Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Episode: Hour 2 - Divisional Round Preview
Release Date: January 16, 2025
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Introduction
In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, the discussion centers around the upcoming NFL Divisional Round. Colin Cowherd, along with co-hosts Jason Demers and Adnan Virk, dives deep into the key matchups, player performances, coaching dynamics, and strategic insights that could shape the outcomes of the playoff games. The conversation is enriched with expert analysis, notable quotes, and comprehensive breakdowns of each team's strengths and weaknesses.
Deion Sanders and the Dallas Cowboys Coaching Prospect
Timestamp: [03:15]
The episode kicks off with an intriguing report from Ed Werder about the possibility of Deion Sanders accepting a coaching position with the Dallas Cowboys. Cowherd discusses Sanders' rising prominence in both the media and coaching spheres.
Colin Cowherd: "If I was Deion Sanders, I'd take the job, too. Will it work? I have questions with it."
Cowherd highlights Sanders' transition from a star player and TV personality to a coach, emphasizing how this move could elevate Sanders to "prime time" status. He questions how Sanders' high-profile approach would mesh with the Cowboys' existing dynamics and athletic culture.
Sam Darnold's Performance and Future with the Minnesota Vikings
Timestamp: [04:51]
The conversation shifts to Sam Darnold's recent performances and his future with the Minnesota Vikings. Jason Demers provides a detailed analysis of Darnold's struggles and the factors contributing to his inconsistent play.
Jason Demers: "He started to play very fast. He started to be really uncomfortable."
Cowherd compares Darnold's market value to that of Baker Mayfield, suggesting that while Darnold has potential, his recent performances might hinder his ability to secure a higher-paying contract. The hosts debate whether Darnold can rebound under the Vikings' coaching system.
Rams vs. Eagles: Offensive and Defensive Analysis
Timestamp: [07:02]
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to analyzing the matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and the Philadelphia Eagles. Demers breaks down the strengths of both teams, focusing on the Eagles' defined identity and Rams' offensive inconsistencies.
Jason Demers: "The Rams O line can be very up and down in terms of pass protection."
Cowherd questions the Rams' ability to replicate their previous performances against the Eagles, considering factors like short preparation time, player injuries, and the Eagles' solid defensive lineup. The discussion highlights the strategic challenges the Rams face in adapting to a strong Philadelphia defense.
Justin Herbert's Performance Critique
Timestamp: [10:42]
Justin Herbert's performance with the Chargers is scrutinized, with Cowherd and Demers examining the factors that led to his underwhelming playoff game.
Jason Demers: "They had to play kind of left-handed because they don't really want to drop back and throw that often the way they had to in that game."
The hosts debate whether Herbert's struggles are a result of coaching, offensive line issues, or the inherent pressure of playoff games. Cowherd draws parallels to legendary quarterbacks like Brett Favre and Joe Montana, questioning the sustainability of Herbert's performance improvements.
Texans vs. Chiefs: Offense and Defense Matchup
Timestamp: [12:12]
The upcoming game between the Houston Texans and the Kansas City Chiefs is analyzed, focusing on the Texans' offensive strategies and the Chiefs' defensive prowess.
Jason Demers: "They like to play with six offensive linemen, which they do quite a bit more than any team in the league this year."
Cowherd praises Andy Reid's coaching abilities, suggesting that the Chiefs can overcome a mediocre receiving core by leveraging Reid's offensive ingenuity. The discussion includes potential impacts of key players' health and the Texans' reliance on a run-heavy game plan.
Baltimore vs. Buffalo: Offensive Strategies and Defensive Challenges
Timestamp: [14:07]
The Baltimore Ravens' improvement post-Thanksgiving is examined in contrast to the Buffalo Bills' offensive advancements. Demers discusses the Ravens' formidable defense and the Bills' need to adapt their game plan against a tough Ravens front.
Jason Demers: "It's a really difficult offense to defend."
Cowherd questions whether the Bills can continue their success against Baltimore's strong defense or if they need to pivot to a more Josh Allen-centric offense. The hosts emphasize the unpredictability of the game given the cold weather conditions expected on Sunday evening.
Commanders vs. Detroit Lions: Jaden Daniels and Quarterback Mobility
Timestamp: [18:24]
A deep dive into the matchup between the Washington Commanders and the Detroit Lions, focusing on rookie quarterback Jaden Daniels' performance and the challenges of defending a mobile quarterback.
Jason Demers: "Daniels has a little bit of that [Patrick Mahomes] to his game. And it's the movement element that's so difficult."
Cowherd highlights Daniels' ability to anticipate plays and his calm demeanor under pressure. The conversation includes tactical explanations of how defenses might struggle to contain Daniels' mobility and playmaking ability, making this a pivotal game in the Divisional Round.
Coaching Relationships: Russell Wilson's Issues
Timestamp: [27:21]
The episode shifts to offseason developments, particularly focusing on Russell Wilson's strained relationship with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and its implications for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Colin Cowherd: "Russell Wilson increasingly gets along with hardly anybody."
Cowherd elaborates on Wilson's perceived lack of connectability with teammates and coaching staff, comparing his situation to legendary quarterbacks like Tom Brady and Peyton Manning who maintained strong locker room relationships. The discussion speculates on the Steelers' quarterback situation and the impact of Wilson's interpersonal issues on team dynamics.
Bears Coaching Search: Mike McCarthy and Caleb Williams' Input
Timestamp: [37:31]
Attention turns to the Chicago Bears' ongoing search for a new head coach, with Mike McCarthy as a leading candidate. Caleb Williams, the Bears' quarterback, shares his preferences for the next head coach during an interview on a teammate's podcast.
Caleb Williams: "A leader of men. Selfishly, I want an offensive minded guy so I can build with him."
Cowherd and Demers discuss the importance of aligning the head coach's philosophy with the quarterback's vision. They delve into how McCarthy could stabilize the Bears' roster and address past coaching shortcomings, emphasizing the need for a synergistic relationship between Williams and the new coach.
Sports Dynasties and Competitive Balance
Timestamp: [49:32]
In a broader discussion, the hosts explore the impact of dynasties in various sports leagues, comparing the NFL's emphasis on competitive balance with the NBA and MLB's approach to establishing recurring champions.
Jason Demers: "At the end of the day, we sell competition."
Cowherd contrasts the NFL's one-game-a-week scarcity model with the NBA's high-frequency scheduling, arguing that the former benefits more from dynastic teams by turning playoff games into marquee events. Demers supports the notion that strong teams attract viewership and enhance league-wide competition.
Conclusion
Colin Cowherd wraps up the episode by summarizing the key points discussed, reiterating the potential outcomes of the Divisional Round games based on the detailed analyses provided. The hosts emphasize the unpredictability of playoff football and the critical role of coaching, player performance, and strategic matchups in determining which teams advance.
Colin Cowherd: "That's just what we're dealing with."
The episode concludes with a preview of upcoming stories and a reminder for listeners to tune into future episodes for continued coverage of the NFL playoffs.
Notable Quotes:
- Colin Cowherd [03:15]: "If I was Deion Sanders, I'd take the job, too."
- Jason Demers [04:51]: "He started to play very fast. He started to be really uncomfortable."
- Caleb Williams [37:31]: "A leader of men. Selfishly, I want an offensive minded guy so I can build with him."
- Jason Demers [49:32]: "At the end of the day, we sell competition."
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the critical discussions and insights shared in Hour 2 of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, providing listeners with an in-depth preview of the NFL Divisional Round and the factors that could influence the playoff outcomes.