Archives for December 2013

ESPN To Debut First Campaign Spot For 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil

December 31, 2013 By admin

With roughly six months until the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil, ESPN will release its first World Cup commercial spot during the network’s presentation of the 100^th Rose Bowl Game presented by VIZIO. ESPN is the exclusive U.S. English-language rights holder for the event, which will run from June 12-July 13, 2014.

The 60-second spot is a celebration of the world’s greatest sporting event returning to Brazil, a nation that has won the Cup a record five times. It intertwines memorable moments and legendary players from the tournament’s rich history with the Brazilian culture and its impact on the beautiful game. The spot features iconic players and teams and a collection of the World Cup’s most indelible moments, including:

Pele and his triumphant celebration in 1970
Germany’s Franz Beckenbauer and Dutch captain Johan Cruyff exchanging flags moments before the 1974 Final
Diego Maradona and his brilliant performance for Argentina in 1986
Zinedine Zidane, whose epic performance for France led the host country to win the Cup in 1998
Andres Iniesta, whose beautiful strike sealed Spain’s first World Cup title in 2010
Cameroonian striker Roger Milla’s famous dance in 1990
Dutch legend Johan Cruyff’s immortal turn in 1974
England striker Geoff Hurst’s record-setting three-goal performance in a World Cup title match in 1966
Dutch striker Dennis Bergkamp’s memorable touch against Argentina in 1998
Carlos Alberto’s wonder-strike for Brazil in 1970
Paolo Rossi hoisting the cup for Italy in 1982
And Landon Donovan’s celebration after his last-gasp winner against Algeria earned the U.S. Men’s National Team a place in the single-elimination rounds in the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa.

The spot culminates with the crop of current stars who will all seek to etch their names in the annals of World Cup history this summer: Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Mario Balotelli, Robin van Persie, and Brazil’s current number ten: Neymar.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Sy6kawwwpU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHrf5EBVlDs

NFL Network & NFL.com Programming Notes — Dec. 30 – Jan. 5

December 31, 2013 By admin

NFL Network Shows and Scheduled Guests

For a full description of each show, please click the show’s link

· Special Editions of NFL GameDay First & NFL GameDay Morning

· NFL Replay & Sound FX

SHOW HIGHLIGHT: Monday – Packers-Bears at 9:00 PM ET; Tuesday – Eagles-Cowboys at 3:00 PM ET & Chiefs-Chargers at 4:30 PM ET; Wednesday – Packers-Bears at 9:00 PM ET; Chargers QB Philip Rivers, Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez, Redskins LB London Fletcher & Steelers DE Cameron Heyward wired for Sound FX

· Vince Lombardi: A Football Life – Part 2

SHOW HIGHLIGHT: Steve Mariucci, Vince Lombardi Jr., Bart Starr, Willie Davis, Jerry Kramer join A Football Life: Backstory

· NFL AM

SHOW HIGHLIGHT: Patriots LB Rob Ninkovich & David Koechner join the show

· Around the League Live & Around the League Primetime

· NFL Total Access
SHOW HIGHLIGHT: Former Pro Bowl running back Clinton Portis joins as guest analyst through Friday; Bengals WR A.J. Green joins the show Wednesday

· Playbook

· NFL Network’s Day-by-Day Programming

NFL.com Content

· NFL.com Editorial Content

NFL.com Podcast Central featuring The Rich Eisen Podcast and Six Total Podcasts

PODCAST GUESTS: Basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley & actor Eric Stonestreet on The Rich Eisen Podcast; Packers LB A.J. Hawk on The Dave Dameshek Football Program

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Special Editions of NFL GameDay First, NFL GameDay Morning, NFL GameDay Scoreboard & NFL GameDay Final – Saturday, January 4

NFL Network has Wild Card weekend covered with two days of comprehensive coverage and expert analysis.

On Saturday, January 4, NFL Network provides special editions of NFL GameDay First, NFL GameDay Morning, NFL GameDay Scoreboard and NFL GameDay Final.

Provided below is NFL Network’s programming schedule on Saturday:

10:00 AM ET – NFL GameDay First (Melissa Stark, Sterling Sharpe, Shaun O’Hara & Brian Billick)
12 Noon ET – NFL GameDay Morning (Rich Eisen, Steve Mariucci, Marshall Faulk, Kurt Warner, Warren Sapp, Michael Irvin, Ian Rapoport & Mike Silver)
7:30 PM ET – NFL GameDay Scoreboard (Omar Ruiz, Jenn Brown, Darren Sharper & Jamie Dukes)
11:00 PM ET – NFL GameDay Final (Chris Rose, Deion Sanders & Marshall Faulk)

Provided below is NFL Network’s programming schedule on Sunday, January 5:

7:00 AM ET – NFL GameDay First (Melissa Stark, Sterling Sharpe, Shaun O’Hara & Brian Billick)
9:00 AM ET – NFL GameDay Morning (Rich Eisen, Steve Mariucci, Marshall Faulk, Kurt Warner, Warren Sapp, Michael Irvin, Ian Rapoport & Mike Silver)
4:00 PM ET – NFL GameDay Scoreboard (Paul Burmeister, Jenn Brown, Heath Evans & Jamie Dukes
7:30 PM ET – NFL GameDay Final (Chris Rose, Deion Sanders, Marshall Faulk & Michael Irvin)

NFL Replay – Monday at 9:00 PM ET; Tuesday at 3:00 & 4:30 PM ET; Wednesday at 9:00 PM ET

NFL Replay offers an exclusive look at the previous week’s games in a condensed, high-octane format. With the use of bonus NFL Films and NFL Network footage, including never-before-seen camera angles and coaches’ commentary, combined with exclusive wired sound from the field, locker rooms and sidelines, viewers will experience the game like never before.

Sound FX offers a compilation of the best on-field sights and sounds from around the NFL each week.

Week 17 NFL Replay & Sound FX schedule:

Monday

9:00 PM ET – NFL Replay: Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears

Tuesday

· 3:00 PM ET – NFL Replay: Philadelphia Eagles vs. Dallas Cowboys

· 4:30 PM ET – NFL Replay: Kansas City Chiefs vs. San Diego Chargers

Wednesday

9:00 PM ET – NFL Replay “Game of the Week”: Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears
10:30 PM ET – Sound FX: Week 17: Wired for sound this week are San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers, Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez, Washington Redskins linebacker London Fletcher and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Cameron Heyward

Thursday

· 3:00 PM ET – NFL Replay “Game of the Week”: Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago

Vince Lombardi: A Football Life – Part 2 – Tuesday at 9:00 PM ET; A Football Life: Backstory at 10:00 PM ET with

NFL Network’s two-time Emmy-nominated series A Football Life continues Tuesday, December 31 at 9:00 PM ET with Part 2 of Vince Lombardi: A Football Life.

Both parts of Vince Lombardi: A Football Life will re-air Wednesday, January 1 at 4:00 PM ET and Thursday, January 2 at 9:00 PM ET.

Following the episode, Steve Wyche hosts A Football Life: Backstory at 10:00 PM ET, a 30-minute show that provides a deeper look into the lives and story of each subject, features interviews with relevant individuals, and includes material that did not make the final edition of the episode. This week, NFL Network analyst and former Packers coach Steve Mariucci, Lombardi’s son Vince Lombardi Jr., Hall of Famers Bart Starr and Willie Davis and former Packers guard/kicker Jerry Kramer join the show.

Viewers will also have the opportunity to interact and offer their thoughts on Twitter by following @NFLNetwork and using the hashtag #AFootballLife.

Viewers can also interact with and follow the series on their phones and tablets with A Football Life Xtra. Located within the new NFL Mobile app, A Football Life Xtra features producer commentary, photos and artifacts from the NFL Films archives, and career stats and unique facts, as well as trivia games and polls on NFL legends. Visit NFL.com/xtra on your mobile device to download NFL Mobile. Additionally, every episode of A Football Life – as well as all NFL Network programming – is streamed live on NFL Mobile from Verizon, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

NFL AM – Daily Episodes at 6:00 AM ET; Re-Aires at 10:00 AM ET

Start the day off with the NFL. NFL AM airs Monday – Friday at 6:00 AM ET offering analysis, reports from correspondents in several NFL cities, interviews with players and coaches, and game highlights.

Joining the show this year are two-time Super Bowl champion Terrell Davis, former Pro Bowl linebacker LaVar Arrington and former quarterback Jeff Garcia. Host Nicole Zaloumis joins analysts Eric Davis, Mark Kriegel and Steve Wyche. Molly Qerim and Paul Burmeister also join the show this season.

· On Tuesday, David Koechner from Anchorman 2 joins the show

· On Wednesday, New England Patriots linebacker Rob Ninkovich joins the show

Around the League Live & Around the League Primetime – Primetime Lineup Starts at 6:00 PM ET Each Day.

Celebrating its 10-year anniversary, NFL Network presents a completely revamped evening schedule. Around the League Live and Around the League Primetime now start at 6:00 PM ET & 7:00 PM ET, respectively

Show: Around the League Live – 6:00 PM ET

Host: Andrew Siciliano

Analysts Scheduled to Appear this Week:

o Charles Davis

o Brian Baldinger

o Jamie Dukes

o Charley Casserly

o Solomon Wilcots

o Bob Papa

Show: Around the League Primetime – 7:00 PM ET

Host: Lindsay Rhodes

Analysts Scheduled to Appear this Week:

o Charley Casserly

o Daniel Jeremiah

o Mike Tannenbaum (guest analyst)

o Willie McGinest

o Jamie Dukes

o Solomon Wilcots

o Heath Evans

In addition to the NFL Network analysts & NFL players joining Around the League Live and Around the League Primetime, NFL beat writers from around the league join the show on a regular basis to provide their unique perspective.

NFL Total Access – Monday – Saturday Live at 8:00 PM ET

Celebrating its 10-year anniversary, NFL Network presents a completely revamped evening schedule, headlined by the move of NFL Total Access in prime time to a new starting time of 8:00 PM ET. NFL Network’s signature show will also air at 11:00 PM ET.

This week, former Pro Bowl running back Clinton Portis joins the show in-studio as a guest analyst through Friday, January 3.

Monday, December 30, 2013

· Host: Dan Hellie & Amber Theoharis

· Analysts: Warren Sapp, LaDainian Tomlinson

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

· Hosts: Dan Hellie & Amber Theoharis

· Analysts: Willie McGinest, Akbar Gbajabiamila

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

· Hosts: Dan Hellie & Amber Theoharis

· Analysts: Willie McGinest, Akbar Gbajabiamila

· Guest: Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green

Thursday, January 2, 2014

· Hosts: Dan Hellie & Amber Theoharis

· Analysts: Darren Sharper, Willie McGinest

Friday, January 3, 2014

· Hosts: Dan Hellie & Amber Theoharis

· Analysts: Darren Sharper, Willie McGinest

Playbook – Friday at 9:00 PM ET & 10:00 PM ET

See the game the way the pros do each week on Playbook, the ultimate X’s and O’s football show on television.

On Friday, January 3, NFL Network analysts Sterling Sharpe, Brian Baldinger and Shaun O’Hara break down the Saturday Wild Card games at 9:00 PM ET and the Sunday Wild Card games at 10:00 PM ET.

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NFL Editorial Content – Daily on NFL.com

Ian Rapoport

o NFL Media Insider provides regular reports to NFL.com and NFL Network

o To read his work: http://on.nfl.com/13TYbry

Michael Silver

o Rob Chudzinski firing infuriates many Cleveland Browns players: http://on.nfl.com/18TUUNp

o To read his work: http://on.nfl.com/17S12Ar

Judy Battista

o To read her work: http://on.nfl.com/17S17El

Elliot Harrison’s Weekly Power Rankings

o Every Tuesday, Elliott Harrison ranks NFL teams from No. 1 through No. 32 in his weekly power rankings. His power rankings will be a staple on NFL Network and NFL Digital Media’s programming throughout the week.

o To view the weekly power rankings: http://on.nfl.com/17CaPue

Michael Fabiano’s Weekly ‘Start ‘Em or Sit ‘Em presented by Microsoft’:

o NFL Fantasy expert and Fantasy Sportswriters Association Hall of Famer Michael Fabiano releases his weekly ‘Start ‘Em or Sit ‘Em’ column each Wednesday. The columns are broken down by position and provide a comprehensive look at the fantasy football picture.

o To view the articles: http://on.nfl.com/17CaRlS

Catch all of NFL Media’s writers work here: http://www.nfl.com/news

The Rich Eisen Podcast Highlights NFL.com’s Six Different Podcasts Each Week

This season, NFL Digital Media offers six different podcasts, including The Rich Eisen Podcast.

This week, Rich Eisen visits with actor Eric Stonestreet from the popular television show, Modern Family. Stonestreet talks about his favorite team, the Kansas City Chiefs, and their upcoming playoff game against the Indianapolis Colts.

Also, Basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley joins The Rich Eisen Podcast to run through the playoff picture and ultimately pick who will win Super Bowl XLVIII.

To download the latest edition of The Rich Eisen Podcast, visit:

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

Other NFL.com podcasts include:

· Dave Dameshek Football Program – Green Bay Packers linebacker A.J. Hawk

· Around the League

· The Coaches Show

· College Football 24/7

· NFL Fantasy Live

To listen to all six of NFL.com’s podcasts, visit:

http://www.nfl.com/podcast

NBC Presents 2014 NHL Winter Classic Wednesday As Red Wings Host Maple Leafs On New Year’s Day In Front Of Anticipated World-Record Crowd

December 31, 2013 By admin

Mike ‘Doc’ Emrick, Eddie Olczyk and Pierre McGuire to Call Action at Ice Level for First Time in NBC Sports History

“Make no mistake – this is the marquee game on the NHL schedule that everybody wants to be a part of.” – Olczyk

“This is a playoff game…this has the makings of being one of the true classics of the NHL season.” – McGuire

“The speed of the game will be very quick…to be that close to the action is going to be thrilling.” – Emrick on Broadcast Location

NBCSN’s NHL Coverage Begins Tonight at 8 p.m. ET with Kings-Blackhawks, Continues Sunday with Sharks-Blackhawks at 8 p.m. ET

Notre Dame Faces Boston College in Outdoor College Hockey Action from Fenway Park on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBCSN

STAMFORD, Conn. – Dec. 30, 2013 – Storied NHL franchises will clash in front of an expected world-record crowd on New Year’s Day at 1 p.m. ET, when NBC presents the 2014 NHL Winter Classic between the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs from historic Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich. NBCSN’s NHL coverage continues tonight with Kings-Blackhawks at 8 p.m. ET, followed by Sharks-Blackhawks Sunday at 8 p.m. ET.

Emmy Award-winning play-by-play commentator Mike ‘Doc’ Emrick, analyst Eddie Olczyk and Emmy Award-winning ‘Inside-the-Glass’ analyst Pierre McGuire will have the Winter Classic call rink-side from Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich., home of the University of Michigan Wolverines football team. It will be the first time a full broadcast team has called an NHL regular-season game at ice level in NBC Sports history.

NHL Live host Liam McHugh will be on-site at Michigan Stadium alongside former players and analysts Mike Milbury, Keith Jones and Jeremy Roenick to provide pre-game and post-game analysis, as well as commentary during intermissions. In addition, The Weather Channel on-camera meteorologist and storm tracker Jim Cantore will be on-site to provide weather updates and conduct interviews throughout the game, a role he has held at previous NHL Winter Classics.

Following are quotes from today’s Winter Classic media conference call:

Eddie Olczyk: “Make no mistake – this is the marquee game on the NHL schedule that everybody wants to be a part of…Original Six matchup, which I think really takes this game to another level…I played three-and-a-half years in Toronto, played in this rivalry between the Maple Leafs and the Red Wings, so that adds to the beauty of this game.”

Olczyk on historic aspect of Winter Classic: “For some of these players, certainly knowing the history of the Big House and what it’s like to see a college football game in Ann Arbor, and (to) have the opportunity to play in front of 100,000 people in a venue like that…that’s what makes this game and this day so unique. You’re going into places that have an unbelievable history.”

Doc Emrick on calling game at ice level: “The speed of the game will be very quick…to be that close to the action is going to be thrilling.”

Emrick: “Any time you bring it up to any one of the players, immediately there’s a smile and a sense of excitement…you can read it on their faces, and you can get a sense that this is a day that they’ll never forget.”

Pierre McGuire: “This is a playoff game…this has the makings of being one of the true classics of the NHL season.”

McGuire on matchup: “I’m looking forward to the young star power of Toronto with Phil Kessel and James Van Riemsdyk, and the quick-strike offense that they’re capable of providing…you look at the Detroit Red Wings…you still have Pavel Datsyuk, you just got Henrik Zetterberg back, and you’ve got two dynamic forwards in Gustav Nyquist and Tomas Tatar.”

McGuire on hosting the Winter Classic at a football stadium: “I remember the football environment from Heinz Field…I remember after the first period…skating off the ice to do an interview with Sidney Crosby, the noise was cascading down on us…you could actually feel the ice shaking.”

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The Red Wings will make their second appearance in the Winter Classic, having defeated the Chicago Blackhawks, 6-4, in 2009 at Wrigley Field, while the Maple Leafs become the first Canadian team to appear in the annual New Year’s Day outdoor affair. The event will aim to set the Guinness World Record for highest attendance at a hockey game, which was set at Michigan Stadium in a college hockey game between Michigan and Michigan State in 2010 (104,073).

In advance of the NHL Winter Classic on New Year’s Day, NBCSN will provide live coverage of two alumni games between former members of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings, starting at 1 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Dec. 31, from Comerica Park in Detroit, Mich.

The Winter Classic will also have an Olympic element, with less than 50 days remaining until the start of the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi. During the second intermission, NBC will provide live coverage of the final roster announcement for the 2014 U.S. Olympic Women’s ice hockey team. Following the game, NBC will also provide coverage of the 2014 U.S. Olympic Men’s ice hockey team roster announcement.

NBCSN’s NHL coverage begins tonight 8 p.m. ET on NBCSN with a matchup of the two previous Stanley Cup Champions, when Patrick Kane and the Chicago Blackhawks host Dustin Brown and the Los Angeles Kings. John Forslund (play-by-play) and Brian Engblom (analyst) will provide live commentary from United Center in Chicago, Ill. NBCSN’s Sunday night NHL coverage begins Jan. 4 at 8 p.m. ET, when the Blackhawks host Patrick Marleau and the San Jose Sharks. Emrick and McGuire will have the call from Chicago on Sunday night.

In addition to its NHL coverage, NBCSN will present outdoor college hockey on Saturday evening, when No. 13 Notre Dame faces No. 7 Boston College at Fenway Park at 7:30 p.m. ET. Dan Parkhurst (play-by-play) and Ken Hodge (analyst) will provide live commentary.

NBC Sports Live Extra – NBC Sports Group’s live streaming product for desktops, mobile devices, and tablets – will stream all 2013-14 NHL regular-season games televised on NBC and NBCSN, including this week’s Kings-Blackhawks and Sharks-Blackhawks matchups, the Winter Classic, both alumni games, and Notre Dame-Boston College.

NHL Live, NBC Sports Group live NHL pre-game and post-game studio show, begins at 7 p.m. ET on NBCSN tonight, and at 7:30 p.m. ET on Sunday prior to Sharks-Blackhawks. Russ Thaler will host NHL Live on Monday with Jones and Milbury, and McHugh will host NHL Live on Sunday with Jones and Roenick.

Date	Coverage	Network	Time (ET)
Mon., December 30	NHL Live	NBCSN	7 p.m.
	Los Angeles at Chicago	NBCSN	8 p.m.
Tue., December 31	Winter Classic Alumni Game #1	NBCSN	1 p.m.
	NHL Top 10	NBCSN	3 p.m.
	NHL Top 10	NBCSN	3:30 p.m.
	Winter Classic Alumni Game #2	NBCSN	4 p.m.
Wed., January 1	Toronto at Detroit – 2014 NHL Winter Classic	NBC	1 p.m.
	Return to Vancouver – 2010 Gold Medal Game	NBCSN	8 p.m.
Sat., January 4	Notre Dame at Boston College (Fenway Park)	NBCSN	7:30 p.m.
Sun., January 5	NHL Live	NBCSN	7:30 p.m.
	San Jose at Chicago	NBCSN	8 p.m.

WINTER CLASSIC PRODUCES MOST-WATCHED NHL REGULAR-SEASON GAMES

The Winter Classic, which was co-created by NBC Sports and the NHL and debuted in 2008, has produced five of the six most-watched NHL regular-season games in the past 38 years (average viewers).

Viewership	Date	Network	Game
1. 4.5 million	Jan. 1, 2011	NBC	Capitals-Penguins
2. 4.4 million	Jan. 1, 2009	NBC	Red Wings-Blackhawks
3. 3.8 million	Jan. 27, 1996	FOX	Six-game regional coverage
4. 3.8 million	Jan. 1, 2008	NBC	Penguins-Sabres
5. 3.74 million	Jan. 2, 2012	NBC	Rangers-Flyers
6. 3.68 million	Jan. 1, 2010	NBC	Flyers-Bruins

NBC SPORTS LIVE EXTRA

NBC Sports Live Extra – NBC Sports Group’s live streaming product for desktops, mobile devices, and tablets – will stream NHL coverage via “TV Everywhere,” the media industry’s effort to make quality content available to authenticated customers both in and out of the home and on multiple platforms.

For desktops, NBC Sports Live Extra can be accessed at NBCSports.com/liveextra. The NBC Sports Live Extra app for mobile devices and tablets is available at the App Store for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, and on select Android handset and tablet devices within Google Play.

Games airing on:

NBC will live stream to PCs, mobile devices and tablets through NBC Sports Live Extra;
NBCSN will live stream to PCs, mobile devices and tablets through NBC Sports Live Extra, and to the digital platforms of participating cable, satellite, and telco services, via “TV Everywhere,” which is available on an authenticated basis to subscribers of participating MVPDs.

2013-14 REGULAR-SEASON COVERAGE ON NBC & NBCSN

NBC Sports Group will deliver coverage of 103 NHL regular-season games during the 2013-14 season, featuring 13 games on NBC and 90 games on NBCSN. All games will be streamed live via NBC Sports Live Extra. Click here for more information on NBC Sports Group’s comprehensive NHL coverage this season.

NBC SPORTS REGIONAL NETWORKS

NBC Sports Regional Networks, which serve top NHL markets such as Boston (Bruins), Philadelphia (Flyers), Washington D.C. (Capitals), Chicago (Blackhawks) and the Bay Area (Sharks), will air more than 300 live NHL games and surround the 2013-14 NHL season with in-depth news, analysis and original programming on the teams that matter most.

NBC SPORTS GROUP’S DIGITAL AND SOCIAL NHL COVERAGE

NBC Sports Group will continue to provide hockey fans with up-to-the-minute news, video, and information on the NHL and hockey from around the world via its digital and social properties, including NBCSports.com, Twitter and Facebook. Click here for more information on NBC Sports Group’s Digital and Social NHL coverage.

For more information about NBC Sports Group shows and properties, including press releases, photos, talent and executive bios and headshots, please visit NBCSportsGroupPressBox.com

–NBC SPORTS GROUP–

NFL Wild Card & Divisional Playoff Schedule Announced

December 31, 2013 By admin

As released by the NFL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

12/29/13

Commissioner ROGER GOODELL announced today the schedule of sites, dates and times for the National Football League Wild Card Playoffs on January 4-5 and Divisional Playoffs on January 11-12 (all times Eastern):

NFL WILD CARD WEEKEND

Saturday, January 4

AFC: 4:35 PM (ET)	Kansas City at Indianapolis (NBC)

NFC: 8:10 PM (ET)	New Orleans at Philadelphia/Dallas (NBC)

Sunday, January 5

AFC: 1:05 PM (ET)	San Diego at Cincinnati (CBS)

NFC: 4:40 PM (ET)	San Francisco at Green Bay (FOX)

NFL DIVISIONAL PLAYOFFS

Saturday, January 11

NFC: 4:35 PM (ET)	Green Bay/San Francisco/New Orleans at Seattle (FOX)

AFC: 8:15 PM (ET)	Cincinnati/Indianapolis/Kansas City at New England (CBS)

Sunday, January 12

NFC: 1:05 PM (ET)	Philadelphia/Dallas/Green Bay/San Francisco at Carolina (FOX)

AFC: 4:40 PM (ET)	Indianapolis/Kansas City/San Diego at Denver (CBS)

In the Divisional Playoffs, the division champion with the best record in each conference will host the lowest seeded Wild Card survivor. Once teams are seeded for the playoffs, positions do not change:

American Football Conference	National Football Conference
1. Denver (13-3, AFC West champion)	1. Seattle (13-3, NFC West champion)
2. New England (12-4, AFC East champion)	2. Carolina (12-4, NFC South champion)
3. Cincinnati (11-5, AFC North champion)	3. Philadelphia/Dallas (9-6/8-7) (NFC East champion)
4. Indianapolis (11-5, AFC South champion)	4. Green Bay (8-7-1, NFC North champion)
5. Kansas City (11-5)	5. San Francisco (12-4)
6. San Diego (9-7)	6. New Orleans (11-5)

The AFC (CBS, 3:00 PM ET) and NFC (FOX, 6:30 PM ET) Championship Games will be played on Sunday, January 19.

The 2014 Pro Bowl (NBC, 7:30 PM ET) will be played on Sunday, January 26 at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii, one week before Super Bowl XLVIII takes place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on Sunday, February 2 (FOX, 6:30 PM ET).

# # #

NFC on FOX Wildcard Broadcaster Assignments Announced

December 31, 2013 By admin

This just in ….

BUCK, AIKMAN, OLIVER & ANDREWS CALL 49ERS – PACKERS NFC WILDCARD CLASH SUNDAY

Coverage of this weekend’s NFC Wildcard matchup between the reigning NFC Champion San Francisco 49ers and the Green Bay Packers airs Sunday, Jan. 5 on FOX with coverage beginning at 4:00 PM ET. Play-by-play announcer Joe Buck is joined by analyst Troy Aikman and sideline reporters Pam Oliver and Erin Andrews live from Lambeau Field in Green Bay, WI.

NFC playoff coverage on FOX continues the following weekend with the exclusive presentation of either the Green Bay Packers, San Francisco 49ers or New Orleans Saints earning the right to play NFC West Champion Seattle Seahawks from CenturyLink Field in Seattle, WA on Saturday, Jan. 11 with pregame coverage beginning at 3:30 PM ET. Depending on outcomes during Wild Card weekend, the Philadelphia Eagles, Green Bay Packers or San Francisco 49ers face the Carolina Panthers from Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC on Sunday, Jan. 12 with pregame coverage beginning at 12:00 PM ET. Broadcaster assignments for the NFC divisional round on FOX will be determined following Wild Card weekend.

Sunday’s Wild Card playoff coverage on FOX begins with FOX NFL SUNDAY, America’s most-watched pregame show for 19 straight seasons. Terry Bradshaw and Curt Menefee co-host alongside analysts Howie Long, Jimmy Johnson and Michael Strahan, with contributions from Jay Glazer, the NFL’s No. 1 insider and NFL rules analyst Mike Pereira.

Quotes From Week 17 Editions of NFL Network’s ‘NFL GameDay Highlights’ & ‘NFL GameDay Final’

December 31, 2013 By admin

Quotes From NFL GameDay Highlights & NFL GameDay Final

– “This is a great story…In September, they were trying to find their way and save their coach’s job. Right now, they’re one of the teams to beat.” – Steve Mariucci on the Carolina Panthers, who clinched the second seed in the NFC with a 21-20 victory over the Atlanta Falcons

– “He doesn’t feel like he has to do everything, where before he had the lack of weapons, the lack of a running game at times, the offensive line was struggling…Now, he’s growing up. We are seeing the maturation process of Cam Newton take place and he is using the people around him.” – LaDainian Tomlinson on Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton

– “They were supposed to be last in this division and Chip Kelly weathered the storm…They continued to build and Chip Kelly found his sea legs in the NFL.” – Marshall Faulk on the Philadelphia Eagles, who clinched the NFC East title with a 24-22 victory over the Dallas Cowboys

– “The Dallas Cowboys were set to win the NFC East and guess what they did? They were mediocre this season at 8-8. If Jerry Jones is OK with mediocrity, then you keep your coach.” – Marshall Faulk on if the Dallas Cowboys should keep Jason Garrett as head coach

– “When it’s time to really strap it up to really make the plays in the big game, they don’t show up collectively.” – Deion Sanders on the Dallas Cowboys

– “We don’t know what’s going to happen with the head coach but I think the Tony Romo injury plays into that because now you have a quarterback who probably is going to miss most of the offseason with a back injury. I don’t know if you go in now and change a whole offense.” – Michael Irvin on the Dallas Cowboys

– “When we talk $100 million franchise quarterbacks, that’s what we’re talking about. He’s the guy getting people paid because he’s carrying a team on his back.” – Marshall Faulk on Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers

– “When you have Aaron Rodgers, much like Peyton Manning, he makes up for the lack of defense you have on your team.” – LaDainian Tomlinson on Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who threw for 318 yards and two touchdowns against the Chicago Bears

– “He’s the bell cow for them. When they go through him, whether it’s throwing the ball or running the ball, this offense gets going because it opens up everything down the football field.” – Marshall Faulk on Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte

– “If Cincinnati wants to do something, keep him on the field.” – Michael Irvin on Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Marvin Jones

NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport

On the Cleveland Browns firing head coach Rob Chudzinski:

“You look at what has happened for the Cleveland Browns over the last 11 games – they have 10 losses and the team in the view of the front office was simply getting worse. They looked at teams like the Jaguars who had won four of their last eight games; they viewed the Jaguars as having far less talent than they did – they were somehow finding a way to win and the Browns, of course, were not…When the front office went to the coaches to discuss this with them and talk about how the team was not improving, the response they got was we’re close; in other words, the coaches did not acknowledge that. When I asked the source why now, why not maybe after year two or year three, the response I got was time would not have changed anything.”

On the reaction to the move in the Browns’ locker room:

“It was certainly not something that was popular in the locker room; players have been outspoken both in their belief in [Rob Chudzinski] and their frustration with what has been several years of losing. But I did speak to several players who preached a level-headedness going forward; essentially wait to see Joe Banner and Mike Lombardi have in store for them. At this point, the team has kept the assistant coaches around as they try to find a new head coach, a move that is sure to be at least popular with the players in the short term.”

On NFL.com the following video clip from NFL GameDay Final are available for viewing:

– Week 17: Let’s Go Primetime – Join Deion Sanders on the corner of 21st and Primetime as he delivers his top 10 performances of a high-flying and action-packed Week 17:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000306551/Week-17-Let-s-Go-Primetime

– Week 17 NFL GameDay Express – Did you miss any of the action from Week 17? Join the NFL GameDay Express as it catches you up on every game:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000306547/Week-17-GameDay-Express

– What Should the Dallas Cowboys Do About Head Coach Jason Garrett? – Deion Sanders, Michael Irvin and Marshall Faulk discuss the most pressing questions facing the Dallas Cowboys in the offseason:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000306515/What-should-the-Cowboys-do-about-Garrett

– Can the Philadelphia Eagles Produce in the Postseason? – Deion Sanders, Michael Irvin and Marshall Faulk are impressed with the Philadelphia Eagles offense, but they all believe the defense must improve:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000306493/Can-the-Eagles-produce-in-the-postseason

– Who Can Buck the Denver Broncos? – Which AFC team has the best shot to beat the Denver Broncos? NFL GameDay Final discusses:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000306541/Who-can-buck-the-Broncos

– He’s a Beast: Jordy Nelson – Michael Irvin explains why Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson played like a beast on Sunday:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000306544/He-s-a-Beast-Jordy-Nelson

– What is the Future for Mike Shanahan? – Jeff Darlington has the latest on the situation between the Washington Redskins and head coach Mike Shanahan:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000306548/What-is-the-future-for-Mike-Shanahan

Golf Channel Expands To SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio

December 31, 2013 By admin

GOLF CHANNEL ON SIRIUSXM PGA TOUR RADIO to Feature

Golf Channel’s News, Instruction and Original Programming Beginning Monday, Jan. 6

ORLANDO, Fla., (Dec. 30, 2013) – Golf Channel, one of the fastest growing networks on television since joining the NBC Sports Group in 2011, is now expanding to radio for the first-time ever in a broadcast agreement with SiriusXM. The announcement was made today by Mike McCarley, Golf Channel President, and Scott Greenstein, SiriusXM’s President and Chief Content Officer. Golf Channel programming begins Monday Jan. 6 on SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio (XM ch. 93, Sirius ch. 208).

GOLF CHANNEL ON SIRIUSXM PGA TOUR RADIO will offer Golf Channel’s high-quality programming across various dayparts, including Golf Channel’s daily flagship morning show, “Morning Drive,” and daily signature news program, “Golf Central;” instruction programs with the nation’s top-rated instructors and legends of the game including “The Golf Fix,” “School of Golf” and “Golf Channel Academy;” and the network’s critically-acclaimed primetime original series, including “Feherty” and “In Play with Jimmy Roberts.”

“Radio is a natural extension as Golf Channel continues to expand,” said Mike McCarley, President of Golf Channel. “Our increasingly loyal viewers are watching in record numbers, so partnering with SiriusXM will not only make Golf Channel’s high-quality programming available to our devoted audience through a new medium, but also introduce SiriusXM listeners to Golf Channel programming through a SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio channel that is undergoing a transformation with some of the most interesting names in golf as part of its new lineup.”

“Golf Channel showcases an outstanding array of programming and talent, and its yearly growth in viewership is a testament to that quality. SiriusXM is very excited to deliver some of their best content to our nationwide audience,” said Scott Greenstein, SiriusXM’s President and Chief Content Officer. “We continue to build our SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio channel to offer the very best audio entertainment experience available to anyone and everyone who loves the game of golf, and our collaboration with the Golf Channel is another strong step in that direction.”

Golf Channel’s brand expansion to satellite radio builds upon the network’s tremendous growth since becoming part of the NBC Sports Group in February 2011. Across that timespan, Golf Channel has celebrated its “most-watched years ever” for the past three consecutive years; expanded its footprint to 83 countries worldwide, including significantly expanded distribution in Japan and launched programming in India; unveiled live authenticated streaming via Golf Live Extra and branded NBC Sports’ tournament coverage as “Golf Channel on NBC.”

GOLF CHANNEL ON SIRIUSXM PGA TOUR RADIO will debut Monday, Jan. 6 with a simulcast of “Morning Drive” from 9-11 a.m. ET.

In addition to GOLF CHANNEL ON SIRIUSXM PGA TOUR RADIO, SiriusXM recently announced it has added 2013 FedExCup champion Henrik Stenson, Ryder Cup star Ian Poulter, World Golf Hall of Fame member Ben Crenshaw, and top instructors Hank Haney, David Leadbetter and Jim McLean as hosts on SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio. Launched in 2005, the channel offers listeners nationwide live play-by-play coverage of PGA TOUR events as well as major championship tournaments, plus live call-in talk shows offering news, analysis, equipment reviews and more.

About Golf Channel

Golf Channel is a multimedia, golf entertainment and services company based in Orlando, Fla. Golf Channel, co-founded by Arnold Palmer in 1995 and now part of the NBC Sports Group, is available in more than 120 million homes and 83 countries worldwide. Exclusive partnerships with the world’s top tours allow Golf Channel to feature more live golf coverage than all other networks combined, as well as a programming schedule distinguished by golf’s highest-quality news, instruction and original programming. Customers of participating cable, satellite, telco and other video subscription services, are able to enjoy 24/7 streaming of live Golf Channel content through GolfChannel.com and Golf Channel’s mobile application, Golf Live Extra. Golf Channel’s digital platforms are the leading golf destinations on the Internet, delivering unmatched coverage of the world of golf, as well as services that connect the world to golf.

About SiriusXM

Sirius XM Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: SIRI) is the world’s largest radio broadcaster measured by revenue and has 25.6 million subscribers. SiriusXM creates and broadcasts commercial-free music; premier sports talk and live events; comedy; news; exclusive talk and entertainment; and the most comprehensive Latin music, sports and talk programming in radio. SiriusXM is available in vehicles from every major car company in the U.S. and from retailers nationwide as well as at shop.siriusxm.com. SiriusXM programming is available through the SiriusXM Internet Radio App for smartphones and other connected devices as well as online at siriusxm.com. SiriusXM also provides premium traffic, weather, data and information services for subscribers in cars, trucks, RVs, boats and aircraft through SiriusXM Traffic™, SiriusXM Travel Link, NavTraffic®, NavWeather™, SiriusXM Aviation, SiriusXM Marine™, Sirius Marine Weather, XMWX Aviation™, and XMWX Marine™. SiriusXM holds a minority interest in SiriusXM Canada which has more than 2 million subscribers.

Notes & Quotes From “Football Night In America” – Week 17

December 31, 2013 By admin

“Packers fans are going to remember that…you’re going to remember where you were.” – Dan Patrick on Packers game-winning TD

“There are no outstanding defenses to play against. Peyton Manning at home is going to be the favorite.” – Tony Dungy on AFC playoffs

“You can’t forget about Carolina and what Cam Newton and that defense bring.” – Rodney Harrison on NFC playoffs

“If he chooses to come out, (Louisville’s Teddy) Bridgewater will be the favorite to be the No. 1 pick.” – Peter King on the NFL Draft

NEW YORK – Dec. 29, 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 AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas, where the Dallas Cowboys are hosting the Philadelphia Eagles in a game that will decide the NFC East champion. Costas was joined on site by Al Michaels (play-by-play), Cris Collinsworth (analyst), and two-time Super Bowl winner and Super Bowl XL MVP Hines Ward.

Dan Patrick co-hosted Football Night from famous Studio 8H at NBC’s 30 Rockefeller Plaza studios in New York City. He was joined by Super Bowl-winning head coach Tony Dungy; two-time Super Bowl winner Rodney Harrison; Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk on NBCSN and NBCSports.com; Peter King of Sports Illustrated; and former NFL Executive of the Year Scott Pioli. Alex Flanagan reported from Soldier Field in Chicago on the Packers-Bears game.

Costas interviewed Dallas Cowboys TE Jason Witten and Philadelphia Eagles RB LeSean McCoy for tonight’s show. The program also included a feature that reviewed the Cowboys past two Week 17 games, both of which decided the NFC East and both of which the Cowboys lost, to the Giants and Redskins, respectively.

Following are highlights from Football Night in America:

ON PLAYOFFS

Dungy: “This is going to be a great NFC playoff race. I really think the two best teams are…Seattle and San Francisco.”

Harrison: “You can’t forget about Carolina and what Cam Newton and that defense bring.”

Harrison on the AFC: “The top two seeds (Denver and New England) are actually the two best teams in this league.”

Harrison on Saints: “If I’m the Saints, I’m rooting for the Dallas Cowboys because you get a chance to play in that dome, a nice comfortable environment, but also against that bad Cowboys defense. Drew Brees can take advantage of that.”

Dungy on Broncos: “They’ve got to be pretty comfortable because there are no outstanding defenses to play against. Peyton Manning at home is going to be the favorite against any of these defenses.”

Dungy on Colts: “Playing their best football now, these last three weeks. They know they’ve got a home game. They’ll be dangerous in the playoffs.”

Dungy on Bengals: “Cincinnati, I believe, was rooting for San Diego, (to) bring them east in some cold weather. They’ve already beaten San Diego one time. I’m sure they would much rather play them than Pittsburgh.”

ON PACKERS

Patrick on fourth-and-seven play: “Packers fans are going to remember that. Just say fourth-and-seven and you’re going to remember where you were.”

ON BEARS

Harrison on safety Chris Conte allowing game-winning TD: “He flat out blows his coverage…He lets his wide receiver go straight down the field.”

ON PATRIOTS

Harrison on Bill Belichick: “He’s done a wonderful job with all the different injuries, winning 12 games. The Patriots are never out (of a game).”

ON PANTHERS

Dungy: “I love Cam Newton, but it’s this defense that’s going to carry them.”

ON SEAHAWKS

Florio on Percy Harvin: “As soon as Monday, Harvin will be put on injured reserve due to a lingering hip problem.”

ON RAVENS

Harrison: “This team is a soft team.”

ON DOLPHINS

Harrison: “Just not ready to take that next step.”

ON COWBOYS

Collinsworth on Kyle Orton: “I can only believe what my eyes saw, and I watched him at practice the other day and he threw the ball really well, maybe even a little bit better than really well.”

Ward on Dez Bryant: “If he doesn’t get his opportunities, he could be a distraction on the sideline.”

Costas: “He’s been known to pout.”

Pioli on Orton, who was on Chiefs when Pioli was the team’s GM: “Great team player.”

Dungy: “Kyle Orton is not just any backup. He’s started many games in this league. He is a pro.”

ON EAGLES

Dungy on Nick Foles: “He has been dynamite, on target on the move.”

Costas on LeSean McCoy: “No one disputes that the best pure running back in the NFL is Adrian Peterson of the Vikings, but LeSean McCoy catches a whole lot of passes. He may be the best all-around back.”

Ward: “No question about it. He reminds me a lot of Marshall Faulk.”

ON COACHING CHANGES

Florio on Rob Chudzinski: “The Browns are considering meeting with Chudzinkski tonight and it is likely that he will be fired.”

King on Chudzinski: “Chudzinski struggled with team discipline and the Browns love of analytics…the other thing to watch for is Josh McDaniels, the offensive coordinator of the New England Patriots and a northeast Ohio native, to be a prime candidate.”

Florio and King reported that Mike Munchak (Titans), Jim Schwartz (Lions), Leslie Frazier (Vikings) and Mike Shanahan (Redskins) are expected to be fired.

ON NFL DRAFT

King on Louisville’s Teddy Bridgewater: “If he chooses to come out, Bridgewater will be the favorite to be the No. 1 pick.”

King on the Rams, who have the No. 2 pick via the Redskins: “The Rams want to move down again…He’d (GM Les Snead) like to get another (first round) pick out of dealing the No. 2 pick in this draft.”

INTERVIEW: Below are highlights of Costas’ interviews with Witten and McCoy.

JASON WITTEN WITH BOB COSTAS

On saying ‘This can’t go on like this’ last year prior to Week 17: “Third time’s a charm. Obviously we find ourselves in this situation again. Hopefully those past experiences and those failures and coming up short make you better and you build on it, so that in this situation you can find a way to win this game.”

On Tony Romo being out: “That was a big blow, losing Tony. Anytime you lose a player like that, that’s just the star of your franchise and the leader of your franchise, it’s difficult. But the show’s got to go on. We believe in Kyle (Orton), with the experiences and the success that he’s had in this league that he can go and lead our football team. That’s what you hang your hat on is those past experiences.”

On what Orton does well: “He’s got a great demeanor. He’s had success in this league, had starts. He’s got an unbelievable confidence in himself and the people around him. I think he understands what winning football is and, playing the position of quarterback, what he has to do; just facilitate and allow his guys to make plays and help us win this game.”

On if he’s seen Jason Garrett’s demeanor change while being on the hot seat: “I haven’t. Jason Garrett’s got an unbelievable demeanor, just poise, just a great football coach. This is why you want to win games like this — obviously Tony for getting us into this situation, you want to win for him — but you want to win for Coach Garrett because we’re lucky to have him and you want him to have that type of success for a long time.”

Click here to watch the video: http://www.nbcsports.com/video/nfl

LESEAN MCCOY WITH BOB COSTAS

On the deck being stacked in the Eagles favor for tonight’s game: “That’s why we play the game. We’re approaching the game the same way, as if he (Tony Romo) was playing. We’re preparing and practicing hard. We like it like this. The stakes are up. One game, we’ve got to win to get in.”

On if he grew up a Steelers or Eagles fan having grown up in Pennsylvania: “Not really, just a fan of the game. I was a huge fan of Barry Sanders.”

On comparisons to Barry Sanders: “I’m confident in my game, but watching Barry for so long, the comparison’s crazy. He’s done so many amazing things with those type of runs that there’s even times before the game when I’ll watch some clips to just try and take some different things he did. You really can’t compare us. I’m nowhere near Barry Sanders, and I’m fine to say that.”

On playing for a long time given that he is only 25: “I want to. That’s kind of the reason why maybe I’m so elusive and don’t take those extra shots because I have dreams to play a long time. I think in this game, half the battle is just being healthy.”

On if the Eagles are peaking: “I think so. I think this season we’ve played so well for away games, and, late in the year, we’ve played very well at home. Right now, this is where we want to be, at the right time, peaking.”

Click here to watch the video: http://www.nbcsports.com/football/nfl/mccoy-eagles-know-stakes-are-vs-cowboys

—FOOTBALL NIGHT IN AMERICA—

2014 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic By The Numbers

December 31, 2013 By admin

2014 BRIDGESTONE NHL WINTER CLASSIC® BY THE NUMBERS

ANN ARBOR, MICH. (Dec. 30, 2013) – A look at the 2014 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic® “By the Numbers.”

0 Per stadium policy, zero bags are allowed into Michigan Stadium, including all bags, backpacks, purses, camera and binocular cases, etc.; fans should plan on leaving bags and purses locked in the trunk of their vehicle.

1 Cable cam that will be used in network coverage by NBC and CBC

4 Of the five most-watched NHL regular-season games in the U.S. since 1975 were NHL Winter Classic games

4.5 Approximate drive, in hours, between Toronto and Detroit by car

7 Number of times the Maple Leafs and Red Wings have faced off in the Stanley Cup Final (1936, 1942, 1945, 1948, 1949, 1963, and 1964)

10 Most number of goals teams have combined to score in a single NHL Winter Classic, six of which were scored by the Red Wings in their 6-4 defeat of the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2009 NHL Winter Classic at Wrigley Field

11 Detroit Stanley Cup Championships (since 1918); one has come in a Final against Toronto

13 Toronto Stanley Cup championships (since 1918); six of which have come by defeating Detroit in the Final

15 Number of satellite uplink trucks on site to cover the event

18 Number of NHL corporate and broadcast partners activating at the 2014 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic® Spectator Plaza, a free, interactive hockey and entertainment fan festival, open to the public at 9 a.m. ET on game day

23 Playoff meetings between the Maple Leafs and Red Wings (Toronto has a 12-11 series edge)

31 The combined number of Grammy and Juno awards won by the musicians that have performed at the NHL Winter Classic since 2009, including James Taylor, Patti LaBelle, the Zac Brown Band and more (15 Grammy Awards, 16 Juno Awards)

39.1 Average temperature in Fahrenheit at puck drop for the five NHL Winter Classics (2008 – 31.1°, 2009 – 31.9°, 2010 – 39.6°, 2011 – 51.7°, 2012 – 41°)

43 Most shots by one team in an NHL Winter Classic, recorded by the Red Wings at Wrigley Field on Jan. 1, 2009

53 Length, in feet, of the world’s largest mobile rink refrigeration unit, specially built for the NHL Winter Classic

82 Broadcast cameras (all networks) that will capture all the NHL Winter Classic action at Michigan Stadium, including a cable cam, an airplane cam, and, for the first time ever, a rink-side camera cart

96 Rows of seats at Michigan Stadium

145 Players that have worn both the famed Maple Leaf and Winged Wheel

160-plus Approximate number of countries and territories that will carry the 2014 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic® game broadcast

230 Approximate number of miles that separate Toronto and Detroit

276 Number of wins for both the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Detroit Red Wings in their 645 regular-season meetings since 1926-27

300 Ton capacity of refrigeration trailer that will keep the ice cool at Michigan Stadium

350 Gallons of paint used to make the Michigan Stadium ice white

645 Number of times, prior to the 2014 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic®, the Maple Leafs and Red Wings have met in the regular season since 1926-27

646 Total number of points earned by Maple Leafs in their 645 meetings vs. the Red Wings

648 Total number of points earned by the Red Wings in their 645 meetings vs. the Maple Leafs

1927 Year Michigan Stadium, the largest college football stadium in the country, was completed, initially seating 72,000 fans

1,846 Concessions staff manning the food and beverage outlets at Michigan Stadium during the 2014 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic®*

1955 Year that the official capacity for Michigan Stadium topped 100,000 for the first time

2003 Year the Heritage Classic was played in Edmonton between the Oilers and the Montreal Canadiens, the first regular season NHL outdoor game in history

2008 The year the first NHL Winter Classic was played in Buffalo between the Sabres and Pittsburgh Penguins, with Sidney Crosby netting the game-winner in a shootout

3,000 Gallons of coolant used to freeze the Michigan Stadium rink

3,688 Gallons of hot chocolate expected to be brewed at Michigan Stadium on Jan. 1*

14,150 Pretzels projected to be purchased by fans during the 2014 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic®*

38,450 Hot Dogs projected to be purchased by fans during the 2014 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic®*

104,173 The largest confirmed audience for a game of ice hockey, which is the current GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title, set at “The Big Chill at the Big House” between the University of Michigan and Michigan State University at Michigan Stadium on Dec. 11, 2010; the 2014 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic® is anticipated to host a potential world record-setting crowd on Jan. 1.

175,000 The estimated value, in dollars, of the resources and materials the NHL and Detroit Red Wings Foundation, in conjunction with DTE Energy, Johnson Controls, and York, funded in upgrades and renovations to the outdoor rink operated by the Clark Park Coalition, a recreation center in Detroit. The donation to Clark Park’s rink was part of the 2014 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic® Legacy Initiative.

250,000 Approximate number of visitors expected to visit downtown Detroit and the SiriusXM Hockeytown Winter Festival™, an outdoor celebration of hockey held at Comerica Park in partnership with the 2014 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic®.

265,226 Total spectators in attendance at the first five NHL Winter Classics

*According to Sodexo, the food service provider for Michigan Stadium

### 12/30/13

Johnson: If Jay Cutler Doesn’t Play Well Today, Cut Him Loose

December 31, 2013 By admin

FOX NFL SUNDAY NOTES – 12/29/13

Johnson: If Jay Cutler Doesn’t Play Well Today, Cut Him Loose

Glazer Reports Which Coaches Are Safe, Which Are Out and Who Is Likely to Replace Them

Bradshaw: Dallas Can “Rise Up” Today Against Philadelphia

Long & Strahan Tab Quinn as Defensive Player of the Year; Bradshaw Says Lacy Deserves Rookie of the Year Honors

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Analyst Jimmy Johnson says today is an important day for Bears’ quarterback Jay Cutler against the Packers: “Jay Cutler is playing for his contract. This will determine how much money he’s going to make in the future. Personally, I think he throws too many interceptions, takes too many sacks. Now, he’s going to make those throws where you’re going to go, ‘Oohh,’ ‘Aahh.’ You know, he can make the throw, but he has too many mistakes, and I think that’s what’s going to determine the outcome of this game.”

Host Curt Menefee asked the analysts if the Bears should consider sitting Cutler for Josh McCown if the Bears struggle. Johnson replied: “I wouldn’t have him [Cutler] in the lineup as we start.”

Co-Host Terry Bradshaw agreed: “I agree with that. I would never have benched him [McCown]. I think McCown, even at 34, suits this offense better than Cutler.”

Johnson added: “If Jay Cutler does not play well in this game, cut him loose, go with McCown, and draft a quarterback.”

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Analyst Howie Long said last week was an anomaly for the Bears, but they need to play well today and expect Packers’ quarterback Aaron Rodgers to be at his best: “Last week was the perfect storm of bad. Chuck it in the trash, get ready to play for the division title at home – that’s the good news. The bad news – Aaron Rodgers is back. Forget the rust, expect his best. Expect offensively that you’re going to have to match him point for point. Clean up your protection, particularly versus the blitz. Allow your quarterback to make good decisions, get the ball out to the dynamic receivers on the outside. I believe last week was an anomaly, as do the Bears. Now all that’s left to do is go out and prove it and win a division title at home. It doesn’t get any better than that.”

Analyst Michael Strahan agreed that Aaron Rodgers would be ready to go today: “I think after a series or two, Aaron Rodgers won’t even have any rust on him. He’ll look like he sprayed himself with WD-40.”

Bradshaw said he expects Rodgers to show some rust and said the Packers should feature running back Eddie Lacy: “One of the things people say is Aaron Rodgers isn’t going to be rusty – he is going to be rusty. He will have the injury on his mind. He’ll have to work his way through that. I do not expect him to be that sharp, especially early in the game, that’s why Eddie Lacy, even though he has a bad ankle, that’s the guy they should feature. I don’t expect Rodgers to be that effective early in this football game.”

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FOX NFL Insider Jay Glazer reported which head coaches he expected to keep their jobs and which he expected to be out: “I don’t think ‘Black Monday’ will be as dark as years past, but there will be some changes starting with Leslie Frazier of the Minnesota Vikings. We told you last week that the window was slightly open, well that window has closed, and tomorrow morning ownership will meet with GM Rick Spielman. Leslie Frazer will be out.”

Glazer added that in addition to Frazier, the Lions’ Jim Schwartz and Redskins’ Mike Shanahan are out; the Cowboys’ Jason Garrett, Giants’ Tom Coughlin, Buccaneers’ Greg Schiano and Dolphins’ Joe Philbin are safe; and the Raiders’ Dennis Allen, Jets’ Rex Ryan and Titans’ Mike Munchak are in the “maybe” category.

—————————————————————————

Glazer also reported which coaching candidates are the most likely to become head coaches: “Everybody you’re going to see here is actually on a list from a decision maker that I’ve talked to – an owner, a general manager. Let’s start with one of the offensive guys – Adam Gase, he is Peyton Manning’s offensive coordinator, he may elect to stay there one extra year. As for defensive coaches, it’s time for Mike Zimmer to get his shot. For the wild cards, Ken Whisenhunt is expected to interview in Houston even though Bill O’Brien is expected to get that job.”

Glazer’s list:

Offensive coaches: Adam Gase, Jay Gruden, Greg Roman, Darrell Bevell

Defensive coaches: Mike Zimmer, Ray Horton, Dan Quinn, Mike Pettine

Wild Cards: Jack Del Rio, Ken Whisenhunt, Lovie Smith, Bill O’Brien

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Bradshaw said he expects the Cowboys to rise up and win over Philadelphia: “I believe Jerry Jones is like the Ziegfeld Follies. He can sell and he can promote anything, and I’m promoting it this week. I do believe the old theory that any team any given Sunday – forget all the other things, all of the running games and everything – I believe that Dallas at home can rise up. And if they don’t, they go back to 8-8. What did they do last year? 8-8. What did they do the year before that? 8-8. And average is good, I guess.”

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Strahan said he has not lost confidence in the Seattle Seahawks, especially if they retain home field advantage, and thinks the team’s loss to Arizona last week might be a blessing in disguise: “As long as they have home field advantage throughout the playoffs, I haven’t lost confidence. Even though last week they lost to Arizona, which is possibly the best team in the league that may not make the playoffs, I do think that could be a blessing in disguise because they had a security blanket of playing at home and feeling like they were invincible at home. I think losing now, instead of losing in the playoffs when you’re out completely, was a good thing for this team.”

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Glazer reported what retiring Falcons’ tight end Tony Gonzalez was feeling before his final game as an NFL player: “I got off the phone with Tony Gonzalez about an hour and a half ago. Last night, he addressed the coaches and the players and said, ‘Football has made my wildest dreams come true and it can free you also, but you’ve got to be obsessed with winning.’ He said, ‘The best thing that happened for me is my second year I had a bad year. I completely changed my routine. After what happened with us this year, everybody, you’ve got to look inside yourself and change your routine.’ I asked if he cried a little bit and he said, ‘Yeah, I did.’”

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Long and Strahan agreed that the Rams’ Robert Quinn is the Defensive Player of the Year. Strahan said: “As many sacks as he has on a team that obviously is not up in many games, and just to watch him play – remarkable, remarkable year by Robert Quinn.”

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Bradshaw said that the Packers’ Eddie Lacy is his pick for Rookie of the Year: “I like Eddie Lacy up in Green Bay.”

Strahan added: “Eddie Lacy, you didn’t notice him until Aaron Rodgers went out, then all of a sudden here’s this guy running for six yards a clip.”