In short
Hour 3 of The Rich Eisen Show focuses on NFL quarterback depth and injury contingency plans, Steelers offensive identity, and early-season AFC surprises, plus Giants QB speculation and Browns QB/coach talk.
Guest backgrounds
Bill Cowher (Pro Football Hall of Famer; Super Bowl-winning Steelers head coach; CBS NFL Today analyst). Also discussed: Ben Johnson (Lions offensive coordinator/head-coach-in-waiting comments via clip), Todd Munkin (Browns head coach, regular-season debut), and Zach Taylor (Bengals coach, referenced).
Key claims
Teams need veteran backup QBs and “next man up” depth; injuries are part of the game, so coaches shouldn’t second-guess moment decisions. Steelers lack offensive identity due to offensive-line continuity issues and third-down/third-and-long conversion problems. Bengals-Steelers is a major divisional test. Chargers are the biggest AFC surprise (0-2). Raiders and Chiefs look strong; Bills are class-of-AFC.
Notable examples
Cowher cites Steelers keeping Mason Rudolph; backups like Drew Lock, Carson Wentz, Marcus Mariota, and Jameis Winston stepping in. Steelers miscommunication blamed on Zach Frazier. Bengals’ defense and Houston’s red-zone struggles are contrasted. Giants QB debate includes Case Keenum, Jimmy Garoppolo, Zach Wilson, and Phillip Rivers. Browns: Deshaun Watson’s return narrative and “let it rip” mindset.
Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.
Chapters
Tap a time to open that second in VOBill Cowher Joins the Show
0:47 to 1:41
Rich welcomes Bill Cowher, discussing his Hall of Fame bust and memorabilia.
“Botox, onabotulinum toxin A, prevents headaches in adults with chronic migraine before they start.”
Bill Cowher Joins the Show
2:16 to 3:33
Rich welcomes Bill Cowher, discussing his Hall of Fame bust and memorabilia.
“What a disaster of a Monday night for the Giants.”
John Harbaugh and Quarterback Strategies
3:33 to 6:10
Bill Cowher discusses John Harbaugh's approach to quarterback changes.
“everybody from today good to see you how are you coach good to see you rich i'm doing great how you doing is that a is that a replica bust behind your left shoulder is that what it is it is yeah Look at that.”
Injury Decisions and Game Day Strategy
6:10 to 7:56
The impact of injuries on game day decisions and team strategies.
“why I was talking about in the first hour of this show, Bill, that nobody's going to trade their veteran quarterback depth to the Giants just because the Giants need this.”
Steelers’ Offensive Identity Issues
7:56 to 11:55
Bill analyzes the Steelers' offensive struggles and the need for continuity.
“No, I think that's the same approach you take in the preseason, right?”
Preparing for the Bengals
11:55 to 14:00
Discussion on the upcoming game against the Bengals and team dynamics.
“indicators of areas of strength or areas of concern.”
Analyzing AFC Teams and Key Players
14:00 to 20:46
A discussion on the performance of various AFC teams and standout players in the early season.
“You know what it's like winning games in this division.”
Bill Cowher's Transition to Media
20:46 to 22:05
Bill Cowher reflects on his move to CBS and his experiences in the NFL.
“We got a great good team and uh but uh I think I think he's he's he's he's had a nice nice run in the National Football League and he's going to do a really good run in his next career right here on the CBS platform.”
Upcoming Week's Quarterback Situations
22:05 to 22:52
Discussion on quarterback uncertainties as teams prepare for the upcoming games.
“So you thought Russ is going to be, you know, everybody thought Bill was done with media a year in.”
Preview of Monday Night Football
26:06 to 28:00
Discussion focusing on the upcoming Monday Night Football game, including team strategies.
“Back here on the Rich Eisen Show, 844-204-RICH, number to dial on the program.”
Show all 19 chapters
Eagles vs Bears Preview
28:00 to 30:00
Discussing the upcoming game between the Eagles and Bears and the implications for both teams.
“That's what they said about Phil, right?”
Zach Wilson's Future and Giants' Options
30:00 to 33:00
A caller suggests Zach Wilson for the Giants, leading to a discussion on his potential.
“And I understand everybody's making fun of Caleb Williams because he acted like his season was over.”
Browns' Decision on Deshaun Watson
33:00 to 34:50
Delving into the Browns' coaching decisions and Deshaun Watson's upcoming start.
“I think everybody listening in our ESPN radio affiliate in New York City just fell off whatever chairs they're doing to sit in right now.”
Todd Munkin's Coaching Philosophy
34:50 to 37:00
Examining Todd Munkin's approach and advice to Deshaun Watson before a significant game.
“even though they're the ones who kind of alienated him, some of them, by cheering his injury a couple years ago.”
Future Betting Odds and Predictions
37:00 to 40:00
Analyzing betting odds for Coach of the Year and Comeback Player of the Year.
“And then we can turn the page the next week and see where we're at the next week.”
Giants' Quarterback Options Discussion
41:00 to 42:00
Continuing the conversation about the Giants' potential quarterback moves.
“Join our fight, please, at HyundaiWarriors.com.”
Zach Wilson's Future and Giants' Quarterback Dilemma
42:00 to 44:36
The hosts discuss the implications of Zach Wilson as the Giants' quarterback choice and explore alternatives like Phillip Rivers.
“Yeah, just enough to not get a better quarterback in the draft.”
The Quarterback Poll and Travel Plans
44:36 to 47:12
A humorous segment where the hosts consider a poll on quarterback options and discuss travel plans involving the Cowboys.
“and show up and try and win championships for the franchise that Uncle Eli brought two trophies.”
The Quarterback Poll and Travel Plans
48:50 to 49:00
A humorous segment where the hosts consider a poll on quarterback options and discuss travel plans involving the Cowboys.
“That's why State Farm gets to know you so they can help personalize coverage for your life and budget.”
Transcript
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1:46Rich 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. Missed 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. Check, check, this, this, this out. What the hell is happening here? This is the Rich Eisen Show. What a disaster. What a disaster of a Monday night for the Giants. Live from the Rich Eisen Show studio in Los Angeles.
2:30Rich Eisen:Earlier on the show, Pro Football Hall of Famer Kurt Warner. The Ringer NFL insider Tom Pellicero. Coming up, Pro Football Hall of Famer Bill Cower. And now, it's Rich Eisen. Hour number three of the Rich Eisen Show is on the air. Kurt Warner, hour number one. We're about to have a fellow Bust Gallery Pro Football Hall of Famer from CBS. Bill Cowher about to join us here on the program. We had Tom Pelissero in hour number two. If you missed anything over the first couple hours, check out our YouTube channel, youtube.com slash RichEisenShow. You can also go to our website where you can find our shop page as well, richeisenshop.com, where you get great mugs like this one.
3:13Rich Eisen:Hold on a minute just to show you how well it works. you know it goes right you know looks like i picked the wrong week to quit drinking uh richeyesandshop.com for all that needs with hats and shirts and all that good stuff uh joining us here on the program to kick off our number three as promised it's bill cower everybody from today good to see you how are you coach good to see you rich i'm doing great how you doing is that a is that a replica bust behind your left shoulder is that what it is it is yeah Look at that. Wow. So you get one of those in addition or you order one? Is it sort of like, you know, photographs for class photos and stuff like that?
3:53You get like a piece of paper and you check it out? It's like that. And you also get one of these trophies, too, when you win a Super Bowl.
4:00Rich Eisen:Oh, I could see that. Oh, look at that. It's a loop. Oh, my goodness. Now, you get that or did the Rooney family give it to you? Did you have to get out of pocket for your own? Like, what do we do here? What do we got? I actually can't remember the logistics of it. I know I asked for one. I'm not sure how that was compensated. But I think that Mr. Rooney probably gave me one, I would think. And that photograph behind your right shoulder, it's you. How old is that picture over your right shoulder? That's my first year with Mr. Rooney. Wow. And behind that, you're going to see, that's my man, Marty Schottenheimer, right there.
4:40Me and him. when he was in Kansas City right there.
4:43Rich Eisen:That's so cool. Great office stuff. There you go. There you go. All right, let's just jump into the topics du jour. What do you think is going through John Harbaugh's mind now that it appears what's become official is happening, that Jackson Dart's done for the season all of a sudden? What does he do? Well, you know, listen, I think John, he'll navigate this extremely well. He's been in this league long enough to understand that that's kind of part of every season's journey is all the obstacles and adversities that get thrown at you. So he's got Jameis Winston. He'll come in there and do the things that Jameis Winston does.
5:20And so I think you saw what Drew Locke did for Seattle. You saw what Carson Wentz did for Minnesota. And Marcus Mariota has to step in for Jaden Daniels down in Washington. So I think having a veteran backup, I know my years in Pittsburgh, in those 15 years, I always had a veteran backup. I had Bobby Brister for Neil O'Donnell, for Cordell Stewart, I had Mike Tomczak, then Tommy Maddox was there for Ben Roethlisberger. So I think it's really important as you develop your football team and put it together that you have those kind of ultimate plans in place just for situations like this. And that's why having a good running game and having a good defense are two factors that really help that quarterback come in and take some pressure off of him.
6:03Rich Eisen:Well, and that's why, you know, Jameis Winston is there. behind Jackson Dart, a veteran presence, but that's also, as you just pointed out, why I was talking about in the first hour of this show, Bill, that nobody's going to trade their veteran quarterback depth to the Giants just because the Giants need this. Certainly in week three, right? I mean, like if you had to choose a quarterback on somebody else's roster that's a backup that could play 15 weeks and make the playoffs, you'd have to maybe choose Mac Jones of San Francisco. Why in the world would the Niners even entertain that idea? When Matt Jones is the main reason why they could have won the one seed last year while Purdy was out.
6:41You know, like, it's still happening. Yeah, and I just think having experience is very, very important. One of the reasons why the Pittsburgh Steelers kept Mason Rudolph, because you had two young guys behind him and Drew Aller and Will Howard. But these guys don't really have any experience. At least Mason Howard has experience behind Aaron Rodgers. So I think, again, I think every team's makeup is very different. I think every offense is very different. And I go back to the same thing. I think that puts more of the importance, I think, every year of making sure that you develop a running game and that you have a defense that can make up for maybe not having that guy in there that can win you games in the fourth quarter.
7:16They're going to have to probably at some point anyway. But at least it minimizes what you're asking them to do from a contribution standpoint.
7:22Rich Eisen:And obviously, you know, Dan Quinn is dealing with the loss of Jaden Daniels as well. listen um i was said the other day to bill that um the decision that dan quinn had to make at the end of that half two seconds to go you could kick a field goal and you get the ball on the other side at halftime and you can you know uh take the lead there or you can be aggressive and you know there's risk reward in all of them and if you told him that you're going to lose your quarterback potentially for a very long time of course he's going to kick the field goal but do coaches kick themselves at night behind the wheel of a car?
7:56Rich Eisen:What do you think? No, I think that's the same approach you take in the preseason, right? Do I play a guy in the preseason with the risk of injury, or do I play the guys in the preseason hoping that you're going to be very good for week one and all of a sudden get that timing that you need to have that you really can't simulate in practice? I don't care if you have these practices with other teams. You don't simulate game day decision-making, game day speed, even if it's very bland. But I think so those are the things that you have to be able to do. I think, you know, I think certainly there's positions that you probably look at.
8:28You don't you don't want to jeopardize that part of it. But I think in terms of your approach to a game, I think the one thing about football is that you have to do what's in the best interest of the team and not be too conscientious about any one individual or thinking about the negatives of something. Because, you know, it's going to happen. It's kind of part of the game. I think you have to roll with it. You've got to be able to adapt and adjust and be able to move on. And so the mantra of next man up is not, and it's really how you have to think about it with your football team. And that's why you talk about it with your team.
8:55That's why it's the ultimate team sport. That's why you have 53 guys. That's why you have 47 guys on game day. Because you have to really rely on everybody at some point in that season. Now, when you lose them for a year, that's tough. Because then you have to maybe adjust to exactly all you're thinking. But you lose them for periods of time, guys that go in IR. It really does develop your depth when they do come back. Now you have actually better depth than you had before because they have experience.
9:17Rich Eisen:So no second guessing you think Dan Quinn, he's not kicking himself over like, man, not at all, huh? No, I wouldn't be. I mean, you don't sit there and think about the worst case scenario because you run one more play, you try to go for a touchdown. If you kick the field goal, you don't think about the fact if I'm going for it, I'm going to lose my quarterback. I mean, if you knew beforehand, yeah, that'd be great. But you don't know those things are going to happen. And so, no, I mean, I think hindsight like that, you can't do that. I think, again, you make the decisions in the moment that you think are the best interest of the team and taking all the things into consideration.
9:50But I think injury is not going to be one of them.
9:53Rich Eisen:Super Bowl champion and pro football Hall of Famer from CBS, the NFL Today's Bill Cowher here on the program. Bill, you open your mouth about the Steelers. People listen. Not that they don't listen when you open your mouth on CBS. But you saying that, let me get this quote exactly. the offense about the Steelers during the Steelers Patriots game that was on CBS this week. The offense does not have any identity right now. End quote. And that got picked up. You want to put any more meat on the bones right here about what you're seeing from? Yeah, I think when you look at it, I sat back and looked at to watch the game.
10:33I think it's very evident that right now they got to solidify the offensive line. I think right now they've moved a lot of people around into a new system. I think the best thing they can do right now, because, you know, this hit that he takes right here is a miscommunication on the offensive line. Zach Frazier has admitted that. You have a new system in place. I think they've got to put these five guys in place. They moved them around the preseason and let them settle in. Communication on the offensive line takes time. Maybe no other position where the continuity and having a feel for the guy you're lined up next to is more important than any other position than offensive line.
11:08So I think they have to settle in for that. The other part of that is converting third downs. This football team is like next to their fourth in the league in conversion of third downs, and they're not like their third and long. So it's hard to get into any kind of rhythm if you can't convert a third down. Therefore, it's hard to have any kind of identity. So I make that statement without having the opportunity to go into the depth of it, and that's why as I look back, as you sit there and watch these guys in the first two weeks, you have some drop passes by DK, which, again, hopefully that will get cleaned up.
11:36settle in with the offensive line, try to get the running game going consistently, and let Aaron have a platform where he can operate. And whether it be a platform or opening this offense up, maybe it's that. But, you know, I always thought, Rich, the first month is fact-finding month. You're sitting there and you're trying to find out exactly what your football team, indicators of areas of strength or areas of concern. And I always looked at the first month as a chance. I'd see who these guys are, what you have to work with. And I think the biggest thing that you come away with that is you look at two areas of situational football.
12:07Red zone, third down. Are we able to finish drives? Are we able to keep a drive going by converting third downs? And if it's third down and longs, we've got to do better job on first and second down. That's not been the case with Pittsburgh Steelers. The average third down is right in the middle of the pack and actually in the upper half of the pack and what the yards to go is. It's just converting those third downs to keep a drive going to get some kind of continuity. So I don't think they're far off, to be quite honest with you. It's a big challenge this week against Cincinnati. It's a long year.
12:36Two new systems on both sides of the ball. So, you know, I just know from my time in the month of September, if I can come out of there at 500, I didn't feel that bad about it because I felt I had a better feel for my team. I start to adapt and adjust or work through, you know, what we want to have to work through and see what your options are. What are my options from the standpoint of personnel? You may be hindered if you have a quarterback loss. What are my options in terms I may have to change my scheme? Are you flexible enough willing to change your scheme? So I think there's a very fine line to being committed to something or being stubborn about something.
13:08I think that's what the first month is. You have to be able to find a way to understand who your team is, what is their identity, what are your strengths, what are your areas of concern, and then make the appropriate decision.
13:18Rich Eisen:And just to play off of what you just said, Bill, I mean, the Bengals have shown that they are a team that can win on defense, which is something I don't think we've been saying very much lately. and sexy Dexy right in the middle of that defense. We had Zach Taylor on yesterday's program, and he was talking at length about how he has changed so much there just by merely showing up. And if they're having trouble protecting Rodgers and Pittsburgh, certainly up the middle, look out. Like this is a big game for both teams early on. You know what it's like winning games in this division. and you've got to hold serve at home, and you've got to win as many as you possibly can.
14:08Rich Eisen:What a big game this is coming up this weekend. Yeah, it's a very big game, and I think the one thing I look at Cincinnati was the degree of toughness that they brought in. I think Zach did a great deal with Jonathan Allen. He's talking about Dexter Lawrence bringing in Cook from Kansas City from the back end. So that's one of the best defenses I've seen, and they played very well in these first two games and certainly know what they can do on the offensive side of the ball with, you know, again, his little Joe Burrow can stay healthy. And, you know, Chase Brown is a very good running back, and obviously with Tee and Jamar with those two guys outside.
14:41So it's a big challenge. It's a divisional game. It's in Pittsburgh. And so I'm kind of looking forward to seeing how this one plays out. And, you know, they came off a big win against Houston. And, you know, the Houston Texans now, they're 0-2. You know, they moved the ball up and down. They just could not score in the red zone. Like I said before, sometimes in situational football, and you're not good at it can kind of mask some of the real good things that you may be doing on both sides of the ball. So this will be a big game at Pittsburgh, and it'll be interesting to see how it plays and how it plays out.
15:12Rich Eisen:A couple more questions for you, Bill Cowher. The AFC team that you're surprised by through the first two weeks of the season. I don't know. In a negative way, I'm surprised by the Chargers, to be quite honest with you. I thought they would be a lot better with Mike McDaniel coming in there with their offense. And right now, Justin Herbert doesn't seem to be able to have any kind of feel for what they want to do offensively. And, you know, it's two bad losses. You talk about where you are and, you know, it's who you play, right? Houston, they played, you know, Arizona. I mean, they played Cincinnati and Baltimore.
15:47The Chargers are 0-2, but they played Arizona and they played Las Vegas. So I think the team I'm most surprised, I don't think I'm surprised, but I've been very impressed with, have been the Las Vegas Raiders. I think they've done a very good job of shoring up an offensive line. I think Kirk Cousins has done a good job. Ashton Gentry looks like he's running very well. And defensively on that side of the ball, I think they've been able to get after people. And, you know, you've got Quay Walker and Kobe Dean comes in. So he really did a really good job, I think, of upgrading that football team. And then you've still got Fernando Mendoza, who's sitting there back in his team.
16:24So they've had two very good wins, or one very good win. And, you know, I think they're a team that will be interesting to see how they do this week.
16:33Rich Eisen:Chiefs are for real, right? Yes? Oh, yeah. I don't think they're a surprise. I think, you know, with Andy's done and, you know, going out there and getting the running back that he got, he's special. And, you know, I think you look at Patrick Mahomes and his determination and the way he leads that football team. He's just, you know, he brings something special onto that football field, a grid of determination. that really identifies what that football team is really all about. And so, you know, getting Kenneth Walker certainly was a great move in the offseason. Maybe take some of that pressure off of Patrick early in the season.
17:11But, you know, Patrick looks like he's really getting healthy. And, again, Spagnuolo, I think, is one of the best defensive coordinators in national football. I like this doing his magic again. But this team is definitely for real.
17:21Rich Eisen:Yeah, I mean, the question with Kenneth Walker amongst so many people in the media over the last few months was sounds great. And the question is, is Andy Reid really going to use him? Well, how about the first two games, first eight, you know, nine quarters? Check the box, man. I mean, totally. And you know what? The other thing, Rich, is like him out of the backfield, I think that one thing that you don't take into consideration is he's had a number of catches. And his run yards after catch, his yak that he can bring to the field. And, again, any time you put him on the field, he has a chance for a big play.
17:56So getting the ball in his hands, not just by the run, whether it's a screen pass, whether it's off the play action and slipping them out into the flat. You saw what he did the other day in overtime, setting up that big game-winning field goal. So this guy is a threat in the passing game as well. And I think, again, Travis Kelsey looks like he's gotten five years younger with his preparation. He's coming to this right now. So, again, it's a good football team. They've got two good wins, and they're for real.
18:23Rich Eisen:Lastly, I'd be remiss, clearly, since we didn't see them since Thursday, but Josh Allen and the Bills and Joe Brady, do you think they are the class of the AFC? They're the team to beat entering week three and beyond in this conference, Bill. Well, they're going to be there when it's all said and done. And suddenly we see in the playoffs or something they have to get over. But I think when you look at D.J. Moore, getting him in the offseason, the best receiver Josh has had since you go back to the days a couple years ago when he had the very dynamic outside guys. So, you know, Steph Diggs and I think it was White or whoever the receiver was.
19:00But this is a very good football game. James Cook is a really good runner. A good offensive line. I think their defense is much improved. Remember, they didn't have Ed Oliver all of last year. He makes such a difference in the middle of that line. So this is a very, very good team. No question about it. No, anyone kind of got back on track. I think the questionnaires can Drake may start to get, feel comfortable and if they get A.J. Brown with that offense. But the New England Patriots don't go anywhere either, so they're going to be there. But clearly Buffalo, I think, is particularly AFC East.
19:33But, you know, the North and Cincinnati, Baltimore had a tough loss, but I think I like what I've seen with Jesse Mentor with that team, to be honest with you. You know, and I still am not going to count out the Houston Texans. I think, you know, I know they've lost two games. And last year they lost three games, but they finished the season strong. And I guess if you look at two teams, Rich, to me, I'll just leave you with one last thought. You finish the season strong. You just always talk about, you know, even though you may be out of the playoffs, there were two teams last year, the Minnesota Vikings and the New Orleans Saints.
Read the full transcript
20:05Minnesota Vikings won their last five games. New Orleans Saints last year went four and one down the stretch. These are two teams right now, when you look in the NFC, they're probably playing some of the best football right now at the start of the season. I think there's a lot to be said for finishing up strong. So at the end of the season, you talk about, well you tank you do this or do that no i think there's a lot to be said for finishing the season strong winning football games if you want to build something at the end of the season build culture building an expectation of winning i think both those teams have done that they took it from one season to the other new island saints are for real the minnesota vikings are for real and i think a lot that has to do with how they finished up last year let me know bill um if at any point over the
20:46Rich Eisen:next couple weeks you lean over on the set of the nfl today and you see a new jersey number light up russell wilson's phone bill we we've talked about you know they they gave us all jerseys rich when we're in minnesota we did our show out there and he all gave us jerseys they gave his number and we sat there and after at halftime we got done i go hey uh russ i think there was uh your jersey does it fit i mean does it fit i said so you know no i think i think i think russ is very excited about being there with us with Kyle Long and Nate and JB. We got a great good team and uh but uh I think I think he's he's he's he's had a nice nice run in the National Football League and he's going to do a really good run in his next career right here on the CBS platform.
21:31Rich Eisen:Well everybody thought you were just going to go back to coaching anyway and how much you've been there 20 years now right 21? 20 years my 20 now my 20th year this year. 20 years by the way I know that I I got my number and it gave me 20. And I said, wow, okay, that's Hall of Fame. And Jen Sabatow, our director, she says, no, you've been at CBS for 20 years. They go, oh, I thought it was my Hall of Fame 20. Yeah, you're – Class of 2020, that's for sure. By the way, say hi to Jen. She's one of the best in the business, man. I know. You take care of yourself, Bill. Thanks for the time. Thanks, Rich.
22:02Rich Eisen:Anytime. I really love chatting with you. Thanks again. That's Bill Cowher, everybody. Check him out on the NFL Today on CBS. Yes. So you thought Russ is going to be, you know, everybody thought Bill was done with media a year in. Right. Everyone's thinking about Tomlin right now too. Right. Everybody's putting Tomlin on the sideline in Tampa right now. Right now. People are doing it. You're making that seem like you haven't heard that one. No, but I'm just thinking it play out. I think a lot of Bucs fans would sign for that for week three. Stop it. Never say never. Seeing how happy Coach was?
22:39Rich Eisen:What? Yeah, he's undefeated. I don't think he's going back. He's undefeated. Why would you go back? He's undefeated. He is undefeated. 844-204-RICH is the number to dial right here on the program. The SoFi personal loan I keep telling you about, it's there to help you achieve something that maybe you thought is not possible, and that's overcoming high-interest credit card debt. The finances that you can walk like a tightrope, It's one low fixed main monthly payment with no fees required. And as soon as the same day funding, that's a debt defying stunt. You can pull off right now with a SoFi personal loan by going to SoFi.com slash trick to learn more loans originated by SoFi bank, N a member FDIC terms and conditions apply NMLS 696891.
23:25Rich Eisen:The latest from Deshaun Watson and Todd Munkin in Cleveland and more of your calls coming up next. The Rich Eisen Show podcast.
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24:32Rich Eisen:Plus, you get unlimited payroll runs for one monthly price. No hidden fees, no surprises. Try Gusto today at gusto.com slash rich and get three months free when you run your first payroll. That's three months of free payroll at gusto.com slash rich. One more time, gusto.com slash rich. Quick break to tell you some game time tips. When you're hosting during football season, you've got to be ready for every kind of craving. Somebody wants fresh pizza. Somebody wants crispy wings. Somebody's asking if there's sliders. That's when you need more than one call in the playbook. Frigidaire offers ranges and wall ovens with over 15 cooking modes, so you can tackle hosting with confidence.
25:11There's Stone Baked Pizza for restaurant-quality pizza in as little as two minutes, Air Fry Mode for crispy favorites, and Air Sous Vide for juicy tender sliders. Plus, there's slow cook, no preheat, and more.
25:22Rich Eisen:Stone Baked Pizza and Air Fry, both built right in your oven. That's the game-time MVP combo. So when you're hosting before kickoff, Frigidaire helps you cover every craving. Available at the Home Depot. Outdoers get more done. Only when using Stone Baked Pizza mode, cook time requires preheat and reheat and may vary based on ingredients. Need parts fast? O 'Reilly Auto Parts has fast. Need them now? We've got now. No matter what you need, we have thousands of professional parts people doing their part to make sure you have it. We're O 'Reilly Fast. Just one part that makes O 'Reilly stand apart.
25:59The professional parts people.
26:02Rich Eisen:Oh, oh, oh, O 'Reilly. Auto Parts.
26:12Rich Eisen:Base tie of 4040. Yeah. Back here on the Rich Eisen Show, 844-204-RICH, number to dial on the program. Okay, Ben Johnson speaking about who's his starting quarterback on Monday Night Football, the finale of week three on the ESPN family of networks? Go ahead and just talk about the quarterback situation. So, I mean, we're fortunate here. We've got three guys that can play ball in this league, that have won games in this league. Ryan's constructed the room in a way that we feel really good about whoever ends up playing for us. And that showed in the preseason. It shows up in practice every single day.
26:46And so we're at a point right now, not sure who the starter is going to be on Sunday or Monday night. We'll let this thing play out, and we'll go from there.
26:55Rich Eisen:There you go. All right. One's concussed in the protocol. One is probably can't run. Probably can't run. The other one. And the other one is Case Keenum, who can back up a trailer. Last I saw him on TV, right? I saw that, yeah.
27:17Rich Eisen:And, you know, the thing that you're seeing, the stat that you're seeing is because Jared Goff answers every bell and Caleb Williams has answered every bell until now. This is going to be the first time Ben Johnson as a head coach or an offensive coordinator is going to send a non first overall drafted quarterback out on the field for him. Oh, man. And, you know, that just sets everyone up for, oh, Ben needs the most talented guy to win it all. By the way, and his style and what he does doesn't really matter. He's just rolling the football out. Is that what you always say about a coach in Chicago that has one of the best?
28:04Rich Eisen:Yeah. Is that it? Yeah. That's right. That's what they said about Phil, right? Sure. And all those rings. Oh, my. He needs only the best. Without the best, he's nothing. That's already set up. There's a regression candidate number one for week number three. It's Ben Johnson. Regression wreck. Cannot wait for this game, too, because the Eagles are just ready to roll over them because last Friday's Thanksgiving game or last year's Friday Thanksgiving game was such a punking by the Bears in Philadelphia. they would love to return the favor and love to get things going on their offensive side of the ball where you just know philly fans it doesn't matter if it's case keenum or tyson bajin or caleb williams with half a leg of a hamstring on him you know it's not going to be easy you're not going to be in a rocking chair you never are ever no it's just and everybody expects oh you should do this that i shouldn't say that some fans do because the pushback i received from this past week's uh direct to camera um soliloquy where i was jalen hertz's what anger translator yes okay what were they really thinking um you know where i'm like nobody's happy with the eagles their fans are upset that they won and that that's all people were hanging their hats on i was like oh oh my goodness, I actually am happy.
29:35Rich Eisen:Okay. I'm sure you are. You should be because your team's 2-0. But if, you know, they struggle to put points up in Chicago against the Bears to try and win this game when it's Case Keenum,
29:54Rich Eisen:it's going to be great. A week three finale. And if I had to peg, I bet you it's going to be Case Keenum. Tough to get out of the protocol. And I understand everybody's making fun of Caleb Williams because he acted like his season was over. And he might be back by October. Who cares? Just one game. Who cares? I would bet it's Case Keenum. And let's see. Ben Johnson beats the Eagles with Case Keenum. He's back as a coach of the year again. Well, if that happens and the Lions lose to the Jets, get ready, Detroit fans. What do you mean? I mean, you're already hearing it. It's all Ben Johnson the whole time.
30:37Rich Eisen:Mm-hmm. Narratives. You're already front-loading narratives. I am front-loading Monday. Chris in Rancho Cucamonga, California wants to chime in. I'm going to bite on this one. What's up, Chris? How you doing, Rich? Can you hear me out there? I can't hear you. What do you have to say? Please say what you told our call screener. Please. Yes, sir. There's a guy I believe that the Giants should go after that has not really gotten a shot in the NFL, really. Who's that? And I really wanted the Niners to get this guy, but I would go after Zach Wilson. Chris, whoa. Listen, I know where Rancho Cucamonga is.
31:14Rich Eisen:It's not under a rock. Did you really say Zach Wilson did not get a chance in the National Football League? Is that what you're saying, Chris? I mean, with the Jets. I mean, come on. Oh, no way. He said Gino. He could redo his career all over again. Brees Hall and Garrett Wilson, they're nobody. They're nothing. They're nothing, right? And they didn't have a defense with Quinton Williams, and they didn't have a defense with Sauce and all that business. Come on now, Chris. Let's just admit that the Jets is kind of a dying zone for quarterbacks. Here's what I would do, Chris. I don't know if we can afford this in the Rich Eisen Productions budget, but if this happens, where is Zach Wilson right now, Chris?
31:54He's on the Saints. He's on the Saints. I thought about him yesterday. Okay.
31:57Rich Eisen:Is he backing up? So is he backing up? If Tyler Shucks a poor man, Josh Allen, then what's Zach Wilson? What's Zach Wilson? A broke-ass Aaron Rodgers? Oh. You can get Zach Wilson for a seventh-round pick. It's Shuck Rattler and Wilson. Listen, Chris, I will say this. Zach Wilson's talented. Guy's got some talent. He's played a lot of games. I understand. But if the Giants make this maneuver, could we afford to outfit every Giant fan in the New York metropolitan area's home with a GoPro? I would need to record the collective reaction to Giants fans that they go ahead and acquire Zach Wilson and bring him back to that stadium where he would be seeing ghosts.
32:53I just got a feeling Zach Wilson can get the job done.
32:56Rich Eisen:Chris and Rancho Cucamonga. I mean, Gino played for the Giants and now he's back on the Jets. I think everybody listening in our ESPN radio affiliate in New York City just fell off whatever chairs they're doing to sit in right now. That would be a tough one to sell to the Giants fan base. What are you smoking, bro? Give me something. But listen, you can't make decisions based on what the fan base is going to think. Perfect example, Cleveland Browns. Look at you, Rich Eisen. Cleveland Browns. That was smooth. Let me tell you something. What's that? Todd Munkin, man. He's great. God, I love every word he says.
33:34Rich Eisen:Because he will tell you what he's thinking. My house? And he will sit there and tell you not only what he's thinking, but he will stick to his beliefs. And everybody thought his beliefs about Deshaun Watson had to have been based on ownership or management. Something could have been on the scale. It doesn't matter anymore now. It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter that Deshaun Watson had fewer than, what, three air yards per attempt and the win over the Bucs. It doesn't matter because he didn't turn it over. He didn't turn it over, and he made the plays at the end in a way that the Bucs could not because the defense looked pretty damn good for the Browns.
34:16Rich Eisen:All right? And now here comes Deshaun. Everybody thought, not a chance on this planet. Deshaun Watson would be making this first home start of the season for the Cleveland Browns because of the last time he played in that stadium in the preseason and what happened and how he got the job and how they looked against Jacksonville and he was going to get one last shot and the Browns were definitely not going to start him because they couldn't possibly put him on the field in front of a fan base that either A, didn't want it or B, he had already alienated for 15 times, even though they're the ones who kind of alienated him, some of them, by cheering his injury a couple years ago.
35:00Rich Eisen:All right, I've given you the backstory to the soundbite from Wednesday of Deshaun Watson talking about the fan reaction and playing in Cleveland this week. Yeah, I mean, the biggest thing, I never try to go at war with the fans, so I think the biggest thing is just ready for support, ready to feel their energy, ready to get this big dub for the city of Cleveland and, you know, continue this great feeling that we have this week. So that's my motto is just keep pushing forward, finding ways to win on Sunday to, you know, take advantage of the opposing team and get a W. Okay, here we go. They're going to win.
35:38Rich Eisen:Against Carolina? Yeah. That's going to be a game, man. Him versus Bryce Young, who's got Coker and Ted Haroah McMillan, the fifth and ninth ranked currently. I get it. Receivers for most receiving yards the first two weeks of the season. Denzel Boston has proven to be a threat. They got to get the run game going. They do. They do. This is going to be a fun one. Got to see it. Got to see it. When Todd Munkin talks, I don't know what he's about to say, but I don't care. I just want Todd Munkin sound bites. He is asked the advice he's given Watson before stepping on this field in front of the dog pound.
36:21Rich Eisen:This is his Cleveland head coaching regular season debut as well. All right, hit it. What have you done all the work for, man? What have you done it for? That's the greatest. What have you worked 22 months to come back to play and give yourself a chance to play at a high level? I mean, it's really cool. I said let it rip. What do you have to fear? Let it rip, man. I mean, you've already had a hell of a career already. And, man, let's just go. Go down fighting. Go back. Go down swinging. Let's improve every week as a team and as a unit. And there's still going to be pitfalls. I mean, we're human.
36:57We're a young offense. Let's just have a great week. And let's put our best foot forward. And then we can turn the page the next week and see where we're at the next week. That's all we can do.
37:07Rich Eisen:He just wants to stop talking about crap. Yeah. Right? Let's stop talking about the crap. He's all business. I mean, the guy's been a football. He's been a football coach for how long? Ever. And he's finally getting his shot. Yeah. And this is the BS he's got to talk about every single day. Browns is going to Browns. F that. F that. F that. Yeah. Put that on a banner. Put that on a t-shirt. Let's wear it. Cleveland's going to Brown. F that. Huh? With Bonkin and Deshaun. Hey, don't forget. I had them as a sleeper team. Ah, just. Isn't that amazing what happens? After week one, it's just like, this is not going to work.
37:46Rich Eisen:What a disaster. After week two, we're like, you know what I mean? Who's going to higher register on the Browns tomorrow? Who's doing it? You're not? Definitely not. You are, Chris? I might. I think they might win. Deshaun Watson, comeback player of the year, 75-1. Throwing it out there. Oh, my goodness. Guy's been playing two years. Just came up with the win. Munkin, what's Munkin coach of the year? Give it to me. Let's see. Coach of the year. All right, hold on. I got to click. What are the odds? 22 to 1. 22 to 1. Same as Ben Johnson. Come on, really? And Zach Taylor. That's insane. Really? Yeah.
38:28Rich Eisen:And then Ben Johnson, because everyone's just like, we saw last year. Last year was his coach of the year campaign. If he does it again this year, it's now meeting expectations. Kellen Moore, your favorite. Kellen Moore is currently the favorite through two weeks. Yeah. Okay. What's Jim Harbaugh, Coach of the Year? Jim? Unavailable. He's last, 80-1. 80-1. Wow. He's tied with Dan Quinn. Oof. Guess what? We're going to keep monitoring this week to week. Watch it rise like Lazarus from the ashes. Right? I don't even know if that's inappropriate. If you want to parlay Jim Harbaugh, Coach of the Year, and Deshaun, Comeback Player of the Year.
39:11Rich Eisen:What do you got? Let's see. What do you got? A$1 bet will win you$6 ,000. What is this? Chris Brockman's wild parlance? This is a wild future. Wild future? This is a wild future. Chris Brockman's wild future. Wild futures. Yeah, Harbaugh Coach of the Year, Deshaun, come back. One dollar, just put a buck. By the way, the suggestions about what the Giants should do just get wilder and wilder. The phone lines are lit. I can't wait to take this call when we come back about what the Giants should do. You see line one there, Christopher? Well, I see line six, too. I didn't see line six. Oh, I mean, line one is great also.
39:48Oh, my God.
39:49Rich Eisen:844-204-RICH. It's so great. This season, man. Nuts. The Rich Eisen Show, the podcast. Did you know every 36 minutes a child in the U.S. is diagnosed with cancer? Which means some of the bravest warriors you'll ever meet aren't professional athletes or superheroes. They're the kids in this fight. That's why I'm proud to support Hyundai Hope on Wheels. For the past 28 years, with support from Hyundai, their dealers, and every new Hyundai sold, Hope on Wheels has contributed over$300 million to childhood cancer research, helping save more than 40 ,000 kids. Join our fight at HyundaiWarriors.com.
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41:04Rich Eisen:Back here on the Rich Eisen Show. did you know every 36 minutes a child in these United States is awful diagnosed with cancer and these kids in the fight are some of the bravest warriors you're ever gonna meet ever this is why we're all here on the Rich Eisen Show proud to support Hyundai Hope on Wheels because for the past 28 years with support from Hyundai their dealers and every new Hyundai sold Hope on Wheels has contributed over 300 million dollars to childhood cancer research helping save more than 40 ,000 kids. Join our fight, please, at HyundaiWarriors.com. Okay, let's go to the phone lines here.
41:44Rich Eisen:Everybody wants to know what the Giants are going to do because the way Jameis Winston looked on Monday night in support of Jackson Dart, who's not coming back this year, it was so dire the Giants cannot sit tight. Jimmy G's been one suggestion. Another one is Zach Wilson. okay and again i'd want a i want a gajillion gopros in the homes of every new york giants fans or workplaces of every new york giant fan that would learn that the the former jet quarterback is the giants choice to try and save the season how did that work out the last time zach wilson was chosen to save a season for a quarterback that suddenly went poof on a monday night game.
42:28Rich Eisen:He won seven games, right? Yeah, just enough to not get a better quarterback in the draft. You guys are mad. Don't bring it up. Tell him out there to lose. Wayne in Richmond, Virginia has an idea. Wayne! Wayne, what's in your head? What's your idea, Wayne? What do you got? How you doing, Rich? First time calling a long time listener. Oh, hey. Wayne, so you're coming out of the gate with this one, is what you're saying. You're coming out of the gate for the first time with this one, Wayne. Yeah, why not keep it on the wild side? What do you got?
43:03Well, even though I'm not a Giants fan, I think the Giants should save their picks and their trades and give Phillip Rivers a call. He looked sharp when he came out of retirement last year.
43:17Rich Eisen:Oh, yeah. Still got a lot of zip on the ball. And Coach Hall, Bob, will coach him up. Coach him up. Phillip Rivers. At least give him a call. Give him a call. He did it last year. What's another year to push back his Hall of Fame induction eligibility? Another year of insurance. That's it. Yeah. Wayne in Richmond, you call back. Where have you been all our lives, Wayne? Keep it wild. Driving a tractor trailer. Okay. My man. Well, Wayne, hope everything's all right with the diesel prices for you and your business and your family. I send my best to you, and hopefully we can help pass the time while you do your gig.
43:52Rich Eisen:And thank you for this content. My God, thank you for the content. I'm so mad. Wayne in Richmond. Phillip Rivers. What if Phillip Rivers comes off of the high school coaching couch again, right? He leaves the pickup drop-off line one more time. Shows up. Wait for it. To the team that drafted him. Oh, that's true. Tries his hardest like he did last year, but still struggles to put wins on the board. All right. and suddenly helps the team that drafted him and traded him for Arch's uncle is now in a position to draft Arch Manning himself and show up and try and win championships for the franchise that Uncle Eli brought two trophies.
44:50Rich Eisen:Can't make it up. Can't have Arch with the Giants. Can't make it up. Is that in the script, TJ? There is a little matter of Philip wanting to do it. B. He's coaching high school right now. B. B. Here's a B as well. He's still Jackson Dart. His career's not over. No. And then there's the other option here is that this happens, and we do get to use the avatar of Philip Rivers' tribal council over and over and over again. Oh, my bad. He loved it. That was the avatar that we created for our fantasy possibility based on last year when he had a conversation with his family. His family. I lost in the first round.
45:32Rich Eisen:Family. Family. You know. It's a flatbedding to turkey. There it is. Phillip Rivers Travel Council. Are those his real children that are behind him that he had a conversation with? I doubt it. Those are. Are those. Or did you ask AI, show us what you think Phillip Rivers' kids look like? They're all handsome and beautiful children. Yeah, I don't know. I'm saying they're not. So we've had Zach Wilson, Phillip, and Jimmy G, right? Yeah, Jimmy G. Should we put a poll out there? A poll out? What should the Giants do? We'll stick with Jameis. I mean, ultimately. That's what they're going to do. Yeah, exactly.
46:12Rich Eisen:By the way, Rich, you were asking me about Stephen Jones, and I told you I was keeping in touch with Tad Carper, who's the senior VP of communication for the Cowboys. But when I just looked in my phone, and yes, I do have Stephen Jones' number. I completely forgot it was in. Yeah, of course. Remember that you came up to me at the combine after Stephen Jones stopped by. You're like, you should be happy I'm not using it. FaceTime Stephen Jones right now. And ask for shoes. No, he needs tickets for the game. Oh, that's right. He needs to go to Rio. You need a ride. And the Rams team. A ride down there.
46:42Tickets.
46:42Rich Eisen:And the Rams team. And shoes. Go. As a representative of the R.E.S. Rich Eisen show, you should probably be happy that I'm not hitting them up because it would be a reflection. Why? I don't care. Because it would be a reflection upon you. I don't mind it. It's great content for the show if you wind up going to the Metroplex, hopping the – when are they leaving? They're leaving the day before the game? According to Jane Slater this morning, they're leaving Thursday. Thursday. There you go. You got time. We got tonight. Just sitting around. Tonight you fly to Dallas, you hop on their team plane, you go with them.
47:10Rich Eisen:That would be great except for one thing. What's that? What would keep me from going out of the country? You don't have your passport? He still doesn't have a passport. He can't go anywhere. He's stuck. This guy. He can't leave. That's actually funny. You don't have an up-to-date passport? Remember what happened? I was going to go to Columbia this summer, and then I went to look at my passport and expired. And so you've since then done nothing about it? Have not. Because I don't have any plans on going anywhere anytime soon. He's treating his passport like it's the ping-pong table he got for The Price is Right.
47:46Rich Eisen:It's just going to sit there and just get expired. Well, one day I'll go out. We had five years on the ping pong table. Is that what it is? It's coming up. Ping pong table isn't even going to be good anymore. The Wolf said she might be interested in buying the ping pong. All right. The poll is out. What should the Giants do? Stick with Jameis, Zach Wilson, Jimmy G, Phillip Rivers. Phillip Rivers. Uncle Rico. This has been a great time. He's still around. I love our listeners and viewers. He throws a stake well. There. They've got vivid imaginations, to say the least. Fantastic. that'll wrap it up for this edition of the Rich Eisen show we will chat again on Thursday everybody 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
48:46Rich Eisen:This episode is brought to you by State Farm. No two football players are exactly alike, and the same is true off the field. That's why State Farm gets to know you so they can help personalize coverage for your life and budget. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.
From the publisher
Pro Football Hall of Famer/NFL on CBS Analyst Bill Cowher and Rich discuss how head coaches John Harbaugh and Dan Quinn will handle the injuries to Jaxson Dart and Jayden Daniels, why the Steelers’ offense has looked inconsistent through two games so far, how the Chargers and Raiders have surprised him but the Chiefs’ 2-0 start has not, if Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills are the team to beat in the AFC, and weighs in on the Vikings’ and Saints’ starts to the season. Rich and the guys react to the possibility of the Bears starting 3rd-string QB Case Keenum in Week 3, and discusses a caller’s suggestion that the Giants should trade for former Jets 1st-round pick Zach Wilson, and reacts to Browns HC Todd Monken’s advice for the embattled Deshaun Watson ahead of Cleveland’s home opener.
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