Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Episode: Bills Outlast Ravens, Eagles Beat Rams, AFC/NFC Championship Picks, National Championship Preview
Release Date: January 20, 2025
Host: Colin Cowherd
Guests: John Middlekauff, Former NFL Scout

1. Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, host Colin Cowherd engages in an in-depth analysis of the recent NFL playoff games, focusing on the Buffalo Bills' victory over the Baltimore Ravens, the Philadelphia Eagles' win against the Los Angeles Rams, and their implications for the upcoming AFC and NFC Championships. Joined by former NFL scout John Middlekauff, the discussion delves into player performances, coaching strategies, and predictions for the Super Bowl.

2. Bills vs. Ravens: A Detailed Breakdown

Colin Cowherd kicks off the discussion shortly after the game, expressing sympathy for Ravens' tight end Mark Andrews:

"I feel so bad for Mark Andrews, who's I just think he's a tremendous player. I remember in Oklahoma, I thought that fumble felt... that fumble really sucked the emotion out of Baltimore." [02:15]

John Middlekauff concurs, highlighting the Ravens' struggles with turnovers:

"Buffalo couldn't stop him. I mean the game had kind of shifted. Lamar had settled down. They were running the ball right down their throat." [03:28]

The conversation centers around the critical moments that led to Buffalo's triumph, particularly Josh Allen's ability to manage the game without excessive turnovers, contrasting with Lamar Jackson's multiple turnovers that ultimately cost the Ravens the game.

3. Key Player Performances

Mark Andrews' Impact:

Cowherd laments the critical errors made by Mark Andrews, including a fumble and a drop:

"I think Lamar is going to take the heat because he had a multiple turnover game. Buffalo, I think had one penalty and no turnovers. But it was also the fumble that Von Miller picked up." [04:24]

Josh Allen vs. Lamar Jackson:

The hosts discuss Josh Allen's steady performance compared to Lamar Jackson's inconsistency:

"I think Buffalo's offensive line now... One of the only times they failed to me was on that chance to wrap it up." [07:11]

"Lamar played well enough today, but he had a terrible pick. Josh played a lot more efficiently." [09:00]

Saquon Barkley and Jalen Carter:

In discussing the Philadelphia Eagles, Saquon Barkley's exceptional performance is highlighted:

"Saquon Barkley was spectacular. He's one of the five or six seminal running backs I've seen in my life in terms of just talent." [21:31]

John adds to this by praising Barkley's versatility and comparing him to other great running backs:

"He's got vision, power, and speed... he’s got to be on the short list with Derrick Henry and Adrian Peterson." [25:29]

4. Coaching Strategies and Decisions

Sean McDermott and Buffalo Bills:

Colin commends Bills' head coach Sean McDermott for his effective game plan:

"Sean McDermott deserves credit because his team came in physically ready to match the Ravens." [07:11]

They also discuss McDermott's ability to adapt strategies, emphasizing the importance of a strong offensive line and a focused game plan that didn't overly burden Josh Allen.

John Middlekauff notes the coaching loss for the Ravens, attributing their defeat to strategic errors:

"This is a coaching loss for the Ravens, just like it was last year against the Chiefs." [05:41]

5. Super Bowl and Playoff Predictions

Bills vs. Chiefs Showdown:

Colin confidently predicts a Bills victory over the Chiefs in the Super Bowl:

"I think Kansas City and Buffalo are going to win the Super Bowl. One of those two." [15:11]

John Middlekauff agrees, asserting the Bills' dominance:

"I think this is the Bills year. I think the Bills are going to win next week, and I think they're going to win the Super Bowl." [15:11]

The discussion underscores the Bills' superior front office and their strategic advantage over teams like the Chiefs and Ravens.

6. Player Highlights and Draft Insights

Jared Verse's Stellar Performance:

The conversation shifts to the Los Angeles Rams' defensive player Jared Verse:

"I think he is their best player. You could argue that right now, him or Puka." [29:39]

Colin emphasizes Verse's impact, likening him to legendary defensive players:

"He just bulldozes you. He goes right at you. He doesn't have the ability... he's the closest thing to Lawrence Taylor." [27:47]

Jaden Daniels and Detroit Lions:

A significant portion is dedicated to rookie quarterback Jaden Daniels of the Detroit Lions:

"He is the greatest rookie quarterback of all time. In week eight, he was... I would have run it like they did against the Steelers 50 times." [42:57]

John praises Daniels' calmness and pocket mastery, suggesting he rivals elite quarterbacks:

"He's a calm, collected pocket passer. His game has evolved tremendously over the season." [41:34]

7. NFL Playoffs: Special Teams and Coaching Decisions

Houston Texans' Special Teams Woes:

Colin criticizes the Texans' special teams performance:

"Houston had the worst special teams performance by any team in the playoffs that I can remember." [56:17]

Chiefs' Andy Reid's Resourcefulness:

The hosts discuss Andy Reid's strategic prowess, drawing parallels to legendary coaches:

"Reid's coaching is situationally brilliant. He figures out ways to convert... they're always winning the margins." [57:45]

John highlights Reid's ability to make smart decisions under pressure, contributing to the Chiefs' consistent success.

8. Coaching Job Market and Speculations

Potential Coaching Moves:

Colin brings up rumors about Ben Johnson considering the Raiders' head coach position, questioning the viability of such a move:

"Ben Johnson actually is leaning Raiders. And I thought, whoa, whoa, whoa. Toughest division, no quarterback, impulsive owner." [61:29]

John Middlekauff expresses skepticism about the Raiders as a desirable destination:

"Mark Davis is the guy in that building every single day. So even if you just go, don't even factor in the roster or the division with the coaches and the quarterbacks." [62:43]

The discussion underscores the challenges coaches face when considering moves to teams with dysfunctional structures or unfavorable conditions.

9. College Football Preview: Ohio State vs. Notre Dame

As the NFL discussions wind down, Colin and John shift focus to college football, previewing the Ohio State vs. Notre Dame matchup:

Colin Cowherd expresses confidence in Notre Dame's potential upset:

"I think it'd be a pretty cool story if Notre Dame, it'd be one of the bigger upsets. What are they, eight and a half point underdog?" [73:56]

John Middlekauff highlights Notre Dame's growth and resilience:

"Notre Dame has not looked back since that loss. So I'm rooting for Notre Dame." [75:25]

They analyze Marcus Freeman's coaching abilities and the impact of talented players like Riley Leonard on Notre Dame's prospects.

10. Concluding Thoughts

In wrapping up, both hosts reflect on the unpredictability of football and the importance of strategic planning, player development, and coaching excellence. Colin commends John Middlekauff for his insights and anticipates future episodes discussing potential coaching hires and further playoff developments.

Notable Quotes

• "Sean McDermott deserves credit because his team came in physically ready to match the Ravens." — Colin Cowherd [07:11]

• "He's a calm, collected pocket passer. His game has evolved tremendously over the season." — John Middlekauff [41:34]

• "Andy Reid's coaching is situationally brilliant. He figures out ways to convert... they're always winning the margins." — Colin Cowherd [57:45]

• "Mark Davis is the guy in that building every single day. So even if you just go, don't even factor in the roster or the division with the coaches and the quarterbacks." — John Middlekauff [62:43]

• "I think it'd be a pretty cool story if Notre Dame, it'd be one of the bigger upsets. What are they, eight and a half point underdog?" — Colin Cowherd [73:56]

Conclusion

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers a comprehensive analysis of critical NFL playoff games, spotlighting standout players and strategic coaching decisions. The insights provided by John Middlekauff enrich the discussion, offering listeners a deeper understanding of the factors influencing team performances and future championship prospects. Additionally, the transition to college football previews broadens the scope, catering to a diverse sports audience eager for expert commentary.