The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 2 (January 16, 2026)

Episode Theme

Main Focus:
Jason McIntyre (filling in for Colin Cowherd) and Rachel Nichols break down the top NFL quarterback rankings for the divisional playoffs, dissect Sam Darnold and Brock Purdy’s narratives, evaluate Bo Nix’s and C.J. Stroud’s reputations, and debate whether college QB Dante Moore made a mistake returning to school. Five-time Pro Bowler Teron Armstead joins for insider perspective, and they explore NFL coaching rumors, including Mike McDaniel’s status.

QB Rankings for Divisional Weekend

[02:42–09:49] Jason McIntyre counts down his QB rankings for the divisional round, sparking debate and drawing argument from guest Teron Armstead:

J. Mac’s Divisional QB Rankings:
8. Bo Nix (Broncos)

• “Hasn't really proven anything. No playoff wins… I don't know that he's a franchise quarterback.” (03:58)
• Last two games: under 200 yards passing.
• Strong defense; clear playoff underdog as a result.

7. Sam Darnold (Seahawks)

   • “Zero playoff wins, led the NFL in giveaways… It's the defense carrying them.” (04:36)
   • Darnold gets credit for resilience, but turnovers are a major concern.

8. C.J. Stroud (Texans)

   • “If you just watched that Steelers game, you would say he's 8… Guy's fumbling snaps left and right. Brutal red zone pick.” (05:15)
   • Noted: Texans have five defensive TDs in his three playoff games.

9. Caleb Williams (Bears)

   • “Most clutch quarterback in the league this season, period. It's inarguable.” (06:07)
   • Overcame early skepticism; praised for late-game heroics.

10. Drake Maye (Patriots)

    • “Potential MVP. Only one playoff start… I actually liked him more than Jaden Daniels coming out of college.” (07:14)
    • Seen as ascending but still earning stripes.

11. Brock Purdy (49ers)

    • “This is the floor for him… All he does is win. The best downfield thrower in the league… 63% on throws of 20-plus yards.” (07:14–08:31)

12. Matt Stafford (Rams)

    • “Just playing at an elite level… That drive against Panthers, back shoulder throw to Parkinson… He’s amazing.” (08:33)

13. Josh Allen (Bills)

    • “The guy is Superman… He put on a cape and lead the team to victory.” (09:49)
    • Warning about injuries: “If it doesn't happen this year… Allen turns 30 this summer. The injuries starting to mount.”

Memorable Quotes:

• Jason McIntyre [On Caleb Williams]:
  “That fourth-and-eight throw to save their season against the Packers, I watched that and I said, is that Josh Allen?” (06:41)
• Jason McIntyre [On Brock Purdy]:
  “He’s trailed in the second half in four of his five playoff wins. The guy comes back. That’s what I want in my quarterback.” (08:11)

Teron Armstead Joins the Show

[09:49–18:58] Pro Bowl tackle Teron Armstead offers an insider's viewpoint:

• Bo Nix’s Spot:
  Teron pushes Nix above Stroud:

  “I would move Bo in front of C.J. Stroud… Stroud has had playoff wins, but they’ve scored five defensive TDs…” (10:43) Emphasizes Nix’s record:
  “These guys are 14-3. It’s really, really hard to argue with Bo Nix and his success.” (11:20)

• Josh Allen’s Burden:
  Teron dismisses excuse-making for Allen:

  “He doesn't want built-in excuses… He has a lot of talent on that offense. That offensive line is special…Josh has enough. It's time.” (12:36) Also credits RB James Cook for supporting cast.

• Sam Darnold’s Revival:
  Teron admires Darnold's comeback but is cautious about his ceiling:

  “His story is incredible already… But the giveaways, that is the danger… the most dangerous stat in football.” (14:50) Identifies Seattle’s home field as his biggest advantage.

• On Brock Purdy:

  “I do think Purdy has done what it takes for you to feel comfortable… last week, he did struggle… this week against Seattle, two turnovers, they're going home.” (16:27–17:25)

• NFC West and Coaching Beefs:
  On NFC Rams/Bears drama and coaching beefs (Ben Johnson vs. LaFleur):

  “I love it. Bring back rivalries. Bring back the hate… healthy version of it is great for the sport… Players feed into it.” (18:02)

NFL Playoff & Coaching Storylines

[18:58–29:16]

On Mike McDaniel’s Coaching Candidacy:

• Rachel Nichols recaps McDaniel’s ongoing interviews (Ravens, Titans, Falcons, Browns) and his offensive ingenuity; Jason and Rachel debate the appeal and pressure of the Baltimore job.
• Rachel [On Ravens]:

  "For a team where even just making the playoffs next year would be an improvement... Are the Ravens kind of sneaky, low key, one of the most high pressure jobs in the NFL?" (31:21)

Lamar Jackson Debate:

• Jason: “Does Baltimore have a lot other than Lamar Jackson?”
• Rachel defends Lamar’s status among top four league quarterbacks, despite a perceived drop-off:

  “What he can do with the football and with his legs… it’s crazy, right?” (33:43)

Sean Payton’s Motivation:

• Jason and Rachel reflect on Sean Payton’s motivational speech, “There’s going to be a time where all of us have to get off. But you know what? Not today.” (34:19)
• Rapid-fire: Will Sean Payton's motivation help Denver vs. Buffalo?
  Rachel trusts "the Josh Allen factor" if it comes down to a 2-minute drill.

Brock Purdy & Seattle’s Home Advantage

[36:10–38:21]

• Rachel and Jason wax poetic about Seattle’s crowd noise.
• Kyle Shanahan on Purdy:

  “Nothing really rattles Brock... you can kind of see people’s character, what type of people they are on the silent tape.” (36:27)

• Jason:

  “Look at Purdy on the road versus the Seahawks in his career, 4-0 – this guy is a baller!” (37:53)

• Rachel:

  “That stadium gets loud. I mean, you cannot hear yourself think.” (37:26)

Dante Moore’s Draft Decision: Did He Make a Mistake?

[40:13–48:33]

Jason delivers a solo editorial dissecting:

• Ty Simpson vs. Dante Moore:
  Ty leaves for the NFL, passing up NIL millions; Moore returns to school.

• Jason questions Moore’s logic, warning about loss of value with more college exposure:

  "You get to go to a real team, maybe sit for a year... You go top five, you have to play... I think Moore should have come out." (41:12–41:55)

• Risks in Staying:

  “In recent history, we’ve seen guys go back [to college], get absolutely picked apart… and next thing you know… he’s a fourth or fifth-round pick.” (42:32)

• Outlines volatile draft precedents and why guaranteed NFL money matters.

• Acknowledges Moore’s insurance, age, and the increasingly high expectations on young QBs.

Rachel Nichols [Counterpoint]:

• “I do have to think he's getting insurance… How much is this you just not wanting to accept that someone is avoiding the draft so they don't have to play for the Jets?” (47:04)

• They joke about QBs dodging bad franchises (Elway, Eli Manning examples), poke fun at Jason’s Jets fandom, and discuss the trend of young fans choosing local LA teams instead.

Notable/Memorable Quotes

• On Josh Allen:
  “If it doesn't happen this year for the Bills… Allen turns 30 this summer. The injuries starting to mount... When he delivers, it's beautiful to watch.” (08:33–09:49, McIntyre)
• On Rivalries (Armstead):
  “Bring back rivalries. Bring back the hate in a good sense. The healthy version of it is great for the sport.” (18:02)
• On Purdy (Shanahan):
  “Nothing really rattles Brock… That's what I mean by, like, you can kind of see people's character… describes exactly the type of dude he is.” (36:27)

Key Segments & Timestamps

• Divisional QB Rankings:
  [02:42–09:49]
• Teron Armstead Interview:
  [09:49–18:58]
• Coaching Carousel (McDaniel, Ravens, etc.):
  [30:37–35:06]
• Purdy/Seattle Home Field Discussion:
  [36:10–38:21]
• Dante Moore Editorial:
  [40:13–48:33]

Tone & Style

• Direct, irreverent, stat-driven: Jason McIntyre delivers blunt, reasoned takes with a willingness to “hurt feelings,” while Rachel Nichols provides measured pushback and context.
• Insider perspective: Teron Armstead lends locker room insight with a player’s even-keeled, diplomatic tone.
• Humorous and self-aware: Frequent self-deprecation about Jets fandom, playful shots regarding notorious draft ducking.

For Listeners Who Missed the Episode

• Catch up on who’s hot and who’s not among playoff QBs—and why the traditional pecking order is shifting.
• Get insight into organizational culture and leadership: how do GMs, QBs, and coaches shape a team’s destiny, and what’s the real story behind polarizing decisions?
• Receive candid, player-driven reflections on league narratives, including the perennial debate over young QB development paths.

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