Summary of The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode: "3 & Out - NFL Trades vs. NBA Trades, Chip Kelly Goes to the Raiders, Cam Newton on His MVP"

Release Date: February 3, 2025
Host: John Middlekauff
Platform: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Duration: Approximately 40 minutes
Focus Topics: NFL and NBA trades, Chip Kelly’s role with the Raiders, Cam Newton’s MVP remarks

Episode Overview

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, host John Middlekauff delves deep into the contrasting dynamics of NFL and NBA trades, analyzes the surprising appointment of Chip Kelly as the offensive coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders, and scrutinizes Cam Newton’s recent comments regarding his MVP award. The discussion is enriched with industry insights, personal anecdotes, and listener interactions, making it a comprehensive exploration of current sports narratives.

NFL Trades vs. NBA Trades

John Middlekauff opens the episode by comparing the risk-taking nature of NFL trades to those in the NBA. He emphasizes the bold moves required to win in the NFL, where decisions often involve significant financial commitments and long-term implications.

[05:20] John Middlekauff: "It takes balls to win in the NFL. Like in any sport, you’ve got to make big moves and sometimes they backfire and sometimes you hit a home run."

Middlekauff discusses the recent high-profile NBA trade involving Luka Dončić, drawing parallels to NFL trades by highlighting the strategic considerations behind acquiring top talent versus the associated risks, such as player conditioning and team chemistry.

[12:45] John Middlekauff: "Luka is one of the great young players we've ever seen. But in football, you’re dealing with human beings and massive financial decisions."

He further explores how both leagues handle player transactions differently, with the NFL often involving more substantial financial investments and longer-term contracts compared to the more fluid nature of NBA trades.

Chip Kelly Joins the Raiders

One of the standout topics is the hiring of Chip Kelly as the new offensive coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders. Middlekauff expresses surprise and concern over Kelly’s career trajectory, comparing it to his peers and questioning the fit within the Raiders’ organizational structure.

[20:10] John Middlekauff: "Isn't that kind of sad? What has happened to one of the most famous coaches of the last 25 years?"

He critiques the decision, noting Kelly’s previous stint at UCLA and his subsequent move to the Raiders, suggesting it’s an unusual step for a coach of his stature.

[22:30] John Middlekauff: "He really just hates recruiting that much because this does not seem like a good situation for you."

Middlekauff speculates on the potential implications of this hire, discussing how it might affect the Raiders’ offensive strategies and overall performance.

[25:50] John Middlekauff: "This is what you're going to do. Like, you really just hate recruiting that much because this does not seem like a good situation for you."

Cam Newton on His MVP

Middlekauff transitions to a heated discussion about Cam Newton’s recent comments concerning his MVP award. He analyzes Newton’s perspective on prioritizing team success over individual accolades, contrasting it with other MVPs like Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady.

[30:15] John Middlekauff: "Cam Newton had some comments last week about the MVP. He would wouldn't trade his MVP for a Super Bowl title."

He delves into the psychological and professional impacts of such statements, debating whether Newton’s actions align with the dedication and work ethic expected from an MVP-caliber player.

[34:45] John Middlekauff: "Patrick, because he's been starting for so long, how we got here. Like, think about the Cowboys..."

Middlekauff further examines the broader implications for player legacy and team dynamics when top players make bold statements about their priorities.

[38:30] John Middlekauff: "When you invest hundreds of millions of dollars into someone, the last thing I ever want to worry about is anything with you off the field."

Listener Mailbag Highlights

In the latter part of the episode, Middlekauff engages with his audience through a mailbag segment, addressing questions about NBA trade timing, general manager philosophies, and strategies for team building.

NBA Trade Timing

A listener questions whether the timing of a major NBA trade coinciding with Super Bowl week is intentional for marketing purposes.

[40:15] Listener Question: "Do you think it's a coincidence that the NBA gets a massive trade Sunday before the Super Bowl?"

Middlekauff responds by speculating on the strategic timing, suggesting potential manipulations by league officials to maximize visibility.

[41:00] John Middlekauff: "It feels like the league somehow was... I don't know, I think some would say it’s not a good idea to do it during Super Bowl week, but it usually gets lost in the shuffle."

Team Building Philosophies

Another listener inquires why many general managers and head coaches deviate from their stated team-building philosophies, citing potential draft busts or owner pressures.

[45:30] Listener Question: "If they know how to build, why do half of them choose to not build the teams according to that philosophy?"

Middlekauff explains that internal dynamics, owner expectations, and the unpredictable nature of drafting can lead to deviations from original strategies.

[46:15] John Middlekauff: "Life's all about talk, you know, it's what a lot of people do... They just go, 'I believe in the line of scrimmage,' but holy shit, I love this wide receiver."

Chargers Offense Enhancement

A query about improving the Chargers’ offense prompts Middlekauff to discuss potential roster changes, emphasizing the need for versatile offensive weapons.

[50:45] Listener Question: "Who do you feel would make the Chargers offense more effective?"

[51:30] John Middlekauff: "I would think long and hard about drafting a tight end and drafting a running back. I think in the first three rounds, they gotta feel pretty good coming away with a skill."

Insights and Conclusions

Throughout the episode, Middlekauff underscores the intricate balance between risk and reward in sports management, whether in NFL or NBA trade decisions. He advocates for bold, informed moves while cautioning against impulsive decisions that could jeopardize team stability and player longevity.

[35:20] John Middlekauff: "Once you bump him out, their tackle situation is not as good... it's a problem."

He also highlights the significance of player dedication and character, particularly in high-stakes leagues like the NFL, where the commitment to team success often defines a player's legacy.

[33:10] John Middlekauff: "The NFL is very, very lucky that the cream of their crop at quarterback."

Notable Quotes

• On NFL vs. NBA Trades:

  [05:20] John Middlekauff: "It takes balls to win in the NFL."

• On Chip Kelly’s Hiring:

  [22:30] John Middlekauff: "He really just hates recruiting that much because this does not seem like a good situation for you."

• On Cam Newton’s MVP Comments:

  [30:15] John Middlekauff: "Cam Newton had some comments last week about the MVP."

• On Team Building Challenges:

  [46:15] John Middlekauff: "Life's all about talk, you know, it's what a lot of people do."

Final Thoughts

John Middlekauff’s episode offers a multifaceted exploration of key sports topics, blending analytical depth with engaging commentary. By dissecting high-profile trades, questioning strategic hiring decisions, and evaluating player ethos, Middlekauff provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of the ever-evolving sports landscape.

For those seeking informed discussions and insider perspectives on today's top sports stories, this episode serves as an essential listen.