The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 3: What to Look for in Jaxson Dart, Justin Herbert's MVP Chances, Baker Mayfield's Resurgence, and More (Sept 24, 2025)

Main Theme & Purpose

In this hour, Colin Cowherd is joined by Fox Sports analyst and former NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez to break down top stories in the NFL, with a focus on young quarterbacks’ development, coaching fits, changing narratives, and pivotal games. They discuss what to expect from Jaxson Dart in his first NFL start, analyze Justin Herbert’s potential MVP campaign, examine Baker Mayfield’s career revival, touch on Mac Jones’s surprising play, and preview impactful upcoming matchups.

Detailed Segment Breakdown

1. Jaxson Dart's First Start: Managing Expectations

[03:14 – 04:51]

• Key Discussion: Colin and Mark Sanchez discuss realistic expectations for Jaxson Dart as he prepares for his first NFL start, possibly without his starting left tackle, facing a top-tier defense.
  • Sanchez advises focusing on building rhythm: "I'd expect early completions, some slants, some screens, some play actions to build his rhythm." (Sanchez, 03:52)
  • Dart’s mobility is highlighted as an underrated asset, with Sanchez expecting the Giants to mix in designed runs to help him settle.
  • Both agree the main goal is steady, cautious play rather than expecting a win: "I'm just expecting him to get his feet wet and most importantly, you know, stack some completions and protect the football." (Sanchez, 04:51)

2. Justin Herbert’s MVP-Level Leap

[04:51 – 06:17]

• Key Discussion: The hosts reflect on the transformation in Justin Herbert's game, noting the shift from a run-heavy offense to one driven by Herbert’s arm.
  • Mark Sanchez observes: "Now he's throwing it like 38 pass attempts a game and he's showing this offense really is built on his arm." (Sanchez, 05:04)
  • Herbert’s confidence, decisiveness, and ability to make highlight-reel throws set him apart: "There’s not many humans on the planet who can even come close to executing that throw." (Sanchez, 06:00)
  • The Chargers’ offense is now QB-centric, with the run game taking a backseat.

3. Quarterback Narratives: Carson Wentz and the Vikings

[06:17 – 07:56]

• Key Discussion: Colin notes how quickly opinions on quarterbacks change, using Carson Wentz as an example of an undervalued player stabilizing the Minnesota Vikings.
  • Mark Sanchez brings a lighthearted stat: "The Minnesota Vikings are 15 and 3 when Kevin O’Connell has a ginger starting at quarterback. So 83.33%, that's all I know." (Sanchez, 06:51)
  • There’s consensus that continuity and stability are more important than rushing to replace him with a rookie QB: "As long as this guy’s playing well, I got no issues with number 11 starting for the Vikings." (Sanchez, 07:56)

4. Sam Darnold and the Value of Scheme Fit

[07:56 – 09:46]

• Key Discussion: The panel examines Sam Darnold’s career and the importance of putting quarterbacks in supportive schemes.
  • Colin states, "Sam needs structure. I think his DNA, he's a little reckless. So he does need structure...I like what Seattle has created for him." (Cowherd, 07:56)
  • Sanchez agrees, highlighting Seattle's effective rushing attack and the emergence of Jackson Smith-Njigba as a star receiver: "This guy, he’s turned into an absolute superstar." (Sanchez, 08:22)
  • The importance of supporting cast and stability (including O-line and playmakers) is stressed for young quarterbacks to thrive.

5. Baker Mayfield’s Renaissance: From “Cocky” to Clutch

[15:08 – 17:36]

• Key Discussion: Colin expresses genuine pleasure at Baker Mayfield’s late-career resurgence after years searching for the right fit, and Sanchez elaborates on his growth and leadership.
  • Sanchez notes, "He is an absolute psycho on the field, and he has to temper that a little bit. We actually had him on our show...He's a guy's guy. You want him leading your offense. You want to go have a beer with the guy." (Sanchez, 15:46 & 16:29)
  • Mayfield's track record of elevating coaches (two former OCs now NFL head coaches) is highlighted: "You got those guys a lot of money." (Sanchez, 17:09)
  • His current performance is attributed more to a system fit than to draft position—echoing a broader NFL trend.

6. Mac Jones Surprising in New Orleans

[17:36 – 21:29]

• Key Discussion: Colin and Sanchez analyze Mac Jones’ unexpected heavy workload against the Saints and his clutch play, noting a pivotal trick play on 4th-and-2 that swung the game.
  • Sanchez details the moment: "Let me just drop this thing in a red Solo cup like I'm at a carnival. I mean, this is unbelievable by Ricky Pearsall also, because there’s two ways to go on this and Mac Jones has to throw a perfect ball." (Sanchez, 18:11)
  • The importance of backup quarterbacks winning half their starts is underlined, as well as trade considerations related to San Francisco’s defense needs.

7. Cardinals' Upset Loss and Game Management

[21:29 – 23:46]

• Key Discussion: The crew reviews how the Cardinals managed to lose despite leading every key statistical category, reinforcing the NFL’s unpredictability.
  • Sanchez quips: "It is so hard to lose a game when you check all those boxes as a team, it's nearly impossible." (Sanchez, 21:51)
  • This leads to a discussion about Arizona’s offseason moves and coaching challenges.

8. Upcoming Games and Broader NFL Trends

[28:48 – 38:52]

• Key Discussion Points:
  • Colin looks ahead to a vibrant sports weekend, blending football and MLB playoffs.
  • He and JMac analyze Bo Nix’s early struggles in Denver and project a potential turnaround thanks to a softer stretch of games.
  • Defensive struggles of Baltimore and sustainable offensive explosiveness are debated. The possibility of needing to make a trade is suggested.
  • The Chargers’ strong early record against division opponents sparks Super Bowl contender talk, with emphasis on their balance, depth, and coaching. The Bills and trade targets (like D.J. Moore) are discussed as possible challengers.
  • The show wraps with a lighthearted riff on Jim Harbaugh’s polarizing image amid ongoing pro success: "I love seeing great people who can be polarizing, and there's a group of people that don't like them and they just keep winning and you keep running out of excuses." (Cowherd, 38:33)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Herbert's development:
  “He’s in rare form right now...there’s not many humans on the planet who can even come close to executing that throw.”
  — Mark Sanchez (06:00)

• On quarterback narratives:
  “As you know, the opinion of a quarterback in this league can change with a bad half. It’s unfair, but… It’s the one sport in America everybody watches.”
  — Colin Cowherd (06:17)

• On Baker Mayfield:
  "He's a guy's guy. You want him leading your offense. You want to go have a beer with the guy. He's funny. He’ll make you laugh. He can get serious. He genuinely cares about his teammates."
  — Mark Sanchez (16:29)

• On Mac Jones’s clutch play:
  "Let me just drop this thing in a red Solo cup like I'm at a carnival."
  — Mark Sanchez, describing Mac Jones's creative TD throw (18:11)

Key Takeaways

• Quarterback success is often more about scheme/fit and patience than about draft status or early results.
• Justin Herbert's MVP-level rise is a product of a scheme built around his unique skill set and confidence.
• Players like Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, and Mac Jones demonstrate the importance of coaching continuity and supportive environments.
• The NFL is as unpredictable as ever, with games swinging dramatically on single plays and statistical anomalies.
• Teams must leverage existing opportunities (Buffalo's stadium/weather, Chargers' momentum) before the landscape shifts.
• Dynamic offensive talent needs to be balanced with defensive depth for sustained playoff runs.

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Jaxson Dart’s first start: [03:14–04:51]
• Justin Herbert’s evolution: [04:51–06:17]
• Carson Wentz with the Vikings: [06:17–07:56]
• Sam Darnold and Seattle fit: [07:56–09:46]
• Baker Mayfield resurgence: [15:08–17:36]
• Mac Jones's unexpected heroics: [17:36–21:29]
• Cardinals outplaying 49ers (but losing): [21:29–23:46]
• NFL trends, upcoming games, broader analysis: [28:48–38:52]

Tone & Delivery

The episode is conversational and insightful, balancing humor (playful jabs and anecdotes), technical football analysis, and hot takes. Both Colin and Mark keep the dialogue lively and accessible for both die-hard and casual fans.