Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd - Hour 3: NFL Expectations

Release Date: July 10, 2025
Host/Authors: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Description: The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers a thought-provoking, opinionated, and topic-driven exploration of the top sports stories each day. In this episode, titled "Hour 3 - NFL Expectations," Colin Cowherd delves deep into the upcoming NFL season, analyzing team dynamics, coaching changes, player performances, and betting insights.

1. Introduction to NFL Coaching Changes

Hosts: Colin Cowherd, Jason McIntyre, Eric Mangini

The episode kicks off with a discussion about the Dallas Cowboys' recent hiring of Brian Schottenheimer as their offensive coordinator. Former Jets head coach Eric Mangini shares his insights into Schottenheimer's qualifications and potential impact on the team.

• Eric Mangini [04:11]: “Brian has conviccion, but he's also willing to hear people out and incorporate new ideas and to try to innovate. And to me, that's an undervalued asset for any head coach.”

Mangini emphasizes Schottenheimer's blend of conviction and openness to innovation, highlighting his experience and football lineage as key strengths.

2. Evaluating the Dallas Cowboys' Offensive Strategy

Key Points:

• Brian Schottenheimer's Appointment: Contrary to typical Cowboys hires seeking high-profile names, Schottenheimer brings a seasoned and thoughtful approach.

• Offensive Philosophy: Incorporation of elements from his previous tenure with the San Diego Chargers, focusing on shifting, motioning, and multiple formations to enhance creativity and unpredictability in the offense.

• Jason McIntyre [06:28]: “With strong personalities like Pickens, CD Lamb, and Micah Parsons, managing the team’s dynamics will be challenging for a first-time head coach like Schottenheimer.”

Mangini reassures that Schottenheimer's ability to relate to players, especially quarterbacks, and his partnership with defensive coordinator Matt Eberfluous, who has a proven track record in Chicago, will be pivotal in navigating the team's strong personalities and high expectations.

3. The New York Jets: Fresh Starts and Expectations

Discussion with Eric Mangini:

• New Coaching Staff: Aaron Glenn steps in as the Jets' first-time head coach, bringing a mix of inexperience and fresh ideas.

• Magnini [08:03]: “Aaron has gone through the process from scout to personnel to assistant coordinator. His journey as a player brings invaluable experience.”

• Justin Fields' Potential: Fields is seen as a key player with improving statistics, and there's cautious optimism about his ability to lead the team effectively.

• Jason McIntyre [07:29]: “With a new offensive coordinator and a promising quarterback like Justin Fields, there's potential for a breakout season, albeit with realistic expectations.”

Mangini highlights the balance between youth and experience in the Jets' roster, suggesting that while the team might not dominate, there is room for growth and surprises.

4. Travis Kelce and the Chiefs: Balancing Performance and Off-Field Activities

Key Insights:

• Travis Kelce's Season Performance: Despite high expectations, Kelce's production this season has been satisfactory but not stellar, raising questions about his future with the Chiefs.

• Eric Mangini [10:22]: “Travis had 96 catches last season, but the touchdowns were lower than desired. However, his recent low-key approach promises better focus and performance.”

Mangini discusses Kelce's off-season activities, including media engagements like his TV show and podcast, which might have impacted his on-field performance. He remains optimistic about Kelce's ability to recalibrate and enhance his productivity.

• Jason McIntyre [12:03]: “While Kelce hosts a game show and engages in various activities, it might have detracted from his on-field focus. However, a more subdued off-season could lead to improved performance.”

5. Betting Insights with Adam Chernoff: NFL Win Totals and Player Projections

Guest: Adam Chernoff, NFL Gambling Analyst

Jason McIntyre introduces Adam Chernoff to discuss NFL betting trends and season-long wagers.

• Trevor Lawrence to Lead the League in Touchdowns [32:10]:

  • Alex Curry: “With a creative run game and a superstar wide receiver in Robinson, Lawrence is poised for his best season yet. Bet Trevor Lawrence at +28 to 1 for leading in touchdowns.”

  Chernoff believes that Lawrence's improved offensive line and supportive coaching will propel him to new heights, making this a high-value yet potentially controversial bet.

• Roma Dunze as the Bears' Top Wide Receiver [34:23]:

  • Alex Curry: “Roma Dunze is set to be the Bears' leading receiver with over 1,000 receiving yards at +175. Despite a challenging previous season, Dunze's breakout is imminent.”

  Chernoff emphasizes the Bears' offensive overhaul and Dunze's potential to capitalize on new playcalling strategies.

• Jared Goff's Passing Yards [35:49]:

  • Alex Curry: “With coaching changes and less pre-snap assistance, Jared Goff's passing yards are projected to be under 3,875.50, making this a strong under bet.”

  Chernoff points out that without the elite playcalling support Goff previously enjoyed, his performance might plateau.

6. Team-Specific Analyses

a. Los Angeles Dodgers: A Brief Detour into Baseball

While primarily an NFL-focused episode, there's a segment discussing the Dodgers' recent struggles despite having the best record in the National League.

• Colin Cowherd [22:44]: “The Dodgers' six-game losing streak is typical in a long baseball season. Key players are returning from injuries, and historical run differentials suggest a temporary slump.”

Cowherd reassures baseball fans that the Dodgers' current performance dip is a normal part of the season's ebb and flow, with several players nearing returns from injury potentially boosting performance post-All-Star break.

b. Las Vegas Raiders: Pete Carroll's Cultural Shift

• Colin Cowherd [23:02]: “Pete Carroll is instilling genuine energy and a winning culture in the Raiders. Despite the challenging division, Carroll’s leadership is fostering positive changes within the team.”

Jason McIntyre probes whether Carroll's comment about "not fake energy" is a critique of previous management styles, to which Cowherd affirms Carroll's authenticity and experience are exactly what the Raiders need.

7. NFL Betting Strategies and Future Predictions

Discussion Points:

• Chiefs' Offensive Potential: With returning wide receivers and an expanded playbook, Chernoff does not foresee the Chiefs missing the playoffs, countering off-season pessimism.

  • Alex Curry: “The Chiefs' offense has a high ceiling this year with Mahomes and returning talent. Betting against their playoff presence feels premature.”

• Jets as a Betting Underdog: Despite a revised outlook, Chernoff sees the Jets as a viable week-to-week bet early in the season due to their underestimation and new coaching dynamics.

  • Alex Curry: “The Jets might be more competitive than people anticipate, making them a smart underdog pick in early matchups.”

8. Concluding Remarks

The episode wraps up with a recap of key insights and a nod to upcoming topics, including more detailed betting strategies and further team analyses.

• Jason McIntyre [40:48]: “Thanks to Mangini, Chernoff, and others for their valuable insights. Stay tuned as we continue to break down the NFL season's expectations and betting opportunities.”

Colin Cowherd emphasizes maintaining realistic expectations while staying open to surprises as the NFL season progresses.

Notable Quotes

• Eric Mangini [04:11]: “Brian has conviction, but he's also willing to hear people out and incorporate new ideas and to try to innovate. And to me, that's an undervalued asset for any head coach.”

• Jason McIntyre [07:29]: “With a new offensive coordinator and a promising quarterback like Justin Fields, there's potential for a breakout season, albeit with realistic expectations.”

• Eric Mangini [10:22]: “Travis had 96 catches last season, but the touchdowns were lower than desired. However, his recent low-key approach promises better focus and performance.”

• Alex Curry [34:23]: “Roma Dunze is set to be the Bears' leading receiver with over 1,000 receiving yards at +175. Despite a challenging previous season, Dunze's breakout is imminent.”

• Colin Cowherd [23:02]: “Pete Carroll is instilling genuine energy and a winning culture in the Raiders. Despite the challenging division, Carroll’s leadership is fostering positive changes within the team.”

Conclusion

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, listeners gain comprehensive insights into the upcoming NFL season's expectations. From coaching changes and player potentials to strategic betting advice, Colin Cowherd and his guests provide a thorough analysis designed to inform and engage both casual fans and sports enthusiasts alike.