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: March 10, 2025
Introduction
In the second hour of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, host Colin Cowherd delves deep into the intricacies of the NFL free agency period, evaluates his previous predictions, and engages in an insightful discussion with former NFL quarterback Matt Hasselbeck. The episode meticulously breaks down where Colin’s analyses hit the mark and where they fell short, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the current sports landscape.
Where Colin Was Right
1. Sam Darnold’s Move to the Minnesota Vikings
Colin accurately predicted that Sam Darnold would not end up with the Minnesota Vikings, despite persistent rumors. He highlighted Darnold’s strong market presence, attributing his marketability to factors like his age (28 years old) and a relatively injury-free career. Colin remarked, “Sam's only 28 years old and has not had a lot of injuries and he's coming off a massive season. He can move; he's got a big arm, he's a playmaker” ([05:00]).
2. Devonte Adams to the Los Angeles Rams
Colin commended the Rams' acquisition of Devonte Adams, citing trust in the Rams' culture and believing that Adams has “two really good years left” ([06:45]). He emphasized the strategic fit of Adams within the Rams' offensive framework, aligning with Matt Stafford’s remaining career span.
3. Josh Allen’s Signing with the Buffalo Bills
Colin approved of the Bills' decision to sign Josh Allen, recognizing the value Allen brings as a top-tier quarterback. He stated, “You’re paying top of the market for the best pass rusher in football. I’m good with Micah deciding to stay” ([08:30]).
4. Pay Great Players Early: Example of Myles Garrett
Colin defended the Cleveland Browns’ decision to sign Myles Garrett to a substantial contract, arguing that securing elite defenders early is crucial. He explained, “There are three positions in this sport. I’m just going to pay whatever it is... You’ve got the coach, right? They have the defense and the edge rusher” ([12:10]).
5. WNBA Growth and Caitlin Clark’s Impact
Highlighting the WNBA’s potential, Colin praised the league’s acquisition of standout players like Caitlin Clark and Steph Curry. He criticized the league’s response to top players’ desires for better conditions, advocating for supporting generational talents instead of resorting to strikes. Colin noted, “The WNBA just can’t commissioner down, can't get it right. It’s a league that was growing and then Caitlin Clark was that once in a generation, jet fuel” ([07:15]).
Where Colin Was Wrong
1. Dallas Mavericks’ Roster Challenges
Colin admitted misjudging the Dallas Mavericks’ recent roster moves. Initially optimistic about the Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis deal, he realized the team’s depth issues and multiple injuries significantly hampered their performance. He reflected, “The entire roster is hurt. P.J. Washington, Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford, Derek Lively. They are now lost five straight. They’re a mess” ([09:00]).
Guest Segment: Matt Hasselbeck
Colin welcomed Matt Hasselbeck, an 18-year NFL veteran, to discuss various NFL free agency developments.
1. Geno Smith’s Contract with the Las Vegas Raiders
Matt expressed surprise at Geno Smith securing a substantial contract despite previous low performance metrics. He reasoned that Smith’s maturity and accuracy made him a suitable fit for the Raiders, who needed stability. Matt commented, “He’s an adult, he’s accurate, he gets a lot of yards... the Raiders have no stability at coach and quarterback” ([10:58]).
2. Seattle Seahawks’ Strategy Post-Geno Smith Departure
Matt analyzed the Seahawks’ adjustments after losing Geno Smith, highlighting their shift towards a run-first offense under new head coach Mike McDonald. He mentioned, “They’re going to have the top 10 defense. We’re going to figure it out on offense in terms of like, run” ([12:23]).
3. San Francisco 49ers’ Contract Negotiations with Brock Purdy
Discussions turned to the 49ers’ firm stance on Brock Purdy’s contract, with Matt supporting Colin’s view that the team is taking a hard line to maintain financial flexibility. Matt stated, “The Niners believe in him, but they also know that if he were to test the market, they like him more than other people like him” ([13:54]).
4. Cleveland Browns and Myles Garrett’s Contract
Matt agreed with Colin’s endorsement of Myles Garrett’s contract, emphasizing the Browns’ strategic choice to prioritize elite defensive talent. He added, “I can’t think of another player I’m going to break the bank for outside of Miles Garrett” ([15:14]).
5. Chicago Bears’ Defensive Overhaul
Matt highlighted the Bears’ alignment between GM Ryan Poles and new defensive coach Ben Johnson, focusing on improving pass protection and overall defensive performance. He noted, “If you have pass protection as a quarterback, you can take good quarterbacks and make them look great” ([17:28]).
Discussion with Jason McIntyre
The latter part of the hour featured a dynamic exchange between Colin Cowherd and Jason McIntyre, touching on various NFL team strategies and player movements.
1. Cleveland Browns’ Investment in Defense
Colin defended the Browns’ hefty investment in Myles Garrett, arguing that securing top defensive talent is essential in a division featuring Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson. He mentioned, “There are three positions in this sport. I’m just going to pay whatever it is” ([28:16]).
2. Cincinnati Bengals’ Struggles in Free Agency
Jason criticized the Bengals for mishandling Jamar Chase’s contract negotiations, leading to escalating demands and price inflation. Colin concurred, expressing concerns over the Bengals’ strategy as they continue to “butcher this so badly” ([28:35]).
3. Seattle Seahawks’ DK Metcalf Acquisition
The conversation shifted to the Seahawks’ trade for DK Metcalf, with Colin questioning the logic behind trading away Russell Wilson for Metcalf. He humorously remarked, “DK Metcalf on one side, GP on the other” ([30:05]).
4. Philadelphia Eagles’ Defensive Moves
Discussions included the Eagles’ potential interest in defensive tackle Milton Williams and their strong defensive lineup with Jalen Carter and effective edge rushers. Colin praised Williams as a valuable addition despite his underperformance on his previous contract ([48:39]).
5. New York Jets’ Rebuilding Phase
Colin and Jason assessed the Jets’ current rebuilding efforts, noting the departure of key players like Aaron Rodgers and Devonte Adams. Colin viewed the Jets’ moves as a strategic teardown to bolster their future, emphasizing their retention of vital talents like Sauce Gardner ([50:07]).
Conclusion
In Hour 2, Colin Cowherd provided an in-depth analysis of NFL free agency, accurately predicting several player movements and strategic decisions while also candidly acknowledging areas where his assessments fell short. The episode, enriched by Matt Hasselbeck’s expert insights, offered listeners a balanced view of the evolving sports landscape, emphasizing the importance of strategic investments and organizational stability in achieving long-term success.
Notable Quotes:
- Colin Cowherd on Sam Darnold: “He can move, he's got a big arm, he's a playmaker.” ([05:00])
- Colin Cowherd on Myles Garrett: “There are three positions in this sport. I’m just going to pay whatever it is.” ([12:10])
- Matt Hasselbeck on Geno Smith: “He’s an adult, he’s accurate, he gets a lot of yards.” ([10:58])
- Colin Cowherd on WNBA: “The WNBA just can’t commissioner down, can't get it right.” ([07:15])
This comprehensive summary captures the essence of Hour 2 - Where Colin Was Right and Wrong, highlighting key discussions, insights, and expert opinions that drive the episode’s engaging narrative.