Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Episode: Hour 2 - Kirk Cousins isn't making sense
Release Date: July 9, 2025

Introduction

In the second hour of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," hosted by Colin Cowherd and featuring guest Doug Gottlieb, the discussion delves deep into various pressing sports topics. The primary focus centers around NFL quarterback Kirk Cousins, with additional insights into Major League Baseball (MLB) drafts, team performances, and significant NBA developments.

1. Kirk Cousins' Contract Controversy

The episode opens with a heated discussion about Kirk Cousins, the NFL quarterback whose recent career moves have left fans and analysts puzzled.

• Doug Gottlieb initiates the conversation by highlighting Cousins' frustrations:
  "When it became his franchise felt like they didn't like him there. Heck, the president of the team in an interview kept calling him 'Kurt Cousin' when his name is Kirk Cousins. I'd like again, you're showing somebody disrespect if you don't even know their name." ([04:50])

• Colin Cowherd agrees, emphasizing the disrespect shown:
  "Repeatedly. Yes, I know. I, I know I screwed up last hour, but my point is when it's..." ([05:00])

• The duo critically analyzes Cousins' decision to leave Minnesota:
  "Kirk has spent time exacting his own personal revenge for people who didn't think he was good enough, got the fully guaranteed contract, got the extension in Minnesota..." ([06:00])

• Doug Gottlieb challenges Cousins' narrative of feeling wronged:
  "Doesn't act like Atlanta did you wrong. Oh, man, Atlanta. They did me wrong. They gave you 14 games and the last couple of which were bad." ([07:00])

• The conversation underscores the complexities of NFL contracts and player-team relationships, questioning Cousins' motivations and the authenticity of his grievances.

2. MLB Draft Insights

Shifting gears to baseball, the hosts engage with Keith Law, a senior MLB writer from The Athletic, to discuss the upcoming MLB Draft.

• Doug Gottlieb introduces the topic:
  "You're listening to Fox Sports Radio... and you had Ethan number one. Keith. Does that mean that Ethan will go number one?" ([17:00])

• Keith Law provides an analytical perspective on draft prospects:
  "No. Quite often he doesn't. He didn't last year... But it is often about money and what a team believes..." ([18:30])

• Discussion touches on the unpredictability of draft orders and the factors influencing teams' decisions beyond just player rankings.

3. Dodgers' Batting Struggles

The performance of the Los Angeles Dodgers is scrutinized, particularly their recent offensive downturn.

• Doug Gottlieb raises concerns:
  "But what's happened to the Dodgers bats?" ([23:00])

• Keith Law attributes the slump to potential fatigue and strategic shifts:
  "Is this an opportunity maybe for the front office to say, let's go get another. Maybe a bat with some versatility..." ([23:30])

• The discussion highlights that despite recent struggles, the Dodgers remain one of the top offensive teams, suggesting the slump might be temporary or strategy-driven.

4. Detroit Tigers' Surprising Resurgence

An unexpected turnaround for the Detroit Tigers becomes a focal point of the conversation.

• Doug Gottlieb expresses astonishment:
  "It's crazy to see the Tigers. You're like, is that. Wait, the Tigers?" ([27:00])

• Keith Law analyzes their success, citing key player performances and roster improvements:
  "They got Parker Meadows back. They're trying Javier Baez back at shortstop... Casey Mize looks like he's finally turning into the guy I thought he'd be eight years ago." ([26:00])

• The hosts discuss the Tigers' strong run differential and the potential for sustained success, noting the team's strategic acquisitions and player development.

5. NBA: Knicks' New Head Coach Mike Brown

The introduction of Mike Brown as the New York Knicks' new head coach sparks a discussion on expectations and team dynamics.

• Doug Gottlieb addresses Brown's appointment:
  "I know Mike. I think him to be an exceptional human being. Like, he's a legit good dude." ([32:00])

• Keith Law compares Brown's hiring to past coaching changes, referencing the Golden State Warriors' transition from Mark Jackson to Steve Kerr:
  "It's just sort of what you were saying is that I think the expectations are outweighed by their roster limitations." ([35:00])

• The conversation delves into the challenges Brown faces, including managing high expectations in New York and optimizing team performance amidst roster constraints.

6. NFL: Chet Holmgren's Max Extension with Oklahoma City Thunder

In a crossover segment relating to both NBA and NFL discussions, the focus shifts to Chet Holmgren's significant contract extension.

• Doug Gottlieb highlights the announcement:
  "Chet Holmgren agrees to a max extension for the 2025 NBA Champion Oklahoma City Thunder." ([46:00])

• Ryan Music praises Holmgren's defensive prowess:
  "To me, like, you know, that is a very valuable piece for a team that wants to win with defense first." ([48:12])

• Keith Law discusses the implications of the extension, emphasizing Holmgren's potential impact and the team's strategic investment in his young talent:
  "His health is probably going to be the first determinant as to whether or not they can be a champion several times over." ([50:00])

7. Additional Highlights

• MLB Series: The conversation briefly touches upon specific MLB players like Mitch Keller and Brian Hayes, discussing their performances and potential trades to bolster team strength ([20:00]-[21:30]).

• MLB All-Star Game: Introduction of the ABS Challenge system, a technology-driven initiative to enhance fan engagement and accuracy in game statistics ([29:50]-[30:37]).

• Denver Broncos' Playoff Prospects: Analysis of the Broncos' performance last season, their schedule strength, and prospects for making the playoffs again this year ([40:00]-[42:00]).

Conclusion

The second hour of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" offers a comprehensive exploration of significant sports narratives, with a spotlight on Kirk Cousins' controversial career moves. Through engaging dialogue and expert insights from guest Keith Law, the episode provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of the intricate dynamics shaping professional sports today.

Notable Quotes:

• "If you don't even know their name, you're showing somebody disrespect."
  — Doug Gottlieb ([05:00])

• "The first head coach move away from putting them over the top."
  — Keith Law ([35:21])

• "His health is probably going to be the first determinant as to whether or not they can be a champion several times over."
  — Keith Law ([50:00])

This summary encapsulates the critical discussions and insights shared during the episode, providing a coherent overview for those who haven't tuned in.