The Herd with Colin Cowherd - Hour 2: NFC Predictions (March 13, 2025)
In the latest episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," host Colin Cowherd delves into a comprehensive analysis of the NFC's upcoming NFL season. Joined by NFL analyst Jeff Schwartz and guest Jason McIntyre, the discussion navigates through quarterback prospects, team evaluations, coaching strategies, player management, and free agency impacts. This detailed exploration offers listeners insightful predictions and nuanced perspectives on what to expect in the NFC.
1. Introduction to NFC Predictions
The episode kicks off with Colin setting the stage for a deep dive into NFC predictions. Eliminating the initial advertisements and non-content segments, the conversation swiftly moves into serious analysis around the 2:45-minute mark.
2. Quarterback Prospects and Their Impact
Cam Ward: The Game-Changer
Colin emphasizes the transformative potential of Cam Ward, asserting his belief that Ward is the pivotal quarterback who can significantly alter his team's fortunes. He states,
"I think Cam Ward is the one guy in the draft that can change outcomes."
[02:47]
Colin compares Ward favorably to other quarterbacks, highlighting his ability to win games independently:
"Cam Ward's going to win you games."
[04:14]
Jeff Schwartz concurs, pointing out Ward's physical capabilities:
"He has a better arm than Sanders. He can run the ball really well,"
[20:58]
Jeff also notes the potential for Ward to thrive in Tennessee's currently underperforming quarterback environment:
"Can you get that out of Shedeur's game with a better team, a better offense and better things around him?"
[11:59]
Shador Sanders and Other Quarterbacks
The discussion also touches on Shador Sanders, with Colin weighing his potential impact:
"I like Shador. He has something in common with Brock Purdy, no offensive line of note in college."
[10:54]
However, concerns about Sanders' development and offensive support are raised:
"He got beat up, played from behind, no run game. So you could be guessing at some point with rookie quarterbacks."
[10:54]
Travis Hunter: Dual Role Concerns
A notable segment centers on Travis Hunter, a versatile player who could serve as both cornerback and wide receiver. Colin presents Urban Meyer's unconventional perspective:
"Never quite seen anything like it. Generationally I'd let him play both sides."
[45:31]
Jeff Schwartz expresses reservations about the practicality of such dual roles in the NFL:
"How do you do both at the same time. Right. You practice one day with wide receivers and one day with the corners."
[46:26]
Despite the challenges, Colin remains optimistic about Hunter's primary role effectiveness:
"I think Travis Hunter will be great at whatever his primary responsibility is. Receiver, corner. He'll be great."
[46:54]
3. Team Standings and Division Analyses
NFC North
Colin evaluates the NFC North, prioritizing the Detroit Lions:
"The Lions have the best roster, I'll pick them one."
[Unspecified Timestamp]
He discusses the Chicago Bears' improved offensive line and their chance to influence outcomes significantly:
"If they can get a running back with their first pick... it's like the quarterback upgrade from Will Levis to Cam Ward."
[Unspecified Timestamp]
The Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings receive critical insights, with Colin expressing skepticism about Jordan Love's immediate impact:
"I really fell for Jordan Love but last year against playoff teams dude completed 60% of his throws with a passer rating at 81 and was 2 and 6 in the building at the end of the year."
[03:49]
NFC South
In the NFC South, Colin favors the Atlanta Falcons, highlighting Michael Penix as a promising quarterback:
"I believe in Michael Penix... I like the trajectory of Atlanta and I'm a big Micha Pennock fan."
[Unspecified Timestamp]
He also considers the Carolina Panthers as potential wild card contenders, despite a "meh" division outlook:
"Panthers can contend for a wild card spot."
[09:11]
NFC West
The NFC West discussion centers on the Los Angeles Rams as likely division winners, bolstered by their acquisition of Matt Stafford:
"This is a Super bowl roster with a couple of tweaks, mostly at corner."
[30:28]
Colin expresses concerns about the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers due to extensive roster changes:
"There's no way I will guarantee you the Niners have at least two more wins on the win total than Seattle. It'll be like 10 versus 8."
[28:54]
4. Coaching Changes and Their Impact
Jeff Schwartz elaborates on the challenges new coordinators face in implementing their schemes, emphasizing the time required for team cohesion:
"It takes eight to 10 weeks, maybe a little bit longer for a new coordinator to instill... you need to matter on protection around different looks."
[15:00]
Using the Chicago Bears as an example, Colin anticipates a potential delay in their offensive line's effectiveness:
"It's possible though that the Bears are going to take until Thanksgiving to get that O line."
[14:04]
Jeff further explains the adaptation process needed for coordinators to maximize team performance:
"You have to figure out what you're good at. You might go into seasons, hey, I've always run outside zone. Let's try outside zone. Then boom, week eight, it's like, that's not really good. Let's run something else."
[15:00]
5. Player Management and Free Agency
Quarterback Movements
Colin discusses high-profile quarterback movements, pondering the future of Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson:
"Aaron Rodgers is going to go somewhere. Russell's going to go somewhere."
[35:00]
He anticipates that these moves will create quarterback vacancies, potentially impacting team performance:
"That still going to leave a team or two without a quarterback... somebody's going to get hurt in preseason."
[35:00]
Running Back Workload Management
A critical analysis of Christian McCaffrey’s workload management is presented. Colin advocates for limiting his touches to preserve his longevity:
"Stop giving Christian McCaffrey 21 touches, give him 16."
[32:29]
Jason McIntyre pushes back, highlighting the GM's dilemma between player health and team performance:
"If I'm only giving McCaffrey 16 touches in a 24:23 game, I might end up losing that."
[33:08]
Colin suggests drafting additional running backs as a strategic move to manage workload effectively:
"I draft in this draft another running back because I want Saquon to play for the entirety of the contract and I don't want him carrying the ball as much as he did sometimes."
[32:26]
6. College Players Transitioning to the NFL
Travis Hunter's Dual Role
The potential of Travis Hunter excites both Colin and Jeff. Colin draws parallels between Hunter and legendary players:
"He's a little Jason Tatum. He's kind of good at everything. He's got a little Scotty Pippen."
[37:36]
However, Jeff remains cautious about the feasibility of Hunter handling dual responsibilities in the NFL:
"How do you do both at the same time... It's easier to be a full-time corner and then say, hey, Travis, here is 10 plays on offense."
[46:26]
Caleb Williams' Development
The focus shifts to Caleb Williams, with Jeff emphasizing the Bears' commitment to developing him into a franchise quarterback:
"The Bears goal this year is very simple. Right. Is you need to end this season knowing Caleb Williams is your franchise quarterback."
[15:00]
7. Specific Team Evaluations
Chicago Bears
The Bears receive significant attention due to their strengthened offensive line and the development of Caleb Williams:
"An offensive line around him, wide receivers around him to make sure the end of the season he's your bonafide franchise guy."
[15:00]
Jeff underscores the importance of team cohesion and the time needed for new coordinators to integrate:
"It just takes time. You need to be able to work your protections around every different look you might see."
[15:00]
San Francisco 49ers
Colin expresses skepticism about the San Francisco 49ers due to their extensive roster changes and reliance on veteran players like Brock Purdy:
"They have been letting a lot of key players go in free agency... They need six guys to play a lot that are like young kids."
[16:23]
Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks are analyzed for their high draft pick influx and potential struggles with integrating numerous new players:
"They have 12 of them. And the NFL is highly complicated."
[16:23]
Jeff adds that the Seahawks have historically struggled with drafting effectively over recent years:
"They haven't drafted well for three or four years. And so I got to see that this season."
[16:23]
Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams are highlighted as a strong contender with a Super Bowl-caliber roster, especially after acquiring Matt Stafford:
"This is a Super bowl roster with a couple of tweaks, mostly at corner."
[30:28]
Colin praises their defense, likening it to Kansas City's elite unit:
"Their defense is a top three roster and they're young."
[30:31]
8. Coaching Dynamics and Team Adaptability
Colin underscores the importance of a coach's ability to adapt and tailor their strategies to maximize player strengths. Jeff emphasizes that good coordinators swiftly adjust their schemes based on team performance metrics:
"The best coordinators... tailor their scheme... to what the players are good at."
[18:32]
He references examples like Vic Fangio in Philadelphia, whose defense found its rhythm after the initial weeks:
"First couple of weeks... all of a sudden they figure things out and boom, they were as good as they were obviously the rest of season."
[15:00]
9. Final Predictions and Conclusion
As the episode wraps up, Colin consolidates his NFC predictions, outlining division winners and potential playoff teams:
"Eagles, Lions, Falcons, Rams."
[Unspecified Timestamp]
He anticipates new playoff entrants, particularly the Falcons, Bears, and Seahawks, emphasizing the dynamic nature of the NFC due to roster changes and draft picks:
"I have three new playoff teams, the Falcons, the Bears, and the Seahawks."
[Unspecified Timestamp]
Jeff reiterates the Bears' focus on developing Caleb Williams:
"The goal this year... to build Caleb Williams into your franchise quarterback."
[15:00]
Colin concludes by highlighting the AFC's predictability compared to the NFC's volatility, emphasizing the necessity for significant changes within NFC teams to stay competitive:
"The AFC is a much more predictable conference because you have more great quarterbacks."
[Unspecified Timestamp]
Key Takeaways
- Cam Ward is positioned as the most impactful quarterback prospect capable of altering team trajectories.
- Chicago Bears’ improved offensive line and quarterback development are pivotal for their success.
- Los Angeles Rams remain strong contenders with a Super Bowl-ready roster, especially after acquiring Matt Stafford.
- Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers face challenges due to extensive roster changes and draft inefficiencies.
- Effective coaching strategies and team adaptability are crucial for navigating the complexities of the NFL season.
- Player management, particularly regarding star players like Christian McCaffrey, is essential for longevity and team performance.
- Travis Hunter's dual role showcases the potential and challenges of versatile players transitioning to the NFL.
This episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" offers a thorough and engaging exploration of the NFC's future landscape, enriched with expert insights and strategic evaluations. Whether you're a seasoned NFL enthusiast or a casual fan, Colin and his guests provide valuable perspectives to anticipate the upcoming season's developments.