Summary of "The Best Of Covino & Rich" – The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Release Date: January 21, 2025
Introduction
The episode titled "The Best Of Covino & Rich" serves as a compilation of highlights from the ongoing discussions between Rich Davis and Steve Covino on Fox Sports Radio. The hosts delve into various topics surrounding the NFL, focusing primarily on player performances, team dynamics, and playoff predictions, all while interspersing their conversations with light-hearted banter and audience interactions.
1. Studio Banter and Weekend Recap ([02:02] – [05:30])
Rich Davis opens the show by introducing the live broadcast alongside Steve Covino. The duo reflects on the past weekend's football games, celebrating the excitement and high-level performances while also touching upon events like UFC 311. Their conversation quickly transitions into a humorous discussion about the state of their radio studio, mentioning common issues such as spills leading to stained walls.
- Rich Davis [04:00]: “If you drop an ice cube, do you kick it under the fridge or do you pick it up?”
This remark sets the tone for their camaraderie, emphasizing their mutual respect and understanding of the radio industry's day-to-day challenges.
2. Analyzing Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens ([05:32] – [12:56])
The hosts shift their focus to Lamar Jackson and his performance with the Baltimore Ravens. Rich praises Jackson for not placing blame solely on Mark Andrews following a fumble, highlighting the importance of team accountability.
- Rich Davis [07:18]: “Turnovers. Not only your favorite Sunday morning little treat. No. But the name of the game.”
Steve Covino concurs, emphasizing that turnovers are critical factors in determining the outcome of games. They discuss Jackson's potential and the Ravens' consistent performance over the seasons, debating whether the team's window for a Super Bowl victory is still open.
- Steve Covino [09:24]: “The Ravens just need to play a clean game. That's it in the postseason.”
Rich introduces the concept of "little windows" for opportunities in sports and life, questioning how long teams can sustain success before facing inevitable declines.
- Rich Davis [08:39]: “I think Lamar, he's not old by any means. By any means.”
3. Super Bowl Predictions and Quarterback Performances ([12:56] – [20:10])
The discussion deepens into Super Bowl predictions, focusing on quarterbacks like Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes, and emerging talents such as Jaden Daniels. Rich expresses skepticism about certain quarterbacks' abilities to secure a Super Bowl despite their impressive stats.
- Rich Davis [16:27]: “Every time you go 13 and 4, 14 and 3, 12 and 5, and your fan base is like, this is it.”
Steve counters by highlighting the Ravens' strategic strengths and Lamar Jackson's leadership, suggesting that with fewer turnovers, they remain strong contenders.
- Steve Covino [09:56]: “But they have to work on holding the ball. Let's be honest.”
They also reminisce about past NFL greats who excelled but never won a championship, contemplating whether the current crop of quarterbacks will achieve similar fates.
4. NFL Replay and Referee Calls ([27:01] – [28:35])
Rich and Steve delve into the controversial topic of NFL's replay system and referee calls, particularly focusing on roughing the passer penalties and the consistency of officiating.
- Rich Davis [44:17]: “What made me say, hmm is why. How is it that we can have replay assist, call down and stop a play and get somebody out that they think has a concussion, reverse the call on if it's an actual catch or not…”
They discuss specific instances from recent games where questionable calls affected the outcomes, advocating for a more reliable review process to ensure fairness in the game.
5. Spotlight on Rookie Quarterback Jaden Daniels ([38:17] – [49:32])
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to praising Jaden Daniels' exceptional rookie season. The hosts commend his poise, excitement, and the high regard from his peers, positioning him as one of the most promising young quarterbacks in the league.
- Steve Covino [39:03]: “Jaden Daniels looks so poised. And that's the one thing that noticeably poised. Yes. The way he just calmly.”
Rich draws comparisons between Daniels and other notable second-year quarterbacks who reached pivotal moments early in their careers, such as Joe Burrow.
- Rich Davis [40:00]: “No rookie quarterback has ever won a Super Bowl. Now you might say, wait, Ben Roethlisberger?”
They express optimism about Daniels' future and his potential to lead his team to championship victories, emphasizing his unique blend of talent and composure under pressure.
- Steve Covino [40:56]: “We see that. But it seems like he's also really dedicated and good dude all around, which makes you root for him even more.”
6. UAP Footage and Pop Culture Insights ([50:34] – [53:08])
In an unexpected turn, the conversation shifts to discussing recent UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) retrieval footage released by the US Air Force. The hosts humorously critique the footage, comparing it to pop culture references like "Mork and Mindy," and debate its authenticity.
- Steve Covino [51:28]: “Look, aliens, bro. People have been buzzing about. Buzzing about this guy's footage for a while now.”
Rich joins in with playful skepticism, adding to the light-hearted nature of the segment.
- Rich Davis [51:15]: “It looks like a Twizzler and an egg.”
7. Audience Interaction and Trivia Segment ([60:22] – [67:44])
The latter part of the episode features an engaging trivia game titled "Last One Standing," where listeners participate in sports-related questions. The segment showcases the hosts' competitive spirit and deep sports knowledge.
- Steve Covino [62:14]: “Yes, sir. Back to Brian.”
The game covers topics such as Super Bowl-hosting cities, NBA players with multiple jersey retirements, and NFL teams with the most Pro Bowlers. Steve Covino emerges victorious, demonstrating his extensive knowledge in sports trivia.
- Rich Davis [64:58]: “Covino is the last one standing. That's his.”
8. Concluding Remarks and Final Banter ([67:44] – [69:28])
As the episode wraps up, Rich and Steve share final thoughts, reflecting on the discussions and teasing upcoming topics. Their dynamic interaction underscores their strong rapport and shared passion for sports.
- Rich Davis [66:53]: “You know, I. No excuses, but I thought I wasn't going to say the Patriots. And then I said they won so many Super Bowls.”
They encourage listeners to stay tuned for more insightful and entertaining discussions in future episodes.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
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Rich Davis [04:00]: “If you drop an ice cube, do you kick it under the fridge or do you pick it up?”
-
Rich Davis [07:18]: “Turnovers. Not only your favorite Sunday morning little treat. No. But the name of the game.”
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Rich Davis [08:39]: “Lamar Jackson, he's not old by any means. By any means.”
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Steve Covino [09:24]: “The Ravens just need to play a clean game. That's it in the postseason.”
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Steve Covino [12:56]: “But they have to work on holding the ball. Let's be honest.”
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Rich Davis [16:27]: “Gary Vaynerchuk on Instagram and no TikTok's back. They'll tell you that you could start your own business and become an entrepreneur at 80 if you want.”
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Rich Davis [26:16]: “The replay assist, call down and stop a play and get somebody out that they think has a concussion.”
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Steve Covino [39:03]: “Jaden Daniels looks so poised. And that's the one thing that noticeably poised. Yes. The way he just calmly.”
-
Steve Covino [51:28]: “Look, aliens, bro. People have been buzzing about. Buzzing about this guy's footage for a while now.”
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Rich Davis [64:58]: “Covino is the last one standing. That's his.”
Conclusion
"The Best Of Covino & Rich" offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of NFL dynamics, player performances, and playoff prospects, all delivered with the hosts' trademark blend of expertise and humor. Rich Davis and Steve Covino provide listeners with in-depth analyses, spirited debates, and entertaining interactions, making this episode a valuable listen for sports enthusiasts seeking both information and entertainment.