The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Episode Summary – Hour 3: Dak’s MVP Caliber Season, QB Reboots, Drake Maye’s Rise & Mike Sando (October 17, 2025)

Brief Overview

In this episode of The Herd, Colin Cowherd and Jason McIntyre are joined by Mike Sando, senior NFL writer for The Athletic, for a wide-ranging discussion on the state of quarterback play in the NFL. Topics include Dak Prescott’s MVP-level performance, the resurgence of Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold, the promise of young QBs like Drake Maye, and the changing landscape for veteran and newcomer quarterbacks alike. The hosts also dive into the upcoming NFL matchups, Detroit’s outlook post-loss, and the potential of the Dodgers as a baseball dynasty.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Golden Era of Quarterback Play

• Veteran QBs Thriving:
  • Colin and Mike Sando discuss the unexpected productivity of older quarterbacks like Matthew Stafford, Joe Flacco, and Aaron Rodgers.
  • Rule Changes as a Factor:
    • Sando attributes part of this longevity to modern protection rules and better player care:

      “They know how to take care of their body and the rules are all set up. You never see them get ear holed, you know. So it’s really a great setup for these guys to play when they’re older.”
      — Mike Sando [04:04]

  • Younger quarterbacks are benefiting from systems that make passing easier, contributing to an uptick in high passer ratings across the league.

2. Dak Prescott’s True Value (MVP Talk)

• Intangibles Meeting Performance:
  • Jason reflects on possibly undervaluing Dak, noting his consistency despite roster changes and injuries.
  • Sando notes,

    “Last time he played a full season he was second in MVP balloting. That was 2023.”
    — Mike Sando [06:06]

  • However, Sando addresses the “Cowboy fatigue” and skepticism due to playoff letdowns.

3. Young Quarterbacks in Focus

• Challenges of Adapting:
  • Discussion around Caleb Williams and Bo Nix navigating complex new systems with inexperienced supporting staff. Jason notes,

    “Bo Nix may never throw a deep ball and Caleb may never be really consistently accurate.” [06:37]

  • Sando sees maturity in Caleb’s play, crediting Ben Johnson’s tough, “old school” approach as possibly being good for his development:

    “He probably hasn’t had somebody. He’s always been the star. It’s always come pretty easy for him. And so now he’s got this coach who’s tough and going to hold him to it…”
    — Mike Sando [07:32]

• Progression and Remaining Questions:
  • Caleb’s time-to-throw remains high, but there are positive signs he’s adapting.

4. Bo Nix, Drake Maye, Jackson Dart: Young QB Check-In

• Bo Nix:
  • Disappointing deep throw production; solid but not spectacular.

    “He was a little all over the place, a little undisciplined...I think he’s a solid starting quarterback, but I wouldn’t really move him ahead of high tier 3 at this point. Would you?”
    — Mike Sando [09:04]

• Drake Maye:
  • Exceeding expectations thanks to his poise despite a roster full of free agents and a new staff.

    “I think he has shown, especially the last couple weeks, some really, you know, higher level stuff, some of the off schedule stuff’s been kind of special.”
    — Mike Sando [10:11]

• Jackson Dart:
  • Fun to watch but may not be sustainable due to high contact:

    “This guy, you know, goes out there and just gets hit in the chin...that’s a lot of contact without rolling with the punches.”
    — Mike Sando [11:10]

5. QB Reclamation Stories: Baker Mayfield & Sam Darnold

• Sando admits surprise at the level Baker and Darnold have reached, particularly Darnold:

  “Darnold for sure seemed to be, you know, done. I thought before he went to the 49ers… But what he’s doing in Seattle, I think is another level ahead of what he did in Minnesota.”
  — Mike Sando [12:18]

• Baker’s infectious personality inspires teammates:

  “I want to play for him. You know, I’d run out there and take a huge hit over the middle right now for that guy. Just the energy he brings. I love it.”
  — Mike Sando [13:53]

6. NFL QB Market & Draft Prospects

• Only a handful of teams—Jets, Raiders, Browns—truly need a quarterback, meaning some young QBs could sit and develop.
• Anecdotal noting of how a few good games can swing a young QB’s narrative.

7. Game Previews & Betting Angles

• Denver vs. Giants:
  High on Denver’s defense, skeptical of Jackson Dart against top opposition:

  “I would take odds on Russell Wilson passing yards. That’s how firmly I believe Dart will not finish this game.”
  — Colin Cowherd [20:55]

• Detroit vs. Tampa:
  Detroit’s home field and bounce-back potential emphasized; hosts express faith in Lions following an ugly loss.
• Various other matchups discussed with an emphasis on defensive edge and quarterback play.

8. Dodgers Dynasty?

• Lively debate about what constitutes a baseball dynasty.

  “I think if you win back to back World Series title, that kind of feels like you’re a superpower.”
  — Jason McIntyre [23:42]

• Contrast drawn between the likability of these Dodgers vs. historical dynasties like the Yankees, Warriors, and Patriots.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the NFL’s Old vs. Young QB Dynamic:

  “It does feel like the golden era of quarterback play. Is there a reason why?”
  — Colin Cowherd [03:32]

• On Dak Prescott’s Narrative:

  “We have a Cowboy fatigue, a Dak fatigue. But you have to realize…the last time he played a full season he was second in MVP balloting.”
  — Mike Sando [06:06]

• On Ben Johnson’s Coaching Style with Caleb Williams:

  “He came out with guns blazing… he complained about Burden being [in] the training room… This guy’s kind of old school in terms of how he treats guys… that can ultimately be good for Caleb Williams.”
  — Mike Sando [07:32]

• On Baker Mayfield:

  “Is there any quarterback in the league whose guys are going to lay on the line more for him based on how he plays? I mean, I want to play for him.”
  — Mike Sando [13:53]

• On Defensive Impact at Home:

  “Defense is mostly know your assignment and play with incredible intensity. And that’s easier at home. The home crowd is all riled up.”
  — Jason McIntyre [41:14]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [04:04] Sando on why older QBs are thriving in today’s NFL
• [06:06] Sando on Dak Prescott’s real value and MVP candidacy
• [07:32] Sando on Caleb Williams’s adjustment under Ben Johnson
• [09:04] Sando’s evaluation of Bo Nix’s ceiling
• [10:11] Sando on Drake Maye’s impressive development
• [11:10] Sando on Jackson Dart’s high-contact, high-risk style
• [12:18] Sando on Baker Mayfield & Sam Darnold’s unexpected resurgence
• [13:53] Sando on Baker’s leadership and team galvanization
• [20:55] Jason & Colin on Denver’s defensive dominance at home
• [23:42] Discussion on what makes a baseball dynasty

Additional Notes & Tone

• The episode maintains Colin’s trademark blend of opinionated analysis with a conversational, often irreverent, tone.
• Jason McIntyre brings betting perspectives and matchups breakdowns, sometimes with playful banter.
• Guest Mike Sando provides measured, data-informed assessments and direct insights from NFL circles.
• The show is fast-paced, topic-driven, and heavy on quarterback analysis—reflecting current NFL storylines.

A must-listen for QB aficionados, NFL draft followers, and fans seeking layered context on both seasoned and rising signal-callers.