The Dan Patrick Show: Hour 3 – Derwin James Jr. & Andy Staples

Host: Ryan Leaf (Filling in for Dan Patrick)
Guests:

• Derwin James Jr. – All-Pro Safety, Los Angeles Chargers
• Andy Staples – College Football Analyst

Release Date: December 5, 2024

Introduction

In this episode of The Dan Patrick Show, host Ryan Leaf engages in insightful conversations with two prominent figures in the football world: Derwin James Jr., an All-Pro safety for the Los Angeles Chargers, and Andy Staples, a seasoned college football analyst. The discussions delve into the dynamics of the Chargers under Coach Jim Harbaugh and the evolving landscape of college football, including playoff structures and coaching strategies.

Section 1: In-Depth with Derwin James Jr. (03:56 – 13:40)

Team Dynamics Under Jim Harbaugh

Ryan Leaf opens the segment by highlighting the exciting developments within the Chargers, particularly praising Defensive Coordinator Jesse Minter's impact:
"I think we got him already, so we're going to go to him right now. Derwin James, all pro safety for my Los Angeles Chargers, joins us now." ([03:56])

Derwin expresses his enthusiasm about the team's progress and the positive environment fostered by Coach Harbaugh:
"Man, I can't stop smiling every day I come into the building. It's just exciting to come to work with these men." ([04:22])

He emphasizes the family-like atmosphere Harbaugh has created, which is unprecedented in his seven-year NFL career:
"We're just creating that family environment that I've never been around in the NFL in my seven years." ([05:21])

Impact of Game Strategies and Plays

Discussing a critical moment against Atlanta, Derwin commends Coach Harbaugh's strategic decisions:
"First of all, I feel like coach did a great job all day calling great plays." ([06:29])

He highlights the aggressive defense and the significance of teamwork:
"We just want to keep going hard and coach, mentor. Man. I can't say nothing but great things about him." ([05:47])

Leadership and Motivation

Derwin praises Harbaugh's hands-on coaching approach, noting his active participation in drills and maintaining high energy:
"He's been pulling sleds, man. Honestly, since we've been working out every fourth quarter drill, no lie." ([08:57])

He underscores Harbaugh's ability to inspire and lead the team:
"He's one of a kind when it comes to that." ([09:22])

Facing Top Teams and Playoff Aspirations

When discussing upcoming matchups against elite teams like the Chiefs, Derwin stresses the importance of resilience and preparation:
"All, it's always exciting to go against the Chiefs. I feel like the games come down to the end every time." ([11:10])

He reflects on the team's confidence:
"I trust every man in this locker room from offense, defense to special teams." ([11:10])

Conclusion of Segment with Derwin

Ryan Leaf wraps up the conversation by commending the Chargers' defense and praising Coach Harbaugh's leadership:
"He's the track record, he goes places, you win. You get a chance to win a championship." ([13:40])

Section 2: College Football Insights with Andy Staples (23:40 – 41:31)

Evolving Playoff Structures and Conference Games

Andy Staples provides a comprehensive analysis of the recent changes in college football, particularly focusing on the expanded playoff system:
"It's really interesting how it changed our relationship with games in November." ([25:00])

He discusses the heightened significance of rivalry games and their impact on playoff qualifications:
"Texas and Texas A and M were playing for a spot in the SEC championship game." ([25:00])

Transfer Portal and Recruiting Dynamics

The conversation shifts to the influence of the transfer portal on team building and recruiting:
"You can just play somewhere else. I can become a first rounder at Arkansas, I can become a first rounder at Ole Miss." ([30:20])

Andy highlights the challenges top programs face in retaining talent:
"Alabama's backups used to be better than probably everybody ranked below number five. And that's just not the case anymore." ([30:20])

Coaching Stability and Career Moves

Discussing the volatility of coaching positions, Andy points out the financial and strategic constraints preventing frequent coaching changes:
"Some of the buyouts have gotten so ridiculous that they're almost prohibitive." ([32:27])

He identifies schools currently searching for coaches and the potential impacts on their programs:
"The best jobs open right now are North Carolina, Purdue, UCF, and West Virginia." ([32:27])

National Collegiate Football League Proposal

Andy expresses his thoughts on the proposed restructuring of college football into a national league:
"They have to dictate the terms. Like, you have Jeremiah Smith, who is the best wide receiver in the country." ([34:03])

He underscores the unique position of college athletes balancing academics and professional-level sports:
"They're still on college campuses. These are student athletes still." ([39:26])

Impact of Conference Realignments

Andy anticipates that teams from the PAC-12 will return to their original conference due to financial constraints of the proposed league:
"Guess who's going to hold the cards on whether you get back into the Pac 12 conference? Washington State, Oregon State, and Teresa Gould." ([39:26])

Conclusion of Segment with Andy

Ryan Leaf concludes the segment by reflecting on the insights shared by Andy, highlighting the complexity and ongoing evolution of college football:
"We're going to come back for our last segment here on the Dan Patrick Show." ([41:31])

Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts (41:31 – 52:59)

In the later part of the episode, Ryan Leaf shares a personal reflection on his journey, including overcoming challenges and embracing a positive mindset inspired by mentors like Trevor Moad. He touches upon his transformation since leaving prison and the importance of "Neutral Thinking" in maintaining mental resilience:
"You don't allow negative thoughts ever to enter our mind." ([36:55])

Leaf expresses gratitude towards his supporters and outlines his commitment to personal growth and helping others:
"Thank you to the listener, thank you to Dan Patrick, thank you to you guys for carrying me and always being there for me." ([37:39])

Notable Quotes

• Derwin James Jr.:
  "I'm doing good, man. How y'all doing?" ([03:56])

• Ryan Leaf:
  "I think Coach Harbaugh shows up. There's a different mentality as a former player." ([04:47])

• Andy Staples:
  "It's really interesting how it changed our relationship with games in November." ([25:00])

• Derwin James Jr.:
  "Coach Harbaugh, he's all in, man." ([08:57])

• Andy Staples:
  "You can just play somewhere else. I can become a first rounder at Arkansas, I can become a first rounder at Ole Miss." ([30:20])

Conclusion

This episode of The Dan Patrick Show offers listeners a deep dive into both the professional strategies shaping the Los Angeles Chargers under Derwin James Jr.'s perspective and the transformative shifts within college football as analyzed by Andy Staples. From discussing coaching methodologies and team dynamics to exploring the complexities of college football's evolving playoff systems and transfer regulations, the show provides a comprehensive overview of current trends and future directions in the sport.

Whether you're an NFL enthusiast or a college football follower, Ryan Leaf's engaging interviews with Derwin James Jr. and Andy Staples deliver valuable insights and thoughtful commentary on the ever-changing landscape of football.