“When you don’t have your best stuff and you find a way to win the ballgame, that’s what championship teams do.” – Jason Garrett on the Eagles

“The Patriots are discovering their winning formula with this year’s team. It starts with the pass rush, aggressiveness up front, typical Bill Belichick blitzes confusing people.” – Tony Dungy on the Patriots

“The Dallas D is back…and it started with the pass rush…(Micah Parsons) is the best pass rusher in football coming off the edge.” – Chris Simms on the Cowboys

“I believe he’s the most dominant defensive player in all of football.” –Rodney Harrison on Chiefs DT Chris Jones

Peacock Sunday Night Football Final Streams EXCLUSIVELY on Peacock Following Every Sunday Night Football Game During 2022 Season

STAMFORD, Conn. – Nov. 20, 2022 – NBC Sports’ presentation of Week 11 of the 2022 NFL season began tonight from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., with Football Night in America leading into coverage of Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs facing division rivals Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday Night Football on NBC, Peacock and Universo.

Maria Taylor hosted FNIA from NBC Sports’ Studio 1 in Stamford, Conn. She was joined by Hall of Fame head coach Tony Dungy, former NFL head coach Jason Garrett, former NFL quarterback Chris Simms, and fantasy sports industry pioneer Matthew Berry. Two-time Super Bowl winner Rodney Harrison joined co-host Jac Collinsworth at the site of the game. NFL Insider Mike Florio provided reports from his home studio.

In advance of tonight’s game, Chargers S Derwin James spoke to NBC Sports’ Michael Smith and discussed his perception of being well-liked by other players throughout the league, what he brings to the team, and more. Smith joined FNIA in studio tonight to discuss his conversation with James. Click here for a link to the entire interview.

Mike Tirico (play-by-play), Cris Collinsworth (analyst), Melissa Stark (sideline reporter) and Terry McAulay (rules analyst) are calling tonight’s game. Tirico also reported from the field during FNIA.

***

Following are highlights from tonight’s edition of Football Night in America on NBC and Peacock:

ON CHIEFS

Jac Collinsworth on Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes: “He’s got that LeBron James factor. He’s so unique. You look for others that can challenge that greatness instead of just stepping back and appreciating it.”

Garrett on defenses blitzing against Mahomes: “It’s a risk, but you can’t just sit there. This guy will shred you if you just sit there, so the answer is you have to mix it up…Make him earn it, make him go the long way over and over again, rally and tackle. Every so often bring some heat.”

Simms: “I do think that Kansas City has gotten good enough where if you play soft (coverage) all game long he’ll take it underneath. So, every now and then (blitz), but you can’t overdue it or it’ll be six.”

Harrison on Chiefs rookie RB Isiah Pacheco: “The thing that I see with him is just the passion that he plays with. He’s trying to play so physical, he’s trying to run people over, he’s trying to run through you. Andy Reid gave Clyde Edwards-Helaire every opportunity to become the starter…this kid has taken advantage of every opportunity.”

Dungy on Pacheco: “When Andy Reid put him in the starting lineup, that signaled a change to me. You’re putting (in) the toughest guy, a strong runner…I think he’s got the whole Chiefs team excited.”

Harrison on Chiefs DT Chris Jones: “I believe he’s the most dominant defensive player in all of football. You can play him on the inside, you can play him on the outside, and when you need that one play, Chris Jones is going to make it.”

Harrison on rookie CB Trent McDuffie: “I think they knocked it out of the park with him, and he has this quiet confidence that he plays with. You watch him at the line of scrimmage, he’s patient and he’s athletic enough where he can run with these wide receivers…He’s going to be a really good player.”

ON CHARGERS

Garrett on the return of Chargers WRs Keenan Allen and Mike Williams from injury: “We have taught this next man up philosophy a lot through the years. A guy gets hurt, ‘Hey, put the next guy in there,’ but what you find out sometimes is the next guy’s not quite as good as the guy who’s playing…Hopefully they get that vertical passing game going again.”

Derwin James to Michael Smith on why he doesn’t trash talk opponents: “If I hit you and I talk trash to you, it’s going to motivate you, you’re going to get excited, you’re going to be ready to go, but if I hit you and go, ‘You alright?’ It’s going to mess with your head even more, right?”

Smith on his biggest takeaway from his conversation with James: “It’s what makes him such a great leader. As great a player as he is individually, he’s so consumed with raising everyone else’s level of play. (Chargers) General Manager Tom Telesco told me that he’s never been around a better practice player. Even though he always has a smile on his face…he’s always on the edge, the right side of the edge, and he knows how to push everyone in a positive direction.”

Harrison on James: “He’s the most versatile safety in the NFL.”

Garrett on James: “He’s one of the few players in the league who can physically match up with (Chiefs tight end Travis) Kelce.”

ON EAGLES

Garrett on the Eagles’ win vs. the Colts: “The best pitchers and the best teams find a way to win when they don’t have their best stuff…When you don’t have your best stuff and you find a way to win the ballgame, that’s what championship teams do…That mental toughness, those gritty wins in November, they serve you well down the stretch.”

Simms on the Eagles’ struggles the past two weeks: “Don’t panic. Philly’s still really good.”

Dungy on QB Jalen Hurts: “(He) is why they’re winning, because they’ve got a lot of weapons but he’s the special sauce.”

Harrison on the Eagles defense: “I was thoroughly impressed with what they did in the second half…Ndamukong Suh – just signed – had half a sack, Linval Joseph, and remember Jordan Davis will be back in a few weeks. It’s going to significantly help out this run (defense). I can’t wait to see it.”

Florio on DT Ndamukong Suh signing with the Eagles: “I asked him which teams he was considering and he said it came down to the Eagles and the 49ers. The talks with the Eagles began Monday and Tuesday, finished early Thursday, in uniform and contributing Sunday. He took a team-friendly deal and said his most important objective is to win. He said, ‘I’ve got twin boys. I’ve got one Super Bowl ring. I need a second one now.’ He thinks he’ll get one with the Eagles.”

ON PATRIOTS

Dungy on the Patriots’ game-winning punt return touchdown and the potential block in the back on the play: “This was really well set up by the Patriots. They didn’t go for the block, they went for the return. Lot of questions about this block right here at the end, we talked to the NFL office, and they said it was from the side not the back.”

Dungy on the Patriots’ defense: “The Patriots are discovering their winning formula with this year’s team. It starts with the pass rush, aggressiveness up front, typical Bill Belichick blitzes confusing people, and an aggressive secondary. This defense is playing well, special teams is playing well, very few mistakes on offense, that’s how they’re going to win.”

Taylor: “I’m going to be honest, the winning formula for the Patriots is just put the Jets on the field (laughs).”

ON COWBOYS

Simms on the Cowboys defense: “The Dallas D is back. They struggled last week against the Green Bay Packers, but they dominated the Minnesota Vikings offense today, and it started with the pass rush…They got the Vikings in some passing situations and when that happens, that allows you to put No. 11 (Micah Parsons) at defensive end and he’s the best pass rusher in football coming off the edge.”

Garrett on the Cowboys’ win vs. the Vikings: “Minnesota, best record in football. Dallas went up there and they bludgeoned them…Dak (Prescott) was fantastic. Huge win for the Cowboys.”

Dungy on Ezekiel Elliott’s two one-yard rushing touchdowns: “This part was missing when Zeke was out, that bang, pound ‘em in.”

Garrett on Elliott and Tony Pollard: “A great one-two combination. Zeke is physical, dirty work. Pollard out in space making plays.”

ON BILLS

Simms: “Holy cow, we saw a run game in Buffalo today! … We saw James Cook, Devin Singletary, and not everything being thrown on Josh Allen’s shoulders to carry the squad. This could be something to watch for: this Buffalo Bills team to close some games out in the fourth quarter.”

Florio speaking with Bills LT Dion Dawkins about the team’s week dealing with the snow in Buffalo: “Dion Dawkins told me that in the region, the snow amounts were so different that at his house he said if there had been that much snow at the airport, they never would have gotten to Detroit. And for him, he had to hike through three blocks of six feet of snow just to get to the point where he could get in the car that then took nearly an hour to get to the team facility. He said now that it’s all over, what he’s going to do is he’s going to go back to his phone, he’s going to print off all the text messages with his teammates and save them to read in the future because it was just chaos. Nobody knew anything and they really did go for a period of time thinking they weren’t going to make it to Detroit.”

ON BENGALS

Simms on QB Joe Burrow’s performance in the win against the Steelers: “One thing that I think jumped out to us is Burrow was patient. He took the backs on some underneath routes which I think then forced the Steelers into some of these one-on-one situations. Burrow, like (Patrick) Mahomes, he’s such an aggressive decision-maker. He’s always looking for the big play down the field.”

ON COMMANDERS

Simms on the Commanders’ defense: “They’re dominant. They’re awesome in the pass game, they’re awesome in the run game, they control the line of scrimmage. It starts with the Alabama [duo] in the middle, Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne.”

Garrett on coaching against the Washington defensive front: “Every year they drafted these guys in the first round. Allen, Payne, (Montez) Sweat, Chase Young is coming. Every year! I’m like what are they doing? Hard to block and they’re playing awfully well.”

Garrett on the Commanders win vs. the Texans: “Washington played inspired ball all day…Love the complimentary football they’re playing. (Offensive coordinator) Scott Turner is doing a great job running that football. They’re playing the game together and Taylor Heinicke is getting it done.”

ON RAMS

Florio on Rams QB Matthew Stafford: “He exited in the third quarter for a concussion evaluation but there’s been no clarity as to whether or not he’s back in the protocol. Per the team, he will undergo tests tomorrow; he is not in the protocol as of now. That’s gotten the attention of the NFL Players’ Association. They’re monitoring the situation because in most cases, we know fairly quickly whether or not a guy is in protocol.”

ON BEARS

Florio on Bears QB Justin Fields’ injuries: “We saw Justin Fields grabbing at his shoulder. He had an X-ray after the game, he’ll have further tests on that injured shoulder. He also had cramping in his hamstring.”

ON SAINTS

Simms on QB Andy Dalton: “One of his best games of the year, and hey, we questioned whether he would be the starting quarterback this week.”

ON LIONS

Simms on rookie DE Aidan Hutchinson’s interception: “What an interception. I mean, for a defensive end to go up, pluck this out of the air like T.J. Watt, J.J. Watt? Pretty special.”

***

Peacock Sunday Night Football Final, an NFL post-game show produced by NBC Sports, streams exclusively on Peacock following every Sunday Night Football game during the 2022 season. The show is hosted by NBC Sports commentators Kathryn Tappen and Chris Simms, who provide instant reactions to each Sunday game along with highlights and interviews. Football Night in America co-host Jac Collinsworth and analyst Rodney Harrison also provide recaps and insights into the day’s biggest moments from the site of each week’s SNF game. NFL Insider Mike Florio provides injury and news updates. Matthew Berry provides fantasy football analysis and an early look at the fantasy waiver wire.

— Football Night in America —

“Everyone might think, ‘Oh, things are pretty easy for Tom’ or whoever, but we all have our unique challenges and I’m trying to do the best I can do every day.” – Tom Brady to Peter King after today’s victory

“Rodgers, just like Brady, making his last stand. The pride and competitive nature of these guys is showing through.” – Jason Garrett on Aaron Rodgers’ and Tom Brady’s victories today

“I don’t think this should have any bearing on how things are done in the future. This was a very, very unusual situation.” – Tony Dungy on the Colts’ hiring of interim head coach Jeff Saturday

“Greatest catch of the year. Give him the award now.” – Chris Simms on Vikings WR Justin Jefferson’s spectacular catch

“It’s like they’re playing on hardwood. Fastbreak all the time. Run-and-gun offense. It’s impressive.” – Maria Taylor on the Dolphins’ offense

Maria Taylor and Tony Dungy Interview Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren

Peacock Sunday Night Football Final Streams EXCLUSIVELY on Peacock Following Every Sunday Night Football Game During 2022 Season

STAMFORD, Conn. – Nov. 13, 2022 – NBC Sports’ presentation of Week 10 of the 2022 NFL season began tonight from Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., with Football Night in America leading into coverage of Jimmy Garoppolo and the San Francisco 49ers facing Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday Night Football on NBC, Peacock and Universo.

Maria Taylor hosted FNIA from NBC Sports’ Studio 1 in Stamford, Conn. She was joined by Hall of Fame head coach Tony Dungy, former NFL head coach Jason Garrett, former NFL quarterback Chris Simms, fantasy sports industry pioneer Matthew Berry, and NFL Insider  Mike Florio. Two-time Super Bowl winner Rodney Harrison joined co-host Jac Collinsworth at the site of the game.

Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren joined FNIA in Studio 1 for an interview with Maria Taylor and Tony Dungy. See below for a transcript. In August, NBC Sports and the Big Ten announced a new seven-year media rights agreement, which begins in 2023.

NFL Insider and Football Morning in America writer Peter King was in Germany for today’s Seahawks-Buccaneers game and interviewed Tom Brady after the game.

Football Night also paid tribute to military veterans throughout the show in honor of Veterans Day.

Mike Tirico (play-by-play), Cris Collinsworth (analyst), Melissa Stark (sideline reporter) and Terry McAulay (rules analyst) are calling tonight’s game. Tirico also reported from the field during FNIA.

***

Following are highlights from tonight’s edition of Football Night in America on NBC and Peacock:

ON 49ERS

Harrison on S Talanoa Hufanga: “No matter where you put him, he’s going to make plays, but when he’s in the box, I love him because he’s very aggressive, he makes up his mind and he goes 100 miles per hour…we talk about Derwin James being an All-Pro safety, this kid is playing like he’s the best safety in the National Football League.”

Garrett on RB Christian McCaffrey: “I love the trade for Christian. I love Christian’s versatility. But what I love most about him though is I love him as a running back first…He’s a great runner first.”

Simms: “Yes he is, but he’s not a one-trick pony. He can run routes like a wide receiver.”

ON CHARGERS

Harrison on S Derwin James: “I’m really looking forward to that matchup against George Kittle. They paid (James) a lot of money. This is a matchup he has to win.”

ON VIKINGS-BILLS

Simms: “That might have been the game of the year.”

Dungy on the Bills’ second half play: “For Buffalo, this has continued a trend of poor second-half play — leaky run defense in the second half, Josh Allen with bad decisions…just not playing good ball. They’ve been outscored 43-12 in the second half of their last three games. They’ve got to get that fixed.”

Simms on Justin Jefferson’s spectacular catch on 4th-and-18: “This is the catch of the year; maybe the best catch we have seen since OBJ (Odell Beckham Jr.)…Greatest catch of the year. Give him the award now.”

Garrett on the Vikings’ comeback win over the Bills: “They are the Cardiac Kids. What was impressive to me about this game was they’re down 17 in the third quarter against a team that’s arguably one of the best in the league at their place…they’re poised, they’re calm, they’re composed. More than anything else, they believe they’re going to do it.”

Garrett on Bills QB Josh Allen and Buffalo’s offense: “I feel like when they lose, he’s carrying too big a burden. When they spread it around and get everybody involved and get that running game going, that’s when they play their best football.”

Florio spoke to Vikings CB Patrick Peterson post-game.

ON COLTS

Dungy on Colts hiring former NFL player Jeff Saturday as interim head coach with no NFL or college coaching experience: “I couldn’t believe it. I was shocked about the whole thing. I was shocked about Frank Reich getting fired. To me, I hate to see that as a former coach. I wanted Frank to be able to pull the team out of this, but (Colts owner) Jim Irsay made a decision. Once he does that, what’s the best thing to do? Not for the long haul, not for the next 10 years, but to win eight games here, and he thought Jeff Saturday. He knows Jeff. He’s a leader, he would galvanize the room, he would get the offensive line going, and that’s exactly what he did.”

Garrett: “Everyone in Indianapolis has a great feel for this guy. He’s never coached in the NFL, but to me the odd thing happened about a month ago. ‘Matt Ryan is not going to be our quarterback, and oh by the way, he’s not going to be our quarterback for the rest of the year.’ All of a sudden, the credibility among the coaches, the credibility in the locker room starts to change a little bit, like, ‘Hey, what are we trying to do here? Are we trying to win?’ So, then you make the move with the offensive coordinator and then the head coach. The biggest thing that Jeff can do is bring some energy in there and get Matt Ryan back in there, Jonathan Taylor back. They were the featured players today. It was a big win today.”

Dungy: “They looked like a completely different offense today.”

Dungy on if Saturday’s hiring will influence future NFL head coaching searches: “I don’t think this should have any bearing on how things are done in the future. This was a very, very unusual situation. You’re making a decision in a 24-hour period…This isn’t long-term hiring. I know this: Jim Irsay knew exactly what he was looking for. He was looking for a leader. He was looking for someone who could galvanize people and somebody who could help his offensive line. Jeff Saturday was the best guy for the job right now.”

ON BUCCANEERS

Tom Brady to Peter King on the Buccaneers’ win over the Seahawks in Germany: “I thought we ran the ball well and some play-action passes worked off of that. When you run it well, you don’t have to be in drop-back protections all day and put too much stress on the passing game. You don’t want to be one-dimensional, and we’ve been one-dimensional too many times this year. The fact that we didn’t have as many pass attempts, I love. The fact that we ran some play action, I love. Guys made plenty of big plays in the pass game and I still think we have more out there to get to.”

Brady to King: “I’ve played a lot. I’ve overcome a lot of different things in 23 years — injuries, things off the field, things on the field. We all have our challenges. Everyone might think, ‘Oh, things are pretty easy for Tom’ or whoever, but we all have our unique challenges and I’m trying to do the best I can do every day. My teammates have had great support and I just want to try and be the best I can be for them and certainly be the best I can be for my family and children. I look forward to spending the week with them.”

Garrett on Brady’s attitude: “That image of Brady last week hugging Byron Leftwich’s neck after they secured the win over the Rams. This guy’s won seven Super Bowls. How many playoff games? You look at that moment and he was as emotional as I’ve ever seen him. The spring in the step, the way he played, the way they looked today – a lot of confidence.”

Simms on the Buccaneers’ win over the Seahawks: “(Brady) looked great today. He was accurate, they pushed the ball down the field. The big thing, too, that ties this all together: the Bucs’ defense is healthy. Akiem Hicks is back. Sean Murphy-Bunting is back. Carlton Davis is healthy. Antoine Winfield (Jr.) is healthy. If they run the ball with that defense, I think they can win a lot of games. That Seattle offense has been making plays with everybody and it didn’t happen easily today.”

ON CHIEFS

Dungy on Chiefs WR Kadarius Toney: “Kadarius (Toney) was more involved. He’s going to be a big factor down the stretch.”

Garrett on the Chiefs’ offense: “They got a master orchestrating it. Andy (Reid) is fantastic, Eric (Bieniemy) is fantastic. Patrick (Mahomes) helps, and then he gets these other guys going and they’re hard to stop.”

ON GIANTS

Garrett: “The G-men are rolling…(Saquon Barkley) has been fantastic. He’s back. He’s healthy. Brian Daboll is doing a heck of a job with the Giants.”

ON DOLPHINS

Simms on the Dolphins offense: “You can’t stop this. They have everything. (Mike) McDaniel is as creative as it gets, and then with the weapons and Tua (Tagovailoa) making smart decisions and making a play every now and then, they’re fun to watch.”

Taylor: “It’s like they’re playing on hardwood. Fastbreak all the time. Run-and-gun offense. It’s impressive.”

ON PACKERS

Simms on the Packers’ win over the Cowboys: “What we had today was an emergence of a downfield passing game in Green Bay. Their offense was explosive. (Aaron) Rodgers, 14 completions for over 220 yards. Dink-and-dunk offense, see you later…don’t count them out yet with number 12 at QB.”

Garrett on Aaron Rodgers’ performance in Green Bay’s win over Dallas: “Rodgers, just like Brady, making his last stand. The pride and competitive nature of these guys is showing through…They threw the ball down the field and that was the difference today.”

ON RAMS

Florio on Rams WR Cooper Kupp’s ankle injury sustained in the Rams’ loss to the Cardinals: “It doesn’t look great right now. They’re still waiting to find out more, but if he misses time, look for Van Jefferson to be among the Rams to get more opportunities.”

ON STEELERS

Dungy on the return of LB T.J. Watt: “He made a difference today. That defense was energized, they played well, and those young guys made plays in the back.”

ON LIONS-BEARS

Dungy on controversial hands-to-the-face penalty by Bears: “Instead of having the ball with a two-score lead, Detroit now takes it in and scores and makes it a one-score game. That was just a critical, critical error on the officials.”

Simms on Bears QB Justin Fields: “He’s special. He’s arguably the best running quarterback in football right now. I think he has surpassed Lamar Jackson.”

***

BIG TEN COMMISSIONER KEVIN WARREN INTERVIEW WITH MARIA TAYLOR AND TONY DUNGY

Warren on the Big Ten’s seven-year media rights agreement with NBC: “Pure excitement. When you have an opportunity to have a partnership with NBC and Peacock, this is family. We’re so excited to bring the Big Ten to NBC and do great things and have an opportunity to amplify our incredible student-athletes.”

Warren on the addition of USC and UCLA to the Big Ten: “One of the things we’ve done is recognize the fact that we’re doing everything we can to integrate USC and UCLA into the conference. Now we’re in the three largest media markets being in L.A. (Los Angeles), Chicago, and also New York. We’re excited but we’re also excited from an academic standpoint. UCLA and USC are great brands, they have great alumni, they’re strong academically, they’re strong athletically and, surprisingly, a lot of our graduates who go to work outside of the Midwest, the number one location is in southern California. We’re looking forward to really amplifying our partnership.”

Warren on the Big Ten’s football performance this fall: “I’ve been able to see all our teams play in person. We have some incredible football teams, incredible student-athletes, but to have two teams in the top four of the College Football Playoff rankings right now is special. Every week they continually need to focus on doing better, but I am excited about where we are as a conference, not only from football, but basketball season has started, a lot of our Olympic sports. I know Maria (Taylor), you were a volleyball student-athlete, and we have great volleyball in the Big Ten, the best conference there. I think these next couple months are going to be exciting and to see what happens with Ohio State and Michigan (football) as we come down the stretch.”

 

***

Peacock Sunday Night Football Final, an NFL post-game show produced by NBC Sports, streams exclusively on Peacock following every Sunday Night Football game during the 2022 season. The show is hosted by NBC Sports commentators Kathryn Tappen and Chris Simms, who provide instant reactions to each Sunday game along with highlights and interviews. Football Night in America co-host Jac Collinsworth and analyst Rodney Harrison also provide recaps and insights into the day’s biggest moments from the site of each week’s SNF game. NFL Insider Mike Florio provides injury and news updates. Matthew Berry provides fantasy football analysis and an early look at the fantasy waiver wire.

— Football Night in America —

“I think he’s having as good a year as he’s ever had in his career, it rivals that of his MVP season.” – Chris Simms on Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes

“It’s hard to put a winning program in the NFL together. He’s done it consistently since he’s been there…They just got to keep believing in who they are and they’re going to be there at the end of the season.” – Jason Garrett on Mike Vrabel and the Titans

“Tua is playing some of the best quarterback in the NFL.” – Tony Dungy on Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa

“I thought the Jets’ defense was outstanding…Sauce Gardner continues to prove why he’s one of the best young playmakers in all of football.” – Rodney Harrison

“This is special. This is Michael Vick, this is Lamar Jackson, this is like only four or five quarterbacks in the history of football could do this.” – Simms on Bears QB Justin Fields’ 61-yard touchdown run

Peacock Sunday Night Football Final Streams EXCLUSIVELY on Peacock Following Every Sunday Night Football Game During 2022 Season

STAMFORD, Conn. – Nov. 6, 2022 – NBC Sports’ presentation of Week 9 of the 2022 NFL season began tonight from GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., with Football Night in America leading into coverage of Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs facing Derrick Henry and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday Night Football on NBC, Peacock and Universo.

Maria Taylor hosted FNIA from NBC Sports’ Studio 1 in Stamford, Conn. She was joined by Hall of Fame head coach Tony Dungy, former NFL head coach Jason Garrett, former NFL quarterback Chris Simms, and fantasy sports industry pioneer Matthew Berry. Two-time Super Bowl winner Rodney Harrison joined co-host Kathryn Tappen at the site of the game. NFL Insider Mike Florio provided reports from his home studio.

In advance of tonight’s game, Titans RB Derrick Henry spoke to Maria Taylor about playing for head coach Mike Vrabel, the anatomy of a strong stiff arm, and more. See below for a link to the entire interview and transcribed highlights.

Mike Tirico (play-by-play), Cris Collinsworth (analyst), Melissa Stark (sideline reporter) and Terry McAulay (rules analyst) are calling tonight’s game. Tirico also reported from the field during FNIA.

***

Following are highlights from tonight’s edition of Football Night in America on NBC and Peacock:

ON CHIEFS-TITANS

Garrett on the Chiefs’ and Titans’ styles of play: “Talk about opposite ends of the spectrum. Two really successful teams who do it completely differently. Kansas City, wide open, cutting edge; Tennessee, old school, smash mouth. What I love about both of these teams is they have conviction. They don’t apologize for who they are. It’s a reflection of their coaches. It’s served both teams very well.”

ON CHIEFS

Simms on QB Patrick Mahomes: “I think he’s having as good a year as he’s ever had in his career, it rivals that of his MVP season with the 50 touchdown passes. He’s playing smart, he’s playing in the pocket, and the good thing is the Kansas City offense has evolved.”

Garrett on Mahomes learning from last year’s 27-3 loss to the Titans: “This game was huge for them because he always made the big plays, but now he’s making the big plays and when they’re not there, he’s checking the ball down. They’re more efficient and he’s playing a lot better, and it’s served those guys well.”

Harrison on the Chiefs’ offense: “The biggest difference in this offense has been the wide receivers stepping up and that starts with JuJu Smith-Schuster in the slot, and he’s back to dominating in the slot, using that 6’2”, 225-pound frame to make big plays. But also, Mecole Hardman – Andy Reid is doing a great job of using him on jet sweeps and using his speed to intimidate the defense. I would like to see him use Marquez Valdes-Scantling a little bit more in the deep part of the field, but I think these receivers have done a great job.”

Dungy on Reid’s success coming out of bye weeks: “Two weeks to come up with new plays, new motions, new things, and he’s got a new toy, Kadarius Toney, a receiver that is going to make some big plays for them.”

Harrison on Reid: “A bunch of players all tell me the same thing. Number one, he’s a good dude. He’s very honest and he always puts his players in positions to have success. They love ‘Big Red.’”

ON TITANS

Garrett on the Titans’ success under Mike Vrabel: “I admire Tennessee’s program and their coach, Mike Vrabel. It’s hard to put a winning program in the NFL together. He’s done it consistently since he’s been there. He always gives his team a chance at the end of the season. They just got to keep believing in who they are and they’re going to be there at the end of the season.”

Vrabel to Harrison, his former teammate on the Patriots, on Tennessee’s recent success vs. the Chiefs: “Every game is obviously different, but the turnovers that we’ve been able to take away from them, taking care of the football, being able to control the game. The more that you have it, the less the offense has it.”

Harrison on Vrabel as a player and teammate: “He was so smart. He would always challenge his teammates. He would challenge his coaches. What I loved about him was, as a player, he always came prepared, he worked hard, and he put his team first.”

Harrison on defending against RB Derrick Henry: “You have to stay patient and understand that he’s a great player and he’s going to make plays, but the key is you don’t want him to make those big plays in the run game…and it comes down to tackling. You have to make sure you have all your guys getting low, wrapping his knees up and when he gets in the open field, you have to have multiple guys get to him.”

Taylor on speaking with Henry: “When I handed him the iPad with Earl Campbell highlights, he was like, ‘I could watch this all day.’ He’s a guy who, although he’s young, he loves film. He likes to watch old NFL films and he pulls from old running backs because he watches different ways that they were able to control the game and that’s what he puts into his game.”

Harrison on DT Jeffery Simmons: “Jeffery Simmons is a 6’4, 310-pound version of Aaron Donald. You see the speed, you see the explosion…He hustles. Nobody plays harder than No. 98 on a football field. He’s a fabulous player.”

Simms on the Titans’ loss of WR A.J. Brown: “The last few years, you load the box and it was ‘Uh oh, here comes A.J. Brown with a play action pass.’ Who is that going to be right now for the Tennessee Titans? That’s the one thing I worry about for them going forward.”

ON DOLPHINS

Simms on the Dolphins’ offense: “It’s the ‘Greatest Show on Grass’ right now…Weapons everywhere. (Tua Tagovailoa) is like a point guard out there. He has a quick release, he’s real aggressive.”

Garrett: “As I’m watching them, it feels like that old Rams team. So fast and they make so many plays, and Tua is dynamic.”

Dungy on Tagovailoa: “They’re doing what suits his makeup and what he does well, and it’s awesome to see. They’ve got a lot of weapons, but he is playing great football, making good throws, and putting the ball where it needs to be…Tua is playing some of the best quarterback in the NFL. Incredible.”

Simms: “They’ve got answers for everything, and like Coach said, it fits Tua’s skillset. He’s quick release, he’s smart, he’s accurate, these guys catch the ball on the run, he’s a good athlete.”

Florio on RB Jeff Wilson Jr.’s first game as a Dolphin after being traded from the 49ers: “He walks into a place where he already knows the offense since head coach Mike McDaniel of the Dolphins was offensive coordinator of the 49ers. I was told it was just a few changes made to the terminology and it was easy for Wilson to pick it up.”

ON VIKINGS

Garrett on the Vikings: “It’s been interesting to see Kevin O’Connell go there and relate to the quarterback, Kirk Cousins. I think he’s instilling confidence. Kirk seems calm at the end of these games. They’ve been one-score games, but Minnesota has consistently been making the plays, and Kirk Cousins has made the plays.”

Dungy: “This has been Minnesota’s defense in the fourth quarter all year, making big plays…They’re playing with great attitude, clutch plays. It’s not always been pretty, but clutch plays in the fourth quarter.”

Simms: “They’ve got a run game, (Cousins) throws a nice deep ball, and then they make some plays on defense…I don’t know how they are 7-1, but they are. They’re unbelievable.”

Florio on Vikings TE T.J. Hockenson after his first game as a Viking: “This is the fourth offense that T.J. Hockenson has had to learn during his time in the NFL…I asked him, ‘How comfortable are you now with everything that has gone on this week?’ He said, ‘On a scale of one to ten, 9.5, and it’s only not a ten because he’s still living in a hotel.’”

ON JETS

Harrison on the Jets’ defense vs. the Bills: “I thought the Jets’ defense was outstanding. Five sacks today and Sauce Gardner continues to prove why he’s one of the best young playmakers in all of football.”

Garrett: “They made Josh Allen’s life miserable, and they made the critical plays when they needed to. A huge win for the Jets.”

Dungy: “The Jets defense made things happen. They really confused Allen in the second half…Big plays by the Jets secondary all day.”

ON BILLS

Garrett on QB Josh Allen: “He looked out of sync, he looked uncomfortable. (The Jets) create an uncomfortable environment for you, but as a quarterback you have to take care of the football. He just looked out of sorts all day. Give the Jets credit.”

ON BEARS

Simms on QB Justin Fields’ 61-yard touchdown run vs. the Dolphins: “I mean, words can’t — this is special. This is Michael Vick, this is Lamar Jackson, this is like only four or five quarterbacks in the history of football could do this right here. Justin Fields playing really good football right now.”

ON BUCCANEERS

Garrett on the Buccaneers: “It can’t get uglier for Tampa, right? As bad a start as it was, all of a sudden they’re 4-5 and on top of the NFC South with a lot of football to be played…Don’t count them out yet.”

ON RAMS

Simms on the Rams’ offensive struggles: “Matthew Stafford, there’s no protection for him. They can’t run the ball and when they do get people open, they somehow seem to mess it up…Issues across the offensive line for the Rams. It’s hard to be good when you can’t block anybody.”

Dungy on the Rams defense allowing the game-winning touchdown drive: “There’s 44 seconds left, they need 60 yards. You’ve got to take away the deep pass and the sideline…I can’t believe it.”

ON BENGALS

Garrett on RB Joe Mixon: “How about Joe Mixon? It’s hard to score one touchdown in the NFL, he scored five of them and let everybody know it.”

ON CHARGERS

Garrett on Atlanta’s fumble late in the fourth quarter: “You can’t give (Justin) Herbert too many opportunities. Atlanta has it, 17-all, the game is in the palm of their hands, they give it right back and Justin Herbert makes them pay.”

ON PACKERS

Simms on the Packers’ problems: “I think the problem is the offense. It’s a lack of big plays on the offensive side of the ball. They actually made some explosive plays in the passing game today, that was encouraging, but (there were) big time mistakes in big time moments.”

ON PATRIOTS

Garrett: “New England is still a work in progress on offense, but their defense has been outstanding.”

ON SEAHAWKS

Simms on RB Kenneth Walker: “I love Kenneth Walker…Great power and playmaking ability.”

Dungy: “In the NFC West, Geno Smith and the Seahawks are outplaying the defending champion Rams and Matthew Stafford.”

***

DERRICK HENRY SPEAKS TO MARIA TAYLOR

Click here to watch the full interview, portions of which will air in tonight’s FNIA. Following are highlights of the FULL interview:

On playing for Titans head coach Mike Vrabel

“I love it. I feel like when he came in, everything changed for me. The playing style, the culture he’s brought in here. He’s played the game at a high level, everything he preaches every day we all love, and we all buy into it. I love the style that we play – physicality and being relentless in what we do, making each other better every day. My mentality is his mentality.”

On who would win in an Oklahoma Drill between Henry and Vrabel

“Oh, we always talk trash to each other. I would win, for sure. I would definitely win (laughs).”

On the anatomy of a good stiff arm

“If you get one-on-one with an opponent — in this league, everybody usually stiff arms or does something — usually a DB is ready for it and try to break it down. So, you’ve got to make sure you time it up right, right before they get up on you and are able to grab you. You’ve just got to put it out there and be able to push them off before they get too close to your body and are able to tackle you or get one your body parts…If you just be physical with it and have some anger and aggression to it, it usually works.”

On practicing his stiff arm

“We practice it. Because I’ve done it so much, we have a helmet that I stiff arm every day before practice so it’s just repetition. Coach Vrabel is big on that. If he sees you doing it in a game, he wants you to keep on working on it especially if it’s effective.”

On the importance of the run game in today’s NFL

“It’s a QB-friendly league, but I still think you have to run the ball to be a complete team and to be able to dominate your opponent. I think nothing is more dominating than moving guys off the line of scrimmage and running the football over and over again where they can’t stop it even when they know it’s coming.”

On his game resembling any other running backs

“Growing up, I always watched NFL Network, NFL Films, and you know, me being taller and people saying, ‘He’s too tall to play running back,’ I started looking more into that and Eric Dickerson – when I saw film of him running and how dominant he was when he was playing, I became a big fan quickly of his style of play…I always said I wanted to do something like what he did one day If I ever had the chance to make it to the NFL.”

On Earl Campbell

“He was a bruiser…He ran tough, he ran hard, he was fast, he was durable. Any running back you want to model your game after, it’s definitely him if you want to be physical, attacking and make defenders feel every tackle when you’re running the ball.”

On his grandmother, Gladys Henry

“She’s my rock. Somebody who raised me since I was a little boy. Who sacrificed everything for our family, all her kids, who taught me everything I know today. She stepped in when my mom and dad were young and trying to finish school and she was there to help in any type of way and taught me a lot about life…Somebody I cherish still to this day and remember everything that she taught me that I can instill in my daughter as well.”

***

Peacock Sunday Night Football Final, an NFL post-game show produced by NBC Sports, streams exclusively on Peacock following every Sunday Night Football game during the 2022 season. The show is hosted by NBC Sports commentators Kathryn Tappen and Chris Simms, who provide instant reactions to each Sunday game along with highlights and interviews. Football Night in America co-host Jac Collinsworth and analyst Rodney Harrison also provide recaps and insights into the day’s biggest moments from the site of each week’s SNF game. NFL Insider Mike Florio provides injury and news updates. Matthew Berry provides fantasy football analysis and an early look at the fantasy waiver wire.

— Football Night in America —

“I feel like when he came in, everything changed for me. The playing style, the culture he’s brought in here…My mentality is his mentality.” – Henry on playing for Titans head coach Mike Vrabel

Coverage of Titans-Chiefs Begins with Football Night in America at 7 p.m. ET; Followed by 8:20 p.m. ET Kickoff on NBC, Peacock and Universo

STAMFORD, Conn. – Nov. 6, 2022 – In advance of tonight’s matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday Night Football, Tennessee Titans RB Derrick Henry spoke to Maria Taylor for Football Night in America, which begins at 7 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.

Henry discussed playing for head coach Mike Vrabel, compared his style of play to Pro Football Hall of Famers Eric Dickerson and Earl Campbell, broke down the anatomy of a strong stiff arm, and more. Click here to watch the full interview, portions of which will air in tonight’s FNIA. Following are highlights of the FULL interview:

On playing for Titans head coach Mike Vrabel

“I love it. I feel like when he came in, everything changed for me. The playing style, the culture he’s brought in here. He’s played the game at a high level, everything he preaches every day we all love, and we all buy into it. I love the style that we play – physicality and being relentless in what we do, making each other better every day. My mentality is his mentality.”

On who would win in an Oklahoma Drill between Henry and Vrabel

“Oh, we always talk trash to each other. I would win, for sure. I would definitely win (laughs).”

On the anatomy of a good stiff arm

“If you get one-on-one with an opponent — in this league, everybody usually stiff arms or does something — usually a DB is ready for it and try to break it down. So, you’ve got to make sure you time it up right, right before they get up on you and are able to grab you. You’ve just got to put it out there and be able to push them off before they get too close to your body and are able to tackle you or get one your body parts…If you just be physical with it and have some anger and aggression to it, it usually works.”

On practicing his stiff arm

“We practice it. Because I’ve done it so much, we have a helmet that I stiff arm every day before practice so it’s just repetition. Coach Vrabel is big on that. If he sees you doing it in a game, he wants you to keep on working on it especially if it’s effective.”

On the importance of the run game in today’s NFL

“It’s a QB-friendly league, but I still think you have to run the ball to be a complete team and to be able to dominate your opponent. I think nothing is more dominating than moving guys off the line of scrimmage and running the football over and over again where they can’t stop it even when they know it’s coming.”

On his game resembling any other running backs

“Growing up, I always watched NFL Network, NFL Films, and you know, me being taller and people saying, ‘He’s too tall to play running back,’ I started looking more into that and Eric Dickerson – when I saw film of him running and how dominant he was when he was playing, I became a big fan quickly of his style of play…I always said I wanted to do something like what he did one day If I ever had the chance to make it to the NFL.”

On Earl Campbell

“He was a bruiser…He ran tough, he ran hard, he was fast, he was durable. Any running back you want to model your game after, it’s definitely him if you want to be physical, attacking and make defenders feel every tackle when you’re running the ball.”

On his grandmother, Gladys Henry

“She’s my rock. Somebody who raised me since I was a little boy. Who sacrificed everything for our family, all her kids, who taught me everything I know today. She stepped in when my mom and dad were young and trying to finish school and she was there to help in any type of way and taught me a lot about life…Somebody I cherish still to this day and remember everything that she taught me that I can instill in my daughter as well.”

***

Football Night in America is hosted by Maria Taylor and features Hall of Fame head coach Tony Dungy, two-time Super Bowl champion Rodney Harrison, former NFL head coach Jason Garrett, former NFL quarterback Chris Simms, NFL Insider Mike Florio, and fantasy sports industry pioneer Matthew Berry. This week’s show is also co-hosted by Kathryn Tappen.

Football Night, the most-watched studio show in sports since its debut in 2006, begins every Sunday at 7 p.m. ET. The coordinating producer of FNIA is Matt Casey. FNIA is directed by Kaare Numme.

–FOOTBALL NIGHT IN AMERICA–

“When you see a broken table in Orchard Park, it can only mean one thing: Bills Mafia is absolutely ready to roll.” – Maria Taylor on the atmosphere at Highmark Stadium

“My coach in Pittsburgh, Chuck Noll, always said champions do the ordinary things better than everybody else, and that’s what I’m seeing with Josh Allen this year.” – Tony Dungy

“Talk about impressive all year long. We’ve been banging this drum…They’ve been the best team, they’re the most complete team.” – Jason Garrett on the 7-0 Eagles

“This is the second-best team in the NFC…they showed their explosive ability on offense today.” – Chris Simms on the Cowboys

Peacock Sunday Night Football Final Streams EXCLUSIVELY on Peacock Following Every Sunday Night Football Game During 2022 Season

STAMFORD, Conn. – Oct. 30, 2022 – NBC Sports’ presentation of Week 8 of the 2022 NFL season began tonight from Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y., with Football Night in America leading into coverage of Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills facing Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers on Sunday Night Football on NBC, Peacock and Universo.

Football Night in America was hosted by Maria Taylor, who was on site in Buffalo along with Hall of Fame head coach Tony Dungy, fantasy sports industry pioneer Matthew Berry, and co-host Jac Collinsworth. Co-hosting from NBC Sports’ Studio 1 in Stamford, Conn., was Ahmed Fareed, who was joined by former Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett, former NFL quarterback Chris Simms and NFL Insider Mike Florio.

In advance of tonight’s game, Buffalo safety Jordan Poyer spoke with NBC Sports’ Michael Smith and discussed his road trip to the Bills’ Week 6 game in Kansas City after he wasn’t medically cleared to fly due to injury. Click here for a link to the entire interview.

Jac Collinsworth also spoke with WWE superstars Omos and MVP from outside Highmark Stadium.

Mike Tirico (play-by-play), Cris Collinsworth (analyst), Melissa Stark (sideline reporter) and Terry McAulay (rules analyst) are calling tonight’s game. Tirico also reported from the field during FNIA.

***

Following are highlights from tonight’s edition of Football Night in America on NBC and Peacock:

ON BILLS

Taylor on the atmosphere at Highmark Stadium: “When you see a broken table in Orchard Park, it can only mean one thing: Bills Mafia is absolutely ready to roll. And to be honest, there is nothing in the NFL quite like a Bills home game.”

Simms: “I think they’re one of the best teams in football along with the Philadelphia Eagles. We knew they had the best quarterback in the game along with (Patrick) Mahomes, but I think the other thing you look at is their defense is different this year. Last year it was No. 1 in football, but it was really a paper defense. This year, they legitimately have a front four that’s scary, along with a lot of other parts that make them a legit in-reality No. 1 defense.”

Dungy on Allen: “My coach in Pittsburgh, Chuck Noll, always said champions do the ordinary things better than everybody else, and that’s what I’m seeing with Josh Allen this year…We’re seeing (fundamentals)…but of course, when you need an extraordinary play, this guy can do it as well as anybody.”

Garrett on Allen: “To me, he’s Roy Hobbs from The Natural. We talked about Aaron Rodgers making it look easy – this guy makes it look easy. We’ve seen these amazing plays he’s made from year one, but the maturity level is the thing for me. He sees the field, he goes through his progressions, he makes great decisions time and time again.”

Dungy on LB Von Miller: “A leader on the field, a leader off the field, but what he has brought is that, ‘We can get pressure, we don’t have to blitz, we can use our seven coverage guys and mix things up and we’re going to get that quarterback throwing fast because of Von.’”

Bills S Jordan Poyer to Michael Smith on driving from Buffalo to Kansas City to play in Week 6: “I didn’t do it for [anybody] else but those guys. But at the same time, I’ll be able to look back at this and know that I did everything I could to help this team win football games…The trip was smooth, we had a good time, but I’ll never do it again (laughs).”

Bills LB Von Miller to Smith on Poyer’s travel: “The Jordan Poyer that I know, he didn’t want to let his teammates down. Fifteen, 16 hours in a van to go play a football game? That just shows you the type of guy that he is.”

ON PACKERS

Dungy on the Packers’ offensive struggles: “I think it starts up front. I don’t think (Rodgers) has confidence in his offensive line and has moving parts in and out. Haven’t run the ball as effectively, so that’s put a lot more pressure on the passing game, and they aren’t getting anything down the field.”

Dungy on the Packers’ offense: “When they’ve really been good in Green Bay, they’ve been balanced. They’re not running the ball as much…they’ve got to get back to that running game. They’ve got to make some big plays up the field…I think Aaron Rodgers has to take this ball up the field more. That’s not the Aaron Rodgers we’re used to seeing.”

Garrett on Rodgers: “I’ve never seen a guy playing the quarterback position make it look easier than Aaron Rodgers. The guy is Superman, it’s like recess out there. That’s not what’s happening right now – it looks like a struggle. The challenge for him is take the young offensive linemen, take the young receivers, and reach down and lead them and try to bring them to his level. He’s done that throughout his career.”

ON EAGLES

Garrett: “Talk about impressive all year long. We’ve been banging this drum…They did it in all phases today…They’ve been the best team, they’re the most complete team.”

Garrett on QB Jalen Hurts: “Nobody throws the deep ball better than this guy. You leave A.J. Brown by himself in press coverage, he’s going to wear you out.”

ON COWBOYS

Simms on the Cowboys: “This is the second-best team in the NFC…they showed their explosive ability on offense today. Dak Prescott on third downs, the ability to push the ball down the field to (Michael) Gallup and CeeDee Lamb, it opened up the run game, big plays for (Tony) Pollard. I thought Dallas looked really good.”

Garrett on the Cowboys’ offense: “I simply loved how (offensive coordinator) Kellen Moore dressed it all up with some motion and some formation…When Dak gets out in space, he sees well, he can deliver strikes. Great balance throughout, and he was orchestrating it all.”

Simms: “They’ve got everything on offense. We know the defense can make plays. Offensively, they got weapons at receiver that are hard to match up with. Then you add in the Tony Pollard thing at running back and it makes them scary – and Dak (Prescott), I think he’ll get better and better as the season goes on here.”

Garrett on LB Micah Parsons: “Micah’s got elite ability, rare skills. What I love most about him is the relentlessness…The spirit that he brought to that defense, it’s incredible. It’s contagious.”

ON 49ERS

Simms: “I think the 49ers are a team to watch out for. They’re not healthy, (but) I think we would look at them and go they are one of the teams that could challenge maybe the Eagles as one of the better teams in the NFC.”

Simms on RB Christian McCaffrey: “This is why they traded for this guy, he’s dangerous in all facets of the game, he’s a homerun hitter. This is a team we know that likes to run the football and throw to the running back out of the backfield, and we saw the full variety of the (Kyle) Shanahan system using McCaffrey…Watch out. They’re going to have everybody’s heads going in every which direction. They’ll be dangerous.”

Garrett on McCaffrey: “Talk about a guy doing it all. Credit to John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan to go get this guy. Recognized the environment, where we are as a team, we need to get guy like this. They bring him in, they get him in the mix right away. He was the difference in this ballgame today.”

ON VIKINGS

Simms on the Vikings: “They’re good…Minnesota is just on the outside of Philadelphia and Dallas (of the being the best teams in the NFC).”

ON DOLPHINS

Simms on the Dolphins’ offense: “They’ve got it all going. They’re creative on that side of the ball, they can run the ball, (Tua Tagovailoa) is wheeling and dealing, and then of course those two receivers (Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle) are scary.”

OM SEAHAWKS

Simms on the Seahawks and QB Geno Smith: “One of the best stories of the NFL season so far…Nobody would’ve guessed this guy is tearing up the league. Geno Smith, just throwing dimes all over the place.”

Simms on if rookie RB Kenneth Walker III is already among the best running backs in the NFL: “I think he’s in that conversation.”

ON TITANS

Garrett on RB Derrick Henry: “Handed to this guy 32 times in the game, and why not? Again and again and again, it’s a great formula for the Titans.”

Simms on the Titans: “It’s amazing what they did today. The defensive line dominated, (Henry) dominated. Me and Jason Garrett could play quarterback for that team!”

ON RAMS

Florio on Rams WR Cooper Kupp’s injury suffered in the Rams’ loss to the 49ers: “He suffered an ankle injury and limped off the field with about a minute left and down 17. After the game, coach Sean McVay said he’s not sure of the severity but he’s kicking himself for not running the ball in that spot. Kupp was spotted in the locker room after the game with his ankle wrapped, he was limping. He told reporters that he has to see how the ankle responds in the next few days, but he believes for now he may have dodged a bullet.”

ON COMMANDERS

Simms on QB Taylor Heinicke’s game-winning drive: “Unbelievable, just hangs around and then it’s the fourth quarter and it’s Heinicke time.”

ON JETS

Garrett on QB Zach Wilson’s performance in the Jets’ loss to the Patriots: “One of the biggest things for a young quarterback to learn is don’t turn a bad play into a disastrous play…He was too frivolous with the ball, and it came back to bite him. That was the difference – New England taking the ball away and poor decisions by Zach.”

Simms on Wilson: “It wasn’t a good day. They were on a four-game win streak because they’ve been smart, playing team football, defense, let’s run it, let’s take care of the ball and not throw risky passes down the football field. This looked like rookie Zach Wilson.”

ON CARDINALS

Garrett on Cardinals WR DeAndre Hopkins’ impact on the offense: “What a difference (DeAndre) Hopkins made coming back. Twelve catches today, he was all over the place. Ignited that Cardinals offense.”

ON UPCOMING NFL TRADE DEADLINE

Florio on the Cowboys: “There are plenty of names out there at the receiver position, but the Cowboys won’t likely want to give up a lot to get one. Here’s a name to watch: Cedrick Wilson. Plays for the Dolphins, used to play for the Cowboys. Not playing much in Miami, maybe could be coming back to Dallas.”

Florio on the Broncos and Saints: “Bradley Chubb…there’s been a lot of talk about him being traded, but the Broncos won today and that could end the trade speculation. Same thing for Alvin Kamara, the Saints running back. Chatter about him being traded, Saints win, they’re very much alive in the NFC South. I spoke with Cam Jordan, the Saints’ pass rusher, after the game and he said that he said to Alvin Kamara, ‘Are you worried about being traded?’ And he said, ‘Whatever happens, I’m bleeding black and gold.’”

***

Peacock Sunday Night Football Final, an NFL post-game show produced by NBC Sports, streams exclusively on Peacock following every Sunday Night Football game during the 2022 season. The show is hosted by NBC Sports commentators Kathryn Tappen and Chris Simms, who provide instant reactions to each Sunday game along with highlights and interviews. Football Night in America co-host Jac Collinsworth and analyst Rodney Harrison also provide recaps and insights into the day’s biggest moments from the site of each week’s SNF game. NFL Insider Mike Florio provides injury and news updates. Matthew Berry provides fantasy football analysis and an early look at the fantasy waiver wire.

— Football Night in America —

“My takeaway from being with Tua is that he really does understand the severity of the injury that he sustained.” – Maria Taylor following her interview with Tua Tagovailoa

“The energy of the leader pervades the whole group. The energy of Aaron Rodgers is not real good right now.” – Jason Garrett on the Packers

“What is wrong with the Bucs? I’ll tell you what it is. Their passing game is out of sync.” – Tony Dungy

“I know this sounds crazy, but I’m telling you, they’re a better offense without Tyreek Hill.” – Chris Simms on the Chiefs

“This is the best defense that you haven’t heard of – the Tennessee Titans.” – Rodney Harrison

Peacock Sunday Night Football Final Streams EXCLUSIVELY on Peacock Following Every Sunday Night Football Game During 2022 Season

STAMFORD, Conn. – Oct. 23, 2022 – NBC Sports’ presentation of Week 7 of the 2022 NFL season began tonight from Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla., with Football Night in America leading into coverage of Kenny Pickett and the Pittsburgh Steelers facing Tua Tagovailoa and the Miami Dolphins on Sunday Night Football on NBC, Peacock and Universo.

Maria Taylor hosted FNIA from NBC Sports’ Studio 1 in Stamford, Conn. She was joined by Hall of Fame head coach Tony Dungy, former NFL head coach Jason Garrett, former NFL quarterback Chris Simms, and fantasy sports industry pioneer Matthew Berry. Two-time Super Bowl winner Rodney Harrison joined co-host Jac Collinsworth at the site of the game. NFL Insider Mike Florio provided reports from his home studio.

In advance of tonight’s game, Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa spoke to Maria Taylor about player safety, teammates Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, the way Mike McDaniel coaches and more. See below for a link to the entire interview and transcribed highlights.

Pittsburgh RB Najee Harris spoke to NBC Sports’ Michael Smith and discussed leadership and his relationship with head coach Mike Tomlin. Click here to watch.

In addition, Telemundo Deportes legendary soccer commentator Andres Cantor joined Collinsworth in Miami to speak about the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2022, which will air in Spanish on Telemundo and Universo, and stream on Peacock. NBC Sports NASCAR commentator Dale Earnhardt Jr. also joined the show at the stadium after calling NASCAR’s Cup Series race at nearby Homestead Miami Speedway this afternoon.

Mike Tirico (play-by-play), Cris Collinsworth (analyst), Melissa Stark (sideline reporter) and Terry McAulay (rules analyst) are calling tonight’s game. Tirico also reported from the field during FNIA about the 50^th anniversary of the undefeated 1972 Miami Dolphins.

***

Following are highlights from tonight’s edition of Football Night in America on NBC and Peacock:

ON PLAYER SAFETY

Taylor on her conversation with Miami QB Tua Tagovailoa (see below for video link and transcribed highlights of the interview): “My takeaway from being with Tua is that he really does understand the severity of the injury that he sustained. He says that he’s learned a lot more about concussions from seeking out some of those second opinions and that it really is going to impact the way that he plays this game moving forward.”

Dungy: “I’m curious to see how he does play. He obviously is very thoughtful. He’s concerned about his health. He knows he’s got to be out there for his team, but he said it, ‘I’m wired to be a superhero. I’m wired to make those plays. I know what I do best, extending plays.’ Is he able to reign that in? We’ll have to see.”

Garrett on focusing on the quarterback’s health: “It’s a collaborative effort. As a coach, you have to think about this. In Miami, they have these speed guys that can make these plays down the field. Make sure when you’re throwing the ball down the field that you have enough protectors. If you’re using five-man protection and getting everybody out, the ball’s got to come out quickly. You’ve got to think about protection first with your quarterback, and certainly in Tua’s case as they go forward.”

Taylor: “Tua said it, too, in that piece. He doesn’t want it to be the ‘Tua Rule’ or he doesn’t want to be remembered for this, but the reality is this is a bookmark in the story that is player safety and changing the game for the better.”

Garrett: “The game is as safe as it’s ever been. The rules that have gone in place in recent years with protection, how you practice, how they call the game, all those things have been great for player safety. The concussion issue has been at the forefront for a long time. I think the biggest thing is that everyone has to follow the protocols. Get rid of your competitive juices, think about player safety first. I do think the new protocols are going to help eliminate some of that subjectivity going forward.”

Dungy on concussion protocols: “It’s been 13 years since I’ve been in the game, but when I was coaching, we had this come in and we had different protocols come. We just have to follow them, that’s the key.”

Florio on the current NFL protocols for players to return to play from a concussion: “We’ve heard so much this season about the gameday concussion protocol…There’s a separate protocol that applies once a player has been diagnosed with a concussion. That’s the return to participation protocol. That, like the gameday protocol, was developed by the league and the NFL Players Association. Five steps involving increased exercise, increased activity. Clearance every step of the way by team doctors, and then in step five, it’s clearance from a team doctor and clearance from an independent neurological consultant. That’s when the player can return. The league says there’s no timeframe for passing through those five steps. Every situation is unique. The median amount of time is nine days. For Kenny Pickett, the Steelers quarterback, he’s cleared to return seven days after suffering his concussion last week.”

ON STEELERS

Dungy on Steelers assistant coach Brian Flores returning to Miami: “Last week, Brian Flores against Tom Brady – who he had coached with for years (in New England) – came up with a beautiful gameplan to shut the Bucs  down. Can he do the same thing with Tua? Knowing what he’s comfortable doing, maybe getting pressure off the left, maybe disguising a little bit. We’ll see what Brian comes up with for that Pittsburgh gameplan.”

ON DOLPHINS

Dungy on why the Dolphins were hot earlier in the year: “One of the reasons why is coach (Mike) McDaniel’s use of the RPO – the run-pass option – something Tua does very well, and it makes it difficult on defenses because, first of all, you can’t play a lot of zone defense against it…As a defensive coordinator, you’re afraid to call zone coverages.”

Garrett on defending against the Dolphins’ wide receivers: “You can’t just sit there and play zone against these guys. I know they have the issue with the speed outside – you can’t play man, you can’t play zone. You just have to mix it against them if you want to slow them down.”

ON BUCCANEERS

Dungy: “What is wrong with the Bucs? I’ll tell you what it is. Their passing game is out of sync. The timing is just off. They cannot beat people despite all these stars. They’re going to have to run it, and they’re only running it for about three yards. That’s going to have to change.”

Dungy: “What we’ve had in the past with Tampa has been a great precision passing attack and great run defense, and we’re not seeing either one. I was there Thursday, and they thought they had a lot of things squared away…it’s not.”

Simms: “They’re just off. (Tom) Brady’s off in the passing game. They’re not as fast and explosive as they used to be in the pass and there’s issues across the board…This defense was the most dominant thing we saw in football the past two years, and they used to be able to protect the quarterback and strike downfield with big pass plays and we’re seeing none of that right now.”

Garrett: “It’s energy. The energy there is not good. It doesn’t look good; they have bad expressions on their faces. Sometimes execution and energy fit together, but sometimes it’s energy first. Get your mind right, get your spirit right and it shows up in your play.”

ON PACKERS

Garrett: “They’ve only lost 11 games in three years. This is their fourth loss this year and they just don’t look the same. They’re not able to run the football. They’ve become a little bit too one dimensional. And maybe more than anything else for me, it just doesn’t feel right. The energy of the leader pervades the whole group. The energy of Aaron Rodgers is not real good right now. I’m not betting against him. I’ve seen him do this before, but they’re not in a good place right now.”

Taylor: “It doesn’t feel right to say that both Brady and Rodgers are 3-4 right now sitting under .500 this season, but that’s the truth.”

Simms: “Brady, Rodgers, who needs them? We’ve got P.J. Walker and Taylor Heinicke.” (laughter)

ON CHIEFS

Simms: “I know this sounds crazy, but I’m telling you, they’re a better offense without Tyreek Hill.”

Taylor: “It doesn’t sound crazy. You’re just crazy.”

Dungy: “(Patrick) Mahomes was great, but I thought Eric Bieniemy, the offensive coordinator, and Andy Reid had a great plan for slowing that San Francisco line down. You know they wanted to come after Mahomes and pressure, they got outside quite a bit with these jet sweeps…They used their speed to get outside quite a bit.”

Garrett: “I spent a day with the Chiefs during OTAs, and it was like a clinic at their practice. All the stuff you see on the game field they were working in practice. It was like a track meet. There’s this whole idea that we can’t run the players so much and do all this, you should see that football team practice. They practice fast, they practice their timing, and it all shows up when they kick it off on Sunday. They were fantastic today against an outstanding defense.”

ON COWBOYS

Garrett on QB Dak Prescott’s return: “The biggest question for me on Dak was, was he going to be able to settle into the ballgame and not try to do too much? I think the formula was the same – they wanted to try to run the ball and then go play-action. As the game went on, you can see him get more and more comfortable…and then at the critical moments, he made a lot of big plays in the passing game for them at the end of the game to secure it.”

Simms: “Defense, run the ball, get some teams to play man-to-man and trust me, Dak will hurt you with Michael Gallup, CeeDee Lamb, and (Noah) Brown and company.”

Simms on Prescott returning to start over QB Cooper Rush: “I think they saw that, ‘We’re going to stay the course. What we did with Cooper Rush, this is the football team we are.’ And now you’re getting a little added incentive with Dak Prescott back. He’s better than Cooper Rush.”

Garrett: “The best teams spread the burden around. They’re playing off their defense, run and pass working together, special teams showing up. If one guy doesn’t have to shoulder the burden, you don’t have to play out of whack. And that’s what they’re doing…it was a good mix and good balance today.”

ON BENGALS

Garrett on Joe Burrow throwing to Ja’Marr Chase: “When they play on top of him, he’s going back shoulder. The key is you can’t leave No. 1 by himself.”

Dungy on Chase: “You can’t play one-on-one against him. Not smart.”

Garrett: “It looks like the team we saw down the stretch with Cincinnati last year. The thing that jumped out to me is the protection. It’s been an issue but (today Burrow’s) throwing the ball down the field.”

Garrett on QB Joe Burrow: “They call him Joe Cool. He is so clean in the pocket. He’s got a nice stroke, it’s accurate, it’s catchable balls, he throws with touch, he can drive it. They were fantastic.”

ON RAIDERS

Dungy on RB Josh Jacobs: “A lot of talk about Davante Adams and what he was going to bring to the passing game, but Josh Jacobs has exploded these last couple of weeks. Very hard to handle in the run game.”

ON RAVENS

Dungy: “They got the win today, but if I’m a Ravens fan or a coach, I’m still concerned because the same things that cost us before happened again – fumbles in the last minute, breakdowns, deep passes. They got a couple of big plays to seal it, but this is not winning football. They’ve got to get this squared away.”

ON TITANS

Harrison: “Mike Vrabel has done a great job as a coach…He had these guys ready to play…This is the best defense that you haven’t heard of – the Tennessee Titans.”

ON SEAHAWKS

Garrett: “One of the best stories in the National Football League this year, the re-emergence of Geno Smith and the Seattle Seahawks.”

ON COLTS

Simms on QB Matt Ryan: “They ask him to throw the ball too much. They’ve got to find some more balance there in Indianapolis.”

ON PANTHERS

Taylor on RB Chuba Hubbard: “No Christian McCaffrey, no problem.”

Florio on his conversation with interim head coach Steve Wilks: “On that play that Mike Evans drops the ball, and the air goes out of the balloon for the Buccaneers, the flip side for the Panthers, Wilks told me he said, ‘Maybe the football gods are on our side today.’ And they needed it after trading Christian McCaffrey.”

ON JAGUARS

Simms on QB Trevor Lawrence: “There’s been a lot of good this year, but this has been a reoccurring theme – missing some opportunities to take advantage, score more points, bigger yards. A little bit inconsistent throwing the football at times throughout the year, and I think that’s part of the reason Jacksonville is struggling right now.”

***

TUA TAGOVAILOA SPEAKS TO MARIA TAYLOR

Click here to watch the full interview, portions of which aired in tonight’s FNIA. Following are highlights of the full interview:

On being at the center of player safety

“I do understand that with what had happened in Cincinnati and then prior to that was Buffalo, the incidents that occurred and they were within a four-day time span, guys really were trying to find a way to help. I’m all for player safety, but when I hear guys saying ‘Oh, this is the Tua rule’ or ‘This is a rule because of Tua,’ I don’t want to be known as that. I just want to go out and do good things for my team, help my team win.”

On his parents’ concern for his health

“That was their biggest concern prior to the injury and then things in the hospital and then after that and then going through the interview process, going to see second opinion doctors. But for me, I love football. I just love it. I love the feeling that it brings. I love that football can help change peoples’ lives. I just missed it. I just missed it, missed playing.”

On if health concerns will affect the way he plays

“Thinking of the longevity of me playing, get the ball out. If I’m getting sacked, just fall down, don’t try to be a superhero. That’s something that has been wired in me, to always try to make something happen, but sometimes the smartest play or the best play is to throw the ball away and just punt the ball.”

On handling criticism

“Being a perfectionist, I had to find a way where I was trying to strive for excellence and not perfection. I was never going to be perfect, and I was going to be chasing something that wasn’t going to be there for me. I know I’m going to make mistakes, but it’s always about knowing better and then doing better from whatever that mistake was. Whatever I can use as fuel for myself, I will. I take receipts. I take receipts.”

On head coach Mike McDaniel

“There isn’t any guy on our team that has no trust or no faith in this guy. We’re all behind him…I’m used to somebody really getting down on me because that’s the way my dad coached me, it was what he called ‘tough love.’ I had that with Coach (Nick) Saban. We had that with Flo (Brian Flores) last year, so my perception on what a head coach should be was always hard, tough, you gotta really work hard to find success. It’s pretty cool that there’s other ways you can find success. It’s not always getting down on somebody.”

***

Peacock Sunday Night Football Final, an NFL post-game show produced by NBC Sports, streams exclusively on Peacock following every Sunday Night Football game during the 2022 season. The show is hosted by NBC Sports commentators Kathryn Tappen and Chris Simms, who provide instant reactions to each Sunday game along with highlights and interviews. Football Night in America co-host Jac Collinsworth and analyst Rodney Harrison also provide recaps and insights into the day’s biggest moments from the site of each week’s SNF game. NFL Insider Mike Florio provides injury and news updates. Matthew Berry provides fantasy football analysis and an early look at the fantasy waiver wire.

— Football Night in America —

“Cooper Rush does not wow you physically. He’s kind of a duck-footed guy, he’s got slopy shoulders, he doesn’t run that great, he doesn’t have a powerful arm. But he’s smart, he’s prepared, he knows the game, he sees the game, and he’s a great decision-maker.” – Jason Garrett

“The reason why we won back-to-back championships (in New England) is because we had a deep defensive line. You can rotate these guys, keep them fresh, keep them healthy, and that’s what the Dallas Cowboys have.” – Rodney Harrison

“Opening night in L.A., we said they got Von Miller to be Mariano Rivera — give me a closer, give me some 98 miles per hour fastballs in the fourth quarter — and he did that. He got the sacks when they needed them.” – Tony Dungy on Bills LB Von Miller

“They’re just making the game close waiting for you to make a mistake. They’re very comfortable in those one-score games late in the fourth quarter.” – Chris Simms on the Giants

Peacock Sunday Night Football Final Streams EXCLUSIVELY on Peacock Following Every Sunday Night Football Game During 2022 Season

STAMFORD, Conn. – Oct. 16, 2022 – NBC Sports’ presentation of Week 6 of the 2022 NFL season began tonight from Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pa., with Football Night in America leading into coverage of Micah Parsons and the Dallas Cowboys (4-1) facing Jalen Hurts and the undefeated Philadelphia Eagles (5-0) on Sunday Night Football on NBC and Peacock.

Football Night in America was hosted by Maria Taylor, who was on site in Philadelphia along with former Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett, two-time Super Bowl champion Rodney Harrison, fantasy sports industry pioneer Matthew Berry, and co-host Kathryn Tappen. Co-hosting from NBC Sports’ Studio 1 in Stamford, Conn., was  Ahmed Fareed, who was joined by Hall of Fame head coach Tony Dungy, former NFL quarterback Chris Simms and NFL Insider Mike Florio.

In advance of tonight’s game, Eagles QB Jalen Hurts spoke to Maria Taylor about his leadership style, how he stays focused, and his strong relationship with his family. See below for a link to the entire interview and transcribed highlights. Before the game, Tappen interviewed Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni and Garrett spoke with Cowboys G Zack Martin.

Mike Tirico (play-by-play), Cris Collinsworth (analyst), Melissa Stark (sideline reporter) and Terry McAulay (rules analyst) are calling tonight’s game. Tirico also reported from the field during FNIA.

***

Following are highlights from tonight’s edition of Football Night in America on NBC and Peacock:

ON EAGLES

Garrett on playing and coaching in Philadelphia against the Eagles: “I have played or coached here 25 times in my life, and this place is always nuts. I’ve been here when eggs have been thrown at buses, golf balls are on the field. My most vivid memory though is we’re leaving here one night after we beat them, and there’s a 75-year-old woman in a Ron Jaworski jersey in front of our bus giving us the finger. It was unbelievable. This place is crazy.”

Head Coach Nick Sirianni to Tappen on the Eagles-Cowboys rivalry: “The one thing that’s really special about this division is this is the one division that feels like college football where you get the great rivalries with the Cowboys and Giants and Washington. It’s pretty special to be a part of, but at the end of the day, no opponent is going to motivate us more than what we want to do for each other.”

Garrett on Eagles WRs A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith: “Philly can run it, and when you run the ball well, you get one-on-one’s outside and those two Batmen, they’re killing it…Brown, what a great addition. He’s physical, he’s tough, contested catches, run after the catch. And then the complement, DeVonta Smith. He doesn’t have to make contested catches because nobody’s ever around him. He’s quick, he’s fast, he’s a great route runner. What a combination.”

Simms: “That’s the impressive thing about their offense. They’ve got answers for everything. Checks and balances for everything.”

Taylor on Hurts overcoming adversity: “If I had to describe (Hurts) and what he actually stands for, it’s stoic perseverance…He said all of his adversity he’s turned into the fuel that he uses in locker room talks, the leadership that he has, and knowing that adversity is never going to slow him down.”

Harrison on Hurts: “This is a young man that’s gone through a lot, and he’s always handled it with class, and he’s always been a professional. I got a chance to talk to some of his teammates and they absolutely love him, and they believe in him because they know he works hard, not just in the weight room but in the classroom. And they love his toughness.”

ON COWBOYS

Garrett: “The best unit in the National Football League right now is the Dallas Cowboys defense. They haven’t given up 20 points yet and it starts with that defensive front. They are unbelievable up front, and their star player Micah Parsons is a difference maker.”

Simms on the Dallas defense: “It’s special. I want to know how good is it? We know it’s top-five good, but are we talking one of the top defenses of all-time type of good? I think they have that type of potential. They can almost win games by themselves. This is a different test tonight though.”

Zack Martin to Garrett on QB Cooper Rush : “He’s just levelheaded. He doesn’t get too high or doesn’t get too low at all. He keeps that feeling in the huddle, right at neutral like we’re looking for. He’s done an excellent job. He’s got a ton of confidence. You can feel that swag he’s starting to get a little bit. It’s been great to be out there with him.”

Garrett on Rush: “Cooper Rush does not wow you physically. He’s kind of a duck-footed guy, he’s got slopy shoulders, he doesn’t run that great, he doesn’t have a powerful arm. But he’s smart, he’s prepared, he knows the game, he sees the game, and he’s a great decision-maker. He’s one of those guys who understands the pattern vs. the coverage…and he’s not one of the Charlie Checkdown guys either…He’s got a lot of big plays down the field for the Cowboys.” 

Harrison on Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn: “He’s done a wonderful job and he’s done a great job of creating an environment of competition where you never can relax. You play hard, you play physical and if you don’t, the guy behind you, he’s going to take your spot.”

Garrett on Quinn and LB Micah Parsons: “He’s a fantastic coach, such positive energy. He instills it in his guys, and he likes to move these guys around, but he’d be the first to admit to you that he has the ultimate chess piece in No. 11, Micah Parsons. The rest of the defensive line and those guys on the backend, they benefit from his presence…You don’t have to know anything about football and this guy leaps off the tape…He’s been a transformative player for this franchise.”

Harrison: “They have so many guys up front that they can rotate The reason why we won back-to-back championships (in New England) is because we had a deep defensive line. You can rotate these guys, keep them fresh, keep them healthy, and that’s what the Dallas Cowboys have. This defense is awesome. ”

Garrett on WR Michael Gallup: “Michael Gallup is a critical piece to this offense. He’s like Gumby. He’s sneaky off the line, he’s sneaky off the top of the route, he can go get the deep ball and he can make that contested catch. He’s a big piece for them going forward.”

ON BILLS-CHIEFS

Simms on Bills QB Josh Allen vs. Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes: “Both quarterbacks were phenomenal, we know that, but Josh Allen I do think was the one that won the battle. He played the cleanest football game and probably made the most plays where we went, ‘woah,’ throughout the game…Special talent, this Josh Allen…I don’t think this is the last time we’re going to see this matchup, but that was a lot of fun to watch Mahomes and Allen going at it.”

ON BILLS

Dungy on Bills LB Von Miller: “Opening night in L.A. we said they got Von Miller to be Mariano Rivera — give me a closer, give me some 98 miles per hour fastballs in the fourth quarter, and he did that. He got the sacks when they needed them…That’s what they needed, that’s why they got him.”

ON COMMANDERS

Florio on Washington owner Daniel Snyder: “The NFL already had a meeting of all teams set for Tuesday in New York. Officially, nothing about Snyder and his role as owner of the team is on the agenda. Unofficially, however, what will happen is late in the afternoon there will be a session with just the owners, and I’m told there is no doubt that Snyder’s status will be discussed during that meeting of owners only. Doesn’t mean there will be a vote taken, but he will be discussed. And remember, there are two pending investigations — both the NFL and Congress are looking into allegations made directly against Daniel Snyder.”

ON BUCCANEERS

Simms: “Maybe the Tampa Bay Buccaneers aren’t as good as we thought they were. Defense hasn’t been as dominant as we’ve seen the last two years, not making as many plays. Brady and the offense, they’re all over the place on a week-to-week basis, not scoring points, not making a lot of big plays.”

Dungy: “We’re used to seeing Tom Brady for years and years with great timing and chemistry (with his receivers), and it just wasn’t there today. They’re not running the ball well and getting into a lot of long-yardage situations. And when he had to make throws in tight coverage, it just wasn’t there.”

Simms: “They’re an offense trying to find their way. They started the year trying to run the ball, now they’ve gone back to the pass game. We’re used to seeing them make big plays in the pass game or they just get surgical, but the pass game’s not there.”

ON GIANTS

Simms: “Playing smart football, what fits their football team. They’re just making the game close waiting for you to make a mistake. They’re very comfortable in those one-score games late in the fourth quarter.”

Dungy: “They’re playing with a winning attitude.”

ON JETS

Dungy: “The Jets are better than we thought…A lot of good things happening from that Jets offense and defense; young guns just hustling, fighting, playing well and just getting the job done.”

Simms: “Quinnen Williams was everywhere for the Jets defense, the star of the Jets defense so far this season…They’ve got young playmakers all over the field, both offensive and defensive side of the ball…(On Williams) He’s one of the better three-techniques in all of football right now. When he’s one-on-one with a guard in pass protection, you’re not going to stop him. He’s going to get pressure on the quarterback. He’s the MVP of their defense so far this year.”

Florio on his post-game conversation with Quinnen Williams: “He told me he went back and looked at the Grady Jarrett hit from last week, the Chris Jones hit from last week and he thought both of those were perfection. So what he’s trying to do – and I think other defensive players will have this same mindset – just don’t think about it, just go play. If you get flagged, so be it. There’s nothing you can do to stop it from happening. Obviously, the goal is to keep quarterbacks healthy.”

ON PACKERS

Simms: “Do too much? They’re not doing enough for me on the offensive side of the ball. What are they trying to get accomplished? It’s three- and four-yard gains in the passing game. They line up and act like they can just line up and beat you into submission, and that’s not the case.”

Dungy: “They’ve got to get those two runners going and they’ve got to make some passing plays up the field. Everybody’s squeezing down, playing for their short passes.”

ON BENGALS

Simms on QB Joe Burrow and WR Ja’Marr Chase: “If it’s one-on-one, (Burrow’s) going to No. 1…When he has one-on-one coverage, they’re throwing to this guy and I don’t blame them.”

ON RAMS

Simms on WR Allen Robinson: “They need him to show up. The Rams offense is not very good right now. They struggled again today, and Allen Robinson at least showed up.”

ON SEAHAWKS

Fareed on rookie RB Kenneth Walker III: “He’s the guy now, and he looks like the guy.”

Dungy: “He gave them energy and toughness today. Their offense has been revolving around Geno Smith, but today it was Kenneth Walker.”

***

JALEN HURTS SPEAKS TO MARIA TAYLOR

Click here to watch the full interview, portions of which aired in tonight’s FNIA. Following are highlights of the interview:

On how growing up around football his whole life impacted him: “Soaking in the knowledge of the game, the family environment the game brings, the importance of relationship-building within the game and the team, I saw all of that from a young age. I saw how my dad handled it as a coach and as a father. It’s crazy because those were my best times, that being my daycare, my playground. Just going out there and having fun just being around the game, that’s a big part of my journey.”

On being a leader

“It takes a special person to do it…I give a lot of credit to my teammates, me coming out here and earning their respect…Going in as a freshman at Alabama, you earn your respect by what you do on the field. When I came to Philadelphia, I just had the same mindset. I wanted to prove to my teammates and my teammates are the only one that matter to me. You earn their respect as a player, and then get to know them as a leader and as a friend…That’s always been my formula.”

On his relationship with his father and his nickname “bug”

“For whatever reason, he calls me that. Since I was a kid, he called me ‘bug’…Big Hurts was my dad, Little Hurts was my brother, and they called me J-Bug. J-Bug was mine, so it kind of stuck…We have a very special relationship because I know I can always call him; he’ll answer the phone and I do the same for him.”

On staying focused

“Keep on controlling what you can. And that, ironically, is stuff that I preach to the team now. It’s deeply rooted in my experiences. Keep the main thing the main thing. Control what you can and keep getting better as a player. Those are the things that I focus on.”

***

Peacock Sunday Night Football Final, an NFL post-game show produced by NBC Sports, streams exclusively on Peacock following every Sunday Night Football game during the 2022 season. The show is hosted by NBC Sports commentators Kathryn Tappen and Chris Simms, who provide instant reactions to each Sunday game along with highlights and interviews. Football Night in America co-host Jac Collinsworth and analyst Rodney Harrison also provide recaps and insights into the day’s biggest moments from the site of each week’s SNF game. NFL Insider Mike Florio provides injury and news updates. Matthew Berry provides fantasy football analysis and an early look at the fantasy waiver wire.

— Football Night in America —

“Going in as a freshman at Alabama, you earn your respect by what you do on the field. When I came to Philadelphia, I just had the same mindset.” – Jalen Hurts

“We have a very special relationship because I know I can always call him; he’ll answer the phone and I do the same for him.” – Hurts on his relationship with his father

Coverage of Cowboys-Eagles Begins with Football Night in America at 7 p.m. ET; Followed by 8:20 p.m. ET Kickoff on NBC and Peacock

STAMFORD, Conn. – Oct. 16, 2022 – In advance of tonight’s matchup against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football, Philadelphia Eagles QB Jalen Hurts spoke to Maria Taylor for tonight’s episode of Football Night in America, which begins at 7 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.

Hurts discussed his leadership style, how he stays focused, his strong relationship with his family and more. Click here to watch the full interview, portions of which will air in tonight’s FNIA. Following are highlights of the FULL interview:

On being a leader

“It takes a special person to do it…I give a lot of credit to my teammates, me coming out here and earning their respect…Going in as a freshman at Alabama, you earn your respect by what you do on the field. When I came to Philadelphia, I just had the same mindset. I wanted to prove to my teammates and my teammates are the only ones that matter to me. You earn their respect as a player, and then get to know them as a leader and as a friend…That’s always been my formula.”

On his relationship with his father and his nickname “bug”

“For whatever reason, he calls me that. Since I was a kid, he called me ‘bug’…Big Hurts was my dad, Little Hurts was my brother, and they called me J-Bug. J-Bug was mine, so it kind of stuck…We have a very special relationship because I know I can always call him; he’ll answer the phone and I do the same for him.”

On staying focused

“Keep on controlling what you can. And that, ironically, is stuff that I preach to the team now. It’s deeply rooted in my experiences. Keep the main thing the main thing. Control what you can and keep getting better as a player. Those are the things that I focus on.”

***

Football Night in America is hosted by Maria Taylor and features Hall of Fame head coach Tony Dungy, two-time Super Bowl champion Rodney Harrison, former NFL head coach Jason Garrett, former NFL quarterback Chris Simms, NFL Insider Mike Florio, and fantasy sports industry pioneer Matthew Berry. This week’s show is also co-hosted by Kathryn Tappen and Ahmed Fareed.

Football Night, the most-watched studio show in sports since its debut in 2006, begins every Sunday at 7 p.m. ET. The coordinating producer of FNIA is Matt Casey. FNIA is directed by Kaare Numme.

—FOOTBALL NIGHT IN AMERICA—