Podcast Summary: "Best of the Week on The Herd" – The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Release Date: March 15, 2025
Host: Colin Cowherd
Guest Speakers: Paul Pierce, Max Crosby, Jason McIntyre
Platform: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
1. Introduction
The episode titled "Best of the Week on The Herd" kicks off with Colin Cowherd navigating through the whirlwind of the NFL free agency period. Emphasizing the significance of this week for grading front offices, Colin sets the stage for an in-depth analysis of recent player movements, team strategies, and future predictions for both the NFC and AFC divisions.
2. NFL Free Agency Analysis
a. Key Player Movements
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DeVonte Adams to the Rams: Colin expresses approval of DeVonte Adams' move to the Los Angeles Rams, citing trust in the Rams' culture and Adams' remaining prime years.
"The Devonte Adams move to the Rams... feels smart to me because I trust the Rams culture." [02:44]
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Sam Darnold's Potential Transfers: Despite rumors, Sam Darnold is confirmed not to be joining the Minnesota Vikings. Colin highlights Seattle and Pittsburgh as potential suitors but leans towards Rams’ sustainability.
"Sam Darnold's not, despite the rumors and reports, gonna be a Minnesota Viking... Seattle's the leader in the clubhouse." [02:44]
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Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers: Colin questions the compatibility of Aaron Rodgers with the Pittsburgh Steelers, doubting the fit given Pittsburgh’s defensive-centric and conservative culture.
"Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers are talking. This doesn't work for me as a fit at all." [02:44]
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Geno Smith's Extension: Surprised by Geno Smith securing a significant contract despite mixed performance metrics, Colin sees value in his experience and the stability he brings to the Raiders' roster.
"It caught me off guard that Geno may get another three or four-year big money deal." [02:44]
b. Predictions for NFC and AFC Divisions
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NFC East:
Colin predicts the Philadelphia Eagles to emerge stronger despite free agency losses, while the Commanders bolster their lineup with acquisitions like Laramie Tunsil and Deebo Samuel. -
NFC North:
He favors the Chicago Bears due to their draft picks and coaching upgrades over the traditionally stronger Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions. -
NFC South:
Colin underscores the Atlanta Falcons as a potential new playoff team, crediting quarterback Michael Penix’s influence. -
NFC West:
The Los Angeles Rams are favored to win the division, with Colin noting their strategic acquisitions and strong coaching. -
AFC East:
Colin confidently predicts the Buffalo Bills to dominate the division, followed by a rejuvenated New England Patriots as a surprise contender. -
AFC North:
Predictions lean towards the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals securing playoff spots, with skepticism around the Pittsburgh Steelers’ consistency. -
AFC South:
The Tennessee Titans and Houston Texans are highlighted as the most improved teams, with Colin highlighting strategic coaching and player developments. -
AFC West:
The Los Angeles Chargers are tipped to win the division, despite questions about their offseason upgrades, while the Denver Broncos are noted for their defensive improvements."My division winners, I'm going to do it like last year with one exception. Bills, Ravens, Texans, Chargers..." [02:44]
3. Discussion on WNBA and Star Players
Colin critiques the WNBA’s handling of star athletes like Caitlin Clark, drawing parallels to other sports where generational talents are celebrated rather than resisted. He emphasizes the importance of supporting leagues by promoting their standout players instead of striking or complaining about existing structures.
"The league just can't commissioner down. Can't get it right... There's too much hate in this country and it's gotta stop." [02:44]
4. NBA Conversation with Paul Pierce
a. Player Analyses
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Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler Impact: Colin and Paul discuss how Jimmy Butler's addition has rejuvenated Stephen Curry’s performance, noting Curry's increased three-point shooting percentage since Butler's arrival.
"Steph now is shooting 42% on threes since Jimmy Butler arrived... Butler has been a B12 shot in the hip for Steph Curry." [02:44]
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San Antonio Spurs and Young Players: They explore the dynamics of young players like Zion Williamson and the potential impact of high-risk, high-reward acquisitions on team performance.
"Zion Williamson... a high risk, high reward for New York." [02:44]
b. Team Strategies
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Boston Celtics' Scoring Approach: Paul highlights the Celtics' reliance on three-point shooting and free throws, emphasizing the need for better balance when shooting is off.
"Boston's a three-point shooting team... they gotta find other ways to score." [02:44]
"When you look up like James Harden have Bill be 5 for 20 but 30 points because he made 18 free throws." [02:44]
5. Interview with Max Crosby
a. Personal Struggles and Overcoming Addiction
Max Crosby opens up about his five-year journey overcoming addiction, emphasizing the importance of seeking help and the impact of mentorship from peers like Darren Waller.
"Making that decision for myself and my family, you know, to get healthy and get the help I needed." [46:26]
b. Career Highlights
As a standout defensive player for the Las Vegas Raiders, Max discusses his role in the team's culture, his recent contract extension, and his determination to build a Hall of Fame resume.
"I've been a hell of a journey ever since. It's been five years already." [46:26]
c. Insights on Team Dynamics and Culture
Max speaks about the Raiders' winning culture under Pete Carroll, the importance of competitiveness, and maintaining a positive and fun environment despite the rigors of the NFL.
"Pete talks about competing and having fun... We have one of the hardest jobs in the world." [48:06]
"Pete has created a culture of winning and fun... everyone enjoys showing up every single day." [48:06]
6. Final Predictions and Conclusion
Colin wraps up the episode by reiterating his confidence in the AFC being easier to predict compared to the NFC. He emphasizes the inevitability of having at least four new playoff teams each season, justifying his selections with team performances and strategic acquisitions.
"I have five new playoff teams... you have to have a minimum of four new playoff teams." [02:44]
Listener Engagement and Closing Remarks
Colin engages with guest Jason McIntyre, addressing criticisms and discussions about player contracts and team dynamics. The episode concludes with Colin affirming his support for players like Max Crosby and reinforcing the Raiders' storied culture.
"Max Crosby's a Raider... that's a Raider." [58:16]
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
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On Sam Darnold's Market:
"Sam Darnold's not, despite the rumors and reports, gonna be a Minnesota Viking." [02:44]
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On WNBA and Star Players:
"There's too much hate in this country and it's gotta stop." [02:44]
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On Stephen Curry's Performance:
"Steph now is shooting 42% on threes since Jimmy Butler arrived." [02:44]
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On Overcoming Addiction (Max Crosby):
"Making that decision for myself and my family, you know, to get healthy and get the help I needed." [46:26]
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On Raiders' Culture (Max Crosby):
"Pete has created a culture of winning and fun... everyone enjoys showing up every single day." [48:06]
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On Playoff Predictions:
"I have five new playoff teams... you have to have a minimum of four new playoff teams." [02:44]
Conclusion
"Best of the Week on The Herd" provides a comprehensive overview of the latest in NFL free agency, insightful critiques on the WNBA, in-depth NBA analyses with Paul Pierce, and an inspirational interview with Max Crosby. Colin Cowherd effectively blends statistical analysis with personal narratives, offering listeners a multifaceted perspective on current sports landscapes. The episode underscores the dynamic nature of team compositions, player performances, and the ever-evolving cultures within professional sports teams.