Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – "Best of The Herd"

Episode Information

• Title: Best of The Herd
• Release Date: August 11, 2025
• Host: Colin Cowherd
• Co-Hosts: Jason McIntyre, Matt Hasselbeck
• Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
• Description: A comprehensive exploration of the top sports stories, featuring insightful discussions and expert opinions.

1. Introduction to the Episode

The episode kicks off with Jason McIntyre welcoming listeners to "Best of The Herd," setting the stage for a deep dive into the latest NFL developments following a bustling weekend of games. The hosts express enthusiasm about the active participation of starting quarterbacks and the various player performances observed over the weekend.

**2. NFL Quarterback Tier Rankings and Performance

Survey Insights: Jason McIntyre introduces Mike Sando's annual quarterback survey, which compiles opinions from 50 NFL executives and coaches. The survey categorizes quarterbacks into four tiers based on their performance and potential.

• Tier One: Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Matt Stafford
  “Your tier one is Mahomes, Burrow, Allen, Jackson, Stafford. I agree with that.” [02:36]

• Tier Two: Derek Carr, Justin Herbert, Geno Smith, C.J. Stroud, Jalen Hurts, Baker Mayfield, Ja’Marr Chase, Jordan Love, Brock Purdy
  “Tier 2 is Daniels, Herbert, Goff, CJ Stroud, Jalen Hurts, Baker, Jack Jordan, Love, Brock Purdy.” [02:36]

• Tier Three: Bo Nix and others, with some surprising placements
  “Tier three, they got Bo Nix closer to the middle than the top.” [03:05]

• Tier Four: Includes older and less active quarterbacks like Russell Wilson, Daniel Jones, Spencer Rattler, Joe Flacco
  “Tier four includes old Russell Wilson, Daniel Jones, Spencer Rattler, Joe Flacco.” [03:05]

Caleb Williams’ Position: Caleb Williams, the quarterback for the Chicago Bears, is discussed extensively. Placed at the bottom of Tier Three with 15 voters (30%) placing him in Tier Four, Williams’ performance is scrutinized.

• Criticism:

  • Coaches’ Feedback:
    “A defensive coordinator said, 'he was the worst quarterback we played against. He holds the ball forever.'” [04:00]
    “A head coach in the NFL said, 'his processing to me was alarming.'" [04:00]

  • Team Performance Impact:
    “15 voters are already knowing what a mess the Bears were last year. That wasn't Caleb's fault.” [04:00]

• Jason’s Defense: Jason argues that Caleb’s position is heavily influenced by the Bears' overall team performance rather than solely his abilities. He suggests protecting Caleb from undue public scrutiny.
  “Protecting Caleb from the court of public opinion... It has now been reported by me and Seth Wickersham.” [04:30]

**3. Shedeur Sanders and Quarterback Development

Shedeur Sanders’ Potential: The discussion shifts to Shedeur Sanders, evaluating his potential as a franchise quarterback for the Cleveland Browns.

• Jason’s Perspective:

  • Physical Attributes:
    “Shador's size, his arm, his mobility are all good enough to be a franchise quarterback.” [08:00]

  • Comparative Analysis:
    “I do a Dak Prescott level. I think he throws a better ball than Dak, but he's not great at him.” [09:00]

  • Areas for Improvement:
    “He has to be better in the other 30 to 40% of quarterback play, which is maturity, focus, IQ, EQ, film study, pre-snap excellence.” [10:00]

• Kevin Stefanski’s Comments: Browns’ head coach Kevin Stefanski addresses Sanders’ development, emphasizing the team's focus on quarterback performance standards.
  “There are things that Shador can clean up, he will clean up.” [12:31]

• Jason’s Advocacy for Sanders: Jason champions Sanders, highlighting his comfort on the field, accuracy, and physical prime, while acknowledging areas needing growth.
  “He is absolutely, to me, a franchise quarterback with all that stuff.” [14:00]

**4. Matt Stafford’s Back Injury Concerns

The hosts express concern over Matt Stafford’s back injury, emphasizing the implications for his performance and the Los Angeles Rams’ future.

• Jason’s Observation: “Matt Stafford did not. He's not even dressing for practice. He's got a back injury. Does that worry you a little?” [33:39]

• Colin’s Response: Colin shares a personal anecdote about a similar injury, underscoring the long-term effects and potential impact on Stafford’s playing career.
  “I am concerned about Matthew Stafford's back. I had a bad back injury in 2008.” [34:00]

**5. Discussion on Other Quarterbacks

Bo Nix’s Ranking: Bo Nix is critiqued for being placed below seasoned quarterbacks like Geno Smith in the survey, sparking debate about his actual ability.

• “Bo Nix is tied for the 20th best quarterback in the league below Geno Smith.” [16:55]

Jackson Dart’s Performance: Jason defends Jackson Dart’s capabilities, arguing against the notion that he’s merely a young quarterback needing time to develop.
“Jackson Dart is a three-year starter in the SEC with Lane Kiffin. It's had private coaching, seven on seven.” [27:56]

Anthony Richardson’s Age: The discussion touches on Anthony Richardson, dismissing concerns about his age and emphasizing the importance of his on-field performance.
“I don't want to hear about Anthony Richardson's age, okay? He's hurt again. Nobody cares about age and experience.” [23:04]

**6. Team Strategies and Coaching Decisions

Joe Alt’s Draft Impact: Jason praises Joe Alt’s selection in the draft, arguing that it was pivotal in saving the Chicago Bears’ season by addressing crucial offensive line needs.
“Joe Alt pick – Everybody wanted a receiver. They got Lad McConkey in the second round. They were fine. That Joe Alt pick could have saved the season.” [18:39]

Cleveland Browns’ Quarterback Depth: Colin discusses the Browns’ decision to maintain four quarterbacks, questioning the team's willingness to develop young talent like Shedeur Sanders.
“Will the Cleveland Browns have the courage to keep four quarterbacks? And courage is the word I'm using because it's like no one else does that.” [30:00]

**7. Player Development and Traits

Traits vs. Intangibles: The conversation delves into the balance between measurable traits (arm strength, mobility) and intangibles (leadership, film study) in evaluating quarterbacks.

• Jason’s View: “60% of this quarterback position we can all see, we don't see the 40%. Shador's got to be really good at that.” [37:03]
  Emphasizes that while physical traits are crucial, the unseen aspects like discipline and intelligence are equally important for a quarterback’s success.

• Colin’s Insight: “J.J. McCarthy has the intangibles that you cannot coach. I think you can coach the use of other clubs in your bag.” [35:00]
  Highlights the importance of experience and adaptability in quarterback performance.

**8. NFL and NBA Observations

League Balance: Jason comments on the perceived imbalance in the NBA’s scheduling, noting the dominance of Western Conference teams over Eastern counterparts, drawing parallels to the NFL’s competitive landscape.

• “Even the NBA is acknowledging with their Christmas and opening day schedule the league is lopsided. The Christmas games are the San Antonio Spurs against the Thunder, Rockets, Lakers, Mavs, Warriors, T Wolves, Denver.” [21:38]

Implications for Team Performance: Discusses how strategic team compositions and player acquisitions, like LeBron joining the Lakers, could shift the competitive balance in favor of Eastern Conference teams.

• “LeBron in the Lakers out East. Oh, they could compete. Luca, LeBron, Austin, Reeves could compete to get to the Eastern Conference finals.” [23:37]

**9. Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

Final Analysis: The hosts wrap up with reflections on quarterback performances and team strategies, reinforcing their positions on player potential and management decisions.

• Jason’s Final Thoughts: “He didn’t have a weird delivery. He's not slinging it sidearm. He's a franchise quarterback, but he better be buttoned up on the other stuff because that's what's made Dak rich.” [37:03]
  Summarizes the necessity for quarterbacks to excel both in physical traits and intangible skills to sustain their roles as franchise leaders.

• Colin’s Concluding Statement: “This is an iHeart podcast.” [37:57]
  Signifies the end of the main content, reaffirming the podcast’s affiliation and brand.

Notable Quotes

• Jason McIntyre:
  “Protecting Caleb from the court of public opinion... It has now been reported by me and Seth Wickersham.” [04:30]

• Kevin Stefanski:
  “There are things that Shador can clean up, he will clean up.” [12:31]

• Colin Cowherd:
  “I am concerned about Matthew Stafford's back. I had a bad back injury in 2008.” [34:00]

• Jason McIntyre:
  “He is absolutely, to me, a franchise quarterback with all that stuff.” [14:00]

• Colin Cowherd:
  “This quarterback tears is Sando's on the show tomorrow.” [31:37]

Conclusion

In this episode of "Best of The Herd," Colin Cowherd, along with co-hosts Jason McIntyre and Matt Hasselbeck, provide an in-depth analysis of the current NFL quarterback landscape. From tier rankings and player performances to team strategies and player development, the discussion offers valuable insights for sports enthusiasts. Notably, the conversation emphasizes the balance between physical traits and intangible skills in determining a quarterback's success, while also addressing concerns over player injuries and management decisions. The episode serves as a comprehensive guide for listeners seeking to understand the complexities of quarterback evaluations and their impact on team dynamics.