In short
The episode is Rich Eisen’s Hour 2, centered on NFL quarterback news and Rams defensive updates. Topic 1: “Overreaction Tuesday” discussion of the Vikings naming Kyler Murray QB1 before preseason.
Key claims
the quarterback competition is over; Minnesota did it to stop splitting reps and to maximize Murray’s preseason reps; Murray’s $1.3M one-year cost and no-tag path through 2026 makes it a low-risk, high-upside move; the move effectively ends J.J. McCarthy’s runway for now, though McCarthy could still play if Murray gets hurt.
Notable examples
Minnesota’s weapons (Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Aaron Jones, TJ Hockenson) and last year’s turnover differential issues; comparisons to Baker Mayfield/Jared Goff and other veteran “late” success. Topic 2: “Is he back yet?” Aaron Donald practice status.
Guest
Trent McDuffie, Los Angeles Rams CB. Background: former Kansas City Chiefs first-round pick; Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro; traded to the Rams; joined after being “left in the dark” on details.
Key claims
Donald is not back yet (as of interview); Miles Garrett is an “animal” with elite get-off and relentless detail; McDuffie expects Garrett to thrive especially when the Rams can play with a lead.
Notable examples
joint practice references (Tampa vs Jets: Geno Smith interceptions; Quantes Stiggers ambulance).
Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.
Chapters
Tap a time to open that second in VORich Eisen's Introduction
0:45 to 1:33
Rich Eisen welcomes listeners and introduces the show's format.
“Subscribe at youtube.com slash Rich Eisen Show and you'll never miss a moment.”
Overreaction Tuesday Preview
1:33 to 2:49
Rich previews the upcoming discussions and mentions guest appearances.
“Hour two of the Rich Eisen show is on the air.”
Kyler Murray Named Starting QB
2:49 to 7:00
Rich discusses Kyler Murray being named the starting quarterback for the Vikings.
“The story that Adam Schefter broke in our number one of this Tuesday show is that the Vikings have named Kyler Murray their starting quarterback.”
JJ McCarthy's Situation
7:00 to 12:09
Rich reflects on JJ McCarthy's challenges and comparisons with Kyler Murray.
“And, you know, whatever happened last year for the foot injury that got caused on the snap that hit him in his face mask, it was just weird the way it ended.”
Upcoming Challenges for Kyler
12:09 to 13:13
Discussion on Kyler Murray's upcoming games and potential challenges.
“You want to be 3-2 going into that bye week.”
Overreaction Monday on Tuesday
13:13 to 14:02
Rich engages in the segment Overreaction Monday discussing preseason implications.
“and if he gets hurt, J.J.'s going to be ready.”
Joint Practices and Preseason Dynamics
14:02 to 16:40
Discussion on the effectiveness and challenges of joint practices and preseason games.
“Apparently, let's hope everything's all right with him there.”
New Stadiums and Fan Experience
16:40 to 18:40
Exploring the excitement and potential pitfalls of new stadium designs and fan seating.
“The obstructed seats photographs are disturbing.”
Seattle Seahawks as Contenders
18:40 to 20:00
Debate over the Seahawks' status as under-the-radar NFC contenders and the reasons behind it.
“We don't have sound bites from their GM.”
Dodgers' Recent Struggles
20:00 to 21:30
Analysis of the Dodgers' recent performance and the implications of player trades.
“but not as NFC contenders as the possibility to repeat.”
Show all 19 chapters
Interview with Trent McDuffie
24:29 to 28:00
Trent McDuffie discusses his experience as a Ram and the dynamics of the team.
“Like I said, this is a first for our new segment.”
Analyzing Playing with a Lead
28:00 to 30:09
Learn how playing with a lead affects defensive strategies and mindset.
“Yeah, I mean, you talk about playing with the lead.”
Trent McDuffie's Transition to the Rams
30:10 to 32:12
Discover why Trent McDuffie was traded and his feelings about joining the Rams.
“Listen, it's so rare to have a Pro Bowl first-team All-Pro guy with a second-team All-Pro on his resume at age 25, four years in the league, available.”
Expectations and Team Dynamics
32:13 to 34:03
Understand McDuffie's thoughts on the team's expectations and building camaraderie.
“Great red carpet rolled out for you here in Southern California.”
Respecting the Game and Colleagues
34:04 to 36:37
Hear McDuffie's perspective on teamwork and the importance of collective success.
“the running back room, and then coming over, I've seen all the defenders.”
Facing Old Friends on the Field
36:38 to 38:09
McDuffie shares how he feels about playing against his former teammates.
“You talk about somebody who can no-look you, who knows every defense.”
Reflections on a Special Wedding
38:10 to 40:10
Listen to McDuffie talk about the significance of attending a wedding with former teammates.
“You're not the only one sitting right there from the cornerback position that's out here now for the Rams.”
Discussion on J.J. McCarthy's Challenges
43:17 to 46:20
Explore the pressures young quarterbacks face in the NFL and college.
“and the discourse is constantly around his ability.”
Closing Thoughts on Quarterback Development
46:21 to 47:17
Reflect on the need for better systems to develop young quarterbacks.
“The other thing they need to switch and figure something out is developing quarterbacks.”
Transcript
Automatic transcript. May contain errors.0:00You know when you're locked in, focused and fearless. Welcome to the WNBA. Your vision narrows. You can't look away. Every assist, every stop, every logo three. From beyond the logo. Every did you see that moment. You bet. What records are going to be broken this season? All of it right here. Lock in. It's the WNBA on ESPN. All season long.
0:30Rich Eisen:This is the Rich Eisen Show. Hey, everybody. Can't get enough of the Rich Eisen Show? You're in luck. You can find us everywhere. Watch us weekdays on Disney Plus from noon to 3 Eastern. Miss the show? We've got a podcast so you can listen anytime. But here's the best part. Our YouTube channel. Subscribe at youtube.com slash Rich Eisen Show and you'll never miss a moment. Now, on with the show. This is the Rich Eisen Show. So please, welcome the greatest performer ever to have graced this earth. Rich Eisen. Is he back yet? If Aaron Donald comes back. Live from the Rich Eisen Show studio in Los Angeles.
1:14Rich Eisen:Earlier on the show, senior writer for the MMQB, Albert Breer. Still to come, Rams cornerback, Trent McDuffie. Writer and actor, Brendan Hunt. Your phone calls, latest news, and more. And now it's Rich Eisen. Hour two of the Rich Eisen show is on the air. Albert Breer in hour one joined us from Minnesota Vikings camp. Lots to talk about from there as we will in just a split second. It's overreaction Monday on a Tuesday. We're about to play that before Trent McDuffie joins us. And for the first time, we have an actual Los Angeles Ram to play our other game that we've been playing. It's not really a game.
1:54Rich Eisen:It's not a game. It's not a game. Not a game. Not a game, no. We're talking about practice when it comes to Aaron Donald, and he's been doing some of that, it seems, on his own, and also with a couple of his teammates, Brayden Fisk, and also Josiah Stewart. We've seen it. It's more of an inquiry. Is he back yet? It's been something that we've been talking about for some time, but we haven't done it with an actual Rams teammate of Miles Garrett's or potentially soon-to-be Aaron Donald and Trent McDuffie. Coming on. He's got some rings. Imagine. You know what I mean? Imagine if he shows up during the interview.
2:30Rich Eisen:What if he does? That'd be great. Oh, come on. So Trent McDuffie in about 18 minutes time. And then Brendan Hunt, who plays Coach Beard from Ted Lasso, he returns. So I think he came in last time when it was season two promoting. It's now season four right now. We'll get to overreaction Monday on a second, on a Tuesday. The story that Adam Schefter broke in our number one of this Tuesday show is that the Vikings have named Kyler Murray their starting quarterback. Now, there was no press conference or there has yet to be one from as of this moment, hour two of this Tuesday program, the middle of August, before the Vikings play even a preseason game.
3:16Rich Eisen:and so I hit up Adam during a commercial break I'm like did they tell Kyler like what do you what do you know and what are you up for reporting and he texted me back they told the team it's official quarterback competition is over so a few first blush thoughts now that I've had about 20 minutes to to take it all in firstly I'm surprised it's done before the preseason games now I know the way this is going to go it's going to be like J.J. McCarthy so terrible that it's so obvious they're just going to go ahead and do it now based on how poorly J.J. McCarthy's handled everything because everything seems to be thrown in this young man's lap and I would push back on that again even though I'm not there and fully as you know accounting for my bias when it comes to him because of our alma mater, our mutual institution of higher learning.
4:22Rich Eisen:I think they did this because of two things. One, it helps the team to just get ready. We're not splitting reps anymore. It's go time. It's preseason football now. And it's as many reps as Kyler Murray can get now. It's to the benefit to this team. And the other thing as well is that I was saying this before. I said this when Murray signed. Well, unfortunately for J.J. McCarthy, that's the end of that. Because Kyler Murray is a first overall selected player who is insanely inexpensive. Notice I didn't say cheap. I'm trying to be consistent around here. Yeah, I understand. $1.3 million. That's all it costs the Minnesota Vikings right now.
5:20Rich Eisen:One-year deal. He's on a no-tag deal as well. So he's got a free path to free agency through the 2026 season, and the Vikings are fully aware of that. They are fully aware of what happened the last time they let someone out of the building was a veteran. they are fully aware that guy went somewhere else to win the super bowl and they are i think determined to not let that happen again and if this is the way they could get kyler murray to go to minnesota then so be it then so be it and they want to see what kyler murray 2.0 can look like whatever was going down in Arizona who the heck knows there was and there was a lot there was a lot there were coaching changes front office change there was a contract that was really weird that they gave to him after he you know scrubbed his Instagram feed at the outset of the last Super Bowl that was here in Los Angeles of all things Arizona scrubbed it clean you know his agent put out a statement on Kyler's stationary.
6:36Rich Eisen:You still have that? I do not anymore. I used to have it. I had it up all the time. And then the contract comes out with some weird iPad clause that sounds like Susie and I wrote it for our kids. We're playing too much Roblox instead of doing their homework. Call of Duty, Rich. I mean, my kids were Roblox. They were at the time. For Kyler's call. Oh, got it. Weird. But that's over. It's over. It's over and done with. that's gone. And, you know, whatever happened last year for the foot injury that got caused on the snap that hit him in his face mask, it was just weird the way it ended. It was weird all around.
7:14Rich Eisen:But that's over. And the Vikings are happy to bring him in at this stage of his career and say, here's the runway. Make it a very difficult decision on us at the end of the year, please. because, boy, what an opportunity this is for Kyler Murray. What an opportunity. That's Justin frigging Jefferson out there. Now, I know this guy's had DeAndre Hopkins and Marvin Jr., who we're waiting to actually see the Marvin Jr. out of him that we saw at the Ohio State. But that's Justin frigging Jefferson out there and Jordan Addison and Juwan Jennings and Jordan Mason and Aaron Jones and TJ Hawkinson, Josh Oliver, an offensive line that went healthy, which was saying a lot about last year.
8:05Rich Eisen:It wasn't. And that's Kevin O 'Connell in your helmet. And that's Josh McCown on the sideline. And that's your coaching staff. And this is your defense that's going to put you out there. Top five last year that was only minus nine in turnover differential, almost close to dead last last year, because the quarterbacks threw as many interceptions, 21, as the team had to takeaways in its entirety. So just cut down on that. And Kyler, why don't you run a few things in also? Good luck because they can win the division and go deep, and this could be his moment to revitalize his career because Minnesota's not a bad place to revitalize your career with Kevin O 'Connell.
8:55Rich Eisen:Just ask Sam Darnold, which is how I now turn to J.J. McCarthy. This sucks. That's the way I put it. This sucks. They trade up for you. You get hurt. Sam Darnold's there. He goes somewhere else to win the Super Bowl.
9:14Rich Eisen:Now it's your time. It's your time while he's winning the Super Bowl. And you can't stay healthy. And you can't be consistent enough when you're healthy. And you show flashes when you're healthy. And then you make a mistake by referring to yourself as nine. There's memes about you everywhere. And it's vicious. And you watch Kyler Murray come in. And whatever was going on in the classroom where they were on separate sides. Right? That was weird, too. Okay, all of that. Whatever was going down. and they might have put the thumb on the scale because he's 1.3 million, former first overall pick and has a massive upside still that they want to see.
9:56Rich Eisen:But the bottom line is this. JJ, you're 23. You're 23 years of age and you are in a spot where they are quarterback university. You are in a spot where so many other quarterbacks want to go. You've got a great coach. You might feel like you're getting a raw deal, but you got a great coach. Soak it in. Soak every piece of information in because all you got to do is look at Baker Mayfield and Jared Goff and look at this. I mean, Geno Smith is in the midst of his 30s. He just threw three interceptions in practice today and the Jets are ready to start him week one. Okay? There are so much runway in front of this kid.
10:48Rich Eisen:So much. It happens. Drew Brees lost his gig in San Diego. Lost it. From the Big Ten. Phillip Rivers, come on in here. Then he winds up going to New Orleans. Yada, yada, yada. He's a first ballot Hall of Famer. it's it's honestly the number of times people are like oh kevin o 'connell and kyle shanahan that's where you want to be with sean mcveigh yeah you do you do you'd like to start for him and it's entirely possible you know you might he might be the starter in september because kyler gets banged up oh kyler murray has missed more than half the season two of the last three years like mccarthy is going to see action this one would think so So it's just, it sucks.
11:37Rich Eisen:But again, I think this is coming for Panics too, because two is only 1.3 million bucks, and it's coming for Shadour, because 250 million's already been put into the guy he's battling for a start, his role in Cleveland. Yeah, this is just further motivation. Learning tool. 23 years old, tons of runway. Yeah. Tons of it, including in Minnesota, including potentially even this year. but it's gonna it's got to suck to sit in and to sit in the locker room or in the meeting room and have it announced i'm assuming you know koc told these guys before the meeting as well i don't know but we'll find out too kevin o 'connell this is right before he's even said anything if we're going to hear the for now or the he's the starter for the season yeah because you take a look at kyler murray's first few games now as the starting quarterback of the minnesota vikings and i'll I'll tell you what, man.
12:34Rich Eisen:Off we go. Two division games. Home for Green Bay at Chicago. At Tampa. And Baker's waiting for you there.
12:45Rich Eisen:And it's a tough schedule. Just like everybody's is. Yeah. You want to be 3-2 going into that bye week. Yeah, because you're home for Miami and at New Orleans. I'm telling you, that New Orleans is not going to be as homecoming-like as everybody assumes it is. I agree. I agree. But there always is one of those teams every year. So Kyler's going to get at least the first five games, one would think. Or, hey, he's the guy for the season, and if he gets hurt, J.J.'s going to be ready. But we're not going to have Kyler look over his shoulder all the time. I'd imagine that's going to be the way O 'Connell plays it.
13:24Rich Eisen:All right, you ready for it? Overreaction Monday on a Tuesday? Go ahead and hit it. That was terrible. That was crap. That was garbage. This place sucked. Overreaction. Mondays. Monday. On a Tuesday. All right, Christopher, what do you got over there? We were talking about how this is the first real week of the preseason, and, you know, we all feel like an 18th game is coming, and that will probably cut down on the number of preseason games. I don't like that. I think three preseason games is the perfect regular season appetizer. I agree. I think they might cut down on it and have joint practices.
14:02Rich Eisen:I think coaches think that they get a lot more out of joint practices, although today the Tampa Jets joint practice featured two fights and three interceptions of Geno Smith and an ambulance coming out for Quantes Stiggers. Apparently, let's hope everything's all right with him there. But I think coaches like the joint practices. You don't even play in the practices either. No, I know that. Preseason is for the 52nd, 51st man on the roster and figuring stuff out and how players can make teams and what have you. But I agree. Three is good. That fourth one. Yeah, four or five too many. I think two is too few.
14:45Rich Eisen:Three is the sweet spot. Let's not change that, even if we do add an 18th, 19th, 20th game, you know, 10 to 15 years down. I'm with you. That's not an overreaction. It's the magic number, is De La Soul. Yeah. Hey, a couple people said that. Is that right? Yeah. You picked that up at the after party. Listen. In the hotel lobby? What else? All right. Here's the thing. New stadiums are usually awesome, right? Usually. We got a new stadium here in Los Angeles. Careful. It's one of the greatest things we've ever seen, right? You see the renderings of what's happening in Nashville right now. Vegas is awesome.
15:24Kansas City, the renderings of what they might do there. Incredible. Yes. Yep. And I love Bill's Mafia. Okay. I love the fans. I love going to Buffalo. I don't believe he loves Bill. People there. I love everything about it. That'd be like me saying I love the Eagles. Wings. Okay. I love Buffalo wings. Here's the deal, though. This new stadium seems like a miss. Stadium snafu. We got the alt jerseys. They look like a Diet Pepsi can. This is a bad omen for the Bills in 2026.
15:57Rich Eisen:That's not true. All this stuff happened. That's absurd. That's not true. We got Josh Allen distracted by fatherhood. That's not going to happen. Come on. What do you mean distracted by fatherhood? Babies keep you up at night. Remember how you were the first year of your kid's life? I'm a better human for being a kid. Not saying you're not a better human. Yeah, but I think I'm a better professional because I'm a better human. Performance usually lacks in other areas when you're taking care of someone in the first year of their life. I know of, so I can't. Tell us about it. It's kind of good. Yeah, I don't think Josh has the resources to maybe take some of that off his plate a little bit.
16:32Rich Eisen:Like a night nurse? I'm just saying. Break. Diet Pepsi jerseys and this. No, listen. Obstructed seats. The obstructed seats photographs are disturbing. Lack of food options. What are you doing? This would infuriate me. You know what would infuriate? obviously the the obstructed view uh by walls are like that middle one it's like i don't know if the architect was the architect the patriot fan i don't know i don't know the one that would infuriate me the most middle one is the middle i agree where somebody decided to say let's have people walk up a staircase in front of you and you know how many people are just going to stop and look for their seats and look for their friends and stand right in front of you.
17:17Rich Eisen:Oh, my God. And then you have to see some of the field through a glass. Glass, that's rough. Or through plexiglass. Or, you know, a ball could be spotted and you have to move your head because the railing's in the way. Or it's 20 degrees and it's iced over or something. But to say it's a bad omen for the team is absurd. I don't know. It may be wishful thinking from a Patriot fan over there. Same. Get out of here. It doesn't matter how many. It would make me pause. You know what's not obstructed? It's Josh Allen heading to the end zone. He's futurally obstructed and goes through the obstruction.
17:54Rich Eisen:He's the obstruction. Oh, yeah, that's not going to stop him from getting busy. He's got to do it in the postseason. That's crazy. The Pats fan loves Bill's Mafia. Did you hear this? I ain't buying it. Well, he said that. Man, I went to a game one. He said that, so it's like, don't hurt me in the comments. Yeah, yeah, yeah. All right. But they see through you. That's it with all due respect, so he can say something. Yes, disrespectful. They see through you in the same way some people need to see through something to get to the field. Rich. I'm sorry. I love Josh Allen. What if those seats are...
18:23Rich Eisen:Hopefully they can fix that. What if they block those seats off? We see a picture, right? Take them out. Get rid of them. That's what I'm saying. Maybe they will block those off so people won't sit there. I don't think that's... That's just my hope. I don't know. I don't know what the answer is, but hopefully some smart people can figure it out. What else, Chris? What do you got over there? Here's the thing. we're looking at who's going to be contenders pretenders i know i know this though one team is the champs and we still don't talk about them once again the seahawks are flying under the radar as nfc contenders that's true well then we talked about them at all in the last two weeks they're nfc contenders they are but they're flying under the radar which i'm sure they're very happy about why why don't we talk about seattle can i ask you a question yes i mean we got microphones why don't we talk we could solve this situation about the seahawks we had cooper cup on a month ago they're welcome anytime i'd love having them you love the 12s you love the gm you love the coach you know i love the gm and you know i love the coach and they're on hard knocks so how are they flying under the radar they were a quiet winning super bowl team i'm with the reason why they're flying under the radar is we're like again we don't have a segment of is he back yet for any, for just, just cause.
19:35Rich Eisen:Right. We don't, you know, I mean, come on. We don't have sound bites from their GM. I mean, who, who joined their team? Is anybody of Miles Garrett status join their team? No. But the bottom line is they still have a team that beat the crap out of everybody in front of them. Everyone. They were really good. You know? And they are. So, yeah. Oh, I don't even know what you're, so they are flying under the radar, but not as NFC contenders as the possibility to repeat. It's tough to do. But they've got the team to do it. And they're going to be 1-0 after the first Wednesday of the season, which is, again, why he's so upset about it.
20:15Rich Eisen:I don't think that's true. Okay, what else? Rich, I'm not sure you noticed what went on at Dodger Stadium last night. Tarek Skubel got beat up. Tarek Skubel's a liability in this Dodgers rotation. This guy over there. Oh, my goodness. No, what it proves is it's still baseball. And everybody thought this was the canary in the coal mine of what's wrong with baseball. And all the Dodgers had to do was give up three prospects and pay for the rest of his year's contract. And so did the rest of Major League Baseball if they wanted Tarek Skubal to try and one up the Dodgers. And nobody did. But it just shows you that one move.
20:54Rich Eisen:I mean, he lost his first start as a Dodger. and now he's lost his first home start as a Dodger. And the Dodgers have now lost, what, eight of nine? Something like that? Like that? Just saying. Just saying. Saying. But October's a different month. We'll see. Is it not? We'll see. Yeah, the Red Sox lost again. Three in a row. That's right. Cooper's home from camp, baby. Can we send him back to camp still? No, we cannot. Cooper's staying at home. He's home. And the Red Sox have lost three in a row. The Yankees are two up on them now in the loss column. Great. Outstanding. When it comes to your home, Pella Windows and Doors are the experts of taking care of you and your home.
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24:17Rich Eisen:using LinkedIn to hire. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com slash Eisen. Terms and conditions apply. The Rich Eisen Show podcast. Back here on the Rich Eisen Show. Okay, let's get right to him. And very excited. Like I said, this is a first for our new segment. Hit it. A.A. Ron. Is he back yet? Where is A.A. Ron right now? Okay. This man has got his own Pro Bowl resume and first-team All-Pro resume of his own right. But let's ask Trent McDuffie back here on the Rich Eisen Show. First time as a Ram. Good to see you, Trent. How are you? Doing well, doing well. Can't complain.
24:58Rich Eisen:Okay. You want to answer the question? Is he back yet? No. Not that I know of. Okay. But know that we are waiting if he is. But we are waiting. You know what? That's basically the only answer I expected, but I asked it anyway because it's crazy. The idea, just from a fan's point of view, is just nuts that Donald and Miles Garrett could be in front of you together. Trent, right? Correct. I even try to think of it, asking Sean McVay and the offensive perspective and talking to Stafford, I'm like, how are you guys even going to do your blocking schemes? Who are you going to slide to? Who are you going to try to double team?
25:41Like what problems does Aaron Donald and miles gear have on the offense? And they're both just like, we don't even know. It's going to be a problem regardless. I mean, it's a problem with miles, obviously, but you had just another player like Aaron Donald. Yeah. Like for me sitting on the back end, I mean, I'm cheesing, just thinking about it.
26:01Rich Eisen:Well, cause it's your job to give them even one extra beat, right? That's, that's basically it. I mean, that's kind of what I always say as a DB, be like, one, whenever we go on the field, always tell the D-line, like, hey, I'm going to give you that extra half a second to go make a play, or I'm going to give you that two seconds so you can go beat your man and go get a sack. But it's also like, for me, let's just get the ball back to Stafford. Like, we see what we did last year. We see what this offense is like this year. Like, as many times as we can just three and out or turn over and get the ball back to our offense, the better we are at going out there and succeeding.
26:35So adding anybody to this team right now is going to be just raising our standards. So it's exciting right now.
26:41Rich Eisen:And you are well-versed in what it's like to give the ball back to an MVP quarterback. Are you not, Trent? Right? 100%. As you know, Kansas City with Pat Mahomes. I mean, he was great, and we know what he could do. So being able to come over here on a team that also has the same kind of just strategy at going out there and putting points on the board, like, I'm excited. What does Miles Garrett look like to you? like the defensive player of the year. I mean, he's a, he's an animal. He's a freak. Um, just as get off alone, he's like three yards in the backfield off of one step. Like everything he's shown so far in camp is everything you expect him to do.
Read the full transcript
27:21And I mean, he's just such a cool dude getting to know him, getting to know his work, his work ethic and how he's just been able to come into this D line room and just add to it. You know, like there's really no ego on this team there's nobody here that's playing this game for themselves it's all about team first and um he's one of those guys that goes out there and does his job at a high level but does it in a sense that he wants to make everybody else better he's not just out there chasing sacks which is great what have you learned about his work ethic trend i mean just his details you know um when he comes in the building um how he prepares his body to go out on the field and also just once he does get on the field once that chin strap is buckled and he's ready to go with his hand in the ground i mean he's he's ready to shoot out of the cannon so i've just loved to see like his attention to detail and just going out there each and every day whenever he gets to go on that grass and just how much he just attacks the football and it's just relentless every single play and he's really never played
28:19Rich Eisen:many games of his career which is amazing to say with a fourth quarter lead um you have you have so what does that do what can we sense about what Garrett could potentially do differently with you on the back end and forget if Aaron's coming back and although let me know if he's back yet during this interview just let me know um but what does it do to play with a lead that we might be able to glean from you that we could potentially see something different for the lack of better a phrase from Garrett. Yeah, I mean, you talk about playing with the lead. I mean, when you're playing from behind, it's not in the sense that you're having to do more, but every little thing matters a little bit more.
29:06Like, every little technique, you've got to tighten down. You've got to do little things a little bit more. They're running the ball a little more. You know, when you're playing from down, the offensive mindset is let's just run the ball, let's kill the clock. So you have less opportunities to kind of go out there, especially from a DN's perspective and make sacks or make a game-changing play. So So I know coming in here, especially for him, knowing that we have a great offense, we have a great team that can be in the fourth quarter with the lead and it's on the defense to go out there and pretty much win the game.
29:34I mean, I love being in that position, especially as a defensive player and knowing that the game is kind of in our hands. Like we get to go throw all our best plays at them. We've got to go stop the pass on the back end. And knowing that we can just tell Miles Garrett, like, just go rush. You know what I mean? Just go do what you got to do. Go get in the backfield. And really, let's just end this game. I'm excited to see that come to fruition. And it's something that we talk about here and there, but I know once we get to the game time and just know what type of player he is, he's so smart and he's so analytical about everything that I think it's really going to show up big time.
30:06Rich Eisen:Trent McDuffie here on the Rich Eisen Show. Let's talk about you a little bit. Listen, it's so rare to have a Pro Bowl first-team All-Pro guy with a second-team All-Pro on his resume at age 25, four years in the league, available. Why were you available, Trent? Yeah. I mean, really, I think it's on just with the Chiefs and how they had to kind of situate their team. Obviously, money and all those stuff kind of come into play. But I know going into last offseason, I was going to go back. And my agent kind of had a few talks with them, got the combine, and it kind of just sounded like the Chiefs were looking somewhere else, you know, to give me a trade.
30:50And the biggest blessing I can have is that they were able to trade me to the L.A. Rams, which I'm happy about. I know I was a little frustrated when I did get traded, just not knowing what's happening, not any contract details or anything, just kind of being left in the dark on that. But once I heard I was here and talking to Sean McVay and just talking to the guys around the locker room, like it's been phenomenal. They welcome me in with open arms and I just truly feel like I'm back at home. You know, like I know I grew up here, but the community, the people like just how much they've embraced me coming into this team and community has been special.
31:26So I know I feel good about being here. And yeah, I guess it's just kind of how the NFL rolls.
31:32Rich Eisen:So did you you had no inkling the Rams were on the radar screen for you at all? No. I mean, honestly, I was full bore. I thought I was going to be a chief at the end of last year. And, yeah, right around that combine time, kind of heard that that wasn't going to be a thing. So it was like two or three days later, it kind of got out online. And even by then, like it wasn't anything set in stone. So I had a lot of conversations with my agent. He was really good throughout the whole thing. It just walked me through the steps in the process. But, yeah, it was kind of like went to bed one day, not knowing, then woke up the next day as a ram.
32:08So it really was a 360 turnaround in like four days. And from your perspective, you know, you just mentioned how you've been welcomed.
32:20Rich Eisen:Great red carpet rolled out for you here in Southern California. But nationally, nationally, it's almost, you know, as if few are talking about what your impact to this team will be, because we're all focused on Miles Garrett coming over and then Aaron Donald might be coming back. And then even before all that, how did you take the conversation that Ty Simpson being drafted left Matthew Stafford high and dry by the front office that didn't add anything to help him out in the offseason? Trent, how did you handle that narrative when you were hearing that? I mean, really, I've always been, especially getting drafted first round to the Chiefs.
33:03and people always this year want to talk about the expectation and what is this team going to do and how good is this team going to be and you got all these guys, this and the third. Since I've been here, even since I got traded, the conversation has always been how do we just get this team to get better a day at a time? Because it's not like we're talking about a team that didn't make the playoffs last year. It's not like we're talking about a team that hasn't been in these high-situation games. Last year, they were in the championship. They were a few plays away from beating that Super Bowl last year And knowing the guys that they already have here and knowing the guys that we're adding, this team really has all the intangibles to go being great.
33:40So really, it's about the mindset and how do we make sure that we're not looking ahead? How do we not make sure that this pressure kind of gets into the locker room and all these guys kind of start playing outside of their comfort zone? Like, how do we tighten the screws? How do we come together? And really, it's honestly what Sean McVay does that is so good is just the relationships, you know, like getting to know everybody on the team. me coming in here, getting to the O-line, the receiving room, the running back room, and then coming over, I've seen all the defenders. But it's really just a place where you feel like you can grow, not only as a player, but as a person.
34:15And I think with that kind of atmosphere, it allows guys to play a little faster. It gives them a little more confidence. And hopefully when the time does come where it gets to the playoffs and it comes to those games that really matter, the guys at the conference go out there and just do it.
34:28Rich Eisen:Yeah, and I love, again, McVay's one of the best. and has a massive, massive head start on so many other coaches who want to get to Canton, Ohio one day, to be honest, to really say it. And I understand what he preaches and what you're picking up and what you're putting down right here. But there is an eye in McDuffie. There wasn't a part at all in April where everyone's like, oh, yeah, they just left Stafford not getting anything. And there you are. I mean, they used a first-round pick on you. and you're not, I mean, your resume speaks for itself in just four years. There wasn't any part of you sitting here saying, I'm going to show everybody at all?
35:08I mean, as a competitor, you always think that, you know, especially getting traded from the Chiefs feels like, whoa, like I thought I was one of this cornerstone pieces. Like obviously I'm going to feel some type of way, but I'm also a guy that isn't really driven by my own stats, like how good I'm going to do me as a person. And like what enables me to get up in the morning, what allows me to go out there and be at my best is knowing that I have to show up each and every play for not only the 10 other people on my team, but also I got to show up for the offense. Like when I wake up and I see Devontae Adams in here was on 10, 12 years.
35:46I see Stafford in here has played for a long time. Miles Garrett, year 10, like these guys who are getting older, but still show up day in and day out and are doing the little things the correct way. Like me sitting here on my fifth year at 25, still young, still getting into my prime. I'm not going to sit here and try to say, oh, I have to go do this. Oh, I got to do this. Oh, I'm bringing this to this team. Like I'm bringing Trent McDuffie, but Trent McDuffie also comes with buying into the team and buying into the program and making sure that I can get my collective better. Because I can't be great unless my safeties are doing good, unless Jay Watson on the side handling his business.
36:22Because at the end of the day, this is probably the greatest team sport. and you can be individual all you want, but you're going to need everybody to win that game. And at the end of the day, for me, what is going to be the determining factor if I'm successful or not is how many wins are in that win column. How good is Stafford up close? He's the best. I mean, you talk about technique. You talk about eye progression. You talk about somebody who can no-look you, who knows every defense. I mean, every coverage you play, he's seen. He's gone against it. He's attacked it. He's broken it down. And you can just tell that he's somebody who knows what he's doing.
36:59You know, it's one, two, three, ball out, one, two, three, ball out. Like he's looking you off to throw the other way. He's just one of those quarterbacks that you know why he's successful. And he does it each and every day, which for me is a blessing because I get to go against, obviously, one of the best quarterbacks in the league. I did it last year against Pat Mahomes, who's making all the great throws. But, yeah, there's just that veteran, I'd say just swag. Like he's confident. He knows what to do, and he's going to go out there and show you.
37:25Rich Eisen:Okay. So you're going to be taking on a whole bunch of terrific teams this year, including your former team. What's that going to be like on that Thursday night, first Thursday in December? What's that going to be like for you, do you think? I think it's going to be definitely a lot of emotions. One, I think it will be kind of cool just to go against the guys I've gone against all four years. You know, there'll probably be a little friendly bickering in there. But just knowing the team that we're playing, you know, no matter who's going to be out there, they're going to be ready. They're going to be ready to rock.
38:01They're going to be ready to roll. And I know we will be too. So I know it's going to be definitely a great show for those out there watching. But more specifically for me and a guy like Jay Watt, like we're going to be ready to roll.
38:14Rich Eisen:Yeah, that's right. Yeah. It's an interesting point right there. You're not the only one sitting right there from the cornerback position that's out here now for the Rams. Would you potentially talk smack to Patrick? Because you know he's a red ass. You know you don't want to do that. You don't want to poke him, right? But would you dare do something like that on that night? Only because it's Pat. I'm going to have to poke a little bit. What does that look like? What does that sound like? What does that sound like? You know, it depends on what it's at. I feel like the closest thing I could do is on a blitz.
38:48Just be like, hey Pat, you know I'm here. But I also know he's one of those guys that also buys into it, that loves doing it. He's a competitor, which I love playing against him in practice when you would talk a little bit because it fires him up. But just everybody. Killer Trav, talking a little smack to Trav and Rasheed Rice and Xavier. Seeing all the boys out there is going to be fun. But also, at the end of the day, it's a game. So for them four little hours, like we're not going to be friends. I'll talk to y 'all after the game.
39:18Rich Eisen:Plus with Killer Trav, you already got the invite to the wedding. You know what I mean? You already got that. Right? Not putting anything else in jeopardy.
39:30Rich Eisen:I'll be honest. Again, I know that that's like Fight Club. But I will say this. The number of Chiefs there past and present that were at this wedding was really impressive. Coaches too. Honestly. Like it, it, it, it's like, uh, obviously you guys won together. It doesn't matter where you are now. It was special. I mean, that was one of my favorite things was also like, I haven't seen them in a while, you know, the A's, I guess it's been the longest I haven't seen them. So, um, knowing how many guys did show up that did care, that want to just be there, not only just to see other people, but like to go and celebrate Travis and Taylor, like that was special.
40:07And all the coaches that showed up. I mean, it was a really fun night for me, obviously just being at the wedding, but also just talking to them and just saying what's up to them again. You know, I mean, I've been there for four years, so it was like I've been there again just seeing and talking to them. But I think it was a really cool night.
40:24Rich Eisen:All right, Trent, I appreciate the time. This has been a great chat. We're just down the road from you, you know, and we'd love to have you in studio anytime you want. And last question for you, just one last time. Is he back yet? Is he back yet? Did it happen during this conversation? that you know of? No. I mean, nobody walked in and told me anything yet. So, you know, I'll keep you posted. That's the latest. That's the latest. Trent McDuffie, thanks for the time, sir. Yeah, thank you so much. Good to have you on the program. Trent McDuffie, the Los Angeles Rams here on the Rich Eisen Show. Up to the second.
40:58Rich Eisen:Funny. Well done. And by the way, your wedding was outstanding as well. Thank you, Rich. Trent McDuffie was also invited. Oh, is that interesting? Yeah. Yeah, he was unavailable. Yeah. 844-204-RICH. Number to dial your phone calls when we come back. Brendan Hunt, Coach Beard's in our green room.
41:18Rich 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 with some advice. If high interest credit card debt is grinding you down, it might be time to call an audible with a SoFi personal loan.
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43:10Rich Eisen:That's three months of free payroll at gusto.com slash rich. One more time, gusto.com slash rich. Michelle in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. That's line six, Mikey D. What's up, Michelle? Hey, Rich. How are you today, babe? Well, what's on your mind? I feel really bad for J.J. McCarthy. and the discourse is constantly around his ability. When no one ever wants to seemingly take into account that the Vikings put a 21-year-old like he was going to be the second coming of Fran Tarkenton with all the responsibility and weight of the franchise on his shoulders. And in real life, we don't do that to 21-year-olds because they're not ready for it.
44:00And I just feel like a lot is getting lost in this rush, both in college, within Iona, and in the draft, to get your player of the future before you even know if that kid really has the mental fortitude that it takes to be an NFL quarterback or, frankly, a quarterback in a top-tier college program. And I just think that no one talks enough about what the system does to these young men when we bring them in. And then you look at somebody like Bo Nix, frankly, who was 24 when he got drafted and probably took his first down around his 25th birthday. And yeah, he had a whole three-plus years of maturity available to him in the decision-making process when he was under center that McCarthy didn't have.
45:00And I think that's a valid point that doesn't get discussed enough. And I just thought I'd bring it up.
45:06Rich Eisen:Right. Brock Purdy also had that much at Iowa State, too, and he wound up being the last pick in the draft. And that's also part and parcel, Michelle, of the way things work. It helped out that Purdy wound up in San Francisco and Kyle Shanahan was there and then circumstances broke where they had to use him in a way that they never would have. And the same thing with Nix, that he winds up in a spot where after McCarthy gets picked and after Penix gets picked and everybody thinks it was just, you know, Sean Payton taking a stab on the last remaining first-round graded quarterback in that sixth first-round quarterback draft.
45:43Rich Eisen:And instead it was somebody that saw something in Nix and it worked out for him right there as well. there's a lot that needs to work out for a lot of people. And in terms of the system, Michelle, you pointed out that normally, you know, we don't treat 21-year-olds that way in any other endeavor. And it used to be a system where they would pay that 21-year-old the most money they've ever paid anybody in the history of their franchise. And that got changed in the collective bargaining agreement and sort of removed that pressure from the situation. The next thing they have to do, and I appreciate the call.
46:17Rich Eisen:It's a great food for thought. Michelle and Winston-Salem were up against the end of the hour here. The other thing they need to switch and figure something out is developing quarterbacks. I don't know how you got to figure it out. They used to have NFL Europe. That's how folks like Kurt Warner and Jake DeLome got developed in a way. So when it got time for them to get out there, they weren't completely fish out of water. Bottom line, though, is J.J. McCarthy had a shot to start right out of the gate, fresh out of Michigan, going against Sam Darnold, and then his knee injury just took that flat out of the mix.
46:50Rich Eisen:Sam Donald made the most of that opportunity and then saw that McCarthy sitting right there saying, I'll go to Seattle. Then he wins a Super Bowl there, which just only places the lid on the Minnesota boiling pot even more for him. Thanks for listening to the Rich Eisen Show podcast. You can watch and listen to the Rich Eisen Show live weekdays from noon to three Eastern on ESPN Radio, Disney Plus, and on the ESPN app. The Rich Eisen Show, the podcast.
47:17Thank you.
From the publisher
Michigan alum Rich reacts to fellow Wolverine JJ McCarthy losing the Minnesota Vikings’ QB competition to Kyler Murray, and weigh in on the NFL’s preseason, the Bills new stadium obstructed view seats snafu, the Seattle Seahawks’ Super Bowl repeat chances, and more in ‘Overreaction Tuesday.’ (2:20)
Rams CB Trent McDuffie tells Rich how much he’s relishing the thought of playing behind an L.A. defensive line that could feature Myles Garrett and Aaron Donald, why he was surprised the Chiefs traded him to Los Angeles, what Matthew Stafford has shown him on the field to cement his reputation as one of the NFL’s best QB, and what his mindset will be facing former Kansas City teammates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce in Week 13. (21:43)
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