The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Episode Summary: "Hour 1 - No Easy Fix for the Cowboys"

Release Date: January 15, 2025
Host: Colin Cowherd
Platform: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Description: A deep dive into the perennial struggles of the Dallas Cowboys, NFL dynamics, and upcoming guest Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner.

1. Introduction

Colin Cowherd opens the episode with a focus on the Dallas Cowboys' ongoing challenges, expressing frustration over not having secured NBA Commissioner Adam Silver as a guest despite multiple attempts. He sets the stage for an in-depth analysis of the Cowboys' situation and broader NFL issues.

2. Dallas Cowboys' Troubles

A. Management and Financial Decisions

Colin criticizes Jerry Jones' management decisions, particularly regarding buyouts and contract negotiations:

• Colin Cowherd [07:00]: "Jerry's 82 years old. The Cowboys were 7-10. And here's a third number: You’ve got to pay Dak, an A-B quarterback, $129 million guaranteed going forward."

He challenges reports about Deion Sanders' potential move to the Cowboys, questioning the feasibility and necessity of an $8 million buyout when Dak Prescott's contract significantly outweighs it.

• Colin Cowherd [05:30]: "Rich guys don't like dead coaching money. I don't think they like buyouts. But I think when you get older, you see the world differently. How you're going to leave your legacy."

B. Organizational Concerns and Leadership

The discussion highlights the Cowboys' inability to secure effective first-round draft picks and the implications of having an aging owner:

• Guest Analyst [08:13]: "There are only 32 jobs in the National Football League. Each one of those jobs is going to pay you above north of somewhere six, $7 million a year."

• Colin Cowherd [08:43]: "The fence is broken. So what I'm about to say you'll, you'll roll your eyes at and that's hurtful. But I've been saying this, that you’ve got to be able to see the problems before they get really bad like Dallas."

Colin draws a parallel between the Cowboys and "Jurassic Park," suggesting that the organization's issues are imminent and potentially catastrophic.

3. Comparative Analysis with Other NFL Teams

A. Steelers vs. Giants Analogy

Colin likens the Pittsburgh Steelers to the New York Giants, suggesting that both franchises may be on the decline due to poor quarterback performance and offensive struggles:

• Colin Cowherd [09:55]: "Are the Steelers becoming the New York Giants? Who the Steelers would look at now and go, legendary quarterback. Get you to a couple of Super Bowls."

He critiques the Steelers' offensive performance over the past five years, emphasizing their reliance on a strong defense rather than a potent offense.

B. Other Teams in the NFC and AFC

Colin points out other teams like Detroit, Philadelphia, Green Bay, and the Rams as having better rosters and front offices compared to the Cowboys. He underscores the strength of these teams' draft strategies and overall management.

• Colin Cowherd [07:30]: "Detroit, Philadelphia, Green Bay and the Rams not only have better rosters now. Significantly better. They have better front offices. They are drafting."

4. Mike McCarthy and the Chicago Bears

Colin discusses the Chicago Bears' hiring of Mike McCarthy, viewing it as a strategic move towards stability:

• Colin Cowherd [22:00]: "Mike McCarthy very quickly stabilizes you and makes you a winning team. I'm just asking you Bears to upgrade from life support to stable condition."

He praises McCarthy's track record of leading teams to the playoffs consistently, despite not reaching the heights of coaches like Andy Reid or Sean McVeigh.

5. Kansas City Chiefs' Outlook

The segment covers Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce's impressive performance streak, emphasizing their impact in playoff scenarios:

• Colin Cowherd [25:16]: "Mahomes isn't expecting that to change this postseason. They're the best players and the best leaders who step up and make the best plays."

Colin also critiques the role of tight ends in the NFL, highlighting their undervalued and underpaid status despite their crucial responsibilities on the field.

• Colin Cowherd [25:29]: "Tight ends are underrated and underpaid. They have to block the best pass rusher often on the other team."

6. Detroit Lions' Updates

The return of key players like David Montgomery is highlighted as a positive development for the Detroit Lions' playoff prospects:

• Colin Cowherd [27:53]: "David Montgomery is back in the lineup. It's official after reports that he could miss the entire season. It's refreshing."

Colin praises the Lions' gradual roster improvements and their favorable position to compete in the NFC.

7. Future Coaching Prospects: Deion Sanders

The possibility of Deion Sanders transitioning to a coaching role is explored, with discussions on potential teams that might vie for his expertise:

• Jay Mac [32:07]: "Deion Sanders is more likely to wait to coach his son than jump at a job that you've just explained for two days is not a good job in Dallas."

Colin speculates on teams like the Seattle Seahawks and New York Giants as potential destinations, considering the strategic benefits and current team dynamics.

• Colin Cowherd [32:24]: "Let me throw a team out there. Seattle. Two first-rounders, DK Metcalf, couple fourth-rounders..."

8. College Football Discussion

Towards the end, Colin shifts focus to college football, outlining four positive developments stemming from recent changes like expanded playoffs and the transfer portal:

• Colin Cowherd [36:57]:
  1. More Big Games: "Conference realignment and expanded playoff games have created more big games."
  2. Revival of Dead Programs: "The transfer portal allows dead programs like Arizona State and SMU to get reasonably good very quickly."
  3. Player Compensation: "Football players deserve to be paid, college or pro."
  4. Expanded Playoffs Allowing Mistakes: "Expanded playoffs allow young players who make more mistakes to recover and still succeed."

He emphasizes the benefits of these changes, positioning college football as evolving towards greater competitiveness and sustainability.

9. Closing Remarks and Upcoming Guest

Colin wraps up the episode by reaffirming the significance of Adam Silver's upcoming appearance, expressing anticipation for his insights:

• Colin Cowherd [35:00]: "Adam Silver, top of the hour... He's coming on TV with us. And he was with me once on ESPN."

He concludes with remarks appreciating the Los Angeles media's coverage of recent wildfires, offering support to affected communities, and hinting at future discussions on the show's platform.

Notable Quotes

• Colin Cowherd [07:00]: "Jerry's 82 years old. The Cowboys were 7-10. And here's a third number: You’ve got to pay Dak, an A-B quarterback, $129 million guaranteed going forward."

• Guest Analyst [08:13]: "There are only 32 jobs in the National Football League. Each one of those jobs is going to pay you above north of somewhere six, $7 million a year."

• Colin Cowherd [25:29]: "Tight ends are underrated and underpaid. They have to block the best pass rusher often on the other team."

Conclusion

This episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" offers a critical examination of the Dallas Cowboys' management and strategic decisions, broader NFL team comparisons, insights into coaching dynamics with a focus on Mike McCarthy and Deion Sanders, and a thoughtful analysis of recent changes in college football. The anticipation of Adam Silver's appearance promises further exploration of sports leadership and league dynamics.

Note: For those interested in tuning in, "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" streams live every weekday from noon to 3 PM Eastern on Fox Sports Radio and is available on the iHeartRadio app.