Archives for October 2013

Transcript: 2013 ESPN MLB World Series Media Conference Call

October 23, 2013 By admin

Earlier today, ESPN Baseball Tonight analysts Curt Schilling and John Kruk discussed the 2013 World Series with members of the media. Schilling and Kruk will contribute to ESPN’s on-site Baseball Tonight and SportsCenter coverage before and after every World Series game alongside Karl Ravech, Baseball Hall of Famer Barry Larkin, Buster Olney and Tim Kurkjian.

ESPN Radio will also serve as the exclusive radio broadcast home of the Fall Classic. Veteran play-by-play voice Dan Shulman and analyst Orel Hershiser will describe the action for each game. Pre-game coverage begins one hour prior to first pitch.

Here is the replay of today’s conference call.

Q. Curt, wanted to get your opinion about Michael Wacha and his sensational postseason so far. I know this is the biggest stage of all. He may be pitching at Fenway Park, a tough place for a young pitcher. How do you think he’ll handle the next phase here?

CURT SCHILLING: I think he’s one of the reasons why you look at this World Series and I don’t think there’s a clear favorite. As good as Boston’s offense is, the Cardinals are running out as good of a power pitching bullpen as I’ve seen in my lifetime. He is not to be rattled. If you think about this, the biggest games of his life have come in succession over the last four to six weeks. There at the end of the season, he almost throws back-to-back no-hitters. [In the] postseason, he gets better.

He’ll have some nerves, but he’s the kind of guy, in my mind, that used nerves like I did: I’m going to be throwing harder. I have a chance to be better. And he’s going to use that to his advantage.

He’s a kid that doesn’t get rattled. His mix and makeup are as good as any young pitcher I’ve seen in the game.

Q. Could you compare this Red Sox team to the team you had in ’04 the last time.

SCHILLING: I don’t see the similarities. In philosophy, it’s the same. You have two offenses that are incredibly deep and relentless. They drive up pitch counts, knock starters out.

I think we knew going into the World Series in ’04 that we were pretty confident offensively that they didn’t have a pitcher. We had an offense that you needed to have plus-plus stuff to get through and to beat. They had nobody in their rotation that could do that.

This is a very different Cardinals rotation. This is a rotation of power arms. I think that’s going to present a challenge for the Red Sox.

As far as similarities go, if you remember the ’04 team, that was a pretty dynamic offense. You had Pujols, Walker, Renteria. They were something else. This is more, to me, kind of a sabermetrics-built offense, a bunch of people that work around counts, get on base, know how to score runs.

Q. Do you think this Red Sox team is more businesslike than the team you had in 2004, which were The Idiots or whatever you called them?

SCHILLING: I think that was played out much more for the media than was the case. That was a team that we went about our business professionally at 7:05. We played the game hard and, for the most part, everybody played the game right. That was something the media latched on to. We had fun.

I think this team has a lot of fun, as well. They understand fun is only possible if you do what you got to do from 7:05 to 10:05.

Q. Curt, I wanted to ask you, these two teams have played in the World Series three other times. Each time it’s been kind of a big deal. A lot of exciting play in the series itself, great drama. Can you take us through some of your best memories from ’04, what that meant to Boston, how winning that World Series impacts your life nowadays?

SCHILLING: They’ve been memorable World Series because you have two of the originals in the mix. They’ve got a century’s worth of history coming out of these two cities. Two towns that are absolutely in love with their baseball teams. It’s a religion, a way of life. Those go together well in the World Series.

The ’04 series, the thing I remember is how confident we were going in. Honestly, I sat in the advanced scouting meetings, the pitcher prep meetings for that World Series. We didn’t think they could win a game. It had nothing to do with the Cardinals; they were a good team. We felt we had built the thing the way it was supposed to be built and we were unbeatable at that point, especially coming off the Yankees series.

As far as what it’s meant, people outside New England think it was the worst thing that could ever happen. I think for a couple years after that we had the Patriots, the Celtics and the Bruins. It was a time of riches in Boston. Boston fans, after so many years of being beaten down, had a chance to be king of the mountain. To some degree, I think they took advantage of that.

But I think that ’04 team made a lot of things possible. I don’t think you have ’07 without ’04. I don’t know how it works after that. I think what we did in ’04 opened the door for guys to come here and play that might not have come here and played, had they not won a World Series.

All the things you’d like to think about as a Boston fan, coming back and beating the Yankees, doing the things we did, the way we did it, to me it’s a lot like the ’93 Philly team. It’s a team in the city people won’t ever forget. That’s cool to be a part of.

Q. Curt, you said it’s a series that might be too close to call. If there was one aspect where the Cardinals were better than the Red Sox, where would it be?

SCHILLING: Pitching, I think, from a power and depth perspective. They’re going to be able to run three, four 95-mph guys out there as starters, which is the only way I think you beat a sabermetrics-built team. It comes down to power pitching. And power pitching that throws strikes, let me be clear.

If you look at the way that Tigers series went, you can shut them out, you can make them not score, but it’s going to be hard to get past the sixth inning.

You’re pitching against the soft underbelly of every team, which is those two or three guys in the middle of the bullpen who aren’t good enough to start, they’re good enough to be in the big leagues. When you get those guys in against good offenses, they get pounded. In the post-season, those guys don’t pitch.

This is a series built on probably your 11 to 12 best players and your seven best pitchers. Generally, with the exception of a long extra-inning game, you don’t use all 25 guys. You have the guys you’re going to go to, the guys on the bench you might play.

In that way, I think the Cardinals stack up incredibly well. Honestly, not just for this year, if you look going forward, this has got to be an exciting period of time for Cardinals fans. That is a team that’s built to be good over the next four, five, six years.

Q. Do you buy into a team of destiny, maybe the way the ’04 team was looked at?

SCHILLING: You certainly don’t downplay it. I was on the other side of that in ’01. We were playing the Yankees after 9/11. If you looked at the way that series went, they came back. Those three games in New York, wow, a lot of people were like, ‘this is meant to be.’

That stuff as a player, you cannot allow that stuff to be a part of your thinking. You start to look away from the things you have to focus on. Everybody talks about the thing, you can’t see the forest for the trees. The focus here is kind of the head of a pin. You’ve got to be able to look and live in the second, in the moment, to excel and be good here. Those are the kind of things and thoughts that end up getting you beat.

Q. If you don’t live in Boston or St. Louis, where should your loyalties go? Should it go for watching a good series, exciting power against hitting?

JOHN KRUK: I think it should go to the chess match between the managers, when to bring in a reliever. The Cardinals are going to [use] a defensive replacement for their third baseman. When does he do it? When is the right time to do it?

When you have two starting staffs that are good with power arms, as a hitter, you can’t get down on yourself if you’re 0-for your first seven or eight. Look at what the Red Sox did against the Tigers. Shane Victorino was awesome. I don’t know if he swung the bat bad, they just got beat by better pitching. Victorino comes up with a grand slam in Game 6.

You can’t get down, you can’t feel sorry for yourself if you’re 0-for your first eight in the first two games in the series. You might get one pitch to hit in the game. If you miss it, you’re out. That to me is what I’m going to watc – to see how these guys deal with being 0-for.

SCHILLING: It’s always funny how this game goes in cycles and trends. Everybody seems to mimic and copy the teams getting to the World Series.

Neither one of these teams are using secret formulas. The Cardinals build their team this way every year. Since Theo [Epstein] came on and Ben [Cherington], the aberration that was last year is something that won’t happen again with the Red Sox.

There always seems to be a team to root against in the World Series. This is going to be a series of good teams, real good managers, young, different managers, two guys that aren’t in the conventional mold of what people have come to think of as World Series managers.

I think it’s going to go the distance. I don’t think either team has a clear edge. The thing that Krukkie said is huge, especially with the kind of pitching in the series. You have to play this series like every at-bat could be the series-changing at-bat because I think that’s the way this series is going to play out.

Q. With so many players playing in their first World Series, like the ’93 series, it must be difficult for young players to comprehend that this could be their only World Series. Anything you know now that you wish you knew then?

SCHILLING: Well, no. My first World Series game was probably the only game I ever pitched wrong in. I completely screwed myself and my team by association because I thought you had to be different and do things differently. It’s the only game I ever pitched in the postseason that I did that in.

I don’t know if Krukkie felt this way, but I never, ever thought about it being the only time. I was so into the moment, it was so big. I look back, obviously six, seven, eight years later before ’01, thought maybe I won’t ever get back there again. But I never thought about that during the series.

KRUK: No, I never did either. You’re trying to keep things as normal as possible.

The only big difference in the World Series and regular season is the amount of media that’s there, your obligations to the media when they’re there. You can be taken out of your routine.

When I talk to players going into their first postseason, I talked to Marlon Byrd about it, I said every once in a while you’re going to have to step back, take a deep breath, relax, because the game is moving too fast.

I remember my first two postseason games, NLCS, seems like the game was going really fast. You know what, it’s a dang game, a game you’ve been playing since you were a kid, play it that way.

That’s what you have to keep going back on – play your game. Don’t make it speed up. If you’re not a power hitter, don’t try to hit home runs. If you’re not a base stealer, don’t try to steal bases. Don’t try to do anything different than what got you here.

Q. Can you believe it’s been 20 years since that series?

SCHILLING: When I wake up in the morning, I can. Otherwise, no.

KRUK: I didn’t realize it until we had a reunion for it this summer. Other than that, I had no clue.

Q. I want your opinion on the two fan bases. They’re both known for being passionate. Your perspective on your experience with the Red Sox and Cardinals fans, what this World Series will mean to them.

SCHILLING: Playing in Boston after retiring, it’s one of the things I look back on and I thank God I was able to do it. Philadelphia was amazing. Arizona was kind of home for me. Boston was an experience like nothing else.

I never played in St. Louis, but it was the one city when I retired I wish I had been able to play in. Going there, I enjoyed it. They’re such amazing fans. They turn out. They’re smart. They’re respectful. A lot fewer four-letter words coming from the stands. They don’t like you, but they don’t voice it as adamantly as people in other cities. I always enjoyed playing there.

KRUK: I agree with Curt. St. Louis is a place, looking back, you wish you had at least one year there. Loved Philadelphia, the passion of those fans. Similar to what Boston brings as far as fan base. St. Louis, though, the nuances of the game they get, they understand. Moving a runner, hitting a ground ball right side, they appreciate that. They also appreciate good play by the opponent. They’re not happy with it, but they appreciate it. That’s why I think they’re in a class by themselves as far as what you would picture as the perfect fan base to be.

Q. With so many good players in this series, is there potentially one or maybe a few you feel could make a difference for Boston or St. Louis?

KRUK: Well, if you watched Game 6 of the NLCS Matt Adams and Matt Carpenter had good at-bats against arguably the best pitcher in baseball, Clayton Kershaw. Carlos Beltran has a history of postseason success. You’re going to think he’s going to do something big at some point.

When your lead-off hitter is swinging the bat better, Matt Adams had a couple good at-bats against Kershaw.

For Boston, they have to look at the Detroit series. Won in six games but didn’t hit well. They had key hits. That’s what you have to deal with when you’re facing them. They have so many guys that can hurt you in the lineup. You think you’re okay, but like Curt said earlier, any one of these guys can take you out. That could be the deciding factor in the game.

I think the guys I’m looking for – can Victorino build on the grand slam? Can David Ortiz, who struggled in the ALCS against Detroit, can he come back? He would be a major contributor. And Carpenter and Adams are, I think, the two guys for St. Louis that are coming in feeling pretty good about themselves.

SCHILLING: I would tell you, one of the more fascinating things to watch will be the Red Sox pitchers against Carlos Beltran. I understand how these advance scouts put their game plan together, how they pitch it to their pitchers to execute. I would be stunned if Carlos Beltran is put in a position to make a difference in a game and he’s pitched to, if they could avoid it at all costs. Which means to me there are guys behind and ahead of him that are going to have better at-bats and be on their game.

I don’t think he’s going to get a chance. I wouldn’t bet against him having an impact. I think guys in October that do that consistently, it’s in their makeup. The one thing he’s going to have to avoid is pressing early. They’re going to try to expand, try to make him force the issue, especially here in Fenway.

On the Red Sox side of things, I look back the other way – the Cardinals starting pitcher, Michael Wacha. Shelby Miller, who I’m stunned we haven’t seen start. And Wainwright obviously.

The starting pitcher is like a goalie in the hockey playoffs. If he’s right and on, he’s power, he can carry a series, two games of a series on his own. There are a couple pitchers in this World Series in Jon Lester and the guys I just mentioned that can do that. They are, to me, the guys to watch.

Q. The whole thing with the beards, you talked about The Idiots thing before. Sort of team camaraderie. Is that getting more superstitious play outside the clubhouse than inside?

SCHILLING: They always get more superstitious play. If you look back at the team I was on in ’93 as a young player, I think the words we used were gypsies, tramps and thieves. The media had a blast with that.

Keep going back to the same thing I always go back to. It’s great that the media latches onto that. If the Angels had grown beards this year, you wouldn’t be hearing this story. These stories only come to life when teams win.

I always enjoyed when teams did this. They were fun and goofy because you are together for nine months, you’re looking for something to laugh at 2:30 in the morning when you’re on the bus going to Detroit. You’re looking for those guys in those moments. This team, it seems to me, is full of them.

At the end of the day, I’ll say the same thing I said before, at 7:05, they understand their job. He’ll take none of it because he doesn’t play or pitch but John Farrell completely changed the makeup and psyche of everything here. It’s exactly what I expected when they hired him. To have gotten as far away from the fiasco of last year this fast is pretty mind-boggling.

Q. Touch on the success of John Farrell.

SCHILLING: I’ve known John Farrell for a while now. I would tell you from a baseball perspective, he’s probably one of the smartest – if not the smartest – baseball people I’ve ever been around. He’s absolutely one of the best communicators.

I thought last year was a disaster to begin with. I never understood the hire, especially given the makeup of the team, this market. You couldn’t go farther around the world than you went to hire this guy. The change in culture has been directly from the manager’s office.

I know it gets underplayed, people don’t appreciate this like they should. I would tell you this is probably one of the premiere coaching staffs in the game. This is a group of guys that are hard-working, that are communicative. This is a staff of communicators, hard workers. That’s not a small thing for a team like this.

As far as Mike Matheny goes, one of the best manager hires in the last 15 years. I thought he was a great guy to compete against. He’s taken everything you thought of him as a player and taken it to the manager’s office and done nothing short of an amazing job in St. Louis. Hopefully he’s there for a long, long time.

KRUK: I agree with everything Curt said. As far as Mike Matheny goes, when you watched him play, you could tell as a catcher how into the game he was, how his main focus was forget the offense, my job is to get this pitching staff through a game and get this pitcher through a game. He has a great relationship with his catcher, who is the best catcher in baseball, who adheres to those same qualities that Matheny did.

When you go into the clubhouse, talk to players, you talk to Mike himself, it’s business as usual. It’s more of a businesslike atmosphere.

The Red Sox, the guys are having fun, joking around. The Cardinals aren’t really like that. It’s business. We’re here to take care of business. We’re not here to joke around, make friends, listen to loud music. This is our job.

You’ll watch them when you go in their clubhouse, there’s eight or ten guys sitting around the TV watching baseball. At the end of the year, once they clinched, we were in Milwaukee with them, they were watching football. We can let them slide there.

They’re more of a businesslike team, where the Red Sox, up until 7:00 p.m., you’ll see guys getting their work in, but they’re having fun with it.

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Notes & Quotes From “Football Night In America” – Week 7

October 23, 2013 By admin

“A rousing welcome.” – Bob Costas on Peyton Manning taking the field for the first time

“Jim loves Peyton. Peyton did a lot for that city. Jim did not mean it that way.” – Tony Dungy on Jim Irsay’s remarks earlier this week

“The officials did a good job of calling it.” – Dungy on controversial overtime call in Patriots-Jets game

NEW YORK – Oct. 20, 2013 – Following are the highlights for Football Night in America, the most-watched pre-game show in sports. Bob Costas opened the show live from inside Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind., where the Colts are hosting the Denver Broncos. Costas was joined on site by Al Michaels (play-by-play), Cris Collinsworth (analyst), and two-time Super Bowl winner Hines Ward.

Dan Patrick co-hosts Football Night from famous Studio 8H at NBC’s 30 Rockefeller Plaza studios in New York City. He is joined by Super Bowl winning head coach Tony Dungy; two-time Super Bowl winner Rodney Harrison; Peter King of Sports Illustrated; Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk on NBCSports.com and NBCSN; and Scott Pioli, the former NFL Executive of the Year and newest addition to the NBC NFL team. Carolynn Manno reported from Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., on the Texans-Chiefs game.

Costas interviewed Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning, who is in his second season with the Broncos after serving as the Colts signal caller for 13 seasons, and Colts quarterback Andrew Luck. In addition to the interviews and analysis, Football Night extensively covered Manning taking the field for the first time and the Colts’ pre-game tribute to Manning. There was also a remembrance of former Houston Oilers and New Orleans Saints head coach Bum Phillips, who died Friday at the age of 90.

Following are highlights from Football Night in America:

ON PEYTON MANNING’S RETURN TO INDY

Dungy: “This is going to be so tough because this is going to be emotional…Peyton likes to prepare for everything…But you can’t prepare for being emotional. That’s what he’s going to have to deal with.”

Dungy: “I never, ever expected Peyton Manning to be in a different uniform.”

Costas on Manning taking the field for the first time: “A rousing welcome from what used to be, and I guess in a sense what always will be, his hometown fans.”

Dungy: “The only time I was ever worried about him being too emotional was when we went back to New Orleans for the first time…He threw six touchdown passes. He was ready.”

Harrison on how to defend Manning: “The way you play him is, from a defensive line standpoint, you put pressure up the middle, try to force him to his left, jam and beat up the receivers, and when they catch the ball, you’ve got to punish them.”

Al Michaels comparing tonight’s game to Willie Mays returning to San Francisco, Wayne Gretzky to Edmonton, and Michael Jordan to Chicago: “This is different because Peyton Manning right now is playing as well maybe as any quarterback ever.”

Collinsworth: “We’re going to see a great tribute to Peyton Manning here tonight. But, I’m not so sure the greatest tribute that was ever paid to Peyton Manning wasn’t that time on the 28-yard line in the game right here in Indianapolis that (Bill) Belichick, with a six-point lead, decided to go for it on fourth-and-two… I’ve seen a lot of things in the NFL; I went, ‘Wow! That’s quite the tribute.’”

ON JIM IRSAY’S REMARKS

Harrison: “If you’re Jim Irsay, why would you take a shot at Peyton Manning? He’s the best player in the National Football League, and he’s already motivated.”

Dungy: “It came out wrong. I took it as a slap at Peyton Manning. But, I know Jim Irsay well enough. Jim loves Peyton. Peyton did a lot for that city. Jim did not mean it that way. But unfortunately, that’s the way it came out and Peyton has a long memory. He’s going to make this personal tonight.

Dungy on Irsay mentioning Tom Brady: “That is going to rub Peyton the wrong way. It rubbed his teammates the wrong way. I talked to some of the ex-players, and they didn’t take that right. But, believe me, Jim Irsay didn’t mean it that way, but I think he might feel the brunt of it tonight.”

Dungy on the effect on him personally: “I didn’t take it personally because I wanted more than one Super Bowl. I understand what Jim was saying.”

Harrison: “It was disrespectful.”

ON ANDREW LUCK

Dungy: “He’s got that youthful enthusiasm. He’s oblivious to everything. Reggie Wayne told me he doesn’t know there’s a circus going on.”

Harrison on comparisons between Manning and Luck: “The biggest difference is that when a play breaks down, Andrew has the ability, with his strength and his power, to get outside that pocket and keep the chains moving.”

Ward: “He’s a loosey (goosey) guy. He wants to win, but he wants his team to be very relaxed and very loose.”

ON THE LUCAS OIL STADIUM ROOF BEING OPEN TONIGHT

Collinsworth: “It’s a very important game in the AFC between two teams quite likely to meet again in the playoffs sometime down the road. It is big, this is big. So, what do they do? I think they’ve had their roof open twice in their history with Peyton Manning here; (he) hated it, absolutely hated it. So he comes back; there you go.”

ON JETS

Dungy: “This is a new rule and a rule that the player’s asked for, a rule for safety. You cannot push in the middle of the line of scrimmage. Chris Jones comes in from behind and pushes his teammate. This should be called and it had to be called…It doesn’t say anything about second level…It says you cannot push into the line of scrimmage. The officials did a good job calling it.”

Patrick: “That’s the first time that new rule has been called.”

ON PATRIOTS

Harrison: “The Patriots have other issues. If you look at Tom Brady, he’s been so inconsistent…They’ve got a lot of issues, especially on the offensive line.”

Harrison on Logan Ryan’s touchdown gesture: “There’s no place in the game for that.”

ON COWBOYS

Dungy: “They were in disarray, gave up 50 points to Peyton Manning, and they’ve come back the last two weeks and played great, won a big road game today…This was a big win for Dallas, going on the road, getting that road win and taking over first place.”

ON CHIEFS

Dungy: “These guys are playing great defense right now.”

Patrick: “Maybe the best defense in the NFL right now.”

Harrison to Patrick: “Will you leave Alex Smith alone; keep calling him a game manager. He’s playing well.”

Patrick: “I said he’s economical.”

Harrison: “It’s the same thing…He’s playing well, just compliment him.”

ON 49ERS

Dungy: “A lot of teams made statement wins, but look out for the San Francisco 49ers. They had a complete win and look like they’re back.”

ON BILLS

Dungy on Mario Williams: “This guy is an athlete and a force.”

Harrison: “When he’s healthy, he is a different player.”

ON THURSDAY NIGHT DOUBLEHEADERS

King: “I’m told by a highly-placed league source that there is no chance of that happening. But that same league source said that by 2015 he expects the Thursday night package to be split between the NFL Network and another network in a big-money deal for the league.”

Florio on NFLPA: “I’m told they would oppose this. They are not interested in exposing players to more short-week games. And the only way it would be a discussion point would be, if, in some way, the player’s share of the total revenue would be adjusted in their favor.”

INTERVIEW: Below are excerpts from Costas’ interviews with Manning and Luck. If used, please note the mandatory credit: “In an exclusive interview airing tonight on Football Night in America.”

PEYTON MANNING WITH BOB COSTAS

On his return to Indianapolis: “There’s no question it will be different. I can’t tell you exactly sitting here on Saturday night, what it will be like, but I have such wonderful memories of my 14 years here, playing for the Indianapolis Colts. I really feel like I have those memories bottled-up in a time capsule that they are there and nothing can change the way I feel about my time here.”

On playing for a different team: “There is an awkward time when you are still a current player playing for another team. It’s so much easier to answer some of these questions when you’re retired, and you talk about we and we. It was pointed out to me that I don’t say the word Colts very often. I think the reason why is because I never had to say (it). I always said we. I always said us. It’s different. Forgive me for that. Give me some time. I think it will always be we once I retire, just like Denver will be we as well.”

On tonight’s game: “It’s a game that I never wanted to play. I always wanted to play for the same team for my entire career. I wanted to play for three teams: Newman High School; the University of Tennessee Volunteers; and the Indianapolis Colts because they were the team that drafted me and that was a goal of mine. I got injured, things change and I have transitioned into this second chapter of my football career. The Denver Broncos have welcomed me warmly and helped me with that transition.”

On showing his appreciation: “I hope in the game (tonight) that I can have a moment there to show how appreciative I am of the support that I had when I was playing here (in Indianapolis). It’s a great place to play football, great fans. It’d be so much easier though if all you had to do was come out and wave and smile, but unfortunately, I’ve got to figure out how to dodge Robert Mathis all night and try complete a few passes. So I hope I can win that challenge, but there’s no question it will be a special night.”

On going to the visitors’ locker room: “I’m going to do my best to follow those directions. There’s no question that I have great memories of this stadium (Lucas Oil), the old RCA Dome. I’m sure some of those will come up but I’m going to do my best to help my team win a game though at the same time.”

Click here to watch the video: http://www.nbcsports.com/football/nfl/manning-return-indy-game-i-never-wanted-play

ANDREW LUCK WITH BOB COSTAS

On constantly hearing that he’s the successor to Peyton and that Peyton is returning this week: “It’s not been too bad. I’ve resigned in my mind that it’s part of the job, and, honestly, it’s the same questions I’ve been hearing for about a year-and-a-half now when coming to Indy. In my mind, it’s just part of the job description now. It’s not been too bad.”

On what quarterback did he model himself after growing up: “I loved watching Peyton. I just always thought he was really tough, somewhat of a warrior out there, and he could chunk the ball all over the field. So I always enjoyed watching him.”

On the Luck and Manning intersection (Oliver Luck briefly backed up Archie Manning in Houston): “I remember growing up and sitting watching games on Sundays as an elementary school kid or a middle school kid and any time the Colts were on, my dad, unfailingly, saying Archie used to make him drive Peyton and Cooper around, or go get McDonald’s, or do the rookie grunt work for the old veteran. In our family, we always rooted for them because there was a connection, whether it was Eli or Peyton.”

On interacting with Peyton as a youth: “I was very fortunate to go to the Manning Passing Academy as a camper going into high school, and then as a counselor for a couple of years in college. I’ve always had the highest respect for him and he’s always been so classy and gracious to me.”

On if this can just be another game: “I think so. I do. I may sound naïve, but we realize as a team it’s a good Denver Broncos team coming in here. From an offensive perspective, it’s a really good defense coming in here and we know we need to score points. So there’s enough to worry about there than to get into anything else in the game.”

Click here to watch the video http://www.nbcsports.com/football/nfl/luck-models-his-game-after-manning

–FOOTBALL NIGHT IN AMERICA–

Buck & McCarver Preview 2013 World Series

October 23, 2013 By admin

Joe Buck and Tim McCarver, MLB on FOX’s Emmy Award-winning broadcast team who call their record 16^th World Series together, were joined by FOX Sports President and Executive Producer Eric Shanks and Executive Producer John Entz to preview the 2013 World Series matchup and FOX Sports’ coverage this afternoon.

McCarver, a true broadcasting legend, sits behind the microphone for his record 24th Fall Classic, his 16th and final with longtime partner Buck. World Series Game 1 begins in Boston on Wednesday, Oct. 23, at 7:30 PM ET on FOX.

Buck on Jim Leyland’s legacy following his resignation as the Tigers manager announced earlier today: “Jim Leyland will go out as a very successful manager but also a guy who always had the ability to manage star players, and that’s a big deal in today’s game. Certain managers rub the superstars the wrong way and they can’t get along. Jim has a great touch with that. He had that with Barry Bonds in Pittsburgh and superstar athletes he’s had in Detroit. In this day and age, guys who can handle those players and get them to play and answer the bell every day, they deserve a lot of credit because not everyone can do that.”

McCarver on how the Red Sox front office turned the team around so drastically from a season ago: “The 26^th man for the Red Sox is General Manager Ben Cherington. Through July of last year the Red Sox were having that horrible year, but then in mid-August Ben Cherington struck and made that deal with the Dodgers. They got almost nothing in return, but what they did was shed so much salary, and that allowed them to spend that money on free agents. The Red Sox made very shrewd moves during the off-season with guys like Mike Napoli and Shane Victorino, David Ross – guys that have meant a world to the Red Sox this year. If that money wasn’t freed up, the Red Sox would’ve really been in trouble going into this year. They turned around a team that won only 69 games last year to 28 games better this year with 97 wins.”

Buck on how losing the DH in St. Louis will be a challenge for the Red Sox: “The Red Sox are built classically like a great American League team, and that means they have the best DH in the history of DH-ing, and a guy who, while he’s not hit for a lot of numbers this postseason, still has that flair for late-inning magic. You balance Papi [David Ortiz] against Napoli, who’s seemingly getting hot, and one of those guys is going to have to sit for three games. The beauty for the Red Sox is the American League won in the All-Star Game, and if it goes seven, they get more games in the American League park than in the National League park. The irony of it all is the Cardinals have no bench whatsoever. That was blatantly obvious in the NLCS, and yet now because you can use a DH, they’re getting Allen Craig back, who was their top run producer and has been for two years when he’s been healthy. It’s a big deal and something they’re used to because of interleague play. Ortiz isn’t going to have a huge issue if he has to go play first base, but that means Napoli sits and that’s a big presence that’s not in that lineup.”

McCarver compares the 2013 Red Sox/Cardinals World Series to their 2004 matchup: “This World Series is going to be totally different than 2004. No team in baseball would’ve beat the Boston Red Sox in 2004 once they came back and won the Yankees series like they did (being down 3-0 in the ALCS) and having to win four games in a row. It’s different because the Cardinals can match the Red Sox hitters with young pitchers in the bullpen, and the list of terrific players are on both sides – guys who are respected by their peers. How can you respect anybody more than Yadier Molina or Dustin Pedroia? Both are the blood and guts of their respective teams.”

McCarver on Cardinals pitching staff including rookie pitcher and NLCS MVP Michael Wacha: “He had only nine starts all year and that was during the regular season, and his last start he was one out away from a no hitter. They all seem to be signature young hard throwers. Kevin Siegrist, the left hander, nobody has heard about him. Trevor Rosenthal, they have heard more about him perhaps than any, except Namath, the right hander. They all throw differently and that’s one of the reason’s as a group they are so successful…I can’t think of a time when a group of pitchers has affected an organization and the game like these young guys have. They are so impressive.”

Buck on how the Cardinals front office managed the pitching staff to where they are now: “You look at all the young pitching and Wacha and the way he was handled by the organization. They avoided the temptation early in the year when injuries hit their rotation. They lost Jaime Garcia, Chris Carpenter wasn’t around like they thought he would be, Westbrook got hurt, it would have been really easy to slot both Carlos Martinez and Michael Wacha into the rotation and the Cardinals didn’t do it. To me that comes from the general manager, John Mozeliak. It was brilliantly handled by Mike Matheny who really has developed in a short time into one of the better tacticians of the game, with how he manages his bullpen. He deserves a lot of the credit, and he seemingly gets none around St. Louis. This series, to me, is so exciting. These are two teams that don’t quit and two teams who play the game fundamentally well.”

— FOX SPORTS —

Turner Sports to Launch 2013-14 NBA Season with Three Consecutive Nights of Doubleheader Action Across TNT & NBA TV

October 23, 2013 By admin

Turner Sports to Launch 2013-14 NBA Season with Three Consecutive Nights

of Doubleheader Action Across TNT & NBA TV

Special Pregame Show to Feature TNT’s Inside the NBA Cast of Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley,

Kenny Smith and Shaquille O’Neal Live from New York City’s Flatiron Plaza

2K to Sponsor On-Site Attraction in New York City on October 29

Featuring a Basketball Court & Viewing Area for NBA on TNT Coverage

Turner Sports will officially launch Kia NBA Tip-Off ’13, the opening week of the 2013-14 NBA regular season, with three consecutive nights of doubleheader coverage across TNT and NBA TV. Entering its 30^th consecutive year of NBA coverage, TNT will open the season with a doubleheader Tuesday, Oct. 29, beginning at 7 p.m. ET when the Sports Emmy Award-winning studio team of Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O’Neal televise a live pregame show from Flatiron Plaza in New York City. The special NBA on TNT Opening Night 2013 Presented by AutoTrader.com telecast is part of a New York City attraction sponsored by 2K celebrating the start of the NBA season.

Following TNT’s special one-hour pre-game show, which also includes live coverage of the championship ring ceremony for the Miami Heat, TNT’s opening night doubleheader will feature the defending champion Miami Heat and LeBron James hosting the Chicago Bulls and the highly anticipated return of Derrick Rose at 8 p.m. After the Bulls/Heat matchup, TNT will feature a battle of Los Angeles with the Clippers and Chris Paul meeting the L.A. Lakers and two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash at 10:30 p.m. Marv Albert will call the Bulls/Heat telecast with analysts Steve Kerr and reporter David Aldridge, with Kevin Harlan providing play-by-play for Clippers/Lakers with analyst Reggie Miller and reporter Craig Sager.

As part of TNT and NBA TV’s comprehensive Opening Night coverage, NBA TV will televise a special edition of NBA GameTime at 6 p.m. Hosted by Matt Winer with analysts Grant Hill, Steve Smith and Chris Webber, the show will preview the upcoming season while also providing live look-ins to the event taking place in New York City.

For NBA fans in New York City, TNT’s critically-acclaimed studio show will be part of an on-site attraction open to the public and sponsored by 2K. The event will take place Tuesday, Oct. 29, at Flatiron Plaza, and will feature a basketball court, NBA 2K14 video game kiosks, and a massive video board perched 30 feet above Broadway and Fifth Avenue serving as a viewing area for fans to watch the live TNT pre-game show and game coverage. Turner will team up with NBA Cares, the league’s social responsibility program, during the day’s activities to promote physical fitness and healthy living for kids and families.

Turner Sports will also set up an NBA on TNT social media vending machine at various locations throughout New York City, giving fans a chance to collect free prizes ranging from copies of the NBA2K14 game, golden tickets for meet and greets with the Inside the NBA studio team and more. Additionally, an NBA 2K14 video game scavenger hunt will take place around Manhattan with clues being distributed via the @NBAonTNT and @2K Twitter handles throughout the day.

In addition to the New York-based events, host Winer and analysts Hill, Webber and Smith will provide the Sprint Halftime Report for the Lakers/Clippers game, along with full post-game coverage during the Inside the NBA presented by Kia broadcast from Turner Studios in Atlanta.

Turner Sports’ opening week coverage will also include doubleheader action on Wednesday, Oct. 30, and Thursday, Oct. 31. NBA TV will feature the Cleveland Cavaliers and NBA All-Star Kyrie Irving hosting the Brooklyn Nets with newcomers Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce at 7 p.m., followed by the Lakers visiting the Golden State Warriors and sharpshooter Stephen Curry at 10:30 p.m.

TNT will round out three consecutive nights of NBA opening week doubleheaders with the Bulls hosting the New York Knicks and Carmelo Anthony at 8 p.m., and the Warriors visiting the Clippers at 10:30 p.m. Albert will provide the call for the Knicks/Bulls game with analyst Kerr and reporter Aldridge, with Harlan describing the Warriors/Clippers game with analyst Miller and reporter Sager.

NBA TV, jointly managed by Turner Sports and the NBA, will also televise the Bulls visiting the Philadelphia 76ers and rookie point guard Michael Carter-Williams on Saturday, Nov. 2, at 7:30 p.m. and the Oklahoma City Thunder and Kevin Durant hosting the Phoenix Suns and Eric Bledsoe on Sunday, Nov. 3, at 7 p.m.

TNT & NBA TV Opening Week Schedule:

Date	Time (ET)	Game/Commentators	Network
Tuesday, Oct. 29	6 p.m.	*NBA GameTime*	NBA TV
		Matt Winer, Grant Hill, Steve Smith, Chris Webber

	7 p.m.	*NBA on TNT Opening Night 2013 Presented by AutoTrader.com*	TNT
		Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, Shaquille O’Neal *Broadcast live from New York City’s Flatiron Plaza

	8 p.m.	Chicago Bulls at Miami Heat	TNT
		Marv Albert, Steve Kerr, David Aldridge

	10:30 p.m.	Los Angeles Clippers vs. L.A. Lakers	TNT
		Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Craig Sager

	Post-game	*Inside the NBA presented by Kia*	TNT
		Winer, Hill, Smith, Webber

Wednesday, Oct. 30	6 p.m.	*AutoTrader.com Pregame Show*	NBA TV
		Vince Cellini, Greg Anthony, Rick Fox, Webber

	7 p.m.	Brooklyn Nets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers	NBA TV

	10:30 p.m.	L.A. Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors	NBA TV

Thursday, Oct. 31	8 p.m.	New York Knicks vs. Chicago Bulls	TNT
		Albert, Kerr, Aldridge

	10:30 p.m.	Golden State Warriors vs. L.A. Clippers	TNT
		Harlan, Miller, Sager

	Post-game	*Inside the NBA presented by Kia*	TNT
		Johnson, Barkley, K. Smith, O’Neal

-30-

New Episodes Of NFL Turning Point And FNIA Coach’s Clicker Air Tonight On NBCSN

October 23, 2013 By admin

FNIA Coach’s Clicker to Examine Week 8 Matchups Between Packers-Vikings, Dolphins-Patriots, Cowboys-Lions, and Redskins-Broncos

NFL Turning Point to Include In-Depth Look Back at Broncos-Colts and Peyton Manning’s Return to Indianapolis

STAMFORD, Conn. – October 22, 2013 – NBCSN’s in-depth coverage of the 2013 NFL season continues on Wednesday night with new episodes of FNIA Coach’s Clicker at 5 p.m. ET and NFL Turning Point at 11 p.m. ET.

FNIA Coach’s Clicker, NBCSN’s weekly half-hour NFL studio show that dovetails off of Football Night in America, will provide an in-depth Xs-and-Os preview of the biggest games coming up in Week 8 of the season. FNIA Coach’s Clicker host Liam McHugh will be joined by Super Bowl-winning head coach Tony Dungy and two-time Super Bowl winner Rodney Harrison, who will preview this week’s Sunday Night Football matchup between the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings. In addition, Dungy and Harrison will look ahead to Dolphins-Patriots, Cowboys-Lions, and Redskins-Broncos.

NFL Turning Point, hosted by Football Night In America’s Dan Patrick, will take a look back at Week 7 in the NFL and focus on the crucial “turning point” moments that ultimately defined the outcome of some of the week’s most watched contests.

This week’s episode of NFL Turning Point breaks down the Broncos–Colts game and Peyton Manning’s return to Indianapolis. The episode reviews the play of Manning and Colts QB Andrew Luck, and analyzes Colts LB Pat Angerer’s key interception in the fourth quarter with the Broncos trailing by six points.

NFL Turning Point also reviews Sunday’s matchup between the Bengals and Lions, and the back-and-forth battle between two of the NFL’s top wide receivers, Cincinnati’s AJ Green and Detroit’s Calvin Johnson. In addition, the segment takes an in-depth look at the final two minutes of the game, and how Lions P Sam Martin’s shanked punt set up the game-winning field goal for the Bengals.

This week’s episode of NFL Turning Point will also include two spotlight features. The first looks at Atlanta Falcons QB Matt Ryan. The segment is highlighted by in-game audio from Ryan during Sunday’s game between the Buccaneers and Falcons.

NFL Turning Point also features a film study session with Green Bay Packers LB AJ Hawk, which includes in-game audio from Hawk during the Browns-Packers game on Sunday.

–NBC SPORTS GROUP–

MLB Network On-Site Everyday Throughout the 2013 World Series

October 23, 2013 By admin

MLB TONIGHT & INTENTIONAL TALK TO AIR LIVE ON-SITE EVERYDAY

THROUGHOUT THE WORLD SERIES

World Series Champions Al Leiter, Mike Lowell, Kevin Millar and John Smoltz Among

MLB Network Analysts On-Site

Secaucus, N.J., October 21, 2013 – MLB Network’s extensive coverage of the 2013 World Series hits the road this week as MLB Tonight and Intentional Talk will air live every day from the studio and each World Series ballpark with previews, analysis and highlights of the Boston Red Sox and St. Louis Cardinals matchup, plus interviews from Fenway Park in Boston and Busch Stadium in St. Louis.

Two-hour editions of MLB Tonight presented by Bacardi OakHeart will air live at 3:00 p.m. ET and 6:00 p.m. ET on the day of each game, plus a live one-hour recap show after every game. MLB Tonight’s on-site coverage from Boston and St. Louis will be anchored by Greg Amsinger and Brian Kenny with analysis from Sean Casey, 1993 and 1997 World Series champion Al Leiter, two-time World Series champion and MVP of the 2007 World Series with the Red Sox Mike Lowell, Dan Plesac, Harold Reynolds, 1995 World Series champion John Smoltz, Mitch Williams and Tom Verducci, who is covering his 27^th World Series.

Studio coverage during MLB Tonight throughout the World Series will be anchored by Fran Charles, Paul Severino and Matt Yallof with analysis from 1980 World Series World Champion Larry Bowa, Eric Byrnes, Darryl Hamilton, Joe Magrane, Bill Ripken and Dave Valle.

Kevin Millar, a 2004 World Series champion with the Red Sox, and Chris Rose will interview MLB players and celebrities as they co-host Intentional Talk presented by Jack Honey on the road every day live at 5:00 p.m. ET throughout the World Series.

Hall of Fame award-winning baseball writer Peter Gammons, who is covering his 41^st World Series, Sam Ryan and Heidi Watney will report from each ballpark throughout the World Series.

On off-days, MLB Tonight will air live at 6:00 p.m. ET, while MLB Network’s Path to the Championship will recap the latest World Series results.

MLB Network will keep its social media followers updated during the World Series with the latest news, quotes, interview clips, photos and breakdowns using #MLBTonight and #WorldSeries through its presence on Facebook and Twitter. Fans can also stay up to date by following MLB Network’s on-air personalities on Twitter.

· MLB Network local channel listings are available at www.FindMLBNetwork.com.

Quotes From Week 7 Editions of NFL Network’s ‘NFL GameDay Highlights’ & ‘NFL GameDay Final’

October 23, 2013 By admin

Quotes from NFL GameDay Highlights & NFL GameDay Final

– “This is an example of the new rule change that was implemented for the 2013 season. When you look at the play, number 94 of New England pushes number 74 into the offensive formation. That is a violation of the rule. It is a 15-yard penalty for unnecessary roughness. It was put in for player safety and it is the correct call.” – NFL vice president of officiating Dean Blandino explaining the penalty against the New England Patriots on a New York Jets field goal attempt in overtime

– “I am happy. My hat is off to Devin Hester. He is like a little brother to me. I love him and I am praying he does break the record because he is the best return man to have ever played this game — ever. His natural instincts, ability, [and] longevity is all of that. Love this kid.” – Deion Sanders on Chicago Bears’ Devin Hester tying Sanders’ NFL-record of 19 returns for a touchdown

– “[After being sacked by Robert Mathis,] the velocity of Peyton Manning’s throws changed. The balls came out of his hand dead.” – Marshall Faulk on Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning who was defeated by the Indianapolis Colts

– “A lot of his balls were hanging in the air; he wasn’t driving it – especially the ones down the field.” – Kurt Warner on Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning’s performance against the Indianapolis Colts

– “Pep Hamilton was more aggressive in the first half than I have seen him all year long.” – Kurt Warner on Indianapolis Colts first year offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton game plan against the Denver Broncos

– “I don’t want to say the Colts are best team in the AFC, but I like where they are and they are growing on both sides of the ball and special teams as well.” – Marshall Faulk on the 5-2 Indianapolis Colts

– “Underrated is Andrew Luck’s ability to move in the pocket and, once he gets out, how he can extend the play. That is just a dynamic Peyton never brought to this offense.” – Marshall Faulk on Andrew Luck who had four rushes for 29 yards and a touchdown in the victory over the Denver Broncos. It was Luck’s eighth rushing touchdown of his career.

– “The Packers always have young receivers ready to step up. A couple of years ago it was Randall Cobb, this year it is Jarrett Boykin.” – Marshall Faulk on the Green Bay Packers and wide receiver Jarrett Boykins who had eight receptions for 103 yards and touchdown today

– “When Ben Roethlisberger stops holding the ball and throws the ball on time, they… win.” – Deion Sanders on the Pittsburgh Steelers and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger who have now won back-to-back games

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

What Happened to Peyton? – Why did Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning seem to struggle against the Indianapolis Colts? The NFL GameDay Final analysts speculate on what happened:

http://on.nfl.com/1eDh5WZ

The Amazing Luck – The NFL GameDay Final analysts break down the phenomenal performance by Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck and explain why he is so special:

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

Geno Smith’s Progression – New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith had an impressive performance and NFL GameDay Final breaks it down:

http://on.nfl.com/19m9DNQ

About NFL GameDay Highlights

Every Sunday evening at 7:30 PM ET, NFL Network recaps the afternoon action with NFL GameDay Highlights. Host Chris Rose and analysts Deion Sanders, Steve Mariucci and LaDainian Tomlinson provide highlights, analysis and set the stage for Sunday Night Football.

About NFL GameDay Final

Every Sunday night at 11:30 PM ET, recap the complete day in the NFL with NFL GameDay Final. Host Chris Rose and analysts Deion Sanders, Marshall Faulk and LaDainian Tomlinson put the definitive exclamation point on Sundays providing unlimited highlights of all the games, plus post-game press conferences, interviews from the field and locker room, audio captured throughout the day and expert analysis. This week, Kurt Warner joined the show.

News & Notes from THE NFL TODAY and TOPS; Comments on Irsay’s Comments

October 22, 2013 By admin

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

BILL COWHER AND BOOMER ESIASON

AND

“THAT OTHER PREGAME SHOW” WITH ADAM SCHEIN, AMY TRASK, BART SCOTT AND BRANDON TIERNEY FOR WEEK 7 ON OCTOBER 20

►”SEC ON CBS” RATING OF AUBURN’S WILD WIN OVER TEXAS A&M EARNS 36% INCREASE

The SEC ON CBS’s coverage of Auburn’s, 45-41, win over Texas A&M on Saturday, Oct. 19 earned an overnight household rating/share of 4.5/10, up 36% from last year (3.3/8; South Carolina-Florida).

* * * * *

► QUICK HITS

(On Indianapolis Colts Owner Jim Irsay’s comments this past week being disrespectful to Peyton Manning)

SHANNON SHARPE: I believe it does, and I’ve sat at this desk many times and said you can praise and be appreciative of someone without being disparaging or disrespecting of another. You can praise Ryan Grigson and Andrew Luck, your new GM and new quarterback without being disrespectful or disparaging to Bill Polian or Peyton Manning. They’ve been utmost respectful towards you. Now, during the 14 years of Peyton Manning, not one time did I hear his name being brought up as a trade. I didn’t hear his name being brought up as being released. If you didn’t like something that (General Manager) Bill Polian was doing, you could have relieved him of his duties. Bill Polian’s resume is complete. Look what he did in Buffalo. You look what he did in Carolina. And look what he did here? I’ll leave with you this, Jim Irsay. I know you have Andrew Luck, who is a franchise quarterback. But there’s no guarantee. It’s not written in scripture that he will win you a Super Bowl, let alone multiples. Be thankful for what Peyton Manning did for you.

BOOMER ESIASON: I think this whole thing was more of a shot at Bill Polian and Tony Dungy than it really was at Peyton Manning. To me it was shocking for all the reasons Shannon just said. This is going to give Peyton Manning even more reasons to go out there and have a fantastic game. I wouldn’t be surprised if he puts up 50 points tonight.

DAN MARINO: Look at the pressure he puts on Chuck Pagano and all their team. Peyton Manning is going to go in there…and try to put up 100 points on them. He’s going to try and tear them up.

BILL COWHER: The bottom line, it worked out for both players. As Shannon said, be grateful for what he built there. That stadium wouldn’t be there if it wasn’t for Peyton Manning. He established a foundation for the Indianapolis Colts and this owner. He should be more grateful for that. And it worked out for Peyton Manning right now. Leave all as well. I think that’s what he meant, but it certainly did not come out the right way.

MARINO: I like John Fox coming out earlier in the week and saying what he said, because that takes all the pressure off Peyton Manning.

►THAT OTHER PREGAME SHOW (TOPS) NOTES

(On Irsay comments)

Click to view: http://cbsprt.co/19V4kSm

BRANDON TIERNEY: You poke the bear because you’re classless. There’s no middle ground here. First of all, Peyton Manning built your stadium. And what’s even worse is that initially his comments were classless, but then they were gutless when he tried to moon walk like Michael Jackson away from them. If you say something that clearly was stupid, own it. Have the guts to own it. I love the city of Indianapolis… they put on a great show for the Super Bowl a couple of years ago. By the way, Peyton brought you that as well. This is not about the head coach who I love or Andrew Luck who is terrific, but I hope that Peyton Manning hangs 60 tonight.

(On Cleveland’s Brandon Weeden)

BART SCOTT: As long as you have (Brandon) Weeden you have no shot. Weeden will lose the game for you. You can’t lose against Brandon Weeden. He’s the football version of Benjamin Button. He’s old, but his football game is young. He makes some young mistakes and ill-advised throws.

* * * * *

Follow CBS Sports on Twitter: @CBSSportsGang, @NFLonCBS and @TOPSonCBS

ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown Notes and Quotes: Week 7

October 22, 2013 By admin

ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown with Chris Berman and analysts Cris Carter, Mike Ditka, Tom Jackson, Keyshawn Johnson and Ray Lewis previewed today’s NFL games. Former Indianapolis Colts president and vice chairman Bill Polian, and former Colts center Jeff Saturday joined insiders Chris Mortensen and Adam Schefter to provide additional insight on quarterback Peyton Manning’s return to Indianapolis. Some highlights:

On what return to Indianapolis would mean to Peyton Manning …

Jackson: “… There is another emotion – anger. I find that football is a lot easier to play when you are angry. Peyton (Manning) will never show it. He will never say it. But I think he is absolutely incensed about what Jim Irsay did this week and it will show on the field for three hours.”

Carter: “I’ve had my employer tell me you can’t work for me no more. That’s hard to get over. At the end of the day that’s what the Colts did to Peyton Manning … Irsay cut him. They can play the video as much as they want to, but that’s what Peyton will remember, that they gave up on him.”

Lewis: “We’ve watched some great players leave teams. But a lot of those players went to some bad teams. Peyton Manning went to a bully already. They added extra arsenal when they added Peyton Manning. So when you talk about what Peyton Manning’s mentality is, Cris (Carter) I’m going to agree with you: ‘You cut me. Now, let me show you what I’m still worth. I’m still setting records, I’m still doing what I’m doing and I’m coming back into my old home’ … He’s an assassin on the field. You just don’t do that type of player like that and not expect him to react.”

Polian and Mortensen on Manning’s return to Indianapolis:

Polian: “… Ultimately, it is about conquering adversity. Peyton Manning has done it throughout his career. You (Chris Mortensen) and I know what he looked like during the recovery from that catastrophic injury – you wouldn’t have bet five cents that he would have come back. But he did, because of his indomitable will. That is what he brings to this game, that’s what he brought to the franchise, that’s what he brought to the National Football League and we are all better for it.”

Mortensen: “One of the things that Jim Irsay said this week, which caught me off-guard, is that he told Jarrett Bell of USA Today, Peyton told him ‘you should draft Andrew Luck.’ As I recollect my conversation with Peyton Manning, he was saying, ‘you should draft me. You should draft me to play for at least the next four years.’

“Now, I’m going back to December before they released Peyton Manning. I remember having a conversation with Jim Irsay and Jim saying ‘I’m not going to make the same mistake my dad made when he traded the rights away for John Elway to Denver. So, the idea that Peyton Manning was the one that drove him to draft Andrew Luck was factually wrong.”

Polian: “Forty-eight hours before I got fired, I sat down with Jim Irsay and I said, no matter what happened in tomorrow’s game against Jacksonville, whether we draft one or two, we can’t lose because we are going to get either Andrew Luck or RGIII. Either one is fine with me. I’ve done all the scouting work on both of them. Jim said, ‘I want Andrew because RG is going to get hurt, he runs too much.’ I said that’s fine by me. But keep in mind that if we win the game, you’re still getting a great quarterback and by the time Peyton is ready to retire, he’ll be ready to play.

“Also, the $28 million option bonus has been totally misconstrued. That was a placeholder designed to be renegotiated. Peyton knew it. I knew it. Jim knew it.”

On the reaction to Jim Irsay’s comments about Peyton Manning’s tenure with Colts …

Saturday: “It’s tough. Anytime you are talking about the style of football we played and we put our hearts out on the field each and every week and nobody prepared harder than Peyton Manning, nobody put more effort into winning football games for this city than Peyton Manning. So anytime you are criticized once that is over, it is difficult to take. As a player that was a part of all of those wonderful years that we played, we were all frustrated sometimes on how the playoffs went. I don’t think it needed to be relived at this point when Peyton is coming into town.”

Polian: “Our records are in the book. We did what we did. We’re proud of it. We did a lot great things. We played against great teams many times in the playoffs and won a lot of football games. We didn’t get to the Super Bowl as much as we wanted to. There’s a mural that hangs over the doorway of Lucas Oil Stadium, and I choked up when I first saw it. It says, ‘Lucas Oil Stadium, Built by Champions.’ We’re champions. No one can ever take that away from us. We wish the new group well. It is a new regime, a new style, a new system. Go get it. But there’s no need to rehash what we did. It’s in the books forever.”

Berman: “Did you take it personally, Bill?”

Polian: “Everybody did. You heard that from Jeff (Saturday) … We’re secure in what we did. We are very happy with what we did.”

Jackson: “No one generated the kind of revenue for Jim Irsay as did Peyton Manning and I’ll include, Bill Polian. No one raised the brand name more than they did. Built them a new office building, Lucas Oil Stadium, in which to work. Got that team to a Super Bowl and won it. Got them to another Super Bowl and afforded them a Super Bowl played in the city of Indianapolis. All of that combined, lined his pocket. So, for him to speak disparagingly of Peyton Manning upon his return to Indianapolis makes him a hypocrite …”

Johnson: “As an owner, I can never imagine the late Dr. Buss talking about Kobe or Magic didn’t do this or that, instead of celebrating.”

Ditka: “…it was handled poorly. The guy just did a bad job. He used poor choice of words.”

Jackson: “Was it calculated?”

Lewis: “… you win a championship, that would last forever. That’s what some people fail to realize. Hey, it wasn’t Peyton’s fault. Maybe, Jim Irsay, maybe, you go back and rebuild your team structurally so you don’t have those up and down defenses that you had for so many years.”

Polian on the Colts’ contingency plan around the decision to part with Peyton Manning …

Polian: “We had a contingency plan which worked because of the new rookie salary cap. So you could have Peyton with the $28 million option bonus renegotiated so the cap number was friendly, and you could have whoever the first round draft choice was, be it Andrew or RG, waiting in the wings, and if Peyton didn’t come back from the injury, you’ll be set. If he did come back, then the young man would wait as an apprentice for three years and we move on.

“And what we decided in August of 2011, that Peyton would finish his career, be (MLB’s) Derek Jeter, which he very badly wanted to be, would have come to pass. That plan was in place. It was just the question of deciding whether you wanted to do it or not. I was not privy to those discussions.”

On how quarterback Andrew Luck will handle the today – matchup vs. Peyton Manning and the Broncos …

Carter: “He didn’t win the Heisman Trophy his senior year, responded well to that. People don’t give his family credit as they give the Mannings. But his dad used to be an NFL quarterback and groomed him to say all the right things and do all the right things in every situation. I expect the kid to play well.”

Cris Carter’s reaction to Von Miller’s quote in the Denver Post …

After serving a six-game suspension for violating the league’s drug policy, Broncos linebacker Von Miller told The Denver Post this week, “I don’t have a substance-abuse problem …”

Carter, who had substance abuse problems during his Hall of Fame NFL career, reacted to Miller’s comment: “The one disturbing thing about that quote was that his abuse of substance led to him getting suspended. So he does have a problem …”

Schefter: “What will be the biggest hurdle that he faces going forward?”

Carter: “The biggest hurdle is not when the lights are on. The biggest hurdle is when there’s no light and you have to deal with yourself and you have to find something to fill that gap of the substance that’s been filling your life for the last five or six years. So, Von Miller, it is not what you do when people are cheering. It is what you do when no one is watching will be the difference one day, because he has that ability, he can have the gold jacket on. In those moments, he has to decide, do I want substance or, one day, do I want a gold jacket.”

On quarterback Tom Brady vs. the Jets defensive front …

Lewis: “There is no star on his defense right now and blitz schemes are so special. He has D-linemen playing linebackers. Brady has to identify where the blitz is coming from … They are in the same Division, so they are very familiar with themselves. Brady has to pick up where people are coming from and how many times they are going to blitz him.”

Johnson: “The beauty of it is they have for linemen that can rush the passer. We all know Tom Brady doesn’t like when you don’t have to bring extra guys out of the secondary.”

Jackson: “When Brady gets hit, he is different.”

-30-

News & Sound Bites From Week 7 Editions of NFL Network’s ‘NFL GameDay First’ & ‘NFL GameDay Morning’

October 22, 2013 By admin

Quick Quotes from NFL GameDay First & NFL GameDay Morning

– “That game by far was the most nervous I had ever been in my career.” – Brett Favre on returning to Lambeau Field as a member of the Minnesota Vikings

– “The want that Peyton has to win this game, he wants to win this one in that building as a Bronco more than probably all of the rest of the games other than the Super Bowl or a playoff game.” – Marshall Faulk on Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning

– “I’m told they are no longer sold on DeMarco Murray as their longtime running back as just last year and the year before they thought he was going to be their franchise guy. At this point, that is not clear.” – Ian Rapoport on Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray

– “They say that he’s getting back to normal but he was abnormal to dynamic [last year]. That’s what made this team go.” – Marshall Faulk on Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III

– “This Chiefs team is for real and I think they’re going to be 9-0 when they play [the Broncos] in Denver.” – Steve Mariucci on the 6-0 Kansas City Chiefs

– “It will be immediate if he can control his emotions. His impact will be immediate and it’s going to be huge.” – Sterling Sharpe on Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller

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

Three-Time MVP & Super Bowl-Champion Quarterback Brett Favre Joins NFL GameDay Morning

Three-time MVP and Super Bowl-champion quarterback Brett Favre joined NFL GameDay Morning to discuss Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning’s return to Indianapolis, his return to Green Bay as a member of the Minnesota Vikings, this season for New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and who his starting quarterback is for his fantasy football team:

On Peyton Manning returning to Indianapolis:

“As far as what he’s going through, he only knows but I would think there is an exciting anticipation, but there is probably quite a bit of nervousness. Not that he has to prove anything to anyone, but if he ever wanted to, to play well, it would be in a game like this. The expectations that you put upon yourself – as if they were not high anyway, week after week and the way he has been playing is outstanding – he wants to outdo all of those performances today. Again, not that he has to prove anything to the Colts fans or the Colts organization; I think they know how great of a player he has been for a long time, maybe playing his best football right now. It’s a just a competitive nature that players like Peyton Manning and myself you carry with you no matter how long you play.”

On how much he tried to envision himself walking into Lambeau Field as a visitor:

“Sixteen years, I often wondered what it was like as a visitor and I never thought that I would ever take that walk out of the visitor’s tunnel and make that ride up from Appleton into Green Bay as a visitor. I always wondered what it was like, how hard it really was to play in Lambeau Field as a visitor, and then I got that chance. It was kind of déjà vu because I had kind of envisioned how it would play out. It was a great place to play as a home team, but it was an incredible place and environment to play as a visitor. Tough environment, fans are second-to-none, but I tried to play that game in my head over and over again prior to playing more than anything to kind of help ease the nervousness, the butterflies I had in my stomach. After all of the years I’d played football and was fortunate enough to play in two Super Bowls, you would think I wouldn’t be as nervous. That game by far was the most nervous I had ever been in my career. I’ve always wanted to play well but I really wanted to play well in this game and with that mind, I thought it would be almost impossible to play the way I did because when you think about not making mistakes and you put so much pressure on yourself to not screw up, usually you screw up. It just seemed like everything kind of went according to plan in that game.”

On his return to Lambeau Field:

“Once I walked down the tunnel and got close to stepping onto the field and people were hanging over, booing, cheering, whatever, it was surreal. But once I got onto the field it outdid the hype that I had envisioned. The butterflies didn’t go away; they increased, the nervousness just got worse. I don’t know if that ever subsided during the game, quite frankly; maybe it eased somewhat after the first hit. It was everything I thought it would be and then some.”

On if he reminisced about the time he spent in Green Bay during the ride to the stadium:

“Absolutely. We had spent so much time there me and my family that the roads, the town, the restaurants, the things that we had grown accustomed to for 16 years, it was like home. To come back into that environment and that setting as an enemy was very awkward.”

On if there is a chance he will return to the NFL:

“I don’t throw anymore. The shape that I’m in is not anything like football shape, nor do I want to play. It took me 20 years but in my 20th year, I realized I didn’t like getting hit.”

On if he has Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers on his fantasy football team:

“It is absolutely true. Aaron is my quarterback and usually he is guaranteed to get me about 30 [points]…He’s been good.”

On New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady’s performance this season:

“In my opinion, [it’s] by far the most impressive performance in any season that Tom has had. I know the numbers are not Tom Brady-like numbers, but based on the situation, the cast around him. The fact he is more of a player-coach, which is always tough; you’re teaching in the huddle, at the line, getting guys lined up. It is a testament to how good he really is.”

Provided below are video links to various segments from Favre’s appearance on NFL GameDay Morning:

– On his Advice for Peyton Manning:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000265785/Favre-s-advice-to-Manning

– On New England Patriots Quarterback Tom Brady’s Performance This Year:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000265798/Favre-on-the-legacy-of-Tom-Brady

– On his Return to Lambeau Field:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000265810/Favre-reflects-on-return-to-Lambeau

– On his Fantasy Football Team:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000265801/Favre-on-his-fantasy-team

– On Dallas Cowboys Quarterback Tony Romo:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000265794/Favre-I-could-be-talking-about-myself-regarding-Romo

Quotes from NFL GameDay First

Every Sunday morning at 7:00 AM ET, NFL Network is first on the field with NFL GameDay First. Host Melissa Stark, co-host/analyst Sterling Sharpe, and analyst Shaun O’Hara provide the first analysis of the day’s games, while NFL Network reporters stationed across the league report from stadiums with the first on-location reports of the day. This week, two-time Pro Bowl linebacker Takeo Spikes joined as a guest analyst.

– “You have to remember Peyton is on a bigger mission and they’re undefeated. He knows that getting a win is the most important thing and forget all the hoopla. He is going to handle himself very well in the house he built.” – Sterling Sharpe on Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning returning to Indianapolis

– “He is better right now than Peyton was in his second year. And the question is now is will his legend be as big, and only through longevity can he prove that.” – Shaun O’Hara on current Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck

– “If he keeps playing like this and the Eagles keep running the football, the Eagles will make the playoffs.” – Sterling Sharpe on Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles

– “I expect him to be very liberal when he takes off with the football. Normally I say he’s judicious…He’s going to show he is back to the guy we saw from last year.” – Sterling Sharpe on Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III

– “If you’re going pay Suh all of that money and draft him that high, he better get to the quarterback because that is what you have to do as a defensive tackle on third down.” – Shaun O’Hara on Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh

– “It will be immediate if he can control his emotions. His impact will be immediate and it’s going to be huge.” – Sterling Sharpe on the impact Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller will have in his return

Quotes from NFL GameDay Morning

NFL GameDay Morning is the most comprehensive pregame show on Sunday morning, airing at 9:00 AM ET for four hours on NFL Network and taking viewers straight up to kickoff. Host Rich Eisen joins analysts Steve Mariucci, Marshall Faulk, Kurt Warner, Warren Sapp and Michael Irvin to bring fans the latest news, injury reports, pregame analysis and game previews. Additionally, NFL Media’s national insider Ian Rapoport and NFL Media’s Mike Silver provide the latest inside information from around the league. This week, NFL Network analyst Willie McGinest appeared in-studio.

– “The want that Peyton has to win this game, he wants to win this one in that building as a Bronco more than probably all of the rest of the games other than the Super Bowl or a playoff game. The pressure, he will feel it just like he does in the playoffs.” – Marshall Faulk on Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning returning to Indianapolis to play his former team

– “It was tough living up to [Peyton Manning’s] ghost, but forget his reality…All of the pressure [is] squarely on Andrew Luck.” – Michael Irvin on Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck playing former Colts quarterback Peyton Manning

– “It’s one thing to watch him on TV, but when he comes into your house and those fans that loved him and adored him are going to watch him and compare him firsthand with you, that’s a lot of pressure on a young kid.” – Kurt Warner on Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck playing former Colts quarterback Peyton Manning

– “They say that he’s getting back to normal but he was abnormal to dynamic [last year]. That’s what made this team go. They gave up a lot to get RGIII so that meant they couldn’t go out and help him; they couldn’t help him last year, they couldn’t help him this year in the draft.” – Marshall Faulk on if Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III can return to his rookie form

– “This Chiefs team is for real and I think they’re going to be 9-0 when they play [the Broncos] in Denver.” – Steve Mariucci on the 6-0 Kansas City Chiefs

– “He’s on his way to a 2,000-yard season and he might snub Peyton Manning for the MVP just like [Adrian Peterson] did last year.” – Marshall Faulk on Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles

– “Troy Polamalu has one pass defensed. If I’m not watching a Head & Shoulders commercial, I don’t see Troy Polamalu.” – Warren Sapp on Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu

– “In the red zone, everything gets a little bit tighter; those windows shrink down so as a quarterback, you have to have confidence in the guys you are throwing to. That’s what Tom Brady has in Gronk: he has trust.” – Kurt Warner on the impact of New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski

– “[Tony] Romo is going to come out and play the game the Cowboys need him to play. I am starting to see what we needed to see from Tony Romo, which is you have the intangibles to extend plays. Sometimes you need to manage the game and he is showing he can manage the game.” – Michael lrvin on Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo

– “Steven is the kind of player where he has to be 100 percent. There are times where he’s played banged up, but when he’s not 100 percent it’s hard to put him out there.” – Marshall Faulk on Atlanta Falcons running back Steven Jackson

– “Nick Foles, it makes a difference. His red zone passer rating [is] 127; Michael Vick’s is in the 60s. That’s the difference for this football team Nick Foles makes.” – Michael Irvin on Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles

NFL Media’s National Insider Ian Rapoport & NFL Media’s Mike Silver

On Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray:

Ian Rapoport: “In talking to Cowboys sources, injuries are a big concern. I’m told they are no longer sold on DeMarco Murray as their longtime running back as just last year and the year before they thought he was going to be their franchise guy. At this point, that is not clear. I’m told the Cowboys have had internal discussions about upgrading at this position, possibly in a big way. Watch them as we gear up toward the trading deadline next week.”

On Houston Texans quarterback Case Keenum:

Mike Silver: “There is a big sense of excitement as Case Keenum, undrafted rookie a year ago, makes his first start. One organizational source told me, ‘I cannot wait to watch this kid play.’ This isn’t just a panic move or because Matt Schaub is hurt – they really believe that Case Keenum can give them a bounce. Around the league, there is some skepticism; there is a reason he was undrafted. Good short to intermediate passer; a couple of scouts told me the kind of guy who can give you a short-term bounce but a career backup at best.”

Rapoport: “I talked to Karl Dorrell, the Texans quarterback coach, and what he described to me was the best-case scenario: Keenum goes out, wins at Kansas City and gives them a very, very interesting decision going forward. As Dorrell told me, that situation if he wins will take care of itself, insinuating that Keenum does have a chance to win Matt Schaub’s job if he wins and then he can keep winning. When Dorrell looks at the film, he doesn’t see the small stature like a lot of people saw; what he sees is an uncanny ability to see downfield. He said he gives their defense fits in practice.”

On San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree:

Silver: “I’m told by 49ers sources mid-to-late November is a realistic target time for his return. That will give Colin Kaepernick potentially a bounce.”

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

– Week 7 Bold Predictions – The NFL GameDay Morning crew gives their ‘Bold Predictions’ for Week 7:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000265772/Bold-Predictions-100-Burger-combo-platter

– Like Father, Like Son – Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck share much more than just being drafted number one overall for the same team at the same position:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000265771/Like-father-like-son

– Who Has the Bigger Challenge? – The NFL GameDay Morning crew debates who has the bigger challenge on Sunday, Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning or Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000265778/Who-has-the-bigger-challenge

– Similarities Between Quarterbacks Andrew Luck and Peyton Manning – The NFL GameDay First crew takes a look at the similarities between the career paths of former and current Indianapolis Colts quarterbacks Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000265751/The-similarities-between-Luck-and-Manning

– Players Only: Returning to Play a Former Team – The former players of NFL GameDay Morning discuss what kind of emotions a player goes through when they return to play against a former team:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000265763/Players-Only-Returning-to-play-a-former-team

– St. Elmo Steak House: A Manning, Luck Dining Favorite – Peyton Manning had a secret entrance at Indianapolis staple St. Elmo Steak House, and now Andrew Luck is enjoying fine dining as well:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-total-access/0ap2000000265660/St-Elmo-Steak-House-A-Manning-Luck-dining-favorite

– NFL GameDay Morning Sunday Statements – The NFL GameDay Morning crew leads off with some of their top storylines for Week 7:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000265754/NFL-GameDay-Morning-Sunday-Statements

– Big Concerns for Big D – The Dallas Cowboys will most likely be without both running back DeMarco Murray and defensive end DeMarcus Ware, so which injury hurts the team the most?:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000265758/Big-concerns-for-Big-D

– Dallas Cowboys Not Sold on DeMarco Murray – Ian Rapoport and Mike Silver have the latest news, including the Dallas Cowboys considering an upgrade at running back:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000265766/Cowboys-not-sold-on-Murray-may-make-a-move

– Can Nick Foles Lead the Philadelphia Eagles to the Playoffs? – Sterling Sharpe explains why Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles can lead the team to an NFC East title:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000265752/Can-Foles-lead-the-Eagles-to-the-playoffs

– Can the Atlanta Falcons be Fixed? – Mike Silver joins Steve Mariucci and Marshall Faulk to debate if the Atlanta Falcons can battle back in the NFC South or if it’s too late:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000265761/Can-the-Falcons-be-fixed

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