Podcast Title: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Episode: Best of The Herd
Release Date: November 27, 2024
Host: Colin Cowherd
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
1. Introduction and Technical Glitches
The episode kicks off with a brief advertisement segment promoting Amex Travel services. Shortly after, Colin Cowherd welcomes listeners to a special "Best of The Herd" episode aired live on Thanksgiving Eve from Los Angeles. However, the show experiences an unexpected power outage at approximately 01:20, leading to a temporary disruption. Colin humorously addresses the technical difficulties, maintaining a light-hearted atmosphere despite the setback.
2. NFL Quarterbacks and Coaching Dynamics
Daniel Jones' Transition to the Vikings
At 02:40, Colin discusses the recent move of Daniel Jones from the New York Giants to the Minnesota Vikings. He expresses optimism for Jones, highlighting the Vikings' stable environment, experienced coaching staff, and strong offensive weapons. Colin notes, “I root for young people to avoid chaos. Maybe when you're older, you can handle it.”
Coach Kyle Shanahan Under Scrutiny
Colin delves into the criticism facing San Francisco 49ers’ coach Kyle Shanahan regarding late-game management. He draws parallels to past coaches like Andy Reid and Bill Belichick, suggesting that the quarterback's performance often eclipses coaching decisions. Colin remarks, “You could bang on Kyle Shanahan all you want, but the reason they took such a big swing on Trey Lance is they were hoping he was an eraser.”
Impact of Elite Quarterbacks
Highlighting the importance of top-tier quarterbacks, Colin emphasizes that great players can mitigate coaching mistakes. He states, “Great players like Lamar Jackson or John Elway can erase a lot of bad coaching moves.”
3. Expansion of the College Football Playoff
Introduction of the 12-Team Playoff
At 10:55, Colin introduces the historic change in college football with the introduction of a 12-team playoff starting December 20. He explains the potential excitement and unpredictability this format brings, noting, “For the first time in our lives we get a 12 team playoff.”
Key Matchups and Predictions
Colin analyzes upcoming crucial games, particularly focusing on Notre Dame vs. USC and Texas vs. Texas A&M. He predicts a close game in the Notre Dame matchup, stating, “I’m taking USC plus seven and a half points to keep it close on Notre Dame.”
He also discusses the formidable Texas defense, expressing concerns over Texas A&M's ability to overcome them. Colin advises, “I don't think Mexico's going to beat Texas.”
Critique of the Playoff Committee
Colin voices skepticism about the committee's rankings, especially regarding teams like Indiana and SMU. He criticizes the perceived bias towards the SEC, asserting, “The College Football Playoff system is just so flawed.”
4. Interview with Mark Cuban
Dallas Cowboys' Financial and Roster Challenges
At 17:42, Mark Cuban joins the show to discuss the Dallas Cowboys. He critiques the decision to extend quarterback Dak Prescott's contract, suggesting it strains the team's finances without guaranteeing performance. Cuban states, “I would have never given Prescott a new contract. I’d let him play it out.”
Drafting Quarterbacks and Team Building
Cuban emphasizes the importance of selecting quarterbacks who fit the team’s system and culture. He highlights the potential of top collegiate talents like Cam Ward, Travis Hunter, and Caleb Williams, mentioning, “Caleb Williams... with a little bit better coaching, I think that he can show that too.”
San Francisco 49ers’ Defensive Struggles
Cuban analyzes the 49ers' ongoing defensive issues, attributing their 5-7 record to frequent injuries among key players. He notes, “Almost all their top players have been hurt at one time or another.”
Future of the Cowboys and Coaching Decisions
Cuban discusses the long-term prospects for the Cowboys, questioning whether changes in coaching could remedy their current struggles. He remains uncertain, “I don't know if changing coaching is going to help them. Because Mike McCarthy's a good football coach.”
5. NFL Analysis and Super Bowl Predictions
Quarterback-Dependent NFL Landscape
Colin outlines the NFL's increasing reliance on elite quarterbacks, listing stars like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Justin Herbert. He comments, “The league has become very quarterback dependent.”
Super Bowl Bubble Highlights
At approximately 14:10, Colin shares his Super Bowl bubble projections, highlighting teams with top-tier quarterbacks and strong coaching. He mentions, “Josh Allen and the Bills, Mahomes and the Chiefs, Lamar and John Harbaugh, Ravens,” as his primary contenders.
Team-Specific Insights
Colin provides in-depth analysis of various NFL teams:
- Minnesota Vikings: Discusses the quarterback situation post-Daniel Jones’ departure.
- San Francisco 49ers: Emphasizes the need for a defensive overhaul due to persistent injuries.
- Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills: Highlights their strong quarterback play as key to playoff success.
6. College Football Strategies and Deion Sanders' Impact
Deion Sanders’ Transformative Role
In the latter part of the episode, Colin and co-host Jason McIntyre (J. Mac) delve into Deion Sanders' influence on college football. McIntyre credits Sanders with democratizing success through the transfer portal and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities. He states, “Deion Sanders has fundamentally changed college football forever.”
Indiana’s Rapid Turnaround
McIntyre discusses Indiana University's swift improvement, inspired by Colorado's blueprint under Sanders. He praises Coach Curt Signetti for recruiting effectively and leveraging transfer talents, saying, “They provided a blueprint for how to quickly turn around an organization and a program through the NIL that was totally dormant.”
Playoff Format Critique
The conversation turns critical of the 12-team playoff format, questioning the fairness and logic behind seed placements. McIntyre argues, “The College Football Playoff system is just so flawed,” highlighting inconsistencies in team rankings relative to their performance and strength of schedule.
Future Prospects for Coaches and Programs
The hosts debate the future of prominent coaches like Ryan Day of Ohio State and the potential career moves for influential figures like Deion Sanders. McIntyre speculates on Sanders' likely retention at Colorado due to his unique fit and freedoms, contrasting it with the restrictive nature of NFL coaching roles.
7. Conclusion and Final Thoughts
As the episode wraps up, Colin reiterates the unpredictability and excitement brought by the new college playoff format and the evolving NFL dynamics. He underscores the importance of elite quarterbacks and strategic coaching in determining playoff success. The episode closes with well-wishes for Thanksgiving and a nod to upcoming live segments featuring prominent guests.
Notable Quotes:
- Colin Cowherd ([02:40]): “I root for young people to avoid chaos. Maybe when you're older, you can handle it.”
- Colin Cowherd ([04:25]): “Great players like Lamar Jackson or John Elway can erase a lot of bad coaching moves.”
- Mark Cuban ([17:52]): “I would have never given Prescott a new contract. I’d let him play it out.”
- Jason McIntyre ([36:55]): “Deion Sanders has fundamentally changed college football forever.”
Key Takeaways:
- NFL's Quarterback Focus: The league's increasing dependence on elite quarterbacks is shaping team strategies and playoff outcomes.
- College Playoff Expansion: The introduction of a 12-team playoff system is bringing new excitement but also criticism regarding fairness and committee biases.
- Mark Cuban's Insights: Financial and strategic decisions are crucial for the success of NFL teams like the Cowboys, with coaching and quarterback performance being paramount.
- Deion Sanders’ Legacy: Sanders is credited with revolutionizing college football recruitment and program management, setting a new standard for success and competitiveness.
This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the "Best of The Herd" episode, highlighting key discussions, insights, and notable quotes. Whether you're an avid listener or new to the show, this overview provides a clear understanding of the episode's main themes and analyses.