Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode: Hour 2 – Rodgers vs the Jets & COY Odds
Release Date: February 19, 2025

The Herd with Colin Cowherd delves into the latest NFL developments, focusing primarily on the potential acquisition of quarterback Justin Fields by the New York Jets and the current odds for Coach of the Year (COY). Hosted by Jonas Knox, Brady Quinn, and LeVar Arrington, the episode offers insightful analysis, spirited debates, and candid opinions on these hot topics.

1. Justin Fields and the New York Jets

Timestamp: 03:02 – 12:32

The conversation kicks off with a heated discussion about Justin Fields, the talented quarterback from the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the New York Jets' interest in acquiring him.

• Jets' Interest in Justin Fields:

  • Jonas Knox highlights recent reports indicating a mutual interest between the Jets and Fields. He questions the Jets' strategy, especially regarding long-term versus short-term gains.
    "If it's a long term play, I kind of get it. If it's just a short term play, I don't know how this is a better option than Aaron Rodgers would be on a short term." ([04:08])

• Comparing Justin Fields to Aaron Rodgers:

  • Brady Quinn emphasizes the importance of continuity in a franchise, using the Steelers as an example. He argues that jumping teams in search of a quick fix is rarely successful.
    "I like continuity. If you're Pittsburgh, for example, you know, Arthur Smith's system... that's your best path forward in trying to resurrect and being a starting quarterback in the NFL." ([04:52])

• Steeler’s Quarterback Dynamics:

  • LeVar Arrington discusses Fields' performance metrics, such as his interception rates, and evaluates whether the Jets' personnel would better support his success compared to the Steelers.
    "Justin Fields, if used correctly, would have a better opportunity of having more success than what he would in Pittsburgh." ([08:40])

• Team Stability and Coaching:

  • The trio debates the Steelers' team stability, especially with the potential exit of Russell Wilson and the implications for head coach Mike Tomlin.
    "I think the hot seat is hot this year for Mike Tomlin." ([13:33])

2. Coach of the Year (COY) Odds on DraftKings

Timestamp: 24:49 – 37:24

Shifting focus, the hosts analyze the current odds for the COY award as listed on DraftKings, debating the factors influencing these odds and the fairness of the evaluation criteria.

• Current COY Favorites:

  • Brady Quinn and Jonas Knox discuss the inclusion of coaches like Mike Vrabel and Ben Johnson in the COY odds, questioning whether their teams' improvements are solely due to coaching or other factors like young quarterback performances.
    "I think it's more about the quarterback play on both those teams, more so than it is anything that Mike Vrabel or Ben Johnson will do." ([30:50])

• Criteria for COY Selection:

  • Brady Quinn criticizes the lack of clear criteria for the COY award, pointing out inconsistencies such as coaches of already successful teams being overlooked.
    "We don't look at the MVP and go, he's got a hell of a coach... But we look at a coach that way and maybe you say it's like, well, because the coach is the one that's going to receive the most appreciation from the talent that he has around, that's fine." ([35:13])

• Impact of Coaching and Team Dynamics:

  • LeVar Arrington defends the COY odds by highlighting the significant impact that coaches can have on transforming struggling franchises, emphasizing resilience and adaptability.
    "Dan Campbell clearly showed resiliency as a coach, the ability to be flexible and adapt to what his given scenarios were." ([36:03])

• Controversies and Misclassifications:

  • The hosts express frustration over perceived misclassifications in COY nominations, such as including players like J.J. McCarthy who haven't had notable on-field performances.
    "Why is J.J. McCarthy on the list at plus 750? He hasn't played yet in the NFL." ([36:27])

3. Aaron Rodgers’ Potential Team Acquisition

Timestamp: 15:44 – 20:01

A significant part of the discussion revolves around Aaron Rodgers' potential move to a new team and its implications for both Rodgers and the Jets.

• Possibility of Rodgers Joining the Jets:

  • Jonas Knox speculates on Rodgers' possible destinations, expressing a preference for any team Rodgers joins, including the Jets.
    "What gives? I just don't think that it's responsible to say that they're going like, whoever you're taking." ([20:00])

• Evaluating Rodgers’ Fit:

  • LeVar Arrington evaluates how Rodgers might perform in different team environments, including the Jets, and the potential success based on team dynamics and support structures.
    "If you're able to implement the type of read pass option like you've done in Philadelphia... you do have a really, really fine group of receivers and a fine running back and breeze in New York." ([08:40])

• Overall Impact on the NFL Landscape:

  • The hosts debate whether Rodgers’ move would significantly improve the team's performance compared to other franchise prospects.
    "If he's a starter, would you next year he's a better team." ([15:44])

4. Additional Sports Insights and Commentary

Timestamp: 37:24 – 48:50

Beyond the primary topics, the hosts touch upon various other sports-related subjects, including ownership bids involving Floyd Mayweather, Tom Brady's autograph controversies, and lighthearted banter about movies and personal anecdotes.

• Floyd Mayweather’s NFL Ownership Aspirations:

  • Lee Delap informs the hosts about Mayweather's interest in acquiring a stake in the New York Giants, discussing the financial implications and potential impacts on the team.
    "Floyd Mayweather dreams... putting together a partnership group with Meyer Orbach, real estate mogul in the realm of $700 million for a 10% stake in the Giants." ([49:12])

• Tom Brady’s Autograph Changes:

  • Lee Delap brings up criticisms directed at Tom Brady for altering his autograph to include "HOF 2028," sparking a debate on the appropriateness of such modifications.
    "Tom Brady... change he's made to his autograph. He started including HOF 2028 to his autograph?" ([50:38])

• Casual Conversations and Humor:

  • The episode features moments of levity, with the hosts discussing movies like "Captain America," indulging in playful insults, and sharing personal stories. While these segments add personality to the show, they remain secondary to the main sports discussions.

Notable Quotes

• "I like continuity. If you're Pittsburgh, for example, you know, Arthur Smith's system... that's your best path forward in trying to resurrect and being a starting quarterback in the NFL." — Brady Quinn ([04:52])

• "Justin Fields, if used correctly, would have a better opportunity of having more success than what he would in Pittsburgh." — LeVar Arrington ([08:40])

• "We don't look at the MVP and go, he's got a hell of a coach... But we look at a coach that way and maybe you say it's like, well, because the coach is the one that's going to receive the most appreciation from the talent that he has around, that's fine." — Brady Quinn ([35:13])

• "Dan Campbell clearly showed resiliency as a coach, the ability to be flexible and adapt to what his given scenarios were." — LeVar Arrington ([36:03])

Conclusion

In this episode, The Herd provides an in-depth analysis of Justin Fields' potential move to the Jets, exploring the ramifications for both teams and highlighting the importance of quarterback continuity. Additionally, the discussion on Coach of the Year odds offers a critical look at the criteria and fairness within award nominations. Through a blend of expert opinions, statistical insights, and engaging dialogue, the hosts deliver a comprehensive overview of current NFL narratives, ensuring listeners are well-informed on the pressing sports topics of the day.