The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Episode: THE HERD - Hour 1 - The McVay Magic Fails, Mike Vrabel explains what makes Drake Maye special
Date: December 30, 2025
Episode Overview
In this episode, Colin Cowherd dives into the complexities of NFL coaching and team construction, focusing on the Los Angeles Rams’ “McVay magic” and how its limits showed in a recent loss. He dissects the coaching dynamics of Sean McVay and contrasts him with Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers. Later, Colin evaluates the contrasting futures of John Harbaugh and Mike Tomlin, highlights the unique traits of the current Eagles and Bills, and presents an in-depth interview with New England Patriots Head Coach Mike Vrabel, who discusses leadership, organizational culture, and what makes young quarterback Drake Maye special.
Key Discussion Points & Timestamps
1. Rams’ Reliance on Stafford and the Limits of McVay’s Magic
[01:00-08:00]
- Colin scrutinizes the Rams’ recent performance, expressing concern over how "McVay magic" only stretches so far when Matthew Stafford plays poorly.
- “With the Rams, it’s different. If Matt Stafford plays poorly, they lose.”
— Colin Cowherd [01:50]
- “With the Rams, it’s different. If Matt Stafford plays poorly, they lose.”
- Rams’ record disparity is tied directly to Stafford’s play: 11 wins (30 TDs, 2 INTs); 5 losses (12 TDs, 6 INTs).
- “Stafford now took over the all-time lead in pick sixes. Like, it’s just not good if he’s struggling.”
— Colin Cowherd [03:04] - McVay’s coaching tree discussed: assistants often struggle once they leave (ex: Brandon Staley, Zach Taylor).
- The Rams’ defensive regression: “Last three weeks, the Rams defense [is] second worst in the league in yards allowed per play.”
— Colin Cowherd [05:13] - Loss to Atlanta was doubly costly due to draft pick considerations.
2. Coaching Comparison: McVay, Shanahan, and Defensive Adjustments
[08:00-09:00]
- McVay and Shanahan are described as “illusionists” who mask roster deficiencies with scheme.
- Question raised: Are their assistants as good as advertised, or is it just proximity to a brilliant head coach?
3. Harbaugh vs. Tomlin: Coaching Futures & Offensive Identity
[09:00-13:00]
- Colin doesn’t agree with recent speculation that both John Harbaugh and Mike Tomlin are on the hot seat.
- “The Ravens don’t feel tone deaf or out of touch to offense. The Steelers do.”
— Colin Cowherd [09:50]
- “The Ravens don’t feel tone deaf or out of touch to offense. The Steelers do.”
- Harbaugh’s main roadblock is beating Mahomes/Reid, not organizational dysfunction.
- Tomlin’s Steelers have a stagnant offense for years—can’t beat elite QBs in the playoffs, roster is aging, too much spending on defense.
"My wife talks about this all the time. As you age... just try to stay current. The Steelers don’t necessarily... The Steelers don’t feel current to me. Baltimore does."
— Colin Cowherd [11:30]
4. Opening the Door for Drake Maye in the MVP Race
[13:00-14:00]
- Josh Allen and the Bills’ disappearing act opened MVP consideration for rookie Drake Maye.
- Quick exchange about Mike Vrabel’s competitive edge, referencing a viral sideline moment against the Jets.
5. What Makes Drake Maye Special (Vrabel & Cowherd)
[18:00-21:30]
- Colin praises Maye’s accuracy, leadership, durability, and rhythm.
- “With Drake Maye, it’s structural. He plays within rhythm. He’s very accurate. He’s durable. He’s tough. He’s an excellent leader.”
— Colin Cowherd [18:13]
- “With Drake Maye, it’s structural. He plays within rhythm. He’s very accurate. He’s durable. He’s tough. He’s an excellent leader.”
- Maye’s statistical leadership: tied Tom Brady’s 12 games with 100+ passer rating in a season.
- Josh McDaniels’ influence on Maye; Vrabel described as a more “player-friendly” Belichick.
- “Drake has Foxboroughed from Tom. He’s got 12 games, 100+ passer rating this year. That ties Tom Brady.”
— Colin Cowherd [20:05]
- “Drake has Foxboroughed from Tom. He’s got 12 games, 100+ passer rating this year. That ties Tom Brady.”
6. NFC Showdowns: Playoff Picture & Team Assessments
[21:35-29:20]
- San Francisco vs. Seattle: analysis of 49ers’ home-field quest and the effect of pass rush on Brock Purdy.
- Philadelphia Eagles’ enigma: ability to win despite long stretches of inactivity.
- “They regularly don't complete three passes in halves and win all of those games in a passing league.”
— Colin Cowherd [25:37]
- “They regularly don't complete three passes in halves and win all of those games in a passing league.”
- Nick Sirianni takes responsibility for the offense’s struggles; Colin praises his accountability but questions long-term security.
7. Chiefs, Draft Strategy, and Andy Reid’s Future
[29:42-31:07]
- Andy Reid intends to return, pending organizational approval.
- "If they'll have me back, I'll come back. You never know in this business."
— Andy Reid [29:42]
- "If they'll have me back, I'll come back. You never know in this business."
- Chiefs’ draft needs: discussion about positional value (tackle vs. running back) as they prep for another playoff run.
8. Bills' Inconsistencies & Playoff Prospects
[31:14-33:41]
- Colin dissects Buffalo’s strange pattern of second-half surges after uninspired first halves, despite roster talent.
- “Since week 10, the Buffalo Bills are 23rd in the NFL in first-half scoring. That is below Shador Sanders and the Cleveland Browns.”
— Colin Cowherd [31:47]
- “Since week 10, the Buffalo Bills are 23rd in the NFL in first-half scoring. That is below Shador Sanders and the Cleveland Browns.”
- Greg Cosell’s take: “They have to scheme up everything on offense and then hope Josh Allen in a given game makes Josh Allen plays.”
— Greg Cosell (relayed by Colin) [33:41]
Featured Interview: Mike Vrabel on Leadership, Culture, and Drake Maye
[37:15-46:07]
Establishing Culture
- Vrabel emphasizes intentional team-building, getting to know players’ journeys, and creating a program players want to protect.
- “We wanted to have a program in place…that the players would be proud of, that they wanted to take ownership of and…protect.”
— Mike Vrabel [39:29]
- “We wanted to have a program in place…that the players would be proud of, that they wanted to take ownership of and…protect.”
- Difference-maker: bringing the right people at the right time, including staff and front office.
On Drake Maye’s Development
- Cowherd recalls Vrabel’s preseason message to Maye about consistent leadership.
- “[Leadership]…is hard to be 23 and lead men that are often 33. Was that your intention?”
— Colin Cowherd [41:51]
- “[Leadership]…is hard to be 23 and lead men that are often 33. Was that your intention?”
- Vrabel responds that maturity is about experience, not age, and praises Maye’s visible growth.
- “His spirit, his passion, his energy, his leadership, how much he puts into this…the excitement he has for everybody on the football team when they have success.”
— Mike Vrabel [42:24]
- “His spirit, his passion, his energy, his leadership, how much he puts into this…the excitement he has for everybody on the football team when they have success.”
Offensive Mindedness as a Defensive Coach
- Vrabel stays current by learning from offensive coaches and seeking connection with players on both sides.
- “I can just have one or two things about the game plan or something that they can do to help them do their job better.”
— Mike Vrabel [44:08]
- “I can just have one or two things about the game plan or something that they can do to help them do their job better.”
On Balance Between Accountability and Connection
- “I’m trying to be demanding and not be demeaning and certainly try to work on the way…my tone in the way that I try to hold everybody accountable.”
— Mike Vrabel [45:39] - Light moment: Tom Brady does not offer tips on Drake Maye, and vice versa.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
“Sometimes when you watch the Rams, are they great or is McVay just magical?”
— Colin Cowherd [03:16] -
“With both McVay and Shanahan, it’s like they’re illusionists. Is Brock Purdy really a superstar?...Is the Rams’ offensive line really that good?...Or is it just again the McVay magic?”
— Colin Cowherd [05:40] -
“John Harbaugh’s biggest issue is they couldn’t beat Mahomes. Lamar couldn’t beat Mahomes. He was struggling to beat Andy Reid.”
— Colin Cowherd [09:55] -
“The Steelers don’t feel current to me. Baltimore does.”
— Colin Cowherd [11:30] -
“With Drake Maye, it’s structural. He plays within rhythm. He’s very accurate. He’s durable. He’s tough.”
— Colin Cowherd [18:13] -
“We wanted to have a program in place on April 7 that the players would be proud of…So it’s everything around the players, making sure that’s good and it’s sound.”
— Mike Vrabel [39:29] -
“I'm trying to be demanding and not be demeaning.”
— Mike Vrabel [45:39]
Additional Team & League Analysis
- NFC Playoff Race: Breakdown of the 49ers, Seahawks, and looming Seahawks-49ers game; the Eagles’ high-variance offensive profile.
- Draft Strategy: Weighs positional value—tackle over running back—given Chiefs’ needs.
- Buffalo Bills’ Struggle: First-half scoring woes despite elite talent, analyzed as a symptom of deeper issues beyond the quarterback.
Overall Tone & Takeaways
Colin’s signature style combines sharp analysis with candid, sometimes irreverent, commentary. The tone is insightful and occasionally biting—especially when tackling issues of coaching legacies, team-building, and the realities of NFL success and failure. Vrabel’s interview offers an inside look at modern leadership, emphasizing culture, accountability, and sustained improvement.
For those who missed it, this hour provides a dense, accessible recap of the Rams’ vulnerabilities, the blurring line between scheme and talent, the critical state of legacy franchises (Steelers/Ravens), and what’s truly special about the Patriots’ new QB, all topped by a thoughtful interview with one of football’s most respected coaches.