The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 3

Episode Date: February 6, 2026
Main Guests: Ryan Fitzpatrick (Amazon Prime analyst, former NFL QB)
Main Focus: Super Bowl 60 preview and analysis, Sam Darnold's journey, coaching trends, and quarterback authenticity

Episode Overview

In the third hour of "The Herd," Colin Cowherd is joined by former NFL quarterback and current Amazon Prime analyst Ryan Fitzpatrick to provide a deep dive into the upcoming Super Bowl 60 matchup between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks. The discussion covers key team comparisons, quarterback journeys with a focus on Sam Darnold, coaching intangibles, and player authenticity. There's a blend of football analytics, player psychology, and signature Cowherd wit as they preview one of the marquee sports events.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Lakers Roster Moves and NBA Musings

[02:45–05:24]

• Cowherd briefly analyzes the Lakers adding Luke Kennard:
  • "He can hit threes. Can't defend this microphone, but you know..." (Colin, 02:45)
  • Predicts the Lakers must "score their way" to wins, noting their lack of defense.
• Touches on NBA playoffs dynamics, noting the contrast between regular season experimentation and playoff precision.

NFL Coaching & Roster Developments

[05:24–06:57]

• Discusses Mike Vrabel joining the Patriots and the rarity of Super Bowl wins by first-year head coaches.
  • "It's a massive leap... Usually this is an exclusive group." (Colin, 05:24)
• Reports that Mike McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers have spoken, but Rodgers’ future remains uncertain.

The Journey of Sam Darnold & Quarterback Growth

[08:52–09:44]

• Fitzpatrick reflects on Sam Darnold’s career arc, the value of adversity, and the importance of learning from experience.
  • "It takes a special guy to be able to overcome the adversity that he has. Because I've been there, and it is not easy." (Fitzpatrick, 09:18)
• Compares his journey to Darnold’s and praises Darnold for taking a step back and learning in San Francisco under the McVay-Shanahan system.

Managing Quarterback Aggression: Fitzpatrick’s Insights

[14:43–16:55]

• Discusses the challenges of dialing back a QB’s aggression:
  • "Colin, I never found a way to turn it down... you do have to rely on your coach for a lot of that." (Fitzpatrick, 15:57)
• Emphasizes the critical relationship between quarterback and play-caller, especially under pressure.

The Vrabel Effect and Authentic NFL Leadership

[16:55–18:31]

• Both agree on Vrabel’s authenticity and his effective blend of respect, confrontation, and team care.
  • "I think the word we’re looking for is authenticity. I mean, [Vrabel] has it." (Fitzpatrick, 17:43)
• Contrast Vrabel’s style with that of Belichick’s disciples.

Super Bowl 60 Matchup: Patriots vs. Seahawks

[18:31–20:19]

• Discuss perception bias against New England, predicting they have a real shot:
  • "I think New England's got a real shot here. I really do." (Colin, 18:54)
• Fitzpatrick’s analysis:
  • "Josh McDaniels is the X factor in this game... I think the New England Patriots are going to win this game." (Fitzpatrick, 19:25)

Quarterback Authenticity & Team Chemistry

[20:19–22:39]

• Talks about how quarterbacks need to be authentic, referencing current and former QBs.
  • "[Players] are going to gravitate and love it, especially if he has the work ethic to back it up." (Fitzpatrick, 22:13)

Fitzpatrick’s Broadcasting Success & Personal Anecdotes

[22:39–24:55]

• Colin praises Fitzpatrick for his transition to media and his unique presence.
  • "Your passion for football and your passion for what you do just—just jumps. It's like a strong drink. It hits you right through the TV." (Colin, 23:58)
• Fitzpatrick talks about vacationing in Aruba, showing his personable side.

In-depth Super Bowl 60 Breakdown – "Take Your Pick"

[25:05–37:24] Cowherd systematically compares Patriots and Seahawks positional groups, providing detailed rationale:

• Coaching: "I think I'd go Mike Vrabel. ...Super Bowl experience, experience at various times in this game does matter." (Colin, 30:27)
• Quarterback: "Sam Darnold. ... Highest passer rating of any quarterback that played this year in the postseason was Sam Darnold." (30:53)
• Running Back: Leans Seattle—Kenneth Walker’s explosiveness and blocking edge.
• Receivers/TEs: New England gets the nod for overall depth and fewest drops.
• Offensive Line: Seattle has the edge, particularly in the run game and O-line development.
• Front Seven: Seattle’s depth, preventing 100-yard rushers for 28 games, is highlighted.
• Secondary: Slight edge to Seattle, led by Devon Witherspoon; key metrics on third downs.
• Special Teams: Seattle rated slightly higher.
• Play Calling: Josh McDaniels (NE) seen as "the best play caller in the league." (Colin, 35:18)

Memorable Quote:

"I think the four best players in the game are Seahawks. And then I think when you go 5 through 15, it’s evenly dispersed now."
— Colin Cowherd (36:16)

Game Dynamics & Betting Angles

[37:24–43:16]

• Discusses whether Darnold is a comeback QB, Seattle’s defensive dominance, and draws parallels to past Super Bowls where the underdog triumphed via preparedness and coaching.
• Notes the psychological effect of media narrative on underdog teams:
  • "I think human beings, especially competitive, athletic human beings, are largely driven by, you can't do this and you're going to get humiliated. ... I think you, you get more focused, you get more driven, you get angrier..." (Colin, 42:14)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On quarterback journeys:

  "It's not easy to get picked that high and to fail. ... The smartest thing that Sam did ... he took a step back. He wanted to insert himself into the McVay-Shanahan tree."
  — Ryan Fitzpatrick (08:52)

• On Vrabel’s coaching style:

  "You can fake some stuff. I don't think you can fake that [care for players]."
  — Colin Cowherd (16:55)

• On an underdog’s mindset:

  "In the last 15 years, why are underdogs doing well? ... The explosion of media ... your ability to watch the media in your hotel room, therefore, coaches can feed you and then it can be verified."
  — Colin Cowherd (42:14)

• On Patriots' path to victory:

  "If you tell me it’s close and I think it will be, that’s why I give the edge to New England."
  — Colin Cowherd (38:56)

• On big-game psychology:

  "So much of this league is just keeping your head right."
  — Colin Cowherd (21:35)

Timestamps of Key Segments

• 02:45 – Lakers & NBA playoff preview
• 05:24 – Vrabel’s chance at Super Bowl in year one, NFL news
• 08:52 – Ryan Fitzpatrick on Sam Darnold’s journey
• 14:43 – Managing QB aggression: Fitzpatrick on coaching relationships
• 16:55 – Leadership authenticity and Vrabel’s edge
• 18:54 – Patriots’ Super Bowl chances previewed
• 19:25 – Fitzpatrick picks Patriots to win
• 22:39 – On QB authenticity and Fitzpatrick’s TV career
• 25:05 – "Take Your Pick" Super Bowl positional analysis
• 37:24 – Game dynamics, comeback scenarios, betting angles
• 42:14 – Media narrative, psychology of underdog teams

Overall Tone & Takeaways

• Tone: Analytical, conversational, engaging, peppered with humor and personal insight
• Style: Cowherd’s trademark blend of stats, analogies, and straightforward critique; Fitzpatrick’s candor and player perspective enhance the discussion.

Useful for Listeners Who Missed the Episode Because:

• You get a thorough preview of Super Bowl 60 with unique insider commentary.
• Perspectives highlight both tactical football analysis and the intangibles of leadership and mindset.
• Insights extend beyond Xs and Os, tackling why certain teams and players succeed under certain conditions.
• Plenty of memorable quotes and natural banter bring the analysis to life.

This summary covers all essential topics, insights, and memorable moments, providing a full picture for listeners who missed the episode.