The Herd with Colin Cowherd — Richard Sherman Podcast

Episode: NFL Week 1 Reactions: Brock Purdy Proves Himself vs Seahawks, Packers’ Statement Win, Chargers Stun Chiefs & More
Date: September 8, 2025

Overview

In this episode, Richard Sherman and co-host Mitchell dive into their reactions and analysis from a wild NFL Week 1. The discussion centers on the marquee 49ers-Seahawks showdown ("The Sherman Bowl"), but also covers Green Bay's big divisional win over Detroit, the Chargers upsetting the Chiefs, and notable performances (and struggles) around the league including Aaron Rodgers’ new era in Pittsburgh, Daniel Jones’ surprising Colts debut, and Russell Wilson’s Giants struggles. The hosts break down key plays, offer sharp critique and praise, and set expectations for what’s ahead, all in Sherman’s signature detailed and candid style.

49ers vs Seahawks: The “Sherman Bowl”

[02:32 – 13:30]

Key Discussion Points

• Game Recap:
  • Final Score: 49ers 17, Seahawks 13 – a hard-fought, defensive battle.
  • Sherman admits he was concerned for 49ers’ health, pinpointing the moment George Kittle exited with a hamstring injury as a major turning point.
• Brock Purdy’s Performance:
  • “My concern level for the way Brock Purdy was playing was really high because he was just trying to make a play for his team.” — Richard Sherman [05:00]
  • Purdy threw two interceptions but also delivered in big moments despite limited weaponry with Kittle and Jennings both banged up.
• Christian McCaffrey:
  • Put up yet another game with over 50 yards rushing and receiving, tying a record previously held by Marshall Faulk.
• Key Defensive Plays:
  • Seattle’s defense was described as “phenomenal” with major contributions from DeMarcus Lawrence, Ernest Jones, Tyrese Knight, and a pivotal field goal block by Julian Love.
  • Sherman on Seattle’s defense: “The D line was aggressive. They were assertive.” [07:10]
• Seahawks Offensive Struggles:
  • Conservative play-calling was cited as a key reason for their loss.
  • Sam Darnold’s late deep shot to JSN (41 yards) left Sherman wondering why Seattle didn’t attack deep earlier: “Where was this earlier?” — Richard Sherman [09:00]
  • The decision not to go for it on fourth-and-short came under heavy criticism: “Those are the coaching decisions where you … that make or break coaches.” [10:35]
• 49ers’ Defensive Adjustments:
  • After a shaky opening drive, the SF defense (highlighted by Fred Warner, Dee Winters, D' Amador Lenore) settled in and made key stops.
  • Sherman praised Nicholas John Bosa as the “closer,” noting back-to-back game-ending plays: “That is why they pay him the big bucks.” [12:55]

Notable Quotes

• “When you want to be great, you have to, like—it’s such a sense of urgency and a sense of desperation.” — Richard Sherman, on competitive mentality [06:20]
• “The difference between good and great teams is closers, closers.” — Richard Sherman [12:40]

Memorable Moments

• Sherman’s live analysis of near-interceptions, back-of-the-endzone drama, and his emotional connection to both franchises he played for.

Spotlight: Jake Moody’s Struggles

[13:38 – 18:30]

• Kicker Woes:

  • Jake Moody missed a chip shot and had another kick blocked.
  • Host and fans fed up: “This has to be it, Mitchell ... It’s just an unacceptable thing.” — Richard Sherman [14:33]

• Draft Critique:

  • Sherman questions spending a third-round pick on a kicker: “I don’t think you ever have to do that for a kicker.” [15:50]
  • Anecdotes about other kickers with unconventional paths to the NFL, driving home that talent can be found outside the draft.

Sam Darnold’s First Impression with the Seahawks

[17:34 – 22:00]

• Performance:
  • Darnold went 16/23 for 150 yards, targeting JSN most (124 yards).
  • Seattle missing a true “X” receiver (DK Metcalf): “They can bracket JSN … you can't just isolate him in the way you could when you have a true X receiver.” [20:55]
  • Sherman sees offensive potential, but notes a need to get Cooper Kupp more involved productively.

Packers’ Statement Win vs Lions

[26:08 – 34:00]

• Detroit Offense Flat:
  • Lions failed to utilize weapons and never pushed the ball deep until it was too late.
  • Mitchell: “This is not the Detroit Lions that we're used to over the last two, three years.” [27:25]
• Why Green Bay Won:
  • Defensive focus on pass rush; adding Micah Parsons “made a difference” [30:03]
  • Packers “built this team to beat the Detroit Lions.”
• Packers’ QB Jordan Love:
  • Sherman still wary about Love’s decision making despite the win: “It's because sometimes his decision making and his mechanics just don't seem right.” [32:46]
• Lions’ Outlook:
  • Panic meter at 4-5: “Don't panic … there were some positives there defensively.” — Richard Sherman [29:15]

Chargers Upset Chiefs in Brazil

[34:00 – 41:40]

• Chiefs Start 0-1:
  • Dissonance for fans: “They've had starts like this ... and then they make a late run in December ... they find a way to win.” — Richard Sherman [35:20]
  • Sherman pegs his concern at “a 5” for KC.
• Chargers Shine:
  • Best Justin Herbert performance versus Chiefs: “If Justin Herbert plays this level of football week in, week out, it's going to be hard to keep him out of the MVP conversation.” — Mitchell [39:14]
  • Weapons: Keenan Allen, Quentin Johnston, Lad McConkey all factor in.
• Chargers Defense Excels:
  • Derwin James noted as “most sure tackling safety in the league” [41:41]
  • Sherman: “I think the Chargers are in the driver's seat … offensively, defensively they're showing that they are … the class of this division until proven otherwise.” [42:04]

Raiders Offense Clicks Under Pete Carroll

[43:08 – 47:07]

• Geno Smith Throws for 362 Yards:
  • Finds tight end Brock Bowers and Jacoby Myers repeatedly.
• Pete Carroll’s “Old School” System Succeeds:
  • “When people say, ‘Oh, Pete Carroll isn't keeping up with the times’ … It's sound. It's sound as ever.” — Richard Sherman [44:00]
• Balanced, Efficient Football:
  • Defense plays classic Carroll bend-don’t-break, four sacks and an interception.
  • Geno Smith looks in command and confident.

Steelers-Jets Shootout: Rodgers’ Debut

[47:07 – 53:00]

• Wild Game:
  • Steelers edge out the Jets, 34-32, with Aaron Rodgers tossing 4 TDs and showing vintage mobility.
  • DK Metcalf, Calvin Austin among the main targets.
• Sherman’s Analysis:
  • “He looked as mobile as he's looked … no lingering effects from the Achilles injury.” [48:26]
  • High praise for Rodgers’ old-school toughness and helmet choice.
• Steelers New Outlook:
  • For the first time in a while: “This is the first time in a long time that they've had a great quarterback.” [48:26]
• Justin Fields in New York:
  • Thrives under new system, flashes dual-threat skills, chemistry with Garrett Wilson: “You can see their chemistry from many years at OSU.” [51:21]

Daniel Jones’ Record-Breaking Colts Debut

[56:52 – 62:02]

• Surprise Blowout Over Dolphins:
  • Jones posts seven consecutive scoring drives, a feat not achieved by any other QB in 50 years.
  • Sherman: “Daniel Jones did it. He led seven straight scoring drives. Not one drive did he line up under center that they did not get points. That’s never happened before.” [57:55]
• Dolphins Struggle Mightily:
  • Tua looks “shell shocked … like he did his rookie year.” [59:41]
  • Colts defense aggressive and opportunistic.
• Future Outlook:
  • If Jones sustains this level: “This division for the Indianapolis Colts could look very promising.” — Mitchell [59:32]

Russell Wilson Stalls with Giants

[62:02 – 70:11]

• Lifeless Offense in NYG Debut:
  • Giants lose 21–6 to Washington, Wilson completes 17 of 37 for only 168 yards.
  • Sherman claims Wilson was “conservative ... didn't give his team a whole lot of chances.” [63:19]
  • Calls for Jackson Dart or Jameis Winston to get a shot if struggles continue.
  • “They're not good enough to play the brand that Russell plays.” — Richard Sherman [69:11]

Around the League Quick Hits

Arizona Cardinals & Kyler Murray

[70:10 – 71:51]

• Cardinals edge Saints 20-13 in a sloppy game.
• Marvin Harrison Jr. and Budda Baker show flashes.
• Sherman: “I don’t think this game really gives us much about who the Cardinals are.” [71:03]

LA Rams Gut Out Win Against Texans

[71:51 – 74:52]

• Rams best Texans 14–9 in a defensive battle.
• Stafford connects with Puka Nakua for 130 yards.
• Rams defense shines, limiting C.J. Stroud.
• Sherman lauds Sean McVay and DC Chris Shula for maximizing talent.

Denver’s Patrick Surtain Shuts Down Titans

[74:52 – 77:45]

• Surtain doesn’t allow a single catch as primary defender (8th time in his career).
• “He’s the best cover corner in the National Football League … his tape will be used to teach corners how to play for years to come.” — Richard Sherman [75:22]

Closing Thoughts & Week 1 Takeaways

[77:45 – 78:54]

• Sherman: “If your team lost, don’t lose hope. All is not lost. … One loss does not end the season. One win doesn’t guarantee you a Super Bowl.” [78:54]
• Teases future episodes with guest Big Play Slay for deeper Steelers analysis.

Notable Quotes (with Timestamps)

• “When you want to be great, you have to... it’s such a sense of urgency and desperation.”
  — Richard Sherman (06:20, on mindset in critical moments)
• “Those are the coaching decisions that make or break coaches.”
  — Richard Sherman (10:35, on Seahawks’ conservative 4th-down call)
• “The difference between good and great teams is closers, closers.”
  — Richard Sherman (12:40, on Nick Bosa sealing the win)
• “If Justin Herbert plays this level of football week in, week out, it's going to be hard to keep him out of the MVP conversation.”
  — Mitchell (39:14)
• “He’s the best cover corner in the National Football League … his tape will be used to teach corners how to play for years to come.”
  — Richard Sherman (75:22, on Pat Surtain II)
• “If your team lost, don’t lose hope. All is not lost.”
  — Richard Sherman (78:54)

Episode Navigation (Timestamps)

• 02:32 – 13:30: 49ers vs Seahawks breakdown
• 13:38 – 18:30: Jake Moody/kicker situation
• 17:34 – 22:00: Sam Darnold’s Seahawks debut
• 26:08 – 34:00: Packers’ big win vs Lions
• 34:00 – 41:40: Chargers top Chiefs, divisional implications
• 43:08 – 47:07: Raiders offense with Pete Carroll & Geno Smith
• 47:07 – 53:00: Steelers vs Jets, Rodgers’ debut, Fields’ resurgence
• 56:52 – 62:02: Daniel Jones shines for Colts, Dolphins disaster
• 62:02 – 70:11: Russell Wilson’s Giants debut and future QB decisions
• 70:10 – 71:51: Cardinals edge Saints
• 71:51 – 74:52: Rams offense and defense analysis
• 74:52 – 77:45: Pat Surtain’s shutdown corner play
• 77:45 – 78:54: Week 1 wrap-up and encouragement for fans

Overall Tone & Takeaways

Sherman brings energy, granular knowledge, and honesty, blending personal anecdotes about his former teams and technical breakdowns. The tone is engaged, critical but fair, and always rooted in the players’ and coaches’ perspectives. The episode captures just how eventful, surprising, and season-shaping Week 1 can be.

If you missed Week 1, this episode will leave you caught up, informed, and ready to argue about your team’s future — just keep hope alive.