Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode: THE HERD - Hour 1 - Expectations for Caleb Williams, the Steelers Defense, the Dodgers are Struggling
Release Date: August 14, 2025
Host: Colin Cowherd
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Description: The Herd with Colin Cowherd is a thought-provoking, opinionated, and topic-driven journey through the top sports stories of the day. In this episode, Colin delves into the expectations surrounding Caleb Williams, analyzes the Pittsburgh Steelers' defensive strategies, and scrutinizes the recent struggles of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

1. Introduction

The episode kicks off with Colin Cowherd welcoming listeners to a full hour of in-depth sports analysis. He sets the stage by highlighting the key topics: Caleb Williams’ potential impact in the NFL, the current state and future prospects of the Steelers' defense, and the unexpected downturn of the Dodgers despite their hefty payroll and storied history.

2. Expectations for Caleb Williams

Colin opens the discussion by addressing the anticipation surrounding Caleb Williams, the standout quarterback for the Chicago Bears. He draws parallels between Williams and other elite athletes, emphasizing the high expectations placed upon him.

• Performance Analysis: Colin reviews Williams' statistics from the previous season, noting a completion percentage of 62.5%, an 88 passer rating, 20 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions. He posits that with a 15% improvement under new offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, Williams could achieve Pro Bowl status.

  "If he just improved 15%, look at the numbers. He's a Pro Bowler." [09:45]

• Comparison with Peers: The discussion includes comparisons with other athletes like Carmelo Anthony and James Harden, questioning their defensive commitments and drawing lessons for Williams.

  "We tend to think if you're really talented, that the problems are always solvable... But not all issues are solvable." [11:30]

• Coaching Impact: Colin emphasizes the role of coaching and offensive line upgrades in facilitating Williams' potential growth, advocating for his early integration into the starting lineup to maximize his development.

  "There are certain things that come easy and you really never develop them right. So I look at Caleb, and this is the part that I'm very optimistic..." [12:15]

3. Analysis of the Steelers Defense

Transitioning to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Colin critiques the team's defensive strategies and coaching efficacy, particularly under Mike Tomlin.

• Historical Performance: He reflects on last season's defensive struggles, highlighting the team's inability to sustain drives and the consequent fatigue leading to a last-place ranking in opponent passer ratings.

  "Their defense was terrible at the end of last year because they couldn't move the chains." [15:00]

• Coaching Limitations: Colin points out Mike Tomlin’s strengths as a motivator and defensive strategist but criticizes his inability to develop a complementary run game, which is crucial for sustaining defensive performance throughout an extended NFL season.

  "Mike Tomlin is a motivator. He develops. He knows defense. But if you notice last year... their defense last in the league in opponent's passer ready." [16:10]

• Impact of NFL Expansion: Discussing the NFL’s potential expansion to an 18-game season, Colin argues that without a solid run game, defenses will struggle to maintain their effectiveness due to increased physical demands and injury risks.

  "You will not have a great defense in the NFL going forward. 17, 18 game schedule consistently without a good run game." [17:50]

• Financial Analysis: He highlights the paradox of the Steelers' significant defensive spending over the past four years without achieving a top-tier defense, attributing it to their inadequate run game.

  "Historically, if you spend the most money on the side of the ball and you do it for four straight years, it is virtually unheard of that it's not top 10." [18:30]

4. The Dodgers' Struggles

Colin shifts focus to Major League Baseball, specifically scrutinizing the Los Angeles Dodgers’ recent performance anomalies despite their reputation and financial muscle.

• Unexpected Performance: He expresses surprise over the Dodgers being swept by the Angels, undermining the narrative of their dominance and questioning their current trajectory.

  "Everybody's terrified of the Dodgers... Oh, watch out. They just got swept by the Angels." [20:00]

• Payroll vs. Performance: Colin contrasts the Dodgers' high payroll with their underwhelming results, suggesting that financial investment alone does not guarantee success.

  "They've been out spending almost everybody in baseball for over a decade. And they've got one World Series title." [20:45]

• League Parity: He comments on the broader landscape of baseball, noting the lack of repeat champions and the rise of other teams like the Milwaukee Brewers, emphasizing the unpredictability and shifting power dynamics within the league.

  "Baseball has not had a repeat champions since the Yankees in '99 and 2000." [21:10]

• Economic Considerations: Colin touches upon the economic disparities between teams, such as Los Angeles and Cincinnati, arguing that regional economic factors play a significant role in team performance and competitiveness.

  "If you put Cincinnati in a league with a team from New York and Los Angeles, generally speaking... you can't achieve parity." [22:05]

5. Additional Discussions

While the primary focus remains on Caleb Williams, the Steelers’ defense, and the Dodgers, Colin and guest Greg Cosell briefly touch upon other relevant sports topics:

• Micah Parsons and the Dallas Cowboys: They discuss the ongoing situation with star linebacker Micah Parsons, including his lack of communication and the Cowboys' contractual obligations.

  "Micah Parsons has not spoken to the media since the first day of camp on July 22nd." [26:39]

• Ravens' Dynamic Duo: The partnership between Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry is lauded as one of the most prolific quarterback-running back combinations in NFL history, contributing to the Ravens' sustained success.

  "They combined for over 2,800 yards. Henry said joining Lamar and the Ravens was even better than expected." [33:25]

• Taylor Swift's Role in Sports Culture: The episode concludes with a lighter segment on Taylor Swift’s involvement in football culture, addressing fan reactions and the blending of celebrity influence with sports.

  "There's 12 and a half minutes of football in a four-hour broadcast. We've seen every male in Buffalo jump off their minivan onto a table on a pregame show that you can cut back." [49:20]

6. Conclusion

Colin wraps up the episode by reinforcing the importance of realistic expectations for emerging talents like Caleb Williams, the need for strategic adjustments within defensive coaching for teams like the Steelers, and reconsidering the factors that contribute to a team's success beyond mere financial investment, as evidenced by the Dodgers' recent struggles.

Listeners are encouraged to tune in for more in-depth analysis and expert opinions on the evolving landscape of sports.

Notable Quotes:

• "If he just improved 15%, look at the numbers. He's a Pro Bowler." – Colin Cowherd [09:45]

• "You will not have a great defense in the NFL going forward. 17, 18 game schedule consistently without a good run game." – Colin Cowherd [17:50]

• "Baseball has not had a repeat champions since the Yankees in '99 and 2000." – Colin Cowherd [21:10]

• "They combined for over 2,800 yards. Henry said joining Lamar and the Ravens was even better than expected." – Colin Cowherd [33:25]

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the episode, providing valuable takeaways for both regular listeners and newcomers interested in the current sports zeitgeist.