The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 3 (September 5, 2025)

Main Theme:
This hour dives deep into the NFL’s opening weekend, focusing on the upcoming Chiefs-Chargers game, season outlooks for marquee teams and players (Jets, Cowboys, Eagles, Packers), coaching storylines (Jim Harbaugh, Bill Belichick), and heated debates on roster and coaching moves. Guest analyst Eric Mangini unpacks strategies and recent drama, while Colin Cowherd and Jason McIntyre run through bold game predictions with their signature mix of analysis and banter.

1. Aaron Rodgers’ Jets Season Opener vs. the Steelers

(03:00–05:15)

• Discussion:
  • Colin introduces Eric Mangini to break down Aaron Rodgers facing his former team in the opener.
  • Mangini emphasizes Rodgers’ advantage: experience at MetLife Stadium and deep familiarity with Jets’ defensive personnel.
    • “[Rodgers] has a better understanding of Jets’ defensive personnel than anybody on the Steelers … He should be very comfortable there.” (Eric Mangini, 04:26)
  • Points out the Jets' organizational stability compared to the Steelers' recent transitions, suggesting this should be a favorable situation for Rodgers.

2. Cowboys’ Strong Opening Performance & Coaching Impact

(05:15–08:06)

• Discussion:
  • Jason asks Mangini if “good losses” exist, referencing Dallas’ narrow defeat.
  • Mangini praises Brian Schottenheimer (Cowboys OC) for composure and poise amid adversity—including playing the Super Bowl champs, a weather delay, and post-trade roster woes.
  • Commends team discipline, citing effective clock management and defensive achievement against Saquon Barkley (held to 3.3 yards per carry, second lowest in a year).
    • “You gotta give Dak a ton of credit. He looked like a legitimate franchise quarterback leader…you have to wake up in Dallas so much more excited about the season than you did prior to the game.” (Eric Mangini, 07:26)
  • Highlights costly game-changing mistakes: CD Lamb drops, Miles Sanders’ fumble, George Pickens’ penalty.

3. Possible Rift: Jalen Hurts & AJ Brown

(08:06–10:02)

• Discussion:
  • Jason raises concerns over AJ Brown’s minimal involvement (one target) and questions the necessity of star receivers for run-heavy teams.
  • Mangini points to Brown’s history of vocal dissatisfaction about targets but credits Eagles and QB Jalen Hurts for staying disciplined.
    • “I can tell you it is so much better to win boring than to lose an exciting game.” (Eric Mangini, 09:09)
    • Emphasizes Philadelphia’s commitment to team identity over individual appeasement, though wonders if Brown’s patience might wear thin.

4. Chiefs-Chargers in Brazil & Jim Harbaugh’s Opener Mastery

(14:05–16:30)

• Discussion:
  • Jason queries Mangini on the impact of playing the opener in Brazil and Harbaugh’s chances to upset Kansas City.
  • Mangini highlights Harbaugh’s stellar opening-day record—the second best in NFL history—and his penchant for turning “distractions” into motivators.
    • “I expect this could easily be an upset … I’m excited to see the way they run the football because I really like the young back in Marion Hampton.” (Eric Mangini, 15:18)
  • Predicts the Chargers could surprise with their ground attack.

5. Bill Belichick Bans Patriots Scouts from UNC Practice

(16:30–17:42)

• Discussion:
  • Jason references reports that Belichick blocked Patriots scouts from UNC practices (post-firing).
  • Mangini calls it “petty” and counterproductive for a supposed NFL-style college program.
    • “We all sign up for [getting fired] when you take the job…To focus on [banning scouts] instead of bigger problems, I don’t think people are going to suffer that type of pettiness very well, especially if you’re losing.” (Eric Mangini, 16:40)

6. Herdline News and Notable Quarterback Debates

(18:06–24:17)

• Brock Purdy’s Standing:

  • Colin and Jason riff on Brock Purdy, now paid and compared to other “B+” QBs; John Lynch (SF GM) says media doubt motivates Purdy (18:29).

• Jackson Dart with the New York Giants:

  • Giants view rookie QB Jackson Dart as ready to step in after an impressive preseason (20:04).
  • Jason: “He looks very comfortable…That’s worth something—even against vanilla defenses.”

• Anthony Richardson’s Trade Value:

  • Rumors that Richardson’s agent is seeking a trade out of Indy; hosts debate his worth (mid-to-late round picks), his athletic profile, and possible landing spots like Dallas or Pittsburgh (21:24–24:13).
    • Colin: “You don’t think it’s still TBD on Anthony? We haven’t seen enough. How can we know that he’s a backup? He’s so young.” (22:37)

7. J-Mac’s Tomorrow’s Headlines Today: NFL Predictions

(29:50–40:01)

• Falcons vs. Bucs:

  • Jason bullish on Atlanta, citing improved pass rush, Tampa’s O-line injuries, and overvaluation (30:59).
    • “Atlanta, getting points at home, how could you pass that up?” (Colin, 31:12)

• Jets vs. Steelers:

  • Low-scoring, ugly affair predicted; Jason dislikes the new Steelers offensive personnel and bets against “old man Aaron.” (Jets eking out a win, 32:05)
    • “How does this game…who scores points in this? … I would go over-under one and a half touchdowns.” (Colin, 32:37)

• Cardinals vs. Saints:

  • Picks Arizona to surprise; Saints ravaged by O-line injuries, Rattler seen as the league’s weakest starter (33:36).
    • “Would not be shocked if Arizona stunned folks with a 40 burger here.” (Colin, 33:11)

• 49ers vs. Seahawks:

  • Despite concerns about 49ers aging stars’ injuries, Colin goes with SF due to Brock Purdy’s dominance and Shanahan’s edge over Seattle’s new-look roster (35:17).

• Packers vs. Lions:

  • Both hosts are bullish on Green Bay’s revamped offense and coaching. Packers viewed as NFC contenders, especially after a more aggressive draft/trade philosophy (36:45–38:43).
    • “Are the Packers in the Super Bowl? I’d say, yeah. I think they’ve got a legit shot in the NFC.” (Colin, 38:43)

8. Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On Winning Boring vs. Losing Flashy:
  • “It is so much better to win boring than to lose an exciting game.”
    —Eric Mangini (09:09)
• On Belichick’s UNC Move:
  • “To have this level of pettiness … I don’t think people are going to suffer that type of pettiness very well, especially if you’re losing.”
    —Eric Mangini (16:40)
• QB Value Hot Takes:
  • “He’s a backup. If I had two fifths [round picks], I’d give up one, otherwise I’d give up a six.”
    —Jason, on Anthony Richardson (22:12)
• On Packers’ Super Bowl Potential:
  • “Are the Packers in the Super Bowl? … I’d say, yeah.”
    —Colin (38:43)

9. Tone & Style Highlights

• Colin brings assertive, occasionally sardonic energy with big-picture context.
• Jason plays the analytics-minded contrarian and serves up “Tomorrow’s Headlines Today” with humor and historical nuggets.
• Eric Mangini is measured, coaching-focused, and occasionally wry, always emphasizing process and locker-room psychology.

10. Timestamps for Key Segments

• Aaron Rodgers Opener: 03:00–05:15
• Cowboys Loss Takeaways: 05:15–08:06
• Hurts-Brown Rift/Eagles Offense: 08:06–10:02
• Harbaugh/Chargers Preview: 14:05–16:30
• Belichick Scouting Ban: 16:30–17:42
• QB News and Debates: 18:06–24:17
• NFL Game Predictions: 29:50–40:01

For listeners who missed the episode:
This hour was a rapid-fire, insight-rich conversation about week one’s NFL intrigue—mixing strategic analysis, front office gossip, and a flurry of zingers and bold game predictions. Whether you’re debating the wisdom of a star receiver trade, pondering the impact of coaching mindsets, or looking for sharp betting angles, this episode delivers.