Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd — Episode 3: “Russ goes to the Giants, What's Going on with Scottie, JT Has Changed” Release Date: March 26, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, host John Middelkopf delves into the latest developments in both the NFL and PGA Tour. The primary focus revolves around Russell Wilson's surprising move to the New York Giants, the evolving performance of golfer Scotty Scheffler, and notable changes in Justin Thomas's game. With insightful analysis and candid opinions, Middelkopf navigates through these high-stakes sports narratives, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of the current sports landscape.

1. Russell Wilson Joins the New York Giants

Breaking News and Initial Reactions (02:10 - 07:00)

John Middelkopf kicks off the episode with breaking news: Russell Wilson, the once-celebrated quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks and later the Denver Broncos and Pittsburgh Steelers, has signed a one-year contract with the New York Giants. Middelkopf reflects on Wilson's career trajectory, emphasizing the decline from a Hall of Fame potential to his current status.

John Middelkopf (02:25): “Russell Wilson is much more famous than he is a good player now. The version of the guy we saw last year crumbled as the weather changed.”

He discusses the financial aspects of Wilson's contract, highlighting that the Giants have guaranteed him approximately $10.5 million, positioning him as a bridge quarterback amid uncertainties surrounding the team's future prospects.

Implications for the Giants (05:15 - 07:00)

Middelkopf analyzes how Wilson’s arrival might influence the Giants' draft strategy, particularly regarding their quarterback situation and potential selection of Shador Sanders. He expresses skepticism about the effectiveness of Wilson's addition, suggesting that the move might be more about desperation than strategic improvement.

John Middelkopf (06:45): “Russell Wilson is no longer really that good. If you have the opportunity to sign a guy you know can be your starter, you have to cut Daniel Jones.”

2. Scotty Scheffler’s Performance and Betting Insights

Current Form and Expectations (07:01 - 20:00)

Transitioning to golf, Middelkopf shifts focus to Scotty Scheffler, a rising star on the PGA Tour. He evaluates Scheffler's recent performances, noting a stark contrast between his early career dominance and current struggles.

John Middelkopf (12:30): “Scotty started being treated like Tiger in his heyday. If he can't win this weekend, we have to go.”

Middelkopf delves into Scheffler's potential to regain his form, considering factors like mental pressure and recent on-course incidents that may have affected his gameplay. He examines betting odds, revealing his own confidence in Scheffler's ability to secure a win in upcoming tournaments.

John Middelkopf (19:50): “I think it’s time to just acknowledge that whatever happened with that wine glass and the ravioli has really thrown them off.”

Mental Fortitude and Team Dynamics (15:10 - 18:00)

The discussion touches on the psychological aspects of professional golf, emphasizing how mental stress can hinder performance. Middelkopf compares Scheffler's situation to team sports, where a quarterback’s performance can dictate the team's fate, drawing parallels to his analysis of Russell Wilson.

John Middelkopf (17:25): “You can get in your own head. It doesn’t mean you’re not going to win at the same clip, but you’re going to be in the mix more often.”

3. Justin Thomas: Evolution of a Champion

Changing Game and Performance Metrics (20:01 - 40:00)

Justin Thomas's transformation on the PGA Tour receives significant attention. Middelkopf explores the adjustments Thomas has made to his swing and strategy, assessing how these changes impact his performance in tournaments.

John Middelkopf (25:40): “Justin’s mentality and his mindset is as good as it gets on the tour when he’s playing.”

He highlights Thomas's resilience, noting his ability to maintain composure despite setbacks and his consistent presence in top-tier tournaments. Middelkopf praises Thomas’s dedication to improving his game, which has kept him competitive even as other players experience fluctuations in form.

John Middelkopf (33:15): “Justin Thomas is a fucking killer now. His driver let him down in that tournament, but his mentality is what keeps him at the top.”

Impact on the PGA Tour (35:00 - 40:00)

Middelkopf discusses how Thomas's evolution influences the broader PGA Tour, particularly in relation to emerging talents like Victor Hovland. He contends that Thomas's experience and adaptability set a standard for both peers and upcoming golfers, fostering a competitive yet inspiring environment.

John Middelkopf (38:20): “Justin’s playing well is as good as it gets in the tour. It makes him more likable, more relatable and just more real.”

4. Listener Mailbag: Golfing Gear and Player Highlights (40:01 - 48:53)

Gear Optimization and Performance (48:00 - 50:00)

The episode shifts to the mailbag segment, where listeners pose questions about optimizing golf performance through equipment and fitness. Middelkopf offers practical advice, emphasizing the importance of modern technology in golf clubs over traditional strength training for increasing drive distance.

John Middelkopf (48:35): “It's much more swing speed than lifting machines at the local gym.”

Building the Perfect Golfer (50:01 - 53:00)

Another listener questions the ideal setup for a golfer's bag, leading Middelkopf to recommend a combination of current PGA Tour stars' equipment choices, such as Rory McIlroy for driving and Collin Morikawa for wedges.

John Middelkopf (52:10): “You just take whoever the, like Danny McCarthy overall mentality of guys currently playing. I think Justin Thomas is just as good as Tiger for no reason.”

5. Closing Thoughts and Final Insights (53:01 - End)

Future Projections and Tournament Predictions (53:05 - 55:00)

Middelkopf wraps up the episode by forecasting upcoming tournament outcomes based on current player form and psychological states. He reiterates his confidence in Scotty Scheffler's potential recovery and Justin Thomas's continued excellence on the tour.

John Middelkopf (54:20): “I'm betting on Scotty to win, because if Scotty's going to kind of get back to where he's been, I think he wins this week and a couple other guys.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, Middelkopf emphasizes the interconnectedness of mental resilience and performance in both football and golf. He encourages listeners to stay informed and engaged with the dynamic shifts in these sports, underscoring the importance of adaptability and strategic decision-making.

John Middelkopf (55:45): “When there's a light at the end of the tunnel of like, we are going to be able to stream everything, these DVDs are going to be irrelevant pretty soon.”

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Russell Wilson Analysis:

  • 02:25 — “Russell Wilson is much more famous than he is a good player now.”
  • 06:45 — “Russell Wilson is no longer really that good. If you have the opportunity to sign a guy you know can be your starter, you have to cut Daniel Jones.”

• Scotty Scheffler Performance:

  • 12:30 — “Scotty started being treated like Tiger in his heyday. If he can't win this weekend, we have to go.”
  • 17:25 — “You can get in your own head. It doesn’t mean you’re not going to win at the same clip, but you’re going to be in the mix more often.”

• Justin Thomas Evolution:

  • 25:40 — “Justin’s mentality and his mindset is as good as it gets on the tour when he’s playing.”
  • 33:15 — “Justin Thomas is a fucking killer now. His driver let him down in that tournament, but his mentality is what keeps him at the top.”
  • 38:20 — “Justin’s playing well is as good as it gets in the tour. It makes him more likable, more relatable and just more real.”

• Mailbag Insights:

  • 48:35 — “It's much more swing speed than lifting machines at the local gym.”
  • 52:10 — “You just take whoever the, like Danny McCarthy overall mentality of guys currently playing. I think Justin Thomas is just as good as Tiger for no reason.”

• Closing Thoughts:

  • 54:20 — “I'm betting on Scotty to win, because if Scotty's going to kind of get back to where he's been, I think he wins this week and a couple other guys.”
  • 55:45 — “When there's a light at the end of the tunnel of like, we are going to be able to stream everything, these DVDs are going to be irrelevant pretty soon.”

Conclusion

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd provides an in-depth look at significant shifts in both the NFL and PGA Tour. John Middelkopf's candid analysis offers listeners valuable perspectives on Russell Wilson's NFL career move, the fluctuating performance of Scotty Scheffler, and the evolving game of Justin Thomas. Through a blend of expert opinion and listener engagement, the episode underscores the complexities and pressures inherent in professional sports.