Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Episode: "What’s Wright - NFL Reaction: How Mahomes & Chiefs Return to Super Bowl, Stafford & Rams DOOMED?"

Release Date: August 8, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of "What’s Wright" from The Herd with Colin Cowherd, hosts Nick Wright and Damanze delve into the latest NFL developments, focusing on Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs' resurgence, the tumultuous situation surrounding Matt Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams, and other pivotal preseason narratives shaping the upcoming football season.

Chiefs' Road Back to the Super Bowl

Mahomes & the Chiefs' Offense:

Nick Wright kicks off the discussion by analyzing Patrick Mahomes' statement, "I'm going to do whatever it takes to win, whether that's passing for a lot of yards or not passing for a lot of yards," highlighting the Chiefs' versatile offensive strategies. Wright emphasizes the importance of the Chiefs reclaiming their "swagger" and expanding their deep-ball game to ensure continued success.

Notable Quote:

Nick Wright [35:18]: "They need to get their swagger back and pump the ball down the field."

Offensive Line and Receiver Health:

The hosts discuss the impact of a healthier offensive line and the return of key receivers like Xavier Worthy and Ja’Marr Chase. Wright mentions, “Josh Simmons, the rookie left tackle and Xavier Worthy's ascension is going to help that quite a bit.”

Quarterback Performance Under Pressure:

A statistical highlight presented by Wright reveals Mahomes leading the league in fourth-quarter comebacks, boasting a 67% success rate when trailing. This contrasts sharply with other top quarterbacks like Jalen Hurts and Lamar Jackson, underscoring Mahomes' clutch performance under pressure.

Notable Quote:

Nick Wright [40:01]: "Patrick Mahomes, 14 and 7, 67%. That means the Chiefs would be an 11-12 win team if every game they trailed going into the fourth quarter."

Matt Stafford & the Rams: A Troubled Situation

Micah Parsons Trade Drama:

The conversation shifts to the ongoing Micah Parsons trade request and its repercussions on the Dallas Cowboys. Wright criticizes Jerry Jones for not engaging in negotiations with Parsons' agent, labeling it as "unethical" and detrimental to team morale.

Notable Quote:

Nick Wright [06:36]: "Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys have not had a single negotiation with Micah Parsons' agent. There is absolutely no justification for that whatsoever."

Backup Quarterback Controversy:

Wright and Damanze debate the potential of fifth-round pick Shador outshining veteran Dylan Gabriel on the Browns' depth chart. Wright points out the unrealistic expectations placed on Shador while highlighting the complexities of NFL contracts and player negotiations.

Notable Quote:

Nick Wright [26:43]: "A realistic goal, however, was when we break camp when preseason is over, I want to be the highest ranked rookie on the quarterback depth chart."

Matt Stafford's Injury and Rams' Future:

Matt Stafford's aggravated disc injury and its implications for the Los Angeles Rams' season are scrutinized. Wright expresses skepticism about the Rams' ability to function without Stafford, citing the lack of transparent injury reports and the unclear status of Stafford's participation in Week 1.

Notable Quote:

Nick Wright [54:42]: "The short to long didn't read is yes, I'm concerned but I'm hopeful."

Preseason Highlights and Player Prospects

Shador's Preseason Performance:

The hosts assess Shador's performance in the preseason, debating whether his initial games could secure him a more prominent role in the Browns' lineup or attract interest from other teams like the Rams or Dolphins.

Notable Quote:

Nick Wright [33:05]: "The goal should be Martin Cabral. Zero mistakes."

Travis Kelsey's Impact:

Travis Kelsey's performance and durability are examined, with Wright predicting he will remain one of the most impactful tight ends this season despite concerns over his workload and injury management.

Notable Quote:

Nick Wright [42:28]: "I think Travis this year will once again be one of the three most impactful players in his position."

Travis Hunter's Dual Role:

Travis Hunter's unique position as a starting wide receiver and backup cornerback is discussed, with Damanze highlighting Head Coach Liam Cohen's confidence in his potential to win both Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year awards.

Notable Quote:

Nick Wright [47:54]: "Defensive rookie of the Year because Greg Jennings pointed this out and he's not wrong."

Listener Questions and Responses

Q1: Why is Matt Stafford so highly regarded despite mixed performance records?

A1:

Nick Wright attributes Stafford's reputation to his high draft status, initial stellar performance with the Rams, and the narrative surrounding his transition from Detroit. Despite not always having the best raw statistics, Stafford's potential and key playoff performances have kept his standing high.

Notable Quote:

Nick Wright [72:45]: "It's a combination of number one draft pick who had like individual super high highs."

Q2: What are your best and worst bets from last year?

A2:

Wright cites his best bet as the Broncos going over five and a half, leading to their playoff appearance, and his worst bet being the Steelers missing out on their projections.

Notable Quote:

Nick Wright [74:13]: "Worst bet was Steelers miss everything. And I tied that into a bunch of stuff."

Q3: What's your favorite pre-Mahomes era Chiefs moment?

A3:

Wright reminisces about Jamal Charles' standout performances, particularly a memorable five-touchdown game against the Broncos, highlighting the Chiefs' offensive prowess before Patrick Mahomes took the helm.

Notable Quote:

Nick Wright [74:41]: "About 10 Jamal Charles games. Jamal was my favorite player ever before Patrick and Travis."

Controversial Topics and Final Thoughts

Inappropriate Behavior at WNBA Games:

Towards the end of the episode, Wright addresses the troubling incidents of fans throwing objects onto the court during WNBA games. He condemns such behavior, emphasizing the need for adult decency and respect for athletes.

Notable Quote:

Nick Wright [60:00]: "These are the type of shit that would get eyes rolled by high school juniors. And now it's happened three times."

Power Ranking NFL Coaches:

In a lighter segment, Wright and Damanze engage in a spirited debate, power ranking NFL head coaches based on their likelihood to engage in physical altercations. They humorously assess coaches like Mike Vrabel, Dan Campbell, Andy Reid, and Jim Harbaugh, blending competitiveness with personal anecdotes.

Conclusion

Nick Wright wraps up the episode by thanking sponsors Boost Mobile, DraftKings, and others, while also encouraging listeners to rate, subscribe, and review the podcast. He reiterates the importance of listening to the latest NFL updates and teases topics for future episodes.

Notable Quote:

Nick Wright [75:04]: "Thank you to Boost to DraftKings to Volume to Blue Duck for listening and for Mike Vrabel for giving us that great content at the end of the show."

Key Takeaways

• Chiefs' Strategy: Emphasis on Mahomes' leadership and the need for a rejuvenated offensive approach to secure another Super Bowl appearance.

• Rams' Uncertainty: Matt Stafford's injury raises concerns about the Rams' offensive stability and future prospects.

• Player Dynamics: Ongoing discussions about Micah Parsons' trade saga, Shador's potential rise, and Travis Kelsey's expected impact.

• Listener Engagement: Addressing audience questions provides deeper insights into player evaluations and betting strategies.

• Behavioral Standards: Strong stance against unsportsmanlike conduct at sporting events underscores the podcast's commitment to integrity.

This episode offers a comprehensive analysis of current NFL trends, blending statistical insights with candid opinions, making it a valuable listen for both avid fans and casual followers.