Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd (3 & Out – August 20, 2025)

Episode Title: 3 & Out - Anthony Richardson OUT in Indy, WHAT IS GOING ON rankings, Jon Gruden BACK to coaching
Host: John Middlekoff (on The Volume, an iHeartPodcast)
Date: August 20, 2025

Episode Overview

John Middlekoff dives into a fast-paced, candid breakdown of major NFL storylines, focusing on Anthony Richardson being benched in Indianapolis, an unfiltered “What the F*** is Going On” power ranking of chaotic franchises (Browns, Cowboys, Dolphins), and the persistent rumors of Jon Gruden returning to college coaching. The episode also includes a detailed mailbag answering listener questions about quarterback controversies, the paths of specific NFL teams, and the unique quirks of football culture.

Key Themes & Segments

1. Anthony Richardson Benched in Indianapolis (02:48 – 18:55)

• Richardson’s Short-Lived Tenure:
  Middlekoff reacts to the Colts officially benching Anthony Richardson, predicting he’ll likely be traded soon (“I would imagine in the next 10 days if they get any bit of value…he’s traded, it’s over” – 09:36).
• Draft Regret & QB Roulette:
  He compares Richardson’s trajectory to Trey Lance’s quick flameout and outlines why swinging for high-upside QBs is a valid, though risky, draft philosophy.
• The Daniel Jones Era:
  Daniel Jones is named starting QB, but Middlekoff notes, “If Daniel Jones is your starting quarterback, you also got issues” (15:37).
• Takeaway for Colts Fans:
  The regime is in a make-or-break year, and Middlekoff expects more upheaval unless Jones experiences a rare career resurrection.

2. NFL Quarterback & Franchise Talk: Burrow, Daniels, and Team Building (18:55 – 31:26)

• Joe Burrow's Preseason & Bengals Analysis:
  Burrow’s increased preseason reps highlight lingering concerns about the Bengals’ defense—not their offense. Middlekoff points out, “Their defense stinks” and emphasizes a lack of depth behind Trey Hendrickson (21:30).
• Franchise Building Formula:
  Success boils down to “a good owner, a good coach, a good GM, and getting the quarterback right” (24:28).
• High Praise for Jaden Daniels:
  Daniels’ rookie promise for the Commanders is lauded; Middlekoff calls him “a talent, man…that kid’s got a chance to be a big-time player” (25:58).
• Luck, Character, and Uncertainty:
  Even with smart processes, there’s “an element of luck in this all…but when you get it right…you’re a high-level franchise for the foreseeable future” (27:35).

3. The “What the F*** is Going On” Franchise Power Rankings (31:26 – 40:30)

“There are a couple teams that I just…don’t even know what to say.” – Middlekoff (31:26)

• #3: Cleveland Browns
  • Dysfunctional front office, confusing QB platoon (Flacco, Pickett, two rookies), and refusing to reset after Myles Garrett’s trade request.
  • Persistent character issues among players: “The list of guys with domestic violence attached…is pretty crazy” (34:31).
• #2: Dallas Cowboys
  • Middlekoff notes a long, slow decline into dysfunction: “How do you take this operation seriously?” (36:07)
  • Cites Jerry Jones’ increasing hands-on approach and poor coaching hires.
• #1: Miami Dolphins
  • The most chaotic, with player respect issues and a perception of a toxic organizational culture, highlighted by outside players questioning their direction (“A Lions player…essentially he’s like, yeah, I’m not really sure what’s going on over there” – 38:08).
  • On coach Mike McDaniel: “It’s starting to get a feel where it might just not be like, oh, they’re just hiring the wrong coach. That might be a toxic area” (39:08).
  • Predicts a likely housecleaning if things unravel as expected.

4. SEC Coaching Carousel & Jon Gruden’s Potential Return (40:30 – 44:27)

• Soaring Expectations, Impending Firings:
  Middlekoff outlines how sky-high SEC expectations mean several coaches are inevitably on the hot seat (“Some of these teams are going to end up with eight or nine wins…and it’s going to feel like a disaster” – 41:40).
• Jon Gruden Watch:
  Rumors swirl about Gruden returning, especially given the SEC's tolerance for scandal if the wins follow:

  “I think there is above a 50% chance Jon Gruden is coaching in the SEC…he keeps saying over and over…that I want to coach football” (43:22).

• College Football is NFL Lite:
  The conversation touches on college football mirroring the NFL in its business-and-results mindset.

5. Listener Mailbag – Football Culture, Quarterbacks, and Team Building (47:26 – 72:24)

Middlekoff candidly answers a range of questions, including:

Rams & Jimmy Garoppolo

• Jimmy has regressed due to accumulated injuries, and the Rams’ playoff hopes hinge on Stafford’s health.

Raiders vs. Broncos/Chargers

• Middlekoff believes Denver is “much better” but credits Las Vegas for some promising staff and players.

Fandom in Football Front Offices

• Working in the NFL “numbs” childhood team loyalties: “I just kind of root for stories” now (54:00).

Popular QB Rookies & Comparisons

• On Caleb Williams/Drake Maye: Both are question marks, but Jaden Daniels is a certified hit.
• Chiefs’ left tackle Josh Simmons: Could be a franchise changer if hype matches reality, but the Chiefs’ culture is to “pump the brakes” until production is proven (59:10).

The Dallas Cowboys Problem

• Brian Schottenheimer as OC is not a recipe for success; Jerry Jones’ control is a core issue:

  “How is Brian Schottenheimer…going to be able to handle the situation? I don’t think it’s possible. So I’m just…I think this thing could get really, really weird” (65:15).

Mahomes Underrated?

• Mahomes is overlooked because people are stats-obsessed, but “you have more faith in Patrick Mahomes when it matters…than any guy in the NFL” (68:35).

Jets QB Justin Fields

• Middlekoff expects Fields to disappoint as a Jet: “I think the Jets could be one of those teams that’s tough, physical…and it’s just bad…offensively they are going to be a tough watch” (72:15).

Notable Quotes

• On Anthony Richardson’s failure:
  “Anthony Richardson is going to go down as one of the worst draft picks we’ve seen in recent memory.” (09:11, John Middlekoff)
• On team dysfunction:
  “Dallas and Cleveland are shit shows. What the fuck’s going on with the Miami Dolphins? I mean, seriously.” (39:05, John Middlekoff)
• On Daniel Jones as the Colts’ answer:
  “If Daniel Jones is your starting quarterback, you also got issues.” (15:37, John Middlekoff)
• On Jon Gruden’s prospects:
  “There is above a 50% chance Jon Gruden is coaching in the SEC…he wants to coach football…and the SEC pays big money.” (43:22, John Middlekoff)
• On Mahomes' legacy:
  “You have more faith in Patrick Mahomes when it matters and it’s on the line than any guy in the NFL.” (68:35, John Middlekoff)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• 02:48 – Colts bench Richardson, Daniel Jones named starter
• 09:11 – Richardson compared to Trey Lance; likely to be traded
• 15:37 – Colts’ QB dilemma and regime pressure
• 18:55 – Joe Burrow, Bengals outlook, franchise formulas
• 25:58 – Jaden Daniels hype and Commanders’ resurgence
• 31:26 – “What the F*** is Going On” rankings
• 39:08 – Dolphins dysfunction
• 41:40 – SEC coaching hot seat; Jon Gruden rumors
• 47:26 – Mailbag: Rams/Jimmy G, Raiders/Broncos, NFL front office fandom
• 65:15 – Cowboys dysfunction & Schottenheimer
• 68:35 – Mahomes’ underrated greatness
• 72:15 – Jets and Justin Fields skepticism

Tone & Language

John Middlekoff delivers a conversational, uncensored, and opinionated take—often laced with sarcasm and blunt honesty. He seamlessly blends insider anecdotes with relatable analogies, never shying away from calling out dysfunction across the league or speculating on controversial topics.

Takeaways for Listeners

• The Colts’ Anthony Richardson experiment is over; Daniel Jones is a stopgap at best, and the franchise faces a pivotal year.
• Certain NFL teams (Browns, Cowboys, Dolphins) seem stuck in spirals of dysfunction, each for their own unique reasons.
• A spate of upcoming coaching changes is expected in college football’s SEC, with Jon Gruden’s name heavily featured.
• Quarterback development and team-building remain unpredictable, but nailing the right ownership/GM/coach/QB combo is everything.
• Mahomes remains the gold standard, even as non-elite stats and media noise sometimes obscure his dominance.

For anyone wanting strong, unfiltered football insight and biting humor, this episode serves as a must-listen look at the NFL’s messiest situations and the ever-spinning coaching carousel.