The Herd with Colin Cowherd: Hour 3 – Greg Olsen Joins The Herd

Date: September 23, 2025
Podcast: iHeartPodcasts & The Volume

Overview

In this lively and insightful episode, Colin Cowherd is joined by Fox Sports NFL Analyst and former Pro Bowl tight end, Greg Olsen. Together, they explore modern trends in NFL decision-making, coaching philosophies, quarterback development, and the emotional rollercoaster of football fandom. The discussion covers key teams like the Detroit Lions, Los Angeles Rams, Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears, and Baltimore Ravens, with a dash of college football commentary. The conversation is candid, analytical, and filled with memorable moments and quotes.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Detroit Lions’ Identity and Dan Campbell’s Aggression

[02:37–05:46]

• Main Idea: The Lions’ embedded aggressive fourth-down philosophy under Dan Campbell.
• Greg Olsen: Explains that Detroit’s aggression is a calculated franchise identity, not an in-the-moment gamble. The entire team expects fourth-down attempts—the decision is integrated into the play sheet and culture.
• Quote:

  “There is no doubt in the huddle amongst the 11 guys... there's not even a consideration. Number one, that's super powerful... it's baked into every decision they make. And in my opinion, it's the only way to play NFL football in today's day.” — Greg Olsen [05:31]

Field Goals vs. Going for It: A Shift in NFL Thinking

[05:46–08:32]

• Discussion: Debate over coaches (like Sean McVay) opting for field goals versus being aggressive.
• Greg Olsen: Critiques the classic “let’s punt because our defense is good” logic, suggesting teams should empower their offenses with extra downs, especially if their defense is strong.
• Quote:

  “If your defense is playing so well and your offense... might be struggling... tip the scales in their favor and... make it the side of the ball that you're telling everybody has been so dominant.” — Greg Olsen [07:06]

• Fun Take: Greg would almost never kick field goals under 35 yards unless required, believing it’s a “wasted opportunity.”

The Evolution of Quarterback Development and Coaching

[08:32–11:53]

• Focus: The role of great offensive minds in resurrecting QB careers (Darnold, Baker, Carson Wentz).
• Colin & Greg: Agree that today’s abundance of smart offensive coaches allows QBs new life on second and third chances.
• Greg Olsen: Praises Kevin O’Connell (Vikings coach) as the top “quarterback developer” in the league. Believes O’Connell’s mentorship is a key reason for the Vikings’ adaptability at the position.
• Quote:

  “I'm not sure there is a coach in the league, a head coach for sure, or an offensive coordinator who gets the most out of their quarterback within their system... It's the Sean McVeigh qualities... just really unique guys.” — Greg Olsen [10:27]

Chicago Bears, Media Pressure, and Caleb Williams’ Development

[11:53–15:09]

• Colin: Notes the difference in patience between cities with young QBs—a supportive Buffalo versus impatient Chicago.
• Greg Olsen: Shares his firsthand experience in Chicago, noting the environment is tough due to high expectations and media noise.
• Greg on Ben Johnson (Chicago’s coach): Projects steady improvement for Caleb Williams; stresses both the QB and coach are adjusting to their context.
• Quote:

  “I think Ben Johnson is as brilliant an offensive mind as there is in the game of football... I think we're going to steadily see an improved Caleb Williams over time.” — Greg Olsen [13:42]

Baltimore Ravens, Complimentary Football, and Defensive Problems

[18:54–23:31]

• Colin: Asks if a team can win a Super Bowl with a weak defense—the Ravens strike him as fragile despite their offensive firepower.
• Greg Olsen: Sees hope—Baltimore fixed similar issues last season and has the stability at head coach to course-correct. But concedes, “they've got to get the defense squared away.”
• Quote:

  “I would always rather have an offense that can score 30 any given day and fix the defense. I think it's harder in today's NFL... to say 'my defense can keep you at 17'... and then you're just holding your breath.” — Greg Olsen [22:37]

On Quarterback Toughness: Justin Herbert and Comparisons

[23:31–26:45]

• Colin: Marvels at Justin Herbert’s resilience despite taking big hits, referencing Jim Harbaugh's praise.
• Greg Olsen: Recounts his experiences with Cam Newton and Jay Cutler—QBs who thrived on the physical contact, drawing a parallel to Herbert.
• Quote:

  “Cam's game didn't start until he either got hit, like, sacked... or we just had to call a quarterback run and let him just run headfirst into the Mike linebacker... The game's officially started.” — Greg Olsen [25:02]

• Greg’s Point: QB toughness is innate; today’s QBs must withstand regular punishment.

College Football Fandom and Miami Hurricanes’ “Legit” Identity

[26:45–28:43]

• Topic: How deeply college football impacts emotional wellbeing compared to the NFL (for both Cowherd and Olsen).
• Greg Olsen: Shares his 25-year relationship with Miami’s Mario Cristobal, likening his temperament to Dan Campbell—physical, aggressive, but smart.
• Quote:

  “He’s got a little bit of that Dan Campbell where the physicality and the size and his toughness and the way he communicates is so aggressive. Yet, there is an element of sophistication...” — Greg Olsen [27:26]

• Fun Moment: Greg sweats Miami games and admits coaching middle school football now leaves him anxious for weeks after losses!

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Field Goals:

  “If I was a head coach... I would never kick a field goal less than 35 yards.” — Greg Olsen [08:24]

• On Coaching in Chicago:

  “It’s real. It’s not an easy place to play.” — Greg Olsen, on dealing with Bears’ media and expectations [13:15]

• On QB Resilience:

  “You can't coach that... that's ingrained in the DNA.” — Greg Olsen [25:55]

• On College Football Emotion:

  “College football losses send me on a tail spin for 36 hours.” — Colin Cowherd [28:28]

• On Miami Football & Mario Cristobal:

  “If he couldn’t do it, then nobody could do it.” — Greg Olsen [27:11]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:37] — Greg Olsen joins; Detroit Lions identity discussion begins
• [05:46] — Field goals versus going for it
• [08:32] — Vikings, QB development, Kevin O'Connell’s approach
• [11:53] — Chicago Bears, Caleb Williams, Ben Johnson
• [18:54] — Baltimore Ravens' defense and team identity
• [23:31] — QB toughness: Justin Herbert, Cam Newton anecdotes
• [26:45] — College football emotional impact, Miami Hurricanes, Mario Cristobal

Tone and Style

The conversation is candid, knowledgeable, and filled with the no-nonsense, sometimes playful tone both hosts are known for. Olsen brings firsthand experience as a player and broadcaster, while Cowherd’s provocative, big-picture framing anchors every discussion point. The episode offers sharp insights delivered in a style that blends football intelligence with accessible, everyday language.

Conclusion

This hour delivers a compelling mix of NFL philosophy, coaching insights, quarterback dynamics, and the undying emotions tied to college football. Greg Olsen’s firsthand perspective and rapport with Cowherd result in an informative and entertaining listen—perfect for both hardcore and casual football fans.