The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Episode: Super Bowl Champion Phil Simms stops by The Herd (Hour 3)
Date: October 9, 2025
Podcast: The Herd with Colin Cowherd | iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Main Theme

Colin Cowherd is joined by Super Bowl champion Phil Simms for an engaging discussion on modern quarterback play, the evolution of NFL offenses, coaching philosophies, the struggles of teams like the Giants, the pressures of high-profile college QB gigs, and notable NFL storylines. The conversation is candid, analytic, and full of stories from Phil’s playing days and his perspective as a broadcaster and parent.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Comparing Quarterback Eras & Offensive Evolution

Passer Ratings and Scheme Changes

• Colin opens with a striking stat: 15 current NFL QBs have 100+ passer ratings, compared to 6 two years ago.
• Credits more sophisticated offensive coaching and a dominant use of zone coverage, allowing strong-armed QBs to “throw to a spot.”
• Phil elaborates that playing against zone is now the norm, and QBs “pick you apart” in today’s game.
  • “If you play zone in the NFL against these quarterbacks…they’re gonna pick you apart.” (Phil, 04:15)
• Phil believes today's QBs as a group are “remarkably different and better than what we put on the field” in his day. (04:45)

Team Identity & Leadership: Comparing Then and Now

The ‘Identity Crisis’ Conversation

• Colin points out Philadelphia’s current “identity crisis” and asks if teams even used that term back in Phil’s Giants era.
• Phil says “never”—the focus was always on Parcells’ leadership, not players-only meetings or identity talk.
  • “Bill Parcells, that was the players meeting...Whatever he said, we didn’t have to have a player’s meeting.” (Phil, 05:45)
• Phil prefers decisive leadership from coaches like Parcells, not internal teams sorting issues themselves.
• “Philadelphia… It’s different, that’s for sure.” (Phil, 06:33)

Quarterback-Coach Relationships & Kyle Shanahan’s Genius

• Colin explores successful QB-coach pairings, highlighting Andy Reid/Mahomes, Shanahan’s knack for elevating average QBs.
  • “No coach is winning with less…70% of their starters, playmakers all hurt.” (Colin, 07:40)
• Phil details how Kyle Shanahan adapts his offense to fit every passer—success with “Mike Jones,” Brock Purdy, and others.
  • “Everything they did…was right out of the book… he put in everything that’s good for him.” (Phil, 07:57)
• Phil credits Shanahan’s scheme adaptability and playcalling, not luck.

Reckless Quarterbacks and Baker Mayfield

• Colin says some great QBs (Elway, Peyton, Namath, Eli) were “reckless” and threw INTs.
• Baker Mayfield leads the league in “turnover-worthy plays,” but Colin argues that’s his nature and shouldn’t be coached out.
• Phil endorses how Tampa lets Baker be himself:
  • “Let me tell you, he is an elite thrower of the football...He’s just tough as hell, resilient, can really throw the football.” (Phil, 10:09)
  • Shares a Todd Bowles quote: “Baker, will you walk across the room and stick your face in the fan? He would do it.” (Phil relaying Bowles, 10:09)
  • Praises Baker’s fit with Tampa’s culture and teammates.

Giants’ Struggles & The State of New York Sports

What’s Wrong with the Giants?

• Colin calls this “a bit of a hazmat spill” for New York sports and particularly the Giants.
• Phil says the root is player acquisition and personnel, especially the draft—but notes some recent improvement.
  • “You gotta be physical, you gotta be tough, and you gotta be smart...maybe the personnel has not given them that chance.” (Phil, 14:30)
• Phil is optimistic about the Giants' chances in upcoming games but recognizes the slim margins: changing a couple results could shift the narrative entirely. (15:48)

College Football QB Pressure: Focus on Texas & Arch Manning

• Colin asserts Texas QB is among the hardest jobs in sports due to “insane pressure”—likening it to the pros.
• Phil opens up about parenting a Texas QB and the emotional toll.
  • Admits he could’ve been more proactive as a parent.
  • “They’re 18-year-olds coming out of high school. What the hell do they know?...I should have been there as a parent to give them more information.” (Phil, 17:20)
• Phil analyzes Arch Manning’s struggles:
  • “His motion looks like it’s changed from what I saw last year…I see doubt sometimes in Arch when he’s throwing the football.” (Phil, 18:28)
  • Believes more experience and relaxation will help Arch improve.

Quarterback Depth and College Pipeline

• Phil praises the Oregon QB and Oregon’s development:
  • “If you want to be a good quarterback, go up there and get taught. Run that offense. You’ll do well.” (Phil, 19:37)
• Predicts two straight strong draft classes for QBs; focus should be on coaching/scheming to maximize talent.
  • “There’s enough quarterbacks to go around for this whole league. The big thing is, can we get coaches to create a scheme…” (Phil, 19:50)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• “We were talking like two old guys…whatever I’m taking, it’s working OK because I feel good and I sleep great.” (Phil, 03:20)
• “We didn’t have to have a player’s meeting because [Parcells] was going to take care of himself and he knew when to do that.” (Phil, 05:53)
• "The draft hasn’t been great. But…they're playing and actually doing pretty well...That's how close it is, I think, in the NFL." (Phil, 15:35)
• “When you, Colin, when you throw the ball well and you know where it’s going to go, you don’t become a good decision maker. You become great, great.” (Phil, 18:34)
• “It’ll be great if you bring me back on and then pay me. I like that even better.” (Phil, 20:21)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• NFL QB Era Comparison: 03:30–04:45
• Team Identity Discussion (Parcells & Philly): 05:00–06:46
• Kyle Shanahan's Offense and QB Adaptation: 06:46–08:53
• Baker Mayfield Analysis: 09:27–11:11
• Giants’ Struggles Discussion: 13:26–16:12
• Texas QB Pressure/Parenting & Arch Manning: 16:12–19:02
• Phil Reflects on Coaching and QB Pipeline: 19:20–20:14

Additional Notable Segments (Post-Phil Simms)

Browns QB Situation

• Analysis of Cleveland Browns’ backup QB choice—Colin and J. Mack agree the front office isn’t sold on Shador Sanders. (21:07–24:22)

Dan Campbell & Lions Coaching Culture

• Campbell called reports about Lions complaining to league “bogus.” Colin calls Campbell one of the league’s most honest, emotionally authentic coaches. (25:13–27:01)

NFL Betting Insights

• Colin and J. Mack discuss betting “landmine” games, instincts about Broncos-Jets.

Tone & Language

• The conversation is open, warm, and occasionally self-deprecating—both Colin and Phil embrace storytelling, humor, and blunt honesty.
• Phil Simms uses candid, folksy phrasing: “Gosh almighty,” “Hell,” “What the hell do they know?"
• The tone with J. Mack and Dan Campbell is lighter, giving way to debate and camaraderie during news rundowns and NFL culture talk.

For Listeners: Why This Episode Matters

This episode offers keen insights into the modern NFL’s passing revolution, the ways coaching and scheme can make or break quarterbacks, and a veteran’s reflections on pressure, leadership, and change. Phil Simms’ anecdotes will resonate with longtime fans, while the discussion of cultural shifts and quarterback scrutiny connects directly to the current football landscape.

In Phil Simms’s Words (Final Quote, 20:11)

“There you go.”