The Herd with Colin Cowherd: Episode Summary

Episode: INSTANT REACTION: Aaron Rodgers Dumped By Jets, Potential Landing Spots? Super Bowl Preview + Predictions
Release Date: February 9, 2025

1. Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, Colin delivers instant reactions to the latest NFL developments, focusing primarily on Aaron Rodgers' unexpected release from the New York Jets. Additionally, Colin delves into potential destinations for Rodgers and provides a comprehensive preview and predictions for the upcoming Super Bowl.

2. Aaron Rodgers Released by the Jets

Colin opens the discussion with breaking news about Aaron Rodgers no longer being part of the New York Jets organization.

• Colin Cowherd on Rodgers' Departure:
  "Aaron Glenn, who came from that incredibly strong Detroit lion culture and these were the exact words I was told he didn't want the player or the person in the building as he started his NFL head coaching career..." [05:30]

Colin emphasizes that Rodgers' tenure with the Jets was marked by high expectations and a desire for a specific team culture. He elaborates on Rodgers' reputation as a demanding quarterback who requires a productive and harmonious environment.

• On Rodgers' Performance and Team Dynamics:
  "Aaron now has been dumped twice. This is stuff I talked about eight years ago and got enormous pushback even from NFL media people. Aaron's a lot of work." [08:15]

Colin discusses the challenges Rodgers faced in New York, highlighting the instability within the Jets' management and coaching staff over the past decade. He points out that despite having a talented roster, the lack of a cohesive culture led to Rodgers' departure.

3. Potential Landing Spots for Aaron Rodgers

Following Rodgers' release, Colin explores where the veteran quarterback might consider next.

• Chip Kelly and Potential Teams:
  "I just ran into Chip Kelly Saturday, early evening, and we were talking about the Raiders at quarterback before either one of us had this information." [12:00]

Colin speculates that the Las Vegas Raiders and the Indianapolis Colts are prime candidates for Rodgers' next move. He praises the Raiders' need for a quarterback and the Colts' promising roster under Shane Steichen.

• Analysis of the Raiders and Colts:
  "I think Las Vegas has Pete Carroll, Chip Kelly, I think that's a very promising landing spot if Aaron wants to play." [13:45]

He highlights the organizational strengths of both teams, suggesting that they provide the right environment for Rodgers to thrive, emphasizing their culture and strategic direction.

4. Rodgers' Influence and Career Trajectory

Colin reflects on Rodgers' career, addressing both his on-field prowess and off-field challenges.

• Rodgers' Impact on Team Culture:
  "Aaron Glenn felt so strongly about what he wanted to build. And Aaron Glenn has an understanding that what the Jets don't have and they haven't had for a decade or more is a really good culture." [10:20]

He underscores the importance Rodgers places on team culture, drawing parallels with other legendary quarterbacks like Peyton Manning and Tom Brady, who successfully transitioned to new teams and achieved Super Bowl victories.

• Evaluating Rodgers' Current Standing:
  "He's the 15th best quarterback in the league right now. It doesn't matter. The league moves on." [14:00]

Colin maintains that while Rodgers remains a talented quarterback, his fit within the right team environment is crucial for his continued success, suggesting that the NFL is ready to embrace the next generation of quarterbacks.

5. Super Bowl Preview and Predictions

Shifting gears, Colin provides his insights into the upcoming Super Bowl matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles.

• Chiefs' Strengths:
  "Mahomes is eight no against Vic Fangio and Andy Reid is 33 and seven off a buy. And the four best players for the Chiefs have all they've all been in this game and several of them have been in it many times and I like the experience in this spot." [16:10]

He praises the Chiefs for their experienced roster, particularly highlighting Patrick Mahomes' leadership and the strategic acumen of coach Andy Reid.

• Eagles' Defensive Prowess:
  "Philadelphia does have a better accumulation of talent. I don't think anybody denies that but I think the Eagles number one defense somewhat is built on the fact that they faced a lot of bad quarterbacks." [17:30]

Colin acknowledges the Eagles' depth and their formidable defense, though he notes that their recent success may be partly due to facing less challenging opposition during the season.

• Game Dynamics and Outcome Prediction:
  "I think in the second half the scoring gets ratcheted up and the defenses tire out a little bit and you'll see some really big time plays. But I think you're going to get a classic super bowl." [19:45]

He anticipates a high-scoring and competitive game, predicting that both teams' defenses will struggle as the game progresses, leading to decisive and memorable plays.

• Final Prediction:
  "I like Kansas City in this game but you know I say this without a ton of conviction." [20:30]

While Colin slightly favors the Chiefs due to their experience and quarterback play, he remains open to surprises, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of Super Bowl matchups.

6. Conclusion

Colin wraps up the episode by reiterating the significance of Aaron Rodgers' release from the Jets and the potential ripple effects it may have across the league. He emphasizes the importance of team culture in building a successful NFL franchise and expresses excitement for the upcoming Super Bowl, promising listeners a thrilling conclusion to the football season.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• "Aaron Glenn, who came from that incredibly strong Detroit lion culture and these were the exact words I was told he didn't want the player or the person in the building as he started his NFL head coaching career..." [05:30]

• "Aaron now has been dumped twice. This is stuff I talked about eight years ago and got enormous pushback even from NFL media people. Aaron's a lot of work." [08:15]

• "I think Las Vegas has Pete Carroll, Chip Kelly, I think that's a very promising landing spot if Aaron wants to play." [13:45]

• "He's the 15th best quarterback in the league right now. It doesn't matter. The league moves on." [14:00]

• "Mahomes is eight no against Vic Fangio and Andy Reid is 33 and seven off a buy. And the four best players for the Chiefs have all they've all been in this game and several of them have been in it many times and I like the experience in this spot." [16:10]

• "Philadelphia does have a better accumulation of talent. I don't think anybody denies that but I think the Eagles number one defense somewhat is built on the fact that they faced a lot of bad quarterbacks." [17:30]

• "I think in the second half the scoring gets ratcheted up and the defenses tire out a little bit and you'll see some really big time plays. But I think you're going to get a classic super bowl." [19:45]

• "I like Kansas City in this game but you know I say this without a ton of conviction." [20:30]

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the episode, providing listeners with a clear understanding of the topics covered without needing to listen to the full podcast.