The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Best of the Week - August 16, 2025
iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Episode Overview

This "Best of the Week" episode features Colin Cowherd and Nick Wright breaking down the latest in NFL preseason action, quarterback battles, and evolving team outlooks heading into the 2025 season. The episode is rich with detail on roster decisions, the future of young quarterbacks, and Cowherd’s own divisional predictions, blending both serious analysis and signature tongue-in-cheek banter.

Highlights & Key Discussion Points

1. Preseason Quarterback Action & Team Analysis

Timestamp: 01:14–03:11

Joe Burrow and Patrick Mahomes are suiting up; only Aaron Rodgers and Matthew Stafford are out. The hosts detail which QBs are playing in preseason and what that means for teams.
Colin observes: "Jets looked like it's one of the great teams ever assembled in Lambeau. It's always funny how good the Jets looked in August." (01:34)
Jets’ defensive outlook: “That defense has a chance to be nasty.” – Colin (02:55)
Sauce Gardner’s new contract boosts morale: "The front seven. Sauce got paid." – Nick Wright (03:05)

2. "Colin Right, Colin Wrong": NFL Draft, Quarterback Evaluations, and Team Culture

Timestamp: 03:11–09:20

Colin Right:

Joe Alt pick defended: "Everybody wanted a receiver. That Joe Alt pick could have saved the season." (03:28)
Mike McDaniel’s Dolphins: Emphasizes culture and physicality, something Cowherd has called out. “Where’s the steak? Finally, I appreciate the coach acknowledging the issue.” (04:10)
Anthony Richardson doubts: “You’re in year three, you got to be able to play... it feels like a miss.” (06:43)
NBA Christmas schedule lopsided: "The West is so much better than the East. It feels like the SEC and PAC 12 for about 15 years." (07:10)

Colin Wrong:

Arch Manning’s commitment to Texas: “For now, I’ll take a wrong. I think it’s the right thing to say and the Mannings usually say the right thing.” (03:55)
Bo Nix Ranking: “I Sean Payton and I love Bo Nix. We're apparently on an island because they even have him below Tua.” (05:05)
Quinn Ewers skepticism: “I don’t see the great traits... not a great anticipatory thrower. Did not look like he was, I mean, looked like it’s a long way to go.” (05:40)
Jackson Dart exceeded expectations: “Looked comfortable, good arm strength. I thought he was impressive.” (06:10)

3. Shedeur Sanders' NFL Trajectory and Locker Room Leadership

Timestamp: 13:09–19:10

Colin and Nick debate Shedeur Sanders’ draft evaluation, maturity, and fit on a Browns team with poor QB options.
On Sanders’ talent: "Stop saying he's not athletic enough. He is more athletic than all but about 10 guys in the league." – Colin (13:33)
Nick recalls how Sanders fell in the draft and his unique opportunity: "You have the recipe for a fifth-round pick starting... for the quarterback most likely to be benched." (16:56)
Athlete-media dynamics: "Never underestimate the power of charisma or a great smile... that Tony Grossi/Shedor interaction reads not great, but when you watch it and Shador hits you with the 5000-watt smile... it seems like it’s okay." – Nick (18:38)
Colin laughs about Shedeur’s personality: "The walk-in with the boombox and the staff I maybe could have done without... but I did just turn 40, so I’m becoming a curmudgeonly old man like you." (18:59)

4. Rookie QBs & Preseason Philosophy: Caleb Williams, Ben Johnson, and More

Timestamp: 19:10–22:10

Colin critiques the Bears’ cautious approach with rookie QB Caleb Williams: "Caleb is creating a little bit of drama... it's strategic in not playing him." (19:19)
Nick is more forgiving, citing Andy Reid and Sean McVay’s differing preseason approaches: "There clearly isn’t just one way to go about it." (20:20)
Nick: "Caleb, I believe, is going to look like the player that you and I both believed he would be [by Thanksgiving]." (21:54)

5. Mike Sando’s Annual QB Tiers: Analysis and Gripes

Timestamp: 22:10–25:59

Colin and Nick debate Sando’s survey results; highlight minor disagreements.
Bo Nix is ranked too low, and Aaron Rodgers too high for Colin’s taste: “If you ask GMs, who would you take today, Aaron or Bo Nix? They would take Bo Nix.” (22:32)
Nick likes Stafford’s high tier but notes debate over Jalen Hurts and Brock Purdy: “Brock Purdy truthers... now he's hanging on for dear life in tier two. About to drop to tier three.” (24:53)
Nick: “Josh Allen’s the second best quarterback in football... It’s such a small margin [with Burrow].” (25:36)

6. The Brock Purdy “Debate” and System QBs

Timestamp: 25:59–28:41

Colin draws parallels from Dak Prescott’s rookie year to Brock Purdy: “If you go to Brock Purdy’s first year as a full-time starter, he had four Pro Bowlers on offense... in his last 15 games, he’s 6 and 9 and they just paid him.” (26:28)
Nick elaborates on the "system QB" debate, tracing it back through Garoppolo, and now Purdy: “With that coaching and that talent and that scheme, you could throw almost anyone in there and they would be successful.” (27:09)
On truthers' stubbornness: "Anybody that watches the NFL and thinks he is a force multiplier... they are not open to the evidence that keeps pouring in year after year." (28:22)

7. Colin’s Updated Division Predictions

Timestamp: 32:36–41:25

AFC

East: Bills to win, Patriots to be “most improved” and a wild card, Dolphins trending down.
North: Bengals win, Ravens strong, Steelers unimpressive, Browns in transition with Shedeur Sanders.
South: Jaguars moved up to 2nd; Titans have offensive struggles; Trevor Lawrence, “year two... upgraded their O-line.” (37:05)
West: Broncos jump Chargers after Rashawn Slater injury. “Denver maybe has the best camp so far in the league.” (38:08) Bills, Ravens, Texans, Broncos are division winners; Patriots, Bengals, Chiefs as playoff teams.

NFC

East: Eagles to win, Commanders and Giants follow, Cowboys not favored.
North: Green Bay jumps to first after a strong camp; Lions drop to 2nd; Bears gain over Vikings.
South: Bucs to win division with Baker Mayfield; Saints “one of the worst teams.”
West: Niners moved to 3rd, Rams’ woes with Stafford and O-line injuries, Seattle picked as surprise division winner.
Clear reasoning given: “If your quarterback who's old and your left tackle are not practicing, especially the left tackle issue—it worries me.” (40:23)

Notable Quotes & Moments

On Jets’ Preseason Hype:
"Jets looked like it's one of the great teams ever assembled in Lambeau. It's always funny how good the Jets looked in August."
— Colin Cowherd (01:34)
On QB Traits:
"Traits are 70% of the league, but you have to do some film study."
— Colin Cowherd (13:57)
On Shedeur Sanders:
"You then add to it that I think Shedeur played quite well under somewhat adverse circumstances in week one of the preseason. And you have the recipe for a fifth round pick starting the season as the backup quarterback for the quarterback most likely to be benched of anyone in the league."
— Nick Wright (16:56)
On Brock Purdy:
"...in his last 15 games, he’s 6 and 9 and they just paid him. So my take is what Purdy is going through now... is that’s the real NFL."
— Colin Cowherd (26:28)
On Mike Sando's QB Tiers:
"Obviously, the three or four people that had Josh Allen or Lamar as tier two are just out of their mind."
— Nick Wright (23:47)

Tone & Style

Candid, witty, with healthy skepticism — especially toward preseason hype and unproven QBs.
Colin’s blend of analysis and self-aware humor shines: playful pokes at his own “Sean Payton to the moon” enthusiasm.
Nick Wright matches Cowherd’s pace, balancing stats-heavy insight with locker-room anecdotes.
They keep it lively and accessible to hardcore and more casual football fans alike.

Timestamps for Key Segments

Jets/Dolphins/Bears Preseason Recap: 01:14–03:11
Colin Right/Wrong (Drafts, QB evaluations, Teams): 03:11–09:20
Shedeur Sanders Deep Dive: 13:09–19:10
Caleb Williams & Rookie Preseason Philosophy: 19:10–22:10
Mike Sando’s QB Tiers Breakdown: 22:10–25:59
Brock Purdy “System” Debate: 25:59–28:41
Division Prediction Tweaks: 32:36–41:25

Summary

If you missed it, this episode serves as a thorough primer on where NFL teams and their quarterbacks stand as the preseason heats up. Colin and Nick offer sharp, clear-eyed commentary on everything from Shedeur Sanders’ NFL fit, to the eternal search for “traits” in a good QB, to why preseason “winners” can disappoint come fall. Mixed in: trademark humor, smart analogies, and some egg-on-face humility when the data doesn’t match their priors.

Perfect listening for anyone prepping for fantasy drafts, office predictions, or wanting to understand the drama beneath the NFL’s summer optimism.

The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Best of the Week - August 16, 2025
iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Episode Overview

Highlights & Key Discussion Points

1. Preseason Quarterback Action & Team Analysis

Timestamp: 01:14–03:11

Joe Burrow and Patrick Mahomes are suiting up; only Aaron Rodgers and Matthew Stafford are out. The hosts detail which QBs are playing in preseason and what that means for teams.
Colin observes: "Jets looked like it's one of the great teams ever assembled in Lambeau. It's always funny how good the Jets looked in August." (01:34)
Jets’ defensive outlook: “That defense has a chance to be nasty.” – Colin (02:55)
Sauce Gardner’s new contract boosts morale: "The front seven. Sauce got paid." – Nick Wright (03:05)

2. "Colin Right, Colin Wrong": NFL Draft, Quarterback Evaluations, and Team Culture

Timestamp: 03:11–09:20

Colin Right:

Joe Alt pick defended: "Everybody wanted a receiver. That Joe Alt pick could have saved the season." (03:28)
Mike McDaniel’s Dolphins: Emphasizes culture and physicality, something Cowherd has called out. “Where’s the steak? Finally, I appreciate the coach acknowledging the issue.” (04:10)
Anthony Richardson doubts: “You’re in year three, you got to be able to play... it feels like a miss.” (06:43)
NBA Christmas schedule lopsided: "The West is so much better than the East. It feels like the SEC and PAC 12 for about 15 years." (07:10)

Colin Wrong:

Arch Manning’s commitment to Texas: “For now, I’ll take a wrong. I think it’s the right thing to say and the Mannings usually say the right thing.” (03:55)
Bo Nix Ranking: “I Sean Payton and I love Bo Nix. We're apparently on an island because they even have him below Tua.” (05:05)
Quinn Ewers skepticism: “I don’t see the great traits... not a great anticipatory thrower. Did not look like he was, I mean, looked like it’s a long way to go.” (05:40)
Jackson Dart exceeded expectations: “Looked comfortable, good arm strength. I thought he was impressive.” (06:10)

3. Shedeur Sanders' NFL Trajectory and Locker Room Leadership

Timestamp: 13:09–19:10

Colin and Nick debate Shedeur Sanders’ draft evaluation, maturity, and fit on a Browns team with poor QB options.
On Sanders’ talent: "Stop saying he's not athletic enough. He is more athletic than all but about 10 guys in the league." – Colin (13:33)
Nick recalls how Sanders fell in the draft and his unique opportunity: "You have the recipe for a fifth-round pick starting... for the quarterback most likely to be benched." (16:56)
Athlete-media dynamics: "Never underestimate the power of charisma or a great smile... that Tony Grossi/Shedor interaction reads not great, but when you watch it and Shador hits you with the 5000-watt smile... it seems like it’s okay." – Nick (18:38)
Colin laughs about Shedeur’s personality: "The walk-in with the boombox and the staff I maybe could have done without... but I did just turn 40, so I’m becoming a curmudgeonly old man like you." (18:59)

4. Rookie QBs & Preseason Philosophy: Caleb Williams, Ben Johnson, and More

Timestamp: 19:10–22:10

Colin critiques the Bears’ cautious approach with rookie QB Caleb Williams: "Caleb is creating a little bit of drama... it's strategic in not playing him." (19:19)
Nick is more forgiving, citing Andy Reid and Sean McVay’s differing preseason approaches: "There clearly isn’t just one way to go about it." (20:20)
Nick: "Caleb, I believe, is going to look like the player that you and I both believed he would be [by Thanksgiving]." (21:54)

5. Mike Sando’s Annual QB Tiers: Analysis and Gripes

Timestamp: 22:10–25:59

Colin and Nick debate Sando’s survey results; highlight minor disagreements.
Bo Nix is ranked too low, and Aaron Rodgers too high for Colin’s taste: “If you ask GMs, who would you take today, Aaron or Bo Nix? They would take Bo Nix.” (22:32)
Nick likes Stafford’s high tier but notes debate over Jalen Hurts and Brock Purdy: “Brock Purdy truthers... now he's hanging on for dear life in tier two. About to drop to tier three.” (24:53)
Nick: “Josh Allen’s the second best quarterback in football... It’s such a small margin [with Burrow].” (25:36)

6. The Brock Purdy “Debate” and System QBs

Timestamp: 25:59–28:41

Colin draws parallels from Dak Prescott’s rookie year to Brock Purdy: “If you go to Brock Purdy’s first year as a full-time starter, he had four Pro Bowlers on offense... in his last 15 games, he’s 6 and 9 and they just paid him.” (26:28)
Nick elaborates on the "system QB" debate, tracing it back through Garoppolo, and now Purdy: “With that coaching and that talent and that scheme, you could throw almost anyone in there and they would be successful.” (27:09)
On truthers' stubbornness: "Anybody that watches the NFL and thinks he is a force multiplier... they are not open to the evidence that keeps pouring in year after year." (28:22)

7. Colin’s Updated Division Predictions

Timestamp: 32:36–41:25

AFC

East: Bills to win, Patriots to be “most improved” and a wild card, Dolphins trending down.
North: Bengals win, Ravens strong, Steelers unimpressive, Browns in transition with Shedeur Sanders.
South: Jaguars moved up to 2nd; Titans have offensive struggles; Trevor Lawrence, “year two... upgraded their O-line.” (37:05)
West: Broncos jump Chargers after Rashawn Slater injury. “Denver maybe has the best camp so far in the league.” (38:08) Bills, Ravens, Texans, Broncos are division winners; Patriots, Bengals, Chiefs as playoff teams.

NFC

East: Eagles to win, Commanders and Giants follow, Cowboys not favored.
North: Green Bay jumps to first after a strong camp; Lions drop to 2nd; Bears gain over Vikings.
South: Bucs to win division with Baker Mayfield; Saints “one of the worst teams.”
West: Niners moved to 3rd, Rams’ woes with Stafford and O-line injuries, Seattle picked as surprise division winner.
Clear reasoning given: “If your quarterback who's old and your left tackle are not practicing, especially the left tackle issue—it worries me.” (40:23)

Notable Quotes & Moments

On Jets’ Preseason Hype:
"Jets looked like it's one of the great teams ever assembled in Lambeau. It's always funny how good the Jets looked in August."
— Colin Cowherd (01:34)
On QB Traits:
"Traits are 70% of the league, but you have to do some film study."
— Colin Cowherd (13:57)
On Shedeur Sanders:
"You then add to it that I think Shedeur played quite well under somewhat adverse circumstances in week one of the preseason. And you have the recipe for a fifth round pick starting the season as the backup quarterback for the quarterback most likely to be benched of anyone in the league."
— Nick Wright (16:56)
On Brock Purdy:
"...in his last 15 games, he’s 6 and 9 and they just paid him. So my take is what Purdy is going through now... is that’s the real NFL."
— Colin Cowherd (26:28)
On Mike Sando's QB Tiers:
"Obviously, the three or four people that had Josh Allen or Lamar as tier two are just out of their mind."
— Nick Wright (23:47)

Tone & Style

Candid, witty, with healthy skepticism — especially toward preseason hype and unproven QBs.
Colin’s blend of analysis and self-aware humor shines: playful pokes at his own “Sean Payton to the moon” enthusiasm.
Nick Wright matches Cowherd’s pace, balancing stats-heavy insight with locker-room anecdotes.
They keep it lively and accessible to hardcore and more casual football fans alike.

Timestamps for Key Segments

Jets/Dolphins/Bears Preseason Recap: 01:14–03:11
Colin Right/Wrong (Drafts, QB evaluations, Teams): 03:11–09:20
Shedeur Sanders Deep Dive: 13:09–19:10
Caleb Williams & Rookie Preseason Philosophy: 19:10–22:10
Mike Sando’s QB Tiers Breakdown: 22:10–25:59
Brock Purdy “System” Debate: 25:59–28:41
Division Prediction Tweaks: 32:36–41:25

Summary

Perfect listening for anyone prepping for fantasy drafts, office predictions, or wanting to understand the drama beneath the NFL’s summer optimism.

Best of the Week on The Herd

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Summary

The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Episode Overview

Highlights & Key Discussion Points

1. Preseason Quarterback Action & Team Analysis

2. "Colin Right, Colin Wrong": NFL Draft, Quarterback Evaluations, and Team Culture

Colin Right:

Colin Wrong:

3. Shedeur Sanders' NFL Trajectory and Locker Room Leadership

4. Rookie QBs & Preseason Philosophy: Caleb Williams, Ben Johnson, and More

5. Mike Sando’s Annual QB Tiers: Analysis and Gripes

6. The Brock Purdy “Debate” and System QBs

7. Colin’s Updated Division Predictions

AFC

NFC

Notable Quotes & Moments

Tone & Style

Timestamps for Key Segments

Summary

Summary

The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Episode Overview

Highlights & Key Discussion Points

1. Preseason Quarterback Action & Team Analysis

2. "Colin Right, Colin Wrong": NFL Draft, Quarterback Evaluations, and Team Culture

Colin Right:

Colin Wrong:

3. Shedeur Sanders' NFL Trajectory and Locker Room Leadership

4. Rookie QBs & Preseason Philosophy: Caleb Williams, Ben Johnson, and More

5. Mike Sando’s Annual QB Tiers: Analysis and Gripes

6. The Brock Purdy “Debate” and System QBs

7. Colin’s Updated Division Predictions

AFC

NFC

Notable Quotes & Moments

Tone & Style

Timestamps for Key Segments

Summary