Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – "Best of The Herd" Release Date: August 14, 2025

Host: Colin Cowherd
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Description: "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" offers a thought-provoking, opinionated, and topic-driven exploration of the day's top sports stories. In the "Best of The Herd" episode, Colin revisits some of the most compelling discussions and insights from recent broadcasts.

1. Chicago Bears and Quarterback Caleb Williams

Timestamp: [05:00] – [16:38]

Colin Cowherd initiates the episode by delving into the Chicago Bears' quarterback situation, focusing on Caleb Williams. He draws parallels between Caleb and other prominent NFL quarterbacks, emphasizing the challenges of player commitment and development.

Key Points:

• Caleb Williams' Performance:
  Colin highlights Williams' statistical performance last season, noting a completion rate of 62.5%, an 88 passer rating, 20 touchdowns, and six interceptions. He suggests that with improvements, particularly under a new offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, Williams could elevate to Pro Bowl status.

  "If he just improved 15%, look at the numbers. He's a Pro Bowler." ([05:30])

• Comparison with Other Athletes:
  The discussion compares Williams to renowned athletes like Carmelo Anthony, James Harden, and Lamar Jackson, questioning why some struggle with defensive commitment while others excel. Colin argues that not all talent issues are solvable through mere coaching tweaks.

  "Not all issues are solvable. They [coaches] are great at tweaking. They are not magicians." ([07:15])

• Team Dynamics and Coaching Impact:
  Colin expresses optimism about the Bears' future, contingent on Williams' adaptability and the team's offensive improvements. He critiques historical coaching decisions, citing examples like Sean McVay with Jared Goff, emphasizing that coaching adjustments can only achieve so much without player buy-in.

  "There are certain things in Chicago that are not solvable... But a 15% improvement could make a Pro Bowl quarterback." ([10:45])

2. Pittsburgh Steelers’ Defensive Woes

Timestamp: [14:00] – [25:00]

The conversation shifts to the Pittsburgh Steelers, where Colin critically analyzes the team's defensive strategies and coaching effectiveness, particularly under head coach Mike Tomlin.

Key Points:

• Defensive Backlog and Performance:
  Colin asserts that the Steelers' defense has consistently underperformed despite significant financial investments. He scrutinizes Mike Tomlin's inability to develop a viable run game, which in turn overburdens the defense.

  "The Steelers can't build a run game... that's the hole in his game." ([17:10])

• Impact of Extended NFL Season:
  Discussing the NFL's move to an 18-game season, Colin argues that this expansion exacerbates defensive fatigue, making it nearly impossible to maintain top-tier defensive performance without a strong complementary run game.

  "With an 18-game schedule, you will not have a great defense without a complimentary above-average run game." ([20:30])

• Historical Comparisons and Future Outlook:
  By comparing the Steelers to teams like the New England Patriots under Bill Belichick and reflecting on recent defensive performances, Colin concludes that without addressing fundamental run game issues, the Steelers' defense will continue to languish.

  "Historically, if you spend the most on defense and don't lead the league, it's virtually impossible... because their run game stunk." ([23:50])

3. Impact of Increased Season Length on Defensive Strategies

Timestamp: [20:00] – [25:00]

Colin further explores how the NFL’s expanded season affects defensive units across the league, not just the Steelers.

Key Points:

• Sustained Defensive Pressure:
  The extended season means defenses are continuously on the field, leading to increased fatigue and higher injury rates. Colin posits that without effective run games to keep defenses rested, overall defensive quality will decline league-wide.

  "There will be no great NFL defenses... without a complementary run game." ([21:40])

• Team-Specific Challenges:
  Highlighting the Baltimore Ravens and Philadelphia Eagles, Colin notes that successful defenses often rely on dynamic running games led by players like Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry to control game tempo and give their defenses rest.

  "Baltimore and Philadelphia have complementary run games that keep the defense off the field." ([22:15])

4. Taylor Swift’s Involvement in Sports Media

Timestamp: [31:17] – [35:02]

The episode takes an interesting detour into pop culture, specifically Taylor Swift's unexpected appearances in sports media.

Key Points:

• Public Reception and Media Coverage:
  Colin discusses the mixed reactions to Taylor Swift’s brief appearances during NFL broadcasts, noting that while some fans are irked by her limited screen time, others appreciate the crossover between music and sports.

  "They showed her for 34 seconds... It's part of what they do all summer long." ([32:30])

• Celebrity Influence on Sports Popularity:
  He posits that celebrity involvement in sports broadcasts can attract a broader audience, particularly female fans, enhancing the overall appeal of the games.

  "A lot of female and female fans stay because the game is so great and interesting." ([34:00])

• Comparison with Other Celebrities in Sports:
  Colin draws parallels between Swift's involvement and previous instances of celebrities engaging with sports, suggesting that such interactions are a natural extension of celebrity culture in America.

  "Celebrities get celebrities. It's the way it is." ([34:45])

5. Young Quarterbacks: JJ McCarthy and Comparisons

Timestamp: [38:00] – [54:39]

The discussion returns to NFL quarterbacks, focusing on up-and-coming talents like JJ McCarthy and their readiness for the professional stage.

Key Points:

• JJ McCarthy’s Potential and Challenges:
  Colin and his guests evaluate JJ McCarthy's performance, noting his strengths in mobility and arm strength but also highlighting areas needing improvement, such as anticipating defensive plays and maintaining accuracy under pressure.

  "If he's to become a quality NFL starting quarterback, his game is not going to be built on a playmaking dimension but on his ability to play from the pocket." ([44:12])

• Coaching Influence on Quarterback Development:
  The role of coaching, particularly offensive coordinators like Kevin O'Connell, is emphasized as crucial in shaping a quarterback's success in the NFL. Colin argues that attributing quarterback performance solely to coaching decisions undermines the collaborative nature of the sport.

  "That's what the offensive coordinator is supposed to do... He's supposed to present it so that ideally the first read is clean." ([43:50])

• Comparisons with Established Quarterbacks:
  Drawing parallels with veterans like Patrick Mahomes and Brock Purdy, the conversation underscores the importance of team dynamics and supporting cast in a quarterback's development and performance consistency.

  "Brock Purdy's opening into the NFL was like a comfortable start, and he should be capable." ([53:10])

6. Conclusion and Final Insights

Timestamp: [54:00] – [57:50]

In wrapping up, Colin reflects on the interconnectedness of team strategies, player development, and external factors influencing NFL performances.

Key Points:

• Holistic Team Development:
  Colin emphasizes that quarterback success is a blend of individual talent, coaching quality, and team support, advocating for a comprehensive approach to team building.

  "It's not solely dependent on the young quarterback. It's the way in which he... is able to play based on the rest of the team." ([55:20])

• Future Outlook:
  He expresses cautious optimism about the potential of emerging quarterbacks and teams improving through strategic adjustments and player development.

  "You never know the answer... It depends on how the games are played." ([52:00])

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "If he just improved 15%, look at the numbers. He's a Pro Bowler." – Colin Cowherd ([05:30])
• "There are certain things in Chicago that are not solvable... But a 15% improvement could make a Pro Bowl quarterback." – Colin Cowherd ([10:45])
• "There will be no great NFL defenses... without a complementary run game." – Colin Cowherd ([21:40])
• "Celebrities get celebrities. It's the way it is." – Colin Cowherd ([34:45])
• "It's not solely dependent on the young quarterback. It's the way in which he... is able to play based on the rest of the team." – Colin Cowherd ([55:20])

Insights and Conclusions

In this "Best of The Herd" episode, Colin Cowherd offers a nuanced analysis of current NFL dynamics, particularly focusing on quarterback development and defensive strategies amidst structural changes like an extended season. He underscores the delicate balance between individual talent and team cohesion, highlighting that success in the NFL hinges not just on standout players but also on systemic support and strategic planning.

Colin's discussion regarding the Chicago Bears and Caleb Williams serves as a microcosm of broader challenges in the league—balancing raw talent with the necessary coaching and team environment to foster peak performance. Similarly, his critique of the Pittsburgh Steelers' defensive shortcomings amidst an increased season length offers a cautionary tale about the limitations of financial investment without addressing foundational team issues.

The exploration of Taylor Swift's role in sports media adds an intriguing layer to the conversation, reflecting on the evolving landscape of sports entertainment and its intersection with pop culture. Meanwhile, the focus on young quarterbacks like JJ McCarthy provides a forward-looking perspective on the league's future, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and comprehensive development programs.

Overall, the episode encapsulates the multifaceted nature of professional sports, where player performance, coaching efficacy, team strategies, and even celebrity culture intertwine to shape the narrative of the game.