The Herd with Colin Cowherd — Podcast Summary

Episode Date: September 15, 2025
Main Guests: Colin Cowherd (Host), John Middlekauff (Guest)

Episode Overview

This episode revolves around a wild NFL Week 2, featuring deep dives into the Chiefs' 0-2 start after a loss to the Eagles, the disastrous Bears situation with Caleb Williams, unexpected performances from the Colts and Cowboys, a brutal loss for the Broncos, and a broad assessment of quarterback development, coaching, and the state of several major franchises. Colin and John bring signature candor and detailed breakdowns, offering sharp takes on team direction and player development.

Chiefs vs Eagles: Philly Grinds Down Kansas City

[03:00–09:10]

• Game Recap & Key Dynamics:

  • Philadelphia defeated Kansas City 20–17, showcasing their signature second-half physicality and situational football.
  • Eagles dominate in short-yardage situations, leveraging their O-line, Hurts, Saquon Barkley, and power-heavy packages.
  • Kansas City had opportunities, but a pivotal tipped interception off Travis Kelce’s hands was costly.
  • Mahomes' late deep ball gave hope, but Philly’s control sealed it.

• Roster & Personnel Discussion:

  • Chiefs’ offensive struggles highlighted: missing WRs (Worthy hurt, Rice suspended), an aging Kelce, and uninspiring RBs.
  • Colin: “This is not the 2019 or 2020 version. They cannot score against... one of the best defensive coordinators in the league, with just a really good defensive personnel.” [07:39]
  • Eagles’ defense, featuring Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter, set the tone.

• Big Picture Take:

  • Kansas City is having to win "with guile and toughness," but thin offensive weaponry makes it unsustainable.
  • Despite the loss, divisional breaks (like Denver’s collapse) and expected returns may keep KC in the playoff race.

Bears Disaster: Is Caleb Williams Destined for the Bench?

[09:11–22:06]

• Game Recap:

  • Lions rout Bears 52–21; Chicago’s only bright spot is rookie WR Rome Odunze.
  • Colin is disturbed by Caleb Williams’s inability to execute within the structure — “Once he’s off script, it’s backyard football. I don’t think this is going to work.” [10:30]

• Ben Johnson/Caleb Williams Fit:

  • John: “This is a marriage that is not meant to be. Their styles do not mesh up.” [12:12]
  • Williams displays concerning tendencies: excessive ad-libbing, lack of field vision, head-down scrambling (compared unfavorably to Russell Wilson’s scrambles and Mahomes’ awareness).

• Organizational Critique:

  • The Bears, hyped for their weapons, look lost. Calls Ryan Poles’ roster "the most overrated" of the last two years.
  • John: “Bet against it from the jump. It’s way uglier than I thought. Today was like a referendum not just on Caleb, but the entire organization.” [18:45]

• Benching Caleb?

  • Colin speculates Williams gets one more start before Ben Johnson may pivot to Tyson Bagent if struggles continue.
  • John: “Everything's on the table. What are the Bears going to do — lose more games?” [18:01]

Around the NFL Quick Hits

Colts: Steichen-Style Point Guard Success

[22:06–23:20, 60:23–66:29]

• Daniel Jones is playing the Alex Smith "point guard" role effectively, distributing well to skill positions (Pittman, Pierce, Warren).
• Colts impressively use every offensive skill player—John: “You just get me a point guard that can get me double-digit assists.”
• Indy is “absolutely better than I thought” and a playoff contender.

Cowboys Outduel Giants: Dak, Offense Shine Despite Defensive Woes

[24:58–36:24]

• Dallas edges NYG 40–37 in a wild one with five fourth-quarter lead changes.
• Colin praises Dak Prescott’s energy and late-game playmaking; recognizes Brian Schottenheimer’s stable (if traditional) coaching.
• Addition of George Pickens as a #2 WR is transformative. “They look fairly well-coached. Are you getting the ball to the right people? They are.” [31:01]
• Concerns linger about the defense: “They're going to lose a lot of games because they can't stop a soul, but offensively, they've been really good.”

Trade Talk: Micah Parsons Move Analyzed

[35:03–38:41]

• Dallas ships Parsons to Green Bay; likened to Lakers’ Shaq trade — short-term pain, long-term gain with potential to retool via draft.
• “Dallas may be able to… restock its entire roster next year.” [35:03]

Seattle Downs Pittsburgh: Rodgers in Familiar Chaos

[38:54–45:09]

• Seattle beats Steelers 31–17; Pittsburgh’s O-line issues are glaring.
• Aaron Rodgers looks sharper than last Jets year, but Colin likens situation to the Jets: “It's just a much less chaotic organization [than NYJ].”
• Miscue on special teams (Caleb Johnson’s botched kickoff) is emblematic of a less buttoned-up Tomlin team than usual.
• John: “It does feel a lot like the Jets offense… it's going to feel like a much more refined, polished, well-run version of the Jets.” [39:30]

49ers Survive Saints with Mac Jones, Not Brock Purdy

[48:35–56:39]

• Mac Jones steps in for injured Purdy, delivers an efficient performance (26/39, 380 yds, 3 TDs).
• Praise for Shanahan's scheme and backup usage: “If your backup can win you a game, that is a massive win. You earn a contract immediately.” [53:08]
• Defensive discussion: Despite less star power, SF defense remains elite. “Kyle and Salah as play-callers, Niners as good as anybody.” [54:30]

QB Development, Injury, and Longevity

[73:51–84:51]

• Colin on injury proneness (Burrow, Purdy, Fields): “Injuries aren’t just bad luck. There’s usually circumstances…”
• Lengthy breakdown of why some QBs (Burrow, Fields) are consistently hurt: style, pre-snap awareness, organizational neglect of OL.
• Jared Goff’s self-awareness and avoidance of big hits highlighted: “He knows exactly what he does not have… that guy is going to make $450 million.” [83:05]
• “When you're a great athlete… sometimes in the NFL… do you spend that extra 45 minutes every day on film room?” [82:20]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Bears/Caleb Williams:
  “This is a marriage that is not meant to be. Their styles do not mesh up.” — John Middlekauff [12:12]

• On Chiefs’ Roster Problems:
  “They just don’t have much right now… Kelsey’s old now… This is not the 2019, 2020, 2021 version. They cannot score against [top defenses].” — John Middlekauff [07:39]

• On Colts’ Skill Talent:
  “You just get me a point guard that can get me double-digit assists even if he can’t score… They [Colts] are pretty physically gifted on their skill position.” — John Middlekauff [22:06]

• Cowboys' Coaching:
  “I always judge this — are you getting the ball to the right people? They are.” — Colin Cowherd [31:01]

• Quarterback Durability:
  “I don’t think all injuries are bad luck… There’s usually circumstances that provide a path to why you’re getting hurt.” — Colin Cowherd [80:57]

• On Touch Passers vs. Athletes at QB:
  “He just has no touch on the ball. And he's one of those guys that feels like he really struggles to throw a change-up.” — John Middlekauff on Caleb Williams [19:35]

Other Quick Hits and Team Notes

• Miami Dolphins
  Paying “B” quarterbacks “A+” money (i.e., Tua) limits roster; defense called "probably the worst in the league."
• Rams/Titans
  Devante Adams has revived the Rams’ offense; Rams could be the third-best team in the league if Stafford’s healthy.
• Denver Broncos
  Heartbreaking loss to Indy, partly attributed to player mistakes and coaching conservative play calling.
• UCLA Football
  Brief tangent on NIL realities—UCLA football described as "dead," under-resourced in the Big Ten compared to its wealthy, football-first conference rivals.

Closing Thoughts

Colin and John close by revisiting the theme of fit—between play-callers and quarterbacks, organizations and team-building philosophies, and the importance of self-awareness for players and franchises alike. Their conclusions are often blunt, grounded in both scouting and managerial experience.

Recommended Segments & Timestamps

• Chiefs/Eagles Analysis: 03:00–09:10
• Bears/Caleb Williams Breakdown: 09:11–22:06
• Colts’ Offensive Cohesion: 22:06–23:20; 60:23–66:29
• Dallas-Giants Game, Pickens Addition: 24:58–36:24
• Steelers/Seattle, Rodgers’ Fit: 38:54–45:09
• 49ers/Mac Jones' Resurgence: 48:35–56:39
• Quarterback Health & Career Paths: 73:51–84:51

This episode delivers classic Cowherd: foundational football wisdom, big-picture league perspective, plus no-holds-barred takes on underperforming franchises and the complexities of building a winning NFL team. If you want to know who’s in trouble, who’s on the rise, and why some QBs just keep getting hurt, this one is essential.