3 & Out - Massive Mailbag Part 2

Mailbag time. Appreciate the daily listens and the DMs—let’s dive right in and keep the week rolling.

Q: Why pick the Bills to win it all with an unproven head coach and a leaky defense? A: They’ve been on the doorstep for years, and sometimes a fresh voice flips the switch; with Josh Allen in his prime, Joe Brady dialing it up, and Jim Leonhard raising the defensive floor, they’ve got as good a shot as anyone if they stay healthy.

Q: Do spring leagues have a place? A: The product’s rough and expensive to run, but NFL personnel absolutely scout it; as a true minor league for developing your draft picks, it’s unrealistic given injury risk and scheme mismatch.

Q: Can any current wideout pass Jerry Rice? A: No—his blend of production, rings, and longevity is untouchable; today’s stars would need elite quarterback play and two decades of top-tier output to sniff it.

Q: Cap the number of threes in the NBA? A: I’m out on artificial limits; either change the line or live with the math, but don’t put a quota on plays inside the flow of the game.

Q: Is the Eagles situation turning into Russell Wilson 2.0? A: Different personalities, similar blind spots—Hurts has to lean into what he does best and embrace more under-center Shanahan concepts that power the run game, even if it feels uncomfortable at first.

Q: Are golf simulators good for the game? A: Big yes for access and reps, especially in cities, but the soul of golf is outdoors and social; I play to be outside, talk life, and meet people.

Q: Has gambling warped NFL coverage? A: I’ve always loved the sport first and I bet too, but I can separate them; wagering changes how you watch, it’s not going away, and used right it’s just another layer, not the whole show.

Q: Is there hope for long-suffering fans of a chronically messy team? A: Coaching is the ultimate force multiplier—without it, even elite quarterbacks get wasted; when a defense goes an entire year without a pick, that’s an indictment of the operation.

Q: Bills discourse keeps knocking the offense—fair? A: Their defense has repeatedly cracked in big spots, which mirrors those Rodgers-era Packers teams; I like McDermott, but the reset made sense.

Q: New baby and six months of no intimacy—normal? A: The first four to six weeks are medical recovery and the first months are chaos, but half a year is a red flag; you’ve got to protect the relationship, keep dating each other, and make time.

Q: North Dakota State wideout sleeper? A: The traits are real—sub-four-four speed and ball skills scream Day 2; and wherever NDSU lands in the Mountain West, they’ll compete right away.

Q: Is The Herd pre-recorded when you finish prep early? A: No, the show’s live; we just stack takes and timing in a high-speed morning meeting and then roll straight to air.

Q: Broncos all-in move and Davis Webb calling plays—concerned? A: Webb got promoted so Sean Payton could keep him, but when the lights get hot, Payton’s fingerprints will be all over the calls; it’s a tough chair for a young play-caller with a rookie QB, but the head coach won’t let it drift.

Q: Do you re-listen to your shows like game tape? A: I did early; now I trust the reps and value authenticity over over-editing, with the occasional sanity check if something feels dicey.

Q: Raiders playoff bound? A: Feels early to stamp it, but they’re a jump candidate; the ceiling swings on who actually wins the quarterback job and how fast the offense settles.

Q: Move on from Michael Mayer or double down at tight end? A: Keep him—he’s on a cheap deal and fits multiple-TE looks; Bowers is more receiver-like, and I could see aggressive contenders jumping up the board for blue-chip weapons.

Q: Who doubles wins and sneaks into the dance? A: Raiders and Titans are prime jump teams, and I’m circling the Saints as a playoff pick even before the draft.

Q: Drake Maye’s long-term outlook? A: Arrow up—big talent, stable system, and Pro Bowl potential if the supporting cast and line keep maturing.

Q: Personal growth in your 30s beyond work and the gym? A: Put yourself in rooms with new people; I use golf to meet business owners and expand perspective, and it pays off in unexpected ways.

Q: Packers expectations? A: I still respect their floor, but with all the change I lean Lions and Bears in the division; don’t ever bury Green Bay, just temper the hype.

Q: Why no Bears comp picks for a rising exec? A: The league seems spooked by precedent when there’s a president-type role above him; Chicago did it right and has a legit gripe, but the appeal’s dead.

Q: Jalen and A.J. were tight, so what gives? A: Relationships hit bumps—even family ones; only the Eagles know if this is a clean pivot or a simmering issue.

Q: Transfer fees in college football to protect small schools? A: I’m against it; allow one free transfer at the top level and let late bloomers chase their dreams at bigger programs.

Q: Pilotless planes with AI—would you fly? A: Hard no; AI will eat some entry-level and call-center tasks, but pilots are safe for a good while, and education probably changes more than cockpits do.

Q: Did the Eagles bring in Dalton to teach the new scheme? A: Exactly the kind of veteran you add to smooth a West Coast transition; backups with system ties matter when your starter’s learning on the fly.

Good stuff today. Appreciate you all—talk soon.