Rahimi, Harris & Grote Show - Chris Emma breaks down Bears-Bengals joint practice (Hour 4)

Episode Date: August 20, 2026

Some people like Chris Ripper. You Ha-Snish. Nobody's field is getting messed up by Romstein. This is the music that I think of anytime anybody's raging throughout an office. It goes back to Entourage. We've been raging all day. What do you mean?

No, but you know, if you're on a rampage or like walking around the office with a purpose and you want to make a point to your supervisor and you like go up all these floors, this is the scene from Entourage where Werner's mad and then he's going up all the floors asking for Dana Gordon. And it's to Entourage. This is also the music that I think was playing with Chris

Sail was storming through the socks offices before he cut the sleeves of his jersey. Did you guys know that? Every single time I think it's like, I picture Chris Sale walking to do host by by Romstein. You just got me thinking about Ari Gold with the paint gun. No, that's the point. Yeah, you got it. You got me. You got me.

Does our guest understand any of these references? Of course he does. I don't know. Let's ask him. Chris Emma, he is at Chris Emma 1 on Twitter. He is the Bears Beat reporter for the score and the score of Chicago. com. Chris, how are you? What did you think of this commentary? Can you provide any thoughts? That's one of my favorite scenes from Entourage and one of my favorite scenes, absolutely.

It gets the juices going for me. Grotty knows this well. That's my workout song now. So that gets the blood pumping a little bit as we get into the gym. And I kind of turn to like Ari Gold ready to go. So do Haas. It's a great song. Dana! Can't you see Chris Sale running through the socks offices with the jersey that he doesn't want to wear to that? That's a reference, but I love that reference. I can 1,000% envision that. Every time I hear about it, that's the song that plays in my head immediately. Meanwhile, Chris, we know where you are.

And to be clear, some people like Chris Emma, I love Chris Emma. And I love the fact that you are covering the Bengals and the Bears joint practice. This is important. Some would say even more important than the preseason game itself. So I offer you the floor, Chris Emma, to tell us, what did you think of the joint practice? Well, we'll get to that last, that first part last because Ben Johnson covered it. I'll just get right to it. I do not see the starters playing at all Saturday night for either side because this was great work.

This is two hours on the practice field right off to the side of Paycor Stadium here in Cincinnati. And one field, field two is Bears' offense first Bengals defense. The other field field three, Bears defense first Bengals offense. I would consider a draw, which I know is not a sexy answer here. But there's moments for both sides. Quite frankly, in my eyes were mostly on the Bears' offensive side. there were some struggles today. Dexter Lawrence was a game record for the Bengals. And we remember that 47-42 game on November one last year with the Bengals defense

really looked rough and just did not stand the field with the Bears. This is much different better Bengals defense. And they were causing problems. Bears' offense line had a rough day today. Caleb Williams had a lot of really good and some bad moments as well. But this was a great experience for this group being out there and going against a different opponent and a tough opponent as well. So that's my thought.

I'm going to give it to the floor to Caleb Williams. and T.J. Edwards, because we asked them both how they felt today when. Here's Caleb Williams first. Yeah, I'd say we just got to, we got to clean up, you know, the penalties. I think that was, you know, on the first, I'd say 90% of, you know, practice just, we clean up those. We had some pretty big explosive plays, and it looks and feels different, I would say. You know, I haven't been able to watch it yet, so I don't know for, you know, for sure, but that's how it felt, at least out there. And then in the situation, it's just got to be better, you know, whether it's myself and protecting the football or, you know, up front or

wire receivers or we know all of us. It's a combination of all of us being able to go out there and execute, and it's going to be a focus point for us for sure. Obviously, the really good offense. I saw them last year too. You know, so we definitely had familiarity of just how they attacked us a little bit last year and kind of, right, what they do best. And obviously, they got some guys on the outside, a great quarterback, really good run game, good running back. So we knew it was going to be a really good challenge for us to see kind of where we were at. And I think our main thing we wanted to do today was just compete, like every single rep. We wanted to get takeaways.

We wanted to get pressure, energy, all those things. And without looking at the tape, you know, there's always going to be stuff we want to clean up. But I thought we did that today. It was a lot of fun. Again, you know, going out with this team for the first year. A lot of good guys, a lot of new guys on it too. So it was a lot of fun. So hearing that, Chris,

and understanding what this means to Ben Johnson and his coaching staff. I'm curious as to if they were pleased, displeat, like, is this, could you call it a draw? Is that a good thing, a bad thing, or we still got work to do thing? How would you look at it through your lens? I expected to see a little bit better from the Bears today, and in particular on the offensive side of the football. Maybe it's the recency bias of that game last year where the Bears put up 47 on the board and really dictated that game offensively.

I think one of my takeaways was Dexter Lawrence is an absolute game record for the Bengals and somebody upgrades that entire defense for Cincinnati. But a lot of the pre-snap stuff was something Ben Johnson, who spoke before practice, was saying that he was really pleased with the way that operation has been. And that was what he was focused on. I'm going to guess he was not happy after practice. And I'm curious to hear when he speaks next, kind of his evaluation of that. But I expected to see a cleaner operation, the tackle competition.

They mixed in Theo Bennett a little bit more with Brackett. Jackson Jones, neither of them looked great out there today. Neither them had a stellar day reese. You plant your flag in the ground and say that's our guy. And I think they were hoping to see that today as they mixed that up a little bit. The Bengals created some problems. And this is the beauty of these joint practices. You're able to get live looks against an opponent you're not really familiar with and really test each other out. And I don't think the bears pass the test by any means. I think there's a lot they really want to clean up. It's not Caleb Williams fault. I thought he had a mostly good day. He did get picked off by Dexter Lawrence on a ball. He tried

to elevate over the middle and big old 97 pulled it in. The first play from practice was a bot snap, a little bit of a snap from Garrett-Bradbury. Second play was a beautiful strike from Caleb Williams to Rome with Eunice. So there were ups and downs. That's kind of the showcase of practice today. Yeah, I think that was something that I was noticing to was we're still looking at combinations of personnel, Chris.

And that was one of the points that was made just an observation was, who's your left tackle in a two-minute drill situation? We saw reports about the O. Bennett. what were your observations about who they went to in crunch time at left tackle? I mean, I was thinking by this point, it's August 20th today that you'd really have this thing kind of wrapped up in some form. And it's gotten a little bit more messy here. The Raxdon injury certainly played a role in that having him sideline for a week just did not help, especially coming off this injury. I think it's his job to lose. And he did have

some good moments today as well. He looks like a different player now that he's healthy. He's just not healthy at all last year. But the way this is working out, right now. Jedrick Will's being kind of shoved out of the mix. Karan Amagotchi, I don't see on the 53 right even. Theo Bennett was being kind of cross-trained at the right tackle spot. Now they're putting him in a left tackle to give him another look at this spot. And nobody's really running away with this. I still think it's Braxton Jones' job. And I think he's going to play well as he continues to get his feet under him back out here in action. But this has not been an overwhelming success by any means. And think about the context of last year where nobody really won that battle. And there they are,

in the early week five by shifting it once again. I think their hope is they don't have to do that. They can get this thing resolved here in the preseason and probably in the next week, week and a half, they will say Braxton Jones is our starter and left tackle, but it's not there right now. Chris, I want to take it back to what you said about the pre-snap penalties because that's something Lail and I have been harping on.

When we talk about the relationship between a guy and Garrett Bradbury, who has obviously not had the chance to build up the rapport that Drew Dalman, it even took him and Caleb Williams some time to do. last season. How much of that pre-snap stuff do you feel like was because there is a new center there and they're still getting used to everything on the offensive line? I think today was more a buying product of the Bengals. I think the Bengals were probably doing some stuff pre-snap to mess with the Bears a little bit and probably not messing with Garrett-Bradberry as much as the offensive line as a whole. It's been a lot cleaner and fluid throughout the

course of training camp and the offensive line has looked pretty strong so far. Garrett-Bradberries looked really good and I understand why they coveted him in that spot. They want a guy, especially with Caleb Williams, still this 24 years old, year two and Ben Johnson system, year three in the league. They want a caddy at center. And somebody can really work well with the pre-snap stuff and helping align Caleb Williams, just as much as Caleb Williams is going to get everybody else aligned. I think that's a terrific dynamic they have and they got the right guy in place.

Ideally, at some point, this is Logan Jones' job for a long time, is your long-term center here. But right now, I think they feel plenty comfortable with Gary Bradbury. Today was just not a great day for that offensive line. And that's okay. I'm telling you, one of my top takeaways today was Dexter Lawrence looked outstanding out there. So it was good for both sides of the football against some tests. Lawrence up against that Bears' offense and offensive line on the other side of the football when you got Jamar Chase and T. Higgins, Joe Burrow, going up against that defense with a secondary being tested.

You got some really good battles out there today. Chris, we're talking to Chris Emma. He's joining us life from Cincinnati. He is our reporter at 1043, the score covering the Bears. He is also at the score, Chicago.com. And Chris, how many run plays did you see? Because I know Ben Johnson touched on it after the game on Saturday. He talked about how the run game he wanted to see more out of.

I think this is independent of D'Andre Swift at this point. We know Swift had a wonderful camp. What were your observations about the run game? I think today was a really interesting day for that third running back, Nix, if that's something you're interested in, because Kyle Manung, I did not travel with the team. Nor did Tyson, Bayesian, by the way, if you're looking ahead to Saturday. So they're getting a look at some of these other guys.

Briden Brown had one of my favorite plays I think I've ever seen, honestly, in training camp today where, you know, they got those guardian camps on top of their regular helmet. And there comes Britten Brown along the edge with the end zone in sight. He took on contact to the point where his guardian head was popping off and then he finished his run in the end zone. It was just a bulldozer type play. He's had his moments. Savon Ahmed is a guy who we saw Flash last week in the preseason opener and a really interesting player. Somebody got hurt last year with a really catastrophic injury during camp and trying to get him. matched in that form, but somebody that Ben Johnson clearly trusts. So,

Yondry Swift has looked fantastic throughout this training camp. We saw him really flashed, especially that live streamage last week, that first play he popped along the sidelines. I think they feel really good about this running back next, certainly with Mononghai factored in, and they hope that is not a serious injury where he's missing more than a few weeks at this point. But they got a good evaluation than that today. Brinard Brown and Savon-Ockman really stood out. So we know that it's a matchup of exciting quarterbacks that played out in real time because we saw a backup step into the role like he was Joe Burrow and Joe Flacco last year.

But now we've got Burrow back to full health. And I understand he had some things to say about the guy who plays quarterback in Chicago, right? It's cool to have that dynamic too in Chicago because I remember a few years ago when the Bengals came to Hallis Hall for a joint practice and thinking this is pre-Kaila Williams now that Joe Burrow is the best quarterback that's ever practiced at Hallis Hall before. And now the Bears got a guy in Caleb Williams who's. considered one of the best in the league. And in that elite class, he seems to be heading that way. That's the hope at least that he becomes one of those top 10 quarterbacks in the

league and a true bona fide franchise arm. And if you ask Joe Burrow, Caleb Williams is becoming that. Here's Joe Burrough on Caleb Williams. Yeah, he made some incredible plays and they always seem to come up in huge spots. And that was exciting to see. Obviously, I've known him for for a long time and he takes it very seriously and he's a very talented guy and fun to watch and you know so to have him make those plays in those big spots it's good for the league it's good for Chicago it's good for for everybody so when you have players like that it just makes everybody that much better it's the respect right the respect factor is in order here I think it's incredibly cool that the bears have one of those guys who a player like Joe

Burrough has that kind of respect or that admiration for it. There's going to be more of that. Caleb Williams, especially what you do as he did in the playoffs. Everybody in the football world watching that, there's so much respect for Caleb Williams as a buddy franchise quarterback. And thinking about where he was a couple of years ago, when C.J. Stroud kind of had that awkward moment with Caleb Post game and he had that eye roll and like now the top guys around the league are looking at Caleb Williams saying he is one of us.

He is becoming a top quarterback. And it's really cool. you're going to hear more of that as you go throughout the course of this season. But this is a guy that everybody in the league is looking to saying that's Caleb Williams team and the Bears are going to go wherever Caleb takes them. And it's been all arrows pointing up here in training cap. I've come away really impressed by Caleb Williams, the process that he's had, the determination that's in play for a guy who's continued to ascend in this league.

And what I've seen on the field, the emphasis on ball plays, put in the ball right on that spot where you can get that received reception, that yards after catch and really enhance. Ben Johnson's offense to the next level. I see a guy and Caleb Williams who's really dialed in on doing what the coaches want and getting the best out of himself because he knows after last season that

Ben Johnson has his best interest in mind and they're going to go really far together if they embrace that. Yeah, Joe sounded like he was cheering on the greater good there, which also involved Caleb. Chris, what can you tell us about what Ben Johnson had to say about the practices? Well, I'm just curious about this because the bears have now multiple joint practices.

Next week, week from today, they will be in Nashville working with the Titans. They did multiple last year. They've done a handful of these even before Ben Johnson came to the helm. And it's more of a new school thought the ability to do these practices away from the preseason now and structure it accordingly. Where rather than playing with the randomness of a preseason game and anything that the variables in play there, you got two practices basically going. Bears O versus Spengles D. Bears D versus Spengles O.

And it's just rapid fire. It's great action. This has become more of a priority around the league where there's a bunch of these going on today. So I asked Ben Johnson about why this is more important work in his mind than the preseason. Here's Ben Johnson. Yeah, well, I mean, they're controlled reps here. You know, the emphasis is going to be on our starters. And, you know, talking with Zach, he feels the same way.

They'll get the bulk of the workload here. And we'll assess where we're at after the practice just in terms of that workload. But, yeah, it's exciting because we know, you know, there's ground rules. Stay away from the quarterback. You know, we're thudding up. and things of that nature. And so we can just make sure it's safe, it's controlled. And yet the competition goes up, the intensity goes up.

You can't help. But when you have a new face across from you, you want to go out there and make sure your identity and who you're about, everything you're about shows up on tape. And so that's what we're looking for today. We talked about it this morning. We want to see our style of play transfer and translate, even though we're on the road here.

Knowing that there are joint practices each of the next two weeks now, before these last two preseason games. Does that mean we're really not going to see the starters in the preseason, specifically Caleb Williams? I think that's going to be the case. I would be very surprised if you see the bear starters on Saturday night here at PICOR Stadium. Next week, looking ahead, Ben Johnson's serious when he says they need to determine after these practices. And I was trying to imagine what kind of catastrophic sloppiness would it take for the bears to run their

starters out and change course and do that on Saturday night. I don't think you're going to see any of those starters out there for that preseason. finale down in Nashville. I think they're going to really prioritize the work you get on the fields here, Cincinnati and then Tennessee and getting the best out of those joint practices. And they feel really good about it. And Ben Johnson said it beautifully last week. He's like, do I need to see Kenla Williams in the preseason? No, I see him every day in practice. So last year, it was different because that was year one of the offense. They really needed every rep in a race against the clock to be totally prepared. And they really even win that race last September. It took while to get that

offense up to speed. The offense is more than up to speed right now. Caleb Williams is the guy taking the lead, not only what Ben Johnson wants, but everybody else on the field. So they feel like they're in a really good spot for that side of the football. I think they feel plenty confident about the work. Zach Taylor, the Bengals seem to suggest the same as what the Bears want to do that. They're going to hold out their starters as well for Saturday night. As I mentioned, Tyson Bayton's not here. So that means Case Keenan, Miller Moss. Those are going to be your quarterbacks most likely on Saturday night. That's incredible. We've been trying to figure that out, Chris. And After seeing Case Canem sling it in that third quarter last week, I assumed he would be getting the start if that were the case.

I know it's not ideal for the Bears. But for those of us who just love yards, just a lot of passing yards. Completion percentage. All of it, I feel like I'm in a good place with this. I just want to take a moment to you like Case Keatim, the level of appreciation for that guy. He's 38 years old. He's in year 15 of the league. He truly embraces being the backup quarterback for this guy, being a sounding board between Caleb Williams and the rest.

this team and the coaching staff and being a true veteran presence. That's a guy who just loves football. He keeps coming back and doing this work because he loves ball. He loves being part of the team. So it's going to be fun to watch him out there. And from the other side last week with the Browns, like Case Keenum should be the starter for the Browns. I mean, trade a draft take whatever you need to do to get that guy. That was a mess that they had between Deshaun Watson and two-door Sanders. Case Keenum is worlds above those Cleveland quarterbacks that they had out there. So it speaks volumes to the way that he prepares and the work he's still putting in now at age 38. you're 15 to be successful.

All right, I just, I really got to hit this because you haven't mentioned a couple of names. Jalen Johnson, Montes, Sweat, Dio, Dingbo. Did any of these guys on defense flash against what we assume is going to be a world-class offense quarterback by Joe Burrow with that receiving core? You know who flashed today, even better, they'll go with the young buck. That's number 31, Dylan Thienman. From my perspective, I was watching the offensive side, and there was kind of multiple plays going at the same time.

and I hear a roar on the other field. I kind of look up, but there's 31, and what I thought that was the ball, was deflected off the hands of T. Higgins. Dylan Theanman pulls it in, and is just gone down the sidelines. And the Bears' defense, and really the bears as a whole, they were loud at it.

They made their voices heard. That was the loudest that field three got, as Dylan Thineman was flying down the field as well. So it was great to see him back out there. Dio Dainbo, and we have to talk with T. T.E. Edwards today, he kind of leaned into the ongoing bits, and he looked motivated out there.

So 55's healthy out there. I'll give you another report too, because there's been a lot of focus on Kyler Gordon. He was out there today on the sidelines, not in uniform, of course, but watching practice closely. Look, we've heard a lot from the bears about Tyler Gordon's side. My understanding as well is that he's frustrated. He's been down on his luck with the injuries. And I think a lot of that, frankly, it's probably something he's not doing right. When you have this level of soft tissue injuries and these injuries, one after the other for him,

I'm sure he's incredibly frustrated that he's not playing. Look, I think there's something that he and the bears have to get on the same page with in terms of the preparation to be out there. But at the very least, I not seen Tyler Gordon really at all, aside from in the locker room postgame Saturday. So he along with Luther Bird and were there watching on the sidelines, cheering on their teammates and part of this trip. So that's good to see. I think you just buried the lead. T.J. Edwards is aware of motivated Dio? He got a laugh out of that one, too.

He's heard. I think everybody in that locker room has heard of the motivated Dio. bit. So look, it's, they're thrilled that he's out there. And I know it's become like a social media meme and everything out there. But for Dino Dainbo to come back, the injury was here in Cincinnati on that field, for him to come back, go through this process, embrace it, and come back stronger than this. Obviously, it's a different leg. He's dealing with a different injury than he had years ago. But that process of rehabbing from that allowed him to come back with a clean process, a clean rehab, and be stronger than before. So this is a key guy.

for the Bears. We know Montes Sweck carried the load for that pass rush. They are counting on 55 to be part of this as well, along with the guys like Austin, Booker, and the complimentary pieces that you have in this rush. So you're able to get Diomed Daymo back to form. This defense is going to be in a really good place. All right, well, that is huge. Chris, you've done

a great job reporting from Cincinnati. We look forward to your reports tomorrow as well. Take care. Thanks, Chris. Chris Emma, our Bears reporter. You can check his work out at the score, chicago.com. Of course, he's at Chris Emma one on Twitter. Who knew? He'd be typing, he'd be talking, he'd be asking questions, and he'd be recording.

That's Chris Emma. Amazing. Training cam coverage on the score is sponsored by IDOT. At some point in the day, everyone is a pedestrian. Slow down and give them space. Share the road. It's not a game. Coming up next, our friend Jesse Rogers is doing the work for the people out here.

He decided to ask players who they think has the edge in the National League MVP race. Peek Roy Armstrong or Show Hey Otani? And he built quite a consensus. I think there were some very good thoughts in this. So we'll examine next. Rahimi Harrison Grody. I mean, I'm just going to make it happen. I'm a dog.

Midday's 10 to 2 on 104 3, the score. You've got to see a few pitches first. It's a high fly ball deep right. Going back Montgomery, he looks up. Cops walking off. Pete Crowe Armstrong ends the game the way he started it. with a home run to right. He got a breaking ball that stayed up and out over the plate.

I guess it took him three pitches to figure it out. He's out in front of us a little bit, but he stays through it and just hits it under the video board. Close to where the first one went, second homer in a game, Cubs win. That courtesy of the Cubs Radio Network, Zach and Ron on the call. This is Rahimi Harrison Grotia on 104.3, the score.

Pete Crow Armstrong. Another 30-30 season to his name. 31 home runs with his stolen base count. He again continues to just make waves. The OPS is 928. That is good for 14th. And baseball, he is batting 279. He's got 79 RBIs to his name.

The man keeps doing things. He's off today because the Cubs play the Mariners on Friday for a weekend set. But even though PCA's bat was quieted yesterday, Marshall, The statements have been made. So PCA is right neck and neck with Shoah Otani and a lot of things offensively. Here's the biggest difference between the two players. Shohei Otani has pitched this season. He is not currently pitching, and we're not sure if he will pitch again.

PCA does something that Shohei Otani does not do, and that's play defense, and not just regular defense, but otherworldly top-of-the-scale defense in the center field. Center field defense being a big part of this is that we're starting to see positional value. That's part of the reason the Cubs wanted to sign him to an extension when they did was even though they knew the bat was not a finished product. The fielding value to them was. So Jesse Rogers came out with this article yesterday. Crow Armstrong versus Otani, who has the edge in the NL MVP race. And you hear from us, you know what we're going to say.

We tend to be biased toward PCA here in this house. but we also want to know what else people are saying. You know, we've talked to Bob Nightingale. You asked the question of Bob Nightingale weeks ago about this before the trade deadline. Jesse did one better. I think he did what a lot of reporters should do. You know, we talk about your favorite players, favorite player. And he interviewed a various amount of players, 20 players across nine different teams

to get their opinion on the MVP race. The Dodgers and the Cubs were not part of the polling. Chad Crow Armstrong as the choice among our player panel. So PCA got 15 votes. Otani got four and split MVP was two. So that right there tells you, there's a good chance your favorite player's favorite player right now is Pete Crow Armstrong.

What's up, everybody? Yeah, what's up, PCA? But we know that the BBWAA helps decide this and it's why we ask guys like Bob Nightingale what they think. Now, we might have gotten one back because Tim Kirkson was on foul territory today and was asked this very question. It's a toss up, Katie, but at the moment, I'm going to take Pete Crow Armstrong just based on what he has done lately. Now, we're going to revisit this every day for the rest of this season. And if Shohei returns to the mound and pitches like crazy in September, that's going to change the dynamic completely.

but PCA has been amazing. You know, he's the first Cub ever to have a 30-30 season, 30 homers, 30 steals in back-to-back years. The 31 homers just proves, again, how good a hitter he has become. But Greg Counsel, the manager of the Cubs, has told me that PCA is by far the best player, defensive player at any position, quote, on the planet. And he said, I think he's the fastest player in the league. and he said he is the type of fast that I've never seen from a major league player.

I mean, his quickness, start and stop, everything else. So here you have a guy who can beat you with his glove in center field, beat you with his legs. He just did that the other day, stealing third and scoring on the throw to the outfield. And, of course, he's a really good hitter. So I would give him the slight edge at this point, but this is going to be one of the closest MVP races that I repeat. still have to see what Otani does down the stretch.

And this is, Katie, this is when the MVP races should be decided. The last five weeks of the six weeks of the season to see who takes their team into the playoffs and what they look like when they get there. So it's a dead heat. I'll take PCA by inches. I love Tim Kirchen and his explanation. And I love that he explains, like, this is when the ward should be decided. stretch right. Now, we do expect both of these teams to be in the playoffs, but it can be a

situation where you ask yourself several questions. One of those questions being, if you took this player off the team, how much would that affect said team? That's one of the, just one of the many arguments. That's the old school, the most valuable player discussion. Yes. And the other questions you can also ask, though, are, hey, I know this player is a better player career-wise, but can you just focus on this season? Because a lot of people I've heard talk to me in my comments, whatever. Well, Shohei Otani went 50-50, so it shouldn't matter. How many stolen bases to Showay-O-Tani have this year?

Also, it's about this year, but here's the thing. We see it happen in baseball. We've seen a guy like Alex Rodriguez win the AL-MVP the year after he should have. Like, they have done it. You know who also is guilty of having done this? someone who was surveyed for this story by Jesse Rogers. Oh, he plays for the White Sox. His name is Drew Romo.

Let me quote him. Drew Romo. The case for... Hold on. Who does this? Not the MVP part. When you say, who does this? This is what exactly?

Who does what I'm about to tell you he did? Like what he says. The case for Otani, here's the quote from White Sox catcher, Drew Romo. Otani. He's the most valuable. He's maybe the greatest. player of all time. And I know the MVP is a quote unquote this year award, but I just think Otani is the greatest. The first half on the mound was enough for me. It sounds like he

understands the assignment, but says F the assignment and says, I'm going to refer to him being really, really good overall, not excluded to this year. This year. I was like, I'm pretty sure Drew Romo did not win the MVP the year later. That's what I was like, wait a second. Well, is Drew Romo, though, playing the game here? Is he playing the cross-town game here? Is he playing the cross-town game? Like, I couldn't possibly put it out in writing that I'm co-signing that PCA is MVP. There's that and then there's also the fact that catchers work with who?

Pitchers. Okay. Mm-hmm. Okay. Even though he's not currently pitching. The other case for pitching here is Sean Burke, White Sox pitcher. a half season of Sy Young-level pitching and what he does offensively. No one has done that on both sides of the ball.

He gets my vote. So I'm like, hmm, did pitcher catcher align here? And also socks versus Cubs. I get it. Well, you say that, but let me refute those two witnesses, if you will, for the jury. Oh, really? With this from two other White Sox pitchers who helped make the case for Pete Crow Armstrong.

Here's Trevor Richards. He hasn't slowed down. And on top of that, he's arguing. the best fielder at all of baseball. He's a complete player. That's for sure. PCA has a chance to go 40-40. That's one White Sox pitcher, Trevor Richards.

Here's White Sox pitcher Anthony Kaye. Quote, the pitching side of things from Otani is amazing, but I think I would go with PCA. If you look at war, that's wins above replacement, and stuff like that, both have been incredible, but I'd go with Pete. Okay, so I think that the most measured quote was here from Emilio Paghan. Okay, give it to me. Who actually put some formula to this. He's the pitcher with the Reds.

I had a debate like this with Rocco Baldelli when I was with Minnesota. That surprises me zero, by the way. Like that whole sentence right there. It was Otani and Judge at the time. Judge was like the best defensive right fielder in the game. Rocko said, you have to take the defensive war that Judge provides and compare that to the pitching war that Otani provides. And then if the offense is even, that's how you can do it. So I'd go PCA.

If Otani starts pitching again, it goes five to seven innings, a start down the stretch, the conversation looks different. If he doesn't pitch again in a real starter's role, then I'd vote for PCA still. But here's a thing. I think, at least according to Fangrauss, I think Shohei Otani's pitching war is still higher than PCA's defensive war. It is. But this is a good, this was good. Rockobaldelli provided us with information that made sense. It is, but PCA has a chance to add more to his defensive war because as we, as far as we know, Otani's not getting back on the mound before the postseason because if you're the Dodgers going for three straight World Series titles, why would you put him back on the mound

before you had to? Yeah, but that's, at least, at least he was able to provide a formula and a solution. Like credit to Rocco Baldelli, I'm like, oh, thoughts like that or why you became a manager so young. So F-War to update you, 8.3 F-War to lead the majors for Pete Crow Armstrong. And then Shohei Otani has an F-war of seven, which is second highest. Just to show you the gap, by the way. It's 8.3 for PCA. It's seven for Shohei. And then Bobby Witt Jr. is third, six. So everybody's probably seen by now the Greg Am Singer. Not a Cardinals fan, by the way, Greg Am Singer, video of him refuting war as far as MVP measurement in favor of Shohei Otani and against PCA. And when I was watching the first two games across town, do you know what I thought?

Like state of the union? It's like, and now with the Democrat response, and in this case, because there's a Republican president in power, it'd be the other way around, vice versa. And now with the, and now with the non-PCA response, here's Greg Am Singer. Like somebody has to be the one to like appear on screen and say, why this is not the case. The anybody with PCA party? I just do want to point out. M.B. War, that's baseball references, wins above replacement. PCA is a 7.8 already

compared to Otani, who is at 6.8, and in defensive war, 1.8 is what Pete Carr Armstrong is at as far as defensive war goes. We got another vote from a White Sox for PCA. Oh,

on our text line, 630. I'm a diehard socks fan, and I strongly dislike, parentheses, hate, L.L. Parentheses, the Cubs. But it's PCA for MVP and it's not really close IMO. Like that's the thing. Maybe the socks are the best team to survey in this because they see highlights and stuff.

Like they're just closer to it all. And they just experienced what they just experienced the last three games. And then it's two and two where two socks say Otani and two socks say PCA. Classic. Classic. See, I disagree with 309 on the text line. And thank you for texting us, by the way. If PCA keeps this up and doesn't win MVP, it's basically a signal.

that the MVP is for pitchers only, kind of like how it is in the NFL with QBs. I think it's very different because I think if there was a quarterback who was doing elite level stuff and then turn around and playing, I don't know, middle linebacker or free safety and getting you interceptions, we'd be giving that guy MVP every year. Shoah's one of one. That's the issue.

You have the Cy Young for the AL and the NL. You have the MVP for the AL and the NL. What he's doing is one of one. And that alone might make you say that he's far. to win the MVP. It can be that simple too. But you have to understand what Pekro Armstrong is doing in a Shohei Otami dominated national league and understand that to even be in the conversation like this requires a phenomenal season. You know what my favorite part about the conversation is? It ain't over and it's going to continue. And we're going to continue to have fun talking about it.

Everyone can weigh in and have an opinion and be affected by what both of these super Superstar players in their prime are able to do and make baseball great and big and grow the game until we get to 2027 and everything comes to a screeching haul. Do you keep talking about it like it's a done deal? Do you want to put money on it? I would love to put money on whether or not there's going to be a work stoppage next year. It's got to be like the amount of time. And work stoppage is a loaded term.

It would be a lockout. Like the owners would theoretically lock out the players. That's fine. Like because you're acting like they would stop working the players. They would stop working because the owners would not. allow them to work. Correct. Yes.

There's, so not to get all nitty. I just, I keep saying lock out, lock out, I was just trying to mix it up a little bit. Workstabage can definitely be, you know.

312 asks a reasonable question. I love PCA and as a socks fan, but what are we doing with show hey? Oh, but are we doing with show hey, what we hated with everyone would do when they would not vote for anyone, but Jordan for MVP.

I don't think it's the same because I think the skill set of, so like he's saying like, or they're saying like when they would, everybody would vote for, for somebody who isn't Michael Jordan for MVP. Are we doing the same with Shohei? No. And I think that's a valid question.

I don't think we're doing the same with Shohei because Shohei ain't pitching right now. I think that's a big part of the equation. He's got just somewhere between a third and 40% of the games pitched in a season. And if it stays here, fine. Now, if he comes back and pitches, the conversation itself will change. I think the Rocco Baldelli formula might be the way. But again, you've got to count somebody playing every day and how that factors in.

these are big problems for our times guys and a story we will continue to track as tim kirkson aptly described okay we've got to save i think the the trash talking story for i guess we have tomorrow that we're expecting that we're very excited about that you will want to listen to with them i think we need to listen to whatever this motivated dio acknowledgment was from t j edwards because i did not see that coming have we even talked to t j edwards since he broke his leg have we talked to t j edwards is this the first time anybody we'll have to look into that I don't believe you've spoken

I don't think so I'd missed hearing from T.J. Edwards so I need this. We'll do it next. Rahimi Harris and Grody. I'm saying I love Chicago there. That's exactly what I said. Word for word I was saying

I love Chicago. Midday's 10 to 2 on 104 3, the score. I owe the dangbo. Okay, so we're aware the Twitter streets have made us aware that Dio Dengbo is also aware

of the concept of motivated die out where coming off of an Achilles injury, a tear, that he's going to be motivated and play to the contract. It was,

I think somebody in our Twitch chat said they figured out that it is two different Achilles, but I need to see it for myself. I need to know. I'm going to barge into Hallis Hall and be like, excuse me, they're going to be like,

you don't have a credential. I'm like, I don't care. Which Achilles was it? Counterpoint, you could just request a credential and they'll let you in. And I would be like, here is my one question as to why I am here with said credential. Be prepared. You got to wait till locker room is open for that because you don't want to waste that

limited podium time on that question. No, that's, no. Other writers will look at you. Minusia does not belong at the podium. That's for Rahimi Harris and Grady, 10 to 2 every day. But in the meantime, we know T.J. Edwards, friend of the station. parents used to listen to 104 the score back when it was 670. You think his parents stopped listening?

I don't know. I hope you're still listening, Mr. and Mrs. Edwards. Yeah, he said he grew up listening to Bors and Bernstein when he was little. So I guess it shouldn't surprise me that T.J. Edwards is aware. Also, T.J. spoke in April. So he has, this will be the second time he spoke since he had broken his leg. The point is I need to hear from T.J. Edwards more. But I did not expect this.

How do you rally around a team player? everybody online, doing a motivated Dio and Dainbo stuff. How do you rally around them and be like, man, don't worry about it. When you get back, we know what you're going to be able to bring. The highest team every day, I'm just like, he looked motivated today. So I feed right into it. Yeah, I feed right into it. But no, I think, you know, especially for me, like I was, you know, I was going through rehab just when they were going through rehab too.

So I got to see that progression with Dio and Noah, you know, got to see that firsthand. And, again, know the players that they are, know what they are when they're feeling like. themselves and you just try to stay together. I mean, it's a sport where you need everyone in here. So knowing that they got to be at their best when they get back, I think it's kind of what we were just preaching. And it's really good to see him back on the field of it. Okay, I love this. I love it. T.J. Edwards was in on the bit. He looked motivated today. And the giggle. I also need to hear T.J. Edwards happy. That makes me happy too. Yeah, he sounded as happy as I think I've heard that man sounding quite some time. Because T. J's the responsible one who has to

answer like a business man because we ask him out of crazy out of pocket questions. It's more than that though. He also is from here so he fully gets it. Like he fully understands the Bears fans mindset. Right? Like he lived it growing up here. Look

this is a plea from us here at the Rahimi Harrison Grotie show to Vince and Kathy Edwards. Hey, if you ever want to call in and talk to us about things, feel free. We're here for you. And I understand that Vince played his father, played a big role coaching him growing up.

And I think I would like to talk to Vince Edwards about what he thinks about what has happened with his son, his success as a professional, both in Philadelphia and here, obviously in Chicago, and the pressure that he as a dad who already had all these conversations, who already listened to sports talk radio, now having another layer of actually having his son play for the team. I cannot imagine what that is like. But I think it also means you kind of understand. Like sometimes players, it's not personal.

It just becomes symbolic. Motivated Dio has become the symbol of the struggle of the defensive line and the lack of pass rush that we had expected to see. And if he takes it out on his opponents, didn't we all win and make some friends along the way? Shout out to Vince and Kathy. And T.J., man, it's good to hear from him. It's great that he's been able to come back so quickly too.

Really is. So all of that is uplifting to me. I also want to point out that it is National Radio Day. And we didn't get to our co-worker stories. But in the spirit of team, you guys both came up in very hustle-based ways, Tyler and Ray. And I think you should share your stories because I don't like that it was just us, too, on the air saying it. So to pick up where we left off and vibe on it. You know, how did you come to be in the business?

And what's your best, like, radio stories to how you got to your career? So I kind of started in the business by getting a little weekend gig over when it was called BetQL and just kind of working over there and then made my way over here as a part-timer and then now joining you guys here on the midday show. But as far as recent memorable times working in radio, I will have to say it was probably being able to dump PCA for cussing on our show. Because not many people can do to say they did that. And so that was fantastic. and he brought his great content for a rejoin. He said, sorry to Ray, made him spill his coffee everywhere. So for right now, because I'm still pretty new to this industry, I would say that was

probably one of the most memorable moments for me. It's great to be able to say you stopped PCA. Yeah, not many people can do that. And I'm honored to have been shocked by PCA to the point that I spilled my coffee all over the place, but yet did not damage any equipment. That's the real MVP. That's a win. Now, wait a second.

Before we get into R. Ray's story. Tyler, you have a score connection that I don't think people know about with Dustin Rhodes. That's true. He was actually my instructor. I started over at Illinois Media School, and he kind of groomed me into coming into here. And so then we actually worked side by side as instructors over at Illinois Media School in O'Hare. And so I've known Dustin since way back. He gave me my first commercial read, and I had to read and produced it. And so now I'm over here working on the show right after his and the Mullian and Bullion and Bull Boys.

Outstanding. Well, there it is. I'm on the Dustin Rhodes tree, too, because he's the one that got me, helped me get the foot in the door in the industry with my first internship at the Man Cow Show. So those who remember that show, and that guy can only imagine how entertaining that was. But thanks to Dustin. Ray is biting his tongue here in a way that I haven't hurt. Well, you know, just being, just going to leave it clean.

Nice and clean on the air. I'll have to do the behind the scenes chat someday or something. We'll have to tell a story. Dustin and I'll have to tell stories sometime. Love it. In the meantime, I've noticed Mitch Rosen, Ryan Porth, and various other score luminaries going to the back of the office. And then I realized what's happening. Carmen Vitale is here.

She brought cookies, didn't she? And that's why everybody's freaking out. Cookies. I am the everyone. I am freaking out. Yeah. I'm like, oh, there's a boss I haven't seen in a while. there's another boss I haven't seen in a while. Oh, what are all these people doing? And then I was like,

it's Carmen's cookies. Okay, so Carmen is here. Lawrence Holmes is here. We get to talk to them next.