The Herd with Colin Cowherd — Hour 3: Notre Dame & Playoff Deals, Cowboys’ Future, and NFL Insights with Brian Baldinger

Episode Date: December 23, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode centers on pressing issues around college football's playoff structure, deep-dive NFL analysis—especially regarding the Dallas Cowboys’ strategy and personnel—and broader conversations around quarterbacks, coaching, and locker room dynamics. NFL analyst and former player Brian Baldinger ("Baldi") joins Colin for insightful breakdowns, and the panel brings their signature mix of sharp opinions and lively banter. The hour wraps with rapid-fire discussions on the state of the NBA’s Golden State Warriors, playoff quarterback trust, and the shifting sands in both leagues.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Running Back Workloads & Christian McCaffrey's Durability

Segment Start: [03:14]

• Colin raises concerns about Christian McCaffrey's high usage, especially late in games where the outcome seems secure.
• Baldinger responds: Emphasizes the astonishing number of touches McCaffrey has so far and advocates for resting him to be fresher for the playoffs. McCaffrey’s longest run came late, reflecting his conditioning but increasing risk.
  • Quote [04:04]:
    "He's going to get 2,000 yards. He's going to get 100 catches. He's going to get over 400 touches. That's a lot for any running back, especially one that has done that already in his career." — Brian Baldinger

2. George Pickens' Role and the Cowboys’ Need for a Top Receiver

Segment Start: [05:26]

• Colin highlights the Cowboys’ lack of a prototypical “X receiver” and asks how to approach George Pickens given the regular supply of WR talent from college.
• Baldinger asserts the need to re-sign Pickens:
  • Quote [06:18]:
    "I would try to sign him if I could... They haven't had an X receiver, a guy opposite the tight end like George Pickens in forever... He should probably wear number 88 in that offense, but CeeDee gets that. I feel like they still need him." — Brian Baldinger

3. Teams with "Magic" and the Importance of Takeaways (Chicago Bears)

Segment Start: [07:06]

• Colin asks about teams seeming to have “magical” luck or a knack for comebacks.
• Baldinger credits the Bears’ coaching, mentality, and defensive playmakers for their success in high-turnover games.
  • Emphasizes how certain defenders are "natural thieves," listing names that anchor the secondary.
  • Quote [07:33]:
    "A lot of that is coaching and a mentality they have. Some of those guys are natural in... they know how to really play that position." — Brian Baldinger

4. Impact of Under-the-Radar Positions: George Kittle & Lane Johnson

Segment Start: [08:38]

• Colin marvels at stats showing teams are dramatically better with George Kittle or Lane Johnson starting.
• Baldinger details Lane Johnson's impact:
  • Praises his undefeated record against elite rushers and the extra confidence he gives the whole huddle and coaching staff.
  • Quote [09:25]:
    "When you go in the huddle and Lane Johnson’s at right tackle, you just feel like you’ve got the best tackle in all of football... he gives that whole team, including the coaching staff, another level of confidence." — Brian Baldinger

5. Should Struggling Teams Keep Drafting QBs? (Giants: Jackson Dart vs. Fernando Mendoza)

Segment Start: [10:23]

• Colin suggests the Giants should consider every QB prospect, regardless of having drafted Jackson Dart.
• Baldinger agrees: Points to QB uncertainty league-wide and historic examples (Rivers/Brees/Eli) as rationale for always exploring upgrades.
  • Quote [11:16]:
    "You got to consider every position when you’re the New York Giants right now, starting with the quarterback." — Brian Baldinger

6. Rams’ Weaknesses & the Identity of the NFL’s Best Team

Segment Start: [12:40]

• Colin points out Rams' special teams and secondary as fatal flaws in the contenders’ race.
• Baldinger still believes in the Rams: Attributes their competitiveness to McVay’s play-calling and Stafford’s level.
  • Quote [13:14]:
    "They can outscore opponents. They probably should have beaten the Eagles in the playoff game a year ago... I still think they’re going to be the toughest opponent for anybody, despite... special team woes and the issues that they’ve had." — Brian Baldinger

Key Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Christian McCaffrey:
  "[McCaffrey's] going to get 2,000 yards... over 400 touches. That’s a lot for any running back." — Baldinger [04:04]

• On George Pickens:
  "He should probably wear number 88 in that offense, but CeeDee gets that." — Baldinger [06:18]

• On defensive playmakers:
  "[Kevin Byard]'s going to lead this league in interceptions. He's done it before... Chelsea Gardner-Johnson, that guy is a thief and always has been." — Baldinger [07:33]

• On Lane Johnson’s value:
  "When Lane Johnson’s at right tackle you just feel like you’ve got the best tackle in all of football." — Baldinger [09:25]

• On the Giants and QBs:
  "You got to look at everything in every position you look at." — Baldinger [11:16]

NFL News and Fast Takes

7. Cowboys’ Season Outlook and Offseason Concerns

Segment Start: [18:43]

• Cowboys eliminated; Colin and Paulie discuss the team’s pride and Dak’s leadership.
  • Dak Prescott on mindset:
    "I’m not going to cheat this game. I’m going to give this game everything that I have and that’s just how my mind works." — Dak Prescott [19:19]
• Speculation on coaching changes, the team’s cap situation, and offseason optimism seem muted.
  • "Dallas’ future is better than people think. I don’t love the staff, but there’s a lot of elements here I do like." — Cowherd [20:29]
  • "Will they make the playoffs next year? I would bet no." — Paulie Fusco [21:39]

8. Pro Bowl Quarterback Selections

Segment Start: [21:40]

• Surprise names include Sam Darnold, who has made back-to-back Pro Bowls with different teams.
  • Colin (joking): "Sam Darnold, a two-time Pro Bowler. Somebody never quit on him." [23:01]
• Justin Herbert’s critics get rebuffed for playoff "narratives."

9. Draymond Green and Warriors Locker Room Drama

Segment Start: [23:04]

• Steve Kerr and Draymond Green get into a heated exchange; Draymond leaves his team during the game.
• Debate over Draymond’s behavior: Paulie calls it “deplorable, not mature,” Colin downplays it as a byproduct of intense relationships in pro sports.
• Discussion examines long-term implications for the Warriors’ roster and chemistry.
  • "This team’s got way bigger issues than that. They’re old, they’re small..." — Cowherd [25:19]

10. Playoff Quarterback Trust Rankings

Segment Start: [34:43]

• Colin ranks the NFC playoff QBs by trustworthiness: Stafford first, then Jordan Love, Darnold, Purdy, Hurts, and Caleb Williams.

• AFC: Allen, Herbert, Drake May among top, while Bo Nix and very young QBs lower.

• Multiple first-time QBs in mix; panelists note the volatility ahead in the postseason.

  • "Bo Nix and Caleb, they're just kids. I mean, they're young." — Cowherd [37:22]
  • "I have no idea who's coming out of the AFC or NFC. None. I feel confident about the Rams..." — Paulie Fusco [37:30]

Notable Timestamps

• 03:14 — McCaffrey/Running Back Usage
• 05:26 — George Pickens & Cowboys WR Analysis
• 07:06 — Takeaways and Bear's "Magic"
• 08:38 — Kittle, Lane Johnson, and Underappreciated Players’ Impact
• 10:23 — Giants QB Future: Dart vs. Mendoza
• 12:40 — Rams’ Flaws & Best Team in the League
• 18:43 — Cowboys’ Playoff Elimination, Dak, and Cap Talk
• 21:40 — Pro Bowl QB Selections
• 23:04 — Warriors Drama: Kerr vs. Draymond Green
• 34:43 — Playoff QB Trust Discussion

Tone & Language

The style remains conversational, occasionally irreverent, with both pointed analysis and humor. Colin and his guests deliver blunt assessments while rooting every claim in player performance, franchise history, and front office dynamics. Banter—especially around the Cowboys, Warriors, and young QBs—keeps things sharp and entertaining.

Summary

Hour 3 delivers quintessential Herd content: strong opinions on NFL personnel decisions, inside-the-huddle detail from Baldinger, hot takes on playoff contenders, and candid dialogue on controversies in sports culture. You’ll leave informed on why certain NFL teams are trending (or spiraling), which positions quietly drive success, and where the league’s most talked-about franchises need to go—on and off the field. The episode ends with a look ahead to a playoff landscape full of youth, uncertainty, drama, and opportunity.