Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd — Hour 3
Date: September 30, 2025

Main Theme

This episode dives into current NFL storylines including the impact of new signings and injuries, the dynamics behind AJ Brown’s possible frustration in Philadelphia, the Steelers' offensive turnaround, the persistent injury woes of the 49ers, and offers insight into player motivations and organizational strategies across the league. The episode features NFL analyst Brian Baldinger as a guest and discussions from Jason McIntyre and Nick Wright.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Pittsburgh Steelers’ Offensive Turnaround (02:39–04:56)

• Colin Cowherd praises the Steelers for suddenly figuring out the run game, attributing some of it to veteran leadership and smart signings.
• Brian Baldinger emphasizes the under-the-radar pickup of Kenneth Gainwell and explains how offensive coaches (like Sean Payton, Sean McVay, Andy Reid) rebuild O-lines quickly and that Aaron Rodgers’ presence is modernizing the offense:
  • "They had to go all the way to Dublin to find the run game... Kenneth Gainwell got his first start... gave 'em 100 yards rushing." (03:49–04:27)
  • Rodgers’ quick releases are “like Ali jabs out there... short pass, long run, that’s kind of what it is.” (04:27–04:56)

2. San Francisco 49ers’ Endless Injuries (04:56–06:24)

• The 49ers face another season of mounting significant injuries ahead of a tough matchup with the Rams.
• Baldinger identifies the core issue: "If your best players you’re paying the most amount of money to aren’t playing, then you’re not getting your bang for your buck." (05:29–06:24)
• Emphasizes the challenge of facing a young and healthy Rams defense.

3. A.J. Brown’s Role & Frustration in Philadelphia (06:24–08:38; 32:20–36:38)

• Discussion arises about whether AJ Brown is justified being upset with his use in the Eagles’ offense and whether he might seek a trade for better usage and legacy.
  • McIntyre: "He is now playing for the Hall of Fame... would you understand if he said, 'listen, I’m not going to go public, I'd like to be moved at the deadline… You don’t use me, I got you a trophy. Could you move me?'" (06:24–07:27)
• Baldinger explains Brown’s unique mentality:
  • "His mentality is like an offensive tackle. He wants to absolutely obliterate the opponent... But if he doesn’t ever get that chance... that's what frustrates him. It’s not the lack of targets." (07:27–08:38; 36:04–36:38)
• Cowherd and Nick Ceriani discuss whether it would be selfish if Brown asked out and note the Eagles' offensive coordinator changes as a root cause for offensive struggles.

4. Dallas Cowboys — The Risks of Trading Micah Parsons (08:38–10:24)

• The impact of moving star players on team morale and performance:
  • Baldinger: "When you have star players, sometimes you gotta kiss their ass... Jimmy Johnson wouldn’t get rid of Micah Parsons, no way... They have no pass rush right now." (09:32–10:24)

5. Baker Mayfield vs. Sam Darnold Resurgence (10:24–12:26)

• Conversation on the evolution of two quarterbacks from the same draft class. Darnold’s improvement praised as a result of better coaching and surrounding talent:
  • Baldinger: "If you spend a year in San Francisco... this is what quarterbacks are supposed to get coached. He’s got a good offense, a good system, a go-to guy. Sam can do this." (11:04–12:26)
• Baker characterized as an ultimate competitor, winning against the odds.

6. Caleb Williams’ Struggles & Ceiling (12:26–14:06)

• Concerns about Williams’ ability to hit routine plays despite his arm talent. Baldinger believes in his development; stresses need for strong quarterback coaching in Chicago:
  • "He is missing some layups. But he's also got some wow factor too... I think this thing is going to work... We need Chicago to be good, that market to be good. They've been dying for a long time." (12:59–14:06)

7. Buffalo Bills & New England Patriots — Rivalry and Rebuilding (19:36–21:46)

• Praise for Bills running back James Cook:
  • Josh Allen: "He is shot out of a cannon. His contact balance is unbelievable." (19:56–20:16)
• Discussion of Patriots’ progress, need for a top receiver, and optimism about Drake Maye’s future rivalry with Allen.

8. Raiders’ Ashton Genti and the Colts Matchup (21:47–23:33)

• Genti’s “Halloween lineup” stance and breakout performance noted by Pete Carroll: "He had a great game and he looked fantastic for us... to have a running back that is a real threat, allows us so much balance." (22:06–22:45)

9. NBA News: Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Uncertain Commitment (23:33–26:40)

• Giannis clarifies his desire to chase championships, sparking rumors of a Milwaukee exit:
  • "I want to be in team that allows me and Kisman Chase to win a championship... That's never going to change. I want to win another championship." (23:58–24:19)
• Discussion: Should the Bucks trade him now while his value is high?
• Comparison to Celtics, Knicks, and the Western Conference.

10. Organizational Strategy: When to Trade NFL Stars (27:12–28:53)

• Cowherd stresses the importance of trading players at the right time rather than waiting until their market collapses.
  • "What you want to do in sports is you want to be ahead of stuff. You don't want to be behind..." (27:12–28:53)
• Miami Dolphins and Tyreek Hill serve as the case study for missed opportunities.

11. MLB Postseason Outlook (36:38–40:24)

• Brief rundown of the matchups, bullpen importance, and predictions:
  • "Impossible to win a Super Bowl with a bad O-line, impossible to win the World Series with a bad bullpen."
  • Likes Phillies, Brewers, and Padres as postseason threats.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Brian Baldinger on A.J. Brown:
  "It's not the lack of targets or the lack of use. It's that he can't use his physical skills to beat Marshawn Lattimore up, to beat Trayvon Diggs up, like, to pound these guys. And that's what irritates. I've talked to AJ about it. He's not a me me guy, but he doesn't get that opportunity that frustrates him." (07:27–08:38)

• Colin Cowherd on trading at the right time:
  "What you want to do in sports is you want to be ahead of stuff. You don't want to be behind stuff." (27:12–28:53)

• Josh Allen on James Cook:
  "He is shot out of a cannon. His contact balance is unbelievable. His jump cuts are awesome. Glad he’s on our team." (19:56–20:16)

• Giannis Antetokounmpo:
  "I want to be in team that allows me and Kisman Chase to win a championship... That’s never going to change." (23:58–24:19)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Steelers’ Offensive Line & Gainwell Signing — 02:39–04:56
• 49ers Injury Discussion — 04:56–06:24
• A.J. Brown’s Use in Philly — 06:24–08:38; 32:20–36:38
• Cowboys Locker Room & Micah Parsons — 08:38–10:24
• Baker Mayfield vs. Sam Darnold — 10:24–12:26
• Caleb Williams’ Ceiling — 12:26–14:06
• Bills/Patriots/Rivalry & RBs — 19:36–21:46
• Raiders RB Genti Breakout — 21:47–23:33
• Giannis & NBA Trades — 23:33–26:40
• NFL Trade Strategy — 27:12–28:53
• MLB Postseason Rundown — 36:38–40:24

Overall Tone and Additional Observations

The episode is fast-paced, conversational, and unapologetically opinionated—typical of Colin Cowherd’s style. Banter between co-hosts and guests mixes technical football analysis, personal anecdotes, and assertive takes on sports management, making the content both informative and entertaining for listeners who want real insight with personality.

For those who missed this episode:
Expect deep dives into the nuances of NFL team-building, player psychology, and the business of sports, with pointed takes on both player and front-office motivations, all in the distinctly energetic, sometimes blunt language of Cowherd and company.