The Herd with Colin Cowherd: Best of The Herd – March 12, 2025

Hosted by iHeartPodcasts and The Volume, “The Herd with Colin Cowherd” offers a deep dive into the most pressing sports stories with insightful commentary and expert opinions. In the “Best of The Herd” episode released on March 12, 2025, Colin Cowherd navigates through a week filled with intriguing NFL developments, player analyses, and strategic team decisions. Below is a comprehensive summary of the episode’s key discussions and insights.

1. Comparing Aaron Rodgers to Kevin Durant

Timestamp: [02:30]

Colin Cowherd opens the discussion by drawing parallels between NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers and NBA star Kevin Durant. He emphasizes their transitions from successful, stable teams to more tumultuous environments driven by personal desires and media pressures.

Colin Cowherd: "Aaron Rodgers has been reduced to that. Think about this, what Aaron Rodgers has become... he's become Kevin Durant."
[02:30]

He critiques their decisions to leave powerhouse organizations—Rodgers from Green Bay and Durant from Golden State—in search of new opportunities, which he suggests have led to instability and challenges in their careers.

2. Sam Darnold’s Contract and Performance Debate

Timestamp: [05:15]

The conversation shifts to quarterback Sam Darnold, with Colin defending his recent performance and contract negotiations against criticisms from co-host J. Mac. Colin argues that Darnold’s athleticism and team-friendly contract position him well for future success.

Colin Cowherd: "Darnold will do better than 21 touchdowns and 15 picks next year. I don't know how much better, but he's younger, he's a better athlete."
[05:15]

J. Mac counters by analyzing Darnold’s career statistics, expressing skepticism about his ability to exceed past performance metrics. The debate highlights differing perspectives on evaluating player potential versus past results.

3. Brock Purdy and the San Francisco 49ers’ Strategic Moves

Timestamp: [10:45]

Colin delves into the San Francisco 49ers’ recent roster changes, particularly focusing on Brock Purdy's role within the team. He discusses the challenges Purdy faces with an aging roster and the expectations placed upon him.

Colin Cowherd: "Brock Purdy now lives the same life as every other quarterback in the league. It's a flawed roster."
[10:45]

Albert Breer joins the conversation, providing insights into the 49ers’ negotiation strategies and the impact of past decisions on the current team dynamics. They explore the potential outcomes of Purdy’s integration into the team and the broader implications for the 49ers’ future.

4. Chicago Bears’ Offseason Decisions and Ashton Genti Rumors

Timestamp: [15:30]

The focus moves to the Chicago Bears’ offseason moves, specifically the rumors surrounding running back Ashton Genti. Colin and Albert analyze the Bears’ strategy in strengthening their offensive and defensive lines, questioning the necessity and timing of acquiring a running back.

Albert Breer: "Ashton Genti can do that [impact the pass game]. It wouldn't floor me if they took a running back in the first round because of Ben Johnson's past."
[15:30]

Colin expresses his preference for prioritizing defensive needs over additional offensive players, while Albert emphasizes the versatility and potential contributions of running backs like Genti in balancing the team’s offense.

5. Denver’s Team Strategy Under Sean Payton

Timestamp: [19:00]

Examining Denver’s strategic approach, Colin discusses head coach Sean Payton’s philosophy of leveraging younger players and schematics to enhance team performance. He highlights the balance between investing in defense and managing the offensive line.

Albert Breer: "Sean Payton's belief in himself that... I can find receivers in the draft that I can develop and fit into my offense."
[19:00]

The discussion underscores Payton’s confidence in his ability to mold the team’s dynamics through draft selections and tactical adjustments, positioning Denver as a team to watch in the coming season.

6. Rams, Chargers, and Offensive Line Challenges

Timestamp: [23:45]

Colin addresses the struggles of the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers with their offensive lines. He critiques their investment decisions and the implications for team performance, particularly focusing on their ability to protect quarterbacks and sustain offensive drives.

Colin Cowherd: "I watched this offense struggle last year, get pushed around by a couple of teams. Raiders gave him fits up front."
[23:45]

Albert adds context by comparing current strategies to past moves, suggesting that continued investment and strategic drafting are crucial for improving the offensive line’s effectiveness.

7. The Aaron Rodgers Dilemma: Steelers vs. Giants

Timestamp: [27:10]

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the potential destination of Aaron Rodgers, weighing the implications of him joining either the Pittsburgh Steelers or the New York Giants. Colin and Albert debate the suitability of each team for Rodgers’ career trajectory and personal aspirations.

Albert Breer: "Pittsburgh is asking him to be the finishing piece... Giants would be asking him to be the difference maker."
[27:10]

Colin expresses skepticism about the Steelers’ ability to integrate Rodgers effectively, while Albert highlights the contrasting roles and expectations between the two franchises. The discussion hints at the complexities and pressures Rodgers faces in making a decision that could define the latter part of his career.

8. Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Timestamp: [30:00]

Wrapping up, Colin reflects on the week’s strongest performances and strategic moves, emphasizing the importance of team dynamics and management decisions in shaping future success. He encourages listeners to stay engaged with ongoing developments and promises more in-depth analysis in future episodes.

Colin Cowherd: "These are foundational moves that will determine how teams perform this season and beyond."
[30:00]

Conclusion

In this edition of “Best of The Herd,” Colin Cowherd provides a thorough analysis of pivotal NFL narratives, from high-profile player moves to strategic team-building decisions. By incorporating expert opinions and engaging debates, the episode offers listeners a nuanced understanding of the complexities within professional football. Whether you're a seasoned fan or new to the sport, this episode delivers valuable insights that enhance your appreciation of the game.

For those interested in catching the full episode, “Best of The Herd” is available for streaming on the iHeartRadio app and other major podcast platforms.