THE HERD - Hour 2 - The Knicks are on a roll, more on Aaron Rodgers coming back to the Steelers, David Fizdale, Mike DeFabo

The second hour of The Herd with Colin Cowherd dives into the NFL's Aaron Rodgers saga, with a focus on his potential return to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Cowherd argues that Rodgers, despite being 42, remains a high-floor, low-ceiling quarterback whose value lies in experience and game management rather than elite athleticism. He praises the Steelers' decision to pursue Rodgers as a pragmatic move, though he acknowledges the fan base's mixed feelings due to Rodgers' prolonged uncertainty. The discussion shifts to the NBA, where David Fizdale joins to analyze the Knicks' surprising success, crediting their front office for building a competitive team without overhauling the core. Fizdale also critiques the Sixers' reliance on Joel Embiid, suggesting that without him, the team lacks identity and depth, and that the organization may need to consider trading him despite his massive contract. The conversation then turns to broader league issues: the rise of flopping in the NBA, the need for a shorter season to reduce injuries, and LeBron James' unparalleled work ethic, as recounted by Fizdale. The hour concludes with a deep dive into the Steelers' organizational struggles, with Mike DeFabo highlighting poor draft decisions, over-reliance on aging veterans, and a lack of long-term vision, painting a picture of a franchise stuck in purgatory—good enough to make the playoffs, but not good enough to win. Key takeaways include: 1) The Steelers’ pursuit of Aaron Rodgers is a high-risk, high-reward gamble that reflects their desperation for immediate success; 2) The Knicks’ success stems from smart, sustainable front-office decisions rather than flashy moves; 3) The NBA’s injury epidemic demands a shorter season to preserve star players; 4) LeBron James’ legendary work ethic is not just talent—it’s a daily, relentless commitment; 5) The Steelers’ front office is failing to balance short-term wins with long-term rebuilding, risking franchise stagnation. Overall, the episode presents a critical yet hopeful view of sports franchises navigating aging stars, organizational dysfunction, and the evolving demands of modern athletics.