In short
Hour 3 of The Rich Eisen Show focuses on the Seattle Seahawks’ playoff push and their 7-2 start, plus a discussion of Caleb Williams/Chicago Bears momentum and NFL Week 10/NFC playoff positioning.
Guest
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (11th NFL season; previously played for the Jets and Giants).
Guest backgrounds
Williams describes the Seahawks’ identity under coach Mike Macdonald, emphasizing “process over results,” trust from players, and a more social/personal coaching style than Pete Carroll’s.
Key claims
Seattle is playing meaningful football in December; Macdonald’s knowledge plus personalized coaching puts players in position to win; teammate DeMarcus Lawrence’s back-to-back defensive scores show team momentum.
Notable examples
Lawrence’s two consecutive returns; Sam Darnold’s film-watching/process and leadership; Seahawks’ faith in Jackson Smith-Njigba’s role (over 1,000 yards through nine games). Additional segment: Host analysis praises Bears defense forcing turnovers (20 takeaways) and Caleb’s improved fourth-quarter play, while debating Giants firing Brian Daboll.
Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.
Chapters
Tap a time to open that second in VOWeek 10 Recap and Call Insights
1:30 to 2:24
Rich discusses the NFL Week 10 highlights and opens up for calls.
“Roquan Smith just decapitated Aaron Jones.”
Introducing Leonard Williams
2:24 to 3:20
Rich introduces Seahawks DE Leonard Williams and talks about the team's performance.
“taking your phone calls, reviewing much of the week number 10.”
Team Identity and Coaching Philosophy
3:20 to 4:30
Leonard discusses the Seahawks' identity under Coach Mike McDonald.
“Because, again, I just kind of recounted, you know, being a jet and a giant and having all of those times.”
Comparing Coaches: Carroll vs. McDonald
4:30 to 6:00
Leonard compares coaching styles between Pete Carroll and Mike McDonald.
“and how you went through some rough times trying to win football games with your teammates, and I'm sure all the coaches that you had there wanted to instill the same thing but were unable to do that.”
Experiencing Momentum in Games
6:00 to 7:30
Leonard shares what it's like to experience high momentum during games.
“And I think Mike came in and, you know, they're just very different personalities, I would say.”
Sam Darnold's Growth and Leadership
7:30 to 9:50
Leonard reflects on Sam Darnold's development and leadership on the team.
“And it just makes the season feel hard and long and dragged out.”
Jackson Smith-Njigba's Impact
9:50 to 12:20
Leonard discusses Jackson Smith-Njigba's performance and his role on the team.
“You know, I just see the same guy every single day.”
Reflections on Giants' Coaching Change
12:20 to 14:03
Leonard reacts to the news of the Giants firing Brian Daybol.
“I mean, and it makes our job a lot easier as well because we know when we go to the sideline, We see third down and things like that when we're on the sideline.”
Leonard Williams Discusses Team Dynamics
14:03 to 16:21
Leonard Williams shares his thoughts on coaching changes and team focus.
“And again, you know the organization, you know the front office and the way things have gone there for the Giants.”
Previewing the Big Game Against the Rams
16:22 to 17:32
Discussion on the upcoming game against the Rams and team strategies.
“The 7-2 Seahawks right here on the Rich Eisen Show.”
Show all 19 chapters
Previewing the Big Game Against the Rams
17:33 to 17:48
Discussion on the upcoming game against the Rams and team strategies.
“Back on the Rich Eisen Show with your phone calls.”
Listener Calls Discuss Coaching Changes
20:21 to 25:28
Listeners call in to discuss the recent coaching changes and team performance.
“Back on the Rich Eisen show on ESPN Radio presented by Progressive Insurance.”
Caleb's Performance and the Bears' Struggles
25:29 to 28:00
Analyzing Caleb's recent performances and the Bears' team dynamics.
“Then the fourth quarter hits, and guess what he does?”
Chicago Bears Playoff Hopes
28:00 to 34:00
Discussion on the Chicago Bears' performance and playoff positioning.
“Listen to the soundbite from the coach here.”
Chicago Bears Playoff Hopes
35:05 to 35:24
Discussion on the Chicago Bears' performance and playoff positioning.
“It's why I'm proud to talk about Hyundai Hope on Wheels.”
NFL Season Insights and Predictions
35:39 to 42:00
Discussion on NFL season standings, team performances, and playoff outlook.
“Yes, I've actually been paying attention.”
Eagles' Strategy and Upcoming Matchups
42:00 to 46:03
Discuss the Eagles' strategy for the game against the Packers and implications for playoff standings.
“The NFC East is Philadelphia's pretty much.”
Show Highlights and Guest Teasers
46:03 to 46:58
Preview of upcoming guests on the show and their relevance.
“So both of those teams kind of rooting for Green Bay tonight.”
Show Highlights and Guest Teasers
47:53 to 48:11
Preview of upcoming guests on the show and their relevance.
“It can help you with practically anything on the web, like restoring a vintage motorcycle from a 50-page restoration block, or finally break down that long article you've had open for weeks.”
Transcript
Automatic transcript. May contain errors.0:00The
0:01Rich Eisen:Luminum Al steps into McDonald's looks left sees Pulisic looks right sees Jimenez gives a nod to Ronaldinho in the corner with a FIFA World Cup meal. Ronaldinho sees son in the booth. Son finds Beckham going for extra Big Mac sauce. He's got Davies at the table just behind him. Davies going for his collectible cup. A steal by Henri who pulls his own collectible cup. Collect one of nine legendary cups with a FIFA World Cup meal. At participating McDonald's for a limited time. While supplies last. All rights reserved. 2026 McDonald's at FIFA World Cup 2026. Are all batteries the same? That's like asking if all soccer players are the same.
0:37Take Messi, the most decorated player ever. Is there any other player who has achieved that? No, just him. Now take Duracell. Is there any other battery with Power Boost ingredients inside? No, just Duracell. Goats only trust Goats, because they're built different. And Messi only trusts Duracell.
1:00Rich 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 richeisenshow and you'll never miss a moment. Now, on with the show. Let's go! Roquan Smith just decapitated Aaron Jones. What's that bull doing? This is the Rich Eisen Show. Touchdown! There's the record breaker for Jonathan Taylor. HM, have a game. The Rich Eisen Show. Keenan Allen, reception number 956.
1:49Rich Eisen:Today's guests. Seahawks defensive end, Leonard Williams. Monday Night Preview. And now, it's Rich Eisen. Hour number three of the Rich Eisen show is on the air. First two hours, just like this one, is on Disney+. ESPN app streaming everywhere for you to see it or listen to it on ESPN Radio, presented by Progressive Insurance, Sirius XM Channel 80. We say hello to our podcast listeners. All three hours available that way. As well, same thing as Overreaction Monday. Chris Brockman and I recorded that before we went on the air in this show over the last two hours. taking your phone calls, reviewing much of the week number 10.
2:33Rich Eisen:Just hit on college football a little bit with the way Indiana and Penn State went down over the weekend. And again, 844-204-RICH is the number to dial. The Giants bounced their head coach, Brian Dayball, right in the middle of our number one. We've been talking about it. And again, your phone calls at 844-204-RICH, number to dial. As I mentioned, over the last five years, the New York Jets 25-52, the Giants 24-53-1. So I'm pleased to welcome in a man who's played five seasons each, some of them overlapping with the Jets and the Giants. He's a man now of the 7-2 Seattle Seahawks in his 11th season in the National Football League.
3:11Rich Eisen:Great to see Leonard Williams here on the Rich Eisen Show. How are you, Leonard? Good to see you. I'm doing great, man. How are you doing? Thanks for having me. You bet. How does it feel to be 7-2 right now? It feels amazing, I got to say. It feels good. Because, again, I just kind of recounted, you know, being a jet and a giant and having all of those times. And, you know, I'll revisit that just in a brief bit for briefly with you. But I do want to talk about your current situation first and how things have changed over there. You arrived just a couple of seasons ago. Mike McDonald did as well.
3:47Rich Eisen:What is clicking and working for you there that you can put your finger on, Leonard? I think it's just the identity that we're creating in the house that Coach Mike has done a tremendous job of doing in his two years here so far. And we just create such a hard work ethic. We believe in process over results. So we learn that after a win to stay humble, go back to the process. It's not about the results and vice versa after a loss. It's just always going back to our process. And I think we are creating a tremendous amount of just belief in our team and belief in our coaching staff and belief in one another.
4:25Rich Eisen:Well, obviously that's not easy to do. Again, the way that you were born into this league and how you went through some rough times trying to win football games with your teammates, and I'm sure all the coaches that you had there wanted to instill the same thing but were unable to do that. What has, I guess, what is Mike McDonald's power, superpower in that respect, Leonard? I mean I would just say the the trust that the players have from him comes from just his knowledge of the game um you can tell as a you know I'm a defensive player he's a defensive coach uh so I'm speaking from you know firsthand experience that uh you know he's a smart coach he knows what he's doing he puts his players in position to win and uh he also coaches all of us differently he knows that we all have different strengths different weaknesses he's not going to expect one person going to do something the exact same way as the next guy.
5:19And he allows a good blend of being his principles and the way that he wants things, but also allowing the players to have a role and take the keys of the team as well. And we have a big back and forth with the coaches and players that creates a more symbiotic type of situation.
5:39Rich Eisen:So yeah, I mean, Pete Carroll's last year was your first year there, and then obviously McDonald's shows up. How have things been different from year one to year two with Mike McDonald that you might be able to point out? Leonard. Yeah, I mean, I would say, you know, like I love Pete Carroll. You know, I'm so happy that he traded me here. He was a big players coach, had a lot of fun. And I think Mike came in and, you know, they're just very different personalities, I would say. I think Mike had to learn the social aspect because he was such a, you know, X's and O's type of guy. And, you know, Pete was a very social guy.
6:17He had the team very bonded. And I think Mike has done a good job of now learning the social aspect and being able to incorporate both his knowledge of the game and now learning how to also be really sociable and a player's coach as well. And I think, you know, this is the best type of coaches to me that, you know, know the game, know football, know the X's and O's and also are personable and can get along with the players and that sort of, you know, that stuff.
6:45Rich Eisen:Yeah, and it just is all working. I mean, this thing was a wrap almost right away yesterday. And what is that like to be on a team? Are you watching a teammate, Demarcus Lawrence, return two to the house like that? And you know what it's like when the 12s start getting wound up in that crowd. It's just a big momentum shift that is so tough for the opponent to overcome. What is that like, Leonard? If you can describe that. I mean, it's huge. It feels amazing. You know, my whole career, I've heard this term, you're either playing meaningful football in December or you're not. And, you know, a lot of times in my career, I was not playing meaningful football in December.
7:27And it makes the season feel really long. You're out there playing, knowing you're not going to the playoffs. And it just makes the season feel hard and long and dragged out. Whereas like now there's like excitement in the building. There's, you know, people are looking forward to that next game. People are looking forward to the future. We're playing meaningful football in December. You know, guys are rooting and cheering for each other and looking forward to going against good opponents, looking forward to just getting better every week. And, yeah, I mean, it's just been an amazing, you know, amazing time this year.
7:58Rich Eisen:Now, again, I'm not doing this to stir anything up, Leonard. I swear to you. But after DeMarcus returns one, then he gets another. Is there a part of you going, what gives? How come I – you know, certainly since the second one kind of like dropped right there too. like what about me I mean I'm you're like I'm just as much of a hard worker I've been in this league forever and a day just like him what go what's going on what's going on yeah for sure I mean everybody wants there is you know in a game uh we all work so hard and we all put the work in that you know you want to see the the plays and the results happen on on Sunday uh but at the same time it's like I couldn't be you know as happy as anyone uh you know to see a teammate make a play like that it was crazy to see it happen back to back though like you said it was like we all we were joking this morning how you know i've been around football you know for so long at this point in my life and i'm still seeing new things it was crazy to see that play happen back to back the same exact way same exact two guys on the play and you know demarcus didn't even have to break stride when he was running into the end zone he was just running in the balls in his hand at the same time it was it was beautiful that's what i'm saying why not you man i mean you're just you're you're working hard you're a hard worker that's what i'm saying you know again i don't want to stir anything up uh you've also got to be very pleased uh as a fellow usc trojan to see what's happening with sam darnold um and what he's doing for your team and what you guys are doing collectively can you walk me through what you saw when he first arrived and what you're seeing right now and how they those two moments might connect in any way shape or form leonard yeah definitely i mean our connection from usc and our connection from the jets um you know we got a little bit across the the Jets as well.
9:37So I got to see him come in as a rookie. You know, and I remember I wasn't around him as long. I got traded that same year, I believe. But it's just really amazing to see him grow as a leader, his maturity, his discipline. You know, I just see the same guy every single day. And I'm not just saying this, this is like one of the best quarterbacks I've been around in terms of his process. Every time I see him on the airplane or wherever it is, he looks like he's watching film. He's working with the receivers. He's just constantly trying to find small details to get better. And I think it's showing.
10:12I mean, he's playing some of his best ball right now. And it's just great to see him lead the team, lead the offense. Yeah.
10:19Rich Eisen:And again, seeing him in college, and then obviously seeing him in the pros, you were witnessing when he was in college, I'm sure rooting for the Trojans from where you were, Leonard, right? watching those highs and then being there when he showed up with the Jets and seeing the potential lows and watching him go through his career. Now, here you are. You're in year 11. He's now with his fourth different team right now making it. I'm wondering what you saw of his journey and what you think is his fortitude here that you can shed some light on from your personal perch. Yeah, I mean, I feel like I could shed a lot of light on it just because I feel like I've been through a similar situation in my, in my career, you know, I've been on, this is my third team.
11:06Now I'm on year 11 and now I'm, you know, I believe I'm playing some of my best ball now. And, you know, I've seen the same journey for Sam where he, you know, started off on the jets and got traded around and was kind of, you know, looked, looked past and, you know, guys were undervaluing him and things of that nature. And I think he's that type of process. and time in the league just creates humility and just creates a work ethic that I think Sam has right now.
11:37Rich Eisen:And obviously, you know, when he's operating the offense, you're on the sideline maybe doing, you know, your thing on a tablet or with a coach or with your teammates. But do you sometimes stop and watch Jackson Smith and Jigba do his thing? Leonard? Yeah, we do as a defensive line, actually, because we always talk about how there's some similarities there between a receiver and a defensive lineman in terms of the way we have to create space, get guys off balance and things of that nature. And, you know, just from understanding that as a defensive lineman, I think we can kind of understand when we see a great route or we see a great move that Jackson puts on.
12:18And he's been incredible to watch. I mean, and it makes our job a lot easier as well because we know when we go to the sideline, We see third down and things like that when we're on the sideline. And we just, you know, we have a lot of faith in our team that they're going to get the first down with, you know, with 11 out there on the field. And he's just unstoppable right now.
12:36Rich Eisen:He is. I mean, he's got over 1 ,000 yards through nine games. He's really threatening a Calvin-type season. And then for him to do it after DK winds up in Pittsburgh and it's now his role, right? Fair or unfair? We all understand the way things sometimes get portrayed in the media. I'm wondering what your perspective is from that point of view of how he's been able to do it in just nine games of being the man there. Yeah, I mean, I would just say from my time here, I think I got traded here his second year in the league or his first year. I can't remember, but from the time I've been around him, I could just tell that he takes on his role just to 100%.
13:21I think he was fully okay with being wide receiver two or three and was like fully soaking up all the information he could from the guys in front of him, like Tyler Lockett and DK. And, you know, he's just 100 percent in his role. And now that they, you know, bumped him to the number one receiver and he's the guy, it's like he's, again, like leaning 100 percent into that role. And he's very capable. And I think he did a good job of just taking in as much information as possible from those guys that were here while he was here.
13:47Rich Eisen:All right. Two questions for you, and then I'll let you go on the rest of your Monday. And I really appreciate you joining me here after such a big win and in such a big week for you. But I would be remiss if I didn't ask you your thoughts of the Giants firing Brian Daybol today. And again, you know the organization, you know the front office and the way things have gone there for the Giants. Do you have any thoughts when you heard that news today? That's actually news to me right now just because, you know, I just woke up and was kind of focused on my team this morning, came in and worked out.
14:20So this is news to me. You know, I always thought of him as a great guy. He was a player's coach. I got along with him pretty well. And, you know, I'm definitely wishing him luck on his future. I definitely got to hit up some of my guys that I know over there and, you know, see how they feel and see how they're doing.
14:39Rich Eisen:All right. And so you just woke up, huh? Man, I'm jealous. Yeah. No, I've been here for a little bit, but I just haven't been on my phone. I have a good rule of being on my phone too much after a game. Really? What do you mean? What's that rule? What is that rule? What is it? I just like to keep my head clear and not focus too much on the media and things like that. I like to just be where my feet are. And a lot of times after games, I notice guys get on the bus. And that's like one of the first things they do is they want to check their phone. They want to check Twitter. They want to see what people are saying.
15:07And to me, actually, I like to stay out of all the noise for at least 24 hours.
15:14Rich Eisen:All right. So then I know you have to go. So last one for you, Leonard. What is this week going to be like? What a big game. You got the Rams. They're playing on tilt right now. The quarterback that you're going to have to stop the run on the way to has been on fire. What do you think this game's going to be like and what this week's going to be like? Seven and two at seven and two. Cooper Cup going back there too. Leonard? like you said they're on fire we know that as a team and like I've been saying our team is looking forward to getting better every week we're looking forward to playing great opponents to see where we're at and I think this is one of those matchups where you know we're going to be able to see where we're at so we're definitely treating this week very serious as we always do and I think that's one thing that we have to focus on this week is treating it the same like I've been saying it's going back to the process I think if we make any game too big or too little we're going to get off track.
16:04So I think we just need to say exactly how we've been treating it and going back to the process.
16:08Rich Eisen:Leonard, thanks for the time. Again, like I said, I know day after a game is always quite the day, but congrats on the 7-2 start. And I look forward to chatting again real soon. Thank you. All right. Thank you. You got it. That's Leonard Williams, everybody, in his 11th year. The 7-2 Seahawks right here on the Rich Eisen Show. There he goes. What a big, huge game. And he is just anchoring. He is anchoring. How dare he say he doesn't pay attention to the media? That's number one. For 24 hours. Okay, that's right. I mean, anything longer than 24 hours would be awful for us. 7-2 versus 7-2. Cooper Cup back in the building.
16:49Rich Eisen:Whose house is it? You know? Devontae Adams at one point gave a little scare with his lower back. But he's alright. He's alright. He is okay. Yeah, apparently he's okay. Oblique. Puka's doing it. All these tight ends you've never really heard of half the time are doing it. So many tight ends. Kyron Williams doing it, defensively doing it. Speaking of guys you've never heard of, the Seahawks again lead the league in those people scoring. Defensively, they're on fire. McDonald is going to be calling the defensive plays. McVay the offensive plays. Let's go. Let's go. Because as much as you see McVay and Shanahan, they're not calling plays against each other.
17:24This one, different story.
17:28Rich Eisen:Different story. Can't wait for it. We'll be talking about it all week long and setting the table for that. Back on the Rich Eisen Show with your phone calls. We will talk about the Chicago Bears also still to come here on this program on Disney Plus, the ESPN app, and ESPN Radio presented by Progressive Insurance. Keep your career moving forward with growth opportunities, great pay, and benefits. In one of the country's top workplaces, go to careers.progressive.com and apply today. 844-204-RICH, number two dial.
18:00Rich Eisen:The Rich Eisen Show Podcast.
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18:55Rich Eisen:And if you need help, we could recommend a shop for you. Ask for O 'Reilly Veriscan today. Oh, oh, oh, O 'Reilly. Auto Parts.
19:12Rich Eisen here, and summer's here too.
19:15Rich Eisen:And that means it's travel season. My favorite summer trip last year was to Sao Paulo, Brazil. With so many fans traveling for the Los Angeles against Kansas City game, they got to see how lively the city is. I love the culture and the amazing food that I'm still craving. Those memories remind everyone that it's that time of year to plan a little getaway. And that's why summer has a way of turning weekends into big events. One minute, it's a normal week. And then all of a sudden, a huge concert, sporting event, or festival brings people in from all over. And when that happens, visitors start looking for places to stay all across your city.
19:49Rich Eisen:So if you're already planning a summer trip of your own, you could list your space on Airbnb and earn a little extra cash while you're away. Doesn't have to be some big year-round commitment. It's about making the most of a busy weekend when your place would just be empty otherwise. I can tell you, people love finding a place that helps them feel connected to the city that they're visiting. If your city's about to have a big summer moment, this is a great time to maximize your space. Your home might be worth more than you think. Find out how much at airbnb.com slash host.
20:26Rich Eisen:Back on the Rich Eisen show on ESPN Radio presented by Progressive Insurance. Let's go to Nick in Los Angeles, California. What's up, Nick? Hello. Hey, guys. Thanks for having me on again, Rich. You know, I don't know if you remember, but I was agitating for Dave Oll to be fired. I was buzzing like a little bee. And it finally happened, and I'm very pleased. We have Coach Kafka, which is very fitting because the last few years have certainly been Kafka-esque. Listen to him. Listen, I don't think people thought there would be any reading on this exam, sir, so be careful, Nick. Be careful. No language arts.
Read the full transcript
21:09Rich Eisen:I have a little brief message for Coach David Hall on behalf of all Chimes fans. So, Brian, on behalf of myself and all Giants fans, I want to thank you for your service. And despite your inability to consistently field a healthy kicker or hold on to a fourth-quarter lead or even understand when you could go for it on fourth down the goal line or not, we appreciate your effort. You also heavily encouraged the Jackson Dart decision, which was a great call. So, you know, we wish you did better during your time here, and I'm sure you did too. So farewell, sweet prince. Your watch has ended. Thank you very much, Nick in Illinois.
21:47Rich Eisen:I make Nick in Los Angeles. I've got to hire Kim Jong-Steaker, the next coach. He's a local business leader. Sorry, unfortunately, I've got to lose him. Nick's cell reception was pretty terrible there. It's kind of crazy how Brian Dable gets fired today after another loss in which Jackson Dart was showing how talented he is, how energetic he is, how he was the right choice, and hardly none of that gets ascribed to Dayball setting the stage for him.
22:35Rich Eisen:and how this was another defeat snatched from the jaws of victory. And this time around when he goes out with a concussion, Daybol isn't barking in the blue tent to see where he is because he doesn't want to have Russell Wilson out there when he knows that Russell's not equipped to lead this team to victory. and that led to as we know a fine and it led to an investigation and and it's just i i don't know um how obviously being a coach in this league will drive you crazy and it'll change the way that you approach your job change the way that you approach everything that ultimately what cost him this time around in this game outside of dart being hurt now everyone is kind of blaming him for putting Dart in harm's way as much as he did with some of the play calling and things of that nature is how on fourth down they go for a field goal to go up by two scores 20 to 10 instead of going for it even after a penalty puts it closer inside the one and he still decides to kick it and this is the guy who in his first game as head coach if you remember against the titans goes for it for a two-point conversion for the win rather than an extra point to tie it he wins it and that launched an entire season's worth of success a coach of the year campaign for him a successful coach of the year campaign for him and a playoff season for the giants their last one and we all know what that win for the giants and the decisions that they made with the quarterback and running back have led to this present day in which saquon takes the field for the philadelphia eagles with a ring on his finger and a six and two record that's the best in the nfc coming into this week needing to win to keep up with the rest of the uh nfc west that's leading but it's just interesting how that guy goes from game one we're going for it on a two-point conversion follow me to freedom and this time around it's just like oh we're just gonna kick that extra point go up by 10 and of course dart goes out then for again i don't know why jamis is rendered useless if i'm kafka do you just like say hey stay in the concussion protocol you stay where you are jackson we're starting jamis this week and then just try and wing it around and he's like the he's like the different version of tommy cutlets but the giants fans are all out of tommy cutlets they're like we're done with that we want to win with jackson freaking dart and start winning some football games but this year is not it now you're two and eight with an interim head coach and part of the reason why is because you couldn't hold on to a lead in chicago against the bears team that was ready to just disintegrate and in terms of the bears on sunday i mean it was all going south in this game started well then dart put his foot in the ground and again he's just got an ability to get some momentum and just get just start making plays on you and a bears defense that's used to just dominating and turning people over in their wins started to wilt in a day where it's flurrying and it's freezing in chicago this is exactly when an opportunistic defense supposed to get it done but caleb also and an offense supposed to get it done and they were losing and here here we go here's another rookie quarterback playing way much better than caleb is in terms of a consistency level if they were going to lose this game it's back to like okay so now we're rollercoastering with this guy we're up and then we're down and we're up and there's no consistent just ascension and here we were talking again about ball placement and things about how he's not doing this and he's not doing that.
26:42Rich Eisen:Then the fourth quarter hits, and guess what he does? Same thing that he did against Cincinnati, which is make some plays when all things look dark with his legs and with his arms. He scores one, running it in. It was exhilarating. I could only imagine what it must have been like in that stadium with Bears fans watching him run it in, especially when Dart's running it in and Dart's doing all these things. And they're sitting there probably thinking, this rookie guy from the Giants who doesn't have, from the Giants who doesn't have Roma doing Zane doesn't have all these other players he's doing it why isn't Caleb well for the second straight week he does it in the fourth quarter his passer rating in his last two fourth quarters 123.5 23.5 % better than his passer rating in the fourth quarter by the way he's now got a 100 passer rating in the fourth quarter this year he had a passer rating in the fourth quarters all of last year of 95.3 he's getting better with the game on the line more accurate and making better decisions and ben johnson here's the difference between winning and losing if he was losing it's just like can you just run the play instead of running around for your life please like we're scheming these guys open if one's not open throw it to two and instead you do what you do to win the game in two back-to-back fourth quarters now suddenly you're pulling magic.
28:05Rich Eisen:Now you're magic. Listen to the soundbite from the coach here. He looks like a Houdini back there in the backfield because, like I said, that's a really good pass rushing front that they've given a lot of teams fits. I think Burns is leading the NFL in sacks. And so there are times where he's trying to escape and making some things happen. He had a couple throws down the field, but like you said, over 50 yards again, rushing for the second week in a row, and I thought in the fourth quarter there we really needed that as a shot in the arm to end up winning that ballgame, so credit to him. Okay.
28:39Rich Eisen:So, and now, again, you go from not running the play in a timely fashion, right? You're giving up on the play too soon to now, boy, the escapability is something else. It really is. I'd say some of his instincts, I think some of it's lifting and training. I think the other part of it is visualizing those moments that, you know, the defenders leverage and things like that and being able to take advantage of his leverage. And then other than that, it's just being smart at those moments. You know, if it's time to throw the ball away or dirt or anything like that, dirt it. If it's not and I can make a play, go make a play for this team and, you know, do whatever I need from there.
29:17Rich Eisen:But yeah, I think it's, you know, those couple of things that I do, you know, throughout the week, throughout the year, visualizing those moments. So I guess to use a magic phrase, abracadabra of voila, look who's in the seventh seed in a playoff spot. If all things started today in the National Football Conference, that would be your six and three Chicago Bears. Half game better than the Niners. Vikings are knocking on the door. If they can start playing consistently, the Panthers are five and five. As we know, the Bears and the Cowboys, I don't think the two should meet, but Bears have got, with eight games to go, halfway through their schedule, I'm not going to go high register.
30:02Rich Eisen:They are a playoff team right now because their defense is – how about this? Their defense is turning things over. They've outscored their opponent 30-18 in their last two fourth quarters, and the defense keeps on taking it away. 20 takeaways in this season. That's the most in the national football league. And may I ask you this? If Ben Johnson's trying to bring what he did from Detroit to Chicago, do they have their Bears version of Sonic and Knuckles? Swift and Monongah. Because Monongah is running downhill inside the 10. That's pretty effective. Yeah, it's like the T-Moo version of T-Moo. Again, we started the show by showing how Jameer Gibbs is setting records for most touchdowns before turning 24.
30:53Rich Eisen:That ain't DeAndre Swift. And, you know, Mononga's a rookie. But the run game certainly looks pretty damn good. And Komet and Loveland. Colston Loveland's coming on. Yeah, Loveland's coming on. That pass, Loveland caught. Where he snagged it from behind. Yeah, yeah. Because, again, that's the conversation. You heard it from Daniel Jeremiah. Maya. You've heard it from Kurt Warner here. If you pay attention, and we hope you do on the program because we keep on bringing guests on who are really smart and telling you things, and we put it all together because we don't just host shows. We weave tapestries around here.
31:32The best thing about us, though, is it's about us.
31:36Rich Eisen:It's Caleb Williams' ball placement. You've got to work on the accuracy. Where are you putting it? It doesn't matter if you've got guys who can catch it. That was amazing. So, yes, give it up to the Bears, man. DJ Moore gets banged up. Luther Burden steps in. They're making stuff happen. If this keeps on going on, Ashton Kutcher is going to take TJ to an NFC championship game despite the Cowboys being there too. It doesn't matter to them. Just go hang out. I don't think that we're going to make it. No, I don't think so. Get your damn act together. Thank you, TJ. Speaking of higher register, week six, my higher register was if the Bears got past with Washington, they were going to go on a run.
32:14Rich Eisen:And they've gone on a run. So now, by the way, good use of higher register there. Let me ask you this question, Chris. Knowing us as you do. Me enjoying power rankings as much as I do after pooping on it. This guy now quoting his own higher registers twice after saying, I don't speak in higher register. I am a naturally lower register guy. Sure. Not just in voice box, but also demeanor. like we're asking him to remove himself from his lane to do that doesn't change the result he now that's now twice he's quoted his own higher register which is on this program i mean i'm the last of the three of us to ever mention a higher register that is i think i think he's starting to go i'm not i'm not asking you your thoughts i'm asking him his thoughts on our uh i would say one of us had a caleb williams higher register literally last week you know No, no, no, no.
33:14Rich Eisen:It's not about you. I'm talking about our transformation as broadcasters. Oh, I mean, I think it's great when you guys are doing it. That was a good job. Very good one. You guys are doing great with it. That's great. What a development for our show. Let's take a break. Let's set the stage for tonight. Was that a snort? Who snort? Yeah, that was my bad. Snorting. I don't know where I came from. Whoa. My God. Wow. This whole segment began with Tracy Morgan talking about how you sold cocaine and into the snort. I hear a snort. Guys, we're on Disney. Stop, everybody. Don't do them. The Rich Eisen Show, the podcast.
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35:03Rich Eisen:As you know, I care deeply about pediatric cancer research and awareness. It's why I'm proud to talk about Hyundai Hope on Wheels. For over 27 years, every Hyundai sold has helped fund life-saving pediatric cancer research. Together with over 850 dealers nationwide, they've raised more than$277 million, supporting over 25 ,000 kids in their fight against cancer. Visit HyundaiUSA.com and search Hyundai Hope on Wheels to learn more. At Hyundai, hope isn't optional. It comes standard. 844-204-RICH, number to dial on the program. The season's been great. It really is phenomenal. Oh. What season? The NFL.
35:41Rich Eisen:Oh, okay. You've been paying attention? Yes, I've actually been paying attention. Have you? Yeah. Because every single time I see you, you're taking a picture of your toothy selfie. I've done something that you haven't realized. What is that? You notice the phone's not in my hands as much. No, I haven't. Oh, good for you. I moved it away. It took 11 years to pay attention to the program you're on. It's amazing. Well, let's see how consistent you can be. Because as you know, it's more than just sometimes your availability is in doubt. I know, but you've got other jobs. You've got stuff going on.
36:10Rich Eisen:But I don't mean to denigrate. See, I'm just being like. No, no, in all seriousness, I'll repeat here what I was saying on Overreaction Monday, the pod. Please get it wherever you can get your podcast. You can watch all of it on our YouTube channel, youtube.com slash Rich Eisen Show. Also, 4.30 Eastern Time on Mondays on ESPN2. Let's cook. On the deuce. Yeah. Overreaction Monday. The deuce. should we should we put should we put a two in our in our logo for that oh yes where could we fit an overreaction i don't know two on the graphic i don't know well instead of an r instead of an r oh that's fun i mean we we've incorporated in our pod we call ourselves espncw you know okay cncw overreaction tonight ah there you go today today today today all right look at us as i mentioned there are yes i'm fortunate to be in the midst of my 23rd season you're jordan covering the nfl my jordan year mattingly mattingly sir um well and 23rd season uh with the nfl network um and i guess my gosh it's coming up almost 30 years since i had hair saying hello to the SportsCenter audience for the first time.
37:25Rich Eisen:But I don't remember a season in which you're entering week 10 Monday night saying it's anybody's league and the anybody. How many contenders did we say coming into the season? You were the stingiest. You had seven. I had 12 and you had 15. Yeah, because my glass is half full. Well, let's run down the standings. We can see what you think now. I mean, right now, listen, tonight's game, I don't care who wins, loses. They're still Super Bowl contenders. I don't care. So I'm choosing the two of them there. I got the Lions as well. That's three. I've got the Rams and I've got the Rams and the Seahawks is two more.
38:10Rich Eisen:That's five, right? Yep. Man, do I put the Bucs? Who's coming? Did you hear Bucky Irving nor Chris Godwin's expected to return to practice or play against the Bills this week? Todd Ball said today there is no timetable for either of them to return. The deal with Bucky Irving is not the foot. It's the shoulder. He said he has to be able to take a hit before he can return. Damn. I can't take the bucks out, though, of being a Super Bowl contender right now. Who are they beating? Out of the teams ahead that you just listed. They beat Seattle in Seattle. When players were playing. I got it. I got it.
38:48So there's five there.
38:51Rich Eisen:You put up the AFC. Every 8-2 team can do it. I don't care what you think about the Broncos' offense. Chargers. The Broncos are at the bottom of the list, though. I've got to put the Chiefs there. I'm not taking the Bills out yet. I'm just not. Stranger things have happened from teams that are 4-5, let alone 6-3. So then you've got a dozen, right? You take Jacksonville out and put the Chiefs in? And the Ravens? Two. What do you know? You're going to think the Ravens? You're not going to sit here saying... They're not winning the Super Bowl, man. Why? Oh. Why wouldn't you say that? Their defense played championship quality and Lamar's...
39:26Rich Eisen:They haven't lost? If you're sitting here thinking they're going to win the division from 1-5 when they're 1-5 and then they actually go ahead and do it, then you'll remove them. That says more about Pittsburgh. Then you'll remove them from being a Super Bowl contender after they actually go ahead and do what you're predicting. They're not going to win a playoff game. Ooh, wow. Brockman. But wouldn't you agree there's more than seven now? No. Oh, really? I don't think there's more than seven. It's Wendell down. You're seven. Let's take a look real quick. No, right now. I forgot about what you actually have it written down here.
40:02Rich Eisen:I think I have yours written down here. You had Bills, Ravens, Chiefs, Eagles, Lions, Rams, Niners. That was it. Those were your seven. And then I think you had Green Bay. No. Yeah, and then I had Green Bay. So, yeah. Yeah. So then you had eight. Eight. I'm just saying it's wide. It's truly the real deal wide open. And then there's always a team that you don't see coming, a la one of the Eli Giants or Big Ben from the sixth seed. It can absolutely happen. So I shouldn't give up hope? No, you can give up hope. No, yeah. I kid each other. 3-5-1, second place. But, I mean, in that respect, just saying this about tonight's game, the Eagles and the Packers the Eagles coming off of a bye as we all know the Packers coming off of a home loss to the Carolina Panthers so they're five two and one they just watch the Lions rebound to go to six and three they face each other in Detroit on Thanksgiving Day at the end of the month to kick off the triple header the Eagles go into Green Bay tonight after tonight they're Sunday night against the Lions.
41:16Rich Eisen:So they take on the two top teams in the NFC North, arguably one of the toughest divisions in football, with the Bears being a third place team at six and three, four and five last place team for the Vikings would be second place in the NFC East. So tonight's game for the Eagles is more about playoff positioning and conference playoff positioning, because the team that played them in last year's NFC Championship game has completely fallen and could not get up to the point where First Alert may be reaching out to see if they'll do a commercial in Washington, D.C. I've fallen and I can't get up.
41:57Rich Eisen:And the Cowboys are 3-5-1 and the Giants are now completely off the chessboard, 2-8 with an interim head coach. The NFC East is Philadelphia's pretty much. it would have to take a massive, massive, unforeseen disaster. And that's not going to happen, as we all know, because they only got better in the trade deadline week leading up to it. And we'll see Jalen Phillips tonight. Interestingly enough, Jair Alexander returns to Lambeau Field. That'll be something to keep an eye on and how he's going to try and track any of the wide receivers that are out there. As we all know, Tucker Craft has done for the season.
42:32Rich Eisen:What a terrible loss in the terrible loss that they had to Carolina. so what it's Luke Musgrave season to see what's going on there maybe um Josh Jacobs will he be able to run the Packers to victory because if the Packers lose this they're five three and one and they're no longer in first place over a Lions team that they've already beaten and they're in third place because the Bears are now six and three yeah so that tie certainly sticks out like a sore thumb. And what better way to say we actually are way better than last week. We're way better than last year. We're going to beat the team that beat us in Brazil to start the season and then beat us in Philadelphia to end our season.
43:27Rich Eisen:And then, of course, there's this. An Eagles fan during the non-playing season. around these parts, maybe new to us because we didn't come on the air on ESPN radio, presented by Progressive Insurance, or Disney Plus, or the ESPN app until the regular season began. As you will find out, since we hopefully have you at hello and we'll keep you here, during the non-playing season when the schedule comes out, we ask fans to call in and play what we call the win-loss game. Week by week by week, they go, that's a win, that's a loss, how they predict their team to go. We had a fan call in, a diehard Eagles fan, saying that this game was not only going to be an Eagles win, but the final score will be 22-10.
44:14Rich Eisen:And the significance of that is the vote that took place in the owners' meeting to try and ban the tush push in a rule proposal put forward by the Green Bay Packers. So tonight, you just know, if there's anything sniffing a short down situation for the Philadelphia Eagles. They're going to come skipping out, maybe cartwheeling out into that tush push formation and running it over and over and over again in Lambeau field, in the home of the team that put it out there as a rule proposal under the construct of player safety or whatever it was. They should do it. First play of the game. They honestly should do it.
44:57Rich Eisen:Every play, the first drive. out of the box. Just to prove a point. Just put Tush Push their way down the field. Yeah. Who's going to stop them? You, Lieutenant Weinberg? Like, what are we doing? Nice. Nice. Yeah. I mean, so that's, I mean, tonight, the number of times, like, what's the over under a number of Tush Push attempts? Oh. Four and a half. I give you four and a half. Oh, God. Hammer. Hammer the over. Double digits. TJ Jefferson? I'd say about three or four. Okay. Yeah. They're not going to overdo it. Or maybe they will. No, no, no. This is the night you overdo it. This is the night you overdo it.
45:31Rich Eisen:Everyone's going to complain about it online. It'll be a talking point tomorrow. Well, again, it puts the pressure on the defense and the officiating groups in similar amounts. Try and stop us. Try and officiate it. Good luck. Both are messy attempts, and none of them seem to be successful against the actual play. And so if the Eagles win tonight, they stay in first place in the conference, And if not, then next week would not only be for the NFC West lead, it would be for the conference lead between 7-2 Seattle and 7-2 Los Angeles. So both of those teams kind of rooting for Green Bay tonight.
46:13Rich Eisen:Green Bay going to 6-2-1, wipe the taste of last week's loss out of their mouths, kind of turn the page from last year's losses to the Eagles. Beating the team that they were accused of trying to ban a play because they couldn't beat them. So if you can't beat them, legislate against them. I mean, that is all working in the background of tonight's game on the Disney family of networks. So no one else is going to give that type of insight. I appreciate you saying that, sir. And I appreciate you not going higher register and saying that, even though that's something you deep down really like. I kind of think you dig the segment.
46:56Rich Eisen:He does. He loves it now. That's a Thursday. I do. Hey, on tomorrow's show, LaDidi McConkey. LaDidi. Oh, hang on. LaDidi McConkey. Mark Schlereth. How many shows are going to have Mark Schlereth, Ted Danson, and Mary Steenburgen, and LaDidi McConkey in it at once? I mean. It's just one. Herbert called him Deedee in his postgame. Fantastic. Deedee. We just like being heard. We want to be factors. we'll wrap up this show with a did you know in a moment
47:29Rich Eisen:thanks for listening to the Rich Eisen Show podcast you can watch and listen to the Rich Eisen Show live weekdays from noon to 3 Eastern on ESPN Radio Disney Plus and on the ESPN app the Rich Eisen Show the podcast
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From the publisher
Seahawks DE Leonard Williams and Rich discuss Seattle’s 7-2 start to lead the NFC West, Sam Darnold’s growth as a quarterback since being teammates his rookie year on the New York Jets, the emergence of Jaxon Smith-Njigba as one of the NFL’s best wide receivers, the firing of his former head coach Brian Daboll by the New York Giants, and the Seahawks’ huge Week 11 showdown vs the Los Angeles Rams.
Rich weighs in on Caleb Williams’ and the Chicago Bears’ 4th quarter comeback win over the New York Giants to put themselves into the NFC’s final playoff spot heading into Week 11.
The guys debate how many NFL teams have a legitimate chance to win the Super Bowl this season and previews what’s at stake for the Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers on Monday Night Football.
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