Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 2 Featuring Greg Cosell
Release Date: December 26, 2024
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Guest: Greg Cosell, NFL Films Analyst (45 years experience)

Introduction and Holiday Reflections (00:00 - 02:00)

Colin Cowherd opens the episode by reflecting on the holiday season, sharing personal anecdotes about family gatherings and expressing hope for a joyous and safe new year. He briefly mentions the excitement surrounding upcoming NFL games and teases a “four-point plan for the Jets” to be unveiled later in the show.

Chiefs’ Offensive Efficiency Driven by Patrick Mahomes (04:52 - 06:04)

Greg Cosell:
“There’s been a little misconception about the Chiefs. This is a Mahomes-driven offense... [04:52]”

Colin and Greg delve into the Kansas City Chiefs' offensive strategy, emphasizing Patrick Mahomes' pivotal role. Greg highlights Mahomes' efficiency, noting that in his last six games, Mahomes has not thrown an interception despite leading the league in dropbacks. This pass-first approach, combined with strong third-down conversions and time of possession, has allowed the Chiefs to control the game tempo effectively.

Notable Quote:
“Patrick Mahomes is playing really well... he’s controlling the game with incredible efficiency.” — Greg Cosell [05:35]

Sam Darnold’s Development and Quarterback Traits (06:04 - 07:29)

Colin Cowherd:
“We both like Sam Darnold... [06:04]”

The discussion shifts to Sam Darnold, focusing on his growth as a quarterback. Greg identifies two key traits that have improved Darnold’s performance: pocket movement and the ability to make late throws under pressure. These enhancements have increased his efficiency and effectiveness, addressing earlier concerns about bad reads and interceptions.

Notable Quote:
“He’s much more efficient and much more effective when he moves within the pocket.” — Greg Cosell [06:34]

The Rise of the Run Game in the NFL (07:29 - 09:07)

Colin Cowherd:
“I find it fascinating because when LaFleur was in Tennessee... [07:29]”

Colin and Greg explore the increasing emphasis on the run game across the NFL. Greg notes that the year is seeing a resurgence of running backs with over 300 carries, highlighting Josh Jacobs and the Packers’ multifaceted run strategies. They discuss how motion and diverse formations have become critical in modern offensive schemes, making teams like the Packers highly versatile.

Notable Quote:
“We’re seeing a lot more multiplicity with teams that run the ball.” — Greg Cosell [08:14]

Derrick Henry’s Continued Dominance and Defensive Alignments (09:07 - 11:00)

Colin Cowherd:
“It seems to me that it's not just Derrick Henry’s talent... [09:07]”

The conversation turns to Derrick Henry’s performance with the Baltimore Ravens. Greg attributes Henry’s renewed dominance to both his inherent power-running ability and the strategic defensive alignments required to account for Lamar Jackson. This dual factor has enabled Henry to excel despite defensive challenges.

Notable Quote:
“Henry can take it to the house for his size on any given play, and that combination is really hard to beat.” — Greg Cosell [10:19]

Rams’ Young and Dynamic Defense (14:29 - 16:16)

Colin Cowherd:
“We have three really, really good Saturday NFL games... [14:29]”

Greg analyzes the Los Angeles Rams’ defense, praising their adaptability and the effective use of a dime package. Emphasizing their reliance on young talent like Jared Verse, Greg commends the Rams for their evolving defensive strategies and their commitment to a strong run game supported by Kyron Williams.

Notable Quote:
“This is a Safety driven defense with a front four that’s young and improving.” — Greg Cosell [15:15]

Evaluating Quarterbacks: Brock Purdy and Cooper Rush (16:16 - 20:51)

Colin Cowherd:
“I have a belief in quarterbacks as IF guys... [16:16]”

The discussion shifts to quarterback evaluations, focusing on Brock Purdy of the San Francisco 49ers and Cooper Rush of the Dallas Cowboys. Colin expresses skepticism about the value of "IF" quarterbacks—those who require ideal conditions to excel. Greg agrees, highlighting Purdy’s dependency on a strong offensive line and effective run game. They also commend Cooper Rush for his adaptability and decisiveness under pressure, despite not being Dak Prescott.

Notable Quote:
“Most quarterbacks in the league are IF quarterbacks based on your definition.” — Greg Cosell [17:40]

The Jets’ Strategic Plan and Aaron Rodgers’ Role (25:00 - 39:09)

Colin Cowherd:
“I have a four-point plan for the Jets... [25:00]”

Colin unveils his four-point plan for improving the New York Jets, heavily featuring Greg Cosell’s insights. Key elements include:

1. Hiring Mike Vrabel as Head Coach:
   Greg supports Vrabel’s ability to build a robust defense and an effective run game.

2. Appointing Thomas Dimitrov as General Manager:
   Greg praises Dimitrov's aggressive and successful management style, referencing his work with the Atlanta Falcons.

3. Retaining Aaron Rodgers:
   Emphasizing Rodgers’ talent and recent performance improvements, Greg advocates for keeping Rodgers as the Jets’ cornerstone quarterback.

4. Trading Garrett Wilson:
   Despite initial resistance, Greg argues that trading Wilson could yield significant first-round draft picks, allowing the Jets to acquire additional top-tier talent.

Notable Quotes:
“Mike Vrabel is going to build a team, defense, O-line, run game around.” — Greg Cosell [27:00]
“Aaron’s playing very good football... he’s a top 12, 13 guy in the league now.” — Colin Cowherd [37:40]

Lamar Jackson Breaks Michael Vick’s Rushing Record (48:22 - 52:35)

J Mac:
“Lamar Jackson breaking Michael Vick's record... [48:22]”

The episode concludes with a discussion on Lamar Jackson surpassing Michael Vick’s record for most rushing yards by a quarterback. Greg and Colin compare Jackson’s versatility and continued growth to past dynamic QBs, suggesting that Jackson is on a trajectory toward Hall of Fame consideration.

Notable Quote:
“Aaron may be the weakest box at 41, but he checks a box.” — Colin Cowherd [39:18]
“Lamar's growth from the pocket... he is not that far away from a Hall of Famer.” — Colin Cowherd [50:29]

Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts (52:35 - End)

Colin and Greg wrap up with final thoughts on the Chiefs’ playoff prospects, the significance of defensive strength over flashy offenses, and ongoing player developments. They underline the importance of strategic team-building and maintaining strong defensive units to secure playoff success.

Final Notable Quote:
“It’s trenches. It’s toughness. That’s what wins Super Bowls.” — Colin Cowherd [52:35]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• “Patrick Mahomes is playing really well... he’s controlling the game with incredible efficiency.” — Greg Cosell [05:35]
• “He’s much more efficient and much more effective when he moves within the pocket.” — Greg Cosell [06:34]
• “We’re seeing a lot more multiplicity with teams that run the ball.” — Greg Cosell [08:14]
• “Henry can take it to the house for his size on any given play, and that combination is really hard to beat.” — Greg Cosell [10:19]
• “This is a Safety driven defense with a front four that’s young and improving.” — Greg Cosell [15:15]
• “Most quarterbacks in the league are IF quarterbacks based on your definition.” — Greg Cosell [17:40]
• “Aaron may be the weakest box at 41, but he checks a box.” — Colin Cowherd [39:18]
• “It’s trenches. It’s toughness. That’s what wins Super Bowls.” — Colin Cowherd [52:35]

Conclusion

In this episode of "The Herd," Colin Cowherd and guest Greg Cosell provide insightful analyses on various NFL topics, including team strategies, quarterback evaluations, and player performances. Highlighting the Chiefs’ Mahomes-driven efficiency, the evolving importance of the run game, and strategic team-building for the Jets, the discussion offers valuable perspectives for both avid fans and casual listeners seeking a deeper understanding of current NFL dynamics.