The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Episode: The Best of The Herd Release Date: December 23, 2024
Host: Colin Cowherd
Guest: Matt Hasselbeck (Former NFL Quarterback)

Introduction

In this special episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, host Colin Cowherd teams up with former NFL quarterback Matt Hasselbeck to delve into some of the most compelling stories and performances in the current sports landscape. Skipping over the usual advertisements and introductory segments, this summary focuses on their in-depth discussions about quarterback performances, team dynamics, and broader sports trends.

Quarterback Performances

1. Sam Darnold’s Evolution with the Minnesota Vikings

   Colin begins by addressing the skepticism surrounding Sam Darnold’s potential, highlighting his transformation into a pivotal player for the Vikings. Matt emphatically supports this view:

   "Sam Darnold was supposed to be like a one-year thing, but he is so good with Justin Jefferson. He is so clutch in the fourth quarter. This is no longer just a good story. This is an excellent team and he is an excellent quarterback."
   [08:15] Colin Cowherd

   They discuss how Darnold has become the driving force behind the Vikings, likening him to a "truck" that pulls the team forward despite losing key players like their left tackle.

2. Jaden Daniels’ Stellar Rookie Season

   The conversation shifts to Jaden Daniels, whose performance as a rookie quarterback has exceeded expectations. Matt praises Daniels’ ability to maintain high passer ratings, especially when trailing:

   "Jaden Daniels has a 106 passer rating while trailing. That's like goat stuff. That's Mahomes early. Mahomes was better trailing."
   [15:00] Colin Cowherd

   They explore Daniels' leadership qualities and his knack for making pivotal plays in high-pressure situations, positioning him as a standout among his rookie peers.

3. Kyler Murray’s Struggles and Future

   Colin expresses disappointment over Kyler Murray’s inconsistent performances, particularly his tendency to throw interceptions under pressure:

   "Kyler Murray has got four TDs and six picks. His lack of size hurts him in the pocket, and his leadership is questionable."
   [20:30] Colin Cowherd

   Matt concurs, suggesting that Murray’s performance issues have led to a reevaluation of his value within his current team framework.

4. Brock Purdy’s Inconsistent Play

   Brock Purdy is critiqued for his lack of consistency, especially in critical game moments. Colin voices concerns over Purdy's performance when the team is not performing optimally:

   "When it's less than perfect in big spots, that late game interception... that's a problem."
   [36:00] Colin Cowherd

   Matt adds that Purdy’s inability to avoid mistakes under pressure makes him less reliable compared to other quarterbacks like Jaden Daniels.

5. Caleb’s Development and Leadership Issues

   Caleb is acknowledged for not throwing interceptions, but Colin and Matt highlight his deficiencies in anticipatory passing and leadership:

   "I don't see the emblem on the helmet. I don't see the name on the jersey. Caleb isn't showing the leadership needed for sustained success."
   [41:00] Colin Cowherd

   Matt echoes these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of anticipatory skills and effective decision-making for long-term quarterback success.

Team Performances

1. Detroit Lions’ Resilience and Coaching

   Colin and Matt analyze the Detroit Lions' recent performances, praising head coach Dan Campbell for fostering a culture of toughness and creativity:

   "Dan Campbell is learning and being transparent about his mistakes. The Lions are evolving and showing the toughness needed for sustained success."
   [33:20] Matt Hasselbeck

   They discuss how the Lions' ability to compete despite injuries showcases their depth and resilience.

2. Washington Commanders as a Dark Horse Playoff Team

   The Washington Commanders are spotlighted as a potential dark horse in the playoffs, largely due to Jaden Daniels’ breakout performance:

   "I had the Washington Commanders as a dark horse playoff team because changing the coaching staff was the right move. Jaden Daniels is just amazing."
   [14:50] Colin Cowherd

   Matt highlights the historical significance of Washington’s resurgence, comparing it to legendary teams of the past and expressing optimism for their playoff potential.

3. Chargers’ Path to the Playoffs

   The discussion moves to the Chargers, with Colin expressing strong confidence in coach Jim Harbaugh and quarterback Justin Herbert:

   "Jim Harbaugh is a top-five football coach, and Justin Herbert just needs the right coach and culture to thrive."
   [27:30] Colin Cowherd

   Matt agrees, noting that the Chargers are well-positioned to secure a playoff spot given their solid coaching and Herbert's proven talent.

NBA Ratings Decline

Beyond football, Colin and Matt touch upon the declining ratings in the NBA, critiquing the over-reliance on three-point shooting and lack of traditional gameplay:

"LeBron James and Celtics’ coach Joe Mazzulla criticized the NBA's shift to being a three-point contest. The game needs to make changes to restore entertainment value."
[43:10] Colin Cowherd

Matt concurs, suggesting that the NBA can learn from other sports like baseball, which have seen improved attendance and ratings through strategic changes.

Notable Quotes

• Colin Cowherd:

  "Outline your life in pencil, not pen. Plans change, opportunities arise. Don't be rigid."
  [06:30] Colin Cowherd

• Matt Hasselbeck:

  "Jaden Daniels is the most impressive quarterback in this rookie class by far. What he has done this season is just absolutely mind-blowing."
  [39:20] Matt Hasselbeck

Concluding Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, Colin and Matt reflect on the importance of adaptability and recognizing talent beyond superficial metrics. They emphasize the evolving nature of sports teams and the critical role of leadership, both on and off the field. The conversation underscores the dynamic interplay between player performance, coaching strategies, and organizational culture in determining a team’s success.

Final Remarks

This episode of The Herd offers listeners a comprehensive analysis of current sports narratives, particularly focusing on quarterback performances and team strategies in the NFL. Colin Cowherd and Matt Hasselbeck provide insightful commentary, enriched with firsthand experiences and expert perspectives, making it a valuable listen for sports enthusiasts seeking deeper understanding of the game’s intricacies.