Podcast Summary: Best of the Week on The Herd

Title: Best of the Week on The Herd
Host: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Release Date: December 28, 2024
Description: A comprehensive recap of the top sports stories of the week, featuring in-depth analysis, expert insights, and key takeaways from Colin Cowherd and co-host Joy Taylor.

1. NFL Season Recap and Team Analyses

a. Dallas Cowboys vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The episode opens with Colin Cowherd reflecting on the Dallas Cowboys’ recent victory over Baker Mayfield’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Colin expresses skepticism about the Buccaneers’ playoff prospects, questioning whether their recent performances have cost them a better draft position.

Colin Cowherd [02:15]: "I kept waiting for Tampa to win. I feel like Tampa's better and now with Michael Penix at quarterback, they're looking like a better version of themselves."

b. Sam Darnold’s Resurgence

Joy Taylor highlights Sam Darnold's improved performance, emphasizing his growth as a playmaker despite past criticisms regarding coaching and decision-making.

Joy Taylor [04:52]: "The kid has it. He's a playmaker with a big arm, tough, and coachable. Now, can he be a little reckless? Sometimes, but I could never quit Sammy."

c. Kyler Murray’s Leadership Under Scrutiny

Colin criticizes Kyler Murray's recent performances, noting his high number of interceptions and inconsistent decision-making, leading to concerns about his leadership and reliability as a quarterback.

Colin Cowherd [04:49]: "Kyler Murray is officially out of the playoffs and has four TDs versus six picks in the last five games. His lack of size and questionable leadership are concerning."

d. Washington Commanders as a Dark Horse

The Commanders are positioned as a surprising contender in the playoffs. Joy commends their coaching changes and Jaden Daniels' unexpected excellence at quarterback, attributing their success to strategic adjustments and strong performances from key players.

Joy Taylor [06:30]: "Dan Snyder and the new coaching staff transformed the Commanders. Jaden Daniels stepped up remarkably, proving to be a dark horse playoff team."

e. Ohio State Dominates Tennessee

A detailed analysis of Ohio State’s overwhelming victory against Tennessee, with Colin expressing surprise at the defensive prowess Ohio State displayed, overshadowing Tennessee’s strong defensive line throughout the season.

Colin Cowherd [09:00]: "Ohio State demolished Tennessee 21-0 in the first quarter, showcasing an exceptional pass rush that Tennessee couldn't handle all year."

f. Chargers’ Playoff Prospects Under Jim Harbaugh

The Chargers' potential to make the playoffs is discussed, attributing their success to Jim Harbaugh’s coaching and Justin Herbert’s ability to thrive under the right guidance and culture.

Joy Taylor [11:22]: "With Jim Harbaugh at the helm, the Chargers are transforming. Justin Herbert has all it takes to be an elite quarterback with the right support."

g. Brock Purdy’s Inconsistencies

Colin critiques Brock Purdy’s inconsistency, highlighting his dependency on favorable conditions and the surrounding offensive line's performance, questioning the viability of his high salary given his performance fluctuations.

Colin Cowherd [13:15]: "Brock Purdy is an 'if guy.' Unless everything aligns perfectly, his performance lacks consistency, making his high salary unjustifiable."

2. Sam Darnold and Derrick Henry’s Performance Improvements

a. Sam Darnold’s Pocket Movement

Joy Taylor delves into Sam Darnold’s significant improvements in pocket movement and decision-making, attributing his growth to natural development and effective coaching.

Joy Taylor [31:04]: "Darnold has become much more efficient within the pocket, making critical late-down throws with better reads and less recklessness."

b. Derrick Henry’s Renaissance with the Ravens

The resurgence of Derrick Henry with the Baltimore Ravens is analyzed, focusing on his ability to gain yards before contact and his powerful run style, which has redefined his presence in the league.

Joy Taylor [34:49]: "Derrick Henry’s combination of speed and power makes him a formidable force. His ability to gain yards before contact has given him a much-needed renaissance with Baltimore."

3. NBA Ratings Decline and Player Criticisms

Colin and Joy discuss the troubling decline in NBA Cup ratings, with notable figures like LeBron James and Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla voicing concerns over the league’s shift towards excessive three-point shooting, detracting from the game’s traditional layering and entertainment value.

Colin Cowherd [14:00]: "The NBA Cup is down 35% in ratings. LeBron and Mazzulla agree—the game has become monotonous with teams shooting 45 three-pointers a game."

Joy Taylor [14:20]: "LeBron and Coach Mazzulla are right. The focus on three-point shooting is making the game less engaging. The NBA needs to make changes to reclaim its audience."

4. Top 10 Herd Hierarchy: NFL Team Rankings

Colin and Joy present their "Herd Hierarchy," ranking the top NFL teams based on performance, coaching, and player impact. The rankings include:

1. Philadelphia Eagles

   • Reasoning: Strong running game with Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley, exemplary offensive line, and a balanced roster.

2. Kansas City Chiefs

   • Reasoning: Consistent performance led by Patrick Mahomes, effective coaching, and a formidable defensive line.

3. Buffalo Bills

   • Reasoning: Dominant offense with Josh Allen, minimal turnovers, and a resilient team capable of winning close games.

4. Green Bay Packers

   • Reasoning: Leading point differential, strong offensive synergy between Jordan Love and Josh Jacobs, and robust defensive play.

5. Minnesota Vikings

   • Reasoning: Sam Darnold’s stellar quarterbacking, strong coaching by Brian Flores, and a potential for deep playoff runs.

6. Detroit Lions

   • Reasoning: Comprehensive roster strength, undefeated road record, and a powerful run game showcasing physicality.

7. Los Angeles Rams

   • Reasoning: Improved defense, stable quarterback play with Matt Stafford, and strategic offensive enhancements.

8. Baltimore Ravens

   • Reasoning: Lamar Jackson’s exceptional performance, leading offense, and strong defensive capabilities.

9. Los Angeles Chargers

   • Reasoning: Top-scoring defense, solid coaching by Jim Harbaugh, and Justin Herbert’s elite quarterbacking.

10. Washington Commanders

    • Reasoning: High-scoring offense, easy strength of schedule, and promising rookie quarterback Jaden Daniels.

Colin Cowherd [17:17]: "The Philadelphia Eagles top our hierarchy with their unparalleled run game and strong offensive line play."

Notable Insight:

Colin emphasizes the importance of diverse offensive strategies, particularly the effective use of motion in the run game, which enhances play-action and bolsters passing efficiency.

Colin Cowherd [41:00]: "Motion is critical in the run game, allowing teams like the Packers to confuse defenses and create advantageous matchups."

5. Betting Picks and DraftKings Promotions

The latter part of the episode focuses on Colin’s betting strategies, sharing his top picks for upcoming NFL games and promoting DraftKings Sportsbook. Highlights include:

• Broncos vs. Bengals: Betting on Denver Broncos with a +3.5 point spread.
• Raiders vs. Saints: Favoring the New Orleans Saints with a +1 point spread.
• Jets vs. Bills: Taking the Buffalo Bills to cover with a -9.5 point spread.
• Falcons vs. Commanders: Supporting the Atlanta Falcons with a +4 point spread.
• Ohio State vs. Oregon: Predicting Ohio State to win with a -2.5 point spread.

Colin Cowherd [54:45]: "My favorite bet of the week is Broncos plus three and a half. Denver is seven and zero against teams with a losing record."

Additionally, Colin promotes DraftKings’ holiday bonus offers, encouraging listeners to place bets with the promo code "HERD" to receive $150 in bonus bets on winning wagers.

Colin Cowherd [46:01]: "Use promo code HERD on DraftKings Sportsbook and get $150 in bonus bets when your first bet wins."

6. Special Segments and Interviews

a. Greg Cosell’s Insights

Colin welcomes Greg Cosell from NFL Films, who provides deeper analysis on quarterbacks like Sam Darnold and Brock Purdy, discussing their development, strengths, and areas needing improvement.

Greg Cosell [37:00]: "Sam Darnold has significantly improved his pocket movement and decision-making, making him a more reliable quarterback."

b. Sam Darnold’s Quarterback Evolution

A detailed breakdown of Sam Darnold’s enhanced within-pocket mechanics and his ability to make critical throws under pressure, highlighting his improved spatial awareness and reduced interceptions.

Joy Taylor [31:04]: "Darnold's ability to stay within the pocket and make late throws when the pocket is squeezed has vastly improved his game."

c. Derrick Henry’s Impact on the Ravens

Discussion on how Derrick Henry’s running style synergizes with Lamar Jackson’s offensive strategy, creating a formidable ground game that challenges opposing defenses.

Joy Taylor [34:49]: "Henry’s power and ability to gain yards before contact complement Jackson’s playmaking, making the Ravens a balanced and dangerous team."

7. Closing Remarks

Colin and Joy wrap up the episode by reiterating their top team rankings, sharing final thoughts on upcoming games, and encouraging listeners to engage with their betting picks. They emphasize the strategic planning behind team performances and the importance of coaching in shaping successful squads.

Colin Cowherd [59:56]: "It’s about execution and smart coaching. Teams like the Eagles and Chiefs exemplify what it takes to be at the top of the Herd hierarchy."

Notable Quotes:

• Colin Cowherd [04:49]: "Kyler Murray is officially out of the playoffs and has four TDs versus six picks in the last five games."

• Joy Taylor [31:04]: "Darnold's ability to stay within the pocket and make late throws when the pocket is squeezed has vastly improved his game."

• Greg Cosell [37:00]: "Sam Darnold has significantly improved his pocket movement and decision-making, making him a more reliable quarterback."

• Joy Taylor [34:49]: "Henry’s power and ability to gain yards before contact complement Jackson’s playmaking, making the Ravens a balanced and dangerous team."

Conclusion: The "Best of the Week on The Herd" episode provides an extensive overview of pivotal NFL performances, quarterback developments, and a critical look at the NBA’s declining engagement. With insightful analyses and strategic betting advice, Colin Cowherd and Joy Taylor deliver a comprehensive recap for sports enthusiasts eager to stay informed and ahead of the game.