Podcast Summary: The Pat McAfee Show | Episode PMS 2.0 1279

Release Date: January 17, 2025

In this episode of The Pat McAfee Show, host Pat McAfee, alongside co-hosts AJ Hawk, Connor, Ty Schmidt, and guest Adam Schefter, delves deep into the upcoming NFL Divisional Round, explores potential coaching hires, examines the impact of weather on playoff games, and touches on significant developments within the NFL Players Association (NFLPA). The lively discussion is peppered with humor, insider insights, and expert analysis, providing listeners with a comprehensive preview of the high-stakes weekend ahead.

I. NFL Divisional Round Preview

A. Kansas City Chiefs vs. Houston Texans

• Pat McAfee highlights the Chiefs' dominant season and their quest to win three straight Super Bowls—a feat unprecedented in the modern NFL era.

  "[00:00] Pat McAfee: Football is wonderful... the Chiefs are still the Chiefs."

• Connor expresses skepticism about the Chiefs covering an 8.5-point spread against a resurgent Texans team, emphasizing his intention to back the Texans.

  "[01:50] Connor: Given the Chiefs' history of not covering big spreads, I'm taking the Texans on the points."

B. Washington Commanders vs. Detroit Lions

• The Commanders, under the leadership of Coach Dan Quinn, face the Lions, a team that has consistently outperformed expectations despite changes in their defensive lineup.

  "[03:43] Pat McAfee: Commanders are looking to leverage their young talent against a seasoned Lions squad."

• AJ Hawk opts to take the Commanders with a 9.5-point spread, citing the team's strategic plays and home-field advantage.

  "[05:45] AJ Hawk: Taking the Commanders with the points feels like a solid bet given their offensive strategy."

C. Los Angeles Rams vs. Philadelphia Eagles

• The Rams, known for their robust defense, confront the Eagles, who possess the league's best offensive line and standout running back Saquon Barkley.

  "[11:05] Pat McAfee: Eagles' offensive prowess, especially with Barkley, could counter the Rams' defense effectively."

• Ty Schmidt discusses how the weather—with temperatures around 32°F and potential snowfall—could favor the Eagles' ground-and-pound approach.

  "[12:02] Ty Schmidt: The cold and snow might actually benefit the Eagles' running game against the Rams."

D. Baltimore Ravens vs. Buffalo Bills

• The matchup between Lamar Jackson’s Ravens and Josh Allen’s Bills promises a clash of dynamic quarterbacks and formidable defenses.

  "[14:47] Pat McAfee: Lamar Jackson's ability to extend plays versus Josh Allen's arm strength sets the stage for an explosive game."

• AJ Hawk leans towards backing the Ravens by a single point, appreciating their balanced offense and defensive capabilities.

  "[16:40] AJ Hawk: Taking the Ravens just barely ahead is a strategic play considering their defensive versatility."

II. College Football National Championship Preview

Notre Dame vs. Ohio State

• The national championship game features Notre Dame's Fighting Irish against the Ohio State Buckeyes in a battle of historical powerhouses.

  "[04:10] Pat McAfee: Both teams have navigated tough playoff rounds, setting up an epic showdown."

• Ty Schmidt outlines the compelling narratives driving both teams: Ohio State's "one more, then forever" mentality versus Notre Dame's assertion of "writing history now."

  "[04:21] Ty Schmidt: Ohio State's veteran leadership contrasts with Notre Dame's fresh momentum, making for a captivating narrative clash."

• Pat McAfee commends both teams for their resilience and readiness, suggesting that the game could be a showcase of clutch performances and strategic prowess.

  "[06:40] Pat McAfee: This matchup is poised to be a true test of which team can perform under the highest pressure."

III. Coaching News and Rumors

A. Dallas Cowboys Head Coach Search

• The Cowboys are reportedly exploring high-profile candidates such as Deion "Prime Time" Sanders, Kellen Moore, Ben Johnson, and Aaron Glenn to lead the franchise.

  "[22:15] Connor: Considering the Cowboys' recent performance, hiring a dynamic coach like Sanders could revitalize the team."

• Adam Schefter provides insights, indicating a preference for Kellen Moore due to his familiarity with the Cowboys' culture and his rapport with quarterback Dak Prescott.

  "[24:03] Adam Schefter: Kellen Moore stands out as a top candidate given his history with the organization and his strategic mindset."

• Pac Man Jones, a close associate of Sanders, suggests that Deion remains committed to his role at Colorado, casting doubt on his immediate move to Dallas.

  "[93:04] Pac Man Jones: Prime is likely to stay at Colorado unless he's able to coach both his sons, which seems improbable."

B. Other Coaching Considerations

• Discussions ensue about Ben Johnson potentially taking the head coaching position with the Las Vegas Raiders, although Adam Schefter cautions against prematurely confirming such moves.

  "[28:00] Pat McAfee: Where is Ben Johnson getting a head coaching job?"

• Adam Schefter emphasizes that multiple candidates remain in play, including Leslie Frazier and Anthony Lynn, and cautions against assuming outcomes before official confirmations.

  "[27:43] Adam Schefter: There are still several candidates under consideration, and the final decision remains open."

IV. Impact of Weather on Playoff Games

• The episode underscores how varying weather conditions can influence game outcomes, particularly in the divisional round matchups.

  "[02:13] Pat McAfee: Glancing at the weather forecasts, it's clear that wind and cold will play significant roles in these playoff games."

A. Specific Game Forecasts

• Chiefs vs. Texans: Cold with gusty winds, potentially hampering the Texans' normally humid home-field comfort.

  "[04:10] Connor: The Texans, accustomed to dome environments, might struggle in the biting cold against the Chiefs."

• Commanders vs. Lions: Sunny and mild, offering a stark contrast to other matchups and providing a more favorable environment for high-scoring games.

  "[08:00] Ty Schmidt: Washington hosts Detroit in pleasant weather, which could lead to a high-scoring affair given both teams' offensive strengths."

• Rams vs. Eagles: Snowfall expected, which could benefit the Eagles' running game and complicate the Rams' passing strategies.

  "[12:02] Ty Schmidt: The anticipated snowfall could enhance the Eagles' ground game while disrupting the Rams' aerial attack."

• Ravens vs. Bills: Cold with light snow, testing both teams' offensive lines and special teams' versatility.

  "[19:00] Pat McAfee: The chill and slight snowfall in Buffalo will challenge both teams' offensive lines and punting strategies."

B. Strategic Adjustments

• Co-host Tone Schmidt discusses how teams like the Eagles and Ravens have historically adapted to cold-weather games, leveraging their running games and defensive prowess to counteract adverse conditions.

  "[09:35] Tone Schmidt: Teams well-versed in cold-weather play, like the Ravens, have a strategic edge in these conditions."

• AJ Hawk adds that special teams play, particularly punting and kicking accuracy, will be crucial in determining the outcomes of games influenced by weather.

  "[16:40] AJ Hawk: Effective punting in cold and windy conditions could swing momentum in favor of either team."

V. NFL Players Association (NFLPA) Developments

• The NFLPA is undergoing significant changes, including layoffs of approximately 150 employees and restructuring efforts to streamline operations.

  "[38:04] Pat McAfee: The NFLPA is laying off around 150 employees, raising concerns about their internal management and financial strategies."

• Adam Schefter comments on the NFLPA's financial performance, noting revenues of $110 million against expenses of $389 million, suggesting underlying financial challenges.

  "[39:11] AJ Hawk: With such a high revenue and expense ratio, it's clear the NFLPA is facing severe financial strain."

• Discussions also touch upon the NFLPA's new leadership's efforts to cut costs and the broader implications for player representation and benefits.

  "[39:37] Pat McAfee: It seems the NFLPA is prioritizing cost-cutting over meaningful support for players, which could impact future negotiations."

VI. Other Sports and Miscellaneous

A. Women's Volleyball: Indie Ignite

• The podcast briefly highlights Indie Ignite, a professional women's volleyball team based in Fishers, Indiana, celebrating an undefeated season and filling up their new 6,500-seat arena.

  "[129:21] Tone Schmidt: I actually met them at the bar a couple of weekends ago. Great group of people."

B. Tennis and Cultural Events

• Pat McAfee and co-hosts discuss recent tennis matches, notably Danielle Collins' performance at the Australian Open, and touch upon international events impacting the sports world.

  "[135:33] Pat McAfee: Danielle Collins took on Australia's best and made a strong impression at the Australian Open."

VII. Humor and Banter

Throughout the episode, the hosts engage in lighthearted conversations and humorous anecdotes, ranging from bigfoot hunting escapades to challenges with recording in noisy environments. This segment offers a refreshing break from the intense sports analysis, showcasing the hosts' camaraderie and playful interactions.

"[123:02] Pat McAfee: What's your problem? I want to see it. I want to see it."

"[133:08] Connor: They have real classes. Toby you don't do that."

Notable Quotes

• Pat McAfee on the chiefs' legacy:

  "[00:00] Pat McAfee: Football is wonderful... the Chiefs are still the Chiefs."

• Ty Schmidt on coaching hires:

  "[09:35] Tone Schmidt: Teams well-versed in cold-weather play, like the Ravens, have a strategic edge in these conditions."

• Adam Schefter on Kellen Moore:

  "[24:03] Adam Schefter: Kellen Moore stands out as a top candidate given his history with the organization and his strategic mindset."

• Pac Man Jones on Deion Sanders:

  "[93:04] Pac Man Jones: Prime is likely to stay at Colorado unless he's able to coach both his sons, which seems improbable."

Conclusion

This episode of The Pat McAfee Show offers a multifaceted exploration of the NFL Divisional Round, providing listeners with strategic insights, betting perspectives, and updates on coaching searches. Additionally, the hosts shed light on broader sports developments and intersperse their analysis with engaging humor, making for an informative and entertaining listen. Whether you're a die-hard football fan or a casual observer, this episode encapsulates the excitement and unpredictability that the playoff season brings.