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

Release Date: May 5, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging second hour of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," host Colin Cowherd, alongside co-host Jason McIntyre and guest Matt Hasselbeck, delves deep into the recent sports events, dissecting Colin's previous predictions to determine where he hit the mark and where he missed. The discussion spans across the NBA playoffs, NFL college football dynamics, MLB performances, and insightful analyses on coaching decisions and player legacies.

1. NBA Playoffs: Predictions and Performances

Timestamp: 03:06 - 00:07

The conversation kicks off with an analysis of the Golden State Warriors' matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Jason McIntyre expresses confidence in Golden State’s ability to limit Minnesota's half-court offense, attributing their success to players like Draymond Green and Steph Curry.

• Jason McIntyre: "I think Golden State felt very confident in big games in a series because they thought if we can just limit gen through Draymond... Minnesota's a whole different ballgame." (03:06)

However, as the series progresses, McIntyre acknowledges that his initial predictions were not entirely accurate.

• Jason McIntyre: "I pick Houston to beat the Warriors. I thought... they got worked in the half court by Butler, Draymond, Buddy Heald and Steph Curry." (05:00)

Colin's Accuracy:

• Right: McIntyre agrees with Colin's foresight on James Harden's unpredictability in the playoffs, emphasizing the challenges of building around superstars whose performances can be inconsistent.

  • Jason McIntyre: "James Harden in the playoffs. Not somebody I trust... you can't build around either." (05:02)

• Wrong: Colin's prediction that the Denver Nuggets would falter against the Clippers did not hold as the Nuggets' adjustments led them to victory.

  • Jason McIntyre: "But they made great adjustments. Jokic barking and leading Westbrook playing some of his best... I was wrong." (05:29)

Notable Quote:

• Jason McIntyre: "Jimmy Butler got to the Warriors... He's a bridge between Steph and Draymond Green." (06:09)

2. NFL College Football: Texas in the SEC

Timestamp: 07:27 - 08:14

The discussion shifts to college football, focusing on Texas's substantial investment in its football roster within the SEC. Matt Hasselbeck provides expert insights into how Texas's financial muscle is set to dominate the conference.

• Jason McIntyre: "Texas just has more bankroll than everybody else in the SEC and as long as Sark is there... Texas is going to control this conference." (07:28)

Colin's Prediction:

• Right: McIntyre concurs with Colin's assessment of Texas's strategic spending, highlighting the Big Ten's growth in response to SEC's financial strategies.

3. MLB Spotlight: Paul Goldschmidt's Underrated Excellence

Timestamp: 07:28 - 08:51

The conversation transitions to Major League Baseball, where Paul Goldschmidt of the Yankees is lauded as one of the most underrated players over the past 15 years.

• Jason McIntyre: "I do believe last 15 years nobody's been this good and gotten less press than Paul Goldschmidt. Colin right?" (07:28)

Colin affirms McIntyre's perspective, emphasizing Goldschmidt's consistent performance despite limited recognition.

4. Coaching Decisions: JJ Redick and the Lakers

Timestamp: 25:30 - 31:08

A critical analysis unfolds regarding JJ Redick's stint as the Lakers' coach. Jason McIntyre critiques Redick's inexperience and questionable in-game decisions during crucial playoff moments.

• Jason McIntyre: "He had decided early in the series, I'm not playing Jackson Hayes... that is a coaching mistake." (28:16)

Conversely, there’s acknowledgment of Redick’s past as a standout player, juxtaposing his player legacy with his coaching challenges.

Notable Quote:

• Jason McIntyre: "JJ Redick was... he did incredible... he was that kind of a difference maker." (15:02)

5. Player Legacies: Lawrence Taylor

Timestamp: 13:00 - 16:21

The hosts reminisce about Lawrence Taylor's indelible impact on the NFL, sharing personal anecdotes that highlight his unparalleled talent and leadership on the field.

• Guest: "He was the kind of guy... had that kind of freedom." (15:02)

Notable Quote:

• Guest: "He was that kind of a difference maker. A unique talent, a unique teammate." (15:02)

6. Evolution of Russell Westbrook

Timestamp: 45:07 - 51:43

Russell Westbrook's transformation is a focal point as McIntyre praises his adaptability and renewed vigor playing for the Denver Nuggets. The discussion highlights how Westbrook has evolved from being a one-speed runner to a versatile player contributing defensively and offensively.

• Jason McIntyre: "Westbrook is a force of nature... he is shifting into fourth gear." (46:59)

• Russell Westbrook: "I am a force of nature... whatever that looks like, it's gonna be everything." (46:31)

Notable Quote:

• Jason McIntyre: "There is something about being an irritant and his leverage and his tenacity." (49:54)

7. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Future and Potential Trade

Timestamp: 38:55 - 40:13

Giannis Antetokounmpo's potential trade is dissected, with discussions on his performance, team dynamics, and the Bucks' reluctance to part with him unless initiated by Giannis himself.

• Jason McIntyre: "He's laying the groundwork... where does Giannis go? Houston's in play. I think Boston's going to be in play." (39:13)

Notable Quote:

• Jason McIntyre: "He had a great series... Draymond Green's one of these game sevens." (49:44)

8. Betting Insights: Chicago Bears’ Schedule

Timestamp: 32:11 - 35:54

The hosts venture into sports betting, evaluating the Chicago Bears' upcoming schedule with an over/under win total of eight and a half. They debate the viability of taking the over versus the under, considering the team's roster changes and projected challenges.

• Jason McIntyre: "I would take the over knowing... but only on DraftKings. The crown is yours." (32:24)

Notable Quote:

• Jason McIntyre: "Maybe it's less than that. Colin, this is going to be the toughest schedule in the NFL." (33:12)

9. Additional Highlights and Discussions

• Paul Goldschmidt: Recognized for his outstanding yet underappreciated performance with the Yankees.

• Matt Hasselbeck’s Insights: Offers perspectives on quarterback contracts in the NFL, highlighting the imbalance between quarterback salaries and other positions.

• Player Development: Emphasis on letting players solve their own problems to foster growth, drawing parallels to Lawrence Taylor's influence.

• JJ Redick’s Playoff Performance: Critique of Redick's lackluster performance in high-stakes games, contrasting it with his collegiate success.

Conclusion

Hour 2 of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" provides a comprehensive and critical examination of Colin’s sports analyses, celebrating his accurate predictions while constructively addressing his missteps. The hosts' candid discussions offer listeners valuable insights into team strategies, player performances, and the intricate dynamics of professional sports. Whether revisiting legends like Lawrence Taylor or evaluating the modern gameplay of Russell Westbrook and Giannis Antetokounmpo, this episode ensures a thought-provoking journey through the evolving landscape of sports.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Jason McIntyre: "James Harden in the playoffs. Not somebody I trust..." (05:02)
2. Jason McIntyre: "Jimmy Butler got to the Warriors... He's a bridge between Steph and Draymond Green." (06:09)
3. Jason McIntyre: "He was a difference maker... A unique talent." (15:02)
4. Jason McIntyre: "Westbrook is a force of nature... shifting into fourth gear." (46:59)
5. Jason McIntyre: "There is something about being an irritant and his leverage and his tenacity." (49:54)
6. Russell Westbrook: "I am a force of nature... it's gonna be everything." (46:31)

These quotes encapsulate the essence of the discussions, highlighting the critical evaluations and affirmations of Colin's analyses.