Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd - Hour 3: Jets, Albert Breer
Release Date: January 6, 2025
Host: Colin Cowherd
Guest: Albert Breer, Senior NFL Reporter, Monday Morning Quarterback

1. Introduction and Episode Overview

In this third hour of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, host Colin Cowherd delves deep into the current state of the New York Jets, featuring insights from NFL reporter Albert Breer. The discussion navigates through coaching strategies, player performances, and the broader implications for the Jets' future in the NFL.

2. New York Jets Analysis

Colin Cowherd initiates the conversation by assessing the Jets' roster and strategic needs:

• Team Composition:
  "You got your running back, quarterback for a year, left tackle, two receivers. Let's get the offense right. You're in a division with Josh Allen. You got to score points." [04:00]

  Cowherd emphasizes the necessity for the Jets to bolster their offensive lineup to compete against formidable opponents like the Buffalo Bills.

• Strategic Draft Suggestions:
  "I would move down. I would get. I would get a tight end." [04:07]

  He advocates for the Jets to prioritize drafting a tight end to enhance their offensive dynamics.

Albert Breer provides a nuanced perspective on the Jets' coaching search:

• Coaching Candidates:
  "Rex Ryan would embrace the idea of coaching there, of being in New York." [19:01]

  Breer highlights Rex Ryan as a viable candidate due to his adaptability and commitment to the franchise.

• Leadership and Development:
  "The leader of men has to be checked... someone who can handle the market and embrace coaching the franchise." [19:56]

  Emphasizing the importance of leadership, Breer discusses the qualities the Jets are seeking in their next head coach, focusing on experience and the ability to cultivate talent.

3. Coaching Changes and Implications

Colin Cowherd shares his views on potential coaching hires:

• Gerard Mayo vs. Tommy Vrabel:
  "Gerard Mayo, I didn't love it. I thought it was a lot to ask. It's a bad roster. Vrabel feels right." [22:19]

  Cowherd critiques Gerard Mayo's performance, suggesting Tommy Vrabel as a more suitable choice given his rapport with ownership and coaching proficiency.

Albert Breer responds with analysis on Tommy Vrabel's desirability:

• Vrabel's Market Appeal:
  "He's a top 10 coach in the league now... Raiders, Cowboys, Bears have interest in him." [22:19]

  Breer underscores Vrabel's reputation and the broad interest from multiple franchises, reinforcing his suitability for the Jets.

4. Player Performance and Team Dynamics

Aaron Rodgers' Potential Move:

• Performance Insights:
  "Aaron played very well in the last couple of months. Let's get him some help." [03:45]

  Cowherd praises Rodgers' recent performance, suggesting the need for additional support to maximize his potential.

Jamar Chase's Contract Situation:

• Triple Crown Achievement:
  "Jamar Chase became the sixth receiver in the Super Bowl area to register the triple crown... he's in a contract year." [34:24]

  J. Mac highlights Chase's exceptional performance and the urgency for teams to secure his future before the end of his rookie contract.

  • Colin Cowherd's Take:
    "You should have signed him two years ago." [34:59]

    Cowherd stresses the importance of acting swiftly to retain top-tier talent like Chase, comparing his potential to other elite receivers in the league.

5. Detroit Lions' Phenomenal Season

Colin Cowherd lauds the Detroit Lions' performance despite significant injuries:

• Resilience Amidst Adversity:
  "The Detroit Lions clinched the number one seed with 12 defensive players on the IR... Dan Campbell has been the perfect fit." [06:00]

  He commends Coach Dan Campbell for leading the team effectively even when severely undermanned.

• Cultural Impact:
  "The Lions are a symbol of grit and toughness... unapologetically alpha." [07:00]

  Cowherd connects the Lions' tenacity to broader societal values, emphasizing the team's embodiment of perseverance and strength.

Albert Breer adds context to the Lions' success:

• Coaching and Player Synergy:
  "Dan Campbell is unapologetically alpha... The players totally bought into it." [08:30]

  Breer attributes the Lions' success to the cohesive relationship between Coach Campbell and the players, highlighting their shared commitment to the team's ethos.

6. NFL Coaching Searches and Market Trends

Colin Cowherd discusses the broader NFL coaching landscape:

• Pete Carroll's Candidacy for the Bears:
  "Pete Carroll wants the job and he's already lining up top assistants... He's a top 10 coach." [30:00]

  He debates Carroll's suitability for the Bears, balancing his coaching acumen against concerns about his longevity and staffing decisions.

Albert Breer on Coaching Stability:

• Impact of Leadership Choices:
  "John Mara believes in the core of young players... Leadership's gonna be really important." [21:50]

  Breer emphasizes the importance of selecting a coach who can integrate seamlessly with the team's existing structure and foster long-term growth.

7. Super Bowl Predictions and Team Rankings

Early Season Predictions:

• Detroit Lions as Super Bowl Contenders:
  "I'd be happy if that happened." [41:07]

  Cowherd expresses optimism about the Lions' trajectory, considering them strong contenders for the Super Bowl.

• Eagles and Ravens Favorability:
  "I like Baltimore and Philly." [45:37]

  He also supports the Eagles and Ravens as potential strong teams heading towards the postseason.

J. Mac’s Counterpoints:

• Skepticism on Titans' Draft Strategy:
  "I don't think it's crazy to trade out of the one? Yeah. Out of one." [51:04]

  J. Mac debates Cowherd's suggestions, particularly questioning the Titans' strategy regarding trading their first-round pick.

8. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Colin Cowherd wraps up the episode by reiterating key insights:

• NFL's Unique Appeal:
  "The NFL is a game that speaks to a lot of people... The League of Hope." [46:46]

  He underscores the NFL's enduring popularity, attributing it to the sport's ability to connect with fans through its competitive spirit and emotional narratives.

• Optimism for Future Seasons:
  "The gap between Detroit and Green Bay is greater than we think." [40:27]

  Cowherd remains bullish on the Lions' prospects, projecting a widening competitive edge over traditionally strong teams like the Packers and Vikings.

Albert Breer and J. Mac contribute closing remarks, reinforcing the episode's analysis and setting the stage for future discussions on coaching, player movements, and team strategies.

Notable Quotes

• Colin Cowherd on Jets' Offensive Needs:
  "Let's get the offense right. You're in a division with Josh Allen. You got to score points." [04:00]

• Albert Breer on Coaching Leadership:
  "The leader of men has to be checked... someone who can handle the market and embrace coaching the franchise." [19:56]

• Colin Cowherd on Detroit Lions' Resilience:
  "The Detroit Lions clinched the number one seed with 12 defensive players on the IR... Dan Campbell has been the perfect fit." [06:00]

• J. Mac on Jamar Chase's Contract:
  "Sign early. Mike Evans when he was young. Sign him. Jamar Chase. Get it done." [34:59]

• Colin Cowherd on NFL's Appeal:
  "The NFL is a game that speaks to a lot of people... The League of Hope." [46:46]

Key Takeaways

• Jets' Strategic Needs:
  The Jets must enhance their offensive lineup, particularly by adding a tight end, to effectively compete within their division.

• Coaching Search Dynamics:
  Leadership qualities and the ability to integrate with the team's culture are paramount in selecting the Jets' next head coach. Candidates like Tommy Vrabel emerge as strong contenders.

• Detroit Lions' Success Story:
  Despite significant injuries, the Lions' resilience and effective coaching under Dan Campbell have positioned them as Super Bowl contenders, showcasing the importance of team cohesion and grit.

• Player Contracts and Team Building:
  The urgency to secure top talents like Jamar Chase underscores the delicate balance teams must maintain between drafting, player development, and salary cap management.

• NFL's Enduring Popularity:
  The league's ability to captivate audiences is attributed to its competitive nature, compelling narratives, and the emotional investment of its fan base.

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers a comprehensive analysis of the New York Jets' current standing, coaching searches across the NFL, and insights into player performances and team strategies. With expert commentary from Albert Breer, listeners gain a nuanced understanding of the intricacies shaping the future of their favorite teams.