Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Best of The Herd
Release Date: July 24, 2025
Host: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Episode: Best of The Herd

Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, the hosts delve into a multitude of pressing sports topics, ranging from NFL team dynamics to the evolving landscape of college football. The discussion features insightful analyses from guest analysts Jason McIntyre and Steve Sarkisian, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of current sports events and trends.

NFL Team Dynamics: Chicago Bears and Caleb Williams

The episode kicks off with a focused discussion on the Chicago Bears and their challenges in practice, particularly concerning Caleb Williams' performance.

• Jason McIntyre highlights issues in the Bears’ offense:

  "The Bears offense and Caleb Williams were a disaster yesterday. At one point, Ben Johnson barking at him, he pulled the first team off the field. It was a disaster for Caleb Williams yesterday and some of his OTA issues resurfaced." (02:02)

• Colin Cowherd emphasizes the importance of attention to detail:

  "If you're not doing it right, he's going to get you out and he's not going to just see that stuff continue." (07:11)

This segment underscores the tension between maintaining high performance standards and managing player development within NFL teams.

College Football: Coaches and Rivalries

A significant portion of the discussion centers on college football, particularly focusing on prominent coaches like Lincoln Riley and Steve Sarkisian, and the nature of rivalries in the current playoff system.

• Jason McIntyre critiques traditional rivalries:

  "Rivalries are overrated. ... The best rivalry is Kansas City and Buffalo. It has no great historical context. It's Mahomes against Josh Allen." (07:33)

• Steve Sarkisian shares his insights on the opening games:

  "We've got one of the premier defensive fronts in the country. ... put together that we feel good about also gives Arch a little bit of freedom to get us in and out of some things." (28:34)

The hosts debate the relevance of historical rivalries versus new, quarterback-driven matchups, suggesting that the latter may garner more interest and competitive spirit in today’s game.

Coaching Strategies and Offensive Schemes

The conversation delves into the distinct coaching styles and their impact on team performance, particularly focusing on Ben Johnson's scheme-oriented approach.

• Jason McIntyre compares coaching styles:

  "Ben Johnson is considered a scheme coach. ... the idea of hero ball, it works with some coaches, but Ben Johnson is one of these guys that draws up winning plays like Shanahan." (15:58)

• Steve Sarkisian discusses adapting to defensive challenges:

  "We're going against a really good defensive coordinator, Matt Patricia... putting a plan together that we feel good about also gives Arch a little bit of freedom." (31:29)

This section highlights the balance between structured playbooks and quarterback autonomy, illustrating how different coaching philosophies can influence game outcomes.

NIL and Team Chemistry in College Football

The episode addresses the complexities introduced by the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policies and the transfer portal in college football, focusing on maintaining team chemistry.

• Jason McIntyre raises concerns about NIL:

  "There is a danger in the transfer portal not screwing up chemistry. ... is that something you have to think a lot about with the NIL for sure." (32:40)

• Steve Sarkisian responds with his approach:

  "We've got a really good team and I'm very cautious to do anything to cause any type of feud or disruption to that." (34:48)

The discussion underscores the delicate balance coaches must maintain between leveraging NIL opportunities and preserving a cohesive team environment.

Arch Manning: Leadership and Work Ethic

A spotlight is given to Arch Manning, emphasizing his leadership qualities and exceptional work ethic, which have made a significant impact on the Texas Longhorns.

• Steve Sarkisian praises Arch:

  "His work ethic is incredible... he walked in the door, was a great teammate, and has worked his tail off from day one." (35:19)

• Jason McIntyre acknowledges his influence:

  "What is Arch Manning's best trait? Something that you didn't even have to coach. It's just intuitive." (34:48)

Arch's innate qualities and dedication serve as a model for his teammates, highlighting the importance of leadership in collegiate sports.

Key Matchup: Texas vs. Ohio State Opening Game

The episode builds anticipation for the upcoming high-profile game between Texas and Ohio State, deemed one of the best opening games in recent memory.

• Jason McIntyre expresses excitement:

  "My buddy Sark's joining us... it's going to be a heck of a game." (26:43)

• Steve Sarkisian elaborates on the matchup:

  "This poses its own challenges, too. ... arch a little bit of freedom to get us in and out of some things." (31:29)

The hosts analyze the strengths and potential challenges each team faces, predicting a thrilling encounter that serves as a litmus test for both squads.

Player Performance and Team Roles

The discussion touches on the roles of key players and the strategic importance of different positions within a team.

• Jason McIntyre compares wide receivers and tight ends:

  "Great wide receivers are like Christmas tree toppers... a great tight end is more valuable than a great receiver because tight ends block and help the run game." (21:27)

• Steve Sarkisian discusses defensive strategies:

  "He’s running backwards, can't get the playoff negative plays... we better know where number four is at all times." (30:02)

This segment emphasizes the multifaceted roles players have and how strategic positioning and responsibilities can affect overall team performance.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with reflections on team management, coaching decisions, and the future prospects of both NFL and college teams. The hosts reiterate the importance of adaptability, strategic planning, and maintaining team chemistry amidst evolving sports dynamics.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Jason McIntyre:

  "Caleb Williams is super talented. But you're now starting to see last year OTAs in camp. Some of the same problems. Not as correctable as many of us think." (02:02)

• Colin Cowherd:

  "You got to be detail driven and Ben's all about the details and you feel that in every meeting." (07:33)

• Steve Sarkisian:

  "His work ethic is incredible... he walked in the door, was a great teammate, and has worked his tail off from day one." (35:19)

• Jason McIntyre:

  "Rivalries are overrated... The best rivalry is Kansas City and Buffalo. It has no great historical context. It's Mahomes against Josh Allen." (07:33)

Final Thoughts

The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Best of The Herd offers an engaging and in-depth exploration of current sports narratives, enriched by expert analysis and candid discussions. Whether you're a dedicated sports enthusiast or a casual listener, this episode provides valuable insights into the intricate world of sports management, player dynamics, and strategic game planning.