Title: 3 and Out – Episode 3
Date: March 2, 2018
Length: 33 minutes
Host: John Middlekauff
Extra: You can subscribe on iTunes and listen on TheHerdNow.com
Analysis:
If you ask me who the most talented sports radio host in America is, I’ll quickly reply that it’s Colin Cowherd. The research, the data, the delivery, the analogies, in my opinion he’s the best host that money can buy in today’s market. So, if you’re endorsed by Colin, you’re going to gain instant credibility with thousands of listeners. That was the case when I stumbled onto the ‘3 and Out podcast’ with John Middlekauff, the first addition to the Colin Cowherd Podcast Network. A former NFL scout, analyst and radio host, Middlekauff has held Cowherd’s trust for years and the two are now partnering together in the podcast business. 3 and Out focuses primarily on the NFL and college football, which is a smart strategic decision. My initial thought: If he’s good enough for Cowherd, then it’s definitely worth a listen.
When I read in someone’s bio that they’re a former NFL scout, I’m instantly interested in their insights and hearing how they sound behind a mic. Having inside knowledge and knowing the sport is key, but knowing how to portray your information into well-thought out topics and opinions is even more valuable. The great ones have both. With Middlekauff’s background in radio and as an analyst, I discovered early that he possesses both skills.
The entirety of this episode included NFL Films analyst Greg Cosell. The two talked quarterbacks, both in the NFL and in the upcoming draft, and I liked the topic selection. With free agency rumors dominating the headlines, there’s a high level of interest in the available quarterbacks, and how that can affect the upcoming draft. As a guest, I thought Cosell was really good. He gave a lot of good opinions and he presents himself as an authoritative football voice. But as good as I thought Cosell was, and I really did think he was entertaining, I wanted to hear more of Middlekauff’s opinions. I did hear a few of his takes throughout the podcast, but once you’re blessed with the Cowherd seal of approval, I want to hear more of what you have to say. Some may take that as a criticism, but I see it more as a compliment. It’s never a bad thing when people are eager to hear what you think. The interview itself with Cosell was great and I wouldn’t have changed it, but an additional 10 minutes at the open or close of the podcast with John offering his insights and opinions could have made it better.
I did enjoy how in-depth this podcast went into the five most noteworthy quarterbacks in the 2018 NFL Draft. Where Josh Allen, Sam Darnold, Lamar Jackson, Baker Mayfield and Josh Rosen are taken will be the biggest stories to follow, and the background and additional information that I received on each guy, was excellent. I felt I learned a few things that I didn’t know about every single player. Props to Middlekauff for not making the interview seem too one-sided. Though the questions were steered towards Cosell, Middlekauff was still active enough with his own thoughts and analysis on each discussion.
Final thoughts:
For my first time listening, I did enjoy 3 and Out. As I mentioned earlier, I’d like to hear more of Middlekauff’s thoughts and opinions to either enter or close the podcast, but I’m also excited to see what big-name guests John’s able to add to upcoming episodes. A well-produced open could help set things off and create an opening flow to the podcast. On this particular episode a music bed was used to begin the show. I’m intrigued to see how 3 and Out evolves going forward. With Middlekauff’s talent and Cowherd’s backing, there’s a great opportunity for this podcast to rise up the charts.
Tyler McComas is a columnist for BSM and a sports radio talk show host in Norman, OK where he hosts afternoon drive for SportsTalk 1400. You can find him on Twitter @Tyler_McComas or you can email him at TylerMcComas08@yahoo.com.
I’ve listened to most of “3 & Out” so far and I gotta say it’s a fun conversation, but it needs polishing from a technical perspective. The content is going to thrive more than it probably gets credit right now, and that’s saying a lot. A daily podcast from Colin Cowherd and his boys is a great addition to the podcast-sphere.