3 & Out - Massive Mailbag Part 2

The Herd with Colin Cowherd1h 4mApril 7, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

In this second part of the 3 & Out mailbag episode, host John Middlecoff dives into a wide range of fan questions, covering NFL team dynamics, player evaluations, and broader sports trends. He discusses the Buffalo Bills' Super Bowl potential despite defensive concerns, expresses skepticism about spring football leagues like the UFL due to lack of fan interest and player safety, and firmly opposes limiting the number of three-pointers in basketball. He reflects on the evolving role of gambling in sports media, acknowledging its influence while maintaining personal enjoyment of football beyond betting. The episode features strong opinions on coaching impact—highlighting that a good coach can elevate a team more than a star quarterback—and critiques the Jets' organizational failures. Middlecoff also shares personal insights on fatherhood, marriage, and the importance of social connection through activities like golf. He weighs in on controversial topics such as transfer fees in college football, AI's role in aviation, and the NFL's refusal to grant compensatory picks to the Bears for GM Ian Cunningham, calling it a flawed precedent. The episode closes with reflections on authenticity in podcasting and the value of organic human connection in a digital age.

Key Takeaways
1

A great coach can make more difference than a star quarterback in elevating a team.

2

Spring football leagues like the UFL lack fan appeal and are unlikely to become sustainable minor leagues.

3

Limiting game actions (like three-pointers) is not a viable solution—either you allow it or you ban it.

4

Gambling has changed sports coverage, but it doesn't diminish the core enjoyment of the game for many fans.

5

The NFL's refusal to award compensatory picks to the Bears for GM Ian Cunningham appears to be based on precedent, not fairness.

…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
2 min

Intro & Sponsor: Hard Rock Bet

The episode opens with a series of iHeartRadio podcast promos before John Middlecoff introduces the mailbag format, setting the stage for a deep dive into fan questions. The episode is sponsored by Hard Rock Bet, the official sports betting partner of the Miami Heat and Orlando Magic, with a promo highlighting same-game parlays and live betting.

2:00
3 min

Bills as Super Bowl Pick & Spring Football Leagues

I think sometimes new blood and new message, they have one of the best quarterbacks I've ever seen. So, to me, if he's healthy, they have as good of a shot as anyone.

Highlight
5:00
4 min

Jerry Rice GOAT Debate & Three-Point Limitation

You either are allowed to do what is there or you're not. So, I don't know. It kind of is what it is.

Highlight
9:00
5 min

Jalen Hurts & AJ Brown Dynamic & Gambling’s Role

Middlecoff reflects on the evolving relationship between Jalen Hurts and AJ Brown, acknowledging their past closeness but noting the rift without full insight. He discusses the impact of gambling on sports media, admitting it has changed the conversation but asserting he can still enjoy football without placing bets.

14:00
5 min

Golf Simulators, Jets’ Futility & Coaching Importance

The most important thing you can do in football is really not the quarterback. It's getting a good coach.

Highlight
High-Impact Quotes
The most important thing you can do in football is really not the quarterback. It's getting a good coach.
John Middlecoff29:52
Viral: 90.0
I 100% would not get on a plane with no pilot. I've never been in a Waymo. I've never been in a Waymo.
John Middlecoff69:51
Viral: 88.0
I think sometimes new blood and new message, they have one of the best quarterbacks I've ever seen. So, to me, if he's healthy, they have as good of a shot as anyone.
John Middlecoff4:22
Viral: 85.0
Speakers

Host

John Middlecoff
Topics Discussed
NFL Team Analysis90%Sports Gambling85%Personal Growth & Relationships80%Sports Media Evolution75%College Football Reform75%AI in Professional Fields70%Golf & Recreation65%Podcast Production & Authenticity60%
People & Brands

John Middlecoff

person

12xPositive

Buffalo Bills

other

8xPositive

New York Jets

other

6xNegative

Jerry Rice

person

6xPositive

Jalen Hurts

person

5xNeutral

The Raiders

other

5xNeutral

AJ Brown

person

5xNeutral

Hard Rock Bet

brand

4xPositive

The Girlfriends

media

4xNeutral

The Bears

other

4xNegative

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