The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Episode: Hour 1 - The Knicks Didn't Have a Plan
Release Date: June 11, 2025
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

1. Introduction to Current Sports Landscape

The episode kicks off with Colin Cowherd welcoming listeners and setting the stage for a day filled with intense sports discussions. He highlights the contrasting fortunes of various teams and the underlying strategic decisions influencing their performances.

2. Aaron Rodgers’ Transition to the Steelers

Colin delves into the recent move of veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers joining the Pittsburgh Steelers, analyzing the potential impact of his age and the team’s defensive coaching.

• Colin Cowherd [00:05]: "I think people, sometimes I have something against Aaron Rodgers and I just don't care."

• Analysis: Colin references historical examples of star quarterbacks transitioning to new environments, citing successes like Tom Brady with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Peyton Manning with the Indianapolis Colts. However, he points out that not all such transitions yield positive results, especially when older quarterbacks join teams with defensive-minded coaches lacking offensive expertise.

  • Key Point: "Older quarterbacks need fit. They can't just bulldoze or overwhelm you with talent."
    (Colin Cowherd [04:30])

• Conclusion: Colin predicts a challenging season for Rodgers, estimating a possible record of 7-10 for the Steelers, citing concerns about their offensive line and overall team dynamics.

3. U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team's Performance

The discussion shifts to the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team's disappointing performance against Switzerland, emphasizing systemic issues within the team’s structure and coaching.

• Colin Cowherd [10:15]: "It is a disaster. It is rock bottom."

• Key Issues Identified:

  • Lack of depth in the talent pool, with key players like Christian Pulisic and Sergino Dest taking breaks or being injured.
  • Criticism of Coach Mauricio Pochettino’s strategies and the over-reliance on MLS players.

• Colin Cowherd [12:00]: "If Pulisic, Weston, McKenney, and Sergino Dest are not there, we can't do that. We just don't have the talent pool."

• Insight: Colin argues that the blame often falls on coaches rather than addressing the inherent weaknesses in player development and selection.

4. Interview with Sean McVay on LA Rams’ Strategy

Sean McVay, head coach of the LA Rams, joins the conversation to discuss the team's defensive prowess, offensive strategies, and managing aging quarterbacks.

• Colin Cowherd [23:05]: "You have been at the forefront of pre-snap motion."

• Sean McVay’s Highlights:

  • Defensive Excellence: McVay attributes the Rams' low penalty rates to effective coaching and the smart play of young defensive players.

    • "There was a lot of improvement throughout. Our defense really took control."
      (Sean McVay [27:37])

  • Offensive Adjustments: Emphasizes the importance of tailoring offensive strategies to accommodate veteran quarterbacks like Matthew Stafford.

    • "We're building foundations in the offseason and ensuring Stafford stays mentally fresh."
      (Sean McVay [25:38])

  • Adapting to Modern Play: Discusses the balance between utilizing pre-snap motion to confuse defenses and maintaining offensive integrity.

    • "We always try to have a reason why we're doing it, to affect the offense in a positive way."
      (Sean McVay [29:24])

• Colin’s Takeaway: McVay’s proactive approach in team building and strategy adaptation positions the Rams for continued success despite the challenges of an aging quarterback.

5. Major League Baseball’s Evolution Under Rob Manfred

Colin explores MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred’s recent changes aimed at increasing game efficiency and viewer engagement, noting a significant rise in TV ratings.

• Key Changes:

  • Introduction of automated strike zones to enhance accuracy.
  • Implementation of a pitch clock and larger bases to speed up the game.
  • Banning defensive shifts to encourage more base running and offensive action.

• Colin Cowherd [38:00]: "When you can increase efficiency and accuracy, I consider this robo umpiring."

• Industry Reaction: While some purists argue that removing the human element could detract from the game, Colin supports the changes, drawing parallels to technological advancements in other sports like tennis’ Hawkeye system.

6. NBA Playoffs: Pacers vs. Thunder Showdown

The episode covers the intense NBA playoff series between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder, highlighting standout performances and strategic insights.

• Colin Cowherd [44:29]: "What's the balance on making the defense think? How do you judge that?"

• Key Points:

  • The Pacers are favored due to their stronger defensive play on the road and the Thunder’s inconsistency away from home.
  • Tyrese Haliburton’s minor injury raises concerns about his availability for game three, but both players assure fans he is fine.
    • Haliburton [44:50]: "I'm fine. Just a lower leg thing."

• Betting Insights: Colin suggests considering the Pacers to cover the spread, emphasizing their defensive strengths and the Thunder’s road performance issues.

7. Chicago Bears’ Quarterback Caleb Williams

Discussion centers on the Chicago Bears’ quarterback Caleb Williams, focusing on his dedication to mastering the team’s offense through voluntary overtime.

• Colin Cowherd [47:44]: "He wants to get a few more full-speed reps. He is totally out front."

• Jason McIntyre [49:00]: Compares Williams’ work ethic favorably against past quarterbacks like Kyler Murray, highlighting his commitment to improvement.

• Implication: Williams’ proactive approach is posited as a positive sign for the Bears’ future prospects, despite the challenging schedule ahead.

8. Cincinnati Bengals’ Offseason Woes

The Bengals face criticism for their handling of rookie Shemar Stewart, who is currently not performing drills and expressing dissatisfaction with his contractual situation.

• Shemar Stewart [49:15]: "I'm perfectly content with what I deserve."

• Joe Burrow’s Stance: Burrow openly criticizes the Bengals’ management for the distractions caused by Stewart’s behavior.

  • "This is absolutely a distraction."
    (Joe Burrow)

• Colin Cowherd [51:56]: Emphasizes the incongruity of having a top-performing quarterback like Joe Burrow missing the playoffs due to organizational issues, indirectly criticizing the Bengals' management.

• Conclusion: The Bengals’ tumultuous offseason is portrayed as a significant hindrance to their playoff aspirations, highlighting a need for organizational reform.

9. Closing Remarks and Additional Content

Colin briefly touches on various other topics, including upcoming shows and promotions, ensuring listeners are informed about the full spectrum of content available through The Herd network.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "I think people, sometimes I have something against Aaron Rodgers and I just don't care."
  — Colin Cowherd [00:05]

• "Older quarterbacks need fit. They can't just bulldoze or overwhelm you with talent."
  — Colin Cowherd [04:30]

• "If Pulisic, Weston, McKenney, and Sergino Dest are not there, we can't do that. We just don't have the talent pool."
  — Colin Cowherd [12:00]

• "There was a lot of improvement throughout. Our defense really took control."
  — Sean McVay [27:37]

• "We're building foundations in the offseason and ensuring Stafford stays mentally fresh."
  — Sean McVay [25:38]

• "When you can increase efficiency and accuracy, I consider this robo umpiring."
  — Colin Cowherd [38:00]

• "This is an absolutely a distraction."
  — Joe Burrow

• "I'm fine. Just a lower leg thing."
  — Tyrese Haliburton [44:50]

Conclusion

In this episode, Colin Cowherd provides an in-depth analysis of significant sports stories, ranging from NFL quarterback movements and team strategies to international soccer challenges and transformative changes in baseball. The insightful interview with Sean McVay offers a glimpse into the strategic mind of one of the NFL’s top coaches, while the discussions on the Cincinnati Bengals and Chicago Bears highlight the ongoing challenges and dynamics within the league. Additionally, the episode touches on the evolving landscape of sports technology and its impact on traditional gameplay, ensuring listeners are well-informed and engaged with current sports narratives.