In short
Hour 2 of The Rich Eisen Show focuses on NFL injury and lineup questions plus “Overreaction Tuesday” debate. Key topic: Mike Tomlin’s confirmation that Aaron Rodgers has a left wrist fracture that doesn’t require surgery; the discussion centers on whether he’ll play at Chicago (a game Rodgers has “circled”), with Tomlin emphasizing bracing/stabilizing and functional/pain tolerance.
Guest
Jerry Dulac, long-time Steelers beat writer/insider for the Steelers Radio Network; previously covered the team for decades. Dulac argues Pittsburgh will likely be overly cautious due to functionality and risk if Rodgers falls again, though he won’t rule out starting. He also says the Steelers’ offense has lacked third-down rhythm (Rodgers: 4-for-18 in prior six quarters; Rudolph: 5-for-6 after). Notable examples/claims: Rodgers’ Bears dominance (24 career wins); Bears are 7-3 and offense clicking under Ben Johnson; Steelers’ playoff “one-and-done” trend; George Pickens was traded for locker-room/discipline issues (late meetings/games, including a past ambulance/late-arrival incident).
Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.
Chapters
Tap a time to open that second in VOAaron Rodgers Injury Update
0:00 to 0:24
Discussion on Aaron Rodgers' wrist injury and implications for the team.
“Right now, get up to 15 % off select storage solutions.”
Aaron Rodgers Injury Update
2:04 to 4:04
Discussion on Aaron Rodgers' wrist injury and implications for the team.
“We're about to hear from Jerry Dulac, who covers the Pittsburgh Steelers, as he has for the last few decades.”
Steelers Quarterback Legacy
4:05 to 6:15
Exploring the legacy of Steelers quarterbacks and their impact on games.
“It's anybody that you would bring in at the back end of a career.”
Tomlin's Coaching Decisions
6:16 to 9:53
Analysis of Mike Tomlin's decision-making regarding player health and game strategy.
“But the fact that this game's at Chicago.”
Overreaction Tuesday Segment
9:54 to 11:38
Engaging in Overreaction Tuesday discussions about NFL performances.
“it come on that's it i think he plays i think he plays man i just think he'd rather saw that thing off than not play this game.”
Raiders' Future and Trades
11:39 to 14:00
Discussing the Raiders' current issues and potential trades.
“it's outstanding it's wonderful let's do it against Philadelphia and then we'll revisit put a pin in it right now it's an overreaction what else Chris?”
AFC Playoff Predictions and Team Performances
14:00 to 16:00
Discussion on current AFC teams' playoff chances and game performances.
“He didn't want to go, and you don't trade people like him.”
Analyzing the Bills and Patriots
16:00 to 19:43
Debate over the strengths and weaknesses of the Bills and Patriots.
“and the rest, it's like, who's the best of the mediocre?”
Sam Darnold's Big Game Performance
19:43 to 21:34
Discussion on Sam Darnold's ability to perform in critical games.
“Wait a minute, you don't think he should play again?”
Spectating vs. Participating in Sports
21:34 to 23:12
Conversation about safety in sports participation, especially for young athletes.
“There's a podcast version every single Monday.”
Show all 19 chapters
Aaron Rodgers Injury Update
24:00 to 28:00
Insights on Aaron Rodgers' wrist injury and potential game readiness.
“Jerry Dulac, who's covered the Steelers forever in a day, is here on the program.”
Aaron Rodgers' Dominance Over the Bears
28:00 to 29:10
Discusses Aaron Rodgers' historic success against the Bears and its implications.
“That's more than any other team that he has beaten in his 21 years.”
Assessing the Steelers' Offense
29:10 to 31:00
Jerry Dulac analyzes the Steelers' offensive struggles and the impact of Aaron Rodgers' health.
“They've won seven of the last eight games.”
Pittsburgh's Playoff Anxiety
31:00 to 33:10
Explores the mood in Pittsburgh as playoff hopes diminish amidst recent performance.
“Rich, that's the second lowest two-game total they've had since 2019.”
Jalen Ramsey's Controversial Ejection
33:10 to 36:10
Examines the implications of Jalen Ramsey's ejection and reactions from the Steelers.
“They get there, but they don't do anything with it.”
George Pickens' Disciplinary Issues
36:10 to 38:30
Discusses George Pickens' issues with discipline and the Steelers' perspective on his performance.
“Like you need to be there before an hour?”
Christian McCaffrey's Hall of Fame Potential
41:20 to 42:00
Debates whether Christian McCaffrey is on a Hall of Fame trajectory given his performance.
“You don't think Christian McCaffrey is on a Hall of Fame path?”
Christian McCaffrey's Career Highlights and Comparisons
42:00 to 44:48
Explore Christian McCaffrey's impressive stats and comparisons to NFL legends.
“He just had his third one against the Cardinals, tied with Emmitt Smith against the Cardinals.”
Discussion on Big Dom and Kelsey Party Anecdotes
44:48 to 45:59
Hosts share humorous stories from a party featuring Big Dom and other guests.
“Speaking of bouncers, Big Dom was at Raw last night, too.”
Transcript
Automatic transcript. May contain errors.0:00Right now, get up to 15 % off select storage solutions. Put heavy-duty HDX totes to good use, protecting what's important to you.
0:08Rich Eisen:The solid, impact-resistant design prevents cracking, and the clear base and sides make items easy to find even when the totes are stacked. Find select shelving and tote storage up to 15 % off at the Home Depot to organize every room in your home, from your garage to your attic. Visit homedepot.com. How doers get more done. If we knew more about our sleep, what would we do differently? Would we go to bed at a consistent time? Or take steps to reduce interruptions to our sleep? With Sleep Score, Apple Watch measures your bedtime consistency, interruptions, and sleep duration. Then, every morning it combines these factors into an easy-to-understand score from 1 to 100.
0:50Rich Eisen:So you'll know how to take the quality of your sleep from OK to very high. Know your sleep score with Apple Watch. iPhone 11 or later required.
1:25Rich Eisen:never miss a moment. Now, on with the show. This is the Rich Eisen Show. Die! It's a hit! Stop! Stop! Got Lamb wide open on the right side of the end to Orion Planoi. Touchdown! From the Rich Eisen Show studio in Los Angeles. Earlier on the show, Fox Sports NFL analyst Mark Schleren. Coming up, Steelers Radio Network host Jerry Dulac. Co-host of Good Morning football, Kyle Brandt, and now it's Rich Eisen. Hour number two of the Rich Eisen Show is on the air. Great shout out to Mark Schlereth in hour number one. We're about to hear from Jerry Dulac, who covers the Pittsburgh Steelers, as he has for the last few decades.
2:13Rich Eisen:Mike Tomlin has spoken and did in fact confirm that Aaron Rodgers has a fracture in his left wrist and it doesn't require surgery and did in fact confirm that Aaron Rodgers wants to play this week in Chicago and he is inclined to let him do that but he needs to see Rodgers be able to protect himself and have a pain threshold tolerance to allow him to play because as he said he's got a bunch of a healthy collective that needs to win a football game. But I think if anybody understands that Aaron Rodgers wants to go into Soldier Field one last time and relive the good old days on behalf of his current team, which is still a first place team entering Week 12.
3:07Rich Eisen:That's the guy. You know, Aaron Rodgers wants to say, I still own you one more time. One last story. One last time, to use, I guess, the Hamilton phrase. And we will see how this plays out. And I get it. Although, Chris, in the overreaction Monday pod, what, two weeks ago? Yeah, not this past week. You're like, they should sit Rodgers after they lost to the Chargers. You're like, they should sit Rodgers and see what Mason Rudolph's got. Yeah, Rodgers are completely washed. And I said that that's absurd. He's still the Rogers neck up in a way that nobody else is. And on top of it, all the eggs are in the Rogers basket.
3:49Rich Eisen:Trust me, as somebody who, you know, called a Rogers Jets game and has been around that Jets organization in terms of, you know, paying attention to it for decades. When you put your eggs in the Rogers basket, that's where they stay. That's where they stay. And it's not just him. It's anybody that you would bring in at the back end of a career. And, you know, I was just thinking, too, that, and again, Jerry Duloc's joining us. I don't know why I thought about this, but many times when I pop awake at 3 in the morning, I start thinking about things I shouldn't so I could go right back to sleep. You know, it's been a long time since the Steelers had a quarterback that walked into the game better than yours.
4:35Rich Eisen:And if yours was an elite quarterback, they had a quarterback that was just as elite. And you better be on your P's and Q's because they had a quarterback of an offense that could light you up. And there were times when the unstealer-like thing was Big Ben throwing it 45 times a game. And a guy who was, you know, hey kids, I can't believe I'm saying this, but it's the truth. when you're seeing Josh Allen run over people and being some big, huge dude that's tough to bring down. Big Ben was sort of like the Darnell Washington of quarterbacks. You know what I mean? Not 300 pounds. But he was a guy for whom the play began once he was hit.
5:18Rich Eisen:Most quarterbacks, the play is over once you're hit. The play began for Ben half the time once he was actually hit. And so it used to be the outlier. This is not Steelers football throwing it 40 times in a game. right now the outlier of Steelers football is doing what they're doing with Rogers doing what they did with Russ doing what they've done you know to trade people um and and they're that's why they're not going to go to anything but Rogers if he's healthy and right now he's not and it's it's interesting like if you take a look at the Steelers schedule and you're looking at home for Buffalo, like let's just put it this way.
6:00Rich Eisen:If he had gotten his wrist broken or fractured week 14 at Baltimore and they win the game, let's say they win the game, just like they did this week, right? And they've got a Monday nighter against Miami. Would there be an issue of starting him? Or just let's rest him up. Yeah, it seems like an easy sit. But the fact that this game's at Chicago. That's one that Aaron's obviously had circled all season. If you look at this schedule, you would have think, and given Rodgers a pen and say, schedule of five, you definitely want to start. At Jets, right? Okay. Minnesota, Green Bay. Versus Green Bay.
6:40Rich Eisen:Chicago. I mean, but I think, again, Minnesota, Green Bay, correct. At the Jets. I think he would have circled at Baltimore. because he wants to be in this he knows that he's in this mix right he might have circled buffalo as well maybe but um but again like he neither here he he's been there done that with minnesota honestly i think i looked it up like he's he's punked minnesota more than any more maybe more than detroit actually um and he's he punked them all and all that time he he might have like circled Baltimore, Buffalo, he definitely would have circled at Chicago. There's no doubt. If you gave him a pen and say the five games you want to start this year it was probably the first one he checked the schedule for to see when it was.
7:32Rich Eisen:Where is Chicago? Yeah. There's a reason why Lovie Smith stepped to the podium when he became Bears coach and say we're going to beat the Packers and there's a reason why Ben Johnson who doesn't strike me as you know like he's going to show up at Second City anytime soon for an open mic made a joke at the Packers' expense when he took the Bears' job. So again, I'm just wondering if a lot of this has to do with Tomlin, he gets it. He gets it. Rodgers wants to be in Chicago, and if I'm a coach, I want to use that to my advantage as well. Why wouldn't I? All right, Rodgers. We need to win this game.
8:13Rich Eisen:What do you think? They're the ones who are taking balls away and winning games at the last second, that's their recipe for winning. How about we go up so far in front and we don't give them the ball? That's why we win this game. Because normally what they used to do back in the back of the day is that, remember that Steelers-Bears game where it was in the snow and they're rolling Jerome Bettis downhill at Erlacher and it was just like, yeah, man, let us swap some frigging paint today. I don't know if that's what this is going to happen on Sunday. you know we're still going five wide and we're going to try and beat you um but uh again i understand why tomlin would want to have rogers in this game and want to and understands that was 2005 remember i remember that one man some nfl films footage of that one big time uh just to give you the exact quote from tomlin i know he's working his tail off to be a component of this this week he and i talked yesterday he expressed that directly i'm of the mindset of supporting that while at the same time i've got a healthy collective of guys as a team and as a unit to ready
9:28Rich Eisen:oh baby week 12 on the line two first place teams stealers and bears you put him playing at what percent i don't know i i'm not a doctor i also don't know i mean you know if i'm him i'm just you know i'm i'm popping the advil you know yeah put a little you know soft little somber on it pull a cast on there let's rock yeah let's go a little soft cast on it come on that's it i think he plays i think he plays man i just think he'd rather saw that thing off than not play this game. How does that sound? Like pull a Ronnie Lott. Forget just the tip of a finger. How's the whole hand treating you, Doc?
10:11Rich Eisen:Moon River? Moon River. You see the whole fist? That's the way I feel about it. 844-204-RICH number to dial. It's a Tuesday. It's time for Overreaction Monday on a Tuesday. Hit it. That was terrible. That was crap. That was garbage. This place sucks. Overreaction Monday's Monday on a Tuesday. Music's already begun. Hey, everybody. How's it going? We're good. We're good. I'm good. You just want me to get going? We're good. We're good. Come on, ask me. You know who's really good? Who's really good today? George, obviously, TJ, you're doing fantastic. George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb. They're the best wide receiver duo in the NFL.
10:51Rich Eisen:I think Jamar Chase when he's active and Tee Higgins. It's tough to argue with that one, man. It's tough to argue with that one. Surpassed. You think so? I thought you would say Puka and Devante Adams. Oh, there's Puka and Devante Adams as well. Thank you for the reminder. Yeah. I had originally phrased this as surpassed Higgins and Chase, but then I thought about Puka and Devante. I don't know, man. George Pickens looked awesome. Jerry Jones said, hey, I haven't seen anybody, a wide receiver, play like that. I'm like, Randy Moss did it in your face on Thanksgiving a long time ago. What are you talking about?
11:26Rich Eisen:One of the original 88 clubbers. well I mean the original 88 clubbers you know we all know in the Hall of Fame of trolling Eagles fans at the draft but come on man okay they had a great game it's outstanding it's wonderful let's do it against Philadelphia and then we'll revisit put a pin in it right now it's an overreaction what else Chris? By the way Chris I think that is a very great reaction what do you think? is that an overreaction or not? I just said I think it's a great reaction like they are You really do or you're just being a honk? Well, I've never been accused of being that. That's untrue.
12:03Rich Eisen:Mr. Oh, the varsity plays tonight. Oh, okay. I thought you said something else. Okay. No. Do you think Mike Tom, when watching the game last night, was like, probably should have kept that dude. Again, I'm going to try and nail down Jerry Dulac on this. Any Steeler fan is just like, he was a headache. He needed maybe a change of scenery. I mean, it seems like he's still kind of a knucklehead, based on some of the stuff he does during games. The fact that he's doing the Antonio Brown celebration after Jamison Williams was flagged for it and he just did it again. But then he also does just some amazing athletic feat that's just like, look at this.
12:39Rich Eisen:He almost, Odell Beckham, that one, he was clearly out of bounds. That was great. What else you got over there? We're the best. Let's go to the other side. It's bad for the Raiders. Seems like they might clean house after the season. Is that what you're going to say? No, but I do think... Well, I do think you kick Pete upstairs and keep him on the payroll. He doesn't want to do that. The Raiders should have went full rebuild at trade deadline. Move Max Crosby for a boatload of picks.
13:08Rich Eisen:It was right there. I know it was right there. The team they played last night wanted him. He didn't want to go, though. He didn't want to go. Well, he's not the owner. You're the owner. I understand that. And by the way, you know, could you imagine if I had if I was the owner of the Raiders and I said, give me the same haircut?
13:30Rich Eisen:I don't know, man. We this team is really bad. We excoriated Jerry Jones for trading Micah Parsons. And I understand the Cowboys had more in the store than what you think the Raiders currently have. You don't trade people like Max Crosby. You just don't. You don't. You build around him. their offensive line is the issue here they can't get Gentry running and they can't keep Geno upright that O-line has been brutal then why'd you take Gentry in the first place at 6th overall only to come up with a game plan of play actioning and then you use him in the second half but then that didn't work out so you don't use him in the second half I don't know you knew your O-line was bad, why'd you take him anyway I don't know, because he's really talented, and you can build around these guys.
14:21Rich Eisen:That's why. I'll just call this an overreaction. He didn't want to go, and you don't trade people like him. What else, Chris? Find a plan B. What else? The red sweater. The red sweater? Yeah. Watching the AFC West last night. Watching the Chiefs. Chargers are back to charge ring, TJ. AFC West is only getting one playoff team. That's not true. That's ridiculous. Oh, oh. Give me a second. That's ridiculous. Why is it ridiculous? Is it? No, because that means the AFC North gets two or the AFC South gets two. Is that what you're saying? Why not? Okay, so the AFC South gets two, and the AFC East gets two.
15:02Rich Eisen:Then that would mean the AFC North get two. And only one from the West makes it. Overreaction. If you watch the way the Chiefs and Chargers are playing. I have no confidence I get it I understand you have no confidence but it also shows you how crazy this league is right now one week the Steelers look terrible after one week where they look great Steelers look terrible against the Chargers after they beat the Colts right? and then the Steelers turn around beat the Bengals and the Chargers turn around and get blown out by Jacksonville you know what I mean? which just got come back on in a heartbreaking way by Houston.
15:46Rich Eisen:Then they turn around and punk the Chargers. So this is a week-to-week situation here that I'm not going to go blanket statement. AFC West getting only one playoff team. I say this is an overreaction and move on. There's three good teams in the AFC, and the rest, it's like, who's the best of the mediocre? Who are the three good teams in the AFC? The Pats, Broncos, and Colts. So you're calling the Bills mediocre? I mean did you watch them play against Miami? I did and then I watched them play against the Chiefs the week before and I watched them play against the Bucks the week after mediocre teams are up and down in roller coasters I don't think they're mediocre I think they're better than most their supposed best wide receiver can't show up to meetings and is you know kind of not good, they lost the locker room I can't wait for you to see my power rankings where I put the Ravens and just hear you howl how oh man speaking of mediocre okay all right a defense that has been five games in a row giving 20 or fewer points up a streak that not even your patriots have been able to accomplish this year and derrick henry running it in and zay flowers being healthy and mark andrews running it in and lamar jackson come on man the ravens aren't mediocre the ravens are coming on strong and wait Wait until they take on your Patriots on an eight-game win streak and see what everybody's going to be talking about them then.
17:10Rich Eisen:What is their record? Five and five. Mediocre. Speaking of, I saw this at With My Own Two Eyes at SoFi on Sunday. Sam Darnold keeps showing us who he really is in big games. We should believe him. That's not true. I mean, it is true. Has he won a big game before? Yeah, when he was put on the shoulders, right? When he was at USC? No, no, no. Last year. It was last year. The Vikings beat the Packers, and they put him on his shoulders. And he came in, and he was, yeah. How'd that playoff game go on so far? Not well. No, not well. TJ, when you only have the facts backing up your argument, it's really easy to make a case.
17:55Rich Eisen:You know what? Unless you're a Patriot fan, then that whole, who have we really beaten argument? That's not for us. That's not for us. I've been very open to the fact that their schedule is pretty soft. That's not for people to start talking about a 9-2 team that's lost to Vegas, lost to Pittsburgh, both to home losses. Why are we talking about the Patriots? Because you're the king of, like, who have they really beaten? The guy's never really done anything. He's never really done. You won at Miami. You beat Carolina at home. You won at Buffalo, which you called mediocre moments ago. I don't understand why we're talking about the Patriots.
18:24Rich Eisen:Then they won at New Orleans. Then they won at Tennessee. Then they beat Cleveland at home. They beat Atlanta at home. And then they finally just took on a first-place team in Tampa. It doesn't say Patriots on that. No, no, no, no, no, no. But it's good for you until you don't want to hear about it. I don't think that's true at all, but okay. Again, we're talking about Sam Darnold. That's when people are presented with facts. I'm pushing back and saying... Well, the Patriots have a better strength of victory than the Broncos. Why don't we talk about who the Broncos have beaten? We could. What are we doing here?
18:54Rich Eisen:Yeah, what are we doing here? I think what we're ending up doing here is we're spinning our wheels in a league that is as wide open as we've seen in quite some time. I'm trying to say that Sam Darnold doesn't play well in big games and I'm pointing out that I think that's an overreaction he's done it well and I understand what his reputation is there's still more to go I'm trying to say Will in the Sky keeps on turning interesting last one hot coaching spot the New York Giants is going to be a great spot really curious to see who ends up there but Jackson Dart shouldn't play again this season give me my boy give me my boy one more I don't know why we needed that It's because I like hearing my son's voice Don't you live with him?
19:38Rich Eisen:I don't, by the way, I don't disagree I don't Wait a minute, you don't think he should play again? No, because I've seen enough We've seen enough We know that he's good enough And I've also seen that he needs to tone it down With his run style One way to do that Is to keep him safe And by the way, while we're on the subject matter That's insane. Do you know what? That's insane. Do you know what? Scadaboo is done going to Raw. Why was he in Raw last night? I'm a New York Giant. I'm saying. It was Sean Cena's last time at the Garden. You can't stop me from going to that. I'm saying, Scadaboo, love that you're wearing a Rangers sweater.
20:19Rich Eisen:Love that you're out and about. Love that you're Cam Scadaboo. Love that you're going to Raw. But don't participate. Just spectate. When Dirty Dom, who's the future goat of professional wrestling, is standing to you. Get out of here. You got an E I'm saying? What do you want to do? That's the goat right there. He's with Andrew Schultz. That's amazing. For my young giants who clearly only know one's speed that on occasion can be dangerous to their health, I'm going to sit them down. Judgment day. So I'm not discounting what you said. Six, seven? I've seen enough. I've seen enough. I don't know if you guys remember, but last year during an Arizona State game, I said to you guys in five years, Scadaboo is either going to be a special teams nightmare or the intercontinental champion going into WrestleMania.
21:08Rich Eisen:Both things can be true. He's all things. Well, he's not a special teams nightmare. He's an offensive nightmare. He is. He's had his raw privileges revoked. Respectfully, no, you can't do that. It's John Cena's last time. Next thing you know, he's going to have a folding chair in his hands and get out of here. He should have had a kendo stick with him if he was smart. Can we just spectate and not participate? No. Good stuff. Overreaction Monday, the podcast. There's a podcast version every single Monday. It airs on ESPN2 at 430 Eastern during the football season. Of course, it's on our YouTube channel as well.
21:43Rich Eisen:We'll take a break. Jerry Dulac is on time. He's heard us yelling and yelling about it all. It's not about it. Jerry gets it. The Rich Eisen Show Podcast.
22:00Rich Eisen here and summer's here too.
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23:59Rich Eisen:ESPN Radio presented by Progressive Insurance. Jerry Dulac, who's covered the Steelers forever in a day, is here on the program. Before we jump into the here and now, let me play the soundbite. I imagine were you at the press conference with Tomlin earlier today? Which is why you're at the Steelers facility right now. This was Mike Tomlin on Aaron Rodgers' wrist and his readiness for maybe this week even. Aaron's got a fracture in his wrist. It does not require surgery. Really, it's just about bracing it and securing it for his comfort and safety. And then it's about how functional he is. And so we don't have the answers to that, as we say in here today.
24:42But certainly, I would imagine we will get some clarity as we push through the week. I think his experience really kind of aids in that. he's the type of guy and has the type of profile that doesn't require a lot of physical work and an effort to be ready to play. And again, as I mentioned, the variables are stabilizing it and making sure that he's safe and he can protect himself, brace himself as he falls, et cetera. Pain tolerance, but that doesn't seem to be an issue with Aaron. He wanted to go back in the game on Sunday. and then lastly obviously how effective he can be all right i'll give you the floor jerry what
25:23Rich Eisen:what do you what do you what's your two cents on what you heard and what you know and what you you can put on the table for us here well um rich i i think they're going to probably be overly cautious because there's a lot of variables there that you heard mike thalman just uh it list and you know one of them is functionality. How good can he function? You know, what is it going to be like taking snaps, even though the vast majority of time he's in a shotgun? You know, the pain issue is not going to be a factor at all for him. But then it becomes, OK, you know, a lot with some handoffs. Do you become a right handed handoff guy, which a lot of times he does not on play action?
Read the full transcript
26:03And then, you know, and then it just becomes, you know, the safety issue to what happens, you know, he heard it the other day when he fell. And so if that happens again, now all of a sudden the injury's a little bit worse. So I'm going to guess based on all that, that he is not going to play. I'm certainly not ruling it out, but they also know they're comfortable that if Mason Rudolph has to play, it'd be different if it was just Will Howard, for example, the rookie who just came off IR. But knowing what Mason Rudolph is capable of doing and knowing the potential risk of maybe a greater injury that that injury does not it's a fracture but it does not need surgery that doesn't mean that another hit or another bad fall uh won't cause that to uh not be the case so that's going to be my guess but i'm not going to rule them out either only because
26:54Rich Eisen:they haven't but we'll see well i mean if we're talking ifs and variables uh jerry if this was say the week 15 game uh home for miami or a week 17 game at cleveland right uh i i would hear you saying out of abundance of caution let's not make it any worse but this is chicago man this is the home of the bears this is where he once told the fans i own you and you know but he does which by the way i'm not disputing i didn't stutter either right but but this has to meet this this is rogers no doubt pushing. He's got to be pushing. Didn't Tomlin even admit that he did bring this up like he wants to play this weekend to Tomlin?
27:37Rich Eisen:Jerry? Yes, he did. And I'm sure he does. And he wanted to go back in the game on Sunday, according to Mike Tomlin. Of course, they didn't because at that time they didn't know the extent of his injury. They didn't want to make it worse because they didn't know what they were dealing with. That's why they didn't put him back in. But yes, You know he wants to play against the Bears. He's beaten them 24 times in his career. That's more than any other team that he has beaten in his 21 years. And there's no active quarterback that has beaten one team more than the other than what Aaron Rodgers has with the Bears.
28:12I think the next closest, I think Joe Flacco has beaten the Bengals, the old Bengals, like 24 times or the Browns. one of the, excuse me, 18, but nobody has owned one team among active quarterbacks like Aaron Rogers has owned the Bears.
28:25Rich Eisen:Right. And you know, he wants to play the Bears because he in Chicago, because he doesn't know when he's going to ever get that opportunity again. Schedule wise, you just, it may not, this, this is his one shot. So that, that is definitely part of this, Jerry. There's no denying it. Yeah, I agree. It's going to be part of the dynamic. And I think, too, Rich, what could happen is, though, you know, this is very real as well, is that he will start the game and they'll see how it is going. You know, how is he performing? Is it a problem? You know, in terms of, again, functionality and how effective he can be.
29:05And then, you know, they can weigh it that way going forward. But this is a different Bears team, too, as you know, Rich. I mean, they're 7-3. They've won seven of the last eight games. The offense is really clicking with Ben Johnson. And so they'll want to see how effective Aaron Rodgers can be because, you know, I don't think this is going to be 34-31, but I think they're going to have to score some points against the Bears.
29:25Rich Eisen:Well, and that's been an issue consistently this year, right? Like, let's remove the whole Rodgers health aspect of this week out. And what's your assessment of the offense so far? What has ailed it and what is fixable in your estimation, Jerry? Well, one of the things that's ailed them, Rich, is their third down conversion rate. You know, you look at the previous six quarters with Aaron Rodgers. They converted four of 18 third downs. And then Mason Rudolph comes in in the second half. He converts five of six, including three of third and 11 or longer. And so the consistency, the rhythm on offense has been missing.
30:02There's been no flow to the offense. Oh, there have been examples of it, no question. But I think the overall consistency of what they want to do and what they've been able to do has been the biggest thing holding them back. You know, the 340 yards they had against the Bengals, you know, were the most they had in three games. And it's just been two up and down offensively. Aaron Rodgers has been very good, you know, witnessed the 19 touchdowns. You know, very few interceptions, very few turnovers, of course. And yet their rhythm and flow the last three games, or certainly their last 10 quarters with Aaron Rodgers, hasn't been what they would like, despite the fact I know he threw four touchdowns against the Indianapolis Colts, but that was somewhat the byproduct of a short field and all the takeaways that they had.
30:54But nonetheless, he made them pay for it. But the offense that game, 225 yards a week later, 221 yards. Rich, that's the second lowest two-game total they've had since 2019. That goes back to when Randy Fittner was the coordinator. So they have struggled offensively.
31:10Rich Eisen:Well, what's the mood there in that town, Jerry? Because the up and down play since the 4-1 start only lends credence to any concerns that this season is going to end similar to the way the last several seasons have ended. Either short of the playoffs, I mean, making the playoffs and short of a playoff win, Jerry. I mean, the Ravens are right there. They haven't played the Steelers yet. They've won four in a row. The whole world thinks they're going to run the Steelers down. And I know Tomlin doesn't care what the whole world thinks. but the world of Pittsburgh, what's the mood there right now?
31:46Yeah, Rich, I think there's a lot of trepidation there. You know, that three-and-a-half game lead that the Steelers had on the Ravens is all but gone, and if Mason Rudolph doesn't come in in the second half and preserve that victory, and I know they've got two defensive touchdowns as well, then all of a sudden they're tied with the Ravens at this point. Two more games against the Ravens. They have Buffalo after the Bears. They still have to go to Detroit. and you look at the, you know, four of the last six years in December, they've had three game losing streaks. Now, I know it was, you know, it was a bit of an extreme anomaly last year when they played the three best teams in 11 days in December.
32:24But that has been a repeated pattern for them. And these fans, you know, the people around town, they know it. And that's why, you know, there is a lot of trepidation about what's going to happen. You know, when they were four and one, I don't think people were making their Super Bowl reservations. And then, you know, again, they lose Sunday. That's to the Bengals. That was for their last five. They would have lost. So, you know, it would have been, you know, an early season, quote, decline for them. And I think I don't think anybody's doing cartwheels yet about where the Steelers are headed. And as you mentioned, Rich, their quick playoff exits.
32:58You know, they haven't won. They've lost their last five playoff games. Mike Tomlin's had eight one and done. That's one shy of Marty Schottenheimer, who has the record of nine. And they certainly don't want to see that happen again. They get there, but they don't do anything with it.
33:12Rich Eisen:The man who's covered the Steelers for a long time, Jerry Dulac, here on the Rich Eisen Show. A couple more things for you before I let you go on with your Tuesday. In the building, what people might be saying about Jalen Ramsey getting ejected from a game for an offense that I don't think anybody begrudges him And now that we know he had a, you know, Jamar Chase's spittle in his face and anybody maybe calling the league up saying, let's not find Jalen. I mean, you ejected him, but this was justified. His actions. Yeah. Yeah. Rich, that's going to be, you know, a tough line to walk because he did.
33:48He did punch him. And but, you know, again, was it justified? OK, you go back to Jalen Carter and Dak Prescott. when we know what happened in that opening game of the season before they even started playing. And Dak Prescott didn't react that way. I'm not in like Mike Tomlin said today when he was asked about it. He said he has no message for somebody how to react when he spit upon. So, yeah, it's a great answer. Yeah, it is. And we know and we know that Jalen Ramsey plays with an attitude. And the funny thing, Rich, is I'm watching the two in the binoculars kind of they weren't barking at each other.
34:24that they were just kind of standing there. And then Jalen Ramsey reacts the way he does. And I go, oh, what is he doing? How stupid is that? But yet, at that point in time, he didn't know what happened. And actually, I think they should give Jamar Chase two-game suspension, one for spitting, one for lying.
34:43Rich Eisen:Interesting. Well, I mean, one for lying to the press? Right, one for lying, saying he didn't spit on anybody. How dare he lie to the press? Now, if he lied to the NFL, now I understand. Man, that's a totally different ball. Imagine that a player lying to the press. I've never seen that happen in my year. That's a one-game suspension on the spot. And then last thing for you, Jerry, how do the Steelers view George Pickens balling out the way that he is? And, you know, I have a follow-up question for you on this front. How do they view that? Well, one, probably not surprising because they know he's an ultra-talented player.
35:21Rich Eisen:Right. He has a quarterback. He's playing with a quarterback who, you know, still can spin it and be very productive with Dak Prescott. So none of that is a surprise, nor should it be a surprise. But that isn't the reason why they got rid of him. So why is it? Why is it? Let's get down to some brass tacks because, you know. He was disruptive. He was disruptive in the locker room, Rich. You know, late for meetings, late for games. I was told that the teammates, his teammates were fed up with it. you know is it's only going to be a matter of time probably before the same happens in dallas if it hasn't already but that's the biggest reason they did it now would have it looked wonderful to have that tandem with dk metcalf absolutely but it's part of the reason why they brought in dk metcalf because they knew they were going to move on from george pickens well i mean it's he's late for games?
36:16Rich Eisen:Meaning what? Like you need to be there before an hour? Routine late. Whatever time, whatever time Richie was supposed to show up, and I don't know what that is. He was always late. And I will give you a quick example. Do you remember the incident last year where, you know, the television reporter reported that he was going to play, would be on limited snaps. They got the information from Mike Tomlin. And the reason why that misinformation was transmitted to, I believe, Tracy Wolfson, Wolfson, if I'm not mistaken, is because that's what Mike Tomlin knew without talking to George Pickens, because he didn't show up on time.
36:52He wasn't there. And when he reported to the stadium late, they had to take him by ambulance with a police escort to the hospital to have a quick MRI or x-ray. And when he came back, they said he can't play. So that was an example right there of him showing up late. And then it become a little bit of embarrassing for Mike Tomlin, you know, giving some misinformation to the TV reporter 90 minutes before the game.
37:18Rich Eisen:So it looks like none of that's happening in Dallas. I mean, were they like nodding their heads, seeing him standing next to CD Lamb before the game and then getting flagged hugging the goalpost? I didn't hear why he sat down the opening series, but I'm sure it was probably for some no-no, which I'm sure, knowing George, is probably occurring in Dallas. Jerry, I appreciate the time. What are you binge watching now? What are you binge watching now? Rich, you know, diplomats run its course. I finished season three. And now Landman is back. And I saw your guest the other day, which I enjoyed. And Tulsa King and Landman.
38:01Rich Eisen:You saw Ali Lawyer here, Jerry, huh? You saw her? Yeah. I mean, you're letting me have guests. I mean, I'm so far down the totem pole, it doesn't even matter. Come on now, man. but I guess I need to be fair and balanced because she was wearing a green dress because she's an Eagles fan so I got both sides of the state now you know what I mean yeah I wore some gray today I think to be reflective of the weather not necessarily an NFL team Jerry Dulac everybody here you're the best man thanks for making us smarter and taking some time alright Rich you got it say hi to Bert and the rest of the Steelers for me man there you go there's Jerry Dulac everybody I'll wait for him when I leave awesome there he goes I know exactly that room I've done Zooms, I think, into this show from that room when I was doing the Steelers Christmas Eve game.
38:46Rich Eisen:That's right. Out there. We did shows once there, but weren't we in the radio booth, I believe? Yes, when Manganiello came by. Manganiello stopped by. That's right. Radio only. That's right. That was fun. That's right. Great stadium. It was Heinz Field then. It was. They had ketchup bottles hanging all over the place. Where are those? I think they're back. Are they back? I believe that they're back. I think they might. They might be back. Remember, there was a hue and cry about what are you going to do with the ketchup bottles? I mean, they'd go to storage somewhere. I know. All right, let's take a break.
39:24Rich Eisen:844-204-RICH, number to dial. Kyle Brand has something to say about the Bears, I think, when we come back in Hour 3. The Rich Eisen Show, the podcast.
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40:39Rich Eisen:Sonos, everybody back here on the Rich Eisen Show. Maybe you're listening to us with a Sonos speaker. If you are, it sounds like I'm sitting next to you, don't you? I love my Sonos, man. It's the best we have in our house. Chris uses it in his. Probably what? It doesn't have Sonos? Yeah, you might be. And you're the one who stays in the house the most. You should have like a whole. Get some of that. Beautiful design, incredible sound, effortless control. means you can focus on what matters most, enjoying your time or enjoying the sports season or enjoying the season of giving. I love Sonos. You will as well.
41:11Rich Eisen:Discover how easy it is to bring every room to life with incredible sound. Explore Sonos speakers, soundbars, and more at Sonos.com. Back here on ESPN Radio, presented by Progressive Insurance, Christopher, Christopher. You don't think Christian McCaffrey is on a Hall of Fame path? Or you think he... No, you guys said right now. I said already, and you agreed. I kind of think he's there. Right now? Yeah. I have some stats. Stop it. Hold on a second. He is. If Deltufo agrees with me, I need to come up with stats. Yeah, exactly. You don't want to sense the hard body back off, Mike. Yeah, yeah. He's a great player already.
41:49Rich Eisen:That's it, Mike. Hang on. Here we go. Most games with three or more scrimmage touchdowns against a single opponent, he's one behind LaDainian Tomlinson all time against the Broncos. He just had his third one against the Cardinals, tied with Emmitt Smith against the Cardinals. And Emmitt played for them at the end. Fourth career game. He just had his fourth career game with two or more rushing touchdowns and one or more receiving. Tied for third most such games in NFL history behind Marshall and Jim Brown. He's one behind them. McCaffrey, fourth career season. Fourth career season with five or more rushing touchdowns and five or more receiving touchdowns.
42:29Rich Eisen:That's the most ever. He broke a tie with Marshall. This year. Fifth season with five or more receiving touchdowns. No other running back in NFL history is more than three. Come on. Okay. I understand. He was injury prone. He's only played four full seasons. This would be his fifth if he finishes it. Gale Sayers is in the Hall of Fame. TD's in the Hall of Fame. They didn't have longevity. They didn't have longevity. He's had longevity. He just hasn't had longevity consecutively enough. And I understand that pushback. Can I have Christian McCaffrey go on a Super Bowl playoff run like TD did? To win it all?
43:12Rich Eisen:Yeah. Remember what he did in the Super Bowl? He was incredible, even though he did fumble early on in that game. Just for reference, Jonathan Taylor has more yards rushing in three less seasons. He has nine games of 100 or more scrimmage yards this year. No other players more than seven. McCaffrey does have 600 catches. Since joining San Francisco, he's had three games with three scrimmage touchdowns or more. They will all come against Arizona. I want to see him have a... Remember a few years ago, we were talking about Derrick Henry. I'm like, not yet. Since then, Derrick Henry rattled off three or four pretty amazing seasons.
43:46Rich Eisen:He's done the yet. He's done more. He's done enough in the yet. Yes, that's what I mean. So I want to see Christian McCaffrey. He's 29. I want to see him do what Derrick Henry has done in his early 30s. I wanted him to rattle off three more spectacular seasons. And then, you know, then he can get in and win a ring. But he's already done stuff in terms of multi-purpose on the air, on the ground, in the air, than Marshall, who is without a question the standard. And what does Marshall have? A ring. MVP. I got it. Ring. Well, Marshall did it in a time where it wasn't just an automatically a quarterback award either.
44:25No.
44:25Rich Eisen:And it wasn't a we're throwing the ball to the running backs and we're throwing the ball over the yard like it is kind of now. So, look, I just want to see a little bit more. I need like three more years of McCaffrey doing this. I understand. But you can also agree he already has metrics to get in for all time greatness over people. I also understand over people who have the busts in the ring. Sure. I also understand that I am a pretty strict bouncer of the Hall of Fame entrance. Velvet ropes. more than most. And so I need to see more. Speaking of bouncers, Big Dom was at Raw last night, too. Oh, yeah.
45:03Dude, you know how to talk about
45:06Rich Eisen:a no-contest wrestling. I won't be talking about Big Dom. Why not? Just because he's an eagle? Come on, man. A Rams fan and a Cowboys fan have nothing positive to say about the Eagles. Big Dom was there with Cooper DeGene. Come on, now. A couple of exciting whites, DJ. Taking care of his kid. We'll be talking about Scadaboo without question. Big Dom once said he would come on this program. Should I see a field taking up on it? Yeah, we need Big Dom. Were we all intoxicated at the Kelsey party when that was said? Yeah, okay. I don't think he was intoxicated. I don't think that guy ever loses his marbles in any way.
45:44Rich Eisen:No, but he said he would come on. I was intoxicated. Yeah, I was too. You were. And Jake, who I got a photo for, was also. It was. Yeah. That was wild. That party was great. That party was great. That party was great. Seeing an incredibly highly pregnant Kylie Kelsey. Kylie Kelsey. Being talked to. There it is. Look at that photo. Talked to. Flavor Flav. Flavor Flav was there. Like pulling Kylie for a minute. Where on the clock? And she's like leaning over to hear what he has to say. but she can't get close enough because she was ready to roll. Ready to roll. Honestly. It's a fun time. Rich, you look a little happy.
46:28Rich Eisen:I was. Big Dom, I think that's his default. And we took that pick. I'm like, of all the people in here that I want to take a selfie with, it's you. That's ridiculous. Why is it ridiculous? Of all the people. Look, I didn't get invited to this party, but I've been to the party the year before, and there were a lot of luminaries there. And you may tell me if those people, same people were at the party you were at, if Don would be the guy? Now, let me ask you this question. Yes, because he's an eagle. That's why I ask you this question. I respect that you hate the eagle so much. Yeah. And I don't hate much.
47:03Rich Eisen:I understand. Tom Pelfrey of also a giant fandom. I get it. You know, of task. He said, I refuse to put on the gear. The Rich Eisen Show podcast. MLB.tv on ESPN is your home for every out-of-market game, live or on demand. Catch your favorite teams and players, plus MLB Network and ESPN app features like Multiview, syncing your stats, key plays, bets, and fantasy all in one place. Sign up now for MLB.tv in the ESPN app. Separate subscriptions required, blackouts, and other terms apply. Visit stream.espn.com slash MLB TV for more information.
From the publisher
Rich reacts to the latest on Aaron Rodgers’ wrist injury, and in ‘Overreaction Tuesday’ Rich weighs in on the Dallas Cowboys’ CeeDee Lamb/George Pickens dynamic duo, the sorry state of the Las Vegas Raiders, how many teams the AFC West will send to the playoffs, Sam Darnold’s continuing big game struggle, and if the New York Giants should sit rookie QB Jaxson Dart for the rest of the season.
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Gerry Dulac and Rich discuss Aaron Rodgers’ wrist injury and the QB’s availability for Week 12 vs the Chicago Bears, Pittsburgh’s chances to hold off the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC North, explains why Cincinnati Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase deserved a two-game suspension for spitting on Jalen Ramsey, and reveals why talented-but-disruptive WR George Pickens is not missed at all even though he’s balling out for the Dallas Cowboys now.
Rich and Brockman debate if San Francisco 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey has already earned a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
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