February 4, 2012

Chelsea & Manchester United Airs Sunday at 10:30am ET on FOX; #GameB4Game

February 3, 2012 By Leave a Comment

FOX SPORTS NOTES, QUOTES & ANECDOTES

Chelsea and Manchester United Face-Off in Heated Clash of Storied Clubs in

“Game Before The Game” Sunday at 10:30 AM ET

WhatIfSports.com Predicts Patriots Super Bowl Victory

 CHELSEA HOSTS MAN U LIVE ON FOX – Super Bowl Sunday kicks off on FOX with live Barclays Premier League coverage of Chelsea hosting Manchester United at Stamford Bridge Sunday, Feb. 5 at 10:30 AM ET on FOX. The match marks the second live Barclays Premier League game in two weeks on U.S. broadcast television. On Jan. 22, FOX drew 1.3 million viewers nationwide when Manchester United defeated Arsenal 2-1; the most-watched live BPL match on broadcast or cable television.

Coverage on FOX begins from Studio A in Los Angeles with Rob Stone alongside FOX Soccer analyst and former U.S. Men’s National Team forward Eric Wynalda and CNN talk show host and soccer enthusiast Piers Morgan.

This matchup features the two clubs that have dominated the Premier League in the 21st Century.  Stars Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba of Chelsea and Ryan Giggs and the expected return of Wayne Rooney highlight a United side that are tied with local rivals Manchester City, atop the Premier League Standings.

The day begins on FOX Soccer, America’s premier soccer destination, with coverage of Newcastle v Aston Villa at 8:25 AM ET. Goals On Sunday at 1:00 PM ET features highlights from both matches.

Viewers can join the social conversation on Twitter surrounding the matches by using #GameB4Game, and by visiting https://twitter.com/foxsoccer, www.facebook.com/foxsoccer, and www.facebook.com/foxsports

 

*All times Eastern

 

LYNCH’S DEFENSIVE KEYS TO THE SUPER BOWL: NFL on FOX analyst John Lynch weighs in on what the Giant and Patriot defenses need to do in the Super Bowl to stop the potent offenses led by Tom Brady and Eli Manning.

Keys for the Giants defense:

“You’ve got to earn the right to rush the passer.  On first and second down, you’ve got to take care of business so that when you get to those second and third and longs, you can cut it loose and they do that as well as anybody.  The great equalizer in this day and age where everything is set up for the offense to have success is the ability to get after the quarterback and it’s really a luxury to be able to do it with your front four.”

Keys for the Patriots defense:

“The Patriots have done a tremendous job, but there are still weaknesses on that defense.  It’s been bend but don’t break.  So long as they tackle after the catch and don’t give up those big plays and limit the effectiveness of Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw, then it comes down to a red zone game.  Can the Patriots keep the Giants out of the end zone?  That’s going to be critical for them.”

UFC TITLE CONTENDER RASHAD EVANS JOINS FUEL TV WEIGH-IN SHOW FOR UFC 143: DIAZ VS CONDIT: FUEL TV kicks off the upcoming action for UFC 143: Diaz vs. Condit on Friday, February 3 (7:00 PM ET) with the live UFC 143 Weigh-in Show, hosted by John Anik with analysis from UFC Light Heavyweight Title Contender Rashad Evans, from The Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Two-time MMA Journalist of the Year Ariel Helwani joins Anik and Evans with backstage fighter interviews.

FLORIAN: DIAZ’s BOXING SKILLS MAKE THE DIFFERENCE IN UFC 143: DIAZ VS CONDIT:  FUEL TV’s UFC analyst Kenny Florian believes Nick Diaz will win the interim Welterweight Title contest versus Carlos Condit. “Diaz will take this. His boxing skills will make the difference. Diaz has tremendous boxing skills, he lands punches in bunches. He’ll go upstairs and downstairs.” FUEL TV will telecast the UFC 143: Postfight Show live from the Mandalay Bay Events Center Sunday, Feb. 5 (1:00 AM ET). Jay Glazer hosts the one-hour recap, with UFC Light Heavyweight Title Contender Rashad Evans’ analysis and Ariel Helwani conducting backstage interviews.

WHATIFSPORTS.COM PREDICTS PATRIOTS 27, GIANTS 25 – WhatIfSports.com, a unit of Fox Sports Interactive Media, simulated Sunday’s Patriots vs. Giants Super Bowl XLVI grudge match and the results are in!  Through thousands of statistical inputs and simulation, the site determined that Tom Brady and the New England Patriots will defeat Eli Manning and the New York Giants with a final score of 27 to 25.  NFL games are simulated based on rigorous analysis of each team’s roster, depth chart and statistically based player ranking. Roster modifications have been made for injuries and suspensions and those players are not part of their team’s game simulation.

For a complete Super Bowl breakdown from WhatIfSports.com, please click here:  http://tinyurl.com/85lp6jo

Filed Under: FOX

UFC on FOX Dominates Primetime in Key Demos

February 3, 2012 By Leave a Comment


Saturday night’s UFC on FOX event from the United Center in Chicago posted a 2.6/5 national rating/share, according to figures released by Nielsen Media Research today. As expected, FOX dominated the night on the important younger demographics. FOX’s 2.4 among Adults 18-49 nearly beat the combined ratings of ABC, CBS, and NBC (2.5 combined) and FOX’s 2.5 among Adults 18-34 easily beat those three network competitors combined (1.4). The three-bout broadcast on FOX averaged 4.7 million viewers from 8:00 PM – 10:19 PM ET.

The two-hour event, the first official network broadcast of FOX’s partnership with UFC, is off slightly (-16%) from the UFC on FOX premiere in November (3.1/5), which was only one hour and featured a highly-anticipated heavyweight championship fight. When comparing similar time periods for the two events, FOX posted a 3.0/5 from 9:00 – 10:15 PM ET, off only a tenth from the November UFC fight.

In several meaningful demographics, the last hour of Saturday’s broadcast rated higher than November’s UFC premiere on FOX with Men 25-49 up +3%, Men 25-54 up +3%, Men 35-54 up +4%.

As anticipation to the night’s main event grew so did the ratings and viewership. The night’s first match between Demian Maia and Chris Weidman scored a 2.2/4 rating/share. The next fight between Chael Sonnen and Michael Bisping grew to a 2.7/5. Fans tuned in to see former light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans take on undefeated former national champion wrestler Phil Davis with that bout posting a 3.4/6. More than 6 million viewers watched the five-round bout where Evans defeated Davis by unanimous decision.

The top five metered markets for Saturday’s UFC on FOX event are: Las Vegas – 4.1/8; Louisville – 4.1/7; Indianapolis – 3.9/7; Greenville – 3.9/6; Tulsa – 3.9/6; and Knoxville – 3.9/6.

- UFCONFOX -

Filed Under: FOX, Ratings, UFC

UFC on FOX Tripleheader LIVE From Chicago Saturday Night

January 27, 2012 By Leave a Comment

FOX SPORTS NOTES, QUOTES & ANECDOTES

UFC on FOX Officially Begins Partnership with Tripleheader from Chicago Saturday Night

Strahan:  “This Year’s Patriots/Giants Super Bowl Could be Tighter Than Last One” 

UFC ON FOX TRIPLEHEADER LIVE FROM CHICAGO SATURDAY NIGHT – UFC on FOX officially kicks off  its partnership with a two-hour tripleheader broadcast on Saturday, Jan. 28 (8:00-10:00 PM ET), live from the United Center in Chicago.  In the night’s main event, former light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans (21-1-1) takes on undefeated former national champion wrestler Phil Davis (9-0-0) to determine the next challenger to the 205-pound title currently held by Jon Jones. The co-main event features middleweight contender Chael Sonnen (27-11-1) battling British star Michael Bisping (23-3-0) for the right to fight champion Anderson Silva.  The action begins with dangerous Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu master Demian Maia (15-3-0) taking on unbeaten Chris Weidman (7-0-0).  Mike Goldberg and Joe Rogan call all the action inside the Octagon and versatile broadcaster Curt Menefee hosts pre- and postfight coverage with UFC Hall of Famer Randy Couture and the aforementioned Jon Jones offering their insights on the action.  During prefight coverage, fans get a special behind-the-scenes look at preparation for their big night in Chicago, including a feature on Rashad Evans as he and his family balance the excitement of being part of the main event in Chicago with the stress and tension of his brother’s impending deployment.

“This is the show that officially starts our deal with FOX and we’re bringing what the fans want – a night packed with great fights,” UFC President Dana White said. “We’re kicking this thing off with an incredible tripleheader. Rashad Evans looked fantastic in his last fight against Tito Ortiz and he wants to get the belt back. But Phil Davis is no joke. He’s undefeated at 9-0 and has stormed through guys like Brian Stann, Alexander Gustafsson and Rogerio Nogueira. He wants the title shot just as bad as Rashad.”

The weekend’s action kicks off Friday, Jan. 27 (5:00 PM ET) with the live “UFC on FUEL TV: Weigh-in.” Jay Glazer hosts the show while UFC veteran and FUEL TV’s “UFC Tonight” host Kenny Florian steps in as the analyst, commenting on all the activities from Chicago. Two-time MMA Journalist of the Year Ariel Helwani interviews fighters backstage. FUEL TV coverage continues Saturday, Jan. 28 (5:00 PM ET) with three hours of live preliminary bouts. Glazer is joined by Florian to introduce the fight, while Mike Goldberg and Joe Rogan call the action live inside the Octagon. Helwani will interview fighters live backstage.  Following these preliminary matchups on FUEL TV and three main events on FOX Sports, coverage returns to FUEL TV for the post-fight wrap-up show (10:00 PM ET).

History was made in November when the UFC made its broadcast television debut on FOX and a record audience tuned in as challenger Junior dos Santos defeated defending champion Cain Velasquez in a first round knockout to claim the coveted heavyweight crown.  More than 5.7 million viewers tuned in to make it the most-watched UFC event ever and the most-watched professional fight of any kind on any network since 2003.

FLORIAN:  IT’S TOO EARLY FOR DAVIS TO FIGHT EVANS – FUEL TV’s UFC analyst Kenny Florian doesn’t believe Phil Davis is ready to fight Rashad Evans in the UFC on FOX main event Saturday, Jan. 28 (8:00 PM ET) from the United Center in Chicago. “It’s one or two fights too early for Phil Davis to fight Rashad Evans,” said Florian. “Evans’ experience and his ability to put it all together will be the difference. He’s going to win and face [current Light Heavyweight Champ] Jon Jones later this year.” Florian also picks Chael Sonnen over Michael Bisping and Chris Weidman over Demian Maia in the other main card match-ups.

Follow the talent on Twitter at: @jayglazer; @kennyflorian; @arielhelwani

 

DATE

TIME

EVENT

NET

Friday, Jan. 27

5:00 PM

UFC ON FUEL: WEIGH-IN LIVE

FUEL TV

Saturday, Jan. 28

5:00 PM

UFC ON FUEL: PRELIMINARY MATCHES:

Dunham vs. Lentz / Russow vs. Einemo / Swanson vs. Roop / Oliveira  vs. Wisely  Johnson vs. Roller / Beltran vs. Johnson

FUEL TV / FOX Deportes

Saturday, Jan. 28

8:00 PM

UFC ON FOX: Maia vs. Weidman / Sonnen vs. Bisping / Evans vs. Davis

FOX Sports/ FOX Deportes

Saturday, Jan. 28

10:00 PM

UFC ON FUEL: POST-FIGHT SHOW

FUEL TV

 

*All times Eastern

NATIONAL SIGNING DAY COUNTDOWN ON SCOUT.COM POWERED BY FOXSPORTSNEXT – College football National Signing Day is only a week away and Scout.com powered by FOXSportsNEXT is your source for all of the big stories leading up to February 1.  FOXSportsNEXT and Scout.com provide detailed player evaluation including the regional and national ratings and rankings of nearly 2,000 football prospects each year.  The recruiting coverage is powered by the most comprehensive content team in the business with 32 full-time, independent football recruiting analysts and reporters, and over 100 individual team sites and their content providers.  For videos and information on this year’s top college football recruits, visit the Scout 300 at http://tinyurl.com/3fhm6ob.  To find out where each school’s recruiting class ranks, visit http://tinyurl.com/3vetver. 

STRAHAN SAYS BIGGEST DIFFERENCE IN ’07 GIANTS VS. THIS YEAR’S TEAM: “OFFENSIVE CONSISTENCY” – FOX NFL SUNDAY analyst Michael Strahan told fellow FOX Sports broadcaster and NFL on FOX insider Jay Glazer there’s nothing that special about just getting to the Super Bowl.  Glazer caught up with the Giants honorary captain for this week’s edition of ‘After Party,’ a weekly NFL recap show airing on FOXSports.com.  “There is nothing special about a Super Bowl unless you win it and get that ring,” said Strahan.  “You’ve just got to go out there and execute the game of football.”  When asked about the difference between this Giants team and the 2007 Giants, Strahan explained.  “Their offense is more consistent.  You pretty much know that they are going to score. It’s going to be a great game against the Patriots, they are very similar teams. This could be tighter than the first one.”

For the ‘After Party’ with Jay Glazer in its entirety please click here: http://tinyurl.com/7budbzq

HOW SERIOUS IS DANICA? ASK INDY – In what began as a part-time stint in 2010, now becomes a full-time commitment to the NASCAR Nationwide Series in 2012 for Danica Patrick. FOXSports.com motorsports columnist Lee Spencer says Patrick’s commitment is illustrated by her recent decision to compete in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway and forgo an eighth-straight start in the Indianapolis 500. The two races are scheduled for May 27.  “She’s already balancing the NNS schedule with the 10 Sprint Cup races in the No. 10 GoDaddy.com Chevrolet with Stewart-Haas Racing. Patrick added the Coca-Cola 600 as Race 9 in that allotment and intimated that running the Brickyard 400, NASCAR’s annual race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, as Race 10 ‘sounds like a great idea.’” Spencer speculates a newfound confidence can be at the heart of Patrick’s decision: “Over the last two seasons while running IndyCar full-time, Patrick ran just a total of 25 events in the Nationwide Series. Considering that Patrick has top-of-the-line equipment from JR Motorsports, does she believe she can win the Nationwide title?”

Filed Under: FOX, UFC

57.9 Million Watch NFC Championship Overtime Thriller on FOX

January 23, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Sunday’s Giants/49ers Battle Ties 2010’s Vikings/Saints

As Highest-Rated Conference Title Game Since 1996

NFL on FOX Regular & Postseason Combine for Network’s Most-Watched Ever

New York – Yesterday’s epic 2012 NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME on FOX between the New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers delivered an extraordinary 30.6/44 fast-national rating/share according to figures released by Nielsen Media Research. The overtime battle scored an average audience of 57.6 million viewers to rank as the third most-watched Conference Championship Game ever, after the 1982 Cowboys-49ers NFC Championship Game (68.7 million viewers on CBS) and 2010’s overtime Vikings-Saints NFC Championship (57.9 million viewers on FOX).

The rating for Sunday’s battle for the NFC crown ties with 2010’s game (Vikings/Saints – 30.6/45) as the highest-rated NFC Championship Game since 1996 (Packers/Cowboys – 33.3/58).

 

Last night’s fast-national rating of 30.6/44 is a +9% gain over last year’s 28.1/50 for Packers/Bears in the early window and +8% better than last year’s 28.3/43 for Jets/Steelers in the late window on CBS. Ratings climbed to extraordinary levels as the game progressed toward overtime, peaking at an astounding 36.9/52 rating and 69.0 million viewers from 10:00 – 10:30 PM ET.

The 2012 NFC Playoffs on FOX averaged a 23.9/43 (42.6 million viewers) making it the network’s most-watched NFL Playoffs ever. The average for FOX Sports’ coverage of the NFC’s Wild Card, Divisional and Conference Championship rounds is up +11% over last year’s 21.6/39 (38.7 million) and is FOX’s highest-rated NFL Playoffs since 1996’s 25.1/48 (37.2 million). The complete 2011-12 NFL season on FOX averaged over 23.2 million viewers for the regular season and playoffs combined, making it FOX’s most-watched NFL season ever, excluding Super Bowls.

San Francisco posted a 47.4/77, the second highest-rated NFL on FOX postseason game ever in the City by the Bay. New York notched a 41.8/58, FOX’s best NFL rating ever in the Big Apple for a non-Super Bowl game. After the Patriots punched their ticket to Super Bowl XLVI earlier in the evening, Boston tuned-in to find out who New England’s opponent would be, posting a 35.1/49, Boston’s highest-rating NFL on FOX non- Super Bowl playoff game. Other metered markets of note include Los Angeles (28.4/49) and Detroit (30.2/42).

Filed Under: FOX, NFL, Ratings

AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic & NFC Wild Card Game Highlight FOX Sports This Weekend

January 6, 2012 By Leave a Comment

FOX SPORTS NOTES, QUOTES & ANECDOTES

 AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic Goes Under the Primetime Lights Friday Night on FOX

No. 8 Kansas State vs. No. 6 Arkansas 

NFC Wild Card Battle Sunday on FOX

Falcons Travel to New York for Showdown with the Giants Sunday at 1:00 PM ET 

SPEED Debuts Biography on Hall of Famer Darrell Waltrip’s Racing & Broadcasting Career Friday at 8:00 PM ET 

AT&T COTTON BOWL CLASSIC FEATURES TOP 10 BATTLE FRIDAY NIGHT – FOX Sports presents one of college football’s most prestigious bowl games this Friday Jan. 6 at 8:00 PM ET when the No. 8 Kansas State Wildcats (10-2, 6-2 Big 12) and No. 6 Arkansas Razorbacks (10-2, 6-2 SEC) invade Cowboys Stadium for the 76th AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic.  Country music star Trace Adkins kicks off the show with a look at historical Cotton Bowl moments and a preview of this year’s incredible matchup, one of only four bowl games to feature two Top 10 teams.

Pregame show host Kevin Frazier is joined by college and Pro Football Hall of Famer Marcus Allen and former Dallas Cowboys great Daryl Johnston.  As the trio counts down to kickoff, fans get a look at two of Arkansas’ most famous graduates.  FOX NFL SUNDAY analyst Jimmy Johnson and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jonesreminisce about their days at Arkansas and how the school helped them to become the great leaders they are today.  A second feature looks at consumer advocate Erin Brockovich’s purple pride which grew from her days attending Kansas State.  The national anthem is sung by The Band Perry.  FOX Sports Media Group Vice Chairman Ed Goren handles the ceremonial opening coin toss.

Friday’s matchup is the only bowl game this season that pits a Big 12 team against an SEC opponent.  Gus Johnson, Charles Davis and sideline analyst Tim Brewster, FOX Sports’ lead college football broadcast team, call the action.  They’re joined by FOX Sports’ rules analyst Mike Pereira, who offers his perspective on rules interpretation and controversial plays.

Kansas State is led by quarterback Collin Klein who had 26 rushing touchdowns this season.  Arkansas quarterback Tyler Wilson led the SEC in passing yards with 3,422 and is only the second Razorbacks quarterback in school history to pass for over 3,000 yards in a single season.  Both Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino and Kansas State head coach Bill Snyder are finalists for the Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year Award.

FOX Sports has been the television home of the AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic since 1999. 

NFL ON FOX: WILDCARD WEEKEND – FOX Sports’ coverage of its 18th NFL postseason begins Sunday, Jan. 8 (12:00 PM ET) when Eli Manning and the NFC East champion Giants host Matt Ryan and the Wild Card Falcons. NFL on FOX’s lead broadcast team of Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Pam Oliver are joined by Chris Myers to call this matchup from MetLife Stadium. The winner moves on to the divisional round to face either the Packers or the 49ers next week on FOX.

Coverage begins at 12:00 PM ET with America’s most-watched Sunday afternoon pregame show, FOX NFL SUNDAY. Terry Bradshaw and Curt Menefee co-host the Emmy Award-winning program and are joined by analysts Howie Long, Michael Strahan and Jimmy Johnson.  NFL Insider Jay Glazer presents the latest league news and scoops from the FOX NFL SUNDAY studio while comedic prognosticator Frank Caliendocontributes his weekly “Frank’s Picks” segment.

During Sunday’s special Wild Card edition, Strahan returns to New York to talk with the Giants’ Manning, Victor Cruz and Jason Pierre-Paul and discuss the possibility of New York winning its first SB since he left. Also, Oliver sits down with Falcons’ Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, Tony Gonzalez and head coach Mike Smith to find out how Atlanta plans on finally being a successful playoff team.  NFL on FOX analyst John Lynch reports live from Denver before the Broncos and Steelers clash and preview the matchup with Hines Ward, Troy Polamalu, Tim Tebow and Champ Bailey.   

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

 

GAME                                                             PLAY-BY-PLAY/ANALYST/SIDELINE                TIME 

Atlanta Falcons at New York Giants            Joe Buck, Troy Aikman,                             1:00PM

                                                                                                Pam Oliver & Chris Myers

MetLife Stadium – East Rutherford, NJ 

BILLICK:  PRESSURE IS ON FALCONS QB AND GIANTS SECONDARY – NFL on FOX analyst and FOXSports.com’s NFL writer Brian Billick believes the pressure is on Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan this Sunday in East Rutherford, NJ when they take on the New York Giants.  “The Falcons offense has gotten hot at just the right time, but Ryan carries a lot of pressure on his back until he proves he can win a playoff game,” said Billick.  On the other side of the field, Billick wonders if the Giants defense can effectively stop the Falcons offense, particularly running plays.  “On defense, I worry about the Giants’ secondary and the defense’s ability to stop the off-tackle running plays.  Their passing defense starts with pressure up front, their rush ends often run themselves too far upfield and out of run support.”

To read Billick’s complete column, visit: http://tinyurl.com/7yayxar 

WHITLOCK: LUCK’S RUN OUT FOR INDY FOOTBALL – In his latest piece, FOXSports.com national columnist Jason Whitlock warns that even Andrew Luck can’t save Indy from an inevitable fall.  “Andrew Luck should consider avoiding Jim Irsay and the Colts to avoid the seemingly inevitable bad fate that awaits the franchise.  Indiana’s football bubble is bursting,” writes Whitlock.  “I’m a Hoosier. I was born and raised in Indianapolis. For 15 years, I’ve watched in stunned disbelief as Peyton Manning transformed Indiana from a basketball state to a football state.  I say it’s over. I say it’s not a coincidence that the Manning era is crumbling in the same year my little hometown is hosting the Super Bowl. The whole thing is playing out like a movie script, a comedic satire. It’s Trading Places, and I’m Billy Ray Valentine with inside information on when it’s time to ‘sell, sell, sell.’  I love football. I played college football. But I’m a Hoosier. We’re basketball people. This Peyton Manning-Bill Polian-Tony Dungy thing never really made sense in Indiana. It can’t be sustained. Manning, Polian and Dungy were great imports. We produce Oscar Robertsons and Larry Birds naturally.  Suck for Luck was a nice little campaign, but smart Hoosiers really want to see Eric Gordon come home, wear the Pacers blue and gold and rekindle memories of Reggie Miller.  Someone warn Andrew Luck that Indy’s football era is dead. It’s time for ‘Boom, baby!’”

To read Whitlock’s complete column, visit: http://tinyurl.com/76ldovz 

BILLICK:  SAINTS HAVE BEST OFFENSE IN NFL RIGHT NOW – In an appearance on Fox Sports radio’s The Dan Patrick show, NFL on FOX analyst Brian Billick agreed with Patrick’s assertion that the New Orleans Saints have the best offense in the NFL right now.  “I have to agree with you,” said Billick.  “As impressive as Green Bay has been under Aaron Rodgers, I think New Orleans’ ability to run the ball and not only with Darren Sproles out of the backfield but the combination of Pierre Thomas and Chris Ivory.   They can run when they want to run in addition to all that Drew Brees delivers.  They have pure offensive firepower.”

BIG TEN NETWORK’S “THE JOURNEY” TAKES FLIGHT – The Big Ten Network’s first original series and its highest-rated last year, The Journey: Big Ten Basketball 2012, presented by GMC, returns Sunday, Jan 8 (8:00 PM ET). The Emmy-nominated, documentary-style program takes viewers deep inside Big Ten basketball programs, spending consecutive days with different conference teams to follow the season’s most compelling storylines during the 10-week march toward the Big Ten Tournament. This is The Journey’s fifth season, following Minnesota Basketball, Illinois Football, Big Ten Basketball 2010 and Big Ten Basketball 2011. In 2010, the program was named co-winner of the best sports show/series by CableFAX magazine, along with ESPN’s 30 for 30 and received a Sports Emmy nomination in the category of Outstanding Edited Sports Series/Anthology by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS).                                             

A CITY DIVIDED AS MANCHESTER UNITED AND MANCHESTER CITY MEET IN FA CUP – Red and blue collide once again when Manchester United meets neighbor Manchester City in the third round of the FA CupSunday, Jan. 8 (8:00 AM ET) on FOX Soccer.  City’s 6-1 demolition of United in league play at the end of October coupled with an early exit from the Champions League bring Manchester United into this match with something to prove.  Manchester City surprised United in the 2011 FA Cup semi-final with a stinging 1-0 win, raising the stakes even higher for this third round match.   FOX Soccer’s Christian Miles, Warren Barton, Kyle Martino andKeith Costigan host the “Goals on Sunday” pregame show at 7:30 AM ET, leading right into kick-off.  The knockout-style FA Cup is the oldest organized soccer competition in the world.

BIOGRAPHY SPECIAL OF NASCAR HALL OF FAMER DARRELL WALTRIP AIRS FRIDAY ON SPEED –FOX Sports Media Group sister network SPEED reflects on the legendary racing career of current SPEED and NASCAR on FOX analyst Darrell Waltrip in a one-hour special airing Friday, Jan. 6 (8:00 PM ET).  Waltrip tells his own story in the NASCAR Media Group-produced biography special, from his early days at the Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway to being dubbed “Jaws” to his success with Junior Johnson and his transition into the television booth.  It was Waltrip’s flamboyant, over-the-top personality that won him legions of diehard fans and passionate “haters,” and the same personality traits set Waltrip off on the wrong foot with his new crew at Johnson’s team in early 1981.  “I bumped heads with him and he could see that,” said Waltrip’s former crew chief Jeff Hammond, who led DW to victory in the 1989 Daytona 500 and now serves as an analyst for FOX Sports and SPEED.  The special also incorporates interviews with Rick Hendrick, Junior Johnson, Cale Yarborough, Richard Petty, Buddy Baker and Bill Gardner.

Waltrip is set to be inducted into the third class of the NASCAR Hall of Fame on Friday, Jan. 20 alongside the aforementioned Yarborough, Dale Inman, Glen Wood and the late Richie Evans.

Filed Under: Football, FOX

Glazer Reports that Giants Win Against Jets Saved Coughlin’s Job

January 4, 2012 By Leave a Comment

FOX NFL SUNDAY NOTES – 1/1/12

Glazer Reports that Giants Win Against Jets Saved Coughlin’s Job & Turner Out in San Diego

Long: Cam Newton Helped RG3 Move Up in NFL Draft

Johnson: Cowboys or Giants Can Do Some Damage in the Playoffs

 

————————————————————————————————

FOX NFL SUNDAY Insider Jay Glazer reported that New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin’s job is safe:  “I was told that his win against the Jets last week was the biggest win in Tom Coughlin’s New York Giants career since the Super Bowl.  They said it really saved him.  Had they lost last week, he would’ve been squarely on the hot seat.  Even if he loses against the Cowboys tonight, he’s probably safe because of that win against the Jets.”

————————————————————————————————

Analyst Howie Long on the success of rookie quarterbacks and the impact it will have on Robert Griffin III in the 2012 NFL Draft:  “Because of Cam Newton, RG3 moves up from maybe seven or eight to maybe two.”

 

————————————————————————————————

Analyst Jimmy Johnson on the Cowboys-Giants game: “Neither one of these coaches is going to get fired.  Both coaches are safe.  We all know that they are very talented teams, but they’re underachieving teams.  We know about the late game collapses by the Cowboys.  We know that the Giants have won two games out of the last seven.  But they’re very talented and they can get in the playoffs and do some damage whoever wins tonight.”

————————————————————————————————

Analyst Jimmy Johnson believes the Saints running game on the road in the playoffs is the key to their success: “If they’re going to have success in the playoffs, they’re going to have to go on the road.  If they go on the road, they’re going to have to run the football and will have to go to San Francisco or Green Bay in bad weather.  Just like they had to do a couple years ago, they’re running the football nearly five yards a clip.  Running backs Darren Sproles and Chris Ivory is the key to their success.”

 

————————————————————————————————

Analyst Michael Strahan on this year’s defensive players of the year: “If Minnesota didn’t have the year they were having, you could easily say Jared Allen.  DeMarcus Ware is having a great season.  My other guy in Green Bay is Clay Matthews, incredible player. One of the few players I’ve watched this year where my jaw dropped.  He’s aggressive and can make plays.”

————————————————————————————————

Co-host Terry Bradshaw on Coach of the Year: “Jim Harbaugh has got that thing locked up.”

 

Analyst Michael Strahan added: “This is a team with the same talent, he just changed the mentality.”

————————————————————————————————

Analyst Jimmy Johnson believes in playing Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.  Howie Long and Michael Strahan disagreed. 

 

Johnson:  “Aaron Rodgers is healthy.  If a player is healthy, I would play him for a couple of quarters because they’re already going to get rest next week.”

 

Long:  “This game means nothing for the Packers.  The last thing you want to do is play Aaron Rodgers for a quarter or a series and him get injured. Detroit’s defensive front can hurt you in a game like this.”

 

Strahan:  “I’d keep Rodgers out of the game.”

 

————————————————————————————————

Co-host Terry Bradshaw on this year’s rookie quarterback class: “This year we saw there are probably four or five rookie quarterbacks that are going to be stars in this league.”

————————————————————————————————

FOX NFL SUNDAY Insider Jay Glazer reports on the future of the St. Louis Rams: “It looks like they’re going to make some big changes in St. Louis. Neither GM Billy Devaney or head coach Steve Spagnuolo have been given any indication about their futures. It’s interesting because St. Louis a couple years ago was a job nobody wanted but now is the top coveted spot because they have a strong quarterback in Sam Bradford and one of the top two picks in the draft so you can obviously cash that in by trading that for maybe three first rounders.”

————————————————————————————————

FOX NFL SUNDAY Insider Jay Glazer on San Diego Chargers head coach Norv Turner: “It seems like head coach Norv Turner is out in San Diego.”

– FOX SPORTS –

Filed Under: FOX, NFL

Rob Stone Joins FOX Sports Media Group

January 4, 2012 By Leave a Comment

ROB STONE JOINS FOX SPORTS MEDIA GROUP

Seasoned Sportscaster Becomes Lead Host for FOX Soccer

& All Soccer Events on FSMG Outlets

New York — Seasoned sportscaster Rob Stone joins FOX Sports Media Group (FSMG) as the lead studio host for FOX Soccer and all soccer events on FSMG outlets, including FOX Sports and FX.  The announcement was made today by FOX Soccer Executive Vice President & General Manager David Nathanson, and his appointment is effective immediately.  Stone’s position is based in Los Angeles.  National Soccer Hall of famer Eric Wynalda, the second-leading goal scorer in U.S. history, who has served FOX Soccer’s primary studio host, shifts to become lead studio analyst.

Upon joining FOX, Stone’s first assignment is to host FOX Sports’ coverage of Arsenal vs. Manchester United match prior to the NFC Championship Game, Sunday, Jan. 22 (10:30 AM-1:00 PM ET), the first-ever live Barclay’s Premier League match on U.S. broadcast television.  He’ll also host FOX Soccer’s signature studio programs including GOALS ON SUNDAY which focuses on Premier League, Italy’s Serie A and UEFA Champions League action and MATCH DAY, two live studio shows bridging the network’s Saturday morning Premier League matches.

“To say we’re excited to have an on-air personality with the experience and depth of understanding for soccer that Rob has would be an understatement,” said Nathanson.  “He’ll quickly become the face fans expect to see when tuning into one of the many major international soccer events FOX has scheduled this year and in the years to follow.”

“I’m massively grateful and humbled by this opportunity,” offered Stone.  “When I first began playing the sport at age 5, I never imagined it would allow me to work four FIFA World Cups and make a living covering the world’s greatest game.”

In addition to his FOX Soccer studio work and his Premier League assignment for FOX Sports in January, Stone is also set to host FOX Sports’ studio coverage of “The Game Before the Game” featuring Chelsea versus Manchester United, live from Stamford Bridge on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 5 (10:30 AM-1:00 PM ET).  He’ll also be lead anchor for FOX Soccer’s UEFA Champions League coverage beginning with the round of 16 on Feb. 14; FOX Soccer and FX coverage of the UEFA Champions League semi-finals and FOX Sports’ coverage of the UEFA Champions League Final this spring.

Stone comes to FOX directly from ESPN, an entity he joined in 1997 as a professional soccer commentator.  Stone served as a host, play-by-play announcer and sideline reporter for select MLS and U.S. Soccer telecasts on ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC, worked the last four FIFA World Cups and hosted 12 MLS Cups.  During World Cup ’98, he traveled throughout host country France, filing reports on offbeat and behind-the-scenes stories.  At the 2002 World Cup in Korea/Japan, Stone served as host of World Cup 2Night on ESPN2 and during the pregame, halftime and postgame segments. He served as both a reporter and play-by-play announcer at the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

In addition to his vast soccer resume, Stone branched out over the years and became one of ESPN’s most valuable and versatile personalities, serving as a college football/basketball play-by-play announcer, show host, sideline reporter and general assignment reporter.  In addition to college football and professional soccer, Stone’s contributions at ESPN include coverage of men’s and women’s college basketball; NCAA tennis; national spelling bee; boxing; skiing; darts; horse racing; the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest; Great Outdoor Games; college soccer; track & field; and the PBA.

Stone began his television career as an ESPN production assistant working on SportsCenter, Outside The Lines and College GameDay (1992-93).  He then went to FOX affiliate WFXL-TV in Albany, Ga., as a weekend sports anchor/sports reporter (1993-94) and sports director (1994-95).  From there, Stone moved to WTOG-TV in Tampa/St. Petersburg, where he served as weekend sports anchor and sports reporter (1995-97).  During the 1996 and 1997 MLS seasons, Stone also was an analyst for Tampa Bay Mutiny matches on SportsChannel Florida, now FOX Sports Florida.

A 1991 graduate of Colgate with a bachelor’s degree in English, the Simsbury, Conn., native was an all-state and all-conference soccer player as a midfielder at Colgate, and captained the squad in his senior year.

- FSMG -

Filed Under: FOX, Soccer

NFL on FOX Rings in 2012 With Week 17 Battles for Playoff Position

December 30, 2011 By Leave a Comment

FOX SPORTS NOTES, QUOTES & ANECDOTES

NFL on FOX Rings in 2012 With Week 17 Battles for Playoff Position

Johnson’s Biggest Disappointments of the 2011Season & Aikman Interviews Brees Before Showdown with Panthers on FOX NFL SUNDAY at 12:00 PM ET

RECORD-SETTING BREES AND ROOKIE SENSATION NEWTON HEADLINE WEEK 17 ACTION

On Sunday, Jan. 1 FOX Sports rings in the New Year by closing out the NFL regular season with doubleheader coverage of seven NFC matchups – each presented in true HD. A battle of high-flying QBs takes place in the Bayou as all-time single-season passing record-holder Drew Brees and the Saints look to better the aerial and ground show of Cam Newton and the Panthers. Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Pam Oliver call all the action from New Orleans. In Philadelphia, Michael Vick, LeSean McCoy and the Eagles try to close out their season on a strong note as they host NFC East rival Washington. A pair of playoff participants from the NFC North square-off as Matthew Stafford and the Lions head to Green Bay to battle Aaron Rodgers and the Packers.  Meanwhile the Vikings host the Bears and the 49ers travel to St. Louis to take on the Rams.  FOX Sports concludes its doubleheader and regular season coverage in Atlanta as Matt Ryan and the playoff-bound Falcons welcome the Bucs to the Georgia Dome. Also at 4:15 PM ET, the Seahawks and Cardinals meet in Arizona.

Coverage begins at 12:00 PM ET with America’s most-watched Sunday afternoon pregame show, FOX NFL SUNDAY. Terry Bradshaw and Curt Menefee co-host the Emmy Award-winning program and are joined by analysts Howie Long, Michael Strahan and Jimmy Johnson.  NFL Insider Jay Glazer presents the latest league news and scoops from the FOX NFL SUNDAY studio while comedic prognosticator Frank Caliendo contributes his weekly “Frank’s Picks” segment.

This Sunday, Aikman catches up with Brees on the field prior to the Saints showdown with the Panthers that helps determine playoff position for New Orleans.  Also, Johnson goes through the 2011 season and lists his biggest disappointments.  The Cowboys and Giants talk about their mindset as the two teams prepare for their “win and get in” showdown for the NFC East crown.

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

 

 

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

Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints                   Joe Buck, Troy Aikman                                     59%                       1:00PM 

                                                                                                & Pam Oliver

Mercedes-Benz Superdome – New Orleans, LA

MARKETS INCLUDE: Albuquerque, Atlanta, Austin, Birmingham, Buffalo, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dallas, Dayton, Denver, Greensboro, Greenville, Hartford, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Knoxville, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Louisville, Memphis, Nashville, New Orleans, New York, Oklahoma City, Orlando, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Providence, Raleigh, San Antonio, San Diego, St. Louis, Tampa, Tulsa, West Palm Beach

 

Washington Redskins at Philadelphia Eagles            Ron Pitts, Charles Davis                                     9%                        1:00PM

                                                                                                & Drea Avent

Lincoln Financial Field – Philadelphia, PA

MARKETS INCLUDE: Baltimore, Norfolk, Philadelphia, Richmond, Washington

 

Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers                              Thom Brennaman, Brian Billick                         7%                        1:00PM

                                                                                                & Laura Okmin

Lambeau Field – Green Bay, WI

MARKETS INCLUDE: Detroit, Fort Myers, Milwaukee

 

Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings                            Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston                             7%                        1:00PM

                                                                                                & on-field analyst Tony Siragusa

Mall of America Field – Minneapolis, MN

MARKETS INCLUDE: Chicago, Minneapolis

 

San Francisco 49ers at St. Louis Rams                       Chris Myers, Tim Ryan                                       11%                       1:00PM 

                                                                                                & Jennifer Hale

Edward Jones Dome– St. Louis, MO

MARKETS INCLUDE: Portland, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Seattle

 

Tampa Bay Bucs at Atlanta Falcons                              Dick Stockton, John Lynch                              89%                       4:15PM

                                                                                                & Jamie Maggio

Georgia Dome – Atlanta, GA

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

 

Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals                       Sam Rosen, Chad Pennington                           4%                        4:15PM

                                                                                                & Jody Jackson

University of Phoenix Stadium – Glendale, AZ

MARKETS INCLUDE: Phoenix, Portland, Seattle

STRAHAN: GIANTS’ RUNNING GAME IS CATALYST FOR TEAM – Following the New York Giants victory this past Saturday over the New York Jets, FOX NFL SUNDAY analyst Michael Strahan is convinced his former team needs its running game to set the tone for the rest of the team.  “That game showed the Giants need to let their running game set the tempo for the team,” said Strahan.  “Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw were very physical.  Their defense then picked it up in the second half unlike they’ve done all season.”

BILLICK: YOU CAN’T PLAY THE GAME AFRAID OF GETTING HURT – On this week’s Coach Speak, NFL on FOX analyst Brian Billick weighed in on Minnesota running back Adrian Peterson’s knee injury in what some called a meaningless game for the 3-12 Vikings.  Billick said other teams who have locked up playoff positioning will be faced with a similar decision this week on whether or not to play their star players.  “You can’t play the game afraid,” said Billick. “You have to stay in a rhythm, you have to go out and play 100 percent every time.  Every time you take someone off the field, you double or triple the reps for someone else and therefore, give them a higher propensity for possibly getting hurt.  Although it’s regrettable that Adrian Peterson got hurt, I don’t second guess the fact that he was playing.  That’s not the nature of this game.  When you play, you’ve got to play.  You can’t play being afraid to get hurt.”

To hear Billick’s full analysis, click here for this week’s Coach Speak: http://tinyurl.com/cfjoass

Filed Under: FOX, NFL

Siragusa: Ryan Adds Fire to Jets/Giants Showdown

December 23, 2011 By Leave a Comment

FOX SPORTS NOTES, QUOTES & ANECDOTES

NFC East Playoff Hopes on the Line This Saturday on FOX

Oliver Visits with 2010 Giants Draft Pick Chad Jones and Documents His Road to Recovery on FOX NFL Special This Saturday

Siragusa: Ryan Adds Fire to Jets/Giants Showdown

 

GIANTS/JETS BATTLE FOR NYC SUPREMACY-EAGLES BATTLE COWBOYS FOR PLAYOFF LIVES – On Saturday, Dec. 24 FOX Sports kicks-off Week 16 with special Saturday doubleheader coverage of seven enticing matchups – each presented in true HD. The Battle of NY starts the holiday festivities as Eli Manning and the Giants take on Mark Sanchez and the Jets. Not only are NY bragging rights at stakeout, each team’s playoff chances hang in the balance. Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston and on-field analyst Tony Siragusa call all the action from MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. In Charlotte, Cam Newton and the Panthers look to put on another offensive display as they host the Bucs. Coming off a convincing win over the Giants, the Redskins host the Vikings. Meanwhile the Steelers travel to St. Louis to face the Rams. Also, Andy Dalton, AJ Green and the Bengals host the Cardinals. The second half of FOX Sports’ doubleheader begins in Big D as Michael Vick, LeSean McCoy and the Eagles continue to fight for their playoff lives when they take on Tony Romo and the Cowboys. Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Pam Oliver call all of the action from Cowboys Stadium. Coming off their impressive win over the Steelers, Frank Gore and the 49ers take on the Seahawks in Seattle.

Coverage begins at 12:00 PM ET with America’s most-watched Sunday afternoon pregame show, FOX NFL SPECIAL. Terry Bradshaw and Curt Menefee co-host the Emmy Award-winning program and are joined by analysts Howie Long, Michael Strahan and Jimmy Johnson.  NFL Insider Jay Glazer presents the latest league news and scoops from the FOX NFL SPECIAL studio while comedic prognosticator Frank Caliendo contributes his weekly “Frank’s Picks” segment.

This week’s edition of “The Journey,” which opens the show, is narrated by singer Usher. Also, Oliver has a heartwarming story about a remarkable journey after a devastating injury.  Just a few months after being drafted in the third round by the New York Giants in 2010, former LSU standout Chad Jones was involved in a serious car accident.  Doctors thought they might have to amputate his left leg because he lost so much blood and feared he may never walk again.  Oliver visits with Jones a year and a half after the accident as he fights to make an unlikely comeback and reach his goal of playing in the NFL.  This behind-the-scenes piece features Jones rehabbing from his injuries and shows the exercises he did to teach himself to walk again.

 

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

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

New York Giants at New York Jets                                Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston                           72%                       1:00PM

                                                                                                & on-field analyst Tony Siragusa

MetLife Stadium – East Rutherford, NJ

MARKETS INCLUDE: Albuquerque, Atlanta, Austin, Birmingham, Buffalo, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dallas, Dayton, Denver, Detroit, Hartford, Houston, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Knoxville, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Memphis, Miami, Milwaukee,

New Orleans, New York, Oklahoma City, Philadelphia, Portland, Providence, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Tulsa, West Palm Beach

 

Tampa Bay Bucs at Carolina Panthers                         Sam Rosen & Chad Pennington                        8%                        1:00PM

Bank of America Stadium – Charlotte, NC

MARKETS INCLUDE: Charlotte, Fort Myers, Greensboro, Greenville, Orlando, Raleigh, Tampa

 

Minnesota Vikings at Washington Redskins              Chris Myers, Tim Ryan                                        7%                        1:00PM

                                                                                                & Jaime Maggio

FedEx Field – Landover, MD

MARKETS INCLUDE: Minneapolis, Norfolk, Richmond, Washington

 

St. Louis Rams at Pittsburgh Steelers                         Dick Stockton, John Lynch                                 5%                        1:00PM 

                                                                                                & Jennifer Hale

Heinz Field – Pittsburgh, PA

MARKETS INCLUDE: Pittsburgh, St. Louis

 

Arizona Cardinals at Cincinnati Bengals                      Thom Brennaman. Brian Billick                         3%                        1:00PM 

                                                                                                & Laura Okmin

Paul Brown Stadium– Cincinnati, OH

MARKETS INCLUDE: Columbus, Louisville, Phoenix

 

Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys                        Joe Buck, Troy Aikman                                      88%                       4:15PM

                                                                                                & Pam Oliver

Cowboys Stadium – Arlington, TX

MARKETS INCLUDE: Albuquerque, Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Birmingham, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Cleveland, Columbus, Dallas, Dayton, Denver, Fort Myers, Greensboro, Greenville, Hartford, Houston, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Kansas City,

Knoxville, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Louisville, Memphis, Miami, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Nashville, New York, Norfolk, Oklahoma City, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Providence, Raleigh, Richmond, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, San Diego, St. Louis, Tampa, Tulsa, Washington, West Palm Beach

 

San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks                                 Ron Pitts, Charles Davis                                      8%                        4:15PM

                                                                                                & Drea Avent

CenturyLink Field – Seattle, WA

MARKETS INCLUDE: New Orleans, Portland, Sacramento, San Francisco, Seattle

 

 

SIRAGUSA:  JETS USED TO BE NY’S SECONDARY FOOTBALL TEAM BUT REX HELPED CHANGE THAT – During his playing days as a member of the Baltimore Ravens defensive line, NFL on FOX on-field analyst Tony Siragusa was under the leadership of then Ravens defensive coordinator and current New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan.  Siragusa believes the outspoken head coach has most media attention focused on him by design.  “Rex is dumb as a fox,” said Siragusa.  “He draws all the attention to himself so his players don’t have to deal with it.  They’ve had some ups and downs but just because you have ups and downs doesn’t mean you shouldn’t talk about going to the Super Bowl.  Rex is just saying what everyone else in that locker room thinks.  Some coaches don’t like saying it but he’s outspoken as everyone knows and was the same when we he coached me in Baltimore.”  As for this Saturday’s Jets vs. Giants matchup, Goose reflected on how the Jets head coach has helped fuel this rivalry in New York. “The Jets were the step child in the Tri-state area and Rex has tried to change that attitude.  You can change that attitude by saying what’s on your mind and Rex has done that.  Rex gives his team confidence and that’s all he cares about.”

 

PEREIRA: STEELERS SHOULD’VE RESTED ROETHLISBERGER – This week, NFL on FOX rules analyst Mike Pereira conducted a chat on FOXSports.com where he answered fans questions on a variety of topical issues in the NFL.

On the injury concerns of Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger and whether he should’ve been benched on Monday night:  “Benched is a little severe. Rested is the right word. There was a lot at stake for the Steelers but at some point, you have to get him healthy for the playoff run, first round bye or not.”

On the possible return of Peyton Manning and how refs may treat him in the future: “He will be back and he will be treated the same as any quarterback would be treated. I don’t know whether he should or should not come back. I just hope that he lives a healthy life. He has a lot of years ahead of him to live. Football is not the end-all.”

To read the entire chat please click here: http://on-msn.com/vCZBly

WHATIFSPORTS.COM CROWNS TRUE NATIONAL CHAMPION – Who’s the best college football team in 2011? Year after year, no one really knows but everyone wants the answer.  WhatIfSports.com, a unit of Fox Sports Interactive that specializes in online sports simulations and fantasy-style games, is using its award winning simulation engine to simulate a 16-team playoff called “December Madness.”  The bracket consists of the 11 conference champions and the five best at-large teams.  The 16 teams go through four rounds, with one champion being crowned January 5.   The results, featuring detailed box scores with play-by-play, team and individual player stats for each game, can be found at http://www.whatifsports.com/decmadness/

Filed Under: FOX, NFL

Jay Glazer Reports That Peyton Manning Worked Out With Teammates

December 19, 2011 By 2 Comments

FOX NFL SUNDAY NOTES – 12/18/11

Jay Glazer Reports That Peyton Manning Worked Out With Teammates

Johnson: “Packers Should Rest Players” – Strahan Disagrees

Bradshaw: “Eli Manning is Having an MVP Year”

Long: Rams Are Physically Decimated

 

————————————————————————————————

FOX NFL insider Jay Glazer reported that Colts quarterback Peyton Manning worked with some of his teammates after practice:  “After the Colts practice this week, Peyton Manning got some pads on, came out to the practice field and actually worked with running backs and receivers.  Now he didn’t practice with the team.  The team is going to make sure to emphasize that he did not practice with everybody else.  Peyton Manning wants to play this year and he’s trying to work with some of the running backs and receivers with pads on.  It’s not just Peyton out there working on a long toss.  Peyton had pads on and worked with some of the players there after practice.”

————————————————————————————————

Analyst Michael Strahan on if the Packers should try to go undefeated rather than rest key players down the stretch: “There’s one answer. Yes! Yes! Why not? You’re this close, try to finish.  They need to wrap up home field throughout the playoffs.  But after that, to be perfect, that’s something special.  You have to do it. You don’t pull back right now.”

Analyst Jimmy Johnson disagrees: “You would regret that if you lost the Super Bowl or you didn’t make it to the Super Bowl and you tried to get this undefeated season.  The ultimate goal is to win the Super Bowl, not go undefeated.  You rest those players.”

————————————————————————————————

Analyst Jimmy Johnson on the firing of head coaches throughout the league: “Probably 6-9 head coaches will be fired this year.  To the uneducated fan and a lot owners: losing season, fire the coach.  Tom Landry did not have a winning season his last three years.  In fact, he finished 3-13.  He didn’t all of a sudden become a bad coach.  Mike Ditka didn’t have a winning season his last four.  He also finished 3-13.  Bill Belichick had one winning season out of five while at Cleveland. Sometimes it’s more than just the head coach.”

Analyst Howie Long added: “There is no greater example of that than the Rams.  The Rams were a team that was picked to contend for the NFC West.  Their record is what it is and Steve Spagnuolo has to own that record.  But I can’t remember a team in the 18 years we’ve been doing this that has been as decimated as they’ve been.  The secondary is shot, the offensive line is shot, wide receiving core is shot, young franchise quarterback is injured, missed time, playing hurt, and Steven Jackson has missed time.  I can’t remember a team that’s been more physically decimated than the Rams.”

————————————————————————————————

Co-host Terry Bradshaw on Giants quarterback Eli Manning: “Eli Manning is having an MVP year.  By far he’s the guy that has carried this football team.  And he will have to.  Jets are coming up, Cowboys are coming up and he’ll play well against both of those teams.”

————————————————————————————————

Analyst Michael Strahan on which quarterbacks could be in the running to break Dan Marino’s single season record for passing yards: “Drew Brees and Tom Brady both have the best chance of breaking it looking at their schedule that’s coming up.  Aaron Rodgers and Eli Manning have a lot of tough games within their division, so those two are out.”

————————————————————————————————

Co-host Terry Bradshaw on Texans quarterback T.J. Yates and how far he can take the team in the playoffs: “He’s got a great arm, great size, he’s athletic, he can run and he can lead just by evidence of his teammates talking about how cool and calm he is in the huddle and in the pocket.  I think he’ll do well.”

————————————————————————————————

Jimmy Johnson is impressed with the effect Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow has on his teammates: “More than any other player I’ve ever seen, Tim Tebow brings out the best in everybody around him.  Everybody around him just plays so much better when he is on the field.”

Filed Under: FOX, NFL
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