Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 3

Episode Title: THE HERD - Hour 3 - Matt Stafford's Injury Could Be a Problem, Arch Manning Might Leave Texas After This Season, Mike Sando
Release Date: August 12, 2025
Host: Colin Cowherd
Guest: Mike Sando, Senior NFL Writer at The Athletic

Introduction

In this engaging episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, host Colin Cowherd delves into some of the most pressing topics in the NFL today. With insightful commentary and expert analysis from guest Mike Sando, the discussion spans quarterback performances, injury concerns, and potential impacts on team dynamics. The episode primarily focuses on Matt Stafford's injury, Arch Manning's future prospects, and an in-depth look at various quarterbacks' standings in the league.

Matt Stafford's Injury and Its Implications for the LA Rams

Timestamp: [35:10] – [42:54]

Colin Cowherd kicks off a crucial segment discussing the LA Rams' recent developments, particularly focusing on quarterback Matt Stafford's back injury. The injury raises concerns about Stafford's availability and effectiveness in the upcoming season.

• Colin Cowherd: "The Rams are going to draft a quarterback next year in the first round even if Matt Stafford is good. So it's a fascinating year for the Rams because they love Stafford but he has a back disc issue and their left tackle has a blood clot issue I believe."

• Matt Hasselbeck (Guest Expert): "The closest thing I could equate it to is like you burn your mouth on a hot piece of pizza or something, and it just doesn't get better quick. And that's kind of what the back injury typically is."

Stafford's injury not only affects his performance but also influences the Rams' strategic decisions regarding future drafts and team composition. The Rams are grappling with balancing Stafford's leadership and experience against their long-term goals of drafting a new quarterback to rejuvenate the team.

Arch Manning's Potential Departure from Texas

Timestamp: [40:38] – [43:07]

The conversation shifts to Arch Manning, the promising quarterback from Texas, and speculations about his future in the NFL. Colin Cowherd explores the likelihood of Manning leaving Texas for an NFL team, considering his performance and connections within the league.

• Colin Cowherd: "If Arch is great, which I think he will be... he would come out for the Saints to the Saints."

• Producer: "Imagine how devastated New Orleans would be if Arch said, 'I'm not coming out.'"

Manning's potential move is analyzed with a focus on the connections the Manning family has within the NFL, particularly with teams like the New Orleans Saints, Indianapolis Colts, Dallas Cowboys, and the New York Giants. The discussion highlights the strategic considerations and potential team fits based on Manning's performance and career aspirations.

Quarterback Rankings and Performance Analysis

Timestamp: [02:47] – [21:15]

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to evaluating the current landscape of NFL quarterbacks, their tiers, and performance metrics. Guest Mike Sando provides a detailed analysis of various quarterbacks, offering insights into their rankings and future prospects.

Bo Nix and Jaden Daniels

• Mike Sando: "There’s lots of optimism on Bo Nix... people haven't set in stone what the order of this class is going to be."

• Colin Cowherd: "I love the kid, but he beat one playoff team and that was the Eagles."

The discussion centers around Bo Nix and Jaden Daniels, assessing their potential and the factors influencing their rankings. Sando emphasizes the fluidity of quarterback rankings and the impact of team dynamics on individual performances.

Caleb Williams and Jalen Hurts

• Colin Cowherd: "Were you surprised at how negative the Caleb Williams discussion was?"

• Mike Sando: "Caleb's ability to process the game quickly, that was not there. And that was alarming."

Caleb Williams' performance is scrutinized, particularly his game processing abilities, leading to concerns about his adaptability and effectiveness under pressure.

Jalen Hurts is praised for his maturity and podium potential but critiqued for his volume passing capabilities:

• Colin Cowherd: "When you ask him to throw 30, 35 times, he's not the same guy."

• Mike Sando: "They don’t think he can do it as a volume passer and they think he probably benefits as much or more from what's around him."

Jordan Love and Justin Herbert

• Mike Sando: "Jordan Love is propped up by the big skill players around him."

• Colin Cowherd: "I'm on the Jordan Love bandwagon."

The conversation delves into Jordan Love's standing, questioning whether his current performance is a reflection of his individual talent or the support system surrounding him. Justin Herbert is also analyzed, with Sando positioning him at the top of tier two, contemplating his potential to ascend to tier one based on team success.

Patrick Mahomes: Consistency and Clutch Performance

Timestamp: [14:19] – [15:56]

Patrick Mahomes' performance is lauded for his clutch plays and consistent ability to drive his team to victory in critical moments, despite not always having standout statistics.

• Mike Sando: "He sort of has the Brady seat right now. Because of his pedigree, because of his winning, because of he's always in the AFC championship game every year."

Mahomes is compared to legendary quarterbacks like Tom Brady and John Elway, highlighting his exceptional performance in high-pressure situations. The discussion underscores that Mahomes' sustainability is tied to his ability to consistently lead his team to playoff success rather than just relying on individual stats.

Travis Kelce's Season and Focus on Super Bowl

Timestamp: [26:16] – [30:19]

Travis Kelce's recent performance and personal endeavors are examined, particularly his foray into acting and its impact on his gameplay.

• Producer: "He has admitted that his last two seasons haven’t been up to his standards because he was extremely excited to venture into a new world of acting and being an entertainer."

Despite a challenging season, Kelce remains a top tight end, earning Pro Bowl honors and leading his team in receiving yards during the Super Bowl. Colin defends Kelce, emphasizing his overall contribution and leadership:

• Colin Cowherd: "He's an unbelievable blocking catching leader. There's everything about him I love."

The segment concludes with a balanced view of Kelce's achievements and areas for improvement, affirming his value to the team despite personal distractions.

Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

In the concluding moments, Colin Cowherd reiterates the complexities of team dynamics, quarterback performances, and the strategic decisions teams must make in light of injuries and player potentials. He emphasizes the importance of evaluating players beyond just statistics, considering their leadership, adaptability, and impact during crucial game moments.

Notable Quotes

• Colin Cowherd: "When you ask [Jalen Hurts] to throw 30, 35 times, he's not the same guy. So when I see 8, 9, 10, I think he's the best podium quarterback, the most mature." [07:03]

• Mike Sando: "The talk around him [Jordan Love] wasn't as focused. I don't have as good of a feel the direction." [12:14]

• Matt Hasselbeck: "The back injury typically is like you burn your mouth on a hot piece of pizza or something, and it just doesn't get better quick." [36:59]

• Colin Cowherd: "I've been around long enough to know quality when I see it, or in this case, when I taste it." [31:56]

Conclusion

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers a comprehensive analysis of current NFL dynamics, focusing on quarterback performances, injury impacts, and future prospects of emerging talents like Arch Manning. With expert insights from Mike Sando, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the intricate factors shaping the league's landscape. Whether you're a seasoned NFL follower or a casual fan, this episode provides valuable perspectives on the evolving world of football.