Hour 2: Jags’ Statement, Steelers-Lions Wild Finish, plus NFL Network’s Kurt Warner

24:30You're not making those right now. And they went into Denver and really just beat down this really good Broncos defense. They had no answer. It's fun to watch them right now. And the more I watch them, the more I think, man, this is a team that could contend in the AFC because they're playing really good on defense they could run defense they don't give up a lot of big plays and then they got a lot of playmakers on offense so let's take these two together um okay because

25:00Rich Eisen:they've got first year head coaches that have instilled a confidence within them and we're seeing dividends you know i might be oversimplifying what's going on with caleb and ben johnson and trevor and liam cohen let's take them one at a time what what's what throws are you seeing Trevor Lawrence make where you're like, yeah, that's the one that he's been missing. That's the one that's been an issue. What are you seeing? Anything? I mean, the thing with Trevor is that you could never put your finger on because, you know, you would watch him play and he would make a specific throw, you know, the week before.

25:35And then he comes back the next week and he just flat out misses it. Or, you know, he would run a play and make good decisions on that play. And then he comes into a game and all of a sudden he just makes a terrible decision and you're like you know you've made this decision numerous times really well and now you come in and so those are the things that left you scratching your head because it wasn't just oh this one throw he can't make he's shown the ability to do everything it's just there was an inconsistency there that would just kind of drive you crazy and I don't know what it was I mean you remember when we talked to him over in London and he was talking about how nobody had ever really talked to him about tying his feet to the throws and I was dumbfounded by I'm like you're serious nobody's talked to you about your drop connecting to the throw that you're making and so you're you're on time and on schedule he's like no my drops have always kind of been the same and and you know I just kind of do it and go play and he said this year you know they're focusing more on that so maybe that's a little bit of the detail like getting your feet set and getting them lined up and, you know, having a purpose behind every drop that you take, take.

26:43So it connects and your body is, you know, is ready to make those throws. I don't know. I mean, I look forward to having a conversation with them and seeing how that progressed from the time that we, we talked to them in London. But, but I think part of it too, is getting comfortable with an offense. We always ask the question, how long does it take a quarterback to get a hundred percent comfortable in a new system with what you know the coach is asking him to do and that was another thing that he mentioned you know a lot of you know a lot of things in the run game where i got to check to this and and that and little things that i have to see and so uh he was still trying to find his groove with that and these last three or four weeks he seems to be in that groove know exactly what he's looking at and then being able to be lined up to make those big throws over and

27:27Rich Eisen:over again so what about caleb what are we seeing out of him he just looks like totally different guy. I mean, the ball just flies out of his hand, man. And it doesn't matter what platform he's on it off platform on the run. And he's so terrific escaping. It's a different kid than last year. Kurt speaking of and we saw him in London. That was the best game of his career, but totally different. It feels like even on that day when he was throwing touchdowns, like it was going out of stop. Yeah. I mean, he's still got so much room to grow in terms of efficiency and consistency with seeing and playing the game.

28:05But I do agree with you. I do believe there's a confidence level with Caleb. And I think part of it falls to the fact that Ben is not asking him to do everything. He's not asking him to carry the team. I felt like a year ago as a rookie, so much was on Caleb's plate to, you know, to have to win games throwing the football. And they're not doing that this year. They're not asking him to do that. They're not putting him in drop back mode over and over and over again and say, you got to make this show. If we're going to win, you got to make this show. You got to make, they're not doing that. And they're asking him to make some throws.

28:41They're asking him to make the critical throws in moments. You know, the fourth quarter when, you know, the all out blitz by the Packers and he buys a little bit of time and makes the throw. There were two or three other times in the game where they brought the same pressure and he didn't have an answer and just whipped it out of bounds. And I'm just I got frustrated. I'm like, got to have a pressure plan. You got to have something to do. But then in the moment when he had to make a play, boom, buys time, makes a play. You know, the play action play. I mean, what what a great design by Ben Johnson.

29:13They've been in kind of that heavy set. They've been running the football the whole game. They were right there on the cusp of, you know, field goal range. And so you know the Packers are thinking, okay, we've got to attack the line of scrimmage. They're going to run the ball, and we've got to stop them from getting into good field goal range with the wind and everything going on. And Ben comes back with this play action, which was really just a two-man route, but it was really designed to go to D.J. Moore over the top with an aggressive defense. The defense is aggressive. He gets one-on-one. And those are the throws without a doubt that he's more confident in getting back and just letting the ball go and taking some of those deep chances and obviously a perfect throw to DJ Moore, a great catch to finish that game.

29:55And so he is playing more confidently, and I think the big reason is because they're not dropping back and asking him to throw it 35 times a game and make every play. They're asking him to make some situational plays throughout a game and then, as you said, create, buy a little bit of time, do the special things that you do, and that's enough right now. We don't need you to carry this football team. And I believe that's taken a huge weight off of Caleb's shoulders and allowed him to play more free and more confident than he did last year.

30:26Rich Eisen:Okay, so here we go now with two games to go for most. The playoff field is essentially set. I mean, the Lions would need a lot of help to make it. Same thing with the Ravens and the Colts have kind of a chance here. It would be incredible to watch Phillip Rivers pull that off. So if we look at the current wildcard teams in the AFC, you've got the Texans, the Bills, and the Chargers. We're seeing the Chargers on Saturday against the Texans. I can't wait to call that game with you on Saturday, man. I mean, 21 wins combined. We are so lucky to have that game on NFL Network to kick off the Saturday doubleheader that finishes up on Peacock.

31:06Rich Eisen:then you've got in the nfc you've got um the 49ers who play tonight as the sixth seed and the rams as the five seed wow with the packers sitting right there okay i mean and and so you know put it all together i want to ask you rams 49ers packers bills chargers texans you can put your marker on one team to make a run yeah you still putting it on the rams you still putting it on I am still putting it on the Rams because I think they've got more ways to beat you than anybody else. But as you go through that, you tell me, you know, a wild card team that one of those division winners is going to want to play.

31:50Rich Eisen:Nope. I mean, tell me which one you want to play of all of those. Like, as you're sitting to see how this thing shakes out, it's like, I want to play Justin Herbert and the Chargers. I want to play Josh Allen. Do I want to play that Texans defense? I mean, are you kidding me? I mean, the 49ers and the Rams, you know, 49ers obviously have been banged up, but they're playing good football. They still have a chance to get the number one seed. If they went out and beat Seattle, I mean, unbelievable. You're not going to want to play Seattle. And then Green Bay, obviously, maybe the one team right now without Micah, that difference maker on defense, and then Jordan Love, you know, seeing what happens with him and concussion protocol and what happens at quarterback there.

32:28You know, they're a team right now, you know, still with a couple weeks left, to maybe limping in a little bit. But still, I mean, that's not a team to me that you want to play because you know what they're capable of any time out. I mean, they were the number one seed or number two seed, what, two weeks ago. So, man, that is a tough road for any of those division winners to pick who you want. But, yes, I will circle the Rams. I think they're the most complete team of all of those teams. but yeah I mean I could see a number of those teams winning at least a couple games in the

33:03Rich Eisen:playoffs yeah man I mean the Chargers have won four in a row and that's not even close to the longest win streak in the AFC which now belongs to Houston and the last four wins have been in games with Stroud back from his concussion it's by the way I saw this stat because again I'm a lead pipe wielding professional Kurt who's ready for the Saturday game before Sunday NFL game the morning and Monday, Rich Eisen show. Three different shows, three different days. There is an eye in Rich and Eisen, so let me say that. Listen, it's the first four-game win streak of Stroud's career. He's never won four starts in a row.

33:36Rich Eisen:So he's playing well. That defense is playing well. Herbert started yesterday's game with three touchdown drives in a row. That's a rarity for the Chargers on offense. It's hard to choose. And then you see the Bill. Have you watched the Bill's film from yesterday? You did. I did watch the Bills. Okay, so walk me through. I mean, Cleveland's no joke. Obviously, I think I'm not telling any tales out of school that the defensive player of the year resides in Cleveland, Ohio. But what are you seeing out of the Bills and Josh Allen as they take on the Eagles? What a fun game that's going to be in Week 17, Kurt.

34:14Yeah, that's going to be a good one, too. Actually, the Bills won that game yesterday running the football. But that's really been the strength of their team all year long. And so that to me is where they've got to hang their hat. And what a hard thing to say when you've got Josh Allen, but that's where they're at their best. They're not great in the passing game, whether that's just weapons on the outside. You know, I talk about it about every week on game day morning is that, you know, it always depends to me on what Josh Allen we're going to get. I believe the best version of Josh Allen, and I know a lot of people don't, is the one that plays on schedule, in the pocket, sees it, gets it out, doesn't get impatient in the pocket, doesn't get through his reads too fast and look to run, but plays the game.

35:02He's really good when he does that. When he gets away from that, and I thought he did yesterday a number of times, kind of getting through things too fast and missing some things in front of him, that's when it's feast or famine. And there are definitely times where it's feast, right? When Josh Allen does those things and puts on the cape, as we always say, and makes unbelievable plays. But I think there's just as many negative plays that are created or plays that are missed when he does that as well. So it's finding that balance of saying, I am a pocket passer. I am a guy that plays on schedule.

35:40That's where I'm best. And then when something transpires and I have to put on the cape, that's when I need to do it and not, you know, get caught in, okay, I need to be Superman this entire game. And I need to try to make a play every time I drop back. That to me is not when they're at their best. And, you know, it's been kind of a rollercoaster ride this year with, with Josh at times, you know, sometimes he plays in the pocket and it's awesome. You know, when he played against the Texans, man, he was running around. I mean, even yesterday he took a 22 yard sack. He took one against the Texans as well.

36:14It was like 20-some yard sack. And it's just when it's like, just throw the ball away sometimes. Like, just let it go. But that's such a part of who he is, is running around, and then he ends up making a play. But it's being able to balance that out against good football teams where those plays don't hurt you. And so that, to me, is what I'm going to be watching down the stretch. Do they lean in more to the run game? can Josh lean into more of playing on schedule and then just being Superman at a few distinct moments when they need him and help him get some wins in the playoffs

36:52Rich Eisen:what else did you see before I let you go man what else did I watch yesterday so far how about the Sunday night or you want to chime in on the Patriots with that win and the Ravens Oh, yeah. I just think that, you know, again, I think New England's team has learned how to win a lot of different ways. And it just seems like a great old pipe team. It might not overly impress you in any one area at any point in time. It may not go out to each 25 points, but they're going to be solid across the board in every class. and we saw the game last time is that defense came up big when they needed to. Drake May takes over and Drake just continues to get better and methodically working the ball down the field, making the right decisions over and over again.

37:47I think him, Mike Rabel, and Josh McDaniels and the way they balance out their sides of the ball, the even-kill nature of Mike Rabel is what it's all about. There's no panic, right? They don't get down a couple scores and they don't panic, just like their coach never panics. And they just one step at a time get back into it. So they're going to be a tough out. I don't know if they're a great football team, but I think they're really solid in a lot of different ways. And you're going to have to beat them. You're going to have to go in and you're going to have to outplay them across the board to beat that football team.

38:22Because if you don't, they're going to take advantage of it. So I like them. You know, obviously it was disappointing that, you know, with Lamar, that they get up in that game. And then obviously he suffers an injury and then they end up losing. And man, it's hard to believe that we're going to be in the playoffs, as we've talked about for the last couple of weeks, without Mahomes and Burrow and Lamar. It's just it's crazy to think about in this day and age with as good as those guys are.

38:48Rich Eisen:Kurt, can't wait to call that game with you on Saturday. Again, we are lucky. It's an 11 win Chargers team. that's currently not in the playoffs. If the Colts lose tonight, they're in against the Houston Texans team that will not have clinched, regardless of what tonight's results are, going into that game with 10 wins, seven of them in a row, once upon a time, 0-3. Both quarterbacks are right now knocking on wood, healthy going into that one, unlike every other game that precedes us this week, and then potentially the one after on Peacock with the Ravens and the Packers. You and I are lucky, and I'm lucky to be sitting in a booth with you, sir.

39:22Rich Eisen:I look forward to it, man. I can't wait. It's going to be a great one. I can't wait to talk to these two teams and get after it and see how it all shakes up for Sunday morning show. And Merry Christmas to you and Brenda and the entire Warner family, sir. I look forward to seeing you. Same to you and to your whole crew and to everybody listening. And happy Hanukkah and all the good stuff. Enjoy the holidays. Kurt Warner, everybody right here on the Rich Eisen Show. Always making us smarter. Let's take a break. 844-204-RICH. Number to dial right here on the Rich Eisen Show.

39:55Rich Eisen:The Rich Eisen Show, the podcast.

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41:49Rich Eisen:As you know, I care about deeply about pediatric cancer research, talking about it, running on behalf of it for St. Jude. There's Hyundai Hope on Wheels as well. For over 27 years, every Hyundai Sold has helped fund life-saving pediatric cancer research together. With over 850 dealers nationwide, they've raised more than$277 million, supporting over 25 ,000 kids in their fight against cancer. Visit HyundaiUSA.com and search Hyundai Hope on wheels to learn more. Hyundai Hope isn't optional. It comes standard. All right. We haven't talked about the way the Bear, we haven't talked yet about the way the Lions-Steelers game ended.

42:31Rich Eisen:100 % offensive pass interference on Amon Ross St. Brown. And the minute that happened, I was wondering, the flags flew. I'm like, who's it on? If it's on the defense, then the Lions, doesn't matter the way this play plays out, because it looked like Amon Ra didn't make it to the end zone, this game's going to continue. Because a game cannot end on a defensive penalty. And then, you know, they don't blow the whistle on forward progress at all. And Amon Ra flips it to Jared Goff, or somehow the ball got to Jared Goff. Yeah, I don't know. And Goff gets the ball and scores with no time left. And I'm like, oh, my God.

43:17Rich Eisen:We need to find out, one, who's the penalty on. And outside of that, how did Goff get the ball? Because if it's a fumble, as we know, it's different than a backwards pass, which we learned on Thursday night. I mean, it's been rule book week 16. and in the last two minutes the only person who could advance a fumble because of the holy roller rule is the only the only person who advance it and recover it and advance it is the guy who fumbled it and clearly aman ra didn't recover it and didn't advance it was the quarterback and we see in the replay aman ra had the presence of mind and physical ability to get the ball and lateral it to golf.

44:04Rich Eisen:So if this is a defensive penalty, then the play stands and it's a touchdown and the game doesn't need to be extended. It's over. And Carl Sheffers huddles up for what felt like an eternity and comes back and his first words out of his mouth are, the ruling on the field is a touchdown and the place goes nuts. Did you hear it? Yeah. Yep. But, But see, we knew the crowd didn't know. Well, I don't blame the crowd for hearing. Like, as soon as they hear the ruling, it's a touchdown. We think we won. But. And then they show it off the replay. It was 100%. Like, he just shoved everyone out of the way.

44:51Rich Eisen:He looked like Costanza trying to get out of the party. With a fire. With a fire. You know what I mean? Jalen Ramsey did a great job of extra selling that. I don't think he even needed to sell that. He knew too, but he definitely flailed his arms to make it very apparent. I don't have a problem with the way it ended. I have a problem with Isaac Teslaw being called for offensive pass interference on what otherwise was a pick play. That one was... It was definitely a pick play. Of course it was a pick play, but how many times does that go? I mean, he didn't stand there and shove somebody out of the way like we saw Amon Rod do.

45:31Rich Eisen:He was running his route. It's what it looked like to me. And I understand the route's purpose was to create the pick for the wide-open touchdown. But then again, too, you blame it on as well. I mean, listen, Dan Campbell's got broad shoulders. Why don't they just bring in Montgomery with one timeout remaining, too? or just keep, because the clock was rolling, keep Gibbs there and hand it to him. That's what I thought. Because you had a timeout left. You got one shot. The rest of the three shots can come from the one if you want to pass it. You have one shot. Like, it's a fire drill. Run it. Run it.

46:10Rich Eisen:Instead, they throw it. It's offensive pass interference. You're 10 yards back. Then there was another penalty on a false start. Yada, yada, yada. you know so the initial offensive pass two offensive pass interference penalties wiped out touchdowns in the final four snaps of the game it seemed like for the Lions and now they're on the brink wild finish thought the refs nailed the end but that OPI on Tesla that one would stick in my craw if I'm a Lions fan there And then to have Rodgers come into your building and be the one to put you on the brink, to punch the ticket for the Bears, 50-burgered in week two, is a particularly bitter pill.

47:01Rich Eisen:That's my opinion on all of that. You see the Jeffrey Simmons? Yeah, I saw that too, where he clearly reported as eligible, and it took a touchdown away. One ref saw him, said to the other ref, the other ref literally wiped his chest. And gamblers are going nuts about it because I guess it was the difference between the over and the under or something like that. Okay. So, yes, I did see that. Man. You know. Hour two is in the books right here on The Rich Eisen Show. The Rich Eisen Show podcast. The right window treatments change everything. Your sleep, your privacy, the way every room looks and feels.

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