The Dan Patrick Show - Episode: Jets FIRE Joe Douglas + Mid Year Defensive All Pro Lists

Release Date: November 20, 2024
Host: Bobby Skinner
Guest: Justin Pennock
Podcast Network: iHeartPodcasts and Dan Patrick Podcast Network

1. Introduction to the Episode

The episode kicks off with Bobby Skinner and Justin Pennock diving straight into the heated topic of the New York Jets' recent decision to fire General Manager Joe Douglas. The hosts express their surprise and disappointment over the move, setting the stage for an in-depth analysis of the Jets' organizational issues.

2. The Firing of Joe Douglas and Organizational Dysfunction

Bobby Skinner:
"The Jets have fired GM Joe Douglas. I'm Bobby Skinner here with Justin Pennock. Justin, the jets fired Joe Douglas, 30 and 64 as the GM. No winning seasons. Why didn't they do this with Robert Saleh?" ([00:23])

Justin Pennock:
"It’s apparent in moves like with the Devonte Adams trade, which many rival executives considered an overpay... Jordan Schultz went by others. I think Johnson, Woody Johnson probably stepped in and handle this." ([00:59])

The discussion centers on the Jets' lack of stability and effective leadership. Justin highlights that higher-ups within the organization had been overseeing critical decisions, diminishing Joe Douglas's influence as GM. The hosts critique the timing of Douglas's firing, suggesting it hampers the Jets' ability to secure a competent replacement efficiently.

Bobby Skinner:
"This is just, I don't need to tell you that it's, that it's a mess... They are just a mess from the top down, man." ([03:26])

Justin Pennock:
"They are a very immature organization. And why did you keep him? Like that matters, you know... They could have had a bad season this year and fired Robert Saleh and Joe Douglas at the end and been like, hey, it didn't work. Clean slate now instead of looking." ([04:31])

Both hosts agree that the dysfunction stems primarily from ownership, specifically criticizing Woody Johnson's leadership. They argue that the Jets' poor management decisions have led to a decline in team performance and morale.

3. Evaluation of Joe Douglas’s Tenure and Drafting Decisions

Justin Pennock:
"Joe Douglas is like tenure and like, did he deserve to get fired? Was he a good GM? Did he build a good roster? They are just a mess from the top down." ([03:26])

The conversation shifts to evaluating Joe Douglas's performance as GM. Justin points out that while Douglas organized a relatively solid roster, his critical errors in drafting key positions, particularly at quarterback, ultimately undermined his tenure.

Bobby Skinner:
"He didn't get the coach right, was paired up with Adam Gase... Robert Sala wasn't the right coach. He has some talent, but he didn't secure the right quarterback." ([07:45] - [09:36])

They dissect Douglas's drafting history, highlighting significant misses like Zach Wilson and Elijah Moore, which severely impacted the Jets' offensive capabilities. However, they also acknowledge successful picks such as Sauce Gardner and Garrett Wilson, suggesting that Douglas's drafting was inconsistent.

Justin Pennock:
"They cower to Aaron Rodgers too much... They are a very dysfunctional franchise overall." ([08:12] - [12:23])

The hosts discuss the mishandling of high-profile players like Aaron Rodgers, arguing that the Jets' inability to manage star talent effectively contributes to the franchise's turmoil.

4. Transition to Mid-Year Defensive All-Pro Lists

Post-discussion on the Jets, the hosts transition to a lighter segment focusing on defensive players' performances mid-season. After skipping the advertisement break ([12:23] - [14:16]), Bobby and Justin introduce their "Defensive Mid-Season All-Pro" selections.

5. Defensive Mid-Season All-Pro Selections

Defensive Ends:

Bobby Skinner:
"Trey Hendrickson and T.J. Watt are my first team edge rushers." ([14:52] - [15:02])

Justin Pennock:
"Miles Garrett is the best defensive end in football consistently... Nick Bosa is awesome this year." ([15:13] - [18:09])

The hosts debate top defensive ends, ultimately favoring Trey Hendrickson and T.J. Watt for their consistent pressure and run defense capabilities. They acknowledge Nick Bosa's impact but emphasize Hendrickson's dominance.

Defensive Tackles:

Bobby Skinner:
"Dexter Lawrence is the clear number one nose tackle." ([18:30] - [19:11])

Justin Pennock:
"Chris Jones versus Cam Hayward... Cam Hayward's having a phenomenal year." ([19:34] - [20:48])

Discussion highlights Dexter Lawrence's role in the Giants' defense and the strong performances of Chris Jones and Cam Hayward. They consider Zach Allen as a notable second-team selection.

Linebackers:

Bobby Skinner:
"Fred Warner is first team linebacker. Jack Campbell is my second team for Detroit Lions." ([22:30] - [23:36])

Justin Pennock:
"Zack Bond for the Philadelphia Eagles... Jeremiah Mo and Devin Lloyd for second team." ([23:40] - [24:22])

Fred Warner emerges as the top linebacker, with others like Jack Campbell and Zack Bond receiving nods for their impactful plays and leadership on the field.

Cornerbacks:

Bobby Skinner:
"Patrick Certain Jr. is first team... Jalen Johnson is the best corner in the NFL for the Bears." ([24:22] - [26:00])

Justin Pennock:
"Kenyon Mitchell is having a phenomenal rookie year... Marlon Humphrey is third with the lowest passer ratings allowed." ([26:24] - [28:58])

The hosts commend Patrick Certain Jr. and Jalen Johnson for their exceptional coverage skills. They also spotlight rookies like Kenyon Mitchell, praising his transition and performance.

Safeties:

Bobby Skinner:
"Xavier McKinney and Brian Branch are my first team safeties." ([29:11] - [30:05])

Justin Pennock:
"Deontay Banks... Jason Pinnock... Xavier McKinney and Brian Branch." ([29:11] - [30:05])

Consensus is reached on Xavier McKinney and Brian Branch for their standout performances, with additional mentions for players like Kirby Joseph and Jesse Bates for their defensive prowess.

6. Conclusion

The episode wraps up with a brief promotion of Justin Pennock's football coverage and a teaser for future episodes featuring guest Chris Rose. The hosts express hope that listeners found the deep dive into the Jets' management and the Defensive All-Pro selections insightful.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Justin Pennock:
  "It’s apparent in moves like with the Devonte Adams trade, which many rival executives considered an overpay..." ([00:59])

• Bobby Skinner:
  "Why did they create themselves another media circus for this?" ([00:23])

• Justin Pennock:
  "They are just a mess from the top down, man." ([03:26])

• Bobby Skinner:
  "Joe Douglas didn't secure the right quarterback." ([07:45])

• Bobby Skinner:
  "Trey Hendrickson and T.J. Watt are my first team edge rushers." ([14:52])

• Justin Pennock:
  "Dexter Lawrence is the clear number one nose tackle." ([18:30])

• Bobby Skinner:
  "Fred Warner is first team linebacker." ([22:30])

• Justin Pennock:
  "Kenyon Mitchell is having a phenomenal rookie year." ([26:24])

Key Takeaways

• Jets' Organizational Issues: The firing of Joe Douglas underscores deeper dysfunction within the Jets' management, primarily attributed to ownership and poor decision-making.

• Joe Douglas's Performance: While Douglas made some positive roster moves, his critical mistakes in drafting key positions, especially quarterback, led to his dismissal.

• Defensive All-Pro Insights: Bobby Skinner and Justin Pennock provide a comprehensive mid-season evaluation of top defensive players, highlighting standout performances and emerging talents across various positions.

This episode offers listeners a critical examination of the Jets' struggles and a detailed analysis of standout defensive players in the NFL, enriched with expert opinions and statistical insights.