The Herd with Colin Cowherd: Richard Sherman Podcast

NFL Week 8 Reaction: 49ers-Texans, Bears-Ravens, Giants-Eagles, Bills-Panthers
Release Date: October 27, 2025
Host: Richard Sherman with Mitchell

Episode Overview

In this episode, Richard Sherman and co-host Mitchell react to the big stories and games from NFL Week 8. They provide detailed breakdowns of the 49ers' tough loss to the Texans, the Giants-Eagles showdown and controversial officiating, the resurging New England Patriots, the Bills' dominant win, and more. The duo also discusses storylines like the state of playoff races, coaching brilliance, and the value of franchise-defining defensive talent.

Sherman’s analysis draws from his experience as a player, bringing in both technical insight and candid, emotional commentary, while Mitchell asks probing questions and shares fans’ perspectives.

49ers vs. Texans: Niners Can't Get Off the Field

[02:28–09:46]

Key Discussion Points:

• 49ers Offensive Woes: Sherman breaks down how San Francisco's offensive rhythm was crushed by Houston’s dominating time of possession—citing the Texans' long, methodical drives and the Niners’ lack of opportunities.
• Defensive Breakdowns: Repeated missed assignments and failure to get off the field on third downs plagued the 49ers defense, particularly in coverages against Texans RBs and C.J. Stroud's "dink and dunk" approach.
• Injuries & Problems in the Trenches: With key injuries on both sides, mismatches (e.g., Jauan Jennings blocking Danielle Hunter one-on-one) exposed the Niners, and their offensive line struggled, especially Colton McKivitz vs. Will Anderson.
• Houston’s Desperation and Growth: Sherman notes Houston’s embarrassment last week spurred improvement on both sides of the ball.

Notable Quotes:

• Sherman on the defensive coverage mistake:

  "You never hug rush when your coverage is drifting... that's an unacceptable mistake in a game like this." (07:31)

• "San Francisco's offense only had the ball for 18 minutes and 38 seconds of this game. That is ridiculous." — Sherman (04:52)
• "The defense gave up 475 yards to a Houston offense that's been abysmal all season. Again, there's not much you could say about that other than you can't have it." (09:32)

Insightful Moment:
Sherman walks through linebacker coverage responsibilities and breaks down a critical bust on a 50-yard running back gain—a vivid example of youthful mistakes in high-leverage spots.

Texans' Defensive Surge & Niners' Fatigue

[09:46–14:38]

• Mitchell probes: How does excessive time on defense wear out a team? Sherman recalls playing 108-snap games and emphasizes the compounding effect on young defenders.
• Texans Offense Efficient, 49ers Out of Sorts: C.J. Stroud exploited the lack of veteran presence, attacking mismatches and consistently moving the chains.
• Sherman's Take:

  "This wasn't a talent issue. This wasn't a schematic issue. This was a lack of execution and guys not really being prepared for the moment." (13:06)

• Houston's defense, especially Derek Stingley, is praised for their resilience and impact.

Looking Ahead for the Niners & Texans

[14:38–16:26]

• Niners’ Concerns: The need for a pass-rushing acquisition is urgent, says Sherman, as the team gets set to face the Giants’ mobile quarterback Jackson Dart.
• Texans: Recognition for their desperation and improvement.

Giants vs. Eagles: Tush Push Controversy and Offensive Fireworks

[19:13–28:33]

The Controversial "Tush Push" Play

[20:01–26:31]

• Context: Jalen Hurts’ fourth-and-one attempt (not at the goal line) results in what appears to be a forced fumble by Giants’ Brian Burns, but officials halt play on forward progress before the clear recovery.
• Sherman’s Outrage:

  "You can't have it both ways. You can't say, hey, we're going to allow them to push the runner forward... and then say, hey, if he turns the ball over, we're going to stop the play... His progress wasn't stopped." (21:14)

• Mitchell adds:

  "At some point this has to be corrected because it is getting absurd." (26:31)

Eagles' Offensive Revival

[27:07–28:33]

• Jalen Hurts throws four TDs, Saquon Barkley rushes for 150 yards and a 65-yard score.

• "No question about it. Especially Jalen Hurts... they were still able to win double digit win against the division opponent." — Sherman (27:07)

• Prayers up for Giants RB Cam Scatterboo after his injury.

Ravens vs. Bears: Baltimore Hangs On

[29:58–34:11]

• Ravens' Return to Form: Despite being down to backup QB Tyler Huntley, Baltimore out-grinds the red-hot Bears (who were missing Lamar Jackson).
• Pivotal Play: Bears’ rookie Caleb Williams throws a brutal interception from his own 4-yard line down 16–13 in the fourth quarter.

• "That was it. That was the game right there." — Sherman (32:07)

• Division Implications: Ravens' win and Bengals' loss help keep hope alive in a tight AFC North.

Patriots' Resurgence: Drake Maye, Stef Diggs Boost New England

[34:11–40:31]

• Patriots Blow Out Browns Despite Sacks: Drake Maye (18/24, 282 yds, 3 TD, 1 INT) shines while Miles Garrett notches five sacks in a dominant individual effort for Cleveland.
• Sherman:

  "It's scary for the division… the New England Patriots beat the Buffalo Bills in their one meeting this season in Buffalo. So it's definitely alarming for the Bills and their fans." (35:33)

• Stef Diggs and Booty showing real chemistry; Patriots' defense continues to thrive.
• Cleveland’s Quandary: Sherman and Mitchell discuss whether franchise cornerstone Miles Garrett should ask to be traded to a contender.

Bengals' Defensive Woes & Jets’ Big Win

[45:09–49:32]

• Jets Rally for First Win: Down two scores late, Breece Hall and Justin Fields fuel a shocking 39–38 comeback over Cincinnati, capped by an improvised “double clutch” Hall TD pass.
• Sherman:

  "This game is more of a shot at the Cincinnati Bengals and their collapse late in this game." (46:12)

• Bengals are lambasted for under-investing in defense despite big spending on offense.

Bills vs. Panthers: Buffalo Back On Track

[49:32–52:03]

• Dominant Ground Game: James Cook rushes for a career-best 216 yards and 2 TDs; Buffalo wins in a rout.
• Sherman:

  "When James Cook's able to run the ball 19 times for 216 yards and two touchdowns, it's going to be a great day for you." (51:21)

• Mitchell: Wonders if Buffalo is AFC’s best; Sherman is not so fast—mentions Chiefs, Patriots, Colts still in play for the conference crown.

Dolphins’ Statement Win, AFC Power Rankings, and Colts’ Surprise Run

[52:03–54:59]

• Tua's Redemption: After controversy last week, Tua Tagovailoa throws four touchdowns in a blowout win over the Falcons.
• AFC Race: Sherman gives credit to the Colts as the real class of the AFC, led by Coach of the Year favorite Shane Steichen and MVP-level play from both Indiana Jones and Jonathan Taylor.

  "It's the Indianapolis Colts and it's far and away and they've done nothing but reinforce that belief this week." (54:59)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On defensive youth and mistakes:

  "When you have a veteran group, you know that guys are calm and communicating... these receivers aren't world beaters." — Sherman (11:06)

• On the "tush push" controversy:

  "What rarely happens is that they miss on a change of possession turnover. Refs rarely miss on a turnover, especially when forward progress is so murky." — Sherman (25:11)

• On Miles Garrett's future:

  "He deserves to play competitive football. He deserves to be in January with the potential to play for, for the trophy." — Sherman (37:59)

• On the AFC playoff picture:

  "We're not going to just put the Buffalo Bills… They're up there... but the AFC is up for grabs." — Sherman (52:03)

Timestamps by Segment

• 49ers-Texans breakdown: [02:28–09:46]
• Defensive time of possession impact: [09:46–14:38]
• Niners/Pass rush & Week 9 preview: [14:38–16:26]
• Giants-Eagles "tush push" controversy: [20:01–26:31]
• Giants-Eagles offense/Scatterboo injury: [27:07–28:33]
• Ravens-Bears; AFC North impact: [29:58–34:11]
• Patriots-Browns; Drake Maye & Diggs: [34:11–40:31]
• Bengals-Jets; Cincy’s defensive spending woes: [45:09–49:32]
• Bills-Panthers; AFC power: [49:32–52:03]
• Dolphins statement win; Colts as class of AFC: [52:03–54:59]

Tone & Style

Sherman’s style is direct, critical but fair, expertly detailed (“hug rush” explanation), and laced with players’-eye insight. He gives props and assigns blame candidly. Mitchell contextualizes for fans and brings up pressing questions and scenarios.

This summary should give fans a rich, informative catch-up on Week 8’s NFL stories, as well as Sherman's sharpest insights and the biggest moments from the episode.