Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 2: "Where Colin Was Right and Wrong"
Release Date: March 17, 2025
Host: Colin Cowherd
Guests: Jason McIntyre, Matt Hasselbeck
Platform: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
1. Introduction and Welcome
Colin Cowherd kicks off Hour 2 of "The Herd" by welcoming listeners and highlighting the episode's focus on areas where his previous predictions in sports were both accurate and off the mark. He sets the stage for an engaging discussion on current sports narratives, particularly zeroing in on college basketball's March Madness and the intricacies of NFL free agency.
2. College Basketball and March Madness Predictions
Colin and his guests delve into the unpredictable nature of March Madness, emphasizing the inevitability of upsets, buzzer beaters, and Cinderella stories. Colin reflects on last year's NCAA tournament, praising UConn's performance with "guard play" and "great coaching," which led them to secure four NBA players (00:00-01:15).
Key Insights:
- Defensive Prowess: This year’s standout teams like Michigan State, St. John's, and Houston prioritize defense, making scoring a challenge (03:32-04:10).
- Coaching Impact: Colin underscores the significant role of coaching strategies, citing Tom Izzo and Rick Patino as pivotal figures who could steer their teams deep into the tournament (04:10-05:00).
Notable Quote:
Jason McIntyre states, “Defense is the overwhelming story. Very few teams score easily or a lot” (04:30).
3. NFL Free Agency: Colin Was Right
a. Warriors’ Success with Jimmy Butler
Colin praises the Golden State Warriors' acquisition of Jimmy Butler, highlighting his unselfish playstyle and alignment with the team's ethos. He lauds Butler's impact on the team's net rating, stating, “He’s tough. He fits their ethos, he fits their mindset” (06:00-07:00).
b. San Francisco 49ers' Reboot Strategy
He commends the 49ers for finally rebooting their roster, a move he had advocated for a year prior. Colin points out the strategic release of high-paid veterans in favor of younger, more cost-effective talent, ensuring the team remains competitive without being financially overburdened (13:00-14:30).
Notable Quote:
Colin remarks, “I said last year they should have done it. They waited a year to do it” highlighting his foresight on the 49ers' roster restructuring (13:00).
4. NFL Free Agency: Colin Was Wrong
a. Cincinnati Bengals’ Unexpected Moves
Colin reflects on his misjudgment regarding the Bengals signing Ja’Marr Chase and T. Higgins, initially doubting their willingness to invest heavily. However, the Bengals defied expectations by securing these top talents, making the team more formidable (05:35-06:00).
b. Minnesota Vikings’ Quarterback Quandary
He admits being off the mark in predicting Aaron Rodgers' uncertain future with Minnesota. Colin notes Rodgers' indecisiveness, which has kept both the Giants and the Vikings in limbo regarding the quarterback position (06:00-07:00).
Notable Quote:
Colin concedes, “I was wrong on this one where Colin was right. What a shocker” referring to Rodgers' unpredictable situation (05:35).
5. NFL Free Agency: Geno Smith to the Raiders
Colin discusses Geno Smith's lucrative contract with the Las Vegas Raiders, weighing his past performance against his potential. He remains optimistic, citing Smith's athleticism and team-friendly demeanor despite his lack of playoff success (07:00-08:30).
Notable Quote:
Colin states, “He signed a team-friendly deal and he's seven years younger and more athletic. So I don't have a problem with Geno Smith making them” (08:00-08:30).
6. Team Dynamics and Player Contracts
The conversation shifts to the broader implications of high-paying free agents on team chemistry. Colin raises concerns about resentment among existing players when new signings receive significantly higher contracts. Matt Hasselbeck echoes this sentiment, sharing his experiences with the Seahawks and emphasizing the importance of valuing existing team members to maintain harmony (19:15-20:00).
Notable Quote:
Matt Hasselbeck remarks, “They don’t even sign with our team. They sign like with our rival. And it was just like this weird” (19:15).
7. NCAA Tournament Final Four Predictions
Colin and Jason engage in a spirited debate over their March Madness Final Four picks. Colin favors teams like Auburn, Arizona, St. John's, and Tennessee, emphasizing defensive strength and coaching acumen. In contrast, Jason leans towards more conventional powerhouses like Michigan State and Houston, adding depth with teams like Florida for a well-rounded bracket (37:00-45:00).
Notable Quote:
Colin confidently predicts Auburn as a "dark horse," citing their rigorous SEC schedule and defensive prowess (42:41).
8. NBA Discussions: Lakers' Performance and Player Dynamics
Turning towards the NBA, the discussion covers the Los Angeles Lakers' recent performance, highlighting Luka Doncic's exceptional scoring streak and the team’s reliance on role players like Rui Hachimura and Jackson Hayes. Colin speculates on the Lakers' potential struggles in maintaining consistency without key players like LeBron James (32:30-34:00).
Notable Quote:
Jason comments on Doncic, noting, “Luka's on an absolute tear right now. I think he's had seven straight games over 30 points” (32:48).
9. Q&A and Audience Interaction
In the latter part of the episode, Colin engages with audience questions, addressing topics such as team strategies, player trades, and the impact of social media on athlete branding. The hosts inject humor and personal anecdotes, making the conversation relatable and insightful for listeners (48:00-49:00).
Notable Quote:
Colin humorously admits, “I don't follow you on Instagram. I'm...” highlighting his disconnection from certain social media platforms (48:50).
10. Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Wrapping up the episode, Colin reiterates the importance of strategic player acquisitions and coaching decisions in both college and professional sports. He encourages listeners to stay tuned for insightful analysis in future episodes, ensuring they remain informed and engaged with the ever-evolving sports landscape (50:00-51:00).
Notable Quote:
Jason concludes with optimism, “What a day. That's the powerful backing of American Express” metaphorically tying back to the episode's themes of support and strategy (49:00).
Key Takeaways:
- Coaching and Defense: In college basketball, strong coaching and defensive strategies are paramount for tournament success.
- Player Contracts and Team Chemistry: High-profile signings can enhance team performance but may also disrupt existing player dynamics.
- Predictive Accuracy: Colin acknowledges both his accurate and flawed predictions, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of sports.
- Final Four Dynamics: Diverse opinions on March Madness Final Four picks reflect the complexity and excitement surrounding the tournament.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- Jason McIntyre: “Defense is the overwhelming story. Very few teams score easily or a lot.” (04:30)
- Colin Cowherd: “He signed a team-friendly deal and he's seven years younger and more athletic. So I don't have a problem with Geno Smith making them.” (08:00-08:30)
- Matt Hasselbeck: “They don’t even sign with our team. They sign like with our rival. And it was just like this weird.” (19:15)
- Colin Cowherd: “I said last year they should have done it. They waited a year to do it.” (13:00)
- Jason McIntyre: “Luka's on an absolute tear right now. I think he's had seven straight games over 30 points.” (32:48)
This episode of "The Herd" offers a comprehensive exploration of current sports trends, strategic team decisions, and the unpredictable outcomes that make sports exciting. Colin Cowherd, alongside his guests, provides thought-provoking analysis that both fans and casual listeners will find insightful and engaging.