Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Episode: THE HERD - Hour 3 - Super Bowl MVP Phil Simms stops by The Herd
Date: November 20, 2025
Host: Colin Cowherd, with Jason McIntyre
Guest: Phil Simms (2x Super Bowl Champ, former New York Giants QB)
Episode Overview
This episode focuses on quarterback mentality, development, and evaluation—both in the NFL and as college prospects. Colin and J-Mac welcome Super Bowl MVP Phil Simms for an in-depth conversation about the evolving expectations of quarterbacks, from Jalen Hurts' approach and leadership style to the rapid judgment of young signal callers, as well as in-depth looks at rising stars Shendor Sanders, J.J. McCarthy, and more. Later in the hour, Colin and Jason discuss the state of several NFL teams, betting angles, and the effect of coaching and scheme on quarterback performance.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Does a QB Need to Be Popular to Succeed?
- Topic: Jalen Hurts’ leadership, locker room dynamics, and being “one of the guys”
- Colin references a report that Hurts “runs the offense he feels like running” and isn’t the outgoing, social type compared to Brady or Mahomes.
- Phil Simms (04:30):
“No, of course you don't [have to be popular]. But it does help... blend in with the football team. Jalen Hurts has taken a lot of heat for being successful right now in the NFL.”
- Simms highlights Hurts’ conservative but careful play style and notes that caution is sometimes a winning formula, especially on a team with a strong defense.
- Simms relates to Hurts’ style: “I kind of played that way. I didn’t mean to—but it worked out that way... When you got a good defense, why are you out there trying to show everybody you can score 30 and 40 points?”
- Phil Simms (04:30):
- Insight: You don’t have to be beloved in the locker room or a “rah rah” guy to win; tactical quarterbacking and fitting your team's needs often outweigh personality.
2. Attitude Toward Interceptions and Risk-Taking
- Topic: Evaluating quarterbacks who throw interceptions; Sam Darnold and Andrew Luck as case studies.
- Jason McIntyre (05:32):
- “I always defend interception quarterbacks... throw the ball down the damn field. I don't like dink and dunk guys.”
- Phil Simms (06:24):
“Throw it down the field. We want big plays. Big plays win games… If I started checking it down too much, Parcells would yell at me, ‘What, are you worried, Sims, about your completion percentage?’”
- Simms acknowledges that while boldness is good, Darnold’s recent interceptions were head-scratchers:
“Some of those interceptions Sam Darnold threw last week... Wow. That's all I can say. Wow. You got to pull it back sometimes.”
- Simms acknowledges that while boldness is good, Darnold’s recent interceptions were head-scratchers:
- Insight: Coaches historically valued aggressiveness, but there’s a balance; constant risk-taking can hurt even when aggression is encouraged.
3. How Quickly Should Teams Judge Young Quarterbacks?
- Topic: Changing expectations with improved youth QB development (private coaches, 7-on-7 drills).
- Jason (08:00):
- Suggests quarterbacks now get evaluated by “Thanksgiving of year two,” not year three.
- Discusses J.J. McCarthy as a case study:
- Phil Simms (08:53):
“He's going to get the rest of the year... He moves around well, strong arm, but he's got one pitch—I’m going to throw the damn thing as hard as I can... you got to hit all those routine throws. That’s one of the biggest things that hurts him and hurts the football team right now.”
- Praises Vikings’ receivers for not yet turning on McCarthy but insists the QB must improve his short and intermediate accuracy.
- Insight: The evaluation window is tighter than ever; QBs are expected to show NFL-level consistency right away due to better early training.
4. Scouting Recent College QBs: Shendor Sanders & Fernando Mendoza
Shendor Sanders
- Dropped in the draft after rumored "bad interviews" and questions about maturity (e.g., speeding tickets, legendary memorabilia during interviews).
- Phil Simms (10:57):
“He plays really big on the field. Does he take too many sacks and try to extend plays? Absolutely. He did it last week... But those are things you can really correct... I think everybody thinks he'll play really well against the Raiders, the defense not that good.”
- Foresees a conservative opening game plan with easy throws, screens, and then opening the offense deep, which fits Sanders’ strengths.
- Jason & Phil both note issues with in-game awareness, such as Sanders hyping up the crowd when his O-line needed quiet (see: 38:44).
Fernando Mendoza
- Jason praises QBs from less prestigious college programs for overcoming lesser supporting casts.
- Phil Simms (13:16):
“I think he'll be a very successful quarterback in the pros... Tall, compact motion, spins the ball, can really drive it and he's tough as hell... He’s been taught well and has the talent; he’ll learn the NFL game quickly. I think he'll be somewhat of an instant success.”
- Compares Mendoza’s readiness to Jackson Dart, noting pro-style offenses in college make evaluations more straightforward.
5. The State of Young NFL QBs: Aggressiveness, Adjustment, and System Fit
- Bo Nix is highlighted for his poise and willingness to take shots downfield:
- Phil Simms (16:32):
“Bo Nix... is a man. And he does not even flinch when he's playing the game... He's looking for the kill shot... He's not 'Check-down Charlie.' He's willing to do the right thing and take a chance and not worry about if he's going to be the goat or the hero.”
- Phil Simms (16:32):
- Jason agrees: “He is also aggressive. He’s an aggressive thrower of the football.” (17:09)
6. NFL Week Storylines & Quick Takes
- Giants: Brian Daboll’s firing, Jameis Winston performance, and coaching “fresh energy” (24:41).
- Detroit: The Lions’ bounce back record after losses—13 straight wins and covers after a loss with Goff and Campbell (25:26).
- Tampa Bay: Baker Mayfield and team illness, Rams as surging Super Bowl threats (26:54).
- Analysis of Bo Nix and Drake May—both on 8-game winning streaks, May compared favorably to Marino/Elway for early success (28:44).
- Thick draft class of QBs anticipated: “A couple first, a couple second... A lot of high to middle seconds.” (44:47)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On Jalen Hurts’ personality:
“Of course you don't [need to be popular], but it does help... when you’ve got a great defense, being careful with the football isn’t the worst thing.” — Phil Simms (04:30)
- On being aggressive as a QB:
“Throw it down the field. We want big plays. Big plays win games.” — Phil Simms (06:24)
- On J.J. McCarthy:
“He’s got one pitch—throw as hard as he can... you got to hit all those routine throws.” — Phil Simms (08:53)
- On Shendor Sanders:
“He plays really big on the field. Does he take too many sacks? Absolutely... that's something that can be corrected.” — Phil Simms (10:57)
- On Bo Nix:
“He does not even flinch... He's not check-down Charlie... takes chances.” — Phil Simms (16:32)
- On Bo Nix and Drake May streaks:
“This is the first time the league has had two QBs on an eight-game win streak since 1984—Elway and Marino.” — Colin Cowherd/Jason McIntyre (28:43)
Timestamps for Key Segments
| Segment | Time (MM:SS) | Summary | |---------|--------------|---------| | Jalen Hurts' leadership & popularity | 04:30 | Simms on why popularity helps but isn't required for QB success | | Interceptions & aggression in QBs | 06:24 | Simms on the balance of risk vs. caution | | Evaluating young QBs, J.J. McCarthy | 08:53 | Tightened evaluation windows for young QBs | | Shendor Sanders draft drop & debut | 10:57 | Simms' take on Sanders’ skills and weaknesses | | Evaluating Fernando Mendoza | 13:16 | Pro-style offenses in college aiding transition | | Bo Nix’s NFL promise | 16:32 | Simms admires Nix's confidence and aggression | | Bo Nix & Drake May’s 8-game win streak | 28:43 | Historic comparison; Jason/Colin analysis | | Crowd awareness issue (Sanders) | 38:44 | Sanders hyping home crowd, teammates frustrated | | QB draft class depth | 44:47 | Simms & Colin discuss upcoming class thickness |
Tone & Style
The discussion is friendly, knowledgeable, candid, and peppered with nostalgia (especially in Phil Simms’ recollections). There’s a strong scouting/evaluator tone, focusing on both the psychological and technical aspects of quarterback play. The show’s pacing allows for deeper dives, particularly when Simms shares his old-school player and coach experiences.
For Listeners Who Haven't Tuned In
This episode is essential for fans interested in quarterback development and evaluation—both on and off the field. Phil Simms’ insights bridge the old and new eras of football, Jason and Colin contextualize current NFL and college trends, and there’s a fascinating debate on how quickly a franchise should gauge their young QB’s potential. The episode also includes engaging anecdotes about personalities, play styles, and what really matters in building a successful franchise quarterback.
End of summary.