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

Introduction

The "Best of The Herd" episode delves into a comprehensive discussion of the most pressing sports topics as of early 2025. Colin Cowherd, alongside his regular contributors Greg Cosell, Steve Covino, and guest Mark Sanchez, provides in-depth analysis, opinions, and forecasts across various sports leagues, primarily focusing on the NFL, NBA, and college sports.

NFL Analysis: Super Bowl Wrap-Up and Team Dynamics

Super Bowl Recap and Greg Cosell’s Insights
Greg Cosell joins Colin to discuss the recent Super Bowl, highlighting the performance and future implications for key teams.

• Lakers vs. Luka Doncic:
  Colin reflects on the Lakers' strategic acquisitions and questions whether their success stems from intelligence or luck. He recounts the Lakers' history of acquiring star players like Kobe Bryant and Anthony Davis, noting the substantial assets given up in these trades.

  "They stole Kobe, they pretty much stole Pau Gasol." (06:45)

• Travis Kelce’s Career and Kansas City Chiefs' Future:
  The conversation shifts to Travis Kelce, examining his longevity and impact on the Chiefs. Colin suggests that Kelce might be nearing the end of his career due to the physical demands of his position.

  "It's really remarkable what they've done." (07:03)
  Greg Cosell adds that Kelce’s extensive playoff experience parallels that of LeBron James in basketball, emphasizing the wear and tear such high-stakes performances impose.

Steve Covino’s Take on the Chiefs:
Steve Covino critiques the Chiefs' offensive stability, pointing out their inconsistent offensive line and wide receiver performance. He argues that the Chiefs lack depth in critical positions, which may jeopardize their future success without Kelce.

• Offensive Line and Wide Receiver Issues:

  "They need another interior offensive lineman." (14:46)
  Covino emphasizes the Chiefs' need for strategic drafting and acquisitions to bolster their offensive lineup.

Travis Kelce’s Potential Retirement:
Colin and Steve discuss Kelce’s possible retirement, considering his physical toll and the Chiefs’ future without him. They speculate on the emotional and financial impacts on the team and Kelce himself.

• Kelce’s Future Moves:

  "They could bring in older injuries to save money." (15:01)
  The conversation anticipates significant roster changes if Kelce decides to retire, affecting the Chiefs' strategy moving forward.

NBA Insights: Lakers' Strategic Reboots

Luca and LeBron Relationship:
Colin discusses the synergy between Luka Doncic and LeBron James, particularly in high-stakes games like those in Salt Lake City. He questions the Lakers' strategy in managing star power and team dynamics.

• Lakers' Strategic Acquisitions:

  "This is an unbelievable reboot for the Lakers." (12:40)
  Colin praises the Lakers' ability to retool and remain competitive through strategic player acquisitions and management decisions.

College Sports Spotlight

Top College Football Programs:
Colin highlights Ohio State, Michigan, Notre Dame, and Texas as the leading brands in college football, noting their recent successes and potential for future championships.

• Michigan’s Quarterback Acquisition:

  "Michigan pulled back last year, landed the number one quarterback in the country." (20:10)
  This acquisition is seen as a pivotal move, positioning Michigan as a formidable contender in the upcoming season.

College Basketball Dominance:
UConn and Duke are recognized for their consistent performance over the last 15 years, with Duke recently securing back-to-back titles.

• Knicks’ Resurgence:
  Colin mentions the Knicks as a significant brand, praising their performance since 1997 and predicting strong showings against top-tier teams like Boston.

Travis Kelce and the Chiefs: A Deeper Dive

Performance Under Pressure:
Steve Covino analyzes Kelce’s performance in critical Super Bowl moments, emphasizing his blocking prowess and the physical demands placed upon him.

• Kelce’s Physical Toll:

  "He's had 10 surgeries." (15:45)
  This statement underscores the extensive physical strain Kelce has endured, raising questions about his career longevity.

Chiefs’ Defensive and Offensive Strategies:
The discussion covers the Chiefs' defensive strategies against formidable teams like the Eagles, highlighting key players and tactical adjustments.

• Defense Generating Turnovers:

  "The defense just erased it." (39:26)
  Covino praises the Chiefs’ defense for their ability to neutralize offensive threats through strategic turnovers.

Jalen Hurts and the Eagles: Rising Star in the NFL

Jalen Hurts’ Evolution:
Colin and Steve explore Jalen Hurts' development as a quarterback, noting his efficient gameplay and ability to make critical plays under pressure.

• Hurts’ Dual Threat:

  "He just does stuff different than other quarterbacks. He can get away with a lot." (34:54)
  This highlights Hurts' unique skill set, making him a versatile and unpredictable player on the field.

Eagles’ Coaching and Strategy:
The effectiveness of the Eagles' coaching staff, particularly Kellen Moore, is discussed in relation to Hurts' performance and the team's overall strategy.

• Kellen Moore’s Impact:

  "He cut the field in half for Jalen Hurts and let him just kind of pick a side." (35:38)
  Moore’s coaching philosophy is credited with enhancing Hurts' decision-making and execution on the field.

NBA and College Basketball Highlights

Lakers’ Championship Dynamics:
Colin discusses the Lakers' approach to maintaining championship-level performance, balancing star players like LeBron James with emerging talents.

• Championship Longevity:

  "It's a tight window throw, the ball goes to Goddard. It's a tight window throw." (35:38)
  This reflects the high-pressure environment of maintaining championship status and the tactical nuances involved.

College Basketball Strategies:
The conversation touches on the strategic moves by top college basketball programs, emphasizing the importance of player development and coaching.

• Duke’s Consistent Dominance:

  "UConn and Duke have been powerhouses in college basketball for years." (29:07)
  Both programs are lauded for their sustained excellence and ability to produce top-tier talent.

Closing Remarks and Future Predictions

Future of Major Sports Brands:
Colin wraps up by assessing the stability and growth of major sports brands across leagues, predicting continued dominance by teams like the Yankees, Dodgers, Lakers, and Celtics.

• Dallas Cowboys’ Struggles:

  "The Cowboys are the only big huge, massive brand in America that is awful." (20:10)
  This critical view underscores the unique challenges faced by the Cowboys despite their massive brand presence.

Upcoming Episodes and Topics:
Listeners are encouraged to tune in to future live editions of "The Herd" for ongoing analysis and discussions on emerging sports stories and trends.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "They stole Kobe, they pretty much stole Pau Gasol." – Colin Cowherd (06:45)
• "It's really remarkable what they've done." – Greg Cosell (07:03)
• "They need another interior offensive lineman." – Steve Covino (14:46)
• "He's had 10 surgeries." – Colin Cowherd (15:45)
• "He just does stuff different than other quarterbacks. He can get away with a lot." – Steve Covino (34:54)
• "He cut the field in half for Jalen Hurts and let him just kind of pick a side." – Steve Covino (35:38)
• "The Cowboys are the only big huge, massive brand in America that is awful." – Colin Cowherd (20:10)

Conclusion

The "Best of The Herd" episode offers a multifaceted exploration of current sports narratives, providing listeners with expert opinions and strategic analyses. From scrutinizing the future of NFL stars like Travis Kelce and Jalen Hurts to evaluating the strategic maneuvers of top NBA and college teams, Colin Cowherd and his contributors deliver a compelling discourse tailored for sports enthusiasts seeking deeper insights.

Timestamps Reference

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• 06:45 – Discussion on Lakers’ acquisitions
• 07:03 – Greg Cosell on Travis Kelce
• 14:46 – Steve Covino on Chiefs’ offensive needs
• 15:45 – Colin Cowherd on Kelce’s surgeries
• 34:54 – Steve Covino on Jalen Hurts’ gameplay
• 35:38 – Steve Covino on Kellen Moore’s coaching
• 20:10 – Colin Cowherd on Dallas Cowboys’ struggles