Podcast Title: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Episode: Hour 3 - Drew Brees joins The Herd
Release Date: January 27, 2025
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, former NFL quarterback Drew Brees joins host Colin Cowherd to delve into the intricacies of current NFL strategies, team performances, and the evolving landscape of football dynasties. Their conversation provides a deep dive into the mechanics of successful teams, the impact of coaching decisions, and the mental resilience required to thrive in high-stakes games.

Game Analysis: Bills vs. Chiefs

The episode kicks off with an in-depth analysis of the recent showdown between the Buffalo Bills and the Kansas City Chiefs, two titans in the NFL known for their aggressive playstyles and strategic depth.

Colin Cowherd expresses frustration over the Bills' repetitive use of the quarterback sneak on fourth-and-short situations:

"[04:04] You know, Mahomes and Reed are actually more aggressive in these big spots... I was a little bothered by all these tush pushes for a SEC 7 quarterback leaping into the air."

Drew Brees agrees, highlighting the lack of variety in the Bills' strategy:

"[04:14] It certainly felt repetitive... a little variety in hindsight, you know, probably would have been helpful in a lot of cases."

This repetitive strategy, according to Brees, undermines the potential for unexpected plays that could tilt the game's momentum.

Quarterback Strategies: Josh Allen vs. Patrick Mahomes

A significant portion of the discussion centers around the contrasting quarterback styles of Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes. Brees emphasizes the importance of adaptability and creativity in quarterback play.

"[05:35] There is an art to finding the soft spots... you have to have some threat that something else could be coming in order for that to work."

Brees praises Mahomes' ability to keep defenses guessing, allowing him to execute plays that maximize the Chiefs' offensive potential. He contrasts this with Allen's more predictable maneuvers, which can be anticipated by seasoned defenses.

Chiefs' Playcalling and Andy Reid's Strategies

Colin and Drew delve into Andy Reid's masterful playcalling, attributing much of the Chiefs' success to his innovative strategies and ability to capitalize on dynamic play opportunities.

Drew Brees lauds Reid's execution and game planning:

"[06:01] It's man to man. And then you run those guys across to set a natural pick... It's incredibly QB friendly."

Brees highlights specific plays that showcase Reid's ingenuity, such as motioning receivers to create natural picks, thereby unlocking the Chiefs' playmaking abilities. This adaptability allows the team to maintain offensive versatility, keeping opponents off-balance.

NFL Dynasties Comparison

The conversation shifts to a broader analysis of NFL dynasties, comparing past and present powerhouses based on their defining characteristics.

Colin Cowherd categorizes dynasties by their strengths:

• Steelers (1970s): Physicality and defensive prowess.
• 49ers (Bill Walsh Era): Intellectual and sophisticated offense.
• Cowboys: High-profile personalities and charisma.
• Patriots: Efficiency and strategic excellence.
• Chiefs: Creativity and innovative playcalling.

He remarks on the Chiefs' ability to blend creativity with solid defense:

"[25:06] I think this team... is underrated because McDuffie can lock up your best receiver... they are the best tackling team in the NFL."

Drew Brees concurs, noting the Chiefs' balanced team composition:

"[19:14] Every single one of them was a Pro Bowler... those guys were packed."

This comparative analysis underscores how each dynasty's unique approach contributes to their sustained success and legacy within the league.

Seattle’s Historic Defense and Team Composition

Colin and Drew revisit the prowess of the Seattle Seahawks' renowned defense, reminiscing about the "Legion of Boom" and their impact on the game.

Colin Cowherd reminisces about their dominance:

"[19:14] They had Cam Chancellor... every single one of them was a Pro Bowler."

Drew Brees adds depth by discussing the strategic acquisitions that bolstered their lineup:

"[17:15] You know, that Legion of Boom... every position."

Their discussion highlights the importance of drafting and developing talent to build a formidable and cohesive defensive unit.

New Jets Head Coach Aaron Glenn

The episode also touches upon the recent appointment of Aaron Glenn as the New York Jets' head coach. Colin expresses enthusiasm about Glenn's potential to rejuvenate the struggling franchise.

Colin Cowherd encourages Jets players to embrace the upcoming changes:

"[26:50] Put your seat belts on and get ready for the ride."

Despite acknowledging the challenges ahead, Colin remains optimistic about Glenn's ability to transform the Jets:

"[27:13] We're the freaking New York Jets, so we're built for this."

Super Bowl Contenders and Future Predictions

Towards the end of the episode, Colin and Drew speculate on potential Super Bowl contenders, emphasizing the Chiefs' and Eagles' strengths while assessing their paths to championship glory.

Drew Brees outlines the formula for a successful Super Bowl run:

"[37:28] You play great defense, you run the ball really well at a historic rate, you can win a Super Bowl."

Colin Cowherd reflects on the Chiefs' continued excellence and strategic depth:

"[41:00] They're throwing to a backup running back yesterday, Buffalo. I knew exactly what Buffalo was doing on their short yardage plays."

Their predictions are grounded in each team's ability to execute under pressure and adapt to evolving game scenarios.

Closing Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, Colin and Drew reiterate the importance of strategic innovation and team cohesion in achieving sustained success within the NFL. Their conversation offers listeners a comprehensive understanding of the current state of the league, the dynamics between star quarterbacks, and the elements that define a championship-winning team.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Colin Cowherd:

  • "[04:04] ...I was a little bothered by all these tush pushes for a SEC 7 quarterback leaping into the air."
  • "[05:35] There is an art to finding the soft spots..."

• Drew Brees:

  • "[04:14] It certainly felt repetitive... a little variety in hindsight..."
  • "[06:01] It's man to man. And then you run those guys across to set a natural pick..."

Conclusion

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd featuring Drew Brees offers a nuanced exploration of NFL strategies, team dynamics, and the qualities that define football dynasties. Through expert analysis and insightful discussion, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of the game and the factors that drive teams toward victory.