Overview of The Herd – Hour 1
Colin Cowherd discusses the Chiefs’ reported trade for receiver Josh Downs and argues that the Raiders are building a more capable organization. The hour also covers a Celtics–76ers player swap, several NFL team decisions, and the changing College Football Playoff landscape.
Chiefs Add Josh Downs
Cowherd calls the move strong work by Chiefs GM Brett Veach. He sees Downs as a reliable, precise route runner who can give Kansas City the dependable receiving option it lacks, especially against man coverage. In his view, Downs’ arrival lets Travis Kelce, Kenneth Walker, Rashee Rice, and Xavier Worthy take on more suitable roles instead of carrying too much of the offense themselves.
Cowherd Sees the Raiders Building Wisely
Cowherd says the Raiders have made practical moves to improve after years among the NFL’s struggling teams. He points to hiring offensive coach Clint Kubiak, bringing in Kirk Cousins as a low-cost veteran who could mentor No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza, and building around GM John Spytek. He argues that a sound coaching and leadership structure can make the team competitive without an especially long rebuild.
Paul George and Jaylen Brown Swap
Cowherd defends the Celtics’ reported move to acquire Paul George and picks for Jaylen Brown. He argues that George’s shooting, defense, and fit alongside Jayson Tatum make him a better fit for Boston, provided he stays healthy. He also says Brown’s contract and playing style leave Philadelphia with less roster depth, while emphasizing that Brown remains a talented player.
Other NFL Decisions
- Browns: Deshaun Watson is named the starter over Shedeur Sanders. Cowherd backs the coaches’ decision, saying they may be responding to practice and preparation details that aren’t visible to the public. He favors Houston in the matchup.
- Trade deadline: Cowherd says deadline trades are most useful to strong teams addressing a specific weakness. He sees less value in moves by the Cowboys or Jets, which he believes need better coaching more than roster changes. The Cowboys reportedly received no calls about George Pickens.
- 49ers: San Francisco signs veteran receiver Keenan Allen. Cowherd views him as a dependable, experienced option who could contribute on third downs.
- Bears: Coach Ben Johnson says the team’s win over Tampa Bay came despite a poor offensive performance and turnovers. Cowherd sees winning on a bad day as a sign of a strong team.
College Football Playoff Outlook
Cowherd welcomes the broader mix of teams in the current playoff rankings, arguing that the expanded format keeps more teams and regions in contention late in the season. Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti says the planned 24-team format will give teams incentives to reach the top 24, top 16, and top eight, with home games and byes at stake.
Cowherd praises Indiana coach Curt Cignetti’s program building but credits quarterback Fernando Mendoza with much of the team’s offensive success. He says the playoff field feels less predictable than in past years and offers Georgia, Notre Dame, and Miami as leading contenders, while also noting Utah’s unbeaten record.