The Herd with Colin Cowherd — Prime Cuts (November 15, 2025)

Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into the hottest topics in both the NFL and college football: the rise of the Seattle Seahawks’ stacked roster, the 49ers’ ongoing quarterback drama, concern for the Buffalo Bills’ downward spiral, and speculation about Lane Kiffin’s potential NFL future. Colin Cowherd, alongside John Middelkoff and other analysts, provides sharp takes, behind-the-scenes insight, and big-picture analysis for fans wanting to understand the real dynamics shaping the sport.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Rams Blow Out Banged-Up 49ers — Coaching & Quarterback Play

• Segment Start: [03:21]
• Rams beat 49ers 42-20; Rams are least penalized team, reflecting coaching discipline and efficiency.
• Matt Stafford is playing at an elite, possibly career-best level, despite being underpaid. Puka Nacua has become a star target, developing immediate chemistry with Stafford.
• 49ers offense is still strong, but their defense is badly depleted: “They're rolling out, me and you, and they got no chance to stop a good team.” — Colin [06:33]

Notable Quote

“McVay all offseason said... we are underpaying Matt Stafford, and we know it ... He's probably had some years... but this feels like his highest level of play consistently, week in, week out, especially when you factor in his age.” — Colin [05:27]

2. 49ers QB Controversy — Mac Jones vs. Brock Purdy

• Segment Start: [06:51]
• Purdy’s toe injury could sideline him long-term. Mac Jones, described as a sturdy and smart "bridge" quarterback, is holding the job and impressing as a starter.
• There’s speculation on Mac’s future value; the consensus is the 49ers should keep him until Purdy proves durable.
• Discussion about upcoming “play-in” type matchups between the Bears and 49ers for playoff spots.

Notable Quote

“If Mac's a backup, he's the best backup in the league. And to me, he's a bridge or a franchise guy... so what you saw... is the league is so quarterback dependent... it really helps to have a horse quarterback...” — John Middelkoff [10:14]

3. Bears Edge Giants — Caleb Williams’ Defining Moment

• Segment Start: [11:07]
• Bears’ Caleb Williams continues to prove himself: makes game-winning plays, breaks tackles, avoids injuries and turnovers, and showcases arm strength.
• Jackson Dart shows promise, but durability is an issue.
• The game was played in brutal cold; both quarterbacks’ athleticism stood out, but Caleb’s composure and physical gifts were the difference.

Memorable Moments

“The word I always use with Caleb and I'd never used it with any quarterback before, is just horsepower. He is a V8.” — John Middelkoff [15:00]

“Caleb's fourth game-winning drive in six weeks. My whole life I have watched the Bears lose games like they're winning. And this by the way, it's different.” — John Middelkoff [16:32]

4. Troubles in Buffalo — Bills Falter Against Dolphins

• Segment Start: [23:37]
• Bills lose 30-13 versus Miami; looked lifeless, particularly on defense. Josh Allen had plenty of time but no open receivers.
• Buffalo’s inability to add pieces at the trade deadline and lacking overall roster depth is exposed.
• Contrast drawn to previous years—Buffalo looks like it's regressing while divisional rivals improve.

Notable Quote

“Buffalo should never look like that ever. They should never look like that.” — Colin Cowherd [25:54]

“I think New England now is on the up... they're an ascending team. I don't think Buffalo is.” — John Middelkoff [29:53]

5. Seahawks Outlook — Young, Fast, Dangerous

• Segment Start: [30:40]
• Seahawks destroy Arizona 44-22, with a 35-0 first half. Team is young, physical, and appears to have no talent holes; John Schneider’s personnel moves are praised.
• Sam Darnold is thriving as the starter, with JSN and Puka drawing comparisons to elite receivers.
• Seattle’s team speed and physicality are reminiscent of the Legion of Boom era and Peyton Manning’s Broncos on defense.

Notable Quotes & Moments

“I would rank Seattle after this week number one. They would be my number one team. ...The team speed... They are so fast, they are so physical.” — Colin [32:47]

“I would say as a quarterback evaluator, John Schneider is as good as it gets from a GM perspective.” — John Middelkoff [37:49]

“How often do you get a 35 nothing lead in the first half of a pro football game?” — Colin [37:32]

6. College Football Quarterbacks — Scouting and 'The Moment'

• Segment Start: [39:30]
• Highlighted the importance of clutch drives and “the moment” for college QBs such as Fernando Mendoza (Indiana), referencing legendary performances and their impact on team culture and NFL scouting attention.

7. Alabama & Coaching Transition — Kalen DeBoer Praised

• Segment Start: [45:16]
• Kalen DeBoer takes over for Saban at Alabama, facing a more difficult environment than outsiders realized due to NIL changes and evolving recruiting landscape.
• DeBoer lauded for winning close games and keeping Alabama in contention despite challenges.

Notable Quote

“That's the greatest handoff in the history of college football. Generally you give it to somebody on the staff... It doesn't work or you bring in somebody and the culture doesn't work. He's just a winning guy." — Colin [45:16]

8. Lane Kiffin & NFL Possibilities

• Segment Start: [56:11]
• Open debate: Would Lane Kiffin jump to the NFL? Analysts agree he's considering it, sees more long-term ceiling than at Ole Miss due to recruiting realities. The key challenge: at “second-tier” SEC schools, gathering elite defensive talent is tough.
• Saban’s influence on Kiffin’s and Steve Sarkisian’s coaching redemption arcs is also discussed.

Notable Quotes

“I think Lane's smart. I think he's again gotten better and better ... I think actually he could be an NFL coach and like Harbaugh, he'd walk into the sport for the first three years. He knows all these players way better than your GM does.” — Colin [56:11]

“Offensive recruits will follow the coach ... great defensive players, they want to go to Georgia, Texas, LSU. Not about scheme. I want to get taken care of ... that's the limitation of Ole Miss.” — John Middelkoff [59:19]

Notable Quotes Recap

• On Seahawks’ roster: “Young, fast, physical... It looks like a college mismatch. They are so fast, they are so physical. Darnold's in total control...” — Colin [31:28]
• On Bills’ collapse: “Today was embarrassing... They just looked lost. And that's the type game when your main rival now who's back is winning and now has a lead, kind of a commanding lead…” — Colin [27:08]
• On Alabama’s coach: “He is just a winning guy... Kalen DeBoer, Sioux Falls, Fresno State, Washington. He was 25 and three, people assumed, well, it’s Bama. He didn’t have to rebuild anything. I say no, no, timeout...” — Colin [45:16]
• On Lane Kiffin’s future: “He knows all these players way better than your GM does... do you think Lane Kiffin is considering the NFL? Yeah, I think he is. I think several of them are.” — Colin & Guest Analyst [56:11-57:22]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Rams–49ers coaching & Stafford: [03:21] – [06:51]
• 49ers QB situation (Purdy vs. Mac Jones): [06:51] – [10:14]
• Bears’ Caleb Williams shines: [11:07] – [17:43]
• Bills-Dolphins, Buffalo’s struggles: [23:37] – [29:53]
• Seahawks as top NFL roster: [30:40] – [37:49]
• College QBs and scouts’ “moments”: [39:30] – [43:54]
• Kalen DeBoer, Alabama, and transition: [45:16] – [54:50]
• Lane Kiffin and NFL future: [56:11] – [64:22]

Episode Takeaways

• Seahawks and Rams are seen as truly elite, well-built teams led by front offices and coaches with clear vision and adaptability.
• 49ers’ season hangs on QB health, with Mac Jones providing sturdy stopgap quality.
• Caleb Williams continues to validate his franchise potential in Chicago; durability is becoming increasingly vital for young QBs.
• Buffalo’s window may be closing, with major questions around McDermott and the top-heavy roster.
• College coaches like Lane Kiffin may be eyeing the pros, given NCAA recruiting realities.
• Alabama’s program, under Kalen DeBoer, faces more adversity than the public assumes, but is outperforming expectation.

This episode is loaded with real football insight, sharp coaching takes, and some bold predictions—essential listening for any football junkie looking for more than just the box score.