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

Release Date: August 7, 2025
Host: Colin Cowherd
Guests: Greg Cosell

Overview

In the "Best of The Herd" episode, host Colin Cowherd teams up with seasoned sports analyst Greg Cosell to delve deep into the intricacies of NFL quarterback performances, team dynamics, and the evolving expectations placed upon young athletes. The conversation is rich with insights into player evaluations, coaching strategies, and the business side of professional football.

Key Discussions

1. Arch Manning and the Legacy of the Manning Family

Colin opens the discussion by highlighting the impressive career of Arch Manning, stating, "Arch Manning made $6.5 million last year at Texas" (02:30). He emphasizes Arch's business acumen and professionalism, comparing him to his illustrious family members like Eli and Peyton Manning. The conversation underscores Arch's exceptional work ethic, which Greg echoes by noting, "his work ethic is really pretty incredible" (05:10).

2. Age and Standards for NFL Quarterbacks

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the disproportionate standards applied to young quarterbacks. Greg asserts, "It is totally unfair that at 23 years old as an NFL quarterback, you are held to a totally different standard" (04:45). He contrasts this with older athletes who receive more lenient evaluations, highlighting the unique pressures young quarterbacks face both on and off the field.

3. Analysis of Specific Quarterbacks

• Dak Prescott: Colin praises Prescott's reliability, likening him to "the Honda Civic of this league" due to his consistency and high performance (06:52). Greg concurs, emphasizing Prescott's leadership and intelligence, stating, "Dak fundamentally is a complete grownup" (20:17).

• Jalen Hurts: The duo discusses Hurts' pivotal role in the Eagles' success, noting his ability to execute a "four-down offense" that keeps defenses guessing (39:24). Colin remarks, "Jalen Hurts is a critical piece in what he brings" (41:43).

• Shador Sanders: Greg expresses skepticism about Sanders' maturity and self-awareness, referencing his "speeding tickets" as indicative of potential off-field issues (48:14). Colin adds that Sanders, being a fifth-round pick, faces an uphill battle to prove himself as a reliable pocket quarterback (49:24).

4. NFL Draft and Team Management

The conversation shifts to the challenges teams face in the draft, with Greg highlighting the complexity of finding the right fit for quarterbacks within different team cultures. He discusses the potential mismatches between coaches and quarterbacks, particularly with Caleb Williams, and the importance of offensive coordinators in developing young talent (34:05).

5. Caleb Williams and Bo Nix Evaluations

• Caleb Williams: Greg expresses concerns about Williams' tendency to "hold the ball too long," which could hinder his performance in the NFL (32:11). Colin counters by acknowledging Williams' physical traits and adaptability, suggesting that while he has much to learn, his foundational skills are strong (37:47).

• Bo Nix: Colin praises Nix's arm strength and athleticism, noting that his throwing capabilities are "better than people gave him credit for" (36:11). Greg adds that Nix's physical attributes make him a formidable athlete, despite perceptions about his size (37:09).

6. Perspectives on Jared Goff and Other Veterans

The discussion includes an analysis of veteran quarterbacks like Jared Goff, who Greg describes as having "the most underrated arm in the league" (49:32). Colin comments on Goff's nuanced understanding of offensive schemes, suggesting that his adaptability could be key to his sustained success (44:42).

Notable Quotes

• Greg Cosell: "It is totally unfair that at 23 years old as an NFL quarterback, you are held to a totally different standard." (04:45)

• Colin Cowherd: "Jalen Hurts is a critical piece in what he brings." (41:43)

• Greg Cosell: "He's accurate but not quite as super accurate as a lot of people make out." (48:14)

• Colin Cowherd: "Dak fundamentally is a complete grownup." (20:17)

• Greg Cosell: "The two best pocket guys are Stafford and Goff and they are great throwers of the football." (49:24)

Conclusions

The episode offers a nuanced exploration of the challenges and expectations surrounding NFL quarterbacks. Colin and Greg underscore the importance of balancing physical talent with mental maturity and professional demeanor. They advocate for a more equitable evaluation of young athletes, recognizing the unique pressures they face in both collegiate and professional arenas. The discussion also highlights the significant role of coaching and team dynamics in shaping the careers of these athletes, emphasizing that success is often contingent on a supportive and strategic environment.

For listeners seeking an in-depth analysis of NFL quarterbacks and the broader implications of team management, this episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" provides valuable perspectives grounded in experience and expertise.

Timestamps Reference

• 02:30: Introduction of the main conversation between Colin and Greg.
• 04:45: Discussion on the unfair standards for young quarterbacks.
• 05:10: Greg praises Arch Manning's work ethic.
• 06:52: Comparison of Dak Prescott's reliability.
• 20:17: Further praise for Dak Prescott.
• 32:11: Concerns about Caleb Williams' performance.
• 34:05: NFL draft insights and quarterback-coach fit.
• 36:11: Analysis of Bo Nix's arm strength.
• 37:09: Gimproved assessment of Bo Nix's athleticism.
• 37:47: Colin's appraisal of Drake May.
• 39:24: Jalen Hurts' role in the Eagles' offense.
• 41:43: Importance of Jalen Hurts to his team.
• 44:42: Discussion on Jared Goff's role in Detroit.
• 48:14: Evaluation of Shador Sanders' maturity.
• 49:24: Comparison between Jared Goff and Matt Stafford.
• 49:32: Highlighting Jared Goff's underrated arm strength.

Note: Timestamps correspond to moments within the provided transcript to aid in locating specific discussions.