Hour 3: NFL Week 8 ‘Higher Register’ plus NFL Insider Dianna Russini

23 Oct 2025 · 46 min · 16 chapters

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In short

NFL Week 8 “higher register” debate and playoff/division paths, plus injury/roster updates and Eagles–Cowboys–Ravens storylines.

Guests

Diana Rossini (Senior NFL Insider, The Athletic; co-host of Scoop City podcast).

Guest background

long-time NFL reporter with league access; sources include team decision-makers (e.g., she discussed a conversation with Jerry Jones).

Key claims

Jaden Daniels (Commanders) not starting Monday Night Football due to hamstring; Dan Quinn expects Marcus Mariota to start. Cowboys’ Javante Williams is framed as a “revenge game” and a “big backs” fit in Dallas’ system. “Higher register” suggests Dallas can win the division by beating Denver and following a schedule path to meet Philadelphia in Dallas. Rossini says Lamar Jackson is day-to-day with “shareable injury intelligence,” and if he can’t start, Snoop Huntley gets packages. She interprets A.J. Brown’s “using me but not using me” Instagram as frustration about being integrated into the game plan more consistently.

Notable examples

Ravens’ hamstring context across the league; Eagles’ prior success using intensity; Cowboys’ defense execution vs scheme; Eagles’ home win streak vs divisional opponent.

Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.

Chapters

Tap a time to open that second in VO

Batteries and Trust

0:00 to 0:31

Exploring the uniqueness of batteries through a sports analogy.

“That's like asking if all soccer players are the same.”

Batteries and Trust

0:34 to 0:56

Exploring the uniqueness of batteries through a sports analogy.

“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.”

Subscriber Milestone Celebration

1:23 to 3:39

Celebrating one million YouTube subscribers and discussing future plans.

“Live from the Rich Eisen Show studio in Los Angeles.”

Dallas Cowboys' Upcoming Games

3:39 to 6:12

Analyzing the Dallas Cowboys' performance and upcoming matchups.

“where not only do we each get to take it for a day and take photographs with it, but do we get the white gloves?”

Higher Register Analysis

6:12 to 14:00

Discussing the potential for the Cowboys to rise in the division standings.

“So anyway, Marcus Mariota is coming to town.”

Philadelphia's Cryptic Messages

14:00 to 15:00

Discussion about A.J. Brown's cryptic social media messages and their implications.

“You put him behind that defensive line, and maybe you're going to get some pass rush going.”

Giants Fan Perspective

15:00 to 17:00

A caller discusses the Giants' performance and coaching situation.

“See, now I don't believe what you were saying.”

Optimism for Giants Fans

17:00 to 19:20

Conversation on the potential and optimism for Giants fans amid struggles.

“The problem is the Giants may not get more than four wins this year, so you're going to bring back a coach that's 4-13?”

Parenting and Team Loyalty

19:20 to 21:00

A humorous take on parenting and team loyalty regarding the Giants and Patriots.

“I've been referring to him as the tango and cash of the National Football League.”

Lamar Jackson's Injury Update

22:51 to 24:28

Diana Russini provides an update on Lamar Jackson's injury status.

“Fast Fund's terms apply at SoFi.com slash Debt Play.”
Show all 16 chapters

A.J. Brown's Usage Concerns

24:28 to 28:01

Discussion on A.J. Brown's Instagram messages and his role in the Eagles' offense.

“But look, you can't you can't rush this injury.”

Eagles' Trade Dilemma and AJ Brown's Frustration

28:01 to 34:23

Discussion on the potential trade dilemma facing the Eagles regarding AJ Brown and his impact on team dynamics.

“Brown knocks on the door, on Howie's door on Monday morning after this weekend against the Giants and goes, I want out.”

NFL Insider Insights with Dianna Russini

34:24 to 38:48

Dianna Russini shares insider information on team strategies and trade rumors leading up to the NFL deadline.

“So he said, look, we're going to look, we're, we're, we're calling around.”

NFL Insider Insights with Dianna Russini

40:01 to 40:27

Dianna Russini shares insider information on team strategies and trade rumors leading up to the NFL deadline.

“I care deeply about pediatric cancer research.”

Higher Register Thursday Calls

40:36 to 42:00

Listeners share their takes and humorous observations in a segment called 'Higher Register'.

“I'm not saying Pat's up there colluding for the NFL to ruin fantasy football.”

Higher Register Takes of the Week

42:00 to 46:18

Hosts discuss their high register takes for NFL Week 8, analyzing team performances.

“So a few weeks ago, when you were stumping for Jake Browning, and you're like, the season's not over.”
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Transcript

Automatic transcript. May contain errors.

0:00Dianna Russini:Are all batteries the same? That's like asking if all soccer players are the same. Take 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. Remember, goats only trust goats because they're built different. And Messi only trusts Duracell.

0:31Dianna Russini:This episode is brought to you by Google Chrome. You think you know a browser, but Gemini and Chrome, that's new. 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. Gemini and Chrome is here for it. Ready to make anything online make sense? There's no place like Chrome. Check responses set up required, compatibility and availability varies 18+. 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.

1:05Dianna Russini: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. Victor Wambiniana. The Rich Eisen Show. It's a 40-point game. Live from the Rich Eisen Show studio in Los Angeles.

1:35Rich Eisen:We will have a quarterback on Sunday, I will tell you that.

1:38Dianna Russini:Earlier on the show, Patriots head coach Mike Fravel. ESPN NBA senior writer Brian Wintorst. Coming up, senior NFL writer for The Athletic, Diana Rossini. And now, it's Rich Eisen.

1:56Rich Eisen:i can't confirm it is me it's the rich eisen show hour number three here in los angeles california as always pleased to be on disney plus the espn app gets you everything espn everywhere and then espn radio presented by progressive insurance we say hello to those who are listening to us on terrestrial radio sirius xm channel 80 or our podcast all three hours we greatly appreciate that if you missed any of the first two hours um we've just been reacting to you know um just the fbi giving headlines in the sports world on the nba we talked about it with brian winhorse last hour we had mike vrabel the head coach of the new england patriots if you missed any of it there's two ways for you to cattle three there's our podcast all three hours available through the espn pod center and espn podcast network uh also there is uh the disney plus page that we have just hit that tile and you watch all three hours whenever you want, which is great.

2:54Rich Eisen:And then there's our YouTube channel, youtube.com slash RichEyesandShow where, how many subscribers are we up to right now, Mike DelTufo? Do you got that right there? You do not? One million. Subscribers. Millions, right. And counting. Where's our plaque? Exactly. The more I say it, the more aggressive it sounds. I'm going to take a picture in front of the Hollywood sign with it. You want to treat it like it's a Stanley Cup. Is it a gold plaque? Is that what it is? It's gold, yeah. One million is gold. It's a gold color. It's not actually made. No, it's really gold, Rich.

3:29Dianna Russini:Well, the price of gold is very high right now, so I doubt it's actual gold.

3:32Rich Eisen:Well, silver is not. They've got the money. They've got money. That's true. I'm just saying, I've already got security waiting for me. Security. Are we going to treat it when we get it like it is a Stanley Cup, where not only do we each get to take it for a day and take photographs with it, but do we get the white gloves? Yeah, because I want a bunch of fingerprints on them. You know what I mean? So I'm taking it on the boat. It's all very... As you should. We should get another boat and he can like toss it to us. Oh, I have to. Feller's got a boat.

4:05Dianna Russini:Feller has a boat too. We can toss it.

4:07Rich Eisen:We can totally do this. You can toss it to Feller for his day. 100 % are doing this. No, we're not. Why not? Oh, come on! You can't tell him what to do with his day with the plaque. My day, I get to do what I want, Rich. The last thing I'm going to do is find someone on YouTube and say, can we have another one? Because we had a boat parade and one audio guy threw it to another audio guy and he dropped it. And it's at the bottom of the marina here in Southern California. How embarrassing would that be?

4:36Dianna Russini:I can dive. He actually dove down there to get his keys before. Yeah, I got my keys out of the arm. He's scuba certified. Oh, so there you go.

4:43Rich Eisen:Throw the plaque around. That's what we wanted. This is all, this entire conversation is very reasonable. Yeah. What are you going to do with your day, Rich? I'm sure the Disney Plus folks are wondering, why did we get this show? For moments like this. Okay. Ain't nobody else throwing around a YouTube plaque? Yes, that's correct. I think we can confirm that. Nobody else is throwing around a YouTube plaque. Yeah. But us. I can confirm that.

5:13Rich Eisen:On more important items, it is true Jaden Daniels is not starting Monday Night Football. No, that's not good for my fans. It's not good for anybody to use the, I guess, unless you're the Kansas City Chiefs. Although, if I'm not mistaken, the last quarterback to prevent them from making the AFC Championship game in the Mahomes era was, in fact, Marcus Mariota, the Tennessee Titans. Hear your name. Hear your name. I think it might be right. Or was that Alex Smith? Was that the end of Alex Smith? Oh, that might not be. Mario is coming to, so, oh, I can already hear Stone Street screaming in the back of my head right now.

5:50Rich Eisen:Gotta mention that there was a fumble. Jeff Triplett called a sack force fumble and that would have flipped the entire game. They stopped his forward progress. Yeah, they stopped his forward progress by sacking him and forcing a fumble. That was the Alex Smith last year. So it's the last time they were in the playoffs and didn't make the AFC championship. 2017. Got it. So anyway, Marcus Mariota is coming to town. And Dan Quinn made it official. That is confirmed like he will be out this week and Marcus will start.

6:24Dianna Russini:I'd said, I think it was Monday. I'm getting my days mixed up. But we knew it wasn't going to be significant, meaning long, but also not well enough to say, okay, in six days, it's ready to go. based on speed and how you would you know handle this type of injury so all of the week will be focused for him on the rehab in hopes of the following week and so i'll assess that next week

6:50Rich Eisen:but as opposed to some practice some not just put all of it you know all the time and effort into that okay now here's jim harbaugh quoting oh you couldn't have made that switch in time for us to play huh right kind of kind of a dick move by sean payton chris yes it was a difficult move no doubt about it 844-204-rich is the number to dial here on the program dallas cowboys yeah ready for this one what you're about to say no hold on a second words that i didn't think i was going to say ever into this microphone what here it is ready okay brian schottenheimer talking about javante williams going full sir mix a lot you have you heard this sound by yet i have not yes javante williams as you know this is a a revenge game revenge game yes okay this is a revenge game Because Javante Williams used to play for the Denver Broncos.

7:53Rich Eisen:And that's it. I got nothing else to talk about with the revenge game. And the Denver Broncos are coming in. Guess what, everybody? It has caused the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys to go full, Sir Mix-a-Lot, talking about Javante Williams and why it's potentially, that's why he's working so well in their system. Hit it. I like big backs. You know, I really do.

8:15Dianna Russini:I think it's that type of league right now with how everything is played and physical. But you do see a guy that creates explosives. I think, why does he do that? Because he doesn't hesitate. It jumped off the film. It wasn't, again, something that they felt like, but we knew it was something that we wanted to add to our team. Patrick. I caught it. I caught it. I actually started to sing the rap song. Yeah, I got it. Sir Mix-A-Lot. I like big backs. Some people just got it. Some people just got it in the battle.

8:56Rich Eisen:How did somebody not follow up with an I Cannot Lie? How did nobody in that room do that? I told you guys weeks ago, before the season started, you know what, I'm willing to give this guy a shot. I like Shotty, man. I like what he's doing. I love it. Especially since he sounds like his dad, and I don't think his dad would have known who Sir Mixelon is. Probably not, no. But I will give you this. I thought he was going to say my hoopty because, you know, he's going to carry him. Listen, I will give you this here, okay? For the Dallas Cowboys, it's sitting there for the Cowboys to make this a great football season for them.

9:39Rich Eisen:It's sitting right there. and it starts with this weekend hold on a second hear me out you think i'm you think i'm about to turn it and try and stick it in in your direction and it's not true listen listen hear me out myself when you hear me no no hear me out the dallas cowboys at three three and one are currently 10th in the conference but it really is something where they can win this division because they just beat the commanders the commanders are without out you know jayden daniels for again they're saying it's not gonna be a long period of time but this is a hamstring we have no earthly you could say it's a low grade strain but it's not your hamstring when you say that and and he's not playing this monday and so the commanders are um have got an issue they're going to be three and five if they do not beat the kansas city chiefs and they're 1-4 in conference.

10:35Rich Eisen:The Dallas Cowboys are 3-3-1. You win against the Denver Broncos while the Eagles take on the Giants. Let's just say, hear me out here. And then Dallas, after this game against Denver, have two Monday night football games around a bye. And then the Monday night football games are against the Cardinals at home and the Vegas Raiders in Vegas. While the Philadelphia Eagles in that three-week stretch have a bye after this game against the Giants while the Cowboys are taking on Arizona. And then while the Cowboys are on their bye, Philadelphia visits Green Bay on a Monday night. and then when they're the cowboys taking on vegas on a monday night the eagles play sunday night at home against detroit and then the two shall meet in dallas it's more than hmm it's sitting right there now it is a higher register thursday yeah so this whole conversation is higher register which again for everybody out there means if you go higher register you've got to go higher register to believe what you're saying right now it starts at denver they beat the denver broncos and there's a path here there's a path here for the dallas cowboys to to meet philadelphia in dallas and take the division you bet it's sitting right there they beat denver to go four three and one and denver as we all know has um been on the edge of looking terrible and then pulling it out of their orifice at the end and um it's there brother i don't have the patience to jack with you today i know i got it well i'm just sitting it's there sir it is but if i can i'll just push back a little as you know why would you push back i'm telling you don't push back well because i'm just gonna give you a few facts if i may all right one fact is much like sir miss mix a lot i too love buttermilk biscuits that's not the point okay are you googling that do i need to google sir mix a lot come on no the other point being as you guys know i always say about the giants and the washington football team how we own those guys right and i'm usually right fact of the matter is with us when it comes to the broncos they've beaten us seven times in a row i don't have faith you're doing whatever reason and us that goes back to john fox is that what you're saying i mean like it doesn't matter seven times in a row is seven times in a row i don't think it matters Let's go.

13:34Rich Eisen:How about this, man? Dak's going to show up in Denver. CD Lamb's showing up in Denver. George Pickens is showing up in Denver. Their tight end who catches touchdowns like he's Jason Witten is showing up in Denver. The offensive line is going to keep Dak clean for Dak to be the MVP that he can be. Sure. But. You know who's also having. Denver's slow starts, man. Do you know who's got that window, the IR window opened up? That kid overshone who was awesome. Yeah. Before he blew out his knee. Yeah. You put him behind that defensive line, and maybe you're going to get some pass rush going. And Philadelphia shows up, and A.J.

14:08Rich Eisen:Brown keeps on tweeting out these cryptic messages and Instagramming out these messages about it. Use me, but don't use me, or what the hell. I don't even know what he's saying anymore. No, nobody does. Using me, but not using me. What does that even mean? That's a Tevin Campbell song from the late night. All I know what it means is there's a path, and I cannot lie. You know the brothers can't do the lie. big paths for you and your cowboys i blame monaco for this we had to talk last night our director and i was so excited and monaco was like no we might as well just tank the season so tank the season john what do you do here's what we're gonna do because i went down the path um and i don't want to be i don't want to be late for for uh our next guest um diana russini we're We're going to finish up with higher register.

14:58Rich Eisen:Higher? We're going to tease it, because I think it's a better way to finish the show. Oh, see? See, now I don't believe what you were saying. Let's go to Jay in Columbus, Ohio. You're here on the Rich Eyes Show. What's up, Jay? Oh, H.

15:13Dianna Russini:Hey, good afternoon, fellas. Appreciate you taking my call.

15:16Rich Eisen:What up, man? Yes. What's up, Jay?

15:20Dianna Russini:Well, I'm a longtime Giants fan, and after last week's debacle, I think I might be in the minority of taking more positive out of that game. Good. The way they played against a top five defense.

15:36Rich Eisen:Oh, God.

15:37Dianna Russini:You should. But that always brings the question of a coaching seat that was warm now seems hotter. And that always brings the question when a coach is in danger, who is the replacement? I love Jackson Dart. I love Scadaboo, the Arm and Hammer twins. But if they're going to get rid of Dable, who is the replacement?

15:56Rich Eisen:Why would they get rid of Dayball, Jay?

15:58Dianna Russini:I don't think they should.

16:00Rich Eisen:They shouldn't. They shouldn't. And by the way, I don't think they will. Why would you do that? If Jackson Dart is showing what he can do, and the coach who is the one who is behind the scenes here, why would you bounce him? Why would you do it? You know, like, I don't know. By the way, I thought you were going a different direction. I thought you were going to sound like that Jet fan kid all of a sudden, you know, talking about your team. I hate this team. I thought that's where you were going, Jay. But no, you're the other way around. I like it. You've got a glass half full over there in Columbus.

16:35Rich Eisen:Are you a Buckeye fan, Jay? Let's be straight up. Are you a Buckeye guy?

16:39Dianna Russini:Hell no. I'm a fan of anybody who plays them.

16:41Rich Eisen:Oh, I like Jay.

16:43Dianna Russini:Jay in Columbus. Jay. I like Jay.

16:45Rich Eisen:I like you, Jay. Why do you feel that way about Ohio State in Columbus?

16:50Dianna Russini:They're fans.

16:51Rich Eisen:Okay.

Read the full transcript

16:52Dianna Russini:If they win, they burn a couch. If they lose, they burn a couch.

16:56Rich Eisen:Either way, you can't have a couch.

16:58Dianna Russini:Not a good thing. All right, Jay.

17:00Rich Eisen:Thank you for the call. That's Jay and Columbus. The problem is the Giants may not get more than four wins this year, so you're going to bring back a coach that's 4-13? All right. Let's listen to the schedule. Hold on a second. Put it up here. In the bag, please. I don't know why you would say the Giants are going to win only four games when they won against Philadelphia and the Chargers and almost one made it three out of four. All they had to do is just get off the field once. They got smoked by the Saints. Again, but that's why I'm counseling you and why when we had Vrabel on in hour number two, I said, I know you don't raise banners for going five and two because with a kid quarterback and some team that's still gelling, it goes up and it's down.

17:44Rich Eisen:Please, at one point, you think they're done i think they're games that nobody expects them to win you think they're finished with that that was just a flash in the pan i think differently kind of i think they're going to come up with a couple other such wins dart has got the it factor and you and i both know that all of us do you know that too pal when you take on when they when they uh visit you or you visit them at the end of the season you know yeah that's not going to be easy you're probably going to need that one as a cowboy fan based on the path i already described you know like i said yesterday i said i didn't think he was a home run based just based solely upon it might be just too early to say that but i do feel like they've got their guy if i'm a giants fan i'm i'm psyched right now you should be if you're a giant fan and and because again let me just say this one more time certainly for our espn radio audience in New York City.

18:43Rich Eisen:Listen. Do you need music? No, no, no. It's not for music. I'm going to direct the camera directly at the Giants fans. Giants fans. You know what it's been like. You know there's also been no hope. Even when Daniel Jones showed up and did what he did in the playoffs, you're wondering, is this for real? And then we found out what the answer was emphatically. We understand what happened with Saquon walking and doing what he did. I understand that you feel that way and you feel like the trap door is always going to open up. Two things. One, you know you got the quarterback right. Deep down you know it.

19:18Rich Eisen:You're excited. You're excited watching Scadaboo do his thing too. You're watching Dart and Scadaboo. What do you call me? Arm and Hammer? Arm and Hammer. Okay. I've been referring to him as the tango and cash of the National Football League. Also good. I kind of like Arm and Hammer. They've got, they've got, I understand one's got an arm and one's bringing the hammer. I get that. understand that i'm more pop culture than you know cleaning things okay the giants there's reason to be excited to watch this team there's reason for it okay enjoy that enjoy that because the co-tenants are taking impressionable young children i hate this team and making them stare into the abyss about why they even exist on the planet.

20:05Rich Eisen:That's what's happening on the other side of med life. That poor kid. Somebody, we've searched for him. What, have we been told that the parents are still up in the air about making him available? Yeah, that's where we're at right now. Excellent parenting skills. You know who's got that excellent parenting skills? This guy right here. I hate this team. I texted this video to my 14 year old son, who's a diehard Patriot fan because his mother is, and said the fact that I did not make this your existence is proof of my great parenting skills. Told that to my 14 year old and he didn't respond to me on text.

20:47Rich Eisen:And I said to him later on, I'm like, why don't you respond to your dad on text? What's going on?

20:51Dianna Russini:Pay no mind.

20:52Rich Eisen:It'll take him a few years to fully appreciate what you've done. He's there. You know, he knows. please giants fans just soak it in ESPN radio is presented by progressive insurance they make the claims process easy so you can get back on the road in no time it's why over 43 million drivers trust progressive see for yourself at progressive.com 43 million which is 42 million more than our youtube we're on our way though right see i make it about myself there's an eye in progressive and rich and and Diana and Russini. Yeah. And The Athletic. Wow. It's like Sesame Street all of a sudden. Disney's got an eye.

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22:56Rich Eisen:The Rich Eisen Show Podcast. Diana Rossini, Senior NFL Insider for The Athletic here. Our radio audience just rejoined us. ESPN Radio presented by Progressive Insurance. And the video we just saw of Lamar, I think, looks like a guy who's going to play. Your information, there was no actionable, what was it, injury intelligence? What was the phrase that John Harbaugh used? Shareable injury intelligence. I wrote that down. That's what he said. What do you have in all legitimacy in your notebook on this right now is what?

23:30Dianna Russini:I do believe he's day-to-day. I do. But the hope here is the actionable part of this is that he's going to be good to go. If he does not start, I do expect Snoop Huntley to get an opportunity here. I know that they had planned on the offensive side of the ball for some packages for him over the last few weeks. And look, when you look at what this offense can do with a guy who can run, and we've seen Snoop do it before, it makes a lot of sense why they would look to him if Lamar was not able to go. And let's just go back from before the bye week.

24:08Rich Eisen:Yes.

24:09Dianna Russini:There was optimism that Lamar would be back. So the fact that we're here on a Thursday and it's still not full go and clear to us outside the fact that he does look fantastic there on the practice field, jumping around, having a good time. You know, I don't love that. I would have loved to have started the week like we're back from the bye. We got our we got our guy back. But look, you can't you can't rush this injury. This is we're seeing so many hamstring problems around the league right now. And it's really very individual. It is how it goes. and sometimes it doesn't go the way you want it.

24:42Dianna Russini:But I think all signs are good for the Ravens here.

24:44Rich Eisen:Diana Russini of the Athletic Senior NFL Insider here on the Rich Eisen Show. All right, what is happening in Philadelphia? Is there any there? What is happening with A.J. Brown and his latest Instagram using me but not using me phrase?

25:02Dianna Russini:What do you think that means?

25:04Rich Eisen:I have no idea. They're using me, but I don't know. I wish I could because they used him and they abused the Vikings with him. So what's the issue here? And I can't be that Devontae Smith ate more than him, can it? I mean, like what's going on? I don't know. The guy wants to win and I'll give you the floor. What's the scoop here, Diana?

25:29Dianna Russini:I think it's a – let's focus on the word use. I think it's how they're using him and how he thinks they're using him in parts of the game. We see him obviously catch passes, score some touchdowns in certain situations that when they need them. But I think from AJ's perspective, and this is just based on me reading his caption, that he just wants to be part of the game plan more often. He wants the passing game to open up consistently. And look, I think we got a little window into that against the Vikings. And bottom line, they won. And that's all that matters. but in Philadelphia, you've got a lot of mouths to feed.

26:11Dianna Russini:You have a lot of talented players. You have a lot of well-paid talented players, and he is wide receiver one, and he does not want to just run routes and not get the ball. And I talked to Eagles owner, Jeffrey Lurie, at the owner's meeting in Midtown Manhattan yesterday for a while about this. Just how do you manage this? Like, let's just take out the fact that you're winning, but focus on the fact that this could be a precursor to a problem. How does this get better? Because if you have an unhappy A.J. Brown, even if you guys continue to win, it's not going to work itself out. Because I don't really necessarily believe, we'll call it whining, and the passive-aggressive posts are going to help his cause anyway.

26:55Dianna Russini:Because they're going to just continue to do what they think is best for the Eagles. And, you know, Jeffrey's very transparent. I love the fact that he doesn't hide from the fact that there's something off. There's something up there in the locker room and he knows it. And look, part of the Eagles like it that way. He said he and Howie and Nick Sirianni actually construct the roster purposely to have all these all this variety. And he knows that the Philadelphia Eagles flourish when it's intense. He didn't use the word drama or challenge or, you know, because I think a lot of us have used this analogy.

27:31Dianna Russini:the Eagles are that couple that love to fight because they just like enjoy making up, I think. And Jeffrey and I actually talked about that and he laughed and he's like, it's not that we want to fight. We just need the intensity all the time. For whatever reason, that is what works. That is what motivates this team. So I think they're really good at managing it. I think they're probably one of the best teams in football, probably outside with the Chiefs, maybe, who can do a good job of going, all right, we got studs that want the ball. How can we keep everyone happy? And I said to him, I said, what if A.J.

28:04Dianna Russini:Brown knocks on the door, on Howie's door on Monday morning after this weekend against the Giants and goes, I want out. Like, what do you do then? Right. He said, we do what's best for the Philadelphia Eagles.

28:17Rich Eisen:Well, what's best for the Philadelphia Eagles wouldn't be to trade A.J. Brown.

28:20Dianna Russini:It is not to trade him. And we got there eventually, you know, in terms of the conversation of, all right, well, what do you do? You know, like he does Tom pass catcher and pass rusher are the two positions that everybody wants before this trade deadline. And multiple teams would want to have an A.J. Brown on their roster. But the Eagles, they're not moving him.

28:37Rich Eisen:Well, I mean, I'm looking at like the Bills would would would really be able to use him. I mean, honestly, like the Colts. I mean, why would the Colts mess with anything? The Patriots already have, and I mean this when I say it, this kid Booty is, he's a big dude who can catch physical, dude who can catch passes too. Broncos, right, because the Eagles would never trade him within the division or I don't think the conference anyway. But it's a stupid supposition. I guess you'd rather have him pop off on Instagram than in the huddle, right? I'd rather have him reading a book about inner excellence than messing with the larger scheme of things, unless that's what is happening behind the scenes.

29:22Rich Eisen:You know, it is just a wild conundrum that the guy does what he does, and then we're all wondering if he's even happy there. And if there's any significance, can it tear the team asunder? And your answer is no, because they kind of dig it. They're kind of used to it.

29:39Dianna Russini:They dig it. And Laurie has a lot of confidence in Sirianni. And I think over the years, Sirianni does, I think he takes a lot of criticism, despite the fact that the guy just won a Super Bowl. But he does.

29:54Rich Eisen:You know what I mean? It's not an easy place to play. New York, Boston. They're never happy.

29:59Dianna Russini:They're never happy. And that's why they can be great. And I actually think the fans being as tough as they are is why they're able to perform, because it's pressure every single day. Sure. But Laurie was just saying that Sirianni's strength as just a leader, he's like, without a doubt, like, forget the football stuff. It's dealing with these personalities. And, you know, I said to him, I go, all right, so AJ posts something like this. What do you do? You know, how do you manage that internally? He said they met with him. They each meet with AJ. Ownership, GM, head coach. And they just talk it out.

30:32Dianna Russini:They just try to hear him and listen. and then they, the three of them, meet and go, all right, how do we want to go about it this week to address it? This seems exhausting to me, right? This seems like a lot of work for a team that is so talented. But I think the other part of this is, let's take out the ego that can be annoying and perhaps maybe the selfishness that can come off of this. Does AJ have a point?

31:03Rich Eisen:Well, I'll tell you what. he may have a point diana maybe and i guess let's get let's get deep into this then if i had a peg of an actual major problem for the eagles is that saquon's not running the ball like saquon did last year and i don't know if that's the up front or what you know is it the offensive coordinator is it the play calling but because that that's the problem because at some point in time you know that's what gets you through a cold day in january you know what i mean like that's what can get you through a cold day in february when you've got a lead with five minutes to go that's what gets you through and that's what the colts have that's what the colts have and jonathan taylor right now jonathan taylor is running like saquon last year and so that's why i'm not concerned about whether the colts are for real even if people still are at six and one the eagles don't have that run game right now they're not road grading people they're not imposing their will on anybody that's what i think is bigger than maybe whatever aj brown is is talking about the ground game won

32:07Dianna Russini:them the super bowl last year that was the identity of yes right yeah but if you have an offensive line that's banged up right it's quite evident they they're a little older they obviously miss makai becton up front and saquon maybe isn't well you know popping off like he was last year for a variety of reasons, you got to adjust, right? And if you've got the quarterback who had a perfect passing rating last week, and you've got two superstar wide receivers, right? Like, we're not talking about, you know, receivers that you're like, oh, I don't know if we could trust it. It's like, no, they're fantastic and they want the ball.

32:47Dianna Russini:So I just think they know this. The Eagles know that they're going to probably have to change a bit of their identity here. And the passing game is going to be integral. And I think that's where this frustration from A.J. Brown comes from. I just think perhaps maybe a little bit of patience. But I can tell you the New York Giants know exactly how to play this team. They saw it just a few weeks ago. They know where the problem spots are for this team. And it is on the ground and it is up front. And this Giants D can eat, as we saw. So I don't this this is going to be a really good test to eat for both teams, really.

33:24especially for this giants they were rich they are emotionally spent from that game when i talked

33:31Dianna Russini:to some people there on monday even bleeding into tuesday a bit of just like reaction to that game of how they all felt like they know they had to move on but i think this is going to be the game this game against the eagles that's going to determine everything about the new york giants

33:47Rich Eisen:moving forward everything including the coach really that's what you're saying i think this is

33:51Dianna Russini:this is going to tell you this is going to tell you who they are right can you come back from a gut-punching heartbreaking loss losing a game that you're not supposed to ever lose historically um and play the super bowl champs and beat them again they haven't yeah they haven't swept them since what is it is like 1996 something ridiculous um so yeah i i'm i'm i'm really looking forward to this and I want to see if maybe AJ Brown will one day be happy.

34:22Rich Eisen:We'll find that out. As I, before I bid you farewell on this Thursday, Diana Rossini here, I'll ask you what I ask everyone in your position that comes on senior insider on this program, because you are sought out for information as much as you're doing it the other way around with, with, with, with sources in this league, people calling you up. What do you know? What are you hearing about? what's the team that that everyone's blowing you up about around the league your sources about what what's if what's of curiosity to the rest of the league when they're reaching out to

34:54Dianna Russini:you diana it's more about who's selling like teams are calling me going who who's moving who who's available right now okay uh i talked to jerry jones about this yesterday because i was trying

35:09Rich Eisen:to get him to tell me what he was doing here and and and it ain't pass rusher can tell you that

35:16Dianna Russini:uh which i thought that would be something that they would maybe look into he said we're going defense if we do this we're not going we're not going pass rusher well didn't he say didn't he

35:28Rich Eisen:also say micah rest easy everybody we're not trading them and he's also like it you know Mike is going to have to play under you know for us contract or nothing and the whole time he's trading him you know like you know with this guy

35:44Dianna Russini:Jerry Jones was saying something I'm just pointing out

35:49Rich Eisen:that there's a recent track record I'm not saying that that's what he was doing but you know he's done it before but so the Cowboys are are buying is what you're saying so here's how he said it to me and and i we will take his words for for what it is right you you

36:10Dianna Russini:can you can sit when i hop off you can be like no he lied or she took the bait she what happened to the savvy jersey girl we know she's dead in the water diana i would say it to your face come on

36:22Rich Eisen:now i would never do it behind your back until you hang up um just text it to me and i won't

36:28Dianna Russini:respond to you.

36:29Rich Eisen:I didn't mean to interrupt you. You have the floor. Go ahead.

36:32Dianna Russini:So he said, look, we're going to look, we're, we're, we're calling around. We're, we are interested. We know that we could use a piece. Hey, we've got the picks going back to the Micah conversation, right? Because of that trade. But he, he spent more time talking to me about how sometimes when you do trade for a player, you unsettle what you're building and what you have there, because that player is then replacing somebody that that is in that position already that may have a strength that is working. Now, we could argue that they need anything. Like, what is he talking about? Who are you worrying about messing up?

37:11Dianna Russini:You know, like but I walked away from the conversation with only what I can hear and what my instincts tell me, which is I don't think they're pressed to make a move. I think I don't think they feel that they have to do it. He's got tons of belief in Matt Eberflus and he kept pointing to their defense against the commanders. He's like, I said, yeah, but you had two takeaways. Like you can't rely on that every week. But he said this was all about execution. He's like, when we execute, I don't worry. It's not about the scheme, right? Because we talked about how the scheme changed a bit here over the last few weeks.

37:42Dianna Russini:It's like, it's not scheme. It's if the players just listen and do what they're supposed to do, we're going to win. So we'll take that for what it is. So when they make a trade, you know, in an hour, I'll hop back on it. You can just call me the clown of the year.

37:53Rich Eisen:No, I won't do that ever. As a matter of fact, I respect you so much. I'm going to give you the information you were asking about because I have the NFL Network research packet right here in front of me because I'm a lead pipe-wielding professional. The Giants have not swept the Eagles in a season since 2007. They won the Super Bowl that year. And matter of fact, the Eagles currently have the longest active win streak at home against a single divisional opponent. They've beaten the Giants 12 straight times in Philadelphia. There's your information.

38:21Dianna Russini:Thank you for that. You're very welcome. I wish you that in my household.

38:23Rich Eisen:Thank you for your information. Diana and your time. Greatly appreciate it. Thanks for joining. We'll get you back here soon.

38:29Dianna Russini:Thank you. I appreciate all you in there too.

38:30Rich Eisen:You got it. The co-host of the Scoop City podcast and the athletics, Diana Rossini. Tell me when she's gone so I can talk. Nope. Still listening. Still listening. Still listening. Nope. Still there. Oh my God. When is she going to stop with the zooming? Still there. Not disconnected. Nope. All right. Let's take a break. We got higher register when we come back here on the Rich Eisen Show and your phone calls on the program. A bandwagon fan. The biggest insult in sports. But this summer, during the FIFA World Cup, it's an invitation, America.

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40:35Rich Eisen:Wesley in Boise, Idaho. Let's take his phone call. What's up, Wesley? Hey, what's going on, Rich? What's on your mind, sir?

40:41Dianna Russini:well man uh you had a caller a while back that was in there referencing between lamar and justin herbert yes sir i know you guys don't uh you know you don't build your bones on callers crack and other callers so i'll reframe this as more of a seinfeld-esque sort of observation okay um don't know if you noticed it if you run back that call i would say that guy sounded an awfully lot like higher register Patrick Mahomes with a slight chest cold.

41:14Rich Eisen:That's quite a vivid description. Wow. I beg to say it's spot on, man. Okay.

41:22Dianna Russini:I'm not saying Pat's up there colluding for the NFL to ruin fantasy football. I'm just saying this guy particularly sounded like that.

41:29Rich Eisen:Well, it's the only conspiracy theory involving Patrick Mahomes I haven't heard yet. Yeah, that's it. That's it. Wesley in Boise. Thank you for that. Do you have a higher register for us? You know, I'm not really good at the old higher register. But not bad. Not bad. My best chance. By the way, you're not a slouch. You're a tremendous slouch. Don't worry about it. I appreciate that. Check that guy out. Okay. Wesley in Boise, Ohio. Thanks, man. Okay. Wesley in Idaho right there. Very good. It's higher register Thursday. We've noticed years ago, again, if you're unfamiliar with this segment, if anybody in your life goes higher register to tell you something they might not really believe what they're saying well they have to go higher register in order for them to believe what they're saying so that's led us to having the higher register take of the week each one of us giving you a higher register take of the week for week number eight and we've

42:24Dianna Russini:got some great production value to introduce it there's a chance the rich eisen shows that there It could be higher register. Take of the week.

42:36Rich Eisen:All right, Christopher. Week eight, higher register. You have the first. You go first, please. So a few weeks ago, when you were stumping for Jake Browning, and you're like, the season's not over. For the Bengals, correct. And I'm like, just look at how bad he's been. Look at their schedule. Yeah, I'm aware. Look at their division. It's over. No, I was just saying, look, it's over. The season's over.

42:55Dianna Russini:The Bengals are going to have a top five pick.

42:57Rich Eisen:It's over. And?

42:58Dianna Russini:I don't know, guys. I said, maybe the bagel season isn't over after. Joe Flacco is about to win two in a row. He looks tremendous again, you know, like his playoff Super Bowl run self.

43:08Rich Eisen:And, you know, you throw it to Jamar Chase and Tee Higgins and good things happen. Maybe they can do this. I knew you'd come around. I thought you'd be lower register finally coming around because the season is not over after all. I was just off on which quarterback was going to lead it. TJ, what do you got over there? What's your high register take of the week? Well, I don't mean to be disrespectful with my take, but there's something I picked up on here in this studio. You know, we have a tendency to call people the mush sometimes, right? You mean like Chris? Listen, one time you had Chris's coach calling it the show, a man named Dino Babers, if I'm not mistaken.

43:48Rich Eisen:Yes, he was coaching Syracuse. He was on a heater. And on his birthday, our birthday, because Chris and I share a birthday, Chris's team lost. And he got fired. And he got fired. Now. We had Fran Brown on. Fran Brown called in. What happened the following week? Did they beat Duke or did they get whipped by Duke? They lost. Okay. So all I'm saying, guys, is I'm not saying that I'm just saying. Mike Vrabel called into the show today. And based upon what's happened the last few times when the Brockman's coaches have joined us, I think the Browns have been upset the Pats this week. I mean, I think the Browns are going to take down.

44:22Rich Eisen:Just based upon what we've seen, the knowledge that we know, I think that was the kiss of death. Sorry. Man, I hope not. Take your heart, Joe, and buckle up. Take your heart, Joe, and buckle up. Look, I took no pleasure in that. Here we go. Here we go. You know, the Kansas City Chiefs, once upon a time, 0-2, everyone's wondering what's going to happen. I gave them the higher register of, like, I think the Chiefs have turned a corner. What have they done? That was my higher register last week. They have turned a corner. I was higher register about the Chiefs long before you were served. I'm saying I did it last week.

44:53Rich Eisen:What have I been saying about the Baltimore Ravens? What happened? I've been saying it. I've been saying it. So what is you saying, though? Well, you know how I've been feeling it, that they are going to give it a run and that their season is not over. And at this point in time, because Lamar has not yet been made official, I'm going to have to only just go high and register. Okay. I think the Ravens are about to turn the season around just like the Chiefs. Oh. Just take a look at their schedule, guys. Okay. Take a look at their schedule. I like what they're doing. I mean, they got the Chicago Bears this week.

45:29Rich Eisen:I know the Bears have won four in a row. But all they got to do is just beat that Bears team at home and then turn around and they have the one win to Dolphins on a Thursday night. Then they go to Minnesota. They could win that game. At Cleveland, of course. They got the Jets. Then Cincinnati and Pittsburgh at home. That's some tough ones. Come on now. Division games. I think the Ravens are going to start their comeback just like the Chiefs. Double high register. Oh, that's it. I don't even need any helium for that one. Thanks for listening to the Rich Eisen Show podcast. You can watch and listen to the Rich Eisen Show live weekdays from noon to three Eastern on ESPN Radio, Disney Plus, and on the ESPN app.

46:11Rich Eisen:The Rich Eisen Show, the podcast.

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From the publisher

Rich breaks down what’s at stake for the Dallas Cowboys’ playoff hopes in their Week 8 matchup against the Denver Broncos, and offers up some advice for New York Giants fans amid the emergence of rookies Jaxson Dart and Cam Skattebo.

The Athletic’s NFL Insider Dianna Russini and Rich discuss Lamar Jackson’s availability for the Baltimore Ravens in Week 8, WR AJ Brown’s role in the Eagles’ offense and the chances Philadelphia could trade the All-Pro WR, if the Dallas Cowboys will be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline, and more.

In ‘Higher Register’ for NFL Week 8, the guys offer up their less-than-ringing endorsements of the Patriots, Ravens, and Bengals.
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