Fang's Bites

BREAKING NEWS: Fox & DirecTV Reach Agreement; No Networks Pulled

Just getting word that DirecTV and Fox have come to a carriage agreement which will prevent any networks from being pulled. Reports are coming from various sources that this will keep the 19 Fox Sports Net affiliates plus Speed, Fox Soccer, Fox Soccer Plus and FX along with National Geographic Channel and NatGeo Wild on the satellite provider. Earlier in the day, I was hearing that all channels would have been pulled at midnight Pacific time had an agreement not been reached.

We’ll provide details as soon as they become available. So DirecTV subscribers like yours truly won’t have to resort to other means to watch the programming on the affected channels.

Here’s the joint statement from DirecTV and Fox:

Fox Networks and DIRECTV have reached an agreement for DIRECTV to continue carrying all Fox Networks (including FX, National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, SPEED, FUEL TV, FOX Soccer, FOX Soccer Plus and FOX Deportes), Fox’s regional sports networks, Fox Broadcasting (FOX), the FOX local stations, Fox News Channel and Fox Business Network. We both know the past ten days have been challenging, but we’re pleased that both sides could eventually come together to ensure our viewers continue to enjoy Fox programming.

That is it for now.

UPDATE, 6:30 p.m.: John Ourand from Sports Business Journal tweets that the agreement includes the main Fox network, its 10 owned and operated affiliates plus Fox News Channel. Carriage agreements would have expired by the end of the year, so this new deal includes all Fox networks.

[blackbirdpie url="http://twitter.com/#!/Ourand_SBJ/statuses/131134737946386433"]

More information as it becomes available.

ESPN Family of Networks’ College Football Schedule For Week 10

It’s already Week 10 of the college football season. Just four more weeks of games after Saturday. Kind of sad when you think of it. Games will be played from Tuesday through Saturday on the various ESPN platforms. With this weekend being the Breeders’ Cup, the focus for the Alleged Worldwide Leader is more on the horses than college football. But games will still be played and we have the list of games that will be aired among the family of networks this week.

Take a look at the schedule posted below on the blog.

Five of the Top Nine Teams & Two Matchups between Ranked Teams This Week

ESPN’s college football schedule for Saturday, Nov. 5, is highlighted by five of the top nine teams and two telecasts showcasing a matchup of ranked opponents:

• Undefeated No. 3 Oklahoma State hosts No. 14 Kansas State at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, ESPN2 and ESPN3
• No. 9 South Carolina at No. 7 Arkansas at 7:15 p.m. on ESPN and ESPN3

In addition, the Saturday ABC and ESPN2 telecasts at 3:30 p.m. will include two of the top six teams: unbeaten No. 4 Stanford at Oregon State and No. 6 Oklahoma against Texas A&M. Both games will be available on ESPN3, subject to local blackouts.

Date	Time (ET)	Game	Network
Tues, Nov 1	8 p.m.	Northern Illinois at Toledo	ESPN2/ESPN3
Wed, Nov 2	8 p.m.	Temple at Ohio Mark Neely & Ray Bentley	ESPN/ESPN3
Thu, Nov 3	7:30 p.m.	Akron at Miami (Ohio) Anish Shroff & Jay Walker	ESPNU
	8 p.m.	Florida State at Boston College Rece Davis, Craig James, Jesse Palmer & Jenn Brown	ESPN/ESPN3/ESPN 3D
Fri, Nov 4	8 p.m.	Central Michigan at Kent State Mike Morgan & Tom Luginbill	ESPN2/ESPN3
	9 p.m.	USC at Colorado Dave Lamont & Rod Gilmore	ESPN/ESPN3/ESPN 3D
Sat, Nov 5	Noon	No. 15 Michigan at Iowa Dave Pasch, Chris Spielman, Urban Meyer & Quint Kessenich	ESPN/ESPN3
		Syracuse at Connecticut Pam Ward & Dan Hawkins	ESPNU
		Louisville at No. 24 West Virginia Mike Gleason, John Congemi & Eamon McAnaney	ESPN3/BIG EAST Network
		Vanderbilt at Florida Dave Neal, Andre Ware & Cara Capuano	ESPN3/SEC Network
		Ball State at Eastern Michigan	ESPN3
	12:30 p.m.	New Mexico State at Georgia	ESPN3
		Virginia at Maryland	ESPN3
		North Carolina at NC State	ESPN3
	3 p.m.	Duke at Miami (Fla.)	ESPN3
	3:30 p.m.	Texas A&M at No. 6 Oklahoma Sean McDonough, Matt Millen & Heather Cox	ABC/ESPN2/ESPN3
		Purdue at No. 20 Wisconsin Mike Patrick & Craig James	ABC/ESPN2/ESPN3
		No. 4 Stanford at Oregon State Carter Blackburn & Brock Huard	ABC/ESPN3
		Mississippi at Kentucky Clay Matvick, Bob Griese & Allison Williams	ESPNU
		UL-Monroe at UL-Lafayette	ESPN3
	4 p.m.	Idaho at San Jose State	ESPN3
	7 p.m.	Cincinnati at Pittsburgh Rob Stone & Danny Kanell	ESPNU
		South Florida at Rutgers	ESPN3*
		Middle Tennessee at Tennessee	ESPN3
	7:15 p.m.	No. 9 South Carolina at No. 7 Arkansas ESPN: Brad Nessler, Todd Blackledge & Holly Rowe ESPN Radio: TBD	ESPN/ESPN3/ESPN Radio
	7:30 p.m.	Tennessee-Martin at Mississippi State	ESPN3
	8 p.m.	No. 14 Kansas State at No. 3 Oklahoma Stat Brent Musburger, Kirk Herbstreit & Lisa Salters	ABC/ESPN2/ESPN3
		Notre Dame at Wake Forest Mark Jones & Ed Cunningham	ABC/ESPN2/ESPN3
	10:30 p.m.	Louisiana Tech at Fresno State Adam Amin & David Diaz-Infante	ESPNU
		No. 8 Oregon at Washington TBD	ESPN Radio
Sun, Nov 6	12:00 a.m.	Utah State at Hawaii	ESPN3

* ESPN3 Exclusive.

That’s going to do it.

ESPN’s College GameDay Goes To LSU-Alabama

For the first time this season, ESPN’s College GameDay will air from a non-ESPN game, LSU-Alabama from Tuscaloosa, AL. For the first 9 weeks of the college football season, College GameDay went to sites all emanating from either an ESPN on ABC or ESPN primetime game. LSU-Alabama will air in primetime on CBS on Saturday.

The entire crew of Chris Fowler, Lee Corso, Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard, Erin Andrews and David Pollack will all be on hand. Then Herbstreit will fly straight from Tuscaloosa to Stillwater, OK for that night’s ESPN on ABC Saturday Night Football game. Erin will remain in Tuscaloosa.

Here’s the ESPN blurb.

College GameDay to Air from No. 1 LSU at No. 2 Alabama

ESPN’s Emmy Award-winning College GameDay will originate from Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 5, from the site highly-anticipated SEC Western Division matchup of No. 1 LSU at No. 2 Alabama. The GameDay set will be located on the Walk of Champions at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The weekly show airs at 9-10 a.m. on ESPNU and 10 a.m.-noon on ESPN.

Alabama will host College GameDay for the 10th time and appear in a featured game for the 20^th time. LSU is appearing for the third time this season, and 11^th overall.

ESPN’s schedule of college football games for Week 10 is coming up.

ESPN2 To Air Inaugural Gold Glove Awards Show

On Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET, ESPN2 will air the first ever show devoted to the announcement of the MLB Gold Glove Awards. MLB Network did the announcements last year, but this year, ESPN2 devotes an entire hour to the Gold Gloves.

Baseball Tonight’s Karl Ravech, John Kruk and three-time Gold Glove winner Barry Larkin will man the desk for ESPN2. The Gold Gloves honor the best defensive players in both the American League and National League at each position in the field. Various MLB players will be seen making guest appearances.

We have the press release from ESPN regarding the one hour show.

ESPN2 to Televise First-Ever Gold Glove Awards Show

ESPN2 will televise the first-ever Gold Glove Awards Show – emanating from ESPN’s Baseball Tonight studio in Bristol – Tuesday, Nov. 1, at 10 p.m. ET. The one-hour telecast, hosted by Baseball Tonight’s Karl Ravech with analysts John Kruk and Barry Larkin (a three-time Gold Glove winner – 1994, 1995, 1996), will include the announcement of the 2011 Gold Glove Award winners and extensive highlights and analysis of the best defensive performers and plays during the MLB regular season.

The Gold Glove Awards are presented annually to the best defensive Major League Baseball players in both the American League and National League at every fielding position. All 18 Gold Glove Award winners, one for each position in each league, will be announced during the telecast. Guest presenters Omar Vizquel (11-time Gold Glove winner) and Mike Matheny (four-time winner) will join ESPN Baseball Tonight analysts during the show.

Category	American League Nominees	National League Nominees
Pitcher	Mark Buehrle, CWS Dan Haren, LAA Fausto Carmona, CLE	Clayton Kershaw, LAD Hiroki Kuroda, LAD Kyle Lohse, STL
Catcher	Matt Wieters, BAL A.J. Pierzynski, CWS Alex Avila, DET	Yadier Molina, STL Brian McCann, ATL Carlos Ruiz, PHI
First Base	Adrian Gonzalez, BOS Casey Kotchman, TB Mark Teixeira, NYY	Joey Votto, CIN Gaby Sanchez, FLA James Loney, LAD
Second Base	Dustin Pedroia, BOS Robinson Cano, NYY Ian Kinsler, TEX	Brandon Phillips, CIN Neil Walker, PIT Omar Infante, FLA
Shortstop	Erick Aybar, LAA J.J. Hardy, BAL Asdrubal Cabrera, CLE	Troy Tulowitzki, COL Ronny Cedeno, PIT Alex Gonzalez, ATL
Third Base	Adrian Beltre, TEX Kevin Youkilis, BOS Evan Longoria, TB	Placido Polanco, PHI Daniel Descalso, STL Pablo Sandoval, SFG
Left Field	Alex Gordon, KC Brett Gardner, NYY Sam Fuld, TB	Gerardo Parra, ARI Ryan Braun, MIL Matt Holliday, STL
Center Field	Jacoby Ellsbury, BOS Austin Jackson, DET Peter Bourjos, LAA	Matt Kemp, LAD Shane Victorino, PHI Chris Young, ARI
Right Field	Nick Markakis, BAL Torii Hunter, LAA Jeff Francoeur, KC	Andre Ethier, LAD Carlos Beltran, NYM/SFG Jay Bruce, CIN

Platinum Gold Glove Award™
The 2011 Gold Glove Awards Show telecast will include the introduction of the Platinum Gold Glove Award. The 18 Rawlings Gold Glove winners will be eligible for the inaugural  Platinum Glove Award, with the winner to be determined by fan voting on the Rawlings, ESPN and ESPN Baseball Tonight Facebook pages. Voting will begin after the 2011 Gold Glove Awards Show telecast Nov. 1 and conclude Nov. 7, with the announcement of the winners on Friday, Nov. 11, at the Gold Glove Award Ceremony in New York, and via ESPN Baseball Tonight’s Facebook page and Twitter account.

That will do it.

Shoveling Through The Monday Links

Let’s do some links on this Monday. Some good stuff to get to.

Michael Hiestand of USA Today writes that CBS’ Bill Cowher may make broadcasting a true second career after shooting down another coaching rumor.

At Fox Sports, Brian Lowry feels for the most part, Fox got the job done during the World Series.

Sports Business Journal has a very good roundtable featuring sports public relations pros discussing the in’s and out’s of their jobs and the increasing importance of social media.

Anthony Crupi of Adweek writes that NFL Network is close to selling out its ads for Thursday Night Football which begins in a couple of weeks.

Interesting story from the hotel industry. Orly Ripmaster of Hotel News Now says room occupancy has jumped over 35% for Sunday Night Football games at the expense of Monday Night Football.

Toni Fitzgerald at Media Life Magazine says the World Series started out with a whimper, but ended with a ratings bang.

Glenn Davis at SportsGrid has video of Fox NFL Sunday’s Jimmy Johnson preferring death over taking Tiki Barber or Terrell Owens.

David Waldstein of the New York Times reports that the Yankees have opted to stay with WCBS-AM for one more season and thus John Sterling and Suzyn Waldman will return as well.

Someone check Phil Mushnick’s temperature. The New York Post media writer actually gives praise to an ESPN analyst today.

Pete Dougherty at the Albany Times Union notes that Time Warner Cable will air three local high school football championship games.

Pete has the TWC local college basketball schedule.

And Pete has the TWC local college hockey schedule.

Bob Frye of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review says TV and technology are cutting into the younger generation’s time in the great outdoors.

David Zurawik of the Baltimore Sun feels former Ravens coach Brian Billick got the job done in the Fox booth for yesterday’s Arizona-Baltimore game.

Dan Steinberg at the Washington Post’s DC Sports Bog notes the media reaction to the DC NFL Team’s bad performance against Buffalo.

Tom Jones of the St. Petersburg Times looks at the weekend in sports television.

David Barron of the Houston Chronicle notes Bill Cowher’s comments that he’s staying in TV for now.

David says Jags-Texans rated well locally.

This next set of links is on the passing of former Oklahoma and Oklahoma State radio voice Bob Barry, Sr. who passed away at the age of 80 on Sunday. Barry was not only the broadcaster for both the Sooners and Cowboys in a career than spanned 50 years, but also the sports director of KFOR-TV in Oklahoma City for 42 where he worked with his son, Barry, Jr. Barry retired just after last season and his death was shock to those who knew him.

Andy Rieger of the Norman (OK) Transcript has Barry’s obituary.

Clay Horning of the Transcript says you can’t measure Barry’s success.

John Klein of the Tulsa World says Barry was one of the good guys.

Berry Tramel of the Daily Oklahoman says Barry was part of the Sooner tradition.

Berry has highlights of Bob Barry, Sr.’s legendary 50 year career.

Jenni Carlson of the Oklahoman was truly a nice man.

John Rohe of the Oklahoman says Barry was one of the rare people who got to work both sides of the Bedlam rivalry game.

And at KFOR-TV, the station has this tribute.

The Cincinnati Enquirer’s John Kiesewetter wonders why he can’t hear Ohio State football games in the local area.

Ed Sherman in Crain’s Chicago Business talks with Big Ten Conference Commissioner Jim Delany.

Dan Caesar of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch has Bob Costas’ salute to the Gateway City.

Dusty Saunders at the Denver Post talks about Joe Buck’s plagiarized call in Game 6 of the World Series.

Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times writes that Fox has more than a vested interest in the Dodgers bankruptcy case.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News has the sports calendar for this week.

Jimmy Bramlett of LAist tries to understand the phenomenon that is ESPN’s College GameDay.

David Shoalts in the Toronto Globe and Mail notes that a classic hockey movie gets a DVD release this week.

Bruce Dowbiggin of the Globe and Mail wonders if the NHL can pick up the NBA’s slack.

Raju Mudhar in the Toronto Star notes that the Bills are finding ways to make their games in the Great White North profitable.

The Canadian Sports Media Blog has the regional schedule for Hockey Night in Canada in November.

Steve Lepore from Puck The Media says Versus did well with last week’s Buffalo-Tampa Bay game.

Steve has the national NHL TV schedules for this week.

Jon Bois of SB Nation feels NBC is doing Sunday Night Football the right way.

That’s going to do it for this set of links.

NFL Opts Not To Flex In The First Opportunity In Week 10

Just received from the National Football League, we find that the schedule for Week 10 has been set. This is the first opportunity in the season that the NFL and NBC have to flex a game out of primetime and put another one in its place and both have decided to keep the New England-New York Jets game at the New Meadowlands Stadium on Sunday Night Football.

The NFL has moved the Detroit-Chicago game from its original 1 p.m. ET timeslot into the more attractive 4:15 p.m. window for Fox making it the lead game for the network in the doubleheader. As it stands, there will be 3 games in the late window for CBS and Fox.

We have the complete schedule for Week 10 from the NFL.

WEEK 10 FLEX SCHEDULING:

LIONS-BEARS MOVES TO 4:15 PM ET ON FOX;  PATRIOTS-JETS REMAINS NBC SUNDAY NIGHT GAME

The final Week 10 NFL schedule was announced today with the originally scheduled New England Patriots at New York Jets Sunday night game on NBC remaining in place. The Detroit Lions-Chicago Bears game will move from 1:00 PM ET to 4:15 PM ET on FOX.

Following is the final Week 10 NFL schedule:

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10 (WEEK 10)

OAKLAND AT SAN DIEGO

8:20 PM (ET)

NFLN

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13

NEW ORLEANS AT ATLANTA	1:00 PM (ET)	FOX
TENNESSEE AT CAROLINA	1:00 PM (ET)	CBS
PITTSBURGH AT CINCINNATI	1:00 PM (ET)	CBS
ST. LOUIS AT CLEVELAND	1:00 PM (ET)	FOX
BUFFALO AT DALLAS	1:00 PM (ET)	CBS
JACKSONVILLE AT INDIANAPOLIS	1:00 PM (ET)	CBS
DENVER AT KANSAS CITY	1:00 PM (ET)	CBS
WASHINGTON AT MIAMI	1:00 PM (ET)	FOX
ARIZONA AT PHILADELPHIA	1:00 PM (ET)	FOX
HOUSTON AT TAMPA BAY	1:00 PM (ET)	CBS
BALTIMORE AT SEATTLE	4:05 PM (ET)	CBS
DETROIT AT CHICAGO	4:15 PM (ET)	FOX
NEW YORK GIANTS AT SAN FRANCISCO	4:15 PM (ET)	FOX
NEW ENGLAND AT NEW YORK JETS	8:20 PM (ET)	NBC

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14

MINNESOTA AT GREEN BAY

8:30 PM (ET)

ESPN

The NFL will utilize “flexible scheduling” on Sundays in Weeks 10-15, 17.  Flexible scheduling will ensure quality matchups in all NFL Sunday time slots in those weeks and give teams a chance to play their way onto primetime and into the late-afternoon 4:15 PM ET time slot on CBS and FOX.

For each of the flexible scheduling weeks with the exception of Week 17, the NFL will announce the start times of games on Sundays no later than 12 days prior to that weekend.  To ensure a Sunday night game and doubleheader games with playoff implications in Week 17, the flexible scheduling decision for that Sunday may be made on six days notice.

That will do it.

Sunday Night Football Ratings Go Up From Last Week

Last night with the Northeast and the Mid-Atlantic regions recovering from the weekend’s snowstorm, people stayed in to watch some football. NBC says the overnight rating for last night’s Dallas-Philadelphia game ended at a 14.7 with a 23 share, resulting in the 3rd highest rating for the season. It was way up from last week’s 8.2 rating and beating last year’s Week 8 game by 25%, Pittsburgh-New Orleans which had an 11.8/18 and also went up against the World Series.

The 14.7 rating was achieved despite Boston, Hartford, New York and Philadelphia being excluded from last night’s numbers. NBC says when all of the final numbers are tallied, Sunday Night Football will have won the night overall primetime competition.

The NBC press release is below:

EAGLES 34-7 BLOWOUT WIN OVER COWBOYS EARNS 14.7 OVERNIGHT RATING ON “SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL”

*Philadelphia Market Excluded from Nielsen Overnight Ratings Due to Snowstorm
14.7 is 3^rd Highest SNF Overnight This Season; Up 25 Percent From Week 8 Game in 2010
SNF Is No. 1 Show of Night and Leads NBC to Sunday Night Win

NEW YORK – October 31, 2011 – Sunday Night Football was the No. 1 broadcast on Sunday night and led NBC to a Sunday night win, according to overnight data released today by The Nielsen Company.

Last night’s game on NBC, in which the Eagles dominated the Cowboys scoring a 34-7 blowout victory, registered a 14.7 overnight rating and a 23 share, up 25 percent from last year’s Week 8 game (Steelers-Saints, 11.8/18), which faced Game 4 of the World Series. The Eagles jumped out to a quick 21-0 lead and led 34-0 in the fourth quarter before the Cowboys scored their only touchdown of the game with just under 13 minutes to play.

Despite the fact that the home market of Philadelphia was excluded from the rating due to Saturday’s snowstorm that affected the northeast, the 14.7 overnight is the third highest-rated Sunday Night Football game this year (Sunday’s only). New York, Boston and Hartford are also excluded from the overnight rating.

*Philadelphia has averaged a 32.7 rating and 46 share in eight Sunday Night Football games over the past three seasons. In last year’s Eagles-Cowboys game in Week 14, the Philadelphia market averaged a 38.4 rating and a 51 share.

NBC NO. 1 ON SUNDAY NIGHT: Last night’s Sunday Night Football broadcast won the night while facing original network programs. NBC led the night among metered markets in primetime (7-11 p.m. ET) with an 11.4/18, topping the 10.2/16 for second-place CBS, which was aided by an NFL overrun of the close game between the Steelers and Patriots. NBC also beat ABC by 104 percent (5.6/9) and Fox by 208 percent (3.7/6).

35 FOR 36: When the viewership is available tomorrow from Nielsen, Sunday Night Football is expected to be the most-watched primetime show on Sunday night. This will mark the 35^th time in 36 primetime NFL games – dating back to Week 7 in 2009 – that NBC has defeated its competition (32 Sundays, two Thursdays and one Tuesday).

TOP 10 METERED MARKETS FOR COWBOYS-EAGLES:
*Philadelphia was excluded from the overnight rating

1. Dallas, 30.5/45
2. Norfolk, 23.8/32
3. San Antonio, 23.7/33
4. Richmond, 24.3/34
5. Las Vegas, 21.0/33
6. Austin, 20.7/32
7. Washington, D.C., 19.8/31
8. Albuquerque, 19.6/29
9. Memphis, 18.5/24
10. New Orleans, 18.4/24

**Viewership numbers will be available when national ratings are released tomorrow**

More stuff is on the way.

Primetime & Late Night Viewing Picks

MLB
Hot Stove Live (season premiere) — MLB Network, 6 p.m.
Studio 42 with Bob Costas: Reggie Jackson — MLB Network, 9 p.m.

NFL
San Diego at Kansas City — ESPN, 8:30 p.m.

NHL
San Jose at New York Rangers — Versus/TSN2/MSG Network, 7 p.m.
Winnipeg at Florida — TSN-Jets/Fox Sports Florida, 7:30 p.m.
Nashville at Chicago — Fox Sports Tennessee/Comcast SportsNet Chicago, 8:30 p.m.

NHL Live — NHL Network (US), 5 p.m.
NHL Live — Versus, 6;30 p.m.
NHL on the Fly — NHL Network (US), 7 p.m.

Sports Talk
The Dan Patrick Show — Audience Network (DirecTV)/Fox Sports Net, 9 a.m.
Tim Brando Show — CBS Sports Network, 10 a.m.
ESPN First Take — ESPN2 10 a.m.
Numbers Never Lie — ESPN2, 3:30 p.m.
SportsNation — ESPN2, 5 p.m. & 5;30 p.m.
College Football Talk — Versus, 5 p.m.
NBC SportsTalk — Versus, 6 p.m.

Entertainment
How I Met Your Mother — CBS, 8 p.m.
Top Gear — BBC America, 8 p.m.
Terra Nova — Fox, 8 p.m.
Top Gear — BBC America, 9 p.m.
House — Fox, 9 p.m.
Hawaii Five-O — CBS, 10 p.m.
Rock Center with Brian Williams (series premiere) — NBC, 10 p.m.
Conan — TBS, 11 p.m.
Late Show with David Letterman — CBS, 11:35 p.m.

Bob Costas’ Inane Halftime Commentary on the St. Louis Rams

Bob Costas somehow wanted to mention the St. Louis Cardinals’ World Championship, so he used the St. Louis Rams’ surprise upset over the New Orleans Saints to do it. Certainly not one of my favorites that Costas has done since beginning the halftime commentaries last season. Here’s the text of this week’s monologue. Bob has certainly done better. This seems to be mailed in.

BOB COSTAS’ HALFTIME ESSAY ON ST. LOUIS RAMS

The Rams beat the Saints today in St. Louis, 31-21. The outcome was so stunning, the city threw a parade immediately after the game. All right, so the parade was for the Cardinals, and, in fact, the win by the Rams, a prohibitive underdog at home, was only the second-most miraculous thing that happened in St. Louis this week.

But still, how do you figure this?

A week ago, the Saints treated a winless Colt team like a Pop Warner squad facing the varsity. The final? 62-7. A few hours earlier, the Rams had dropped to a fully deserved 0-6 by losing 34-7 in Dallas. So, coming in to today, the Saints were averaging 37 points a game. The Rams had averaged nine. Until today, the Rams had often looked as if it would have taken them several plays to score even if the opposition had left the field. And to make matters worse, when it seemed they couldn’t possibly be, they were without last year’s Offensive Rookie of the Year, Sam Bradford. A.J. Feeley looking for all the world like a lamb being led to slaughter.

Instead, it was the Saints who got slaughtered. Down 24-0 at one point, and doing almost all their scoring after the issue had been decided. Feeley’s performance was efficiency personified: 175 yards, a touchdown and no picks. Meanwhile, Steven Jackson, a great player plagued for years by injuries and a weak supporting cast, had a mid-career flashback, reeling off 159 yards and two touchdowns.

Does any of this make sense? About as much sense as two comebacks from two runs down with two outs on the same night, twice down to your last strike in the World Series. In St. Louis this week, some things don’t have to be explained, just enjoyed.

That will close our posts for Sunday. Back tomorrow.

NBC’s Football Night in America Quotage For Week 8

To conclude the Sunday NFL pregame quotage, we have Football Night in America from NBC. We’ll get Bob Costas’ silly commentary later and that will be posted as soon as I get it.

“FOOTBALL NIGHT IN AMERICA” NOTES & QUOTES – WEEK 8

“At this midpoint, he should be Defensive Player of the Year.” – Rodney Harrison on Bills S George Wilson
“They are not going to let Peyton Manning dictate anything about their first pick in the draft.” – Peter King after speaking this week with Bill Polian
“I’m definitely not coaching in 2012.” – Tony Dungy

NEW YORK – October 30, 2011 – Following are highlights from Football Night in America. Bob Costas hosted the show live from Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia and was joined on site for commentary by Sunday Night Football commentators Al Michaels and Cris Collinsworth. Co-host Dan Patrick and commentators Tony Dungy, Rodney Harrison, Peter King and Mike Florio covered the news of the NFL’s eighth week live from Studio 8G at NBC’s 30 Rockefeller Plaza studios in New York. Alex Flanagan reported from Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pa., on the Patriots-Steelers game.

ON SAINTS

Dungy: “What happened to the Saints? We had them last Sunday night and they looked like a juggernaut. They are playing their second straight winless team with a chance to control the division. They got totally out-hustled and got hit by the winless Rams.”
Harrison: “No way is that supposed to happen if you’re the New Orleans Saints. No way.”

Patrick: “How do the Saints go from being so good to so bad in a week’s time?”
Dungy: “Part of it is, instead of being at home, being on the road. They have not played well being on the road all year. But I have to credit the St. Louis Rams, they did not play like a winless team. I have never seen Drew Brees rattled like this and it started with that (Rams) defensive line.”

ON RAMS

Michaels: “The Rams were clearly inspired by the Cardinals.”

ON GIANTS

Harrison: “If you look at the Giants, yes, we know they can get to the quarterback, but they miss a lot of tackles, no gap responsibility, and lack of effort by some players.”

Harrison (while showing video highlights): “You look at Chris Canty, he’s a veteran player, look at the lack of hustle right here. This is not a division winning effort. Then you come up the middle with Reggie Bush, there are three guys right here, linebackers over pursuing, Kenny Phillips missing tackles, just a terrible effort. Then you have another one of your veteran defensive tackles (#95, Rocky Bernard) not hustling and completing the play.”

Harrison: “They’ve got the Patriots next week, they better come ready.”
Dungy: “They better play a lot better than this.”

ON BILLS

Dungy: “I’m on the Buffalo bandwagon now. My question with them was about their defense, but the way they played today, shutting down that running game, pressure, their defense played great today.”
Harrison: “When you talk about their defense, you talk about one guy in particular and that guy is George Wilson…He’s been getting it done all year round. At this midpoint, he should be Defensive Player of the Year.”
Dungy: “He’s had big plays, and he did it again today.”

ON RAVENS

Harrison: “Two teams that won today that still have some issues are the Ravens and the Giants. The Ravens have to find a way offensively to manufacture some touchdowns in the passing game.”

Harrison on Joe Flacco: “The last month of the season he’s thrown one touchdown and four interceptions. He has to play better.”

ON STEELERS

Dungy: “They shut Tom Brady down for the first time in a long time.”
Harrison: “Last year Pittsburgh tried to play a zone coverage and Tom Brady ate them alive. This year, they came out in basic man-to-man coverage.”

Harrison: “Pittsburgh’s defense, basically dominating the game and holding Tom Brady to under 200 yards passing.”

King: “Ryan Clark, the safety for the Steelers, told me a few minutes ago that this is the most press coverage that he’s played in the six years that he’s been a Pittsburgh Steeler. That to me was the huge difference in the game in frazzling both Wes Welker and Tom Brady.”

Harrison: “I think they are the best team in the AFC. Earlier in the year, everybody called them old and washed up.”
Patrick: “Yeah, that was like three weeks ago.” (laughter)

ON NEXT WEEK’S SNF RAVENS @ STEELERS

Collinsworth: “No matter what happens, when you get Baltimore and you get Pittsburgh together, and we’ve talked about it before, it’s probably the most electric game that we do every year.”

ON BRONCOS

Patrick: “No encore for Tim Tebow.”
Harrison: “Everyone is talking about Tim Tebow. Yes he played bad, but he’s not the only problem. You look at the offensive line, they gave up a bunch of sacks. He doesn’t have anybody to throw to down the field. The defense gave up 48 points. You can’t blame Tim Tebow for everything.”

Patrick: “I think the media overreacts when he does something great, and now they are going to overreact. He’s a rookie quarterback, basically, in his fifth start.”
Harrison: “Stay with Tim Tebow, ride it out.”

ON BENGALS

Dungy: “I’ve been on Cam Newton’s bandwagon, but Andy Dalton, the Cincinnati quarterback, and A.J. Green, they are for real and they’ve got a very, very good defense.”

ON EAGLES

Harrison on if he still thinks the Eagles are the best team in the East: “I do. I think they have the best quarterback. I think Washington is terrible, and the Giants are inconsistent.”
Dungy: “I believe Rodney. He has been saying it for three weeks now, so I am going with him – Eagles.”

ON COLTS

King on Andrew Luck: “I talked to Bill Polian, the Colts’ Vice Chairman and draft czar this week. He said, ‘We’ve made no decision whatsoever. We can’t. We don’t know where we are drafting, nothing like that.’ However, after I talked to him I thought two things: number one, they are not going to let Peyton Manning dictate anything about their first pick in the draft, and number two, if I had to guess right now, based on my conversation and based on knowing Bill Polian’s history, they will take Andrew Luck with the first pick of the draft, if they have it.”

ON DOLPHINS

Florio on rumors the team will hire a big name coach for next season: “Stay tuned in Miami. It’s not a done deal that they are going to go big.”

ON BILL COWHER & JON GRUDEN 2012 COACHING STATUS

King: “Everybody in America heard Bill Cowher say today, ‘I have no plans to return to coaching.’ He actually used the word ‘plan’ twice, saying he had no plans to coach. Coach, I’m sorry, I’m not buying it. The reason I’m not buying it is because if you have no plans to coach, what you say is, ‘I’m definitely not coaching next year.’ Bill Cowher will get some phone calls at the end of this year. The big thing that people will have to decide is, is five years out of the game too much?”

Florio: “This is all about throwing water on the talk during the season and deferring it to out of the season. Same thing with Jon Gruden; signs a five year exclusive deal with ESPN, but what does exclusive mean? Does it mean he can’t coach? Well, we’re not going to tell you that. So same idea, Gruden’s name stays out of the mix until January. I think Gruden and Cowher are both going to be in play.”

Patrick to Dungy: “Got any plans for 2012?”
Dungy: “No. Peter, it is easy to say. This is how you say it, ‘I’m definitely not coaching in 2012.’”

That will do it.

NBC’s Football Night in America Previews Week 8 Interviews

On tonight’s edition of NBC’s Football Night in America, Al Michaels and Rodney Harrison conduct the interviews in advance of the Dallas Cowboys-Philadelphia Eagles game on Sunday Night Football. No Bob Costas. I guess he was in St. Louis watching the World Series.

“FOOTBALL NIGHT IN AMERICA” PREVIEW – WEEK 8

AL MICHAELS INTERVIEWS COWBOYS DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR ROB RYAN; RODNEY HARRISON INTERVIEWS EAGLES CB NNAMDI ASOMUGHA

“They’re the fastest team I’ve ever seen on offense, but I always believe in hitting them in the mouth. We’ll see what happens.” – Ryan to Michaels on tonight’s game
“You can’t convince me that we’re not the team to beat.” – Asomugha to Harrison on making the playoffs despite Eagles 2-4 record

NEW YORK – October 30, 2011 – Al Michaels interviewed Cowboys defensive coordinator Rob Ryan and Rodney Harrison interviewed Eagles cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha for tonight’s Week 8 edition of Football Night in America, which will also include highlights, analysis and reaction to Week 8’s afternoon games.

Football Night airs each Sunday at 7 p.m. ET with Costas hosting the program live from inside the stadium. In addition to his interviews, Costas is joined on site by Sunday Night Football commentators Al Michaels (play-by-play) and Cris Collinsworth (analyst) for reaction to the afternoon games.

Dan Patrick co-hosts Football Night from Studio 8G at NBC’s 30 Rockefeller Plaza studios and is joined by Super Bowl-winning head coach Tony Dungy, two-time Super Bowl winner Rodney Harrison, Peter King of Sports Illustrated and Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk on NBCSports.com. Alex Flanagan will report from Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pa., on the Patriots-Steelers game.

INTERVIEWS: Below are excerpts from Michaels’ interview with Ryan and Harrison’s interview with Asomugha. If used, please note the mandatory credit: “In an exclusive interview airing tonight on Football Night in America.”

ROB RYAN WITH AL MICHAELS

MICHAELS on Ryan’s father, Buddy, having been the head coach in Philadelphia and Arizona, both Cowboys rivals: What was his initial reaction when you got the job in Dallas?
RYAN: Disbelief. He was a little shocked by it. He’s like, ‘You’ve got all these other things going. Why here?’ I’m like, ‘Dad, it’s the best opportunity for me.’ It really has worked out great.

MICHAELS on Dallas’ defense playing better: What’s made the difference this year?
RYAN: Well, me. [joking; laughter]. Honestly, starting over with some Pro Bowl football players. All these guys have been in the Pro Bowl and deservedly so. We got all together and have been working hard ever since. We’re not all the way there yet, but we’re playing good ball and we’re going to keep doing it.

MICHAELS: You’ve been an assistant coach for 25 years, 10 different places, but no head coaching opportunity yet. Does that eat at you?
RYAN: I don’t think it’s going to eat much further. My chance will come. It only took my dad 25 years and, hell, he’s better than me and Rex put together. Those things happen. I’m not sure how it will go, but eventually I’ll get my chance to be a head coach.

RYAN on his war of words with Eagles WR Desean Jackson earlier this year: That was kind of annoying because we signed three great players the day before, so I’m bragging about those guys and all I’m hearing about is all these great players that Philadelphia had signed. It bothered me because I thought it was disrespecting the players that I coach and that I knew would be great for us.

RYAN on Jackson saying, ‘Maybe I can run on the sideline and tackle the coach’ and Ryan responding that he’ll fall on him: [Joking] There’s no question. Is he a good enough athlete to get it done? Absolutely. Am I a bad enough athlete to get tackled by a small guy? Sure, but I am going to fall on him. So I welcome the challenge. If he wants to come hit me, beautiful. A little guy like that not’s going to hit that hard anyway.

It would be fun to beat these guys. There’s no question. They have a ton of talent over there. They’re the fastest team I’ve ever seen on offense, but I always believe in hitting them in the mouth. We’ll see what happens.”

NNAMDI ASOMUGHA WITH RODNEY HARRISON

HARRISON: Three months in, is there anything you regret?
ASOMUGHA: No. Not at all…I don’t regret it because the journey isn’t over yet…Everyone’s hot and cold on us. And it’s all part of the journey. We know that at the end of this thing, we’re going to be better for what we’ve gone through right now. It’s coming together.

HARRISON: Will Philadelphia make the playoffs? Win the division?
ASOMUGHA: You can’t convince me that we’re not the team to beat. It may not look like it because we’ve lost those close games, and they’ve all been close games. We lost in the fourth quarter, really. You still can’t convince us that it’s not going to be our show to win.

That does it. We’ll have the Football Night in America quotage later

ESPN Sunday NFL Countdown Quotage For Week 8

And we wrap up the early Sunday NFL pregame quotage with ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown. We’ll begin to look forward to Sunday Night Football after this.

ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown Notes and Quotes: Week 8

Sunday NFL Countdown host Chris Berman and analysts Cris Carter, Mike Ditka, Tom Jackson, and Keyshawn Johnson previewed today’s NFL’s week 8 games with Suzy Kolber, analyst Merril Hoge, and NFL Insiders Adam Schefter and Chris Mortensen. Some excerpts:
On the Ravens offensive concerns:
Carter: “He’s (quarterback Joe Flacco) completing 52% of his passes … This is my biggest concern in Baltimore. I take my eyes off the quarterback and I go right to the wide receivers. I don’t see the separation at the top of the route that I would like to see from the wide receiver to get the quarterback some separation. Quarterbacks do not like to see wide receivers and DBs (defensive backs) married to each other at the top of the route.”
Jackson:  “His (Flacco’s) play has regressed from the time that he was a rookie when he won two playoff games on the road. He is playing his worst football right now. The guy who has to recognize that is the offensive coordinator Cam Cameron. There is no way you can drop him back to throw the ball 41 times and at the same time give Ray Rice eight carries in a football game. For once, I agree with those (Ravens) players who are complaining. They’re complaining and they are doing it in the right way – ‘we need a different game plan to be successful.’”
Ditka:  “I don’t know Joe Flacco personally, but he is the most unemotional man I’ve ever watched on a football field. He reminds me of the coach in Indianapolis … Here’s the thing, all the leadership on this football team is on the defensive side of the ball. It doesn’t work that way. You have to have leaders on offense. You cannot win in this league with just one side of the ball. You can’t win with just a great defense.”
Johnson:  “It is tough though at the quarterback position, or even for the offensive coordinator or the offensive staff, if you don’t trust the quarterback. I don’t think the coaches trust the quarterback … The fact that he’s playing the way that he’s playing puts you in a bad situation to call plays, to game-plan because there’s no consistency.”
Berman:  “Only (Blaine) Gabbert and Kerry Collins have completed less passes than him. Flacco is better than that.”

On teams losing for (Andrew) Luck:
Hoge:  “All players have a job. They have mortgages. It is what they do for a living. I remember in my rookie year, we were like 5-10 – bad, bad year. I was listening to Chuck Knoll’s press conference, he was asked – ‘Coach, this is going to be a very hard team to evaluate?’ He said, ‘no, it is going to be the easiest one I’ve ever evaluated.’ It caught my attention. Really, why? He was like, ‘because I know who already quit.’ You know what is interesting, half the guys were gone the next year. They are playing for their jobs.”
Carter:  “I was on the Vikings, we were 15-1. We decided to draft Daunte Culpepper compared to drafting Jevon Kearse. Me, as a veteran, I think it was my 13^th or 14^th year, I’m like, my future is right now. I don’t have a future. Football players, it is not in our DNA when we go onto the field not to go at a 100%.”
Mortensen:  “A guy like Peyton Manning hasn’t been placed on injury reserve. We don’t think he’s going to be playing in December. I know this much, if he were healthy enough to play the last two games and he was still active. If he can help Jeff Saturday and all his teammates from losing a game so they won’t be an 0-and-16 team, you know darn well he’d do that.”

Reaction to NFL players asking out of the game:
Hoge:  “Tapping out means a sign of weakness …I played in the league, I never tapped out.”
Johnson:  “I totally disagree with you. In 1998, AFC Championship game up in Denver, we were playing the Denver Broncos, I tapped out …I couldn’t go the next play. I felt the backup who is a good receiver in Alex Van Dyke, they just drafted him, they drafted him to do this – all I needed was eight seconds … Sometimes, players have to get their breather or they are going to hurt the team.”
Hoge:  “The winded thing though, bothers me. You’ve got 35 seconds in the huddle to recover.”
Johnson:  “I’m not going to sit up here and act like you are a great athlete, you can’t tap out.”

Should 0-6 Dolphins make coaching change now?
Carter:  “They might want to blame it on the coach, but they’ve got a lot of problems there. They have a football credibility problem as far as the people making the decisions.”
Ditka:  “I don’t believe in changing a coach in the middle of the season. I don’t think that’s going to change anything. This is an organizational disaster – top to bottom. They made bad decisions since Bill (Parcells) left, and they have to live with them now.”

On Tim Tebow:
In a one-on-one interview with his former teammate and Countdown analyst Tom Jackson, Denver Broncos executive vice president for football operations and Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway discussed the Broncos:
Elway on Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow:  “As much as we love the kid, I mean, I’d love my daughter to marry him – that’s how special the kid is and he does everything right. But the bottom-line is, we’ve got to look at his football ability and is that going to give us the ability next year, two years, three years, and four years, down the line to be competitive and compete for the championship.”

Jackson on believing in Tebow:  “I have my doubts. I know that mechanics mean something. I know that the ability to throw the ball is meaningful – accuracy, elongated throw, reading of defenses and anticipating where wide receivers are. I am saying this and it is going to sound so mysterious, there is something about him that is unexplained, or maybe inexplicable, that you see it and you see it at the end of games.”
Johnson:  “In the quarterback position, you have to play it to give your team a chance to win the football game … All the intangibles in the huddle is great, but you have to be able to play that position.”
Ditka:  “As a coach, did I want every player that comes to me to be a finished product? That’d be wonderful. That’s not going to happen. He’s a work in progress. But that coach has to help him. If I had his competitive spirit, nobody will hold me back.”
Carter:  “Football is a game of fundamentals. The reason why Tebow is having problems is because his fundamentals aren’t very good. That’s why you see 55 minutes of bad football … For me, I can’t forgive and forget. I can’t forget when he misses wide open guys.”

On impressions of Cam Newton:
Ditka:  “Poise under pressure. His (Cam Newton’s) presence in the pocket, he stands so tall, it’s unbelievable. And to deliver the ball the way he does, with people all around him, this guy is the real deal.”
Jackson:  “I met him a couple of times. It is not often that you run into a professional player who is physically dominant over the rest of the players in the league. Would he be able to pick up a pro system? It’s something that I heard a lot when he was coming into the league. It is true, when they called the plays at Auburn, it was literally a number. He’d go into the huddle and go ‘53,’ and all the other guys had to know what 53 meant. He has picked up the system. He is perfect, in form and technique, kind of Anti-Tebow, and does all the things well.”
Kolber:  “This is something that coach (Ron) Rivera said that was so impressive about his progress and about making these reads and about being able to see defenses and nobody was sure he could. That in the preseason, everybody was critical of the ball which seemed to go high, but on the play-sheet, he was making the right decisions. They were already thrilled because, they said, his mind is getting it. If his body can catch up to the speed of the game, he’s got it. He did it right.”

And you’ll see Football Night in America’s preview of tonight’s interviews coming up next.

The NFL Today on CBS Quotage For Week 8

More quotage, this time from the NFL Today on CBS. We’ll provide three videos here.

NEWS, NOTES & QUOTES FROM CBS SPORTS’ “THE NFL TODAY” WITH JAMES BROWN, DAN MARINO, SHANNON SHARPE, BILL COWHER AND BOOMER ESIASON FOR WEEK 8 ON OCTOBER 30

BILL COWHER TO REMAIN WITH CBS SPORTS

BILL COWHER ADDRESSED RUMORS AND SPECULATION ABOUT COACHING NEXT YEAR ON CBS SPORTS’ PRE-GAME SHOW, “THE NFL TODAY”

QUICK HITS

(On Andy Reid and Philadelphia)
COWHER: The story to me is in Philadelphia. Andy Reid coming off a bye, has not lost his entire career in Philadelphia. Although he’s playing a Dallas team that’s won five-of-the-last seven. You talk about a statement game. To me, this is their Waterloo. They have to win this game at 2?4 at home playing against Dallas.

(On San Diego’s Kris Dielman suffering a concussion and continuing to play, then suffering a seizure)
BOOMER ESIASON: (Over video of the play and Dielman looking wobbly) Take a look at this video we have from last week’s game against the New York Jets. Another example, in my estimation, of negligence on the part of the San Diego Chargers and their medical staff. Now, there is a lot of pressure for him to stay in the game because there are no other linemen that can play. But you can clearly see here. What about his teammates saying something? How about the referees saying something? Yet he played and finished the game out. Then it was reported that he had a seizure on the way home on the airplane. I’m always talking about concussions, managing them and looking out for them. This was a clear dose of negligence in my eyes on the part of the San Diego Chargers and their medical staff.

“INSIDE THE NFL” WITH CHARLEY CASSERLY

(On Congressional Committee possibly having hearings dealing with HGH and NFLPA)

TRICKS & TREATS

THE NFL TODAY celebrates Halloween at Kris Jenkins’ house. You might be surprised at some of the NFL coaches and players who stopped by.

That will do it.

Fox NFL Sunday Quotage For Week 8

Now we move to Fox NFL Sunday and we have a couple of videos.

FOX NFL SUNDAY NOTES – 10/30/11

Strahan: If Suh Taunted Ryan, Why Didn’t Falcons Players Challenge Him on the Field Instead of in the Media?
Glazer Reports That NFL GM’s Say Andrew Luck Is Biggest Prospect in 15 Years
Long: Tebow’s Mental Focus Is ‘Remarkable’
Bradshaw Picks Bengals Andy Dalton As His Top Rookie QB

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Following allegations by Atlanta Falcons players who said that during last week’s Falcons vs. Lions game, Detroit DT Ndamukong Suh taunted an injured Falcons QB Matt Ryan while Ryan laid on the field waiting for his team’s trainer, FOX NFL SUNDAY analyst Michael Strahan defended Suh:  “Ndamukong Suh is not a dirty player. He is aggressive and he is a great player. What I don’t understand, is players talking about what may have happened on the field, off the field. A lot of stuff happens out there that can really get you put in jail. I’m disappointed that it came off the field. Also, if Suh said those things about Matt Ryan, then why wasn’t any Falcons player in his face to challenge Suh on the field instead of in the media?”

FOX NFL SUNDAY insider Jay Glazer reports that Suh asked to meet with Commissioner Goodell and the NFL’s officiating office:

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Co-host Terry Bradshaw on if the Indianapolis Colts will draft Andrew Luck if they end up with the number 1 pick in the draft: “Absolutely you draft Andrew Luck. You hope Peyton Manning can play another year or two, break this kid in and bring him along.”

Analyst Jimmy Johnson added: “Even if you don’t take Andrew Luck, it will be a valuable pick. You can get a bonanza of picks for that number 1.”

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Analyst Howie Long is impressed with the mental toughness of Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow: “We see his will to compete, his toughness, the enthusiasm he generates not only in the stadium, but also within the football team. I’ve never heard a player who hadn’t been arrested for shooting someone or something off the football field who’s been more criticized on a 24 hour, 7 day a week basis for the last few weeks than Tim Tebow. For him to stay as mentally positive and focused on the task at hand is remarkable.”

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Johnson says two things need to happen for the Miami Dolphins to get either Bill Cowher or Jon Gruden as their next head coach:  “The Dolphins don’t have enough good players and they’re not going to have an opportunity for Jon Gruden or Bill Cowher unless they come up with a barrel of cash and the opportunity to get Andrew Luck.”

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Strahan responds to co-host Curt Menefee’s question on if the Giants got the better end of the deal by getting Eli Manning over Philip Rivers: “Everybody looks at Eli Manning and they think Peyton Manning. Eli is not Peyton. He never will be Peyton. But if you look at him compared to Philip Rivers, his numbers are as great as his are. I think Eli needs a little more credit than he’s given.”

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Johnson doesn’t believe the Saints can get home field advantage over the Packers: “The Saints running game is going well and it’s helping their defense and that team is on a roll right now. But in order for the Saints to make a run at the Super Bowl, they’ve got to get home field advantage and I don’t see them overtaking Green Bay so it’s going to be tough on them.”

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Strahan weighs in on the coaches who could be on the hot seat:

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Strahan on where Ravens LB Ray Lewis ranks on the all-time list of great linebackers: “Ray Lewis’ longevity has been amazing, but even more amazing than that has been his production over those years. So I put him with the likes of Lawrence Taylor, Dick Butkus and Willie Lanier.”

————————————————————————————————

Co-host Terry Bradshaw ranks his top rookie quarterbacks this season:

5. Jake Locker (Tennessee Titans) – “Sorry Jake, but you have to play in the game to move up on the list. Check back in 2012”
4. Blaine Gabbert (Jacksonville Jaguars) – “The Jaguars slowed the process with this kid when they decided to wait until the opener to cut David Garrard. He needs weapons in Jacksonville in order to make more of an impact.”
3. Christian Ponder (Minnesota Vikings) – “This is the guy I’ve been waiting to see all season long. He has great feet and a quick release. Plus he’s deceptively fast so he can buy himself more time. Working under center at Florida State, I thought he was truly ready for the pro game. And oh by the way, Adrian Peterson helps.”
2. Cam Newton (Carolina Panthers) – “You can’t coach confidence and this kid has confidence. If the rankings were just on wow factor alone, he would be No. 1. Newton is playing like he’s been in the NFL forever and I’m shocked. It’s amazing the coaching job they’ve done with him.”
1. Andy Dalton (Cincinnati Bengals) – “It’s all about wins in this league and Dalton has 4, Newton has 2. That’s why he’s my number 1 guy. He also has the number 1 quarterback rating among all rookies. Like Newton, he plays with confidence and his accuracy of 62.4 percent is better than 20 other NFL starters. The Bengals appear to have a bright future with Dalton. The kid just wins.”

The NFL Today on CBS quotage is next.

NFL GameDay Morning Quotage For Week 8

Ok, the Sunday NFL pregame quotes are beginning to trickle in. We’ll begin with NFL Network’s NFL GameDay Morning which had plenty of talk since it’s four hours. Here it is.

News and Sound Bites From Week 8 Edition of NFL GAMEDAY MORNING

“Right now, I’m just seeing myself here being the backup for the Minnesota Vikings, helping Christian Ponder. After this year, we’ll see.” – Vikings QB Donovan McNabb on his future in 1-on-1 Interview with Andrea Kremer
“If there’s one word that describes his legacy to me, it’s ‘underappreciated’ and it started day one.” – Steve Mariucci on the legacy of QB Donovan McNabb
“All the great quarterbacks…all of them have the intangibles, but they also had the ability to deliver at 3rd and five. The game is too hard if you can’t play it methodically because you’re going to go against methodical guys like Tom Brady.” – Michael Irvin on if QB Tim Tebow can win solely on intangibles
“Jim Harbaugh’s team might be the one team that can take a couple days off and not lose their edge and toughness.” – Warren Sapp on the San Francisco 49ers

NFL GameDay Morning is the FIRST pregame show on the air Sunday morning at 9:00 AM ET, taking viewers straight up to kickoff. Host Rich Eisen joins analysts Michael Irvin, Warren Sapp, Marshall Faulk, Steve Mariucci and new analyst Kurt Warner to bring fans the latest news, injury reports, pregame analysis and game previews.

Andrea Kremer 1-on-1 Interview with Vikings QB Donovan McNabb:

NFL Network special correspondent Andrea Kremer sat down with Vikings quarterback Donovan McNabb to discuss his feelings on going from the Vikings starting QB to backing up rookie Christian Ponder and if he thinks he should still be starting.  McNabb addresses the report last week by NFL Network & NFL.com analyst Michael Lombardi about his work habits in Washington and Minnesota following his successful years as the quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles. McNabb also addresses what went wrong in Washington and his relationship with Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan:

“Coming into this season, I was looking for great things.  I thought it was all in hand, right here. We have the best running back in the game. An offensive line that has done great things over the years, a defense that has been ranked in the top ten every year. Those are things that I looked at. And I was very excited about this opportunity.” – McNabb on his expectations entering the 2011 season

“Well, no. But I mean, he’s a young guy; the fans got a little excited for the time being. It’s unfortunate what happened in the game against Green Bay, but it was kind of the same pattern of what has been going on.” – McNabb on if he believes Christian Ponder can provide a spark that he can’t

“It’s total B.S. And even last year I was one of the first ones in the building and the last to leave.  And the same here. I’m upstairs after watching film and going to meetings and I’m eating dinner with coaches and then going back and watching more film in the film room. For something like that to come out is ridiculous.” – McNabb on reports regarding his work ethic being poor

“Well, no one’s going to bring it up unless they’re asked.  Just ask any of them and they’ll tell you.” – McNabb on his teammates coming to his defense to refute reports regarding his work ethic

“You know, it speaks for itself. Downfield throws have been something that I’ve kind of made my name with. Making plays sometimes with my legs, those are things that I’ve been doing all throughout my years. Can I play better? Absolutely. It starts with the quarterback, obviously because we’re the ones that are magnified, but there are other guys out there as well.” – McNabb on his performance this season

“Right now, I’m just seeing myself here being the backup for the Minnesota Vikings, helping Christian Ponder. After this year, we’ll see.” – McNabb on if he sees himself being a career backup

Kremer: Even your agent, your long-time agent, said the way that Shanahan handled you was quote, “Disrespectful and disgraceful.”
McNabb: Well, I mean, it speaks for itself.

Kremer: Well, what are your thoughts on that?
McNabb: Disrespectful and disgraceful.

Kremer: You agree with that?
McNabb: I do.

“It’s ridiculous. I mean, if you want to solidify your move of going with somebody else, just say, ‘Hey, he wasn’t playing well. We’re going to rally behind whoever comes up.’ Whatever. But now when you start to challenge my intelligence, you’re going to challenge my manhood, everything that I’ve been able to accomplish throughout the years, that’s disrespectful.” – McNabb on Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan citing McNabb’s lack of stamina and knowledge of two-minute drill as reason for benching in 2010

“When people begin to challenge your ethnic background. ‘You’re not black enough. He doesn’t stand up for the black community.’ That’s completely false. It pisses me off at times when people say that about my work ethic. For anyone to challenge that and not to come and see the way that I work; and they make their own judgment, that pisses me off, because now you’re expressing to people, who don’t know me, who just listen to what commentators say or what reporters write. That’s the opinion they’re going to take.” – McNabb on what criticisms over the years hurt him the most

To view Kremer’s 1-on-1 with McNabb, please visit:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/09000d5d82394777/Sunday-Sitdown-McNabb-part-1 – part
I
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/09000d5d8239475e/Sunday-Sitdown-McNabb-part-2 – part II

Quotes from NFL GameDay Morning:

“I don’t think he’s ever gotten the due that he deserves and now with the last couple years and all this speculation, I think that’s been the most disappointing part to him. It’s not just about what he did or did not do on the football field, it’s become something bigger than that.” – Kurt Warner on Vikings QB Donovan McNabb

“If there’s one word that describes his legacy to me, it’s ‘underappreciated’ and it started day one.” – Steve Mariucci on the legacy of QB Donovan McNabb

“Nobody sacks the quarterback more than the New York Giants and nobody has a better fourth quarter passer rating when it counts than Eli Manning.” – Steve Mariucci on the New York Giants being the best team in the NFC East

“I like what I saw from DeMarco Murray. I felt like this guy has all the intangibles of being an every down back and it showed against the Rams.” – Marshall Faulk on Cowboys RB DeMarco Murray

“This is how he plays the game of football. If you want to have a chance to win, you have to play like this. By asking him to drop back in the pocket and be a pocket passer, that’s trying to fit a square peg in a round hole, it doesn’t fit.” – Marshall Faulk on Broncos QB Tim Tebow and his playing style

“All the great quarterbacks…all of them have the intangibles, but they also had the ability to deliver at 3^rd and five. The game is too hard if you can’t play it methodically because you’re going to go against methodical guys like Tom Brady. So you may win in Miami, but you may not win anywhere else if you can’t play the game traditionally sometimes.” – Michael Irvin on if QB Tim Tebow can win solely on intangibles

“Jim Harbaugh’s team might be the one team that can take a couple days off and not lose their edge and toughness.” – Warren Sapp on the San Francisco 49ers

“Big Ben cannot get into a quarterback duel with Tom Brady; he’ll lose that. The best way is not to say, ‘you throw, I throw.’ It’s to say, ‘I throw, I throw, I throw, because I’m going to run the ball and not let you get the ball.’” – Michael Irvin on how the Steelers offense should attack Patriots defense

“I don’t mind if you pull out your starters and you put in your backups and even if you let your backups throw it around a little bit to get them experience. But I think it’s the manner in which it happened and the manner in which you run up the score that I didn’t like very much.” – Kurt Warner on the Saints scoring 60 points versus Indianapolis

“I remember getting a phone call from Emmitt after T.O. went to the star. Emmitt says, ‘man, you believe that, what T.O. did? I said, ‘what are you calling me for? You had 60 minutes to do something about it.’ You don’t like guys scoring? Stop it.” – Michael Irvin on if it’s fair or foul for teams to run up the score in a game

“This offense seems like it’s out of time; it’s not timed up correctly and when you’re running against a defense that has press man, the timing has to be exquisite.” – Michael Irvin on the Baltimore Ravens offense

Bold Predictions:

Steve Mariucci: After Week 8 games, Panthers QB Cam Newton will lead league in rushing touchdowns

Marshall Faulk: For the first time in his career, Cowboys QB Tony Romo will not throw an interception versus the Philadelphia Eagles. Romo has thrown an interception in all his previous seven regular season contests vs. Philadelphia.

Kurt Warner: At least two teams will be shut out Week 8

Warren Sapp: The New York Giants will have 10 sacks vs. the Miami Dolphins

Michael Irvin: The New Orleans Saints will score 60 points for 2^nd straight week

‘Front Office View’ with Michael Lombardi

On Bears RB Matt Forte contract negotiations:
What happens often times is that you have two negotiations from a front office standpoint. You negotiate with your owner and you must secure money from him and then you negotiate with the player. I think the problem here was Chicago didn’t anticipate what it was going to cost to pay Matt Forte, so when they negotiated with the owner, they got a little less money. It’s tough to go back to the owner and ask for more, but clearly Forte, like Marshall Faulk is a multi-dimensional running back. He leads the team in receptions, he leads the team in rushing, he protects the football. He’s multi-dimensional and when you have that type of player and your offense is built around him, you have to sign him. So the Bears may have to just humbly go ask the owner for more cash.

The take on FB Peyton Hillis’ contract situation with the Browns:
The take should be what Mike Holmgren has done; he’s backed away, not because Peyton Hillis has fired all his agents, but because you need consistency before you get rewarded with a contract. Matt Forte wants a new contract, he’s playing lights out. Hillis wants a new contract, he’s got strep throat, he’s got a hamstring problem, he’s got one year of on-the-field production. Holmgren is doing the right thing in my mind; back off, let this thing play out. Let Hillis focus on being a productive player before we reward him with a huge contract just because he was on Madden 2012.

Obviously, this is a business and every player knows you have to perform before you get paid and even though you might not have the contract that you want – DeSean Jackson doesn’t have it in Philadelphia – but you still perform and you still make money – Matt Forte in Chicago. You have to bury the contract and play well. Then you’ll get the contract.

For the latest from the ‘Front Office View’ of Michael Lombardi, please visit: http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d8238d1db/article/halloween-time-plenty-of-tricks-treats-in-nfl-this-season?module=HP11_writer_experts

‘Inside Slant’ with Jason La Canfora

On the Baltimore Ravens offense:
There’s a lot of issues with the offense, but let’s face it – there’s personnel issues, but the front office is stable, they’re not going anywhere. Joe Flacco hasn’t been great, but he’s not going anywhere. Cam Cameron is the person immediately under fire with what Terrell Suggs said Monday night. There’s been whispers in that locker room for a while now asking: why isn’t there more pace to the offense, why don’t we use Ray Rice more, particularly against teams that play press man coverage on them like Jacksonville and Tennessee did. Why aren’t there more bunch formations or run plays to get the young tight ends more involved; use more motion to get Anquan Boldin moving around. All those things have been talked about in that locker room. This team thought about changing offensive coordinators last year, despite the run to the playoffs. They ultimately decided to stick with Cameron, in part because of the lockout and all that uncertainty. But Jim Zorn was very close with Flacco. Flacco and Cameron have never been particularly cozy, so if they don’t pick it up in the second half of the year, there is a great potential for a change at coordinator. And Flacco wanted that contract extension; he may have to play out his rookie contract at this point because if those numbers don’t get better in the second half, I don’t see a new contract being done immediately.

On Bill Cowher’s potential return to coaching:
Dolphins owner Stephen Ross has not directly called Bill Cowher or his agents, but associates of Ross have contacted Cowher’s agents to begin a little preliminary gauging of interest. There is mutual interest between both parties and I do believe ultimately Cowher will end up being the next head coach of the Miami Dolphins, particularly with Jon Gruden staying in the broadcast booth, but there will be some potential hurdles. Carl Peterson, longtime associate of Ross, former president of the Kansas City Chiefs, what’s his role in all this, if any? Can Cowher bring in all the people with him that he’d like to bring? And there is always money, although I do expect Ross to spend big. Omar Khan of the Pittsburgh Steelers is very likely to end up wherever Cowher is to help run that front office. Tom Moore, another name to keep an eye on, could be a part of Cowher’s offensive staff; we know how long he was with Peyton Manning in Indianapolis.

On head coach Todd Haley’s future in Kansas City:
This was another area where an owner came out and made a statement that there was no problems here between the coach and the GM, but I’ve talked to a lot of people in that building and around that team and most certainly a change could still come here if they don’t get back into the Playoffs. I look for Josh McDaniels to be someone that ultimately Scott Pioli brings in. If you look at what Pioli’s done, guys from that inner circle whom he had with him in New England, McDaniels is a part of that inner circle. Matt Cassel had the best success with McDaniels helping to coach him and there’s a lot of potential for this to come to pass.

On Bills and contract negotiations with RB Fred Jackson:
The next man up is Fred Jackson to be paid. Stevie Johnson needs a contract as well, but I’ve been continuously told that Jackson was next on the list after they got Ryan Fitzpatrick done. The Bills only want to do one contract at a time, they focus their energies that way. So now it’s Jackson; Johnson maybe gets franchised, something like that. They rather not franchise Jackson, he’s the NFL’s leader in scrimmage yards and is a huge part of their offense and they want to take care of him.

On NFL.com the following video clips from NFL GameDay Morning are available for viewing:

McNabb’s legacy – Donovan McNabb has so far had a career filled with ups and downs. How should the quarterback be remembered?
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/09000d5d82397bbb/McNabb-s-legacy

Who will top the NFC East? – The Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles meet on Sunday night in a division thriller. But is either team the best in the NFC East?
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/09000d5d82396e11/Who-will-top-the-NFC-East

M and M debate – Which receiver will step up when the Patriots and Steelers battle Sunday? Are the Bengals for real? Michael Irvin and Marshall Faulk answer various topics around the league.
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/09000d5d82397770/M-and-M-debate

Bold Predictions in Week 7 – Will a rookie end up a league leader? The Saints to score 60 again? The NFL GameDay Morning crew gives their bold predictions for week 8.
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/09000d5d82396fe5/Week-8-bold-predictions

Tebow’s limits – How far can Tim Tebow’s intangibles take him? The NFL GameDay Morning crew discusses the quarterback’s potential.
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/09000d5d82397181/Tebow-s-limits

Rise of Newton – Cam Newton is having a record-breaking rookie year. Steve Mariucci discusses why the quarterback is so successful.
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/09000d5d823971d4/Rise-of-Newton

“Players Only” discussion – Was it fair for the Saints to run up the score last week against the Colts? Kurt Warner, Marshall Faulk, Michael Irvin and Warren Sapp debate various topics on “Players Only.”
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/09000d5d8239752e/Players-Only-discussion

Fantasy greats for Week 8 – Need last minute fantasy advice? Warren Sapp and fantasy expert Michael Fabiano give their week 8 fantasy greats.
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/09000d5d82396920/Fantasy-greats-for-week-8

What to look for in Week 8 – Will the Broncos carry their momentum from last week’s win? Can DeMarco Murray back up his monstrous performance? The NFL GameDay Morning crew discusses what to watch out for.
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/09000d5d823967e6/What-to-look-for-in-week-8

Jonesing for Football – Live out of his mother’s basement, The Daily Show’s Jason Jones is joined by Bills WR Stevie Johnson in the first installment of “Jonesing for Football.”

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/09000d5d82396bb8/Jonesing-for-football

We’ll have more quotage throughout the day.

Doing A Few Sunday Links

Let’s some linkage on this Sunday.

Mike Reynolds from Multichannel News writes that the NBA lockout has forced the cancellation of the rest of its November games forcing ESPN, TNT, NBA TV and regional sports networks to fill huge programming holes.

Michael Malone at Multichannel notes that some Hawaiian viewers lost part of Thursday’s Game 6 of the World Series due to a transmission error with Oceanic Time Warner Cable.

Zak Keefer at the Indiana University National Sports Journalism Center recaps a lecture given to students by ESPN Sr. VP for Print and Digital Media Rob King.

Dan Fogarty from SportsGrid notes that the ESPN Sign Police failed to do their job during yesterday’s College GameDay.

The Dan Patrick Show has some more signs that slipped through the Sign Police that referred to the show’s #occupygameday effort.

Timothy Burke at Deadspin has video of some possibly drunk Steelers fans bombing Albert Breer’s live shot on NFL Network today.

Phil Swann at TV Predictions looks at DirecTV’s FCC complaint over Fox’s ads regarding their carriage dispute which is fast approaching Tuesday’s drop dead date.

And Phil says now DirecTV has been caught lying.

SportsFans.org have a column in the Business Insider Sports Page criticizing the DirecTV/Fox dispute.

Dave Wedge of the Boston Herald interviews former NBA star Chris Herren, the subject of ESPN Films’ latest documentary.

Alexander Soule at the Fairfield County (CT) Business Journal writes about NBC Sports’ move to Stamford, CT.

Martin B. Cassidy of the Stamford (CT) Advocate says NBC Sports coming to town will be beneficial for neighboring businesses.

Stuart Elliot of the New York Times notes that a new scripted series on ESPN Deportes will have many  products woven into the storyline making for a lot of product placement.

Newsday’s Neil Best talks with former New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer taking on his second career as a broadcaster.

Phil Mushnick of the New York Post gets on Joe Buck and Tim McCarver.

Bob Raissman of the New York Daily News reports that the Yankees have signed a new deal to remain on WCBS for another season.

Pete Dougherty from the Albany Times Union has late, breaking news from CBS’ Bill Cowher.

Jim Williams of the Washington Examiner feels the Big East has some options even as other conferences are picking on its bones.

Gary Smits of the Florida Times-Union says golf’s ratings are up across the board this fall.

Tom Jones of the St. Petersburg Times speaks with former Florida State QB and current ESPNU analyst Danny Kanell.

David Knox from the Birmingham (AL) News talks with CBS Sports Network analyst Rich Rodriguez.

The Daily Oklahoman reports that the long-time voice of the Oklahoma Sooners, Bob Barry has passed away.

Jim Benson at the Bloomington (IN) Pantagraph feels Lee Corso adds laughs to ESPN’s College GameDay.

Robert Feder at TimeOut Chicago says popular local sportscaster Paula Faris is leaving at the end of the year to become an anchor with ABC News.

Dan Caesar of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch writes that Game 7 of the World Series drew big ratings for Fox both nationally and locally.

Dan also has a ratings chart for the entire World Series for this year.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News notes that Lee Corso did a tree dance on College GameDay.

Patrick Goldstein of the Los Angeles Times looks at a new genre of sports movies which includes ESPN’s “Unguarded” that premieres on Tuesday.

Sports Media Watch notes that the ratings for the World Series ended being up from last year.

SMW looks at the World Series Game 7′s ratings from Friday.

Joe Favorito says two events, Pro Bull Riding and the New York City Marathon need to tap into their fanbases who can’t attend live in person.

And we’ll end the linkage there.

Bill Cowher Announces He’ll Stay At CBS

During The NFL Today, analyst Bill Cowher addressed rumors that the Miami Dolphins might be interested in him after the season. Cowher shot them down and announced that he’ll remain with The NFL Today next season.

THIS JUST IN…

            ….FROM CBS SPORTS’ “THE NFL TODAY”

BILL COWHER TO REMAIN WITH CBS SPORTS

BILL COWHER ADDRESSED RUMORS AND SPECULATION ABOUT COACHING NEXT YEAR ON CBS SPORTS’ PRE-GAME SHOW, “THE NFL TODAY”

COWHER: I’d just like to say this. I’ve not been contacted directly or indirectly by any football team or any organization. It’s all speculation, and it’s unfortunate because it affects the lives of many people that are in the profession. I am here to say to you today, I do not plan on coaching next year. I love where I work, and more importantly I enjoy the people that I work with up here. So I can put all the speculation to rest. And if I have to repeat this in December again, I will. But you know what, J.B., it’s a tough profession, I know there is speculation out there. I’m flattered by it to be honest with you. But at the same time it affects too many people’s lives. I like what I’m doing right here, and I plan on being back in the same seat next year.

I’m working on the links and you’ll see that along with the Sunday NFL pregame quotage later.

3rd Annual Fang’s Bites MLB TV Awards

Another baseball season over and it’s time for another edition of the Fang’s Bites MLB TV Awards. You can see previous editions here and here.

As usual, we’ll deal with the national TV partners, ESPN, Fox, MLB Network and TBS. This is a listing of the Best and Worst, it’s not a competition, so please, no betting.

We’ll do the Best and finish with the Worst.

The Vin Scully Award For Best Play-by-Play: Sean McDonough, ESPN. Glad to see Sean calling baseball on a national level once again. It seemed after he was let go by NESN after the 2004 season, he was in exile. But this year, ESPN brought him back to call the sport he loves for Monday Night Baseball and we the public were the beneficiaries. If ESPN ever gets the MLB Postseason back, it would behoove the network to give him an assignment. One of the best all-around announcers, Sean did a very good job working on baseball this season.

Honorable mentions: Dan Shulman, ESPN; Brian Anderson, TBS

Best Game Analyst: John Smoltz, MLB Network/TBS. John has fast become the best game analyst in just two seasons on TV. He can pick up trends, predict home runs and know when a pitcher is losing it. I would love to have John work the World Series to replace Tim McCarver (more on him later). Smoltz works well with Matt Vasgersian on MLB Network and worked off Ron Darling during the MLB Postseason on TBS brilliantly. I’d love to see John get more of a national showcase during the regular season.

Honorable Mentions: Ron Darling, TBS; Orel Hershiser, ESPN.

Best Debut: A.J. Pierzynski, Fox. The catcher for the Chicago White Sox got the opportunity to work on TV during the American League Championship Series and World Series for Fox. I was quite impressed with his work and his candor. The man has a future in TV when he retires.

Honorable Mention: Terry Francona, Fox during the ALCS; Jamie Maggio on TBS’ MLB Postseason coverage.

Best Studio Show: MLB Tonight, MLB Network. Let’s face it, MLB Network is the Network of Record for baseball and MLB Tonight is the signature show. Whenever there’s a big moment in baseball, MLB Tonight will cut-in and show it live. The program is produced well, the analysts are always on top of the action and you know that the show will air a highlight or a live cut-in when it’s most needed. The hosts could be better, but with Brian Kenny hired by MLB Network, you’ll probably see him on the anchor desk extensively in 2012.

Honorable Mention: Baseball Tonight, ESPN.

Best Studio Host: Matt Winer, TBS. In his second year on the desk for TBS whether it be for the All-Star Game Selection or during the MLB Postseason, Matt is very smooth. Hired originally by Turner Sports to be the main host on NBA TV, Matt has done work with the NBA on TNT, NCAA Tournament for TBS and was given the main host assignment for MLB on TBS last season. He’s become one of the best studio hosts on sports television and he has learned to distribute the rock to his analysts very well. I’m quite impressed with his work this season.

Honorable Mentions: Karl Ravech, ESPN; Matt Vasgersian, Matt Yallof, MLB Network.

Best Studio Analyst: Harold Reynolds, MLB Network. H.R. wins the award outright after being given the award in a tie with Mitch Williams in 2009. Harold is very comfortable working in the studio and being the main guy on MLB Tonight. He’s quite good. While he won’t go out of his way to criticize, he will come down on a player when it’s necessary. Harold has won Emmy Awards for good reason. He’s the best studio analyst in the sport.

Honorable Mentions: Dennis Eckersley, TBS; Mitch Williams, MLB Network.

Best Game Coverage: MLB on Fox. The World Series proved that the Fox crew does a great job with game production. Using 30 cameras, Fox was right on top of replays, showing the proper angles of controversial calls and not overdoing it on the strike zone never showing it live. We can pick on Fox’s announcing crew, but the production is top-notch every season. My only problem is the crowd cutaways as I’m not a fan of showing fans wringing their hands on every pitch, but that’s me. Overall, Fox gets an A for its production.

Honorable Mention: ESPN.

Most Valuable Network: Fox. Not for a lack of trying, Fox does its best to promote baseball. The ratings in the regular season were down again and the American League Championship Series did not do well, but Fox was finally rewarded with a thrilling World Series and the most watched Fall Classic contest in Game 7 dating back to 2004.

Best Move: MLB Network hiring Brian Kenny and Sam Ryan. I’m not a big fan of Brian Kenny as he can be abrasive, but he loves baseball and is a very good studio host. Sam Ryan is an excellent reporter and I’m looking forward to seeing her extensively on MLB Network next season.

Worst Play-by-Play: Yes, Joe Buck, Fox. He seems to be turning the tide with sports media observers with his plagiarized use of his father’s home run call from the 1991 World Series, but to be honest, I still think it was a bad job by him. There are times when he calls games as if he’s at a wake. While this season, he had to overcome a virus that almost took his voice, it still did not help him improve as an announcer. I feel Buck is regressing, not improving. One more year and Buck can retire this award.

Worst Game Analyst: Tim McCarver, Fox. Whether it be miscounting how many letters there are in the word, “strike” or overanalyzing situations, McCarver is verbose and does not allow a game to breathe. I feel the game has passed Tim by. It’s time for him to go.

Worst Studio Show: Intentional Talk, MLB Network. This show is an abortion. Co-hosted by Chris Rose and Kevin Millar, this show makes no sense. Rose is a bad host. Millar is constantly yelling. Why is this show even on the air? And why did MLB Network allow this to continue during the offsesason? Intentional Talk needs to be put to sleep and immediately. It is one of the worst shows in the history of sports television.

Worst Studio Host: Chris Rose, MLB Network/Fox. How this man hosts for two networks is beyond me. He’s gone from being on the Best Damn Sports Show, Period to somehow hosting MLB on Fox and Intentional Talk. Chris Rose is an enigma. And his postgame questions during the American League Championship Series were mind boggling.

Worst Studio Analyst: Kevin Millar, MLB Network. He has apparently subscribes to the Michael Irvin Style of Broadcasting which means yelling, yelling and more yelling. Why does he have to yell? Why is he yelling? Does Millar yell because he thinks yelling is funny? Does he feel he has to yell to get his point across? After watching him, I need to take 10 Tylenols to get rid of my tension headaches. I love what Millar did with the 2004 Red Sox. I hate him on TV.

Worst Way To End A Career: Dan McLaughlin, Fox Sports Midwest. Dan McLaughlin, the TV voice of the St. Louis Cardinals had some pretty good gigs. Not only was he the main announcer for the Cardinals, he also was calling college basketball games on ESPN. However, after being arrested not once, but twice on DUI charges over a span of 13 months, McLaughlin lost his jobs calling Missouri basketball and Missouri Valley Conference games. His future with Fox Sports Midwest remains in doubt and he wasn’t seen doing the last two weeks of Cardinals games. Here’s hoping Dan gets the help he needs so he can get back on the straight and narrow.

And that will conclude this year’s edition of the MLB TV Awards.

Over 25 Million Watch World Series Game 7

The most watched World Series game since Game 4 in 2004 saw a total audience of 25.4 million people. That is upper echelon NFL-like numbers. Fox saw a rating of 14.7 and a 25 share for Game 7 of the 2011 World Series between Texas and St. Louis which is again NFL-like. In 2004, Game 4 which saw the Boston Red Sox break an 86 year drought over the Cardinals drew an 18.2/28 and 28.8 million viewers.

Needless to say, the game won the primetime ratings for Fox rather handily over weak competition on the other networks.

The seven game series averaged 10.0/16 with 16.6 million viewers, up 19% from 2010.

Locally, St. Louis had an absolutely staggering 52.7/80 for Game 7, meaning 80% of all homes in the market were watching baseball. Dallas saw 40.3/61.

We have Fox’s press release and right after that, I’ll post MLB’s official release on the numbers.

A FALL CLASSIC

25.4 Million Viewers Watch Amazing Comeback Cardinals Capture 11th World Series Crown
Game 7 Is Highest-Rated, Most-Watched World Series Game Since 2004
2011 World Series Ratings Up +19%

Throughout history, there have been many reasons why the World Series has become known as “The Fall Classic.” Today, you can add 25.4 million more.

Game 7 of the 2011 World Series posted a 14.7/25 household rating/share with 25.4 million viewers and is the highest-rated, most-watched game since 2004 when the Boston Red Sox ended their historic World Series drought with a massive 18.2/28 and 28.8 million viewers.

Just as impressive, Game 7 is the single highest-rated Friday night program in FOX history and stands as the highest-rated and most-watched Friday night program of any kind on any network since the Opening Ceremony of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games on NBC.

FOX averaged a 14.5 household rating and 25 million viewers between 8 and 11 PM ET to earn the network its highest-rated and most-watched Friday night ever. In addition, Game 7 also produced the highest-rated, most-watched night on any network this broadcast season and FOX’s best prime time night since the American Idol finale in May.

The World Series remains an annual force in prime time. Game 7′s dominating performance (14.5) also powered FOX to first place finishes in prime time six out of 7 nights the 2011 “Fall Classic” was broadcast. Since 1996 when FOX began airing World Series games, the network has won 64 out of 75 prime time nights, an incredible 85% performance.

The complete 2011 World Series on FOX averaged a 10.0/16 national household rating/share and 16.6 million viewers, up an impressive +19% over last year’s 8.4/14 (14.3 million viewers).

The demographic story is just as impressive as the 2011 World Series posted year-to-year double-digit increases across all key male and adult categories: Men 12-17 (3.0 vs. 2.3, +30%); Men 18-34 (5.2 vs. 4.2, +24%), Men 18-49 (6.1 vs. 5.2, +17%); Men 25-54 (7.3 vs. 6.3, +16%); Adults 18-34 (4.2 vs. 3.3, +27%); Adults 18-49 (4.9 vs. 4.0, +23%); and Adults 25-54 (5.8 vs. 4.8, +21%).

Last night’s Game 7 broadcast opened with a 10.5 (17.9 million viewers) at 8:00 PM ET and grew steadily throughout the broadcast growing to a 14.2 (24.7 million viewers) at 9:00 PM ET, 16.1 (27.9 million viewers) at 10:00 PM ET, peaking at a 17.1 (29.7 million viewers) at 11:00 PM ET.

St. Louis led all markets with a sensational 52.7/80, peaking at a staggering 62.4/89 in the final quarter hour as David Murphy’s fly ball to left landed in Allen Craig’s glove sealing the Cardinals 11th World Series Championship. Dallas averaged a 40.3/61 for the night.

For the complete seven-game series, St. Louis averaged an amazing 47.2/67 while Dallas averaged a 38.0/57, up +22% over the 31.1/49 for last year’s five-game average.

Here’s MLB’s press release which is a bit shorter but touts the numbers and Fox’s ratings. One thing to add, the game gave Fox its best Friday night ratings in the history of the network and is the highest network Friday night ratings since the Opening Ceremony of the 2010 Winter Olympics on NBC.

GAME 7 OF 2011 WORLD SERIES ATTRACTS MORE THAN 25 MILLION VIEWERS
GAME 7 IS MOST WATCHED BASEBALL GAME SINCE RED SOX ERASED 86 YEAR DROUGHT IN 2004

World Series Delivers Best Friday Night in FOX History
Ratings for 2011 World Series Increase +19% Over Last Year

Game 7 of the 2011 World Series, which saw the St. Louis Cardinals win their 11th World Series title, averaged 25.4 million viewers on FOX. That figure makes it the most watched baseball game since 2004 when the Boston Red Sox won the World Series erasing a drought of 86 years. Except for the historic 2004 World Series, Game 7 drew the most viewers of any baseball game since Game 7 of the 2002 World Series.

The World Series was a huge success for FOX delivering the best Friday night in the history of the network. Game 7 was the highest rated and most watched Friday night telecast on any network since the 2010 Winter Olympics and easily gave FOX its sixth primetime win in seven nights. It was also the highest rated night of primetime on any network since the start of the 2011-12 broadcast season.

The 14.7 U.S. household rating for Game 7 brings the 2011 World Series average rating to 10.0, which is +19% higher than last year’s World Series, featuring the same American League team and a National League team (San Francisco Giants) with twice the number of TV households as compared to St. Louis.

The 2011 Cardinals, who were 10.5 games out of first place in late August and were twice down to their last strike in Game 6, captured the imagination of St. Louis resulting in a 52.7 rating in the market, which was higher than any of their previous marks in the 2004 or 2006 World Series. When the Cardinals won the World Series, 89% of households in St. Louis that had their televisions on were tuned in to see the game.

Back-to-back runs to the World Series by the Rangers have resulted in more local interest in the team. The 2011 World Series averaged a 38.0 rating in Dallas/Ft. Worth which is +22% from last year’s average of 31.1.

That puts a wrap on the World Series.

Game 7 Garners Its Highest Viewership For 2011 World Series

We have the overnight numbers for World Series Game 7 from Friday night. Thanks to a compelling Game 6 Thursday night that hooked viewers, plus some weak competition on ABC, CBS, NBC and The CW, Fox was able to blow away the other networks with an NFL-like rating, 16.2 with a 28 share, the highest-rated World Series clinching game since 2004′s Game 4 when the Red Sox beat the St. Louis Cardinals. That’s 12% higher than last year’s clincher between San Francisco and Texas.

This year, the Cards beat Texas 6-2 in Game 7. Dan Bell of Fox Sports Public Relations tweeted the news.

[blackbirdpie url="http://twitter.com/danpbell/status/130334518749052928"]

And John Ourand of Sports Business Journal has the staggering local numbers from Dallas and St. Louis.

[blackbirdpie url="http://twitter.com/Ourand_SBJ/status/130334317279842304"]

When I get a press release with final numbers, I’ll be sure to post it.

NBC Sports Previews NFL Week 8

And we finish with NBC’s Football Night in America crew talking about Sunday night’s game between Dallas and Philadelphia.

MICHAEL VICK AND THE EAGLES HOST TONY ROMO AND THE COWBOYS IN NFC EAST RIVALRY ON “SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL”

COVERAGE BEGINS WITH FOOTBALL NIGHT IN AMERICA AT 7 PM ET
“They are the class of this division.” – Rodney Harrison on the Eagles
“Nobody is running away with this division.” – Tony Dungy on NFC East

NEW YORK – October 26, 2011 – Michael Vick and the Philadelphia Eagles, who defeated the Washington Redskins in their last game, host Tony Romo and the Dallas Cowboys, who are coming off a 34-7 victory over the St. Louis Rams, in a key NFC East rivalry game on Sunday Night Football.

Calling Cowboys-Eagles will be six-time Emmy Award-winner Al Michaels (play-by-play), in his 26^th season as the voice of the NFL’s premier primetime package; 12-time Emmy Award-winner Cris Collinsworth, who won the Emmy for outstanding event analyst in both of his seasons in the Sunday Night Football booth; and sideline reporter Michele Tafoya, in her first season on SNF.

Coverage begins Sunday with Football Night in America at 7 p.m. ET with 22-time Emmy Award-winner Bob Costas hosting the program live from inside Lincoln Financial Field. Costas is joined on site by Michaels and Collinsworth for reaction to the afternoon games.

Dan Patrick co-hosts Football Night from Studio 8G at NBC’s 30 Rockefeller Plaza studios and is joined by Super Bowl-winning head coach Tony Dungy, two-time Super Bowl winner Rodney Harrison, Peter King of Sports Illustrated and Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk on NBCSports.com. Alex Flanagan will report from Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pa., on the Patriots-Steelers game.

HARRISON ON EAGLES: “I still like the Eagles. I think they are the class of this division.”

DUNGY ON THE NFC EAST: “Nobody is running away with this division. Win this game and you are right back in it.”

HARRISON ON COWBOYS: “I am anxious to see if Tony Romo, who has been inconsistent this year, can make the key plays in the key moments of this game and not make those critical mistakes.”

That will do it.

Gary Thorne’s & Dan Shulman’s Calls of David Freese’s Walk-off Home Run in World Series Game 6

We interrupt the NFL Week 8 previews for a baseball respite.

While many sports media observers have praised Joe Buck’s call of David Freese’s walk-off home run to force a Game 7 in the World Series (not me, however), you may have wondered how other broadcasters called the moment. And I believe both of these clips were much better than Joe Buck’s plagiarism of his dad, Jack’s great call of Kirby Puckett’s walk-off homer in Game 6 of the 1991 World Series in Minnesota.

Let’s provide you with Gary Thorne who called the game with Rick Sutcliffe on MLB International for the audience in Canada and overseas. I’m not a fan of Thorne’s by any means, but this call was very good. While the MLB Gestapo has been pulling clips off YouTube from last night, this comes from ESPN which produces the MLB International broadcasts so I think we’re safe.

And here’s Dan Shulman’s call of the home run which comes to us courtesy of ESPN Radio. Thanks to David Scott of ESPN public relations for sending this file over.

That will do it.

NFL on Fox Previews Week 8

Let’s move to Fox Sports which will have regional NFL action this week.

FOX SPORTS NOTES, QUOTES & ANECDOTES

Lynch Goes One-on-One with Tebow on FOX NFL SUNDAY

ROOKIE QBs MEET IN CHARLOTTE AND FOX SPORTS KEEPS INTERNATIONAL FLAVOR WITH NFL ACTION IN CANADA – Week 8 of the 2011 NFL on FOX season kicks off on Sunday, Oct. 30 as FOX Sports presents singleheader coverage of five games—each presented in true HD. While the Panthers’ Cam Newton has been the story of the of the 2011 rookie QB class, the Vikings’ Christian Ponder had a rather strong starting debut in a close loss to the undefeated Packers. The rookie signal callers meet at 1:00 PM ET as Newton’s Panthers host Ponder’s Vikings. In Baltimore, Ray Rice and the Ravens look to rebound from their Monday night effort as they host Larry Fitzgerald and the Cardinals. Coming off a 62-point explosion, Drew Brees and the high-octane Saints travel to St. Louis to face the Rams. The 4:00 PM ET window opens with Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson and the Lions looking to end a two-game losing streak as they take on Tim Tebow and the Broncos. The international feel on NFL on FOX continues this week as the Redskins travel to Toronto to battle Ryan Fitzpatrick, Fred Jackson and the Bills. Thom Brennaman, Troy Aikman & Pam Oliver have the call.

Coverage begins at 12:00 PM ET with America’s most-watched Sunday afternoon 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 from the FOX NFL SUNDAY studio while comedic prognosticator Frank Caliendo contributes his weekly “Frank’s Picks” segment. FOX Sports rules analyst Mike Pereira is also on hand to go over any impactful officiating issues.This week’s edition of “The Journey” opens the show and NFL on FOX analyst John Lynch goes one-on-one with Broncos QB Tim Tebow.

For instant updates during the week and games from the entire NFL on FOX crew, follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/NFLONFOX. Follow the NFL on FOX on-air personalities @Jay_Glazer, @JimmyJohnson, @CurtMenefee, @MikePereira, @MichaelStrahan, @TroyAikman, @KennyAlbert, @CoachBillick, @TimBrewster, @CFD22 (Charles Davis), @DarylJohnston, @The_ChrisMyers, @LauraOkmin, @ChadPennington, @TimRyan99 & @TonySiragusa on Twitter as they provide insight and analysis all weekend. Fans can gain more access to exclusive FOX Sports content by logging on to www.facebook.com/foxsports.

Minnesota Vikings at Carolina Panthers, Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston & Tony Siragusa, going to 22% of USA, 1:00PM
Bank of America Stadium – Charlotte, NC
MARKETS INCLUDE: Atlanta, Birmingham, Charlotte, Greensboro, Greenville, Knoxville, Minneapolis, Portland, Raleigh, Sacramento, San Francisco, Seattle

Arizona Cardinals at Baltimore Ravens, Sam Rosen, Brian Billick & Laura Okmin, going to 14% of USA, 1:00PM
M&T Bank Stadium – Baltimore, MD
MARKETS INCLUDE: Baltimore, Boston, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dayton, Hartford, Louisville, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Providence

New Orleans Saints at St. Louis Rams, Chris Myers, Tim Ryan & Jennifer Hale, going to 11% of USA, 1:00PM
Edward Jones Domes – St. Louis, MO
MARKETS INCLUDE: Memphis, New Orleans, Oklahoma City, San Antonio, St. Louis, Tulsa

Detroit Lions at Denver Broncos, Dick Stockton, John Lynch & Jaime Maggio, going to 29% of USA, 4:05PM
Sports Authority Field at Mile High – Denver, CO
MARKETS INCLUDE: Albuquerque, Chicago, Columbus, Denver, Detroit, Fort Myers, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Milwaukee, Nashville, Orlando, Salt Lake City, San Diego, Tampa, West Palm Beach

Washington Redskins at Buffalo Bills, Thom Brennaman, Troy Aikman & Pam Oliver, going to 23% of USA, 4:05PM
Rogers Centre – Toronto, ON
MARKETS INCLUDE: Austin, Buffalo, Dallas, Houston, New York, Norfolk, Philadelphia, Richmond, Washington

LYNCH: TEBOW INSPIRES GREATNESS; SUH NOT A DIRTY PLAYER – On Fox Sports Radio’s “The Jim Rome Show” today, NFL on FOX analyst John Lynch previewed the Detroit Lions at Denver Broncos game that he’ll call on Sunday at 4:05 PM ET. Lynch weighed in on Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow’s ability to motivate his teammates and Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh’s reputation as a dirty player.

ON TEBOW – “There is something special about Tim Tebow,” said Lynch. “What I see is their defense playing a little harder. I see their offensive line blocking a little harder. He does inspire greatness. He brings the best out of people and that’s what great leaders do. There are some things that you wonder such as can this guy play quarterback consistently at a high level. A lot of that has to do with being an accurate thrower of the football. Against San Diego three weeks ago, he brought them back and gave them an opportunity to win. And this week, albeit the Miami Dolphins, he had a terrific comeback and there is something special.”

ON SUH – “I don’t think he’s a dirty player. He’s a tremendous football player,” said Lynch. “If I’m around Ndamukong Suh, I’d say lay off all the stuff after the play. That’s fake toughness. He doesn’t need fake toughness because he’s the baddest guy going in the league right now. Do your work in between the whistle, leave all the other stuff to other people that need to do that to make people think they’re tough, and play your game.”

And we’ll move to NBC’s Sunday Night Football preview next.

NFL on CBS Announcing Assignments Through Week 10

We have the NFL on CBS announcing teams for games through Week 10 which means we’re at the halfway point of the season with Week 8 on Sunday. The games have gone by quickly.

Following are THE NFL ON CBS assignments for Week 8, Week 9 and Week 10 (subject to change). 

WEEK 8 – October 30 – CBS DOUBLEHEADER

1:00 PM, ET starts:

• Miami @ N.Y. Giants — Greg Gumbel/Dan Dierdorf
• Jacksonville @ Houston — Marv Albert/Rich Gannon
• Indianapolis @ Tennessee — Kevin Harlan/Solomon Wilcots

4:15 PM, ET starts:

• New England @ Pittsburgh — Jim Nantz/Phil Simms
• Cleveland @ San Francisco –  Ian Eagle/Dan Fouts
• Cincinnati @ Seattle — Bill Macatee/Steve Tasker

WEEK 9 – Nov. 6

1:00 PM, ET starts:

• N.Y. Jets @ Buffalo — Jim Nantz/Phil Simms
• Cleveland @ Houston — Ian Eagle/Dan Fouts
• Miami @ Kansas City — Kevin Harlan/Solomon Wilcots

4:00 PM, ET starts:

• Denver @ Oakland — Greg Gumbel/Dan Dierdorf
• Cincinnati @ Tennessee — Marv Albert/Rich Gannon

WEEK 10 – Nov. 13

1:00 PM, ET starts:

• Buffalo @ Dallas — Jim Nantz/Phil Simms
• Tennessee @ Carolina — Kevin Harlan/Solomon Wilcots
• Houston @ Tampa Bay — Marv Albert/Rich Gannon
• Pittsburgh @ Cincinnati — Ian Eagle/Dan Fouts
• Jacksonville @ Indianapolis — Spero Dedes/Steve Beuerlein
• Denver @ Kansas City — Bill Macatee/Steve Tasker

4:00 PM, ET starts:

• Baltimore @ Seattle — Greg Gumbel/Dan Dierdorf

NFL on Fox stuff is next.

CBS Sports Previews NFL Week 8

Let’s turn to CBS Sports and what you’ll see from the network on The NFL Today. It’s of course, Halloween-themed. Then we’ll see what one of The NFL Today’s analysts have to say about the games in Week 8.

We first look at what The NFL Today has in store for Sunday.

KRIS JENKINS ANSWERS THE BELL FOR TRICK-AND-TREATERS FOR WEEK 8 OF “THE NFL TODAY” ON SUNDAY, OCT. 30

THE NFL ON CBS, broadcasting its 52^nd year of the NFL, continues its 2011 NFL season on Sunday, Oct. 30 (1:00-7:00 PM, ET) with THE NFL TODAY (12:00 Noon-1:00 PM, ET).
This weekend THE NFL TODAY celebrates Halloween at Kris Jenkins’ house as he answers the bell with gobs of treats and lots of mayhem for some of the NFL coaches and players that stop by for tricks-and-treats. Charlie Bloom is the producer.

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 reporting. Jenkins joins the show this week in his recurring role as a contributing analyst.

Eric Mann is senior producer and Bob Matina is director of THE NFL TODAY.

Now to The NFL Today’s Bill Cowher who discusses New England-Pittsburgh, the feature game for Week 8.

THE NFL ON CBS: WEEK 8 (SUNDAY, OCT. 30)

AUDIBLES WITH “THE NFL TODAY’S” BILL COWHER

The CBS Television Network continues its 52^nd year broadcasting the NFL with coverage of THE NFL ON CBS on Sunday, Oct. 30 (1:00-7:00 PM, ET) beginning with THE NFL TODAY, the Network’s one-hour studio show (12:00 NOON-1:00 PM, ET), live from THE NFL TODAY studio in New York City.

THE NFL ON CBS lead announce team of Jim Nantz and Phil Simms call the action from the New England Patriots-Pittsburgh Steelers game live from Heinz Filed in Pittsburgh, Pa. Lance Barrow is the coordinating producer and lead game producer and Mike Arnold is the lead game director.

Sean McManus is Chairman, CBS Sports, and serves as Executive Producer of CBS Sports’ coverage of THE NFL ON CBS. Harold Bryant is Executive Producer and Vice President, Production, CBS Sports.

* * * * *

BILL COWHER

(On New England-Pittsburgh): Every year the identity of a team changes to some degree. With both of these teams, while they’ve changed, the expectation level and to a large extent the results, haven’t changed. They are both winning organizations. Certainly, New England coming off a bye is well-rested. Pittsburgh will be a very tough defense for them. The Patriots have proven to be very resourceful week-in and week-out. Their running game is probably as good as it’s been all year.

For Pittsburgh, their challenge is stopping Tom Brady in the spread offense. That is something I’m sure that they’ve looked at, and thought about, the whole off-season. Pittsburgh’s offense may be one of the most explosive in all of football. This is the best receiving corps that they’ve had in years. Mike Wallace, Antonio Brown, Emmanuel Sanders, Hines Ward – these are the most weapons Ben Roethlisberger has ever had. And it may be the first time they have an offensive line with some degree of continuity. They are playing as well as they’ve played and are peaking offensively. And they will be a challenge defensively. This could decide home-field advantage, so there could be playoff implications in this game as well.

(On this game having more importance to Pittsburgh at this point): This game is important to Pittsburgh because it’s a home game against a conference team that, at some point, you’re going to have to beat anyway. The fact that Pittsburgh has two losses with a chance to stay tied for first place with Baltimore, and New England is going strong with only one loss, it’s important for both teams. But when you’re playing this type of game at home, the pressure is certainly more on the home team.

The NFL on CBS announcing assignments are next.

ESPN’s Previews of NFL Week 8

Let’s now go over what you’ll see on ESPN’s NFL programming during the weekend.

Highlights of NFL Content on ESPN TV – Week 8

Sunday NFL Countdown: The Patriots and “The Fighter”; Tapping Out; DeMarcus Ware in Sport Science

ESPN Sunday NFL Countdown with Chris Berman and analysts Cris Carter, Mike Ditka, Tom Jackson, Keyshawn Johnson (on the main set), and Suzy Kolber, Bill Parcells and Merril Hoge (on the second set), will preview week eight games on Sunday, October 30, at 10 a.m.  NFL Insider Adam Schefter and senior analyst Chris Mortensen will provide headlines and up-to-the-minute news.  In addition, reporting from key games:  George Smith – Dolphins at Giants; Ed Werder – Lions at Broncos; Josina Anderson – Patriots at Steelers; and Sal Paolantonio – Cowboys at Eagles. Highlights:

• The Fighter – Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is known for inviting guest speakers to motivate his team. In August he brought in Mickey Ward, the real life inspiration for the movie “The Fighter.” Ward and the Patriots recount the former boxer’s message and inspiring words.  ESPN.com senior writer Greg Garber reports.
• Tapping Out – Last week, quarterback Matt Ryan was heroic, returning from an apparent serious injury to lead the Falcons to a victory against Detroit. Retired MMA fighter Chuck Liddell narrates this revealing feature about the internal struggles that athletes confront battling through injury and fatigue while trying to decide whether to play on or “tap out” of a game.
• Sports Science: DeMarcus Ware – With 88 sacks in six and a half seasons, the Cowboys’ DeMarcus Ware has become one of the league’s premier linebackers. He sacked the elusive Michael Vick three times in the last meeting versus the Eagles. Leading into Sunday’s game, Ware’s play is analyzed in the Sport Science lab by John Brenkus.
• Top-10 Scariest Players – A day before Halloween, Countdown will reveal the top-10 scariest players who dominate in their positions as ranked by fans in an ESPN SportsNation poll.
• Mayne Event: Calvin Johnson –Detroit wide receiver Calvin Johnson’s game-winning touchdown catch against the Bears was famously ruled a drop last year. Last Sunday when Johnson went to spike the ball over the goalpost after a touchdown catch vs. the Falcons, Kenny Mayne wondered if that too is considered a drop. Mayne explores the two plays in this week’s “Mayne Event.”

NFL Matchup: Ron Jaworski Analyzes Three Offenses – Cowboys, Steelers and Redskins

NFL Matchup with host Sal Paolantonio and analysts Ron Jaworski and Merril Hoge will preview Sunday’s key games. Each NFL Sunday morning (ESPN – 3 a.m. and 7:30; ESPN2 – 8:30 a.m.), the trio brings viewers inside the film room for the Xs and Os of the matchups.  Highlights:

• Cowboys Offense vs. the Eagles Defense – Just like last Sunday against the Rams, the Cowboys will use designed run plays to specifically target the weaknesses of the Eagles’ wide-nine defense. As Jaworski illustrates, expect the Cowboys offense to combine the Eagles’ up-field rush with pass action at the line to create large running lanes for running back DeMarco Murray.
• Steelers Offense – Jaworski shows how the Steelers’ offense will spread the field, target any perceived weaknesses in coverage and exploit the speed of wide receiver Mike Wallace against the Patriots defense.
• Redskins Offense – Redskins offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan is adept at manipulating the reactions of a defense through the use of systematic play calls. Jaworski shows one of the staples of the Redskins offense – play-action pass.

AFC West Showdown on Monday Night Football: First Place San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs on Halloween

Philip Rivers and the first-place San Diego Chargers will face Matt Cassel and the defending AFC West champion Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on ESPN’s Monday Night Football on October 31, at 8:30 p.m. ET. Mike Tirico will call the game with analysts Jon Gruden and Ron Jaworski and sideline reporter Rachel Nichols. Chris Berman hosts a 90-minute Monday Night Countdown at 7 p.m., with analysts Cris Carter, Mike Ditka, Tom Jackson, Keyshawn Johnson, and NFL Insiders Chris Mortensen and Adam Schefter.  Stuart Scott will join the show from Arrowhead with analysts Trent Dilfer and Steve Young and contributor Rick Reilly.

MNF will also be televised on ESPN’s Spanish-language network, ESPN Deportes.

CBS’ previews will be next.

NFL GameDay Morning’s Previews of Week 8

We have the press releases from the NFL TV partners in regards to the Sunday NFL pregame shows and what they’ll cover. We have some good stuff from NFL Network talking about this Sunday’s edition of NFL GameDay Morning.

NFL Network does make some news announcing that Andrea Kremer has been hired as a Special Correspondent and will do features for NFL GameDay Morning. Her first story will air on Sunday. We have the details below.

NFL GAMEDAY MORNING ANALYZES TOM BRADY’S SUCCESS AGAINST STEELERS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30 AT 9:00 AM ET

Sunday is GameDay, beginning with NFL GameDay Morning at 9:00 AM ET. Join host Rich Eisen and analysts Steve Mariucci, Marshall Faulk, Kurt Warner, Warren Sapp and Michael Irvin on the first and most comprehensive pregame show on television, taking viewers straight up to kickoff with the latest news, injury reports, pregame analysis, exclusive interviews and game previews.

With a 4-1 regular-season record and a 2-0 postseason record against Pittsburgh, NFL GameDay Morning examines why New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (6-1) has had success against one of the top defenses in the NFL – the Steelers – in advance of the two teams’ meeting on Sunday.

Also featured on NFL GameDay Morning:

• Stacey Dales reports from MetLife Stadium for Dolphins-Giants
• Steve Wyche reports from Houston for Jaguars-Texans
• Albert Breer reports from Pittsburgh for Patriots-Steelers
• What has Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow proven?
• Is Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray for real?
• Following two consecutive losses, what is wrong with the Detroit Lions?
• NFL GameDay Morning crew assesses Carolina Panthers rookie quarterback Cam Newton’s development
• Who is the best team in the NFC East?

NFL Network Special Correspondent Andrea Kremer’s Exclusive One-on-One Interview with Vikings QB Donovan McNabb Sunday on NFL GameDay Morning

Andrea Kremer has an exclusive sit-down interview with Vikings quarterback Donovan McNabb Sunday for NFL Network’s NFL GameDay Morning pregame show.

Kremer interviewed McNabb about going from the Vikings starting QB to backing up rookie Christian Ponder and if he thinks he should still be starting.  McNabb addresses the report last week by NFL Network & NFL.com analyst Michael Lombardi about his work habits in Washington and Minnesota following his successful years as the quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles. He also talks about what went wrong in Washington and his relationship with Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan.

In addition to the two-part sit-down interview on NFL GameDay Morning, NFL.com will also have a story written by Kremer about the interview on Friday.  She will also appear on NFL Network live Sunday morning during the pregame show that starts at 9:00 AM ET to discuss the interview with McNabb.

This is the first feature interview that Andrea Kremer has done for NFL Network as a special correspondent.

***Here is Michael Lombardi’s report last week on NFL GameDay Morning.

“Donovan really has not been putting the time in to be the great player. What happened in Washington, the lack of work habits in Washington, has now gone into Minnesota.” – Michael Lombardi on Vikings QB Donovan McNabb

“He said ‘that stuff’s crazy.’ He said he’s putting in his time. He says he’s doing what the coaches ask him to do in every situation.” – Kurt Warner on his phone conversation with QB Donovan McNabb and questions about his work ethic

Michael Lombardi’s ‘Front Office View’ NFL.com Column on Vikings QB Donovan McNabb:

Donovan really has not been putting the time in to be the great player. What happened in Washington, the lack of work habits in Washington has now gone into Minnesota. What I was told by people in the organization is that he is the last one in the building and he’s the first one gone. He’s not willing to put the time in. He’s late for meetings, late for practice; so they’ve just basically thrown up their hands and said, ‘we need to move on because ultimately, that’s not what we want in a quarterback.’

It happened in Washington and this is the reason he’s not in Washington. If you go back and talk to people in Philadelphia, there were questionable work habits. Donovan’s going to say, ‘hey, look, that’s not all true,’ but the reality of the situation is Minnesota knew this. Bill Musgrave, the [Vikings] offensive coordinator and Mike Shanahan have a relationship, so before Shanahan released McNabb and before Musgrave took him on; [Minnesota] knew exactly what they were getting. They were hoping they could change him. They were hoping he was going to rekindle his career, but essentially what’s happened in Minnesota is the same thing that happened in Washington.

For more with Lombardi on McNabb, please read his column Misguided Belief Leads Vikings to Turn to Rookie Ponder:
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d823542cd/article/misguided-belief-leads-vikings-to-turn-to-rookie-ponder

“I understand the text that he sent you and him calling back to defend himself, but the proof is in the pudding. The eye in the sky, the game film, does not lie. He looked like an unprepared quarterback out there on Sunday.” – Warren Sapp on the questions regarding QB Donovan McNabb’s work ethic

What’s wrong with McNabb – NFL Network’s NFL GameDay Morning analysts explain what is really wrong with Donovan McNabb as of late after being benched by three teams in three years
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/09000d5d8236075c/What-s-wrong-with-McNabb

I’ll bring you ESPN’s previews next.

Fox Crows About World Series Game 6 Viewership

We have the final numbers from Fox Sports in what was a big night for the World Series and the network setting up a penultimate Game 7 tonight at 8:05 p.m. ET. Fox received a 12.7 rating with a 21 share, the highest ratings for a World Series game since Game 6 of the 2009 World Series that had big market teams Philadelphia and the New York Yankees. With the Texas Rangers and St. Louis Cardinals slugging out a 10-9 game in favor of the Redbirds, Fox saw a viewership of 21.1 million viewers, NFL numbers.

This marks the most watched World Series game not involving the New York Yankees dating back to 2005. Fox won the night overall, in key demographics in both the 18-34 and 18-49 categories. In Dallas, Game 6 received a 47.1/67 making it the most watched baseball game in the market’s history. For St. Louis, the numbers were a staggering 49.4/70.

This was Fox’s best ratings since the American Idol season finale in May.

The press release:

WORLD SERIES GAME 6 BANGS IT OUT-OF-THE-PARK FOR FOX

Highest-Rated & Most Watched WS Game Since ‘09
FOX Posts Best Night for Network since May; Best Thursday Night since March

Epic. Unforgettable. Dramatic. Pick an adjective; they all apply to Game 6 of the 2011 World Series, as would many, many more.

Last night, Game 6 of the 2011 Fall Classic was just that – a classic, and tens of millions of Americans watched the fireworks unfold on FOX as clutch hits and late-game home runs filled Missouri’s chilly autumn sky. The St. Louis Cardinals, on the brink and down to their final strike not once, but twice, came back and beat the Texas Rangers 10-9 in 11 innings to force a decisive Game 7 tonight. It is the first Game 7 in the World Series since 2002, a nine-year span unprecedented in baseball since adopting the best-of-seven format in 1922.

Game 6 posted a 12.7/21 fast national household rating/share with an average viewership of 21.1 million viewers, and is the highest-rated and most-watched World Series game since Game 6 of the 2009 World Series (13.4/22, 22.3 million), according to Nielsen Media Research. Ten World Series games have been played since then. It is also the highest-rated World Series game not involving the New York Yankees since Game 4 in 2005 (13.0/21), and is the most-watched World Series game sans the nationally popular Yankees and Boston Red Sox since Game 7 in 2002 (30.8 million).

Through six games, the 2011 World Series on FOX is averaging a 9.3/15 in household rating/share, with 15.3 million viewers, +11% in rating over last year (8.4/14, 14.3 million) and 2008 (8.4/14, 13.6 million).  Both were five game series. The current 9.3/15 average for the 2011 World Series would rank as the sixth highest-rated show (live+same day) in primetime, a ranking that is likely to improve with the inclusion of tonight’s rare Game 7.

The World Series on FOX Game 6 powered the network to a first place finish in Households and all key Adult, Male and Female demographics while setting numerous impressive benchmarks:

• Among Households, FOX averaged an 11.8 rating from 8:00-11:00 PM, easily eclipsing CBS (7.5), ABC (5.0), and NBC (2.7).
• Last night’s 11.8, with 19.4 million viewers in primetime gave FOX the highest-rated and most-watched night in Households on any network this broadcast season.
• The 11.8 rating and 19.4 million viewers in Primetime made last night FOX’s highest-rated and most-watched night since the American Idol Finale in May.
• Among Adults 18-49, FOX was just as dominant averaging a 5.6, beating CBS (3.0), ABC (2.8), and NBC (1.7).

Last night’s game opened with an 8.5 at 8:00 PM ET and grew steadily throughout the night averaging 11.7 from 9:00-9:30 PM ET; 12.9 from 10:00-10:30 PM ET; and 13.2 from 11:00-11-30 PM ET. The broadcast peaked with a 15.0 HH rating and 25.2 million viewers from midnight-12:30 AM ET.

As mentioned, from 8:00 to 11:00 PM ET, Game 6 averaged an 11.8 HH rating, with 19.4 million viewers. From 11:00 PM ET to its conclusion, the game averaged a 14.3 HH rating, with 23.9 million viewers, +21% in rating and +23% in viewership compared to Primetime. Post mid-night, the game averaged a 14.8 rating and 24.9 million viewers, +25% in rating and +28% in average audience.

St. Louis led all local markets for Game 6 with a 49.4/70, peaking at a 57.0/75 from 10:30-11:00 PM ET, with the final quarter hour averaging a 53.1/82. Dallas averaged a World Series-high 47.1/67, while peaking at 55.7/81 from 11:15-11:30 PM ET.

Great numbers for Fox and it hopes that Game 7 will be just as epic as last night. Here’s MLB’s official press release.

CLASSIC WORLD SERIES GAME 6 AVERAGES 21.1 MILLION VIEWERS

2011 World Series is +11% vs. 2010 Fall Classic

Game 6 of the 2011 World Series attracted an average of 21.1 million viewers making it the most-viewed World Series game not featuring the Yankees or Red Sox since Game 7 of the 2002 World Series.  Viewership peaked for Game 6 during extra innings with 25.2 million viewers.

The 9.3 U.S. household rating average for the first six games of the 2011 World Series is +11% higher than the 2010 World Series, despite a dramatic difference in the market size of the National League market (San Francisco has twice the number of homes than St. Louis).

Game 6 of the 2011 World Series was the highest rated program on television last night giving FOX its fifth primetime win in six nights and winning in all key male, female and adult demos. During its peak, nearly one-third of the televisions on in the U.S. were tuned in to the World Series.

Game 6 of the World Series delivered the highest rating ever for an MLB game in Dallas/Ft. Worth recording a 47.1 household rating. During the final hour of Game 6, 81% of TVs on in St. Louis and 80% of the TVs on in Dallas were tuned in to the game.

That’s it.

Back With The Friday Megalinks

Due to a crazy schedule for most of this week and then having a medical procedure done yesterday, I have not been able to blog like I’ve wanted to. Links have been scarce, but I’m available to do them now and hopefully, won’t be interrupted.

Your Weekend Viewing Picks have your sports and entertainment programming for Halloween weekend. Let’s get to the links.

National

Michael Hiestand of USA Today notes that Tim McCarver has been broadcasting for a very long time and reports that Ron Franklin makes a return to the broadcast booth next week.

Georg Szalai of the Hollywood Reporter writes that if the NBA loses an entire season, corporate partners Time Warner and Disney would take some hits in the short term, but see moderate profits in the long term.

Philiana Ng of the Reporter says Game 6 of the World Series dominated the primetime ratings on Thursday.

John Eggerton of Broadcasting & Cable says DirecTV is crying foul to the FCC about Fox’s ad in their carriage dispute over several networks including FX, 19 Fox Sports Net affiliates, Fox Soccer and Speed.

George Winslow of B&C notes that NASCAR.com has developed the first app for Google TV.

Mike Reynolds from Multichannel News says MSG Varsity will stream high school games for co-owned Cablevision subscribers.

Mike says last week’s bidding for US World Cup media rights doesn’t help FIFA’s corrupt reputation.

ESPN Ombudsman Kelly McBride of the Poynter Institute delves into ESPN’s role in the college sports realignment game.

Eric Deggans of the St. Petersburg Times writes in the Indiana University National Sports Journalism Center that baseball’s problems are magnified when a historic moment as in last night’s World Series Game 6 comes so late for East Coast viewers.

Ben Koo from Awful Announcing criticizes MLB.com for its silly policy of not allowing websites like mine to embed certain videos.

Awful Announcing gives praise to Joe Buck for his plagiarized call of David Freese’s walk off home run in last night’s Game 6 World Series.

Deadspin’s AJ Daulerio exchanged e-mails with Buck on his call.

Glenn Davis of SportsGrid notes that a Dallas TV station jumped the gun in saying the Texas Rangers won the World Series last night.

Sports Video Group reports that CTV/TSN has won the Canadian rights to the FIFA World Cups from 2015 through 2022.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell explains why we’re suddenly closer to an NBA deal and a complete 82 game season.

Sports Media Watch writes about the World Series Game 6 ratings.

Dave Kohl in the Broadcast Booth looks at the reporting on Dan Wheldon’s death.

East and Mid-Atlantic

Chad Finn of the Boston Globe looks at the World Series ratings vs.the NFL this season.

Bill Doyle from the Worcester Telegram & Gazette talks with Fox 25′s Kristine Leahy.

Newsday’s Neil Best looks at MLB Network’s latest Bob Costas special with Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson.

Neil says ESPN2′s SportsNation will do an ode to LIVE with Regis and Kelly on Monday.

Over to the New York Post where Phil Mushnick is again filled with hatred.

Justin Terranova of the Post has 5 questions for Sirius XM MLB Network Radio co-host Jim Duquette.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union says Fox finally got a ratings payoff for the World Series.

In Press Box, Dave Hughes from DCRTV.com has the latest on the Baltimore-Washington, DC sports media.

Jim Williams from the Washington Examiner interviews the host of Bloomberg’s weekly “Sportfolio” program.

South

Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald says former Dolphins linebacker Channing Crowder gets the opportunity to talk about his former team twice a week on local sports radio.

Barry Horn at the Dallas Morning News writes that Game 6 of the World Series is now the most watched baseball game in the history of the Metroplex.

David Barron in the Houston Chronicle says the Texans continue to top the local TV ratings.

Mel Bracht of the Daily Oklahoman notes ESPNU will air a basketball fundraiser for the Joplin, MO tornado victims.

Midwest

John Kiesewetter from the Cincinnati Enquirer talks with local website owners who want businesses to help ensure the Bengals won’t be blocked out in the local market.

Michael Zuidema of the Grand Rapids (MI) Press writes that viewers are the losers in the DirecTV/Fox carriage dispute.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel tells us that Week 7′s Vikings-Packers game was the most watched TV program of last week, topping all network programming.

Bob notes that Milwaukee and surrounding towns are part of a rare TV marketplace where a significant amount of viewers still don’t have cable or satellite.

Ed Sherman in Crain’s Chicago Business notes that classic Bulls games will be aired on Comcast SportsNet during the winter.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s Dan Caesar writes that Fox has hit the megaload with a long World Series.

West

John Maffei of the North County Times writes that last week’s brawl with Arizona gave UCLA some TV time, but for the wrong reasons.

Jim Carlisle in the Ventura County Star says Christmas doesn’t need NBA games.

Jim notes that ESPN took a big hit when it lost the World Cup bidding to Fox.

Tom Hoffarth at the Los Angeles Daily News talks with ESPN’s College GameDay’s Lee Corso.

Tom talks with SoCal broadcaster Steve Physioc.

Tom says people are confused over the battlelines in the DirecTV/Fox carriage dispute.

Tom talks with Dan Patrick about the #occupygameday movement.

Canada

Bruce Dowbiggin of the Toronto Globe and Mail notes that CTV/TSN has wrested the World Cup rights away from CBC.

Performers & Honorees For World Series Game 7

We have the former St. Louis Cardinals and the performers who will take part in the pregame and in-game festivities for Game 7 of the World Series. Former American Idol participant Chris Daughtry sings the National Anthem. And former Redbirds pitchers Bob Forsch and Joe Magrane will come out and get standing ovations from the sure-to-be raucous Busch Stadium crowd tonight. Here is the listing from Major League Baseball.

CHRIS DAUGHTRY TO PERFORM NATIONAL ANTHEM; DAVID NAIL TO PERFORM GOD BLESS AMERICA AT GAME SEVEN OF WORLD SERIES ON FOX

CARDINALS BOB FORSCH TO THROW OUT FIRST PITCH WITH JOE MAGRANE TO DELIVER GAME BALL

Chris Daughtry, lead singer from the multi-platinum rock band “Daughtry,” will perform the National Anthem prior to Game Seven of the 2011 World Series between the Texas Rangers and the St. Louis Cardinals with coverage beginning at 7:30pm Eastern on FOX. Grammy nominated country music artist David Nail will perform God Bless America.

Bob Forsch, 1982 World Series pitcher with the St. Louis Cardinals, will throw out the Ceremonial First Pitch. Joe Magrane, 1987 World Series pitcher with the Cardinals and current MLB Network analyst, will deliver the official game ball.

American rock band Daughtry has scored four No.1 hits, garnered four Grammy nominations, sold over seven million albums and played sold out concerts around the world. Daughtry’s self titled debut was the fastest selling rock debut in Soundscan history and its follow up Leave This Town was the quintet’s second consecutive No. 1 album. The band’s highly anticipated new album Break The Spell comes out November 21, 2011 – five years to the day that Daughtry released its self-titled 5x-platinum debut album.

Missouri native David Nail is a Grammy nominated artist on MCA Records Nashville and is an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. On November 15th Nail will release his second album titled The Sound Of A Million Dreams. The Sound Of A Million Dreams is the follow-up to Nail’s acclaimed first album, I’m About To Come Alive, which garnered him a Grammy nomination for Best Male Vocal Country Performance for his hit “Turning Home” and an Academy of Country Music Award nomination for Single of the Year for his “Red Light.”

That’s going to do it.