Podcast Summary

Podcast: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Segment Host: John Middlekauff (3 & Out)
Episode: Dak Prescott & Dallas Cowboys UPSET by Arizona Cardinals on MNF
Date: November 4, 2025

Main Theme

This episode of "3 & Out" with John Middlekauff offers in-depth analysis of the Dallas Cowboys’ surprising Monday Night Football loss to the Arizona Cardinals, the emergent quarterback battle in Arizona, scrutiny of the Cowboys' organizational structure, and broader NFL news as the season’s trade deadline approaches. Middlekauff also dives into standout GMs at work, injury impacts, the streaming/cable TV sports viewing landscape, and takes questions from listeners.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Cardinals Upset the Cowboys on MNF

• Quarterback Switch in Arizona

  • Jacoby Brissett started and outperformed expectations (21-31, 2 TDs, over 200 yards), while Kyler Murray was inactive.
  • Middlekauff emphasizes Brissett’s skill set better fits what the Cardinals want on offense, especially his ability to play under center.
  • The coaching staff seems to have “had enough” of the Kyler Murray experiment, suggesting Brissett is likely the starter going forward.
  • “The Kyler Murray experiment to me is over… Jacoby just Wally Pipped him.” — John Middlekauff (16:20)

• Game Breakdown and Cardinals’ Roster Strength

  • Despite Dallas’s reputation, Middlekauff believes the Cardinals, with competent QB play, are genuinely better across the roster.
  • Highlights dominant defensive line play: “Comparing defensive lines tonight, not even close. Sweat was all over Dak all night long... Calais Campbell, legendary guy, was making plays…” (14:30)
  • Marvin Harrison Jr. becomes more involved with Brissett — career-high catches, indicating better offensive synergy.

• Kyler Murray’s NFL Future and Trade Value

  • Suggests nobody will trade for Kyler’s contract; likely outcome is a release.
  • Murray “is a $15-20 million QB, not a $40+ million QB; if he hits free agency, he’s on a 1-year, prove-it deal.”

2. The Cowboys’ Dysfunction and NFC East Reality

• Owner/GM Jerry Jones in the Spotlight

  • Details Jerry’s presence and scenes before the game: “Jerry is just strutting around, taking selfies... that stage is his. Which is also a problem.” (24:00)
  • Critiques ownership structure: Jerry as owner AND GM hampers the organization’s focus and decision-making — too many voices, too much distraction.

• Team Evaluation

  • Dallas’ offense was out of sync; receivers loafing, fumbles, O-line dominated.
  • Defense is now gutted by injuries and leaky play: “If Dallas’ offense isn’t humming, they lose every game.”
  • Dak Prescott’s arm strength limitations on display: “On Dax out routes... the balls would kind of float. You see the limitation with Dax’s arm.” (26:40)

• NFC East Landscape

  • “NFC East is in shambles. Eagles are going to win 12-14 games. There’s a chance no other team gets to 8 wins.”

3. The NFL’s Shifting Media Landscape

• Frustration with Streaming/TV Rights Disputes
  • Middlekauff details his difficulties watching MNF amid the YouTube TV, Hulu, and ESPN+ dispute.
  • A relatable rant about missing the simplicity of cable: “Just get the fucking job done. This is the type of thing that makes me miss 2012. Just an easier time to be alive when it came to watching Monday Night Football.” (38:15)

4. Around the League: Front Office Moves & Injuries

• GM Masterclass: Howie Roseman (Eagles)

  • Details Roseman’s aggressive, baseball-style roster churning: recent trades for Jalen Phillips, Jair Alexander, John Metchie.
  • Eagles’ organizational philosophy is to never stand pat, always seek upgrades — stark contrast to the Cowboys’ inertia.
  • “Howie treats football like GMs treat baseball teams... constantly trading and upgrading his team… Never tolerated ‘we’re good.’” (33:00)

• Seattle’s New Reality Post-Russell Wilson

  • John Schneider’s bold decision to trade Russell Wilson is reframed as a franchise-altering move that opened up cap space and yielded draft assets.
  • Praises Schneider for orchestrating a quick rebuild centered around new talent and “one of the best QBs in the NFL [Sam Darnold].” (43:00)

• Injury Roundup

  • Key losses: Tucker Kraft (Packers TE, ACL), Mikel Williams (49ers DT, ACL), other major 49ers injuries (Purdy, Warner).
  • Talks about how injuries impact playoff and trade deadline strategies, especially regarding the value of picks.

5. Trade Deadline & Team-Building Philosophies

• Eagles vs. Cowboys: Howie vs. Jerry

  • Contrasts the Eagles’ modern team-building and willingness to make trades with the Cowboys’ conservative, personality-driven approach.
  • “The Eagles have such a big advantage... it starts with Howie [Roseman].” (36:40)

• Trade Risks & Value of Draft Picks

  • Discusses trade strategies, the risks of giving up future picks (example: trading a future second that becomes an unexpectedly high pick).
  • GMs with equity (recent success) like Howie can be aggressive; those without, get nervous.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Cards’ new starter:

  • “Don’t ever expect to see Kyler, at least in the near future. I watched enough football to go: Jacoby just Wally Pipped him.” — John Middlekauff (16:20)

• On Jerry Jones and the Cowboys:

  • “Jerry’s acting like an actor-slash-owner, but he’s also the guy running the football operation, which is kind of crazy.” (24:30)
  • “If Dallas scores in the teens, it’s an automatic loss.” (27:10)

• On NFL streaming frustration:

  • “Just get the fucking job done. I cut cable years ago... but there is no disputing once upon a time... it was a lot easier as a viewing experience.” (38:15)

• On Howie Roseman:

  • “He is just constantly making moves. It is never tolerated: ‘We’re good.’ That is not the case for most of these teams.” (33:10)

Audience Q&A Highlights (Mailbag Segment)

(58:50 and onward)

• Coach of the Year Candidates:

  • Vrabel praised for culture shift in NE; Ben Johnson, Shane Steichen, Kyle Shanahan also in the running.

• Why do people hate Eagles fans?

  • Middlekauff: Philly fans are passionate, hold team accountable; get a “bad rap,” but so do other intense fanbases.

• Leaving key players in during blowouts:

  • Football’s different than other sports, can’t sub everybody; injuries are unfortunate but “just the nature of the sport.”

• Packers, Bears, Cowboys-specific questions:

  • Discusses pressure on coaches like LaFleur and the challenges Jordan Love faces.

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Cardinals-Cowboys Breakdown & Brissett/Kyler analysis: 10:00–21:00
• Jerry Jones/Cowboys Dysfunction: 22:00–28:00
• Streaming/TV Sports Rant: 36:30–39:00
• Howie Roseman/Eagles Team Building: 32:00–37:00
• Seattle’s John Schneider/Bold GM Moves: 43:00–47:00
• Injuries & Trade Deadline Strategy: 49:00–54:00
• Audience Q&A / Mailbag: 58:50–end

Tone & Style

Middlekauff delivers his takes in a direct, irreverent, and conversational manner — “call it like it is.” He blends football analysis with personal anecdotes, behind-the-scenes NFL context, and quick wit, regularly poking fun at himself, team owners, and the quirks of NFL fandom.

Summary: Who Should Listen?

This episode is for NFL fans interested in smart, unfiltered analysis, especially of the business/organizational side of football — ideal for those frustrated with headline-level coverage and eager for insights on quarterback battles, coaching decisions, GM strategy, and why some franchises thrive while others tread water.