Best of the week on The Herd

Hour two, we’re live in Chicago—let’s get it rolling. Ten days out from the World Cup, Alexi Lalas is swinging by for a birthday chat, and that U.S. win over Senegal felt legit with Pulisic doing work.

On what I nailed and missed: I had the Spurs making the Finals with Wemby as the difference-maker, and I still see parity ruling the league—new champs year after year—while the anti-tanking tweak feels mis-aimed; load management is the real issue.

I underestimated the Knicks’ defensive depth, still question Chet’s consistency, and the Lakers can’t afford to mishandle Austin Reaves; meanwhile, Ohtani’s two-way dominance leaves the Babe comps in the dust, and I’m all-in on a 24-team college football playoff to keep more teams alive deeper into the season.

On the big NFL swing: Miles Garrett to the Rams changes the NFC’s math—keeps him out of Philly, fits a win-now window with Stafford, and yes, the Super Bowl’s in L.A.; this is one of the rare defenders who can actually move Vegas odds.

Take me back to March—did that bonus tweak signal there might be a path to Garrett?

When Cleveland adjusted the timing on his bonus, we wondered if there was an opening. They shut the door at first, we kept knocking, and over five to six weeks it turned into a real conversation.

How hard was it to put Jared Verse in the deal after investing so much in him?

We tried to do it with picks only, even after the draft. When Cleveland made Verse a must, we said no at first—he was a core piece—but as June approached, the choice became make the leap or walk away, and we made the tough call.

Did the Super Bowl being in L.A. and ownership’s appetite tip this over the top?

Our ownership gave us the flexibility to act after free agency was already set, which is huge. It’s a June move, though—great on paper, but it guarantees nothing; we’ve got miles to go, one day at a time.

There’s chatter about Aaron Donald feeling the itch—what’s your read?

I don’t think he’s really been tempted until now, but a move like this can tug at you; if he ever came back, it would only be because he knew he could truly elevate us.

Quick one on Ty Simpson—what’s popped so far?

It’s a doctorate-level offense with Matt running it, so it’s heavy mental load for a rookie; even so, you see flashes of timing and anticipation in seven-on-seven and team reps that make you nod.

My Finals board leans Spurs for Wemby’s gravity and trust in their young shooters, with Brunson and the Knicks’ rangy defenders making it a true coin flip; Mitchell Robinson trending active could swing some paint battles.

Coach, level with me—were you and EB drawing up gadget plays this morning?

We were in it today during OTAs. It’s fun to sprinkle in new wrinkles and see what sticks.

You’ve been at this forever—how do you keep it fresh?

I love the job, and the players’ energy keeps you young. You’re one of a handful on the planet who get to do this, and you feel that every day.

Kelce’s set for life; why run it back?

It’s not about money—he lives for the snap-to-snap competition and didn’t want last season to be his last word; the heart with him is special.

Mahomes’ ACL—how’s the plan and how often are you checking in?

We trust the doctors, manage his workload daily, and he’s been relentless with rehab; can’t promise Week One, and if he’s not ready, Justin’s here to go.

He’s everywhere—ads, global reach—and still feels grounded; why is that?

He grew up in locker rooms, has great parents, and handles it right. And yes, Jay Mac’s chirping actually motivates me.

I’m in Chicago, eating steak like a local; now, how will you use Kenneth Walker’s sledgehammer style across a full year?

Love his mindset—full throttle and all muscle—he can handle short yardage, third downs, and goal line, and we like what Emmett Johnson brings to the room too.

Perfect place to land the plane—coach, appreciate you, and thanks for keeping Jay Mac honest; my phone hasn’t stopped buzzing.