The Richard Sherman Podcast — Cowboys vs. Eagles Reaction: Jalen Carter Ejected, Hurts & Dak Shine, CeeDee's Drops, 49ers-Seahawks Wk 1 Preview
Date: September 5, 2025
Host: Richard Sherman
Podcast: The Herd with Colin Cowherd (iHeartPodcasts & The Volume)
Episode Overview
Richard Sherman delivers a passionate, in-depth breakdown of the opening game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys, marked by the dramatic ejection of Jalen Carter. He offers nuanced analysis on key player performances (including Dak Prescott, Jalen Hurts, and CeeDee Lamb), explores the impact of officiating, and previews the San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks Week 1 matchup. The episode blends football insight, personal perspective, and some memorable hot takes on NFL legends and evolving league trends.
Main Topics & Key Insights
Jalen Carter's Ejection Sets the Tone
[02:23–05:50]
- Incident: Jalen Carter, Eagles’ defensive star, was ejected before playing a snap for spitting on Cowboys QB Dak Prescott.
“Jaylen Carter spits on Dak Prescott, is kicked out of the game. Everybody's up in arms...There's no way to defend it. That was stupidity. That was dumb.”
— Richard Sherman, [02:23] - Carter's ejection leaves Philly without a crucial defender, changing the game’s dynamic and giving Dallas a chance to exploit the weakened defense.
- Sherman predicts further punishment:
“I would be really, really, really, really, really surprised if the NFL doesn't come down and suspend him for another game just because of the embarrassment...it’s the Super Bowl champions and you spit on a quarterback.”
— Richard Sherman, [03:43]
NFL Culture and On-Field Antics
[03:53–05:30]
- Sherman contextualizes the act within the league’s physical “underworld”—cheap shots happen, but Carter’s public action crossed a line.
“Does stuff like this happen? No question...But to do it out in the open, right in front of the referee...to the quarterback, I mean, that's one of the craziest I've ever seen.”
— Richard Sherman, [04:28]
Officiating Frustrations & Defensive Play
[05:35–07:00]
- Critiques questionable calls:
- Disagreed with the taunting penalty on Nolan Smith.
- Felt the personal foul on Reed Blankenship was unreasonable due to the speed of play.
“The hit on Blankenship that was called...the game's happening way too fast...if it continues to be officiated that way, I don’t like it.”
— Richard Sherman, [06:19]
Cowboys' and Eagles’ Performances
[07:00–14:27]
Dallas Cowboys
- Dak Prescott praised for accuracy and efficiency, especially early.
“Dak Prescott was incredibly efficient early on...I thought he played a better game than the stat sheet says.”
— Richard Sherman, [07:18], [18:30] - Cowboys’ defense impressed with energy and resilience after a long weather delay:
“They came out with a chip on their shoulder, a ferocity I could appreciate...they were a little outmatched [but] held their own.”
— Richard Sherman, [07:40] - Defensive standouts: Kenny Clark (recent acquisition), Dante Fowler.
- Despite loss, Sherman calls it a “win” for Eberflus’ defense.
Philadelphia Eagles
- Jalen Hurts: Efficient but modest (152 yards passing, 60 rushing).
- Rushing attack: Over 160 rushing yards; Saquon Barkley limited to just 3.3 ypc.
- Concern: Lack of targets for A.J. Brown due to Cowboys’ coverage—Eagles will need to adjust going forward.
“They could have manipulated the offense to move A.J. Brown...they still won the game, but that’s something for the future.”
— Richard Sherman, [09:15] - Defense: Handled adversity well after Carter’s ejection; maintained pressure on Prescott.
CeeDee Lamb’s Drops: The Turning Point
[14:27–20:31]
- Lamb finished with 7 catches for 110 yards, but three key drops (two deemed unacceptable).
“The other two are really inexcusable for a player of his caliber. He’s a top five receiver...You expect that of him.”
— Richard Sherman, [16:39] - One drop: deep post, could have put Dallas in the red zone with game on the line.
- Noted Lamb’s high drop rate last season (led NFL with 11).
- Conclusion: Small errors against championships teams are fatal.
“When you’re playing against the defending champs, the margin for error is very, very, very small. So you got to make those plays.”
— Richard Sherman, [18:34]
Defensive Matchups and Adjustments
[14:27–20:31]
- Discussed Eagles corners: Adoree’ Jackson had an up-and-down game; could be targeted by future opponents.
“I think teams are going to see this tape and think, hey, we can go after this guy…If there is a chink in the armor, it’s right there.”
— Richard Sherman, [14:27]
49ers vs. Seahawks Week 1 Preview
[20:31–25:27]
- 49ers News: Jauan Jennings declined a 3-year, $48M deal for a chance to bet on himself in free agency.
“That's a man who's betting on himself...if he plays like he's capable of, I'm sure they'll revisit [an extension].”
— Richard Sherman, [20:32] - Health Concerns: Christian McCaffrey's calf tightness; Sherman emphasizes the 49ers’ dependence on health of star players.
“Health is the biggest concern for the San Francisco 49ers...for this to work as a top heavy team, the superstars have to be healthy.”
— Richard Sherman, [25:00] - Seahawks: New scheme, new top receiver (JSN takes over post-Metcalf/Lockett), Sam Darnold at QB in a “comfy” system.
- Defensive Units: Seahawks’ D-line and LB core highlighted as potentially elite; matchup with 49ers O-line set as key.
“This is going to be one of the better defensive lines in the NFL...going to cause some issues.”
— Richard Sherman, [26:50] - Rivalry noted for its physical, “nobody’s backing down” intensity.
Generational Talent Debate: Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Peyton Manning
[32:25–35:10]
- Responds to analyst Ryan Clark’s claim: those QBs weren’t “generational talents” (but were generational players).
“They weren’t. There are more talented players. ... Generational player and generational talent aren't the same thing.”
— Richard Sherman, [32:38] - Distinguishes raw measurables from on-field greatness, comparing receivers (Rice vs. Moss/Calvin Johnson) similarly.
“Jerry Rice ... wasn’t a generational talent necessarily...He was a generational player. No question about it.“
— Richard Sherman, [33:07] - Praises current NFL evolution: 16 Black QBs starting Week 1, calling it a sign of “evolution” and positive league change.
Notable Quotes & Moments
- On Jalen Carter’s Spit:
“If you’re telling me, all people gotta do is antagonize Jalen Carter and you can get him kicked out of the game...Y'all are about to see people antagonize Jalen Carter every single game this season.”
— Sherman, [02:54] - On CeeDee Lamb’s Drops:
“You're the best player on that offense…those are the plays that could have changed the trajectory of this game.”
— Sherman, [17:10] - On NFL Evolution:
“16 black quarterbacks to start in the NFL on opening day. Love to see it...NFL’s changing, baby. NFL is changing and I love to see it.”
— Sherman, [36:30] - On Night Games:
“This is why I hate primetime games. Because it’s midnight and the Cowboys won’t get home till 3 or 4 o’clock in the morning.”
— Sherman, [36:58]
Timestamps for Major Segments
| Segment | Timestamp | |-----------------------------------------------|-----------------| | Carter Ejected / Game Impact | 02:23–05:50 | | NFL Underworld / Officiating | 05:50–07:00 | | Cowboys & Eagles Performances | 07:00–14:27 | | CD Lamb’s Drops & Margin for Error | 14:27–20:31 | | 49ers–Seahawks Week 1 Preview | 20:31–25:27 | | Defensive Matchups / Cornerbacks | 14:27–20:31 | | Generational Talent: Brady/Brees/Manning | 32:25–35:10 | | NFL & QB Evolution | 36:30–36:58 |
Tone & Takeaways
- Direct and Nuanced: Sherman’s former player viewpoint brings direct, honest critiques—never shying from calling an act “stupidity” or a penalty “dumb.”
- Player-Centric: Emphasis on team psychology, locker room leadership, and impacts on both sides of the ball.
- Enthusiastic but Measured: Captures excitement for great football and the evolving NFL, but always pairs it with tactical/strategic insight.
For listeners seeking football wisdom, inside stories, and genuine analysis, Sherman’s breakdowns offer both passion and perspective while setting up the biggest narratives for Week 1 and the 2025 NFL season.