The Herd with Colin Cowherd (Guest Host: Jason McIntyre)

Hour 1 | August 27, 2025
Key theme: NFL dynasties in flux, skepticism about the Chiefs' future, deep dive on 49ers and Commanders, plus expert guest insight (Steve Wyche, NFL Network)

Episode Overview

In this lively episode of The Herd, guest host Jason McIntyre—joined by co-host Rachel Nichols—dives into the state of the Kansas City Chiefs dynasty amid breaking news about key player suspensions and off-field distractions. He analyzes why this season may be the "last dance" for the Chiefs' core trio (Mahomes, Kelce, Reid), makes a passionate statistical case for the San Francisco 49ers (and Brock Purdy in particular), and explains why the Washington Commanders might regress in 2025. NFL Network’s Steve Wyche joins to break down the Rashee Rice suspension, Chiefs’ future, and under-the-radar contenders. The hour packs in sharp stats, bold predictions, and signature banter.

Main Discussion Points

1. Is the Chiefs Dynasty Over?

(03:02–10:58) Jason McIntyre

• Travis Kelce & Taylor Swift’s Engagement:
  The episode opens with the headline-grabbing Kelce–Swift engagement, with Jason humorously riffing on how it's dominating both sports and celebrity news—and how that off-field distraction frames the Chiefs' upcoming season.

  "Guess what's not happening? Football." (05:07, Jason McIntyre)

• Chiefs' "Last Dance":
  Jason frames this season as the probable end for the Chiefs dynasty. Kelce is 36, in his contract’s final year, and has openly discussed retirement. Andy Reid is 67 and often alludes to stepping away. Rashee Rice's breaking suspension (Adam Schefter reporting 6 games for conduct violation) adds new pressure.

  "Patrick Mahomes has to know this is it... If Kelce and Reid walked away after this, it would not shock me. I think the dynasty is over." (06:21, Jason)

• Declining On-Field Performance:
  Kelce is coming off a career-low season; offensive weapons are depleted, especially with Rice missing early games.

  "He’s coming off a career low in receiving yards, touchdowns... And now, Rashee Rice is cooked for the first six games." (07:57, Jason)

• Big Picture:
  Jason nods to the “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened” adage for Chiefs fans, suggesting the window has closed.

2. Statistical Defense of Brock Purdy & the 49ers

(10:58–17:43) Jason McIntyre and Rachel Nichols

• Criticism of Purdy Debunked:
  In a detailed breakdown, Jason compares Brock Purdy’s 2024 stats side-by-side with Matthew Stafford, C.J. Stroud, and Justin Herbert—showing Purdy bested them in major categories despite negative pundit narratives.

  "The numbers, facts, say [Purdy] was better than Justin Herbert, Matt Stafford, and C.J. Stroud last year. That’s a bit of a boom." (12:28, Jason)

• Expert Validation:
  Jason plays Greg Cosell’s recent analysis (12:41):

  "Purdy is a high-level post-snap operator... as a pocket quarterback, he’s pretty high level." (Greg Cosell, 12:55)

• Schedule Analysis:

  • 49ers favored in 15 of 17 games.

  • Easiest schedule in the NFL by multiple metrics.

  • Few elite QBs on their docket.

    "That schedule is cupcake city. Go find me the elite quarterbacks outside of Stafford on that list... there aren’t any." (15:10, Jason)

• Defense of Coaching:
  Jason and Rachel praise coach combos (Reid/Spagnuolo, Payton/Joseph, and especially Shanahan/Saleh), and clarify that Saleh’s Jets tenure is misleading—Jets D was elite by advanced metrics.

• Injuries/Luck as X-Factor:
  Rachel: "You just kind of worry if some of those tools at Brock Purdy’s disposal are going to be available." (16:51)

3. The Commanders: Regression Looms

(22:09–27:47) Jason McIntyre

• Oldest NFL Roster (in 20 years):
  Jason unveils a surprising stat—the Commanders now have the oldest roster in two decades, loading up on veterans (Ertz, Wagner, Eckler, Von Miller, Tunsil, etc).

  "The Washington Commanders now have the oldest roster in the NFL... in the last 20 years." (23:18, Jason)

• Unsustainable Fourth-Down Luck:

  • Commanders went 20/23 on 4th down (87%) in 2024.

  • Jason calls it impossible to sustain, foreshadowing regression.

    "That is unsustainable. I don’t know if that’ll ever be matched..." (24:29)

• Tough Schedule Ahead:

  • Top 5 toughest schedule by most evaluations.

  • One win vs playoff teams last year (under questionable circumstances).

  • Many close-game wins likely to regress.

    "A lot of things are lining up to make it look like Washington could have a very difficult season ahead." (26:46, Jason)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Jason on the Chiefs' future:

  "I think the dynasty is over... They had their shot in the Super Bowl. They got smashed." (06:50)

• On Brock Purdy's perception:

  "You don't want to be left behind... The guy who was bagging on Tom Brady early in his career—stop being wedded to your take." (15:36)

• Rachel Nichols on the Niners’ schedule:

  "It's 32. It is the easiest schedule in the NFL this season." (16:24)

• On the Commanders’ fourth down luck:

  "Washington did that on fourth down. The highest leverage down... 20 of 23 is ridiculous." (24:35)

• Jason's tongue-in-cheek take on Kelce:

  "He's a full-blown celebrity now, OK? He's engaged to the most famous woman on the planet and now they're going to be planning a wedding." (04:22)

Key Timestamps & Topics

• 03:02 – Chiefs’ "Last Dance," the impact of Swift-Kelce
• 06:21 – Dynasty end scenario; Andy Reid/Kelce retirement speculation
• 08:05 – Rashee Rice suspension fallout, Chiefs offensive depth
• 10:58 – Brock Purdy "blind resume" stats versus NFL peers
• 12:41 – Greg Cosell: Why Purdy is a high-level QB
• 15:10 – 49ers’ cupcake schedule prediction
• 16:24 – Rachel on Niners' easy schedule, injury/luck caveats
• 22:09 – Commanders' roster age stat and regression warning
• 24:29 – Commanders’ 87% fourth down conversion unsustainability
• 26:46 – Prediction: Commanders likely to struggle

Expert Segment: Steve Wyche (NFL Network)

(42:17–52:56)

• Rashee Rice Suspension Impact:

  • Clears uncertainty for Chiefs offense:

    “For the Chiefs, football-wise, it just allows them... this is out of the way now. All sides can function kind of knowing what is there.” (43:47, Steve Wyche)

  • Rice’s chemistry with Mahomes is real; his absence hurts, but Chiefs adapt.

• Chiefs’ Offensive Outlook:

  • Not just receivers—the offensive line is a bigger concern. If improved, Chiefs can still scheme to their strengths.

• Will Kelce or Andy Reid retire?

  • Steve: “I don't envision it. With Andy Reid, I don't know what he would do without coaching.” (45:57)
  • Kelce looks in better shape than ever; engagement may refresh him.

• 49ers & Brock Purdy:

  • Steve is bullish on Purdy.

    “I've been a Brock Purdy guy ever since he came in... The fact he played that way showed me he's got something to him. He’s the least of their worries.” (47:06)

  • This year is a 'reset’—expect early struggles, but big potential.

• NFC South ‘underrated’ team: Tampa Bay:

  • “That’s a team that’s got a culture we don't talk about... Defensively, you better be physical.” (50:27)

Other NFL Notes & Quick Hits

• Cowboys & Micah Parsons:
  • Ongoing contract dispute; may be limited snap count to start season (31:19+).
  • Discussion on balancing health and game impact. Rachel: "The thing you cannot have happen... is for him to get hurt and miss a month." (33:56)
• Ben Johnson & the Bears:
  • Questions about new head coach Ben Johnson’s dynamic with Caleb Williams.
  • Body language at pressers “tight, not happy.” (35:17)
  • Rachel: "He has not projected, overall, a lot of positivity about the quarterback he's working with." (35:34)
  • Both hosts not buying Bears as playoffs-bound.

Closing Notes & Teasers

• The hour ends with Jason teasing further debate on the Chiefs dynasty and Cowboys contract drama in hour two.
• Further breaking news promised (53:13).

Episode Takeaways

• Chiefs dynasty nearing its end—aging core, off-field distractions, depleted roster, and looming retirements.
• 49ers poised for a bounce-back with easier schedule, strong stats for Purdy, and undervalued by many pundits.
• Commanders are a regression candidate—their fourth-down conversion rates and veteran-laden roster make last year’s success unlikely to repeat.
• Expert view: Steve Wyche sees more nuance for the Chiefs, remains optimistic on the 49ers, and flags Tampa Bay as a sleeper.

For fans and NFL observers, this episode provides bold opinions, sharp statistical context, and insider vibes—essential listening as the 2025 season nears.