Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 2: Where Colin Was Right and Wrong

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
• Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
• Description: A thought-provoking, opinionated, and topic-driven journey through the top sports stories of the day.
• Episode: Hour 2 - Where Colin Was Right and Wrong
• Release Date: January 13, 2025

Introduction to Hour 2

In the second hour of this episode, Matt Hasselbeck and Mike McCarthy delve deep into Colin Cowherd’s predictions and opinions, analyzing where he hit the mark and where he missed the bullseye. The discussion offers insightful perspectives on recent NFL developments, coaching dynamics, quarterback performances, and team strategies, making it a must-listen for sports enthusiasts seeking comprehensive analysis.

Mike McCarthy and the Cowboys’ Departure

[03:57] Matt Hasselbeck:
The hour kicks off with a significant update: Mike McCarthy and the Dallas Cowboys have mutually agreed to part ways. The split isn't attributed to financial disagreements but rather to differing visions over the years.

[04:15] Matt Hasselbeck:
"He may still have Tom. I think he told McCarthy, ask for the moon. You're the best coaching candidate out there now that Vrabel signed. In fact, you got a ring and Mike Vrabel doesn't as a head coach."

Matt emphasizes McCarthy's strategic negotiation, leading to his win in retaining control over his future.

Where Colin Was Right

Washington Commanders as a Surprise Playoff Team

[05:02] Matt Hasselbeck:
"I picked the Washington Commanders as my surprise playoff team in the NFL. I didn't know if they'd win a game but they did."

Matt commends the Commanders' unexpected success, crediting key players like Jaden Daniels for their performance.

[05:29] Matt Hasselbeck:
"If they do, it's because of singularly Jaden Daniels. And that's exactly what happened."

Mike Vrabel to the Patriots

[06:08] Matt Hasselbeck:
"Mike Vrabel to the Patriots. I said Friday, Vrabel's the best candidate. Patriots the best job. This is an easy one."

Matt supports Vrabel’s move to the Patriots, highlighting the synergy between Vrabel’s coaching style and the franchise’s culture.

[06:59] Matt Hasselbeck:
"I think he's a culture builder."

He lauds Vrabel's ability to cultivate a winning culture, which aligns perfectly with the Patriots' legacy.

Ohio State’s Strong Performance

[07:35] Matt Hasselbeck:
"I picked them to be in the national championship before the year. I said they would lose at Austin and beat Oregon the next time."

Matt confidently predicted Ohio State’s high ranking and continued success, demonstrating his accurate assessment of their capabilities.

[07:38] Matt Hasselbeck:
"I also said even after they beat Michigan, I still think they're one of the top two teams in the country."

Despite a tough loss to Michigan, Matt maintained his belief in Ohio State’s elite status, citing strong coaching and player performance as key factors.

Lamar Jackson’s Playoff Performance

[09:58] Matt Hasselbeck:
"Lamar Jackson won his third playoff game. ... he has a passer rating of 60 and has completed only 52% of his throws. I think he needs an off season with Matt LaFleur to clean it up."

While Matt acknowledges Jackson’s playoff victories, he critiques his consistency and calls for offseason improvements to bolster his performance.

Where Colin Was Wrong

Overconfidence in Jordan Love

[05:31] Matt Hasselbeck:
"I got a little too high on Jordan Love. ... his passer rating in the playoffs was 60."

Matt admits to overestimating Jordan Love’s readiness, noting his struggles and the need for further development to meet NFL standards.

Justin Herbert’s Playoff Struggles

[07:03] Matt Hasselbeck:
"Justin Herbert, listen, you know I love him, but that was a stinker."

Matt criticizes Herbert’s poor playoff performances, suggesting that despite his talents, Herbert needs to elevate his game in high-stakes situations to secure his legacy.

[07:35] Matt Hasselbeck:
"Two trips, two ugly ones."

Highlighting Herbert’s disappointing playoff outings, Matt underscores the necessity for improvement to cement his status as an elite quarterback.

Texas Longhorns’ Coaching and Performance

[08:33] Matt Hasselbeck:
"I had the Longhorns winning the national championship and they lost twice to Georgia, once to Ohio State and they should have lost Arizona State."

Matt expresses his dissatisfaction with Texas Longhorns' coaching decisions and performance, particularly criticizing situational plays that led to crucial losses.

[08:37] Matt Hasselbeck:
"And I think Sark's a very good coach, but ... they made some calls. I did not love running outside on that goal line play was not."

Matt points out tactical missteps in Texas’s gameplay, emphasizing that despite a good coach, questionable decisions hindered their success.

Critique of Mike Tomlin

[09:17] Matt Hasselbeck:
"I like Mike Tomlin and he's great as an underdog coach. But when they lose effort, you're in trouble because offensively he can't figure out offensive lines."

Matt critiques Tomlin’s inability to effectively manage offensive lines, suggesting that this weakness could undermine his team’s performance despite his strong coaching reputation.

[09:56] Matt Hasselbeck:
"I think he's a good football coach, but I think even good football coaches sometimes need a fresh start."

While acknowledging Tomlin’s coaching prowess, Matt hints at the potential need for a change to address recurring issues within the team.

Quarterback Movement and Its Impact

[20:18] Matt Hasselbeck:
"Quarterback movement keeps defensive coordinators up at night. ... 'he is everything you're looking for in a quarterback that way.'"

Matt and Mike discuss the evolving role of quarterbacks, emphasizing the importance of mobility and adaptability in modern NFL strategy. They highlight how dynamic quarterbacks like Jaden Daniels can disrupt traditional defensive schemes and influence game outcomes.

[21:11] Mike McCarthy:
"... Jaden doesn't seem that way. ... He's just cool. He's just medium, as they say. ... he is that guy. He is everything you're looking for in a quarterback that way."

Mike praises Jaden Daniels for his composure and versatility, comparing his clutch performances to legendary quarterbacks and asserting his critical role in the team's success.

Coaching Careers: McCarthy, Tomlin, and Mike Vrabel

[11:30] Mike McCarthy:
"... Mike McCarthy is the perfect guy ... handling the bullets at the podium, at the press conference ... proven commodity in Mike and Mike McCarthy here."

Mike McCarthy defends his coaching philosophy and career, highlighting his experience, leadership qualities, and ability to manage both on-field strategies and off-field responsibilities, making him a valuable asset for any team.

[12:59] Mike McCarthy:
"... Mike McCarthy has the most meddling owner and no owner in Green Bay, and he worked with both. ... handling the podium ... he's a proven commodity."

Mike underscores McCarthy’s adaptability and effectiveness in diverse coaching environments, reinforcing his reputation as a dependable and strategic head coach.

Specific Team Analyses

Philadelphia Eagles

[14:27] Matt Hasselbeck:
"The Eagles ... have Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley ... they're 2 for 11 on third down."

Matt analyzes the Eagles’ performance, noting their strong roster but highlighting inefficiencies on critical third downs, coupled with concerns about their offensive line and quarterback performance.

[14:40] Mike McCarthy:
"... Saquon Barkley is unselfish ... they have a great team mindset."

Mike counters by emphasizing the team-oriented playstyle of the Eagles, particularly praising Saquon Barkley’s leadership and the collective effort over individual performance issues.

Chicago Bears

[24:05] Matt Hasselbeck:
"If I'm the Chicago Bears, I'd offer him the job today."

Matt expresses a strong preference for Mike McCarthy as the Bears’ head coach, citing his ability to develop quarterbacks and stabilize team dynamics.

[25:45] Matt Hasselbeck:
"The Bears have the best super bowl winning coaches ... look at your division. ... you have to score points."

Matt stresses the necessity for the Bears to enhance their offensive capabilities, particularly their offensive line, to compete effectively within a high-caliber division.

Pittsburgh Steelers

[27:00] Unknown Speaker:
"Who would you rather have in Chicago, Mike Tomlin or McCarthy?"

Matt and his co-host debate the merits of hiring Mike Tomlin versus Mike McCarthy for teams struggling with offensive lines and quarterback development, ultimately favoring McCarthy for his proven track record.

[35:20] Unknown Speaker:
"Patriots make the playoffs. There's enough murky chaos in that division."

The hosts discuss the competitiveness within the AFC East, highlighting the Patriots’ continued success under Mike Vrabel and the strategic moves necessary to maintain their dominance.

Coaching Discussions: Covino and Rich Segment

Towards the latter part of the episode, there’s a brief promotion for the Covino and Rich show on Fox Sports Radio, featuring Steve Covino and Rich Davis. This segment emphasizes their focus on unique sports and pop culture stories, inviting listeners to engage and participate.

Final Thoughts on Quarterbacks and Team Strategies

[51:26] Colin Cowherd:
"Long drives at the end of a game when you have a lead ... that's when you need the running back."

Colin emphasizes the critical role running backs play in securing victories, especially in clutch game-ending scenarios, reinforcing the importance of a strong running game over purely vertical receiver strategies.

[52:28] Matt Hasselbeck:
"Running backs will always have more value than a receiver."

Matt concurs, advocating for the enduring significance of running backs in the NFL’s evolving offensive landscape.

Conclusion

In this episode of "The Herd," Matt Hasselbeck and Mike McCarthy provide a thorough analysis of Colin Cowherd’s predictions, celebrating his accurate assessments while constructively critiquing his missteps. The discussions span coaching dynamics, quarterback performances, and strategic team evaluations, offering listeners a well-rounded perspective on current NFL trends and future prospects. Notable insights include the successful transition of Mike Vrabel to the Patriots, the unexpected rise of Jaden Daniels, and the persistent importance of a robust running game in championship scenarios.

Notable Quotes:

• Matt Hasselbeck on Washington Commanders:
  “[05:02] I picked the Washington Commanders as my surprise playoff team in the NFL. I didn't know if they'd win a game but they did.”

• Matt on Mike Vrabel to Patriots:
  “[06:08] Mike Vrabel to the Patriots. I said Friday, Vrabel's the best candidate. Patriots the best job.”

• Matt on Overconfidence in Jordan Love:
  “[05:31] I got a little too high on Jordan Love. ... he has a passer rating of 60 and has completed only 52% of his throws.”

• Mike McCarthy on Jaden Daniels:
  “[20:18] He is everything you're looking for in a quarterback that way.”

• Matt on Running Backs vs. Receivers:
  “[52:28] Running backs will always have more value than a receiver.”

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key points, discussions, and insights from the episode, providing a clear and engaging overview for both regular listeners and newcomers alike.