Richard Sherman Podcast - Caleb Williams, Bears–Rams OT thriller, Patriots outlast Texans & Seahawks–Rams NFC Title | Sherman

Welcome back to the show and thank you for rocking with us. New year, same love, and some wild Sunday football. Bears–Rams in Chicago was a thriller: Caleb Williams hit a late score to force overtime, the defense got a stop, then he converted a fourth-and-inches before forcing a tight shot and getting picked. Matthew Stafford stayed cool, marched down with Kyren and Puka, and the Rams kicked the walk-off. See you in Seattle for the NFC title game. Mitchell, how’d you see it?

Both teams were gutsy, and Chicago’s rise under Ben Johnson is real. Caleb looks like a star with flashes of youth late, and folks in that weather will question not taking points early; do you pin this on coaching?

I don’t. You ride the philosophy that got you there. Credit the Rams for an elite read on that layered concept and for finishing. Caleb can learn from the decision, DJ Moore has to finish the route, and fatigue in overtime tests everyone. Stafford and that group handled the moment, and now it’s on to Seattle where I like the matchup. Our defense is humming, Kenneth Walker is rolling, and if we control the game and let that unit eat, I’ll see you at Levi Stadium.

The Rams won’t be easy. That building felt different, your defense looks like the best in football, and Stafford’s late-career run is impressive. Facing Puka again is no picnic.

You relish it. We gave up a big number last time and want the chance to prove that was an outlier. The secondary is wired in, the front is violent, and this group’s a freight train. If Sam Darnold keeps pushing it to Rashid Shaheed, that’s the X factor, and the defense will set the tone. Lights down, dark side activated.

Let’s jump to the AFC. What we said couldn’t happen, happened: CJ Stroud kept turning it over, the Texans defense fought, but the Patriots took it 28 to 16. Thoughts on that game and what’s next?

Props to New England. The defense swarmed, Carlton Davis snagged two, Marcus Jones flipped the game with a pick six and a recovery, and they leaned on Texans giveaways because Houston’s D was stingy outside the early blitz beater. Stroud had a rough one after last week’s issues, and that stings when your defense is wrecking shop. For the Pats, Drake May grew through his own mistakes and hit a clutch ball to Kayshon Boutte, the backs carried late, and I think they can challenge Denver’s protection. The big unknown is Jarrett Stidham making his first playoff start with so little live tape.

Bo Nix going down sucked the air out of Denver, and New England clearly hit big in free agency and the draft under Mike Vrabel. Houston has a championship defense but needs offensive answers; a costly fumble swung momentum, and Mixon was missed. With these two playoff games, is Stroud still the guy?

After his rookie year, it was a no-brainer. Now it’s a hard conversation. Some wanted Davis Mills at halftime, which tells you where confidence was. He showed flashes this season, but not enough in the playoffs. I expect Houston to run it back next year and reassess if the same issues pop up.

NFC and AFC titles are set, and I’m hopping on the Seattle bandwagon for the stretch run. How fired up are you to see them back in this spot?

Juiced. The defense is detailed, Kenneth Walker is punishing, and all three phases feel synced. Mike Macdonald’s culture is real, John Schneider kept building, and that midseason swing for Rashid Shaheed paid off in wins. Can’t wait.

Coaching carousel time: Kevin Stefanski to the Falcons feels like one of the best situations out there. How do you like the fit?

It’s a steady hire. The Browns were loaded, and Atlanta’s got Bijan plus young pieces, though they’ve moved picks and have decisions ahead. It’s safe, culture-first, and the division’s there to be taken. I see the Giants pairing with a veteran coach as another steady move, with front-office power sharing to sort out. As for the next wave, I like defensive minds landing in Baltimore or Pittsburgh, and I’ve heard Tennessee interest; I’d avoid the NFC West gauntlet if I had options.

Agreed. Baltimore or Pittsburgh fits a defense-driven coach, and the AFC North is wide open.

Podcast picks: Miami versus Indiana in the college title. I’m punting to you on this one.

I’ve got Indiana in a blowout, Fernando Mendoza as offensive MVP, D’Angelo Ponds as defensive MVP, and I’m taking the over on forty seven and a half.

Let’s go. Should be a fun one.

That sets the table for a massive week. Close us out, my friend.

It’s the best time of year. We’re getting gifts every weekend, and championship Sunday decides who heads to Levi Stadium. Appreciate you for being here with us.