Hour 2 – Running Backs Matter, Dan Orlovsky

Summary

Summary of "Hour 2 – Running Backs Matter, Dan Orlovsky" on The Dan Patrick Show

Release Date: January 3, 2025
Host: Dan Patrick
Guests: Todd Fritz, Paul Pabst, Dan Orlovsky

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Introduction

In the second hour of "The Dan Patrick Show," host Dan Patrick engages with co-host Todd Fritz and guest analysts Paul Pabst and Dan Orlovsky to discuss a range of topics spanning college football dynamics, NFL player evaluations, MVP races, and notable team performances. The conversation is punctuated with humor, personal anecdotes, and insightful commentary, making it both entertaining and informative for sports enthusiasts.

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Key Discussions

1. The Evolving Landscape of College Football and the Transfer Portal

Dan Patrick and Todd Fritz delve into the significant impact of the transfer portal on college football. They discuss how the ease of player transfers is reshaping team strategies and recruiting practices.

• Dan Patrick (05:30):
  "Transfer portal has changed everything. Coaches who can't adapt are falling behind."

• Todd Fritz (05:45):
  "It's a young man's game now. Coaches need to be more agile to keep up with the transfers."

Insights:

• Traditional recruiting is being supplanted by a more fluid transfer system.
• Young coaches are better adapting to these changes, potentially sidelining more established, "old school" coaches.
• The transfer portal increases competitiveness, allowing more teams to reach playoff contention by acquiring key players.

2. NFL Quarterback Evaluations: Sam Darnold vs. Caleb Williams

The conversation shifts to the NFL, focusing on quarterbacks Sam Darnold and Caleb Williams. The hosts debate the merits of retaining Darnold versus investing in emerging talents like J.J. McCarthy.

• Paul Pabst (09:06):
  "Sam Darnold's situation is improving. His off-season is crucial for his performance."

• Dan Patrick (10:16):
  "If you're committed to J.J. McCarthy, I franchise Sam Darnold. He's proven capable."

Insights:

• Sam Darnold is seen as a valuable asset with potential for growth.
• The Minnesota Vikings face a dilemma in balancing their quarterback roster between experienced and emerging players.
• Strategic decisions in quarterback management can significantly influence team performance and future prospects.

3. MVP Race and Player Performances

Dan Patrick and Todd Fritz analyze the current MVP race, highlighting key players like Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes, and Sam Darnold.

• Todd Fritz (23:37):
  "Josh Allen should win the MVP. His performance this season is undeniable."

• Dan Patrick (24:56):
  "Patrick Mahomes has adapted his playstyle recently and could be a strong contender for MVP."

Insights:

• Josh Allen's consistent performance positions him as a frontrunner for the MVP award.
• Patrick Mahomes' adaptability and leadership continue to make him a top candidate.
• Sam Darnold's unexpected Pro Bowl selection sparks debate about his impact relative to other contenders.

4. Jimmy Butler’s Future with the Miami Heat

A significant portion of the discussion centers on Jimmy Butler's potential desire to exit the Miami Heat in search of renewed passion and success in basketball.

• Dan Patrick (13:26):
  "Jimmy Butler wants to get his joy back from playing basketball. It’s unclear if Miami can offer that anymore."

• Todd Fritz (16:10):
  "Historically, Jimmy Butler at his age might have been traded to a team like the Knicks. It’s a consideration now."

Insights:

• Butler's commitment to regaining his competitive edge and happiness may lead to franchise changes.
• The Miami Heat's management must assess whether they can retain Butler or will need to explore trade options.
• Butler's influence extends beyond just on-court performance, impacting team dynamics and leadership.

5. College Football Playoffs and Team Predictions

The hosts provide their predictions for upcoming college football playoffs and Super Bowl contenders, emphasizing team strengths and weaknesses.

• Jake from Phoenix (Caller at 33:12):
  "The purpose of the playoffs is to let the best team prove it through wins, similar to the NFL."

• Dan Patrick (33:08):
  "With the playoff structure, the most unlikely pro bowler turned MVP candidate could be Sam Darnold."

Insights:

• The playoff system aims to ensure that the best teams compete for the championship through merit-based wins.
• Predictions highlight Ohio State's potential and question the depth of the SEC.
• Team strategies and player performances will be crucial in determining playoff success.

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Guest Segment: Dan Orlovsky

Dan Orlovsky joins the panel to offer his expert analysis on NFL strategies, playoff implications, and quarterback scenarios.

• Dan Orlovsky (19:44):
  "Baltimore winning the division and hosting a playoff game is a significant achievement for them and Lamar Jackson's MVP campaign."

• Dan Orlovsky (25:58):
  "In Minnesota, retaining Sam Darnold versus advancing with J.J. McCarthy will shape the team's future trajectory."

Key Points:

• Orlovsky emphasizes the strategic importance of running backs and balanced team dynamics.
• He discusses the evolving role of quarterbacks in modern NFL offenses.
• Insights into team leadership and locker room morale influence team performance and decision-making.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Dan Patrick (05:30):
  "Transfer portal has changed everything. Coaches who can't adapt are falling behind."

• Todd Fritz (16:10):
  "Historically, Jimmy Butler at his age might have been traded to a team like the Knicks. It’s a consideration now."

• Dan Patrick (24:56):
  "Patrick Mahomes has adapted his playstyle recently and could be a strong contender for MVP."

• Dan Orlovsky (19:44):
  "Baltimore winning the division and hosting a playoff game is a significant achievement for them and Lamar Jackson's MVP campaign."

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Listener Engagement and Personal Anecdotes

Throughout the episode, Dan and Todd engage with callers, addressing various topics from favorite Taylor Swift songs to personal New Year's celebrations. These interactions add a personable touch to the show, making it relatable and engaging for listeners.

• Caller Adam from Indiana (38:05):
  "Experiencing the Notre Dame home game playoff was unforgettable."

• Dan Patrick (29:58):
  "It's a great lesson for the kids out there. If scouts are coming over, measure out the yard lines correctly!"

Humorous Exchanges:

• Discussions about mayonnaise and personal stories about New Year's Eve game nights highlight the hosts' camaraderie and ability to blend sports talk with light-hearted conversation.

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Conclusion

In "Hour 2 – Running Backs Matter, Dan Orlovsky," The Dan Patrick Show offers a comprehensive analysis of current sports landscapes, blending in-depth discussions with engaging listener interactions. From the transformative effects of the transfer portal in college football to the strategic decisions facing NFL teams, the episode provides valuable insights for sports fans. Guest Dan Orlovsky enhances the conversation with his expertise, ensuring that listeners are well-informed and entertained throughout the hour.

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Notable Exclusions:
Advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content segments have been omitted to focus solely on the substantive discussions and insights provided during the show.

Transcript

[Dan Patrick]

Ah.

[Todd Fritz]

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[Dan Patrick]

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[Todd Fritz]

Yep. With resi priority notify they're alerted when hard to get reservations open up.

[Dan Patrick]

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[Todd Fritz]

Thanks to Amex platinum, the last day vacation brings yet another experience that's a powerful backing of American Express. Terms apply. Learn [e-mail] withamics if you love your.

[Dan Patrick]

Phone but not your carrier, just switch to T mobile. You can keep your phone, keep your number and we'll help pay it off up to $800 per line. You can also use our savings calculator to compare our plans and streaming benefits against Verizon and AT&T. So switch and keep your phone, keep your number and keep more of your moolah. @t mobile.com up to 4 lines via virtual prepaid card. Allow 15 days qualifying unlock device, credit service port in 90 plus days with device into eligible carrier and timely redemption. Required card has no cash access and expire in six months. You are listening to the Dan Patrick show on Fox Sports radio. It's hour two on this Friday. It's a meat Friday at that teriyaki chicken stir fry, spring rolls. Who has it better than we do? Nobody. Nobody is more excited than the spring rolls than Todd. That's just anything that has, like a Chinese food kind of theme. Sign me up. Yeah. Let's go. Hey, you're in a great mood. Really am. Yes, we all are. We all are. We get to come to work every day. We don't have to go to work. We get to go talking sports. We're eating. We've got some big games coming up this weekend. A lot of stuff going on. So the minister of humor is here. We have a rhyme time coming up a little bit later on. Yes, we got rhyme time right before we started the show. Yeah, Fritzi. Fritzi said it to me. He goes, hey, too early for rhyme time in the new year. And I go, nope, let's start out the new year. I'm surprised we didn't have it yesterday, but wonderful attitude by you. I appreciate it. Yes, it is. I. Hey, I'm a new me towards you. It's refreshing. I like it. Yes. That's my new year's resolution. When your wife and your daughter cornered me at my Christmas party and started interrogating me and they were breaking me down of, you know, can you be nicer to Todd. And I said, I, yes, I will be nicer to Todd. That is my goal, to be nicer to you. It's lovely knowing how sensitive I am. That helps. That helps the whole thing. Yes. I don't know if it's best for the show when I'm nice. Probably not. Now, do you want. Do you want have happy feelings or do you want to have a good show? I ultimately want to have a good show. Why can't we have the best of both worlds? I don't know if I have to be predicated upon. It can't be a good show if I don't rip Fritzi a few times. Why does that have to be yes, Marvin, Fair question. Has anybody else's significant others cornered you and asked you to be nicer to them? No. No. Either they don't care how I treat their husbands, or it's they're happy how I'm treating their husband. I don't know. Or they could fight their own battles. Yeah. For me. Why don't you talk to him? Because he won't listen to me. I saw Paulie's wife. She didn't say anything other than merry Christmas. Seton's wife. Your wife, Marvin. They were very complimentary, very nice. Appreciate. You know, the. The opportunity that I've. I've given you that to be great, to be a Dan it. There's a Danette in all of us. Well said. Well said. Is it well said? Do you want a Dan at in you? Whoa, whoa. Stat of the day, brought to you by Panini America. The official trading cards of this program. Fritzi. Dan Orlofsky of the mothership will join us. Coming up. Spend a lot of time talking about Notre Dame, getting it done against Georgia. I don't think it's the end of the SEC as we know it, but I do think they. They can't have blinders on. They got to be aware it's like Clemson with Dabo Sweeney. I'm not doing this, and I'm not doing this. Transfer port open. Yes, you will. Yes, you will. Yes, you are. Because everybody else is. And those days of, you know, there were certain times, certain programs like UCLA back in the 60s and 70s, they didn't have to recruit. You wanted to go there. You. You were lucky if they acknowledge Kentucky basketball back in the 70s and maybe the 80s, it was, hey, well, we might recruit you. You wanted to be recruited. So they didn't even have to work. Now you got to work because now it's transfer portal. It's nil. You got to also recruit. And this is why you're seeing it. It's a young man's game when it comes to coaching. You know, Nick Saban doesn't want to put up with this. He left, you know, Jay Wright at Villanova. I mean, this is you, even basketball. And you only have to recruit a couple of kids to get a couple of transfers here. But when Jim Laranega, who's a wonderful man, coached at Miami and he said, you know, we went to the Final Four and then I've got eight players who want to transfer him. Like, why? They wanted money, they wanted more money. And he's like, I got, I got to, I got to get out of here. This isn't what I signed up for. You got to be ready for this. And the coaches that are old school, you know, you're going to get your lunch handed to you now. That Georgia team was not a great team. I think we said that during the season. Didn't have the firepower, didn't have a running game. Your quarterback got injured. And I thought Notre Dame came prepared to take on SEC teams. And for years they always look slower, smaller and outmanned. And last night they were better than Georgia and showed it. And the SEC has not done well. I mean, the SEC can lay claim to Texas. I'm not going to let you do that. I mean, they've been there for what, not even 12 months. So you can't say we got one in the Final Four. Not really. Not really. You got kind of humbled here. Now you can say, yeah, but we got some teams into the playoffs. You did, but you know, they got some got roughed up. Alabama didn't get in, didn't deserve to get in. But we got these brands that we go. You got to put them in. You got to put them in. You don't have to, you know, this isn't Nick Saban, this isn't Urban Meer, this isn't Steve Spurier. It's not their SEC anymore. This is different. Yes. Marv. Yeah. Long gone are the days where Alvin Camara was the fourth string running back at Alabama and he had the transfer, transfer Frank Gore at Miami, he was a third string. All those guys, Kellen Winslow couldn't even see the field at Miami. Those gate, those days are over. Yes. Because you used to be able to stockpile. I mean, you could have a hundred players, guys who didn't even suit up. And they waited their turn. They had no place to go, transfer. You had to sit out A year now it's like, hey, I'm ready to go. Look at Notre Dame with the quarterbacking situation. Sam Hartman, Riley Leonard, proven commodities. And they were playing for programs that you didn't notice. You know, you're not watching Wake Forest, you're not watching Duke, and then all of a sudden you go, where's this guy from? And the guy can play. Riley Leonard was very good last night. And. And, you know, Georgia didn't have Carson back. And I don't think Carson Beck is a great quarterback, but he would have been an upgrade. But I don't think they would have beaten Notre Dame. But I do think we're starting to see nil and the transfer portal. You have more teams who are now can make it to the playoffs. So now you'll spend that money. Now you'll. You'll make that extra effort to bring somebody in. And it, you know, might be the. The end of these dinosaur kind of coaches who were there for 20, 30 years in the business. I don't. I think it'll drive them out because I think there's a whole lot to navigate and we don't even know where this sport's going in the next five years. But you're looking for more control. They're desperate for that control. That's what's driving these coaches crazy. Because, you know, you'll hear things like Nick Saban saying, oh, you shouldn't be able to transfer before a bowl game. I think Nick left a job and took another job during bull season a long time ago. Like, let's stop with the hypocrisy. It's happening now. Can you. You kind of mend it, mold it how you want it so it's betterment for everybody. I don't know, because it feels like these players can get paid and they can go someplace and they can play right away. That's what they want. All right, poll question for hour two is going to be what? So, you know, Connor, our two. Let's see. We could put up there. This one feels like a very deliberate poll from Paul Pabst. The most unlikely pro bowler. If I told you in August, would be Sam Darnold or Jaden Daniels, that feels like a very pro Sam Darnold.

[Todd Fritz]

Poll question.

[Dan Patrick]

Yeah, he is very. You're very pro Sam Darnold.

[Paul Pabst]

I'm pro. Sam Darnold's situation. His. His. His off season is getting better by the day.

[Dan Patrick]

Would you take Sam Darnold over Caleb Williams?

[Paul Pabst]

No, because it. Just because of age.

[Dan Patrick]

Okay. But. Well, they're not that much. Right. Different.

[Paul Pabst]

It's probably four years. Yeah, you're right. I just think Sam Darnold situation, you know, sometimes it's timing more than anything.

[Dan Patrick]

Yeah.

[Paul Pabst]

He's having a very good year. He hasn't cooled off. He's a free agent. Of course, like you said, the Vikings can end that with the franchise tag. But like, I think he's going to make more money than I thought a month ago. Because if the Raiders now need a quarterback and they're probably not going to get one in the draft, the Giants may not get one in the draft. And two weeks ago, both teams were primed to get quarterbacks. The market is getting thicker for him and I don't know if there's another free agent quarterback that's even close to him.

[Dan Patrick]

What if Aaron Rodgers is available for the Raiders?

[Paul Pabst]

If it were the same price for two years.

[Dan Patrick]

God, I don't. I wouldn't want that. I wouldn't sign up for that. No.

[Paul Pabst]

It seems like too much baggage and Sam has zero baggage.

[Dan Patrick]

Yeah.

[Paul Pabst]

Like you said, though, he might be just really good.

[Dan Patrick]

He's in a good. He's in a really good situation. Yes, he is. He is. But soon to be 28. So I would still franchise him if I thought J.J. mcCarthy. I mean, there's a reason why you drafted J.J. mcCarthy. Let's not forget about that. You knew Sam Darnold was coming in. You didn't go. We don't need to draft a quarterback. Sam Darnold was still 27 years of age, but they hadn't seen this. Now you see this. Now, is this the coach that's helping? Is this those two wide receivers helping? Yes, all the above. But if you're all in on J.J. mcCarthy. I franchise Sam Darnold. That's what I would do. Yes. Point.

[Paul Pabst]

If you're Darnold and his agent, do you try to avoid the franchise tag by giving a friendly but a friendly contract to The Vikings? Like three years, 115 million.

[Dan Patrick]

But then what are you doing with J.J. mcCarthy? You just spent.

[Paul Pabst]

He becomes Jordan Love, which is working out pretty well for the Packers. McCarthy has no recourse. He can't hold out. He can't renegotiate.

[Dan Patrick]

He's. What if they trade him? What could you get? Okay. He'd be the number one quarterback in this draft from what I'm told. Yeah. If J.J. mcCarthy was coming out now with these Cam Ward, Shador Sanders, he'd be the number one quarterback.

[Paul Pabst]

We actually said back in the day, should you consider trading Jordan Love. Once Aaron Rogers signed that little extension and they didn't. They held him. The Packers.

[Dan Patrick]

Yeah. All right. What else do you have, Sutton? We were also putting up there. Well, we're going to put. Are the best four teams in college football playing in the semi finals. Yes or no? Okay. That's a pretty easy one. Yeah, I'd say yes. I don't think there was a great team this year, even Oregon. I think there were still part of us that said, okay, but they beat Ohio State. And then I think that's when you kind of legitimize just how good they were. And then the rematch, you know, they got humbled there, but I don't think there was a great team this year. I think Ohio State has the highest upside to be great as opposed to everybody else. I thought Texas was going to be there, but I think Ohio State has that. They can be a great team. And we saw that certainly against Oregon. What else do you have there, Seaton? Let me get some early results for you. Okay. And we also have, if this is very targeted as well, from to double day. If I was an accomplished athlete looking to be traded, I would have a private conversation with the front office or make it public that I'm unhappy and want out. Who or whom is Todd referring to? So this is the Jimmy Butler situation. It may or may not be a Jimmy Bucket. Okay. Who are whom? There had been whispers for a while. Shams had said that he wants out. Jimmy Butler's agent said, you know, that's, you know, wrong. The reporting is not correct. And Jimmy met with the media. And then. Do you have that, Marvin? Here's Jimmy Butler talking about wanting to get out. What do I want to see happen? I want to see me get my joy back from playing basketball.

[Todd Fritz]

You and wherever that may be, we'll.

[Dan Patrick]

We'll find out here pretty soon. But I want to get my joy back. I'm happy here, you know, off the court, but I want to be back to somewhat dominant. I want to hoop, and I want.

[Todd Fritz]

To help this team win.

[Dan Patrick]

Right now I'm not doing that. Can you get your joy back here on the court? Probably not. Okay.

[Todd Fritz]

He.

[Dan Patrick]

He seems perpetually unhappy hall of Fame player, but we've been in Philly, we've been in Minnesota, we've been in Chicago, we're in Miami. And now we're headed to our fifth team. And I believe he's 36. So you're. You're with a very stable franchise. You have a Hall of Fame coach. You have been the focal Point. I don't know what Joy means to Jimmy Butler on the basketball court. I don't know. But, I mean, this is an above.500 team, I think. I don't know if this is where it stems from, but when they lost last year in the playoffs, and I think Jimmy Butler said, hey, if I had played, we would have won. And Pat Riley, the president of the Heat, said, hey, for those who didn't play, shut your mouths. And I was like, I think he's talking about Jimmy Butler. And I don't know if that kind of. That sting stayed with him or he felt or he took it personally. I would. But, you know, I think Jimmy was just saying, hey, if I was there, we. It would have been different. Okay, hey, shut your mouth. Or, you know, keep your mouth shut. I'm like, dang. All right, So I don't know if it stems from that, but, you know, he's not a franchise player. You're 36. You're not LeBron. And right now, if I add you to a roster, you're. You're a B edition, which can be great if you're the third guy. But I don't know, does he. Is that Joy to him? But, yeah, it feels like I was surprised that. That he. You know, that might be one of those. That you get the opportunity. There's whispers, hey, I'm not going to talk about it to. Then you get in front of the media. Well, now you made it public. Now there's no. Well, let me. There. Let me see if something's true here. Let me get another source now. I don't need another source. That source is just talking to me right now that he wants out. But, you know, I have somebody I trust with the Heat, and he went radio silent on me yesterday. Two weeks ago, he says he's not going anywhere. And I go, okay. So I text my friend yesterday, I said, jimmy's still not going anywhere. And I didn't get a response. Radio silent. Yes, Paul.

[Paul Pabst]

Historically, Jimmy Butler at his age seems like a guy the Knicks would have traded for in the past. You know, maybe his best work might be behind him. I don't know if they do that anymore in New York. They seem.

[Dan Patrick]

God, I hope they don't. Don't, don't. No, no, You're. You're. You're doing a good job. The Knicks are playing. What? Don't. This is where you'll see the teams interested in Jimmy Butler. Lakers. Quite. That'll be the first team, whether you know it. Golden State. It'll be the usuals here. And that doesn't mean that it's true or not, but you just throw out Lakers question mark. All right. When we come back, Dan Orlovsky will get his thoughts. The Buffalo Bills had two Pro bowl players. What does that mean? Also, his MVP vote would go to. And what do you do if you're the Minnesota Vikings with Sam Darnold? All of that. We'll try to get answers to more phone calls as well. We're back after this Dan Patrick show. Fox Sports Radio has the best sports talk lineup in the nation. Catch all of our [e-mail] and within the iHeartRadio app search FSR to listen live. Hey, Steve Covino. And I'm Rich Davis. And together we're Covino and Rich on Fox Sports Radio. You can catch us weekdays from 5 to 7pm Eastern, 2 to 4 Pacific.

[Todd Fritz]

On Fox Sports Radio. And of course, the iHeartRadio app.

[Dan Patrick]

Why should you listen to Covino and Rich? We talk about everything, life, sports, relationships, what's going on in the world. We have a lot of fun talking about the stories behind the stories in the world of sports and pop culture. Stories that, well, other shows don't seem to have the time to discuss. And the fact that we've been friends for the last 20 years and still work together, I mean, that says something, right? So check us out. We like to get you involved, too. Take your phone calls, chop it up, as they say. I'd say the most interactive show on Fox Sports Radio, maybe the most interactive show on planet Earth. Be sure to check out Covino Enriched Live live on Fox Sports radio and the iHeartradio app from 5 to 7pm Eastern, 2 to 4 Pacific. And if you miss any of the live show, just search Kobe, Known Rich wherever you get your podcast. And of course, on social media, that's covino and rich. 2025 is bound to be a fascinating year. It's going to be filled with money challenges and opportunities. I'm Joel oh, and I am Matt. And we're the hosts of how to Money. We want to be with you every step of the way in your financial journey this year, offering the information and insights you need to thrive financially. Yeah, whether you find yourself up to your eyeballs in student loan debt or you've got a sky high credit card balance because you went a little overboard with the holiday spending, or maybe you're looking to optimize your retirement accounts so you can retire early. Well, how to Money will help you to change Your relationship with money so you can stress less and grow your net worth. That's right. How to Money Come comes out three times a week, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. For money advice without the judgment and jargon, listen to how to Money on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. He is the peripatetic Dan Orlofsky. Always on the move and in fact, Dan, where are you right now?

[Todd Fritz]

Nowhere that I know what peripatetic means. I know that. But I am. I'm just south of like, I think Grand Central on the way to Philly and then on the way to Baltimore.

[Dan Patrick]

Okay, so you're taking the Amtrak train.

[Todd Fritz]

You got it.

[Dan Patrick]

Okay. Are you in the quiet car that you might get yelled at for talking?

[Todd Fritz]

We are going to find out.

[Dan Patrick]

I have no idea. Well, let's start with your game. What do you expect? Like, how important is this game?

[Todd Fritz]

Oh, I think it's a big deal. I mean, obviously Baltimore wins. They win the division, you know, and they get to host a playoff game. And, and you know, that' a huge deal to them. It's a huge deal to Harbaugh and Lamar, and Lamar's trying to cap off a very worthy MVP campaign as well. So it's a very big deal, you know, and I think that, you know, if we're just being candid about the seating and you say, okay, well, if you win the division, well, someone's got to go to you. And it's more than likely going to be maybe, you know, you'll see what happens if it's Pittsburgh or if it's the Chargers or whatnot. It we asked them that, like technically winning division, you might have to play the Chargers or the Steelers. Losing and not winning the division, you might get to play Houston. And I would argue most people would want to play Houston over the Steelers or the Chargers, but I think they wanted to win this vision.

[Dan Patrick]

Okay, you're 20 point favorites against Cleveland.

[Todd Fritz]

Yeah.

[Dan Patrick]

How did Cleveland like, really? Is Cleveland that bad?

[Todd Fritz]

Not individual talent wise and certainly not defensively. You know, defensively, when you look at their defense, Ross, you go, wait, a defense player of the year candidate. And you've got linebackers that are really good. Grant Delpitz playing really good. Denzel Ward's fantastic. Now Denzel Ward's not playing. So that's part of that. They just are so poor offensively right now. Obviously multiple quarterbacks have played this year. Baby Zappy's playing. They don't really have somebody outside on the perimeter that's really impactful outside of Jerry Judy, who's having a really good year. But they, I don't think they're that far off as a team, but they have obviously the massive question at quarterback in the future.

[Dan Patrick]

We're talking to Dan Orlovsky NFL Live, and he'll be on the call. That'll be Saturday with the Browns and the Ravens. Chris Fowler, Lewis Riddick, Laura Rutledge, kickoff 4:30 Eastern on the mothership and also ABC. You talked about Lamar being the MVP. How much confidence do you is there any difference in your confidence level for him in the postseason as opposed to in previous seasons?

[Todd Fritz]

I would think that they're more equipped this year with the people that they have. You know, the addition of Derrick Henry. In talking with them, both Lamar and Todd Monkin and Coach Harbaugh, they can't say enough good stuff. They can't bring up Derek's impact enough. And the way that in their words, you know, Todd Monkin stated it really well was if we can just stay on track, right, stay ahead of those chains, he goes, it gates us the opportunity to run the ball again. It doesn't negate the role of Derrick Henry and I think that's a really big deal. So I think they have more answers, the defenses and what they want to do against them. I think I'm way more confident in them. I'm always been confident in Lamar in that regard. More confident just because this is probably the best played and it's the slowest the game's ever been for him. There's also the reality of being said that it's you got, he's got to go do it when it's win or go home against, you know, a Patrick Mahomes, if that's the case. And so when it's that game, he's got to go play his best football. And until he does that in that moment, it's fair to have that question linger.

[Dan Patrick]

Fill in the blank here. The Buffalo Bills only having two Pro bowl players is blank.

[Todd Fritz]

A testament to the depth of their football team. It's a little bit of a testament to or a reminder that their division is not very deep. It's not, you know, loaded with really good teams. It's also a testament to how great Josh has played and how much his performance has really masked some of the, I guess the youth in their team that's developing and also the injuries they've dealt with.

[Dan Patrick]

Should he win the mvp? Will he win the mvp?

[Todd Fritz]

I think he should, yes. I think that there's A ton of guys capable of making the case for it. There's probably three or four that are going to get a heavy amount of the votes. I think that Offensive Player of the year is a very statistical generated award. MVP has to be a visually justified or visually dependent award. You have to be able to watch what that person is doing with what he's given against what he's doing it against and just evaluate like how much you think that performance was necessary for that play to be successful and then that obviously when to be successful. So I think he will. I think he should. I've said this for a couple weeks now, Dan. If you want to vote for Lamar, that's a thousand percent justified. If you wanted to vote for Saquon, if he was going to break the record, because I think it was it be more realistic if he did. Thousand percent justified. I've said it last week, if Joe Burrow somehow drags the Bengals to the playoffs, it's going to be hard not to vote for him. So there is the reality that it is a very difficult MVP award vote this year. But I do think that because of all the things that I just mentioned, Josh is probably the one that I lean towards. Yes.

[Dan Patrick]

Sam Darnold is a pro Bowler. Patrick Mahomes is not.

[Todd Fritz]

Who would have thought? Who would have thought? You know, everyone's making a big stink about that. I think if you asked Patrick in early November, late October, was he playing good football or it is standard, he would have said no. Has he probably had the most challenging road this year when it comes to everything that's been thrown at them? Losing Rasheed Rice and, you know, the, the overhaul of their offensive receiving unit and the offensive line, specifically left tackle and right tackle, playing so poorly. Yes. Now, he's played much more to his style over the last six or seven weeks and he's, he's one of those guys that could be in the MVP conversation, if we're just being candid about the MVP award and the reality of it. But, you know, he didn't play his best to start the season and Baker's been absolutely sensational this year. So I don't have a massive, massive issue with it.

[Dan Patrick]

Okay. But Minnesota has an issue here, a good, A good issue here with keeping Sam. And then you have J.J. mcCarthy. I'll let you be the GM here in Minnesota.

[Todd Fritz]

Yeah. A month ago I would have said no, you know, we're going to move on from Sam. I just am 10 or 11 months removed from not wanting to pay Kirk Cousins a certain amount of dollars. I don't want to change that philosophy. We really like jj we liked him coming out. He was really showing well in the preseason. But I do think what's happened over the past couple of weeks is really hard to put value on how a team feels about a guy, how a locker room feels about a player, a leader. And, you know, if you have that guy, that's that, you know, now can play at a really high level. And you have now the impact that is really difficult to put your finger on in your locker room. You can see it, though. I think you got to have a conversation of keeping them now. Is there a certain number you don't want to get to?

[Dan Patrick]

Maybe.

[Todd Fritz]

And we all know that if you give it to that quarterback, the roster becomes lesser. But I do think it's a conversation.

[Dan Patrick]

We haven't had a lot of conversation or it doesn't feel like there's national narrative with defensive player of the year. And I was wondering, this year, can Patrick Certain of the Broncos steal this?

[Todd Fritz]

No question. I mean, he's the best player at his position on a top three defense in the NFL, you know, and, you know, it will matter. It will matter if they get in that. That just will to voters. You know, it's. I do think that there is something too hard to vote for guys at those awards if the team is not in the playoffs. So that that's another reason why Denver's game is such a big deal. You know, you have to have his name very much so near the top of your list. You probably have Miles Garrett near the top of your list and Zach Bond near the top of your list. Maybe Jalen Carter. I would throw in Kyle Hamilton every, if you remember seven, eight weeks in the season, the Ravens defense was terrible. I mean, they were really bad. And all of a sudden there was one change. Simply put, they moved Kyle Hamilton back to safety and they moved their best player further from the ball, and it's made their defense one of the best in the NFL. And if you ask anybody in that building, they say he saved their season. And I think for a team that is going to be, you know, likely a top three seed and a defense that is playing as good as anybody's in the NFL to have people say that that move and that player saved their season, you've got to make sure that his name is very much so in that conversation.

[Dan Patrick]

What do people talk to you about when they see you? Like you're on an Amtrak train going, you know, to Pennsylvania.

[Todd Fritz]

Most people that, like, come up to me say like one of three things. Number one, I love how much you and Stephen A argue. So that's a huge thing. He's. They're like, keep giving it to Stephen A. Don't let him, don't let him say that to you too. They say, man, love, love your show or love your work and this and that, which I'm super grateful for. Or three, they'll bring up like, hey, that really wasn't a fart on McAfee show, was it? So those are like the three most, most prevalent things.

[Dan Patrick]

So you have really strange eating habits. They're not bringing up stepping out of the end zone anymore.

[Todd Fritz]

Not much. It really doesn't happen that now, mainly because I've probably had a couple more embarrassing things happen since then. But no, the stuffing, the running out of the end zone has not come up often here and there, but not nearly as much as it did, say two or three years ago.

[Dan Patrick]

I'm happy for you because it felt like. Yeah. And you know, the first thing I always think of is that you cheated on your 40 yard dash, that you had like a 38 yard dash to improve your time. If you don't cheat on your 40 yard dash. Are you in this position at ESPN?

[Todd Fritz]

Not at all. No, not at all.

[Dan Patrick]

So it's a great lesson for the kids out there. If scouts are coming over, how about you measure out 38 yards with the cones and then you have a better, better 40 yard dash time?

[Todd Fritz]

Dan, I think it's a lesson of whatever it takes, man. Like, listen, whatever it takes. At some point we got to, we got to go meet our creator and we got to, you know, have, have that moment of I did this and that, but it's whatever it takes. It's funny, dude, because on New Year's Eve I'm not a big New Year's person, but New Year's Eve, my wife is. Our boys just turned 13 on December 28th. We have triplet boys. And so she and our nine year old daughter. So for years now, we've never been the big party family, but she always does like a, a game night with them and on every hour leading up to new year, she does this game. And so as they've gotten older, the games have evolved. And so we were with some friends this pastime and she lined up like eight solo cups and we had to throw ping pong balls or ping pong balls into the eight cups and the teams of two and the first team to win was like the winner. And I played me and my Son against two of his buddies. And these freaking kids were cheating left and right. And I was calling them out like, you guys are freaking standing behind the line and you're cheating or you're only supposed to have one ball in your hand. And so it's funny that you bring that up because they were like, winning, and I'm like, you guys are freaking cheating, dude.

[Dan Patrick]

Yeah, but you weren't drinking. This is usually what you do with water. Yeah, yeah, just water. Wow. Yeah. Sounds like a crazy time. And at the Orlovsky house. That is wild. Yeah.

[Todd Fritz]

Yeah.

[Dan Patrick]

Well, have fun there with Baltimore, and it was great to talk to you. Thanks for making time in your travel there. We appreciate it. Of course.

[Todd Fritz]

Of course, bud. Good to see you, man.

[Dan Patrick]

That's Dan Orlovsky of the mothership. So he'll be on the call. It'll be Chris Fowler, Lewis Riddick, Laura Rutledge. Kickoff 4, 30 Eastern on the mothership and ABC. By the way, Sean McDonough had a wonderful game last night. He was on the call with Notre Dame in Georgia. Chris Fowler. I've known Chris, I, I think 30 years maybe. And he's. He's just, he's gotten to that level. He's been at that level where he just blends in with everything that he's calling. He just meant to call it. And it's tennis, it's college football, it's the NFL. He's just one of those. He's just a professional. You know, when somebody says, oh, he's a, you know, that guy's just a shooter. Like, he's. That's who he is. He's just it. And it's kind of a big game. You know, Bob Costas used to have that feel. When Bob was there, it was bigger, it was amplified. And Chris Fowler has done that and, and Sean McDonough was great on the call. You, you know, you, you kind of have that moment where you, you amp it up when you need to and then you bring it back down. That makes those moments even bigger and better. And I thought Chris and. And Sean had wonderful calls of their games. Couple of phone calls in here. Jake in Phoenix. Hi, Jacob. What's on your mind? Hi, Dan. So, addressing the frustrations of the college football playoff seating and structure. I just have a quick couple points. A welcome to the purpose of the playoffs. The perceived best team at the end of the season is asked to prove it by winning three or four games. Like the NFL, this setup is better than relying on the playoff committee deciding who the best four teams Are. And one seeds don't always win the super bowl, and we enjoy that.

[Todd Fritz]

Thanks, Dan.

[Dan Patrick]

All right. Thank you, Jake. Myla in Florida. Hopefully I got your name correct. Myla. Yes. Hi, Myla. 4 foot 1 is 55 pounds. Okay.

[Todd Fritz]

Since the jets are out, who do.

[Dan Patrick]

You think will win the Super Bowl? Did you say since the jets were out?

[Todd Fritz]

Yes.

[Dan Patrick]

Okay, I'm. I'm going to say the Kansas City Chiefs and the Detroit Lions. That. That was my original thought, but what's your pick, Myla? The Lions. Okay, I like that. Is the Lions your team?

[Todd Fritz]

My papa's a really big.

[Dan Patrick]

A really big fan of the Lions. Oh, well, that's nice. And your. Your. Your dad or grandfather probably went through a long time of losing before they got to this point. You should ask him about that. All of the years where the team wasn't very good, and now you got a team that may go to the Super Bowl. And maybe it's a bedtime story for you, Myla, that he can tell you about all the bad Detroit lion teams.

[Todd Fritz]

Yeah.

[Dan Patrick]

What is your favorite Taylor Swift song? What's my favorite what? Taylor Swift song? Oh, there's way too many. I almost wore my Taylor Swift sweatshirt today. I couldn't find it. But, Myla, happy New Year and call again. Yeah, I was looking for my Taylor Swift sweatshirt. Couldn't find it. It's a pretty baller sweatshirt. Gotta admit, I've privately coveted that sweatshirt. I'm like, dang, dude, that is. I know. It is. It is pretty great. It's really good. So when my wife said, what do you want for Christmas? I said, a Taylor Swift sweatshirt. She goes, no, seriously? I said, I'm being serious. You know, it is a really great song. That was that, like, Romeo and Juliet song that she has. Yeah. I don't know what that. The name of that song is. That's a. That's a great song. Yeah, it's a really great song. Yeah. She can write some songs. Yeah, she can. She can write some songs. I think she's gonna be successful. Let's cross our fingers. Yeah. And, Fritzi, we still have the bet. If they get engaged, then you get a. A wedding cake to the face. Yes. Okay. If they break up, then I get a wedding cake to the face. But if they get engaged, then you're gonna get a wedding cake. They get engaged in through the next three years of the show or this year. Yeah, as long as we're doing the show. Yeah, absolutely. Yes. Paul.

[Paul Pabst]

That song is called Love story. It's from 2008.

[Dan Patrick]

It's a great song. Love story. Okay. And I love love Nobody loves love the way I love love. All right, we'll take a break. More phone calls coming up. Big Mike Golick coming up next hour. Back after this. Be sure to catch the live edition of the Dan Patrick show, weekdays at 9am Eastern, 6am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio and the iHeartRadio app. 2025 is bound to be a fascinating year. It's going to be filled with money, challenges and opportunities. I'm Joel. Ooh. And I am Matt. And we're the hosts of how to Money. We want to be with you every step of the way in your financial journey this year, offering the information and insights you need to thrive financially. Yeah. Whether you find yourself up to your eyeballs in student loan debt or you've got a sky high credit card balance because you went a little overboard with the holiday spending, or maybe you're looking to optimize your retirement accounts so you can retire early. Well, how to Money will help you to change your relationship with money so you can stress less and grow your net worth. That's right. How to Money comes out three times a week, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. For money advice without the judgment and jargon, listen to how to Money on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Now, you have a game Thursday. Thursday is at Penn State. Thursday and then Friday is correct. Ohio State. Okay. Oh, no. Thursday is Penn State. Correct. Against Notre Dame. Ohio State, Texas, Friday. Is that right? That is right. Okay. Thank you, Todd. Adam in Indiana. Hi, Adam. What's on your mind today? Hey, guys, Happy New Year. Since it's before January 5, 5, 11, 201. Just wanted to talk about the experience. It was up here in northern Indiana for a Notre Dame home game playoff game. It was awesome. You know, the environment was buzzing. It was fun. It was great. Something I'll never forget as a Notre Dame fan. Second, I was curious what you thought.

[Todd Fritz]

Of Riley Leonard being an old Tyson.

[Dan Patrick]

Tyson Hill type role. Big time runner, not the greatest thrower, but can, you know, barrel through barrel.

[Todd Fritz]

Through traffic, not afraid to jump, not afraid to die.

[Dan Patrick]

Thanks, guys. Thank you, Adam. Taysum Hill is a bigger guy. Taysum Hill can play tight end, running back and some quarterback and he's a better athlete than right now. Riley Leonard was a basketball player in high school and you know, starting quarterback in college. So he's a perfect college quarterback. But Taysum Hill, I mean, that's a different breed. That's just that's different time to slide into the weekend. Our friends at Kings Hawaiian, they want to put you together with family and friends and enjoy every Sunday a slider. Sunday you got the Vikings, Lions coming up on Sunday night. The loser will probably fall to the fifth seed and start on the road. So imagine having 14 wins and you're going to be on the road maybe playing Tampa Bay Bengals at the Steelers. Bengals need to beat the Steelers, then hope Denver and Miami lose and then they reach the postseason. If the Bengals make the postseason, Joe Burrow should get B. Mvp. Kind of crazy, but he's had an unbelievable year. Saints of the Bucks. I'm curious, you know, Mike Evans needs five catches that will earn him an 85 yards. I think a three million dollar bonus. Is he going to get to a thousand? Is he at a thousand yards or is that what he needs? 85 yards to get to a thousand. Broncos and the Chiefs, so they've already clinched the buy. They're resting everybody and Denver needs the win. Denver is a 10 and a half point favorite. Also, the golf season started in Maui. Yeah, the century. I watched a little bit yesterday. Kapalua, you got Colin Morikawa, Will Zelotoris, Hideki Matsuyama, Scotty Scheffler injured. He cut his hand over the holidays. I think it was on a glass at Christmas dinner. Something like. Yeah, yeah, that's not good. Yeah. Wild man sliding. Yeah. Sliding into the weekend. Kings Hawaiian are good partners. And enjoy your Sunday. Make it a slider Sunday. Yes, Paul.

[Paul Pabst]

We also have two Rando bowl games tonight. 4:00 Eastern North Texas versus Texas State. The Serve Pro First Responders Bowl.

[Dan Patrick]

Okay.

[Paul Pabst]

And then the follow up, Minnesota versus Virginia Tech. Very similar tones of uniforms in the Duke's Mayo Bowl. With the payoff of mayo being poured on someone. You would not participate in that bowl.

[Dan Patrick]

I would not. I would. I would decline a bowl invitation if they were handing out mayo based off.

[Paul Pabst]

Your dislike of mayo.

[Dan Patrick]

Yes, that's true. I think mayo is useless. Like you don't need mayo like as the condiment.

[Paul Pabst]

You really don't like it?

[Dan Patrick]

I don't like it.

[Paul Pabst]

I've seen you refuse really good food.

[Dan Patrick]

I, I don't even like people who like mayo.

[Paul Pabst]

Really.

[Dan Patrick]

That's how much I, I love mayo. That's why. That figures. I don't like you. Yes. Kind of hokey to throw mayo on something. Okay, I got it. We're waiting for that one. Virginia Tech, by the way, rhyme time. Coming up next hour with Fritzi, Luke and Charlotte. Hi, Luke. What's on your mind. Hey, Dan.

[Todd Fritz]

Well, I'm with you on the Mayo.

[Dan Patrick]

But also good to have you guys back.

[Todd Fritz]

It's been a while. Listen, I know it's not a popular.

[Dan Patrick]

Stance right now, but I do want.

[Todd Fritz]

To kind of defend.

[Dan Patrick]

Defend my Oregon Ducks from. From deep down in my depressive hole. I think if you asked anybody before the Rose bowl, they would have said that the winner of the Rose bowl was going to win the national championship. So I'd have to still say that because of the format. I don't think the four best teams are in because if the Ducks lost the Big Ten championship, they'd be right where Penn State is, so. Oh, I agree. I didn't like the draw for Oregon. I said that from the beginning. They would have been better off losing than they would have had the route that Penn State did. Absolutely. Yes. Mark, the real reason why Oregon lost was because of their uniforms. Yeah. They didn't commit. You can't wear the old school jersey with the new school helmet. That helmet was fire. Oh, it's amazing. But then they brought back part of the old school. I didn't like it. Paulie called it out. Right away, he goes, I don't like this. Bad vibes. Oregon didn't commit.

[Paul Pabst]

Yeah, great analysis, Mark, because it's true. Neck down, they look like 1987. The neck up, it looked like the chromes, and they didn't match.

[Dan Patrick]

I love those helmets. Yeah, yeah. We just call it like we see them. They made a mistake. Let's see Marty in South Bend. Hi, Marty. Hi, Dan. Love the show. Happy New Year. I just wanted to let Marv know that Penn State hasn't won a national championship since 1986. So why is Notre Dame irrelevant? But Penn State is. Okay, Take that, Marvin. How about they both are? That's fair point there. Fair point. 19. Okay. Yeah. You weren't even born. I was two. Oh, you were 1986. You were two. I was. Dang, you're young. I'm glad somebody thinks so. Final hour on the way. Big Mike Golick, Mr. Notre Dame will join us. More of your phone calls as well, to meet Friday and rhyme time with Fritzi. That's enough to keep you around, isn't it? Some people just know they could save hundreds on car insurance by checking Allstate first. Like, you know to check. You have the tickets in your wallet first before you drive two hours to the big game. Seriously, you had one job. Now the closest you'll get to the 50 yard line is parking lot D. Yeah, checking first is smart. So check Allstate first for a quote that could save you hundreds. You're in good hands with Allstate Savings. Vary. Terms apply. Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates, Northbrook, Illinois.

[Todd Fritz]

Ah, and here we have travelers in their natural habitat enjoying guaranteed 4pm checkout at fine hotels and resorts booked through Amex Travel. And they don't even see what's coming at them.

[Dan Patrick]

We're in. We got the table. Yep.

[Todd Fritz]

With resi priority. Notify they're alerted when hard to get. Reservations open up.

[Dan Patrick]

Reservation for two. Save the best for last thanks to.

[Todd Fritz]

Amex Platinum, the last day vacation brings yet another experience. That's the powerful backing of American Express. Terms apply. Learn [e-mail] with AmEx.