Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – "The Best Of Covino & Rich"

Episode Information:

• Title: The Best Of Covino & Rich
• Release Date: February 11, 2025
• Hosts: Covino, Rich Davis, Dan Beyer (Big Bert), Spot, Monsieur
• Platform: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

1. Super Bowl Weekend Recap

Covino and Rich kick off the discussion by reflecting on the Super Bowl weekend, expressing mixed emotions about the game's outcome and overall experience.

• Covino: “[00:22] ... investieren so much in the football season ... it comes down to a wet fart that we got last night.”
• Rich Davis: Introduces the term "whelming" to describe the day's events, indicating a sense of mediocrity rather than being underwhelmed or overwhelmed.
  • “[00:22] ... release me. There was a lot. And you said the word whelming.”

2. Game Analysis

The hosts delve into the Super Bowl game's dynamics, highlighting the dominance of the Philadelphia Eagles over the Kansas City Chiefs.

• Covino: Criticizes the Chiefs’ performance, stating they were never truly in the game unless viewed from an Eagles fan perspective.

  • “[00:36] ... there was nothing to be really excited about.”

• Rich Davis: Highlights Philadelphia's ball control and strategic gameplay, mentioning how the Chiefs were stifled throughout the game.

  • “[02:23] ... Patrick Mahomes here, exclusive on the Cavino and Rich show.”

• Dan Beyer (Big Bert): Observes the Chiefs’ inability to adjust their game plan, leading to their eventual defeat.

  • “[08:43]... the Super Bowl halftime show did not translate to the crowd that was intended...”

3. Player Performances and Narratives

The discussion shifts to individual player performances, focusing on quarterbacks Jalen Hurts and Patrick Mahomes, and the implications for their legacies.

• Covino: Praises Jalen Hurts for his leadership and the Eagles' comeback story, emphasizing perseverance.

  • “[04:12]... Jalen Hurts, lost the super bowl, came back and clobbered the team that beat him.”

• Rich Davis: Critiques Mahomes' performance as one of the most embarrassing for any quarterback, questioning his future Super Bowl prospects.

  • “[03:09] Brady probably on pause for now. Pump the brakes on that...”

• Covino: Notes Mahomes’ struggles and the media's quick backlash, contrasting it with the steady reputations of legends like Tom Brady.

  • “[03:52] ... 'the world of hot takes' ... they're equally as wrong as people say.”

4. Halftime Show Review

The hosts evaluate the Super Bowl halftime show, discussing the choice of artists, performance quality, and audience reception.

• Covino: Appreciates the halftime show’s artistic risk but feels it didn’t fully resonate with the broader audience.

  • “[05:25] ... they went for something different. Anyone under 40 loved it. Anyone over 40 really didn't.”

• Rich Davis: Reflects on Kendrick Lamar’s performance, suggesting it was more suitable for a Grammy night than the Super Bowl's grand stage.

  • “[05:44] ... Kendrick Lamar, that would have been a hell of a, you know, Grammy night performance.”

• Big Bert: Compares past halftime shows, noting the lack of star power and memorable moments in this year’s performance.

  • “[12:12] ... past performers like Coldplay, Beyoncé, Bruno Mars had broader appeal.”

5. Commercials and Advertisements

Advertising segments receive critical attention, with the hosts discussing the creativity, execution, and public reception of Super Bowl commercials.

• Covino: Discusses the decline in excitement for Super Bowl ads due to leaks and overexposure on social media.

  • “[32:56] ... the age of being excited for super bowl ads is just kind of done.”

• Dan Beyer: Highlights specific commercials, such as the Michelob Ultra and Pringles ads, noting their humor and execution.

  • “[32:46] ... Michelob Ultra was good. The pickleball ... McConaughey one was funny.”

• Rich Davis: Critiques the simplicity of the game’s graphics package, drawing unfavorably parallels to past Super Bowl productions.

  • “[34:24] ... the most simple. Very, very basic.”

6. Post-Game Reactions and Takeaways

The conversation transitions to the emotional responses from players and coaches, as well as the broader implications for the teams involved.

• Covino: Appreciates the Eagles’ team cohesion and emotional resilience, citing Jalen Hurts' composed demeanor.

  • “[14:03] ... teammates don’t want to let each other down ... perseverance and the comeback story of the Eagles.”

• Rich Davis: Shares his newfound respect for Coach Nick Sirianni after witnessing his emotional post-game reaction, challenging his previous perceptions.

  • “[15:16] ... Seeing him with his kids crying post game ... seeing his other kid there and him showing some tears.”

• Big Bert: Highlights the potential future impact of Jalen Hurts’ leadership and the team’s motivation for revenge, suggesting a possible new dynasty.

  • “[46:00] ... Coach Sirianni ... ongoing ... motivation from trying to get vengeance.”

7. Future Implications and NFL Scheduling

The hosts speculate on the future of the NFL, considering scheduling changes and their potential effects on the sport and its fans.

• Covino: Proposes making the Monday after the Super Bowl a national holiday to accommodate the intense cultural significance of the event.

  • “[28:38] ... make it Monday off or Super Bowl Saturday ... [29:10] Monday off.”

• Rich Davis: Discusses the NFL’s decision to expand the season to 18 games and its consequences, particularly the shift of the Super Bowl to the Sunday before President's Day.

  • “[27:46] ... NFL adds 18 games ... Super Bowl will eventually be the Sunday before President's Day.”

8. Quarterback Legacies and Future Stars

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the legacy of current quarterbacks and the emergence of new talents in the NFL.

• Covino: Critiques the long-term prospects of star quarterbacks like Josh Allen and Joe Burrow, expressing skepticism about their future Super Bowl wins.

  • “[46:00] ... Josh Allen ... need to step to a Super Bowl ring at some point.”

• Rich Davis: Emphasizes the challenge for young quarterbacks in establishing their legacies, citing Jalen Hurts’ recent win as a pivotal moment.

  • “[42:43] ... conversation, if you're judged on winning and losing ... [43:37] ... this changes the narrative of a lot of the young generation of quarterbacks.”

• Dan Beyer (Big Bert): Highlights emerging talents like Jaden Daniels and Jordan Love, discussing their potential to influence the future of the league.

  • “[48:27] ... Jaden Daniels ... could lead him ... ’til now.”

9. Final Thoughts and Listener Engagement

Closing the episode, the hosts invite listener feedback and share humorous anecdotes, maintaining a light-hearted yet insightful tone.

• Rich Davis: Encourages listeners to share their Super Bowl experiences and thoughts on the game, halftime show, and commercials.

  • “[35:24] ... Let us know at 87799 on Fox. We'll get your feedback.”

• Covino: Shares humorous interactions and behind-the-scenes moments, fostering a sense of community with the audience.

  • “[52:28] ... Thuibo to Debo goes down in history.”

• Dan Beyer: Adds levity with playful banter about players and in-game moments, keeping the conversation engaging till the end.

  • “[35:58] ... he might not even be on the team. Did I throw the last tutty?”

Notable Quotes:

• Covino at [00:36]:

  "I was whelmed at best at everything from start to finish. It was a mediocre, boring night."

• Rich Davis at [03:09]:

  "Brady probably on pause for now. Pump the brakes on that."

• Covino at [04:12]:

  "Jalen Hurts, lost the super bowl, came back and clobbered the team that beat him."

• Rich Davis at [28:38]:

  "I know, we're here working because we work in sports media. So we're going to be here regardless."

• Covino at [42:43]:

  "If he wasn’t before, now he is and he's got a win where they don't."

• Rich Davis at [43:54]:

  "We have until the, you know, opening week of, of the, of week one and then we'll, then we'll see if it starts to change at all."

Conclusion:

In this episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," Covino and Rich Davis provide a comprehensive and candid analysis of the Super Bowl game, halftime show, and the surrounding narratives. Their in-depth discussions offer listeners valuable insights into team performances, player legacies, and the evolving landscape of the NFL. Through a blend of critical evaluation and engaging banter, the hosts deliver a rich and informative summary of one of football’s biggest events, making it accessible and insightful for both avid fans and casual listeners alike.