In short
Hour 1 of The Rich Eisen Show centers on the Vikings vs. Bears Week 1 reaction, focusing on rookie QB J.J. McCarthy’s disastrous first half (six straight 3-and-outs, a telegraphed pick-six) followed by a historic fourth-quarter comeback and eventual Minnesota road win. It also previews what’s next for the Bears and discusses Caleb Williams’ “growing process” comments after the loss.
Guests
Trey McBride (Arizona Cardinals Pro Bowl tight end). Background: born in Greeley, Colorado; played at Colorado State; known for high-catch-rate production and a strong connection with Kyler Murray.
Key claims
McCarthy became the first QB since 1950 to come back from a 10+ point fourth-quarter deficit in his NFL debut (and only other example cited is Steve Young in 1985). Vikings’ win is framed as proof of McCarthy’s resilience and Kevin O’Connell’s QB development.
Notable examples
McCarthy’s red-zone dart to Justin Jefferson; Nishan Wright’s pick-six; Bears’ missed chances including an airmailed DJ Moore target.
Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.
Chapters
Tap a time to open that second in VOPreviewing Today's Guests
0:00 to 0:30
Rich introduces guests Chris Long and Burt Kreischer joining the show.
“You know back to school is coming in fast.”
Previewing Today's Guests
0:33 to 0:56
Rich introduces guests Chris Long and Burt Kreischer joining the show.
“You think you know a browser, but Gemini and Chrome, that's new.”
Previewing Today's Guests
1:25 to 2:27
Rich introduces guests Chris Long and Burt Kreischer joining the show.
“What a try to begin the season for the Chicago Bears.”
Chicago Bears and J.J. McCarthy Discussion
2:27 to 4:30
Rich discusses the Chicago Bears' performance and J.J. McCarthy's debut.
“And then, shirts off, everybody, Bert Kreischer will be here on the program.”
J.J. McCarthy's Game Performance Overview
4:30 to 10:43
Analysis of J.J. McCarthy's struggles and eventual comeback in his debut.
“Listen, everybody around these parts know I'm a University of Michigan guy.”
Looking Ahead for J.J. McCarthy
10:43 to 14:01
Rich shares insights on J.J. McCarthy's future games and upcoming challenges.
“And wondering, does the kid really have it?”
J.J. McCarthy's NFL Debut
14:01 to 17:45
Discussing J.J. McCarthy's impressive first start and performance against the Falcons.
“who he, prior to last night, was the last quarterback he faced in the national championship game in Washington.”
Analyzing the Bears' Performance
17:45 to 22:46
A critique of the Bears' performance against the Vikings, focusing on Caleb Williams and coaching decisions.
“And it leaves the Bears in a fetal position.”
Upcoming Challenges for the Bears
22:46 to 25:10
Discussing the upcoming challenges for the Bears after their loss and potential future games.
“Good news is that means 16 more first 15 scripted.”
Listener Call-In Segment
27:50 to 28:00
Engaging with listeners via calls, discussing their thoughts on the Bears game and predictions.
“We're going to get to your calls in a second right here on ESPN Radio presented by Progressive Insurance.”
Show all 19 chapters
Carl's Bears Rant
28:06 to 30:14
Carl from Illinois shares his thoughts on the Bears' performance and frustrations with the team's management.
“Let's take some phone calls here on the Rich Eisen Show.”
Transition to Trey McBride
30:14 to 30:56
Rich transitions to his next guest, tight end Trey McBride, while discussing Carl's call.
“Bill Belichick got a lot of credit for the Bulls, but the real mastermind was Tex Winter.”
Trey McBride Discusses The Cardinals
30:56 to 32:50
Trey McBride talks about the Cardinals' first win, team expectations, and performance improvements.
“but our Bears fan who just called in from Illinois needed a hug, Trey.”
Expectations for the Season
32:50 to 35:57
Trey shares the team's expectations for playoffs and his personal journey in the NFL.
“certainly since everybody but the Seahawks in your Division I in Week 1.”
Hometown and Achievements
35:57 to 38:10
Discussion on Trey's hometown, his awards, and how he feels being recognized as a player.
“I think he's a guy who can really, you know, stretch the defense and make big plays down the field.”
Addressing Player Performance
38:10 to 40:04
Rich and Trey discuss player performance, confidence, and the importance of teamwork.
“So it's something I need to get out and put up in the house somewhere.”
Sideline Mike Calls In
42:00 to 43:46
Sideline Mike shares his thoughts on J.J. McCarthy and football.
“Back on the Rich Eisen Show radio network along with our Disney Plus ESPN app everywhere.”
Discussion on McCarthy's Performance
43:46 to 46:09
The hosts discuss J.J. McCarthy's abilities and the implications of his recent game.
“I know we have a good laugh when he calls in.”
Reflections on Cheating Allegations
46:09 to 47:12
A debate on the implications of cheating allegations in college football.
“And again, I did go on and I'm like, listen, not there.”
Transcript
Automatic transcript. May contain errors.0:00Hey Chicago, class it up with Crocs. You know back to school is coming in fast. So why wait to find your new fave footwear? Step into a local Crocs store and step into your new look. Try it. Style it. Make it yours. Because the right pair doesn't just show up, it shows off. First day fits, handled. Walk out ready for whatever's next. Visit your nearest Crocs store today. This episode is brought to you by Google Chrome. You think you know a browser, but Gemini and Chrome, that's new. It can help you with practically anything on the web, like restoring a vintage motorcycle from a 50-page restoration block, or finally break down that long article you've had open for weeks.
0:45Gemini and Chrome is here for it. Ready to make anything online make sense? There's no place like Chrome. Check responses set up required, compatibility and availability varies 18+.
0:56Rich Eisen: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 3 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 slash Rich Eisen Show and you'll never miss a moment. Now, on with the show. What a try to begin the season for the Chicago Bears. This is The Rich Eisen Show. Touchdown! Live from The Rich Eisen Show studio in Los Angeles. He's J.J. McCarthy! Today's guests, two-time Super Bowl champion and Greenlight podcast host, Chris Long.
1:46Rich Eisen:Comedian, Burt Kreischer. Plus, latest news and more. And now, it's Rich Eisen. Hey everybody, welcome to this edition of the Rich Eisen Show live on Disney Plus, the ESPN app everywhere and ESPN radio presented by Progressive Insurance. Those who are listening on Sirius XM channel 80, hello. Those who are listening on our podcast version of the show all three hours, it's your God-given right to listen to us whenever you darn well please. Hello to you too. That's the way we roll into this Tuesday program. Trey McBride of the Arizona Cardinals is going to join us. The Green Light Pod, two-time Super Bowl champion, friendly face on this program.
2:26Rich Eisen:One of our favorites, Chris Long, will join us in the middle of this show. And then, shirts off, everybody, Bert Kreischer will be here on the program. Let's go. I think Bert's going to be the only one. I don't know if he'll do that or not. But the machine steps into our studio in hour number three. Bert Kreischer will join us. Good to see you over there, Christopher Brockman. How are you? Rich, I'm doing excellent. How are you, my friend? DJ Mikey Diaz and Dee's nuts. Good to see you, Mike Deltufo. in his chair and TJ Jefferson candles already lit. Good to see you, sir. Great to see you guys, man.
2:54Rich Eisen:Jerry Jones spoke at his local radio station for the first time in season. Yeah, Jerry Jones on his Tuesday show, so that's still to come. No way. On the show. As you know, we always love when Jerry checks in on 105.3 The Fan. I have your damn act together. By the way, all of the drops. Save them, save them. Because this is the first time Jerry has spoken at his local radio show since we've migrated to Disney Plus. and all the drops that we've gotten from his past few years. Save him. Get him ready. We'll go down a little memory lane before we hear the latest from Jerry. We're going to show a whole new group of fans our shenanigans, and I love it.
3:29Rich Eisen:That's exactly what we're doing. And Overreaction Monday, the podcast is still out there for you to take in, everybody. Over 200 ,000 folks have already taken in that program through our YouTube channel, where it lives in addition to the podcast version. All three hours of this show, as I mentioned, is available through the ESPN Pod Center, ESPN podcast. Same thing with Overreaction Monday. No contest wrestling with TJ and O'Shea Jackson Jr. Comes later on today. Grayson Waller was the guest. Very good. Good to know about that. By the way, while we were just talking, we won over 400 ,000 subscribers on TikTok today.
4:04Rich Eisen:Words I didn't think I would ever say. We owe it to Xander. Xander, my 17-year-old, years ago, came on when he, I think he was like 12 or 11, said, Dad, you need to be on TikTok. And then I tried. I was like, I can't figure this out, Rich. I don't know. I can't do it. Jake Culp and Bean Owen came along and boom, yada, yada, yada, 400 ,000. Look at us. Look at us. And we didn't have to do no dances. Well, you know, we didn't have to do a single dance. That is correct. We do not dance. Speaking of fortitude and hanging in there. J.J. McCarthy. Your son. Listen, everybody around these parts know I'm a University of Michigan guy.
4:40Rich Eisen:So obviously I'm rooting for the guy. And obviously I was beyond crestfallen for this guy. the champion quarterback of Team 144 of the University of Michigan, national champions, last undefeated national champion, and maybe the last ever such thing now that we've got multiple games in a playoff. Are you mentioning that because last year's champ didn't go? Oh, that's true. Oh, interesting. Thank you. Yeah, they didn't. Don't feed the beast. Like, come on, man. But in all seriousness, you guys have met J.J. McCarthy. He was on our program. I mean, he was very charming. You really enjoyed him. You met him maybe for the first time for you the day before the draft, or was it the day of the draft in Detroit?
5:22Rich Eisen:I forget. We did a show from the other, yeah. And he joined us. He was great. He sent me the video that he had in his back pocket that we showed on our air. His dad chatting with his mom as she's about to give birth to him, and you could hear the dad say, we're going to call him JJ, and he's going to be our little quarterback. I mean, come on, right? I mean, he doesn't say that. And then he goes and he gets drafted by the Minnesota Vikings and then hurts his knee, and he's out for his entire first year. And he sits there and watches Sam Darnold win 14 games. And he's got to sit there and wonder, do I have a spot here?
6:02Rich Eisen:Now, we're saying that from the outside. I don't know what Kevin O 'Connell was saying to him on the inside. We found out from our buddy Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated that O 'Connell was having weekly meetings with J.J. McCarthy while he was convalescing. And while he was coaching up Sam Darnold to that position and how well he was playing there while Kevin O 'Connell becomes coach of the year for the 14-win Vikings. And sure enough, Sam goes to Seattle. The Vikings put their marker on J.J. McCarthy. and after all the conversation throughout the spring and summer, is the kid ready? He gets barely a cup of coffee in preseason, and I'm sitting there, I'm saying, hey, this kid's ready.
6:50Rich Eisen:I'm not there. I just saw what he did in Michigan, and one of the things he also was telling us all the time was, remember he had his smiley face written on his hand, and I asked him what that was about, and he said that when he was in high school, in Illinois, in the Chicagoland area, and he said that he was always getting down on himself, and he was also putting himself in such a negative headspace that he would write that, he'd draw that smiley face on his hand just to remember, have fun, which is a mindfulness you don't see in somebody that young. And he also talks about his meditations, that he goes through to, so he has mindfulness.
7:37Rich Eisen:He would sit there cross-legged at the, at the, the base of a goal post in, in Michigan, getting ready for games. So now the kid's ready. The question is, how's he going to look? And he's playing in his, his home city in Chicago, where they're unveiling Caleb Williams with Ben Johnson, the new HC of the Chicago Bears for the first time. And he goes three and out and it doesn't look pretty. And then Caleb Williams shows up in the first 15 scripted for Ben Johnson. Caleb goes five for five, marches down the field, and taps it off by running it. Okay. And then J.J. McCarthy comes out and has six three and outs in his first nine drives.
8:25Rich Eisen:To say he looked overwhelmed is an understatement. The Bears were rushing four and getting home. so up front things aren't looking too great he threw one that one of the only good passes he threw in the first half was a red zone dart to jade to his jj justin jefferson and he threw it in such a spot where the defender couldn't get it only jj would have to go down and try and make a tough basket catch off the ground and it hit justin jefferson between the one and the eight and uncharacteristically hit the ground. Adam Thielen dropped one. A lot of uncharacteristic Minnesota Vikings stuff was happening.
9:08Rich Eisen:And the Bears were all over this kid. All over him. And then second half. Hey, Bears go three and out. McCarthy gets the ball back. He's now on the plus side of the field. Let's go. Three snaps in, pick six. And not just any pick six. It was not one of those tip drill pick sixes. It was a terrible telegraphed, the entire world seeing it coming throw that Nishan Wright picked it off pick six that stared at the Vikings sideline going down the field. It's 17 six. The route is on. And J.J. McCarthy's first start of his career is an unmitigated disaster. Rich, dare I say it was Shabian. It was a Shabian throw, which are words you don't want to say.
9:56Rich Eisen:No. You know what you'd rather be compared to? Steve Young. You know what you'd rather be compared to? Aaron Rodgers and Phillip Rivers. And by the end of the night, J.J. McCarthy was. Because this, kids, I'm going to go here. This is a life lesson. Mindfulness, stay calm, believe in yourself. Hopefully you do have people in your corner like Kevin O 'Connell who looks you in the face saying, we're good. You're good. it sure did not look going into the fourth quarter of that game last night. Six three and outs and a pick six. Not your night. Bears fans going crazy. Your family's in the stands and everybody in Minnesota is going, really?
10:43Rich Eisen:Pining for Sam Darnold. And wondering, does the kid really have it? Is this really, we really changed course for this. A Steely Dan album. And by the end of the day and the evening, J.J. McCarthy became the first quarterback since 1950 at least to come back from a 10 or worse point deficit in the fourth quarter of their NFL debut on the road. the only other quarterback since the middle of the last century to do what McCarthy did at all. And he did it at home. The only other quarterback in their NFL debut to come back from a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter is named Steve Young, who did it in 1985.
11:33Rich Eisen:As J.J. McCarthy became just the first, in week one, became just the third first-round quarterback to win their first NFL start not in their rookie season since Aaron Rodgers and Phillip Rivers did it.
11:49Rich Eisen:And the Vikings come up with their first victory, trailing by 10 or more points in the fourth quarter since Week 15, 2022 against Indianapolis. Remember that one? It was on NFL Network. Indianapolis led by 33 points, 33-0. Remember that one? That massive Kirk Cousins-led comeback? That's the last time they did it. Trailing in the fourth quarter. J.J. McCarthy did it with two passing touchdowns and then one rushing touchdown that put him over the top for good. The first player to come up with two or more passing touchdowns or one or more rushing touchdowns in their NFL debut, Cam Newton. Remember that one in Arizona?
12:27Rich Eisen:I do. 400 yards. These are things that nobody thought was in the ether possible based on what we saw coming out of the box with J.J. McCarthy. and the Minnesota Vikings wind up winning a division game on the road in Chicago, leaving the Bears fans in a fetal position. Our call screener, Adam, when you call this program at 844-204-RICH, please be nice to him. He is a fragile person already talking about starting Tyson Bajant. He really is. I'll bet me money already. So the Vikings did that to the Bears because they had a resilient, tough-minded champion of a kid. I couldn't be prouder. And I really, as you know, have nothing other than just a collegiate connection with him and having met him and interviewed him a couple times.
13:26Rich Eisen:Could you imagine if you're his coach, his teammates? there's video of the moment that McCarthy was circled by his teammates in the locker room that you should seek out nobody thought this was possible based off of what we saw in the first half and then that pick six here's j.j. McCarthy after the game it's been a long journey and you know 609 days I think I saw it was my last you know competitive football game which was the national championship so it's been a while of you know just being in the training room um watching a lot of film learning the playbook and trying to master that but at the end of the day you know it's such a blessing to be an nfl football player and you know play in this league and you know i'm grateful that we get to go out there next week and play the falcons on sunday night that's right he goes home and the next game that you see the entire country is going to see that one too and the guy he's seeing is Michael Penix Jr.
14:22Rich Eisen:who he, prior to last night, was the last quarterback he faced in the national championship game in Washington. And that's a must-win W that the Falcons are going to need. That's going to be a great game on Sunday night. On to the lights with the whole country watching. And J.J. McCarthy's used to that. Sort of scrutiny. And he hasn't lost a game since he stood out on the field watching TCU celebrate in Arizona. in that bowl loss. He watched them celebrate, and he hasn't lost a game since. Yeah, I heard the stat. He's 64-3, dating back to high school. So, listen, what does he do moving forward?
15:02Rich Eisen:I don't know. All I know is that is a baptism by fire, and he was firing. That dart he threw to Justin Jefferson for the touchdown? Yeah, he put some stank on that. And the other throws that he was making after that pick six, How do you find that reserve? You're either born with it or you're not. Or you learn about it and you hone it. And then, of course, it helps to have the reigning coach of the year, one of the top quarterback whisperers I've seen since covering the NFL in the last 22-plus years in Kevin O 'Connell. This is what he said to the kid after throwing the pick six after the six three and outs.
15:39So I just told him, just like the whole day, one more, you know, just worry, but let's just keep playing the next nap together. and I promise you we'll find a way. That's what I told him. He's got an unbelievable look in his eye on game day, and he just kept his belief and his trust in himself. The phrase that I like to use, you guys have heard it many times, being at your best when your best is required. There's no other time than that than to have two touchdowns and two passing touchdowns and a rushing touchdown, 21 points, and really darn near close to just the fourth quarter alone. So, really big-time moment to build off of.
16:19Rich Eisen:I mean, and McCarthy became the second quarterback in league history to win their NFL debut on the road in primetime. The other is the guy he replaced in Sam Darnold, who also threw a pick-six in that Monday night or in Detroit, if you recall that. I do. And you can sit and go, well, you know, Sam Darnold didn't work out for the Jets. You know, his head coach also got fired and wasn't a coach of the year who is a quarterback whisperer who was attached to the hit one. And Todd Bowles actually might stand in the way at some point because of how well they're playing. But a great first start after you thought there was no chance there could be anything great about that start at all.
16:55Rich Eisen:And the Vikings have got to feel great about themselves. A back pocket division road win out of nowhere in the kid's first start where he's feeling a ton of confidence now going into the Sunday night or at home, and they could be 2-0. they beat Atlanta. And then a home date with Joe Burrow. So technically another Michigan, Ohio state, since Joe still claims that and the school still claims him. Before the whole country once again watches the Vikings again in Ireland against Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers. Before the whole country watches J.J. McCarthy again in London against the Browns. Both of those last two games on NFL Network, I must say.
17:44Rich Eisen:So, great start, especially when you didn't see it coming. And it leaves the Bears in a fetal position. Let's talk about the Bears. The Bears. Listen. The Ben Johnson first drive. at the end of the day it wasn't we don't we're not looking at it like bill belichick's first drive as head coach of north carolina because this wasn't a blowout but it feels that way for the bears right now great first drive where do you hang the banner for that and once the script was done it sure looked like um the offense was different and that caleb williams was still fumbling for a light switch. He went five for five on that opening drive and looked terrific.
18:40Rich Eisen:And other times, he looked in rhythm. He did make some really nice throws. But as the game wore on, last year's offense and the struggles in the final half of that season, it crept back in. Then the Vikings' defense found its footing and Caleb couldn't make a first down worth a darn. and the Vikings come back and win and the Bears get shocked and have an 11-point lead. You know, it's kind of crazy. When the pick six goes in the end zone, I had the same feeling that I had when Derrick Henry ran one in against the Bills on Sunday night to make it a 15-point lead in the fourth quarter. And you're thinking, this thing's over.
19:23Rich Eisen:Over. And that's when the momentum switched for the teams that were both down by double digits. Unbelievably. And the number of times that the Bears, if they could only have come up with a first down here, put some drive together and more points on the board. There's a DJ Moore going towards the pylon wide open. And Caleb airmailed him.
19:47Rich Eisen:And a hospital ball throwing it more over the middle. I mean, we could go on and on and on and on. But the bottom line is, listening to Caleb afterwards, I'll express what I think Bears fans are feeling right now. I think there was a lot of good there. Our communication, you know, I think he was getting the plays in, you know, fast. And I've been able to get out the huddle. You know, we need to be better with that. And I've been able to get up to the line, make checks or whatever the case may be. But, you know, I think it's a growing process that it's going to keep growing from here. The start, this is the start, but definitely not the end.
20:27So we'll keep growing. We'll keep being passionate about this offense, him and I, and passionate about this team and winning. Now, I think this is what the issue is,
20:40Rich Eisen:and it's potentially unfair for Caleb, but it's the fact. Here he is in his now 18th start in the NFL, start one in year two, talking about growing, and they just got beat by a kid who had his ass beat for three quarters and in just one quarter gives the impression that he's groansed up with his quarterback whisperer coach. J.J. McCarthy leaves Chicago with a huggy drop fourth quarter. That's the phrase Bill Parcells would always use when a rookie comes into his own. He dropped his huggies. That's one of my favorite Parcells phrases that I've heard. And so McCarthy drafted nine spots after Caleb Williams in just his first fourth quarter of his professional career.
21:30Rich Eisen:Showed more than we saw from Caleb Williams after that London game where he threw for four touchdown passes. Unfortunately, let's give him that game in Washington that he had won with a really gritty fourth quarter score, only to have it blown by a Hail Mary. and then after that, obviously Iberflus has a lot to do with it and that mess last year, and here the Bears fans, and it's not Caleb's fault, here they are hearing from their first overall drafted quarterback, Xavier, talking about, we're still growing, we're still learning, and McCarthy is all groans'd up, or at least it looks that way, in just one quarter, Vikings fans are like, we got our guy, and here the Bears fans are like, do we have our guy?
22:21Rich Eisen:especially since I don't hear Jaden Daniels talking about learning moments. He's already a fully grown, grown-ass man. Fair enough or not. Different situations, different coaching situations. He didn't have either flus in the rest of what last year to deal with. This is what's going on, I think, for Bears fans today. Good news is there's 16 more games to go. Good news is that means 16 more first 15 scripted. and a head coach who does, I think, know what he is doing. This is what Ben Johnson had to say afterwards. I thought he started off really well, and then I don't know. I'll have to go back and look at exactly where those incompletions came in, but it certainly felt like it dried up a little bit, and probably a credit to Flores and the Vikings as well, making some adjustments on their end because some things tightened up as well.
23:17You decided to go for it on fourth and three. What can you take to your decision-making process on there? And does Caleb need to hit that throw with a more open kind of there in the middle of the field? Yeah, I'd have to go back and look at exactly from his viewpoint what that looked like. But we like the call, and we like the decision at the time.
23:36Rich Eisen:Next up for the Bears. Oh, baby. In the same way J.J. McCarthy is seeing an old path crosser with Michael Penix Jr., it's the Lions who are going to be taking the field after six straight days of hearing, oh, you're missing Ben Johnson. Are you really the same team? And who's coming in for them to prove we don't miss you than Ben Johnson, whose quarterback he needs to have grow up a little bit faster, it appears? I mean, what a game that is going to be with both of them 0-1. Somebody's leaving 0-2. Is it Ben Johnson? or is it the team that everybody's going to say you miss Ben Johnson if they're 0-2?
24:21Rich Eisen:Holy crap. In Ford Field. That's a loser leaves town game, and you look at that schedule, Bears suddenly staring at 0-5 in the face. They're home for Dallas at Vegas, which, as you know, is 1-0, a bye week at Washington. Oh, man. And then that one, if they're 0-4, as you just threw out there, coming off the bye going into Jaden Daniels. but let's just pump the brakes a little bit it is just week one that said the juxtaposition of a huggy dropped jj mccarthy who basically had his huggies soiled through three quarters and the quarterback drafted first overall saying we got learning moments still to come here guys i don't know if bears fans are really up to hearing that but they have to let's take a break Trey McBride of the Arizona Cardinals.
25:11Rich Eisen:When we come back, your phone calls at 844-204-RICH, number to dial.
25:21Rich Eisen:The Rich Eisen Show Podcast.
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28:06Rich Eisen:Let's take some phone calls here on the Rich Eisen Show. Carl in Antioch, Illinois. What's up, Carl? Oh, what's going on, Rich? I'm a new listener to the ESPN affiliate for the call, my friend. Carl, where you been? It's just year 11 for us. I've been to Chicago, and I've got to say, we've got a little vacation home up in the Upper Peninsula, so I grew up snowmobiling around a bunch of Michigan fans. They're my third favorite college. This is great. Carl sounds like me. Third favorite college. No, he actually sounds like one of the Swirsky brothers here. This is fantastic. Let's say he's got three teams.
28:38Rich Eisen:I like that, Carl. Carl, do you need a hug about the Bears last night? Because we give out hugs here, just like this guy. Well, actually, you know, I called yesterday and I was going to comment, and I actually, afterwards, I didn't make the show, I sent you a tweet and I predicted that the Vikings were going to win because I got a lot of problems, and I think that we're going to win five games. It's at the Superfans with two S's on Twitter. I sent it to you, and I tagged Ashton, too, because I know he wants to work with me. I got only five wins. I got a lot of problems with the O-line and how they invested.
29:05We made a significant dent in our... We made a significant growth in our line, but we went from a D-minus to a C-minus. That's a significant improvement, but that doesn't make it a good grade. And Ryan Pouls, my problem is with Ryan Pouls. It's in the tweet. It's documented. I said Justin Jefferson and Aaron Jones both find the end zone, and next week we're going to I'll lose minus 19, take Detroit. It's not a good team. Ryan Poles is the kind of guy that when he goes to a fraternity party when he's in college, he spends a couple hours looking at all the good-looking girls and deciding who to talk to, but he doesn't know what criteria to base on what girl to talk to.
29:35So he lets all the other good-looking guys pick the girls, and then he waits until 3 a.m., and he just takes all the leftovers. And then when he gets a drunken kiss, he proposes marriage after like an hour.
29:45Rich Eisen:Carl in Illinois. My God. Carl, listen, Carl. Sounds like my marriage. Carl, a couple things. First of all, if you want to have me see something, put it on threads. I've been off of X for a while, that hellscape. I'm so much happier for it. You have no idea. We'll see it, though. They'll see it. Maybe pass it along to me. My next guest is ready to check in. Do you just need a hug real quick, Carl? Sounds like you do. I don't need a hug because I kind of want us to get some better draft position. But I have a theory for you because I know you're a Jets fan, too. All right? So my whole thing is if you saw the way that Justin Fields was playing, all right, I have a feeling, and this is such a Bears thing, I have a feeling that when it came down to, you know, Bill Tarso got a lot of credit for the Giants being a good team, but the real mastermind was Bill Belichick.
30:28Bill Belichick got a lot of credit for the Bulls, but the real mastermind was Tex Winter. Carl, I got to run.
30:32Rich Eisen:Thank you for the call. Call back, Carl. I'm sorry to cut you off. I never do that, but my next guest is ready. And I think Carl has already said his piece with Ryan Poles with his red plastic cup in the middle of the night. All right. I love Carl. Joining us on behalf of his go-to protein shake, Rockin' Protein, is Pro Bowl tight end of the Arizona Cardinals, Trey McBride. How are you doing, Trey? Hey, what's up, guys? Thanks for having me on. Good to see you. You know, I'm sorry we got to you a little late, but our Bears fan who just called in from Illinois needed a hug, Trey. You know what I mean?
31:02Yeah, no, he was fired up. He definitely needed maybe more than a hug. That was good to hear, for sure.
31:08Rich Eisen:How's the team feeling after that opening dub in New Orleans, Trey? Yeah, I mean, obviously to start the season 1-0, to get a win on the road is always a good thing. So the team's feeling really good. Obviously, we didn't play as good as we'd want to. We didn't execute everything, so we've got a lot to clean up, but excited for another opportunity this week against the Panthers. So what is it about week one now? You know, the passing game is last three years has been less than what it was in the previous three years in a week one. And I'm just wondering, is this still just the fact that not everybody's played a full game together in the world of less preseason action?
31:49Rich Eisen:Is that what we're witnessing, do you think? Yeah, I think that's a little bit of it. And obviously, week one's one of those things where you never really know what the defense is going to do. You don't, you know, what you think they're going to do, they're probably not going to do. And for us, with the new head coach and, you know, Kellen Moore and things like that, we didn't really have a lot of film on what they were going to do. So it's hard to really guess what everyone's going to do week one. And then going week two, week three, you have a little bit of film and an idea of what a team's going to do so you can game plan a little bit better.
32:18I think that's also part of it.
32:19Rich Eisen:And then thrown into the mix, I'm doing NFL Network game day morning on Sunday, and we're hearing Kyler Murray's a little bit under the weather. And I'm wondering how that might have thrown anything off in week one. Yeah, I mean, obviously that's not – you want your guy at 100 % and you don't want him feeling bad. That could definitely be a part of it as well, but he had enough to get us to win, and we were able to win, so hopefully he can rest up, heal up this week, and be ready to go next week for the Panthers. Yeah, and being 1-0, coming back home, got to feel good about all of that, certainly since everybody but the Seahawks in your Division I in Week 1.
32:56Rich Eisen:What do you guys say in this now year three with Jonathan Gannon about your expectation? Playoffs, do you openly talk about it deep in the playoffs? What do you guys talk about? in arizona you definitely i don't think we openly talk about it but we definitely um know that what we expect of our team and i think we're a playoff team i think now we're in year three of jonathan gannon uh you know him as the head coach the the system the culture everything that he's brought in and i think it's go time now kyler's healthy everybody's healthy we're coming in this year strong ready to go and i i fully expect uh you know us to to make the playoffs and and be able to make a run in the postseason and what about you when when did you realize you you can not only play this game at the professional level but a very high level with an incredible efficiency and high catch rate trey when did you when did that hit you for the first time i think it was just you know building confidence i always knew i was a good player i knew what i was capable of but really getting that opportunity and then and then just week in and week out um building confidence in myself and and and by the coaches you know building confidence in me with with the you know the call the plays that they call and honestly me and kyler having a great connection so i feel very happy, feel very good here in Arizona.
34:09And, uh, I think, um, you know, I don't know when it really happened for me, but I think just week in and week out, just building that confidence in myself and knowing what I can do.
34:16Rich Eisen:Yeah, man. I mean, not, not to, you know, I went, when, when folks Google you Trey McBride, let's just say like somebody like a host of a show to find out where your hometown is. Cause I like asking people about their, their hometowns, Greeley, Colorado, right? Is that where you were born? Yeah, I was born in Greeley and then, and then moved to Fort Morgan and really spent most of my life there. Okay, very good. The first, you know, in the Google, there's a section that says people also ask. For some reason, the first question people also ask is, quote, is Trey McBride any good? And I'm like, you'll be happy to know the answer is McBride being listed among the best tight ends in the NFL is no surprise.
34:54Rich Eisen:So do you feel like you're overlooked, Trey? You know, I think sometimes I definitely feel like that. But at the same time, it doesn't really matter. I know what I'm capable of. I know the kind of player that I can be and what I can do. And I think I just continue to put good things on tape. And eventually, hopefully, I'll be considered a good player. Well, let's put it this way. You're a terrific player. And obviously, you have an incredible way and a knack of getting open and catching. and unfortunately in last year just not getting in the end zone, catching one as much as you wanted. Although I must say I was at the microphone for your first touchdown reception of the year, so maybe I need to be around you more.
35:38Rich Eisen:There it is, yeah. But where can this offense go? How efficient do you think you guys can get here and start putting up massive numbers on that side of the football? Yeah, I think that's something that we need to do. I think with Kyler, fully healthy, a healthy Marvin Harrison, You know, Marvin's going to be taking that next jump into year two. I think he's a guy who can really, you know, stretch the defense and make big plays down the field. Obviously, Zay Jones, James Conner, Mike Wilson. We've got so many guys on this offense that can go out and make plays. And I fully, you know, think that we're capable of scoring a lot of points and being a top offense in this league.
36:15Rich Eisen:Yeah, I mean, Marvin Harrison in week one got on the score sheet here. And the question is, is you just hit it. What makes you think he's going to take that big second-year leap, Trey? Yeah, I think just the confidence that he has in himself, knowing how defenses are going to play him, knowing how Kyler likes to play, knowing what he needs to do to get open, things like that. And I think he showed a little bit of it in week one, and I think he's going to continue to show it of all these big plays that he can make and the ability that he has to really change games and be a real big threat for us.
36:52Rich Eisen:What is Gannon selling that's been bought by the team here? I think it's just the toughness, the physicality that he wants us to play with. But most importantly, I think just the culture that he's building, the people that he's brought in, everyone's real bought in and really believes in everything that he's building, everything that he's about. And I really do love playing for him. He's a great head coach, and I'm excited to continue to win a lot of games with him. If I'm looking for a protein shake, why am I choosing rockin' protein? I mean, there's a million reasons why, but I think the reason, a huge reason I chose them is, you know, they're based out of Arizona.
37:31They have, you know, the local field, you know, right here in the state that I play in. You can find it all over the place, you know, the Walmarts, the family dollars, the Kroger's, all the different things. But the taste is what really sets it apart is, you know, how good it is. They got the strawberry, the vanilla chocolate flavor, but it doesn't leave that chalky taste in your mouth that most protein shakes do. And that's something that really sets it apart from other places.
37:59Rich Eisen:Where do you have your John Mackey Award? Where do you keep it? You know, that's funny you ask. I actually have it back home in Fort Morgan at my parents' house, and it's probably just collecting dust in the basement down there. So it's something I need to get out and put up in the house somewhere. That's a special trophy to me. Is that where they're propping their books up? Is that what you're saying? Like, what are you talking about? It's just all down there. It's probably in my bedroom down there in my basement, just collecting dust and eating. We need to get that out for sure. Your bedroom was in the basement, Trey?
38:30Rich Eisen:Not to get too personal. Yeah, I mean, back in Colorado, that's where, you know, that's how a lot of houses are. There's basements and things like that. So my bedroom was down in the basement. It was nice and cool down there. It was fun. So then what was your NFL dream while you were down there? Like, what were you dreaming about as a kid? You know, I was a diehard Broncos fan growing up. So, you know, Joel Dreesen was a tight end from my hometown, and I just wanted to be just like him. So I was always, you know, dreaming of how I can, you know, be the next great tight end and love the Broncos and watch those guys.
39:01So that was always a dream for me.
39:03Rich Eisen:I'm trying to say, I don't think you play them this year. No, we played them in the preseason this year. Unfortunately, we don't play them. Hopefully next year we can get back to Colorado, and it'll be a good, you know, welcome home game. Trey, thanks for the time, man. really appreciate it. And let's do this a little bit more often and best of luck against Carolina. Then you go to San Francisco and then we'll see you on Thursday night football against Seattle. A whole country can settle in and watch you do your thing. Absolutely. Can't wait. We'll talk soon. Thanks again. You bet. Ladies and gentlemen, I can confirm.
39:33Rich Eisen:Can you believe that? Would you want that question in your Google? Is he any good? Are people really typing that in? Can you do me a favor? Just do this real quick. Type in is Rich Eisen any good? you want those answers yes i'll take it because i think i'm good you know what comes up with is rich eisen and so the ai overview on google is that the gemini is that their that's their google yes rich eisen is generally considered to be a good and well-regarded sports broadcaster and host thank god the ai didn't say solid yeah oh my god i'd be in a fetal position as well like paris fans are today that's right known for his insight insightful sports expertise yes i am Combined with humor and pop culture.
40:14Hey, all right.
40:16Rich Eisen:Did you write that? I don't think that's artificially intelligent at all. I think that's actually intelligent. That's real intelligence. Is Trey McBride any good yet? By the way, yes, he is. Confirmed. I'm just glad I don't want to go against it. You only just search your name. I don't know. Not putting it in. Search your name. Oh, God. Just do it. All right. We're taking a break. I don't want to. Now we're off the rails. I want to ruin my day. 844-204-RICH is the number to dial. Jerry Jones has spoken. Can't wait for that. That's coming up on The Rich Eisen Show.
40:51Rich Eisen:The Rich Eisen Show, the podcast.
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41:37Rich Eisen:It consolidates your debt into one low monthly payment with no fees required. And with as soon as the same day funding, you can make the right play fast. Call an audible on your debt today at SoFi.com slash debt play. Loans originated by SoFi Bank N.A. Member FDIC. Terms and conditions apply. NMLS 696891. Fast funds. Terms apply at SoFi.com slash debt play. Back on the Rich Eisen Show radio network along with our Disney Plus ESPN app everywhere. stream. 844-204-RICH is the number to dial. We're on ESPN Radio presented by Progressive Insurance. Sideline Mike in Atlanta, Georgia wants to chime in.
42:17Rich Eisen:What's up, Sideline Mike? Love when you call in. Well, guys, the last time you heard from me, Michigan was cheating and winning the last average year. And then all state bought the best money can buy. So how are you, Richard? I was happier until you broadsided Michigan for cheating when Conor Stallions was long off the sideline by the time they beat Penn State, Ohio State, Alabama, and the Rose Bowl. And J.J. McCarthy's last game, sideline. Mike, how are you doing? I'm great, man. I knew he was going to correct me. I threw myself under the bus just so you could back on me. What's on your mind, sir?
42:56Rich Eisen:Hey, brother, look. All I got to say is that J.J. McCarthy, hey, man, everybody doesn't do that in the fourth quarter. Do the division game on the road. And what I don't want everybody to do is start fitting this man for a gold jacket and cap. Okay? Can we just pump the break? Just a little bit because you know it's coming. But at the end of the day, man, I love you guys. I'm well. I got my first grandchild. Hey! I'm going to be back. But what I want to know is we don't play. You know, I'm not a Falco fan. Michael Parsons, a tight end from Florida. We're not going to get into that. We're not going to get into that.
43:32Rich Eisen:But at the end of the day, the NFC South don't play black and blue football like you saw last night. Remember last time I told you, Rich, don't sit too close to the TV when you've got that kind of football being played. You might get a blackout. Sideline Mike in Atlanta, everybody. There he goes. Always fun when he calls in. I know we have a good laugh when he calls in. Always. Man, I was – because, again, I'm on threads, not on X, so I was on threads. And, you know, when McCarthy threw that pick six, I just popped on. And a number of people are like, well, it's amazing what happens when Colin Stallion's not on the sidelines.
44:03Rich Eisen:Oh, man. I just went in people's feeds that I barely speak to. I saw it. For someone who's always telling me, TJ, don't read the comments. I went on threads and you were. No, I was a couple glasses of Montepulciano. You were like, hey, troll. I did actually say troll to somebody. I did call someone troll. You saw it, huh? Oh, yeah. I was typing with my chest last night. And there was no response either. Oh, is that right? I felt bad once I hit. No, you shouldn't. I did, though. I do. No, don't feel bad at all. Uh-oh. Go ahead. They talk a lot of trash about us. You want to say something? I don't have anything to say.
44:42Rich Eisen:You definitely want to say. You had something you want to say. I don't. I don't. Say it out loud. I'll say it. The University of Michigan Wolverines, 12 people drafted off of that national championship team. The eye in the sky in the NFL is not going to miss if they think somebody is good because there's been cheating going on. If they were so good and had so many NFL players, why did they have to do it? You know what, Chris? That's a great question. I would love to know the answer to it. That is a mystery I would love to get an answer to. It's very bizarre. But the eye in the sky is not going to be like, let's draft him anyway.
45:26Rich Eisen:Let's see what we got. And J.J. McCarthy is definitely 100 % the one human that can end this conversation if he goes on some sort of a run from here on out. But that's not why I'm rooting for him. That is not why I'm rooting for him. He is good people, and I am ecstatic today. Well, it sure likes he has whatever it is. He's got an it factor, man. I mean, you can't not have it if you're going to get your brains beaten in and throw a pick six on ABC and ESPN and ESPN2 and the Mannings are talking about it and the whole country's talking about it and you find the reserve to do what you did in the fourth quarter like that?
46:08Rich Eisen:There's an it factor. You bet there is. And again, I did go on and I'm like, listen, not there. Gone by Penn State. Gone by Ohio State. Gone by Alabama. Gone by Washington. Yeah, because the coaching staff just forgot everything that Stallions had told them. Excuse me, sir. Come on. No. Oh, and you don't think any of those teams switched it up. You don't think any of those teams switched it up. You don't think any of those teams. And if they didn't, shame on them, then. Shame on them. I hate that this always comes out. Well, it brings up. What do you mean? I'm not sitting here talking about it.
46:44Rich Eisen:I'm sitting there in the palm of my hand, and I'm like, troll. Remember, he's a couple glasses of red deep. Yeah, it's like. Get out of here with that nonsense. Troll, but they're also pointing out facts. They were doing it to troll. They were doing it to troll. And again, if the facts were the facts and the facts were the facts, they'd have taken a banner away and not just fined them millions of dollars. They would have taken the wins and the banners, just like they did to Ohio State for those stupid tattoos that they should give back. They should have, but they're spineless. By the way, they should give back spineless.
47:14Rich Eisen:Okay. You know what? Bottom line is J.J. McCarthy won a football game and just showed he's pretty damn frigging good. He was great under pressure. Awesome. Yeah. Hour number two, Chris Long coming up. Jerry Jones has spoken about what? We'll show you. It's coming up. The Rich Eisen Show Podcast. You know when you're locked in, focused and fearless. Welcome to the WNBA. Your vision narrows. You can't look away. Every assist, every stop, every logo three. From beyond the logo. Every did you see that moment. You bet. What records are going to be broken this season? All of it right here. Lock in. It's the WNBA on ESPN.
47:59All season long.
From the publisher
Rich reacts to Vikings QB JJ McCarthy’s disastrous start to Monday Night Football only to rally the Minnesota Vikings in the 2nd half for a season-opening win against Caleb Williams and the Chica-go Bears.
Cardinals Pro Bowl TE Trey McBride and Rich discuss Arizona’s chance to win the NFC West this season, what to expect from 2nd-year WR Marvin Harrison Jr, and more.
Michigan alum Rich and Brockman debate if the Wolverines’ recent football national champion-ship is tainted by the Connor Stalions cheating scandal.
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