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Now, on with the show. It's Zero! The Obama! Rebels, hitbacks. Stop the Georgia board.
Live from the Rich Eisen Show studio in Los Angeles. This is the Rich Eisen Show. No complacency. Earlier on the show. NFL Network insider Tom Pellisero.
Still to come. Colts quarterback Philip Rivers. Pro Football Hall of Famer Michael Irvin. And now. It's a rich ice cent.
Well, you know how you like to spend the new year with friends and with people you love, and you're surrounded by people that you really appreciate.
Well, hosting my first show of the new year is the same way, Michael Irvin and hour number three. And let's get right to our second hour guest. I haven't spoken to him in forever and a day, one of my favorite people I got to meet and chat with over my years with NFL Network. He is joining us right now here live at the top of hour number two here on this first edition in 2026 of the Rich Island Show. Philip Rivers is here.
Yeah. How are you, Philip Rivers? What's happening, Rich? It's good to talk to you. It has been a while.
It's been too long. It's been since 2017 since you've been on this show, but I've spoken to you in between. How are you doing? I very rarely start a conversation that way, but how are you doing, Philip? Good.
Good. It's been a whirlwind of emotions, as you can imagine, the last. Uh three weeks or so. Um Most of it, all positive. Again, I've said it numerous times, but just thankful.
Had a blast. Obviously, wish the outcomes were a little different. We could have found a way to win a couple games and to have this Houston game mean win or get in, win and get in. But it's been a blast just to be back in the mix. And then now, as it's winding down, you know, you're getting ready to head back home here in a few days.
But nothing but gratitude, really. It's been a blast.
Now, I have so many questions for you, Philip. Were you watching the Colts live when Daniel Jones went down? You were. You were at home watching it live. Yeah, oh yeah.
We still watch. I mean, we go to Mass at either 9 or 11, and those games kick off Central Time, as you know, at noon. Right. And we watch ball pretty much most of the afternoon. My two-year-old takes a long nap on me, and we try to keep him asleep as long as possible.
And we. We flip channels and watch games, and we watch the bulk of Colts and Chargers games usually when those games are on. Those are the main game on, but we flip all around. And by 3 o'clock Central, we find the games that are coming down to the wire. And about 6 o'clock, you find those other games that are coming down to the wire.
And then we usually eat dinner together and then watch the Sunday night game.
So yeah, I was watching it live. Just unfortunate. Gotten to be around Daniel now these last three weeks and what a great year he was having. And then the battle of the broken leg and then Achilles is brutal, brutal for him. But he seems to have great spirit about the whole deal and look forward to seeing him back out there next fall.
Well, how soon did your phone ring? after the end of that game. Philip. Yeah, it was later. I don't remember exactly, but it was later.
It was later on. Same day? Was it the same day? Yeah. Yeah, it was the same day.
Man. When you're hearing that words, though, in your ear on the phone. where they start You know Heat checking you. Uh what was going through your mind when you when you when you heard that? Yeah, I think first it was just, I guess my first thought was like.
Dang, let's go. You know, a little bit. And then you start going all over the place, right? Your mind kind of goes all over the place. And it was a wild, you know, 40, 36 hours, I guess, just of going back and forth, back and forth.
You know, yeah, let's go for it. And then it was like, have I lost my mind? I could go on and on, but. It was wild. Then getting back here, getting here Monday afternoon, Monday evening, throwing in the indoor.
Right. Felt pretty good. And it's kind of like, man, I remember this place. You know, obviously it was the last place I was in 2020, and that 2020 season.
So then it kind of felt kind of good. And then having some familiar faces, obviously, with Shane, but also there's 14, I think, 14 teammates that were here in 2020. And so that kind of added to the familiarity. And then the training room staff's the same. The equipment guys, the PR guys, there was a lot of familiarity.
And then it became, it felt pretty normal there once we got going in that game week.
Well, not to get too deep here, Philip, but in the time that I've been around guys of your stature, Gamers of your stature, after they've retired, I'll ask them that they sometimes dream of being back in a game, you know, go to sleep. You're in your REM state and you're back under center and you're in a huddle. And I'm wondering, do you have those dreams? And was the game in Seattle Sort of just like that. For you.
It really was. You know, I've had a blast. I was at peace with when I finished and coaching Derek St. Michael and getting to coach my son, a quarterback. And it's been awesome.
And And so I was, it wasn't like it did feel like a dream because this wasn't a, this wasn't something I was hanging on to or, you know, hoping happened one day. You know what I mean? I was, it's over. And then all of a sudden, it was like, here you go. You got, you got one more shot if you want it.
And, uh, And so, yeah, I did. And staying in Seattle, you know, it was 1,800 days or so since my last game I played in Buffalo, but it was really about 2,100 days since I was in a full house, you know, because that was that COVID season.
So, my last game in San Diego, our last game at San Diego, last game with the LA Chargers at Kansas City in Arrowhead in 2019 was the last time I was in a packed house.
So, I was standing out there in Seattle, and obviously, we know what that atmosphere is like. And I was like, man, what is going on? You know, this is crazy. I get to do this again. And I remember that first hit I took, it may have been the second drive, I think.
And I missed Tyler Warren, I think, on something. But that first hit I took, I can't. It was one of those that was like. Oh yeah, I'm gonna be fine. You know, it kind of it officially locked me into the game and I felt like I was right back where I'd been for 17 years.
And I remember finding my brother and and and son and they were sitting about ten rows up and uh And they looked at me kind of like, well, and I was like, we're going to be fine. You know, we're going to be just fine.
So it was, it certainly got me locked in that one. And really, the next two weeks felt normal. They really did. They felt good. And like I said, I just, I hate it.
We couldn't find a way to. Climb back in this thing, but the experience has been awesome. Yeah, and I know that obviously is the point. You want to win, you want to win, you want to take the team to the playoffs. You were called up to hopefully do that on behalf of the organization and the coach.
But the endeavor in itself, Philip, I just got to tell you, watching you. was just awesome. You know, I'm 56. And I'm looking at you and I'm seeing what you're doing. And you inspired me.
I was talking to Kurt Warner just the other day. And I'm like, when you're watching Philip on film, was there a moment where you're like, I think I can make that throw too. You know what I mean? And he said he did feel that way. And I'm wondering: who have you heard from?
to say similar things than what I've just told you. Philip, too many to even name. I mean, just Kurt being one of them, but just so many people that I either played with, talked to at some point. I mean, just too many. I mean, it was, I was, the emotions I felt really after that first week from the numerous people, I was reading them off, you know, to my wife, and she was like, gosh, that sounds like everybody you've ever known, you know, and it was, it was.
It was, you know, just, I wish I had a better word, but I can't come up with one. It's just thankful. I really am. It's just been, it's been, to get to just go back out there and play and be a kid again one more time at the highest level, be a teammate, you know, be a teammate again. Because I think you hear, you've heard a lot.
I bet you've heard so many former players. That's what we always talk about is just what they miss the most is being a teammate, you know, getting in the hot tub in the morning, sitting in the sauna, you know, the bus ride, all those in the huddle, in the meeting room. I mean, I just. On and on, and that had all passed. I was thankful for those 17 years, and that had all passed.
And all of a sudden, you get three bonus weeks just right in your lap and fell right in your lap. And you just overwhelmed with gratitude. But going back to what you said, Kurt said, I mean, I bet he could make all those throws. I mean, that's what's crazy. And my arm is not, I was never a big arm guy, and it's not.
But it's not what it was six years ago. I mean, there's some limitations there that I go, ah, that, you know, feel deep comeback. I'm good. I don't think I don't try to make that one. But at the same time, it's like, yeah, I mean, that's not just going to go away.
And then obviously, especially in my position, I never ran away from anybody anyway.
So it was going to be from the neck up and being accurate and on time and all those things. And I missed some throws that I probably would have made had I been in a normal groove. But I made some too that felt the same as they felt 10 years ago. You know, I mean, Philip, this game seems to adapt and change game to game, year to year. Any different difference that you've sensed in the five years?
Not a ton. I do think that defenses are continuing to get better and better at disguising, and at least just if they can, you know, The decisions are made in, you know, whatever, two seconds. You know, these things are happening fast.
So if they can delay or cause you to have a little, you know, confusion or whatever, just a little bit, you know, I mean, just a little bit more than normal, then it can affect you.
So I feel like the defenses have gotten better. You know, I just remember way back, you know, defenses trying to disguise things, and it's one guy, you know, oh, well, he's a good disguiser. And it's like, yeah, but all these other guys on the defense aren't. Even showing what he's showing.
So just don't even, you know, you can ignore him. I know what y'all are in. You know, and now these teams seem a little bit more connected, you know, the back end to the linebackers, and they're a little more connected and wired. And so that seems to be, you know, where they've has been become more challenging. But no, there were so many things that was just felt like, man, has it been five years?
Like, it doesn't feel like it didn't feel like that once in some of these games. And again, shoot, I still threw it to the other team in each game and made plenty of mistakes. But for the most part, I was like, dang. All right. Yeah, it's not because I was nervous about the whole thing.
Like, man, it's been a long time since people have been moving real fast around me. Am I going to be able to function? And as soon as I got through that first week of practice, Friday, that Friday practice before Seattle, you know, a ball didn't hit the ground. And I don't say that like, you know, whoop-de-doo, I know, but that's what it used to be. You know, I was like, all right, shoot.
Heck yeah, that felt like a Friday practice was supposed to feel.
So there's a lot of, I know when the dust will settle, I'll have even more emotions and more memories from these three weeks. It's all happening so fast. Yeah, so I. Um Let's get to the what next for you in the few minutes I have left with you. First things first, has anybody reached out to you for movie rights yet?
Anybody? No. No. Nothing? Golly, it's not a great ending.
You know, if we could have got hot and got on the run, Philip, Rocky didn't win, Rocky won, man. You know what I mean? Like, you know what I mean? We didn't need the full magic carpet. That would have been great, obviously.
But.
Well, the thought I had, you know, at one point was, you know, because y'all, I was always, you know, I'm thinking back to 2008, we were 4-8, and me and Charlie Whitehurst were sitting in there in the quarterback room writing up the percentages we had to get in. You know, if every game was 50-50, and it was like, you know, 2.5%, then it went to 10%, then it went to 25%, then it went, you know, and we found a way to get in that 2008 year. And so, of course, I was at the same optimism here. And I was like, we're going to find a way to get in and we're going to play at the LA Chargers. And what in the world?
What is that going to be like? You know, and of course, none of those things, none of those things happen. But.
No, it's, you know, I say this truthfully. Tuesday, I'll be eighth-period PE with the boys weightlifting at the school and settling back into that slow pace and fair hope that I had the last four and a half years. But what if another team called you in the summer? You're. Are you answering the ph the phone?
Nah. I mean, y'all answer the phone and probably, you know, if that happened, be flattered that they even would consider it. But no, because even these last four years, had the situation come up, I was out unless our football season was done. I just wasn't going to leave the guys, our team mid-season or leave before the year started. My son will be a senior quarterback.
My other son will be a freshman on the team. We dress all those guys 9 through 12. And so it's going to be a special fall, next fall, and offseason. And so, no, just thankful it happened. It was obviously a cool experience for our whole family.
And certainly the high school team back home has been a blast seeing some of the clips of all them. And a lot of them were at the game last weekend. It all happened fast, and as quick as it's happened, it's over. But other than us not getting it done, I have zero regrets. I think I would have really regretted it had I gotten back on that plane and gone back to Fair Hope and not given it a shot.
So it's been awesome. What a message to deliver to your kids now, too, right? I mean, seriously, you can't. have a more powerful message as a coach. than than belief, hope.
desire trying Give it your best. Doesn't matter what you think could go wrong. Just. As you said, Dad Gummit, just go for it. And what a message you can deliver to your kids now, Philip.
Not that you couldn't have done it before, but now you can just say, Look here, you know what I mean. No, yeah, and I'm even more thankful for that because I didn't think of that at the time, right? You're just so zeroed in on what am I going to do. But looking back on it, you know, because the fear and the doubt I had was what was really pulling me away to say, don't do it. You know, that's not like you to have this doubt of can you do it?
But it was justified doubt because I hadn't played in five years. Like, of course, you have some doubt. And but it was like, but the only way to find out if you can do it is to go for it. And the other part of that, Rich, to me, too, is being okay with the results. And I'm okay with it.
Obviously, I wish we were still playing, and I hated I couldn't have completed one more ball and didn't throw that pick six and didn't throw the interception when it was 17-all against Jacksonville and find a way to get one more first down against Seattle.
So Blake's kicking the game winner, and it's a walk-off, and they don't have 42 seconds left. And so all those things are still real that you wish as a competitor that you got done. But being okay with the results is the other thing that pushed me over the edge. It's like, well, what if you pop your calf in the first quarter at Seattle?
Well, that'll be embarrassing. And it'll be like, man, I've only been here for four days and I'm going home. And that didn't work out. But I got to the point where I was like, well, I'm okay with whatever the results are, you know, because, and you'll face them when you get there, good or bad. You know, I think sometimes that can be crippling.
For all of us, and whatever we do, is you get so caught up in, well, what if it doesn't go good?
Well, what if it doesn't? You know, I mean, we'll deal with it then. But you can't let that make you not go after something. And in this case, a game that I loved and had an opportunity to go out there and play one more time, it was just. I'm glad I was saying that discernment process that I had to go through is probably the hardest decision I've ever had to make because it was truly just.
Make it, you know. And was there a right or wrong one? You know, I don't know. But I'm thankful that I got the opportunity and had these last three weeks. And we're thankful for it too, just as people who watch and root and love football and love people who love football.
And you certainly are one of them. I would be remiss if I let you go without talking about. Me the other day being zero days old, learning that Kurt Signetti was your position coach at NC State, Philip. Really? He was?
Yeah, no, Coach Sig was there all four years. I was at NC State. He was the tight end coach and I think recruiting coordinator my first three years, and then he was the quarterback coach.
So I was we were in the meeting room together every day my senior year. And as you've seen, obviously, what an unbelievable job he's done at Indiana, but also all the other stops he's made along the way. Super smart, really good teacher, really good throughout the week. You know, that I, you know, as I recall, it was 20-something years ago, but just in the meeting rooms, getting you prepared, understanding defenses, all those things. Had a very steady way about him, as you've seen.
He's got plenty of fire, but he's very steady, you know, very steady. And that was felt. Certainly, I felt that being my position coach that senior year.
So, yeah, what he's done there at Indiana has been awesome. It's amazing how long when you're in this sport for a long, long time, how many. People you either know or have played against or cross pass. And it seems like when we start talking about games and this and that, you go, oh, I knew him. Oh, yeah, we played against him.
So many cool things. Such a small football world when it comes down to it, if you've been in it long enough. Yeah, he's built a bully in Indiana. They could easily win it all, and he could easily be. Um a guy building a dynasty.
In college football right now. For real. It is. It's crazy. And it's also crazy.
I'm sure you saw that they're talking about, you know, these four head coaches that were all part of Saban's staff at one point at Alabama, which is unbelievable, really. Those guys and how many guys have gone, either been with him or at some point gone on and done great things in other places. It's pretty, pretty cool. No doubt. Hey, Philip Rivers, don't be a stranger.
I'm going to keep reaching out to you. I just want to keep checking in on you, heat checking you. And I honestly, I'm not just blowing smoke. What you did, your decision, the way you've carried yourself, the way you've gone about your business, it is so inspiring. There's so many people.
And I know I was talking about how you have a coaching point now with your kids. Every coach now has a coaching point. with their kids based on what you've just done over the last Three weeks for real. And you should feel great about that, man. You really should.
I appreciate that. Always enjoyed our visits over the years. Thank you. Congrats to you too. Shoot, you've had a heck of a career in Roland.
Look at you. The Rich Eisen Studio, man. I've got my own mug. Look at me. I've got my own mug.
Philip, are you? Are you? I'm afraid to ask this question. Are you a coffee drinker? Do you drink coffee?
Yeah, I do. I'm a seasonal coffee drinker, you know.
Okay. When it's hot and muggy in the summer down there in the south, this coffee doesn't sound appealing to me. Never been an iced coffee guy. But a cold morning here in Indy, a cup of coffee is perfect. I don't know if you're aware, but anybody who goes 1,800 days in between NFL head starts and comes back at age 44, you get a free Rich Eisen Show mug.
So when you're winning, congratulations. Perfect. Congratulations. I'll send you a pic of me having a good cup of coffee here. Fantastic.
You had no idea that was a perk of your comeback until this very moment.
So happy evening to you. Even more glad we made this work now. Yeah, for the new year, thanks. Same to you. Same to you and your family.
Enjoy being in PE on Tuesday, Philip. Oh, yeah. All right, see ya. Phillip Rivers, everybody right here on the Rich Hot Show. The best of the best.
I'm not kidding. What a coaching point. Hey. You know? You don't think you can do it?
You don't think you're concerned about your set of circumstances? You know, but he's not a me type guy, right? Like, so he's not going to look at me. But other coaches can 100% say, look what Philip Rivers did. And he gave us the name of the movie during the interview.
Which is what? Was it three bonus weeks?
Okay, three bonus weeks. Dad gummed it. It's not bad. I like that. Three bonus weeks.
What if I told you? Three bonus weeks. Love it. Loved it. God, I love that guy.
Philip Rivers, everybody, right here on the Rich Eisen Show, 844-204-Rich, number to dial. It's a What's More Likely Friday, everybody? Don't you dare move. Lots of likeliness or unlikeliness to hit. As many of you know, supporting pediatric cancer research is something I care deeply about.
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Before we get to what's more likely, a couple of more college football stories to hit here. First things first, lost amongst the Indiana beatdown of Alabama and last night's de facto SEC championship game. Was uh Oregon uh shutting out Texas Tech and scoring with hardly any time left, and Dan Lanning getting some criticism. For um For scoring there. And my only opinion on that is two things.
First of all, you don't want to be scored on stop. The opponent, number one, and then number two. Texas Tech kept firing off one timeout after another, after another, after another. And it was fourth down. What do you what do you want the guy to do?
At that point in time, you've basically forced him to take a fourth down snap. What's he gonna do? Run around and then take a knee and then give you the ball back? Right. No, you're gonna hand it off, and if he scores, he scores.
And if you turn it over on downs, and that's the end of that. Mm-hmm. Am I wrong? Did I miss anything right there? Accusing him of being You know, unsportsmanlike and running up the score?
Did you guys catch that? I didn't feel that way watching it. I guess talking about it now. I mean, he could have taken an E or just kind of stood there, stood there, stood there, and then taken an E, I guess. I don't know.
I didn't feel that it was unsportsman in the moment. They're the ones who kept firing off the timeouts. You want to get out 16-0, then just let the game end. Right. But I guess you're just trying to coach until the last second.
And if that's the case, then stop him. You know? But before the game, Dan Lanning fixed college football. You know how I'm kind of looking for that?
Well, it's been a topic. I'm looking for leadership with ideas. Looking for an adult. But we also need it to come from the coaches, too, to basically say, this is the way we'll be comfortable with it. And let's find the right powers that be to make it happen.
Dan Lanning thinks that today we should be talking about the national championship game happening yesterday. He thinks that college football should just keep playing all the way through December to heck with these bi-week games. I'm assuming get rid of the conference championship games as well. Oh, that would be great. And just keep playing one week after another, cadence that we see in the National Football League until.
There's a bye week prior to the Super Bowl to give everybody the best chance to be healthy for the biggest game possible. And these bi-week teams going one and Seven no. Over the first two years of the college football playoffs. Not great. And what's the point of giving him a bye week if.
The other teams have two weeks off before they play their one game. Potentially, they are getting the jump on you. by getting into a cadence. And they're just maybe as healthy as everyone else because they get a couple weeks off. And then Lanning points out, why are they ceding the ground to the NFL on some of these Saturdays?
while we're waiting for college football playoff games to hit. This is what he had to say. Ultimately, in my mind, the vision for this should be, you know, every playoff game should be played every single weekend until you finish the season. Ideally, the season, even if it means we start week zero or you eliminate a buy, the season ends January 1st. This should be the last game.
It should be the championship game, and then the portal opens. Then coaches that have to move on to their next opportunities get the opportunity to move to their next opportunities. Certainly, there's some conversation about when high school signing day should be. I think that could go either way because most of us now try to get guys in as mid-year players and you want them to be able to join your program a semester, which is a challenge. But I think the first really clear indicator of a place that we can make this better is to wrap the season up.
You know, our national championship game this year is January 19th, right? And that's really hard to envision as a coach that's going out and trying to join a new program and start a staff. It's hard for players to understand what continuity looks like and where they're going to be at and to manage that with visits, the portal, everything else that exists. I think the clear indicator and the clear way to do that is to bump the season up. Right, and make sure these playoff games happen a lot faster.
And I've got a ton of respect for the NFL, but we're a prep league for the NFL. We do a lot of favors for the NFL. We're the minor league in a lot of ways, but there's no money paid from the NFL to take care of college football. And in that sense, we've given up some of our days to the NFL. We said, oh, you guys get to have this day, you get to have this day, you get to have this day.
Saturday should be sacred for college football, right? And every Saturday through the month of December should belong to Saturday, you know, to college football, in my opinion. I like it. No notes. Yeah, I like it.
No notes. So, wait a minute.
So, the season ends yesterday. Then maybe you give a week. To figure out your roster retention, then the portal opens up at the same time you could start moving around as coaches. Huh. Hmm.
Isn't that interesting? Yeah, novel idea. Is that entirely possible? Can we actually do such a thing? Take care.
Love it. Who can make it happen? Who can make it happen? And let's figure out a central office that then handles scheduling and gets some rules for NIL and gets some rules for. For that, that our uniform for everybody?
And let's go.
Okay. I kinda dig it.
Well done, Dan Lanning. Leadership. And, you know, again, for the fact that you just heard Dan Lanning say. Let's end it on January 1, and then coaches can find, you know, can stay with their teams through the. end of the season and then find a new job, if that's the case, in January.
Just when everybody's figuring out roster retention and portal and all that sort of business. Because again, you're sitting here thinking, hey. Uh that was messy with Lane Kiffin. Very. You know, uh right now All Miss is still going strong with some of Lane Kiffens' assistance.
Who Lane, I guess, showed his largesse to the school that he left. You take these assistance that you are asking for or need. to continue winning. He looks like he's beneficent. To the school that he spurned, although he's making money with each one.
He made $500,000 last night. Of course, he's rooting for Ole Miss, right? And apparently because that game took place in New Orleans, apparently all the old Miss Coaches that are LSU coaches are in the LSU building right away today, dealing with roster retention and portals and all that sort of stuff. And the largesse that Lane showed To Ole Miss by having the assistants stay put, like Charlie Weiss Jr. calling the plays.
Um Apparently, nobody thought What's going to happen if Ole Miss wins the quarterfinal game? Because right now all I'm seeing online is that The curtain's coming down. 'Cause the portal's opening up and LSU needs to start roster building for next year. And apparently, that merits the coaches that are currently still with Ole Miss to return. To their new place of business, and he's going to bring the curtain down on old Miss in the middle of the college football playoffs.
Is that really possible?
So the next game, the semifinals, aren't until next Thursday. Right. And so there's a chance that all those coaches who are with LSU. Or it went back to Ole Miss or with LSU. They're going to be with LSU, and they're not going to be available for Ole Miss.
This could be a. Why? What's the point? A competitive advantage. If LSU is trying to pluck players from Ole Miss, the portal's now open.
So Old Miss doesn't want them around? Is that what you're saying? Because they might lose some of these players. Yeah, hey, we just coached you, we beat the Georgia final, and now we're going back to LSU. Why don't you come with us and just leave?
I think that's yeah, I think that's probably a worry. But that's what's been happening all the way through up to now. For for them to Pull out the roots of what's going down on game day and prep for the college football semifinal. would be wild. Wild.
Just when you think that this thing's done and buttoned up, and you thought, okay, you can stay with old Miss as long as they're. Active, what did they not think that they would make the semifinal? Because I know Lane's already prepared for that possibility by having LSU. include in its contract for Lane Roster bonus.
Well, a bonus. If Ole Miss beats. Miami to make the national championship game. Then Lane would be guaranteed at a minimum $750,000. He makes three-quarters of a million if Ole Mitz finishes as the runner-up.
and one million bucks if they win it all.
So, of course, I would say, take the assistance. It feathers my nest. It makes me look like I'm. Turning the other cheek. But now to take it away?
Or Ole Miss is now saying, We don't want you around because the portal's open. Yeah, you could be at a disadvantage in building your roster for next year if these guys are. But at this point in time, I'm Ole Miss. I'm like, we've got to keep it the same way. We've got to.
You'd think so. To heck with the f, you're two wins. You're eight quarters away from winning the natty. In Ole Miss with a guy in Chambers who looks like he can be that championship quarterback. Yeah.
It it just gets crazier and crazier and crazier. We'll take a break. What's more likely when we come back? Michael Irvin, top of our number three. Speaking of crazy, he's coming up.
And then my top five, getting you ready for a big NFL weekend. Good morning, Crust! It's a great day to be a bread brother. Mornings are not my jam or jelly. Oh, come on.
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That means it's time for what's more likely. Go ahead and hit it. Hit it, please. What? What's more likely?
Never say never, but never. All right, Christopher, the floor is yours, sir. Hey, everybody. Happy Friday. Happy New Year.
Hey, happy new year, Chris. See all of you. All right, a lot of interesting matchups this week. Let's get right to it. More likely, very tall wide receiver to have more yards and touchdowns this weekend.
T-Mac or Mike Evans. Big game. Panthers Bucks. It is a goat versus the kid, right? Tet McMillan, Tedaroa, pardon me, wants to be offensive rookie of the year, O-R-O-Y.
He is not for the whole damn shebang. I have these numbers right here. McMillan has had fewer than 45 receiving yards in four of the last five games. And I think the Bucs are going to win this thing. Um but I don't think they're going to make the playoffs.
Oh, you think the Falcons win? I believe the Falcons are going to beat the Saints at home.
So there's that. Stephen Allison said he wants to get T-Mac the ball more. I'll go Mike Evans. I'll say Mike Evans at home in this game against the Panthers, and then they hold their breath to see if I'm. If I'm right or wrong about the Falcons and the Saints, Mike Evans said he's not going to think about next year yet until later on the audience.
Correct. This could be his last game, so he's going to go all out. I'll take Mike Evans in this one.
Alright, the other huge game on Saturday night, Seahawks 49ers. Who's more likely to win the NFC, Seahawks? or 49ers. Oh man, oh man, oh man. I have to choose between one of these two.
One of these two to go to the Super Bowl. And I'm taking the Eagles out of it, the Bears out of it, the Rams out of it.
Well, these two teams are playing each other. I understand that they're playing each other. Who's more likely of these two teams? I believe the 49ers win on Saturday night and take the one seed, so I'll take the 49ers. There you go.
49er fans love me right now because I put them in my power rankings first overall. And Seahawks fans right now are not happy with me. Uh I just feel that the Niners are playing better offensive. Football right now. And They're going to be more of a handle.
for the Seahawks defense to deal with. And um And thus they'll be the one seat in their own house. and just need two wins to get to the Super Bowl.
So. I will take the 49ers, sir. Yeah, Brock Purdy on a pretty big heel right now. He is indeed. You know.
Two straight games of at least five scores. That's a what if, man, if you've been healthy all season. He could be undefeated. That sounds like a lot. Which is why Kyle Shanahan's got a great case for Coach of the Year.
I think if they win Saturday, he might lock that up. What else? More likely, MVP-worthy quarterback to have more yards and touchdowns on Sunday, Matthew Stafford or Drake Bay. Um I'll go, Stafford. Stafford's taking on Arizona at home.
So What do you think, Chris? Yeah. Yeah, you might be right there because Drake Maimay only played the first half. Similar situation to last week. I don't know, man.
Beat up on a bad team. I think it's a situation. It's a reversal. It's a reversal of last week, although. The Rams were on the road against a.
really good Falcons team over the last month. And the Patriots were on the road. against the Jets team that is positively dreadful and embarrassing. and made made short work of him, and Stafford had a a rough go of it. This time around they're both home.
But I think the Patriots are facing the more stout opponent. We'll see what happens. I think Stafford has a day against Arizona and They'd like to do him a solid by having him go into the postseason. on a bit of a heater.
So Well, Stefan kind of needs to have a good game to get some momentum going. I got it. Come here. What else? More likely to be the higher yardage total.
Derrick Henry rushing or Aaron Rodgers passing? With Derrick Henry rushing. Another 200 game? I didn't stutter. Derek Rutten, Derrick?
I don't know about another 200 game. I mean, the Steelers' defense is pretty prideful and pretty damn good. But I I I dunno, man, unless Rogers. And the Steelers and Arthur Smith can figure this thing out with a receiver that. First of all, Hey, every receiver on the on the Steelers Just look for the back shoulder throw because it's going to be coming your way.
This guy's. The greatest at it. You could make the case there's been no better back shoulder thrower than Aaron Rodgers. And last week, that's all it appeared that the Steelers could do until the very last drive when Fryermuth opened up over the middle. Um so I don't know.
I have a feeling for the Steelers to get through, it's got to be a Warren-Gainwell type game. Yeah, Rodgers only had 168 yards. I'm kind of getting that sense.
Now, obviously, he could just flip this one off to Warren and he rips one off for 45 yards or something like that. I don't know, I'm just gonna go Derrick Henry. Lamar's back too. That's not a problem. That's not good news for me.
First time in months, full week of practice for Lamar. What else you got over there? Home team that should probably move on from their head coach, TJ, to make the playoffs Bucs or Steelers.
Well, you're not saying to move on from the head coach in order to make the playoffs. No, I'm saying in general they should probably move on from this individual, but which one of them make the playoffs? Mm. I don't know if you're trying to find it. I don't think either one is exactly.
I mean, you don't think either of these teams are making the playoffs? Oh, I. No, I don't think either of these teams are going to move on from their head coaches. That's not the question. I know.
You're forcing me to fire somebody. I'm not. Yes, you are. I'm not. Should probably move on from which teams.
No, but that's not the question. Which team makes the playoffs, Bucks or Steelers? Oh. I think neither of them do. I was going to say never, but never.
I'm saying they should probably move on from their head coach. I know what you're trying to say. I don't agree with that. I'm asking the question: well, just read the question: which home team that should probably move on from their head coach to make the playoffs. Oh, okay.
So you're saying they should move on from their head coach. I'm saying both teams probably should. I'm saying which one ends up taking the playoffs. I will say the Steelers because they don't need help. You're thinking so negative of my intentions.
Well, I mean, 100% know what you try to do. Thank you, TJ. I appreciate the support here. I just, who makes it? Bucks or Steelers, guys?
You could have just said it like that. But what's the fun in home? Both are at home. Both have a chance to win. Even if the Bucks win, they suddenly need a Falcons team that has caught fire to trip up against the Saints at home.
No Chris Olave. Although the Saints have been playing well, correct. No Chris Olave because of some. Horrible development involving his lungs. He's had a great year.
But yeah, I'll then go the Steelers right there.
Okay. We made that win. I don't think either of them should move on from their headcount.
Well, you're wrong there.
Okay. More likely eight and eight road team to spoil their division opponent's playoff seeding party. Colts or lions. Huh. I'll go lines.
You know, they got they got a a cra uh They got the crazy in charge. And the Colts are starting a third string quarterback. On the road against Houston. That's not fair. That does not fair.
Again, I saw it with my own two eyes. That's also not fair. Coop came up with a top five list for me for next week. Top five teams that could spoil the Super Bowl party for The most. And I'm wondering if Houston would be number one on that list.
Is that another way of saying, like, team we don't want to see in the Super Bowl? No, team that you just didn't expect to make the playoffs or. at some point in the season to spoil somebody's Terrific season. Like yours, for instance, in New England. We're spoiling everyone else's party?
No, no, the Houston Texans will spoil parties. Anyway, long story short, I'm taking the Lions here. What else you got? Got it. More likely to be the greater number.
Head coach openings on Monday or touchdowns scored. in Cowboys Giants. Hmm. We have two openings right now. I'll go head coach openings on Monday.
Although Dak's playing, huh? Deck is playing highest total of the week. I thought he wasn't going to play. Highest total of the week. I don't know.
I haven't been paying attention to Cowboys football, except apparently Trayvon Diggs saying, I want to stay at home. Can I stay at home? No, you cannot stay at home.
Now you're fired. That was wild. That seemed to be a little extreme.
Now, again, I might be oversimplifying the headline and story. Very much so, but in essence, it is very important. That is what happened. I'll take head coach openings on that. All right, a couple more.
More likely, a higher number, Miles Garrett Sachs still going for the record, or Jamar Chase touchdowns. I will go Miles Garrett Sachs. As you know, the Browns love taking on Joe Burrow. That's true. Miles Garrett needs to get a sack record.
Last I checked. The narrative involving the Bengals' offensive line and Joe Burrow behind it. Um Makes it seem likely that Miles Garrett will get the sack record. Right. And um if uh Joe Burrow is sacked That will be one last chance for him to find Jamar Chase for a touchdown.
Against the Browns team that's been stingy in that department, more likely than not. I will go Miles Garrett Sachs here. Last one, more likely potential AFC number one seed on upset alert this week: Broncos, Jaguars, Patriots. Um I'll go I'll go Patriots. Yeah.
Okay. I'll go Patriots. Jaguars have Tennessee. Right. The Broncos have Trey Lance.
Correct. Pats have struggled against Miami. And I'll Resco. You know, Miami's just been such a massive question mark with Quinn Ewers and playing for Mike McDaniel or not. Yeah.
Looks like they have. He says McDaniel says he's now a robot. and it comes to his emotions about what's best for the team. Salgo Patriots. I'll go Patriots.
Love it. For what's more likely everybody? The Rich Eisen Show Podcast. Mm-hmm.
