Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd - Episode 3 & Out

Release Date: December 5, 2024
Title: 3 & Out - Will the Bears Trade for a Head Coach, TNF Preview, Tom Brady on QB Hits

1. Bears Trading for a Head Coach

Colin Cowherd delves into the tumultuous situation surrounding the Chicago Bears' potential search for a new head coach. He emphasizes the complexities involved in such a trade, particularly highlighting the influence of ownership and financial constraints.

• Ownership Challenges:
  "There is no bigger red flag in an organization than ownership." (05:45)
  Cowherd discusses how ownership can be a significant hurdle for head coaches, citing the Bears' current ownership as a primary concern.

• Salary Cap and Contract Issues:
  "DeSean Watson's contract is the greatest liability in the history of the NFL." (12:30)
  He points out the Bears' problematic salary cap situation, which limits their flexibility in making trades or extending contracts.

• Trade Feasibility with Kyle Shanahan:
  "Kyle sure as fuck ain't working for Kevin Warren or Ryan polls." (20:15)
  Cowherd analyzes the improbability of trading for Kyle Shanahan of the 49ers, citing his strong ties to the organization and contractual obligations.

• Impact of Ownership on Coaching Decisions:
  "If Kevin Warren were fired, Ryan Polls would likely get fired as well." (25:50)
  He underscores the direct influence ownership has on the decision-making process within the team, making trades for high-profile coaches like Shanahan highly unlikely.

2. Thanksgiving Night Football (TNF) Preview: Detroit Lions vs. Green Bay Packers

The episode provides an in-depth preview of the highly anticipated Thanksgiving game between the Detroit Lions and the Green Bay Packers, focusing on team performance, key injuries, and strategic outlooks.

• Detroit Lions' Injury Woes:
  "The entire defensive line is injured. It's pretty outrageous." (28:17)
  Cowherd expresses concern over the Lions' depleted defensive roster, questioning their ability to compete without key players.

• Roster Moves and Signings:
  "They had to sign Jamal Adams after Thanksgiving. That tells you everything you need to know." (35:40)
  Highlighting the Lions' desperate measures to bolster their defense late in the season, Cowherd questions the team's depth and preparedness.

• Dan Campbell's Leadership:
  "Dan Campbell deserves Coach of the Year if he keeps winning with the current roster." (40:25)
  He praises Campbell's resilience and leadership, suggesting he is a strong candidate for Coach of the Year if the team continues to perform despite challenges.

• Green Bay Packers' Strengths:
  "The Packers have peaking offense and improving defense. I like Green Bay." (45:10)
  Cowherd acknowledges the Packers' robust offensive strategy and their improving defensive play, positioning them as a formidable opponent.

3. Tom Brady on Quarterback Hits and Protections

A significant portion of the discussion centers on quarterback safety, influenced by Tom Brady's perspectives on quarterback hits and the NFL's evolving rules to protect quarterbacks.

• Imbalance in Player Protections:
  "Quarterbacks have zero risk when it comes to hits. It's jump the shark." (60:00)
  Cowherd criticizes the unequal protection afforded to quarterbacks, arguing that defenders are disproportionately penalized for hits on QBs.

• Tom Brady's Influence:
  "Tom Brady discussed sliding quarterbacks and the imbalance it creates." (62:15)
  Referencing Brady's comments, Cowherd explores how elite quarterbacks are exploiting rules to minimize personal risk, impacting the game's physical nature.

• Potential Rule Changes:
  "Quarterbacks advancing past the line of scrimmage should have no unique protections." (68:30)
  He proposes a hypothetical rule change to level the playing field, suggesting that quarterbacks should be treated like any other runner once they advance beyond the line of scrimmage.

• Impact on Defensive Play:
  "Defenders should not be confused or hesitant to play, knowing they face no repercussions." (72:10)
  Cowherd discusses how current protections hinder defensive strategies and encourages a more balanced approach to player safety.

4. NFL News and Personnel Moves

Cowherd touches upon recent NFL trades and personnel decisions, offering his take on their implications for team dynamics and future performance.

• Deontay Johnson Trade:
  "The Ravens fleece the Panthers by trading for Deontay Johnson, despite his suspension." (78:45)
  He critiques the Ravens' decision to acquire Johnson, suggesting it may backfire due to Johnson's off-field issues.

• Andrew Luck's Transition to Stanford:
  "Andrew Luck's move to Stanford is a smart career choice despite financial incentives to stay in the NFL." (85:20)
  Cowherd reflects on Luck's career-ending retirement and his new role at Stanford, highlighting the balance between financial gain and personal fulfillment.

5. Mailbag Segment

In the Mailbag section, Cowherd addresses listener questions, providing insights on topics ranging from officiating controversies to team strategies.

• Officiating and Game Flow:
  "Officiating calls like pass interference disrupt the game's rhythm and unfairly impact outcomes." (95:10)
  Responding to a listener's frustration with bad calls, Cowherd agrees that officiating inconsistencies hinder fair play but acknowledges the challenge in implementing changes.

• National Championship Venue:
  "The Rose Bowl should host the national championship due to its historic significance." (102:30)
  He shares his opinion that the Rose Bowl is the ideal location for the college football national championship, emphasizing its legacy and prestige.

• Bryce Young's Development:
  "Bryce Young has proven himself as the Panthers' quarterback and deserves another year to develop." (118:50)
  Cowherd assesses Young's performances, recommending that the Panthers invest in his development instead of seeking a new quarterback.

• Patriots' Roster Concerns:
  "The Patriots need to invest in offensive skills and draft strong offensive linemen to turn the roster around." (130:15)
  Addressing concerns about the Patriots' defensive stability versus offensive weaknesses, Cowherd advises targeted investments in key positions to enhance team performance.

6. Concluding Thoughts

Colin Cowherd wraps up the episode by reiterating his support for certain teams and players while maintaining a critical stance on organizational decisions that hinder team success.

• Support for the Ravens:
  "Despite their record, I feel good about the Ravens' chances with improved defense." (140:00)
  He expresses optimism for the Ravens, highlighting improvements in their defensive play despite previous setbacks.

• Lions vs Packers Anticipation:
  "Can't wait for the Lions and Packers showdown this Thursday night. It's going to be a bad boy." (145:30)
  Cowherd conveys his excitement for the upcoming game, emphasizing its significance in the division standings and playoff implications.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "There is no bigger red flag in an organization than ownership."
  (05:45)

• "DeSean Watson's contract is the greatest liability in the history of the NFL."
  (12:30)

• "Kyle sure as fuck ain't working for Kevin Warren or Ryan polls."
  (20:15)

• "Dan Campbell deserves Coach of the Year if he keeps winning with the current roster."
  (40:25)

• "Quarterbacks have zero risk when it comes to hits. It's jump the shark."
  (60:00)

• "The Ravens fleece the Panthers by trading for Deontay Johnson, despite his suspension."
  (78:45)

• "Bryce Young has proven himself as the Panthers' quarterback and deserves another year to develop."
  (118:50)

• "There is a distinct flow to the game that shouldn't be interrupted by excessive challenges."
  (99:20)

Conclusion

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, Cowherd offers a comprehensive analysis of the Chicago Bears' coaching predicament, provides an insightful preview of the Lions-Packers Thanksgiving game, critiques the NFL's quarterback protection rules influenced by Tom Brady's stance, and engages with listener questions to address broader NFL and college football issues. His candid opinions and detailed breakdowns make this episode a valuable listen for sports enthusiasts seeking in-depth commentary on current football dynamics.