The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Episode: THE HERD - Hour 3 - Mark Sanchez Analyzes Aaron Rodgers and Dak Prescott
Date: September 17, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of The Herd dives into NFL quarterback storylines and coaching impacts, highlighted by Mark Sanchez's in-depth film analysis. The conversation covers the influence of head coaches and coordinators on quarterbacks, surprising team starts (like Arizona), and the evolution of players such as Aaron Rodgers, Justin Herbert, and Dak Prescott. Colin Cowherd, Rob Parker, and J. Mac blend analysis, storytelling, and candid conversation, particularly around coaching philosophies, QB development, and current events in the league.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Impact of Coaching on Quarterbacks

• Kyle Shanahan's System ("Quarterback for Dummies")

  • Mark Sanchez praises Shanahan's ability to make any QB look competent in his offense, comparing great coordinators to GPS systems for quarterbacks.
  • Quote: "If you're a coordinator worth your salt, you're like a GPS for quarterbacks. It doesn't matter who's driving. I'm going to give you a roadmap and I'm going to provide you with turn by turn directions." – Mark Sanchez (04:46)
  • Discussion on how Shanahan elevates QBs even with injuries along the O-line, a testament to scheme over pure personnel.

• Adaptability of Coordinators – Brian Schottenheimer and Dak Prescott

  • Sanchez details how Schottenheimer molds systems for his quarterbacks, reflecting on his own experience and the current Cowboys' success.
  • Quote: "He basically asked me, all right, what do you want to do? Because... if the quarterback can't talk about it, we're all getting fired anyway." – Mark Sanchez (09:35)
  • Schottenheimer adapts communication and concepts to the QB, building buy-in and facilitating performance.

• The Importance of Buy-In and Locker Room Culture

  • Dak’s leadership and the Cowboys’ unified locker room cited as key reasons for their improved offensive output.
  • Discussing postgame celebrations highlights team culture.
  • Quote: "On this team, we celebrate really cool stuff... He calls out each guy's accomplishments from the game. So and so scored a touchdown. Yes. And the team is, like, fired up. Those kind of moments. That's why you do it." – Mark Sanchez (10:45)

2. Team Start Analysis: Arizona Cardinals & Early Season Records

• Are the Cardinals for Real?
  • Discussion on Arizona's 2-0 start. Cowherd and Sanchez both express skepticism but acknowledge tangible improvements.
  • Quote: "Stealing these wins early on does set you up for success later on in the year." – Colin Cowherd (07:01)
  • Focus on their new culture, Kyler Murray’s offensive efficiency, but concerns about defensive depth due to injuries.

3. Quarterback Deep Dives – Weekly Tape Study

• Aaron Rodgers with the Steelers

  • Sanchez breaks down film on Rodgers, highlighting his elite processing and adaptation in real time.
  • Notes key play where Calvin Austin disrupts a touchdown:
    Quote: "Calvin Austin, I said it on air. Brings ants to the picnic. You can't go interfere with that lane. Your position is the front pylon. If he doesn't mess with that football, that's a touchdown." – Mark Sanchez (14:00)
  • Emphasizes how small mistakes adjust the narrative around teams and veteran QBs.

• Sam Darnold and West Coast/Under Center Mechanics

  • Clip analysis praises Darnold and Seattle’s retro-style offense under Clint Kubiak.
    Quote: "That's like the old combine drills... You just don't see players do that anymore. And I love that Clint Kubiak's still employing those things." – Mark Sanchez (16:35)

• Justin Herbert’s Evolution Under Jim Harbaugh

  • Cowherd and Sanchez agree that Herbert looks “cleaner” and more efficient, turning the corner on turnovers and situational awareness.
  • Key point: maturity means not just running the play, but knowing why a play is called.
  • Quote: "If you can answer that clearly and succinctly, as soon as the play call comes in, you have an excellent chance to be successful on that play." – Mark Sanchez (18:37)
  • Suggests timing, health, and knowledge are aligning for Herbert under Harbaugh’s leadership.

4. Coaching Pedigree and Evolution (Harbaugh Focus)

• Jim Harbaugh’s Unique Impact

  • Cowherd discusses Harbaugh’s intensity, adaptability, and instant success across programs. Notes Harbaugh has become more human and people-centric over time.
  • Quote: "It just, he kind of lightened up. A lot of people, you know, they get older, they have some success. You know, you sense your mortality, you're on the back nine of life and you start enjoying it." – Colin Cowherd (41:24)
  • Points out the rarity of inheriting a franchise QB (Herbert) and how that guarantees immediate coaching impact, comparing it to the Matt LaFleur/Aaron Rodgers situation.

• Notable Harbaugh Moment

  • "He's the opposite of a house plant. I mean, he is, he is field corn, you know, and just like field corn doesn't need to be talked to like Moses." – Colin Cowherd (39:09)

5. NFL News Roundup ("Herdline News" with J. Mac)

• Jalen Hurts and Rams-Philadelphia Matchup

  • Analysis of Hurts’ performance so far, expectations for game vs. Rams, and Rams' defensive issues.
  • Recognition of the importance of undrafted (hungry) players performing above expectations.

• Jaden Daniels' Injury Situation

  • Discussion on Washington's injury management and the philosophy of playing through pain, balanced with long-term outlook.

• Sam Darnold’s Progress

  • Brock Heward breakdown (quoted by Cowherd) about Darnold’s strengths, Seattle’s personnel, and value in cost-controlled QBs for roster building.

• Seattle Home Field Advantage

  • Contrasting history vs. current reality: diminished mystique but advantageous spot for Seahawks vs. an East Coast dome team.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “If you're a coordinator worth your salt, you're like a GPS for quarterbacks... I'm going to provide you with turn by turn directions.”
  — Mark Sanchez, 04:46

• “He basically asked me, all right, what do you want to do? ...if the quarterback can't talk about it, we're all getting fired anyway.”
  — Mark Sanchez, 09:35

• “Calvin Austin... brings ants to the picnic. You can't go interfere with that lane. Your position is the front pylon. If he doesn't mess with that football, that's a touchdown.”
  — Mark Sanchez, 14:00

• “That's like the old combine drills. That's, you know, old school. Elway, like, you just don't see players do that anymore. And I love that Clint Kubiak's still employing those things.”
  — Mark Sanchez, 16:35

• “If you can answer that clearly and succinctly, as soon as the play call comes in, you have an excellent chance to be successful on that play.”
  — Mark Sanchez, 18:37

• “He's the opposite of a house plant... he is field corn.”
  — Colin Cowherd, 39:09 (on Jim Harbaugh)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Shanahan's System & QB Success: 04:46 – 06:33
• Arizona Cardinals Analysis: 07:01 – 08:44
• Schottenheimer & Dak/Cowboys: 09:35 – 11:53
• Aaron Rodgers Film Breakdown: 12:49 – 16:35
• Sam Darnold Breakdown: 16:35 – 17:24
• Justin Herbert & Harbaugh: 18:37 – 20:30
• Herdline News (Jalen Hurts, Daniels, Darnold): 26:25 – 33:32
• Jim Harbaugh's Personality & Coaching Evolution: 38:52 – 41:24

Tone & Style

The tone remains sharp, sometimes playful, and deeply knowledgeable, focusing on insider football insights while maintaining accessibility for listeners. The episode makes heavy use of analogy and storytelling, particularly by Sanchez and Cowherd, to examine football concepts.

Summary for Non-Listeners

If you missed this episode, you’ll walk away with sharpened insights into how head coaches like Harbaugh and Shanahan raise the ceiling for their quarterbacks, why Dak and Dallas are clicking offensively, and how early season starts or big moments rely on more than just star talent. Mark Sanchez’s breakdowns deliver a masterclass in how subtle on-field decisions and scheme mastery separate good teams from elite ones. The show weaves analysis, theory, personality, and some classic Cowherd one-liners into a rich exploration of today’s NFL.