The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 3: Matthew Stafford

Release Date: February 28, 2025
Host: Colin Cowherd
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Duration: Approximately 51 minutes

1. Introduction and Opening Remarks

The episode begins with Colin Cowherd warmly welcoming listeners from Los Angeles and elsewhere, setting the stage for a deep dive into current sports narratives, primarily focusing on NFL and NBA developments.

2. Matthew Stafford Remains with the LA Rams

Timestamp: [00:58] – [12:51]

Colin Cowherd discusses the significant NFL news that quarterback Matthew Stafford has decided to stay with the LA Rams. This decision comes amidst interest from other teams, notably the New York Giants expressing interest in NFL star Aaron Rodgers.

• Stafford's Contract:

  • Colin: "Matt Stafford staying with the Rams, new contract, couple years, I guess. 100 million guaranteed, two years." ([11:32])
  • Insight: Stafford was contemplating his future, considering offers from both the Rams and the Raiders. The decision to stay was influenced by his strong relationship with coach Sean McVay and the team's competitive roster.

• Aaron Rodgers Speculation:

  • Colin: "The Giants reportedly now they will shift their attention to Aaron Rodgers." ([12:51])
  • Colin's Take: Rodgers may prefer to remain in New York due to personal ties. Colin expresses skepticism about Rodgers joining teams like the Jets or Steelers, emphasizing the cultural and organizational fit.

• Impact on the Rams:

  • Colin: "We are not going to be the same football team without Matt Stafford. We are not going to be the same franchise." ([11:32])
  • Analysis: Stafford's retention is pivotal for the Rams' prospects, enhancing their offensive capabilities and solidifying their chance to compete for championships in the coming years.

3. LeBron James' Outstanding Performance

Timestamp: [9:50] – [11:32]

The discussion shifts to NBA superstar LeBron James, highlighting his recent exceptional performance and comparing his current play to that of younger athletes.

• LeBron's Statistics:

  • Colin: "LeBron in February, 29 and a half points, 10 rebounds, seven and a half assists. Shooting 55% from the floor, 46 on three pointers and playing elite on ball defense." ([11:32])
  • LeBron's Persistence: At 40 years old, LeBron continues to defy expectations, showcasing an elevated level of energy, defense, and scoring ability compared to his younger counterparts.

• LeBron's Evolution:

  • Colin: "LeBron's fourth quarter energy, it doesn't even make sense. His on ball defense right now, this is the best defense he's played in eight years." ([11:32])
  • Colin's Observation: LeBron's improved defensive play and unwavering energy are critical factors in the Lakers' current success, positioning him as a key player in their championship aspirations.

• LeBron's Statement:

  • LeBron James: "We know we could have been a lot better offensively, but you know, we've been hanging our hat on our defense..." ([11:07])
  • Context: LeBron acknowledges the team's defensive focus and their ability to secure wins through timely stops, despite offensive inconsistencies.

4. NBA Playoffs and Team Performances

Timestamp: [13:15] – [48:21]

Colin and guest analysts delve into the performances and prospects of various NBA teams, assessing strengths, weaknesses, and future potentials.

• Phoenix Suns Turmoil:

  • Rick Bucher: "According to NBA insider Chris Haynes... Devin Booker versus the coach... It hasn't looked good in that match." ([34:17])
  • Colin's Take: The Suns are struggling defensively, ranking 27th, and facing internal conflicts between key players and coaching staff, casting doubt on their playoff viability.

• Dallas Mavericks Outlook:

  • Colin: "If AD And Lively come back, I think they can beat anybody in the league." ([44:10])
  • Rick: "With Kyrie and A.D., they've got remarkable size. If this team gets healthy, they can be dangerous." ([45:06])
  • Analysis: The Mavericks' potential hinges on the health and performance of stars like Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving. If they remain healthy, Dallas could pose a significant threat in the playoffs.

• Los Angeles Lakers Dominance:

  • Rick: "They have their core four — LeBron, Kawhi, etc. They are a very dynamic team offensively..." ([46:17])
  • Colin: "LeBron's been outplaying Jokic and Kyrie and Luka in the last week." ([46:41])
  • Insight: The Lakers' balanced roster, led by a revitalized LeBron, secure their position as a top contender, with strong defensive and offensive strategies driving their success.

• Boston Celtics Consistency:

  • Rick: "This Boston team is so stacked, no way I'm picking against him." ([48:21])
  • Colin: "They are very well coached. They like each other... Jason Tatum is accomplishing stuff that took guys their entire career to do." ([47:56])
  • Evaluation: The Celtics remain a powerhouse due to their cohesive team dynamics, exceptional coaching, and the stellar performance of Jason Tatum, making them a formidable team in the league.

5. NFL Draft and Emerging Quarterbacks

Timestamp: [33:05] – [39:50]

The conversation transitions back to the NFL, focusing on the upcoming draft and promising quarterback prospects.

• Travis Hunter and Will Johnson:

  • Rick Bucher: "Mason Graham are both play right away. He's a complete game changer." ([33:48])
  • Colin: "Jackson Dart has two advantages... coached in the NFL and played in the SEC... he is the best cornerback in the draft." ([38:34])
  • Analysis: Both Hunter and Johnson are highlighted as top prospects capable of making immediate impacts, with Jackson Dart particularly noted for his defensive prowess.

• Jackson Dart's Potential:

  • Colin: "Jackson Dart's got talent... but he’s not ready to carry a franchise." ([39:07])
  • Rick: "If the Rams take Jackson Dart in the third round, he's going to be good." ([39:50])
  • Insight: Dart is recognized for his intelligence and adaptability, making him a valuable pick, though not necessarily a franchise quarterback from the outset.

6. Controversial Coaching Decisions and Team Dynamics

Timestamp: [34:17] – [37:05]

The episode addresses internal team conflicts and coaching decisions affecting team performance.

• Phoenix Suns' Coaching Conflict:
  • Rick: "Mike Budenholzer asked Booker to tone down his vocal presence... Booker shocked by the directive." ([34:17])
  • Colin: "Budenholzer is in a little trouble. It's not working." ([35:33])
  • Analysis: The tension between Coach Budenholzer and Devin Booker is undermining team cohesion, leading to potential coaching changes and strategic overhauls.

7. Media and Player Relationships

Timestamp: [29:30] – [32:24]

Discussion on how media interactions and player personalities influence public perception and player marketability.

• LeBron's Aura vs. Jason Tatum's Persona:

  • Colin: "LeBron has an aura... Jason Tatum doesn't have the charisma." ([32:03] – [32:24])
  • Unnamed Analyst: Emphasizes the importance of both talent and personality in becoming the face of the league.
  • Insight: While Tatum is highly skilled, the lack of a charismatic persona limits his marketability compared to players like LeBron James, who combine talent with a strong personal brand.

• Media's Role in Athlete Perception:

  • Colin: "The media coverage often puts players on pedestals they haven't earned, leading to unfair criticisms." ([29:30] – [32:24])
  • Analysis: The media's portrayal of athletes can inflate their reputations, making subsequent critiques seem harsher and less justified.

8. Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

Timestamp: [49:32] – [51:00]

Colin wraps up the episode by summarizing key points, highlighting the complexities of player-team dynamics, and reiterating the importance of strategic decisions in both the NFL and NBA.

• Final Take on Aaron Rodgers:

  • Colin: "Aaron Rodgers prefers staying with the Giants, but compatibility issues make it unlikely." ([49:32])
  • Rick: "Aaron Rodgers is a Hall of Famer but may not fit culturally with certain teams." ([49:32])

• Overall Reflection:

  • Colin: "Sports narratives are continuously evolving, and strategic decisions by teams and players shape the future landscape of both the NFL and NBA." ([50:59])

Notable Quotes

• Colin Cowherd on Stafford’s Decision:

  "He's trying to make things uncomfortable for the Rams, and he probably got more money." ([10:30])

• LeBron James on Team Defense:

  "We've been hanging our hat on our defense... get stops and come out with the win." ([11:07])

• Steph Curry on Shooting:

  "Make some noise for the greatest shooter of all time, Steph Curry." ([17:21])

• Colin Cowherd on Media Influence:

  "You have all of these young players... they get put on pedestals they haven't earned, and then they get knocked off." ([30:35])

Conclusion

In this episode, Colin Cowherd provides an in-depth analysis of Matthew Stafford's decision to remain with the LA Rams, Aaron Rodgers' uncertain future, and LeBron James' remarkable performance at 40. The discussion extends to team dynamics within the NBA, media influence on player reputations, and emerging talents in the NFL draft. Colin, alongside guests like Rick Bucher and unnamed analysts, offers insightful commentary on the strategic decisions shaping the current sports landscape, making this episode a comprehensive guide for fans seeking to understand the intricate narratives in professional sports.