Best of The Herd

It’s a Friday, huge slate ahead—Patriots–Broncos, Rams–Seahawks—live from a chilly Chicago, and thanks for hanging with us. I don’t think people realize how massive this week is for Matthew Stafford; his late‑season heater, clutch playoff drives, and the way his numbers climb in the postseason put him in rare air, and if he gets another ring, I’d slide him one spot ahead of Aaron Rodgers all‑time.

Great leaders own everything, and that’s Matthew. He’s accountable, never makes excuses, stays humble in the highs, and takes responsibility when it’s not perfect, which is why guys follow him.

That’s why, with a second title, I’d nudge him past Aaron—period. Coaching carousel note: Brian Dable’s interviewing in Buffalo; offensive league, strong Allen ties, ugly Giants record—so what’s the real fit with Josh?

Brian’s Buffalo through and through, and he genuinely loves the place. He also helped take Josh from raw traits to a much more refined player, and that rapport matters.

Rams–Seahawks is loaded on both sidelines, and I think the NFC champ wins it all; I’m firmly on New England this weekend and lean Rams. There’s urgency for L.A. with Stafford, while Seattle’s runway looks longer, and I’d quietly keep an eye on the CJ Stroud situation down the road.

Midyear, these two felt like the steadiest NFC teams, and the Rams just played a mistake‑free nail‑biter in Chicago. My top‑ten talent list for this matchup had Puka at one, Stafford at two, and yes, Sam Darnold slotted fifth—which drew pushback—but overall it’s a near even split.

Seattle’s at their best when they’re balanced and downhill with Kenneth Walker. They don’t want Darnold uncorking it 35 plus; a controlled script and defense setting the pace is ideal.

Only a few quarterbacks should live north of forty attempts; most guys, that’s where mistakes pile up. Seattle’s a small home favorite, third meeting with the Rams, and Tom Brady is up next.

Tom, Seattle’s youth and speed can avalanche when they get an early spark; how should the Rams handle that?

If they pop a big return or hit explosives, that building goes nuts and it’s hard to stem it. The Rams can, though—they nearly stole one up there—and we’re amped to call what feels like our game of the year.

Clean football doesn’t just show up; how do teams actually train it?

Daily urgency—ball security drills, intentional catching work, even slippery‑ball periods—plus the standard that a fumble gets you out makes Sundays feel simpler. Credit L.A. for that precise, many‑options offense, which sets up an elite offense versus elite defense in a wild environment.

Year one in a new building is tricky; what’s toughest for Darnold in Seattle?

New language, timing with receivers, center cadence, protections—it takes months to gel; we didn’t hit stride in Tampa until late, then finished our best. Both teams will need peak form for round three of a matchup that’s been separated by a point and a yard.

New England at Denver has humbled giants; what makes it so tough?

Altitude, deafening crowd, and a defense that disrupts rhythm are a handful, and Sean Payton sets a tough, winning culture. The Patriots have to play their cleanest game to get out of there with a win.

Quick scout on Jarrett Stidham?

Natural thrower, smart, sneaky mobile, and he can win by protecting the ball. These games usually tilt on special teams, field position, third down, and red zone—touchdowns versus field goals.

The most underrated quarterback trait is humility, and Drake Maye has it. Do you see that the same way?

Absolutely—this game will humble anyone, and real leadership is service to teammates; Drake keeps the focus there. That’s how you earn trust and sustain excellence.

Everyone saw you at Fernando Mendoza’s title game—what stood out?

Big stage, poised kid, and still plenty of growth ahead; the right environment and an obsession with the craft turn potential into production and positive impact. That opportunity can change families and communities if you approach it the right way.

Tom, go crush it—say hi to KB and the crew, and enjoy what might be the best game of the year. And yes, Drake Maye and Mendoza have that grounded, grateful presence that absolutely matters.