The Dan Patrick Show: Hour 1 – Maybe the NFL Doesn’t Want Bill Belichick, Bengals Cling to Hope

Release Date: December 10, 2024

Introduction to the Hour

The first hour of "The Dan Patrick Show" dives deep into current NFL dynamics, focusing on the future of legendary coach Bill Belichick and the Cincinnati Bengals' ongoing season struggles. Dan Patrick engages in spirited discussions with co-host Paul Pabst, analyzing team performances, coaching decisions, and the broader implications for playoff aspirations.

Bill Belichick’s Future in the NFL

Discussion Highlights:

• Belichick's Interview with North Carolina:

  • Paul Pabst expresses skepticism about Belichick's continued coaching prospects in the NFL, noting his recent interviews with North Carolina might indicate a shift towards college football.
  • Dan Patrick shares insights from Belichick's recent press conference, suggesting that Belichick might be considering a transition, potentially bringing his son into a coaching role.

• NFL’s Reception of Belichick:

  • The conversation revolves around whether the NFL still values Belichick’s coaching prowess or if his opportunities are dwindling.
  • Paul Pabst speculates that the NFL might be reluctant to integrate Belichick into a new role, questioning the league's desire to have him manage teams like the Bears or Cowboys.

Notable Quote:

Paul Pabst [30:23]: "Maybe the NFL doesn't want Bill Belichick. Maybe he realizes there's not as many opportunities there."

Cincinnati Bengals’ Season Analysis

Team Performance:

• The Bengals are struggling with a 5-8 record, mirroring the Cowboys' performance. Paul Pabst emphasizes the team's inconsistent commitment, citing Dak Prescott's presence but highlighting significant gaps in the roster.
• Joe Burrow's Performance:
  • Despite a strong season from Burrow, the Bengals' defense remains a significant issue. The team holds Dallas to 20 points but falters in critical moments, such as the final two minutes of their last game.
  • Paul Pabst [05:53]: Quotes Mike McCarthy post-loss, reflecting on the disappointing season's challenges.

Playoff Prospects:

• Cincinnati’s Remaining Schedule:
  • The Bengals face teams like the Titans, Browns, Broncos, and Steelers, each posing different challenges.
  • Paul Pabst discusses the slim chances of making the playoffs, noting the competitive nature of the AFC.

Notable Quote:

Dan Patrick [09:01]: "Jalen Hurts is the only quarterback on that list who is still a question mark for being a starting quarterback."

Quarterback Super Bowl Predictions

Poll Discussion:

• Question: Which quarterback is least likely to win a Super Bowl?
• Candidates: Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, Brock Purdy, Justin Herbert, Jalen Hurts.

Debate Highlights:

• Joe Burrow vs. Jalen Hurts:

  • Paul Pabst argues that Burrow may not even make the playoffs, citing the Bengals' defensive weaknesses.
  • Dan Patrick challenges the perception of Jalen Hurts, questioning his consistency despite his team's balanced offense.

• Lamar Jackson and Justin Herbert:

  • Paul Pabst views Lamar as a more dangerous passer compared to Hurts, while Herbert is expected to make the playoffs with Jim Harbaugh's coaching.

Notable Quote:

Paul Pabst [07:58]: "Joe Burrow is least likely to win a Super Bowl. Yeah."

NFL Draft Predictions and Analysis

Top Draft Picks:

• Paul Pabst and Dan Patrick discuss the odds of various players being the number one overall pick in the 2025 draft.
• Top Contenders:
  • Shador Sanders (Raiders)
  • Travis Hunter
  • Cam Ward
  • Jalen Milro (not expected to be a first-round pick)

Mock Draft Insights:

• Dan Patrick [21:57]: Predicts Shador Sanders as the first pick for the Raiders.
• Travis Hunter is highlighted as a strong candidate but faces competition from other talented players.

Notable Quote:

Dan Patrick [23:08]: "I haven't...I don't think I've gotten in on a draft day bet since Manti Teo was drafted."

Heisman Trophy and Player Impact

Heisman Ballot:

• Paul Pabst mentions the trends in Heisman finalists, noting the absence of SEC players in recent years and the significance of this year's candidates.

Caitlin Clark’s Impact:

• Dan Patrick and Paul Pabst debate whether Caitlin Clark will be named Time Magazine's Athlete of the Year, also suggesting she could win Sports Illustrated's Sports Person of the Year.

Player Influence:

• Caitlin Clark is praised for her transformative impact on the WNBA, drawing parallels to legendary players who elevated their respective leagues.

Notable Quote:

Dan Patrick [45:01]: "I would say that Caitlin's impact is more than impact, is more than both Ohtani and Sanders."

College Football Observations

SMU’s Playoff Inclusion:

• Dan Patrick expresses enthusiasm over SMU making the playoffs, highlighting the increasing parity in college football.

System of Reseeding:

• Paul Pabst discusses the logistical challenges of reseeding teams post first-round games, citing accommodation and scheduling issues as primary obstacles.

Parity in College Football:

• The hosts acknowledge the growing competitiveness in college football, with multiple teams like Arizona State and Boise State proving their mettle against traditional powerhouses.

Notable Quote:

Paul Pabst [35:28]: "They could come up with a system of tiebreakers that results mattered."

Listener Engagement and Interactive Segments

Poll Questions:

• The show engages listeners with poll questions, such as identifying which quarterback is least likely to win a Super Bowl and selecting the best receiver to start a fantasy team.

Stat of the Day:

• Paul Pabst introduces interesting statistics, like the Bengals tying for the second-longest streak of consecutive games with at least 300 passing yards and three touchdowns in the Super Bowl era.

Notable Quote:

Paul Pabst [43:32]: "Joe Burrow finished with 369 and three touchdowns. So that's the fourth consecutive game with at least 300 passing yards and three passing touchdowns."

Conclusion of Hour 1

As the first hour wraps up, Dan Patrick and Paul Pabst summarize their discussions, emphasizing the unpredictability of the NFL and the hopeful yet uncertain future for teams like the Bengals. They tease upcoming segments, including draft analyses and notable guest appearances, ensuring listeners stay engaged for the remainder of the show.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Paul Pabst [05:53]: "Mike McCarthy after the loss last night. Would you say that this is maybe the toughest pill to swallow as far as a non-playoff loss you experience as a head coach?"

• Dan Patrick [07:18]: "I don't know if they're closer than two years ago."

• Paul Pabst [09:05]: "Joe Burrow is least likely to win a Super Bowl."

• Dan Patrick [35:07]: "But is it fair to any of these quarterbacks unless, you know, there's a Josh Rosen situation?"

Key Takeaways

• Bill Belichick’s Future: Uncertainty looms over Belichick’s continued presence in the NFL, with potential moves to college football being a topic of speculation.

• Bengals’ Season Struggles: The Bengals’ defensive issues and inconsistent performances raise doubts about their playoff aspirations despite strong performances from quarterback Joe Burrow.

• Draft Predictions: Highlighting top prospects like Shador Sanders and Travis Hunter, the hosts provide insights into potential first-round picks and their impacts.

• Player Impact Awards: Caitlin Clark emerges as a standout athlete with significant influence, potentially securing major sports awards.

• College Football Parity: Increased competitiveness and the inclusion of teams like SMU signal a shift towards greater parity in college football, enhancing the sport's unpredictability and excitement.

This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the first hour of "The Dan Patrick Show," offering listeners a comprehensive overview of the episode's main topics.