The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Local Hour: "Dan Says ‘The Chiefs Are Dead’"
Date: September 16, 2025
Location: Elser Hotel, Downtown Miami
Hosts: Dan Le Batard, Stugotz, Billy Gil, Chris Cote, Greg Cote, Frank, Eric, and others
Overview
This “Local Hour” episode captures the signature blend of sports debate, comedic infighting, and Miami-centric riffing as Dan and the crew tackle NFL storylines after an eventful weekend. The main theme: Dan’s assertion that the Chiefs and their high-octane offense are "dead"—no longer what they were—with the group dissecting whether Kansas City’s offensive woes mark the end of their dominance, while also exploring Baker Mayfield’s late-game heroics, the evolution of NFL kicking, and the misery of Miami football fans. Listeners also get the usual banter about show logistics, office politics, and personal gripes—providing both laughs and sports insight for fans and newcomers alike.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Show Logistics and Absurd Office Politics
[01:36–05:13]
- Greg Cody arrives late, sparking a round of playful abuse and “veiled threats” about Miami traffic and the show’s start time.
- Greg claims he’s “checked out” of competitions due to believing they’re rigged, referencing a recent soup contest loss ("I don't think that it's a fair playing field." – Chris Cote, 04:54).
- The group reminisces about past competitions, shadow shows, and inside jokes, highlighting the chemistry and ongoing mock-feuds among show regulars.
2. Follow-Up: The Case of Jeff Conine’s Handshake
[07:46–09:10]
- After multiple failed attempts to connect with former MLB player Jeff Conine, they receive a text confirming he enjoyed his appearance—but doesn’t remember anyone’s handshake.
- “Did you enjoy your time with us? He wrote, yes.” – Frank, 08:26
- “Who is Mike Ryan? ... I don't remember anyone having a memorable handshake.” – Jeff Conine via Frank, 12:12
- Mike Ryan humorously fires back: "I don't remember his either." (12:30)
3. NFL Recap: A Song for Football’s Return
[05:48–07:46]
- The team launches into a gleeful, tongue-in-cheek “football is back” chant—underscoring their excitement about the season and their preference for “big hits and quarterbacks.”
4. Baker Mayfield: From Bust to Clutch Performer
[12:13–17:17; 21:37–24:44]
- Dan argues Baker Mayfield may now belong on the short list of quarterbacks feared in late-game situations.
- “[Baker Mayfield] is going to figure out a way on 4th and 10 … he’s one of the top five guys.” – Dan Le Batard, 13:33
- Discusses Mayfield’s revival: cut from the Browns, playing hurt, almost out of the NFL, then immediately engineering two last-minute victories with the Bucs.
- “He hasn't reinvented himself to the point—now you, you hear that name and you think, wow, that, that's a really good quarterback who wins.” – Chris Cote, 16:48
- The 2025 Bucs are the first team since the merger to win game-winning touchdowns in the final minute of their first two games (ESPN stat, 22:47).
5. Jim Harbaugh as an ‘All-Time Great’
[11:19–12:13]
- Eric suggests Jim Harbaugh’s rapid turnarounds at Michigan, 49ers, and now the Chargers put him in the “all-time great” coaching tier.
- “Literally everywhere he goes...he turns around [a team] really quick.” – Eric, 11:55
- Dan notes Harbaugh smartly picked the Chargers: “the smartest choice...get the young quarterback.”
6. Quarterbacks You Fear in the Closing Minutes
[13:33–32:18]
- Dan, Greg, and the crew debate: who’s most feared in the clutch? The consensus shortlist includes Mahomes, Joe Burrow, Josh Allen, Baker Mayfield, and Matthew Stafford.
- “[Mahomes is] still the champ when it comes to last two minutes... until he gets dethroned.” – Greg Cody, 31:33
- Notable stat: Since 2023, Mahomes & Jake Browning have the same number of games with 320+ passing yards (15:05–16:47).
- Breakdown of Greg’s "Top 5" clutch QBs (start [25:25]):
5. Matthew Stafford
4. Baker Mayfield
3. Josh Allen
2. Joe Burrow- Patrick Mahomes
7. Are the Chiefs’ Offensive Glory Days Over?
[26:06–32:33]
- Dan bluntly claims the Chiefs’ high-flying offense is “dead”—even as others argue Mahomes isn’t to blame.
- “It’s ruined. Like I’m watching a quarterback who looks like all the other quarterbacks.” – Dan Le Batard, 27:49
- “That team’s dead. That team no longer exists.” – Dan Le Batard, 27:56
- Counter-arguments: injuries, missing weapons, aged Kelce; but the group agrees KC is no longer “must-see” offense.
- Chris: “I don't think he's lost anything. I think his surrounding talent has hit a crater.” (28:56)
- Nevertheless, the panel is split on whether the Chiefs’ slow start means they’re truly “done” or merely retooling with a strong defense.
8. Dolphins, Texans, and the Value of Early Season 0-2 Records
[33:09–35:38]
- The gang contrasts KC’s more “forgivable” 0-2 start with catastrophic ones for the Dolphins, Texans, and Bears.
- Greg: “I’m worried [CJ Stroud] stinks”—likens him to other flash-in-the-pan rookies (34:27).
9. The Evolution of NFL Placekickers
[39:47–45:23]
- Aussies marvel at Dallas kicker Brandon Aubrey’s 64-yard field goal and the general trend of kickers pushing the limits of distance and accuracy.
- “Nothing has improved more anywhere across sports than the accuracy of kickers.” – Billy Gil, 41:34
- Anecdotes about straight-on kickers, steel-toed shoes, and barefoot kickers, and the rise from 65% career accuracy (Super Bowl-era Dolphins) to modern standards.
- “Could [the Cowboys] get a first-round pick for Brandon Aubrey?” - Bill Barnwell, via Billy, 43:57
- The table debates whether long kicks are actually good for the NFL’s watchability.
10. Classic Le Batard Show Detours & Local Takes
[46:33–48:25]
- Play the "Mike McDaniel sound" re: Miami's woes; more jokes about Dolphins misery, with frequent “truth bombs” from fan-favorite Big Mac:
- “I'm tired of looking at that sad Greer McDaniel.” – Frank, 48:01
- Entire segment underlines the brutal honesty with which the show treats local teams, especially the Dolphins.
Notable Quotes
- “If you build a shack next to a railroad track, you can't complain about the lonesome whistle.” — Chris Cote on Miami traffic and studio logistics, [02:27]
- “I've been starting at 8:55 for over a year.” — Chris Cote, to Greg Cody, [03:04]
- “It's a predetermined result … I don't think there was any chance.” — Chris Cote on the show’s competitions, [05:11]
- “I thought Zaslow was going to give you the gift of winning a competition that I didn't think you should win because Mike decided to make my favorite soup.” — Dan Le Batard, [09:14]
- “Is Jim Harbaugh already an all time great coach?” — Prompt for show’s poll, [12:13]
- “When you need your quarterback to be doing that, [Baker Mayfield] can win games late.” — Dan Le Batard, [14:55]
- “[Patrick Mahomes is] still the champ when it comes to last two minutes. Who you fear. It's still Patrick Mahomes until he gets dethroned.” — Greg Cody, [31:33]
- “The offense is unaesthetically pleasing. They've ruined what it used to be to watch Patrick Mahomes play football.” — Billy Gil, [28:46]
- “We speak more honestly about the dumpster fire that is the Dolphins here than anyone in Internet entertainment.” — Billy Gil, [48:25]
Important Timestamps
- 01:36 – Greg Cody’s late entrance and Miami traffic debate
- 05:48 – “Football Is Back, Jack!” song parody
- 07:46 – The saga of Jeff Conine’s handshake (and his noncommittal feedback)
- 11:19 – Jim Harbaugh’s greatness & Chargers as AFC West favorites
- 13:33 – Baker Mayfield’s clutch gene and post-Browns resurgence
- 15:05 – Stat of the Day: Mahomes vs. Jake Browning (320+ yard games)
- 25:25 – Greg Cody’s Top 5 “two-minute” quarterbacks list
- 27:49 – Dan’s “The Chiefs are dead” proclamation
- 32:18 – Debate about elite D and Chiefs’ playoff future
- 41:34 – The hidden revolution of NFL placekicking, Brandon Aubrey’s lore
- 43:57 – Could Brandon Aubrey net a first-round pick?
- 46:33 – Mike McDaniel’s “to win the game you must not lose the game” analysis
- 48:25 – Big Mac shares blunt Dolphins takes
Episode Highlights & Tone
- Classic show energy: Spirited debate, quick irony, local bitterness and in-jokes about staffers and South Florida struggles.
- Memorable one-liners: Dan’s “the Chiefs are dead”, Greg’s deep concern for CJ Stroud, Billy’s kicker stats, and Big Mac’s doomsaying.
- Stat-heavy but light: The show mixes real advanced stats with outlandish opinions and comic timing, so listeners come away with insights amid the laughter.
- Miami misery: The show’s Dolphins coverage is both sharply critical and self-deprecating, matching local fan sentiment.
- National perspective: Despite the Miami slant, the show puts QB play, coaching legends, and the NFL’s trends in a broader, witty context.
In summary:
The episode is a sometimes-chaotic, always-entertaining tour through NFL hot takes, backbiting among friends, and both statistical and comedic analysis—anchored by Dan’s bombshell proclamation that the Chiefs’ days of offensive magic are over. While listeners may debate the panel’s conclusions, they’ll appreciate the mixture of expertise, humor, and uniquely Miami perspective.