Podcast Summary: "The Herd with Colin Cowherd"
Episode: 3 & Out - Cowboys-Eagles Open the Season, What's Going on in Cincy, Rich Eisen Goes Back to ESPN
Release Date: May 13, 2025
Host: John Middlekoff
Platform: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

1. Season Opener: Cowboys vs. Eagles

The episode kicks off with an in-depth analysis of the highly anticipated Week 1 NFL matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles. John Middlekoff emphasizes the significance of this game for both franchises, highlighting their recent successes and strong brand presence in the league.

Key Points:

• Importance of Prime-Time Games: Middlekoff discusses how prime-time matchups like Cowboys vs. Eagles are pivotal for television ratings and fan engagement. He states, “[...] these two games are going to be packers versus the Bears, which is just an easy no brainer game. Regardless." (21:50)

• Team Performance and Expectations: He assesses the Cowboys’ and Eagles’ prospects for the season, mentioning the Cowboys’ consistent division wins and the Eagles’ robust roster that is likely to secure a playoff spot.

Notable Quote:

“What did Brian Schottenheimer do on third, Nate? What play did he call? Why did he waste a timeout?”
— John Middlekoff (25:15)

2. Cincinnati Bengals: Contract Disputes and Rookie Concerns

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the Cincinnati Bengals' internal issues, particularly focusing on pass rusher Trey Hendrickson and their first-round pick Shemar Stewart.

Key Points:

• Trey Hendrickson’s Contract Dispute: Middlekoff delves into Hendrickson’s dissatisfaction with his contract negotiations, referencing his public comments: “[...] what are we doing? It's one thing to lowball a player that's a free agent because he's highballing you and you end up meeting in the middle.” (31:45)

• Shemar Stewart Sitting Out Rookie Minicamp: The host highlights the unprecedented move of the Bengals' first-round pick not participating in rookie minicamp, questioning the organization's management and strategy.

Notable Quote:

“This situation is a little more complicated, and it's easy for every swinging dick on television to go like, 'he's getting screwed.'”
— John Middlekoff (35:30)

3. Rich Eisen’s Return to ESPN

John Middlekoff touches upon Rich Eisen's move back to ESPN, pondering the implications for NFL Network amid ongoing challenges.

Key Points:

• NFL Network’s Stability: Middlekoff suggests that Eisen’s departure is indicative of broader issues within the NFL Network, referencing the departure of other personalities like Peter Schrager.

• Future of NFL Broadcasting: He speculates on the potential absorption of NFL Network content into ESPN, considering the financial and viewership struggles of the former.

Notable Quote:

“Rich Eisen is going back to ESPN, which tells you everything you need to know.”
— John Middlekoff (39:10)

4. Michael Jordan and NBC’s Coverage

The podcast briefly explores the surprising news of Michael Jordan joining NBC’s sports coverage, expressing skepticism about his role and the potential impact on broadcasting quality.

Key Points:

• Unclear Role: Middlekoff admits uncertainty regarding what Michael Jordan will specifically do at NBC, questioning if his presence will enhance or detract from the viewing experience.

• Comparison with Other Athletes in Media: He draws parallels with other sports figures who transitioned to broadcasting, noting the mixed results.

Notable Quote:

“If Michael would talk like he's had a couple cocktails and letting it fly, he'd be good. I just don't know if we're getting that guy.”
— John Middlekoff (42:00)

5. Mailbag: NBA Lottery and Conspiracy Theories

In the mailbag segment, Middlekoff addresses listener questions and comments about the NBA Lottery, expressing concerns about its fairness and transparency.

Key Points:

• Perceived Corruption: He voices suspicions about the legitimacy of the NBA Lottery, especially in light of recent events that align closely with his theories.

• Impact on Teams and Draft Picks: The host discusses how perceived manipulation of the lottery affects team strategies and fan trust in the process.

Notable Quote:

“Tonight was not about the Mavericks tonight and the last was about the Lakers and a league that, you know, in the height of Curry LeBron in like 2015, 2016.”
— John Middlekoff (44:50)

6. NFL Scheduling and Team Dynamics

Middlekoff provides an analysis of NFL scheduling practices, focusing on the emphasis on divisional games and the strategic placement of teams like the Cowboys and Eagles in prime-time slots.

Key Points:

• Flexible Scheduling: He discusses the NFL’s approach to scheduling games based on team performance and marketability, citing examples like the Packers vs. Bears in prime time.

• Injuries and Their Impact: The host highlights how early-season injuries can drastically alter a team’s trajectory, using the Packers' quarterback injuries as a case study.

Notable Quote:

“The games are what you watch in the league. They are what drives our interest the most.”
— John Middlekoff (38:25)

7. Quarterback Comparisons and Team Strategies

A substantial discussion delves into the evaluation of quarterbacks across the NFL and their impact on team success, comparing veterans like Derek Carr with emerging talents such as Jalen Hurts and Justin Herbert.

Key Points:

• Evaluating Talent vs. Team Support: Middlekoff debates whether a quarterback’s success is solely based on individual talent or the surrounding team infrastructure.

• Future Projections: He speculates on the career trajectories of current quarterbacks and how their performance in upcoming seasons could cement their legacies.

Notable Quote:

“You can say it's a human business and it is, but you wouldn't be doing this... you're doing it because there's a lot of money on the line.”
— John Middlekoff (50:15)

8. Listener Questions and Personal Anecdotes

Towards the end of the episode, Middlekoff engages with more listener-submitted questions, ranging from sports strategies to personal experiences, adding a relatable and interactive element to the discussion.

Key Points:

• Coed Bachelor Party Tips: He responds to a unique listener query about planning a coed bachelor party, offering practical advice while expressing his surprise at the concept.

• Historical Comparisons: Middlekoff draws parallels between past and present NFL teams, debating the best defenses of all time and their applicability in today’s game.

Notable Quote:

“I do think Herbert’s production in the playoffs is overrated. How could you realistically take Herbert?”
— John Middlekoff (60:45)

9. Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

John Middlekoff wraps up the episode by reiterating key points and encouraging listeners to engage with the podcast through subscriptions and feedback.

Notable Themes and Insights

• Franchise Management: The podcast underscores the importance of effective management and strategic decision-making in building successful NFL teams.

• Media Influence in Sports: Middlekoff highlights the significant role media personalities and broadcasting decisions play in shaping public perception and the business of sports.

• Player-Organization Relations: The dynamics between team management and players, especially regarding contracts and team commitment, are explored as critical factors influencing team performance.

Conclusion

In this episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," John Middlekoff provides a comprehensive analysis of key NFL topics, from the excitement of the season opener between the Cowboys and Eagles to the intricate contract disputes within the Bengals. His candid discussions on media shifts, such as Rich Eisen's return to ESPN and Michael Jordan's new role at NBC, offer listeners a deep dive into the intersection of sports and broadcasting. The mailbag segment adds an interactive dimension, addressing listener concerns about the NBA Lottery and fostering a community dialogue. Overall, Middlekoff delivers a well-rounded episode filled with insightful commentary, making it a valuable listen for sports enthusiasts looking to stay informed and engaged.

Note: The timestamps referenced (e.g., 21:50) are indicative and correspond to the sections discussed. Links have been omitted for brevity.