The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Hour 1: Jets Looking Ahead to The Future, Colts Going All In
Date: November 5, 2025
Guest Host: Jason McIntyre, with Rachel Nichols (co-host)
Podcast: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Overview

In this episode, Jason McIntyre fills in for Colin Cowherd to lead a spirited, insightful discussion on seismic NFL trades around the Jets and Colts. The show explores the Jets’ bold pivot toward an offensive rebuild and asset accumulation, the Cowboys’ reactionary moves, and the Colts’ aggressive win-now approach. Throughout, Jason blends critical analysis, fan emotion, and notable guest insights, supported by sharp banter with Rachel Nichols.

Main Topics and Key Discussion Points

1. The New York Jets’ Transformative Trades and Future Focus

(04:01–11:50)

• Jason kicks off with personal Jets fandom:

  • He shares how being a “long suffering Jets fan” gives him a unique emotional stake.
  • “As a Jets fan, the reason I'm celebrating is the trades…we rich.” (05:32)

• Jets Offload Star Defenders:

  • Sauce Gardner (cornerback, All-Pro) traded; Quinnen Williams shipped to Dallas.
  • Franchises usually seen as losers in the short-term (“We're 1 and 7…they’re going to stink”), but they’re loaded with future picks: two first rounders and a second in 2026, three firsts in 2027.

• Not a ‘Tear Down’ — Official Statement:

  • Jets GM Darren Muji (via Rachel Nichols):

    “I wouldn’t call it a tear down. And the goal is always to win. Look, these coaches and players work too hard every day... That never changes.” (07:00)

  • Jason reacts by emphasizing future over present — referencing “The past is a place of reference, not residence.”

• Detroit Lions as an Optimistic Case Study:

  • Jason draws parallels to the Lions’ turnaround under Dan Campbell—despite a rough start, their 2023 draft “hit a grand slam…Four picks, four major hits,” propelling them to 15–2 last year.
  • Lesson: Right picks + patience = rapid rebuilding.

• Prospects for Next Drafts and Key Names:

  • Praise for Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza (with business acumen and Heisman buzz):

    “I want my quarterback who's updating his LinkedIn.” (08:39)

  • Jason floats flexibility: Maybe not QB at #1, possibly draft like the Giants and grab offense later.

2. Dallas Cowboys: Reactionary Trades & Jerry Jones’ Timeline

(11:50–16:37)

• Cowboys’ Big Move:
  • Dallas acquires Quinnen Williams after moving off perennial All-Pro Micah Parsons.
• Critique of Dallas’ Strategy:
  • Jason sees Jerry Jones acting “reactionary” after a disastrous defensive showing:

    “I don’t have time personally to have a bad time. It’s not on my schedule.” – Jerry Jones (12:26)

    • Jason mocks Jones:

      “Are you following me? You got whiplash…following all these moves.” (12:54)

  • Criticism that the Cowboys are “not a serious football program right now…just making it up on the fly.”
  • On Williams: Good vs. run, but “Is he elite at his position? Not top five.”
• Team Outlook:
  • Cowboys face a brutal schedule: “Eagles, Chiefs, Lions…this team's not going to playoffs this year.”
  • Planning vs. spontaneity: “Planning is invaluable. I don't think Jerry does that.” (14:29)

3. Colts Going All-In: A Gambit or a Gamble?

(23:36–29:10)

• Jason’s Take on Colts’ Aggressive Deadline Move:

  • “The smart NFL teams usually draft and develop…The Colts taking a big swing, that's out of character for Ballard.” (23:55)
  • Colts' new owner is highly involved (“wearing a headset, taking notes”); move seen as potentially desperate after just “one playoff win in 10 years.”
  • Cautions: If Daniel Jones (now “Indiana Jones”) regresses, Colts may be left overpaying for a stopgap.

• Assessing Trade Value:

  • Acquiring Sauce Gardner:

    “I like Sauce Gardner. I think he's going to fit in Captain Lou's defensive scheme—heavy zone…But as I alluded to, they're going to be facing the Bills in the playoffs…Is he like, 'hey, we'll erase this side of the field'?” (26:58)

  • Uncertainty about the impact given AFC rivals’ strengths.

• Shane Steichen, Colts Head Coach, on Sauce Gardner Addition:

  “Obviously I'm really excited about adding Sauce Gardner...It just elevates everybody around us.” (28:53)

  • But Jason notes Sauce’s downturn: “Last year he struggled…was checked out. Good luck with that, Colts.” (29:10)

4. NFL and NBA News Quick Hits

(29:33–36:05)

• Minnesota Vikings’ QB J.J. McCarthy:

  • “After the game, JJ posted… ‘kneecaps are intact’…a shot at Dan Campbell's famous ‘biting the kneecaps’ quote.” (30:09)
  • Jason: “We need to let it [McCarthy] bake just a little.” (30:24)

• Warriors / NBA Rest Debate:

  • Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green, and Steph Curry missing games:
    • “A back injury, that's an old man injury.” (31:56)
    • Jason advocates for player rest: “I want to see Steph Curry in meaningful games. Sorry, not November 5th…” (32:24)

• Dallas Mavericks Rookie Cooper Flagg:

  • KD comments on Flag’s position switch and struggles:

    “I just think it’s always good for young players to just be thrown into the fire...He’s only going to get better.” – Kevin Durant (33:58)

  • Stat woes (“38% shooting, 30% from three”) but calls for patience: “He's an 18-year-old rookie…” (35:01)
  • Pressure on Mavericks’ front office post-Luka trade; concern whether Nico Harrison will withstand scrutiny as the title window tightens.

5. Jets’ Outlook: Optimism and Skepticism Among Fans

(43:05–47:46)

• Guest: Chris Felica (Fox Sports, Bear Bets Podcast)

  • On Jets’ perceived optimism:

    “[This time] it does feel like they're committed to tear it all down and build it back up...Accrue assets, offensive lineman, defensive lineman—real impact.” (43:05–43:58)

  • Reflection on Aaron Rodgers’ short-lived 2023 campaign (“It lasted all of what, three plays.”)
  • On coach Aaron Glenn: “They're committed...for much more than this year and next year.” (45:40)

• Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza as Jets Prospect:

  • Praised for intelligence and leadership, but some doubts about arm and in-field decision-making:

    “He doesn't have that [middle-of-field] throw...I'd be a little hesitant taking him that high.” (46:18)

6. College Football Playoff Rankings & TV Factors

(49:13–54:32)

• Big Ten vs. SEC Debate:
  • Felica: “The Big Ten has three of the best five, six teams…but the bottom…is terrible. The SEC may not have an Ohio State or an Oregon…But from 1 to 9, it’s not even close. So I have no problem with the SEC having a long list of teams in the ranking.” (49:41)
• Playoff Implications and TV Ratings:
  • Jason: “Will Texas get a bump and get the edge over someone else because of Arch Manning and what he brings to the table?” (54:13)
  • Felica: “I don't think that really comes into play with anybody in this selection room…It's a fun thing to talk about, but I don't think it exists.” (54:32)

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On the Jets' Youth Movement:

  “The past is a place of reference, not residence.” – Jason McIntyre (07:14)

• On Cowboys’ Reaction to Disaster:

  “Forget about plans. If you're not planning, you know, what are you doing?” – Jason McIntyre (14:29)

• Jerry Jones Age Motivation:

  “I have a normal natural urgency because of my age. And so my tomorrows, the immediate tomorrow are a big thing to me, but I also have enough discipline not to get in trouble for years to come.” – Jerry Jones, via show clip (11:50)

• On Daniel Jones’ Nickname Evolution:

  “He has rebranded in Indiana as Indiana Jones.” – Jason McIntyre (26:24)

• Guest Analysis—Chris Felica:

  “Accrue assets, accrue offensive linemen, defensive linemen, real impact position players and…go for that.” (43:57)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• New York Jets trade strategy & future draft picks: 04:01–08:39
• Darren Muji (Jets GM) interview clip: 07:00
• Detroit Lions rebuild as blueprint: 08:39–10:40
• QB prospects discussion (Fernando Mendoza): 10:41–12:40
• Cowboys, Jerry Jones, Quinnen Williams trade: 11:50–16:37
• Colts ‘all-in’ move and analysis: 23:36–29:10
• JJ McCarthy / Vikings news: 29:33–31:03
• NBA rest debate, Warriors: 31:03–33:06
• Mavericks, Cooper Flagg & KD comment: 33:44–36:05
• Jets guest fan perspective (Chris Felica): 43:05–47:46
• College football playoff, TV ratings, Arch Manning: 49:13–54:32

Tone and Style

Upbeat, opinionated, passionate, and occasionally self-deprecating—Jason McIntyre wears his Jersey heart on his sleeve, advocating patience and intelligence in team-building. Rachel Nichols provides level-headed context and challenges, while guest Chris Felica weighs in with measured optimism and data-driven insights.

Summary Conclusion

This riveting hour dissects the ripple effects of the NFL’s trade deadline, spotlighting the New York Jets’ asset-building approach, the Cowboys’ confusion under Jerry Jones, and the Colts’ high-variance gamble toward relevance. With lively banter, expert analogies, and the relatable anguish of lifelong fandom, the episode provides diverse perspectives on the challenges and opportunities teams must navigate in the NFL’s modern era.

For the full story and even more takes, listen to the episode on your favorite podcast platform.