Pardon My Take: Episode Summary

Title: Dan Orlovsky Breaking Down Super Wild Card Weekend, Notre Dame Advances, Picks And Preview + Fyre Fest Of The Week
Release Date: January 10, 2025

Hosted by Big Cat & PFT Commenter from Barstool Sports, this episode dives deep into the NFL and College Football playoffs, providing insightful analyses, picks, and engaging banter.

1. Notre Dame vs. Penn State Game Recap

The episode kicks off with a detailed discussion of the thrilling matchup between Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Penn State. Both hosts express their initial underestimation of the game, which turned out to be an instant classic.

• Big Cat highlights Penn State's first-half performance:
  "Penn State went into halftime up 10, 3. Whatever Marcus Freeman did at halftime, he deserves all the credit because that game was won in the third quarter." [03:25]

• PFT Commenter emphasizes Drew Aller's critical errors:
  "Drew Aller was horrific... three interceptions today. And only one of them counted because the other two, Phantom." [04:12]

The discussion delves into how Tyler Warren's concussion significantly impacted Penn State's offensive threat, questioning the team's ability to capitalize without their key running back.

• Big Cat remarks on Tyler Warren's absence:
  "Tyler Warren is so much fun to watch because he is like, if you need three yards, he's going to get you seven. He's after contact." [05:14]

2. Super Wild Card Weekend Preview

Transitioning to the NFL playoffs, Big Cat and PFT Commenter, along with guest Dan Orlovsky, break down the Super Wild Card Weekend matchups, offering their predictions and strategic insights.

Chargers vs. Texans

• Big Cat analyzes the Texans' defensive prowess versus their struggling offense:
  "The Texans offense is not good. It has proven to be not good all year. They are 31st in early down success rate." [30:07]

• PFT Commenter discusses the defensive matchups:
  "It's strength for strength. All around." [30:17]

Steelers vs. Ravens

• Big Cat expresses confidence in the Ravens despite stellar defenses:
  "I think the Ravens are going to win." [37:02]

• PFT Commenter points out the cold weather and defensive strategies:
  "It’s a slippery slope. Freedom of speech, Roger." [22:30]

Bills vs. Broncos

• Big Cat favors the Bills' explosive offense despite defensive concerns:
  "The Bills rush defense is pretty good. And Josh Allen has been playing out of his mind." [43:36]

• Dan Orlovsky supports the Bills' over-heavy offense:
  "I love the over in this game. I love it." [43:32]

Packers vs. Eagles

• PFT Commenter raises concerns about Jordan Love's performance:
  "Do not correct. Nobody show George Pickens the community notes on this." [40:40]

• Big Cat emphasizes the importance of a strong start for the Eagles:
  "The Eagles cannot start slow. They are 21st in first quarter scoring." [47:10]

Commanders vs. Bucks

• Dan Orlovsky highlights the Commanders' improved defense:
  "Kyle Hamilton saved their season. So there's the butterfly effect to it." [78:27]

• PFT Commenter is optimistic about the Commanders overcoming defensive pressures:
  "If your QB is hitting his long balls and running well, I think we win the game." [62:35]

3. Picks and Predictions

The trio shares their playoff picks, combining statistical analysis with personal insights.

• Big Cat & PFT Commenter place combined parlays on key performances:

  • "Eagles moneyline Devonte Smith 70 yards receiving and Devontae Smith touchdown and Saquon Barkley 80 plus yards rushing." [66:30]
  • "Terry McLaurin anytime touchdown Terry McLaurin 60 plus receiving yards, Jaden Daniels 40 plus rushing yards, and Baker Mayfield over 18 and a half rushing yards." [66:55]

• Dan Orlovsky provides his predictions:

  • "I’m taking the Chargers in that game. I think game two is going to be Baltimore." [69:08]
  • "I think the Eagles come out strong and control the game early." [82:58]

4. Special Guest: Dan Orlovsky's Insights

Dan Orlovsky, a seasoned sports analyst, offers expert breakdowns on the playoff games, emphasizing defensive strategies and quarterback performances.

• Orlovsky discusses the importance of tailored game plans in playoffs:
  "The playoffs become so game plan specific. You know, the regular season is so week to week, week to week." [74:43]

• He analyzes specific player matchups, such as Puka Nakua's impact against the Packers:
  "He reminds me of TJ Hushman. He has a really good feel for space and understanding of where defenders are." [95:09]

5. Fyre Fest of the Week

While the episode primarily focuses on football, the hosts briefly touch on personal anecdotes and light-hearted segments, such as Fire Fest, where they share humorous personal stories and engage in playful banter about topics like Christmas trees and tattoos.

• Big Cat shares a personal story about his Christmas tree:
  "I'm keeping them up till after the Super Bowl. Christmas tree season." [108:32]

Conclusion

This episode of Pardon My Take provides listeners with comprehensive analyses of pivotal playoff games, expert predictions, and entertaining discussions. With insights from Dan Orlovsky and the dynamic chemistry between Big Cat and PFT Commenter, fans are well-equipped to navigate the Super Wild Card Weekend with informed picks and a good dose of humor.

Notable Quotes:

• "Drew Aller was horrific... three interceptions today." — PFT Commenter [04:12]
• "Tyler Warren is so much fun to watch because he is like, if you need three yards, he's going to get you seven." — Big Cat [05:14]
• "I think the Ravens are going to win." — PFT Commenter [37:02]
• "The Bills rush defense is pretty good. And Josh Allen has been playing out of his mind." — Big Cat [43:36]
• "Kyle Hamilton saved their season. So there's the butterfly effect to it." — Dan Orlovsky [78:27]

Listeners can catch every episode of "Pardon My Take" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or Amazon Music (ad-free for Prime Members). For more information, visit barstool.link/pardon-my-take.