Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 1: Saquon Barkley is the Eagles, Jayden Daniels is Unreal

Release Date: January 20, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, host Colin Cowherd delves into the latest developments in the NFL, focusing on standout performances by Saquon Barkley with the Philadelphia Eagles and rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. Alongside his co-host, J. Mac, Colin analyzes key playoff matchups, team dynamics, and the evolving landscape of the league’s top contenders.

1. Buffalo Bills' Dominant Playoff Performance

Timestamp: [02:38]

Colin kicks off the discussion by highlighting the Buffalo Bills' impressive playoff victory over the Baltimore Ravens. Notably, the Bills avoided turnovers and penalties, showcasing disciplined and mature football—a significant shift from their usual playstyle since Josh Allen's arrival.

• Colin Cowherd: “This is what the Kansas City Chiefs did when they moved off Tyreek Hill. They went from a fireworks show to a more effective football team.”

Josh Allen's performance was under scrutiny, as he recorded his fewest total yards in a playoff game, yet the team's collective efficiency overshadowed his individual stats.

• Colin Cowherd: “Josh Allen only had 147 yards, total yards, fewest of his career in a playoff game yet. I've never been more impressed.”

The Bills demonstrated a balanced attack, relying less on Allen and more on a robust offensive and defensive strategy, drawing parallels to the transformation seen in the Chiefs post-Tyreek Hill.

2. Analysis of the Baltimore Ravens vs. Buffalo Bills Showdown

Timestamp: [06:35]

The conversation shifts to dissecting the Ravens' performance, noting their usual dynamic play led by Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry. However, key mistakes, including turnovers and a significant drop by Mark Andrews, marred their efforts.

• Josh Allen: “After all year, this team has heard, we got no talent, we're too small, we can't stop the run. We're not good enough to compete.”

Despite Baltimore's strong play-calling and big plays, the Bills' disciplined approach, with only one sack and one penalty, was pivotal in securing their victory.

• Colin Cowherd: “They have all the analytics. You go into the game knowing that any team that had a turnover lost their playoff game, you're at home, you feel you have the better quarterback.”

3. The Rise of the Philadelphia Eagles: Saquon Barkley and Jalen Carter

Timestamp: [07:00]

Colin transitions to discussing the Philadelphia Eagles, emphasizing the significant impact of Saquon Barkley and Jalen Carter. Barkley’s performance has placed him among the greatest running backs, alongside legends like Walter Payton and Barry Sanders.

• Colin Cowherd: “Saquon Barkley is on that short list as well. He has been total class, understated, just does his job.”

Jalen Carter is lauded for his defensive prowess, drawing comparisons to Reggie White and Aaron Donald. His leadership on the defensive line has been instrumental in the Eagles' success.

• Colin Cowherd: “Jalen Carter is a special player and he's just done so many of the right things to continue to make himself a special player for him.”

The synergy between Barkley’s offensive contributions and Carter’s defensive dominance has transformed the Eagles into a formidable playoff contender.

• Colin Cowherd: “This Eagles football team feels like it's led by Jalen Carter, Saquon Barkley and the general manager. But what I do like about it as well is Jalen Hurts is okay with it. Jalen Hurts is about winning. That's all he cares about.”

4. Jayden Daniels: An Unprecedented Rookie Quarterback

Timestamp: [17:26]

The spotlight turns to Jayden Daniels of the Washington team, whose rookie season has defied expectations. Daniels has demonstrated exceptional poise, avoiding turnovers and excelling against blitzes—a rare feat for a rookie quarterback.

• Colin Cowherd: “This has never happened. His poise, I don't know what to make of it. It's unprecedented.”

Despite early-season struggles, Daniels’ performance in the latter half of the season showcases his potential to lead Washington deep into the playoffs.

• Colin Cowherd: “This roster flushed everybody out and I loved all the new people they brought in from coach, coordinator, quarterback, owner, gm and I said they're going to make the playoffs, but I didn't expect this in the middle of the season.”

Daniels' ability to maintain composure and make strategic decisions under pressure sets him apart from his peers, drawing comparisons to seasoned veterans.

• J. Mac: “He's a rare competitor, there's no doubt about that. But in those moments, he is. If he was a basketball player, he'd want the last shot as a ball player.”

5. Kansas City Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes: Navigating Playoffs and Officials

Timestamp: [38:32]

Colin addresses the Kansas City Chiefs' journey to the AFC Championship, focusing on Patrick Mahomes' interactions with referees and officials. He critiques the NFL's protective stance towards quarterbacks, suggesting it hinders fair play.

• Colin Cowherd: “They know the rules. They manipulate. I don't like the sideline thing. Troy Aiken called him out for that.”

Mahomes' ability to leverage rules to his advantage is likened to athletes like Messi and Ronaldo, enhancing his team's competitive edge.

• Colin Cowherd: “Patrick Mahomes does what great players do. It could be Messi, Ronaldo, Dwyane, Wade, Mahomes. They leverage and manipulate officials.”

The discussion underscores the Chiefs' disciplined approach, emphasizing minimal penalties and turnovers as key factors in their playoff success.

6. Detroit Lions' Coaching Turmoil and Future Prospects

Timestamp: [29:35]

The conversation shifts to the Detroit Lions, highlighting the potential departure of key coordinators Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn. Colin expresses concern over the team's ability to maintain continuity and competitiveness amidst these changes.

• Colin Cowherd: “Philly replaced him with guys in the building. And Detroit, it sounds like it's going to replace their great coordinators with guys in the building. What happened to Philly? Very rarely is guy in the building the best person for the job.”

Dan Campbell, Detroit’s head coach, addresses the situation, emphasizing the search for qualified replacements without rushing the process.

• Dan Campbell: “I think we've got guys on staff that I think are more than qualified and would be outstanding in those roles. But that does not mean that I'm not looking outside either. I'm not going to be in a hurry.”

Colin draws parallels to other teams that have faltered following coaching changes, cautioning against in-house promotions that may lack the requisite expertise.

• Colin Cowherd: “The league has a way of ending dynasties quickly. You have to. I mean, look at New England went from kind of game manager to Randy Moss, back to Brady now.”

7. Predictions and Concluding Insights

Timestamp: [46:25]

As the episode nears its conclusion, Colin shares his predictions for the upcoming playoff games, favoring the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles as frontrunners. He anticipates a formidable showdown between these teams and the Kansas City Chiefs, emphasizing the strategic advantages Buffalo holds as both a disciplined team and a fan-favorite.

• Colin Cowherd: “I like Philadelphia and I like Buffalo. I think it's interesting, Buffalo was an underdog at home. Buffalo now an underdog at Arrowhead, and Arrowhead is a great stadium.”

He also touches upon the broader NFL landscape, noting the rise of mobile quarterbacks and the shifting power dynamics within the league.

• Colin Cowherd: “The mobile quarterbacks, I'm just telling you for Detroit, you're losing both coordinators. I think the NFC north is only going to get better.”

Notable Quotes

• Colin Cowherd: “This is what the Kansas City Chiefs did when they moved off Tyreek Hill. They went from a fireworks show to a more effective football team.” ([02:41])

• Josh Allen: “I'm so proud of our defense. I'm so proud of our offense and special teams. What a complete win.” ([06:35])

• Colin Cowherd: “Saquon Barkley is on that short list as well. He has been total class, understated, just does his job.” ([07:00])

• Colin Cowherd: “This has never happened. His poise, I don't know what to make of it. It's unprecedented.” ([17:26])

• Colin Cowherd: “Patrick Mahomes does what great players do. It could be Messi, Ronaldo, Dwyane, Wade, Mahomes. They leverage and manipulate officials.” ([38:32])

• Dan Campbell: “I'm not going to be in a hurry. No matter what happens, I want to do what's right by our team.” ([29:35])

Conclusion

In this episode, Colin Cowherd provides an in-depth analysis of some of the NFL's most intriguing storylines, from the Buffalo Bills' strategic prowess to the electrifying performances of Saquon Barkley and Jayden Daniels. The discussions offer valuable insights into team dynamics, coaching decisions, and player performances that are shaping the current playoff landscape. Listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the factors driving these teams toward potential championship victories, all while navigating the complexities of the modern NFL.

Stay Connected

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