The Dan Patrick Show: The Best of The Dan Patrick Show Release Date: January 20, 2025
Host: Dan Patrick
Guests: Ryan Clark (The Mothership), Steve Young (Hall of Fame Quarterback)
Platform: Fox Sports Radio, iHeartRadio, Peacock
1. National Title Game Preview: Notre Dame vs. Ohio State
[02:25 – 09:18]
Dan Patrick opens the episode by setting the stage for the upcoming national title game between Notre Dame and Ohio State. Emphasizing Notre Dame's storied legacy, he challenges ESPN’s portrayal of the matchup as "David vs. Goliath," stating, “Notre Dame, one of the more storied, maybe the most storied franchise of all time in college football history, going against Ohio State” (00:25).
Key Points:
- Point Spread Analysis: Dan discusses the point spread of 8 to 8.5, highlighting Notre Dame's strong performance despite being labeled the underdog.
- Notre Dame’s Talent: Emphasizes the talent on Notre Dame’s roster, noting the high expectations due to their historical success.
- Guest Appearance: Ryan Clark joins to provide insider insights, mentioning his personal connection as his son plays as a defensive back for Notre Dame in the title game.
Notable Quote:
Dan Patrick: “If you're a Lions fan, some of you probably book flights to New Orleans, and I understand why you would, because you thought, all right, this is our team of destiny.”—(02:45)
2. Recap of Recent NFL Games and Coaching Vacancies
[09:18 – 17:21]
The discussion shifts to the latest NFL outcomes:
- Chiefs vs. Texans: Chiefs narrowly handle the Texans, with Patrick Mahomes receiving significant attention.
- Commanders vs. Lions: Commanders shock the Lions with unexpected strategies leading to turnovers.
- Eagles vs. Rams: Eagles hold off the Rams in a tightly contested match.
- Bills vs. Ravens: Bills successfully fend off the Ravens, cementing their playoff position.
Coaching Vacancies: Dan highlights potential coaching changes for teams like the Bears, Cowboys, Jets, Jaguars, Raiders, and Saints. He speculates on the Cowboys' search for new leadership, mentioning personalities like Dan Quinn and Kellen Moore (12:00).
Notable Quote:
Dan Patrick: “By having both Kellen Moore and Dan Quinn leave, you're still looking for a head coach. Feels like we're starting to see the temperature on Dion to Dallas lower a little bit.”—(16:34)
3. Quarterback Analysis: Patrick Mahomes vs. Josh Allen
[17:35 – 39:37]
Patrick Mahomes: Dan and Ryan delve into the public perception of Patrick Mahomes receiving preferential treatment from officials. Dan argues that Mahomes’ constant media presence skews perceptions, stating, “Patrick Mahomes gets all the calls… like they’re cheating from home” (36:44).
Josh Allen: Comparatively, Josh Allen is praised for his maturity and risk-averse playing style. Ryan emphasizes Allen’s efficiency, noting, “He’s taking what the defense gives him” and highlights his reduced turnovers (34:11).
Notable Quotes:
Dan Patrick: “When you see something like this, you remember it's kind of burnt into our brains here.” —(38:00)
Ryan Clark: “Josh Allen understands that the Superman cape comes and goes. That's the maturity of Josh Allen.”—(35:29)
4. Playoff Betting Odds and MVP Contenders
[39:37 – 51:23]
Dan discusses early playoff betting lines from DraftKings, highlighting the Commanders at +5.5 against the Eagles and the Bills at +1.5 against the Chiefs. He also touches on MVP odds, positioning Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen as frontrunners, followed by players like Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley.
MVP Insights:
- Jalen Carter: Recognized for his disruptive defensive plays, making him a wild card MVP candidate.
- Jaden Daniels: Acknowledged for lifting team morale and cultural impact despite not leading in traditional stats.
Notable Quote:
Dan Patrick: “Jalen Carter probably made the biggest play of the game last night…and he gives them hope.”—(25:06)
5. Personal Stories: Ryan Clark on His Son's National Title Game
[51:23 – 42:31]
Ryan Clark shares an emotional account of his son Jordan playing in the national title game for Notre Dame. He reflects on the journey, from his son's initial commitment to Arizona State to the tough decision to move to Notre Dame. Ryan expresses profound pride and the emotional toll of potentially watching his son’s championship run.
Key Points:
- Family Rituals: Discusses his and his wife’s traditions supporting their son, including pre-game rituals and emotional support.
- Emotional Impact: Ryan admits to shedding tears from the heightened emotions surrounding his son's participation (28:03 – 42:31).
Notable Quote:
Ryan Clark: “I've cried more in these last three weeks than I like to admit.”—(29:30)
6. Guest Segment: Steve Young on NFL Experiences and Perceptions
[42:31 – 66:28]
Hall of Famer Steve Young joins the show, bringing anecdotes from his playing days and discussing the topic of officials' favoritism towards quarterbacks.
Key Topics:
- Preferential Treatment: Steve humorously addresses allegations of preferential treatment, recounting a fictitious scenario involving dating an official’s daughter to illustrate perceived biases (60:46).
- Playing in Adverse Conditions: Shares his experience playing in a snowstorm at Lambeau Field, highlighting challenges faced by quarterbacks in extreme weather (48:21 – 50:04).
- Commentary on Modern Quarterbacks: Discusses the evolution of quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, emphasizing their strategic play and ability to handle pressure without relying solely on athleticism (52:59 – 56:35).
Notable Quotes:
Steve Young: “Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't work. Obviously, it didn't work for the Ravens.”—(15:34)
Ryan Clark: “Josh Allen is taking what the defense gives him. He’s playing with efficiency and patience that matters.”—(35:29)
7. Humorous Banter and Closing Remarks
[66:28 – End]
Dan and Steve engage in light-hearted banter, joking about preferential treatment and past interactions. They wrap up the episode with mutual appreciation and humorous exchanges, maintaining the show’s engaging and personable atmosphere.
Notable Quote:
Dan Patrick: “You did it. You did it.”—(65:10)
Conclusion
"The Best of The Dan Patrick Show" offers a comprehensive look into the current state of college and professional football, enriched with personal stories and expert analysis. With insightful discussions on quarterback performance, playoff odds, and coaching vacancies, alongside heartfelt narratives from guests like Ryan Clark and Steve Young, the episode provides a captivating experience for both long-time listeners and newcomers.
Final Notable Quote:
Dan Patrick: “We look at postseason success at the quarterbacking position. Whether it's fair or not… it’s just the way it is.”—(57:01)
Stay Connected:
- Live Broadcast: Weekday mornings, 9 AM – Noon Eastern on Fox Sports Radio
- Streaming: iHeartRadio App, Peacock
- Social Media: Twitter @DP_Show
This summary captures all significant discussions, insights, and memorable moments from the episode, ensuring a comprehensive understanding for those who haven't listened.