Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Episode: Hour 2 - Where Colin was Right and Wrong, Matt Hasselbeck

Introduction

In the December 23, 2024 release of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, hosted by iHeartPodcasts and The Volume, sports analyst Matt Hasselbeck joins Colin Cowherd to dissect Colin's predictions and opinions on various sports topics. This episode, titled "Hour 2 - Where Colin was Right and Wrong," delves deep into NFL quarterback performances, coaching decisions, team dynamics, and college football playoffs, offering listeners a comprehensive analysis of recent sports events.

Matt Hasselbeck on Colin's Predictions: Right and Wrong

Matt Hasselbeck begins by evaluating Colin Cowherd’s earlier predictions and assessments, highlighting areas where Colin was both accurate and misguided.

• Colin Was Right: Sam Darnold's Potential

  Hasselbeck acknowledges Colin's positive outlook on Sam Darnold, emphasizing Darnold's resilience and playmaking abilities. Colin commends Darnold, stating, "The kid has it. He's a playmaker, he's got a big arm, he's tough, he's coachable." Hasselbeck concurs, adding, "I think sometimes talented people can be a little reckless. The position. But I could never quit Sammy."

• Colin Was Wrong: Kyler Murray and the Arizona Offensive

  Conversely, Hasselbeck critiques Colin’s stance on Kyler Murray, arguing that Murray’s inconsistent performance, marked by "four TDs and six picks" in recent games, undermines his value. "I like him, he's solid. But I'm not paying a quarterback anything close to 50 million if you only win when everything is perfect," Hasselbeck asserts.

• Successful Prediction: Washington Commanders as a Dark Horse

  Hasselbeck praises Colin’s prediction of the Washington Commanders emerging as a dark horse playoff team. "I had the Washington Commanders as my surprise pick. I said Dan Snyder, the coaching staff and the front office was so bad that literally changing everybody out was actually the right move to make," Colin noted, and Hasselbeck adds, "so I had the Commanders as a dark horse playoff team. I did not know Jaden Daniels. I liked him. I did not know he would be that good, but he is. And congratulations."

Quarterback Performances and Evaluations

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on evaluating quarterbacks across the NFL and college football, assessing their impact on their teams' performances.

• Jaden Daniels: A Rookie Sensation

  The conversation shifts to college football, where Jaden Daniels is lauded as "the most impressive quarterback in this rookie class by far." Hasselbeck highlights Daniels’ "wow arm" and leadership qualities, predicting a promising career trajectory and potential Super Bowl contention.

• Brock Purdy: Under Scrutiny

  Hasselbeck expresses skepticism about Brock Purdy's high valuation, stating, "he's fine if everything's right. But once again, when it's less than perfect in big spots, that late game interception in four of his last five starts, passer ratings under 100." He suggests a more modest salary for Purdy, indicating concerns about his consistency under pressure.

• Caleb Williams: Consistent but Questionable

  Caleb Williams is acknowledged for his consistency, yet Hasselbeck remains critical, noting a lack of certain attributes necessary for sustained success. "If you're going to take sacks, that hurts your team. You've got to learn to throw the ball away," he advises, emphasizing the need for improved decision-making.

• Lamar Jackson: An MVP Contender

  Lamar Jackson is discussed as an underrated MVP contender, with Hasselbeck praising his ability to "unseat Josh Allen" and elevate the Baltimore Ravens' performance. "He has to be at the top of that list," Hasselbeck states, recognizing Jackson's influence and leadership.

NBA Cup Ratings Decline and Its Causes

Hasselbeck and his guest analyst address the troubling decline in NBA Cup ratings, which have dropped 35% recently. They attribute this downturn to an overemphasis on three-point shooting, leading to monotonous, “three-point shooting contests.” Notable figures like LeBron James and Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla echo these sentiments, advocating for a balance between analytics and traditional gameplay to enhance entertainment value.

Detroit Lions' Performance and Coaching Issues

The Detroit Lions' struggles are scrutinized, focusing on coaching decisions and player management.

• Injuries and Team Evolution

  The guest analyst points out, "Dan Campbell is learning" and "Detroit's up there with the big boys," highlighting the need for balancing toughness with player health to ensure a longer, more successful season.

• Play Calling Critique

  A pivotal moment discussed is the Lions' ill-fated trick play against Chicago, seen as a "show off" and an audition for offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. This decision is criticized as unnecessary and poorly timed, undermining team strategy during crucial games.

Minnesota Vikings' Performance and Coach of the Year Discussion

The Minnesota Vikings receive acclaim for their resilient performance, likened to Hasselbeck’s championship-winning experiences.

• Justin Jefferson's Excellence

  Justin Jefferson is celebrated for his outstanding performances, including "10 catches for a 144-yard, two-touchdown" game, drawing comparisons to his time at LSU and reinforcing the Vikings' championship aspirations.

• Sam Darnold's Role

  Darnold's role is pivotal, with Hasselbeck emphasizing his potential despite being "a little reckless." The consistency and leadership Darnold brings are seen as key factors in the Vikings' contemplation for Coach of the Year.

College Football Playoffs: Texas, Ohio State, and Arizona State

The podcast delves into the complexities and expectations surrounding the College Football Playoffs.

• Texas vs. Ohio State

  A heated discussion revolves around the potential matchup between Texas and Ohio State, with both teams displaying strong performances. Hasselbeck expresses uncertainty about Texas's execution despite their talent, citing missed opportunities and inconsistencies.

• Arizona State's Cinderella Story

  Arizona State is portrayed as a Cinderella story, with Coach Dana Holgorsen's clever quarterback play making them a formidable opponent. The debate includes the impact of conference realignments and the strength of teams like Notre Dame and Penn State in the playoff brackets.

Dallas Cowboys' Quarterback Situation

The Dallas Cowboys' quarterback dilemma is analyzed, focusing on Dak Prescott and Cooper Rush's performances.

• Dak Prescott's Struggles

  Prescott's reliance on a strong run game is questioned, especially in a recent game where Dallas rushed for just 31 yards—something Prescott has never experienced. Hasselbeck criticizes the management's inability to pivot effectively, leading to the team's stagnation in the draft order.

• Cooper Rush as a Backup Option

  While Cooper Rush shows promise with "10 touchdowns and two picks," Hasselbeck remains cautious about his long-term viability, suggesting that Dallas needs a more robust solution to their quarterback issues.

New York Giants' Struggles and QB Shador Sanders

The discourse shifts to the New York Giants, highlighting their dismal performance and the questionable future of quarterback Shador Sanders.

• Record and Future Prospects

  With a 2-13 record, the Giants are poised for the number one draft pick. Analysts like Brian McFadden argue for a complete overhaul, suggesting that a "reset" is necessary to revive the team's fortunes.

• Shador Sanders vs. Competitors

  Sanders faces significant skepticism regarding his potential, especially when compared to other rookie quarterbacks like Jaden Daniels and Drake May. Hasselbeck posits that Sanders may not be the transformative player required to lead the Giants to success.

Conclusion

Matt Hasselbeck concludes the episode by reiterating the need for strategic decisions across teams, emphasizing the importance of leadership, consistency, and adaptability in sports. The conversation underscores the intricate dynamics of team management, player performance, and coaching strategies that ultimately shape the outcomes in both professional and collegiate sports.

Notable Quotes

• Sam Darnold’s Playmaking Ability:
  Colin Cowherd [04:58]: "The kid has it. He's a playmaker, he's got a big arm, he's tough, he's coachable."

• Kyler Murray’s Inconsistency:
  Matt Hasselbeck [06:21]: "There's no question that his lack of size hurts him in the pocket."

• Jaden Daniels’ Rookie Potential:
  Matt Hasselbeck [17:31]: "I think Cliff Kingsbury deserves a lot more credit than he's getting."

• Lamar Jackson’s MVP Potential:
  Matt Hasselbeck [21:33]: "Lamar Jackson's got to be at the top of that list."

• Detroit Lions' Trick Play Critique:
  Matt Hasselbeck [22:35]: "That was a little bit of a show off, a little bit of an audition, no doubt."

This episode of The Herd provides listeners with a thorough analysis of recent sports events, offering both praise and criticism where deserved. Matt Hasselbeck's insights complement Colin Cowherd's perspectives, delivering a balanced and engaging discussion for sports enthusiasts.