SEPTEMBER 29, 2021.
12:00 P.M. EST.
CBS NFL TODAY "THE NFL TODAY".
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JAMES BROWN: Week two in the NFL, and Derek Carr 435 yards passing, two touchdowns against the Ravens, and two games against the Steelers. 623 yards and six TDs.
>> There's Baker Mayfield. Completed 75% of his passes while throwing for 300 yards last week in the loss. First home game for the Browns. The dog pound will be barking loud.
>> Trevor Lawrence last week threw three touchdowns and also three interceptions. Today against Denver look out for Von Miller, Trevor.
>> There's Mac Jones, New England quarterback. He is a rookie. Last week he played great for a rookie. Made big throws under pressure. Nice start, but he needs a win today against the Jets.
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JAMES BROWN: Hello, folks, and welcome to "The NFL Today" presented by Ram Trucks. I'm James Brown, and indeed, week one proved to be worthy of the moniker, the biggest kickoff ever by serving up marquee matchups, but this week is prime to be a worthwhile sequel with even more potentially explosive action coming your way, so let's get right to the headlines.
Two big matchups in the 425 window as Justin Herbert and the Chargers host Dak Prescott and the Cowboys while Russell Wilson and company look to start 2 0 as they face the Tennessee Titans. The longest standing rivalry welcome some fresh faces as Mac Jones and the Pats pay a visit to the Big Apple to take on Zach Wilson and the New York Jets. Two squads coming off impressive wins in week one look to continue their hot starts when Derek Carr and the Raiders head East looking to knock off Big Ben and the Steelers.
>> Steelers trailing the Bills 10 0 in the first half.
>> This was a team win.
>> Allen steps up. Rolls into a lull.
>> Special teams.
>> Pressure. Is it blocked? Into the end zone. That's a Pittsburgh touchdown.
>> We persevere and found a way to win.
>> Touchdown.
>> Raiders win.
>> After review, the runner was short of the goal line.
>> Four man rush. Hits Carr, and it's intercepted in the end zone.
>> Ball came loose.
>> Raiders say they've recovered it.
>> Jones is open. Vegas touchdown. This time no doubt.
>> Like they say here, just win, baby.
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JAMES BROWN: Back here in Studio 43 I'm joined by my colleagues. I know they thought I wasn't going to say it, but the calmest guy I know, two time Super Bowl champ, Phil Simms, the calm coach, Hall of Famer, Bill Cowher, the multi talented Emmy Award winning Nate Burleson and the guy who says he is the handsomest guy in television.
NATE BURLESON: Every morning.
JAMES BROWN: Boomer Esiason. Joining us live from Pittsburgh, of course, is our guy Charles Davis. Charles, both squads coming off an impressive win in week one hoping to keep that same energy going today.
CHARLES DAVIS: You are right about the impressive wins, and for Las Vegas it came at a price, though, because their lead runner, Josh Jacobs, the guy who is the identity of their team sets a tone with his physical running style and able to beat people up in the secondary. He is down with an ankle injury. He won't go today. Remember, he played that game with a toe injury and an ankle injury. He is out for this week. The guys replacing him, normally you look at number two, and that's Kenyan Drake, but they want a runner, more of a pure runner for this game, and that's Peyton Barber, a starter for Tampa Bay a few years ago. Over 800 yards in that season. He will handle the heavy lifting running it. Kenyan Drake will be more of the space playing. One guy running it and another guy catching it. For Pittsburgh they're looking at how do they defend Darren Waller. Can they continue to get to the quarterback without blitzing?
Last week they only had two blitzes, and that's really unusual for a team known as blitz burg. They brought the pressure, though, inside with Cameron Heyward. A terror throughout the game last week, and then chasing him down from the back side, T.J. Watt. Now, this is more of what you are used to with Pittsburgh. The outside linebackers, Melvin Ingram, number 8, he flush flushes him. T.J. Watt, number 90, finishes him. If they can do that with the four guys up front, seven guys to try to defend Darren Waller down field, Minkah Fitzpatrick will figure into that big time.
JAMES BROWN: Coach is in here grinning when you talk about the defense. Thank you so very much. What are the keys for the Raiders against that tough Steelers D?
BILL COWHER: I think Charles was all over it. He was targeted 19 times, so you have to find a way to take him out of the game. When you look at what he has done in the last two years, he is second most in receiving as a tight end and second most in receiving yards as a tight end. There's clearly he is their offense, and when you think about they're also going to have to do this without Devon Bush and without Joe Hayden. That guy is a matchup nightmare, and to me you have to hit him at the line of scrimmage. That's got to be T.J. Watt and Ingram, Highsmith and anybody. You have to destroy the timing of what he does and put Minkah Fitzpatrick at the top. You get him on top. One person can't cover him.
BOOMER ESIASON: Derek Carr was terrific against the Ravens week one. Late in the game especially. He is maybe recapturing that magic that he had in 2016 when he was the odds on favorite before he hurt his knee, and Jon Gruden came in there, and it took a while for him to figure out how to play for Gruden. The one part of his game that I would like to see him improve, that is running for first downs on third down. Moving the chains. He just does not want to run with the football at all, and if he did, he would be a bigger help to the Raiders offense.
PHIL SIMMS: You hear offense, offense, offense for three years from Jon Gruden, and now it is time to talk about the defense. You have to have a defense if you want to win games. Gus Bradley, the new defensive coordinator, has done a great job. I know it's just one game, but he had them hustling around. Max Crosby was awesome in the game. Two sacks. He was everywhere. His partner was everywhere. Then the steal of the team, K.J. Wright coming from Seattle, he made three big, timely plays. They hustled and were smart and disciplined. It's a really good start for the Raiders team.
BILL COWHER: I love hearing you talk about defense.
NATE BURLESON: Big Ben is going to have to watch out for the defense. We know one thing when it comes to Big Ben. Doesn't want to push the ball down field. Where their bread is buttered is the short and intermediate passes. Big Ben doesn't want to leave the pocket either. I anticipate the Raiders DBs to smother the wide receivers at the line of scrimmage, try to collapse those windows, force Big Ben to hold to the ball, and push it down field. Last week zero attempts of 20 plus yard passes, so if they can muck up that intermediate passing game, it's going to be trouble for Big Ben and that passing game.
PHIL SIMMS: Muck it up.
JAMES BROWN: Now we check in with our NFL Today insider Jason La Canfora. Huge week for Chandler Jones in play, but not the contract.
JASON LA CANFORA: The Cardinals are running out of time to keep the all pro pass rusher who requested a trade this offseason. His agent, Ethan Lock said Arizona's only contract extension proposal was just one year, which is $4.5 million guaranteed. It simply was not a serious offer, Lock told me. Jones has more sacks than any NFL player since being drafted in 2012, including five last week. Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy remains hopeful of becoming an NFL head coach, but would seriously considered the USC job, sources said. He is a SoCal native. Doug Peterson has been linked to the opening, but isn't interested, I'm told. Urban Meyer said he is not interested either, but many of his fellow coaches believe he could be a one and done in Jacksonville, and Sean Payton and his staff are wearing multiple hats today. The Saints are down eight coaches due to COVID. The NFL says it's confident that everyone at risk has been identified, and the coaches are dealing with modest symptoms typical of vaccinated breakthroughs Boom.
BOOMER ESIASON: Tell USC Phil Simms is interested, all right? There's T.J. Watt going against Leatherwood. Two sacks last week. How many today?
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>> Still ahead on "The NFL Today" rookie Zach Wilson and Mac Jones leading the way fans of the Jets and Pats know the future is looking right for the AFC East rivals. Week one was surprisingly rough for some Super Bowl contenders, and the guys are ready to let you know whose slow start is cause for concern and who will bounce back quickly.
>> It's just one game. We have 16 to go.
>> Dak Prescott looked good in his first game back against the Bucs. You'll want to hear what the Cowboys quarterback told Tracy Wolfson about his conversation with Tom Brady after the game. That's all coming up when "The NFL Today" returns on CBS. "The NFL Today" on CBS is presented by Ram Trucks, "Motor Trend's" truck of the year for the third year in a row.
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JAMES BROWN: Two rookie quarterbacks squaring off today. Both have their respective fan bases feeling pretty optimistic, and even though New England has won the last ten matchups against the Jets, the arrivals of Mac Jones and Zach Wilson symbolizing a new start to this storied rivalry.
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>> Jets fans have been waiting for someone who they can call their franchise quarterback.
>> Two new quarterbacks.
>> Here comes the celebrated rookie out of Alabama, Mac Jones.
>> Two rookies.
>> Mac Jones could definitely be the next Tom Brady.
>> He was really good at Alabama. I think he will end up being really good here.
>> Got used to winning around here with Tom. You know, you see a little bit of it in Mac. It seems like with the accuracy and the command and the poise at the line.
>> This absolutely can be the first page of a new chapter in this rivalry.
>> I think Zach Wilson is going to be the future of the Jets.
>> The little handsome kid is going to show up and show out. This is going to be a rivalry for a long time, these two.
>> The Jets is my least favorite team in the NFL, so I hope they get crushed 54 0. Forget your new quarterback.
>> Hope springs eternal with the Jets.
>> The Jets stink.
>> Die hard, baby.
>> Patriots versus the Jets? Got to be a patriot.
>> Whoever makes the least amount of mistakes should win.
>> Who do I have this weekend? Let me see. Joe Namath. The real number 12.
>> Oh, man, I know Mac Jones is doing well, and I pull for him, but, looky here, Broadway is back. It's J E T S and Zach to win the game.
JAMES BROWN: Just like Mac Jones, Broadway Joe played his college ball at Alabama, that is but the legendary QB sticking with his Jets today. In our 1:00 window, of course, highlighted by that battle of the rookie quarterback.
BOOMER ESIASON: You said it. Domination by the New England Patriots. 10 0 in the last ten games. Look at the point differential. That is ridiculous. You know, Mac Jones completed 29 passed. It was 9 of 12 on third down. He actually looks like Tom Brady in a patriot uniform. That's why everybody is so excited. Didn't make a lot of mistakes, and, Coach, you would love this after the game he said it was about him. He had to do better and improve. He needs to prepare. How about Damien Harris? 100 yards on the ground last week, but a crucial late game fumble that cost the game to the Dolphins. He will need to get the ball a lot against this Jets defense.
BILL COWHER: Let's talk Zack Wilson and getting better. In the second half of last week's loss to Carolina he was 14 of 21, 174 yards, and two touchdowns, and it does look like he is getting better. A big part of that target was Cory Davis. He will not have Mekhi Becton at left tackle because Handy had six sacks last week, and we know with Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots, he will be seeing a lot of different looks today.
PHIL SIMMS: Let's talk about the Texas at the Cleveland Browns. We'll start out with Tyrod Taylor first. Last week 290 yards throwing the football, two touchdowns, no turnovers, 40 yards rushing because Tyrod can still move around, that's for sure. Who does he want to throw it to? Brandon Cooks, only five catches for 132 yards. Deep threat down the field, and Tyrod throws a great deep pass. No doubt about it. For the Cleveland Browns, Baker Mayfield, he threw the ball tremendous against the Kansas City Chiefs. Oh, my God, he threw an interception. It's not a game of perfection, Bill Cowher, that's for sure. Nick Chubb, reincarnation of Jim Brown. That's right. I said it. Big, fast, runs over people. Great blocking offensive line. They got it. Nate, tell me something I don't know.
NATE BURLESON: All right. I have to tell you a lot you don't know. We have the Broncos and the Jags. Let me pull a Phil Simms. Why is this game good? I'll tell you. We got Teddy Bridgewater. The game is won on third and fourth down, and 14 out of 16 of his completions, he also had ten first downs on those downs. You bot to move the sticks when it counts. Melvin Gordon proving that he still is a number one running back at 100 yards last week. A full running back. He can run out of the back field and catch the ball and run it between the tackles. Von Miller missed the entire season last year and came back and started off on fire. Two sacks. My man had his 19th multi sack game, which means he still has some juice in his legs. This young fellow right here, he was exciting to watch, but he made some rookie mistakes. A couple of late touchdowns. Ended up with three, but also three interceptions. He is going to have his hands full, though, because you know that that defense for the Broncos are going to get after the young rookie. If you want to see some football like you have never seen it before, you got to check out NFL Slime Time on Nickelodeon. That's right. Join me to tackle the week's best slime lights. Make sure to catch NFL "Slime Time" at 7:00 eastern on Nickelodeon every single Wednesday. Watch out, Phil. Don't be trying to tackle me in the study crow. Big Ben, great enough to win. Let's see if he can push the ball down field today.
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NATE BURLESON: Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney. Myles Garrett one sack, three QB hits up against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs in that loss. Clowney, fourth team in four years. One of those teams? The Texans, who they face today. Maybe a little payback for the former number one overall pick. Coming up at 4:25 eastern right here on CBS Dak leads the Cowboys into the city of angels for a showdown with Justin Herbert and the Chargers, and after a rough week one, the Titans will try to bounce back in Seattle taking on the Seahawks and Chef Russ, whose skills in the kitchen were on full display last week.
>> A number of teams had reached out to the Seahawks about Russell Wilson.
>> Russell Wilson usually when there's smoke, there's fire.
>> Russell Wilson is putting a for sale sign on himself.
>> Going to let it fly down the middle of the field. Touchdown, Seahawks!
>> Russell Wilson rares back and lets it fly. 69 yard touchdown. Holy catfish.
>> Nothing short of perfect was Russell Wilson at quarterback.
>> What a game by him.
NATE BURLESON: Russell Wilson went from almost being traded to last week starting it off on an MVP level. What makes Russell Wilson and this offense so special?
BILL COWHER: No discontent from that, Nate. When you look at this offense, make no mistake, Pete Carroll loves to run the football. Here you will see Chris Carson. The zone was a stretch with the blocking. The patience of Chris Carson, and he breaks through. This is what Pete Carroll loves to do. What happens when you run the football? The play action is the next part of it. It also helps an offensive line. Right here there's a play action. Look at the pocket. Very clean. Who do you get the ball to? D.K. Metcalf, and he is a beast catching the football. The biggest thing is they love to throw the ball deep.
NATE BURLESON: That's right.
BILL COWHER: Who is that one guy? Tyler Lockett. They have a punt against an Indianapolis Colts rush team, and he is still looking down the field, and no one can throw the ball down the field like Russell Wilson, and Tyler Lockett, 15 touchdowns of over 40 yards, all purpose touchdowns, second only to Tyreek Hill since 2015. This football team and this offense, they like they're strong up front, but they love the explosion plays.
NATE BURLESON: AND right here you see it. The passes of 30 plus air yards, attempts 40, and, of course, the completions, that right there is efficiency, and the touchdowns, and Russ Wilson can negotiate the pocket with the best of them. We know his offense is versatile. Tyler Lockett, the most underrated receiver in the league because he led the team in catches last year, but he is still not looked at as a true number one. This offense is just getting started, and Russell Wilson could be an MVP this season. Let's send it over to James with Phil and Boomer.
JAMES BROWN: Wow, Nate called me James. Got to talk to him about that. Hey, fellows. Thank you so much. Time for a new game that we like to call concern or no concern? You know, I know it's early in the season, but check this out. The numbers do say that squads that start 1 1 have a nearly 42% chance to make the playoffs while those who go 0 2, hmm, that normally spells doom for their squad. Let's start with the Titans. A star studded offense that yielded little results in week one. Concerned or not concerned?
BOOMER ESIASON: All of these stats are attached to an 16 game season. We're in a 17 game season and working with Mr. Misery over here because I know he is concerned about everything, including Coach Cowher. The Titans are a good football team. They had a wake up call last week against the Cardinals. No question about that. Taylor Lewan said he didn't have a good game. Mike Vrabel called out Julio Jones. There's a lot of good players. They're going to be fine. Don't overreact.
PHIL SIMMS: Are you not concerned?
BOOMER ESIASON: I'm not concerned.
PHIL SIMMS: I want to stand next to you in every segment because you make me look good. There you go. I'm extremely concerned. I don't know what game he watched. The game I watched the offensive line was terrible, and they couldn't run the football. If they can't run it, they're not going to be able it on do play actions. The defensive line could not pressure Kyler Murray. They couldn't cover anybody down the field. Did you watch the game? I'm not concerned. I'm extremely concerned.
JAMES BROWN: So the Bills offense was held in check in their loss to Pittsburgh. Are you concerned?
BOOMER ESIASON: I am not concerned about Buffalo. I'm sure you are concerned because you are Mr. Misery. I watched this just like I watched last week's game with the Titans and the Cardinals. The Pittsburgh Steeler defense was better than advertised. They ran the ball a little bit better than you thought they would, but, you know what, he is too good of a player to be concerned about.
PHIL SIMMS: Are you going to call me Mr. Misery every time. One time is enough. I will say this, Buffalo, look, we thought their offense was going to be good. It was not good against Pittsburgh. We worried about the defense. The defense did stand up, but why would I be concerned? Buffalo is considered to be a Super Bowl team. They're 0 1. They're going to Miami, which is really good on defense, and they're good on offense. That will concern me, and almost panic if you start out 0 2.
JAMES BROWN: Injuries and turnovers were indeed the story for the Ravens after last week. Concerned or not?
BOOMER ESIASON: I am concerned, and I'm sure that makes you happy, and I'm concerned because I'm worried about their passing. They have the worst passing game in the NFL. Last year they were unable to pass when they really needed to against the Raiders, so I am concerned because of that reason.
PHIL SIMMS: I'm concerned. Injuries, you know, the offensive line is beat up. On the other side they can't get to the quarterback so they have to blitz. They really open themselves up to big plays, so I'm concerned.
JAMES BROWN: The Carson Wentz era in Indianapolis started with the loss to the Seahawks. Concerned or not?
PHIL SIMMS: I'll go first. I'm concerned. The offensive line didn't protect Carson Wentz. He got beat up. If he gets hit like this every week, he is not going to make it through the year. Did you watch Seattle? Down the field, here it comes. They went past the coverage. I'm concerned.
BOOMER ESIASON: I'm not concerned about Indianapolis because Carson Wentz didn't turn the ball over last week. Two touchdowns. He will be better today against the Rams.
JAMES BROWN: Bill Cowher used to get upset with some of his assistant coaches if they weren't concerned, and he would say what?
PHIL SIMMS: I'm concerned you're not concerned.
JAMES BROWN: Speaking of reasons to worry, when we come back, we'll talk about the reigning MVP and Green Bay's putrid week one performance. Now we take you to first on the field with the latest news presented by FedEx, where now meets next.
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IAN EAGLE: J.B., Pittsburgh will be electric this afternoon. It's the home opener for the Steelers as they host the Raiders in week number two as we welcome you to Heinz Field. Ian Eagle along with Charles Davis. Wild victory over Baltimore last week for the Raiders, but now dealing with a bunch of injuries, so a bit of concern for Las Vegas going into this game at the running back position. Josh Jacobs is out. Toe injury, ankle injury. So Peyton Barber is a player we expect to see a part of the offense here today.
CHARLES DAVIS: On the depth chart is says Kenyan Drake, but Payton Barber, a former starter in Tampa Bay, he runs with the same presence that Josh Jacobs gives them.
IAN EAGLE: Big question every week when you play the Raiders, who is going to match up with on pro bowl tight end Darren Waller? Pittsburgh has its own pro bowler, Minkah Fitzpatrick.
CHARLES DAVIS: He will be more in coverage next to Darren Waller today.
IAN EAGLE: Charles, the Raiders believe their defense will be much improved this season. Terrific start to the season for Max Crosby, AFC defensive player of the week.
CHARLES DAVIS: Terrific complete athlete. Great technique, and plays with all out abandon.
IAN EAGLE: It is the Heinz Field debut for first round pick Najee Harris. 16 carries, 45 yards in his first game as a pro against the Bills.
CHARLES DAVIS: His feet are wet now expect his role to expand. He will be more used in the passing game in this one.
IAN EAGLE: Gus Bradley is the new defensive coordinator for Las Vegas. One player that came over from the Chargers with him, cornerback Casey Heyward.
CHARLES DAVIS: A terrific leader, an excellent cover guy.
IAN EAGLE: And a groin injury for the veteran quarter Joe Hayden, inactive of today for Pittsburgh. That means a bigger role for James Pierre.
CHARLES DAVIS: He is versatile, and today he gets the start. Played about half the snaps in Buffalo.
IAN EAGLE: Coming up, we will have more of "The NFL Today" including Tracy Wolfson with Dak Prescott. The Raiders and the Steelers from Pittsburgh this afternoon.
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JAMES BROWN: Time now for pregame HQ delivered by Domino's.
>> Rodgers dumps it over the middle. Intercepted. A deep ball down the right sideline. He has running room.
>> Got to give the Saints all the credit in the world. Absolutely embarrassed us today, and this isn't going to magically repair itself.
>> Rodgers did not give it away.
>> It was just all around poor performance. That starts with myself. It's very humbling to say the least.
>> A rod looking. Rainbows for M.V.S.
>> It's intercepted by Marcus Williams in the deep secondary.
>> Oh, my goodness.
>> I mean, I'll let him use those words, and I'll use one game, we got 16 to go. This is a good kick in the you know where. Hopefully it gets us going in the right direction, going back home and playing division opponent next week.
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JAMES BROWN: This ought to be a good session because all three of you are barking at Phil, so Phil is wired up. We are coming off of an offseason where Aaron Rodgers dominated the headlines. Combine that with his performance last week, and, folks, you get this question and he does as well. Is there reason to be concerned about the reigning MVP?
BOOMER ESIASON: Concerned again? You know, let's face it, he is a complicated, awkward, brilliant, unbelievable football player, and I kind of think he is bored in Green Bay, to be honest with you, and I think today he is going to have a bounceback game against Detroit because this is just in his background. Look, he has a man bun this year. He found his inner peace in the offseason. Everything is going to be fine in Green Bay. Everybody just needs to relax.
NATE BURLESON: I don't think it's going to be fine. He could come back tomorrow with another bad game. How many times in the offseason, Coach, have you said to your own players, the offseason is important, I need you to show up even when it's voluntary. Aaron Rodgers spent the entire offseason, just call it what it is, making it about himself. Sending a message, yes, but I don't need notes and need to look at the camera and tell Aaron Rodgers how much I love and appreciate him. I've been covering him for five years. I know how good he is, but what he did this offseason is a direct result of why he played so bad. As far as relaxing and seeing, like seeming like he is bored, his disposition was bad on the sideline too. He almost seemed like he was uninterested in what was going on. For me I think it all started in the offseason, and it all fell apart last week.
BILL COWHER: I think it all started when they drafted Jordan Love last year, and I think he played with a chip on his shoulder last year, which was fine. Then all of a sudden he talks about where he is at and maybe he should move on, and he starts talking about other things and personnel moves. You know what, Aaron, he is a quarterback. You're a player. You play. The people in the front office will make decisions. Don't worry about Jordan Love, and to me he has now made it personal. He looks very selfish. He almost looks aloof, and I agree with you. You know, perception is reality, and you look at him on the sideline. He looks like he really doesn't care. I know it's no time to panic. Yes, I hear relax. Have a great game on Monday night. You know, show me you care. To me it's important to you that the team is more important than who you are, and right now I have not seen that.
PHIL SIMMS: So many things you say are so true. Nate, I agree with you at this point. He wasn't there the whole offseason. So he did no O.T.A.s, organized team activities. He didn't do that. He wasn't there for mini camp or play in the preseason. How can you do it? Also, you're in the locker room. It's a distraction. Everybody comes up, hey, James, I want to talk to you. What do you think about Aaron Rodgers? That's all you hear and all that was talked about. The best thing that could happen to the Green Bay Packers, they went down there and got whooped by the New Orleans Saints, and that will straighten them up and give them a better chance to focus and play better.
BOOMER ESIASON: Sounds a lot like Brett Favre did. Remember he missed OTAs, and Aaron Rodgers took over.
JAMES BROWN: We still look for QBs to leadership, and body language says a lot. Absolutely loaded division in the NFC West with all four squads winning their week one battles in impressive fashion. Eye ing stats on both sides. Russell Wilson, Matthew Stafford, Deebo Samuel, and Chandler Jones as Jason talked about it, made emphatic statements last week. What performance stood out the most to you?
PHIL SIMMS: It was really easy. It was the Arizona Cardinals, and Bill, I'm going to do it again, so don't pass out. I'm going to talk about their defense. You know, when you talk about Chandler Jones hitting the quarterback on one side, and then you have J.J. Watt on the other side helping out causing havoc, and then they have an unknown secret in the middle in Cory Peters who had a great game destroying people, and they got tremendous speed on the defensive side. Now, we know about Kyler Murray, the wide receiver group, that's all good, but the offensive line has also improved.
BILL COWHER: I got to do this again. Talk about the quarterbacks because to me it's about Matthew Stafford going to the L.A. Rams. You think about Matthew Stafford in Detroit and what he didn't have, and that's a big top five defense. He has Aaron Darnold and Jalen Ramsey, and he has a creative mind in Sean McVay. It's a perfect fit for him out there. Let me ask this question. No division has ever gone 8 0 in the first two weeks. We could potentially have all four of these teams making the playoffs.
NATE BURLESON: I hear you on that. Are you asking a question? I'm looking at the San Francisco 49ers. Deebo Samuel was fantastic. Yards after catch, this dude is an absolute beast. Speaking of creative minds, Kyle hand is a hand has that offense cooking. He has been throwing in Trey Lance close to the end zone. I know you are going to touch on that a little bit after Jimmy G took him all the way down there. Keep your eye on George Kittle, who only had 79 yards. He is like a faulty fuse. He can go off at any moment. You know he can put up big numbers, and Trent Sherfield is a wide receiver and a guy that will make plays every single week.
BOOMER ESIASON: Seattle and Arizona go on the road in the tough division AFC South, their two best teams. The thing that's going in San Francisco is a thing that I don't like. Last week I told I thought San Francisco was going to make the playoffs. I just don't like playing games at the quarterback position. I don't care how high a draft pick Trey Lance is, Jimmy Garoppolo is your starter right now. Leave him on the field. Stop messing around.
PHIL SIMMS: He gets mad when we talk on the show, so can't get mad at everything.
JAMES BROWN: A faulty fuse on a firework. Who on the show reminds you of that? Anybody?
BILL COWHER: Robert Saleh, go ahead. The future of the New York Jets, he opens up the home opener going against the goat, Bill Belichick.
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>> The game is sponsored by Corona Extra. Fan Duel, make every moment more, and by Ram Trucks. "Motor trend's" truck of the year third year in a row.
JAMES BROWN: This summer the Raiders hosted the Southern Nevada high school girls flag football all star game where over 40 girls participated in the game and the combine event which served as a showcase for college scouts.
PHIL SIMMS: There's Josh Allen for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Had one sack, five tackles. Needs a big game today to help this defense.
BILL COWHER: There's Carl Nassib. He helped the Raiders get their week one win against the Baltimore Ravens.
NATE BURLESON: There's Minkah Fitzpatrick plays 79 of 79 passes. If Carr forces the ball to Waller today, Minkah might make them pay.
BOOMER ESIASON: They haven't seen him for four games, C.J. Mosley. He has 574 tackles from 2014 to 2018.
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JAMES BROWN: That promo lets you know why we are excite about the matchup coming up later today on CBS. Especially after suffering a season ending ankle injury last year against the Giants, Dak Prescott endured an emotional recovery culminating in an impressive performance against Tampa Bay in week one. Tracy Wolfson sat down with the Cowboys star to discuss how the past year helped him grow both as a player and a leader for America's Team.
TRACY WOLFSON: Dak, everything is bigger in Texas, so we decided to go big as well today.
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>> Deep ball down the right side. He has
>> Caught for a touchdown.
>> His third touchdown tonight.
>> Welcome back, Dak Prescott.
TRACY WOLFSON: Big time performance against Tampa Bay. How would you describe what took place out there?
>> It was exciting. Just after a long 11 months of not playing a game that I love most, it was special just to get out there, especially in a game like that to kick off the NFL season against the defending champs. At the tend of the day we came up short, but it was something that I personally was proud of the way that I played physically and just made a comeback.
TRACY WOLFSON: Then after the game the message to Tom Brady.
>> We'll see you all again, trust me.
>> It's just my expectation and this team. I believe in manifesting and saying things. It allows you to hold yourself and others accountable to it, so after watching week one and seeing football all the way around, I don't take back anything that I said. We know that's a playoff team, and for us to get to where we got to go, I think that's a team that we'll have to go through.
>> It's an option pitch to Elliott, and he is met at the 4 and swung down.
>> 33 yards for Zeke. That's not going to cut it.
>> They need to get their run game going.
TRACY WOLFSON: Ezekiel Elliott taking a lot of criticism. He had 11 carries, 33 yards. Do you think that those numbers and you hear it, you hear in the media and Twitter, whatever. What do you say to that criticism?
>> I don't listen to it. I know Zeke doesn't listen to it. You understand there's going to be a narrative out there, and that narrative doesn't necessarily line up with who Zeke is and who this team is. That's not something where we're going to focus on or give energy. We're going to focus on us as a team and what it takes to win.
TRACY WOLFSON: Can you sense frustration from him, though?
>> No. Obviously, you want to go out there and you want to get the ball more times or so, and I'm sure there's going to be games that I want to throw it more, but I can promise you that Zeke is not upset about that game. He knew that that's what it was going to take for us to win.
>> Keep going now. Keep going. Let's go.
TRACY WOLFSON: It seems as though you really cemented yourself as the leader of this team. Would you say that?
>> Yeah, I would, but I think it's also just everything that I've been through. My teammates, coaches, and everyone around me see what it means to me and the work that I'm going to put in and how much I care about it, and I care about my teammates, and I care about my job and my responsibility and obligations that it allows other people to follow and allows other people to buy in without question.
>> Let's go. Stay locked in now.
TRACY WOLFSON: Do you feel the pressure being the quarterback of America's Team ever?
>> I always say pressure is privilege, so, sure. I'm thankful to have that. I'm thankful to have those responsibilities and it's fun. I think it makes me a better person, a better player. It holds me to a high standard, and it's time for us to get back and time for us to be the organization we once were, and we have everything that we need to go get it done. We just got to put it together and enjoy the process.
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PHIL SIMMS: Well, great job there, Tracy, interviewing Dak Prescott. How about this start? You were injured last year. You come back your first game of the year. You set an all time record for completions in the first game of a season. What a job. You know, what they did, they got rid of the football quick. They threw five screens. Here's the sixth one. Look at the receivers. They faked a screen. The defense bites, and Dak Prescott throws it over the top to Cee Dee Lamm for the touchdown. The game plan by Keller Moore with Dak Prescott was awesome, guys. Get rid of the football quick and get it to your play makers. You can't run against Tampa Bay, and it protected Dak, and that ankle always being in the shot.
BILL COWHER: I was impressed too. Justin Herbert, his week one in Washington, what he did over there. He was a 31 of 47, 337 yards and on third down he was 14 of 19, and you think about the weapons and the play makers he has on the offensive side, Austin Ekeler, Keenan Allen, Jared Cook, what he did was pick up from his rookie year and rookie of the year.
NATE BURLESON: Dak Prescott, he is leaning on those play makers. I am not talking about Ezekiel Elliott. He had a rough start to the season, but Amari Cooper and Cee Dee Lamb, those guys started off strong. A couple of weeks ago Amare Cooper was asked if he was one of the best receivers in the game, and he confidently responded, I am the best receiver in the game. They kind of laughed. They didn't think he could show up the way he did. Two touchdowns. They targeted him 17 times, and he came down with 13 grabs.
BOOMER ESIASON: I'm not worried at all about the Dallas cowboy offense. They're going to put up points all weeklong. As a matter of fact, I believe this game is going to be the highest scoring game of the weekend, and the reason for that is because the lack of pass rush on the Dallas defense. No DeMarcus Lawrence or Randy Gregory. Mica Parsons is going to be exclusively used as a defensive end. Justin Herbert should put up huge numbers and so should Dak Prescott all year long.
JAMES BROWN: Russell Wilson will have to go through the Titans to get to his 100th career regular season victory.
PHIL SIMMS: I want to talk about Russell Wilson. A trend in the NFL is getting wide receivers against safeties. At the wide receiver for Seattle get on the safeties, Russell Wilson, you talked about it, Coach, he can throw the moon ball. What happens? The defensive back gets ( nervous, and it's pass interference, or the receiver catches it.
BILL COWHER: I have the Tennessee Titans from last week. This does not look like their offense. Derek Henry, 58 yards. I get a little concerned about that because that is who they are. That is the makeup of their team. He is the face of their team. You know, sometimes you lose an offensive coordinator in Arthur Smith. I want to sit back and wait. We got to keep an eye on this offense. Can they kind of create an identity of their own like they did a year ago?
NATE BURLESON: You are speaking about Don Downing, the new offensive coordinator. He is going to have to step his game up a little back. Get back to what works, the bread and butter, the play action football. On the flip side, Chris Carson, it's going to be a good battle between the running backs. I do have Chris Carson outrushing Derek Henry in this one.
BOOMER ESIASON: I know Aaron Rodgers was unhappy this offseason. Wasn't Russell Wilson at one point in time unhappy this offseason?
>> He got over it.
BOOMER ESIASON: He only threw the ball 23 times against the Colts. He is going to want to throw it more as the season goes on. Remember what happened last year? Pete Carroll took the ball out of his hand late in the season and he was unhappy, one of the reasons why he wanted to leave.
JAMES BROWN: If Russell Wilson gets his 100th victory third fastest, he will get there behind Joe Montana and, of course, Tom Brady. Time for "The NFL Today" picks for week two, upset specials.
PHIL SIMMS: I'm taking one. It's 5.5 point underdog. The Raiders over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Last year I was 13 4. Listen to me.
JAMES BROWN: What now last year?
PHIL SIMMS: 13 4.
BILL COWHER: So he says. Check those numbers. He makes them up. I'm going to take the Panthers over the New Orleans Saints. I want to see Jameis do this consistently.
NATE BURLESON: I'm going with Boom's team. Cincinnatti Benals on the road over the Chicago Bears. It's going to be a good one.
BOOMER ESIASON: I am going to sit with the Indianapolis Colts over the L.A. Rams. The Rams played the Bears last week and and blew them apart, but that's not going to happen this week.
JAMES BROWN: I'm going to tee up Nathaniel. We will see you back here for halftime, but with kickoff just a few moments away we'll get you out to your game next!
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>> "The NFL Today" on CBS is presented by Ram Trucks.
JAMES BROWN: And welcome back to "The NFL Today" and now Amazon takes you out to the sights and sounds of the game between the Raiders and the Steelers. Let's throw it out to Pittsburgh with our announcers Ian Eagle, Charles Davis, and Evan Washburn.
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FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports