Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Episode: THE HERD – Hour 3 – Eric Mangini Stops By, Tomorrow’s Headlines Today
Date: December 12, 2025
Guests: Eric Mangini (former NFL Head Coach, Fox Sports Analyst)
Host: Colin Cowherd

Episode Overview

This hour of The Herd features Colin Cowherd and guest analyst Eric Mangini discussing the hottest topics in the NFL, from quarterback development and coaching turnover to playoff races and team trajectories. They dive into the Cleveland QB situation, Buffalo’s coaching outlook, Kansas City's dynasty fatigue, quarterback evaluation, and preview key upcoming games with headline predictions in the “Tomorrow’s Headlines Today” segment.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Cleveland’s Quarterback Situation: Chador Sanders Emerges

[04:02–06:02]

• Colin praises Chador Sanders, noting his strong play despite a weak receiving corps and poor O-line, and questions Mangini about community buzz.
• Mangini acknowledges initial Cleveland fan frustration due to draft expectations and early benching but sees improvement as Sanders capitalizes on opportunity.
• On recent performance: “He’s definitely getting graded on a curve… He made some good plays and some that make you think, ‘this could be a problem’... but the plays outside the pocket are exciting.”
  – Fox Sports Analyst, 05:20
• Cleveland fans are desperate for hope at QB, so even in a loss, Sanders’ flashes bring excitement.

2. AFC Playoff Stakes and Buffalo’s Pressure

[06:02–08:09]

• Colin and Mangini frame the Bills-Patriots game as high-stakes, especially if Buffalo loses to New England and with other AFC stars (Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, Burrow) possibly missing the playoffs.
• Mangini expects Buffalo to win, reminding listeners of a previous lapse in focus: “I don’t think they looked at New England seriously before… They’re going to be ready this time.”
  – Fox Sports Analyst, 07:22
• Discusses the extra heat on Coach Sean McDermott’s job if things go poorly.

3. Dynasty Maintenance: Lessons from New England and Kansas City

[08:09–10:24]

• Colin notes Kansas City appears vulnerable—with aging stars and O-line troubles—despite still employing Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes.
• Mangini credits the difficulty of sustaining success due to shorter offseasons and lower draft picks after repeated Super Bowl runs:
  “Three straight Super Bowl runs… Those offseasons wear you down… But as long as you have Mahomes, every year you got a chance.”
  – Fox Sports Analyst, 09:25
• Predicts a reset for KC next year after a challenging season for Mahomes.

4. Evaluating Caleb Williams: Talent vs. Efficiency

[10:24–12:22]

• Colin raises concerns over Caleb Williams’ low completion rate despite clear arm talent.
• Mangini is honest: “Look, I don’t love 58%... But what I really like, he’s cut down dramatically on his sacks and turnovers. He’s correcting big issues.”
  – Fox Sports Analyst, 11:06
• Expects completion rate to rise with more experience; lauds rapid improvement in decision-making and risk management.

5. The “Positivity Bunny” in Philadelphia: Locker Room Culture

[12:22–13:34]

• Colin and Mangini critique a “positivity bunny” display in the Eagles’ locker room as cringeworthy amidst a losing streak.
• Mangini supposes it was an ill-advised, lighthearted gesture that became a “national story because they’re losing,” glad that it’s gone.

6. Quarterback Longevity: Pocket Passers vs. Runners

[17:26–19:56]

• Discussion on why QBs like Philip Rivers and Tom Brady aged better than athletic, run-prone QBs (e.g., Cam Newton, Lamar Jackson).
• Colin proposes Rivers could still “stabilize an offense,” but Mangini is skeptical:
  • “Joe Flacco played last year. Rivers is 44, hasn’t played in five years… Coming off the couch with no practice against a salty defense? I don’t love it, Colin.”
    – Fox Sports Analyst, 20:11

7. Jordan Love’s Progress & Deep Dive Film Breakdown

[21:25–25:53]

• Colin highlights Jordan Love’s improved play, noting “all this stuff isn’t linear,” referencing early struggles followed by a current hot stretch.
• Mangini provides a detailed breakdown of a touchdown vs. Chicago, spotlighting how Green Bay's offensive scheme and Love’s reads punish blitzes:
  • “When he’s good, Colin, he’s really, really good… That inconsistency, I don’t love, but he’s on a bit of a heater now.”
    – Fox Sports Analyst, 22:08
• Emphasizes the importance of burning defenses when they blitz: “I’ll deal with some interceptions… but you need to make defenses pay if they come after you.”

8. AFC Coaching Carousel & Playoff Outlook

[26:33–29:09]

• Discussion pivots to the ripple effects if Buffalo’s season disappoints—would ownership part with McDermott and the GM?
• Mangini: “I move off McDermott. I have long discussions with the GM.”
• They assess the lack of great offensive coach candidates but stress Josh Allen’s allure to top coaches.
• Brief “what ifs” for Stefanski and other potential hires.

9. Chiefs’ Slippage and Mahomes’ Supporting Cast

[29:09–30:32]

• Chiefs have an NFL-worst six losses when favored this season.
• Colin contends the market “is overvaluing” KC due to their Mahomes/Reid reputation, but “your eyes don’t lie… Houston had better players last week.”
• Mangini notes, “When Tom Brady was in New England, he never missed the playoffs… Chiefs fans, pay attention.”

10. Dolphins’ Cold Weather Test and Tua’s Record

[30:32–31:35]

• Focus on Miami vs. Pittsburgh: Tua faces another cold-weather challenge (2–7 in such games), but Mangini points out Pittsburgh is the sharp bet with T.J. Watt’s situation.

Tomorrow's Headlines Today: Game Picks & Predictions

[37:28–45:54] Colin and his guest run through the weekend’s most intriguing NFL matchups, offering headline-style predictions:

• Ravens vs. Bengals (“Lamar and order: Defense rests, offense restores AFC”) – Colin expects a bounce-back game from Baltimore and Lamar Jackson.
• Rams vs. Lions (“Ex Lax: Lions soil selves facing former quarterback”) – Favors McVay and the Rams, citing Detroit's defensive injuries and the Rams' December proficiency.
• Panthers vs. Saints (“Enter the Bryce Age: Panthers to unruly for Saints”) – Both like the Panthers’ defense and improved QB play over an overhyped New Orleans squad.
• Packers vs. Broncos (“Mile High? More like Mile Psy: Parsons pops Bose balloon”) – Trust in LaFleur’s December track record and Green Bay’s ability to punish blitzes.
• Colts (with possible Philip Rivers return) vs. Seahawks (“In a Van Down by the Rivers: Old man doesn’t inspire Colts”) – Both see Rivers as a desperation move likely to flop against Seattle's athletic defense; Darnold as a big favorite.

Memorable exchange:

• “Sam Darnold as a favorite of 6 or more? 11 and 0 straight up.”
  – Colin Cowherd, 43:24
• “He’s like Tiger Woods with a helmet!”
  – Eric Mangini, 43:27

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “As long as you have Patrick Mahomes, every year you got a chance.”
  – Fox Sports Analyst, 09:25
• “I move off McDermott. I have long discussions with the GM.”
  – Eric Mangini, 28:12
• “He’s coming off the couch after five years at 44 years old… I don’t love it, Colin. Could be rough.”
  – Fox Sports Analyst, 20:11
• “Your eyes don’t lie… Houston had better players last week. Longer, more athletic, getting to the quarterback more consistently.”
  – Colin Cowherd, 30:10

Important Segment Timestamps

• [04:02] Start of Eric Mangini interview
• [04:55] Chador Sanders/Cleveland Browns analysis
• [06:02] AFC playoff & Buffalo discussion
• [08:09] Kansas City’s dynasty fatigue & New England’s lessons
• [10:24] Caleb Williams as an NFL prospect
• [12:22] Philadelphia’s “Positivity Bunny” story
• [17:26] QB aging trajectories: Rivers/Brady vs Lamar/Cam
• [21:25] Jordan Love’s development and detailed breakdown
• [26:33] AFC coaching outlook, Bills futures
• [29:09] Chiefs’ decline and market overvaluation
• [30:32] Dolphins’ weather woes & Steelers game
• [37:28] Tomorrow’s Headlines Today – Game predictions

Tone and Style

The tone alternates between analytical and conversational, with Mangini providing coach-level X’s and O’s depth and Colin blending stats, trends, and witty headline banter. Jokes and “dad humor” abound, especially during predictions. Critical, but always with optimism for emerging talent and teams looking to rebuild.

Summary prepared for listeners seeking the main football insights, key game predictions, and the best unscripted moments from a packed episode of The Herd.