The Richard Sherman Podcast – 49ers-Seahawks REACTION: Seattle Dominates, Bills-Broncos Ends in Controversy

Date: January 19, 2026
Podcast: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Host: Richard Sherman
Presented by: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Episode Overview

In this episode, Richard Sherman dives into a thrilling NFL Playoff weekend, focusing on two headline-grabbing games: the Seattle Seahawks’ emphatic dismantling of the San Francisco 49ers and the Denver Broncos' controversial overtime win over the Buffalo Bills. Sherman extensively analyzes the dominance of Seattle’s defense, the challenge ahead for San Francisco, the meteoric rise of coach Mike Macdonald, and the heartbreak surrounding the Bills’ defeat and quarterback woes for the Broncos.

Seahawks vs. 49ers: Seattle’s Statement Win

Key Segment: 00:55–10:38

Complete Domination by Seattle

• Opening Salvo:

  • Rashid Shaheed set the tone early with a 95-yard touchdown.
    "Started off with a 95 yard Rashid Shaheed touchdown... and sets the tone for the entire game." (01:16)

• San Francisco’s Offensive Woes:

  • 49ers failed to score a touchdown; their offense was completely shut down by Seattle.
  • Christian McCaffrey struggled; the defense swarmed him all night.

• Seattle Defense, A Master Class:

  • Sherman lauds the physical dominance, assignment soundness, and relentless hitting.
    "The Seattle Seahawks defense put on an absolute master class. If you’re a defensive player like I am, you would watch that with enjoyment and love..." (02:36)
  • Notable performance from Nick Emmanwori and defensive line:
    • "Nick Emmanwori, a little bit more of Nick Emmanwori, and this defensive line gave the 49ers fits all game long." (01:49)
  • Secondary contributions: Witherspoon, Julian Love, Kobe Bryant, all consistently shut down 49ers receivers.
    • "Kobe Bryant came back, brought some attitude and some smack out there." (04:15)

• Forcing Turnovers and Keeping Up Pressure:

  • Ernest Jones had a pivotal interception and force fumbles.
  • Seattle forced multiple fumbles, including a critical one from Jake Tongas.

• Mike Macdonald: Defensive Genius

  • His defenses have allowed zero second-half points as both head coach and DC in the playoffs. "Mike McDonald coached defenses have allowed a combined zero points in the second half." (05:22)

• Seattle’s Offense: Steady and Effective

  • Sam Darnold, not called upon to do much (17 attempts), but made big throws when needed.
    • "When they asked him to push the ball down the field...he took a sack...drops a dime on the sideline to Cooper Kupp right after." (08:01)
  • Kenneth Walker led the running game:
    • 19 carries, 116 yards, 3 touchdowns (tying franchise playoff record). "Kenneth Walker had a fantastic game. 19 carries for 116 yards and three touchdowns." (08:35)
  • Emphasis on running the ball, managing Darnold’s workload, and letting the defense lead.

Big-Picture Takeaways

• Seattle as Super Bowl Favorite:

  • Sherman asserts Seattle has become the "front runner for the Super Bowl." (07:02)
  • The team is disciplined, deep defensively, and peaking at the right time.

• San Francisco’s Offseason Outlook:

  • Needs: Get healthy (Nick Bosa, Fred Warner), prioritize offensive line improvements.
  • Offseason focus will be on finding ways to beat Seattle and Mike Macdonald.

Notable Quotes

• "Imposing your will physically on another team in the playoffs, a division opponent, setting the tone, play in and play out, was something you love to see." (02:49)
• "They talked the talk and they walked the walk. They said it was going...to get dark and this was going to be the dark side—and, boy, it got super dark in Seattle that night." (03:32)

Mike Macdonald and Seahawks’ Future

Key Segment: 11:07–13:27

• Sherman credits Macdonald’s scheme, culture-building, and quick impact:
  • "When you hire a guy like this...I don't think you could ever expect him in his second year to have this much success, this much impact." (11:24)
• John Schneider, the Seahawks GM, gets a nod for building a balanced, potent roster.
• Optimism around Sam Darnold’s fit in the system and the dark-side defense’s staying power.

Notable Moment

• "If he [Darnold] can win the next two games, he goes down in Seahawks lore and so does the rest of this team. This dark side defense isn't going anywhere for a long time." (12:44)

Broncos-Bills: Controversy and Quarterback Despair

Key Segment: 13:27–29:12

Game Summary and Turning Points

• Early momentum was with Denver, thanks to defensive pressure and quick points off turnovers.
• Buffalo, led by Josh Allen, clawed back to take a lead before a late Denver scoring drive.
• Dramatic overtime sequence:
  • Allen throws to Brandon Cooks, the ball is ripped out as he hits the ground.
  • Officials rule it a turnover; Bills lose on a call rarely made, leading to outrage and confusion.

The Controversial Call

• Sherman, as a defensive back, was surprised at the ruling:
  • "As long as I played in the National Football League, the tie goes to the receiver...I've never seen them call that for us." (15:38)
• The decision may set a concerning precedent for future officiating on contested catches.
• Sean McDermott and the Bills left devastated by the outcome.

Josh Allen’s Legacy and Bills’ Future

• Allen had four turnovers, but was the only reason Buffalo reached OT.
• The recurring playoff heartbreak now defines his narrative:
  • "That's not a stat you want to keep on your resume...without an appearance in the Super Bowl." (17:44)
• Unclear where Buffalo goes from here; firing McDermott is unlikely.
• Sherman suggests they may need to double down at receiver to support Allen.

Denver’s Quarterback Dilemma

• Broncos advance but lose their starting QB for the playoffs.

• Sherman explores wild options for Sean Payton:

  • Call retired vets (Drew Brees, Philip Rivers, Matt Ryan) or stick with Jared Stidham.
  • "Sean [Payton] called Drew Brees. Matt Ryan's the president of the Falcons. Call Matt, too." (22:36)

• Urgent need to add a backup before the AFC Championship.

Notable Quotes

• "You find a way to win this game, then you lose your starting quarterback for the remainder of the playoffs. That's about as tough as it gets." (14:41)
• "I don't think you just go in there with Jared Stidham right now. I just don't see it happening." (24:39)

Final Reflections

Seattle’s Super Bowl Road

• Sherman remains bullish on Seattle’s Super Bowl chances, praising their depth, defense, and momentum.
  • "Because right now, there’s nobody measuring up to the Seattle Seahawks in a meaningful way. And I love it." (28:40)

Listener Note

• Episode ends with Sherman bidding farewell to the listeners, reminding fans of the unpredictable road ahead for both Seattle and Denver as the playoffs continue.

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|------------------------------------------------| | 00:55 | Seahawks-49ers game analysis begins | | 02:36 | Defensive dominance and turnovers | | 05:22 | Mike Macdonald’s defensive record | | 08:35 | Kenneth Walker’s breakout performance | | 11:07 | Mike Macdonald’s rise and Seattle outlook | | 13:27 | Broncos-Bills summary and dramatic ending | | 15:38 | The controversial OT call dissected | | 17:44 | Josh Allen’s playoff legacy discussed | | 22:36 | Broncos’ quarterback crisis speculation | | 28:40 | Sherman’s final thoughts on Seahawks, playoffs |

Summary by:
Richard Sherman (guest-hosting on The Herd with Colin Cowherd, iHeartPodcasts and The Volume)