Best of The Herd

Live in Los Angeles, we’re rolling with a packed show, and I’m starting with Sam Darnold because Christian McCaffrey raved about him and that gap between how fans see Sam and how players and coaches do is massive.

First impressions stick, and his early Jets images live rent-free, but since he got back in the saddle late that season he’s stacked wins and high-efficiency games across stops; he’s never been a victim, and the league knows he can play.

On Mike Vrabel, stars and grinders want to play for him because you can’t fake toughness or genuine care, and his brand is rare: hard on you and loves you up.

Vrabel’s exactly who he appears to be, and players want the truth even when it stings; that hire is going to look like one of the decade’s smartest moves.

Sean Payton’s got some of that bark-without-grudges gene, too; meanwhile the line keeps tilting toward Seattle, and that says plenty about where the public is.

Greg Cosell is here—New England’s offense looked unwatchable last year and much improved now; is that personnel or coaching?

Coaching, scheme, and Drake May’s growth drive it; Josh McDaniels loaded his plate because he could handle it, and this matchup feels more defensive than offensive.

I see a tight, physical game with field goals mattering.

You can’t forecast short fields, but both interiors are legit, so inside runs will be a slog and both teams still need the ground game to anchor their plans.

Why did Darnold and Jaxon Smith-Njigba click so quickly?

Under-center play-action marries the run and pass, holds second-level defenders, and opens those in-breakers; they also move JSN around, so I’m not sure the Patriots will just travel a corner to him.

Kenneth Walker looks stronger inside than he did early; what changed?

He’s shifted from improviser to taking the tough yards between the tackles, and New England will be better than recent opponents at setting the edge.

What jumps on Seattle’s defense on tape?

Williams and Murphy wreck pockets, and the back end is versatile enough to morph coverages and bring timely, effective pressures even if they don’t blitz a ton.

Any glaring matchup issues?

New England’s left side with rookies can be stressed on passing downs by Seattle’s rush, and that’s where protection plans get tested.

People are burying the Patriots after those snow games; what do you still like about their offense?

They hit intermediate areas with concepts that define May’s reads, and his legs are a real factor on scrambles; with two weeks, Seattle could add a spy, but it changes how you cover.

I’d take the points and the under; close and low-scoring.

I’m in that neighborhood, something like 23 to 20 with a slight lean to Seattle, but you could argue it either way.

If New England’s line springs leaks, alternate lines like Seattle by double digits make sense; this could snowball into a chase game.

Ryan Fitzpatrick joins, and I’ve long said there’s a shared streak with Sam: tough, aggressive, short memory; do you buy what he’s done?

I love Sam; failing big in New York is brutal, and stepping into the Shanahan world to reset was smart—he learned from that room, linked with Clint Kubiak, and battled through the noise.

How do you manage the throttle when you’re hot without losing your edge?

It’s the quarterback–play-caller bond—Clint knows Sam’s mindset and which calls are go-shots, so they’ve already agreed when to press and when to pull back.

You overlapped with Vrabel; I don’t think you can fake tough or caring, and he never holds grudges.

It’s authenticity—he lived the grind as a player, he’s clear and consistent, and unlike Belichick copycats he isn’t pretending to be someone else.

Everyone’s been told Seattle should roll; I think New England’s got a real shot—how do you see it?

Quick-strike specials could tilt it early for Seattle, but if it stays tight the Patriots will shorten the game with Rhamondre, lean on Josh McDaniels’ Super Bowl miles, and I think they win it.

Fernando Mendoza’s vibe is ultra-positive; does that play in a locker room?

If it’s real and backed by work, guys follow you—command the huddle, demand of yourself and others, and that upbeat energy becomes contagious even if it looks goofy.

You’ve crushed it on Thursday nights, and I love the passion; glad you and the crew are thriving.

Appreciate it—Karissa keeps us all in line, and on the home front I’m reminded my kid’s Math 55 board has no numbers, so I’m outclassed.

Great stuff today—smart, lively guests all week, and we’re just getting started; live in L.A., it’s The Herd.