The Herd with Colin Cowherd - Episode Summary: Hour 3 - NFL Headlines
Release Date: December 13, 2024
Host: Colin Cowherd
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Introduction

In the third hour of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," host Colin Cowherd delves deep into the latest NFL headlines, offering insightful analysis, spirited debates, and expert opinions. Joined by co-host John Middlekoff and special guest Jared Goff, the episode navigates through pressing topics such as coaching movements, quarterback valuations, emerging talents, and intriguing player transfers. The conversation is punctuated with humor, candid reflections, and strategic foresight, making it a must-listen for NFL enthusiasts.

Bill Belichick's Potential Move to College Football

[06:10] Colin Cowherd initiates the discussion by highlighting a surprising revelation about Bill Belichick. It was discovered that Belichick's contract contains a clause allowing him to leave with virtually no penalty by June 2nd. Although unlikely to act immediately, Cowherd speculates on the implications of Belichick potentially entering the college football arena.

"He's rehabbing his image. He's on television. He's more fun, he's dating. College is younger. I feel like it's a rehab," Cowherd remarked at [06:10], expressing his cautious optimism about the move.

Jared Goff adds depth to the conversation at [06:39], discussing the complexities Belichick would face in transitioning to college football. Goff emphasizes the strategic advantages Belichick and his staff might bring but also acknowledges the challenges in recruiting and maintaining a strong team culture at the collegiate level.

"In college football with the transfer portal... you got to keep recruiting them to some degree to keep them at the college. So it's layered there," Goff explains at [07:43], outlining the multifaceted nature of college coaching compared to the NFL.

Mike Vrabel's Fit with the Chicago Bears

The conversation shifts to the Chicago Bears and their search for a new head coach. Cowherd praises Mike Vrabel, noting his no-nonsense approach reminiscent of Mike Tomlin.

"Mike Vrabel is one of the smartest guys that I've ever coached," Goff enthuses at [12:13], underscoring Vrabel's strategic acumen and player rapport.

Cowherd further explores Vrabel's potential impact on the Bears, considering the team's needs for both cultural leadership and tactical expertise. The discussion highlights Vrabel's successful track record and his alignment with the Bears' organizational goals.

San Francisco 49ers and A.J. Brown's Role

A significant portion of the hour is dedicated to the San Francisco 49ers' management of star wide receiver A.J. Brown. Cowherd critiques the team's strategy of appeasing Brown by allocating him substantial touches, which he believes disrupts the overall game plan.

"If you're trying to get touches for somebody, did you ever deal with that in the NFL?" Cowherd questions at [07:43], pointing out the potential pitfalls of catering too heavily to a single player.

Goff concurs, emphasizing the challenges of balancing player satisfaction with team performance. He notes that young quarterbacks are particularly vulnerable to such dynamics, lacking the experience to effectively manage demanding players.

"Young quarterbacks can actually calm the huddle down and calm guys like that down and not feel the same pressure to force the ball to them," Goff explains at [09:29].

Quarterback Valuations: Brock Purdy vs. Lamar Jackson vs. Josh Allen

Cowherd delves into the economics of quarterback salaries, comparing the rising costs of elite quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen to the more modest contract of Brock Purdy.

"I can't give him $55 million. I would rather give franchise tag Darnold for one year and get $40 million and live for another day," Cowherd states at [10:22], highlighting the financial constraints teams face in balancing their rosters.

Goff discusses the strategic decisions involved in such scenarios, emphasizing the importance of long-term planning and the limitations imposed by high salaries.

"You have to be honest and objective in the offseason and look at it, because he's going to cost you a lot of money if he's not there," Goff advises at [11:29].

Emerging Talent: Travis Hunter's Dual Role Ambitions

The episode features a spirited debate about Travis Hunter's desire to play both offense and defense in the NFL. Cowherd champions Hunter's ambition, comparing it to Shohei Ohtani's exceptional dual-sport capabilities.

"If Ohtani can pitch and bat, he can play both sides. I have no problem with him playing both ways," Cowherd asserts at [28:04], advocating for Hunter's versatility.

Goff provides a counterpoint, pondering the practical implications and potential disruptions such a dual role might introduce to team dynamics.

"A 21-year-old coming in telling you how he's gonna play," Goff remarks at [28:29], highlighting the challenges of integrating a highly ambitious player into a structured team environment.

Juan Soto's Transition from Yankees to Mets

A notable segment discusses Juan Soto's unexpected move from the New York Yankees to the New York Mets. Cowherd expresses support for Soto, emphasizing the positive impact of committed team ownership.

"Baseball's an individual sport anyway... My takeaway is Steve Cohen's more committed. I wish all owners cared as much as Steve Ballmer and Steve Cohen," Cowherd opines at [32:39], praising the ownership's dedication to team success.

Middlekoff raises concerns about Soto's lack of communication with former teammates, suggesting potential red flags about his character and team dynamics.

"He said he had no communication with any teammates. And this is what, his third or fourth team?" Middlekoff questions at [31:27], indicating possible underlying issues beyond professional performance.

"Tomorrow's Headlines Today" Segment: Game Predictions

A recurring feature of the episode is the "Tomorrow's Headlines Today" segment, where Cowherd and Middlekoff humorously predict the outcomes and headlines of upcoming NFL games. This segment blends expert analysis with comedic elements, offering listeners both information and entertainment.

Examples of Notable Predictions:

• Ravens vs. Giants: Cowherd predicts a dominant performance by Lamar Jackson.

  "My guess is Lamar's like, I'm sick of this Josh Allen crap. I want to get back in the conversation," Cowherd predicts at [40:29].

• Dolphins vs. Texans: Middlekoff leans towards a Texans victory, highlighting Joe Mixon's impact.

  "Hold your horses, indie bucks. Broncos back to stalls," Middlekoff teases at [44:28].

• Bills vs. Lions: A high-stakes game where Cowherd anticipates Josh Allen leading the Bills to a thrilling win.

  "Josh just went from the pocket. Don't run," Cowherd advises at [46:53].

• Steelers vs. Eagles: Both hosts discuss AJ Brown's influence and the defensive strategies of both teams.

  "AJ Brown is key to your Super Bowl chances," Cowherd emphasizes at [43:28].

Conclusion

In Hour 3 of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," listeners are treated to a comprehensive exploration of current NFL narratives. From high-profile coaching transitions and quarterback contract debates to emerging player ambitions and unexpected team changes, Colin Cowherd and his co-hosts provide a balanced mix of analysis and entertainment. The episode effectively captures the dynamic nature of the NFL, offering valuable insights while maintaining an engaging and conversational tone.

Notable Quotes:

• Colin Cowherd at [06:10]:
  "He's rehabbing his image. He's on television. He's more fun, he's dating. College is younger. I feel like it's a rehab."

• Jared Goff at [12:13]:
  "Mike Vrabel is one of the smartest guys that I've ever coached."

• Cowherd at [28:04]:
  "If Ohtani can pitch and bat, he can play both sides. I have no problem with him playing both ways."

• Middlekoff at [31:27]:
  "He said he had no communication with any teammates. And this is what, his third or fourth team?"

• Cowherd at [32:39]:
  "Baseball's an individual sport anyway... My takeaway is Steve Cohen's more committed. I wish all owners cared as much as Steve Ballmer and Steve Cohen."

This detailed, structured summary captures the essence of Hour 3, ensuring that listeners who haven't tuned in can grasp the key discussions, insights, and conclusions presented during the episode.