The Herd with Colin Cowherd - Episode: The Best Of Covino & Rich (January 28, 2025)
In the Best Of Covino & Rich episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, hosts Covino and Rich Davis delve into the highly anticipated Super Bowl matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. This episode offers a comprehensive analysis of the teams, players, fan sentiments, and the broader implications of this championship clash.
Super Bowl 59: Chiefs vs. Eagles – Setting the Stage
The conversation begins with Covino expressing his longing for a more unconventional Super Bowl contender, such as the Detroit Lions or Buffalo Bills, to create more engaging storylines:
Covino ([02:50]): "If it's not my team, I want the Lions or you know what, the Bills. That would be a great story… all along it's been Eagles Chiefs."
Rich agrees but acknowledges the historical significance of the Chiefs-Eagles matchup, setting the tone for a deep dive into what makes this Super Bowl unique.
Team Performance and Key Players
Kansas City Chiefs: Patrick Mahomes' Magic
Covino highlights Patrick Mahomes' exceptional performance throughout the season, comparing his clutch playmaking ability to sports legends:
Covino ([04:01]): "There's a magic that when it matters, they turn it on… he just takes Red Jordan, Tiger Woods, Mahomes."
Danny G emphasizes Mahomes' consistency and leadership:
Danny G ([05:02]): "Mahomes is playing the best he's played all season."
Philadelphia Eagles: The Dual Threat of Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley
Rich praises Saquon Barkley's unstoppable running, which poses a significant challenge for any defense:
Rich Davis ([05:29]): "I really don't know how you shut him down. I don't know how the Chiefs defense shuts this guy down."
Covino adds that despite the Eagles' defensive strategies, Barkley's performance remains a game-changer:
Covino ([04:07]): "The game plan was to stop the run yet they still rush for over 200 yards as a team."
Rooting Interests: History vs. New Narratives
A major theme revolves around whom to root for in the Super Bowl: the historically dominant Chiefs led by Mahomes or the emerging narrative of the Eagles with Hurts and Barkley.
Covino ([10:15]): "I'm rooting for history. I didn't think I would, but I'm rooting for Mahomes to get it done. Three Pete put in the history books…"
Rich Davis ([16:13]): "I want something that changes history, something that is different in the 3. Pete doesn't do it for me. I want the one off. I want the new team, the Eagles."
This debate underscores the classic sports dilemma of supporting a proven dynasty versus backing a team with exciting new talent.
Fanbase Sentiment and Social Media Buzz
Covino and Rich openly critique the passion and intensity of the Eagles' fanbase, comparing them to Yankees fans in terms of divisiveness.
Covino ([09:14]): "With those fans, oh my God, they're right below Yankees fans. Like Eagles fans are brutal."
The hosts also touch upon the broader social media sentiment, including memes and conspiracy theories suggesting the game might be rigged in favor of the Chiefs.
Covino ([23:34]): "Do you believe anything is possibly rigged? Most of them are judges, right? They're not just like Tom Dick or Harry's off the streets. These are men of honor."
Danny G ([23:54]): "I don't believe in the NFL logo. Super Bowl logo conspiracy."
They debate the plausibility of such theories, ultimately leaning towards the integrity of the game officials.
Conspiracy Theories and Game Integrity
The discussion delves deeper into the rumors of game-fixing, with the hosts analyzing specific plays that fueled these theories.
Covino ([26:10]): "Do you really think the NFL, the National Football League, where the referees are judges and lawyers, do you think they're all going to go along with it?"
Danny G ([27:08]): "If you were to tell me, look, there's millions of more to be made having the Swifties and that fan base in it, again, there's something to be said about it."
Despite the skepticism, Covino and Rich acknowledge the fervent discussions surrounding officiating decisions in crucial moments of the game.
Memorable Plays and Their Lasting Impact
Comparing past iconic yet ultimately inconsequential plays, the hosts highlight how victory cements a play's legacy.
Covino ([40:34]): "Magical moments are lost when your team doesn't win. James Cook reaching for the end zone will go down in history as one of the greatest plays that ended up not mattering."
This segment underscores the importance of team success in defining memorable sports moments.
Interactive Segment: Last One Standing Trivia
To engage their audience, Covino and Rich introduce a trivia game titled "Last One Standing." Contestants answer sports-related questions under time pressure, adding an entertaining twist to the episode.
Rich Davis ([57:30]): "The 49ers have three byer… Eagles have three…"
Rich emerges victorious in this segment, showcasing his extensive sports knowledge and providing a lively break from analytical discussions.
Final Thoughts and Conclusion
As the episode wraps up, Covino reflects on the mixed feelings toward Super Bowl 59, balancing the excitement of witnessing Mahomes' potential historical achievement against the lack of universally appealing storylines.
Covino ([50:29]): "Saquon Barkley going down as one of the best trades of all time… history being made with Mahomes."
Rich concurs, emphasizing the uniqueness of Mahomes and the Chiefs' pursuit of a three-peat.
Rich Davis ([16:13]): "I want something that changes history… I want the new team, the Eagles."
The hosts encourage listeners to share their rooting interests and engage with the broader conversation on social media, highlighting the communal aspect of sports fandom.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Covino ([04:01]): "There's a magic that when it matters, they turn it on… he just takes Red Jordan, Tiger Woods, Mahomes."
- Danny G ([05:02]): "Mahomes is playing the best he's played all season."
- Rich Davis ([05:29]): "I really don't know how you shut him down."
- Covino ([09:14]): "With those fans, oh my God, they're right below Yankees fans. Like Eagles fans are brutal."
- Covino ([23:34]): "Do you believe anything is possibly rigged?"
- Danny G ([27:08]): "If you were to tell me, look, there's millions of more to be made having the Swifties and that fan base in it…."
- Covino ([40:34]): "Magical moments are lost when your team doesn't win."
- Covino ([50:29]): "Saquon Barkley going down as one of the best trades of all time… history being made with Mahomes."
Conclusion
The Herd with Colin Cowherd presents a dynamic and engaging episode with Covino and Rich Davis at the helm, offering listeners a thorough examination of Super Bowl 59. Through spirited debates, analytical insights, and interactive segments, the hosts provide a multifaceted perspective on one of sports' most significant events, ensuring that both ardent fans and casual observers find value and entertainment in their discussions.