Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – “Best of The Herd”

Release Date: December 27, 2024
Host: Colin Cowherd
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Introduction

In the “Best of The Herd” episode, Colin Cowherd, alongside co-hosts Doug Gottlieb and guest speakers Dave Wanstadt and Ben Johnson, delves deep into the current landscape of the NFL. The episode provides insightful analysis, passionate debates, and strategic betting tips, all while addressing the intricacies of team performances, coaching dynamics, and player developments.

Chicago Bears: A Case Study in Struggles and Potential

The episode opens with a critical examination of the Chicago Bears' season performance, focusing particularly on quarterback Caleb Williams and the team's offensive line.

Doug Gottlieb [03:50]: "I felt bad for Caleb Williams. He's been sacked 67 times this year, seven times last night. That’s more than Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes combined."

Cowherd highlights the Bears' offensive line, noting their poor ranking and insufficient pay, which contribute to the quarterback's struggles.

Doug Gottlieb [06:00]: "The Bears offensive line ranked 29th and is the second least paid offensive line for a perpetually cheap franchise. It's a bad old line."

The discussion shifts to the coaching strategies under Jim Harbaugh, questioning whether a more innovative offensive coordinator could rejuvenate the team's performance.

Doug Gottlieb [05:20]: "Maybe a clever young offensive coordinator is the answer, but you have to save this kid."

Coaching Dynamics: The Mike McCarthy Debate

A significant portion of the discussion centers around Mike McCarthy’s coaching legacy and his recent job security within the NFL landscape.

Doug Gottlieb [08:03]: "There's a story I saw this morning, and I've said through the years, I think Mike McCarthy's a good coach. Don't put him in Andy Reid's category or Sean McVeigh, but I think he's a good coach."

Ben Johnson, joining as a guest, defends McCarthy's coaching prowess despite past criticisms and emphasizes his adaptability and success with elite quarterbacks.

Ben Johnson [50:23]: "Look at Sam Darnold, Baker, Bryce Young. It's generally offensive coach, certain sensibility the defensive guys don't have."

The conversation underscores McCarthy’s ability to handle high-pressure environments and his potential return to the Bears, suggesting that fresh offensive strategies could benefit the team.

Doug Gottlieb [08:49]: "He takes over an old, rigid, stubborn team and can potentially turn it around with the right offensive coach."

Quarterback Performance and Development

Caleb Williams’ performance is scrutinized extensively, with Cowherd and Johnson debating the impact of coaching on his development.

Doug Gottlieb [06:30]: "He has four 300-yard passing games, more than Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes, but he's been sacked excessively."

Ben Johnson advocates for stabilizing the offensive coaching staff to foster a better environment for Williams, drawing parallels to successful quarterback-coach relationships in the league.

Ben Johnson [51:01]: "I think that helps the young quarterbacks. It gives your quarterback a chance to convert third downs and rest your defense."

Betting Insights: Blazing Five Segment

The hosts transition into a betting segment called "Blazing Five," where they present their top bets for upcoming NFL games.

1. Broncos at Bengals: Broncos +3.5

   Doug Gottlieb [37:06]: "I get Sean Payton, a great offensive coach with extra rest, and I have the Bengals on a little shorter week they played a Saturday game."

2. Raiders at Saints: Saints +1

   Doug Gottlieb [37:40]: "Any team that gets humiliated in a standalone game usually plays with intensity, especially if they're home."

3. Bills at Jets: Bills -9.5

   Doug Gottlieb [37:50]: "Buffalo don't give the ball up. You can't get to Josh Allen."

4. Falcons at Commanders: Falcons +4

   Doug Gottlieb [38:20]: "Michael Penix the offense is different. Raheem Morris has got a strong defense playing well."

5. Ohio State vs. Oregon: Ohio State -2.5

   Doug Gottlieb [38:50]: "Ohio State's defense this season, they have better players and a stellar running game."

Notable Betting Quote:

Doug Gottlieb [37:05]: "Lay the points 2817 Bills winning cover Falcons at commander."

Guest Insights: Ben Johnson on Team Strategies

Ben Johnson provides expert analysis on the resurgence of the run game in the NFL, attributing it to better coaching strategies and the benefits it brings to young quarterbacks.

Ben Johnson [51:01]: "Running the football helps young quarterbacks immensely. It gives them manageable third downs and allows the defense to rest."

He also discusses the balance between offensive and defensive plays, emphasizing the importance of adaptative coaching to maximize team performance.

Ben Johnson [52:30]: "They have the second fewest penalties in the NFL and a positive turnover margin. All the things that win games, they're doing a very good job."

Philadelphia Eagles: Emotional Coaching and Team Control

The Philadelphia Eagles’ coach, Nick Sirianni, is analyzed for his passionate and sometimes volatile interactions, both with players and fans. Cowherd questions whether Sirianni's emotional demeanor is beneficial or detrimental to the team’s cohesion.

Doug Gottlieb [52:52]: "Philadelphia's coach, Nick Sirianni, has had multiple instances of outbursts. It’s not the way you would have done it."

Ben Johnson counters by highlighting the team's performance metrics, suggesting that Sirianni's emotional intensity might be translating into better gameplay.

Ben Johnson [53:50]: "They are one of the few teams in the top 10 in offense and defense with a positive turnover margin."

Special Segments: Call to Action Against Hate

Repeatedly throughout the episode, co-hosts Lavar Arrington and Eric Mangini interrupt the main discussion segments with messages encouraging listeners to combat hate in society. They advocate for unity and collective action to “call a timeout against hate.”

Lavar Arrington [01:02 & 15:32 & 31:37 & 43:31 & 75:05 & 77:35]: "In our country, the hate is at an all-time high. We need to take a timeout against hate by visiting standup toallhate.org..."

Closing Remarks and Future Episodes

As the episode concludes, the hosts reiterate the importance of strategic coaching, team dynamics, and informed betting choices. They tease upcoming episodes focusing on college football playoffs and promise continued in-depth analysis.

Doug Gottlieb [75:26]: "We've had a lot of fun this week. Next week is an all-timer with extended shows focusing on college football playoffs."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Doug Gottlieb [03:50]: "I felt bad for Caleb Williams. He's been sacked 67 times this year, seven times last night."

2. Ben Johnson [50:23]: "Look at Sam Darnold, Baker, Bryce Young. It's generally offensive coach, certain sensibility the defensive guys don't have."

3. Doug Gottlieb [37:05]: "Lay the points 2817 Bills winning cover Falcons at commander."

4. Ben Johnson [51:01]: "Running the football helps young quarterbacks immensely."

5. Doug Gottlieb [08:03]: "Mike McCarthy's a good coach...he takes over an old, rigid, stubborn team."

Conclusion

The “Best of The Herd” episode serves as a comprehensive overview of the NFL’s current state, spotlighting key teams like the Chicago Bears and Philadelphia Eagles while offering valuable betting insights. Through passionate debate and expert analysis, Colin Cowherd and his co-hosts provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of team dynamics, coaching effectiveness, and player performance, making it an essential listen for sports enthusiasts seeking depth beyond surface-level commentary.