Summary of The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Episode: Hour 2 - Josh Allen This Season

Release Date: December 19, 2024

Host: Colin Cowherd
Guest: Greg Cosell (45 years with NFL Films)

Introduction

In the second hour of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, host Colin Cowherd engages in an in-depth discussion with NFL expert Greg Cosell. The episode delves into various NFL topics, with a special focus on Josh Allen's performance this season, alongside analyses of recent games, rookie quarterback prospects, and team strategies.

Eagles vs. Steelers Game Analysis

[06:30] Colin Cowherd initiates the conversation by referencing the recent matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Greg Cosell provides a comprehensive breakdown:

• Eagles' Offense Excellence: Cosell highlights the Eagles' effective no-huddle and empty backfield strategies, emphasizing quarterback Jalen Hurts' adept decision-making.

  "Hertz is really good at the line of scrimmage. He understands what he's seeing and gets them in the right play." [07:12]

• Steelers' Defensive Challenges: While acknowledging the Steelers' solid defense, Cosell points out their struggles against the Eagles' dynamic offense, particularly without a robust run game.

  "They always have the big offensive line and the power run game to fall back on, but they didn't have that to fall back on." [07:54]

Steelers vs. Ravens Preview

[07:54] The discussion shifts to the upcoming Steelers vs. Ravens game. Colin expresses concerns about the Steelers' offensive ceiling, especially with rookie quarterback scenarios.

• Greg's Insights: Cosell underscores the importance of the Steelers' run game and the need for effective vertical plays from the quarterback.

  "Russell Wilson still throws a very good deep ball... they need the vertical game to be a factor." [08:22]

• Team Dynamics: Cosell elaborates on the Ravens' defensive strengths, mentioning key players like PJ Lock and the team's overall speed and movement.

  "They've got two really good edge players and a strong secondary." [10:08]

Rookie Quarterbacks and Team Trajectories

[10:08] Colin and Greg discuss the challenges faced by rookie quarterbacks on short weeks, referencing Justin Herbert and Caleb Williams.

• Justin Herbert's Performance: Colin is cautious about Herbert's performance in demanding environments, citing his tendency to under pressure.

  "Rookie quarterbacks on Thursday Night Football on the road are 9 and 25. It is hard when you're a rookie." [10:08]

• Caleb Williams' Potential: Highlighting Caleb Williams' promising skills, Cosell compares him to Josh Allen in terms of being a timing and rhythm player, though Williams will face different team dynamics.

  "He is a timing, rhythm player and he had really good ball location." [14:25]

Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills’ Season

[15:42] A significant portion of the discussion centers on Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills:

• Greg's High Praise for Allen: Cosell praises Allen as one of the most physically gifted quarterbacks, emphasizing his improved decision-making and poise from the pocket.

  "Josh Allen is really playing at a high level... a little different animal." [18:12]

• Team Defense Concerns: Despite Allen's stellar performance, Cosell expresses concerns about the Bills' defensive adjustments for the playoffs, noting that relying solely on high offensive output may not suffice in tighter postseason games.

  "You can't put up 45 every week. That's not going to happen in the playoffs." [17:26]

• Analytical Play Breakdown: Cosell dissected a pivotal play where Allen executed a perfect throw to Ty Johnson, showcasing his growth in making strategic, pocket-based decisions.

  "This is a beautiful throw. It's a schemed play... he makes these throws from the pocket." [22:11]

Additional NFL Insights

[23:10] Beyond Josh Allen, the conversation touches on various other NFL and college football topics:

• Buffalo Bills' Defense Issues: Cosell critiques the Bills' inability to generate consistent pass rush pressure, which hampers their defensive effectiveness despite Josh Allen's offensive prowess.

  "If their defense doesn't get shored up, it could be a big problem." [16:24]

• Kyler Murray's Weather Concerns: The duo discusses Kyler Murray's recent comments on playing in cold weather, highlighting potential performance impacts.

  "35 degrees is very cold to play football." [34:21]

• Coaching Strategies and Adjustments: Insights into coaching decisions, such as the impact of Ryan Day on Ohio State's performance and potential coaching shifts based on game outcomes.

  "If Ryan Day lost this game, are they firing him?" [52:00]

NBA and Other Sports Discussions

While the primary focus remains on NFL topics, the episode also briefly touches upon:

• NBA All-Star Game Format Changes: The panel critiques the NBA's new All-Star Game structure, deeming it gimmicky and ineffective compared to traditional formats.

  "It's a terrible All Star game." [36:14]

• College Football Bets and Predictions: Colin and Jason McIntyre engage in their "Big Bets" segment, discussing upcoming college football games and making predictions based on team performances and coaching prowess.

Conclusion

In this episode, Colin Cowherd and Greg Cosell provide a thorough examination of Josh Allen's exceptional season with the Buffalo Bills, analyzing his growth as a quarterback and the team's overall performance. The discussion extends to other NFL teams, rookie quarterback prospects, and strategic coaching decisions, offering listeners a multifaceted view of the current football landscape.

Notable Quotes:

• "Josh Allen makes Elway look small and lumbering." – Colin Cowherd [17:26]

• "He is a timing, rhythm player and he had really good ball location." – Greg Cosell [14:48]

• "This is a beautiful throw. It's a schemed play... he makes these throws from the pocket." – Greg Cosell [22:11]

• "He's a franchise quarterback." – Colin Cowherd [35:01]

• "What you're doing or what you've been doing or all these different things. So it's, it's the toughest part is fighting yourself." – Colin Cowherd [32:19]

This episode serves as a valuable resource for NFL fans seeking expert analysis on Josh Allen's performance, the Buffalo Bills' strategies, and broader discussions on team dynamics and coaching decisions in professional football.