Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 2: The Herd Hierarchy

Release Date: December 3, 2024

Introduction: Defining the Hierarchy

In this insightful episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," host Colin Cowherd teams up with NFL legend Tom Brady to dissect and rank the top NFL teams, analyze quarterback performances, and discuss coaching strategies shaping the league. Titled "The Herd Hierarchy," this episode offers a blend of statistical analysis, expert opinions, and personal anecdotes, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of the current NFL landscape.

Top 10 NFL Teams Ranked

Colin Cowherd presents his meticulously crafted list of the top 10 NFL teams, evaluating each based on recent performances, coaching quality, defensive and offensive strengths, and overall potential.

1. Number 10: Seattle Seahawks

   • Strengths: Improved pass rush and strong perimeter talent at wide receiver and cornerback.
   • Challenges: Geno Smith has been sacked 19 times in the last four games and has thrown too many interceptions.
   • Colin's Insight: “They’re a top 10 team. I don't know if they can win a playoff game. Maybe.” ([04:03])

2. Number 9: Denver Broncos

   • Strengths: Exceptional coaching, possibly the best after Andy Reid, with a strong offensive line rebuilt by Sean Payton.
   • Challenges: Bo Nix’s performance with an 8-3 record over his last 11 games.
   • Colin's Insight: “Sean Payton, an offensive coach, has rebuilt it in two years.” ([04:03])

3. Number 8: Baltimore Ravens

   • Strengths: Averaging 400 yards per game with key players like Lamar Jackson and Derek Henry.
   • Challenges: Aging kicker Justin Tucker and defensive weaknesses outside Kyle Hamilton.
   • Colin's Concern: “Their scoring defense is bottom quarter of the league, so that worries me.” ([04:03])

4. Number 7: Minnesota Vikings

   • Strengths: Led by Sammy Darnold, leading the NFL with 46 completions of 20-plus yards.
   • Challenges: Reliance on coaching rather than individual star power.
   • Colin's Observation: “They are seven one in one score games. That's not just Darnold; that is coaching Vikings at seven.” ([04:03])

5. Number 6: Pittsburgh Steelers

   • Strengths: Consistent performance under Mike Tomlin, with Russell Wilson excelling in critical moments.
   • Challenges: Low ceiling and reliance on winning against strong teams.
   • Colin's Take: “He's good when it matters, and to me that's a team that can win a playoff game or two.” ([04:03])

6. Number 5: Green Bay Packers

   • Strengths: Transitioning to a power run team with Jordan Love, top five in total and rushing offense.
   • Challenges: Still a year off from becoming a Super Bowl team.
   • Colin's Prediction: “I think they're still a year off.” ([04:03])

7. Number 4: Kansas City Chiefs

   • Strengths: Led by Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid, with a balanced offense and strong defense.
   • Challenges: Mahomes has been sacked frequently recently.
   • Colin's Trust: “I trust Andy Reid, Mahomes, Kelsey, Chris Jones, and Spags.” ([04:03])

8. Number 3: Detroit Lions

   • Strengths: Competitive team with potential despite defensive injuries.
   • Challenges: Tough remaining schedule and defensive depth issues.
   • Colin's Analysis: “They have a big question gonna pay Brock Purdy 55 million. You become the Cowboys really fast.” ([04:03])

9. Number 2: Philadelphia Eagles

   • Strengths: Jalen Hurts with 20 touchdowns and only one interception in an eight-game winning streak.
   • Challenges: Dependence on key players like A.J. Brown.
   • Colin's Praise: “This team’s 90 when A.J. Brown plays. I’ve never seen a great team led by a receiver, but they don’t lose when he plays.” ([04:03])

10. Number 1: Buffalo Bills

    • Strengths: Josh Allen’s maturation, best offensive line, robust running game, and improved defensive health.
    • Challenges: None significant at the top spot.
    • Colin's Conclusion: “Let’s put Buffalo at number one again. Josh Allen has matured.” ([04:03])

Quarterback Impact and Coaching Strategies

A substantial portion of the discussion centers around the pivotal role of quarterbacks and the influence of coaching strategies on team success.

• Tom Brady on Quarterback Protection:

  • Brady emphasizes the delicate balance quarterbacks must maintain between aggression and avoiding hits. He argues that while quarterbacks should be more responsible for staying in the pocket, the defense's role in protecting them is equally crucial.
  • Quote: “When you run, you put yourself in a lot of danger. [...] If you slide and it's, you know, everyone can argue, was it black and white or was it just a gray area?” ([09:25])

• Coaching Philosophies:

  • Brady lauds Sean Payton’s ability to trust and develop quarterbacks, allowing more strategic play-calling that benefits team performance.
  • Quote: “Sean Payton certainly is that. He’s a phenomenal coach...” ([15:26])
  • He also draws parallels to Bill Belichick’s coaching style, highlighting the importance of clear, focused game plans.
  • Quote: “Coaches lose games and players win games.” ([19:25])

Controversies and Player Performance

• Late Hits and Suspensions:

  • The episode addresses the recent three-game suspension of Houston linebacker Aziz Al Shayer for repeated safety rule violations, discussing its implications on league consistency and player behavior.
  • Colin's Opinion: “Quite frankly, it's embarrassing. [...] Just because they didn't see it. I don't know that he's a dirty player but he has a dirty history this year.” ([37:35])

• Deontay Johnson's Underperformance:

  • Discusses Deontay Johnson's lackluster performance after being acquired by the Ravens, with only one catch for six yards and limited playtime.
  • Tom's Clarification: “There are some moving parts there that we’re going to have to figure out...” ([36:11])

• 49ers' Injury Woes:

  • The 49ers face significant injuries with key players like Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason heading to IR, questioning the team’s depth and future prospects.
  • Doug's Analysis: “These 49ers roster doesn’t have the depth, particularly on the defensive side.” ([31:42])

Coaching Philosophy and Team Identity

• Defining Team Identity:

  • Brady discusses how teams like Michigan define their identity through player types and strategic focus, emphasizing the importance of trusting and developing players to maintain consistent performance.
  • Quote: “You define the type of player that you want and you define the type of team you want to build...” ([19:25])

• Michigan vs. Ohio State:

  • Analyzes Michigan's recent victories over Ohio State, highlighting the importance of coaching trust and team dynamics in overcoming traditionally stronger teams.
  • Brady's Insight: “Sean Payton certainly is that. He’s a phenomenal coach...” ([15:26])

Impact of Weather and Home Field Advantage

Tom Brady shares his experiences on how weather conditions can be leveraged as a strategic advantage, drawing from his time playing in varying climates.

• Quote: “When you have those climates, that’s what you try to play too. I knew for me, I knew how many hand warmers I needed...” ([13:04])

Final Thoughts: Player Development and Team Dynamics

Colin Cowherd and Tom Brady wrap up the episode by emphasizing the critical role of quarterback development, improved coaching techniques, and strategic team building in shaping the future success of NFL teams.

• Quarterback Development:

  • Highlighting the increased hit rates for quarterbacks due to better coaching and extensive practice, leading to more resilient and skilled players.
  • Colin’s Summary: “If you just watch the current history of the league and you see sports go through this...” ([54:45])

• Team Dynamics:

  • Predictions on which teams are poised to win trophies based on current trajectories and quarterback efficiencies.
  • Colin’s Final Thoughts: “There are three draft classes... now this is not a great draft, but...” ([34:00])

Notable Quotes with Attribution and Timestamps

• Tom Brady on Quarterback Aggression:

  • “[09:13] Tom Brady: [...] I always try to be aggressive on offense.”

• Colin on Buffalo’s Dominance:

  • “[04:03] Colin Cowherd: I think they have their best offensive line, their best running game.”

• Brady on Team Trust:

  • “[15:26] Tom Brady: [...] you can actually go out there and you don't have to manage.”

• Colin on Defensive Compensation:

  • “[36:53] Doug Gottlieb: [...] to protect quarterbacks.”

Conclusion: A Comprehensive Look at NFL Dynamics

In "The Herd Hierarchy," Colin Cowherd and Tom Brady provide a nuanced exploration of the NFL's current state, blending statistical insights with personal experiences. From team rankings and quarterback dynamics to coaching philosophies and league controversies, the episode offers valuable perspectives for sports enthusiasts aiming to understand the multifaceted nature of professional football.

This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode, ensuring clarity and engagement for listeners who haven't tuned in. Notable quotes are highlighted with speaker attribution and timestamps to emphasize significant moments.