This episode is brought to you by Progressive Insurance, fiscally responsible, financial geniuses, monetary magicians. These are things people say about drivers who switch their car insurance to Progressive and save hundreds. Because Progressive offers discounts for paying in full, owning a home, and more. Plus, you can count on their great customer service to help you when you need it.
So your dollar goes a long way. Visit Progressive.com to see if you could save on car insurance. Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates. Potential savings will vary. Not available in all states or situations.
Summer's here and Nordstrom has everything you need for your best dress season ever. From beach days and weddings to weekend getaways in your everyday wardrobe. Discover stylish options under $100 from tons of your favorite brands like Mango, Skims, Princess Polly, and Madewell. It's easy too with free shipping and free returns, in-store order pickup and more. Shop today in stores, online at Nordstrom.com or download the Nordstrom app.
This is the Rich Eisen Show. What was it called? The Rich Eisen Show. Four for Sam Breinhart. He scores to me.
Make it fall! The Florida Panthers are back-to-back Stanley Cup champions. Live from the Rich Eisen Show studio in Los Angeles. Caitlin Clark hits the deck when the officials don't get control of the ballgame. I mean, bad officiating is bad officiating.
Earlier on the show. Ravens running back, Derek Henry. Longtime director and producer Larry Charles. Still to come. Fox Sports NFL analyst Mark Schlerett.
And now. Yeah. Hour number three of the Rich Eisen Show is on the air. Already had a fun two hours. Check it out on the Roku Sports Channel or the Rich Eisen Show Fast channel once this is all over.
If you're. In the area of a Roku device or anything that has Roku on it, select Samsung smart TVs. Amazon Fire TV, there's so many different ways that you can get Roku, and we appreciate you checking us out every single day. There's our podcast all three hours and through the Cumulus Podcast Network. 844-204-RICH is the number to dial later on tonight.
Um, the uh uh great ladies of Women Sports Now will have at it for their uh latest episode, uh, hour long, and I'm sure a lot of what we just led the show with with the Indiana Fever and the Connecticut Sun. Um Throw them down. Uh on Tuesday night. I'm sure that will be a large part of their conversation on that show that hits. Uh as soon as midnight.
strikes this evening. eight four four, two oh four rich is the number to dial. Mark Schlerth is going to come on and chop up the football world in a few on this third hour. Listen, there are times when you step in it. If you will.
By having A guest on just as something newsworthy involves them, their team. Their history, anything like that, and then um. Uh you just missed stepping in. Which is good when it comes to, you know. Anything from a dog, you know what I mean?
It might be on the ground. Uh you just missed stepping in. Which is not great for shows like this one. As soon as we Um got off the zoom with uh Derrick Henry. The Ravens announced they signed Jair Alexander, a former college teammate of Lamar Jackson.
So Louisville's in the house now. And there's Lamar with. Jair and the man who brought them back together, Eric. Da Costa, the general manager of the Balmer Ravens, who just get better on defense. We talked earlier today about how Lamar says that they're gonna approach the season he and the Ravens with a sense of vengeance Well, I mean, having Marlon Humphrey and Jire Alexander on either side of.
you know Kyle Hamilton And the rest of the rookies that they drafted, and the defense that is getting better every year, Roquan Smith, right there in the middle of it. Your guy from back in the day, Kyle Van Neuy, keeps on channeling his Patriot days over and over again. Yeah, man. And offense. with Derrick Henry back for more.
and Lamar at the quarterback spot, and now DeAndre Hopkins and I don't believe his diminishing skills. And I understand he didn't do very much with the Chiefs last year. Being in a spot all season long, from training camp all the way through, mini-camp all the way through, I think will be helpful for. Hopkins and We hope Zay Flowers gets back healthy sooner rather than later, and we'll see what goes down. But a great signing, obviously.
And Packers fans will be sitting there wondering. What's going down on all that front? Why he couldn't stick around there anymore for whatever reason. They couldn't figure that whole thing out. And the Baltimore Ravens.
Um Later on. This fall will in fact see the Green Bay Packers Week seventeen.
So that's a that's one that I'm sure Alexander's circling right now. That's the Raven schedule that starts off again. At Buffalo, home for Cleveland, home for Detroit, at Kansas City, home for Houston, home for the Rams bye week. That's a. That's a rough six weeks.
We will see how the Ravens navigate all of that. 844-204-Rich is the number to dial here on the program. Mike in Richmond, Virginia. Let's take your phone call here. What's up, Mike?
Hey Rich, can you hear me? I can indeed. Hello, Rich. Can you hear me? I can.
Can you hear me? Earth to Mike. Earth to Richmond, Virginia. Perfect. Thank you.
I'm calling because sometimes Colin Coward has some good analyses, and he did an empirical one. and I agree with everything he said except his conclusion. Um he talked about how no great quarterback And he went through all of them, did well on a team that had a defensive coach. in a relatively unsuccessful That's uh offensive coordinator. Arthur Smith had one success in six seasons.
He's a run-heavy guy. I think he had.
Well, he didn't say that. Oh, well, he didn't say that. That's me adding. But so he thought this was going to be a failure. I disagree, and here's why.
Um their play calling is so bad. Odd that and I if you want, I can go into why I think they that's all part at the end of the year last year, but. Aaron Rodgers is going to call his own plays and he's not going to listen to stupid play calls.
So that gives the Steelers a chance. That actually gives him a chance. I don't know, Mike. I don't follow the Steelers. No, I hear you.
And I you know, and I would say Do me a favor and call Colin's show and ask him about something I said, but Colin doesn't take phone calls on his program.
So he doesn't give one out, Mike. No, no. I'll look up his number. I think Colin gave up taking phone calls from his listeners and viewers a while ago. But I appreciate the call.
That's Mike and Richmond. I don't think Rogers is going to ice out Arthur Smith. I don't see that one coming. Nor do I think Arthur Smith is the type of guy that will just stand there and take it. I know Rogers has that MO, right, where McCarthy, he just didn't believe Mark.
Remember that? We were in New York when an athletic article was a National Police Report article came out that McCarthy was taking massages midday and Rogers was like, I'm done with this guy. I'm calling my own damn plays. And you wound up winning the MVP and McCarthy gets bounced. And now here comes LaFleur.
Will the two be able to coexist? They won 12 games a year. every time that Rogers was there. Up until maybe the last year where you did win? A couple more MVPs.
I mean And then obviously what happened with the Jets is like, I want my own personal play caller. And then he pushed back considerably on the fact that. I think Diana Rossini reported that there was a list of players that he wanted to have. And weirdly, they brought it up on the Jets. And then many of them did wind up there, but there was no list.
But there was a hand-picked coordinator, Nathaniel Hackett, who eventually got. benched himself. that when the coach got fired, And so obviously, he's got the MO of doing whatever he wants to do. But I think he and Arthur Smith are two very prideful, smart guys who are going to get in the same room and figure something out. The question is, do they have the skilled players On offense.
Is it Jalen Warren's time to be a full Time running back. Will they split the carries with the rookie? that they drafted, what's going to happen at the receiver position. And is Rodgers, when he turns 42 in the middle of the season, still the Rodgers that can actually win a championship? And we do not know the answers to it, and we will not until Till meets Paul.
And of course The league sensed Rogers was going to say yes to the Steelers and show up. as he has Because again, there's no other reason to say week one, let's just put the Steelers against the Jets.
Okay. Yeah. They swapped quarterbacks. Let's go. Must see TV.
Somebody's going to be 1-0, and the team that's 0-1 will be licking wounds, man. That's for sure. But I'm not, I would be surprised, to be honest with you, and you could call me naive, fine. I don't care. Um that this winds up with As Our colleges said Rogers overruling what Arthur Smith's doing in real time.
Now, I'm not saying what happened at all, but I mean, just as a general rule, like. I don't care what the plays are, I'm audibling every single snap. I think he and Tomlin and Smith will be on the same page well enough.
Now then. Once upon a time Uh there was a Boston Red Sock. Who was really good at his job. Still is, actually. Um and um You know, won a championship for him.
And um he gets Um The team signed somebody else at his position. And now he wasn't happy about it. Mm. And as a matter of fact, when asked Would he um be cool with it. Uh it was obvious he wasn't.
And then once upon a time, he was asked about. You know. Playing first base. Being DH. And he answered the uh Question: Would you be up for it?
Cool with it, you know, and um. Two languages. A bilingual GFY. The guy's name was Raphael Devers. Oh, him, yeah.
Wasn't really gonna play wasn't he wasn't happy about the agent. No, no. And then, when told you you want to play first base, first base. Is that that white square that's on the right side of the field? Like, is that the white square I'm running for as soon as I hit the ball?
That first base? I don't think he would go full Abbott and Costello of who's on third? Not me. Because it was well, I don't know, it's on third, right? Yeah, third base.
Right. Who's on first? Who's on first? Not me. Yeah, not me.
That's what I meant to say. What's on second? Not me? Yeah, not me. Well.
He was on second last night. When he ripped one of the right center field gap, but that's not what I'm bringing up about Rafael Dever's first game as a San Francisco giant. Doesn't even look right. He was introduced as a San Francisco giant. He came through the left.
Field wall. They had these Smoke. Spark is whatever. He's walking through. He's walking through the field, the warning track.
Yeah. They try. Coming out of the corn. Dever's coming out of Let Field. He's bounded down.
Yeah. It's not it's more like this. Mm. At any rate. He was asked about Playing other positions.
Oh. Because you know you got Matt Chapman at third. He's excellent at that spot. Correct. You know?
So third base is kind of taken.
Okay. In San Francisco. Hey, Rafia. What about playing first base? What about playing other positions?
I'm wondering if. He has a different Uh Falkna. Three. Yes. One of the big kind of questions for you is: you know, there's a five-time goal glover at third base already.
He's not healthy right now, but once he returns, it's the matter of position. Have you talked to Buster and Bob about potentially playing first base? Do you see yourself more as a designated hitter? And what were those conversations with the Giants Brass like regarding your long-term position with this team?
Okay, I'll look I think there are necessary, so I can put myself in, not. Incision on EOTIN SONO FMI, we will be able to do it. I'm here to give my 100%. I don't put any butts. They're the men in charge.
I am here to play whatever they want me to play. They applauded. They applauded. Guys making a quarter of a billion dollars. And he's like, I'll play wherever you want me to play.
And they're like, yeah. You know what that reminded me of? Because that's when you'd expect somebody, like you're being paid a quarter of a billion dollars. You know?
We need you here. You want to play there and like yeah, I'm here to do exactly because You know why? I don't know. I'm less pissed off at these people than I was apparently where I used to be. And again, I'm not being disrespectful when I say this, but when I saw that the first time, I thought to myself: the last time there was a large ovation over something that was.
Something Stated so obviously based on what we're seeing and expecting, right? was when Our kids were young and being potty trained, and they one of them looks at Susie and I and says, I just made a boom boom. And we're like, Yay! We all clapped. Everybody.
Yeah, that's it. You're clapping. You made a boom boom. Guess who is taking grounders at first? Before the game!
Raphael Debors was taken grounders in first. Oh, man. Yeah, you can't make it up, man. Cool. All of this was very predictable.
I don't think that's a good idea. And he was going to say he was going to point for a while. Was the communication just garbage? Or he just had enough of being there and a change of scenery was required for everyone? Because that's the way it looks right now.
From what I've gathered, it was a mutual situation where they're both pretty sick of each other. I mean, it's obvious, right? Yeah. Like, you're. You're a Yankee killer of the first variety.
We've won five in a row. Yeah. Just swept the Yankees. And you're our RBI king since this decade started. And we just got Two prospects, two pitchers, one of whom's hurt, and the other one we option straight to triple-A.
And Get out! Yep. Because the other team is willing to pay every penny left on the contract that has eight more years running. Mm-hmm. And the other guy's like Oh, I am just, you know.
There is no I endeavors. There's no I in Raphael. There's only an I and C. I will play first. There's an I in first.
There's an I in third, there's an I in hit And I am willing to do all of those things for you. If you ask. Cyanora. Yes. Adios, there is one in the middle.
Full Ari gold, TJ, get the F out. Bye-bye.
So that's where you've landed on that now? I've landed on after talking to some people that, you know, it's a better situation now for everyone involved. It's too bad. It's really unfortunate. This guy could have had a statue outside of Fenway someday, and he, you know, he's just not what he wanted.
You know, not getting back to Big Poppy after he's reaching out. That's troubling. There's an alliance, Poppy. The last couple of offseasons coming into spring training. Clearly overweight, not in shape, ready to start the new year.
That's frustrating. That's been an issue. And let's just clean break. Good luck the rest of the week. I think that's exactly what's happening that Friday night.
They're coming back together, and then once that's over, then you truly turn their back on each other.
Now I've got to turn your back on them. You know. Yep. But it was just, I'll do whatever they ask of me to do. I am a team player.
I am coming here. I will take grounders at first. I will be your first baseman. I will be your designated hitter. I will be your.
It's a major bummer. I will be your father figure. Put your tiny hand in mine. Yeah. Right?
Yeah. Hey, who are you doing? Hey, it said you play first. You go potty? Grab your first space with Tatum gets hurt, Devers trade, Marshawn wins a cup with Florida.
Put Drake May in bubble wrap until the season starts. Like, what are we doing? Tiny violins all over the place right now. And I totally understand that. Of course, you do.
But it's frustrating. He won a championship with you, and he's been nothing but awesome for the Red Sox. I don't know what the hell happened, when this started going south, who did what to whom. Who is to blame? How?
But there was, my God, there was an iceberg underneath. Sure was. Dirty water. Keep Stefan diggs off all boats this summer. Like, just like, let's walk in, Patriots.
You know what I mean?
Okay. No, I'm back. But I just, again, the fact that they applauded him saying, I will play wherever you ask of me. Like, hey, it's just like, yeah, he should. He should!
You see all the zeros on that check? He should! Is that a sign of our times that we're applauding something that is just.
Something that should be. The default. Hard work, dedication, teamwork. But again, um. I believe he gave the Giants their first lead last night.
Yeah, I think. Of course, he's going to rake. He's a professional raker. He's a big center for. Yeah.
What he does. Oh man. All right, we will take a break. Mark Schlerith. Hey, he's about to join us next here on the Richmond.
He's probably like, what? Look at the party, mama. I'll play first. Yeah. This episode is brought to you by Progressive Insurance, fiscally responsible, financial geniuses, monetary magicians.
These are things people say about drivers who switch their car insurance to Progressive and save hundreds. Because Progressive offers discounts for paying in full, owning a home, and more. Plus, you can count on their great customer service to help you when you need it.
So your dollar goes a long way. Visit progressive.com to see if you could save on car insurance. Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates, potential savings will vary. Not available in all states or situations. Even the safest drivers still encounter unsafe conditions, so it's important they do it in a safe vehicle.
And Hyundai's offer available class executive advanced safety features to help keep you protected against the many challenges the road throws your way. Basically, in a Hyundai, you can drive as safely as possible and enjoy your journey in confidence and style. When you change lanes, signal check for traffic and enjoy the added safety of Hyundai's available blind spot view monitor. Constantly scan for dangers and take advantage of Hyundai's standard forward collision avoidance assist to help prevent accidents by alerting you of imminent collisions and automatically applying the brakes. Stay alert at all times and be thankful that Hyundai's standard driver attention warning system monitors your attention levels and can bring your focus back on the road.
Safety is all about making the right decisions on the road. And when selecting a vehicle. Learn more at HyundaiUSA.com. Call 562-314-4603 for details. Let's talk sleep number people.
If you're like me, then you are just not yourself when you get a bad night's sleep. Look, sleep plays an important, crucial role in recovery. We're all unique in what we need from our bed, too. That's where sleep number can step in. Sleep number smart beds are the best beds for couples because you can individualize each side.
My sleep number setting is 60, my wife's is 70. It's just 10 numbers apart, but we like our side of the bed the way that we like it. Being able to adjust your bed's firmness after working out, too. For recovery, it's game-changing.
So, why choose a sleep number smart bed? I just told you, but I'll do it again.
So, you can choose your ideal comfort on either side. The only bed that lets you make each side firmer or softer whenever you like, your sleep number setting. And now, it's the sleep number 4th of July sale. Save over $600 on the Sleep Number P5 King smart bed, the lowest price of the season, limited time, exclusively at a sleep number store near you. See the store or sleepnumber.com for details.
We're just talking about training camp. At least when you got to training camp, you had the uh You had the five-star accommodations, right, Mark, back in the day? The mini bar? Oh, yeah, right. Oh, yeah.
I mean, nothing, nothing says five-star more than in Greeley, Colorado. Or you, when I played, when I played in Washington, um, all Our training camps were in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. And they were, they were in, we were held in the ladies' dorms. That's where the players were.
So, not only are you miserable, and that was back when you practiced twice a day and you beat the living snot out of one another. And Joe Gibbs's practices were all full pads, full contact, full go all the time. And then in the middle of the night, you know, you're sore and you're beat up. It's two o'clock in the morning. You have to shuffle off into the ladies' bathrooms.
There's no urinals.
So you got to pee in a toilet, right? And you got, oh my God, it was just a nightmare. Just a nightmare. Oh, my God.
Well Yeah. Moving on back to the here and now, Mark Schlerith, let's jump into it. Which team, based on everything you got from minicamps and everything like that, are you most looking forward to seeing Well 18 of their games. All 17 of their games, 18 weeks of their season. Yeah, I think there's two teams in the AFC that really resonate with me because I think they've got a lot to prove.
Like, I think. The Buffalo Bills, as good as they are, and they play in maybe arguably the weakest division in football in the AFC East. The Bills, like, it feels like if they don't go to a Super Bowl, then it's just a failure. Like the seasons for naught. And I feel the same way about the Ravens.
And I think. It was fair a couple of years ago to point the finger at Lamar, even a year ago, and say, Hey, Lamar has got to play better in playoffs, in the playoffs. When the playoffs roll around, that dude's got to play better. And I think he's equated himself quite well.
So then it becomes, hey, the Ravens, man, you guys have to make decisions. You can't quit running the ball. You have got to, as a coaching staff, put your players in a position to win.
So I think they've got a ton of pressure on them because anything short of a Super Bowl to me is a failure. And, you know, and then if you look like in the NFC, I think probably the coach with the most, like in Buffalo, Sean McDermott has a ton of pressure on him as well, right? As does John Harbaugh, because they haven't won a championship. They haven't won an AFC championship or gone to the Super Bowl or won a Super Bowl championship with Lamar, who's been a multiple MVP winner. And then I think in San Francisco, I know a lot of people talk about the injuries and, hey, you're moving off of veteran players and you're going to have a lot of young players playing for you.
I really think this is a really good team, but ultimately, this falls on Kyle Shanahan with all the pressure that he has on him because he is the guy, in my mind. Everybody talks about it. What a great play caller he is, what a great head coach he is. I've witnessed it firsthand. I played for his father.
The guy is an amazing, amazing coach. But You know what? You've gotten to the Super Bowl twice and you've lost it. And one of them was an overtime decision that is very questionable. To take the ball last, to essentially receive the football when Patrick Mahomes is on the other side.
So there's a lot to prove there as well.
So it really, yeah, I mean, it's right around the corner. I cannot wait.
So let's talk about this here. Super Bowl are bust teams, right, in terms of whether their season is viewed as ultimately successful, although technically all 32 teams should have that sort of Pressure placed upon them of expectations. Would you put Buffalo and Baltimore in that category? Kansas City's in that category, right? Wouldn't you say that?
Sure. Although they've been to five and won three of them.
So, you know what? I mean, I wouldn't be. Listen, man, as a former Bronco, I wouldn't be pissed off if. A lot of bad things happen to them and they didn't win any games. Right.
That wouldn't bother me in the least. But yeah, they've got such great expectations. As much as I try to hate them, Andy Reid is a great human being. I love him. And as much as I want to hate Mahomes, I just can't seem to bring myself to hate the guy because he's so good.
He's so much, he's so much fun to watch.
So. I root against him, but not really. Just kind of, you know, just good old-fashioned sports hate. Yeah, I mean, he's Steph Curry in Cleats.
So there's. But I'm just talking about Super Bowl or bust, right? Right. Let's see who else would be Super Bowl or bust. Would you go?
If you put Philadelphia obviously Philadelphia in that regard. What about Detroit? Last year that was this sense. Last year, not anymore because they lost their coordinators, or what do you think? No, I think you still have to.
I think one of the things that people don't talk about, and I don't know if you and I talked about this or not, but like Dan Campbell, you know, Dan Campbell plays the role of meathead well, and um. And I don't think people really understand how smart. And how good a coach he is, and what an offensive, you know, what an offensive guy he was. Remember, when he came to Detroit, like it was, I don't want to say begrudgingly, but it took a little time to give the offense over to Ben Johnson. And they worked that in unison.
And Ben is incredible now in Chicago, but Dan had a lot to do with how that offense has been established and the way they run that offense.
So I give them a lot of credit on that. I'm with you on Detroit. Detroit is so talented.
Now, they lost, you know, the interior of their offensive line that scares me a little bit. Frank Rag now decides to retire. There's going to be some mixing and matching there, some new guys playing. And you could make a very compelling argument that last year, they were, you know, one of the one or two, as far as offensive lines is concerned, in the National Football League from just a talent perspective and the way they play the game.
So that's a big turnover to me. They should get so healthy on defense. They should get so many players back on defense. Hutchinson and Blake. That seems to hopefully rectify itself, so to speak, even with a new coordinator.
I mean, I gotta be honest with you. That kind of exhausts, at least in my mind, a sense of. Super Bowl or bust candidates because there are tons of them where it's playoff or bust. I would imagine for the Cowboys, it's NFC championship game or bust, so at least they can get. To that point, I'm wondering if Washington's in that regard, because if they don't make it...
that far, then it's a step back in terms of How far they went, unless they're still so young in the process, still early in the process. Right. I mean, I don't think that's. Yeah, Washington's interesting because I don't think anybody expected. That level of success.
And I did week two, I did Giants at Washington. And If we had truth serum for Dan Quinn, he'd tell you, I didn't expect to go that like I didn't expect to go that far. Not at that moment.
Now, I will say this: the young quarterback, you watched him week in and week out. Just address the mistakes and not repeat mistakes, which is huge. Like, hey, I understand the mistakes are going to happen. It's when you don't repeat those mistakes. But look how many, what was it, nine one-score games that they won or something of that nature.
Uh, all the fourth-down conversions that they had, you would have to think at some point you're kind of going to regress a little bit in your fourth-down conversion opportunities in the one-score games. You might lose a couple of those.
So, um, you know, you would think they'd have to come back a little bit, but that's a good team. They did address the left tackle position, they addressed it with Debo Samuel.
So, they went out and got a few more weapons. Um, and I love, I'm a big Dan Quinn fan. I love the, you know, just the attitude and the attention to detail. And like, you walk out on that football field on Friday practice, man, and they are dialed in as a staff and as a play and as players.
So, they've got really great, you know, culture. Yeah. On that football team. Let's talk about somebody a little close to home, Mark Schlarith. What is the.
Um valid, legit. Um level of expectation of the Broncos. What do you think? Yeah, I think that you've got to look at them. They go to the playoffs last year.
They win 10 games. They get throttled by Buffalo in the playoffs. Like, I would look at two things. Defensively, they were a top defense last year. They've addressed Ufunga in the middle of the football field safety position and Greenlaw.
And if Greenlaw is healthy, after you know, coming off that Achilles tendon that he only played a couple of handful of games last year, if that guy is healthy, that dude is a football playing Jesse. Man, that guy can flat play.
So I love watching him. I think they've addressed that defense quite well. They also went out and got a tight end. They have not had a tight end really like. Gosh, Owen Daniels, maybe the last guy that was real productive at the tight end position.
They went out and got Evan Ingram.
So, like, that in theory, from a passing standpoint, a split-out standpoint, Sean Payton always calls them jokers, guys that can play multiple positions, you know, carry the ball on jet sweeps and do all that stuff.
So, I think that definitely. Creates a bonus for Bo Nicks in the passing game. And then they've got to fix the running game. Rich, Bo Nicks was their best rusher last year. They were not very good running the football.
If they can do that, Like, I don't know how much better their record will be because of the division they play in. The Raiders have gotten better under, you know, under the changes that they have made with Pete Carroll and the likes. I think the Chargers who beat the Denver Broncos twice last year are formidable. And I love the way they're built from the inside outer, Jim Arbaugh. And obviously, you got the Chiefs.
So I don't know if their record's going to be much better than 10 and 7. Maybe they gain, you know, maybe they win one extra 11 games, but I do think they'll be more competitive. And I think they'll be better if they get to the, when they get into the playoffs. And I'm assuming they're going to get to the playoffs. Yeah, man.
I mean, they drafted Jotty Barron, right? Who, you know, and they got the defensive player of the year. Also playing corner. Hafanga now joins this secondary, as well as you mentioned. Nick Benito, defensive player of the year type.
Resume from last year. Zach Allen, as good as they come. Dre Greenlaw. I mean, that's just. John Franklin Myers, not many people mention him.
The defensive the offensive line appears to be You know. Improved as well. I love the drafting of RJ Harvey. Not a lot of people are talking about him at the combine, obviously, and for top 30 visits. The signing of Dobbins, too.
I mean, I think they're improved, Mark. I really do. I think they are too. Tougher schedule. You're not sneaking up on anybody like you did a little bit last year, right?
I'm with you on RJ Harvey. And I'll be honest, I cover the draft. I look at the first rounders. Yeah, like, who's coming out in the first round? I didn't know RJ Harvey from Adams.
So then, of course, as soon as they drafted him, because I still do my radio show in Denver. I'd start digging into the film. And that dude can play. That dude can play. And he is one of those guys that is dynamic.
He runs tough between the tackles, got great contact balance. He's elusive between the tackles. But he seems to me to have breakaway speed. And I know they didn't use him a lot in the passing game, but if you look at Dobbins and R.J. Harvey as kind of a as kind of a Chimara/slash Ingram, like Sean Payton had back in the day in New Orleans, like that could be a pretty fearsome group right there.
So I'm excited about their running back room because I thought it was the biggest weakness they had on their football team. And I think they've addressed it quite well. Mark Slerth here on the Rich Eisen Show. All right, first time we're talking with Aaron Rodgers, now signed, sealed, delivered. To the Steelers, how do you think that's going to work, fit, look?
The whole business, what do you think? Yeah, I did a game late. I did that Jacksonville game late December, and Devontae Adams had over 200 yards, you know, and Rodgers was orchestrating stuff. And so, I, you know, I'm because I'm doing the game, I sat down with Rogers for close to an hour. And we talked, we probably talked for 20 minutes on just the run game and how, honestly, schematically, Rich, and I know it's your Jets, but schematically, it's the worst run game I've ever watched on film.
It like what you guys are doing, I had no idea. Like, it was, it was like, I cannot believe that they're actually coaching this. And so, Aaron and I talked for 20 minutes just on the inefficiencies of the run game or 25 minutes on that. And then, you know, just the way he was playing, and early in the season, he had an ankle and then a hamstring, and he couldn't move. And, you know, he was really limited.
Toward the end of the season, when I dug through the three games that I always watch as I'm prepping, you know, I'm breaking down the coach's film, three games, I was like, damn, like. Aaron can play and then I'm watching him pregame on Sunday morning. And pregame, I'm watching him throw the football versus the way a bunch of 25-year-olds throw the football. And it's like varsity versus JV. Like that dude can still rip it.
I mean, rip it. And once he started feeling decent and healthy toward the end of the season for the Jets last year, that dude started playing really good football.
Now, again, he's 41 years old.
So, can you stay healthy? Can you keep him upright? I will say this about Arthur Smith. Arthur Smith, flat, their offensive coordinator, flat knows how to run the ball, understands how to change personnel groupings, understands the multiple tight ends and all the things that they'll use. And that was a big issue for Rodgers, their lack of a running game and the lack of understanding in the running game and marrying the running game to your play action game.
If you put that stuff together, and these are two ifs, if that's together, like Aaron, there's no question Aaron's going to be able to diagnose it, figure it out, and do his thing. But if he's healthy and you've got that kind of run game mixed with that play action game, he's going to tear it up. How did he respond when you talked about what you saw in the run game last year, if you're willing to share? I mean, was he went on like Aaron is one of those dudes? He can tell what coverage you're in by the front you're playing.
Yeah, right. Like he just, like, the guy just understands football at an unbelievable level. And sometimes he'll get on a diatribe where, and I find this fascinating. I love it. Where he's talking, we're talking together, but he's really going through it in his mind.
You can see him with the pictures in his mind going, you know, we're running, you know, belly week and, you know, you know, you got a one technique and you know you're going to have to hug. Like that thing should cut back to the backside A gap, but we're stretching it on the front side. Like he's just going to town. And I'm like, because I've seen it all, I'm like, 100% correct. What are you guys doing?
You need to gap that up to the middle linebacker as opposed to stretching out wide. Like all these different things that you think of as an offensive lineman. And he is talking the game as though he. Place guard. Like, and I like, I just, I find that most guys, most guys can't do that.
Most guys, like, most guys outside their position can't talk about the problems. In other positions, I always think the greatest coaches and the greatest players have a wonderful understanding of everybody's issues and everybody's problems.
So, if you can understand what the problem is of the defense or the coverage, you know, then you have a better chance to attack it. And there's nobody I've ever talked to, he, Brady, a couple of guys, that have a better understanding of everybody's issues on a football field at one time. Yeah, it's not the neck up. It's will the neck down be able to withstand 18 weeks of a regular season and then beyond all that. And I think, obviously, Arthur Smith, as you said, he knows how to run the football.
And even Falcon fans would say that. They would say that he didn't give it to one guy enough, but other than that, You know, he, Tomlin. Rogers, they're going to be the same page. I really believe it. Just there's there's.
There's just a lot of question marks around that I can't wait to see answer in arguably the toughest division of football.
So, yeah, well, you started this whole thing with the Tennessee Titans. Unlike the Tennessee Titans, we're going to see a lot of Pittsburgh Steelers. That's straight you are. I know. I mean, the league sensed that Rogers is coming.
Why else would they put him in the home of the Jets week one? You know what I mean?
So, do you know what your week one assignment is yet, or that's still coming? I have no idea yet.
So that is still to come.
Okay, brother. Thanks for the time, Mark. You're the man. Look for more of my calls during the summer, training camp, all that. I love chopping it up with you.
Absolutely, Rich. Take care, buddy. That's Mark Schlarth, Fox Sports. Obviously, multiple Super Bowl wins as well. And I know how he feels about the Jets.
I once upon a time saw a Super Bowl ring of his on his middle finger. Savor every last drop of summer with Starbucks. From bold refreshers to rich cold brews, the sunniest season only gets better with a handcrafted iced beverage in your hand, available for a limited time. Your summer favorites are ready at Starbucks. With a Venmo debit card, you can Venmo more than just your friends.
You can use your balance in so many ways. You can Venmo everything. Need gas? You can Venmo this. How about snacks?
You can Venmo that. Your favorite band's merch? You can Venmo this. Or their next show, you can Venmo that. Visit Venmo.me/slash debit to learn more.
You can Venmo this, or you can Venmo that. You can Venmo this or you can Venmo that. You can Venmo. The Venmo MasterCard is issued by the Bancorp Bank and A pursuant to license by MasterCard International Incorporated card may be used everywhere MasterCard is except if Venmo purchase restrictions apply. Susie Schuster is here, Women's Sports Now.
The set is put together. They're about to sit down. Did I earn myself an appearance on today's show or no? Was that still being discussed? I just might let you come on.
I don't know. I'm thinking about it. We were supposed to have Andrea Carter on today, and we were sending our best to her. She had some things she had to take care of. She's been on a different day.
I'll tell you.
Well, you know. There might be a possibility of that. We have a lot to talk about, so if we don't have a guest, we're happy to use it.
Okay, all right, let's go. But don't get all bristly. I'm just saying that we have a lot to talk about. That was all bristly. Bristly?
Bristly. Bristly. Yeah, bristly.
Okay. I'm bristling. Yeah, bristly.
All right. Was he a little bristly there? Yeah, a little bit. Is he a little punchy, a little chippy? It's something that he likes to do, just invite himself on people's shows.
So, you know, it's okay for you to push back. What show, what else have I invited myself on? Literally, every person with the show has been on the show.
Okay, that's amazing. The gloves are off. I don't appreciate that characterization. I think it's false and misleading. She's really just a little bit of a fan.
That the nickname thing did outlive its use for a while. I would agree with that. I would agree with that. Also, your beard was much darker than that. I know.
What can I tell you? Wow, fighting more dark. I'm a fine wine, otherwise. It's fine. We're just pointing out flaws today.
It's okay. I think he's very handsome. That's it. We did have dinner last night with our friend the law and her new boyfriend, who had T.J. Jefferson, Newsweek.
We had dinner with. With Goldberg last night. I heard. By the way, for everyone out there, it's not the wrestler Goldberg. That would be amazing.
That would be amazing. That'd be so much cooler. I have a feeling we're saving Mahomes for tomorrow now.
Well, if it was like, can you imagine like the law with Goldberg? That would be picturing it.
Well, at any rate, you two talk with each other.
Well, this digress. No, you guys talk amongst yourselves. Is Coupo still cool with TJ after yesterday?
So you were driving around listening to the show and heard TJ say that Taylor's our favorite? Yeah. And he looks at me and he goes, oh, mom. Yeah, that's what I thought. Oh, see, I think it's a good idea.
And then by the time he gets out of the car with his buddy Owen, TJ wanted to try to undo it, then double down. Luckily, I was in the car by myself.
Okay, so where to screw up my family life, TJ? Way to do that. Look, I'm not the one who made the list. And by making lists, I mean, wrote the list or came up. I'm just asking.
By the way, great list that I came up with earlier today.
Now I'm really happy with my number one on the power. What list? What's the list? Susie, your husband came up with the corniest list. That's not that.
What was the list? What was the list? The number one player that's in need of a championship. Not Luca Dunch, it's not Lamar, not Josh Allen, not Mike Trout, but Prescott, out of all the people. And then the one more is.
Everybody TJ roots for that's up on the screen, including Grimace. Wow. The only one smiling on that screen. Wow, Hardin. Yeah, he needs one.
Yep. Alonzo, playoff P, MB, James Franklin could use one. Yep, yep. And Grimace. And Grimace.
Well, Grimis wins one then than uh Alonso Winswell. The United States Soccer Federation presents the U.S.
Soccer Podcast. Inside the opening, 45 seconds. What a goal! With that cannon of 11. But I'll leave it at one.
Never miss a game. Shot from distance! What a goal! Never miss a moment. Exquisite from La Sandiegan!
Can he finish? Yes, he can! Yeah. The U.S.
Soccer Podcast. Follow and listen on your favorite platform.
