Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 3: Listing the Greats

Release Date: March 6, 2025

Overview

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, host Colin Cowherd engages in in-depth discussions on various top sports topics, including quarterback decisions in the NFL, team-building strategies of the New England Patriots, and the ongoing debate surrounding NBA greats. Co-host Chris Broussard and guest Jason McIntyre join the conversation, providing expert insights and lively debates. The episode offers listeners a comprehensive analysis of current sports dynamics, enriched with notable quotes and perspectives.

1. NFL Quarterback Decisions: Steelers' Dilemma Between Justin Fields and Russell Wilson

Timestamp: 02:35 – 05:27

The episode kicks off with a heated discussion about the Pittsburgh Steelers' upcoming quarterback decision. Chris Broussard introduces the topic by highlighting the choice between Justin Fields and Russell Wilson, noting Ben Roethlisberger’s (Big Ben) support for Fields.

Notable Quotes:

• Chris Broussard [02:40]: “The Steelers have a big quarterback decision to make. Sounds like it's going to be Justin Fields over Russell Wilson.”
• Colin Cowherd [04:18]: “I don't trust the Steelers with offense. If you gave him, Fields, seriously, Chicago's a defensive organization. Pittsburgh's a defensive organization. I don't think this is the best fit for him.”

Discussion Points:

• Colin Cowherd's Perspective: Cowherd expresses skepticism about the Steelers' ability to elevate Justin Fields, emphasizing the team’s defensive orientation and inconsistent offensive strategies. He suggests that while Fields has potential, the Steelers' current system may not be conducive to showcasing his full abilities.

• Chris Broussard's Analysis: Broussard counters by pointing out that the Steelers' offensive performance under Mike Tomlin relied heavily on defense, limiting Fields' opportunities. He questions whether Fields can adapt to a more dynamic offensive role required in today’s NFL.

2. New England Patriots: Team Building and Playoff Potential Under Mike Vrabel

Timestamp: 05:27 – 09:43

The conversation shifts to the New England Patriots, with a focus on head coach Mike Vrabel’s impact on the team’s organization and future prospects.

Notable Quotes:

• Colin Cowherd [05:46]: “Behind the rest of the league in so many different ways. They have two or three clear needs. Left tackle, running back, wide receiver, edge.”
• Chris Broussard [07:37]: “They are a playoff team.”

Discussion Points:

• Organizational Challenges: Cowherd critiques the Patriots' current organizational structure, suggesting that they lag behind other top teams like the 49ers, Rams, Ravens, and Eagles in terms of staff and personnel development. He emphasizes the need for the Patriots to build out their departments to compete effectively.

• Draft Strategy: Vrabel is praised for identifying clear team needs and targeting second and third-round draft picks to address positions such as left tackle and running back. Cowherd believes this focused approach could benefit the Patriots’ long-term success.

• Playoff Outlook: Despite organizational shortcomings, both Cowherd and Broussard agree that the Patriots are poised to be a playoff contender, citing their defined needs and strategic draft choices as positive indicators.

3. NBA Greats Debate: Steph Curry's Legacy and the GOAT Conversation

Timestamp: 13:12 – 18:40

A significant portion of the episode delves into the legacy of NBA superstar Steph Curry, comparing his achievements and impact to those of other basketball legends.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason McIntyre [15:01]: “I do think all this talk about Steph being in the goat conversation is nonsense. Without question. Steph is not in the goat conversation.”
• Colin Cowherd [16:56]: “Think Magic revolutionized the league, but it doesn't make him the best player ever. I agree with that.”

Discussion Points:

• Steph Curry’s Impact: Colin Cowherd acknowledges Steph Curry’s revolutionary influence on the game, particularly his shooting prowess, but stops short of placing him in the “Greatest of All Time” (GOAT) conversation. He argues that while Curry has transformed basketball, the GOAT debate should remain among players like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Magic Johnson.

• Jason McIntyre's View: McIntyre concurs, emphasizing that Curry, while the best shooter and a top-10 player, does not surpass legends like Jordan or LeBron in overall greatness. He highlights Curry's defensive shortcomings as a factor excluding him from the GOAT list.

• Comparative Analysis: The hosts discuss the evolution of the game, roster construction, and how modern stars fit into historical contexts. They debate whether the increasing emphasis on three-point shooting and versatility affects players’ legacies.

4. NBA Playoff Teams: Evaluating Contenders in the West and East

Timestamp: 18:40 – 25:00

The discussion transitions to evaluating current NBA teams and their prospects for the playoffs, focusing on key contenders in both the Western and Eastern Conferences.

Notable Quotes:

• Colin Cowherd [21:31]: “The Lakers are winning the west and I feel good about that.”
• Jason McIntyre [22:30]: “I think OKC is the youngest team ever to reach or win the NBA final.”

Discussion Points:

• Western Conference Contenders:

  • Golden State Warriors: Despite missing key player Klay Thompson, Cowherd remains optimistic about their efficiency and playoff performance, citing their defensive experience and strategic improvements.
  • Oklahoma City Thunder (OKC): McIntyre points out their youth as a potential advantage, though he notes that young teams often face challenges in winning championships without experience.
  • Denver Nuggets and LA Lakers: Both teams are recognized for their strong performances, with the Lakers particularly highlighted as likely winners of the Western Conference.

• Eastern Conference Contenders:

  • Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers: Identified as the top teams in the East, both are expected to perform strongly in the playoffs.

• New York Knicks: Cowherd expresses doubts about their championship prospects, suggesting that significant changes or additions are necessary for them to reach the finals.

5. NFL Draft and Free Agency: Chargers' Strategy and Sam Darnold's Market Value

Timestamp: 33:00 – 35:55

The conversation returns to NFL topics, focusing on the Los Angeles Chargers' draft strategy and the outlook for quarterback Sam Darnold in free agency.

Notable Quotes:

• Diana Rossini [33:00]: “Sam Darnold's market is going to be in the low 30s, possibly, maybe even high 20s.”
• Colin Cowherd [34:41]: “I don't see the Chargers paying DK Metcalf. They draft, develop, and get the O line and D line right.”

Discussion Points:

• Chargers' Draft Approach: Cowherd emphasizes the Chargers' preference for frugality and strategic drafting, avoiding overspending on wide receivers like DK Metcalf. Instead, he predicts they will focus on bolstering their tight end and running back positions while maintaining strong pass-rushing capabilities.

• Sam Darnold's Free Agency: Rossini discusses the diminished market for quarterback Sam Darnold, attributing it to his recent underperformance. Cowherd adds that teams like the Chargers, under head coach Mike Tomlin, are unlikely to invest heavily in wide receivers, aligning with his earlier points about their draft strategies.

6. Additional Discussions: Entertainment and Politics

Timestamp: 31:25 – 35:57

Beyond sports, the episode touches on entertainment and political commentary, adding a broader cultural context to the discussions.

Notable Quotes:

• Colin Cowherd [31:40]: “Our politics are a spectacle, regardless of what side you're on. It is just a circus.”
• Diana Rossini [35:33]: “There is too much hate in this country and it's gotta stop.”

Discussion Points:

• Political Spectacle: Cowherd and Broussard briefly discuss the chaotic nature of current political discourse, likening it to a circus and expressing frustration over the lack of nuance in public conversations.

• Anti-Hate Message: The hosts emphasize the importance of combating hate and promoting positive interactions, urging listeners to speak up against negativity.

Conclusion

The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 3: Listing the Greats provides a multifaceted exploration of current sports narratives, focusing on strategic decisions in the NFL, team-building challenges in the NBA, and the enduring debate over basketball greatness. With expert co-hosts and insightful guest commentary, the episode offers listeners a robust analysis of the sports landscape as of March 2025.

Notable Quotes Recap:

• Chris Broussard [02:40]: “The Steelers have a big quarterback decision to make. Sounds like it's going to be Justin Fields over Russell Wilson.”
• Jason McIntyre [15:01]: “I do think all this talk about Steph being in the goat conversation is nonsense.”
• Diana Rossini [33:00]: “Sam Darnold's market is going to be in the low 30s, possibly, maybe even high 20s.”

Listeners who missed the episode can access the full discussion on the iHeartRadio app by searching for The Herd with Colin Cowherd.