The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Episode: 3 & Out – Reaction to Matthew Stafford & Rams DESTROYING Bucs on SNF + NFL Week 12
Date: November 24, 2025
Host: John Middelkopf (The Volume)

Episode Overview

This episode dives into a wild Week 12 in the NFL, with a spotlight on Matthew Stafford and the LA Rams obliterating the Buccaneers on Sunday Night Football. John Middelkopf analyzes the state of the NFC, Stafford’s MVP case and legacy, key coaching changes (Chip Kelly fired), and covers other major storylines from around the league: the Cowboys’ comeback against the Eagles, struggles in Detroit, J.J. McCarthy’s woes, the Browns’ defense, and much more. The show also looks ahead to Monday Night Football and discusses trending viral stories across the NFL.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Rams Destroy Bucs on SNF & Stafford’s Legacy (03:23–17:45)

• Rams Dominance: Middelkopf opens with a deep dive into the Rams’ lopsided win over the Bucs.
  • "The Rams destroy Tyler Tampa probably the craziest moment of the day though is the Eagles falling apart and the Cowboys winning." (03:26)
• Stafford’s Hall of Fame Moment
  • Highlights how Matthew Stafford is peaking late in his career, making a strong MVP case.
  • "There is no disputing something pretty special is going on with Matt Stafford. He's clearly going to be the betting favorite over the next 24 hours in the... race to win the MVP. He's playing as well as he ever has in his career." (13:33)
  • Explains how Stafford’s years in Detroit distorted perceptions of his greatness: "Matt Stafford played for the Lions, right? You're going to do a lot better in life when you go to a place that knows what they're doing when you're young than a place that had no clue." (12:03)
• Rams Weaponry and Offseason Moves
  • Praises the Rams’ roster construction, specifically the impact of Devonte Adams and George Pickens.
  • Puka Nacua is highlighted as Stafford’s red zone weapon; defensive players like Landman and Forbes called out for instant impact.
  • "Landman character from Colorado was essentially Ray Lewis reincarnated... He's hitting people today like he's Roquan Smith or Fred Warner." (07:01)
• Coaching & Culture
  • John hails Sean McVay’s coaching and staff moves (notably hiring his college roommate, Shula, as DC).
  • "McVeigh looks like a Hollywood actor. Todd [Bowles] looks like this old, grumpy, kind of quiet guy." (16:31)

Notable Quote

"If I had to say, hey, who's going to win a Super Bowl... I would take [the Rams] over Seattle just because I trust Matt Stafford a lot more than I trust Sam Darnold." – John Middelkopf (11:43)

2. Buccaneers Losing Their Grip (17:45–20:50)

• Buccaneers’ season derailing due to injuries (especially to Baker Mayfield) and defensive collapse.
  • "If Baker is seriously injured. They are just completely fucked. There really is no way around it." (16:59)
• Expresses doubts about Todd Bowles continuing as Bucs head coach.

3. Breaking News & Coaching Carousel: Chip Kelly Fired (25:00–31:00)

• Reacts live to news of Chip Kelly being fired as Eagles OC.
  • "I never understood the hire for the Raiders when it came to Chip Kelly. This was a guy... Even their good teams, they were dominated by the defensive side of the ball." (25:08)
• Coaching ‘Washed’ Discourse: Discusses the fading influence of aging coaches like Pete Carroll and Bill Belichick.
  • "P. Carroll might legitimately be over the hill. It might be over. Same thing for Belichick." (26:23)
• Critiques Kelly’s lucrative contracts despite lackluster results: “He just turned into this mercenary chasing cash. And he was good at it.” (28:00)

Notable Quote

"To Give Chip Kelly Three years, $18 million in 2025 is one of the more crazy financial investments in recent memory. It really is insane." – John Middelkopf (25:53)

4. NFL Week 12 Recap: Eagles’ Meltdown, Cowboys’ Statement, Other Games

Eagles’ Collapse and Cowboys’ Big Win (31:00–36:00)

• Eagles blew a 21–0 lead to the Cowboys; Cowboys offense and Schottenheimer coaching praised.
  • "I can't even describe what I witnessed. An all-time meltdown of just doing nothing." (33:09)
  • On Jalen Hurts and Eagles' offensive woes: "He only has thrown one interception. Like Jalen does not turn it over yet. Can go through these stretches where it just looks like he is like there is no... nothing happens." (34:18)
  • Discusses how the lack of a potent running game is hurting the previously dominant Eagles, and how tackles like Lane Johnson's injury has affected them.
• Cowboys’ George Pickens ascendant (‘looks like Terrell Owens meets Randy Moss’); CD Lamb’s drops highlighted as issues.
  • "George Pickens like, don't worry, I got you. And he does and he did. Today he had a massive game. I mean the last two weeks he has 20 catches, 300 yards and two touchdowns." (36:46)

Lions, Giants & Bears (43:35–50:08)

• Lions’ Defense in “Shambles”:
  • “They can't stop anybody. It looks like the same exact thing from last year. Explosive plays, guys wide open...” (44:05)
  • Predicts Lions will be “one and done” in the playoffs due to their defensive shortcomings.
• Giants Fans’ Resilience:
  • “Even when you suck, they're still going to consume it. They kind of need it. And they try to find positive little elements...” (43:37)
  • Wonders if coaching decisions (not starting Jameis Winston sooner) cost Brian Dabel his job.
• Bears & Caleb Williams:
  • “Props to Caleb. And luckily for if you're a Bears fan, the Vikings are in absolute shambles. And the Lions are kind of leaking oil as well.” (49:32)

5. Packers Ruin J.J. McCarthy’s Day & Defensive Dominance (47:00–49:32)

• Highlights an abysmal statistical outing for J.J. McCarthy: “JJ McCarthy now ranks 851st out of 852 in expected [points added] per drop back among qualified passers since 2000.” (46:25)
• Praises Packers’ defensive strength.

6. Browns Defense Shines & Miles Garrett’s Historic Run (31:00, 50:08)

• Marvels at Miles Garrett’s dominance:
  • “The greatest defensive players I've seen would probably be like Reggie White, Ray Lewis, Ed Reed...Miles Garrett is every bit as good as any of those guys.” (31:00)
• Browns’ franchise history put into perspective: “You'd be like Jim Brown, Miles Garrett, like, that's kind of Joe Thomas.”

Notable Quote

“He, he had three sacks. You know, he has 18 now on the season. I think my producer Shane was telling me he's got like 13 in this, in this month. He is just an absolute wrecking ball of domination coming off the edge. I mean, he looks like a Greek god.” – John Middelkopf (31:41)

7. AFC North & Team Trajectories (55:15–57:34)

• AFC North pegged as a “one-bid” playoff division, far removed from its former strength.
  • “So the AFC north went from was it a couple of years ago. We're like, that's the best division in football to now being like that division stinks.” (55:37)

8. Viral Story: The Brandon Aiyuk Mystery (57:34–60:44)

• Discussion on the confusing reports surrounding Brandon Aiyuk's contract/guarantees voided by the 49ers.
  • “There are things that do not add up. They do not pass the smell test. That is this situation. I'm still waiting for more shoes to drop…” (59:22)

9. Monday Night Football & Final Picks (60:44–61:27)

• Looks ahead to 49ers vs. Panthers:
  • “A lot on the line in this game...I like the 49ers to win. I like Carolina to cover, so I'm taking Carolina plus seven and a half. I like Ricky Pearsall score touchdown. I like George Kittle to score a touchdown, and I like Ted McMillan to score a touchdown. That plays over 20 to 1.” (61:02)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• "If I had to say, hey, who's going to win a Super Bowl... I would take [the Rams] over Seattle just because I trust Matt Stafford a lot more than I trust Sam Darnold." – John Middelkopf (11:43)
• "Matt Stafford played for the Lions... You're going to do a lot better in life when you go to a place that knows what they're doing when you're young than a place that had no clue." (12:03)
• "To Give Chip Kelly Three years, $18 million in 2025 is one of the more crazy financial investments in recent memory." (25:53)
• "George Pickens...looks like Terrell Owens meets Randy Moss." (36:46)
• "Miles Garrett is every bit as good as any of those guys [Reggie White, Ray Lewis, Ed Reed]." (31:32)
• "The AFC north went from...the best division in football to now being like that division stinks." (55:37)
• "There are things that do not add up. They do not pass the smell test. That is this situation [Brandon Aiyuk]." (59:22)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Rams vs. Bucs / Stafford’s MVP Case: 03:23–17:45
• Bucs Downward Spiral & Bowles’ Job Security: 17:45–20:50
• Chip Kelly Fired & Coaching Carousel: 25:00–31:00
• Browns, Miles Garrett, & AFC North: 31:00–57:34
• Eagles Collapse / Cowboys Win: 31:00–36:00
• Lions, Giants, Bears Overview: 43:35–50:08
• Packers & J.J. McCarthy’s Struggles: 47:00–49:32
• Brandon Aiyuk Contract Drama: 57:34–60:44
• 49ers vs. Panthers MNF Preview & Picks: 60:44–61:27

Overall Take & Tone

Middelkopf brings his classic sharp, irreverent, and often humorous take to a jam-packed week of NFL news. The analysis is candid, opinionated, and packed with analogies and historical context, making it entertaining for hardcore football fans and casual listeners alike. If you missed Week 12 or want a deeper cut into the league’s twists and turns, this episode delivers all the context, hot takes, and memorable moments you need.