Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Episode: THE HERD - Hour 3 - The 49ers have issues, Aaron Rodgers & the Steelers, Thoughts on the Packers this season, Mark Sanchez
Date: October 1, 2025
Host: Colin Cowherd
Guest Analyst: Mark Sanchez
Producer/Analyst Comments: Drew Franklin, Jason McIntyre

Overview

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd centers on pressing NFL storylines: the San Francisco 49ers’ on-field struggles (particularly with quarterback Brock Purdy), the evolving situation with Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers, what’s next for young teams like the Packers, and in-depth analysis with former NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez, including quarterback development and key division races. As always, the show features Cowherd’s trademark blend of tough opinions, sharp football insight, and back-and-forth banter with co-hosts and guests.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Mark Sanchez on Josh Allen, Brock Purdy, and the 49ers’ Issues

[02:34 - 06:24]

• Josh Allen’s Background and Business Venture:
  Mark Sanchez shares about Allen’s agricultural roots, new pistachio business with his dad ("He’s a small town farm kid...fired up about this partnership." – Sanchez, 03:00).

• Brock Purdy’s Regression and Injuries:
  Cowherd points out Purdy’s uptick in interceptions, connecting it to his injury and youth around him.
  "Fans don’t understand. You’re forcing things, you’re playing hurt, maybe you don’t have quite the velocity." (Cowherd, 03:39)
  Sanchez elaborates:

  "He went from a steady distributor...to a guy who’s got to score a lot more. And they’re leaning on him a lot more to make plays with a different roster than he came into the league with." (Sanchez, 04:31)
  Sanchez mentions a less cohesive offensive line, younger weapons, and injuries all changing Purdy’s margin for error.
  "Bottom line is I don’t care if you’re Steve Young, Joe Montana, you need guys around you...Even if those guys came back into play right now, the best ability would be Steve Young’s legs. Because you know, it’s tough finding completions for San Francisco...they’re still 3 and 1." (Sanchez, 05:45)

2. Aaron Rodgers, Steelers, and Quarterback Evaluation

[06:24 - 09:17]

• Rodgers’ Adaptation and PFF Discrepancy:
  Cowherd defends Aaron Rodgers, suggesting analytics overlook situational mastery:

  "I’ve watched a lot of quarterback play this year. I think Aaron has figured out on the fly...Not throwing the ball into trouble, I’m throwing this ball underneath. I’m going to let our defense win." (Cowherd, 06:44)

• Rodgers’ Veteran Approach:
  Drew Franklin pokes fun: "11:21 Pacific Time, Colin Cowherd is defending Aaron Rodgers." (Franklin, 07:31)
  Franklin praises Rodgers’ conductor-like command and how Aaron and DK Metcalf have finally clicked.

  "They finally figured out how to use DK Metcalf and that took some time...He’s a catch and run guy...they’re going to have to generate some of those splash plays on screens." (Franklin, 08:07)

3. Daniel Jones, Colts, and Post-New York Success

[09:17 - 11:39]

• Daniel Jones’ Emergence with a New Team:
  Colin Cowherd admits surprise at Jones’ play outside of New York:

  "I never gave up on Sam Darnold. I gave up on Daniel Jones. I don’t even know what I’m watching...that’s a starting quarterback in the NFL." (Cowherd, 09:39)
  Sanchez highlights Jones’ supporting cast with the Colts and draws comparison to his playoff year with the Giants:
  "They have everything that Daniel Jones had in the year he went to the playoffs and won a game on the road…Now they’re working with Jonathan Taylor...The guy is surgical." (Sanchez, 10:21)
  Sanchez notes athleticism, good scheme, and a big, young tight end (Tyler Warren) as crucial factors.

4. Young Teams and “Closing Out” Games: Packers and Seahawks

[18:36 - 21:11]

• The Packers’ Youth and Learning to Finish
  Cowherd on Packers/Seahawks:

  "There is something about young teams...they don’t quite know how to seal games when they’re the better team. And it’s a thing. It’s a skill." (Cowherd, 18:46)
  Sanchez confirms:
  "These are learned traits. And then soon it becomes part of who you are and how the coaches teach it. But until the players handle it and experience it, then...it turns into riding a bike." (Sanchez, 19:39)
  Errors and penalties, rather than opponents’ heroics, often determine close games.

5. Trevor Lawrence, the Jaguars, and QB Development

[21:11 - 25:38]

• Trevor Lawrence’s Progress and Coaching Instability
  Sanchez notes Lawrence’s high turnover number but emphasizes constant change around him:

  "Four different head coaches, four or five different coordinators...Finally, he has a coordinator that comes from that Shanahan McVay kind of tree...his plate is completely full." (Sanchez, 21:35)
  He explains how Lawrence is being challenged to make audibles and line adjustments like never before and shows via game tape how the Jaguars’ goal-line offense and defensive turnover "magic" are putting the team ahead.

6. Patriots QB Drake May and Building Around a Franchise QB

[31:13 - 35:49]

• Drake May’s Fast Progression:
  Jason McIntyre lauds:

  "He's leading the league at 74% completions. May is really cooking right now." (McIntyre, 31:13)
  Colin details the core elements of successful franchises—the “five things”—and notes the Patriots' only missing piece is a bona fide WR1.
  "Owner, coach, OC, left tackle, quarterback...they just need an elite weapon." (Cowherd, 32:09)

• Skepticism on Competition Level:
  McIntyre questions if May’s numbers are inflated by weak defenses thus far:

  "The Vegas Raiders, that’s a bottom five defense...I just need to see a little more." (McIntyre, 33:22)
  Both agree: If the Patriots add a star receiver, they could win a playoff game.

7. Jets’ Struggles, Sauce Gardner, and Penalties

[35:49 - 38:22]

• Penalty Frustration:
  Sauce Gardner blames officiating for the Jets’ woes:

  "I get called for more stuff just based off of us just not winning...us not winning, it’s just, that’s what goes on." (Gardner, 36:13)
  Colin discusses the psychological bias referees may have toward winners and established coaches.
  "I don’t think it’s rigged. I think it’s the advantage of being successful in life. It’s like the advantage of being tall or good looking. People just assume you know what you’re talking about." (Cowherd, 37:09)

• Cornerback Value:
  McIntyre:

  "Sauce is the highest paid cornerback...he has one interception in the last 43 games." (McIntyre, 38:22)
  Cowherd contends teams don’t target him late due to the Jets often trailing.

8. NFL Trade Strategies and Team Needs

[40:02 - End]

• Chargers’ and Rams’ Immediate Needs:
  Cowherd believes the Rams need a top corner; Chargers need a running back (not another tackle):

  "I think the Rams need a corner, the Chargers need a running back, and I like the Jets to upset the Cowboys this week." (Cowherd, 42:16)

• Quick NFL Game Picks:

  • Colin’s pick of the week: Colts over Raiders
  • Patriots as underdogs in a divisional rivalry
  • Jets to upset the Cowboys

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Brock Purdy’s Situation:
  "Even if those guys came back into play right now, the best ability would be Steve Young's legs. Because...it's tough finding completions right now for San Francisco and they're still 3 and 1."
  — Mark Sanchez, 05:45

• On Aaron Rodgers’ Quiet Brilliance:
  "I've watched a lot of quarterback play this year. I think Aaron has figured out on the fly...not throwing the ball into trouble."
  — Colin Cowherd, 06:44

• On Young Teams Struggling to Close:
  "There is something about young teams...they don’t quite know how to seal games when they’re the better team. And it’s a thing. It’s a skill."
  — Colin Cowherd, 18:46

• On Officials, Winners, and Reputation:
  "I don’t think it’s rigged. I think it’s the advantage of being successful in life. It’s like the advantage of being tall or good looking. People just assume you know what you're talking about."
  — Colin Cowherd, 37:09

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 02:34 — Mark Sanchez on Josh Allen, Brock Purdy, and the 49ers’ changing offensive climate
• 06:24 — Rodgers’ adaptation, the undervalued part of quarterbacking, and Steelers outlook
• 09:17 — Daniel Jones’ rebirth with the Colts and quarterback context
• 18:36 — Packers and Seahawks: youth, finishing close games, and learning to win
• 21:11 — Trevor Lawrence’s development track, coaching chaos, and Jags’ identity
• 31:13 — Patriots' QB Drake May’s ascent and what remains for New England’s rebuild
• 35:49 — Jets’ struggles, Sauce Gardner’s complaints, and the psychology of NFL officiating
• 40:02 — Trade targets for Rams and Chargers; rapid-fire picks and NFL storylines

Episode Tone and Style

The conversation is high-energy, direct, and laced with gentle ribbing and friendly disagreement—trademarks of The Herd. Cowherd’s no-nonsense, “big picture” approach is counterbalanced by Mark Sanchez’s player’s perspective and Drew Franklin’s quick wit. Strategic questions about team sustainability, quarterback development, and NFL culture drive the talk, with a focus both on stats and the less quantifiable intangibles (“finishing” games, leadership, learning to win).

Conclusion

This episode is a must-listen for NFL fans interested in the deeper mechanics behind quarterback play, under-the-hood team dynamics, and how front offices think about building and “finishing” winning franchises. Sanchez’s player insights meld well with Cowherd’s big-picture takes, making for a fun, rapid-fire hour with actionable analysis and strong week-ahead predictions.