Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 2: Joel Klatt Joins The Herd

Release Date: December 4, 2024

Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, the focus shifts to in-depth discussions on both the NFL and college football, featuring insights from hosts LeVar Arrington, Joel Klatt, and Joy Taylor. The conversation delves into coaching strategies, player performances, team dynamics, and the evolving landscape of college football.

NFL Insights

Kyle Shanahan and the San Francisco 49ers

LeVar Arrington kicks off the discussion by analyzing Kyle Shanahan's coaching prowess and the challenges faced by the San Francisco 49ers.

• LeVar Arrington [03:36]:
  "I think Kyle Shanahan is a rock star as a coach. But all great coaches have a hole..."

Arrington highlights Shanahan's confidence in his offensive schemes as both a strength and a potential weakness, especially concerning the team's quarterback decisions amidst Christian McCaffrey's injury setbacks.

Christian McCaffrey's Impact and Injuries

The conversation shifts to Christian McCaffrey, emphasizing his critical role and the repercussions of his injuries on the 49ers' performance.

• LeVar Arrington [07:23]:
  "A real frustrating year for him. He worked his ass off to get back to this point..."

Both Arrington and Klatt express support for McCaffrey, anticipating his strong return and underscoring his value as one of the top running backs in the league.

Coaching Comparisons: Belichick, Reid, and Others

The hosts draw parallels between various NFL coaches, discussing how their unique strengths and weaknesses impact their teams.

• LeVar Arrington [10:34]:
  "Great coaches beat great. By the way, Belichick for years struggled with Andy Reid even before he had Mahomes."

This segment underscores the cyclical nature of coaching success and the importance of adapting strategies to current team dynamics.

College Football Dynamics

Ohio State vs. Michigan Showdown

A significant portion of the episode centers around the intense rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan, with detailed game analysis and coaching decisions scrutinized.

• Joel Klatt [08:23]:
  "I think that they were playing around Will Howard who was maybe banged up in that game..."

Arrington and Klatt dissect the game's pivotal moments, including interceptions and strategic choices that led to Ohio State's loss, questioning Coach Ryan Day's future with the program.

• Joel Klatt [10:28]:
  "I don't think there's the appetite for it. And I don't think that that would be the right move."

Klatt argues against hasty coaching changes, likening the situation to longstanding coaching tenures like Belichick with the Patriots.

Impact of the Transfer Portal and NIL on Parity

The discussion shifts to the broader implications of the transfer portal and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals on college football's competitive balance.

• LeVar Arrington [25:59]:
  "The unintended benefit is that you're like the Bama stuff. Congrats to Bama. That's not happening ever again."

Both hosts agree that these changes have democratized talent distribution, preventing traditional powerhouses from monopolizing top recruits and fostering a more competitive environment across various programs.

Recruiting Challenges and Regional Strategies

Recruiting strategies are analyzed, particularly how teams like Alabama are adapting to secure talent from diverse regions amidst stiff competition.

• LeVar Arrington [22:35]:
  "Now all of a sudden you've got teams like Indiana in the playoff and Arizona State playing for a right to go to the playoff..."

They emphasize the strategic importance of regional recruiting and the rise of teams outside traditional power centers achieving playoff success.

Specific NFL Team Analyses

Russell Wilson and Bill Belichick

The conversation transitions to Russell Wilson's performance under coach Bill Belichick, evaluating his adaptability and future prospects.

• LeVar Arrington [34:25]:
  "Russell is much closer to his prime than Flacco is. And I don't think Russell's in his prime, but I think Russell is 79%, 81% of his prime."

They compare Wilson's current form to other quarterbacks, discussing his leadership and statistical performance as pivotal to his team's success.

Kansas City Chiefs' Tackle Situation

A detailed analysis of the Chiefs' offensive line challenges follows, focusing on their recent acquisitions and the integration of new players.

• LeVar Arrington [40:03]:
  "Dak Prescott was on a Podcast Cowboy fans may not want to hear this, but Dak Prescott is saying, Mike McCarthy is my guy."

The hosts commend the Chiefs' strategic moves in drafting and trading to bolster their offensive line, anticipating improved performance in upcoming games.

Dallas Cowboys and Mike McCarthy

Discussion moves to the Dallas Cowboys, evaluating Dak Prescott's relationship with coach Mike McCarthy and the team's prospects.

• LeVar Arrington [50:15]:
  "I think you have to consider it. It's weird. You get into these big brands like the Lakers and the Cowboys, and they're incredibly cautious."

They debate the future of McCarthy in Dallas, weighing his past successes against current team dynamics and ownership's hesitance to make drastic changes.

Green Bay Packers and Jordan Love

The hosts wrap up their NFL analysis by discussing Jordan Love's recent performances and the Packers' outlook.

• LeVar Arrington [43:48]:
  "Last team with the ball wins. Field goal wins it. Walk off field goal win for one of the teams."

They predict a tightly contested game between the Packers and Lions, highlighting Love's improved quarterback play and defensive challenges faced by the Lions.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a harmonious blend of differing opinions, showcasing the hosts' ability to engage in spirited debates while maintaining mutual respect. LeVar Arrington and Joel Klatt exemplify constructive disagreement, reflecting the diverse perspectives that enrich The Herd with Colin Cowherd.

• Joel Klatt [29:12]:
  "That's a good way to put it. Yeah. This show is."

Their discussions underline the complexities of sports management, coaching, and player performance, offering listeners a comprehensive and engaging analysis of current sports events.

Notable Quotes

• LeVar Arrington [03:36]:
  "I think Kyle Shanahan is a rock star as a coach. But all great coaches have a hole..."

• Joel Klatt [10:28]:
  "I don't think there's the appetite for it. And I don't think that that would be the right move."

• LeVar Arrington [25:59]:
  "The unintended benefit is that you're like the Bama stuff. Congrats to Bama. That's not happening ever again."

• LeVar Arrington [34:25]:
  "Russell is much closer to his prime than Flacco is. And I don't think Russell's in his prime, but I think Russell is 79%, 81% of his prime."

Final Thoughts

This episode provides a thorough examination of pivotal moments and figures in both the NFL and college football. Through insightful analysis and dynamic discussions, The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers listeners a nuanced perspective on the ever-evolving landscape of American football.