The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 2 Detailed Summary

Date: November 24, 2025
Main Theme:
This episode of The Herd centers on Colin’s weekly “Where Colin was right, where Colin was wrong” rundown, in-depth reactions to the latest NFL and college football action, and a particular focus on emerging quarterback storylines, notably Shedeur Sanders being named the Browns’ starting QB. The episode also features an analysis-heavy conversation with Matt Hasselbeck, diving into team dynamics, trends around young QBs, and the current NFL and CFB landscape.

Where Colin Was Right & Wrong (00:00–10:00)

Overview:
Colin evaluates a wide range of his past takes, holding himself accountable for predictions and opinions amid the latest outcomes in the NFL and college football.

Key Discussion Points & Insights:

• Eagles’ Struggles:

  • Colin reaffirms his concerns about the Eagles despite their talent, hammering Philly’s inability to maintain focus and effort after a recent collapse.

  “Something isn't working. To have 24 straight unanswered points against a rival is absolutely unacceptable.” — Colin Cowherd (02:20)

• Chip Kelly, Seattle, & the Raiders:

  • Colin admits overrating Chip Kelly’s fit as an OC for Pete Carroll, noting the Seahawks’ chronic issues in the run game and backward-looking approach.

• JJ McCarthy Skepticism:

  • Doubts about McCarthy’s NFL ceiling resurface following a rocky performance.

  “I don’t know if he’s even a backup. Three turnovers and four yards in the second half...I don’t see it.” — Colin Cowherd (03:38)

• USC’s Standstill:

  • Four years in, Colin can’t define USC’s identity, criticizing recruiting and NIL investments, lamenting the lack of Southern California talent development.

• Steelers Stagnation:

  • Colin stands by his pessimism on the Steelers, referencing their 2–3 recent run, the decline of their defense, and the team’s misplaced financial focus.

  “This defense for the Steelers is the worst in franchise history...and it's the most expensive.” — Colin Cowherd (05:06)

• Bills’ Over-Reliance on Josh Allen:

  • Persistent worries about Buffalo being too “Allen-centric,” especially as the offense fails without superhuman effort from their QB.

• Brent Venables’ Success at Oklahoma:

  • Colin eats crow on Venables, crediting the Sooners’ SEC-style defense and physicality.

• Brandon Aiyuk & 49ers:

  • Colin questions Kyle Shanahan’s commitment to spending on wideouts, especially with strained player relationships.

  “They’re getting burned on this and this relationship has soured...I never understood the financial commitment.” — Colin Cowherd (07:31)

• Ja Morant / NBA Star Critique:

  • Colin and Jason note Morant’s persistent off-court immaturity, contrasting athletic “hops” with true NBA leadership.

Notable Quote:

• “We need that in the NBA. We need our best players to be out there. When you’re a star, it comes with great responsibility.” — Jason McIntyre (10:01)

Matt Hasselbeck Joins: Breakdown of NFL Trends & Quarterbacks (11:00–23:39)

Dallas Offense Revival (11:00–12:09)

• Colin credits Dallas’ energized offense, questioning whether Schottenheimer or Prescott should get the most praise.
• Hasselbeck underscores team continuity, Dak’s evolving leadership, and a positive “Post-Pete Carroll vibe” that has galvanized the Cowboys through adversity.

“Dak...has taken a much bigger ownership role...the team has been galvanized through, unfortunately, some tragedy this year.” — Matt Hasselbeck (11:27)

Eagles’ 2nd Half Meltdown (12:09–14:01)

• Discussion lands on Philly’s inability to sustain physical intensity, with Matt noting Dallas was simply “the more physical team,” while Philly abandoned its run game and lost identity.

“Philly got bullied....Dallas just looked like the more physical team up front.” — Matt Hasselbeck (12:47)

Seasonal Turning Points & Playoff Readiness (14:01–16:04)

• Jason and Colin reflect on how November and December football—injuries and roster wear—start to separate contenders, with Kansas City no longer “scary” but dangerous if overlooked.

“You don’t fear the Chiefs the way that you once feared them...they might not even make the playoffs.” — Matt Hasselbeck (15:10)

The New QB Archetype (16:04–18:39)

• Colin asks whether completion percentage is overrated with hyper-athletic modern QBs. Matt says Caleb isn’t clinical but is disruptive, reducing mistakes and improving, but cautions about Bears’ soft schedule.

“He’s a highlight maker...but you don’t have to be a hero.” — Matt Hasselbeck (17:09)

Matt Stafford’s Late-Career Ascent (18:44–21:05)

• Colin makes the case for Stafford as an all-time great if he wins another Super Bowl; Hasselbeck praises his “fountain of youth,” elite chemistry with receivers, and ability to defy expectations, likening him to late-career Tom Brady.

“This is the best football that he has played....He looks younger. He looks like he’s aging in reverse.” — Matt Hasselbeck (19:37)

Shedeur Sanders Hype & Caution (21:09–23:39)

• Both agree Shedeur’s debut was fun, lauding his poise and “it factor,” but Hasselbeck urges patience and confidence—“lose the excuses,” just play ball.

“He’s got an it factor....But let’s pump the brakes....Take advantage of your opportunity.” — Matt Hasselbeck (21:58)

News Segments & Analyst Takeaways (31:43–41:57)

(Major commercial/ad breaks omitted)

JSN Shines in Seattle (31:43–34:19)

• Seattle’s Jackson Smith-Njigba sets a franchise record for receiving yards in a season. Colin lauds Ohio State’s constant pipeline of talent.

“He is a complete and total five tool receiver. He does everything well.” — Colin Cowherd (34:15)

Raiders Regret on Shadour Sanders (35:15–37:47)

• Former coach Antonio Pierce reveals the Raiders strongly considered Shedeur Sanders as a top QB choice.

“He’s born for this. His pedigree is that of, for moments of this magnitude.” — Antonio Pierce (36:09)

• Colin: Shedeur's tools are adequate and his gamer mentality translates; not elite, but starter-worthy.

Browns Officially Name Shedeur the Starter (37:01–38:07)

• On-air reaction as Adam Schefter reports Shedeur is starting vs. San Francisco; analysts agree he has to play for team unity.

College Football Coaching Carousel & Dan Lanning Praise (38:12–41:57)

• Oregon coach Dan Lanning calls out SEC teams for cupcake scheduling.

“We didn’t play Chattanooga State today. We competed....It’s tough playing nine conference games.” — Dan Lanning (38:43)

• Debate around why top college coaches like Lanning might stay put—Oregon’s resources, Phil Knight’s influence, fan base, and job security. Colin asserts Oregon is the best job on the West Coast.

Final Takeaways on QBs and CFB (47:43–end, select highlights)

Ohio State–Michigan Preview and QB Discourse (47:43–49:45)

• Colin is bullish on Ohio State vs. Michigan, highlighting the Buckeyes' defense and Michigan’s freshman QB.

“This Ohio State team defensively, dudes everywhere, NFL windows....that defense gives, doesn’t let you breathe.” — Colin Cowherd (48:31)

QB Evaluation Philosophy (49:45–end of content)

• Colin emphasizes the importance of college QBs proving themselves without loaded rosters, citing Mahomes, Allen, Rodgers, and Big Ben as examples.
• J.J. McCarthy skepticism is revisited: while solid in college, he’s untested in the NFL’s pressure cooker.

“When I watched Mahomes in college...he was carrying average personnel. If you’re just managing a great team...that’s not the NFL.” — Colin Cowherd (49:48)

• Final Shedeur Sanders Thought:

“Shedeur knows what it’s like to play with a bad O-line; give him credit, that’s much closer to playing for a bad NFL team.” — Colin Cowherd (54:58)

Notable Quotes & Moments with Timestamps

1. On Eagles’ woes:

“To have 24 straight unanswered points against a rival is absolutely unacceptable.” (02:20) — Colin Cowherd

2. On Steelers Defense:

“This defense is the worst in franchise history...and it's the most expensive.” (05:06) — Colin Cowherd

3. Matt Hasselbeck on Dallas:

“Dak...has taken a much bigger ownership role...the team has been galvanized through, unfortunately, some tragedy this year.” (11:27)

4. On Ja Morant:

“We need our best players to be out there. When you’re a star, it comes with great responsibility.” (10:01) — Jason McIntyre

5. On Shedeur Sanders:

"He’s got an it factor. There’s no doubt about it." (21:58) — Matt Hasselbeck
“His size is fine. His arm is fine, his movement’s fine. There’s no reason why he can’t start in the NFL.” (36:09) — Colin Cowherd

6. Antonio Pierce’s endorsement:

“He’s born for this. His pedigree is that of, for moments of this magnitude.” (36:09)

7. Dan Lanning on Oregon vs. SEC:

“We didn’t play Chattanooga State today...We competed.” (38:43)

Episode Flow & Tone

The tone is fast-paced, playful but sharp, driven by Colin’s candid self-reflection and direct questions to guests. The Matt Hasselbeck segment is conversational and analytical; all voices remain opinionated yet fair, with a willingness to admit mistakes and poke fun.

Key Takeaways for Non-Listeners

• Colin rigorously evaluates his own predictions, spotlighting recent developments with the Eagles, Steelers, Bills, college coaching hires, and more.
• Emerging quarterbacks dominated the discussion; Shedeur Sanders’ first start and naming as Browns QB is a central storyline, with the entire panel (and guest Matt Hasselbeck) weighing talent vs. patience.
• Matt Hasselbeck added deep player/coach perspective, especially on locker room culture, QB development, and playoff mentalities.
• College football storylines featured heavily, with Ohio State–Michigan previewed and coaching speculation swirling around Dan Lanning (Oregon).
• Final word: The hour exemplifies Colin’s blend of accountability, bold forecasting, and willingness to challenge groupthink, especially regarding QBs and coaching trajectories.