Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode: Colin Cowherd Podcast Prime Cuts - College Football Playoff Quarterfinals, Can’t Pay Purdy, The Bottom Of The NFL Is BAD!
Release Date: January 4, 2025

1. Introduction

In this episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," host Colin Cowherd engages in an in-depth discussion with former NFL scout John Midkoff. The conversation spans a range of topics, including the College Football Playoff Quarterfinals, the performance and compensation of NFL quarterback Brock Purdy, and the overarching issues plaguing the lower tiers of the NFL.

2. Week 17 NFL Reactions

a. Detroit Lions vs. Chicago 49ers

The episode kicks off with a reaction to the Week 17 game where the Detroit Lions defeated the Chicago 49ers with a score of 40-34. Midkoff criticizes the performance of Brock Purdy, highlighting his inconsistency and questioning his substantial compensation.

John Midkoff [17:41]: "Baker Mayfield's making 33 million this year. Brock Purdy is not nearly as talented as Baker Mayfield... Purdy isn't big, isn't super athletic, doesn't have a big arm... He's good, he's functional, but the idea to pay him 40 and 50 million? You're kidding me."

Midkoff insists that Purdy's performance, characterized by "eight touchdowns, 10 picks in the second half," underscores why he deserves scrutiny regarding his hefty salary.

b. Comparisons with Other Quarterbacks

The discussion extends to comparisons between Purdy and other quarterbacks like Baker Mayfield, Josh Dobbs, and Jared Goff, emphasizing the critical role of coaching and offensive strategies in player performance.

John Midkoff [20:12]: "Sean Payton's probably third. Bo Nix played Justin Herbert a week ago. Bo Nix looked way better in the first half than Justin Herbert."

3. Coaching and Team Management in the NFL

Midkoff delves into the impact of coaching on NFL teams’ performances, praising the offensive schemers like Kyle Shanahan and Andy Reid while critiquing others.

John Midkoff [21:28]: "Kevin O'Connell's play calling is substantial... Kyle Shanahan and the other thing is Shanahan, you get so many open Ricky Piersol and George Kittle opportunities... Andy Reid in a Super Bowl a couple years ago... Sky Moore wide open."

He underscores that elite coaching can significantly influence a team's success, often more so than individual player talent.

4. AFC vs. NFC Analysis

The conversation shifts to the comparative depth of the AFC and NFC, with Midkoff asserting that while the AFC houses top-tier teams like the Bills and Chiefs, the NFC boasts a deeper bottom tier filled with struggling franchises.

John Midkoff [26:53]: "NFC is deeper. Their bottom is much stronger than the AFC, whereas the AFC's top's probably better."

5. Buffalo Bills and Sean McDermott

Midkoff offers a robust analysis of the Buffalo Bills under coach Sean McDermott, commending their consistent performance and playoff prospects.

John Midkoff [25:06]: "I think Sean McDermott's in trouble because when I watch this team, I don't want to hear about Josh Allen... They have to get to the conference championship game."

He believes the Bills are poised to make a deep playoff run, contingent on maintaining their high standards against formidable opponents like the Baltimore Ravens.

6. NFL's Top vs. Bottom Teams

A critical examination of the NFL's structure reveals Midkoff's concern over the widening gap between the league's elite and struggling teams, attributing this disparity to increased financial stakes and overreaction in management decisions.

John Midkoff [32:14]: "Owners are getting wealthier... The bottom tier is now massive... It's not a one-off."

He argues that the financial boom in the NFL has led to more impulsive decisions, exacerbating the division between successful and failing franchises.

7. NBA Media Coverage Comparison

Shifting focus briefly, Midkoff contrasts NFL media coverage with the NBA, noting that NBA coverage tends to be less critical outside specific shows like "Barkley, Shaq, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson."

John Midkoff [33:44]: "NFL reporters and talk show hosts crush NFL players... NBA coverage is very favorable... Only 'Barkley' shows bring critical coverage."

He suggests that the NBA media landscape lacks the consistent critical scrutiny found in NFL reporting, saving it for select programs.

8. College Football Playoff Quarterfinals

Midkoff expresses frustration with the College Football Playoff selection process, particularly criticizing the exclusion of teams like SMU and Boise State due to their perceived weaker conference play and advocacy by the selection committee.

John Midkoff [37:38]: "SMU and Boise State didn't look the part in the regular season... Oregon's first game against Tennessee was tougher than Penn State's path."

He argues that the committee's bias against certain conferences undermines the integrity of the playoff system.

9. Player Analysis in College Football

The discussion includes an evaluation of standout college players, such as Travis Hunter, Will Howard, and Caleb Downs, analyzing their potential impact in the NFL and their roles within their respective teams.

John Midkoff [43:07]: "Travis Hunter wants to go both ways... Caleb Downs is a better corner... Will Howard is a big, strong kid who's mobile."

Midkoff cautions against drafting players who are expected to play multiple positions, highlighting the risks associated with such versatility.

10. Conclusion: Overall NFL and College Football State

Concluding the episode, Midkoff underscores the necessity for honest assessments of player performances and organizational strategies within both the NFL and college football. He calls for a more balanced approach to team management, emphasizing the importance of coaching excellence and strategic player utilization over inflated salaries and superficial performance metrics.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• John Midkoff [17:41]:
  "Baker Mayfield's making 33 million this year. Brock Purdy is not nearly as talented as Baker Mayfield... He's good, he's functional, but the idea to pay him 40 and 50 million? You're kidding me."

• John Midkoff [20:12]:
  "Sean Payton's probably third. Bo Nix played Justin Herbert a week ago. Bo Nix looked way better in the first half than Justin Herbert."

• John Midkoff [26:53]:
  "NFC is deeper. Their bottom is much stronger than the AFC, whereas the AFC's top's probably better."

• John Midkoff [33:44]:
  "NFL reporters and talk show hosts crush NFL players... NBA coverage is very favorable... Only 'Barkley' shows bring critical coverage."

• John Midkoff [37:38]:
  "SMU and Boise State didn't look the part in the regular season... Oregon's first game against Tennessee was tougher than Penn State's path."

Final Thoughts

This episode offers a comprehensive critique of current NFL dynamics, spotlighting the challenges faced by lower-tier teams and questioning the valuation of certain players like Brock Purdy. Additionally, it provides a candid look at the College Football Playoff system, advocating for a more equitable selection process. For sports enthusiasts seeking nuanced analysis of football's intricate landscape, this episode delivers substantial insights and provocative commentary.