The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 3, September 10, 2025

Main Theme:
This episode features Colin Cowherd in conversation with former NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez, delivering in-depth analysis of the week’s most exciting NFL matchups, early quarterback performances, and rookie standouts. The episode highlights Sanchez’s expert perspective heading into his Seahawks-Steelers broadcast assignment, the unique quirks of early NFL weeks, and X’s and O’s breakdowns of rising QBs, capped by lively banter about key storylines and an energetic “news whiparound” for the week ahead.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Seahawks vs. Steelers Preview and the State of Both Teams

[03:05]

• Cowherd points out that Seahawks-Steelers is a fascinating matchup. Seattle’s loss was among the more impressive of the week; Pittsburgh survived thanks to a late field goal.
• Sanchez’s Take:
  • Impressed with Seattle’s offense, especially quarterback Aaron— “He looked like he picked up from last season and you know, didn’t take a break at all.”
  • Defensive Issues: “The Jets ran the heck out of the ball on them... I could expect Seattle to try and do some of that this week with their two-headed monster in the backfield and Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet.”
  • Intriguing Player Matchups: “Sauce Gardner vs. DK Metcalf. I thought Sauce got the better of them and I think DK will be pretty fired up this week.”
    (04:58)

2. Justin Fields’ Flawless Game Against the Steelers

[04:58]

• Cowherd: “Not only did Justin Fields play well, I thought he was the best I’ve ever seen him play.”
• Sanchez on “Magic Gloves” Theory:
  • Noticed Fields wore two gloves, possibly influenced by weather or better ball grip, comparing it to Peyton Manning post-surgery.
  • Draws a humorous “Forrest Gump” parallel: “Maybe the gloves are that. Maybe they’re perfect for Justin Fields. Maybe he just needs to wear two gloves all the time because I’ve never seen him spin it better. It was unbelievable.”
    (05:33 – 06:21)

3. Quarterback Streaks and Turning Points: The J.J. McCarthy Example

[06:21]

• Cowherd marvels at J.J. McCarthy turning from three rough quarters into a Joe Montana-like fourth.
• Sanchez on Quarterback Momentum:
  • “You get streaky like shooters, like hitters. Once you get in your groove, things start to slow down and the target looks awfully big…”
  • Praises McCarthy’s coach for managing the rookie experience well, “Putting him in situations to be successful, not getting too scared after the pick-six, knowing you can rely on your defense...”
    (07:13 – 08:16)

4. Caleb Williams: Riding the Ups and Downs

[08:16]

• Cowherd asks what Sanchez liked in Caleb Williams’ performance, despite public criticism.
• Sanchez’s Balanced Assessment:
  • “His highlights are like the highs are so high, the lows are so low... It was just the swing—from great to or throw... He just didn’t look as consistent as you want to see him.”
  • Calls for “managing your misses” and not letting the gap between great and terrible plays get so wide.
    (08:26 – 09:26)

5. Justin Herbert’s Rise and Sanchez’s New “Rearview” Show

[14:47]

• Discussion on the Chargers’ Friday win over the Chiefs in Brazil and Herbert’s stellar second half.
• Sanchez on Herbert:
  • Sharing insights from his new show, “NFL on FOX Presents Rearview.”
  • “He is a special talent. When he gets hot... his numbers early on in his career speak for themselves.”
  • Observes Herbert “starting to hit that crescendo in his career where a lot of these big games, he might be on the other side of things.”
    (14:47 – 16:36)

6. Adjustments in the Preseason Era: Slower Starts, Accelerated Learning

[16:36]

• Cowherd notes starting QBs get less preseason action; Week 1 feels almost experimental.
• Sanchez explains Week 1 struggles:
  • Defenses are ahead due to unscouted looks; teams need time for conditioning and full-speed tackling.
  • “That week one jump in speed and full speed tackling to the ground—guys forget. The bulk just goes everywhere.” (17:26 – 18:51)

7. In-Depth QB Breakdowns: Cam Ward vs. Bo Nix

Cam Ward, Denver Game

[24:14]

• Cowherd impressed by Ward managing Denver’s elite pass rush, making high-level reads and throws despite so-so stats.
• Sanchez:
  • “He also had four drops. He threw some balls into tight windows... He also made some rookie mistakes, took some sacks, knocked himself out of field goal range.”
  • “The biggest thing: the stage wasn’t too big for him. That’s an overwhelming defense... he’s got something special to him.”
    (24:14 – 25:01)

Bo Nix, Operational Hiccups

[25:01]

• Cowherd: “They got to the line too late, too often… like a week three game plan.”

• Sanchez’s Analysis:

  • “It was a little hectic. The operation, the substitutions, it wasn’t mid-season form and that’s because it was week one.”
  • Felt Bo Nix didn’t use his legs enough, looked "reactive."
    (25:34 – 26:32)

• Film Breakdown Segment:

  • Sanchez uses play-by-play “tape review” to illustrate Nix’s missed reads on one interception, and a perfectly executed touchdown throw:
    • On the pick: “I think he got caught looking over the ball instead of letting this thing develop... He doesn’t see the safety Xavier Woods... that’s where the ball’s got to go.”
    • Touchdown: “Love the mechanics. Quick little pump fake... This is a beautiful throw... One of those footballs that, you know, flies through a car wash, doesn’t get wet.” (26:36 – 30:51)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Mark Sanchez on Justin Fields:
  “Maybe the gloves are that. Maybe they’re perfect for Justin Fields. Maybe he just needs to wear two gloves all the time because I’ve never seen him spin it better.” (05:33)
• Sanchez on QB momentum:
  “You get streaky like shooters, like hitters. Once you get in your groove, things start to slow down and the target looks awfully big.” (07:13)
• On Herbert’s growth:
  “You saw him slide and hold the pose for a second, like, okay, you kind of see him coming out of his shell a little bit, and... when he gets his groove, look out, man, that guy’s scary.” (14:47)
• Breaking down Bo Nix’s touchdown:
  “That’s money. And that’s what you want to see from Bo Nix. He showed it in flashes... But trust me, I love their defense and I love that they’re learning these lessons with a win in the win column.” (26:36 – 30:51)

News Whiparound: League, College, and Storylines

Mahomes & Eagles Defensive Strategy

[32:35]

• Discussion of Eagles DC Vic Fangio prepping for Mahomes’ sideline tactics; Mark and Colin debate defensive player frustrations about star QBs and hit rules.

Rookie and College Prospect Standouts

• Philadelphia’s Jihad Campbell and strategic linebacker plays are highlighted for “layering the boom.”
• Quick discussion of Raiders’ Ashton Gentry, Brock Bowers’ health outlook, and the SEC draft pipeline.

Week 2 NFL Schedule: Upset Predictions

[41:16]

• The duo analyzes lines and potential upsets, e.g., “Giants could be live for an upset” over Dallas, and San Francisco’s health woes making them vulnerable at New Orleans.
• Colin’s upset pick: “Tennessee at home... low scoring... Tennessee in overtime beats the Rams.”
  (42:38 – 43:26)

Final Thoughts

• Big Ten conference matchups and college football’s “pressure cooker” positions (Texas QB, Alabama/Notre Dame coaches).
• The scrutiny surrounding Arch Manning’s play at Texas and media/fan pressure.

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Seahawks-Steelers Analysis: 03:05 – 04:58
• Justin Fields’ “Magic Gloves”: 05:22 – 06:21
• J.J. McCarthy’s Hot Streak: 06:21 – 08:16
• Caleb Williams Overview: 08:16 – 09:26
• Justin Herbert & Rearview: 14:47 – 16:36
• Preseason Era Adjustments: 16:36 – 18:51
• Cam Ward vs. Bo Nix Film Analysis: 24:14 – 30:51
• Mahomes/Eagles Sideline Tactics: 32:35 – 34:47
• NFL Week 2 Upset Picks: 41:16 – 43:26

Tone and Style

The episode combines expert football analysis with Colin’s trademark wry humor and Sanchez’s player-first insights. Their chemistry leads to lively banter, real X’s and O’s breakdowns, and memorable analogies—making it both insightful for hardcore fans and approachable for newcomers.