The Dan Patrick Show (Hour 1) — "Burrow's Back, Pickens Ascension"

Date: November 28, 2025
Hosts: Jonas Knox & LaVar Arrington (in for Dan Patrick and the Danettes)
Podcast: iHeartPodcasts & Dan Patrick Podcast Network

Overview

In this special Black Friday edition, Jonas Knox and LaVar Arrington fill in for Dan Patrick and the Danettes to break down the major talking points from the NFL’s busy holiday slate. The focus: the impact of Joe Burrow’s return for the Cincinnati Bengals, the continued struggles of the Baltimore Ravens, and the rising prominence of Cowboys receiver George Pickens. The pair deliver banter, bold takes, and pointed analysis on the state of the AFC North, receiver tandems, and rumors swirling around key NFL teams.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Black Friday Banter and Thanksgiving Recap

• Jonas and LaVar open with friendly jokes about Black Friday and swap Thanksgiving stories, including holiday traditions and food discussions.
• Quote – LaVar Arrington (04:38):
  “Thank you. It's very black Friday for me. Yeah, every Friday's black.”

2. Bengals Resurgence: The Joe Burrow Effect

• Joe Burrow's return instantly elevates the Bengals, highlighted by their win over the Ravens.
• Discussion centers on Burrow’s unique leadership and psychological impact on the team, which LaVar likens to the confidence players feel when a superstar like MJ or Kobe is healthy.
• The hosts highlight Cincinnati's Super Bowl potential if Burrow stays healthy and gets his key weapons back.
• Quote – LaVar Arrington (10:48):
  “You're going to have more confidence when you have your best player on the field, and especially at the main position... That does have a positive, profound impact on the rest of your team.”
• Quote – Jonas Knox (12:32 - re: Burrow):
  Quoting Joe Burrow's postgame comments: “I expect myself to play better, but it was great to be back out there…it's just good to be back with the guys.”

Discussion of Bengals' Playoff Picture

• LaVar makes the case that the Bengals can still win the AFC North, given their remaining divisional games and the inconsistency of their rivals.
• Jonas and LaVar agree Burrow is the best QB in the division, and the Bengals’ experience and weapons could make them the dark horse.
• Timestamp: 15:15–16:17

3. Baltimore Ravens' Inconsistencies and Ceiling Concerns

• Sharp criticism of the Ravens’ lackluster performance, especially on a big stage at home. Both hosts note the team looked “trash,” raising questions about coaching, roster, and the health/ceiling of Lamar Jackson.
• LaVar questions whether John Harbaugh’s tenure has grown stale and wonders if the Ravens and even Lamar have peaked.
• Quote – LaVar Arrington (21:14):
  “The question to me becomes, where is Harbaugh as a coach in his tenure with this group?...Have the Baltimore Ravens hit their ceiling?”
• The discussion includes concerns about Lamar’s durability and whether his playing style is catching up to him.
• Quote – Jonas Knox (22:53):
  “I just wonder with Lamar's mobility and the way his style of play...when do we start having the discussion, has he peaked as well too? Because he's taken a lot of damage.”

4. AFC North: Competitive, Yet Flawed Division

• The hosts highlight how every team in the AFC North has significant flaws but yet all are in contention.
• They speculate about possible changes to coaching staffs in Baltimore and Pittsburgh and debate which franchise is in better shape for the near future.
• Cleveland’s potential is discussed, especially if rookie QB Shedor Sanders (fictional context) injects a spark and if defensive stars like Myles Garrett keep producing.
• Quote – LaVar Arrington (25:14):
  “It's the inconsistencies for me, man. Like, they're all inconsistent. Every last one of them are inconsistent. There's no way to put a tag on any of those AFC teams. No way.”

5. Cowboys’ Receiving Duo: Pickens' Emergence

• Tire Rack Play of the Day features George Pickens with a highlight-reel play.
• The hosts praise the Cowboys’ wide receiving tandem of Pickens and CeeDee Lamb, arguing it might be the league’s best and lament the Steelers letting Pickens go.
• LaVar argues Pickens might actually be the “main guy” in Dallas over even Lamb.
• Discussion then pivots to how changes of scenery help talent thrive and whether team culture can stifle talent.
• Quote – LaVar Arrington (43:18):
  “The most dangerous weapon on that team is Pickens. It's Pickens, then it's CeeDee Lamb...your most dangerous weapon on that team right now is George Pickens.”
• Notable banter (44:41):
  LaVar: “You haven't heard a word about, about George Pickens in Dallas in terms of him being cancerous in the locker room, him not being about football, him being a malcontent... Sometimes it's just a matter of having a new environment and having a fresh start.”

6. “In Case You Missed It”: Quick Hits Segment (55:25)

• Minnesota Vikings' QB Change
  Justin Jefferson offers an indirect jab at J.J. McCarthy by praising backup Max Brosmer:
  “He's definitely a good QB to be able to fit in with this offense and create a spark for us. That's something we really need right now.” (55:49)
• Ohio State Travel Change Before Michigan Game
  Ryan Day makes OSU fly to Ann Arbor for “routine,” but the hosts joke it’s superstition to break a losing streak.
  LaVar: “Try any old thing at this point. Now, you better get a hypnotist.” (57:32)

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• On the power of star QBs:
  "It was confirmed that Joe Burrow can make the difference in how this team carries out a game plan. Whether he plays defense or not doesn't matter. It's the impact and the energy of knowing that you have your guy back." – LaVar Arrington (17:09)
• On Ravens’ performance:
  “Baltimore looked trash. Yeah, there's something off.” – Jonas Knox (17:41)
• On Pickens in Dallas:
  “He's the perfect Cowboys wide receiver, George Pickens, like, he's perfect for that team.” – Jonas Knox (44:24)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Joe Burrow’s Impact on Bengals — 08:39 to 16:17
• Ravens’ Uncertainty and Lamar Health — 17:41 to 23:23
• AFC North State and Coaching Questions — 23:23 to 28:20
• Cowboys’ Receiving Tandem Analysis — 37:50 to 47:49
• Quick NFL/CFB News and Jabs — 55:25 to 58:12

Final Thoughts

In this lively, well-informed fill-in hour, Jonas Knox and LaVar Arrington dissect the big swing in AFC North fortunes, highlighting the irreplaceable value of elite quarterbacks, growing doubts around legacy coaches, and how changes in environment can allow NFL stars like George Pickens to thrive. Their blend of humor, directness, and inside knowledge provides a fresh take—while keeping listeners locked in on the drama and unpredictability of the 2025 NFL season.