ESPN’s Weekend and Monday NFL Studio Features

ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown Presented by IBM will preview the weekend’s NFL matchups Sunday at 11 a.m. featuring host Chris Berman and analysts Cris Carter, Mike Ditka, Tom Jackson and Keyshawn Johnson. ESPN senior analyst Chris Mortensen and NFL insider Adam Schefter will provide headlines and league news.

Sunday’s two-hour show will include reports from Sal Paolantonio at the Denver Broncos – Philadelphia Eagles game, Rachel Nichols covering the New York Jets at Indianapolis Colts, Bob Holtzman covering the Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers, and Wendi Nix at the Meadowlands for the Panthers-Giants.

Sunday’s highlights:

Colts O-Line: “Fine Club”: When the Colts offensive line isn’t protecting Peyton Manning, it’s operating a “Fine Club” that fines linemen for violations ranging from missing a block in practice to drawing attention to yourself, to protesting a fine. Tackle Charlie Johnson acts as the secretary and the proceeds from the fines go to former Colts’ offensive tackle Tarik Glenn’s DREAM Alive Foundation – supporting needy families during the holiday season. Rachel Nichols reports.

Images of the Decade: As the calendar approaches 2010, Sunday NFL Countdown looks back at the images that have made this decade special, including Giants’ wide receiver David Tyree’s catch, the Music City Miracle, the Tuck Rule game, Michael Vick, Favre leaving Green Bay, the Superdome re-opening and more.

Soundtracks — Brian Dawkins: During 13 seasons in Philadelphia, safety Brian Dawkins made seven Pro Bowls and served as the emotional heartbeat of the Eagles’ defense. Now returning as a member of the Denver Broncos, Sunday’s Soundtracks will feature the best of Dawkins’ sound on the field.

Mayne Event Awards: In this week’s Mayne Event, Kenny Mayne looks back at some of the best and brightest Mayne Event performances of the year in the Mayne Event Awards, with help from seven-time Grammy winner John Mayer, who will host and help hand out the hardware in categories like Best Famous Person, Best Actor and Best Story.

EA Madden Demo: Tony Romo & Draw Plays: The Cowboys run game is becoming more dependent on the draw play each week because of Tony Romo’s ball-handling skills and his ability to sell the pass prior to the draw handoff. When defenses try to sniff out the draw, Romo can pull the ball back and pass the ball downfield. Tom Jackson demonstrates how effective the Cowboys’ draw play can be against the Redskins in the EA Virtual Playbook.

7-7 Deadly Sins: Five AFC teams enter Week 16 with a 7-7 record and are on the outside looking in at the AFC playoff picture. The Countdown crew explains what “deadly sin” each of the 7-7 teams committed during this season that could box them out of playoff contention.

Start ‘Em or Sit ‘Em with Matthew Berry and Merril Hoge: ESPN’s fantasy football guru Matthew Berry and NFL analyst Merril Hoge debate which players to start or sit this weekend.

Berman, Carter, Ditka, Jackson and Johnson will pick the biggest games of the day and tell fans which players will make the biggest impact in NFL’s Week 16 action. The list of game picks will be posted on www.espn.com/sundaycountdown after the show.

MONDAY NIGHT COUNTDOWN, 7 P.M. ON ESPN

The final edition of Monday Night Countdown Served by Applebee’s for the 2009 NFL season will air this week, with Berman, Carter, Ditka, Jackson, Johnson, Mortensen and Schefter in Bristol and Steve Young at the MNF game in Chicago, reviewing Sunday’s games and previewing the Monday Night Football finale. The 90-minute pre-game show will lead into the kickoff of the Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears game (8:30 p.m.), featuring Mike Tirico, Jon Gruden and Ron Jaworski

Reporters Michele Tafoya (Vikings) and Suzy Kolber (Bears) will cover the teams. Other highlights:

Soundtracks — Brett Favre’s Season: Brett Favre’s return to the NFL as the Minnesota Vikings quarterback was one of the most anticipated storylines of the 2009 season. Favre and the Vikings got off to a terrific start but have recently hit some bumps in the road. Monday’s Soundtracks will feature Favre’s season for the Vikings.

Unmasked: Jared Allen: Jared Allen, a Defensive Player of the Year candidate, leads the NFC with 13½ sacks this season. This week’s Unmasked goes under the helmet and reveals what motivates Allen to be one of the NFL’s best sack artists.

ESPN The Magazine‘s “For Love or the Game” – Greg Olsen: Chicago Bears’ tight end Greg Olsen is paired with his wife, Kara, and teammate Desmond Clark to see who really knows Olsen best.

WEEKLY MONDAY NIGHT COUNTDOWN SEGMENTS

TEAMS AT 20 – Every 20 minutes reporters Tafoya and Kolber will update news from the teams in their preparations for the game, beginning with NFL Live at 3:30 p.m.

FIELD PASS – Countdown offers an all-access look at pre-game preparations as the players get ready for kickoff. Analysts will also breakdown the important storylines and key players before the game.

C’MON MAN – Countdown personalities share their head-scratching plays from Week 16.

In addition, Monday Night Football’s Tirico, Jaworski and Gruden will preview the night’s matchup, with Mortensen and Schefter covering breaking news from around the league, and the Countdown analysts offering their “Lead Pipe Lock” predictions for the game.

NFL MATCHUP, SUNDAY 3 A.M. AND 7:30 A.M. ON ESPN

NFL Matchup with host Sal Paolantonio and analysts Merril Hoge and Ron Jaworski will preview the weekend’s games by bringing viewers inside the film room for the Xs and Os analysis of the matchups. The 30-minute program – taped each week at NFL Films in Mt. Laurel, New Jersey – highlights team strategy and game planning. This week’s features:

Ravens @ Steelers: Steelers Offense – Jaworski uncovers how the Steelers were able to spread the Packers’ defense and limit Green Bay’s ability to disguise blitzes.

Ravens @ Steelers: Revisiting Week 12 – Hoge displays how Pittsburgh was able to disrupt Joe Flacco and the Ravens’ passing game with blitzes in their Week 12 matchup.

Cowboys @ Redskins – The Cowboys have another critical late season matchup Sunday against the Redskins. Jaworski illustrates how the Cowboys’ ability to dictate one-on-one matchups with DeMarcus Ware has a domino effect on the rest of the defense’s ability to get pressure on the quarterback.

Broncos @ Eagles – Beyond The Film Room will show how Eagles tight end Brent Celek gets Donovan McNabb’s attention when he’s wide open.

Jets @ Colts – Hoge reveals how the Colts’ use of multiple fronts on defense can disrupt the Jets’ rushing attack.

Jaguars @ Patriots – Jaworski unveils how the Patriots’ increased versatility forces defenses to prepare for their running game.

Vikings @ Bears – Jaworski exposes how the inconsistencies with the Vikings’ O-line have short-circuited their rushing attack.

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