The Dan Patrick Show

Episode: C&R – NFL Week 15…Make You Go Hmm
Date: December 16, 2025
Host: Covino & Rich (C&R), Dan Beyer
Producer: Danny G

Episode Overview

This lively episode dives deep into NFL Week 15's biggest stories, with Covino & Rich bringing their trademark banter, sports insight, and humor. The main focus is on Philip Rivers’ surprise return to the field for the Colts, the dramatic Seahawks win, league-shaking injuries (notably to Patrick Mahomes), critical playoff races, and “things that make you go hmm” in and beyond football. The show also highlights life lessons in perseverance, the evolving NFL playoff picture, and some light-hearted diversions into pop culture and memorable sports moments.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Philip Rivers’ Comeback: The Big Story of Week 15

[06:06-12:00, 14:55–17:26, 20:35–21:19]

• The Narrative:
  • The Seahawks narrowly defeated the Colts, but all eyes were on 44-year-old Philip Rivers making a high-profile, out-of-retirement start. His performance was widely viewed with a mix of nostalgia and scrutiny.
• Reactions:
  • The hosts admit they were rooting for the “old guy” comeback, even as Seahawks fans—“I actually thought of you as the only, like, redeeming part of the victory for me because I was rooting for the old guys.” – Rich [06:30]
  • The emotional weight of Rivers' return was compared to letting an elderly player take a few swings in coed softball—“Anytime Philip Rivers faded back in the pocket, I’m like, oh, come on… (don’t) break him in half.” – Covino [08:22]
• Analysis of Gameplay:
  • Rivers’ signature unorthodox throwing motion—a “slight shot put”—looked even more awkward at 44, but his veteran mind and field vision remained sharp.
  • Dan Beyer: “Everything that the Colts had wanted, like I think from his mind, was completely there…it was just the last throw…that ended up being intercepted.” [09:44]
• Hall of Fame Candidacy:
  • The team debated if this game helps Rivers’ Hall of Fame narrative, with consensus that his love for the game and willingness to risk his reputation strengthened his legacy.
    • “It makes me look like he loves the game of football and he has balls.” – Covino [17:43]

Notable Quote:

“He showed all those kids that he coaches and all the kids out there, that you can’t let your fears control you…He didn’t embarrass himself by any means. Could have won that game.” – Rich [17:17]

2. “Things That Make You Go Hmm” – Observations from Week 15

[11:17, 12:04, 14:55, 29:34]

• NFL Observations:
  • Listeners are encouraged to share any peculiar, impressive, or confounding moments from sports and pop culture.
  • Discussion included aging NFL stars, surprises in player longevity (listing 1981-born NFL players like Troy Polamalu, Clinton Portis, Eli Manning, etc. [13:00-14:55]), and how fast the game can change for teams and players.
• Team Narratives:
  • Colts’ extra rallying “will to win” behind Rivers—a good story for player psychology [16:16]
  • Comparison to young backups: “I feel like Philip Rivers gave you more than…Jimmy Tompkins, [a] bootleg rando practice squad guy.” – Covino [14:57]

3. The Injuries That Changed the NFL (Mahomes, Parsons and More)

[22:02, 39:47]

• Patrick Mahomes:
  • Confirmed torn ACL; possible multi-month (even year-long) absence, potentially missing the start of next season.
  • “The average NFL quarterback return [from ACL] is in the nine month window, which would put Mahomes maybe missing...even the beginning of next season.” – Covino [39:49]
• Micah Parsons (Packers):
  • Also an ACL tear: “he’s done for the year” – Dan Beyer [39:47]
• Immediate Impact:
  • Speculation on how these injuries upend playoff expectations and the AFC landscape.

4. Playoff Races, Turnarounds, and Letdowns

[22:02–23:31, 29:34–32:06, 35:17–36:41, 46:03–48:12]

• Buffalo Bills’ Big Comeback:
  • Down 21-0 against the Patriots; rallied to win 35–31 in a season-defining moment.
    • “If you’re the Bills…you’re looking at this as your Super Bowl to win. I’m not convinced anyone else is that great.” – Covino [23:12]
  • Discussion on the Bills’ ability to seize the broader AFC opportunity with elites like Mahomes and Lamar Jackson sidelined or diminished [23:17]
• Chiefs & Cowboys: Fading Hopes:
  • Hosts declare the Chiefs “done” (especially post-Mahomes injury).
  • The Cowboys’ “organizational setback” after losing to Minnesota—“If you lose a primetime Sunday night game…that’s a weak way to exit.” – Covino [32:02]
• Quiet Surges – Jags, Texans, Ravens:
  • AFC South’s wild shifts: “a couple weeks go by… it’s over” – Rich [47:05]
  • Houston’s streaking defense and Jags scoring heavily get “sleeper” mentions.
  • Noting playoff rarity: With Mahomes likely out, this could be the first postseason since 1998 without Brady, Manning, or Mahomes [48:12].

5. The Life Lesson: Perseverance and Risk-Taking

[16:58–18:57]

• On Rivers and Fear:
  • “There are so many moments in life where people let fear get in the way of their goals…He could have easily…sat home and called it a day. But he tested himself and pushed himself…He didn’t embarrass himself. Could have won that game.” – Rich [17:06]
  • The panel connects Rivers’ career risks to broader lessons about facing down your fears and embracing chance, in sports and in life.

6. Fun, Banter & Pop Culture Moments

[03:43–04:16, 28:07–29:19, 44:05–44:47, 49:07–49:19]

• Smokey Robinson’s “Happy Chinooka”:
  • A running joke about the viral mispronunciation, blending sports humor with holiday wishes. [03:43, 28:14]
• Adam Sandler “Hanukkah Song” & Jewish Celebrity Milestone:
  • “If you’re Jewish and you make it to one of Adam Sandler’s three Hanukkah songs, that means you’re balling, right?” – Covino [28:38]
• Personal Milestones:
  • Covino & Rich note that this show marks 21 years on air together. [33:17]
• References to outside sports (NBA, College Sports, Unrivaled Basketball, etc.):
  • Brief segments tease NBA upsets (OKC vs. Spurs), college football news, and other sports media storylines. [49:19]
• Timestamp Trivia (the Dr. Dre “The Chronic” anniversary):
  • “On this day, Rich, 1992… the Chronic Dr. Dre came out. Just throwing that out there makes you say, hmm.” – Covino [49:07]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the speed of NFL reversals:

  “It happens fast. Couple weeks go by, and it’s over.” – Rich [47:05]

• On Rivers’ guts:

  “A legendary NFL quarterback… the thought of him failing and embarrassing in that moment did not stop him. So you could argue that in that, there’s victory.” – Rich [18:30]

• On Mahomes’ injury and changing fortunes:

  “It could very well be that Mahomes may not even play much of next season.” – Covino [40:32]

• On the rarity of a postseason without legacy QBs:

  “First playoff without Brady, Manning or Mahomes since 1998. That’s crazy if you let that sink in…those names have dominated the NFL for that long.” – Rich [48:12]

• On real-time fan emotion:

  “I took a little waz break at that moment. I come back and the Seahawks take the lead. It was that quick, dude.” – Rich [06:48]

Segment Timestamps

• [03:43] – Smokey Robinson “Happy Chinooka” holiday humor
• [06:06–12:00] – In-depth: Philip Rivers’ comeback vs. Seahawks; nostalgia and reactions
• [13:00–14:55] – 1981-born NFL players: reflections on athlete longevity
• [14:55–17:26] – Risk-taking, Hall of Fame talk, Rivers’ emotional speech
• [22:02–24:04] – NFL injuries: Mahomes and impact on league
• [23:12–23:31] – Bills’ comeback and AFC playoff outlook
• [29:34–32:06] – Playoff pretenders and the Chiefs/Cowboys narrative
• [35:17–36:41] – Bills fan perspective and playoff tiebreakers
• [39:47] – Injury round-up (Mahomes, Parsons)
• [46:03–48:12] – AFC South shakeups, playoff rare stats

Tone & Style

The hosts maintain a witty, conversational, and accessible tone with frequent playful banter, personal anecdotes, and calls for audience involvement. They balance sharp sports analysis with self-deprecating stories, nostalgia, and cultural references to keep the energy high and the content relatable, even for listeners who missed the live game action.

For New Listeners

This episode captures the essence of NFL Week 15—from aging legends and shocking injuries to playoff chaos and motivational takeaways. Sports fans will appreciate both strategic debates and the show’s lighthearted, communal energy (“things that make you go hmm”), making for an entertaining and informative listen, whether you’re a die-hard NFL watcher or tuning in for the first time.