The Dan Patrick Show – Hour 2: Lamar Jackson’s Status Questions, Bill Cowher Interview

Date: October 27, 2025
Podcast: The Dan Patrick Show
Host: Dan Patrick
Guest: Bill Cowher (Hall of Fame Coach)

Overview

In this engaging hour, Dan Patrick and his crew dive into the biggest storylines in the NFL and college football, with a special focus on Lamar Jackson’s controversial absence, the MVP race, and the rapidly shifting landscape of college coaching. The highlight of the hour is a lively, candid interview with Hall of Fame coach Bill Cowher. The discussion covers league officiating, the trade deadline, MVP criteria, the dubious Steelers throwback uniforms, and more, blending insight, banter, and nostalgia.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Lamar Jackson’s Surprise Inactivity and NFL Transparency

[04:10–10:15]

• Dan details the confusion around the Ravens’ late change to Lamar Jackson’s injury status against the Bears, which dramatically shifted Las Vegas betting lines.

• Patrick and Paulie break down the issues with NFL disclosure protocols, noting how the sudden Saturday injury update affected both teams, bettors, and league credibility.

  Quote:
  “This comes down to information. This is about gambling—making sure that everybody knows who’s playing... If Lamar’s playing and you’re home in a must-win, that’s why I said, ‘Man, they’re favored by six and a half.’”
  —Dan Patrick, [08:45]

• Speculation about potential NFL penalties (loss of draft picks, fines) if the Ravens are found to have misled the league and public.

2. MVP Frontrunners and the Difficulty for Non-Quarterbacks

[03:45–07:21, 14:20–15:25, 32:28–34:31]

• Mahomes is the “default” MVP betting favorite, but some feel this season hasn’t been special for him statistically.

• Discussion about why running backs and defensive players rarely win MVP, despite huge statistical seasons.
  Jonathan Taylor’s 14 touchdowns are noted; Dan and Bill Cowher both argue he would need a spectacular total (30+) to really get voter attention.

  Quote:
  “With a running back, no matter what a defensive lineman does, there’s no way he’s going to be MVP.”
  —Bill Cowher (paraphrased), [14:23]

  “You got to give the voters a number where they go, ‘I can’t ignore that.’”
  —Dan Patrick, [14:29]

• Cowher argues the “heartbeat” of the Colts is Jonathan Taylor, not Daniel Jones, and questions the prevailing MVP criteria:
  “That football team, to me—Daniel Jones compliments Jonathan Taylor. Not the other way around.”
  —Bill Cowher, [34:30]

3. NFL Trade Deadline Scenarios

[06:11–07:47, 30:24–31:08]

• The crew speculates about possible blockbuster trades, especially for Dallas (missing an elite pass rusher), mentioning names like Max Crosby and Myles Garrett.

• Cowher weighs in on why trading “generational players” like Myles Garrett would be a mistake, noting the negative message it would send to the team.

  Quote:
  “He’s a generational player, Dan. You don’t trade generational players... Are you giving up on this season?”
  —Bill Cowher, [29:19]

4. Coaching Future: College Football’s Carousel

[10:30–13:40]

• The panel discusses top college football job openings and the wisdom (or folly) of massive contract buyouts.

• Dan speculates on potential returns for Nick Saban or Jon Gruden; ponders whether Lincoln Riley’s long contract is holding back USC from making changes.

• On coaching job appeal: LSU stands out due to talent, atmosphere, and the fact that even unconventional hires have found championship success.

• “LSU football is the biggest show in that state—including the Saints.” —Paulie, [12:35]

5. Fan Calls: Best & Worst of the Weekend

[13:56–15:50, 16:23–17:26, 54:39–55:47]

• Listeners contribute bests and worsts of the weekend, ranging from team performances (George Pickens’ celebrations, Jonathan Taylor for MVP) to moral victories and travel-ready fanbases.

  Quote:
  “There’s a few fanbases where no matter where, they never have a true road game—Cowboys, 49ers, Steelers, Packers...”
  —Marvin, [15:52]

Notable Interview: Bill Cowher

[26:35–40:41]

Perspectives on Officiating

• Admits he was much more prone to “get upset” at bad calls as a coach.
• Comments on the evolution of review systems and officiating standards.

Steelers Defense & Uniforms

• Breaks down “pivotal” moments in the Steelers’ latest loss; advises caution in overanalyzing from a few bad series.

• Strongly dislikes the Steelers’ throwback uniforms, humorously expressing that he’d have done everything possible to veto them.

  Quote:
  “I don’t like them at all. I mean—throwback? I don’t know. I’d make every attempt [to veto], not try to upset anybody, but let them know—‘not my favorite uniform!’”
  —Bill Cowher, [31:13, 31:48]

Trade Philosophy

• Advocates for “upgrading defense” if you’re contending (i.e., Cowboys); building, not dismantling.

On MVP and the Colts

• Argues running backs deserve more MVP love, highlighting Jonathan Taylor’s outsized impact.

Personal Highlights & Banter

• Dan prompts Cowher’s best “player” moment—a blocked punt on Giants kicker Ali Haji-Sheikh, which led to a fun fact: it was Haji-Sheikh’s first-ever punt!

• Cowher relishes that John Madden telestrated his play.

  Quote:
  “I did block a punt against Ali Haji Sheikh in the New York Giants... Having John Madden do a telestrator on you was pretty cool, right?”
  —Bill Cowher, [34:42–36:08]

• Lively banter on why certain interview questions are so “impossible” for a coach in the heat of battle:

  • “The only thing that matters is the second half. Next question.” [38:34]

• Dan and Cowher close with a laugh on jersey numbers and the transient life of special teams players.

• Cowher: “I appreciate you allowing me to go down memory lane… these are special memories.” [40:31]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Coaching Patience:
  “I get the feeling USC might have moved on from Lincoln Riley had he not had this long contract. But it feels like the boosters, everybody is lacking patience.”
  —Dan Patrick, [10:30]

• On Throwback Uniforms:
  “It looked like they had khaki pants on, Coach.” – Dan Patrick, [32:09]
  “The top wasn’t much better, it was not much better.” – Bill Cowher, [32:13]

• On Inside Football Knowledge:
  “Your wife is not asking you this stuff. She doesn’t care.”
  —Dan Patrick, [37:51]
  “No, I tell her every now and then—reminder, I did play.”
  —Bill Cowher, [37:56]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Lamar Jackson Status & Gambling Concerns: 04:10–10:15
• NFL MVP Odds and Criteria: 03:45–07:21
• Cowher Interview Begins: 26:35
• Steeler’s loss & Defensive Analysis: 27:05–29:06
• On Myles Garrett Trading: 29:06–30:15
• Cowboys Defense & Trade Deadline: 30:15–31:08
• Steelers Uniforms Banter: 31:08–32:19
• Running Backs as MVPs: 32:28–34:31
• Cowher’s Player Highlight/Blocked Punt: 34:37–37:39
• Best & Worst of the Weekend Calls: 13:56–15:50; 54:39–55:47

Tone & Style

The episode is sharply analytical but also light-hearted, brimming with sports-nerd detail, inside jokes, and playful ribbing—especially during the Cowher interview. Both Dan Patrick and Bill Cowher use humor to shade their frank opinions, making for a blend of technical sports talk and easy banter.

This hour captures why fans love sports radio: informed takes, open debates, and genuine personalities reflecting on both games and their own storied histories.