Podcast Summary

The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Episode: 3 & Out – Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins DEMOLISHED by Lamar Jackson, Ravens on TNF
Date: October 31, 2025
Host: Dan 'Stuckey' Hanzus (with guest Mike Florio, Action Network/Stuckey)

Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into the fallout from the Baltimore Ravens' crushing win over the Miami Dolphins on Thursday Night Football, the state of the Dolphins franchise and coaching staff, and the rebirth of the Ravens' season. The discussion pivots to other key NFL weekend games—especially concerning playoff hopes and coaching futures—plus heavy talk on gambling angles and unique stats. The hosts then tackle notable pressure points for various teams and coaches, throw in some cultural observations (from candy quality to the NBA-NBC theme song), and wrap with sharp takes on college football storylines.

Major Topics & Key Insights

1. Ravens-Dolphins Thursday Night Blowout (28-6)

[02:19 – 13:55]

• The Baltimore Ravens dominated the Miami Dolphins at home, with Lamar Jackson looking in control and the defense stifling.
• The loss raises existential questions for the Dolphins' front office, coaching, and QB Tua Tagovailoa’s tenure.
• Dan Hanzus suggests Mike McDaniel and the GM should be fired:

  “This team is falling apart... If you're Steven Ross, now's the time to blow this thing up.” (06:18)

• The Dolphins lack identity and passion, calling the home stadium “the worst atmosphere in the entire league.” (07:40)
• Organizational rot is attributed to ownership under Stephen Ross; upstart offensive coaches have failed here repeatedly.
• Memorable line:

  "When you blow this thing up... Whoever they hire could be the sexiest name, the next Kevin O’Connell, but you put Ben Johnson Miami, I'd be out. He's got no shot. Zero." (10:42)

2. Ravens Revived, Steelers on Notice

[13:55 – 20:00]

• The Ravens’ mini-win streak signals a season-saving turnaround.
• Puts Pittsburgh Steelers under pressure—if they don’t win this weekend, Dan is ready to declare them a non-contender:

  “If the Steelers played the Ravens ten times, I'm taking the Ravens eight and a half of those.” (14:45)

• John Harbaugh gets credited for midseason adjustments; now the AFC North is wide open.
• A breakdown of the division’s standings and playoff permutations highlights that the Ravens' infrastructure is simply more trustworthy in crunch time.

3. On Al Michaels Slipping—The End of a Legend

[20:00 – 21:00]

• Heartfelt reflection on broadcast legend Al Michaels and the natural decline of even the best:

  “If his fastball was once 100 miles an hour, it feels like he's throwing about 72 right now.” (19:30)

• Draws comparisons to Marv Albert’s decline and the difficulty for icons to know when to step away.

4. NFL Weekend: Pressure Points and Hot Seats

[23:53 – 38:14]

Steelers & Mike Tomlin

• This is a “fork in the road” game for Tomlin; if the Steelers don’t make the playoffs, expect mutual parting by 2026:

  “If they don't make the playoffs... I would bet it would be over for him.” (23:55)

• Dolphins and Giants could be suitors for Tomlin if that happens.

Vikings, Lions, and J.J. McCarthy

• All eyes on rookie QB J.J. McCarthy:

  “The pressure on J.J. McCarthy this weekend is immense.” (25:33)

• Discussion on the NFL’s shortened patience for young QB development; the days of giving three years are gone.

Bills & Division Crunch Time

• The Bills must beat the Chiefs to keep pace with surging Patriots. Losses to the Patriots and shaky showings have put them in real peril.

Falcons & Raheem Morris Hot Seat

• Falcons believe they could have been a 10-win team, but now face internal chaos.

NFL Trade Deadline Speculation

• Anticipation of only minor deals; blockbuster trades at the deadline would “knock everyone back a little bit.”

5. Fugazi Friday: NBA on NBC, Halloween Candy, and Corporate Nostalgia

(“Fugazi” = fake/impostor)
[38:14 – 41:59]

• Nostalgic hype over NBA-on-NBC’s return is called out as overblown, with Michael Jordan’s “comeback” amounting to a single interview:

  “This is kind of classic Michael Jordan. It's like, yeah, I'll let you announce that I'm coming back, but I'm not really coming back.” (40:35)

• Rant about declining quality of Halloween candy:

  “I think they're making way shittier of a product… sometimes it actually helps me because I don't even want to eat anymore.” (41:30)

6. NFL Week Preview & Betting Angles (with Stuckey)

[41:59 – 71:37]

Favorites vs. Underdogs

• Unprecedented stretch: “Favorites went 11 and 2 against the spread…the best since 1985.” (42:41)

Key Game Breakdowns:

• Vikings at Lions:

  • Stuckey: “Dan Campbell is just a cash cow and that’s all they do is cover.” (46:06)
  • J.J. McCarthy’s QBR & sample size doesn’t inspire trust; they lean Detroit.

• Steelers vs. Colts:

  • Tomlin’s history as a dog (3+ points) is extraordinary:

    “40-21-3 against the spread, 65.6%. Most profitable coach of all time in this spot.” (51:46)

  • Colts’ DBs and defense have regressed, opening chances for Steelers.

• Bills at Chiefs:

  • Both sides see this as a must-win against a contender; Florio suspects we’re at a “peak on the Chiefs,” but trusts both QBs to keep it close.

• Falcons at Patriots:

  • Buy-low/sell-high spot: Falcons to bounce back after humiliation and with healthier D, while Patriots may be overvalued.

• Broncos at Texans:

  • Houston’s D is elite; Nick’s performance critical. Both hosts give logic for both sides, but Stuckey leans Houston at current odds.

Other Quick Game Takes

• Seattle vs. Washington:

  • Seattle looks poised for a breakthrough; Washington’s injuries and regression loom large.

• Cardinals at Dallas:

  • Arizona is 2-5 but with a point differential of -1; “the difference between the Cardinals and the Niners is probably two or three total plays.” (93:03)

7. College Football Roundup

[97:23 – 113:35]

• Coaching carousel speculation: Jeff Brohm trending as Penn State's favorite; questions about Brent Venables' job security at Oklahoma; Clark Lea’s rising stock.
• SEC and playoff implications:
  • A&M praised as undervalued (“If I had to bet one national title future…that’s probably who I would look at.” – Mike Florio, 112:43)
  • Georgia’s slow starts, Florida’s new looks under Napier, Oklahoma-Tennessee matchup breakdown.
• General agreement: This could be a historically wild coaching change offseason.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Dolphins ownership:

  “This franchise is just a joke. I mean, it really is.” (07:25)

• On Miami home crowd:

  “Is there a worse atmosphere in the entire league than where Miami Dolphins play?” (07:40)

• On NFL coaching patience:

  “We just don’t have any patience anymore…you have to decide immediately what’s gonna happen and what’s not gonna happen.” (27:15)

• On Al Michaels:

  “It ends for everyone in the business…Al just needs to hang up the mic.” (19:40)

• Stuckey on NFL underdogs:

  “Favorites went 11 and 2 against the spread, which is the best…since 1985.” (42:41)

• On prime-time games:

  “Honestly, is there a matchup that this Monday night the NFL could put on and you would not watch?... They have us and they always will.” (89:06)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Ravens-Dolphins Aftermath: 02:19–13:55
• Ravens/Steelers/AFC North Discussion: 13:55–20:00
• Al Michaels/Old Broadcasters: 20:00–21:00
• NFL Pressure Points (Tomlin, Vikings, Bills): 23:53–38:14
• Weekend Bets & Game Analysis: 41:59–71:37
• College Football Coach Carousel & Playoff Picture: 97:23–113:35

Tone & Style

Conversation is sharp, irreverent, and honest—blending classic sports-radio edge with deep analytical chops, especially regarding betting. Both hosts show a willingness to call out both teams and media icons, but they balance criticism with genuine appreciation for excellence and nostalgia. The pacing is brisk, laced with humor and cultural side-notes, and the show is highly opinion-driven without being hot-takey for its own sake.

Summary

This episode exemplifies "The Herd" style: ruthless honesty about failing teams (especially Miami), tough talk on coaching security (Tomlin, McDaniel, Raheem Morris), and strong, stats-informed betting angles for the upcoming NFL week. The mix of sharp NFL critique, cultural commentary (from candy quality to TV theme music), and candid college football chatter makes the episode both useful to hardcore fans and entertaining for casual listeners.