The Dan Patrick Show (Covino & Rich) - "I'll Show You Ping Pong!"

Date: October 28, 2025
Podcast Network: iHeartPodcasts and Dan Patrick Podcast Network

Episode Overview

In this episode of The Dan Patrick Show, Covino & Rich bring an energetic, humorous spin to the intersection of pop culture and sports, featuring discussions on NFL team performances, playoff predictions, locker room culture, and the impact of “punishments” on professional athletes. The conversation weaves in current events from the world of football and baseball—particularly the Ravens’ locker room drama, Giants’ injury woes, and the sports “equinox”—alongside a spirited trivia game and some lively betting banter. The chemistry and camaraderie between the hosts keep things engaging, with memorable stories and playful debates throughout.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Sports Weekend Recap & Pop Culture Shoutouts

• [03:41] The show opens with Covino & Rich reflecting on weekend activities (football binge-watching, trying out new horror movies) and discussing the challenge of reviewing horror films versus comedies.
  • "You know, when you watch a horror movie, it’s hard to decide if it’s good or not." (Rich, 04:00)
  • Brief mentions of TV and movie recommendations: “Chad Powers” on HBO, “Weapons” starring Julia Garner.

2. NFL Midseason Observations & Playoff Picture

• [05:26] - [08:09] Deep dive on which NFL teams feel "real" at this point in the season:

  • AFC: Broncos and Colts (termed "the horsey teams") are praised for consistency.
  • NFC: Eagles, Packers, Lions, Bucks, Rams, Seahawks, and Niners are debated as likely playoff contenders.
  • Giants’ playoff outlook deemed “done” due to injuries and performance.

  Notable Quote:

  “I think that the NFC playoff picture is set. I don’t know what order, but I think we know the seven teams in the NFC.” (Dan Byer, 06:35)

• [08:13] Discussion on the impact of Giants' key injury (Scatterboo’s ankle) and long-term implications.

3. Locker Room Drama: Ravens Remove Recreation

• [13:10] - [22:06] Main segment explores the Ravens’ decision to remove ping pong tables, basketball hoops, video game consoles from the locker room—intended to “refocus” the team after poor performance.

  • Covino & Rich question the effectiveness of such “punishments,” drawing parallels to their own team-building experiences.
  • Veteran vs. management-led discipline: Unclear if Harbaugh or the players initiated the removal of games; debate on whether this is true discipline or misguided team-building.

  Notable Quotes:

  “Do you believe in punishing grown adults? Because that’s really what happened.” (Covino, 16:51)

  “When you take it back to our early days...nothing brought people together harder than that ping pong table.” (Covino, 20:09)

• [17:04] It’s revealed that coaches deny responsibility; veteran players claim it was their initiative.

• Hosts discuss pros and cons of punitive vs. chemistry-building activities for pro athletes, referencing past experiences.

4. Baltimore Ravens Playoff Hopes

• [23:02] - [24:26]

  • Ravens’ potential playoff turnaround is mulled over, with schedule analysis and rapid-fire predictions.
  • “It may not happen, but it’s not over...” (Dan Byer, 23:52)

• A possible prop bet for the Ravens’ postseason odds is floated.

5. Baseball Highlights: Yamamoto and Player Performance

• [12:12] - [13:10]
  • Dodgers’ Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s stellar postseason pitching is lauded.
  • “Insane performance from Yamamoto… he’s earned everything the Dodgers put into [him].” (Rich, 12:20)

6. “Last One Standing” Sports Trivia Game

• [29:58] - [37:06]
  • Fan-favorite segment pits hosts and a call-in contestant in a test of sports knowledge.
  • Categories: MLB teams swept in World Series, NFL teams with most sacks, etc.
  • Banter and trash-talk between Covino, Rich, and Dan Byer keeps tempo lively.
  • Dan Byer continues his reign as trivia champion.
  • “To be the man, you gotta beat the man. And when it comes to Last One Standing, that man is Dan Byer.” (Covino, 36:56)

7. Picks and Parlay Talk: The “Sports Equinox”

• [44:31] - [47:43]
  • Rich lays out a cross-sports parlay: Spurs (NBA), Dodgers (MLB), Commanders (NFL), sharing the odds and payout.
  • The hosts riff on “sports equinox” excitement—multiple major leagues in action the same night.
  • Debate ensues about whether the World Series or Monday Night Football will get higher TV ratings.

8. International Expansion & “Sportswashing”

• [48:00] - [50:02]
  • Brief but pointed discussion on global sports expansion into Saudi Arabia, raised by news of possible new stadiums and bowl games.
  • Questions of ethics, “blood money,” and the boundaries of sports business are aired, with mixed personal stances.
  • “Everyone’s got a price. Ted DiBiase taught me that in the 80s—WWE, everybody’s got a price.” (Rich, 50:02)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 03:41 – Weekend recap and movie/TV reviews
• 05:26 – NFL playoff picture predictions
• 08:13 – Giants’ future and key injury fallout
• 13:10 – Ravens' locker room: removal of recreation, impact on team focus
• 17:04 – Who made the call? Players vs. coaches regarding punishment
• 20:09 – Team chemistry and ping pong table story
• 22:06 – Do punishments work for pro athletes?
• 23:02 – Ravens’ remaining schedule and playoff odds discussion
• 29:58 – Start of "Last One Standing" sports trivia
• 44:31 – Rich’s night’s parlay (NBA/NFL/MLB) and how to watch the sports equinox action
• 48:00 – Saudi money in sports, ethics, and global expansion

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Do you believe in punishing your kids this way? Do you believe in punishing grown adults? Because that's really what happened.”
  — Covino ([16:51])

• “When you take it back to our early days of broadcasting…the ping pong table—nothing brought people together harder than that.”
  — Covino ([20:09])

• “I never thought being grounded is a way…when kids are like, ‘you’re grounded for a month’, I’m like, what is that doing? You’re ruining your kid’s social life.”
  — Rich ([22:40])

• “Everyone's got a price. Ted DiBiase taught me that in the 80s—WWE, everybody’s got a price.”
  — Rich ([50:02])

• “To be the man, you gotta beat the man. And when it comes to Last One Standing, that man is Dan Byer.”
  — Covino ([36:56])

Tone and Style

The hosts blend insightful sports analysis with a casual, comedic energy. Their dynamic—quick banter, self-deprecating humor, and good-natured ribbing—keeps the show accessible for both hardcore sports fans and general listeners. The recurring trivia game and relatable anecdotes about sports culture (like ping pong in the office) break up the heavier debates and foster a sense of community and fun.

Summary for New Listeners

This episode is a quintessential Covino & Rich experience—sports debate and predictions, culture talk, locker room psychology, and interactive games—all delivered in an upbeat, conversational style. You’ll walk away with new perspectives on how pro teams handle adversity, the changing landscape of U.S. sports, and a reminder that sometimes, the little things (like ping pong tables) might actually matter. The playful tone and mix of news, opinions, and laughs make it engaging even if you missed the games over the weekend.