Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode: Hour 2 - The Top 10 NFL Teams
Release Date: July 29, 2025
Host/Authors: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, host Danny Parkins takes the lead in analyzing the top 10 NFL teams heading into the upcoming football season. Joined by Colin Cowherd and Nick Wright, the discussion delves deep into team performances, player evaluations, and media perceptions, offering listeners a comprehensive overview of the NFL landscape.

Top 10 NFL Teams Analysis

Danny Parkins kicks off the segment by presenting his top 10 list of NFL teams poised for success in the forthcoming season. He emphasizes the importance of both offensive prowess and defensive stability in determining a team's potential.

1. Los Angeles Chargers (#10)

   • Key Points: Despite boasting the number one scoring defense last year, the Chargers need offensive explosiveness to climb higher in the rankings. Parkins believes that Justin Herbert and Coach Jim Harbaugh's second year will be pivotal.
   • Notable Quote: “If they just get a little bit more explosive on offense and I think Hampton and Harris, their two draft picks will help… they take the leap offensively.” [03:30]

2. Washington Commanders (#9)

   • Key Points: With a better roster than their record suggests, Washington has potential under a new quarterback, Jaden Daniels, and the addition of Tunsil. However, close game performances remain a concern.
   • Notable Quote: “I think they got the right coach, the right quarterback.” [04:10]

3. San Francisco 49ers (#8)

   • Key Points: Expecting a bounce-back year, Parkins highlights Brock Purdy’s growth under Kyle Shanahan and the health of key players like Kittle, Trent Williams, and Christian McCaffrey.
   • Notable Quote: “Christian McCaffrey, who's the key to everything and frankly, a cheat code in Kyle Shanahan's offense.” [04:45]

4. Cincinnati Bengals (#7)

   • Key Points: While their offense is Super Bowl-caliber, the Bengals’ defense needs improvement. Parkins suggests that achieving a top 20 defense would secure their playoff spot.
   • Notable Quote: “Just be the 20th best defense in the NFL and you'll be fine.” [05:20]

5. Los Angeles Rams (#6)

   • Key Points: Parkins remains optimistic about the Rams, focusing on quarterback stability with Stafford, a strong offensive line, and key additions like Devonte Adams.
   • Notable Quote: “They are right there as a contender.” [05:55]

6. Baltimore Ravens (#5)

   • Key Points: Despite last year's offensive success, consistency remains an issue. Parkins believes the Ravens have the best roster but places the Bills ahead due to their superior point differential.
   • Notable Quote: “They outscored opponents by 555 points in the last five years.” [06:40]

7. Detroit Lions (#3)

   • Key Points: Parkins argues that the Lions have an electrifying offense led by emerging talents. Health remains a concern, but expectations are high for their performance.
   • Notable Quote: “They gave up 31 points per game… injuries caught up to them.” [07:10]

8. Kansas City Chiefs (#2)

   • Key Points: Highlighting their electric defense and elite quarterbacking by Patrick Mahomes, Parkins expects the Chiefs to be strong contenders for the Super Bowl.
   • Notable Quote: “If the explosiveness can return to the Chiefs offense, I expect them back in the Super Bowl.” [08:00]

9. Philadelphia Eagles (#1)

   • Key Points: Topping the list, Parkins praises the Eagles' robust roster and balanced offensive strategy. With over 3,000 rushing yards and a strong defensive unit, they are favorites to dominate.
   • Notable Quote: “It's the best organization with the best roster.” [08:30]

Interactive Discussion: Leadership and Player Evaluations

Following the top 10 rundown, Colin Cowherd and Nick Wright join Parkins to debate key player performances and team strategies, particularly focusing on quarterback evaluations and media perceptions.

• Justin Herbert vs. Jalen Hurts

  • Colin's Stance: Skeptical of Herbert’s consistency, Colin argues that despite his talent, Herbert has underperformed in critical moments. He questions whether Herbert should be valued over Hurts.

    • Quote: “Justin Herbert was asked to be the quarterback that Jalen Hurts was for Philadelphia… had one of the worst games of his life against the Texans.” [16:16]

  • Danny's Defense: Parkins counters by highlighting Herbert's potential and the importance of offensive support. He emphasizes that a high-scoring offense should naturally elevate a team's performance.

    • Quote: “If you've got a great offense, you're supposed to be a better team than last year.” [11:09]

  • Poll Insights:

    • Colin: “He’s five years into his career. I know he's talented, but at some point, it has to be about what you've actually accomplished.” [15:41]
    • Danny: “Explain to me why Justin Herbert isn't the fifth best quarterback in football.” [14:59]

• Shador Sanders and Media Influence

  • Danny's Perspective: Parkins discusses the media's role in shaping perceptions of players like Shador Sanders, arguing that media hype can set unrealistic expectations that players struggle to meet.

    • Quote: “Shador Sanders is the perfect example of [media] building us up to tear us down.” [32:15]

  • Colin's Counterpoints: Colin questions the media’s accuracy and emphasizes relying on actual game performance over pre-draft hype.

    • Quote: “The media was just wrong and we fell for group think.” [31:05]

• Baker Mayfield's Evolution

  • Discussion Highlights: The conversation shifts to Baker Mayfield’s development after transitioning to Tampa. Parkins praises Mayfield’s statistical improvements and role in building a competitive team.

    • Quote: “Tristan Wurfs is elite. Evans and Godwin is a great duo.” [43:10]

  • Nick's Input: John questions the sustainability of Baker’s performance, comparing his influence to other notable quarterbacks in similar situations.

Media vs. Reality in Sports Analysis

Danny Parkins delves into the disconnect between media narratives and on-field realities, using the Cleveland Browns' quarterback situation as a case study. He critiques the media's tendency to amplify potential without grounding it in actual performance data.

• Key Points:

  • Draft Expectations vs. Reality: Parkins highlights how media expectations during drafts can lead to inflated profiles for players like Shador Sanders, who may not meet those lofty standards.
  • Player Development: Emphasizes the importance of evaluating players based on game performance rather than pre-draft projections.

• Notable Quote: “It's an unbelievable industry that has been created where we watch college football and we watch the NFL and then a segment of the industry can make a 365 day a year job out of figuring out the transition of some players from college to the NFL.” [30:44]

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, Parkins reflects on the camaraderie and shared insights with Colin and Nick, expressing enthusiasm for future discussions. He reiterates his trust in the Eagles' dominance and the significance of aligning media perspectives with actual team performances.

• Final Quote: “It's going to be the best after show podcast of all time. There you go, overpromising.” [25:40]

Closing Remarks

The Herd with Colin Cowherd provides listeners with an in-depth and engaging analysis of the NFL’s top teams, enriched by spirited debates and expert insights. By bridging media narratives with on-field realities, hosts deliver a nuanced perspective that is both informative and thought-provoking.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• “If they just get a little bit more explosive on offense and I think Hampton and Harris, their two draft picks will help… they take the leap offensively.” [03:30]
• “Christian McCaffrey, who's the key to everything and frankly, a cheat code in Kyle Shanahan's offense.” [04:45]
• “Just be the 20th best defense in the NFL and you'll be fine.” [05:20]
• “They outscored opponents by 555 points in the last five years.” [06:40]
• “They gave up 31 points per game… injuries caught up to them.” [07:10]
• “Justin Herbert was asked to be the quarterback that Jalen Hurts was for Philadelphia… had one of the worst games of his life against the Texans.” [16:16]
• “Explain to me why Justin Herbert isn't the fifth best quarterback in football.” [14:59]
• “Shador Sanders is the perfect example of [media] building us up to tear us down.” [32:15]
• “It's going to be the best after show podcast of all time. There you go, overpromising.” [25:40]

For more insights and live discussions, tune in to The Herd with Colin Cowherd on Fox Sports Radio and the iHeartRadio app.