The Dan Patrick Show – Hour 3

Date: December 19, 2025
Guests: Ryan Leaf (Former NFL QB, Westwood One Broadcaster)
Theme: NFL Quarterbacks, Playoff Races, and “Must-Win” Games

Overview

The final hour of The Dan Patrick Show brings together spirited discussion and football expertise as Dan is joined in studio by former NFL quarterback and broadcaster Ryan Leaf. The hour focuses on the evaluation of quarterbacks past and present, inside breakdowns of X’s and O’s, insight into coaching relationships, and colorful banter about meat, weather, and memorable sports moments. The gang also debates “must-win” games for NFL teams on the playoff bubble and fields calls from listeners with their own war stories—both gridiron and surgical.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Ryan Leaf on QB Play: Sam Darnold and NFL Coaching

[05:58]

• Leaf’s Optimism on Sam Darnold:
  • Ryan Leaf strongly believes in Sam Darnold’s ability, saying recent interceptions weren’t necessarily his fault but “situational plays” driven by good defensive coaching.
    • “It wasn’t like a bad throw. It wasn’t a bad decision. It was just better coaching on the other side.” — Ryan Leaf [06:32]
  • Praises Darnold’s comeback and football IQ, specifically citing a clever two-point conversion.
  • Stresses Darnold’s growth working with Jordan Palmer.

[07:04] Dan asks about the QB-Coach dynamic, especially Matthew Stafford and Sean McVay:

• Leaf describes McVay’s use of motion and how it gives Stafford clearer post-snap reads, easing QB “vision clutter.”
  • “He’s been able to clear his vision... Sean McVay just let Matthew Stafford feel really comfortable when he drops back.” — Ryan Leaf [07:55–08:43]

The Puka Nacua Phenomenon

[08:43]

• Dan presses Leaf to explain how Nacua dominates without elite speed.
• Leaf traces Nacua’s overlooked collegiate path, notes his hands and play strength, and points to the influence of Cooper Kupp.
  • “Him being open is much different than anybody else being open… if it’s anywhere near his catch readiness, he’s catching it, plain and simple.” — Ryan Leaf [09:43]
  • Notes that Nacua’s “yards after contact” and physicality make him unique.

Preview: Packers vs Bears – How to Attack Without Micah Parsons

[11:19]

• Leaf analyzes how the Bears should exploit Parsons’ absence, possibly finding Green Bay’s defensive blitzes harder to predict without him.

  • “What I think it may do is confuse the Bears and Caleb a little bit more... they have not brought blitzes, they’ve rushed four guys… as long as [the Bears] don’t make any mistakes like turning it over…” — Ryan Leaf [11:38–12:33]

• On Bears rookie QB Caleb Williams:

  • Sees him as a “throwback” due to his aggressive downfield approach, leading to a lower completion percentage but big-play potential.
  • “Caleb Williams, for me, is a bit of a throwback... He goes down the field at an average of around 7–10 yards per attempt.” — Ryan Leaf [13:15]

The Hot Seat: Tua Tagovailoa’s Future and QB Comparisons

[14:18]

• Dan and Leaf interpret Miami’s sudden move to bench Tua as a sign of organizational shift, perhaps prompted by upper management.

  • Leaf references Denver’s swift move past Russell Wilson as a blueprint.
  • “It almost feels like this is one of those impulsive decisions made by a billionaire somewhere…” — Ryan Leaf [15:40]

• Kyler Murray vs. Tua Tagovailoa:

  • Both have their limitations, but Tua is praised for anticipatory accuracy, while Murray’s athleticism gets the nod.
  • “Anytime you see a left-handed quarterback, it seems labored… but he’s been one of the most accurate anticipatory quarterbacks I’ve ever seen.” — Ryan Leaf [16:05]

Weather, Football Identity & Stories from the Booth

[16:57]

• Leaf recounts growing up in Montana loving cold-weather football; says practicing in Miami and then playing in snow is a tough transition.
• Memories of “Ruin Ryan’s self-esteem day” to cope with rain, ultimately helping him in big pressure games.
  • “Coach found a fix for that in college—we called it Ruin Ryan’s Self-Esteem day.” — Ryan Leaf [18:30]

[20:36]

• Leaf recalls reconnecting with Tom Brady while calling games; admires Brady’s parenting and humility, reflecting on fame from good and bad perspectives.

Lighter Moments & Quotables

Memorable Quotes

• “He [Puka Nacua] just kind of came in, put his nose right between Cooper [Kupp]’s butt crack, and followed him around for two years. Right? And that’s the way...” — Ryan Leaf on following mentors [10:22]
• “If you have to vote, I would vote, I don’t want to play in a dome. The only thing I hated worse than anything is playing in rain...” — Ryan Leaf [18:30]
• “I made my center in Tampa change his pants every quarter. I did. It was a swamp.” — Ryan Leaf [17:06]

Must-Win Games: NFL Week Preview

[30:47–31:34]

• Dan leads a panel debate (with Seaton, Marvin, and others) on the “Most Must-Win Game” of the NFL weekend:
  • Arguments for Bucs vs Panthers as an “NFC South playoff game.”
  • Two pick the Detroit Lions, seeing every remaining game as essential to their Super Bowl aspirations.
  • Paulie picks Eagles v. Commanders—stressed as a must win for Philly’s seeding hopes.
  • Dan: “I think [the Lions] are still capable of winning the Super Bowl. But you can’t afford to lose now.”

Callers’ Corner: Injury Stories & Stat of the Day

[31:55–36:07]

• Listeners share knee surgery tales, including waking up during procedures and post-op mishaps.
• Stat of the Day: Luka Doncic’s 45-point triple-double with only one turnover—a feat matched only by Isaiah Thomas in 1983.

Around the Studio: Fire Alarms & Friday Festivities

[36:32]

• Fire alarm provides comic interlude as “Dylan, the big German” accidentally sets it off tending meat for meet Friday.
• Richard Sherman jokes: “Is Dylan the Atlanta Falcons up 28–3? He had this in the bag…”

Fast Takes: NBA, Pop Culture & Notable Anecdotes

[38:04–50:15]

• Nikola Jokic’s all-time assist mark for centers discussed; Dan celebrates his “point center” game.
• Player movement and being lost in an NBA market (“if a tree falls in Brooklyn, does anybody notice?”)
• Musings about Bruce Springsteen’s influence on De Niro’s “You talkin’ to me?” line.
• Extended riff on Timothée Chalamet’s (possibly fictitious) ping pong film "Marty Supreme" and celebrity culture.

Final Takeaways & Notable Segments

[53:44]

• Dan recaps the best advice Ryan Leaf got about radio broadcasting, straight from Kurt Warner:
  • “Just tell your story of the game.”

[54:02]

• Who they’d trust to make a life-saving catch: “We’d pick Puka to save our lives.” — Paulie

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [05:58] – Ryan Leaf on Sam Darnold’s NFL Journey & Coaching Wisdom
• [07:04] – The Coach-QB Dynamic: Stafford & McVay’s Chemistry
• [08:43] – Puka Nacua’s Unconventional Greatness
• [11:19] – Packers-Bears Preview: Defensive Schemes & Caleb Williams
• [13:15] – Old-School vs. New-School Quarterback Play
• [14:18] – Tua Tagovailoa Benching & Franchise Direction
• [16:57] – Weather, Football Identity, and Anecdotes from Ryan Leaf
• [20:36] – Catching Up with Tom Brady: Parenting and Life Lessons
• [30:47] – Most Must-Win Game Debate: Bucs, Lions, Eagles
• [31:55] – Listener Surgeries & Scar Tissue Stories
• [38:04] – NBA Talk: Jokic’s Record, “Point Center” Concept
• [48:00+] – Pop Culture Riffing: Springsteen, Movies, and Celebrity
• [53:44] – Best Broadcasting Advice: “Tell the story of the game”

Tone & Style

• Conversational & Insightful: Dan and Leaf’s exchange is witty and direct, with a blend of locker-room candor and analytical breakdowns.
• Humorous & Warm: The show is punctuated with good-natured ribbing, personal stories, and friendly studio chaos.

For Non-Listeners

This hour captures the balance that makes The Dan Patrick Show a mainstay: sharp football minds breaking down the NFL’s chess matches, veteran perspective from Ryan Leaf, debates both silly and sincere, and the easy camaraderie of a Friday studio. Whether you crave X’s and O’s, behind-the-scenes anecdotes, or sports radio hijinks, this episode delivers.