Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode Title: 3 and Out - Shedeur FOURTH On Depth Chart, Stafford Injury, Anthony Richardson Officially A BUST, College Football Preview w/ Josh Pate
Release Date: August 12, 2025
Host: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, released on August 12, 2025, Colin Cowherd delves deep into some of the most pressing issues in the NFL and provides a comprehensive preview of the upcoming college football season with special guest Josh Pate. The episode is structured to offer rich, engaging discussions, complete with insightful analysis and candid opinions.

Personal Anecdotes and Episode Kickoff (04:24 - 05:35)

Colin begins by recounting a recent weekend spent with a fellow sports commentator in Chicago. They shared experiences ranging from workouts and live golf sessions to casual dinners and cigars. Colin remarks, “[05:00] Colin Cowherd: Nice humble abode he's got in, in the suburbs.”

This personal touch sets a relaxed tone for the episode, illustrating the camaraderie and mutual respect between Colin and his guest.

NFL Quarterback Dynamics: Shedeur Sanders and Cleveland Browns (05:35 - 17:13)

Shedeur Sanders’ Position on the Depth Chart

At [06:20], Colin introduces the primary NFL topic: Shedeur Sanders’ status on the Cleveland Browns’ depth chart. The discussion centers around the challenges faced by the Browns' coaching staff in managing quarterback talent. The commentator asserts, “There are NFL quarterbacks who know their team’s playbook inside and out yet fail to perform on the field” ([15:03]).

Analysis of Coaching Rigidity

The conversation highlights Kevin Stefanski’s coaching style, characterized by rigidity and high expectations for quarterbacks to flawlessly execute the playbook. The commentator critiques this approach, emphasizing that it can stifle a quarterback's natural abilities and adaptability. “[16:23] Colin Cowherd: You’re not going to be able to shake this.”

Impact on Team Performance

The rigidity in coaching is posited as a potential reason for the Browns’ struggles, especially if Sanders fails to meet performance expectations during preseason games. The commentator warns that persistent issues can lead to significant setbacks for the team: “[17:13] Sports Commentator: And this Shador thing already feels a little clanky.”

Rams’ Quarterback Situation and Matt Stafford’s Injury (17:24 - 25:00)

Matt Stafford’s Injury Implications

Transitioning to the Los Angeles Rams, Colin and the commentator discuss Matt Stafford’s recent back injury ([17:24]). Stafford’s inability to practice has cast uncertainty over his availability for the season, raising concerns about the Rams’ offensive stability. “[19:10] Josh Pate: Help.”

Potential Season Fallout

The commentator predicts that if Stafford remains sidelined, the Rams could face a tumultuous season. He draws parallels to past NFL scenarios where quarterback injuries led to diminished team performance: “[19:35] Sports Commentator: They clearly do a really good job of team building and transition...but this year could be weird.”

Anthony Richardson and the Indianapolis Colts: A Busted Quarterback? (25:00 - 35:00)

Richardson’s Performance Critique

A significant portion of the episode critiques Anthony Richardson’s performance with the Colts, branding him as a "bust." The commentator highlights Richardson’s inaccuracies and inability to read defenses, which resulted in a disappointing showing against the Ravens: “[21:28] Colin Cowherd: The game because his pinky finger was.”

Future of the Colts’ Quarterback Position

The discussion extends to the Colts’ broader quarterback woes, suggesting that without a reliable starter, the team’s prospects for a successful season are bleak. “[23:49] Sports Commentator: Anytime you have a busted quarterback and don’t have a fix it, the boat usually sinks.”

College Football Preview with Josh Pate (35:00 - 76:44)

Evolving Roles in College Football Management

Josh Pate joins the discussion to provide insights into the evolving landscape of college football management. He explains the increasing significance of General Managers (GMs) in college programs, a role traditionally dominated by Athletic Directors (ADs). “[35:35] Josh Pate: It’s very much a role that everyone has now.”

Challenges and Financial Implications

Pate delves into the financial constraints affecting program decisions, particularly the complexities surrounding coaching buyouts and salary allocations. He notes, “[40:23] Josh Pate: And that’s why the buyouts of these coaches have gotten more complicated because of paying the players.”

Impact of Transfer Portals and Recruiting

The conversation shifts to the impact of transfer portals on team dynamics and recruiting strategies. Pate emphasizes the difficulty of retaining talent and the necessity for programs to adapt to the new competitive environment: “[43:48] Josh Pate: This is the first wave of kids coming through your program who have been like this since they were five years old.”

Specific Program Analyses

a. John Gruden and College Coaching: Pate discusses the potential hiring of John Gruden in college football, highlighting his adaptability and strategic prowess. “[49:14] Josh Pate: He’s a stud. He is the absolute right guy for that job.”

b. LSU and Alabama’s Prospects: The analysis covers LSU’s struggles under Brian Kelly and contrasts it with Alabama’s robust program under Nick Saban. Pate predicts Alabama’s continued dominance while expressing skepticism about LSU’s trajectory: “[71:37] Josh Pate: Bama is a better team. I trust their balance more offensively.”

c. Penn State’s Future: Penn State’s quarterback Drew Allar is scrutinized, with Pate expressing cautious optimism about the team’s potential if Allar performs consistently: “[85:00] Josh Pate: They are not shying away from this stuff up there.”

Key Insights and Conclusions

1. Quarterback Performance is Crucial: The episode underscores the pivotal role of quarterbacks in both NFL and college football, highlighting how performance and coaching strategies directly influence team success.

2. Coaching Rigidity Can Hamper Talent: Rigid coaching methods, especially regarding playbook memorization, can limit a quarterback’s natural abilities and adaptability, potentially leading to underperformance.

3. Financial Constraints Affect Coaching Stability: Increased financial obligations related to player salaries and coaching buyouts are making it harder for college programs to make swift coaching changes, impacting team performance and adaptability.

4. Transfer Portals Reshape Team Dynamics: The rise of transfer portals has introduced new dynamics in college football, complicating recruitment and retention of talent, which in turn affects team performance and program stability.

5. Alabama’s Continued Dominance vs. LSU’s Uncertain Future: While Alabama maintains a strong position under Nick Saban, LSU faces uncertainty under Brian Kelly’s leadership, with Pate expressing doubt about their ability to reclaim previous successes.

6. Potential of Emerging Programs: Programs like Florida and Oklahoma show promise due to strong recruiting classes and strategic coaching hires, indicating potential shifts in traditional power structures within college football.

Notable Quotes

• “[06:20] Sports Commentator: You got Scotty to win and I parlayed that with Tommy Fleetwood and Ben Griffin.”
• “[15:03] Colin Cowherd: Everyone’s watching.”
• “[21:57] Colin Cowherd: Brock Purdy saved Kyle Shanahan, right?”
• “[35:35] Josh Pate: It’s very much a role that everyone has now.”
• “[43:48] Josh Pate: This is the first wave of kids coming through your program who have been like this since they were five years old.”
• “[49:14] Josh Pate: He’s a stud. He is the absolute right guy for that job.”
• “[71:37] Josh Pate: Bama is a better team. I trust their balance more offensively.”
• “[85:00] Josh Pate: They are not shying away from this stuff up there.”

Conclusion

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers a thorough examination of key quarterback issues in the NFL and provides an insightful preview of the forthcoming college football season. Through candid discussions and expert opinions, Colin and Josh Pate shed light on the evolving dynamics of football management, the impact of coaching strategies, and the financial intricacies shaping team performances. Whether you’re an avid follower of the NFL or passionate about college football, this episode delivers valuable perspectives to enrich your understanding of the sports landscape.

Note: This summary excludes advertisements, promotional segments, and non-content sections, focusing solely on the main discussions and insights shared by Colin Cowherd and Josh Pate.