NFL Network Quotage for NFL Divisional Playoff Sunday 2014

Our only Sunday NFL pregame quotage comes from NFL Network. Here’s what we have.

NFL Divisional PlayoffsNews & Sound Bites From Divisional Sunday Editions of NFL Network’s NFL GameDay First & NFL GameDay Morning

NFL_Network - NewQuick Quotes from NFL GameDay First & NFL GameDay Morning

“[In previous seasons] he had to make 60 minutes of plays for his team every time out. This year he hasn’t had to do that; they have that great defense and now it’s been up to Cam to make those critical plays.” – Kurt Warner on Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton

“He’s going to feel so relaxed and so comfortable on this field with what he knows and the things that are around him, I can’t wait to see Cam on this stage. I expect big things from him.” – Marshall Faulk on Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton in his first career playoff game

“There are certain people that give other guys that confidence. Steve Smith helps Cam [Newton] with that.” – Michael Irvin on Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith

“When I look at him I see Cris Carter and he ended up in the Hall of Fame. If Michael Crabtree can have longevity, he can end up there as well.” – Sterling Sharpe on San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree

“I had Randall Cunningham when I was in Minnesota and he reminds me a little bit of Colin Kaepernick in terms of the size and the speed, and the way he operates. He is a passer who can run, not just a runner who can pass.” – Brian Billick on San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick

“I don’t know if [another Super Bowl title] puts him as the greatest, but he needs another one to be considered in that handful of guys as the greatest of all time.” – Kurt Warner on Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning

“People expect more from Peyton Manning. He’s almost become a victim of his own success during the regular season.” – Terrell Davis on Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning

“They have the most complete team in the AFC right now. If they win this game, they can go to Foxborough and give the Patriots all they can handle.” – Terrell Davis on the San Diego Chargers

“Candidates have been calling Rob Chudzinski who went one-and-out with the Browns. The reviews have not been favorable.” – Ian Rapoport on the Cleveland Browns head coaching search

***For complete quotes from ‘NFL GameDay First’ & ‘NFL GameDay Morning,’ see below***

NFL Network GameDay FirstQuotes from NFL GameDay First

Today, NFL Network’s NFL GameDay First aired at 7:00 AM ET, with host Melissa Stark, co-host/analyst Sterling Sharpe, and analysts Shaun O’Hara and Brian Billick.

“He out-slows a lot of people, and because he out slows you he gets himself open. If you throw it anywhere in the area code, it gets caught. He has great body control, great body lean…When I look at him I see Cris Carter and he ended up in the Hall of Fame. If Michael Crabtree can have longevity, he can end up there as well.” – Sterling Sharpe on San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree 

“Cam Newton needs to be Superman. He needs to put this team on his back.” – Sterling Sharpe on Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton

“I had Randall Cunningham when I was in Minnesota and he reminds me a little bit of Colin Kaepernick in terms of the size and the speed, and the way he operates. He is a passer who can run, not just a runner who can pass.” – Brian Billick on San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick 

“The game has slowed down for him mentally which has helped him to speed the game up with his legs. He has done a much better job when the play breaks down with his decision-making.” – Shaun O’Hara on San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick

“Both want to be known as pocket passers. They love to run around and they will make plays that way, but at the end of the day they take pride in wanting to be ‘Brady-esque’ or like Drew Brees. The want to show they can be a quarterback, not just a guy who runs around.” – Brian Billick on San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick and Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton 

“[The Chargers are] so comfortable there, it is a bad matchup.” – Sterling Sharpe on the Denver Broncos playing the San Diego Chargers

“You try to accommodate it. Three is a little unique. One? Ok, you can do it Friday or Saturday. But three? That would stretch me a little bit.” – Brian Billick on San Diego Chargers offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt interviewing for three head coaching positions while the Chargers are still in the playoffs 

“They don’t ‘wow’ you with the names on the back of their jerseys. It’s not one – it’s all of them. They do a great job of playing team defense.” – Sterling Sharpe on the New England Patriots defense

“You expect young players to look lost at times – they don’t look lost at all. I credit Bill Belichick and the coaching staff, and I credit the veteran players on this team for getting the young players in line.” – Shaun O’Hara on the young players on the New England Patriots

NFL Network NFL GameDay MorningQuotes from NFL GameDay Morning

Today, NFL Network’s NFL GameDay Morning aired at 9:00 AM ET, taking viewers straight up to kickoff. Host Rich Eisen joined 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. Additionally, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport provided the latest inside information from around the league, NFL Network analyst LaDainian Tomlinson appeared in-studio and NFL Network analyst Terrell Davis joined from Denver. 

“The biggest thing here is finally Cam hasn’t had to do it all by himself…[In previous seasons] he had to make 60 minutes of plays for his team every time out. This year he hasn’t had to do that; they have that great defense and now it’s been up to Cam to make those critical plays.” – Kurt Warner on Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton

“When you’re the first or second overall pick in the draft, there is no more pressure than stepping on the field and earning it; showing to people around the world that you deserve to be that. I felt that and playing in a playoff game was nothing like playing in my first couple of games as a pro…He’s going to feel so relaxed and so comfortable on this field with what he knows and the things that are around him, I can’t wait to see Cam on this stage. I expect big things from him.” – Marshall Faulk on Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton in his first career playoff game 

“When you play defenses that are as good as these two defenses, your backs must be multi-dimensional. These two are going to have to help their quarterbacks in the passing game as well as the running game.” – Marshall Faulk on San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore and Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams

“There are certain people that give other guys that confidence. Steve Smith helps Cam [Newton] with that…That’s why it’s big to have [Smith] on the field today because that kind of guy who’s been to a Super Bowl can say, ‘Hey, calm it down, let’s relax.’” – Michael Irvin on the impact of Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith 

“I don’t know if [another Super Bowl title] puts him as the greatest, but he needs another one to be considered in that handful of guys as the greatest of all time.” – Kurt Warner on Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning

“Because Peyton Manning is such a great quarterback and we’ve seen what he’s done during the regular season, people expect more from Peyton Manning. He’s almost become a victim of his own success during the regular season…Peyton Manning has to win playoff games and championships. He has to get it done this year.” – Terrell Davis on Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning 

“They have the most complete team in the AFC right now. If they win this game, they can go to Foxborough and give the Patriots all they can handle.” – Terrell Davis on the San Diego Chargers

“The key to his success has been Frank Reich, the quarterbacks coach. Philip loves to have another set of eyes on the field. After he comes off the field, he wants to get over to someone that has seen something…that Philip can say, ‘You’re right, I believe in what this guy’s telling me’ and he can implement that back into the game plan.” – LaDainian Tomlinson on San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers’ performance this season 

“Can they get the stops if Peyton [Manning] starts slow to allow them to hang in the game to where it’s not too far out of hand that we’re looking at Peyton and his arm and those receivers to bring them back? That’s my only concern with this game.” – Marshall Faulk on Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio and the Broncos’ defense

“This is what you have to love about Bill Belichick: he understands what’s to come in the playoffs. It’s going to be cold in Denver. If you get to the Super Bowl, it’s going to be cold…We’re becoming a run the football first team.” – Marshall Faulk on the New England Patriots running the ball 46 times in the 43-22 victory over the Indianapolis Colts

“We saw the future with Andrew Luck. I know we talk about all of the other young quarterbacks – I believe he separated himself from the rest of the crew with that performance yesterday…Some of the passes that he made under duress, it was just unbelievable.” – Marshall Faulk on Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck

NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport

On San Diego offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt:
“He has been doing three job interviews this week. He first had the Lions on Thursday. Then Titans general manager Ruston Webster flew out to San Diego on Friday, and [Whisenhunt] spent yesterday afternoon interviewing with Joe Banner, Mike Lombardi and the Cleveland Browns. The Chargers have been accommodating, they have tried to adhere to Whisenhunt’s wishes. They understand how it goes; remember, last year the Chargers were in the same situation interviewing then-Broncos offensive coordinator Mike McCoy. That said, if the Chargers do lose, don’t be surprised if the Lions – for whom Whisenhunt is a clear frontrunner – move incredibly fast to hire the guy they view as their top choice.”

On the Cleveland Browns heading coaching search:
“[New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh] McDaniels is out but the Browns are waiting. Adam Gase, the Broncos offensive coordinator, they would really like to talk to him. If the Broncos lose today, they will likely move on him quickly. But if they don’t, they may have to wait. They also like Packers quarterbacks coach, Ben McAdoo. It’s clear that [Joe] Banner and [Michael] Lombardi want offense; that is their first priority. Part of the problem here is from what I’m told, candidates have been calling Rob Chudzinski who went one-and-out with the Browns. The reviews have not been favorable; he’s an honest guy, he’s been honest with them and when you talk to people involved in these interviews, it doesn’t sound like Banner, Lombardi and [owner Jimmy] Haslam have all been on the same page.”

On the Tennessee Titans head coaching search:
“The Titans have one more interview to go on their docket: it is Dan Quinn, the Seahawks defensive coordinator. He is a top candidate for them, a lot of interest; he goes back to Tampa with Ruston Webster, their GM. The problem is Quinn’s team is still playing; the Seahawks are still alive so the Titans would have to wait to interview him. It can’t happen this week. My understanding is they are inclined to wait but if they decide not to, Jim Caldwell, the Ravens offensive coordinator, is the other strong candidate for them. He impressed them in an extensive interview last week.”

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

– Divisional Sunday Bold Predictions – The NFL GameDay Morning crew provide their Bold Prediction for the Sunday Divisional Round games:
http://on.nfl.com/1dHDJKX 

– Peyton Manning’s Defining Moment Mark Kriegel takes a look back at Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning’s consistent struggles in January and explains why this postseason could be Manning’s defining moment:
http://on.nfl.com/1hd4KKz

– Todd Helton Help Fuel Peyton Manning’s Comeback – NFL Network’s Steve Cyphers examines the relationship between Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning and former Colorado Rockies first baseman Todd Helton:
http://on.nfl.com/1cRYLci
 

– Will Denver Broncos Quarterback Peyton Manning Shake his Playoff Demons? – Former Denver Broncos running back Terrell Davis talks about the scrutiny quarterback Peyton Manning is facing and explains how he can silence his critics Sunday:

http://on.nfl.com/1ezFQnW

– San Diego Chargers Quarterback Philip Rivers’ Revival LaDainian Tomlinson joins NFL GameDay Morning to discuss the keys to San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers’ resurgence in 2013:
http://on.nfl.com/1hLDyWe

– Will San Diego Chargers Quarterback Philip Rivers Have a Big Day in Denver? – The NFL GameDay First team breaks down what San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers will need to do in order to leave Denver with a win:
http://on.nfl.com/KX9tVQ

– How to Wrangle the Denver Broncos – The NFL GameDay Morning crew straps on the bolo ties and gets on its horses in order to give the San Diego Chargers the key to beating the Denver Broncos:
http://on.nfl.com/1eyBlYT

– ‘Players Only’: San Diego Chargers vs. Denver Broncos, Part 3 – The players discuss the challenges of playing an opponent for the third time and talk about how coaches change their game plans accordingly:
http://on.nfl.com/1kwojm3

– Waiting on Super-Cam Shaun O’Hara, Sterling Sharpe and Brian Billick debate if Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton will need to perform like Superman in order for the Panthers to defeat the San Francisco 49ers:
http://on.nfl.com/1eN99ll

– San Francisco 49ers Quarterback Colin Kaepernick vs. Carolina Panthers Quarterback Cam Newton – San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick and Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton share many similarities except in one major area, playoff experience:
http://on.nfl.com/1hd9IXQ

– Dual-Threat Duel – NFL Network’s Jeff Darlington has an inside look at the dual-threat duo of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick and Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton:
http://on.nfl.com/1cYq5SR

– Do the New England Patriots Have the Super Bowl Formula? – The NFL GameDay Morning crew breaks down the New England Patriots’ win over the Indianapolis Colts and answers if relying on the run game is the best way to reach the Super Bowl:
http://on.nfl.com/1cRXRwq

– Carolina Panthers Wide Receiver Steve Smith & San Diego Chargers Running Back Ryan Mathews Expected to Play – NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reports the latest on two big injuries in both of Sunday’s Divisional Round games:
http://on.nfl.com/1aToC0f
 

– Ken Whisenhunt’s Coaching Search Causing Distractions? – NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport gives the latest on where San Diego Chargers offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt could be heading to be the next head coach:
http://on.nfl.com/1dnpro9

– Cleveland Browns Waiting to Interview Their Coach? – NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reports on who the leading candidates are for the Detroit Lions and Cleveland Browns head coaching vacancies:
http://on.nfl.com/1hcU5jb

That will do it.

About Ken Fang

Ken has been covering the sports media in earnest at his own site, Fang's Bites since May 2007 and at Awful Announcing since March 2013. He provides a unique perspective having been an award-winning radio news reporter in Providence and having worked in local television. Fang celebrates the three Boston Red Sox World Championships in the 21st Century, but continues to be a long-suffering Cleveland Browns fan.

Quantcast