Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – "Hour 2 - 49ers need to win tonight"

Release Date: December 12, 2024
Host: Colin Cowherd
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Introduction

In the "Hour 2 - 49ers need to win tonight" episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, host Colin Cowherd, alongside guests Dan Lanning and Greg Cosell, delves into pressing NFL topics. The discussion spans team performances, quarterback evaluations, and significant coaching moves, offering listeners a comprehensive analysis of the current NFL landscape.

Raiders' Season Review and Future Prospects

Colin Cowherd opens the discussion by addressing the disappointing performance of the Las Vegas Raiders under the ownership of Mark Davis. Highlighting the team's poor record of 2-11, Cowherd emphasizes the challenges facing both the coach and General Manager Tom Telesco.

“Mark Davis has been very disappointed with the Raiders season. The only surprise would have been if they won because they have a handful of great players like Max Crosby and Brock Bowers.”
[03:15]

Dan Lanning concurs, suggesting that the Raiders are in dire need of a quarterback solution to salvage their season. He speculates on potential draft picks, including Shadour Sanders and Cam Ward, and discusses the implications of their current draft position.

“I think the Raiders will take Cam Ward number two. My feeling is Jalen Milroe in that building has some support.”
[05:45]

The Resurgence of the Run Game in the NFL

A significant portion of the conversation centers on the renewed emphasis on the run game across the NFL. Dan Lanning attributes this trend to several strategic shifts:

“In the league, there are more multiple tight ends, issues with offensive line pass protection, and a higher usage of two-high safety coverages, which favor the run.”
[06:30]

Lanning further explains how defensive schemes, such as the big nickel with three safeties, have made defenses more susceptible to the run, prompting teams to prioritize their ground game to compensate for weakened pass protection.

Team-Specific Analyses

Eagles vs. Steelers Matchup

The anticipated game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Pittsburgh Steelers is dissected thoroughly. Dan Lanning praises the Eagles' strategic shift to a run-heavy offense, which has enhanced their overall performance despite fewer passing attempts.

“Philadelphia's roster is arguably the best in the league, and their move to a run-first approach has made them a formidable team.”
[08:50]

Lanning highlights key players like Saquon Barkley, whose impact on the Eagles has been profound, solidifying his status as one of the season's most significant acquisitions.

“Saquon Barkley has got to be the most significant acquisition in the NFL in 2024.”
[29:31]

Rams vs. 49ers Analysis

Moving to the Rams and 49ers, Cowherd discusses the Rams' potential to secure momentum following a flawless performance against the Buffalo Bills. He assesses the Rams' strengths, including their young coaching staff and dynamic wide receiver roster, while also noting areas needing improvement, such as pass protection.

“They have tremendous young skill players and a superstar 23-year-old wide receiver. Their future is bright, whether they win or lose tonight.”
[45:13]

Quarterback Performances and Evaluations

Russell Wilson vs. Bo Nix

A comparison between Russell Wilson's and Bo Nix's performances is addressed, with Lanning asserting that Bo Nix exhibits superior mid-field throwing abilities and a more consistent offensive rhythm compared to Wilson.

“Bo Nix is very good throwing the ball in the middle of the field and has achieved better offensive rhythm and timing.”
[14:43]

Josh Allen's MVP Candidacy

The episode delves into Josh Allen's exceptional season, positioning him as a frontrunner for the MVP title. Cowherd lauds Allen's competitiveness and clutch performance, emphasizing his fearlessness and determination on the field.

“Josh Allen is the ultimate competitor, he is fearless, and that's what separates him from a lot of guys.”
[31:17]

Dan Lanning reinforces this by highlighting Allen's significant impact and his critical role in the Buffalo Bills' offensive strategy.

“If you don't minimize him in some way, you're not even going to position yourself to have a chance to be successful.”
[29:34]

Bill Belichick's Transition to College Football

A surprising development discussed is Bill Belichick's potential move to college football coaching. Cowherd explores the implications of this transition, questioning how Belichick's pro-level strategies will translate to the collegiate environment.

“It's interesting because he is going to make a pro model in a college campus, which is a new experience for him.”
[26:38]

Lanning expresses skepticism about Belichick's fit within the college system, citing the challenges of recruiting and maintaining discipline in a collegiate setting.

“Could you imagine Bill on a college campus recruiting an 18-year-old? Really want to come here? It would be a cultural shift.”
[46:43]

Coaching Records and Andy Reid vs. Bill Belichick

The episode culminates with an in-depth discussion on coaching records, particularly focusing on Andy Reid's approaching milestone of surpassing Bill Belichick in all-time wins. Cowherd emphasizes the competitiveness between the two, suggesting that Reid could soon become the winningest coach in NFL history if current trajectories continue.

“Andy Reid is much closer to Bill Belichick in the all-time W list. In three years, he could surpass Bill.”
[50:34]

Lanning adds context by comparing their playoff performances and the impact of their respective coaching philosophies on their teams' successes.

Conclusion

Colin Cowherd wraps up the episode by reiterating the importance of the upcoming game between the 49ers and the Rams, emphasizing the significance of the Rams' potential to either solidify their momentum or expose vulnerabilities within the 49ers' roster.

“The Rams have a very bright future. If they win tonight, they could win the division and a playoff game.”
[51:17]

The episode concludes with final thoughts on team strategies, player performances, and the ever-evolving dynamics of NFL coaching hierarchies, leaving listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the current state of the league.

Notable Quotes:

• Dan Lanning (06:30): “In the league, there are more multiple tight ends, issues with offensive line pass protection, and a higher usage of two-high safety coverages, which favor the run.”

• Colin Cowherd (29:31): “Saquon Barkley has got to be the most significant acquisition in the NFL in 2024.”

• Dan Lanning (14:43): “Bo Nix is very good throwing the ball in the middle of the field and has achieved better offensive rhythm and timing.”

• Colin Cowherd (31:17): “Josh Allen is the ultimate competitor, he is fearless, and that's what separates him from a lot of guys.”

• Colin Cowherd (50:34): “Andy Reid is much closer to Bill Belichick in the all-time W list. In three years, he could surpass Bill.”

This episode of The Herd provides a thorough analysis of NFL team performances, quarterback evaluations, and coaching dynamics, offering valuable insights for both avid fans and casual listeners.