The Herd with Colin Cowherd — Prime Cuts (Dec 13, 2025)

Episode Overview

In this “Prime Cuts” episode, Colin Cowherd, joined by guest Danny Parkins, dives into the hottest stories in football and the NBA. The discussion ranges from the rise of Oklahoma City Thunder and sports dynasties, to intensive breakdowns of Shedeur Sanders’ viability as a franchise QB, Caleb Williams’ jaw-dropping NFL start, Lamar Jackson’s murky form, and a look at the state of several NFL franchises. With trademark candor, insight, and plenty of disagreement, the show dissects why dynasties happen, what makes a real “franchise quarterback,” and the pitfalls of certain teams.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Nature of Sports Dynasties: OKC’s “Boring” Dominance vs. “Glamorous” Superteams

Timestamps: 03:26 – 14:24

• Colin’s Take: There is no way to legislate absolute fairness in sports. Certain cities and franchises have intrinsic advantages (weather, coolness, legacy). Oklahoma City Thunder’s rise stems from “being smarter and more efficient,” not financial power.
  • “At least the Dodgers are an interesting dynasty. At least it's captivating...OKC did it through analytics. It's terribly boring.” — Colin Cowherd [06:28]
  • Claims the NBA’s pursuit of parity is “idealistic,” as dynasties are inevitable and preferable to constant shuffling.
• Danny’s Response: The reason some dynasties draw more ratings is brand and geography, not just dominance.
  • “Dynasty and brand drive ratings... the Spurs’ dynasty wasn’t slaying it in national TV ratings because it was San Antonio.” — Danny Parkins [08:02]
• Shared view: Star players naturally gravitate toward big, desirable markets. The NBA should focus less on preventing dynasties and tanking, and let the market work itself out.
  • “Players want to play where they want to play. There’s greed all over sports... you are punished for ever wanting to go play where you’d want to live.” — Colin [09:45]

2. The Draft System and “Fairness” in Player Movement

Timestamps: 10:41 – 14:24

• Danny: Compares the draft to a restricted job market — it's “anti-capitalist, un-American,” but total “big market dominance” would make sports less interesting.
  • Offers Giannis Antetokounmpo's Milwaukee championship as an example of a more meaningful, “legendary title” than Kevin Durant’s Golden State rings.
  • “I don’t want to live in a sports world where Giannis’s title doesn’t happen. I want Joker to get his one, I want Giannis to get his one. I want both to exist.” — Danny Parkins [13:46]

3. Shedeur Sanders — Franchise QB or Flash in the Pan?

Timestamps: 14:24 – 21:20

• Colin: Fascinated that Shedeur, “the first quarterback influencer,” went from undervalued in the draft to possible franchise starter for the Browns.
  • Compares him to LaMelo Ball in NBA: “He’s really popular in places I don’t go. I go to TV. He’s popular on IG or maybe Snapchat.” [14:34]
  • Points out: “Shedeur does appear to be better than everybody in the NFL thought.” [15:47]
• Danny’s Analysis: Impressed by Shedeur’s skills but cautions against putting too much stock in one game.
  • “I still think it's a little soon to say that he is a franchise quarterback for beating the Titans... He didn't beat the worst team in the league and now you've got him as Cleveland starter for the next four years. I think that's a little premature.” [17:08]
  • Discusses the impact of a bad supporting cast and uncertain coaching stability.
  • Notes: “Shadour has been better than I thought he was going to be. But can we see how he plays when it's five degrees below zero on the windshield against the number one takeaway defense in the NFL?” [18:04]
• Key Insight: Despite outperforming expectations, Sanders may still face a draft pick or Deshaun Watson in competition for the starting job next year.

4. Caleb Williams’ Meteoric Ascension

Timestamps: 27:14 – 34:23

• Colin: Compares early career Josh Allen to Caleb Williams, noting extreme statistical similarity. Praises Williams’ arm and improvisational skills.
  • “I think he's a shorter Josh Allen. That's his comp. There is no ceiling for him. Best arm, never gets hurt, throws very few INTs. Probably the best runner in the league at quarterback now that Lamar has scaled back.” [29:06]
• Danny: Sees Williams as more Aaron Rodgers-like, especially in discipline and athleticism.
  • “Caleb Williams looks like Neo in the Matrix. He's like dodging bullets...I actually thought he had pretty good pocket presence last year.” [31:39]
• Both agree Williams’ rookie stats are deceptive due to supporting cast; anticipate monster second season with Ben Johnson’s system in Chicago.

5. Lamar Jackson & Baltimore, Pittsburgh’s Narrow Escape

Timestamps: 34:23 – 39:36

• Colin: Credits Pittsburgh's win but says they “got lucky” on a reversed call; points out they were outplayed most of the game.
  • Critiques Lamar Jackson: “He looks not nearly...relative to his standard, looks slow, clearly is just a little off.”
  • “With Lamar Jackson, we've gotten to a point where anything over 15 yards, I don't necessarily trust him. I just don't think he's right.” [36:13]
• Danny: Bemoans the Ravens’ drop-off, points to early season defensive holes and Lamar’s possible injury.
  • “They dug themselves in the hole early in the season...their quarterbacks banged up... The Steelers, if they are the 4 seed...I'd be stunned if they win a playoff game.” [38:29]

6. State of the NFC West, Cardinals’ Futility

Timestamps: 39:36 – 43:39

• Colin and Danny: Agree Rams and Seahawks look strong, Cardinals are a lost cause with ownership as the main obstacle.
• On Coaches: “Is there a better coaching division than McVay, McDonald and Shanahan?” [41:19]
• Denver & Ownership: Once the Walmart family bought Denver, the franchise's wealth surpassed most of the league, showing the impact ownership can have on competitiveness.

7. Rookie QBs & Franchises in Turmoil: JJ McCarthy, Jaden Daniels, Washington

Timestamps: 43:39 – 47:27

• Colin: Lauds JJ McCarthy’s best NFL game but notes it came against “the worst defense in the league.” Wonders about Washington’s decision making and their future at quarterback.
• Jaden Daniels’ Durability: Real concerns about his longevity after several injuries. “It was the best rookie season statistically in the history of the sport. And a year later, physically, I have real issues.” [44:52]
• Danny: Notes that physical sturdiness (à la Bo Nix, Caleb Williams) is a big deal for young QBs.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On sports parity:

  “You can't legislate fair or even...when I look at OKC and I look at the Dodgers, at least the Dodgers are an interesting dynasty...OKC did it through analytics. It's terribly boring.” — Colin Cowherd [06:28]

• On drafting systems:

  “My brother in law graduates from Purdue computer engineering...he had options. He wasn't drafted to Nvidia, he chose Nvidia. Obviously, that's anti-capitalist, un-American, all of those things, but I don't think...sports would in general...be less interesting if only the big brands ever won. We do like David and Goliath.” — Danny Parkins [12:04]

• On Shedeur Sanders:

  “He’s the first quarterback influencer...really popular in places I don’t go. I go to TV. He’s popular on IG or maybe Snapchat or all this stuff.” — Colin [14:34]
  “He was the most accurate college quarterback ever.” — Colin [19:13]

• On Caleb Williams:

  “He has the best arm in the NFL.” — Danny [28:39]
  “I think he's a shorter Josh Allen. That's his comp. There is no ceiling for him.” — Colin [29:06]
  “Caleb Williams looks like Neo in the Matrix. He's like dodging bullets.” — Danny [31:39]

• On Lamar & the Ravens:

  “He looks not nearly...relative to his standard, looks slow, clearly is just a little off.” — Colin [35:25]
  “They dug themselves in the hole early in the season...their quarterbacks banged up...I’d be stunned if [the Steelers] win a playoff game.” — Danny [38:29]

• On Washington’s franchise woes:

  “I look at Washington and I'm like, they need nine more players...they got very few good players.” — Colin [47:11]

Segment Timestamps

• 03:26 — Opening discussion: OKC, dynasties, NBA parity
• 07:32 — Local ratings vs. national interest; brand vs. dynasty
• 10:41 — Draft restrictions, labor analogies, Giannis as a meaningful champion
• 14:24 — Shedeur Sanders deep dive; influencer QB and draft snubs
• 17:06 — Shedeur against Titans, future potential, QB competition
• 27:14 — Caleb Williams/Josh Allen comparison
• 28:39 — Caleb’s “best arm” in the NFL; playmaking breakdown
• 34:23 — Steelers-Ravens recap; Lamar’s struggles
• 39:36 — NFC West: Rams, Cardinals, ownership impacts
• 43:39 — JJ McCarthy, Jaden Daniels, and Washington’s bleak outlook
• 47:27 — Team construction, why some franchises stay competitive

Summary

This episode delivers classic Herd energy: strong opinions, lively debate, and well-supported sports analysis. Colin’s skepticism toward “parity” and enthusiasm for talent-driven dynasties frames the wide-ranging discussions — from OKC’s “analytic” NBA ascendancy, through quarterback controversies, to the organizational challenges facing NFL also-rans. With candid assessments and memorable analogies, the conversation both explains the current sports landscape and projects its future, making it essential listening for engaged fans.