Episode Summary: THE HERD - Hour 1 - Jayden Daniels Being in Tier 2, Brock Purdy Could Be in Trouble
Podcast Information:
- Title: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
- Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
- Description: A thought-provoking, opinionated, and topic-driven journey through the top sports stories of the day.
- Episode: THE HERD - Hour 1 - Jayden Daniels being in tier 2, Brock Purdy could be in trouble
- Release Date: August 12, 2025
1. Introduction and Overview [02:49 – 05:00]
Colin Cowherd kicks off the episode by setting the stage for a deep dive into the current quarterback landscape in the NFL. He emphasizes the importance of evaluating rookie quarterbacks and highlights Jayden Daniels and Brock Purdy as central figures in today’s discussion.
Notable Quote:
"We are live. It is the herd. Wherever you may be, however you may be watching or listening or downloading."
— Colin Cowherd [02:49]
2. Jayden Daniels: Tier 2 Quarterback Analysis [05:01 – 15:00]
Cowherd delves into Jayden Daniels' performance last season, positioning him as a Tier 2 quarterback. He compares Daniels to notable rookie quarterbacks like Andrew Luck and Andrew Locke, praising his early success despite challenges.
Key Points:
- Support System: Daniels benefited from a fresh start in Washington with a new owner, GM, and coach, creating a positive environment.
- Team Composition: Emphasis on the mature wide receiver and a well-structured offensive line.
- Performance Metrics: Daniels received significantly more Tier 1 votes in Mike Sando’s survey of NFL executives, indicating high regard despite some criticisms.
Notable Quotes:
"Jaden Daniels had way more support than you think because the Washington brand was so beat up."
— Colin Cowherd [09:15]
"His offense, if Christian McAffrey twists an ankle, is not good. It's George Kittle and cross your fingers because Ricky Piercehall is not a one."
— Colin Cowherd [13:00]
3. Brock Purdy: Potential Troubles Ahead [15:01 – 27:00]
The conversation shifts to Brock Purdy, with Cowherd expressing concerns about Purdy’s future performance. He draws parallels between Purdy and Dez Bryant, suggesting that initial overvaluation might lead to challenges as the season progresses.
Key Points:
- Skill Group Weakness: Highlighting the San Francisco 49ers' receiving unit’s vulnerabilities, especially with key players like Brandon Aiyuk injured until Week 6.
- Historical Comparison: Comparing Purdy’s early career success to that of Dez Bryant, forecasting potential struggles if current trends continue.
- Team Dynamics: The aging defense and lack of dominant players could pressure Purdy to rely more on shootouts, which may not favor his playstyle.
Notable Quotes:
"But this what he's dealing with at wide receiver, that's the real NFL."
— Colin Cowherd [19:50]
"Brock Purdy's career reminds me a lot of Dez Bryant. ... Then by year two and three you needed Dak Prescott as the O line aged Zeke aged DEZ was gone."
— Colin Cowherd [23:10]
4. Injury Reports and Their Impact [27:01 – 35:00]
Cowherd and co-host J. Mac discuss recent injury reports affecting key quarterbacks and their teams, focusing on Jordan Love of the Green Bay Packers and the Cleveland Browns' quarterback depth chart.
Key Points:
- Jordan Love’s Injury: Love underwent a minor procedure on his left thumb but is expected to recover quickly without missing regular-season games.
- Cleveland Browns' Quarterback Depth: Analysis of the Browns’ unconventional depth chart, questioning why a healthy backup like Shador Sanders is positioned fourth.
Notable Quotes:
"Jordan is having a little procedure done on his left thumb that he hurt in the game. Hope to have him back at practice next week."
— Kyle Shanahan [23:37]
"He's accurate. He moves well. Deion Sanders gave him some, you know, advantages."
— Colin Cowherd [33:29]
5. The Quarterback Market and Future Insights [35:01 – 45:00]
Colin Cowherd explores the broader quarterback market, discussing how preseason performances and team strategies influence future standings and draft picks. He highlights the importance of availability and skill development during the offseason.
Key Points:
- Availability as a Skill: Emphasizing that a quarterback's ability to stay healthy and avoid injuries is critical, likening it to other high-stakes professions.
- Impact of Coaching and Management: The role of coaching decisions in nurturing or hindering quarterback development, using examples like Bill Belichick and his potential as a college coach.
- Upcoming Interviews: Teasing future discussions with Mike Sando and Nick Wright about insights from NFL executives and quarterback evaluations.
Notable Quotes:
"If I was a coach and everybody was hurt and that kid was healthy, I would maybe unfairly view him. I would move him up the roster."
— Colin Cowherd [46:54]
"Elon Musk needs as a genius, the freedom to be a genius. If you put Elon Musk in a rigid corporate setting, he would be the smartest guy at IBM and would go crazy."
— Colin Cowherd [21:19]
6. Listener Interaction and Additional Insights [45:01 – 50:50]
The episode features a brief segment where Colin shares personal anecdotes and engages in light-hearted banter about various topics, including travel preferences and the importance of professionalism in different settings.
Key Points:
- Personal Preferences: Colin discusses family rules, such as avoiding airlines with bright yellow liveries, reflecting his attention to detail and standards.
- Professional Maturity: Emphasizes the necessity for young athletes, especially quarterbacks, to exhibit maturity and responsibility both on and off the field.
Notable Quotes:
"We do not fly any airline that's the same color as a highlighter. We do not fly bright yellow airlines."
— Colin Cowherd [39:08]
"But you're endangering other people's lives. Yes, but on a scale. They're all silly."
— Colin Cowherd [32:35]
7. Conclusion and Teasers for Future Content [50:51 – End]
As the first hour wraps up, Colin reiterates the importance of preseason performance and hints at upcoming adjustments to his NFL standings based on recent developments. He also previews future interviews and topics, maintaining engagement for listeners anticipating the next episode.
Notable Quote:
"Nick Wright, Mike Sando it's the Herd. Hi, it's Colin."
— Colin Cowherd [47:22]
Key Takeaways:
- Jayden Daniels is performing impressively in a supportive environment, making him a strong Tier 2 quarterback.
- Brock Purdy may face challenges due to a weakened receiving unit and aging support players, drawing parallels to past quarterbacks who initially thrived but encountered difficulties.
- Injuries to quarterbacks like Jordan Love and depth chart decisions in teams like the Cleveland Browns highlight the volatile nature of the NFL quarterback landscape.
- Availability and Health are crucial skills for quarterbacks, impacting their longevity and performance in high-stakes situations.
- Coaching and Management play pivotal roles in the development and success of quarterbacks, with future episodes set to explore these dynamics further.
This episode offers a comprehensive analysis of the current quarterback ecosystem, blending statistical insights with personal observations and expert opinions. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the NFL scene, Colin Cowherd provides valuable perspectives on the evolving roles and challenges facing quarterbacks today.