Best of the week on The Herd

It’s a big Monday and the sports weekend felt electric, from a wild Olympic vibe to packed bars, so let’s roll right into where I was right and where I was wrong.

Right: Boston’s depth and defense travel, and Jalen Brown keeps looking like a top-tier guy even when Jason Tatum sits. Wrong: I thought Dallas could push deep, but injuries and Kyrie being shut down derailed them. Right: The Lakers needed fresh eyes in the front office, and they got a heavy hitter in Lon Rosen. Wrong: I kept thinking Giannis would want out, yet he stayed; amazing force, but not a seamless perimeter fit if you have to gut your picks and starters. Right: Star-packed Dodgers are good for baseball, as Bryce Harper and Manny Machado said; fans love headliners, and the league still sees rotating champions. Wrong: I figured tanking would just happen under the new CBA, but Adam Silver is moving to curb it. Right: Dallas keeps paying early or late at the wrong spots; a nice back like Javonte Williams at big money isn’t how smart front offices build. And Mick Cronin’s midgame toss of his own player was over the top, which he quickly walked back.

I apologized because I thought it was a dirty play in the moment; after seeing the film, even an F1 felt heavy.

Let’s go back to USC. You weren’t the five‑star name on campus. What do you remember about that first stretch?

I stayed to play basketball my senior year, then showed up knowing Cody Kessler was starting and I’d have time to learn under Sark and Coach Helton. I wasn’t the headline recruit, but I trusted my game and focused on mastering the system.

New York can humble a young quarterback. Did doubt ever creep in with the Jets?

There was some doubt during the tough stretches, but teammates, coaches, friends, and family kept me steady. The relationships I built there still matter to me and helped shape who I am.

Late in Carolina you got the job back and played well. Did that reset your confidence?

Absolutely. Ben McAdoo’s West Coast rhythm clicked for me—feet to progression, get to two, three, and the outlet fast. Facing Todd Bowles’ disguises sped me up even more, and that run had us pushing for the playoffs.

You lit it up in Minnesota, then they looked to the future. How did that sit with you?

I believe in myself, but I understand the business. JJ’s talented and smart, so I got why they chose that path. It stung at first, then I made peace with it and was grateful to land in Seattle.

Your first “wow” moment with Jaxon Smith‑Njigba?

During offseason throws he moved differently—rounded but never lost speed out of breaks. He reminds me of Justin Jefferson in that way, and he’s stronger than people think with the ball in his hands.

On the Super Bowl run, did McVay just want you playing smart and mistake‑free?

Protecting the ball was huge with our defense. I still want a few throws back to Jackson and Cooper, but taking care of it mattered most.

You once beat Washington at their place with USC. Now you’re in Seattle. What’s that feel like?

I remember that purple haze and cold air—awesome stage. With the Seahawks, that same juice shows up every week; the crowd brings it whether it’s early or late.

Proud of you, man. Congrats to you and your family, and thanks for the time.

Last night was a blast, but it showed the Lakers’ issue. J.J. Redick schemed a clean final look, and still the LeBron–Luka pairing feels redundant. Too many guys need the ball, and Orlando hunted Luka on defense. If you’re staying in the Luka business, you have to hide that weakness.

I saw an open man and thought I was a bit far out; I should’ve attacked.

He passed on two decent looks, LeBron stood off‑ball, and the clock won. It was fun theater, but a year in the fit still feels clunky, unlike instant hits like Brady with Moss or KD with the Warriors.

This roster was built for LeBron and AD, so some overlap with Luka was inevitable, but you don’t say no to that talent. They’ve been great in clutch spots, the scheme can be tightened, and if Ayton rolls hard there, you get a clean runner. I still think they can make a run.

Personality is a trait, and Sam Darnold’s humility travels. LeBron can’t erase a teammate’s defense for four quarters anymore, so you either tune the roster to Luka or to LeBron, not both.

It’s a long season, and the playoffs are a different game. I’m sticking with them as contenders.