The Herd with Colin Cowherd: "3 & Out – Should the Bengals consider a new coach, Fields isn't the problem in NY, Does Jerry regret trading Micah"

Date: October 1, 2025
Host: John Middlecoff (segment: 3 & Out)

Episode Overview

This episode of "3 & Out" features John Middlecoff answering a mailbag full of listener questions on the current state of the NFL. The key themes include speculation on coaching changes for the Bengals, the ongoing struggles of Justin Fields in New York, and whether Jerry Jones regrets trading Micah Parsons. Middlecoff dives deep with his characteristic unfiltered, candid style, covering everything from roster constructions to league-wide trends and notable team dynamics.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Should the Bengals Move On from Zac Taylor? (03:00)

• Listener Question: If the Bengals fire Zac Taylor, would they consider a defensive coach like Brian Flores?
• Middlecoff's Analysis:
  • Last year, Bengals job would have been highly desirable due to Joe Burrow and strong offense. Now, outlook has changed due to Burrow’s major injury and roster allocation.
  • On Brian Flores:
    • Flores is a strong defensive coordinator, but “he was awful with the offense… He copied the Belichick thing – just be a complete asshole to the guy.” (04:18)
    • “If I owned a team, I would have just a no Belichick guy rule. We just wouldn’t mess with them.” (05:20)
    • Skeptical that Flores’ improved experiences under Tomlin and O’Connell would offset his coaching style concerns.
  • Overall: Bengals fans should feel disappointed, but the blame doesn’t fall solely on Taylor; organizational issues run deeper.

2. Evaluating the Seahawks as Contenders (06:40)

• Seahawks have impressed with their home game advantages, fast defense, and strong coaching.
• Big challenge is keeping pace with the Rams, who look like potential 12–13 win team.
• “If you win the division, meaning you beat the Rams, I would like their chance in the playoffs… I’m high on Seattle.” (07:55)

3. Burrow’s Trade Value Concerns (09:04)

• Vikings fan inquires about trading a big package for Burrow if he becomes available.
• Middlecoff worries about Burrow’s injury history: knee, hand/wrist, now toe – “They are three pretty significant injuries.”
• “The Burrow thing with the injuries now has to terrify you.” (10:30)
• Would trade a haul for a healthy Mahomes, Allen, Herbert, but Burrow comes with red flags.

4. Coaching Styles: McVay vs. Shanahan (12:26)

• McVay is “playing with house money” after Super Bowl win and much more upbeat compared to Shanahan, who “just seems kind of as if it’s wearing on him.”
• “McVay… is much more of an optimistic uplifter… Kyle’s personality is just not Mr. Happy Go Lucky.” (14:52)
• Stresses the impact of coach personality and external stresses like injuries and roster challenges.

5. Justin Fields Isn’t the Problem in New York (20:25)

• Fields’ toughness and grit praised: “He is NOT Mr. Tap Out. He gives you everything he has. I have a lot of respect for the way he’s handled his career.” (21:19)
• Not the most natural passer, but the Jets’ O-line and play-calling are major issues.
• Organization’s culture and overrated roster called into question; “There’s an organizational character that needs to be reset, revamped and started over.” (22:01)
• Doubts on Fields being revived as a star, but sees a long NFL career ahead.

6. Browns: Time for a QB Change? (23:02)

• Listener asks about starting Dylan Gabriel for Browns amid offensive woes.
• Gabriel’s college resume is respected, but not high on either Gabriel or Shador Sanders as NFL prospects.
• “I think the Browns’ offense is going to be just atrocious. I think they’re both screwed. I’d be stunned if either of them looks good.” (25:36)

7. Sophomore Slumps and League Adjustments (31:23)

• Using Hurts and Jalen’s experiences as examples, coaches break down that once a player succeeds, the league spends extra hours game-planning to stop them.
• “The moment you gain momentum, your competition pays more attention to you and tries to do things to counteract that. Business 101.” (33:06)

8. Dome Stadiums vs. Bad Weather (25:44)

• Concerns raised as Bears, Titans, and Commanders all build domes.
• “I don't love that… part of the legend is like, damn, they just went on the road and won a road game in the freezing cold.” (26:12)
• Predicts dome trend will give remaining cold-weather teams an advantage in January.

9. Miscellaneous Hot Takes

• On 60+ yard field goals being worth 4 points: “If they did that tomorrow, I don’t think anyone would complain.” (27:08)
• NFL expansion not likely soon due to lack of quality O-linemen and QBs.
• Lamar Jackson & the Ravens: “I think they’re screwed. You just, you can’t lose that many defensive players and overcome it…” (38:57)
• Jerry Jones on Micah Parsons trade: Reframes the necessity of a top QB over a top defender, “Micah Parsons is a better player than Dak Prescott…Yet Dak Prescott is more important to any football team.” (62:45)
• Trash talk and Ryder Cup: “There can’t be any better feeling than when you win, I’m going to say anything I want to you…” (35:10)
• Monday Night Football doubleheaders: Not personally a fan but acknowledges huge appeal for fantasy and gambling audiences.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Flores & Belichick Coaching Tree:
  • "They become head coaches and just can't deal with anybody. It's like a tried and true formula." (04:58)
• On Zach Taylor’s Situation:
  • "Zach Taylor's in trouble and I don't even blame him. Like, he ain't picking the players." (06:00)
• On McVay's Youthful Vibes:
  • "I think he is pretty health conscious…he looks the exact same as he did at 30. At 39 years old, I mean, the exact same." (13:54)
• On NFL Expansion:
  • “The offensive line situation in the NFL is an embarrassment…quarterback play, I mean, we struggle.” (50:38)
• On Micah Parsons vs. Dak:
  • “Micah Parsons is a better player than Dak Prescott. But…Dak Prescott is more important to any football team than Micah Parsons.” (62:45)
• On Vikings Fan Pushback:
  • “Guy, you don’t need to be so offended...every team has injuries. Not a soul is healthy.” (54:00)
• Fields in NY:
  • "One thing Fields has proven over the years is, like, mentally he's really tough and he can be. And he has been in some really crappy situations and he keeps battling and trying." (21:19)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• [03:00] – Bengals coaching future, Brian Flores speculation
• [06:40] – Seahawks’ contender status & division race
• [09:04] – Vikings-Burrow potential trade and QB injury worries
• [12:26] – Comparing Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan
• [20:25] – Justin Fields: New York’s real issues
• [23:02] – Browns’ QB dilemma: Dylan Gabriel or Shador Sanders?
• [25:44] – Dome stadiums and the end of bad-weather football
• [31:23] – Sophomore slumps: league adapts to breakout QBs
• [38:57] – Ravens: Defensive injuries derail season
• [50:38] – NFL Expansion unlikelihood
• [62:45] – Micah Parsons trade, Jerry Jones’ priorities

Tone & Style

John Middlecoff brings an honest, sometimes blunt, but always informed perspective. He mixes in humor, direct listener engagement, and the unvarnished realities of NFL coaching, front office, and player development, making this episode a must-listen for football fans who want substance over hype.

Final Thoughts

This “3 & Out” mailbag episode delivers a comprehensive, candid overview of the current NFL climate. Middlecoff addresses complex team issues, the fickle nature of NFL success, and the human dynamics behind coaching and roster-building, all while peppering in memorable soundbites and plenty of passionate takes. Whether you follow the Bengals, Jets, Cowboys, or just love the NFL’s chaos, this episode brings plenty to chew on.