The Herd with Colin Cowherd (Hour 1)

Episode Date: September 29, 2025
Main Topics: Packers fans’ anxiety, the Cowboys’ optimism, Lamar Jackson’s struggles against the Chiefs, and NFL/college football weekend reactions.

Episode Overview

In this lively Monday hour, Colin Cowherd and co-host Jason McIntyre break down the NFL’s unpredictable weekend with a focus on fan overreactions (especially in Green Bay), why Dallas has reason to be happy, and how Kansas City continues to haunt Lamar Jackson. The show also digs into special teams chaos, rookie quarterback evaluations, the state of the 49ers and Eagles, the Colts’ collapse, and broader themes like organizational infrastructure in the Ryder Cup. Engaging, sharp, and peppered with memorable analogies, it’s classic “Herd” energy.

Packers Fans: Time to Relax (02:44–07:25)

Main Points:

• Colin stresses that Packers fans are overreacting following another close finish.
• Green Bay remains the youngest team in the league; their failure to close games is typical for such rosters.
• The team’s temperament, poise, and clock management are lacking–not talent.
• Defensive concerns: Loss of top cornerbacks, lack of pass rush (only one sack in the game), and teams exploiting their inexperience.
• Despite recent setbacks, their upcoming schedule is favorable.

Notable Quotes:

• "Matt LaFleur isn't a head coach, he's a chaperone. This roster is full of 24, 25 year olds." — Colin (03:59)
• "Part of being young is you can't figure out how to close out games against inferior teams." — Colin (03:40)
• "Green Bay got a little high on their supply and we're lucky to settle for a tie. What am I, Bad Bunny?" — Colin (06:28)

Player Soundbite:

• "Nobody cares. Bottom line is you got to get it right. The operation was just way too slow... communication’s got to get better." — Jordan Love (06:59)

Timestamps:

• Packers segment starts: 02:44
• Jordan Love soundbite: 06:59

Cowboys: Well-Positioned and Feeling Good (07:25–09:24)

Main Points:

• Dallas is confident post-Micah Parsons trade; Colin believes they have draft and financial flexibility (four 1st-round picks, healthy Dak, talent on offense).
• The trade for Micah favored both teams differently: Green Bay needed pass rush, Dallas stockpiled picks.
• Dak Prescott's health and performance exceed expectations after surgery.

Notable Quotes:

• "Dallas is in a great spot. They have something they haven’t had in years: a healthy quarterback, two really good receivers." — Colin (08:07)
• "You guys all crushed the Micah Parsons move. And I said, Micah’s good for Green Bay. He’s what they need. Dallas gonna be fine." — Colin (08:27)

Chiefs Dominate Lamar Jackson (09:24–12:38)

Main Points:

• Colin says Kansas City is “back” and Steve Spagnuolo’s defense is in Lamar Jackson’s head.
• Lamar falls apart once he goes off-script; stats against KC: “10 TDs, 9 giveaways”.
• Jackson’s struggles are more about offensive limitations than defensive injuries.
• The Chiefs offense regains explosiveness with Xavier Worthy back; future looks brighter when Rashee Rice returns.

Notable Quotes:

• "Kansas City is a bacteria that is resistant to antibiotics... and now Kansas City is gonna cough on everybody and pick up wins." — Colin (11:34)
• "The minute he got off script, Lamar Jackson was awful. Had a passer rating of 51." — Colin (09:47)
• "He’s kept [Kansas City] afloat. He’s been a life preserver and so has Andy Reid." — Colin (12:38)

Player Soundbite:

• "With Xavier being back, it’s just that threat... it’s scary for defenses when they’re going to bring pressure knowing that you can get it to that guy so short or deep." — Patrick Mahomes (12:11)

Timestamps:

• Chiefs/Lamar discussion begins: 09:24
• Patrick Mahomes soundbite: 12:11

NFL Special Teams Chaos and Early Season Trends (13:00–15:35)

Main Points:

• Blocked kicks, long field goals, and wild special teams play are creating upsets and affecting spreads.
• Special teams are now a major X-factor in the early NFL season, echoing Bill Belichick’s “September is preseason.”
• 49ers’ special teams called “garbage” for years, despite high draft investment.

Notable Quotes:

• "It used to be, when you blocked a kick, you’d get a big guy who just tips it. Now, they volleyball it, they spike it, they get two hands on it." — Colin (13:39)
• "San Francisco special teams are garbage. I’m done with the Niners, by the way." — Jason (14:48)

Bears Feel Different – Caleb Williams Era (20:16–24:22)

Main Points:

• The Chicago Bears edge out the Raiders, and Colin highlights marked improvement in offensive production and quarterback play with Caleb Williams.
• Despite continued mistakes (penalties, drops), progress is visible: better 3rd down conversion rate, increased yardage, and more competitiveness.
• The coaching/quarterback fit isn’t perfect—Caleb’s improvisation vs. coach's desire for structure—but the direction is fundamentally improved.
• Bears fans’ celebratory reaction to a blocked kick is pent-up from years of heartbreak.

Notable Quotes:

• "It's not perfect...but when they blocked that kick, I’m like, you know what? Buffalo struggled with the Saints. You take it, you’re happy. Caleb won. It’s all good." — Colin (24:12)
• "This year, yesterday, they’re on the road... and they won. This year totally feels different. You got the right coach, Caleb’s moving in the right direction." — Colin (21:35)

Coaching Soundbite:

• "I said, this is what you’re built for. These are the moments he thrives in the most." — Ben Johnson, to Caleb Williams (23:59)

Colts-Rams Thriller & Players to Watch (25:16–29:11)

Main Points:

• The Colts collapse late against the Rams; Adonai Mitchell’s mistakes (premature celebration, penalties) cost them dearly.
• Two Two Atwell, brought back by Sean McVay, shines with a game-winning play.
• The Colts are legitimate contenders with a deep arsenal of offensive weapons.
• Puka Nacua for the Rams is now in the elite WR conversation, drawing strong praise.

Notable Quotes:

• "Stop showing off. You are employees. Your job is to get into the end zone... Just get into the end zone, then you can play with your food." — Colin on Adonai Mitchell (25:40)
• "Puka Nakua is a superstar. I don’t want to hear any more of this 'It’s just Justin Jefferson and Chase,' Puka is in that class." — Jason (28:16)

49ers, Quarterback Troubles, and Roster Issues (29:33–31:57)

Main Points:

• Brock Purdy and the 49ers looked sloppy, injury-riddled, with no sacks or QB hits.
• Colin & Jason point out the Niners’ age and brittleness are ongoing problems; contrast with younger, healthier clubs like the Rams and Seahawks.
• Reflects on recurring injuries as a limiting factor despite a talented core.

Notable Quotes:

• "Their special team, worst special teams in the league." — Colin (30:24)
• "This is what I said before the season when I picked them for third. I love the coach, I love their players. But the Rams are not old and brittle." — Colin (31:23)

Ryder Cup Reflection: American Overconfidence vs. European Structure (33:08–37:54)

Main Points:

• U.S. loses another Ryder Cup; Colin puts blame on organizational infrastructure rather than player talent.
• Ryder Cup crowds criticized as rowdy, but Colin defends the atmosphere and points out expensive ticket prices.
• The difference, he argues, is European planning and committee structure outpacing the American “spitballing.”
• Organizational competency in golf is compared to NFL front office strength.

Notable Quotes:

• "Our problem isn’t our golfers. It’s the infrastructure of the Europeans. They are already planning two years down the road. We spitball it with about six months to go." — Colin (35:01)
• "The Ryder Cup. People are obnoxious when you, when they’re lubricated." — Colin (36:28)

Giants’ Rookie QB Debut & Concerns With the Eagles (41:58–47:52)

Main Points:

• Colin praises Giants rookie Jackson Dart for a solid, confident first start; feels the team has finally found promise at quarterback.
• Despite missing top receiver Malik Nabers (injury), the Giants look competent and hopeful for the future.
• Meanwhile, the Eagles’ offense is in statistical decline despite their record—30th in yards per play, with A.J. Brown disappearing in the offense.
• Concerns over predictability and inefficiency in Philadelphia’s attack.

Notable Quotes:

• "Jackson Dart, that’s his first start, so you got to be fair about this stuff. He did not look overwhelmed. He played with a ton of confidence." — Colin (44:38)
• "The Eagles have a worse point differential at 4-0 than the Patriots do at 2-2." — Colin (46:02)

Cultural Moments, Rules, and Penalties (47:52–50:26)

Main Points:

• Colin laments “over-officiating,” pointing to a 15-yard taunting penalty for minor post-play body language.
• Emphasizes need for balance: defensive players must be allowed some expression just as offensive players are.

Notable Quotes:

• "Defensive guys can’t do anything. They can’t hit anybody... you’re letting offensive guys have just a field day." — Colin (48:51)

Final Thoughts and Rapid Takes

• The rest of the segment previews Monday Night Football, teases further debate on Jackson Dart, and closes with more signature banter between Colin and J. Mac about franchise perceptions and quarterback evaluation.

End of Content Section

Key Themes & Takeaways

• NFL is unpredictable: The youngest teams show promise and exasperation, and special teams have never mattered more.
• Organizational competency wins: In both football and golf, structure, and planning separate winners from also-rans.
• Quarterback scrutiny: From veterans (Lamar, Dak, Purdy) to rookies (Caleb, Dart), the microscope is intense and mercurial.
• Don’t overreact: Whether you’re a fan, GM, or pundit; keep perspective, especially in September.

Notable Quotes (With Timestamps)

• "Matt LaFleur isn't a head coach, he's a chaperone." – Colin (03:59)
• "Kansas City is a bacteria that is resistant to antibiotics..." – Colin (11:34)
• "Our problem isn’t our golfers. It’s the infrastructure of the Europeans." – Colin (35:01)
• "Puka Nakua is a superstar. I don’t want to hear any more of this ‘It’s just Justin Jefferson and Chase,’ Puka is in that class." — Jason (28:16)

For listeners: This episode is a reminder that both sports and fan reactions are prone to wild swings—step back, trust the process, and enjoy the ride!