Podcast Summary: The Dan Patrick Show
Episode: Hour 3 – Dan Le Batard, Jason Garrett
Release Date: December 4, 2024

Introduction

In this engaging episode of The Dan Patrick Show, hosted by iHeartPodcasts and the Dan Patrick Podcast Network, Dan Patrick sits down with notable guests Dan Le Batard and Jason Garrett to delve into the latest happenings in the world of sports. The conversation spans various topics, including NFL matchups, college football playoffs, player performances, and potential rule changes, all infused with humor and insightful analysis.

Black Friday Football on Amazon Prime

The episode kicks off with a promotion for Amazon Prime's return of Black Friday Football, featuring a matchup between the Raiders and the Chiefs.

• Dan Patrick [00:24]: "Black Friday Football on Prime is back. This week, the Raiders and the Chiefs."
• Jason Garrett [00:32]: "Unbelievable."
• Dan Patrick [00:38]: "Stream for free only on Prime. Great move."

This segment highlights the excitement surrounding the older rivalry being rekindled for a modern game day, emphasizing accessibility through streaming.

College Football Playoff Debates

A significant portion of the discussion centers around the college football playoff selections, particularly focusing on Miami's exclusion and Alabama's standing.

• Jason Garrett [08:58]: "Timing isn't everything. Merit should be everything."
• Hoda Kotb [11:59]: "Alabama's a brand. If this was 01, Miami would be in."
• Dan Le Batard [12:20]: "Timing and brand. That's how we should measure bodies colliding and killing themselves for money."

The trio debates whether Miami's recent performance warrants their inclusion in the playoffs or if traditional powerhouse Alabama's reputation overshadows on-field results. They critique the perception of strength based on brand versus actual game merit.

Player Performances and MVP Candidates

The conversation shifts to individual player performances, with a focus on potential MVP candidates for the season.

• Jason Garrett [27:18]: "Saquon Barkley... he might be the single most important player in contributing to what I was talking about earlier with Philly."
• Stu Gotz [49:42]: "Brock Bowers is averaging nine catches a game in the month of November. He is should be an MVP candidate if he were on a good team."

Saquon Barkley's outstanding performance for the Eagles in November makes him a strong contender, while Stu Gotz advocates for Brock Bowers' impressive statistics despite team challenges.

Rule Changes and Quarterback Protection

The guests explore the intricacies of NFL rules concerning quarterback safety and the sliding mechanic.

• Hoda Kotb [29:55]: "Can you ask a quarterback to protect himself? He'll be running with the football."
• Jason Garrett [33:53]: "I think it's a hell of an idea. I really do. I do think it's different than a punt returner."

They discuss the possibility of implementing signals for quarterbacks to indicate when they're sliding, similar to fair catches, to reduce unnecessary hits and protect players.

Comparisons of Current Players to NFL Legends

Jason Garrett draws parallels between current quarterbacks and legends, highlighting their playing styles and impact.

• Jason Garrett [25:16]: "He reminds me of a version of John Elway. His ability to run the ball, throw it all over the place."
• Hoda Kotb [26:09]: "I could see Cam Newton as well in there with Josh Allen."

Josh Allen's dynamic playing style is likened to John Elway and Cam Newton, underscoring his versatility and importance to the Buffalo Bills' success.

Team Strategies and Toughness in the NFL

The discussion also touches on what makes NFL teams tough and the strategies behind building resilient squads.

• Jason Garrett [37:10]: "You have to do tough things to be tougher. Bring in the right kind of people."
• Hoda Kotb [38:36]: "Should have led with that. But you have to make a decision."

They emphasize the importance of selecting the right players and implementing rigorous training to enhance team toughness, citing examples like the Detroit Lions and Baltimore Ravens.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reflect on the key takeaways from their discussions, reinforcing the importance of merit-based evaluations and the evolving nature of the game.

• Dan Patrick [40:44]: "Black Friday Football on Prime is back. This week, the Raiders and the Chiefs."
• Jason Garrett [41:12]: "Unbelievable catch an old school rivalry for a new game day."

The episode concludes with a recap of the upcoming Black Friday Football event, leaving listeners excited for the continuation of classic rivalries in a modern streaming format.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Dan Patrick [00:24]: "Black Friday Football on Prime is back. This week, the Raiders and the Chiefs."
• Jason Garrett [25:16]: "He reminds me of a version of John Elway. His ability to run the ball, throw it all over the place."
• Hoda Kotb [29:55]: "Can you ask a quarterback to protect himself? He'll be running with the football."
• Jason Garrett [37:10]: "You have to do tough things to be tougher. Bring in the right kind of people."

Key Insights and Conclusions

• Merit vs. Brand: The debate on playoff selections underscores a tension between traditional powerhouses and emerging teams based on current performance.

• Player Impact: Standout player performances like Saquon Barkley and Josh Allen are pivotal in shaping team success and individual accolades.

• Rule Evolution: The conversation highlights ongoing discussions about player safety and potential rule changes to protect key positions like quarterbacks.

• Team Building: Emphasizing toughness through strategic player selection and rigorous training is essential for NFL teams aiming for success.

This episode offers a deep dive into the current sports landscape, blending expert analysis with thoughtful debate, making it a must-listen for sports enthusiasts.