Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – "Best of The Herd" (August 5, 2025)
The "Best of The Herd" episode offers a comprehensive dive into the current landscape of American sports, touching on the evolving dynamics of the NFL, the rigidity of college football playoffs, in-depth basketball analyses, coaching philosophies, and the state of soccer in the U.S. Hosted primarily by Jason McIntyre, alongside contributors Nick Wright and Joel Klatt, the episode is rich with insights, debates, and forward-looking predictions.
1. NFL Trends and Expansion
Jason McIntyre opens the discussion by presenting his evolving perspective on the NFL's trajectory. He posits that the league is becoming increasingly predictable, with fewer new teams breaking into the playoff scene. McIntyre elaborates on the implications of the NFL expanding to 18 games, suggesting that this extension will exacerbate the gap between top-tier and lower-tier teams, making the league more akin to the NBA in terms of predictability and disparity.
"I believe as much as everybody, myself included, wants change, the NFL is going to become the NBA. You kind of know, I mean, go look at the AFC. If you go look at the AFC, who's made the divisional round the last two years? Oh, Ravens, Bills, Kansas City, and it feels like it's the same teams every year."
— Jason McIntyre [04:30]
He discusses his skepticism about new playoff teams emerging, citing only a handful, like Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals, as potential additions. McIntyre warns that the expansion and the league’s increased focus on quarterbacks may lead to a homogenization of team strategies and diminish competitive unpredictability.
2. College Football Playoffs and Dominance of Top Programs
Transitioning to college football, McIntyre critiques the expansion of the College Football Playoff, arguing that it fails to provide a competitive platform for "little guy" programs. He asserts that the depth of rosters and financial advantages perpetuate the dominance of established powerhouses like Texas, Ohio State, and Alabama.
"When you extend the season, you expand the playoffs and add more games. That all benefits the big dog. That all benefits Ohio State, Alabama, Georgia, the new Texas. That's who it benefits."
— Jason McIntyre [06:15]
He draws parallels between the NFL and college football, emphasizing that both are leaning towards favoring programs with substantial resources and deeper talent pools, thereby limiting opportunities for emerging or traditionally underdog teams.
3. Basketball Analysis: LeBron James and Luka Doncic
A significant portion of the episode delves into basketball, focusing on the dynamic duo of LeBron James and Luka Doncic in the Los Angeles Lakers. McIntyre speculates on the future performances and roles of both stars, predicting a divergent trajectory where Doncic emerges as a top-tier player while LeBron's influence wanes.
"One will look like a top three player in the league and one will look like he's 40. Good, but not nearly as consistent."
— Jason McIntyre [25:09]
He highlights Luka's improved physical condition and increased usage rate, forecasting that Luka will take on a more dominant role, potentially eclipsing LeBron's contributions. This shift, McIntyre suggests, could redefine the Lakers' strategy and performance dynamics moving forward.
4. Coaching and Media Influence: Mike McDaniel and the Dolphins
The conversation shifts to the Miami Dolphins and head coach Mike McDaniel. McIntyre critiques the media's favoritism towards certain coaches, questioning the tangible success behind the positive coverage. He contrasts McDaniel's analytical approach with the traditional physicality and toughness inherent in football leadership.
"I think there is an arrogance to the idea that, that in some ways that football is talked about when it comes to the actual physicality and toughness of the game gets lost in some of the math."
— Jason McIntyre [50:21]
Another contributor adds that while McDaniel is intellectually adept and innovative, there’s a perceived disconnect between his analytical methods and the gritty, hands-on nature required to lead a physically demanding sport like football.
"There is magic in the indefinable toughness stuff."
— Unnamed Speaker [49:43]
The discussion underscores a tension between modern analytical strategies and traditional coaching philosophies, suggesting that the Dolphins may struggle to instill fear and resilience comparable to more physically assertive teams.
5. The State of Soccer in America
Addressing Tom Brady's comments on soccer, McIntyre offers a defense of the sport's growing popularity in the United States. He acknowledges the passionate following but contends that soccer remains a niche compared to entrenched American sports like football and basketball.
"The World cup is coming to America in 2026. You can't imagine the fanfare when that happens."
— Tom Brady (Referenced by Jason McIntyre) [32:10]
McIntyre reflects on the cultural and historical depth of soccer, particularly in Europe, and suggests that while soccer has a dedicated fan base, it hasn't yet captured the mainstream American sports fandom to the same extent.
6. Media Presentation and Public Perception
Towards the episode's conclusion, McIntyre and his co-host discuss the influence of media presentation on public perception, using examples like Colin Cowherd's attire at press conferences. They debate the importance of appearance versus content, emphasizing that while presentation matters, substance should prevail.
"There are dress codes in life... It’s one thing to have a hat on backwards for a wide receiver in an interview on the field... but is a backwards visor a good look on anyone? I'm yet to see it."
— Jason McIntyre [43:07]
This segment highlights the broader theme of how media narratives and personal branding intersect with athletic performance and leadership.
Conclusion
The "Best of The Herd" episode encapsulates a critical examination of contemporary trends in American sports. Through thoughtful analysis and spirited debate, Jason McIntyre and his panel challenge prevailing narratives, urging listeners to reconsider the implications of league expansions, the sustainability of dominant programs, and the evolving nature of sports leadership. Whether it's the predictability creeping into the NFL, the rigidity of college football playoffs, or the nuanced dynamics within the Lakers' basketball roster, the episode offers listeners a nuanced perspective on where American sports are headed.
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