Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – "Best of the Week on The Herd" Release Date: February 8, 2025

Introduction

In the "Best of the Week on The Herd," hosted by Colin Cowherd on iHeartPodcasts and The Volume, listeners are treated to a comprehensive analysis of the week's top sports stories. This episode delves into significant NBA trades, the highly anticipated Super Bowl, and features insightful interviews with sports legends Julian Edelman and Drew Brees. The discussion is rich with expert opinions, strategic breakdowns, and forward-looking predictions that cater to both avid sports enthusiasts and casual listeners.

1. The Lakers' Controversial Trade: An In-Depth Analysis

Timestamp: [00:31:00 – 08:04]

One of the episode's focal points is the recent trade involving the Los Angeles Lakers and superstar Luka Doncic. Colin Cowherd and co-host Jason McIntyre dissect the implications of this move, questioning the rationale behind trading a high-caliber player like Doncic for minimal returns.

• Jason McIntyre's Critique: McIntyre expresses strong disapproval of the Lakers' decision, labeling it "absolutely egregiously bad" due to the imbalance in the trade. He highlights Luka's work ethic and defensive capabilities, comparing him favorably to legends like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. McIntyre states, “There’s a little Shaq, a little Barkley. He’s not the hardest worker,” underscoring the Lakers' preference for longevity and work ethic over raw talent ([07:15] [00:38:30]).

• Factors Behind the Trade: The discussion explores possible motivations such as Luka's contract demands and the Lakers' strategic shift towards players with stronger defensive prowess. McIntyre points out, “The Lakers are aspirational franchise with statues everywhere in the building. I think we're going to get a more dedicated Luca,” suggesting that the Lakers prioritize long-term stability and dedication ([08:04] [00:39:45]).

• Lack of Trade Compensation: A significant concern raised is the minimal return the Lakers received in exchange for Doncic—merely one first-round pick. McIntyre laments, “The lack of resources is unbelievable. They got one draft pick," emphasizing the lopsided nature of the trade ([07:50] [00:38:05]).

2. Super Bowl Week Preview: Team Strategies and Player Predictions

Timestamp: [08:04 – 22:20]

As Super Bowl week approaches, the hosts shift focus to previewing the upcoming championship game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles.

• Team Strategies:

  • Kansas City Chiefs: Emphasizes their situational football and ability to perform under pressure. McIntyre praises Patrick Mahomes' calmness in high-stakes moments, stating, “Mahomes needs the playoff intensity to elevate himself. Nine consecutive postseason wins. He's number one” ([09:00] [00:41:10]).
  • Philadelphia Eagles: Highlights their robust defense, particularly rookie cornerbacks like Mitchell and their overall strategic improvements. McIntyre asserts, “I think we’re going to get a more dedicated Luca,” suggesting that the Eagles have strengthened their defensive lineup effectively ([09:45] [00:42:20]).

• Player Analysis:

  • Patrick Mahomes vs. Jalen Hurts: The episode features a detailed comparison of Chiefs' quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Eagles' Jalen Hurts. McIntyre leans towards Mahomes due to his playoff consistency, while guest Drew Brees supports Hurts, predicting him as the MVP ([10:30] [00:43:50]).
  • Key Players: Discussion includes the impact of players like Saquon Barkley, Chris Jones, Jalen Carter, and Travis Kelce, analyzing their performances and potential game-changing abilities ([10:15] [00:43:10]).

• Predictions:

  • McIntyre predicts a Chiefs victory with a scoreline of 31-19, citing the Chiefs' superior offensive strategy and Mahomes' unparalleled performance in postseason games ([52:29] [01:08:20]).
  • Conversely, Drew Brees anticipates an Eagles win, highlighting Jalen Hurts' efficiency and the Eagles' defensive strengths, especially against the Chiefs' offensive line ([52:55] [01:08:30]).

3. Guest Interviews: Julian Edelman and Drew Brees Share Insights

Timestamp: [18:43 – 63:26]

The episode features exclusive interviews with NFL legends Julian Edelman and Drew Brees, who provide firsthand accounts of their Super Bowl experiences, strategies, and personal anecdotes.

• Super Bowl Preparation:

  • Julian Edelman: Discusses the meticulous preparation involved in Super Bowl week, emphasizing mental toughness and strategic play adjustments. He shares insights on game planning and the importance of adaptability: “We flip the switch. Game plan” ([22:02] [00:46:00]).
  • Drew Brees: Reflects on his Super Bowl experiences, highlighting team cohesion and the impact of community support in New Orleans. Brees remarks, “They were more fans of New Orleans than they were fans of the Saints” ([30:58] [00:54:20]).

• Key Moments and Strategies:

  • Crucial Plays: Edelman recounts pivotal plays from past Super Bowls, illustrating the significance of trust and spontaneous decision-making on the field. For example, he describes a game-changing double move play: “We run this, we put it in literally the night before and man it works like a charm” ([24:51] [00:51:20]).
  • Team Dynamics: Brees emphasizes the unique atmosphere of playing in New Orleans, noting the mutual respect and unity between the team and the community: “We were all in this whole effort together” ([30:58] [00:54:30]).

• Personal Anecdotes:

  • Both guests share memorable moments from their Super Bowl days, including locker room dynamics, pre-game speeches, and the emotional highs and lows of championship play. Brees recalls a heartfelt moment with teammates, while Edelman discusses the balance between maintaining routine and embracing the chaos of Super Bowl preparations ([36:09] – [47:03]).

4. Final Predictions and Conclusions

Timestamp: [50:04 – 63:26]

As the episode draws to a close, the hosts and guests synthesize their discussions into final predictions and reflections on the upcoming Super Bowl.

• MVP Predictions:

  • Jason McIntyre: Bets on Patrick Mahomes due to his consistent high performance and leadership on the field.
  • Drew Brees: Favors Jalen Hurts, predicting him as the MVP for his efficient play and ability to leverage the Eagles' strengths ([51:51] – [52:55]).

• Team Outcomes:

  • McIntyre's Chiefs Win: Predicts a decisive Chiefs victory, underscoring their offensive prowess and strategic gameplay ([52:29] [01:08:20]).
  • Brees' Eagles Triumph: Anticipates an Eagles win driven by their comprehensive defense and Hurts' effective leadership ([52:55] [01:08:30]).

• Coach and Player Highlights:

  • Andy Reid: Brees praises Reid's longevity and strategic mind, asserting his continued presence in the league despite age ([54:15] [01:09:00]).
  • Travis Kelce: Discusses Kelce's enduring impact and marketability, suggesting his pivotal role in the Chiefs' success ([57:02] [01:09:40]).

• Closing Remarks: The episode concludes with a reflection on the shared experiences of the guests and hosts, celebrating the community's support and the spirit of competition that defines the Super Bowl. Brees underscores the unique bond between the team and New Orleans, while Edelman highlights the mental and physical preparation essential for championship success ([59:19] – [63:26]).

Notable Quotes

1. Jason McIntyre on the Lakers' Trade:

   • “The Lakers more so than even the Yankees get the guy. So they have found their guy for the Next, we think five to 10 years.” ([07:15] [00:38:30])

2. Drew Brees on New Orleans Community:

   • “They were more fans of New Orleans than they were fans of the Saints. It was like, man, thanks for loving this city.” ([30:58] [00:54:20])

3. Julian Edelman on Super Bowl Strategy:

   • “We wanted to have as normal a work week as possible... We flipped the switch. Game plan.” ([22:02] [00:46:00])

4. Predicting Super Bowl MVP:

   • Jason McIntyre: “Patrick Mahomes needs the playoff intensity to elevate himself. Nine consecutive postseason wins. He's number one.” ([52:29] [01:08:20])
   • Drew Brees: “I think Jalen Hurts can deliver... The narrative around Hurts is weird. But he's playing to the team's strengths.” ([52:55] [01:08:30])

Conclusion

In this episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," listeners receive a multifaceted exploration of current sports dynamics, from high-stakes NBA trades to strategic insights ahead of the Super Bowl. The inclusion of sports icons Julian Edelman and Drew Brees enriches the conversation, offering a blend of analytical prowess and personal storytelling. Whether dissecting team strategies or predicting game outcomes, the hosts ensure a captivating and informative experience, making it a must-listen for fans eager to stay ahead in the world of sports.