Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – "Best of The Herd" (December 30, 2024)

The Herd with Colin Cowherd, hosted by iHeartPodcasts and The Volume, offers a compelling and opinionated exploration of the top sports stories of the day. In the "Best of The Herd" episode released on December 30, 2024, Colin Cowherd, alongside guests Matt Hasselbeck and Michael Irvin, delves deep into the NFL’s most intriguing narratives, spotlighting emerging talents, quarterback performances, team dynamics, and playoff prospects. This summary encapsulates the episode's key discussions, insights, and conclusions, enriched with notable quotes and timestamps for a comprehensive overview.

1. Sam Darnold: A Quarterback Overlooked

Performance and MVP Discussion

A significant portion of the episode centers around Sam Darnold's exceptional performance during the NFL season. Colin Cowherd passionately argues that Darnold has been consistently excellent, surpassing expectations and deserving recognition in the MVP conversation.

• Cowherd's Assertion on MVP Candidacy:

  "Sam Darnold, the hero, 33 of 43, should be in the MVP conversation." ([06:42])

• Darnold’s Statistical Prowess: Darnold leads the NFL with 60 completions over 20+ yards, boasting a 70% completion rate, 26 touchdowns, and only three interceptions in the red zone. His passer rating stands at an impressive 114 in the latter half of the season, making him "the league's most efficient quarterback now." ([07:00])

Comparisons and Media Bias

Cowherd compares Darnold to Brock Purdy and even touches on similarities with Andrew Luck, emphasizing his toughness and coachability. He criticizes the media for prematurely disqualifying Darnold from MVP discussions, stating:

"Because you've already disqualified him. You made up your mind. And that's what we do in the media." ([07:30])

Support from Coaches and Teammates

Highlighting the trust Darnold earns from his coaches and teammates, Cowherd notes:

"Kyle Shanahan's like, I think he's good. Kevin O'Connell, McVea, yeah, I think he's really good." ([08:00])

2. Jaden Daniels and the Washington Commanders: The Rise of the League of Hope

Emerging Talent and Team Transformation

The episode shifts focus to Jaden Daniels, Washington Commanders’ quarterback, who has been instrumental in turning the team’s fortunes around. Matt Hasselbeck and Michael Irvin express admiration for Daniels’ leadership and on-field intelligence.

• Cowherd on Daniels’ Impact:

  "Every unit now looks better. This kid is magic. He's going to make the playoffs." ([12:00])

Daniels’ Playing Style and Leadership

Daniels is praised for his "quiet confidence," leadership qualities, and ability to erase team deficits:

"He doesn't flinch, he doesn't blink. Fourth down, fourth quarter, two minutes. He's got everything you're looking for." ([31:00])

Comparison to Lamar Jackson

Daniels is likened to Lamar Jackson but noted for being slightly better in pocket management:

"He's like Lamar Jackson, but a little better in the pocket than Lamar was as a rookie." ([42:55])

Team Dynamics and Defensive Improvement

Under Daniels’ leadership, Washington’s defense has transformed from the worst in the league to the 10th position, showcasing significant improvement:

"Their defense plays with a lead. A great quarterback is makeup on a blemish." ([08:30])

3. Quarterback Analysis: Justin Herbert, Josh Allen, and Beyond

Justin Herbert’s Evolution

Justin Herbert is commended for overcoming coaching challenges and elevating his game to near Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers levels:

"His efficiency for a quarterback with over 400 attempts is the best ever next to Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers." ([37:30])

Josh Allen and the Chiefs

The Chiefs, led by Josh Allen, are lauded for their consistency and strategic play-calling, making them formidable playoff contenders:

"The Chiefs just keep doing it. There is a skill to winning close games." ([57:03])

Other Quarterbacks: Lamar Jackson and Baker Mayfield

Lamar Jackson is recognized for his relentless playing style, while Baker Mayfield is seen as a perfect fit for Tampa, blending talent with team synergy:

"Baker and Darnold, same draft, can both play where Colin was right." ([37:08])

4. Playoff Prospects and Team Strategies

Defensive and Offensive Strategies

Discussions highlight the importance of defensive improvements and offensive strategies in determining playoff success. The Commanders’ ability to trust their quarterbacks, coupled with enhanced defensive play, positions them as strong contenders.

• Cowherd on Playoff Predictions:

  "Green Bay's out. Minnesota is in. I think the Rams, the Packers, and the Chargers are still a year away." ([09:00])

Kansas City Chiefs: Consistency and Skill

The Chiefs are emphasized as a team that consistently performs under pressure, with a balanced offense that defies traditional timing-based strategies:

"This is an offense that is built between Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes and there is no timing on it." ([58:19])

5. Coaching Decisions and Team Discipline

Critique of Mike McCarthy and Coaching Strategies

Matt Hasselbeck expresses criticism towards Mike McCarthy’s coaching, advocating for a more disciplined approach. He suggests that replacing McCarthy could benefit the team’s performance:

"Yes, I would. Yes, I would. I just think it's time to go in another direction." ([55:23])

Importance of Cohesive Coaching and Quarterback Support

The episode underscores the necessity of harmonious coaching with quarterback support, emphasizing that the best teams have coaching staffs that trust and synergize with their quarterbacks.

6. Player Performances and Media Influence

Saquon Barkley’s Record Pursuit

Saquon Barkley’s pursuit of a long-standing NFL record is highlighted, with discussions on team decisions to support his attempt without jeopardizing team performance:

"If they're setting their mind to get him the record, we're going to set our minds on the Super Bowl." ([62:12])

Media Bias and Player Development

The conversation touches on how media biases can affect player recognition and development, advocating for a fair evaluation based on performance rather than preconceived notions.

7. Free Agency and Future Team Building

Value of Established Quarterbacks in Free Agency

The episode concludes with insights into how quarterbacks like Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield will consider their experiences when approaching free agency, valuing teams that offer supportive environments and cohesive coaching.

"They've tasted it now with an organization that not only loves them, but they love it back." ([38:55])

Notable Quotes

• Colin Cowherd on Sam Darnold’s MVP Potential:

  "Sam Darnold's got a little bit of Andrew Luck. Tough, relentless, like a linebacker playing quarterback." ([07:00])

• Matt Hasselbeck on Jaden Daniels’ Leadership:

  "Jaden Daniels, to me, has that it factor. That's the aura that he's given off." ([32:32])

• Michael Irvin on the Chiefs’ Offense:

  "Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce are unstoppable because they're not confined to a timing playbook." ([58:10])

• Cowherd on Media Prejudgment:

  "Because you've already disqualified him. You made up your mind. And that's what we do in the media." ([07:30])

Conclusions and Takeaways

"The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Best of The Herd" provides an in-depth analysis of standout quarterbacks, with Sam Darnold and Jaden Daniels emerging as central figures deserving of recognition beyond media narratives. The episode emphasizes the critical role of cohesive coaching, disciplined team strategies, and the profound impact of quarterback performance on team success. Additionally, it highlights the evolving dynamics of free agency and the necessity for fair media evaluation of player performances. As the NFL season progresses, the insights shared offer valuable perspectives on playoff potential and the factors that contribute to a team's championship aspirations.

For listeners who missed the live episode, The Herd with Colin Cowherd is available for streaming on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, and other major podcast platforms.