The Herd with Colin Cowherd: Episode Summary – Hour 3 with Chris Broussard and Benjamin Garcia
Release Date: July 14, 2025
In the third hour of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," hosts Jason McIntyre and Chris Broussard engage in an in-depth discussion covering pivotal topics in both the NFL and NBA. Joining them later is Benjamin Garcia, host of the "Locked on Suns" podcast, who brings additional insights into NBA trade speculations and quarterback evaluations.
NFL Quarterback Rankings
The episode kicks off with a spirited debate over the latest quarterback rankings. Jason McIntyre introduces his own list, placing Patrick Mahomes at number four following a challenging previous season. Chris Broussard vehemently defends Mahomes, asserting, “He is the best quarterback I’ve ever seen, period. He’s not the GOAT yet, but he’s in a category of his own” (04:25).
Broussard argues that Mahomes remains unparalleled despite facing team challenges, such as a subpar receiving corps and offensive line issues. He emphasizes Mahomes' ability to deliver exceptional performances, highlighted by his astonishing "[...] 15 and 1 and gets his team to the Super Bowl" record (04:35).
The conversation also touches on other quarterbacks, with Broussard favoring Lamar Jackson over Joe Burrow and placing Jaden Daniels at number five. Daniels is praised for his poise and clutch performances despite limited supporting weapons: “He is a special quarterback. Best rookie season we’ve ever seen” (05:59).
NBA Player Analysis
Transitioning to the NBA, the hosts delve into the potential of the young forward Cooper Klifford (referred to as Cooper Flag). McIntyre expresses optimism, likening Klifford to a future Kevin Garnett: “He can be a Kevin Garnett type player. Obviously not the MVP right out of the gate, but I love the defense, the handle, everything about his game” (06:36).
Broussard counters by praising another emerging star, SGA (presumably referring to a standout guard), stating, “SGA as a guard has done it at the age of 26, leading one of the second youngest teams ever to win an NBA championship” (08:41). He argues that while Klifford has defensive prowess, SGA offers a more comprehensive offensive package with better three-point shooting capabilities and leadership qualities.
The debate underscores differing viewpoints on which young players hold the most promise for future NBA dominance, weighing defensive strengths against offensive versatility.
Trade Speculations and Team Building
The discussion shifts to team-building strategies, particularly focusing on the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers. McIntyre lauds the Mavericks' acquisition of Deandre Ayton, labeling him a “steal at $8 million” compared to Rudy Gobert’s $35 million contract (17:35). Broussard agrees, highlighting Ayton’s potential synergy with Luka Doncic: “What I want to see from Deandre Ayton is him saying, 'I’m giving my all on the defensive end,'” (18:17).
The Lakers' roster moves are also scrutinized, especially the addition of Ayton. Broussard defends the move despite Ayton’s past criticisms regarding attitude and performance consistency, noting Ayton’s possible transformation under the Lakers’ system and leadership: “He is going to be a great fit with Luka” (18:37).
Bradley Beal and the Lakers' Offensive Needs
Benjamin Garcia joins the conversation, challenging the notion of trading Bradley Beal to the Lakers. He argues against the Lakers acquiring another high-scoring player, stating, “The issue with the Lakers is not scoring. They’ve got LeBron, they’ve got Luka Austin Reaves” but questioning the necessity of adding Beal as “the missing piece” (26:41). Garcia contends that increasing offensive firepower may not address the Lakers' defensive shortcomings and suggests that Beal’s role as a defensive anchor could disrupt the existing team dynamics.
Deandre Ayton’s Role and Performance
Garcia further critiques Deandre Ayton, likening expectations to those of Nikola Jokić, but asserting Ayton remains “middle of the pack” despite respectable statistics: “He is not in that category” (28:36). He reflects on Ayton’s tenure in Portland and Phoenix, noting inconsistencies and questioning his long-term impact: “It is a desperate move by the Lakers to go get Deandre Ayton” (28:37). However, he concedes that Ayton could enhance the Lakers’ inside presence and scoring versatility if he can overcome attitude issues.
Quarterback Spotlight: Kyler Murray vs. Brock Purdy
The conversation circles back to NFL quarterbacks with a focus on Kyler Murray. Garcia emphasizes the critical nature of the current season for Murray, framing it as a "make or break year": “We will know by the end of the year if Kyler Murray can be a consistent enough quarterback to help get you to a Super Bowl” (30:08). He compares Murray’s potential trajectory to that of Brock Purdy and Jalen Hurts, suggesting that successful performance could elevate Murray’s standing significantly.
Arizona Cardinals' Prospects
In a brief segment, Garcia addresses the Arizona Cardinals' chances for the season, asserting the team "better... make a wild card team in the NFC": “This is a year where everyone talks about is that JG is Imani Austin 4, could people be on the hot seat? But could Kyler Murray be gone next year?” (31:07). He expresses optimism about the Cardinals' potential under current coaching and player development, despite media skepticism.
Conclusion and Future Episodes
As the episode wraps up, Jason McIntyre teases upcoming topics, including the Suns' moves, Bradley Beal's future, and a comparison between Kyler Murray and Brock Purdy. The hosts invite listeners to tune in to future episodes for more in-depth analysis and discussions.
Notable Quotes
- Chris Broussard: “He is the best quarterback I’ve ever seen, period. He’s not the GOAT yet, but he’s in a category of his own.” (04:25)
- Chris Broussard: “SGA as a guard has done it at the age of 26, leading one of the second youngest teams ever to win an NBA championship.” (08:41)
- Benjamin Garcia: “Bradley Beal is a good team player, but you're asking him now to go over to the Lakers and be this pesky defender.” (26:41)
- Benjamin Garcia: “He is a middle of the pack. I mean, let's forget about that. Jason, after one year of the DeAndre Ayton Experience in Portland, what did they do?” (28:23)
This episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" offers a comprehensive analysis of current NFL and NBA landscapes, showcasing diverse opinions on player rankings, team strategies, and future prospects. Listeners gain valuable insights into the complexities of sports management and player development through the engaging dialogue between McIntyre, Broussard, and Garcia.