Archive for November, 2010
Nov
30
Fox Soccer Channel Goes All Out For World Cup Announcement
Come Thursday morning our time, we’ll know which countries will host the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. Fox Soccer Channel will have programming leading up to the announcement on Thursday. Let’s take a look at what it will air on Wednesday and Thursday.
THURSDAY IS DECISION DAY 2022 ON FOX SOCCER CHANNEL
In just over 24-hours, the eyes of the world will be on Zurich, Switzerland, where the future of soccer in the U.S. may take a giant step forward as FIFA announces the host nation for the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups™.Fox Soccer Channel is providing wall-to-wall coverage of the historic announcement. Here’s a look at some of our coverage:
Thursday’s Decision Day 2022 telecast includes:
That’s it.
Nov
30
Sunday Night Football Wins Primetime; Is Off Slightly From Week 12 2009
NBC’s Sunday Night Football came on top of the primetime ratings once again, garnering an 11.4 rating with an 18 share. It’s off from last year’s Pittsburgh-Baltimore game in Week 12 which received an 11.5/18 mark. The final viewing numbers for Sunday’s game ended at 19.1 million viewers which gave NBC a very good November. Let’s take a look at the final ratings and what NBC is saying about the average viewership in November.
“SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL” HAS BEST NOVEMBER FOR PRIMETIME NFL PACKAGE IN 14 YEARS
19.1 Million Watch Chargers Blowout of Colts
SNF Most-Watched Sunday Night Show Every Week So Far This Season (12 For 12)
No. 1 Show of the Week in All Key Adult and Male Demos
NEW YORK – November 30, 2010 – The four-game November average viewership this season makes “Sunday Night Football” the most-watched primetime NFL package for the month of November in 14 years. Despite the San Diego Chargers 36-14 blowout of the Indianapolis Colts, this week’s “Sunday Night Football” game was the most-watched program on Sunday night for the 12th straight week and the No. 1 primetime show of the week, according to official national data released today by The Nielsen Company.A NOVEMBER TO REMEMBER: “Sunday Night Football” had a four-game November viewership of 20.9 million, making it the most-watched November ever for SNF and the best November for a primetime NFL package in 14 years (23.9 million on ABC in 1996).
- NBC’s 12-week viewership of 21.3 million is nearly two million more than and nine percent above last year’s 19.5 million, and up 31 percent over 2008 (16.3 million) through the same point in the season.
TOPS COLTS-CHARGERS SNF GAME IN 2008 BY NEARLY 4 MILLION: Sunday’s game, in which the Chargers out-scored the Colts 20-0 in the second half, drew 19.1 million viewers, nearly four million more and 26-percent higher than Week 12 in 2008 (with the same matchup) when the Colts beat the Chargers, 23-30, (15.2 million) and just one percent off of last year’s Week 12 game that featured the Ravens beating the Steelers in an overtime thriller (19.2 million). Sunday night’s household rating of 11.4/18 is nearly two rating points and 20 percent higher than that Colts-Chargers game in 2008.SNF AVERAGE VIEWERSHIP THROUGH 12 WEEKS:1. 2010, 21.3 million2. 2009, 19.5 million3. 2006, 17.5 million4. 2007, 16.6 million5. 2008, 16.3 millionDEFEATED ALL SUNDAY NIGHT COMPETITION: Sunday’s Chargers-Colts broadcast defeated all Sunday night competition for the 12th time in 12 weeks, on an evening that included such original competition as CBS’s 60 Minutes, Amazing Race and the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie “November Christmas,” and Fox’s Simpsons and Cleveland Show.SNF IS 12 FOR 12: With 19.1 million viewers, “Sunday Night Football” was the most-watched primetime show on Sunday night for the 12th straight week this season (100 percent). Last season, SNF was the most-watched Sunday night primetime broadcast in a record 15 of 16 (94 percent) weeks. In 2008, SNF won 13 of 16 (81 percent) Sunday nights after winning 11 of 16 in 2007 (69 percent) and nine of 16 in 2006 (56 percent).The 12-week average household rating of 12.8/21 is eight-percent higher than last year’s 11.8/19 and 27 percent ahead of 2008 (10.1/16) through the same point in the season.NO. 1 SHOW OF THE WEEK: For the 12th straight week, “Sunday Night Football” was the No. 1 regularly-scheduled primetime broadcast of the week by a wide margin among Adults 18-49, the coveted advertiser demographic. SNF was also the No. 1 show this week among Adults 18-34, Adults 25-54, Men 18-34, 18-49 and 25-54.
- For the week, “Sunday Night Football” had a 34-percent margin of victory over the No. 2 show in Adults 18-49 (7.1 for SNF vs. 5.3 for Desperate Housewives).
- Through 12 weeks of the NFL season, “Sunday Night Football” stands as the most-watched primetime show on television, and the No. 1 regularly scheduled primetime show in all key adult and male demos.
- SNF is also the No. 3 show since the beginning of the football season among Women 18-34 and 18-49.
TOP METERED MARKETS FOR CHARGERS-COLTS:1. Indianapolis, 42.9/552. San Diego, 39.2/563. Las Vegas, 20.7/304. New Orleans, 20.4/265. Nashville, 17.4/246. Kansas City, 16.5/23T7. Norfolk, 15.1/22T7. Richmond, 15.1/219. Albuquerque, 15.0/2210. Baltimore, 14.8/22
More later.
Nov
30
Tiger Woods Speaks With Golf Channel On Wednesday
Just received word that Golf Channel is going to air an interview with Tiger Woods during Golf Central early Wednesday evening on the East Coast. This will address several issues, although we can safely assume that Thanksgiving 2009 won’t be brought up. We do have this quick blurb from Golf Channel regarding the interview.
Golf Central – Tiger Woods One-on-One InterviewAirdate: Wednesday, 6-6:30 p.m.Nov. 30 – Tiger Woods sat down today with Golf Channel’s Steve Sands at the Chevron World Challenge for a one-on-one interview, portions which will air within Golf Central, Wednesday at 6 p.m. ET. In the wide-ranging interview, Woods discusses a variety of topics, including who he believes is the world’s best golfer, his departure from former swing coach Hank Haney and his lowest point on the course in 2010. Woods also addresses questions from Sands about how this past year – on and off the course – tested him emotionally, how the fans have received him, whether he will marry again, and how much the public has the right to know about celebrities and its heroes. Following Golf Central, the entire interview will be available online at www.GolfChannel.com.
One more release coming up.
Nov
30
TNT Airs LeBron James’ Return to Cleveland
In one of the most anticipated NBA games of the year, TNT gets to carry the first game LeBron James will play in Cleveland since announcing his decision to go to the Miami Heat. The game will air this Thursday as part of TNT’s Thursday night doubleheader. I expect some very good ratings for the network of record for the NBA.
LeBron James Returns to Cleveland with the Miami Heat on TNT NBA ThursdayExclusive doubleheader features Heat @ Cavaliers (8 p.m. ET) and Suns @ Warriors (10:30 p.m. ET)TNT NBA Thursday continues on December 2 with an exclusive doubleheader featuring Miami Heat forward LeBron James’ first game in Cleveland since leaving the Cavaliers prior to the season. TNT NBA Tip-Off will get preview the game at 8 p.m. (ET) with host Ernie Johnson and analysts Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith live at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland. Following NBA Tip-Off, James makes his return to Cleveland with the Heat to face Mo Williams and the Cavaliers. James, an Akron, Ohio native, spent seven seasons with the Cavaliers before joining the Heat in the off-season. Play-by-play announcer Marv Albert will call the game alongside analysts Steve Kerr and Reggie Miller with Craig Sager reporting.In the second game of the night, Monta Ellis and the Golden State Warriors will host Steve Nash and the Phoenix Suns at 10:30 p.m. (ET). Kevin Harlan (play-by-play) and Mike Fratello (analyst) will be courtside with Cheryl Miller reporting. TNT’s Emmy® Award-winning studio show, Inside the NBA will air directly following the conclusion of the second game with the NBA TV’s Matt Winer (host), Kevin McHale and Chris Webber (analysts) in Atlanta recapping the night’s action.Exclusive content, analysis from TNT announcers and replays of Inside the NBA are available on TNT OverTime on NBA.com. The broadband channel gives fans the inside scoop on players, coaches and storylines taking place around the league seven days a week. Check out the NBA on TNT pages on Twitter (http://twitter.com/NBAonTNT) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/nbaontnt) to see the latest NBA on TNT schedule, news updates and special features from TNT announcers.NBA ON TNT NBA SCHEDULE:Thu., December 28 p.m. TNT NBA Tip-Off live at Quicken Loans Arena (Cleveland, OH)Ernie Johnson (host), Charles Barkley (analyst) and Kenny Smith (analyst)8:15 p.m. Miami Heat @ Cleveland CavaliersAnnouncers: Marv Albert (play-by-play), Steve Kerr (analyst), Reggie Miller (analyst) and Craig Sager (reporter)10:30 p.m. Phoenix Suns @ Golden State WarriorsAnnouncers: Kevin Harlan (play-by-play), Mike Fratello (analyst) and Cheryl Miller (reporter)Post-game Inside the NBAMatt Winer (host), Kevin McHale (analyst) and Chris Webber (analyst)TNT NBA THURSDAY UPCOMING SCHEDULE:Thu., December 98 p.m. TNT NBA Tip-OffErnie Johnson (host), Charles Barkley (analyst) and Kenny Smith (analyst)8:15 p.m. Boston Celtics @ Philadelphia 76ersAnnouncers: Kevin Harlan (play-by-play), Reggie Miller (analyst) and Craig Sager (reporter)10:30 p.m. Orlando Magic @ Portland Trail BlazersAnnouncers: Marv Albert (play-by-play), Steve Kerr (analyst), Mike Fratello (analyst) and David Aldridge (reporter)Post-game Inside the NBAErnie Johnson (host), Charles Barkley (analyst) and Kenny Smith (analyst)
I’ll be back later.
Nov
30
NFL Network’s Replay Games Plus GameDay Final Quotage
We have the games that NFL Network will replay in shortened format tonight and tomorrow plus the quotage from GameDay Final that aired Sunday. First, the games that will be redone tonight.
NFL Network’s Tuesday Night “Field Pass” ScheduleTuesday, November 30
- 8:00 PM ET NFL Replay: Philadelphia Eagles at Chicago Bears
Chicago quarterback Jay Cutler tied his career-high with four touchdown passes as the Bears defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 31-26 to remain in first place in the NFC North.
- 9:15 PM ET NFL Replay: Green Bay Packers at Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta kicker Matt Bryant made a 47-yard field goal with nine seconds remaining to give the Falcons a 20-17 win over the Green Bay Packers at the Georgia Dome. Atlanta running back Michael Turner rushed for a game-high 110 yards and a touchdown.
- 10:30 PM ET Best of Sound FX: Terrell Owens
Best of the on-field sights and sounds of current Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Terrell Owens from throughout his career with the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys and Buffalo Bills.NFL Replay offers an exclusive look at the previous week’s games in a condensed, 75-minute, high-octane format. With the use of bonus NFL Films and NFL Network footage, including never-before-seen camera angles and coaches’ commentary, combined with exclusive wired sound from the field, locker rooms and sidelines, viewers will experience the game like never before.
And the games on Wednesday.
NFL Network’s Wednesday Night “Field Pass” ScheduleWednesday, December 1
- 8:00 PM ET NFL Replay: Jacksonville Jaguars at New York Giants
New York Giants tight end Kevin Boss scored on a 32-yard touchdown pass from Eli Manning late in the fourth quarter to beat the Jacksonville Jaguars 24-20 and end a two-game losing streak. NFL Replay will include special wired sound from Giants linebacker Michael Boley.
- 9:15 PM ET NFL Replay: Pittsburgh Steelers at Buffalo Bills
Pittsburgh kicker Shaun Suisham made a 41-yard field goal with 2:14 remaining in overtime as the Steelers outlasted the Buffalo Bills 19-16 at Ralph Wilson Stadium.
- 10:30 PM ET Sound FX: Week 12
A compilation of the best sights and sounds from around the league from Week 12 of the NFL season.Both 75-minute NFL Replay programs are a part of the new ‘Field Pass’ block airing every Tuesday and Wednesday from 8:00-11:00 PM ET. ‘Field Pass’ takes fans inside the game like never before with exclusive NFL Films footage and sound. Following NFL Replay at 10:30 PM ET is Sound FX featuring a ‘best of’ theme highlighting an NFL great on Tuesday nights and a compilation of the sound from the previous Sunday’s games on Wednesday.
*** Sunday is NFL GameDay on NFL Network, starting at 9:00 AM ET with NFL GameDay Morning. Host Rich Eisen joins Steve Mariucci, Marshall Faulk, Michael Irvin and Warren Sapp for the first and most comprehensive pregame show every Sunday. This week on NFL GameDay Morning:
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Michael Irvin interviews Atlanta Falcons’ QB Matt Ryan and WR Roddy White
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Interview with Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin before the Steelers face the Baltimore Ravens in a battle for first place in the AFC North.
After the jump, I’ll give you quotage from NFL GameDay Final.
As promised, here’s the quotage.
Week 12 (11/28/10) – Quotable fromNFL GameDay Final on NFL Network(Airs Sundays at 11:30 PM ET)“We talk about the (Tom) Bradys, we talk about the (Peyton) Mannings, we talk about Drew Brees. Now they’re throwing (Matt Ryan) in the mix. But Philip Rivers needs to be mentioned among the elite quarterbacks.”– Deion Sanders on San Diego Chargers QB Philip Rivers who is tied for the league-lead with 23 touchdown passes“I remember when he got to Dallas and where we were as a football team, and where Troy (Aikman) was as a quarterback. He took (Troy) to the next level. He took him to a Hall of Fame level and that’s just what he’s doing with Philip Rivers.”– Michael Irvin on San Diego Chargers head coach Norv Turner, who was the offensive coordinator with the Dallas Cowboys from 1991-93“They’re not making the plays we’re used to seeing them make.”– Michael Irvin on the Indianapolis Colts, who are 6-5“This is what separates these two teams: the run game of the Atlanta Falcons.”– Steve Mariucci on the difference between the Atlanta Falcons and Green Bay Packers, two of the top teams in the NFC. Atlanta out-rushed Green Bay 117-77.“This is where Matt Ryan is starting to separate himself: late drives, making plays when the pressure is on, driving his team for the winning score.”– Michael Irvin on Atlanta QB Matt Ryan leading the Falcons on a game-winning drive against the Green Bay Packers“He’s athletic enough to make plays and not just throw the ball away wildly and loosely. He’s starting to play using his head.”– Deion Sanders on Chicago Bears QB Jay Cutler, who tied his career-high with four touchdown passes“We talk about what Vince Young means to that football team. Did we get a peek today?”– Michael Irvin on the Tennessee Titans’ 20-0 loss to the Houston Texans“Andre Johnson’s personality does not lend to him talking so he’s not doing any talking on the field. He’s just a playmaker.”– Deion Sanders on Houston WR Andre Johnson“This is a team that’s leading the league in rushing. All of a sudden the last three weeks they’re exploding in the passing game.”– Steve Mariucci on the Kansas City Chiefs, who have 10 passing touchdowns in the last three games“He’s on his way to the Pro Bowl.”– Steve Mariucci on Kansas City WR Dwayne Bowe, who has a league-leading 14 receiving touchdowns“Early on in the season, they were finding ways to lose football games. … Now this team is finding ways to win football games, and that is the key.”– Michael Irvin on the San Diego Chargers, who are 4-0 in their last four games after starting 2-5“The thing that impressed me the most (was that) they kept Peyton Manning on the bench with a running game, with balance, short passes, and methodically moving the ball down the field.”– Deion Sanders on the San Diego Chargers’ win over the Indianapolis Colts“They’ve got to find a run game and obviously they miss (former defensive coordinator) Mike Nolan. The defense is not where it’s supposed to be.”– Steve Mariucci on what’s missing with the Denver Broncos“You better learn this guy’s name because you’re going to be seeing a lot of it for years to come, especially in the Pro Bowl.”– Deion Sanders on Cleveland Browns RB Peyton Hillis, who scored his 13th touchdown on SundayWho Made the Biggest Statement:Michael Irvin: Chicago BearsSteve Mariucci: Chicago Bears’ defenseDeion Sanders: Atlanta Falcons*** Additional exclusive video clips from Sunday’s NFL GameDay are available on NFL.com. Click on the video segments. These videos include:- Let’s Go Primetime: Deion Sanders counts down the top 10 performances from Week 12.- GameDay: Sunday recap: Fran Charles, Steve Mariucci, Deion Sanders, and Michael Irvin recap the biggest play from every game on Sunday.- Chicago Slows Down Vick: Steve Mariucci analyzes the film on how the Chicago Bears were able to limit Michael Vick and the Eagles offense.- Week 12: RedZone Top 10: Scott Hanson looks back at the 10 best moments from Week 12 on NFL Network’s RedZone.- And many more Week 12 game highlights and postgame video only on NFL.com
That will conclude this post.
Nov
30
NFL Says No Primetime Flexing In Week 14, But Pats-Bears Moved to 4:15 P.M.
I thought a few weeks ago that with Dallas on the cusp of being in the Depths of Despair, its chances of being in primetime would diminish, but with the Cowboys having won a couple of games since the firing of Wade Phillips, it still will be part of NBC’s Sunday Night Football against the Eagles in Week 14. The only game that’s being moved is the New England Patriots at Chicago which goes from the early Sunday afternoon window to 4:15 p.m. Eastern.
With the move, it gives us 6 late afternoon games which is what I like to see.
WEEK 14 FLEX SCHEDULING:NO CHANGE IN NBC SUNDAY NIGHT GAME;NEW ENGLAND AT CHICAGO MOVES TO 4:15 PM ET ON CBS ON DEC. 12The final Week 14 NFL schedule was announced today with the originally scheduled Philadelphia at Dallas Sunday night game on NBC remaining in place. The New England at Chicago game on Sunday, December 12 moves from 1:00 PM ET to 4:15 PM ET on CBS.Following is the final Week 14 NFL schedule (asterisk and bold/italics represents changed game time):THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9 (WEEK 14)
More coming later.
Nov
30
Sirius XM Radio Extends Agreement With the National Football League
This came over the last hour, the National Football League and Sirius XM have extended their agreement for the satellite radio provider to continue airing NFL games through the 2016 season. As questions over Howard Stern continue, Sirius XM is signing content in hopes of keeping subscribers beyond 2010.
As part of the new agreement, Sirius NFL Radio will continue to be located on channel 124 for both Sirius and XM subscribers. And for the first time in 2011, subscribers will be able to listen to games online through Sirius’ and XM’s websites. We have the announcement below.
SIRIUS XM RADIO AND NFL ANNOUNCE EXTENSION OF SATELLITE BROADCAST AND MARKETING AGREEMENTSIRIUS and XM listeners will continue to hear every NFL game through the Super Bowl in 2016, plus SIRIUS NFL Radio, the only 24/7 radio channel dedicated to the NFLSIRIUS and XM will stream all NFL games online for their subscribersNEW YORK – November 30, 2010 – SIRIUS XM Radio and The National Football League announced today a five-year extension of their satellite broadcasting and marketing agreement.
SIRIUS XM, the Official Satellite Radio Partner of the NFL since 2004, will continue to broadcast every NFL game live nationwide from the preseason through the Super Bowl in 2016 as well as SIRIUS NFL Radio, channel 124, the first and only 24/7 radio channel dedicated entirely to the NFL.NFL play-by-play and the SIRIUS NFL Radio channel are available to all SIRIUS subscribers and to XM subscribers who purchase the “Best of SIRIUS” programming package.For the first time SIRIUS XM will also broadcast NFL play-by-play online for its satellite radio subscribers starting with the 2011 season.
“We are pleased to continue our partnership with SIRIUS XM,” said Steve Bornstein, the NFL’s executive vice president of media. “They have been an excellent partner and have become part of NFL fans’ daily lives, not only on game day, but also throughout the year.”“The NFL is a terrific partner and we’re very pleased to continue to work with them to provide both SIRIUS and XM listeners the kind of top-notch NFL programming that their fans have come to expect,” said Scott Greenstein, President and Chief Content Officer, SIRIUS XM. “The NFL has been and will continue to be one of the major tent poles of SIRIUS XM’s lineup. SIRIUS and XM will give fans around the country a fully portable and comprehensive way to follow their favorite team and everything happening around the league.”SIRIUS NFL Radio features exclusive daily talk shows hosted by NFL experts, interviews with players, coaches and executives from around the league, plus in-depth coverage of the NFL Draft, training camps, NFL Network programming and more.As the league’s official partner, SIRIUS XM will continue to have rights to use the NFL ‘shield’ logo and collective NFL team trademarks.For more information and a schedule of NFL games on SIRIUS XM, visit www.sirius.com/nfl or www.xmradio.com/nfl.
I’ll have more as we go along today.
Nov
30
Drew Brees Is Your Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year
Happening now, Sports Illustrated has named New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees as its 2010 Sportsman of the Year. I can’t argue with that choice. What he’s done for New Orleans, winning the Super Bowl and how he’s become part of the community, to help those still displaced by Hurricane Katrina some five years later is a testament to him and his character. I think it’s a good pick and I look forward to reading the issue when it comes out this week.
Drew Brees Named 2010 Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year
(New York, NY – November 30, 2010) – Sports Illustrated Group Editor Terry McDonell announced today that Drew Brees is the 2010 Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year. Brees is the 57th honoree since the magazine’s founding in 1954, joining a transcendent group of athletes and sports figures including Muhammad Ali, Arthur Ashe, Jack Nicklaus, Derek Jeter, John Wooden and Cal Ripken Jr. to receive the award.The billing on the Sportsman cover, The Saints’ Super Bowl-Winning Quarterback Continues to Inspire a City on the Rebound, encapsulates what Brees means to his team and his town. “Drew’s accomplishments go far beyond delivering a Super Bowl title to a notoriously long-suffering franchise,” McDonell said. “He has been a driving force in a battered city’s ongoing efforts to rebuild and renew while simultaneously resurrecting his own career.”As Senior Writer Tim Layden chronicles in the Sportsman cover story, Brees was coming off a devastating shoulder injury and his career was at a crossroads when he joined the New Orleans Saints in 2006, moving to a city that had become a shell of itself in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Brees told Layden: “I needed New Orleans just as much as New Orleans needed me. People in New Orleans needed somebody to care about them. And it was the one place that cared about me.”From 2006-09, Brees threw for the most yards (18,298) and tied for the most touchdown passes (122, with Peyton Manning) of any quarterback in the NFL. He was at the height of his brilliance during New Orleans’ championship run in 2010 – the first in the team’s 47-year history – culminating in an MVP performance during the Saints’ 31-17 upset of the Colts in Super Bowl XLIV. Yet while solid quarterbacking alone would have been enough to deify Brees in New Orleans, it is Brees the person who has earned the lasting trust and love of the city.Established in 2003 to support cancer research and the education of children in need, The Brees Dream Foundation has worked with nearly 50 New Orleans schools and organizations to promote civic recovery. Its contributions include:
- $671,000 donated to the Lusher Charter School to rebuild its athletic facilities;
- $1,000,000 in funding for the American Cancer Society’s Patrick F. Taylor Hope Lodge, a residential facility for patients undergoing chemotherapy;
- $100,000 for completion of the G.W. Carver High School Field of Dreams;
- $300,000 to New Orleans Outreach for after-school assistance to several schools;
- $127,500 to the New Orleans Recreation Department to help with initial costs in the restoration of Ponchartrain Park;
- $78,000 to Best Buddies Louisiana, which provides one-to-one friendships for adults with intellectual disabilities;
- $74,000 to the Greater New Orleans Rebuild Child Care Cooperative to restore child-care facilities lost to Katrina.
As Layden reports, Brees’ impact has transcended athletics, culture and race: “New Orleans proper is nearly 70% black, and, says Ronald Markham, the 32-year-old African-American CEO of the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, ‘It is a city with many schisms.’ Yet African-American fans wear number 9 too. ‘I’ll say this: Drew is definitely an honorary brother,’ says Troy Henry, 50, a black businessman who finished a distant second to Mitch Landrieu in the mayor’s race just before this year’s Super Bowl. ‘He transcends race, and he does it with class and dignity.’ “NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell told Layden: “It’s hard to point to a relationship in our league, between a player and a city, that’s more meaningful than the Saints and Drew Brees.”Brees will be honored at a ceremony in New York this evening where he will be joined by past winners Bill Russell (1968), Billy Jean King (’72), Mike Eruzione (’80), Joe Montana (’90) and Curt Schilling (’01 and ’04). CBS Evening News anchor and Managing Editor Katie Couric will also take part in the ceremony, accepting Brees’ invitation to participate as his mentor.Brees is the sixth quarterback to win the award and the third in the past six years. The five previous quarterbacks to be named Sportsman of the Year are Terry Baker of Oregon State (’62), Terry Bradshaw of the Steelers (along with Pittsburgh Pirates’ star Willie Stargel ['79]), Joe Montana of the 49ers (’90), Tom Brady of the Patriots (’05) and Brett Favre of the Packers (’07).
And I’ll have more throughout the day.
Nov
30
Primetime & Late Night Viewing Picks
College Basketball
ACC/Big Ten Challenge
Georgia Tech at Northwestern – ESPN2, 7 p.m.
Iowa at Wake Forest – ESPNU, 7 p.m.
Ohio State at Florida State – ESPN, 7:30 p.m.
Michigan at Clemson – ESPN2 9 p.m.
North Carolina at Illinois – ESPN, 9:30 p.m.
Cornell at Syracuse – Big East Network, 7 p.m.
Ole Miss at Miami (FL) – Fox Sports Florida/NESN, 7 p.m.
UNH at UConn – Big East Network, 7:30 p.m.
Georgetown vs. Missouri at Kansas City, MO – ESPNU, 9 p.m.
NBA
Boston at Cleveland – NBA TV/Comcast SportsNet New England, 7 p.m.
NHL
Tampa Bay at Toronto – Rogers Sportsnet Ontario, 7 p.m.
St. Louis at Chicago – Versus/TSN2, 8 p.m.
Atlanta at Colorado – Fox Sports South/Altitude, 10 p.m.
Detroit at San Jose – NHL Network (Canada & US)/Fox Sports Detroit/Comcast SportsNet California, 10:30 p.m.
NHL on the Fly – NHL Network, 8 p.m.
NHL Overtime – Versus, 11:30 p.m.
Entertainment
Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas – ABC, 8 p.m.
Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer – CBS, 8 p.m.
Big Break Dominican Republic: The $100,000 Question (season finale) – Golf Channel, 9 p.m.
In Treatment: Jesse: Week Six – HBO, 9 p.m.
In Treatment: Adele: Week Six – HBO, 9:30 p.m.
United Tastes of America: Hot Dogs – Cooking Channel, 9:30 p.m.
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show – CBS, 10 p.m.
Sons of Anarchy – FX, 10 p.m.
Conan – TBS, 11 p.m.
Nov
29
Thursday Night Football Goes To The City of Brotherly Love
This Thursday Night, NFL Network heads to Philadelphia as the Eagles host the Houston Texans. It’s the NFL’s Official Network’s opportunity to showcase Michael Vick in primetime. We have the particulars of NFL Network’s plans for the entire night.
THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL – DECEMBER 2, 8:00 PM ET: HOUSTON TEXANS AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES ON NFL NETWORKPhiladelphia Eagles QB Michael Vick Sit Down Interview with Deion Sanders on Thursday Night Kickoff Pregame Show at 6:00 PM ETPreview of Michael Irvin’s Interview with Atlanta’s Matt Ryan and Roddy White on Pregame Show“Your Weekend Starts Here”NOTABLE & QUOTABLE…
- “We always hear that jail does nothing good for anyone, jail is no place for anyone; I believe it not only saved Michael Vick’s career, it saved his life.” – NFL Network analyst MARSHALL FAULK on the success of Philadelphia Eagles QB MICHAEL VICK
- “The Bears provided Houston with a good game plan on what it takes to disrupt Philadelphia’s offensive attack. The Texans defensive front four must put pressure on Michael Vick and keep him contained in the pocket, while offensively utilize Arian Foster and the run game to control the pace of the game.” – NFL Network analyst STEVE MARIUCCI on the Texans’ game plan vs. Eagles
- “Bottom line, the Texans must find a way to score points against Philadelphia because we have all witnessed what this Eagles offense, led by Michael Vick, can do both by air and ground.” – MARIUCCI on the Texans
- NFL Network analyst DEION SANDERS sits down for a one-on-one interview with Philadelphia QB MICHAEL VICK, who has the Eagles atop the NFC East standings, during the Thursday Night Kickoff Presented by Sears pregame show at 6:00 PM ET on NFL Network.
- Preview of MICHAEL IRVIN’s interview with Atlanta QB MATT RYAN and WR RODDY WHITE for NFL GameDay Morning on the TNF pregame show.
HOUSTON TEXANS (5-6) AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (7-4)
ANNOUNCERSBob Papa (play-by-play), Matt Millen and Joe Theismann (game analysts); Alex Flanagan (sideline)
PREGAME (6:00 PM ET)Thursday Night KickoffIn Philadelphia: Rich Eisen, Deion Sanders, Steve Mariucci, Marshall Faulk, Kara Henderson (on-site reporter); In Los Angeles: Fran Charles, Kurt Warner, Sterling Sharpe, Jay Glazer, Jason La Canfora
PRE-KICK (8:00 PM ET)Pre-Kick ShowBob Papa, Matt Millen, Joe Theismann, Alex Flanagan, Rich Eisen, Marshall Faulk, Steve Mariucci, Deion Sanders, Kara Henderson
HALFTIMEHalftime ShowRich Eisen, Deion Sanders, Steve Mariucci, Marshall Faulk, Kara Henderson, Alex Flanagan
POSTGAMEPostgame ShowRich Eisen, Deion Sanders, Steve Mariucci, Marshall Faulk, Kara Henderson, Alex FlanaganNFL Total Access Postgame ShowFran Charles, Jamie Dukes, Rod Woodson
WHERE TO WATCHDirecTV – Channel 212 (SD/HD), DISH Network – 154 (SD/HD)Verizon – Channel 88 (SD) 588 (HD), AT&T U-Verse – 630 (SD) 1630 (HD)Check your local cable listingsNFL.com LIVE – live “look-ins” at select moments of gameNFL Mobile Live on Verizon Wireless
LOCAL OTA SIMULCAST*Houston: Independent Ch. 39 (KIAH)/Philadelphia: MyNetwork Ch. 17 (WPHL)
Thursday Night FootballLast week’s Cincinnati Bengals-New York Jets game on Thursday Night Football was watched by an average of 7.1 million viewers (not including over-the-air stations in Cincinnati and New York), which is the most watched Thanksgiving game on NFL Network. Additionally, with 7.1 million viewers Bengals-Jets is the third-most watched game in the five seasons of Thursday Night Football on NFL Network behind Dallas-New Orleans on Dec. 19, 2009 (10.5 million viewers) and Green Bay-Dallas on Nov. 29, 2007 (10.1 million viewers). Finally, Thursday Night Football is averaging 5.9 million cable viewers this season – its best mark through three games and up 37 percent from last year (4.3 million viewers).This week, the Philadelphia Eagles (7-4) host the Houston Texans (5-6) at Lincoln Financial Field. Quarterback MICHAEL VICK and the Eagles will look to bounce back from a loss and move into sole possession of first place in the NFC East, while quarterback MATT SCHAUB and the Texans will hope to maintain the momentum gained from a 20-point victory over Tennessee.This season marks the debut of new game analyst JOE THEISMANN, who returns to the broadcast booth after a successful stint with ESPN from 1988 – 2006. Alongside Theismann in the booth will be BOB PAPA, who returns for his third year as the play-by-play announcer for NFL Network, and second-year game analyst MATT MILLEN. ALEX FLANAGAN enters her first season as a sideline reporter on Thursday Night Football, and her fifth season with NFL Network. Additional newcomers include producer ED FEIBISCHOFF and director ARTIE KEMPNER.RICH EISEN hosts NFL Network’s Thursday Night Kickoff from the stadium. Eisen, a two-time Sports Emmy nominee in the Studio Host category, is joined by fellow Sports Emmy nominee STEVE MARIUCCI, a former NFL head coach with the San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions who also served as Brett Favre’s quarterback coach in Green Bay; MARSHALL FAULK, a recently named Hall of Fame semifinalist who won a Super Bowl XXXIV ring with the Rams, earned 2000 NFL MVP honors and three Offensive Player of the Year awards (1999-2001) and has been selected to seven Pro Bowls; and DEION SANDERS, a recently named Hall of Fame semifinalist, a two-time Super Bowl winner who was 1994 Defensive Player of the Year and an eight-time Pro Bowler who holds the NFL record with 19 career return touchdowns. Coverage also includes on-site reports from Flanagan and KARA HENDERSON, who begins her eighth season with NFL Network.Additional coverage will be provided from NFL Network studios in Los Angeles with host FRAN CHARLES and analysts KURT WARNER, a two-time NFL MVP and a Super Bowl MVP quarterback; STERLING SHARPE, a five-time Pro Bowl selection and a 16-year veteran NFL broadcaster; and JAY GLAZER, FOX Sports NFL insider and senior writer for FOXSports.com. NFL Network insider JASON LA CANFORA will also provide the latest updates.NFL.com LIVE at 8:00 PM ET features live programming including live “look-ins” of Thursday Night Football, game highlights and instant analysis from NFL Network talent. From the NFL Network studios in Los Angeles, PAUL BURMEISTER, JAMIE DUKES, BUCKY BROOKS and MIKE MAYOCK provide expert analysis, commentary and fantasy information with contributions from Faulk, Mariucci and Sanders. Henderson and STEVE WYCHE will provide live reports from the stadium, while Mayock will return for a second season with ‘Instant Playbook’ from the NFL Films studios exclusively for NFL.com/LIVE: Thursday Night Football, which provides instant X & O analysis of key plays right after they happen.Following the game at 12:00 AM ET, NFL Network analyst ROD WOODSON will join Charles and Dukes for a postgame edition of NFL Total Access Live.
That will take care of this post.
Nov
29
ESPN’s College Football Games & Announcing Assignments For Week 14
These include the conference championship games this week such as the ACC, Conference USA, MAC and Big 12. And on Saturday night, the Big East BCS birth will be decided so there are a lot of college football games that will decide postseason action. We have your ESPN family of network schedule plus the announcing assignments. Check it all out here.
College GameDay from Corvallis for No. 2 Oregon at Oregon State, Game on ABC; Conference Championships Friday & SaturdayOn Saturday, Dec. 4, College GameDay – beginning on ESPNU at 9 a.m. and continuing on ESPN at 10 a.m. every Saturday and simulcast on ESPN Radio — will originate from Corvallis, Ore., site of No. 2 Oregon at Oregon State Pac-10 in-state showdown. ABC will televise the game at 3:30 p.m.Chris Fowler hosts the Emmy Award-winning program with analysts Lee Corso, Kirk Herbstreit and Desmond Howard. Erin Andrews anchors several segments of the first hour on ESPNU and contributes reports, interviews and features during the ESPN portion.ESPN’s final weekend of regular-season action will include telecasts of four conference championships Friday and Saturday:
- ESPN2 will televise two championships: the MAC Football Championship from Detroit pitting Northern Illinois against Miami (Ohio) Friday, Dec. 3, at 7 p.m. and the Conference USA Championship featuring Southern Methodist vs. Central Florida Saturday, Dec. 4, at noon.
- Primetime action on Saturday, Dec. 4 will include two title games between ranked teams: No. 9 Oklahoma vs. No. 13 Nebraska in the Big 12 Championship from Arlington on ABC at 8 p.m. and No. 21 Florida State vs. No. 15 Virginia Tech in the ACC Championship from Charlotte at 7:45 p.m. on ESPN.
- Also on Saturday, Dec. 4, ABC, ESPN and ESPN2 will combine to televise three BIG EAST games that will impact the conference’s automatic BCS bid: Rutgers at West Virginia at noon on ABC, Pittsburgh at Cincinnati at noon on ESPN and Connecticut at South Florida at 8 p.m. on ESPN2.
Date Time (ET) Matchup Network(s) Thu, Dec 2 8 p.m. Arizona State at No. 23 Arizona
Rece Davis, Craig James, Jesse Palmer & Jenn BrownESPN/ESPN3.com Fri, Dec 3 7 p.m. MAC Football Championship (from Detroit): Northern Illinois vs. Miami (Ohio)
Joe Tessitore & Rod GilmoreESPN2/ESPN3.com 10:15 p.m. Illinois at Fresno State
Carter Blackburn, Mike Bellotti & Brock HuardESPN2/ESPN3.com Sat, Dec 4 Noon Rutgers at West Virginia
Mike Patrick & Craig JamesABC Noon Pittsburgh at Cincinnati
Dave Pasch, Bob Griese & Chris SpielmanESPN/ESPN3.com Noon 2010 Conference USA Championship Game: Southern Methodist at Central Florida
Bob Wischusen & Brian GrieseESPN2/ESPN3.com 2 p.m. Troy at Florida Atlantic
Rob Stone & Danny KanellESPNU 3:30 p.m. No. 2 Oregon at Oregon State
Brad Nessler, Todd Blackledge & Erin AndrewsABC 6 p.m. Middle Tennessee at Florida International
TBAESPN3.com 7:45 p.m. 2010 ACC Championship Game (from Charlotte): No. 21 Florida State vs. No. 15 Virginia Tech
ESPN: Sean McDonough, Matt Millen & Quint Kessenich
ESPN 3D: Joe Tessitore, Tim Brown & Ray BentleyESPN/ESPN3.com/ESPN 3D 8 p.m. 2010 Big 12 Championship Game (from Arlington): No. 9 Oklahoma vs. No. 13 Nebraska
Brent Musburger, Kirk Herbstreit & Holly RoweABC 8 p.m. Connecticut at South Florida
ESPN2: Mark Jones, Bob Davie & Quint Kessenich
ESPN Radio: Bill Rosinski, David Norrie & Joe SchadESPN2/ESPN3.com/ESPN Radio 10:30 p.m. USC at UCLA
TBAESPN Radio
That will do it.
Nov
29
Fox’s Late Sunday Afternoon Game Becomes The Highest Rated NFL Game of the Season
This just in from Fox Sports, the late NFL Sunday afternoon window which featured the Philadelphia Eagles-Chicago Bears game to most of the country became the highest rated NFL broadcast of the season, outrating NBC’s season opener between Minnesota and New Orleans which received a 17.7.
Of course, Fox calls the 4:15 p.m. ET timeslot “America’s Game of the Week” which is what NBC uses to describe Sunday Night Football. Funny how both are laying claim to the title. In any event, we have the press release from Fox Sports.
EAGLES/BEARS SHOWDOWN DELIVERS FOX HIGHEST-RATED NFL GAME OF THE SEASONAmerica’s Game of the Week Posts a Tremendous 18.0/32 Overnight RatingSaints/Cowboys Thanksgiving Clash Combines to Score the Most-Watched Thanksgiving Weekend in the History of the NFL ON FOXAMERICA’S GAME OF THE WEEK, anchored by the highly-anticipated Bears/Eagles contest in Chicago, propelled Sunday’s NFL on FOX Week 12 national game (11/28) to a tremendous 18.0/32 metered market rating/share according to figures released by Nielsen Media Research today.NFL ON FOX WEEK 12 HIGHLIGHTS:
- The 18.0/32 posted for AMERICA’S GAME OF THE WEEK is the highest-rated NFL game of this season on any network, surpassing the 17.7/28 NBC posted for the Vikings/Saints season opener in September.
- In the early window, FOX posted an impressive 12.3/24 for its regional game coverage, scoring the top rating for a regional game this season on either FOX or CBS.
- The NFL ON FOX notched an amazing 15.2/28 average for Sunday’s doubleheader action, the network’s best NFL doubleheader in 14 years, dating back to Week 13 of the 1996 season (17.9/35).
- Thursday’s Thanksgiving Day NFL action on FOX between the Saints and Cowboys delivered a 14.7/36, the network’s best Thanksgiving Day overnight in 12 years. Thursday’s metered market rating is up +21% over FOX’s game last year (Green Bay/Detroit 12.1/29) and up +17% over last year’s Cowboys game on CBS (12.6/29, Oakland/Dallas).
- FOX’s three NFL windows this weekend totaled a remarkable 45.0 rating points in the metered markets, making this the most-watched Thanksgiving weekend in the history of the NFL ON FOX.
More coming up later.
Nov
29
NCAA Basketball Returns for Its 30th Season on CBS
This just in from CBS Sports, we learn that college basketball returns for a 30th season on the Tiffany Network. In addition, Screamin’ Gus Johnson will be on the call for Kentucky-North Carolina this Saturday with regular college basketball analyst Clark Kellogg. Let’s check out the press release.
“THEN, NOW, ALWAYS…”CBS SPORTS TIPS OFF OF 30th YEAR OF COLLEGE BASKETBALL ON SATURDAY, DEC. 4 WITH *NO. 8-RANKED KENTUCKY AT *NO. 25-RANKED NORTH CAROLINACBS Sports’ 30th consecutive season of college basketball tips-off with a national broadcast on Saturday, Dec. 4 (12:30 PM, ET) with No. 8-ranked Kentucky taking on *No. 25-ranked North CarolinaClark Kellogg, only the second lead college basketball analysts for CBS Sports over the past 30 years, begins his third year as lead analyst calling the game with Gus Johnson, live from the Dean E. Smith Center in Chapel Hill, N.C. Bob Dekas, the Network’s coordinating producer of college basketball, produces, and Chris Svendsen directs. Dekas has been involved in the production for all of CBS Sports’ 30 years of college basketball, first as an associate director and has served as producer since 1985.Harold Bryant is Vice President, Production, CBS Sports.*AP Poll as of 11/29/10* * * * *THEN, NOW, ALWAYS…30 YEAR OF NCAA BASKETBALL ON CBS SPORTSNovember 28, 1981 – CBS Sports’ first regular-season of college basketball tips-off with a split-national broadcast with Arkansas playing Michigan and Georgia visiting San Francisco. Gary Bender and lead analyst Billy Packer call the Arkansas-Michigan game and Frank Glieber and Steve Grote handle the call for Georgia-San Francisco.
To check out CBS’ full 2010-11 college basketball schedule, go here. That will do it.
Nov
29
Sunday Night Football Wins Primetime Ratings Yet Again
This just in from NBC Sports, Sunday Night Football takes the overnight ratings for Sunday primetime with a 13.0 rating and a 19 share. It’s up from last year’s Week 12 game by 3%. Let’s take a look at the numbers.
“SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL” NO. 1 SHOW OF THE NIGHT FOR 12TH STRAIGHT SUNDAY DESPITE CHARGERS 36-14 BLOWOUT OVER COLTSSNF Powered NBC to Sunday Night Win13.0 Overnight Rating Up 3% vs. Steelers-Ravens 2009 Week 12 Overtime Thriller (12.6)
Indianapolis (42.9) and San Diego (39.2) Led All Metered Markets
Rating Peaked from 9-9:30 p.m. ET at 13.6
NEW YORK – November 29, 2010 – Last night’s “Sunday Night Football” game was the No. 1 program on Sunday Night for the 12th straight week and led NBC to another Sunday night win despite the San Diego Chargers 36-14 blowout of the Indianapolis Colts, according to overnight data released today by The Nielsen Company. The game, in which the Chargers outscored the Colts 20-0 in the second half, earned a 13.0 overnight rating and 19 share, up three percent from last year’s Week 12 game in which the Ravens beat the Steelers, 20-17, in an overtime thriller.
- The rating peaked at a 13.6/20 from 9-9:30 p.m. ET early in the first half with the game still close before the Chargers pulled away, outscoring the Colts 20-0 in the second half.
DEFEATED ALL SUNDAY NIGHT COMPETITION: Last night’s “Sunday Night Football” broadcast defeated all Sunday night competition for the 12th time in 12 weeks, on an evening that included such original competition as CBS’s 60 Minutes, Amazing Race and the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie November Christmas, and Fox’s Simpsons and Cleveland Show.
- “Sunday Night Football” powered NBC to a Sunday night win in primetime (7-11 p.m.), topping second place CBS by 23 percent. NBC also beat Fox (which was aided by an NFL overrun) by 35 percent and ABC by 186 percent.
SNF IS 12 FOR 12: When the viewership is available tomorrow from Nielsen, “Sunday Night Football” is expected to be the most-watched Sunday night show for the 12th consecutive week (every week this season). Last season, SNF was the most-watched Sunday night primetime broadcast in a record 15 of 16 (94 percent) weeks. In 2008, SNF won 13 of 16 (81 percent) Sunday nights after winning 11 of 16 in 2007 (69 percent) and nine of 16 in 2006 (56 percent).TOP METERED MARKETS FOR CHARGERS-COLTS:1. Indianapolis, 42.9/552. San Diego, 39.2/563. Las Vegas, 20.7/304. New Orleans, 20.4/265. Nashville, 17.4/246. Kansas City, 16.5/23T7. Norfolk, 15.1/22T7. Richmond, 15.1/219. Albuquerque, 15.0/2210. Baltimore, 14.8/22
That’s all for now.
Nov
29
Primetime & Late Night Viewing Picks
College Basketball
Virginia at Minnesota – ESPN, 7 p.m.
St. Peter’s at Seton Hall – Big East Network, 7 p.m.
Hofstra at Rider – The Comcast Network, 7 p.m.
NBA
Houston at Dallas – NBA TV, 7 p.m.
NFL
San Francisco at Arizona – ESPN, 8:30 p.m.
NHL
Pittsburgh at New York Rangers – FSN Pittsburgh/MSG Network, 7 p.m.
Dallas at Carolina – Versus/TSN2, 7:30 p.m.
Edmonton at Ottawa – Rogers Sportsnet West/Rogers Sportsnet East/RDS, 7:30 p.m.
Minnesota at Calgary – Fox Sports North/Rogers Sportsnet Calgary, 9 p.m.
Los Angeles at Anaheim – Fox Sports West/KDOC, 10 p.m.
NHL on the Fly – NHL Network, 8 p.m.
NHL Overtime – Versus, 11 p.m.
Entertainment
Moguls and Movie Stars: A History of Hollywood – Turner Classic Movies, 8 p.m.
Casablanca – Turner Classic Movies, 9 p.m.
Lie to Me – Fox, 9 p.m.
Restrepo: Afghan Outpost – National Geographic Channel, 9 p.m.
In Treatment: Sunil: Week 6 – HBO, 9 p.m.
In Treatment: Frances: Week 6 – HBO, 9:30 p.m.
Deceiving Innocence: The Roger Corman Story – Biography Channel, 10 p.m.
Disappeared: Unfinished Business – Discovery ID, 10 p.m.
Conan – TBS, 11 p.m.
Nov
28
NBC’s Football Night in America Quotage for Week 12
And we round out a busy Sunday with the last press release from the networks, NBC’s quotes from Football Night in America which includes Bob Costas’ long-winded halftime commentary that again made no sense. I used to be a big Costas fan, but these last few years have made me dislike him. Whether it was his work on HBO or his commentaries that smack of elitism, I’m really down on him right now.
Anyway, we have the quotage from tonight’s Football Night in America.
FOOTBALL NIGHT IN AMERICA NOTES & QUOTES – WEEK 12
“Maybe it’s time to reboot the system.” – “Football Night’s” Bob Costas on the NFL’s Instant Replay system“I didn’t try to minimize what we did at all.” – Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels to “Football Night’s” Peter King on the team’s video taping scandal
“I don’t know if they’re great or even really good. But they’re dangerous.” – “Football Night’s” Dan Patrick on the BearsNEW YORK – November 28, 2010 – Following are highlights from NBC Sports’ “Football Night in America.” Bob Costas hosted the show live from Lucas Oil Stadium and was joined on site for commentary by Al Michaels and Cris Collinsworth. Co-host Dan Patrick, analysts Tony Dungy and Rodney Harrison, and reporters Peter King and Mike Florio covered the news of the NFL’s 12th week live from NBC’s 30 Rockefeller Plaza studios. Alex Flanagan reported from Soldier Field in Chicago on the Eagles-Bears game.Also included below is Costas’ halftime essay on the NFL playoff picture.
ON BRONCOS’ SPYGATE(Later in the program) King on speaking with Josh McDaniels postgame today: “I talked to him minutes ago and we obviously talked about the report earlier on Fox Sports where it was said in a staff meeting on Friday that Josh McDaniels basically minimized what had happened in Denver versus what had happened in a systemic way in New England. And he told me and I quote, “I didn’t try to minimize what we did at all. What we did was very serious and I feel bad it’s being represented that I have any inside knowledge of the New England situation because I really don’t.” I also asked him, are you worried that you are just not going to be able to right this ship and you are going to lose your job? And he said, ‘I have no control over that. I’m just going to try to coach this team the best I can and get wins down the stretch.’”
ON INSTANT REPLAY SYSTEMCostas narrated a piece about the NFL Instant Replay system that highlighted numerous controversial plays from this season. Patrick, Dungy and Harrison then reacted to the piece.Costas: “With a growing list of reviewable plays and with so many evenly matched teams playing close games, replay challenges can have enormous impact. The result is increased pressure on coaches with some keeping the red flags in their pockets in key situations. Sometimes at significant cost…Overall, the replay system has been a plus. But on those occasions when its design complicates its core function, providing an efficient mechanism to correct obviously erroneous calls, then maybe it’s time to reboot the system.”Dungy on a solution: “I think it’s the college system where they review all scoring plays. We were at the Notre Dame-Army game and a play happened right in front of us, looked like a touchdown. They looked at it quickly, saw that it wasn’t, put it back at the one-yard line. It only took a minute. I think they can do that. It would take a lot of pressure off the coaches.”Harrison: “The players don’t care. They think, ‘Review every single time you get an opportunity. We don’t care.’”Patrick: “We saw this in the Falcons game today. This could have ramifications in the playoffs because this was a call that should have been reversed with Tony Gonzalez. It’s a fourth-down call and he doesn’t make the catch. But Mike McCarthy, the visiting coach, he can’t replay this.”Dungy: “Right. He’s not going to get a view of this. The home team is not going to show this in the stadium. This happened just outside of two minutes. If it had happened in the two-minute situation, it would have been reviewed and overturned automatically.”Harrison: “The bottom line is, the players just want the officials to get it right, whatever that entails…Whatever it takes because we don’t want our playoff hopes or our Super Bowl hopes to get affected by one missed call.”ON ANDRE JOHNSON-CORTLAND FINNEGAN FIGHTDungy: “When I was at Indy, we played against Tennessee twice a year. I always warned my players, ‘You have to keep your cool, especially against Cortland Finnegan. He’s going to try to get on your nerves.’”Harrison on the Titans: “This is no surprise to me. This is their personality. They’re dirty. They’re cheap. Whenever we played this team, the coaches would always say, ‘Guys, beware. They’re going to take a cheap shot at you. They’re going to try and provoke you to doing something.’”Patrick: “You paid the price, too. They went after your knee when you played.”Harrison: “They tore my knee up.”ON CHARGERSCostas: “Peyton Manning is already established as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. Phillip Rivers is quickly establishing himself as one of the elite quarterbacks of today.”Michaels on Rivers and Manning: “It wouldn’t surprise me if either of these guys wound up winning the MVP award…Philip Rivers has everything that Manning does except an MVP award and a Lombardi Trophy. But Philip Rivers, while some people haven’t been looking, has been having one of the most spectacular seasons ever.”Collinsworth: “This football team now, you have to say, they are legitimate Super Bowl contenders, if they can get there. To me, it is so clear cut that they are the most talented football team (in their division).”Harrison on Rivers: “I think he’s the MVP.”Patrick: “But you look at an offense that’s great, a defense statistically that’s been great, they’re 5-5, why?Dungy: “Only one reason. Early in the season, special teams really let them down… They’ve had four punts blocked and it’s really just lack of communication…(While describing a play) the guard blocks the wrong man. He blocks number four instead of number three. They’re going to let someone come clean. This has happened four times to San Diego and it’s only happened six times to the other 31 teams. That’s why they’re 5-5.”Harrison: “Great teams and great coaches realize the importance of special teams. When I played for Belichick he said, ‘I don’t care what your accolades are. I don’t care how many Pro Bowls you’ve been to. If you’re a starter or not, you’re going to play on special teams. I played on three Super Bowl teams and we only had two punts blocked over 50 games.”ON COLTSCostas: “It’s inevitable that some day Bill Polian is going to be in the Hall of Fame.”ON FALCONSHarrison: “Not only the best team in the NFC, probably the most physical. They came out with Michael Turner and completely dominated this Green Bay defense, and Matt Ryan made some key throws.”ON BEARSPatrick: “I don’t know if they’re great or even really good. But they’re dangerous.”Cutler to Flanagan: “It’s just attitude. The offensive line is really taking responsibility. I have a lot of pride in that and you know they played well today…We want to fly under the radar. We’re not worried about anybody else. We’re worried about the guys in the locker room, our coaches, our systems. We just got to keep winning. We don’t want a target on our back. The more we win though, people are going to start taking notice.”Peppers to Flanagan on how the defense has been carrying the offense: “We carry each other. We’ve been playing well on defense but offense, they’ve been coming along for the past couple of weeks. We carry each other at times and that’s how it works.”ON VIKINGSDungy on Leslie Frazier: “He was excited. First game, they get a win. He had talked about protecting the ball and controlling the line of scrimmage. They did it and he was really happy.”ON 49ERSKing on Mike Singletary: “Very thin ice. Unless Mike Singletary has a remarkable last month or so with this team, I think he will be fired at the end of the season. Two of the candidates for this job: No. 1 is going to be Jon Gruden. No. 2, unless…Jim Harbaugh takes the Michigan job before that, I believe the Stanford coach would be very high on the 49ers list.”ON BUFFALOHarrison on Fred Jackson: “Best player you’ve never heard of.”
Bob Costas’ Halftime EssayBack at Lucas Oil Stadium, where we note that over the past decade, by Thanksgiving or so, they are usually ready to print playoff tickets around here. But in this particularly unpredictable season, the injury-ravaged Colts need a comeback win tonight just to nudge a game in front of Jacksonville in the AFC South.And it’s like that everywhere you look. If San Diego wins tonight, no division leader will hold a lead of more than a game. Several divisions are deadlocked. Looking at it another way, only eight of the 32 teams are without a realistic playoff shot as we hit the season’s final month.A final month that will include likely division-deciders Indy versus Jacksonville; Eagles and Giants; Bears at frozen Lambeau on January 2; Baltimore-Pittsburgh next Sunday night; Jets and Patriots the night after that. Now that one, Jets and Patriots, could determine not only the AFC east, but home-field advantage throughout the conference playoffs. And then there’s New Orleans and Atlanta two nights after Christmas.In case you haven’t noticed, at the moment, it’s Atlanta that surprisingly holds the upper hand in the NFC at 9-2 after today’s key win over the packers. This may be the perfect year for a team like the Falcons. Certainly not overwhelming, instead, consistent and efficient. With Michael Vick now an Eagle, it’s the former Boston College Eagle, Matt Ryan at quarterback. In most precincts, ‘Matty Ice’ is not exactly a household name, at least, not yet. The Falcons also have a very good coach, but one who practically defines low profile. I mean his name is Mike Smith — to be any more generic than that, he’d have to be John Doe.But in a season like this, it may be an under-the-radar team that ultimately soars highest. And we can look to Georgia for the proof, because, as we speak, the road to the Super Bowl in the NFC goes through Atlanta.
And that will do it. I’ll be back on Monday.
Nov
28
Jon Gruden’s Statement Shooting Down Miami Rumors
Earlier today, rumors surfaced that ESPN’s Jon Gruden was being offered the coaching job at the University of Miami following the firing of Randy Shannon on Saturday.
Someone named Lake Lewis, Jr. of Sports Journey tweeted this in the mid-afternoon causing Twitter to go crazy.
It caused reporters to work to either confirm or debunk the rumor. Sports Illustrated’s Peter King managed to shoot it down with a simple 11 word tweet.
And to finally end the speculation, ESPN has just released this statement in the name of Gruden.
Jon Gruden Statement
ESPN Monday Night Football analyst Jon Gruden issued the following statement this evening in response to reports about him and the University of Miami“I am committed to Monday Night Football and to ESPN. I enjoy working with Mike, Jaws and our entire crew and am just trying to get better at this job.”
And this hopefully will put an end to the rumors that burned up Twitter today. Interesting how this broke from outside ESPN and it was debunked outside ESPN.
Nov
28
NFL Network’s Thursday Night Football Promo Music
This season, NFL Network has been airing a promo for Thursday Night Football depicting people leaving work early to get home to watch the NFL. You’ve seen them, a priest running from church, a businessman leaving work to sit with his friends and so on.
The music is pretty good and I asked NFL Network’s public relations department what song it was. We have it right here. The song is called, “Crank It Up” by the Young Goulets.
It has an Iggy Pop sound and has a “Lust for Life” feel. I like the song. It’s very catchy.
The lyrics are as follows:
Crank It Up – The Young Goulets
Thursday night the music’s loud and it’s time to have some fun
Waited all week to take it off, we ain’t crashing till the dawn
Better catch your breath and splash some water on your face
Cause we ain’t going home until the roof blows off his place
Start it up, mash it up, turn it up loud
Bump it up and rock this crowd
Crank it Up, Crank it Up now
Crank it Up, Crank it Up now
My mama didn’t raise no quitter son
We ain’t leavin’ until it’s done
So Crank it Up
Man I’ve got this feeling that tonight’s a brilliant one
We came here to raise a glass, and chase the risin’ sun
No I don’t care if it’s disco, if it’s punk or rock n roll
the night’s too young and so are we to be worried ’bout our soul
Start it up, mash it up, turn it up loud
Bump it up and rock this crowd
Crank it Up, Crank it Up now
Crank it Up, Crank it Up now
My mama didn’t raise no quitter son
We ain’t leavin’ until it’s done
So Crank it Up
Turn it up louder, a little bit louder 2x
Turn it up louder now, a little bit louder now 2x
Start it up, mash it up, turn it up loud
Bump it up and rock this crowd
Crank it Up, Crank it Up now
Crank it Up, Crank it Up now
My mama didn’t raise no quitter son
We ain’t leavin’ until it’s done
Crank it Up
Crank it Up
Crank it Up
That’s it.
Nov
28
National Geographic Channel Presents "Restrepo"
Tomorrow night, National Geographic Channel presents “Restrepo”, a film that shows the experience of a platoon of American soldiers assigned to one of the most dangerous outposts in Afghanistan. There is no narrator or host. We are shown the scenes as they happen. Here’s a brief synopsis and profiles of the director and producer of “Restrepo”. I also provide you with two video clips from the film.
RESTREPOMonday, November 29 at 9pm ET/PT
http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/episode/restrepo-afghan-outpost-4808
SYNOPSISRestrepo chronicles the deployment of a platoon of U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan’s Korengal Valley. The movie focuses on a remote 15-man outpost, Restrepo, named after a platoon medic who was killed in action. It was considered one of the most dangerous postings in the U.S. military. This is an entirely experiential film: The cameras never leave the valley; there are no interviews with generals or diplomats. The only goal is to make viewers feel as if they have just been through a 94-minute deployment. This is war, full stop. The conclusions are up to you.
Restrepo film directors Sebastian Junger (left) and Tim Hetherington (right) at the Restrepo outpost in the Korengal Valley, Afghanistan. Junger and Hetherington jointly directed, filmed and produced the movie ‘Restrepo’ from June 2007 to January 2010. (Korengal Valley, Afghanistan, September 2007) ©Tim A Hetherington
Korengal Valley, Kunar Priovince, Afghanistan: A soldier from Battle Company smokes a cigarette during Operation Rock Avalanche. (Photo Credit: © Outpost Films/ 2010 Tim Hetherington, from the award winning documentary, Restrepo.)
DIRECTORS’ STATEMENTThe war in Afghanistan has become highly politicized, but soldiers rarely take part in that discussion. Our intention was to capture the experience of combat, boredom and fear through the eyes of the soldiers themselves. Their lives were our lives: We did not sit down with their families, we did not interview Afghans, we did not explore geopolitical debates. Soldiers are living and fighting and dying at remote outposts in Afghanistan in conditions that few Americans back home can imagine. Their experiences are important to understand, regardless of one’s political beliefs. Beliefs can be a way to avoid looking at reality. This is reality. — Tim Hetherington and Sebastian Junger
TIM HETHERINGTON – Producer / Director / CameraTim Hetherington is an acclaimed photographer and filmmaker who has reported on conflict for more than 10 years. He was the only photographer to live behind rebel lines during the recent Liberian civil war – work that culminated in the film Liberia: An Uncivil War and the book “Long Story Bit by Bit: Liberia Retold” (Umbrage, 2009). Hetherington is the recipient of four World Press Photo prizes, including World Press Photo of the Year (2008), and an Alfred I. duPont Broadcast Award (2009) for his work in Afghanistan. A native of the UK, he is based in New York and is a contributing photographer for Vanity Fair Magazine. Hetherington’s book of photographs, ”Infidel,” with an introduction by Sebastian Junger, is a collection of images taken during his time with the men of Second Platoon and was published in October 2010 by Chris Boot Ltd. More information on Hetherington can be found at www.timhetherington.com.
SEBASTIAN JUNGER – Producer / Director / CameraNew York-based writer and journalist Sebastian Junger is the best-selling author of “The Perfect Storm,” “Fire” and “A Death in Belmont.” He first reported from Afghanistan in 1996 and, four years later, was one of the last Westerners to accompany legendary guerrilla fighter Ahmed Shah Massoud (while reporting for National Geographic) during his war against the Taliban. Junger has reported for Vanity Fair Magazine, where he is a contributing editor, from many war zones across the world: He was trapped in Monrovia during the Liberian civil war in 2003, caught in Sierra Leone during the civil war of 2000 and very briefly held by “oil rebels” in the Niger Delta in 2006. His October 1999 article in Vanity Fair, “The Forensics of War,” won a National Magazine Award for Reporting. He has also won an Alfred I. duPont Broadcast Award for his cinematography while embedded with American soldiers for ABC News. Junger’s latest best-selling book, “War,” is about his time in the Korengal Valley with Second Platoon. (Twelve,www.twelvebooks.com.)
Now we have four video clips from the movie.
Video from Restrepo:“The Korengal Outpost” – A soldier’s life in the remote part of the Korengal Valley is anything but easy.
“Soldiers and Villagers” - The captain in the Korengal valley meets with the villagers to establish good faith.
“Where the Taliban Begins” - The soldiers at the Korengal Outpost have seen much more fighting than most soldiers stationed in Afghanistan.
”The Deadliest Place on Earth” - The majority of bombs dropped in Afghanistan were in the Korengal – and soldiers stationed there saw much of the gunfire.
Restrepo airs on National Geographic Channel Monday night at 9 East and Pacific.
Nov
28
NBC’s Football Night in America Previews Week 12′s Interview
Tonight, Bob Costas talks with extremely unlikeable Indianapolis Colts President Bill Polian and San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers. Let’s take a look.
“FOOTBALL NIGHT IN AMERICA” PREVIEW – WEEK 12
BOB COSTAS INTERVIEWS PHILIP RIVERS & BILL POLIAN“Nothing better than Sunday night.” – Philip Rivers to Bob Costas“There has to be a solution that deals with the two extra games.” – Bill Polian to Bob Costas on labor negotiations and an 18-game season“As long as we’ve got No. 18…the window is open.” – Polian to Costas on the Colts window of opportunity to win Super BowlsNEW YORK – November 28, 2010 – Bob Costas interviewed San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers and Indianapolis Colts president Bill Polian for tonight’s Week 12 edition of “Football Night in America,” which will also include highlights, analysis and reaction to Week 12’s afternoon games.“Football Night” airs each Sunday at 7 p.m. ET with Costas, who won the outstanding studio host Emmy last year, hosting the program live from inside the stadium. In addition to his interviews, Costas is joined on site by SNF commentators Al Michaels (play-by-play) and Cris Collinsworth (analyst) for reaction to the afternoon games.Dan Patrick co-hosts “Football Night” from NBC’s 30 Rockefeller Plaza studios and is joined by Super Bowl-winning head coach and Emmy-nominated Tony Dungy, two-time Super Bowl winner Rodney Harrison, and Sports Illustrated’s Peter King. Alex Flanagan will report from Soldier Field in Chicago on the Eagles-Bears game.BEST VIEWERSHIP EVER: “Football Night” (7:30-8:15 pm) is averaging 8.3 million viewers through its first 11 weeks, its most ever for that time frame and up 11 percent vs. 2009’s 7.5 million viewers.INTERVIEW: Below are excerpts from Costas’ interviews with Rivers and Polian.
PHILIP RIVERSRivers on Norv Turner’s detractors: He’s a lot of the reason why we have gotten out of the slow starts we have been in, and it’s carried us into the postseason. If there’s a guy that’s misunderstood maybe more than anybody as a head coach for lack of passion and lack of fire and lack of leadership; he’s just the opposite of how he’s portrayed on the outside.
Costas: What’s with the slow starts and the fast finishes?Rivers: We know how to do the fast finishes. We haven’t figured out how to change those slow starts. We seem to get a hold of it when it matters late, and able to make a run and push towards the postseason. We’re in the midst of one right now.
Costas: I’ve come across very few guys who wear their enthusiasm and their delight in being an NFL player on their sleeve the way you do.Rivers: Truly, living a dream. I remember ever since I was little, I wanted to be a quarterback in this league. When it stops being that way, like it was for me in the backyard in Alabama, then I don’t want to play anymore. It’s that way. It’s a combination of loving to play and hating to lose; wanting your team, our team, to win. That drive. There’s nothing better. Nothing better than Sunday night.BILL POLIANCostas: Do you fear the window may be closing?Polian: No. No. We were asked that seven years ago. As long as we’ve got No. 18 and he can go out there and play, and as long as we can continue to build a defense that’s competitive, I think the window is open. Once his time is over, then we have to approach it from a different perspective because he’s a once-in-a-lifetime quarterback. But as long as he’s here, the window’s wide open.
Costas: How optimistic are you that there may be a possible deal that could avert a work stoppage?Polian: I’ve always been optimistic because I believe that both Commissioner Goodell and (DeMaurice) Smith want the game to succeed and do well. We’ve been through this before in ’93. We can do it again this time. I’m hopeful.
Costas: What needs to happen for ownership to be happy?Polian: We have to get a deal that fairly distributes the revenue in the game to both parties. Now, finding that deal, finding that compromise that ultimately arrives at that conclusion is the hard part. The devil’s always in the details but that’s the essence of it.
Costas: You can certainly see from a financial standpoint how an 18-game season could be part of the solution but the more we learn about the toll the game takes on players, the more problematic an 18-game season becomes. How do you see it?Polian: If you have an 18-game season as the Commissioner has said, there have to be concomitant revisions for how we do things on the other side – on the offseason program, particularly, perhaps even training camp and the way training camp is conducted, especially for veterans who do a lot of playing.
Costas: Additional bye week, expanded rosters. Are all those things possibilities?
Polian: I don’t know that they’re possibilities but there has to be a solution that deals with the two extra games. I don’t think that that’s a difficult problem to solve.
And that is it.
Nov
28
ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown Quotage For Week 12
We continue our Sunday NFL pregame quotage with ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown stuff.
ESPN Sunday NFL Countdown Notes and Quotes: Week 12
ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown host Chris Berman and analysts Cris Carter, Mike Ditka, Tom Jackson and Keyshawn Johnson previewed today’s NFL action. Some excerpts:
On the Vikings playing better under (new coach) Leslie Frazier, like the Cowboys…Jackson: “I don’t think so. Jason Garrett took over a (Dallas Cowboys) football team that was talented but not playing hard. There is a difference between that and a dysfunctional locker room, which is what Leslie Frazier is dealing with.”
Johnson: “The locker room was dysfunctional because of Brad Childress. That locker room has somewhat rallied around Leslie Frazier. I think that they feel like, this is a guy that’s been on both sides of the table, as a player and now as a coach, understands what it takes to be successful as a player. Then, he’ll transfer that to Brett Favre, the offense, the defense will get better … I think he will have that little bit of magic like Jason Garrett.”
Ditka: “To be successful, he has to do it his way, not the quarterbacks’ way. It is not a popularity contest right now … These guys to me, they sound like a bunch of cry babies. I know the old Vikings, I played against them, I coached against them, they went after you. They played the game the way you’re supposed to play the game.”
Carter: “The only way you are going to change the offense is if Brett Favre has a tremendous impact. I want Brett Favre to stand up. He’s telling Ed (Werder) about his injuries – my foot hurt, my elbow hurt, my everything is hurting. When are you going to play better? He is the worst quarterback in the NFL … Brett Favre has stunk this season …
“Let me tell you what the Vikings got. The Vikings got a bunch of chumps on their team – talking, whispering, ‘Oh, I don’t like the coach’.”
On whether the Jeff Fisher-Vince Young relationship is beyond repair…Ditka: “When respect is gone out of a relationship, the love is gone and then the divorce is final. Jeff (Fisher) wants to move forward in a different direction. Vince Young has had every chance in the world. He’s shown a great amount of immaturity, I feel sorry for him … But you can’t do what he did.”
Johnson: “He’s definitely a winner, we all know that. But Jeff Fisher has to be the guy to bring this relationship closer again. I don’t know that Jeff would do that … And now you have the owner taking sides saying you have to embrace this quarterback. At some point in time, people have to go their separate ways.”
Jackson: “Beyond repair, I believe it is. People have to understand, first of all, what was said to Jeff Fisher in that locker room. We cannot repeat it. The expletives were such that you totally showed disrespect for your coach … And then to text. Let me tell you how you do this Vince. You issue your apology the same way you issued the insult. You get the team together, with the coach in front of you, and you say, ‘I’m sorry what happened. I hope I can win the respect of Jeff Fisher and my teammates back again.’ With the same passion and intensity with which you cursed the coach out and left that locker room. Try that, and see if it works by March. Right now, I don’t see that happening.”
Carter: “It’s just like a marriage … The thing about marriage is to keep them successful, you can’t fall out of love at the same time. The first incident in 2008, Fisher was still in love with him, so they brought him back into the team. Now, after this incident where Fisher has been embarrassed, they have to have a divorce. The only problem is, the judge is Bud Adams and he’s writing the check.”
On how Michael Vick vs. Bears defense will play out…Carter: “The Bears are going to try to keep Michael Vick in the pocket. My biggest concern is playing in Soldier Field, I played there 14 games. This surface is not like any other surface in the National Football League. The grass is very very thick … This is not like Lambeau Field. Lambeau Field, they have heaters under the field, so the players don’t slip as much. The grass is longer. Michael Vick would have to stay in the pocket.”
Jackson: “He is dealing with the team that has outstanding athleticism … This team has Julius Peppers, Lance Briggs, Brian Urlacher. These guys would be able to track him down. I don’t know if they’ll get the sacks, but it is the hits on him that will take their toll. Let’s see how he looks going into the third quarter, fourth quarter.”
Ditka: “The reason we don’t have those heaters (on the field turf) in Chicago was a political decision. We have problems with that in Chicago … Bears are a pretty good defense. They play that cover two and they’re going to have a lot of guys looking at him.”
Carter: “One thing the Bears have to do is swallow their pride. Earlier in Bran Urlacher’s career, he could spy. He can’t spy on Michael Vick, because he can’t run the field like that.”
Who has the edge – Josh Freeman vs. Ravens defense?Johnson: “He’ll come out okay, but he won’t come out with a ‘W’. Ray Lewis isn’t going to let a young guy come into his stadium and come out of there with a victory. Warm weather teams going to a cold weather city, no matter what anybody says, that’s a problem. Those receivers are not accustomed to running routes in cold weather, catching those types of football. Not only that, you’ve got Ed Reed back – four games, four interceptions. Enough said.”
Carter: “The graphic said six comebacks in the 4th quarter. That means they’ve been down a whole bunch. That’s what Ed Reed and Ray Lewis; they key right in on what you’re going to do. You become one dimensional, and you’re behind in the game, Baltimore will dominate.”
Ditka: “I guarantee you, he (Freeman) doesn’t care about Ed Reed or Ray Lewis. All he cares about, getting his team in the end zone. This is a pretty good young football team. They emulate their head coach.”
Which team needs the win more: Chargers or Colts?Jackson: “The Chargers – that slow start this year included a couple of division losses … As bad as the Colts look to us right now, they’re still tied for first in their division with a couple of games coming.
Johnson: “It’s the San Diego Chargers. They can’t afford another loss.”
Ditka: “The Colts have lost two out of three. If they lose another one, that’ll be three out of four. If they get three out of four, they’ve got a problem.”
On the unwritten NFL rules each Sunday NFL Countdown analyst subscribes to…Jackson: “No spitting.”
Carter: “I don’t believe in all that shake your hands before the game.”
Johnson: “Players talking about other players’ contracts, publicly.”
Ditka: “They talk about all these shots head-to-head. Mine was, you never go low on a guy if you don’t have to.”
Special Thankgiving “No Huddle”Biggest “turkey” in the NFL this season?Jackson: “Randy Moss. Considering that he’s had the chance to play with so many different people this year and deliver a few things at every stop.”
Carter: “(Randy) Moss has had a bad year.”
Johnson: “The Washington Redskins, the Shanahans, the staff, everybody there, plus the Monday night when they bamboozled us on the (Donovan) McNabb contract.”Ditka: “It’s Randy Moss.”
NBC’s Football Night in America’s preview of tonight’s interviews is next.
Nov
28
The NFL Today on CBS Quotage For Week 12
Let’s go to CBS for the quotage from the NFL Today. This includes a transcript from a very emotional report on the connection between Flight 93 which crashed in Shanksville, PA and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
We have the press release from CBS Sports.
NEWS, NOTES & QUOTES FROM CBS SPORTS’ “THE NFL TODAY” WITH JAMES BROWN, DAN MARINO, SHANNON SHARPE, BILL COWHER AND BOOMER ESIASON FOR WEEK 12 ON NOVEMBER 28THE NFL ON CBS broadcasts its 5,000th game today in its 51-year history of covering the NFL. The historic game, Miami Dolphins-Oakland Raiders, is called by Gus Johnson and Steve Tasker. THE NFL ON CBS’s first regular-season game broadcast was on September 30, 1956 as the Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Washington Redskins, 30-13. Jim Gibbons and Arch McDonald provided the call for the Redskins audience, while Joe Tucker and Bob Prince called the game for the Steelers audience.THE NFL TODAY’S Shannon Sharpe was announced today as a semi-finalist for Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2010? FACE OFF(On whether the $25,000 fine of Oakland’s Richard Seymour for hitting Pittsburgh QB Ben Roethlisberger would have been bigger if he hit Tom Brady or Peyton Manning)DAN MARINO: They’d have probably thrown him out of the league. Seriously, Richard Seymour has been a Super Bowl player. I think if he’d known that that was Roethlisberger behind him, he probably wouldn’t have done it. He thought it was a lineman. But at the same time, I’m sure the fine would be higher if it was Brady or Manning.
SHANNON SHARPE: I totally agree with you, Dan. They completely changed the rules when a guy did a legal hit and put Tom Brady out for the entire season. If you go up and hit this guy knowing, Tom Brady or Peyton Manning, they are the face of the National Football League, that’s going to cost you a quarter million, and you’re out of the League. You’re going to have to apply for reinstatement.(On whether $50,000 fine each of Denver Broncos and Josh McDaniels for illegal videotaping was severe enough and is this it for McDaniels)BILL COWHER: As far as the punishment, no, it’s not enough. The precedent was set when the New England Patriots were fined, Bill Belichick himself over $100,000, and draft picks should be taken away. I know they say he acted independently. I don’t agree with that because I think in every room, in every building, the dynamics, you always have to answer to a superior. I have a hard time believing this was done independently. It was not heavily fined enough. Draft picks should have been taken away.
BOOMER ESIASON: I agree with Coach, but you put that on the fact they’re 5-15 the last 20, the fact Josh McDaniels got rid of Cutler, Marshall, Sheffler and Hillis, also got blown out at home by the Oakland Raiders, and on top of that drafted Tim Tebow in the first round, you really have to question the decision making of one Josh McDaniels.? “INSIDE THE GAME” WITH “NFL TODAY GENERAL MANAGER” CHARLEY CASSERLY(On League fining Denver Broncos and Head Coach Josh McDaniels for videotaping a San Francisco 49ers’ walk-through before their game in London)CASSERLY: I talked to the League and asked them to compare this to the Patriots. First of all, McDaniels was only fined $50,000 for these reasons: number one, they couldn’t find any evidence at this time that he authorized the videotaping or he looked at the videotape. Now, as to why they weren’t penalized any draft choices, the League said this, unlike the Patriots, who were penalized a first round pick, the Patriots gained a competitive advantage with the videotape they had. They didn’t feel the Broncos gained any competitive advantage with the videotape they had.
(On proposed 18-game schedule)CASSERLY: In that proposal, there would be a bye on Labor Day, and the season would begin the week after Labor Day. I’ve learned there’s a group of Northern owners, cold weather owners, who want to start the season on Labor Day to have one less game in January. Their reason, it’s hard to sell tickets in January. There’s also going to be no shows with the people who already bought tickets.
? EXCERPTS FROM PITTSBURGH STEELERS FEATURE REMEMBERING UNITED FLIGHT 93(Former Members of Pittsburgh Steelers and family members spearheading the building of a Memorial in Shanksville, Pa. remembering the heroes of hijacked United Flight 93)
ROCKY BLEIER: Sometimes we have a tendency to forget as time goes on what actually took place. Here was one in our own backyard.CALVIN WILSON: None of them had a plan to be a hero that day. It was their spirit and their ability to not give in and not give up.ART ROONEY II: We started to learn about what happened in Shanksville. Coach Cowher and I talked, and we decided to take our players and coaches and staff and went up there and participated in the prayer service.
FRANCO HARRIS: When Rocky calls, you do say yes and take the call because Rocky doesn’t take it lightly to ask. The way I feel about Rocky, I’m willing to be his teammate in just about anything, especially the building of this memorial.
BLEIER: Here is a place that puts in perspective everything that had taken place on 9/11. Not only here you think about the plane that crashed, but you think about the day, and you think about the images.
GORDON FELT: I want everyone, when they leave the park after visiting, to be able to ask themselves a question, could I have done that? If I were in their shoes, would I have been able to act as they did?
DAVID BEAMER: Ordinary people can do extraordinary things. They did. They fought back successfully, and they died. And all of their families and others miss each and every one of them terribly.? REACTION TO PITTSBURGH STEELERS FEATUREBILL COWHER: We all remember where we were on that specific day. And the Rooney family, it was very important. It was optional to go up to the memorial. We went up there. From Chris Henry to the heroes, the heroic efforts of the people of Flight 93, Thanksgiving is about not so much what people have accomplished, but it’s about the people they touched. Their spirits will live on forever. It galvanized the city what the people of Flight 93 did, and that whole area. You know, it was something we will always remember, and I was very much, very heavily touched.
ESPN’s quotage and NBC’s preview of tonight’s Football Night in America interviews are next.
Nov
28
The NFL Today on CBS Quotage For Week 12
Let’s go to CBS for the quotage from the NFL Today. This includes a transcript from a very emotional report on the connection between Flight 93 which crashed in Shanksville, PA and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
We have the press release from CBS Sports.
NEWS, NOTES & QUOTES FROM CBS SPORTS’ “THE NFL TODAY” WITH JAMES BROWN, DAN MARINO, SHANNON SHARPE, BILL COWHER AND BOOMER ESIASON FOR WEEK 12 ON NOVEMBER 28THE NFL ON CBS broadcasts its 5,000th game today in its 51-year history of covering the NFL. The historic game, Miami Dolphins-Oakland Raiders, is called by Gus Johnson and Steve Tasker. THE NFL ON CBS’s first regular-season game broadcast was on September 30, 1956 as the Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Washington Redskins, 30-13. Jim Gibbons and Arch McDonald provided the call for the Redskins audience, while Joe Tucker and Bob Prince called the game for the Steelers audience.THE NFL TODAY’S Shannon Sharpe was announced today as a semi-finalist for Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2010? FACE OFF(On whether the $25,000 fine of Oakland’s Richard Seymour for hitting Pittsburgh QB Ben Roethlisberger would have been bigger if he hit Tom Brady or Peyton Manning)DAN MARINO: They’d have probably thrown him out of the league. Seriously, Richard Seymour has been a Super Bowl player. I think if he’d known that that was Roethlisberger behind him, he probably wouldn’t have done it. He thought it was a lineman. But at the same time, I’m sure the fine would be higher if it was Brady or Manning.
SHANNON SHARPE: I totally agree with you, Dan. They completely changed the rules when a guy did a legal hit and put Tom Brady out for the entire season. If you go up and hit this guy knowing, Tom Brady or Peyton Manning, they are the face of the National Football League, that’s going to cost you a quarter million, and you’re out of the League. You’re going to have to apply for reinstatement.(On whether $50,000 fine each of Denver Broncos and Josh McDaniels for illegal videotaping was severe enough and is this it for McDaniels)BILL COWHER: As far as the punishment, no, it’s not enough. The precedent was set when the New England Patriots were fined, Bill Belichick himself over $100,000, and draft picks should be taken away. I know they say he acted independently. I don’t agree with that because I think in every room, in every building, the dynamics, you always have to answer to a superior. I have a hard time believing this was done independently. It was not heavily fined enough. Draft picks should have been taken away.
BOOMER ESIASON: I agree with Coach, but you put that on the fact they’re 5-15 the last 20, the fact Josh McDaniels got rid of Cutler, Marshall, Sheffler and Hillis, also got blown out at home by the Oakland Raiders, and on top of that drafted Tim Tebow in the first round, you really have to question the decision making of one Josh McDaniels.? “INSIDE THE GAME” WITH “NFL TODAY GENERAL MANAGER” CHARLEY CASSERLY(On League fining Denver Broncos and Head Coach Josh McDaniels for videotaping a San Francisco 49ers’ walk-through before their game in London)CASSERLY: I talked to the League and asked them to compare this to the Patriots. First of all, McDaniels was only fined $50,000 for these reasons: number one, they couldn’t find any evidence at this time that he authorized the videotaping or he looked at the videotape. Now, as to why they weren’t penalized any draft choices, the League said this, unlike the Patriots, who were penalized a first round pick, the Patriots gained a competitive advantage with the videotape they had. They didn’t feel the Broncos gained any competitive advantage with the videotape they had.
(On proposed 18-game schedule)CASSERLY: In that proposal, there would be a bye on Labor Day, and the season would begin the week after Labor Day. I’ve learned there’s a group of Northern owners, cold weather owners, who want to start the season on Labor Day to have one less game in January. Their reason, it’s hard to sell tickets in January. There’s also going to be no shows with the people who already bought tickets.
? EXCERPTS FROM PITTSBURGH STEELERS FEATURE REMEMBERING UNITED FLIGHT 93(Former Members of Pittsburgh Steelers and family members spearheading the building of a Memorial in Shanksville, Pa. remembering the heroes of hijacked United Flight 93)
ROCKY BLEIER: Sometimes we have a tendency to forget as time goes on what actually took place. Here was one in our own backyard.CALVIN WILSON: None of them had a plan to be a hero that day. It was their spirit and their ability to not give in and not give up.ART ROONEY II: We started to learn about what happened in Shanksville. Coach Cowher and I talked, and we decided to take our players and coaches and staff and went up there and participated in the prayer service.
FRANCO HARRIS: When Rocky calls, you do say yes and take the call because Rocky doesn’t take it lightly to ask. The way I feel about Rocky, I’m willing to be his teammate in just about anything, especially the building of this memorial.
BLEIER: Here is a place that puts in perspective everything that had taken place on 9/11. Not only here you think about the plane that crashed, but you think about the day, and you think about the images.
GORDON FELT: I want everyone, when they leave the park after visiting, to be able to ask themselves a question, could I have done that? If I were in their shoes, would I have been able to act as they did?
DAVID BEAMER: Ordinary people can do extraordinary things. They did. They fought back successfully, and they died. And all of their families and others miss each and every one of them terribly.? REACTION TO PITTSBURGH STEELERS FEATUREBILL COWHER: We all remember where we were on that specific day. And the Rooney family, it was very important. It was optional to go up to the memorial. We went up there. From Chris Henry to the heroes, the heroic efforts of the people of Flight 93, Thanksgiving is about not so much what people have accomplished, but it’s about the people they touched. Their spirits will live on forever. It galvanized the city what the people of Flight 93 did, and that whole area. You know, it was something we will always remember, and I was very much, very heavily touched.
ESPN’s quotage and NBC’s preview of tonight’s Football Night in America interviews are next.
Nov
28
The NFL Today on CBS Quotage For Week 12
Let’s go to CBS for the quotage from the NFL Today. This includes a transcript from a very emotional report on the connection between Flight 93 which crashed in Shanksville, PA and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
We have the press release from CBS Sports.
NEWS, NOTES & QUOTES FROM CBS SPORTS’ “THE NFL TODAY” WITH JAMES BROWN, DAN MARINO, SHANNON SHARPE, BILL COWHER AND BOOMER ESIASON FOR WEEK 12 ON NOVEMBER 28THE NFL ON CBS broadcasts its 5,000th game today in its 51-year history of covering the NFL. The historic game, Miami Dolphins-Oakland Raiders, is called by Gus Johnson and Steve Tasker. THE NFL ON CBS’s first regular-season game broadcast was on September 30, 1956 as the Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Washington Redskins, 30-13. Jim Gibbons and Arch McDonald provided the call for the Redskins audience, while Joe Tucker and Bob Prince called the game for the Steelers audience.THE NFL TODAY’S Shannon Sharpe was announced today as a semi-finalist for Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2010? FACE OFF(On whether the $25,000 fine of Oakland’s Richard Seymour for hitting Pittsburgh QB Ben Roethlisberger would have been bigger if he hit Tom Brady or Peyton Manning)DAN MARINO: They’d have probably thrown him out of the league. Seriously, Richard Seymour has been a Super Bowl player. I think if he’d known that that was Roethlisberger behind him, he probably wouldn’t have done it. He thought it was a lineman. But at the same time, I’m sure the fine would be higher if it was Brady or Manning.
SHANNON SHARPE: I totally agree with you, Dan. They completely changed the rules when a guy did a legal hit and put Tom Brady out for the entire season. If you go up and hit this guy knowing, Tom Brady or Peyton Manning, they are the face of the National Football League, that’s going to cost you a quarter million, and you’re out of the League. You’re going to have to apply for reinstatement.(On whether $50,000 fine each of Denver Broncos and Josh McDaniels for illegal videotaping was severe enough and is this it for McDaniels)BILL COWHER: As far as the punishment, no, it’s not enough. The precedent was set when the New England Patriots were fined, Bill Belichick himself over $100,000, and draft picks should be taken away. I know they say he acted independently. I don’t agree with that because I think in every room, in every building, the dynamics, you always have to answer to a superior. I have a hard time believing this was done independently. It was not heavily fined enough. Draft picks should have been taken away.
BOOMER ESIASON: I agree with Coach, but you put that on the fact they’re 5-15 the last 20, the fact Josh McDaniels got rid of Cutler, Marshall, Sheffler and Hillis, also got blown out at home by the Oakland Raiders, and on top of that drafted Tim Tebow in the first round, you really have to question the decision making of one Josh McDaniels.? “INSIDE THE GAME” WITH “NFL TODAY GENERAL MANAGER” CHARLEY CASSERLY(On League fining Denver Broncos and Head Coach Josh McDaniels for videotaping a San Francisco 49ers’ walk-through before their game in London)CASSERLY: I talked to the League and asked them to compare this to the Patriots. First of all, McDaniels was only fined $50,000 for these reasons: number one, they couldn’t find any evidence at this time that he authorized the videotaping or he looked at the videotape. Now, as to why they weren’t penalized any draft choices, the League said this, unlike the Patriots, who were penalized a first round pick, the Patriots gained a competitive advantage with the videotape they had. They didn’t feel the Broncos gained any competitive advantage with the videotape they had.
(On proposed 18-game schedule)CASSERLY: In that proposal, there would be a bye on Labor Day, and the season would begin the week after Labor Day. I’ve learned there’s a group of Northern owners, cold weather owners, who want to start the season on Labor Day to have one less game in January. Their reason, it’s hard to sell tickets in January. There’s also going to be no shows with the people who already bought tickets.
? EXCERPTS FROM PITTSBURGH STEELERS FEATURE REMEMBERING UNITED FLIGHT 93(Former Members of Pittsburgh Steelers and family members spearheading the building of a Memorial in Shanksville, Pa. remembering the heroes of hijacked United Flight 93)
ROCKY BLEIER: Sometimes we have a tendency to forget as time goes on what actually took place. Here was one in our own backyard.CALVIN WILSON: None of them had a plan to be a hero that day. It was their spirit and their ability to not give in and not give up.ART ROONEY II: We started to learn about what happened in Shanksville. Coach Cowher and I talked, and we decided to take our players and coaches and staff and went up there and participated in the prayer service.
FRANCO HARRIS: When Rocky calls, you do say yes and take the call because Rocky doesn’t take it lightly to ask. The way I feel about Rocky, I’m willing to be his teammate in just about anything, especially the building of this memorial.
BLEIER: Here is a place that puts in perspective everything that had taken place on 9/11. Not only here you think about the plane that crashed, but you think about the day, and you think about the images.
GORDON FELT: I want everyone, when they leave the park after visiting, to be able to ask themselves a question, could I have done that? If I were in their shoes, would I have been able to act as they did?
DAVID BEAMER: Ordinary people can do extraordinary things. They did. They fought back successfully, and they died. And all of their families and others miss each and every one of them terribly.? REACTION TO PITTSBURGH STEELERS FEATUREBILL COWHER: We all remember where we were on that specific day. And the Rooney family, it was very important. It was optional to go up to the memorial. We went up there. From Chris Henry to the heroes, the heroic efforts of the people of Flight 93, Thanksgiving is about not so much what people have accomplished, but it’s about the people they touched. Their spirits will live on forever. It galvanized the city what the people of Flight 93 did, and that whole area. You know, it was something we will always remember, and I was very much, very heavily touched.
ESPN’s quotage and NBC’s preview of tonight’s Football Night in America interviews are next.
Nov
28
Fox NFL Sunday Quotage For Week 12
Let’s give you the Fox NFL Sunday quotes for today which includes Jay Glazer reporting on Spygate II involving a very embattled Denver Broncos coach Josh McDaniels.
FOX NFL SUNDAY NOTES – 11/28/10
Glazer Reports Broncos Head Coach Josh McDaniels Admits to Spygate While Coaching in New EnglandBradshaw to Titans Owner Bud Adams: “Get Out of the Way”Strahan on Minnesota Vikings Troubles: “You Don’t Beg a Man to Come Back and Play”————————————————————————————–FOX NFL Insider Jay Glazer reported on news that broke yesterday that the Broncos and Josh McDaniels were each fined $50,000 for illegally taping the 49ers walk-through practice a couple weeks ago at Wembley Stadium in London. McDaniels was a member of the New England coaching staff during “Spygate 1.” Coincidence?
————————————————————————————–Analyst Jimmy Johnson doesn’t think all the controversy between Titans quarterback Vince Young and head coach Jeff Fisher should be put solely on Vince: “If you listen to the Tennessee coaches, Vince Young is young, immature, spoiled, and lazy and that may be true but you’ve got to hear the other side. Everything we’re getting is from the Tennessee coaches side but how about from Vince Young. He’s 30-17 as quarterback so he wins games. He’s been like an unwanted child from day 1. He gets benched at the drop of a hat so maybe he’s kind of defensive about it.”————————————————————————————–Analyst Terry Bradshaw relates to Vince Young’s struggles and believes it’s up to the Titans quarterback to make a change: “I share some of what Vince is going through. I too was emotionally immature and I don’t blame Chuck Noll for all the things that he did to me – the benching, the booing etc. I had to learn how to deal with each and every bit of it. Then I had to realize, am I going to allow all of this to destroy my dream of being successful in the NFL? Vince, you come to that point where you look in the mirror and say, ‘I’ve got to change. I’m going to take control, I’m going to study and I’m going to win Fisher over.’ I believe Fisher and Young need each other. Bud Adams this has got nothing to do with you, you’re the owner, get out of the way.”————————————————————————————–Analyst Jimmy Johnson believes Vikings interim Head Coach Leslie Frazier will be back next year: “He’s highly regarded and I think he will be the head coach next year.”————————————————————————————–FOX NFL SUNDAY host Curt Menefee asked, when did it go wrong in Minnesota?Johnson: “When the jet went south.”Strahan: “Before the jet went south. You don’t beg a man to come back and play.”Long: “It went wrong in New Orleans on the interception in the NFC Championship Game.”FOX NFL SUNDAY host Curt Menefee asked, what went wrong with the New York Giants?Johnson: “There have been too many interceptions thrown by Eli Manning.”Strahan: “They had great opportunities and inopportune turnovers.”Long: “Too many fumbles.”————————————————————————————–Analyst Terry Bradshaw broke down this afternoon’s Green Bay Packers at Atlanta Falcons game this afternoon:“It’s all about balance. I come from the old school. If you can run it, you can throw it and Atlanta can run it with RB Michael Turner and they’ve got Roddy White and Matt Ryan at quarterback. I love them. On the other side, Green Bay is one dimensional. If Rodgers plays great and has his best game of the year, they can win otherwise they lose.”————————————————————————————–Analyst Terry Bradshaw unveiled his top 10 quarterbacks under 30 years of age.10. Matt Schaub9. Eli Manning8. Josh Freeman7. Mark Sanchez6. Joe Flacco5. Sam Bradford4. Matt Ryan3. Aaron Rodgers2. Ben Roethlisberger1. Philip Rivers
We’ll provide more quotage as we get them.
Nov
28
NFL GameDay Morning Quotage From Week 12
We now have the quotage for the Sunday NFL pregame shows. Let’s begin with NFL Network’s GameDay Final.
News and Sound Bites From Week 12 Edition of NFL GAMEDAY MORNING“Keep Fisher. Vince Young has to go.” – Marshall Faulk on the Tennessee Titans“What complicates the entire issue is Jeff Fisher only has one year on his contract, Vince Young only has one year left on his contract and if you get rid of one of them, you might lose the other a year later.” – Steve Mariucci on the Tennessee Titans“This is the week the Chargers show everyone, by beating the Colts that they are making a run.” – Michael Irvin on the San Diego ChargersNFL Network’s Deion Sanders, Marshall Faulk & NFL Films Founder Ed Sabol Among Semifinalists for Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2011 Unveiled Exclusively on NFL GameDay MorningNFL GameDay Morning, the FIRST pregame show on the air Sunday morning is in its third season on the air at 9:00 AM ET, taking viewers straight up to kickoff. New host Rich Eisen joins analysts Michael Irvin, Warren Sapp, Marshall Faulk and Steve Mariucci to bring fans the latest news, injury reports, pregame analysis and game previews.Semifinalists for Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2011 Announced Exclusively on NFL GameDay Morning:Jerome Bettis RBTim Brown WRCris Carter WRDon Coryell Head CoachRoger Craig RBTerrell Davis RBDermontti Dawson CEdward DeBartolo Jr. OwnerRichard Dent DEChris Doleman DEMarshall Faulk RBKevin Greene LBRay Guy PCharles Haley DE/LBLester Hayes CBCortez Kennedy DTCurtis Martin RBArt Modell OwnerAndre Reed WRWillie Roaf TEd Sabol NFL Films FounderDeion Sanders CBShannon Sharpe TEPaul Tagliabue NFL CommissionerAeneas Williams CB/SGeorge Young General ManagerFor video of the exclusive reveal of the semifinalists for Pro Football Hall of Fame’s class of 2011, please visit:http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/09000d5d81c76836/2011-Hall-of-Fame-Semifinalists – part Ihttp://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/09000d5d81c76c6f/2011-Hall-of-Fame-Semifinalists-Pt-2 – part IIhttp://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/09000d5d81c771f6/2011-Hall-of-Fame-Semifinalists-Pt-3 – part IIIQuotes from NFL GameDay Morning:“They’re going to peak at the end, but they’re not in Super Bowl form just yet.” – Steve Mariucci on the New Orleans Saints“Michael Turner is a player that can control the pace of the football game.” – Marshall Faulk on Falcons RB Michael Turner“Don’t ask Matt Ryan to win this game by himself against a defense that’s capable of knocking a quarterback out of the game and taking the ball away when you put it up in the air.” – Marshall Faulk on what the Atlanta Falcons’ game plan should be against the Green Bay Packers“[The Patriots] wear you down with precision and that’s something the Jets can’t do.” – Michael Irvin on who’s better – Jets or Patriots“Can you get rid of a head coach and [expect] this team follow Vince Young? I don’t believe that’s the case. I haven’t seen that from Vince Young just yet, but I do know that Jeff Fisher is a winner and his coaching staff and the structure of your organization must stay the same. Keep Fisher. Vince Young has to go.” – Faulk on the Tennessee Titans“All of these young secondary guys are growing up fast and that’s what Bill Belichick does. His forte is on defense and he is growing that defense into championship form.” – Mariucci on the New England Patriots secondary“I’m ahead of the curve with my quarterback and I’m not getting rid of him. That’s how I’m handling this situation. If I’m Bud Adams, I’m talking to [Jeff] Fisher and saying, ‘let’s get this resolved like men. Sit down and get it right.’” – Irvin on the Tennessee Titans“Imagine if he had a system that accentuated his talent and not a head coach that doesn’t believe in him. He may be better than this.” – Irvin on Tennessee Titans QB Vince Young“What complicates the entire issue is Jeff Fisher only has one year on his contract, Vince Young only has one year left on his contract and if you get rid of one of them, you might lose the other a year later.” – Mariucci on the Tennessee Titans“You have to make a decision Bud Adams: Do you want to go with the quarterback or the coach? If it’s me, I’m sticking with the coach because the coach brings me structure and brings me direction; I understand where I’m going with him.” – Sapp on the Tennessee Titans“We always hear that jail does nothing good for anyone, jail is no place for anyone; I believe it not only saved Michael Vick’s career, it saved his life.” – Faulk on the success of Eagles QB Michael Vick“That’s what football does. It teaches you how to get up after being knocked down and no one was knocked down harder than Michael Vick.” – Warren Sapp on the success of Eagles QB Michael Vick“Offensively, I don’t see an identity. They live off the explosive play.” – Faulk on the Pittsburgh Steelers“[This offense] is going to continue to roll because their defense continues to show up.” – Faulk on the Kansas City Chiefs“This team is a year away. With the talent that they have, look for them next year to go deep and maybe even to a Super Bowl.” – Michael Irvin on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers“When you get to that podium, you will find joy like you’ve never known.” – Irvin on being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame“Anticipating what it’s like.” – Faulk on being named a semifinalist for the 2011 Hall of Fame class“This victory puts them over the top, solidifies all of those great stats that they have and says ‘we are in the race with a great team.’” – Irvin on the San Diego Chargers should they beat the Indianapolis Colts“This is the week the Chargers show everyone, by beating the Colts that they are making a run.” – Irvin on Colts vs. Chargers“They’ll keep Aaron Rodgers over by the Gatorade because of their ball control-type offense.” – Mariucci on the Atlanta Falcons against Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers“The one thing that this team has done is they’ve taken advantage of the opportunities that have been presented to them. The ball has just bounced their way in games.” – Faulk on the why the Jacksonville Jaguars have had success this season“Favre got Chilly fired and he deserved it because Chilly brought him in and allowed him to basically whatever he wanted to do with his team.” – Faulk on the Minnesota Vikings“When you look at the tape, they just don’t frighten you.” – Warren Sapp on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defenseJason La Canfora News Reports:On Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels’ futureThere’s no doubt that these NFL sanctions have cast further doubt on McDaniels’ future with the Broncos. They’ve lost 15 of 20, many of them blowout losses. His credibility was already an issue with the fan base, a lot of controversial personnel moves. I would not be surprised at all if the Broncos explored other options in 2011. His failure to immediately report these transgressions to ownership and/or the league could ultimately cost him his job next year.On the latest reports on the CBA situation:There was a negotiation session last week. League officials I spoke to felt there was a modicum of progress that the union had a pretty good response to the 18-game schedule. However, some union officials I spoke to felt that the meeting was more or less ho-hum and they pointed out that as of this point there is no date set yet for future meetings. They also feel like the league won’t negotiate in earnest until after the Super Bowl. There is still a lot of work to be done there.On the Minnesota Vikings:The Vikings make their debut under Leslie Frazier. Players I talked to told me they feel like Frazier’s more open and direct line of communication is an improvement over Brad Childress. They said that they feel like they’re going to play hard for Frazier from the opening kickoff. They have been starting games slowly. Also, look for them to be more dedicated to the run game now under Frazier.Jason La Canfora 1-on-1 with Vikings Interim Head Coach Leslie Frazier:Frazier on if there will be tangible changes with the Vikings moving forward:“We’re just hoping to go out and play our best game of the season That’s what we’ve been talking about all throughout the week and that’s what we expect to see (today).”Frazier on if he knows how he will be evaluated:“I’m really not overly concerned about that at all. I’m more concerned about how we play today and that’s where my focus is and where our team’s focus is.”Frazier on the possibility someone other than Brett Favre plays quarterback:“I expect him to play well like I expect the rest of our players to play well. I’m not looking ahead and thinking that he’s not going to perform to the standards that we set. I’m looking forward to him having a great game today.”IN or OUT of the Playoffs: The NFL GameDay Morning crew gives their predictions on if playoffs are in the future of four teams.Indianapolis ColtsMarshall Faulk: INSteve Mariucci: INWarren Sapp: INMichael Irvin: INTampa Bay BuccaneersMarshall Faulk: INSteve Mariucci: OUTWarren Sapp: OUTMichael Irvin: OUTSan Diego ChargersMarshall Faulk: OUTSteve Mariucci: INWarren Sapp: OUTMichael Irvin: INNew York GiantsMarshall Faulk: OUTSteve Mariucci: OUTWarren Sapp: OUTMichael Irvin: INWho will be the best team in the NFL after today?Marshall Faulk: New York JetsSteve Mariucci: New England PatriotsWarren Sapp: New Orleans SaintsMichael Irvin: San Diego ChargersOn NFL.com the following video clips from NFL GameDay Morning are available for viewing:In or Out? – The NFL GameDay Morning crew decides which teams are in and out of the playoffs, including the Colts, Giants, Bucs and Chargers.Who’s better – Jets or Patriots? – The NFL GameDay Morning crew discusses which team is better, the Jets or the Patriots.The surprising Michael Vick – How surprising is Michael Vick’s performance this season in his return to a starting role? NFL GameDay Morning debates.Are the Saints the best team in the NFC? – Are the defending Super Bowl champions the best team in the NFC?
Fox NFL Sunday with a video from Jay Glazer is next.
Nov
28
ESPN’s Monday Night Football Preview For Week 12
For one of its worst matchups since obtaining the Monday Night Football package in 2006, ESPN is doing its best foot forward for Arizona and San Francisco, certainly not the most attractive game. But ESPN will treat it as past Monday Night games while bringing up next week’s game, New York Jets at New England. Here’s ESPN’s preview.
Monday Night Football: Arizona hosts San FranciscoWide receiver Larry Fitzgerald and the Arizona Cardinals will host Frank Gore and the San Francisco 49ers in a NFC West rivalry game on ESPN’s Monday Night Football Nov. 29 at 8:30 p.m. on ESPN and ESPN HD. Mike Tirico and analysts Jon Gruden and Ron Jaworski will call the game, and Michele Tafoya and Suzy Kolber will provide updates on the teams throughout the day from University of Phoenix Stadium.Monday’s telecast will begin with a Frank Gifford vignette highlighting the 49ers-Rams game from Dec. 11, 1989, when Joe Montana threw a MNF single-game record 458 passing yards. Wide receiver John Taylor also led the night with 286 yards, establishing a then-MNF single-game record as the 49ers victory 30-27, en route to Super Bowl XXIV. The 49ers’ 39 victories rank them among the most successful NFL franchises in MNF’s 40-year history.ESPN’s “game around the game” studio coverage will begin at noon on SportsCenter, followed by NFL Live (3:30 p.m.) and NFL PrimeTime (4 p.m.). The 90-minute Monday Night Countdown pregame will begin at 7 p.m. with host Chris Berman and analysts Cris Carter, Mike Ditka, Tom Jackson, Keyshawn Johnson, Chris Mortensen, and NFL Insider Adam Schefter. Stuart Scott and analysts Matt Millen and Steve Young will contribute from the stadium.
And we’re done with the NFL previews for Week 12.
Nov
28
NBC’s Football Night in America Previews Week 12
I forgot that I had NBC Sports’ preview for Sunday Night Football and I hadn’t posted it. So let’s do that now before we go to Monday Night Football. Here’s what NBC’s crew is saying about San Diego-Indianapolis which airs at 8:20 tonight.
PEYTON MANNING & PHILLIP RIVERS TO AIR IT OUT WHEN COLTS HOST CHARGERS ON “SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL”COVERAGE BEGINS WITH “FOOTBALL NIGHT IN AMERICA” AT 7 PM ET“Neither one of these teams can really afford to let one slip.” – SNF’s Cris Collinsworth“As we get closer to the end, they all sort of become little, mini playoff games.” – CollinsworthNEW YORK – November 24, 2010 – Peyton Manning and Phillip Rivers, the league’s top two leaders in passing yards, meet on “Sunday Night Football” when the Indianapolis Colts (6-4) host the San Diego Chargers (5-5) in a game neither team can afford to let slip, according to SNF analyst Cris Collinsworth. Through 10 games, Rivers has passed for 3,177 yards and is on pace for 5,083, which would leave him a yard short of Dan Marino’s NFL single-season record of 5,084 set in 1984. Manning is second in the league with 3,059 yards and is on pace for 4,894, which would rank third all time.Calling Chargers-Colts will be six-time Emmy Award-winner Al Michaels (play-by-play), who is in his 25th season as the voice of the NFL’s premier primetime package; 11-time Emmy Award-winner Collinsworth, who last year, his first in the SNF booth, won the Emmy for outstanding event analyst; and sideline reporter Andrea Kremer about whom TV Guide said is “one of TV’s best sports correspondents.”Coverage begins with “Football Night in America” at 7 p.m. ET Sunday with Bob Costas, who won the outstanding studio host Emmy last year, hosting live from inside the stadium. Dan Patrick will co-host “Football Night” from NBC’s 30 Rockefeller Plaza studios joined by Super Bowl-winning head coach and Emmy-nominated Tony Dungy, two-time Super Bowl winner Rodney Harrison, and Sports Illustrated’s Peter King. Alex Flanagan will report from Soldier Field in Chicago on the Eagles-Bears game.“Football Night” (7:30-8:15 pm) is averaging 8.3 million viewers through its first 11 weeks, its most ever for that time frame and up 11 percent vs. 2009’s 7.5 million viewers.COLLINSWORTH: “It becomes a really big game because the Colts are now, sort of, on the brink of the playoffs. The Chargers are trying to fight their way back in a division that most people still feel like they have the most talent in. But neither one of these teams can really afford to let one slip at this point. As we get closer to the end, they all sort of become little, mini playoff games.”DUNGY ON THE CHARGERS: “San Diego has had two things going for them in the past against the Colts. The first is a great pass rush from their outside linebacker. They put a lot of pressure on Peyton without having to send extra guys. The second thing is they always presented tough matchups with their big receivers against the smaller Colts defensive backs. Rivers has had two big days in the playoffs (against the Colts).”HARRISON ON THE COLTS: “They have guys who are really fast on turf and who play with a tremendous amount of confidence. The most important thing is after that loss to New England, the Colts are coming back home and will be playing with a sense of urgency knowing that they have to win this game against a San Diego team that is, quite frankly, not intimidated by the Colts. But the Colts play different at home.”
More coming up.
Nov
28
Fox Sports Previews NFL Week 12
Let’s give you the preview from Fox Sports for today.
FOX SPORTS NOTES, QUOTES & ANECDOTES
7-3 Bears Host High-Flying Eagles on America’s Game of the Week Sunday at 4:15 PM ETFOXSports.com Sets Third Consecutive Traffic MarkFOXSPORTS.COM SETS THIRD CONSECUTIVE TRAFFIC MARK – FOXSports.com on MSN continues to gain reach, reaching more than 29 million unique visitors in October and besting its previous record set the prior month according to comScore monthly analysis. This marks a 91% increase over Oct. 2009, and marks the third straight month the site has drawn a record audience. Growth was seen across all sites within the FOXSports.com on MSN network compared to the same month a year ago, with the FOXSports.com branded site up 55% to 21.4 million unique visitors. Yardbarker.com, recently acquired by FOX Sports Interactive, set a record for the fifth consecutive month with a +171% increase over Oct. ’09, while Scout.com saw growth of 142%. Unique visits to FOX Sports regional sports network sites also displayed significant growth, jumping 30% over September figures. FOXSports.com saw 12.7 million video streams in October, +38% over 10/09, with soccer highlights being the most-streamed video content.DIVISION LEADERS FACE OFF DURING BOTH ENDS OF FOX DOUBLEHEADER – On Sunday, Nov. 28 FOX Sports continues Week 12 with doubleheader coverage of six intense matchups – each presented in true HD. Action kicks off in Atlanta at 1:00 PM ET, as Matt Ryan and the NFC South-leading Falcons host Aaron Rodgers and the NFC North-leading Packers. Interim head coach Leslie Frazier leads the Vikings in Washington to take on the Redskins. FOX’s early window concludes with the Browns hosting the Panthers. Fresh off another impressive performance last night, Michael Vick and the first-place Eagles travel to Chicago to take on Jay Cutler and the first-place Bears at 4:00 PM ET. Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston and Tony Siragusa call all the action of America’s Game of the Week from Soldier Field. Josh Freeman and the Bucs look to continue to impress against Ray Lewis, Ed Reed and the Ravens in Baltimore. In Denver, the Broncos host Steven Jackson and the Rams.Coverage begins at 12:00 PM ET with America’s most-watched pregame show, FOX NFL SUNDAY. Terry Bradshaw and Curt Menefee co-host the Emmy Award-winning program and are joined by analysts Howie Long, Michael Strahan and Jimmy Johnson. NFL Insider Jay Glazer presents the latest league news and scoops and comedic prognosticator Frank Caliendo contributes his weekly “Frank’s Picks” segment. NFL rules analyst Mike Pereira is also on hand to go over any impactful officiating issues from the last week. This week, Bradshaw unveils his picks for the 10 best quarterbacks under the age of 30. Some of his picks (and omissions) might surprise fans.
AIKMAN: PACKERS FINALLY PLAYING LIKE WE ALL THOUGHT THEY WOULD – NFL on FOX lead game analyst Troy Aikman was in the booth for Green Bay’s 31-3 win over NFC North division rival Minnesota Vikings Sunday and was impressed with what he saw. “There are just a lot of things to like about the Green Bay Packers. First and foremost, they’re well coached. Head Coach Mike McCarthy and defensive coordinator Dom Capers have been outstanding. During our broadcast, we talked about all of the injuries that they’ve had to overcome but yet they’ve done it and not used it as an excuse. They’ve played some of their best football over these last three games. I can see them continue to get better. This is a dangerous football team.”
ESPN’s preview for Monday Night Football is up next.
Nov
28
CBS Sports Previews NFL Week 12
Let’s provide what CBS, Fox and ESPN will cover on their pregame shows today and tomorrow. We begin with the NFL Today and quotes from CBS over today’s action.
“THE NFL TODAY” FEATURES STORY ON PITTSBURGH STEELERS’ COMMITMENT TO HEROES OF UNITED FLIGHT 93 ON SUNDAY, NOV. 28THE NFL ON CBS, broadcasting its 51st year of the NFL, continues its 2010 NFL season on Sunday, Nov. 28 (1:00-7:00 PM, ET) beginning with THE NFL TODAY (12:00 Noon-1:00 PM, ET), live from THE NFL TODAY studio in the CBS Broadcast Center in New York City.
On Sunday, Nov. 28 (12:00 Noon, ET) THE NFL TODAY features a special Thanksgiving weekend story on the Pittsburgh Steelers and their commitment to the memory of the people on board United Flight 93 who heroically made the ultimate sacrifice in fighting back against hijackers of their plane on September 11, 2001. On that September day, 40 ordinary people became heroes when they prevented their plane from reaching Washington, D.C. as United Flight 93 crashed in a grassy field in Shanksville, Pa. less than 100 miles from Pittsburgh. In the days following the crash, the Pittsburgh Steelers went to pay their respects and provide whatever comfort they could to the families of the passengers and crew, and the people of the community. Now, nine years later, 40 former Steelers led by four-time Super Bowl Champion and former Vietnam War veteran Rocky Bleier stand in unison with the families of the 40 heroes to honor the memory of those on board and to create a “Flight 93 National Memorial” in Shanksville. Deb Gelman is the producer.In addition to THE NFL TODAY’s feature on the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, Nov. 28 (12:00 Noon, ET), THE NFL TODAY welcomes Victoria’s Secret model Lily Aldridge live on the set to pick against the guys and preview THE VICTORIA’S SECRET FASHION SHOW on CBS on Tuesday, Nov. 30 (10:00 PM).James Brown hosts THE NFL TODAY, along with analysts Dan Marino, Boomer Esiason, Shannon Sharpe and Bill Cowher, NFL TODAY “General Manager” Charley Casserly, as well as Lesley Visser and Sam Ryan reporting.Eric Mann is senior producer and Bob Matina is director of THE NFL TODAY.
And today, CBS will air its 5,000th NFL game over a 51 year span with the league.
THE NFL ON CBS: WEEK 12 (SUNDAY, NOV. 28)AUDIBLES WITH PRESIDENT, CBS NEWS AND SPORTS SEAN McMANUS AND LEAD “NFL ON CBS” PLAY-BY-PLAY ANNOUNCER JIM NANTZ5 0 0 0The CBS Television Network continues its 51st year broadcasting the NFL with coverage of THE NFL ON CBS on Sunday, Nov. 28 (1:00-7:00 PM, ET) beginning with THE NFL TODAY, the Network’s NFL studio show (12:00 NOON-1:00 PM, ET) respectively, live from THE NFL TODAY studio in New York City.On Sunday, THE NFL ON CBS broadcasts its 5,000th game in its 51-year history of covering the NFL. Gus Johnson and Steve Tasker call the Network’s historic game, Miami Dolphins-Oakland Raiders, live from Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, Calif. Victor Frank produces and Mark Grant directs.Throughout the 2010 season, THE NFL ON CBS will broadcast all of its games each week in HDTV, the highest definition television format – 1080i lines of picture resolution – along with 5.1 digital audio.Sean McManus is President, CBS News and Sports, and serves as executive producer of CBS Sports’ coverage of THE NFL ON CBS. Harold Bryant is Vice President, Production, CBS Sports.* * * * *THE NFL ON CBS’s first regular-season game was broadcast on September 30, 1956 between the Washington Redskins and Pittsburgh Steelers. Pittsburgh won at home, 30-13. Jim Gibbons and Arch McDonald provided play-by-play and analysis for the Redskins audience, while Joe Tucker and Bob Prince called the game for the Steelers audience.SEAN McMANUS(On THE NFL ON CBS’s 5,000th game): When you think of all the television firsts and the great broadcasters that have called all those games for CBS Sports, it is a tremendous contribution to sports television history. We are extremely proud to be broadcasting our 5,000th NFL game. And we look forward to broadcasting our next 5,000.JIM NANTZ(On history of THE NFL ON CBS and its 5,000th game): It’s a staggering number that gives one perspective on the full breadth of CBS’s long-running and close partnership with the NFL since television and professional football merged on CBS in 1956.I grew up as a young kid totally enchanted by the way CBS presented the NFL. It was part of the reason as a young boy I made the declaration to my father that I wanted to work for CBS Sports. Watching those old NFL championship games at Lambeau Field, the first Super Bowl and listening to Ray Scott, Pat Summerall and Jack Whitaker, they were all heroes to me. There is a long, impressive roster of Hall of Fame announcers who have been associated with CBS Sports’ presentation of the NFL at some time during this 5,000-game span. It’s an All-Star list that includes many of the guys calling games for other networks who called games for CBS at one time. It’s a great honor to be a part of the 5,000-game tradition and to sit in the booth that was once manned by Pat Summerall, John Madden, Tom Brookshier, Jack Whitaker, Ray Scott, the often overlooked and unheralded Frank Glieber, Verne Lundquist, Greg Gumbel, Vin Scully, Hank Stram, Jack Buck – all giants. To have the chance to sit in the same booth, same Sunday afternoon time slot, it’s a tremendous honor and I’m so proud of our legacy. Through all the games, including the Super Bowls we produced and broadcast, we delivered a very powerful message. CBS has a lot to do with the explosion and popularity of the game and we’ve been there to tell the story for a long, long time.
Fox’s preview is next.
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