The Dan Patrick Show

Episode Title: Hour 2 – Criticizing Quarterbacks, Chris Simms
Date: September 26, 2025
Host: Dan Patrick (with Paulie, Seaton, Fritzi, Marv, and guests)
Notable Guest: Chris Simms (Pro Football Talk Live co-host, Football Night in America contributor)

Overview

This episode centers on the evolving landscape of quarterback criticism in the NFL—highlighting shifting perceptions of stars like Russell Wilson, Kyler Murray, and Tua Tagovailoa. Dan and the crew blend their signature humor with analysis and fan engagement, culminating in a candid interview with Chris Simms on the Hall of Fame prospects of current quarterbacks, challenges facing NFL franchises, and fan-favorite quarterback debates.

Main Discussion Points & Insights

1. Quarterback Criticism and Hall of Fame Debates

• The show opens by dissecting recent criticism aimed at Russell Wilson by former players Tony Gonzalez and Richard Sherman ("Russ is washed… the Legion of Boom is the reason why he was successful in Seattle" [09:46, Dan Patrick]).
• Dan and Chris Simms debate Wilson's Hall of Fame credentials and compare his career arc to that of Matthew Stafford.
• Kyler Murray and Tua Tagovailoa's performances and contracts are also scrutinized, with discussion about whether NFL teams are overvaluing and overpaying mid-tier quarterbacks.

2. Kyler Murray, Tua Tagovailoa, and Critique by Ex-Players

• Cam Newton’s comments on Tua (“Come on, dog…especially when you’ve got a Ferrari and a Lamborghini…”) prompt Tua to fire back, dismissing the ease of outside criticism. Dan asserts Cam’s right to criticize, given his credentials ([11:27-12:00]).
• Dan: “Cam was an MVP… Not a clipboard holder. He helped carry an offense to the Super Bowl.” [12:00]

3. Polling and Listener Engagement

• Ongoing poll questions:
  • “Vikings letting Sam Darnold leave: right at the time, or will haunt them?” [13:43-14:17]
  • “NFL franchise that feels least competitive: Cardinals, Browns, Jets, Other?” [14:25-14:30]
    • Majority pick: Jets (“That’s a mess. That’s just the best.” [14:28])

4. Impact of Team Culture and Leadership

• Discussion about the fate and perpetual struggles of certain franchises (notably the Jets).
• “I don’t think they’ve had good coaches, haven’t been able to find their next Joe Namath.” [15:32, Dan Patrick]

5. Fan Calls & T-Shirt Humor

• Listeners call in about quarterback evaluations and anecdotal takes on NFL culture and driving etiquette, with an ongoing lighthearted debate about new show T-shirt slogans inspired by traffic (“If I’m going too slow, Todd Fritz said, go around me.” [06:04])

6. Chris Simms' Appearance: In-Depth QB Analysis

• Russell Wilson:
  • Chris Simms contends Wilson is not a surefire Hall of Famer, questioning his leadership and on-field limitations as the game and team context changed.
    • “We’ve seen a number of locker rooms… Russell Wilson’s a nice guy, but is he a leader? Is he one of the guys?” [25:22]
• Matthew Stafford:
  • Simms contrasts Stafford’s career, highlighting his impact on a struggling Lions team and how supporting casts shape QB legacies.
• Kyler Murray:
  • Murray has entered the “make-or-break” phase; needs to “make some plays, win some football games" (29:30).
• Tua Tagovailoa/QB Contracts:
  • Simms supports holding QBs to higher scrutiny when they take top-dollar deals: “I want to see those results. I’m going to blame that quarterback, too.” [32:11]
• Daniel Jones:
  • “Is a lot better than people realize…if you’re around crap all the time, you start to smell like crap and it gets on you, and then you just don’t look so good.” [34:28, Chris Simms]
• Simms critiques NFL teams for overpaying QBs "four times more" than the best players regardless of results.
• Justin Herbert under Jim Harbaugh:
  • Praises Harbaugh’s effect—changing culture, building QB confidence, and unlocking out-of-pocket playmaking (40:00+).

7. Must-Win Games and Key NFL Matchups

• Simms and Dan debate Week 4’s “must-win” games.
  • "Most must-win is the Ravens–Chiefs game… Chiefs are a team right now that I go—it’s not close. They’re in trouble." [36:04, Chris Simms]

Notable Quotes & Moments

"Russ is washed... the Legion of Boom is the reason why he was successful in Seattle. I don't think either of those are correct."
— Dan Patrick [09:46]

“He’s not a clipboard holder. He’s not Chase Daniel breaking down film or Dan Orlovsky... Cam played the position at a very high level.”
— Dan Patrick, defending Cam Newton's critique of Tua [12:00]

“That’s the best. You know, when you see…I saw a Jets fan...I said, hey, good luck...He goes, 'Oh, we need more than luck. We need talent.'”
— Dan Patrick [14:25]

“If you’re around crap all the time, you start to smell like crap and crap gets on you…The support system wasn’t correct for Daniel Jones…Now you give him a little offense, 'Oh my gosh'...”
— Chris Simms on Daniel Jones [34:28]

“He’s getting outside the pocket and making plays out there. That was the only area [Herbert] really lacked behind the great ones…You’re seeing that this year—he’s playing as good as anybody in the NFL right now at quarterback.”
— Chris Simms on Justin Herbert’s evolution [40:00+]

“That play at the 1…That might be the most important play as far as legacy shaping in NFL history.”
— Marv referencing the Super Bowl interception and its impact on Russ, the Seahawks, and Tom Brady [50:49]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Quarterback Criticism & Hall of Fame: Russell Wilson, Stafford, Kyler Murray:
  [09:46] – [28:18]
• Cam Newton vs Tua—Response and Dan's Breakdown:
  [11:27] – [12:00]
• Chris Simms interview – Wilson, Stafford, QB/contract talk, Daniel Jones, Herbert:
  [25:14] – [41:11]
• Simms on Vikings & Sam Darnold:
  [37:28] – [38:32]
• Listener phone calls on Russ, Seahawks, Super Bowl interception fallout:
  [48:59] – [51:13]
• Discussion on Week 4 NFL & College Football matchups:
  [45:00] – [47:00]

Additional Highlights

• The show threads humor and T-shirt/badge slogan banter through otherwise earnest sports analysis.
• Ongoing in-show polls create audience engagement and recallable memes (e.g. “If I passed you on the right, you must be Todd Fritz”).
• Lively debates on the meritocracy of the NFL and how legacy is built or dismantled by single plays or seasons.
• Simms' critical perspective stands out, especially regarding NFL contract structures and franchise quarterback expectations (“Agents and GMs have fooled the rest of the world…” [32:11]).

Episode Tone and Language

Dan, the crew, and Chris Simms maintain a mix of irreverent humor, blunt honesty, and old-school sports commentary—balancing in-depth analysis with relatable, sometimes self-deprecating, fan banter.

This summary conveys the episode’s key points for listeners and non-listeners alike, preserves memorable quotes, and includes timestamps for further reference.