The Dan Patrick Show (Hour 2) – Tanking for Mendoza, Halftime Shows Improving

Date: December 29, 2025
Guest Hosts: Covino & Rich, Danny G, Ramsey
Podcast Network: iHeartPodcasts and Dan Patrick Podcast Network

Episode Overview

This hour of The Dan Patrick Show, hosted by Covino & Rich in for DP, dives into NFL Week 17 reactions with a strong focus on the playoff picture, the ethics and mechanics of “tanking” (especially the race for QB prospect Fernando Mendoza), and the ongoing drama with the Raiders and Giants. The show also highlights improvements in NFL holiday halftime shows, Snoop Dogg’s viral moment, and NBA discussion including LeBron’s enduring relevancy. The tone is energetic, humorous, and opinionated, with plenty of interactive banter and listener calls.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Idaho Vibes & Holiday Observations (02:41–05:33)

• Covino shares observations from Idaho, cracking jokes about the “official uniform” of Idaho football watchers (puffy vests).
• The crew reflects on regional traditions (like Boise’s “Big Potato” New Year drop), establishing a light and relatable start.

2. NFL Week 17: Pivotal Plays & Playoff Scenarios (05:40–10:36)

• Game Reactions:
  • Close analysis of pivotal decision-making in recent games, especially questioning whether Josh Allen and Caleb Williams missed windows to run for touchdowns.
  • Ramsey notes, “It’s easier in retrospect…he had an open lane.” (06:06)
• Chargers’ Identity Crisis:
  • Discussion about the confusing state of the Chargers and their inconsistency.
  • Ramsey says, “How in the world are the Chargers even 11 and 5 with the worst O line in NFL history?” (09:23)
• AFC Playoff Picture:
  • The playoff race is hot, particularly with New England, Jacksonville, and Houston riding long winning streaks.
  • Covino likens the Bills' late surges to “hulking up” (10:15), referencing a shift in momentum seen in the final quarters.

3. Tanking for Mendoza: Ethics, Methods, and Drama (10:36–17:32)

• Giants & Raiders Debate:
  • Covino, Danny G, and Ramsey debate the ethics and real-life mechanics of tanking for draft picks, focusing on the cases of the Giants and Raiders possibly positioning themselves to select Fernando Mendoza.
  • Danny G: “No one's losing on purpose…every guy, all 53 guys, are trying to find their way back to a team.” (11:35)
• Max Crosby Drama:
  • Analysis of Raiders star Max Crosby being sidelined: Is it about protecting players, or a veiled tanking maneuver?
  • Ramsey: “He’s a warrior…he was really upset with that. He went home. And you see the videos he’s put, playing basketball, he’s on a trampoline with his kids.” (14:49)
  • Covino bluntly labels the Raiders’ moves: “I don’t think we’ve ever seen it so deliberate and so blatant in this way.” (15:15)
• Trade Value of Top Picks:
  • Giants’ fans upset not at missing out on Mendoza, but on losing leverage for a huge trade package.
  • Ramsey: “The thought was never to keep them…Get a couple of number one picks for a team to move up.” (17:10)

4. Coaching Carousel: The Mendoza Sweepstakes & Who Fits? (17:32–22:07)

• Danny G and Covino debate what head coach archetype fits best with a potential #1 pick quarterback, noting the hot trend of offensive-minded coaches.
• Covino: “You want someone that he feels comfortable with, you’re there to kiss his ass and make sure he’s with the right guy.” (18:25)
• Ramsey highlights the increasing trend of young QBs (like Cam Ward) wanting input on head coach selection (19:28).

5. Listener Calls & Niners/Seahawks Showdown (22:07–25:35)

• Big Sarge from South Carolina calls in, boasting about Seahawks’ “12th Man” and looking ahead to Niners-Seahawks being oddly set for Saturday.
• Danny G and Covino analyze the coaching edge Shanahan gives the 49ers, despite strong Seattle personnel.
• Covino: “Can you see anyone at this point holding the 49ers, like, 17 points or something?” (23:52)

6. Snoop Dogg’s Bowl Game Moment & Themed Halftime Shows (31:47–35:39)

• Covino describes Snoop Dogg’s viral catch at his own bowl game: “Being interviewed…mid end zone, and the ball’s coming your way…[he has] the wherewithal to stop mid-interview to catch it.” (32:43)
• The hosts praise NFL holiday halftime shows (Post Malone, Eminem/Jack White, Snoop Dogg & Bocelli), noting their increasing ambition and entertainment value:
  • Danny G: “These games on Christmas and Thanksgiving, they get like 50 million viewers. So it’s almost like super bowl light now.” (34:30)
• Ramsey (joking about the spectacle): “Christmas on Kush, bro.” (34:28)
• Discussion of Snoop Dogg’s image evolution (“Murder was the case they gave him. And now he hangs with Martha Stewart.” – Covino, 35:28)

7. Las Vegas Raiders: Can Brady Glamour the Franchise? (35:44–39:50)

• A caller (Tripp from Vegas) jokes, “Raiders aren’t tanking, they’re just stanking!”
• Danny G, Covino, and Ramsey reflect on the appeal of Tom Brady as a minority owner attracting talent and coaches, and the Raiders’ transformation into an attractive destination with new facilities.
• Covino: “All things are in place…if you get Fernando Mendoza and what he means to the Latino community too…they could be popping for sure.” (38:39)
• Danny G: “There’s certain teams that stink and you’re like, you know, it’s okay that they stink. The Raiders being competitive is good for the NFL.” (39:43)

8. Philip Rivers’ Comeback: Legacy and Effort (40:00–43:59)

• Recap of Philip Rivers’ 0-3 comeback effort; high praise for competitiveness despite not “getting a win.”
• Covino: “He was in every game, could have won every game, and just fell short…” (41:36)
• Danny G: “Who you play matters…Philip Rivers should be proud of himself…I think there’s nothing to be ashamed of.” (42:14)
• Rivers’ own quote postgame:

  “Shoot, again, I told you guys I wouldn’t have any regrets about coming back, and I don’t…other than us not winning, right? …I’d do it all again. It’s been absolutely awesome.” (43:14)

9. NBA: LeBron, Giannis, and Generational Shifts (49:46–53:22)

• LeBron at 41:
  • Discussion about LeBron turning 41 and still performing at a high level (“He turns 41 tomorrow.” – Covino, 51:13)
  • The Lakers’ identity crisis: Are they ready to move on or not?
  • Ramsey spotlights the team’s defensive resurgence and challenges.
• Giannis: Not So Young Anymore:
  • Covino expresses shock at Giannis being considered a “league veteran” (entered 13th season).
• Danny G: “The NBA…all comes down to the postseason. The regular season, well, it means something. How do these teams match up in the postseason?” (53:00)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Tanking:
  • Danny G: “No one’s losing on purpose…everyone’s reputation’s on the line. No one’s losing on purpose.” (11:35)
  • Covino: “Players don’t do that…they’re playing for themselves and for their pride.” (12:27)
• On Max Crosby Drama:
  • Ramsey: “He’s a warrior…he got mad when Vegas sent him home Friday, they said their medical team said, yeah, that knee…he was really upset with that. He went home.” (13:54)
• On Snoop Dogg’s Bowl Game Stunt:
  • Covino: “Being interviewed…and the ball’s coming your way…and you have the wherewithal to stop mid interview to catch it…that’s not that easy to do…” (32:43)
• On the Raiders and Tom Brady:
  • Covino: “All things are in place…for the Raiders and if you get Fernando Mendoza and what he means to the Latino community too…man, they could be popping for sure.” (38:39)
• On Philip Rivers’ Comeback:
  • Rivers: “Shoot, again, I told you guys I wouldn’t have any regrets about coming back and I don’t…other than us not winning, right?...I’d do it all again. It’s been absolutely awesome.” (43:14)

Important Segment Timestamps

• Idaho holiday and “vest” talk: 02:41–05:33
• NFL Week 17 analysis: 05:40–10:36
• Tanking & Max Crosby: 10:36–17:32
• Giants/Raiders & coaching candidates: 17:32–22:07
• Niners-Seahawks call and preview: 22:07–25:35
• Snoop Dogg bowl game/hype for halftimes: 31:47–35:39
• Raiders, Brady, and NFL “glamour”: 35:44–39:50
• Philip Rivers’ comeback: 40:00–43:59
• NBA roundtable: 49:46–53:22

Overall Tone & Takeaway

Lively, irreverent, and conversational—Covino & Rich delivered both insight and humor across NFL news cycles, playoff implications, and pop culture crossovers. The “tanking” debate, Raiders drama, and coaching carousel were recurring, with special focus on star power and leadership (both in football and NBA). The Snoop Dogg segment provided classic, meme-worthy levity amid the analysis. If you missed the episode, this summary delivers the pulse: from playoff stakes to cultural moments and the ongoing evolutions of sports’ biggest names.