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NFL Network Quotage For 2013 NFL Divisional Saturday

I have a lot of things to catch up on tonight. Been away for most of the day.

Lots of things that are breaking and I’ll be posting into the wee hours of the morning. I’ll post the NFL pregame quotage first and then move to the NHL.

Here’s the notes and quotes from NFL Network’s pair of pregame shows.

News and Sound Bites From Divisional Weekend Saturday Editions of FIRST ON THE FIELD & NFL GAMEDAY MORNING 

Quick Quotes from First on the Field and NFL GameDay Morning

-“The 49ers have confidence they can come from behind to win with Colin Kaepernick… [with Alex Smith] they thought the game was over.” – Michael Lombardi on the difference in the San Francisco 49ers mentality with Kaepernick at quarterback

- “Peyton Manning is considered one of the best to play in the regular season, but not [one of the best] ever.” – Kurt Warner on what Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning can still accomplish with a Super Bowl win

-“Aaron Rodgers will carry the draft day situation forever.” – Michael Irvin on Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers who fell the 24^th pick in the 2005 NFL Draft

-“Aaron Rodgers is going to be in the Hall of Fame.” – Sterling Sharpe on Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers

-“Matt Schaub has to outplay Tom Brady. Period.” – Marshall Faulk on the only way the Houston Texans can beat the New England Patriots

Quotes from First on the Field

On Saturday, NFL Network was First on the Field with Melissa Stark, LaDainian Tomlinson, Sterling Sharpe, and Michael Lombardi providing the first analysis of Divisional Weekend.

-“Jim Harbaugh needs to play up-tempo. He believes Colin Kaepernick can be up-tempo and make big plays in the passing game. It is not about the percentage of completions; it is about big, chunk yards. Kaepernick makes you defend every part of the field.” – Michael Lombardi on why Colin Kaepernick is the 49ers starting quarterback

-“The combination of Kaepernick’s running ability and Frank Gore is going to give the Packers problems. Green Bay won’t stop the running game.” – LaDainian Tomlinson on the Green Bay Packers defense

-“Joe Flacco won’t play well; he hasn’t played well on the road all year.” – LaDainian Tomlinson on Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco

-“Joe Flacco has to make plays down the field. Forget about percentage of completion, it’s about chunk yards.” – Michael Lombardi on Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco

-“The Baltimore Ravens defense can fool Peyton Manning and get a couple [interceptions]” –Sterling Sharpe on the Baltimore Ravens defense

Quotes from NFL GameDay Morning

NFL GameDay Morning is the most comprehensive pregame show.  Host Rich Eisen joined analysts Steve Mariucci, Kurt Warner, Warren Sapp, Marshall Faulk and Michael Irvin and brought fans the latest news, injury reports, pregame analysis right up until kickoff on Divisional Weekend.

- “Peyton Manning is considered one of the best to play in the regular season, but not ever. That is what another Super Bowl does: it immediately elevates him to best quarterback ever consideration, which is where he belongs.” – Kurt Warner on Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning

-“Peyton Manning needs a Super Bowl for his legacy. He needs to be the only quarterback to win a Super Bowl with two different teams [to be] considered the best of all time.” – Michael Irvin on Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning

- “Peyton Manning’s resume is set, but his legacy is in danger.” – Warren Sapp on why Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning needs to have success in the playoffs

-“If Colin Kaepernick struggles, Jim Harbaugh has to keep him in the game. He made that decision eight weeks ago. There is no way at this point he can go back to Alex Smith. Harbaugh and Kaepernick would go down in flames together.” – Kurt Warner on the San Francisco 49ers

-“[NFL analysts] have made Alex Smith a better [quarterback] since he was replaced.  Alex was at his ceiling; Colin is still at his floor.” – Michael Irvin on San Francisco 49ers Jim Harbaugh’s quarterback decision

-“Frank Gore has to dominate. Gore and his offensive line must make sure the game is not on Colin Kaepernick and the 49ers defense.” – Marshall Faulk on the San Francisco 49ers

-“I didn’t feel like the situation was too big for Colin Kaepernick.” – Kurt Warner on his takeaway from meeting with San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick this week

-“Von Miller has the rare combination in a pass rusher: speed, quickness, power, and agility.” – Warren Sapp on Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller

-“Matt Schaub has to outplay Tom Brady. Period. Bill Belichick will take away [a team’s strength.] Arian Foster will not beat Bill Belichick.” – Marshall Faulk on how Houston Texans can beat the New England Patriots

-“The running game has to be relevant. It doesn’t mean you run for a lot of yards, but it has to be effective enough… for Matt Schaub’s play action.” – Kurt Warner on Houston Texans offense

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s sit downinterview with Kurt Warner

On the biggest misperception about him
- “That I am just a running quarterback that is kind of raw. I think there is a huge difference between being a running quarterback and a quarterback that can run. I see that as something that is a little disrespectful and I take that to heart.”

On if ever envisioned him being the playoff starter at the start of the season
- “I was just hoping for an opportunity to get on the field at that point. I thought I could perform well, I thought I could help this offense; it was when I was going to get an opportunity to try to show everybody I could do that.”

On him becoming a starter due to an injury to Alex Smith
- “It is part of football, it happens quite a bit. Me and Alex have a great relationship; I wish him nothing but the best. At the same time, when you have the opportunity – you might only get one chance – you have to take full advantage of it.”

On if he feels pressure going into his first playoff game as a starter
- “It is not pressure unless you are not prepared. I feel like I was prepared to step in, that I was prepared to play. At that point it is about going out and performing well.”

On if he still has to prove to people he should be the starting quarterback
- “I feel like I have a lot to prove. There are people that still doubt me. Going through the playoffs, through this next game, I really want to take all that doubt out of [their] mind.”

On a letter he wrote in fourth grade that said he wanted to play for the 49ers or the Green Bay Packers
- “It was in the fourth grade, as part of a time-capsule, they had us write a letter to our self in the future. At that time, my favorite team was the Packers and all my friends liked the 49ers, so that was the two teams I watched.”

On is first playoff start including both of those teams
- “It is ironic. I don’t know what to make of it.”

On where he wants to be in seven years
- “In San Francisco, as the Super Bowl champion. That is what every player plays for, to be Super Bowl Champion.”

The complete interview with Kaepernick can be heard here:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000125237/Kaepernick-seizing-opportunity-to-start

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

Peyton Manning Rehab with exclusive video – Former Tennessee offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe takes you through exclusive workout footage of Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning as he makes his offseason comeback:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/denver-broncos/0ap2000000124865/How-Peyton-got-his-groove-back

Peyton Manning looking to cement legacy as NFL’s greatest quarterback – The NFL GameDay Morning analysts discuss what Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning needs to do to solidify himself as the greatest quarterback of all-time:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000125244/Manning-looking-to-cement-legacy-as-NFL-s-greatest-quarterback

RG3’s injury unveils hypocrisy – Mark Kriegel analyzes the hypocrisy over the concern of Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III’s health:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000125246/RG3-s-injury-unveils-hypocrisy

Ian Rapoport sorts out coaching carousel – Ian Rapoport joins Rich Eisen to discuss the latest head coach news, which includes Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000125245/Rapoport-sorts-out-coaching-carousel

Sack artists dominate Divisional round matchups – The NFL GameDay Morning analysts examine which of the elite NFL pass rushers will have the biggest impact on this weekend’s games:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000125243/Sack-artists-dominate-divisional-round-matchups

How will cold weather affect Peyton Manning – Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning has not had a history of success in cold weather games. So, how will the future Hall of Famer combat the cold?:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000125242/How-will-cold-weather-affect-Peyton-Manning

Protecting the ball is key for Broncos – The First on the Field analysts discuss the importance of protecting the football for the Denver Broncos:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000125238/Protecting-the-ball-is-key-for-Broncos

The National Anthem: A player’s moment of reflection – NFL Films provides an inside look at the National Anthem through the eyes of the players:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000125236/The-National-Anthem-A-player-s-moment-of-reflection

What is next for the Eagles coaching search? – Michael Lombardi talks about the latest news surrounding the Philadelphia Eagles coaching search. Is Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Gus Bradley slated to replace Andy Reid?:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000125235/What-s-next-in-the-Eagles-coaching-search

Ray Lewis and Peyton Manning share mutual admiration – Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis and Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning reflect on the other’s career and the incredible amount of respect they have for one another:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000125239/Ray-Lewis-Peyton-Manning-share-mutual-admiration

Divisional Weekend Bold Predictions – The NFL GameDay Morning analysts provide the boldest of bold predictions:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000125247/Divisional-Weekend-Bold-Predictions

The NFL Today quotage from CBS is next.

NFL Viewing Picks For 2013 Divisional Weekend, 01/12 & 01/13/2013

All Times Eastern

Saturday, January 12

Pregame & Studio Shows
NFL Matchup — ESPN, 6:30 a.m.
Sunday NFL Countdown — ESPN, 10 a.m.
First on the Field — NFL Network, 10 a.m.
NFL GameDay Morning — NFL Network, noon
The NFL Today — CBS, 3:30 p.m.
The NFL Today Postgame — CBS, 7:30 p.m.
Fox NFL Sunday — Fox, 7:30 p.m.
NFL GameDay Scoreboard — NFL Network, 7:30 p.m.
Fox NFL Sunday Postgame — Fox, 11 p.m.
NFL GameDay Overtime — NFL Network, 11 p.m.
NFL GameDay Final — NFL Network, 11:30 p.m.
NFL PrimeTime — ESPN, midnight

4:30 p.m.

CBS
Baltimore Ravens at Denver Broncos — Greg Gumbel/Dan Dierdorf/Solomon Wilcots

8 p.m.

FOX
Green Bay Packers at San Francisco 49ers — Joe Buck/Troy Aikman/Pam Oliver/Erin Andrews

Sunday, January 13

Pregame & Studio Shows
First on the Field — NFL Network, 7 a.m.
NFL Matchup — ESPN2, 8:30 a.m.
NFL GameDay Morning — NFL Network, 9 a.m.
Sunday NFL Countdown — ESPN, 10 a.m.
Fox NFL Sunday — Fox, noon
The NFL Today — CBS, 4 p.m.
Fox NFL Sunday Postgame — Fox, 4 p.m.
NFL GameDay Scoreboard — NFL Network, 4 p.m.
NFL GameDay Overtime — NFL Network, 7:30 p.m.
NFL GameDay Final — NFL Network, 8 p.m.
NFL PrimeTime — ESPN, 9 p.m.

1 p.m.

FOX
Seattle Seahawks at Atlanta Falcons — Thom Brennaman/Brian Billick/Laura Okmin

4:30 p.m.

CBS
Houston Texans at New England Patriots — Jim Nantz/Phil Simms/Steve Tasker

NFL Network Quotage For 2013 Wild Card Sunday

We now have the Sunday NFL pregame show quotage from a couple of networks. We’ll begin our quotage with NFL Network’s pair of pregame shows, First on the Field and NFL GameDay Morning. Lots of news and notes from both shows. You’ll be scrolling for a while.

News and Sound Bites From Wild Card Sunday Editions of FIRST ON THE FIELD & NFL GAMEDAY MORNING

“I don’t know how you can have a bigger legacy with regards to his team, his career and the league than Ray Lewis.” – Brian Billick on Ravens LB Ray Lewis
“He’ll be a dominant player and he’ll be able to be the difference in the game.” – Michael Lombardi on Seahawks QB Russell Wilson

Quotes from First on the Field

Every Sunday morning at 7:00 AM ET, NFL Network is First on the Field with Melissa Stark, LaDainian Tomlinson, Sterling Sharpe and Michael Lombardi providing the first analysis of the day’s games.

- “I don’t know how you can have a bigger legacy with regards to his team, his career and the league than Ray Lewis.” – Brian Billick on Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis

- “I don’t think Houston will be able to handle [Rob] Gronkowski and [Aaron] Hernandez. That’s going to be the difference in the game…It’s going to go the same way as the first game went [in Week 14].” – LaDainian Tomlinson on the Houston Texans facing the New England Patriots in the Divisional Round

- “The number one quality has been his mental toughness, and that has been instilled in their football team. Now that’s why they’re better on the road.” – Michael Lombardi on Seattle Seahawks rookie quarterback Russell Wilson

- “This is a perfect game for him; he knows it’s the Pittsburgh Steelers offense dressed in an Indianapolis Colts uniform…He knows all the routes, he knows all the plays – you’re not going to fool him.” – Michael Lombardi on Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis

- “DeAngelo Hall covering Dez Bryant in Week 17 against the Dallas Cowboys was out of his mind. I don’t think he’s going to be able to take Golden Tate or Sidney Rice away the way he handled Dez Bryant.” – Sterling Sharpe on Washington Redskins cornerback DeAngelo Hall 

- “This is the guy that you need to build the offense around. He’s the foundation and allows you to do so many things.” – LaDainian Tomlinson on Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice

- “That’s a great hire by the Bills because he brings together that pedigree that is popular now: a substantial pro background with that mix of college.” – Brian Billick on the Buffalo Bills hiring Doug Marrone as head coach 

Quotes from NFL GameDay Morning

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

- “Ray will be remembered as one of the greatest defensive leaders to ever lead a defense, and he led so long and he led so well.” – Michael Irvin on Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis

- “He’s been great for the 17 years on the field and all of those accomplishments, but he’s been even greater off the field for so many different people. That to me is why he goes up there with some of the best that have ever played this game.” – Kurt Warner on Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis’ legacy

- “Their offensive coordinator and their defensive coordinator did this team a disservice…I didn’t see the plan that they had on defense and on offense they definitely didn’t have a plan for Joe Webb to come in that game and do anything that was to his strengths.” – Warren Sapp on the Minnesota Vikings in the 24-10 loss to the Green Bay Packers

- “He’ll be a dominant player and he’ll be able to be the difference in the game. That’s why I like Seattle to win.” – Michael Lombardi on Seattle Seahawks rookie quarterback Russell Wilson

- “I just didn’t like what I saw from Matt Schaub. He gave the Bengals and Andy Dalton every opportunity; Andy Dalton was just a guy who the game seemed a little bit too big for him. This game will not be too big for Tom Brady.” – Marshall Faulk on quarterback Matt Schaub and the Houston Texans who will face the New England Patriots in the Divisional Round

- “This is a legacy game [for Joe Flacco]. Ray [Lewis] is on his way out…He has to step up and say I’m going to be the catalyst to lead this team.” – Michael Irvin on what is at stake for Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco in the playoffs 

‘Sunday Sitdown’ – Interview with Seahawks CBs Richard Sherman & Brandon Browner

NFL Network analyst Michael Irvin sat down with Seattle Seahawks cornerbacks Richard Sherman and Brandon Browner to discuss the Seahawks’ secondary, head coach Pete Carroll and facing the wide receivers of the Washington Redskins:

On finishing the season winning seven of their last eight games:
Brandon Browner: “A big part of that is the progression of Russell Wilson, and then us on defense we’re playing good football at the right time.”

On Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll:
Richard Sherman: “I appreciate him because he put together a ragtag group of guys that nobody would ever put together. He took an undersized safety out of Texas [in Earl Thomas] and made him one of the best safeties in the NFL. He took Kam Chancellor, a guy who people thought was too fat, too big and was going to play linebacker, and made him into one of the most feared safeties in the league. He took Brandon Browner and Richard Sherman, two guys nobody would ever think would start in this league.”

On the best cornerback tandem in the NFL:
Sherman: “We’re the best defensive backs. It’d be hard to make the argument for anybody else because the way we play ball and the way we play together, there aren’t many completions out there to be had.”

On what it was like to hear that he could possibly be suspended for testing positive for Adderall:
Browner: “As a man, mistakes were made. At the same time, I couldn’t put my team in that situation trying to appeal something and I could possibly miss the playoffs. You just have to live with the mistakes you make sometimes.”

On appealing the suspension:
Sherman: “I heard it from everywhere, but in your heart of hearts you know what the truth is. The system is designed that if you’re truthfully telling the truth, you know you’re right and you know what really happened, then the truth will prevail. It did once again.”

On Redskins wide receivers Santana Moss and Pierre Garcon:
Sherman: “I don’t think they’re anything that we can’t handle.”
Browner: “We played against Santana Moss last year. He did a little bit of talking, but he got smacked around a couple times. If that’s where he wants to take it, we’ll take it to smacking him around a couple times.”

To view the entire interview with Sherman and Browner, visit:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000122856/Seattle-s-got-it-covered

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

Ray Lewis’ Legacy – Coaches and players around the NFL, along with Ray Lewis, look back on the Baltimore Ravens linebacker’s incredible 17-year career:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000122832/Ray-Lewis-legacy

Brian Billick: ‘Ray Lewis has Never Not had an Impact’ – Brian Billick gives his inside perspective on Ray Lewis and his impact on the Ravens:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000122836/Billick-Lewis-has-never-not-had-an-impact

The Rookies to Take the NFL by Storm in 2012 – Quarterbacks Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III and Russell Wilson discuss making the postseason in their rookie season:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000122833/The-rookies-to-take-the-NFL-by-storm-in-2012

Billick and Lombardi’s Coach Carousel – Brian Billick and Michael Lombardi talk about the Buffalo Bills naming Doug Marrone head coach, as well as how the pieces of the head coaching puzzle will come together:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-videos/0ap2000000122830/Billick-and-Lombardi-s-coach-carousel

‘First on the Field’: Seattle Seahawks vs. Washington Redskins Preview – The First on the Field crew breaks down how Robert Griffin III and Russell Wilson will have to play to get their team a victory:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000122834/First-on-the-Field-Seahawks-vs-Redskins-preview 

When You Think Baltimore Ravens, You Think Ray Lewis – Brian Billick joins NFL GameDay Morning to discuss what Ray Lewis means to Baltimore, along with Michael Irvin and Warren Sapp’s thoughts:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000122811/When-you-think-Baltimore-Ravens-you-think-Ray-Lewis

Where Will Chip Kelly End Up? – Ian Rapoport joins NFL GameDay Morning on the latest with Chip Kelly’s head coaching situation, along with why the Buffalo Bills decided on Doug Marrone:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000122831/Where-will-Chip-Kelly-end-up

Which Rookie Quarterback has the Advantage Over the Opposing Defense? – Which rookie quarterback has more of a chance for success against the opposing defense: Russell Wilson or Robert Griffin III? NFL GameDay Morning breaks down the strengths and weaknesses:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000122835/Which-rookie-QB-has-the-advantage

Leadership is Washington Redskins Linebacker London Fletcher – Washington Redskins players reflect on what linebacker London Fletcher means to the team, along with the impact Fletcher has made on rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000122837/Leadership-is-London-Fletcher

Chuck Pagano’s Tale of Inspiration – Steve Cyphers visits the Simon Cancer Center to see how Chuck Pagano’s return to the field has inspired hope among Indianapolis Colts fans who are also fighting leukemia:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000122851/Pagano-s-tale-of-inspiration

How Arians Being Out Will Effect the Colts Against the Ravens – NFL GameDay Morning talks about how Indianapolis Colts offensive coordinator Bruce Arians not coaching against the Baltimore Ravens will affect the team:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000122854/How-Arians-being-out-will-effect-the-Colts-against-the-Ravens

How will the Redskins use the Pistol Offense Against the Seahawks? – Steve Mariucci breaks down why the Redskins’ pistol offense featuring Robert Griffin III is so hard to defend:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000122838/How-will-Redskins-use-pistol-offense-vs-Seattle

CBS’ quotage is next.

NFL Network Previews 2013 Wild Card Sunday

Let’s start the previews for Wild Card Sunday. Two more games, Baltimore at Indianapolis on CBS and then Seattle at Washington on Fox for the nightcap.

NFL Network’s dynamic duo of Sunday pregame shows, First on the Field and NFL GameDay Morning air at their regular times, starting at 7 a.m. ET and 9 a.m. ET respectively.

We have what you’ll see Sunday on both shows. Check it out. We’ll begin with the First on the Field preview.

First on the Field — Sunday, January 6 at 7:00 AM ET

At 7:00 AM ET, NFL Network is First on the Field with Melissa Stark, LaDainian Tomlinson, Sterling Sharpe, Brian Billick, and Michael Lombardi providing the first analysis of Sunday’s Wild Card games.

Melissa Stark examines the success of the three rookie quarterbacks – Redskins’ Robert Griffin III, Colts’ Andrew Luck, and Seahawks’ Russell Wilson – playing in Wild Card Weekend.  Stark explores the reasons the young quarterbacks have produced so quickly and how all three will be connected with each other for years to come.

Also featured on Sunday:

• Live reports from Indianapolis-Baltimore and Seattle-Washington
• As Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis’ former head coach, Brian Billick will speak to the legacy of the Ravens leader
• As a former running back, LaDainian Tomlinson provides a perspective on facing Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis on the field
• A look back at Ray Lewis’ career, in his own words, through NFL Films’ wired sound archive
• Sterling Sharpe and LaDainian Tomlinson examine the Baltimore Ravens offense and how it has changed since Jim Caldwell became offensive coordinator
• Michael Lombardi has all the latest information on the NFL offseason
• Analysis of Saturday’s Wild Card matchups

And let’s move to NFL GameDay Morning and what will be aired on the four hour show.

NFL GameDay Morning – Sunday, January 6 at 9:00 AM ET

At 9:00 AM ET, host Rich Eisen and analysts Steve Mariucci, Marshall Faulk, Kurt Warner, Warren Sapp and Michael Irvin take viewers up to kickoff of Sunday’s Wild Card Games on NFL GameDay Morning.

Hall of Fame wide receiver Michael Irvin sits down with Seattle Seahawks cornerbacks Richard Sherman & Brandon Bowner. Irvin discusses with the controversial duo the success of the young Seahawks defense, their game plan against the Washington Redskins offense and the situation behind both of their PED suspensions which were handed down earlier this season.

Also featured on Sunday:

• Chuck Pagano’s Fellow Patients: When Indianapolis head coach Chuck Pagano returned to the sidelines, it was a victory for many; It was a victory for all of leukemia patients at the University of Indiana’s Simon Cancer Center.  Steve Cyphers spent last Sunday in Indianapolis with Pagano’s newest friends and the real-life beneficiaries of the ChuckStrong campaign – the men and women who have received treatment alongside the NFL head coach.

• Washington Redskins Iron Man – London Fletcher: Redskins rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III had his locker strategically placed next to the best possible influence, veteran linebacker London Fletcher. Having made 195 consecutive starts, Fletcher and his teammates discuss with Stacey Dales how the linebacker’s presence alone has improved the very young Redskins team

• Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis: With Lewis announcing this is his final year, NFL GameDay Morning looks at his legacy and his impact on the field for the Ravens this postseason

• Is Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco an elite quarterback?

• Who has the advantage at running back: Seattle with Marshawn Lynch or Washington with Alfred Morris?

• A look at the key positional matchups in Colts-Ravens and Seahawks-Redskins

• Ian Rapoport in studio on the latest NFL offseason news

• Kimberly Jones reports from Colts-Ravens

• Stacey Dales reports from Seahawks-Redskins

That is all. CBS’ previews are next.

NFL Network Quotage For 2013 Wild Card Saturday

We have some NFL pregame quotage on this Wild Card Saturday. As usual, we’ll start it with NFL Network’s pair of pregame shows, First on the Field and NFL GameDay Morning.

Let’s see what was said on both shows today.

News and Sound Bites From Saturday’s Wild Card Weekend’s  Editions of FIRST ON THE FIELD & NFL GAMEDAY MORNING

“Andy Dalton has to be a great player today. He has to take that giant step forward. If not, they have to rethink the situation. I don’t think he has it in him.” – Michael Lombardi
“If I am in the backfield, I don’t trust Matt Schaub. I don’t feel comfortable with this situation: veteran quarterback in his first playoff game.”  – Marshall Faulk

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson’s sit-down interview with Marshall Faulk

On his feeling immediately after he heard he fell nine yards short of Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record:
-“It was a terrible feeling. I kind of figured I didn’t break the record. I thought maybe I was 30, 40 yards away from it. But when I heard nine [yards], my heart sunk into my stomach.”

On now being a member of the 2,000 yard rushing club:
-“It feels pretty good. I want to set the bar higher than 2,000 yards. I want to make it the 2,500 yard club.”

On if he could rush for 2,500 yards:
-  “It is definitely attainable. I can get it.”

On what he would say to Eric Dickerson right now:
- “Enjoy this last year, because the record is going down, with ease.”

On the possibility of winning the MVP:
-“It would mean a lot to win the MVP. I want to win it. I feel like I have worked hard enough. Inside, I am my own MVP.”

On feeling pressure to have a big game vs. Green Bay Packers:
- “I realize I am a big part of it. I am not going to sit here and act like I [am not]. But I have learned when you go in thinking about 150 yards, you can get out of whack. So I am going to go out and play my game. It is pressure, but not pressure I am nervous about.”

On the Minnesota Vikings Super Bowl chances:
-“I feel like we are playing our best football right now. Offense is clicking, defense is playing outstanding, we are playing with a lot of passion. Yes we can go all the way.”

On Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder:
-  “I don’t let what other people – the media – I don’t let that bother me. Not everyone is like that. So I try to get that through Christian Ponder’s head. ‘It doesn’t matter what they have to say. You spend too much time worrying about how people are bashing you. You have to reboot your mind, think positive. What are things you can do to improve?’ Obviously he probably has been listening to some of it because he has been playing a lot better.”

The complete interview with Peterson can be heard here:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/green-bay-packers/0ap2000000122096/Saturday-Sitdown-Adrian-Peterson

Quotes from First on the Field

On Saturday, NFL Network was First on the Field with Melissa Stark, LaDainian Tomlinson, Sterling Sharpe, Brian Billick and Michael Lombardi providing the first game-day analysis of Wild Card Weekend.

-“Andy Dalton has to be a great player today. He has to take that giant step forward. Today is the day. If not, they have to rethink the situation. They have a good player at quarterback, not a great player. I don’t think he has it in him.”  – Michael Lombardi on Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton

-“Christian Ponder is a coin flip right now. Some weeks he is turning the corner, then all of a sudden he regresses. He is one of those guys we aren’t really sure what we are going to get. We are going to find out a lot about him at Lambeau Field.” – Sterling Sharpe on Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder 

-“The Green Bay Packers wide receivers are experienced. The Minnesota Vikings secondary is going to be like a deer in the headlights at Lambeau Field. I don’t expect them to perform well.” – LaDainian Tomlinson on the Minnesota Vikings

-“Adrian Peterson has a great chance of running for 200 yards again.” – LaDainian Tomlinson on Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson

-“Ray Lewis was my favorite player to play against of all-time. You had to match his intensity and passion. He not only motivated his team, he motivated his opponents.” – LaDainian Tomlinson on Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis

-“If you say the Baltimore Ravens, the only name that comes to mind is Ray Lewis. He was there from the beginning; he is the heart and soul of the team. Ray Lewis is the iconic figure of the Baltimore Ravens.” – Brian Billick on Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis. Billlick was Lewis’ head coach from 1999-2007

- “Red Bryant will knock people back. No one in America knows who he is, but he will knock everyone back and dominate the game.  That is why Seattle is so good; their eight man front.” – Michael Lombardi on Seattle Seahawks defensive end Red Bryant

Quotes from NFL GameDay Morning

NFL GameDay Morning is the most comprehensive pregame show.  Host Rich Eisen joined analysts Steve Mariucci, Kurt Warner, Warren Sapp, Marshall Faulk and Michael Irvin  and brought fans the latest news, injury reports, pregame analysis right up until kickoff on Wild Card Weekend.

-“If I am in the backfield, I don’t trust Matt Schaub. I don’t feel comfortable with this situation:  veteran quarterback in his first playoff game. He will shrink in this game if the Cincinnati Bengals force him to.” – Marshall Faulk on Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub

-  “It is the best single year an interior player has ever had.” – Mike Mayock on Houston Texans J.J. Watt

-“The Green Bay Packers are playing better than when they last won the Super Bowl [in 2010]. This is a much healthier team, a dangerous team.” – Steve Mariucci on the Green Bay Packers who won nine of their last 11 games

-“Aaron Rodgers is the best in the league at getting out of the pocket, extending the play, [and] improvising.” – Steve Mariucci on Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers

-“You won’t take Andre Johnson completely out of the game, but the problem will be if they can find other receivers. This is where the Texans have struggled.” – Michael Irvin on where the Houston Texans offense and their passing game

-“I thought the Houston Texans were the most balanced team in the NFL. I have changed my mind, but they are still ranked seventh in offense and defense. That means you are a pretty good team.” – Steve Mariucci on the Houston Texans 

- “In the playoffs, you need a second pass rusher. Michael Johnson is the third leading sacker in the history of the Cincinnati Bengals. He is more than capable of getting the job done.” – Warren Sapp on Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Michael Johnson

-“My first interception was to Ray Lewis. He is the model of how you show up to work, regardless of circumstances.” – Kurt Warner on Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis

-“Veteran players are embracing rookies now. Also, teams, offensive coordinators, and head coaches, are adjusting their games. That’s not how it was before.” – Marshall Faulk on the mindset change and evolvement in the National Football League

Front Office View with Michael Lombardi

On NFL head coach vacancies:
“Let’s start in Cleveland, we know Chip Kelly has interviewed there and Doug Marrone has interviewed there. Buffalo has interviewed Doug Marrone. Marrone is a hot commodity. Today he will meet with San Diego and Philadelphia. Bruce Arians is still in play in San Diego. Philadelphia has asked permission to talk to Gus Bradley.The Chip Kelly decision comes through in the next 48 hours, which then leads to the Doug Marrone decision, which then leads to some other jobs closing down.”

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport in studio:

On Oregon head coach Chip Kelly:
“He plans to meet with the Philadelphia Eagles for lunch; that was always the plan. But the key thing here: he does have dinner plans with the Cleveland Browns. I was told yesterday afternoon he was close to a deal with the Browns, they met for 7-8 hours. I checked in this morning, they are still close. The Eagles have made contingency plans, putting in a request to interview [Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator] Jay Gruden.” 

Update: 3:20 PM ET
“Chip Kelly is meeting with the Philadelphia Eagles over lunch. This is their chance to woo Chip Kelly from the Cleveland Browns. I am still told by sources close to Chip Kelly that Cleveland is his choice; they are by far the favorite to land the services of the Oregon coach. There is a dinner planned with the Browns and Chip Kelly tonight. I am told lawyers will be in the room, ready to hammer out that contract.”

On Indianapolis Colts Offensive Coordinator Bruce Arians:
“He has had two interview requests: one with the Chicago Bears and another with the Philadelphia Eagles. The team I keep hearing for Arians is the San Diego Chargers. They have not officially put in a request as of yet, [but] I expect them to do so. Every team he has coached on, they have gone to the playoffs within two years. He has experience turning it around.”

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

Former coaches relive Ray Lewis’ career –Head coaches and former Ravens’ coaches including Rex Ryan, Mike Smith, and Mike Singletary sat down with the late Steve Sabol in 2010 to discuss Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000122302/Former-coaches-relive-Ray-Lewis-career

NFL Films Shots of the Year – 2012 was filled with emotional, impactful, and memorable moments. Check out the defining shots of an incredible year in the National Football League:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000122301/NFL-Films-Shots-of-the-Year

Coaching Carousel – Ian Rapoport and Michael Lombardi join NFL GameDay Morning to discuss the latest on the coaching carousel, including breaking news that head coach Ron Rivera will stay with the Carolina Panthers:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000122307/Coaching-Carousel-Rivera-staying-in-Carolina

Sterling Sharpe: ‘Ponder is a coin-flip’ – The First on the Field analysts break down the third matchup between the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers. What does Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder need to do to come away with a victory:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000122305/Sharpe-Ponder-is-a-coin-flip

Which Wild Card team can win it all? – The NFL GameDay Morning analysts debate which team playing on Wild Card Weekend has the ability to raise the Lombardi Trophy in February. Can the Green Bay Packer repeat their performance from 2010?:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000122308/Which-Wild-Card-team-can-win-it-all

Marshall Plan: How to stop Adrian Peterson – Marshall Faulk examines how the Green Bay Packers can slow down Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000122309/Marshall-Plan-How-to-stop-Adrian-Peterson

Wild Card Weekend: Bold Predictions – The NFL GameDay Morning crew provides the boldest of predictions for the first weekend of the NFL playoffs:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000122310/Wild-Card-Weekend-Bold-Predictions

M & M: Is Ray Lewis or Ray Rice more valuable to the Ravens –  Michael Irvin and Marshall Faulk discuss which Ray is more valuable to the Baltimore Ravens. Also, will Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green or Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson have a bigger game today?:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000122311/M-M-Is-Ray-Lewis-or-Ray-Rice-more-valuable-to-Ravens

Word on the street – Mike Mayock joins NFL GameDay Morning from Houston to talk about the keys to the Wild Card matchup between the Houston Texans and Cincinnati Bengals:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000122312/Word-on-the-Street

Warner’s Corner – Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers shredded the Minnesota Vikings in  Week 17 to the tune of four touchdown passes. So how can the Vikings shut down the reigning MVP?:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000122313/Warner-s-Corner-How-to-stop-Aaron-Rodgers

That is all. NBC’s quotage is next.

NFL Network Previews Wild Card Saturday for the 2013 Postseason

Let’s do the network previews for Wild Card Saturday of the 2013 NFL Playoffs. NFL Network will be on the air with its regular pregame combo, First on the Field and NFL GameDay Morning. Unlike the Sunday editions, First on the Field will be on at 10 a.m. ET instead of its customary 7 a.m. on Sundays. Melissa Stark and Sterling Sharpe will be at the NFL Films studios in New Jersey along with LaDanian Tomlinson and show insider Michael Lombardi to discuss the two Wild Card playoff games to be played on Saturday, Cincinnati-Houston and Minnesota-Green Bay.

Here’s the quick NFL Network preview of Saturday’s edition of First on the Field.

First on the Field — Saturday, January 5 at 10:00 AM ET

At 10:00 AM ET, NFL Network is First on the Field with Melissa Stark, LaDainian Tomlinson, Sterling Sharpe, Brian Billick, and Michael Lombardi providing the first analysis of Saturday’s Wild Card matchups.

Featured on Saturday:

• Live reports from Cincinnati-Houston and Minnesota-Green Bay

• Live reports from Baltimore and Landover, MD previewing Indianapolis-Baltimore and Seattle-Washington

• Front Office View: Michael Lombardi has the latest news and rumors regarding NFL head coach vacancies

• Sterling Sharpe and LaDainian Tomlinson explain how the Houston Texans offense can get back on track against the Cincinnati Bengals

• NFL Films shots of the year

And to what you’ll see on NFL GameDay Morning originating from the NFL Network studios in Los Angeles and hosted by Rich Eisen with analysts Marshall Faulk, Michael Irvin, Steve Mariucci, Warren Sapp and Kurt Warner. The show will hit the air at noon ET.

NFL GameDay Morning – Saturday, January 5 at 12:00 PM ET

At 12:00 PM ET, host Rich Eisen and analysts Steve Mariucci, Marshall Faulk, Kurt Warner, Warren Sapp and Michael Irvin take viewers up to kickoff of Saturday’s Wild Card matchups on NFL GameDay Morning.

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson sits down with Hall of Fame running back Marshall Faulk to discuss Peterson’s career season, not breaking Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record, recovery from knee surgery, and the Vikings playoff matchup against the Green Bay Packers

Also featured on Saturday:

• J.J Watt’s Defensive Dominance: Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt and defensive coordinator Wade Phillips reflect on Watt’s breakout season and why the second year player might be better than some of the all-time greats

• A behind-the-scenes look at Adrian Peterson’s Week 17 quest to both break Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record and help the Vikings qualify for the playoffs vs. the Green Bay Packers

• Do any of the eight teams playing in Wild Card Weekend have a shot at reaching the Super Bowl?

• A look at the key positional matchups in Bengals-Texans and Vikings-Packers

• Ian Rapoport in studio on the latest NFL offseason news

• Aditi Kinkhabwala reports from Bengals-Texans

• Albert Breer reports from Vikings-Packers

• Kimberly Jones reports from Baltimore

• Stacey Dales reports from Washington

That will do it. ESPN’s preview for Saturday is next.

NFL Viewing Picks For Wild Card Weekend, 01/05 & 01/06/2013

All Times Eastern

Saturday, January 5

Pregame & Studio Shows
NFL Matchup — ESPN2, 8:30 a.m.
First on the Field — NFL Network, 10 a.m.
Sunday NFL Countdown — ESPN, 11 a.m.
NFL GameDay Morning — NFL Network, noon
Football Night in America — NBC, 4 p.m.
NFL GameDay Scoreboard — NFL Network, 7:30 p.m.
NFL PrimeTime — ESPN, midnight
NFL GameDay Overtime — NFL Network, midnight
NFL GameDay Final — NFL Network, 12:30 a.m. (Sunday)

4:30 p.m.

NBC
Cincinnati Bengals at Houston Texans — Dan Hicks/Mike Mayock/Alex Flanagan

8 p.m.

NBC
Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers — Al Michaels/Cris Collinsworth/Michele Tafoya

Sunday, January 6

Pregame & Studio Shows
First on the Field — NFL Network, 7 a.m.
NFL Matchup — ESPN2, 8:30 a.m.
NFL GameDay Morning — NFL Network, 9 a.m.
Sunday NFL Countdown — ESPN, 10 a.m.
The NFL Today — CBS, noon
Fox NFL Sunday — Fox, 4 p.m.
NFL GameDay Scoreboard — NFL Network, 4 p.m.
NFL GameDay Overtime — NFL Network, 7:30 p.m.
NFL PrimeTime — ESPN, 8 p.m.
NFL GameDay Final — NFL Network, 8 p.m.

1 p.m.

CBS
Indianapolis Colts at Baltimore Ravens — Jim Nantz/Phil Simms

4:30 p.m.

FOX
Seattle Seahawks at Washington — Joe Buck/Troy Aikman/Pam Oliver/Erin Andrews

The 6th Annual Fang’s Bites NFL TV Awards

It’s now time to hand out the hardware for the 6th Annual Fang’s Bites NFL TV Awards. On Christmas Day, I listed the nominees for this season’s awards. Now, we have the winners for the 2012 regular season.

Best Play-by-Play: The nominees are Ian Eagle (CBS), Kevin Harlan (CBS), Al Michaels (NBC), Brad Nessler (NFL Network) and Mike Tirico (ESPN). The winner is Mike Tirico of ESPN. Mike has called Monday Night Football since 2007. He’s dealt with different combinations in the booth throughout his tenure, first Joe Theismann and Tony Kornheiser for one season. Then Ron Jaworski and Kornheiser for two more seasons, followed by Jaworski and Jon Gruden for two and now just Gruden. Tirico has been steady throughout. He’s not afraid to call out a player or a team and he’s always prepared. A much deserved award for Tirico. And if Gruden decides to go back into coaching, Tirico could have a totally new partner next season. No matter what, Mike will be ready.

Best Game Analyst: Your nominees are Troy Aikman (Fox), Cris Collinsworth (NBC), Dan Fouts (CBS), Rich Gannon (CBS) and Mike Mayock (NFL Network). This season’s award goes to Mike Mayock of Thursday Night Football, now a two-time winner. Mike won last year’s Game Analyst Award and will win it again for his work in 2012. There are times when Mike needs to take a breath, but he always brings something to the table and I always learn something new whenever I watch him.

Best Sunday NFL Pregame Show: This season’s nominees are First on the Field (NFL Network), Fox NFL Sunday (Fox), NFL Matchup (ESPN) and the NFL Today (CBS). The hands-down winner is ESPN’s NFL Matchup. This show has been airing since the 1980′s, but the show has mostly remained the same, showing looks not normally seen on TV. Ron Jaworski and Merril Hoge explain their analysis in an intelligent manner without talking down to viewers. And Sal Paolantonio is perfect in the host’s chair. While some pregame shows are stuck in laughfests or lame attempts at comedy, NFL Matchup just sticks to basics and viewers are the beneficiaries.

Best Studio Show, Daily or Weekly: The nominees in this category are Around the League Live (NFL Network), Inside the NFL (Showtime), NFL Live (ESPN), NFL PrimeTime (ESPN) and NFL Turning Point (NBC Sports Network). I should have added Sound FX from NFL Network and I’ll make sure this will be nominated next season. All of the shows are done very well, but I’m going to go with the venerable Inside the NFL of Showtime. After moving to Showtime from HBO, the show adjusted from having Bob Costas as host to James Brown and bringing in new castmates Phil Simms, Warren Sapp (since dropped from the show) and insider Michael Lombardi to the only holdover Cris Collinsworth. NFL Films highlights remains a huge part of the show. Seeing the dynamic between Collinsworth and Simms has been fun and JB is one of the best hosts in sports television.

Best Highlight Show: The nominees are Football Night in America (NBC), NFL GameDay Final (NFL Network), NFL PrimeTime (ESPN) and The OT (Fox). It has to be NFL GameDay Final on NFL Network. While Chris Rose is an extremely weak host, the highlights are the star. In addition, an extreme weakness is having Marshall Faulk, Michael Irvin and Deion Sanders are talking over each other, but again, no other show can provide three or four minutes of highlights. The NFL has placed restrictions on Football Night in America and NFL PrimeTime on the length of their highlights, but NFL GameDay Final has no such problem and can go for as long as it wants. The show has suffered since Rich Eisen left for GameDay Morning, but what matters are the highlights.

Best Studio Host: A strong category, it was tough to leave someone out and there is a glaring omission among these nominees: Rich Eisen (NFL Network), Curt Menefee (Fox), Dan Patrick (NBC/NBC Sports Network), Melissa Stark (NFL Network), Andrew Siciliano (DirecTV) and Trey Wingo (ESPN). Tough to leave out James Brown of CBS/Showtime, but I went with six nominees. This season’s winner is first time winner Trey Wingo of ESPN. Trey hosts NFL PrimeTime and NFL Live. The man knows his stuff and deserves a bigger platform. He’s done his time on ESPN and should be given the main host role on either Sunday NFL Countdown or the NFL Draft. Yes, Chris Berman hosts both, but Wingo is a much better nuts and bolts anchor. Wingo doesn’t rely on schtick or catchphrases, he gives you the facts and as a fan, that’s exactly what you want.

Best Studio Analyst: Your nominees are Tony Dungy (NBC), Boomer Esiason (CBS), Marshall Faulk (NFL Network), Rodney Harrison (NBC), Kurt Warner (NFL Network) and Steve Young (ESPN). The winner is Steve Young of ESPN’s Monday Night Countdown. There were times I would scratch my head at Young’s statements, but over the past couple of years, he’s grown on me. His work this season has been spectacular. He and Trent Dilfer had strong words during the first part of the season when the regular officials were locked out and bad calls influenced the results of games. As the season progressed, Young’s level-headed analysis was mostly on target, especially on Mark Sanchez and the New York Jets. Excellent work by Young and he would be a candidate to replace Jon Gruden if the former Tampa Bay coach took a job on the sidelines next season.

Most Valuable Network: The nominees are Fox, ESPN, NBC and NFL Network. Thanks to picking up the final two pieces in its cable provider puzzle, Cablevision and Time Warner Cable, this season’s winner is NFL Network. The network started a new morning show, NFL AM, that is gaining popularity among football fans. In addition, it launched an early morning Sunday pregame show in First on the Field that brought back Melissa Stark to sports television. And to top it all off, Thursday Night Football had its longest schedule ever in 13 games plus its best ratings ever. NFL Network is having its best season ever. Now if can right one wrong in Chris Rose, we’d be all set.

Best NFL Insider: Our nominees are John Clayton (ESPN), Jay Glazer (Fox), Peter King (NBC), Jason La Canfora (CBS) and Chris Mortensen (ESPN). I did omit Adam Schefter and he’s having a very good season, but I’ll go with Jay Glazer of Fox. I’m simply going with Glazer over his sourcing fight with ESPN in the last week. Plus, Jay laid the smackdown on your humble blogger over a mistake I made.

Best Sideline Reporter: The nominees are Alex Flanagan (NFL Network), Jennifer Hale (Fox), Jaime Maggio (Fox), Lisa Salters (ESPN) and Michele Tafoya (NBC). Bringing back this category after a year’s absence, our winner is Michele Tafoya of NBC’s Sunday Night Football. Michele won the initial Emmy Award for Sideline Reporting in 2012 and manages to provide solid information whenever she’s called upon. And her demonstration in Seattle in Week 16 on the crowd noise was one of the most original reports I’ve seen. Quite impressed.

Best Announcing Team: The nominees in this category are Ian Eagle/Dan Fouts (CBS), Kevin Harlan/Solomon Wilcots (CBS), Al Michaels/Cris Collinsworth (NBC), Brad Nessler/Mike Mayock (NFL Network) and Mike Tirico/Jon Gruden (ESPN). The winner this season is the team of the Bird and the Beard, Ian Eagle and Dan Fouts of CBS. I hope Ian and Dan are promoted to the “B” team and will get to call a Divisional Playoff game next season. They have very good chemistry and provide humor to games. Fouts is quite good in providing analysis and spotting trends. Ian has been with CBS since 1998 after one season with the New York Jets and is fast becoming one of the better all-around announcers on sports TV. Fouts has been around for many years calling both the NFL and college for CBS and ESPN/ABC. And Dan is versatile having called play-by-play on radio and TV. They are the winners in this category for 2012.

Best Game Production: Our nominees are Monday Night Football (ESPN), NFL on CBS (CBS), NFL on Fox (Fox), Sunday Night Football (NBC) and Thursday Night Football (NFL Network). We’re going with NBC’s Sunday Night Football. Last month, John Koblin of Deadspin chronicled the evolution of Sunday Night Football’s production and the article showed how SNF focuses on the field, the action and anything the fan wants to see. SNF is the number one primetime series on TV and the way it brings fans closer to the game is a reason why. In addition, Al Michaels and Cris Collinsworth carry on a conversation throughout that provides fans with a good understanding of the game.

Best Debut: The nominees are Carolyn Manno on Football Night in America (NBC), First on the Field (NFL Network), Amber Theoharis on NFL Total Access (NFL Network) and Hines Ward on Football Night in America (NBC). The winner is First on the Field from NFL Network. Airing at 7 a.m. ET on Sundays, this is America’s first live NFL pregame show. Melissa Stark has proven to be a fine host. While Sterling Sharpe talks over everyone, LaDanian Tomlinson and Michael Lombardi provide analysis and the latest information leading up to NFL GameDay Morning at 9 a.m. The show is done well and originates from the NFL Films studios in New Jersey. For early risers, it’s a decent show and gives viewers their NFL fix.

Worst Play-by-Play: These are the nominees as we have now reached our “Worst” Awards: Chris Berman (ESPN), Thom Brennaman (Fox), Chris Myers (Fox), Ron Pitts (Fox) and Dick Stockton (Fox). The “winner” is Chris Myers of Fox. Chris is a very good host. He’s also a decent interviewer. But as far as play-by-play is concerned, Myers is awful. He’s constantly misidentifying players and there were times when he was behind on the action. I’m not impressed.

Worst Game Analyst: The nominees are Dan Dierdorf (CBS), Daryl Johnston (Fox), John Lynch (Fox) and Mike Martz (Fox). Mike Martz is the “winner” of this category. There’s nothing of substance provided with Martz. He gets this award hands down.

Worst Studio Host: Just two nominees here: Chris Berman (ESPN) and Chris Rose (NFL Network). The winner of this award is Chris Rose of NFL Network. The first-ever employee of two league-owned network simultaneously, Chris Rose is proving the sucking sound you hear comes from two channel positions on your television. Rose is on the worst show on sports television, Intentional Talk on MLB Network, and now he’s trying to ruin NFL GameDay Final and the Total Access Thursday Night Football Postgame show. He can’t control his analysts (see Best Highlights Show) and there are times he tries to go into “Best Damned Sports Show” which he used to host on Fox Sports Net. Chris Rose takes the award this season.

Worst Studio Analyst: Originally two nominees, Michael Irvin (NFL Network) and Eric Mangini (ESPN), I’ll add Warren Sapp (NFL Network/Showtime) to the mix. The “winner” is Michael Irvin of NFL Network. The man yells, he doesn’t make any sense and why NFL Network continues to use him is beyond me. He’s on three shows, NFL GameDay Morning, Thursday Night Kickoff and NFL GameDay Final. All he does is yell, cackle and laugh. No need for this.

And those are your NFL TV Awards for 2012. Let me know what you think in the comments below or on my Twitter and Facebook pages.

The Big Dozen Sports Media Stories of 2012

Time for the look back at the Year in Sports Media in 2012. Lots of great stuff. The year has been very interesting and we have seen a lot of things.

Just doing a Top Ten is never enough for the Year in Review. It’s always an even dozen with some honorable mentions mixed in.

Let’s go over what were the Sports Media Stories of 2012.

12. Embrace Debate Leads To Rob Parker Suspension

One of the silliest stories in 2012 was ESPN’s commitment to debate programming. Two shows were revamped to accommodate more debate among ESPN personalities, First Take and Numbers Never Lie. Due to outrageous statements made on First Take, mostly by Skip Bayless, the show received lots of attention and increased ratings. But the pressure to stand out may have caught up with Rob Parker who questioned whether DC NFL Team quarterback Robert Griffin III’s authenticity.

It led to Parker’s suspension and allegedly more oversight over the shows. We’ll see if it leads to some more control and fewer outrageous statements.

11. Steve Sabol (1942-2012)

One of the pioneers in sports television passed away in 2012. Steve Sabol’s impact on the National Football League’s popularity through NFL Films cannot be measured. With his father Ed, the Sabols brought fans closer to the game by thinking outside the box. Games weren’t just regular contests, they became movies with Hollywood production values and full orchestrations. Instead of showing games from high in the stadium, NFL Films went to field level and made extreme closeups of the players. In addition, Ed and Steve introduced slow motion photography to sports.

In 2011, Ed Sabol was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. It would behoove voters to induct Steve sometime soon to join his dad.

10. Big Media Taps Into New Media

2012 saw Turner Sports purchased the much-criticized and now-improving Bleacher Report, USA Today buying Big Lead Sports and NBC Sports aligned itself with Yahoo! Sports. This is more than getting pageviews and improving comScores, this is about expanding portfolios and attracting younger audiences. According to comScore, Yahoo! has been the most popular sports news site for several years outpacing ESPN.com. Bleacher Report may get criticized for its multiple and questionable slideshows, but its hiring of some respected editors and writers have increased the quality of the site to the point where Turner Sports purchased the site for beaucoup bucks. And I have to make this disclaimer, Fang’s Bites is an independently-owned blog that is affiliated with USA Today Media Group. We will see more purchases in 2013.

9. NASCAR Renews with Fox

Fox Sports was the first of NASCAR’s TV partners to renew its ties with the sport taking the first half of the Sprint Cup season. For an estimated pricetag of over $2.4 billion through 2022, Fox remains with NASCAR in a relationship that dates back to 2002. Fox is expected to put some of its races on its new all-sports channel, but we’ll get to that later. And expect live on-streaming in this new contract. However, NASCAR’s ratings are a question-mark, but bidding for the second half in 2013 is expected to bring even more money. It’s all going to be quite an interesting year for NASCAR.

8. NBC Steals English Premier League and Formula One From Fox

October turned out to be a good month for NBC Sports Group as far as acquisitions were concerned. It first obtained the rights to Formula 1 as Fox gave just a nominal bid. Then a couple of weeks later, it emerged as the frontrunner to the English Premier League and then won out over a concerted combined bid from ESPN/Fox. While NBC Sports Network won’t be known as a college sports destination or for MLB, perhaps it can become an international sports channel with the EPL, Formula 1 and Olympic Sports. NBC Sports Network will have some sports to watch year-round with the English Premier League, Formula 1, MLS and the NHL (when it finally returns).

7. NFL Network Picks Up Its Last Two Holdouts

Since 2010, NFL Network has been gaining momentum in picking up carriage agreements with the major cable providers. It finally was able to sign deals in 2012 with its last two remaining holdouts, first Cablevision in August and then the very last one, Time Warner Cable in September. Thanks to the increased audience, NFL Network’s Thursday Night Football package had record ratings for its new 13 game schedule. It was a struggle for NFL Network to get all eight major cable and satellite providers on board, but after eight years, it finally got it done.

6. MLB New TV Contracts For A Lot of $$$

It started in August when ESPN renewed rights for its three nights of baseball games, a return to postseason and an increased amount of games for a total of $5.6 billion over eight years. Then in October, MLB announced deals with Fox and Turner for a combined $6.8 billion through 2021, providing them with TV Everywhere rights, postseason deals and a package of regular season games. For Fox, it allows the network to put games on its anticipated all-sports cable channel, but again, more on that later.

5. CBS & NBC Announce New Sports Radio Networks

2012 brought two new national networks to the sports talk radio scene. Within two days of each other, NBC Sports Radio and CBS Sports Radio were announced by both companies and with respective partners Dial Global and Cumulus Radio. NBC Sports Radio has been airing limited weekend programming since September, however, CBS Sports Radio chose to wait until this month to begin full operation with a 24/7 lineup. Both have a long way to go to match the firepower and the reputation of ESPN Radio that has been on the scene since the early 1990′s, however, CBS has hired familiar names like Jim Rome, Doug Gottlieb, John Feinstein, Scott Ferrall and Dana Jacobson. NBC will wait until the NCAA Final Four to finalize its weekday lineup. No matter the case, ESPN Radio finds itself with some formidable competition to join Yahoo! Sports Radio and Fox Sports Radio for listeners.

4. ESPN Free Agency

We had some big names leave the ESPN nest, Erin Andrews, Steve Berthiaume, Michelle Beadle, Cindy Brunson, Doug Gottlieb, Dana Jacobson, Michael Yam to name a few, but many stayed including Scott Van Pelt. This seemed to be quite the year for free agency for ESPN. In some cases, the network chose not to renew and wave goodbye to those departing, others decided not to return for other opportunities while in others, ESPN went out of its way to make sure its desired talent stayed. For the first time, ESPN was transparent in making statements about its free agency signings or departures. In the past, it had issued terse statements when media inquiries were made.

3. Fox Spending Spree

As the year-end was approaching, Fox Sports through its parent, News Corp., went on a spending spree unlike any other in sports media. It not only set up an all-sports cable channel for operation in 2013 (again, more on this later), but it bought into the YES Network which will eventually lead into a majority share of the New York Yankees regional sports network and fully purchased Sports Time Ohio for the Cleveland MLB Team. In addition, Fox is reportedly close to signing a long-term deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers for its media rights. News Corp. had money to spend with the company splitting off its publishing holdings into a separate company and of course, the proverbial fiscal cliff where tax credits were about to change. Will we see more of Fox’s financial muscle in 2013? I think that’s a safe bet.

2. The Emergence of Fox Sports 1 and Fox Sports 2

While NBC Sports Network was attempting to bid for major sports properties, Fox Sports was quietly forming its cable sports strategy for 2013 and beyond. We began hearing rumblings about Fox rebranding Speed into an all-sports channel that would be named “Fox Sports 1″ then at the end of the year, the company’s Fuel channel would also be rebranded as “Fox Sports 2″.

In its new contracts with MLB, NASCAR, the Pac-12, UFC and other sports properties it signed in 2012, Fox had a provision to put games and events on Fox Sports 1. As part of its new contract with Major League Baseball, Fox Sports can place 40 regular season games on cable as well as several postseason games. We should expect a number of NASCAR Sprint Cup races on FS1 and most likely see some UFC events as well.

The strategy is in place. Let’s see how it’s enacted in 2013 and beyond.

1. NBC’s Olympics Both Fail and Succeed

Up until the London Olympics begin in late July, NBCUniversal had been downplaying both ratings and financial expectations stating that it expected to lose money and the ratings for a tape delayed event would not be as good as in 2008 when events were carried live from Communist China. Somewhere along the way, something happened. NBC broke even financially on the Olympics and they became the most watched event in US television history. That was the successful part.

The failure was the tape delayed aspect when many viewers wanted to watch events live. The #NBCFAIL hashtag on Twitter quickly spread like wildfire during the first weekend of the Olympics. In addition, online streaming was sluggish and haggard. But even with the delays and streaming problems, Americans still watched in droves. When the games were said and done, NBCUniversal could pat itself on the back.

Honorable Mentions:

Struggles of new regional sports networks to gain carriage agreements.
NHL Does Well; But Shoots Itself in the Foot with the Lockout
Tim Tebow Overload
ESPN Continues Dominance in College Sports

NFL Network Quotage For Week 17 of the 2012 Season

Let’s do our last set of Sunday NFL pregame quotage for the regular season. As usual, we begin with NFL Network’s pair of pregame shows that began at 7 a.m. ET with First on the Field.

Get ready to scroll as the NFL Network press release lists the quotes from First on the Field and NFL GameDay Morning. Check it all out.

News and Sound Bites From Week 17 Editions of FIRST ON THE FIELD & NFL GAMEDAY MORNING

“It’s a legacy game for Tony Romo, but also a legacy-building game for Robert Griffin III.” – Michael Irvin on Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Redskins
“I see a team in a little bit of disarray trying to find their identity again with a new quarterback. I don’t see that in Seattle.” – Kurt Warner on the San Francisco 49ers & Seattle Seahawks
“It’s going to be tough to get another 200-yard game…I believe he’ll come in right around 150 yards.” – LaDainian Tomlinson Vikings RB Adrian Peterson

Quotes from First on the Field

Every Sunday morning at 7:00 AM ET, NFL Network is First on the Field with Melissa Stark, LaDainian Tomlinson, Sterling Sharpe and Michael Lombardi providing the first analysis of the day’s games.

- “I really don’t think about it. I don’t go around saying ‘Oh my god, if he breaks my record what am I going to do?’ If anyone deserves a record like that, it is Adrian Peterson because he is that kind of player. I wouldn’t be sad about it…but I don’t want him to break it. I want to hold onto that record as long as I possibly can.” – Eric Dickerson on the possibility of Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson breaking his single-season rushing yards record

- “What Bruce has been able to do is keep the level of play high for the Indianapolis Colts while paying tribute to the head coach, never losing sight that it was Chuck Pagano’s team. Bruce Arians will be in play for a head coaching position and the San Diego Chargers, and other teams, will be interested.” – Michael Lombardi on if the Indianapolis Colts’ Bruce Arians is a candidate for Coach of the Year

- “When you have a young football team you definitely want to try to gain some momentum going into the playoffs. The last two times the Bengals clinched in Week 16 and got blown out in Week 17, they ended up losing the playoff game in the first round. They didn’t have any momentum.” – Sterling Sharpe on if the Cincinnati Bengals should rest players against the Baltimore Ravens

- “They need a quarterback and one that’s not going to turn the ball over as many times as Mark Sanchez has. My suggestion would be to go to San Francisco and get Alex Smith, a guy who will take care of the football, who will manage the game and who will make the throws you need him to make.” – LaDainian Tomlinson on the New York Jets

- “You can’t continue to throw the ball for less than 200 yards and expect your team to be a viable playoff contender. Vikings management has to ask whether Ponder is our quarterback of the future.” – Michael Lombardi on Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder

Quotes from NFL GameDay Morning

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

- “[It’s] a legacy game for Tony Romo, but also a legacy-building game for Robert Griffin III.” – Michael Irvin on the Dallas Cowboys-Washington Redskins game for the NFC East title

- “That’s when you want to be playing your best: in December and January. This is a dangerous team.” – Steve Mariucci on the Washington Redskins, who have won six consecutive games

- “They are the reasons why their teams go…They are very integral parts of their teams winning football games.” – Marshall Faulk on Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray and Washington Redskins running back Alfred Morris

- “I see a team in a little bit of disarray [in San Francisco] trying to find their identity again with a new quarterback. I don’t see that in Seattle; I see a team that knows what they want to be and they’re doing it very, very well.” – Kurt Warner on the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks

- “It’s going to be tough to get another 200-yard game. The first time he played [the Packers] he had over 200 yards – you can’t expect that a second time. I believe he’ll come in right around 150 yards.” – LaDainian Tomlinson on Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson facing the Green Bay Packers

- “You cannot go far into the playoffs if you can’t do one thing with your quarterback: protect him. They are going to struggle against teams that rush the passer.” – Marshall Faulk on the Chicago Bears

- “Jim Caldwell has found the secret with Ray Rice which is give him the football more. Thirty touches is the least amount of touches he should have in a football game.” – Marshall Faulk on Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice, who has rushed for more than 100 yards in two of the last three games

- “This is a very young team that is overachieving. For whatever the reason, they’re playing above themselves right now and you never know when a team plays with emotion, they don’t blink. They have some resiliency that we haven’t seen in awhile.” – Steve Mariucci on the Indianapolis Colts and the return of head coach Chuck Pagano

- “This is the one team that understands more than anything how to slow down Calvin Johnson…They will make Matthew Stafford patient – that’s the one thing he doesn’t want to be.” – Michael Irvin on the Chicago Bears facing the Detroit Lions

Front Office View with Michael Lombardi

On if he has been contacted by the Cleveland Browns regarding a front office position:
“No I have not. I have not been contacted.”

On Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith:
“The Chicago situation will be a surprise. A lot of people in the league that I’ve talked to in the last couple of days seem to think that Lovie Smith, whether he makes the playoffs or not, could be in jeopardy. Let’s assume he doesn’t make the playoffs, then I think he would be gone. What people are targeting, he has a very good staff there in Chicago which means a lot of those coaches would be available. If he does make the playoffs, then I would expect him to have to have a playoff run. His contract expires in 2013 so the Bears are going to have a make a decision: do we extend him or do we rebuild the football team? We won’t know that until after the games today.”

On if New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton’s extension means Jason Garrett is safe in Dallas as Cowboys head coach:
“What we learned from Sean Payton is absence makes the heart grow much fonder and the wallet bigger. He got a raise and Jason Garrett to me has always been safe. All of the people I’ve talked to in Dallas never suspected that Jerry Jones was disappointed in the job that Jason Garrett was doing, even losing close games. He had the full confidence, but now that Sean Payton isn’t in the Dallas area as an available free agent coach, clearly he won’t be going to Dallas. Jason Garrett, win or lose today, returns to Dallas.”

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

Chasing History: Adrian Peterson – LaDainian Tomlinson explains how close Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson will come to Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/green-bay-packers/0ap2000000118452/Chasing-history-Adrian-Peterson

Stark Reality: Cowboys vs. Redskins – Melissa Stark takes an in-depth look at the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins rivalry:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/dallas-cowboys/0ap2000000118453/Stark-Reality-Cowboys-vs-Redskins

Which Head Coaches will be Fired? – Michael Lombardi examines the potential head coach firings after the 2012 regular season:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-videos/0ap2000000118454/Which-head-coaches-will-be-fired

Which Teams will have a Happy New Year? – First on the Field debates which teams will and won’t have a Happy New Year:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-videos/0ap2000000118455/Which-teams-will-have-a-Happy-New-Year

Week 17: Bold Predictions – The NFL GameDay Morning crew gets bold with their Week 17 predictions:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-total-access/0ap2000000118463/Week-17-Bold-predictions

New Year’s Resolutions – Rich Eisen and the NFL GameDay Morning crew break down the 2013 New Year’s resolutions for several people in the NFL:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-total-access/0ap2000000118456/Player-New-Year-s-resolutions

Health of the Game: New York Jets Cornerback Darrelle Revis – NFL Network’s Health of the Game series on New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis’ recovery from knee surgery continues:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-total-access/0ap2000000118457/Health-of-the-Game-Darrelle-Revis

NFC East Battle: Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Redskins – Which team is conditioned to go deeper in the playoffs, the Dallas Cowboys or Washington Redskins? The NFL GameDay Morning crew gives their predictions:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-total-access/0ap2000000118459/NFC-East-battle-Cowboys-vs-Redskins

Is Minnesota Vikings Running Back Adrian Peterson’s Season More Impressive than Eric Dickerson’s? – Is Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson’s 2012 season more impressive than Eric Dickerson’s in 1984? NFL GameDay Morning discusses:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-total-access/0ap2000000118470/Is-Adrian-Peterson-s-season-more-impressive-than-Eric-Dickerson-s

Coach’s GameDay Decisions – Steve Mariucci breaks down Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck’s decision making, which he believes is the key factor to a Week 17 win over the Houston Texans:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-total-access/0ap2000000118458/Coach-s-GameDay-Decisions

Warner’s Corner: Houston Texans’ Offensive Flaws – Kurt Warner breaks down the Houston Texans’ biggest offensive flaws:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-total-access/0ap2000000118462/Warner-s-Corner-Texans-offensive-flaws

The Marshall Plan – Marshall Faulk breaks down the strengths and weaknesses of running backs going into Week 17:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-total-access/0ap2000000118464/The-Marshall-Plan

Strengths & Weaknesses of Baltimore Ravens & New England Patriots – Warren Sapp and Michael Irvin analyze the Baltimore Ravens and New England Patriots as they head into Week 17:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-total-access/0ap2000000118467/Strengths-and-weaknesses-of-the-Ravens-and-Patriots

More Complete Team: Seahawks or 49ers? – Are the Seattle Seahawks a more complete team than the San Francisco 49ers? NFL GameDay Morning debates:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-total-access/0ap2000000118468/More-complete-team-Seahawks-or-49ers

Can Teams ‘Flip a Switch’ When They Want? – Can teams really “flip a switch” when they are down? Marshall Faulk, Kurt Warner, Warren Sapp and Michael Irvin weigh in:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-total-access/0ap2000000118469/Can-teams-flip-a-switch-when-they-want

CBS’ quotage is next.

NFL Network Previews Week 17 of the 2012 Season

Ok, we move to NFL Network and its pregame shows on Sunday. It all begins at 7 a.m. ET with First on the Field with co-hosts Melissa Stark and Sterling Sharpe live from the NFL Films studios in New Jersey.

Melissa Stark Examines the Dallas Cowboys – Washington Redskins Historic Rivalry on First on the Field Sunday at 7:00 AM ET

­­­­­­­­­­­At 7:00 AM ET, NFL Network is First on the Field with Melissa Stark, LaDainian Tomlinson, Sterling Sharpe and Michael Lombardi providing the first analysis of the Sunday’s games.

Melissa Stark examines the history of the Dallas Cowboys – Washington Redskins rivalry in preparation of their Sunday night matchup which decides the NFC East champion.

Also featured this week:

• Live reports from Baltimore-Cincinnati, Chicago-Detroit, Houston-Indianapolis, Philadelphia-New York Giants

• Front Office View: Michael Lombardi examines the impending NFL offseason

• Chasing History: LaDainian Tomlinson explores Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson’s chance of breaking Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record

• Sterling Sharpe, LaDainian Tomlinson, and Michael Lombardi speculate on the NFL playoffs

• Who will win the NFC East?

• Who is the NFL MVP?

And let’s see what’s up with NFL GameDay Morning.

NFL GameDay Morning Sunday, December 30 at 9:00 AM ET

At 9:00 AM ET, host Rich Eisen and analysts Steve Mariucci, Marshall Faulk, Kurt Warner, Warren Sapp and Michael Irvin take viewers up to kickoff on NFL GameDay Morning.

Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano returns to the sidelines this week after taking a leave of absence to fight leukemia in October. Now cleared by his doctors to coach again, NFL GameDay Morning discusses the impact Pagano’s return will have on the Colts as they prepare to enter the AFC playoffs.

Also featured this week:

• Who will win the NFC East?

• Will Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson break Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record?

• Which potential six seed in the NFC playoffs would be the most dangerous?

• The New York Giants and what has gone wrong this season

• Aditi Kinkhabwala reports from Ravens-Bengals

• Albert Breer reports from Bears-Lions

• Stacey Dales reports from Texans-Colts

• Kimberly Jones reports from Eagles-Giants

• Alex Flanagan reports from Packers-Vikings

• Jeff Darlington reports from Cowboys-Redskins

And we’ll finish our NFL previews with NBC’s Sunday Night Football.

NFL Viewing Picks For Week 17, 12/30/2012

All Times Eastern

NFL Viewing Maps (the506.com)

Pregame & Studio Shows
First on the Field — NFL Network, 7 a.m.
NFL Matchup — ESPN2, 8:30 a.m.
NFL GameDay Morning — NFL Network, 9 a.m.
Sunday NFL Countdown — ESPN, 10 a.m.
Fantasy Football Today — CBS Sports Network, 11 a.m.
Fantasy Football Now — ESPN2, 11 a.m.
The NFL Today — CBS, noon
Fox NFL Sunday — Fox, noon
NFL Red Zone Channel — DirecTV Channel 703, 12:55 p.m.
NFL RedZone — Check your local listings, 1 p.m.
NFL GameDay Scoreboard — NFL Network, 4 p.m.
Football Night in America — NBC, 7 p.m.
The OT — Fox, 7:30 p.m.
NFL GameDay Highlights — NFL Network, 7:30 p.m.
NFL GameDay Overtime — NFL Network, 11:30 p.m.
NFL GameDay Final — NFL Network, midnight

1 p.m.

CBS
Baltimore at Cincinnati — Kevin Harlan/Solomon Wilcots
Cleveland at Pittsburgh — Spero Dedes/Steve Beuerlein
Houston at Indianapolis — Greg Gumbel/Dan Dierdorf
Jacksonville at Tennessee — Don Criqui/Randy Cross
New York Jets at Buffalo — Marv Albert/Rich Gannon

FOX
Carolina at New Orleans — Ron Pitts/Mike Martz/Krista Voda
Chicago at Detroit — Kenny Albert/Daryl Johnston/Tony Siragusa
Philadelphia at New York Giants — Thom Brennaman/Brian Billick/Laura Okmin
Tampa Bay at Atlanta — Dick Stockton/John Lynch/Jennifer Hale

4:25 p.m.

CBS
Kansas City at Denver — Ian Eagle/Dan Fouts
Miami at New England — Jim Nantz/Phil Simms
Oakland at San Diego — Bill Macatee/Steve Tasker

FOX
Arizona at San Francisco — Gus Johnson/Charles Davis/Kristina Pink
Green Bay at Minnesota — Joe Buck/Troy Aikman/Pam Oliver
St. Louis at Seattle — Chris Myers/Tim Ryan/Jaime Maggio!!!

8:30 p.m.

NBC
Dallas at Washington — Al Michaels/Cris Collinsworth/Michele Tafoya

DirecTV NFL Sunday Ticket Channel Assignments
SiriusXM Satellite Radio Channel Assignments

Nominees for 6th Annual Fang’s Bites NFL TV Awards

Merry Christmas! Happy to provide you with the nominees for this year’s NFL TV Awards. Last year’s nominees ended up this way.

And later, this was the result for the 2011 season.

Let’s take a look at the nominees in each category.

Best Play-by-Play: Ian Eagle (CBS), Kevin Harlan (CBS), Al Michaels (NBC), Brad Nessler (NFL Network), Mike Tirico (ESPN)

Best Game Analyst: Troy Aikman (Fox), Cris Collinsworth (NBC), Dan Fouts (CBS), Rich Gannon (CBS), Mike Mayock (NFL Network)

Best Sunday NFL Pregame Show: First on the Field (NFL Network), Fox NFL Sunday (Fox), NFL Matchup (ESPN), NFL Today (CBS)

Best Studio Show, Daily or Weekly: Around the League Live (NFL Network), Inside the NFL (Showtime), NFL Live (ESPN), NFL PrimeTime (ESPN), NFL Turning Point (NBC Sports Network)

Best Highlights: Football Night in America (NBC), NFL GameDay Final (NFL Network), NFL PrimeTime (ESPN), The OT (Fox)

Best Studio Host: Rich Eisen (NFL Network), Curt Menefee (Fox), Dan Patrick (NBC/NBC Sports Network), Melissa Stark (NFL Network), Andrew Siciliano (DirecTV), Trey Wingo (ESPN)

Best Studio Analyst: Tony Dungy (NBC), Boomer Esiason (CBS), Marshall Faulk (NFL Network), Rodney Harrison (NBC), Kurt Warner (NFL Network), Steve Young (ESPN)

Most Valuable Network: Fox, ESPN, NBC, NFL Network

Best NFL Insider: John Clayton (ESPN), Jay Glazer (Fox), Peter King (NBC),  Jason La Canfora (CBS), Chris Mortensen (ESPN)

Best Sideline Reporter: Alex Flanagan (NFL Network), Jennifer Hale (Fox), Jaime Maggio (Fox), Lisa Salters (ESPN), Michele Tafoya (NBC)

Best Announcing Team: Ian Eagle/Dan Fouts (CBS), Kevin Harlan/Solomon Wilcots (CBS), Al Michaels/Cris Collinsworth (NBC), Brad Nessler/Mike Mayock (NFL Network), Mike Tirico/Jon Gruden (ESPN)

Best Game Production: Monday Night Football (ESPN), NFL on CBS (CBS), NFL on Fox (Fox), Sunday Night Football (NBC), Thursday Night Football (NFL Network)

Best Debut: Carolyn Manno on Football Night in America (NBC), First on the Field (NFL Network), Amber Theoharis on NFL Total Access (NFL Network), Hines Ward on Football Night in America (NBC)

Worst Play-by-Play: Chris Berman (ESPN), Thom Brennaman (Fox), Chris Myers (Fox), Ron Pitts (Fox), Dick Stockton (Fox)

Worst Game Analyst: Dan Dierdorf (CBS), Daryl Johnston (Fox), John Lynch (Fox), Mike Martz (Fox)

Worst Studio Host: Chris Berman (ESPN), Chris Rose (NFL Network)

Worst Studio Analyst: Michael Irvin (NFL Network), Eric Mangini (ESPN)

NFL Network Quotage For Week 16 of the 2012 NFL Season

The Sunday NFL pregame quotage is starting to trickle in. We’ll begin with NFL Network’s notes and quotes from its two pregame show. And you can scroll for a while as you read what was said today.

News and Sound Bites From Week 16 Editions of FIRST ON THE FIELD & NFL GAMEDAY MORNING

“You’re starting to see a different Tony Romo: all of the plays but not the mistakes.” – Kurt Warner on Dallas Cowboys QB Tony Romo
“They have passed every single test this year.” – Michael Lombardi on the 13-2 Atlanta Falcons
“Mark Sanchez has played his last down as a starting quarterback for the New York Jets.” – LaDainian Tomlinson on Jets QB Mark Sanchez

‘Sunday Sitdown – Redskins Head Coach Mike Shanahan with Melissa Stark

NFL Network’s Melissa Stark sat down with Washington Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan this morning on First on the Field and NFL GameDay Morning to discuss rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III, the Redskins’ push to the playoffs and the reaction his comments following their loss to the Carolina Panthers in Week 9.

On if he has ever been around a player like Robert Griffin III:
“I haven’t. I haven’t been around anybody like him. He’s really an interesting guy, very mature. He’s an extremely hard worker and to do what he’s been able to do this year has been quite impressive. You always want a franchise quarterback and everybody sees what he brings to the table. Not only can he throw the football, he can run with the football. He was selected captain by his teammates – that’s more impressive than anything. I’ve never been around a guy that has been elected captain as a rookie. That just shows you what his teammates think of him.”

On if his comments following the Week 9 loss to the Carolina Panthers was a public challenge to his team:
“No. It was just what I talk to the players all about: you’re being evaluated every day on how you come to work, how you prepare. We have one goal at the beginning of the year – our goal hasn’t changed. Our backs are against the wall and we’ll see how people respond.”

On people taking his comments as if the team was giving up on the season:
“No, I think one person wrote the article one way and then once it comes out that way, then everybody spins it. Instead of asking me exactly what I meant by it, somebody wrote what I meant by it.”

On if his comments were a motivating tool:
“It really wasn’t at that time because you challenge people. But the motivation for our football team is we were 3-6 and we had lost a few tight games. What we had to do was get over that hump, and I think we have.”

On Robert Griffin III making it clear that he wasn’t happy with the decision to not play last week:
“That’s great. You want your players to react that way, but you obviously have to see the big picture, understand that it might jeopardize his career.”

On if he is grooming his son, Redskins offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, to be a head coach:
“I told him not to come here, I really did. There are going to be some growing pains and he wanted to come anyhow, so I was impressed with that. I want him to be successful – he will be successful because I’ve watched him work. As a father, you’re always hoping that someone can do it by themselves.” 

To view the entire interview with Shanahan, visit:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000115129/Shanahan-RG3-is-simply-quite-impressive 

Quotes from First on the Field

Every Sunday morning at 7:00 AM ET, NFL Network is First on the Field with Melissa Stark, LaDainian Tomlinson, Sterling Sharpe and Michael Lombardi providing the first analysis of the day’s games.

- “They have passed every single test this year. They have been able to play well and win on the road – something they weren’t very good at last season. They have been able to win convincingly and they are still very good at home. When Matt Ryan is throwing the ball like he did against the Lions, this is a dangerous football team.” – Michael Lombardi on if the Atlanta Falcons are the best team in the NFC

- “If Atlanta can improve their run defense – allow around 100 yards a game – they will be New Orleans-bound.” – Sterling Sharpe on the key to the Atlanta Falcons making it to the Super Bowl

- “Last weekend, Kyle Shanahan proved he can coach rookie quarterbacks and that puts him in prime position for some of these openings that will occur soon for head coaching jobs. If Kyle Shanahan were to get a head coaching job and if he likes Kirk Cousins, he could make a trade for him. His dad [Mike Shanahan] certainly would help him out.” – Michael Lombardi on Washington Redskins offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan

- “The Giants have been so inconsistent. I’m still waiting for that sense of urgency.” – LaDainian Tomlinson on the New York Giants’ recent struggles 

- “The only way the Texans leave the playoffs early is if their secondary lets them down. If they can shut down receivers, I like the Houston Texans versus the Atlanta Falcons in the Super Bowl.” – Sterling Sharpe on the key to the Houston Texans making a deep run in the playoffs

Quotes from NFL GameDay Morning

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

- “I don’t believe so. Mark Sanchez has played his last down as a starting quarterback for the New York Jets…I see kind of a Chad Henne situation with Mark Sanchez where he goes somewhere and becomes a backup. If that starting quarterback gets hurt, then Mark Sanchez may have another opportunity to start that way.” – LaDainian Tomlinson on if New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez can still be a starting quarterback

 

- “It’s Tony Romo making those plays but it’s not Tony Romo making that bonehead play that became synonymous with Tony Romo in big moments…You’re starting to see a different Tony Romo: all of the plays but not the mistakes.” – Kurt Warner on Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo

- “He’s interjected life into this defense. They understand if we can give him more possessions, those will turn into points.” – Marshall Faulk on Washington Redskins rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III 

- “They are so unique in what they do from an offensive perspective that it changes everything for a defense…They create all kinds of matchup problems because of what they do, and even though they may not have the greatest skill, I believe they can compete one week at a time against anybody in the league.” – Kurt Warner on the Washington Redskins

- “The Pittsburgh Steelers, they seem to always make the right decision, and when they make the wrong one they fix it quickly. But this is a situation I believe is going to fester.” – Marshall Faulk on the relationship between Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and offensive coordinator Todd Haley 

- “If you are a team that bases yourself on being tough and playing defense, you can’t be 26th in the league [in total defense]…This defense, that’s their identity. They have to play better.” – Marshall Faulk on the Baltimore Ravens

Front Office View with Michael Lombardi

On if quarterback Mark Sanchez is finished playing in New York with the Jets:
“There are 8.25 million to not be done – the contract is completely guaranteed for injury, skill and salary cap – and that really makes him untradeable. They’re going to have to get somebody to take him off their hands and then take some of the contract; I’m sure the Jets are still going to have to pay. But the bigger issue here is the Jets are really in some cap trouble. They are $20 million over the cap going into next season alone and a lot of that money comes from the starters on their team. This is going to be a difficult challenge: how to solve the Mark Sanchez riddle, but also how to solve their salary cap problems.”

On the Jets quarterback situation in 2013:
“There are a lot of reasons for it to be [Mark Sanchez] because of the cap and because they’re not going to have the flexibility to go out on the market and sign someone else to come in. They’ll have a high draft pick. Can they get one in the draft? That remains to be seen whether there is somebody worthy that can come in. But they’re going to have to massage this around Mark Sanchez and see what they can do understanding that the team has lost confidence in Sanchez as much as Rex Ryan has.”

On if Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum will return:
“Woody Johnson has to ask himself this question: does he believe the team is headed in the right direction? Does he believe the team can solve the problems that the team has created? When Woody Johnson comes up with that answer, then it leads to the question of the general manager of the team and does he want the current staff to rebuild the team in the vein that they have. This team basically took a two-year plan last offseason to rebuild their team to make their run. Remember, Rex Ryan called this the most talented Jet team he’s ever had this summer. That remains to be seen – we know that’s not true now. This is going to take some undoing, this is going to take a lot of creative work to rebuild it. This cap is really in a lot of trouble.”

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

Tomlinson, Faulk Look at Minnesota Vikings Running Back Adrian Peterson’s Dash to Rushing Record – LaDainian Tomlinson and Marshall Faulk whether or not they believe Minnesota Vikings running Adrian Peterson will reach Eric Dickerson’s rushing record:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000115128/Tomlinson-Faulk-look-at-Peterson-s-dash-to-rushing-record 

New York Jets Quarterback Mark Sanchez’s Trade Value? – Michael Lombardi examines the trade value of New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez after being benched this week:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000115127/Mark-Sanchez-s-trade-value 

Either/Or – Michael Lombardi and LaDainian Tomlinson debate which teams will come out on top in each playoff race and who will walk away from the 2012 season with the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000115126/First-on-the-Field-Either-Or

Week 16 Bold Predictions – Take a look at what each member of the NFL GameDay Morning crew’s bold prediction is for Week 16 of the regular season:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000115134/Week-16-Bold-Predictions

Megatron Talks About Breaking Jerry Rice’s Record – Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson joins Rich Eisen and Michael Irvin to talk about breaking Jerry Rice’s record:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000115135/Megatron-after-breaking-Rice-s-record

‘State Your Case’: NFL MVP – Each member of the NFL GameDay Morning crew states their case for a different league MVP:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000115132/State-Your-Case-NFL-MVP

Dallas Cowboys Quarterback Tony Romo Controlling his Alter Ego? – Has Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo finally got it together to make a playoff run? NFL GameDay Morning breaks down whether you should believe in Romo or not:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000115137/Romo-controlling-his-alter-ego

Detroit Lions Wide Receiver Calvin Johnson Breaks Jerry Rice’s Record – The NFL GameDay Morning crew reacts to Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson breaking Jerry Rice’s single-season receiving yards record:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000115130/Johnson-breaks-Rice-s-record-NFL-GameDay-Morning-reacts

Who are They? – Who are the Bears and Ravens? NFL GameDay Morning reflects on Dennis Green’s infamous press conference and try to figure out the real identity of the Bears, Ravens and more:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000115139/Who-are-they

Baltimore Ravens’ Bigger Problem: Offense or Defense? – Kurt Warner and Marshall Faulk debate which aspect of the Baltimore Ravens is the bigger concern and what they can do to turn things around:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000115131/Baltimore-Ravens-bigger-problem-Offense-or-defense

Baltimore Ravens Linebacker Jameel McClain, Salvation Army Join Forces to Feed Families in Need – Baltimore Ravens linebacker Jameel McClain is making his presence known on the field, but it is what he is doing off of the field that is truly important: http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000115133/Ravens-McClain-Salvation-Army-join-forces-to-feed-families-in-need

More quotage is on the way. Keep it here.

NFL Network Previews Week 16 of the 2012 Season

Down to the final two weeks of the 2012 NFL regular season. NFL Network begins your NFL Sunday with First on the Field at 7 a.m. ET.

Washington Redskins Head Coach Mike Shanahan Sits Down with Melissa Stark on First on the Field Sunday at 7:00 AM ET

At 7:00 AM ET, NFL Network is First on the Field with Melissa Stark, LaDainian Tomlinson, Sterling Sharpe and Michael Lombardi providing the first analysis of the Sunday’s games.

Melissa Stark interviewsWashington Redskins headcoach Mike Shanahan

Also featured this week:

• Live reports from New Orleans-Dallas, Washington-Philadelphia, Cincinnati-Pittsburgh, Minnesota-Houston, and Indianapolis-Kansas City

• LaDainian Tomlinson and Marshall Faulk discuss if Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson will break Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record

• Which playoff contender will receive coal in their stockings and miss the playoffs?

And here’s what’s on NFL GameDay Morning with host Rich Eisen and a cast of 1,000 analysts.

Baltimore Ravens Linebacker Jameel McClain’s Relationship with The Salvation Army is Profiled on NFL GameDay Morning Sunday at 9:00 AM ET

At 9:00 AM ET, host Rich Eisen and analysts Steve Mariucci, Marshall Faulk, Kurt Warner, Warren Sapp and Michael Irvin take viewers up to kickoff on NFL GameDay Morning.

Ravens’ Jameel McClain & The Salvation Army: Baltimore Ravens linebacker Jameel McClain has a close relationship with The Salvation Army. Having experienced homelessness as a child, The Salvation Army helped alleviate his suffering. Now, as a NFL player, McClain shows his gratitude through his devotion to the charity. As the holiday season is upon us, NFL Network explores why The Salvation Army will always be a part of McClain’s life.

Also featured this week:

• Who has the advantage in the NFC East?

• Will the Baltimore Ravens turn around their season?

• Can Minnesota running back Adrian Peterson get the Vikings into the playoffs?

• Can the Cincinnati Bengals knock the Pittsburgh Steelers from the playoffs?

• The return of Santa Mooch

• Ian Rapoport reports from Saint-Cowboys

• Stacey Dales reports from Vikings-Texans

• Jeff Darlington reports from Colts-Chiefs

• Albert Breer reports from Redskins-Eagles

• Aditi Kinkhawabala reports  from Bengals-Steelers

• Kimberly Jones reports from Giants-Ravens

That’s it. ESPN’s preview is next.

NFL Viewing Picks For Week 16, 12/22 & 12/23/2012

All Times Eastern

NFL Viewing Maps (the506.com)

Saturday, December 22

Studio & Pregame Shows
Monday Night Countdown — ESPN, 7 p.m.
NFL Total Access — NFL Network, 7 p.m.
NFL Total Access: Postgame — NFL Network, 11:30 p.m.

8:30 p.m.

ESPN
Atlanta at Detroit — Mike Tirico/Jon Gruden/Lisa Salters

Sunday, December 23

Studio & Pregame Shows
First on the Field — NFL Network, 7 a.m.
NFL Matchup — ESPN, 8:30 a.m.
NFL GameDay Morning — NFL Network, 9 a.m.
Sunday NFL Countdown — ESPN, 10 a.m.
Fantasy Football Today — CBS Sports Network, 11 a.m.
Fantasy Football Now — ESPN2, 11 a.m.
The NFL Today — CBS, noon
Fox NFL Sunday — Fox, noon
NFL Red Zone Channel — DirecTV Channel 703, 12:55 p.m.
NFL RedZone — Check Your Local Listings, 1 p.m.
NFL Today Postgame Show — CBS, 4 p.m.
NFL GameDay Scoreboard — NFL Network, 4 p.m.
Football Night in America — NBC, 7 p.m.
The OT — Fox, 7:30 p.m.
NFL GameDay Highlights — NFL Network, 7:30 p.m.
NFL GameDay Overtime — NFL Network, 11:30 p.m.
NFL GameDay Final — NFL Network, midnight

1 p.m.

CBS
Buffalo at Miami — Don Criqui/Randy Cross
Cincinnati at Pittsburgh — Jim Nantz/Phil Simms
Indianapolis at Kansas City — Bill Macatee/Steve Tasker
New England at Jacksonville — Kevin Harlan/Solomon Wilcots
Oakland at Carolina — Spero Dedes/Steve Beuerlein
San Diego at New York Jets — Marv Albert/Rich Gannon
Tennessee at Green Bay — Greg Gumbel/Dan Dierdorf

FOX
Minnesota at Houston — Chris Myers/Tim Ryan/Jaime Maggio!!!
New Orleans at Dallas — Kenny Albert/Daryl Johnston/Tony Siragusa
St. Louis at Tampa Bay — Ron Pitts/Mike Martz/Kristina Pink
Washington at Philadelphia — Thom Brennaman/Brian Billick/Laura Okmin

4:05 p.m.

CBS
Cleveland at Denver — Ian Eagle/Dan Fouts

4:25 p.m.

FOX
Chicago at Arizona — Dick Stockton/John Lynch/Jennifer Hale
New York Giants at Baltimore — Joe Buck/Troy Aikman/Pam Oliver

8:30 p.m.

NBC
San Francisco at Seattle — Al Michaels/Cris Collinsworth/Michele Tafoya

DirecTV NFL Sunday Ticket Channel Assignments
Sirius XM Satellite Radio Channel Assignments

The Immaculate Reception: A Football Life Airs Tonight on NFL Network

One of the more iconic and controversial plays in the National Football League will be chronicled by the NFL Films team in the latest edition of “A Football Life.” Tonight, A Football Life delves into what happened on the last play of the AFC Divisional Playoff game between the Oakland Raiders and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

With 22 seconds left to go in the game with the Raiders leaving 7-6, Terry Bradshaw of the Steelers threw a pass intended for running back Frenchy Fuqua, but there was a collision and the ball flew in the air and as the ball hit the Three Rivers Stadium turf, Franco Harris caught it and ran towards the end zone for what was ruled a touchdown. The Steelers were declared the winner at 13-7.

To this day, many surviving Raiders including coach John Madden contend the play was illegal. Of course, the Steelers say it was all good and the Raiders are bitter.

The documentary will include interviews with Harris, Fuqua, Bradshaw, several Raiders, and a 1986 talk about the game with Madden. The coach refused to do a new interview on the Immaculate Reception, he’s still angry about it.

Here’s the press release.

NFL NETWORK’S A FOOTBALL LIFE DETAILS THE PHENOMENON OF THE IMMACULATE RECEPTION

Emmy-Nominated Series Continues Wednesday, December 19at 8:00 PM ET
“The Immaculate Reception became the Zapruder film of sports.” – Stephen J. Dubner

Fourth quarter, 22 seconds remaining, fourth and 10 from their own 40 yard line, trailing by one to the Oakland Raiders in the AFC Divisional Playoffs, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw took the snap. What transpired over the next 17 seconds has been described various ways – a myth, miracle, conspiracy, crime, and a detective story.

NFL Network’s Emmy nominated series A Football Life continues Wednesday, December 19 at 8:00 PM ET with the story of The Immaculate Reception.  On December 23, 1972at 3:29 PM ET, Franco Harris crossed the goal line with what appeared to be 60-yard touchdown reception to give the Steelers a 12-7 lead. However, for the next 15 minutes, Referee Fred Swearingen and his five man crew debated over a play which history says no one saw.

The iconic play had one certainty:  Bradshaw had thrown a downfield pass intended for running back John “Frenchy” Fuqua. All aspects of what took place after Bradshaw released the ball and until Harris crossed the goal line will never be agreed upon. Was NFL Rule 7, Section 5, Article 2, Item 1 violated? Did Harris legally catch the ball? Adding to the intrigue and the historical debate is both what the footage shows and does not show. Also, two days after the game, Raiders head coach John Madden claimed his coaching film revealed his version of the truth. That footage has vanished.

The Immaculate Reception: A Football Life features new interviews with a total of 11 players from both teams who participated in game, including the two Steelers at the heart of the controversy, John “Frenchy” Fuqua and Franco Harris. Each of the Steeler and Raider players provide their perspective of what happened that day in Three Rivers Stadium. Their version of events has spawned four different conspiracy theories which are discussed in detail. Madden refused to be interviewed for the special because the play still draws so much emotion from him forty years later. Furthermore, NFL Films digitally remastered the film to show an additional image and former Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, General Michael Hayden, analyzes the play.

The Immaculate Reception: A Football Life includes interviews with the following people:

Franco Harris – Steelers running back
Terry Bradshaw – Steelers quarterback
John “Frenchy” Fuqua – Steelers running back
Rocky Bleier – Steelers running Back
John McMakin – Steelers tight end
Andy Russell – Steelers linebacker
Phil Villapiano – Raiders linebacker
George Atkinson – Raiders safety
Phil Villapiano – Raiders linebacker
Willie Brown – Raiders cornerback
Raymond Chester – Raiders tight end
John Madden – Raiders head coach, NFL Films interview from 1986
Al Davis – Owner of the Raiders, NFL Films archive
Art McNally – Former NFL Supervisor of Officials
Stephen J. Dubner – Co-author, Freakonomics
General Michael Hayden – Former Director, Central Intelligence Agency
Andy Masich – President, Heinz History Center
Joe Gordon – Former Steelers PR Director
Scott Paulsen – WDVE Radio, Pittsburgh– Steelers Running Back
Les Banos – Steelers Coaching Camera Operator
Peter King – Sports Illustrated
Peter Richmond – Author of Badasses: The Legend of Snake, Foo, Dr. Death, and John Madden’s Oakland Raiders
Bill Crawford – WDVE, Pittsburgh Radio

Emmy-nominated actor from CBS’ The Good Wife, Josh Charles, narrates.

For the first look at The Immaculate Reception:A Football Life, visit:
http://nflfilms.nfl.com/2012/12/13/the-immaculate-reception-a-football-life-first-look/

Following are select quotes from The Immaculate Reception: A Football Life:

-  “The Immaculate Reception became the Zapruder Film of sports.” – Stephen J. Dubner

- “I got up and started going ‘what happened?’ – Terry Bradshaw

-  “No one saw what took place.” – Rocky Bleier

-  “Once it was dubbed “The Immaculate Reception”, it took on a life of its own.” – Joe Gordon

-  “If you are cynic, like the damn Raiders, you will never accept it.” – John “Frenchy” Fuqua

-  “You can’t help but be mesmerized by that image; it is an image that made history.” – Andy Masich

-  “We don’t call it the Immaculate Reception; we call it the Immaculate Deception.” – George Atkinson

-  “That play bothered me then, it bothered now and it will bother me to the day I die.” – John Madden from a 1986 NFL Films interview

-  “It would be terrible for football lore if we knew everything that we should know about the play.” – Peter King

That is all.

A Record-Setting 2012 Season For NFL Network’s Thursday Night Football

This in from NFL Network. Thanks to the addition of Cablevision and Time Warner Cable this year, Thursday Night Football was accessible to all of the major cable and satellite providers for the very first time. And the series which has been building an audience since signing Comcast a couple of years ago has set a new record for ratings and viewership.

While the quality of games weren’t the best, Thursday Night Football’s expanded 13 game schedule (another record) averaged 7.3 million viewers per telecast and a rating of 4.6. Both numbers include the over the air viewership from the local markets for each game.

Let’s read the NFL Network press release together.

2012 THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL SCHEDULE SETS RATING & VIEWERSHIP RECORDS FOR NFL NETWORK

Expanded 13-game schedule produces most-watched season for Thursday Night Football with an average of 7.3 million viewers
Season rating up 8% vs. 2011 for the #1 Thursday program on cable this Fall

NFL Network’s expanded schedule of Thursday Night Football broadcasts set rating and viewership records for the network in 2012. Including the audience from over-the-air broadcasts in local markets, Thursday Night Football finished with a record-high per game average audience of 7.3 million viewers in 2012, marking the fourth consecutive year that Thursday Night Football has set an all-time high viewership mark for NFL Network.

For the season, Thursday Night Football on NFL Network averaged a 4.6 US HH rating (including OTA’s), another record for the network. The 4.6 US HH rating represents an 8% increase from the 2011 season. Each week of the 2012 Thursday Night Football schedule, NFL Network’s game telecast was the day’s most-watched program on cable television.

The Thursday Night Football opener in Week Two between the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers delivered the highest Thursday Night Football audience of 2012 with 10.8 million viewers. The Bears-Packers opener is the fourth most-watched Thursday Night Football game in NFL Network’s history with the 2011 Thanksgiving Night game between the San Francisco 49ers and Baltimore Ravens still holding the top mark with 12.3 million viewers.

All Thursday Night Football games were streamed live on NFL Mobile with complementary online coverage via NFL.com/LIVE Thursday Night Football.

Thursday Night Football on NFL Network was first broadcast in 2006.

(Source: Nielsen Media Research, Live + Same Day viewing)

That will do it for this post.

NFL Network Quotage For Week 15 of the 2012 Season

Let’s do some Sunday NFL pregame quotage. As usual, we begin with NFL Network’s quotage from this morning.

News and Sound Bites From Week 15 Editions of FIRST ON THE FIELD & NFL GAMEDAY MORNING

“They have to make a statement that we can be the champions.” – Michael Irvin on the Atlanta Falcons “If Kyle Shanahan delivers a win with a backup quarterback…he shows the rest of the NFL he is ready to be a head coach.” – Michael Lombardi on Redskins offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan“I don’t believe that they are going to make the playoffs.” – Marshall Faulk on the Chicago Bears 

Quotes from First on the Field

Every Sunday morning at 7:00 AM ET, NFL Network is First on the Field with Melissa Stark, LaDainian Tomlinson, Sterling Sharpe and Michael Lombardi providing the first analysis of the day’s games.

- “If Kyle Shanahan delivers a win with a backup quarterback [Kirk Cousins] – a backup rookie quarterback – he shows the rest of the NFL he is ready to be a head coach and take the next step. What he has done with Robert Griffin III is remarkable, but we knew Griffin had talent. If he does it with Cousins, then all of a sudden all those teams who will be looking for a head coach soon are going to take notice.” – Michael Lombardi on what a Washington Redskins win would mean for offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan

- “This is a big moment for Kirk Cousins to shine because if he can prove to desperate teams in the NFL that need quarterbacks, like the Arizona Cardinals and Kansas City Chiefs, it gives them the opportunity to trade for him in the offseason.” – Michael Lombardi on Washington Redskins rookie quarterback Kirk Cousins

- “The Patriots will miss Rob Gronkowski. To beat the 49ers, you have to control the middle of the field and I’m not sure New England can do that without Gronkowski.” – Michael Lombardi on the San Francisco 49ers facing the New England Patriots

- “No quarterback and no offensive line. Those are the two sins you can’t have as an NFL team.” – Michael Lombardi on the struggles of the Arizona Cardinals 

- “I look at the Chicago Bears and I question who they are. What’s their identity? This is a hard-nosed city that used to have a hard-nosed defense, but their identity is now Jay Cutler throwing a million passes to Brandon Marshall. That identity will not get you into the playoffs.” – Sterling Sharpe on the 8-5 Chicago Bears

Quotes from NFL GameDay Morning  

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

- “They have to make a statement that we can be the champions because that’s who the New York Giants are.” – Michael Irvin on what statement the Atlanta Falcons need to make against the defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants

- “I look at the Falcons and go, ‘What do they hang their hat on?’…I don’t see one dominant area for this Falcons team. I believe if you go to the playoffs and you’re going to win in the playoffs, you have to be dominant somewhere.” – Kurt Warner on the 11-2 Atlanta Falcons

- “The Giants have the biggest ceiling. The problem is they just haven’t been consistent enough to make them the favorite at this point in time.” – Kurt Warner on who should be the favorite in the NFC 

- “The key is Hakeem Nicks. When he’s healthy, this offense goes…He makes everybody on this offense better when he’s playing to his potential, when he’s bringing that big play type of capabilities.” – Kurt Warner on New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks

- “I don’t believe that they are going to make the playoffs.” – Marshall Faulk on the Chicago Bears 

- “Everybody on this team benefits with Robert Griffin III back there…[Without him], receivers are going to have to get open on their own, Alfred Morris is going to have to find holes on his own and that defense is going to have to shut people down on their own.” – Kurt Warner on how the Washington Redskins handle the loss of rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III

- “I see him in a same mode as a Juan Castillo, as a Tony Sparano because he’s never called plays. It’s one thing to put your list together; it’s another thing where now you have to call those plays rapid fire during a game and you get stuck.” – Marshall Faulk on new Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Jim Caldwell

- “When they get down early and they have to play a drop back game – we saw it against the Packers, we saw it against New England – this team struggles and there is a lack of confidence because they don’t know if they can play in those kind of games.” – Kurt Warner on the Houston Texans

- “What they’re going to see today from the San Francisco 49ers that they don’t get to see from the rest of the AFC: they’re going to see more than one pass rusher, more than two pass rushers. The 49ers have three guys who can get after the quarterback. When they lost to the Giants those two times in the Super Bowl, it’s because multiple guys are rushing Tom Brady.” – Marshall Faulk on what else the New England Patriots have to prove in the regular season

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

Remembering Victims of CT – After the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut on Friday, teams around the NFL are paying tribute to the victims:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000111379/Remembering-victims-of-CT?campaign=Twitter_nfln_videos

‘First on the Field’: Time to Shine – Michael Lombardi believes Washington Redskins offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan will let quarterback Kirk Cousins take the helm of his team today:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/cleveland-browns/0ap2000000111388/First-On-The-Field-Time-to-shine

Indianapolis Colts Linebacker Robert Mathis on Slowing Down his Rookie QB – Sterling Sharpe talks with Indianapolis Colts linebacker Robert Mathis on how the Colts are approaching the game against the Houston Texans and even having to slow down quarterback Andrew Luck:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000111382/First-on-the-Field-Mathis-on-slowing-down-his-rookie-QB

Runner & Receiver: Atlanta Falcons – LaDainian Tomlinson and Sterling Sharpe break down the Atlanta Falcons run game with Michael Turner and Jacquizz Rodgers:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000111384/Runner-and-Receiver-Atlanta-Falcons

Bold Predictions – Listen in as the NFL GameDay Morning crew go out on some major limbs to make bold predictions for Week 15:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-videos/0ap2000000111385/Bold-predictions

How will the Redskins Offense Differ without RG3? – How will the Redskins play with quarterback Kirk Cousins? The NFL GameDay Morning crew breaks down what the Redskins offense might look without their star quarterback Robert Griffin III:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000111380/How-will-the-Redskins-offense-differ-without-RG3

Who are the NFC Favorites? – Are the Falcons, Packers, 49ers or Giants the team to beat in the NFC? Find out who the NFL GameDay Morning crew thinks is the toughest in the NFC:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000111381/Who-are-the-NFC-favorites

Warner’s Corner – Kurt Warner breaks down the play of San Francisco linebacker Aldon Smith and how he can break the single-season sack record:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000111387/Warner-s-Corner

Batch’s Incredible Journey – Pittsburgh Steelers running back Baron Batch’s path to the NFL was filled with many hardships, but the help of hope and a paintbrush led him to his dream:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/pittsburgh-steelers/0ap2000000111386/Batch-s-incredible-journey

Footballogy: Improvising QBs – Extending plays, or improvising, has become a necessary skill for quarterbacks like Tony Romo and Ben Roethlisberger. “Footballogy” host Brian Unger visits a famous stage in Los Angeles to find out how actors who improvise are like quarterbacks who also have to think on their feet:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-videos/0ap2000000111389/Footballogy-Improvising-QBs

More quotage is coming up.

NFL Network Previews Week 15 of the 2012 NFL Season

Let’s do our Sunday NFL previews for Week 15 as we are ready to wind up the regular season. As usual, we begin with NFL Network and their pregame shows. First on the Field begins at 7 a.m. ET.

First on the Field — Sunday, December 16 at 7:00 AM ET

At 7:00 AM ET, NFL Network is First on the Field with Melissa Stark, LaDainian Tomlinson, Sterling Sharpe and Michael Lombardi providing the first analysis of the Sunday’s games.

Michael Lombardi explains why the Baltimore Ravens replaced offensive coordinator Cam Cameron this week and if Jim Caldwell’s promotion will help get the Ravens offense back on track

Also featured this week:

• Live reports from Green Bay-Chicago, Indianapolis-Houston, Denver-Baltimore, Washington-Cleveland, New York Giants-Atlanta
• Stark Reality: Melissa Stark examines the on-field rivalry and chess match between Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning and Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis
• R & R: Sterling Sharpe and LaDainian Tomlinson attempt to fix the Atlanta Falcons offense
• Indianapolis Colts linebacker Robert Mathis talks to Sterling Sharpe

And next, we have the rundown for the show that follows First on the Field and that is NFL GameDay Morning.

NFL GameDay Morning Sunday, December 16 at 9:00 AM ET

At 9:00 AM ET, host Rich Eisen and analysts Steve Mariucci, Marshall Faulk, Kurt Warner, Warren Sapp and Michael Irvin take viewers up to kickoff on NFL GameDay Morning.

The Journey of Baron Batch: Aditi Kinkhabwala shares the untold story of Pittsburgh Steelers running back Baron Batch whose Renaissance Man persona was forged from a much darker childhood in West Texas

Also featured this week:

• Who should be the favorite in the NFC?
• Could the Indianapolis Colts win the AFC South?
• How big of an impact is Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III’s injury
• Can Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson break Eric Dickerson’s all-time single season rushing record?
• Kimberly Jones reports from Atlanta for Giants-Falcons
• Michelle Beisner reports from Baltimore for Broncos-Ravens
• Stacey Dales reports from Chicago for Packers-Bears
• Aditi Kinkhabwala reports from Cleveland for Redskins-Browns
• Jeff Darlington reports from Houston for Colts-Texans

That will do it.

NFL Viewing Picks For Week 15, 12/16/2012

All Times Eastern

NFL Viewing Maps (the 506.com)

Pregame & Studio Shows
First on the Field — NFL Network, 7 a.m.
NFL Matchup — ESPN2, 8:30 a.m.
NFL GameDay Morning — NFL Network, 9 a.m.
Sunday NFL Countdown — ESPN, 10 a.m.
Fantasy Football Today — CBS Sports Network, 11 a.m.
Fantasy Football Now — ESPN2, 11 a.m.
The NFL Today — CBS, noon
Fox NFL Sunday — Fox, noon
NFL Red Zone Channel — DirecTV Channel 703, 12:55 p.m.
NFL RedZone — Check your local listings, 1 p.m.
Fox NFL Sunday Postgame — Fox, 4 p.m.
NFL GameDay Scoreboard — NFL Network, 4 p.m.
Football Night in America — NBC, 7 p.m.
NFL GameDay Highlights — NFL Network, 7:30 p.m.
NFL GameDay Overtime — NFL Network, 11:30 p.m.
NFL GameDay Final — NFL Network, midnight

1 p.m.

CBS
Denver at Baltimore — Greg Gumbel/Dan Dierdorf
Indianapolis at Houston — Ian Eagle/Dan Fouts
Jacksonville at Miami — Marv Albert/Rich Gannon

FOX
Green Bay at Chicago — Joe Buck/Troy Aikman/Pam Oliver
Minnesota at St. Louis — Gus Johnston/Charles Davis/Kristina Pink
New York Giants at Atlanta — Kenny Albert/Daryl Johnston/Tony Siragusa
Tampa Bay at New Orleans — Thom Brennaman/Brian Billick/Laura Okmin
Washington at Cleveland — Ron Pitts/Mike Martz/Krista Voda

4:05 p.m.

FOX
Carolina at San Diego — Sam Rosen/Heath Evans/Jill Savage
Detroit at Arizona — Chris Myers/Tim Ryan/Jamie Maggio!!!
Seattle vs. Buffalo at Toronto, Ontario, Canada — Dick Stockton/John Lynch/Jennifer Hale

4:25 p.m.

CBS
Kansas City at Oakland — Kevin Harlan/Solomon Wilcots
Pittsburgh at Dallas — Jim Nantz/Phil Simms

8:30 p.m.

NBC
San Francisco at New England — Al Michaels/Cris Collinsworth/Michele Tafoya

DirecTV NFL Sunday Ticket Channel Assignments
Sirius XM Satellite Radio Channel Assignments

The Last Thursday Night Football Game For 2012 is in Philly

Tonight, it’s the season finale of Thursday Night Football for NFL Network. It’s been a successful 13 game schedule that has led to record ratings and viewership for the package. It’s been the longest schedule for the series since it began. Most likely, NFL Network will have another year of a 13 game package before the league splits it up and a cable network (ahem, TNT or NBC Sports Network) gets the first half and NFL Network keeps the second half.

So tonight, the series ends in Philadelphia as the Cincinnati Bengals, still in the thick of the playoff hunt, and the Philadelphia Eagles, playing out the string, square off at Lincoln Financial Field. Your Thursday Night Football crew of Brad Nessler, Mike Mayock and Alex Flanagan will be on hand.

The regular Thursday Night Kickoff crew of Rich Eisen, Marshall Faulk, Michael Irvin, Steve Mariucci and Deion Sanders will be at the stadium along with Stacey Dales reporting.

Here are the details from NFL Network.

CINCINNATI BENGALS AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13 AT 8:00 PM ET ON NFL NETWORK

Coverage from Philadelphia Begins with Thursday Night Kickoff Pregame Show at 6:00 PM ET

NFL Network’s Thursday Night Football schedule concludes this week when wide receiver A.J. Green and the Cincinnati Bengals make a playoff push on the road against rookie quarterback Nick Foles and the Philadelphia Eagles Thursday, December 13 at 8:00 PM ET. Play-by-play announcer Brad Nessler and Emmy-nominated analyst Mike Mayock have the call, while Alex Flanagan provides reports from the sidelines of Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Two hours before kickoff, NFL Network’s Thursday Night Kickoff pregame show is live from the stadium starting at 6:00 PM ET, taking viewers right up to kickoff with analysis and the latest reports. Host Rich Eisen joins Hall of Famers Marshall Faulk, Deion Sanders and Michael Irvin,and former NFL head coach Steve Mariucci. Reporters Stacey Dales and Alex Flanagan provide pregame news reports from the locker rooms, as well as interviews with players and coaches.

Featured on the Thursday Night Kickoff pregame show this week:

• NFL Network’s Steve Cyphers reports on Eagles head coach Andy Reid’s legacy in Philadelphia. Features interviews with Donovan McNabb, Ray Didinger and Val Sikahema
• Deion Sanders plays Santa Claus and gives gifts to NFL players
• NFL Network’s Mark Kriegel examines Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis’ comeback
• Super Bowl preview? Thursday Night Kickoff dissects the upcoming San Francisco 49ers-New England Patriots Week 15 matchup
• Reports from Washington, Dallas and Chicago on the NFC Wild Card race

Eisen, Faulk, Sanders, Irvin and Mariucci provide additional analysis on the Halftime Show and the Postgame Show.

Following the game, hosts Chris Rose and Lindsay Rhodes as well as analysts Willie McGinest and Shaun O’Hara will deliver a postgame edition of NFL Total Access live from NFL Network’s studios in Los Angeles.

TEAMS:	BENGALS (7-6)	EAGLES (4-9)
ANNOUNCERS	Brad Nessler (play-by-play), Mike Mayock (game analyst); Alex Flanagan (sideline)
PREGAME (6:00 PM ET)	Thursday Night Kickoff In Philadelphia: Rich Eisen, Marshall Faulk, Deion Sanders, Michael Irvin, Steve Mariucci, Stacey Dales, Alex Flanagan
PRE-KICK (8:00 PM ET)	Prekick Show Brad Nessler, Mike Mayock, Alex Flanagan, Rich Eisen, Marshall Faulk, Deion Sanders, Michael Irvin, Steve Mariucci
HALFTIME	Halftime Show Rich Eisen, Marshall Faulk, Deion Sanders, Michael Irvin, Steve Mariucci, Stacey Dales, Alex Flanagan
POSTGAME	Postgame Show Rich Eisen, Marshall Faulk, Deion Sanders, Michael Irvin, Steve Mariucci, Stacey Dales, Alex Flanagan NFL Total Access Postgame Show In-studio: Chris Rose, Lindsay Rhodes, Willie McGinest, Shaun O’Hara
WHERE TO WATCH	DirecTV – Channel 212 (SD/HD), DISH Network – 154 (SD/HD) Verizon FIOS – Channel 88 (SD) 588 (HD), AT&T U-Verse – Channel 630 (SD) 1630 (HD)Check your local cable listings NFL.com LIVE – live “look-ins” at select moments of game NFL Mobile Live on Verizon Wireless
LOCAL OTA SIMULCAST*	CBS Ch. 12 (WKRC)	ABC Ch. 6 (WPVI)

That will conclude our Thursday Night Football preview posts for the 2012 season.

NFL Network Quotage For Week 14 of the 2012 Season

Let’s get to the Sunday NFL pregame quotage. We’ll begin with NFL Network which began its day at 7 a.m. ET with First on the Field and then continued with NFL GameDay Morning two hours later.

Check it out below.

News and Sound Bites From Week 14 Editions of NFL Network’s FIRST ON THE FIELD & NFL GAMEDAY MORNING

“I want to be great. I want to be one of the people a 100 years from now everyone talks about.” –
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson’s interview with Steve Mariucci:

On if he is not considered for NFL Rookie of the Year, will it be disappointing:
- “From my competitive side, definitely. I want to be great. I want to be one of the people a 100 years from now, everyone talks about. That is the way I treat every single day. Another thing that motivates me is everyone who said I was too short. It is not necessarily for me, it is for quarterbacks down the round who are 5’11’’. People have said ‘you can’t do this, you can’t do that’. It motivates me a little bit, not necessarily for me, but for the generations to come.”

On earning the Seattle Seahawks starting quarterback job:
- “In this league it is all about preparation. You have to prepare the right way, have a great attention to detail. The biggest thing was just getting here early in the morning, leaving late and just getting ready. I love football… I have all the self confidence in the world [and] I am a self motivator.”

On if he feels he is competing against the five quarterbacks drafted ahead of him:
- “When I have that opportunity to get out on the field, I think about that kind of stuff. When I get out to practice, I think about ‘how can I get that edge?’ I have a lot of respect of those guys – very talented players – but at the same time, I am trying to be the best one.”

On if his career should be connected to Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III:
- “I think so, I hope so. At the same time, I want to separate myself.”

To view the entire interview with Wilson, visit:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-total-access/0ap2000000107536/Russell-Wilson-Rookie-of-the-Year

Quotes from First on the Field

Every Sunday morning at 7:00 AM ET, NFL Network is First on the Field with Melissa Stark, LaDainian Tomlinson, Sterling Sharpe and Michael Lombardi providing the first analysis of the day’s games.

- “I have no idea to be honest with you.” – LaDainian Tomlinson on why New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez is starting today at Jacksonville

- “This is pretty easy to figure out if you follow the money. There is no getting out of this contract. The money is going to dictate who the Jets quarterback is. Mark Sanchez is the Jets quarterback.”  – Michael Lombardi on the New York Jets quarterback situation 

- “When the ball gets in Dez Bryant’s hands, he is one of the top five players in the National Football League. He is truly the enigma player. When you see him play like he has the past two weeks, you say ‘Why can’t he play like that all the time?’ For the next four weeks the Cowboys are going to need him at a high level.” – Michael Lombardi on Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant

- “DeMarco Murray is very important to this team. I asked him if he was healthy,  he said ‘No, I’m not healthy but I’m going to play. This team needs me.’ He creates identity and attitude for the Cowboys.” – LaDainian Tomlinson on Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray who returned last week after missing the previous six games with an injury

- “Joe Flacco may not be an elite quarterback in everyone’s mind but that contract is going to be elite. He is going to get paid. He would be very difficult for Baltimore to replace.” – Michael Lombardi on Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco

- “The last five games, Christian Ponder has averaged five yards per passing attempt. That isn’t going to cut it. Right now, he is a check down passer.” – Michael Lombardi on the recent performance of Minnesota quarterback Christian Ponder

Quotes from NFL GameDay Morning

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

- “The Cincinnati Bengals deserve to be overlooked. In the last 20 years, they have won the [division] twice. [However], they can change their [perception]. They are playing their best football and their last two games are against Pittsburgh and Baltimore.” – Marshall Faulk on if the Cincinnati Bengals should be considered serious contenders for the playoffs following their four-game winning streak

- “Adrian Peterson is leaner, stronger, and faster than any other year. The rehab made him focus on his body. [Also], he is a smarter runner. I have seen him run out of bounds and when that second defender comes… he gets down.” – Marshall Faulk on the Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson

- “Peyton Manning is the MVP of the league. He didn’t know how he would respond [returning from injury], let alone learn the new players around him. He has been incredible.” – Michael Irvin on the resurgence of quarterback Peyton Manning after he missed the 2011 season with a neck injury and playing his first year with the Denver Broncos

- “It is the best team Peyton Manning has ever played with.” – Marshall Faulk on the Denver Broncos. The Broncos defense is ranked third overall, while the offense is ranked fourth overall.

- “A month from now, we are going to look back at that win with Charlie Batch and say how huge that was beating the Ravens. Ben Roethlisberger’s [return ] gives the Steelers confidence on both sides of the ball that they can win out.” – Steve Mariucci on the Pittsburgh Steelers who are in the midst of the AFC playoff picture with a 7-5 record

- “They are brilliant. There is no limit to what you can teach them.” – Steve Mariucci on Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck, Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III, and Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson

- “He is mature beyond his years.” – Steve Mariucci on what he took away from the interview with Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson

Front Office View with Michael Lombardi

On the issues with the San Diego Chargers offense:
“Their weakness in the offensive line affects everything they do. At left tackle, when they lost Marcus McNeil, a pro bowl left tackle, they got Jared Gaither off the waiver wire from the Kansas City Chiefs and it helped their offense come back to life. Now, they have to play rookie free agent Michael Harris there; it becomes difficult. They have lost some very talented players on the offensive line and that affects Phillip Rivers’ security, protection, belief he is going to be protected and everything trickles down. It is going to be a major undertaking to repair that offensive line in San Diego, to give Phillip Rivers that comfort and protection he needs to play well.”

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

Best team Peyton Manning has ever played on? – Is Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning playing on the best team of his career? The NFL GameDay Morning analysts debate:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/denver-broncos/0ap2000000107576/Best-team-Peyton-Manning-has-ever-played-on

Atlanta Falcons: Battle Tested – Are the Atlanta Falcons’ close wins a cause for concern or will it help in the playoff run? Marshall Faulk and Steve Mariucci weigh in:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/atlanta-falcons/0ap2000000107580/Falcons-Battled-tested 

Year of the rookie quarterbacks – Rookie quarterbacks Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III and Russell Wilson are having a major influence on their teams’ success. The NFL GameDay Morning analysts break down the reasons why:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-videos/0ap2000000107583/Year-of-the-rookie-QBs

Can the Ravens stop the Redskins’ offense? – Steve Mariucci explains what the Baltimore Ravens defense will have to do to stop the Washington Redskins’ pistol option offense:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/baltimore-ravens/0ap2000000107582/Can-the-Ravens-stop-the-Redskins-offense 

Cincinnati Bengals – Time to man up: The Cincinnati Bengals captains quarterback Andy Dalton and middle linebacker Rey Maualuga are fired up with a realistic shot at the playoffs:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/cincinnati-bengals/0ap2000000107584/Bengals-Time-to-man-up 

The Marshall plan – Who is the more impressive rookie running back, Washington Redskins Alford Morris or Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB Doug Martin? Marshall Faulk and Rich Eisen discuss this:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-videos/0ap2000000107586/The-Marshall-plan

Week 14 Bold Predictions – The NFL GameDay Morning analysts get bold with their Week 14 predictions:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-videos/0ap2000000107585/Week-14-Bold-predictions

Will the Giants win the NFC East? – With the best record in the NFC East, will the New York Giants win the division? The NFL GameDay Morning analysts debate:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/new-york-giants/0ap2000000107587/Will-the-Giants-win-the-NFC-East

Eliminate kickoffs? – Should the NFL eliminate the kickoff to improve player health and safety? Steve Mariucci and the NFL GameDay Morning analysts debate:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-videos/0ap2000000107588/Eliminate-kickoffs

The Eisman Trophy – After a careful selection process, Rich Eisen presents the winner of the 2012 Eisman Trophy:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-videos/0ap2000000107581/The-Eisman-Trophy

And we’ll move to ESPN’s quotage next.

NFL Network Previews Week 14 of the 2012 Season

Let’s begin our NFL previews for Week 14. Lots of stuff to get to.

As usual, I’ll start with NFL Network’s programming that begins at 7 a.m. ET with First on the Field. The show will have reports from five game sites and an interview with DC NFL Team wide receiver Santana Moss.

Take a gander at NFL Network’s preview.

First on the Field — Sunday, December 9 at 7:00 AM ET

At 7:00 AM ET, NFL Network is First on the Field with Melissa Stark, LaDainian Tomlinson, Sterling Sharpe and Michael Lombardi providing the first analysis of the Sunday’s games.

Melissa Stark examines the NFC East. Why haven’t the New York Giants pulled away from the pack and who is in a position to win the division with four games remaining?

Also featured this week:

• Live reports from Chicago-Minnesota, Baltimore-Washington, Dallas-Cincinnati, San Diego-Pittsburgh, and Tennessee-Indianapolis
• Front Office View: Michael Lombardi dissects the playoff possibilities for three rookie quarterbacks: Robert Griffin III, Andrew Luck and Russell Wilson
• R&R: Sterling Sharpe and LaDainian Tomlinson break down the Cincinnati Bengals during their four-game winning streak
• Washington Redskins wide receiver Santana Moss talks to Sterling Sharpe

Now to what’s up with NFL GameDay Morning. Steve Mariucci talks with Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson.

NFL GameDay Morning Sunday, December 9 at 9:00 AM ET

At 9:00 AM ET, host Rich Eisen and analysts Steve Mariucci, Marshall Faulk, Kurt Warner, Warren Sapp and Michael Irvin take viewers up to kickoff on NFL GameDay Morning.

Steve Mariucci traveled to Seattle to talk to the other rookie quarterback sensation: Seahawks rookie quarterback Russell Wilson

Also featured this week:

• Steve Cyphers heads to Cincinnati to find out what exactly changed within the Bengals to propel the team to four consecutive victories.
• Which rookie quarterback has been most impressive thus far?
• What would need to happen for San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh to start quarterback Alex Smith again?
• A look at Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson as he is on pace to break Jerry Rice’s all-time single-season receiving yardage record
• Ian Rapoport reports from Cowboys-Bengals
• Jeff Darlington reports from Titans-Colts
• Stacey Dales reports from Bears-Vikings
• Aditi Kinkhabwala reports from Chargers-Steelers
• Kimberly Jones reports from Saints-Giants

And that’s it.

NFL Viewing Picks For Week 14, 12/09/12

All Times Eastern

NFL Viewing Maps (the506.com)

Pregame & Studio Shows
First on the Field — NFL Network, 7 a.m.
NFL Matchup — ESPN2, 8:30 a.m.
NFL GameDay Morning — NFL Network, 9 a.m.
Sunday NFL Countdown — ESPN, 10 a.m.
Fantasy Football Today — CBS Sports Network, 11 a.m.
Fantasy Football Now — ESPN2, 11 a.m.
The NFL Today — CBS, noon
Fox NFL Sunday — Fox, noon
NFL Red Zone Channel — DirecTV Channel 703, 12:55 p.m.
NFL RedZone — Check Your Local Listings, 1 p.m.
NFL Today Postgame Show — CBS, 4 p.m.
NFL GameDay Scoreboard — NFL Network, 4 p.m.
Football Night in America — NBC, 7 p.m.
The OT — Fox, 7:30 p.m.
NFL GameDay Highlights — NFL Network, 7:30 p.m.
NFL GameDay Overtime — NFL Network, 11:30 p.m.
NFL GameDay Final — NFL Network, midnight

1 p.m.

CBS
Baltimore at Washington — Marv Albert/Rich Gannon
Kansas City at Cleveland — Bill Macatee/Steve Tasker
New York Jets at Jacksonville — Kevin Harlan/Solomon Wilcots
San Diego at Pittsburgh — Jim Nantz/Phil Simms
Tennessee at Indianapolis — Ian Eagle/Dan Fouts

FOX
Atlanta at Carolina — Gus Johnson/Charles Davis/Kristina Pink
Chicago at Minnesota — Kenny Albert/Daryl Johnston/Tony Siragusa
Dallas at Cincinnati — Thom Brennaman/Brian Billick/Laura Okmin
Philadelphia at Tampa Bay — Dick Stockton/John Lynch/Jennifer Hale
St. Louis at Buffalo — Ron Pitts/Mike Martz/Krista Voda

4:05 p.m.

CBS
Miami at San Francisco — Greg Gumbel/Dan Dierdorf

4:25 p.m.

FOX
Arizona at Seattle — Chris Myers/Tim Ryan/Jaime Maggio!!!
New Orleans at New York Giants — Joe Buck/Troy Aikman/Pam Oliver

8:30 p.m.

NBC
Detroit at Green Bay — Al Michaels/Cris Collinsworth/Michele Tafoya

DirecTV NFL Sunday Ticket Channel Assignments
SiriusXM Satellite Radio Channel Assignments

Barry Sanders: A Football Life Premieres Wednesday on NFL Network

One of the strongest documentary series this season has been the “A Football Life” series produced by NFL Films and aired on NFL Network throughout this season. Some of the strongest films I’ve seen this season have focused on Steve McNair and the demise of my Cleveland Browns. I would not be surprised if this series of documentaries receives multiple Sports Emmy Awards.

This week’s installment will focus on former Detroit Lions running back Barry Sanders, one of the best ever. The film will look at his career and also delve into his sudden retirement in 1999 leaving many fans scratching their heads.

The show airs Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET.

Many family members, former coaches, teammates and players will be interviewed.

Here’s the preview from NFL Network.

HALL OF FAME RUNNING BACK BARRY SANDERS FEATURED ON NFL NETWORK’S A FOOTBALL LIFE

Emmy-Nominated Series Continues Wednesday, December 5 at 8:00 PM ET
“I just felt like I had run out of steam. I just felt like it was my time.” – Barry Sanders

For 10 seasons, Detroit Lions running back Barry Sanders electrified the NFL with unbelievable runs while putting up prolific rushing numbers. Yet just before the start of the 1999 NFL season, as one of the league’s biggest stars, he quietly walked away from the game.

NFL Network’s Emmy-nominated series A Football Life continues Wednesday, December 5 at 8:00 PM ET with a profile of one of the NFL’s greatest players who retired during the prime of his career. Barry Sanders: A Football Life examines Sanders’ incredible Hall of Fame career, his unexpected retirement and the reaction it garnered throughout both the NFL and the city of Detroit, and his relationship with his late father, William.

The one-hour documentary features a sitdown interview with Sanders in which he discusses his fascinating football life. The NFL’s third all-time leading rusher talks about how he was overlooked in high school, his decision to attend Oklahoma State, the unwanted media attention that came as a result of winning the Heisman Trophy award in 1988 and being an NFL superstar, and the lessons he imparts to his children, including his son BJ Sanders, a redshirt freshman running back at Stanford University.

Additional interviews include fellow Hall of Fame running backs Emmitt Smith and Curtis Martin, former teammates Thurman Thomas, Herman Moore, Kevin Glover and Lomas Brown, former Lions head coaches Wayne Fontes and Bobby Ross, and Hall of Fame guard for the Detroit Pistons, Joe Dumars, among others.

Barry Sanders: A Football Life also includes past interviews with his father and Barry reading the statement he released to the Wichita Eagle announcing his retirement for the first time publically.

Barry Sanders: A Football Life includes interviews with the following people:

Barry Sanders
Byron Sanders – Barry’s brother
Lynn Sanders – Barry’s sister
BJ Sanders – Barry’s son
Emmitt Smith – Hall of Fame running back
Joe Dumars – Detroit Pistons Hall of Fame guard
Curtis Martin – Hall of Fame running back
Dale Burkholder – Barry’s high school football coach
Thurman Thomas – Hall of Fame running back & teammate of Barry at Oklahoma State
Mark McCormick – Barry’s childhood friend/Wichita Eagle reporter
Jim Brandstatter – Lions announcer
Herman Moore – Lions wide receiver, 1991-2001
Kevin Glover – Lions center, 1985-97
Wayne Fontes – Lions head coach, 1988-96
Bobby Ross – Lions head coach, 1997-2000
Chuck Schmidt – Lions executive vice president, 1989-2001
Lomas Brown – Lions offensive tackle, 1985-95

Emmy-nominated actor from CBS’ The Good Wife, Josh Charles, narrates.

For the first look at Barry Sanders: A Football Life, visit:
http://nflfilms.nfl.com/2012/11/29/barry-sanders-a-football-life-first-look/

Following are select quotes from Barry Sanders: A Football Life:

- “I just felt like I had run out of steam. I just felt like that was my time. That was it, I had enough; I had played the game long enough, and that real drive and determination and enjoyment of the game had left.” – Barry Sanders

- “You can’t ask a person in Detroit what your favorite run of Barry [is] because that would say there were just a handful and you can remember one. This guy did something special every single Sunday.” – Joe Dumars

- “They interviewed Barry Switzer, the head coach at the University of Oklahoma, and he said, ‘Whatever you do, don’t hurt Thurman, because they have a backup freshman running back named Barry Sanders and you will never tackle him.’” – Thurman Thomas

- “No matter what year – you can say 1920 and you can say 2012 – he will still be the best running back in the NFL any given time.” – Curtis Martin

- “The Lions needed a franchise player. They needed a brand and Barry had that flash. He had that ability to light a place up.” – Jim Brandstatter

- “Barry is not a rah-rah kind of a guy. He’s not a guy that is out there. He’s not a guy that is going to talk a whole lot, unlike myself.” – Emmitt Smith

- “It mattered that I was playing against Emmitt. He had certainly made a name for himself at that point, and I certainly wanted to put my best foot forward.” – Sanders on playing the Dallas Cowboys in the 1991 NFC Divisional Game

- “When you look at when Emmitt Smith ended up getting that honor [of becoming the NFL’s all-time leading rusher], a lot of people looked at it and said, ‘Well, there’s an asterisk beside it; you got it because Barry no longer wanted to play.’” – Herman Moore

- “Sometimes when people retire, it’s almost an opportunity for their close-up. Barry wanted to exit stage right.” – Mark McCormick

Below is the remaining broadcast schedule for A Football Life, airing on Wednesday nights at 8:00 PM ET:

• December 12 – Marcus Allen
• December 19 – The Immaculate Reception

Airing throughout the NFL season, A Football Life examines the iconic individuals and subjects that have had an undeniable and profound impact on the history of the National Football League, offering an inside look into their untold stories.

Every episode of A Football Life and all NFL Network programming is streamed live on NFL Mobile, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Yes, I’m still posting stuff tonight. Keep it here.

Thursday Night Football Travels To The Black Hole in Oakland

The Oakland Raiders may be a sad team at 3-9 and in a long rebuilding process, but the atmosphere in the Coliseum formerly known as Oakland-Alameda County is one of the more raucous in the NFL. With fans dressed as aliens and various riff-raff, the Coliseum in primetime is a wondrous spectacle.

NFL Network will be on hand for the AFC West blood rivalry game between the Denver Broncos and the Raiders. This will be the next-to-last game for Thursday Night Football in what has been a record year in both ratings and amount of games.

Brad Nessler and Mike Mayock will call the game with Alex Flanagan on the sidelines.

Rich Eisen will host the pregame, halftime and postgame shows from the Coliseum field and be joined by Marshall Faulk, Michael Irvin, Steve Mariucci and Deion Sanders on the set. Stacey Dales will have live reports from around the stadium.

Here are the particulars of the game from NFL Network.

DENVER BRONCOS AT OAKLAND RAIDERS
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6 AT 8:00 PM ET ON NFL NETWORK

Broncos QB Peyton Manning 1-on-1 Interview with Kurt Warner on Thursday Night Kickoff Pregame Show at 6:00 PM ET

NFL Network’s Thursday Night Football continues this week when quarterback Peyton Manning and the AFC West-champion Denver Broncos face quarterback Carson Palmer and the rival Oakland Raiders Thursday, December 6 at 8:00 PM ET. Play-by-play announcer Brad Nessler and Emmy-nominated analyst Mike Mayock have the call, while Alex Flanagan provides reports from the sidelines of the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California.

Two hours before kickoff, NFL Network’s Thursday Night Kickoff  pregame show is live from the stadium starting at 6:00 PM ET, taking viewers right up to kickoff with analysis and the latest reports. Host Rich Eisen joins Hall of Famers Marshall Faulk, Deion Sanders and Michael Irvin, and former NFL head coach Steve Mariucci. Reporters Stacey Dales and Alex Flanagan provide pregame news reports from the locker rooms, as well as interviews with players and coaches.

Featured on the Thursday Night Kickoff pregame show this week:

• Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning 1-on-1 interview with NFL Network analyst Kurt Warner
• NFL Network’s Mark Kriegel compares the seasons of Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning and Indianapolis Colts rookie quarterback Andrew Luck
• The Final Stop – With Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning finishing his first season in his new home, Thursday Night Kickoff examines previous players who finished their careers with different teams than the ones they are associated with. Brett Favre and Emmitt Smith discuss Manning’s first season in Denver

On the Postgame Show, NFL Network analyst Steve Mariucci learns his way around the kitchen with renowned chef Guy Fieri and Oakland Raiders running back Marcel Reece.

Eisen, Faulk, Sanders, Irvin and Mariucci provide additional analysis on the Halftime Show and the Postgame Show.

Following the game, hosts Chris Rose and Lindsay Rhodes as well as analysts Willie McGinest and Shaun O’Hara will deliver a postgame edition of NFL Total Access live from NFL Network’s studios in Los Angeles.

TEAMS:	BRONCOS (9-3)	RAIDERS (3-9)
ANNOUNCERS	Brad Nessler (play-by-play), Mike Mayock (game analyst); Alex Flanagan (sideline)
PREGAME (6:00 PM ET)	Thursday Night Kickoff In Oakland: Rich Eisen, Marshall Faulk, Deion Sanders, Michael Irvin, Steve Mariucci, Stacey Dales, Alex Flanagan
PRE-KICK (8:00 PM ET)	Prekick Show Brad Nessler, Mike Mayock, Alex Flanagan, Rich Eisen, Marshall Faulk, Deion Sanders, Michael Irvin, Steve Mariucci
HALFTIME	Halftime Show Rich Eisen, Marshall Faulk, Deion Sanders, Michael Irvin, Steve Mariucci, Stacey Dales, Alex Flanagan
POSTGAME	Postgame Show Rich Eisen, Marshall Faulk, Deion Sanders, Michael Irvin, Steve Mariucci, Stacey Dales, Alex Flanagan NFL Total Access Postgame Show In-studio: Chris Rose, Lindsay Rhodes, Willie McGinest, Shaun O’Hara
WHERE TO WATCH	DirecTV – Channel 212 (SD/HD), DISH Network – 154 (SD/HD) Verizon FIOS – Channel 88 (SD) 588 (HD), AT&T U-Verse – Channel 630 (SD) 1630 (HD)Check your local cable listings NFL.com LIVE – live “look-ins” at select moments of game NFL Mobile Live on Verizon Wireless
LOCAL OTA SIMULCAST*	CBS Ch. 4 (KCNC)	ABC Ch. 7 (KGO)

More stuff is ahead.

Time For Some Tuesday Links

Let’s do some Tuesday links. Lots of stuff to get to.

Michael Hiestand of USA Today writes that Bob Costas is receiving his share of criticism for his anti-gun commentary during halftime of Sunday Night Football.

Busted Coverage has video of Bob Costas telling Dan Patrick that he’s not backing off on his anti-gun comments.

Michael Katz of USA Today’s Game On blog recaps Vin Scully’s first and way too brief foray into Twitter on Monday.

From Yahoo’s Cagefighter, the great Maggie Hendricks tells us that Mixed Martial Arts viewing will be different in 2013.

Mike Reynolds from Multichannel News says Universal Sports will be moving its operations from Los Angeles to the Comcast Media Center in Denver.

From Advertising Age, Brian Steinberg writes that Mercedes-Benz plans to bring out some big guns for its Super Bowl ad in February.

ESPN’s Darren Rovell notes that Lincoln cars are looking to make a return to Super Bowl advertising.

Tom Conroy of Media Life Magazine reviews the new NFL Films-produced Travel Channel documentary series on the Cleveland Browns support staff.

Ed Sherman at The Sherman Report reviews two documentaries that debut this week.

The Nielsen Wire says the Los Angeles Lakers are the most marketable of all NBA teams.

Steve Burton of WBZ-TV in Boston is the only one reporting that the NHL Lockout is close to ending.

Bill Carter of the New York Times says Bob Costas put the spotlight on himself with his anti-gun Sunday Night Football halftime commentary.

The New York Daily News reports that the Jets have renewed their radio rights deal with ESPN Radio New York.

Jerry Barmash at Fishbowl NY says YES Network had its best ratings ever for a Nets game.

Pete Dougherty from the Albany Times Union says Monday night’s Giants-DC NFL Team contest hit the ratings jackpot for ESPN.

Chris Korman of the Baltimore Sun writes that the Orioles are denying yesterday’s Sports Business Journal report that Fox Sports attempted to buy MASN.

Sarah Kogod from the Washington Post’s DC Sports Bog tells us that many DC-area athletes stayed up to watch Robert Griffin III on Monday Night Football.

Erik Wemple at the WaPo talks about sports networks tackling political topics.

Tom Jones at the Tampa Bay Times reviews what happened on sports television over the weekend.

The Fort Pierce (FL) Tribune reports that the local ESPN Radio affiliate will continue to produce nightly sports report for the local NBC and Fox stations.

David Barron of the Houston Chronicle says Jim Deshaies’ departure for Chicago is a big loss for the Astros.

Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer says Fox is close to purchasing Sports Time Ohio and gaining the rights to the city’s MLB team.

Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune talks about the Cubs hiring a new analyst.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News has the five things he learned from the weekend.

Joe Flint from the Los Angeles Times says NFL Network’s Thursday Night Football is eating into the ratings of the league’s other TV partners.

Sports Media Watch notes that the MLS Cup had a slight decline in its overnight ratings as the game moved from a Sunday night to late Saturday afternoon.

The Huffington Post has video of ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit giving Northern Illinois blackboard material by ripping the team’s invitation to the Orange Bowl.

That’s where I’ll end it today.

NFL Network Quotage For Week 13 of the 2012 Season

Ok, on this surreal Sunday, let’s provide the Sunday NFL pregame quotage. I won’t be around much this evening, so I don’t know what I’ll be able to post. I’ll do my best to do the complete quotage plus do the Viewing Picks, but on Monday, I’ll be away as well so I’ll do my best to provide some information to you.

Anyway, here’s what was said on NFL Network on their two pregame shows, First on the Field and NFL GameDay Morning. Check them out.

News and Sound Bites From Week 13 Editions of NFL Network’s FIRST ON THE FIELD & NFL GAMEDAY MORNING

“Everybody is playing hard for him. [Jim Harbaugh] risks something if he doesn’t play this kid right now.” – Michael Irvin on San Francisco 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick
“J.J Watt is the most dominant defender in the league. This year is setting up for a co-MVP.” – Sterling Sharpe on Houston Texans DE J.J. Watt
“They are a team that feels like they need to score on every drive.” – Marshall Faulk on the Green Bay Packers

Quotes from First on the Field

Every Sunday morning at 7:00 AM ET, NFL Network is First on the Field with Melissa Stark, LaDainian Tomlinson, Sterling Sharpe and Michael Lombardi providing the first analysis of the day’s games.

- “No, they can’t go back to Alex Smith…The 49ers have now shown they believe they can win a Super Bowl with Colin Kaepernick and that’s not the case with Alex Smith. Now, Alex Smith doesn’t trust the organization [and] he doesn’t trust Jim Harbaugh.” – LaDainian Tomlinson on if the San Francisco 49ers can go back to Alex Smith if Colin Kaepernick struggles

- “Alex Smith doesn’t need Dr. Phil to come in.” – Michael Lombardi on the current state of mind of 49ers quarterback Alex Smith

- “J.J. Watt is the most dominant defender in the league. This year is setting up for a co-MVP but both [Peyton Manning and Tom Brady] won’t win it.” – Sterling Sharpe on potential MVP candidates

- “Chip Kelly is going to be the number one guy. He is the prettiest girl in the school.” – Michael Lombardi on the number one choice of teams looking for a head coach this offseason

- “Teams that have quarterbacks are going to do the old Stephen Stills song ‘Love the one you’re with.’ It will be hard for teams looking for a new quarterback to find a replacement.” – Michael Lombardi on where teams who are looking for a new quarterback this offseason will find those players

Quotes from NFL GameDay Morning

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

- “Everybody is playing hard for him. [Jim Harbaugh] risks something if he doesn’t play this kid right now.” – Michael Irvin on how much risk comes with the decision to start Colin Kaepernick at quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers

- “They are a team that feels like they need to score on every drive…Until they can get some defensive [players back] and can get some stops, they’re not going to run the football.” – Marshall Faulk on how the Green Bay Packers can fix their running game

- “The reason they have five losses on the road is because they don’t finish football games…It’s coming down to the last possession, whether it’s a two-minute drill or a four-minute drill on either side of the ball. They’re not succeeding at the end of a game.” – Steve Mariucci on the Seattle Seahawks’ struggles playing on the road

- “They are a number of good teams out there, teams with good records but I’m not sure there is any team that is as dominant as what we see from the New England Patriots in the fact that they can score points at will.” – Kurt Warner on the New England Patriots

- “[Ben Roethlisberger] can’t be out as much. Your health cannot be a question and that’s why they can’t overcome it.” – Marshall Faulk on if the Pittsburgh Steelers can overcome their issues

- “He can definitely be a great player. He has all of the tools but he has to do it mentally. Once you have the mental part, the rest of it flows.” – Warren Sapp on Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh

Interview with Kansas City Chiefs Chairman & CEO Clark Hunt

NFL Network’s Randy Moss spoke with Kansas City Chiefs Chairman & CEO Clark Hunt about the decision to play today’s game:

On what went into making the decision to play today’s game:
“As we were having the discussions with the league office yesterday on that subject, I decided to leave it up to the team. I called coach [Romeo] Crennel and asked him to call the captains and see what they thought the right decision was. So he called the six team captains who had heard from their teammates and they unanimously believed that the right decision was to go forward with the game. That’s how we made the decision. It was really a team and coaching staff decision.”

On the team’s current state of mind:
“I spent the evening last night with the team at the hotel. I wanted to be there with them, to tell them that I love them, to tell them that I know they’re going through a hard time. We do have a lot of guys who are really hurting. There were a lot of players and coaches who were very close to Jovan [Belcher] and Kasandra [Perkins], who was the victim, and they’re suffering right now. I told them there is not a lot that I can say to you other than we’re a family and we have to pull together right now and support each other. They’re going to come out here and they’re going to give it their best today, but I don’t think anybody would fault them for being distracted.”

On how he expects the fans to react to the situation:
“Our fans and really the entire NFL community have been incredibly supportive. The outpouring of support from folks across the league has been tremendous and I think our fans will be supportive as well. They understand what a difficult situation this is for our coaching staff, particularly the members of the coaching staff who were present yesterday when Jovan took his life, as well as the team. We have a lot of young players on this team and they’ve never had to deal with something like this. I think our fans will be supportive and help the guys get through the day.”

To view the entire interview, visit:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-total-access/0ap2000000103730/Kansas-City-Chiefs-decide-to-play?campaign=Twitter_videos_gameday 

Front Office View with Michael Lombardi

On if the San Diego Chargers would think about replacing quarterback Philip Rivers:
“They certainly have to make plans based on the way he’s played the last two seasons, but that life for after Philip Rivers may be much more difficult because they’re better off rehabilitating him than they are trying to replace him. The reality is there are not enough good quarterbacks to go around for all of the teams that need quarterbacks. What they need to do, and it starts upfront: offensive line. Get a better offensive line. When he had the left tackle, whether it was Marcus McNeill or Jared Gaither, he was able to have protection and feel comfortable. But right now, Philip Rivers isn’t comfortable in the pocket. He’s not playing to the level we remember two years ago which has to be concerning. If there are changes in San Diego, which many suspect there will be, certainly Philip Rivers is part of those changes. But I’m not sure that will happen.”

On where he stands on quarterback Christian Ponder being the long-term solution for the Minnesota Vikings:
“I’m really in the uncertain category because there are moments where he has played well, but there are moments – and too many of those moments – where he hasn’t. Is it because Percy Harvin is not on the field? Everybody says you want a young quarterback to develop? Get a great running back behind him and give him the football. They have that with Adrian Peterson. But unfortunately there are no outside weapons in Minnesota. His play within the structure has not been very good. So if you’re Rick Spielman, the general manager of the Minnesota Vikings, you have to be concerned because right now Christian Ponder hasn’t developed to the level that he was earlier season, especially on the road.”

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

Front Office View: Riding the Coaching Carousel – Michael Lombardi and Sterling Sharpe examine the potential overhaul of coaches throughout the NFL and who could be moving where. Also, which teams could use a change at quarterback?:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000103708/Front-Office-View-Riding-the-coaching-carousel

Depth Chart Dilemma: San Francisco 49ers Quarterbacks – Michael Lombardi breaks down what is perhaps the most controversial depth chart decision of the year:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000103710/Depth-Chart-Dilemma-49ers-quarterbacks

Stark Reality: 49ers – Melissa Stark talks about San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh’s decision to start quarterback Colin Kaepernick over Alex Smith:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-total-access/0ap2000000103713/49ers-Stark-Reality

Will Redskins or Cowboys Make the Playoffs? – Melissa Stark and Sterling Sharpe debate if either the Dallas Cowboys or Washington Redskins will make the playoffs:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000103711/Will-Redskins-or-Cowboys-make-the-playoffs

Week 13 Bold Predictions – The NFL GameDay Morning crew gets bold with their Week 13 predictions:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-total-access/0ap2000000103715/Week-13-Bold-Predictions

Risky Starting Colin Kaepernick? – How much risk comes with the decision to start San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick? NFL GameDay Morning debates:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-total-access/0ap2000000103714/Risky-starting-Colin-Kaepernick

Will Alex Smith’s Benching Lead to Less Reporting of Concussions? – What message does the benching of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith after he suffered a concussion send to players regarding health and safety?:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-total-access/0ap2000000103723/Will-Alex-Smith-s-benching-lead-to-less-reporting-of-concussions

State Your Case: 6th Seed in the NFC – The honorable Judge Warren Sapp presides over the NFL GameDay Morning courtroom to determine who has the best case to get the sixth seed in the NFC playoff picture:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000103712/State-Your-Case-6th-seed-in-the-NFC

Are the Patriots the Most Dominant Team? – Does the New England Patriots offense make them the most dominant team in the NFL? The NFL GameDay Morning crew debates:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-total-access/0ap2000000103720/Are-the-Patriots-the-most-dominate-team

Are Falcons Emerging as Class of NFC? – For being 11-1, the Atlanta Falcons are still trying to prove themselves as Super Bowl favorites. Did a victory over the New Orleans Saints change that?:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000103709/Are-Falcons-viewed-differently-after-beating-Saints

How Much Can Jay Cutler Take? – How long can Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler mask the team’s flaws? NFL GameDay Morning discusses:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-total-access/0ap2000000103716/How-much-can-Jay-Culter-take

Most Likely to win MVP: Peyton Manning vs. Tom Brady – Who is most likely to win MVP, Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning or New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady? Marshall Faulk and Michael Irvin debate:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-total-access/0ap2000000103729/Most-likely-to-win-MVP-Peyton-Manning-vs-Tom-Brady

More quotage will be posted when it becomes available.

A Surreal Sunday For the NFL Pregame Shows

The Sunday NFL pregame shows are hardly bastions of journalism. Their purpose is to preview the upcoming games, provide late breaking injury news and react to the news of the day. The shows have become filled with the analysts attempting to provide one-liners and laughing at lame jokes.

When serious news breaks like the Jovan Belcher murder/suicide that left his girlfriend, Kasandra Perkins dead and their three month old daughter without parents and the Kansas City Chiefs wondering how to acknowledge both deaths, the shows struggle to find a balance between levity and humor. In some cases, the efforts work. In others, the networks fail to rise to the moment.

Both NFL Network and ESPN started their shows on the Belcher story. Sunday NFL Countdown even had this graphic that had both Belcher and Perkins. One could correctly argue that Belcher should not even be included as his actions led to the mess that their daughter’s relatives will have to clean up for many years to come.

In addition to this graphic, Tom Jackson urged viewers to remember Kasandra Perkins. In sensitivity to the murder/suicide, ESPN decided not to air a scheduled comedic segment featuring Frank Caliendo. In a newsletter to his fans, Caliendo said “The bit has nothing to do with the Chiefs or Kansas City, but they (ESPN) decided that a planned “comedy” segment just didn’t seem like a good thing to do.” ESPN had solid reporting from Ed Werder from Kansas City and handled the discussion among its analysts with the proper restraint.

On Fox NFL Sunday, the network eschewed its regular “WE ARE FOX SPORTS!” and “The Journey” open for a cold open that started with reports on the murder/suicide and video of Kansas City Chiefs coach Romeo Crennel walking into Arrowhead Stadium. For the first five minutes of the pregame show, Fox had host Curt Menefee open the show before tossing to game announcers Ron Pitts and Mike Martz talking about the situation as the network was airing the Chiefs game against the Carolina Panthers. After Pitts and Martz discussed the surreal situation, Menefee went to insider Jay Glazer who then revealed that the Cleveland Browns had to deal with a employee suicide of its own this weekend. After a short discussion on how the story will impact the Chiefs and the NFL, Menefee closed the segment by saying, “After a short break, back to football,” and the show faded to black before going to commercials. After the opening six minute segment, Fox went back to its show as usual which included its regular comedic segment with Rob Riggle.

But on CBS, The NFL Today opened with product placement for Garmin GPS and spent the first five minutes not even acknowledging what happened in Kansas City. Instead, it was a “Garmin Drive for the Playoffs” that did not even reference Belcher and Perkins. At 12:05 p.m., host James Brown finally mentioned the murder/suicide before tossing to Lesley Visser reporting live from Kansas City. She briefly talked with a Chiefs executive on the decision to play today and then threw it back to JB who then had Jason La Canfora, Boomer Esiason and Bill Cowher talk about the story. That led to a rather awkward transition to a remembrance of college basketball coach Rick Majerus who passed away on Saturday. CBS had a graphic for Majerus, but none for Perkins.

CBS then went on with its show which included a segment with Jim Rome and Victoria’s Secret model Lily Aldridge. The segment with Aldridge lasted longer than the one on Belcher/Perkins. It was a strange show for CBS. It was as if producers shoehorned the Belcher story and then when it was referenced, shuffled it out of their thoughts. With a product placement segment at the beginning and another plug for the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show that airs on CBS later in the week, could not the story have been handled differently? In addition, SportsRantz points out that if CBS were carrying the game and not Fox, would The NFL Today place a higher priority on the story?

Overall, I give ESPN and Fox kudos for their handling of the story. CBS is another matter. It was a very strange NFL Today show. While I don’t hold any of the pregame shows to a higher standard, I do expect some levity when real life steps into sports. CBS failed to step up and made its show more of a shill for product placement and upcoming programs rather than handling the story with more care.