The Dan Patrick Show: Hour 2 – Chiefs Are Great at Winning, David Pollack
Release Date: December 9, 2024

Hosted by iHeartPodcasts and the Dan Patrick Podcast Network, this episode of The Dan Patrick Show delves deep into the intricate dynamics of both professional and college football, offering listeners insightful analysis, engaging discussions, and a dose of humor. Featuring special contributions from former Georgia All-American David Pollock, the show navigates through player contracts, team performances, playoff selections, and broader sports concerns.

1. NFL Insights: Chiefs’ Winning Prowess and Player Contracts

Chiefs’ Strategic Mastery:
Dan Patrick and David Pollock kick off their discussion by highlighting the Kansas City Chiefs' exceptional ability to win close games. Pollock remarks on their consistent performance in high-pressure situations:

David Pollock [06:14]: “Nothing fancy about it. It's just Mahomes has this ability to make a subtle move when he feels pressure.”

Pollock emphasizes Mahomes' knack for strategic plays under duress, contributing to the Chiefs' reputation for maintaining composure and securing victories in tight matches.

Juan Soto’s Monumental Contract:
A significant portion of the conversation centers around Juan Soto’s groundbreaking $765 million contract with the New York Mets. Pollock speculates on the future of such contracts in sports:

David Pollock [03:56]: "What's it going to be like? So when this contract is up By Juan Soto, 20:40 Guys are going to get a billion."

The hosts discuss the implications of escalating player salaries, predicting that by 2040, top athletes, particularly in basketball and football, may command contracts worth a billion dollars. This segment underscores the shifting financial landscapes in professional sports.

2. NFL Team Analyses: Quarterbacks and Defensive Strategies

Quarterback Performances:
The discussion shifts to the performances of key quarterbacks across the NFL. Pollock provides a comparative analysis of quarterbacks like Josh Allen, Justin Herbert, and Patrick Mahomes, highlighting their strengths and the defenses they face:

David Pollock [06:25]: “They seize that moment. They embrace that moment. They love that moment.”

This section underscores the importance of having a reliable quarterback who can perform under pressure, a trait exemplified by Mahomes and essential for teams aiming for playoff success.

Defensive Strategies and Game Outcomes:
Pollock and Patrick explore how defenses impact game outcomes, particularly in one-score games, a trend they note has been setting records in the NFL. The conversation touches on how the Chiefs’ defense keeps games competitive:

David Pollock [06:14]: “But this Kansas City defense is good and they keep you in the game.”

This segment highlights the Chiefs' ability to maintain competitive matches, contributing to their consistent success.

3. College Football Playoffs: Seeding, Rankings, and Committee Decisions

Playoff Committee’s Decision-Making:
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to dissecting the College Football Playoff (CFP) committee’s selections. Pollock expresses frustration with the current seeding and ranking system, advocating for more transparency and interconference matchups:

Marvin [25:08]: “It makes my head hurt when I see the rankings and then the seedings being different.”

The hosts argue for a system where conference champions are automatically included, similar to the NCAA Tournament, to streamline team selections and reduce controversies.

Potential National Title Contenders:
Pollock identifies multiple teams with the potential to win the national title, including Georgia, Notre Dame, Oregon, Tennessee, and Ohio State, emphasizing the increased parity in college football:

Marvin [28:30]: “I think there's four teams that could win it. Actually, I'd go with five... Georgia and Notre Dame. On the other side, again, this is why the bracket's harder.”

This analysis reflects the evolving competitiveness in college football, where talent distribution has become more balanced, allowing a wider array of teams to vie for the championship.

4. Player and Team Performances: Evaluating Strengths and Weaknesses

Alabama’s Season Analysis:
The discussion turns to Alabama’s performance under new coach Kaylan DeBoer. Pollock critiques the team’s offensive inconsistencies and defensive prowess:

Marvin [33:14]: “If we're going to be fair... this is a below average season for Alabama.”

They explore the challenges faced by the team, including player departures and coaching adjustments, which have impacted their seasonal performance and future recruiting prospects.

Ohio State’s Struggles and Potential Upsets:
Pollock addresses Ohio State’s potential vulnerabilities, particularly against strong opponents like Tennessee, and the implications of losing key matches on their playoff aspirations:

Marvin [32:15]: “If Ohio State loses to Tennessee? Oh boy.”

This highlights the high stakes and unpredictable nature of college football, where even top-ranked teams can face unexpected hurdles.

5. Audience Interaction: Phone Calls and Listener Engagement

Holiday Hosting Tips:
A listener named David seeks advice on hosting a first-time Christmas party. Pollock offers practical tips on etiquette, troubleshooting, and maintaining a positive atmosphere:

David Pollock [36:24]: “Always be there for your wife... have patience, and realize that it will eventually come to an end.”

This segment adds a personal touch to the show, showcasing the hosts’ ability to provide valuable life advice beyond sports.

Officiating Challenges in High School Sports:
Randy from Idaho shares his experiences as a high school football official, discussing the pressures from parents and the challenges faced on the field:

David Pollock [12:50]: “They should say, we're going to make the game available for you to watch it after. The kids are usually fine.”

Pollock empathizes with Randy’s frustrations, shedding light on the often-overlooked pressures faced by officials in youth sports.

6. Broader Sports Concerns: NBA Three-Point Debate

NBA’s Three-Point Overload:
The hosts critique the NBA’s heavy reliance on three-point shots, suggesting a potential overhaul to make the game more watchable. Patrick proposes removing the three-point line to alter the game’s dynamics:

Dan Patrick [49:07]: “Really just remove the three point line. You open up the entire court.”

Pollock contemplates the implications of such a change, emphasizing the challenge of adapting teams built around three-point shooters:

David Pollock [49:24]: “You drafted people, they specialize in this. That's the hard part.”

This debate underscores the tension between evolving game strategies and maintaining the sport’s traditional appeal.

7. Best and Worst of the Weekend: Listener Feedback

Best of the Weekend:

• Arizona State’s Cam Scatterbo:
  Pollock lauds Cam Scatterbo’s outstanding performance, noting his dominance on the field:

  Marvin [46:56]: “How good is he? So good.”

  David Pollock [47:02]: “Sixteen carries, 170 yards, two touchdowns. Nobody wanted to tackle. Even if you wanted to tackle, you couldn't tackle this dude.”

• Kansas City Chiefs:
  The Chiefs are celebrated for their consistent yet sneaky victories in close games:

  David Pollock [46:15]: “They just keep sneaking by, squeezing by.”

Worst of the Weekend:

• Miami Dolphins at SOFI Stadium:
  The Rams' inability to capitalize on home-field advantage is criticized:

  Dan Patrick [47:30]: “The Rams easily worst home field advantage in the NFL.”

• Iowa State’s Loss to Sun Devils:
  Pollock expresses disappointment over Iowa State’s substantial loss in the Big 12 title game:

  Dan Patrick [45:51]: “My worst of the weekend was Iowa State losing by 26 to the Sun Devils in the Big 12 title game.”

8. Additional Highlights: Yacht Rock Documentary and Pop Culture

Yacht Rock Documentary Review:
The hosts discuss an HBO documentary on Yacht Rock, specifically highlighting Toto’s contributions to music and their cultural impact:

Dan Patrick [44:16]: “Loved the... Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, band members from Toto found it very fascinating.”

David Pollock [44:22]: “You come away with a whole different perspective of Toto.”

This segment bridges sports with pop culture, providing listeners with a well-rounded entertainment experience.

9. Concluding Insights and Future Projections

Future of Player Salaries and Team Strategies:
Pollock and Patrick speculate on the future trajectories of player salaries and team strategies, considering the rising costs of contracts and the evolving nature of sports management:

David Pollock [06:25]: “But basketball, the NBA, it just do the math. And I still think Shay Gilgis, Alexander or Luka Doncic are going to be the first 100 million dollar a year basketball players.”

Playoff Predictions and Team Performance:
The duo wraps up with predictions for the upcoming playoffs, emphasizing the Chiefs’ unparalleled ability to perform under pressure and secure victories:

Dan Patrick [46:03]: “My best of the weekend to me, the clear winners are the Chiefs.”

David Pollock [46:15]: “It's weird that I feel if I'm a Chiefs fan, better that we're squeaking by, because that's what the playoffs is all about.”

Throughout the episode, The Dan Patrick Show maintains a balance between in-depth sports analysis and relatable discussions, making it a valuable listen for both avid sports fans and casual listeners seeking engaging content.