Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 3: Sam Darnold's Perfect Fit, Jordan Palmer
Release Date: January 2, 2025
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Duration: Approx. 40 minutes
Guests: Jordan Palmer and a Quarterback Consultant
1. Introduction
In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, the spotlight is on quarterback development and the intricate dynamics that shape a player's career in the NFL. Jordan Palmer joins the discussion, bringing his expertise and insights into the quarterback landscape, focusing primarily on Sam Darnold's evolution, Josh Allen's transformation, and prospects like Jalen Milroe and Riley Leonard.
2. Sam Darnold's Development and Fit with Kevin O'Connell
Jordan Palmer initiates the conversation by delving into Sam Darnold's recent performance improvements and his synergy with coach Kevin O'Connell. The guest emphasizes that Darnold's talent has remained consistent, but it's his resilience and professional attitude that have been pivotal.
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Key Points:
- Consistency and Professionalism: Despite not having significant physical growth since his draft, Darnold's unwavering work ethic stands out.
- Overcoming Adversity: Darnold's experiences, including trades and media scrutiny, have fortified his character and performance.
- Strategic Development: The quarterly review system focuses on strengths, areas for improvement, and innovative strategies to enhance gameplay.
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Notable Quote:
“The fact that his approach hasn't changed, I think is really actually like a superpower. Your willingness to buy in, find individual things to get better at is the superpower.”
— Guest (03:57)
3. Josh Allen's Evolution
The discussion transitions to Josh Allen, highlighting his significant strides in minimizing sacks and interceptions. The guest attributes Allen's growth to early positive reinforcement and continuous development under his coaching staff.
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Key Points:
- Early Recognition: Allen was first tipped off by Jordan Palmer, foreseeing his potential beyond initial appearances.
- Skill Refinement: Allen's ability to avoid turnovers and enhance his running game has made him a formidable quarterback.
- Dynamic Play: Known as one of the most dynamic runners at the quarterback position, Allen's adaptability has been crucial.
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Notable Quote:
“Josh Allen now doesn't take the sacks and doesn't throw picks. And there's a fascinating... He kept chasing it when he got it early in the first two years.”
— Guest (06:32)
4. Brock Purdy: Niners' Quarterback Prospects
Brock Purdy's performance with the San Francisco 49ers is scrutinized, with the guest praising his leadership and development. The emphasis is on Purdy's ability to thrive when surrounded by a healthy roster and his commendable playoff performance.
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Key Points:
- Leadership: Purdy's maturity and confidence have earned him backing from seasoned players like Sam Darnold.
- Developmental Focus: Continuous improvement in both offseason and in-season practices has been key to Purdy's success.
- Future Potential: The guest suggests that Purdy is poised for a secure future with the Niners, provided the organization continues to build around him.
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Notable Quote:
“He's a bright kid all the way through the Super Bowl. Right. And so if we build around him, this is a guy that I don't know if it starts with the five, but it definitely starts with a three or four.”
— Guest (10:09)
5. Rookies and Future Quarterbacks
The conversation broadens to include emerging talents like Caleb Williams, Jalen Milroe, and Riley Leonard, analyzing their rookie seasons and future prospects.
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Caleb Williams:
- Challenges: Despite a rough rookie season, Williams' underlying talent remains unquestioned.
- Growth Opportunity: A challenging season is viewed as a catalyst for future improvement and maturity.
“This hasn't been the CJ Stroud year from last year... it's a step back... can be really good for your growth.”
— Guest (12:23) -
Jalen Milroe:
- Athleticism: Milroe's exceptional speed and athleticism set him apart from his peers.
- Mechanical Improvements: Focused efforts on refining his throwing mechanics indicate a promising trajectory.
“He is the fastest guy on the team... the athleticism is unique.”
— Guest (20:00) -
Riley Leonard:
- Versatility: Leonard's background, including his time at Duke and Notre Dame, showcases his adaptability and competitiveness.
- Potential Impact: His athletic prowess and ability to handle new environments bode well for his NFL prospects.
“This guy's gonna be a really good player, really athletic.”
— Guest (21:57)
6. Technical Aspects of QB Development
A deep dive into the biomechanics of quarterback throwing techniques underscores the importance of foundational strength and proper force transfer.
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Key Points:
- Force Application: Effective use of ground force through proper footwork enhances throwing velocity and accuracy.
- Injury Recovery: Examples like Joe Burrow's recovery from wrist injuries highlight the significance of targeted strength training.
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Notable Quote:
“It's how am I applying force to the ground and how is that transferring from my back foot to my front foot happening when you can do that and build it all the way up.”
— Guest (24:27)
7. Q&A and Personal Insights
Jordan Palmer poses questions about the guest's optimistic view on quarterbacks compared to his own more cynical stance. The guest reiterates the importance of individual traits and situational performance over raw statistics, advocating for a holistic evaluation of a quarterback's capabilities.
- Notable Quote:
“If you're in the media, tapes less relevant. If you're in a front office, stats are less relevant. It depends on what context you're looking at it through.”
— Guest (09:28)
8. Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The episode wraps up with a reflection on the traits that make a quarterback successful beyond their on-field performance. Emphasis is placed on professionalism, adaptability, and continuous personal development as key factors that contribute to a quarterback's longevity and success in the NFL.
- Notable Quote:
“He's done it like he's been in the league for a long time and already knows what he needs to work on.”
— Guest (24:21)
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- Guest (03:57): “The fact that his approach hasn't changed, I think is really actually like a superpower. Your willingness to buy in, find individual things to get better at is the superpower.”
- Guest (06:32): “Josh Allen now doesn't take the sacks and doesn't throw picks. And there's a fascinating... He kept chasing it when he got it early in the first two years.”
- Guest (10:09): “He's a bright kid all the way through the Super Bowl. Right. And so if we build around him, this is a guy that I don't know if it starts with the five, but it definitely starts with a three or four.”
- Guest (12:23): “This hasn't been the CJ Stroud year from last year... it's a step back... can be really good for your growth.”
- Guest (20:00): “He is the fastest guy on the team... the athleticism is unique.”
- Guest (20:45): “It starts with Burrows. A perfect example... how am I applying force to the ground and how is that transferring from my back foot to my front foot happening when you can do that and build it all the way up.”
- Guest (09:28): “If you're in the media, tapes less relevant. If you're in a front office, stats are less relevant. It depends on what context you're looking at it through.”
- Guest (24:21): “He's done it like he's been in the league for a long time and already knows what he needs to work on.”
Conclusion
This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd provides an in-depth exploration of quarterback development, highlighting the nuanced factors that contribute to a player's success in the NFL. Through insightful discussions and expert analysis, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the elements that shape the careers of both established and emerging quarterbacks.