Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Episode: Covino & Rich - Picking Apart a Top 10 QB List

Release Date: June 21, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, hosts Steve Covino and Rich Davis delve into a heated debate sparked by Yahoo Sports' recently released Top 10 Quarterbacks list for the upcoming 2025 NFL season. Recorded live from the vibrant atmosphere of Las Vegas, the duo engages in an insightful and opinionated discussion, dissecting the rankings and challenging traditional perceptions within the quarterback landscape.

Yahoo Sports’ Top 10 Quarterbacks: Analyzing the Rankings

The primary focus of the episode is Yahoo Sports' Top 10 Quarterbacks list, curated by Charles McDonald. Covino and Rich commence their analysis by acknowledging the undeniable presence of fan favorites in the upper echelons of the list.

Steve Covino [06:50]: "So in at number one, you really can't debate it. Patrick Mahomes."

Rich Davis [07:08]: "So, I mean, he's arguably the biggest winner of this generation."

They underscore Patrick Mahomes’ leadership and performance, agreeing unanimously on his rightful place at the top. Following Mahomes, the hosts discuss Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, and Joe Burrow, recognizing their consistent excellence and impact on their respective teams.

Controversies and Discrepancies

The conversation takes a contentious turn as Covino and Davis address the inclusion of Geno Smith and Dak Prescott within the Top 10, which has stirred significant debate among fans and analysts alike.

Steve Covino [08:37]: "And Rich says, Brock Purdy, I'm not gonna hate on you."

Rich Davis [26:34]: "Now before we get to the game, we got people hitting us up about quarterbacks. The list came out. Yahoo Sports decided to put ... Geno Smith in the top 10."

Covino expresses discomfort with Dak Prescott's placement, citing underperformance and inconsistent delivery over recent seasons. Similarly, Geno Smith's inclusion is questioned, with both hosts arguing that his current form and team dynamics do not substantiate a top-tier ranking.

Alternative Perspectives: Who’s Missing?

A significant portion of the discussion is dedicated to identifying quarterbacks who merit consideration but were omitted from Yahoo's list. Covino and Davis propose several names, advocating for their inclusion based on performance metrics and potential.

Rich Davis [10:09]: "I think you shouldn't do it Spider Harrison, Seacrest style. I think you should start at number one because I think 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 is sort of where it's like, okay, I get it."

They argue for the inclusion of Jalen Hurts and Jaden Daniels, emphasizing Hurts' recent successes and leadership qualities that have significantly contributed to his team's performance. Additionally, the potential of emerging talents like C.J. Stroud is highlighted, despite debates over their current standing.

Rich Davis [16:02]: "I had Jaden [Daniels]. Here's who I think. Here's what you got to do. You got to start going through it."

Debating the Lower Half of the Top 10

The hosts extend their critique to the latter half of the Top 10 list, scrutinizing the choices and suggesting alternative rankings based on team dynamics, offensive support, and individual quarterback performance.

Steve Covino [26:34]: "Honestly, the Dak Prescott bothers me. Maybe I think that bothers me more than Geno Smith because you can make the argument that Geno Smith did more, unexpectedly more with less."

Covino and Davis consider the impact of offensive lines and team support systems, arguing that quarterbacks' performances are often a reflection of the entire team's capabilities rather than individual prowess alone.

Interactive Segment: Viewer Engagement

To engage their audience, Covino and Davis transition into an interactive game segment, posing questions to callers to identify whether certain individuals are Circa workers or WNBA players. This segment not only adds an entertaining break but also reinforces the hosts' rapport with their listeners.

Concluding Thoughts and Final Verdict

As the episode wraps up, Covino and Davis reiterate their skepticism toward Yahoo Sports' rankings, advocating for a more nuanced approach that considers both current performance and future potential. They encourage listeners to critically evaluate such lists and engage in informed discussions rather than accepting rankings at face value.

Steve Covino [42:03]: "If you're at home, if you're in your car, you're listening to the podcast. We're giving away tons of prizes here on site."

Their concluding remarks emphasize the importance of community and interactive dialogue in sports fandom, leaving listeners with a call to action to join the conversation and share their perspectives.

Notable Quotes

• Steve Covino [06:50]: "Patrick Mahomes is number one. No doubt."

• Rich Davis [07:08]: "He's arguably the biggest winner of this generation."

• Steve Covino [26:34]: "Dak Prescott bothers me more than Geno Smith because you can argue Geno did more with less."

• Rich Davis [10:09]: "We need to go through the divisions and start really analyzing who got left out."

• J. Stu [27:23]: "Baker Mayfield will be one of the top five quarterbacks ever because of his die-hard play."

Conclusion

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers a comprehensive and engaging critique of Yahoo Sports' Top 10 Quarterbacks list. Through spirited debate and thoughtful analysis, Steve Covino and Rich Davis provide listeners with alternative viewpoints and foster a deeper understanding of quarterback rankings in the NFL. Whether you're a casual fan or a die-hard sports enthusiast, this discussion encourages a more critical and informed approach to evaluating player performances and team dynamics.