The Dan Patrick Show: Hour 1 – NFL Divisional with Ryan Clark Release Date: January 20, 2025

Introduction and Show Kickoff

The episode opens with Dan Patrick welcoming listeners to the show, expressing enthusiasm for the weekend's NFL action and setting the stage for an engaging discussion ahead. Highlighting the impending national title game between Notre Dame and Ohio State, Patrick introduces Ryan Clark from The Mothership as today's special guest. Clark not only brings his NFL expertise but also personal insights, as his son Jordan is set to play as a defensive back for Notre Dame in the championship game.

NFL Weekend Recap

Patrick delves into a comprehensive recap of the weekend's NFL games, touching on pivotal matchups and surprising outcomes:

• Chiefs vs. Texans: Patrick criticizes the Texans for blaming officiating instead of addressing their defensive shortcomings, emphasizing that "you can't have your quarterback get pressured, hurried over 20 times and get sacked" ([09:30]).

• Commanders vs. Lions: The shocking victory by the Commanders is dissected, with Patrick noting, "they had turnovers, and that's the big difference" ([10:00]).

• Ravens vs. Bills: The Bills' resilience is highlighted as they hold off the Ravens, with particular attention to Lamar Jackson's performance and the impact of turnovers ([11:34]).

Coaching Vacancies and Potential Changes

The conversation shifts to the turbulent coaching landscape, discussing vacancies with teams like the Bears, Cowboys, Jets, Jaguars, Raiders, and Saints. Patrick speculates on the likelihood of Dion being hired by Dallas, though he senses cooling interest: "Feels like I don't have any information on this, it feels like we're starting to see the temperature on Dion going to Dallas lower a little bit here" ([07:30]).

Player Performances and Team Strategies

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around standout player performances and strategic decisions:

• Derrick Henry: Patrick praises Henry's consistency, stating, "You have Derek Henry, who was running for 1900 yards. So it's not like you go, hey, you know what? We're thinking about doing something different" ([11:56]).

• Patrick Mahomes: Analyzing Mahomes' gameplay, Patrick asserts, "Mahomes gets all the calls. He doesn't... But I think because they're always on national TV, when he does get a call, it stands out more than anybody else" ([10:50]).

• Saquon Barkley: Saquon’s pivotal role in elevating the Eagles is lauded, with Patrick noting his potential to surpass Terrell Davis in rushing yards and his impact on the team's Super Bowl aspirations ([48:05]).

Emotional Segment with Ryan Clark

A heartfelt moment unfolds as Ryan Clark shares his personal journey as a father watching his son compete in the national title game:

• Preparing for the Big Game: Clark describes the emotional rollercoaster of supporting his son's decision to play for Notre Dame, highlighting the family's dedication and the pressures they face: "Having been through it as a father and my wife... We understand what happened" ([26:45]).

• Game Day Rituals: He details their pre-game rituals, emphasizing the significance of their support: "This will be the last time I get to do it. I'll do it from the field because it's obviously ESPN game" ([28:18]).

• Emotional Impact: Clark candidly admits to his emotions, stating, "I've cried more in these last three weeks than I like to admit... But I think that it just shows you how much it matters" ([29:48]).

Analysis of Turnovers and Game-Changing Plays

The discussion intensifies around critical turnovers and their impact on game outcomes:

• Two-Point Conversion Failure: Patrick scrutinizes the Ravens' missed two-point conversion, attributing it to both Lamar Jackson and Mark Andrews: "Mark Andrews dropped it... And Mark Andrews should have caught it" ([13:19]).

• Commanders' Dominance: Highlighting the Commanders' defensive prowess, Patrick emphasizes their turnover tactics, "They couldn't stop Mark Andrews... They overthought it" ([15:56]).

• Chiefs vs. Texans: The conversation returns to the Texans' defeat, with Patrick emphasizing self-accountability over officiating excuses: "You can't have your quarterback get pressured... That's on you, not on the officiating, not on Patrick Mahomes" ([10:50]).

Public Perception of Quarterbacks

Patrick and Clark delve into the public and official handling of quarterbacks, particularly focusing on Patrick Mahomes:

• Protective Officiating: Clark discusses the perceived favoritism towards star quarterbacks, mentioning how rules have evolved to protect players like Tom Brady, and extends this to Mahomes: "There are these quarterbacks that are treated differently" ([36:59]).

• Mahomes' Adjustments: Analyzing Mahomes' gameplay adjustments, Clark notes, "He was perceived and seen as the best quarterback on earth... But right now, that's not the way they can win football games" ([39:51]).

Listener Interaction and Polls

Throughout the episode, Patrick engages with listeners through polls and phone calls:

• Poll Question: "Who had the best weekend? Who had the worst weekend?" ([16:45]).

• Phone Calls: Listeners like James from Virginia join the conversation, sharing their excitement for the playoffs and insights on player performances, further enriching the discussion ([49:10]).

Conclusion and Teasers for Next Hour

As the hour wraps up, Patrick teases upcoming segments, including the next interview with Steve Young, and invites listeners to stay tuned for more in-depth analysis and discussions.

Notable Quotes

• Dan Patrick: "You can't have your quarterback get pressured, hurried over 20 times and get sacked." ([09:30])

• Ryan Clark: "As a parent, there's nothing better than seeing your son live the dream." ([29:48])

• Dan Patrick: "Mahomes gets all the calls. He doesn’t. But I think because they're always on national TV, when he does get a call, it stands out more than anybody else." ([10:50])

• Ryan Clark: "He's taking what the defense gives him... he seems extremely relaxed and comfortable in who he is and who he's playing with." ([34:26])

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Dan Patrick Show offers a comprehensive dive into the NFL's current landscape, blending analytical insights with personal narratives. Dan Patrick and Ryan Clark provide a balanced perspective on team performances, player dynamics, and the emotional facets of sports, making it a compelling listen for both avid fans and casual followers alike.