Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Episode: 3 & Out – Reaction to Baker Mayfield & Buccaneers MELTDOWN on TNF in Loss vs. Falcons
Date: December 12, 2025
Host: John Middlekauff (with Stucky from Action Network)
Podcast Network: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Episode Overview

This episode reacts to the Thursday Night Football meltdown by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Atlanta Falcons, examines the state of both teams, discusses Baker Mayfield's performance, and explores broader NFL themes. The hosts also delve into rumors surrounding Joe Burrow and the Bengals, analyze playoff races, the shocking return of Philip Rivers, and preview the week's NFL matchups with sharp betting insight and candid banter.

Buccaneers’ Meltdown vs. Falcons: TNF Recap

Bucs Collapse and Falcons’ Comeback (04:18–08:55)

The Bucs blew a two-touchdown lead, losing to Atlanta on a walk-off field goal at home.
John expected the Bucs to right the ship and win the division (07:05), saying, “This is what's supposed to happen...Tampa's having a weird season...all is right in the world. And then all of a sudden that's not what happened.”
Kirk Cousins outplayed Baker Mayfield: “Kirk Cousins was better than Baker Mayfield. I mean, Kirk Cousins actually was pretty good tonight. And I actually think that's a pretty big reflection of Tampa Bay because their defense is atrocious. It is really, really bad.” (08:00)
Critical moment: Baker misses an open throw to rookie WR over the middle late (08:21) – “Baker Mayfield on second and 14 late in the game to a pass that potentially ices the game...throws it behind him...next play he’s sacked.”

Key Reflections on the Bucs

No margin for error due to a porous defense; offense must be nearly perfect.
"They've lost five of the last six games—in a free fall.” (03:57)
Mayfield's accuracy inconsistent; numbers: 19/34, not great.
Mike Evans showed visible frustration at the end: “You saw Mike Evans at the end of the game, just going nuts. He looked furious. Don’t blame him. I’m busting my ass making plays...what happens? We lose.” (21:27)
Head Coach Todd Bowles takes heat for lack of emotion and defensive decline: “The defense is clearly falling off a cliff. I mean, they are atrocious.” (11:14)
“If this team misses the playoffs...people often say...‘Todd Bowles got to go’...If Bowles is gone, it’s because the Glazer family wants him gone.” (20:56-22:30)
Prognosis: Losing to Kirk Cousins, not an elite QB, makes it even worse.

Atlanta Falcons: Talent, Trade Talk, and Future Moves

Bijan Robinson and Trade Possibilities (14:18–20:30)

Bijan was the “best player on the field tonight”; “He was just operating at a different speed than everyone else.” (13:46)
Suggestion: Falcons might consider trading Bijan for a haul if starting over – “He is their most valuable asset by a mile...I think Bijan Robinson, you might be able to get two ones.” (17:17)
Comparison to other RB trades (Christian McCaffrey, Marshall Faulk): teams sometimes part with great backs to rebuild.

Kyle Pitts and Underperformance

Pitts had a career night, but his overall output remains a mystery: “What's up with this guy? One touchdown on the year.” (20:12)
Prediction Pitts could thrive elsewhere.

QB Discussion: Mayfield, Cousins, and the Old Guard

Baker Mayfield’s Up and Down Year

Started as a long-shot MVP, but “the answer is no.” (15:50)
“His play is just very hit or miss now...accuracy has to be his trademark, and tonight it wasn’t.” (15:35–16:10)

Kirk Cousins Surprises

“Kirk Cousins throws for what was his final yardage tonight? 373 yards,” John says, expressing surprise (11:56).
Outplaying Mayfield, who struggled against pressure (sacked five times, Cousins only once).

Key Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Bucs Defense: “It's not like Tampa exactly has Warren Sapp and Simeon Rice coming after your ass.” (23:30)
On Todd Bowles' Future: “If Bowles is gone, it’s because the Glazer family wants him gone. That’s not the way it works [with GMs].” (21:40)
On Bijan Robinson: “He is a remarkable talent… kind of like Christian McCaffrey...He could be a starting slot receiver and there would be no stopping him.” (18:42)
On Falcons’ Patchwork: “They've been patchworking this thing and putting Band-Aids over bullet holes for a while and it has just not worked out.” (19:32)

Joe Burrow Trade Rumors & Bengals Philosophy (30:32–37:00)

Rumors about Joe Burrow demanding a trade are “wildly overblown”—owner Mike Brown is too stubborn to trade a franchise QB, citing Carson Palmer precedent.
Quote: “Mike Brown is an old, stubborn billionaire … told Carson Palmer, ‘Retire, I’m not trading you.’” (31:15)
The Bengals have given Burrow personnel input (e.g., drafting Ja'Marr Chase).
“I expect Mike Brown to not trade Joe Burrow for the next several years.” (33:05)

The Shocking Return of Philip Rivers

NFL Rarity: 44-Year-Old QB Comeback (37:00–45:20, 51:15–58:43)

Rivers set to start for the Colts at 44 after years out; “If he actually starts, that's one of the craziest things to ever happen.” (37:55)
Discussed the rarity of QBs over 42; “Remove Brady, it literally never happened with people like 42 years old, let alone 44, who has just been out with a four-year break.” (55:00)
Connection with coach Shane Steichen cited as reason for the move.
John’s analogy: “It’s like you just have an instant connection... Football is kind of like that too.” (40:37)

Weekend NFL Preview & Betting Insights

Texans vs. Cardinals, Playoff Contenders (58:43–65:56)

Texans rising, Cardinals in ruins: “this Cards thing is really starting to fall apart…blown out a couple times” (58:43)
Houston's defense praised: “This, I think for my money, it's the best defense in the NFL. It's nothing fancy...they can get after the passer and cover. So there’s really no weaknesses.” – Stucky (62:38)

Lions, Rams, NFC Playoff Picture (66:33–70:46)

Game picks, playoff scenarios, and critical scheduling for NFC contenders
The Rams/Lions match-up huge for seeding and wild card hopes

Cold-Weather Games & Physicality (73:21–80:14)

Discussion of the toll of late-season, cold-weather physical games
Bears and Packers physicality noted: “There were plays where guys...paint on the helmet was coming off. That thing was a war zone.” (75:39)

Betting Matchup Rapid-Fire:

Bills vs. Patriots: “Bills defense really scares me...much closer to a Lions operation.” (84:54)
Cowboys vs. Vikings: Disagreement, with John siding with Dallas and Stucky with Minnesota, questioning Dallas’ ability to cover big margins (90:26–91:35)
Chiefs’ playoff odds and Chargers' collapse (97:54–103:53)

Division Races & Playoff Scenarios

Complex breakdowns of tie-breakers and win scenarios for AFC South and NFC wild card teams (103:53–105:44)
“The Texans have legit life … it was dead until it wasn’t.” (105:44)

Steelers, Dolphins, NFC West, College Basketball

T.J. Watt uncertainty; Steelers, Dolphins, Ravens, Bengals’ playoff hopes (111:30–116:13)
“If the Bengals win this week, they’re sneaky live because 8-9 could win the division.” – Stucky (113:56)
College basketball NIL era lightly covered with candid takes on team-building, spending, and the impact on programs like Kentucky and BYU (116:28–118:45)

Timestamps for Key Segments

[03:50] TNF Recap: Bucs vs. Falcons and Mayfield’s struggles
[13:46] Bijan Robinson’s dominance & trade value
[21:40] Todd Bowles’ job security and Bucs’ direction
[30:32] Joe Burrow trade rumors & Bengals organizational stubbornness
[37:00]/[51:15] The Philip Rivers 44-year-old QB shocker
[58:43] Weekend NFL betting/preview (Texans, Cardinals, Lions, Rams)
[84:56] Bills/Patriots, Cowboys/Vikings, Chiefs/Chargers betting analysis
[111:30] AFC North playoff wildness, Steelers, Ravens, Bengals
[116:28] College basketball NIL, Kentucky, BYU

Tone & Noteworthy Moments

Candid, witty, and packed with inside-NFL banter
“You're like Jeffrey Dahmer of football or something.” – John to Stucky, joking about his multi-audio set-up on game days (55:00)
John’s personal anecdote about aging and decline, comparing a sore back after a pushup to skepticism about 44-year-old Rivers’ comeback (43:40)

Final Thoughts

This episode is jam-packed with sharp reactions, laughs, and deep football analysis. If you need to catch up on the NFL’s latest chaos, playoff intrigue, and head-scratching coaching/ownership decisions, this podcast delivers in spades—with equal measures humor and hard truths.

Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Episode Overview

Buccaneers’ Meltdown vs. Falcons: TNF Recap

Bucs Collapse and Falcons’ Comeback (04:18–08:55)

The Bucs blew a two-touchdown lead, losing to Atlanta on a walk-off field goal at home.
John expected the Bucs to right the ship and win the division (07:05), saying, “This is what's supposed to happen...Tampa's having a weird season...all is right in the world. And then all of a sudden that's not what happened.”
Kirk Cousins outplayed Baker Mayfield: “Kirk Cousins was better than Baker Mayfield. I mean, Kirk Cousins actually was pretty good tonight. And I actually think that's a pretty big reflection of Tampa Bay because their defense is atrocious. It is really, really bad.” (08:00)
Critical moment: Baker misses an open throw to rookie WR over the middle late (08:21) – “Baker Mayfield on second and 14 late in the game to a pass that potentially ices the game...throws it behind him...next play he’s sacked.”

Key Reflections on the Bucs

No margin for error due to a porous defense; offense must be nearly perfect.
"They've lost five of the last six games—in a free fall.” (03:57)
Mayfield's accuracy inconsistent; numbers: 19/34, not great.
Mike Evans showed visible frustration at the end: “You saw Mike Evans at the end of the game, just going nuts. He looked furious. Don’t blame him. I’m busting my ass making plays...what happens? We lose.” (21:27)
Head Coach Todd Bowles takes heat for lack of emotion and defensive decline: “The defense is clearly falling off a cliff. I mean, they are atrocious.” (11:14)
“If this team misses the playoffs...people often say...‘Todd Bowles got to go’...If Bowles is gone, it’s because the Glazer family wants him gone.” (20:56-22:30)
Prognosis: Losing to Kirk Cousins, not an elite QB, makes it even worse.

Atlanta Falcons: Talent, Trade Talk, and Future Moves

Bijan Robinson and Trade Possibilities (14:18–20:30)

Bijan was the “best player on the field tonight”; “He was just operating at a different speed than everyone else.” (13:46)
Suggestion: Falcons might consider trading Bijan for a haul if starting over – “He is their most valuable asset by a mile...I think Bijan Robinson, you might be able to get two ones.” (17:17)
Comparison to other RB trades (Christian McCaffrey, Marshall Faulk): teams sometimes part with great backs to rebuild.

Kyle Pitts and Underperformance

Pitts had a career night, but his overall output remains a mystery: “What's up with this guy? One touchdown on the year.” (20:12)
Prediction Pitts could thrive elsewhere.

QB Discussion: Mayfield, Cousins, and the Old Guard

Baker Mayfield’s Up and Down Year

Started as a long-shot MVP, but “the answer is no.” (15:50)
“His play is just very hit or miss now...accuracy has to be his trademark, and tonight it wasn’t.” (15:35–16:10)

Kirk Cousins Surprises

“Kirk Cousins throws for what was his final yardage tonight? 373 yards,” John says, expressing surprise (11:56).
Outplaying Mayfield, who struggled against pressure (sacked five times, Cousins only once).

Key Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Bucs Defense: “It's not like Tampa exactly has Warren Sapp and Simeon Rice coming after your ass.” (23:30)
On Todd Bowles' Future: “If Bowles is gone, it’s because the Glazer family wants him gone. That’s not the way it works [with GMs].” (21:40)
On Bijan Robinson: “He is a remarkable talent… kind of like Christian McCaffrey...He could be a starting slot receiver and there would be no stopping him.” (18:42)
On Falcons’ Patchwork: “They've been patchworking this thing and putting Band-Aids over bullet holes for a while and it has just not worked out.” (19:32)

Joe Burrow Trade Rumors & Bengals Philosophy (30:32–37:00)

Rumors about Joe Burrow demanding a trade are “wildly overblown”—owner Mike Brown is too stubborn to trade a franchise QB, citing Carson Palmer precedent.
Quote: “Mike Brown is an old, stubborn billionaire … told Carson Palmer, ‘Retire, I’m not trading you.’” (31:15)
The Bengals have given Burrow personnel input (e.g., drafting Ja'Marr Chase).
“I expect Mike Brown to not trade Joe Burrow for the next several years.” (33:05)

The Shocking Return of Philip Rivers

NFL Rarity: 44-Year-Old QB Comeback (37:00–45:20, 51:15–58:43)

Rivers set to start for the Colts at 44 after years out; “If he actually starts, that's one of the craziest things to ever happen.” (37:55)
Discussed the rarity of QBs over 42; “Remove Brady, it literally never happened with people like 42 years old, let alone 44, who has just been out with a four-year break.” (55:00)
Connection with coach Shane Steichen cited as reason for the move.
John’s analogy: “It’s like you just have an instant connection... Football is kind of like that too.” (40:37)

Weekend NFL Preview & Betting Insights

Texans vs. Cardinals, Playoff Contenders (58:43–65:56)

Texans rising, Cardinals in ruins: “this Cards thing is really starting to fall apart…blown out a couple times” (58:43)
Houston's defense praised: “This, I think for my money, it's the best defense in the NFL. It's nothing fancy...they can get after the passer and cover. So there’s really no weaknesses.” – Stucky (62:38)

Lions, Rams, NFC Playoff Picture (66:33–70:46)

Game picks, playoff scenarios, and critical scheduling for NFC contenders
The Rams/Lions match-up huge for seeding and wild card hopes

Cold-Weather Games & Physicality (73:21–80:14)

Discussion of the toll of late-season, cold-weather physical games
Bears and Packers physicality noted: “There were plays where guys...paint on the helmet was coming off. That thing was a war zone.” (75:39)

Betting Matchup Rapid-Fire:

Bills vs. Patriots: “Bills defense really scares me...much closer to a Lions operation.” (84:54)
Cowboys vs. Vikings: Disagreement, with John siding with Dallas and Stucky with Minnesota, questioning Dallas’ ability to cover big margins (90:26–91:35)
Chiefs’ playoff odds and Chargers' collapse (97:54–103:53)

Division Races & Playoff Scenarios

Complex breakdowns of tie-breakers and win scenarios for AFC South and NFC wild card teams (103:53–105:44)
“The Texans have legit life … it was dead until it wasn’t.” (105:44)

Steelers, Dolphins, NFC West, College Basketball

T.J. Watt uncertainty; Steelers, Dolphins, Ravens, Bengals’ playoff hopes (111:30–116:13)
“If the Bengals win this week, they’re sneaky live because 8-9 could win the division.” – Stucky (113:56)
College basketball NIL era lightly covered with candid takes on team-building, spending, and the impact on programs like Kentucky and BYU (116:28–118:45)

Timestamps for Key Segments

[03:50] TNF Recap: Bucs vs. Falcons and Mayfield’s struggles
[13:46] Bijan Robinson’s dominance & trade value
[21:40] Todd Bowles’ job security and Bucs’ direction
[30:32] Joe Burrow trade rumors & Bengals organizational stubbornness
[37:00]/[51:15] The Philip Rivers 44-year-old QB shocker
[58:43] Weekend NFL betting/preview (Texans, Cardinals, Lions, Rams)
[84:56] Bills/Patriots, Cowboys/Vikings, Chiefs/Chargers betting analysis
[111:30] AFC North playoff wildness, Steelers, Ravens, Bengals
[116:28] College basketball NIL, Kentucky, BYU

Tone & Noteworthy Moments

Candid, witty, and packed with inside-NFL banter
“You're like Jeffrey Dahmer of football or something.” – John to Stucky, joking about his multi-audio set-up on game days (55:00)
John’s personal anecdote about aging and decline, comparing a sore back after a pushup to skepticism about 44-year-old Rivers’ comeback (43:40)

wavePod

3 & Out - Reaction to Baker Mayfield & Buccaneers MELTDOWN on TNF in loss vs. Falcons

Powered by Wave AI

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Episode Overview

Buccaneers’ Meltdown vs. Falcons: TNF Recap

Atlanta Falcons: Talent, Trade Talk, and Future Moves

QB Discussion: Mayfield, Cousins, and the Old Guard

Key Quotes & Memorable Moments

Joe Burrow Trade Rumors & Bengals Philosophy (30:32–37:00)

The Shocking Return of Philip Rivers

Weekend NFL Preview & Betting Insights

Division Races & Playoff Scenarios

Steelers, Dolphins, NFC West, College Basketball

Timestamps for Key Segments

Tone & Noteworthy Moments

Final Thoughts

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Episode Overview

Buccaneers’ Meltdown vs. Falcons: TNF Recap

Atlanta Falcons: Talent, Trade Talk, and Future Moves

QB Discussion: Mayfield, Cousins, and the Old Guard

Key Quotes & Memorable Moments

Joe Burrow Trade Rumors & Bengals Philosophy (30:32–37:00)

The Shocking Return of Philip Rivers

Weekend NFL Preview & Betting Insights

Division Races & Playoff Scenarios

Steelers, Dolphins, NFC West, College Basketball

Timestamps for Key Segments

Tone & Noteworthy Moments

Final Thoughts