Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd - Episode: "What's Wright?" Release Date: August 12, 2025
Host: Nick Wright
Platform: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

1. Introduction

The episode kicks off with Nick Wright welcoming listeners to episode 357 of "What's Right," sponsored by Boost Mobile. The introduction includes brief mentions of various promotions and upcoming segments but primarily sets the stage for the day's main topics.

2. Quarterback Rankings Reaction

a. Bill Simmons' Quarterback Pyramid ([06:51] - [09:10])

Nick and co-host Damanze delve into recent quarterback rankings released by sports analysts. Bill Simmons debuted his "quarterback pyramid," placing Josh Allen at the top. Nick expresses frustration, stating:

"My real beef is with Bill because Bill debuts his quarterback pyramid and has Josh Allen at the top."
— Nick Wright ([08:15])

Nick criticizes Simmons for potentially bias, recalling Simmons' long-standing support for Tom Brady over Peyton Manning, despite statistical arguments favoring Manning during their rivalry.

b. Dan Orlovsky's QB Traits ([07:16] - [09:10])

Contrasting Simmons, Dan Orlovsky released a list based on specific quarterback traits, citing Patrick Mahomes as number one. Nick acknowledges Orlovsky's expertise but still finds Simmons' pyramid more provocative.

"I think Josh Allen 1, Patrick 2 no problem. I actually agree with that."
— Nick Wright ([08:50])

c. Comparison Between Rankings ([09:10] - [15:00])

The discussion shifts to comparing Simmons' and Orlovsky's rankings. Nick appreciates certain aspects, like arm strength rankings but remains critical of the overall methodology.

"If you're going to really do it, each level has to be one player bigger than the previous. You can't go 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 5, 5, 5, five."
— Nick Wright ([10:30])

d. Personal Rankings and Critiques ([15:00] - [35:00])

Nick outlines his quarterback rankings, emphasizing his top choices and critiquing others based on performance and potential biases from fantasy football influences.

"If I were to just do the Nick Wright rankings, pure just me who I would like for this season, assuming health, Patrick, Josh, Lamar, Joe Stafford."
— Nick Wright ([25:00])

He also addresses the inconsiderate placement of certain quarterbacks in lower tiers despite their on-field performance, attributing it to possible bias or incomplete evaluations.

3. Shedeur Sanders' Debut

While the transcript provided does not contain explicit discussions about Shedeur Sanders' stellar debut with the Browns, it's presumed that this segment addresses his performance and impact on the team. Given the episode's focus, valuable insights into his gameplay, potential, and how he elevates the Browns' offense are likely discussed, though specific quotes are unavailable in the transcript provided.

4. Defending Caleb Williams

a. Caleb Williams' Preseason Performance ([70:45] - [75:37])

The conversation shifts to Caleb Williams, a prominent quarterback, focusing on his preseason performance and the Chicago Bears' management decisions regarding his playtime.

"Ben Johnson did not play it down in the preseason game... if you are deciding institutionally the starters aren't playing, then you obviously can't throw Caleb out there."
— Nick Wright ([71:05])

Nick defends Caleb Williams against criticisms, emphasizing the Bears' strategy in handling his development and playtime during the preseason.

b. Colin Cowherd's Take ([71:05] - [75:00])

Nick references Colin Cowherd's commentary, which he found too harsh, stating:

"When tech companies delay the release, it's usually because you're still in the beta stage. Collins way of saying he's not ready for the bright lights."
— Nick Wright ([72:30])

He balances this by acknowledging that while Nick disagrees with some of Cowherd's views, he believes Caleb's talent and the Bears' offensive strategies will ultimately be beneficial.

5. Listener Questions and Rankings

a. All-Time QB Rankings ([79:19] - [80:35])

Listeners inquire about where Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson rank among all-time quarterbacks based purely on talent.

"I think safely tied. So raw talent. Mahomes Rogers, Farve has to be up there."
— Nick Wright ([80:12])

Nick places both Allen and Jackson within the top 15 quarterbacks of all time, highlighting their unique talents and impact on the game.

b. Sports Gambling and Bias ([81:27] - [83:02])

Ethan asks about applying poker strategies to sports gambling. Nick differentiates his approach to poker versus sports betting, advocating for viewing sports gambling as a recreational activity rather than a money-making endeavor.

6. Notable Quotes

• On Quarterback Rankings:

  "People are either dumb or lying or just think that we don't have access to their previous takes." — Nick Wright ([05:00])

• On Bill Simmons' Influence:

  "People remember what you fucking wrote." — Nick Wright ([09:22])

• On Caleb Williams' Development:

  "I think Caleb should play a fair amount. And do I think that they are hiding Caleb? No." — Nick Wright ([71:10])

7. Conclusion

The episode wraps up with brief promotions for upcoming shows like "Back 40" and "Good Game with Sarah Spain," along with reminders to subscribe and rate the podcast. Nick emphasizes the significance of quarterback rankings and the ongoing discussions surrounding emerging talents like Caleb Williams.

Note: This summary focuses on the substantive discussions within the transcript, omitting repeated advertisements and promotional content to provide a coherent overview of the episode's main topics.