Podcast Summary: Richard Sherman Podcast – Richard BLAMES Bengals for Joe Burrow Injury + McCarthy Struggles for Vikings | NFL Reaction

Podcast: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Host: Richard Sherman
Episode Date: September 16, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Richard Sherman delivers passionate analysis and reaction to two major NFL storylines: the Cincinnati Bengals’ handling of Joe Burrow and the Minnesota Vikings’ struggles with rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Sherman sharply critiques the Bengals’ repeated failures to protect their franchise QB, essentially blaming the organization’s roster construction for Burrow’s grave injury history. He also discusses the Vikings’ quarterback controversy, arguing that McCarthy has been put in a difficult, perhaps unfair, position as a developing rookie with high expectations.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Joe Burrow’s Injury and the Bengals' Offensive Line Issues

[02:19 – 07:16]

• Burrow's Health & Impact:

  • Joe Burrow is expected to miss up to three months with a serious turf toe injury, possibly requiring surgery. Sherman explains the severity:

    "Turf toe just sounds like, oh man, he should be able to play through. Turf toe is serious turf toe. Imagine if, if you got a knife in your big toe and you're just walking around, that's what it feels like." (02:37)

  • Sherman meticulously lists Burrow’s injury history, citing multiple major injuries since his college days, reinforcing concerns about his durability.

• Persistent O-Line Failures:

  • Sherman highlights the Bengals' offensive line rankings over several seasons, all near the bottom of the league (never higher than 27th in recent years):

    "In 2020, they were the 29th ranked O line. In 2021, the 30th. In 2022, the 30th ranked O line. 2023, the 27th ranked O line, 2024, 32nd ranked O line, and last year the 28th ranked offensive line." (03:13)

  • He criticizes Cincinnati for misallocating resources—paying offensive weapons like Jamar Chase and T. Higgins, but failing to build an adequate O-line:

    "You pay Jamar Chase, you pay T. Higgins, rightfully so. But what does it matter if your franchise quarterback isn't going to be out there?" (04:42)

• The Franchise QB Conundrum:

  • Sherman questions the wisdom of paying Burrow top dollar but not investing in his protection:

    "You gave him all this money, but deservedly so…you don't do enough to protect him." (05:06)

• NFL-Wide Implications:

  • He broadens the blame to the whole league, suggesting fans and the NFL at large suffer when stars like Burrow can’t stay healthy:

    "You're doing not only your team a disservice, but you're doing a National Football League a disservice. The league is a better place when Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals are healthy." (06:03)

2. J.J. McCarthy and the Minnesota Vikings’ Quarterback Situation

[09:23 – 18:04]

• McCarthy’s Difficult Introduction:

  • Sherman expresses sympathy for rookie QB J.J. McCarthy, thrown into a high-pressure role after Minnesota’s successful 14-3 season with veteran Sam Darnold:

    "I'm not sure he's the answer because you're not giving him a great chance to show what he's capable of." (09:26)

• Case for Keeping Darnold:

  • He argues the Vikings should have let McCarthy sit and learn behind Darnold for another year:

    "They should have went with Sam Darnold for one more year…that would have gave J.J. McCarthy time to be healthy, make sure he's fully recovered...learn how to prepare..." (09:40)

• Unrealistic Expectations & Performance Pressure:

  • Sherman cautions that expectations from last year’s record are misplaced and could hurt McCarthy’s confidence if the team struggles:

    "There's no patience in the world today. I'm sorry. That's why it's better to protect these young guys. If this team goes 8 and 9 or 7 and 10, look through the vitrol on social media, it'll be negative." (11:36)

  • He warns this could trigger a domino effect, including frustration for star receiver Justin Jefferson:

    "If Justin Jefferson's production dips substantially, there's going to be some conversations about his future because now this is the future of the franchise." (13:37)

• Rookie Struggles by the Numbers:

  • Sherman offers statistics on McCarthy's rocky start:

    "He's 24 for 41 on the season, 58% completion percentage, 301 yards, two TDs, three interceptions." (15:22)

    • He adds McCarthy hasn't faced elite defenses yet.

• Upcoming Challenges:

  • The Vikings’ schedule includes three tough AFC North matchups (Bengals, Steelers, Browns). Sherman sees these as trials for McCarthy but doubts they’ll be easier.

• Sherman’s Closing Plea:

  • He reiterates his hope for patience from fans and organization, believing McCarthy is in a tough position but not blaming the coaching directly:

    "I just don't think he's been put in the best position. I'm not saying by the coaching staff or Kevin O'Connell or this offense. I'm not saying that. I just think he should have got the opportunity to sit behind Sam Darnold..." (16:40)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Imagine if you got a knife in your big toe and you’re just walking around, that’s what turf toe feels like.”
  – Richard Sherman, [02:37]

• “You gave him all this money, but deservedly so…you don’t do enough to protect him.”
  – Richard Sherman, [05:06]

• “There’s no patience in the world today. I’m sorry. That’s why it’s better to protect these young guys.”
  – Richard Sherman, [11:36]

• “If Justin Jefferson’s production dips substantially, there’s going to be some conversations about his future because now this is the future of the franchise.”
  – Richard Sherman, [13:37]

• “The league is a better place when Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals are healthy. And that offense is incredibly fun to watch… but now we're robbed of that because you can't protect your guy.”
  – Richard Sherman, [06:03]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:19] – Sherman opens with Joe Burrow’s injury and the Bengals’ responsibility
• [03:13] – Bengals offensive line rankings, Burrow's injury history
• [06:03] – Broader NFL implications of Burrow being sidelined
• [09:23] – Transition to Minnesota Vikings and J.J. McCarthy discussion
• [09:40] – Case for Sam Darnold as a bridge QB
• [11:36] – Sherman on pressure and lack of patience in today’s NFL
• [13:37] – Potential impact on Justin Jefferson and team chemistry
• [15:22] – McCarthy’s early stats and analysis
• [16:40] – Final thoughts and plea for rookie QB development

Summary

Richard Sherman’s episode is a direct, impassioned critique of mismanagement at the highest levels of NFL roster building. He holds the Bengals squarely responsible for Joe Burrow’s repeated injuries, arguing that a perpetual lack of offensive line investment undermines both the team and the league. In Minnesota, Sherman believes the organization has set up rookie J.J. McCarthy for hardship by throwing him into the fire too soon, especially on a team with outsized expectations. He advocates for patience and strategic QB development, echoing that both fan bases and executives should learn from these cautionary tales.

Sherman's delivery is candid, data-driven, and appeals both to long-time fans and those new to the NFL’s behind-the-scenes dynamics.