Summary of "Colin Cowherd Podcast - NFL Schedule Reaction: 49ers Cakewalk Schedule, Chiefs BRUTAL Schedule, Caleb Williams Didn’t Want To Be A Bear"

Release Date: May 16, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, hosted by iHeartPodcasts and The Volume, Colin Cowherd and guest John Mittlekoff delve deep into the NFL's upcoming season schedules, analyzing the implications for top teams like the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs. Additionally, they explore the high-profile situation surrounding quarterback Caleb Williams and his reluctance to join the Chicago Bears. The discussion is enriched with expert insights, strategic evaluations, and notable quotes that shed light on the current dynamics of the NFL.

1. San Francisco 49ers' Favorable Schedule

John Mittlekoff kicks off the conversation by highlighting the relative ease of the 49ers' upcoming schedule. He emphasizes that the schedule is the "weakest in 15 years," attributing this to key opponents being sidelined.

John Mittlekoff [04:00]: "If you take out Stafford twice and C.J. Stroud once, this is the weakest schedule in 15 years."

Mittlekoff suggests that without formidable quarterbacks like Matthew Stafford and C.J. Stroud, the 49ers are positioned for a strong season, potentially securing a record of 12-5 or even 13-4.

2. Kansas City Chiefs' Challenging Road Ahead

Conversely, the Chiefs face a "brutal schedule" that could test their dominance in the league. Colin Cowherd expresses cautious optimism about their prospects despite the tougher lineup.

Colin Cowherd [12:20]: "We are going to find out pretty quickly like if they've whiffed on some picks. I don't care if you got Bill Walsh and Belichick in his prime. You can only do this."

The discussion touches upon the Chiefs' offensive and defensive strategies, with a focus on their coaching prowess and the potential impact of their schedule on their quest for another Super Bowl title.

3. Caleb Williams' Reluctance to Join the Chicago Bears

A significant portion of the episode centers on Caleb Williams, the highly-touted quarterback, and his hesitance to play for the Bears. The conversation delves into the pressures Williams faces and the implications for both him and the Bears' franchise.

John Mittlekoff [27:42]: "If my son was a quarterback, I wouldn't want him to play for the Bears. They've never had a 4,000-yard passer. That's literally impossible."

Mittlekoff critiques the Bears' organizational decisions and their impact on Williams, suggesting that the added pressure from public scrutiny and familial expectations may hinder his performance. Colin Cowherd concurs, noting the detrimental effects of off-field controversies on a player's on-field success.

4. Coaching Strategies and Team Building

The hosts analyze the current coaching landscape, comparing stalwarts like Kyle Shanahan with emerging leaders such as Robert Salea of the Jets. They debate the effectiveness of coaches who prioritize immediate wins versus those who build for the future.

Colin Cowherd [09:26]: "Kyle can rub people the wrong way. I think he's a pretty elite coach. He's proven that."

Mittlekoff adds that the balance between addressing immediate team needs and long-term strategic planning is crucial, citing examples from the 49ers' draft choices and offensive line decisions.

5. Division Battles and Team Prospects

Attention shifts to division dynamics, with discussions on teams like the Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks, and Minnesota Vikings. The analysis covers potential playoff contenders and the factors that could influence their success, including quarterback performance and defensive strength.

John Mittlekoff [15:52]: "I think Seattle's roster is really impressive. I think the Vikings will miss Sam Darnold and I think the Rams defense, I think it's the best young defense in the NFL."

The segment underscores the unpredictability of the season, highlighting how division rivalries and individual player performances will shape the postseason landscape.

6. Organizational Philosophies and Franchise Success

The conversation broadens to examine the overarching philosophies of NFL franchises, particularly contrasting the traditional approaches of the Pittsburgh Steelers with the more progressive strategies of teams like the Baltimore Ravens.

Colin Cowherd [42:08]: "The Ravens are running circles around them [Steelers]."

Mittlekoff and Cowherd discuss how organizational decisions, such as draft strategies and coaching hires, play pivotal roles in maintaining franchise success and adapting to the evolving nature of the NFL.

7. Audience Interaction and Final Thoughts

Towards the end of the episode, Colin Cowherd addresses audience questions and comments, providing a platform for fan engagement. He reiterates key points discussed and offers his final predictions for the NFL season.

Colin Cowherd [43:02]: "Enjoy it. Have a good weekend everybody."

Conclusion

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers a comprehensive analysis of the NFL's upcoming season, spotlighting the San Francisco 49ers' advantageous schedule, the Kansas City Chiefs' challenging roadmap, and the high-stakes situation surrounding Caleb Williams. Through expert commentary and strategic insights, Colin Cowherd and John Mittlekoff provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of the factors that will influence the NFL landscape in 2025.

Notable Quotes

• John Mittlekoff [04:00]: "If you take out Stafford twice and C.J. Stroud once, this is the weakest schedule in 15 years."

• Colin Cowherd [12:20]: "We are going to find out pretty quickly like if they've whiffed on some picks. I don't care if you got Bill Walsh and Belichick in his prime. You can only do this."

• John Mittlekoff [27:42]: "If my son was a quarterback, I wouldn't want him to play for the Bears. They've never had a 4,000-yard passer. That's literally impossible."

• Colin Cowherd [09:26]: "Kyle can rub people the wrong way. I think he's a pretty elite coach. He's proven that."

• John Mittlekoff [15:52]: "I think Seattle's roster is really impressive. I think the Vikings will miss Sam Darnold and I think the Rams defense, I think it's the best young defense in the NFL."

• Colin Cowherd [42:08]: "The Ravens are running circles around them [Steelers]."

Final Thoughts

For NFL enthusiasts and casual fans alike, this episode provides valuable perspectives on team strategies, player dynamics, and the intricate web of factors that contribute to a team's success or struggle. Colin Cowherd and John Mittlekoff's insightful discourse equips listeners with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of the NFL season, making it a must-listen for those eager to stay ahead of the game.