Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Episode: THE HERD - Hour 2 - Eric Mangini Joins The Herd & Colin's Blazin' 5
Date: October 31, 2025
Host: Colin Cowherd (with J. Mac), Guest: Eric Mangini
Network: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Episode Overview

In this engaging Hour 2 of The Herd, Colin Cowherd presents his much-anticipated “Blazin’ 5” NFL picks and welcomes former NFL head coach and analyst Eric Mangini. They're joined by cohost J. Mac for a spirited debate on key NFL storylines: head coaching changes (Lane Kiffin to Miami?), quarterback developmental trajectories (Caleb Williams, Drake Maye), and what separates Patrick Mahomes from Josh Allen. The segment also features conversations about A.J. Brown’s fit in Philly, Victor Wembanyama’s rising dominance in the NBA, and betting insights for the weekend slate. Colin’s trademark quick wit and Mangini’s measured analysis make for a punchy, informative hour for diehard football fans.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Colin's Blazin' 5 Picks

(04:07–09:35)

• 49ers at Giants:

  • Colin picks the 49ers –2.5, citing their #2 passing offense against the Giants’ poor pass defense, the Niners’ strong record after a loss, and the Giants’ tendency to lose big.
  • Prediction: “I like the Niners to win and cover the spread. 28–23.”

• Bears at Bengals:

  • Picks Bears –2.5 as road favorites, highlighting recent Bears' superiority and poor Bengals defense, especially without Burrow.
  • Quote: "Bears are not a great team but they can be very good when they get a good matchup."
  • Prediction: 33–27 Bears.

• Bills at Chiefs:

  • Doesn't pick a side, but takes the over 52.5 points due to high-powered offenses and good weather.
  • “If you look at games between Mahomes and Josh Allen, the defenses struggle to make stops.”

• Seahawks at Commanders:

  • Picks Commanders +3.5, noting their effective red zone offense and Seahawks' recent sloppiness.
  • Prediction: "Commanders win it, take the points. I like Washington 28 to 27."

• Cowboys vs. Cardinals:

  • Picks Cowboys –2.5, touting their stellar home performance and Dak’s strong play.
  • “They don't give the ball away… At home, Dak having a really good season.”
  • Prediction: Cowboys 28–24.

Memorable moment (07:08):
"So again I'm taking favorites. I'm not prone to do that. Plus the over on the Bills and the Chiefs."

Lane Kiffin, Miami, and NFL Coaching Trends

(09:35–11:01)

• Colin floats Lane Kiffin as Miami Dolphins Head Coach:
  • “I would call Lane Kiffin… Is it crazy to say the coach selects the GM and that Lane may be a great fit here?”
• Mangini reacts:
  • “Yeah, I think Lane could definitely be a really good fit in the NFL… At some point he's going to want to get back into the league.”

Mahomes vs. Allen, and the Value of Coaching

(11:01–12:48)

• Colin divides Mahomes/Allen by coaching quality, not just QB talent:
  • “The difference between Mahomes and Allen is Andy Reid… To me, the difference is Andy Reid.”
• Mangini agrees but puts weight on big-game performers:
  • “For years you had Brady and Manning… now Patrick Mahomes is arguably the next heir to that throne. Unfortunately for Josh Allen, he's around when the greatest player potentially of all time is around.”

Quarterback Development: Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and More

(12:48–21:20)

Caleb Williams & the Bears

• Colin’s assessment:
  • Praises his coachability, arm, connection with WRs, but doubts his operational ceiling: “I don't know if he's ever going to be a 68% completion guy.”
• Mangini’s context:
  • Notes cyclical inconsistency: “A year removed… totally different head coach, different team, different situation… I’m disappointed that’s where we are a year later.”
  • But offers hope: “I’m optimistic that he's going to get significantly better by the end of the season…”

A.J. Brown & Team Fit

• Colin sees disconnect between star WRs and certain team cultures (Philadelphia):
  • “Their most famous play is the Tush Push… they're not built around A.J. Brown… It’s a weird fit.”
• Mangini identifies the ‘bucket with a hole’ dilemma:
  • "No matter how much water you put in it, it's always going to be empty... ends up happening, the Eagles move on from AJ Brown, and then AJ goes somewhere else…"

Drake Maye’s Growth

• Colin on Maye:
  • “Just some stuff just looks right very early… Drake May, to me, is the East Coast Justin Herbert.”
• Mangini offers film analysis:
  • Praises Maye’s poise and patience, compares to Sam Darnold’s developmental arc, lauds his progression and ability to process coverage:

    “He keeps his eyes downfield… look how he finds the opening… This is very Josh Allen-esque.”

News Reactions and Betting Angles

(28:56–34:24)

Lane Kiffin’s NFL Future

• Both host and guest tout Kiffin’s “alpha” and “innovation,” suggesting a modern NFL head coach needs both to handle personalities, negotiate NIL/free agency, and structure a locker room.

Lamar Jackson’s Health

• Colin: “I don't think Lamar Jackson's 100% healthy. He's probably 90%.”

Pittsburgh Steelers’ Struggles

• Colin is baffled by the betting line, avoids touching it.
• J. Mac: “The Steelers are a fool’s gold… Can’t wait to stop talking about these guys.”

Victor Wembanyama Hype

• J. Mac: “He’s becoming must-see TV… 28, 18, 6 assists, 5 blocks.”
• Colin: “The starting five for the Spurs is Western Conference final worthy.”
• Larger praise for European big men’s skill level: “European players are more skilled at a much earlier level than our domestic players.”

Additional Notable Quotes & Moments

(Timestamps included where possible)

• On the majority of young QBs:

  • “The majority of young quarterbacks, it's the other 75%. You see stuff. But is it ever going to sync up?” (49:51)

• On international athletes’ focus:

  • "There are advantages to your best player being an international player... I think there's a huge advantage for a lot of international basketball players." (45:10)

• J. Mac: On San Antonio’s title hopes:

  • “I think it's worth putting a couple bucks on the San Antonio Spurs to win the title. I'm dead serious…” (33:00)

• Colin on ‘math equation’ NBA shots:

  • “Some of you analytic nerds, some of you GMs with your math equations… 7'4", get him close to the basket...” (35:07)

Upcoming NFL Weekend Previews

(41:03–52:10)

• Sneaky Lines & Trap Games:

  • Packers–Panthers “smells like a trap spot”—the hosts warn against blindly betting favorites (Packers, Lions).

• Caleb Williams vs. Good Defenses:

  • “I think Caleb is in that… you give him the Cowboys or the Bengals, I like the Bears this weekend and it's going to look different.”

• On Green Bay–Carolina:

  • “I think it's a trap spot for Green Bay… I think it ends up being like 28–23. Green Bay wins. It's very competitive.”

• Colin’s bottom line:

  • “I like the Bears against Dallas… I like the Niners and I like the Bears, both as slight road favorites.” (50:14)

Memorable Quotes & Timestamps

• “The difference between Mahomes and Allen is Andy Reid. It’s not Mahomes and Allen. It’s kind of Andy Reid in these big spots.”
  – Colin Cowherd (11:15)

• “No matter how much water you put in it, it's always going to be empty... The Eagles get to the point where they move on from AJ Brown, and then AJ goes somewhere and maybe has a couple years there.”
  – Eric Mangini (15:47)

• “Some of you analytic nerds, some of you GMs out there with your math equations – 7'4", get him close to the basket.”
  – Colin Cowherd (35:07)

• “Their most famous play is the Tush Push… they're not built around A.J. Brown… It's a weird fit.”
  – Colin Cowherd (14:53)

Recap: Who Should Listen to This Episode?

This episode is a must-listen for NFL fans gearing up for the weekend, those fascinated by coaching changes, and anyone intrigued by the evolution of NFL quarterback play. The dynamic between Colin and Mangini yields sharp insights, and the observations on emerging NBA talent add an extra dimension for multi-sport fans. The episode offers practical betting advice, deep-dive football talk, and managerial perspectives on team-building in the modern era.