Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd — Richard Sherman Podcast Episode: Caleb Williams, Bears–Rams OT thriller, Patriots outlast Texans & Seahawks–Rams NFC Title | January 20, 2026

Episode Overview

Richard Sherman and co-host Mitchell break down a thrilling weekend of NFL playoff football, focusing on the Chicago Bears-Los Angeles Rams overtime classic, the Patriots’ gritty victory over the Texans, and previewing the NFC Championship Game between the Rams and Seattle Seahawks. They also discuss quarterback play, coaching decisions, the emergence of top defenses, and the swirling NFL coaching carousel—all in Sherman's trademark candid, energetic style.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Bears vs. Rams: NFC Playoff Overtime Thriller (Starts ~00:36)

• Summary:
  The Bears battled the Rams in one of the season’s most exciting playoff games. Caleb Williams shined at times but made a costly overtime mistake.

• Key Moments & Analysis:

  • Caleb Williams’ clutch fourth-down heave to Cole Kmet seemed to put the Bears on a “team of destiny” arc.
  • Bears’ philosophy under Ben Johnson: aggressive on fourth downs; played true to their identity.
  • The game swung on a familiar offensive play—a layered dig and clear-out—that confused the safety. In OT, Williams threw a late interception, allowing the Rams and Matthew Stafford to drive for the game-winning field goal.
  • Sherman’s take (01:52): "If you have a philosophy, you have a foundation, you stick to it. You live by it, you die by it."
  • The Bears’ future looks bright: Williams has superstar traits, but needs to mature in decision-making.
  • Rams’ safety Cam Curl earned hero status with a risky, film-savvy play on the interception.

• Notable Quote:

  "Fatigue will make cowards of us all, Mitchell. ... In the most critical moments, if you’re tired, your brain will say quit. No question about it."
  —Richard Sherman (08:47)

• Mitchell on the Bears (03:46):

  • “Grinding, scrapping, finishing dead last in the NFC North last season…one play away from making the NFC Championship game. Ben Johnson knows how this feels, this agony of defeat.”

2. NFC Championship Preview: Rams at Seahawks (12:59)

• Summary: Sherman and Mitchell preview the NFC title game: Rams vs. red-hot Seahawks with elite defenses on display and a surprising QB matchup: Stafford vs. Sam Darnold.

• Key Discussion:

  • Seahawks defense is rising to “Legion of Boom” levels; eager to redeem themselves against the Rams after a regular season shootout.
  • The defense’s pride: they welcome the challenge of facing Puka Nacua, Kyren Williams, and Matthew Stafford again.
  • Sherman (12:59): "Great defenses don't think like that, Mitchell....You relish the challenge."
  • X-factors: Rasheed Shaheed’s deep threat and the overall speed/versatility of Seattle’s defense.
  • Rams will bring exotic pressures; Shula vs. McDonald is a chess match.
  • Mitchell predicts a possible shootout, but Sherman is bullish on Seattle’s defense dominating.

• Notable Quote:

  "They're a freight train, Mitchell, and you do not want to be on the tracks with that defense."
  —Richard Sherman (14:33)

3. Patriots Outlast Texans: Defensive Domination & QB Struggles (16:22)

• Summary: New England’s defense carried the day against Houston’s struggling young quarterback CJ Stroud, who suffered multiple turnovers.

• Key Discussion:

  • Patriots’ Carlton Davis (two interceptions) and Marcus Jones (pick-six) were game-changers.
  • C.J. Stroud—a phenomenal rookie season, but inconsistent and turnover-prone in the playoffs (four INTs, fumble issues).
  • Patriots rookie Drake Maye showed poise; New England’s draft class and free agency cited as reasons for rapid turnaround.
  • Sherman (19:03): "When you play at such a high level so early, that becomes the place that they judge you from and anything below that is going to be highly scrutinized."
  • Texans have a Super Bowl-caliber defense, but the offense needs upgrades.
  • Debate: Is Stroud still “the guy”? Both agree he deserves one more year, but pressure will mount.

• Notable Quote:

  “There were people and a lot of people ... to replace him with Davis Mills at halftime. That’s how bad it was getting…Don’t ruin this really good defense.”
  —Richard Sherman (25:38)

4. NFL Coaching Carousel (28:46)

• Summary: Sherman and Mitchell discuss key head coach moves and the fit/implications around the league.

• Key Points:

  • Kevin Stefanski leaves the Browns for the Atlanta Falcons, seen as a “safe bet”.
  • John Harbaugh to the New York Giants; Sherman comments on the challenge of power-sharing with GM Joe Schoen.
  • Robert Saleh as a top candidate, with Baltimore and Pittsburgh seen as best fits due to their defensive identities.
  • Discussion of job stability and organizational culture in potential landing spots.

• Notable Quote:

  "I think it's a good fit. ... He knows how to build a staff, knows how to win football games. The NFC South hasn’t been incredibly competitive..."
  —Richard Sherman (29:16)

5. College Football Playoff Picks (33:19)

• Summary:
  Quick segment with Mitchell’s confident pick for the Indiana Hoosiers over Miami, projecting a blowout and highlighting key players.
• Timestamps:
  • (33:19) – Betting segment: Indiana favored by 7.5 points; Mitchell picks Indiana and praises their stars.

Most Memorable Moments & Quotes

• "Fatigue will make cowards of us all, Mitchell. ... In the most critical moments, if you’re tired, your brain will say quit." —Richard Sherman (08:47)
• “They're a freight train, Mitchell, and you do not want to be on the tracks with that defense." —Richard Sherman (14:33)
• “When you play at such a high level so early, that becomes the place that they judge you from and anything below that is going to be highly scrutinized.” —Richard Sherman (19:03)
• “There were people...to replace him with Davis Mills at halftime. That’s how bad it was getting.” —Richard Sherman (25:38)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:36 — Bears-Rams game analysis begins
• 03:43 — Mitchell on Bears' turnaround and Ben Johnson’s impact
• 05:45 — Sherman on sticking to coaching philosophy in big games
• 12:59 — NFC Championship preview: defense focus, X-factors
• 15:52 — AFC Playoff: Patriots-Texans and CJ Stroud’s struggles
• 25:38 — Is Stroud still the future in Houston?
• 27:53 — Seahawks’ Super Bowl prospects, team construction praise
• 28:46 — NFL coaching carousel: Stefanski, Harbaugh, Saleh, culture fits
• 33:19 — College football picks and predictions

Summary Tone & Final Impressions

The episode is energetic, analytical, and infused with classic Sherman confidence and storytelling. Sherman’s love for defensive grit and coaching philosophy shines, while Mitchell provides the fan’s perspective and sharp questions. Both hosts honor players’ grit, question critical moments, and look ahead to a playoff weekend bursting with legacy-defining potential.

For anyone who missed the episode: This episode covers every significant playoff storyline and coaching move with insight, humor, and the hard-earned wisdom of a Super Bowl champion. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just want to know what mattered most this weekend in the NFL, Sherman and Mitchell’s analysis is can’t-miss.