The Dan Patrick Show: Hour 3 – Sean Salisbury, Chris Sims
Release Date: November 26, 2024

Introduction
In this engaging episode of The Dan Patrick Show, hosted by iHeartPodcasts and the Dan Patrick Podcast Network, Dan Patrick sits down with former NFL quarterback Sean Salisbury and Pro Football Talk Live co-host Chris Sims. The trio delves deep into the latest happenings in the NFL, providing insightful analysis, spirited debates, and a dose of humor that fans have come to expect from the show.

Controversial Game Calls and Coaching Behavior
The episode kicks off with a heated discussion about UConn head coach Dan Hurley's sideline behavior during a recent game against Memphis in Maui. Dan Patrick (03:55) criticizes Hurley, stating, “He got teed up and it cost him the game.” Sean Salisbury (04:11) echoes this sentiment, highlighting a specific controversial “over the back” call that he describes as “a complete joke.” The conversation intensifies as they dissect Hurley’s reaction to the call, with Rachel Zoe interjecting to clarify Hurley’s physical mishap that led to his outburst (05:07). The hosts agree that such behavior is detrimental, with Dan Patrick adding, “That was the craziest he sounded. I don't mind. His face isn't like him.”

Baltimore Ravens and Lamar Jackson's Ascendancy
Sean Salisbury (06:14) lauds the Baltimore Ravens as “still elite” and discusses quarterback Lamar Jackson's evolving playstyle, noting, “He feels like he's doing more from the pocket and inside the tackles,” which has contributed to his sustained performance. The discussion shifts to Jackson’s potential MVP trajectory, with Salisbury predicting, “If Lamar Jackson wins the Super Bowl and goes on and wins this MVP, where he's one of the favorites along with Allen and Jared Goff…it’ll help validate all those MVPs.” Dan Patrick (09:19) emphasizes the historical context, comparing Jackson’s situation to legends like Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, stating, “We did this with Favre, we did it with Rogers, we did it with Peyton. We wanted them to win a championship.”

MVP Race: Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Saquon Barkley, and Jared Goff
The MVP conversation heats up as Sean Salisbury (07:25) names Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Jared Goff among the top contenders, arguing that these quarterbacks are under immense pressure to perform. He asserts, “Josh Allen… has elevated his play, which may have taken some of the pressure off if Josh doesn’t win.” Rachel Zoe (32:03) supports this view by highlighting Saquon Barkley’s exceptional talent, stating, “Saquon Barkley is a first ballot Hall of Famer type talent,” positioning him as a strong MVP candidate alongside Jackson and Allen.

Analysis of the Los Angeles Chargers and Jim Harbaugh’s Coaching
The conversation shifts focus to the Los Angeles Chargers, with Dan Patrick (10:19) expressing skepticism about Jim Harbaugh’s ability to transform the team, saying, “I like Jim and I like that physical. It’s weird… I just don’t think there’s enough weapons.” Sean Salisbury (10:32) concurs, noting the Chargers lack the necessary explosiveness: “They fly around, but I don't think you can be the three yards in a cloud and dust they were just so superior.” Rachel Zoe (26:44) adds that while Harbaugh is bringing an “old school” physical style, the Chargers are missing “a few more difference makers” to reach playoff success.

USC vs Notre Dame: Sean Salisbury’s Insights
Turning to college football, Sean Salisbury (11:36) analyzes the USC Trojans' performance against Notre Dame, expressing disappointment: “We're just not physical enough to continue to and get enough plays to continue to play the teams like this.” He criticizes USC’s inability to dominate the line of scrimmage, stating, “Until we do that at Southern Cal on both sides of the ball, we will not consistently beat good teams.” The hosts discuss the impact of Lincoln Riley’s play-calling and the necessity for USC to strengthen their defensive and offensive consistency to maintain competitiveness.

Quarterback Performance: CJ Stroud’s Regression
Dan Patrick (13:48) brings the discussion to the performance of Chargers’ quarterback CJ Stroud, seeking Sean Salisbury’s perspective: “What do you see that C.J. Stroud is not doing this year that he did last year?” Salisbury (14:13) responds by highlighting Stroud’s increased pressure and the offensive line's shortcomings: “He’s missing throws… He has to get back into the simple stuff of making the ordinary play.” The conversation underscores the importance of Stroud regaining his pre-season form and the Chargers addressing their offensive line issues to unlock Stroud’s full potential.

Kansas City Chiefs’ Vulnerability and MVP Implications
A significant portion of the discussion centers on the Kansas City Chiefs’ vulnerability this season. Rachel Zoe (21:44) points out that their defense isn't as robust as last year and the offensive injuries have hampered their performance: “There is no luxurious need, right? Last year they had maybe two of the three top corners in football on the same team… this year they have no one like that.” Dan Patrick (24:20) reflects on the Chiefs' clutch performance but agrees with the assessment of increased vulnerability: “They are vulnerable until the final two minutes when Mahomes has the ball and then you're vulnerable.”

Final Thoughts and Thanksgiving Wishes
As the episode wraps up, Dan Patrick (34:15) and Sean Salisbury (34:34) exchange Thanksgiving greetings, reflecting on the episode’s rich discussions. The hosts encourage listeners to engage with the show and share their thoughts, maintaining the show's community-centric approach.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Dan Patrick (03:55): “He got teed up and it cost him the game.”
• Sean Salisbury (06:14): “That Baltimore still elite.”
• Sean Salisbury (07:25): “Josh Allen… has elevated his play, which may have taken some of the pressure off if Josh doesn’t win.”
• Sean Salisbury (14:13): “He’s missing throws… He has to get back into the simple stuff of making the ordinary play.”
• Rachel Zoe (21:44): “There is no luxurious need, right? Last year they had maybe two of the three top corners in football on the same team… this year they have no one like that.”
• Dan Patrick (24:20): “They are vulnerable until the final two minutes when Mahomes has the ball and then you're vulnerable.”

Conclusion
This episode of The Dan Patrick Show offers a comprehensive analysis of current NFL dynamics, focusing on key players like Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen, team strategies, and coaching impacts. Sean Salisbury and Chris Sims provide expert insights that enrich the conversation, making it a valuable listen for sports enthusiasts seeking in-depth football analysis.