Summary of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" – Hour 2: "The Eagles had a plan"

Release Date: February 12, 2025

Podcast Information: "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" is an engaging and opinionated sports podcast that delves into the top sports stories of the day. Hosted by Colin Cowherd, the show is known for its in-depth analysis and spirited discussions.

1. Introduction to Hour Two

The second hour begins with Colin Cowherd welcoming listeners and introducing his guest, Greg Cosell, a seasoned NFL Films veteran with 45 years of experience. Colin sets the stage by recalling a pre-season clip from HBO Max featuring Joe Schoen and Giants GM John Mara discussing the potential of Saquon Barkley signing with the Eagles.

Notable Quote:

• Colin Cowherd [03:16]: "He's only 28, so it'd be one thing if you dumped your amazing wife... It's the proximity to the Giants."

2. Saquon Barkley’s Transition to the Eagles

Colin and his co-host, J. Mac, analyze Saquon Barkley's recent move to the Eagles, emphasizing the strategic advantage of proximity to the Giants. Colin discusses how Saquon’s presence on the Eagles roster is transformative, especially given Philadelphia's strong offensive line and talented receiving corps.

Notable Quotes:

• Colin Cowherd [04:38]: "What Saquon proved… the running back remains undervalued."
• Saquon Barkley [04:08]: "I'm happy to be an Eagle… trying to be remembered as Eagle."

3. The Eagles' Defensive Dominance Against the Chiefs

Greg Cosell provides a detailed breakdown of the Eagles' defensive performance against the Kansas City Chiefs. He highlights Jalen Hurts' efficiency in both passing and running, the Eagles' strategic two-high safety structure, and how their defensive line outperformed the Chiefs', effectively preventing Mahomes from executing key plays.

Notable Quotes:

• Greg Cosell [08:54]: "Jalen Hurts is exceptionally good at throwing the ball outside the numbers… he has such a good feel for that."
• Greg Cosell [10:55]: "The Eagles just did not run the ball in the first half and their D line just dominated the game."

4. The Undervalued Running Back Position

Colin discusses the ongoing undervaluation of running backs in the NFL, citing Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry, Josh Jacobs, Aaron Jones, and J.K. Dobbins as examples. He emphasizes how strong running backs can significantly elevate a team's offensive capabilities, often leading to sustained success.

Notable Quote:

• Colin Cowherd [04:38]: "We knew quarterback was really important, but I think what Saquon proved… the running back remains undervalued."

5. NFL Free Agency and Quarterback Draft Strategies

The conversation shifts to NFL free agency and draft strategies, with Colin expressing skepticism about the existing quarterback pool. He discusses potential draft picks like Riley Leonard and Tyler Schuck, suggesting that several second, third, and fourth-round quarterbacks could be significant for teams needing mobility and athleticism. Greg Cosell adds insights on the draft, highlighting standout quarterbacks.

Notable Quotes:

• Greg Cosell [20:04]: "I've done three quarterbacks that I'm done with… Tyler Schuck at Louisville."
• Colin Cowherd [20:46]: "The quarterbacks that are at the top of the draft are not transformative… whoever we get at quarterback, what they're missing is mobility."

6. Analyzing the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Struggles

Colin and J. Mac delve into the Pittsburgh Steelers' recent performance, noting their five-game losing streak and playoff exit. They discuss coach Mike Tomlin’s track record, fan frustrations, and the challenges faced by the team in finding a top-tier quarterback to lead them back to success.

Notable Quotes:

• Colin Cowherd [30:16]: "They have the longest postseason drought in professional sports in America… We would kill for six straight playoff runs."
• J. Mac [30:44]: "I'm not running off Mike Tomlin."

7. The Dallas Mavericks’ Deteriorating Season

The discussion briefly touches on the NBA, specifically the Dallas Mavericks' underwhelming performance following injuries to key players like Luka Doncic, Anthony Davis, PJ Washington, and Christian Wood. Colin expresses doubt about the Mavericks' chances of making the playoffs as the team grapples with significant player absences.

Notable Quote:

• Colin Cowherd [34:48]: "Dallas is done. They're cooked."

8. College Football Insights: Matt Patricia at Ohio State and Illinois’ Playoff Potential

Colin passionately speculates that Illinois could make the college football playoffs next year, prompting a lively debate with J. Mac. He also discusses Matt Patricia being named the defensive coordinator at Ohio State, analyzing the trend of college programs hiring former NFL personnel.

Notable Quotes:

• Colin Cowherd [39:12]: "Illinois football makes the playoff next year. Go look at their schedule."
• J. Mac [40:34]: "We'll talk about it off air... There's no chance of this."

9. Concluding Remarks and Lighthearted Moments

As the podcast wraps up, Colin and J. Mac exchange playful banter about betting on Illinois making the playoffs and reflect on the unpredictable nature of college and professional sports. They also mention upcoming games and other sports-related topics, maintaining an engaging and light-hearted atmosphere.

Notable Quote:

• Colin Cowherd [43:20]: "I'm not giving you all my stuff in one day."

10. Advertisements and Additional Content

Throughout the episode, advertisements for T-Mobile, Homes.com, and Uber Eats are interspersed but are omitted from this summary as per user instructions.

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and interactions from "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" hour two, focusing on the Eagles' strategic moves, running back valuations, NFL free agency, team analyses, and college football prospects, supplemented with notable quotes and timestamps for context.