Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Episode: 3 & Out – Reaction to Mac Jones & 49ers UPSET WIN vs. Matt Stafford & Rams on TNF
Date: October 3, 2025
Host: [Unnamed in transcript, presumed to be John Middlekauff for "3 & Out"]
Podcast Network: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a passionate, in-depth breakdown of the San Francisco 49ers’ shocking 26–23 overtime victory over the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday Night Football. The focus is on the gritty performance of backup quarterback Mac Jones, who led an injury-depleted 49ers squad against a strong Rams team led by Matt Stafford. Alongside the main recap, the host analyzes the 49ers' ongoing injury crisis, critical coaching decisions, and the state of several NFL teams, weaving in broader league perspectives and memorable moments.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. 49ers’ Gutsy Upset at SoFi Stadium

• Mac Jones Delivers Under Pressure

  • Jones elevated himself from a figure of ridicule to a “legendary” backup QB, securing three wins as a starter while filling in for an injured Brock Purdy.
  • Quote: “That is one of the grittiest, toughest, most badass performances I can ever remember.” ([05:40])
  • Despite a potentially serious knee injury and taking repeated hits, Jones threw for 340 yards (33/49), displaying both toughness and poise.
  • The 49ers’ offensive line was overwhelmed by talented Rams defenders, notably Jared Verse.

• Injury Epidemic for San Francisco

  • Multiple Niners went down during the game; starting QB Brock Purdy had already been rushed back too soon and was likely headed to IR with turf toe.
  • Quote: “If you play for Kyle Shanahan, your career… any game can end. And your likelihood for injury… is infinitely higher than other places.” ([12:15])
  • Host expresses empathy for player holdouts, given the increased injury risk under head coach Kyle Shanahan.

• 49ers Personnel Patchwork

  • Running back Christian McCaffrey had 30 touches but managed just 57 rushing yards; backup receivers Kendrick Bourne (10 catches, 142 yards) and DeMarcus Robinson were unexpectedly impactful due to injuries.
  • Quote: “There are a lot of guys on that field that you’re like, who’s this guy?” ([53:50])
  • Much credit is given to the team’s resilience and willingness to grind out a win despite depleted depth.

2. Critical Moments and Coaching Decisions

• Game Management and Clutch Plays

  • The 49ers ran a clinic in the first half, controlling the ball and jumping out to a 17–7 lead.
  • Key play: Rookie Alfred Collins’ tackle late prevented extra time off the clock for the Rams, indirectly securing the win. ([38:45])
  • Overtime was decided in part due to a new kickoff rule, which the host says “has had dramatic impact on the sport.” A squib kick error by the Rams set up the Niners with great field position in OT. ([44:05])

• Coaching Critique — Kyle Shanahan

  • Host questions the wisdom of putting an injured Purdy back into action, likening it to organizational mismanagement.
  • On the play-calling: While Shanahan showed brilliance with his scripted drives, he also grew conservative late, a choice the host both defends and gently critiques.

• Rams’ Crunch-Time Failures

  • McVay’s decision to go for a win on fourth down is applauded, though the host is mystified they did not use their elite receivers (Puka Nacua, Davante Adams) for a quick slant or out on the decisive play.

3. Broader NFL Topics

• Kicker Importance

  • Praise for the 49ers’ new kicker Eddie Piñeiro after a clutch 59-yard field goal. Host reflects on Jake Moody’s departure and the agony of inconsistent kicking.

• Rams Defensive Backfield

  • Blanket criticism of the Rams’ defensive backs: “Their DBs blow and Mac Jones annihilated them all night long.” ([09:55])
  • Host reiterates it’s nearly impossible to find top-tier DBs or O-linemen midseason.

• State of the Ravens

  • Suggests Baltimore is heading for a “year from hell” with key injuries, including Lamar Jackson out.
  • Reflects on whether the Ravens and John Harbaugh have missed their championship window.

• Tyreek Hill’s Hall of Fame Credentials

  • Host asserts Hill is a surefire first-ballot Hall of Famer despite the possibility that his career is cut short.

• The “Porta Potty Panthers” and NFL’s Worst Teams

  • Host invents a vivid Porta Potty metaphor for the league’s bottom feeders, with the Titans, Jets, and Panthers getting the most criticism: “This team is ass. The Titans are the Ryder Cup Porta Potty… the most disgusting smell.” ([1:20:30])

• Buffalo Bills Super Bowl Watch

  • Host roots for the Bills, highlighting a softening AFC landscape and the opportunity for Buffalo to capitalize.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Mac Jones’ Grit:
  • “Mac Jones… was the toughest SOB on that field tonight, [or] the 49ers wouldn’t [have] pulled one of the crazier upsets I’ve ever seen.” ([23:35])
• On the 49ers Injuries:
  • “I will never have an issue with a holdout again. If you play for Kyle Shanahan, you literally might die on the field.” ([13:20])
• On Rams Defensive Backs:
  • “DeMarcus Robinson and Kendrick Bourne are looking like Jerry Rice and Terrell Owens out there.” ([09:45])
• On Rams’ Missed Opportunity:
  • Regarding using Adams or Puka on 4th down: “God put those guys on earth for like a fourth and one something quick that they are going to catch.” ([48:00])
• On the NFC West Showdown:
  • “This is one of my favorite games… how thrilling that was. I mean, you’re on the edge of your seat and this was classic NFL.” ([58:40])
• On Bills‘ Championship Window:
  • “If you’re the real deal, like you squash [the Patriots]… I kind of like the Bills to do that.” ([1:27:00])
• On NFL bottom feeders:
  • “The Titans are the Ryder Cup Porta Potty… your team is ass.” ([1:21:50])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 49ers’ victory monologue, Mac Jones’ heroics: 03:50 – 26:00
• Details on 49ers’ injuries, O-line philosophy, roster patchwork: 12:00 – 23:00
• Rams’ strengths and defensive line analysis: 19:40 – 22:30
• Drive-by-drive endgame, Collins tackle, coaching analysis: 36:45 – 42:00
• New kickoff rule OT sequence: 44:05 – 46:35
• Rams’ overtime offensive strategy, Matt Stafford’s crafting: 47:00 – 50:00
• Review of the game’s “legendary” quality and 49ers’ upcoming schedule: 58:00 – 1:05:00
• Ravens season outlook and Harbaugh/coach discussion: 1:07:00 – 1:15:30
• Tyreek Hill’s Hall of Fame argument: 1:16:15 – 1:18:40
• Porta Potty Panthers & NFL’s worst teams: 1:19:55 – 1:23:00
• Buffalo Bills assessment: 1:25:50 – 1:28:30

Conclusion & Tone

The host brings a blend of humor, raw fandom, and blunt analysis, especially when discussing the physical toll on 49ers players and questionable coaching calls around the league. The episode moves breezily from in-the-weeds game analysis to larger NFL narratives, peppered with memorable metaphors and unsparing takes. Listeners will come away entertained, informed, and with a sense of how hard-fought and improbable the 49ers’ win truly was.