Overview of THE HERD - Hour 1 — The Chiefs Dynasty may be over, thoughts on the Bears success, Sean McVay
Colin (with J‑Mac and guests) breaks down Sunday’s biggest NFL storylines: whether the Kansas City Chiefs’ dynasty is fading after a decisive Broncos win, the surprising legitimacy of the 7‑3 Chicago Bears under Ben Johnson and rookie QB Caleb, a wild Rams‑Seahawks game and a sit‑down with Sean McVay, plus notes on Brock Purdy’s return for the 49ers, the Chargers’ collapse, and the mixed rookie QB performance from Shedeur Sanders.
Key topics discussed
- Chiefs vs. Broncos: Denver’s 1‑up performance and the claim that Kansas City’s dynasty may be over.
- Chicago Bears’ surprising season: why 7‑3 looks more sustainable than many think.
- Rams vs. Seahawks: stylistic contrast (Rams = clean/tactical; Seahawks = athletic/chaotic) and Sam Darnold’s four interceptions.
- Sean McVay interview: defensive identity, leadership, analytics vs. feel, and team resilience.
- Brock Purdy’s effective return for the 49ers and his connection with George Kittle.
- Chargers’ blowout loss to Jacksonville and offensive-line concerns.
- Shedeur Sanders’ spotty relief appearance and what it might mean moving forward.
Takeaways & analysis
Chiefs dynasty vs. Broncos
- Main point: Colin insists the Chiefs’ multi‑year edge has narrowed — he called “the dynasty’s over” in August and cites last night’s loss as confirmation.
- Reasons cited: Chiefs are losing to playoff teams (0‑5 vs. playoff teams listed: Jaguars, Eagles, Bills, Broncos, Chargers), aging/high cap‑hit roster pieces (Kelce, Jones), and declining supporting units (OL, run game, pass rush, secondary). Mahomes remains elite, but margin for error is shrinking.
- Broncos strengths: stronger offensive line, run game, pass rush, secondary, deeper WR room, and Sean Payton’s coaching — Bo Nix’s rookie poise highlighted.
Chicago Bears (7‑3)
- Argument: Chicago’s success feels real and sustainable, not a fluke.
- Supporting data: second‑best rushing attack in the league, fourth in total offense, top‑10 yards per play, strong third‑down performance, few turnovers, dominant time of possession.
- Flaws: too many penalties (a correctable, coachable issue) and youth-related mistakes. Ben Johnson’s scheme (run‑oriented, clean football) and Caleb’s late‑game prowess draw favorable comparisons to Sean McVay/Sean Payton archetypes.
- Verdict: Likely a legitimately good team in a soft NFC North, with penalties being the primary fixable weakness.
Rams vs. Seahawks; Sean McVay interview
- Game dynamics: Rams win by being “clean,” efficient, and tactically sound (Stafford playing carefully). Seahawks are young, explosive, mistake‑prone (Darnold’s 4 INTs) but dangerous.
- McVay highlights:
- Praised team resilience and defensive impact (forcing turnovers, red‑area stops).
- On Darnold interceptions: credited “rush + coverage” complexity that sped him up (pocket pressure + seams closed).
- Analytics vs. feel: McVay values analytics input but emphasizes accountability, context, and betting on people — “not the only part” of decision‑making.
- Defensive leadership: multiple leaders across levels (captains named: Kobe Turner, Nate Landman, Quentin Lake) and many players with leadership capacity.
- Takeaway: Rams’ discipline beats raw athleticism when margins matter; Seahawks remain a dangerous, unpredictable playoff matchup.
Brock Purdy and the 49ers
- Purdy returned and played very well, making the offense crisper than with Mac Jones.
- Noted strong chemistry with George Kittle; Purdy moves the pocket and provides a different dimension.
- San Francisco is a potential sleeper if health improves; schedule and a late bye could help them rebound.
Chargers and other storylines
- Chargers suffered a shocking 35‑6 loss to Jacksonville — a no‑show with offensive line/tackle injuries and poor protection for Herbert.
- Concerns about the Chargers’ depth and whether they can sustain success given upcoming tough opponents.
- Shedeur Sanders (transcript name variant) entered as relief in one matchup, struggled (4/16, 47 yards, interception) but had some flashes; context included offensive line issues and lack of first‑team reps. Not written off, but not a breakout performance.
Notable quotes
- Bo Nix (postgame): “If you want to be the best, you’ve got to beat the best.”
- Caleb (Bears): “It doesn't matter when, how, or who...we got the guys. We got the coaches. We live in the known.”
- McVay on analytics: “They got all the answers and no accountability to the outcomes... there’s a feel for the flow of the game.”
- Ernest Jones (Seahawks) defending Darnold: “He’s our quarterback. We got his back.”
Quick stats & soundbites to remember
- Chiefs: 0‑5 vs. playoff teams this season (as mentioned).
- Bears: top running attack metrics (2nd rushing attack; 4th total offense; top‑10 yards/play).
- Brock Purdy: pronounced connection with George Kittle (TV noted Purdy’s high passer rating when targeting Kittle).
- Rams: Stafford streak — last seven games with 22 TDs, zero picks (stat mentioned in convo).
- Seahawks: several one‑possession losses despite turnovers; dangerous in playoffs despite mistakes.
What to watch next / predictions
- AFC West: Denver is currently the team to beat; Chiefs may have to rebuild supporting cast sooner than later.
- Bears: Watch penalty trends and whether they can sustain run‑heavy identity through Thanksgiving and into the playoff push.
- 49ers: If Brock Purdy stays healthy and Kittle/receivers get healthy, San Francisco is a late‑season threat.
- Chargers: monitor offensive line health and short‑term schedule (Raiders, Eagles, Chiefs, Cowboys) — could derail their season.
- Seahawks: still a likely nightmare playoff matchup because of athleticism; Rams‑Seahawks rematch would be unpredictable.
Bottom line
This hour centered on shifting NFL power dynamics: Denver’s rise, Kansas City’s waning margin for error, Chicago’s unexpectedly legitimate formula, and stylistic contrasts (Rams discipline vs. Seahawks athletic chaos). Sean McVay reinforced the value of team toughness, adaptable leadership, and balancing analytics with in‑game feel. The league’s parity means narratives can pivot quickly — watch health, trenches, and turnovers for who ultimately sustains success.