Summary of "The Dan Patrick Show" – Hour 3: The Best of the Best with Mike Florio

Release Date: April 2, 2025

In this engaging episode of The Dan Patrick Show titled "Hour 3: The Best of the Best," host Dan Patrick delves deep into current sports debates, NFL rule changes, and player evaluations with insightful commentary from co-host Nate Thompson and special guest Mike Florio from Pro Football Talk. The hour is packed with lively discussions, expert opinions, and memorable moments that cater to both hardcore sports enthusiasts and casual listeners.

1. Best Players in Their Respective Sports

Timestamp: [09:00] – [15:00]

The episode kicks off with a heated debate about who currently stands as the best player in their sport. The primary contenders discussed are Shohei Ohtani from baseball, Nikola Jokic from basketball, and Patrick Mahomes from football.

• Nate Thompson emphasizes Ohtani's versatility, stating, "Shohei Ohtani has about 54% of that vote," highlighting his dual role as a pitcher and hitter.

• Julie Stewart-Banks counters by questioning, "I don't think the most clutch player equals the best player in a sport," pointing out that consistency and overall impact are crucial factors beyond just big moments.

• A notable moment occurs when Nate criticizes the overemphasis on Triple Doubles in basketball, remarking, "When Oscar did it back in 19, 62, 63, we didn't call it a triple double..." This underscores the evolving nature of sports statistics and their impact on player recognition.

• Julie adds, "There are people that have been known to come through in big moments that aren't necessarily on the very top of the list of everyone that's ever played that sport," referencing players like Robert Horry and Kobe Bryant who excelled during critical game moments.

2. NFL Rule Changes and the 'Tush Push' Controversy

Timestamp: [25:00] – [32:20]

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to analyzing recent NFL rule changes, particularly the controversial 'Tush Push.' Mike Florio provides an in-depth explanation of why the 'Tush Push' was tabled during the recent NFL owners' meetings.

• Mike Florio explains, "When the wind is blowing against a proposal passing, it tends to get tabled because if you put it up for a vote, you're going to get numbers that fall short of the requisite 24 to change the rules." He attributes the tabling to insufficient support among team owners.

• Julie Stewart-Banks critiques the proposal, stating, "The proposal itself from the Packers was very flawed... they threw the flag on that one when it wasn't really immediate and the fixes in." She believes the rule change aimed at banning the immediate pushing of the quarterback could lead to inconsistencies in officiating.

• Nate Thompson adds, "Are we going to reset the clock to when you couldn't pull or push the player with the ball?" highlighting concerns about limiting strategic plays that teams like the Eagles have leveraged for success.

3. Onside Kick and Overtime Rules Adjustments

Timestamp: [30:00] – [35:00]

The conversation shifts to other significant NFL rule changes, including the onside kick and overtime modifications.

• Julie mentions, "The onside kick currently is worthless. It's meaningless." indicating frustration with the effectiveness of the new onside kick rules.

• Nate Thompson discusses potential future changes, suggesting, "I like the idea of a fourth and long play as a way to give the team that's trailing the opportunity to keep possession." This could offer a strategic alternative to traditional onside kicks.

• Julie critiques the new overtime format, "I don't like the idea of a 15-minute overtime in the regular season..." and argues for a balance that ensures both teams have equitable opportunities to possess the ball.

4. NFL Player Salaries and Team Management

Timestamp: [38:00] – [43:00]

The discussion turns towards NFL team management and player contracts, focusing on the Dallas Cowboys and their owner, Jerry Jones.

• Julie critiques Jerry Jones's negotiation tactics, stating, "They drag their feet with all of these key players. They've paid the wrong guys at times. They wait too long." She specifically points out issues with Dak Prescott and Micah Parsons' contracts.

• Nate Thompson emphasizes the need for better management, suggesting, "If you're a Cowboys fan, you should demand better from the guy who is the steward of your favorite team." He underscores the stagnation in the team's performance linked to management decisions.

• Julie forecasts future changes, "When his son takes over that you ask for something better." hinting at a possible shift in team management dynamics once Jerry Jones steps back.

5. Fun Segments and Audience Engagement

Timestamp: [07:38] – [12:00]

Interwoven with the serious discussions are lighter segments that engage the audience and add a humorous touch to the show.

• Chicken Wings Debate: The hosts engage in a spirited debate over the preferred wing dipping sauce—Ranch vs. Blue Cheese. Julie asserts, "I hate blue cheese. Ranch is terrible. Blue cheese," while Nate humorously likens blue cheese enthusiasts to needing a patrol to enforce sauce laws.

• Poll Results: A live poll reveals a nearly split decision on favorite wing sauces, with slight preferences shifting between episodes, adding an interactive element for listeners.

• Cultural References: The conversation includes humorous analogies and pop culture references, such as Nate comparing statue likenesses to Ronaldo and Dwayne Wade, enhancing the show's entertainment value.

6. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Timestamp: [43:07] – [44:54]

As the hour wraps up, the hosts reflect on the discussions and tease upcoming segments.

• Julie emphasizes the importance of transparency in NFL rule changes and critiques the current state of negotiations between the league and the players' association.

• Nate Thompson shares his thoughts on the futility of certain rule changes and underscores the need for consistent and fair officiating to maintain the integrity of the game.

• Final Banter: The episode concludes with the hosts planning future segments, discussing the possibility of extending the show, and sharing light-hearted remarks about winning awards and their enduring partnership.

Notable Quotes

• Mike Florio [25:50]: "When the wind is blowing against a proposal passing, it tends to get tabled because if you put it up for a vote, you're going to get numbers that fall short of the requisite 24 to change the rules."

• Julie Stewart-Banks [28:15]: "The Eagles are kicking everybody's butt. And so let's just take away the best club that they have in the bag."

• Nate Thompson [09:35]: "Jokic went for 61, 10 and 10 and God, do I hate the triple double."

• Julie Stewart-Banks [34:09]: "Will the NFL wait until the current CBA expires in March of 2031? Lock the players out until they cry uncle on an 18th game and then get whatever deal the NFL has put on the table because we know what will happen."

Insights and Conclusions

• Rule Changes Impact: The tabling of the 'Tush Push' reflects deeper strategic and safety considerations within the NFL, with implications for team dynamics and game outcomes.

• Player Evaluation Metrics: There's a clear divide between traditional statistics and the qualitative impact a player can have during critical moments, sparking debates on the true measure of "the best."

• Management Strategies: Effective team management requires adaptability and timely decision-making, lessons highlighted through critiques of the Cowboys' handling of player contracts.

• Engagement Through Humor: Balancing serious sports analysis with humorous segments and audience interactions maintains listener engagement and adds a relatable dimension to the discussion.

This episode of The Dan Patrick Show offers a comprehensive look into current sports issues, blending expert analysis with engaging dialogue to provide listeners with a multifaceted understanding of the topics at hand.