Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
3 & Out – Reaction to the Philadelphia Eagles Defeating the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday Night Football
Date: September 5, 2025
Host: John Middlekauff
Guest: Stuckey (Action Network)
Podcast Theme: In-depth and candid sports analysis focused on the NFL’s opening Thursday game (Eagles vs. Cowboys), major league storylines and betting angles, plus a dive into college football and NFL Week 1 matchups.
Episode Overview
This episode is a lively, detailed reaction to the Eagles’ dramatic victory over the Cowboys on Thursday Night Football. Host John Middlekauff brings his signature unfiltered analysis and welcomes gambling expert Stuckey for betting insights and deep dives into the college and NFL weekend slates. Topics range from ejections and lightning delays to positional analysis, coaching dynamics, and approach to sports betting in both pro and college football. The show is unafraid to critique players, coaches, and organizations, all while keeping things engaging, fast-paced, and entertaining.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Eagles vs. Cowboys Instant Reaction
- Chaotic Game Start:
- Jalen Carter (Eagles DT) ejected before the first snap following a spit incident (03:10)
- “It’s one of the more jarring starts to a game I’ve ever seen.” – John [04:43]
- Carter’s emotional immaturity spotlighted; the ejection framed as letting the team down:
- “…the night is basically spitting on all your teammates…You’re screwing everybody.” [14:04]
- Speculation on suspension/fines: “He’s going to get fined 1000%.” [12:47]
- Lightning delay adds to the game’s strange atmosphere (03:05, 14:34)
- Jalen Carter (Eagles DT) ejected before the first snap following a spit incident (03:10)
- Dak Prescott’s Performance:
- Dak praised for “playing at a really high level,” but criticism of Cowboys’ final play call—a risky go-route on 4th and 3, resulting in a missed opportunity. (04:13, 19:20)
- “I hate a go route…I just don’t like kind of go routes and just 50-50 balls down the sideline. I’ll just never be okay with that.” [19:33]
- Dak praised for “playing at a really high level,” but criticism of Cowboys’ final play call—a risky go-route on 4th and 3, resulting in a missed opportunity. (04:13, 19:20)
- Eagles’ Offense & The ‘Tush Push’:
- Jalen Hurts lauded for dual-threat skills (efficient passing, impactful running: 14 carries, 62 yards, 2 TDs). (17:54)
- “There is a calmness to his game. Honestly, both quarterbacks, very under control tonight.” [17:54]
- Debate over the aesthetics and fairness of the Eagles’ notorious Tush Push play (23:18)
- Jalen Hurts lauded for dual-threat skills (efficient passing, impactful running: 14 carries, 62 yards, 2 TDs). (17:54)
- Impact of AJ Brown’s Usage:
- Commentary on wide receiver satisfaction and the “team vs stats” dynamic. (17:27)
- “A.J. Brown’s on his third contract…it’s the point of the game is to win.” [17:34]
- Commentary on wide receiver satisfaction and the “team vs stats” dynamic. (17:27)
- Other Key Moments:
- Javonte Williams’ hard running for Dallas after years battling injuries (11:25)
- Defensive adjustments post-delay noted; Cowboys' defense improved after pause (15:16)
Big Picture NFL & League Stories
- Jalen Carter’s Ejection & Mature Star Power:
- NFL won’t abide “devaluing the shield” in primetime. Carter’s past and “emotional maturity” concerns resurface.
- Ejection seen as a massive, game-changing loss for Philly’s defense.
- Christian McCaffrey Injury:
- 49ers’ season outlook tied tightly to McCaffrey’s health ([31:38]):
- “If Christian McCaffrey is…compromised [or] not 100% for the majority of 2025, the 49ers are not making the playoffs.” [32:43]
- Critique of 49ers’ cost-cutting personnel moves.
- 49ers’ season outlook tied tightly to McCaffrey’s health ([31:38]):
- Scouting/Coaching Controversies:
- North Carolina (w/ Bill Belichick) bans NFL scouts, including Broncos & Patriots, out of reported bitterness regarding former personnel ([51:08], 46:00).
- “There does get to a point where you’re running an organization…to push back on that side of it…is counterproductive.” [46:49]
- College vs. NFL head coaching cultures dissected, detailed contrast (45:43).
- Shifting priorities with NIL deals in college leading to more cutthroat culture.
- North Carolina (w/ Bill Belichick) bans NFL scouts, including Broncos & Patriots, out of reported bitterness regarding former personnel ([51:08], 46:00).
Gambling, Props, and Week 1 NFL & College Football Previews
(John and Stuckey, [51:08 – 117:29])
College Football
- Parity and Uncertainty at the Top:
- No “alpha” team; QB questions everywhere (52:56)
- LSU highlighted as most impressive, balanced contender after week one—best QB situation among top teams. (54:03)
- Analysis of Michigan, Texas, Oklahoma, Clemson, Florida, Tennessee, and top QB prospects (Underwood, Lagway, Mattier, Arch Manning).
- Florida’s brutal schedule called “one of the hardest in the history of sports.” [58:21]
NFL Week 1 Betting Angles
- Divisional Dogs: Week 1 is “a dog week”—historically, divisional underdogs cover at a high rate. [76:04]
- Detailed Game Previews & Best Bets:
- Carolina vs. Jacksonville:
- John likes Carolina (+3.5); Stuckey skeptical due to injuries.
- “I just, I’m just betting against Trevor Lawrence…” – John [70:18]
- Stuckey’s prop: Trevor Lawrence anytime TD, especially with tush push potential (71:32)
- Giants vs. Washington:
- Regression for Washington predicted after last year’s unsustainable 4th down luck; Giants an undervalued “feisty” team if Russ holds up (76:04)
- “If you just give [the Giants or Titans] a middle of the road quarterback…they go from drafting 1st or 3rd overall to like 14th.” – John [77:08]
- Interestingly, John calls Giants 30-1 division bet “sicko material.” [97:10]
- Titans vs. Broncos:
- Titans have higher floor with Cam Ward; support for taking the points in a low-total game. (82:32)
- Houston Texans vs. LA Rams:
- Houston (+3) is favorite value bet. Texans praised for defense, staff, rising talent; only OL questions remain. (83:51)
- “I think Houston’s going to be really, really good this year and getting three points at LA…” – John [83:51]
- San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks:
- Seahawks (“5 to 1” division odds) as a live long shot, but many Niners' questions hinge on health; rookie defenders and line play in focus. (89:42)
- “If you tell me [Trent Williams and McCaffrey] play 15 of 17 games, I think they’ll be okay.” – John [92:57]
- Bills vs. Ravens (Primetime):
- Ravens’ roster praised as “most complete in the NFL”; Bills' home dominance noted (only two regular-season home losses in last three years).
- Buffalo’s battered secondary a major concern; Stuckey: “I think the Ravens win this game, but I do have a ton of respect for Allen.” [104:04]
- Mark Andrews anytime TD prop (“narrative street” revenge after last year’s playoff fumble). [107:32]
- Deep dive on QB sneaks: Brady and Flacco cited as best ever. (109:31)
- Bears vs. Vikings (Monday Night):
- High intrigue for Caleb Williams’ debut against Brian Flores’ creative defense, coached by highly respected Ben Johnson (111:02).
- John: “It’s the best game of the week from a podcast sports radio standpoint.” [113:40]
- Carolina vs. Jacksonville:
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On Jalen Carter’s Ejection:
“That was kind of the game…You remove one of the major chess pieces, it just has a huge, huge impact.” – John (14:10) - On Christian McCaffrey’s Health:
“If Christian McCaffrey is injured...the 49ers are not making the playoffs.” – John (32:43) - On Week 1 NFL Betting:
“Historically, week one, it’s a dog week. Divisional dogs…60, 65% depending on the time frame you’re looking.” – Stuckey (76:04) - On LSU’s title hopes:
“LSU’s in a really, really good spot compared to a lot of these other top teams. From a quarterback perspective…” – Stuckey (56:11) - On College Football’s New World:
“It’s a different experience than 10 years ago…That was my guy, I’ve known him, I’m going to build with him…now if this doesn’t work, he’s going to leave.” – John (45:43) - On the Ravens’ kicker situation:
“I always...and I can sympathize with you as a 49ers fan. One of the things last year that was a disaster was their special teams dealing with Moody. But I’d like to [have] 10, 15 years where you just were like, okay, we’re gonna make this kick.” – Stuckey (102:46) - On Caleb Williams with the Bears: “Can they mold Williams? You want to keep some of those traits but…can they rein them in enough to operate this offense?” – Stuckey (115:12)
Timestamps for Important Segments
| Timestamp | Segment/Topic | |------------|-----------------------------------| | 02:55 | John’s intro and Eagles-Cowboys overview | | 04:13 | Breakdown of last drive, Dak’s performance, play call critique | | 10:20 | Jalen Carter ejection deep dive | | 12:47 | Consequences/suspension speculation | | 14:04 | Impacts of Carter’s ejection, Hurts/Dak QB contrast | | 17:54 | Jalen Hurts’ development; AJ Brown usage | | 23:18 | Debate: The Eagles’ Tush Push | | 31:38 | McCaffrey injury, 49ers’ season outlook | | 38:10 | College coaches vs. NFL coaches: NIL, recruiting, changes | | 51:08 | Stuckey joins for betting & college football talk | | 54:03 | Deep dive: LSU, Michigan, Oklahoma QBs | | 70:18 | NFL Week 1 betting slate starts | | 83:51 | Texans-Rams breakdown, AFC South value bets | | 89:42 | NFC West (SF/SEA), health, schematic discussion | | 100:32 | Bills-Ravens Sunday Night preview | | 111:02 | Bears-Vikings, Caleb Williams analysis | | 113:40 | John: “Best game of the week for podcast hot takes” | | 114:05 | On Bears’ odd backup QB situation |
Conclusion
The episode is a jam-packed, dynamically opinionated conversation spanning the drama of Eagles-Cowboys, big NFL headlines, team chemistry and maturity, and comprehensive betting previews. John and Stuckey provide insight, skepticism, and humor for serious fans, gambling degenerates, and casual listeners alike. Whether you want granular X’s and O’s, wagering angles, or just locker-room-level honesty, this episode brings it all on the eve of the NFL's opening weekend.