Podcast Summary: The Best of Covino & Rich Hosted by Dan Beyer & Monse Belanos
Podcast Information:
- Title: The Dan Patrick Show
- Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and Dan Patrick Podcast Network
- Episode: The Best of Covino & Rich
- Release Date: July 15, 2025
1. Introduction and Overview
The episode begins with Dan Beyer and Monse Belanos introducing themselves as stand-ins for Covino and Rich from Fox Sports Radio, who are broadcasting live from the All-Star Game festivities in Atlanta. The hosts briefly discuss their temporary roles and set the stage for a dynamic discussion filled with humor and insider insights into sports.
Notable Quote:
- Dan Beyer [00:31]: "We're doing great. They're on break. We're almost feeling like we're on break. We're doing great."
2. NFL Quarterback Rankings Discussion
The central theme of the episode revolves around ESPN's latest NFL quarterback rankings. Jason Stewart initiates the conversation by expressing his surprise and disagreement with the rankings, particularly focusing on where Patrick Mahomes stands.
a. ESPN’s Quarterback Rankings: Top Four
Jason Stewart outlines the top four quarterbacks as per ESPN’s rankings:
- Patrick Mahomes
- Josh Allen
- Joe Burrow
- Lamar Jackson
He expresses skepticism about Mahomes maintaining the top spot despite recent performances.
Notable Quotes:
- Jason Stewart [03:57]: "What I thought was surprising as chaos reign supreme in our pre show meeting..."
- Dan Beyer [05:07]: "All of this, who knows where it's at?"
b. Debating Patrick Mahomes’ Position
The hosts debate whether Mahomes deserves to remain at number one, considering criticisms about his offensive line. Stewart argues that evaluating Mahomes based on his team's offensive line is unfair, drawing comparisons to other quarterbacks like Tua Tagovailoa and Geno Smith, who similarly suffer from poor offensive line performances.
Notable Quote:
- Jason Stewart [07:25]: "But how is Bo Nixon the only other rookie quarterback in these rankings?"
c. Jalen Hurts and Justin Herbert's Rankings
A significant portion of the discussion critiques the low ranking of Jalen Hurts, arguing that he doesn't receive the same grace as other quarterbacks due to his playing style and the offensive system of the Philadelphia Eagles. Conversely, Justin Herbert is acknowledged for his impressive skills but is still lower in the rankings due to team performances.
Notable Quotes:
- Dan Beyer [16:10]: "So now you take. Then Jalen Hurts plays behind this offensive line. That is great."
- Jason Stewart [12:05]: "He has the size, he has the arm, he has the mobility. He has everything that you would want in a quarterback."
d. Overall Critique of the Rankings
The hosts collectively express frustration with the rankings, feeling that they don't accurately reflect the performance and potential of quarterbacks like Hurts and Herbert. They argue that the rankings are influenced by factors beyond individual performance, such as team dynamics and offensive line strength.
Notable Quotes:
- Dan Beyer [21:08]: "It's literally just for us to discuss and tear apart."
- Jason Stewart [23:37]: "If you were to put Joe Burrow at one, I would be like, tell me more."
3. MLB Honors and Steroid Era Controversy
Shifting gears, the hosts delve into Major League Baseball's recent decisions to honor controversial figures from the steroid era, specifically Barry Bonds and Sammy Sosa. They critique the San Francisco Giants' decision to have Barry Bonds throw the first pitch, arguing that it undermines the integrity of the sport.
a. Barry Bonds' First Pitch Ceremony
Jason Stewart voices his disdain for Bonds being celebrated despite his involvement in the steroid scandal. The conversation highlights the generational divide in how fans perceive Bonds and similar players.
Notable Quotes:
- Jason Stewart [26:13]: "How do we even consider home runs nowadays what's good, what's not. And it's, and it's Barry Bonds' fault."
b. Comparison to Pete Rose and Sammy Sosa
The hosts compare Bonds' honors to Pete Rose's induction into the Hall of Fame, discussing the double standards in how different athletes are treated based on their actions and contributions to the game.
Notable Quotes:
- Dan Beyer [30:16]: "The aeroids and the steroids in like, the 90s, whatever. So he has won. Sammy Sosa I, I put it this way."
- Isaac Loincron [34:29]: "There is a difference between it not being against the rules and... it's for their own financial benefit."
c. Impact on Baseball Records and Fan Perception
The discussion extends to how the steroid era has tainted baseball records and the ongoing debate about the legitimacy of records set during that period. The hosts express frustration over current celebrations of these players, feeling it diminishes the sport's credibility.
Notable Quotes:
- Jason Stewart [36:07]: "A whole generation of people were raised on having 714 of Babe Ruth and 755 of Hank Aaron memorized."
- Isaac Loincron [35:34]: "Don't celebrate them. Don't take a day out of the year and celebrate them with a statue and a first pitch."
4. LeBron James and NBA Tampering Discussion
The conversation transitions to the NBA, focusing on LeBron James and the contentious issue of tampering. The hosts discuss recent rumors and reports about potential trade attempts involving LeBron, criticizing the practices of agents like Rich Paul.
a. Speculation on LeBron James' Trade
Jason Stewart highlights a report where multiple teams supposedly contacted Rich Paul to trade for LeBron, labeling such attempts as tampering. The discussion questions why major stars like LeBron seemingly receive preferential treatment in negotiations.
Notable Quotes:
- Jason Stewart [50:03]: "He gets that grace."
- Dan Beyer [52:07]: "It's his boy."
b. Critique of NBA Teams' Interest
The hosts express skepticism about any team's genuine ability to trade for LeBron, emphasizing the unrealistic demands that would come with attempting such a move. They discuss how LeBron's influence and demands make any potential trade nearly impossible.
Notable Quotes:
- Jason Stewart [53:35]: "But there's really nothing much that they can do. Cause I don't think any team."
- Dan Beyer [54:43]: "It's like nobody has told you, yo, like, it's time."
c. Honoring LeBron's Status and Future Prospects
There is an acknowledgment of LeBron's long-standing impact on the NBA and the challenges he faces as he contemplates the future, including potential retirement and legacy considerations.
Notable Quotes:
- Jason Stewart [55:14]: "The guys are in Atlanta... And I don't care what you say, Phillies."
5. Miscellaneous Topics
Throughout the episode, the hosts touch upon various other subjects, including personal anecdotes about jury duty, reactions to listener tweets, and brief mentions of other sports events.
a. Jury Duty Experiences
Monse Belanos and Dan Beyer share humorous takes on the possibility of being called for jury duty, adding a personal and relatable element to the conversation.
Notable Quotes:
- Monty Belanos [25:29]: "We'll find out in a few hours."
- Dan Beyer [25:12]: "I chose to be a good person."
b. Listener Engagement and Social Media
The hosts interact with listener tweets, particularly mocking criticisms of Justin Herbert's career moments, showcasing the dynamic and interactive nature of their show.
Notable Quotes:
- Jason Stewart [46:33]: "What a Monday. It is."
c. All-Star Game Festivities
The episode highlights the excitement surrounding the All-Star Game in Atlanta, with Covino and Rich actively participating, while the hosts continue their discussion remotely.
Notable Quotes:
- Jason Stewart [55:14]: "The guys are in Atlanta taking in the all star festivities."
6. Conclusion
As the episode wraps up, the hosts reiterate their differing viewpoints on the discussed topics, emphasizing the ongoing debates in both the NFL and MLB. They conclude with promotional remarks for their shows and tease future discussions, leaving listeners with food for thought on the fairness of sports rankings and the legacy of controversial sports figures.
Notable Quote:
- Dan Beyer [55:42]: "This is an iHeart podcast."
Key Takeaways:
- The NFL quarterback rankings by ESPN have sparked significant debate, particularly concerning the placement of Patrick Mahomes and the underappreciated Jalen Hurts.
- The MLB’s decision to honor steroid-era players like Barry Bonds is controversial and seen as undermining the sport’s integrity.
- LeBron James' situation in the NBA raises questions about tampering and the preferential treatment of star athletes.
- Personal anecdotes and listener interactions add depth and relatability to the hosts' discussions.
This episode of "The Best of Covino & Rich" offers a comprehensive and engaging look into current sports debates, backed by insightful commentary and spirited debate among the hosts.