Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 2: Colin's Blazin' Picks
Release Date: January 24, 2025
Host: Colin Cowherd
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
1. Introduction and Episode Overview ([02:06] - [02:56])
Colin Cowherd kicks off the second hour of The Herd with enthusiasm, welcoming listeners to a live broadcast from Los Angeles. He highlights the significance of the upcoming NFL weekend, emphasizing that two major football games are set for Sunday, along with a third pivotal matchup. Colin previews his approach for the episode, stating:
"We came off a 30 week last week. We only have two games. I'm going to give you three picks. That's the way it's going to work." ([04:15])
He introduces his primary focus: providing expert predictions and insights into the top NFL games of the week.
2. Colin's Blazin' Picks: NFL Predictions ([04:15] - [07:39])
Colin presents his three key NFL picks for the weekend, starting with the Commanders vs. Eagles game:
- Philadelphia Eagles (-6)
- Over 47.5 total points
He justifies his choices by highlighting the Eagles' stellar performance over the season:
"The Eagles have won 14 of 15 games and they're virtually unbeatable when A.J. Brown's in the lineup." ([04:42])
Colin emphasizes the Eagles' dominant rushing offense, leading the league with an average of 193 rushing yards per game over the last 15 games. He contrasts this with the Commanders' defensive vulnerabilities, particularly their struggle against the run:
"Philadelphia's defense. Boy they hit on draft picks and that secondary, it's excellent." ([06:10])
For the Bills vs. Chiefs game, Colin expresses confidence in the Buffalo Bills:
"I've been on the Bills for a month to win the Super Bowl. The winner of this game in my opinion hoist the Lombardi Trophy." ([06:45])
He cites the Bills' superior turnover differential and Josh Allen's playoff prowess as key factors supporting his pick.
3. Expert Analysis with Eric Mangini ([07:40] - [21:39])
Guest: Eric Mangini, NFL Analyst and Former Coach
Colin welcomes Eric Mangini to discuss the Bills vs. Chiefs matchup in-depth. Eric challenges Colin's original pick, presenting a compelling case for Kansas City:
"Kansas City's come out undefeated in playoff games. To me, the difference is Kansas City goes into this game knowing they can win." ([07:53])
Key Discussion Points:
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Kansas City's Playoff Experience: Eric underscores the Chiefs' flawless playoff record, highlighting their mental preparedness and consistent performance under pressure.
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Buffalo's Momentum vs. Chiefs' Certainty: While acknowledging the Bills' impressive regular-season performance, Eric points out that the Chiefs' confidence and experience in high-stakes games give them an edge.
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Home Field Advantage: The conversation delves into the significance of home-field advantage, especially at Arrowhead Stadium, and how it impacts both teams' performances.
"Kansas City's absolutely sure they can be Buffalo." ([07:53])
- Game Dynamics: Eric analyzes the Chiefs' defensive strengths and the potential challenges Bill Belichick's strategies could pose to the Chiefs' offense.
Colin's Rebuttal and Further Insights:
Colin maintains his support for the Bills, emphasizing their offensive depth and Josh Allen's leadership. However, Eric remains steadfast, suggesting that betting against Kansas City might be risky given their track record.
4. Additional NFL Topics and Discussions ([21:40] - [37:53])
a. Philadelphia Commanders vs. Washington's Defense ([10:34] - [12:43])
Colin and Eric discuss the Commanders' performance against Philadelphia, focusing on:
- Saquon Barkley's Performance: Highlighting Washington's ability to neutralize Barkley's impact in the latter part of games.
"They found a way to beat Philly and their 10 game winning streak, they've broken through that barrier and they've broken through the barrier of can we stop Saquon Barkley." ([11:26])
b. Hiring Pete Carroll as Raiders’ Head Coach ([14:52] - [16:28])
The conversation shifts to the Oakland Raiders' recent hiring of Pete Carroll:
"Pete's never had a bad day. And that energy that Pete has, it's contagious." ([15:23])
Key Points:
- Culture Building: Eric praises Carroll's ability to instill a positive culture and his experience in turning around teams.
- Long-Term Viability: Concerns are raised about Carroll's age (74) and the long-term sustainability of his tenure with the Raiders.
c. Chicago Bears’ Coaching Concerns ([16:37] - [17:46])
Discussion on the Bears' new coaching dynamics with Ben Johnson:
"There should be a lot of success. But the problem is there are a lot of people in Chicago with their hand in the pot." ([16:37])
Key Considerations:
- First-Time Head Coach Challenges: Navigating relationships with existing management and decision-makers.
- Quarterback Development: Expectations for Caleb Williams and the Bears' offensive strategy under new leadership.
d. Evaluating Quarterbacks: Mahomes vs. Allen vs. Daniels ([17:46] - [22:00])
Colin and Eric debate the future stars of the NFL:
"I'm taking, I'm taking any team that Patrick Mahomes is on... Any team that Mahomes is on and bet that that team's going to be really good for a long time." ([18:37])
Highlights:
- Patrick Mahomes' Impact: Mahomes' ability to elevate team performance and maintain consistency.
- Josh Allen's Development: Observing Allen's reduced turnovers and enhanced playoff performance.
- Jaden Daniels' Potential: Colin anticipates Daniels emerging as a superstar quarterback in the NFC.
e. LA Rams and Matt Stafford's Future ([30:10] - [36:16])
The segment focuses on Matt Stafford's uncertain future with the LA Rams:
"If I ran the Rams, I would get to have three six-round picks. I'd go get somebody like Jackson Dart in the sixth round as a backup." ([34:19])
Discussion Points:
- Quarterback Strategy: Balancing Stafford's experience with building a robust offensive lineup.
- Cooper Kupp Speculation: Debates on whether the Rams should retain or release Cooper Kupp, considering his relationship with Stafford.
f. Hot Take Happy Hour: NFL Team Strategies and Moves ([36:31] - [37:53])
Colin and guest J. Mac engage in rapid-fire analysis of recent team decisions:
"Omaha Steaks Big Yum event... just a reminder to keep your phone connected across America's largest 5G network." ([36:31])
Key Topics:
- Seattle Seahawks' Receiver Dynamics: Speculation on DK Metcalf's potential move to the Chargers.
- Raiders' Quarterback Position: Strategies for securing a stable quarterback for the future.
5. Final Predictions and Wrap-Up ([37:53] - End)
Colin concludes the episode by reiterating his top three takeaways from the NFL season:
- Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes' Dominance: Both quarterbacks have elevated beyond their peers.
- Jaden Daniels' Superstar Potential: Daniels is poised to lead his team to Super Bowl contention.
- Chicago Bears' Caleb Williams Situation: Concerns over the Bears' handling of their rookie quarterback, but optimism for future improvement.
He shares his confidence in the Buffalo Bills securing a Super Bowl title, emphasizing their offensive prowess and Josh Allen's leadership.
"My safest prediction in the NFL next year beyond Buffalo and Kansas City, if Mahomes and Josh Allen are upright, will be playoff teams." ([49:44])
Colin wraps up with a humorous note on betting against Mahomes, cautioning listeners:
"It's hazardous to your health." ([50:18])
Closing Remarks:
Colin thanks his guests, Eric Mangini and J. Mac, for their insights and contributions to the discussion. He invites listeners to join future episodes and stay engaged through The Herd's live streams and social media platforms.
Notable Quotes:
- "The Eagles have won 14 of 15 games and they're virtually unbeatable when A.J. Brown's in the lineup." — Colin Cowherd ([04:42])
- "Kansas City's absolutely sure they can be Buffalo." — Eric Mangini ([07:53])
- "Pete's never had a bad day. And that energy that Pete has, it's contagious." — Eric Mangini ([15:23])
- "I'm taking any team that Patrick Mahomes is on and bet that that team's going to be really good for a long time." — Eric Mangini ([18:37])
- "It's hazardous to your health." — Colin Cowherd ([50:18])
Conclusion
In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, listeners receive a comprehensive analysis of upcoming NFL games, with expert insights from Eric Mangini and dynamic discussions on team strategies, quarterback potentials, and coaching decisions. Colin's passionate predictions and deep dives into player performances provide valuable perspectives for football enthusiasts looking to stay informed and engaged with the latest in the NFL.