The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Episode: THE HERD – Hour 1 – Another wild week in the NFL, the Broncos 7 game win streak, the Raiders actually pursued Geno Smith
Date: November 7, 2025
Podcast: The Herd with Colin Cowherd (iHeartPodcasts and The Volume)

Episode Overview

Colin Cowherd breaks down another eventful week in the NFL, focusing on the Denver Broncos' struggles during their supposed resurgence, continued concerns with Bo Nix's performance, and the Raiders' questionable investment in Geno Smith. The episode also examines young quarterback development across the league, coaching decisions, and trades, with broader commentary on trends shaping NFL and college football.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Denver Broncos' Stalled Momentum and Bo Nix's Regression

• Broncos Offense Criticized: Despite strong supporting cast and defense, quarterback Bo Nix has regressed.
  • "If Sean Payton is your head coach, Pff says you have the best offensive line in football...you’ve got to do better than 10 first downs right now." (07:00)
• Bo Nix's Struggles:
  • Looks nervous and anxious, making poor decisions and erratic throws, especially in the first half.
  • "He only plays well...in the fourth quarter when he trails and has nothing to lose, he just lets it go." (08:00)
  • Completion percentage dropped from 66.5% to around 60%, and passer rating from mid-90s to mid-80s.
• Coaching Decisions Reflect Concern:
  • Sean Payton is calling "odd compensation calls," trying to protect Nix, indicating lack of confidence.
• Serious Questions About Future:
  • “Would Sean Payton draft another quarterback? I’m dead serious. Bo Nix has regressed badly.” (10:30)
• Bo Nix Postgame on Fan Frustration:
  • "I've been booed before and I'll be booed again. So not gonna be the last time. It's obviously unfortunate. You don’t want your own fans booing you, but you know, it's part of it." (14:20)

2. Raiders and the Geno Smith Mistake

• Raiders' Quarterback Decision Criticized:
  • Raiders traded a third round pick and paid $66M guaranteed for Geno Smith, while Seattle signed Sam Darnold for $55M without giving up picks.
  • "It’s one thing to settle at quarterback...It’s another to pursue the wrong one." (15:40)
• Geno Smith’s High Turnover Rate:
  • Leads the league in interceptions over the past two years (27 INTs in that period).
  • "The Raiders, they overpaid, over-pursued Geno Smith who once again leads the NFL in picks." (16:00)
• Questioning Pete Carroll’s Decisions:
  • After time away, Carroll returns and again backs Geno, to the team’s detriment.
  • "If you are tone deaf to quarterback, you’re tone deaf to winning." (19:00)
• On Raiders' Offensive Failures:
  • “Brock Bowers, as far as I can tell, I don't have the game film, is open on every play. How does he have one reception? I don't even understand it." (17:20)
• Raiders Earned Fourth Place:
  • "You kind of, you earned your spot in fourth place." (20:15)

3. NFL Coaching Trends and the Quarterback Landscape

• Veteran Defensive Coaches Under Fire:
  • Pete Carroll, Mike Tomlin, Ron Rivera, and McDermott contrasted with surging young offensive coaches (Ben Johnson, Sean McVay, Kyle Shanahan).
  • “We know what is winning in this league. Young offensive coaches.” (22:01)
• Commentary on Miami & Raiders’ Future:
  • Suggests Dolphins target a creative offensive coach like Lane Kiffin.
• Raiders’ Draft Decisions and Missed Opportunities:
  • Doubts about utilization and fit for rookie Ashton Gentry amid offensive line struggles.

4. Young Quarterbacks: Who's Ascending?

• Best QBs of 2024 Draft Class:
  • Colin argues only Drake Maye (Patriots) and Caleb Williams (Bears) look like true stars from the class.
    • "Can we just now say that Drake Maye of New England and Caleb Williams of Chicago are the two best quarterbacks from the 2024 class?" (36:11)
  • Both are physical, playmaking, durable, and show clear statistical growth.
• The Importance of Coaching:
  • All elite young QBs require strong coaching support.
  • "Every great quarterback has a Hall of Fame level coach... Everybody’s got a kingmaker." (38:10)
• Caleb Williams’ Progress:
  • Reduced sacks, high passer rating, no interceptions; growth attributed to OC Ben Johnson.
  • Quote – Ben Johnson on Caleb Williams:
    • "I do think he's getting better every week...he’s a lot better place now with his process than he was to start the season." (40:10)

5. NFC Week-in-Preview & Quarterback Injury Updates

• Philly Favored in Big Matchup:
  • Colin is bullish on the Eagles and skeptical about the Packers rebounding.
  • Highlights Green Bay’s issues against bad teams and the importance of quarterback-coach bounce-back.
• San Francisco 49ers’ Injury Situation:
  • Brock Purdy’s lingering injury; speculation over roster management—Kyle Shanahan seems to be holding out for maximum health over regular season victories.
  • "I want my guys fully healthy for the last eight games of the year." (56:20)

6. College Football Coaching Rumors & Trends

• Lincoln Riley to Penn State?
  • Discussing connected rumors that Lincoln Riley could be a target for Penn State.
  • “I trust Josh [Pate] implicitly... If Penn State came and said, boom, here’s the check… Could possibly at the end of the year… I don’t know.” (01:02:40)
• Lincoln Riley’s CEO Qualities Debated:
  • Riley compared to Matt LaFleur—brilliant offensive mind, but questions remain about big-picture leadership.
  • Colin urges patience, referencing how Harbaugh also took longer to show results at Michigan.

7. Aggressive NFL GMs & Trade Philosophy

• Rationale for Trading Picks:
  • Colin defends aggressive GMs (Howie Roseman, Chris Ballard, John Schneider) for trading draft picks for established players.
  • "Strike when the iron is hot...If you have a really good roster like the Philadelphia Eagles, how many spots are available in the draft?" (01:12:00)
• Context about Draft Hit Rate:
  • Cites most first-rounders not becoming immediate impact players.

8. J.J. McCarthy: Concerns about “Franchise” Potential

• Skepticism on McCarthy:
  • Minimal “wow” traits, played with a strong team at Michigan but hasn’t shown ability to carry a franchise.
  • "I have to see in college a wow trait... Two good quarters out of twelve this year. That’s not great." (44:01)
• Metaphor:
  • “That’s like being a comedian. One or two jokes that land does not make a great set.” (46:00)
• Vikings’ “Ingredients” vs. “Chef”:
  • "I like the ingredients. I got no problem with the ingredients. It's the chef. I don't know if can bring it home." (47:08)

9. NBA Side Note: LeBron’s Injury News Cynicism

• Speculation on LeBron’s Sciatica Report:
  • Colin questions the timing and messaging around LeBron James’ injury recovery after a Lakers win.
  • “It just felt like it was an intentional report after a glorious win at home over the Spurs.” (01:21:40)
• Rachel Nichols on LeBron’s Locker Room Presence:
  • “He has two and a half times the gravity of anyone else in that locker room...He is such a huge presence.” (01:22:50)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Bo Nix’s Mental State:

  • “He looks nervous. He looks like he’s got a lot of anxiety.” — Colin Cowherd (08:10)

• On the Raiders’ QB Mistake:

  • “It’s one thing to settle at quarterback. It’s another to pursue the wrong one.” — Colin Cowherd (15:40)

• On QB Development:

  • “Quarterback development is not linear...but this O-line’s great.” — Colin Cowherd (09:20)

• On Modern Coach Trends:

  • “We know what is winning in this league. Young offensive coaches.” — Colin Cowherd (22:01)

• On J.J. McCarthy:

  • “You can’t tell me he’s a ‘winner’. What does that mean?...I gotta get a wow trait.” — Colin Cowherd (44:30)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Bo Nix & Denver Broncos' struggles – 07:00 to 14:30
• Raiders Overpay for Geno Smith – 15:40 to 20:30
• NFL Coaching Trends & Young Offensive Coaches – 22:00 to 24:45
• Caleb Williams, Drake Maye: Best of the 2024 QB Class – 36:11 to 41:00
• J.J. McCarthy 'Franchise' Concerns – 44:01 to 48:00
• Eagles/Packers-NFC Preview, Shanahan on Injuries – 49:40 to 58:00
• Lincoln Riley Rumors & College Football Trends – 01:02:40 to 01:09:00
• Aggressive GMs & Trade Philosophy – 01:12:00 to 01:17:00
• LeBron Sciatica Injury Report Conspiracy – 01:21:40 to 01:23:00

Tone and Language

Colin is sharp, opinionated, and blends data-driven analysis with relatable metaphors. The episode is conversational with regular co-host banter and plenty of side commentary connecting the NFL to broader sports and cultural trends.

Summary Takeaways

• Denver’s Bo Nix is regressing, and Sean Payton may already be looking for his next option at quarterback.
• Raiders’ move for Geno Smith is viewed as one of the worst QB-related decisions of the year, echoed by the veteran coaching approach that’s failing across the league.
• Caleb Williams and Drake Maye stand out as young stars; others are failing to show franchise-level upside.
• The right offensive coaching is essential for a young quarterback’s success and is driving league-wide trends in hiring.
• In the background, college football is watching potential coaching shakeups, including Lincoln Riley’s possible move, while the NFL’s best teams are getting aggressive in the trade market.