Podcast Summary: "You Might Also Like: The Herd with Colin Cowherd"

Release Date: April 18, 2025
Host: Adam Graham
Promoted Show: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Podcast Series: Sherlock Holmes Presented by the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio

Introduction

In this episode titled "You Might Also Like: The Herd with Colin Cowherd," host Adam Graham introduces listeners to a crossover segment featuring discussions from "The Herd," a renowned sports talk show. This episode provides a deep dive into current happenings in the NFL and NBA, highlighting expert analyses, controversial moves, and future predictions.

NFL News and Analysis

Cleveland Browns' Strategic Decisions

Jason McIntyre opens with a surprising move by the Cleveland Browns: signing veteran quarterback Joe Flacco. This decision raises eyebrows, especially considering Flacco's age (40 years old) and the Browns' recent drafting strategies. McIntyre remarks:

"Cleveland is drafting second overall and for the longest time, I and many others had Shador Sanders penciled in for Cleveland." ([03:38])

He expresses skepticism about the Browns' commitment to younger talent like Shador Sanders, despite Sanders' impressive college performance with a 74% completion rate. McIntyre questions whether Flacco's experience aligns with the team's long-term goals.

Shador Sanders' Draft Challenges

Delving deeper, McIntyre discusses Shador Sanders' diminishing draft stock. Despite expert praise from analyst Dane Brugler, Sanders faces uncertainty due to concerns about his decision-making and physical traits in the NFL. McIntyre shares:

"There's things about his profile that really, I think you can start in the NFL, but is he really going to uplift everybody around me and carry a franchise?" ([06:26])

Kansas City Chiefs' Off-Season Moves and Future Predictions

McIntyre sharply critiques the Kansas City Chiefs' off-season, highlighting insufficient roster improvements, particularly on the offensive line. He points out:

"Their biggest signing was Jaylon Moore, who, fifth rounder out of Western Michigan, who was a backup in San Francisco." ([03:21])

Predicting a downturn, McIntyre boldly states:

"I'm on record. April 2025 Kansas City Chiefs. No playoffs next season." ([36:54])

Alex Curry counters this by emphasizing the Chiefs' enduring dynasty status, led by Patrick Mahomes and Coach Andy Reid. The debate underscores differing viewpoints on the Chiefs' resilience and potential.

"They're still Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid and Travis Kelsey, if he's healthy. Chiefs, and they've always just been. As long as those three are locked in, they'll figure out the rest." ([16:30])

NBA News and Analysis

John Morant's Performance and Behavioral Concerns

Shifting to the NBA, McIntyre scrutinizes Memphis Grizzlies' star player John Morant. He highlights Morant's declining performance and questionable celebratory actions, such as replacing a "gun" celebration with a "grenade" one, which raises concerns about his focus and team dynamics.

"John Morant bangs a three against Minnesota in another loss. ... why do you keep doing dumb things? This is not a cool celebration." ([21:26])

McIntyre draws parallels between Morant and legendary players, pondering his ability to align personal flair with team success.

Denver Nuggets' Coaching Shake-Up and Jokic's Stellar Season

The conversation turns to the Denver Nuggets' unexpected firing of Coach Michael Malone just before the season's end. McIntyre praises Nikola Jokić's exceptional performance, comparing him to NBA greats like Shaquille O'Neal and Wilt Chamberlain.

"Jokic is tearing up the golden era in the NBA. ... Jokic is carrying the franchise without an All Star." ([25:31])

Yovon Buha from The Athletic adds depth, discussing the potential impacts of this coaching change on the Nuggets' playoff prospects.

Los Angeles Lakers' Playoff Outlook and Key Players

The discussion then focuses on the Los Angeles Lakers, analyzing the synergy between Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves. Buha emphasizes the strategic balance between Doncic's early-game dominance and LeBron's late-game clutch performances.

"Luka likes to pick spots early, and then when everyone's tired, he goes to that extra gear in the fourth quarter." ([41:28])

Buha also assesses upcoming playoff matchups, particularly against the Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves, evaluating the Lakers' strengths and potential challenges.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Jason McIntyre on Shador Sanders' Draft Prospects:

  "But it sounds like Shador may be turning off teams now. If you want to get sinister, hey, he's doing this because he don't like the Browns." ([08:49])

• McIntyre Predicting Chiefs Missing Playoffs:

  "I'm on record. April 2025 Kansas City Chiefs. No playoffs next season." ([36:54])

• Alex Curry Defending the Chiefs' Dynasty:

  "They're still Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid and Travis Kelsey, if he's healthy. Chiefs, and they've always just been. As long as those three are locked in, they'll figure out the rest." ([16:30])

• McIntyre on Lakers' Playoff Strategy:

  "Luka likes to pick spots early, and then when everyone's tired, he goes to that extra gear in the fourth quarter." ([41:28])

Conclusion

The episode provides a comprehensive analysis of pivotal moments and decisions in both the NFL and NBA. From the Cleveland Browns' surprising quarterback signings to the Kansas City Chiefs' off-season strategies, and from John Morant's behavioral concerns to Nikola Jokić's outstanding season, hosts Jason McIntyre and Alex Curry offer insightful perspectives. Their discussions highlight the dynamic nature of professional sports, where team decisions, player performances, and unforeseen changes continually shape the landscape.

Listeners gain a nuanced understanding of the current sports environment, enriched by expert commentary and forward-looking predictions. Whether debating the future of the Chiefs or assessing the Lakers' playoff viability, the episode delivers engaging content for sports enthusiasts seeking in-depth analysis.

Key Takeaways:

• Cleveland Browns: The signing of Joe Flacco juxtaposed against the uncertain draft prospects of Shador Sanders raises questions about the team's long-term quarterback strategy.

• Kansas City Chiefs: Despite star players, critiques of the Chiefs' off-season improvements suggest potential challenges ahead, sparking debate among analysts.

• John Morant: Behavioral issues and performance declines in NBA star John Morant could impact the Memphis Grizzlies' dynamics and success.

• Nikola Jokić and Denver Nuggets: Jokić's exceptional performance remains a cornerstone for the Nuggets, even amidst coaching changes and team upheavals.

• Los Angeles Lakers: The strategic interplay between Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves positions the Lakers strongly for playoff contention, though upcoming matchups pose notable challenges.

This detailed summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the episode, providing valuable information for those who haven't listened while retaining the essence and depth of the original conversation.