The Dan Patrick Show – Hour 1, Feb 9, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode, hosted by Dan Patrick, aired the day after the Super Bowl and features Hall of Fame coach Bill Cowher. The show focuses on in-depth analysis of the Seahawks’ dominant victory over the Patriots (29-13), with breakdowns of the game, Seattle's defense, Sam Darnold’s redemption arc, the Patriots’ struggles, and what it takes to win a championship. Bill Cowher provides veteran coaching perspective, and the crew discusses the marathon of emotions and strategy, using humor and lively banter throughout.

Main Topics & Key Insights

1. Super Bowl Recap: Seahawks Dominate Patriots

• Seattle’s Defense Shines: Dan describes the Seahawks’ defensive display as dominating, noting six sacks on New England rookie QB Drake May. “It certainly felt [dominant]…but it was only 9 to nothing. You kept thinking, if they get a pick six, they get a fumble, something here. And then we had an exciting fourth quarter.” (03:01)
• Patriots Outmatched, Offense Stalls: Dan and the crew repeatedly note how the Patriots’ offense couldn’t get into a rhythm. “It just felt like Seattle kind of figured out there was no rhythm with New England.” (15:13)
• Kenneth Walker Jr. III Named MVP: With his critical runs and unique style, Walker is praised: “He’s not tall, but he’s so fast…he sees his moment and takes advantage of it.” (05:17)
• Sam Darnold's Career Redemption: Sam Darnold, once discarded by several teams, is now a Super Bowl champion. Dan observes, “You get kicked to the curb…played for five teams, and now you’re a Super Bowl champ.” (06:04) Darnold himself is quoted: “I wouldn’t want it any other way. So proud of our guys, our defense…I can’t say enough great things.” (04:15)
• Defensive History: Seattle joins elite company as only the fourth Super Bowl team to allow fewer than 14 points, record six or more sacks, and score a defensive TD (07:48).

2. Coaching & In-Game Adjustments

• Aggressive New England Defense: Chris Collinsworth pointed out that NE’s defense was “overly aggressive” because they felt offense couldn’t win the game alone. Dan notes, “I didn’t think New England could score 20 points.” (05:57)
• Playcalling Critique: Josh McDaniels’ offensive plan for the Patriots is questioned: “Did not have a good night calling plays…no rhythm with New England.” (15:13)
• Mike McDonald’s Dual Role: Seattle’s head coach called all the defensive plays. Bill Cowher comments, “You gotta have a lot of trust in your offensive coordinator…when you’re calling the [defense] as the head coach.” (28:10)

3. Special Teams as a Deciding Factor

• Field Position Battle: Punter Paul Michael Dixon is highlighted: “Seven punts, 48-yard average, three inside the 6-yard line, two returned for four yards. He also was the holder on all the kicks and he got a couple bad snaps.” (10:28)
• Seattle's Turnover-Free Postseason: “Seattle didn’t have a turnover in the playoffs. Those things don’t happen.” (10:42)

4. Quarterback Development & Organizational Patience

• Darnold’s Story vs. League Trends: Dan and Cowher reflect on Darnold’s journey. “It is amazing how many teams, what they do to young quarterbacks. It just feels like more young quarterbacks are ruined than developed.” (31:38) Cowher adds, “Most teams give up on these quarterbacks after two or three years. Here’s Sam, eight years in, and now he wins the Super Bowl.” (32:12)
• The True Formula for Success: “If you can run the football and play defense, you can win the Super Bowl.” (08:57)

5. Bill Cowher: Super Bowl Perspective & Coaching Stories

• Super Bowl Halftime Adjustments: Cowher details the unique halftime routine: “Take pads off, have some fruit…It’s like two different games: a first half and a second half…those first series [after halftime] are the most vital.” (25:00)
• Pressure & Atmosphere: “The enormity hits you in the pregame…when you get to the stadium, you can just feel the buzz.” (29:33)
• Reflections on Team Building: “If you build it, they will come—and they may be the quarterback you’re waiting for.” (32:12)
• Life After the Super Bowl: “The day after we won, I was in a basketball gym watching my daughter play…Now it’s off-season, there’s normality, and my wife is telling me where to go and what time I need to be there.” (34:17)

Notable Quotes from Cowher

• “You have to build the things around [the QB]…and when that special guy comes along, that’s when championships come.” (32:12)
• “You work too hard to get here not to enjoy it…If you make mistakes, let it go and just go on to the next play.” (30:59)
• “When they said ‘Who Dey?’ I said ‘We Dey!’” — on his last win as a coach coming in Cincinnati (37:49)

6. Listener Calls & Fun Banter

• Division Trivia: Lucas stumps the crew with NFL division Super Bowl history trivia (47:35).
• Halftime Show Critiques: The team discusses the Bad Bunny halftime performance and laments the decline in creativity of Super Bowl commercials (51:02–53:34).
• Show Humor & Camaraderie: The hosts riff on being adaptable for future remote shows—“We can do elegant or slum it…Whatever it takes.” (36:27)
• Running Gags: Multiple recurring jokes about being trees in the halftime show, and Stugotz’s (Todd’s) inability to wear a tree costume.

7. Poll Questions of the Hour

• “Which unit deserves most credit for Seattle’s win: Pass rush, secondary, run game, special teams?” (09:07)
• “What actually decided last night’s game: Seahawks pass rush, Pats O-line, special teams, or coaching?” (12:05)

Memorable Moments & Quotes with Timestamps

• Sam Darnold on Winning:
  “It’s unbelievable. You know, just everything that’s happened in my career. But to do it with this team, I wouldn’t want in any other way…” — Sam Darnold (04:15)
• Dan’s Defensive Lesson:
  “If you can run the football and play defense, you can win the Super Bowl. …That’s what happened again last night.” (08:57)
• Cowher’s Halftime Advice:
  “Take your pads off. We had some fruits, some oranges…First series in the second half is the most vital.” (25:00)
• On Ruining QBs:
  “It just feels like more young quarterbacks are ruined than developed.” – Dan Patrick (31:38)
• Bill Cowher, victorious in Cincinnati:
  “My last win as an NFL head coach was in Cincinnati…when they said ‘Who Dey?’ I said ‘We Dey!’” (37:49)
• Dan on Commercials:
  “The commercials were kind of sad…It’s supposed to look like you put work into it, like some creativity.” (53:00)

Segment Highlights with Timestamps

• [03:01–07:48]: Super Bowl recap—Seattle’s defense, run game, and Darnold.
• [09:07–10:42]: Special teams—punting, field position, and turnovers.
• [14:03–15:13]: Darnold vs. May, offensive struggles, and key turning points.
• [23:34–38:45]: Bill Cowher interview—halftime adjustments, pressure, and team-building.
• [47:35–53:34]: Listener calls, trivia, halftime show, and Super Bowl commercial discussion.

Conclusion & Takeaways

This episode delivers an insightful, candid, and entertaining recap of the Super Bowl, blending deep football analysis with humor, coaching wisdom, and insider stories. Key themes include the value of defense and special teams, the patience required to develop quarterbacks, and the emotional rollercoaster of championship football. Bill Cowher’s reminiscences and advice enrich the discussion, with notable moments and engaging banter that fans of all levels can enjoy.

Next hour’s guest: Analyst Ross Tucker discusses his view on the game (teased at 53:49).