THE HERD - Hour 3 - Patriots big win last night, Drake Maye is showing improvement, Bill Belichick is out of touch, Drew Bledsoe - The Herd with Colin Cowherd

The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 3 Podcast Summary

Date: October 6, 2025
Host: Colin Cowherd
Guest: Drew Bledsoe
Key Themes: New England Patriots' big win, Drake Maye’s development, Bill Belichick’s struggles, NFL QB leadership, NFL/college football analysis, MLB playoffs

Episode Overview

This episode of The Herd features a wide-ranging discussion between Colin Cowherd and guest Drew Bledsoe. The pair dive into the New England Patriots' recent upset, the progression of rookie quarterback Drake Maye, Mike Vrabel’s coaching style, the disconnect of Bill Belichick at the college level, and broader trends in leadership and identity in both the NFL and college football. The episode also covers notable QB storylines, a deep dive into the struggles of high-profile players, the Yankees and the MLB playoffs, and closes with insights into team cultures—both on and off the field.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Mike Vrabel’s Coaching Success and Personality

[02:34–04:20]

Colin credits Mike Vrabel as a core reason for picking the Patriots’ resurgence. He praises Vrabel’s natural connectability.
Bledsoe describes playing with Vrabel as “like, like a Labrador…you got to run him” ([03:23]). Vrabel’s relentless energy as a player led directly to his offensive snaps: “Before games… I would go out and throw the ball to [Vrabel]… Charlie Weiss and Belichick saw him running around and decided to put him in on offense.” ([03:23])

2. Drake Maye’s Progress and the Challenge of Young Quarterbacks

[04:20–06:08]

Colin asks about the challenge of a very young QB like Drake Maye stepping into a leadership role among grown professionals.
Bledsoe: “It was intimidating, man. I mean I was 21… stepping into the huddle with grown ass men. Like these people have families and investment portfolios, and I’m just fresh out of college…” ([05:01])
- Stresses that “being a leader doesn’t mean you have to be vocal right away.”
- Draws parallels between Maye and Josh Allen—both “rough around the edges” early on, with high ceilings: “The comparisons to Josh Allen are, I think, very real…that’s high praise for Drake as just a second year player…” ([05:01])

3. The Importance (and Danger) of “Chip on the Shoulder” Mentality for QBs

[07:58–10:12]

Colin: “Chip on the shoulder is important, as long as it doesn’t consume you and define you… it kind of defined Baker [Mayfield] for about three years.”
Bledsoe: “Sometimes you have to manufacture that chip… maybe that’s why Baker was so, at times, so contentious with the media… The guy’s got real arm talent… to be looked at as this underdog anymore, I don’t think is accurate. I think…he’s one of the elite guys in the NFL.” ([08:54])

4. Belichick’s College Struggles: Out of Touch?

[14:37–16:59]

Colin argues rigid, “my way or the highway” coaches usually fail in college football: “Belichick is not working in college… Once you buy into your own supply, you’re done… Belichick, you know, he said later in his career, ‘there’s certain guys I don’t want to coach.’ Well, you need talent. Vrabel is about the players. Bill became about Bill.” ([14:37])
Bledsoe: “Bill is obviously brilliant… but you have to have brilliant players in order to really showcase that… Are you, as a 17-year-old, going to go play for Bill Belichick, or for the Oregon Ducks? I’d love to play for Dan Lanning.” ([15:38])

5. Dak Prescott: Maturity, Leadership, and Stability in the Dallas Circus

[17:26–19:48]

Colin: Recalls seeing Dak pick up trash on the sideline—“just a… conscientious” act, showing the EQ/maturity needed at QB in Dallas: “My whole take is quarterback’s different. I unfairly need you to be 39 years old at 22.”
Bledsoe: Recalls teammates “crying when Dak got hurt” as proof of his standing. Calls him “a great leader… a grown up coming in… to be able to be that person under that circus tent… he’s been able to… be a true stabilizing force for that team.” ([18:24])

6. New England Patriots’ Upset & AFC East Landscape

[21:48–23:43]

Colin & Analyst (J. Mack/Lance Zerlein): Break down the Patriots’ win powered by Stefon Diggs going nuclear (10 catches, 146 yds).
Patriots' “perimeter light, good in the trenches.”
Social media drama—Diggs “side eyeing” Josh Allen.
AFC East: Patriots' defense superior to Bills? Jets possibly heading for the #1 draft pick.

7. Rookie QBs and College Football Analysis

[24:26–28:00]

Extensive evaluation of Arch Manning’s struggles—slow processing, lack of anticipation, not “seeing” field quick enough:
- Colin: “His ball sometimes doesn’t have the velocity… he’s barely 60% and he’s holding the ball too long… It takes rookies in the NFL [time]. Mahomes was rare.”
General discussion: processing speed at the QB position is a make-or-break factor.

8. MLB Playoff Highlights and Yankees Dissection

[28:06–31:03]

Blue Jays' big offensive swing; Seattle Mariners’ first playoff home win since 2001—“Crowd was nuts.”
Yankees struggles: heavy reliance on the long ball, bullpen issues, and lack of managerial turnover compared to other NY teams.
Colin’s nostalgia for the 1977 Mariners: “I went to the opener at the Kingdom… I can give you the starting lineup.” ([28:49])

9. Team Culture, Patience, and Leadership in Baseball

[31:07–34:30]

Patience and “pro player” managers (Aaron Boone, Dave Roberts) are key in the long MLB grind—“You got to get along with your players. When you have double… 200 days you’re with your players.”
Yankees stick with managers—contrast with instability of other NY teams.

10. Final Takeaways and Notable Moments

[36:49–44:44]

Recap: Mike Vrabel as energetic coach and Patriots' turnaround; Drake Maye as a “hit” at QB.
Matt Hasselbeck (clip): “Maybe they drafted Drake May for a reason… their own version of Josh Allen…” ([37:59])
Cold weather QBs: The importance of arm strength.
Costly mistakes: Colin and analyst dissect Arizona's blown game and its playoff implications: “That could decide their season.” ([41:22])

Notable Quotes

Drew Bledsoe on Vrabel:
“He just had so damn much energy… I’ve compared him to like a Labrador… you gotta run him.” ([03:23])
On Young NFL QBs:
“Stepping into the huddle with grown ass men… these people have families… and I’m just fresh out of college.” – Bledsoe ([05:01])
On Baker Mayfield:
“Sometimes you have to manufacture that chip on your shoulder… the guy’s got real arm talent… he can really throw the ball.” – Bledsoe ([08:54])
On Bill Belichick in College:
“Are you, as a 17-year-old, going to go play for Bill Belichick… or for the Oregon Ducks? I’d love to play for Dan Lanning.” – Bledsoe ([15:38])
On Dak Prescott:
“His teammates were in tears when… Dak went down. That really tells you everything you need to know about who the guy is…” – Bledsoe ([18:24])
On Patriots Win:
“Stefon Diggs went nuclear. 10 catches, a buck 46…” – Analyst ([21:48])
On Arch Manning:
“His ball sometimes doesn’t have the velocity… not sure he sees the field process quick enough… just slow and kind of ponderous back there.” – Colin ([24:51], [25:57])
On MLB Managers:
“You’ve got to get along with your players… Aaron Boone is very. Players love him.” – Colin ([33:20])
On Costly Mistakes:
“I’m watching that fumble… it’s like performative… If I was an official, I wouldn’t have a lot of sympathy for showing off.” – Colin ([39:52])

Timestamps for Key Segments

[02:34] – Vrabel’s impact and playing days story
[05:01] – Young QB leadership challenges
[08:54] – The psychology of underdog QBs (Baker Mayfield)
[14:37] – Belichick’s misfit in college football
[17:26] – Dak Prescott’s emotional leadership
[21:48] – Patriots’ upset breakdown, Stefon Diggs
[24:26] – Arch Manning’s struggles and processing speed
[28:06] – MLB Playoff discussion and Yankees critique
[37:59] – Matt Hasselbeck on Drake Maye’s draft logic
[39:52] – Arizona’s costly fumble and playoff impact

Overall Tone and Takeaways

Colin is candid, focused on leadership, identity, and the human element of professional sports. Bledsoe brings a veteran’s insight—practical experience, quarterback wisdom, and a sense of humility about development timelines. The episode is dynamic, conversational, and woven through with memorable anecdotes, direct player comparisons, and smart analysis of current events in both football and baseball.

For listeners seeking deeper football context, leadership insights, and cultural trends in the NFL, this episode offers engaging stories, considered analysis, and memorable moments connecting past and present.

The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 3 Podcast Summary

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Mike Vrabel’s Coaching Success and Personality

[02:34–04:20]

Colin credits Mike Vrabel as a core reason for picking the Patriots’ resurgence. He praises Vrabel’s natural connectability.
Bledsoe describes playing with Vrabel as “like, like a Labrador…you got to run him” ([03:23]). Vrabel’s relentless energy as a player led directly to his offensive snaps: “Before games… I would go out and throw the ball to [Vrabel]… Charlie Weiss and Belichick saw him running around and decided to put him in on offense.” ([03:23])

2. Drake Maye’s Progress and the Challenge of Young Quarterbacks

[04:20–06:08]

Colin asks about the challenge of a very young QB like Drake Maye stepping into a leadership role among grown professionals.
Bledsoe: “It was intimidating, man. I mean I was 21… stepping into the huddle with grown ass men. Like these people have families and investment portfolios, and I’m just fresh out of college…” ([05:01])
- Stresses that “being a leader doesn’t mean you have to be vocal right away.”
- Draws parallels between Maye and Josh Allen—both “rough around the edges” early on, with high ceilings: “The comparisons to Josh Allen are, I think, very real…that’s high praise for Drake as just a second year player…” ([05:01])

3. The Importance (and Danger) of “Chip on the Shoulder” Mentality for QBs

[07:58–10:12]

Colin: “Chip on the shoulder is important, as long as it doesn’t consume you and define you… it kind of defined Baker [Mayfield] for about three years.”
Bledsoe: “Sometimes you have to manufacture that chip… maybe that’s why Baker was so, at times, so contentious with the media… The guy’s got real arm talent… to be looked at as this underdog anymore, I don’t think is accurate. I think…he’s one of the elite guys in the NFL.” ([08:54])

4. Belichick’s College Struggles: Out of Touch?

[14:37–16:59]

Colin argues rigid, “my way or the highway” coaches usually fail in college football: “Belichick is not working in college… Once you buy into your own supply, you’re done… Belichick, you know, he said later in his career, ‘there’s certain guys I don’t want to coach.’ Well, you need talent. Vrabel is about the players. Bill became about Bill.” ([14:37])
Bledsoe: “Bill is obviously brilliant… but you have to have brilliant players in order to really showcase that… Are you, as a 17-year-old, going to go play for Bill Belichick, or for the Oregon Ducks? I’d love to play for Dan Lanning.” ([15:38])

5. Dak Prescott: Maturity, Leadership, and Stability in the Dallas Circus

[17:26–19:48]

Colin: Recalls seeing Dak pick up trash on the sideline—“just a… conscientious” act, showing the EQ/maturity needed at QB in Dallas: “My whole take is quarterback’s different. I unfairly need you to be 39 years old at 22.”
Bledsoe: Recalls teammates “crying when Dak got hurt” as proof of his standing. Calls him “a great leader… a grown up coming in… to be able to be that person under that circus tent… he’s been able to… be a true stabilizing force for that team.” ([18:24])

6. New England Patriots’ Upset & AFC East Landscape

[21:48–23:43]

Colin & Analyst (J. Mack/Lance Zerlein): Break down the Patriots’ win powered by Stefon Diggs going nuclear (10 catches, 146 yds).
Patriots' “perimeter light, good in the trenches.”
Social media drama—Diggs “side eyeing” Josh Allen.
AFC East: Patriots' defense superior to Bills? Jets possibly heading for the #1 draft pick.

7. Rookie QBs and College Football Analysis

[24:26–28:00]

Extensive evaluation of Arch Manning’s struggles—slow processing, lack of anticipation, not “seeing” field quick enough:
- Colin: “His ball sometimes doesn’t have the velocity… he’s barely 60% and he’s holding the ball too long… It takes rookies in the NFL [time]. Mahomes was rare.”
General discussion: processing speed at the QB position is a make-or-break factor.

8. MLB Playoff Highlights and Yankees Dissection

[28:06–31:03]

Blue Jays' big offensive swing; Seattle Mariners’ first playoff home win since 2001—“Crowd was nuts.”
Yankees struggles: heavy reliance on the long ball, bullpen issues, and lack of managerial turnover compared to other NY teams.
Colin’s nostalgia for the 1977 Mariners: “I went to the opener at the Kingdom… I can give you the starting lineup.” ([28:49])

9. Team Culture, Patience, and Leadership in Baseball

[31:07–34:30]

Patience and “pro player” managers (Aaron Boone, Dave Roberts) are key in the long MLB grind—“You got to get along with your players. When you have double… 200 days you’re with your players.”
Yankees stick with managers—contrast with instability of other NY teams.

10. Final Takeaways and Notable Moments

[36:49–44:44]

Recap: Mike Vrabel as energetic coach and Patriots' turnaround; Drake Maye as a “hit” at QB.
Matt Hasselbeck (clip): “Maybe they drafted Drake May for a reason… their own version of Josh Allen…” ([37:59])
Cold weather QBs: The importance of arm strength.
Costly mistakes: Colin and analyst dissect Arizona's blown game and its playoff implications: “That could decide their season.” ([41:22])

Notable Quotes

Drew Bledsoe on Vrabel:
“He just had so damn much energy… I’ve compared him to like a Labrador… you gotta run him.” ([03:23])
On Young NFL QBs:
“Stepping into the huddle with grown ass men… these people have families… and I’m just fresh out of college.” – Bledsoe ([05:01])
On Baker Mayfield:
“Sometimes you have to manufacture that chip on your shoulder… the guy’s got real arm talent… he can really throw the ball.” – Bledsoe ([08:54])
On Bill Belichick in College:
“Are you, as a 17-year-old, going to go play for Bill Belichick… or for the Oregon Ducks? I’d love to play for Dan Lanning.” – Bledsoe ([15:38])
On Dak Prescott:
“His teammates were in tears when… Dak went down. That really tells you everything you need to know about who the guy is…” – Bledsoe ([18:24])
On Patriots Win:
“Stefon Diggs went nuclear. 10 catches, a buck 46…” – Analyst ([21:48])
On Arch Manning:
“His ball sometimes doesn’t have the velocity… not sure he sees the field process quick enough… just slow and kind of ponderous back there.” – Colin ([24:51], [25:57])
On MLB Managers:
“You’ve got to get along with your players… Aaron Boone is very. Players love him.” – Colin ([33:20])
On Costly Mistakes:
“I’m watching that fumble… it’s like performative… If I was an official, I wouldn’t have a lot of sympathy for showing off.” – Colin ([39:52])

Timestamps for Key Segments

[02:34] – Vrabel’s impact and playing days story
[05:01] – Young QB leadership challenges
[08:54] – The psychology of underdog QBs (Baker Mayfield)
[14:37] – Belichick’s misfit in college football
[17:26] – Dak Prescott’s emotional leadership
[21:48] – Patriots’ upset breakdown, Stefon Diggs
[24:26] – Arch Manning’s struggles and processing speed
[28:06] – MLB Playoff discussion and Yankees critique
[37:59] – Matt Hasselbeck on Drake Maye’s draft logic
[39:52] – Arizona’s costly fumble and playoff impact

Overall Tone and Takeaways

For listeners seeking deeper football context, leadership insights, and cultural trends in the NFL, this episode offers engaging stories, considered analysis, and memorable moments connecting past and present.

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THE HERD - Hour 3 - Patriots big win last night, Drake Maye is showing improvement, Bill Belichick is out of touch, Drew Bledsoe

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Summary

The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 3 Podcast Summary

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Mike Vrabel’s Coaching Success and Personality

2. Drake Maye’s Progress and the Challenge of Young Quarterbacks

3. The Importance (and Danger) of “Chip on the Shoulder” Mentality for QBs

4. Belichick’s College Struggles: Out of Touch?

5. Dak Prescott: Maturity, Leadership, and Stability in the Dallas Circus

6. New England Patriots’ Upset & AFC East Landscape

7. Rookie QBs and College Football Analysis

8. MLB Playoff Highlights and Yankees Dissection

9. Team Culture, Patience, and Leadership in Baseball

10. Final Takeaways and Notable Moments

Notable Quotes

Timestamps for Key Segments

Overall Tone and Takeaways

For listeners seeking deeper football context, leadership insights, and cultural trends in the NFL, this episode offers engaging stories, considered analysis, and memorable moments connecting past and present.

Summary

The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 3 Podcast Summary

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Mike Vrabel’s Coaching Success and Personality

2. Drake Maye’s Progress and the Challenge of Young Quarterbacks

3. The Importance (and Danger) of “Chip on the Shoulder” Mentality for QBs

4. Belichick’s College Struggles: Out of Touch?

5. Dak Prescott: Maturity, Leadership, and Stability in the Dallas Circus

6. New England Patriots’ Upset & AFC East Landscape

7. Rookie QBs and College Football Analysis

8. MLB Playoff Highlights and Yankees Dissection

9. Team Culture, Patience, and Leadership in Baseball

10. Final Takeaways and Notable Moments

Notable Quotes

Timestamps for Key Segments

Overall Tone and Takeaways

For listeners seeking deeper football context, leadership insights, and cultural trends in the NFL, this episode offers engaging stories, considered analysis, and memorable moments connecting past and present.