Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Episode: THE HERD - Hour 3 - More on the Bears’ Huge Comeback Win Over the Packers, Danny Parkins
Air Date: January 12, 2026
Host: Colin Cowherd
Guests: Danny Parkins, Mike DeFeo, Eric Eager

Overview

In this hour, Colin Cowherd and his guests deliver an in-depth discussion on the Chicago Bears’ stunning fourth-quarter comeback against the Green Bay Packers, breaking down the pivotal moments, coaching impacts, and quarterback heroics of Caleb Williams. The conversation then pivots to upcoming Bears matchups, a look at the Rams, playoff forecasts, and an expert analysis of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ playoff situation with special attention to Aaron Rodgers’ possible future.

Main Topics & Discussion Points

1. Bears’ Dramatic Comeback vs. Packers

• Danny Parkins recounts his front-row experience at the game: Despite Chicago’s poor first half, spirits remained cautiously optimistic due to the Bears' season-long trend of late-game rallies.
  • Quote: “That ended up being the seventh, fourth quarter comeback that the Bears have had this year. And so I had seen six of them.” (03:02, Parkins)
• Breakdown of the key play: Caleb Williams’ iconic rolling-left, cross-body completion to Rome Odunze extended a crucial drive late in the fourth quarter, seen as the “throw of the moment.”
  • Quote: “Rolling left, 35 air yards, throwing across his body... It becomes immortal because of what happened afterwards.” (03:47, Parkins)

Timestamps

• [02:12-04:37] Danny Parkins relives the mood shift in the stadium and details the play that kept the Bears' hopes alive.

2. The Caleb Williams Effect

• Williams compared to NFL elite QBs: Colin and Parkins liken Williams' improvisational, “momentum player” quality to Josh Allen’s game-changing ability.
  • Quote: “Caleb Williams is an artist... better off schedule, on the run, playing with feel, eyes in the back of his head.” (05:33, Parkins)
• Critical synergy with Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson: Adjustments and play calls—specifically referencing a perfect play-call for DJ Moore’s winning TD—turned the momentum. Johnson’s motivational halftime reference to the Patriots’ infamous 28-3 comeback underscored the comeback spirit.

Timestamps

• [04:37-07:37] Analysis of Williams’ second-half play, Johnson’s halftime speech, and scheming brilliance.

3. Matt LaFleur and the Packers’ Collapse

• Cowherd and Parkins argue against firing LaFleur: Despite late-game failings, Packers’ persistent aggressiveness and difficulty holding leads in playoff pressure reflect more the nature of the game than inept coaching.
  • Quote: “If you would fire your coach and five or six teams would immediately hire him, you probably shouldn’t fire your coach.” (09:32, Parkins)
• Packers’ fourth-quarter unraveling: Over-aggressive late-game play-calling, delay of game after a timeout, and another blown lead as a playoff favorite highlighted.

Timestamps

• [07:37-09:32] Debate over LaFleur’s future and the “rivalry energy” fueling Bears-Packers.

4. Bears vs. Rams Playoff Preview

• Matchup breakdown: The Bears as underdogs at home; concerns about the Rams’ cold-weather vulnerability and their struggling secondary.
• Keys for the Bears: Expecting Ben Johnson to focus on running the ball and exploit Rams’ defensive weaknesses; but acknowledging LA’s explosive passing potential against the Bears' shaky defense.
  • Quote: “I love the Bears plus four and a half... But also... Matt Stafford could throw for 600 yards on the Bears because the Bears defense is a huge problem.” (10:27, Parkins)

Timestamps

• [09:32-11:35] Parkins’ betting lean, deep-dive into matchups, and star power on both offenses.

5. NFL & College Football Round-Up

• Rams-Panthers recap: Matthew Stafford’s clutch final drive; Rams’ tight-end depth praised. Defensive concerns with Rams’ secondary highlighted.
  • Quote: “That was pretty cold... one of the most gangster things you could say in that moment.” (15:02, Cowherd)
• Dissection of Chargers’ offensive woes: Coaching/staff changes considered, offensive line needs, and possible future shifts with Mike McDaniel.
• College football transfer portal: Lane Kiffin’s impressive quarterback signing at LSU, raising but tempering playoff expectations.

Timestamps

• [14:28-21:16] NFL playoff aftermath, skill position analyses, and college football news bites.

6. Steelers, Aaron Rodgers & Mike Tomlin’s Playoff Prospects

Interview with Mike DeFeo (The Athletic)

• Steelers’ late-season turnaround: Veteran Aaron Rodgers still capable of “moments” at 42 years old, especially in clutch drives.
  • Quote: “If you're a country music fan, I ain't as good as I once was, but I'm as good once as I ever was.” (22:51, DeFeo)
• Team chemistry and shifting offense: Rodgers spreading the ball without DK Metcalf, success credited to RB Kenneth Gainwell and a supporting cast of veteran receivers.
• Arthur Smith’s impact as OC: Balance of adapting to Rodgers’ experience and creative audibles, letting him improvise “backyard football” style when it matters most.
• Mike Tomlin’s mastery of Monday nights: Built on motivational tactics and a raucous Pittsburgh environment, contrasting with his struggles on short-rest Thursdays.
  • Quote: “He keys them up and he knows what buttons to push to get them motivated... those terrible towels are twirling and they play Renegade and the other team can hear it.” (28:09, DeFeo)
• Rodgers’ future up in the air: Breakdown of possible retirement, remaining in Pittsburgh, or switching teams if things go south—percentages speculated at 40% retirement, 30% new team, 30% return.
  • Quote: “I think maybe 40% he retires, maybe 30% he's somewhere else, and maybe 30%, he's in Pittsburgh.” (30:00, DeFeo)
• Tomlin’s job security: Dismisses the likelihood of firing, notes unprecedented fan chants for his job, but emphasizes Tomlin’s competitive fire and self-determination.

Timestamps

• [22:04-32:36] Comprehensive interview with Mike DeFeo: Steelers’ playoff readiness, Rodgers/Tomlin speculation.

7. Playoff Landscape & Upset Potential

• Discussion on likelihood of road teams winning during Divisional Weekend, noting increased parity and diminished home dominance.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “If the Blues Brothers could be on a mission from God, why can't this Bears team?” (03:18, Parkins)
• “I'm not willing to write off Pope Leo. I think it's a great theory... before he was Pope Leo, he was Bob from the south side.” (02:58, Parkins)
• “Loveland is a superstar. Colston Loveland is a superstar.” (11:56, Parkins)
• “It's a five star matchup because we’re in it.” (28:01, DeFeo, quoting Tomlin)
• “Fans inside his own building chanting, fire Tomlin...that was something that I think really brought things to a head.” (31:26, DeFeo)

Episode Flow & Tone

• The talk is lively, fast-paced, and subtly irreverent, with Cowherd’s signature mix of sharp analysis and banter. Parkins provides vivid on-site color and insight, while DeFeo’s segments are more measured and reportorial. The hour weaves between deep football strategy, personnel insight, and locker-room psychology, punctuated with memorable turns of phrase and anecdotes.

Summary Table of Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | Speakers | Highlights | |----------------|-------------------------------------------------|----------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------| | 02:12-04:37 | Bears’ comeback experience, stadium atmosphere | Danny Parkins | Caleb Williams’ pivotal throw, fan/emotional perspective | | 04:37-07:37 | Williams vs. Allen, Ben Johnson’s halftime role | Cowherd, Parkins | Artistic comparison, halftime speech, coaching adjustments | | 07:37-09:32 | LaFleur, Packers’ late-game collapse | Cowherd, Parkins | LaFleur debate, rivalry energy | | 09:32-11:35 | Bears-Rams preview | Cowherd, Parkins | Matchup breakdown, betting analysis | | 14:28-21:16 | NFL news wrap, Rams and Chargers | Cowherd, Eager, Parkins | Rams talent/depth, Chargers’ offseason issues | | 22:04-32:36 | Steelers preview and Rodgers/Tomlin futures | Cowherd, DeFeo | Steelers turnaround, Tomlin’s legend, Rodgers’ future |

For listeners and non-listeners alike, this episode delivers a rich blend of in-the-trenches NFL analysis, post-game emotion, and forward-looking playoff insight—a textbook Herd hour at the peak of football season.