Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – "Best of The Herd"

Release Date: February 7, 2025

1. Super Bowl Week Kickoff and MVP Debate

Timestamp: 00:00 – 07:36

The episode opens during the excitement of Super Bowl week in New Orleans, Louisiana. Host Colin Cowherd sets the stage for an in-depth discussion about the upcoming Super Bowl clash between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs. Special guest Michael Irvin joins Colin to provide expert insights and predictions.

2. Josh Allen’s MVP Selection

Timestamp: 07:37 – 12:03

Colin initiates the conversation by addressing the recent MVP award to Josh Allen, despite Lamar Jackson outperforming him head-to-head during the regular season. Colin states:

“Josh Allen won the MVP last night even though Lamar Jackson beat him head to head... I think back to one of my favorite movies of all time is Goodfellas. It was just time for Josh Allen to win the MVP, his first.”
— Colin Cowherd [07:37]

He argues that Allen’s consistent performance, especially in high-stakes games, and the strategic challenges defenses faced against him justify his MVP status. Colin emphasizes Allen's ability to lead the Buffalo Bills effectively, highlighting his team’s success in crucial moments.

3. Michael Irvin on Team Dynamics and Success

Timestamp: 07:52 – 12:56

Michael Irvin complements Colin’s analysis by praising the collective effort of the Buffalo Bills organization:

“It truly takes everybody to have team success... I'm so fortunate to be a part of a great organization.”
— Michael Irvin [07:52]

Irvin underscores the importance of every team member, from the equipment staff to the training room, in achieving success on the field. He reflects on his experience, noting that the synergy within the team has been pivotal in their journey to the Super Bowl.

4. LeBron James’ Resurgence and NBA Dynamics

Timestamp: 12:56 – 18:00

The discussion shifts to the NBA, where Colin highlights LeBron James’ exceptional performance despite advancing age:

“LeBron had 42 points last night. It's the most points ever for an old guy at 40 in the NBA.”
— Colin Cowherd [12:56]

Colin analyzes how recent trades, particularly the acquisition of Luka Dončić by the Mavericks, have revitalized LeBron’s playstyle. He compares LeBron’s ongoing evolution to legendary figures like Bill Belichick and Tom Brady, emphasizing his ability to adapt and remain a dominant force in basketball.

5. NFL Rule Changes and Their Impact on Gameplay

Timestamp: 18:00 – 30:00

Colin delves into recent NFL rule changes, specifically addressing the controversial "Tush Push" play:

“The NFL is always understood as a television show... they’re going to get rid of it.”
— Colin Cowherd [25:00]

He argues that the league prioritizes television appeal over traditional gameplay elements, leading to the elimination of certain tactics deemed detrimental to the sport’s integrity. Comparing it to past rule changes in the NBA and MLB, Colin asserts that such decisions aim to enhance viewer experience, albeit sometimes at the expense of the game’s essence.

6. Super Bowl 59 Predictions and Strategic Insights

Timestamp: 30:00 – 50:40

The core of the episode centers on predicting the outcome of Super Bowl 59. Colin and Michael engage in a detailed analysis of both teams:

• Kansas City Chiefs: Renowned for their resilience in close games, the Chiefs have a remarkable record, especially when holding the turnover battle. Michael highlights Patrick Mahomes’ adaptability and clutch performance under pressure.

  “The greatness of Patrick Mahomes is his ability to play the exact type of quarterback the team needs.”
  — Colin Cowherd [34:12]

• Philadelphia Eagles: While possessing a strong roster, the Eagles struggle in high-pressure situations, particularly in trailing scenarios. Jalen Hurts’ limited success when behind emphasizes their vulnerabilities.

  “They have two rookie corners... they gotta wear down Travis Kelce every snap.”
  — Michael Irvin [49:31]

7. Michael Irvin’s Super Bowl Experiences and Insights

Michael Irvin shares personal anecdotes from his Super Bowl experiences, emphasizing the psychological aspects of high-stakes games:

“This is the moment you played in your front yard talking about this all your damn life.”
— Michael Irvin [37:29]

He discusses the importance of mental preparation and teamwork, recalling how past Super Bowl appearances shaped his approach to the game. Irvin also touches upon the strategic adjustments made by coaches and players to navigate the intense pressure of the championship.

8. Final Predictions and Closing Remarks

Timestamp: 50:00 – End

Colin and Michael wrap up the episode with their Super Bowl predictions, favoring the Kansas City Chiefs with a final score prediction of 30-27. Michael emphasizes the Chiefs’ ability to perform consistently under pressure and their strategic edge:

“This might be one of the best Super Bowls, not the highest scoring, but fighters out here fighting.”
— Michael Irvin [50:40]

Colin reiterates his belief in Kansas City’s resilience and strategic prowess, while acknowledging Philadelphia’s potential to challenge fiercely.

Notable Quotes

• Colin Cowherd [07:37]: “Josh Allen won the MVP last night even though Lamar Jackson beat him head to head... it was time for Josh Allen to win the MVP, his first.”

• Michael Irvin [07:52]: “It truly takes everybody to have team success... I'm so fortunate to be a part of a great organization.”

• Colin Cowherd [12:56]: “LeBron had 42 points last night. It's the most points ever for an old guy at 40 in the NBA.”

• Colin Cowherd [25:00]: “The NFL is always understood as a television show... they’re going to get rid of it.”

• Michael Irvin [37:29]: “This is the moment you played in your front yard talking about this all your damn life.”

• Michael Irvin [49:31]: “They have two rookie corners... they gotta wear down Travis Kelce every snap.”

• Michael Irvin [50:40]: “This might be one of the best Super Bowls, not the highest scoring, but fighters out here fighting.”

Conclusion

The "Best of The Herd" episode provides a comprehensive analysis of the upcoming Super Bowl, MVP debates, and insights into both the NFL and NBA landscapes. With expert opinions from Michael Irvin and thoughtful commentary from Colin Cowherd, listeners are offered a nuanced perspective on team dynamics, player performances, and the strategic elements that could influence the outcome of Super Bowl 59.

For those who haven't listened to the episode, this summary encapsulates the key discussions and expert insights, offering a clear understanding of the topics covered and the perspectives shared by the hosts and special guests.