Summary of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" - Hour 2: Feeling Bad for Lamar Jackson, Matt Hasselbeck Release Date: January 20, 2025

In this engaging episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, hosts Colin Cowherd and Matt Hasselbeck delve deep into several pressing topics in the sports world, with a particular focus on NFL performances, officiating controversies, and college football dynamics. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of their discussions:

1. NFL Playoff Performances and Quarterback Analysis

Lamar Jackson's Playoff Struggles: Colin and Matt express sympathy for Baltimore Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson, analyzing his recent playoff mishaps. They discuss his uncharacteristic interceptions and fumbles, emphasizing his accountability and leadership despite the setbacks.

• Colin Cowherd (03:16): "I think they have better special teams. The better quarterback, I would say, the better coach."

• Urban Meyer (12:11): "Lamar is one of the great quarterbacks of all time. He always accepts the blame. It's almost like it just comes right from his head to his mouth."

Buffalo Bills vs. Kansas City Chiefs: The conversation shifts to the Buffalo Bills’ remarkable performance against the Kansas City Chiefs. Colin praises the Bills' balanced offense and efficient gameplay, contrasting it with the Chiefs' reliance on star players like Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce.

• Matt Hasselbeck (03:16): "Four quarterbacks left in the NFL... they're all mobile, all mobile quarterbacks."

• Colin Cowherd (04:30): "I like everything about Buffalo. Yeah, I wish their defense was as good as the Eagles and the Chiefs, but offensively you go to the last several Super Bowls, it's the offense making a play regardless of how good the opposing defense is."

2. Officiating Controversies in the NFL

The hosts delve into recent officiating decisions, particularly highlighting a contentious hit involving Patrick Mahomes and the subsequent replay reviews. They debate the fine line between legitimate fouls and perceived manipulation by star players to gain a competitive edge.

• Colin Cowherd (19:47): "The rule states very clearly in the NFL you can't challenge roughing the passer... when in doubt, call roughing."

• Urban Meyer (20:27): "There's a fine line there. The NFL get it right. Everyone's a little bit embarrassed by, you know, the fact that they didn't get the call right."

3. College Football Showdown: Ohio State vs. Notre Dame

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the upcoming matchup between Ohio State and Notre Dame. Colin and Matt analyze the strengths and weaknesses of both teams, debating Notre Dame's potential to upset the favored Buckeyes through superior special teams and coaching strategies.

• Colin Cowherd (45:20): "I think I like the under. I think it's going to be a low-scoring game. That favors, by the way, Notre Dame."

• Matt Hasselbeck (48:25): "Last five Natty's favorites have just dominated."

4. NBA Insights: Los Angeles Lakers' Inconsistencies

Shifting gears to basketball, the hosts discuss the Lakers' recent performance struggles. They critique the team's inconsistency, LeBron James' leadership, and the lack of reliable supporting players, drawing parallels to NFL team dynamics.

• Matt Hasselbeck (37:49): "LeBron catching strays here on a Monday."

• Colin Cowherd (38:07): "LeBron did want Westbrook. They've been reeling since that move years ago."

5. Player Spotlight: Mark Andrews' Playoff Challenges

The duo highlights Baltimore's tight end Mark Andrews, scrutinizing his playoff performance. Despite his stellar regular-season stats, Andrews faces criticism for turnovers and missed opportunities in high-stakes games.

• Matt Hasselbeck (32:31): "He has really struggled in the postseason. And again, it happens."

• Colin Cowherd (33:03): "He's probably a Hall of Famer, right?"

6. Upcoming Games and Predictions

Concluding the episode, Colin and Matt offer their predictions for upcoming NFL games, emphasizing the psychological aspects of playoff football and the importance of minimizing turnovers. They express confidence in teams like the Buffalo Bills and discuss potential strategies that could influence game outcomes.

• Colin Cowherd (43:01): "Listen, there’s a lot about game dynamics here with teams knowing each other well."

• Matt Hasselbeck (37:17): "I’m just telling you his value has to be skyrocketing. I’m glad he moves like Lamar Jackson."

Key Takeaways:

• Leadership Matters: Quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson are lauded for their accountability and leadership, even when facing individual challenges.

• Offensive Balance is Crucial: Teams with a balanced offense, capable of both passing and rushing effectively, have a competitive edge in playoffs.

• Officiating Needs Consistency: Recent officiating decisions have sparked debate, underscoring the need for consistent rule enforcement.

• Underdogs in College Football: Notre Dame poses a significant challenge to Ohio State, potentially altering the expected outcome through strategic gameplay.

• Player Performance Under Pressure: Individual performances, such as Mark Andrews', can heavily influence playoff outcomes, highlighting the importance of clutch play.

This episode of The Herd offers a nuanced exploration of current sports narratives, blending expert analysis with passionate discussion. Whether dissecting NFL playoff dramas or forecasting college football upsets, Colin Cowherd and Matt Hasselbeck provide insights that resonate with both casual fans and hardcore enthusiasts.