Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode: Colin Cowherd Podcast - Josh Allen Is Superhuman, College Football Playoff Set, Darnold Dazzles, Jets Next Head Coach?
Release Date: December 9, 2024
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, host Colin Cowherd engages in an in-depth discussion with former NFL scout John Middlekauff. The conversation spans a wide array of topics, including standout NFL performances, coaching dynamics, team prospects, and the intricacies of the College Football Playoff system. The duo provides expert analysis, shares notable insights, and offers predictions that cater to both avid sports enthusiasts and casual listeners.

NFL Game Analysis

Rams vs. Bills: A Battle of Titans
The episode opens with an analysis of the recent game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Buffalo Bills. John Middlekauff critiques the Bills' defensive strategy, highlighting a pivotal moment at the game's end where defensive lapses almost cost the Bills the victory.

• Notable Quote:
  Middlekauff (00:55:15): "This is one of the things I don't love, defensive coaches and sometimes a lack of sense of urgency with the offense."

Josh Allen’s Superhuman Performance
Colin Cowherd praises Bills' quarterback Josh Allen, dubbing his performance as "superhuman" due to his unprecedented achievement of three rushing and three passing touchdowns in a single game—the first quarterback in NFL history to do so.

• Notable Quote:
  Cowherd (04:20): "Josh Allen, first player in the history of the sport as a quarterback to have three rushing and three passing touchdowns in the same game."

Player Spotlight

Sam Darnold: Rising Star
The discussion shifts to Sam Darnold's impressive performance, positioning him as a top-tier quarterback in the league. Both hosts express confidence in Darnold's potential, comparing him favorably against established quarterbacks like Baker Mayfield and Geno Smith.

• Notable Quote:
  Middlekauff (30:38): "Sam Darnold's 68% accuracy this season is phenomenal. He’s in the top three quarterback class in the league right now."

Critique of Other Quarterbacks
Baker Mayfield is criticized for his recklessness and inconsistency, while Geno Smith is acknowledged for his leadership despite his limitations.

• Notable Quote:
  Cowherd (29:22): "Baker's reckless. He lives for the chip on his shoulder. You can't coach that out of him."

Team Analysis

Buffalo Bills: High Hopes and Challenges
The Bills are lauded for their strong leadership and offensive prowess but are cautioned about their defensive vulnerabilities and upcoming tough schedules.

• Notable Quote:
  Middlekauff (09:10): "They should be able to sleepwalk to go three and back down the stretch. But we'll have to see."

Los Angeles Rams: Playoff Contenders
The Rams' current form is praised, though questions remain about their consistency and defensive lineup. The possibility of them sneaking into the playoffs is discussed, with Middlekauff warning of potential challenges.

• Notable Quote:
  Cowherd (04:20): "The Rams are now seven and six. With Arizona fumbling, San Francisco feels a big win today for them."

New York Jets: Coaching Conundrum
A significant portion is dedicated to the Jets' search for their next head coach. Both hosts advocate for Rex Ryan, citing his ability to instigate cultural change and handle media pressure effectively.

• Notable Quote:
  Middlekauff (45:32): "I think the next head coach of the Jets is going to be Rex Ryan. He gives them a presence."

Chicago Bears: Desperate for a Culture Change
The Bears' dismal performance is dissected, emphasizing the urgent need for a culture changer rather than just a tactical football coach. Vrabel is suggested as a viable candidate to revitalize the franchise.

• Notable Quote:
  Cowherd (12:07): "They need to get a culture changer, not just a football coach. That's why Ben Johnson's not the answer."

College Football Playoff

Alabama vs. SMU: A Controversial Selection
The hosts debate the selection criteria for the College Football Playoff, questioning the inclusion of Alabama despite their loss to a subpar Oklahoma team. SMU's deserving run is also highlighted, raising concerns about the fairness and structure of the playoff system.

• Notable Quote:
  Cowherd (50:18): "I think the committee wanted Alabama because I do think Alabama moves the needle more when you have them playing."

SEC Dominance and Conference Imbalance
John Middlekauff points out the SEC's overwhelming influence on the playoff selections, suggesting that other conferences like the Big Ten and ACC might struggle to have their top teams fairly represented.

• Notable Quote:
  Middlekauff (52:23): "The SEC ratings have been insane. We're carrying the popularity of this sport as a conference."

Potential Playoff Surprises
Teams like Oregon, Penn State, and Tennessee are discussed as potential dark horses in the playoff, each with unique strengths and vulnerabilities that could disrupt the traditional powerhouses.

• Notable Quote:
  Cowherd (54:25): "Tennessee is the sleeper national championship pick. Their defensive line is really good."

Draft Order and Prospects

Impending NFL Draft Picks
The conversation covers potential draft picks for struggling teams like the Raiders and Giants, focusing on key positions such as quarterback and offensive tackle. The importance of securing top talent to rebuild is emphasized.

• Notable Quote:
  Cowherd (43:19): "Raiders are likely to take Shadow Sanders, and the Giants might go after Darnold or Cam Ward."

Coaching Dynamics

Successful Coaches: Building Culture Over Schemes
The hosts compare coaches who have successfully turned around their teams by focusing on culture rather than complex schemes. Examples include Dan Campbell and Jim Harbaugh, who are praised for their leadership and ability to inspire players.

• Notable Quote:
  Middlekauff (19:28): "Dan Campbell and Jim Harbaugh are great examples of coaches who change the culture."

Vrabel vs. Ben Johnson
Vrabel is favored over Ben Johnson for teams needing a robust cultural change, with Vrabel's leadership and player rapport being key factors in his selection.

• Notable Quote:
  Cowherd (16:58): "I'm going to build the team. I'm going to build the culture, the vision. Ben Johnson, a lot of guys."

Transfer Portal and NIL in College Football

Impact on Team Stability and Competitive Balance
The episode delves into how the transfer portal and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policies are destabilizing college football teams. Frequent player movements are making it difficult for teams to maintain consistent rosters, thereby affecting overall team performance.

• Notable Quote:
  Cowherd (74:59): "The transfer portal has done this to college football. The minute you think you're loaded, you lose everything."

Recruitment Challenges and Player Development
John Middlekauff discusses the challenges coaches face in developing players amidst constant transfers and the shifting dynamics of team rosters.

• Notable Quote:
  Middlekauff (70:22): "Players are bouncing left and right, and you're never going to develop as you used to."

Additional NFL Updates

Dolphins vs. Jets: A Thrilling Overtime Battle
The Dolphins' overtime victory over the Jets is analyzed, with a focus on Aaron Rodgers' exceptional performance. The implications for the Jets' future, especially regarding their quarterback situation, are debated.

• Notable Quote:
  Cowherd (43:19): "Aaron Rodgers played his best game this year with 39 pass yards and 27 touchdowns."

Concluding Thoughts

The episode wraps up with final thoughts on the NFL and college football landscapes, emphasizing the need for strategic coaching hires and the evolving nature of player development and team dynamics in both professional and collegiate arenas.

• Notable Quote:
  Middlekauff (75:50): "Winning in the NFL is hard. Hiring Morgan and Morgan is easy."

Notable Quotes and Timestamps

• (00:55:15) Middlekauff: "This is one of the things I don't love, defensive coaches and sometimes a lack of sense of urgency with the offense."
• (04:20) Cowherd: "Josh Allen, first player in the history of the sport as a quarterback to have three rushing and three passing touchdowns in the same game."
• (30:38) Middlekauff: "Sam Darnold's 68% accuracy this season is phenomenal. He’s in the top three quarterback class in the league right now."
• (45:32) Middlekauff: "I think the next head coach of the Jets is going to be Rex Ryan. He gives them a presence."
• (50:18) Cowherd: "I think the committee wanted Alabama because I do think Alabama moves the needle more when you have them playing."
• (74:59) Cowherd: "The transfer portal has done this to college football. The minute you think you're loaded, you lose everything."
• (75:50) Middlekauff: "Winning in the NFL is hard. Hiring Morgan and Morgan is easy."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and expert analyses presented by Colin Cowherd and John Middlekauff in the specified episode. From exceptional player performances and strategic coaching decisions to the evolving challenges in college football, listeners are provided with a nuanced understanding of the current sports landscape.