Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Episode: Hour 2 - Where Colin Was Right and Wrong, the Bears’ Success with Caleb Williams & Ben Johnson, Matt Hasselbeck
Date: November 17, 2025
Host: Colin Cowherd
Guests: Matt Hasselbeck, Lincoln Riley, Mike Florio

Overview

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd delivers Colin’s weekly segment "Where Colin Was Right, Where Colin Was Wrong," dives into the dynamics behind the Chicago Bears’ success with rookie QB Caleb Williams and head coach Ben Johnson, evaluates the changing NFL power structure (especially the Chiefs and Bills), and brings in notable guests Matt Hasselbeck and Lincoln Riley for expert analysis on both the pro and college football landscapes.

Key Discussion Points

1. Where Colin Was Right & Wrong [02:15–09:34]

Roster & Coaching Evaluations

• Denver Broncos & Chiefs:

  • Right: Colin picked Denver to win the AFC West, citing their improved roster and calling Kansas City more of a wild-card team—“Chris Jones is not playing at the level he was a couple years ago.”
  • Wrong: Despite optimism, Colin concedes he has recently overrated the Chiefs, especially as their defense and Mahomes' magic aren't enough any longer.

• Chicago Bears & Ben Johnson:

  • Right: Colin repeatedly said Ben Johnson is the right coach for Chicago, highlighting Johnson’s disciplined identity, strong run game, and focus on helping young QB Caleb Williams succeed.

• San Francisco 49ers & Brock Purdy:

  • Wrong: Previous skepticism faded after Purdy’s smart, mobile, and accurate play in the absence stretch. “Kittle and Brock Purdy have a 141 career passer rating. ... I thought yesterday he kind of blew me away.”

• Lions’ Coaching Transition:

  • Right: Colin stressed the importance of looking outside the building for new coaches and now sees Detroit’s offense sputtering post-Ben Johnson.

• NFL Draft QBs:

  • Right: He doubted J.J. McCarthy’s “wow” factor and is validated by McCarthy's struggles and poor body language.

• Oklahoma & LSU Coaching Situations:

  • Wrong: Colin thought Brent Venables wasn’t ideal for Oklahoma, but credits him for building the conference’s best defense and strong team identity.

2. Matt Hasselbeck Joins – Deep Dives Into NFL Storylines [09:34–21:22]

Kansas City Chiefs’ Struggles [09:49–11:18]

• Hasselbeck notes the AFC is tougher now, and everyone else (like Denver and QB Bo Nix) has simply gotten better.
• “Turnover margin is a thing... but if I were to point to one thing, everyone else has just gotten better.” – Matt Hasselbeck [10:23]

Bo Nix’s Clutch Factor [11:18–12:42]

• Colin and Hasselbeck analyze Bo Nix’s game-winning drive; Hasselbeck calls it a “quarterback drive” with a "Mahomes-esque" perfect throw.
• “Bonix is a baller. He’s a sure thing. He is absolutely their franchise quarterback now and for the future. No doubt.” – Matt Hasselbeck [11:42]

Young Quarterbacks: Andrew Luck, Sam Darnold [12:42–14:48]

• Colin compares Sam to Andrew Luck with their “short memory” after picks, while Matt discusses how high-pressure games speed up QB play and can lead to mistakes.

Bears’ Identity & Ben Johnson’s Influence [14:48–16:50]

• Both agree the Bears’ overachieving is due to Ben Johnson’s culture, discipline, and support for Caleb Williams’ development.
• “This is Ben Johnson… a great leader, a great play caller, a great developer of a young quarterback.” – Matt Hasselbeck [15:26]

Philadelphia Eagles’ Identity Crisis? [16:50–19:22]

• Discussion on whether Philly, reliant on explosive plays and defensive line, can win a Super Bowl.
• “They have all the ingredients... but you’ve got to let the A.J. Brown plays come to you. That’s not what great culture and great teams do.” – Matt Hasselbeck [17:38]

Veteran QBs & Injury Risks [19:22–21:17]

• Hasselbeck relates his own experience playing with a broken wrist to Aaron Rodgers’ current situation, suggesting it’s possible for Rodgers to play through it, provided surgery is avoided.

3. News & Reactions (with Mike Florio) [31:31–40:05]

Aaron Rodgers Injury Fallout [31:31–34:58]

• Steelers likely to struggle without Rodgers; possible implications for Bears, who play back-up Mason Rudolph next.
• Colin advocates that Pittsburgh let Rodgers return next year while grooming his successor:
  “I want him back for one year and then I want to draft a quarterback this year and have him learn from Aaron.” [33:51]

Packers’ Jordan Love & Offense [35:31–37:51]

• Colin and Florio discuss the team’s tendency to force the run when passing plays to Love's strengths could serve them better.
• “They should just let, if Jordan’s got to throw 40 times, let him do it. ... They’re not a run team.” – Colin [36:15]

College Football: Texas, Georgia, and the SEC [38:05–40:05]

• Texas continues to struggle with Georgia’s physicality and defense; Arch Manning mentioned as QB still developing.
• Colin: “Texas, Oklahoma plays a type of football that can beat Georgia and Bama. I don’t know if Texas does right now.” [38:58]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Bo Nix as Franchise QB:
  “Bonix is a baller. He’s a sure thing. He is absolutely their franchise quarterback now and for the future. No doubt.” – Matt Hasselbeck [11:42]

• On Ben Johnson’s Impact with the Bears:
  “This is Ben Johnson. ... a great leader, ... a great play caller, ... a great developer of a young quarterback. I think they’re ascending.” – Matt Hasselbeck [15:26]

• Chiefs’ Diminishing Edge:
  “Chris Jones is not playing at the level he was a couple years ago... Denver's got a better roster right now.” – Colin Cowherd [02:15]

• Josh Allen’s Unmatched Ability:
  “Their roster's okay and Josh Allen's the greatest football player I've ever seen. ... I mean, every snap, he can run, he can pass. ... He is right now the best quarterback in the league.” – Colin Cowherd [30:12, 30:58]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Where Colin Was Right/Wrong: 02:15–09:34
• Matt Hasselbeck Interview: 09:34–21:22
• Josh Allen Breakdown: 29:56–31:26
• Aaron Rodgers Injury & Steelers Outlook: 31:31–34:58
• Packers’ Offensive Identity Debate: 35:31–37:51
• College Football / Texas-Georgia: 38:05–40:05
• Lincoln Riley Segment (USC/Oregon, Bears QBs): 46:01–53:22

Lincoln Riley Interview Highlights [46:01–53:22]

• Discusses development of QB Jayden Maiava, emotional win against Iowa, and game-planning vs Oregon’s dominant defensive front.
• Calls WR Makai Lemon “absolutely fearless” and unique for his intelligence and catch radius.
• On Bears’ turnaround, credits Ben Johnson for bringing stability and aiding Caleb Williams’ growth:
  “I think Ben coming in there has given him a lot of confidence. I think it’s added a lot of stability to the situation... and I think that’s why you’re seeing them win some of these close games.” – Lincoln Riley [52:37]

Summary Takeaways

• Bears’ Emergence: Colin and guests see Chicago’s success as a product of Ben Johnson’s coaching rather than just Caleb Williams’ raw talent; Johnson’s culture shift is giving Williams a real chance.
• Changing NFL Landscape: AFC is tougher, Chiefs’ dominance vulnerable, and teams like Denver and Detroit exemplify how coaching impacts team identity and success.
• Quarterback Evaluation: The episode repeatedly hammers the link between young QBs and offensive play-caller support; overhyped prospects (e.g., J.J. McCarthy) facing predictable struggles.
• College Football: Texas struggles to adapt to SEC physicality; Oklahoma earns unexpected respect. Lincoln Riley gives insight on strategy, roster building, and the importance of depth and culture.

This summary distills the episode’s key sports debates, expert breakdowns, and through-line: that in both pro and college football, identity, coaching culture, and adaptability matter more than hype or individual brilliance alone.