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

Episode Date: October 9, 2025
Main Guests: Greg Cosell
Main Topics: Pete Carroll and Chip Kelly dynamics, Chiefs' start, QB analysis across the NFL

Overview

Hour 2 of The Herd with Colin Cowherd delivers an insightful and opinionated breakdown of pressing NFL narratives: potential philosophical clashes between Pete Carroll and Chip Kelly, the Chiefs' offensive funk during a dicey start, and deep-dive quarterback analysis with guest tape expert Greg Cosell. The discussion navigates coach-QB fits, schematic trends, and in-depth film observations across notable teams.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Pete Carroll & Chip Kelly with the Raiders — Rushing Identity & Defensive Expectations

[02:44 - 07:08]

• Colin weighs in on the Raiders’ offensive vision after bringing in Chip Kelly as offensive coordinator and hiring Pete Carroll.
  • Carroll wants to return to a run-first identity but has a QB (Geno Smith) who struggles with turnovers, which Pete hates.
  • Carroll comments on needing to "run the football better, more" and mixing play-action into the offensive game plan ([03:37]).
  • "We don't ever want to rely on the quarterback to do the whole show." – Pete Carroll ([03:37])
• Colin expresses skepticism about the Raiders’ ceiling under Geno Smith, referencing missed opportunities to acquire Matt Stafford or Sam Darnold.
  • The offense is expected to be only okay due to injuries (Colton Miller, Brock Bowers).
  • The real question: Can Pete Carroll restore defensive magic? “We really haven’t seen [that] since 2017.” ([04:03])

2. Quarterback Deep Dives with Greg Cosell

Jared Goff’s Resurgence & Perception

[07:08 - 08:17]

• Colin: Goff’s transformation since leaving LA—“Number one or number two at everything in the NFL...with seven coordinators” ([07:08]).
• Cosell: Goff is a "dinosaur" by today’s standards but elite within his system—best in the league at window throws “16 to 25 yards between the numbers.”
  • "He’s a window thrower...very difficult throws to make...I think he's the best at it." – Greg Cosell ([07:08])

Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs' 2-3 Start

[08:17 - 10:09]

• Colin: Despite a costly interception (not seeing Devin Lloyd), Mahomes is carrying an unspectacular Chiefs offense.
• Cosell: The offense lacks rhythm/timing, relies on short throws and Mahomes' improvisation.
  • “Very much a random offense...Mahomes makes special plays...His spatial awareness is as good as anybody we've ever seen.” – Greg Cosell ([08:57])
  • Chiefs lack a consistent intermediate game; the offense feels “random” and “tough to defend,” but not by typical schematic standards.

Bo Nix’s Fourth-Quarter Turnaround

[10:09 - 11:53]

• Colin asks about Bo Nix’s and Denver’s comeback.
• Cosell attributes success to execution during “matchup football,” e.g., back-shoulder throws to Sutton, not sweeping schematic changes.

Eagles: Jalen Hurts & AJ Brown Dynamic

[11:53 - 14:02]

• Eagles have tried to feature AJ Brown, but production is inconsistent.
• Cosell: Hurts is limited between the numbers; successful on outside throws but not a “window thrower.”
  • “He’s got the fewest attempts...between 15 and 25 yards between the numbers.” – Greg Cosell ([12:24])
  • Eagles’ O-line has regressed; the team needs to prioritize the run game.

Dak Prescott's Efficiency & Supporting Cast

[14:02 - 16:04]

• Colin: Dak is successful despite average weapons (“kind of number three receivers”).
• Cosell: Dak now excels as an "efficient distributor"—not a playmaker, but executes within a well-schemed offense. Cowboys’ run game is better than perceived, powered by Javonte Williams.

3. Young QBs and Rising Teams

Drake May’s Growth with the Titans

[16:04 - 17:40]

• Colin: Drake May has elevated the Titans despite non-elite weapons.
• Cosell: May has played well since Week 1—“outstanding on third down,” “comfortable in defined reads,” and benefits from increased first-down passing.

Daniel Jones’ Progress in Indy (with Shane Steichen)

[17:40 - 20:00]

• Colin: Indy always had a good roster; Daniel Jones now looks "confident" and "strong."
• Cosell: Credits Steichen’s design—Jones is “decisive,” benefits from primary reads, rarely gets stuck in the pocket. Scheme and QB fit is “outstanding.”

Sam Darnold’s Ceiling in Green Bay & Seattle

[20:00 - 21:59]

• Colin: Darnold still has turnover issues. Is he top-10 material?
• Cosell: Darnold is “big, physical” and “decisive.” Key is minimizing time in the pocket; Seattle’s improved O-line helps—only six sacks in five games.

Baker Mayfield & Tampa’s Big-Play Offense

[22:06 - 26:08]

• Colin: Baker operating with rookie sensation Emeka Egbuka, missing veteran weapons but still explosive.
• Cosell: Baker is “incredibly decisive”—throws a better ball than people realize, aggressive when letting it rip.
  • Cosell breaks down a key play, praising Baker’s arm and scheme synergy ([22:41]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Pete Carroll on the run game:
  “We got to run the football better, you know, more and we're going to continue to work at it...We don't want to ever rely on the quarterback has to do the whole show...we have to mix our stuff so that we can use our play action game.” – Pete Carroll ([03:37])

• Greg Cosell (on Jared Goff):
  "Golf is somewhat of a dinosaur...because he's a pocket quarterback...What he does better than any quarterback in the NFL is throw the ball between the numbers...He's the best at it." ([07:08])

• Greg Cosell (on Mahomes and the Chiefs): “It's a very odd offense to watch...you just don't see a lot of rhythmic throws...it's very much a random offense, can Mahomes make plays. He's so good at it...it's a tough offense to defend." ([08:57])

• Greg Cosell (on Jalen Hurts): “He’s not a window thrower. He doesn’t throw the ball between the numbers...They are not a passing team...Jalen Hurts had 10 games last year...where he threw for less than 200 yards.” ([12:24])

• Greg Cosell (on Daniel Jones): "When I watch this team [Indy], I see Shane Steichen really presenting Jones with his route concepts with a lot of clean, defined reads...He drops back and he's decisive..." ([18:45])

• Greg Cosell (on Baker Mayfield): "He's always been very aggressive throwing it, with that mindset...He just has a better feel for when I can turn it loose...he doesn't shy away from any difficult throw when the situation demands it." ([22:41])

• Colin on the importance of arm strength: “If you got the talent, let it rip. And Baker does...He’s going to have more turnover-worthy plays. I can live with it.” ([44:13])

Additional Segments & Commentary

Chiefs/Raiders/NFL Landscape

• Raiders' defense is under scrutiny—has not improved under Carroll, especially compared to quick turnarounds by coaches like Mike Macdonald or Jesse Minter.

Young Teams: Green Bay & Seattle

• Young offenses are struggling to close, but have promising cores; Sam Darnold is evaluated as above-average but still not elite.

Tua Tagovailoa & Media Criticism

[31:19 - 33:29]

• Tua on ignoring outside noise: "I'm not on social media...I get to come home to my kids who are happy to see me every time."
• Colin: “Sports is cruel...the criticism’s harsh. And I’m glad that Tua is centered because it is brutal.”

NFL & College Miscellany

• Touches on 49ers’ QB injury woes, the Niners-Bucs matchup, and a spirited side discussion about MLB playoffs and uniforms.
• Brief digression into college football odds and narratives (USC-Michigan, Indiana-Oregon).

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Pete Carroll/Chip Kelly Raiders: 02:44 – 07:08
• Jared Goff Analysis: 07:08 – 08:17
• Chiefs/Mahomes Film: 08:17 – 10:09
• Bo Nix’s 4th Quarter: 10:09 – 11:53
• Eagles Passing Game: 11:53 – 14:02
• Dak Prescott’s Play: 14:02 – 16:04
• Drake May with Titans: 16:04 – 17:40
• Daniel Jones in Indy: 17:40 – 20:00
• Sam Darnold (GB/SEA): 20:00 – 21:59
• Baker Mayfield / Bucs Play Breakdown: 22:06 – 26:08
• Tua: Blocking Out the Noise: 31:19 – 33:29

Tone & Language

• Colin Cowherd brings his trademark blend of confidence, skepticism, and dry humor (“lower your standards...it’s not going to be great” about the Raiders offense).
• Greg Cosell is measured, highly technical, and detailed in his film analysis—always couching takes with evidence from the tape.

Conclusion

This episode is a treasure trove for NFL fans seeking sharp, candid quarterback analysis and insight into how coaching and scheme shape modern offenses. Greg Cosell’s in-depth breakdowns anchor the discussion, with Colin probing for context and challenging groupthink. The show covers not only high-level issues (play-calling, team building) but also pinpoints specific throws and matchups that reveal much about today’s game.