The Richard Sherman Podcast – Week 17 REACTION: Seahawks-Panthers, Steelers-Browns, Broncos-Chiefs, Ravens-Packers

Podcast: The Herd with Colin Cowherd (iHeartPodcasts/The Volume)
Episode: Richard Sherman Podcast - Week 17 REACTION
Date: December 29, 2025
Hosts: Richard Sherman, Mitchell

Overview

This week’s episode is a comprehensive recap of NFL Week 17, with Richard Sherman and Mitchell breaking down pivotal games and playoff races across both conferences. The conversation spotlights the Seattle Seahawks’ resurgence, the AFC’s shifting power dynamics, and candid assessments of major teams on the playoff bubble. Sherman's signature insight, veteran takes, and unfiltered analysis drive the episode.

Seattle Seahawks: Complete Win Over Panthers & Rising Playoff Hopes

Seahawks 23, Panthers 10
Timestamps: 03:51 – 10:34

• Sherman highlights Seattle's balanced attack:
  The Seahawks displayed their best run game of the season and stifled Carolina’s promising offense.

  "They go on the road and do what they do best...they play great defense, they ran the ball really well. Zach Charbonnet 18 carries for 110 yards and two touchdowns...They come away with the victory holding the Carolina Panthers to 10 points. A great day by them on a week where they found out they had six Pro Bowlers this year." — Richard Sherman (03:51)

• Key player performances:

  • Zach Charbonnet: 110 yards, 2 TDs, steadying force
  • A.J. Barner: Touchdown, growing offensive role
  • Jackson Smith-Njigba: 9 catches, 72 yards, Pro Bowl nod

• Defensive dominance:

  • DeMarcus Lawrence: Forced fumble, culture setter
  • Julian Love: Timely interception of Bryce Young

• Mitchell lauds roster building:
  "This is the most complete roster I've seen in Seattle since your playing days...Schneider has sprinkled the lawn, man, and made it flourish. Seattle 13 and 3...who would've saw this coming?" — Mitchell (08:01)

• Sherman’s take on John Schneider's Executive of the Year candidacy:
  "Gotta talk about John Schneider for executive of the year, especially with all the preseason moves...It's just been fantastic." — Sherman (10:34)

NFC South: No One Wants the Division

Timestamps: 15:40 – 20:16

• Conference chaos:
  Neither Tampa Bay nor Carolina is seizing control in a division marked by stumbles and injuries.

• Tampa Bay’s four-game slide:
  Injuries (notably Mike Evans) have sapped their offense even as weapons return.

  "Tampa Bay Buccaneers...have lost four in a row...this is just unacceptable." — Mitchell (16:57)

• Todd Bowles’ job security debated:
  Sherman points to Bowles’ postseason record but acknowledges underlying concern:
  "It’s tough to say you’re firing the coach after...potential fifth straight season in the playoffs...But not scoring enough points, not getting the run game going...defensively not making enough plays." — Sherman (17:50)

• Playoff outlook:
  The hosts doubt any NFC South winner can challenge in the postseason.

AFC West: Broncos’ Playoff Formula + Chiefs at a Crossroads

Timestamps: 20:16 – 27:06

• Broncos edge Chiefs:
  A defense-first victory over a hobbled Kansas City squad, and Denver’s playoff prospects.

  "It’s going to come down to Bo Nix and how Sean Payton manages him throughout this playoff run...The defense needs to get pressure...If they play to that level in the playoffs, they’ll be a dangerous team." — Sherman (20:58)

• Chiefs face regression and major questions:
  Mahomes’ ACL shifts landscape; Travis Kelce’s future is up in the air.

  "[Travis] doesn’t know. No one knows...I think he may retire, but he'll come back and play some football in 2026. That would be my expectation." — Sherman (23:08)

• Is the Chiefs’ window closed?
  Sherman says no, but the rest of the division is catching up and the grind of annual long seasons is showing.

  "I don’t think their time has passed...You play every season into February...eventually that catches up. They'll revamp...but it's not going to be as easy a roll." — Sherman (24:49)

Rising Powers: Houston Texans, Patriots & Jaguars

Houston Texans

Timestamps: 32:06 – 35:54

• Red-hot finish after 0-3 start:
  11-2 in past 13 games; defense loaded with “game-wreckers” (Will Anderson, Danielle Hunter, Derek Stingley, Al-Shaair).

  "They're definitely my favorite team to watch in AFC...They have so many playmakers on defense." — Sherman (32:38)

• C.J. Stroud’s growth:
  Early brilliance, faced adversity, leaned on Jaden Higgins and Willie Marks in key moments.

  "If they can play like that, they're going to be a very fun team to watch and a very dangerous team to go against." — Sherman (32:38)

New England Patriots & Drake Maye

Timestamps: 46:15 – 53:23

• Patriots continue to roll:
  Drake Maye outshines with 5 first-half TDs vs NY Jets, sparking MVP discussion.

  • "Is Drake Maye the top quarterback in the AFC?" — Mitchell (46:15)
  • "No, Josh Allen is still that guy...but Drake Maye is having a phenomenal season." — Sherman (50:07)
  • "I've been wrong before...Stafford may be having the best season of his career—40 touchdowns, 5 interceptions." — Sherman (50:07)

• Playoff credentials questioned:
  Soft schedule, but Sherman says they've “done what they're supposed to do.” Afc is wide open; playoff performance is the ultimate test.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Timestamps: 36:59 – 38:43

• Surprising 12–4 campaign:
  Trevor Lawrence praised for using his legs, especially in red zone; Travis Etienne's drive as free agent.

  "You have to be somewhat impressed by how they finished out this season." — Mitchell (37:44)

  "But it's going to come down to what happens in the playoffs...If they can win in the playoffs, get to divisional, I'd consider it a remarkable season." — Sherman (37:44)

Other Notable Game and Team Breakdowns

Chargers

• Battle through injuries:
  Offensive line decimated, but Justin Herbert fights on; need to protect him if they want to leverage their deep weapons.
  • "They have all these weapons, but...it's a tall task." — Sherman (35:54)

Steelers vs Browns

• Steelers collapse against Cleveland:
  Team flat with division on the line, missing DK Metcalf (suspension).

  • "They have no momentum offensively...I can't see them winning this game." — Sherman (41:26)
  • On Ravens: "I do not [have hope in them]." — Sherman (44:10)

Baltimore Ravens

• Concerns about Lamar Jackson’s health, Derrick Henry overwork, and defense:
  • "There's too much surrounding...if Derrick Henry is all you got, I don't think that's enough." — Sherman (44:10)

Detroit Lions

• Disappointing end to high hopes:
  Lions collapse vs Vikings; window may be closing.

  "This season for the Detroit Lions will go down is an absolute failure in my opinion...do you think they have life going into next year?" — Mitchell (54:22) "I don't share the optimism...In-division, everybody else is getting better...I'm not sure about the future." — Sherman (54:58)

Lightning Round: Quick Hits

• Rams vs Falcons Monday Night Football Picks
  Both think the Rams cover the spread; Puka Nacua, Kyron Williams, and Kyle Pitts are their picks for anytime TD scorers. (56:29)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• “The bandwagon’s always open...” — Sherman on Seahawks optimism (10:34)
• “Patriots are a product of doing what they're supposed to do.” — Sherman (51:55)
• “If you take Josh Allen out...then sure, Drake Maye. But otherwise, Stafford's been elite.” — Sherman (50:07)
• “You play every season into February… eventually that catches up to you.” — Sherman on Chiefs fatigue (24:49)
• “We pay these people for playoff performance, and I can’t wait to see it.” — Sherman on the Jaguars (37:44)

Final Thoughts

Sherman and Mitchell deliver a thorough, authentic recap, blending sharp X’s and O’s analysis with bold, sometimes playful predictions. With playoff spots on the line, they emphasize the importance of results in January—“this is when you earn respect.” The mood is hopeful but real: no team, no legacy, and no player is above scrutiny or beyond surprise.

For the full breakdown of game film, pro insights, and more, listen to the episode.