The Herd with Colin Cowherd — Prime Cuts

Episode Title: Chiefs Back To Form? Jaxson Dart’s Big Win For The G-Men, Bo Nix Can Sling It, Is Bama Back?
Release Date: October 4, 2025
Host: Colin Cowherd (with John Middlekauff and additional guest analysts)

Episode Overview

This episode of The Herd features Colin Cowherd and John Middlekauff breaking down a wild weekend in NFL and college football, focusing on the Kansas City Chiefs' resurgence, Lamar Jackson’s struggles vs. the Chiefs, the Giants’ shocking win with Jaxson Dart at QB, Bo Nix’s fit with Sean Payton in Denver, James Franklin’s moment of truth at Penn State, and Alabama’s signature victory over Georgia with new coach Kalen DeBoer. The conversation is rich with analysis, honest critiques, and classic Cowherd insights.

Chiefs Dominate Ravens — Is Lamar in KC’s Head?

Segment Timestamp: 02:08 – 13:18

Key Discussion Points & Insights:

• Mahomes’ Record-Setting Night:
  Kansas City roared back to form, posting 37 against an injury-riddled Ravens defense. Mahomes started with four straight touchdown drives, becoming the fastest QB to 250 TD passes.
• Lamar Jackson’s Kryptonite:
  Lamar is now 1–6 career vs. the Chiefs. Both Colin and John argue that "Kansas City is in his head." (Colin, 03:42)
• Defense & AFC Picture:
  Numerous injuries have hampered Baltimore’s usual defensive prowess. John observes, "The Ravens don’t feel like the purple team we’re used to watching because defensively, and that has to throw [Lamar] off." (John, 05:14)
• Adjustments & Blueprints:
  Defensive coordinators Dan Campbell (Detroit) and Steve Spagnuolo (KC) have refined the blueprint for containing Lamar—keeping discipline and corralling rather than chasing.
  "If you don’t just run up aimlessly and let him just get an easy 10 yards with his eyes closed, it’s harder for him to operate." (John, 06:50)
• Chiefs’ Emerging Weapons:
  The breakout of Xavier Worthy, Thornton, JuJu, and possible returns of Rice and Hollywood Brown give KC an upgraded passing core.
  "When you watch Xavier Worthy, they still don’t have a run game… but if they get Rashee Rice back …that’s more than good enough with Patrick Mahomes." (Colin, 08:11)
• Mahomes’ Maturity:
  Despite modest stats, both hosts laud Mahomes: "He’s just completely under control. I think for the most part, he’s been playing at a really, really high level." (John, 12:52)
• Quote:
  "There’s an anxiety that—he…I don’t know if it’s a therapy thing…But I think it’s totally in Lamar’s head." (Colin, 11:46)

Giants’ Upset Over Chargers — Jaxson Dart’s Arrival

Segment Timestamp: 13:18 – 18:04

Key Discussion Points & Insights:

• Giants Beat Chargers 21–18, Jaxson Dart Delivers:
  Despite modest passing numbers, Dart and running back Scatterboo turned in an electric rushing performance (160+ yards combined). With Malik Nabers hurt early, Dart was forced to improvise and impressed with scrambling, toughness, and arm strength.
• Offensive Line Woes for the Chargers:
  Justin Herbert was "hit 14 times"—matching last week’s abuse—showing LA’s domino effect of O-line injuries.
  "You start shuffling, all of a sudden you got backups and third stringers in different spots…Herbert made some throws today where it looked like he was gonna lose knees and limbs." (John, 16:42)
• Quote:
  "Dart gives them something that Russell no longer does." (John, 15:41)

Steelers Find Their Identity vs. Vikings

Segment Timestamp: 18:04 – 23:53

Key Discussion Points & Insights:

• Physicality and Run Game Returns:
  Pittsburgh muddled Minnesota 24–21 despite injuries in both offensive lines.
  "They look like a physical team start to finish…If you just gave the Steelers every week a 100-yard rusher, they're going to have a chance." (John, 19:35)
• Aaron’s Efficient, Veteran Play:
  No more high-yardage days, but his connection with DK Metcalf and efficiency fuels hope.
  "The days of Aaron throwing for 375 yards are done. But…DK gives you 10 touchdowns. And three or four of them are like that today." (John, 19:46)
• Defense Steps Up:
  Steelers’ defense put up six sacks, creating turnovers and big hits:
  "There was a physicality to their team start to finish that had kind of been lacking." (John, 20:05)
• Quote:
  "That team looks like…they could go on the road and win a playoff game." (Colin, 21:02)

Bo Nix Flourishes with Sean Payton in Denver

Segment Timestamp: 28:54 – 38:00

Key Discussion Points & Insights:

• Bo Nix Comfortably in Control:
  Bo Nix delivered a clinical performance (29–42, 326 yds) against the Bengals, skillfully operating Sean Payton’s complex offense.
  "He is just laser focused. He can take to coaching. He’ll bark right back. It’s all ball, all the time." (Colin, 38:00)
• Payton’s Fit for Nix:
  Cowherd details how Payton’s system is "an adult offense for a smart, intense, laser-focused quarterback."
  • "There’s no hand holding, no babysitting. You gotta be smart. You gotta be focused." (Colin, 28:54)
• Supporting Cast:
  Sutton, Franklin, Harvey, and Mims give Nix a deep skill group. JK Dobbins is healthy and adds vision, instinct.
  • "JK Dobbins is an excellent running back. He’s got great instincts, really nice vision."
• Aggressiveness Over Caution:
  Nix’s willingness to drive the ball comes with some turnovers—“I like my quarterbacks throwing that ball aggressively down the field.” (Colin, 28:54)
• Denver’s Trajectory:
  "I think Denver is on a shortlist of teams…they got a lot of W’s coming." (Colin, 36:54)

James Franklin, Penn State, and the Nature of Elite Coaches

Segment Timestamp: 38:00 – 40:18

Key Discussion Points & Insights:

• Franklin at a Crossroads:
  Another big-game loss (to Oregon) sparks existential questions. Is Franklin “very good” but just not in the sport’s toughest tier?
  • "Never use the word elite. Never use the word great. Just very, very good. An eighth runger on a ten rung ladder." (Buddy, 38:00)
• Is Penn State Stuck?
  The podcast explores whether Franklin can ever break through or if his “best…is not going to be good enough.”
  • "A whole new timeline got started [with that Oregon loss]…this is confirmation we’re never going to see the mountaintop." (Buddy, 40:18)
• Fan Reaction:
  Even the most loyal fans are now apathetic rather than angry:
  • "They were almost. I don't know, they were apathetic afterwards…this is confirmation we’re never going to see the mountaintop." (Buddy, 40:18)

Alabama’s Turning Point Under Kalen DeBoer

Segment Timestamp: 45:10 – 54:12

Key Discussion Points & Insights:

• Massive Win for Alabama (over Georgia):
  • "As big a regular season win, including Saban, in like five years." (Colin, 45:10)
• DeBoer’s Adjustment to Southern Football:
  • Coming from the Midwest and West, DeBoer needed to adapt to SEC life, culture, and pressure.
  • "Since that Florida State game earlier this year [DeBoer] has been like the third verse of Lose Yourself. The part where it’s just, it’s no more games. I kind of get it now." (Buddy, 49:21)
• AD Greg Byrne’s Gamble:
  • Alabama’s administration’s relief and validation after this signature win; the hire was under scrutiny.
• Culture, Pressure, and Perspective:
  • "People think it’s easy when you go to Alabama and you replace Saban—well, you don’t have to change the culture. Well, yes, you do. You have to be authentic to yourself." (Colin, 45:10)
• Mindset Shift:
  • Now, Bama is already looking ahead, with locker room focus turning immediately to their next opponent:
    "Their reward is they get to play Vandy this week…they were already looking ahead to the Vandy game because that was the cattle prod to their neck last year." (Buddy, 49:21)
• On Southern Football Obsession:
  • "You could take a random Wednesday in June, NBA Finals could be going on. It doesn’t matter. We’re talking about the right side of the offensive line." (Buddy, 53:16)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Takes

• “Kansas City is in his head.” — Colin (03:42)
• "It's a different...they don't feel like the purple team we're used to watching because defensively, and that has to throw him off." — John (05:14)
• "He is just laser focused. He can take to coaching. He'll bark right back. It's all ball, all the time." — Colin on Bo Nix (38:00)
• "Never use the word elite. Never use the word great. Just very, very good. An eighth runger...on a ten rung ladder." — Buddy on James Franklin (38:00)
• "As much as you try and wall yourself off from it, it’s really impossible. You cannot wall yourself off from [Southern football culture]." — Buddy (49:21)
• "You have to be authentic to yourself. It doesn’t matter what...I replaced Tony Kornheiser. He was great. I still didn’t do the same show Tony did." — Colin (45:10)

Timestamps — Important Segments

• 02:08 – 13:18: Chiefs vs. Ravens; the psychological and football dynamics
• 13:18 – 18:04: Giants’ win with Jaxson Dart; Chargers’ offensive injuries
• 18:04 – 23:53: Steelers’ physical win, O-line progress, defensive resurgence
• 28:54 – 38:00: Bo Nix finds fit with Sean Payton, Denver’s outlook
• 38:00 – 40:18: James Franklin’s Penn State ceiling
• 45:10 – 54:12: Alabama’s win, DeBoer’s coaching adaptation, SEC pressures

Summary

This episode covers a pivotal NFL and college football weekend, expertly dissected by Colin Cowherd and John Middlekauff. From Mahomes regaining form and exposing Lamar’s demons, to Bo Nix thriving in Denver, the discussions are rich and layered. The episode shines most in conversations about coaching, pressure, and the psychology behind the sport—highlighting how greatness is measured not just in wins, but in adaptation and mental toughness. You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of why certain teams, coaches, and players break through—and why others, even with talent, can’t seem to leap the final rung.

If you missed this episode, this summary will give you the full narrative, context, and most memorable takes.