NATE BURLESON: Week 3 in the NFL.
PHIL SIMMS: There's Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens. It's like watching a video game when you see him play. Two games, 139 yards rushing. The offense over 400 yards a game. Coach, is that any good?
BILL COWHER: That's not bad, Phil. There's Joe Burrow. Last year at Heinz Field, he was sacked four times. Don't worry, T.J. Watt is inactive.
NATE BURLESON: And there's Ryan Tannehill. A throw in the backfield, which is fishing, because they're facing the Colts.
BOOMER ESIASON: There are quarterbacks, and then there's Patrick Mahomes. He's on MVP pace already. He goes against the Chargers today.
NATE BURLESON: Hello and welcome to "The NFL Today," presented by Ram Trucks. I'm Nate Burleson. Now, out of an abundance of caution, our friend J.B. will not be with us physically this afternoon, he will certainly be with us in spirit all throughout the day. We look forward to having him back next Sunday as we get you ready for a busy week 3 of NFL action. Let's get right to the headlines.
Last week Lamar Jackson was running on all cylinders in the Ravens' impressive win over the Chiefs, and today he'll look to put the pedal to the metal when Baltimore takes on the Lions in Motor City.
The Broncos and the Raiders, they are the only undefeated teams left in the AFC. Today they're both in action on CBS. Denver plays host to the Jets, and the Raiders will welcome the Dolphins in Las Vegas.
In a big early season showdown in the AFC West, Justin Herbert and the L.A. Chargers, they visit Kansas City to take on Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs.
>> Mahomes.
>> Mahomes.
>> Herbert. This is like a dream. I promise you.
>> One play at a time.
>> Mahomes magic.
>> Mahomes is in the zone.
>> Watch out for Justin Herbert next year.
>> I'll see it when I believe it.
>> Herbert, huge throw.
>> Justin Herbert is a highlight machine.
>> Herbert's going to take it in for the touchdown.
>> Herbert does it again.
>> If you're a charger fan, you just got really excited right now.
>> He makes plays all over the field.
>> His arm talent is crazy.
>> Everybody's ready to go.
>> The next generation of quarterbacks.
NATE BURLESON: Back in studio 43, I'm here with my guys, two-time Super Bowl champ, Phil Simms. I can feel it in the air. And Hall of Fame coach, the man with the golden voice and the golden jacket, Bill Cowher. And former NFL MVP Boomer Esiason.
BOOMER ESIASON: You are making this look way too easy.
NATE BURLESON: Boom, that's what I like to hear. Joining us live from Kansas City is Tony Romo. Tony, looks like a classic quarterback matchup in the AFC West for years to come. We know what to expect from Patrick Mahomes, but have we seen enough from Justin Herbert?
TONY ROMO: Well, I think you're going to see plenty over the course of his career. I think today is really a big stepping stone for Herbert. If I can take on Mahomes and win in Kansas City, wow, this kid would show the whole world that he's for real and he's come on.
These are the kinds of games, remember Kansas City in New England in 2018, when Patrick Mahomes went, and they thought, wow, this kid is unbelievable. I think Herbert can do it today. He's got to do it against a tough pass defense, but this is a special moment for both these guys. I think you're going to see them play for a long time.
NATE BURLESON: Let's open this up. Do you feel the AFC West is wide open this year, or is it basically the Chiefs and they're the team to beat?
TONY ROMO: It's always the Chiefs until today. If they lose today, all of a sudden, this thing gets blown up completely. The division is deeper than it's been. You see a lot of good coaches in this division and you see a lot of good talent in this division. I think today goes a long way to showing you how this whole thing is going to play out.
The Chiefs are going to have to get on one of those runs. We know they're going to be in it until the end, but it makes it a lot more difficult if they lose this game today.
NATE BURLESON: Thank you, Tony, we appreciate you. You look forward to hearing from you, and Jim and Tracy on the call today, the best crew in the business. We're looking forward to the Chargers and Chiefs. Justin Herbert versus Patrick Mahomes. This is as good as it gets. Should this be an old school shootout, Phil?
PHIL SIMMS: It could be Nate. We know Patrick Mahomes, it's there. We know how great he is. I've seen enough of Justin Herbert too to know that he's got it all. He's got the size. He's athletic. He can get outside the pocket. He can run. He can throw it down the field on the run. And the thing I love about him so much, he can stand in there when the pocket collapses and it's around him. Quarterbacks, when they get nervous, they call that cabin Fever. He does not get cabin Fever, that is for sure.
Can they win a big game like today? That's the big question. The right tackle storm Norton for the Chargers, that worries me because he's going against Kansas City's best defensive player in Chris Jones.
BILL COWHER: Notice how Tony talked about the Kansas City passing defense as being good because one thing right now, their run defense is not. When you look at these numbers the first two weeks, last in the National Football League in yards gained, giving up seven rushing touchdowns. This is a little bit of a concern, and I say it's a concern from the standpoint, yes, the numbers are alarming, but they've gone against two of the best running teams in the National Football League the first two games. The Baltimore Ravens.
Chris Jones playing outside. I can see him possibly moving inside from the standpoint of strengthening up that run defense, but that is a concern. I'm not alarmed at this point, but it's something to keep an eye on.
BOOMER ESIASON: I know it's always about the quarterbacks, at least up here it's always about the quarterbacks, but I will say for the Chargers to win this game -- and everybody knows this, when you go into Kansas City, you've got to run the ball. When you see those numbers that defense has been giving up, regardless of who they played the first two weeks, you've got to give it to Austin Ekeler.
The reason you do that, there's a reason Melvin Gordon was allowed to leave and go to Denver, it's this young man. He's a ball of energy. He can control the ball. He doesn't turn the ball over. The best way to play defense against the great Patrick Mahomes is to keep him on the sideline. We all know that.
PHIL SIMMS: Boomer, we all know it's always about you. Let's clear that up.
BOOMER ESIASON: That's taunting right there. Second taunting.
NATE BURLESON: That's a tease. We're going to get to taunting a little later on the show. Right here on NFL today, we want to focus on a matchup. I have Travis Kelce versus Derwin James. Travis Kelce is looking to get his first 100-yard game this season. What I do want to bring up, the first three games that Derwin James was healthy against the Chiefs, he helps Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, that combination, to less than 100 yards in three games, zero touchdowns. Derwin games, he's a guy you want to keep your eye on against Travis Kelce.
To the latest on the injury front around the league, let's welcome in insider Jason La Canfora. What's going on? What's with the injured quarterbacks?
JASON LA CANFORA: Ben Roethlisberger is playing today, but his pectoral discomfort is a concern. He's been hit 15 times through two games. Folks I spoke to believe the future Hall of Famer is at the end. Even Ben's staunchest supporters in the Steelers organization worry about his ability to get through the season.
Carson Wentz is active for the Colts but far from 100 percent. A high ankle sprain and a low ankle sprain, sources said, and was a long shot to play this week. Getting through this game without further aggravation could be tricky.
Tua Tagovailoa missed at least three games with his fractured ribs further clouding his future. Miami Dolphins owner Steven Ross wants to trade for Deshaun Watson, most likely not until 2022.
In the meantime, Justin Fields becomes the latest rookie QB to start the season, replacing Andy Dalton for the Bears, at least temporarily. And great concern in the Ravens organization that all pro tackle Ronnie Stanley could miss the season with an injury. He underwent ankle surgery last November and has not been able to get on the field since week one.
BOOMER ESIASON: Too bad for the Ravens. How about Joey Bosa? 25 quarterback hits the last two seasons. And Tyreek Hill, the interesting thing about him against the Chargers, only one TD in his last four games against the L.A. Chargers.
>> Coming up on "The NFL Today," Lamar Jackson is flying high after knocking off the Chiefs for the first time ever. And now he and the Ravens will look to soar to any greater heights as the season rolls on. The NFL's new taunting penalty has been a hot topic this season. Gene Steratore will stop by and help break down the controversial rule. Teddy Bridgewater has been on a journey, playing on five teams in five seasons. Phil sat down with the Broncos quarterback to find out why this time it feels different. All that and more when "The NFL Today" returns.
[ Commercial break ].
>> Once upon a Sunday night, this MVP caused quite the sight.
>> Under pressure, fires it. Intercepted. Pick six.
>> While he thrilled nothing short of dazzling.
>> Looks right and somersaults into the end zone, jump right down the middle. Touchdown, Ravens.
>> Suddenly it kept happening.
>> It is fourth down and one.
>> A crucial decision was the choice. A fourth down conversion, and nothing more.
>> He's got a first down.
>> That's how you win a football game.
>> A standing ovation from the home flock nation stunned in awe by the man named Lamar.
NATE BURLESON: The man named Lamar has been absolutely Lamar-velous. How about this? Most 100-yard rushing games by a quarterback, Michael Vick, ten, and he did it in 143 games. Lamar Jackson, nine, and he did it in 48. Remember when we thought being a rushing quarterback wasn't a good thing. This is his super power.
Let's get to this game. Baltimore Ravens and Detroit Lions. Lamar Jackson has four games with 400 yards passing and 100 yards rushing. That's the most in NFL history. That's amazing when you think about the most athletic quarterbacks in the league. He's going to be able to use that athleticism to get the ball down the field to Marquise Hollywood Brown, who's been balling out this season.
Jared Goff, the most pass attempts through first two games any other quarterback in Lions history, that's including Matt Stafford, by former quarterback, 93 pass attempts. They're leaning on his arm, and he's going to be hitting T.J. Hockenson. I do have the Baltimore Ravens in a close one today.
BOOMER ESIASON: By the way, you're getting a lot of air time today. Big Ben has been going down like a water Buffalo the last couple weeks. You saw him get beaten up by the Las Vegas Raiders last week. You talk about a team that is now hurt on the offensive line with all the young players playing on the defense. They're missing four starters. This is a day that the Bengals are going to have to make a move in the AFC north. If there were ever a day they could beat the Steelers, today is the day. It's Steeler week for the Bengals, and today's got to be that day.
BILL COWHER: I feel like you just talked to the team last night. Here's Joe Burrow. I love what Zac Taylor did this off-season. He put him more under center, more of a balanced attack. He's been sacked ten times the first two weeks. No T.J. Watt today, but he's leaning on Joe Mixon, who's second in the National Football League in rushing, and a defense sixth in yards. A total makeover of the defensive side of the ball. This is the best Cincinnati defense, Boom, I have seen in recent years.
BOOMER ESIASON: You like their uniforms?
BILL COWHER: I like their uniforms. I like your suit too.
BOOMER ESIASON: Thanks.
BILL COWHER: Talk about questions. What about Carson Wentz? Is he going to play in Tennessee?
PHIL SIMMS: I'll let you know. I'd throw it back to Boomer, but I know he couldn't catch it. Carson Wentz is going to be dressed today. We don't know if he's going to play. If he does play, Carson, every play is not the last play of the game. Take care of yourself. If it's not him, it's going to be Brett Hundley, comes in and runs around. Mike Pittman is the leading receiver, 11 catches from 152. Taking advantage of the run game from the Indianapolis Colts.
Ryan Tannehill, last week he was firing that football down the field. Julio Jones and A.J. Brown, they ran about 500 yards apiece. It was great.
Mike Vrabel, he knows what to do, Bill Cowher, run the ball. Give it to Derrick Henry. Derrick Henry runs people over, right? Wrong. Last week he ran around people, made them miss, and outran people to the end zone. Great day by him, and I did miss that ball from Boomer. Let's throw it over to Nate. Take it away.
NATE BURLESON: I appreciate it, Phil. Coming up later today, Teddy Bridgewater and the Broncos look to maintain perfection against the New York Jets. The Miami Dolphins, they come to Vegas to search for their second win of the season against Derek Carr and the undefeated Raiders. That's all coming up at 4:00 p.m. eastern right here on CBS.
We are here once again with the man who offers up a unique take on the red hot Raiders. Jim Rome, who, of course, is the host of the Jim Rome show, which you can see every single Monday through Friday on CBS Sports Network, noon eastern. How about that silver and black?
JIM ROME: My man, Nate. So good to see you. So Las Vegas fires out 2-0 once again and that Raider bandwagon is filling up fast, but hold up. Didn't they start 6-3 last year? Only to go into the tank and miss the playoffs. So what's different now?
Actually, quite a bit. This year's 2-0 looks a lot different after wins over the Ravens and Steelers. The offense is loaded. Derek Carr is playing at an elite level, and defensively they are nasty under new coordinator Gus Bradley.
So what is the concern? Well, they're busted up on that O-line, and well, they are the Raiders. The same crew that took a literal victory lap at Arrowhead in week 5 and then went and missed the playoffs.
So beat Miami today, stay away from some of those, quote, disgusting close losses that Jon Gruden has referenced, get healthy up front, and then yes, this is a playoff team. But only if they stay away from those repugnant close losses. Gruden's right, Nate. Those losses were sickening.
NATE BURLESON: Did I hear disgusting? Well, Patrick Mahomes is disgustingly good, and the focus is on the homes because he is 4-0 at home in September with 12 touchdowns and zero interceptions.
[ Commercial break ].
NATE BURLESON: Julio Jones, 59 career 100-yard receiving games. Only Jerry Rice and Randy Moss has more. Had his first 100-yard game last week, and he's looking to keep that going.
If you want to see football covered like never before, you've got to check out NFL slimetime on Nickelodeon. Join me to tackle the week's best slime lights and upcoming matchups.
How about Joe Burrow? Rocking the sponge bob kicks. I see you, Joe Burrow. Are you ready? Well, I know Teddy Bridgewater is.
>> Bridgewater looks to throw, and he's got a Denver touchdown to Tim Patrick.
>> Bridgewater in trouble. Stiff-arms away. Into the end zone, Denver touchdown. You've got to be kidding me.
>> Bridgewater with a masterful pass.
>> Pressure, hit as he throws.
>> Touchdown, Denver.
>> Quick throw.
>> To the end zone, touchdown, Broncos.
>> Teddy, yes.
PHIL SIMMS: Teddy Bridgewater has seen it all in his eight NFL seasons. He's been a starter, a backup. He's been traded. He's even set out an entire season after having a devastating knee injury, but the veteran QB has always bounced back, and he credits his survival instincts in helping him get through all the up ands downs of his career.
>> I'm a survivor, you know what I mean? You can throw me in the jungle, and I'm going to come out with a fur coat and a headband that I made out of some leaves.
PHIL SIMMS: You talked about you're a survivor. Where does that come from?
>> It's just a mindset, understanding that in life things happen. Instead of crying or moping about your situation or things like that, it's just find a way to survive. Find a way to make it through that day and see what tomorrow brings.
PHIL SIMMS: When did you get this mindset? When did you start thinking like this?
>> It really happened right after I got injured, and I realized I wouldn't be returning to Minnesota. It was like, man, all right. I've just got to show that I can survive. Whatever it takes, just make it through.
>> Bridgewater with a masterful pass.
>> He's got a Denver touchdown.
>> What a start for the Teddy Bridgewater era.
PHIL SIMMS: There you are at the end of week 1 against the New York Giants, Von Miller comes up next to you.
>> I haven't felt that in a while since '18 was here, man.
PHIL SIMMS: How did that make you feel when he said that to you?
>> I was honored just to hear those words, but at the same time, it was just like, man, that's what comes with being yourself, I learned. Whenever you feel like no one is paying attention, there's always someone paying attention, and the small conversations, the small words of encouragement, they truly matter. Just hearing those words, it meant a lot, especially in that moment.
>> I got a game ball here. Teddy Bridgewater.
(Applause).
>> Speech, speech, speech.
PHIL SIMMS: Such a quick rise. I know it's just two weeks, and now you're looked upon as the leader of the team.
>> It really makes me proud honestly. I just always want to be remembered for the guy who brought the best out in the people around me, and I get the opportunity to do that every day here in Denver. I just look forward to coming to work every day.
If we just keep that mindset we control our own destiny, we work extremely hard, man, it's going to all pay off. I appreciate you all.
PHIL SIMMS: We have one thing in common. We know this one guy, Coach bill Parcells. How did that relationship start?
>> I first met Coach Parcells when I was entering the league. He was one of the guys that I was able to just sit down with. He was just looking at me, sizing me up and things like that. Trying to make sure that I'll be able to play in the NFL and things like that. Ever since then, our relationship just took off.
PHIL SIMMS: I know the relationship you had with him is a lot different than what I had because he did a lot of yelling at me.
>> Shut up, Simms.
PHIL SIMMS: I didn't know if my first name began with a P or an F. Let's put it that way. I know he texted you this past week. What did he text you?
>> He just texted me a simple message. Don't take the cheese. It's rat poison. That message really struck because here we are, we've had some success early in the season, and it's easy to just believe everything that everyone's telling you, read about all the clippings, take the cheese. To have that reminder constantly of I appreciate those messages, it's something I try to trickle down to the team.
JIM ROME: Don't take the cheese. That is one of my all time favorites. That was a great conversation, Phil. What's your biggest take-away from your time with Teddy Bridgewater?
PHIL SIMMS: Just talking to Coach Parcells, I came away with this, that he really loves football, Coach is into that and quizzed him on it. Two, starting with Denver, this was probably his last chance to be a starting quarterback, so he's trying to take advantage of it.
JIM ROME: Let me keep it in the AFC West. Very rugged division, we know this. Who do you think is the team or teams that are the biggest threat to the Chiefs?
BILL COWHER: It's still week 3, but I'm going to piggy-back off of Phil. When you sit down and look at the Denver Broncos and you're studying them, a team that loves to run the football. Melvin Gordon. Javonte Williams, this kid is really special. When you run the football, it opens up the rest of the defense. Von Miller is back. Three sacks his first two weeks.
You talk about the formula, if it's it to beat the Kansas City Chiefs, the Denver Broncos has it. With Teddy Bridgewater, he protects the football, don't turn it over. I kind of like that way of playing the game that way.
PHIL SIMMS: No, you?
NATE BURLESON: You touched on earlier, Jim, the silver and black, the Raiders. You would assume because Darren Waller is so talented, Derek Carr targets him, with him getting going, they wouldn't be successful. Last week Derek Carr targeted nine different guys. They say variety is the spice of life. It's also a recipe for success in the league.
BOOMER ESIASON: I feel bad for Teddy Bridgewater. Last year it was Tom Brady in the NFC south. This week look at the quarterbacks he has to play against every week in his division. The Chargers because of Justin Herbert, the Chargers because of Austin Ekeler, and the Chargers because of Joey Bosa and Derwin James. They have four all pros out there that you can throw against anybody and win any week.
The question is they have the rookie head coach in Brandon Staley. I think he's a terrific head coach. I think he'll be fine. I think it's the Chargers that pose the biggest threat.
PHIL SIMMS: Me, I'm going with the Raiders. Only two weeks, but I believe in what I'm seeing. Nate, like you said, Derek Carr. He throws it to the open guy.
NATE BURLESON: There it is.
PHIL SIMMS: That's what he's been doing. Derek Carr has overtaken the team. He's bigger than Jon Gruden. Jon Gruden has had to give up. He's the man. You can't talk about other quarterbacks. I love the way he runs the offense because he's doing everything that Gruden wants. Check, check, kill this, do this. It's really working for him.
Not only that, Max Crosby going against an offensive lineman today where he has a chance, Darius Philon. I said it two weeks ago. I'm going to say it again. They've got guys up front, and that defense is very consistent the last two weeks.
JIM ROME: They very consistent, and Carr has never looked better. Now it's time to talk panic mode. Unless you're a fan, it might be too early to hit the panic button. As you can see here, since 1990 your playoff chances are pretty bleak if you open up 0-3, which means the seven teams that sit at 0-2 could shift to panic mode with a week 3 loss. Makes this a must win for the Colts in Tennessee, does it not, Boomer?
BOOMER ESIASON: Yeah, it does.
NATE BURLESON: Why do you sound so stressed?
BOOMER ESIASON: My college roommate Frank Reich used to say, relax, Boom. I got it. I don't worry about it. He would always figure out a way. But I look at their schedule, look at their quarterback situation, they're at the Titans and three out of the next four on the road against Dolphins, Ravens, San Francisco in that mix. This is panic mode for me. It may not be for Frank, but it is for me.
NATE BURLESON: I would try to focus on the silver lining. We hear that Carson Wentz is going today, but he does have a wide receiver that's been balling out for him. Zach Pascal has three touchdowns, only Gronk has more, and that's because he's Tom Brady's best friend. If you want to focus on something, Carson Wentz, try not to do too much and focus on a guy that's balling out for you and look to Zach.
BILL COWHER: If you see a team that can turn around, the Minnesota Vikings. Yes, they can turn it around. You look at a team that's lost by four points on the road in both those games. You look at the way Kirk Cousins is playing right now and that group of receivers he has, I would not be in any kind of panic mode at all in Minnesota. They play Seattle today. That's a tough game because Seattle is coming off a tough loss, but I believe in Kirk Cousins, and I believe in this football team.
PHIL SIMMS: I believe that about Kirk Cousins. He's ripping it up, throwing it as good as anybody in the NFL. Bill, I'm sorry. That defense, Ja'Marr Chase, late in the game, they give up the long touchdown to lose in overtime. Now not stopping the run. Joe Mixon ripping through tackles. And let's not cover him down the field. Kyler Murray won't find him.
That really is what's surprising. Mike Zimmer, a defensive coach. They're making mistakes on defense that you can't make in this league.
JIM ROME: Now we take you first on the field for the latest news and updates on your matchup presented by FedEx, where now meets next.
>> Thank you, Jim. It is an absolutely perfect day here. Look at the Blue skies raining over Arrowhead Stadium here in Kansas City. GEHA stadium, getting ready for an AFC West tilt between the Chargers and Chiefs. Both are looking to bounce back, Tony, after really tough losses. Let's start with Andy Reid and the Chiefs after the loss against Baltimore, a game they should have won.
TONY ROMO: That was a very difficult one because they really were driving down to win the game. It's just about the ball. No one preaches taking care of the ball more than Andy Reid. A tough one, but this is the type of team who can overcome that. We know that, right? They're going to be there till the end.
JIM NANTZ: Of course. You can overcome anything with number 15 on the field.
TONY ROMO: He's truly one of the most special players we've ever seen in this game. I weirdly feel like today is a big game. We're going to talk about him and Herbert a lot, but Patrick Mahomes, when he came in the league, he had a special guy around him, didn't he? How good was Tyreek Hill the first time you saw him? Wow, that is different. We've never seen someone like this. Last week he got bottled up.
JIM NANTZ: Only three catches for 14 yards. Meanwhile, you've got Tyrann Mathieu, missed week 1 because of COVID protocols, comes back last week and has a pick six.
TONY ROMO: It was huge. We've seen him a number of times make and create plays that other players can't. They need him to step up today. We'll see what he does. They're going to put him in the box a lot.
JIM NANTZ: Meanwhile Coach Staley trying to get his team to recover from a wrenching loss to the Cowboys on a field goal on the last play.
TONY ROMO: What a heart breaker. You're at home, and then you lose there too. They've got a young quarterback that's unbelievable, and I think today he's got a chance to show the world how good he actually is.
JIM NANTZ: Joey Bosa missed a lot of practice, set down because of foot and ankle issues, but he's up.
TONY ROMO: He's up, and he's huge. That defensive game plan is on him. He's got to stop Patrick Mahomes to have a chance today.
JIM NANTZ: You'll be up with the kickoff on CBS shortly.
[ Commercial break ].
NATE BURLESON: Time now for pregame HQ delivered by domino's. There's Lamar Jackson. Check this out. Since 2018, the Ravens have 44 fourth down conversions, the most in the NFL. Lamar Jackson has 24 of them. This man can do it all, especially when it's clutch.
BOOMER ESIASON: Thanks, Nate, so much. Lamar was awesome in the second half against Kansas City. It was ridiculous. Using play action passing this season, take a look at some of these numbers. This is near and dear to my heart, Phil, because I used to do a lot of this. I was a little bit different than the way he does it. Show me why he's so good at what he's been doing.
PHIL SIMMS: There's a lot of things. One, speed, physicality. Look at the way he seals the end. We've got Mark Andrews, so nobody can chase from behind. Stop it. Look at the running lane and look at the receivers blocking downfield. If you don't block, you don't play for the Ravens. Very physical.
Now, right guard, right tackle. Who's going to get the football? This is confusing. Then the guard gets the block to the outside. They pull. There goes Devonta Freeman. He's got a new life running with that Baltimore Ravens offensive line. I'm tired of hearing Lamar Jackson has to improve as a passer. He's really good. He throws lasers.
They're easy to catch. Great spin on the ball, moving up in the pocket, right on target.
This is the last thing. It's a myth. Everybody worries about Lamar Jackson, if he keeps running, he's going to get hurt. No, when he runs, he determines when he's going to get hit. When you're in the pocket, as you and I know, you get hit from everywhere. That's where you get hurt.
BOOMER ESIASON: That's a really good point you made because Devonta Adams, the wide receiver from Green Bay, watched film of Lamar Jackson so he could run better with the football. Let's go over to Coach and Nate.
NATE BURLESON: We welcome in Gene Steratore, you're NFL rules analyst. Gene and coach are about to tackle the biggest rule of the NFL season, that's cracking down on the taunting rule. They're certainly cracking down on this with 11 penalties through the first two weeks. There was 11 total all of last season. There's an emphasis, but the biggest question is are they getting it right?
GENE STERATORE: You know, I believe they are, Nate. We're all familiar with the word no fun league, and over the years, we've seen the NFL loosen up on celebration after scores and even after plays, but there's a difference between celebrating with your team and taunting your opponent.
In the off-season, the coaches brought that concern to the competition committee, and I have to say, after two weeks seeing this amount of penalties called, the officials are doing exactly what they've been asked to do. They want the behavior out of the game, Coach.
BILL COWHER: I get it, gene. It's driven by the coaches, and I understand that. I coached for 15 years, and I'm all for not getting disrespect out of the game, but you know what, I wanted my team to play with a swagger, with a confidence. I wanted to see the raw emotion, the competitive spirit. That's what the game was all about, and it was up to you and I to curtail that.
So I sit there and say, now I'm seeing this the first two weeks, I'm coming in Wednesday morning, listen, guys, don't lose the emotion. Don't lose the spirit. If you have that, get up and turn your back to the opponent and then do what you have to do. I believe this was driven because last year a lot of coaches were in empty stadiums and they sat there and could hear all the banter that took on on the field.
I've got to tell you something, there's a guy on this stage that can give you banter. I'm sure you were a receiver out there for three hours, one-on-one situations.
NATE BURLESON: Oh, yeah.
BILL COWHER: You got some banter that probably got a little personal at times.
NATE BURLESON: Coach, it was up against your Steelers when you were coaching. That whole team was barking, and I know you loved it. The only one that wasn't talking was Troy Polamalu, he was pretty much a mute all game long. Here's the thing. I don't see how you can go all game long without talking a little trash. I grew up loving the '80s and '90s. It's hard to approach this from a place of passion, not get up and talk a little trash, want to flex a little bit, and do a little bit of that back and forth all game long.
I get it, we're an example for the younger kids who play the game, but you can't take it out of the game completely.
GENE STERATORE: I don't think they will, Nate. Players are creative. They'll find a way to get a message across to their opponent. I will make a prediction. I think taunting penalties will go down significantly based on what Coach said. Players will listen. Coaches know the significance of this, and I think we'll see a downturn. At the end, that's good for the game.
NATE BURLESON: There it is, speaking of that, there's Dan Campbell. He's looking at his notes, okay, no yo momma jokes, no flexing, no hand signals. Okay. My guys won't talk trash today.
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BOOMER ESIASON: Earlier this week on Colts Community Tuesday, more than 150 volunteers from the Indianapolis Colts and other local partners teamed up to build a brand new playground and outdoor classroom at the school of success in Indy. What a success it was.
There is Ty'son Williams, second year player, undrafted, by the way. Second most carries on the team. Lamar Jackson has more.
NATE BURLESON: And there's Joe Mixon. I talked to him at the end of the season, and he said I'm the best running back in football, and I can prove it.
BILL COWHER: Derrick Henry last week in the second half for Tennessee, 147 yards, three touchdowns alone in one half. He is the man.
PHIL SIMMS: Chargers hope to run the football against the Chiefs. Austin Ekeler, 149 yards so far this year, 69 yards receiving. Now throw it to the legend Jim Rome.
JIM ROME: The reason everyone has been talking about the Bucs and Rams as a potential championship preview is because it is. It would be so easy to sit here and choose the defending world champs because they are the defending world champs. Instead, I will choose hard, Matthew Stafford. Stafford's got a bad rap, and it's because he's played for a bad team, lots of them, in fact. So it was either stay and get your brains beaten in, retire in your prime like Barry Sanders and Megatron or go to so Cal and play in games that actually matter. And he finally has players, coaches, and an organization that actually matter. Rams 34-Bucs 30.
Suddenly, all eyes on the Dallas Cowboys, and this time it's for all the right reasons. They gave the defending champs all they could handle and then beat the Chargers in their house. They play in primetime tomorrow against the Eagles. Best of all, it's been the stunning return of Dak Prescott. Do you even remember that injury? It wasn't just season ending. It was career threatening. No, he was not as dynamic Sunday as he was in the opener, but he didn't need to be, and against the Bucs, he looked better than ever. He has already wrapped up the comeback Player of the Year Award in answer to every question there was coming into the season. Except for one, what took Jerry Jones so long to get that deal done?
Dak proved he is worth every last penny.
Now, this guy will finally get the respect that he deserves both inside and outside the facility because of it. And there aren't too many things we can all agree upon, but here are a couple.
The NFC West is the fiercest division in the league, and the Arizona Cardinals are the most entertaining team in the league, and Kyler Murray might be the league's most electric baller. He's coming off a game where he threw for 400 yards, ran for 31, accounted for four TDs, and he still wasn't happy. He was already one of the most unique players I have ever seen, and now he's looking and acting like the face of the franchise. I am loading up on Kyler Murray stock because, if he can stay healthy, it says right here that he will be in the MVP race, and Arizona won't just make the playoffs. They will do damage once they get there. And if I am wrong, my man Phil Simms will shave his head.
But don't worry, Phil, I won't be.
BOOMER ESIASON: I would love to see that.
BILL COWHER: You promise? You're going to do that?
PHIL SIMMS: No, I'm not going to shave my head.
BILL COWHER: But you said you'd do that?
PHIL SIMMS: I said I was going to do that? You guys don't listen. You need to clear your ears out.
NATE BURLESON: I would love to see that vanilla milk dud shining on TV. We know how you feel about the quarterbacks here at the table, but I want your take on the top five quarterbacks in the NFL right now through the first two weeks of the season.
BOOMER ESIASON: Thank you very much.
NATE BURLESON: Roll, roll, please.
BOOMER ESIASON: Here we go, guys. Number 5, the aforementioned Dak Prescott. You just heard Jim Rome speaking about how great he's playing. 76 percent of his passes completed. That's amazing.
Number 4, you guys talked about Derek Carr. He's now the leader of the team. No longer has to listen to Jon Gruden, and he's playing like it.
Number 3, Kyler Murray, the most exciting player in the league. I can make an argument for that. Certainly, he has grown into being the leader that he is.
44 years of age, nine touchdown passes, the most through the first two weeks of a season, this guy is incredible, Tom Brady.
Of course, my guy, Patrick Mahomes. He's already on -- he's on pace now for another MVP. He's already thrown for over 340 yards per game, three touchdowns per game, and he's going to have to put up lots of numbers because that defense is atrocious out there in Kansas City. There is the aforementioned Patrick Mahomes.
NATE BURLESON: Wow, that's right. I like that list. I feel like Tom Brady could be number 1, though.
PHIL SIMMS: Of course, Tom Brady's 1 if you watch the first two games.
BILL COWHER: Listen, I love Patrick Mahomes. I love him, he's great. You did not put Lamar Jackson in there? What he did on Monday night, what he's done in these first two games, you did not put him as a top five guy after two weeks? You would not like Lamar Jackson?
BOOMER ESIASON: I didn't say I didn't like him. I just said I have five guys I rated above him after first two weeks. His team is 1-1.
BILL COWHER: Kansas City is 1-1. They went head to head on that one game.
NATE BURLESON: Why are you yelling at him, Phil?
PHIL SIMMS: I'm just trying to be honest. He tells me every time he comes in here, I'm the best looking man there is. Let me tell you, that was an ugly list. That's all I can say. You didn't have Tom Brady as number 1. Derek Carr can't play any better than any -- he should have been there too.
NATE BURLESON: When you pick Patrick Mahomes, nobody's going to argue with you. He's having a great season. Speaking of Patrick Mahomes, his receiver Tyreek Hill had a message to CBS.
>> I thought I said stop making movies. Today's going to be a fast nine. Made the fast nine. Today is going to be fast ten. Going to go crazy here.
NATE BURLESON: Fast and the furious, fast ten. That's exactly what he is.
BOOMER ESIASON: He needs to step up today. He's only had one touchdown the last four games against the Chargers. The Chargers do something well to keep him out of the game. With Derwin James, as you pointed out earlier on the show today, healthy on that defense, that puts a little pressure on Travis Kelce to come up with a big game as well.
BILL COWHER: And you talk about hybrid safeties like Derwin James, Tyrann Mathieu is the same. These two safeties are hybrid guys. I think Tyrann Mathieu has to step on the defensive side of the ball. Justin Herbert likes to throw the ball. I think Tyrann Mathieu has to be a factor in this game.
NATE BURLESON: Let's get to upset specials.
PHIL SIMMS: I'm 1-0. Won last week. Minnesota over Seattle.
BILL COWHER: I'm going to take the Green Bay Packers over the San Francisco 49ers.
BOOMER ESIASON: I'm taking the Bengals over the Steelers.
BILL COWHER: Surprise, surprise.
NATE BURLESON: I'm going with the New Orleans Saints over the New England Patriots. I'm not giving up on New Orleans, not yet. You feel me on that, Phil?
PHIL SIMMS: I hear you. You like to step out there. Most of the time you're wrong, but that's okay.
NATE BURLESON: Listen, I feel like we're going to have some good games today. Obviously, our eyes are on Patrick Mahomes, that's for sure. For those who are getting the 4:00 game today, we'll be back with more after a quick time-out. For those for the 1:00 p.m. games with the kickoff just a few minutes away, we'll get you out to your game next!
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NATE BURLESON: Welcome back to "The NFL Today," and now Amazon takes you out to the sights and sounds of the game with the Chargers and Chiefs. Let's get you out to Kansas City with our announcers Jim Nantz, Tony Romo, and Tracy Wolfson.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports