Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 3: What Are the Browns Doing?
Release Date: May 20, 2025
Host: Colin Cowherd
Guest: Drew Bledsoe, 14-year NFL veteran, four-time Pro Bowler, and Patriots Hall of Famer
1. NFL Coaching and Relationships
Bill Belichick and Jordan Hudson's Relationship
The episode opens with a discussion about the intriguing relationship between New England Patriots' head coach Bill Belichick and Jordan Hudson. Drew Bledsoe expresses fascination over the dynamics of their relationship, highlighting concerns about Belichick dating someone much younger.
Drew Bledsoe [04:07]: "It's going to get eyeballs, right? So if that's what you're looking for, people are going to be watching."
This segment explores how personal relationships can impact professional environments, especially within the high-stakes realm of the NFL.
Transition to College Coaching
The conversation shifts to Belichick's potential move into college coaching, a domain where Drew Bledsoe feels Belichick might face challenges due to differing dynamics compared to the NFL.
Drew Bledsoe [04:47]: "Coaching in college is so much different… Bill has always been so focused, just one-dimensional on the football."
Bledsoe questions whether Belichick's disciplined and academically inclined approach would translate well in the college setting, where recruitment and multifaceted responsibilities play a crucial role.
2. Quarterback Development and Caleb Williams
Evaluating Caleb Williams for the Bears
Drew Bledsoe delves into the prospects of Caleb Williams, analyzing his strengths and areas for improvement as the Bears consider him for their quarterback position.
Drew Bledsoe [06:54]: "I think he really seems to understand that quarterback thing where you first do no harm."
The discussion emphasizes the importance of Williams' ability to manage the game effectively, balancing aggressive plays with strategic decision-making to enhance his team's success.
Impact of Coaching on Quarterback Performance
The role of coaching, particularly quarterbacks' coaches and offensive coordinators, is highlighted as pivotal in shaping a quarterback's career trajectory.
Drew Bledsoe [11:31]: "Sean Payton was an artist when it came to calling plays… I'm really excited to watch that happen."
Bledsoe stresses the significance of experienced coaching in simplifying complex game strategies, thereby fostering quarterback development and performance consistency.
3. Coaching Traits: Dan Vrabel's Success
Dan Vrabel’s Coaching Philosophy
The conversation shifts to Dan Vrabel, a standout coach admired for his energy, intelligence, and credibility derived from his playing days.
Drew Bledsoe [10:09]: "Mike had just tireless energy… that's something that you see with Dan Campbell, too."
Vrabel's ability to connect with players, combined with his strategic acumen, is credited as the "secret sauce" behind his coaching success, making him a respected figure in the NFL coaching landscape.
4. NBA Playoffs and Player Performance
Warriors' Elimination and Jimmy Butler's Role
The hosts analyze the Golden State Warriors' exit from the playoffs, focusing on Jimmy Butler's performance as he struggled to compensate for Stephen Curry's absence.
Drew Bledsoe [24:49]: "Steph… he was carrying the offense when Steph got hurt."
Bledsoe critiques Butler's shot distribution and decision-making, suggesting that Butler's efforts were insufficient to propel the Warriors deeper into the playoffs without Curry's leadership.
Ranking Top NBA Players
An extensive dialogue ensues where Colin and Drew collaboratively rank the top NBA players, debating the positions of stars like Nikola Jokić, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Jalen Brunson.
Drew Bledsoe [25:18]: "Jokic, SGA, Giannis, Luka, Ant, Tatum…"
This segment underscores the competitive landscape of the NBA, highlighting the challenges players face in maintaining top-tier performances during critical playoff moments.
Adam Silver's Parity Initiative
The discussion broadens to Adam Silver's efforts to promote parity within the NBA, aiming to balance team strengths and expand the league's global audience.
Drew Bledsoe [36:13]: "He is a bit… it's not naive. He's more of an idealist."
Bledsoe expresses skepticism about whether these parity measures will resonate with casual fans, drawing parallels with Hollywood's storytelling structures where clear heroes and villains drive audience engagement.
5. MLB Highlight: Juan Soto's Home Run Mishap
Soto's Overestimated Home Run
Switching gears to Major League Baseball, Colin and Drew discuss Juan Soto's recent home run attempt that failed to clear the Green Monster, leading to significant scrutiny.
Drew Bledsoe [28:03]: "He thought he had it…"
Soto's lack of hustle and the resulting single sparked conversations about player accountability, especially following his substantial $765 million contract with the Mets.
6. Season Outlook and Team Projections
Analyzing Team Performances and Coach Impact
The episode concludes with predictions and insights into various teams' prospects for the upcoming season. Drew Bledsoe shares his struggles in identifying new playoff teams, attributing it to the league's increasing reliance on elite quarterbacks and head coaches.
Drew Bledsoe [40:22]: "David Stern inherited a league where you had parity…"
Bledsoe reflects on the NFL's evolving dynamics, questioning whether the league's move towards longer schedules and enhanced quarterback-centric strategies will limit upsets and maintain the dominance of established teams and players.
Notable Quotes
- Drew Bledsoe [04:07]: "If nothing else, it's going to get eyeballs, right?"
- Drew Bledsoe [06:54]: "I think he really seems to understand that quarterback thing where you first do no harm."
- Drew Bledsoe [10:09]: "Sean Payton was an artist when it came to calling plays…"
- Drew Bledsoe [24:49]: "Steph… he was carrying the offense when Steph got hurt."
- Drew Bledsoe [36:13]: "He is a bit… it's not naive. He's more of an idealist."
Conclusion
In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, the hosts and guest Drew Bledsoe provide a comprehensive analysis of current sports narratives, ranging from NFL coaching dynamics and quarterback development to NBA playoff performances and MLB player accountability. The discussions offer listeners valuable insights into the complexities of professional sports management and athlete performance, framed by firsthand experiences and expert opinions.