Michael Pittman Jr.: We Know The Weight This Game Carries

You know, in today's world, it seems the best treatment is reserved only for a few. Well, Discover wants to change that by making everyone feel special. That's why with your Discover card, you have access to 24-7 live customer service as well as zero dollar fraud liability, which means you're never held responsible for unauthorized purchases. Finally, no matter who you are or where you are in life, you'll feel special with Discover.

Learn more at Discover.com slash credit card. Limitations apply. This is the Rich Eisen Show. You've made a safe place for the truth to be told.

Live from the Rich Eisen Show studio in Los Angeles. I think that the lion's got screwed. He's reporting. You can't convince me otherwise. And the fact that the league says, hey, it's on the players, that's the biggest BS in the world, especially when you demote your officials.

You know, that's an acknowledgment of doing wrong. Earlier on the show, Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen, Steelers cornerback Patrick Peterson. Still to come, Colts receiver Michael Pittman. And now it's Rich Eisen.

That is correct. Our number three of the Rich Eisen Show is on the air. We have had two great conversations with players in the National Football League. And one thing we do not do here is player hate. We recognize and we did that actually with Patrick Queen of the Baltimore Ravens and Patrick Peterson of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

And they're going to be in the same field on Saturday. Love it. You know, and we just don't do things. We just do things. We weave tapestries here, you know, on this program. And and my only problem today is I'm having trouble seeing the tapestries. If you're just joining us, I left my glasses at home. I took them from here and I then I left them at home. You sure they're not in the green room?

I've turned it upside down. You have a home pair. You have a home pair. You have a work pair. I know that. I grabbed the work pair and I was probably looking at something after the show.

And then I stuck it in my my coat, my my vest pocket. Yeah. How many coffee mugs are behind your desk? Two. Oh, how many fingers am I holding up?

Three, four. Nicely done. Way to keep me on my toes, guys. This is called content on the Roku channel, as well as this Rich Eisen Show terrestrial radio affiliate. Oh, we've got to give a serious shout out to Roku Joe and Roku Charlie and all the Roku people, because I haven't said I didn't this year. So OK, happy new year to them. OK. Don't forget Roku David.

Roku David. There's a lot of people over there. Careful. Yeah. Don't leave anybody out.

All the Roku folks. Michael Pittman Jr. is going to join us. Last time I saw him, I literally thought he was no longer breathing. I'm not I'm not I'm not kidding you. Yeah, that was a rough hit.

It was nasty. And he's back. And by the Indianapolis Colts, I don't believe there's anyone with an injury designation for the weekend. I just saw on the commercial break that they think everyone's going to be up. Zach Moss going to be up. Kenny Moore's up. They're all I mean, it's a playoff game. They better win this.

This is it. Home game. No excuses. Gardner Gardner Minshew starting and and CJ Stroud coming in. This is it bad to two rookie head coaches, if you will, coming in. This is fun.

It's very fun. So we have a top notch receiver in the league and certainly from this game coming up on Saturday night. Richmond playoff game, the Texans are involved. I'm surprised it's not Saturday at one p.m. Eastern.

I know, right? It's Saturday night. Joe and Troy are calling it. You know, last time we saw them, Jimmy went into the Ring of Honor.

They're going to be in a building where there's a gym in the Ring of Honor. His name is Harbaugh. Yeah, baby. Yeah, boy.

Jim's won three in a row in that building, don't you know? You know, it's kind of crazy. Every now and then it washes over me that Michigan's in the national championship game. Yeah.

So it just washes over me that Michigan's in the Natty. Nerves check? Nerves check. I am rock solid, baby. OK.

I am still just OK. I'm just dispensing. Yeah. Some something somebody tweeted into my timeline in Ohio State. Honk saying, you know, after the game was over, that if you think Michigan fans are obnoxious now, they will not shut the F up if they win at all.

Yeah, I would expect that at whoever. I mean, but you know, but you know what I mean? It's just I just decided to respond. I'm like, yeah, as if Ohio fans first said Ohio fans, which I know is, you know, being obnoxious. Ohio fans never, ever have given any crap in my direction over the last several years. And certainly never about anything. Right. Let alone everything to do with nothing that has to do with them, including oh, this is, for instance, the national championship game. Got nothing to do with that. So.

It's just it's it just washes over me and I just feel great. So if you're asking me what my nerves check is going to be daily, daily nerves, daily nerves check will be the exact same. Ask me again Monday. Are we going? No. Are you going?

I don't believe so. Come on, man. I'll be here. All right. For us. We can come with you, but I don't know what you mean by that.

I don't know. I need you. Maybe we could go with you to do the show, to do the show Monday. We're we're we're not anywhere. Look, we have one of these things that you can do a show anywhere on a computer. What are you talking about? All our show?

Yeah, no, that's not it. Come on. By the way, Monday, Monday is not just any day, pal. Monday is not just any day, it's the day after the NFL regular season. The playoff seedings are set. We know who's in, who's out. Coaches are going to begin to lose their gigs. Folks want to talk about it. We've got overreaction Monday to do for a podcast.

There's business to be conducted. And I just went and had the greatest day of my life with my family at the Rose Bowl. What's going to be better than that?

Them actually winning a national championship. I get it. And with me being the other family. Well, but I can be you know, you guys want to come over the house, watch the game with me? Oh, sure. I don't want you.

That's me like reaching for the wallet, but I still want you to pay. That's on Monday, right? Bill. Yes. Am I allowed to bet on Washington and still go to your house and watch the game?

Absolutely not. You know, walking into the stadium, I saw a Maryland Terrapin fan wearing a Maryland sweatshirt. You understand me now when you go to these games? What do you wear? And I was with I was with Ryan Hayden, agent of the Stars, who's a Maryland Terrapin. Was he like giving guy a high five?

He stopped him and they had a quick chat. And I'm like, no, no, this is absurd. You have no business wearing like what are you doing going to a Rose Bowl between Michigan and Alabama saying I'm a proud turtle? Why not out here?

Stay in your shell. You're representing where you're from out of here. You're a team. It's not even it's not in the game. So you mean to tell me you can't wear apparel of your favorite team if you go to watch two other teams?

Yes, that's ridiculous. Excuse me. I am. I am Team Brockman on this one.

That is a million percent. If you go to watch the Celtics and Clippers play right and people show up in Lakers jerseys, what are you doing? What are you doing as a Clippers fan and seeing over hundreds of Clippers games?

You always see people wearing Lakers jerseys, other teams jerseys. It's annoying, but I'm like, it's not saying you should. There should be a rule against it. There's a rule against it. We're having L.D.

back in February. Make a note. Make a note.

This is an etiquette. We should ask Larry David this question. You guys remember boogie night? When? OK, not at all. When are we going with this? We could go. Is this another lank moment?

They say or no. Luis Guzman told Don Cheadle, where would you dig? That's how I feel about anything.

Where would you dig? It doesn't matter. Yeah, but this is not Buck Swope working in and, you know, in Van Nuys. Come on, dude.

There's no rulebook to this. I couldn't believe it. It's just like, what are you doing? Now you guys are Maryland Terrapins. I know you beat Auburn in the whatever bowl, but get out of here. I'm putting up a poll. So he should have just wore a plain white tee?

Like just just leave your Maryland Terrapin gear at home. Why? Because you're not playing in the game.

Yeah, neither are you. OK, my team was playing in the game. I'm dressed head to toe. Honestly, I looked like I could have gone as Jim Harbaugh to Halloween the way I dressed for this game. I saw. OK, and so the whole stadium was.

May is on one side and red on the other side in Alabama section. Well, I mean, that really could tell like, wait a minute, is that an Alabama fan? No, you're a Maryland Terrapin fan at the Rose Bowl.

That you're not playing in. I have some self respect and self respect. Anyway, that's how I'm feeling. That's how I'm feeling every day.

This is the greatest every day, like a fine wine, uncorking it, like smashing every day advertising show. Please call us. Great.

And then Monday and then Monday it'll be on and then my nerves will be up and we'll see how it goes. Now, let me ask you this. Let's say you get the call from Tom Brady, Michigan, man, to say, Rich, we got the P.J. going to the game. Are you really going to say no to that?

Oh, well, Susie will be sitting here on Monday for the Rich Eisen Show. That's come on. Why would he call me to say it?

Because you guys are Michigan, man. Oh, yes. So he'll reach out to me.

Then we have an extra seat. Let's see what Rich is up to. Got it.

Don't make it seem like straight. Stranger things have happened. Might not be Tom Brady. Might be someone else.

But you might get the call. Let's work up to this. First things first.

Where are my glasses? Twitter poll. People who wear jerseys of a team not playing in the game you're attending. Fair foul.

I mean, as foul as it gets. Well, you don't like grown ups wearing jerseys anyway. Well, I understand that that is a stance that I I I take that you shouldn't wear a jersey of anybody who's younger than you. Like I could go to a jet game wearing Namath, but I shouldn't go to a jet game wearing Breeze Hall.

Yeah, but your boy and I do love Breeze Hall or sauce sauce. I know. But I mean, I'm a 54 year old man wearing a 24 year old man's jersey. But you're a fan. I get it. And I understand that I am in the minority here. And I'm I don't think we're in the minority here. I think we win this poll. I think we win going away.

I think so, too. All right. What's a haters in the crowd? Let's get to it. Let's get to it.

Here we go. It is the final regular season week of the National Football League season. And I've got a top five list. Top five most intriguing games of week 18. Hit it by one, two, three, four and five. Rich's top five.

All right. He number five on this list is going to be played after one of the games that I'm about to mention. So this is not in chronological order.

This is an order of intrigue. And this is what's going to make. What we see on Saturday night cash for the winner of this team as to whether the winner of Texans Colts goes in as the AFC South champ or goes in as a wild card team or the Jaguars of the Titans could wind up with the Jaguars losing and they still can make it as the seventh seed. I'm not going to bore you with those details, but the Titans would love to spit their last breath at the Jaguars in once again. I mean, last year it was this this was Josh Dobbs starting this game last year. Remember?

Remember? And instead, you know, it's now Tannehill is going to be out there. We assume could be.

I think Levis is still up in the air. This is a game, as you heard, that the Titans really want to win. Stick the Jaguars with a loss in the same way that the Jaguars stuck the Titans with the loss of the Jaguars win this game against the Titans. They win the AFC South and host a playoff game.

We've heard this story before. Guess who's not walking in that door is Brandon Staley. However, for Jacksonville, it's going to be the Cleveland Browns, but that's for another day. And there's a lot that can happen in this game. If if the Jaguars lose this game, this could wind up putting the Steelers into the playoffs. Or if the Jaguars win this game, this could actually make if the Steelers win on Saturday, the night game in Miami be for Buffalo in or out completely. So there's a lot of intrigue in this game.

Number four on this list. This could be for the NFC South because Baker Mayfield will be playing in Carolina. We're assuming he's going to make that start. Falcons and Saints could be for the NFC South. And in the case of the Saints, they could still make the playoffs. In four different scenarios into which they win and they wind up being the seventh seed, that isn't the case for the Falcons, they've got to win it and then hope for the Panthers to throw their figurative drinks on the on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. So there's a lot of intrigue in this one.

Number three on the list. Always fun when the Bears play the Packers. Now, when the Packers beat the Bears in week number one in Chicago and Aaron Rodgers was texting Jordan Love, you know, congratulations in advance of his Achilles blowing up. That, hey, thanks for keeping ownership of of the Bears under the Packers name. Nobody thought that the week 18 game would be a win and end scenario for the Packers over a Bears team that would also have clinched the number one overall pick in next year's draft, too, with an opportunity to go to eight and nine for Iba Flus. And it's always fascinating when these two teams play each other. And as if this game wasn't intriguing enough just for its history, as well as what it means for Green Bay win and end.

Well, Justin Fields added a little bit of fun to it as well when he had this to say about going into Green Bay. I don't see it being that much different. I see it, you know, because everybody always the rivalry, whatever I think is going to be, you know, the same environment.

So I don't see it being too much different. But I mean, like I said, it's going to be fun. It'll be a fun environment to walk into, you know, their home field. I know their friends are going to be loud because there's not much to do in Green Bay except watch football. But it's going to be a great environment to us for us to play in. And, you know, hopefully they have a great game and get the double on Sunday. Not much to do in Green Bay except watch football.

Oh, baby. Number two on this list, Texans Colts winner in. That's it. Winner in potentially is the AFC South champion as well. So there's that neither team has the opportunity to make it if they lose. By the way, the Jaguars and the Steelers have opportunities to lose and still make it. The loser of this game does not. It is over for the loser. It is still alive for the winner and potentially as the AFC South champion, depending on what happens in Tennessee between the Jaguars and Titans the next day.

Number one, we all know what number one on the list is. It is bills at Dolphins. The Dolphins can do no worse than six.

They can do no better than two. The Bills can do far worse than the seven seed. They could be out if they lose this game again, if Pittsburgh wins on Saturday and the Texans and Colts do not play to a tie on Saturday night and the Jaguars beat the Tennessee Titans in Tennessee, then the Bills need to win this game to make the playoffs. They could be either the two seed or out.

That's it. If the other scenarios that I've pointed out, the other results happen, they can wind up the six seed. They can wind up the seven seed if the other results do not happen. They can wind up the two seed. But I've never seen in my 20 plus years a situation where a team that is playing so well right now that they are number three on power rankings lists, not just here, but all everywhere else around the NFL power rankings community.

And I can't believe I'm part of, but they can be either the two seed or out. I don't recall a scenario like that, and it could possibly be the case on Sunday night because the other results Steelers beating a Ravens team that might be resting other than just Lamar Jackson, the Texans and the Colts just need to not tie. And then the Jaguars beat the Titans. That's the scenario under which the Buffalo Bills could be eliminated if they lose this game. Or they could have two home playoff games and make the Super Bowl. Unbelievable. And obviously the Dolphins, if they wind up the six seed, they wind up in Kansas City. Tyree Killen Arrowhead after all.

In a playoff winter go home game, not just a game in Frankfurt, Germany. Wild. And then I'll give you one more. You think we need one more? Why not? All right, we'll get one more.

This one may be for the opportunity to be the two seed. I doubt it. I don't think your Cowboys are losing in Washington, TJ.

I don't. But just seeing the Eagles, if the Eagles lose in New Jersey against the Giants team that would love to go out with a sixth win and stick it to the Eagles and just keep everybody there wondering what it remember that meme of that woman that that got caught on camera saying what the hell was that? Like that is like what? Like that that woman has been memed all over the place because it is basically the Eagles season in a nutshell since they beat the the Bills and got lucky doing so. So it appears.

So this is big. I know what's going to be happening at the same time as the Cowboys. If the Washington commanders spit their last 2023 Ron Rivera breath of the Cowboys now this could be for the two seed. But other than that, we got to see what the Eagles look like because right now it is code red right now in in Philadelphia. And those are my most intriguing games of the final week of the NFL regular season.

Let's take a break. Michael Pittman Jr taking part in game number two of that list. It is a playoff game winner in loser goes home in the winner could wind up winning the division that's coming up next. Rich Eisen here. If you love football as much as we do here and want to be in the game every day. There's something the guys on my show have been enjoying prize picks daily fantasy sports. The number one daily fantasy sports app Brockman tell everybody about prize picks and your strategy this season. Rich, it's fun and easy. Pick two players or more based on their stats and place your entry.

It takes less than 60 seconds and just a few taps. You make your picks and boom, you're part of the action with basketball season here. You can now pick combo projections across football and basketball from the specials league, a league created specifically for combo projections that includes two or more players from different sports and leagues. Prize picks even has a reboot policy where your entries stay in play.

If one of your players gets injured for basketball and football games, if you have a player who exits the game in the first half and does not return in the second, that player is rebooted. Prize picks is the only daily fantasy sports platform with insurance for injury. I love prize picks because it adds to my game time experience.

Look, looking ahead this week, NFL, Jamir Gibbs, total yards, Tony powered rush yards. Boom. That's a winner. If you're eager to test your knowledge and skills, play the game enjoyed by millions and join the prize picks community. Visit prize picks.com slash pigskin and use code pigskin for a first deposit match of up to a hundred dollars. That's code pigskin at prize picks.com slash pigskin for a first deposit match of up to $100 prize picks daily fantasy made easy must be present in certain states.

Visit prize picks.com for restrictions and details. You know, in today's world, it seems the best treatment is reserved only for a few. Well, discover wants to change that by making everyone feel special. That's why with your discover card, you have access to 24 seven live customer service, as well as $0 fraud liability, which means you're never held responsible for unauthorized purchases. Finally, no matter who you are or where you are in life, you'll feel special with discover.

Learn more at discover.com slash credit card limitations apply. Okay. Back here on the rich eyes and show 8 4 4 2 0 4. Rich number to dial Michael Pittman Jr. Is going to be joining us in a matter of moments on a, on our zoom from Indianapolis. What a big game, man. Big game. That was loud. When I was there for Colts and Steelers, it was loud, man. It was really loud.

And that's the, that's a tough environment to, to play in that thing that, that got rolling fast against the Pittsburgh Steelers. What's the, uh, the Jersey of a choice in the stands these days. You know, Colts fans are famous for wearing the big Jersey.

I, I, I, I didn't take note of it. I was just curious. I'm sure there's a lot of 28. I'm sure there's some 11s for sure.

There's a lot of 18s, a lot of five still. I mean, a franchise quarterback, Anthony Richardson, even though he's been out. Yeah, sure. They love him in that building. Oh my God. Do they love him in that building?

They are so excited to get him back. Yeah. Bummer. We kind of missed out on that this year. Oh my goodness gracious.

I mean, you can see, showed some flashes early. Well, um, if I'm not mistaken, let me get this right. I guess I should know this before going in. Do you have a cold schedule? You want to pop them up real quick before you get to Mr. Pittman?

Um, what are you looking for? I just want to make sure here. The first time they played each other was week two. Week two. So Richardson got the dub even against him. Did he finish that one? Is that one of the ones? That was one of them. I think he did not. He didn't finish, right?

Because Minshew had 107. But this is why if they win, they're in. I would get him. That would get him a season sweet. So Richardson is playing a role on Saturday night, right? Richardson was six of ten that game. 56 yards passing.

But he ran two rushing touches. I remember. Back on the Rich Eisen Show radio network, sitting at the Rich Eisen Show desk, furnished by Grainger with supplies and solutions for every industry. Grainger has the right product for you.

Call clickgrainger.com or just stop by. Michael Pittman Jr. About to sit down. All right.

At the facility. You have better eyes on that than me. He is literally sitting down right now. Is he really? Yeah. Okay. How's he look?

Fix it while he just fixed his hair. Okay. So that's good. Well, let me do the same. We just got two thumbs up.

Let me do the same. I think he's ready. Is he ready? He's not ready yet? Not yet. Still checking audio. How's my hair look?

Okay. Is he wearing glasses? Because I don't have them. No glasses. No glasses.

I don't know if you're aware. You don't have your glasses? I took them home.

Oh, yeah. And then I left them there. And I was walking around my house yesterday. I'm like, why is there an extra pair of glasses here? And it didn't dawn on me.

And I'm an idiot. Understood. Is he ready now? I think so.

He's Michael Pittman Jr. of the Indianapolis Colts. How you doing, Michael? Good. Good. How are you? Well, you will understand this.

Being a USC Trojan by way of the great Oaks Christian facility out there far from here. Michael, it is 50 degrees and windy here. You have no idea what the heck's going on around here. Yeah. Crazy stuff, man.

Crazy time. Honestly, I am around these parts. People wear the winter hats because it's an accessory.

They think they look good in it. It's currently a necessity for people like me. It's freezing here, man.

Absolutely. My dad is bald. And when it gets cold and windy, his head starts to like chaff and stuff.

You got to rub some lotion on it. Okay. I will make a note of that. Very good.

I'll make a note of that just in case I'm feeling a little bit of that going on here. And plus, it was almost raining, too. People don't know how to drive around here, Michael. What's going on? Hey, I mean, that happens there, happens here.

I mean, it seems like nobody can drive. Well, it's good to see you, man. I'm not going to lie. Last time I saw you, I was calling the Colts and the Steelers. I was calling that game. And when that ball went in the air, I literally almost cursed into my microphone in front of millions of people because I saw KZ coming. I saw him coming. And have you watched back any film of that moment?

Yeah. Well, the good thing about that is I never seen it coming. And I mean, all of a sudden I'm catching the ball. And then I woke up and everybody's looking down at me. And I'm like, what just happened?

But I did get to watch it. It was definitely an experience, but I'm still kind of recovering from that, even though it happened, like, three weeks ago. Trust me, I still feel it. But I feel like everything is progressing well. And I was very fortunate to get up with minor injuries. And I'm just happy that I'm here today and that I'm still able to play and come back so soon.

Exactly. When you got up and then you ran off the field and Kurt Warner and I looking in the booth, we're like, thank God, we literally send that to each other in the commercial break, Michael. Yeah, I mean, at that point I was almost like a zombie. I was still trying to gather what I was doing. I was more so being led at that point. And even when I got into the locker room, I was still trying to grasp what just happened.

I was just in a state of confusion. But it slowly started to come back to me that night. And the next day, as I started to think about it, I started to piece stuff and then I got to watch it.

And then it all kind of came back. So how difficult is it for you to go across the middle? Now, like thinking about it, do you think about it or you just like your football player? This is what got you to the NFL.

This is why you're talented. I mean, walk me through that, if you don't mind, Michael. Yeah. I mean, one positive is I barely remember what happened. But that is the sort of thing that makes me me is that contested catch, so I don't shy from it. And that's the first time that anything like that has ever happened, hopefully the last. But you can't play scared because if you play scared, that's usually when bad stuff happens.

So you just got to play fast. And I don't really think about it like too much. So that's good. Well, and again, I just I'm thrilled that you are here. And I greatly appreciate it because you've got a huge football game coming up on Saturday night.

And part of the reason why you do have a winning in scenario is because your mates took care of business after you left the field that night against the Steelers. And you have been taking care of business more often than not. What's been different this year because of coach Stikin, Michael? I would probably say our attention to detail and just the way that we practice, he really demands a level of excellence. And he's very consistent with it like every day. Like it doesn't fade. And sometimes getting late, like end of season, like you can kind of like relax, but he never does. He's the same guy every single day. And I think that rubs off on other people. How quickly did you realize that about him? And I realized that about him, probably the second or third week of training camp, I actually got fined twice for not weighing out of practice, which, like in my head, is like a small offense because it's like, Hey, we just finished practice. We finished everything that we have to do. Like I'm not late for meetings. I'm showing up for everything like on time early.

And I just forgot to weigh out once or really twice. And man, like them letters came like clockwork. And I was like, he's not messing around. So it just showed everybody that it doesn't matter who you are, just like everybody is held to that same standard, which obviously I didn't love getting fined, but I thought it sent a really good message to everybody on just like everybody else because he's willing to find me.

So he's definitely willing to find anybody else. Interesting. And interesting. So you initially might have taken exception of being made an example of, but understood what he was attempting to do for the larger good, Michael. Absolutely.

Yeah. I mean, it's not a small fine, but in the grand scheme of things for me personally, it doesn't really hurt me as much. And I'm fortunate to be in that position.

And I don't say that lightly. It's like, Hey, I got just like, I'm not that way. But I think it sends a good message because everybody's seeing that like, Oh, he's finding pit. So I better be on my P's and Q's because if he's doing that to pit, I mean, he'll get us two for the same thing versus maybe some past years.

You might be able to slide with just not weighing out of practice. And how was he during the whole business with Jonathan Taylor, Michael, and with you guys? Because obviously you know you need 28 out there, and you also know what an individual type of person human he is on planet Earth. Right. And for that to occur while you were breaking in a rookie quarterback as well, that had to have been something.

Yeah. I mean, I feel like Shane handled it well. Shane is a player's coach. And even when it started to look a little bleak there, like a little bit, he just maintained it. And I feel like him and JT always maintained a positive relationship. And I really don't know the ins and outs of what went on between them, but just from the outside, I think that he handled it well, and he really fights for his guys. So I think that he probably wanted JT to get paid because we all wanted him to get paid because we know just what a great player he is, teammate, and everything that he does outside of the football field. So it worked out great, and we're so happy to have him. And we're looking forward to seeing what he does versus Houston because he has a history.

I actually see a stat that when JT plays Houston, it usually ends up good for us. Michael Pittman Jr., Colts wide receiver in advance of the win or go home game, potentially win and win the division game coming up on Saturday night on ABC and ESPN between the Colts and the Texans. And what's your favorite Gardner Minshew story?

What do you got for me? My favorite? There are so many. This is probably one that nobody really knows. So this is in the beginning of training camp.

And it's not just one story. Every morning he gets up and he does sun yoga, which I'm going out to catch passes and stuff and catch jugs. And I would see him and he's in the sun, hands on his hips. He's doing his yoga. And I'm just like, what is this guy doing? It looks kind of weird to be honest with you. But just seeing that every single day, he has his things that he does every day to get ready.

And I just thought that that was interesting to say the least is one of my first encounters with him when he came for training. Yeah, but you're from Southern California, Michael. I mean, come on.

That can't be the first person you've ever seen doing sun yoga in your life. Come on now. No. USC. I mean, come on now.

That is a very good point. Just saying. Well, hold on. Was it in jean shorts?

Now that would be something. Was he in his jean shorts doing it? No, he's shirtless and in shorts and barefoot, too. So if you can picture the mustache, the hair, shirtless, a little bit of chest hair, and I'm going to stop going to detail that's called Sun Where Sun Don't Shine Yoga. That's what I think that's what you're referring to right there, Michael.

Well, again, but what he's been able to do and what you guys have been able to do since Anthony Richardson going out is the reason why, in many ways, along with that defense, man, Speed and Franklin and Buck and all those guys that you have and Kenny Moore. I mean, what are you guys thinking about going into this contest Saturday night? What's your mindset here, sir? Yeah.

I mean, we all know what it means, and we all know the weight that this game carries, but we don't want to make it bigger than it already is. So we just want to prepare the same way that we have been. And we don't want to do anything different because we believe that our preparation is good enough. So if we can just stay consistent in everything that we've been doing, I think that gives us the best chance on Saturday night. Okay. And so what is the biggest challenge you've seen on film so far?

Yeah. I mean, I'd say the biggest challenge is probably their offense. CJ Stroud is playing lights out and all their offensive weapons.

I mean, you just never know. I mean, they can create. They played very well. Their defense rushes hard. They got their Jalen Petri. He comes down and he feels hard in the run game. And then they got two good corners outside. So they run a lot of zone.

So just being able to navigate windows and being able to stay ahead of the sticks and take advantage of the man opportunities. Last one for you. How good can Anthony Richardson be?

Give me that one. I mean, really, for him, the sky is the limit. I mean, he's so hard to defend. He just presents different challenges because he can run and he can pass and he can make these throws that I've never seen before. I mean, he's hopping off his back foot, launches it 70 yards.

I'm like, did they make this guy, like, in a lab? And he can just create, like, off schedule plays. And he's like one of those guys where, hey, like, you scramble. Like, I'm just running straight deep. Like, I'm just going to turn around and go deep and wave my hands. And he's going to run sideways and just launch it. So he's just so hard to defend, especially when we get the RPO game going because the threat of him running because you got him, JT, and then, like, the threat of him passing.

I mean, it's just going to be so hard to stop. I've heard he's also mature beyond his years, Michael. That's what I've heard.

Absolutely. I mean, he was one of the youngest players in the draft, I think. So that just says a lot to his character and just, like, the way that he works. And even after we went down, just his, like, dedication to be in our offensive meetings and just be there listening because he doesn't have to technically be there. Like, I've seen a lot of players who go on IR and then they don't go to meetings.

They just rehab and then they go home. But he shows up and he's there and he's listening, taking notes and really being that team leader that we need him to be. So I think that speaks volumes to his character and what he will be able to do in the future. And obviously, you know, him beating with you guys, the Texans in week two, puts you in the position of winning this game and potentially winning the division. And if you win the division, I think you'd be the first Trojan to come up with a title in the home of the Big 10 Championship Stadium, Michael, which is what the future Big 10 USC Trojan. You know what I mean?

Yeah, I mean, that sounds like one of those stats is like you're the first player to catch a ball on the 20 yard line on a Thursday. That's it. But that's just my way of saying we're freezing.

We're freezing in Big 10 country here is basically what I'm saying in Los Angeles. So Michael, thanks for the time. It's great to see you smiling. It's great to see you well.

And it's great to see a balling out and good luck on Saturday night. Appreciate it. Thanks, Rich.

I appreciate you better. That's Michael Pittman Jr. I'm the finest from Oaks Christian out here in Southern California.

And of course, USC. That's what I heard about Anthony Richardson, by the way. Yeah. When I was with the Colts twice, they are really psyched to have him next year. Makes sense. And they feel like this is kind of a red shirt year in a way that Mahomes had.

You know, that wasn't their intention, clearly. But he is, as I heard what Pittman said, he's in meetings, he's engaged, he's around. He's locked in in the community. He's locked in with the staff, the crew in the Colts facility.

They are psyched. Last time CJ Stroud was in that building is when he spun it at the Combine, man. And everybody was saying maybe he's number one overall. You know, looks like they were right.

And so he can win a defacto playoff game and division title in the spot where Michigan won the last three Big 10 championships. Just want to point that out. You're asking me how I'm feeling. I'm not nervous. We know I'm not nervous at all.

We still got four days. Okay. Why do you want me to be so miserable? I don't.

Why do you root against me? I don't. Yeah, you do. Well, it seems like fun to get.

Is it really? Okay, bad guy. He is that and the bad guy. I agree.

Don't say good night to the bad guy. Nice. Wow. I was working on that. Wow. Wow. Did you set up yourself for your own new drop that nobody asked you to create? I had no idea that was coming. I had no idea. Yes, I'm just checking your nerves.

Hoskins just said that's very Jair Alexander of him. He just went rogue. You know, you just went rogue.

You're just going out for the coin toss on every single one of the drops. That's fine. Well, Jason is banking on his phone could play something that had nothing to do with anything. So, Jade, I'm sorry. I'm confused when I see somebody in that chair be not only engaged, but additive.

And I can do to help. It's really it's really. Let's FaceTime Mike for the last segment.

Jarring Alexander to me, obviously, eight four four two or four rich. No doubt. Let's take a break and wrap up the show with some phone calls. Then we'll say hello to our little friends. Welcome to talk about the Ultimate Smallville rewatch podcast. Karen, what you got? Hi, guys.

Karen from Australia with a quick question for season three talisman. That knife wound was so powerful. Tom, what was it like to do that with John as your director? It's great that I was with those people, because when your eyes are closed and someone is supposed to going to stab you in the chest, you have to really trust that they're not going to hurt you. So I was in good hands with John.

Jump in now or catch up on any of the past seasons of Talkville on YouTube or wherever you listen. We're now at the top five power rankings of NFL quarterback birthday parties I'd prefer to attend. Number five is Josh Allen.

Let's go hang out with Josh Allen. I don't know what this is. Photographs from. Is it from a murder mystery party or something like that? Halloween? I don't know, but let's go hang out with Josh Allen.

All right. Number four on the list. Who wouldn't want to go to Tom Brady's birthday party? That would be number one. No, no, no, no. Single Tom Brady, bro. Tom Brady on a boat. Yeah.

And the one and it's on his cheat day with no one day where he's drinking too. We're okay. All right.

Okay. Number three on this list. Who wouldn't want to go say happy birthday to Joe Burrow? Look at Joe.

Come on now. Joe Burrow's throwing her birthday party. I'm going and everybody on the RSVP list is going to number two quarterback birthday party I would want to attend is Jimmy Garoppolo's birthday party. Yes, Tom's going to be there. And you just, I, I mean, I will just, I'll stand in the corner and look and it'll be creepy. Not going to lie.

I'm not going to lie. It'll be creepy. There'll be some birds. But Jimmy, I wouldn't be able to go to Jimmy Garoppolo's birthday party because Susie would say, I'm going your home.

Okay. The pigeons will be clucking top my power rankings, quarterback, birthday parties. I would like to attend an NFL quarterback birthday party hands down. Number one, Gardner Minshew story. It's not just starting quarterbacks. I said, NFL quarterback, number one, Gardner Minshew.

I wasn't a bad list in retrospect as well. Pretty funny on the rich eyes and show eight four four two Oh four rich number to dial game time tickets is a spot where you can get your tickets to every sporting event near you concert near you theater event, comedy near you go see Sarah Tiana. Where's Sarah going to be? Oh, Sarah's going to be in Washington DC this weekend. Excellent. Arlington hit game time, right? Yeah. Very good. And where can I go on game time to get a front row seat to watching you parent single parent this weekend?

What's the view from that seat? You can get it, get a great, get a great deal on that. Last minute tickets, flash deals, zone deals.

Find out what those are. When you go right there on game time, they're all different ways for you to buy tickets and make it easy to find the tickets for every kind of event in your area views from your seats, lowest price guarantee all in price to show you your total upfront. So, you know, you're getting a great deal before you check out, take the guesswork straight out of buying tickets with game time. Download the game time app, create an account and use the code rich for $20 off your first purchase. Restrictions apply.

Visit gametime.co for terms again, create an account, redeem the code R I C H $20 off download game time today. Last minute tickets, lowest price guaranteed. I knew that would be a great job. So fast.

He kills me with that every time he does it almost through this show without seeing. Okay. Steven Florida has been hanging on forever.

Wants to get something off his chest. Steve, what can I help you with? How can we help at RAS consulting? Steve, how can we help? Not too much.

How are you guys doing? Oh, good. Well, yeah, my main gripe, uh, I'm a Jags fan do I got fans since inception back in 70 and 95. But for my question, shout out to Freddie T being a finalist. He needs to be in the hall of fame with big boats.

Okay. But my main gripe is the Pro Bowl selections. I mean, I know you can't snub Josh Allen. He's ranked second in fact this year. Our long snapper Ross resistant. Oh, he's been a hand on forever recover his own fumble. He forced.

But my gripe is for two positions. Evan Ingram. I don't know if you knew Sunday. Evan Ingram is now the eighth player in NFL history. Yeah, Steve here. Steve, let me let me jump in here.

Let me jump in here. The other one Evan Ingram went, you know, my 12 year old son would tell you he had him in fantasy. He went like 12 weeks without scoring a touchdown.

And look, and I don't blame you. Josh Allen. I didn't see the Pro Bowl votes, by the way. I didn't see it. Did Josh Allen not make the Pro Bowl?

Is that what you're telling me? Josh Allen did. Okay, I'll give him that. That's why I said they couldn't snub him. Okay, right. So Josh Allen, the quarterback, didn't make it.

No, that's okay. But the Josh Allen in Jacksonville is outstanding. I mean, top, top, tippy, top notch.

And let me just say this to you, Steve. I mean, the Pro Bowl, it is now 100 percent, you know, popularity contest and things of that nature. And, you know, and thanks to the call, even if you don't make it, you're eventually going to get around to it because somebody is going to be like, oh, my arm or oh, my leg or all that sort of stuff.

Yeah, Tyler Huntley made it last year. You know what I mean? And I'll do respect. And if if if the if the subtext is Jacksonville doesn't get any respect, win the game in Tennessee. Win the game against the Cleveland Browns.

And then win the next game in Baltimore. Then you'll have a said hello. You'll you'll have respect then. Yeah, you know what I mean? Absolutely. And the pushback might be, well, we we almost beat the Patriots to go to the Super Bowl with Doug Marone and Nathaniel Hackett, by the way. Yeah.

And it didn't really garner them very much off of that. It's a it's a it's it's just just win those games. Certainly, if if they made it to the divisional round last year and this is supposed to be the step up here and and Trevor Lawrence has been, would you say he's been it's been a reverse like the first half of his season was like the second half of the season last year and the second half of his season was like the first last year. Except he's hurt. A lot for the first time in his career. I know. It's been a bummer.

Thought he'd really take a leap this year and he hasn't. OK, last thing. Mike McCarthy spoke today. I don't know who asked him this question. But it's a question we have asked and answered multiple times. And I just I just love the way he handled this question. About C.D. Lamb hit it.

Speaking of C.D., is it safe to assume that you think he's become an elite receiver in this league? Just scan the camera. See if you guys remember the show. I mean, I mean, what the hell?

I thought one of those cameras would come up and hit me in the face. Yes, I'd say C.D. 's an elite receiver. Yes. Do you want to? We can get a note to him about Punk'd.

TJ, a little bit newer. Well, I mean, it's your show. Candid camera. It was a part of it. Yes. I remember Candid Camera, too, coach. Dom DeLuise?

No, Alan Funt was his name. When you least expected you're elected. You're the one who stars. Smile. You're on Candid Camera.

But Punk doesn't exist without Candid Cameras. Well, right. I guess members of the media would just be like, you know, sometimes you just got to go up there and say, coach, can you give me a quote from my story on C.D.

Lam being really good now? That would have been a better way to do it, I guess. You know, you know, what I find funny is if you guys remember beginning of the season, I did a wide receiver tier ranking on the show.

OK. I remember people on X and Twitter telling me that C.D. Lam, who I'd had a tier two just because we're like, he's tier three at best.

He's not a tier two. Well, how would you know what they said on Twitter or X? Because I go to the Rich Eisen show. Oh, even though you've been unbanned, right? Yeah, I got unbanned. But you know what, man?

Well, sort of every skinhead on planet Earth. Yeah. So that doesn't make me feel better about this. OK. Never should have been banned to start with. So but yeah, a lot of people to this day act like C.D.

Lam. All right. Isn't the man I don't do. I can't ask everyone in Detroit, ask everyone in Philadelphia. He has been an equal opportunity abuser. You know, ever since you had him in fantasy last year and he dropped the ball one game and you said some disparaging remarks about it. I didn't say any disparaging remarks.

I said no disparaging remarks. I just know my my strike against me. It was a fantasy thing. My strike against me. And I am staying out of this next year is I'm sitting next to one 12 year old Cooper Evan Eisen. He's on his fantasy clock and there's Garrett Wilson and there's C.D.

Lam. And I'm like, oh, Aaron Rodgers is going to throw a million times to Garrett Wilson. You should get him. And I was right. Had the Achilles held up, he'd have thrown a million times to Garrett Wilson, who, by the way, had a thousand yard receiving season this year. So that's how good he is.

Could you imagine if he had Rodgers for 17 games? So basically you cost Cooper championship is what you're saying. Yes, I did. Yes, I did. Yes, I did. So call me the idiot, Chris.

You're an idiot. Thank you. And he just forced his way into their life. And now he's making money hand over fist. That is a story I love 83 weeks on YouTube or wherever you listen.