The Dan Patrick Show – Episode: Hour 3 – NFL Refs, Fill In The Blank

Release Date: January 20, 2025
Host: Dan Patrick
Network: iHeartPodcasts and Dan Patrick Podcast Network

Overview

In this engaging episode of The Dan Patrick Show, host Dan Patrick delves deep into the controversial topic of NFL referees' potential biases, particularly towards elite quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson. The discussion is enriched with insights from various callers, statistical analyses, and interactive segments like "Fill in the Blank." The episode blends humor with serious sports commentary, providing listeners with a comprehensive look at the dynamics shaping current NFL games.

Key Discussions

1. Referee Bias Towards Elite Quarterbacks

Dan Patrick initiates the conversation by addressing the perception that NFL referees might favor marquee quarterbacks, especially Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs.

• Dan Patrick [02:10]: "What's interesting sometimes and this happened to the Lions last year, if I would have said to Lions fans, hey, you're going to go to the NFC title game but you're going to lose after being up double digits, you would have signed up for it at the beginning of the year."

• Dan Patrick [13:02]: "I don't think there's some kind of initiative that they're going, hey, whatever. These calls happen in a split second. It's not like you can go, wow, it looks like he's going to slide. I better get ready to call roughing the passer."

Caller Lucas from Texas [10:06]: Expresses frustration over perceived preferential treatment, citing examples of questionable penalties and the strategic slide rules quarterbacks employ to avoid hits.

• Lucas [10:06]: "It feels like these quarterbacks are taking advantage of the rules... how there's abuse of the rules around the quarterback."

2. Statistical Analysis: Turnovers and Quarterback Performance

The segment includes a "Stat of the Day" focusing on turnovers committed by quarterbacks, highlighting Patrick Mahomes' high number of roughing the passer calls.

• Dan Patrick [08:30]: "Lamar Jackson has thrown an interception and lost a fumble four times in 103 career regular season games... this year Patrick Mahomes defensives were called six times for roughing the passer against him. That's the most in the league."

3. Comparison with Other Sports

Dan draws parallels with the NBA, referencing Michael Jordan to illustrate how elite players can shape officiating biases.

• Dan Patrick [15:50]: "I think quarterbacks do. And that's the problem with this rule. And if you're going to flaunt it at some point, if I'm a defensive coordinator, I say we'll eat the penalty..."

• Dan Patrick [15:50]: "If you're on the NBA, I've had conversations where David Stern is livid... Everybody wanted to see Michael Jordan and wanted to see him win."

4. Coaching Dynamics in the NFL

The discussion shifts to coaching, comparing the reputations and playoff performances of Mike Tomlin and John Harbaugh.

• Dan Patrick [29:03]: "Mike Tomlin hasn't won a playoff game in a long time. And I said, well, John Harbaugh hasn't either."

• Bobby Bones [30:27]: "John Harbaugh has made the playoffs with the Ravens 12 out of 17 seasons."

5. Interactive Segment: Fill in the Blank

The show features a lively "Fill in the Blank" game where co-hosts and callers complete sentences related to ongoing NFL narratives.

• Dan Patrick [31:23]: "Man, blank had that game."
• Todd [31:26]: "Man, Andrews had that game." [Mark Andrews]
• Seaton [31:31]: "The Rams had that game."
• Bobby Bones [32:09]: "The Ravens had that game."

This segment adds a playful element, engaging listeners by predicting game outcomes and personal sentiments toward teams and players.

Notable Quotes

• Dan Patrick [08:10]: "He does. And when you factor this stat here, here's one for you..."

• Dan Patrick [16:10]: "Oh, yeah, absolutely should have been called."

• Dan Patrick [35:07]: "You tend to notice things that no one else does or they bother him. And usually a couple of Mondays each year, he'll come in and talk about Ryan Day's beard."

• Dan Patrick [53:17]: "What'd you learn today?"

Insights & Conclusions

1. Perceived Bias Impact: The episode underscores how perceived refereeing biases can significantly influence fan perceptions and team morale. The focus on elite quarterbacks like Mahomes and Jackson raises questions about the consistency and fairness of officiating in high-stakes moments.

2. Statistical Evidence: Through detailed statistics, Dan Patrick supports the argument that certain quarterbacks receive more favorable calls, which may not solely be due to their playstyle but also their status and visibility in the league.

3. Comparison with Other Leagues: Drawing parallels with the NBA, the show highlights that elite players across sports often receive undue attention and potentially biased treatment, suggesting a broader issue in professional sports officiating.

4. Coaching Stability vs. Performance: The conversation about coaches Mike Tomlin and John Harbaugh reveals a tension between regular-season success and playoff performances, questioning the criteria used to evaluate coaching effectiveness.

5. Engagement Through Interactive Segments: The "Fill in the Blank" game not only entertains but also reinforces the community aspect of the show, allowing listeners to feel involved in the narrative and predictions surrounding NFL events.

Conclusion

This episode of The Dan Patrick Show masterfully blends serious sports analysis with interactive and humorous segments, providing a multifaceted examination of NFL refereeing biases and their implications. Through statistical backing, comparative insights with other sports, and engaging listener participation, Dan Patrick offers a thought-provoking discussion that resonates with both casual fans and dedicated sports enthusiasts.

Listen to the full episode on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.