Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Episode: HOUR 3 – The Herd – Vikings are solid over Steelers, Washington head coach Jedd Fisch
Date: September 25, 2025
Host: Colin Cowherd (with J. Mac)
Featured Guest: Washington Huskies Head Coach Jedd Fisch
Production: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Main Theme

This episode dives into critical NFL matchups for the coming weekend, particularly focusing on why Colin Cowherd favors the Vikings over the Steelers in an international game, with significant discussion about quarterback play, rosters, and coaching. The hour also features insights on the Ravens vs. Chiefs matchup, Bears vs. Raiders preview, Seattle Seahawks vs. Arizona Cardinals, and culminates with an in-depth live interview with Washington Huskies head coach Jedd Fisch ahead of their showdown with Ohio State. Additional analysis from Greg Cosell highlights offensive dynamics seen in both the NFL and college football.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Vikings vs. Steelers: International Matchup Breakdown

(03:23-05:39)

• Cowherd explains why the Vikings are underrated and poised to beat the Steelers in an international matchup.
  • New coaching staffs and lack of preseason play make early seasons unpredictable, but by Weeks 3–5 “you become what you are.”
  • Rodgers’ strong debut with the Jets was followed by a decline as opposing teams gathered film (“Passer rating in the low 30s,” “PFF has him as the second worst graded quarterback.” – Cowherd, 04:00).
  • The Vikings, led by Brian Flores’ defense (top 6 overall; top 3 in pressures and takeaways), have the edge over a Steelers team with ongoing offensive line and run game struggles.
  • “I really like Minnesota in this game and that’s how we’ve come to the conclusion on that.” – Colin Cowherd, (05:30)

2. Baltimore Ravens vs. Kansas City Chiefs: High Stakes, Must-Win?

(05:41-08:36)

• Rundown of two 1-2 teams in need of a spark. Lamar Jackson’s comments highlight urgency on the Ravens, while the Chiefs remain enigmatic.
  • Personnel issues, injuries, and Ravens' recent defensive lapses—particularly on the ground—spotlight concerns.
  • “Is it personnel?...Ravens are smart, they must be ahead of the curve…They don’t really have a front at all. Did you see Montgomery just running wild on them?” – J. Mac, (07:03)
  • Playoff odds drop to 13% for teams starting 1-3; historical context provided (last 1-3 Super Bowl team: 2001 Patriots).
  • Cowherd notes the AFC isn’t as dangerous or deep as previous years, suggesting Baltimore has upside, but both teams have holes.

    “I don’t think you can be a Super Bowl team and get pushed around. And I think Baltimore will be.” – Colin Cowherd, (08:19)

3. Bears vs. Raiders: Rookie Running Back Showdown

(08:36-12:03)

• A preview focusing on Ashton Genty’s immediate impact in Vegas and rookie Bears struggles on the road.
  • Ben Johnson (Bears OC) praises Genty’s physical, aggressive style (“He’s fearless, steps on the gas, plays violently.” – Ben Johnson, 09:18).
  • Genty’s production is mostly after contact due to poor run blocking (“Of his 144 rushing yards, 144 are after contact.” – Cowherd, 10:04).
  • J. Mac discusses Chicago’s “single point of failure” in Ceedee Lamb’s injury, thin run game, and an inexperienced offensive line.
  • Cowherd warns about young skill players and new coaching under road pressure.
  • “These road games in the NFL are a different ball…They just unraveled.” – Cowherd, (11:36)

4. Seahawks vs. Cardinals: Kyler Murray’s Challenge

(12:03-13:43)

• Kyler Murray reflects on Arizona’s lack of execution and the importance of consistency and confidence.
  • Murray’s stat lines vs. Seattle have been poor; with Seattle's Witherspoon returning, the game is a tough test.
  • J. Mac notes Seahawks DC Mike Macdonald’s impact (“McDonald is a really sharp guy…a Harbaugh guy.” – J. Mac, 13:20) and expects Seattle to win comfortably.

5. Interview with Jedd Fisch, Washington Huskies Head Coach

(13:47-25:01)

Building Confidence Against Ohio State

• Cowherd asks how you convince your team they belong in games where the opponent has more “NFL bodies.”
• Fisch: “Our team’s excited about this opportunity…We’re fired up…We got a lot of NFL players on our roster right now, and we’re going to go attack and be aggressive.” (14:49)

QB Damon Williams’ Emergence

• Former NFL QBs texting Cowherd: “this kid can spin it”; Fisch describes him as “elite in a lot of different capacities…He could run the ball better than any guy I’ve been around in pro or college football. He is fast, he’s electric, but he’s an incredible decision maker…16 touchdowns, one interception.” (15:39)

Defending Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith

• Fisch discusses special receivers: “One guy doesn’t really defend those guys. It takes two and it takes a mix of coverages…We got really good corners…this guy’s elite and we’re going to have to mix it up.” (17:05)
• Cites similar players he’s coached, commitment to varied coverage looks.

Recruiting for the Big Ten & Roster Building

• New conference footprint lets Washington “recruit nationally,” increasing their exposure on both coasts and Midwest. (18:31)
• Replacing 11 offensive starters: Fisch used intensive spring practice and a “Harbaugh mentality,” emphasizing hard work and football immersion for his young roster. (19:57)

Husky Stadium Home Advantage

• On Husky Stadium: “just a unique spot…of noise…we’re 8-0 at home since I’ve been here…it’s going to be rocking.” (21:05)

Howie Roseman Collaboration

• Fisch credits former college roommate/how Eagles GM Howie Roseman allocates resources: investing in the trenches, finding QBs who can both run and throw, hiring great coaches. (22:20)
  • “If you look at what we’re trying to do, we’re trying to win in the trenches and we’re trying to find that quarterback that can both run and throw and has extreme leadership.” (23:36)

Harbaugh “Secret Sauce”

• Cowherd asks if Harbaugh is the best all-around football coach. Fisch says:
  • “His genuine love for football rubs off on everybody in the room.” (24:45)

6. NFL Analytical Takeaways & Greg Cosell Insights

(30:07-34:12)

• How teams “flip the switch” at halftime; importance of A.J. Brown to the Eagles as described by Greg Cosell.
  • “If you want to really buckle up and stop the run, you can do that with bodies…what they do really well is throw outside the numbers to A.J. Brown…Brown is a really tough cover outside the numbers.” – Greg Cosell, (30:33)
• Cowherd reflects on similarities in team-building between NFL contenders and what Jedd Fisch is replicating at Washington—acquiring elite trench talent and explosive perimeter players.
• Notes on Bears development under Ben Johnson; the significance of coaching for young QBs:
  • “I think Caleb Williams looks better today than he did a month ago…By the end of this weekend, there will not be a ton of surprises.” (32:22)
• On Super Bowl bubble teams:
  • “You can’t win a Super Bowl on 13 play drives. You gotta score quickly…that’s Kansas City’s dubious concern” – Cowherd, (33:42)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On New-Look Teams Settling In:
  “As you get to week three, four and five, it’s harder to fool people. You become what you are.” – Colin Cowherd, (03:27)

• On the Vikings’ Superiority:
  “I think Minnesota’s got the best overall roster compared to these two [Vikings, Steelers].” – Colin Cowherd, (04:27)

• On the AFC Landscape:
  “I don’t think the AFC this year...is as good as it’s been in previous years. Miami, they’re not dangerous anymore. New England’s in a rebuild.” – Colin Cowherd, (08:04)

• On Ashton Genty’s Toughness:
  “He’s getting buried in the backfield 57% of the time. He’s getting hit at the line of scrimmage.” – J. Mac, (10:23)

• On Legion Field Pressure:
  “Allegiant is loud. You have a veteran coaching staff. Geno has been around the league forever...He can spin it. So I don’t like this spot for the Bears.” – Colin Cowherd, (11:36)

• On Ohio State's Star WR Jeremiah Smith:
  “He’s elite, elite, elite…One guy doesn’t really defend those guys. It takes two and it takes a mix of coverages.” – Jedd Fisch, (17:05)

• On Huskies’ Recruiting Footprint:
  “We’re able to be a little more national…Because of the fact that we could sell we’re going to be playing on the east coast, west coast, Midwest.” – Jedd Fisch, (18:31)

• On Duplicating NFL Team Building:
  “We’re trying to win in the trenches and we’re trying to find that quarterback that can both run and throw and has extreme leadership.” – Jedd Fisch, (23:36)

• On Harbaugh’s Secret Sauce:
  “His genuine love for football rubs off on everybody in the room.” – Jedd Fisch, (24:45)

Timestamps of Key Segments

• Vikings-Steelers International Preview: 03:23–05:39
• Ravens-Chiefs High-Stakes Preview: 05:41–08:36
• Bears-Raiders Genty Focus: 08:36–12:03
• Seahawks-Cardinals/Kyler Murray: 12:03–13:43
• Jedd Fisch Interview (Washington Huskies): 13:47–25:01
• Greg Cosell on A.J. Brown: 30:33–31:00
• Greg Cosell on Caleb Williams, Bears Progress: 31:52–32:22
• Super Bowl Bubble & Chiefs/Ravens Analysis: 33:30–34:12

Episode Tone & Style

Colin Cowherd delivers his trademark analytical, confident, and slightly irreverent takes on the NFL, with a blend of stats, coach-speak translation, and gambling angles. J. Mac adds quick-hit stats and supporting context. The interview with Jedd Fisch is engaging, candid, and infuses enthusiasm and insight into college program-building.

A tightly packaged hour rich with NFL and college football strategy, team-building philosophies, and insights from both analyst and practitioner. Fans of both leagues will leave with clear reasons to watch the weekend’s biggest games, and a sense of how elite teams, both pro and collegiate, are built from the ground up.

For more, catch The Herd weekdays on Fox Sports Radio and download the podcast for instant updates and analysis.