The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode: Hour 2 - The Truth About the Little Guy
Release Date: January 8, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, the hosts delve deep into the dynamics of major sports teams, focusing on coaching changes, player performances, and the evolving landscape of college and professional sports. Skipping over the initial advertisements and promotional segments, the conversation picks up with a lively discussion among Colin Cowherd, Jay Mac, and Peter Schrager.

Chicago Bears: Coaching Conundrum

Timestamp: [02:00]

The episode opens with an analysis of the Chicago Bears' current coaching situation. Colin Cowherd expresses skepticism about the team's decision-making process regarding their head coach position.

• Colin Cowherd: "I don't think it's on. Caleb wasn't perfect, but it's not on him." ([03:01])

The conversation highlights Ryan Poles' role as GM and the potential interviewing of Pete Carroll, noting the Bears' desperation to find a viable coach capable of elevating the team to playoff contention.

• Peter Schrager: "They have that logo and you have that quarterback. They're lifting every single stone to find a coach." ([06:34])

Cowherd emphasizes the importance of not being overly patient with a new coach, referencing successful transitions made by coaches like Jim Harbaugh and Sean Payton.

• Colin Cowherd: "I don't want to hear that it takes time. No, no, no." ([04:50])

Patriots and Mike Vrabel: A Potential Partnership

Timestamp: [10:15]

The discussion shifts to the New England Patriots' interest in Mike Vrabel following the abrupt firing of head coach Antonio Pierce.

• Peter Schrager: "Mike Vrabel could meet in person with these teams, and that might have rattled the cage a bit in New England." ([12:30])

Cowherd elaborates on Vrabel's strategic move to position himself for the Patriots' consideration, highlighting his recent performance with the Cleveland Browns.

• Colin Cowherd: "If I'm Tom Brady and we all know he works at Fox, I'd take Mike Vrabel to dinner and try to get him hired with the Raiders." ([30:32])

Las Vegas Raiders: Leadership and Future Prospects

Timestamp: [13:33]

The Raiders' tumultuous coaching changes are dissected, with Colin critiquing the organization's lack of stability under owner Mark Davis.

• Colin Cowherd: "They had Antonio Pierce do a press conference yesterday at 10:00 am local, and they fired him two hours later." ([15:14])

Schrager notes the uncertainty surrounding Tom Brady's involvement in the Raiders' coaching search, debunking rumors of his direct influence.

• Peter Schrager: "I don't think Tom Brady's running the search. It's going to be a group effort here." ([15:00])

Aaron Rodgers and the Jets: Market Potential

Timestamp: [16:10]

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing Aaron Rodgers' future with the New York Jets and his marketability across the league.

• Colin Cowherd: "If I was the Jets, I'd keep him. If I was the Steelers, I'd be interested. If I was Vegas, I would have no problem with Aaron Rodgers." ([16:10])

Schrager provides insights into Rodgers' relationships within the Jets organization and the potential scenarios that could unfold depending on Rodgers' decisions.

• Peter Schrager: "Rodgers is better than 10 quarterbacks in this league and if he could still sling it, I'd rather have him than go on the scrap heap." ([17:45])

College Football Playoff: Impact on Smaller Programs

Timestamp: [21:42]

Colin offers a critical perspective on the newly implemented 12-team College Football Playoff system, arguing that it diminishes the chances for "little guy" programs like Boise State and SMU.

• Colin Cowherd: "The little guy does not have a better chance. In fact, I'd argue he has less of a chance." ([21:42])

He contends that the compressed timeline of the playoffs reduces the window for underdog stories to resonate and impact the overall season narrative.

NFL Playoffs: Detroit Lions' Injuries and Prospects

Timestamp: [25:21]

The hosts discuss recent injury updates for the Detroit Lions, focusing on running back David Montgomery's recovery and the potential impact on their playoff performance.

• Jay Mac: "These are promising for Detroit. Is Super Bowl afoot for the Lions?" ([25:21])

Cowherd analyzes the Lions' defensive strengths despite injuries, suggesting that key players like Aaron Glenn have kept the team competitive.

• Colin Cowherd: "The Lions led the NFL this year... they had the 14-win Vikings twice." ([31:57])

Lakers Under Fire: Charles Barkley's Critique

Timestamp: [32:00]

A heated segment features Charles Barkley's harsh criticism of the Los Angeles Lakers, labeling the team as underperforming and blaming internal issues for their struggles.

• Jay Mac (quoting Barkley): "Why I hate the Lakers. It's always somebody else's fault." ([33:35])

Cowherd responds by acknowledging LeBron James and Anthony Davis's talents but points out the lack of depth and athleticism on the team.

• Colin Cowherd: "They don't have the athletic ability... I get one great player and another legend and a bunch of guys." ([34:17])

Lamar Jackson: Emotionally Charged Performance

Timestamp: [42:29]

The conversation transitions to Lamar Jackson's performance in the playoffs, highlighting his emotional investment in the game and how it affects his play.

• Colin Cowherd: "One of the reasons I love Lamar Jackson is he cares so deeply about winning, he gets really mad at himself." ([43:07])

Schrager discusses Jackson's mental state and its impact on his performance, drawing parallels with other athletes who exhibit similar traits under pressure.

• Peter Schrager: "It's an absolute once in a generation player. I love watching him play." ([43:08])

Cowherd emphasizes the need for coaching strategies that help Jackson manage his emotions to enhance his playoff performance.

• Colin Cowherd: "Get him off to a really fast start, call the plays that he loves... let him settle into the first playoff game." ([43:36])

Closing Remarks

As the episode nears its end, Colin and Jay Mac touch on upcoming games, playoff predictions, and tease future discussions with special guests like Drew Brees. The hosts wrap up by highlighting the importance of understanding player psychology and organizational stability in shaping team success.

Notable Quotes

• Colin Cowherd: "I don't want to hear that it takes time. No, no, no." ([04:50])
• Peter Schrager: "They have that logo and you have that quarterback. They're lifting every single stone to find a coach." ([06:34])
• Jay Mac (quoting Barkley): "Why I hate the Lakers. It's always somebody else's fault." ([33:35])
• Colin Cowherd: "If I was Tom Brady and we all know he works at Fox, I'd take Mike Vrabel to dinner and try to get him hired with the Raiders." ([32:50])
• Peter Schrager: "It's an absolute once in a generation player. I love watching him play." ([43:08])

Conclusion

The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers an insightful analysis of current sports dynamics, blending expert opinions with in-depth discussions about team strategies, player performances, and the evolving nature of both college and professional sports. This episode underscores the complexities behind coaching decisions and player management, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the "little guy" within the broader sports ecosystem.