Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Episode: Hour 1 - The Warriors Got Lucky
Release Date: April 16, 2025
1. Warriors' Performance and Playoff Prospects
Timestamp: [03:03] – [07:17]
Colin Cowherd opens the discussion by analyzing the Golden State Warriors' recent performance. He emphasizes that although the Warriors started their game with a substantial lead, their appearance suggested fatigue and vulnerability, leading to a "depressing win for an old band about to go on tour." He references rumors about Kevin Durant potentially returning to the Warriors, which were dismissed by Durant himself.
Cowherd critiques the Warriors' dependence on their veteran stars, Jimmy Butler and Steph Curry, who collectively scored 75 points in the game. He argues that the team lacks depth and athleticism, making them susceptible to teams like the Houston Rockets, who are described as "young, long, athletic, dynamic, and a great rebounding team."
Notably, Colin states:
"Jimmy and Steph Curry were great, combined for 75 points. But when you watch them, they need another athlete, they need another wing."
[03:45]
He further discusses Jonathan Kuminga's limited playtime, suggesting the Warriors are signaling a shift away from his development:
"Did not play him again last night. I mean, they're telling the league, we're moving off him, they're doing something."
[05:20]
2. College Football Quarterback Holdouts and Transfer Portal Drama
Timestamp: [07:38] – [16:50]
The conversation shifts to a significant development in college football—the first-ever quarterback holdout. Colin discusses Arch Manning's situation, where Tennessee University refused his demands to increase his redshirt compensation from $2.5 million to $4 million, leading to his departure from the program. This decision has sparked a broader investigation into how college football institutions are handling talented quarterbacks and the influence of parents, likening "quarterback dad" to "pageant mom."
Colin remarks:
"It's about the cash. And so I think the NIL has been gas on a flame of parents who are very strong-willed and often turn into pageant moms."
[10:15]
He expresses skepticism about Tennessee's rationale, suggesting financial motivations behind their refusal:
"It's a bidding war for these kids now... I think it's really about the cash."
[12:30]
Additionally, Colin touches on the challenges faced by colleges in retaining top quarterback talent amidst these financial and parental pressures.
3. NFL Draft Insights: Jackson Dart and Shador Sanders
Timestamp: [16:50] – [25:32]
The episode delves into the NFL Draft, focusing on quarterbacks Jackson Dart from Ole Miss and Shador Sanders. Colin compares Dart to Zach Wilson, predicting similar struggles if drafted by a disorganized team like the Jets. However, he remains open to the possibility of Dart finding a suitable environment, such as the Los Angeles schools or the Big Ten.
Colin states:
"If Jackson Dart goes to the Rams like this story says, it's possible. I don't believe that's true."
[19:00]
In discussing Shador Sanders, Colin highlights his meeting with Pittsburgh Steelers' coach Mike Tomlin, who sees Sanders as an ideal fit:
"I believe Colin, that Shador Sanders is the ideal quarterback for the Steelers for a couple reasons."
[20:12]
He praises Sanders' athleticism and fit within the Steelers' system, suggesting Pittsburgh could benefit significantly from his addition.
4. NBA Playoffs Predictions and Controversies
Timestamp: [25:32] – [37:24]
Colin and Will engage in a heated discussion about the NBA playoffs, making bold predictions about potential upsets. Colin voices his doubts about the Warriors' longevity, emphasizing their aging roster and lack of depth. He forecasts that despite being favored, the Warriors might face blowouts against the Houston Rockets due to the latter's superior size and athleticism.
Colin opines:
"I think there's going to be an upset in the first round... an upset is Houston beating this team."
[26:50]
Will counters by praising the Warriors' elite closers and offensive efficiency:
"I think any team has a chance when I'm on a team, but I know that every team has a chance if Steph's on the team."
[50:02]
Despite differing views, both agree on the Warriors' reliance on Curry's three-point shooting as a decisive factor in their playoff success.
5. Player Conduct and Psychology: Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau
Timestamp: [38:40] – [53:04]
The podcast transitions to golf, focusing on the interaction between Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau. Colin reveals that DeChambeau was advised by sports psychologist Bob Rotella to avoid engaging with McIlroy, attributing this strategy to maintaining focus and intimidation:
"Many top golfers and athletes have sports psychologists on the payroll... Bob Rotella... told him, do not engage with Bryson DeChambeau."
[39:21]
Colin interprets DeChambeau's silence as a deliberate tactic to project strength and reduce distractions:
"Silence is intimidating. I think when people get chatty, my take's always been when people get real chatty, they're nervous."
[39:45]
He further discusses DeChambeau's performance issues during the tournament, attributing his struggles to psychological tactics and inconsistency.
6. Final Thoughts on the Warriors vs Rockets Playoff Series
Timestamp: [46:06] – [50:39]
In concluding the discussion on the Warriors, Colin emphasizes the team's potential decline due to their aging core. He predicts that while the Warriors can win close games thanks to their clutch performance and playoff experience, the Rockets' athleticism and size will likely lead to multiple blowouts in the series:
"Houston is going to win some games in this series and there'll be nights when you're like, Golden State is completely outmanned."
[48:30]
Will maintains optimism about the Warriors' capabilities, highlighting their defensive prowess and offensive efficiency:
"They were so good and efficient offensively in the half court. That's what wins playoff games."
[50:02]
Ultimately, Colin reiterates his belief in a Houston upset over the Warriors, citing the latter's dependence on star performances and insufficient depth:
"I think that's why you trust the Rockets. Their size is going to be a huge issue."
[50:37]
Notable Quotes:
-
Colin Cowherd:
"Jimmy and Steph Curry were great, combined for 75 points. But when you watch them, they need another athlete, they need another wing."
[03:45] -
Colin Cowherd:
"It's about the cash. And so I think the NIL has been gas on a flame of parents who are very strong-willed and often turn into pageant moms."
[10:15] -
Will:
"I think any team has a chance when I'm on a team, but I know that every team has a chance if Steph's on the team."
[50:02] -
Colin Cowherd:
"Houston is going to win some games in this series and there'll be nights when you're like, Golden State is completely outmanned."
[48:30]
Conclusion:
In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, the focus spans across basketball, football, and golf, offering in-depth analysis of team performances, player dynamics, and the interplay between athletic talent and organizational decisions. With a critical eye on the Golden State Warriors' playoff chances and insightful commentary on emerging sports narratives, Colin provides listeners with a comprehensive overview of the current sports landscape.