Best of The Herd

Happy Friday, it’s The Herd. Colin’s out, so it’s me, Jason McIntyre, rolling with Rachel Nichols on a divisional weekend. Let’s talk first impressions and why they still shadow Sam Darnold, from the pick-six debut to the seeing-ghosts clip; he’s got a shot now, but against a Super Bowl favorite, the room won’t believe in him until he delivers a late-game drive that actually wins a playoff game.

In big games the margin for error is tiny, so mechanics and decision-making have to be sharp; accuracy under pressure keeps interceptions down when it matters most.

Pivot to Josh Allen in Denver: it feels like a crossroads for the league’s most gifted quarterback. Buffalo’s roster is thin, cap hits are heavy, free agents are looming, and Allen’s nearing 30 as the AFC keeps getting tougher, so he needs to carry them in a matchup where their clearest edge is simply him.

He’s the most talented player on the field, and in a near-coin-flip game I’ll ride with the Bills even with the altitude and crowd in play.

Quick divisional QB rundown, bottom half: Bo Nix sits at the bottom with no playoff résumé and hit-or-miss deep balls; next is Sam Darnold, efficient at times but leading the league in giveaways while his defense does the heavy lifting; then CJ Stroud, dangerous but leaning on a defense that scores and his form has dipped; Caleb Williams lands mid-pack, wildly clutch and blowing past expectations.

Top half: Drake May is rising fast but with a small playoff sample; Brock Purdy is third with elite downfield accuracy and second-half comebacks; Matt Stafford is playing MVP ball; Josh Allen is number one because he can win with arm and legs even when battered.

Greg, the Packers led all day and still got stung again by Chicago; are the Bears just lucky, and what exactly is Caleb right now?

They didn’t luck into it; they took it late with a defense that tightened and a quarterback who thrives in closing time. Caleb is developing fast under Ben Johnson, and as comfort grows you’ll see the completion rate jump.

What about Ben Johnson’s heat-of-the-moment swagger and the Green Bay rivalry—good fuel or asking for trouble?

I know Ben—he won’t back down, and he’s leaning into the rivalry by design; if you keep winning, it galvanizes the room. There’s a target now, but players love a coach who stands firm and bets on his guys.

Seahawks-Niners: I think Darnold’s under the most pressure in the field, oblique or not; what’s the Seattle plan?

This game tilts on Seattle’s defense and situational football; Darnold just needs clean possessions and red-zone finishes. For the next five years, give me Brock Purdy over Darnold because he’s calmer, more mobile within structure, and he’s already delivered in big moments.

Philly flare-up time: AJ Brown’s sideline sparks and a tight-lipped front office—move him or keep him?

You don’t rush that; you only consider a haul. He’s a vital voice, and while he’s crossed lines at times, he often says what others won’t.

Last one—Pittsburgh’s opening, buy or pass?

Buy—it’s a strong job with runway to install a vision, refresh an aging roster, and deal big contracts if needed.

Greg Jennings, always money—catch him on First Things First after us. Have a great weekend.