News and Sound Bites From Week 9 Edition of
NFL GAMEDAY MORNING
“This is a team with new-found success; they haven’t been there before. You have to beat those bullies that are on the top of the division.” – Kurt Warner on the importance of a Bills victory against the Jets
“Hills and valleys. …I’m one of the first people that will tell you that my legs aren’t where I would want them to be.” – Plaxico Burress assessing his progression this season
“Tom Brady doesn’t lose at home, but with this defense, he might suffer his first loss.” – Marshall Faulk on QB Tom Brady and the Patriots facing the New York Giants at home
“They put the right name on that stadium because when they’re in it, they are a Mercedes-Benz.” – Warren Sapp on the New Orleans Saints
“It’s kind of like the NASCAR boys, see if we can’t get a mile an hour faster every day.” – 49ers Jim Harbaugh on his message to his team
NFL GameDay Morning is the FIRST pregame show on the air Sunday morning at 9:00 AM ET, taking viewers straight up to kickoff. Host Rich Eisen joins analysts Michael Irvin, Warren Sapp, Marshall Faulk, Steve Mariucci and new analystKurt Warner to bring fans the latest news, injury reports, pregame analysis and game previews.
Melissa Stark 1-on-1 Interview with Jets WR Plaxico Burress:
NFL Network reporter Melissa Stark sits down with Jets WR Plaxico Burress for an in-depth conversation regarding the receiver’s return to football after being incarcerated for 20 months and the highs and lows that have come with returning to the NFL in the country’s top media market:
“As a player, those are the kind of days that you dream about. As a wide receiver, if I can just go out and compete and catch every ball thrown my way and score a touchdown, that’s a great day.” – Burress on his three touchdown performance in the Jets’ Week 8 victory over San Diego
“If anybody deserves that kind of joy and happiness, it’s him. Everything that he’s been through. He was my motivation to help me get through; the different emotions and things that I through. And also my wife; she shares that joy of that day also.” – Burress on giving his son Elijah and wife Tiffany the touchdown balls from his 3 TD day vs. San Diego
“Hills and valleys. Kind of got off to a good start against Dallas, then hit a few speed bumps in the road, but it’s been a work in progress for me. It’s my first time playing football in two years. I’m one of the first people that will tell you that my legs aren’t where I would want them to be.” – Burress assessing his progression this season
“It’s coming. It’s coming, I feel it. My coaches see it, my teammates see it. The coaches have a lot of confidence in me to go out and play well.” – Burress on returning to the 2008 form he was in as a member of the Giants’ Super Bowl-winning team
“Outside of football, it’s great, but on the football field, there are times where I’m seeing one thing and he’s seeing another thing. The ball may sail over my head or I’m not where I’m supposed to be. We come to the sideline and try to fix those things.”– Burress on his relationship with QB Mark Sanchez
“We’re competitors as receivers. We want to go out there and play well, catch balls, run up and down the football field and have fun. And we weren’t doing that in the beginning. For us to get to be a championship football team, we have to execute down in and down out in the passing game for us to go out and be successful.” – Burress on critical comments made by WRs Derrick Mason and Santonio Holmes on the Jets offense
“I’ve know Derrick Mason since I was 18 years old, since I was at Michigan State and he’s been the same person since I’ve met him. If what he said did lead to his departure, then that’s the business side of it. They had to make a decision.” – Burress on former Jets WR Derrick Mason being traded following his comments regarding the Jets offense
“Not being able to get to some of the balls that I know that I can get to. We had an incident in the Chargers game where [Mark Sanchez] threw me the ball and I see the ball coming, and I know that I can wheel around and snag this ball, but I just couldn’t open my hips up and get around to make that ball. I came back and told [Sanchez], ‘hey man, that was a great throw, don’t change anything about it. It’s my fault; I can make that play, I can get to that spot.’” – Burress on what’s been the hardest part in returning to the game
To view Stark’s 1-on-1 with Burress, please visit:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-
Quotes from NFL GameDay Morning:
“Tom Brady doesn’t lose at home, but with this defense, he might suffer his first loss.” – Marshall Faulk on QB Tom Brady and the Patriots facing the New York Giants at home
“If they don’t turn [the ball] over and they play defense like that, this is a very dangerous ball club.” – Warren Sapp on the Philadelphia Eagles’ performance Week 7 vs. Dallas
“Since 2008 coming into the season, they are 1-11 against New England and the Jets. They have to beat those teams that have been their nemesis. This is a team with new-found success; they haven’t been there before. You have to beat those bullies that are on the top of the division.” – Kurt Warner on the importance of a Bills victory against the Jets
“They put the right name on that stadium because when they’re in it, they are a Mercedes-Benz.” – Warren Sapp on the New Orleans Saints
“This man has taken guys that couldn’t play on other teams, that teams threw away, misfits and made them Super Bowl champions. Now, his defense is sitting at 32nd and you say Bill Belichick doesn’t want to light a match and blow this thing up? He wants to get rid of this defense.” – Marshall Faulk on if the Patriots defense is a lost cause
“They’re not a lost cause, but there’s definitely a lot of work to be done.” – Warren Sapp on if the Patriots defense is a lost cause
“Continue being the professional that you are. Continue to put up the numbers. I had a similar situation when I was in Indianapolis; ended up getting traded and the next year, we happened to win the Super Bowl in St. Louis. So for Matt Forte, Mike Martz is going to continue to get you the ball because you are the engine to this offense…Continue doing what you do, don’t let the guys in the locker room down.” – Marshall Faulk on Bears RB Matt Forte
“In that game, I didn’t see a team that had passion, that played with conviction; and this is a talent team. That team reminded me of everything we said [the Cowboys] played like under Wade Phillips, minus Wade Phillips.” – Marshall Faulk on the Cowboys Week 8 performance versus the Eagles
“No, they really can’t because Buffalo is superior in every offensive category to the Jets.” – Steve Mariucci on if the Jets will be able to keep up with the Bills
“When I look at the Saints, I see an identity crisis on defense. A defense that, when Drew Brees plays great, they think they’re playing great as well. When Drew Brees plays bad, this defense cannot make the plays necessary to keep them in football games that allow Drew to then come around and maybe have that fourth quarter comeback.” – Marshall Faulk on the New Orleans Saints
“I’m such a believer in Philip Rivers, I think they’ll get this thing straightened out. And even if they’re 4-5 after [Week 9], I still believe they’re going to be a focal point in that division.” – NFL Network Thursday Night Football game analyst Mike Mayock on QB Philip Rivers and the San Diego Chargers
Super Bowl Predictions – Midseason Edition: The NFL GameDay Morning crew revisits their Week 1 Super Bowl picks and get the opportunity to either take a mulligan and reset their matchups or stick with their original selections:
Steve Mariucci
Week 1 prediction: Packers over Patriots
Week 9 prediction: Packers over Patriots
Marshall Faulk
Week 1 prediction: Jets over Saints
Week 9 prediction: Saints over Jets
Kurt Warner
Week 1 prediction: Steelers over Packers
Week 9 prediction: Packers over Steelers
Warren Sapp
Week 1 prediction: Chargers over Falcons
Week 9 prediction: Chargers over Falcons
Michael Irvin
Week 1 prediction: Packers over Chargers
Week 9 prediction: Packers over Chargers
Rich Eisen
Week 1 prediction: Packers over Chargers
Week 9 prediction: Packers over Ravens
Steve Cyphers Pregame Interview with 49ers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh:
“I think it’s been pretty much consistent. We’re trying to be better today than we were yesterday. Better tomorrow than we were yesterday. It’s kind of like the NASCAR boys, see if we can’t get a mile an hour faster every day.” – Harbaugh on how his message to his team has evolved over the season as they head into their Week 9 matchup vs. Washington
Michelle Beisner Pregame Interview with Cowboys Head Coach Jason Garrett:
“I don’t think it’s changed at all, you just have to keep going. One of the things you learn about the NFL is that it’s not always going to go smoothly. There’s going to be success, there’s going to be adversity but you’ve got to keep playing. You have to do that within games and you have to do that over the course of the season and that’s what we’re trying to do.” – Garrett on if the Cowboys’ inconsistencies have changed his coaching style
‘Front Office View’ with Michael Lombardi
On how front offices approach the contracts of running backs:
Typically with a running back, you’re always nervous about the longevity. The lifespan of a running back, unlike the great ones like Marshall Faulk and Emmitt Smith, typically runs 4 ½ to 5 years. So if you invest a lot of money in the second contract, running backs typically don’t get a third contract, so you have to leave yourself some wiggle room in terms of getting out of the contract. I think Marshall hit the key point here: Peyton Hillis really hasn’t acted like a professional. The injuries; he’s let the contract get in the way of him becoming a pro, where as Matt Forte has been a professional. But people you talk to that are close to Hillis that knew him in Denver say that his behavior in the Cleveland locker room is similar to what happened in Denver and is one of the reasons why Denver wanted to trade him. It was inconsistent; it was always off the wall a little bit. Ultimately, Cleveland is seeing that and that’s why they are backing out of doing a deal right now.
On Colts QB Peyton Manning:
The Colts have told Peyton Manning very clearly that they would like to see you practice; that’s why they haven’t placed him on injured reserve. His chances of practicing however are not great this year, but there is optimistic in terms of him being able to. When it comes to playing this year, I don’t see that happening, but if the Colts feel like he can practice and become the player that he was in the past, which is very likely, according to the Colts, then they’ll move on from drafting an Andrew Luck; they’ll draft a quarterback at some point, somewhere else in the draft. This is a key offseason for Peyton Manning, in terms of December and January because he’s got $35 million tied up in bonuses and base salary next year that the Colts have to pay. Manning said essentially that this is a one-year contract; that’s what it is and now in December and January, we’re going to find out if it’s going to extend itself.
On the Philadelphia Eagles:
Obviously offensively, they’re sensational. Michael Vick didn’t get any tipped balls, no turnovers. Defensively, they allowed Nnamdi Asomugha to play some press coverage. They even played some Tampa-2 against Dallas, so they’re trying to mix in their coverages and they’re giving their players a chance to play where they play best and ultimately, that’s what needs to happen. The Eagles are always going to be a high-octane, high risk, high reward offense and if they turn the ball over, they can be right back in to being in the doghouse again. They have to be careful with their protections, they have to be careful with their ability not to turn the ball over; but LeSean McCoy and all those skill players are the Lakers on grass right now.
For the latest from the ‘Front Office View’ of Michael Lombardi, please visit: http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-
‘Inside Slant’ with Jason La Canfora
On the Titans and RB Chris Johnson’s contract details:
The Tennessee Titans looked at this as a long-term deal and it is a long-term deal, but there’s always certain caveats. He had $30 million guaranteed; $13 million of it came this year, that’s fully guaranteed. The other $17 [million] is not at this point fully guaranteed for injury and skill, just injury. So because of diminished production, he could be let go at some point. $8 million of that $17 [million] will come the fifth day of the league year in 2012, in March; the other $9 million comes a year after that, then it becomes fully guaranteed for both. So conceivably, they could get out after one year for $13 million; after two years, if this continues into 2012, for $22 million and if he doesn’t get 1000 yards rushing this year, $300,000 comes off his $8 million salary in 2012.
On Browns FB Peyton Hillis:
The contract has messed with his head; the lack of a long-term contract, there’s no doubt about it. Guys have been talking about it in that locker room for awhile, wondering if that was what’s going on here and really, that’s what they believe. [Hillis] has gone through about three agents. I’ve had guys tell me his shows up for practice, doesn’t seem like himself, kind of out of sorts and he may be out in Cleveland, that’s a real possibility. It’s weird because a year ago, those same fans looked at him as a cult hero and voted him to the [EA Sports] Madden cover.
On the future of Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer:
Brian Schottenheimer is a guy that’s done a lot of work with quarterback Mark Sanchez, runs the [Jets] offense and in the past, he’s turned down opportunities to be a head coach. That won’t be the case moving forward. He’s ready and at the end of this season, he’ll explore all options. If something makes sense, he’ll interview for it. So Sanchez could be looking for a new mentor a year from now; but some would say, ‘wait a minute, that offense isn’t doing so great.’ Well, it certainly has the Schottenheimer family name; [Brian’s] waited until he felt like he was ready. There are usually six or seven [head coach] openings every year; there aren’t really six or seven ‘hot’ coordinator names this year. Schottenheimer has done a good job getting the Jets to the AFC Championship Game with Sanchez twice, he’s handled the big New York market, he’s ready to take that step.
On the Redskins struggles:
They’ve really struggled on offense and there are a lot of questions being asked of Kyle Shanahan, Mike Shanahan’s son. Kyle calls the plays. Kyle is the offensive coordinator. There are coaches on that staff who believe that Kyle sways with his father and Kyle’s input on major personnel decisions has something to do with why this offense is struggling so much in the first year and a half of this regime. Remember, Kyle Shanahan clashed with Donovan McNabb a year ago; they decided to shun these quarterbacks in the draft, that may turn out to be a bumper crop. Instead, they wanted Beck and Grossman; system guys. They haven’t flourished in this system, they haven’t flourished in a lot of other systems. There are coaches who wonder at times whether or not they should run the ball more. They get a little pass-happy, despite the protection issues. It’s going to be uncomfortable for Mike Shanahan down the stretch because if they don’t pull out of this, they are going to be continued questions regarding the need to possibly make changes on staff and his son obviously is a big part of that staff.
To view Jason La Canfora’s Inside Slant, please visit: http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-
On NFL.com the following video clips from NFL GameDay Morning are available for viewing:
Worst. Day. Ever – Philip Rivers may have had a bad day when he lost to the Chiefs last week, but he’s not alone. The NFL GameDay Morning crew share their worst days on the field.
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-
State of the Eagles – Philly may have saved their season with a big win over the Cowboys last week, but can they have a repeat performance against the Bears Monday night?
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-
If Hillis were my teammate… – Four former players discuss how they would handle Peyton Hillis’ off-the-field issues in the locker room if they were his Browns teammates.
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-
Super Bowl XLVI picks: Midseason edition – NFL GameDay Morning crew gets to redeem themselves by reevaluating their preseason Super Bowl picks.
Panic in Big D? – The Cowboys had an embarrassing loss to the Eagles last week, but will they be able to bounce back in Week 9?
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-
What will we learn? – Steve Mariucci believes Norv Turner has quite the challenge as his Chargers have 3 games in 11 days. Plus, see why Mooch thinks LeGarrette Blount will have his best game of the season.
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-
M&M – Marshall Faulk and Michael Irvin contest whether the Chiefs are contenders or pretenders and if Ochocinco or Houshmandzadeh will score more TDs this season.
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-
Jetting into Buffalo – The AFC East clash features two teams pushing for the playoffs, but who needs the win more? The NFL GameDay Morning crew says the pressure is on for Rex and crew.
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-
Have the Steelers surpassed the Ravens? – While the Ravens surprised with a win over the Steelers in Week 1, Pittsburgh has rolled since – and the NFL GameDay Morning crew believes they’re the better team.
The NFL Season: AFC North Slugfest – The bell rings as the NFL’s top two defenses stand toe-to-toe in the Sunday night spotlight, where only one can deliver the knockout punch and run better in the pursuit of Super Bowl XLVI.
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-
Fantasy greats for Week 9 – Rich Eisen and Warren Sapp visit Michael Fabiano on the ‘NFL Fantasy Live’ set to reveal their top starters for Week 9.
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-
The Marshall Plan – Marshall Faulk gives his insight on RBs Frank Gore and Matt Forte
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-
QB vs. QB Killa – Kurt Warner and Warren Sapp debate the Bucs’ strategy against Drew Brees and how long the Broncos should give Tim Tebow to improve.
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-
EXTRA POINTS:
- Thursday Night Football Kicks Off November 10 with Raiders vs. Chargers:
For the sixth season, the ‘Run to the Playoffs’ starts on NFL Network with the 2011 debut of Thursday Night Football November 10 at 8:00 PM ET featuring the Oakland Raiders vs. San Diego Chargers. In all, fans get an additional eight nights of primetime NFL action over seven weeks (Weeks 10-16) featuring four division leaders and on Thanksgiving, a historic matchup in Baltimore pitting head coaching brothers Jim and John Harbaugh against each other as the San Francisco 49ers face the Ravens. This season, Thursday Night Football is headlined by new booth announcing team Brad Nessler and Mike Mayock. Both are currently also calling college football games with Nessler lending his voice to primetime matchups on ESPN and ABC, while Mayock provides analysis of Notre Dame contests for NBC. Despite their college expertise, they are no strangers to the NFL broadcast booth as Nessler called the Raiders-Broncos Monday Night Footballopening weekend game this season, while Mayock provided analysis on Seattle’s Wild Card playoff upset over the defending Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints last year. As the third member of the broadcast team, Alex Flanaganreturns for her second season reporting from the sideline.
- A Football Life: Al Davis Premieres Friday: As an owner, team president, general manager, commissioner, head and assistant coach, and scout, Al Davis filled a number of roles and impacted the game of professional football in ways few could match. On Friday, November 11 at 10:00 PM ET, NFL Network examines the life and legacy of the late Davis on Al Davis: A Football Life, offering an in-depth look into his six decades in professional football. The documentaryfeatures previously unseen NFL Films interviews with Davis, and new interviews with former Raiders players Matt Millen, Willie Brown and George Atkinson, former Raiders front office executive Michael Lombardi and Yahoo! Sportsfootball writer Michael Silver reflecting on Davis’ career and legacy. Additional interviews include archived footage of former Raiders head coaches John Madden, Tom Flores and Art Shell, and current Washington Redskins head coachMike Shanahan discussing the NFL icon. The season-finale of A Football Life debuts the night after the Oakland Raiders play the San Diego Chargers to kick off NFL Network’s 2011 Thursday Night Football schedule on November 10 at 8:00 PM ET.
- The Coaches Show is Back: The Coaches Show returns for its third season airing Mondays at 6:30 PM ET. The weekly half-hour show features former head coaches Brian Billick and Jim Mora who have been on the sidelines and experienced the ups and downs associated with being at the helm of a team in the National Football League. During the 30-minute show, the duo share situations and experiences from their careers that remain applicable to today’s head coach.
- Third Season of Wildly Popular NFL RedZone: After a successful sophomore season that has transfixed NFL fans across the country, NFL RedZone is back for 2011 at 1:00 PM ET/10:00 AM PT. Hosted by Scott Hanson and produced by NFL Network from its state-of-the-art studio in Los Angeles at NFL Network’s headquarters in Los Angeles, NFL RedZone whips around every NFL game on Sunday afternoons delivering the touchdowns and most exciting moments as they happen and in high definition. When a team goes inside the 20-yard line, fans see the crucial plays live. The channel keeps fans up-to-date in real time, switching from game to game with live look-ins, highlights and a chance to see every important play. NFL RedZone has more than quadrupled its distribution roster since its rookie campaign last season with availability more than 140 affiliates across the country. In addition, the channel is also available at every NFL stadium. For more information visit: http://redzonetv.nfl.com/?
icampaign=redzone_mb
NFL GameDay Morning begins the NFL Network schedule on Sundays, which will now be called “NFL GameDay.” Following NFL GameDay Morning will be NFL GameDay StatZone at 1:00 PM ET, NFL GameDay Scoreboard at 4:00 PM ET, NFL GameDay Highlights at 7:30 PM ET and NFL GameDay Final at 11:30 PM ET.
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