The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Richard Sherman Podcast – NFL Week 7 Reaction

Date: October 20, 2025
Host: Richard Sherman with co-host Mitchell
Episode Theme: Comprehensive reactions and deep-dive analysis of the most compelling NFL Week 7 games, with a focus on contenders and pretenders, standout performances, questionable coaching decisions, and evolving league narratives.

Episode Overview

Richard Sherman and Mitchell break down all the major storylines from NFL Week 7, highlighting pivotal games such as Giants-Broncos, Colts-Chargers, Chiefs-Raiders, Eagles-Vikings, and more. They debate controversial officiating, dissect emerging quarterback narratives, assess playoff races, and explore the shifting landscape of NFL dominance. The tone is candid, insightful, and laced with the trademark mix of criticism, former-player wisdom, and humor Sherman is known for.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Giants vs. Broncos: Officiating Controversy & Remarkable Comeback

[02:25-07:05]

• Game Recap:

  • Giants’ new hope at quarterback, Jackson Dart, showcases promise, but the team gives up a shocking 33 points in the fourth quarter.
  • Denver stages a dramatic win, defined by gritty defense and Bo Nix’s late-game performance.

• Controversial PI Call ([03:32]):

  • Sherman fiercely criticizes a game-altering pass interference flag on Denver’s Riley Moss late in the game:

    “These underthrown PIs are the death of me. You're rewarding the offense for bad play.” — Richard Sherman (03:32)

• Denver’s Execution:

  • The Broncos' defense contributes with key sacks and a critical interception, led by standout Patrick Surtain.
  • Broncos offense rallies behind Bo Nix and J.K. Dobbins, showing "championship grit."

• Positive Takeaway for Giants:

  • Despite the loss, New York’s ability to compete (without key playmakers) is seen as a sign of hope for the future.
  • Jackson Dart and Cam Skattebo’s solid outings raise expectations for the rebuild.

2. Stepping Back: The State of the Giants Rebuild

[07:05-09:42]

• Reason for Optimism:
  • Sherman points to the Giants exceeding expectations, especially with so many starters out.
  • Praise for head coach Brian Daboll and a suggestion that patience will pay off as the core grows and reinforcements return.

3. Colts Dominate Chargers: Are They the Top AFC Team?

[09:42-15:32]

• Game Recap:

  • Colts improve to 6-1 with a 38-24 road win at the Chargers; Jonathan Taylor scores three TDs.
  • Daniel “Indiana” Jones (formerly Giants QB) looks reborn in new offense and system.

• Sherman’s Take:

  • “I think they may be the best team in the AFC… Indianapolis Colts look like the most complete team in the AFC and maybe the NFL.” (10:40, 13:20)
  • Stresses importance of a QB-friendly system and the difference coaching can make:

    “You surround a quarterback with a good running game and a good defense he'll have a chance.” — Richard Sherman (15:32)

• Chargers’ Injury Woes:

  • Decimated offensive line and absence of skill players challenge Justin Herbert, who still throws for 420 yards but is undone by turnovers.
  • Colts’ balanced offense and stifling defense stand out.

4. Quarterback Revivals & the Power of Coaching

[15:32-17:02]

• Sherman analyzes Daniel Jones' dramatic turnaround:
  • Change of system and environment restores his confidence and success.
  • The QB “label” sticks in big markets; leaving New York often necessary for resurrection.

5. Chiefs Whitewash Raiders: “Never Counting KC Out”

[17:02-23:07]

• Kansas City Statement:

  • Chiefs shut out Raiders 31-0, with Patrick Mahomes and newly impactful WR Rashee Rice asserting dominance.

• Sherman’s Chiefs Doctrine:

  • “I’m not counting the Kansas City Chiefs out anymore. Not ever… Nobody wants to see the Kansas City Chiefs on their schedule in January.” (17:39-19:00)
  • Praises their adaptability and historic consistency.

• Raiders’ Dismal Performance:

  • Pete Carroll and staff’s job security questioned.
  • Maxx Crosby’s trade value rises in face of organizational dysfunction.

• AFC West Implications:

  • The pressure is on Denver to maintain pace as KC regains form.

6. Eagles Survive Vikings as Passing Game Ignites

[26:48-33:30]

• Philadelphia’s Offensive Shift:

  • Jalen Hurts delivers best game of season (19/23, 326 yds, 3 TD); WRs A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith shine.
  • Sherman sees improvement but questions sustainability due to one-dimensional offense and lingering run-game woes.

• Defensive Highlights:

  • Jalen Carter’s return helps, but injuries mount, and big play dependence raises concerns.

• Vikings QB Uncertainty:

  • Carson Wentz struggles, rookie J.J. McCarthy’s readiness debated.
  • “When you don’t have a great offensive line, you give yourself the best chance with a veteran quarterback … at least presumably get you to the right play.” — Richard Sherman (30:54)

• Nostalgia for Past QBs:

  • Brief lament that the Vikings let Daniel “Indiana” Jones go, given his resurgence with Indy.

7. New England Patriots Find New Identity with Drake Maye

[36:41-39:53]

• Patriots Resurgence:

  • Rookie Drake Maye posts near-perfect efficiency (21/23, 222 yds, 2 TDs), with a rejuvenated run game behind Rhamondre Stevenson fueling optimism.

• Mike Vrabel’s Impact:

  • New coach’s culture fit and balance highlighted.
  • “I don’t know about Patriots of old … but they’re definitely a competitive team right now.” — Richard Sherman (39:53)

8. Titans’ QB Dilemma: Cam Ward vs. Jackson Dart

[42:09-44:15]

• Developmental Issues:
  • Sherman contends Cam Ward is still the right pick, but Titans’ structural lack undermines growth.
  • “Sometimes you see a quarterback struggle because he’s thrown into a situation where they're expecting him to be developed and him to have the answers.” (42:21)

9. Chicago Bears & Packers: NFC North Landscape

[44:15-52:10]

• Bears’ Quiet Rise:

  • Chicago moves to 4-2 with a strong run game and defense building positive culture, but not yet a threat to top NFC teams.

• Packers’ Reliance on Defense & Jordan Love Questions:

  • Packers eke out win in Arizona behind defense (Micah Parsons with 3 sacks) despite continued doubts about Jordan Love.
  • “They will go as Jordan Love goes … Can Jordan Love beat you? … If he's making $55 million, it should be okay to depend on you to win us this game.” — Richard Sherman (47:37)

10. Cowboys’ Post-Parsons Outlook & Dak’s MVP Form

[52:10-54:57]

• Micah Parsons Trade Fallout:
  • Packers benefit immediately from Parsons’ impact, while Cowboys remain contenders with improved offense.
  • Dak Prescott’s MVP-level play recognized; George Pickens blossoms as a Dallas arrival.

11. Dolphins’ Collapse & Tua/McDaniel Accountability

[54:57-58:47]

• Miami’s Struggles:

  • Dolphins hammered by Browns as Tua Tagovailoa throws six INTs in two weeks.
  • Sherman lays blame:

    “With great pay comes great responsibility and great accountability and great criticism. Is it fair? No, but is it fair you're making $53 million?” — Richard Sherman (58:48)

• Coaching Hot Seat:

  • Mike McDaniel’s future in question due to persistent offensive implosions and QB instability.

12. Looking Ahead: Monday Night Picks and Power Rankings

[59:45-61:14]

• Seahawks and Lions game picks made, with Sherman expressing high praise for the Buccaneers and a guarded outlook for Detroit.
• “The Buccaneers are number one in my power rankings.” (60:35)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Defensive Back PI Calls:

  • “These underthrown PIs are the death of me…You’re rewarding the offense for bad play.”
    — Richard Sherman (03:32)

• On the Chiefs’ Dynasty:

  • “Nobody wants to see the Kansas City Chiefs on their schedule in January.”
    — Richard Sherman (17:39)

• On Colts’ Rise:

  • “They may be the best team in the AFC … They’re so balanced and they’re so freaking good on defense.”
    — Richard Sherman (10:40, 13:20)

• On Quarterback Pressure:

  • “With great pay comes great responsibility and great accountability and great criticism.”
    — Richard Sherman (58:48)

• On New England’s Identity:

  • “I don’t know about Patriots of old … but they’re definitely a competitive team right now.”
    — Richard Sherman (39:53)

• On Maxx Crosby Trapped in Vegas:

  • “I couldn’t. I couldn't because I would ask for out. I'm not built to keep losing like that.”
    — Richard Sherman (21:46)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Giants-Broncos & PI Call: 02:25–07:05
• Colts-Chargers & AFC Race: 09:42–15:32
• QB Revivals (Jones): 15:32–17:02
• Chiefs-Raiders: 17:02–23:07
• Eagles-Vikings & QB Debate: 26:48–33:30
• Patriots’ New Look: 36:41–39:53
• Titans’ Draft Redo?: 42:09–44:15
• Bears & Packers Analysis: 44:15–52:10
• Micah Parsons Trade Fallout: 52:10–54:57
• Dolphins’ Chaos: 54:57–58:47
• Week 8 Look-Ahead / Rankings: 59:45–61:14

Final Thoughts

Sherman and Mitchell offer a fast-moving, well-rounded review of NFL Week 7, combining critical Xs-and-Os insight with big-picture perspectives on player development, management, and what it takes to contend in today’s league. The episode is a must-listen for fans seeking frank assessments and lively debate about the NFL’s most polarizing stories and evolving power structure.