Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Best of the Week

Release Date: December 21, 2024
Host: Colin Cowherd
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

1. NFL Team Performance: Where Colin Was Right and Where He Was Wrong

In this segment, Colin Cowherd, accompanied by co-hosts Jason McIntyre and Nick Wright, delves into an analysis of various NFL teams, evaluating which of his previous predictions held true and where he missed the mark.

• Dallas Cowboys:
  Jason McIntyre reflects on the Cowboys' defensive strategies, stating, “I warned you last week on Dan Campbell. He doesn't trust his defense, so now he's going hyper reckless” (04:01). Despite this criticism, McIntyre observes that the Cowboys are currently leading the NFC South and praises quarterback Cooper Rush for his ability to "move the chains."

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
  McIntyre assigns the Buccaneers a strong position, highlighting their defense by noting, “They haven't allowed over 30 points in a game,” and commends coach Todd Bowles for his defensive prowess (04:31).

• Los Angeles Rams:
  Colin initially predicted the Rams' division victory, a sentiment McIntyre agrees with. He points out the Rams' improved offensive line and healthy roster as key factors: “They are 7 and 2 since just like last year when they got healthy. They finish strong last year” (06:32).

• Miami Dolphins and Other Teams:
  Discussions extend to other teams like the Miami Dolphins, where McIntyre notes their potential playoff success but remains cautious about their defensive consistency.

2. Quarterback Spotlight: Evaluating the League’s Top Players

The podcast features an in-depth discussion on the performance and potential of the NFL's leading quarterbacks.

• Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs):
  Matt Hasselbeck emphasizes Mahomes' resilience and competitive spirit despite injuries, stating, “Patrick Mahomes, he probably should sit this weekend against Houston, but knowing who he is and the competitor that he is, just watching him through the years, he wants to be the guy that says... I can play like I'm 40 years old” (21:14).
  Julian Edelman adds, “You've got to make sure you hammer every single one [of the metaphorical nails], because there's going to be one that you didn't hammer down that you may not see” (70:16), highlighting the meticulous nature required to excel at this level.

• Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills):
  Jason McIntyre underscores Allen's season-long dominance, declaring, “He's been the best quarterback by a mile this season in the league” (79:07). Julian Edelman agrees, appreciating Allen's integration with the Bills' offense and his status as a "chess piece" in team strategy.

• Brock Purdy (San Francisco 49ers):
  McIntyre expresses skepticism about Purdy's valuation, advising caution: “I don't think you can find a sleeper. People like Purdy, but he was reckless, he was small, he struggles in wet weather” (63:33).
  Julian Edelman concurs, emphasizing the conditional aspects of Purdy's performance: “If you're a quarterback, that's an if. Like Josh Allen is great... but there's a lot of ifs” (64:55).

• Jalen Hurts (Philadelphia Eagles):
  Both hosts acknowledge Hurts' versatility and leadership, with McIntyre predicting a potential Super Bowl matchup between the Bills and Eagles, while emphasizing Hurts' ability to run and pass effectively (79:08, 79:18).

3. Coaching Strategies and Team Dynamics

Insights from former players and coaches provide a deeper understanding of the strategic elements influencing team performances.

• Dan Campbell (Detroit Lions):
  Jason McIntyre critiques Campbell's decision-making, particularly his onside kick call, suggesting a lack of trust in the defense: “But onside kicks, now you have to announce you're doing it. So the surprise of the onside kick is done” (39:28).
  Matt Hasselbeck defends Campbell as an "emotional guy," attributing his aggressive strategies to his passionate coaching style (10:10).

• Mike McCarthy (Dallas Cowboys):
  McIntyre praises McCarthy’s coaching, noting his "good record" and predicting his job security due to the team's consistent wins and improved offense (05:46).

• Julian Edelman on Team Culture:
  Julian Edelman discusses the importance of team culture, emphasizing accountability and leadership. He critiques the Philadelphia Eagles' internal dynamics, pointing out, “Players can. They have the best roster. They got really good football players. But I think that the leadership... doesn’t have the respect everyone” (68:10). This lack of cohesion, he believes, could hinder their playoff aspirations despite their talent.

4. Playoff Predictions and Hierarchy

The hosts assess the current playoff landscape, ranking teams based on their performance and potential.

• Playoff Hierarchy:
  McIntyre presents his rankings, placing the Philadelphia Eagles at number one due to their dominant performance despite organizational issues, while considering teams like the Denver Broncos and Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the top tiers (31:04).
  Nick Wright engages in a quarterback draft exercise, selecting Josh Allen, Jalen Hurts, Matt Stafford, and others as top contenders for playoff success, debating the merits and potential of each choice (79:07 - 85:37).

• Key Predictions:

  • McIntyre forecasts victories for the Rams over the Jets and the Packers over various opponents, based on their offensive strength and defensive consistency (35:07, 35:10).
  • Wright advocates for the Chiefs, albeit with some reservations, highlighting their historical dominance and current form despite conflicting with peer assessments (37:27).

5. Special Segments: Quarterback Draft and Betting Insights

In a collaborative segment, Colin Cowherd and co-hosts engage in a quarterback drafting and betting discussion, evaluating the top quarterbacks for playoff success and making betting picks for upcoming games.

• Quarterback Draft:
  Participants select quarterbacks they believe will lead their teams to playoff victories. Notable picks include Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Jalen Hurts, Matt Stafford, and Julian Edelman’s preference for boisterous performers like Brock Purdy (79:07 - 85:37).

• Betting Picks:
  The hosts share their betting choices for college and NFL games, analyzing team performances and conditions. For example, McIntyre backs Indiana over Notre Dame in a cold-weather game, while endorsing the Rams to win against the Jets (93:19 - 98:40).

6. Guest Insights: Julian Edelman on Coaching and Team Performance

Julian Edelman, a former NFL player, joins the discussion to provide perspective on coaching philosophies and team management.

• Coaching in College vs. NFL:
  Edelman compares coaching in college football to the NFL, highlighting the flexibility and developmental opportunities in college, contrasted with the rigid, pro-focused structure of the NFL: “Spring football actually is better in college than the Pros” (58:00).

• Bill Belichick’s Transition to College Coaching:
  Discussing Bill Belichick's move to college coaching, Edelman speculates on his potential success by leveraging his player projection skills and familial influences: “He knows how to project players... his dad was a part of that whole thing” (56:25).

• Team Culture and Success:
  Edelman emphasizes the importance of a cohesive team culture, arguing that despite a talented roster, lack of respect and internal conflicts can undermine team performance: “Players can. They have the best roster. They got really good football players. But I think that the leadership... doesn’t have the respect everyone” (66:58).

7. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Colin Cowherd wraps up the episode by reiterating the ongoing analysis and encouraging listeners to engage with upcoming content.

• Final Recommendations:
  McIntyre and co-hosts express optimism about turning around their betting records and invite listeners to continue following their insights for future success (93:02, 98:40).

• Upcoming Events:
  The podcast previews the next chapter in the college football playoff and anticipates exciting matchups and performances (92:12).

Notable Quotes

1. Jason McIntyre on Cowboys' Defense:
   “I warned you last week on Dan Campbell. He doesn't trust his defense, so now he's going hyper reckless.” (04:01)

2. Matt Hasselbeck on Patrick Mahomes:
   “It’s about what I can do. I can play like I’m 40 years old from the pocket and slice and dice.” (21:14)

3. Julian Edelman on Team Culture:
   “Players can. They have the best roster. They got really good football players. But I think that the leadership... doesn’t have the respect everyone.” (66:58)

4. Julian Edelman on Bill Belichick’s Coaching:
   “Spring football actually is better in college than the Pros because of the CBA and the NFL is very limiting, without a doubt.” (58:14)

5. Nick Wright on Chiefs’ Placement:
   “You have the best record and no J Mac, the Bills didn't beat the Chiefs three weeks ago. They did beat the Chiefs five weeks ago and 57 weeks ago and 104 weeks ago as they beat him every regular season and the Chiefs dog walk them in the playoffs.” (37:27)

Conclusion

"Best of the Week on The Herd" offers a comprehensive analysis of the current NFL landscape, quarterback performances, coaching strategies, and playoff projections. Through engaging discussions and expert insights, Colin Cowherd and his co-hosts provide valuable perspectives for sports enthusiasts looking to stay informed and make informed betting decisions.