Best of The Herd Episode Summary

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
• Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
• Episode: Best of The Herd
• Release Date: January 22, 2025

Introduction to the Episode

The "Best of The Herd" episode, hosted by Colin Cowherd, delves into a range of hot-button topics in the sports world. From dissecting controversial refereeing decisions to analyzing coaching hires and quarterback performances, Colin engages in insightful discussions complemented by guest appearances, including NFL legend Tom Brady.

Refereeing Controversies in the NFL

Colin opens the discussion by expressing his frustration with fans and friends who consistently blame referees for unfavorable game outcomes. He uses the Kansas City Chiefs' impressive 22-2 record as a case study, highlighting how even seasoned analysts like J. Mac attribute the team's success to luck and officiating.

• Colin Cowherd [03:30]: "I do not believe in curses, UFOs, ghosts. Sorry, but I said this this morning to the staff..."

Colin critiques the tendency to blame referees despite other significant factors influencing game results, such as team performance and special teams' plays.

Analysis of a Recent Houston Texans Game

The conversation shifts to a specific game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Houston Texans, where questionable refereeing decisions were made.

• Colin Cowherd [05:15]: "It's the biggest possession of the game for the Houston Texans. They are scrambling to get the play in... And here's the call. Yeah, this is too big of a play."

He breaks down pivotal moments in the game, questioning the legitimacy of certain calls and emphasizing that while referees have an impact, team performance should not be overlooked.

Tom Brady's Insights on Quarterback Performance

NFL icon Tom Brady joins the conversation, providing his perspective on quarterback development and performance.

• Tom Brady [28:12]: "I think it's always, you know, there's, there's... You have to have an understanding if you want to reach your true potential."

Brady discusses the importance of balancing physical, mental, and emotional aspects to achieve peak performance. He commends rookie quarterback Jaden Daniels for his poise and work ethic, drawing parallels to his own career development.

• Tom Brady [41:41]: "He has tremendous poise in the pocket. He's calm under the chaos of being an NFL quarterback... That's a great trait to have as an athlete."

Coaching Hires and Team Dynamics

Colin and Tom delve into the recent coaching hires across NFL teams, focusing on the New York Jets' decision to hire Aaron Glenn as their defensive coordinator.

• Colin Cowherd [44:00]: "I like the hire. I don't have a problem with it. They weren't going to get Ben Johnson, so... I like the hire."

They discuss the historical context of coaching hires in the Jets organization, evaluating the potential impact of Glenn's defensive background on the team's performance.

• Tom Brady [22:22]: "Being a rookie, too, you got to almost go back to what your roots are as a rookie and remember that when you are a rookie..."

Discussion on NFL Offensive Strategies and Rules

The episode also covers the evolving nature of NFL offensive strategies and the implications of recent rule changes designed to protect quarterbacks.

• Tom Brady [33:23]: "There's an aspect that I don't like about some of these defensive rules... Offensive players need to protect themselves."

Brady criticizes the league's protective measures for quarterbacks, arguing that it diminishes the physicality of the game and affects the overall quality of play.

Jaden Daniels: A Rising Star

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to spotlighting Jaden Daniels, a rookie quarterback who has garnered attention for his exceptional performance.

• Tom Brady [31:00]: "Jaden looks, and I know this for a fact, he is a tremendous work ethic... He's in the playbook..."

Colin echoes Brady's sentiments, emphasizing Daniels' potential to be a top-tier quarterback with the right development and team support.

Closing Remarks

As the episode wraps up, Colin reflects on the insights shared and the importance of nuanced perspectives in sports analysis. He underscores the value of evaluating teams and players beyond superficial narratives, advocating for a more comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing game outcomes.

• Colin Cowherd [51:13]: "Listen to My Legacy on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. This is My Legacy."

Notable Quotes

1. Colin Cowherd [03:30]: "I do not believe in curses, UFOs, ghosts. Sorry, but I said this this morning to the staff..."
2. Tom Brady [28:12]: "I think it's always, you know, there's, there's... You have to have an understanding if you want to reach your true potential."
3. Tom Brady [41:41]: "He has tremendous poise in the pocket. He's calm under the chaos of being an NFL quarterback... That's a great trait to have as an athlete."
4. Colin Cowherd [44:00]: "I like the hire. I don't have a problem with it. They weren't going to get Ben Johnson, so... I like the hire."
5. Tom Brady [33:23]: "There's an aspect that I don't like about some of these defensive rules... Offensive players need to protect themselves."

Conclusion

The "Best of The Herd" episode offers a deep dive into current NFL dynamics, featuring expert commentary from Colin Cowherd and insights from Tom Brady. By addressing topics like refereeing controversies, coaching strategies, and emerging quarterback talent, the episode provides listeners with a comprehensive overview of the factors shaping today's football landscape.