Podcast Summary – "What's Wright: NFL Week 2 Reaction"

The Herd with Colin Cowherd (Hosted by Nick Wright, with Damanza)
Release Date: September 17, 2025
Episode Theme: NFL Week 2 Reactions – Chiefs Troubles, Baker & Buccaneers Surging, Burrow’s Injury

Overview

This episode is a comprehensive and candid breakdown of NFL Week 2 with Nick Wright and co-host Damanza. The main themes are the Kansas City Chiefs’ worrying start, the surging Tampa Bay Buccaneers led by Baker Mayfield, and the catastrophic Joe Burrow injury for the Bengals. The show also features commentary on Eagles fans, the controversy of the Tush Push play, and rapid-fire recaps of every relevant NFL game.

Key Discussion Points

1. Nick Wright’s Mood and Personal Betting Recap

• Nick opens candidly about a “rough Sunday” due to betting losses—frustration mainly with the Chiefs game (02:10).
• “I ended up going two and three this weekend…The Jags gave away just a total Jagsian fashion gave away.” (Nick, 03:17)
• Logistics update: The picks show will now be released separately on Fridays (04:36).

2. Kansas City Chiefs: Are They in Trouble?

Segment Start: 08:06

• Running Game Woes:
  Chiefs’ run game looks “as inept as ever since Patrick’s been there.” Pacheco’s vision/hitting the hole seems diminished, possibly due to his previous broken leg (08:26).

  • “Pacheco sadly just does not look like the same player he was before he broke his leg.” (Nick, 08:57)

• Offensive Line & Mahomes:
  Despite a strong left tackle performance, Mahomes doesn’t trust his protection, forced to "activate playoff running Mahomes in Weeks 1 and 2," which Nick hates for health and strategic reasons (10:20).

• Receivers and Kelsey:
  Mahomes and Kelsey not in sync; crucial dropped/bobbled passes have directly altered outcomes. “The greatest tight end in the history of the league has had a really rough two weeks.” (12:24)

• Defensive Struggles:
  Chiefs aren’t generating pressure without blitzing. Chris Jones is “a man on an island at times” (14:53).

• Outlook & Value Bets:
  Chiefs currently +240 to win the division — Nick still thinks that’s “good value,” believes KC remains best in AFC West, but acknowledges AFC is open and the one-seed is “basically given up”.

  • “They are potentially 12 days away from everyone saying how silly we should feel for writing off the Chiefs.” (Nick, 19:47)

3. Eagles Fans & Nick’s Interactions

Segment Start: 21:54

• Nick details aggressive, even bizarre encounters with Eagles fans after Super Bowl win—"38-year-old IT pros" yelling at him on NYC streets.
  • “I’d love to tell you the vast majority were great. They were not. The vast majority were obnoxious assholes.” (Nick, 22:02)
• Comparison: Never had such negative encounters with other fan bases (i.e., Buffalo fans).
• “If I were to make a list of the 20 worst in-person interactions I’ve had…18 of them would be Eagle fans since they won the Super Bowl.” (Nick, 26:18)

4. The Tush Push Debate

Segment Start: 33:33

• Nick doubles down on his years-long dislike of the Eagles’ Tush Push QB sneak.
  • “My argument had always been multilayered… it’s against the spirit of professional football because it’s a rugby play, it’s bad TV…” (Nick, 34:31)
• Argues that Philly’s success is aided by frequent “early” movement by the o-line, rarely flagged.
• Cites Tom Brady and Dean Blandino, who have added fuel to the officiating debate.
• Predicts the play will be banned after 2025, but hopes for stricter officiating in the meantime: “If Philly starts just even occasionally getting false starts, it massively kneecaps its effectiveness.” (Nick, 41:18)

5. Joe Burrow’s Injury & Bengals Outlook

Segment Start: 46:01

• Burrow out with turf toe and expected to miss “at least three months,” but Nick calls that a euphemism for “done for the season.”
  • “If the initial reporting is at least three months for Joe Burrow, you should read that to mean he is done for the season.” (Nick, 46:14)
• Nick questions Bengals’ preseason confidence in their O-line and Burrow’s risky play style—draws parallels to Big Ben but notes Burrow is less durable.
• “He has a real chance… to become the only guy in NFL history to win the comeback player of the year three times.” (49:55)
• Remaining optimistic about 2026, since it’s not a “career-threatening” injury, but Bengals’ immediate playoff hopes dim.

6. Rapid Fire Recaps: Key Games & Storylines

Jacksonville Jaguars’ Collapse vs. Bengals (58:21)

• Jags lose despite three Browning interceptions—quintessential “Jags loss” (58:32).

Buccaneers & Baker Mayfield Buzz (62:12)

• Baker’s clutch drive; Nick is bullish: “Baker absolutely can win league MVP this year. Absolutely can. And the Bucs absolutely can be the one seed as predicted on this show.” (65:25)
• Baker vindication narrative after Browns moved on.
• Warning signs: Texans panic meter at “7,” C.J. Stroud’s performance drop-off, and a potential reckoning in Houston (68:00).

Chargers Keep Rolling (70:17)

• Chargers look strong, but Nick critiques their management decisions and underuse of drafted RBs.
• “Herbert’s running it too much and that is concerning.” (70:26)

Lions Dominate, Bears Flounder (79:02)

• Lions bounce back aggressively, Bears’ "how far away are we from being good?" — Nick doesn’t think Caleb Williams is the primary story (79:18).

Cowboys Survive Shootout with Broncos (81:38)

• Five lead changes, Nick laments overestimating Cowboys if they had kept Micah Parsons: “The Cowboys were always going to be dangerous this year if they kept Micah.” (81:54)

49ers QB Debate, Mac Jones Surges (83:10)

• Nick cements his take: system QBs thrive in Shanahan’s offense, which is proven true as Mac Jones excels.
  • “Sometimes, you just gotta be like, damn it, Nick was right.” (83:20)

More Game Notes

• Falcons-Vikings: J.J. McCarthy struggles, now hurt (86:03).
• Ravens topple Browns behind defensive errors (88:19).
• Bills pound Jets; Steelers in trouble.
• Patriots beat Dolphins in a high-flying scoring game; Mike McDaniel on the hot seat (91:17).
• Broncos, Colts, Cardinals also receive brief but pointed analysis.
• Notable: Nick’s disdain for Daniel Jones “Saints last year Derek Carr vibes” with the Colts. (92:23)

Noteworthy Quotes & Moments

• “Pacheco sadly just does not look like the same player he was before he broke his leg.” (08:57, Nick Wright)
• “If I were to make a list of the 20 worst in-person interactions I’ve had since I’ve been doing this, 18 of them would be Eagle fans.” (26:18, Nick Wright)
• “My argument had always been multilayered… it’s against the spirit of professional football because it’s a rugby play, it’s bad TV…” (34:31, Nick Wright on Tush Push)
• “If the initial reporting is at least three months for Joe Burrow, you should read that to mean he is done for the season.” (46:14, Nick Wright)
• “Baker absolutely can win league MVP this year. Absolutely can. And the Bucks absolutely can be the one seed as predicted on this show.” (65:25, Nick Wright)
• “Sometimes, you just gotta be like, damn it, Nick was right.” (83:20, Nick Wright on the 49ers’ QB situation)

Important Timestamps

| Segment | Timestamp | |---------------------------------------|------------| | Chiefs Troubles Begin | 08:06 | | Run Game & Pacheco | 08:57 | | Mahomes Protection Issues | 10:20 | | Receivers/Kelsey Chemistry | 12:24 | | Chiefs Defensive Analysis | 14:53 | | Eagles Fans Rant | 21:54 | | Tush Push Debate | 33:33 | | Tush Push Officiating Critique | 41:18 | | Joe Burrow Injury | 46:01 | | Bengals Season Outlook | 49:55 | | Jags' Loss to Bengals | 58:21 | | Baker Mayfield/Bucs Buzz | 62:12 | | Texans Concerns | 68:00 | | Chargers Recap | 70:17 | | Lions/Bears Recap | 79:02 | | Cowboys vs. Broncos | 81:38 | | 49ers QB System Debate | 83:10 | | Falcons/Vikings, Ravens/Cleveland etc.| 86:03+ |

Tone & Style

• Nick’s irreverent, self-aware, and sometimes contrarian style is on full display—he mixes deep football analysis with quips and banter.
• Takes are grounded in stats and team context but remain high-energy and conversational.
• Frequent acknowledgments of personal predictions, both wins, and losses.
• Damanza serves as a foil, prompting further takes and clarifications.

Summary Takeaways

• Chiefs have real, fixable issues but shouldn’t be written off.
• The Eagles’ Tush Push remains controversial and likely to be banned.
• Baker Mayfield’s redemption arc is real and being celebrated by Nick.
• Burrow’s injury devastates the Bengals’ season; optimism reserved for 2026.
• 49ers’ quarterback play still more about Shanahan and weapons than any particular passer.
• Other divisions see chaos: Chargers, Lions, Ravens, Cowboys all have strong narratives.
• Fanbase ire, especially Eagles, is extremely personal for Nick.
• The AFC looks shockingly open and less imposing than the NFC for the first time in years.

For NFL fans seeking a full pulse-check on the league, this episode is a sharp, thorough ride through Week 2’s drama, controversy, and shifting narratives—anchored by Nick Wright’s signature mix of insightful stats, strong opinions, and unfiltered personality.