Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 2: Ranking the AFC QBs

Release Date: June 11, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, Colin teams up with special guest Roy Hibbert, a two-time All-Defensive Team player and former Indiana Pacers star, to delve deep into the world of sports. The primary focus revolves around ranking the quarterbacks of the AFC, analyzing their performances, strengths, and areas needing improvement. Additionally, the discussion extends to NBA playoffs insights, team cultures, and brief touches on MLB and the US Soccer Team's recent performances.

1. Ranking the AFC Quarterbacks

Colin Cowherd opens the segment by addressing the current landscape of AFC quarterbacks, emphasizing the dominance and consistency of AFC QBs over the NFC in recent years.

• Colin Cowherd [03:11]: “But right now the best quarterbacks in football are overwhelmingly in the AFC.”

He highlights the success of quarterbacks like C.J. Stroud, Justin Herbert, Joe Burrow, Patrick Mahomes, and Josh Allen, attributing the AFC's superiority to a seven-year streak of successful quarterback selections.

Roy Hibbert concurs, emphasizing the importance of a consistent quarterback in building a strong team legacy.

Colin proceeds to rank the top ten AFC quarterbacks:

1. Patrick Mahomes - "Nobody disputes." Mahomes remains at the top due to his unparalleled playmaking abilities and consistent performance.
2. Joe Burrow - Recognized for his composure and accuracy, Burrow secures the second spot.
3. Lamar Jackson - His athleticism and dynamic play style place him third.
4. Josh Allen - Known for his sheer force and size, Allen is a formidable presence.
5. Justin Herbert
6. C.J. Stroud
7. Geno Smith - Despite not being in the upper tier, Smith is considered undervalued.
8. Bo Nix - In his second year with Sean Payton, Nix's athleticism is a significant asset.
9. Aaron Rodgers & Trevor Lawrence - Both quarterbacks are seen as capable of leading teams to the playoffs, especially with strong defenses.

Key Insights:

• Aaron Rodgers [06:00]: At 41, Rodgers is past his prime compared to his peers in the AFC. Colin notes, “Aaron is not Geno Smith” highlighting the competitive edge younger QBs have over veteran stars.
• Geno Smith [07:58]: Colin suggests that Geno, while not elite, brings mobility and effective passer ratings to the table.
• Bo Nix [08:30]: Praised for his athleticism and unselfish play, Nix is viewed as a promising young quarterback.

Conclusion on QBs: Colin emphasizes the AFC's quarterback strength but acknowledges that NFC's new talents could balance the scales in the coming years if they continue to perform well.

2. NBA Playoffs: Indiana Pacers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

Roy Hibbert provides an in-depth analysis of the ongoing NBA playoff series between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder.

• Roy Hibbert [06:30]: “OKC really does it with their defense and everybody has a part of it. SGA, you know, really gets his hands in there trying to get a lot of loose balls in. It propels their offense as well.”

He contrasts this with Indiana's approach, emphasizing their reliance on defense and fast-paced offense.

Key Points:

• Team Identities:

  • OKC Thunder focuses on defensive prowess and group synergy.
  • Indiana Pacers leverage their speed and offensive pace to disrupt opponents' rhythm.

• Key Players:

  • Miles Turner: Described as a "great rim protector" and on the path to becoming one of the best centers in Pacers history.
  • Khris Middleton: Highlighted for his defensive capabilities and strategic playmaking.
  • Obi Toppin & T.J. McConnell: Their contributions are crucial in maintaining Indiana's offensive momentum and defensive solidity.

Roy's Recommendations:

• Halliburton's Role [09:30]: Roy suggests that Halliburton should take more shots to change the pace and challenge Indiana's defense. “Halliburton take it upon himself to maybe take two or three more shots…”

• Team Dynamics: Emphasizes the need for Indiana to maintain their defensive intensity and improve their bench depth to compete effectively against OKC.

Colin's Takeaway [16:54]: Colin reiterates Indiana's strong talent pool, mentioning players like Siakam, Turner, and Toppin, asserting confidence in Indiana's ability to withstand Oklahoma City's young and dynamic team.

3. Cooper Kupp’s Transition to the NFL

Colin Cowherd shifts focus to NFL wide receiver Cooper Kupp, discussing his challenges transitioning from collegiate stardom to the professional league.

• Colin [12:26]: “What is Cooper Kupp's number one challenge going to be? From dominant college player to NFL player?”

Roy Hibbert's Insights:

• Physicality and Adaptation [12:57]: Roy believes Kupp's primary challenge will be adapting to the NFL's physicality and finding his role within the team. “Finding his place every couple of games is probably going to be the biggest thing.”

• Consistency in Performance: Emphasizes the importance of Kupp maintaining his three-point shooting consistency to harness his full potential in the NFL.

4. Impact of Team Culture on Performance

The conversation delves into how coaching changes and team cultures influence a team's performance on the court.

• Colin [14:09]: Compares the shift from Mark Jackson to Steve Kerr in the NBA, noting the significant impact on team dynamics and performance. “It probably benefited Thompson and Steph. It was more of an offensive culture.”

• Roy Hibbert [15:25]: Discusses the New York Knicks' culture under coach Tibbs, acknowledging his contributions but suggesting areas for improvement, especially in offense cohesion. “Maybe some change is needed there, a different offensive change.”

Key Takeaway: Effective team culture, driven by coaching strategies, plays a pivotal role in a team's success. Adjustments in offensive and defensive strategies can significantly impact game outcomes.

5. NFL Quarterback Debates: Jalen Hurts vs. Baker Mayfield

A spirited debate ensues between Colin and Roy regarding the efficacy and ranking of NFL quarterbacks, particularly focusing on Jalen Hurts and Baker Mayfield.

• Colin [25:00]: Criticizes the ranking of Jalen Hurts, questioning his standing compared to Baker Mayfield. “Would you take Baker over Jalen if it was one throw in a football game.”

• Roy Hibbert [26:14]: Defends Hurts, highlighting his mobility and accuracy despite critiques about his size and pocket play. “He can make it rain against any secondary in the league.”

Points of Contention:

• Jalen Hurts' Weaknesses:

  • Pocket play and size ([26:14] Colin points out Hurts’ challenges in the pocket due to being “only 6:2”).

• Baker Mayfield's Strengths:

  • More passing yards and a stronger arm, positioning him as a more reliable choice in specific scenarios.

Conclusion: The debate underscores the subjective nature of quarterback rankings, with differing opinions on evaluating a QB's overall impact versus their raw statistics.

6. Kevin Durant’s Potential Trade Moves

The discussion briefly touches on NBA superstar Kevin Durant's trade rumors and potential destinations.

• Colin [28:33]: Analyzes the likelihood of Durant moving before the draft, suggesting media speculation might be influenced by Durant’s camp. “Everything coming from Shams is planted by KD's camp.”

• Key Potential Teams: Rockets, Spurs, Timberwolves, and Knicks are mentioned as probable destinations, each with their unique needs and dynamics.

Roy Hibbert's Opinion:

• Durant's Fit: Colin expresses confidence in Durant's professionalism and effectiveness, noting his “highly effective” play without a heavy reliance on ball possession.

7. MLB Insights: Dodgers’ Pitching Challenges

A brief segment discusses the Los Angeles Dodgers' pitching struggles and Shohei Ohtani's anticipated return.

• Discussion [30:49]: The Dodgers' pitching staff is underperforming, ranking low in several statistics. However, the team remains optimistic about Ohtani’s return before the All-Star game.

• Colin [31:31]: Suggests that the Dodgers' long season and strategic pitching acquisitions may mitigate current pitching issues. “We just think the longer the season, these minor disruptions don't matter as much.”

Key Takeaway: While the Dodgers face pitching challenges, strategic player acquisitions and the length of the season provide avenues for recovery and sustained performance.

8. US Soccer Team’s Performance in the Gold Cup

The podcast shifts to international sports, focusing on the US Soccer Team's disappointing performance in the Gold Cup.

• Colin [43:19]: Criticizes the team's lack of depth and overreliance on star players like Christian Pulisic. “If you're missing your entire midfield, your best attacker, like Pulisic, it's like the Nuggets playing without Jokic.”

• Discussion [44:05]: Highlights the disparity between the US team and European counterparts in terms of talent pool and player commitment. “Our best players go to Europe. Europe's best players don't come to the MLS.”

Roy Hibbert's Perspectives:

• Talent Gap: Emphasizes the significant gap between the US team's top-tier players and the rest, making consistent success challenging without depth.

• Future Outlook: While the current performance is disheartening, Colin remains cautiously optimistic about the US team's potential growth, especially with the FIFA World Cup approaching on home soil.

Conclusion

This episode of The Herd offers a comprehensive analysis of AFC quarterbacks, highlighting the AFC's current dominance in the NFL. The discussion extends to NBA playoff strategies, the significance of team culture, and the challenges faced by athletes transitioning between leagues. Additionally, brief insights into MLB's Dodgers and the US Soccer Team's struggles provide a well-rounded sports discourse. Notable quotes throughout the episode underscore the hosts' and guest's passionate viewpoints, offering listeners an engaging and informative experience.

Notable Quotes:

• Colin Cowherd [06:54]: “But if you have a great defensive team, this is why ... you live it.”

• Roy Hibbert [09:30]: “Halliburton takes it upon himself to maybe take two or three more shots…”

• Colin Cowherd [25:00]: “Would you take Baker over Jalen if it was one throw in a football game.”

• Roy Hibbert [26:14]: “He can make it rain against any secondary in the league.”

• Colin Cowherd [43:19]: “If you're missing your entire midfield, your best attacker, like Pulisic…”

These quotes capture the essence of the discussions, emphasizing the critical evaluations of player performances and team strategies.