Summary of "Hour 2 - NFL History in the Making" from The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Release Date: January 25, 2025

In the second hour of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, the hosts delve deep into pivotal topics shaping the current NFL landscape, with a particular focus on the New York Mets' star player Pete Alonso and the critical NFL playoff matchups between the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders, as well as the Buffalo Bills versus the Kansas City Chiefs. The episode is rich with analysis, spirited debates, and insightful predictions that will resonate with both avid followers and casual fans of the sport.

1. Pete Alonso and the Mets' Future

The hour kicks off with a heated discussion about Pete Alonso's future with the New York Mets. Host Covino expresses frustration over conflicting reports regarding Alonso's contract negotiations and the Mets' commitment to retaining their star player. He states:

"I saw two contradicting articles. One said Mets have told other players to start preparing to take reps at first base... another report suggests the Mets are back in the Pete Alonso sweepstakes, possibly offering six years at $140 million." ([41:09])

Co-Host Dan Beyer adds his perspective, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding Alonso's performance trajectory and the Mets' strategic decisions:

"Maybe they're right and Pete Alonzo from this point on his production just keeps going down. Maybe he'll end up batting .205 hitting 28 home runs and it just the trajectory's down." ([04:44])

The conversation underscores the challenges teams face in balancing player performance, contract negotiations, and future prospects, especially with a high-profile athlete like Alonso at the center.

2. NFL Playoff Predictions and Betting Picks

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the imminent NFL playoff games, focusing on the Eagles vs. Commanders and the Bills vs. Chiefs matchups. The hosts engage in a lively debate over betting lines, point spreads, and over/under predictions.

a. Eagles vs. Commanders

The Eagles are favored by six points with the over/under set at 47.5 points. Covino takes the Eagles' side, emphasizing their recent performance:

"Commanders and the over. I think the overs are a real good possibility." ([09:26])

However, Co-Host Dan Beyer counters by advocating for the over, citing the offensive strengths of both teams:

"I'm going with the over because they were scoring points like it was nobody's business that last game." ([09:40])

Gerald, another host, aligns with Covino, reinforcing support for the Commanders:

"I give the commanders plus six and the over." ([10:50])

b. Bills vs. Chiefs

The second major playoff game discussed is between the Buffalo Bills and the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs are slightly favored by two points with an over/under of 48.5. The hosts weigh in with varying opinions:

Covino expresses confidence in the Bills:

"I like Bill's money line. I think Bills just win this game." ([13:02])

Conversely, Dan Beyer sides with the Chiefs but opts for the under, anticipating a defensive battle:

"I'm going with Chiefs on this one. Look, they found a way to just beat everybody... I'm taking the under on this one." ([13:35])

Gerald also supports the under, reflecting a consensus among most hosts:

"I'm going with the Bills to cover in this game... I like the under." ([14:30])

3. Emotional Influences on Players' Performances

The episode touches on the profound impact personal circumstances can have on athletes' performances. A poignant moment arises when discussing Kansas City Chiefs' quarterback Patrick Mahomes, whose grandfather is in hospice:

"Patrick Mahomes, his grandfather is in hospice, so that's a lot. That could be something that either gets him behind or distracts him." ([18:00])

Covino reflects on the emotional toll personal events can have, drawing parallels with historical sports moments:

"If Josh Allen were to beat Lamar Jackson, Patrick Mahomes and then go to the Super Bowl and beat Jalen Hurts and Saquon, that would be insane." ([15:55])

This segment underscores the human element in sports, where athletes' personal lives intersect with their professional performances.

4. Mark Andrews' Media Response

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around Mark Andrews, the star tight end for the Baltimore Ravens, and his recent decision to refrain from speaking with the media after a subpar performance. The hosts debate whether such a response is acceptable in today's social media-driven world.

Covino questions the necessity of a public statement from Andrews:

"Do you think he, in today's social media world, is a statement expected?" ([35:25])

Dan Beyer defends Andrews, emphasizing the importance of mental health and personal composure:

"He didn't want to present something that could be used against him in the future. He was really down on himself in the moment and probably wanted to just clear his thoughts." ([36:20])

Gerald adds that while leaders like quarterbacks and coaches are expected to communicate, tight ends may not bear the same responsibility:

"Mark Andrews is the leader of the team. You shouldn't have to. He can answer the questions for himself." ([36:30])

This exchange highlights the evolving expectations of athlete communication and the balance between personal privacy and public accountability.

5. Coaching and Team Updates

The hosts provide updates on coaching changes and team strategies across the NFL:

• Raiders and Chiefs: Covino and Beyer discuss the possibility of Pete Carroll taking over as the Raiders' head coach, potentially becoming the oldest head coach to take the helm if signed in mid-September. They also mention the Chiefs' defensive strategies and their past performances against teams like the Eagles and 49ers.

• Eagles and Bills: Updates regarding injuries such as Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts potentially wearing a knee brace, and Bills running back Quinn Sean Judkins entering the NFL Draft.

6. Final Thoughts and Conclusions

As the hour wraps up, the hosts reflect on the intertwining of team legacies, player performances, and emotional narratives that define the NFL. Covino draws an analogy comparing the current Bills team to legendary teams from the past, emphasizing the historical significance of potential playoff outcomes.

"If Josh Allen were to beat Lamar Jackson, Patrick Mahomes and then go to the Super Bowl and beat Jalen Hurts and Saquon, that would be insane." ([15:55])

Beyer echoes the sentiment, expressing hope for the Bills' success and the enduring legacy of key players like Josh Allen.

"The Bills are going to force the Chiefs to step up and they're going to step up and pull it out." ([18:02])

Notable Quotes

• Covino on Pete Alonso:

  "I saw two contradicting articles... Maybe offering six years at $140 million." ([41:09])

• Beyer on Mark Andrews:

  "He didn't want to present something that could be used against him in the future." ([36:20])

• Covino on Emotional Impact:

  "Patrick Mahomes, his grandfather is in hospice, so that's a lot... That could distract him." ([18:00])

• Consensus on Bills vs. Chiefs:

  "We're all going Commanders and the over... Except Dan on the under." ([14:55])

Conclusion

In "Hour 2 - NFL History in the Making," The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers a comprehensive analysis of critical NFL narratives, from player contracts and team strategies to the personal lives of athletes influencing game performances. The hosts' dynamic discussions provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of the complexities within professional sports, making it an engaging episode for anyone invested in the evolving stories of the NFL and Major League Baseball.