Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 3: NFL News
Release Date: May 30, 2025
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Introduction

The Herd with Colin Cowherd delves deep into the latest NFL developments in its third hour, featuring insightful discussions between hosts Jason McIntyre and David Hellman. The episode navigates through controversial rankings, team strategies, and quarterback performances, offering listeners a comprehensive analysis of the current NFL landscape.

1. Dak Prescott Under Scrutiny

Brian Schottenheimer’s Comments

• Timestamp [03:22]: Jason McIntyre introduces a clip featuring Dallas Cowboys' new head coach, Brian Schottenheimer, who controversially labeled veteran quarterback Dak Prescott as "developmental."
• Timestamp [03:36]: Colin Cowherd comments, "It sounds crazy for guys played that much," highlighting the perplexity surrounding Prescott's classification despite his experience.

Pro Football Focus Rankings

• Timestamp [04:52]: McIntyre ties Schottenheimer's remarks to a recent Pro Football Focus (PFF) ranking Dak as the 17th best quarterback, a sharp decline from his previous All-Pro and MVP candidacies.

David Hellman’s Defense

• Timestamp [05:14]: Hellman counters the criticism by emphasizing Prescott’s accomplishments, stating, "Dak was an MVP candidate two years ago. He was an All Pro," and arguing that his injuries have unfairly impacted his ranking.
• Timestamp [06:07]: He further defends Prescott, noting, "There are at least six quarterbacks on that list that haven't accomplished anywhere near as much as Dak Prescott has."

2. Dallas Cowboys’ Offensive Evolution

Adding CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens

• Timestamp [06:22]: McIntyre discusses the Cowboys' acquisition of wide receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, suggesting that their chemistry could revitalize the offense.
• Timestamp [07:00]: Hellman supports this view, explaining, "Dak can get the ball to his receivers. Pickens compliments CeeDee really well," and predicts a more exciting offensive display.

Running Back Room Concerns

• Timestamp [08:08]: The conversation shifts to the Cowboys' running backs, with Hellman expressing skepticism about the depth beyond Miles Sanders, citing Javante Williams and Jaden Blue as potential but unproven options.
• Timestamp [08:30]: Hellman mentions, "Their running back room's not that great," yet remains cautiously optimistic about Sanders’ ability to contribute effectively.

3. Quarterback Rankings in the NFC

David Hellman’s NFC QB Rankings

• Timestamp [09:15]: McIntyre prompts Hellman to rank NFC quarterbacks, setting the stage for a debate on player performances and potential.
• Timestamp [09:38]: Hellman outlines his rankings, placing Jalen Hurts at the top due to his Super Bowl MVP performance, followed by Dak Prescott. He notes, "Dak is a better pure quarterback than Jalen Hurts," yet acknowledges Hurts' achievements.

4. The Respect Debate: Jalen Hurts vs. Dak Prescott

Jalen Hurts’ Super Bowl MVP

• Timestamp [10:53]: McIntyre questions why Hurts isn't universally recognized as a top-five quarterback despite his MVP title and Super Bowl success.
• Timestamp [11:15]: Hellman defends Hurts, stating, "He is a quarterback that is good enough to win you a Super Bowl and that's really all anybody should care about," while maintaining he wouldn’t place Hurts in his top five.

Offensive Strategy and Support

• Timestamp [12:22]: Hellman critiques the Philadelphia Eagles' offensive strategy, attributing their success to running back Saquon Barkley, stating, "Saquon was the engine of that offense."
• Timestamp [13:08]: He emphasizes the importance of offensive support, saying, "They've got a great quarterback... The Cowboys offensive line should be better this year."

5. Trevor Lawrence and First-Round Pick “Plot Armor”

Challenges Faced by Trevor Lawrence

• Timestamp [21:05]: Hellman discusses Trevor Lawrence's struggles with multiple head coaches, labeling it as "first round pick plot armor," where higher draft picks receive undue leniency.
• Timestamp [21:18]: He elaborates, "People will work to find reasons why it's not your fault if you were drafted in a certain range," suggesting Lawrence hasn’t achieved as much as peers like Jalen Hurts or Dak Prescott.

6. Detroit Lions’ Troubles and Leadership

Coordinator Changes and Team Performance

• Timestamp [22:58]: The focus shifts to the Detroit Lions, with Hellman analyzing their disappointing performance despite a strong roster.
• Timestamp [24:15]: He highlights the impact of recent coordinator changes, asserting, "We've seen what coordinator changes can do," and expresses trust in head coach Dan Campbell’s ability to navigate these challenges.

7. New York Giants’ Daunting Schedule

Brian Daboll’s Position and Schedule Strength

• Timestamp [24:26]: McIntyre raises concerns about the New York Giants' tough schedule.
• Timestamp [24:42]: Hellman concurs, saying, "I think they’re screwed," due to facing six playoff teams in the first eight weeks, despite having a competent roster.
• Timestamp [25:43]: Hellman concludes that the Giants' challenging schedule might force coach Brian Daboll to reconsider his position.

Conclusion

The episode offers a balanced examination of key NFL narratives, from individual quarterback performances to broader team strategies and challenges. Jason McIntyre and David Hellman provide nuanced perspectives, defending underappreciated players like Dak Prescott while critically analyzing the performances and management decisions of teams like the Cowboys, Lions, and Giants. Listeners gain a thorough understanding of the current NFL dynamics, enriched with candid quotes and expert analysis.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason McIntyre [03:22]: "Brian Schottenheimer... he’s your new head coach of the Cowboys."
• Colin Cowherd [03:36]: "It sounds crazy for guys played that much."
• David Hellman [05:14]: "Dak was an MVP candidate two years ago. He was an All Pro."
• David Hellman [06:07]: "There are at least six quarterbacks on that list that haven't accomplished anywhere near as much as Dak Prescott has."
• Jason McIntyre [09:15]: "Let's go to the division. I want you to rank the quarterbacks in the NFC least."
• David Hellman [11:15]: "He is a quarterback that is good enough to win you a Super Bowl and that's really all anybody should care about."
• David Hellman [21:18]: "People will work to find reasons why it's not your fault if you were drafted in a certain range."

Final Thoughts

This in-depth episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd provides valuable insights into pressing NFL issues, making it a must-listen for sports enthusiasts seeking informed commentary on the league’s hottest topics.