Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 2: New NFL Predictions

Release Date: May 6, 2025

Introduction

In the second hour of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, hosted by iHeartPodcasts and The Volume, Colin Cowherd delves deep into the intricacies of the NFL landscape, offering comprehensive predictions for the upcoming season. While the primary focus centers on football, Cowherd also touches upon NBA topics, notably defending Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum. This summary captures the essence of the discussions, key insights, and notable exchanges between Cowherd and co-host Nick Wright.

Defending Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics

Timestamp: [02:40] – [14:21]

Colin Cowherd begins the hour by addressing criticisms surrounding Jayson Tatum's performance and the Boston Celtics' heavy reliance on three-point shooting. He defends Tatum's collaborative nature, highlighting his preference for team-oriented play over individual showmanship.

• Cowherd on Tatum's Playstyle:

  “…Tatum is such a collaborative player that instead of beating people off the dribble, which he could, he gets very much into a hey, I’m going to stay, be part of the team. I’m going to take threes.” ([02:40])

• Critique of Celtics’ Three-Point Dependency:

  Cowherd criticizes the Celtics for being "paralyzed by threes," noting that this strategy leaves them "last in the NBA in free throws and third worst in layups." He draws parallels to the Golden State Warriors, suggesting that without a versatile catalyst like Draymond Green, the Celtics' approach can be detrimental during high-stakes games.

• Impact on Playoff Performance:

  He argues that Tatum's decision to settle for three-pointers, even when opportunities for drives exist, may be a tactical mistake in playoff scenarios where adaptability is crucial.

Notable Exchange on Tatum's Performance

At around [09:07], Nick Wright interjects with skepticism about Cowherd's initial assessment:

“I don’t know.”

Cowherd elaborates further on Tatum's future potential, suggesting that while Tatum is highly talented, his current approach may need recalibration to optimize team success.

NFL Predictions and Divisional Analysis

Timestamp: [14:21] – [51:56]

Colin Cowherd transitions into his anticipated segment on NFL predictions, outlining his methodology and offering detailed forecasts for each division within both the AFC and NFC.

1. AFC East

   • Buffalo Bills: Cowherd confidently predicts the Bills will clinch their division, citing their dominant quarterback and superior coaching staff.

     “The easiest, I would bet my car on this one. Bills win it.” ([04:15])

   • New England Patriots: Expected to be the most improved team, benefiting from major upgrades to their offensive and defensive lines.

     “I predicted Washington and Denver would be the most improved teams. I’m predicting the Patriots will be the most improved team.” ([04:20])

2. AFC North

   • Cleveland Browns: Anticipated to secure their division win with potential quarterback Arch Manning expected in the next draft.

   • Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals: Despite possible improvements, Cowherd maintains that Browns have the upper hand.

     “Even if Aaron Rodgers shows up, they’re not beating the Ravens or Bengals.” ([04:50])

3. AFC South

   • Houston Texans: Picked to lead the division, signaling a shift as the team evolves.

   • Jacksonville Jaguars: Ranked third, with hopes pinned on Travis Hunter and an improved offensive line.

   • Indianapolis Colts: Placed fourth due to uncertainties at the quarterback position.

     “I think the Texans win it going away and the Titans are a wild card team. I will take the Jaguars third and the Colts fourth.” ([05:30])

4. AFC West

   • Los Angeles Chargers: Expected to dominate with an empowered run game and solid coaching.

   • Kansas City Chiefs: Projected to finish second, maintaining their strong performance from previous seasons.

   • Denver Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders: Both teams predicted to struggle due to unfavorable drafts and performance declines.

     “Chargers embodied empowered their run game and they’re going to be a ball control offense… Chiefs still win 10 to 11, maybe 12 but they finished second.” ([06:15])

5. NFC East

   • Philadelphia Eagles: Favored to win the division.

   • New York Giants: Positioned third, buoyed by impactful draft picks.

   • Dallas Cowboys: Ranked fourth, criticized for heavy reliance on Dak Prescott.

     “I thought the Giants actually got impact guys in the draft… Cowboys hiring Brian Schottenheimer [sic] a big mistake. Very Dak reliant.” ([07:00])

6. NFC North

   • Chicago Bears: Projected to eke into the playoffs, contingent on Jordan Love's development.

   • Minnesota Vikings: Ranked as a strong candidate, though dependent on quarterback performance.

     “I think the Bears eke into the playoffs… Vikings will be a very good fourth place team.” ([07:45])

7. NFC South

   • Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Expected to top the division, benefiting from strategic draft choices.

   • Atlanta Falcons: Gaining momentum with standout rookie Mecca Felder, now considered a top draft pick.

   • New Orleans Saints: Improved significantly with Bryce Young’s performance.

     “I think the Rams are going to win it. I think Seattle’s defense… but I think Arizona can win 10 to 11 games.” ([08:30])

8. NFC West

   • Los Angeles Rams: Rated as the division winner.

   • Seattle Seahawks: Acknowledged for their strong defense.

   • San Francisco 49ers: Criticized for questionable draft decisions.

     “I think Arizona can win 10 to 11 games… the Rams are going to win it.” ([09:00])

Overall Playoff Picture

Cowherd outlines his vision for the playoffs, highlighting key teams from both conferences:

• AFC Playoff Teams: Bills, Ravens, Texans, Chargers, Patriots, Bengals, Chiefs.
• NFC Playoff Teams: Eagles, Lions, Bears, Rams, Seahawks.

Interactive Discussion and Reactions

Timestamp: [09:07] – [43:28]

Following his predictions, Cowherd engages in a dynamic exchange with Nick Wright and co-hosts, challenging and defending his forecasts.

• Nick Wright’s Critique:

  Nick Wright raises questions about the accuracy and categorization of certain teams, particularly questioning the grouping of the Arizona Cardinals, New England Patriots, and Kansas City Chiefs based on similar win totals.

  “...you have the Arizona Cardinals, the New England Patriots and the Kansas City Chiefs all winning the same amount of games. That doesn’t feel dumb to you?” ([09:19])

• Cowherd’s Defense:

  Colin acknowledges the points raised and considers adjusting his groupings, demonstrating openness to feedback.

  “Okay, well, I’ll give it some thought. I’ve still got two more, you know.” ([10:32])

• Continuation of NFL Analysis:

  The discussion continues with a deep dive into specific teams, quarterback performances, and coaching decisions. Cowherd reiterates his stance on various players and team strategies, while Wright counters with alternative viewpoints, leading to a robust debate on the merits and pitfalls of Cowherd's predictions.

• Exploration of Team Dynamics:

  The hosts dissect the implications of team strategies, offseason moves, and player performances, providing listeners with a multifaceted understanding of the upcoming NFL season.

Notable Quotes During Discussion

• Cowherd on Team Strategies:

  “The minute you have the Chiefs in the same bucket as the Cardinals and the Patriots… I still think you have two more changes, but most at the bottom of divisions.” ([10:44])

• Wright on Shot Management:

  “You couldn’t keep your eyes off the NBA. I want Ant to win.” ([12:00])

• Debate Over Defensive Strategies:

  “He could shut down your two if you have not that many teams are throwing the ball over the top because there’s not that many good Old lines.” ([36:26])

Additional Commentary: NBA and Coaching

Timestamp: [16:24] – [42:26]

Beyond NFL predictions, Cowherd and co-hosts delve into NBA-related topics, including the Los Angeles Lakers' coaching dynamics and the performance of players like JJ Redick.

• Discussion on JJ Redick’s Coaching:

  Cowherd criticizes JJ Redick’s transition to coaching, emphasizing Redick’s historical performance issues under high pressure.

  “He has an entire 20-year basketball history of he is at his worst when the stakes are the highest.” ([17:35])

• Impact of Coaching on Team Performance:

  The conversation highlights the importance of a coach’s temperament and its spillover effects on team morale and performance.

Interactive Banter and Off-Topic Segments

Timestamp: [31:25] – [51:56]

The hour features light-hearted exchanges between Cowherd and co-hosts, discussing personal anecdotes, humorous takes on current events, and playful disagreements that add a relatable dimension to the podcast.

• Abdul Carter’s Jersey Request Debate:

  A spirited debate ensues over Abdul Carter’s request to wear Lawrence Taylor’s jersey, with Cowherd critiquing the appropriateness of such asks.

  “I am bothered by the ask of it.” ([24:26])

• Generational Differences in Communication:

  The hosts touch upon how certain phrases and approaches to requests differ between generations, emphasizing the importance of context and respect.

  “You are an old man, but you are correct on this.” ([26:46])

Conclusion and Wrap-Up

Timestamp: [51:56] – End

As the hour wraps up, Cowherd reiterates his NFL predictions, ranking quarterbacks in the NFC West and engaging in final debates over team standings and player performances.

• Final NFL Predictions:

  Cowherd emphasizes his confidence in his quarterback rankings, asserting that quarterbacks like Sam Darnold and Brock Purdy are poised for standout seasons.

  “You’re on one today. Huh. Wow, these are some takes.” ([50:55])

• Closing Remarks:

  The podcast concludes with a reinforcement of The Herd’s commitment to providing insightful sports analysis, encouraging listeners to tune in for more detailed breakdowns in future episodes.

Key Takeaways

1. Colin Cowherd’s NFL Expertise:

   Cowherd showcases his deep understanding of NFL team dynamics, quarterback potentials, and divisional strengths and weaknesses, providing listeners with informed and strategic predictions for the upcoming season.

2. Defensive Stance on Celtics’ Strategies:

   Beyond football, Cowherd’s defense of Jayson Tatum and the Celtics offers a nuanced critique of the NBA’s evolving playstyles, particularly the heavy reliance on three-point shooting.

3. Engaging Host Interactions:

   The dynamic exchanges between Cowherd and co-hosts like Nick Wright add depth to the discussions, presenting multiple perspectives that enrich the overall analysis.

4. Balanced Coverage of Multiple Sports:

   While the episode is titled around NFL predictions, the inclusion of NBA discussions underscores the podcast’s commitment to covering a broad spectrum of sports topics, catering to diverse listener interests.

5. Listener Engagement:

   The interactive nature of the podcast, with real-time debates and exchanges, fosters a sense of community and encourages active listener participation in sports discourse.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• On Tatum’s Collaborative Play:

  “…Tatum is such a collaborative player that instead of beating people off the dribble, which he could, he gets very much into a hey, I’m going to stay, be part of the team.” ([02:40])

• Regarding Patriots as Most Improved:

  “I’m predicting the Patriots will be the most improved team.” ([04:20])

• On Three-Point Dependency:

  “The Celtics are last in the NBA and free throws and third worst in layups. And they just stick to threes.” ([02:55])

• Nick Wright’s Critique:

  “…you have the Arizona Cardinals, the New England Patriots and the Kansas City Chiefs all winning the same amount of games. That doesn’t feel dumb to you?” ([09:19])

• On Shooting Strategy in Playoffs:

  “I don’t like it. Okay, so I do this four times before a start of a season.” ([09:25])

• Discussion on Coaching Traits:

  “I think he is going to say handsome got the Riz great. He’s knocked out kd. He’s knocked out Booker.” ([19:43])

• Abdul Carter’s Jersey Request:

  “I do not like the ask either. I'll be honest with you.” ([27:26])

Final Thoughts

The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers listeners a blend of in-depth NFL analysis, NBA insights, and engaging host interactions. Colin Cowherd’s authoritative predictions provide a roadmap for the upcoming NFL season, while his balanced critique of basketball strategies adds depth to the sports discourse. The dynamic exchanges with co-hosts like Nick Wright ensure a multifaceted exploration of sports topics, making the podcast a comprehensive source for passionate sports enthusiasts.