Podcast Summary: "Best of The Herd" – The Herd with Colin Cowherd Release Date: August 13, 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 revisits some of the most compelling discussions and analyses from previous broadcasts. The episode delves deep into NFL dynamics, with a particular focus on the Cleveland Browns, quarterback performances, and the concept of dynasties in professional sports.

2. Cleveland Browns Quarterback Analysis

Colin opens the episode with a critical examination of the Cleveland Browns' rookie quarterbacks, referencing Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades for preseason performances.

Colin Cowherd [06:00]: "Jackson Dart was good. Jalen Milroe, Cam Ward struggled. Tyler Schuck and Quinn yours were bad."

He highlights Shador Sanders as the standout quarterback despite critiques of his on-field maturity and the quality of the receiving corps.

Colin Cowherd [06:30]: "Shador Sanders may have had a famous dad, but basically he went to a trade school and J.J. McCarthy got a liberal arts degree. One looks really impressive on a resume, the other actually gets you ready for the workforce."

Cowherd praises Sanders for his performance, noting his adaptability despite being paired with a largely undrafted receiving team.

Colin Cowherd [07:10]: "Shador Sanders, a fifth-round quarterback, can have two of them, but he is clearly comfortable being uncomfortable throwing to a bunch of no-name guys."

3. NFL Dynasties: Past and Present

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing what constitutes a dynasty in the NFL, comparing iconic teams like the New England Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs to current franchises.

Colin Cowherd [07:43]: "New England blew everybody out of the water. They had like you know, it felt like two different dynasties, early and late, but in the middle, they went 10 years and didn't get a trophy."

He argues that the concept of a dynasty is evolving, emphasizing that enduring success is now more challenging due to increased competition and excellent coaching across divisions.

Colin Cowherd [11:50]: "But the truth is, Mahomes' coach is 67, and I love Andy, but the chance of him lasting six to seven more years physically is probably very small."

Cowherd questions the sustainability of current dynasties, citing age and team composition as potential limiting factors.

Colin Cowherd [13:03]: "You’re not going to do another 20-year dynasty. It's just not going to happen with the division that good by Brady was."

4. NFL Season Predictions and Team Evaluations

Colin transitions into his annual NFL predictions, offering a detailed breakdown of each division’s prospects across the AFC and NFC.

AFC East:

• Bills to win the division.

• Patriots as the most improved team, projected to secure a wild card spot.

  Colin Cowherd [20:34]: "Bills are going to win it. Patriots are my most improved team in the NFL."

AFC North:

• Cincinnati Bengals remain strong with Joe Burrows' promising camp.

• Baltimore Ravens are lauded as the best operation in the sport.

  Colin Cowherd [21:00]: "Ravens are the best operation arguably in the sport."

AFC West:

• Kansas City Chiefs, despite challenges, are expected to remain competitive.
• Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers receive mixed reviews based on offensive line concerns and player health.

NFC East:

• Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders are favored, while the Dallas Cowboys receive skepticism about their staff and performance.

NFC North:

• Green Bay Packers gain confidence despite Jordan Love's injuries.

• Detroit Lions are moved to second place due to roster strength.

  Colin Cowherd [22:30]: "Green Bay seems more promising as they work through their first-round picks."

NFC South:

• Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints are identified as potential playoff contenders, with specific concerns about team injuries and quarterback performance.

Throughout his predictions, Cowherd emphasizes the impact of coaching, player health, and strategic acquisitions on team success.

5. Interview with Tony Grossi: Cleveland Browns Ownership and Future

A highlight of the episode is an interview with Tony Grossi, a renowned Cleveland sports journalist, providing insider perspectives on the Browns' ownership and quarterback strategy.

Ownership Critique: Grossi discusses Jimmy Haslam's tenure as owner, acknowledging his initial hardships but noting signs of maturation.

Tony Grossi [33:20]: "The Haslam family and the record has been awful. But he is maturing as an owner."

He emphasizes the stability brought by Coach Kevin Stefanski and GM Andrew Berry, who have been pivotal in evolving the team.

Tony Grossi [34:13]: "They've outlasted any other combination under the Haslam ownership."

Quarterback Depth Chart: Grossi addresses the Browns' decision to maintain four quarterbacks, citing the absence of opportunities to trade or discharge certain players.

Tony Grossi [37:34]: "I think it's very possible... they can keep four quarterbacks on the 53 and accommodate the positions that they sacrifice then on the practice squad."

Personality and Leadership: Discussing Shador Sanders' demeanor, Grossi defends his playful personality as an asset rather than a liability.

Tony Grossi [39:53]: "You cannot leave a conversation with Shador without smiling. He is a very positive and playful guy."

6. Concluding Thoughts on Team Development and Future Prospects

Wrapping up the discussions, both Colin and Grossi reflect on the future of the Browns and broader NFL trends. The conversation underscores the importance of player development, strategic management, and leadership stability in achieving sustained success.

Tony Grossi [42:45]: "I don't have any doubt that the scenario you're describing will not be the end of this partnership."

Cowherd expresses cautious optimism about the Browns' trajectory, acknowledging the challenges but also the potential for growth under current management.

Colin Cowherd [43:24]: "It's been a tough journey, but with the right moves, the Browns can turn things around."

7. Final Remarks

Colin wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to stay informed and engaged with his expert analyses, reinforcing the podcast's commitment to providing in-depth sports coverage.

Colin Cowherd [43:31]: "Of course. Gotta support those radio guys. See you tomorrow."

Notable Quotes:

• Colin Cowherd [07:43]: "New England blew everybody out of the water... they went 10 years and didn't get a trophy."
• Tony Grossi [33:20]: "The Haslam family and the record has been awful. But he is maturing as an owner."
• Colin Cowherd [20:34]: "Bills are going to win it. Patriots are my most improved team in the NFL."

Conclusion

"Best of The Herd" offers listeners a comprehensive look back at some of the most insightful NFL discussions, particularly focusing on the Cleveland Browns' strategic decisions and the broader landscape of NFL dynasties. With expert analysis from both Colin Cowherd and Tony Grossi, the episode provides valuable perspectives for sports enthusiasts keen on understanding the intricate dynamics of professional football.