Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 3 featuring Dianna Rossini

Release Date: December 26, 2024
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

In Hour 3 of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, host Colin Cowherd engages in an in-depth discussion with guest Diana Rossini, a senior insider from The Athletic, and Greg Cosell, a film analyst who breaks down game strategies. The episode delves into several pressing topics within the NFL, including coaching changes, player performances, team dynamics, and emerging rumors. Below is a comprehensive summary of the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode.

1. Pete Carroll's Potential Return to NFL Coaching

Timestamp: [02:00 – 04:42]

The conversation kicks off with rumors surrounding legendary coach Pete Carroll potentially returning to the NFL. Colin Cowherd highlights the ongoing speculations among NFL insiders about Carroll's interest in taking up another head coaching position.

• Colin Cowherd: "If players can play into their 40s, coaches can coach in their 70s."
  (02:20)

Diana Rossini notes that despite Pete Carroll not being the best candidate compared to others like Mike Vrabel, his reputation as a culture builder with relentless energy makes his return plausible.

• Colin Cowherd: "What do you hear, Diana?"
  (03:23)

Greg Cosell supports the notion, emphasizing Carroll's desire to re-enter coaching and his ability to build and lead a franchise effectively.

• Greg Cosell: "This is not just to get some steam under him. It's a reality that Pete Carroll wants to be a head coach of an NFL team."
  (04:10)

2. Dallas Cowboys Coaching Stability

Timestamp: [04:42 – 07:35]

The discussion transitions to the Dallas Cowboys' coaching situation, focusing on Mike McCarthy's potential return despite recent team performance issues.

• Diana Rossini: "My gut this morning is McCarthy is returning. I think he's a good coach."
  (04:44)

Greg Cosell concurs, highlighting Jerry Jones' loyalty to his coaching staff and the team's desire to see how the current season unfolds before making any changes.

• Greg Cosell: "Jerry believes that Mike McCarthy can get this thing right. We'll see what team is interested in Pete Carroll at this point."
  (05:20)

Colin underscores the importance of McCarthy’s proven track record with the Cowboys, suggesting that instability might arise only if performance continues to decline.

3. Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets

Timestamp: [07:35 – 10:08]

A significant portion of the episode examines Aaron Rodgers' future with the New York Jets amidst rumors of strained relationships with team ownership.

• Diana Rossini: "A couple years ago, Aaron Rodgers was being courted warmly, but now it feels like a frostier relationship."
  (07:35)

Greg Cosell discusses the mixed signals from Rodgers and the Jets, indicating a possible end to their partnership if underlying issues aren't resolved.

• Greg Cosell: "I'm still not sure if this is going to be a marriage that sticks... It's a coaching issue, it's an instability issue."
  (08:10)

Rossini expresses confidence in Rodgers' performance, arguing that the coaching environment rather than the player is the primary issue.

• Diana Rossini: "Aaron Rodgers has played really well the last eight weeks. It's a coaching issue."
  (09:55)

4. Gerard Mayo’s Role with the New England Patriots

Timestamp: [10:08 – 13:22]

The episode delves into Gerard Mayo's tenure as the head coach of the New England Patriots, questioning whether his approach aligns with the franchise's winning culture.

• Diana Rossini: "It feels like it's too Belichickian. Break free from that stuff. Go offense."
  (10:08)

Greg Cosell critiques Mayo’s implementation, suggesting that the team isn't reflecting the strategic prowess expected from a former Patriots assistant.

• Greg Cosell: "What are we doing here? Is there upside with this team?"
  (12:30)

Rossini debates the fans' patience, indicating that the Patriots' management might soon reconsider Mayo's position if performance doesn't improve.

• Diana Rossini: "If they lose the NFC championship, that could be the final straw."
  (13:00)

5. Philadelphia Eagles' Internal Conflicts

Timestamp: [13:22 – 24:40]

A heated discussion centers around the Philadelphia Eagles' recent on-field altercation between head coach Nick Sirianni and former player Zach Ertz, raising concerns about the team's internal dynamics.

• Colin Cowherd: "Nick Sirianni got into it with Zach Ertz and had to be separated post-game."
  (21:12)

Greg Cosell emphasizes that such incidents reflect deeper issues within the coaching staff, potentially jeopardizing Sirianni's future with the team.

• Greg Cosell: "People in the Dallas building say they have no idea what they want to do there."
  (22:29)

Rossini expresses skepticism about Sirianni’s longevity, particularly if the team underperforms in the upcoming playoffs.

• Diana Rossini: "If they get bounced in the first round, he's out."
  (24:40)

The panel discusses the potential for high-profile coaches like Mike Vrabel and Ben Johnson to fill any impending vacancies, pointing out that the Eagles could become a prime candidate for such hires.

6. Pittsburgh Steelers’ Struggles and Future Outlook

Timestamp: [24:16 – 29:06]

The Steelers’ recent performance downturn is analyzed, with particular attention to the team's reliance on veteran QB Russell Wilson and defensive investments.

• Colin Cowherd: "The Steelers have lost three in a row... What are we doing here?"
  (27:00)

Greg Cosell comments on the defense's shortcomings despite substantial financial investments, questioning the viability of recent strategic decisions.

• Greg Cosell: "The offense is clicking now, but the defense isn't holding up under pressure."
  (25:00)

Rossini highlights the Steelers' historical stability but notes that recent losses have sparked doubts about Coach Mike Tomlin's future.

• Diana Rossini: "This is about a 10-year run, and now teams like Buffalo and Kansas City have leapfrogged them."
  (26:02)

The discussion includes speculation on potential quarterback changes, including Sam Darnold's suitability for the division and the attractiveness of the Indianapolis Colts as an option.

• Diana Rossini: "If Indianapolis goes hard and lands Sam Darnold, I'd put them ahead of the Steelers."
  (27:40)

7. Lamar Jackson vs. Josh Allen MVP Race

Timestamp: [19:49 – 22:29]

The hosts debate the ongoing MVP contention between Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens and Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills, analyzing their statistical performances and team contributions.

• Colin Cowherd: "Lamar's the second-best passer rating in NFL history and leads the league in total yards."
  (19:49)

Rossini remains impartial, placing Saquon Barkley in the third position and recognizing both quarterbacks' spectacular performances without strong favoritism.

• Diana Rossini: "I think they're both spectacular. I thought yesterday he only went 10 for 15."
  (20:33)

Colin provides betting odds, favoring Josh Allen slightly over Lamar Jackson, though maintaining that both are strong MVP candidates.

• Colin Cowherd: "Allen's minus 240. Lamar plus 180."
  (20:59)

8. Jimmy Butler Trade Speculations in the NBA

Timestamp: [35:42 – 42:48]

Towards the end of the episode, the conversation shifts to the NBA, focusing on rumors about Jimmy Butler potentially being traded from the Miami Heat to powerhouse teams like the Golden State Warriors.

• Diana Rossini: "When people deny a rumor, it often means there's some truth to it."
  (35:42)

The hosts debate the implications of such a trade, discussing Butler's fit with the Warriors compared to LeBron James' compatibility with the same team.

• Diana Rossini: "Jimmy Butler's a great fit with the Warriors. LeBron is not."
  (39:15)

Colin suggests that while Butler’s trade might benefit the league by strengthening other teams, it remains speculative as the Heat management, led by Pat Riley, stands firm against the rumors.

• Colin Cowherd: "It feels like his time is run its course in Miami for Jimmy Butler."
  (39:15)

Rossini continues to analyze the strategic advantages Butler would bring to the Warriors, emphasizing his defensive prowess and playmaking abilities.

• Diana Rossini: "Jimmy Butler doesn't need the ball in his hands. He can play off-ball and is an excellent defender."
  (42:48)

9. Brock Purdy’s Performance and Future with the San Francisco 49ers

Timestamp: [43:05 – 44:55]

The episode touches upon Brock Purdy's development as a quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, analyzing his performance improvements and potential market value.

• Greg Cosell: "Purdy does not have much around him, so his game can look inconsistent."
  (43:05)

Rossini counters by highlighting Purdy’s ability to excel despite a mediocre offensive line, comparing his efficiency to other successful quarterbacks like Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert.

• Diana Rossini: "Brock Purdy is a hot knife through butter with a bad line."
  (44:55)

The hosts debate whether the Colts or Titans might pursue Purdy, noting his growing market attractiveness due to his newfound consistency.

• Diana Rossini: "The Colts I believe will make a run at him. The Tennessee Titans would make a run at him."
  (44:55)

10. General NFL Observations and Season Predictions

Timestamp: [25:00 – 29:06]

The episode wraps up with broader observations about the NFL season, including team dynamics, playoff prospects, and the unpredictability of game outcomes.

• Diana Rossini: "The NFL is crazy... over the course of 17 weeks, you kind of know what you're getting."
  (25:17)

Colin emphasizes the importance of timing in evaluating teams like the Steelers, pointing out that their late-season schedule against top teams has exposed their weaknesses.

• Colin Cowherd: "They lost all these games by 14 or more. So what are we doing here?"
  (26:13)

Rossini concludes by reflecting on the Steelers' historical performance and the necessity for strategic changes to remain competitive in the future.

• Diana Rossini: "If Indianapolis goes hard and lands Sam Darnold, I'd put them ahead of the Steelers."
  (27:40)

Notable Quotes

1. Colin Cowherd:

   • "If players can play into their 40s, coaches can coach in their 70s."
     (02:20)
   • "Aaron Rodgers has played really well the last eight weeks. It's a coaching issue."
     (09:55)

2. Diana Rossini:

   • "I think Aaron Rodgers has a market too. It is smaller than Sam Darnold."
     (28:26)
   • "Jimmy Butler doesn't need the ball in his hands. He can play off-ball and is an excellent defender."
     (42:48)

3. Greg Cosell:

   • "Pete Carroll wants to be a head coach of an NFL team."
     (04:10)
   • "Purdy does not have much around him, so his game can look inconsistent."
     (43:05)

Conclusions and Final Thoughts

The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 3 offers a thorough analysis of current NFL dynamics, touching upon potential coaching changes, quarterback performances, and team strategies. The hosts provide nuanced perspectives on ongoing rumors, evaluating the implications for various teams and the league as a whole. The discussion extends into the NBA, reflecting the interconnected nature of professional sports and the continuous speculation that surrounds high-profile players and coaching decisions.

Listeners gain valuable insights into the complexities of team management, player performance under pressure, and the ever-evolving landscape of professional sports. The episode underscores the importance of leadership, strategic planning, and adaptability in maintaining a competitive edge within the highly scrutinized realm of the NFL.

Note: Timestamps are approximate and correspond to the transcript provided.