Episode Summary: The Dan Patrick Show – Hour 2: "Trey Lance on the Stage Again, Justin Herbert"

Release Date: July 31, 2025

In this engaging episode of The Dan Patrick Show, host Dan Patrick delves deep into the world of NFL quarterbacks, focusing on the ongoing discussions surrounding Trey Lance and Justin Herbert. The episode features insightful conversations with former Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers and current Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, alongside lively interactions with enthusiastic listeners. Here's a detailed breakdown of the key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode.

1. Introduction to the Episode

Dan Patrick kicks off the second hour by highlighting the excitement surrounding the upcoming Hall of Fame game between the Chargers and the Lions. He sets the stage for an in-depth discussion on quarterback performance and potential in the NFL.

2. The Quarterback Debate: Trey Lance vs. Justin Herbert

a. Trey Lance’s Trajectory and Challenges

Dan initiates the conversation by questioning the Chargers' commitment to Trey Lance, especially given his limited playtime in college and early NFL career.

Dan Patrick [03:12]: "How do you whiff on Trey Lance? How do you go all in and put him up, and then Trey Lance can't play football?"

He scrutinizes Lance's progress, comparing his college success at North Dakota State with his NFL performances, expressing skepticism about the Chargers' long-term strategy.

b. Justin Herbert’s Performance and Development

Transitioning to Justin Herbert, Dan commends his season statistics and discusses his relationship with Coach John Harbaugh.

Justin Herbert [24:14]: "Yeah, that sounds about right. I missed six games my sophomore year with a broken clavicle, so I feel like that was, you know, good film to put back on, on tape."

Herbert elaborates on his growth, emphasizing the importance of a versatile offense that balances running and passing, and highlights his admiration for veteran quarterbacks like Tom Brady and Drew Brees.

3. Listener Interactions and Calls

a. Call from Rob in Orange County

Rob shares personal anecdotes about Philip Rivers, highlighting Rivers' humility and leadership qualities.

Philip Rivers [05:33]: "We went to the same church, and after he signed his second big contract, I saw him changing his kid's diaper. It's just what a humble man he is."

Dan and Rob discuss Rivers' large family and his role as a father, adding a personal touch to the conversation.

b. Call from Eric in Wisconsin

Eric praises the Milwaukee Brewers and inquires about their continued success, prompting Dan to acknowledge their exceptional performance.

Dan Patrick [07:15]: "Give him credit. You know, it's not a fluke. It's one of those where you look at middle of May to now. I mean, this is incredible baseball that they played."

c. Call from Bud in South Carolina

Bud reminisces about past quarterbacks and debates the merits of giving young QBs more time to develop within their organizations.

Bud [40:05]: "They need a little bit more time, you know, let them sit, let them get there."

Dan reflects on the challenges young quarterbacks face, emphasizing the importance of organizational support and ample playtime for development.

4. In-Depth Interview with Justin Herbert

a. Season Recap and Personal Growth

Dan engages Justin Herbert in a comprehensive discussion about his progression in the NFL, his relationship with Coach Harbaugh, and his approach to improving his game.

Justin Herbert [24:26]: "It's awesome. He's in there all the time. He's lifting, he's getting in the cold tubs. He does everything a player does."

Herbert discusses his commitment to enhancing his skills, particularly his footwork and decision-making under pressure, drawing inspiration from legendary quarterbacks.

b. Offensive Philosophy and Play Style

The conversation shifts to the Chargers' offensive strategies, balancing the run game with play-action passes to create versatile offensive plays.

Justin Herbert [27:14]: "I think for us to be successful, we have to be able to do everything. ... When we're running the ball well, I think we're going to pass the ball well too."

He elaborates on the importance of rhythm in his footwork, timing with receivers, and the subtle game of reading defenses.

Justin Herbert [29:37]: "As long as you're in rhythm and your feet are aligned with how deep the receiver is going to get, it's going to be easier on the throw."

c. Leadership and Team Dynamics

Herbert emphasizes his role as a leader, stressing the importance of teamwork, resilience, and maintaining a positive environment within the team.

Justin Herbert [32:25]: "We have a great opportunity to play them twice this year, and we know how good they are and how much success they've had."

He advocates for a balanced approach to both running and passing, incorporating physicality and strategic play-action to keep defenses guessing.

5. Strategic Insights and Comparisons

The episode features a comparative analysis of various quarterbacks, including mentions of Zach Wilson, Bo Nix, and historical figures like Joe Burrow and Michael Vick. Dan and his co-hosts debate the evolution of the quarterback role, the significance of athleticism versus traditional throwing prowess, and the impact of coaching on player performance.

Dan Patrick [37:21]: "You want somebody who will get out on the edge, the guy who can be a runner, not just a thrower."

They explore how modern offensive strategies require quarterbacks to be multifaceted, contributing both in the pocket and with their mobility.

6. Preseason Football Betting Discussions

Dan introduces a segment on betting strategies for preseason football, featuring insights from Dylan and Paulie.

Dan Patrick [49:59]: "All right, that's Dylan from Dan Patrick takes Gamble podcast available@danpatrick.com."

The hosts discuss the unpredictability of preseason games, the limited data on player performances, and the risks associated with betting on such matches.

7. Concluding Remarks and Upcoming Segments

As the episode wraps up, Dan hints at future discussions with CC Sabathia and further analysis of quarterback performances. He also reiterates promotions for upcoming episodes and other related podcasts within the iHeartRadio network.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Dan Patrick [03:12]: "How do you whiff on Trey Lance? How do you go all in and put him up, and then Trey Lance can't play football."
• Philip Rivers [05:33]: "We went to the same church, and after he signed his second big contract, I saw him changing his kid's diaper. It's just what a humble man he is."
• Justin Herbert [24:14]: "I missed six games my sophomore year with a broken clavicle, so I feel like that was, you know, good film to put back on, on tape."
• Justin Herbert [27:14]: "I think for us to be successful, we have to be able to do everything. ... When we're running the ball well, I think we're going to pass the ball well too."
• Justin Herbert [29:37]: "As long as you're in rhythm and your feet are aligned with how deep the receiver is going to get, it's going to be easier on the throw."
• Dan Patrick [37:21]: "You want somebody who will get out on the edge, the guy who can be a runner, not just a thrower."

Key Takeaways

• Quarterback Development: The episode underscores the importance of giving young quarterbacks like Trey Lance adequate time and support to develop within their teams. It highlights the challenges they face in transitioning to the NFL and the critical role of coaching and organizational backing.

• Justin Herbert’s Growth: Justin Herbert emerges as a central figure, showcasing his commitment to improving his game, his strategic approach to offense, and his leadership qualities. His insights into balancing running and passing play-action provide a nuanced understanding of modern NFL offenses.

• Listener Engagement: Through diverse listener calls, the show emphasizes the community aspect of the podcast, addressing real-time concerns and anecdotes from fans, thereby enriching the overall discussion.

• Strategic and Analytical Depth: The conversations delve into the intricacies of quarterback strategies, comparing historical and contemporary players, and analyzing the evolving dynamics of NFL offenses.

• Preseason Betting Risks: The episode also touches upon the volatility and unpredictability of preseason football, cautioning listeners about the inherent risks in betting on such games due to limited player data and fluctuating team performances.

This episode of The Dan Patrick Show offers a comprehensive exploration of quarterback dynamics in the NFL, blending expert analysis with personal anecdotes and interactive listener engagement. Whether you're a seasoned football enthusiast or a casual fan, Dan Patrick's insightful discussions provide valuable perspectives on the current state and future of NFL quarterbacks.