Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Episode 3 & Out

Title: 3 & Out - Ben Johnson Gets His Start, Justin Fields CARTED OFF, Is UNC the NEXT Colorado
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Release Date: July 25, 2025
Duration: Approximately 107 minutes

Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, host John Middlekauff delves deep into the latest developments in the NFL, focusing on key figures and emerging stories that are shaping the league. Skipping over promotional segments, the discussion centers around Ben Johnson's coaching strategies, Justin Fields' recent injury scare, Kyle Shanahan's offensive philosophies, Nick Casario's groundbreaking contract negotiations, and an intriguing comparison between the North Carolina Tar Heels and the former Colorado Buffaloes.

Justin Fields’ Injury Scare [04:00 - 19:33]

The episode kicks off with a concerning update about Justin Fields, the promising quarterback. Middlekauff reports that Fields was carted off the field during training camp due to a toe injury. The initial panic suggested a season-ending scenario, but fortunately, it was revealed to be a dislocated toe. Middlekauff provides an in-depth analysis of the implications of such injuries during training camp, emphasizing how they can derail practices and affect team morale:

John Middlekauff [04:00]: “My first thought is like, obviously, is that a season-ending, ending injury? And typically when stuff like that happens in training camp, no one can focus. It’s really hard to function.”

He discusses the emotional and physical toll on players and the ripple effects an injury can have on the team's preparation for the upcoming season.

Ben Johnson’s Coaching Approach [19:33 - 35:44]

Shifting focus, Middlekauff praises Ben Johnson's intense coaching style, drawing parallels to Dan Campbell's approach with the Detroit Lions. Johnson's determination to fix quarterback Caleb Williams' performance stands out as a pivotal move for the team's offensive strategy:

John Middlekauff [19:33]: “Ben Johnson is not only like kicking the first team offense off the field and yelling at guys and on guys and the intensity he’s bringing to the practice field... I saw that he gave Caleb Williams going into the off-season a list of things that he had to work on over the summer.”

Johnson's regimen includes rigorous training schedules and precise targets for Williams, aiming to elevate the quarterback's game both physically and mentally. Middlekauff underscores the necessity of such tough coaching to foster genuine improvement:

John Middlekauff [24:00]: “When you become a head coach from being a coordinator, there is no guarantee you’re going to know what you’re doing... but Ben Johnson, people have been begging for him to take their job for a long time.”

Kyle Shanahan’s Offensive Philosophy [35:44 - 28:16]

Middlekauff transitions to discuss Kyle Shanahan, highlighting his exceptional ability to lead offenses without relying on elite quarterbacks. Shanahan’s strategic play-calling and trust in his quarterbacks are lauded as key factors in his success:

John Middlekauff [35:44]: “Kyle Shanahan... his defining attribute is being able to win without like a top five, six, seven quarterback.”

He includes an audio snippet of Shanahan discussing his approach to play-calling, emphasizing minimal cognitive load on quarterbacks to enhance their performance:

Kyle Shanahan [25:40]: “...you have to be really good to function at that level... If Brock can do anything. If I tell Brock not to do something because I think it’ll hurt us and he does it anyways and it works, I’m going to be the first person chest bumping him when he comes to the sidelines.”

Shanahan’s method involves equipping quarterbacks with contingency plans, reducing the need for ad-libbing during high-pressure moments, thereby streamlining offensive execution.

Nick Casario’s Contract Negotiations [28:16 - 35:44]

One of the most talked-about segments features Nick Casario, who recently made headlines by fully guaranteeing a second-round draft pick's contract. Middlekauff breaks down Casario’s rationale:

Nick Casario [33:45]: “When you look at like say, contracts in the second round specifically... there’s probably going to be some marginal increase.”

Casario explains that the move was a strategic decision aligned with industry trends, dismissing media uproar as overstated. Middlekauff echoes this sentiment, highlighting Casario's pragmatic approach to contract negotiations:

John Middlekauff [35:44]: “Whenever you’re negotiating... sometimes, and I’ve had a front row seat... it's like, what are we talking about here?”

This decision not only sets a precedent within the league but also serves as advice on handling negotiations effectively by focusing on the broader financial picture rather than getting bogged down by trivial percentages.

Is UNC the Next Colorado? [35:44 - 65:42]

Middlekauff concludes the main discussion by examining the potential rise of the North Carolina Tar Heels in college football, drawing a comparison to the Colorado Buffaloes' unexpected surge a few years prior. He questions whether UNC can replicate Colorado's media buzz and entertainment value, despite uncertainties about their on-field talent:

John Middlekauff [35:44]: “Could the North Carolina Tar Heels be the Colorado Buffaloes of a couple of years ago?... I don't know if the talent is there.”

He assesses the challenges UNC faces, including a recent transfer quarterback and the departure of key players, which could hinder their ability to attract the same level of national attention and fan engagement as Colorado did during its peak. Middlekauff remains cautiously optimistic but underscores the difficulty in matching Colorado’s unique blend of talent and charisma.

Mailbag Highlights [65:42 - End]

In the mailbag segment, Middlekauff addresses viewer questions about various NFL topics, including the latest on Christian Wilkins' contract dispute with the Raiders and broader discussions about quarterback rankings and team performances. He provides thoughtful insights, reinforcing his earlier points about coaching intensity and strategic contract decisions.

Conclusion

Episode 3 & Out of The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers a comprehensive analysis of current NFL dynamics, emphasizing the importance of robust coaching strategies, the impact of player injuries, and innovative contract negotiations. John Middlekauff adeptly navigates these topics, providing listeners with a nuanced understanding of the complexities within professional football. The episode concludes with engaging mailbag interactions, further cementing the show’s role as a valuable resource for sports enthusiasts seeking in-depth commentary and expert opinions.

Notable Quotes

• John Middlekauff [04:00]: “My first thought is like, obviously, is that a season-ending, ending injury? And typically when stuff like that happens in training camp, no one can focus. It’s really hard to function.”

• John Middlekauff [19:33]: “Ben Johnson is not only like kicking the first team offense off the field and yelling at guys and on guys and the intensity he’s bringing to the practice field... I saw that he gave Caleb Williams going into the off-season a list of things that he had to work on over the summer.”

• Kyle Shanahan [25:40]: “You have to be really good to function at that level... If Brock can do anything. If I tell Brock not to do something because I think it’ll hurt us and he does it anyways and it works, I’m going to be the first person chest bumping him when he comes to the sidelines.”

• Nick Casario [33:45]: “We’re always going to handle business however we see fit, try to do it logically, be pragmatic about it, try to do it in a responsible way.”

This detailed summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the episode, providing a clear and engaging overview for both regular listeners and newcomers alike.