The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 2 Recap

Date: September 18, 2025
Main Theme: NFL Quarterback Play, Struggling Chiefs, The “Tush Push”, Green Bay’s Hot Start, and In-Depth Film Analysis with Greg Cosell

Episode Overview

This lively episode of The Herd featured host Colin Cowherd and co-host Jason “J Mac” McIntyre, with in-depth analysis from NFL Films’ Greg Cosell. The hour focused on the Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive struggles, the strategic significance of the Eagles’ Tush Push, and the emergence of the Green Bay Packers as a powerhouse. The trio dissected the performances and film on young quarterbacks, roster construction, play design, and defensive vs. offensive drafting in today’s NFL.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. NFL’s Disappearing Middle Class and More Blowouts

• (02:44 - 03:48) Colin opens with discussion of increasing blowouts in the NFL, linking it to a shrinking “middle class” of teams. Underdogs are struggling, and big favorites (favored by 4+ points) are 12-0, winning by an average of 12.5 points.
  • “You’re getting more blowouts because there’s a bigger gap in the schedule now.” – Colin (03:09)

2. Quarterback Development: Caleb Williams, JJ McCarthy, and More

• (05:11 - 06:23) Greg Cosell provides a film breakdown of Caleb Williams’ growth, noting improvement in decisiveness and the challenges facing young quarterbacks.
  • “They start to move when they don’t need to move. They move prematurely and unnecessarily. That’s true with Caleb Williams at times.” – Cosell (06:01)
• (06:23 - 07:52) Discusses JJ McCarthy’s hesitance and how his Michigan flaws (footwork, dropbacks) are being worked on, but improvement will take time.
  • “I did not feel he was a first-round type quarterback… Can that be fixed? I think they’re working on that. It’s a work in progress.” – Cosell (06:46)

3. Analyzing Tua & Miami’s Struggles

• (07:52 - 09:52) Tua Tagovailoa’s ceiling is a hot topic. Cosell argues that Tua’s success is tightly linked to timing and rhythm, with limited ability to create outside structure.
  • “He’s a pure timing and rhythm player that is extremely accurate… but that’s all his game is.” – Cosell (08:35)
• Keys to defending Tua: take away “windows” and require a run game for him to succeed.

4. Buffalo Bills: Run Game Revamp

• (09:52 - 11:49) Bills’ improved ground game is highlighted (‘James Cook… tough, physical inside runner’). The offense is less reliant on Josh Allen’s heroics and more well-rounded.
  • “Josh Allen, he’s not really a gunslinger anymore… unless the game demands it.” – Cosell (11:28)

5. Sam Darnold & Seattle Fitting the System

• (11:49 - 13:33) Colin and Cosell agree Sam Darnold succeeds when not forced into shootouts. Seattle’s use of base personnel and focus on play action match his strengths.
  • “They know what Darnold is… He was so efficient in the play action game under center a year ago in Minnesota.” – Cosell (12:37)

6. Chiefs Offense: Mahomes’ Hampered by Perimeter Talent

• (13:54 - 15:30) Kansas City’s offense lacks perimeter playmakers, making them easy to defend. Cosell notes that Philly changed tactics vs. Mahomes by blitzing and using more man coverage.
  • “What you want to do with Mahomes… is really clog the middle of the field and make him work outside.” – Cosell (14:20)

7. Eagles' Tush Push: Offensive Limits and Sustainability

• (15:30 - 17:20) The frequency and effectiveness of the Tush Push is dissected. The Eagles’ offense is great at converting 1-3 yards but lacks a downfield passing element, potentially limiting long-term success.
  • “[The Eagles] don’t necessarily have to throw the ball (on third and long) because if they get to fourth and two… they’re going to go for it.” – Cosell (16:26)

8. Quarterback Progress: Drake May

• (17:20 - 19:11) Cosell praises May’s calmness, physical stature, and the ways playcalling is helping define reads. Scheme and play design are both helping his development.

9. Green Bay Packers: The NFL’s Most Impressive Team?

• (19:11 - 26:11) Colin claims the Packers “are the best team I’ve seen.” Cosell breaks down their aggressive defense and creative offensive play-calling, highlighting a 13-personnel vertical concept that exploited matchup advantages.
  • “This is what play calling is all about… structure with the use of personnel, formations, motion, [to] define a read and a throw for a quarterback.” – Cosell (25:57)
• Key points: Green Bay’s speed, depth, and coordinated coaching on both sides of the ball make them dangerous and adaptable.

News Segment Highlights

Concerns About the Eagles Offense

• (30:45 - 34:10) J Mac and Colin discuss Philly’s reliance on the Tush Push and lack of explosive passing plays. Jalen Hurts’ own words reinforce accountability and the need for growth:
  • “There’s definitely some evolution that we can do. There’s definitely some things that we can grow in… I look inward on all of those things and just want to make the most of the opportunities.” – Jalen Hurts (31:23)

Breaking Down Rams-Eagles Matchup and Betting Angles

• (34:10 - 34:56) Colin expects a close game and questions Vegas lines, thinking Rams +3.5 is a strong side given Philly’s current offensive limitations.

Monday Night: Lions vs Ravens

• (35:12 - 36:16) Ravens’ home dominance and the challenge for the Lions on the road is emphasized.
  • “Has any team had more blowout wins in the last three years than the Ravens at home?” – Colin (35:52)

Falcons & Bijan Robinson’s Breakout

• (37:08 - 39:49) Raheem Morris calls Bijan Robinson “the best player in football.” Colin and J Mac debate the value of running backs taken in the first round, contrasting Bijan's “flawless” prospect status with others.

Deeper Insights and Philosophical Debates

Is It Easier to Draft Defense or Offense?

• (43:59 - 49:33) Colin and J Mac delve into why drafting defensive “game wreckers” is often more straightforward than drafting offensive playmakers who fit into a particular scheme.

  • “It may be easier to find the game wrecker than the playmaker… for offense, everything has to fit with your coach and quarterback.” – Colin (46:07)

• Discussions about receivers thriving/busting based on scheme and trust:

  • “You can have a receiver who’s the fastest guy on the team, but if the quarterback doesn’t trust him…” – Colin (48:43)
  • “He’s always wide open in the Ben Johnson scheme… just running around open everywhere.” – J Mac on Amon-Ra St. Brown (49:33)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Caleb Williams’ NFL adjustment:
  “In the NFL… the more you throw, the more [your warts] show up… for quarterbacks who are not used to the NFL and pressure.” – Greg Cosell (06:01)
• Cosell on Tua:
  “There’s no mystery to what Tua is, Colin. Everybody knows he’s a pure timing and rhythm player that is extremely accurate.” (08:35)
• On Green Bay’s design & execution:
  “Colin, you probably could have made that throw. The concept was so good.” – Greg Cosell on the Packers’ play design (25:57)
• Colin’s bold Green Bay claim:
  “Right now, [Green Bay’s] the best team I’ve seen in the league… I just don’t think they’re going to have to [play from behind].” (26:11)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• NFL Blowouts & Favorites: 02:44 – 03:48
• Caleb Williams’ Film Analysis: 05:11 – 06:23
• JJ McCarthy Progress: 06:23 – 07:52
• Tua & Dolphins’ Issues: 07:52 – 09:52
• Buffalo’s Run Game: 09:52 – 11:49
• Sam Darnold with Seattle: 11:49 – 13:33
• Chiefs’ Receiving Struggles: 13:54 – 15:30
• Eagles’ Tush Push: 15:30 – 17:20
• Drake May’s Growth: 17:20 – 19:11
• Green Bay’s Emergence: 19:11 – 26:11
• Eagles Offense/Jalen Hurts Sound: 30:45 – 32:22
• Rams vs Eagles Betting: 34:10 – 34:56
• Falcons & Bijan Robinson: 37:08 – 39:49
• Drafting Defense vs Offense: 43:59 – 49:33

Overall Tone & Takeaways

The hour strikes a balance between sharp film-based breakdowns (thanks to Greg Cosell’s expertise), gambling and matchup talk (J Mac), and Colin’s signature big-picture storytelling. There’s genuine concern about the Chiefs and Eagles’ offensive ceiling, contrasted by pure enthusiasm for Green Bay’s dynamic, well-coached unit.

For those who missed it:

• There’s deep insight into young QB adaptation, the importance of offensive and defensive philosophy, and why some perennial contenders (KC, Philly) may have more cracks in their armor this year than in prior seasons.
• The Green Bay Packers, powered by innovative play design, roster speed, and aggressive defense, are Colin’s current league benchmark.

[End of Summary]