The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz Episode: The Big Suey: The 70-Point Miami Dolphins vs. The 1972 Miami Dolphins
Release Date: January 13, 2025

I. Introduction to The Big Suey Episode

The episode titled “The Big Suey: The 70-Point Miami Dolphins vs. The 1972 Miami Dolphins” delves into the contemporary struggles of the Miami Dolphins, juxtaposed against their historic 1972 perfect season. Hosts Dan Le Batard and Stugotz, along with panelists Greg Cody, Billy Corben, Mike Ryan, Chris Cote, and Jessica, explore various facets of the NFL and college football, with a particular focus on the Dolphins' enduring playoff drought.

II. NFL Playoff Discussions

A. Fan Voting Idea to Swap Teams

Stugotz introduced a provocative idea at [01:17], suggesting that fans be given the power to vote out a faltering playoff team in favor of a team that has shown late-season improvement.

Stugotz [01:17]: "What if the fans, right before the playoffs could vote out a team that is limping into the playoffs and vote in a team that got really hot at the end of the season, but did it make the playoffs?"

Greg Cody immediately praised the concept, illustrating it with the potential replacement of Pittsburgh with Joe Burrow’s Bengals.

Greg Cody [02:12]: "I think that's a brilliant idea."

The panel debated the feasibility, with concerns about hacking and dominance by already strong teams like the Cowboys. Billy Corben humorously highlighted the logistical issues:

Billy Corben [02:52]: "It is problematic if somebody hacks the voting."

Stugotz clarified that the idea was purely fan-driven, not involving the teams themselves. Despite the entertaining nature of the proposition, consensus leaned towards recognizing the complexity and potential drawbacks of such a system.

III. Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills as Super Bowl Favorites

A. Greg Cody's Picks

Greg Cody outlined his top five Super Bowl contenders: Baltimore Ravens, Detroit Lions, Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, and Philadelphia Eagles.

Greg Cody [04:57]: "They have the two best players. They have the two most valuable players in the league. Baltimore, in my opinion, and the defense right now is as good as anybody in the league."

B. Strengths and Dominance

The discussion highlighted the Ravens' formidable defense and elite quarterback Lamar Jackson. Billy Corben emphasized their balanced offensive power:

Billy Corben [04:02]: "I would imagine that everyone expects Detroit to do the same thing after a buy to show you again that they are the best team."

Greg Cody further supported this by noting Lamar Jackson's adaptability and the improvement in Buffalo’s quarterback Josh Allen’s performance.

Greg Cody [07:36]: "greg: They've done such a great job loading that team up. It's incredibly loaded across that entire offense."

IV. Miami Dolphins’ Playoff Drought

A. Historical Context and Comparisons

The panel extensively discussed the Dolphins' 24-year playoff win drought, the longest in the NFL, surpassing the Raiders (22 years) and the Jets and Bears (14 years each).

Billy Corben [13:10]: "The Dolphins have not won a playoff game in 24 years. The longest streak in the NFL."

Chris Cote compared the Dolphins’ state to the Steelers', suggesting a perpetual middling performance that neither excels nor falls completely.

Chris Cote [13:12]: "It's sort of bare bones, keep the team just good enough to maybe make the playoffs or maybe just be the first team out of the playoffs."

B. Reasons for the Drought

Greg Cody attributed the struggles to poor quarterback performance, specifically mentioning Tua Tagovailoa's injury issues and inconsistent play.

Greg Cody [15:05]: "The Miami Dolphins have been an irrelevant franchise this century. They've stumbled and bumbling and they just have done nothing right."

V. Tyreek Hill’s Situation with the Dolphins

A. Commitment Issues

Billy Corben raised concerns about Tyreek Hill's commitment to the Dolphins, noting conflicting statements from Hill and his agent, Drew Rosenhaus.

Billy Corben [25:37]: "Tyreek Hill is fully committed to the Dolphins and then sort of walks that back as well when they asked some follow-up questions."

Greg Cody described Hill as a "mercurial, volatile personality," dissatisfied with the Dolphins' offensive performance and considering a trade.

Greg Cody [25:37]: "He is a very mercurial, volatile personality."

VI. Deshaun Watson’s Achilles Injury

A. Impact on Career

Billy Corben compared Deshaun Watson’s career trajectory to a scene from the movie Waterworld, suggesting Watson might be relieved to retire after re-injuring his Achilles.

Billy Corben [28:10]: "Deshaun Watson is somewhere relieved that he doesn't have to go do that anymore."

B. Team and Fan Reactions

Mike Ryan highlighted the Browns' strategic response, including tracking Watson’s movements and preparing to navigate his release from the contract.

Mike Ryan [28:26]: "They are celebrating, are they not? Yes, because that's what they want."

Greg Cody expressed mixed feelings, recognizing Watson as a victim of his circumstances yet conflicted due to his off-field issues.

Greg Cody [30:26]: "He's the least sympathetic victim in the world."

VII. College Football: Miami Hurricanes' Quarterback Carson Beck

A. Transfer and Acquisition

The discussion shifted to Miami Hurricanes’ acquisition of Carson Beck from Georgia, questioning his potential compared to former quarterback Cam Ward.

Greg Cody [32:00]: "He had 12 interceptions. I'm thinking of Georgia Bulldogs fans not lamenting that he's gone."

B. Performance Concerns

Concerns were raised about Beck's performance, citing high interception rates and the pressure placed upon him.

Greg Cody [33:12]: "Is he that good? ... 12 interceptions."

Mike Ryan countered by highlighting Beck’s Heisman odds and potential, suggesting that performances can improve post-surgery.

Mike Ryan [34:55]: "He has more upside than a lot of quarterbacks."

C. Financial and Market Aspects

The conversation touched upon the rising cost of quarterbacks in college football, with Billy Corben noting significant financial investments in players like Beck.

Billy Corben [35:15]: "They're paying twice as much for someone who will not be as good as Cam Ward."

VIII. College Football Conference Realignment and Notre Dame’s Status

A. Independence vs. Conference Membership

Dan LeBatard and Greg Cody debated Notre Dame’s independent status, questioning the logic behind criticizing conference realignment while supporting independence.

Dan LeBatard [39:58]: "If you are still crying about Notre Dame not being in a conference... then either conferences are ruining the sport or what?"

B. Financial Implications

Greg Cody highlighted the financial advantages Notre Dame holds by being independent, allowing them to retain all revenue from their victories.

Greg Cody [40:27]: “Notre Dame is getting $20 million. They don't have to share with anybody because they've gotten this far.”

Mike Ryan emphasized the disparity in television deals and the potential for increased financial competition among top programs.

Mike Ryan [37:03]: “Teams are taking into account the Rev share...”

IX. Conclusion and Recap

In wrapping up the episode, the panel reflected on the Miami Dolphins' challenges juxtaposed with historic successes, the complexities of team dynamics in both the NFL and college football, and the ever-evolving landscape of sports management and fan engagement. The lively debates underscored the passion and frustration surrounding the Dolphins' long playoff drought, the potential reshaping of playoff structures, and the intricate interplay between player performance and team success.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Stugotz [01:17]: "What if the fans, right before the playoffs could vote out a team that is limping into the playoffs and vote in a team that got really hot at the end of the season..."

• Greg Cody [02:12]: "I think that's a brilliant idea."

• Greg Cody [04:57]: "They have the two best players. They have the two most valuable players in the league. Baltimore..."

• Billy Corben [13:10]: "The Dolphins have not won a playoff game in 24 years. The longest streak in the NFL."

• Greg Cody [15:05]: "The Miami Dolphins have been an irrelevant franchise this century."

• Billy Corben [25:37]: "Tyreek Hill is fully committed to the Dolphins and then sort of walks that back as well..."

• Greg Cody [30:26]: "He's the least sympathetic victim in the world."

• Greg Cody [33:12]: "Is he that good? ... 12 interceptions."

• Mike Ryan [34:55]: "He has more upside than a lot of quarterbacks."

• Dan LeBatard [39:58]: "If you are still crying about Notre Dame not being in a conference... then either conferences are ruining the sport or what?"

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the multifaceted discussions of the episode, providing listeners with an insightful overview of the topics covered, from NFL playoff strategies and team performances to intricate college football dynamics.