The Herd with Colin Cowherd (Hour 2) – Podcast Summary

Episode Date: November 13, 2025
Podcast: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Main Guests: Greg Cosell (NFL Films), J. Mac (Jason McIntyre)
Main Theme: In-depth NFL discussion—focus on Mac Jones, Caleb Williams’ development, Seahawks-Rams preview, and broader league insights.

Episode Overview

Hour 2 of “The Herd” dives into the performance and development of key NFL quarterbacks (Mac Jones, Caleb Williams), evaluates crucial upcoming matchups (notably Seahawks-Rams), and features Greg Cosell’s detailed film study analysis. The show maintains its signature tone—opinionated, analytical, but conversationally accessible—with quick pivots between big-picture franchise discussions and granular play-by-play breakdowns.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Pittsburgh Steelers’ Struggles and Aaron Rodgers (03:53 – 05:32)

• Topic: Media criticism of Aaron Rodgers regarding Pittsburgh’s offense.
• Colin’s take: The team’s issues are longstanding—Rodgers "stepped into their quicksand," not caused it.

  “In a wi-fi world, they feel like a dial-up. In a digital world, they feel analog.” (05:32)

• Analogy: Compares Pittsburgh’s stagnant strategy to Apple discontinuing old product lines—suggests Steelers need a bold culture shift, especially on offense.

2. Caleb Williams’ Growth and Film Breakdown (05:32 – 08:51/34:48 – 37:18)

• Focus: Williams’ uneven but improving play.
• Colin: Defends Williams’ durability and low interception rate, but notes he holds the ball too long.
• Greg Cosell’s Analysis (07:20 – 08:51 & 48:49 – 49:08):

  “He makes three to five plays every game that are truly wow plays...but then there’s also a lot of plays where it’s just too random.”
  “He’s very, very talented…but he’s uneven in every game.”

• J. Mac’s Stat Research (35:49 – 36:02):

  “Passing outside the pocket, it’s completing 43%. …It’s all dink and dunk. …Passer rating cut in half outside the pocket.”

• Colin’s Perspective: Young QBs should use their legs to move the chains until reading NFL defenses is second nature.

3. Buffalo Bills Concern—Offensive Stagnation (08:51 – 10:36)

• Greg Cosell (09:18): Is worried about Buffalo’s “very limited” pass concepts.

  “Their pass game…is very limited. …When you don’t have a big time number one, it’s incumbent on the offensive coordinator to create schematically.”

• Josh Allen’s Nature: Tendency to leave the pocket leads to missed opportunities.

4. Philadelphia Eagles’ Offensive Gameplan (10:36 – 12:59)

• Focus on Jalen Phillips’ Defensive Impact:

  “You’re dealing with a guy now that gives them a true edge…a dominant force.” (11:03 – Greg Cosell)

• Cosell Surprised: Eagles seemed to “minimize the impact” of Jalen Hurts.

  “They played that game to minimize Hertz’s impact, and that really surprised me.” (12:38)

5. Seahawks-Rams Preview: McVay’s Offensive Flexibility (12:59 – 14:19)

• Cosell on the Rams:

  “Dramatic shift…to three tight ends as the foundation—you don’t see that kind of change hardly ever in the NFL.” (13:26) “Stafford has thrown eight TD passes with three tight ends on the field in the last three games.”

6. Seattle’s Defensive Evolution (14:19 – 15:22)

• Rookie Spotlight:

  “Nick Emmanwori…being used the way Mike McDonald used Kyle Hamilton. …Can pretty much do anything.” (14:28)

• Both Defenses: Most aggressive stunting units in the league.

7. Denver’s Defensive Formula vs. Kansas City (15:22 – 17:07)

• Cosell:

  “They can create one-on-ones and win them…Again, for the second year in a row, leading the NFL in sacks.” (15:35)

• Mahomes Factor: Expect improvisation due to KC’s offensive line challenges.

8. Daniel Jones Film Room: Colts Feature (17:07 – 21:26)

• Greg Cosell: Not worried about Jones as a passer but stresses fumble issues.
• Colts’ Offense:

  “Most first down pass attempts in the league…absolutely the best down to throw.” (17:30)

9. Mac Jones’ Value and System Analysis (21:26 – 22:44)

• Colin’s Argument: Believes Mac Jones has value as a “team-friendly” starter (“the next Darnold/Baker”).
• Cosell’s Take (22:02):

  “He’s in a perfect system. …He’s nowhere near as talented as Darnold. …Not as talented a passer as Baker. …He has to be the correct fit.”

• Brock Purdy Comparison:

  “Purdy’s more talented.” (22:48)

10. Bears’ NFC North Outlook & Quarterback Landscape (34:24 – 38:40)

• Colin on Bears’ Future:

  “Can you say Chicago Bears, NFC North champions?”

• Quarterback Attrition: Discussion on how injuries (J.J. McCarthy, Baker’s lack of scrambling) can shift division fates.
• J. Mac’s Skepticism: Questions reliance on young QBs running; echoes risk (“If Caleb’s running 6-7 times a game, they’re either losing or he’s getting hurt.” 37:18)

11. Austin Reaves: NBA Interlude (38:40 – 41:54)

• Lakers’ Stance: “Only interested in dealing Reaves in a package for Giannis or Jokic.”
• Colin:

  “He’s a three. I don’t think you’re winning a championship if Austin’s your one or your two.” (39:37)

• J. Mac: Pushes Reaves’ value, with bold All-Star assertion.

12. NFL Playoff Picture & Week’s Biggest Games (49:08 – 54:15)

• Colin:

  “If Chicago beats Minnesota and Detroit loses at Philly, this gets really interesting.” (49:08)

• Chargers’ Crucial Week: A win dramatically boosts playoff chances; several teams’ playoff fates hang in the balance.
• Potential Upset Alert:

  “Keep your eye on the Cleveland Browns hosting Baltimore Ravens…The defense by the Browns at home is not only the best in the league, it’s the best by a long shot.” (53:17)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “In a wi-fi world, they feel like a dial-up…They have to make a complete cultural pivot to offense.”
  — Colin Cowherd on the Steelers (05:32)

• “He makes three to five plays every game that are truly wow plays…but he’s uneven in every game.”
  — Greg Cosell on Caleb Williams (07:20, 48:49)

• “Their pass game…is very limited. …When you don’t have a big time number one, it’s incumbent on the offensive coordinator to create schematically.”
  — Greg Cosell on Buffalo’s offense (09:18)

• “Dramatically shift…to three tight ends as the foundation. …You don’t see that kind of change hardly ever in the NFL.”
  — Greg Cosell on the Rams’ offense (13:26)

• "He’s in a perfect system…He’s nowhere near as talented as Darnold…Not as talented a passer as Baker. …He has to be the correct fit.”
  — Greg Cosell on Mac Jones (22:02)

• “Purdy’s more talented.”
  — Greg Cosell on Brock Purdy vs. Mac Jones (22:48)

• “Most first down pass attempts in the league…absolutely the best down to throw.”
  — Greg Cosell on Colts offense (17:30)

• J. Mac declaration:

  “Austin Reeves is…probably one of the six best American players in the NBA.” (41:19)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Steelers/Rodgers Dysfunction: 03:53 – 05:32
• Caleb Williams' Evolution & Film Talk: 05:32 – 08:51, revisited 34:24 – 37:18, 48:49 – 49:08
• Buffalo Bills’ Offense Breakdown: 08:51 – 10:36
• Eagles Gameplan & Jalen Phillips Impact: 10:36 – 12:59
• Seahawks-Rams Matchup & McVay’s Adjustments: 12:59 – 14:19
• Seattle’s Defensive Rookie Emmanwori: 14:19 – 15:22
• Denver Defensive Formula Against KC: 15:22 – 17:07
• Daniel Jones Film Room Segment: 17:07 – 21:26
• Mac Jones Analysis/Comparison: 21:26 – 22:44
• NFC North & Bears Outlook: 34:24 – 38:40
• Austin Reaves NBA Segment: 38:40 – 41:54
• NFL Playoff Picture & Key Games: 49:08 – 54:15

Flow, Tone & Speaker Dynamics

• Colin Cowherd: Anchors with punchy analogies, big-picture takes. Blunt, but measured.
• Greg Cosell: Technical, evidence-driven. Offers granular film explanation.
• J. Mac: Brings stats, challenges guests/host, adds energy and a “fan plus insider” perspective.

For listeners seeking sharp NFL analysis, real tape-study insights, and lively debate about the league’s developing storylines (mixed with a splash of NBA talk), this episode delivers. The Cosell segments provide must-hear X’s and O’s, while Colin and J. Mac keep it fresh and fun.