The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Episode Summary

Episode Title: Chiefs OWN Lamar Jackson, Dart’s Solid Debut, Eagles Win Ugly, Steelers Best Win In Years, Ryder Cup
Date: September 29, 2025
Hosts: Colin Cowherd and John Middlekauff

Overview

This episode dives deep into the weekend’s biggest NFL storylines, including the Kansas City Chiefs' continued dominance over Lamar Jackson and the Ravens, the impressive debut of Giants QB Jackson Dart, the Eagles’ unconvincing win, a physical Steelers performance, and some college football analysis (notably Dante Moore and Oregon’s win at Penn State). The show closes with thoughts on the Ryder Cup, college football culture, and broader coaching insights. Cowherd and Middlekauff’s signature style blends data-driven analysis, gut reactions, and plenty of memorable quotables.

Chiefs 37, Ravens 20 — Kansas City’s Hold Over Lamar Jackson

[02:17–13:28]

• Chiefs' Early Domination: Kansas City started with four drives, four scores, and Mahomes set the record for fastest to 250 TD passes.
• Lamar's Struggles: Lamar fell to 1-6 versus KC. Colin and John agree the Chiefs are “in his head.”
  • Quote: “To me, Kansas City is in his head.” – Colin [03:25]
• Defensive Injuries Not the Whole Story: Baltimore’s banged-up defense contributed, but both hosts say it's not the biggest reason for their struggles.
• Familiarity is Key: Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo ("Spags") has played Lamar seven times; KC’s fast, disciplined D has the edge.
• Strategic note: Teams with more rush than pass attempts (the old Baltimore formula) are more dangerous, but injury and turnovers forced Lamar to pass more.
• Chiefs’ Reviving Their Passing Game:
  • Xavier Worthy’s chemistry with Mahomes is developing fast.
  • Tyquan Thornton (3 straight games with a TD), JuJu Smith-Schuster, Hollywood Brown, and Travis Kelce round out the receiving corps.
  • Quote: “If they get Rashee Rice back... that's more than good enough with Patrick Mahomes if they can just be average running the ball.” – Colin [08:21]
• Lamar’s Mental Hurdle: Colin suggests Lamar’s struggles against the Chiefs are due to more than just personnel: “It’s totally in Lamar’s head.” [11:50]
• Mahomes praised for being "under complete control" even in losses.
• Comparisons to Josh Allen: Noting Allen's relative success against strong teams vs. Lamar’s persistent KC problem.
  • Quote: “Say what you want about Josh Allen—he's been highly effective against Belichick. Against the Chiefs, Josh Allen loses, it's usually on the defense. I think it's totally in Lamar's head.” – Colin [12:24]

Giants 21, Chargers 18 – Jackson Dart’s Rookie Energy

[13:28–19:20]

• Dart Sparks Giants:
  • Early lead, mobile quarterback play, injects team with energy and unpredictability.
  • “There was also like a youthful, craziness to him… he’s trying to run guys over.” – John [15:10]
• Chargers’ O-Line Woes: Multiple injuries force shuffling, Herbert under relentless pressure.
  • Quote: “I thought Herbert made some throws today where it looked like he was going to lose knees and limbs.” – John [16:57]
• Skill Position Standouts:
  • Omario Hampton’s 54-yard TD run cited as a bright spot for the Chargers.
  • Quentin Johnston (formerly labeled a bust), emerging as a legitimate threat, aided by Jim Harbaugh's confidence-building.
• Big Picture for Chargers:
  • Ongoing injuries threaten their ceiling.
  • Passing attack with Keenan Allen, Lad McConkey, and Johnston could keep them alive—if Herbert can stay upright.

Bears 25, Raiders 24 — Ugly, Entertaining Win

[25:13–31:54]

• Caleb Williams Grows Up:
  • Scrambling, making big throws on final drives, showing progress despite sloppy miscues.
  • Quote: “Today is not a day to be negative…you go on the road, you win in the NFL.” – John [28:26]
• Max Crosby Dominance: Disruptive first half, compared to “Lawrence Taylor right now.” [27:24]
• Geno Smith’s Mistakes Prove Costly:
  • “Thank God Geno Smith is in the league. He basically lost the game for the Raiders today.” – Colin [25:13]
• Bears’ Defense Still Suspect:
  • Weak tackling, no impact defenders, question marks remain about sustainability.
  • Ash Gentry’s and Rome Odunze’s development highlighted.

Eagles 31, Buccaneers 25 — Winning Ugly

[31:57–35:51]

• Eagles Start Fast, Fade Late: Treated first half “like the Super Bowl.” Built big lead, coasted late.
• Resilient Bucs: Baker Mayfield’s blend of Favre/Mahomes improvisation keeps Tampa fighting.
  • Quote: “They came into this game like, ‘We’re gonna kick your ass.’” – John [33:13]
• Concerns:
  • A.J. Brown held without a catch on five targets.
  • Philly’s run game (tush-push and fake variants) unstoppable, but offensive rhythm not clicking.
  • Quote: “They might win 14 games. I don't view them like an all-time great team the way they're playing right now.” – John [35:51]

Rams 27, Colts 20 — Puka Reliance, Indy On the Rise

[36:14–41:58]

• Puka Nacua Unstoppable: Now among the NFL’s best non-QBs.
• Jonathan Taylor (IND) “An Unstoppable Force”: Even his called-back runs show elite ability.
• Rams' Offense: Stafford’s late connection with Tutu Atwell underlines McVay’s situational play-calling genius.
• Colts’ Quarterback Play: Daniel Jones impresses; coaching and front office praised.
  • Tyler Warren emerging as a reliable, red-zone-target tight end (“going to work in the NFL for a long time.” – John [38:30])
• Big Takeaway:
  • Both teams viewed as real threats, Colts a likely division winner.

Steelers 24, Vikings 21 — Pittsburgh’s Most Hopeful Win in Years

[50:53–56:39]

• Physicality Returns: Steelers offense finally pounds the rock (99 yards by Gainwell), lightening Rodgers' load and letting the defense shine.
• Defense Steps Up: Six sacks, creating turnovers, intense tackling. JJ Watt praised, but Ramsey’s injury noted.
• Run Game is the Key: “The most hopeful Steeler win… that team looks like they could go on the road and win a playoff game.” – Colin [53:50]
• Vikings QB Issues: J.J. McCarthy’s slow development worries hosts; Sam Darnold’s steady hand appreciated.

49ers Stumble, Jaguars Take Advantage

[61:35–68:59]

• Niners' Injury Plague Continues: Purdy (foot), Mac Jones, Bosa, and Kittle banged up; tent injuries are a recurring joke.
  • “They should sponsor their tent and get quadruple [revenue].” – John [62:46]
• Purdy’s Struggles: Four TDs/four picks, floating balls, two ugly INTs, and critical fumble noted.
• Inability to Run: McCaffrey bottled up, O-line creates no lanes.
• Shanahan’s Limitations: Drop-back passing game not up to Andy Reid/McVay level if run game stalls.

College Football: Oregon’s Dante Moore, Penn State, and Coaching

Oregon 30, Penn State 24 (OT) — Dante Moore’s Star Emerges
[68:59–75:45]

• Moore’s Poise Under Pressure: 29 of 39, 3 TDs, no picks at raucous Happy Valley.
  • “I think Dante Moore is the best quarterback in the country. He is the best quarterback if you’re talking poise, size, arm.” – Colin [70:01]
• Penn State’s Drew Allar Disappoints: Lacking instinct, toughness; PSU’s big stage issues persist.
• Physicality Parity: Oregon matches Penn State, a traditional “SEC defense,” in the trenches.
• QB Recruiting Makes or Breaks: James Franklin to be criticized for missing on Allar.

USC vs Illinois — Softness and Culture

[79:41–86:42]

• Lincoln Riley Criticized for Defensive Softness:
  • Despite NIL investments in size, physical culture still lacking.
  • Defensive coordinator transitions have not fixed underlying issues.
• Practice Habits Blamed:
  • “Practice is hard [with Andy Reid]. Our chin straps are buckled up. We're not doing walkthroughs.” – John [84:49]
  • Lincoln's practices compared unfavorably to Saban/Smart in terms of forging toughness.

Ryder Cup — European Dominance and Chemistry

[87:14–97:57]

• Team-Building the Euro Way:
  • Multi-decade bonds between stars like McIlroy & Lowry; contrasted with American teams’ relative lack of history together.
  • “You can’t fake that.” – John [91:09]
• Mental Toughness and Environment:
  • Europeans thrived in hostile, rowdy conditions—out-putting and out-fighting the US team.
• Structural Advantages:
  • Europeans have larger, better-meshed pools and better “front office”-like selection committees.
• Looking Ahead:
  • Colin predicts US will rebound in response to humiliation, citing historical patterns after Olympic disappointments.

Notable Quotes and Moments

• On Lamar Jackson vs. Chiefs:
  • “It’s totally in Lamar’s head.” – Colin [11:50]
• On Max Crosby:
  • “Max Crosby looks like Lawrence Taylor right now.” – John [27:24]
• On Steelers’ Performance:
  • “That was the most hopeful Steeler win... they could go on the road and win a playoff game.” – Colin [53:50]
• On Dante Moore (Oregon QB):
  • “I think Dante Moore is the best quarterback in the country.” – Colin [70:01]
• On Ryder Cup Chemistry:
  • “You can’t fake that.” – John [91:09]
• On NFL QB Evaluation:
  • “Don’t try to validate your previous choices.” – Colin [56:39]
• On Eagles’ Win:
  • “They might win 14 games. I don't view them like an all-time great team the way they're playing right now.” – John [35:51]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Chiefs vs. Ravens breakdown – [02:17–13:28]
• Giants vs. Chargers, Dart Debut – [13:28–19:20]
• Bears-Raiders, Gritty Wins & Crosby – [25:13–31:54]
• Eagles’ “Ugly” Win – [31:57–35:51]
• Rams-Colts, Puka & Taylor – [36:14–41:58]
• Steelers’ Statement Win – [50:53–56:39]
• Niners-Jags, San Francisco’s Injury Woes – [61:35–68:59]
• Oregon-Penn State & College QB Play – [68:59–75:45]
• USC/Illinois, Practice & Culture – [79:41–86:42]
• Ryder Cup, Culture & Team-Building – [87:14–97:57]

Conclusion

Spanning NFL, college football, and world golf, this fast-moving episode offers nuanced tactical insights, big-picture roster takes, and cultural commentary. Chiefs’ psychological dominance over Baltimore, exciting early signs from new QBs, the physical resurgence of perennial tough teams like the Steelers, Oregon’s rising star in Dante Moore, and the Euro team-building lesson from the Ryder Cup all stand out. As always, Colin and John blend measured analysis, big statements, and behind-the-scenes knowledge, making the show essential listening for serious sports fans.