The Pat McAfee Show 2.0 - Episode 1406

Airs: September 11, 2025
Main Guests: Adam Schefter, Matt Rhule, Mike McCarthy, Kirk Herbstreit, AJ Hawk
Topic: Thursday Night Football Preview: Packers vs Commanders, NFL & College Football Stories, and Remembering 9/11/2001

Episode Overview

This episode kicks off with heartfelt reflections on September 11, 2001, then quickly pivots to an action-packed preview of NFL Week 2's Thursday Night Football: Green Bay Packers vs Washington Commanders. The show features a dynamic roundtable of former NFL pros and major sporting personalities providing insider analysis, sharp betting talk, and lively banter. Regular updates come from Adam Schefter, live check-ins from Kirk Herbstreit, interviews with Nebraska coach Matt Rhule, and Super Bowl–winning coach Mike McCarthy.

Reflections on 9/11 and Social Unity

[00:00–06:43]

• Pat McAfee opens with personal memories of September 11, 2001, and a thoughtful commentary on unity in crisis. He contrasts the solidarity of 9/12/2001 with today's divisive social media culture.
  • Quote: “I do remember on September 12, 2001, it felt like our entire country...we were all together as one.” (01:29)
• McAfee addresses the public execution of Charlie Kirk—someone he disagreed with but respected for civil discourse—and laments society’s penchant for online vitriol.
  • Quote: “You can disagree with people and you don’t have to hate them or have disdain for them forever.” (05:05)
• Touches on the Another school shooting in Colorado and the importance of appreciating life and the good people in the world.

Thursday Night Football Preview: Packers vs Commanders

Packers Fans' Perspective & Betting Lines

[06:43–16:46]

• Ty Schmidt (Packers fan) shares excitement and confidence for the home team's chances, despite injury concerns on the offensive line.
  • Quote: “The Packers, next to the Bills and maybe a few other stories, the Colts, were kind of the talk of week one.” (06:52)
• Discussion about Amazon's quality coverage and the impact of streaming on watching football.
• Boston Connor reflects on the importance of high-quality QB matchups in primetime and how Thursday games set the tone for the football weekend.
  • “The primetime games stink when the teams don’t have one of the better quarterbacks… and here we are.” (10:23)

Stats and Recent Team Performance

• Packers dominated the Lions in Week 1.
• Commanders are emerging as contenders with Jaden Daniels.
• Packers’ defense only allowed 231 yards; Commanders gave up six points to the Giants, who continue their Week 1 offensive struggles.

Betting Talk

• Sportsbooks winning big in early football season, public betting on underdogs.
• Packers -3.5 favorites at Lambeau, 59% of tickets on Commanders +3.5, 96% of bets oddly on the under—debated as possibly misleading or sportsbook-skewed data.
  • Quote: “96% on the under is wild because most football fans just want to see points anyways. Natural over-betters we humans are.” (16:09)
• Weather expected to be perfect in Green Bay.

Key Guest: Adam Schefter - NFL Insider

[20:31–37:44]

Storylines for Packers vs Commanders

• Jaden Daniels lauded for on-field composure and skill: “He just gets it. He’s on it. He is going to be a successful player for a very long period of time.” (21:53)
• Micah Parsons’ snap count: The Packers managing his return carefully after limited pre-season work; big impact expected tonight but staff will be cautious for the long haul.
  • “As he continues to get comfortable...I assume he’s going to be the one deciding how many snaps he has.” (23:10)
• Green Bay’s lone home game in the next six weeks—a critical game to win.
• Injury updates: Packers’ OL still questionable; Commanders may scratch a running back and play more tight ends; rookie Jacory “Bill” Crosby Merritt highlighted as a key figure.

Lions’ Offensive Struggles and NFC North Dynamics

• Legitimate concerns about Detroit’s offense after losing Ben Johnson and several assistant coaches, leading to questions about their explosiveness and creativity.
  • “That offense on Sunday lacked explosiveness. Maybe it was one game.… But through one game, that was a flat performance.” (28:32)
• Packers’ defense possibly a reason for the Lions’ struggles, not just Detroit’s changes.
• Historical perspective: Teams can bounce back from Week 1 disasters, but 0–2 starts are rare for teams who reach the Super Bowl.

College Football Focus: Nebraska’s Matt Rhule

[44:01–56:13]

• Nebraska’s mentality under Rhule: Play to the whistle, build a killer instinct, and establish defensive standards (first shutout since 2009).
  • “It was directed at the coaches, too. Like, I don’t want to see us chilling…we’re supposed to beat people.” (45:44)
• Facing Houston Christian next; framing early games as preseason to prep for the Big Ten grind.
• QB Daniel Raiola praised for professionalism, maturity, and potential as one of the country’s best.
• On Micah Parsons’ impact for Green Bay: “You get the best defensive player in football...[it’s] such a great move.” (55:16)
• Rhule’s podcast ('House Rules'), passion for Nebraska volleyball, and the culture of Cornhusker fans.

Packers Heritage & Mike McCarthy Returns

[76:26–98:28]

• Coach Mike McCarthy (Packers alumni, SB Champion) discusses buzz in Green Bay, the significance of Parsons joining the defense, and last weekend’s emotional alumni ceremony.
  • “When the hair stands up on the back of your neck...That was. I was blown away by it. It was definitely special.” (83:03)
• Evaluates the Packers’ win over the Lions and downplays panic about Detroit: “By no means are the Lions...[dead]. They’ll be fine.” (79:55)
• Talks injuries and the challenges for rookie/young offensive linemen on a short week.
• Praises Aaron Rodgers and believes he’ll succeed in Pittsburgh.
• On managing Parsons’ workload: “Stick to the plan...Have plenty of time for the fourth quarter, to adjust.” (86:40)
• Leans Packers for tonight, but emphasizes both teams are playoff-caliber in a high-stakes NFC matchup.

Live from Lambeau: Kirk Herbstreit

[102:03–122:45]

• Kirk Herbstreit checks in from Lambeau, sets the scene (beautiful weather, palpable buzz, the rich legacy of Green Bay).
• Talks up Jaden Daniels and how the Commanders are ascending under Dan Quinn and Cliff Kingsbury.
  • “This [Packers defense] was the best defensive effort...the best the Green Bay Packers have looked as a unit in a long, long time.” (104:55)
• Identifies rookie WR Matthew Golden as a possible breakout candidate.
• Key matchup: Packers’ banged up offensive line vs. a reinforced Commanders’ defensive front.
  • “That line of scrimmage I think is a massive conversation tonight.” (108:29)
• Running Back Bill Crosby Merritt described as a “feel-good story...playing with a chip on his shoulder” and a key factor for Washington’s offense.
• On Micah Parsons: Described as “the total package” and “in the middle of the...prime of his career.” Dallas did Green Bay a favor by letting him go.
  • “He’s incredibly motivated right now to show people...not only is he a great pass rusher, but this dude’s the total package.” (122:07)
• Emotional affirmation of Pat’s 9/11 remarks: “That was about as well stated as anything [I’ve seen].” (115:09)
• Both Kirk and Pat comment on the importance of civil debate and disagreeing without hate in today’s divisive society.

Culture, Traditions, & Banter

[64:37–70:28]

• AJ Hawk explains Green Bay’s “Roll Out the Barrel” tradition and how stadium music/atmosphere powers home field advantage.
• Banter about mascots, stadium differences, and regional fan behaviors.
• Coach McCarthy and AJ reflect on alumni weekends, fan appreciation, and how former players are celebrated.

Game Picks, Bets & Final Thoughts

[153:31–end]

• Roundtable predictions: Slight Packers lean for the win, but smart money on Commanders +3.5; consensus on a likely high-scoring affair (over 48.5).
  • AJ Hawk: “Give me the Packers at -3. Give me the Packers and the over as well. I think they win 30 to 21.” (155:47)
  • Pat McAfee: “I’ll take the Commanders plus three and a half. I think Packers win...another one of those close ones.” (158:12)
• Live plug for SeatGeek code, final injury status (Zach Tom a game-time decision).
• Quick mentions of mascot news: Blue the Colts mascot’s trick shot, retirement of Colorado’s bison “Ralphie.”
• Humorous debate over mascot supremacy, live horses vs. costume characters.
• Wraps with a call for unity, gratitude, and common sense on this significant anniversary date.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Pat McAfee (on unity): “You can disagree with people and you don’t have to hate them...We might as well try to shake the hand and hear from the other side more.” (05:05)
• Adam Schefter on Jaden Daniels: “He is going to be a successful player for a very long period of time. He makes magic with his feet, with his arm.” (21:53)
• Kirk Herbstreit on Packers D: “This was the best the Green Bay packers have looked as a unit in a long, long time.” (104:55)
• Coach Mike McCarthy: “Alumni weekend...I haven't laughed that hard and that long into the evening in quite some time...It was definitely special.” (81:57)
• On Micah Parsons: “He’s incredibly motivated right now to show people...this dude’s the total package.” (122:07)
• Pat McAfee on September 11th: “September 12, 2001...our country, we were all together as one. Unified more than I have ever witnessed in my entire 38 years of existing.” (01:29)

Best Moments

• The playful roasting of “Roll Out the Barrel” with AJ’s and Ty’s polka singing.
• Mike McCarthy’s warm reception at Packers alumni weekend and his description of the experience.
• Adam Schefter multitasking: texting Packers sources for injury news while live on the show.
• Kirk Herbstreit’s heartfelt acknowledgment of Pat’s 9/11 comments, mirroring the show’s theme of sports uniting people.
• Mascot debates, bison jokes, and Blue’s cream pie antics.

Segment Timestamps

• 00:00–06:43: 9/11 Remembrance and Unity in Sports
• 06:43–16:46: TNF Preview: Packers Perspective, Amazon’s Impact, Betting Lines
• 20:31–37:44: Adam Schefter on Game Storylines and Injury Updates
• 44:01–56:13: Matt Rhule on Nebraska Football Culture
• 76:26–98:28: Coach Mike McCarthy: Packers Alumni, Team Insight
• 102:03–122:45: Kirk Herbstreit Live from Lambeau
• 64:37–70:28: Stadium Traditions, Music, and Fan Culture
• 153:31–end: Final Game Picks, Bets, and Humorous Wrap-up

Overall Tone

A mix of heartfelt reflection, enthusiastic football fandom, witty snark, and camaraderie—a unique blend of honest takes, locker room humor, and genuine sports insight.

For New Listeners:

This episode encapsulates The Pat McAfee Show’s signature blend: revered sports guests, fast-paced analysis, betting savvy, and comedic riffs, all filtered through the lens of real-world perspective and a call for empathy and togetherness.