NEWS, NOTES & QUOTES FROM CBS SPORTS’ “THE NFL TODAY” WITH JAMES BROWN, DAN MARINO, SHANNON SHARPE,

BILL COWHER AND BOOMER ESIASON FOR DIVSIONAL PLAYOFFS WEEKEND ON JANUARY 15 & 16

► QUICK HITS

(On N.Y. Jets-New England)

BILL COWHER:  I think for the Jets, we know for them offensively, if they keep it close they can run the ball and use their play action to Dustin Keller.  But the onus is on the defense.  There are two things they have to do, No. 1, they have to try to create turnovers.  I know we talked about zero chance but the other thing is, you said last week, the law of averages, at some point.  They’ve been playing flawless football.  They’ve got to find a way to take it over.  The other thing is, New England got the ball in the red zone five times last game and they scored five touchdowns.  Hold them to field goals, keep the game close is the Jets’ only chance for this one.

SHANNON SHARPE:  The one thing we know about a Bill Belichick-coached team and his defense is they’re going to take away what you do well.  What the Jets want to do is run the football.  Boomer you say it all the time, you want to see your quarterback, Mark Sanchez, grow up.  He grew up last week.  He managed the game and when he had to make a play, he made the play.  I think this game is going to fall into his lap again.  They will not allow LaDainian Tomlinson and Shonn Greene to run the football.  Hence it falls back on Mark Sanchez’s shoulders.

BOOMER ESIASON:  When Rex Ryan took over he did not want the Jets to become the “same ‘ol Jets”…so he has basically said this week that it’s all about him and Belichick and that’s fine until Antonio Cromartie decided to ramp it up.  And he enhanced his comments by using vulgarity.  And I think that vulgarity is going to spark a competitive fire within Bill Belichick and Tom Brady.  These are two ruthless guys and they’re going to take their game to another level to make sure Antonio Cromartie realizes who they’re playing against.

DAN MARINO:  I agree, once the talk comes up, it comes up.  Tom Brady is going to be in a position to put a lot of pressure on Mark Sanchez because New England scores early and they score often.  And when they get in the red zone they get touchdowns.  They don’t kick field goals.  And when you look at what they’ve done this season regarding turnovers, how are the Jets going to match that?  Mark Sanchez…the game is going to be in his lap and what’s going to happen?  What’s the history against the Patriots?

BOOMER:  Not very good in that building.

SHARPE:  When someone says something like that, he ramped it up.  You really want to rub their face in it.  The Patriots really want to punish the Jets tomorrow.

► “INSIDE THE GAME” WITH “NFL TODAY GENERAL MANAGER” CHARLEY CASSERLY

(On Quarterback Contracts for next year)

CASSERLY: First of all, Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts.  Look for them to franchise Peyton Manning.  That number, from the present rules is $23 million.  However, if they franchise him for two for more years, those numbers are $27 million and $40 million for a total of $90 million over the next three years.  I think the Colts will offer him a multi‑year contract with a signing bonus of over $50 million and a contract average somewhere between $20-25 million.  That will be more than Tom Brady.  His average is $18 million a year and his signing bonus was $48 million.

(On Drew Brees contract extension):  He has one more year to go on his current contract at a bargain rate of $10 million a year.  In talking to the Saints, they obviously want to extend him so he has a long career with the Saints.  They haven’t had any discussions with his agent or even internally to discuss what those numbers are going to be.  To me he’s the third‑best quarterback in the NFL.  That salary in the NFL is an average of $17 million.  That’s what I think he should get.

(On Matt Hasselbeck): I think they (Seattle) will try to re-sign him.  However, they didn’t say how much he’s worth…I think people have in mind a number somewhere around $6 million.  However, what could help Hasselbeck is that there are a lot of teams that are desperate for a quarterback so that might drive that number up.

(On Michael Vick): They’re going to franchise him when that time comes up and work on a multi‑year deal when they’re able to that once we have a new labor agreement.  To me, that number should be in the $12 to $14 million.

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“THE NFL ON CBS’s” COVERAGE OF STEELERS’ WIN OVER RAVENS SATURDAY RATES AS HIGHEST FOR AFC DIVISIONAL GAME IN 17 YEARS

Saturday’s AFC Divisional Playoff Game Earns Rating/Share of 20.9/39, Up 12%

THE NFL ON CBS’s broadcast of the AFC Divisional Playoff game featuring the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 31-24 win over the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday, Jan. 15 scored an average overnight household rating/share of 20.9/39, up +12% from an 18.7/31  for last year’s AFC Divisional Playoff game between Baltimore and Indianapolis.

The rating/share for the Steelers-Ravens game peaked with a 25.1/43 (7:30-8:00 PM, ET).

Yesterday’s 20.9/39 for the Ravens-Steelers game was the highest rating for the AFC Saturday Divisional game in the metered markets in 17 years (23.9/51; Los Angeles Raiders-Buffalo; NBC; 12:30-3:45 PM) on January 15, 1994.

In addition, yesterday’s 20.9/39 was the highest-rated AFC or NFC Divisional Play-off game on any network in the metered markets in 15 years (22.2/41; Green Bay-San Francisco; FOX; 4:00-7:30 PM) on January 9, 1996.

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I am sending this to you because it seems that CBS is not answering any calls on this issue and that I find disturbing.

During a Sunday Afternoon Football game between the Denver Broncos and the Tennessee Titans sports commentator Kevin Harlan made a rude comment that has offended many in the Hawaiian community both in Hawaii and on the Continent. The CBS announcer (Harlan) said that Chuck Cecil showed “the Hawaiian peace sign” when the coach flipped the ref off. This is not a Hawaiian Peace sign; this is a rude and derogatory gesture that has been cultivated by a mainstream society. To imply that Hawaiian’s are the originators of this gesture is absurd. Had he intimated that it was an African American, Hispanic or any other mainstream ethnicity there would have been press conferences and front page apologies. But, because the Hawaiian’s are a small and mostly un-recognized people they have been on the short end of a lot of misconceptions.

I am quite positive that most of you, if not all, have visited Hawaii, the Hawaiian are a proud and welcoming people. They have welcomed more visitors to their home than most States in the Union. Hawaii and it’s people have welcomed and hosted the NFL for years. The players have had an enjoyable post season retreat with their families and friends. I feel that Kevin Harlan needs to make a public apology to all Hawaiians near and far.

I am asking you to please encourage Kevin Harlan to make a public apology in a national forum since he didn’t have any problem (so it would seem) making a derogatory remark in that forum in the first place.

E malama pono,
Lynette K Asperin
President,
Pi`ilani Hawaiian Civic Club of Colorado

ESPN’s Weekend and Monday NFL Studio Features

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

The program will include reports from Bob Holtzman covering the Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals, Ed Werder at the Bears-Cowboys game, Michael Smith in Minnesota for the Dolphins at Vikings, Rachel Nichols at the Patriots-Jets game, and George Smith covering the Philadelphia Eagles at Detroit Lions.  Other highlights:

Bill Belichick vs. Rex Ryan Pressers: The personae of Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and Jets head coach Rex Ryan are polar opposites in how they present themselves to media.  Rachel Nichols uncovers the differences between a Ryan press conference and a Belichick press conference, and the effect it has on the media who cover these coaches and the players they lead.

Arian Foster: The Poet and Running Back: Texans running back Arian Foster burst onto the NFL scene last Sunday, rushing for 231 yards and three touchdowns in a Week 1 victory over the Colts.  A philosophy major at the University of Tennessee, Foster is also a budding poet.  Chris Connelly reports how Foster, in his poetry, explains the arc of a career that transformed him from undrafted free agent last season to overnight NFL sensation.

Peyton and Eli – A Manning Mix: The Manning brothers, both Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks, continue their NFL sibling rivalry.  YouTube sensation DJ Porter, who put music to the public chatter of Bengals receivers T.O. and Ochocinco last Sunday on Countdown, returns to capture memorable moments on the field, soundbites and commercials which define the first family of NFL quarterbacks.

“Mayne Event” – Soft Knocks: While Jets head coach Rex Ryan drew a lot of attention this summer for his profanity-laced language in the HBO series Hard Knocks, the Titans and their head coach Jeff Fisher were filming a similar show that is only just making its way to cable TV on Mayne Event.  This week, Kenny Mayne features a special edition of the Titans’ Soft Knocks.

Dueling Ditkas: Countdown’s Ditka, a Hall of Fame player himself as a tight end for the Bears and Cowboys, offers his unique perspective on the performances of his former teams – the Bears’ near-loss and Cowboys’ loss – in Dueling Ditkas.

EA Sports Virtual Playbook – Redskins’ 3-4 Defense: In EA Sports Virtual Playbook, Tom Jackson breaks down the Redskins’ 3-4 defense vs. Arian Foster and the Texans’ running offense.

Film Room – Darrelle Revis vs. Randy Moss: There is no love lost between Patriots explosive wide receiver Randy Moss and Jets shutdown cornerback Darrelle Revis.  Merril Hoge goes to the film room to explain the importance of the Moss vs. Revis matchup.

Berman, Carter, Ditka, Jackson and Johnson will pick the biggest games of the day and tell fans which players will make the biggest impact as “Breakout Performer” in NFL’s Week 2 action.  The list of game picks will be posted on www.espn.com/sundaycountdown after the show.  In addition, ESPN fantasy guru Matthew Berry will offer his top fantasy sleepers for the week.

MONDAY NIGHT COUNTDOWN, 7 P.M. ON ESPN

Monday Night Countdown Served by Applebee’s with Berman, Carter, Ditka, Jackson, Johnson, Mortensen and Schefter (in Bristol) and Stuart Scott, Matt Millen and Steve Young (at the MNF game in San Francisco) will review Sunday’s games and preview Monday Night Football.  The 90-minute, pre-game show will lead into the New Orleans Saints at San Francisco (8:30 p.m.) game, featuring Mike Tirico, Jon Gruden and Ron Jaworski. Reporters Suzy Kolber (Saints) and Michele Tafoya (49ers) will cover the teams.  Other highlights:

Saints 2009 Soundtracks: From a 13-0 start to a thrilling overtime victory over the Vikings at home in the NFC Championship, 2009 was an historic season for the Saints.  This week’s “Soundtracks” features the best compilation of in-game audio and highlights of the Saints’ championship season.

“Gruden Extra” with Patrick Willis: Countdown’s “Gruden Extra,” featuring Super Bowl-winning coach and Monday Night Football analyst Jon Gruden in sit-down, Xs and Os breakdown of key game film with a player, will feature San Francisco linebacker Patrick Willis, one of the league’s best at his position.

Mike Singletary Conversation with Mike Ditka: Few coach-player combinations have stood the test of time like former Bears head coach Mike Ditka and his Hall of Fame linebacker, Mike Singletary.  Ditka and Singletary defined an era in Bears history that included a Super Bowl XX victory.  Singletary, now 49ers head coach, is trying to build a new legacy in the Bay Area.  After a surprising week 1 loss to the Seahawks, Singletary sits down for a hard-hitting conversation with Ditka.

WEEKLY MONDAY NIGHT COUNTDOWN SEGMENTS

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

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

C’MON MAN – Countdown personalities share their head-scratching plays from Week 2.

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

NFL MATCHUP, SUNDAY 4:30 A.M. AND 7:30 A.M. ON ESPN; 5:30 AM ON ESPN2

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

Patriots @ Jets – While the Jets’ exotic schemes on defense can make most quarterbacks panic, it also creates occasional opportunities for big plays by the opposing offense.  Jaworski reveals how too many Jets disguises leave defenders out of position and vulnerable, especially against a quarterback like Tom Brady.

Giants @ Colts – Jaworski illustrates how the Giants must attack Indy’s defense on the ground – like the Texans did in week 1 – and avoid a Manning shootout to win on Sunday night.

Ravens @ Bengals – The Ravens defense, traditionally strong against the run, allowed a 100-yard rusher in both games last year against the Bengals. Hoge uses his “Clicker” to show how the Bengals use alignment and run-design to successfully attack Baltimore’s defense.

Steelers @ Titans – Jaworski shows how Tennessee quarterback Vince Young, aligned with Chris Johnson on the outside with a two-on-one matchup against a defender in the Titans’ counter-option, yields successful plays against any defense.

Texans @ Redskins – Hoge goes back to film from last season to show how the Texans’ running game will perform against the Redskins’ 3-4 defense.

Bears @ Cowboys – Hoge believes the Bears’ defense might be the perfect remedy for the Cowboys offense, as he explains how Dallas will attack the Bears’ cover-2.

Saints @ 49ers – Jaworski opens his “Playbook” to show how head coach Sean Payton creates mismatches for receiver Marques Colston in the Saints’ imaginative and versatile offense.

Eagles @ Lions – Hoge explains how Michael Vick has the ability and athleticism to do things that no human should be able to do when scripted plays break down.

FOXSPORTS.COM SIGNS JASON WHITLOCK TO EXCLUSIVE,

MULTI-YEAR CONTRACT EXTENSION

Provocative Sports Columnist Given Bigger Voice Across

All FOXSports.com Platforms

NEW YORK – Already known for his big voice in the world of sports, Jason Whitlock’s is getting bigger.

FOXSports.com is expanding the lightning rod national sports columnist’s presence on the web site and its related platforms, the result of an exclusive, new, multi-year contract extension announced today by FOX Sports Interactive Media’s Senior Vice President & Editor-In-Chief Rick Jaffe.

Whitlock, whose columns regularly spark impassioned debate and discussion, now shares his unique point-of-view via every platform FOXSports.com has to offer.  His singular national perspective is now available to fans through FOXSports.com columns, digital programming, podcasts, chats and mobile apps where he continues to address sports’ most controversial topics, often taking a position most columnists lack the courage to take.

“We’re very happy to not only continue our relationship with Jason, but greatly expand it,’’ Jaffe said. “He has proven over the years to be one of this country’s most influential writers and biggest voices. He’s very passionate about what he does and it comes through loud and clear in his work.  He’s very talented and we look forward to working with Jason on all of our digital platforms.’’

“My relationship with FOXSports.com has been very successful so far and this is only the start,” said Whitlock. “I’m very pleased that my editors have shown the wisdom to let me be me, and very soon there will be a lot more of me to love on the web site.”

Previously, Whitlock was a weekly contributor, but he now writes two columns per week.  He also contributes either a podcast or chat weekly, and plans are in the works for him to be featured in a program produced for FOXSports.com’s mid-day Lunch With Benefits programming block.

Whitlock has been a sportswriter for 20 years, most recently at the Kansas City Star.  He joined the KC Star in 1994 as a general-interest sports columnist after writing for the Bloomington Herald-Times, Charlotte Observer and the Ann Arbor News.  He’s also written for Playboy Magazine, Vibe Magazine and The Sporting News.

Whitlock had a six-year association with ESPN.com and ESPN television from 2000 to 2006. He wrote a weekly column for ESPN.com and on the TV side guest-hosted Pardon the Interruption, Jim Rome is Burning, The Sports Reporters and appeared on Outside the Lines.

In addition, Whitlock has worked as a radio talk-show host at Kansas City’s WHB and KCSP, broadcasting his own shows, Jason Whitlock’s Neighborhood and The Doghouse. Whitlock has also guest-hosted Jim Rome’s nationally syndicated radio show The Jungle.

In 2008, Whitlock won a National Journalism Award for commentary from The Scripps Howard Foundation, and he is the only sportswriter to ever be so honored.  He’s also won numerous other awards and has appeared on programs as varied as Oprah Winfrey, The O’Reilly Factor, Anderson Cooper 360 and Countdown with Keith Olbermann.

A 1990 graduate of and former football starter at Ball State University, Whitlock splits his time between Kansas City and Los Angeles.

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Billick on Favre/Childress: “Much To Do About Nothing”

Johnson:  The Cowboys Looked Their Absolute Best Against New Orleans

Digger Goes Hollywood

GIANTS STILL HAVE A FIGHTING CHANCE – The 2009 NFL on FOX campaign rolls into Week 16 on Sunday, Dec. 27 with singleheader coverage of five exciting matchups. With their playoff hopes still alive, Eli Manning and the Giants try to keep the pressure on the Cowboys and Packers as they host the Panthers in NYG’s final game at Giants Stadium. Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Pam Oliver call the action from the Meadowlands. In Green Bay, Aaron Rodgers and the NFC wild card-leading Packers look to maintain control of their destiny when they host the Seahawks. The early window concludes as Drew Brees and the Saints come off their first loss and welcome the Bucs to the Bayou. The late window features Kurt Warner and the Cardinals facing his former team, the Rams, at his current home in Arizona.  Also, the Lions are in San Francisco to take on the Niners.

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.  The crew is joined by NFL Insider Jay Glazer who presents the latest league news and scoops in the FOX NFL SUNDAY studio and comedic prognosticator Frank Caliendo contributes his weekly “Frank’s Picks” segment. In this week’s show, Long searches for his hidden gems; players you don’t know about, but should.  Also, the guys discuss the Brett Favre vs. Brad Childress situation.

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.

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

Carolina Panthers at New York Giants                        Joe Buck, Troy Aikman                                    47%        1:00PM

& Pam Oliver

Giants Stadium – East Rutherford, NJ

MARKETS INCLUDE: Albuquerque, Austin, Charlotte, Columbus, Dallas, Dayton, Denver, Greensboro, Greenville, Hartford, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Louisville, New York, Norfolk, Oklahoma City, Philadelphia, Providence, Raleigh, Richmond, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, San Diego, Tulsa, Washington, West Palm Beach

Seattle Seahawks at Green Bay Packers                   Thom Brennaman & Brian Billick                  15%       1:00PM

Lambeau Field – Green Bay, WI

MARKETS INCLUDE: Chicago, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Portland, Seattle

Tampa Bay Bucs at New Orleans Saints                    Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston                          12%       1:00PM

& Tony Siragusa

Louisiana Superdome – New Orleans, LA

MARKETS INCLUDE: Birmingham, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Knoxville, Memphis, Nashville, New Orleans, Orlando, Tampa

St. Louis Rams at Arizona Cardinals                            Sam Rosen, Tim Ryan                       17%      4:05PM

& Chris Myers

University of Phoenix Stadium – Glendale, AZ

MARKETS INCLUDE: Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Buffalo, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Houston, Kansas City, Miami, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, St. Louis

Detroit Lions at San Francisco 49ers                           Dick Stockton & Charles Davis                          8%     4:05PM

Candlestick Park – San Francisco, CA

MARKETS INCLUDE: Detroit, Sacramento, San Francisco

BILLICK ON FAVRE/CHILDRESS: “MUCH TO DO ABOUT NOTHING; NATIONAL STAGE ADDS LEVEL OF COMPLEXITY TO IT” – “I think all the talk about the Favre/Childress argument is much to do about nothing,” said NFL on FOX analyst Brian Billick.  “Unfortunately in these cases it’s played out on a national stage, which always adds another level of complexity to it. I’m sure Brad and Brett have sat down and it’s been made very clear-cut.  Brad was clearly just going to try and protect Brett Favre. He wasn’t questioning Brett’s leadership ability, the game wasn’t going well and Brad didn’t want to expose his quarterback.  Brett was basically saying, ‘you can’t do that to me, I can’t leave these guys, I understand why but I can’t do that.’”

JOHNSON: ARE THE COWBOYS BACK? – Former Cowboys Super Bowl-winning head coach Jimmy Johnson watched the Cowboys hand New Orleans its first loss of the season this past Saturday and believes Dallas looked the best they have all season.  “Tony Romo was taking what was given to him in the underneath passing game and they were pounding the ball with Marion Barber.  If the Cowboys can maintain this same focus and intensity for the final two games, they will have a shot against anybody in the playoffs,” said Johnson.  However, the former coach isn’t too impressed with the speed of wide receiver Miles Austin.  “Austin is strong and has a great burst, but he doesn’t have any separation speed which is probably why he wasn’t in the lineup earlier in the season.  He’s not really a fast guy but he does break tackles and make big plays.”

For more from Johnson on Vince Young and Jimmy’s thoughts on the Redskins log onto: http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/Jimmy-Johnson-Titans-have-bright-future-122009

NASCAR ON FOX ANIMATED GOPHER TO MAKE BIG SCREEN DEBUT – Even in the off-season, NASCAR on FOX’s unofficial mascot, Digger, is busy at work.  The furry, enthusiastic, clever little gopher has managed to make his way to the big screen with an appearance in this Wednesday’s premiere of Alvin And The Chipmunks: The Squeakquel.  Digger makes his cameo towards the end of the film, when he pops out of a sewer cap during a chase scene with Alvin & the Chipettes.

FOX NFL SUNDAY NOTES – 12/6/09

Johnson: Eagles Will Win the NFC East; The Giants are Done

Bradshaw:  I’d Like to See Holmgren Coach. The NFL Needs His Offensive Mind.

Long: I Was Shocked When I Heard Ward Criticizing Roethlisberger for Sitting Out

Strahan: Saints & Colts Will Not Go Undefeated

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FOX NFL SUNDAY Analyst Jimmy Johnson on the NFC East: “I think most everyone feels the NFC East belongs to the Cowboys because they’re leading the division right now, but the Cowboys are going to have to settle for being a wild card because the Philadelphia Eagles will win the NFC East.  As far as the New York Giants go, you can stick a fork in them, they’re done!”

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FOX NFL SUNDAY Insider Jay Glazer reports on the Seahawks following GM Tim Ruskell resignation: “With Tim Ruskell out as GM, the Seahawks have hired a search firm to identify potential candidates for the GM and/or president job.  As far Mike Holmgren goes, he wants to go to Seattle with a Bill Parcells-type of head-honcho role.”

Analyst Jimmy Johnson on whether Mike Holmgren returning to Seattle is a done deal following the resignation of Ruskell: “No, because they need a GM. They don’t need a football czar like Parcells.”

Co-host Terry Bradshaw added: “I would like to see Holmgren coach because he’s a great offensive mind and the NFL doesn’t have enough great offensive minds.”

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Analyst Michael Strahan, Jimmy Johnson, Terry Bradshaw remark on the likelihood of both the Indianapolis Colts & New Orleans Saints remaining undefeated.

Strahan: “Wanting to go undefeated and actually accomplishing it are two different things.  I don’t see it happening for either team.  I have a feeling the Indianapolis Colts are going to rest guys.”

Johnson: “Don’t play hurt players just to go undefeated.”

Bradshaw (reacting to Johnson): “That’s some bull. Tony Dungy did that and it cost them. Don’t forget about that.”

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Analyst Howie Long & Co-host Terry Bradshaw reacted to comments made by Steelers WR Hines Ward criticizing QB Ben Roethlisberger for not playing last week against the Ravens:
Long: “I was shocked when I heard Hines Ward’s statement on the news. A player questioning whether you could go if you chose not to go is the last thing you want to happen.”
Bradshaw: “Should he have said that about Ben?  No.  But I guarantee that half of the NFL was thinking like Hines Ward.  That’s the mentality of a football player from the time he’s a kid.  You don’t cry and you always play hurt.”

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Co-host Terry Bradshaw on Michael Vick’s future: “I don’t think he’ll be an Eagle next year. He’s had his grace period and he’s proven to be a good citizen. I think the Eagles will move him.”

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Analyst Michael Strahan on whether or not Brian Urlacher, who has been out of the Bears lineup since Week 1 with a wrist injury, should be commenting on the play of his teammates: “Brian Urlacher probably should not be making public comments about his team while he’s out hurt.  I was out one year after I tore my pectoral muscle and Plaxico Burress didn’t go after a ball against the Titans and it was intercepted by Pacman Jones.  I said ‘I know Plaxico is better than that, he’s not a quitter’…I found that I was a distraction.  If you’re not on the field to help, you should be quiet.”

Co-host Terry Bradshaw added:  “Yeah, I agree. When you’re hurt you’re really not part of the football team anyway, that’s the way they treat you.  I do see something good coming from what Urlacher said and that’s Cutler’s response.  I like what he said, I liked his response. He seemed very humble.”

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Bradshaw, Johnson & Long agree on picking Stanford RB Toby Gerhart as their Heisman winner.
Long on Gerhart: “He’s been as dominate a guy at his position than anyone.”

Strahan: “After his performance yesterday, I’m going with Mark Ingram.”

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Co-Host Bradshaw sat down with Saints QB Drew Brees and asked Brees about going undefeated.

Brees: “You get this close, we’re 11-0 and it’s not that far fetched but we’re not going to let it cloud our vision or focus.  We understand the opportunity we have.  Foot on the gas.”

– FOX SPORTS –