Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Best of The Herd Release Date: March 18, 2025

Introduction

In the "Best of The Herd" episode released on March 18, 2025, host Colin Cowherd delves into a diverse array of sports topics, ranging from Major League Baseball (MLB) to the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the National Football League (NFL). Joined by co-host J. Mac, the discussion offers insightful analyses, heated debates, and expert opinions on current events shaping the sports landscape.

Major League Baseball: The Dodgers and Shohei Ohtani's Impact

The episode kicks off with a comprehensive analysis of the Los Angeles Dodgers' recent performance, particularly focusing on pitcher Shohei Ohtani's transformative influence on the team and the sport.

• Ohtani's Leadership and Performance

  Colin highlights Ohtani's consistent excellence and magnetic presence on the field:

  "The minute the Cubs went to the bullpen. Nah, it's not going to work. [Ohtani] is a magnetism, transformational. [He] reminds me of when Tiger started taking over golf..." (02:15)

• Team Dynamics and Future Prospects

  Discussing the Dodgers' strategy, Colin emphasizes the difficulty opponents face in pitching around Ohtani and the team's depth even without key players like Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman:

  "It's going to be a tough team to face because you're talking about five potential batters that could be Hall of Famers and Ohtani at bats." (04:10)

• Cultural Impact

  The conversation extends to Ohtani's role as a global ambassador for MLB, noting his influence beyond traditional baseball markets:

  "The minute Ohtani parked his car at Dodger Stadium, he was the face of Major League Baseball, Pacific Rim, Los Angeles and beyond." (04:45)

National Basketball Association: LeBron James and the Warriors' Struggles

Transitioning to the NBA, Colin and J. Mac dissect the Los Angeles Lakers' strategies and the Golden State Warriors' challenges.

• LeBron James' Calculated Approach

  Colin critiques LeBron James' management of his game and fatigue:

  "LeBron's very calculated with everything. He knows when to rest, when to push, balancing his legacy." (06:30)

  J. Mac adds depth to LeBron’s leadership and adaptability:

  "As you age, you understand the value of a nap. He gets a mental reset, a physical reboot. That has always been the value of LeBron." (07:05)

• Warriors' Offensive Decline Without Steph Curry

  Highlighting the Warriors' dependency on Steph Curry, Colin discusses the team's vulnerabilities when Curry is off the floor:

  "If Steph's not on the floor, the oxygen offensively for the Warriors leaves the room." (08:20)

  J. Mac supports this by pointing out the Warriors' upcoming six-game road trip and the resulting fatigue:

  "They have a tired team heading into a six-game road trip. Their offense is struggling without Steph." (09:00)

• Jimmy Butler vs. Draymond Green

  The hosts compare Jimmy Butler's intangibles to Draymond Green's role, noting Butler's impact beyond scoring:

  "Jimmy Butler adds intangibles, toughness, urgency. Draymond is a catalyst, a rebounder, a defender, but without Steph, they're not the same." (09:45)

National Football League: Free Agency Rankings and Team Analyses

Shifting focus to the NFL, Colin presents a detailed ranking of teams based on their free agency moves, coaching adjustments, and roster strengths.

• Top 10 NFL Teams Post-Free Agency

  Colin meticulously ranks teams from Green Bay Packers at number 10 to the Philadelphia Eagles at number one, evaluating their offseason acquisitions, coaching strategies, and potential for the upcoming season.

  "Green Bay remains the youngest offense in the NFL, but Jordan Love's recent performance raises concerns." (10:12)

  "The Ravens are ranked number two, with Lonnie Stanley and a top-tier offense that shows no signs of regression." (29:50)

• Ravens' Strength and Coaching Excellence

  An in-depth look at the Baltimore Ravens' roster and coaching under John Harbaugh:

  "John Harbaugh truly cares about what players think, adjusting his program based on their input. His relationship with players fosters trust and excellence." (28:15)

• Free Agency Highlights: Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson

  Discussion on quarterback movements and their team impacts:

  "Aaron Rodgers adds a win or two wherever he goes, but he's not changing divisions." (24:33)

  "Russell Wilson could bring significant value to a team lacking a right quarterback." (24:35)

• Team-Specific Insights

  Colin provides unique insights into various teams, including the Chargers’ improvements with Jim Harbaugh and the Rams’ defensive enhancements:

  "The Rams have crushed their defensive line needs, bringing in Devonte Adams and retaining Matt Stafford, strengthening their defense to a top-two level." (43:05)

Interview Segment: Conversation with J. Mac on NFL Career and Insights

A significant portion of the episode features an engaging interview between Colin Cowherd and J. Mac, delving into J. Mac's professional football career, his experiences, and his perspectives on the sport.

• Career Highlights and Mindset

  J. Mac reflects on his transition to the Ravens and the importance of mindset and fit:

  "I believe that every day when I wake up, it's different. The right fit with John Harbaugh and the Ravens allowed me to take off in my career." (23:04)

• Team Culture and Leadership

  The discussion moves to the Ravens' organizational culture and leadership:

  "John Harbaugh's relationships with players and his adaptability set the Ravens apart. He expects excellence from everyone." (29:10)

• Player Preparation and Rivalries

  J. Mac shares anecdotes about preparing for formidable opponents and maintaining rivalries:

  "Playing against Marshall Yonder was a long day; he was physical and strong. These rivalries fuel our competitive spirit." (39:10)

• Advice for Young Athletes

  Offering wisdom to aspiring football players, J. Mac emphasizes humility and hard work:

  "Listen to what professional players do, put your head down, and work smartly. Those who go the extra mile get ahead." (33:05)

• Diet and Physical Preparation

  The conversation touches on how J. Mac has adapted his diet and training regimen to maintain peak performance:

  "I did a 72-hour water fast to reset my body, followed by a high-protein, low-carb diet during the season to stay light and energized." (36:00)

Conclusion

The "Best of The Herd" episode offers a rich tapestry of sports discussions, blending tactical analyses with personal anecdotes and professional insights. From the transformative presence of Shohei Ohtani in MLB to the strategic maneuvers in the NFL's free agency, Colin Cowherd and J. Mac provide listeners with a thorough understanding of the current sports dynamics. The episode underscores the importance of leadership, adaptability, and preparation across all sports, making it a must-listen for enthusiasts seeking depth and clarity in their sports commentary.

Notable Quotes

1. "Ohtani is a magnetism, transformational." – Colin Cowherd (02:15)
2. "If Steph's not on the floor, the oxygen offensively for the Warriors leaves the room." – Colin Cowherd (08:20)
3. "John Harbaugh truly cares about what players think, adjusting his program based on their input." – J. Mac (28:15)
4. "Listen to what professional players do, put your head down, and work smartly." – J. Mac (33:05)
5. "I did a 72-hour water fast to reset my body." – J. Mac (36:00)

Disclaimer: This summary is based on the provided transcript and aims to encapsulate the key discussions and insights from the episode. For a complete experience, listeners are encouraged to tune into the full podcast on the iHeartRadio app or other available platforms.