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PETER KING DISCUSSES 2020 NFL DRAFT PLANS AND PROVIDES AN INSIDE LOOK AT HOW THE COLTS ARE PREPARING VIRTUALLY IN THIS WEEK’S “FMIA” COLUMN

April 6, 2020 By admin Leave a Comment

“The draft is more likely to be held either in socially-distant small groups, or with each individual decision-maker at a private home.” – King on how team personnel will interact on draft weekend

“Information is king. I watched a player’s own pro day-type video on YouTube last night.” – Colts head coach Frank Reich on preparing for the draft by scouting at home

“This is the hardest-to-figure draft…Now you’re going back to drafting with 50 percent information on a lot of guys, because of no Pro Days and no individual workouts with teams.” – Gil Brandt on the difficulties of this year’s draft

Lunch Break Live, Hosted by Mike Tirico, Debuts Today at Noon ET on NBCSN Featuring Guests Peter King, Cris Collinsworth & Russell Wilson

ProFootballTalk.com Provides the Latest Free Agency News and Updates; Florio & Simms on PFT Live Weekdays at 7 a.m. ET on NBCSN

STAMFORD, Conn. – April 6, 2020 – Peter King discusses potential plans surrounding the 2020 NFL Draft and provides an inside look at how the Colts are adjusting to working from home as they prepare for the upcoming draft in this week’s edition of Football Morning in America, available now exclusively on NBCSports.com. King speaks with Colts GM Chris Ballard, head coach Frank Reich, and others inside Indianapolis’ organization to see how draft planning has been impacted by work-from-home mandates related to coronavirus. Click here to watch a clip a King’s conversation with Reich.

Also this week, NBC Sports’ new daily sports talk show, Lunch Talk Live, hosted by Mike Tirico, debuts today at Noon ET on NBCSN. Special guests on today’s opening episode include Peter King, NBC’s Sunday Night Football game analyst Cris Collinsworth, and Seahawks QB Russell Wilson. For more information, click here.

Additionally, ProFootballTalk.com continues to provide the latest free agency news and NFL insider Mike Florio and analyst Chris Simms provide offseason and free agency updates on PFT Live.

The following are highlights from this week’s edition of Football Morning in America:

2020 NFL DRAFT & FUTURE PLANS

King on where team personnel will be during draft weekend: “On Wednesday, NFL IT departments were sent a memo that implied the league would be drafting either from team facilities or from homes of team coaches, GMs and executives…The draft is more likely to be held either in socially-distant small groups, or with each individual decision-maker at a private home.”

King on teams using Zoom for draft day meetings: “It’s possible the league could move their draft-weekend video conferencing to Microsoft Teams, which several NFL people have told me seems more secure (than Zoom)…As one club executive told me Friday, it’s unnerving to think there’s even a small possibility that one NFL team with a smart IT person could figure how to hack another team’s Zoom sessions on draft night.”

Rams COO Kevin Demoff to King on using Zoom: “How do you make sure your conversations are protected?…Hacking into a team’s draft room on Zoom is probably a lot different. That would be my biggest concern just from an encryption standpoint of how do you have these conversations confidentially.”

King on the possibility of playing games without fans due to coronavirus concerns: “In this scenario, it’s certainly pragmatic to consider games without fans sitting in close proximity. As one NFL executive said to me the other day: ‘Everything [related to football] is on the table for discussion, and we’ve got a very large table.’”

King on the 2020 schedule: “It’s likely the NFL schedule-makers will spend their extra time this month working on 12-game and 14-game schedule alternatives…In the wake of the league saying the schedule would be released on May 9 at the latest, it would be foolish to sit on the schedule that could be ready by next week and not take the next five weeks to prepare for alternatives.”

King on the draft broadcast: “Momentum is building for ESPN and NFL Network to do a combined draft telecast…It’s looking more likely that instead of the two football rivals doing info-warring separate telecasts, they’ll combine to do one telecast.”

King on coronavirus fundraising during the draft: “The league is closing in on plans to weave a fundraising element into all three days of the telecast, complete with celebrity players and former players and coaches urging viewers to donate to coronavirus-related causes.”

INSIDE LOOK AT THE COLTS’ DRAFT PREP

King: “I’ve been so curious about how a team actually has been functioning in the nearly two weeks since all NFL facilities have been shuttered…The Colts agreed to share a few employees with me, and it’s clear they have been affected by the outside world.”

King on Colts GM Chris Ballard preparing for the draft: “Now it’s fine-tuning time, with info the coaches and scouts have learned through follow-up calls and virtual visits with players. Ballard hosts scouting meetings several times a week by video conference…It’s helped that, on Zoom, Ballard can pull up a few plays that everyone can see.”

Ballard on a recent video call: “We had some pretty intense discussions about two guys. We dug into the character of a couple guys and moved them down. It wasn’t all that hard, compared to being in the same room. We ended up moving seven guys either up or down in that meeting.”

Ballard: “They’ll make a 30 For 30 on this draft one day…We’ll be prepared for anything on draft weekend, and we’ll have our work done. All 32 teams will play by the same rules, so that’s fine with us.”

King on Colts head coach Frank Reich: “There’s so much for Reich to do, and it’s so different. He’s got to be ready for the start of the offseason program (with new quarterback Philip Rivers) April 20, and he doesn’t know if the program will start that day…He might have to sign off on drafting a prospective quarterback without meeting him in person.”

Reich on working from his home office: “Information is king. I watched a player’s own pro day-type video on YouTube last night…I don’t want to say this is better, but as a head coach in your office, you get interrupted 20 times a day. There are no interruptions now.”

Reich on what he tells his staff working from home: “I do remind them every so often, ‘Hey, just because we’re home, we’re not on vacation. We’re not working half days, we’re working full days. Structure your day. Plan your day.’”

King on Colts college scouting coordinator Anthony Coughlin: “Coughlin helps coordinate all the virtual visits with college prospects. Since players cannot come to Indianapolis, the Colts are allowed three contacts with players per week (that’s usually all they do with most prospects).”

King on prospect calls: “It used to be that a prospect, on a pre-draft visit to the Colts complex, would see several people in the building during the day. Now that prospect would have three Zoom or FaceTime contacts with the Colts: one with director of player development Brian Decker; one with the position coach; and one with the pertinent coordinator. Max per session: one hour.”

GIL BRANDT’S TOP 16 & OFFSEASON NOTES

King: “This will be the NFL’s 85th draft. This will be Gil Brandt’s 65th either working for a team – full-time or part-time – or working for the league.”

Brandt to King: “This is the hardest-to-figure draft…Now you’re going back to drafting with 50 percent information on a lot of guys, because of no Pro Days and no individual workouts with teams. So your scouting of the games becomes more important.”

Brandt’s 16 top-rated players, the players he thinks should comprise the first half of the first round:

1. Joe Burrow, QB, LSU	9. Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
2. Chase Young, Edge, Ohio State	10. Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
3. Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson	11. CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
4. Just Herbert, QB, Oregon	12. Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
5. Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama	13. Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State
6. Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn	14. C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida
7. Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama	15. Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina
8. Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa	16. Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama

King on the Dolphins: “If I were Miami GM Chris Grier, and I liked Joe Burrow clearly above all other quarterbacks this year, I’d call the Bengals and offer four first-round picks for Cincinnati’s first overall pick.”

King on the Chiefs re-signing Sammy Watkins: “The Chiefs’ offense now returns its six most important skill players for 2020 – Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce, Watkins, Mecole Hardman, Demarcus Robinson – and in a year when so many teams will be flying blind because of the vast disruption of any organized offseason activities, continuity on a great offense is hugely important.”

King on the Bears QB competition: “In January, I was sure Mitchell Trubisky would take the first snap of the 2020 regular season for the Bears. Absolutely sure. In April, I’d bet my grande macchiato that Nick Foles is the man.”

Read the full FMIA column here and catch the weekly Peter King Podcast here.

The following are additional highlights of NBC Sports’ NFL coverage:

- Lunch Talk Live: NBC Sports’ new hour-long, daily sports talk show, which is hosted by Mike Tirico, debuts today at Noon ET on NBCSN. Featured guests of the first episode include Peter King, Cris Collinsworth, and Seahawks QB Russell Wilson. Click here for more information.
- PFT Live: Mike Florio and Chris Simms provide updates on NFL free agency and continue to preview the upcoming NFL Draft.
- On the Simms Unbuttoned, Simms speaks with Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor via FaceTime ahead of the draft.
- The Rotoworld Football Podcast, with Josh Norris, John Daigle, and Ian Hartitz, continues to discuss how free agency moves will impact teams and players in 2020.

A new “Football Morning in America” posts every Monday morning exclusively on NBCSports.com through the NFL season. It was announced in May 2019 that King signed an exclusive agreement with NBC Sports Group that included writing a weekly Monday morning NFL column for NBCSports.com; making regular appearances on NBCSN’s and NBC Sports Radio’s PFT Live with Mike Florio; and continuing to contribute to Football Night in America, the most-watched studio show in sports.

—NBC SPORTS—

ODELL BECKHAM JR.’S CATCH & MAHOMES-BRADY HIGHLIGHT FINAL NIGHT OF NBC SPORTS’ FOOTBALL WEEK IN AMERICA WITH TWO CLASSIC SNF GAMES TONIGHT AT 7 P.M. ET ON NBCSN

April 5, 2020 By admin Leave a Comment

Tonight’s’ FWIA Slate Begins at 7 p.m. ET with Odell Beckham Jr.’s Spectacular One-Handed Catch Against Dallas in 2014 on SNF

At 9:30 p.m. ET, Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady Meet for First Time as Brady Leads New England to 2018 Victory with Game-Winning Drive

Beginning Sunday, April 12, NBCSN to Televise an SNF Game Each Sunday Night at 8 p.m. ET for Remainder of Month

Content to Stream on NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports App

STAMFORD, Conn. – April 5, 2020 – Odell Beckham Jr.’s spectacular one-handed catch in 2014 and the first meeting between quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady in 2018 highlight the final night of NBC Sports’ Football Week in America, beginning tonight at 7 p.m. ET on NBCSN.

- Tonight: OBJ’s Catch & Mahomes-Brady: Odell Beckham Jr.’s Spectacular One-Handed Catch & First-Ever Meeting Between Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady

On the next three Sunday nights in April, NBCSN will air one SNF game at 8 p.m. ET.

Mike Tirico introduces each night’s matchup on NBCSN, and game presentations will include a specialized ticker featuring live tweets. During the telecast, fans will be provided with on-screen information on how they can help with Coronavirus relief. Fans can tweet #FootballWeekNBCSN for the chance to see their tweets live on air.

Programming will also stream on NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app.

Following is a look at tonight’s games:

OBJ’S CATCH & MAHOMES-BRADY

GAME	TIME (ET)	NETWORK
Dallas vs. New York Giants (Week 12, 2014)	7 p.m.	NBCSN
Kansas City vs. New England (Week 6, 2018)	9:30 p.m.	NBCSN

DALLAS COWBOYS-NEW YORK GIANTS (WEEK 12, 2014) AT 7 P.M. ET

The final night of Football Week in America kicks off at 7 p.m. ET with the 2014 Sunday Night Football meeting between Dallas and the New York Giants, which featured Odell Beckham Jr.’s one-handed catch while falling into the end zone for a 43-yard touchdown against Dallas – despite being interfered with on the play. On the broadcast, Collinsworth exclaimed, “That might be the greatest catch I’ve ever seen! You have to be kidding me. That is absolutely impossible!”.

The game came down to the last minute, with a late Tony Romo touchdown pass to Dez Bryant giving the Cowboys a 31-28 road victory.

Al Michaels and Cris Collinsworth called the game from MetLife Stadium.

	1	2	3	4	*FINAL*
Dallas	3	7	14	7	31
New York	7	14	0	7	28

CATEGORY	GAME LEADER	CATEGORY	GAME LEADER
Passing Yards	Eli Manning – 338	Passing TDs	Tony Romo – 4
Rushing Yards	DeMarco Murray – 121	Rushing TDs	Andre Williams – 1
Receiving Yards	Odell Beckham Jr. – 146	Receiving TDs	Dez Bryant, Odell Beckham Jr. – 2

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS-NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (WEEK 6, 2018) AT 9:30 P.M. ET

Patrick Mahomes, the eventual 2018 league MVP, and Tom Brady met for the first time in Week 6 of the 2018 season in a classic SNF matchup in which Brady earned his 200^th victory as a starting quarterback.

Mahomes (352 passing yards, four touchdowns) and Brady (340 yards, two total touchdowns) led the way in a shootout that came down to the wire. Mahomes connected with wide receiver Tyreek Hill on a 75-yard touchdown – his third of the day – with 3:03 remaining in the fourth quarter to tie the game, but Brady led the Patriots on the final drive of the game, culminating with Stephen Gostkowski’s 28-yard field goal as time expired to give New England the win.

Al Michaels and Cris Collinsworth called the game from Gillette Stadium.

	1	2	3	4	*FINAL*
Kansas City	6	3	17	14	40
New England	10	14	3	16	43

CATEGORY	GAME LEADER	CATEGORY	GAME LEADER
Passing Yards	Patrick Mahomes – 352	Passing TDs	Patrick Mahomes – 4
Rushing Yards	Sony Michel – 106	Rushing TDs	Sony Michel – 2
Receiving Yards	Tyreek Hill – 142	Receiving TDs	Tyreek Hill – 3

Following are the SNF games on NBCSN on the final three Sundays in April:

SUNDAY, APRIL 12 – COWBOYS-JETS ON 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF 9/11

On the 10th anniversary of September 11, 2001, the Jets host the Cowboys to open the 2011 season. In a back and forth affair, New York wins on a 50-yard field goal with less than one minute remaining in the game.

GAME	TIME (ET)	NETWORK
Dallas vs. New York Jets (Week 1, 2011)	8 p.m.	NBCSN

SUNDAY, APRIL 19 – SEAHAWKS STOP PATRIOTS ON GOAL LINE

In their first meeting since New England’s dramatic victory over Seattle in Super Bowl XLIX, the Seahawks stop the Patriots on four consecutive plays from inside the two yard-line to earn a 31-24 victory in Foxborough.

GAME	TIME (ET)	NETWORK
Seattle vs. New England (Week 10, 2016)	8 p.m.	NBCSN

SUNDAY, APRIL 26 – PACKERS-PATRIOTS 2010 THRILLER

Packers quarterback Matt Flynn makes his first career start in Week 15 of the 2010 season as Green Bay visits the Patriots at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots thwart the Packers’ last-minute drive, punctuated by a Vince Wilfork strip-sack on fourth-and-one from the New England 15 yard-line on the last play of the game, to hold on for a dramatic 31-27 win. Flynn passed for 251 yards and three touchdowns.

GAME	TIME (ET)	NETWORK
Green Bay vs. New England (Week 15, 2010)	8 p.m.	NBCNSN

–NBC SPORTS–

NBC SPORTS PROGRAMMING UPDATE FOR APRIL 5

April 4, 2020 By admin Leave a Comment

NBC Sports Schedule for NBC and NBCSN, April 5

(All times ET unless otherwise noted, subject to change)

(* Programming description at bottom of chart)

Sunday, April 5 – NBC
12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.	2019 Beverly Hills Dog Show
2:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.	PGA Tour Golf: 2019 Valero Texas Open – Final Round

Sunday, April 5 – NBCSN
6 a.m. – 7 a.m.	Premier League Season in Review 1998-99
7 a.m. – 8 a.m.	Premier League Season in Review 1999-00
8 a.m. – 9 a.m.	Premier League Download: The Noisy Neighbors*
9 a.m. – 10 a.m.	Premier League Download: The Champions: Manchester City – Pep’s Pursuit of Perfection*
10 a.m. – Noon	Premier League Match of the Week: Everton v. Liverpool (Nov. 23, 2013)
Noon – 2 p.m.	Premier League Match of the Week: Chelsea v. Arsenal (Oct. 5, 2014)
2 p.m. – 3 p.m.	American Ninja Warrior: Venice Qualifier
3 p.m. – 4 p.m.	American Ninja Warrior: Kansas City Qualifier
4 p.m. – 7 p.m.	TVG Trackside Live (LIVE)
7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.	SNF Classic Games – OBJ’s Catch: Dallas vs. New York Giants (Week 12, 2014)
9:30 p.m. – Midnight	SNF Classic Games – Patrick Mahomes-Tom Brady I: Kansas City vs. New England (Week 6, 2018)
Midnight – 3 a.m.	Monster Energy Supercross: Glendale

Episode descriptions:

Premier League Download: The Champions: Manchester City – Pep’s Pursuit of Perfection: Roger Bennett takes viewers through Pep Guardiola’s first two years at Manchester City, including the club’s record-breaking season of 2017-18.

Premier League Download: The Noisy Neighbors: A show detailing perhaps the most dramatic day in Premier League history – the final day of the 2011-12 season – when Manchester City pipped crosstown rivals Manchester United to the title in last-minute fashion.

BREES VS. RODGERS & CLASSIC STEELERS-RAVENS DEFENSIVE BATTLE HIGHLIGHT TONIGHT’S NBC SPORTS’ FOOTBALL WEEK IN AMERICA ACTION IN TWO CLASSIC SNF GAMES BEGINNING AT 7 P.M. ET ON NBCSN

April 4, 2020 By admin Leave a Comment

Tonight’s’ FWIA Slate Begins at 7 p.m. ET with a Defensive Battle Between Division Rivals Baltimore & Pittsburgh

At 9:30 p.m. ET, Green Bay and New Orleans Kick Off the 2011 Season with a High-Scoring Shootout Decided on the Game’s Final Snap

Content to Stream on NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports App

STAMFORD, Conn. – April 4, 2020 – Drew Brees vs. Aaron Rodgers and a classic defensive battle between the Steelers and Ravens, two games which went down to the wire, highlight tonight’s primetime SNF games during NBC Sports’ Football Week in America, beginning at 7 p.m. ET on NBCSN.

- Tonight: Last-Second SNF Victories: Pittsburgh Tops Division-Rival Baltimore in Final Minute of 2010 Defensive Battle & Green Bay’s Goal Line Stand on Final Play Secures Victory Against Drew Brees and the Saints in 2011 Season Opener

FWIA runs through tomorrow, Sunday, April 5, with NBCSN presenting two games per night in primetime. In addition, on the three following Sunday nights in April, NBCSN will air one SNF game at 8 p.m. ET.

Programming will also stream on NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app.

Following is a look at tonight’s games:

LAST-SECOND VICTORIES

GAME	TIME (ET)	NETWORK
Pittsburgh vs. Baltimore (Week 13, 2010)	7 p.m.	NBCSN
New Orleans vs. Green Bay (Week 1, 2011)	9:30 p.m.	NBCSN

PITTSBURGH STEELERS-BALTIMORE RAVENS (WEEK 13, 2010) AT 7 P.M. ET

Football Week in America continues tonight with a 2010 defensive battle between two AFC North division rivals as Baltimore hosted Pittsburgh on Sunday Night Football in Week 13.

With both offenses held to under 300 yards, the Steelers topped the Ravens on a late Ben Roethlisberger touchdown pass and a final defensive stand with under a minute remaining in the game.

The matchup featured five players who earned NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors: Baltimore’s Ray Lewis (twice), Ed Reed, and Terrell Suggs and Pittsburgh’s James Harrison and Troy Polamalu (who was the 2010 honoree).

Al Michaels and Cris Collinsworth called the game from M&T Bank Stadium.

	1	2	3	4	*FINAL*
Pittsburgh	0	0	3	10	13
Baltimore	7	0	3	0	10

CATEGORY	GAME LEADER	CATEGORY	GAME LEADER
Passing Yards	Joe Flacco – 266	Passing TDs	Joe Flacco, Ben Roethlisberger – 1
Rushing Yards	Rashard Mendenhall – 45	Rushing TDs	None
Receiving Yards	Anquan Boldin – 118	Receiving TDs	Anquan Boldin, Mike Wallace – 1

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS-GREEN BAY PACKERS (WEEK 1, 2011) AT 9:30 P.M. ET

The 2011 season opener featured a duel between quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers (312 pass yards, three touchdowns) and Drew Brees (419 yards, three touchdowns) as Rodgers and the Packers defeated the Saints, 42-34, at Lambeau Field.

The high-scoring affair ended with a final defensive stop as Green Bay stuffed Saints running back Mark Ingram at the goal line on the game’s final play to secure the victory.

Al Michaels and Cris Collinsworth called the game from Lambeau Field.

	1	2	3	4	*FINAL*
New Orleans	7	10	10	7	34
Green Bay	21	7	7	7	42

CATEGORY	GAME LEADER	CATEGORY	GAME LEADER
Passing Yards	Drew Brees – 419	Passing TDs	Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers – 3
Rushing Yards	James Starks – 57	Rushing TDs	James Starks, John Kuhn – 1
Receiving Yards	Devery Henderson – 100	Receiving TDs	Six tied – 1

Tomorrow on Football Week in America:

- Sunday, April 5: OBJ’s Catch & Mahomes-Brady I

–NBC SPORTS–

MIKE TIRICO HOSTS NBC SPORTS’ NEW DAILY SPORTS TALK SHOW, “LUNCH TALK LIVE,” DEBUTING THIS MONDAY, APRIL 6, AT NOON ET ON NBCSN

April 3, 2020 By admin Leave a Comment

Live, Hour-Long Daily Show to Feature Discussions Among Current & Former Athletes, Prominent Sports Figures, NBC Sports Commentators, and More

Mike Tirico Hosts, Joined by Special Guests to Discuss the World of Sports and Current Impact of the Coronavirus Pandemic on Daily Life

Lunch Talk Live Airs Weekdays Live at Noon ET on NBCSN and Across NBC Sports Digital Platforms

STAMFORD, Conn. – April 3, 2020 – NBC Sports’ new daily sports talk show, Lunch Talk Live, debuts this Monday, April 6, at Noon ET on NBCSN, featuring host Mike Tirico joined by special guests, including current and former athletes, NBC Sports’ lineup of on-air commentators, and other prominent voices and figures within sports and media.

Lunch Talk Live focuses on the current state of the sports world and the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, providing guests with a platform to discuss the state of sports, voice their personal stories and detail how they are adapting their daily lives during this challenging time.

“In these challenging times, we are all missing sports and the people who make sports memories,” said Tirico. “Hopefully, we can bring a midday connection with some of them to help fill the void.”

Sam Flood, NBC Sports Executive Producer & President of Production, said: “We’re excited to bring viewers fresh programming every day with unique, topical conversations from prominent individuals in all corners of sports. This will be a daily lunch date to share sports and stories we all miss during these unique times.”

The hour-long show will air weekdays at Noon ET on NBCSN and stream on NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app. Select content and interviews will additionally be hosted on NBC Sports’ YouTube channel and social media platforms.

Tirico will host Lunch Talk Live episodes remotely, beginning this Monday.

–NBC SPORTS–

DALE EARNHARDT JR., JEFF BURTON, STEVE LETARTE, PARKER KLIGERMAN & SAM FLOOD ON NBC SPORTS MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL – MONDAY, APRIL 6, AT 3 P.M ET

April 3, 2020 By admin Leave a Comment

Previewing the NBC eSports Short Track iRacing Challenge and Racing Week in America on NBCSN

Dial 323-347-3622 to Participate

STAMFORD, Conn. – April 3, 2020 – NBC Sports motorsports commentators Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Burton, Steve Letarte, and Parker Kligerman, as well as executive producer Sam Flood, will preview the NBC eSports Short Track iRacing Challenge and Racing Week in America on NBCSN on a media conference call Monday, April 6, at 3 p.m. ET.

Media interested in participating should call 323-347-3622; Passcode: 967177.

WHAT: NBC eSports Short Track Challenge/Racing Week in America Media Conference Call
WHO: Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Burton, Steve Letarte, Parker Kligerman, Sam Flood
WHEN: Monday, April 6, at 3 p.m. ET
NUMBER: 323-347-3622
PASSCODE: 967177

NBC eSPORTS SHORT TRACK iRACING CHALLENGE

Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kyle Busch, and Denny Hamlin headline a group of 18 drivers that will compete at virtual versions of iconic and short tracks across America next week on NBCSN, as NASCAR America presents the NBC eSports Short Track iRacing Challenge beginning Monday, April 6, at 7 p.m. ET. Click here for more information.

RACING WEEK IN AMERICA

Beginning April 6, Racing Week in America on NBCSN will provide racing fans with a chance to relive the most thrilling motorsports moments from the past two decades on NBC and NBCSN. Featuring races from NASCAR, INDYCAR, IMSA, Supercross and other series, Racing Week in America will have a specific theme for each day – including “WednesDale,” “Best of the Brickyard,” and “Daytona Speed Day,” starting with “Mayhem Monday” on April 6. Click here for more information.

–NBC SPORTS–

TOM BRADY, DREW BREES & PEYTON MANNING HIGHLIGHT TONIGHT’S NBC SPORTS’ FOOTBALL WEEK IN AMERICA ACTION IN TWO CLASSIC SNF GAMES BEGINNING AT 7 P.M. ET ON NBCSN

April 3, 2020 By admin Leave a Comment

Tonight’s’ FWIA Slate Featuring Generational QBs Begins at 7 p.m. ET with Manning’s Colts Defeating Brady’s Patriots in a Stunning 2009 Finish as the Patriots Failed to Convert a Late 4th-and-2

At 9:30 p.m. ET, the Saints Defeat the Chargers in 2012 as Brees Breaks Johnny Unitas’ Record for Consecutive Games with a Touchdown Pass

Content to Stream on NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports App

STAMFORD, Conn. – April 3, 2020 – Tom Brady, Drew Brees, and Peyton Manning highlight tonight’s two primetime SNF games during NBC Sports’ Football Week in America, beginning at 7 p.m. ET on NBCSN.

- Tonight: Brees, Brady & Manning: Manning’s Colts Top Brady’s Patriots in a Stunning Finish in 2009 & Brees Faces His Former Team in 2012 and Breaks Johnny Unitas’ Record for Consecutive Games with a Touchdown Pass

FWIA runs through Sunday, April 5, with NBCSN presenting two games per night in primetime. In addition, on the three following Sunday nights in April, NBCSN will air one SNF game at 8 p.m. ET.

Programming will also stream on NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app.

Following is a look at tonight’s games:

BRADY, BREES & MANNING

GAME	TIME (ET)	NETWORK
New England vs. Indianapolis (Week 10, 2009)	7 p.m.	NBCSN
San Diego vs. New Orleans (Week 5, 2012)	9:30 p.m.	NBCSN

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS-INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (WEEK 10, 2009) AT 7 P.M. ET

Football Week in America continues tonight with a climactic 2009 Sunday Night Football matchup between Peyton Manning and the Colts and Tom Brady and the Patriots.

Clinging to a six-point lead with 2:08 remaining in the fourth quarter, the Patriots failed to convert on a 4th-and-2 from their own 28-yard line to turn the ball over to the Colts. Manning then threw a one-yard touchdown pass to Reggie Wayne with 13 seconds left in regulation, giving the Colts a 35-34 victory. Manning passed for 327 yards and four touchdowns on the day, while Brady passed for 375 yards and three scores.

Al Michaels and Cris Collinsworth called the game from Lucas Oil Stadium.

	1	2	3	4	*FINAL*
New England	7	17	0	10	34
Indianapolis	7	7	0	21	35

CATEGORY	GAME LEADER	CATEGORY	GAME LEADER
Passing Yards	Tom Brady – 375	Passing TDs	Peyton Manning – 4
Rushing Yards	Kevin Faulk – 75	Rushing TDs	Laurence Maroney, Joseph Addai – 1
Receiving Yards	Randy Moss – 179	Receiving TDs	Randy Moss, Reggie Wayne – 2

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS-NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (WEEK 5, 2012) AT 9:30 P.M. ET

Saints QB Drew Brees made NFL history on SNF in 2012, breaking Johnny Unitas’ record for consecutive games with a touchdown pass when he faced his former team, the Chargers, in Week 5. Brees passed for a touchdown in his 48^th consecutive game, surpassing Unitas’ previous record set from 1956-1960.

Brees, who passed for 370 yards and four touchdowns, outdueled Chargers QB Philip Rivers (354 yards, two touchdowns) to lead the Saints to a 31-24 victory. Rivers led the Chargers on a last-minute drive, bringing San Diego down to New Orleans’ 33-yard line before being strip-sacked with 13 seconds remaining to close the game.

Al Michaels and Cris Collinsworth called the game from the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

	1	2	3	4	*FINAL*
San Diego	7	10	7	0	24
New Orleans	7	7	7	10	31

CATEGORY	GAME LEADER	CATEGORY	GAME LEADER
Passing Yards	Drew Brees – 370	Passing TDs	Drew Brees – 4
Rushing Yards	Ryan Mathews – 80	Rushing TDs	Ryan Mathews – 1
Receiving Yards	Marques Colston – 131	Receiving TDs	Marques Colston – 3

Following is the upcoming Football Week in America schedule:

- Saturday, April 4: Last-Second Victories on SNF
- Sunday, April 5: OBJ’s Catch & Mahomes-Brady I

–NBC SPORTS–

GOLF CHANNEL PRESENTS IMMERSIVE PROGRAMMING EXPERIENCE TO CELEBRATE MASTERS WEEK

April 3, 2020 By admin Leave a Comment

Celebrating The Masters Special Presentations Start Monday-Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET with Collection of Signature GOLF Films Shorts from The Masters

GOLF Channel to Complement ESPN, CBS Encore Tournament Programming with Corresponding Winner Press Conferences

Golf Central Live From The Masters Recounts Tiger Woods’ 2019 Win

ORLANDO, Fla., (April 3, 2020) – GOLF Channel announced its plans for The Masters, featuring an immersive programming experience to celebrate one of sports’ most special weeks and the indelible moments that have transpired through the years at Augusta National Golf Club. Kicking off this weekend with encore airings of the 2019 Augusta National Women’s Amateur (Saturday, 1 p.m. ET, NBC) and 2019 Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals (Sunday, 8 a.m. ET, GOLF Channel), coverage will continue all next week on GOLF Channel, chronicling the timeless narratives that cemented the careers of revered Masters champions.

MASTERS WEEK PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHTS ON GOLF CHANNEL:

Celebrating The Masters Airing Throughout The Week
Premiering at 8 p.m. ET on both Monday and Tuesday, Celebrating The Masters reflects on what makes The Masters so special through a collection of past critically-acclaimed GOLF Films Shorts produced for Golf Central Live From The Masters. Additionally, Celebrating The Masters will complement the encore final round Masters telecasts airing on ESPN and CBS from Wednesday through Saturday with corresponding Masters champion-winning press conferences.

Celebrating The Masters, Monday, 8 p.m. ET – GOLF Films Shorts include:
• A look at Augusta National’s par-4 18th hole, and its long list of unforgettable moments
• Trying to put a price on Tiger Woods’ putter that’s been in the bag for 14 major titles
• Rory McIlroy’s pursuit of the career grand slam at The Masters
• Reflecting on the 1979 Masters, and Ed Sneed’s moment of heartbreak
• Shane Caldwell’s emotional meeting with Tiger Woods at The Masters
• The Masters’ green jacket: sports’ most unique prize
• A stroll down Magnolia Lane through the eyes of Masters participants

Celebrating The Masters, Tuesday, 8 p.m. ET – GOLF Films Shorts include:
• The forgotten details of what made the 1975 Masters so magnificent
• The underrated story of sportsmanship from Bob Goalby’s victory at the 1968 Masters
• An examination of the historical significance of Augusta National’s “Crow’s Nest”
• Bryson DeChambeau’s encounter with fate and good fortune
• The immense impact of Tiger Woods’ first Masters win in 1997
• An improbable comeback: reflections of Woods’ fifth Masters title in 2019

Celebrating The Masters Wednesday-Saturday: Corresponding final round press conferences, following ESPN/CBS encore tournament broadcasts:

Wednesday, April 8 Celebrating The Masters: 1986 – Jack Nicklaus (6:15 p.m. ET, following encore telecast on ESPN)
Thursday, April 9 Celebrating The Masters: 2012 – Bubba Watson (7:30 p.m. ET, following encore telecast on ESPN)
Celebrating The Masters: 1997 – Tiger Woods (11 p.m. ET, following encore telecast on ESPN)
Friday, April 10 Celebrating The Masters: 2013 – Adam Scott (6 p.m. ET, following encore telecast on ESPN)
Celebrating The Masters: 2005 – Tiger Woods (11:15 p.m. ET, following encore telecast on ESPN)
Saturday, April 11 Celebrating The Masters: 2004 – Phil Mickelson (6 p.m. ET, following encore broadcast on CBS)

Golf Central Live From The Masters Relives Tiger Woods’ Improbable 2019 Victory
Next Saturday-Sunday, GOLF Channel will re-air its signature Golf Central Live From The Masters wraparound news show to relive Tiger Woods’ improbable 2019 Masters victory. Coverage will begin with an encore airing of Golf Central Live From The Masters recapping the 2019 third round on Saturday night (7 p.m. ET). Last year’s Golf Central Live From The Masters final round pre-game show will re-air at 11:30 a.m. ET Sunday leading into final round encore coverage on CBS, and at 6 p.m. ET, GOLF Channel will air an encore of Golf Central Live From The Masters post-round show that aired following Woods’ historic victory last April.

Augusta National Women’s Amateur, Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals This Weekend
Airing Saturday at 1 p.m. ET on NBC will be the encore broadcast of last year’s inaugural Augusta National Women’s Amateur. A monumental day in golf and the overall sports landscape, Jennifer Kupcho captured the first edition of the event while battling Maria Fassi in the final pairing. GOLF Channel also will air the final day Saturday at 9 p.m. ET and again on Monday at 11 a.m. ET.

GOLF Channel also will televise both the 2018 and 2019 editions of the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals from Augusta National Golf Club. The 2018 competition will air at 3:30 p.m. ET Saturday, while the 2019 National Finals will air Sunday at 8 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. ET. During the 8 a.m. ET re-air of the 2019 National Finals, GOLF Channel will celebrate the 2020 National Finalists with several dedicated features that will post on the network’s social media handles (@GolfChannel on Twitter and Facebook). The 2020 Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals is rescheduled for Sunday, April 4, 2021. All participants scheduled to compete in the 2020 event will compete in 2021.

Additionally next week, GOLF Channel will televise each of the past five editions of the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals, beginning at 7 a.m. ET Tuesday-Saturday (2015 – Tuesday; 2016 – Wednesday; 2017 – Thursday; 2018 – Friday; 2019 – Saturday).

Masters Highlights and GOLF Films Airing All Week on GOLF Channel
Kicking off with Arnold Palmer on Monday, GOLF Channel will air several hours of Masters highlights throughout the week, in addition to its GOLF Films featuring Masters champions, including Arnie, Jack and Hogan. Masters highlights will feature a list of champions that include: Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Nick Faldo, Gary Player, Tom Watson, Billy Casper, Larry Mize, Seve Ballesteros, and Bob Goalby.

Feherty Celebrates The Masters with Archive of Episodes Featuring Masters Champions
Emmy-nominated GOLF Channel original series Feherty will commemorate Masters week by airing a collection of episodes from the series’ archive featuring Masters champions. Airing Wednesday-Friday on GOLF Channel, episodes will feature Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, Tom Watson, Fred Couples, Raymond Floyd, Bernhard Langer, Ben Crenshaw, Phil Mickelson, Mark O’Meara, Fuzzy Zoeller, Jordan Spieth, Zach Johnson and Jackie Burke Jr.

Full episodes of Feherty are available on GOLFPASS, featuring a vast library of premium entertainment, original series and instructional videos for free through a complimentary two-month trial of the newly launched GOLFPASS Video membership.

Masters Week Programming Premieres & Highlights on GOLF Channel – April 4-12 (All Times EST)
Saturday, April 4 1-3:30 p.m. (NBC) / 9 p.m.-Midnight 2019 Augusta National Women’s Amateur (Final Round)
Sunday, April 5 8 a.m.-1 p.m. / 9 p.m.-Midnight 2019 Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals
Monday, April 6 8-9 p.m. Celebrating The Masters (Part I)
Tuesday, April 7 7-10 a.m. 2015 Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals
Tuesday, April 7 8-9 p.m. Celebrating The Masters (Part II)
Wednesday, April 8 7-10 a.m. 2016 Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals
Wednesday, April 8 6:15-7:15 p.m. Celebrating The Masters (1986 – Jack Nicklaus)
Thursday, April 9 7-10 a.m. 2017 Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals
Thursday, April 9 7:30-8:30 p.m. Celebrating The Masters (2012 – Bubba Watson)
Thursday, April 9 11 p.m.-Midnight Celebrating The Masters (1997 – Tiger Woods)
Friday, April 10 7-10 a.m. 2018 Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals
Friday, April 10 6-7 p.m. Celebrating The Masters (2013 – Adam Scott)
Friday, April 10 11:15 p.m.-12:15 a.m. Celebrating The Masters (2005 – Tiger Woods)
Saturday, April 11 7-9:30 a.m. 2019 Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals
Saturday, April 11 6-7 p.m. Celebrating The Masters (2004 – Phil Mickelson)
Saturday, April 11 7-9 p.m. Live From The Masters (2019 – Saturday Prime Time)
Sunday, April 12 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Live From The Masters (2019 – Sunday Morning Show)
Sunday, April 12 6-8 p.m. Live From The Masters (2019 – Sunday Prime Time)

-NBC Sports Group-

NBC SPORTS PHILADELPHIA BROADCASTS PHILADELPHIA FLYERS PENGUINS NHL20 SIMULATED GAME

April 2, 2020 By admin Leave a Comment

Additional Flyers Classic Games on the Slate for April

PHILADELPHIA- (April 1, 2020) – NBC Sports Philadelphia announces Philadelphia Flyers coverage include this Thursday’s NHL20 simulated game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, plus a number of classic matchups.

Thursday’s NHL20 game simulation with the Flyers facing off the Penguins will feature the talents of NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Flyers broadcast team of Jim Jackson, Keith Jones, and Taryn Hatcher.

Additional Flyers content surrounding the NHL20 simulated game, plus team and NHL news is available daily across NBC Sports Philadelphia’s platforms, including the MyTeams app and nbcsportsphiladelphia.com. Katie Emmer and Jordan Hall keep fans up to date on everything surrounding the team on the Flyers Talk podcast. Download to the latest episode here: Flyers Talk

NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Classic Games are available via live stream, on the MyTeams app, and on nbcsportsphiladelphia.com.

Thursday, April 2

6:00 pm NHL20 Flyers vs. Penguins

7:00 pm Detroit at Flyers from December 18, 2018

Carter Hart’s NHL debut

9:30 pm NHL20 Flyers vs. Penguins

Saturday, April 4

7:00 pm Fans Pick the Game

Sabres at Flyers from March 7, 2020

April 26, 2011 NHL Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Game 7

Monday, April 6

7:00 pm Fans Pick the Game runner up

Sabres at Flyers from March 7, 2020

April 26, 2011 NHL Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Game 7

Wednesday, April 8

7:00 pm NHL Alumni Game: Flyers vs. Penguins from January 14, 2017

Thursday, April 9

6:00 pm NHL20 Flyers at Rangers

7:00 pm Rangers at Flyers from January 28, 2020

Flyers win 5^th straight

9:30 pm NHL20 Flyers at Rangers

Sunday, April 12

7:00 pm Capitals at Flyers from March 4, 2020

Flyers win 7^th straight

Tuesday, April 14

7:00 pm Panthers at Flyers from March 5, 2020

Flyers win 8^th straight

NBC Sports Philadelphia continues to provide updated multiplatform programming, including a mixture of classic game replays and more recent games, with social media and digital commentary provided by the network’s award-winning team of journalists. Other highlights include daily SportsNet Central updates, digital-exclusive Quick Slants, plus new podcasts on the Philadelphia Eagles, Flyers, Phillies and Sixers. Two new digital features available on nbcsportsphiladelphia.com and the MyTeams app include – The Best Game I Ever Saw Live, and How We are Keeping Busy digital series. The Mike Missanelli Show radio simulcast continues weekdays from 2 pm until 6 pm.

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NBC SPORTS PROGRAMMING UPDATE FOR APRIL 3-5

April 2, 2020 By admin Leave a Comment

NBC Sports Schedule for NBC and NBCSN, April 3-5

(All times ET unless otherwise noted, subject to change)

(* Programming description at bottom of chart)

Friday, April 3 – NBCSN
7 a.m. – 9 a.m.	PFT Live (LIVE)
9 a.m. – 11 a.m.	PFT Live
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.	Sky Sports News (LIVE)
1 p.m. – 3 p.m.	Monster Jam: Tampa
3 p.m. – 4 p.m.	Monster Jam: Indianapolis
4 p.m. – 7 p.m.	TVG Trackside Live (LIVE)
7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.	SNF Classic Games – Tom Brady & Peyton Manning: Indianapolis vs. New England (Week 10, 2009)
9:30 p.m. – Midnight	SNF Classic Games – Drew Brees: San Diego vs. New Orleans (Week 5, 2012)
Midnight – 1 a.m.	Monster Jam: Oakland
1 a.m. – 1:30 a.m.	Truck Tech
1:30 a.m. – 2 a.m.	Detroit Muscle
2 a.m. – 3 a.m.	Monster Jam: Miami

Saturday, April 4 – NBC
1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.	2019 Augusta National Women’s Amateur
3:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.	PGA Tour Golf: 2019 Valero Texas Open – Third Round

Saturday, April 4 – NBCSN
6 a.m. – 6:30 a.m.	Soccerbox – Matt Le Tissier*
6:30 a.m. – 7 a.m.	Soccerbox – John Barnes*
7 a.m. – 7:30 a.m.	Soccerbox – Sol Campbell*
7:30 a.m. – 8 a.m.	Soccerbox – Ryan Giggs*
8 a.m. – 9 a.m.	Premier League Goals of the Season 2001-02
9 a.m. – 10 a.m.	Premier League Goals of the Season 2002-03
10 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.	Premier League Classic Match: Liverpool v. Tottenham (Feb. 10, 2015)
10:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.	Premier League Classic Match: Chelsea v. Manchester United (Feb. 5, 2012)
11 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.	Premier League Classic Match: Tottenham v. Chelsea (Jan. 1, 2015)
11:30 a.m. – Noon	Premier League Classic Match: Manchester United v. Arsenal (Aug. 28, 2011)
Noon – 12:30 p.m.	Premier League Behind the Badge – Watford: Episode 1*
12:30 p.m. – 1 p.m.	Premier League Behind the Badge – Watford: Episode 2*
1 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.	Premier League Behind the Badge – Watford: Episode 3*
1:30 p.m. – 2 p.m.	Premier League Behind the Badge – Watford: Episode 4*
2 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.	Proving Grounds: Indy 500 Special
2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.	INDYCAR iRacing Series Challenge: Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama (LIVE)
4 p.m. – 7 p.m.	TVG Trackside Live (LIVE)
7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.	SNF Classic Games – Last-Second Victories on SNF: Pittsburgh vs. Baltimore (Week 13, 2010)
9:30 p.m. – Midnight	SNF Classic Games – Last-Second Victories on SNF: New Orleans vs. Green Bay (Week 1, 2011)
Midnight – 1:30 a.m.	Moto2: Losail International Circuit – Qatar
1:30 a.m. – 2 a.m.	Mecum Top 10: Pony Cars
2 a.m. – 2:30 a.m.	Mecum Top 10: Ferraris
2:30 a.m. – 3 a.m.	Mecum Top 10: Chevrolet

Sunday, April 5 – NBC
12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.	2019 Beverly Hills Dog Show
2:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.	PGA Tour Golf: 2019 Valero Texas Open – Final Round

Sunday, April 5 – NBCSN
6 a.m. – 7 a.m.	Premier League Season in Review 1998-99
7 a.m. – 8 a.m.	Premier League Season in Review 1999-00
8 a.m. – 10 a.m.	Premier League Match of the Week: Manchester City v. Queens Park Rangers (May 13, 2012)
10 a.m. – Noon	Premier League Match of the Week: Everton v. Liverpool (Nov. 23, 2013)
Noon – 2 p.m.	Premier League Match of the Week: Chelsea v. Arsenal (Oct. 5, 2014)
2 p.m. – 3 p.m.	American Ninja Warrior: Venice Qualifier
3 p.m. – 4 p.m.	American Ninja Warrior: Kansas City Qualifier
4 p.m. – 7 p.m.	TVG Trackside Live (LIVE)
7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.	SNF Classic Games – OBJ’s Catch: Dallas vs. New York Giants (Week 12, 2014)
9:30 p.m. – Midnight	SNF Classic Games – Patrick Mahomes-Tom Brady I: Kansas City vs. New England (Week 6, 2018)
Midnight – 3 a.m.	Monster Energy Supercross: Glendale

Episode descriptions:

Soccerbox: Manchester United legend Gary Neville sits down with retired Premier League stars to discuss their time in the game and some of the notable matches in which they played against one another.

Premier League Behind the Badge: Watford: Narrated by BBC presenter and football legend Gary Lineker, this Hard Knocks-style show provides viewers with an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at Watford during the 2016 fall season, highlighted by a home win against 2016 Premier League champions Leicester City on Nov. 19, 2016. The series follows players, coaches and support staff, recounting their daily lives and routines both on and off the pitch.