Detailed Summary of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" Episode: Hour 3 - Can the Raiders Fix This Mess?

Release Date: January 9, 2025

1. Introduction to the NFL Playoffs and Team Dynamics

The episode kicks off with host Colin Cowherd delving into the current NFL playoff landscape, emphasizing the stark division between "haves" and "have nots." Colin introduces his guest, John Middlekoff, a former NFL scout with deep insights into team strategies and player performances.

2. San Francisco 49ers' Quarterback Conundrum

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the San Francisco 49ers and their quarterback situation with Brock Purdy.

• Brock Purdy’s Performance and Contract: Colin expresses skepticism about Purdy’s ability to lead the 49ers to sustained success. He raises concerns about the team's over-reliance on Purdy, especially given his recent performance dip in the latter halves of games. Colin remarks at [05:35]:

  “If you have a great quarterback and Purdy's not that, in my opinion, you're not going to be winning your division going forward.”

• John Middlekoff’s Perspective: John counters by highlighting Purdy's leadership and potential long-term value to the franchise. He notes Purdy's consistent performance despite team struggles:

  “He continued to lead. He continued to play at a high level. So we have every interest in him being around.” ([05:14])

• Future Outlook: The discussion touches on the necessity for the 49ers to capitalize on their high draft picks to secure core players that can sustain winning. John emphasizes the importance of drafting impact players to bolster the team's roster:

  “If they can land ... core impact players for the foreseeable future. ... they have the easiest strength of schedule in the NFL, ... they could, you see the 49er schedule, Colin, that they have the easiest strength of schedule in the NFL.” ([18:34])

3. Las Vegas Raiders: Leadership Crisis and Future Prospects

The core focus of the episode is the turmoil within the Las Vegas Raiders organization, marked by the recent firing of General Manager Tom Telesco and Head Coach Antonio Pierce.

• Reasons Behind the Firings: Colin and John discuss the Raiders' consistent underperformance and poor decision-making over the past 15 years. Colin expresses frustration at [14:54]:

  “They have had three different coaches in four years. What is this signal?”

  John elaborates on Mark Davis's missteps in hiring unsuccessful coaches and GMs:

  “Mark's heart's in the right place, but he just consistently cannot get it right when he hires either coaches or general managers.” ([15:02])

• Potential Influence of Tom Brady: Speculation arises around Tom Brady’s influence in the Raiders' decision-making process, suggesting that Brady may be steering the organization towards favorable hires, potentially Mike Vrabel:

  Colin notes at [34:02]: “Tom Brady has influence in the decision making. ... if you take the GM's not fired, I wouldn't buy that.”

• Mike Vrabel as a Leading Candidate: The conversation anticipates Mike Vrabel as a prime candidate for the Raiders' coaching position, considering his relationship with Brady and past successes:

  John states: “I think Vrabel is going to be picking the Raiders.” ([33:13])

4. Philadelphia Eagles and Sam Darnold’s Future

Shifting focus to the Philadelphia Eagles, Colin discusses quarterback Sam Darnold’s trajectory within the team.

• Performance Under Scrutiny: Colin reflects on Darnold's struggles and how recent performances might impact his standing:

  “I really liked him out of college... once he struggled with Detroit, ... now we've all gone back to thinking Sam is seeing ghosts.” ([19:22])

• John’s Take on Darnold’s Prospects: John remains cautiously optimistic, suggesting that a strong performance in upcoming games could secure Darnold’s future:

  “I think Sam Darnold is getting that (franchise tag). Even if this game does not go well... he throws three or four touchdowns, they beat the Rams... then I think we start... he gets a long term contract.” ([20:13])

5. Evaluating College Quarterbacks: Cam Ward vs. Shador Sanders

The discussion transitions to college football prospects, with Colin seeking John’s evaluation of quarterbacks Cam Ward and Shador Sanders.

• Cam Ward’s Athleticism and Talent: John praises Cam Ward’s physical gifts and throwing capabilities, suggesting he stands out among his peers:

  “Physically, he is much more talented than Shador... Cam Ward is a better athlete.” ([22:36] - [23:15])

• Shador Sanders’ Limitations: In contrast, Shador Sanders is viewed as solid but lacking the exceptional physical traits of Ward:

  “Shador is just a solid player... doesn't have a big time arm.” ([23:05] - [23:28])

• Drew Aller as a Potential Top Pick: John introduces Drew Aller as a wildcard prospect who could rise in draft rankings based on upcoming performances:

  “Little old school. Not as much scrambling as Shador or Cam Ward... could be in the mix... top 10 pick.” ([23:40] - [24:19])

6. Pittsburgh Steelers’ Receiver Drama and Team Performance

The Steelers’ ongoing issues are dissected, particularly focusing on their high-maintenance receivers and inconsistent performances.

• Receiver Controversies: Colin points out the Steelers' history of acquiring receivers who bring drama to the team, affecting cohesion:

  “Steelers have more high maintenance receivers in the last decade than anybody in football... every year last decade somebody's dealing in drama at that position.” ([38:03])

• Impact on Team Dynamics: John discusses how these issues contribute to the Steelers' struggles to secure playoff wins, emphasizing the need for stability:

  “Russell Wilson's got to come back down to earth. He really needs a big game here.” ([37:20])

7. Additional Team Analyses and Speculations

The episode wraps up with broader NFL insights, including potential coaching hires and strategic moves across various teams.

• Mike Vrabel vs. Ben Johnson for Raiders’ Coaching Role: Colin and John debate the merits of potential coaching candidates, ultimately favoring Vrabel due to his current rapport and experience:

  Colin speculates: “If Vrabel takes the job, this will be the greatest coaching division in the history of football.” ([35:03])

• Buck Up for Upcoming Playoffs: Final thoughts are shared on the upcoming playoff matchups, highlighting team strategies and key player performances that could influence outcomes:

  Colin comments on the Bucks vs. Commanders matchup, emphasizing the run game and strategic execution. ([39:17])

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Colin Cowherd at [05:35]:

  “If you have a great quarterback and Purdy's not that, in my opinion, you're not going to be winning your division going forward.”

• John Middlekoff at [05:14]:

  “He continued to lead. He continued to play at a high level. So we have every interest in him being around.”

• Colin Cowherd at [14:54]:

  “They have had three different coaches in four years. What is this signal?”

• John Middlekoff at [33:13]:

  “I think Vrabel is going to be picking the Raiders.”

• John Middlekoff at [23:40]:

  “Little old school. Not as much scrambling as Shador or Cam Ward... could be in the mix... top 10 pick.”

Conclusion

In this episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," the discussion navigates through the intricacies of current NFL team dynamics, with a special focus on the Raiders' internal struggles and potential paths to redemption. Colin Cowherd and John Middlekoff provide in-depth analyses of quarterback performances, coaching decisions, and strategic hires that could shape the future of several key teams in the playoffs. Their insights offer listeners a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing these franchises as they vie for postseason success.