The Dan Patrick Show - Episode: The Best of The Dan Patrick Show
Release Date: April 2, 2025
Host: Mark Sanchez
Guest: Nate Thompson (Former NHL Player)

1. NBA Highlights and Player Performances

Mark Sanchez and Nate Thompson delve into recent standout performances in the NBA, particularly focusing on Nikola Jokić's remarkable triple-double and Steph Curry's exceptional shooting display.

• Nikola Jokić's Triple-Double:

  • Mark Sanchez (03:07): "Joker is so methodical, you could say plotting. He's a really good outside shooter, but he would get inside, and it's just old man moves."
  • Nate Thompson (09:48): "Nicola Jokić might be the best basketball player I've ever seen. Like close-up. Besides myself."

  Jokić achieved his third 60-point triple-double in NBA history, scoring 61 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, and dishing out 10 assists in a double-overtime loss to the Timberwolves. This performance places him alongside legends like James Harden and Luka Dončić.

• Steph Curry's Shooting Prowess:

  • Mark Sanchez (08:32): "Steph made 12 three-pointers. He finished with 52 points. He has 15 career games of 50 or more points, tied for sixth most all-time."

  Curry continues to demonstrate his elite shooting capabilities, making it look effortless despite the high demands of the game. His ability to find space and execute under pressure remains unmatched, positioning him as a perennial contender among active players.

2. NFL Owners Meetings and Rule Changes

The discussion shifts to recent NFL owners meetings, focusing on the contentious Tush Push play and its implications for the game.

• Tush Push Controversy:

  • Mark Sanchez (07:48): "They tabled other things to be fair to this rule, but that feels like we want to get rid of the Tush Push. Let's table this."
  • Nate Thompson (23:59): "Nick Sirianni said we have four teams that should be voting to keep this play in because it got three other coaches jobs."

  The Tush Push, a play heavily utilized by the Philadelphia Eagles, has sparked debate over its safety and impact on the game. While some teams advocate for its continuation due to strategic advantages, others question its necessity and potential safety risks. The owners have decided to postpone the vote to May, indicating ongoing negotiations and divisions among the teams.

3. Players Association Negotiations and Season Expansion

The conversation transitions to the potential expansion of the NFL season to 18 games and what the Players Association might seek in return.

• 18-Game Season Proposal:

  • Mark Sanchez (44:45): "This feels like the last call for the Players Association to be able to go, we'll give you that 18th game."
  • Tomer Cohen (45:16): "What can the players get? More roster spots, maybe a larger piece of the pie."

  The NFL is contemplating extending the regular season, which has significant implications for players' health, team strategies, and league revenues. The Players Association, led by Lloyd Howell, may leverage this proposal to negotiate better terms, such as increased roster sizes, enhanced benefits, and improved safety measures.

4. Ongoing Rule Changes in the NFL

Further analysis covers additional rule changes discussed during the owners meetings, including onside kick modifications and overtime adjustments.

• Onside Kick Adjustments:

  • Tomer Cohen (43:18): "The onside kick continues to be a dead play and they've tabled until May the question of whether they'll allow the team that's trailing to try an onside kick at any point before the fourth quarter."

  The effectiveness and excitement of the onside kick remain under scrutiny. Recent changes, such as moving the touchback point from the 30 to the 35-yard line, aim to increase returns but have yet to significantly impact game dynamics.

• Overtime Rules:

  • Tomer Cohen (47:11): "I don't like the idea of a 15-minute overtime in the regular season because what if you're playing a Thursday after you play a Sunday."

  Adjustments to overtime duration and rules are being considered to balance game fairness and player safety, especially in back-to-back scheduling scenarios.

5. Team Management: Cowboys and Jerry Jones

The hosts critique Jerry Jones's management style of the Dallas Cowboys, highlighting negotiation strategies and team performance implications.

• Jerry Jones's Negotiation Tactics:

  • Tomer Cohen (51:37): "Jerry Jones is a prime example of how certain skills that allowed you to make the money, that enabled you to purchase an NFL team are not transferable to how to be as successful as you can be when you own the NFL team."

  Jones's approach to contract negotiations, particularly with key players like Micah Parsons, is under scrutiny. His tactics are perceived as reactive and embattled, often leading to prolonged negotiations that may harm team cohesion and player relations.

6. Personal Stories and Anecdotes

Towards the end of the episode, Nate Thompson shares personal updates, including family milestones and friendly banter with Mark Sanchez.

• Family Updates:

  • Nate Thompson (29:26): "My wife is an absolute superstar. Twin girls, Francesca and Samantha. She's on a Peacock show, 'Long Bright River' with Amanda Seyfried."

  • Mark Sanchez (30:33): "Congrats on the babies, though."

  These personal stories provide a lighthearted contrast to the intense sports discussions, showcasing the hosts' camaraderie and personal lives.

Notable Quotes

1. Nikola Jokić on His Triple-Double:

   • Mark Sanchez (03:07): "Joker is so methodical, you could say plotting. He's a really good outside shooter, but he would get inside, and it's just old man moves."

2. Steph Curry on His Shooting:

   • Mark Sanchez (08:32): "He makes it look simple, he makes it look easy. But that's not easy, what he does."

3. Tush Push Debate:

   • Nate Thompson (23:59): "Nick Sirianni said we have four teams that should be voting to keep this play in because it got three other coaches jobs."

4. Jerry Jones's Management Style:

   • Tomer Cohen (51:37): "Jerry Jones is a prime example of how certain skills that allowed you to make the money... are not transferable to how to be as successful as you can be when you own the NFL team."

5. Personal Anecdote on Family:

   • Nate Thompson (29:26): "My wife is an absolute superstar. Twin girls, Francesca and Samantha."

Conclusions and Insights

• Strategic Dominance in NBA: The discussion underscores the strategic brilliance of players like Nikola Jokić and Steph Curry, who continue to redefine their roles and influence game outcomes significantly.

• Complexity of NFL Rule Changes: The NFL's deliberations on rules like the Tush Push and onside kicks highlight the league's ongoing struggle to balance game integrity, safety, and entertainment value. The postponement of votes indicates internal disagreements and the intricate dynamics among team owners.

• Implications of Season Expansion: Expanding the NFL season to 18 games presents both opportunities and challenges. While it promises increased revenue and more playtime for fans, it raises concerns about player health, burnout, and the overall structure of the season.

• Management and Negotiation Practices: Effective team management extends beyond financial prowess. Jerry Jones's example illustrates the necessity of adaptive negotiation strategies and the importance of fostering positive relationships with players to ensure long-term team success.

• Human Element in Sports: Personal stories shared by hosts like Nate Thompson emphasize the human side of sports figures, reminding listeners of the lives and relationships that exist beyond the field and court.

This episode of The Dan Patrick Show provides a comprehensive analysis of recent developments in both the NBA and NFL, offering listeners deep insights into player performances, league rule changes, and team management strategies, all while maintaining engaging and personable interactions between the hosts.