The Richard Sherman Podcast – Week 3 NFL Reaction: Lions Shock Ravens, Nick Bosa’s Injury Rocks 49ers

Episode Date: September 23, 2025
Podcast: The Herd with Colin Cowherd (Richard Sherman Podcast segment)
Host: Richard Sherman
Co-host: Mitchell

Episode Overview

This episode delivers an energetic and passionate deep dive into the Detroit Lions' statement win over the Baltimore Ravens, marking a turning point in perceptions of the Lions as real Super Bowl contenders. Richard Sherman and co-host Mitchell dissect the Lions’ performance, Dan Campbell’s bold coaching, and Johnny Morton’s impact as offensive coordinator. The episode also covers the stunned reaction to Nick Bosa’s season-ending injury and concludes with Sherman’s updated NFL top five power rankings. The tone is lively, conversational, and steeped in both analysis and fandom.

1. Detroit Lions Defeat Baltimore Ravens – A Defining Win

[02:34 – 06:15]

• Lions change the narrative:

  • Mitchell confesses pre-game nerves, fearing a repeat blowout, but celebrates the Lions’ 38–6 rout.

    “38 to 6 Detroit. It’s a different breed of the Detroit Lions this time around.” — Mitchell [02:50]

  • The win, according to Mitchell, “put the national landscape of the NFL on notice that this team is truly here to stay as a Super bowl contender.” [02:56]

• Dan Campbell’s Game Plan:

  • Sherman credits head coach Dan Campbell for coming in “so prepared to open up the bag of tricks.” [03:28]
  • Praises offensive coordinator Johnny Morton for creative play-calling (option looks, gutsy fourth-down calls).

    “…every fourth and one, you knew what it was… they executed so well. The option play from Amon Ra St. Brown to Jamir Gibbs was masterful.” — Sherman [03:40]

• Key Plays & Turning Points:

  • David Montgomery’s 72-yard touchdown run is cited as the emotional pivot for fans and team confidence:

    “His 72 yard run was the moment I said, wait a minute, wait a minute. Don’t you hear me, baby? It’s gonna be all right.” — Sherman [04:16]

  • Play-action corner route to Amon Ra St. Brown extended the fourth quarter lead, and a holding penalty sealed momentum.

2. Detroit’s Defense Dominates Lamar Jackson and the Ravens

[05:10 – 08:08]

• Front Seven Steps Up:

  • Sherman jokes about the level of pressure on Lamar:

    “It was like Oprah out there… they were giving out sacks.” [05:37]

  • Defensive highlights include:
    • Al-Quadin Muhammad’s breakout (2.5 sacks).
    • Major contributions from Derrick Barnes, Alex Anzalone, Aidan Hutchinson, DJ Reader (critical shoestring tackle).

• Goal Line Stand & Key Defensive Moments:

  • Detroit stopped Derrick Henry and the Ravens offense on 1st-and-goal, nearly forcing turnovers:

    “The Detroit defense stood up. Not only stood up, but almost forced a turnover on Lamar Jackson. That goal line stand was incredible.” — Sherman [05:57]

  • Missed opportunities: Brian Branch and DJ Reed dropped interceptions that could have increased the margin.

• Historical Context and Statement Win:

  • The Ravens’ previously daunting record against NFC teams (“27 and 2, Lamar Jackson is against the NFC — make it 27 and 3.” — Mitchell [07:12])
  • Mitchell: “The Detroit Lions just put the entire league on notice. They are Super Bowl contenders.” [07:35]

3. Stats, Aftermath, and More Analysis

[07:48 – 10:47]

• Sack Count:

  • Multiple players contributed, summing up to seven total sacks.

    “That’s dominant. Seven sacks on the day. That’s dominant.” — Sherman [07:58]

• Jared Goff’s Steady Hand:

  • Sherman commends Goff’s game management:

    “He did a great, a masterful job of just pushing his offense down the field, understanding, not putting the ball in harm’s way” [09:45]

• Derrick Henry Concerns for Ravens:

  • Fumble issues for Henry becoming a trend; Sherman notes it’s a worrying development for a typically reliable veteran. [08:56]

• Significance for Detroit Fans:

  • “All is not lost. There is hope in Detroit and there should be Super Bowl dreams.” — Sherman [10:43]

4. Key Play Breakdown: Dan Campbell’s Aggressive Fourth-Down Mentality

[10:47 – 13:17]

• Lions DNA — Going For It on Fourth:

  • Mitchell describes the expectation that Campbell will always go for it, even at midfield, up late.
  • Sherman breaks down the critical play design and the stress it puts on the defense:

    “You put the corner, Marlon Humphrey, in a no-win situation… if you go down to stop the run, he’s wide open. If you go to stop the pass, the run’s there.” — Sherman [11:39]

  • Described as a staple challenge for defenders from his own experience in San Francisco.

• Praise for Execution:

  • “Masterful game plan by Dan Campbell and Johnny Morton. They came in with a great plan to come into Baltimore and win that way. Woo.” — Sherman [12:54]

5. The Nick Bosa Injury and Its Ripple Effect on the 49ers

[16:32 – 20:58]

• Bosa’s ACL Tear – A Gut Punch:

  • Mitchell announces the devastating news:

    “It ultimately was worst case scenario for the San Francisco 49ers. Nick Bosa is out for the season with an ACL tear.” [16:32]

  • Sherman’s heartbreak is palpable and deeply personal, expressing empathy for Bosa’s effort and leadership:

    “They’ve lost their favorite son, the San Francisco 49ers. Nicholas John Bosa. It just sucks, man. You hate this part of the game.” — Sherman [17:22]

• Look Ahead for the 49ers:

  • Reassures fans that Bosa is a hard worker and his surgery prognosis is promising.
  • Expects the front office to pursue trade options for replacement edge rushers.

    “I wouldn’t be surprised if they call about Brian Burns.” — Sherman [18:45]

  • Ends with encouragement and perspective on adversity:

    "Just try to keep your head up. And we don't get through this. ... Nicholas John Bosa will be okay. Unfortunately, his season is over this year, but the season for The San Francisco 49ers is not.” — Sherman [20:12]

6. Updated NFL Power Rankings – Sherman’s Top 5

[21:12 – 27:24]

Sherman, still grieving the Bosa news, reluctantly revises his top five—walking listeners through his reasoning:

• #1 Philadelphia Eagles — “Reigning champs, keep finding a way to win.” [23:43]
• #2 Buffalo Bills — “They continue to find ways to win tough division game. Josh Allen continues to play at a MVP level.” [24:03]
• #3 LA Chargers — “They were losing that game. They showed grit, they showed determination.” [24:34]
• #4 Detroit Lions — “I'm gonna have a hard time not moving around my top five and putting the Detroit Lions somewhere in there.” [09:28 re: consideration, then confirmed at 4, 25:33]
• #5 Green Bay Packers — Hesitates over Indianapolis Colts, almost picks them but returns to Packers.

  “The Indianapolis Colts have me this close to believing… but will I do it? … Green Bay packers, final answer. I'm done.” — Sherman [26:55]

Mitchell jokes that Sherman called his own bluff but says Colts could prove themselves soon.

7. Notable Quotes and Moments

• Sherman on Lions’ Defensive Turnaround:

  “This ain't the same old Detroit Lions. ... That defense is showing up. It's been a weakness for so long. … Little did we know, the answer was right there.” [04:32–06:15]

• Mitchell on National Recognition:

  “The Detroit Lions just put the entire league on notice. They are Super Bowl contenders.” [07:35]

• Sherman on Bosa Injury:

  “It's just disappointing. … It's not about money. He's making his money. He's going to be okay. But you don't want to see a guy get injured, work so hard to be ready for the season and get injured. It's a huge blow to this team.” [18:50]

• Mitchell on Lions’ Legitimacy:

  “I'm dreaming, Richard. And I think that dream, they play like this, it might turn into a reality.” [10:47]

8. Episode Structure and Flow

• [02:34] Start of content – Immediate dive into Lions–Ravens reaction
• [05:10] Defensive performance, Detroit’s front seven
• [08:56] Detailed breakdown of sacks, turnovers, and game management
• [10:47] Fourth-down philosophy and key play design
• [13:17] Mitchell and Sherman reflect on being underdogs against analysts’ expectations
• [16:32] Segment transition to Nick Bosa’s injury, 49ers impact
• [21:12] Sherman’s Top 5 rankings
• [27:24] Farewell and sign-off

Summary

This episode is a passionate, energetic, and analytic reaction to one of the most pivotal games of the NFL week, celebrating the Detroit Lions’ arrival as contenders and mourning a significant setback for the 49ers. It is highlighted by thoughtful play breakdowns, direct emotional commentary, and classic Sherman wit, making it a rewarding listen for any football fan—especially those invested in the Lions or 49ers.