The Herd with Colin Cowherd THE HERD - Hour 1 - Sam Darnold is under pressure, Super Bowl or bust for Josh Allen, thoughts on the Packers-Bears rivalry
Jan 16, 2026
Rachel Nichols, a veteran sports journalist and analyst, joins Jason McIntyre to discuss key NFL matchups. They explore the mounting pressure on Sam Darnold facing the 49ers and analyze whether Josh Allen's playoff run is truly Super Bowl or bust. The duo dives into the historic Bears-Packers rivalry, highlighting drama and intriguing coaching connections. They also touch on the risks of quarterback durability and consider the implications of coaching stability in the league.
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Sam Darnold's Debut Shadows His Career
- Jason McIntyre recalls Sam Darnold's disastrous NFL debut and how that first impression still haunts him today.
- He argues Darnold's early mistakes shape public perception and increase playoff pressure despite regular-season wins.
Regular-Season Wins Don't Erase Playoff Stigma
- McIntyre notes regular-season wins mean little without playoff success and that public belief lags behind stats.
- He claims Sam Darnold must win big playoff moments to change his narrative, not just manage games.
Refine Fundamentals For Big Moments
- Tom Brady (clip) advises quarterbacks to refine fundamentals to reduce errors in high-pressure playoff moments.
- He emphasizes accuracy and technique when margin for error is smallest.