The Herd with Colin Cowherd – October 3, 2025

Hour 1 Summary

Main Theme:
Colin dives into a wild week in sports, spotlighting a potential Yankees star pitcher, the San Francisco 49ers’ shocking victory over the Rams, Mac Jones’ resurgence, and evolving narratives across MLB and the NFL.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Yankees' Cam Flitler: Star in the Making

• Colin opens the show ([08:34]) marveling at Yankees rookie pitcher Cam Flitler’s dominance in the Wild Card round against the Red Sox.
  • Flitler: seventh-round pick from Northeastern, known more for hockey than baseball.
  • Debut season, yet pitched with "total composure," regularly hitting 98–100 mph deep into the game.
  • Didn’t walk a single batter and overpowered Red Sox lineup.

"I was just... it was a masterpiece. It'll, it won't be talked about in 20 years because it's the Wild Card round. But man, did it feel bigger than that for the Yankees." — Colin Cowherd (09:33)

• Aaron Boone on Flitler ([10:39]):

“He’s special, man… He’s not afraid. He expects this. I’m not surprised at all by what he did tonight.”

2. 49ers’ Overcome Adversity to Upset Rams

• Game Analysis ([12:30]):
  • Despite injuries and a struggling run game, the 49ers defeated a healthy Rams team in L.A.
  • Kendrick Bourne — not a star receiver — exposed Rams’ secondary, raising urgent questions at cornerback.
  • Matt Stafford is having a career year statistically, but Rams' team breakdowns (fumbles, special teams) are squandering it.

"You want to know why [Stafford's] back hurts? He's carrying the franchise." — Colin Cowherd (15:24)

• Rams' Pain Points ([16:01]):

  • Running backs (fumbles, busts)
  • Drop passes, blocked PAT, missed field goal
  • Special teams—a mess relative to Niners’

• Sean McVay Postgame ([18:34]):

"There was a significant amount of things, you know, for us to even be in it, is a real credit to the resilience of the group... but that's not winning football tonight."

3. Mac Jones’ Resurgence in San Francisco

• Mac Jones Compared to Brock Purdy ([25:16]):

  • Jones’ first three games with Niners (amidst injuries, backup receivers) have outperformed Purdy’s breakout stretch from 2023.
  • Jones leads the league in pass attempts and is managing heavy workloads, high-pressure situations.
  • Showcases the impact of strong offensive coaches—Kyle Shanahan’s system can “revive careers.”

• Kyle Shanahan on Mac Jones ([29:58]):

“He played his ass off, man. Was unbelievable in the first half. Got banged up a little bit there in the second half and battled through it... can't say enough good things about Mac.”

• Broader NFL Take ([32:11]):
  • With more smart offensive coaches, players like Jones, Daniel Jones, Baker Mayfield, Geno Smith are getting second chances and thriving in the right systems.

4. Notable NFL & MLB Notes

A.J. Brown and Jalen Hurts Dynamic

• Jalen Hurts on AJ Brown ([36:09]):

“Yeah, man, we share a great passion for this game and we’re focused on this week.” (Deflects drama)

• Cowherd’s Take: Hurts is businesslike, focused—may not be the most popular Eagle due to his maturity. Compare to other QBs (e.g., Dak/Dez drama); not their job to babysit star receivers.

Jared Goff: Steady and Underrated

• Goff on His Journey ([40:32]):
  • Now played 69 games for both Rams and Lions: consistent stats, speaks to “fit” benefitting QBs.
  • Needs support (run game, O-line), but has delivered and shown toughness.

Justin Jefferson on QB Carousel

• Jefferson ([46:28]):

"That's kind of been my whole entire career since I've been here... really doesn't matter who's out there throwing the ball."

5. Shifting MLB Playoff Narrative

• Colin’s MLB Playoff Outlook ([50:37]):
  • Competitive balance: Mariners, Tigers, Brewers (all low/mid payrolls) thriving, proving payroll isn’t everything.
  • Last night’s Yankees win was not about big contracts (Judge, Stanton were quiet) but “a $300,000 seventh-round 24 year old kid.”
  • Owning cultural changes: Wild Card round makes for strong events—keeps fans engaged, like March Madness or NFL playoffs.

“This felt big. Yankees, Red Sox—could have been the divisional series. It just felt gigantic. And I thought it was a win for baseball.” — Colin Cowherd (57:42)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On Cam Flitler’s Performance:

"Watching that kid in the eighth, I'm like, he could go eleven. He's throwing 98 and a half, seventh, eighth inning, blowing the ball by the Red Sox." — Colin Cowherd ([08:59])

• Rams’ Missed Opportunity:

"This is his best year as a pro. The Rams are wasting it with Matt Stafford." — Colin Cowherd ([15:38])

• Kyle Shanahan (on Mac Jones):

"Going against that defense and throwing the ball that many times and not having to turnover... I can't say enough good things about Mac." ([29:58])

• On Sports Culture Shifts:

"Life changes. And there will be cultural changes four or five times in your life. You can either ride the cultural changes like a wave, or you can fight them... This felt big. Yankees, Red Sox... felt gigantic." — Colin Cowherd ([57:03])

Notable Timestamps

• Yankees' Cam Flitler Spotlight: 08:34 – 11:30
• Boone on Flitler: 10:39
• 49ers Upset Rams – Game breakdown: 12:30 – 19:00
• Sean McVay’s reaction: 18:34
• Mac Jones’ performance & comparison to Purdy: 25:16 – 33:00
• Shanahan on Mac Jones: 29:58
• A.J. Brown & Jalen Hurts discussion: 36:09 – 39:00
• Jared Goff reflection: 40:32 – 44:00
• Justin Jefferson on constant QB changes: 46:28
• Colin on MLB’s evolving playoff culture: 50:37 – 57:42

Tone and Language

Colin’s signature blend of relatable sports analogies, quick wit, and opinionated commentary pervades the episode, balancing reverence for history with a pragmatic appreciation of sports’ new realities. The hour is punctuated by direct quotations from coaches and athletes, humor, and candid acknowledgment of both greatness and struggle.

For listeners:

This was a classic Herd hour—insightful, brisk, with compelling breakdowns of both on-field performances and the broader cultural forces shaping America’s two favorite sports. If you’re looking for thoughtful context behind the highlights and headlines, this summary captures all you need.