Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode: Hour 3 - Steelers and Wilson, does Luka give Lebron more life?
Release Date: February 17, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, co-hosts LaVar Arrington and Jonas Knox delve into a range of pressing sports topics. The discussion primarily focuses on the recent NBA All-Star Weekend controversies, Russell Wilson's potential future with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the T. Higgins franchise tag situation with the Cincinnati Bengals, an analysis of the AFC North division, and an intriguing conversation about the impact of Luka Doncic's addition to LeBron James's team.

1. Critique of NBA All-Star Weekend

Arrington and Knox initiate the conversation by expressing their dissatisfaction with the NBA's recent All-Star Weekend. They highlight the superficial nature of the events compared to other major sports leagues.

• Authenticity Concerns:
  Arrington criticizes the NBA for presenting an All-Star Game that doesn't resemble a true competitive match. He states,

  "[...] it's like the NBA, the NFL, a lot of these All Star Games, they present a product that they can't do Live at an All Star event."
  [05:19]

• Comparison with MLB:
  The hosts praise the Major League Baseball All-Star Game for maintaining authenticity, stating it closely resembles actual gameplay, unlike the NBA's version. Arrington remarks,

  "There's a reason why the Major League Baseball All Star Game is the best All Star Game of the bunch, because it's the one that most closely resembles what the actual product is."
  [05:13]

• Opinions from Prominent Figures:
  Draymond Green's and Charles Barkley's criticisms are discussed, with Green finding the All-Star format unfair to serious players like Victor Wembanyama and Stephen Alexander. Barkley echoes similar sentiments, emphasizing the lack of competitive spirit in the event.

  Jonas Knox responds to Barkley by defending the newer generation's efforts to make the event exciting, despite Barkley's reservations.
  [07:56] - [10:40]

2. Russell Wilson's Future with the Pittsburgh Steelers

The potential departure of quarterback Russell Wilson from the Pittsburgh Steelers sparks a detailed analysis of his possible landing spots and the implications for the team.

• Potential Teams:
  Arrington suggests the New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders as plausible destinations for Wilson, noting the Raiders' improved relationship with Pete Carroll.

  "The Raiders do make some sense from the standpoint of there's reports that him and Pete Carroll have mended fences."
  [24:38]

• Market Considerations:
  The Giants are highlighted for their major market appeal, which might align with Wilson's preference for high-profile environments over Pittsburgh's smaller market.

  "The market he wanted to go into like a major, major market from what I could gather."
  [25:15]

• Team Performance and Risks:
  Both potential teams are scrutinized for their current performance levels, with concerns about their ability to utilize Wilson effectively. Knox points out the risks involved, questioning whether these teams can genuinely benefit from Wilson's presence.

  "Do you think somebody swoops in and gives T. Higgins...?"
  [34:04]

• Impact on Steelers:
  The discussion underscores the Steelers' precarious position without a stable quarterback, highlighting that past issues were not solely Wilson's responsibility but also stemmed from team dynamics and play-calling shortcomings.

  "Whatever quarterback you put in that starting position is going to have to deal with the same exact complications that Russ did this season."
  [28:05]

3. T. Higgins Franchise Tag Situation with the Cincinnati Bengals

Arrington and Knox delve into the Cincinnati Bengals' strategic move regarding wide receiver T. Higgins, analyzing its implications for the team and the wider NFL landscape.

• Franchise Tag Implementation:
  The Bengals are expected to place a non-exclusive franchise tag on Higgins for a second consecutive season, aiming to secure his position amidst trade rumors and free agency speculation.

  "The Bengals plan on placing the non-exclusive franchise tag on T. Higgins for a second straight season."
  [32:19]

• Negotiation Dynamics:
  The discussion explores the Bengals' upper hand in negotiations, given Higgins' desire to remain with the team and the likelihood that other teams may not match the Bengals' offer, especially considering the cost of two first-round picks for a long-term deal.

  "Nobody's going to match offer. So with that being said, it gives Cincinnati the upper hand on negotiating a long term contract with Higgins."
  [35:41]

• Team Improvement Needs:
  The hosts emphasize the Bengals' necessity to retain key players like J.K. Hendrickson and improve their defense to complement a potent offense led by Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase.

  "When you have what you have in Joe Burrow, you look at what you have in Ja'Marr Chase... it's a tragedy that you have to play better defense."
  [36:34]

4. Analysis of the AFC North Division

A comprehensive breakdown of the AFC North highlights the Steelers' struggles and the dominance of the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals.

• Steelers' Decline:
  Arrington laments the Steelers' inability to keep pace with division rivals, attributing their decline to quarterback instability and defensive shortcomings.

  "They have not been that dominant this year. So I don't put all of that on Russ."
  [28:07]

• Ravens and Bengals Dominance:
  The Ravens and Bengals are portrayed as formidable contenders with strong quarterbacks and dynamic offenses. Arrington notes that both teams are trending upwards and could pose significant playoff threats.

  "Cincinnati's got a ceiling that Pittsburgh can't reach."
  [32:28]

• Divisional Comparisons:
  The hosts compare the division's top teams, suggesting that Baltimore and Cincinnati are better positioned for success compared to Pittsburgh, which seems stagnant.

  "Baltimore feels like a threat... Ravens just feels flat."
  [30:43]

5. LeBron James and Luka Doncic: A Synergistic Partnership

The episode shifts gears to discuss the NBA's star duo, LeBron James and Luka Doncic, exploring how their collaboration might influence LeBron's career longevity and team dynamics.

• LeBron's Career Outlook:
  Arrington touches on LeBron's statements about potentially retiring in the next few years, questioning whether partnering with Doncic might extend his playing days by relieving some of his leadership burdens.

  "Do you guys think that the addition of Luka, though, will sort of rejuvenate him to play longer than he really wanted to now that he knows he won't have to carry the load?"
  [46:31]

• Doncic's Impact:
  Doncic's arrival is seen as a revitalizing factor for the team, with the potential to compete more effectively in the league.

  "The excitement of being able to add a caliber player like that, a generational talent like that to our franchise, it's something that's given me energy."
  [46:31]

• Comparative Achievements:
  The hosts compare LeBron's and Michael Jordan's championship records, debating how Doncic's presence could influence LeBron's legacy and future achievements.

  "Even if he did not receive full compensation of the credit of getting those championships... it would still go down in the record book that he has seven championships."
  [50:15]

6. Super Bowl Venue Considerations: The Vegas Proposal

Concluding the primary discussions, Arrington and Knox speculate on future Super Bowl locations, particularly focusing on the NFL's renewed interest in Las Vegas.

• Return to Las Vegas:
  According to the Sports Business Journal, the NFL is considering bringing the Super Bowl back to Las Vegas in 2029, impressed by the city's hosting capabilities from previous events.

  "The NFL is preparing a return to Vegas in 2029... they could give him another shot just five years later."
  [51:00]

• Venue Rotation Thoughts:
  The hosts debate the traditional Super Bowl rotation, expressing enthusiasm for potential venues like Miami, New Orleans, Atlanta, and the proposed return to Las Vegas.

  "We talk about the super bowl rotation, right? And it should... Choose between Miami and Vegas, Phoenix."
  [51:42] - [52:20]

Conclusion

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers a deep dive into significant sports narratives, blending critical analysis with engaging banter. From dissecting the flaws of the NBA All-Star Weekend to pondering the future moves of NFL stars and examining divisional strengths, Arrington and Knox provide listeners with comprehensive insights into the current sports landscape. Additionally, the discussion on LeBron James and Luka Doncic adds a compelling angle on NBA team dynamics and player legacies.

Notable Quotes

• LaVar Arrington on MLB All-Star Game Authenticity:

  "There's a reason why the Major League Baseball All Star Game is the best All Star Game of the bunch, because it's the one that most closely resembles what the actual product is."
  [05:13]

• Jonas Knox on Russell Wilson's Market Appeal:

  "The market he wanted to go into like a major, major market from what I could gather."
  [25:15]

• LaVar Arrington on Bengals' Defensive Needs:

  "When you have what you have in Joe Burrow, you look at what you have in Ja'Marr Chase... it's a tragedy that you have to play better defense."
  [36:34]

• Jonas Knox on Luka Doncic's Potential Impact:

  "The excitement of being able to add a caliber player like that, a generational talent like that to our franchise, it's something that's given me energy."
  [46:31]

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from Hour 3 of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, providing a clear and engaging overview for both regular listeners and newcomers alike.