The Herd with Colin Cowherd — 3 & Out: NFL Week 7 Predictions

Date: October 18, 2025
Host: Colin Cowherd
Podcast Network: iHeartPodcasts & The Volume

Episode Overview

In this punchy, opinion-driven weekend episode, Colin Cowherd breaks down the major storylines ahead of NFL Week 7. He dives into three fascinating matchups—Falcons vs. 49ers, Eagles vs. Vikings, and Patriots vs. Titans—highlighting coaching drama, team management philosophies, injuries, and quarterback play. Throughout, Colin’s trademark blend of skepticism, humor, and inside knowledge is on display as he draws lessons about NFL leadership, team-building, and on-field dynamics.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Patriots vs. Titans — The Mike Vrabel Saga

[08:25 - 20:53]

• Titans’ Dysfunction:
  Colin blasts the Titans as “a complete embarrassment” and outlines why first-year head coaches often misfire. He highlights Brian Callahan’s lack of preparedness and NFL systems knowledge.
  • "He literally said that week one: I didn't know that an elbow down meant two feet in, meant a catch. And he didn't challenge. It was over his head." [09:14]
• Vrabel’s Value:
  Vrabel’s previous success turning around the Titans is underlined.
  • "Mike Vrabel isn't just a good coach. Like, he's really good." [11:40]
    Colin questions why the Patriots didn't face a bidding war to hire Vrabel and speculates how other teams, like the Jets, might have approached the situation more aggressively.
• Long-Term Frustrations in Tennessee:
  Colin empathizes with Titans fans who might even root for their ex-coach to embarrass their team further:
  • "If I'm a Titans fan, I want Mike Vrabel to make it even worse, to make it even uglier, because that's how we feel." [16:55]
• Organizational Instability:
  The show notes the cycle of hiring and firing in Tennessee and the immense deterrent it presents for credible coaches.
  • "Unless you're willing to pay top dollar, how could any candidate worth his salt feel comfortable that this is going to work?…You just fired Mike freaking Vrabel, who I would say...is, like, universally respected." [19:57]
• Toughness and Football Leadership:
  Colin draws analogies to other tough professions, emphasizing that NFL coaching requires "alpha" personalities, and owners must accept the cost.
  • "Football is just one of those [industries]...there's never been a grouchier human being than Bill Belichick on a daily basis. ...We're winning. It's worth it. That comes with the cost." [22:05]

2. Eagles vs. Vikings — A Polarizing Test

[24:09 - 36:18]

• Philly’s Ruthless Standard:
  Colin admires the Eagles organization’s “win at all costs” mindset and draws parallels to Saban, Belichick, and major sports dynasties:
  • "Their standard is just crazy high. They have no letup." [25:06]
• Minnesota’s Offensive Arsenal vs. Eagles’ Defensive Drop-Off:
  Examines the matchup:
  • The Eagles’ secondary is “a major question mark” battling elite wideouts Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison and tight end T.J. Hockenson.
  • Philly’s pass rush is less dominant due to lost personnel (Brandon Graham, Fletcher Cox, C.J. Gardner-Johnson) and salary cap realities.
  • "When you can't cover people and your pass rush isn't quite the same, that can be a problem—even when you have one of the best defensive coordinators of his generation." [31:35]
• Kevin O'Connell’s Aggressive Approach:
  • Describes O’Connell as favoring the pass, likely exploiting these Eagles defensive weaknesses.
  • "Kevin O'Connell...wants to throw it over and over and over again. And against the Eagles, I wouldn’t blame him." [34:12]
• Jalen Hurts’ Inconsistency and Philly’s Volatility:
  • "Their quarterback is pretty bizarre because he's had some of the greatest Super Bowl performances we've ever seen...But then he plays regular season games...like is this guy even good?" [35:14]
  • Forecasts big changes or firings if Philadelphia loses this game: “It would be like DEFCON 5 in Philadelphia." [36:02]

3. Falcons vs. 49ers — The Fred Warner Problem

[37:10 - 49:47]

• San Francisco’s Major Injuries:
  The episode laments the loss of defensive stars, especially Fred Warner (“the sheriff in the locker room”), and how this weakens the entire unit. Nick Bosa is also out.
  • "There is no replacing that. ...this isn’t high school football. This is the pros. Fred Warner makes $25 million a year. The next man up is a rookie making a million...who might not be a starter on 10 teams in the NFL." [40:17]
• Atlanta's Young Superstars:
  • Colin is bullish on Bijan Robinson (“Pro Bowl All-Pro level…total package”) and Drake London, calling them “dominant forces” and potential keys to Atlanta’s success.
  • "Bijan Robinson, who was by far the most dynamic guy on either team, and Drake London, who has really turned into a high end wide receiver. Those two guys are dominant forces." [38:30]
• Weaknesses Exploited:
  • Predicts the Falcons will “attack early and often” and “should be licking their lips” to play against the 49ers’ depleted defense.
• 49ers’ Injury Attrition as a Sinking Barge:
  In classic Cowherd fashion, a long ranch metaphor drives home the point:
  • "There is no filling in a Band-Aid for Nick Bosa and Fred Warner. It's literally impossible...That's what it feels like right now with the 49ers. They're at the point where they've kind of Band-Aid this. It's like the leak here. Now the barge has broken, water's flowing through." [47:56]
  • Declares 49ers might struggle to reach 9 wins despite a soft schedule because “you just can't miss this many players...and overcome it.” [49:18]

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Vrabel & Coaching Value:
  "If I was the Jets, I'd be listening ... How about five years, $100 million ... Like, okay, people say the Crafts are cheap. Let's see if they're willing to pay you what we're willing to pay you." [12:37]
• On the NFL Coaching Profession:
  "Sometimes, like, guys— I don't think Mike Vrabel is a bad guy ... but you're not sleeping much during the season. You're not always going to have a smile on your face. ... If you go into a football office ... like, it's aggressive, there's a lot of ego, there's a lot of alpha." [22:10]
• On Eagles Management:
  "The Eagles ethos with Jeffrey Lurie and Howie Roseman— they just don't have much patience, and they know what they're doing." [25:41]
• On Philly’s Decline:
  "Not every guy gets to be a first rounder in your starting lineup. You're going to need a fifth rounder, a third rounder, a guy that you found on the practice squad to be starters at different positions. And they're kind of going through it right now." [32:52]
• On 49ers’ Roster Holes:
  "There is no filling in a Band-Aid for Nick Bosa and Fred Warner. It's literally impossible. ... At least you can understand it, you know, in the moment Fred Warner's ankle is pointing the other way. Like who do you think is going to be tackling Bijan Robinson when you play him in a game?" [47:56]

Key Timestamps

• 08:25: Titans dysfunction & Brian Callahan's limitations
• 11:40: Mike Vrabel’s impact and organizational value
• 16:55: Titans fans’ apathy and the odd desire for embarrassment
• 22:05: NFL coaching culture and owner expectations
• 25:06: Eagles’ high standards and management style
• 31:35: Philly defense’s decline and matchup with Vikings receivers
• 34:12: Kevin O'Connell's offensive philosophy
• 36:02: Stakes for the Eagles if they lose to Minnesota
• 38:30: Falcons' standout young skill players
• 40:17: The irreplaceability of Fred Warner
• 47:56: Sinking barge metaphor for 49ers’ defensive attrition
• 49:18: Colin’s prediction—49ers may struggle for 9 wins due to injuries

Conclusion

Colin wraps up with optimism for the young Patriots QB Drake May, respect for Bijan Robinson’s potential stardom, and concern for the depleted 49ers. The episode's energetic, narrative-driven analysis gives fans fresh ways to think about coaching, team-building, personnel, and the razor-thin margins separating contenders from pretenders.