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

Episode Details

• Title: Best of the Week on The Herd
• Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
• Release Date: December 7, 2024

1. Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, co-host LeVar Arrington delves deep into the current NFL landscape, evaluating Colin Cowherd's predictions and opinions on various teams. The discussion extends to college football dynamics, quarterback performances, and an insightful interview with NFL legend Tom Brady.

2. NFL Team Evaluations

a. Colin Cowherd’s Predictions: Right and Wrong

LeVar Arrington critically assesses where Colin Cowherd was accurate or off the mark in his weekly team evaluations.

• San Francisco 49ers:
  Arrington challenges Colin's stance, stating, "Christian McCaffrey is hurt, Fred Warner's hurt. They're old, they're tired, they're expensive and they're brittle" ([04:01]). He argues that the 49ers lack depth and the coaching hasn't adapted effectively to the team's diminishing talent.

• Sam Darnold’s Performance:
  Colin praised Sam Darnold's growth, but Arrington counters, noting, "He's a first-round talent. Just get him to the right coach" ([07:04]). He emphasizes the need for better coaching to harness Darnold's potential fully.

• Russell Wilson and the Steelers Fit:
  Colin believed Russell Wilson was excelling post his move to the Steelers. Arrington partially agrees, highlighting Wilson's downfield accuracy but expresses concerns about the team's defensive vulnerabilities ([07:50]).

b. Top NFL Teams According to Arrington

Arrington lays out his hierarchy of top NFL teams, providing a nuanced analysis of each:

1. Buffalo Bills:
   Quote: "I think they have their best offensive line, their best running game. Let's put Buffalo at number one again" ([08:33]).
   Arrington praises Josh Allen's matured playstyle and the team's balanced offense and defense.

2. Philadelphia Eagles:
   Quote: "They've figured out Jalen Hurts... their team is 9-0 when A.J. Brown plays" ([08:33]).
   He commends their offensive strategy and defensive solidity, especially when key players are active.

3. Detroit Lions:
   Quote: "Michigan lost to Michigan... the Wolverines have been stacked" ([28:23]).
   Despite defensive concerns, Arrington acknowledges their tough schedule and potential playoff impact.

4. Kansas City Chiefs:
   Quote: "Patrick has five times in back-to-back games... I trust Andy Reid, Mahomes, Kelsey, Chris Jones and Spags" ([29:54]).
   He lauds Mahomes' clutch performances and Andy Reid's strategic acumen.

5. Green Bay Packers:
   Quote: "Jordan Love has a whip. Man, he's got some talent" ([16:03]).
   Arrington notes their power run game and overall offensive strength but believes they need another year to peak.

6. Pittsburgh Steelers:
   Quote: "Russell Wilson... passer rating in the fourth quarter of 120" ([16:03]).
   He appreciates their ability to perform under pressure and Wilson's late-game prowess.

7. Denver Broncos:
   Quote: "They have one of the best coaches, maybe the best coach after Andy Reid in the NFL" ([15:05]).
   Arrington commends their coaching staff and disciplined gameplay.

8. Baltimore Ravens:
   Quote: "Their scoring defense is bottom quarter of the league. So that worries me" ([15:31]).
   Despite offensive firepower, he expresses concerns over their defensive consistency.

9. Seattle Seahawks:
   Quote: "They're a top 10 team. I don't know if they can win a playoff game" ([14:36]).
   He acknowledges their strengths but doubts their playoff endurance.

10. Minnesota Vikings:
    Quote: "They're a great home team. Top ten in Scoring offense and scoring defense" ([39:47]).
    Arrington highlights their aggressive playstyle and balanced team performance.

3. Quarterback Analysis and Coaching Strategies

a. Tom Brady’s Insights on Quarterback Safety and Playcalling

In an exclusive interview, Tom Brady shares his perspectives on the evolving role of quarterbacks and the associated risks.

• Late Hits and Quarterback Mobility:
  Quote: "The only aspect that I think is very challenging... when you run, you put yourself in a lot of danger" ([21:21]).
  Brady discusses the inherent risks when quarterbacks choose to run, emphasizing the need for better protective measures.

• Coaching Philosophies:
  Quote: "Coaches lose games and players win games" ([29:54]).
  He underscores the importance of coaches setting clear game plans, allowing players to execute without micromanagement.

• Team Identity and Player Utilization:
  Quote: "It's like I may as well have been out there playing receiver for Ohio State" ([29:54]).
  Brady critiques the over-reliance on certain players and the failure to maximize team talent effectively.

b. Trust and Decision-Making in Coaching

Brady elaborates on the significance of trust between coaches and players:

• Player Autonomy:
  Quote: "When you have a quarterback that you're trusting who's making good decisions, then you want to give them more opportunities" ([26:33]).
  He advocates for empowering quarterbacks to make strategic decisions on the field, fostering growth and adaptability.

• Game Management:
  Quote: "You want to give them more opportunities... how to manage a game" ([27:21]).
  Emphasizing the need for quarterbacks to understand the 'why' behind plays, Brady highlights the importance of strategic thinking over rote playcalling.

4. College Football Dynamics

LeVar Arrington touches upon the shifting landscape of college football, influenced by the Transfer Portal and Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) regulations.

• Parity and Talent Distribution:
  Quote: "The NIL and the transfer portal have created more parity because a lot of these second-tier programs are cherry-picking the Michigan's, Notre Dame's, Ohio State's, Alabama's, Georgia's for guys that may be the third receiver that can be a number one receiver" ([08:33]).
  Arrington explains how these changes have leveled the playing field, allowing traditionally lower-tier programs to attract top talent.

• Depth Concerns:
  Quote: "There is no depth even among the Alabamas and the Georgias" ([08:33]).
  He raises concerns about the overall depth of talent, even in powerhouse programs, suggesting potential long-term implications for the sport.

• College Playoff Predictions:
  Quote: "I still say Texas ends up in the Natty. I still think it's going to be Tennessee or Ohio State" ([08:33]).
  Despite the chaos, Arrington remains confident in certain teams making the College Football Playoff.

5. Playoff Predictions and Betting Insights

Arrington provides his forecasts for upcoming NFL playoff games, analyzing team performances and potential outcomes.

• Buffalo Bills vs. Los Angeles Rams:
  Quote: "I love Josh Allen and the Bills in this" ([42:11]).
  He favors the Bills, citing their strong second-half performance and Josh Allen's efficiency against the Rams.

• Los Angeles Chargers vs. Kansas City Chiefs:
  Quote: "I like the Chiefs. I'll lay the points to win 27 to 17" ([42:11]).
  Arrington anticipates a win for the Chiefs, highlighting Patrick Mahomes' leadership and the team's defensive strategies.

• Minnesota Vikings vs. Atlanta Falcons:
  Quote: "I'm gonna take Minnesota at home. Lay the five and a half points" ([39:42]).
  He predicts a victory for the Vikings, emphasizing their strong home performance and defensive prowess.

• Cleveland Browns vs. Pittsburgh Steelers:
  Quote: "I like the Steelers to win 24:23" ([42:11]).
  Arrington opts for the Steelers in a closely contested game, despite acknowledging the Browns' offensive strengths.

6. Closing Remarks

The episode concludes with Arrington reiterating the unpredictability of the NFL season and the importance of strategic coaching and player trust. The discussions offer listeners a comprehensive analysis of team performances, quarterback dynamics, and the broader implications of recent changes in college football.

Notable Quotes:

• LeVar Arrington: "We need to take a time out against hate. Visit standuptoallhate.org to help and join me in calling for timeout against hate by following at what's up with Hate or posting the Blue Square Emoji." ([00:00] & [36:30])
• Tom Brady: "Coaches lose games and players win games." ([29:54])

Conclusion

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd provides an in-depth look into the current state of the NFL, offering critical evaluations of team performances, quarterback strategies, and coaching methodologies. With insightful commentary from both Arrington and Brady, listeners gain a nuanced understanding of the factors influencing the game and its future trajectories.