The Dan Patrick Show
Hour 2 – QB Yards Are Overrated, Drew Brees
Release Date: August 8, 2025

In the second hour of "The Dan Patrick Show," host Dan Patrick engages in a comprehensive discussion about the evolving role of quarterbacks (QBs) in the NFL, particularly focusing on the debate surrounding the importance of passing yards versus other performance metrics. With insights from his co-hosts and special guest Drew Brees, the episode delves into how modern QBs are redefining success on the field and what this means for their legacy and Hall of Fame prospects.

Poll Results: Least Affordable Pro Bowl Position

The segment begins with a poll question posed to listeners: "Which position can a team least afford to lose a Pro Bowl player?" The options included offensive tackle, defensive end, cornerback, and wide receiver. The results were overwhelmingly in favor of the offensive tackle position, garnering 74% of the votes.

Dan Patrick ([03:15]):
"Yeah, that's a big loss. Big loss for the Chargers. Rashawn Slater is one of the best left tackles in football..."

Discussion Highlights:

• Impact of Losing an Offensive Tackle: The loss of a key offensive tackle like Rashawn Slater can have a domino effect on the entire offensive line, affecting both pass protection and run-blocking schemes.
• Team Performance Dependency: Teams heavily reliant on their offensive line for running the ball and protecting the QB may find themselves vulnerable without a top-tier tackle.

QB Yardage Debate: Are Yards Overrated?

The conversation transitions to the central theme of the episode: the significance of passing yards for quarterbacks.

Dan Patrick ([04:45]):
"I think yards are overrated. Sometimes you'll go, hey, that guy threw for 5,000 yards... But he's got a Super Bowl to show for it."

Key Points:

• Quality Over Quantity: Patrick argues that accumulating high passing yards doesn't necessarily equate to a quarterback's effectiveness or leadership, emphasizing that winning games and championships are more tangible indicators of success.
• Longevity and Legacy: Comparing veterans like Drew Brees and Tom Brady, who have amassed significant yardage but are also celebrated for their Super Bowl victories, versus younger QBs who may not yet have such accolades.

Rushing Yards and Their Impact on QB Evaluation

The discussion shifts to the increasing emphasis on QBs' ability to run and accumulate rushing yards.

Dan Patrick ([07:18]):
"Jalen Hurts is not a guy who's going to put up big yards. And I think because of that, we look at him and maybe he's just a great football player...he just knows how to play the position."

Insights:

• Dual-Threat QBs: Players like Jalen Hurts, Lamar Jackson, and Josh Allen are praised for their mobility and ability to add points through rushing, challenging traditional metrics that prioritize passing statistics.
• Hall of Fame Considerations: The panel discusses how these dual-threat abilities might influence QBs' chances of entering the Hall of Fame, pondering whether rushing stats will become a significant factor in their legacy.

Hall of Fame Prospects for Modern QBs

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to analyzing the Hall of Fame potential of current QBs based on their unique skill sets.

Dan Patrick ([11:00]):
"He just knows how to play the position. But as far as the numbers that go along with being a great quarterback, he doesn't measure up to them...but he does know how to win."

Notable Comparisons:

• Russell Wilson: Considered for his early career success and playoff performances, but questions arise about his overall yardage and consistency.
• Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen: Speculated to accumulate unprecedented rushing yards for QBs, potentially changing the criteria for Hall of Fame induction.
• Troy Aikman Comparison: Devin (co-host) suggests that without continued success, some QBs might resemble Aikman, who, despite a solid career, might not be considered among the greatest without additional accolades.

Evaluating Quarterbacks Beyond Traditional Statistics

The hosts delve into alternative methods for assessing QB performance, moving beyond standard metrics like passing yards and touchdowns.

Dan Patrick ([13:39]):
"There's so much more to add. ... what type of decision maker they are because if they are making more good decisions, then good results will follow."

Discussion Points:

• Decision-Making Efficiency: Emphasis on a QB's ability to make smart decisions, avoid sacks, and minimize turnovers as critical components of their effectiveness.
• Game Management: Evaluating how QBs manage the game, including their ability to keep drives alive, control the clock, and lead comebacks.

Future of QB Assessment Metrics

Looking ahead, the panel discusses how the evaluation of quarterbacks might evolve to incorporate a broader range of performance indicators.

Dan Patrick ([40:54]):
"I think when you really start to break it down, that's what you're looking for."

Key Considerations:

• Comprehensive Metrics: Integration of advanced statistics that account for a QB's overall contribution to winning, including leadership, clutch performance, and adaptability.
• Holistic Evaluation: Moving towards a more nuanced understanding of a QB's role, recognizing that raw numbers don't capture the entirety of their impact on the game.

Guest Insights: Drew Brees on Broadcasting and Legacy

In an interlude, Drew Brees shares his experiences transitioning from a celebrated NFL career to broadcasting, highlighting the differences in evaluating performance on and off the field.

Drew Brees ([27:12]):
"I have an insight to the game that is pretty unique, given my playing experience...I just feel like there's so much more to add."

Highlights:

• Broadcasting Perspective: Brees discusses how his playing background influences his approach to analyzing and commenting on the game.
• Legacy Beyond Statistics: Emphasizes that a player's legacy is also shaped by their leadership, work ethic, and contributions to their team and community.

Conclusion: Redefining QB Excellence

The episode wraps up with a consensus that success for quarterbacks should be measured by their ability to lead their teams to victories, make intelligent decisions, and adapt to the evolving nature of the game. The hosts agree that while traditional statistics like passing yards remain significant, they are no longer the sole indicators of a QB's prowess or potential Hall of Fame candidacy.

Dan Patrick ([43:00]):
"I would much rather throw it to the guys."

Final Thoughts:

• Adaptive Roles: QBs are now expected to be versatile, contributing both in the passing game and on the ground.
• Holistic Evaluation: The NFL and its analysts may need to adopt more comprehensive evaluation frameworks to accurately assess and compare quarterbacks across different eras and playing styles.

This episode of "The Dan Patrick Show" offers a nuanced exploration of quarterback performance metrics, challenging listeners to reconsider traditional views on what makes a successful and legendary QB in today's NFL landscape.