The Herd with Colin Cowherd: Best of The Herd
Release Date: May 15, 2025
Host: Colin Cowherd (iHeartPodcasts and The Volume)

Introduction

In the "Best of The Herd" episode, Colin Cowherd delves deep into the most pressing sports topics of the day, offering his trademark blend of insightful analysis and candid opinions. Skipping the sponsorships and promotional segments, the episode zeroes in on pivotal discussions surrounding the NFL and NBA landscapes, with a special focus on the Chicago Bears' new quarterback, Caleb Williams.

NFL Insights

Kansas City Chiefs' Offensive Line Challenges

Colin initiates the conversation by scrutinizing the Kansas City Chiefs' offensive line (O-line), highlighting significant vulnerabilities that could undermine their season performance.

• O-line Weaknesses:
  "Kansas City does not have a great O line and they're going to try to figure it out," Colin states at [00:05:19]. The reliance on a backup left tackle from the Niners poses a cohesion issue, potentially exposing the Chiefs to formidable pass rushes from teams like the Giants and Raiders.

• Schedule Analysis:
  Colin emphasizes the Chiefs' grueling schedule, particularly their seven prime-time games, including challenging matchups against the Lions and Bills on short weeks. "Kansas City opens in Brazil. They have the most seven prime time games," he notes at [00:05:19].

Other NFL Teams' Prospects

Extending beyond the Chiefs, Colin discusses the San Francisco 49ers' advantageous schedule and predicts Denver and the Chargers will emerge stronger due to their favorable mid-season matchups.

• 49ers' Schedule Ease:
  "They have the easiest NFL schedule... they don't face a single team off a bye," Colin remarks, underscoring the potential for a successful season if key players stay healthy.

• New England Patriots' Upside:
  Colin posits that the Patriots are primed to double their win total, attributing this to significant offseason investments and enhanced depth. "If you look at their offense and defensive line... they will potentially be the best quarterback in eight of the first nine weeks," he forecasts.

NBA Analysis

Golden State Warriors' Aging Roster

Transitioning to the NBA, Colin critiques the Warriors' aging roster, suggesting that their reliance on veteran stars like Stephen Curry and Draymond Green may hinder their competitiveness.

• Aging Concerns:
  "The warriors have become an antique store... They're just getting older," Colin observes at [00:10:00]. The diminished performance due to injuries and the lack of youthful energy are central to his concerns.

• Comparison to New England Patriots:
  Drawing parallels between the Warriors and the Patriots, Colin emphasizes the challenges older teams face in maintaining peak performance. "Older teams get hurt more often and older teams recover more slowly," he states at [00:11:55].

Celtics Without Jayson Tatum

Colin lauds the Boston Celtics' surprising performance in the absence of star player Jayson Tatum, attributing their success to robust team dynamics and strategic roster construction.

• Team Resilience:
  "The Celtics have a lot of B plus players that they feel empowered when Jason's gone," Colin praises at [00:20:00]. Players like Derrick White and Jalen Brown stepping up have been pivotal in maintaining the team's high performance metrics.

• Historical Significance:
  Comparing the Celtics' approach to legendary NFL teams like Joe Gibbs' Washington, Colin underscores the importance of a strong collective over individual superstars. "It's like Joe Gibbs in Washington... they were winning Super Bowls with a stout defense and dominant offensive lines," he notes.

Playoff Predictions

Colin offers his playoff outlook, emphasizing the unpredictability brought by team health and performance peaks.

• Health and Hot Streaks:
  "Everything in the playoffs is about who stays healthy and who gets hot," Colin asserts at [00:11:55]. He anticipates that teams demonstrating depth and resilience will advance further, while veteran-heavy teams may falter under physical strain.

Chicago Bears' New Quarterback – Caleb Williams

Interview with Ben Covino

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing the Chicago Bears' acquisition of Caleb Williams, featuring an insightful conversation with Bears' coach Ben Covino.

• Williams' Potential:
  Ben Covino shares his optimism about Williams, stating, "He's got such great God-given ability that we're looking to tap into. You see it every day right now," at [00:56:43]. Covino emphasizes Williams' playmaking skills and his potential to lead the Bears to new heights.

• Coaching Strategy:
  Covino outlines the coaching approach to harness Williams' athleticism without stifling his natural playmaking. "We're establishing the intent of every play call... But at the same time, we're not going to discourage his playmaking ability," he explains at [00:50:43].

• Team Cohesion:
  Addressing the challenges of integrating a rookie quarterback, Covino remarks, "Training camp is going to be critical for us. I actually like where that bye week is because it usually takes about four weeks into the season to find out who you are as a team," at [00:52:50]. He highlights the importance of developing a cohesive offensive unit to support Williams.

Team Outlook and Expectations

Covino projects a season of growth and adaptation, emphasizing that the Bears aim to evolve collectively rather than rely solely on Williams.

• Growth Mindset:
  "We're looking to maximize those going forward," Covino states, indicating a focus on team improvement and adaptability throughout the season.

• Player Development:
  With key players like Joe Tuney providing leadership, Covino believes the Bears have the foundational talent to navigate early-season challenges and build towards a competitive finish.

Final Thoughts and Conclusions

Colin Cowherd wraps up the episode by reiterating the themes of team resilience, strategic planning, and the delicate balance between leveraging star talent and fostering collective strength. His analysis underscores the fluid dynamics of both the NFL and NBA, where team construction, health, and adaptability dictate seasonal success.

• Collective Over Individual:
  "The greatest legends of sports never compromise any part of the game, so why would you settle for anything less from your team?" Colin concludes, emphasizing the importance of a well-rounded team approach.

• Looking Ahead:
  With the NFL and NBA seasons unfolding, Colin's insights provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the underlying factors that will shape the outcome of key games and playoff contenders.

Notable Quotes

• Colin Cowherd on Chiefs' O-line:
  "Kansas City does not have a great O line and they're going to try to figure it out." [05:19]

• Ben Covino on Caleb Williams' Ability:
  "He's got such great God-given ability that we're looking to tap into." [56:43]

• Colin on Warriors' Aging Roster:
  "Older teams get hurt more often and older teams recover more slowly." [11:55]

• Colin on Celtics' Resilience:
  "The Celtics have a lot of B plus players that they feel empowered when Jason's gone." [20:00]

Conclusion

The "Best of The Herd" episode serves as a comprehensive recap of critical sports narratives, blending in-depth analysis with expert commentary. Whether discussing the Chiefs' offensive line issues, the Warriors' aging concerns, or the Bears' quarterback dynamics, Colin Cowherd provides listeners with nuanced perspectives that enrich their understanding of the current sports landscape.