Podcast Summary: Best of The Herd with Colin Cowherd Release Date: August 12, 2025
Host: Colin Cowherd
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

1. Introduction to the Episode

In this special "Best of The Herd" episode, Colin Cowherd delves into the most pressing topics in the NFL, focusing on quarterback performances, team dynamics, and coaching strategies. Joined by co-hosts Jay Mac and guest Nick Wright, the discussion offers insightful analysis backed by recent surveys and personal anecdotes.

2. Top Rookie Quarterbacks: Andrew Locke and Jaden Daniels

Colin opens the episode by highlighting the standout performances of two rookie quarterbacks: Andrew Locke and Jaden Daniels.

• Andrew Locke:
  Locke impressed by securing 11 wins despite a subpar roster lacking adequate coaching and management.

  "Andrew Locke won 11 games with a bad roster. It didn't have the right coach, didn't have the right GM, didn't have the right O-line, didn't have the right anything."
  (10:45)

• Jaden Daniels:
  Daniels' success is attributed to his favorable landing in Washington, where he benefits from a revamped organization and matured wide receiver group.

  "Jaden Daniels got some breaks... he didn't go to Chicago. They can't get quarterback right. He didn't get a coach on the hot seat... he goes to Washington and his looney owner got flushed out."
  (12:30)

Key Insights:

• The importance of a quarterback’s landing spot significantly influences their success.
• Organizational stability and supportive management are crucial for rookie QBs to thrive.
• Exceptional support systems can elevate a player's performance beyond their individual talent.

3. Analysis of Jaden Daniels' Performance

The discussion shifts to the intricacies of Daniels' performance metrics and the factors contributing to his high ranking in Mike Sandoz's "Quarterback Tears" survey.

• Survey Highlights:
  Daniels received 13 more Tier 1 votes than his division rivals combined, overshadowing established QBs like Jalen Hurts and Dak Prescott.

  "Jaden Daniels got 13 more Tier 1 votes than the rest of his division combined because Jalen Hurts got three and Dak got one."
  (14:15)

• Contributing Factors:

  • Transition to a new team environment with fresh management.
  • Strong supporting cast, including a mature number one wide receiver.
  • Strategic breaks and reduced pressure compared to other rookies.

• Critical Perspective:
  Colin emphasizes that while Daniels is exceptional, his success is partly due to the favorable conditions surrounding him.

  "Don't undervalue how many breaks he got. The owner, sharp, the general manager, Adam Peters, super sharp... he's a number one receiver and a very workable schedule."
  (15:50)

4. The Niners' Wide Receiver Woes and Impact on Brock Purdy

A significant portion of the discussion centers around the San Francisco 49ers' struggling wide receiver unit and its impact on quarterback Brock Purdy.

• Injuries and Contracts:

  • Brandon Iuk: Expected to return in Week 6 due to injury.

    "Brandon Iuk can't play until Week 6."
    (17:00)

  • Juwan Jennings: Facing a contract dispute and injuries.
  • Ricky Pearsall & DeMarcus Robinson: Limited impact expected on the offense.

• Impact on Purdy:
  The weakened receiver group has forced Purdy into more challenging shootouts, negatively affecting his performance metrics.

  "Brock Purdy is 6 and 9, 20 touchdowns, 12 picks... not as many great players."
  (18:45)

• Historical Comparison:
  Colin likens Purdy's career trajectory to Dez Bryant, highlighting how initial success can decline due to aging rosters and deteriorating team dynamics.

  "The real life in the NFL... in his last 15 starts it looks like this current wide receiver group."
  (19:30)

5. Coaching Strategies and the Bill Belichick Discussion

The conversation delves into coaching philosophies, particularly focusing on the potential transition of Bill Belichick and comparisons with other renowned coaches.

• Belichick's Potential Move:
  Colin and Jay Mac speculate on Belichick's future, considering his brilliance and how it might translate outside the NFL's rigid structures.

  "How much in a 17-hour NCAA mandated work week, how much can you teach?"
  (21:12)

• Comparisons with Other Coaches:

  • Rex Ryan & Jon Gruden: Recognized for their charismatic personalities and recruiting prowess.
  • Andy Reid, Sean Payton, Kyle Shanahan: Valued for their strategic acumen but may lack the recruiting edge necessary for college football.

• Host Insights:
  Colin reflects on Belichick's adaptability and questions whether his coaching style would thrive in a collegiate environment.

  "He's a brilliant guy, but man, I got six kids in my life at 19 years old. They make weird choices. They can frustrate you, especially as you age."
  (22:53)

6. Preseason Performance and Quarterback Preparations

The hosts analyze the current NFL preseason, debating its relevance and effectiveness in preparing quarterbacks for the regular season.

• Preseason Critique:
  Colin expresses skepticism about the necessity of preseason games, advocating for their elimination to reduce player injuries.

  "I don't believe in preseason. I would eliminate it."
  (35:03)

• Jay Mac's Counterpoints:
  Jay argues that preseason provides essential evaluations for quarterbacks like Shaydor Sanders, despite initial criticisms, and emphasizes the importance of gradual integration into the team.

  "If you go to that school you... will be prepared to play at the next level."
  (21:19)

7. Insights from the "Quarterback Tears" Survey

Mike Sandoz presents the latest "Quarterback Tears" survey results, providing a snapshot of NFL executives' perceptions of quarterback performances.

• Top Tier Rankings:

  • Josh Allen: Ranked as the second-best quarterback, praised for his consistent performance.

    "Josh Allen's the second-best quarterback in football."
    (40:15)

  • Joe Burrow: Narrowly edged out by Allen, indicating strong confidence in his capabilities.
  • Caleb Williams: Initially undervalued but expected to rise as the season progresses.

    "By Thanksgiving, Caleb, I believe is going to look like the player that you and I both believed he would be."
    (35:58)

• Surprising Rankings:

  • Brock Purdy: Critiqued for being overvalued early but facing challenges due to weakened team support.
  • Aaron (Rodgers?): Considered slightly overranked, while Bo Nix is favored for his athletic prime.

    "If you asked GMs, who would you take today, Aaron or Bo Nix? They would take Bo Nix for a lot of reasons."
    (38:40)

• Host Commentary:
  Colin defends his rankings, emphasizing the real-world performance and team influences on quarterback success.

  "The real NFL is not Brock Purdy's last 15 games but what he's dealing with in this camp..."
  (42:51)

8. Personal Reflections and Anecdotes

Colin shares personal experiences related to management and mentorship, offering a deeper glimpse into his perspectives on team dynamics and leadership.

• Management Challenges:
  Recalling tough times in Tampa with poor management, Colin underscores the value of good leadership and mentorship in achieving success.

  "I've had really good management around me for my entire life... but when you get bad management, which I had for about two years in Tampa, it was a circus."
  (27:29)

• Mentorship Importance:
  Colin credits mentors and coaches for shaping his career, highlighting the impact of supportive figures.

  "I've had a lot of good men, mentors, surrogate, like almost dads in my life, my coaches."
  (26:10)

9. Final Thoughts and Upcoming Segments

As the episode wraps up, Colin and Jay Mac preview upcoming topics and express anticipation for future discussions, including an interview with Mike Sandoz.

• Upcoming Content:
  Colin hints at adjusting his preseason predictions based on recent developments, particularly the injury to Rashawn Slater and its implications.

  "I am becoming a curmudgeonly old man like you. But I thought he played well."
  (35:03)

• Guest Appearances:
  Nick Wright joins to discuss various topics, including quarterback rankings and team performances.

  "Nick, listen, I know it has been years since you had to go into locker rooms..."
  (44:40)

10. Notable Quotes

• Colin Cowherd on Jaden Daniels:

  "Where you land really matters."
  (15:21)

• Jay Mac on Caleb Williams:

  "I think by Thanksgiving, Caleb, I believe is going to look like the player that you and I both believed he would be."
  (35:58)

• Colin on Coaching Transitions:

  "He's a brilliant guy, but man, I got six kids in my life at 19 years old. They make weird choices."
  (22:53)

Conclusion

The "Best of The Herd" episode offers a comprehensive analysis of current NFL quarterback performances, coaching strategies, and team dynamics. Colin Cowherd and his co-hosts provide nuanced perspectives, balancing statistical insights with personal experiences. Whether discussing the rise of rookies like Jaden Daniels or the challenges faced by veterans like Brock Purdy, the episode underscores the multifaceted nature of professional football.

For those interested in detailed sports analysis and insider perspectives, "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" continues to deliver engaging and thought-provoking content every weekday on Fox Sports Radio.