In short
Rich Eisen Show Hour 2 features Sports Illustrated senior writer Albert Breer analyzing the Cleveland Browns’ decision to start Deshaun Watson despite poor preseason performance and fan boos, plus NFL contract/roster updates (Steelers’ Joey Porter Jr., Buccaneers’ Baker Mayfield), and quarterback competition notes for Atlanta, Raiders, and Rams.
Guests
Albert Breer (Sports Illustrated/MMQB senior writer; longtime NFL reporter). Other voices mentioned: ESPN NFL analyst Marcus Spears, plus Rich Eisen and occasional callers.
Key claims
- Browns leaned toward Watson for veteran consistency, Todd Monken’s quarterback control at the line, and the team’s investment; Breer says Shador Sanders would likely require cutting Watson if started.
- Monken said the starter decision isn’t week-to-week and fans weren’t a factor.
- Steelers’ Joey Porter Jr. situation depends on long-term deal odds vs franchise tag and market timing; Christian Gonzalez’s contract could raise Porter’s price.
- Falcons: Michael Penix could start week one if Tua’s play/fit hasn’t matched expectations; time is running out.
- Raiders: Fernando Mendoza’s readiness depends on support, especially TE Austin Gentry’s availability.
- Rams: Aaron Donald’s return is tied to A-Rod seeking clarity on whether he can still be “Aaron Donald,” including money and snap-plan expectations.
Notable examples
- Browns preseason: Watson booed after an injury; Watson apologized for his podium comments.
- Cap figures discussed: Watson’s $81M next-year impact vs spreading to 2028.
- Contract examples: TJ Watt extensions; Buccaneers’ prior “line in the sand” with Baker; Packers/others referenced via market escalation.
Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.
Chapters
Tap a time to open that second in VOCleveland Browns Quarterback Situation
0:33 to 1:27
Discussing the Browns' quarterback decisions and implications.
“You sent a message, and it turned out the seller was super chatty, kind of funny, and an avid cyclist.”
Cleveland Browns Quarterback Situation
1:55 to 3:00
Discussing the Browns' quarterback decisions and implications.
“Great chat with Marcus Spears, our one overreaction Mondays in the books already for you to check out on your RSS feed.”
Analyzing Deshaun Watson's Performance
3:00 to 6:00
Examining Deshaun Watson's struggles and the Browns' strategy moving forward.
“Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated here now.”
Future of the Browns QB Position
6:00 to 10:44
Albert Breer discusses the long-term outlook for the Browns' quarterback position.
“And then I think that leads right into, you know, the my next point here, which is something I felt like this.”
Joey Porter Jr. and Pittsburgh Contracts
10:44 to 12:35
Exploring Joey Porter's contract situation and its implications for the Steelers.
“What's going on with Joey Porter in Pittsburgh that Mike McCarthy called it an impasse.”
Looking Ahead: NFL Contracts
12:35 to 14:01
Discussing ongoing contract negotiations and the outlook for key players.
“And we've seen the way that contracts have escalated.”
Baker Mayfield's Contract Standoff
14:01 to 15:10
Discussion on Baker Mayfield's contract negotiations and the franchise's history.
“So that's Tristan Wirfs, their left tackle, Luke Kadecki, their right tackle, Zion McCollum, their corner.”
Atlanta Falcons Quarterback Controversy
15:10 to 18:15
Explores Michael Penix's potential as the starting quarterback for the Falcons.
“And that it doesn't look right with Tua in there.”
Raiders' Player Development Strategies
18:15 to 21:13
Analyzes the Raiders' quarterback situation and the importance of their supporting players.
“Mendoza got a ton of time in the preseason.”
Aaron Donald's Return to the Field
21:13 to 24:45
Discussion on Aaron Donald's status and challenges regarding his return to play.
“When you left, I did not think we'd still be playing this game on August 24th.”
Show all 12 chapters
Browns Quarterback Controversy
28:36 to 37:55
Discussion about the Cleveland Browns' quarterback situation and fan reactions.
“I think he's 60, you know, getting his first head coaching job and he's handling everything best he can.”
Discussion on Shador Sanders
42:33 to 47:01
Exploration of Shador Sanders' approach to respect and maturity in the media.
“Thought it would set things up for us because I just want to hit Shador here.”
Transcript
Automatic transcript. May contain errors.0:01Albert Breer:Low energy, unfocused, foggy, you might be dehydrated. Whether it's hot yoga, over 100 degree weather, or too much sun. Gatorlite, with a specialized blend of five electrolytes, was scientifically designed to help move fluids into the body faster for rapid rehydration. Shop now at retailers nationwide. Gatorlite hydrates faster than water. Is it in you? Symptoms noted are signs of mild to moderate dehydration. Consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist.
0:30Rich Eisen:This episode is brought to you by Facebook. So you were scrolling on Marketplace, and there it was, the bike you'd been searching for. You sent a message, and it turned out the seller was super chatty, kind of funny, and an avid cyclist. The next thing you know, you're in a cycling crew. Well, a community cycling group. The thing about Facebook, you might find more than what you're looking for.
0:54Albert Breer:From a browse to a bike ride, this summer, find more on Facebook.
1:26Albert Breer:This is The Rich Eisen Show. The show. The business we are in is a performance-based business. This is the Rich Eisen Show. And that same fan base, they cheered when I got hurt. The Rich Eisen Show. It's a disrespectful thing. Earlier on the show, ESPN NFL analyst Marcus Spears. Coming up, senior writer for the MMQB, Albert Breer. BMW championship winner, Wyndham Clark. Comedian, Sam Murrell. And now it's Rich Eisen.
2:00Rich Eisen:Great chat with Marcus Spears, our one overreaction Mondays in the books already for you to check out on your RSS feed. If you listen to the show via podcast or you watch it, there's our YouTube channel, youtube.com slash Rich Eisen show for all of that. 844-204-RICH, number to dial the Cleveland Browns quarterback naming was as wild as as anything else that they've been doing in recent days. I mean, nothing's wilder than Shadour's draft story, obviously. That takes the cake. But Shadour's first now year plus in Cleveland is quite the roller coaster. And I always thought Deshaun Watson would be the starter, but the final throws of it being him being put out on Cleveland in the easiest possible circumstances, second half, preseason game number two.
2:52Rich Eisen:He doesn't look well at all. He steps to the podium, calls out fans, still gets the starter's job. And in the first hour of the show, we're all talking about it. Todd Munkin met with the media, said he said nothing different than what you heard about Stefanski every single year talking about the Sean Watson who then stepped up and apologized to the fans, saying he takes responsibility for being human in that moment. Okay, those sound bites still to come. Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated here now. Good to see Albert. How are you, sir?
3:25Albert Breer:I'm good. I'm good. It was a, uh, I mean, I guess these things can never happen clean in Cleveland, right?
3:30Rich Eisen:Well, I mean, you came here the other day when you were here on your, um, you know, your hardworking tour around the United States while working hard on your tan that I still see is, and, uh, is still looking glorious. Um, that, that, Hey, you heard all along, it's going to be Watson. And the last events of the 48 hours proves it's going to, it's, it's kind of been Watson all along that there's really him not performing well in his last preseason appearance and then saying what he said at the podium and then giving him the job anyway and saying, let's try to put everything back together again in time for the season.
4:04Rich Eisen:And that's entirely possible. But why did the Browns do this in your estimation, Albert?
4:10Albert Breer:I think there are a couple of things to look at here. The first is just, you know, my understanding is he was more consistent and played better over the course of camp, the full body of work. Now, I don't think anybody was expecting the wheels to come off the way that they did on Saturday, but I think anybody would agree that it'd be short-sighted to make a decision based on that one thing. Now, is it a warning sign of what could be to come in week three if they don't play well the first two weeks and then they stick with Deshaun Watson against Carolina? I think that certainly becomes part of the picture now, but this decision was always going to be for for for Todd Monken about like how can we get the highest level of production out of that position for the other 10 guys in the huddle I mean Todd Monken waited a long time to get this shot to be a head coach and he's got it now and you know one thing that came up when I was there a couple weeks ago was how you know Monken does give his quarterback a fair amount of control and command at the line of scrimmage and I think that was sort of one of the tells that they were always going to lean towards the veteran experience that Deshaun Watson brings to the table.
5:22Albert Breer:And, you know, I even had people there say it like reminds Deshaun a little bit of what he had with Bill O 'Brien in Houston and that, you know, the quarterback does have the ability to adjust things, to set protections, all that different stuff at the line of scrimmage. So there was a comfort level there, I think, between Watson and Munkin. I think it would be foolish not to look at the investment the team made in him. Right. And if you've gone this far and you've given up the three first round picks and you've yielded two hundred and thirty million dollars, you know, you want to get one more look at it and make 100 percent sure that there's nothing there that you haven't found already.
6:00Albert Breer:So there's that piece of it. And then I think that leads right into, you know, the my next point here, which is something I felt like this. I felt this way all along. You know, the Browns have to assess their quarterback position for 2027. And I know we haven't even started 2026 yet, but they have two first round picks next year. And so, you know, getting a full vetting of what they've got at the position, I think, is part of the equation here. And look, if Watson plays great and all of a sudden he discovers what he had for those four years in Houston, then awesome. But if he doesn't, then it's really easy for them to pivot over to Shador Sanders.
6:38Albert Breer:I think if you go with Shador Sanders, and I wrote this last night, you almost have to cut Watson. Like, I don't think that there's a path back to Deshaun Watson if you start Shador Sanders. So I think for now it's Deshaun Watson as long as he plays well and plays well enough to justify keeping the job. And, you know, if it's not Deshaun and they make that decision two games, four games, six games in, and they go to Shador, I think they'd probably give Shador the rest of the season to show what he's got.
7:07Rich Eisen:Man. This is crazy. Listen, like I said, Watson all along for so many different ways, right?
7:16Albert Breer:Yeah.
7:17Rich Eisen:And it really, we were talking about it off the top, that there's a reason why Watson got the road start and Shador got the home start in the splits of the preseason, right? And we saw it. That was not just by happenstance, correct? Right.
7:34Albert Breer:Okay. Yeah, no, we saw it, right? I think the issue would have been where, okay, if Shadouar starts the first game against the Bears on the road and plays really well, what's the reaction to Deshaun going to be in the second game at home? I certainly think that's something you think about, right? Yeah. Clearly because Watson was thinking about it too, Albert.
8:01Rich Eisen:I mean, his post-game comments came from the gut. Yeah. You know, and then we were talking also, as you pointed out, like Jacksonville on the road is going to be such a tough week one game, obviously. And then week two, if if I mean, it's just unbelievable. All the people that could send the Browns back home at Owen to and stir it up and make it just as uncomfortable and awkward and terrible as possible. It's Baker Mayfield, you know, of all the people.
8:32Albert Breer:and you know like he might the way is going to be a free agent now he might not he might not get his
8:37Rich Eisen:rest that week he'll just be so hyped right but but you're saying there was no other choice you thought they would have had to cut watson if they had i i really don't think i mean honestly and
8:50Albert Breer:i've heard people talk about the cap implications and everything else but i i just think i mean then what do you do right like then if it doesn't work out with shadour are you throwing deshaun watson back into that cauldron, you know, because like that. And I know people would say like, you're an NFL quarterback. You should be able to handle it. Got it. Like, I understand that. But how's that going to affect the other guys on the team? You know, like they got to play those home games too, you know? So I think that piece of it, like if you're looking at it and I mean, like, that's the way I felt coming out of Saturday was like, if you don't start Deshaun Watson, like you have to seriously think about walking away from him.
9:27Albert Breer:And by the way, I would advocate anyway, if you want to get into the cap implications, it's like if you're going to cut him now to accelerate and it'd be$81 million next year if he's not on the team versus being able to split it up and push, I think it's like $51 million of it off into 2028. I'd advocate if I were the Browns for taking the hit all at once next year. Because the way I see it, they've got a really good group of second-year players The rookies look good. So you can have those two groups on rookie contracts and then probably another big draft class next year with two first rounders.
10:05Albert Breer:So you have a lot of young players on rookie deals on the team. So, like, I think either way, it would have made sense to take the larger cap hit all at once based on the makeup of your team or what it looks like. It's going to be going into 2027. And I think that would have made it easy for the Browns here if they were going to go with Shadour Sanders. If they were convinced that Shadur Sanders was the best answer, the cleanest thing to do might have been to go with Shadur and just cut Deshaun Watson and walk away now. Certainly would have been the most popular thing to do with their fans. But clearly Todd Munkin thought the best thing for his team was to play Deshaun now.
10:44Rich Eisen:Albert Breer, Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer here on the Rich Eisen Show. What's going on with Joey Porter in Pittsburgh that Mike McCarthy called it an impasse. And we all know Witherspoon signed for a poop ton in Seattle and we're waiting on the Christian Gonzalez contract. But, you know, is Joey Porter Jr. potentially on the block? Like, what is happening with that one?
11:08Albert Breer:Well, they've got a veteran defense for sure. And, you know, I think in these scenarios, you do have to think about if you're Pittsburgh, if you're any team in one of these scenarios, there's a couple of things you have to look at. Like based on how a negotiation has gone, what are the chances that you're going to sign him long-term? What's your willingness to franchise tag him after the year? And if you add those two things together and say, well, maybe we're walking away after the year, then you have to consider like, what sort of year are we going to get from the guy if he is playing in the final year of a contract?
11:46Albert Breer:Will he nurse injuries? I mean, there's all those things. You know, it's complicated when a guy's going into a contract here. You might get his best year. You might get a guy protecting himself all year. You know, so I think those things all come into play. And certainly, I think we see the writing on the wall. Like if Christian Gonzalez was just going to take what Devin Witherspoon got in Seattle, my guess is that it would have been pretty easy to do that. And that's just a guess. My guess is it would have been relatively easy to work that out the same way the B. John Robinson deal gets done.
12:20Albert Breer:And within 48 hours, Jameer Gibbs is signed in Detroit. Right. So, like, clearly, Christian Gonzalez might have a shot to change the market again. And then does it get even harder to sign Joey Porter Jr.? You know, so one thing always affects the next. And we've seen the way that contracts have escalated. And, you know, I don't know. I think Joey Porter is a really good player. I don't know if he's like as clear a top player at the position as Witherspoon and Gonzalez are, which is where the disagreement might come from. OK, what else?
12:59Rich Eisen:What else are we looking forward to seeing between now and the season? Does the other contracts need to get done or? I mean, it's still outstanding, I guess.
13:07Albert Breer:let's put it this way how about this one still baker right the big one still baker i mean i think he might you think he might cycle back here i just think like here's the thing that's a really well-run organization and they've done a great job i think you'd agree right they've done a great job transitioning out of the tom brady era where they were all in and they had invested in older players and they've done a good job turning things over and now they're getting some of their younger players re-signed and like i just i just think like that organization has a like i think somebody there is gonna say like let's take another swing at this like and and maybe it's right after you get done with the cut down right and we've seen guys do deals like on the very doorstep of the season i think tj watt did it twice is that right like i think the day before the season it happened twice with him that he that he that he signed big money extensions so uh look like i think you go back and you look at the previous history here right with baker and you know it's well okay like why did he why did he set that that that why did he draw that line in the sand um in july and saying like like either this gets done before training camp starts or we're not doing a deal because he knew the franchise's history, recent history, was to get these contracts done in training camp, and he wanted it done before then.
14:35Albert Breer:So that's Tristan Wirfs, their left tackle, Luke Kadecki, their right tackle, Zion McCollum, their corner. Now you see Vita Vey, he gets a deal done in the middle of training camp, right? So they've shown a willingness to do this. I just, I don't think that, I think the Buccaneers are smart enough to know that there's a deal to be done there. and why not take one more swing at it before the start of the season and if you put something Baker likes in front of him maybe you spark something and if not you at least tried and you revisit it after the year.
15:09Rich Eisen:Albert Breer okay do we have um anything cooking in Atlanta now that Michael Penix has been cleared for 11 on 11 yeah Kevin Stefanski was asked if there was a chance that Penix could start week one for the Falcons and I believe that is against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Pittsburgh correct quote he said sure I can't speculate on those types of things end quote is
15:35Albert Breer:something going on there what do you think so the clock is ticking for sure um because you know there's a whole process of you got to build an offense for a guy it might look a little different for Penix than it would for Tua um you know so like all of that like you know that time is very much a factor now we are less than three weeks out from the Falcons opening their season um I just put it bluntly to you please I've talked to some people who have like you know been in these joint practice settings against Atlanta and things did not look great with Tua in there and I think that was further reflected in the preseason action and I've talked to some people that coach against them in the games.
16:20Albert Breer:And it's the same sort of thing. And that it doesn't look right with Tua in there. And so I'm not telling you Cooper Rush has got a chance to start or anything like that. But I don't know that the play has matched the expectation they had for him when he was coming in. And so I think the door is open for that reason, for Michael Panix to come in and take the job. and and by all accounts michael panics has done everything he possibly can to put himself in position to to to compete for the job it's just a medical thing you know like it's just the doctor clears you when the doctor clears you so now he's cleared and i don't think rich that they would have left this thing open for as long as they did um and you know like and given michael panics this the chance to win it this late in the game because i mean this is i mean you're at the point now you're past the dress rehearsal week now it's like you're really getting ready for the season um if tua had just taken the job and run away with it you know but they didn't play
17:27Rich Eisen:him in preseason week two they didn't put him out there yeah and i but i think part of that is too
17:32Albert Breer:is like who are you putting them out there with you know what i mean like so that's always a factor with the quarterback like if you're not going to play the starters then you don't then And if you're not going to play a starting line, a lot of times you don't play the starting quarterback. So those things are all factors. I, I'm just, I just say like, I, I, I do think like the Falcons need to get a good look at Michael Penix ahead of the 2027 draft. If that draft class has as many quarterbacks in it as we think, you know, they'll be coming out of year three on Penix. They'll have to make a decision on the fifth year option.
18:06Albert Breer:They'll have to make a decision on whether they draft one. I think it's really important that they get a full look at Michael Penix at some point this year. And I think that door is open for him to come in and compete for the job on the fly based on the way camp's gone.
18:20Rich Eisen:All right, two more for you, Albert. Let's talk Raiders. Mendoza got a ton of time in the preseason. And Ashton Gentry gave everyone a scare in practice on Sunday. Hit me with Gentry's status, best you have, and the decision that Clint Kubiak has if there really is one.
18:38Albert Breer:Well, I actually heard he's felt great. He feels great today, which is good news. I don't know what that means timetable wise. You know, I would say the important thing with Mendoza here is like, yes, part of it is his own preparation and his own readiness for the job. And one thing about that family of coaches, as you know, Rich, they are regimented and stringent when it comes to learning all the detail of the offense, the footwork where your eyes are, all that different stuff, the minutia that none of your listeners kind of want to hear about. Like all of those little things matter. And so like being ready, I think, is a huge part of it for Mendoza.
19:15Albert Breer:And I think he's made great progress in that area. Everything you hear about him is positive. I mean, I've heard unbelievable stories about him even before the draft of getting ready to play in the NFL. Right. Like so I think he's his progress has been good. The flip side of it is and this was something that like people there were adamant about with me. We have to be ready to support him, too. Right. So we have to be ready to like that when he gets out there, he's not going out there with, you know, a hole on the offensive line here, a receiver who can't play there, you know, whatever it is, like where we're going to get him out there.
19:52Albert Breer:And now all of a sudden we can't run the offense the way we want to run it. So all these things that he's built towards come undone. And now his confidence is in jeopardy. They don't want to create that situation, which I think is smart. And Gentry is a huge part of that puzzle, right? So I think Gentry's readiness to play and Gentry's readiness to make it through the year. and I think they're going to be careful with him is a huge part of it. Like I go back to what Todd Gurley was for Jared Goff's development in L.A., what Zeke Elliott was for Dak Prescott's development in Dallas. That's how they view it, I think, with Gentee.
Read the full transcript
20:28Albert Breer:It's like Gentee can be a huge part of Fernando Mendoza's development in Vegas and helping them manage down and distance because a good running back will keep you on schedule. You know, taking the pressure off of Mendoza, you know, with the running game in that way. And then also like the outlet that he can be in the passing game and everything else. And so they've got a great young tight end, obviously, in Brock Bowers, a good second tight end next to him and Michael Mayer. They don't have a lot at receiver. The offensive line has questions. And, you know, Gentry is going to be a big part of the equation going forward, too.
21:02Albert Breer:So I do think like Gentry's availability and his readiness to play at a top level is going to be a factor in when they decide to put Mendoza out there.
21:10Rich Eisen:That's why I ask you the question. That's a full-on answer right there. Last one for you, Albert. You were here on July 31st in studio. I do not believe. When you left, I did not think we'd still be playing this game on August 24th. So go ahead and hit it, please. Is he back yet? Where is A-Rod right now? Is he back yet, Albert? I know, right?
21:38Albert Breer:Like, no, I, I, I, I would say, so I think the best way to put this is like that he's seeking clarity on it and they're going to give him as much time as he needs to find it.
21:50Rich Eisen:Is that money? Is that money? Is that what you're saying?
21:57Albert Breer:That's one thing that's come up to like, honestly, that is one thing that has come up that I like that. Like, and this isn't from Rams people or from Donald's people, but I mean, one thing that has kind of continually come up when I've talked to other people in the league about it is like, how do you work out the money part of it? Like, and how much are you paying them and how does that fit into their budget, both cash and cap, you know? Like, so yeah, I mean, there's that piece of it too. I don't think he's going to want to come out there and play for free, you know, like that's not what this is either.
22:29Albert Breer:So look, like I think I again, like I think the bigger piece like and this is just me talking, but I think the bigger piece is him feeling comfortable that he can go out there and be Aaron Donald. And that's what I said to you at the very start. And the trouble with that, again, is that it's not just his ability to go play football at a high level. It's to be Aaron Donald. And like, I think I think it's just a process getting there. And I think that's what he's seeking clarity on. It's like, can I go out there and be myself? They have a plan in place. He and Sean McVay are very close. I'd expect it's going to be 30 to 40 snaps a game.
23:07Albert Breer:They feel good about their depth at the position. The cupboard's not bare there. They've got Kobe Turner and Braden Fisk and Puna Ford and Tyler Davis. They've got numbers there, so they don't need to play them 50, 60 snaps a game. So the plan's in place. everybody's ready to hit go when Aaron Donald tells him to push that button. But obviously, he's not there quite yet. And he has been working out, by the way, at that facility. I think we talked about this before, but that's where he's been kind of testing himself. I know Giff Smith's been a big part of that process for him, one of Sean McVay's assistants.
23:44Albert Breer:And really, they had to report these things when he puts a helmet on. I guess that's the league rule, which falls for me, falls into the category of you learn something new every day. I did not know that before all this.
23:56Rich Eisen:Listen, the whole thing and just to wrap it up, the reason why it's difficult to understand why he's not back yet. Yeah. When the answer is he's still trying to see if he could be Aaron Donald. It's tough for fans or certainly me to grasp that because we just assume, wait a minute, he can't be Aaron Donald anymore. And I know he's human at the end of the day. He just looked like that to me.
24:20Albert Breer:Oh, he's what, 35 now?
24:21Rich Eisen:Well, no, I think he's younger than that. You want to look that up, Chris? But he could be in that area. 35. 35, you're right. I mean, so, yeah, it ain't easy. I understand to be Aaron Donald. It just strikes me. The question mark has always been, does he want to do it? Right. Not that can he do it physically? and the other thing is the reason why i said money is because you know hey he's trying to you know get clarity that that does sound you know in a way like um you know a euphemism um seeking clarity for money but i can only imagine like that is the last i like clarity too fast forward exactly you know what i mean but less like come on man like there's money in the cronky banana stand like they'll figure something out you know what i mean but so wow okay i guess he's just got to figure out that he's human after all yeah and i think it's like it's it's interesting
25:18Albert Breer:too because i look i've felt this way all along i i don't know i was you know i had a great conversation with eric wettle about it and like eric is i mean i i was the closest thing i could think of like right when it right when this first came up in june like he was the first person i called me too we had him on yeah and he and he was great talking about it and it's like there's all other human parts of it which i'm i'm sure those two have talked through this but like eric told me like he tore his pack you know like he still feels that he still feels the hamstring pull like there's you know real life implications to all this too and um you know you wonder is it like i felt this way all along and what people with the rams have told me is no he wants to play the full year but i mean like isn't there some logic to like not maybe it's better if he doesn't you know what i mean maybe it's better if you bring him back in november and you ramp him up slowly in September, October?
26:11Albert Breer:I don't know. I mean, I think there's a million different ways that you could approach this.
26:15Rich Eisen:Well, it would be smart. The bottom line, though, is if he can do the whole season, that way you don't have, like, we're working something in new. Like, everyone wants to recognize the National Football League when they run a National Football League team. There's so many damn variables, i.e. Cleveland Browns this past weekend. Just don't want to deal with any of that. You just figure it all out. Albert, you're the man. Thanks for the time. All right. Thanks, Rich. Everybody follow Albert Breer online and all sorts of socials. And of course, these MMQB is must read every single week. Man is as plugged in as it possibly can get.
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27:19Rich Eisen:Todd Munkin and Deshaun Watson have spoken since we last spoke about it last hour, if that makes any sense. That's next. This is The Rich Eisen Show with Wyndham Clark on deck. The Rich Eisen Show podcast.
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29:01Rich Eisen:member fdic terms and conditions apply nm ls 696891 fast funds terms apply at sofi.com slash debt play all right cleveland browns can't do anything just straight up and normal even though i think their head coach is pretty damn normal by the way i i like todd munkin and i cannot lie i literally said it he sounds like parcells he sounds like he's like mid-season doc rivers you know what i I mean, like his voice is already shot and he's out of Fs to give. I think he's 60, you know, getting his first head coaching job and he's handling everything best he can. He knows he's got a quarterback that the management wants to see.
29:44Rich Eisen:I know he's got a quarterback that may be best practice quarterback he's got. He's got a quarterback that is more veteran than anybody else on his roster. But he's got a quarterback that's got a problem with the fan base. and the fan base with him. And at best he tried to keep that boxed up in the preseason appearances, it came back to bite everybody this weekend. And despite all that, he named Deshaun Watson the starter on this day and then stepped to the microphone and explained why he did it and how much he's going to stick with this decision on a week-to-week basis. Deshaun is going to start against Jacksonville.
30:32Took in the full body of work over the course of offseason
30:38Albert Breer:to training camp, to the games, the joint practice, and ultimately felt like to start the season on the road, Deshaun gave us the best chance to move the ball and score points. I mean, that's really what it's about. And felt that way going in the last game, but wasn't sure. and after we talked as a staff and after we re-looked at everything, we're going to go that direction. Is this a week-by-week thing? No, we're not anticipating this being a week-by-week thing. Again, I think Shadour has done a great job. Come a long ways, and we're excited about his future, but this is not a week-to-week decision.
31:18Rich Eisen:He doesn't anticipate that. You know, another way, again, he's leaving himself options. for a guy that's not really stepped in front of a microphone as a head coach, certainly in the NFL ever. I mean, he's handling everything great. Certainly when he said this weekend, hey, this is the way Deshaun should have handled the question about are you upset about being booed? Just say, you know, no one likes being booed, but this is a results-oriented business and take responsibility for it, which Deshaun did today on Monday as well. But before that, I want to get to this last sound bite of. Because, you know, many Browns fans are not happy with this one.
31:57Rich Eisen:Even the ones that didn't cheer Deshaun when he was down on the ground because they're not nuts. But they have a set of eyes, and they want a team that's finally going to have a decent chance, and they've been drafting a bunch of lion-hearted, really talented kids that with an above-average quarterback, that's why I put the Browns in my sleeper team top five during the summer. This is what he had to say about taking in the fans consideration while making this decision.
32:29Albert Breer:Absolutely not. Zero. There was nothing to do with that. I mean, ultimately, the fans want us to win. I mean, ultimately, and put a good product on the field. That's really what they want. okay and so that's our job as coaches why we're hired uh to try and put the best product on the field and when we don't then i understand their frustration but ultimately they don't decide who plays i mean who would i be if i let someone outside of the building decide who plays
33:02Rich Eisen:i kind of dig this guy he's winning me over no he's winning you over i don't know if i need to be won over but he's out of blanks to give well he doesn't care we'll see what happens when this potentially go south and how he handles it. But for the moment, it's just like, no, fans have no... What type of coach would I be if I considered the fans' point of view? But no offense to you fans. You know, I get it. You want to see a good product on the field. We heard he says winning. They want to see a winner. He qualified like they want to see a good product on the field. Which is true. I know that.
33:44Rich Eisen:If they stink this year. You want to see a winner, but as long as, like last year, they're like, okay, we can hang our hat on Fannin and Judkins and, you know, Swessinger, and we can hang our hat on Mason Graham. We can hang our hat on this kid and that kid. I just named a few of them. You Browns fans are hanging their hat on people because you could see it. You could see they're good. I don't think there's any scenario in which it doesn't go south this year. Well, Deshaun couldn't play well against the third string. They put Deshaun out later on after Munkin. and he he gave the mea culpa that you know he didn't need to give if he basically said over the weekend i wasn't happy about being cheered when i got hurt it's a hurtful thing but you know i think everyone understands that right but i've gotten over it and i don't like being booed either in the same way I didn't like being cheered while I was down on the ground while I was hurt I also don't like getting booed but I understand where they're coming from if he had just said that this wouldn't have been an issue that raised everything to a different crazy ass level so he had I mean he was like the fireman right putting it out you know I thought I was going to get a you know a
35:01Albert Breer:little different uh response but uh you know i think you know my emotions got the best of me and um you know i wasn't my comments wasn't attending to go at any of the fans around in the city um because there's been a lot of great fans that have been supporting me and i know the frustration um this organization have put you know a lot of investment and coming you know to get me back in uh in 22 and uh and things haven't been going the right direction that we thought it was You know, a lot of injuries, a lot of time off and not putting the best football in my foot forward. So, again, you know, moving forward, you know, I just want to make sure that, you know, I can give the city something to think about, you know, in the first two games.
35:45Albert Breer:And, you know, when we come back home, that we have something to cheer about and we can celebrate and, you know, go do what we want to do.
35:51Rich Eisen:And that's achieve the ultimate goal and go win and, you know, be a champion. All right. So whether that's put in a box or he really feels that he's turned a page. it really now is about what Todd Monken said over the weekend and on this Monday. And what is the truth? Winning is the ultimate deodorant. It cures virtually everything. That's why this is a talent over everything league. That's why they acquired Deshaun Watson. There was a whole poop ton of everything when they acquired him, but they thought he had the talent to overcome it and talent over everything league and he it's time for him to show the talent if it's in there show it do it against Jacksonville which is a stout opponent Swagoo came on in our number one Marcus Spears said that is the team nobody is talking about and needs to be talking about more Jacksonville tough spot Duval County Liam Cohen Chest out, Trevor Lawrence, hair flowing.
37:00Rich Eisen:That's going to be a tough assignment. Go in there and win? Oh, boy. Go in there and look good and potentially come close near a miss? We'll see. Go in there and look like you did this past weekend against the Bills backups? Uh-oh, because next week is Baker Mayfield, who would love to just stick it in and twist the knife. he already told was it the i forget which pod he was on basically where he's just like oh the game i've circled is cleveland okay okay because that is tampa's home opener as well tampa's home opener oh boy
37:47okay so now we're done now right what a what a big huge finish what a what a you know, just spasm of emotion
38:02Rich Eisen:that spilled out over the weekend and made things more difficult and awkward. And let's see if this boxes it up and puts it away. It may for the next two weeks, but the first two weeks of the season is everything. You really don't say that too often in a league where you see 0-2 starts. And the Bears last year, perfect example, right? they blew a monday night home opener shot themselves in the foot and then had a 50 burger thrown on him and then had one of the great seasons that bears fans are hanging their hats on so normally you could sit here and go oh and two start no big deal but for watson massive for the browns writ large i don't know maybe then shador gets in at some point if watson doesn't take the opportunity then it'll time to see this kid again yeah what percentage would you put that Shador starts week three at home.
38:54Rich Eisen:Zero. Really? Unless there's a hurt. Watson.
39:01Rich Eisen:You heard him say week to week?
39:03Albert Breer:I get it, but you don't think they get worked the first two weeks and Deshaun looks like whatever?
39:08Rich Eisen:They got to stick with it. What, are they going to just suddenly ping pong like that? No, no way. No, he gets a two-week audition. No, it's too bad, man. Get out there and prove yourself. This is the National Football League. F your feelings, man. It's not called the National Feelings League. It's the National Football League. I'm saying he stinks and they lose both games by three scores. So then guess what? In your helmet, put a Q-tip in there. Put some wax in there so you don't hear the crowd, if that's what it is. Man, I really think cutting. Time for the feelings to be over. They should have cut him.
39:44Rich Eisen:No way. Not with them. Nope. You know what I was saying that they kind of might want it to fail a little bit? Because obviously Deshaun has played not as well as Shador in the preseason statistically. Put him in there because there's a lot of good quarterbacks to be had. I'm not saying that they're tanking. You mean that you're talking about? Yeah, I'm not saying they're tanking because like you said, they don't tank. But are they putting themselves in the best position to win games? There are some good cutaways. What you said, TJ, what you said, Chris, and what I've said can all be viewed by anybody taking in this show, listening or watching right now as great points.
40:25Rich Eisen:Mine, though, are better. But seriously. Wow. Everything is true. And you know what will also be true is Watson finds the 2019 Fountain of Youth and Lookout. Because crazier things have happened. That's true. Yeah. 844-204-RICH. Number to dial. Wyndham Clark, Sam Murill, hour number three of this program. The Rich Eisen Show, the podcast.
40:55Rich Eisen:Rich Eisen here. Running a small business means every hire matters. A bad hire costs time and money, but the right one helps your business grow. The challenge? Finding that person without sorting through resumes. That's where LinkedIn Hiring Pro comes in. It screens candidates so you can focus on conversations with qualified talent. With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence and build the team you need. Join the 2.7 million small businesses using LinkedIn to hire. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com slash eisen. Terms and conditions apply. Rich Eisen here. We talk a lot about battles in sports.
41:28Rich Eisen: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. The Rich Eisen Show, everybody. The Hyundai getaway sales event that's going on right now. get into your local Hyundai dealer and get away with the deal so right it almost feels wrong.
42:08Rich Eisen:There are so many of their most popular models, their most popular models, they have a great deal on the adventure-ready SUVs like the Hyundai Santa Fe, Santa Fe Hybrid, the same thing with the Tucson and Tucson Hybrid, the Elantra is loaded with the latest tech, the Ioniq 5 or Ioniq 9, or for those who want to go all electric. Get down to your local Hyundai dealer and get away with a deal you'll love during the Hyundai Getaway Sales Event. Visit HyundaiUSA.com for details. Howard in Los Angeles you're on the Rich Odds. What's up Howard? He's up. You there Howard? There we go. Put him back on hold.
42:42Rich Eisen:Sorry about all of that. Howard. Howard wanted to talk about Shador. Thought it would set things up for us because I just want to hit Shador here. I know we've been so all over this Browns quarterback story. Shador had this to say It's kind of funny how Shadour, out of everybody, is supposed to be that kid, you know, that's supposed to be a kid who only cares about his image and about, you know, his brand. The watch celebration. Right. And all that stuff. Yeah. He's Dion's kid. That's the only reason why we're paying attention to him. It's always interesting how he's the adult in the room in many different ways, too.
43:26Rich Eisen:This is what he had to say when he was asked about Watson being booed and Watson's reaction to it.
43:32Albert Breer:In general, I don't appreciate that at all, just regardless of competence, we all human beings. I think we all need to understand that, you know, in this room, too. We are humans. So it's like, I don't really do things to humans I wouldn't really want done to me, you know. And I don't really like making people feel uncomfortable in different spaces. And that's why even sometimes, like, daily things I do, like, I try to make sure everybody comfortable, you know, because a lot of things just even how I am as a person sometimes can make people uncomfortable, you know. So, I mean, I'm obviously aware of that.
44:09Albert Breer:And just for all the fans and everything, like, we appreciate y 'all showing up and everything. And however y 'all feel about the situation, about with Deshaun and about everything, like, But still, you know, I think it's more about a bigger purpose to just respect. You know, it's just a respect thing that I feel like should be there. Because we all out there trying to do our best and trying to serve the franchise the best way possible. We going out there to win games. We doing everything we can do. So, you know, I don't really appreciate that.
44:46Rich Eisen:I thought he's supposed to be that person who's taking a selfie while doing that, right? I will always cape for this kid. Everything about this kid, everything that he has done since he was born into this league has been exactly counter to what everybody thought he was. And you know who's exactly like that? His dad. His dad. Like him smiling at the media going, you know, for everyone in this room too, we're all human. That's his dad. Do unto others, that's his dad. talking about respect. That's his dad. But that's also him. And the reason why we're talking about him, sure, is his last name Sanders.
45:26Rich Eisen:The fan base digs him more than the other guy. Yep. The fan base believes in him more than the other guy. And still, the other guy gets the job. And he is not saying, I deserve it. Exactly. he if he thought it was immature and he deserved it would have taken a shovel and made the hole deeper for Deshaun instead he defended him yep
45:58Rich Eisen:if he was so immature that it was only about him and being famous and getting the starters gig he would have made it deeper for Deshaun to dig his way out and maybe taken the dirt and buried him with it. And he did the exact opposite. And I think it deserves to be pointed out that he's handling every turn to the best of his ability in a way that I thought, I think people thought were, he didn't have in him. I just wanted to say that to end hour two. The Ridge Eisen Show Podcast. Close your eyes, exhale, Feel your body relax And let go of whatever you're carrying today
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From the publisher
Sports Illustrated/The MMQB’s Albert Breer and Rich break down the latest around the NFL including the Browns naming Deshaun Watson their starting quarterback over Shedeur Sanders, the contract situation for Steelers CB Joey Porter Jr and Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield, if Tua Tagovailoa can hold off Michael Penix Jr to win the Falcons’ job, how the injury to RB Ashton Jeanty impacts when Fernando Mendoza could take over starting duties from Kirk Cousins, and how money could factor into whether Aaron Donald returns to the Rams. Rich weighs in on the Browns
QB decision and offers up some advice to Deshaun Watson regarding his strained relationship with fans in Cleveland, and how Shedeur Sanders has done everything right to silence his critics.
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