Summary of "Hour 2 - Trouble in New York" | The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Release Date: December 11, 2024

I. Introduction

In the "Hour 2 - Trouble in New York" episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, the hosts delve deep into the complexities surrounding major NFL teams based in New York—the Giants and the Jets. The discussion encompasses coaching hires, quarterback dilemmas, and broader conference dynamics, providing listeners with a comprehensive analysis of the current football landscape.

II. Russell Wilson's Contract and Pittsburgh Steelers

A significant portion of the episode explores the contentious situation surrounding Russell Wilson's contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers. LeVar Arrington initiates the conversation by highlighting Wilson's hefty $304 million contract over 13 years, labeling it "amazing" (04:35). The hosts debate whether Wilson remains a valuable asset or an aging player nearing the end of his prime.

Colin Cowherd remarks, “Russell is one of the best bargains in football. But not for Denver. They're still paying him. He's a bargain for Pittsburgh” (07:15). Arrington counters by asserting that Wilson is an "aging, slightly declining player from three years ago" (07:40), suggesting that Pittsburgh may not see immediate dividends from the investment.

Albert Breer adds depth to the discussion by comparing Wilson's situation to that of Sam Darnold, predicting that Wilson's market value might diminish due to his age and performance trajectory. He suggests that Pittsburgh could leverage Wilson as a "great fit" rather than solely a "great player" (08:21).

Notable Quote: Colin Cowherd (07:15): “Russell is one of the best bargains in football. But not for Denver. They're still paying him. He's a bargain for Pittsburgh.”

III. Bears' Coaching Search and Potential Candidates

The episode shifts focus to the Chicago Bears' ongoing search for a new head coach. LeVar Arrington and Albert Breer discuss potential candidates, emphasizing the need for a "culture changer" rather than merely a scheme-oriented coach.

Arrington expresses a preference for Mike Vrabel, stating, “Vrabel should be the Bears choice. I'm not sure if I'm Mike Vrabel if I take it and I love Chicago” (35:25). Breer agrees, highlighting Vrabel's ability to "put his foot in the ground and drive the organization in a certain direction" (47:49). However, he questions whether Vrabel would accept the role given the Bears' tumultuous history and competitive division.

Breer also mentions other candidates like Brian Flores, Dan Campbell, Jim Harbaugh, and Aaron Glenn, but emphasizes that the Bears require someone who can overhaul the existing culture after 15 years without a playoff win (16:07).

Notable Quote: Albert Breer (47:49): “I think they recognize this. They need somebody who's going to put their foot, maybe going to be able to put his foot in the ground and drive the organization in a certain direction. And to me, that's Mike Vrabel.”

IV. Sam Darnold's Future and Potential Teams

The discussion then transitions to quarterback Sam Darnold's burgeoning career and his prospects for the next season. Arrington and Cowherd deliberate over which NFL teams might be interested in acquiring Darnold, considering his improved performance and marketability.

Arrington suggests that the Tennessee Titans are "absolutely going to be in play" for Darnold (36:02), while Cowherd remains skeptical about other teams' willingness to invest in him. They consider factors like team needs, existing quarterback situations, and organizational stability.

Breer adds that with Darnold's proven ability in Minnesota, teams dissatisfied with their current quarterbacks might see him as a valuable addition. However, Cowherd counters by expressing doubts about the availability of suitable franchises willing to take on his contract.

Notable Quote: LeVar Arrington (36:02): “If I'm Russell, he didn't take a player friendly deal in Seattle, nor did he take one in Denver. This is probably a time for Russell Wilson to go.”

V. NFC vs. AFC Conference Strengths

A pivotal segment of the episode assesses the strengths of the NFC and AFC conferences. Colin Cowherd posits that while the AFC boasts elite quarterbacks like Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Patrick Mahomes, the NFC teams exhibit superior overall depth and talent.

Arrington reflects on recent games, noting the Rams' dominance over the Bills as evidence that the NFC may have "more quality teams" (54:15). He further emphasizes that the NFC has a better record against the AFC, stating, “NFC is back to being the better conference” (54:20).

Breer concurs, suggesting that for the NFC to maintain its advantage, emerging quarterbacks like J.J. McCarthy and Michael Penix need to step up their game. The hosts agree that while the AFC's quarterback prowess is unparalleled, the NFC's team depth could prove decisive in upcoming matchups.

Notable Quotes: Colin Cowherd (54:15): “I think the NFC has again surpassed the AFC. [...] The NFC is back to being the better conference.” LeVar Arrington (54:20): “NFC is back to being the better conference.”

VI. Philadelphia 76ers' Season and Joel Embiid

The conversation briefly touches upon the Philadelphia 76ers' underwhelming performance this season. Joel Embiid's ongoing knee injuries and their impact on the team's dynamics are scrutinized.

Cowherd remarks, “The sixers are 7 and 15, 12th in the east. And Embiid, man, at least they have him back in the lineup” (32:56), highlighting the team's struggles despite Embiid's presence. Arrington criticizes Embiid's fit within the team structure, comparing him unfavorably to legends like Shaquille O'Neal in terms of ball distribution and teamwork.

Notable Quote: Colin Cowherd (32:56): “Joel Embiid in street clothes. The sixers are 7 and 15, 12th in the east. And Embiid, man, at least they have him back in the lineup.”

VII. Predictions and Analysis

Towards the end of the episode, the hosts make several predictions for the upcoming NFL season. Arrington expresses optimism for the New York Giants, citing their potential draft picks and cap space as key advantages. He asserts, “The Giants aren't perfect. They need a right tackle, an elite corner. And they've got to get another weapon” (36:59), indicating that with the right additions, the Giants could swiftly improve their standings.

Cowherd remains cautiously optimistic about Sam Darnold's prospects but underscores the challenges in finding a suitable landing spot, emphasizing the competitive nature of NFL acquisitions. He concludes by praising Josh McDaniels as a phenomenal coach, stating, “He was phenomenal” (29:57), signaling confidence in McDaniels' ability to drive team success.

Notable Quote: LeVar Arrington (36:59): “They need a right tackle, an elite corner. And they've got to get another weapon, preferably a wide receiver.”

VIII. Conclusion

"Hour 2 - Trouble in New York" offers a multifaceted examination of current NFL challenges, particularly focusing on the Giants and Jets' coaching and quarterback scenarios. Through in-depth discussions and expert insights, Colin Cowherd and his guests provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of the intricate decisions shaping the teams' futures and the broader conference dynamics.

Notable Quotes Recap:

1. Colin Cowherd (07:15):

   “Russell is one of the best bargains in football. But not for Denver. They're still paying him. He's a bargain for Pittsburgh.”

2. Albert Breer (47:49):

   “I think they recognize this. They need somebody who's going to put their foot, maybe going to be able to put his foot in the ground and drive the organization in a certain direction. And to me, that's Mike Vrabel.”

3. LeVar Arrington (36:02):

   “If I'm Russell, he didn't take a player friendly deal in Seattle, nor did he take one in Denver. This is probably a time for Russell Wilson to go.”

4. Colin Cowherd (54:15):

   “I think the NFC has again surpassed the AFC. [...] The NFC is back to being the better conference.”

5. Colin Cowherd (32:56):

   “Joel Embiid in street clothes. The sixers are 7 and 15, 12th in the east. And Embiid, man, at least they have him back in the lineup.”

6. LeVar Arrington (36:59):

   “They need a right tackle, an elite corner. And they've got to get another weapon, preferably a wide receiver.”

This structured summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the episode, providing listeners—both familiar and new—with a clear understanding of the main topics and expert opinions presented.