The Pat McAfee Show 2.0 – Episode 1428: FIRST 15 – NFL Week 6 Recap

Date: October 13, 2025
Host: Pat McAfee
Co-hosts/Analysts: AJ Hawk, Darius J. Butler, Toxic Table, Tone Digs, and guests

Episode Overview

This episode launches the now-regular "First 15" segment—a 15-minute rapid rundown of the top five NFL storylines from Week 6. Pat McAfee and his team of co-hosts bring their trademark blend of irreverence and insider analysis. Together, they dig into quarterback debates, coaching decisions, playoff prospects, locker room drama, and MVP frontrunners. The show is peppered with memorable quotes, tongue-in-cheek banter, strong opinions, and vivid storytelling, offering both fans and casual listeners a unique and entertaining NFL digest.

Segment Breakdown

"First 15" Segment Introduction

Timestamps: 00:00 – 00:39

• Pat explains the concept: five top NFL headlines in 15 minutes, inspired by an offense’s first scripted 15 plays.
• Jokes about actually sticking to the 15-minute limit, with the team’s penchant for rambling.
• Sets an energetic, quick-hitting tone for the segment.

Headline #5: Was Herbert the Right Pick All Along?

Timestamps: 00:39 – 06:07

• Revisits the 2020 draft: Tua Tagovailoa (#5 overall), Justin Herbert (#6), and Joe Burrow (#1).

• Pat marvels at Justin Herbert’s resilience, adaptability to multiple coaching changes, and his potential "GOAT" trajectory, especially now under coach Jim Harbaugh.

• Detailed breakdown of the Chargers' improbable comeback vs. the Dolphins, crediting Herbert’s poise and supporting cast (Ladd McConkey, Kamani Vital, Zion Johnson).

• Highlights a critical late-game play: Herbert escapes pressure and throws to McConkey, springboarded by Johnson’s key block. Darius J. Butler calls it a "season-defining play."

  “That play would be burned in my mind until they throw dirt over top of me.” – Analyst D [02:42]

• Cameron Dicker nails the game-winning field goal, remaining perfect on the season.

• Pat and co-hosts reflect on whether Herbert should have been the #1 pick over Tua; consensus is Herbert’s stellar, but playoffs await.

• Sidebar on the Dolphins/Draft revisionism, with jokes at Dolphins fans' expense.

  “Was Herbert the number one overall pick all along? Is this the team that’s going to go on a run? We shall see in an AFC that is seemingly wide open...” – Pat McAfee [04:10]
  “It’s been since he’s been in the league, honestly. 18 game-winning drives, only behind Mahomes since coming in.” – Co-host 2 [04:46]

Headline #4: Tough Scenes—Player & Coaching Drama

Timestamps: 07:34 – 16:08

A. Dolphins Locker Room & Leadership Concerns

• Tua crafts a nearly game-winning drive, but is overshadowed by late-game defensive failures and teammate accountability issues after the loss.

• Postgame, Tua publicly questions Dolphins’ culture and player commitment, referencing issues like late arrivals to player-only meetings.

• Analysts debate if airing grievances via media is wise; consensus is players should handle issues internally.

  “Throwing your teammates under the bus for things that nobody even knows… It's just not a good thing in the locker room.” – Pat [09:39]
  “The best teams you've been on… players police the room.” – Co-host 2 [10:11]

B. The "Worst London Game Ever" (Jets/Broncos)

• Apology to UK fans for an ugly international matchup: stats confirm lowest number of first downs in NFL international game history.
• Recap of a bizarre end-of-half situation involving Jets’ head coach Aaron Glenn: questionable clock management leads to widespread confusion.
• Team leader Garrett Wilson admits, “I have no idea what the plan was… I was disappointed.” [13:44]
• Pat and Darius discuss the rarity, learning curve for rookie head coaches, and the ripple effects on player trust.

C. Justin Fields’ Job Security

• Glenn defends Justin Fields amidst a rough outing, saying a single bad game shouldn’t cost him the job.

• Pat notes the Denver defense’s historic sack pace (on track to shatter NFL records), emphasizing that Fields’ struggles weren’t just about him:

  “This Denver Broncos Defense is a defense that will expose you… It’s a good kind of thermostat.” – Pat [16:08]

Headline #3: Early Season MVP Race Heats Up

Timestamps: 17:21 – 36:43

• Focused only on players whose teams won Week 6.
• Top MVP candidates highlighted for standout performances:

1. Baker Mayfield (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

• Underdog story: Team rallies behind him despite missing top WRs.

• Notable play: Baker’s third-and-14 scramble/will-to-win, leading to a TD.

• Locker room moment: Tez Johnson describes confusion during “MVP” chants post-TD, thinking they might be for him—not Baker [19:29].

  “Anybody that has that buccaneer shit on… is buzzing because of what number six is doing.” – Co-host 2 [18:42]

2. Drake Maye (New England Patriots)

• Praised for rapid improvement, leadership, and physicality.

• Comparisons to a young Tom Brady (but more athletic and “handsome”).

• Tone Digs marvels at Maye’s accuracy; team jokes about him ushering in a new dynasty.

• Noted that Josh McDaniels’ return boosted the offense.

• Controversial call discussed (phantom pass interference), with frustration over refereeing.

  “Is this guy the 2025 younger generation, more mobile version of Tom Brady?” – Pat McAfee [22:19]

3. Sam Darnold (Seattle Seahawks)

• Surging stats: 3rd in NFL passing yards, 5th in TDs.
• Chemistry with Jackson Smith-Njigba (“JSN”), spotlighting JSN’s heritage and unique name.

4. Danny Dimes (Indianapolis Colts)

• Wins gritty games, keeps Colts versatile amidst chaos—despite a rash of injuries, including a concussion during pregame warmups.

5. Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs)

• Chiefs rounding into form, Mahomes leads team in rushing and absorbs big hits, displaying legendary toughness.

• Receives renewed MVP consideration after a signature comeback performance.

  “Patrick Mahomes is doing Patrick Mahomes stuff… he’s reminding everybody… I’m a dog, though, who still drinks Coors Lights.” – Pat McAfee [33:38]

6. Other Notables

• Chiefs/Lions postgame fight involving JuJu Smith-Schuster and Brian Branch is dissected—called a black eye for the NFL, expected fines or suspension.

Headline #2: Chiefs Still the Chiefs

Timestamps: 36:43 – 37:50

• Kansas City’s offense looks revitalized with new/returning weapons (Rashee Rice, Pacheco, Kelce).
• Mahomes leads both passing and rushing, furthering his MVP candidacy.
• Analysts anticipate Chiefs hitting another gear as team gets healthy.

Headline #1: Colts Chaos & Win—Pregame Injury Mayhem

Timestamps: 27:39 – 39:04 and 36:43 – 39:04

• Colts win despite pregame disasters (two significant injuries in warmups: Charvarius Ward, concussion; Anthony Richardson, fractured orbital bone from band exercise).

• Pat describes dangers and lack of coordination in pregame routines.

  “I’m surprised more injuries don’t happen in these situations. Just after seeing it, I was like, man, I don’t know why I didn't ever think this could possibly happen.” – Pat [29:48]

• Adam Schefter calls in: updates on Colts injuries and notes rarity of multiple pregame injuries; expects at least a two-week absence for Ward.

• Ending note: Colts praised for prevailing in adversity; celebration of Jonathan Taylor’s dominance and unique celebration style.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Darius J. Butler on Herbert’s game-winning drive:

  “That play would be burned in my mind until they throw dirt over top of me.” [02:42]

• Pat on public team criticism:

  “Throwing your teammates under the bus for things that nobody even knows… is just not a good thing in the locker room.” [09:39]

• Tua’s ambiguous attempts at leadership:

  “We have guys showing up to player only meetings late…do we have to make this mandatory? There’s a lot…that we gotta get cleaned up.” – Analyst G, [09:07]

• Tez Johnson on the MVP chants:

  “I ain’t do nothing this year…They talking about Baker, Tez? I was like, well, that explains it. But he is the MVP.” [19:49]

• Pat on the Chiefs’ resurgence:

  “Patrick Mahomes is doing Patrick Mahomes stuff…reminding everybody. Yeah, is sweet. I own a soccer team. I own a baseball team. My resume is already a GOAT conversation. I’m a dog, though, who still drinks Coors Lights.” [33:38]

• Coach/Official on Justin Fields:

  “You just try to bench a player after having one true bad game because I thought the other games he played fairly well.” [15:20]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:39 — Herbert/Tua draft re-evaluation
• 02:42 — Darius J. Butler’s iconic “dirt over top of me” quote
• 07:34 — Dolphins’ locker room/leadership troubles; Tua's media comments
• 13:44 — Garrett Wilson’s honest critique post-London game
• 17:27 — MVP candidate rundown (Mayfield, Maye, Darnold, Mahomes, etc.)
• 19:29 — Tez Johnson’s MVP chant confusion
• 22:19 — Drake Maye = “next Tom Brady?”
• 27:39 — Danny Dimes’ all-around impact for Colts
• 29:06 — Pregame warmup chaos & unique injury stories
• 36:07 — Mahomes’ on-field toughness, Chiefs “still the Chiefs”
• 37:50 — Adam Schefter injury updates

Tone & Delivery

The show’s energy remains brisk, irreverent, and teeming with inside jokes, wild hypotheticals, and fan-aimed jabs (especially at Dolphins fans). The cast’s chemistry is evident—their rapport allows for lively debate, lighthearted digs, technical analysis, and fan-based hijinks in a single breath. Pat anchors discussions with his signature mix of sarcasm, player’s insight, and high-volume enthusiasm.

Takeaways

• Justin Herbert is solidifying a legacy—an all-time “what if?” pick debate, amplified by his clutch performance under a new coach.
• NFL locker room dynamics are as complex as ever; Tua’s leadership decisions highlight the thin line between honesty and divisiveness.
• Even coaching pros make public mistakes (see Jets’ halftime blunder), but defenses (like Denver’s) can make any offense look bad.
• The MVP conversation is wide open, with both new stars and old faces (Mayfield, Maye, Darnold, Mahomes, Danny Dimes) in the mix.
• Colts’ gritty win amid pregame mishaps gets love, with unique celebrations and Schefter’s injury updates as the capstone.

Summary:
A fast, funny, and in-depth look at NFL Week 6’s most dramatic moments—complete with inside info, on-field nostalgia, MVP hype, and a little football-related chaos for good measure.