Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Episode 3 & Out - Mailbag
Release Date: April 11, 2025
Hosts: John Middlekauff (John Mittlekoff)
Duration: Approximately 49 minutes

1. Introduction

In this episode of "3 & Out - Mailbag," host John Middlekauff tackles a variety of listener-submitted questions concerning NFL team strategies, coaching decisions, draft processes, and team dynamics. The format centers around answering these inquiries, providing insights based on his extensive experience and knowledge of the league.

2. Listener Questions and Discussions

a. Coaching Decisions: Bills vs. Chiefs (Timestamp: 02:17)

Listener Inquiry:
A passionate Bills fan questions who holds the authority during critical game situations, specifically during the pivotal 4th and 1 against the Chiefs. Is it quarterback Tom Brady, Head Coach McDermott, or a collaborative decision involving both?

Discussion:
Middlekauff explores the intricacies of in-game decision-making, suggesting that while Brady is a seasoned quarterback with significant input, the ultimate decisions likely rest with the offensive coaching staff. He muses, "It could be just the offensive coaching staff, I would imagine during the week." Middlekauff emphasizes the complexity of such decisions, highlighting the balance between player autonomy and coaching authority.

b. Carolina Panthers’ Team Improvement (Timestamp: ~03:00)

Listener Inquiry:
A Carolina Panther fan, referencing the team's historical defensive struggles, asks if the Panthers have truly "graduated from the Porta Potty Panthers" era and questions the alignment between Bryce Young, Coach Dan Morgan, and General Manager.

Discussion:
Middlekauff acknowledges the team's tumultuous past, comparing the defensive woes to an unpleasant experience with porta potties. He notes, "I would say yes, you graduated from the Porta Potty Panthers," indicating signs of improvement. He praises Bryce Young's resilience and mental toughness, stating, "I respect his mental toughness... he’s not getting out easy." The discussion underscores the importance of cohesive leadership and player development in turning around a struggling franchise.

c. Role Switching: Head Coach and Coordinator Positions (Timestamp: ~05:30)

Listener Inquiry:
A listener inquires about the trend of head coaches and coordinators swapping roles between teams, specifically referencing Brandon Staley and Kellen Moore.

Discussion:
Middlekauff views these moves as a form of professional networking within the NFL's limited coaching positions. He states, "It's a unique business where there aren't that many jobs." While he expresses skepticism about Brandon Staley's capabilities, he commends Kellen Moore, emphasizing the reciprocal nature of these career moves.

d. Separating Team and City History (Timestamp: ~08:00)

Listener Inquiry:
A Colts fan from Indianapolis questions how to separate the team's history before and after its move from Baltimore. This query extends to other teams like the Browns, Raiders, and Rams.

Discussion:
Middlekauff delves into the complexities of team relocations, suggesting that historical allegiance often depends on the fan's generational ties. He remarks, "If the move happened before you were born and the team claims it, it's like if you're a Laker fan..." The conversation highlights the nuanced relationship between team identity and city affiliation, underscoring that personal and generational perspectives heavily influence such views.

e. NFL Draft Board Organization (Timestamp: ~11:30)

Listener Inquiry:
A listener asks how NFL teams organize their draft boards. Specifically, do teams maintain extensive lists of players or focus on a curated selection based on projected picks and team needs?

Discussion:
Middlekauff explains that while teams may initially evaluate a broad pool of talent, the active draft board typically ranges between 175 to 250 players, focusing on those most likely to be selected. He notes, "There are a lot of different variables," including team needs and owner preferences. The shift towards digital draft boards, as opposed to traditional magnets, is also discussed, emphasizing the evolving nature of draft preparations.

f. Mock Draft Simulation with Top Picks (Timestamp: ~14:00)

Listener Challenge:
A fan challenges Middlekauff to perform a mock draft, selecting the top five picks based on his perspective as a general manager.

Discussion:
Middlekauff outlines hypothetical selections, prioritizing quarterbacks and defensive talent. For instance, he suggests taking a quarterback like Travis Hunter if healthy, considering the team's system fit. He articulates, "If I was the Browns, I'd take Carter and just be like, well, we already have Miles Garrett." This segment showcases Middlekauff's strategic thinking regarding team composition and draft value.

g. Team Strategies: Broncos and Draft Picks (Timestamp: ~18:00)

Listener Inquiry:
A listener questions why teams like the Broncos draft highly regarded players like Bo Nix in the second round instead of securing them in earlier picks, drawing parallels to housing market strategies.

Discussion:
Middlekauff likens draft strategy to real estate investment, emphasizing the importance of timing and value. He states, "It's like this guy's my favorite player in the draft, but I'm pretty confident he's going to be there at pick 45." The discussion highlights the economic and strategic considerations teams must balance when deciding when to draft specific talents.

h. Evaluating Current Team Performance: Lions and Commanders (Timestamp: ~25:00)

Listener Inquiries:
Fans express concerns about the Detroit Lions' strategies and the Washington Commanders' potential sophomore slump.

Discussion:
Middlekauff commends the Lions' cautious approach under Brad Holmes, appreciating their focus on roster depth and sustainability. Regarding the Commanders, he compares their situation to the Texans', noting "Dan Quinn's been doing this for a long time." He evaluates quarterback performances and coaching strategies, providing a balanced view of each team's prospects and challenges.

i. Two-Way Players in NFL Offense (Timestamp: ~30:00)

Listener Inquiry:
A listener posits why more NFL teams don't utilize defensive backs (DBs) in offensive packages, considering their speed and athleticism.

Discussion:
Middlekauff responds by highlighting the specialized skills required for offensive plays, noting that many DBs lack the necessary receiving prowess. He observes, "Most of them are fast. Most of the wide receivers are fast too." The conversation emphasizes the complexity of role specialization in professional football.

j. Impact of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) Policies in College Football (Timestamp: ~43:00)

Listener Commentary:
A listener discusses the contentious reactions to NIL policies, suggesting that passionate fans have strong allegiances to specific teams, unlike more casual fans.

Discussion:
Middlekauff agrees, saying, "I do think you're a Laker fan and they say they have whatever, 20 titles or whatever that number is 18." He elaborates on how NIL impacts fan engagement and team loyalty, particularly among die-hard supporters versus casual fans.

3. Insights and Conclusions

Throughout the episode, John Middlekauff provides nuanced perspectives on NFL team management, draft strategies, and player utilization. He emphasizes the importance of strategic decision-making, both on and off the field, and underscores the intricate balance teams must maintain to build successful rosters. Middlekauff also reflects on the evolving nature of the NFL, particularly in areas like draft preparation and the impact of recent policy changes on fan engagement.

Notable Quotes:

• "It could be just the offensive coaching staff, I would imagine during the week." (02:17)
• "I respect his mental toughness... he’s not getting out easy." (~03:00)
• "It's like if you're a Laker fan and they say they have whatever, 20 titles or whatever that number is 18." (~08:00)
• "It's like this guy's my favorite player in the draft, but I'm pretty confident he's going to be there at pick 45." (~14:00)
• "Most of them are fast. Most of the wide receivers are fast too." (~30:00)

4. Final Thoughts

John Middlekauff's "3 & Out - Mailbag" episode offers a comprehensive exploration of current NFL dynamics, addressing fan concerns with expertise and candor. His ability to dissect complex topics and provide actionable insights makes this episode a valuable resource for sports enthusiasts seeking deeper understanding of the game's strategic elements.

Note: This summary omits advertisements, promotional content, and non-essential segments to focus solely on the main discussions and insights presented during the episode.