The Dan Patrick Show – Hour 2
The Raiders’ Quarterback Dilemma, Oscar Nominations Banter, and Devin McCourty Talks Football
Date: January 23, 2026
Host: Dan Patrick
Guest: Devin McCourty (Football Night in America Analyst, 3x Super Bowl Champ)
Episode Overview
In this hour, Dan Patrick dives deep into the Las Vegas Raiders' offseason options at quarterback—centered around the debate of whether to draft Fernando Mendoza, develop him, or trade their top pick for a haul of draft assets. Callers weigh in, passionate about the route the Raiders should take. There is also engaging, comedic sports-pop-culture banter about Oscar nominations, before former NFL star and analyst Devin McCourty joins for an insightful, candid football conversation—exploring Super Bowl preparation, defensive disguise, and his most unforgettable career moments.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Oscar Nomination Roundtable
Timecode: 03:00–09:00
- Dan and the team react to recent Oscar nominations, infusing sports-radio flair and humor.
- They debate best actor and actress categories, with Dan touting Sean Penn as the likely winner, noting Michael B. Jordan’s dual roles in “Sinners,” and riffing on Kate Hudson’s breakout performance.
- The group raves about Kate Hudson’s onscreen magnetism and laments “Sandman” (Adam Sandler) getting snubbed for a less-than-Uncut Gems role.
- Lighthearted confusion about a film called “Hamnet” (“Hamlet’s brother”), leading to fun puns about Shakespearean names.
Notable Quotes:
- “When she's in a scene, she is the scene. She takes everything. When she's not in a scene, you miss her.”—Dan on Kate Hudson (06:45)
- “Hamnet sounds like a Sandler movie where he’s the goofy younger brother of Hamlet.”—Paulie (08:17)
2. Raiders’ Quarterback Conundrum and NFL Draft Debate
Timecode: 09:00–19:39; 23:05–39:19
- Dan engages callers—many Raiders fans—about whether the team should draft QB Fernando Mendoza, let him sit and learn, or trade the pick for an infusion of draft capital.
- There’s skepticism about the Raiders’ track record of developing offensive talent and heated discussion over whether any of the top-drafting teams (Jets, Cardinals, Browns, Colts, Dolphins, etc.) have the structure to properly develop a rookie QB.
- Dan repeatedly stresses the importance of having a good line and organization in place before throwing a rookie QB into the fray.
- Callers bring stats on Mendoza—highlighting his Cal records and character—while Dan insists the doubts are more about Raiders’ readiness than Mendoza himself.
- Debate over rookie salary caps, the Bears' recent rebuild, and the pressure facing the Raiders’ brass and ownership.
Notable Quotes:
- “Do I want him as the face of my franchise? Absolutely. I just don’t want him face-first in the dirt every other play.”—Dan Patrick (12:14)
- “If you’re the number one overall pick, my concerns would be: Who are you putting in front of him?”—Dan Patrick (14:06)
- “We don’t label GMs busts. We label quarterbacks busts.”—Dan Patrick (12:14)
- “If the Jets would give you four first round picks, two this year, two next year—are you interested? I’d be.” —Dan Patrick (43:53)
3. Super Bowl Memories and Defensive Insight – With Devin McCourty
Timecode: 24:05–39:19
- Devin McCourty joins for a detailed football interview covering Super Bowl prep, defensive scheming, and tackling iconic plays.
- Devin remembers his first Super Bowl—how overwhelming the spectacle felt, and his gratitude that he got to return and play better in later appearances.
- The art of defensive disguise: McCourty breaks down how to truly confuse a quarterback—“It’s making a quarterback think he knows something, and then taking it away once the ball is snapped.” (26:01)
- Revisiting the famous Marshawn Lynch non-carry in Super Bowl 49: Devin explains how they defended the pass play that Malcolm Butler intercepted.
- Candid thoughts on what it’s like to face a 240-pound back as a sub-200lb safety (“It is always going to hurt, but it’ll feel good if you win the game...”) and the defensive tricks (grabbing, strategic holds) he and peers used to avoid penalties.
- Dan and Devin discuss what makes an all-time elite cornerback—Devin ranks Darrelle Revis among the best he’s seen, for mastery of technique and impacting game plans.
Notable Quotes:
- “With Puka Nacua, it’s so hard because he’s so good, but then Matthew Stafford understands when to throw it to him, how to make him open—which makes it impossible." — Devin McCourty (31:33)
- “The best defensive backs, they know how to hold... It’s not, do they hold. You just have to know how to do it and get away with it.” — Devin McCourty (36:43)
- “I talk to my kids about that play already... You can work your butt off, be in the right situation, and it just doesn’t work out. You’ve got a choice to make after that.” — McCourty on giving up the game-winning TD to Zach Ertz, Super Bowl 52 (34:41)
Notable Call-In Segments
Timecodes:
- 09:22 – Dennis in Long Beach: Stirs discussion about Raiders’ QB pick and a family rooting rivalry.
- 10:46 – Dino in New York: Advocates strongly for drafting Mendoza, citing his elite traits and tough performances.
- 15:12 – Coleslaw in Colorado: Highlights Mendoza’s college achievements and academic record.
- 41:13 – Brian in Missouri: Recommends the QB-hungry Jets as potential trade partners for the Raiders.
- 42:24 – Reggie in California: Passionately argues that drafting Mendoza now allows a franchise reset and better cap management.
Important Segment Timestamps
- Oscar Talk and Nominations: 03:00–09:00
- Raiders QB Debate / Draft Philosophy: 09:00–19:39, 23:05–39:19
- Devin McCourty Interview: 24:05–39:19
- Super Bowl memories: 24:05–24:58
- Disguising coverages: 25:54–26:51
- Breaking down interception in Super Bowl 49: 26:51–27:33
- Tackling much larger RBs: 33:32–34:25
- Zach Ertz Super Bowl 52 memory: 34:41–35:31
- DB tricks and Revis reflections: 35:56–37:13
Tone & Style
The hour combines Dan Patrick's dry wit and irreverence with informed, passionate football analysis. Callers bring heat and humor. Devin McCourty delivers clear, expert breakdowns, seasoned with humility and honesty about his own career's triumphs and heartbreaks.