people were glowingly talking about him, but no one told me what he did really well. But yeah, that team's going to be in the playoffs, and the question just is, can you go win a Super Bowl with him now? But Mike McDaniel's been wonderful.

He's exceeded all expectations in year number one. How about Ty Bowles? He's lucky Tom Brady wants him there. Now, Brady could leave after this year, and I think that's likely. It's not definitely, but I think it is likely that Brady's going somewhere else. But is it a possibility he stays in Tampa?

Sure. I think Todd Bowles will be there next year, but he's not been a good coach this year, and he's showing a lot of reasons why the Jets fired him. But he'll be there next year, and then if he does not perform well after that, if Brady's no longer there, he could be two years and done in his second head coaching stint. All right, we've waited long enough. Let's get into it. The guy you started the show with, Josh McDaniels.

Did you catch the first 15 minutes of the show? I was like unhinged, just screaming, foaming at the mouth, just going nuts about Josh McDaniels, a guy that I happen to like. But he's a disaster. The only reason the Raiders will bring him back next year is because they don't want to pay him to not coach. If that's the reason, then Mark Davis, sell the team, okay?

You shouldn't have the team if you can't afford to fire the coach. He's awful, he's brutal, he's a disaster, and it pains me to say this because that means Hickey finally got something right on this radio program, so I commend you for that because you were leading the charge on the anti-Josh McDaniels coaching stint number three, if you even want to consider the one in Indianapolis won, so three or two, depending on how you're keeping score at home. But if it's up to me, I'm firing him. I would fire him after last night, but I think he's going to be back next year. This may be Josh McDaniels' favorite coach, Nathaniel Hackett. Oh, he's gone.

There's no way. If this new ownership group keeps him, I don't see what the justification is. And right now, it would actually be better if you do fire him because I know everyone has come around on realizing that Russ isn't playing good football this year, but there is kind of that blockade or barricade in front of Russell Wilson a little bit as long as you continue to employ Nathaniel Hackett because some will pounce on him first. I think Russ has usurped him where you direct your frustration with, with the Denver Broncos right now, but bring in someone else. You're not going to get rid of Russell Wilson. He's under contract for too long. You can't make that move yet, but it's time to say goodbye to Nathaniel Hackett. So that's one coach that I think should get fired and will get fired at the conclusion of the season.

So we're at one. What are your thoughts on Dennis Allen? He should get fired. I don't think this guy's a good coach. Remember they had to rush into this situation, too, because of how late that Sean Payton did announce that he was going to retire, but I think he'll be back for next season. He doesn't have a quarterback, too.

They've been injured as well. I don't trust him, though, as a head coach. You saw what happened with this defense with three minutes to go. I know it's up against Brady, but that Buccaneers team has been dreadful this year.

You blow a 16-3 lead. If you blow a 16-3 lead in the NFL with under four minutes to go, cough, cough, McDaniel and Dennis Allen, you should both be fired. But I think Allen will be back next year.

The Texans are 1-10-1 on the season so far. Will Lovey Smith be fired and make it four coaches in four years in Houston? So, logically, and the Texans don't follow logic, if I was going to say fire Lovey Smith, do you think that should be the end of Nick Casario?

Because Casario was one and done last year with David Colley. Then you didn't believe that Lovey Smith is going to be there long term, but probably two years. And I would say it makes sense for them to fire Lovey Smith at the end of the year because you're having the number one overall pick. You know that number one overall pick is going to be a quarterback.

It's probably going to be Bryce Young. So why would you want to expose your young quarterback to a coaching staff that's not going to be here for sure a year after you draft him? So that's why I think Lovey Smith is going to get fired. First off, his team stinks and he's not been good this year and he shouldn't be the head coach. That ship has sailed of him being a head coach in this league. But I think the Bryce Young component of it, because part of me wants to say he should get fired, but he won't. But because of Bryce Young, that's why I think he will get fired. But it also, I got to remember it's the Texans because logically if you get rid of Lovey Smith then you should be getting rid of Nick Casario, but I don't even think that's on the table this year that they're going to fire Nick Casario. How about Doug E.P., Doug Peterson?

No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. Anything that is not named Urban Meyer in the NFL is better and they've had some weeks where they've shown some signs and there's been some weeks where they've fallen really far back like last week. You got to give Doug Peterson, to me Doug Peterson because he won a Super Bowl, you give him three years of this year's a building year, it's a wash. You're number two, you need to see improvement.

But going into your number three, especially in a division that's not good, you should be expecting to compete for a playoff spot. So Doug is definitely back next year. All right, three coaches left. How about Brian Dabel? What are your thoughts so far in the first year head coach? He could be coach of the year.

That may start to fade a little bit if his team doesn't make the playoffs. But Brian Dabel with that roster and how garbage that roster is, the fact that we're even talking about the Giants getting into the playoffs and the possibility still existing, it shows how good of a job Brian Dabel has done and you just wonder what happens when he gets more talent. Matt Eberfluss of the Bears.

He needs more talent. The Bears have probably won more games already than I thought they were going to win the entire season. I can't tell you that he's going to be this wonderful coach in the league, but ultimately I think it's more so does Ryan Polis get the pieces around Justin Fields than it is me thinking that Matt Eberfluss is this next great coach in this league. And finally, Kevin O'Connell.

He's been a stud. That locker room respects him. Crazy thing, a head coach actually embracing your quarterback. Surprise, surprise. It's been a lighter locker room this year, a less strict locker room this year, and that team only has two losses. Would you agree? The two coaches that will get fired, that were first year or hired this past offseason, the two that I did say was Lovey Smith and then Nathaniel Hackett.

I think you can add two more to the list. Josh McDaniels and I think Todd Bowles. So what's the rationale with Todd Bowles? Is it because Brady wants him out or Brady's going to go elsewhere and then they'll just move on from him?

I think it's just because you have a roster right now that's underperforming with a team that's supposed to be all in and they're 6-6. This is kind of like Dennis Allen in New Orleans, not exactly the first choice given the extent or the timing of Bruce Arians' retirement. So whether Tom Brady stays there or leaves, but I think it's probably easier if he leaves, wouldn't you want to start a new search? Especially considering you have a roster that's ready to win now, you could attract a big-time quarterback. Well, if Brady leaves, then you don't have a roster that is ready to win now. Well, you're a quarterback away. I don't think that team... Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, the Outfit Salon is going to get healthier, the defense sells some pieces. But NFC, you're still in contention. I don't think that team is that good as the way that we look at that roster anymore.

I think they're starting to slow down just a little bit. Now, the offensive line will be better, and then you've got to find the quarterback. I think the only way Todd Bowles isn't back next year is if Brady wants a return or he doesn't want Todd Bowles as the coach.

That's just me. Now, McDaniels, I'm with you. He should get fired, but isn't Mark Davis going to bring this guy back because of the money?

And where'd that financial state of that franchise is? Like, I'm with you. Should.

I am now with you. He should be fired. But you think he will get fired?

I don't think Mark Davis could just hear the fan base anymore or just live with it for another year. Okay, so we got a tie on the will. Marco, you're going to be the tiebreaker here, and we won't hold it against you which way you side.

Just remember, if you want a Christmas gift this year, you may side with me. No, I'm just kidding. On the will part, I think we're all in agreement, right? You're in agreement that Josh McDaniels should get fired, right? Yeah, I mean, probably.

I'm not 100% on that, I got to be fair. Okay. Look, as bad as it's been and as atrocious as they've been down the stretch and late in games, it is tough when you add a coach, you walk in, and you're talking about 12 weeks in, you're like, ah, that's enough. It's hard. You really got to be a complete and total disaster case or you have to lose the locker room.

Saturday Mayfield? I get it. Pretty bad. I get it. It's awful.

It's awful. So you don't think he will get fired? I don't.

Good job. Again, a couple of weeks left. Maybe they get a couple more wins.

They win seven, eight games. Yeah, I don't see Mark Davis moving on. Okay. We'll be right back.

So get started and download the free Odyssey app today. Throughout the 60s and 70s, cops hunted down key figures of the Dixie Mafia, including its enigmatic ringleader, Kirksey Nix. I'm in a rush to making money.

I'm not in a rush to hurting people. 15 years into Kirksey's life sentence, the Dixie Mafia was practically folklore, but that would soon change. I'm Jed Lipinski. This is Gone South, a documentary podcast from C-13 Originals, a Cadence 13 studio. Season two, the Dixie Mafia.

Available now on the Odyssey app or wherever you get your podcasts. What makes your skin crawl? No matter how absurd.

I want to know. Tales without fur on them, such as rats or opossums. I'm Larry Mullins, the host of a new podcast called Your Weirdest Fears. You send me your fear.

I'm just so weirded out about the texture and how they can just move around and flop. And then I go to the experts to learn how to overcome them. Listen and subscribe to your weirdest fears on the Odyssey app or wherever you get your podcasts from. via Westwood One Station streams or by asking Alexa to open Westwood One Sports, all sponsored by AutoZone.

It's time to say goodnight to that check engine light with the free AutoZone fix finder service that will help troubleshoot the likely cause of your light for free. Restrictions apply. Get in the zone, AutoZone. Let's hear from Sean McVay, discusses his surprise with how well Baker may feel played in such a limited amount of time. I just can't say enough about how impressed I am with just the command, the comfort, even just the operation.

I mean, being able to just call the plays within the 42nd play clock or even 25 seconds out of a clock stoppage. It was, I mean, I'm still kind of like, what the hell's going on right now? Let's hear from Baker Mayfield on what the last three days have been like. It's been a lot of emotions, to be honest with you. A lot of things that, you know, some tough decisions.

But everything happens for a reason, you know. I'm thankful that I was afraid about it and it worked out. I got one problem with Baker Mayfield last night, Hickey.

And I thought it was wonderful last night. You have any idea what my problem is with Baker Mayfield? Is that you don't like him headbutting without a helmet on?

Exactly. If you want to find a way to wind up in concussion protocol, just headbutt another grown man when you don't have your helmet on. Even if you have your helmet on. Like, I'm okay with the headbutt with the helmet on, but if you're doing a headbutt without a helmet on, pretty stupid, you would agree, correct, Amundah?

Yeah, unless he just feels he overthinks things and that just helps him play. I don't know. Baker Mayfield says this. I don't know. It has extra meaning. I don't know if you can write it any better than that. Obviously, we'd like to be a little bit more stress-free, but it's a pretty damn good story, I'll be honest with you.

So it's special. Pretty damn good story indeed. Down with a little over three minutes to go, 16-3, and he wins the game. Josh McDaniels says this loss was really tough. No crap, coach. Obviously disappointing.

But credit to Sean and his group. They obviously played hard and made one more than we did. I thought we had opportunities, obviously, to help close the game out, but certainly didn't do enough. None of us did enough. Oh, that's depressing.

That, I'm sorry. I feel bad for the guy. I know he stinks as a head coach, but that's the most dejected I've ever heard Josh McDaniels. Like, we've played his audio every time there's a crushing loss. It looks like he's soul-searching now, Hickey. That seems like a coach who's just defeated and knows that this team is screwed.

Forget even just his standard. Have you ever heard just an NFL coach in general talk like that depressingly? Like, it's few and far between. Yeah, because usually when you have moments like that, it's like more screaming and freaking out.

Right. Or frustration. Like, the Bears are who we thought they were, and we let them out the hook. It was just almost like acceptance.

Like, this is my reality. Josh McDaniels, I have to hear one more from him. He says that the Raiders continue to beat themselves. The bottom line is until we figure out how to stop losing games with mistakes that we do ourselves, then it makes it very difficult to win. And so you can't really win until you stop from losing, and that's penalties, turnovers, things like that that contribute to that. You can't really win if you stop from losing. OK. Josh Dubow, by the way, the Raiders are 0-4 this season when leading by double digits at halftime.

They are the first team since at least 1930 to lose four times in a season when leading by double digits at the half. Yikes. Did Derek Carr cry after this game? Picky?

Not that I'm aware of, no. All right, let's hear from Derek Carr, discuss how tough of a loss this was. It hurts, but we put ourselves in that position, right? You know, we won however many games in a row, but it doesn't mean you win the next one. And you try and talk about it, preach about it, you know, work, so that doesn't happen. But it happened to us today, and it's hard.

It's tough, but we put ourselves in that position. Like, it's nobody else's fault. That interception, Picky, you've seen a lot of bad throws throughout the years, you specifically. That Carr throw right before the end of the half is up there with some of the worst throws you'll ever see. And just dumb decisions. Like, worst case, dude.

Even just, you got to get a fugal there. He can't throw the, he floated that ball up in the air. I get you have no respect for the offense you're playing, and rightfully so, but with that said, like you said, you got to take the sack, you got to throw it at the back of the end zone. He can't just be willy-nilly throwing the ball off. No respect for the offense that you're going, the Raiders shouldn't feel confident about any game going into it, with the way that they played this year. Agreed, I'll give them credit. The first three drives out of the game, they look tremendous.

Good for him. They went up and down the field, no problem. So I get, okay, you want to be aggressive before halftime, put the, you know, the finishing touch on it, but 60 minute game.

You have to be better than that, smarter than that. Vance Joseph, on what he sees from the Patriots offense. Let's hear from this losing head coach, who's now a defensive coordinator with the Cardinals. I see an offense that's running the football well. You know, it's a very conservative pass game.

You know, lots of screens, a ton of screens. It's like a defensive guy's calling offense. It's how a defensive guy will call offensive plays, right? You know, let's, let's, let's not turn the ball over.

Let's, let's get four yards of play and try to burn clock. And that's what they're doing. You know, that's what he's going to do on Monday night.

He's going to be patient. You know, maybe take a shot here, you know, from time to time. But for the most part, it's running game, it's quick game and it's screen. Hickey, I saw a lot of people yesterday say Vance Joseph takes a shot at the Patriots. I don't think that was meant in a malicious way. I think he's right in what he's saying that when you have a defensive minded coach being the offensive coordinator, it's very conservative play calling calling like he sees it.

And that also sounds like a guy. No fear. Well, you better win the game then. And that's another team. They shouldn't be cocky going into any game. That's very true. The Raiders of the NFC, Dan Campbell and his reaction to the lines being a favorite against the Minnesota Vikings.

I mean, I'm, I'm, I'm shocked by that, but there again, it doesn't, all those things don't matter. Points bred who's favored. It doesn't, this, this team finds ways to win. And if we're not ready to go and we don't handle our business, it's going to take every one of us coaches and players to win this game.

You know, that's what I do know. Cause they've got, they got plenty over there and there again, a team that finds ways to win those are dangerous teams. So that spread, depending on what book you look at is Detroit favored by two or two and a half points.

That makes no sense. They're begging you to take Minnesota. That like makes me want to bet Detroit, but I then still just can't get over the fact. This is the ultimate mind belief because like the Vikings should win this game, but Vegas is begging you to take the Vikings.

So therefore, why would I take the Vikings? It feels like I am falling into a trap here. You're betting that game. What do you ultimately do?

Oh, what am I doing? Taking the over a lot of points. That wasn't, how would you bet it though on the spread?

I agree with you on the points being scored. I will go with the, uh, with the lines screw Vegas. No. So then you're, you're, you're saying they want you to take the Vikings. So I said, screw, you'll take the lines.

Okay. Give me the line. I think you were going to say the Minnesota lions. That's what it sounded like.

I was a little tongue twisted there. Onside offside. Next five questions, five answers when we come on back. Get started and download the free Odyssey app today. The listening you love is on the free Odyssey app, your trusted local radio stations, coverage of your favorite teams, live news from your hometown and millions of podcasts on demand. Best of all, you can completely customize your listening experience. Follow topics you care about like leagues and teams pause or rewind your local sports and news and add shows to your queue to catch up later. There's a lot to listen to.

So get started and download the free Odyssey app today. Is there something really absurd that skeeves you out? Getting a paper cut on my eyeball. A fear you can't shake. I'm going to leak ocular fluid down my cheeks. It's going to go into my mouth and I will perish. Whatever scares you. I want to talk about it. Join me Larry Mullins on my new podcast, your weirdest fears. Listen and subscribe to your weirdest fears on the Odyssey app or wherever you get your podcasts from.