The Dan Patrick Show: Episode Summary – Hour 3: NFL Playoff Recap

Release Date: January 13, 2025
Host/Network: iHeartPodcasts and Dan Patrick Podcast Network
Episode Title: NFL Playoff Recap

Introduction

In the third hour of this episode of The Dan Patrick Show, hosts Dan Patrick, Marvin, Seton, and Paulie delve deep into the recent NFL playoff actions, analyzing team performances, quarterback efficiencies, and coaching decisions. The discussion is rich with insights, debates, and listener interactions, providing a comprehensive overview of the playoff landscape leading into the upcoming game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Minnesota Vikings.

Poll Question & The Future of Mike Tomlin and the Steelers

Poll Question:

Seton introduces the final hour's poll question: "If you were a Steelers fan, what would you do with Mike Tomlin?" [04:34]

Discussion Highlights:

• Marvin's Perspective: Marvin expresses skepticism about Tomlin's future, questioning whether he believes Tomlin still has the team needed to compete at the highest levels. He suggests that the Steelers' consistent playoff appearances without meaningful success necessitate a conversation about Tomlin’s tenure.

  "I would ask Mike, does he think he still has this team?... You have to come up with some kind of solution here." [04:44]

• Comparative Analysis: Dan Patrick draws parallels between the Steelers' situation and the Cowboys' management of Mike McCarthy, highlighting the challenge of making coaching changes when a team consistently reaches the playoffs but fails to advance.

  "It's a little similar to the Cowboys, Mike McCarthy... They never give it up." [06:25]

• Listener Insights: Paulie supports the notion that any new head coach must produce immediate playoff success to justify replacing Tomlin, emphasizing the high expectations of the Steelers' fanbase.

  "If the new head coach comes in, he better do better... you have to come up with some kind of solution." [07:01]

• Marvin's Final Take: Marvin underscores the importance of playoff victories, noting that consistent first-round exits are insufficient for an organization with championship aspirations.

  "They don't feel threatening. You lose what, your last four games of the regular season... Can't be competitive." [07:44]

Best and Worst of the Weekend

Segment Overview:

Hosts and callers share their takeaways from the weekend's NFL games, highlighting standout performances and disappointing outcomes.

Notable Highlights:

• Cooper Flag's Stellar Performance: Cooper Flag of Duke scores a career-high 42 points, setting an ACC freshman record.

  "Saturday afternoon at Cameron Indoor. Duke's Cooper Flag scores a career high and an ACC freshman record 42 points." [12:27]

• Justin Herbert's Playoff Struggles: Despite a season with only three interceptions, Herbert throws four picks in a single playoff game, a historic and disappointing feat.

  "Justin Herbert... first player in NFL history to throw more picks in a single playoff game than in the entire regular season..." [12:35]

• Terry McLaurin's Consistent Excellence: McLaurin is lauded as one of the most underrated receivers in the NFL, consistently delivering impressive performances for the Washington Commanders.

  "Terry McLaurin... hands down the most underrated receiver in the NFL." [16:16]

• Derrick Henry's Dominance: Henry's aggressive running style leads to significant yardage gains, despite his opponents' best efforts.

  "Derrick Henry just treated him [Fitzpatrick] like a practice player." [15:58]

Quotes:

"It's like the boxer who doesn't have a one punch, but he's just going to continue to pepper you at the end." – Marvin on running back performances [15:28]

"Sam Darnold does just to clear up that mess that he had against Detroit." – Marvin on quarterback performance [10:58]

Team Performance Analysis

Pittsburgh Steelers: A Team in Decline

• Quarterback Concerns: The Steelers' current quarterback, characterized as a "burnout third-round pick," is criticized for underperformance, mirroring past frustrations post-Ben Roethlisberger and Terry Bradshaw eras.

  "They have their quarterback. I don't like their wide receivers. It was a defensive first team, but it's what Pittsburgh's been." – Marvin [32:19]

• Coaching Evaluation: The lack of a viable coaching strategy beyond Tomlin's defense-oriented approach is a focal point, with increasing calls for innovation to revive the franchise's competitiveness.

  "You have to find that Coach, where you say this is an upgrade. This is what we need." – Marvin [11:11]

Washington Commanders: Resurgence and Potential

• Playoff Resurgence: The Commanders celebrate their first playoff win since January 2006, signaling a significant turnaround under new quarterback Jaden Daniels and head coach Dan Quinn.

  "Watching Washington this year is inspiring." – Maverick [37:11]

• Key Players: Jaden Daniels and Terry McLaurin are highlighted for their pivotal roles in the team's success, with McLaurin's reliable receiving skills standing out.

  "Terry McLaurin has just an unbelievable catch... just fantastic." – Seton [13:34]

Upcoming Matchups: Ravens vs. Bills

• Star Quarterbacks Clash: The anticipated matchup between Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen is framed as a marquee event, comparable to historic NCAA title games in excitement and competitive stakes.

  "If you were three years, $90 million on Russell or three years on Sam, same price." – Dan Patrick [10:58]

• Strategic Implications: Discussions revolve around the strategic decisions that could influence the outcome, including coaching strategies and quarterback performances.

  "It's going to wear on me for a while. First one all year that happened on." – Marvin on Baker Mayfield's costly fumble [26:27]

Day in Sports History

Dan Patrick and the hosts reflect on significant sports milestones that occurred on this date in history, offering listeners a nostalgic glimpse into past sporting events.

• Bill Masterson's Tragic Injury (1968): The first casualty in NHL history due to a game-related injury.

  "In 1968, Bill Masterson of the North Stars was injured and he's checked into the boards. He died two days later." – Paulie [50:09]

• NCAA Prop 48 Controversy (1986): A pivotal moment in college sports, highlighting the complexities of athletic eligibility and academic standards.

  "The NCAA in 1986 got Prop 48 going. Very controversial." – Paulie [50:01]

• Michael Jordan's First Retirement (1999): An iconic moment marking the temporary end of a legendary basketball career.

  "Michael Jordan, 1999 of the Bulls announced his retirement from the NBA." – Paulie [50:09]

• MLB Steroid Testing Initiation (2005): Major League Baseball's controversial step towards regulating performance-enhancing drugs.

  "2005, Major League Baseball started steroid testing." – Paulie [50:06]

Audience Interaction

Listener Calls:

• Todd's Perspectives:

  • Best: Celebration of The Washington Commanders' playoff performance.

    "He stands in there and throws dimes and darts all day long." – Todd [34:09]

  • Worst: Frustration with the Pittsburgh Steelers' decline.

    "This has been the worst... it's real painful for Steelers fans to watch." – Todd [30:58]

• Andy from Rhode Island: Shares excitement about his first color commentator experience and seeks advice, receiving practical tips from the hosts.

  "Do your homework. Have nuggets, have little things that you can drop in there." – Marvin [35:51]

• Additional Interactions: Calls from listeners like James and Whit contribute personal anecdotes and opinions, enriching the discussion with diverse viewpoints.

  "Salute the Commanders... I really appreciate you guys." – James from Virginia [37:11]

Conclusions & Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, hosts summarize the key takeaways from the weekend's NFL action, emphasizing the Steelers' need for strategic changes and the Commanders' impressive playoff run. They preview the upcoming game between the Rams and Vikings, engaging listeners with speculative headlines and listener-driven predictions.

Closing Remarks:

• Future Outlook: Optimism for the Commanders' potential in reaching the NFC Championship and the necessity for the Steelers to innovate beyond their defensive stronghold.

  "You have to find that Coach, where you say this is an upgrade. This is what we need." – Marvin [11:11]

• Upcoming Headlines: Creative and humorous headline predictions for the next night's game, fostering listener engagement and anticipation.

  "Tonight's game, LA's Honking Horns. No, they're not stuck in traffic. Those are the Vikings helmets that they just honk horns." – Seton [45:16]

• Final Quote:

  "Salute the Commanders... I was just telling Tyler, man, at any given time, this guy is the fastest guy on the field." – Todd [37:11]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "I would ask Mike, does he think he still has this team?... You have to come up with some kind of solution here." – Marvin [04:44]

• "Justin Herbert... first player in NFL history to throw more picks in a single playoff game than in the entire regular season..." – Marvin [12:35]

• "Terry McLaurin has just an unbelievable catch... just fantastic." – Seton [13:34]

• "They don't feel threatening. You lose what, your last four games of the regular season... Can't be competitive." – Marvin [07:44]

• "It's going to wear on me for a while. First one all year that happened on." – Marvin [26:27]

Conclusion

This episode of The Dan Patrick Show offers an in-depth analysis of the NFL playoffs, blending statistical insights with passionate fan perspectives. Through engaging discussions on coaching decisions, player performances, and historical contexts, the hosts provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of the current NFL landscape and what to expect in the forthcoming games.