The Herd with Colin Cowherd – October 20, 2025

Episode Title: Broncos WILD Comeback Win, Chiefs BEST Team In The League, Ohtani GREATEST Athlete Ever, Cowboys CLOBBER Commanders
Guest: John Middlekauff

Main Theme

This episode dives into a thrilling NFL Sunday, featuring the Broncos' historic comeback win, the Chiefs’ assertion as the league’s best team, the Cowboys’ offensive explosion, and Shohei Ohtani’s claim as possibly the greatest athlete ever. Colin and John break down key games, coaching trends, quarterback development, and some standout baseball and college football storylines.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Broncos’ Stunning Comeback vs Giants

Segment Start: 00:34

• Recap: Denver erased a 19-point Giants lead for a 33–32 win, scoring touchdowns on five straight possessions under rookie QB Bo Nix.

• Colin praises Sean Payton for giving Nix more freedom to run:

  "First two years in the league as a quarterback, if you can run, run. It'll buy you first downs…" (Colin, 03:20)

• John highlights Denver’s shift from a stagnant offense to clutch resilience:

  “They had to score 33 points in the fourth quarter to win…they were just going three and out...then it just flipped. The one thing you can't deny Bo Nix has, he's got some mental fortitude.” (John, 04:46)

• Both discuss Sean Payton's play-calling and the mismatch between Denver's deep shots and Bo Nix's current strengths.

Notable Moment:
Colin on Bo Nix’s background:

“Those 61 college starts coupled with Sean Payton’s play-calling…where you land in the NFL matters.” (08:46)

Tactical Analysis: They argue Denver is forcing too many deep passes for Nix, whose accuracy isn’t there yet, advocating for more short routes and designed runs.

Giants’ Progress Amid Heartbreak

• Both hosts agree despite the loss, the Giants look young, energetic, and well-coached under Brian Daboll.

  “You actually have—even though in losses—a lot of positive momentum...This is a real football team with these two young guys. I would not get rid [of Daboll].” (John, 11:42)

• Colin commends Daboll’s QB development and sees promise in Jackson Dart.

Green Bay’s Grit vs Arizona

Segment Start: 13:37

• Jordan Love leads the Packers past the Cardinals, 27–23, with commentary on Green Bay’s inability to run, slow starts, and defensive playmakers stepping up.

• Colin singles out Micah Parsons as the “closer”:

  “That’s why you got Micah. He’s your Mariano Rivera. He closed it.” (Colin, 19:49)

• John is less bullish on Green Bay’s ceiling and highlights Arizona’s perpetual close games and possible end of the Kyler Murray era.

Bears Run, Saints Stumble

Segment Start: 25:30

• Chicago beats the Saints 26–14, driven by defense and run game, despite rookie QB Caleb Williams’ inconsistent passing (“hero ball syndrome”).

• Colin:

  “Their defense is playing top-tier football...the passing game with Caleb was totally out of sync.” (25:30)

• John credits coach Ben Johnson’s impact, saying Chicago is now “choppy, well-coached.”

• Discussion on what works as cold weather approaches: defense and the ground game.

  “It’s going to be defense and running the ball.” (John, 30:50)

Chiefs Demolish Raiders – League’s Best?

Segment Start: 33:37

• KC blanks Las Vegas 31–0, displaying championship-caliber depth and speed, especially with the return of their full receiving corps.

• Colin:

  “Kansas City clearly looks like the best speed, the most depth, the best team hands down in the league.” (34:18)

• John details Hollywood Brown’s impact stretching the field, the resurgence of Travis Kelce, and Andy Reid’s infrastructure advantage.

Cowboys’ Offensive Juggernaut

Segment Start: 45:31

• Dallas smashes Washington 44–22, nearly 300 first-half yards, Dak Prescott shines, and the offense is compared to juggernauts.

• Colin:

  “They may be the best offensive team in the league. They're situational…unbelievable.” (45:31)

• George Pickens is labeled the steal of the offseason.

• John touts OC Brian Schottenheimer as "coach of the year" candidate, and both note Dak’s relentless steadiness and physicality.

Quote:

“How good are they? Their red zone packages with Brian Schottenheimer—guys wide open; Dak is…really, really impressive to watch.” (John, 50:43)

Quick Hits:

• Eagles Over Vikings: Jalen Hurts takes criticism but delivers with deep throws; Eagles are “a leaky faucet” but keep winning. (Segment Start: 52:03)
• Rams Blow Out Jags: Exemplifies organizational efficiency and Sean McVay’s coaching, with Matt Stafford in MVP form and a rookie tight end making an impact. (58:41)
• Cleveland Crushes Miami: Dolphins collapse—Tua benched, team in turmoil; Browns functional but likely not playoff-bound. (70:44)

Ohtani – Greatest Athlete Ever?

Segment Start: 82:00

• Colin ranks Shohei Ohtani atop his all-time athlete list, noting his NLCS heroics (10 Ks, 3 HRs in a game), alluding to his power, pitching repertoire, and speed.

• Colin:

  “I think Ohtani is the greatest athlete I’ve ever seen.” (83:37)

• John draws comparisons to Bo Jackson and notes the rarity of such two-way dominance at any level:

  “That’s something you see the kid in Little League...you'd be hard pressed to find in high school.” (84:57)

• They discuss Dodgers’ elite culture and why stars want to play there, and the unique historical combination of Betts–Ohtani.

College Football Quick Takes

Segment Start: 73:36

• Quarterback Prospects: Ty Simpson, Dante Moore, Mendoza—all mentioned as draft risers—not the class most predicted.
• Notre Dame/Marcus Freeman: Lauded as a modern ideal coach; discussion of the shifting NIL landscape and how big cities and corporations are shaping future college football powers.
• Parity & Playoffs: The transfer portal has flattened dominance; future lies with resourceful, well-marketed universities.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Bo Nix’s Progress:

  “Where you land in the NFL matters.” (Colin, 08:46)

• On Giants’ Coaching:

  “I'm a proponent of keeping Brian Dabel right now.” (John, 11:42)

• On Chiefs’ Dynasty:

  “Owner, GM, president, quarterback. Like, everybody's an A to an A plus.” (Colin, 38:57)

• On Ohtani:

  “I sat there watching and I’m like, this is the greatest single athlete I’ve ever seen in any sport.” (Colin, 84:57)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Broncos Comeback Analysis: 00:34–12:40
• Packers–Cardinals & Parsons Closer Role: 13:37–19:49
• Bears/Saints, Coaching, and Playoff Prospects: 25:30–33:37
• Chiefs as League’s Best: 33:37–41:28
• Cowboys’ Offense/Dak Prescott: 45:31–52:03
• Eagles–Vikings: 52:03–58:41
• Rams Organizational Win: 58:41–63:58
• Cleveland/Miami Fallout: 70:44–73:36
• College Football & NIL Dynamics: 73:36–79:34
• Ohtani & Athletic Greatness Discussion: 82:00–89:51

Summary

This episode delivers in-depth, briskly moving football analysis, giving listeners expert commentary on the biggest games and storylines. Colin and John blend tactical insights, personnel evaluations, and league-wide trends with sharp, memorable takes—culminating with a celebration of Shohei Ohtani’s athletic greatness. A must-listen for hardcore football fans and broader sports aficionados alike.