The Herd with Colin Cowherd: Episode Summary Episode: THE HERD - Hour 2 - Where Colin was right and wrong, thoughts on Aaron Rodgers being tier 3, Matt Hasselbeck
Release Date: August 11, 2025
Host: Matt Hasselbeck
Co-Host: Jay Mack
Guests: Colin Cowherd

1. Introduction

The episode kicks off with Matt Hasselbeck and Jay Mack setting the stage for a deep dive into the current NFL landscape, particularly focusing on quarterback performances and rankings. They highlight the absence of key quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers and Matt Stafford from recent games, setting the tone for an analytical discussion on quarterback tiers and team dynamics.

2. Where Colin Was Right

Jim Harbaugh’s Draft Strategy
Matt Hasselbeck praises Colin Cowherd for correctly defending Jim Harbaugh's decision to draft Joe Alt (Joe Alt).

"I think he's really good. I didn't watch a ton of them. I thought he was better than Quinn Ewers, more athletic, throws a better ball."
Timestamp: [02:55]

This move by Harbaugh is credited with potentially saving the season for the Bears, especially after Rashawn Slater's injury. Hasselbeck emphasizes the importance of drafting intelligent positions over high-profile ones, such as wide receivers.

Mike McDaniels' Influence on the Dolphins
The hosts commend Mike McDaniels for promoting culture, accountability, and physicality within the Dolphins.

"What makes McVeigh or Shanahan or Andy Reid special is their teams are physical and they can be finessed."
Timestamp: [04:16]

This aligns with their previous discussions about the necessity of a strong defensive front to complement offensive strategies.

3. Where Colin Was Wrong

Arch Manning’s Future
Hasselbeck acknowledges Colin's incorrect take on Arch Manning staying at Texas for two more years.

"Arch Manning's family is saying he's staying at Texas two more years, so I will take for now wrong."
Timestamp: [03:44]

He speculates that if Manning enters the NFL, his performance could create significant momentum for his team.

J.J. McCarthy’s Potential
Contrary to Colin’s assessment, Hasselbeck expresses doubts about Colin's view on J.J. McCarthy, suggesting that McCarthy shows more promise than initially perceived.

"I was impressed with him. Why should I not be?"
Timestamp: [06:43]

4. Quarterback Rankings and Mike Sandoz's Survey

Hasselbeck discusses the implications of Mike Sandoz's annual quarterback survey, revealing surprising rankings:

• Bo Nix: Despite his reputation and support from Sean Payton, Bo Nix receives only a few Tier 2 votes, placing him below expectations.
• Jaden Daniels: Receives the majority of Tier 1 votes, solidifying his status as a superstar.
• Aaron Rodgers: Ranked in Tier 3, aligning with Hasselbeck's perspective that Rodgers is solid but not among the elite.

"Jaden Daniels a superstar. Bo Nix has a really good coach. J. Mac with the news. No, no, no. Turn on the news."
Timestamp: [24:05]

This survey highlights a shift in quarterback evaluations, with emphasis on performance metrics over reputation.

5. Analysis of NFL Players

Aaron Rodgers as a Tier 3 Quarterback
Hasselbeck elaborates on Rodgers' ranking, emphasizing his reluctance to take hits and comparing him to Trevor Lawrence and Russell Wilson.

"I think he's in terms of doesn't have his fastball athletically, and I don't think he wants to sit and take big shots."
Timestamp: [19:26]

He questions the value of Rodgers compared to other Tier 3 quarterbacks, suggesting that younger, more athletic QBs like Bo Nix and Trevor Lawrence might offer more potential.

Matt Stafford’s Back Injury
The discussion turns to Matt Stafford's back injury, highlighting concerns about his longevity and performance.

"I'd be very concerned if I was a Rams fan right now just because Stafford is valuable and it's just not a great place to be up in there."
Timestamp: [16:52]

Hasselbeck shares his personal experience with back injuries to underscore the severity and long-term impact such injuries can have on a player's career.

J.J. McCarthy’s Performance
Hasselbeck commends McCarthy's adaptability and intangibles that are difficult to coach, positioning him as a promising quarterback for the Vikings.

"J.J. McCarthy has, he's got zip on it. Here's Hasselbeck on that hole tempo and developing an off speed throw."
Timestamp: [20:31]

6. Minnesota Vikings and J.J. McCarthy

Hasselbeck expresses optimism about the Minnesota Vikings, citing their strong roster and McCarthy's potential to lead the team to a successful season.

"I, I'm someone who would buy on the Minnesota Vikings right now. I think this is a good team. I think this quarterback will have a good year."
Timestamp: [38:48]

He draws parallels between McCarthy and successful quarterbacks like Colin Kaepernick, emphasizing the importance of diverse throwing techniques and experience.

7. Dallas Cowboys and Dak Prescott

The hosts briefly touch upon the Cowboys' high-paid quarterback Dak Prescott and Jerry Jones' praises, hinting at the team's strategic moves in the preseason.

"I really have to pinch myself that we got him after the last game that he had starting there for New England."
Timestamp: [30:12]

They speculate on the impact of such acquisitions on the team's performance and dynamics.

8. NBA Update: Luka Doncic

Transitioning to the NBA, Hasselbeck and Mack discuss Luka Doncic's impressive performance in EuroBasket and the rumors of his weight loss over the summer.

"He looks much thinner. He's going to play more minutes and he's going to dominate the ball like he couldn't dominate the ball last year."
Timestamp: [31:31]

They anticipate a dominant season for Doncic, contrasting his expected performance with that of LeBron James.

9. Conclusion

Wrapping up, Hasselbeck shares his NFL predictions, considering the latest quarterback performances and team strategies. He hints at potential adjustments to his forecasts based on upcoming developments in the NFL season.

"I think when Pittsburgh fans are seeing Aaron as a savior, be very careful."
Timestamp: [44:23]

The episode concludes with reminders for listeners to tune into live editions and follow the podcast on various platforms.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Matt Hasselbeck on Joe Alt's Draft Impact:

  "And that Joe Alt pick could have saved the season."
  [03:42]

• Jay Mack on Mike McDaniels' Dolphins:

  "A little sizzle. Three years into this coaching reign, where's this? Where's the steak?"
  [04:16]

• Matt Hasselbeck on Bo Nix’s Survey Ranking:

  "The NFL executives are saying, yeah, Sean Payton's great. Bo Nix has a very, very low ceiling now."
  [24:05]

• Colin Cowherd on Rookie Quarterbacks:

  "You got to know your personnel. If you're throwing to certain guys, it's got to be a different club."
  [20:31]

• Matt Hasselbeck on Aaron Rodgers vs. Trevor Lawrence:

  "I would choose Trevor Lawrence to start today. I would take Bo Nix to start."
  [44:23]

Key Takeaways

• Quarterback Evaluation: The episode emphasizes the evolving landscape of quarterback performance, highlighting discrepancies between reputation and actual performance metrics.

• Team Dynamics: Discussions on team strategies, especially regarding offensive line strength and defensive capabilities, shed light on how teams can optimize their rosters for success.

• Injury Concerns: Matt Stafford's back injury serves as a focal point for discussions on player health and longevity, underscoring the physical toll of the NFL.

• Rising Stars: J.J. McCarthy and Jaden Daniels emerge as promising talents, potentially reshaping their respective teams' futures.

• Cross-Sport Insights: The NBA segment on Luka Doncic provides a broader sports perspective, illustrating the interconnectedness of athletic performance across leagues.

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the episode, providing listeners and readers with a clear understanding of the topics covered without needing to reference the original podcast.