Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode: Colin Cowherd Podcast - INSTANT REACTION: Packers Steamroll Saints, The Packers UNIQUE Advantage, College Football Playoff Backlash
Release Date: December 24, 2024

I. Packers Steamroll Saints

In this episode, Colin Cowherd kicks off with an instant reaction to the recent game where the Green Bay Packers decisively defeated the New Orleans Saints. Describing it as "the least competitive football game" he has watched in the NFL this year, Cowherd emphasizes the one-sided nature of the match. He remarks, “[03:54]...the Saints have like 35 yards passing,” highlighting the Saints' struggles on offense and the Packers' dominance throughout the game.

II. The Packers’ Unique Advantage: Ownership Structure

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the unique ownership structure of the Green Bay Packers—the only publicly owned team in the NFL. Cowherd argues that this structure provides the Packers with a distinct advantage over other franchises. He states, “[04:30]...having no owner is an advantage because billionaire owners are less patient and more impulsive.”

Cowherd contrasts this with teams owned by billionaires like Stan Kroenke of the Rams and Robert Kraft of the Patriots, suggesting that billionaire owners often interfere more directly with team management decisions. He believes that the Packers' board-controlled ownership allows General Manager Brian Gutekunst and Head Coach Matt LaFleur more autonomy, enabling them to make strategic decisions without external pressures. This, Cowherd posits, allows the Packers to develop and retain talent more effectively, such as the ability to “sit Aaron Rodgers on the bench for three years and grow,” which he views as impossible under traditional ownership models.

III. State of the NFL: QB Importance and Owner Impulsiveness

Colin delves deeper into the current state of the NFL, highlighting two main issues:

1. Increased Importance of Quarterbacks: Cowherd notes that quarterbacks have become more pivotal than ever, stating, “[06:15]...if you have one great quarterback, you're in.” He cites Joe Burrow of the Bengals as an example of a top-tier quarterback struggling with team performance due to other issues like defense and offensive line weaknesses. Conversely, he emphasizes the potential impact of rookie quarterbacks like Jaden Daniels and Bo Nix, suggesting that competent young quarterbacks can significantly influence a team's success.

2. Impulsiveness of Billionaire Owners: He critiques the rapid decision-making and lack of patience exhibited by billionaire owners, leading to frequent coaching changes and instability within teams. Cowherd argues that this impulsiveness disrupts team development and hampers long-term success. He believes that with fewer, more patient owners—much like the Packers—the league could see more consistency and sustained performance from its franchises.

IV. Comparisons with Other Sports (NBA)

Drawing parallels with the NBA, Cowherd observes that both leagues suffer from a large proportion of "unwatchable" teams. He remarks, “[08:10]...the NFL feels very much like the NBA. It really does. 30% of the NBA or more is unwatchable.” Cowherd attributes this to similar underlying issues in both leagues, such as overemphasis on star players and insufficient competitive balance.

V. College Football Playoff Backlash

Transitioning to college football, Cowherd addresses the backlash surrounding the College Football Playoff (CFP). He acknowledges that many fans expected more competitive games but explains that the nature of college football inherently leads to blowouts, especially as the CFP expands to include more teams. “[13:50]...college football is a little bit of a barnyard musical. There’s just games everywhere, and there’s always been a sport that has blowouts.”

He argues that the expansion to 14 or 16 teams will likely result in more one-sided games, as lower-ranked teams face off against powerhouses with better resources and coaching. Cowherd believes that the CFP offers a better alternative to traditional bowl games, which often feature mismatched teams with empty stands. He contends, “[15:20]...the College Football Playoff is just going to get better and better. But we just got to bake it,” suggesting that the system needs time to mature and stabilize.

Cowherd also touches on the challenges college teams face when playing on the road, where factors like travel and unfamiliar environments can heavily influence performance. He emphasizes that, unlike the NFL where teams are professionals and games are more balanced, college football involves younger athletes who are more susceptible to external pressures and circumstances.

VI. Closing Thoughts

In his concluding remarks, Cowherd reiterates his appreciation for the Packers' ownership model and their strategic patience in team building. “[17:00]...tip of the cap to the Packers,” he says, praising their ability to maintain stability and focus on long-term success without the interference often seen in other franchises.

He also reflects on the broader implications for the NFL, suggesting that a shift towards more ownership models similar to the Packers could benefit the league as a whole by fostering greater competitive balance and team longevity. Additionally, he calls for fans to recognize the structural and managerial differences that contribute to the varying levels of team performance across the league.

Notable Quotes:

• “[03:54]...the Saints have like 35 yards passing.”
• “[04:30]...having no owner is an advantage because billionaire owners are less patient and more impulsive.”
• “[06:15]...if you have one great quarterback, you're in.”
• “[08:10]...the NFL feels very much like the NBA. It really does. 30% of the NBA or more is unwatchable.”
• “[13:50]...college football is a little bit of a barnyard musical. There’s just games everywhere, and there’s always been a sport that has blowouts.”
• “[15:20]...the College Football Playoff is just going to get better and better. But we just got to bake it.”
• “[17:00]...tip of the cap to the Packers.”

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers an insightful analysis of current NFL dynamics, the unique advantages of the Green Bay Packers' ownership structure, and the ongoing controversies surrounding the College Football Playoff. Colin's candid reflections and strategic evaluations provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing today's sports landscape.