The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Episode: Best of The Herd Release Date: March 3, 2025
Hosted by: Colin Cowherd
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Introduction

In the "Best of The Herd" episode released on March 3, 2025, Colin Cowherd revisits some of the most compelling discussions and analyses from previous episodes. This episode delves deep into the dynamics of the NBA, particularly focusing on the Lakers and Clippers rivalry, insightful NFL trades, and a heartfelt interview with legendary coach Jimmy Johnson. Additionally, the episode features an engaging segment ranking the top NBA shooters of the 2000s.

NBA Insights

Lakers' Dominance Over the Clippers

One of the episode's highlights is the in-depth analysis of the Lakers' impressive performance against the Clippers. Colin and his co-host, J. Mack, dissect the Lakers' strategy and key players contributing to their success.

• Key Points:

  • The Lakers have secured six consecutive wins, showcasing their strategic prowess.
  • Luka Doncic's leadership and performance have been pivotal, often outweighing the contributions of other star players like Austin Reeves and Rui.
  • The Lakers' ability to maintain high performance even without key players like Austin Reeves and Rui highlights their depth and versatility.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Colin Cowherd [15:41]: “The Lakers better today. The Lakers future much brighter last night.”
  • J. Mack [15:56]: “You watch this team.”

Coaching Strategies and JJ Redick's Role

The discussion transitions to the Lakers' coaching strategies, particularly focusing on JJ Redick's emergence as a promising coach.

• Key Points:

  • JJ Redick is praised for his defensive strategies and ability to adapt to small-ball lineups.
  • Redick's coaching has significantly improved the team's defensive metrics, even in the absence of Anthony Davis.
  • The Lakers' historical understanding of integrating the right stars with effective coaching continues to set them apart from competitors like the Clippers.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Colin Cowherd [15:42]: “Threes hit. Five threes. That's as many as Kawhi and James Harden hit combined.”
  • J. Mack [15:55]: “You don't get Rui in the corner. You don't have Rui side, you don't have the playmaking of Austin Reeves.”

NFL Trade Analysis

Debo Samuel's Trade to Washington Commanders

The episode provides a comprehensive analysis of Debo Samuel's recent trade to the Washington Commanders, highlighting its strategic significance.

• Key Points:

  • Debo Samuel is identified as a perfect fit for Washington's offensive scheme under Coach Cliff Kingsbury.
  • The trade involved minimal cost from Washington, acquiring Samuel for only a fifth-round pick, showcasing their strategic acumen.
  • Comparisons are drawn with other NFL trades, emphasizing Washington's savvy in strengthening their roster without overpaying.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Colin Cowherd [34:12]: “Debo is a great chess piece and Shanahan is a chess master.”
  • J. Mack [41:03]: “I think Washington's the perfect fit.”

Matt Stafford's Decision to Stay with the Rams

Matt Stafford's decision to remain with the Los Angeles Rams, despite other teams' interest, is dissected to understand its implications.

• Key Points:

  • Colin had predicted Stafford would stay with the Rams, valuing the team's proximity to a Super Bowl win.
  • The Rams' commitment to Stafford is seen as a strategic move to solidify their quarterback position without incurring significant financial burdens.
  • The decision underscores the Rams' focus on long-term stability over immediate financial gain.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Colin Cowherd [41:03]: “Matt didn't make a lot of money last year relative to other star quarterbacks. He wanted a better deal. He'll get it.”
  • J. Mack [41:21]: “Where Colin was right. We said Matt Stafford... he stayed with the Rams.”

Guest Interview: Jimmy Johnson's Retirement

A poignant segment features an exclusive interview with Jimmy Johnson, the Hall of Famer, who announces his retirement from Fox Sports.

• Key Points:

  • Jimmy Johnson reflects on his illustrious career, highlighting his transition from a dominant coach to a respected broadcaster.
  • He shares anecdotes from his coaching days, emphasizing the importance of belief and communication in achieving success.
  • Johnson discusses his relationship with colleagues and the challenges of adapting to changing dynamics in sports broadcasting.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Jimmy Johnson [31:44]: “We went 1 in 15. That'll strain any relationship. But it got better, and now it's fantastic.”
  • Jimmy Johnson [38:41]: “I tried to bring out the best in everybody that I came into contact with.”

Insights from the Interview:

• Coaching Philosophy:

  • Johnson emphasizes the difference between dreaming and believing, stating, “We didn't dream. We truly believed that we were going to get it done.”
  • He highlights the importance of communication in building strong relationships within a team.

• Challenges in Modern Coaching:

  • Discusses the evolving challenges coaches face today, such as dealing with billionaire owners who might not understand the intricacies of football.
  • Reflects on the emotional aspects of coaching and maintaining relationships under pressure.

NBA Shooters Ranking

The episode features a lively discussion ranking the top NBA shooters of the 2000s, with a special segment on Steph Curry.

• Key Points:

  • Steph Curry is celebrated as the greatest shooter of all time, with a lively debate on other elite shooters like Peja Stojaković and Dirk Nowitzki.
  • The conversation delves into what differentiates truly elite shooters, including consistency, range, and the ability to perform under pressure.
  • Discussions also touch upon how coaching strategies adapt to protect and leverage the skills of top shooters.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Colin Cowherd [19:46]: “Steph Curry. We went live from All Star Weekend for a new podcast called Go Greatest of Their Era and we ranked our top five shooters from the 2000s.”
  • J. Mack [28:42]: “When you have a scouting report and you're on the list as not just a shooter, but we have specific rules for how we guard you.”

Concluding Remarks

In this "Best of The Herd" episode, Colin Cowherd masterfully blends insightful sports analysis with engaging interviews, providing listeners with a comprehensive look into the current state of the NBA and NFL. The discussions around team strategies, player trades, and the nuances of coaching offer valuable perspectives for sports enthusiasts. The heartfelt farewell to Jimmy Johnson adds a personal touch, highlighting the deep connections formed within the sports community. Additionally, the segment on NBA shooters adds an entertaining and informative layer, celebrating the artistry of basketball shooting.

Notable Highlights

• Lakers vs Clippers Dominance: Colin and J. Mack analyze the Lakers' strategic edge and Luka Doncic's pivotal role. (15:41 - 15:56)
• Debo Samuel's Strategic Trade: In-depth look at the trade's impact on Washington Commanders' offense. (34:12 - 41:03)
• Jimmy Johnson's Retirement Interview: Emotional and insightful conversation with the legendary coach. (31:44 - 44:11)
• Top NBA Shooters of the 2000s: Engaging debate on the greatest shooters, led by Steph Curry's ranking. (19:46 - 20:43)

This "Best of The Herd" episode serves as a rich compilation of some of the most thought-provoking discussions and expert analyses from Colin Cowherd and his guests, making it an essential listen for sports fans seeking depth and insight into their favorite games and personalities.