The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Best of The Herd

Date: March 19, 2026
Host: Jason McIntyre (in for Colin Cowherd)
Guest Co-Host: Rachel Nichols
Special Guest: Mark Schlereth
Podcast by: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Episode Overview

This episode dives into the hottest basketball and football stories heading into the heart of March, with a special focus on the surging Los Angeles Lakers, Giannis Antetokounmpo's contentious situation in Milwaukee, the ongoing drama with Lamar Jackson and the Ravens, and a breakdown of recent NFL developments—especially around the Denver Broncos. Jason McIntyre brings his energetic, no-nonsense delivery as he sits in for Colin, joined by NBA analyst Rachel Nichols and NFL analyst Mark Schlereth.

Key Discussion Points

1. Lakers on a Tear: Are They True Title Contenders?

[03:27 – 07:23 | Main Discussion]

Lakers defeated the Rockets twice on the road with commanding fourth quarters, showing both defensive and offensive prowess.
Luka Doncic: Praised for taking over games and silencing critics about his conditioning or style. Notable moment where Luka tells the Houston crowd, “That’s what I bleeping do!” after dominating play.
The Lakers are “serious title contenders.” Jason points out their run against top teams—New York, Minnesota, Denver, and Houston—and that “peaking matters more in March than it does in January and December.”
- “The round mound of rebound who just last weekend was out. No way. They're not going to. I think you got to change your team when you could take down New York, Minnesota, Denver and sweep Houston on the road.” – Jason McIntyre [05:02]
LeBron James: Playing some of the best and most efficient basketball of his late career (13/14 shooting, 6 dunks—the most since 2017). His evolving role under Head Coach JJ Redick is spotlighted.
Jason expresses more concern about the Lakers needing to face the developing Spurs over the defending champion OKC Thunder in the playoffs, emphasizing Wembanyama’s dominance as a matchup nightmare.

Notable Quote:

“There’s a lot of things that are really good right now... You can tell when a group is connected, and we’ve been very connected for the last couple weeks.” – JJ Redick on the Lakers’ chemistry [06:38]

2. What’s Going on in Milwaukee: Giannis’ Rift with the Bucks

[12:20 – 16:09 | Main Discussion]

Reports that the Bucks’ front office wants to shut down Giannis for the season due to ongoing injuries, but Giannis is adamant about playing.
Jason speculates this friction may be a subtle move by Giannis to avoid being the “bad guy” if/when he eventually seeks a trade, drawing parallels to Max Crosby’s situation with the Raiders and to other NBA stars like Anthony Davis and LeBron James.
The Bucks are currently out of the playoff picture (28-40), and Jason advocates for “tanking” to improve draft odds.
A nuanced breakdown of why Giannis’ (and his PR team’s) handling of the situation is about protecting his image.

Notable Quote:

“He is terrified of being Kevin Durant or LeBron James... Giannis wants out.” – Jason McIntyre [14:20]
“Tanking works. I am pro tanking, especially, especially in this draft.” – Jason McIntyre [15:20]

3. Lamar Jackson & the Baltimore Ravens Drama

[20:45 – 24:40 | Main Discussion]

Recap of Albert Breer’s reporting: Concerns about Lamar’s commitment (falling asleep in meetings, late-night gaming, absences from practices).
Discussion of Lamar’s injury history, tying absences to contract disputes, and questions about whether the Ravens are fully behind their quarterback.
Rachel Nichols references a statistic: “He’s been hit more than any other quarterback in recent years.”
Unrest in the Ravens organization: Unhappiness over coaching changes, loss of key players, and an unsettled depth chart.
Jason speculates about increasing tension and what might happen if Lamar refuses to negotiate: “When you give a quarterback this much power, things don’t always work out that great.” [24:40]

Notable Quote:

“If you look at Lamar’s history, the years he’s missed games due to injury have been the ones where he was in a contract dispute.” – Albert Breer [22:02]

4. LeBron’s Renewed Dominance & The Legacy Conversation

[29:29 – 31:44 | Main Discussion]

Jason breaks down LeBron’s historic night and how he continues to defy age: “He had an unbelievable game last night. 13 of 14 shots. He’s 41 years old. He had six dunks.”
Emphasizes the importance of appreciating greatness while it’s happening, urging fans to “stop doubting superstars.”
JJ Redick highlights LeBron’s increased patience and adaptation within the new offensive system.

Notable Quote:

“He was awesome tonight... part of the evolution of him on this team has been... his patience. Knowing he's going to get the ball... he's played really patiently.” – JJ Redick [31:13]

5. NFL Focus: Denver Broncos and League Storylines (with Mark Schlereth)

[33:21 – 51:22 | Main Discussion]

Denver Broncos:

Jalen Waddle Trade Impact: Mark Schlereth details how acquiring Waddle gives Denver a key offensive weapon they were lacking, complementing an already strong roster.
Depth breakdown: Secondary, linebackers, defensive and offensive lines all solid.
Weaknesses: Tight end versatility and running back health are noted as small concerns.
Sean Payton’s coaching/decision-making philosophy and recent staff dynamics discussed.

Notable Quote:

“The thing about Jalen Waddle is he’s a guy that can lift the top of coverage... he can motion down and play in the slot. So he can do everything.” – Mark Schlereth [33:37]

Other NFL Talking Points:

Max Crosby/Ravens Debacle: The Ravens’ withdrawal from signing Max Crosby after a failed physical is called “a bad look,” but Mark explains it’s often a matter of circumstance and league politics on physicals.
- Anecdote: Mark’s history with knee injuries and the varying standards of team physicals.
Kyler Murray's Move to Minnesota:
- Mark: “The problem with Kyler Murray is he’s in love with the sizzle more than he is the steak. To be a great quarterback... it’s about falling in love with the boring.” [42:20]
- Skepticism over whether Murray can adapt to a “pocket-first” system under Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell.
Malik Willis in Miami:
- Jason reviews the lackluster receivers Willis inherits after the Dolphins trade Waddle, questioning his prospect for success.
Aaron Rodgers’ Future:
- Should the Steelers want him? Mark and Jason discuss the high-maintenance factor and suggest Pittsburgh may want to move on, favoring simpler, more stable options like Kirk Cousins.
- “The juice is not worth the squeeze anymore with Aaron Rodgers.” – Mark Schlereth [49:32]
- Discussion of changing practice culture in the NFL—highlighting concerning trends and expectations for player readiness.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

Jason on Luka Doncic:
“If you don’t like the Don Luka, you got problems. This guy is one of the best shows in the league.” [05:21]
JJ Redick (on Lakers’ chemistry):
“You can tell when a group is connected, and we've been very connected for the last couple weeks.” [06:58]
Jason on LeBron’s versatility:
“All he does is deliver all the friggin time.” [31:44]
Mark Schlereth on team physicals:
“I literally could have made fart noises with my armpit, and they were going to pass me.” [39:20]
Mark on Kyler Murray:
“He’s in love with the sizzle more than he is the steak. To be a great quarterback in the NFL, it’s about falling in love with the boring.” [42:20]
Mark on Aaron Rodgers vs. Kirk Cousins:
“It feels to me like... the juice is not worth the squeeze anymore with Aaron Rodgers.” [49:32]

Timestamps for Key Segments

Lakers & Luka vs. Rockets: 03:27 – 07:23
Lakers vs. OKC/Spurs Playoff Preview: 07:23 – 12:20
Giannis/Bucks Drama: 12:20 – 16:09
Lamar Jackson & Ravens: 20:45 – 24:40
LeBron’s Late-Career Resurgence: 29:29 – 31:44
Schlereth on Broncos/Roundtable NFL Discussion: 33:21 – 51:22

Tone & Style

Energetic, candid, lightly irreverent—typical of Jason McIntyre sitting in for Colin, with plenty of quick takes, banter, and a focus on both headline news and deeper sports subtext.
Expert but accessible—Rachel Nichols and Mark Schlereth add depth and technical analysis, while Jason keeps the pace snappy and occasionally tongue-in-cheek.

In Summary

A jam-packed episode with sharp basketball and football analysis. Listeners come away with a clearer picture of why the Lakers are surging, what’s truly going on with Giannis and the Bucks, why the Ravens may be approaching an organizational crossroads, and how several NFL franchises (notably Denver and Miami) are recalibrating for the next season. Not to be missed for fans craving candid insights, behind-the-scenes details, and some memorable quotables.

The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Best of The Herd

Date: March 19, 2026
Host: Jason McIntyre (in for Colin Cowherd)
Guest Co-Host: Rachel Nichols
Special Guest: Mark Schlereth
Podcast by: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points

1. Lakers on a Tear: Are They True Title Contenders?

[03:27 – 07:23 | Main Discussion]

Lakers defeated the Rockets twice on the road with commanding fourth quarters, showing both defensive and offensive prowess.
Luka Doncic: Praised for taking over games and silencing critics about his conditioning or style. Notable moment where Luka tells the Houston crowd, “That’s what I bleeping do!” after dominating play.
The Lakers are “serious title contenders.” Jason points out their run against top teams—New York, Minnesota, Denver, and Houston—and that “peaking matters more in March than it does in January and December.”
- “The round mound of rebound who just last weekend was out. No way. They're not going to. I think you got to change your team when you could take down New York, Minnesota, Denver and sweep Houston on the road.” – Jason McIntyre [05:02]
LeBron James: Playing some of the best and most efficient basketball of his late career (13/14 shooting, 6 dunks—the most since 2017). His evolving role under Head Coach JJ Redick is spotlighted.
Jason expresses more concern about the Lakers needing to face the developing Spurs over the defending champion OKC Thunder in the playoffs, emphasizing Wembanyama’s dominance as a matchup nightmare.

Notable Quote:

“There’s a lot of things that are really good right now... You can tell when a group is connected, and we’ve been very connected for the last couple weeks.” – JJ Redick on the Lakers’ chemistry [06:38]

2. What’s Going on in Milwaukee: Giannis’ Rift with the Bucks

[12:20 – 16:09 | Main Discussion]

Reports that the Bucks’ front office wants to shut down Giannis for the season due to ongoing injuries, but Giannis is adamant about playing.
Jason speculates this friction may be a subtle move by Giannis to avoid being the “bad guy” if/when he eventually seeks a trade, drawing parallels to Max Crosby’s situation with the Raiders and to other NBA stars like Anthony Davis and LeBron James.
The Bucks are currently out of the playoff picture (28-40), and Jason advocates for “tanking” to improve draft odds.
A nuanced breakdown of why Giannis’ (and his PR team’s) handling of the situation is about protecting his image.

Notable Quote:

“He is terrified of being Kevin Durant or LeBron James... Giannis wants out.” – Jason McIntyre [14:20]
“Tanking works. I am pro tanking, especially, especially in this draft.” – Jason McIntyre [15:20]

3. Lamar Jackson & the Baltimore Ravens Drama

[20:45 – 24:40 | Main Discussion]

Recap of Albert Breer’s reporting: Concerns about Lamar’s commitment (falling asleep in meetings, late-night gaming, absences from practices).
Discussion of Lamar’s injury history, tying absences to contract disputes, and questions about whether the Ravens are fully behind their quarterback.
Rachel Nichols references a statistic: “He’s been hit more than any other quarterback in recent years.”
Unrest in the Ravens organization: Unhappiness over coaching changes, loss of key players, and an unsettled depth chart.
Jason speculates about increasing tension and what might happen if Lamar refuses to negotiate: “When you give a quarterback this much power, things don’t always work out that great.” [24:40]

Notable Quote:

“If you look at Lamar’s history, the years he’s missed games due to injury have been the ones where he was in a contract dispute.” – Albert Breer [22:02]

4. LeBron’s Renewed Dominance & The Legacy Conversation

[29:29 – 31:44 | Main Discussion]

Jason breaks down LeBron’s historic night and how he continues to defy age: “He had an unbelievable game last night. 13 of 14 shots. He’s 41 years old. He had six dunks.”
Emphasizes the importance of appreciating greatness while it’s happening, urging fans to “stop doubting superstars.”
JJ Redick highlights LeBron’s increased patience and adaptation within the new offensive system.

Notable Quote:

“He was awesome tonight... part of the evolution of him on this team has been... his patience. Knowing he's going to get the ball... he's played really patiently.” – JJ Redick [31:13]

5. NFL Focus: Denver Broncos and League Storylines (with Mark Schlereth)

[33:21 – 51:22 | Main Discussion]

Denver Broncos:

Jalen Waddle Trade Impact: Mark Schlereth details how acquiring Waddle gives Denver a key offensive weapon they were lacking, complementing an already strong roster.
Depth breakdown: Secondary, linebackers, defensive and offensive lines all solid.
Weaknesses: Tight end versatility and running back health are noted as small concerns.
Sean Payton’s coaching/decision-making philosophy and recent staff dynamics discussed.

Notable Quote:

“The thing about Jalen Waddle is he’s a guy that can lift the top of coverage... he can motion down and play in the slot. So he can do everything.” – Mark Schlereth [33:37]

Other NFL Talking Points:

Max Crosby/Ravens Debacle: The Ravens’ withdrawal from signing Max Crosby after a failed physical is called “a bad look,” but Mark explains it’s often a matter of circumstance and league politics on physicals.
- Anecdote: Mark’s history with knee injuries and the varying standards of team physicals.
Kyler Murray's Move to Minnesota:
- Mark: “The problem with Kyler Murray is he’s in love with the sizzle more than he is the steak. To be a great quarterback... it’s about falling in love with the boring.” [42:20]
- Skepticism over whether Murray can adapt to a “pocket-first” system under Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell.
Malik Willis in Miami:
- Jason reviews the lackluster receivers Willis inherits after the Dolphins trade Waddle, questioning his prospect for success.
Aaron Rodgers’ Future:
- Should the Steelers want him? Mark and Jason discuss the high-maintenance factor and suggest Pittsburgh may want to move on, favoring simpler, more stable options like Kirk Cousins.
- “The juice is not worth the squeeze anymore with Aaron Rodgers.” – Mark Schlereth [49:32]
- Discussion of changing practice culture in the NFL—highlighting concerning trends and expectations for player readiness.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

Jason on Luka Doncic:
“If you don’t like the Don Luka, you got problems. This guy is one of the best shows in the league.” [05:21]
JJ Redick (on Lakers’ chemistry):
“You can tell when a group is connected, and we've been very connected for the last couple weeks.” [06:58]
Jason on LeBron’s versatility:
“All he does is deliver all the friggin time.” [31:44]
Mark Schlereth on team physicals:
“I literally could have made fart noises with my armpit, and they were going to pass me.” [39:20]
Mark on Kyler Murray:
“He’s in love with the sizzle more than he is the steak. To be a great quarterback in the NFL, it’s about falling in love with the boring.” [42:20]
Mark on Aaron Rodgers vs. Kirk Cousins:
“It feels to me like... the juice is not worth the squeeze anymore with Aaron Rodgers.” [49:32]

Timestamps for Key Segments

Lakers & Luka vs. Rockets: 03:27 – 07:23
Lakers vs. OKC/Spurs Playoff Preview: 07:23 – 12:20
Giannis/Bucks Drama: 12:20 – 16:09
Lamar Jackson & Ravens: 20:45 – 24:40
LeBron’s Late-Career Resurgence: 29:29 – 31:44
Schlereth on Broncos/Roundtable NFL Discussion: 33:21 – 51:22

Tone & Style

Energetic, candid, lightly irreverent—typical of Jason McIntyre sitting in for Colin, with plenty of quick takes, banter, and a focus on both headline news and deeper sports subtext.
Expert but accessible—Rachel Nichols and Mark Schlereth add depth and technical analysis, while Jason keeps the pace snappy and occasionally tongue-in-cheek.