The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Episode: INSTANT REACTION: Saquon, Eagles RUN OVER Commanders, Eagles Roster Is INSANELY Good
Release Date: January 26, 2025

Overview

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, host Colin provides an instant reaction to recent NFL developments, focusing primarily on the Philadelphia Eagles' dominant performance over the Washington Commanders and the overall strength of the Eagles' roster. Colin delves deep into player performances, coaching strategies, and future implications for both teams, offering insightful analysis for fans and followers of the NFL.

Philadelphia Eagles: Dominance and Roster Excellence

Colin begins by emphasizing the superior personnel of the Philadelphia Eagles, asserting that their roster is the best in the NFL, potentially rivaling the San Francisco 49ers' roster from three years prior.

“The Philadelphia Eagles, who have the best personnel in the NFL, the best roster since probably about the Niners three years ago.” [02:22]

Key Points:

• Offensive Line and Quarterback Play: The Eagles boast a much stronger offensive line and a superior quarterback compared to their rivals. Colin highlights Jalen Hurts' ability to make significant throws, making opponents play him honestly.

  “Jalen hurts, makes just enough big throws that you got to play him honest.” [02:45]

• Versatile Players: The inclusion of Devontae Smith necessitates the implementation of jet sweeps and misdirection plays to fully utilize his talents. Without such plays, Smith's abilities would be underutilized on many NFL teams.

  “You forget Devontae Smith is on the team. They have to engineer jet sweeps and little clever misdirection plays to get him the ball.” [03:00]

• Star Performers: A.J. Brown is acknowledged as a top-five wide receiver talent, complemented by other key players like Goddard, Barkley, and defensive stalwarts such as the elite cornerbacks.

  “A.J. brown, who's a top five wide receiver talent in the NFL between Goddard, Barkley. Hurts.” [03:20]

• Comparison to Past Great Teams: Colin draws parallels to the Seattle Seahawks during Pete Carroll's tenure, highlighting the Eagles' balanced excellence across all units.

  “I mean, this team is just insane. ... Probably the best of Pete Carroll's NFL coaching career.” [04:10]

Playoff Implications and Game Analysis

Colin analyzes the implications of the Eagles' current form on their playoff prospects, expressing confidence that if the Eagles reach the Super Bowl, their offense will be unstoppable.

“I don't know how Buffalo, if they get to the super bowl, is going to stop this is going to stop this offense today.” [02:40]

Game Highlights:

• Commanders' Struggles: The Washington Commanders had multiple fumbles, contributing to their loss against the Eagles. Colin mentions Saquon Barkley's free agency move as a significant misstep for the Giants.

  “...Devontae Smith is on the team. They have to engineer jet sweeps and little clever misdirection plays to get him the ball.” [02:22]

• Strategic Play Calling: Despite the Eagles' dominance, Colin praises their play calling, citing the decision to throw to A.J. Brown on a fake punt as a bold and effective move.

  “They threw it up the sideline to A.J. brown. That would have been the last thing I would have envisioned or predicted.” [10:50]

• Second-Half Performance: The Eagles showcased endurance by wearing down opponents in the second half, contrasting with teams like the Rams who struggled to maintain performance in adverse conditions.

  “They wear teams out. That's why I said what the Rams did in snow, for an indoor team to be, you know, have a chance to win the game late is insane.” [06:30]

Coaching and Strategic Insights

Colin commends the Eagles' coaching staff for their ability to maximize the team's strengths and maintain flexibility during games.

“I did not feel the Eagles were under coached. ... That fourth and 12, they went for it.” [05:50]

Key Insights:

• Effective Game Management: The Eagles demonstrated excellent game management, particularly in crucial moments, choosing to take strategic risks that paid off.

  “Ford for it in that opening drive. Just 22 plays and a touchdown. Get into Philly's head.” [07:10]

• Roster Building: The acquisition strategy is lauded, comparing the Eagles' moves to legendary free-agent signings like Reggie White and Drew Brees, underscoring the team's commitment to building a championship-caliber roster.

  “This feels like it's in the same class. ... He [Jaden Daniels] makes just 18 yard throws good in the red zone.” [04:50]

Washington Commanders: Promising Future with Jaden Daniels

Shifting focus to the Washington Commanders, Colin highlights the promising future of the team, especially with quarterback Jaden Daniels, whom he likens to the “Patrick Mahomes of the NFC.”

“Congrats to the Commanders for a remarkable season and drafting what I believe is the Patrick Mahomes of the NFC for the foreseeable future.” [10:50]

Key Points:

• Jaden Daniels' Potential: Daniels is praised for his pocket presence, smart decision-making, and emotional temperament, which contrasts favorably with other quarterbacks like Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold.

  “He has a quality that you could confuse it with being emotionally remote. ... That temperament is so important.” [08:20]

• Team Stability: Colin advises that head coach Cliff Kingsbury should remain with the team to continue developing Daniels and maintaining the team's upward trajectory.

  “Cliff Kingsbury, in my opinion, should remain in Washington several years.” [09:00]

• Receiver Dynamics: The synergy between Daniels and key receivers like Terry McLaurin is highlighted, with McLaurin achieving a career-high 16 touchdowns this season.

  “Terry McLaurin, 16 touchdowns this year. That's as much as or more than the last three years combined.” [09:30]

Play Calling and Tactical Decisions

Colin scrutinizes the Eagles' play calling, expressing mixed feelings about certain strategies while praising others.

“I can never guess Philadelphia except the Tush push. That's the only time I know what they're doing.” [10:20]

Highlights:

• Tush Push: While acknowledging its predictability, Colin notes that the Tush Push remains effective due to the Eagles' directionality and strategic advantages.

• Aggressive Play Choices: The decision to attempt a fake punt and aggressive fourth-down plays are commended, demonstrating the Eagles' willingness to take calculated risks.

  “But the play calling today I thought was really good. I'm just not a fan of the Tush Push.” [10:45]

Conclusion

Colin Cowherd wraps up the episode by reiterating the superior quality of the Philadelphia Eagles' roster and their potential to be a formidable force in the upcoming Super Bowl. He also forecasts continued success for the Washington Commanders, provided they maintain stability and capitalize on their promising quarterback's talents.

“Sweet Jesus, is this roster insane? It will be the best roster in the Super Bowl.” [11:20]

Overall, the episode provides a comprehensive analysis of the Eagles' dominance, the strategic maneuvers that contribute to their success, and an optimistic outlook for the Commanders' future endeavors.

Notable Quotes Summary

• Eagles' Personnel Strength: “The Eagles have the best personnel in the NFL, the best roster since probably about the Niners three years ago.” [02:22]
• Jalen Hurts' Impact: “Jalen hurts, makes just enough big throws that you got to play him honest.” [02:45]
• Jaden Daniels' Potential: “Congrats to the Commanders for a remarkable season and drafting what I believe is the Patrick Mahomes of the NFC for the foreseeable future.” [10:50]
• Rosters Comparison: “Sweet Jesus, is this roster insane? It will be the best roster in the Super Bowl.” [11:20]

This detailed summary encapsulates Colin Cowherd's in-depth discussion on the Philadelphia Eagles' exceptional roster, their strategic gameplay, and the promising future of the Washington Commanders, providing listeners with valuable insights and comprehensive analysis of the current NFL landscape.