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Joe and Jada - NFL Week 1 Reaction: Giants UPSET Cowboys on SNF, Bills OUTLAST Texans in Thriller, Ravens DOMINATE Colts
John Middlekauff repeatedly emphasizes that coaching and quarterback play are the primary drivers of NFL success, arguing that teams with strong leadership and modern, mobile quarterbacks outperform those relying solely on talent or outdated schemes.
Briefed in the Sports Talk edition of Tuesday, 15 September 2026
What was discussed
Giants upset Cowboys with Harbaugh's impact7:55
- John Middlekauffassertion
John Harbaugh still has his coaching ability and Matt Nagy knows how to call an offense, evidenced by the Giants' structured win over the Cowboys. Jackson Dart hit all wide-open receivers in the hands 100% of the time, demonstrating the price of admission for NFL quarterback play.
- John Middlekauffopinion
Dak Prescott's late-half interception was an inexcusable play that unraveled the game for the Cowboys. The Cowboys' defense was an embarrassment with DBs having no clue where they were going, raising concerns about the new coordinator's Fangio-tree scheme.
Packers meltdown against Bears34:13
- John Middlekauffopinion
Matt LaFleur lacks a killer instinct, and his team unraveled quickly despite being in control against the Bears.
- John Middlekauffassertion
The Packers' collapse was exacerbated by the absence of physical players Micah Parsons and Josh Jacobs, who are currently unavailable.
- John Middlekauffopinion
Ben Johnson is a superstar coach who backed up his bold preseason claims by orchestrating a high-scoring Bears offense.
- John Middlekauffassertion
Caleb Williams showed improved accuracy and mobility, playing like a modern dual-threat quarterback under Ben Johnson's system.
Ravens dominate Colts in Week 147:18
- John Middlekauffassertion
The Ravens' beatdown of the Colts showcases Lamar Jackson at his peak and Derrick Henry playing like a 24-year-old.
- John Middlekauffopinion
Jesse Minter's defense looks strong, potentially making the Ravens the best team in the league after Week 1. He apologizes for previously doubting the Ravens' playoff chances, acknowledging their Week 1 performance changed his view.
Bills outlast Texans in thriller54:14
- John Middlekauffopinion
Josh Allen's performance was remarkable, with an impact comparable to NBA franchise players like LeBron James or Nikola Jokic.
- John Middlekauffassertion
Joe Brady's offensive scheme empowers Josh Allen to play freely, similar to how Steve Kerr empowered Stephen Curry.
- John Middlekauffspeculation
The Texans' defense was smoked by the Bills but will likely improve since they don't face Josh Allen every week.
- John Middlekauffopinion
C.J. Stroud played solidly but showed flaws like backing up too far in the pocket and getting choppy feet.
Bengals defense forces turnovers in win1:02:45
- John Middlekauffassertion
The Bengals' defense forced four fumbles and recovered all of them, proving they are a physical, well-rounded team. Joe Burrow had a rocky start with a pick-six, but the defense compensated to secure the win.
- John Middlekauffopinion
The Bengals are now a real contender because they have a more well-rounded team compared to past seasons where defense was a liability.
Cardinals beat Chargers in beatdown1:05:07
- John Middlekauffassertion
The Cardinals beat the Chargers convincingly, with Justin Herbert throwing an awful interception and the Chargers suffering special teams mishaps.
- John Middlekauffopinion
The Cardinals are loaded offensively with Jacoby playing the best football of his life, making them a dangerous team. The Chargers' running back situation is concerning, and their overall performance was poor despite not being a bad team.
Eagles struggle with offensive inconsistency1:06:43
- John Middlekauffopinion
Jalen Hurts is a bizarre player who reverts to a pocket passer instead of using his mobility, leading to offensive inconsistency.
- John Middlekauffassertion
The Eagles' offensive line has declined, and Saquon Barkley's production is down, resulting in frequent three-and-out punts.
- John Middlekauffopinion
Three-and-out punts keep opponents in the game by giving them decent field position, preventing the Eagles from dominating.
Myles Garrett injury derails Browns super team1:09:43
- John Middlekauffassertion
There is no such thing as a super team in the NFL's salary cap era, and the Browns' acquisition of Myles Garrett proves it.
- John Middlekauffspeculation
Myles Garrett's injury and upcoming knee surgery will worsen his availability, derailing the Browns' plans.
- John Middlekauffopinion
Football requires more than stacking talent, as injuries and scheme fit matter more than in baseball or basketball.
Saints rally past Lions in overtime thriller1:14:01
- John Middlekauffassertion
Tyler Shuck turned the game around in the second half, throwing dimes and leading the Saints to an overtime win. Chris Olave was incredible, scoring on multiple bombs and helping the Saints overcome a 21-0 deficit.
- John Middlekauffopinion
The Lions' defense is Swiss cheese, and their reliance on Jahmyr Gibbs is risky given their defensive vulnerabilities.
Arch Manning leads Texas comeback over Ohio State1:22:11
- John Middlekauffassertion
Arch Manning led a historic comeback against Ohio State, improving his accuracy and playmaking in the second half.
- John Middlekauffopinion
Arch Manning faces immense pressure as a Manning family member, but his smile after the win showed relief and joy. Steve Sarkisian deserves credit for the win, as he adjusted and made plays when Ohio State crumbled. Ohio State failed to utilize Jeremiah Smith enough, who had eight catches for 160 yards but should have been targeted more frequently.
Oregon and Oklahoma struggle in college football1:27:56
- John Middlekauffopinion
Oregon's program is in shambles after an embarrassing loss to Oklahoma State, with a weak defensive and offensive line. Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer had a horrendous performance with no touch on the football, costing the Sooners the game.
- John Middlekauffassertion
Oklahoma lost due to poor quarterback play, not because Michigan's defense was overwhelming.
Every episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, briefed the morning after, with up to nine more shows in one daily email.
Free for 30 days. No card needed. $4.99 a month after.
More from The Herd with Colin Cowherd
- The Richard Sherman Podcast - NFL Week 1 REACTION: Giants UPSET Cowboys, Bills vs. Texans, Bears Score 59 & Myles Garrett Injury
- Colin Cowherd Podcast - Bears Light It Up, Packers Cause For Concern, Epic Texas Comeback vs. Ohio State, Josh Allen Dominant
- What's Wright - Best Of - Drake Maye's MELTDOWN should scare Patriots fans, NFL Week 1 Predictions, Nick BLASTS Michigan-Western Michigan ending
Automated summaries of what was said on each show — not claims by DailyDossier and not independently verified.