The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Hour 3 – Taking a Look at Drake Maye and Sam Darnold
Episode Date: February 3, 2026

Episode Overview

This hour of The Herd centers on in-depth analysis of two of the NFL’s most talked-about quarterbacks: Drake Maye and Sam Darnold. Colin Cowherd is joined by Steelers All-Pro Cam Heyward for an honest conversation about leadership, coaching, and the evolution of the league, while quarterback consultant Jordan Palmer provides expert insights into the developmental journeys, mental makeup, and technical improvements of both Maye and Darnold. The episode also touches on relevant NFL coaching changes, team progressions, and breaks down NBA trade developments.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Cam Heyward: Leadership, Coaching, and NFL Observations

(02:42 – 10:56)

On Mike Tomlin’s Coaching Style & Tenure

• Tomlin’s Influence: Heyward praises Tomlin’s openness and honesty, stressing that Tomlin always “makes himself available to discuss your problems” even if he disagrees, and that “there are no shortcuts in our league and preparing the right way.”

  “The one thing I loved about Mike was just his honesty to the game, understanding that there are no shortcuts in our league and preparing the right way.” — Cam Heyward (04:11)

• Longevity & Burnout: Cowherd and Heyward discuss the argument for and against long coaching tenures, referencing how Tomlin and other coaches (like Belichick) seem “happier” after stepping back.

  “There is an argument … maybe it was better for Mike to take a deep breath and some time off.” — Colin Cowherd (04:37)

Facing Drake Maye and Sam Darnold

• Seattle (Darnold): Heyward credits Seattle’s resiliency after mistakes, specifically how they “played through emotions” and adjusted during games. He notes their defensive front (Leonard Williams, Byron Young) is key for their consistent wins.

  “They can actually bounce back from situations that were a little bit catastrophic in our game early and then really capitalized on us in the second half.” — Cam Heyward (06:45)

• New England (Maye): He recalls how the Patriots’ offense “unraveled” earlier in the season but highlights Maye’s growth, saying the team “battle[d] back and become just a better unit on both sides of the ball.”

  “[Drake Maye is] playing another level. When we played him the first time, our big thing was we got to get turnovers … They really stabilized that.” — Cam Heyward (08:12)

Steelers’ Offense, New Coach, and Aaron Rodgers' Impact

• On New Coach Mike McCarthy: Heyward looks to improvements, especially with the run game (Kenneth Gainwell, Jaylen Warren) and DK Metcalf’s usage:

  “Look for DK Metcalf to have a lot more in his route tree, a lot more favorable matchups … Let’s give him the ball in space.” (09:17)

• On Aaron Rodgers in Pittsburgh: Rodgers’ leadership and camaraderie elevated the team, and Heyward reveals both on-field professionalism and behind-the-scenes humor.

  “He’s special and I don’t think he gets enough credit as a teammate … but he is a great guy for the locker room.” (10:16)

What Drives a Veteran NFL Star?

• Legacy & Mentorship: At this point in his career, Heyward is focused on “trying to win a Super Bowl” and teaching younger players, showing a drive for both personal achievement and legacy-building.

  “I feel like I still have more work to do on the field, off the field, and then, you know, continue to teach the younger guys …” (16:05)

Charity Work

• Heyward discusses his involvement with the American Cancer Society, motivated by family experiences with cancer.

  “Being able to spearhead and … save a lot of people’s lives and help a lot of people along the way.” (16:35)

NFL Coaching Trends & Seattle Seahawks Plateau

(17:29 – 20:48)

Mike McDonald’s Coaching Tree and Seattle’s Future

• The hosts praise McDonald’s adoption of Harbaugh's principles and his skill at strengthening Seattle’s defense, elevating the team significantly.

  “When you watch how hard Seattle plays, that’s the first thing I look at. They play hard. The second thing is they don’t give up cheap touchdowns.” — Colin Cowherd (18:36)

• With John Schneider, Mike McDonald, and Sam Darnold in place, Cowherd sees Seattle as a “double-digit win team,” but notes the difficulty in drafting late and the challenge against NFC West rivals.

  “You can see the runway for Seattle and you’re like, oh, this is going to be a topic for two, three years now.” — Colin Cowherd (19:57)

NBA Trade Deadline Reactions

(20:51 – 24:52)

James Harden & Jaren Jackson Trades

• The hosts discuss the potential move of James Harden to Cleveland and the hall-of-fame career complicated by questions of team impact and defense.

  “James Harden is known for the step back and nightclubs. Am I wrong?” — Colin Cowherd (22:17)

• They break down a major trade sending Jaren Jackson to Utah, moving the Jazz into the playoff conversation.

  “Utah’s got four really good players. That feels like a playoff team.” — Colin Cowherd (23:15)

Quarterback Deep Dive: Sam Darnold, Drake Maye & Fernando Mendoza

(29:05 – 39:53)

Jordan Palmer on Sam Darnold’s Path

• Early Development: Palmer first met Darnold at 14, noting his transformation from “redheaded, freckled … buck teeth” kid to an elite quarterback. The early adversity—being passed over for a starting job at USC—instilled resilience and preparation habits.

  “Watching him handle that and grow through that and channel the frustration of not being named the starter but being ready, I think really laid the groundwork for a lot of these difficult situations that he’s been in …” — Jordan Palmer (31:23)

• Technical Evolution: Palmer describes off-season programs and customized drills (like using a golf club for peripheral vision and alignment) that directly addressed game-tape flaws, leading to measurable improvements.

  “[After an intervention on his mechanics] Since then, he has not missed one to his right behind a guy … you can press delete on a future 24.6% of your misses in a contract year on a Super Bowl run.” — Jordan Palmer (33:17)

Jordan Palmer on Drake Maye’s Growth

• Personality/Intangibles: Maye, described as a “good old boy country cool,” remains humble, highly coachable, and unphased by fame—traits credited to his family and upbringing.

  “He’s one of those guys like Sam that just not going to be any different than he always was.” — Jordan Palmer (34:42)

• Positional Evolution: Palmer notes Maye’s trajectory is similar to Josh Allen’s, emphasizing support systems like veteran receivers and tight ends and defensive-minded coaches:

  “A run game to complement … not asking you to be the team leader as a young guy. Just focus on [being the] quarterback.” — Jordan Palmer (36:39)

Fernando Mendoza: Another Franchise QB?

• Palmer likens his mobility and mindset to Alex Smith, highlighting Mendoza’s high-pressure performance and authenticity, which he says are essential for emerging as a franchise quarterback—especially in Vegas under Tom Brady’s influence.

  “He is just so who he is and so comfortable in who he is … I think this guy is perfect for what they’re trying to do in Vegas and whatever role Brady plays in that.” — Jordan Palmer (39:19)

On Identifying QB Greatness Early

• Cowherd emphasizes how the “great ones” are often evident by age 13 or 14, but notes that most prodigies don’t pan out—a point both he and his cohost agree on.

  “By and large the great ones, 12, 13 years old, 14 years old, you can see it, you can see it at a camp.” — Colin Cowherd (40:07)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• On Mike Tomlin’s coaching:

  “Mike is very approachable … he makes himself available to discuss your problems … but he makes the team first.” — Cam Heyward (03:50)

• Darnold’s off-field preparation breakthrough:

  “We addressed the mechanical issue … Since then, he has not missed one to his right behind a guy … you can press delete on a future 24.6% of your misses in a contract year on a Super Bowl run.” — Jordan Palmer (33:17)

• On Drake Maye’s personality:

  "Personality wise, he’s a combination of like Philip Rivers, just good old boy country cool. What you see is what you get." — Jordan Palmer (34:33)

• On Fernando Mendoza:

  “He is just so who he is and so comfortable in who he is. … the thing that cannot change about him is this guy is so pure.” — Jordan Palmer (39:13)

• On Sam Darnold’s rise:

  “He rattled off eight or nine straight, Rose Bowl MVP, beat Penn State on fourth down and kind of became Sam Darnold.” — Jordan Palmer (30:36)

• The reality of NFL prodigies:

  "You don’t expect them to continue on that track. A lot of the young prodigies go sideways." — Jason McIntyre (40:35)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 02:42 — Cam Heyward joins to discuss leadership, Tomlin, and team culture
• 06:43 — Heyward breaks down playing against Seattle (Darnold) and New England (Maye)
• 09:08 — Heyward on Steelers' new offense and Aaron Rodgers' impact
• 16:05 — Heyward on legacy and mentorship
• 17:44 — Mike McDonald’s influence and Seahawks’ coaching discussion
• 20:51 — NBA trade deadline, Harden/Garland and Jaren Jackson trades
• 29:05 — Jordan Palmer joins: Darnold’s development and technical corrections
• 34:09 — Drake Maye: strengths, growth, and Josh Allen parallels
• 37:35 — Fernando Mendoza as a franchise QB
• 40:07 — Identifying great quarterbacks in their early teens

Conclusion

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd showcases the layers of quarterback development, from youth to the pros, with a look at the personalities and evolving strategies behind NFL and NBA leadership. The conversations with Cam Heyward and Jordan Palmer are rich with technical nuance, vivid anecdotes, and practical takeaways on identifying, nurturing, and sustaining greatness at the elite level of American sports.