It's Saturday. The leaves are piling up. The games coming on, and your fall cleanup could use a quick assist. Need a blower, yard bags, or a few more supplies? Express delivery from the Home Depot can get you what you need delivered in a snap.
Order in the app or online, and track it along the way, so you can wrap up the yard before kickoff. Get what you need in two hours or less with express delivery from the Home Depot. Subject to availability. Order select in-stock items by four PM. Restrictions and fees apply.
Hockey on ESPN is blowing up. Hockey is back.
So, what does it look like now? The kids, Hughes, Sullivani, Schaefer—that's hockey. Ovechkin, Crosby—that's hockey. And with access to over a thousand out-of-market games, you can watch them and the rest of the league. Holy hockey!
That's more hockey to love for more fans who love it. The NHL's best on ESPN. Watch all season long on ABC, ESPN, ESPN Plus. And the ESPN app. This is the Rich Eisen Show.
Hey, everybody! Can't get enough of the Rich Eisen Show? You're in luck. You can find us everywhere. Watch us weekdays on Disney Plus from noon to three Eastern.
Miss the show? We've got a podcast, so you can listen anytime. But here's the best part: our YouTube channel. Subscribe at YouTube.com/slashRichEisenShow, and you'll never miss a moment.
Now. On with the show. This is the Rich Eisen show. He took a home run away from Manny Machado from the Rich Eisen show studio in Los Angeles. There's no more talented team than the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Today's guests: ESPN NFL analyst Jeff Saturday, CBS Sports NFL analyst Kyle Long, Royals first baseman Vinny Pespanitino, and now it's. Rich Eisen. Hey everybody! Welcome to this edition of the Rich Eisen Show on a Thursday, on which game number one of week number five of the National Football League will be going down. Game number four of the only divisional series remaining in the baseball playoffs will be going down in the divisional series between the Guardians and the White Sox.
It's also the day in which I'm officially a Knicks fan. Eight. Eight four four two zero four. Rich is that number to dial. Congrats to the Rays and the Dodgers and the Brewers.
Moving on, Major League Baseball would just love for some of these series to keep going and going and going. Unfortunately, there is only one of them, but fortunately for them, it's the only one that Papio is interested in.
So maybe that'll help out some of the ratings internationally. The again number to call us is always eight four four two zero four. Rich. The WeatherTech Fan Lines open for anybody to want to get something. Off their chest, or talk about anything that they've seen.
It's a higher register Thursday. And all good in our hood. Good to see over there, Chris Brockman. Yeah, Rich, come on down to Cancun, man. It's beautiful.
It's a good time of year to go fishing. Mike Del Tupo. See a couple games next week. There you go. That's why you're a fraud.
Yeah. To see you over there, TJ Jefferson. You're are you? What do you got? An an Amat gamer?
Yeah. I mean, it's rare that the varsity kicks the week off, but I'm nice. Wow. Varsity kicking the week off. Seven five patch.
Very well done. Don't blow it tonight.
Well, it's interesting. It's interesting that you're wearing the number twenty-two, TJ, because there are one dozen NFL teams entering Week Five with the record of two and two. What a dash between those two! And we hear. At the Rich Eisen show, like to consider ourselves a bit of an outlier from the rest of the sports talk, sports TV, sports radio conversation.
It's a little more gray area sometimes in this these parts than other parts of sports conversation. But that said, we're still part of the sports world. You know, which means if we do something and it works, we're going to do it again and again and again and again. Run it back, run it back, run it back. I'll do it again.
A couple weeks ago, there were a whole bunch of one and one teams, and we decided, you know what? Let's take something that we were shooting the s about just short before we go on the air and make a segment out of it, and call it for real or for gazy. A team that's one and one for real or for gazy, and we. We talk about it. I give my opinion, and then we don't review that work.
It's gone. It's flushed. Why would we? Why would we circle back to see if we're right? It's over, baby, or wrong.
Which is part of the reason why we don't circle back. But listen, Chris, how many teams are two and two? Oh my goodness! Did I say the right number? A dozen?
Twelve?
So many. Yeah. Let's see. There's seven in the NFC. Seven and five in the AFC.
To the point where, if we do the segment again, and we're about to, can't do it all in one big bite. Oh no, no! What we're gonna do is do it twice because it worked once. Less is more. Get out of here!
More is more.
So later on in the show, we're gonna hit the five AFC. We normally we would just hit the. The five AFC now, and do the seven later because we've got a guest coming up in just fifteen minutes. I'm Jeff Saturday's going to join us on ESPN. Kyle Long, an hour number two from CBS.
Vinny Pasquantino talking baseball playoffs later on, but that's later on. Right now, because the Cowboys, the so-called varsity varsity, are leading out tonight at home. Against the winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who have not been zero and five since 2013. Oh well, sorry for them. We're leading with the NFC.
Let's go version of for real or for gazy.
Now, listen, we do have something a little bit more fancy in terms of because again, when we did this the first time, we talked about it a half hour before the show, and we're like, you know what, that could be a segment. Boom. That's a show. We literally made it up. It was a Seinfeld moment.
We're like, boom! That's a show. That's a segment.
So we didn't have a graphic for it. And TJ, yes, sir, you did the voicing of the for real or for gazy. Yes, I did. We're gonna keep that. You like that?
We're gonna keep that. Thank you very much. We're gonna keep that. But we've got a graphic. Oh, so I'm gonna throw to the graphic, and then you do the voiceover of the segment for real or for gazy.
Okay. Got it. All right. Here we go. There's the graphic.
Oh, that's awesome for real, or fugazy, ladies and gentlemen. It's like we are walking into a garage in Staten Island, New York, not knowing. Oh no, it's not the button we're getting. Oh no, for real or fugazy. Here we go, Chris Brockman.
Okay, seven NFC teams. Seven NFC teams. Let's go. Here we go. Let's run it down.
First up. First up, the Varsity. They play tonight. You're two and two. Dallas Cowboys.
Oh, for real? Or Fugazi, ladies and gentlemen. They're for real. They're for real. I think they're going to win the division.
I said that before the season. Yep. And I believe it now. I believe it now. See the way Dak looked at Clarence Hill when he was asked him, "Are you Gotti?" I know.
By the way, perfect. By the way, perfect way to lead off for real for Gacy with Gotti. What do you think?
Okay. What do you think?
No, definitely for real. It was for real when I was growing up in Staten Island, and it's for real right now. Are you doing, Henry? I I only think the defense can is going to get better. They're going to get better, and they're going to start stopping people and giving the ball to Gotti.
Is only going to get more Gotti as things go along for real.
So they're for real, okay? The Dallas Cowboys are for real. Thank you.
Next up, next up, they are across the pond, as we're mandated to say. You are two and two, Philadelphia Eagles for real, or Fugazy, bro? Oh boy, they're for real. Injured? They're for real.
They're hurt, hurt more than hurts, right now. See where I'm going on this one? Like Ed Reed said, I'm hurt. Though I just still believe they're too talented. I'm still, I'm gonna still say they're for real.
I'm just because you you get upset with me when I I look at we can't have twelve for reals. They're not going to offer it. They won't all be for real. I guarantee you. You're allowed to be mean in this segment.
I grant you it means. But they're they're hurt, and I don't know how hurt they are. Devonte Smith comes back. Dallas Goddard comes back. Saquon isn't hurt for long, or if at all, they're going to be better than most.
They're going to be better than most. Zach Bond comes back. Bond. Right now they're banged up. They might go to London and get smoked to two and three, but there is still too much talent on that roster for me to give up on them and call them a fugazi team.
Plus, who's the only one who would look Big Dom on the grill and call him fugazi? I don't want to call Big Dom fugazi. Correct, that's very nut.
So I'll still say they're for real. There's too many four real talented guys there.
Okay, that I'm assuming are going to come back healthy soon enough to get this team to a wild card. Because again, if you're saying a Ferrillo Fregazy to win the division, I'll call him Fregazy for that playoffs. Yeah, I still think they're for real to make the playoffs right now. All right. Next up, let's go to the North.
I don't think this team could stop us on defense. You're two and two, Detroit Lions, Detroit. For real, or fugazi? Oh, what up, Detroit offense is for real. Yeah, the defense is fugazi.
Yeah, which makes the team fugazi. I'm sorry to say, yeah. Yeah, I I don't see the fix on defense, and I know that the coach. Saying we just got to be better with who we have, and I just don't know if they've got enough. It's just so frustrating watching my guy Hutch get so close to the quarterback, and his motor does not stop.
It's singular. He might. It's so great. Almost sex. Ugh.
What else, Chris? Who else? Let's stick. Let's stick in the north. You're two and two, Green Bay Packers.
What? Yeah, yeah. They're they're they're also fugazi. The Packers, they're fugazi right now. I until Josh Jacobs returns, that run game without that run game, man.
Right now, man, there isn't one. You know, Jaden reads out. I, I, you know, the offensive line. Is a problem. I think Golden looks good.
I will say I'm not saying that there's nobody looks good on the team, but for the moment I'll I'll call the Packers Gasey. Yeah, Gasey is what I'll do.
Okay, let's go. See, Chris, I just went two for two. I know. I'm proud of you. I know.
I know it's difficult. I know it's difficult. Let's go to the South, where your division leaders. Are two and two. Let's start with the team on the bye.
Your Carolina Panthers. I think they're they're real. Yeah, pardon. Or fugazy.
Sorry. I'm gonna go for real. I'll go for real. I mean, they just beat the Lions. They did, right?
I just called the Lions fugazy, which means the Panthers are the team lately that the latest made me feel that way about the Lions, and um. Let's get their corners back. Let's get Coker back. The quarterback man to Tataroa T Mac McMillan. You know, I think they're going to keep on performing to the point where McMillan might take his offensive rookie of the year trophy out of the case.
Are you going to go Falcons next? Yeah, they're also two and two. They have the most points in the last two weeks. You're Atlanta Falcons. For real, or fugazi, ladies and gentlemen.
You go. Did you? Did you almost run horns down? It was a town. I understand.
I got. I understand. Got it. They're for real. They're fugazi.
First two weeks. It was amazing what a quarterback will do. I don't think we're giving them enough credit defensively as well. By the way, we need to give them more credit defensively as well. You know.
That was a Stone's W in the Superdome on that night, in particular. You know that was kind of like trying to go into somebody's home and win on the night of a banner raise, right? Except that the team that was the home team on this night didn't come off a Super Bowl win. They were just celebrating a Superdome win from 20 years ago that really charged the place up.
So I'll say the Falcons are for real.
Okay. What else? Last one in the NFC team number seven. We're passionate about this team. Oh, you're two and two.
Okay. Los Angeles Rams. Los Angeles Rams. Are they for real, or are they fugazi? What do you think?
For real? What do you think?
I don't know. They're for real, Chris. How dare you? They banged up. They banged up.
In the same way that I'm talking about the Eagles have enough talented guys that are going to come back. This team, the come back guys are Aaron Donald and Miles Garrett. Heard of them? That part. What have they done?
Come on. You know what's kind of wild? Oh, I think they're first. How about this? I just pushing Bowery.
I keep thinking this every now and then because. I do think of the Rams often. That one's for you. That one's for you and Coop. Cooper.
That one. Coop's listening. Coop is in high school right now. Going. Why am I?
Why am I laughing out of for no reason? The Rams are a twinkle in your eye. Can you believe wide receiver two? Technically, if you got to talk about is Devonte Adams. Is Devonte Adams?
That's a little insane. Is a surefire. First ballot, a first ballot, top of the receiving food chain. First ballot, we can first ballot. Reggie's not first ballot.
He is first ballot Hall of Famer. Oh, let's pump, guys! No, stop it. Reggie Wayne still not in. I got it.
Okay, I got it. Just look where Devonte Adams is on the grandstand. No, but the voters hate wide receivers. I they they do hold them to a different standard. That is correct.
So yeah, he's getting first ballot.
So fine, sure. Hall of Famer, okay. That's fine, for sure. Playing out of his skull, doesn't say a word if he gets just a few targets. That's true.
He's unreal, and he's not even technically their so-called wide receiver one.
Okay. So yeah, they're for real. They're for real. That's a great way to kick off. That's for real, for Gaze.
The segment's for real. I think the segment is for real. Can I see the graphic one more time? We're going to bring this because again, Goodfellas is one of my favorite movies of all time. That's for Gaze.
Look at that. The three of us with I don't know, Leotta May. He rests in peace. Pesci and and Deniro. This is incredible.
It's a great. This is Smitch's finest.
Now, is this is this a real our heads on other people's real bodies, or I don't know where?
So, who would it be? I don't know. Who would be the one? I'd be Sorvino.
Sorvino is definitely Paul Sorvino is definitely in the Goodfellas poster. Assuming Pesci is not the one that goes into the house to get. I think I think TJ is on Sorvino's.
Okay, you and I are added, and I think you and I are no or Sorvino. I don't know. Am I more the wig man? You are more the wig. Yeah, you want your money?
You're cultivating this paper. My money, cultivating on my money, Richie. My money. You've been knowing. You've been.
You're the one who came up with the idea of the Lufthansa heist. He's not paid yet, though. In this case, the first of two times on this.
Well, we're playing for real or for gay. I said two. Five AFC teams are two and two. We'll do this later on. Are you real?
Plus, I'm drunk. That was me last night watching the Yankees try to score runs. Horrid! Horrid! They did not score that many.
Neither did the White Sox. They did against the Red Sox. Yeah. All right. Let's take a break.
Jeff Saturday is going to join us from ESPN. Kyle Long from CBS. After him, Vinny Pasquantino of the Royals, and you on our fan line coming up. The Rich Eisen Show podcast. Today's forecast: falling leaves, football, and an 80 chance you're going to need a few more things for that backyard project.
Running low on yard bags? Need a leaf blower? Let Express Delivery from the Home Depot bring them right to you. Get fall project essentials delivered fast, so you can get it done with plenty of time left for the game. Get what you need in two hours or less with express delivery from the Home Depot.
Subject to availability, order select in-stock items by 4 p.m. Restrictions and fees apply. Get a free Wix oil filter when you buy five quarts of Valvoline Full Synthetic Restore and Protect motor oil at O'Reilly Auto Parts. Terms and limits apply. Plus, receive a $15 O'Reilly gift card after rebate.
Visit your O'Reilly Auto Parts store or O'ReillyAuto.com. Hiring for a small business is hard. You don't often have a team of people helping out. That's why LinkedIn built Hiring Pro. It's like having a true hiring partner, and you can chat with it just like you would a recruiter.
Hiring Pro listens, adjusts, and shows you the people that actually fit your needs. Eighty-eight percent of small businesses say they trust LinkedIn's candidate recommendations. Be confident in your hiring decisions with LinkedIn Hiring Pro. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/slash. Eisen terms and conditions apply.
Jeff Saturday here on the program, Rich Eisen show back as a simulcast. Let's get to it. The story that's breaking right now is that Sean Payton is changing up the dynamic of the play calling. Is I guess the only way to describe it. It's going to be more of a, as Adam Schefter is tweeting out, collaborative play calling approach.
How does that work, Jeff? You're laughing. You're laughing right now. Yeah, I love. Yeah, we're gonna we're gonna say whatever we need to say to make this as as gentle as possible.
But you know, this to me is no different than Andy Reid, and whether it's Nagy or Bieni or they will have a significant contribution to game plan. And just for the audience to know, from a head coaching perspective, who's also an offensive coordinator, there's a ton that a head coach is required to do. During the week, so even the ones that call plays. When I was with McCarthy in Green Bay. Tom Clement was the quote offensive coordinator.
He would do all the installs.
So as you're going Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, as you're leading up to the game, Dave, you know the coaches have had their meeting, but the large majority is going to go to Davis Webb, like it did Tom Clement. Right? He'll be doing the install with the guys. He'll be talking them through it. Hey, here's what the expectations are on the play.
Here's why we're calling this. I think Sean from getting into a rhythm. I mean, we even heard a few weeks ago during the halftime when he was like, "Yeah, I think they dialed up five runs," and and he was just like, "We we got to get this thing going." I think what he has done exceptionally well his entire career. And I heard you kind of talk earlier about you know the aggressiveness he plays. He gets his quarterback in a rhythm and his offense in a rhythm as quick as anybody.
And so I think that's kind of what they're missing. Like you said, is is. Is find find Bo Nix a rhythm and a kind of a pathway to feel comfortable that as the game progresses, you let him go, kind of take this thing over in the third and fourth quarter. They haven't been able to find a way yet, and so I'm assuming that's going to be the difference. At the end of the day, Sean Payton's going to make the final call, just like Andy Reid does.
So I I think that's more of what he's probably taking over, so that if he does feel like, hey, this thing is slipping away or we're a little bit stagnant. He may provide a little juice, but but Davis Webb is still going to be very involved in the day to day operations because he has to be. I mean, that's the reality of our game. Is there's so much on a head coach doing all his other you know responsibilities throughout the week that that's what he's going to have to do. But let me ask you this: How does it work, right?
Like, so Davis Webb will essentially still have the play sheet. Right, and and make the call, and then Sean Payton can overrule it, or Sean just like, hey, for this drive, I got it, or like, how does and and then how does that get communicated? You know, inside a headset, right? Time ticking down, and crowds going nuts. I mean, how does that work?
Essentially, is what I'm. Yeah, that's what I'm going to be interested to see, Rich. Is you know, because when Mike was when Mike came in on Sunday, he he drove the show, right? And and Tom would make recommendations on, hey, let's get this done or do that, but he you know he ultimately made the call. I'm interested to see is Sean in the QB's ear or is it still going?
You know, Davis Webb is is kind of is putting everything out there. I don't think we'll be able to know until we see how it. Operates this first time, and you'll and you'll then you'll be able to really realize how much is Sean taking back over. Because if he's if you see him from you know quarter one play one till the end of the game, he's calling plays. I mean, he's no longer you know it's it's a shared responsibility, but he's going to be ultimate play caller.
I would doubt that's how it goes. I would assume he's going to let Davis call the plays, but he's going to help structure them. You know, his first fifteen where. He wants to be what he's trying to get. You know, so like as you looked at that play sheet, all those yellows and highlights and all those kinds of things, we break it down into little, you know, micro, you know, microcosms of each each down and distance.
Right, first down, second short, second long, second medium, third short, third medium, third long.
So you have your favorite plays that you're going to have on that sheet.
So Sean might rearrange what Davis wanted in there, or may feel like, hey, I'm going to do this. Against this defense, here's where we want to be. This is going to be one, two, and three instead of allowing it to go there. And then Davis will basically be calling it in the order that Sean wanted it to begin the game. And so it'll be interesting to see for me as well as you guys.
Sounds like Jeff Saturday when you were in Green Bay that one year in 2012 was Mike McCarthy getting Rogers the the play call on time. To Rogers's liking, not always. Not always. You know what's funny? It's it's this is funny because I made a comment on one of the shows I was on, and I had a bunch of people like, you know, oh, you're taking shots.
It's not a shot. Like, if look, you've seen me and Peyton scream at each other on the sideline. If you think I'm just going to tell every fan, if you think we all get along all the time, you are sorely mistaken. You. A bunch of alpha dudes in the room.
We all think we're right, and so if I ain't get the right play, or I ain't getting exactly how I want to say, I'm going to say something. Aaron's going to do the same thing. Mike is going to do the same thing. It's not personal. When we walk off the field, even if we said you know all kinds of horrible things about each other, when we get back in the room, it's fine.
Like it's it's water under the bridge. It's not personal for us. You're in a personal moment, and you you know from a fan's perspective, especially. With as many cameras as we have now, you're into the most intimate seat you can be in because you're right in my face, right? That's why you see all these coaches cover their mouth now with the you know with the play cards and do all this kind of stuff.
But you're seeing our emotion, and if you think you can play in the NFL without being highly emotional, you're lying to yourself. Like you are, whether it's Andy Reid and Travis Kelsey getting into an argument, or or Aaron and Mike McCarthy, do we all do it? And and and if you don't, that means That means either neither of you're caring enough, or it's what you're winning way too many games and you got to worry about anything. You know what I mean? But but Patrick Mahomes is going to get amped up on it.
It's it happens. It's part of our game. Don't make a you know a mountain out of a molehill. But I made a comment. People are like, oh, it's not a shot, dude.
It's it's funny in my opinion because I've been there. I've lived in this world and been you know critiqued and mocked and all kinds of things. It is what it is. But I think that's the way you get the best out of everybody.
Well. In terms of that, though, you know, I am with you, right? Like Andy Reid was invited to Travis Kelsey's wedding, yeah. You know what I mean? After that Super Bowl moment on the sideline, right?
So, so I totally, I totally get what you are saying. Yeah. The only issue is, is if it lingers, yeah, and then it becomes an issue. Certainly, if. You start losing football games because that then spreads out and has a ripple effect.
So, in that spirit, if you will, I want to play this exchange Rogers had with the media on Wednesday and ask you for an interpretation on this subject matter about the play calling coming in fast enough for him. Aaron, our play is coming in a little later than you would like. Is that something you would one of the things you'd like to see going forward? I'm not going to touch that one. Anybody else?
You include the interaction with Mike about how to get him in quicker. Yeah, Mike and I have talked. Ironed out. It's always ironed out. Is that just the normal way you guys communicate?
Sometimes, yeah. Yeah. We've had a lot of success together. You have the floor, Jeff. You want to?
That's it, bro. Hey, he still he still got the he still got the red heiny, you know. And I'm trying to church it up because we're because we're on Disney, but he got the red heiny, bro. He, you know, he's he's still a little angry, and he should be, bro. You're losing, like nobody wants to freaking lose, man.
And and his pace, Aaron's pace is he wants to get to the line of scrimmage. You know, he he is a throwback for lack of a better. He wants to get to the line of scrimmage like Peyton, Tom, Drew, and you know all the guys who have played a long time because they want to assess and if they need to make a change, they feel like they have enough about them that they're going to get themselves in the right play. If it comes in short, you lose that ability.
So. Whether it's Mike or or you know whoever else is calling plays, whether it's Davis Webb, and because listen, Sean Payton struggled with that last year with Bo Nix as well. Because there's a lot going on in your brain. At some point, it becomes the play caller's responsibility. If you got to get it in by twenty, get it in by twenty, bro.
Like it's my job to go block that big son of a gun across the line for me. It's your job to have it in at twenty.
So whatever standard that you're playing to. You got to get it there, and I think that's kind of what Aaron is saying in that comment, right? Is yeah, he ain't happy about it, right? It's slow, it's not what I want, but he's not going to try to try. He don't want to create more of a hornet's nest, but you know, Aaron's Aaron too, right?
He likes to get little jabs in when he can, and and so he's he's put a little salt on it. And I think I think Mike's trying to calm it down. They'll be fine, dude. They they know what they want to do. You know, I don't know if they're good enough to continue to win, but they.
They they've won a whole lot of games together, and I don't think a little squabble on a Thursday night is going to affect that. Yeah, I think that's a great point, Jeff. Because certainly, if you're you know forty two, forty three, and you know you have the ability to beat somebody with your brain, yes, and your experience. And the play calling coming in late defrauds that it it actually destroys it sometimes too. Yes, and and so it makes sense.
Get me the play and use me to my best ability while I'm still out here available, right? Like, yes, that's the thing. It's because if Rogers still has the arm, you could see it, and on occasion. You know he'll show off the ability to get out of the pocket that that touchdown to was it to who do you throw it to to Darnell Washington right Chris we were talking about that that Thursday nighter or he oh yeah the back shoulder one like he comes and he found him in the end zone that he still has that physical ability right right but his superpower more than maybe every other quarterback except maybe Stafford we could go down the list here a little bit it's. Put me in a position where I can see, and I can win that way.
Yes, and McCarthy knows that too, though, right? Yeah, he knows that. It's it's so so what you're talking about you know there's this you know kind of paradigm in the league right when you talk about athleticism and and knowledge of the game right it kind of goes this way right and so kind of what you're talking about is when you first start your your football i and i you know your football instinct and intelligence is pretty low and then as you age it goes up but your athleticism is going down right so where we get to in a point is from a mentality. And even when I played, you know, I played 14 years. My last few years, I definitely wasn't as as strong or as fast as I was when I was 25.
But I could still get to the points, and I could still get to where I had to get physically because I knew how to get there before the defensive lineman did. I knew how to maybe if I had a head up nose, I would fake a head bob, and he would go that way, knowing he's got to get that gap. And I would just, you know, you use your brain to kind of outmaneuver him. That. That's what these quarterbacks want to do, the way that Aaron Rodgers wants to play it, and he's most comfortable.
Rich, two by two, understanding where all the pressure is coming from, letting it, letting the defense, you know, kind of tip away or give him a tip on what he's going to do. And so his frustration is timing, because if you don't give me enough time, and he wants to use the cadence. Let's not forget, like one of his other superpowers is getting the other team to jump off sides.
Well, if it's three, two, one, that defensive lineman, brother. He's he's in that he's firing off the freaking rock like a rifle, right? Like I mean, he's he's coming off, and so all the things that he wants to get to, he's not. That's his frustration with Mike, and Mike knows it. But Mike's got to get it in, or whoever else is helping Mike, you got to get them on.
You know, you got to get the show on the road. And again, we're all accountable, and and whether you're the head coach, offensive coordinator, quarterback, whatever it is, the problem for players is we're the ones. In the majority of criticism, so if we're not getting it done, we get frustrated fast, and I think that's kind of where the situation is and lies. All right, week five begins tonight, Jeff. Saturday, I know you're intrigued by some of these matchups this weekend.
You got the the diehard rivalry Chicago at Green Bay, the London game, Philadelphia, which is all banged up right now at Jacksonville. Up in London, just to name a couple, you got the Sunday nighter, you got the Monday nighter, Bills and the Rams. I'll give you the floor on what you're looking forward to here. Listen, first of all, let's talk. Let's talk Ben Johnson and Lafleur.
I thought Lafleur was very. I thought he was very measured. And making sure, hey, we're going to keep it on the players. You know, it's not going to be about the coaches. One of the things I love about Ben Johnson, right, is he runs.
You know, a lot of these teams in our league run a very similar offense. I am not saying the same, but it's very similar. Ben Johnson does his own thing, man. He lives in his own world. He he does his own things, kind of calls his own shots.
He came in talking and with a level of swag that very few coaches have, and he's done what he said. And I think I loved how he came into the league or came into it being a head coach. What I respected even more is when he went to his. Third quarterback, not his second. His third quarterback, and Case Keenum, he didn't for a second try to use it as an excuse.
That dude was like, "We're going to beat them with Case Keenum. Case Keenum is plenty good for us to run our offense. We're going to carve it up." And the first thing he said is, "Oh, they'll say I hadn't won without a first pick in the draft or what? First round pick or whatever it was." And I, I find it humorous.
So I think Lafleur was smart taking off the coaches. Let's make this about players. I don't. Care how bad Green Bay has been. This rivalry, we bring the best out of both of them.
I look for a big time game, and then like Bills Rams, what you just said. I think everybody talks about this from the perspective of Stafford and Josh Allen. I will tell you beyond a shadow of a doubt: the team that wins is going to be the most physical team that can run the ball. You watch the Rams get back in that Eagles game with Kyron Williams being able to run the football and getting physical. Stafford, Stafford has it played to his top top performance for sure.
I know we got Puka back, Devonta, the whole deal. You got to be physical. I felt like they got back to that physicality. I felt like the opposite a little bit with the Bills. I want to see James.
I want to see them do what they did. Like go get, go beat people up. Right when they were playing the Patriots, that second down that you throw the the interception with over a minute and all your timeouts. I get, you know, he is Superman and Josh Allen is unbelievable MVP. All the things that everybody says, but in those moments, if you can rely on a physical part of your game and go beat people up, that's the way that you go close games out.
And so many of these teams that that I like. Going in, I want to see him get back to that, and that—that's really what I'm looking for in this game. Is—is who's going to be the most physical? Who's going to get back to fundamental football, blocking, tackling, running, like that? That stuff matters.
The quarterbacks are fantastic, receivers are fantastic. I want to see that. That's going to be who—who ends up walking off smiling on Monday. Would you say San Francisco at Seattle is the? I know the battle for who's the best in the end.
NFL. I would, Jeff. Yes, you would, and and I'll and I'll say this about San Francisco and Mike McDonald and Shanahan again, another coaching matchup that is just fantastic to watch. McDonald's holding Shanahan's offense in the five games. I think they're three and two that McDonald is over Shanahan, but to like eighteen and a half points, that's insane.
Like Shanahan, man, and and I know they face injuries every year. I'm not. This is no slight either way. But now we got two teams that ain't gonna be excuses. Like, let's go line it up and go hit people in the mouth, right?
Both got got important players banged up. Leo's banged up with the Seahawks. You know, half the team for the Forty Nineers have been banged up. But Purdy's playing lights out. They're protecting him like crazy.
Their their run game designed by Shanahan has been on point. And then McDonald, right? Like he's got his boys going. They win with with with a backup quarterback, right? With Locke a couple weeks.
Donald's coming back. They lose to the Commanders, what they had no business doing. But this is going to be a showdown, man. And and what's crazy for me, Rich, is I think the three best teams. Our potential best teams minus Chicago—they're in the same division.
These are these become must wins if you're the home team.
So Seahawks, you want to get this one done, bro. This is a this this counts for two, and I'm fired up for this one as well. Especially since that Melbourne game was technically a visit for the Niners to the Rams. If the Niners could come away with their two arguably most difficult division road wins already through. The first five weeks and stay five and zero.
That would be a massive leg up, which makes it kind of important for Seattle to hold serve here on that front. And we're forgetting, I guess, about the four and zero Kansas City Chiefs sitting at home with a former Super Bowl MVP of the Seahawks. Just, I mean, what to make of that? Before I let you go, because Andy Reid is flat out committed here. To this running back as well, he should because he's on pace to a two thousand yard season already.
This is this is why I think the Chiefs are maybe even more dangerous than they have in previous years. To be honest. Oh, bro, Andy.
So this is this is this is my favorite part of the NFL. Andy Reid, former O lineman, who has fallen in love with the passing attack. Right? I mean, he is he is the most creative. You know, offensive lineman.
Like, well, there's no other offensive lineman who's been nearly as creative as Andy Reid. He's throwing the ball all around the yard, gets away from the run game. Does a he gets Kenneth Walker the third man, K nine, whatever they're calling him, and This dude is a freaking freight train, and he is not taking him off the tracks. I love it. I was worried he was going to get away from it, and they even made a comment maybe after week one or week two where they were like, "Well, we're going to try to balance him.
You know, we might not let him get as many." What? What? Hey, what are we talking about, bro? We talking as an offensive lineman? Don't take my dude out, bro.
Like, like, let let him ride. Like, he's hot. We want to go knock people around. By the way, us. Moving this way protects that fifteen behind us a whole lot, and and Walker's making five yard gains, fifty yard gains.
It doesn't get the it's it's high reward, low risk, and that's what we're about in this game. I love that Andy has stayed committed to it. I'm hoping he continues to stay committed to it. I think about Patrick Mahomes and how. How selfless he is as a player, y'all!
Like I can, you know, when he first came in the league, and it was like, you know, Tyree kill, and they're they're throwing the ball all around, and Kelsey, and they're scoring, and then they go to where he's having to manage games and figure out opportunities, and he's buying time, he's getting hit, but he's figuring out how to win, and they're winning with defense, and now the balance of being able to turn around and hand it off. I don't, I mean. I don't compare goats, all that nonsense or whatever. But Patrick Mahomes is in a class by himself, not only because of his his ability and what he's already accomplished, but because of how he leads his team and that he's willing to do anything to help them win. God, there's nothing more fun to watch for an offensive lineman than a quarterback who's willing to die to himself to let everybody else shine, and he'll do it.
And listen, he's got plenty of shine. I'm not trying to. You know MVP, all the different stuff. You know what I mean, Rich. But like he's willing to do that and take a backseat to the run game at times.
Oh, I love it. I love it, and it helps Spags on the other side. I just this team is they're loaded to bear. I think I think they got to add a receiver. I worry about that with Thornton going down.
That was a massive loss because he was really picking up his game.
So I don't know. I don't know how that adjusts. I don't. I don't know what they do. I don't know if each of them go get somebody.
I've heard Tyree kill. I've heard some other things, but you're going to need something for to help Rice and and and Kelsey and kind of figure this thing out.
So I know Worthy's still there, but but I'd like to see maybe one more. That's the only concern that I would have from looking at their roster at this point. Yeah. In the meantime, Mahomes hasn't had a thousand yard rusher since Kareem Hunt's rookie season in twenty. Seventeen, and he may have another one by week eight.
You know, like it's crazy, crazy. Jeff, you're the man. Every single time you come on, you know we all like we need to have Jeff on more often.
So look for more of my texts, okay? Heck yeah, brother. I'm always in, man. Y'all have a great one. Thanks for having.
Right back at you. That's Jeff Saturday, everybody from ESPN. Be good, man. All right, we'll take a break. Eight four four two zero four.
Rich number to dial here on the Rich Eisen Show. Kyle Long still to come. The Rich Eisen Show, the podcast. Rich Eisen here for Gusto. On my shows, we talk a lot about what happens in the spotlight—the games, the highlights, and the moments that get replayed and debated.
But in any successful operation, what happens behind the scenes matters just as much. Small businesses are no different. Payroll, hiring, onboarding, benefits, and all the details that keep things moving may not be the most visible part of the job, but they still have to be handled right. That's where Gusto comes in. Gusto is online payroll.
And benefits software built for small businesses. It's all in one, remote friendly, and incredibly easy to use.
So you can pay, hire, onboard, and support your team from anywhere. Automatic payroll, tax filings, simple direct deposits, health benefits, commuter benefits, workers' comp, four hundred one k. You name it, Gusto makes it simple, and has options for nearly every budget. And it's all built to save you time with built-in automated tools for offer letters, onboarding docs, direct deposit, and more. Plus, you get.
Unlimited payroll runs for one monthly price. No hidden fees. No surprises. Try Gusto today at gusto.com/slash-rich and get three months free when you run your first payroll. That's three months of free payroll at gusto.com/slash-rich.
One more time: gusto.com/slash-rich. In a world in need of a hero, one man rises to the challenge in style. He is just driving the kids to soccer practice. Make every day feel epic in an all-new Hyundai Palisade Hybrid with up to an EPA-estimated 619 miles of range on select trims, advanced tech, and class-leading interior space. Because when you're hauling kids' gear, snacks, and backpacks, space matters, and so does comfort.
Just make sure they keep their cleats off the seats. Visit hyundaiusa.com or call five six two. Three one four four six zero three for details. Eight four four two zero four. Rich number to dial.
We'll take your calls on the WeatherTech fan line in a sec. At Hyundai, the SUV trophy shelfs getting a little out of hand, people, because U.S. News and World Report named Hyundai the best SUV brand. That's five out of six years with hybrid SUVs like the premium and capable Palisade, the adventure built Santa Fe, and the tech infused Tucson. Which means at this point, this shelfs going to need its own structural support system and a dedicated construction crew that we may have to give these little visitor hard hats visit.
U.S. News best cars and view them all at cars.usnews.com and visit hyundaiusa.com for more details. The WeatherTech Fan Line everybody is open at eight four four two zero four. Rich number to dial. Let's go to Greg in Norfolk, Virginia.
What's up, Greg? Rich, what is up with the disrespect of my Vikings? Oh. I'm gonna have to go up on a high octave to make your point. It's a high register Thursday, so go ahead.
Sound like I don't want to have to sound like Mickey Mouse, but you just told me the Green Bay Packers at two and two ain't for real. And isn't that one of the teams we beat? Correct me if I'm wrong. Is that not one of the teams we beat? Who's disrespecting the the Vikings here?
The disrespect your morning, your morning coworkers. Oh, whoa! Are you disrespecting? Saying how Green Bay is tough, how this team is tough, but we're not for real. Ask Chris Canty.
Oh, I see what you're saying. You're talking about. Listen, I cannot be held responsible for what's said on sportsman on on unsportsmanlike.
Okay, I can't do it, Greg. You know, give us in the same way that they're not responsible for anything I said. No, they're in their own country. Listen, Greg. With all due respect, here.
No, I'm serious. Like said that, then, Greg. If this offense can't get it going, and right now it's just four weeks, and right now it's just two starts with Kyler. I get it, or three, but it's really two because he was hardly making that start in week one. And they've got time.
There's time. There's tons of time. But if this is the offense. That's going to be struggling, then not struggling, or struggling for the most part. This is this this just absolutely reeks of winning the division, and then some high scoring team comes in in week one of the playoffs, or if you're so lucky, week two.
But I don't know if you're going to wind up with a better record than whoever wins the NFC West. This this reeks of a division win, one and done playoff team. Rich, you give me PTSD from typical Vikings years. I'm sorry, it's not fair. You had to you had to say it like that.
So, but so we're not. I want to enjoy my. I want to enjoy my fantasy that we're really four ando. No, but no, no, no, no. Listen, you are four ando.
It's not a fantasy. You are four ando, and you're going to go into New Orleans this weekend and and and put the bang thing on a team that just had the Atlanta Falcons apply it. You know, and then there's a buy. And then at some point we're going to have to see Kyler put points up, and I I'm looking at you know Detroit that game at Detroit in week eight where the roar is going to be going, and that's a team that could put points up home for Buffalo on a Monday night. You know what I mean.
You're not going to go undefeated, but I think you're in a great position. The Vikings are to win the division. Just the spec is real. Yeah, I do too. Actually, yeah.
Thank you, Greg.
So. What? What about when we get JJ back? Though, you don't think that'll help Kyler to have a good threat like that? What do you mean?
Oh, you mean Justin Jefferson? Absolutely, yeah. And he's going to have.
Well, listen, and that's and thanks for the call, Greg. We're up against the end of the hour. That that's the whole point of the whole season. It's just like okay, Kyler Murray's coming in, and he had DeAndre Hopkins at his disposal. True, and then then he wound up having Trey McBride at his disposal with Michael Wilson and also Marv Junior.
He didn't. You could say he was in a tougher division. I'd push back on that. The NFC North is no joke. Didn't Trey McBride have one touchdown with Kyler Murray?
It's the whole point of this is he's he's gonna have Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison and the new Kellen Winslow Senior against the Dolphins and T.J. Hawkinson. You know now Odell is there. If he gets out on the on the field. He'll have his chance.
He'll have his chance. But you are four and zero in Minnesota. Period. Thanks for listening to the Rich Eisen Show podcast. You can watch and listen to the Rich Eisen Show live weekdays from noon to three Eastern on ESPN Radio, Disney Plus, and on the ESPN app.
The Rich Eisen Show, the podcast. Today's forecast: falling leaves, football, and an eighty percent chance you're going to need a few more things for that backyard project. Running low on yard bags? Need a leaf blower? Let Express Delivery from the Home Depot bring them right to you.
Get fall project essentials delivered fast, so you can get it done with plenty of time left for the game. Get what you need in two hours or less with express delivery from the Home Depot. Subject to availability, order select in-stock items by 4 p.m. Restrictions and fees apply.
