The Dan Patrick Show — Hour 1

Episode Title: Ray Lewis Is Not Walking Through That Door, NFL Power Rankings
Date: September 23, 2025
Host: Dan Patrick, with Danettes (Paulie, Seton, Todd, Marvin)
Podcast Network: iHeartPodcasts & Dan Patrick Podcast Network

Overview

This episode dives deep into the fallout from the Detroit Lions’ dominant win over the Baltimore Ravens, spotlighting shifts in team identities, the evolution of NFL defenses, and this week's evolving power rankings. Along with a dose of Dan Patrick’s trademark humor and banter, the hour features insight into the Ravens’ defensive struggles, the Lions’ statement performance, increased fumble rates in the NFL, and a spirited debate on whether listening to audiobooks counts as reading. The show also opens the lines for thoughtful listener calls and includes a reflective interlude about Dan’s eventual post-retirement plans.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Lions vs. Ravens: Where Did the Ravens' Defense Go?

• Dan Patrick opens with concern about the Ravens’ defensive legacy, asking where the “opportunistic” and “dominant” Ravens defense has gone.
  • “Where did the Ravens defense go? Because it used to be the Ravens had a great defense…now they're an offensive-minded team, which is fine unless the offense you're facing is better than your offense.” (03:07)
• The Lions ran for 224 yards, the most the Ravens have allowed since 2017.
• Noteworthy: The Lions achieved two 95+ yard TD drives in one game, a rarity since 2021.
• Dan praises Dan Campbell's coaching style—gruff but sharp, balancing aggression and solid game management.
• Aiden Hutchinson’s impact is highlighted: “Aiden Hutchinson is back, in case you didn’t know” (04:27).
• The key turning point: A forced fumble by the Lions on Derrick Henry, leading to a pivotal score.
  • “And it sounded like this...” [Replay of Lions’ turnover call] (05:56)

2. NFL Fumble Trends & the ‘Punch Out’ Technique

• Discussion centers on increased running back fumbles, focusing on Derrick Henry’s three straight games with a fumble.
  • Henry’s own frustrated quote: “Crazy right now…fumbles in critical moments…ain’t a good shot. I apologize to [Titans] Nation and I just keep working and get this fixed.” (06:37)
• Dan traces the origins of the punch-out technique to “Peanut” Tillman, suggesting defenders now prefer punching for the ball over tackling.
  • “If you can't tackle [Derrick Henry], then go for the ball. I certainly understand that…I wouldn't want to tackle him.” (07:32)
• Seton shares stats underscoring the trend:
  • Average RB fumbles/year: ~120 (2018-2023), jumped to 140 last year, tracking to 160 this season (08:26).

3. Who’s in Better Shape: Ravens or Chiefs?

• Early poll question debate: Which contender is better positioned—Ravens or Chiefs?
  • Dan: The Ravens’ division is softer with AFC North injuries, but their defense is alarming. The Chiefs’ offense lacks firepower, but their defense is sturdy.
    • “Ray Lewis isn't walking through the door. Terrell Suggs isn't walking through the door.” (09:20)
• Todd points out divisional dynamics favor the Ravens, especially post–Joe Burrow injury (10:56).

4. NFC Power Rankings: Tier One Debate

• Who’s elite in the NFC after the Lions’ win?
  • Dan’s top 4: Eagles, Lions, Packers, Rams. He resists recency bias and explains why he won’t dismiss the Packers after one strong game (11:55).

5. Tangent: Do You Actually Read Books?

A humorous and relatable interlude on modern reading habits

• Dan and the crew grapple with attention spans, the intimidation of thick novels, and whether listening to audiobooks counts as actual reading.
  • “I try, I look like I read a lot of books, but I read a lot of articles. I can last through an article, unless it’s a really long article…” — Dan (12:45)
  • Paulie pushes: “Is listening to a book on tape reading a book?” (15:09)
  • Dan: “I’ll give you full credit. I mean, somebody’s reading the book to you, but that’s okay.” (15:19)
  • Todd: “To me, that’s like an audio movie… It’s being read to you.” (15:29)
  • Debates over Cliff’s Notes vs. Monarch Notes, Brussels sprouts vs. Brussel sprouts, and Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse’s name origins add a light-hearted touch (15:45–17:59).

6. Listener Calls: Game Analysis & Football Philosophy

• Keith from Chico and James from Virginia offer detailed breakdowns of the Lions-Ravens game and personnel needs (26:17–28:28).
  • Keith: “Aiden Hutchinson makes his return… forces a fumble… played great to over 200 yards on the ground, four rushing touchdowns, all while golf gets sacked zero times.” (26:17)
  • James: “Ravens need another elite receiver… I trust Derrick Henry all the way.” (27:35)
• Dan comments on the pundit tendency to “move the goalposts” for big-name teams, observing that “not very many people are watching games—they’re watching highlights” (29:58).
  • Paulie and Seton discuss how teams like the Chiefs are given the benefit of the doubt on reputation, unlike the Ravens (31:10).

7. Dan Patrick’s (Non-)Retirement & Post-Show Musings

• Dan dismisses rumors about coming out of retirement for TV, reiterating he’s content hosting his show through his planned timeframe.
• Seton and Paulie pitch ideas for Dan’s future—deep-dive interview shows, à la Letterman or Roy Firestone.
  • Dan: “I don’t think people find people that interesting anymore from the standpoint of watching them do an interview…” (37:06)
  • Paulie: “You’re the best interviewer in the business. That’s what people would be tuning into.” (38:53)
• Dan jokes about possible future in acting or “awful Broadway” (39:43, 40:03).

8. Play of the Day

• Lions’ RB David Montgomery’s 31-yard touchdown run puts the game on ice. (44:36)
  • “Golf takes, turns, gives to Montgomery… there he goes… to the end zone, touchdown Detroit Lions… Lions have put this game on ice.” — Lions Radio Network (44:36)

9. More Listener Calls & Power Rankings Debate

• Listeners weigh in: Lions as Super Bowl contenders, the effect of division strength, and perennial questions about QBs and playoff wins (46:41–51:27).
  • Dan: “It’s the same thing with Lamar and the Ravens… you got to have rings.” (47:31)
  • Todd: “If the Chiefs go to the Super Bowl again, Patrick Mahomes is going to be in the Michael Jordan category…” (51:27)
  • Dan: “Mahomes would be… more ‘LeBron-like’, because Mike didn’t lose championships.” (51:49)
• Final power rankings reaffirmed: Chiefs and Lions as favorites, strong words for the Rams and Eagles as well.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “It used to be the Ravens had a great defense…now they're an offensive-minded team, which is fine unless the offense you’re facing is better than your offense.” — Dan Patrick (03:07)
• “Ray Lewis isn’t walking through that door. Terrell Suggs isn’t walking through the door. Ed Reed is not walking through the door.” — Dan Patrick (09:20)
• “All three of Derrick Henry's fumbles this season are off punch outs. Maybe it's not Derrick Henry. It's the new play for the defenders.” — Seton (08:26)
• “Is listening to a Book on tape. Reading a book?... I’ll give you full credit.” — Dan Patrick (15:19)
• “You want your life to work out…you got to study.” — Dan, on advice to his kids versus his own study habits (17:13)
• “You’re the best interviewer in the business. That’s what people would be tuning into.” — Paulie (38:53)
• Play of the day: “Lions have put this game on ice” — Lions Radio Network (44:38)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 03:07 — Dan’s opening monologue/Ravens-Lions analysis
• 05:56 — Key turnover: Lions’ forced fumble on Derrick Henry (audio clip)
• 08:26 — NFL fumble stats and “punch out” discussion
• 09:20 — Who's in better shape: Ravens or Chiefs?
• 11:55 — NFC Tier One power rankings
• 12:45–17:59 — Book reading, audiobooks, and Cliff’s Notes debates
• 26:17 — Listener “Keith” with Lions-Ravens breakdown
• 29:58 — Dan on “moving the goalposts” in sports narratives
• 37:06–40:03 — Dan’s post-retirement musings & Letterman-style show pitch
• 44:36 — Play of the Day: Montgomery’s touchdown run
• 47:31 — Playoff QB legacy discussion (Lamar & Mahomes)
• 51:27 — Chiefs, Mahomes, and the Jordan/LeBron analogy

Tone & Style

True to form, the hour balances sharp sports analysis with playful banter, pop culture tangents, and self-deprecating admissions. Listener calls are invited to offer precise, even “analyst-level” observations. The hosts encourage humor, authenticity, and a touch of nostalgia.

For listeners seeking a full NFL recap, a look at shifting team narratives, and water-cooler-worthy sports debate—with all the laughs and asides of the Dan Patrick Show—this episode delivers on every front.