Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Best of The Herd Release Date: April 9, 2025

Introduction

In the "Best of The Herd" episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, listeners are treated to a dynamic blend of sports analysis, passionate discussions, and insider insights. Hosted by Colin Cowherd, with contributions from Alex Curry and guest Jason McIntyre, the episode delves deep into the latest NBA and NFL developments, offering a comprehensive overview of the most pressing sports stories of the day.

1. NBA Spotlight: The Lakers' Struggles and Luka Doncic's Ejection

The episode kicks off with an intense analysis of a recent NBA showdown between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder (OKC) that left fans abuzz.

• Luka Doncic's Ejection: Alex Curry highlights a pivotal moment where Luka Doncic was ejected after engaging in a verbal exchange with a fan.

  • Alex Curry [02:36]: "Luca put in this one-handed shot... and then Luca got ejected. You can see the official tossing Luca."

• LeBron James’ Reaction: LeBron James provides his perspective on the incident, expressing confusion and taking responsibility.

  • LeBron James [04:31]: "I can't let my team down like that."

• Narrative of the Lakers as Villains: Curry articulates a growing sentiment across the league that the Lakers, bolstered by superstars Luka and LeBron, are now seen as the "villains" of the NBA.

  • Alex Curry [05:03]: "The Lakers, the golden franchise in the league, they didn't need to get gifted. Luka Doncic and LeBron, the biggest villains since the Curry Durant warriors."

• League-Wide Reactions: The discussion extends to how other teams and players view the Lakers, noting increased antagonism and targeted gameplay against them.

  • Alex Curry [05:03]: "Opposing teams don't like Luka, and LeBron fans clearly don't like the Lakers and Luka and LeBron."

2. NFL Focus: Dallas Cowboys' Draft Strategy and Management Issues

Transitioning to the NFL, the conversation shifts to the Dallas Cowboys, examining their draft history and current management challenges.

• Draft Success vs. Player Retention: Greg Rosenthal and Jason McIntyre dissect the Cowboys' ability to draft effectively in the middle rounds but faltering in retaining talent.

  • Jason McIntyre [32:33]: "The Cowboys are priced a little bit ahead of the Jets and Giants as they should be. They have a quarterback in Dak Prescott and a couple other pieces, but their roster is not that great right now."

• Jerry Jones' Decision-Making: The focus turns to Cowboys' owner Jerry Jones, critiquing his negotiation tactics and trades that have depleted valuable draft picks.

  • Alex Curry [05:03]: "The Cowboys don't know how to hold on to guys. The only one to blame is Jerry Jones who keeps botching these contracts."

• Comparative Analysis: Comparing the Cowboys to other teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Jets, the hosts argue that Dallas is sliding downhill due to poor roster management.

  • Jason McIntyre [32:33]: "Eventually, after the draft happens and everything, the Cowboys roster looks bleak compared to teams like the Steelers."

3. NFL Betting Insights: Over/Under Picks for the Upcoming Season

Alex Curry presents his NFL betting picks, focusing on over/under predictions for four teams:

• Atlanta Falcons - Over 7.5 Wins

  • Alex Curry [34:14]: "I'm on the Falcons. Over seven and a half wins."

• Detroit Lions - Under 10.5 Wins

  • Alex Curry [34:14]: "I'm taking the under 10 and a half for Detroit."

• Seattle Seahawks - Under 7.5 Wins

  • Alex Curry [35:00]: "I don't think they can reach eight wins."

• Washington Commanders - Under 9.5 Wins

  • Alex Curry [35:20]: "Under nine and a half on the Commanders."

Jason McIntyre offers counterpoints and deeper analysis on these picks, discussing team dynamics, injuries, and schedule difficulties.

4. Guest Segment: Insights from Former NFL Star Will Blackman

The episode features Will Blackman, a former NFL secondary star and current consultant with the Dallas Cowboys, providing expert perspectives on various NFL topics.

• Draft Strategies and Player Potentials:

  • Will Blackman [32:33]: "Drafting Travis Hunter will have the same impact as if you were drafting a franchise quarterback in terms of excitement for the team."

• Balancing Offense and Defense:

  • Will Blackman [33:57]: "It's a matter of getting playmakers. You can't have a great offensive line without players who can get open and execute."

• Quarterback Dilemma:

  • Will Blackman [36:37]: "I don't think the Browns are going to rely on trading back for a quarterback. They need to build their team first."

Blackman's insights shed light on the complexities of team building, especially in managing key positions like quarterback and defensive back.

5. Light-hearted Exchanges and Closing Remarks

Throughout the episode, light-hearted banter and humorous exchanges between Alex Curry, Jason McIntyre, and even guest Will Blackman add a relatable and entertaining layer to the discussions.

• Luka Doncic and "White Lotus":

  • Luka Doncic [13:17]: "You finally watched the finale. It's like a major Star Wars ending."

• Personal Anecdotes:

  • Jason McIntyre [48:08]: "I didn't train for the combine. I ran like a four-four-one."

The episode wraps up with promotions for upcoming live editions and other shows, ensuring listeners stay engaged with the Herd and its extended content offerings.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Alex Curry [05:03]: "The Lakers... they have the best one, two punch in the league. They're the biggest villains since the Curry Durant warriors."
• Jason McIntyre [32:33]: "The Cowboys don't know how to hold on to guys. Jerry isn't doing his job."
• LeBron James [04:31]: "I can't let my team down like that."
• Alex Curry [34:14]: "Under nine and a half on the Commanders."

Conclusion

The "Best of The Herd" episode offers a compelling mix of in-depth sports analysis, strategic insights, and engaging conversations. From dissecting the Lakers' controversial status in the NBA to critiquing the Dallas Cowboys' draft and management strategies, Colin Cowherd and his co-hosts provide listeners with a thorough understanding of current sports landscapes. Whether you're a dedicated fan or a casual observer, this episode equips you with the knowledge and perspectives to stay informed and entertained.

Additional Resources

• Listen Live: Catch The Herd live every weekday on Fox Sports Radio and the iHeartRadio app.
• Follow Hosts and Guests:
  • Colin Cowherd: @ColinCowherd
  • Alex Curry: @AlexCurry
  • Jason McIntyre: @JasonMcIntyre

This summary provides an overview of the key discussions and insights from the "Best of The Herd" episode. For a complete experience, listeners are encouraged to tune into the full podcast.