February 10, 2012

Former Falcons Head Coach Jim Mora Interviews Eagles QB Michael Vick & Steve Mariucci 1-on-1 with Eagles Head Coach Andy Reid — NFL NETWORK/NFL.COM PROGRAMMING NOTES (9/29-10/5)

September 30, 2010 By Leave a Comment

NFL NETWORK & NFL.COM PROGRAMMING NOTES (9/29-10/5)

former falcons head coach Jim Mora sits down with Eagles QB Michael Vick &

Steve Mariucci TALKS with

Eagles head coach Andy Reid

on NFL GameDay Morning Sunday at 9:00 AM ET

Interview with Steelers WR Hines Ward on NFL Total Access Thursday at 7:00 PM ET

The Top 100: NFL’s Greatest Players Continues Countdown with Numbers 51-60 Thursday at 9:00 PM ET

Rich Eisen Interviews Drew Brees & Larry David on His NFL.com Podcast

Jim Mora Sits Down with Eagles QB Michael Vick and Steve Mariucci Talks with Eagles Head Coach Andy Reid on NFL GameDay Morning Sunday at 9:00 AM ET

Sunday is NFL GameDay on NFL Network, starting at 9:00 AM ET with NFL GameDay Morning. Host Rich Eisen joins Steve Mariucci, Marshall Faulk, Michael Irvin and Warren Sapp for the first and most comprehensive pregame show every Sunday.

This Sunday features exclusive interviews with Steve Mariucci sitting down with former colleague and Eagles’ head coach Andy Reid.  Jim Mora also talks with Eagles’ QB Michael Vick, who once played under Mora in Atlanta, as the team heads into their weekend matchup against former QB Donovan McNabb and the Redskins.

The Top 100: NFL’s Greatest Players Continues with Episodes #5, Featuring Numbers 51-60 Thursday at 9:00 PM ET

Episode #5 of The Top 100: NFL’s Greatest Players debuts on NFL Network, Thursday at 9:00 PM ET, revealing numbers 51-60 on the list.  Among the 10 players to be named this Thursday are a quarterback who has won multiple Super Bowls, two men with ties to Chicago’s last championship team and the first player to lead the NFL in rushing three years in a row.  The first 40 players that have been revealed are as follows:

100. Joe Namath

99. Michael Strahan

98. Lee Roy Selmon

97. Derrick Brooks

96. Mel Hein

95. Larry Allen

94. Lenny Moore

93. Sam Huff

92. Michael Irvin

91. Fran Tarkenton

90. Kurt Warner

89. Ernie Nevers

88. Ed Reed

87. Elroy ‘Crazylegs’ Hirsch

86. Willie Davis

85. Marcus Allen

84. Joe Schmidt

83. Norm Van Brocklin

82. Ted Hendricks

81. Steve Young

80. Troy Aikman

79. Emlen Tunnell

78. Bruce Matthews

77. Tony Dorsett

76. Art Shell

75. Darrell Green

74. Marion Motley

73. Ozzie Newsome

72. Jonathan Ogden

71. Paul Warfield

70. Marshall Faulk

69. Bobby Bell

68. Mike Webster

67. Kellen Winslow

66. Willie Brown

65. Randy Moss

64. Herb Adderley

63. Jim Otto

62. Randy White

61. LaDainian Tomlinson

The Top 100 is a ten-part series counting down the 100 greatest players in NFL history, as determined by a blue-ribbon panel of football experts, including former players, historians, scouts, team executives and writers. As each member of the Top 100 is revealed, their story is told by a single “presenter” – chosen from the worlds of sports, politics, film, television and literature – who possesses particular interest in that player and insight into his greatness.

THIS WEEK ON NFL GAMEDAY MORNING

  • NFL Network analyst Jim Mora interviews his former QB Michael Vick
  • Steve Mariucci sits down with Eagles Head Coach Andy Reid
  • Michael Lombardi reports from Tennessee for Broncos-Titans
  • Steve Wyche reports from Lambeau Field for Lions-Packers
  • Kara Henderson reports from Pittsburgh for Ravens-Steelers
  • Jason La Canfora reports from Philadelphia for Redskins-Eagles

THIS WEEK ON AROUND THE LEAGUE and NFL TOTAL ACCESS: Interview with Steelers WR Hines Ward, ‘Competition Committee’ with Falcons President Rich McKay, Jason La Canfora Reports from Philadelphia Before Eagles-Redskins

­­­­­­­­­­­

Wednesday, September 29

NFL Total Access:

  • ‘Competition Committee’ segment with Falcons President Rich McKay

Thursday, September 30

NFL Total Access:

  • Interview with Steelers WR Hines Ward
  • News of the Day from Philadelphia with Jason La Canfora

Around the League:

  • Play-by-Play with 49ers announcer Ted Robinson
  • Play-by-Play with Titans radio voice Mike Keith

Friday, October 1

NFL Total Access:

  • News of the Day from Philadelphia with Jason La Canfora

Saturday, October 2

NFL Total Access:

  • Jason La Canfora reports live from the Redskins’ hotel in Philadelphia

THIS WEEK ON PLAYBOOK: A Look at Ravens-Steelers, Texans-Raiders, Jets-Bills, Redskins-Eagles, 49ers-Falcons and Seahawks-Rams Matchups

Thursday 6:00 PM ET – AFC Playbook with Brian Billick, Sterling Sharpe and Joe Theismann:

  • How the Steelers can ride their offense to remain unbeaten
  • Why the Texans could lose their second straight game
  • Why the Jets could be in trouble against the Bills

Friday at 6:00 PM ET – NFC Playbook with Brian Baldinger, Sterling Sharpe and Joe Theismann:

  • Why the Redskins defense won’t be able to contain Michael Vick and the Eagles offense
  • How the Falcons can ride their offense to a third straight win
  • How the Rams defense can be the key to a second straight win

Episode #3 of ‘The Rich Eisen Podcast’ Features Interviews with Saints QB Drew Brees and comedian Larry David, Third Installment Debuts at No. 19 Among iTunes Top Podcasts

NFL Network host Rich Eisen posted his third podcast of the season, featuring Saints QB Drew Brees and comedian Larry David. Brees reflected back on the Saints Super Bowl-winning season, while David dishes on the New York Jets, filming his show Curb Your Enthusiasm and how he would make a great head coach.

Also joining was NFL Network producer Jason Wormser, who recapped all the headlines from Week 3 in the NFL.

Last week, Eisen’s second podcast featuring Packers QB Aaron Rodgers and FOX NFL analyst Michael Strahan debuted at No. 14 on iTunes and ranked as high as No. 19 among iTunes’ top podcast episodes (as of September 29).

For more information on ‘The Rich Eisen Podcast,’ please visit http://richeisen.nfl.com/?module=HP_spotlight or go to iTunes to download the latest episode.

THIS WEEK ON NFL.COM: NFL Fantasy LIVE Sunday at 10:00 AM ET

Thursday, September 30

  • CHAT: Steve Wyche (12 NOON ET)
  • CHAT: Brian Billick (2:00 PM ET)

Friday, October 1

  • CHAT: Fantasy Focus (12 NOON ET)
  • CHAT: Vic Carucci (2:00 PM ET)

Sunday, October 3

  • 10:00 AM ET – NFL Fantasy LIVE with Michelle Beisner, Michael Fabiano and Dave Dameshek delivers the most up to date information for your fantasy team to have a record-setting day.

DAY-BY-DAY PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE (all times listed are ET)

Wednesday, September 29

7:00 PM – NFL Total Access (HD)

8:00 PM – NFL Replay: Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears (HD)

9:15 PM – NFL Replay: San Diego Chargers vs. Seattle Seahawks (HD)

10:30 PM – Sound FX: 2010, Week 3 (HD)

11:00 PM – NFL Total Access (HD)

12 MIDNIGHT – Playbook (HD)

Thursday, September 30

12 NOON – Playbook (HD)

1:00 PM – NFL Replay: Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears (HD)

2:15 PM – NFL Replay: San Diego Chargers vs. Seattle Seahawks (HD)

3:30 PM – Sound FX: 2010, Week 3 (HD)

4:00 PM – Around the League (HD) – LIVE

6:00 PM – Playbook: AFC (HD)

7:00 PM – NFL Total Access (HD)

8:00 PM – The Top 100: NFL’s Greatest Players – Episode 4 (HD)

9:00 PM – The Top 100: NFL’s Greatest Players – Episode 5 (HD) – DEBUT

10:00 PM – Playbook: AFC (HD)

11:00 PM – NFL Total Access (HD)

Friday, October 1

12 NOON – Playbook: AFC (HD)

1:00 PM – Sound FX: 2010, Week 2 (HD)

1:30 PM – The Top 100: NFL’s Greatest Players – Episode 5 (HD)

2:00 PM – NFL Replay: 2007, Week 10, Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins (HD)

4:00 PM – Around the League (HD) – LIVE

6:00 PM – Playbook: NFC (HD)

7:00 PM – Top 10 Things We Loved About The 2000s (HD)

8:00 PM – Canadian Football League: Montreal Alouettes vs. Calgary Stampeders (HD) – LIVE

12 MIDNIGHT – Playbook: NFC (HD)

Saturday, October 2

9:00 AM – The Top 100: NFL’s Greatest Players – Episode 4 (HD)

10:00 AM – The Top 100: NFL’s Greatest Players – Episode 5 (HD)

11:30 AM – Playbook: NFC (HD)

12 NOON – NFL Films Presents: Living the Dream (HD)

12:30 PM – NFL Replay: 2007, Week 10, Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins (HD)

1:30 PM – Top 10 Things We Loved About The 2000s

2:30 PM – The Top 100: NFL’s Greatest Players – Episode 3 (HD)

3:30 PM – The Top 100: NFL’s Greatest Players – Episode 4 (HD)

5:00 PM – Playbook: NFC (HD)

6:00 PM – Playbook: AFC (HD)

7:00 PM – NFL Total Access (HD)

8:30 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Jersey Numbers (HD)

9:30 PM – The Top 100: NFL’s Greatest Players – Episode 5 (HD)

10:30 PM – NFL Films Presents: Living the Dream (HD)

11:00 PM – NFL Total Access (HD)

Sunday, October 3

‘NFL GameDay’

9:00 AM – NFL GameDay Morning (HD)

1:00 PM – NFL GameDay StatZone (HD)

4:00 PM – NFL GameDay Scoreboard (HD)

7:30 PM – NFL GameDay Highlights (HD)

11:30 PM – NFL GameDay Overtime (HD)

12 MIDNIGHT – NFL GameDay Final (HD)

Monday, October 4

3:00 PM – NFL Replay Real-Time: 2010, Week 4 (HD)

4:00 PM – Around the League (HD) – LIVE

6:00 PM – Up to the Minute (HD)

6:30 PM – The Coaches Show (HD)

7:00 PM – NFL Total Access (HD)

8:30 PM – The Coaches Show (HD)

9:00 PM – NFL Follies: 21st Century Follies

10:00 PM – The Coaches Show (HD)

10:30 PM – NFL Follies: The New Year Mistackular

11:30 PM – NFL Total Access: Monday Night Football Pressers (HD)

Tuesday, October 5

12 NOON – NFL Replay Real-Time: 2010, Week 4 (HD)

1:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Jersey Numbers (HD)

2:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Overtime Finishes (HD)

3:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Games with Names

4:00 PM – Around the League (HD) – LIVE

6:00 PM – Playbook (HD)

7:00 PM – NFL Total Access (HD)

Field Pass Block (8:00-11:00 PM ET)

8:00 PM – NFL Replay (HD)

9:15 PM – NFL Replay (HD)

10:30 PM – Sound FX: Best of Steve Mariucci (HD)

Filed Under: NFL, NFLN

NHL Network Front and Center for 2010 NHL Face-Off; Three Hours of Live Programming Broadcast Season Opening Party Throughout North America

September 30, 2010 By Leave a Comment

NHL NETWORK FRONT AND CENTER FOR 2010 NHL FACE-OFF™
Three Hours of Live Programming Broadcast Season-Opening Party throughout North America

NEW YORK/TORONTO (September 30, 2010) – NHL Network cameras will chronicle all the events and capture all the excitement of 2010 NHL Face-Off™ when the puck drops on the 2010-11 NHL season on Thursday, October 7, with an all-day celebration in Dundas Square in downtown Toronto.

From its vantage point at the center of the Square, NHL Network™ will overlook a synthetic ice surface and capture the essence of 2010 NHL Face-Off with three hours of live programming from 4 -7 p.m. ET.  The broadcast will air live performances and exclusive interviews with three of Canada’s top bands — Hedley, Down With Webster and Hey Rosetta! — while keeping viewers updated on the plays of the day and scores from the afternoon’s European match-up.

Roving reporter Christine Simpson, NHL On The Fly™ host Brian Duff and panelist Mike Johnson will take viewers inside all of the activities happening on the square –including a hotstove session with Maple Leafs’ alumni Darryl Sittler, Wendel Clark and other special guests.

Simpson will visit the many hockey-theme interactives on-site and speak with the parents, kids and guests participating in the on-ice skill clinics.  NHL Network also will offer a unique opportunity to all those fans in attendance who aspire to a career in television broadcasting — On The Fly studio analysts Larry Murphy, Bill Berg and Craig Button will give fans the chance to host a virtual On The Fly newscast.

NHL Face-Off, the NHL’s annual season-opening event, will run from noon until the conclusion of the Montreal Canadiens vs. Toronto Maple Leafs game at Air Canada Centre.  The NHL® will treat fans to live musical performances; interactive attractions that test hockey skills; prizes and giveaways, including the chance to win a trip to the 2011 NHL Heritage Classic™; special guest appearances, including those by former NHL players; food, beverage and merchandise tents; and live CBC and VERSUS game broadcasts on giant video screens, including the Dundas Square video boards. CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada and VERSUS also will broadcast from the event throughout the day, including portions of CBC’s pre-game show, Scotiabank Hockey Tonight, which begins nationally at 6:30 p.m. ET.

NHL Network Schedule – Thursday, October 7 (all times ET; all programs air in HD in U.S.)
9:30 – 10:30 a.m.        NHL On The Fly Season Preview: Eastern Conference
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.        NHL On The Fly Season Preview: Western Conference
11:30 – noon        NHL On The Fly 2010 Premiere Special
Noon – 2:00 p.m.        NHL Live!
2 – 4:00 p.m.        2010 Stanley Cup® Final: Game #6 Chicago @ Philadelphia
4 – 7:00 p.m.        2010 NHL Face-Off
7:00 p.m.        NHL On The Fly

For more information, contact: Julie Young, NHL (416.359.7964, [email protected])

About NHL NETWORK
As the definitive hockey destination, NHL Network offers viewers a 24-hour all-access pass to complete hockey coverage both on and off the ice, including live NHL games. The Network’s daily signature show – NHL On The Fly™ – offers fans exclusive live look-ins to NHL games, including goals, shootouts, features, interviews, pre- and post-game reports and expert analysis from a variety of hockey insiders and former players, plus special coverage from NHL events. Additional programming includes international and amateur hockey, player profiles, interview shows and youth-oriented programs. NHL Network is available in the U.S. and Canada by contacting digital cable or satellite providers.  For more information log on to www.nhlnetwork.com.

NHL, the NHL Shield and Stanley Cup are registered trademarks and NHL Face-Off name and logo, NHL Heritage Classic name and logo, NHL Network name and logo, NHL On the Fly and NHL Live are trademarks of the National Hockey League.  All Rights Reserved.

###(9/30/10)
Filed Under: NHL, NHL Network

Aikman: McNabb’s Knowledge of Field & Defense Gives Him the Upper Hand in Philly

September 30, 2010 By Leave a Comment

FOX SPORTS NOTES, QUOTES & ANECDOTES

Aikman: McNabb’s Knowledge of Field & Defense Gives Him the Upper Hand in Philly

NL West Comes Down to the Wire as Padres/Giants Clash in San Fran Saturday on FOX

McNabb’s Return to Philly to Face Vick and Eagles Anchors

FOX’s Doubleheader National Game

BASEBALL’S BEST MAKE FINAL PLAYOFF PUSH IN MLB ON FOX REGULAR SEASON FINALE — The FOX SATURDAY BASEBALL GAME OF THE WEEK culminates its 2010 season on Saturday, Oct. 2 at 4:00 PM ET with three playoff-implicated matchups. With an AL East crown and home field advantage through the ALCS still within their grasps, Derek Jeter and the Yankees travel to Boston to take on David Ortiz and the Red Sox. There is still everything to play for in the NL West as Matt Cain and the Giants aim to hold off Adrian Gonzalez and the Padres. Down in Atlanta, the Braves look to hold onto the Wild Card when they host the Phillies. This week, the pregame show originates live from AT&T Park in San Francisco with host Chris Rose. Once game action begins, Rose joins the broadcast crew of Josh Lewin and Mark Grace as a reporter.

**Comcast Sports Net will air the Phillies at Braves game in the Philadelphia markets.

For instant updates throughout the week and during games from the entire MLB on FOX crew, follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/MLBONFOX.  Fans can gain more access to exclusive FOX Sports content by logging on to www.facebook.com/foxsports and www.myspace.com/foxsports.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2

GAME PLAY-BY-PLAY/ANALYST COV.

New York Yankees at Boston Red Sox                       Joe Buck, Tim McCarver                                                 36%

& Ken Rosenthal

Fenway Park – Boston, MA

MARKETS INCLUDE:  Austin, Baltimore, Boston, Buffalo, Dallas, Fort Myers, Hartford, Houston, Miami, Minneapolis, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, Providence, San Antonio, Seattle, Tampa, West Palm Beach

Probable Pitchers: TBA vs. Clay Buchholz, RHP (17-7, 2.33 ERA)

San Diego Padres at San Francisco Giants                Josh Lewin & Mark Grace                                               20%

AT&T Park – San Francisco, CA

MARKETS INCLUDE:  Albuquerque, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Portland, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco

Probable Pitchers: Tim Stauffer, RHP (5-5, 1.89 ERA) vs. Matt Cain, RHP (13-10, 2.95 ERA)

Philadelphia Phillies at Atlanta Braves Dick Stockton & Eric Karros 17%

Turner Field – Atlanta, GA

MARKETS INCLUDE: Atlanta, Birmingham, Charlotte, Greensboro, Greenville, Jacksonville, Knoxville, Louisville, Memphis, Nashville, New Orleans, Tommy Hanson, RHP (10-11, 3.41 ERA)

Due to playoff implications, Saturday’s game for markets below will be announced Thursday afternoon:

Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Detroit, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Milwaukee, Norfolk, Oklahoma City, Pittsburgh, Richmond, St. Louis, Tulsa, Washington

HOW MUCH BROTHERLY LOVE WILL PHILLY HAVE FOR MCNABB: HIGHLY ANTICIPATED EAGLES/REDSKINS CLASH ANCHORS FOX’S NFL NATIONAL GAME – The NFL on FOX heads into Week 4 on Sunday, Oct. 3 with doubleheader coverage of six games— each presented in true HD. All eyes will be on Lincoln Financial Field at 4:00 PM ET as Donovan McNabb returns to Philadelphia, to lead the Redskins against Michael Vick and the Eagles. Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Pam Oliver call all the action of this high-profile QB matchup. At 1:00 PM ET, the action kicks off in New Orleans as Drew Brees and the Saints look to rebound from last week’s defeat when they host Jimmy Clausen and the Panthers. The Packers are another squad looking to get back on the winning track with a divisional game when they welcome the Lions to Lambeau. 49ers-Falcons and Seahawks-Rams round out the 1:00 PM ET action. In San Diego, Philip Rivers and the Chargers host the Cardinals at 4:00 PM ET.

Coverage begins at 12:00 PM ET with America’s most-watched pregame show, FOX NFL SUNDAY. Terry Bradshaw and Curt Menefee co-host the Emmy Award-winning program and are joined by analysts Howie Long, Michael Strahan and Jimmy Johnson. NFL Insider Jay Glazer presents the latest league news and scoops and comedic prognosticator Frank Caliendo contributes his weekly “Frank’s Picks” segment. NFL rules analyst Mike Pereira is also on hand to go over any impactful officiating issues from the last week. In this week’s show, Oliver sits down with Eagles QB Vick to discuss his life and what he is making out of his second chance in the NFL.

For instant updates during the week and games from the entire NFL on FOX crew, follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/NFLONFOX. Fans can gain more access to exclusive FOX Sports content by logging on to www.facebook.com/foxsports and www.myspace.com/foxsports.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3

GAME PLAY-BY-PLAY/ANALYST/SIDELINE COV. TIME

Carolina Panthers at New Orleans                               Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston                         52%                        1:00PM

& Tony Siragusa

New Orleans Superdome – New Orleans, LA

MARKETS INCLUDE: Austin, Baltimore, Birmingham, Boston, Charlotte, Dallas, Greensboro, Greenville, Hartford, Houston, Knoxville, Los Angeles, Memphis, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Norfolk, Orlando, Philadelphia, Providence, Raleigh, Richmond, San Antonio, Tampa, Washington, West Palm Beach

Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers                             Thom Brennaman, Brian Billick                     27%                        1:00PM

& Charissa Thompson

Lambeau Field – Green Bay, WI

MARKETS INCLUDE: Albuquerque, Chicago, Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, Denver, Detroit, Fort Myers, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Louisville, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Phoenix, Salt Lake City

San Francisco 49ers at Atlanta Falcons Dick Stockton, Charles Davis, Jim Mora 9%                        1:00PM

& Laura Okmin

Georgia Dome – Atlanta, GA

MARKETS INCLUDE: Atlanta, Jacksonville, Sacramento, San Francisco

Seattle Seahawks at St. Louis Rams                           Ron Pitts, John Lynch                                         5%                        1:00PM

& Nischelle Turner

Edward Jones Dome – St. Louis, MO

MARKETS INCLUDE: Oklahoma City, Portland, Seattle, Tulsa

Washington Redskins at Philadelphia Eagles            Joe Buck, Troy Aikman                                    94%                        4:15PM

& Pam Oliver

Lincoln Financial Field – Philadelphia, PA

MARKETS INCLUDE: Albuquerque, Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Birmingham, Boston, Buffalo, Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dallas, Dayton, Denver, Detroit, Fort Myers, Greensboro, Greenville, Hartford, Houston, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Knoxville, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Louisville, Memphis, Miami, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Nashville, New Orleans, New York, Norfolk, Oklahoma City, Orlando, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Portland, Providence, Raleigh, Richmond, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, San Diego, Seattle, St. Louis, Tampa, Tulsa, Washington, West Palm Beach

Arizona Cardinals at San Diego Chargers                  Sam Rosen, Tim Ryan                                        3%                        4:15PM

& Chris Myers

Qualcomm Stadium – San Diego, CA

MARKETS INCLUDE: Phoenix, San Diego

AIKMAN: MCNABB’S KNOWLEDGE OF FIELD & DEFENSE GIVES HIM THE UPPER HAND AGAINST EAGLES – Hall of Famer and NFL on FOX lead analyst Troy Aikman has called some big games in his broadcasting career and this Sunday he adds to that list when he heads to Lincoln Financial Field to call Donovan McNabb’s highly-anticipated return to Philadelphia. Aikman compares the quarterbacks at the forefront of this pivotal matchup and which team has the upper hand.

ON MICHAEL VICK:  “I thought the Eagles would be a good team this year if they had good play at quarterback. Now they are getting great play at quarterback, it’s just not from the guy they thought would be there. Michael Vick has been impressive. He’s obviously put a lot of time into learning the offense. What has made him such a great player this season has been his ability to accurately put the ball where it has to be. His running and being able to create plays is something he’s always had but now he’s looking to throw the football and that wasn’t the case a few years back. He’s looking to be a passer first and a runner second. That has made all the difference in the world.”

WHO HAS THE ADVANTAGE SUNDAY? – McNabb, who knows the Eagles’ defense and Reid’s tendencies or Reid who brought up McNabb as a rookie and knows his weaknesses? “There’s certainly a benefit to knowing intimately what Donovan struggles with and being able to attack that. But there has to be a huge comfort level on Donovan’s part to going up against players he’s practiced with and knows really well. There’s a greater benefit to Donovan knowing Andy’s Reid’s defense than Reid telling his defense one or two things about an individual player. The defense can change set ups and counts but that might not be worth all the confusion for just one game. Also, there’s not a lot that Andy would know about Donovan that 11 years of film wouldn’t reveal. Donovan’s knowledge and comfort level gives him the advantage.”

ON DONOVAN MCNABB: “Washington is using him differently than Philadelphia did, more play-action and moving him out more. He was with the same system and same head coach for 11 years and there is an adjustment period to learning something new and it’s only going to get better. This is going to be an emotional experience for him. It is going to be different. From getting there on a bus, to getting dressed in the visitors’ locker room and the reaction he gets from the crowd. But once he’s on the field, he’s going to have an advantage in that he’s that familiar with the field and facility.”

– FOX SPORTS –

Filed Under: FOX, MLB, NFL

ESPN Films Adds Fernando Nation to ’30 for 30′ Schedule; Additional schedule change for Pony Excess and The Best That Never Was

September 30, 2010 By Leave a Comment

ESPN Films Adds Fernando Nation to ‘30 for 30’ Schedule

Additional schedule change for Pony Excess and The Best That Never Was

ESPN Films announced today that it has added Fernando Nation to the fall schedule (Tuesday, Oct. 26, 8 p.m. ET on ESPN) of its critically acclaimed film series 30 for 30 Presented by Cadillac. Directed by Cruz Angeles, the film focuses on the cultural impact of Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela. Through his successful run with the Dodgers, Fernando served as a prime example of the American dream and helped bring together a torn community in Los Angeles.

Additionally, The Best That Never Was – about the rise, fall and comeback of running back Marcus Dupree - will move to Tuesday, Nov. 9, at 8 p.m., and Pony Excess – about how the SMU football program got the NCAA’s “Death Penalty” in 1987 – will now be the closing film of the series on Saturday, Dec. 11, at 9 p.m. following the 2010 Heisman Trophy presentation on ESPN.  Both films are two hours long.

The updated list of the remaining schedule is as follows:

*Replaces Alex Gibney’s Catching Hell, which will be aired in 2011.

Film Summary for Fernando Nation (Directed by Cruz Angeles)
“’The Natural’ is supposed to be a blue-eyed boy who teethed on a 36-ounce Louisville Slugger. He should run like the wind and throw boysenberries through brick. He should come from California.” – Steve Wulf, Sports Illustrated, 1981.  So how was it that a pudgy 20-year-old, Mexican, left-handed pitcher from a remote village in the Sonoran desert, unable to speak a word of English, could sell out stadiums across America and become a rock star overnight?  In Fernando Nation, Mexican-born and Los Angeles-raised director Cruz Angeles traces the history of a community that was torn apart when Dodger Stadium was built in Chavez Ravine and then revitalized by one of the most captivating pitching phenoms baseball has ever seen.  Nicknamed “El Toro” by his fans, Fernando Valenzuela ignited a fire that spread from LA to New York—and beyond. He vaulted himself onto the prime time stage and proved with his signature look to the heavens and killer screwball that the American dream was not reserved for those born on U.S. soil.  In this layered look at the myth and the man, Cruz Angeles recalls the euphoria around Fernando’s arrival and probes a phenomenon that transcended baseball for many Mexican-Americans. Fernando Valenzuela himself opens up to share his perspective on this very special time. Three decades later, “Fernandomania” lives.

Ratings So Far

To date, the series has earned an average 0.9 household rating. The December 12, 2009 airing of Billy Corben’s The U posted a 1.8 rating making it ESPN’s highest-rated documentary of all time followed by Dan Klores’ Winning Time: Reggie Miller vs. The New York Knicks, which aired in March 2010 and posted a 1.5 rating.  Rounding out the top three highest-rated films in the series is Reggie Bythewood’s September 2010 One Night in Vegas, which posted a 1.3 rating. (Source: Nielsen)

The series

“30 for 30” is an unprecedented documentary series featuring 30 films from some of today’s finest storytellers. Each filmmaker brings their passion and personal point of view to their film detailing the issues, trends, athletes, teams, rivalries, games and events that transformed the sports landscape from 1979 to 2009.  Crossing the barriers of sports, the films reflect on the impact these events had across the pop culture spectrum.

Filed Under: ESPN

Major League Baseball and FOX Announce Start Times for 2010 World Series

September 30, 2010 By Leave a Comment

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL AND FOX ANNOUNCE

START TIMES FOR 2010 WORLD SERIES

Game Three to Have Earliest Start for Any Game Since 1987

NEW YORK – Major League Baseball and FOX announced the start times for the 2010 World Series with Game Three scheduled to start at 6:57 p.m. ET/3:57 PT on Saturday, October 30.  The remaining World Series games are scheduled for first pitch to take place at 7:57 p.m. ET with the exception of Game Four, which will take place following the conclusion of the NFL on FOX, as in years past.

The 6:57 ET/3:57 PT start time for Game Three will be the earliest start to a World Series game since Game Six of the 1987 World Series and is one hour earlier than the scheduled start time of the 2009 World Series game on Saturday.

“I am extremely pleased we are able to provide our fans the earliest World Series start time since 1987 with Saturday’s Game Three,’” said Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig. “The changes we made with FOX last year to start the World Series games earlier helped increase viewership including more young fans and we are optimistic that the earlier start time for Saturday’s Game Three will keep us moving in the same direction.”

Key to the earlier scheduled start time for Game Three is an additional level of advertising support from Chevrolet, the official vehicle of Major League Baseball, and a perennial sponsor of MLB on FOX.

“Starting the game earlier will allow more families to watch together,” said Chris Perry, vice president U.S. marketing, Chevrolet.  “This fits perfectly with our commitment to baseball which stretches from youth teams across the country to MLB.”

“We’ve said over the years that if advertisers were willing to support earlier starts at prime time levels, we’d be able to begin games earlier,” said FOX Sports president Eric Shanks.  “We’re excited to be working with MLB and Chevrolet, along with our FOX-owned stations and affiliates to make this happen.”

2010 WORLD SERIES SCHEDULE

Date                           Game              League of Home Team       First Pitch/Pre-Game on FOX (ET)

Weds., Oct. 27         Game 1         National League                            7:57p.m./7:30 p.m.

Thurs., Oct. 28        Game 2         National League                           7:57 p.m./7:30 p.m.

Sat., Oct. 30            Game 3         American League                          6:57 p.m./6:30 p.m.

Sun., Oct. 31           Game 4         American League                          8:20 p.m./8:00 p.m.

Mon., Nov. 1           Game 5         American League                          7:57 p.m./7:30 p.m.

Weds., Nov. 3          Game 6         National League                           7:57 p.m./7:30 p.m.

Thurs., Nov. 4         Game 7         National League                           7:57 p.m./7:30 p.m.

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Filed Under: FOX, MLB

NBC Sports To Broadcast 16 Hours Of Ryder Cup Coverage From Wales This Saturday & Sunday

September 30, 2010 By Leave a Comment

“You could be a good captain with a blindfold on and a dartboard.” – NBC Sports’ Johnny Miller


“I don’t think we can overemphasize enough…just how big a home-crowd advantage the Europeans are going to have.” – NBC Sports’ Mark Rolfing


NEW YORK – September 29, 2010 – World No. 1 Tiger Woods, No. 2 Phil Mickelson and 2010 FedExCup champion Jim Furyk (No. 5) lead Team USA against No. 3 Lee Westwood, No. 6 Martin Kaymer, No. 9 Rory McIlroy and the rest of Team Europe in the 2010 Ryder Cup from The Twenty Ten Course at The Celtic Manor Resort, Newport, South Wales this Saturday and Sunday on NBC.
NBC Sports will broadcast 16 hours of coverage over two days, the most weekend golf coverage of any tournament by any network in 2010. Saturday’s 10 hours of four-ball and foursome coverage airs from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. ET/5 a.m.-3 p.m. PT (tape delay). Sunday’s six hours of singles matches air from 7 a.m.-1 p.m. ET/4 a.m.-10 a.m. PT (live).
Host Dan Hicks and analyst Johnny Miller, in their 11th season together as NBC Sports’ lead golf team, anchor coverage and are joined by tower reporter Gary Koch; on-course reporters Roger Maltbie, Mark Rolfing and Dottie Pepper; interviewer/essayist Jimmy Roberts and Golf World’s Tim Rosaforte.
Team USA is the reigning Ryder Cup champion having defeated Team Europe 16 ½ to 11 ½ in 2008 at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky. Team Europe won the three previous Ryder Cups. Team USA has not won a Ryder Cup on foreign soil since 1993 when they defeated Team Europe, 15-13, at The Belfry in Sutton Coldfield, England.


EMBED NBC SPORTS VIDEO: Ryder Cup video is available on NBCSports.com to watch or embed on media websites. Current highlights include press conferences, previous Ryder Cup highlights and TOUR Championship recaps. Click here to watch or embed: http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/22825103/vp/21428026#39408396

ON THE RYDER CUP

Miller: “Ryder Cuppers are rare breeds…The Ryder Cup is pretty much about who can make pressure putts. If you look at the run by the Europeans, they’ve had such great success and they’re the guys who hole the putts. The U.S. guys didn’t, and that includes Tiger and Phil and everybody else. The last Ryder Cup both sides played really good golf tee-to-green but it was the U.S. that made the putts and Europe that didn’t. Under pressure, it always goes to the putter.”
Koch: “It’s been 17 years since the United States team last won on foreign soil.”
Rolfing: “I don’t think we can overemphasize enough or overestimate too much just how big a home-crowd advantage the Europeans are going to have.”

ON TIGER WOODS AT THE RYDER CUP

Rolfing: “He’s never had to play his way through the swing changes like he has this time. It’s going to help him to have (THE TOUR Championship) week off to get ready for the Ryder Cup. There’s a good chance he wouldn’t play all five matches.”
Maltbie: “It will probably have everything to do with how he’s playing at the moment. Corey will probably monitor that and, if Tiger is getting the ball in play off the tee well, then you have to play him in the foursome match. If he’s struggling … I would think that would be determined as they go along.”
Miller: “Bottom line is if Tiger wins his first match and his second match, he’s playing every match. If he’s losing them, then we’ll talk about it.”

ON WOODS, MICKELSON & FURYK IN PAST RYDER CUPS

Miller: “They’ve just not played well…(Tiger) just hasn’t led the team and Phil really hasn’t either. Furyk, who you think would be a good Ryder Cupper, has played so-so or less than so-so.”
Koch: “I will disagree with Johnny a little bit there because if you look at their individual records, Furyk is 4-1-1 in singles and Tiger is 3-1-1. Sometimes when you get paired up with a guy that’s not playing that well or you don’t mesh as a team, then it brings your game down…These guys have proven that they can handle the pressure when they play in the singles.”

ON WOODS BEING PAIRED WITH STRICKER

Rolfing: “I’d be highly surprised if the two of them weren’t paired together. I think Pavin has some tougher choices in terms of his pairing than (Colin) Montgomerie has. I think a few of them should be fairly well said and one of those teams would be Woods and Stricker. I think you’ll see (Dustin) Johnson and Mickelson. You’ll probably see Stuart Cink and Zach Johnson. After that, one of the dilemmas is who do you pair with Ricky Fowler with or who do you pair Jeff Overton with? There are more logical pairings in Montgomerie’s stash.”

ON DUSTIN JOHNSON

Miller: “He reminds me of a Freddy Couples type, but Freddy was pretty fired up at Ryder Cup, probably the most fired up he ever showed.”
Rolfing: “I sort of see him emerging a little bit like what we saw with Hunter Mahan. Dustin Johnson is going to end up being a spark plug for the U.S. He’s going to play a lot of golf with Phil Mickelson. In a lot of ways, those two could become the core of the American team depending on the Woods-Stricker situation or maybe even another combination. But I really think the core of that American team could be Mickelson and Johnson in a lot of ways.”

ON REMAINDER OF U.S. TEAM

Miller: “Ricky Fowler obviously is a little bit on the hot seat, a really controversial pick in some ways. He’s got a lot of vigor and youth and he’s a cool pick. He’s got to prove himself. I really like Dustin Johnson. He might be in two years the best player in the world. He’s got a putter, power and pretty good accuracy. Kuchar, he could just wear the guys out…I don’t know what to think of Jeff Overton. He’s the first player to make the team unmerited without having won a tour event. He’s got three seconds and two thirds. He is sort of a question mark and he’s going to be nervous as can be. Bubba Watson is going to be nervous and it will be interesting to see how he does.”

ON CAPTAINS

Maltbie: “At times, I certainly question if we don’t overanalyze and make more important than maybe it really is the role of captain of getting your squad to win. I agree with Johnny when it comes down to who’s making the putts. That’s been my experience. I’ve been doing this just as long as Johnny since [1991]. It’s just held that formula each and every time out so I just question sometimes that we don’t make more out of the captains role then is there.”
Miller: “I think you could be a good captain with a blindfold on and a dartboard.”

ON COREY PAVIN

Maltbie: “He will captain and be leader from example, from his Ryder Cup play, his Ryder Cup demeanor. He won and achieved the success that he did by being mentally tough. He’s been there, done that. And that will be a strength. I don’t think he’s going to analyze this thing to the point that (Paul) Azinger did. He will be more old school type of management.”
Koch: “Look at his pick of Ricky Fowler. He admitted it was just a gut feeling. He thought that Fowler would be able to handle the pressure and hopefully provide a spark. He was a young guy that he had confidence in. He’s a small guy like Corey. He probably sees a lot of himself in Ricky Fowler. He’ll lead more by instinct and guts than analyzing.”
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Filed Under: Golf, NBC

Inside the NFL Celebrates 50th Episode on SHOWTIME Tonight

September 29, 2010 By Leave a Comment

News and Notes From Week Four

NEW YORK (September 29, 2010) – This week’s INSIDE THE NFL – Wednesday, Sept. 29 at 9 p.m. ET/PT – celebrates its 50th episode on SHOWTIME.  The 50th episode focuses on the biggest surprises so far this season, discipline in the NFL and an inside look at how NFL Films puts together their classic weekly highlights.

Host James Brown anchors INSIDE THE NFL on SHOWTIME with All-Pro NFL greats Cris Collinsworth, Phil Simms and Warren Sapp serving as expert analysts.

INSIDE THE NFL is produced by CBS Sports and NFL Films with new episodes airing on SHOWTIME every Wednesday during the NFL season through February 9, 2011.  Pete Radovich serves as coordinating producer. The executive producers are Sean McManus, President, CBS News and Sports, and NFL Films President Steve Sabol.

Following are excerpts from the show:

(On the 50 Episode of “Inside the NFL” on Showtime)

SIMMS: After about three or four weeks doing this show did you ever think Cris and I would make it for 50 episodes?

COLLINSWORTH: The pre-nup saved us. There were no outs. There were no outs at all.

(On Michael Vick the Home Run Hitter)

SIMMS: It is a great story. We talked about it two weeks ago. His legs are back. I’ll tell you what I learned watching him play Jacksonville this week… Andy Reid has tailored the offense to him. Get him back away from the offensive line, send the receivers deep down the field. He makes highlight throws, but also the big thing that really caught my eye when you let him get far back from the line of scrimmage, what happens? The defense expands, so does the pass rush. Now the running happens very naturally to him. I don’t think it was a great game by him in Jacksonville. There were four throws that were spectacular. The rest of it, it doesn’t matter. He’s a home run hitter and when he hits those home runs that brings in a lot.

COLLINSWORTH: He missed a lot of throws in that game, let’s be perfectly honest about this.

SIMMS: Home run hitters strike out every now and then.

(On Surprise of Chicago Bears’ Early Season Success)

SAPP: I really am, because we were talking about a marriage between Jay Cutler and Mike Martz. We didn’t know if it was oil and water or peanut butter and jelly. It looks like its peanut butter and jelly right now, goes down really smooth with some milk to wash it down. This quarterback in the pocket is lighting people up right now…Jay Cutler is doing a great job of finding the open people and putting the ball in his playmakers’ hands. But even more than that, that defense is playing on the other side.

(On New York Jets)

COLLINSWORTH: I have never heard players talk about their coach the way that these Jets players talk about Rex Ryan. They love him. He makes everything fun. He makes practice fun…He right now is one of the big X-factors in the league

SIMMS: This Jets offense, they got you. What are you going to do? If you play pass they can run at almost anybody. If you just line-up and say we’ll take you man-on-man you are going to lose. Two good running backs, the offensive line is trained to be physical, they get it done. We’ve seen it the last two games…Are there anymore questions about the quarterback?

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Filed Under: NFL, ShowTime

Braves, Padres & Giants Fight For Postseason Spots on MLB Network

September 29, 2010 By Leave a Comment

BRAVES, PADRES AND GIANTS FIGHT FOR POSTSEASON SPOTS DURING LAST REGULAR SEASON WEEKEND ON MLB NETWORK

Path to the Pennant To Preview League Division Series at 8:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, October 3

Secaucus, N.J., September 29, 2010 - With the Division Series beginning one week from today, MLB Network continues to air matchups with playoff implications, starting when the San Diego Padres host the Chicago Cubs on Thursday Night Baseball on September 30 at 6:30 p.m. ET. The Padres, who are looking for their first trip to the Postseason in four years, trail the San Francisco Giants by two games in the NL West and the Atlanta Braves by 1 ½ games in the NL Wild Card race. Padres right-hander Jon Garland, going for his 15th win of the season, is scheduled to pitch opposite Cubs left-hander Tom Gorzelanny.

The action continues with a doubleheader on Friday, October 1, starting when the NL East champion Philadelphia Phillies visit the NL Wild Card-leading Atlanta Braves at 7:30 p.m. ET. Viewers in select markets will see the New York Yankees, who have clinched a playoff spot, against their division rival Boston Red Sox at 7:00 p.m. ET, live from Fenway Park. In the battle for a division title and home-field advantage, the Yankees trail the Tampa Bay Rays by a half-game in the AL East. At 10:00 p.m. ET, the Padres take on the Giants in a showdown for the NL West division title, live from AT&T Park. Left-hander Barry Zito is scheduled to take the mound for the Giants against the Padres’ Clayton Richard. The Giants are looking to return to the Postseason for the first time since 2003. Saturday Night Baseball features the Rays, who also have clinched a playoff spot, traveling to Kauffman Stadium to face the Kansas City Royals at 7:00 p.m. ET.

MLB Tonight, MLB Network’s Emmy Award-winning signature nightly studio show, airs seven days a week, featuring updates, highlights, bonus coverage and look-ins at live games in progress. Path to the Pennant, a two-hour program recapping the 2010 division races and looking ahead to the League Division Series, will air immediately following MLB Tonight on Sunday, October 3. Quick Pitch, MLB Network’s highlights show of record, airs nightly with recaps of all the great fielding and scoring plays from the day’s games.

MLB Network’s complete live game schedule for September 30 – October 2:

All times ET and subject to change, check MLBNetwork.com for updates

Unless otherwise announced, games will be blacked out in each club’s home television territory

Date                           Time               Game

September 30          6:30 p.m.       Chicago Cubs at San Diego

7:00 p.m.      Houston at Cincinnati [In Cubs and Padres markets]

October 1                7:30 p.m.      Philadelphia at Atlanta

7:00 p.m.      New York Yankees at Boston [In select markets]

10:00 p.m.     San Diego at San Francisco

10:00 p.m.     Arizona at Los Angeles Dodgers [In Padres and Giants markets]

October 2                7:00 p.m.      Tampa Bay at Kansas City

8:00 p.m.      Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Texas [In Rays and Royals markets]

MLB Network launched on January 1, 2009 as the largest debut in cable television history and is currently available in approximately 55 million cable, telco TV and satellite homes throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. In its inaugural year, MLB Network was honored with four Sports Emmy Awards and 12 nominations by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. With live games, original programming, highlights, classic games, and coverage of baseball events, MLB Network is the ultimate television destination for baseball fans. For more information and to find MLB Network in your area, go to www.mlbnetwork.com www.facebook.com/mlbnetwork www.twitter.com/mlbnetwork

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Filed Under: MLB, MLBN

NFL Games Top Ratings In 27 Markets In “Premiere Week”

September 29, 2010 By Leave a Comment

NFL GAMES TOP RATINGS IN 27 MARKETS IN “PREMIERE WEEK”

CBS National Game (mostly Colts-Broncos) Week’s Most-Watched Show

Packers-Bears on ESPN Most-Watched Show on Cable in 2010

NFL games topped the local ratings in 27 markets last week, which featured the premieres of many prime-time programs on the broadcast networks (up from 26 top-ranked NFL markets in “premiere week” last year and 19 in 2008).

NFL games compared favorably in local ratings to prime-time competition:

Program # of NFL Markets Ranked #1
NFL Football 27
Dancing with the Stars premiere 1
Detroit 1-8-7 series premiere 1
Grey’s Anatomy premiere 1

The CBS national game (mostly Colts-Broncos) was the most-watched program on television last week (Sept. 20-26) with 23.1 million viewers.

Packers-Bears on ESPN Monday night (Sept. 27) drew cable’s largest audience of 2010 with 17.5 million viewers. ESPN Monday night games account for the top five and eight of the 10 most-watched shows in cable history.

Following is the list of 27 NFL markets where football was the top-rated program for the week of Sept. 20-26:

Week of 9/20–9/26 HH HH RTG
Market Game Date RTG SHR Rank
New Orleans Falcons at Saints 9/26/10 50.4 76 1
Pittsburgh Steelers at Bucs 9/26/10 45.6 75 1
Indianapolis Colts at Broncos 9/26/10 39.5 63 1
Kansas City 49ers at Chiefs 9/26/10 37.8 67 1
Baltimore Browns at Ravens 9/26/10 34.5 64 1
Cincinnati Bengals at Panthers 9/26/10 33.1 60 1
San Diego Chargers at Seahawks 9/26/10 32.8 62 1
Dallas Cowboys at Texans 9/26/10 32.7 62 1
Buffalo Bills at Patriots 9/26/10 32.5 56 1
Minneapolis Lions at Vikings 9/26/10 32.4 71 1
Nashville Titans at Giants 9/26/10 31.2 54 1
Denver Colts at Broncos 9/26/10 30.1 58 1
Boston Bills at Patriots 9/26/10 29.3 62 1
Houston Cowboys at Texans 9/26/10 28.8 54 1
Philadelphia Eagles at Jaguars 9/26/10 27.6 46 1
St. Louis Redskins at Rams 9/26/10 27.5 45 1
Jacksonville Eagles at Jaguars 9/26/10 27.2 44 1
Washington, DC Redskins at Rams 9/26/10 26.7 48 1
Phoenix Raiders at Cardinals 9/26/10 26.0 48 1
Cleveland Browns at Ravens 9/26/10 25.6 51 1
Charlotte Bengals at Panthers 9/26/10 25.3 45 1
Atlanta Falcons at Saints 9/26/10 25.1 43 1
Seattle Chargers at Seahawks 9/26/10 24.5 51 1
Miami Jets at Dolphins 9/26/10 24.0 36 1
San Fran-Oakland Saints at 49ers 9/20/10 22.2 40 1
Milwaukee Lions at Vikings 9/26/10 21.3 46 1
Tampa Chargers at Seahawks (bonus coverage) 9/26/10 14.0 24 1

Source: NFL & The Nielsen Company

Filed Under: Ratings

ESPN’s MNF Attracts Fifth Most-Watched Program in Cable Television History and Cable’s Biggest Audience of 2010

September 29, 2010 By Leave a Comment

ESPN’s Monday Night Football Attracts Fifth Most-Watched Program in Cable Television History and Cable’s Biggest Audience of 2010

Packers-Bears: 17.5 Million Viewers, Wins the Night in Key Male and Adult Demos among All Networks in Prime Time

Last night, ESPN’s Monday Night Football – a thrilling 20-17 Chicago Bears’ win over the Green Bay Packers – earned a 12.5 household coverage rating (10.8 US rating), representing an average of 12,482,000 households (17,454,000 viewers – P2+), making the telecast the fifth most-watched cable program in history among both households and viewers (excluding breaking news), and the biggest cable television audience of the year.

MNF led all programs (broadcast or cable) in all key male and adult demos and helped ESPN win the night among all networks in those same categories.

Through the first three weeks (four games), ESPN’s MNF is averaging a 10.9 household rating, 10,839,000 households (14,979,000 viewers), increases of five, six and seven percent, respectively. ESPN MNF games rank as the five biggest audiences among households and the four biggest among total viewers for cable television in 2010. The 2009 MNF season finale (Minnesota Vikings-Chicago Bears, 12/28/09) previously topped the list for the Nielsen 2010 calendar with a 12.0 rating, 11,899,000 households and 17,006,000 viewers.

ESPN.com had more than 213 million page views and 308 million minutes (a 22 percent increase) generated with NFL content on Sunday and Monday.  ESPN’s Mobile web site had 14.4 million page views and more than 102 million minutes (up 45 percent), spent with NFL content on the ESPN mobile web site and ScoreCenter App.

NEXT WEEK ON MNF

ESPN’s MNF returns next week (Oct. 4) with Tom Brady and the New England Patriots facing Brandon Marshall and the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium at 8:30 p.m. ET in a key matchup of AFC East rivals.  ESPN’s game around the game coverage begins at 3:30 p.m. with NFL Live and continues throughout the afternoon.

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Filed Under: ESPN, Ratings
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