Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Episode: Hour 2 - Where Colin was right and wrong
Release Date: August 4, 2025
Host/Authors: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Duration: 44:50

Introduction

In the second hour of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," hosts Colin Cowherd and Matt Hasselbeck delve into a comprehensive analysis of recent sports developments, primarily focusing on the NFL and NBA. The episode, titled "Where Colin was right and wrong," offers listeners a deep dive into quarterback performances, team management decisions, and player dynamics, peppered with insightful commentary and notable quotes.

NFL Quarterback Analysis

Discussion on Emerging Quarterbacks:
The conversation kicks off with an analysis of up-and-coming quarterbacks in the NFL. Colin touches upon players like Jaden D. Daniels, Bo Nix, Drake May, Caleb, JJ McCarthy, and Michael Penix, questioning their current standing and future prospects.

• Colin Cowherd (00:04): "Where Colin was right and wrong."

Diana Rossini on Michael Penix:
Diana Rossini expresses confidence in Michael Penix's potential within the Atlanta Falcons' offense, highlighting his value in fantasy football despite limited playtime last season.

• Diana Rossini (02:19): "I think he's going to be good. I'm a buyer of the Atlanta Falcons."

Jerry Jones and Dallas Cowboys' Management: Where Colin was Right

Critique of Jerry Jones' Contract Management:
Matt Hasselbeck agrees with Colin's earlier critique of Cowboys' owner Jerry Jones, likening the current Cowboys to the Raiders under Al Davis, suggesting mismanagement and a loss of organizational power.

• Matt Hasselbeck (03:41): "Jerry has lost his fastball and has too much power in the organization."

Impact on Team Performance:
The discussion highlights how Jones' decisions are affecting the Cowboys' competitiveness in the NFC, emphasizing the need for strategic trades to bolster the team's standing.

• Matt Hasselbeck (03:41): "I don't like where Dallas is headed and it's all on Jerry."

Where Colin was Wrong: Jimmy Haslam and the Shadour Sanders Draft Pick

Disagreement on Draft Decisions:
Colin criticizes Jimmy Haslam's stance on the Shadour Sanders draft pick, attributing the decision to Andrew Barry instead. He questions the rationale behind drafting additional quarterbacks like Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco in later rounds.

• Matt Hasselbeck (04:00): "Why would you draft two more quarterbacks in the third and fifth round?"

JJ McCarthy and Dolphins’ Quarterback Evaluation

Performance and Leadership Concerns:
Colin and Matt discuss JJ McCarthy's performance, referencing reports from Kevin Seifert and Jeremy Fowler about issues in the red zone and touch accuracy. Matt challenges the narrative that multiple teams vied to draft McCarthy, suggesting concerns about his leadership abilities.

• Matt Hasselbeck (05:59): "I've heard the opposite is that there were real concerns that JJ McCarthy had been led by a great coach."

Tennessee Titans’ Quarterback Predictions: Where Colin was Wrong

Reassessment of QB Predictions:
Matt acknowledges that his predictions regarding the Tennessee Titans may need revision due to recent roster changes, including the release of Traylon Burks and the perceived weakness of their receiving corps.

• Matt Hasselbeck (06:34): "They may have the weakest receiving core in the NFL."

Lamar Jackson and Baltimore Ravens’ Performance

Lamar's Passing Prowess:
Diana highlights John Harbaugh's praise for Lamar Jackson, citing Lamar's historical passer rating and his ability to dominate when the Ravens lead.

• Diana Rossini (30:26): "Aaron Rodgers, 1. Patrick Mahomes, 2. Lamar Jackson, 3."

Matt's Defense of Lamar:
Matt defends Lamar Jackson's regular-season performance, arguing that his high passer rating and ability to secure blowout wins place him among the elite quarterbacks.

• Matt Hasselbeck (31:07): "If you win 76% of your starts, you're in a class of about 2% of quarterbacks."

Terry McLaurin’s Trade Request and Washington Commanders’ Situation

Trade Dynamics and Player Support:
The hosts discuss Terry McLaurin's trade request amidst stalled contract negotiations. They debate the implications of his potential trade on team dynamics and the message it sends to other players.

• Diana Rossini (28:32): "I think you gotta take care of McLaurin because it also sends a message to young players."

Quarterback Body Language and Performance Pressure

Impact of Body Language:
Colin and Matt explore the significance of a quarterback's body language, emphasizing how it affects team morale and opponent perceptions. They use Caleb Williams as a case study, discussing concerns over his temperament and accuracy under pressure.

• Matt Hasselbeck (10:20): "Your teammates get confidence or insecurity by how you carry yourself as a franchise quarterback."

Aaron Rodgers and Pittsburgh Steelers’ Struggles

Steeler’s Offensive Challenges:
An in-depth look at Aaron Rodgers' transition to the Steelers, highlighting offensive struggles, poor practice performances, and skepticism about the team's ability to succeed under his leadership.

• Matt Hasselbeck (23:07): "If he doesn't have a run game and he doesn't have a number two receiver and he doesn't trust the O line, he's not taking hits."

Colin's Historical Perspective:
Colin references past quarterback performances, noting the limited postseason success of quarterbacks over 40, including Rodgers.

• Colin Cowherd (26:22): "In the Super Bowl era, quarterbacks over 40 have won a combined 12 games in the playoffs."

NFL Run Games and Preseason Performance

Evaluating Preseason Indicators:
The hosts discuss the reliability of preseason performances as indicators of regular-season success, cautioning against overvaluing preseason statistics due to strategic differences.

• Matt Hasselbeck (15:59): "Sometimes you're even setting up your week one opponent."

NBA Discussion: Luka Doncic and Lakers’ Strategy

Luka’s Physical Transformation and Performance:
Matt shifts focus to the NBA, praising Luka Doncic's physical condition and projecting a stellar upcoming season. He compares Luka's role to past Lakers legends, emphasizing his importance to the franchise.

• Matt Hasselbeck (35:32): "I think Luka is going to have his best year as a pro. I think he's going to average about 31 a game."

Lakers’ Strategic Moves:
Discussion on the Lakers' management decisions, including Luka's contract extension and the strategic acquisition of key players like Anthony Davis, positioning the team for sustained success.

• Matt Hasselbeck (38:06): "Once again, he's in unbelievable shape. Lakers have new owners, he has an offseason now."

Notable Quotes

• Diana Rossini (02:42): "I think he's going to be good. I'm a buyer of the Atlanta Falcons."
• Matt Hasselbeck (03:41): "I don't like where Dallas is headed and it's all on Jerry."
• Matt Hasselbeck (05:59): "I've heard the opposite is that there were real concerns that JJ McCarthy had been led by a great coach."
• Colin Cowherd (26:22): "In the Super Bowl era, quarterbacks over 40 have won a combined 12 games in the playoffs."
• Matt Hasselbeck (31:07): "If you win 76% of your starts, you're in a class of about 2% of quarterbacks."

Conclusion

In this episode, Colin Cowherd and Matt Hasselbeck provide a balanced critique of Colin's earlier statements, acknowledging areas of agreement and contention. The hosts offer a nuanced perspective on quarterback performances, team management strategies, and player dynamics across the NFL and NBA. Their in-depth analysis serves both casual fans and avid followers, providing valuable insights into the current sports landscape.

Note: All timestamps correspond to the provided transcript and are included to reference specific segments within the discussion.