Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 2: The Chiefs Will Miss the Playoffs

Episode Overview

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, host J. Mac and co-host Alex Curry dive deep into the current NFL landscape, centering their discussion around the bold prediction that the Kansas City Chiefs will miss the playoffs this season. The conversation is enriched by insights from Ben Volin, an NFL reporter from the Boston Globe, who provides an expert counterpoint to J. Mac’s assertions. Additionally, the episode touches upon the New England Patriots' prospects, NFL Draft strategies, and notable NBA topics, including Nikola Jokic’s exceptional season and the Golden State Warriors' playoff outlook.

1. Chiefs' Playoff Prospects

J. Mac's Prediction

J. Mac opens the discussion with a controversial claim that the Kansas City Chiefs will not make the playoffs this year. He cites several reasons, including:

• Aging Offensive Line: J. Mac criticizes the Chiefs' offensive line, describing it as a "train wreck," which he believes hampers the team's ability to protect quarterback Patrick Mahomes effectively.

  [49:20] J. Mac: "Offensive line is a train wreck... I’m just telling you, as I call it up here, none of these guys are like, oh, gee, how do we game plan."

• Injuries and Wear & Tear: He points out the wear and tear from multiple playoff runs, noting that players like Isaiah Pacheco and Elijah Mitchell have struggled with injuries, which affects the team’s overall performance.

Ben Volin’s Counterpoint

Ben Volin disagrees with J. Mac’s pessimistic outlook, emphasizing the Chiefs' resilience and the exceptional leadership of Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid.

[18:16] Ben Volin: "But that said, I'm never counting out Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid and Travis Kelson. These guys are too good and too savvy and have won too many games for them not to have things figured out by the fall."

Volin highlights the Chiefs' ongoing efforts to bolster their roster, particularly focusing on improvements to the offensive line and potential moves in the upcoming NFL Draft. He believes that these actions will help mitigate the concerns raised by J. Mac.

2. New England Patriots' Season Outlook

Revitalization Under Mike Vrabel

The conversation shifts to the New England Patriots, where Ben Volin offers a more optimistic perspective. He credits head coach Mike Vrabel and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels for revitalizing the team.

[08:05] Ben Volin: "The arrow is definitely pointing up in Foxborough..."

Volin discusses the Patriots' strategic acquisitions, including high-profile free agents like Stefon Diggs, and emphasizes the potential for a stronger, more cohesive team under the new coaching regime.

Draft Strategy and Offensive Line Concerns

J. Mac and Ben Volin delve into the Patriots’ draft strategies, particularly their focus on strengthening the offensive line to protect their young quarterback, Drake May.

[10:29] Ben Volin: "They’re still definitely need to find an answer at left tackle...getting Will Campbell in the draft will look good on paper, but then there will be questions..."

Volin analyzes potential draft picks and their fit within the Patriots’ system, weighing the risks and benefits of selecting offensive tackles versus pass rushers.

3. NFL Draft Discussions

Top Prospects: Abdul Carter and Travis Hunter

The hosts discuss the top prospects for the upcoming NFL Draft, focusing on defensive talents like Abdul Carter and Travis Hunter. They debate whether teams should prioritize securing these blue-chip talents over other positions like quarterback.

[27:00] Alex Curry: "McShay said, with Abdul Carter, here's what it comes down to for me. You don't pass on a blue chipper, a tier one guy, even if the other option is a quarterback."

Draft Strategy Insights

Ben Volin provides insights into how teams might approach the draft, considering the current class's strengths and weaknesses. He emphasizes the importance of selecting players who are a "best fit" for their teams' immediate needs.

[28:23] J. Mac: "Best would be best fit for your team, I think. Best fit for your needs."

The discussion highlights the balance teams must strike between securing top talent and addressing specific positional needs to ensure long-term success.

4. NBA Coverage: Nikola Jokic and the Warriors

Nikola Jokic’s Historic Season

The podcast shifts focus to the NBA, where J. Mac lauds Nikola Jokic's stellar performance, suggesting it surpasses even legends like Shaquille O'Neal and Wilt Chamberlain.

[34:53] J. Mac: "Jokic is having the greatest statistical season in NBA history. It's bolstered by an avalanche of numbers... Jokic is tearing up the golden era in the NBA."

Golden State Warriors' Playoff Ambitions

Alex Curry and J. Mac analyze the Golden State Warriors' remaining games and their potential to secure a favorable playoff position without entering the play-in tournament.

[31:55] Alex Curry: "If the warriors can hold on to that sixth seed and the Lakers can hold on to that third seed, it's looking like that will be a possible matchup."

The discussion underscores the Warriors' experience and strategic prowess as key factors in their playoff aspirations.

5. Notable Quotes

• J. Mac on Chiefs' Offensive Line:

  “[49:20] ‘Offensive line is a train wreck... I’m just telling you, as I call it up here, none of these guys are like, oh, gee, how do we game plan.’”

• Ben Volin on Chiefs' Leadership:

  “[18:16] ‘But that said, I'm never counting out Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid and Travis Kelson. These guys are too good and too savvy and have won too many games for them not to have things figured out by the fall.’”

• Ben Volin on Patriots' Outlook:

  “[08:05] ‘The arrow is definitely pointing up in Foxborough…’”

• Ben Volin on Patriots’ Draft Strategy:

  “[10:29] ‘They’re still definitely need to find an answer at left tackle...getting Will Campbell in the draft will look good on paper, but then there will be questions…’”

Conclusion

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd presents a spirited debate on the future of the Kansas City Chiefs, juxtaposed with an optimistic outlook for the New England Patriots. Ben Volin’s expert insights provide a balanced perspective, challenging J. Mac’s predictions while offering a comprehensive analysis of team strategies and individual performances. Additionally, the episode's coverage of the NFL Draft and NBA developments adds depth, making it a valuable listen for sports enthusiasts seeking informed and engaging discourse.