Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 2: Colin Right / Colin Wrong, Matt Hasselbeck
Release Date: December 2, 2024
Host: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Overview
In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, former NFL quarterback Matt Hasselbeck joins the discussion to analyze Colin Cowherd's recent takes on various NFL and college football topics. The conversation delves into areas where Colin was both accurate and off the mark, providing expert insights into team performances, coaching decisions, and player evaluations. The episode offers a comprehensive examination of the current football landscape, enriched with Hasselbeck's professional perspectives.
1. Colin Cowherd's Analysis: Right and Wrong
Colin Right: Rebuilding the San Francisco 49ers Matt Hasselbeck agrees with Colin’s assessment that the 49ers are in a rebuilding phase. Highlighting the team’s injuries and aging roster, Hasselbeck concurs that the loss of key players like Christian McCaffrey and Fred Warner indicates vulnerability.
"Christian McCaffrey, unfortunately done for the season. This isn't subtle or nuanced... they don't have enough good players in their prime."
[04:08] Matt Hasselbeck
Colin Wrong: Ryan Day and Ohio State’s Struggles Hasselbeck challenges Colin’s defense of Ohio State’s head coach Ryan Day, pointing out the team's lack of identity and inconsistent performance.
"I have defended Ryan Day for a long time, but he got worked this weekend. Even with Chip Kelly...this was ugly."
[04:45] Matt Hasselbeck
Colin Right: Sam Darnold’s Potential Agreeing with Colin, Hasselbeck praises quarterback Sam Darnold's abilities, emphasizing his clutch performances and improving passer rating in critical game moments.
"He's a first-round talent. Just get him to the right coach... he's a really good fourth-quarter quarterback."
[05:39] Matt Hasselbeck
Colin Wrong: Aaron Rodgers’ Decline Hasselbeck disputes Colin’s view on Aaron Rodgers, asserting that Rodgers is no longer among the league's elite quarterbacks and questioning his future viability.
"I don't buy an Aaron Rodgers. I don't think he's the top 15 to 18 quarterback in the league.… I think he's aged really, really quickly."
[08:34] Matt Hasselbeck
2. Russell Wilson and the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Synergy
Hasselbeck explores Colin’s take on Russell Wilson's integration into the Steelers, noting the positive impact Wilson has had despite initial skepticism.
"Russell is cooking it downfield and I'm happy for him. He's a grateful guy, he's a hard-working guy."
[06:24] Matt Hasselbeck
He highlights Wilson’s adaptability and the Steelers' effective offensive strategies under new leadership, reinforcing the potential for sustained success.
"It's a much better fit than I could have guessed…This has been an offense that's a little dramatic and loose."
[06:24] Matt Hasselbeck
3. The Philadelphia Eagles’ Season Performance
Discussing Colin’s views on the Eagles, Hasselbeck commends their resilience and strategic adjustments despite inconsistent first-quarter performances.
"Philadelphia may be the best roster in the league.… They've lost games because of close matches but remain strong."
[07:47] Matt Hasselbeck
Hasselbeck also touches upon Nick Sirianni’s coaching prowess, emphasizing the Eagles' balanced offense and disciplined defense as key strengths.
"I like Nick Sirianni. I think he's got his team focused each and every week and they don’t have distractions."
[08:32] Matt Hasselbeck
4. George Pickens and the Steelers’ Receiver Challenges
The conversation shifts to George Pickens' recent behavioral issues on the field. Hasselbeck acknowledges Pickens' talent but stresses the importance of professionalism.
"He just got to grow up, man.… He understands that the margins shrink when you play playoffs teams."
[35:07] Matt Hasselbeck
He underscores Coach Mike Tomlin’s role in managing player behavior and maintaining team discipline to ensure sustained success.
"Tomlin knows his receivers well. He just got to handle Pickens' antics early so it doesn't affect the team’s dynamics."
[35:07] Matt Hasselbeck
5. Minnesota Vikings’ Playoff Potential
Hasselbeck examines Colin’s perspective on the Vikings’ season, highlighting their recent struggles and playoff prospects.
"Sam Darnold's your guy converting a fourth and long.… They're 10 and 2."
[09:13] Matt Hasselbeck
He debates the Vikings' ability to secure a favorable playoff seed, contemplating their resilience despite a challenging conference.
"They're winning those games. Remember the Jacksonville game? They won. They're going to be the fourth seed in the NFC."
[09:13] Matt Hasselbeck
6. San Francisco 49ers’ Internal Struggles
Addressing Colin’s take on the 49ers, Hasselbeck elaborates on Kyle Shanahan’s coaching challenges, particularly his overreach into personnel decisions.
"Kyle Shanahan is spiraling out of control. There's no easy fix. They're not one swing away."
[41:03] Matt Hasselbeck
He critiques the imbalance between coaching responsibilities and general management, suggesting that Shanahan needs to delegate more effectively to stabilize the team.
"Most coaches are better off coaching players than GM-ing. But Kyle's too involved with personnel, and it's hurting the team."
[41:03] Matt Hasselbeck
7. Ohio State’s Identity Crisis Under Ryan Day
Hasselbeck delves deeper into Ohio State’s lack of a clear football identity under Ryan Day, contrasting it with other successful programs.
"A head coach's job is to win games. Sometimes he’s got to tell a coordinator, we’re not blitzing here. We’re throwing the ball here."
[56:15] Matt Hasselbeck
He argues that without a distinct identity, Ohio State struggles to compete effectively, especially against physically dominant teams like Michigan.
"I don’t know what Ohio State's identity is. They’re talented but lack a clear strategy, unlike Oregon or Michigan."
[56:15] Matt Hasselbeck
8. Final Thoughts and Future Outlook
Hasselbeck wraps up the discussion by reflecting on the dynamic nature of football teams and the importance of leadership and clear strategies. He emphasizes the need for teams to adapt and define their identities to succeed in the competitive landscape.
"Every team each year is different. We expect to play better. It’s how the sport evolves."
[43:23] Matt Hasselbeck
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
-
"Christian McCaffrey, unfortunately done for the season. This isn't subtle or nuanced... they don't have enough good players in their prime."
[04:08] Matt Hasselbeck -
"I don't buy an Aaron Rodgers. I don't think he's the top 15 to 18 quarterback in the league.… I think he's aged really, really quickly."
[08:34] Matt Hasselbeck -
"Russell is cooking it downfield and I'm happy for him. He's a grateful guy, he's a hard-working guy."
[06:24] Matt Hasselbeck -
"I like Nick Sirianni. I think he's got his team focused each and every week and they don’t have distractions."
[08:32] Matt Hasselbeck -
"Kyle Shanahan is spiraling out of control. There's no easy fix. They're not one swing away."
[41:03] Matt Hasselbeck
Conclusion
This episode provides a nuanced critique of Colin Cowherd’s recent football analyses, enriched by Matt Hasselbeck’s seasoned insights. From evaluating team rebuilds to assessing coaching effectiveness and player behavior, the discussion offers listeners a comprehensive understanding of the current state of football. Hasselbeck’s perspectives challenge and validate Colin’s viewpoints, making for an engaging and informative session for sports enthusiasts.