The Herd with Colin Cowherd - Hour 2

Episode Date: September 9, 2025
Featured Guests: Jason McIntyre (J. Mac), Nick Wright
Main Topics: In-season Herd Hierarchy, QB/rookie debuts, team outlooks, coaching, and NFL narratives after opening weekend.

Episode Overview

This episode marks Colin’s first in-season “Herd Hierarchy,” a ranking of the top 10 NFL teams after the opening week’s slate. Colin, J. Mac, and guest Nick Wright dive into team performances, the impact of coaching, the fast-evolving evaluation of rookie quarterbacks (especially Caleb Williams and J.J. McCarthy), and debate the reputations versus realities of franchises, players, and coaches after Week 1.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Coaching Matters More Than Ever

Colin starts by emphasizing, “This weekend told us one thing. Coaching matters.” (03:13)
Examples include the Vikings’ resurrection under Kevin O’Connell and J.J. McCarthy's rapid in-game improvement.

2. First In-Season Herd Hierarchy (Top 10 Teams)

Colin’s Rank Rundown: (starts at 04:28)

10. Vikings: Believes the late-game version of J.J. McCarthy is more representative and calls their coaching staff one of the best.
9. Buccaneers: Credits Mayfield’s confidence and Todd Bowles’ defensive prowess, notes their record of seven wins in last eight.
8. Commanders: Praises their defense and Debo Samuel’s versatility, points to ability to win close games.
7. Chiefs: Notes third-down struggles, WR issues, “home dog” status against the Eagles; maintains they’ll be fine due to Mahomes and staff.
6. Chargers: Highlights parity with KC, Herbert’s strong performance, and new left tackle Joe Alt.
5. Rams: Needs to keep Nakua and O-line healthy, defense and McVay are “best in the league right now.”
4. Ravens: Issues with holding leads but praises Zay Flowers’ breakout.
3. Bills: Concerns revolve around the defense’s back end—“That defense…is a problem.”
2. Eagles: “Hyper-aggressive” GM keeps team competitive, A.J. Brown’s disappearing act causes “a little drama.”
1. Packers: Calls them “the most complete team I saw,” lauds Jordan Love’s stat line (11 TDs, 0 INTs in last eight), and defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley.

Colin:

"I said I have a right to overreact in week one. Packers blew me away. I haven't seen them play that kind of aggressive defense." (10:23)

Notable Follow-up Points:

J. Mac questions Chiefs’ place (“Are the Chiefs there on reputation? Let’s be real. No, they did not look good.” 11:57)
Nick Wright joins (12:12) and largely agrees with Colin’s list, but raises eyebrow at omissions (Jags, Steelers, Raiders).

3. Team Deep Dives & Key Quarterback Debates

Chiefs’ Issues and Mahomes Debate (12:27 - 15:51)

Nick Wright: Cautions that while the Chiefs’ running game and pass rush are suspect, Mahomes’ singular greatness keeps them contenders.
Colin and Nick debate if Mahomes was “dropped into the best situation.” Nick jabs, suggesting J.J. McCarthy now may have a better spot with Minnesota:

“JJ McCarthy just got dropped into a 14-win team with a great defense with Justin Jefferson, with Kevin O’Connell.” (15:15)

Rookie QBs: J.J. McCarthy & Caleb Williams (15:51 - 19:05)

J.J. McCarthy:
- Colin calls his first quarter “the first competitive football JJ McCarthy had played in 600 days.”
- Both agree Minnesota fans should be “ecstatic” despite three rough quarters.
Caleb Williams:
- Nick Wright admits Caleb’s struggles with pre-snap operation and missed throws have shaken his faith in Williams’ stardom.
- Nick references Tyler Dunne’s investigative piece raising red flags on Williams’ development.

Nick: “My marrow-deep faith that Caleb Williams will be a superstar…has taken a hit the last 96 hours.” (16:57)

4. Coaching Critiques and In-Game Decision Making

Nick slams Ben Johnson (Detroit HC) for basic game management errors:

“It is not acceptable for…a young, smart, innovative head coach to realize…my kicker doesn’t have the strongest leg…kick the ball out of bounds, guarantee me the two-minute warning." (19:08)

Colin and Nick agree Detroit's coaching changes create concern for this season’s outlook.

5. Why the Ravens Blow Leads: A Theory (20:38 - 24:00)

Colin: “There’s no comp for Lamar Jackson. The first seven or eight possessions…it's Tyson in his prime…but if you get to the sixth round with Tyson, you had a shot to win.”
Nick: Notes Harbaugh’s conservatism and reiterates Ravens are “the only great team that consistently loses games like this. Every other great team in sports history…they win.” (24:00)

6. The Cost of Paying Elite QBs (24:44)

Colin: “The reality of paying the quarterback big money…Kansas City, Baltimore, and Buffalo…have weaknesses."
Notes Philadelphia as an outlier thanks to their elite GM.
Teams that give massive contracts (Dallas, Buffalo, Baltimore, KC) experience roster holes, especially in secondary or run game.

7. Nick Wright’s Take on NFC North and Lions’ Slide (25:24 - 27:06)

Nick: "Every year there is a team that everyone expects to be great that falls off... This year Detroit is the prime candidate."
Emphasizes concern about Detroit's interior O-line and coaching changes.

8. NFL News Cycle & Quick Hits (News Segment with J. Mac) (32:43 - 39:21)

Tua Tagovailoa Criticism: (33:08)
- Colts’ Xavier Howard quote: “Once we take away his first read, I feel like it's panic mode after that." (33:08)
- J. Mac: “That’s not nice…I mean, you spent five years with the guy.”
Eagles Trade Rumors: (35:29)
- Howie Roseman trades for Tank Bigsby, stoking speculation over reducing Saquon carries and potential A.J. Brown trade chatter.
Arch Manning Wincing: (37:28)
- Sark grills reporter over claim that Arch’s arm is injured. Colin downplays it: “Young athletes…he’ll be fine.”

9. Legacy Coaches, Changing Leagues (43:44 - 48:07)

Colin draws parallels between Bill Belichick and Bobby Knight, suggesting they’ve both become isolated and out of touch as the game evolves.
Message: The NFL, like all sports, moves on from even the most lauded figures unless they adapt.

10. Rapid-fire Assessment of Week 1, “Overreactions,” and Roster Building (49:04 - 53:01)

Colin: “If you pay the quarterback a lot…you are going to have weaknesses.”
Nick argues only Philadelphia combines a paid QB with a strong supporting cast due to Howie Roseman’s work.
Colin & J. Mac revisit Chiefs reputation vs. performance and assess why the Packers look elite, while other consensus contenders have issues.

Notable Quotes & Moments

On Packers’ Week 1:

“Packers blew me away. I haven't seen them play that kind of aggressive defense. That was Kansas City defense. That was Philadelphia defense.” (10:23, Colin Cowherd)
On Caleb Williams Concerns:

“My marrow deep faith that Caleb Williams will be a superstar…has taken a hit the last 96 hours.” (16:57, Nick Wright)
On Ravens’ Identity:

“They are the only great team that consistently loses games like this. Every other great team in sports history…they win.” (24:00, Nick Wright)
On Detroit’s Outlook:

“Every year there is a team that everyone expects to be great that falls off... This year Detroit is the prime candidate.” (26:49, Nick Wright)
On Quarterback Contracts and Team Building:

“That’s the reality of paying the quarterback big money.” (24:44, Colin Cowherd)

Timestamps for Key Segments

03:13 – “Coaching matters” opening, introduction to Herd Hierarchy
04:28 – 10:23 – Full Herd Hierarchy rundown (teams 10–1), includes insights on each team
12:12 – 19:05 – Nick Wright joins: Chiefs, Jags, rookie QBs
19:05 – 20:38 – Critique on Ben Johnson and Lions’ game management
20:38 – 24:00 – Ravens’ recurring collapse & theory explained
24:44 – 27:06 – Paying QBs, Lions primed for regression
32:43 – 39:21 – J. Mac news segment: Tua/Howard, Eagles RB move, Arch Manning speculation
43:44 – 48:07 – Belichick parallels with Bobby Knight, adapting to change
49:04 – 53:01 – The reality of “big money” QBs and roster building

Summary: Takeaway for the Listener

The second hour of “The Herd” delivers a thorough, expert breakdown of NFL narratives after Week 1—sorting overreactions from genuine trends, highlighting coaching as a differentiator, and stressing how quarterback contracts reshape rosters. Colin, J. Mac, and Nick Wright balance bold takes with granular analysis, spotlighting this week’s quarterback drama, team volatility, and front office maneuvering—making this a can’t-miss primer for anyone seeking an informed edge on current NFL storylines.

The Herd with Colin Cowherd - Hour 2

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Coaching Matters More Than Ever

Colin starts by emphasizing, “This weekend told us one thing. Coaching matters.” (03:13)
Examples include the Vikings’ resurrection under Kevin O’Connell and J.J. McCarthy's rapid in-game improvement.

2. First In-Season Herd Hierarchy (Top 10 Teams)

Colin’s Rank Rundown: (starts at 04:28)

10. Vikings: Believes the late-game version of J.J. McCarthy is more representative and calls their coaching staff one of the best.
9. Buccaneers: Credits Mayfield’s confidence and Todd Bowles’ defensive prowess, notes their record of seven wins in last eight.
8. Commanders: Praises their defense and Debo Samuel’s versatility, points to ability to win close games.
7. Chiefs: Notes third-down struggles, WR issues, “home dog” status against the Eagles; maintains they’ll be fine due to Mahomes and staff.
6. Chargers: Highlights parity with KC, Herbert’s strong performance, and new left tackle Joe Alt.
5. Rams: Needs to keep Nakua and O-line healthy, defense and McVay are “best in the league right now.”
4. Ravens: Issues with holding leads but praises Zay Flowers’ breakout.
3. Bills: Concerns revolve around the defense’s back end—“That defense…is a problem.”
2. Eagles: “Hyper-aggressive” GM keeps team competitive, A.J. Brown’s disappearing act causes “a little drama.”
1. Packers: Calls them “the most complete team I saw,” lauds Jordan Love’s stat line (11 TDs, 0 INTs in last eight), and defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley.

Colin:

"I said I have a right to overreact in week one. Packers blew me away. I haven't seen them play that kind of aggressive defense." (10:23)

Notable Follow-up Points:

J. Mac questions Chiefs’ place (“Are the Chiefs there on reputation? Let’s be real. No, they did not look good.” 11:57)
Nick Wright joins (12:12) and largely agrees with Colin’s list, but raises eyebrow at omissions (Jags, Steelers, Raiders).

3. Team Deep Dives & Key Quarterback Debates

Chiefs’ Issues and Mahomes Debate (12:27 - 15:51)

Nick Wright: Cautions that while the Chiefs’ running game and pass rush are suspect, Mahomes’ singular greatness keeps them contenders.
Colin and Nick debate if Mahomes was “dropped into the best situation.” Nick jabs, suggesting J.J. McCarthy now may have a better spot with Minnesota:

“JJ McCarthy just got dropped into a 14-win team with a great defense with Justin Jefferson, with Kevin O’Connell.” (15:15)

Rookie QBs: J.J. McCarthy & Caleb Williams (15:51 - 19:05)

J.J. McCarthy:
- Colin calls his first quarter “the first competitive football JJ McCarthy had played in 600 days.”
- Both agree Minnesota fans should be “ecstatic” despite three rough quarters.
Caleb Williams:
- Nick Wright admits Caleb’s struggles with pre-snap operation and missed throws have shaken his faith in Williams’ stardom.
- Nick references Tyler Dunne’s investigative piece raising red flags on Williams’ development.

Nick: “My marrow-deep faith that Caleb Williams will be a superstar…has taken a hit the last 96 hours.” (16:57)

4. Coaching Critiques and In-Game Decision Making

Nick slams Ben Johnson (Detroit HC) for basic game management errors:

“It is not acceptable for…a young, smart, innovative head coach to realize…my kicker doesn’t have the strongest leg…kick the ball out of bounds, guarantee me the two-minute warning." (19:08)

Colin and Nick agree Detroit's coaching changes create concern for this season’s outlook.

5. Why the Ravens Blow Leads: A Theory (20:38 - 24:00)

Colin: “There’s no comp for Lamar Jackson. The first seven or eight possessions…it's Tyson in his prime…but if you get to the sixth round with Tyson, you had a shot to win.”
Nick: Notes Harbaugh’s conservatism and reiterates Ravens are “the only great team that consistently loses games like this. Every other great team in sports history…they win.” (24:00)

6. The Cost of Paying Elite QBs (24:44)

Colin: “The reality of paying the quarterback big money…Kansas City, Baltimore, and Buffalo…have weaknesses."
Notes Philadelphia as an outlier thanks to their elite GM.
Teams that give massive contracts (Dallas, Buffalo, Baltimore, KC) experience roster holes, especially in secondary or run game.

7. Nick Wright’s Take on NFC North and Lions’ Slide (25:24 - 27:06)

Nick: "Every year there is a team that everyone expects to be great that falls off... This year Detroit is the prime candidate."
Emphasizes concern about Detroit's interior O-line and coaching changes.

8. NFL News Cycle & Quick Hits (News Segment with J. Mac) (32:43 - 39:21)

Tua Tagovailoa Criticism: (33:08)
- Colts’ Xavier Howard quote: “Once we take away his first read, I feel like it's panic mode after that." (33:08)
- J. Mac: “That’s not nice…I mean, you spent five years with the guy.”
Eagles Trade Rumors: (35:29)
- Howie Roseman trades for Tank Bigsby, stoking speculation over reducing Saquon carries and potential A.J. Brown trade chatter.
Arch Manning Wincing: (37:28)
- Sark grills reporter over claim that Arch’s arm is injured. Colin downplays it: “Young athletes…he’ll be fine.”

9. Legacy Coaches, Changing Leagues (43:44 - 48:07)

Colin draws parallels between Bill Belichick and Bobby Knight, suggesting they’ve both become isolated and out of touch as the game evolves.
Message: The NFL, like all sports, moves on from even the most lauded figures unless they adapt.

10. Rapid-fire Assessment of Week 1, “Overreactions,” and Roster Building (49:04 - 53:01)

Colin: “If you pay the quarterback a lot…you are going to have weaknesses.”
Nick argues only Philadelphia combines a paid QB with a strong supporting cast due to Howie Roseman’s work.
Colin & J. Mac revisit Chiefs reputation vs. performance and assess why the Packers look elite, while other consensus contenders have issues.

Notable Quotes & Moments

On Packers’ Week 1:

“Packers blew me away. I haven't seen them play that kind of aggressive defense. That was Kansas City defense. That was Philadelphia defense.” (10:23, Colin Cowherd)
On Caleb Williams Concerns:

“My marrow deep faith that Caleb Williams will be a superstar…has taken a hit the last 96 hours.” (16:57, Nick Wright)
On Ravens’ Identity:

“They are the only great team that consistently loses games like this. Every other great team in sports history…they win.” (24:00, Nick Wright)
On Detroit’s Outlook:

“Every year there is a team that everyone expects to be great that falls off... This year Detroit is the prime candidate.” (26:49, Nick Wright)
On Quarterback Contracts and Team Building:

“That’s the reality of paying the quarterback big money.” (24:44, Colin Cowherd)

Timestamps for Key Segments

03:13 – “Coaching matters” opening, introduction to Herd Hierarchy
04:28 – 10:23 – Full Herd Hierarchy rundown (teams 10–1), includes insights on each team
12:12 – 19:05 – Nick Wright joins: Chiefs, Jags, rookie QBs
19:05 – 20:38 – Critique on Ben Johnson and Lions’ game management
20:38 – 24:00 – Ravens’ recurring collapse & theory explained
24:44 – 27:06 – Paying QBs, Lions primed for regression
32:43 – 39:21 – J. Mac news segment: Tua/Howard, Eagles RB move, Arch Manning speculation
43:44 – 48:07 – Belichick parallels with Bobby Knight, adapting to change
49:04 – 53:01 – The reality of “big money” QBs and roster building

THE HERD - Hour 2 - New Herd Hierarchy, more on Caleb Williams, Nick Wright

Summary

The Herd with Colin Cowherd - Hour 2

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Coaching Matters More Than Ever

2. First In-Season Herd Hierarchy (Top 10 Teams)

Colin’s Rank Rundown: (starts at 04:28)

Notable Follow-up Points:

3. Team Deep Dives & Key Quarterback Debates

Chiefs’ Issues and Mahomes Debate (12:27 - 15:51)

Rookie QBs: J.J. McCarthy & Caleb Williams (15:51 - 19:05)

4. Coaching Critiques and In-Game Decision Making

5. Why the Ravens Blow Leads: A Theory (20:38 - 24:00)

6. The Cost of Paying Elite QBs (24:44)

7. Nick Wright’s Take on NFC North and Lions’ Slide (25:24 - 27:06)

8. NFL News Cycle & Quick Hits (News Segment with J. Mac) (32:43 - 39:21)

9. Legacy Coaches, Changing Leagues (43:44 - 48:07)

10. Rapid-fire Assessment of Week 1, “Overreactions,” and Roster Building (49:04 - 53:01)

Notable Quotes & Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Summary: Takeaway for the Listener

Summary

The Herd with Colin Cowherd - Hour 2

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Coaching Matters More Than Ever

2. First In-Season Herd Hierarchy (Top 10 Teams)

Colin’s Rank Rundown: (starts at 04:28)

Notable Follow-up Points:

3. Team Deep Dives & Key Quarterback Debates

Chiefs’ Issues and Mahomes Debate (12:27 - 15:51)

Rookie QBs: J.J. McCarthy & Caleb Williams (15:51 - 19:05)

4. Coaching Critiques and In-Game Decision Making

5. Why the Ravens Blow Leads: A Theory (20:38 - 24:00)

6. The Cost of Paying Elite QBs (24:44)

7. Nick Wright’s Take on NFC North and Lions’ Slide (25:24 - 27:06)

8. NFL News Cycle & Quick Hits (News Segment with J. Mac) (32:43 - 39:21)

9. Legacy Coaches, Changing Leagues (43:44 - 48:07)

10. Rapid-fire Assessment of Week 1, “Overreactions,” and Roster Building (49:04 - 53:01)

Notable Quotes & Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Summary: Takeaway for the Listener