Podcast Summary: Best of The Herd The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Episode: Best of The Herd
Release Date: January 9, 2025
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Description: A comprehensive and opinionated exploration of the top sports stories of the day, focusing primarily on the NFL playoffs.

Introduction

Colin Cowherd opens the episode by diving straight into the excitement of the NFL playoffs. He emphasizes the significance of the upcoming playoff weekend, highlighting the intense competition and the shifting dynamics among the teams.

"NFL playoffs. We're talking about NFL playoffs. You bet we are." ([00:00])

Playoff Teams Overview

Colin provides an overview of the current playoff landscape, categorizing teams into "haves" and "have-nots." He mentions key teams making the playoffs, including the Chargers, Eagles, Buffalo, and Baltimore, while noting that Kansas City and Detroit secure their spots without much contention.

He also discusses teams that narrowly missed the playoffs, such as Chicago and the Raiders, pondering their future moves and potential impacts on the league.

San Francisco 49ers Analysis

A significant portion of the discussion centers around the San Francisco 49ers, who have transitioned from being perennial playoff contenders ("haves") to struggling to make the postseason ("have-nots") this year. Colin raises concerns about the team's quarterback situation and the potential long-term implications of their decisions.

"A lot of these bad teams are bad forever. Like a lot of these bad Raiders have been bad forever. Bears have been ridiculous forever. And then there's the Niners and they want to be and are usually in the haves and now they're a have not." ([02:30])

Quarterback Dynamics

Engaging in a detailed discussion with Jason McIntyre, Colin delves into the importance of quarterbacks in modern NFL success. They analyze Brock Purdy's role with the 49ers, questioning whether he can sustain the team's competitive edge.

Colin Cowherd: "What can he do? Because once he gobbles up a big chunk of the salary, he plays with less talented players." ([04:50])

Jason McIntyre: "We have every interest in him being around. He's done so much for our organization." ([05:30])

The conversation extends to the broader impact of quarterback salaries on team dynamics, citing examples like Jared Goff in LA and Tua Tagovailoa with the Dolphins. They debate whether investing heavily in a quarterback ensures long-term success or creates vulnerabilities.

"The idea of paying him early has never made any sense. I would let it play out." ([09:15])

Coaching Discussions

A notable segment addresses coaching, specifically speculating on whether legendary coach Bill Belichick might return to college football. Colin expresses skepticism about Belichick adapting to the collegiate environment, contrasting it with his proven success in the NFL.

"I can't buy into Belichick's gonna love this college football thing. I just can't do it." ([12:00])

Playoff Picks and Predictions

Colin shares his playoff predictions, categorizing teams into three tiers based on their Super Bowl potential:

1. Trophy Class: Philadelphia, Detroit, Kansas City, Baltimore, and Buffalo.
2. Potential Winners: Green Bay, Minnesota, Rams, Chargers, and Buccaneers.
3. Participants: Pittsburgh, Houston, Denver, and Washington.

"I think Philadelphia's got the best roster in the NFL and I think one of the ways to beat them is to keep that dominating O line, Saquon Barkley off the field." ([35:36])

Jason supports these picks, adding nuanced insights into specific matchups, such as the potential Buffalo vs. Denver game and the impact of rookie quarterbacks in high-stakes scenarios.

Key Insights and Conclusions

The episode underscores the critical balance between quarterback performance and overall team strength. Colin and Jason argue that while a star quarterback can propel a team, over-reliance on one player without supporting talent can hinder playoff success. They advocate for holistic team building, emphasizing strong defenses, versatile coaching, and strategic player acquisitions.

"It's not about what he's done, it's about what can he do once you take people away from him." ([10:45])

Notable Quotes

• Colin Cowherd: "You have to reframe the discussion on Brock Purdy. It has to go from ooh, look what he's done to what can he do?" ([09:30])

• Jason McIntyre: "Buffalo could win 35, 10 and no one would be surprised. I understand." ([35:04])

• Colin Cowherd: "The only thing that guarantees no Super Bowls is paying a B quarterback a money." ([14:50])

Final Thoughts

Colin wraps up the episode by reiterating the importance of strategic decision-making in team management, both in player acquisitions and coaching appointments. He encourages listeners to consider the broader implications of these decisions on playoff prospects and long-term success.

"This is an interesting time for the San Francisco 49ers. They used to be in one group, now they're in the other." ([14:00])

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers a deep dive into the NFL playoffs, dissecting team performances, quarterback impacts, and coaching strategies. Through insightful analysis and engaging discussions with Jason McIntyre, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the complex factors influencing playoff outcomes.