Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode Title: Most “Interesting” NFL Teams In 2025, Steelers vs Giants For Rodgers, AFC West Shakeup?
Release Date: March 13, 2025
Host: Colin Cowherd
Platform: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

1. Introduction

In this episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," hosts Colin Cowherd and Danny Parkins delve into the landscape of the NFL as it stands in 2025. The discussion centers around the most intriguing NFL teams for the upcoming season, potential high-profile player movements, and significant shifts within the AFC West division. The conversation is enriched with in-depth analysis, personal insights, and memorable quotes, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of the current NFL dynamics.

2. Chicago Bears Analysis

Ben Johnson vs. Ryan Poles' Influence

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the Chicago Bears, particularly the internal dynamics between Ben Johnson and Ryan Poles. Colin Cowherd raises a critical point about Johnson's growing influence over Poles, suggesting a potential power shift within the organization.

At 02:17, Colin Cowherd states: “It’s obvious Ben Johnson now runs the organization because he basically by acquiring a guard, a center, a guard is telling Ryan Poles your picks were not good.”

Danny Parkins concurs, adding depth to Cowherd's observation by highlighting Johnson’s financial clout and strategic moves that have benefited the Bears' offensive line.

At 04:11, Danny Parkins remarks: “Ben Johnson makes considerably more money than Ryan Poles and obviously Ryan Poles’ stock is down and Ben Johnson's stock could not have been higher.”

Offensive Line Challenges

The Bears' offensive line woes are another focal point. Both hosts critique Poles' draft decisions, pointing out missed opportunities and the impact of injuries on the team's performance.

At 06:00, Cowherd elaborates: “The Bears literally haven't had a good center since Olin Kreutz. And left tackle is Braxton Jones, who I would not say is good, but I would also not say is bad.”

Parkins emphasizes the importance of Johnson's recent acquisitions in strengthening the offensive line, while acknowledging Poles' existing efforts and constraints.

At 08:22, Parkins notes: “I think Ryan Poles knows about the offensive line, cares about the offensive line, prioritizes the offensive line. He just made a couple of bad mistakes.”

3. Sports Culture in Chicago vs. Los Angeles

The conversation shifts to comparing the sports cultures of Chicago and Los Angeles, highlighting the deep-rooted passion and loyalty of Chicagoans versus the more transient and financially driven environment of Los Angeles sports teams.

At 09:36, Colin Cowherd shares: “Chicago is a sports town that has, it's the opposite of Los Angeles. In LA, our owners are the richest... In Chicago, they're some of the poorest.”

Danny Parkins adds perspective on ownership dynamics, particularly focusing on the Chicago Bulls and Cubs, and the pride Chicagoans take in their teams.

At 12:20, Parkins states: “Chicagoans take so much pride in the city, the people, the neighborhoods. Being Chicago, tough, but Midwest, nice capital of the Midwest.”

The hosts discuss the unwavering support Chicago sports teams receive, regardless of performance, attributing it to the city's inherent pride and community spirit.

4. Aaron Rodgers' Potential Move: Steelers vs. Giants

A major highlight of the episode is the speculation surrounding Aaron Rodgers' potential move to either the Pittsburgh Steelers or the New York Giants. The hosts dissect the implications of such a move, considering team dynamics, coaching relationships, and Rodgers' personal preferences.

At 34:28, Colin Cowherd opines: “I think he's going to Pittsburgh. He'll have an expectation of playing in a playoff game and maybe winning a playoff game that Tomlin hasn't done since 2016.”

Danny Parkins supports the Steelers move, citing Rodgers' compatibility with Coach Mike Tomlin and the Steelers' organizational culture.

At 36:15, Parkins suggests: “He can have as much power in the offensive side as he wants. Who knows, maybe they'll fire Arthur Smith and they'll hire Nathaniel Hackett.”

The potential for Rodgers to become the face of the Steelers, coupled with the team's historical stability, makes this a compelling scenario for both hosts.

5. NFL Draft and Rookie Quarterbacks

The discussion delves into the challenges of NFL drafting, especially concerning rookie quarterbacks. Colin Cowherd criticizes the current draft strategies, pointing out the low success rates and the impact of coaching instability on player development.

At 27:10, Cowherd explains: “The hit rate on draft picks like playing for a few years is 51%. It’s just insane.”

Danny Parkins emphasizes the situational aspects affecting rookies, using Sam Darnold's hypothetical performance in Seattle as an example.

At 29:14, Parkins remarks: “He's going to be worse in Seattle. People like, oh, like Kubiak, like, similar system, good offense, it doesn't matter.”

The hosts agree that external factors, such as team management and coaching continuity, significantly impact the success of drafted players.

6. Analysis of Most Interesting NFL Teams in 2025

Based on their discussions, Cowherd and Parkins identify several NFL teams that stand out as particularly interesting for the 2025 season:

a. Chicago Bears

As previously discussed, the Bears are in a state of transition with internal power shifts and strategic draft moves. The evolving dynamics make them a team to watch.

b. Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs' offensive line is under scrutiny, with potential changes looming. The stability provided by Coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes remains a cornerstone.

At 47:11, Cowherd states: “Kansas City is going to pull back for a year. Their offensive line is in flux.”

c. Green Bay Packers

With Jordan Love taking the helm, the Packers' future performance is uncertain. The hosts speculate on Love's development and the team's direction.

At 53:28, Parkins notes: “If Jaden Daniels takes another step like the year two in the system, year two in the league, jump. Well, then he’s going to win MVP.”

d. New England Patriots

The Patriots are undergoing significant roster changes, making them an intriguing team to follow. The potential recruitment of new offensive weapons could redefine their strategy.

e. Washington Commanders

Washington's strategic acquisitions and quarterback Jaden Daniels' promising performance position them as a rising contender.

At 52:10, Cowherd observes: “They led the league in fourth down conversions with a rookie quarterback. It was remarkable.”

7. Coaching Continuity and Organizational Stability

A recurring theme is the importance of coaching continuity and stable organizational leadership in fostering successful teams. The Chiefs' sustained success under Andy Reid and Mike Vrabel exemplifies this principle, while other teams struggle with frequent coaching changes affecting player performance and team morale.

At 30:00, Cowherd states: “Steve Spagnolo is amazing. Dave Tobes amazing as defensive coordinator and special teams coach. They also happen to coach with Andy Reid...”

8. Impact of Ownership on Team Performance

The hosts discuss how ownership styles and priorities influence team decisions and performance. Respectful and engaged owners, like those of the Cubs, contribute positively to team success and fan loyalty, whereas more detached ownership can lead to instability.

At 14:33, Parkins mentions: “Tom Ricketts is as normal of a billionaire... he shakes hands and takes pictures and signs autographs.”

9. Conclusion

Colin Cowherd and Danny Parkins wrap up the episode by reaffirming their picks for the most interesting NFL teams in 2025: Chicago Bears, Kansas City Chiefs, Green Bay Packers, New England Patriots, and Washington Commanders. They emphasize the interplay of strategic management, coaching stability, and player development as critical factors shaping the NFL landscape.

At 55:32, Colin Cowherd concludes: “Just think about this. They're not going to have as many one score games. So the truth is you go, oh, they were nine and one and one score games. They will not be in ten one score games.”

The hosts encourage listeners to stay tuned for more in-depth analysis as the season progresses and draft strategies unfold.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Ben Johnson's Influence
  Colin Cowherd (02:17): “It’s obvious Ben Johnson now runs the organization because he basically by acquiring a guard, a center, a guard is telling Ryan Poles your picks were not good.”

• Offensive Line Critique
  Colin Cowherd (06:00): “The Bears literally haven't had a good center since Olin Kreutz. And left tackle is Braxton Jones, who I would not say is good, but I would also not say is bad.”

• Chicago vs. Los Angeles Sports Culture
  Danny Parkins (12:20): “Chicagoans take so much pride in the city, the people, the neighborhoods. Being Chicago, tough, but Midwest, nice capital of the Midwest.”

• Aaron Rodgers to Steelers
  Colin Cowherd (34:28): “I think he's going to Pittsburgh. He'll have an expectation of playing in a playoff game and maybe winning a playoff game that Tomlin hasn't done since 2016.”

• NFL Draft Challenges
  Colin Cowherd (27:10): “The hit rate on draft picks like playing for a few years is 51%. It’s just insane.”

• Most Interesting Teams
  Colin Cowherd (47:11): “Kansas City is going to pull back for a year. Their offensive line is in flux.”

• Coaching Continuity
  Colin Cowherd (30:00): “Steve Spagnolo is amazing. Dave Tobes amazing as defensive coordinator and special teams coach. They also happen to coach with Andy Reid...”

• Ownership Impact
  Danny Parkins (14:33): “Tom Ricketts is as normal of a billionaire... he shakes hands and takes pictures and signs autographs.”

Final Thoughts

This episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" offers an extensive exploration of the current NFL environment, highlighting key teams and individuals shaping the 2025 season. Through expert analysis and candid conversations, Cowherd and Parkins provide listeners with valuable insights into team strategies, player movements, and the overarching factors influencing the league's competitive landscape.

Listeners who missed the episode will find this summary a useful guide to understanding the pivotal discussions and predictions made regarding the upcoming NFL season.