Hour 2: Talking S*** With Jake Tapper

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz – Hour 2: Talking S*** With Jake Tapper

Release Date: January 27, 2025
Hosts: Dan Le Batard, Stugotz
Guest: Jake Tapper, Chief Washington Correspondent for CNN and Host of "The Lead"

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Introduction

In the second hour of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz, hosts Dan Le Batard and Stugotz engage in a lively and spirited conversation with Jake Tapper. The episode delves into a mix of sports rivalries, personal anecdotes, and broader societal issues, all infused with the show’s trademark humor and candidness.

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Sports Rivalries and Team Analysis

Eagles vs. Chiefs: A Heated Discussion

A significant portion of the conversation centers around the Philadelphia Eagles' performance and their rivalry with the Kansas City Chiefs. Stugotz initiates the discussion by presenting a statistical analysis of Patrick Mahomes’ playoff performances:

Stugotz [02:25]: "Patrick Mahomes has trailed in the fourth quarter in nine playoff games. He's come back to win six of them and forced overtime in two others before losing."

Jake Tapper weighs in on the effectiveness of the Eagles' strategy against top-tier teams:

Jake Tapper [03:31]: "I think they're the undisputed champion of Philly fandom. He does the hype reels and stuff. I'm just excited to be watching the game."

The hosts and Tapper further dissect the implications of these statistics on the Eagles’ chances against the Chiefs, emphasizing the emotional and strategic factors that could influence the outcome.

Impact of Coaching and Player Performance

Tapper shares his admiration for Eagles' quarterback Jalen Hurts and head coach Doug Peterson, highlighting their roles in the team’s success:

Jake Tapper [14:45]: "Doug Peterson's leading us to a victory, so as of right now, he's... He won the only one we've won."

The discussion also touches on the departure of key players like Jason Kelce, with Tapper defending his contributions:

Jake Tapper [15:50]: "No, he's not overrated. Not overrated."

Running Game vs. Passing Strategy

A fervent debate arises حول أهمية لعبة الجري مقارنة بالتمرير في كرة القدم الأمريكية، حيث يركز Tapper على قوة لعبة الجري لدى Eagles:

Stugotz [36:34]: "They run the ball, they stop the run. They do the basics, the little things, and that's how they get it done."

Billy and Stugotz challenge the current trend favoring passing over running, arguing that a strong running game is integral to a team's identity and success.

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Personal Anecdotes and Light-Hearted Banter

Celebrity Rivalries and Humor

The conversation takes a humorous turn as Stugotz brings up Jake Tapper's playful rivalry with Bradley Cooper over Eagles fandom, leading to amusing exchanges about celebrities' involvement in sports:

Jake Tapper [03:13]: "But let me tell you something. That is not a rivalry with Bradley Cooper. That is Bradley Cooper's there with Gigi Hadid in the owner's box."

Jake Tapper’s Personal Life

Tapper opens up about his personal life, particularly his wife’s support for the Chiefs, creating a light-hearted conflict:

Jake Tapper [09:37]: "My wife is actually a Kansas City fan, so that makes it a little bit more difficult."

The hosts and Tapper discuss the challenges of managing sports rivalries within personal relationships, adding depth to Tapper's character beyond his professional persona.

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Deeper Insights: Societal and Political Commentary

Political Divisions and Media Influence

Shifting gears, Jake Tapper addresses broader societal issues, specifically the deepening political divisions exacerbated by social media and modern media consumption:

Jake Tapper [20:58]: "Political divisions have gotten so intense that people on other sides of the aisle cannot see the humanity in Democrats or Republicans."

Tapper emphasizes the need for recognizing common humanity across political spectrums and expresses hope for reconciliation:

Jake Tapper [21:50]: "Most Americans are not that deep down and are not that in their hearts. I think, I don't think it will be that difficult to rectify."

Reflections on Media Responsibility

Tapper critiques the role of legacy media in fostering division and demonization:

Jake Tapper [20:58]: "It's this complex of division that has emerged in social media and other forms of media of just creating division and demonizing."

This segment provides listeners with a thoughtful examination of the media’s impact on societal cohesion.

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Notable Quotes

• Jake Tapper [03:29]: "I think he's the undisputed champion of Philly fandom."
• Jake Tapper [09:37]: "My wife is actually a Kansas City fan, so that makes it a little bit more difficult."
• Jake Tapper [20:58]: "People on other sides of the aisle cannot see the humanity in Democrats or Republicans."
• Jake Tapper [21:50]: "Most Americans are not that deep down and are not that in their hearts."

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Conclusion

The episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz featuring Jake Tapper offers a dynamic blend of sports analysis, personal storytelling, and incisive societal commentary. Tapper's candid insights, coupled with the hosts' engaging banter, provide listeners with both entertainment and thoughtful reflection on current sports dynamics and broader cultural divisions.

Listeners unfamiliar with the show will find this episode a compelling entry point, showcasing the hosts' ability to navigate diverse topics with humor and depth. Whether you're a sports enthusiast intrigued by tactical discussions or someone interested in the interplay between media and society, this episode delivers a rich and multifaceted listening experience.

Transcript

[Dan Le Batard]

You're listening to Giraffe Kings Network. Ever since switching to T Mobile, something weird has been happening. I get to cut lines.

[Stugatz]

Oh, right this way. Who me?

[Dan Le Batard]

I can stream shows at 30,000ft and.

[Jake Tapper]

I was able to buy reserve tickets.

[Dan Le Batard]

For my favorite band.

[Stugatz]

It's not just you. With T Mobile, everyone can get VIP status. That means access to exclusive events and experiences just for being a customer. At t mobile. VIP means y o u check out the VIP treatment@t mobile.com benefits.

[Jessica]

You know that sound? It's the sound of money hitting your Venmo account. A friend paying you back. Or maybe it's getting cash back from your favorite business when you pay with the Venmo debit card. Or it's realizing you can pay with Venmo at checkout at thousands of brands. Now there are so many more ways to answer the question. What's your Venmo? Download Venmo. Today the Venmo MasterCard is issued by the Bancorp Bank N.A. pursuant to license by MasterCard International Incorporated. DOSH cashback terms apply. This is the Dan Levator show with the Stugats podcast.

[Jake Tapper]

This episode of the Dan Levatard show with Stu Gotz is presented by Venmo.

[Stugatz]

Before we get to Jake Tapper here who is elbowing Bradley Cooper trying to become the number one Eagles fan there is Nash and Bradley Cooper will not allow him to do it. I just want to give you this stat from the Associated Press. Patrick Mahomes has trailed in the fourth quarter in nine playoff games. He's come back to win six of them and forced overtime in two others before losing. He has a 132.2 rating with five TD passes and one touchdown run. Went down one to eight points in the fourth quarter or overtime of a playoff game. Leading scores on 13 of 14 drives. One of those overtimes he got to. He never got the ball. He never. So, so what you're talking about there doesn't have a precedent for 17 straight one score games that they've won. The ability to win close games I don't think usually is an ability. But it's hard to argue against some of this math.

[Billy]

And if he got the ball first in that game, they would have won.

[Stugatz]

I mean, so Jake Tapper is with us and that's the task ahead. He's the chief Washington correspondent for cnn. He's the host of the Lead. It's moving to a new time slot, weekdays from 5 to 7 Eastern as CNN rolls out some changes here during the second Trump administration. We've Got a handful of questions for you. Thank you for joining us. You were on the Jumbotron yesterday. How was that yesterday, seeing your team beat everyone to death with Saquon's thighs?

[Jake Tapper]

It was. It was very exciting. It was. I loved it. There it is. That's. That's me doing my own press. I took a picture of myself and then hit the QR code and then got it up there on the. On the Jumbotron and tweeted it.

[Stugatz]

Yes, yes, but that's.

[Jake Tapper]

But let me tell you something. That is not. That is not a rivalry with Bradley Cooper. That is. Bradley Cooper's there with Gigi Hadid in the owner's box.

[Stugatz]

I'm.

[Jake Tapper]

That is not me. That is me.

[Stugatz]

You are the bronze medalist behind Cooper and Kevin Hart. Are you. Are you on the medal stand? No.

[Billy]

Drought. I mean, he's.

[Jake Tapper]

I think he's the undisputed champion of Philly fandom. He does the, you know, he does the hype reels and stuff. I'm just excited to be watching the game. And that was such an exciting game. And, you know, we were only up by two at one point. We were only by two points. And everybody in Philadelphia is like, me. We're all like, oh, my God, we're going to blow it. Oh, my God, we're going to blow it. And then the opposite happened. We destroyed. Destroyed.

[Stugatz]

Well, how does this work with your Washington friends? You're the chief Washington correspondent for cnn, Are you. Do you have some texts that you can read me from what it is that you were doing in terms of burying your political friends who care about Commanders?

[Jake Tapper]

They were. I have some very good friends who are Commander's fans all the way back to when they had a different name. And they. They were telling me how much their boys were going to spank the Eagles, which is, you know, obviously not so much by the end. Honestly, I don't want to be gloating. I can go to a little. Right. So the first of all, that dance in the end zone by Daniels when they. He got them to like only 13 points behind was weird. Second of all, all that stuff in, like when the offsides after offsides after offsides was weird. But then also by the end of it, it was like a basketball score, 55 to 23.

[Stugatz]

And there were fights all over the field, too, because of the way your team by them.

[Jake Tapper]

Because of them, we were very well behaved. Did we have any unsportsmanlike conduct or unnecessary roughness plays called against the Eagles?

[Billy]

Jake, are you talking shit?

[Jake Tapper]

I mean, I'M just laying out facts, as Harry Truman once said. President Truman. I'm just telling the truth if they can't. But, but I'm serious. Like, they, they were very. Look, the commanders had a great run. They should be very happy. Obviously, Dan Snyder was the problem the whole time. And they have a really good team. And I was absolutely nervous about them because of all the momentum and all the talent. And I remain a huge fan of Zach Ertz. He's. We all. I think most Philadelphia people just love him and wish he were still on the team. But, you know, the game was what it was. It was very exciting.

[Stugatz]

You're talking shit. You are. You are talking shit. It's clear. Will you go into work today and just heckle Bill's fan, Wolf Blitzer?

[Jake Tapper]

Oh, no. That's so sad. And I do feel bad for the Bills. One of my best friends, not including my best friend Wolf Blitzer, is a Buffalo fan. First of all, can I say something? That is such a sweet picture. I read in the New York Post people were hazing him for having like that old school TV setup. Why is that something? Dehaze. That's lovely. He's a lovely gentleman enjoying a game. He doesn't need a Jumbotron in his debt. Rec room.

[Billy]

I mean, there's VCR there. I mean, vcr, I think that's a reel to reel.

[Chris]

Jake, when he showed up in Mission Impossible Fallout, and he revealed that he wasn't actually Splitzer, right?

[Stugatz]

Spoiler alert.

[Chris]

Is that the greatest face reveal in franchise history?

[Jake Tapper]

I was not expecting it. I was not expecting it. Every now and then when I'm near him, I look at him to make sure it's really, really him and not Simon Pegg. I will say that Wolf reminds folks that he's done cameos in the most successful Mission Impossible movie and the most successful James Bond movie in those histories, in the histories of those two franchises. And he leaves it up to the listener to suggest that. That he's the special sauce. He does, he does remind people of that. And I don't, I don't have any facts to dispute that.

[Stugatz]

Jake, it is really quaint, naive almost that you would see that entertainment center and say of the Internet, why weren't they nice to him there? Why.

[Billy]

Why not nice about anything?

[Chris]

They weren't nice.

[Jake Tapper]

What do you mean?

[Stugatz]

What part are you not understanding?

[Jake Tapper]

I know. It's just like he's the Internet, sweet guy. He's from Buffalo. He's rooting for his home team. It's like what he should spend a billion dollars on some. I mean, it's, It's. I guarantee you it's just him watching the game.

[Stugatz]

He got so. He got the result he deserved for that entertainment center. Yes.

[Jake Tapper]

So harsh. Although I have to say I'd rather play Kansas City because I think the boys are going to be much more motivated to beat Kansas City and Buffalo. You know, you got to feel something for them. Like they're a great team and they've just been cheated out of a ball time after time and you know, they did have some momentum too. So I. I'm not unhappy that we're playing the Chiefs.

[Stugatz]

Even though you prefer the Chiefs. Is that what you.

[Jake Tapper]

Because I think. Because it will be. I think that will motivate. That will motivate. Jalen hurts and the guys more so than if it were Buffalo, which is probably. Which is another scrappy, gritty team.

[Stugatz]

Jake.

[Jake Tapper]

Not of pretty.

[Stugatz]

Jake. You know Jake, it's the Super Bowl.

[Billy]

He's motivated.

[Stugatz]

Motivated.

[Jake Tapper]

Well, I mean, I don't know that they were so much two years ago.

[Billy]

You can't almost want it.

[Stugatz]

You can't want the Chiefs, Jake. What? I mean, nobody wants.

[Jake Tapper]

Nobody wants the Chiefs. Well, I think we're going to. I think the odds that we beat the Chiefs are stronger because of the emotional factor of what happened a couple years ago in Arizona.

[Billy]

I do.

[Jake Tapper]

That's just me. I don't. Maybe I'm wrong. But look, I'm obviously afraid of them. They're a great team. Mahomes is a. Is a monster. I'm not like, I'm not doing a victory lap. I mean, I think that obviously the Chiefs are favored, but I think.

[Stugatz]

Keep an eye on that line.

[Jake Tapper]

I'm just saying it's just a. It's just a. Well, you think it's going to change? I think the Chiefs are changed already.

[Billy]

It started at one and a half. It's up to two and a half.

[Jake Tapper]

I mean. Oh, you think it's going to keep going like that? Good.

[Billy]

Good.

[Dan Le Batard]

Have you considered that?

[Jake Tapper]

Make the victory all the sweeter.

[Dan Le Batard]

Have a deal with the devil. That obviously has to factor in, right.

[Jake Tapper]

That Patrick Mahomes has a deal with the devil.

[Dan Le Batard]

I think the whole team probably.

[Stugatz]

It was the deal that Brady had with the Devil. They. They transferred it over. It was a complicated transaction.

[Jake Tapper]

Yes. I mean, as opposed to a deal with the refs. I mean, either way, he's talking shit. Either way it's going to be a game. I'm going to be. I'm very excited and you know My wife is actually a Kansas City fan, so that makes it. That makes it a little bit more difficult.

[Billy]

Wow.

[Jake Tapper]

I'm going to have to go to the game just so I don't have to listen to her cheering for Kansas City.

[Billy]

House divided.

[Stugatz]

How does that one go? How will that go over? How does that one work?

[Jake Tapper]

It's not very well. It's not very happy. It's not very happy situation. It wasn't a happy situation for me two years ago. That's correct. I don't know. And the kids? Well, the daughter will just go with whoever wins. The son is an Eagles fan, so we'll see.

[Stugatz]

But how does that go that evening, though, that you're.

[Jake Tapper]

It's not fun. It's not enjoyable. Like, you're sitting there with your wife and your wife is rooting for the devil. That's not fun. That's not an enjoyable thing. Like why? Like, your wife is sitting there rooting for the bad guys, literally. That's, like, why. I mean, I don't want to say it's like watching, you know, a war documentary and she's rooting for.

[Billy]

The alternative is Philadelphia.

[Stugatz]

Yeah, but you're. I understand that this would be complicated, and I don't mean. I don't mean to suggest that perhaps House divided, like Stugatz is, but that's as unhappy as you could be with your wife in a social setting of any kind, is it not.

[Jake Tapper]

It's not enjoyable. It was not enjoyable two years ago. And I. Like I said, I'm trying to get super bowl tickets so I can take my son to the game and I don't have to deal with it this year. That's correct. I don't want to have to deal with it.

[Stugatz]

Okay.

[Jake Tapper]

She's. She's. She's from. I mean, she's literally from St. Joe, Missouri, which is right outside Kansas City. She is actually a fan. It's not just because of Taylor Swift. She's legitimately a fan. And by the way, I don't begrudge all the girls out there cheering for Kansas City because of Taylor Swift. Good. Whatever.

[Billy]

I imagine that Bradley. I imagine Bradley is not searching for super bowl tickets. They just showed up in his inbox this morning.

[Jake Tapper]

I mean, he's probably already there. He's probably already in New Orleans. Do you think Bradley uses the QR code, the photo, to get. I think. I think. I think Lurie just hops a ride on the Cooper Jet down to New Orleans. I think that's how it works.

[Stugatz]

You won't have any Trouble getting tickets, will you?

[Jake Tapper]

I don't know. We'll have to see. Anybody listening out there that wants to help a Hook a brother up, that's fine. I mean, I went on to StubHub. It's not like. I don't know what kind of life you think I lead here, but it's not like people are, like, throwing tickets at me. But I'll get. I'll get some.

[Jessica]

I think you should try game time. They have all in pricing. You can look to see where the seats are located and everything.

[Jake Tapper]

Better than StubHub. Oh.

[Chris]

Use the promo code, Dan, with your first purchase.

[Billy]

Yep.

[Jake Tapper]

Is that a real thing? I don't know if you guys go, Dan.

[Billy]

Real thing.

[Stugatz]

It's a real thing.

[Jake Tapper]

I'm going to end up at, like, a woman's flag football game or something.

[Chris]

No, but you can. I mean, there's really no.

[Jake Tapper]

By the way, you know, it's. It's crazy. Here he comes backtracking.

[Stugatz]

Don't backtrack. Don't backtrack. You didn't want to go to a.

[Jake Tapper]

Women'S root for women's flag football. I just don't mean for. In two weeks. I don't want to go there.

[Billy]

That's all.

[Chris]

Panoramic sea views of that, too.

[Stugatz]

Let me ask you a couple of Philadelphia questions. Better Philadelphia. Barkley, Charles or Saquon? Oh, wow.

[Jake Tapper]

Oh, wow. That's really tough.

[Billy]

Yep.

[Jake Tapper]

I do. I have to. I really have to pick. I mean, right now, my affection is with Saquon Barkley. He is unbelievable. I mean, I love Charles Barkley. I mean, he's fantastic. I can't really choose because I've actually. I remember cutting high school, going to the local Wendy's, and there was the Round Mound, His. His first year in line behind me to get a frosty. And so, you know, he's. He's just the goat in Philly. Although he did. He did leave at one point. He did leave.

[Billy]

He did, but. And he didn't win. So if Saquon wins a Super bowl, here he is, the most famous Barkley in Philadelphia sports history. Right?

[Jake Tapper]

You're trying to get. No, I'm not going to. I'm not going to choose between Barclays, but I will tell you that Saquon is unbelievable. And like, you know, I. If my son were. If my wife were pregnant with my son right now, Saquon would be a runner. A runner. A contender for the name Saquon Tapper. Yeah, that would be. He's. And you can't help it. Doesn't roll off the tongue. You're saying. Your laughter seems to suggest. It does. It doesn't rule. He's. He's so good, and his attitude is so amazing. Let the young guys eat. I mean, just all this stuff, and he's just so. He's such a joy, and he doesn't take the bait from folks like the commanders, you know, trying to pick fights. He's lovely. He's a lovely gentleman. Right now, Saquon. I mean, right this minute.

[Stugatz]

This isn't how you play the game. It's not. You're playing it in.

[Jake Tapper]

I said right this minute, Saquon. I don't. You know, like, I actually have met Charles Barkley. I don't want him to be upset.

[Jessica]

All right. Look at me. Well done, Sirianni. You, like, obviously better than Andy Reid, correct?

[Jake Tapper]

I do. And I don't understand the Sirianni. He, like, Simmons saying, like, he was three games away from, like, doing a podcast and all that. Like, I don't. I don't really get it. He's. He's led us to, like. I really don't. I understand. I have frustrations like any other Philadelphia fan of, like, plays and stuff like that. But, like, this is the second super bowl in three years that he's let. I have my math right. And it's. He's great.

[Stugatz]

Is he the best coach in Eagles history?

[Jake Tapper]

I mean, Peterson led us to a victory, so as of right now. As of right now, he's. No, but if he wins us to a victory, sure. Then, yes, that will seal his fate.

[Billy]

Rings in a box. Yeah.

[Jessica]

Doug Peterson's the greatest coach in Eagles history.

[Billy]

Yeah. He won one.

[Jake Tapper]

He won one. He won the only one we've won. I mean, am I supposed to say Dick Vermeil just because.

[Billy]

No, you pick correctly. You're right. Yeah.

[Stugatz]

I want to ask you a question we came in here asking today, which is. And this was something that surprised me over the last 24 hours, because Jason Kelsey hasn't played a football game in the last 24 hours, but his value and his greatness to the Eagles by my crew has been diminished over the last 24 hours because he's a really famous center who has gotten more rewards than any any center has ever gotten from being a center. And he left, and they're better.

[Jake Tapper]

I mean, what's the question?

[Stugatz]

Jason Kelsey, overrated.

[Jake Tapper]

No, he's not overrated. Not overrated. But I think. I think. But I think Howie Roseman did, you know, he, like, he built a great team and, like, he found holes and filled them. I mean, you know, you just, you can't. I mean, you know, everybody loves Nick Foles in Philadelphia, and he was so great to see him at the game yesterday, but that doesn't mean that Jalen Hurts is overrated. Just because Nick Foles led us to a Super bowl and he didn't. I just, I don't, I don't see it that way. Roseman's doing a really good job.

[Chris]

Should Cam Juergens get the late night talk show instead of Jason Kelce? Should it be Jurgens tonight?

[Jake Tapper]

Yes. Sponsored by.

[Billy]

Sponsored by Juergens, you mentioned Nick Foles. Is he the greatest quarterback in Eagles history? And do you believe Tom Brady when he says that he likes Nick Foles?

[Jake Tapper]

I believe Tom Brady when he says he's jealous of Nick Foles. I believe that because he caught it and Brady didn't. Why? What's. What's not to like about Nick Foles? He's like a lovely gentleman and he had his vic, you know, and he's just unbelievable backup quarterback, led the team to a Super bowl and then more or less retired. So I don't. Yeah, I mean, I don't really think much about Tom Brady, to be completely honest. And I still don't understand why they made him an announcer.

[Dan Le Batard]

Well, I'm going to make you think about him more. Do you find the Patriots dynasty more or less annoying than the now Chiefs dynasty?

[Jake Tapper]

Oh, that's a really good question.

[Dan Le Batard]

Thank you.

[Jake Tapper]

I hate the Chiefs right now. I'm like, I think like all of my childhood hatreds of, you know, the Cowboys and then my, you know, more recent hatreds of the Patriots, they're so old, they're so outdated. I need to establish a new hatred of the Chiefs. I think that that's the only fair thing to do. Like why? My brother in law is a Dallas fan. He lives right in Frisco. I can't hate them anymore. Who cares? They're so bad.

[Stugatz]

Wow, Tom Brady as an announcer, you really sideswiped him there. Do you have some strong opinions?

[Jake Tapper]

I said I don't. What is it, $500 billion for two years?

[Stugatz]

I mean, whatever it is, that's exactly what it is. It's $500 billion for two games for two minutes.

[Jake Tapper]

$500 billion for two minutes. It just seems excessive to me. It seems excessive. His story seemed a little self referential. I mean, I'm just saying they just seem a little bit like. I get. It's Tom Brady. Okay, so it's a new gig. It's a new gig. It's about other people. Now.

[Jessica]

Someone threw out a theory that people would like him or if he just became really fat. Do you agree with that?

[Jake Tapper]

I don't know. I just don't like them.

[Stugatz]

You laugh, though, again.

[Jake Tapper]

Well, I mean, it's a funny theory. I mean, I think, like, would. Would I dislike him less? I mean, maybe, maybe. Maybe I would maybe, like. Yeah. I mean, if I felt like he was just a, you know, a chili dog away from a heart attack, Sure, I guess. But.

[Billy]

It helps anyone.

[Stugatz]

He's the chief Washington correspondent for cnn. He's host.

[Jake Tapper]

We're talking about football. We're talking about football. That is not how I talk. I don't cover this. And I did, although I did interview Mahomes after he beat the Eagles two years ago. And it was very professional. Just so you know, I did ask about that one call, that one, you know, that questionable call. But in any case, it was a very. I just want you to know I was able to put it away.

[Jessica]

Why is there always just that one call with Patrick? Row homes, Jake. Like every game. Just that one call. You know, every game it seems like.

[Jake Tapper]

You'Re going to have to ask the guys who get the direct deposit. It's not me.

[Stugatz]

Whoa. I don't actually think professional journalist.

[Billy]

Should have done sports.

[Jake Tapper]

I don't actually think that they're on the take.

[Stugatz]

Whoa, hold on a second.

[Dan Le Batard]

It's a comedy show.

[Stugatz]

Dan, I want to do some recap.

[Billy]

Football.

[Jake Tapper]

I was just. Now, I did say on air that the Patriots are cheaters and that I stand by when I said it in 2000.

[Stugatz]

Factuals. You also said you'd like Tom Brady more if he were fat or a chili dog, to quote you directly, a chili dog away from a heart attack.

[Jake Tapper]

I said to be precise. I said I might dislike him less.

[Stugatz]

Okay. Not the same thing as you hated the Chiefs. You did say you hate the Chiefs.

[Jake Tapper]

I said I need to develop a hatred of the Chiefs.

[Stugatz]

Okay? And I said. And you said you were against women's flag football. I heard it.

[Jake Tapper]

This is, this is. This is typical legacy media. It's this. I understand what Trump's talking about now for the first time ever. Just putting words in my mouth. Not at all what I said. Not at all what I said.

[Stugatz]

You really backtrack, though. You really caught yourself. You got a little loose with the sports guys and you're like some women's flag football game and they're like, not that I have anything against that.

[Jake Tapper]

You weren't sending me To a game. I didn't. I'm strong.

[Stugatz]

Anyway, can you tell us what it is that you make? And it's a broad question. He's the host of the Lead and it's got a new time slot, 5 to 7 Eastern. CNN is rolling out some changes here for the second Trump administration. The state of America right now. What dismays you the most and what makes you the most hopeful?

[Jake Tapper]

What dismays me is I feel like political divisions have gotten so intense that people on other sides of the aisle cannot see the humanity in Democrats or Republicans, liberals or conservatives, whatever. And it's just, it's very distressing. And people always see the worst, they always make the worst possible interpretation of what the other side's doing. And it's, it's distressing because I don't think it's rooted in reality, although I do think it is rooted in kind of like this complex of division that is emerged in social media and, and other forms of media of just creating division and demonizing. So that, that is distressing. What, what makes me hopeful is I think most Americans are not that deep down and are not that in their hearts. And I think, I don't think it will be that difficult to rectify, but I do think it needs rectifying.

[Stugatz]

Let's play for Jake. The sound of Philadelphia icon Sylvester Stallone talking about his six ounce gloves and a time when people should have had to carry suitcases through an airport. A better time in America.

[Sylvester Stallone]

They don't even allow these to today. They don't even allow these today because they're so dangerous. But that's what they use. When I did the film, they're barely 6 ounces, they're Reyes and they're literally lethal. So I still have them because it's a time when people were tougher. Sorry, they were. Life is just getting a little easier and easier and easier and. Oh, that's great, it's wonderful, but it's not. I think when we force ourselves in a tough situation, that's what the human creature is supposed to do. They're not supposed to have wheels on their suitcases. They're not supposed to have lawn mowers with engines that pull them along. It's a convenience, no question, but it just makes things easier. Now with AI, you can literally put your brain in a pickle jar and have that machine do it. So I cherish these moments. I cherish hard work, even though I hate it. I know it's like strong medicine, tastes horrible going down, but it makes you feel better.

[Stugatz]

What Are your thoughts there, Jake?

[Jake Tapper]

Wow, that's a lot. I'll just remind people he's not actually from Philadelphia. He's from New York. And the character Rocky is from Philadelphia. And I love Rocky. I'll just keep it positive.

[Dan Le Batard]

Your wiki page says you're born in New York, too, though.

[Jake Tapper]

I was born in New York. I moved. I moved when I was three months old.

[Stugatz]

Okay.

[Jake Tapper]

Three months old.

[Stugatz]

Wow. Just.

[Jake Tapper]

Big cat situation.

[Stugatz]

You're really attacking.

[Jake Tapper]

You really got me.

[Stugatz]

Yes.

[Jake Tapper]

That's a gotcha again with the legacy media and the gotcha. The gotchas again.

[Stugatz]

This is.

[Jake Tapper]

This.

[Stugatz]

This is good seeing you. We've enraged.

[Jake Tapper]

It is supposed to see you in two weeks.

[Stugatz]

All right.

[Jake Tapper]

See you in two weeks.

[Stugatz]

All right, we will talk to you then. Nice.

[Jake Tapper]

What's it called again? The ticket. The thingy. The ticket thing.

[Billy]

Go, Dan.

[Jake Tapper]

Game time. All right. Thanks, guys.

[Stugatz]

Thank you. It can't be that hard for him to get super bowl tickets, right? It's. It's.

[Billy]

It should be easy for.

[Stugatz]

I don't know if it's easy. I don't know if the super bowl ticket is ever easy.

[Chris]

It is with game time.

[Stugatz]

Fair enough.

[Jessica]

Hey there, wellness warriors. If you're like me, you've given a lot of thought to how to improve your health and wellness routine. This year, I've started stretching more. Do a little mindfulness and meditation every day. Try to clear my mind, make my body feel right. Take your health routine to the next level with the magic of contrast therapy. Meet our new amazing sponsor, Redwood Outdoors. They're making it easy to bring the benefits of saunas and cold plunges right to your backyard. A Redwood outdoors backyard sauna seats two to eight people where you can relax, unwind, and enjoy all the benefits like reduced muscle tension, improved sleep, and glowing skin. And it doesn't stop there. Redwood Outdoor's invigorating cold plunge helps to boost circulation, sharpen your focus, and leave you feeling absolutely revitalized. Whether it's detoxing deeper, reducing inflammation, or connecting with loved ones in moments of peace, Redwood Outdoors has you covered. Enhance your physical and mental wellness routines with Redwood Outdoors. Take advantage of special Savings today. Visit RedWoodOutdoors.com use code DAN to save $175. That's RedWoodOutdoors.com code D A N. Save $175 on your order. RedWoodOutdoors.com code Dan.

[Dan Le Batard]

Yeah, sure thing. Hey, you sold that car yet?

[Jake Tapper]

Yeah, sold it to Carvana. Oh, I thought you were selling to that guy. The guy who wanted to pay me in foreign currency. No interest over 36 months. Yeah.

[Stugatz]

No.

[Jake Tapper]

Carvana gave me an offer in minutes, picked it up and paid me on the spot. It was so convenient. Just like that? Yep. No hassle. None. That is super convenient.

[Dan Le Batard]

Sell your car to Carvana and swap hassle.

[Jake Tapper]

For convenience.

[Dan Le Batard]

Pickup fees may apply.

[Chris]

Hey, howdy, listener. Why don't you sit down here next to me? Let's have a fireside conversation. In the winter, this is all theater of the mind anyways. If the weather outside is a little chilly, let's warm up. Let's cozy up. Not just to each other, but also to that beautiful white can of Miller Lite. That's right. Make these moments even better with Miller Lite, the great tasting light beer for people who love beer. A new year is a perfect time for friends, family, and great tasting light beer. Tastes like Miller Time. You know, as a football games get bigger. Everybody's talking about hosting parties. It's always difficult. Everyone's got an opinion. Why don't you just bring out a nice cooler of Miller Lites and make everybody happy. You could be on opposite sides of the big game, but you still know that you are brought together by Miller Time. Miller Lite is a great unifier. Miller Lite is brewed for taste. It hits different than other light beers. The original light beer since 1975 and still the very best one. Miller Lite great taste. 96 calories. Go to millerlight.com dan to find delivery options near you. Or you can pick up some Miller Lite pretty much anywhere they sell beer. Tastes like Miller Time. Celebrate responsibly. Miller Brewing Co. Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 96 calories and 3.2 carbs per 12 ounces. Don LeBatard I went in the margins. I'm like. I'm like, you're moneyball sex. I'm basically Scott Hatterberg.

[Billy]

Stugats a lot of walks, but I'm.

[Chris]

On base when it comes to sex. Other, other dudes, they can be Giambi.

[Stugatz]

You know your role, you play.

[Chris]

I know my role.

[Jessica]

This is the Dan Levatar show with the Stugach.

[Stugatz]

The cold that hit swept through Florida. I mentioned this yesterday. I don't understand how it is that Pensacola in one day got more snow than Juneau, Alaska got in the month of January. It doesn't make a lot of sense to me. Jessica, have you experienced yet the freezing iguanas? Have you seen that?

[Dan Le Batard]

I haven't seen one yet, but I explained this to people. My. One of my friends was in town this weekend And I was explaining to her that when it gets below 40, the iguanas like seas and then they fall out of trees. And then we were driving around and we saw an iguana scurrying across the road right when it got warm on Saturday. And I was like, maybe this one just woke up and was like, whoa, what the hell happened last night? You think the iguanas that like when they unthaw, they're like holy, holy shit, where am I?

[Chris]

It's gotta be bizarre. Like those alligators that get frozen in the ice.

[Dan Le Batard]

It's like waking up from like a blackout drunk night and you're just like, how did I end up in the street?

[Stugatz]

It has to be confusing, right? You're an animal who shouldn't be in South Florida. You are an animal that cannot deal with the cold. You appear to be dead when it is that you are cold in order to protect your bloodstream. And then Pat Riley is burying you in the backyard and you are indeed dead because then you can't climb out of there and you're not like holy shit. You never wake and are like holy shit. I don't know what happened last night. You're just dead. Something that Dan Quinn. Did you guys notice this Y because as you know, I don't consume much of the noise around pregame coverage because I find it fairly useless to have anyone telling me what they think is going to happen in a game I'm about to watch when the expertise doesn't help you in any way be predictive. But the reporters were all using some form of. And Jake Tapper spoke to this when he said, well, the Eagles are going to be extra motivated in this, this circumstance. Dan Quinn was feeding reporters. Jay Glaser evidently was in the meeting where this was said. But other reporters had the information of Washington's not playing for house money, they're playing for the rent money. That was Dan Quinn's motivational speech before allowing more points than any team has ever allowed in this situation before. And more touchdowns than any team has ever allowed in this situation before. But he was just wandering around evidently telling reporters, it's not house money. We're not happy to be here. We're playing so hungry. It's like we're needing to make the rent money, we're desperate and then we.

[Billy]

Have to pay rent.

[Stugatz]

And then what ends up happening is the Eagles end up putting a knee on your neck and you just start fighting everybody cuz you're frustrated.

[Chris]

What's funny? Saquon's first touch and they shoot. The camera pans over to. To Dan Quinn. He's like, I told these guys about him.

[Stugatz]

I told.

[Chris]

We spoke about.

[Billy]

I told them every coach probably did spoke about him.

[Stugatz]

No 60 yard runs on the first play. No 60 yard touchdown runs where you breaks three tackles on the first play. Can we not have that?

[Jessica]

You know what happened to me yesterday, Dan? I think you know because you follow along in our weekly fantasy contest. Go to DKNG co Smirnoff. Presented by Smirnoff. The world's number one vodka. Please drink responsibly. I took the commander's defense.

[Billy]

Yeah.

[Jake Tapper]

Yeah.

[Jessica]

There's only four teams.

[Dan Le Batard]

What was your thought process?

[Jessica]

Well, there's only four teams and you had to kind of save money where you could.

[Billy]

So you saved it there.

[Jessica]

So I saved it on defense because I said, you know what? Travis had a big week last week. I'm gonna splurge a tight end because his tight end costs is like twice as much as everyone else. But like, if you get points at tight end, you get points at tight end. So I was gonna spend money there and I wanted Saquon. I was gonna spend money there. I had to save money somewhere. And I did. On Commander's defense. And boy, oh boy, was that not the play. Dan, who'd you go with?

[Stugatz]

I didn't participate.

[Billy]

Really?

[Stugatz]

Wow.

[Jessica]

Well, here's. Here's the thing. Next week is off, obviously, because it's the Pro Bowl.

[Chris]

You can't do a single game showdown. Captain mode.

[Billy]

No games, though.

[Jessica]

Yeah.

[Chris]

Two weeks from now, Super Bowl.

[Jessica]

I mean, if you want to be part of our league. Yeah. Join GBF's weekly contest. DKNG Co Smirnoff. Presented by Smirnoff. The world's number one vodka. Please drink responsibly. Fresh new lineup. I'm not going to pick the commander's defense again. I can.

[Stugatz]

Even if I wanted to, I actually understand the pick by you because why would you want to take your chances with a defense against either Josh Allen or Patrick Mahomes? Why would you want to take a chance against a defense against Jaden Daniels? Like you, you picked the defense to stop the weakest of the quarterbacks that was remaining among the four. And then you just saw your defense bludgeoned. It's also the weakest defense among the four, unless you consider Buffalo's weaker than that. But I. I' not very impressed with Washington's defense. That's not a championship defense. And Jaden Daniels was going to have to take that team wherever it is that it went. But when you look at the Philadelphia Philly, when you look at the Philadelphia Eagles, Dugats.

[Billy]

Yes, they're good.

[Stugatz]

And. Thank you, not excellent analysis by you, but accurate. Yes, they are good. They're playing in the Super Bowl. That tends to usually go to only good teams. That's something that, with few exceptions, you can go ahead and try and name them all if you like, but usually the teams that. The Grossman Bears weren't all that good, and you could. You could name a few.

[Chris]

Kerry Collins, Giants.

[Stugatz]

I mean, the Cardinal. The Warner Cardinals were 9 and 7. I think the year that they made.

[Chris]

The super bowl got hot at the right time.

[Billy]

I'm not certain either of the Giant super bowl teams were any good.

[Stugatz]

I mean, Saquon Barkley, though, running the ball when the entire sport has shifted in a different direction. And the idea stugats like this. This part, to me is interesting, even though I think most people listening to this are rooting against Eagles fans. Okay? This sport is something that we love, at least in part, because somehow America thinks of itself as the tough, gritty people who can overcome everything and steal your land violently if they need to. The entire sport is a. Is a celebration of sort of the things America cherishes. Grabbing what you want through violence. And I saw a story here, I wanted to ask you guys, because being tougher than everyone else in that sport, being stronger, being more physical, being running the ball, even though everyone knows you're going to run the ball, and on the first play, you go 60 yards. That style is something that is usually admired. And I was watching Zach Randolph the other day on Paul George's podcast, and Zach Randolph was talking about being a rookie in a locker room that had Reuben Patterson in it. Reuben Patterson was viewed as a bully by others. Zach Randolph fancied himself and was somebody who was not to be trifled with. He was somebody that was feared by others. And Zach Randolph is saying, Reuben Patterson comes out of the weight room one time and comes into a locker room where he's known as the Bull. And he's like, no one can slam me who can slam me. No one can slam me, and nobody wants any part of it. And Zach Randolph finally says, well, I'm tough. I'm from the hood. I can do this. Kendall, I'll slam you. I'll do this. And then he gets thrown all over the locker room. Reuben Patterson throws him physically on his back, and he can't walk for a week because Zach Randolph is manhandled. The Philadelphia Eagles, we like space age. We like passing, we like touchdowns, we like skill, position, wide receivers. Jokic will never get to be Michael Jordan because he doesn't fly through the sky. But the style Philadelphia is playing, isn't that something that not only regionally, you're going to have Philadelphia embrace that more than anything? Which is not just we're going to beat you, we're going to beat you up. Our offensive line is going to maul you. And our quarterback doesn't even have to be that good. Like, our quarterback can be an afterthought in the offense as long as he doesn't lose the game.

[Billy]

Eagle fans would rather win the super bowl rushing the ball 36 times for 229 yards like they did yesterday than doing it through the air. It represents that team, according to Eagles fans, is very representative of their city and what that city is all about.

[Stugatz]

You tell me something that feels better as a sports fan in that sport than my team is going to physically, physically make you fight out of frustration because there's nothing left for you to do other than be run over.

[Billy]

I guess having Patrick Mahomes would feel better. But you're right. Like, yeah, you're right. They're to our city's identity. They run the ball, they stop the run. They do the basics, the little things, and that's how they get it done.

[Stugatz]

But it's not even the little things. It's the things that require strength from your 350 pounders above on board on both sides of the ball. They're going to ransack you. They're going to have an offensive line that is the best we've seen in football for five years running, even when they change the parts. Like, the thing that was special about the Lions team this year was their offensive line. And this was the year that the Lions offensive line got to be in the conversation with the Philadelphia offensive line. It really is staggering in retrospect that more people that the Giants traded him within the division and that more people didn't see how seismic an addition that running back would be with that offensive line so that they can mask their quarterback.

[Billy]

But it was so hard to see that. That's why I give the Giants a pass here. It was like the running back position has been so devalued that how could they possibly think giving Saquon to the Eagles would mean the Eagles would go on to a Super bowl and maybe win it?

[Chris]

I have to make a correction here. They didn't trade them. He was. He was tagged.

[Stugatz]

Forgive me. Yes, he signed, but they let him go to the Eagles when they knew it was a threat that he would go to the Eagles. But yes, you're right, he did not. He did not get traded. The Giants chose to not have him and chose to not have him while knowing that he would and could go to Philadelphia.

[Billy]

The worst thing that happened to the Giants at Joe Shane and Brian Dabel is winning that playoff game because they were almost forced to give Daniel Jones. I know it sounds crazy, but they were forced on the heels of that performance to give Daniel Jones the car.

[Stugatz]

They didn't have to though. They could have. They could have given it first to Saquon. And there were problems vocally in that locker room that they didn't give it first to Lake to say Quan.

[Billy]

But if the Giants have Saquon, are they any better than they were this year? I mean, maybe a couple of games.

[Stugatz]

Maybe not a lot better. No. He. He and Derrick Henry went to the perfect teams for them. Yes. To. To go to in order to make. Make themselves be better and make those teams be better. It's just, it's a crazy thing to think of how much time have we spent the last five years talking about anybody's running game? We haven't anybody's running game.

[Chris]

That's a novel concept.

[Stugatz]

The running game's been replaced by all the two second passes, all the bubble screens, all of the.

[Billy]

And the quarterbacks running all of get.

[Stugatz]

Rid of the ball as fast as you as you can. But when. When we talk about the four best remaining teams in the playoffs, I assume that you have put Baltimore among those. You are talking about two of those teams being the teams that play the old fashioned way in their usage of the running back. I mean, I know San Francisco had.

[Chris]

A pretty good run.

[Billy]

Even the Bills using James Cook, right? Yeah.

[Stugatz]

But carried by running game like where.

[Billy]

The last two weeks the bills were carried by running game.

[Chris]

McCaffrey was AP offensive player.

[Stugatz]

But we never think of, in most backfields, we do not think of. Of the running back being more important than the quarterback. I'm not sure if we think of it in San Francisco either. Maybe.

[Chris]

Understood. I mean, even while McCaffrey was stacking up AP Offensive Player of the Year honors, remember Brock Purdy was at one point the favorite for NFL MVP in the very same season.

[Stugatz]

If I say to you though, in Baltimore's backfield, who do you want? You can only have one of the two guys. Derrick Henry or Lamar Jackson. There's only Lamar, there's only one.

[Billy]

There's only one Josh Allen or James.

[Stugatz]

Cook among the best teams at Saquon is the one one that has behind the quarterback, the most important player Punt.

[Jessica]

Hey there, wellness warriors. If you're like me, you've given a lot of thought to how to improve your health and wellness routine. This year I've started stretching more. Do a little mindfulness and meditation every day. Try to clear my mind, make my body feel right. Take your health routine to the next level with the magic of contrast therapy. Meet our new amazing sponsor, Redwood Outdoors. They're making it easy to bring the benefits of saunas and cold plunges right to your backyard. A Redwood Outdoors backyard Redwood Art sauna seats two to eight people where you can relax, unwind, and enjoy all the benefits like reduced muscle tension, improved sleep, and glowing skin. And it doesn't stop there. Redwood Outdoor's invigorating cold plunge helps to boost circulation, sharpen your focus, and leave you feeling absolutely revitalized. Whether it's detoxing deeper, reducing inflammation, or connecting with loved ones in moments of peace, Redwood Outdoors has you covered. Enhance your physical and mental wellness routines with Redwood Outdoors Outdoors. Take advantage of special Savings today. Visit RedWoodOutdoors.com use code DAN to save $175. That's RedWoodOutdoors.com code D A N. Save 175 on your order RedWoodOutdoors.com code Dan.

[Dan Le Batard]

Yeah, sure thing. Hey, you sold that car yet?

[Jake Tapper]

Yeah, sold it to Carvana. Oh, I thought you were selling to that guy. The guy who wanted to pay me in foreign currency. No interest. Interest over 36 months? Yeah. No. Carvana gave me an offer in minutes, picked it up and paid me on the spot. It was so convenient.

[Dan Le Batard]

Just like that?

[Jake Tapper]

Yeah. No hassle?

[Stugatz]

None.

[Jake Tapper]

That is super convenient.

[Dan Le Batard]

Sell your car to Carvana and swap hassle for convenience.

[Jake Tapper]

Pick up. These may apply.