Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 1: Dodgers Keep Losing

Release Date: July 23, 2025

Introduction to the Episode

In the inaugural hour of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," hosted by Colin Cowherd alongside Jason McIntyre, the discussion centers around the surprising downturn of the Los Angeles Dodgers' performance, the dynamics of small-market teams in professional sports, and the intertwining of sports and politics in 2025.

Dodgers’ Struggles and Broader Sports Market Trends

Colin Cowherd kicks off the conversation by highlighting the Dodgers' unexpected decline:

• "[06:00] Colin Cowherd: The Dodgers are in a total tailspin. They've lost 10 of their last 13 games, and nothing seems to be going right for them."

He attributes their struggles to several factors:

• Injuries and Performance Decline: The Dodgers’ bullpen has imploded, and their hitters are underperforming, leading to consecutive losses, including a recent defeat against the Minnesota Twins where Tawny struck out three times.

• Financial Disparities: Despite having significant financial resources, the Dodgers are underperforming, raising questions about the effectiveness of high payrolls in securing victories.

Jason McIntyre expands on the theme of financial disparities by discussing the success of small-market teams:

• "[05:30] Jason McIntyre: It's not just the Dodgers. This year, the Milwaukee Brewers, a small-market team, are tied for the best record in baseball. They've swept the Dodgers twice this season, showcasing that smaller markets can compete at the highest levels."

He draws parallels to other sports, emphasizing that small-market teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers are well-run and poised for future dominance due to strategic management and strong organizational foundations.

Key Insights:

• Small Market Advantages: Small-market teams often exhibit resilience and strategic prowess, compensating for smaller budgets with effective management and talent development.

• Success Across Sports Leagues: This trend isn't isolated to baseball; similar patterns are observed in the NBA and NFL, where smaller-market teams are either maintaining competitiveness or emerging as formidable contenders.

Quote Highlight:

• "[06:45] Colin Cowherd: Small market Milwaukee, hottest team in baseball. They have swept the Dodgers twice and have yet to lose to them this year."

Conspiracy Theories and Organizational Dynamics in Sports

The conversation takes a turn towards the influence of relationships and possible conspiracies within sports organizations, particularly focusing on the Cleveland Browns:

Jason McIntyre introduces a speculative theory:

• "[07:50] Jason McIntyre: There's a growing belief that the Cleveland Browns' owner, Jimmy Haslam, has a deep-seated relationship with the Manning family, which might be influencing team decisions, including draft picks and coaching hires."

He elaborates on connections between key figures:

• Jimmy Haslam and the Manning Family: Suggests that Haslam's close ties with the Mannings and Nick Saban may be steering organizational strategies, possibly at the expense of team performance.

• Impact on Team Performance: This alleged influence could be contributing to the Browns' struggles, potentially limiting their competitiveness in the NFL.

Colin Cowherd questions the validity of such theories but acknowledges the complexity of behind-the-scenes relationships:

• "[08:30] Colin Cowherd: If sports in this country are rigged, whoever's rigging it is doing a terrible job. The Dodgers, despite their money, are still losing, which contradicts the notion that bigger budgets guarantee success."

Jason McIntyre counters with historical examples of legitimate organizational failures:

• "[09:00] Jason McIntyre: Look at the tobacco industry’s denial of causing cancer. Sometimes what seems like conspiracy theories have foundational truths. Similarly, organizational issues within teams may not always be transparent."

Key Insights:

• Influence of Personal Relationships: Strong personal bonds between owners, managers, and other stakeholders can significantly impact team decisions and performance.

• Skepticism vs. Reality: While conspiracy theories are often dismissed, underlying truths about organizational dynamics can sometimes validate these suspicions.

Quote Highlight:

• "[08:10] Jason McIntyre: This is not a conspiracy theory. Haslam’s circle of trust includes the Manning family and Jimmy Sexton, which could explain some of the Browns' strategic moves."

Performance Analysis: Dodgers vs. Brewers and Broader League Implications

The discussion returns to the Dodgers' performance with a detailed analysis of specific games and managerial decisions:

Jason McIntyre provides statistical insights:

• "[10:15] Jason McIntyre: The Dodgers are 0-6 against the Brewers this season, highlighting a significant matchup issue beyond financial muscle."

Unnamed Guest (likely a sports analyst or co-host) adds observations on pitching and defense:

• "[12:00] Unnamed Guest: At last night's game, the Dodgers' pitching was sloppy, and their defense couldn’t hold up, leading to their downfall."

They discuss potential coaching and management responses:

• Dave Roberts' Dilemma: With the team continuing to lose, Roberts faces mounting pressure to make significant changes to reverse the losing streak.

Key Insights:

• Managerial Accountability: Prolonged underperformance inevitably leads to scrutiny of coaching strategies and decisions.

• Statistical Disparities: Consistent losses against specific teams like the Brewers reveal deeper strategic or talent mismatches that aren't easily solvable by higher payrolls.

Quote Highlight:

• "[12:30] Unnamed Guest: After another loss, Dave Roberts said, 'It better be rock bottom,' indicating he anticipates significant changes might be necessary."

Quarterback Dynamics in the NFL: Spotlight on the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants

The conversation shifts focus to quarterback performances and team strategies in the NFL:

Jason McIntyre critiques the Cleveland Browns' quarterback situation:

• "[15:00] Jason McIntyre: The Browns are struggling not just as a team but particularly at the quarterback position. With a lackluster performance from their current quarterback, their chances this season are slim."

Albert Breer, a guest expert, provides deeper insights:

• "[48:40] Albert Breer: Joe Flacco is certainly part of the quarterback competition, but it’s J.J. McCarthy who the team is cautiously optimistic about."

Discussion Points:

• Cleveland Browns: The team’s quarterback instability is a major factor in their poor performance. The competition between veteran Joe Flacco and emerging talents like Kenny Pickett and Dylan Gabriel reflects the turmoil within the team’s offensive strategy.

• New York Giants: Similar issues are discussed, particularly with Jackson Dart’s performance:

  • "[28:21] Jason McIntyre: Jackson Dart’s first throw in an 11-on-11 situation resulted in an interception, raising concerns about his readiness and the Giants' quarterback strategy."

Key Insights:

• Quarterback Performance: The effectiveness of a quarterback significantly influences a team’s success, and struggles in this position can derail a season.

• Team Strategies: Balancing veteran experience with emerging talent is a delicate task that can determine a team's adaptability and competitiveness.

Quote Highlight:

• "[31:34] Jason McIntyre: The Giants are likely to be in the top six for next year’s draft, and selecting a quarterback is imperative for their future success."

Marketing and Advertisements

Throughout the episode, there are multiple advertisements and promotions, including:

• Annabe Sofas: Promoted multiple times as the only fully machine-washable sofas, emphasizing their practicality for families with kids and pets.

• Green River Whiskey: Highlighted as the official whiskey of the Herd podcast, likened to a playoff win in its ability to raise spirits.

• American History Hotline: A different type of podcast where listeners can ask historical questions.

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Note: These advertisements were skipped in the summary as per instructions to exclude non-content sections.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Colin Cowherd wraps up the hour by reiterating the Dodgers' ongoing struggles and the broader implications for sports economics and team management. The conversation underscores the unpredictability of sports, where financial might doesn’t always secure victories, and strategic management often plays a pivotal role in a team's success.

Final Quote:

• "[50:37] Jason McIntyre: Cautiously optimistic is what Albert said. Great seeing you, my man."

The episode leaves listeners pondering the delicate balance between financial investment, strategic planning, and on-field performance in shaping the fortunes of sports teams.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• "[06:00] Colin Cowherd: The Dodgers are in a total tailspin. They've lost 10 of their last 13 games, and nothing seems to be going right for them."

• "[08:10] Jason McIntyre: This is not a conspiracy theory. Haslam’s circle of trust includes the Manning family and Jimmy Sexton, which could explain some of the Browns' strategic moves."

• "[12:30] Unnamed Guest: After another loss, Dave Roberts said, 'It better be rock bottom,' indicating he anticipates significant changes might be necessary."

• "[15:00] Jason McIntyre: The Browns are struggling not just as a team but particularly at the quarterback position. With a lackluster performance from their current quarterback, their chances this season are slim."

• "[31:34] Jason McIntyre: The Giants are likely to be in the top six for next year’s draft, and selecting a quarterback is imperative for their future success."

This summary encapsulates the key discussions from "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" episode titled "Dodgers Keep Losing," providing insights into team performances, organizational dynamics, and the broader landscape of professional sports.