Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 3: Looking at the Eagles Season

Release Date: January 28, 2025
Host: Colin Cowherd
Guest: Greg Olson, Matt Cassel

1. Introduction to the Episode

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, host Colin Cowherd engages in a deep dive into the Philadelphia Eagles' season, analyzing coaching strategies, team dynamics, and their standing in the NFL landscape. Joining him are former NFL quarterback Matt Cassel and analyst Greg Olson, who provide expert insights and engaging commentary throughout the discussion.

2. Coaching Hires and Their Impact

The conversation begins with Colin addressing recent coaching hires, specifically praising Pete Carroll's move to the Las Vegas Raiders. Colin remarks on Carroll's organizational skills and leadership qualities, emphasizing the importance of a strong defensive coaching presence.

“Pete is as organized and as diligent and as good as anybody I ever been around in all of those things.”
(03:51) – Matt Cassel

Matt Cassel elaborates on the challenges defensive coaches face, noting that offensive performance often overshadows defensive prowess in evaluations and job security.

“If your offense isn't good, defensive coaches get fired.”
(05:15) – Matt Cassel

3. Analyzing the Eagles' Season Performance

The core of the episode centers on the Philadelphia Eagles' performance over the season. Colin praises the team's roster depth, particularly highlighting the synergy between quarterback Jalen Hurts and key offensive players like Saquon Barkley.

“A.J. Brown and Devonte Smith putting a ton of pressure, deep layers into my secondary.”
(08:54) – Matt Cassel

Greg Olson underscores the evolution of the Eagles' offense, noting significant improvements and maturity in their gameplay strategy.

“This is the best roster in football. This is the best team in football.”
(08:54) – Matt Cassel

The discussion touches on specific game performances, including a notable win against Washington where Jalen Hurts showcased exceptional talent despite facing injuries.

“He had 100 yards in the first quarter. He went down, they went to the backup and it kind of spiraled.”
(08:54) – Matt Cassel

4. Team Comparisons and the Notion of "America's Team"

A significant portion of the dialogue revolves around identifying "America's Team," with Colin advocating for the Kansas City Chiefs due to their widespread popularity, star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, and strong team branding. However, he also places the Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers in the conversation.

“Kansas City Chiefs are America's team. They have a superstar quarterback that's likable.”
(25:09) – Colin Cowherd

Greg Olson offers a counterpoint, suggesting that Philadelphia's passionate fan base and on-field performance make them equally deserving of the title.

“I think Chicago is probably number one with Ben and Caleb.”
(25:22) – Colin Cowherd

5. Notable Incidents: CJ Stroud and Bobby Slowik Altercation

The episode delves into behind-the-scenes tensions within the Dallas Cowboys' coaching staff, highlighting an altercation between quarterback CJ Stroud and offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik. This incident underscores the complexities of team dynamics and coaching relationships.

“CJ jumped up and got back in his face and it was very contentious.”
(27:35) – Greg Olson

While Matt Cassel downplays the long-term impact, Colin expresses skepticism about the team's stability following such conflicts.

“If you don't get along with somebody and have a run in... that stuff never leaves.”
(29:02) – Colin Cowherd

6. New Orleans Saints' Head Coach Vacancy

The discussion shifts to the New Orleans Saints, who remain without a head coach. Colin questions the suitability of recent candidates like Kellen Moore, expressing doubts about their readiness to lead the team effectively.

“I'm not sure he's a head coach. I'm not sure.”
(30:34) – Colin Cowherd

Greg Olson speculates on the Saints' hiring strategies, suggesting a preference for young, dynamic coaches who can quickly adapt and drive the team towards championships.

“He's going to play elite level football and he's going to lead us to championships.”
(22:32) – Matt Cassel

7. Concluding Thoughts on Team Performances and Future Outlook

As the episode nears its conclusion, Colin and his guests reflect on the upcoming NFL season, emphasizing the importance of team stability, coaching excellence, and player performance. They express optimism for the Eagles' prospects, citing their strong roster and strategic coaching hires as key factors for success.

“Dennis Allen's a very good DC hire and I think Schottenheimer, I think Eberfluss is an excellent defensive hire.”
(24:49) – Colin Cowherd

8. Notable Quotes

• “Pete is as organized and as diligent and as good as anybody I ever been around in all of those things.”
  – Matt Cassel (03:51)

• “This is the best roster in football. This is the best team in football.”
  – Matt Cassel (08:54)

• “Kansas City Chiefs are America's team. They have a superstar quarterback that's likable.”
  – Colin Cowherd (25:09)

• “If your offense isn't good, defensive coaches get fired.”
  – Matt Cassel (05:15)

• “If you don't get along with somebody and have a run in... that stuff never leaves.”
  – Colin Cowherd (29:02)

Conclusion

In this insightful episode, Colin Cowherd, alongside Greg Olson and Matt Cassel, provides a comprehensive analysis of the Philadelphia Eagles' season, delving into coaching strategies, team dynamics, and broader NFL narratives. Their expert commentary offers listeners a nuanced understanding of the team's strengths and areas for improvement, positioning the Eagles as a formidable contender in the ongoing NFL season.