Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Episode: Hour 2 – Mike Renner Joins The Herd
Release Date: January 31, 2025

Introduction

In the second hour of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," host Colin Cowherd welcomes Mike Renner, a seasoned NFL and draft analyst from CBS Sports, to discuss a range of hot topics in the sports world. Joining Colin are regular contributors LeVar Arrington, Brady Quinn, and Jonas Knox. The episode delves deep into player performances, draft prospects, and Super Bowl predictions, all while maintaining the show's signature blend of insightful analysis and engaging banter.

Cam Newton: MVP vs. Super Bowl Champion

One of the episode's focal points is Cam Newton's controversial stance on valuing MVP awards over Super Bowl victories. The discussion begins with LeVar Arrington introducing the topic:

LeVar Arrington [11:24]: "Cam Newton has some thoughts on the debate between MVP and Super Bowl. Obviously an MVP winner, obviously not a Super Bowl winner did appear in one, and this was his take on first take."

Brady Quinn shares his agreement with Newton's perspective, emphasizing the importance of individual accountability and team success:

Brady Quinn [12:28]: "I would rather have a Super Bowl. I would rather have a chance. I would have. Rather have a national title. I'd rather have a Super Bowl."

Jonas Knox offers a counterpoint, reflecting on the broader team dynamics that outweigh individual accolades:

Jonas Knox [16:48]: "I think for most players, most people, you would take the championship in part because it's not such an individual thing. You get to share that moment, that history."

The conversation highlights the perennial debate in sports: the value of personal accolades versus team achievements. While Newton champions the MVP for its recognition of individual excellence, Quinn and Knox argue that championships embody collective success and lasting legacy.

Saquon Barkley’s Super Bowl Prospects

The discussion shifts to Saquon Barkley's evolving role and his potential impact in the upcoming Super Bowl. Mike Renner provides insights into Barkley's performance trajectory:

Mike Renner [48:12]: "Saquon Barkley is getting ready to play in the Super Bowl for the first time in his career."

LeVar Arrington and Brady Quinn engage in a playful banter about Barkley's future performance, questioning whether he can exceed expectations:

Brady Quinn [49:07]: "Do you want to be in the room if Joe Shanahan is watching the Super Bowl?"

LeVar Arrington [50:02]: "Do you think he's going to?"

Mike Renner assesses the challenges Barkley faces, noting the reliance on his performance for the team's success:

Mike Renner [49:30]: "Do you see Saquon going for over 100 rushing yards or not? I have a hard time seeing that."

The segment underscores the pressure on Barkley to perform exceptionally in high-stakes games, emphasizing his role as a pivotal player for his team.

Bryce Young’s Comeback and Future

Bryce Young's resurgence after a rocky season is another key topic. Mike Renner highlights Young's impressive finish to the previous season:

Mike Renner [50:35]: "Bryce Young sort of finding his footing towards the end of last season."

LeVar Arrington reflects humorously on the circumstances that allowed Young to shine:

LeVar Arrington [51:15]: "If Andy Dalton doesn't get in that car accident, Bryce Young maybe never gets on the field again for Carolina."

Brady Quinn praises Young's maturity and dedication:

Brady Quinn [51:40]: "Great job, Jonas."

The discussion celebrates Young's ability to overcome setbacks and secure his position as a promising quarterback, highlighting his remarkable performance metrics:

Mike Renner [51:06]: "Bryce Young had a three-game stretch with seven touchdowns, no interceptions, and a passer rating over 111."

NFL Draft Insights with Mike Renner

Mike Renner joins the conversation to provide an in-depth analysis of the current NFL Draft class, focusing on quarterback prospects and positional strengths.

Quarterback Class Evaluation

Renner critiques the depth of this year's quarterback class compared to previous years:

Ryan Music [31:07]: "If you just compare it to last year, there's at least four guys that I would put above anyone in this class."

He highlights Jackson Dart as the standout quarterback prospect:

Ryan Music [33:06]: "He's the most intriguing option if I'm taking a swing somewhere on day two in this quarterback class."

Renner discusses the impact of collegiate performances on draft stock, particularly emphasizing the significance of the Senior Bowl for players like Dart:

Ryan Music [35:06]: "For guys who need something, need a box to tick that they haven't necessarily ticked on their collegiate film already."

Positional Strengths: Tight Ends and Defensive Lines

Renner commends the tight end and defensive line classes, suggesting a strong presence in the draft:

Ryan Music [31:39]: "There are probably going to be a handful of guys go in the first round on tight ends and the defensive line."

Red Flags and Player Development

The conversation touches on player transfers and their implications for draft evaluations:

Ryan Music [36:58]: "Guys who are bouncing in the wind, taking whoever is the highest bidder for three straight years. Those are guys you don't necessarily want on your football team."

Renner emphasizes the benefits of stability and development at high-competition levels for draft prospects:

Ryan Music [38:15]: "You're actually getting better evals on these guys because of NIL and transfer portal being a thing."

Super Bowl Predictions and Rooting Interests

LeVar Arrington teases upcoming discussions about unique rooting interests in the Super Bowl, adding an element of anticipation for listeners:

LeVar Arrington [29:52]: "Somebody's got a specific rooting interest in this Super Bowl that may be different from the past."

The hosts engage in light-hearted speculation about Joe Shanahan's potential reactions and superstitions tied to player performances, particularly focusing on Saquon Barkley.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• LeVar Arrington [11:24]: "Cam Newton has some thoughts on the debate between MVP and Super Bowl."

• Brady Quinn [12:28]: "I would rather have a Super Bowl. I would rather have a chance."

• Jonas Knox [16:48]: "I think for most players, most people, you would take the championship in part because it's not such an individual thing."

• Mike Renner [31:54]: "It's Cam Ward, it's Shadour Sanders, and it's Jackson Dart."

• LeVar Arrington [38:15]: "These are guys staying longer, really getting to know who they are and getting to develop."

• Mike Renner [51:06]: "Bryce Young had a three-game stretch with seven touchdowns, no interceptions, and a passer rating over 111."

Conclusion

The second hour of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" offers a comprehensive exploration of pivotal topics in the NFL, from the MVP versus Super Bowl debate exemplified by Cam Newton's stance to detailed analyses of emerging quarterback talent in the current draft class. With Mike Renner's expert insights and the hosts' dynamic interactions, listeners gain a nuanced understanding of player performances, team strategies, and the ever-evolving landscape of professional football. The episode effectively balances serious analysis with engaging conversation, making it a valuable listen for sports enthusiasts seeking depth and entertainment.