The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Episode 3 & Out: Black Monday, Bengals Make Changes, Hurts Still Out Release Date: January 7, 2025
Host: John Middlekauff
Platform: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

1. Introduction & Black Monday Recap

[00:00 – 04:00]

John Middlekauff opens the episode by addressing the events of "Black Monday," a significant day in the sports world. The key takeaway from this day was the unexpected departure of Doug Peterson, the then-defensive coordinator, marking a tumultuous period for the team. Middlekauff notes, "Today really was defined by a lot of people coming back." (03:15).

2. Giants Retain GM and Coach

[04:01 – 10:45]

Middlekauff discusses the New York Giants' decision to retain both their General Manager (GM) and head coach despite a challenging season. He expresses skepticism about the long-term viability of this leadership duo, stating, "We all know... the Giants find themselves in a position that no fan wants." (06:30). He underscores the frustration of Giants fans, highlighting the team's lack of progress and ongoing struggles.

3. Jaguars and Tremboki’s Retention

[10:46 – 16:20]

Turning to the Jacksonville Jaguars, Middlekauff critiques the decision to retain Tremboki, labeling him a "terrible Tremboki." He remarks, "He keeps his job again. I mean, guy's talented at it. So I'll give my thoughts there." (12:50). Despite Tremboki's poor performance, Middlekauff acknowledges his expertise, suggesting that retaining him might not be the best move for the Jaguars’ future.

4. Bengals and Seattle Staff Changes

[16:21 – 21:00]

Middlekauff delves into the Cincinnati Bengals' decision to fire their defensive coordinator amidst a season of mixed performances. He draws parallels with Seattle, which recently hired and subsequently fired their offensive coordinator. "They have high hopes. The coach ain't going to fire himself, so he fires someone on his staff." (18:10) Middlekauff emphasizes the instability in coaching staffs when teams underperform, leading to frequent changes that often don't resolve underlying issues.

5. NFL Playoffs Predictions and Team Analyses

[23:05 – 34:35]

A. Playoff Game Outlook Middlekauff provides insights into upcoming playoff games, favoring teams like Penn State and Ohio State from the Big Ten conference. He speculates, "I think we get Penn State, Ohio State, all Big Ten national championship, which would be a really big moment." (25:30). He also touches on the unpredictability of the playoffs, noting that "curveballs come out of left field."

B. Jalen Hurts’ Injury Concerns A significant portion of the discussion centers around Jalen Hurts' prolonged absence due to concussion protocol. Middlekauff expresses concern, stating, "If Jalen Hurts cannot play a playoff game, I will bet against the Eagles regardless how good their team is." (30:45). He draws comparisons with other quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes and Carson Wentz, highlighting the varying impacts of injuries on team performance.

C. Coaching and GM Stability Middlekauff critiques the stability of coaching and GM positions, especially in the context of the Bengals. He emphasizes the importance of a cohesive leadership team and the challenges owners face in making effective hiring decisions. "These owners want no part of going on a coaching search or a GM search if they can't avoid it." (28:20) He also discusses the complexity of football management compared to other sports, underscoring the high stakes involved.

6. Mailbag: Fan Questions and Responses

[34:36 – 35:49]

Middlekauff engages with listener questions from his Instagram, addressing topics such as the Eagles' playoff potential, coaching decisions, and the performance of various teams. Highlights include:

• Eagles vs. Lions Playoff Matchup: Middlekauff acknowledges the Lions' offensive prowess but maintains skepticism about their playoff viability. "This is the playoffs, man. It's hard." (35:00)

• Bengals’ Coaching Stability: He critiques Joe Shanno and Brian Dable's retention despite poor performances, suggesting that the owner's reluctance to engage in a coaching search is detrimental. "How could Joe Shanno possibly survive?" (35:25)

• Darnold’s Future with the Vikings: Middlekauff discusses Sam Darnold's performance under pressure, hypothesizing potential contract negotiations based on playoff outcomes. "I think he'd be hesitant to give the guy a big contract if we end up with a Kirk 2.0 situation." (35:30)

7. Perspectives on Coaching and Front Office Structures

[Throughout the Episode]

Middlekauff offers a deep dive into the dynamics between coaches and GMs within NFL teams. He highlights the challenges owners face in balancing business acumen with football expertise, noting that many owners "just kind of turn into a fan" with limited insight into the game's complexities. "Football is way more complicated than these other sports." (09:15)

He also emphasizes the importance of political skills within the front office, praising Trent Balky's political maneuvering in Jacksonville. "He can, like, avoid it pretty well. He really is probably the best politician in the National Football League." (20:05)

8. Conclusion & Final Thoughts

[35:50 – End]

Middlekauff wraps up the episode by reiterating the unpredictable nature of the NFL playoffs and the importance of staying informed and adaptable. He encourages listeners to subscribe for ongoing analysis and opinions throughout the playoff season. "We give our opinions on the stories in the NFL and obviously talk about the games in the playoffs, which we got a bunch of them." (34:40)

Notable Quotes

• "Today really was defined by a lot of people coming back." — John Middlekauff (03:15)

• "We all know... the Giants find themselves in a position that no fan wants." — John Middlekauff (06:30)

• "He keeps his job again. I mean, guy's talented at it. So I'll give my thoughts there." — John Middlekauff (12:50)

• "They have high hopes. The coach ain't going to fire himself, so he fires someone on his staff." — John Middlekauff (18:10)

• "If Jalen Hurts cannot play a playoff game, I will bet against the Eagles regardless how good their team is." — John Middlekauff (30:45)

Key Insights

• Leadership Retention Issues: Retaining ineffective GMs and coaches can lead to prolonged underperformance and fan dissatisfaction.

• Coaching Instability: Frequent changes in coaching staff, especially coordinators, can disrupt team chemistry and strategy implementation.

• Injury Impact: Key player injuries, like Jalen Hurts', can drastically alter playoff outcomes and team prospects.

• Front Office Dynamics: Successful team management requires a balance of business acumen and football knowledge, along with strong political skills within the organization.

Conclusions

John Middlekauff provides a candid and critical analysis of several NFL teams' management decisions, highlighting the ripple effects these choices have on team performance and fan sentiment. His insights into the complexities of football management underscore the challenges owners face in assembling effective leadership teams. Additionally, Middlekauff's discussions on player injuries and playoff dynamics offer listeners a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing the NFL's current landscape.

Listeners are encouraged to stay engaged with ongoing podcast episodes for continuous updates and in-depth sports analysis.

Timestamp Reference:

• Black Monday Intro: [00:00 – 04:00]
• Giants Retention: [04:01 – 10:45]
• Jaguars’ Tremboki: [10:46 – 16:20]
• Bengals & Seattle Changes: [16:21 – 21:00]
• Playoff Predictions: [23:05 – 34:35]
• Mailbag: [34:36 – 35:49]