Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Episode: Colin Cowherd Podcast Prime Cuts - Matthew Stafford’s Future, NFL Draft Combine, Steph Curry’s Impact On Basketball, Embrace Caitlin Clark
Release Date: March 1, 2025

1. Matt Stafford’s Future and Giants-Rams Dynamics

Colin Cowherd delves into the ongoing discussions surrounding Matt Stafford's future with the New York Giants and the potential trade dynamics with the Los Angeles Rams. He highlights the mutual interest between Stafford and the Rams, emphasizing the Rams' appreciation for Stafford's abilities and the alignment with head coach Sean McVay's vision.

• Trade Negotiations:
  Colin explains, "Matt Stafford's agent and the Rams are going to meet at the combine this week and try to bang something out. The Rams like him. Matt likes him. They want to stay together" [05:00].

• Giants' Dilemma:
  The Giants are hesitant to trade down from the third pick, considering the quarterback market's current landscape. An unnamed sports analyst adds, "If I was a GM, I couldn't trade that valuable of a pick and pay a 37-year-old guy who does have some injury concerns at this point in time" [06:14].

• Rams’ Strategic Position:
  The Rams are portrayed as a well-run franchise that has learned from past contract regrets, making them a favorable destination for Stafford. Colin notes, "The value of Sean McVay for a quarterback and just the franchise and how well run they are now" [09:08].

2. NFL Draft Combine Insights

The conversation shifts to the NFL Draft Combine, focusing on quarterback prospects and team strategies.

• Sam Darnold’s Performance and Future:
  Colin discusses Sam Darnold's inconsistency towards the end of the season and his potential fit with teams like Las Vegas or Indianapolis. He states, "Sam is still in the middle of his prime... I think you put him in the AFC South with Shane Steichen. I think he can go toe to toe with a CJ Stroud on most Sundays" [14:44].

• Combine Strategies:
  The importance of the combine for player evaluation is emphasized, with an unnamed analyst criticizing teams that abstain from attending. "These are your most important assets. I mean all these guys are draft are going to get drafted. The majority of the guys go the combine" [21:47].

• Dual-Position Players:
  The discussion touches on players like Travis Hunter who aim to play multiple positions, raising concerns about their effectiveness and workload. "If you're going to be a both-way corner wide receiver... it's borderline impossible on the body" [23:31].

3. Steph Curry’s Impact on Basketball

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to analyzing Steph Curry's transformative influence on basketball, with guest Ethan Strauss providing in-depth commentary.

• Revolutionizing the Game:
  Cowherd and Strauss agree that Steph Curry has fundamentally changed basketball's playing style, particularly the emphasis on three-point shooting. Colin asserts, "Steph Curry has changed every single level of basketball. Everything he's changed" [32:01].

• Cultural Influence:
  Strauss elaborates on Curry's unique position as both an influencer and the best at what he does, stating, "The crazy thing about Steph is that he's been doing it for over 10 years and he has revolutionized the NBA and he's still the best at doing it" [34:35].

• Sustained Excellence:
  Unlike other revolutionaries like Mike D'Antoni, Curry has maintained his elite performance despite the widespread imitation of his style. Ethan remarks, "He gave them the recipe and he's still the best chef cooking it. That's unbelievable" [34:35].

4. Embracing Caitlin Clark and the WNBA

The episode concludes with a discussion on Caitlin Clark's rising prominence in the WNBA and the challenges she faces in gaining widespread recognition.

• Caitlin Clark’s Appeal:
  Colin draws parallels between Steph Curry and Caitlin Clark, highlighting Clark's unique shooting ability. "Holy shit. We found the female Steph Curry. She's taking shots women don't take" [37:08].

• WNBA Dynamics:
  The conversation addresses the internal conflicts within the WNBA, focusing on the rivalry between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. Colin expresses concern over the league's handling of star players: "If the chippy play continues, you may just lose me as a viewer" [39:25].

• Media and Popularity:
  Ethan discusses the complexities of media coverage and public perception, emphasizing that Clark's popularity stems from her performance and charisma. "She's the one who resonating. And we can either benefit from what it is, or we can tear apart everybody who's into it and make everybody feel bad about it" [40:33].

• Historical Context:
  The conversation places Clark within the broader history of basketball, comparing her impact to legendary players who have shaped the game's evolution. Colin notes, "no one ever had to explain Steph Curry. It was just" [41:22].

Notable Quotes:

• Colin Cowherd on Matt Stafford and the Rams:
  "Matt Stafford's agent and the Rams are going to meet at the combine this week and try to bang something out. The Rams like him. Matt likes him. They want to stay together." [05:00]

• Unnamed Analyst on Trading the Third Pick:
  "If I was a GM, I couldn't trade that valuable of a pick and pay a 37-year-old guy who does have some injury concerns at this point in time." [06:14]

• Colin Cowherd on Steph Curry’s Influence:
  "Steph Curry has changed every single level of basketball. Everything he's changed." [32:01]

• Ethan Strauss on Steph Curry's Sustained Excellence:
  "He gave them the recipe and he's still the best chef cooking it. That's unbelievable." [34:35]

• Colin Cowherd on Caitlin Clark:
  "Holy shit. We found the female Steph Curry. She's taking shots women don't take." [37:08]

• Ethan Strauss on WNBA Media Dynamics:
  "She's the one who resonating. And we can either benefit from what it is, or we can tear apart everybody who's into it and make everybody feel bad about it." [40:33]

Conclusion

In this episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," listeners are provided with a comprehensive analysis of current NFL dynamics, particularly focusing on Matt Stafford's potential future with the Rams versus the Giants. The discussion seamlessly transitions into the intricacies of the NFL Draft Combine, offering insights into player evaluations and team strategies. A significant highlight is the in-depth exploration of Steph Curry's unparalleled impact on basketball, underscored by guest Ethan Strauss's expert observations. Finally, the episode addresses the rising star Caitlin Clark and the evolving landscape of the WNBA, emphasizing the challenges and opportunities within the league. Overall, the episode offers a rich blend of sports analysis, expert opinions, and thoughtful commentary, making it a valuable listen for both avid fans and casual enthusiasts.