Cohn Zohn Episode 1: Welcome to the Cohn Zohn

Posted By on December 23, 2019

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo releases a pass against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Saturday, Dec. 21, 2019. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)

My dad and I decided to do a podcast. We couldn’t resist. Here’s the first episode, in which we discuss the major takeaways from the 49ers’ 34-31 win over the Rams, where the 49ers currently stand and if they’ll beat the Seahawks in Seattle. Plus, we discuss two of the most interesting sports figures we’ve ever covered — Jim Harbaugh and Trent Baalke.

Here’s a video version on YouTube:

If you have Spotify, you can listen to the podcast here:

This article has 117 Comments

      1. Grant:
        * “My dad and I decided to do a podcast. We couldn’t resist.”
        So Grant, how many beers did it cost you to soften up your pops? lol

        1. I catch your occasional podcast clips on my Google feed. I am a longtime a longtime (John Bodie days) Niner fan who enjoys your knowledge and information.
          I have one burning question. Why is it that noone even mentions Josh Rosen as a back up and possible replacement for Jimmy G? The kid can play and was in two No-Win deals in Phoenix and Miami. Your thoughts?

      2. My Dad is a Niner fan going back to Montana days. He loves your dad’s coverage. Now, I love your coverage. Two generations together!

      3. Iggy, The Cohn Zone is a great watch. You and your “legendary” pop’s are money together!

      1. The above article by Mike Tanier, does a fantastic job of summing up the Rams’ roster building nightmare that lays ahead for them.

  3. I really enjoyed the father & son interplay and perspective. Agree that Joe Montana was a football genius! Ira Miller and Lowell Cohn provided great press coverage during a Golden 49er era. The 49ers should win in Seattle, but the Seahawks are like a wounded animal…very dangerous & desperate. I have nothing but respect for Russell Wilson who is amazing, and should never be underestimated. It’s been a great season, I just hope my heart holds out during the upcoming playoffs.

    2. Jimmy G holds the ball too long as he needs to see the WR he is going to totally open. He needs to start throwing to spots more. Or throw the ball away. OL needs to do a much better job. Garner is a liability. We need to put some real money in that position. Rich might retire with all of his injuries. Big offseason coming up.

      1. That bomb to Sanders, “ he needs to see the WR he is going to totally open”

        allie, you talk out your arse!

        1. not that throw but all during the first half. He needs to throw top a spot more. Trust his receivers.

          1. Your takes are so idiotic. Seriously, just go away and leave the writing to more knowledgeable fans.

            Whenever Jimmy has thrown to spots and the inexperience of the receivers resulted in an INT, you’re on here calling for Mullens.

            IDIOT.

  5. Okay, I got my 40 minutes of pessimism, thank you. All we needed was Ray Ratto to complete the trifecta of negativity. The Niners were missing their offensive weapons the last time they played Seattle. They didn’t have Kittle or E. Sanders.

  7. I just watched Episode #1 of the Cohn Zone podcast. A terrific job by both of you; I was laughing out loud half of the time at both of your comments. And you both play so well off of each other, with Lowell’s years of experience ( I used to cherish reading him in the Chron and the PD), and Grant obviously so well versed in the current 49ers. Grant’s review of each game is excellent as well.
    One personal comment about Lowell: several years ago I started seeing a doctor (GF) in Santa Rosa on the same day when Lowell quoted that very doctor in the PD about some medical topic affecting a Bay Area team, so we had something in common – – our primary care physicians. Both of you keep up the good work.

  8. Grant, your takes on Jimmy and this defense for the playoffs is going to lead to embarrassment yet again my friend.

  9. One sight constructive criticism. Grant’s mic needs to be louder, Lowell’s mic drowned Grant out, at times.
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    However, great content, with honest assessments, but I will disagree with them about Kaep. IMHO, Kaep needed to have better WRs and O line help, but Baalke dismantled a SB team. In the end, they had Bellore playing LB, but he not only jumped out of the gap he needed to defend, he would block his fellow defenders. Pete Carroll now has Bellore playing fullback, so he is using him properly.
    .
    Lamar Jackson is showing why I like mobile QBs so much, and with a decent supporting cast, Kaep could do well, too.
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    John Harbaugh learned from his brother’s mistakes, and is using LJ properly. They are accentuating his strengths, and disguising his weaknesses.
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    I liked how Lowell would talk about the Glory Years, yet also opined about this upcoming game with Seattle.
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    He predicted the Seahawks would win, but Grant has been dead wrong lately, so I hope Lowell is also wrong, too.

      1. Sorry Seb,

        Kaep was not in Lamar Jackson’s league. He was a one trick pony that the league figured out after one season.

      2. You are another catfish Seb. The catfish above that Greg’s comment is on has a different or worse style of the punctuality in his writing than the real Seb. Pretty easy to see.

    3. Freekin Sebs—more “Alice in Wonderland”. L. Jackson CAN hit the broadside of a barn-Kap? No…………not at the NFL level.

      Merry Christmas to you, Sebs! Look for a Joe Montana wind up figure coming from Amazon!!!!!!!!!!

      2. Merry Christmas to you, and all the other posters.
        .
        Since Kaep is being blackballed, he cannot prove he is as accurate as LJ. However, he is way better than many drek second string QBs that show little talent, and are imposed upon the long suffering fans.
        .
        Many teams would rather lose without Kaep, than win with him. LJ is showing why I think that mobile QBs are the wave of the future. Kaep, if given a decent supporting staff, would , IMHO, do well.

    4. For someone who is quick to correct grammar, you sure screwed this one up.

      “One sight constructive criticism”?

  10. Can we stop even ever mentioning Kirk Cousins in the same sentence as Jimmy G,it’s not even comparable

  11. There is a special synergy when the two Cohns work together. An interesting and informative connection with the past and an informed, if irreverent, view of the future. Good football stuff. I will make a point of not missing it when the Cohns work together in the future. Well done.

    This time last year we were arguing whether of not we should lose the last game in order to improve our draft position. What a difference a year makes. When Kyle signed on I thought year four would be the make or break season and did not plan on counting wins or losses until that season. For me this season, as a fan of the Niners, has been a delight. I hope my heart can hold up.

    3. They were great duo on ‘hot mic’ when they covered the 9ers vs Saints. It was a bit funny watching their expressions, Lowell was hyperventilating at times and calling the DB that held Kittles facemask at the end, “what an idiot”..I hope they do ‘hot mic’ Sunday nite.

  13. Seahawks consider C.J. Anderson, Robert Turbin in addition to Marshawn Lynch…..

    Bring em on…..I predict 3 Sea RB fumbles …….we are about to beat that @ss….we are blowing this f….ckers out…

    1. As much as I’d like to see it I highly doubtful it..We can’t win in Seattle I don’t care how hurt they are..That place is a house of horrors for SF

      1. Well…. Since the 9ers can’t win, they should concede the game–not play at all, just rest everyone.

        Kind of a win-win. Seattle gets the victory, 9ers create a bye week to get healthy.

  15. Latest news on Seattle Seahawks:
    * Former Oakland Raiders and Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch is reviving “Breast Mode” for at least two games. After traveling to Seattle on Monday to meet with the Seahawks, as reported by NFL Network reporters Mike Garafolo, Ian Rapoport, and Tom Pelissero, Lynch and his former team have agreed to a one-year contract, his agent, Doug Hendrickson, posted on Twitter.

  16. Grant, after Cousins once again choked bad in prime time, would you still take him over JG?

      1. I’m with your pop on this one. Jimmy is just scratching the surface of his potential, and he’s got one of the best in the business to help him reach it.

        Let’s compare each player’s game’s against the Packers defense:

        Cap’n Kirk: Fewer than half of his passes (30 of 63) were completed for 352 passing yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions against Green Bay in 2019. He also lost a fumble during the Week 2 loss in Green Bay.

        Jimmy G: 14 of 20 of his passes were completed for 253 passing yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions or fumbles.

        1. Also, the Niners to a man have rallied around Jimmy. He is their leader and qb. You can not say the same thing about the Vikings and Cousins. I think the players have given up on him. This dichotomy points to one of Grants blind spots: the importance of team and leadership in building a winner. I don’t recall a single article of podcast devoted to team building and character issues. It sounds like I dumping on Grant, I am not, he is very good at what he does and works hard. He just has a few blind spots and this is one.

        2. You guys are WAY too hung up on QB stats. No, I certainly do not rate QBs on their alleged “won lost record” (as they do have an actual TEAM supporting whatever they do – for example , it was not Dan Fouts’ fault in 1981 that his idiot owner traded Fred Dean to the 49ers, or the Chargers may have been in and won SB 16 instead of the Niners).

          But just LOOK at how Jimmy G PLAYS the game. Cool under pressure , VERY clutch when the game is on the line , very quick release/accurate too, and a helluva leader … and you are parsing STATS? … Jan 1982, check out Joe Montana’s “qb rating” and THREE interceptions in “the Dallas game” … He’s still the best I’ve ever seen since I became a fan in 1967 …

      2. Cousins wins far less also.

        Cousins has 13 game winning drives in 88 career starts and has 18 wins in 31 starts for Minnesota.

        Garoppolo has 7 GWD’s in 25 career starts and has 18 wins in 23 starts for San Francisco.

        1. For $hits and grins, you should compare all common top defenses faced this year, and subsequent performance stats between the two.

          1. Waste of time Razor. Anyone who watches football can see that one guy is a winner and the other is not, unless he’s on your fantasy team.

            Garoppolo play isn’t always pretty, but he keeps going and at the end is always there and right now there’s no one else that I’d choose over him to lead my team down to score at the end of a game. And there’s no way in hell that I’m choosing Cousins over him.

            2. Anyone who underestimates the value of a QB who’s teammates believe that he will find a way to win in the 4th QTR, just as long as they can keep the game close, doesn’t understand the how to evaluate the position.

              There is a certainly level of parody in the NFL. Because of this, games often come down to which QB makes more plays late in the game. The sign of a team that believes in their QB’s ability to win close games, is a team that continues to fight through 4 QTRS, regardless of the circumstances. The 49ers always hang around. They believe in Jimmy’s ability to win in the clutch, which is a big reason why, even when things aren’t going their way early, they continue to fight for 4 QTRS, never get blown out, and seemingly always have a chance to win at the end.

              I’d call it the “Jimmy G. factor”, and Jimmy G. is the guy I want as my QB, with the game on the line.

              1. “There’s is a certainly level of parody in the NFL.”

                You’re right. I do find myself laughing from time to time while watching the games.

              2. Yah, I guess parody is the wrong word, but you get the point.

                The point is ….. any team can beat any team, on any given day, thus games are very often decided in the 4th quarter, and Jimmy is money in the 4th quarter!

      3. I will trust the opinions of Jimmy’s coach’s and his teammates before those of armchair QB’s and wanna be coaches.

      4. There are different types of average though (and given the description you gave of average I don’t disagree they both currently belong in that “tier”).

        Both guys are average in the way they can look really good some games and not good in others. The big differences right now between Cousins and JG are that (a) Cousins is better at stat padding (b) Cousins usually only looks good against mediocre teams, while for JG the opponent doesn’t appear to be a factor in how he plays, he’s just variable, (c) Cousins chokes often in big games and moments while JG has so far often risen to the moments, and (d) JG is still relatively inexperienced and therefore likely has greater potential to improve.

        Lowell likes JG because of D, but B and C for mine are the big differences in the end, and why I don’t understand why anyone would want Cousins over JG based on what we know of them currently.

  18. Seb, it’s not too late to add this to your Christmas list. A new translation of The Art of War:

    https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/23/books/review-art-of-war-sun-tzu-new-translation-michael-nylan.html

    This one written by – gasp! – a woman

    (Michael) Nylan is a professor of early Chinese at the University of California at Berkeley, and the author of several well-regarded scholarly works. Her translation is the first in any modern language by a female scholar. (Her first name is no tactical feint, but if it were she would have Sun Tzu’s admiration.)

    2. A peek…

      Sonshi: For the last decade, we at Sonshi.com have been promoting Sun Tzu’s Art of War as a text for women. We even purchased the domain name, ♀️.com! How can women use The Art of War for their benefit?

      Nylan: We know very little about the reading habits of women in the early empires and only a bit more about the men. That said, when one considers the wide range of uses to which the Art of War was put during the early empires (with relevance for s**ual pleasure, career competitions, and medical applications), I think it very likely that women read this text, as well as men.

      ​I am one of the people who has argued, with good evidence I believe, that high-ranking women in the early empires (Han through Tang) were trained to read and compose a variety of texts, not just the women’s classics known from late imperial China. Conversely, the Traditions about Exemplary Women (Lienü zhuan) we know was written for men at court. After working with the text for three years, many of the lines have stuck with me. As most people in the early empires learned texts through oral transmission, as much as through written, I can now somewhat understand what it would have felt like for such readers/reciters.

      1. Ah, now we know how Kaepernicks GF was able to turn him from a Super Bowl runner up to a “social justice warrior”*. Nessa must be Art of War familiar.
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        *I put that in quotes as the term is a favorite right wing slur.

    3. Rib, the Art of War should be required reading for all people. However, back then, women were seen as inferior to men, and not accorded much power, or even to be educated. Such was the fate of many women in China, back then.
      .
      Maybe a better example is of Catherine the Great, who had a benevolent monarchy. She epitomized the concept of -Noblesse oblige. Her system of local government was an organizational model for many to emulate, although she was not perfect, and continued the practice of serfdom. Her reign was considered the Golden Age of Russia, adopting many European ideals. She did conquer her neighbors, but she also was enlightened enough to get her subjects vaccinated against smallpox. She also allowed women to have access to higher learning, something that was forbidden in many other cultures.
      .
      Yes, women are part of His- story, and not Her-story. From Cleopatra, Helen, Joan of Arc, Catherine and Victoria, women helped shape history.
      .
      The Art of War is short, and was written on strips of bamboo. It has been interpreted and translated by hundreds of people over the millennia. A woman’s perspective is fine, but I prefer the Chines generals who gave examples of how they used Sun Tzu’s principles in their strategies and tactics.
      .
      One general, knowing that an army approached, and not having sufficient means to counter them, Threw open the gates to the city, and sat on top of one, playing a flute. The opposing general, fearing a trap, did not attack.

      1. There is a lot we do not know about “The Art of War.” It is most likely a composite text, rather than the work of one author. The legendary general in the book, Sun Wu, may not have existed.

        1. Many do not know exactly when The Art of War was written, and yes, there are many treatises and interpretations, with many different generals cited.
          .
          2500 years ago, many thought the world was flat, the germ theory was unknown, and science back then was primitive.

      2. Yeah, benevolent indeed… Some good, some not so good. Can you say imperialism…kinda?

        (BBC) Catherine’s major influences on her adopted country were in expanding Russia’s borders and continuing the process of Westernisation begun by Peter the Great. During her reign she extended the Russian empire southwards and westwards, adding territories which included the Crimea, Belarus and Lithuania. Agreements with Prussia and Austria led to three partitions of Poland , in 1772, 1793, and 1795, extending Russia’s borders well into central Europe.

        1. Poland sat in the middle of the tides of war and conquest.
          .
          Well, at least Poland was not attacked by Catherine in the 20th century, but by the Nazis, with their pogroms and atrocities.

          1. Um, the Soviet Union was involved too…

            (many sources)On 17 September 1939, the Soviet Union invaded Poland from the east, sixteen days after Germany invaded Poland from the west.

            And don’t forget the Katyn Massacre….

            1. Like I said, Poland was at the crossroads of armies, and the German army swept away the Russian forces, and occupied Poland, while invading Russia.
              .
              Yes, the Kayten massacre was an atrocity, but paled in comparison to the genocide of 3 million Polish Jews in the Holocaust, perpetrated by the Nazis.
              .
              Oops, I meant to post this as Seb.

  19. Dear Grant and Lowell-

    I really enjoy your hot mic reviews of the game and now the pod cast. What I love is your strong father and son bond and your genuine affection and respect for eachother ,makes me even cherish my time with my kids more, I may not agree with everything you guys say but I love the healthy debate! Thank you so much for doing this.

    John D. Aka rebelscum

  20. Now would be a great time to sign Antonio Brown. Just to take the highlights away from the Seahawks.

  21. Anyone care to comment on how significant Lynch will be this Sunday against the Niners?

    I’m thinking a guy who hasn’t played in a year and who is looking to reignite a locker room seems like a move of desperation. But sports sometimes gives these down and out to glory moments happen. Is this one or the other?

    Happy holidays everyone!

    1. Yea, it’ll give ’em an emotional wave to ride but like all waves, it’ll eventually come crashing down on them. This game will always be about limiting Wilson’s escapability, and everyone on the backend not taking their eyes off their luggage….

    2. I’m not expecting a ‘Rudy’ moment…

      Heck, the 9ers should bring Navarro Bowman back as a counter move…

      1. ?

        Maybe even Patrick Willis and Justin Smith would sign up for one game just to get a chance to lay some wood on the Seahags!

        Not gonna lie, I’d be pretty stoked to see that. Can you imagine?!?

    3. David Lombardi had mentioned on KNBR that he had spotted Lynch at Sam’s Burger in SF some time ago. I asked David if Lynch may have been more in Feast Mode than Beast Mode. He responded with the following tweet of Lynch working out:
      twitter.com/TomPelissero/status/1209342032319266816
      Lynch still may be the battle tank but I’m not sure of his stamina. He’ll probably be used only in short yardage situations on Sunday. I think it will be a couple of weeks before he’s effective.

  22. Regarding the deep throw comparison between Jimmy and Russell, it comes as no surprise given the Seahawks offense is predicated on Wilson running around until he finds a player in the secondary that lost their luggage….

    1. Why the constant references to luggage? Did I miss someone comparing our DBs to baggage handlers? Just curious.

  23. Watched the Packers-Vikings game, and saw Cousins struggle. However, he was hamstrung by not having Cook. With no running game, they became one dimensional, and the pass rushers could tee off against Cousins.
    .
    This just amply demonstrates the need to be balanced, and like many other QBs, he will struggle with an inadequate supporting staff.

  25. We got Tartt and Taylor back practicing in blue jerseys.

    Players requested to wear ’94 throwbacks for this game. That leaves them one more opportunity to wear them. SB perhaps?

  26. Seahawks may have signed Marshawn Lynch, but The Niners should be more worried about Robert Turbin.
    .
    My son came and reconfigured my account, even though he says it is futile.
    .
    I will now be known as Seb, with Roger Craig as my avatar. Hopefully he will finally make it into the HOF, an honor long overdue.

  29. Love to hear your thoughts on the whole Marshawn thing, Grant.
    Break it down for us.
    Should we be concerned, or is it just a desperation move?
    Happy Hanukkah to you and your family.

    1. Now we’re all so proud of grandpa
      He’s been taking this so well
      See him in there watching football
      Drinking beer and playing cards with cousin Mel
      It’s not Christmas without Grandma
      All the family’s dressed in black
      And we just can’t help but wonder
      Should we open up her gifts
      Or send them back

      Merry Everything!

  31. Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah to all The Faithful

    P.S. KOFY TV20 Yule Log has the best Christmas music. Highly recommend.

  32. Merry Christmas fellow faithful.
    May your presents be plentiful and your voices ready to cheer for Sunday night.
    Go Niners!
    Time to change the same old story Sunday night.
    Cheers!

  33. Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all fellow Niner fans. May all your dreams come true.
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    Right now, I am dreaming of a first round bye, and a return to the Glory Days.
    .
    Peace on earth, and goodwill to all. Things may be tough, with much sadness, but we are resilient, and will get through these trying times, if we all pull together with common goals, and look toward the good in all men’s and women’s hearts.

  34. Merry Christmas everyone. I hope you all have a good time with your friends and family, yes even you Prime Cuck.

    Happy to say I’m now the proud owner of a Jimmy G jersey. It’s the first NFL jersey I’ve ever had actually, I’ll be making it a tradition to wear it every Sunday.

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