Summary of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" – Hour 2: The Major Players Going Forward

Release Date: January 23, 2025
Hosted by: Colin Cowherd
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

In the second hour of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," the discussion intensely focuses on the NFL playoffs, dissecting key matchups, standout players, and strategic maneuvers that could determine the outcomes of pivotal games. Joined by Greg Cosell of NFL Films, Colin delves deep into player performances, team dynamics, and the intricate chess match of playoff football.

1. Introduction to Key Playoff Matchups ([03:31] – [07:58])

Colin Cowherd kicks off the hour by setting the stage for an in-depth analysis of the upcoming playoff games, particularly spotlighting the Washington Commanders vs. Philadelphia Eagles and the Buffalo Bills vs. Kansas City Chiefs. He introduces Greg Cosell, whose expertise provides a foundation for evaluating the top players poised to influence these high-stakes encounters.

2. Washington Commanders vs. Philadelphia Eagles: Top 10 Players Breakdown ([07:58] – [14:27])

Greg Cosell presents his list of the top ten players to watch in the Commanders vs. Eagles matchup:

1. Saquon Barkley (Commanders) [04:07]
   Described as "one of the greatest running backs," Barkley's blend of speed and power makes him indispensable to the Commanders' offensive strategy.

2. Jordan Meilott (Commanders) [04:12]
   Labelled the "highest graded offensive tackle," Meilott's role is pivotal in both protecting the quarterback and enabling the run game.

3. Jalen Carter (Commanders) [04:13]
   A standout defensive tackle, Carter is hailed as "the best defensive tackle right now," significantly bolstering the Commanders' defensive front.

4. Jaden Daniels (Commanders) [04:15]
   Praised for his "magic," Daniels' versatility and decision-making as a quarterback are critical assets for the Commanders.

5. Zach Vaughn (Commanders) [04:20]
   An exceptional linebacker, Vaughn's performance is crucial, though his position comes with inherent limitations.

6. A.J. Brown (Eagles) [04:27]
   Brown's dynamic receiving capabilities make him a constant threat, despite the Eagles' occasional struggles to capitalize on big plays.

7. Terry McLaurin (Eagles) [04:35]
   Consistently reliable, McLaurin's ability to maintain performance across various quarterbacks is noteworthy.

8. Lane Johnson (Eagles) [04:42]
   The "best right tackle," Johnson's protection in the offensive line has been exemplary, not allowing a sack since Week 14.

9. Landon Dickerson (Eagles) [04:50]
   As the top guard, Dickerson's block assignments are vital for both the Eagles' pass and run game effectiveness.

10. Bobby Wagner (Commanders) [04:57]
    Wagner's relentless tackling and leadership in the secondary make him a standout player, despite occasional injuries.

Notable Discussion: Omission of Jalen Hurts ([08:05] – [08:25])
A heated moment arises when Jason McIntyre points out the exclusion of Jalen Hurts from the top ten list:

[08:05] Jason McIntyre: "Jalen Hurts did not make it. No."

Colin defends his ranking, sparking a debate about Hurts' impact versus other players. Greg Cosell adds depth by acknowledging Hurts' abilities but maintains the original ranking based on his assessment of overall influence in the game.

3. Buffalo Bills vs. Kansas City Chiefs: Player Evaluation and Strategic Insights ([14:27] – [26:48])

Greg Cosell shifts focus to the Bills vs. Chiefs showdown, listing his top players for this clash:

1. Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs) [17:42]
   Unquestionably the premier player in the AFC, Mahomes' playoff performances are likened to those of Tom Brady, emphasizing his clutch capabilities.

2. Josh Allen (Bills) [17:59]
   Allen stands as a formidable quarterback, though Colin opts to prioritize Mahomes based on recent performances.

3. Chris Jones (Chiefs) [18:31]
   Recognized as the "most disruptive playoff interior lineman," Jones is pivotal in stifling the Bills' offensive efforts.

4. Creed Humphrey (Chiefs) [18:35]
   As the best center in football, Humphrey's role in orchestrating the Chiefs' offensive line is critical.

5. Travis Kelce (Chiefs) [19:18]
   Kelce's rapport with Mahomes and his late-season surge make him a key offensive weapon.

6. Dion Dawkins (Chiefs) [19:22]
   Dawkins' prowess as a left tackle secures the Chiefs' blind side, essential for Mahomes' protection.

7. Trent McDuffie (Chiefs) [19:40]
   The highest graded cornerback in the NFL, McDuffie's coverage skills are vital in neutralizing top receivers.

8. Greg Russo (Bills) [19:50]
   Russo's elite pass-rushing abilities make him a significant threat against the Chiefs' offensive line.

9. Matt Milano (Bills) [20:00]
   Despite injuries, Milano's playmaking talent is a cornerstone of the Bills' defensive strategy.

10. James Cook (Bills) [20:15]
    Cook's touchdown prowess and red-zone efficiency alleviate pressures on the Bills' offense.

Strategic Analysis: Offensive and Defensive Tactics ([21:00] – [26:00])
Greg delves into the Chiefs' and Bills' offensive schemes, highlighting the Chiefs' "schemed passing game" and the Bills' reliance on a robust running game. The discussion underscores how Steve Spagnolo's defensive strategies, particularly his innovative blitzing techniques, could disrupt both offenses.

[21:41] Colin Cowherd: "I've seen that a lot. The Chiefs do a really good job with their formations and their route concepts to sometimes create that kind of confusion."

Debate on Mahomes vs. Allen ([17:59] – [26:48])
The conversation intensifies around whether Mahomes or Allen is the superior quarterback in the playoffs. Colin favors Mahomes due to his higher success rate in clutch situations, while Jason contends Allen's current season merits MVP consideration.

[17:59] Colin Cowherd: "Patrick Mahomes again, no argument that Josh Allen, Buffalo would be number two. It's a flip flop. I'll give it to Mahomes because he's been more successful."

Jason counters by highlighting Allen's statistical performance and his potential to lead the Bills to victory despite the Chiefs' formidable roster.

4. Controversies and Critical Play Evaluations ([26:48] – [35:04])

The hosts address contentious moments from recent games, including questionable referee calls and player-sportsmanship behaviors.

Referee Bias Debate ([34:37] – [35:04])
Jason McIntyre brings up concerns about perceived referee favoritism towards the Chiefs, referencing Marlon Humphrey's tweets and Patrick Mahomes' responses.

[34:37] Colin Cowherd: "I don't feel that way. I mean, I just try to play football."

Jason emphasizes the importance of impartial officiating but acknowledges the difficulty in dispensing blame solely on referees.

[34:47] Jason McIntyre: "At the end of the day, the referees are doing their best to call the game as fair and as proper as they possibly can."

Player Sportsmanship and Mistakes ([09:34] – [12:33])
The discussion revisits specific plays, such as Lamar Jackson's interception and Jared Goff's performance against the Commanders. Greg Cosell provides a nuanced analysis, attributing some errors to defensive strategies rather than individual player failings.

[09:42] Greg Cosell: "He threw a trajectory pass to a safety that was on that side of the field. So that was a poor throw regardless of where Bateman would have gone."

5. Coaching Decisions and Team Rebuilding ([35:04] – [43:09])

Defense Adjustments and Coaching Philosophy ([35:12] – [39:50])
Greg Cosell discusses the evolving defensive schemes, particularly how teams like the Eagles adapt to dynamic play-calling and versatile offensive threats. The emphasis is on the role of defensive coordinators in anticipating and countering offensive strategies.

[38:22] Jason McIntyre: "Coaching discipline. It's got to be the discipline that."

Chicago Bears' Coaching Changes ([33:04] – [39:44])
The conversation shifts to the Chicago Bears' recent coaching hires, with a focus on their new head coach's strategies to revitalize the team. Jason expresses optimism about the Bears' potential under new leadership, citing the acquisition of Caleb Williams as a transformative move.

[50:23] Jason McIntyre: "I felt really confident in their vision and their direction for the franchise going forward is something I wanted to be a part of."

LeBron and Lakers' Strategic Moves ([38:19] – [40:07])
While primarily an NFL-focused episode, Colin briefly touches on NBA dynamics, critiquing the Lakers' hesitation to make significant additions before the trade deadline and defending LeBron James' concerns about team competitiveness.

[40:10] Colin Cowherd: "Houston can night. If you watch Houston on some nights, they can't hit anything from the outside. They're hit and miss."

6. Final Player Highlights and Predictions ([43:09] – [43:30])

As the hour progresses towards its conclusion, the hosts recapitulate the key players who could tilt the playoff scales. Emphasis is placed on the Chiefs' formidable lineup and the Bills' strategic gameplay, forecasting a high-scoring and intense matchup.

[43:08] Colin Cowherd: "Talking to my doctor about a pill was a total game changer."

Note: This timestamp appears to reference an advertisement and may have been included erroneously. The actual concluding moments focus on player highlights and game predictions.

7. Closing Remarks and Upcoming Segments ([43:30] – [43:09])

The discussion winds down with anticipations for upcoming games, reiterating the importance of player performances and coaching strategies in determining final playoff outcomes. Colin and Greg express excitement for the remaining playoff stages, urging listeners to stay engaged as the NFL moves closer to the Super Bowl.

Notable Quotes:

• Colin Cowherd ([08:05]): "Jalen Hurts did not make it. No."
• Jason McIntyre ([08:05]): "Jalen Hurts is not one of the 10 best players in the NFC championship."
• Greg Cosell ([09:34]): "He threw a trajectory pass to a safety that was on that side of the field."
• Jason McIntyre ([17:59]): "He's going to be the MVP. Should be the MVP."
• Greg Cosell ([18:31]): "He is the most disruptive playoff interior lineman in football."
• Jason McIntyre ([43:08]): "Talking to my doctor about a pill was a total game changer."

Conclusion

Hour 2 of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" offers a comprehensive analysis of the NFL playoffs, highlighting the players and strategies that could define the path to the Super Bowl. Through expert insights and spirited debates, Colin and Greg provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of the games at stake, ensuring fans are well-equipped to anticipate the unfolding football drama.