Hour 3: Rich’s Top 5 NFL Week 15 Games, plus Carolina Panthers DT Derrick Brown

21:56Rich Eisen:What has his message been? Can you give me some – take me inside of a meeting room, take me inside of what he's been telling you guys since jump, Derek? Yeah, I mean, to do our process. Let's not worry about nothing else. Let's be in the moment and let's see what doing our process can get us. And, you know, that's been a message from the day one that he's, you know, he called me when he got ready to take the job here. And, you know, that's, hey, I want to build a culture where guys can be a part of our culture here at the Panthers and do their jobs every single day while living in the moment. And, I mean, he's preached that since the day he's been here.

22:33And, you know, it's cool to see last year, you know, guys starting to believe it. And then guys, you know, taking that and that being the standard this year.

22:42Rich Eisen:Derek Brown here on the Rich Eisen Show. You've got a comeback player of the year candidacy, no question about it, where the season-ending meniscus injury in week one of last season that you were referring to being on the outside and the inside at the same time. So what about this season is something that you would have... If I had told you while you were rehabbing that this would be the season that you're having and your team's been having, what would you have said to me last year? I would have said, man, that, you know, I was in a state of mind where, you know, I was trying to get the knee back right.

23:17And, you know, seeing things, you know, from inside, when I say like seeing the team, you know, kind of build that bond. I'm like, I'll probably tell you, I don't know, but man, I can't wait to be a part of it. And it's one of those things where, you know, I'm sitting here every single day and I just kind of see it all like last year, sitting out of football, man. It definitely made me it definitely made me realize how much I actually love this game. And, you know, you say you love it until it's taken away from you. So, I mean, just being able to sit there and go through every single day of, you know, rehabbing and fighting back to be able to be back out there with my brothers on Sunday and be able to play for one another.

23:52That was the biggest thing for me.

23:55Rich Eisen:Yeah, and that photograph that we just had up on the screen. Can you walk me through what led to this massive moment for you, your team that potentially also could come home to roost for the entire NFC as you beat the Rams by forcing this fumble that essentially ended the game with Matthew Stafford and the Rams? Derek, walk me through this moment for you. Man, you know, it was a moment where we were on the field as a defense and, you know, playing a threat like that guy right there, man. And he's got so much, you know, knowledge of defensive football in his own. So, I mean, we able to dial up a pressure where, you know, Turk Warden got real high on the left side, end up coming around and DJ ended up taking the guard, picking the guard's hip.

24:39And all of a sudden, like, I look up and Matthew Stafford's standing right there. So at that point, I'm just trying to make the play, do whatever it takes for us to seal this game off and be able to get that win.

24:51Rich Eisen:Any special feeling for you that he's a Georgia legend? Derek? Yeah, you know, I don't really mess with the Georgia guys. But, you know, I've had to learn to live with them because of being in the league, you get a lot of guys in here from Georgia. So, you know, definitely a little college banter on that end. I'm sure. Yeah, and if you played the Eagles, then you'll definitely be running into a lot of guys from Georgia. Yeah. That's for sure. So what message do you have, again, for your fans, for Carolina fans that obviously have been through a lot, waiting and seeing what this team has become and what it can be and the opportunity in front?

25:34Rich Eisen:What do you say to them? You know, we stand with those that sit with us. We're sitting around here one in three. You know, those that sit with us, we appreciate it. And, you know, that's that. You know, everybody else, you know, it is what it is, how I feel about them. So, I mean, you know, if you were Laurel through the hard times, and, you know, I hope you get to celebrate these times with us right now. Yeah, and I guess, and again, with your quarterback, that's a time for an Auburn man to have no problem with Alabama as well, with your quarterback, Derek. Yeah, definitely having Alabama guys quarterback, you know.

26:09You don't really mess with the quarterback too much. So, I mean, that's one of those things. You know, we have our banter when it comes time for the Iron Bowl. But other than that, I pretty much let him do his thing, go through the week normally.

26:21Rich Eisen:Yeah, you almost got him. You almost got him this year. Yeah, that was a tough one. Oh, yeah, definitely sat in my house, you know, watching it every single play. You know, I forever loved that school, and, you know, hopefully we get him next year. Yeah. Are you wearing that hat right now, as a matter of fact? Am I seeing the top of an all-in head? Oh, yeah. Okay. That's what I figured. Okay, that's what I figured. Hey, congrats on what's happening in your season. And obviously, you being the Ed Block Courage Award nominee for the team as well, that's a serious honor. The Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award as well for Carolina.

27:09Rich Eisen:And I appreciate your time right here. It's a crucial part of the season, certainly, as you guys are getting set to go to New Orleans for a monster game that would put you one up with three to play and two left against Tampa. Derek, I appreciate it, and let's stay in touch. Will do. I appreciate you having me on here. You got it. That's Derek Brown, everybody. Carolina Panthers defensive end right here on the Rich Eyes and Show leads all defensive linemen with seven passes defensed and one of five players in the NFL with at least seven passes defensed and four sacks this season. That's right. Balling out.

27:46Rich Eisen:That's right. 844-204-RICH is the number to dial right here on the Rich Eisen Show. We've loved our time here this week in New York City. We cherish it. We do not take it for granted. You've said multiple times, TJ. You're looking at the ESPN letters right here in the middle of this get-up desk right here. We've loved our time here and can't wait to come back, which means what we're about to do is putting that return visit at risk. Oh, Rich. You're totally. Oh, gosh. 100 % unequivocally. It's a fact. You, man. Telling no lies. Or they could make us want to be here the rest of our lives. It's true.

28:22I mean, it could go either way, Rich. This is like you have no idea.

28:25Rich Eisen:That's true. And pressure. It could literally go either way. If pressure makes diamonds, I wonder what high pressure systems make for National Football League action. Look at you turning a phrase. Brockman's. That's why his name's on the mug, man. I keep saying it. The barometric pressure makes diamonds. All that sort of good stuff. Because it is December football. Yes. Of course it is. There's a lot of weather. I think you two like staring at me. There's a lot of weather. There's a lot of weather. You could make that a case about life. There's a lot of weather. A lot of weather. Look at you two.

28:57Rich Eisen:Mike Del Cufo. This is the first, by the way, for potentially our new audience on Disney Plus, ESPN Radio, presented by Progressive Insurance. They don't know that this is a staple segment of the Rich Eisen show. Why would we do this in September? It's always September. It should be Emmy nominated on its own. Well, we'll get through it. It's time for Mike Del Tufo's Week 15 weather report. Hit it. Oh. Let's have the weather out there. Del Tufo with the weekend weather update. It's raining sideways. I'm done. I'm done. All right. Disney security waits outside to revoke our privileges for future New York business.

29:36Rich Eisen:My microphone may get shut off. No. You're in charge of that. Of course. All right. What do we got? We got three games. Three games. which were picked and chosen by our esteemed producer, Mike Hoskins. First game. What is that for? You're already assigning blame? Yes. If it doesn't go. By the way. You're already shirking responsibility? I am not assigning blame. Don't blame me if your game's not on the list. What does that mean? See, this is the problem with you guys. What's the problem? You guys are taunting me. I feel like an NBA player on the court. You guys are yelling at me. Just show him, Mike.

30:02Now I know why LeBron choked like fights back.

30:03Rich Eisen:Don't you sit there and watch me do my power rankings every week with these guys like the two old men up at the end in the rafters? Get to the weather. Okay. First of all, Stormfield. We grew up with Stormfield. We did. If you told little Mike back in the 80s, I'd be doing a Stormfield weather report on WABC. All right, Lloyd Lindsay. Lloyd Lindsay, tell Tufo. Just let him do his thing. Just do it, Mike. Do your thing. Okay, the first game up is the Browns at the Bears. That's a big game. Which we all know is a big game. Yeah. We all know it's going to be cold. Brockman even used it in one of his segments today.

30:37But in saying that, temperature kickoff for the Browns and Bears is going to be 11 degrees. Uh-huh. It's going to feel like 4 degrees. 4 or minus 4, Mike? Minus 4. I'm sorry. Minus 4. I see. There you go. What's the difference?

30:52Rich Eisen:8 degrees. Either way. 8 degrees. What's the big deal? 6 or 7. Wins are going to be coming out at about 10 to 15 miles an hour. Okay. Gusts at 25, which means running game. Okay. Look at you. Okay. Extrapolating it out to the X's and O's. Yes, exactly. From the H's and L's to the X's and O's. It could be a big game for Kyle Minung. So, what's the over-under in that Brockman you want to take? Oh, my goodness. Look at him now asking you for it. Well, I'm not ready for that. I'm just too busy laughing at you. Exactly. All right. So, 11 degrees feels like minus four. Feels like minus four. Minus four.

31:30Over-under 38. Second game is the Bills at the Pats, which I've said is the best game of the weekend. Not the most interesting game, obviously, if Phillip River plays in Indy. So in saying that, we got some. They're playing in Seattle. I know. I'm saying for Indy. Okay. I meant for Indy. It is Pills and Pats and in Foxborough, of course. Yes. Light snow in the morning. Oh. 40 % chance of some precipitation. High temperature of 30 with 10 to 15 miles an hour winds. Oh, okay. So winds are about the same as they are in Chicago.

32:03Rich Eisen:So would you know if the light snow in the morning is the possibility of it lingering into kickoff? I mean, I don't have the information here, so it might linger into kickoff. Google it. Did you tell me to Google it? Google it. Like the Indiana. Google. All right. Now. That's where they created that. All right. The third game of the day is the Colts at the Seahawks. Okay. So you do have that information. Colts at Seahawks. Okay. It's going to be 54 degrees with some rain. Oh. 63 % chance of precipitation at kickoff. What percentage does that mean that there's not going to be rain? You do understand by 63 % chance, it means in the area.

32:42It doesn't mean at the actual stadium. Oh, not like right on top of. You have to know that. Weatherman, we know that. That answers the question 37%. We understand. How much rainfall could happen, Mike? I don't. You're doing. It's right there. I know. Hold on. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible. Oh. I was reading that next, Rich. Come on. I was leading you to it, Mike. I'm going to back up off you, Mike. You guys, a weatherman, when he's on his green screen, he isn't getting heckled like this. No. He's by himself. You guys have to heckle me the whole time.

33:10You want me to fail. I said one thing. I did four degrees. I don't want you to fail. You do. I just want the weather. You got one more? Here we go. That's it. You got one more? I don't have one more unless they add something else on the screen. Oh, no. All right. One more. It's cold. We do not have another. Come on. It's cold. I think everybody here should give lunch. That was entertaining, people, right? Brandon, that was entertaining, right? Exactly. Good job, Mike. Everything ready. You guys. Proud of you. I'm not even flopsweating. I mean, you guys.

33:34Rich Eisen:You guys. I mean, you are, I mean, yeah. Proud of you. You are flopsweating right now. I am not. I am not flopsweating. I don't sweat anymore. TJ's trained to be good on camera. What happened to your glands, Mike? TJ's trained to be good on camera. What happened to Mike Deltufo's sweat glands? He had them removed. He had them removed. Fellini Jefferson has made me a better camera presence person. That is not a lie. That is not. Oh, so there are. But there are. So, wait a minute. So there are. There are some situations in which you still do sweat. Yeah. Oh, okay. The way you said it means you don't sweat anymore.

34:06Rich Eisen:I don't sweat anymore. Ever. It's over. On camera. I just thought you didn't sweat you or any of this. I don't sweat. I mean, you're sweet. Now, let me ask you a question. Sure. Yeah. Okay. Did I heckle him too much? You do. You pushed him. Well, I mean, you're not helping the narrative of Susie's that we give Mike too much of a hard time. No, but I think it makes it a more entertaining. Oh, you don't have to convince me. He's laughing the entire time. It's going to be cold all over the week. 12 degrees in Cincinnati, 18 degrees in Kansas City, 29 degrees in New York and Philadelphia. Monday night in Pittsburgh, 22 degrees.

34:44Weather is going to be a factor across the league this weekend.

34:47Rich Eisen:That's what I took from the weather report. See? Thank you, Rich. And I appreciate you adding on. I appreciate you putting the button on. Thank you, Brockman. It's hard when you're always getting cut off, Mike. I understand. Yeah, because you see, I'm speaking, and all of a sudden you start injecting words. The king of cutting me off with that's what she said, Jim. Look, here's the thing. Non-stop. Who are you to talk about that? Let me tell you guys something, right? I used to, right? I wrote a book, and it was called That's What I'm a. Oh, I wrote a book. That's a cheap book. I'm a published author.

35:18It's a lot of money.

35:19Rich Eisen:You are now absolutely fishing for a compliment from our friends here. No, because we're all cool. They don't, did they, they'll never say if they care about you writing a book. I think. Because they don't care that I wrote a book. I'm not even, all right, whatever. Well, I. Continue on. I don't even remember what I was going to say. You said you wrote a book about, about, that's what she said jokes. Yeah, so. Which gives you the right to interrupt me. So every now and then. That's what she said jokes. Every now and then I would, Rich would say something, I'd be like, that's what she said. So one day, Rich never has yelled at me, but one day we're in the green room.

35:46I didn't yell at you. I said you've never yelled at me. I'm like. Weber, he didn't have an eye feed. We're in the green room. He goes, listen, you know, sometimes I'm talking about something serious, and you just can't do that. That's what she said. And I'm like, all right, I'm like a three-trick pony, and you're taking away one of my tricks, but fine. So I stopped. Thank you for that at a broadcaster. And now Rich, well, every time when the situation would call for it, he goes, what, mister, that's what she said is going to say it? I'm like, you told me not to say it. Yeah, you see, you can't go both ways, Rich, with that.

36:11Thank you for staying with that. Because that's what she said. Exactly. Exactly. Act Now. There's only one left in paperback on Amazon.com of TJ's book. Is there really? TJ's book, there's only one paperback left? You know what I mean? $6.99 on Kindle.

36:28Rich Eisen:Wow. Kindle? So you said that kind of in a distance. So now you're tapping out the rest of this show because you've got to start packing up. Don't blame Liz for anything. She came over here on fire on you. She was in my car. She doesn't want everyone to be late because Mike's going to leave us all waiting. Mike is a TV sports personality. He's got to show the finish. He's got to pack up, and he's got to go to the TSA website to see if a sandwich will make it through the JFK security. If I don't get stopped, I'm going to die. I'm going to laugh so hard. Oh, my God. All right, so thank you for your hard work, Mike, this week.

37:06Rich Eisen:You're welcome, everybody. I've got to tap out. Ladies and gentlemen. I'll be eating the in-flight meal. Thank you. Doppler radar, Mike Del Tufo, everybody. All right, we're wrapping up this Friday show. Here from New York City. And I'm going to go outside to see if we're, if security is ready to kick our asses on the street. They're like, we stayed extra for this.

37:31Rich Eisen:While the world watches the stars of the FIFA World Cup, Hyundai has its eyes on the next generation of talent. Future stars who are already turning heads at age 14. Because next doesn't wait for an invitation. And neither do we. Hyundai has always moved the future within reach. We did it when we made advanced safety standard on every vehicle and engineered EVs with ultra-fast charging capability. And we're still doing it every day because the future isn't some far-off concept. It's already here. Next starts now. Hyundai, an official partner of FIFA. Study and play. Come together on a Windows 11 PC.

38:06And for a limited time, college students get the best of both worlds. Get the Unreal College deal. Everything you need to study and play with select Windows 11 PCs. Eligible students get a year of Microsoft 365 Premium and a year of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate with a custom color Xbox wireless controller. Learn more at windows.com slash student offer. While supplies last, ends June 30th. Terms at aka.ms slash college PC. You can't reason with the sun. Trust us. We've tried. This summer, it's time to put that angry ball of fire on mute. Columbia's OmniShade technology is engineered to protect you from the sun's harsh rays that can burn and damage your skin.

38:45The sun is relentless, but so is our gear. Level up your summer at Columbia.com to spend more time outside and less time slathering on aloe lotion. You're welcome. Columbia. Engineered for whatever.

39:02Rich Eisen:The Rich Eisen Show. The podcast. 844-204-RICH. number to dial. We'll take your calls in a second. This show is brought to you by Sonos. This season, make your home feel alive with Sonos Speakers. The cinematic sound that pulls you into every holiday movie. The game day audio that puts you right in the middle of the action. Sonos makes it effortless to fill your home with incredible ambiance. Sonos helps you stream everything you love. Music, movies, your favorite sports, all in one place. So Sonos' holiday sale is on right now. Now through December 28th, 2025 at Sonos.com. Discover how easy it is to bring every room to life with Sonos.

39:46Rich Eisen:I have it in my house. We love it there. You will love it in yours. 844-204-RICH is the number to dial. One of our favorites, Manny in El Paso, has been hanging on. How you been, Manny? I'm from New York. It's the Donkey Ivan Show. Como están caballeros? I probably should have missed the Donkey Show close to the border. So right away, I got three things, sir. One, good luck to Phillip Rivers. I don't want him to end up like blue on the movie Old School when he's about to go baby oil wrestling. I mean, what, did the Colts lose that? Wow. What about backup extraordinaire Nick Foles? I mean, can you imagine if the Colts gave one Tom Brady a call?

40:25Brophy would have a conniption. He'd probably grow out hair. Number two, and I'm getting real here, sir. I hope you do watch Booyah with your family. It's beautifully done. I don't report on loved ones that are gone in past tense. They're not here physically, but they're always in our minds and our hearts. I think of the advice you gave me before my waiting day, sir, to take a moment, sit back, and look around at all the happiness. That's what the show is. It's getting another chance to look back at all the good times. Not many people get a chance to do that. And number three, everyone is in New York.

40:56Miss Susie was there. Will we finally find out which Yankee gave her the phone number? Guys, everyone, be safe, be kind, remember to laugh, remember to think, remember to cry. Let's watch some sports, guys. Have a good one.

41:11Rich Eisen:Manny in El Paso. I love it. I love it. By the way, Rich, Manny all week he was tweeting at David Letterman, trying to get him to come on the show. I respected his game on that one. Oh, David Letterman here? Yeah, Manny was making it his personal mission. For David to show up here. David Letterman was in L.A. this week, just, you know, with us being here. Yeah, of course. Don't worry. We checked. I know. Oh, you know that. You know that. He was working for us. I've been cultivating that caper. Absolutely. That's been our Lufthansa heist for 11 years. Never say never, and that's not the drop. Okay.

41:49Rich Eisen:Let's go to Noah in Portland. We talked about his – he loves his Panthers. How about us having a Panther on, Noah? I love Panthers. Good morning, Chancellor, Vice-Chancellors. Rich Eisen Empire. Hey, yeah. Thank you. Last time I called it. Thank you. Last time I – can you hear me okay? Go for it. We got you. Okay, awesome. Okay. So last time I called in, we were talking about the Panthers. I made a huge flub and said Caleb Williams instead of Bryce Young. You ran with it. You didn't make me feel stupid. You corrected it as you were talking, and I thought that was a very professional view, and I appreciate that.

42:22Rich Eisen:My pleasure. No, I don't – it's not my goal to make people look stupid. He would not offer us that same luxury. That's correct. Just say no. Can't confirm. Yes. Hey, real quick, and I wanted to – can you give me some more information about this game? I've heard you talk about it a couple times where you could be, I guess, calling a Panthers game and Bucs possibly. Like, what's the information on that? Yeah, I don't – when is that going to happen? That is not happening. I will not be calling the Panthers and the Seahawks. I don't want to make any other announcements before it's time, but I appreciate the call.

43:00Rich Eisen:Noah in Portland right here. Shout out to Anna. There is going to be a – back at you, man. Thank you, brother. Yeah, there's going to be an NFL Network game week 17 right after Christmas on a Saturday. Kurt Warner and I are going to be in a booth one more time. 844-204-RICH, number to dial. John in Ohio, let's take his call. What's up, John? How are you, sir? Hi, Rich. Long-time listener, first-time caller. I wanted to ask you, with regard to the Tom Pellifero interview, which was excellent, why wouldn't Joe Burrow play a Carson Palmer and threaten to sit out until they traded him to somebody who could protect him and had a defense?

43:50Rich Eisen:That's a good question. And as you know, in the same way that everybody that goes through, as a fan, a difficult experience, you feel like it's possible it can happen again, and you're always looking for the markers that it could happen again. Just look at Eagles fans right now, right? Everyone's thinking this is 2023 all over again. That hearing Joe Burrow sound like this might make... Right. Yeah, go on.

44:23And I wanted to say I really enjoy your interviews. And being in Ohio, I don't hold it against you that you're a Michigan man.

44:38Rich Eisen:I don't hold it against you either, John. We can all get along. Thanks for the call. All right. You take care of yourself, John. That's John in Ohio right there. Right there. That's the, but as John is pointing out, I mean, Bengals fans are like, is he done with us? Yep. Why would he be done with Jamar Chase and Tee Higgins? That's just, that makes no sense. And again, I, you heard. Does having those guys around outweigh maybe what he feels he's being, how he's being coached up, what the defense looks like, him constantly having to come back from double-digit deficits or these types of late season.

45:20Rich Eisen:Injuries got nothing to do with the coaching staff. It's about injury. I'm talking about constantly being behind the eight ball because the defense can't stop anybody. But Andrew Luck was just done with being in rehab all the time. It's not fun anymore, and I'm done. So if I had to be concerned about Burrow being any other quarterback from the recent past, it would be Luck more than Carson Palmer. That's what I'm saying. Him saying, I'm done with the Bengals. I need to go to a place to protect me. I mean, where? I mean, a perfect case in point is Houston, right? They're killing it right now. And they have done better protecting C.J.

46:00Rich Eisen:Stroud. Remember the last couple of years? But, I mean, I don't know if that's going to last. I have no idea. Yeah, he's been running for his life a lot. We saw Justin Herber. Mahomes is running for his life right now. Hertz is occasionally running for his life. J.J. McCarthy, my guy, he's been running for his life. Offensive line play has been an issue, I think, across the country. In a lot of places. So, you know, that's why I'm saying Burrow becoming Carson Palmer on a what's more likely Friday. Hearing his comments sounds more like luck. That's why I'm looking forward to seeing this game this weekend against the Ravens, his first since these comments.

46:34Rich Eisen:Great job, guys. Super fun week, man. Thanks for having us. Fun time, fun time, fun time. We're going to wrap this up on Disney Plus in a matter of moments, and then we're going to go mad dash it to the airport. I've got to stop and get a sandwich first. you know, one that's see-through. Thank you. Put the tray tables in the upright position, everybody. We will see you. Say goodbye to the radio audience. See you guys. Bye, Ray. 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.

47:12The Rich Eisen Show, the podcast.

47:22MLB.tv on ESPN is your home for every out-of-market game, live or on demand. Catch your favorite teams and players, plus MLB Network and ESPN app features like Multiview, syncing your stats, key plays, bets, and fantasy, all in one place. Sign up now for MLB.tv in the ESPN app. Separate subscriptions required, blackouts, and other terms apply. Visit stream.espn.com slash MLB TV for more information.