Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd - Hour 1: Return of the Back

Release Date: December 11, 2024
Host: Colin Cowherd
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Introduction

In the inaugural hour of "Return of the Back," Colin Cowherd delves deep into the evolving landscape of American sports, particularly focusing on the resurgence of the running back position in the NFL, the dynamics within college football transfers, standout performances in the WNBA, and strategic moves in Major League Baseball. The episode features insightful discussions with former NFL coach Josh McDaniels and contributions from sports analysts J. Mac and Mark Sanchez.

1. The "Wide Receiver Bubble" and Running Back Resurgence

Overview:
Colin Cowherd and his co-hosts explore the notion that wide receivers have been overvalued in recent years, leading to a "wide receiver bubble." They argue that rule changes in the NFL have temporarily inflated the importance of receivers, but the fundamental value of running backs is making a strong comeback.

Key Points:

• Wide Receivers as "High-Maintenance Sports Cars":
  Colin likens modern wide receivers to "flashy sports cars"—expensive but high maintenance and not always dependable throughout the season. He emphasizes that while receivers add excitement, they often require constant management to stay healthy and perform consistently.

• Running Backs as "The Cake":
  Contrastingly, running backs are portrayed as the essential components of a football team—the "cake" to the receivers' "icing." They are described as all-weather, economical, and low maintenance, bringing toughness and leadership to the team.

• Team Performance Correlation:
  The discussion highlights that six of the top ten wide receivers in the NFL are on losing teams, suggesting that mere receiver talent doesn't equate to team success. In contrast, running back-centric teams like Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, Detroit, and Green Bay are experiencing strong performances.

Notable Quotes:

• Colin Cowherd ([04:50]):
  "Receivers have become once again flashy sports cars. Really expensive, high maintenance."

• John Middlekoff ([23:03]):
  "He [Brock Purdy] deserves something, but I think the team has a lot of leverage, too."

2. College Football Transfer Rules and Coaching Decisions

Overview:
The episode critiques the current NCAA transfer portal system, particularly how it affects team dynamics and coaching strategies. Colin voices skepticism over the rumored move of Bill Belichick to the University of North Carolina, highlighting potential misalignments between Belichick's coaching style and the demands of college football.

Key Points:

• Belichick's Potential Move to Carolina:
  Colin expresses doubts about the success of Bill Belichick coaching at Carolina, citing Belichick's age, lack of charisma, and the mismatch between his coaching philosophy and the vibrant, youthful energy of college athletes.

• Transfer Portal Challenges:
  The discussion underscores the unfair advantage it grants to weaker programs, allowing them to poach talented players from stronger teams. Colin suggests implementing stricter transfer regulations to maintain competitive balance.

• Coaching Focus and Mentorship:
  Colin contrasts Belichick's perceived self-interest in possibly coaching his son with Deion Sanders' genuine commitment to mentoring young athletes, arguing that true coaching focuses on elevating all players rather than personal agendas.

Notable Quotes:

• Colin Cowherd ([14:15]):
  "I just don't buy it. I'm not sitting on the fence."

• Josh McDaniels ([29:47]):
  "If you want to transfer, great. You can't land anywhere until the season is over is reasonable."

3. WNBA Spotlight: Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese

Overview:
The conversation shifts to the WNBA, spotlighting Caitlin Clark's exceptional rookie season and her rivalry with Angel Reese. Colin and John analyze Clark's dominance, her playing style reminiscent of NBA greats, and the dynamic between her and Reese.

Key Points:

• Caitlin Clark's Dominance:
  Clark is lauded for setting WNBA records in assists and points by a guard, drawing comparisons to NBA legends like Larry Bird and Michael Jordan in terms of her ability to handle physical play and demand respect on the court.

• Rivalry with Angel Reese:
  The episode examines the on-court and off-court tensions between Clark and Reese, debating the authenticity and competitiveness of their rivalry. Colin argues that Reese adds a necessary contrast to Clark's style, enhancing the league's appeal.

• Fan Engagement and Respect:
  Colin emphasizes the importance of respecting women's sports by appreciating the physicality and competitiveness without reducing the athletes to mere caricatures. He advocates for genuine recognition of their talents and contributions.

Notable Quotes:

• John Middlekoff ([25:35]):
  "The ultimate sign of respect for women's sports is to not pander and appreciate the fact that women's basketball is really feisty and physical like men's basketball is."

• Colin Cowherd ([27:16]):
  "Angel Reese is really good. She's a very good player. She's just not level."

4. NBA Trade Rumors: LeBron James and Bronny

Overview:
Colin addresses sensational NBA rumors suggesting that LeBron James might request a trade that includes his son, Bronny James. He critically assesses the feasibility and authenticity of such a move, emphasizing the inexperience and current skill level of Bronny.

Key Points:

• Inauthentic Trade Speculation:
  Colin dismisses the rumor as inauthentic, pointing out that Bronny is not yet a viable NBA player and lacks the necessary skills and experience to warrant inclusion in a trade deal.

• Impact on Team Dynamics:
  He argues that prioritizing a familial relationship over team success undermines the competitive integrity of the league and places unnecessary pressure on young athletes like Bronny.

• Historical Context of Player Aging:
  Drawing parallels with other NBA players who have experienced late-career declines, Colin suggests that the narrative around LeBron trading for his son is unrealistic and lacks substantive backing.

Notable Quotes:

• Colin Cowherd ([21:22]):
  "Bronny's not an NBA player. He's not a primary ball handler. He's not a shooting guard. He's tiny."

• John Middlekoff ([21:40]):
  "So we have to stop pretending it's inauthentic. It's not. It's just not good."

5. MLB Insights: Yankees' Bullpen vs. Power Hitters

Overview:
The episode critiques the New York Yankees' recent strategy of acquiring powerful hitters like Juan Soto, arguing that the team would benefit more from bolstering their pitching staff. Colin emphasizes the importance of pitching depth in countering dominant teams like the Dodgers.

Key Points:

• Pitching Over Power Hitting:
  Colin contends that the Yankees’ focus on adding power hitters is misguided, especially against teams with strong pitching like the Dodgers. He advocates for investing in elite starters to gain a competitive edge.

• Comparison with Recent Successes:
  Referencing the Dodgers' bullpen strength and playoff performances, Colin illustrates how effective pitching can stifle even the most formidable offensive lineups.

• Budget and Team Composition:
  He highlights the financial and strategic implications of signing high-priced hitters versus acquiring pitchers who can influence the outcome of crucial games.

Notable Quotes:

• Colin Cowherd ([35:35]):
  "You don't want to out hit the Dodgers. That's not it. That's not going to work."

• John Middlekoff ([35:36]):
  "The Yankees need more elite starters, not a $700 million power hitter."

6. Football Strategies with Josh McDaniels

Overview:
Former New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels joins the discussion to share his perspectives on managing quarterbacks, balancing offensive play-calling, and adapting strategies based on team strengths and defensive tactics.

Key Points:

• Balancing Pass and Run:
  McDaniels emphasizes the necessity of balancing passing and running plays to keep defenses off-balance. He suggests integrating running plays to control the game's tempo and protect quarterbacks from relentless pass rushes.

• Quarterback Management:
  The conversation touches on recognizing signs of quarterback decline and implementing strategies to mitigate performance issues, such as reducing pass attempts against aggressive defenses.

• Adapting to Defensive Schemes:
  McDaniels discusses how offensive strategies must evolve in response to defensive adjustments, advocating for flexible play designs that can exploit weaknesses and maintain offensive efficiency.

Notable Quotes:

• Josh McDaniels ([41:11]):
  "I think you just try to find the balance... keep them involved early in the game."

• Colin Cowherd ([43:44]):
  "They [quarterbacks] start to hurt more. And we were talking about it... they're still doing the same thing."

7. College Football Transfer Portal and Season Completion Concerns

Overview:
Colin and Josh McDaniels debate the NCAA's current transfer system, particularly focusing on how mid-season transfers can disrupt team cohesion and competitive balance. They advocate for restricting transfers until after season completions to ensure fairness and stability.

Key Points:

• Impact on Team Performance:
  Allowing players to transfer during the season can lead to weakened team rosters, especially for programs already struggling, while stronger teams might gain undue advantages through last-minute additions.

• Consistency in Rules:
  Restricting transfers to post-season periods would align with professional leagues' standards, maintaining organizational consistency and reducing intra-season disruptions.

• Coaching Stability vs. Player Freedom:
  The discussion highlights the tension between maintaining team stability and respecting players' autonomy, suggesting that order and structure should take precedence to preserve competitive integrity.

Notable Quotes:

• Josh McDaniels ([29:26]):
  "That's reasonable in any business."

• John Middlekoff ([31:35]):
  "Consistency... there's things you can't break. That's called organizational, you know, consistency."

Conclusion

"Return of the Back" serves as a comprehensive exploration of pivotal shifts within major American sports leagues. Colin Cowherd, alongside his guests, provides compelling arguments for reevaluating player valuations, adapting strategic approaches, and instituting fairer systems within college athletics. The episode underscores the cyclical nature of sports dynamics and the importance of maintaining balance between individual talent and team cohesion.

Notable Quotes from the Episode:

1. On Wide Receivers vs. Running Backs:
   Colin Cowherd ([04:50]): "Receivers have become once again flashy sports cars. Really expensive, high maintenance."

2. On Coaching and Transfers:
   Josh McDaniels ([29:47]): "If you want to transfer, great. You can't land anywhere until the season is over is reasonable."

3. On WNBA Rivalry:
   Colin Cowherd ([27:16]): "Angel Reese is really good. She's a very good player. She's just not level."

4. On MLB Strategies:
   John Middlekoff ([35:36]): "The Yankees need more elite starters, not a $700 million power hitter."

5. On Football Strategy Balance:
   Josh McDaniels ([41:11]): "I think you just try to find the balance... keep them involved early in the game."

Final Thoughts

This episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" provides listeners with in-depth analyses and thought-provoking opinions on current sports trends. By challenging prevailing notions and advocating for strategic adjustments, Colin and his guests encourage a reevaluation of how teams build their rosters and approach the game, emphasizing the enduring value of foundational positions like the running back.