The Dan Patrick Show

Hour 2 – NFL Week 2 Reactions, Bill Cowher

Date: September 15, 2025
Host: Dan Patrick
Guest: Bill Cowher (Hall of Fame NFL Coach, CBS Analyst)

Episode Overview

This episode of The Dan Patrick Show dives deep into key takeaways from NFL week 2, with a focus on quarterback injuries, evolving NFL rules (notably the controversial Eagles “Tush Push” play), and pivotal moments from the weekend. Highlighting the hour is a candid interview with Hall of Fame coach Bill Cowher, who provides experienced insight into coaching philosophies, the Steelers' season, special teams' impact, and his strong stance against the "Tush Push." Interactive segments with callers add fans’ perspectives and humor, creating an engaging recap for sports fans.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Monday NFL Headlines

• Joe Burrow Injury: Dan reports breaking news that Joe Burrow will be out for “at least three months” due to toe surgery, referencing Adam Schefter ([03:25]).
• Kansas City Chiefs’ 0-2 Start: Roundtable discusses the Chiefs’ surprising back-to-back losses, offensive struggles, and Mahomes’ missed opportunities ([05:00-06:49]).
  • Dan: “If they get into the playoffs, that’s it...all you want to do is get in. Because once you get in, you have the best closer in football.”
• Philadelphia Eagles & The Tush Push: Dan analyzes Dean Blandino’s frustration with officiating the infamous Tush Push, suggesting the play’s days may be numbered ([06:49-08:54]):
  • “This is the excuse that is going to be made for the NFL to get rid of the tush push because you’re going to say we just can’t officiate it.”
• Margin of Error for Top Teams: Dan points out Chiefs games previously won with slim margins now slipping away, indicating league parity.

2. The "Tush Push" Controversy

• Team Reactions:
  • Seaton: “This was the first time that I watched an Eagles game where I was like, alright, I’m kind of sick of this play...enough with this.” ([08:54])
  • Paulie references Tom Brady questioning how officials actually mark the spot, noting a lack of transparency ([15:57-16:24]).
• Fairness & Aesthetics:
  • Dan and team debate whether to outlaw a play simply because one team executes it better.
    • Dan: “At some point you do have to acknowledge that they figured out the system, that these kickers are really, really good.”
  • Todd: “Much like the Tush Push...find a way to stop it or get better at it on offense.”
  • Seaton: “I’m more interested in a neutral’s opinion at this point...man, was it boring to watch.”
• Officiating Challenge: The lack of injury data leaves the NFL searching for another reason to ban the play, with officials now saying it’s impossible to call fairly.

3. Fans’ Best and Worst of the Weekend

• Fun, rapid-fire calls and roundtable:
  • Bests: Dodgers’ win at Oracle Park, Russel Wilson’s deep ball success, Cam Bynum’s celebration, Cal Raleigh’s historic home run tying Mickey Mantle ([09:39-10:46]).
  • Worsts: Giants’ penalties, Chiefs’ loss, the tediousness of the Tush Push, egregious calls.

4. Special Teams and Kicking Game

• Dan: “You know...kickers are so good now we want to change the rules.”
• Callers and studio debate whether to lengthen end zones or alter the game for kickers’ booming field goals.
• Bill Cowher (later in episode): Notes special teams and kickers’ outsized impact in early season outcomes.

5. Tom Brady as a Analyst

• Dan critiques Brady’s TV efforts, arguing ex-players can “over prepare,” pushing information instead of being naturally insightful ([16:24]).
  • “Nobody is going to question Tom’s football acumen, but it’s do you sound natural? Are you letting the game come to you?”

Feature Interview: Bill Cowher

Starts: [23:58]

Coaching Early in the Season

• Perspective on September: Cowher echoes Bill Belichick’s “September as preseason” mentality—use the first month to gather info, tweak the system, and not panic.
  • “It’s been an exciting first two weeks, no question about it.” ([23:58])
  • “I really wanted to know what we couldn’t do more than what we could do.”
• September goals: Go .500 or better, but avoid peaking early—best football should be played late ([24:52-26:16]).

On the Steelers & NFL Learning Curves

• Cites “teaching moments” like a rookie’s kickoff blunder, comparing it to a Plexico Burress incident in 2000. Emphasizes learning from early miscues ([26:16-28:40]).

The Challenge of Coaching Under a Spotlight

• Intensity & Awareness: Cowher was animated/emotional and strategic about when to be calm or “the storm” on the sideline ([28:40-30:11]).
  • “Sometimes I needed to be the storm. I felt like we’re sleepwalking out there—I’m going to start getting to people’s faces.”

The Tush Push—Direct Criticism

• Cowher: Outspoken opposition—“It’s not a football play. It’s a scrum...they eliminated it in rugby because it wasn’t a safe play but we keep it in the NFL.” ([30:34])
  • Worried about injuries, thinks it’s unsightly and unstrategic.
  • “We gotta wait for some kind of catastrophic injury to change it?”
  • “If you want to do the quarterback sneak, do what Bart Starr did. I’m not taking away the quarterback sneak—love the quarterback sneak—but not the tush push. Come on.”
• On Officials' Struggles: Sides with Blandino and Dan that the NFL may use the challenge of officiating as justification to outlaw the play ([32:05-32:40]).
  • “When do you stop the push? It makes it very hard for officials to understand...at what point is the play over?”

Rule Fairness and Play Aesthetics

• Rails against offsides, leverage calls, and how certain advantages (pushing on offense) aren’t reciprocal on defense ([34:09-34:58]).
• On the Broncos’ “leverage” penalty: Agrees it’s a correct call, but very harsh at 15 yards.

On the Bengals' Dilemma

• With Joe Burrow out: “Jake Browning is going to be the guy right now, but Kirk Cousins might be a better fit if the Bengals want to stay ‘all in’ this year.” ([35:05-36:32])

Rivalry Nostalgia & Coaching Emotions

• Reminisces about deep-rooted NFL coaching rivalries (Harbaugh-Carroll, Cowher-Billick), getting playfully riled up discussing his animosity against the Ravens and coach Brian Billick ([36:44-38:30]).

Notable Quotes

• Bill Cowher:
  • “It’s not a strategical play. Football is a game of strategy...I’m not trying to get rid of the quarterback sneak...but not the tush push. Come on.” ([31:46])
  • On coaching style: “Sometimes I needed to be the storm. I felt like we were sleepwalking out there.” ([28:56])
  • “I just think it’s a dangerous play. I know there’s not been any data to support that, but I don’t even think it’s a good looking play.” ([31:00])
• Dan Patrick:
  • “The margin of error...You win those games, then all of a sudden you’re not.” ([05:07])
  • “At some point you have to acknowledge they figured out the system, these kickers are really, really good.” ([13:27])
  • On Tom Brady’s analysis: “Don’t cram things in. Just give me an honest opinion of you and all your experience.” ([16:24])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [03:25]: NFL headlines, Burrow injury news
• [05:00-06:49]: Chiefs' loss to Eagles, Mahomes' struggles
• [06:49-09:18]: The Tush Push controversy and officiating challenges
• [09:39-13:27]: Fan calls: Best and worst of the weekend
• [13:27-15:04]: Debate about changing kicking rules
• [15:57-16:24]: Tom Brady’s TV analysis critiqued
• [23:58]: Bill Cowher interview begins
• [30:34]: Cowher on Tush Push: “Not a football play. It’s a scrum.”
• [35:05]: Bengals’ QB situation post-Burrow injury
• [36:44]: NFL coaching rivalries, emotion on the sidelines
• [46:16]: Poll results: Worst weekend in college football
• [46:40-49:06]: Roundtable: Best/worst of the weekend
• [49:06-53:10]: More fan calls, technology in officiating

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Dean Blandino’s honest TV moment: “I can’t officiate this anymore” (paraphrased by Dan)—used as a springboard to discuss how the league may address the Tush Push.
• Cowher’s passion: Goes from thoughtful analyst to animated ex-coach, particularly when recalling the Steelers-Ravens rivalry:
  • Dan: "Did you not like Brian Billick?"
  • Cowher: "Well, he was a part of the Baltimore Ravens. I’m just saying." ([37:44])
• Rich player/fan anecdotes: Call-ins recalling Wheel of Punishment, Cam Bynum’s end-zone dance, and an encounter with broadcasting legend Doc Emrick.

Original Language and Tone

Authentic, conversational, and lively—Dan and the Danettes blend analysis, banter, and listener participation. Cowher’s blunt, old-school NFL tone rings through, while fan callers bring humor and passion.

Summary Table: Poll Results (46:16)

| Poll Question | Winner | Notes | |-----------------------------------------|--------------|-----------------------------| | Worst weekend in CFB | UCLA | Edged out Clemson | | NFL Tush Push opinion (studio) | Boring/ban | Most dislike it as neutral |

Conclusion

Hour 2 of The Dan Patrick Show is a rich tapestry of NFL reactions, rule controversies, coaching wisdom, and fan engagement. Bill Cowher’s guest spot adds gravitas, especially as the debate over the Tush Push intensifies and new injury storylines shape the season. Whether you’re a passionate fan or casual observer, this episode captures the pulse of the NFL, blending expert perspective with accessible, spirited dialogue.