Podcast Summary: The Dan Patrick Show – Hour 3: Rick Neuheisel, Chiefs Fatigue Is Real

Release Date: January 21, 2025

Introduction

In the third hour of The Dan Patrick Show titled "Rick Neuheisel, Chiefs Fatigue Is Real," host Dan Patrick engages in a comprehensive discussion covering significant developments in both the NFL and college football. The episode features insights from former college coach Rick Neuheisel, who provides expert analysis on the recent national title game and broader trends affecting college football. The conversation delves into NFL coaching rumors, quarterback development, team performances, and the evolving landscape of college athletics.

NFL Coaching Changes & Rumors

Dan Patrick initiates the conversation by addressing the flurry of coaching changes in the NFL following recent team performances. He highlights potential vacancies and speculates on possible candidates for various head coaching positions.

• Key Points:

  • Seattle Seahawks: Speculation around Pete Carroll potentially returning to other coaching opportunities.
  • Dallas Cowboys & Jacksonville Jaguars: Mention of Mike McCarthy as a candidate for head coaching roles.
  • New York Jets & Oakland Raiders: Aaron Glenn and Ben Johnson are discussed as possible hires, with Ben Johnson potentially moving to the Chicago Bears.

• Notable Quote:

  • Dan Patrick: "The Chiefs have gone eight consecutive games, regular season and postseason without a turnover. That is the longest streak in NFL history." ([10:00])

Quarterback Development: Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson

The discussion shifts to quarterback development, specifically focusing on Caleb Williams' performance and the hiring of Ben Johnson.

• Caleb Williams' Performance:

  • Dan highlights Caleb Williams' impressive rookie season, noting his ability to throw for 590 yards and five touchdowns in two games against the Detroit Lions, alongside rushing for 73 yards.

• Ben Johnson's Impact:

  • The addition of Ben Johnson to assist Williams is seen as a move to refine Williams' footwork and reduce improvisational play, emphasizing a more structured offensive approach.

• Notable Quote:

  • Rick Neuheisel: "All we can do, I think, is progress. This isn't just about developing your quarterback. This is running a football team." ([07:00])

Chiefs' Turnover Streak

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the Kansas City Chiefs' remarkable performance streak.

• Key Points:

  • The Chiefs have maintained a streak of eight consecutive games without a turnover, setting an NFL record.
  • This stability is attributed to disciplined play and effective coaching strategies.

• Notable Quote:

  • Dan Patrick: "The Chiefs have gone eight consecutive games, regular season and postseason without a turnover. That is the longest streak in NFL history." ([10:00])

College Football National Title Game Analysis with Rick Neuheisel

Former college coach Rick Neuheisel provides an in-depth analysis of the recently concluded national title game between Ohio State and Notre Dame.

• Expectations vs. Outcome:

  • Neuheisel anticipated a one-sided game dominated by Ohio State's strong defense and effective offense.
  • Contrary to expectations, Notre Dame showcased resilience, particularly in the second half, with standout performances from players like Jaden Greathouse and Riley Leonard.

• Notre Dame's Strategic Play:

  • Emphasis on leveraging lesser-utilized offensive talents and executing strategic two-point plays contributed to their competitive performance.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Rick Neuheisel: "I expected exactly what the first half gave us, which was a Buckeye kind of one-sided affair." ([09:20])
  • Rick Neuheisel: "It was a well-coached football team. They got everything out of this team all season long." ([10:40])

Offseason Predictions & College Football Reforms

The conversation explores potential changes in the college football landscape, particularly in light of the adoption of a 12-team playoff system.

• Key Points:

  • Discussions on collective bargaining and the potential for student-athlete unions.
  • Challenges related to the transfer portal and the influence of private money on conference alignments.
  • Speculation on future expansions of the playoff system beyond 12 teams.

• Notable Quote:

  • Rick Neuheisel: "I think they're going to get closer and closer to contracts, some employment relationship with the student athletes." ([13:26])

Future Coaches: Marcus Freeman vs. Ryan Day

Dan and Rick debate the prospects of Marcus Freeman and Ryan Day as potential head coaches, considering their performances and leadership qualities.

• Key Points:

  • Ryan Day is viewed as justified and successful in his current role, with the possibility of feeling both relief and affirmation from recent accomplishments.
  • Marcus Freeman is praised as a "rock star" with the potential to innovate and push boundaries in coaching strategies.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Rick Neuheisel: "Ryan Day is a rock star. There's no getting around that he's a rock star." ([16:16])
  • Rick Neuheisel: "We have to solve getting to the finish line with both coaches and players intact." ([14:36])

Team Predictions for Next NFL Season

The hosts and Rick Neuheisel offer their predictions for NFL teams' performances in the upcoming season, focusing on teams like the Detroit Lions, Houston Texans, Baltimore Ravens, and Los Angeles Rams.

• Key Points:

  • Detroit Lions: Expected to rebuild and reinforce their core, with optimism about their offensive lineup and return of key players like Aidan Hutchinson.
  • Houston Texans: Viewed as having the least uncertainty moving forward, emphasizing youth and potential growth.
  • Baltimore Ravens & Los Angeles Rams: Brief discussions on their prospects, though opinions vary.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Dan Patrick: "I think the Lions will get everybody back. They lost their coordinators, but the core is there." ([33:19])
  • Paul Pabst: "The Texans are young, they're good, and they're in the bad division." ([33:04])

Ben Johnson's Hiring by Chicago Bears

The episode examines the Chicago Bears' decision to hire Ben Johnson as their new offensive coordinator.

• Key Points:

  • Ben Johnson's prior experience with the Detroit Lions and his potential impact on elevating the Bears' offensive strategies.
  • Consideration of his ability to manage a football team beyond just quarterback development.
  • Dan expresses cautious optimism, noting the Bears made a strategic hire but remains unsure about Johnson's readiness to lead a complete team.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Dan Patrick: "He has to see Caleb Williams. Caleb Williams was really good against the Lions... maybe he's looking at him saying, I can clean all of that up and build off of that." ([34:07])
  • Dan Patrick: "I don't know Ben Johnson's personality. I don't know how he is when he's talking to the media." ([34:41])

Comparison Between Patriots and Chiefs' Fan Base Sentiment

Dan and Paul discuss the public perception and sentiment towards two powerhouse NFL teams: the New England Patriots and the Kansas City Chiefs.

• Key Points:

  • Patriots: Historically loved on the field but often disliked off the field due to controversies like the "Spygate" and "Deflategate" scandals.
  • Chiefs: Respected for their consistent performance without being embroiled in significant controversies, leading to a more favorable public image.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Dan Patrick: "At their peak, the Patriots, because I think people thought they were cheating." ([37:05])
  • Dan Patrick: "I think the Chiefs have gone eight consecutive games without a turnover. That is the longest streak in NFL history." ([10:00])

Playoffs and Future Predictions

In the closing segments, Dan and his guests discuss the implications of recent playoff performances and make forward-looking statements about team trajectories.

• Key Points:

  • Analysis of how playoff outcomes might influence coaching decisions and team strategies moving forward.
  • Consideration of team morale and future prospects based on current performances and management decisions.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Dan Patrick: "The losing playoff team from this past weekend is in the best shape moving forward." ([17:12])
  • Rick Neuheisel: "We’ve got to make sure that we hang on to the entirety of Division one rather than try to keep leaning towards this super conference." ([14:36])

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a recap of the key discussions and a brief look ahead to upcoming topics on future episodes. Dan reinforces the importance of strategic leadership in both the NFL and college football, emphasizing the need for adaptability and forward-thinking in an ever-evolving sports landscape.

Notable Quotes Summary:

• "The Chiefs have gone eight consecutive games, regular season and postseason without a turnover. That is the longest streak in NFL history." – Dan Patrick ([10:00])

• "I expected exactly what the first half gave us, which was a Buckeye kind of one-sided affair." – Rick Neuheisel ([09:20])

• "Ryan Day is a rock star. There's no getting around that he's a rock star." – Rick Neuheisel ([16:16])

• "At their peak, the Patriots, because I think people thought they were cheating." – Dan Patrick ([37:05])

This summary encapsulates the essence of the episode, providing listeners and non-listeners alike with a comprehensive overview of the discussions on NFL coaching changes, quarterback development, team performances, and strategic insights into college football's future.