Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 3 Featuring Mark Sanchez Release Date: December 3, 2024

In this engaging episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, co-host Doug Gottlieb welcomes former NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez for an in-depth discussion on current NFL dynamics, player performances, team strategies, and the ongoing MVP race. The episode, released on December 3, 2024, dives deep into pivotal topics shaping the league, offering insights and analyses valuable to both avid fans and casual listeners.

1. Quarterback Protection and Defensive Regulations

Timestamp: [03:00] – [04:32]

Doug Gottlieb initiates the conversation by addressing the growing frustration among defensive players due to quarterbacks faking slides. This tactic, Gottlieb argues, hampers defenders' ability to make impactful plays, as quarterbacks increasingly adopt behaviors that negate traditional defensive strategies.

• Doug Gottlieb: "Quarterbacks faking like they're going to slide... The rules are against them, then why are the offensive guys not making what defensive players make?" ([03:22])

The discussion extends to the punishment of veteran quarterbacks like Tom Brady, with Gottlieb finding a three-game suspension overly punitive.

• Doug Gottlieb: "A three-game suspension feels very punitive to me." ([03:40])

Mark Sanchez counters by emphasizing the inherent aggressiveness of defensive players and the need for quarterbacks to better protect themselves.

• Mark Sanchez: "Defensive players have to be aggressive. That's their nature." ([03:43])

They debate the balance between offensive and defensive responsibilities, questioning whether current rules favor protecting quarterbacks at the expense of defensive play quality.

2. Detroit Lions' Injury Challenges

Timestamp: [05:07] – [07:09]

The conversation shifts to the Detroit Lions, currently tied with the Kansas City Chiefs for the best record in the league but grappling with significant injuries, particularly on the defensive side.

• J. Mac: "They have now seven players on IR. Six of them are defenders." ([05:10])

Doug Gottlieb reflects on the unpredictability of injuries in the NFL, sharing his experiences as a player and coach.

• Doug Gottlieb: "Some years it's great, some years it's just this and that. As long as your tackles and quarterback are healthy, you have a chance to win." ([06:00])

Mark Sanchez underscores the strategic advantage of losing defensive players over offensive ones, suggesting that maintaining offensive firepower is crucial for postseason success.

• Mark Sanchez: "If you're going to have injuries, I'd rather have them on the defensive side. Give me my firepower going into the playoffs." ([06:39])

The team dynamics are further explored with mentions of key signings like Jamal Adams, who, despite being a defensive asset, poses challenges in coverage due to his skill set.

3. The NFL MVP Race: Saquon Barkley vs. Josh Allen

Timestamp: [07:50] – [09:23]

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the NFL MVP race, highlighting Saquon Barkley's impressive statistics and his strong candidacy.

• Doug Gottlieb: "Saquon Barkley has probably the best case we've seen in a while. He's got 1766 yards from scrimmage, 13 TDs, and he's got an MVP chance." ([07:50])

Mark Sanchez delves into Barkley's performance, emphasizing his impact on the Eagles' offense and his ability to alleviate pressure on quarterback Jalen Hurts.

• Mark Sanchez: "Saquon Barkley limiting some of the times that Jalen Hurts has to even put the ball in the air has been huge." ([17:09])

The dialogue contrasts Barkley with Josh Allen, acknowledging Allen's significant influence on the Bills' success but debating who holds more value in the MVP contention.

• J. Mac: "Saquon is extremely valuable, but he's not as valuable as Josh Allen. Josh Allen... he's heavily favored." ([08:35])

Gottlieb and Sanchez discuss the criteria for MVP selection, considering both individual statistics and their contributions to their respective teams' victories.

4. College Football Rivalries and Traditions

Timestamp: [09:53] – [10:58]

The hosts touch upon the intense rivalries in college football, specifically addressing the controversial practice of flag planting during post-game celebrations.

• Mark Sanchez: "Banning the horns down signal... Texas does it every time they play. It's not anything special." ([09:57])

Baker Mayfield's stance on maintaining traditional rivalry behaviors sparks a conversation about the balance between sportsmanship and competitive spirit.

• Doug Gottlieb: "College football is meant to have rivalries... I'll leave it at that." ([09:58])

The segment highlights the cultural significance of these traditions and their impact on team dynamics and fan engagement.

5. In-Depth Game Analysis with Mark Sanchez

Timestamp: [16:05] – [42:48]

Mark Sanchez provides a comprehensive analysis of recent NFL games, focusing on strategic plays, defensive adjustments, and quarterback performances. A notable highlight is the breakdown of a crucial game involving the Jets, where Sanchez dissects specific plays that influenced the game's outcome.

• Mark Sanchez: "The real tipping point in the game was the second and seven. This play really turned the tide." ([17:09])

He emphasizes the importance of defensive coordination and accountability, referencing Aaron Rodgers' decision-making and the impact of defensive players like Leonard Williams.

• Mark Sanchez: "Leonard Williams can stop the run, rush the passer, and now he's in coverage. This tells me McDonald and this defense are really starting to get in sync." ([33:08])

The discussion further explores the challenges defensive players face under current NFL regulations, particularly regarding quarterback protection rules and their effects on game dynamics.

• Doug Gottlieb: "Defensive players have had all the rules taken away. They no longer make the big money unless they're pass rushers." ([37:20])

Sanchez and Gottlieb exchange views on coaching strategies, team cohesion, and the importance of adaptable game plans, especially when teams face unexpected challenges like injuries or high-pressure situations.

6. Concluding Remarks and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, Doug Gottlieb and Mark Sanchez reflect on the broader implications of the discussed topics, emphasizing the need for strategic adaptability and maintaining team integrity amidst evolving league dynamics.

• Mark Sanchez: "The season's long for a reason... You need tough guys that love football, that are in it for the long haul." ([25:11])

• Doug Gottlieb: "What's the real difference?... It's season’s long for a reason. Seasons long to show you who's really good and who can outlast who." ([25:11])

Both hosts underscore the importance of resilience and strategic planning as the NFL season progresses towards its climax, setting the stage for future discussions and analyses.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Doug Gottlieb: "We're all on the same team in this country. So let's take a break from our hate so our team can regroup." ([00:00]) – Although part of an advertisement, it sets the tone for unity, a theme echoed later in discussions about team dynamics.

• Mark Sanchez: "Leonard Williams can stop the run, rush the passer, and now he's in coverage. This tells me McDonald and this defense are really starting to get in sync." ([33:08])

• Doug Gottlieb: "Saquon Barkley... he's got an MVP chance." ([07:50])

• Mark Sanchez: "If you don't have 11 out of 11 doing the right thing on every play, you can't win games." ([35:32])

Conclusion

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers a rich and nuanced exploration of critical NFL topics, from quarterback protections and defensive strategies to player performances and team injury impacts. With insightful commentary from both Doug Gottlieb and Mark Sanchez, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the complexities shaping the current football landscape. Whether you're seeking analysis on MVP contenders or strategic breakdowns of pivotal games, this episode delivers comprehensive coverage that resonates with fans keen on the intricacies of the sport.