
Loading summary
Dan LeBatard
When did making plans get this complicated? It's time to streamline with WhatsApp, the secure messaging app that brings the whole group together. Use polls to settle dinner plans, send.
Stugotz
Event invites and pin messages so no one forgets mom 60th and never miss a meme or milestone.
Chris Cote
All protected with end to end encryption.
Dan LeBatard
It's time for WhatsApp message privately with everyone. Learn more@WhatsApp.com this episode is brought to you by State Farm. Checking off the boxes on your to.
Chris Cote
Do list is a great feeling and.
Dan LeBatard
When it comes to checking off coverage.
Stugotz
A State Farm agent can help you.
Dan LeBatard
Choose an option that's right for you. Whether you prefer talking in person on the phone or using the award winning app, it's nice knowing you have help finding coverage that best fits your needs. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is.
Chris Cote
There.
Stugotz
Lowes knows how to get you.
Mike Ryan
Ready for holiday hosting with up to 35% off select home decor and get.
Chris Cote
Up to 35% off select major appliances. Plus members get free delivery hallway, basic installation Parts and a two year Lowe's Protection Plan when you spend $2,500 or.
Stugotz
More on select LG major appliances valid through 10.
Chris Cote
One Member Offer excludes Massachusetts, Maryland, Wisconsin, New Jersey and Florida. Installed by independent contractors. Exclusions apply. See Lowes.com for more details. This is the Dan Levator show with the ST Podcast. Ah, look at Dave Damshek about ready to join us. He looks great. He looks well hydrated. Transitioning from summer to fall takes focus power through with Liquid IV's new Sugar Free Energy Multiplier. Hydration and energy in one. Each stick has a 2 to 1 ratio of L theanine to caffeine for balance energy without jitters or crash. I keep a bunch with me. They got Strawberry Kiwi BlackBerry lemonade. It's always on me because it's simple. You tear it, you pour it, you mix and you're hydrated. Don't let the the grind drain you. Ditch the glitch with zero sugar zero crash from Liquid iv. Tear poor live mo live more. Thank you Jeremy. Go to liquid IV.com get 20% off your first order with code DAN at checkout. That's 20 off your first order with code DANC at liquid IV.com Roy why are you laughing?
Mike Ryan
Jeremy jinxed him.
Dan LeBatard
I was.
Chris Cote
Hey, good read.
Dan LeBatard
It's a long read.
Stugotz
Are you still a nervous reader, Chris?
Chris Cote
No, I think I'm actually. Just remember, remember sheets and giggles. I mean, I've come a long way.
Stugotz
Okay, so you were on with Damoshek you and your father were on with Danishek, and this has only happened a couple of times around here. It's a very good show. Football America. It's a new metal art production. I've enjoyed what Damasc is doing, but Warren Sharp, we had him one on one time to sell his wares around here, and every single thing that he picked went wrong that week. And I think he went 0, 14 or oh and 16 and gave listeners a discount because he was so ashamed. His information is great. That day. He got everything wrong. I'm sitting here telling everybody how good this podcast is with Danishek and you and Mike Ryan and rfk. You got every game wrong. Like you didn't like. Your. Your information was good, your analysis was good, but you got every single game wrong. The two of you.
Mike Ryan
Facts matter.
Dan LeBatard
Look, Dan, there are a lot of football teams out there. We picked the wrong ones on this day. Look, list, Bobby Jr. Boomer was that.
Stugotz
That was Berman. That was not. Yeah, that was not rfk. He was doing.
Dan LeBatard
No, no, no.
Mike Ryan
K Pop. You know, it was rfk. And I saw on the show.
Stugotz
On the. On the show was RFK and Boomer, but we haven't established the show here. And so he just did Berman and people thought he was doing rfk.
Chris Cote
Sounded like a bad rfk. I'm not gonna lie.
Stugotz
People are gonna think he was doing rfk.
Mike Ryan
He was doing Boom Teach.
Chris Cote
Look, you got the.
Dan LeBatard
You got the New York jets, you got the Buffalo Bills, you got the New England pa. There are a lot of teams in the AFC east, but the Miami Dolphins are truly atrocious. Back on the blitz.
Stugotz
That's Patrick Mahomes, and you're back on the blitz. Crutch didn't save it at the end.
Mike Ryan
It always saved. It may not sound like him, but it kind of sounds like the words he would say.
Stugotz
But when he said no, that's the thing, though. You don't know it's totally Berman until he says, back on the blitz.
Mike Ryan
Right?
Stugotz
And he doesn't have any other moves. It's a very.
Dan LeBatard
I just got to say, listen, the rainbow emotions down there in Miami right now. First of all, I know Roy is happy because there are Sidney Crosby trade rumors afoot there. I don't think there's any credibility to any of them. But on the other hand, I come on here on a Friday morning, and Dan starts out coming at me. I'm the one who's raw. No one there knows who Leah Thompson is. All the right moves. Red Dawn. I mean, Caroline in the City. What gives you.
Stugotz
You opened your podcast with a movie from 30 years ago, and my only note was, what are you, Simmons?
Dan LeBatard
He wishes I can tap into the psychological meaning of Powers Booth visiting those teenage kids trying to survive up in the mountains as the Red Plague infects that Colorado town in Red Dawn. Oh, yeah. If you guys want to do a deep dive on that movie and the political ramifications, I'm ready at any point.
Stugotz
Okay. Maybe that'll be a future segment. The packers, obviously, in five days, or what was it, in six days. Whatever it is that it's been, the packers look a little bit better than everyone else looks.
Dan LeBatard
They do. And I heard you guys talking earlier. What is remarkable, if I can be a little bit glass half empty here, is consider now. They now have Jordan Love successfully making that transition from Rogers, just as Rogers went. Went from Farve to Rogers. That's 35ish years now. That's the exact same number of Lombardi trophies that they've delivered to to Green Bay as Trent Dilfer and Joe Flacco gave to Charm City. Underwhelming, ultimately, right? A lot of good times if you're a Packers fan, but not a lot of championships, just two. Same as the Ravens in that stretch of time.
Stugotz
Well, that's why I would argue that Aaron Rodgers is the greatest quarterback I've ever seen and an underachiever.
Dan LeBatard
That's a. Well, then we park our cars in the same garage, don't we? Yes, well.
Stugotz
But what's it gonna be for your Steelers, though? Because you thought that game was gonna go much differently. In fact, when I'm listening to your podcast, while I'm entertained and while I know the nutrients are good, you got nothing, right?
Dan LeBatard
I don't know about that. I mean, I said, first of all, I called the Monday nighter on the nose. I said that the Vikings would win that game by three, and so they did.
Mike Ryan
And I said wire to wire, dominated.
Stugotz
Had it all the way.
Mike Ryan
Yeah, you were never nervous about that one.
Dan LeBatard
Well, I think for me, the big takeaway of week one is the range in kicking performances and how it has impacted the last five days worth of conversation, at least the assumptions we've made about who is better than whom. And all of that really pivoted largely off of the performances of the kickers out there. I mean, the celebration on the banks of the Three Rivers in Pittsburgh, Fine, Aaron Rodgers was very good, but so was Justin Field, so they basically played to a wash. The difference was Chris Boswell making 56 and 60 yard field goals, whereas Nick Folk missed an extra point which ultimately forced them to go to go for two, which they missed and they fumbled a kickoff.
Chris Cote
Well, that's.
Mike Ryan
What's that one?
Stugotz
That's. That's the one though. The jets released. What is it, Gibson? The jets released the dude who fumbled. They might as well have done it right on the field. But you've gotten. How many years in a row has. Have you gotten the Steelers record correct? Within a game.
Dan LeBatard
Yeah. It's been at least a dozen years that I haven't missed by more than one game. I haven't been on the nose every single season, but I've been very close to it.
Stugotz
But that game didn't make any sense. Right. It was the lowest total of the week and it was offense galore. Is that what Aaron Rodgers is going to be?
Dan LeBatard
No. I mean the assumption is of course that the defense will, will, will not allow 30 some points to, to Justin Fields or any other quarterback on the regular. That they, they are built to dominate defensively and grind you up on offense and try to limit what the future hall of Fame quarterback can do positively or negatively to impact the outcome of the game. They really have to lean on him. I don't want to be too cynical about it. I didn't think. But then Aaron Rodgers said the same thing I said. So I don't feel so bad like I'm attacking the guy. I don't think he was moving as great as people seem to think he was. Yes, there was some of the old play action, gentle Rol to the right that made him the hall of Fame QB he is. But boy, he did not look as nimble as he did, let's say five years or so ago. And so I think that that's going to be informative to the defenses upcoming. And here comes one to Pittsburgh now in Seattle that didn't win last week but that is a mighty unit and I do think another. Well, I predicted a low scoring game. Jets, Pittsburgh. I'm going to do it again here. I think that the Steelers and Seahawks do not put a lot of points on the board and the bookmakers agree. 39 and a half is where I see that number right now for the total.
Mike Ryan
And you nailed that low scoring game prediction for Steelers, Jets. Hey, when you mentioned the packers look good, everyone goes to those uniforms now. Non traditional look. And it's always risky when you have a team of such great football heritage trying out one of these new uniforms. And Dave, I gotta tell you, this uniform for a big swing is so close to being good. So close. Look at that piping on the pants. Look at those stripes on the sleeves.
Dan LeBatard
Look at the collar.
Mike Ryan
Look at that beautiful gold popping with the white contrast. It is almost totally put together, except for the helmet. No gold on the helmet whatsoever. No. A simple gold stripe down the middle would make this a great alternate uniform. Not a good one. And it's literally made a potentially great uniform bad. Did they want to save money on helmet stripes? What is this, Mike?
Dan LeBatard
This is. I would rather you save this for Football America fashion corner. But. But fine, let's.
Stugotz
I thought it was full pass.
Dan LeBatard
Well, we don't. Well, Dan, if you want to throw some. We're pooling Football Americans out there to land on the perfect name. A range of great options has been presented to us. I think I really like Drip drill is a. Is a good one. That. That just came across. Mike, you're so close, but you're just missing it here. The gold on the. On the hat would be fine. How about this? Let's go more Spartan. Literally. Kind of, because it would look like Sparty Michigan State. Get rid of the gold altogether and just go white and green. That would look pretty cool, too, right?
Mike Ryan
I mean, I think you'd be the New York jets at that point. So, like, I love the gold of the Green Bay Packers. I like that contrast. I like it popping. This one's right there for me. We can agree to disagree, but one thing that we can both agree on is this is an imperfect uniform because they did a half measure.
Dan LeBatard
That's right. It looks. What it looks is unfinished. It feels like it was 4:59pm on a Friday and they're like, ah, close enough. Let's go. Ken.
Stugotz
Put it on the poll at LeBatard show. Did the packers alternate uniforms look unfinished? Watch Football America twice a week, Mondays and Fridays on YouTube at Football America show. What happened with the kickers. Do you have any solve with the kickers? I was saying earlier this week that no jury would have convicted Myles Garrett if he had strangled whatever the name of that Browns kicker is with all the. All the syllables in his name are.
Chris Cote
All the.
Stugotz
All the letters in his names that aren't vowels.
Dan LeBatard
Well, to me, I think we need a severe solution to two kicking in the NFL. It's become a plague that they're too good. They were. It was never intended for guys to be able to run out there and swing entire games by making 58 yarders with any regularity and 60 yarders and all of that. I say that we have to Go back to the root cause, which was back in the 60s when somebody showed up from Europe and said, I'm going to sidewind it. You know, I don't know where this voodoo came from and who signed off on it, but maybe we just have to make it head on kicking or shame the devil. No sidewinders to limit the amount. You know, Paul Hornig, the Heisman Trophy winner, the golden boy from Notre Dame and Hall of Famer with the packers and all of that. Do you know he was Vince Lombardi's kicker into the early 60s? And in his last season as the place kicker, he made 33% of all of his field goal attempts. I like that. I think that's what we need to get back to. I find it unsatisfying that games all come down to a guy who has nothing to do with the entire rest of the game. It is our funniest position in major sports. It's our weirdest one. Is there any comp to it? Maybe a goalie in the NHL is about. I mean, these guys, it's people running into each other on purpose and they're gigantic human beings. And then all of a sudden a little fellow runs out with a single bar face mask to decide the result of the game. It's bizarre at minimum, right?
Stugotz
No, it's asinine, the whole thing, the whole construct of it. But it's called football. And they can't go back now.
Dan LeBatard
Well, we could. Well, like I've said before, we've talked about it. I think one thing you could do is put the crossbar on top of the two goal.
Stugotz
I don't want to do this again with you.
Dan LeBatard
Why not? That's a great idea. That's a great idea. And how about this? How about that? In order to be eligible to kick field goals or to kick extra points in a game, you have to play, let's say, three or five snaps from the line of scrimmage. We don't need this specialization. You know, we. We now live in an age where Travis Hunter is playing. He's catching passes and he's trying to intercept passes, and Shohei Otani hits and he pitches. The running backs now are required to catch passes as well as take handoffs. We've transcended specialization now. So let's get rid of the kickers and the more you can do. Swiss Army Knife. Who's the best kicker on the defensive line? Like Indomic and Sue, you're in. I think that's a good idea, Dan.
Mike Ryan
Howdy, folks. It's Mike Ryan it's also NFL season. Lots of big time matchups. You know your boy is an NFL free agent, so he's looking all across that NFL schedule for the very best games. And when I do, my very first and only stop is the Game Time apple because the gametime app gives the advantage back to the fans. It's a hack for unlocking amazing tickets and experiences in just a few taps. It's incredibly easy to use and the Game time guarantee means that you can trust that you'll get 100% authentic tickets on time and at the very best price. Plus fees are always included. So what you see is what you pay. You have incredible features such as zone deals. You get to save even more when you choose a section and let gametime choose the seats. You get panoramic seat views if you know nothing about the venue you're about to buy tickets for. This is a huge tool. Take the guesswork out of buying NFL tickets with GameTime. Download the GameTime app, create an account and use code DAN for $20 off. Your first purchase terms apply again. Create an account and redeem code dan for $20 off. Swipe, tap, ticket. Go download the Gametime app today.
Chris Cote
You know what nobody tells you about being a new dad? It's not just the diapers and the wipes. That's obvious. It's the hidden stuff. The baby swing after we already purchased the other baby swing bouncer, the pack n play, the 20 different bottles because apparently my kid hates every single one except the most expensive one, which is the glass, by the way. Don't get me started on late food delivery orders with my wife and me too tired to even look or cook or think about food. I'm staring at my bank account like where did it all go? That's where Monarch money comes in. It's like a financial tool belt for everyone, not just dads. You link all your accounts, your credit cards, investments, even the old stuff from jobs you forgot about. And it lays out in a way that even a sleep deprived parent like me can actually understand. Normally, money talks are stressful, but with Monarch, we can track everything together, set goals, and actually feel like we're on the same team. Less stress, more clarity, and finally, a plan for our daughter's future. Don't let financial opportunity slip through the cracks. Use code dan@monimalmoney.com in your browser for half off your first year. That's 50% off your first year@monimalmoney.com with code dan. What does Zyn give you? Not just smoke free Nicotine satisfaction but real freedom. Freedom to do what you love and choose your rewards. With Zinn Rewards, you can redeem points for premium tech, outdoor gear and gift cards to your favorite retailers. Find your Zinn and keep finding rewards that fit your lifestyle. Sin.com rewards warning. This product contains nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive chemical.
Mike Ryan
Don LeBatard in terms of Heat fans, you're the most irrational of us right now. What's the pivot?
Chris Cote
How irrational?
Stugotz
Stugats Hear your voice. Your voice. If I were making a cartoon thing that was meant to symbolize irrational, that's.
Chris Cote
The voice I would give higher premise. This is the Dan Levatar show with the stugats Foreign.
Stugotz
Please stop yelling at me. You're new around here. Put it on the poll. At Lebatard show is the kicker the weirdest, funniest position in all of sports? I'd nominate the long snapper. Put it on the poll as well. At Lebatard show weirder, funnier, career choice. Kicker or long snapper? Because that's a terrible way to go through life. Like, you're just always looking under. You know, you're looking down through your legs all the time, and no one cares whether you're good at your job. Except for that one time you make a mistake. It's the same sort of thing.
Dan LeBatard
My boy. I don't know why he volunteered for this on his football team. He has decided to be the long snapper and is now doing that. And I don't want to get in his head with my negativity. But of course, you just said exactly. Great boy. But, you know, no one's ever going to notice you unless you screw up. I don't like that.
Mike Ryan
Not exactly the game that you're playing, Dave, because, like, the position is weird. I understand, but like, it's usually occupied by weirdos. People say this about kickers, but in the NHL, they say this about goaltenders and closers. Typically a little off.
Dan LeBatard
What would be the position, Dan, if you could choose any in sport, what would be your preferred spot? You can take any of the four major sports.
Stugotz
Oh, backup quarterback.
Chris Cote
That's.
Dan LeBatard
That's. That's a good, smart one. Yeah, I like. I think that's. But I would like. I'm vain enough that I would want a little of the shine. And so I would want to be a. I would want to be in the bullpen because I wouldn't want to be near the skipper where he could. Where he.
Stugotz
Oh, but you're asking me. But in your hypothetical, I have to assume the risk as well. Right. So you're putting me in a position where I actually have to worry about Myles Garrett. Me, not as a quarterback, but me.
Chris Cote
You could be a good hold.
Stugotz
It doesn't make enough money. Doesn't make enough money. It's not a good career choice.
Dan LeBatard
I think to me to be out in the bullpen away from the boss man where you can do your own thing and talk to the fans and once in a while you get in. I mean maybe like being a platoon corner outfielder would be pretty cool too because then you play, you don't play every day. You want to play some of the time. That's the problem with backup QB is that you never get into the game. No, Dave, you were going down the perfect track. The mop up duty, long reliever, right? Because you're down 7 to 2 in.
Chris Cote
The fifth inning or the sixth inning.
Dan LeBatard
They bring in this guy no matter.
Chris Cote
How he performs after the game.
Dan LeBatard
Skipper's like, hey, he gave us some huge innings in saving that bullpen for a later date. He really helped us out.
Chris Cote
Great job by him. Even if he's terrible. It's the perfect role. You want the, you want to be. Dave's right. You want to be the fourth outfielder. You want to be Ross Gloria, get a couple at bats a week. That's right.
Dan LeBatard
Because it's like, it's like being the Chargers in the Peyton Manning draft. Like you want to be if you're the fourth outfielder. It's basically like being the Chargers after they already took Peyton Manning. Like, well, what did you want us to do? We had to take Ryan Leaf. Peyton was already gone. If you're the fourth outfielder, there is inherent lack of pressure on you. Like, well, I didn't start. I was, I was like the go to. Can you try and fix what's wrong here? I did my best at the plate there, Skip, when I, when I went in there. Yeah, I like the lower stakes, the lower pressure on me.
Stugotz
The seventh episode of Football America is going to be today and it's going to be Mondays and Fridays. You get this here @ Meadowlark Media seventh episode. You're big on numbers. The greatest number seven ever in football is, is Elway without a close second. Does he have a close second?
Dan LeBatard
Well, I mean that's. Well, John Elway was one half of the Greatest Quarterback Number 7 versus another number in NFL history. John Elway and Boomer Siason went head to head back in the 80s and 90s. So to that extent, yes, John Elway is safely in all extents, there's a.
Stugotz
Better number seven at quarterback than John Elway.
Dan LeBatard
I mean, you don't think Ben Roethlisberger is at least a. Is at least a viable option? I mean they, they won the same number of Super Bowls and Elways were more attributable to Terrell Davis. I think we can agree right in the twilight of his career. That being said, I always give Elway credit. I think that playoff wins for a quarterback are in fact a statistic in the postseason. Otherwise what's the point of having a postseason? But his greatest deed, Elway was dragging those bum rosters.
Stugotz
That's correct.
Dan LeBatard
To Super Bowl.
Stugotz
How do you reconcile though, when you're talking about the measurements on some of these things, like Ben Roethlisberger, I feel like had a good deal more help than John Elway did the entirety of his career. And you're mentioning the last stretch for John Elway when he actually won the championships. But that's not even who I'm thinking of when I think of Elway the quarterback.
Dan LeBatard
What do you mean who, what are you thinking?
Stugotz
At the end of his career, Like Peyton Manning won the championship and he had nine touchdowns and 17 interceptions. Like I didn't need the proof of his championships. You say playoff Windsor stat for a quarterback. So your assessment of Lamar Jackson is what is that?
Dan LeBatard
He needs to take care of business in January or else he does not make the short list of greatest quarterbacks in the history of people. I mean, it's as simple as that. And the same fate awaits John Josh Allen. And it's funny that you bring this up, Dan, because of course I brought it up to Greg and to Chris Cody earlier in the week. I'd love to get yours thought on this as well. Just like I did the Cody's. Maybe a hot take for people. I'm not trying to ruffle feathers down there in Miami. I say for all of his rightly legendary status in pro football history, Don Shula failed Dan Marino. Dan Marino would have won a title if his head coach hadn't been outmoded. Don Shula was great. Obviously the architect of those early 70s.
Stugotz
That's what you did with the Cody's on your podcast. You did Marino, did Don Shula face Marino. You did a show that would have been great in 1985.
Dan LeBatard
That's right. Well, as far as 1985 goes, I also floated this bit of positivity for the Dolphins fans. I mean, it gets the asterisk of the shameful loss to the New England Patriots. In the title game in the rainy Orange Bowl. But if Marino and company would have survived Craig James and Mosey Tatupu and Steve Grogan on that rainy day, they would have gone to the Superdome for a rematch against the Chicago Bears, who of course, you know, they vanquished on Monday Night Football. I think the same thing would have happened again. And then you really throw pro football history super bowl air on its ear by saying that the greatest single season defense or at least the one that people hold up as being that would have not won a Super bowl and Dan Marino would have won one. There are a few moments that are more are stronger inflection points than that.
Mike Ryan
So you are.
Stugotz
You are absolutely right. Don Shula won a Super bowl throw seven passes with Bob Griesi. He didn't know what the hell to do with Dan Marino. He just let him be Dan Marino and didn't know what else to do because he was an old man coaching a team. And Dan Marino won all those games and of course he failed him at the end again. That show would have been better in 1993. You doing it with the Cody's as we try to grab young people in the YouTube age. A strange choice did Don Shula face Dan Marino. Most of the people having that argument on sports radio are now dead. The people who had that argument on sports.
Dan LeBatard
You want to talk about Red dawn again? We can do that.
Stugotz
See you later. Damage. It's a good podcast. You should listen to it. Football America Monday and Friday. Good talking to you. It's been nice to listen to. It's entertaining, it's nourishing and put all your money opposite the things that him and the fake RFK said.
Dan LeBatard
Now Bobby Jr. Is responsible for those bad picks. Not damn a Shaq. Don't put that on me.
Stugotz
See you later. Good talking to you. More football to talk about this weekend. Since we were talking about kickers, it was delightful to learn last weekend that the University of South Florida has a Grammatica back there. Nico carrying on the family tradition. I would say put them next to each other more famous name associated with something. The Wallendas or the Grammaticas. Because when I saw Nico Grammatica. What a precious, precious heirloom. That's the greatest kicking family in the history of kicking, is it not? In the weird funny position. That's royalty. There is no name you associate with kicking more than that. Not Vinatieri as a family, correct? Correct. There's no such thing.
Mike Ryan
The Flying Gramaticas. Yeah, they. They are the kicking family. He was. He was there last year. He was in like a shared role. They only brought him in for long kicks. He made a long kick against Miami last year. I was like, how do they keep making these down here in the Tampa area?
Stugotz
Don Lep every cupcake.
Dan LeBatard
And at what?
Chris Cote
This is the Dan Levatar show with the Stugats.
Stugotz
College football wise, South Florida and Nico Dramatica kicking the ass of Florida. How much trouble is Billy Napier in? Because the expectations of Florida have changed and I dare say Mario Cristobal has changed them, right? Because I wasn't expecting anything from FSU this season. FSU going from 13 to 1, 13 and 1 to whatever they were 2 and 10, 2 and 11, 2 and 12, whatever the hell they were last year is something I've never seen before, never mind in the state of Florida. I've just never seen it in college football where you go one season to the next and that's what it is. So I didn't expect anything from Florida State this year and they were better than I expected in the first game. I expected something from Florida last year and then the first game. Cam Ward took away my interest in anything Florida related. They were very strong at the end of the season, very is doing some heavy lifting there. They were stronger, much stronger at the end of last season than they were the first half of the season, which ruined Billy Napier and I didn't think he would recover from it. And then he loses at home to South Florida with a player spitting in the face of someone cost in the game as an 18 point favorite. Where are we with the Florida Gators? We just had a week ago. Three of the top teams in Florida were in the top 15. And Florida clearly first time out with that distinction itself.
Mike Ryan
I think they were immediate fabrication entering the season. I think people paid attention to them fighting for their head coach a little bit and thought that that was some sort of predictive analysis and didn't really pay attention to the talent that they lost. And while they did well in the portal, they did well in the portal with just outside guys and they were pretty strong in receiver anyways. So they didn't. They got smaller along the trenches. So I thought that this might happen. Florida's been a weird school and it's always difficult to manage the expectations. There's Will Muschamp took the impossible job of following Urban Meyer. Didn't matter that he made it to an SEC title game and recruited at a top 10 clip. Bottom fell out. You understand when you're following that job, you're likely to get canned quickly. But then Jim McIlwain came around and he won back to back SEC east titles, which was the first head coach to do that since Steve Spurrier. And that wasn't good enough because he generally wasn't like did that thing with the Shark purportedly or you know what, that's just fact. He did that. Everyone knows this.
Stugotz
Everyone knows that. That's a fact. We have proof.
Mike Ryan
But I mean, when you talk about McElwain and you talk about Dan Mullen, certainly when these guys post close to a.700 winning percentage, you have to wonder like the expectations inside the sec, especially since they batted the likes of Oklahoma and Texas, you should recalibrate them a little bit. Now, I don't think this is going to work out for Billy Napier, but they have a pretty good support system in place when it comes to resources and nil. And if they maybe were just a little bit more patient with Dan Mullen, who I think kind of has that now on a smaller scale at unlv. And we'll show you over time what kind of head coach he is if he doesn't have to worry about the recruiting, he can be a good head coach. So I think that they've kind of been a little quick.
Chris Cote
He only has a $20 million buyout. It sounds crazy to say only, but it's not like 85 million or something.
Mike Ryan
But I do think that they're going to play hard again for their coach. I think LSU is probably a little overvalued and they'll show some fight. I don't know if they'll pull off the upset. They have a crazy run of games here. It's going to be very difficult and I fully expect them to have a new head coach. And from what I've heard, does not happen to know. I've only borrowed this from other people that happen to know is they'll put forth a lucrative offer for Lane Kiffin and we'll see if that entices. Although I don't know if Lane Kiffin will do that because that dude can win 10 games for the rest of his life at Ole Miss and be a conquering hero. You do that at Florida, as Jim McIlwain and Dan Mullen prove, you lose your job.
Stugotz
That's what is interesting about all of the things that you were saying. The burden of expectations. Right. We saw what the burden of expectations did to the Browns organizationally and on the field, to Baker Mayfield, to Odell Beckham. The burden of expectations make it so that Florida Yeah. Plays in the sec. And you've got now a couple of generations that saw what Spurrier did there, saw what Urban Meyer did there, feel like they deserve that. And so Mullen was a mediocrity when he wasn't a mediocrity. Expectations. I feel for DeBoer. He will not survive that.
Mike Ryan
No way.
Chris Cote
There's no shot he does Lane ending up there would be great.
Stugotz
Alabama.
Chris Cote
I mean, he's not going to leave for Florida. Why would he leave Ole Miss for Florida?
Mike Ryan
He does love the coasts of Florida.
Chris Cote
Yeah. But oh man, if he ends up in Alabama, you know he'd take that job just to stick it to Saban.
Stugotz
The burden of expectations with that stuff makes some of these jobs pressure cookers. Like the idea that Mike is. Is using the strength of his mouth. Mouth to say out loud they should have stayed longer with Mullen when we all knew what the fires were around that stadium when Mullen was mediocre. But it's what Dave Wanstead got swallowed by after. It's Don Shula and it's Jimmy Johnson. I. I have a lot of great stats in my head. But the Pittsburgh Steelers, having only three coaches feel like what the packers have felt like having only three quarterbacks for the last 35 years were structurally structural and organizationally you're always able to evolve to keep up with everybody else.
Mike Ryan
I'm sure Gators fans probably couldn't see how quickly things change from an nil support basis. Right. So maybe. They certainly had their reasons to let go of Dan Mullen. He didn't like when he lost his job. They were on a pretty bad run of form. But also Dan Mullen made Kyle Trask a Heisman finalist. He finished fourth.
Stugotz
Great college quarterback.
Mike Ryan
Yeah. Dan Mullen is a great play call. He is a great offensive mind.
Stugotz
Mullen had the only Kyle Pitts I've seen be good.
Mike Ryan
And I think that if he were surrounded by what Florida has right now, he'd be more successful than Billy Napier, who by all accounts is a nice man, but he's going to be on someone else's staff.
Stugotz
You want to try and explain to me why Kraft is better than Pitts?
Mike Ryan
I don't understand that one at all. But no one has. It's one of football's great mysteries. Everyone still believes in Kyle Pitts, although promising with a different quarterback in there, spraying the field a little bit more. Michael Penix is such a game. That game was insane. We didn't even talk about Bucs, Falcons.
Stugotz
I know.
Mike Ryan
Well, like the last five minutes of that game were just bonkers. That was drugs.
Stugotz
Pennix is going to be fun as a quarterback. Fun on the goal line. He did two things near the goal line that were winning plays. He did not deserve to lose that football game.
Mike Ryan
The Drake London drop he was so good and Baker just, just matched him shot for shot. Mecca's going to be an incredible receiver for him. Baker, when he said like as soon as he got him in a game.
Stugotz
Tampa was hurt too.
Mike Ryan
This dude. Yeah, Tampa. They worfs was a bent up.
Stugotz
It's been interesting to see Baker Mayfield resurrect himself in a way that always wins that division. Like that's nuts to to to have watched what happened there. Where to take There has been so much flux in that division. I know it's not a good division, but he's been the best atop it since he's been there.
Mike Ryan
Here's how I know Baker Mayfield. The Baker Mayfield. Is he good? Discourse is dead. We know him to be good. You know why? Because I was betting on the Falcons that game and I was terrified of Baker Mayfield marching down the field. Baker Mayfield's already gotten two of his offensive coordinators head coaching jobs. He's going to get a third one hired. We got to stop doing this with the underestimating of Baker Mayfield.
Stugotz
So when you guys say terrified, like this is an interesting way, right? I saw a lot of people criticizing John Harbaugh because He punted on 4th and 2 and trusted his defense to not let Josh Allen get back down the field for a field goal. I always make my decisions as a coach that way where I say what does the defense want me to do here? And a defense was scared and a stadium was scared that the Ravens would go for it on fourth and two and finish the game even though it risked leaving Buffalo already in a position to kick a 57 yard field goal to win the game.
Dan LeBatard
When you're talking late game efficiency per.
Chris Cote
Buccaneers communications after the five play 63 yard drive to beat Atlanta since his.
Dan LeBatard
Arrival in 2023 in the final two.
Chris Cote
Minutes of regulation, Baker Mayfield is tied.
Dan LeBatard
For the NFL lead in passing touchdowns and ranks third in passer rating.
Mike Ryan
Dude.
Chris Cote
So he's been great lately.
Mike Ryan
And that place was an insane asylum. That's one of the loudest stadiums I've ever heard on television just because of how crazy that game was unfolding. It is so pathetic for the Cleveland Browns to have worked since their return in 1994 to find a quarterback like they had in Baker Mayfield and shoot him out the door because he had the nerve to play hurt.
Chris Cote
Face the Texans this week at Houston. That should be a win for Tampa.
Mike Ryan
Oh, you think so? I mean, a season, a season on the brink. If you fall to 02 for the Houston Texans.
Chris Cote
I don't know about Houston. I think that maybe we saw the best of Houston two seasons ago.
Mike Ryan
Well, what do they have the following week after that?
Chris Cote
They have the Jets. They're hosting the Jets. Then the super bowl champions come to town.
Mike Ryan
I mean, they own the Eagles. They beat them in the playoffs. It made Kellen Moore reshape that offense.
Chris Cote
Then they're at Seattle.
Stugotz
I'd rather talk 49 anything than stay.
Chris Cote
Well, we could do. I like that. Because we could do Falcons, which is where we were headed. This is a rough one for them at Minnesota. That's going to be a test.
Dan LeBatard
Although bright light.
Chris Cote
I'd rather be a test. Then they have the Panthers. Panthers. Easy peasy.
Stugotz
Chris, what happened with your air conditioning.
Chris Cote
Guy and the commanders? That's funny. The air conditioning just cut off here. I had an air guy come over and I, I, I got. Do you guys tip the air conditioning guy when someone comes over like a plumber? Air conditioning? I do as well, and I'm always unsure whether I'm doing enough. 150 bucks was the bill. What do you think? Tip.
Mike Ryan
What, how good, how good of a job did he do?
Chris Cote
He did a very nice job. What was wrong with it? It was just over cool. It was like frozen and stuff and dripping a little. Needed to be like air, like suctioned out the water in there a little.
Mike Ryan
I think 50 is fair. I'd go over and above if it, if it looked hard to me and if I was deeply appreciated.
Chris Cote
It took him about like an hour and 20 minutes.
Dan LeBatard
I'll, I'll.
Mike Ryan
That sounds like a 75 bucker.
Chris Cote
I went, I went, two hundo quiche. You gave him a $200 tip? 200 total. It was 150. Gave him 200.
Mike Ryan
That's nice. That's a nice job out of you.
Chris Cote
That's what I felt. It was sufficient. But, you know, he didn't give me a. Wow. Thank you.
Stugotz
If you're tipping, it's generally about 20%, 25%. Just about tipping. You're doing well. Just about any kind of tipping. I would say, like, if you're trying, but. So you went. That's more than most people would give, I think. Put it on the poll at Lebatard show. Do you tip the air conditioning guy? Put it also on the poll at Lebatard. Show. Is the air conditioning guy ever not a guy? Because I don't know whether that previous question is offensive the way that I.
Chris Cote
Phrased it, because could Brad Williams be an air conditioning guy.
Mike Ryan
Fixation today? Little people going on today.
Stugotz
Do you, do you all tip your air conditioning guy? Because I don't. I know that.
Chris Cote
We're not gonna lie. I said this out before the show and I got some no's. Yeah, there were like, I don't think everyone does that.
Stugotz
I don't think everyone does that. And you gave a hearty tip, which I assume is why you're talking about it. Like it's. I, I assume that it's why you're telling everybody.
Dan LeBatard
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Stugotz
You're. You're telling everybody.
Dan LeBatard
Whoo.
Stugotz
I was generous here, and I think.
Chris Cote
You know, you were generous because I, I feel this pressure. Like, I think I over tip because I don't. I, I. The stress of them being unhappy, walking out and being like this mother bleeper. So I just get scared and I probably do over tip because I just. Is it always the same AC person for you? That's a great question. You call different, like, AC things, same company. It's. It's been the same guy. This guy was a different guy. So the one that I had yesterday was a different person. But I have had somebody. Does the person own the company? Does that make a difference? Like my guy Carlos, I'm pretty sure owns the company. So then do I tip him? Also, one of Carlos's guys stepped through my ceiling once, and I was not happy about that. I would imagine, Dan, you feel like, especially if they recognize you. Right. You get then.
Stugotz
Yeah, I do a thing of like.
Chris Cote
If you're recognized, you tip more.
Stugotz
Well, yes. I had the world's worst waiter in Hawaii.
Dan LeBatard
What a title.
Stugotz
Well, but he was nervous.
Chris Cote
Wear a sash or like a trophy. How'd you know?
Stugotz
No, because he got three parts of my order wrong and I order only ordered three things.
Chris Cote
Look, if you're a server and you recognize. He recognized you.
Stugotz
That's right.
Chris Cote
He got nervous and you still screw it. Like that is well.
Stugotz
But that's why I had to over tip, though, because I can't leave a shitty tip in that spot.
Chris Cote
So what was the order?
Stugotz
Terrible.
Chris Cote
You strike me as a weird order.
Stugotz
It was super simple. No, no.
Chris Cote
Can I get some cereal with coconut milk?
Stugotz
He was just nervous. Yeah. No cereal at a seafood restaurant. Yeah, it's just Cocoa Puffs. Yes, that's what I ordered.
Chris Cote
I went to dinner with Dan once and he didn't order food or a drink to be a fly on the table. And we didn't know that was happening until he was the last to order. And then he said, no, I'll have nothing, please. And we're like, wait, what? Why are we here?
Stugotz
Sparkling water.
Mike Ryan
Was that Mama's Fish House?
Stugotz
We were here to talk. No, I like that, though. No, no, Mama's Fish House had great service. I feel bad for this guy now because he listens to the podcast.
Chris Cote
And how did the guy get it wrong? What did he do?
Stugotz
He just got. I ordered three things and he brought three things out that were wrong all.
Mike Ryan
At the same time.
Chris Cote
But is it your wife's order? And he just put in the wrong.
Mike Ryan
Place was this appetizer, main course and dessert.
Chris Cote
Dessert.
Mike Ryan
Drink.
Chris Cote
I'm always impressed. I'm always impressed. When a restaurant knows, like, what seat the food goes to. You can tell that's a good restaurant when it's like, they know that this steak goes to this seat. Whereas sometimes, like, it's like, who gets the. Who got the filet? And then you have to raise your hand. I like it when they know what seat. How. How off was it? Like, did you say, I'd like a Coca Cola? And they brought you like, yeah.
Stugotz
Everything was wrong, Billy. Every single thing was wrong.
Mike Ryan
Little private insight into my personality, Melody. I privately revel when I'm like, you sure you don't want to write this down? And I can tell, like, they're not writing down the order. They're like, got it over there. I'm like, I'm gonna.
Chris Cote
My order's gonna get more complicated.
Mike Ryan
Yeah. Are you sure? Okay. And then they come back and they mess it up. Sometimes I don't even articulate it.
Chris Cote
Can I get the ceviche with no garlic, please?
Mike Ryan
In my mind, I'm like, should have written it down.
Chris Cote
As long as you're close, I'm good. You know, like, I'm not going to send anything back. Let's be real.
Mike Ryan
I never said let's be close enough. I never send food back. Let's. Let's. I'm real there.
Chris Cote
I already.
Mike Ryan
Cheese.
Chris Cote
I have a knife. I'll take the cheese. I'm not going to send it back, but I know, I know.
Mike Ryan
I will take this.
Chris Cote
Honestly, it sounds like messing up your orders is the way to a better tip. Cuz Dan just said he over tipped because the guy got all of his orders wrong, which is like, if I know that if I'm podcasters out there, if you. If you're one of going to to be one of Dan's future servers. Screw it up. Screw up his order and you're going to get a massive tip.
Stugotz
Say you know me. You can extort me. That's how it happens. Like just say you know me.
Chris Cote
Big fan.
Stugotz
Get me kunine.
Chris Cote
Get me K9 oh folks, football season is here. It's your season, your shot. The NFL is rolling and every touchdown brings you closer to a payout with DraftKings Sportsbook, an official sports betting partner of the NFL. From first TD scores to anytime props or even the rush rush of live in game betting, every snap is a chance to win new customers.
Dan LeBatard
This is for you.
Chris Cote
Download the DraftKingsportsbook app. Use code DAN. That's code DAN to get $200 in bonus bets instantly. When you place just a five dollar bet plus over 200 off NFL Sunday ticket from YouTube and YouTube TV in partnership with DraftKings. The crown is yours. Gambling problem call 1-800- gambler in New York, call 877-8-HOPE and Y or text hopeny467369 in Connecticut. Help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-7897 or visit ccpg.org Please play responsibly on behalf of Boot Hill Casino and Resort in Kansas. Fees may apply in Illinois, 21 and over. Age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Boyd and Ontario bonus bets expire seven days after issuance. See sportsbooked@draftkings.com promos NFL Sunday Ticket offer for new subscribers only and auto renews until canceled. Digital games and commercial use excluded restrictions. Apply additional NFL Sunday ticket terms@YouTube.com go NFL Sunday tickets terms limited. Time on offer witness the fight the.
Mike Ryan
Boxing world has been waiting for on Netflix.
Chris Cote
Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford face off for the first time in their legendary careers for the super Middleweight championship in Las Vegas. The winner will walk away the greatest of their era. Watch Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford Saturday, September 13 at 9pm Eastern 6 6pm Pacific Standard Time, live only on Netflix.
Dan LeBatard
Eczema isn't always obvious, but it's real. And so is the relief from Ebglis. After an initial dosing phase, about 4.
Chris Cote
In 10 people taking EBGLIS achieved itch.
Dan LeBatard
Relief and clear or almost clear skin at 16 weeks, and most of those people maintained skin that's still more clear at one year with monthly dosing.
Chris Cote
EBGLIS Lebricizumab, LBKZ, a 250 milligram per 2 milliliter injection, is a prescription medicine used to treat adults and children 12 years of age and older who weigh at least 88 pounds or 40 kilograms with moderate to severe eczema, also called atopic dermatitis that is not well controlled with prescription therapies used on the skin or topicals or who cannot use topical therapies. EGLIS can be used with or without topical corticosteroids. Don't use if you are allergic to ebglis. Allergic reactions can occur that can be severe. Eye problems can occur. Tell your doctor if you have new or worsening eye problems. You should not receive a live vaccine when treated with EBGLIS before starting Eglis. Tell your doctor if you have a parasitic infection.
Dan LeBatard
Searching for real reason relief. Ask your doctor about Epis and visit.
Chris Cote
Epis.Lily.Com or call 1-800-lilyrx or 1-800-545-5979. Don LeBatard I got a Slater scoop. STS this is the Dan LeBatar show with the ST.
Stugotz
I am prepared to do the very the hardest of things and admit I was wrong. If Matthew Berry commits to what it is he's presently doing for us today and our listeners, which gives them the greatest of information as fast as possible. If he does this for us all season, I will come around. I will participate in fantasy. I will be the ambassador for fantasy that Matthew Barry has always been because I am so grateful for both his expertise and his time and this is valuable stuff that he has for our listeners. He's going to do it every week before we open up the club, the Cuervo Club Club. Let's get as much fantasy info for our listeners as they could use from the very best of sources. Give me some imaging so that we can introduce him. He's going to do it every week during the season and I will be a fantasy zealot by the end of this season. Let's do it.
Chris Cote
Matthew Barry, Matthew Perry.
Dan LeBatard
Matthew Perry.
Chris Cote
Matthew Barry.
Mike Ryan
That's great.
Chris Cote
Take it away, Matthew.
Mike Ryan
That's awesome.
Chris Cote
I love this.
Stugotz
That.
Chris Cote
I love that. That's awesome. Thank you guys. Appreciate that. Thank you, Dan. That is a worthwhile goal. I will commit to that. To get Dan Levitar to be a fantasy zealot. Honestly, just not a fantasy hater I think is a win. Anything beyond that is gravy. So I'm on board. I'm in, man.
Stugotz
You better give your information. You're not here for the small talk. You're here to rush through it fast. He is the host of Fantasy Football.
Chris Cote
Hour with Matthew Barry and he's at Juju's house.
Stugotz
You should watch on Peacock and he is at Juju's house.
Mike Ryan
Ah.
Stugotz
Let's go Matthew.
Chris Cote
All right. All right. In week one, Dak Prescott had the fourth highest average depth of target in the NFL. And then that same week the New York Giants who they play this week allowed the sixth most yard for completion. You can throw deep on the Giants. I thought Dak looked great. He's a top 10 play for me this week. Last week no team in the NFL had a higher pass rate over expectation than the Los Angeles Chargers. This week they play the Raiders who last week no team faced more pass attempts than the Raiders. You can throw on the Raiders by the way, dating back to last season, Justin Herbert has now finished as a top 10 fantasy quarterback in four straight games last week. Here's the entire list of players on the Cincinnati Bengals that received at least one rushing attempt that were a running back. Chase Brown. That's the entire list. Literally no other running back of the Bengals got a carry last week. Jaguars 27th in success rate against running back rushes last week you can run on the Jaguars Chase Brown do for a big game. How about the Carolina Panthers who last last week around 200 rushing yards and 6.3 yards per carry. James Connor, Trey Benson, both worthwhile this week. Last week no running back in the NFL allowed more, ran more routes or was target on more of his routes than Dylan Sampson. The Browns are eleven and a half point underdogs to the Ravens they're throwing quite a bit. I think we'll see a little bit of Quinton Judkins but it's mostly going to be Samson in the past catching role against the Ravens as the Browns are down big and they'll be throwing a lot of by the way, when the Browns are throwing, they're also throwing to Cedric Tillman. In the last five full games dating back to last year, Cedric Tillman is averaging 18.1 fantasy points per game. Dan, just to give you a comparison, last year that would have been better than CD Lamb. He would have been a top eight fantasy wide receiver last year. On a points per game basis no one's talking about Cedric Tillman.
Dan LeBatard
They should.
Chris Cote
Oh by the way, he's outscored Jerry Judy, his teammate in four of the last five games. Everyone likes Judy Moore. That's wrong. I, I disagree on that that. By the way, over the last 14 games dating back to last year, Jacobe Myers of the Raiders is averaging 15.7 fantasy points per game. Last year that would have been wide receiver 15. He was drafted way outside of that. He's a top 20 wide receiver. Just no one ever talks about Jacobe Myers. And last week, among Titans that ran at least 15 routes, no one was targeted on a higher percentage of his routes than Tyler Warren of the Indianapolis Colts. I expect Pat Sartan to be on Michael Pittman. So if you're Daniel Jones, what are you doing? You're throwing a Tyler Warren this. This weekend into my vein machine.
Stugotz
He's the host of Fantasy Football Hour with Matthew Barry. Watch on Peacock. If he does that 15 more times, I will be a zealot by the end of the season. Thank you. I'm grateful for your time, sir.
Chris Cote
Appreciate you, Dan, as always.
Dan LeBatard
See you guys.
Mike Ryan
Thank you. Who picks up the slack in Jaden Reed's absence?
Stugotz
People are gonna.
Chris Cote
Don, Tavian, Wicks. It's all Tucker Crops, the guy I trust the most. But I think Wicks gets the biggest boost with a Reed injury.
Mike Ryan
I cut Colston Loveland. Or is. Is he really terrible? What's the deal?
Chris Cote
Why are you talking like that?
Stugotz
That's all the time we have with Matthew Barry.
Chris Cote
It was Coulson Loveland or somebody else. And the answer is somebody else. I didn't even hear it.
Stugotz
Yeah, you couldn't hear it because he was away for the mic. For reasons no one understands.
Chris Cote
Family.
Stugotz
It was. It was a strange choice by him.
Episode: Hour 1 – "Mike & Dave Got Everything Wrong"
Date: September 12, 2025
Featured Guests: Dave Dameshek, Matthew Berry
Location: The Elser Hotel, Downtown Miami
This lively, comedic episode sways between NFL hot takes, fantasy football fever, and the oddities of being a sports fan or, better yet, a sports podcaster whose picks inexplicably flop. Dan and Stugotz welcome Dave Dameshek to defend himself after a week of “getting every game wrong,” take potshots at NFL uniforms and kickers, and ropes in fantasy guru Matthew Berry for a rapid fantasy rundown. From NFL nostalgia to the quirks of restaurant tipping, Hour 1 is a freewheeling canvas of sports banter, cultural references, and signature Le Batard absurdity.
Timestamps: [02:30]–[04:55]
Callout for Bad Picks:
Stugotz opens with a roast of Dameshek and Mike Ryan’s perfect record... of being wrong on "Football America."
“Every single game you picked went wrong that week.... Your information was good, your analysis was good, but you got every single game wrong. The two of you.” — Stugotz [02:58]
Lighthearted Defense:
Dave shrugs it off, joking about the sheer number of teams and the randomness of football, flipping into an impression bit gone awry.
“Look, Dan, there are a lot of football teams out there. We picked the wrong ones on this day.” — Dave Dameshek [03:17]
Impression Mix-ups:
The hosts dissect Mike Ryan’s attempt at impersonating Chris Berman and RFK, mostly to roast each other.
Timestamps: [05:16]–[13:00]
Packers' QB Transition and Legacy:
Dan notes Green Bay’s enviable 35 years of QB prowess (Farve, Rodgers, now Love) but points out the limited payoff:
“That’s the exact same number of Lombardi trophies that they’ve delivered to Green Bay as Trent Dilfer and Joe Flacco gave to Charm City.” — Dan Le Batard [05:35]
Rodgers, Underachievement, and Steelers:
Stugotz tags Aaron Rodgers as "the greatest quarterback I've ever seen and an underachiever." [06:12]
Game Analysis:
Detailed frame-by-frame of Steelers-Jets and Packers: Kicking performances changed game outcomes; Chris Boswell’s heroics vs. Nick Folk’s miscues.
Dameshek notes a decade-long streak of calling the Steelers’ record “within one game.” [07:50]
Rodgers’ Diminished Mobility:
Dameshek argues the QB looked less nimble than his legend presumes – a warning sign for the Jets.
“He did not look as nimble as he did, let’s say five years ago...” — Dave Dameshek [08:07]
Timestamps: [09:23]–[11:23]
Packers’ Bold New Look Receives Lukewarm Reviews:
Mike Ryan nearly swoons over gold piping and sleeve stripes, but condemns the helmet:
“A simple gold stripe down the middle would make this a great alternate uniform… did they want to save money on helmet stripes?” — Mike Ryan [09:50]
Dan proposes they scrap the gold entirely—"go more Spartan"—to which Mike retorts, “you’d be the New York Jets at that point.”
Consensus: The uniform looks “unfinished.” [11:23]
Timestamps: [11:31]–[13:39], [17:54]–[18:57]
Kickers Too Good?
Dameshek goes on a rant against hyper-skilled kickers:
“It’s become a plague that they’re too good… I find it unsatisfying that games all come down to a guy who has nothing to do with the entire rest of the game. It is our funniest position in major sports.” — Dave Dameshek [12:39]
Proposed Solutions:
“Let’s get rid of the kickers… the more you can do. Swiss Army knife. Who’s the best kicker on the defensive line? Indomican Suh, you’re in.” — Dave Dameshek [14:25]
Comparing "Weird Positions”:
Is the long-snapper a worse fate than kicker? Polls ensue. [17:54]
Timestamps: [18:57]–[21:03]
"To be out in the bullpen, away from the boss man where you can do your own thing and talk to the fans...maybe being a platoon corner outfielder would be pretty cool too..." — Dan Le Batard [19:40]
Timestamps: [21:03]–[23:03]
Is John Elway the greatest #7 ever? Does Roethlisberger compare?
Playoff wins as QB stat. Dameshek: “He needs to take care of business in January or else he does not make the short list... and the same fate awaits Josh Allen.” [23:03]
Spicy Take: Dan Marino wasn’t failed by his talent, but by his coach:
“I say for all of his rightly legendary status... Don Shula failed Dan Marino. Dan Marino would have won a title if his head coach hadn’t been outmoded.” — Dave Dameshek [23:03]
Timestamps: [27:07]–[33:17]
Billy Napier’s Job Security:
Stugotz and Mike dissect the Gators’ embarrassing loss and the sky-high expectations at Florida.
“He only has a $20 million buyout. It sounds crazy to say ‘only’, but it’s not like 85 million…” — Chris Cote [30:11]
SEC Pressure Cookers:
Even competent coaches (Muschamp, McIlwain, Mullen) get canned; expectations driven by Spurrier and Urban Meyer’s ghosts.
Whither Lane Kiffin?
Would he even want the Florida job if he’s a “conquering hero” winning 10 at Ole Miss? [31:44]
Timestamps: [33:17]–[35:54]
Late Game Heroics & Baker Discourse:
Mike Ryan says the “Baker Mayfield is he good?” conversation is finally over:
“He’s going to get a third [offensive coordinator] hired. We got to stop doing this with the underestimating of Baker Mayfield.” — Mike Ryan [34:19]
Close games, coaching philosophy, and analyzing Harbaugh’s controversial 4th-down decisions.
Timestamps: [36:37]–[41:13]
How Much to Tip the AC Guy?
Chris Cote’s “generosity” triggers a group ethics/etiquette debate about service industry tipping.
“You gave him a $200 tip? 200 total. It was 150, gave him 200...” — Chris Cote [37:19]
Dan’s Over-Tipping-for-Fame Complex:
Dan admits he over-tips if he’s recognized, for fear of being judged.
“I can’t leave a shitty tip in that spot.” — Dan Le Batard [39:29]
Best Position for “No Pressure?”
Mop-up reliever wins over “platoon outfielder,” with backup QB as honorable mention (low risk, good money).
Timestamps: [44:50]–[48:35]
Matthew Berry’s Pledge:
Matthew Berry vows to share his best fantasy intel every week, and even Stugotz softens toward fantasy football:
“If Matthew Berry commits to what it is he’s presently doing for us today and our listeners... I will be the ambassador for fantasy that Matthew Berry has always been.” — Stugotz [44:50]
Key Week 2 Fantasy Tips (Berry’s Segment):
On NFL Uniforms:
“It feels like it was 4:59pm on a Friday and they’re like, ah, close enough. Let’s go.” — Dan Le Batard [11:23]
On NFL Specialization:
“We’ve transcended specialization now. So let’s get rid of the kickers and the more you can do. Swiss Army knife.” — Dave Dameshek [14:25]
On Over-tipping:
“I probably do over tip because I just – is it always the same AC person for you? That’s a great question…” — Chris Cote [38:02]
Dan’s Restaurant Order Antics:
“I went to dinner with Dan once and he didn’t order food or a drink to be a fly on the table. And we didn’t know that was happening…” — Chris Cote [39:40]
On Back-Up QB as Best Job:
“Oh, backup quarterback.” — Stugotz [19:06]
On Baker Mayfield:
“Baker Mayfield’s already gotten two of his offensive coordinators head coaching jobs. He’s going to get a third one hired.” — Mike Ryan [34:19]
On Kicker/Long Snapper Existential Anxiety:
“There’s no name you associate with kicking more than that [Grammatica]. Not Vinatieri as a family, correct?” — Stugotz [26:19]
This episode encapsulates what makes the Le Batard Show a fan favorite: rambunctious chemistry, deeply “inside” sports banter, recurring running jokes (polls for everything), and the ability to juxtapose serious football insight with irreverent tangents about tipping culture or 1980s movies. While the group roasts each other for bad picks, they also deliver sharp NFL analysis, debate sports cultural oddities, and give listeners a blueprint for Week 2 fantasy glory—if they dare to trust the show’s track record.
Listen if you want: