Podcast Summary: The Dan Patrick Show – Hour 3: Revisiting Preseason Hot Takes with Mike Florio

Release Date: January 8, 2025 | Host: Dan Patrick | Guest: Mike Florio

Introduction and NFL Rushing Trends

The episode kicks off with Dan Patrick welcoming Mike Florio from Pro Football Talk, setting the stage for an in-depth analysis of the NFL preseason predictions. The discussion opens with a focus on the rising trend of rushing in the NFL, highlighting the exceptional performance of Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry.

Dan Patrick (01:00):

"Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry combined for the most yards rushing, passing, and receiving by any set of teammates in NFL history. They accumulated 7,201 yards this season, surpassing the previous record held by Ben Roethlisberger and Le'Veon Bell."

Patrick delves into the strategic shift towards a run-heavy game, noting that 43.4% of NFL plays were rushes this season—the highest since 2009. He correlates this trend with team success, pointing out that seven of the top ten rushing teams made the playoffs.

Dan Patrick (02:16):

"Start of the day, Start of the day, Start of the day, Start of."

Preseason Hot Takes and Predictions

The core segment of the episode revolves around preseason hot takes. Dan and the panel, including Mike Florio, engage in making bold predictions for the upcoming NFL season. The format involves each participant presenting both AFC and NFC takes, followed by a game assessing which predictions were most accurate or off the mark.

Paulie (27:14):

"Jeffrey Simmons of the Tennessee Titans will win Defensive Player of the Year."

Seaton (27:14):

"The New York Jets will go to the AFC Championship game."

Dan Patrick (27:37):

"Raheem Morris will win NFL Coach of the Year."

The predictions range from team performances to individual accolades, showcasing a mix of optimistic and controversial takes.

Interactive Segments and Listener Engagement

Throughout the show, Dan encourages listener participation through live calls. One notable call involves a listener named Curtis questioning the Packers' odds against the Philadelphia Eagles following a key injury. The panel discusses the impact of this injury, acknowledging that while statistics play a role, the psychological effect on the team cannot be underestimated.

Curtis (26:49):

"I saw an article that felt like just a bummer, like when Dre Greenlaw got injured in the Super Bowl. It's not statistically much, but it stayed with them."

Personal Anecdotes and Light Banter

The show features a lighthearted segment where the hosts share their earliest memories. Mike Florio recounts a vivid childhood memory of disrupting a family gathering by taking off his diaper, adding a humorous touch to the conversation.

Mike Florio (24:06):

"I have a vivid recollection of that and being scolded. It caused quite a scene."

Dan Patrick shares his own memory of an Easter mishap, reflecting on childhood behavior with humor.

Dan Patrick (25:40):

"One of my first memories is on Easter... I smashed all of the hard-boiled eggs on the walls."

Deeper NFL Insights and Speculations

The conversation shifts back to serious NFL discussions, particularly focusing on coaching decisions and quarterback performances. A significant portion is dedicated to the potential future moves of Mike Vrabel and Aaron Rodgers, exploring how coaching relationships and past experiences might influence their career trajectories.

Dan Patrick (09:02):

"I think Mike Vrabel will manage Bill Belichick and go where he feels like he should go. It seems like a no-brainer for him to go to New England."

Tyler (07:46):

"Mike Vrabel is going to do his own thing. He's got multiple opportunities and will decide based on where he feels right for him."

MVP Discussions and Award Predictions

The panel engages in a spirited debate about the NFL MVP race, weighing the performances of players like Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Patrick Mahomes. They discuss the subjective nature of the MVP award, emphasizing the importance of gut feeling over purely statistical validation.

Tyler (17:26):

"Trust your gut if you're a voter. Whatever your gut feeling is, go with it, because if you start coming up with objective justifications, all you're doing is finding any stat to support whatever it is you want to do."

The discussion highlights the complexities involved in award voting, with Tyler expressing skepticism about players balancing multiple roles effectively.

Final Hot Takes and Poll Results

In the final segment, the hosts reveal the outcomes of their preseason hot takes. Seaton's predictions regarding the Jets and Cowboys receive mixed reactions, while Paulie's bold claims about Russell Wilson and Will Levis spark debate. The poll results indicate varying levels of accuracy among the hosts' predictions, revealing both hits and misses.

Paulie (32:01):

"I would like to volunteer for most wrongest with my Will Levis take as they now have the number one pick of the draft. It's hard to get wronger than that."

Dan Patrick (32:50):

"The Jets going to the Super Bowl."

Conclusion and Takeaways

The episode concludes with reflective insights from the panel, summarizing key learnings and acknowledging the unpredictability of the NFL season. Dan Patrick teases upcoming episodes featuring notable guests like Brady Quinn and Greg McElroy, promising further in-depth discussions.

Dan Patrick (44:08):

"We lost Eden for the sports."

Mike Florio (44:03):

"Mike Florio can see Aaron Rodgers joining forces with Mike Tomlin in Pittsburgh next season. That's interesting."

Notable Quotes

• Dan Patrick (01:00):

  "Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry combined for the most yards rushing, passing, and receiving by any set of teammates in NFL history."

• Tyler (17:26):

  "Trust your gut if you're a voter."

• Paulie (27:14):

  "Jeffrey Simmons of the Tennessee Titans will win Defensive Player of the Year."

• Mike Florio (09:02):

  "Mike Vrabel is going to do his own thing."

Key Topics Covered

• NFL Rushing Trends: Analysis of the increasing emphasis on the running game and its correlation with team success.
• Preseason Hot Takes: Bold predictions for team performances, individual awards, and coaching decisions.
• MVP Race: Discussion on subjective criteria versus statistical performance in MVP voting.
• Coaching Movements: Speculations on future moves of prominent coaches and quarterbacks.
• Interactive Listener Engagement: Addressing listener questions and incorporating their insights into the discussion.
• Personal Stories: Sharing childhood memories to add a relatable and humorous element to the show.

This episode offers a comprehensive exploration of NFL preseason outlooks, enriched by expert analysis from Mike Florio and interactive segments that engage both hosts and listeners. The blend of serious predictions, personal anecdotes, and lively debates provides a well-rounded and entertaining listen for fans anticipating the upcoming season.