The Pat McAfee Show 2.0 – Episode 1462

Airing December 2, 2025
Main Theme:
A BA Day Monday with Bruce Arians, in-depth Patriots and Monday Night Football recap, plus deep dives into key NFL and college football storylines. Heavy focus on the resurgence of the New England Patriots under Drake May and Mike Vrabel, NFC/AFC playoff pictures, the Chicago Bears’ sudden emergence, Steelers turmoil, Lane Kiffin’s landmark move to LSU, and exclusive interviews with Peter Schrager and Texas Tech Head Coach Joey McGuire.

Episode Overview

In this high-energy, banter-heavy episode, Pat McAfee and the boys celebrate the New England Patriots’ stunning turnaround, discuss the fallout and future of the Steelers and Eagles, analyze Drake May’s development, and break news with top insiders. Special guests include former NFL head coach and "QB Whisperer" Bruce Arians, NFL Network’s Peter Schrager, and Texas Tech Head Coach Joey McGuire. The show balances rousing football storytelling with expert-level analysis and signature McAfee humor.

Key Segments & Discussion Points

1. New England Patriots: The Dynasty Returns

[00:00–21:01]

• Patriots All The Way Back:
  Pat opens with a monologue on the Patriots’ resurgence, likening their rise back to a dynasty and hailing owner Bob Kraft’s handling of the post-Belichick era.

  • “Big bad wolf. Big being all the way back. … This New England Patriots team … is the greatest dynasty in the history of professional sports over a 20-year span…”
    —Pat McAfee [00:14]
  • Mike Vrabel’s impact as head coach, Josh McDaniels’ value as OC (“our Spags, but on offense,” —Conman), and the development of Drake May into an MVP-caliber, franchise quarterback.
  • Defense and special teams praised, especially Marcus Jones’ back-to-back punt return TDs.

• Patriots Fan Perspective:
  Boston Conner gleefully celebrates the team's depth, young talent, and culture shift brought by Vrabel.

  • “We are the best team in the NFL. … We’re the most complete team, and we hit the hardest.”
    —Conman [06:29]
  • Roster construction: love for young stars Will Campbell (LT), Hunter Henry, and reclamation projects like K’Shawn Booty—even highlighting the team’s league-leading “second most snaps” by under-25 players.

• Culture and Leadership:

  • Anecdotes about Vrabel’s team-first attitude ("I am just part of this team"), and stories of rallying during adversity with DC Terrell Williams’ illness.
  • McAfee: “Vrabel in the building for the long haul. … I think he and Drake May are a perfect match.” [18:23]

2. Monday Night Football Recap & Quarterback Safety

[07:37–18:58]

• Jackson Dart Hit:
  Discussion of Giants QB Jackson Dart’s big hit and the mentality of “toughing it out.”
  • Bruce Arians: “Do not be a damn idiot … step out of bounds. This isn’t Pee Wee, this is the NFL. Quarterbacks are paid zillions of dollars.” [12:10]
  • Darius Butler: “We expect all football players to be tough. You’re a grown ass man. … All that matters is how he plays.” [14:17]
• Quarterback Development:
  • Drake May’s transformation in just two years; early concerns over footwork, now “picture perfect” mechanics.
  • Arians: “He was my number one guy coming out … he’s in a different system, but now he’s got Josh McDaniels, great system, and Vrabel to tell him we need him for the long haul.” [17:50]

3. Around the NFL: Playoff Race, Bears' Rise, Eagles Panic

[21:01–41:18]

• Peter Schrager in Foxborough:
  • Notes the vibe under Vrabel is positive but focused ("imagine the Patriots regime with a smile"), in contrast to the Belichick years. [21:54]
  • Amazed how quickly NE returned to the top seed (“It was supposed to be done and we’re supposed to wait 15, 20 years … and here they are.”).
• NFC North Mirroring:
  • Chicago Bears, with coach Ben Johnson and QB Caleb Williams, are labeled “NFC’s Patriots” for their quick overhaul and culture change.
• Eagles in Crisis:
  • Philly fans booing coaches, with media pressure and sky-high expectations.
  • Schrager: “There are so many members of the media and they are so on it … it’s wall to wall as if it’s the White House they’re covering.” [33:37]
  • Panel debates if the Eagles can turn things around: Butler argues they have enough talent, but chemistry’s in question.

4. Steelers and Coaching Carousel

[67:06–74:36]

• Pittsburgh Steelers Stuck in Neutral:
  • Discussion on whether Mike Tomlin has run his course after a decade without a playoff win.
  • Arians: “If I were Mike, I would want to get out and go somewhere new, start over.” [69:51]
  • Tone Digs and the table dissect the fans’ “fire Tomlin” angst and the cultural expectations in historic franchises.
  • Arians notes how refreshing a new job can be after a long tenure, and compares to NHL/Penguins coach Mike Sullivan.

5. College Football Chaos: Lane Kiffin to LSU, Scheduling Frustrations

[44:26–106:15]

• Interview: Texas Tech’s Joey McGuire [44:26–57:12]

  • Discusses Tech’s alignment between administration and coaching—admiring investments in the trenches and NIL, comparing their rise to elite programs.
  • McGuire on the playoff structure: “Move everything up. Conference championships on Thanksgiving; first round seven days later. Get it done before portal opens—it’s what every level except D1 does.”

• Lane Kiffin Leaves Ole Miss for LSU [91:19–106:15]

  • Kiffin’s emotional press conference: stresses the importance of NIL/player resources over his own salary.
  • McAfee & Butler say LSU’s built-in recruiting advantage and deep pockets make it a “wagon” for future championships.
  • Debate over whether Kiffin abandoned a unique path at Ole Miss, or simply made the right career move.

6. NFL Leaders & Game Balls

[130:10–157:41]

• Player Statistical Leaders:
  Passing, receiving, rushing, tackling, turnovers, and sacks all reviewed.
  • Drake May (QBs), Jackson Smith-Njigba and George Pickens (WRs), Jonathan Taylor (RBs), and Jack Campbell (tackles) receive highlighted praise.
  • McAfee: “Patrick Mahomes … Dak Prescott … Matthew Stafford spinning it” among league’s best at their positions.
• Game Ball Awards with Bruce Arians:
  • NFC Game Ball: Chicago Bears’ offensive line (“281 yards rushing against the Philly defense on the road, easiest way to win on the road!” —Arians [154:10])
  • AFC Game Ball: Bills offensive line for dominating the Steelers with 249 yards, 138 before contact, and no sacks allowed.

7. International Football Update: Irish Kickers Take Center Stage

[121:49–129:06]

• **Ty Schmidt reports on Charlie Smyth of the Saints (first NFL start, 56-yard FG) and Daniel Whelan thriving as punters—showcasing the global growth in the NFL’s specialist roles.
• Ty—on Smyth’s missed opportunity:
  “That was his only shot … probably be the king of Mayo Bridge next week.” [124:54]

8. Signature McAfee Elements: Humor, Storytelling, and Real Talk

• Personal anecdotes:
  Tales of meeting NFL legends, snow plowing the studio lot, and jabs at Indiana’s road salt management.
• Coach Arians’ Advocacy:
  Detailed explanation of the Arians Family Foundation’s work on behalf of abused/neglected children (Giving Tuesday pitch).
  • “My wife started here in Indianapolis with kids’ Voice… first case was a young boy who’s now 40 with kids… They deserve a life.” —Arians [115:03]

Notable Quotes and Moments

• “We are the best team in the NFL … I was basically cackling the whole entire game.” —Conman [06:29]
• “The whole city, your whole franchise depends on you. Do not be a damn idiot.” —Bruce Arians on careless QB play [12:10]
• “Step out of bounds, okay?” —Pat, echoing Arians [12:28]
• “I used to walk around that building [Patriots] on eggshells … yesterday they were actually happy. … It’s a whole different vibe from the Belichick era.” —Peter Schrager [21:54]
• “Too much talent [in Philly] to say … they’re out of it. … Now, from the outside looking in, they don’t look like they like each other as much, which is a problem.” —Darius Butler [37:18]
• “If you’re going to be bad, you want to be really bad … That’s why teams tank.” —Darius Butler on roster-building [64:02]
• “Do you think Philadelphia Eagles can win the Super Bowl?” “…They can make a run.”—Pat & Butler debate [36:40–38:00]
• “Your best ability is availability. … Learn how to fucking slide!”—Bruce Arians’ coaching message to young QBs [113:03]

Timestamps: Major Sections

• Patriots’ Resurgence & Drake May Analysis:
  [00:00–21:01]
• MNF/Quarterback Injury Debate:
  [07:37–18:58]
• Peter Schrager: Patriots, Bears, Eagles, NFL Playoff Picture:
  [21:54–41:18]
• Steelers/Tomlin Conversation:
  [67:06–74:36]
• Texas Tech Coach Joey McGuire Interview:
  [44:26–57:12]
• Lane Kiffin to LSU/College Football Coaching Carousel:
  [91:19–106:15]
• NFL Player Leaders, Awards & Game Balls:
  [130:10–157:41]
• International Kicker Segment:
  [121:49–129:06]
• Arians Family Foundation & Giving Tuesday:
  [113:02–116:34]

Conclusion

Today’s Pat McAfee Show featured an all-star blend of NFL/CFB analysis, big personalities, and behind-the-scenes access. The New England Patriots’ return to dominance, fueled by Drake May and Mike Vrabel, serves as the episode’s heart, but the breadth of conversation—college coaching craziness, playoff races, changing locker rooms, and even Irish kicker lore—reminds listeners of the show’s unique cocktail of smarts and entertainment.

For more:

• Catch full player/class/team breakdowns on The Schrager Hour
• Support the Arians Family Foundation at ariansfamilyfoundation.com
• Stick around all week for more PMS 2.0 football fireworks