In short
Hour 2 covers three main threads: (1) college football/league promos and general show setup; (2) a debate about NFL concussion protocol after Cardinals QB Jaxson Dart was sent to the “blue tent” again vs the Minnesota Vikings; and (3) Dallas Cowboys offseason/training camp updates, including the Von Miller signing and defensive expectations, plus a phone segment and MLB debut highlight.
Guests/participants
Todd Archer (ESPN Cowboys reporter; previously covers Dallas; discusses Cowboys camp, defense, and George Pickens). Robert Sala is mentioned as joining later (Titans head coach, not interviewed in this hour). Joshua Baez is the MLB subject (not a guest).
Key claims/examples
Dart said he respects protocol but is “puzzled” by repeatedly ending up in the tent after hits; John Harbaugh said the hit “shouldn’t have happened” and that similar calls can’t be known. Archer says Miller helps as a situational pass rusher and leadership/sounding board; Cowboys aim to improve from last year’s defense toward better than 20th. He praises George Pickens’ camp performance and leadership council; worries remain pass rush, health, and offensive line. Example: Baez’s MLB debut at Wrigley Field—three-homer game (including a 449-foot first-pitch homer) with 30 family members in attendance.
Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.
Chapters
Tap a time to open that second in VONFL News and Updates
0:57 to 2:14
Discussion on Cowboys' recent signings and the upcoming football season.
“And that is the rookie that they have been talking about in camp for Dallas.”
Jackson Dart's Blue Tent Debate
2:14 to 6:06
Analysis of Jackson Dart's concussion protocol situation and implications.
“And so like the baldest staff in the league.”
John Harbaugh's Reaction
6:06 to 8:09
Rich Eisen discusses John Harbaugh's comments on Dart's situation.
“It shouldn't have been that easy to get to him.”
Light-hearted Banter About the Blue Tent
8:09 to 9:21
Humorous discussion on how to make the blue tent experience better for players.
“And then, of course, one in his own MRI tube.”
Win-Loss Predictions for the Chiefs
9:21 to 14:00
Scott from Missouri shares his win-loss predictions for the Kansas City Chiefs.
“Honestly, could you imagine he's just looking around and I'm like, you know.”
Ticket Talk and Rams Fan Banter
14:00 to 15:46
The hosts discuss high ticket prices and Rams fans' perspectives.
“Those are where the other games are, Mike.”
Preseason Game Plans
15:46 to 16:10
Discussion about upcoming preseason games and personal plans.
“Todd Archer is joining us from what does appear to look like a beautiful Oxnard, California sky above him, if I'm not mistaken.”
Returning to Todd Archer
18:26 to 20:55
Rejoining Todd Archer to discuss Cowboys and training camp highlights.
“Todd Archer of ESPN is going to rejoin us.”
Fans and Football Hall of Fame
20:55 to 22:59
A listener's thoughts on the Football Hall of Fame experience for a non-fan.
“I said it's good to have you guys on the radio today.”
Cowboys Defensive Strategies
22:59 to 28:00
Todd Archer discusses improvements in the Cowboys' defense and key players.
“Once upon a time called into the show and said the Patriots are going to go 0-17.”
Show all 21 chapters
Analyzing Cowboys' Defensive Scheme
28:00 to 29:50
Explore the Cowboys' defense under Christian Parker and expectations for the season.
“But there's a lot of confidence what the Cowboys defense did in that first game and what they've done in practice.”
George Pickens' Comfort in Dallas
29:50 to 31:20
Discussing George Pickens' improvement and comfort level with the Cowboys.
“He's chiming in from Oxnard, California.”
Cowboys' Leadership and Accountability
31:20 to 33:30
Insights on player leadership and accountability within the Cowboys' team structure.
“It seemed like a little bit and Pickens is like, move on.”
Concerns About the Cowboys' Pass Rush
33:30 to 35:50
Todd Archer outlines concerns regarding the Cowboys' pass rush and overall defense.
“Tyler Guyton seems to be answering the question at left tackle.”
Reflections on DeMarcus Lawrence
35:50 to 37:00
Discussion on the impact of DeMarcus Lawrence's departure from the Cowboys.
“They were able to hug it out before the preseason game on Saturday.”
Reflections on DeMarcus Lawrence
40:37 to 41:44
Discussion on the impact of DeMarcus Lawrence's departure from the Cowboys.
“If high interest credit card debt is grinding you down, it might be time to call an audible with a SoFi personal loan.”
Dreams of Major League Baseball
41:49 to 42:00
Reflecting on the childhood dreams of becoming a Major League Baseball player.
“Everybody here in this room now, grown ass men.”
Dreaming of Baseball Glory
42:00 to 44:11
Explore the dream scenario of hitting home runs in a major league debut.
“You dream of that first pitch you see in your major league baseball career.”
Joshua Baez's Historic Debut
44:11 to 45:17
Learn about Joshua Baez's remarkable debut hitting three home runs.
“Just before the game, he had 30 family members in the stands in Wrigley Field, called up from AAA Memphis.”
The Dream of Every Child
45:17 to 45:33
Reflect on the universal dream of becoming a major league player.
“I just know that this is the dream of every child, every boy, every girl that wants to be a major leaguer.”
Cubs Fans Show Respect
45:33 to 46:48
Discuss the surprising support from Cubs fans for Baez's achievement.
“And you want to know about how impressive this is?”
Transcript
Automatic transcript. May contain errors.0:00Rich Eisen:In ESPN's wild world of college football, every Saturday begins with a ritual. And then, the migration turns to mayhem. Predators hunt, territories are defended, rivals clash. In this wild world, legends are unleashed on Saturdays. No one brings you closer to the wild than ESPN. College football on ESPN kicks off August 28th. Witness the wild on ABC, ESPN, and the ESPN app. This is The Rich Eisen Show. Hey, everybody. Can't get enough of The Rich Eisen Show? You're in luck. You can find us everywhere. Watch us weekdays on Disney Plus from noon to 3 Eastern. Miss the show? We've got a podcast so you can listen anytime.
0:47But here's the best part. Our YouTube channel. Subscribe at youtube.com slash richeisenshow and you'll never miss a moment. Now, on with the show.
1:00Rich Eisen:How about the Cowboys? This is the Rich Eisen Show. And that is the rookie that they have been talking about in camp for Dallas. Camden Brown. Live from the Rich Eisen Show studio in Los Angeles. Earlier on the show, quarterback consultant Jordan Palmer. Coming up, Titans head coach Robert Sala. ESPN Cowboys reporter Todd Archer. And now, it's Rich Eisen. hour number two of the rich eisen show is on the air todd archer with the uh cowboys latest they signed von miller great signing talked about it earlier in this show talked about it on overreaction monday that's sitting there in your rss feed to listen to or our youtube channel youtube.com slash rich eisen show our first show of the year reacting to actual games and actual results and actual this and actual that can't wait for actual real life football counts in the standings games we're just a month away from that uh college football sooner than that 844-204-RICH sooner than that for you to dial to have a conversation with us on the show Robert Sala uh Chris you and I big fans of him big big fan because he hires only bald people that's right And so like the baldest staff in the league.
2:22Rich Eisen:Still discriminatory. Oh, my gosh. He's back on the Titans sideline. Their revamped uniforms make everyone look like Al Del Greco or Warren Moon. Depends on the position they play. It's awesome. He's joining us in hour number three of this show. Took all of about three minutes for the Jackson Dart concussion conversation to rear its head in 2026. on the field for something that happens on the field because that's all we were talking about dart was talking about it throughout this calendar year when he was done with the season and basically saying i play the way i play john harbaugh showed up and then all of a sudden he sounds like i'm gonna play it a little smarter i get it i understand my best ability is my availability yada yada yada and then he winds up in the blue tent again against the Minnesota Vikings now you could sit here and the all 22 tape heads will say he plays a part in this because somebody comes free doesn't see him he's looking left at his receiver somebody comes from his right unblocked not his fault unless he had something to do with the protection and all that sort of business again I'm not a tape head all I know is he wound up in the blue tent and he was pissed about it he's right there around midfield and he he sat there motionless for us for a hot second he got smashed and then he gets up and he's taken to the blue tent you could see he is muttering himself and he is angry and had this to say about the protocol after the game as far as the um the blue tent like I I really respect um the rules and the thought behind you know NFL has of keeping players healthy and reviewing things but at the same time I'm still puzzled by um it just feeling like every time that I get hit you know I just find I find my way in there um which I'm at times I still try to wrap my head around, but that's all that I'm going to say about that situation.
4:36You know, I'm really happy with how the drive ended.
4:38Rich Eisen:Okay. Listen, if he is implying that he's got a target, like the independent neurologists have a target on him,
4:56Rich Eisen:that's I would say out of the realm of what sounds credulous one could say incredulous
5:11Rich Eisen:let's hear from John Harbaugh before I chime in a little bit more I'm sure it's frustrating I guess he maybe got the wind knocked out of him a little bit but I'm not going to be critical of the league or whoever's doing that upstairs. I mean, they do their job and they want to protect the players. I'm sure history or whatever they might remember, maybe that comes into play. I don't know if a similar situation, another quarterback would have been called in the 10 or not. There's no way for us to know that. So just nothing we can worry about. I saw Jackson's comments. It doesn't sound like he's too worried about it.
5:46So we'll just keep playing football and we'll just try to do a better job of protecting him. And there's no way he should have been hit there. I mean, it just shouldn't have happened. That was a basic protection. Should have been protected. And we expect him in that situation to be protected in the future. I mean, it's not like he's going to be never hit, never tackled, never sacked. But it shouldn't have been in that one. It shouldn't have been that easy to get to him.
6:08Rich Eisen:No doubt. That is a fact. So John Harbaugh handling that the way, you know, head coach should and the way that he, you know, I would expect him to. Because, listen, if if Dart is even implying that. The rules. Are too strict. Then. He definitely needs a history lesson. And I get why he'd be frustrated that it took all of like three seconds for him to wind up in that tent again. after him talking all summer, I mean, all summer long, all spring long, all winter long, hearing all last December long and November long that he's too risky with his own health. And him basically hearing that over and over again, I guess he's probably like, damn, so I'm not protected.
7:09Rich Eisen:I'm hit. I get the wind knocked out of me, and now I got to go in the tent. I guess the thing that's better is that John Harbaugh didn't peek in there and say, are we done yet? Hey, have we moved this thing along here? We got to play. Can we put the pronto in the protocol? Let's go. Didn't do that, which lent more attention onto everything that happened last year with Dark. But the rules are in place for a reason. And the reason why the neurologists are independent is for a reason. because back in the day, the neurologists used to be on the team side of things and they were like, here's an aspirin, rub some dirt on it and get back in there.
7:49Rich Eisen:Which is why there's now new rules because if there are no rules, it sounds like darts, I respect the rules, but I don't understand why I'm constantly back in the tent. Part of it, Jackson, is because you've earned that reputation based on your play last year. And unfortunately, that's what you got to get through. And unfortunately, you were in that tent, not because of any of your doing from what it seems, but the rules are in place for a reason, because if they weren't in place, you know, Jackson's union would be up the you know what with a bunch of lawyers, liability, a lot of L's, as long as it isn't taking L on the scoreboard.
8:35Rich Eisen:And then, of course, one in his own MRI tube. let's keep him out of that it's kind of crazy how this thing happened like boom do you think like the independent neurologists are like oh as soon as darts breathed on we're throwing his hat in the tent like come on now like no they're like if you picked on if somebody gets blown up and the helmet hits the ground and then the quarterback doesn't move right away you are going to the blue tent in the national football league and pretty much doesn't matter when or where or how. I hope that helps. Doesn't help him. No, there's no favorites. They're not playing favorites.
9:17Rich Eisen:There's no discrimination. But I understand. He's young and he's pissed and he's like, I can't believe I'm back. Honestly, could you imagine he's just looking around and I'm like, you know. He feels like a timeout with your kid, right? Yeah. Same tent. Should he set up like a TV in there or something? Don't they have like a PlayStation? Yeah, you know, Make it his own. You know what I mean? Personalize it a little bit if he's going to be in there that much. I think they have the coffee he likes in there. I don't want to be flippant about it, even though I just was. Scott in Missouri are here on the Rich Eyes and show.
9:48Rich Eisen:What's up, Scott? What's going on? Line three, Mike. Yeah, I got it. Hey, want to play the win-loss game. For who? Kansas City Chiefs. All right. Hey, did you see Kelsey running around, thoroughly turning around and undressing one of his teammates on his route? Did you see that one? Yeah. See that video? Yeah. Oh, baby. Oh, yeah. I can't wait. Chris, they're under the radar, right? The Chiefs? What is wrong with you? What's wrong with me? I almost called them a sleeper team. They're the favorites to win the West. They're not under the radar. They're not a sleeper. They're the favorites to win the West.
10:20Rich Eisen:Nobody believes in Mahomes or Kelsey anymore. They think that the roster's all sorts of hot garbage. You know? Well, the betters do not. Are you ready, Scott, in Missouri? I'm ready. Here we go. What happens on a Monday night opener against the Denver Broncos, man? That's a win. Ooh-hoo. That was very confident. Wow. Then you got the Colts coming in. That's also a win. Then you're at the Dolphins. Come on. That's a win. Oh. Then you're at the Raiders. The Raiders. That's also a win. Now you're 4-0 welcoming Jim Harbaugh's Chargers into your house. Is that after the bye? It is indeed, sir. Andy Reid does really good after a bye.
11:02Rich Eisen:That's a win. That's 5-0 at the Seahawks. That's a loss. 5-1 at the Broncos. We're going to lose that one, too. That's two in a row now when the Jets come to town. That's a win. What's the chuckle? I'm sorry, Rich. Look at you, man. Homecoming. 6-2 at the Falcons. That's a win. 7-2 home for the Cardinals. That's also a win. 8-2 at the Bills on Thanksgiving night. They usually take us during the season. That's a loss. All right. You're now 8-3 at the Rams a week later on a Thursday. Yeah, we're going to lose that. We'll have Aaron Donald. That's another two-game losing streak. 8-4 at the Bengals.
11:47Rich Eisen:That's a win. 9-4, home for the Patriots on a Monday night. Yeah, I think they're going to take us on that one. 10-4. So that's a 10-4? It's a loss. Oh, it's a loss? Okay. All right, pardon me. All right, that's 9-5. Home for the Niners. I have to win. 10-5 at the Chargers. We're going to take them. 11. That's a sweep. 11-5. Home for the Raiders. I think we're going to take a win, and we're going to win our division. Scott in Missouri. 12-5. Thank you, sir. I don't think that's out of the realm at all. At all. That's realistic. 12-5? Why isn't that? The hardest division in football? Losses at Seattle, at Denver, at Buffalo, at the Rams, and their lone home loss would be to your Patriots.
12:41Rich Eisen:He's got them losing to some teams. That's not out of the realm right there. Yeah. And who would surprise them? They have a third-place schedule, right? Looks like it. Yeah. All right. Yeah. AFC West versus AFC. Their win total is 10.5, so yeah. I mean, AFC West versus NFC West this year. How great is that going to be? Good for us. How much fun is that? Good for us. I know. Really good for us. When you say good for us, because you're going to see quality football or the real sale market. That is not what they mean. Correct. I'm going this year to three games at least. Oh, three. Whose house? Mike.
13:20He's not going because I'm selling those.
13:22Rich Eisen:Are you aware? Yeah. Let me get this number right because I need to know this because you keep saying this over and over and over again here. I have the schedule, too. I can look. Hold on a minute. I got to get my paperwork in order. I can't find these things in order anymore. Which, if you're going to bust my chops, you better be ready. Oh, look at you. It's true. Look at you. He's prepared over here. How many? Yeah, I'm prepared. Well, I mean, one Rams home game is in Australia. Can't go there. I got you there. I got offered to possibly do that game. No, you didn't. Yes, I did. Of course you did.
13:53Rich Eisen:First two home games for the Rams are Monday night. Giants. Hold on a minute. You got one, two, three. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. Home games. You're going to 3. Congratulations. Yeah. Isn't that great? Guess what? Where are the other games? Is Del Tufo Italian for StubHub? Those are where the other games are, Mike. Del Tufo's Italian for Seat. I'm going to make some money this year. I got good games. You put the geek in Seat. You know how much I pay? The geek Seat. I pay$7 ,500 for my ticket. Nobody ask you this. I'll tell you, I don't care. I have no problems. That's a lot of money. I got to make some cash back.
14:32Rich Eisen:This guy. That's a lot of money. Meanwhile, diehard Rams fan wearing a Rams hat right there. Yeah, I love the Rams. He's got to make his money back. So who cares if Stafford's got to go silent? I sell Rams fans. He doesn't care. Except for TJ. Are you going to go to the Cowboys game on his seats? You know I'm not. No, I'm not. You know I'm not. Rich, you know that he offered multiple times without me even asking. And then we get to the point where he's like, well, you know, I'm selling those tickets. This is like, I got a couple games I can make. This guy over there. Hey, man, those boats don't fill up with gas themselves.
15:08Rich Eisen:They're selling one. One boat's gone, Rich. This guy's talking about multiple boats and these$7 ,500. That's a lot of money. That's what I mean. Not to you. $7 ,500 is a lot of money to anybody. What is happening? Not to guys. Rich, there's three night games. I have no excuse not to be able to go. I'm going to the preseason game this Saturday. Atta boy, look at you. I'm giving Don Bowie my ticket. Look at you over there, man. Look at you. I am giving it to a Saints fan. Awesome. That's bad. So to answer your question, Rich, I don't know if I'm going to the Cowboy game yet. I'm still efforting.
15:38Rich Eisen:Why? What is the matter with you? Efforting. He's going to get. I'm efforting. December 20th. Let's go. Efforting. He's got time. I could be at the crib for Christmas. I don't know yet. Let's take a break. Todd Archer is joining us from what does appear to look like a beautiful Oxnard, California sky above him, if I'm not mistaken. Love it. Oxnard. Awesome. 844-204-RICH is the number to dial right here on the program. We'll talk about Dallas Cowboys signing Von Miller and so much more about your Dallas Cowboys. But when it comes to your home, before we take a break, Pella Windows and Doors want to let you know, or I'm happy to let you know, that they are the experts at taking care of you and your home.
16:14Rich Eisen:At Pella, they find the products that meet your needs and their experts install them. And that means working with a company that builds and installs a quality product with real pricing, real simple, really beautiful. and when a trusted name like Pella chooses to partner with the Rich Eisen Show that says a lot zero percent financing options are available certain restrictions apply find your local Pella windows and doors showroom today at Pella.com slash Eisen for details make life brighter with Pella windows and doors we take a break Todd Archer will be joining us next to talk about them cowboys in a moment
16:49Rich Eisen:Rich Eisen here. We talk a lot about battles in sports. Teams battling through adversity. Athletes fighting for every yard. The toughest warriors I've ever seen, though, aren't on the field. They're kids fighting cancer. They're families standing beside them. Doctors, nurses, caregivers. That's why I'm proud to support Hyundai Hope on Wheels. For over 28 years, they've helped fund pediatric cancer research, raising more than$303 million and supporting over 40 ,000 children. Learn more and donate at HyundaiUSA.com backslash hope on wheels. Rich Eisen here. Running a small business means every hire matters.
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18:25Rich Eisen:The Rich Isis Show Podcast. Radio audience has returned. Todd Archer of ESPN is going to rejoin us. We were working on a couple of issues, technical issues. but before we were just talking radio audience with him on the TV side of things, he said that George Pickens is the best player in training camp. It's not CeeDee Lamb or Dak or Quinnen Williams or Rashad Gary or Kenny Clark or Caleb Downs or any of those guys that were drafted or acquired. George Pickens. it's interesting dude interesting how excited would you be if he's even better than last year somehow somehow could he be but what are we gauging this by because you know his numbers were slanted a little bit because cd was gone those games but you watch the tape he's there were games where he was totally dominant and i don't see that changing you know it's it's the best of both worlds right there it's like having you know harper and irvin again back in except Wow.
19:33I think that George, with all due respect to Alvin Harper,
19:36Rich Eisen:I think George might be a little. I was about to say. But Alvin Harper's got things that George doesn't have. One of my favorite things to do with Michael Irvin. Yeah, that's one of the playoffs. Let's bring up Alvin Harper to him. Alvin Harper. He didn't want to hear anything about Alvin Harper. Alvin Harper's very underrated. I know that. Michael Irvin's underrated when it comes. When you hear about the greatest wide receivers of all time, for some reason his name doesn't get mentioned, and it should. So, yeah, having George being the best player in Canada. Third in yards, eighth in receptions last year.
20:09Rich Eisen:He was third in yards last year, Lenny. Dude, this offense, which is why if the defense can just tighten the bolts. Yep. It's real. Hey, I was telling you it was real a few weeks ago and months ago. But, you know, toe meets ball, they're going to have to actually do it. They're going to actually have to do it. We'll see. It's never been a regular season discussion, right? It's always about the postseason. Again, not going to get too worked up over that win, but they look good. Week one, though. All right, let's take a phone call while we're waiting for Todd Archer to connect back in here. Let's go to Dustin in Arkansas.
20:54Rich Eisen:He wants to chime in. What's up, Dustin? How are you, Matt? What up, dude? Hey, I'm good, Mr. I said it's good to have you guys on the radio today. Thank you, sir. Appreciate it. What's going on in your mind? Well, not much. When you guys were at the Hall of Fame, I've got a chance to maybe go and visit next year. But I've got a 14-year-old who despises football. Like, cannot stand it. Hates it. She's the cocky girl. Okay. Well... So I was wondering, is there anything in the Football Hall of Fame that I can exhibit or something I can take her to where she might not love football, but she might think, oh, this sport isn't so bad.
21:29Rich Eisen:Yeah, there's an exhibit there. of a diehard fan of a team that called into a radio show to say they were 0-17. There's that. Oh, wait a minute. And then they went to the Super Bowl. And then they went to the Super Bowl. Yeah. Would you know about that exhibit, Dustin? Yeah. TJ, do you want me to call in and pretend to be a Cowboys fan? Uh-oh. Wow. No, but in all seriousness, the bust gallery, Dustin. That'll do it. That bust gallery is just awesome. because you could tell stories and just say this person did this that person did that she may be not be interested in the sport in that respect but there's a there's you know there's just a an awesomeness to it there's a gravity to the room that you feel um and um and just seeing the busts too they're so unique in so many different ways and i imagine that there's even um her fandom might not be up to what one would think is the fan that would walk in the room or coming with a love of the sport, but there might be a certain understanding of the history having walked in that room.
22:45Rich Eisen:So I'd give that one a whirl, Dustin. That's great. My girlfriend Raven said there's a hologram exhibit because she watches the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader show on TV. There is a hologram exhibit as well. So there's a lot of neat stuff. So let me know if you go ahead and do something like that. That's Dustin in Arkansas. Have a great day, guys. Here goes Dustin. Once upon a time called into the show and said the Patriots are going to go 0-17. And meant it. And meant it. Yeah. Said he was a fan of the team, then said 0-17. Like what? He won 14 games or 13 games and went to the Cedar Bowl. Okay, very good.
23:18Rich Eisen:Take your heart pills and buckle up. For sure. so um yeah got to figure out put todd archer he's sitting outside man is that what's going on he's outside i mean hoxnard it's up there i got it it's up there it's in there it's out there um did you see that there's a conversation that jj mccarthy's fighting to be number two over carson wentz which means where you're you're that i know you said i said that this i threw it out there last week that they should trade jj right and put carson wentz at number two behind Kyler Murray. See what you can get. Just doesn't hurt to ask. I mean, for him to drop down to three.
23:57Rich Eisen:That would be tough. Yeah, that'd be tough.
24:02Rich Eisen:But Wentz came in and again, these preseason games, you just got to sit there and go, wow, they look good. That looks good. But then you have to understand. And that's the issue here. Yeah, that's the issue here. I guess it's an annual conversation. But when you're evaluating quarterbacks and you're saying, you know, hey, this is the most important time for these quarterbacks to be evaluated. Will Howard, Drew Aller, J.J. McCarthy, Shador Sanders, Fernando Mendoza, just to name five off the top of my head. Right. And and then it's just like, you know, Tua, hey, Tua looked like hot garbage. hot garbage is the only two words to describe the way the falcons looked in those two drives yeah with tua in there but the issue is two is in there pits was in there i don't know if london was there i definitely didn't see bijon at all whatsoever and um we're supposed to evaluate what Tua looks like as Jonathan Cooper and Nick Benito come crashing in off the edges.
Read the full transcript
25:16Rich Eisen:Right. You know? Yeah, but Brian Robinson got two periods. You know what I mean? It's just what to make of it. We'll talk about that in a matter of moments. But Todd Archer, I think we've got this whole thing worked out. You there, Todd? I'm here. Sorry about that. Making a good first impression. Todd. Look at you, man. Todd, Todd. All right. Thanks. You had a good first impression. Okay, all good. It's all good. It's all good. All right, so how long have the Cowboys been circling around Vaughn Miller, Todd? Yeah, it was something that they talked about before training camp, but it never really got really going until training camp started.
25:55It's funny, I just got off the phone with DeMarcus Ware a little bit ago, and he was telling me in his conversations with Vaughn, he said the only team that has really reached out to him during this process is the Cowboys. and he was kind of willing into existence here by posting pictures of him on social media and stuff like that. And yesterday it finally come down. It always felt like, just from talking to people in the organization, it was going to be a when it was going to happen, not an if. And now he's going to be coming out here today, probably won't do anything tomorrow in practice, obviously against the Saints.
26:27But he's a guy that the Cowboys really need to help their pass rush, for sure.
26:32Rich Eisen:Well, I mean, his nine sacks with Washington last year would have led the Cowboys in 2025. So clearly, Dallas needs to get that pass rush even more stout, despite having acquired Gary and making their other moves that they've made on defense. walk me through where you think this leaves last year's dfl most yards given up defense now that every all the pieces of the additions and new play caller these pieces have landed and have settled todd yeah it's it's funny you hear a lot of people say man if the cowboys just finished 20th in defense what a team they're going to have i think the defensive guys get kind of insulted by that now that would be a massive improvement obviously from last in the league and just about everything a year ago, but you talk to Christian Parker, you feel his confidence, you talk to the players, a full year of Quinnen Williams, a full year of Kenny Clark, you got Donovan as a rocker, the second round pick who's healthy, Siobhan Revell, the third round pick from a year ago, healthy, the additions that they've made, Caleb Downs, they feel like they can have a better than the 20th defense in the NFL for sure.
27:43And what this does is, and look, you're not asking Von Miller to be the Denver Von Miller, right? But you said it, that nine sacks would have led the Cowboys. They want him to be a situational pass rusher at this point and help the guys already in the room and be a guy that a good sounding board for the guys as they try and learn what's going on. But there's a lot of confidence what the Cowboys defense did in that first game and what they've done in practice. There have been times where Dak has looked really uncomfortable.
28:11Rich Eisen:And that's because of the defense and not obviously because of the offense. So walk me through Christian Parker's scheme and how it fits what they've done roster wise, because it is something he's never done before. Coordinating a defense that that needs to improve significantly for a team to have a chance to win it all. Todd, yeah, you're talking a 34 year old guy who seems like he's been around forever. And it is funny that you say, you know, he's never called a defense in the game. It just doesn't seem foreign to him. Talking to people that were on the sidelines at the game in Seattle, even Keough the entire time, didn't ride any highs and lows of what they were doing.
28:52That's a positive sign for a 34-year-old guy. And I think what he's done, you know, you think, okay, he was with Vic Fangio. That's the defense that you're going to see stylistically. I think on the back end, that is going to be what you're going to see a lot from the Cowboys' defense this year. But I think he's going to mix things up. He said in his first press conference with us, It's not going to be Vic Fangio's defense. It's going to be the Dallas Cowboys defense. And you've seen Quinnen Williams sign the extension, really had an excellent practice against the Rams, blowing up a couple runs.
29:23They believe he's going to be much better in his first full season with the Cowboys. So there's a lot of optimism coming from this defense. But what's going to happen that first game against the Giants, the third game against Baltimore in Brazil, when it doesn't go well for them? And that's where this team, you're going to see this defense. Do they truly trust it? Or is it just something that we all feel good about here in Oxnard in August?
29:48Rich Eisen:Todd Archer here on the Rich Eisen Show. He's chiming in from Oxnard, California. Cowboys camp for one more week. And then they're back at it in the Metroplex. So you mentioned Pickens has been the best player of training camp. Why? Give me your opinion on that and what this means moving forward. I would go comfort level. and not only comfort level for the coaches and what they know what George can do after what he did last season but comfort level for him he was asked why has it been so much better here for you in Dallas than it was in Pittsburgh and he he kept coming back to I feel comfortable with the coaches I feel comfortable with my teammates they seem it seems like everybody gets them and I think there's an element rich of this is the Cowboys they've been around these situations before where not everything turns into a big deal and everything becomes national.
30:40Well, it does become national news, but it does become some earth-breaking thing. But I think everybody's kind of accepted George. He's accepted them. And you're seeing a guy really excel. And he knows, look, if he gets the contract from the Cowboys, which is what he wants, sure. And I think the Cowboys ultimately would like to do that too. But he's also showing out for all the other teams too that might want to see, okay, he did it once. Can he do it again and can be a model citizen? I think from the Cowboys perspective, that's a good place. Jerry Jones has talked about that's a good place for them to want to be.
31:11Rich Eisen:Yeah, we had Rashawn Gary here last week, Todd, and he was talking about because I brought up the way that the joint practice with the Rams ended the other day where they all ran sprints afterwards. The Rams were like making fun of him. It seemed like a little bit and Pickens is like, move on. Like, you know, this is none of your business. and Gary said that the players are the ones who are instituting these runs after practices, that they're the ones who are taking it into their own hands. And I found that one interesting. Yeah, absolutely. And it wasn't the first time. That happened on family day here in Oxnard when Shadi had them all line up on the end line and he called them all up.
31:54OK, we're going to go to the beach. Everybody's family made us there. And the player's like, no, no, no, we want to run. So that's actually the second time that it's actually happened where the players have kind of led those post-practice sprints. And if you're a coach, that's what you love to hear, right? That's what you love to see, that these guys are taking ownership. And he's really talked about this leadership council that he's added, 11 players, offense, defense, special teams. I think for so long, Dak has been the voice around this team. And he's kind of he's been like the Mikey and the Life cereal commercial.
32:25Like, hey, let Dak do it. You know, he'll try anything. Now he has other guys more than willing to stand up and be leaders and be accountable and tell people when it's not good enough. And I think that's what you've seen so far in training camp.
32:39Rich Eisen:Where's the weakness on this team, Todd? I understand I'm mentioning a team that finished second to last or last adjacent in so many categories last year, but is it the O-line? What keeps the Joneses and Schottenheimer up a little bit right now? I know we've talked about Vaughn Miller. To me, it is still the pass rush. And until Vaughn, we see Vaughn practice, I'll continue to say the pass rush. They feel confident that they've got enough guys. But it's one thing to say, oh, we've got four, five, six guys that can get you five, six, seven sacks. I don't know. It's still, you know, when the Cowboys have been really good defensively in the last, well, heck, since I've been covering them, I guess.
33:25You've had Micah, you've had DeMarcus Ware, you've had these double-digit sack guys. I don't know if they have that on this defense, but again, if you look at Fangio's past and what he's had in Philadelphia, it's been a number of guys getting five, six, seven sacks, not one guy getting 20 sacks and everybody else filling in. I'm still curious about the pass rush. You mentioned offensive line. Tyler Guyton seems to be answering the question at left tackle. I wonder if right tackle is a little bit of a concern for them right now, but they have a guy in Terrence Steele that's been a starter basically since his rookie year.
33:58They feel comfortable there, but I would say pass rush and then you go injuries. Look, Dak has not played in consecutive full seasons since 2019. So that's something that is always going to be out there, especially as he turns 33. He's had some major injuries that we know of, but I would go pass rush, health, offensive line as the three worries that they should have right now.
34:23Rich Eisen:Listen, I know Jerry's really feeling it as well. He should about the Micah trade looking, you know, a year later as good as it does for Dallas. And he has every right to sit here and go, hey, last year, you know, everyone thought I'd kind of lost it with the whole handshake thing. And now look at us now. But if you know, and what's he talking about? Baby formula and crap shooting and all that sort of stuff. Last week, that was one of the sound bites of the summer. But yeah, baby shoes and crap shoots and whatever. But if you put sodium pentothal on the Joneses, would they want Tank Lawrence back?
35:00Rich Eisen:Would that be the one thing that they shouldn't have done or that they just couldn't figure it out money-wise? Because he's got a ring and you're talking about pass rush. That guy, he'd certainly look good on the Cowboys right now, Todd. Yeah, and I think in their mind they have the next iteration of Demarcus Lawrence and his name is either Donovan Azaraku or Malachi Lawrence. Their first round pick from a year ago. Now, you know, DeMarcus Lawrence is a tremendous all-around player. And I think after he had a couple double-duty sack seasons, he was around 6, 7, 8 every season here in Dallas. But where they missed him was the all-around ability.
35:39Of course, you'd like to have a guy like DeMarcus on your team. But I think in their minds, it was just time to move on. And I think in DeMarcus' mind, it might have been time to move on as well. And it worked out for him. They were able to hug it out before the preseason game on Saturday. You know, the Cowboys, I don't think there's any regret about DeMarcus Lawrence, and I know there's no regret about the Micah Parsons trade.
36:02Rich Eisen:None about Micah, huh? None at all? I mean, I'm sure the personnel people might feel differently because there's only so many of those guys on the planet. But I think when you look at everything else that was surrounding that team last year at this time, again, I mentioned, you know, he's sitting down on the grass there in practice. as he's lying on the medical table during the preseason game. They knew where that was headed, and they felt like they had to move on. They weren't going to get a deal done. It was always going to be something. Remember, he went and got his back examined before he got traded to Green Bay.
36:34Cowboys were prepared for him to miss multiple weeks. Suddenly he gets traded to Green Bay, and, man, that back felt a whole heck of a lot better.
36:41Rich Eisen:Amazing how those things work out, huh? Yeah. Todd, thanks for the time. I appreciate you rolling with the technical punches there, and I'm sure you can't feel the blood in your arm as you've been holding the phone for the last 10 minutes. And get yourself a hat, Todd. I got the shakes. I'm sorry. Sunblock 50, man. Let's get you in good shape for the season, okay? Appreciate it. Thanks, guys. There's Todd. All right, Todd. All right, Todd. Sir.
37:07Rich Eisen:On the program. I got to give Todd a follow here. Dude. I think I was already following. Yeah. I know it's a Monday, overreaction Monday. Sure. Tomorrow will be overreaction Monday on a Tuesday. Yep. I'm telling you, man. He still thinks that Von Miller gets him closer, but still maybe not over the hump on pass rush. But how many times are you like, okay, Cowboys need some help in one aspect of the defense and that maybe the back end is improving enough with Caleb Downs alone. We'll give you the beats up front to get closer. Von Hunts comes up with another seven, eight, nine sack season for them.
37:46that's more than what they had just than yesterday yeah von miller's nine sacks last year for washington his highest total since 2021 i know man he had a little bit of ajuvenation back in
38:01Rich Eisen:those legs yeah it's great so i think it's great i think it's a great a great hire by the cowboys if you'll let me let me pop a doc myself on this before all the cowboy haters come out and say this one did have nine sacks but like i think at least four of them were against backup quarterbacks you know so a lot of people have already seen that like they're not giving the nine sacks sacks maybe the you know the respect yeah that's you know because that's what people do so i'm just putting it out there like yeah he did he had some backup quarterback sacks you know some were a quarterback where it was handing holding on to the ball a lot longer than they should have but But, you know, the man's still a former Super Bowl MVP, and that knowledge that he possesses, you can't put a price tag on that.
38:44Leadership. Leadership. Swag.
38:46Rich Eisen:Yeah. And the fact that he's going to be able to supply them with some good chicken. You know what I'm saying? That's raised right without all the chemicals. You know what I mean? Oh, no, like actual chicken. Yeah, actual is going to feed the team well. Yeah, real poultry. Weren't we supposed to get some of that, Rich? Still waiting on it. To hit him back up. Let's see if you get your shoes from the coach of Oregon. I'm not even worried about that. That's my guy. That's my guy. Our guy now. 844-204-RICH is our phone number right here the Monday after week one of preseason. Robert Sala's coming up shortly.
39:26Rich Eisen:Rich Eisen here for Gusto. On my shows, we talk a lot about what happens in the spotlight, the games, the highlights, and the moments that get replayed and debated. But in any successful operation, what happens behind the scenes matters just as much. Small businesses are no different. Payroll, hiring, onboarding, benefits, and all the details that keep things moving may not be the most visible part of the job, but they still have to be handled right. That's where Gusto comes in. Gusto is online payroll and benefits software built for small businesses. It's all-in-one, remote-friendly, and incredibly easy to use, so you can pay, hire, onboard, and support your team from anywhere.
40:02Rich Eisen:automatic payroll tax filing simple direct deposits health benefits commuter benefits workers comp 401k you name it gusto makes it simple and has options for nearly every budget and it's all built to save you time with built-in automated tools for offer letters onboarding docs direct deposit and more plus you get unlimited payroll runs for one monthly price no hidden fees no surprises try gusto today at gusto.com slash rich and get three months free when you run your first payroll. That's three months of free payroll at gusto.com slash rich. One more time, gusto.com slash rich. Rich Eisen here with some advice.
40:42Rich Eisen:If high interest credit card debt is grinding you down, it might be time to call an audible with a SoFi personal loan. 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. The Rich Eisen Show, the podcast. To the Hyundai Getaway sales event going on right now and get away with a deal so right, it almost feels wrong.
41:22Rich Eisen:Right now, you can get great deals on our most popular models, including our adventure-ready SUVs like the Hyundai Santa Fe or Santa Fe hybrid and the Tucson or Tucson hybrid. Plus, there's our bold and stylish Elantra loaded with the latest tech or go all electric with the Ioniq 5 or Ioniq 9. So get down to your local Hyundai dealer and get away with a deal you'll love during the Hyundai getaway sales event. Visit HyundaiUSA.com for details. You're a kid, right? Remember when you were a kid? Remember when you were a kid, gents? Everybody here in this room now, grown ass men. I'm still a kid. you're in the backyard you're dreaming about being a major league baseball player i did buddy we're all doing that i bet your boy cage is doing that right now he was pimping home runs yesterday okay good to know good to know i dreamed about mixing good to know that's more about a window into your parenting than anything baseball but you're dreaming in the backyard front yard and back you're standing at the plate it's your first major league baseball game and the first pitch you see you tank 449 feet away in Wrigley Field.
42:29Rich Eisen:So sick. That's what you dream of. You dream of that first pitch you see in your major league baseball career. You park 449 feet away since they've created these sorts of metrics. As you're dreaming in the backyard, you're like, okay, that would be just the third longest home run in a Major League Baseball player's debut since ESPN began tracking those home run distances in 2006. Only Jason Hayward and Aaron Judge hit one longer. That's what you dream of in the backyard. But wait, you're dreaming. You're dreaming. You're not stopping there. You're not stopping there. You're thinking, I'm going to get up in the next at-bat and I'm going to start my career with not one, but two home runs.
43:18Rich Eisen:I said two home runs in as many at-bats. That's what you're dreaming. I said, too. And you're running around the backyard. You're creating the bases in your own head. And you're like, I'm going to go and I'm touching them on. You got the high pitch voice because you've got the announcer's voice in your head. You're narrating your own moments. And then you're like, while I'm dreaming, I'm just a kid in the backyard. I'm going to step up to the plate in my third at bat. I'm going to hit a third home run. I'm going to start my career with not just one home run, not just two home runs, but three home runs and that's a major league record and that's how i'm dreaming i'm starting my major league career i'm getting goosebumps just even telling this story because it freaking happened this weekend it happened in wrigley field as a saint louis cardinal stepped to the plate joshua bias ladies and gentlemen called up just Just before the game, he had 30 family members in the stands in Wrigley Field, called up from AAA Memphis.
44:24Rich Eisen:And with his family in the stands, lived out that dream. Here is Chip Carey with the home run calls of all three blasts. Swing and a high five, belted. First pitch in the show by his homers. it is not supposed to be that easy unreal swag and a drive down the line did he do it again that ball is gone he's got two homers swing drive well hit right Suzuki back that is gone it is gone it is gone three homers for Baez Major League History at Wrigley Field. Oh, man, that's so cool. I'm getting choked up. This would... I don't know the kid. I don't know him. I don't know his family. I just know that this is the dream of every child, every boy, every girl that wants to be a major leaguer.
45:33Rich Eisen:It happened. Unreal. And you want to know about how impressive this is? apparently Cubs fans cheered him that's amazing they gave him an ovation and he's a cardinal in Wrigley Field that's the highest praise you could possibly get where it's just like okay I hate you I hate your team I don't know you but now you play for this team here I am automatically hate you oh wait a minute that's an impressive home run I think they were throwing them back from the bleachers as well because that's what they do which is by the way good for him which means he's got the baseball he doesn't have to horse trade for him yeah because it's the first time this has ever happened and he homered 449 feet on his first pitch he saw from matthew boyd boyd also boyd also threw it a first couple times before so he was kind of standing in the box like waiting right waiting and then just connected smoked it this kid tore up the minor leagues, 34 home runs in the minors this year.
46:38You could kind of see this coming. It was a question of if he was going to get called up this season, and man, what a debut.
46:46Rich Eisen:Hey, Accardo won the home run derby, and who knew this kid had his own home run derby in his first game? Unreal. The only thing missing at Wrigley Field was the woman in white standing up to make it happen. It is like the natural, except the kids in his early 20s, not in his late 30s. Unreal. Thanks for listening to the Rich Eisen Show podcast. You can watch and listen to The Rich Eisen Show live weekdays from noon to 3 Eastern on ESPN Radio, Disney Plus, and on the ESPN app. The Rich Eisen Show, the podcast.
From the publisher
Rich reacts to Jaxson Dart complaining that he had to go to the blue tent after the Giants’ QB took a hard hit and remained on the ground in New York’s preseason game against the Vikings, and plays the ‘NFL Win-Loss Game’ with a Kansas City Chiefs fan. (2:11)
ESPN’s Todd Archer and Rich discuss how the Cowboys’ Von Miller signing will impact Dallas’ pass rush, reveals why WR George Pickens has been the standout player in Dallas’ training camp so far, breaks down the team’s biggest question marks heading into the new season, and explains why Jerry Jones has zero regrets about parting ways with Micah Parsons. (23:26)
Rich and the guys weigh in on St. Louis Cardinals OF Joshua Baez hitting home runs in his first three at bats in his MLB debut against the Cubs at Wrigley Field. (38:02)
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