Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Episode: 3 & Out – Joe Burrow OUTPLAYS Lamar Jackson as Bengals UPSET Ravens
Date: November 28, 2025
Host: John Middlekauff

Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into a wild Thanksgiving slate of NFL action, with a special spotlight on Joe Burrow’s gritty return and the Bengals’ surprising win over the Ravens. Host John Middlekauff delivers candid, passionate takes on Burrow’s mentality, the woes afflicting Lamar Jackson and Baltimore, Dallas’ rapid evolution into a legit contender, a potential tipping point for the Chiefs, and the surging Green Bay Packers. Throughout, Middlekauff emphasizes the power of NFL football—why it captures millions—and peppers in sharp observations and memorable quotes.

Main Themes and Discussion Points

1. Joe Burrow’s Return and Bengals Stun Ravens

Timestamp: 04:59 – 12:24

• Burrow’s Mindset and Grit:
  Burrow played through a painful turf toe injury, taking his shoe off every defensive series for pain management.

  "I'm paid a ton of money to play a little kids' game. If I can play, I'm going to play." (Burrow’s pregame quote paraphrased by Middlekauff, 06:00)

• NFL Player Ethos:
  The willingness of stars like Burrow to play through pain contrasts with trends in other sports to rest or “tank.”

  “How refreshing is that for the consumer?” (Middlekauff, 06:15)
  “That’s why the NFL’s king, because that’s the players’ mindset.” (Middlekauff, 10:31)

• Bengals' Odds and Reality:
  Despite the upset, Cincinnati’s playoff hopes are virtually nil, but Burrow’s competitive fire lifts the team.

  “They could run the table…they're still not making the playoffs. But I do think what Joe Burrow said…represents the power of the sport.” (Middlekauff, 04:59)

• Future in Cincy:
  Middlekauff dismisses trade rumors:

  “If you're the Bengals, like, he's going nowhere for the foreseeable future…he's just a franchise changer.” (09:18)

2. Baltimore Ravens’ Troubles & Lamar Jackson’s Health

Timestamp: 12:24 – 17:23

• Lamar’s Poor Outing & Injuries:
  Jackson looked sluggish, less than fully healthy (~50%), and struggled with fumbles and inconsistent passing.

• Concern for Playoff Viability:

  “Their whole offense…from a passing standpoint revolves around him making plays. And it just doesn’t look right. It looks off.” (Middlekauff, 11:23)
  “Depending on the matchup, feels like a decent chance that they're, you know, potentially one and done in the playoffs.” (Middlekauff, 15:59)

• AFC Landscape:
  With the conference in “shambles”—injuries, inconsistent teams—the Ravens may survive, but their ceiling looks lower.

• Conditions and Mental Toughness:
  Middlekauff highlights the harsh, cold environment in Baltimore as a hidden factor:

  “This is a different level of football than playing indoors in Detroit or Dallas…a different level of mental toughness.” (Middlekauff, 13:49)

3. Cowboys Ascending – Coaching, Trades, and Dak’s Elite Streak

Timestamp: 20:40 – 49:11

• Offensive Renaissance under Brian Schottenheimer:
  Schottenheimer, once doubted, is praised for innovative, productive playcalling and strong rapport with Dak.

  “There is no other team in the NFL that would hire him…as their offensive coordinator. Clearly he’s an excellent OC. He’s really good at his job.” (21:49)
  "As an offensive coordinator, he's been pretty elite." (22:51)

• Jerry Jones’ Bold Moves: Trades for Quinn Williams (DT), Micah Parsons, and others have transformed both the defense and the offense.

  “Micah Parsons trade is…one of the bigger trades of my adult life.” (26:02) “Every time you look up, 92’s in the backfield.” (26:56)

• Key Player Highlights:

  • Dak Prescott: “That was especially [impressive] against Spags’ defense…Dak Prescott was just elite.” (21:49)
  • CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Jake Ferguson: All delivered big in the passing game.
  • Defensive Standouts: Quinn Williams (DT), Jadavion Clowney (EDGE), and the new additions have energized a previously middling defense.

• Realistic Playoff Picture:
  Despite their hot streak, Middlekauff doubts Dallas makes the playoffs but lauds their momentum and organizational strides.

  “Are the Cowboys going to make the playoffs this year? I still doubt it…But if I would have told anyone…Chiefs and Cowboys…same amount of victories…there’s not a soul that would have believed you.” (41:32)

• Dak’s Playoff Narrative:
  Dak’s regular season excellence is undebatable, but postseason doubts linger.

  “Their downfall has been Dak did not play well in the big games…can he just throw for like three touchdowns?” (44:23)

4. Kansas City Chiefs at a Crossroads

Timestamp: 41:32 – 49:11

• Still Dangerous, But Ceiling Lower:
  Offense is potent, Mahomes played well (4 TD, 0 picks), but defense is vulnerable, and supporting weapons don’t measure up to previous dynastic runs.

• Penalties and Officiating:
  Chiefs had 10 penalties for 120 yards; Middlekauff dismisses blaming refs, calls it “part of the game.”

  “Officiating in football sucks. It’s bad all the time…if you want to say that these pass interferences shouldn’t be called…Let the guys duke it out.” (38:55)

• Outlook for Playoffs and Core Players:
  Real chance KC misses playoffs; potential end of Chris Jones/Travis Kelce era.

  “It does feel like we’re kind of at the end of the Kelsey, Chris Jones era.” (45:09)

• GM’s Task for the Future:

  “We need better players. I think I saw a report…[star left tackle] broke his wrist …just not their year.” (48:40)

5. Packers & Matt LaFleur’s Turnaround, Jordan Love’s Breakout

Timestamp: 52:15 – 61:00

• LaFleur Out-of-Hot-Seat:
  After criticism, LaFleur gets kudos for playcalling and giving Love opportunities to shine.

  “I thought LaFleur…was excellent today. That’s as good a game [as I] can remember.” (52:19)

• Love’s Star Performance:
  334 yards, 4 TD, big throws to Watson and Wicks; sense of renewed hope around the young QB.

  “I thought Jordan Love was fantastic…that was beautiful pitch and catch.” (53:10)

• Big Fourth-Down Moments:
  Packers' 3-for-3 on fourth down vs. Lions' 0-for-2 was the difference.

• Lions' Defensive Regression:
  Despite their firepower, their defense simply “just can’t get a stop whenever they have to.” (35:17)

  “It just gets back to defensively, they’re just not very good.” (59:22)

6. Quick Look Ahead & Closing Bets

Timestamp: 61:00 – 62:00

• Bears vs. Eagles (Black Friday):
  Picks Bears +7, predicts a weird, close game given Philly’s current offensive inconsistencies and Chicago’s underdog energy.

• General NFL Parity:
  Emphasis throughout on how unpredictable the season is—no dominant AFC team, playoff races wide open.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “I have a lot of respect for Joe battling back and playing on Thanksgiving…that’s why the NFL’s king, because that’s the player’s mindset.” (10:31)
• “Lamar looks kind of slow. By all accounts, he’s probably closer to 50% than he is 80%. He’s not himself…” (Maria to John; John at 10:54)
• “Are the Cowboys going to make the playoffs?...But if I would have told anyone…the Chiefs and the Cowboys…same amount of victories…there’s not a soul that would have believed you.” (41:32)
• “Micah Parsons trade is…one of the bigger trades of my adult life.” (26:02)
• “Dak’s been pretty good man, and the team’s been pretty good. Schottenheimer’s been awesome. Jerry deserves a lot of credit.” (39:45)
• “Their downfall has been Dak did not play well in the big games…can he just throw for like three touchdowns?” (44:23)
• “You have one shitty game…one bad half, it could cost you a Super Bowl run.” (46:40)
• “This Lions season has just kind of been weird…defensively they’re just not very good.” (58:30, 59:22)
• “If I’m a Cowboy fan, I’m pretty proud right now. And Jerry’s taken a lot of shit. They have underachieved in the playoffs…but they’ve been a well-run organization for 10 plus years.” (42:31)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Joe Burrow on Thanksgiving and NFL mindset: 04:59 – 12:24
• Ravens’ struggles & AFC landscape: 12:24 – 17:23
• Cowboys’ win, Schottenheimer, Dak, Jerry Jones’ moves: 20:40 – 49:11
• Chiefs’ decline and future outlook: 41:32 – 49:11
• Packers/Lions, LaFleur and Jordan Love shine: 52:15 – 61:00
• Preview: Bears-Eagles, “weird game” prediction: 61:00 – 62:00

Tone and Style

Middlekauff’s style is conversational, at times irreverent—blunt opinions, colorful put-downs (e.g., the Raiders’ offense, officiating, and TV analysts), but he balances this with genuine respect and insightful football analysis, especially for players and coaches who rise to the occasion or make bold moves.

For Listeners Who Missed It

This episode captures the drama and unpredictability of late-November NFL action, offering energetic analysis of Thanksgiving’s biggest results, signature performances, and the larger forces shaping the playoff races. Whether you’re a fan of the Bengals, Ravens, Cowboys, Chiefs, Packers, or just love football, Middlekauff’s breakdowns will make you feel right in the heart of the NFL universe.