The Dan Patrick Show: Hour 3 – Judy Battista, New Jets, Same as the Old Jets
Release Date: February 26, 2025
Host: Dan Patrick
Guest: Judy Battista, Senior National Columnist and Co-Host of Insiders on NFL Network
Introduction and Context
In the third hour of The Dan Patrick Show, host Dan Patrick delves deep into the latest NFL developments with insights from Judy Battista, a seasoned NFL analyst. The episode, titled "New Jets, Same as the Old Jets," focuses on the dynamics within the NFL Combine, the strategic maneuvers of various teams, and the ongoing debate surrounding the controversial "Tush Push" play.
Coaches and Team Strategies at the NFL Combine
Timestamp [05:13]
Dan Patrick opens the discussion by reflecting on the challenges of extracting meaningful answers from coaches and general managers at the NFL Combine. He commends Judy Battista for her adeptness in navigating these interactions.
Dan Patrick: “Judy did a great job because she kept it really simple... how do you get something out of people who really don't want to give you something.”
Judy elaborates on her approach to questioning and the importance of asking direct questions to elicit genuine responses.
Timestamp [05:13-07:06]
Judy shares her experience interviewing Bengals' coach Zach Taylor, highlighting how direct questioning can reveal the underlying strategies of a team.
Judy Battista: “To his credit, he answered the question right. He said they're looking at all aspects of the offseason program and changing training camp and everything.”
The Quarterback Carousel: Matthew Stafford and Beyond
Timestamp [07:06-09:47]
The conversation shifts to the quarterback landscape in the NFL, focusing on the future of Matthew Stafford with the Los Angeles Rams. Judy discusses the Rams’ desire to retain Stafford versus the financial and strategic challenges they face.
Judy Battista: “There's no question that the Rams are a better team if Matthew Stafford is the quarterback next year than if they have practically anybody else.”
Dan expresses his support for Stafford, emphasizing his belief in Stafford's ability to elevate the Rams, potentially making them Super Bowl contenders.
Analyzing the Colts’ Quarterback Situation
Timestamp [09:47-11:07]
Dan and Judy examine the Indianapolis Colts' open competition at quarterback. Judy questions whether the Colts genuinely intend to create an open field for competition or if they aim to motivate their draft pick, Anthony Richardson, to perform better without introducing a viable competitor.
Judy Battista: “Who is a real competitor to Anthony Richardson... Who is going to bring in a veteran that can spur him to raise his level but not really supplant Richardson?”
Ravens and Justin Tucker Controversy
Timestamp [11:07-14:50]
The discussion turns to the Baltimore Ravens and their kicker, Justin Tucker. Judy addresses the recent allegations surrounding Tucker and the Ravens’ response, highlighting the implications for both the team and Tucker's legacy.
Judy Battista: “The number of allegations is concerning... It has cast a pall over the Ravens.”
She speculates on the Ravens' next steps, considering Tucker's on-field performance issues in light of the off-field turmoil.
The Tush Push and NFL Rule Changes
Timestamp [14:50-18:00]
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the controversial "Tush Push" play, predominantly used by the Philadelphia Eagles. Judy explains the Football Competition Committee's role in potentially banning this play and the challenges associated with changing long-standing rules.
Judy Battista: “There's no real injury data on it... It's more based on the possibility that there could be injuries.”
Dan critiques the NFL's decision-making process regarding the play, questioning the league's rationale for allowing such maneuvers that resemble rugby tactics.
Impact of the Tush Push on the Game
Timestamp [18:00-23:20]
Judy and Dan discuss how the Eagles' mastery of the Tush Push has influenced the game, making it a focal point of both strategic advantage and regulatory scrutiny. Judy emphasizes that the play's effectiveness hinges on the Eagles' unique personnel and practice regimen.
Judy Battista: “If other teams could do it as successfully as they do, I don't think you would hear this.”
They debate whether the NFL will ultimately ban the play, given its current lack of injury-related impetus for change.
Audience Interaction and Phone Calls
Timestamp [27:00-51:48]
Throughout the episode, Dan and Judy engage with callers who share their perspectives on the Tush Push and other NFL strategies. Notable discussions include comparisons between the Tush Push and traditional quarterback sneaks, with callers arguing about the play's legitimacy and potential risks.
Caller Paulie [29:24]: “...the tush push any different? You're gaining advantage from a teammate pushing you.”
Dan reiterates his stance against the push from behind, advocating for a shift towards purely quarterback sneak plays to maintain the sport's integrity.
Rule Enforcement and Loophole Closures
Timestamp [32:56-38:00]
The conversation explores the NFL's history of closing loopholes that teams exploit to gain unfair advantages, citing past examples like the Dolphins' jet sweep and the Patriots' clock management tactics. Judy predicts that the league will likely address the Tush Push similarly if it continues to disrupt game balance.
Judy Battista: “I’d be surprised if they ban it. And there’s also the sentiment from a lot of teams that just like, stop it.”
Closing Remarks and Future Episodes
Timestamp [51:48-End]
As the episode winds down, Dan Patrick summarizes the key points discussed, reiterating the complexities surrounding NFL strategies and rule enforcement. He teases future episodes featuring prominent guests like Sonny Vaccaro and Woody Harrelson, promising more in-depth sports analyses and insider stories.
Notable Quotes
- Dan Patrick [05:13]: “Don't let him reload there. And I loved it.”
- Judy Battista [07:06]: “There's just not that many top, top level ones in the draft.”
- Judy Battista [11:20]: “Justin Tucker... this has cast a pall over the Ravens.”
- Dan Patrick [14:50]: “I don't understand why the NFL brought back that you could push somebody from behind.”
- Judy Battista [17:40]: “If other teams could do it as successfully as they do, I don't think you would hear this.”
Conclusions and Insights
The episode offers a comprehensive look into the strategic intricacies of NFL teams, the ongoing debates over rule changes, and the impact of specific plays like the Tush Push. Judy Battista provides expert analysis on the motivations behind team decisions, the role of veteran players in shaping team dynamics, and the challenges the NFL faces in maintaining competitive balance. The conversation underscores the delicate balance between innovation in gameplay and preserving the sport's traditional integrity.
Listeners gain valuable insights into how teams navigate the complexities of player trades, quarterback management, and rule exploitation, all while the league grapples with enforcing fair play standards. The episode effectively bridges the gap between casual fans and hardcore enthusiasts, providing nuanced perspectives that enrich the overall understanding of contemporary NFL dynamics.