JAMES BROWN: Week 4 in the NFL.
BOOMER ESIASON: There he is, the man, Josh Allen. Five career games with 300 pass yards and four pass TDs. Most in Bills history. Five TDs, zero interceptions, under pressure this season. They host the Texans.
NATE BURLESON: There's Kirk Cousins, five straight games without an interception. At home looking to take down Myles Garrett and the Browns.
BILL COWHER: There's Ryan Tannehill looking for his third straight win this year. He's going to have to do with without A.J. Brown and Julio Jones. They take on the New York Jets.
PHIL SIMMS: Here's Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs, averaging over 300 passing yards a game, nine touchdowns, three interceptions, but the Chiefs are 1-2.
>> Hello, folks. Welcome to "The NFL Today" presented by the all new 2022 grand wagoneer. I'm James Brown, standing in for Nate Burleson. I'm delighted to back in today as an electric and unpredictable NFL season continues to unfold.
Our week 4 slate features some of the week's best and brightest and big time stars means big time drama. So let's get started.
Two must see matchups in our late games today as Big Ben and the struggling Steelers look to rebound in Lambeau against Aaron Rodgers and the Packers.
Meanwhile, over in Denver, it's Lamar versus Teddy, as the undefeated Broncos play host to the Ravens.
But first up, Baker Mayfield has Cleveland rocking, and he'll look to keep things rolling when the Browns visit the twin cities to take on Kirk Cousins and the Minnesota Vikings.
Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs in some unfamiliar territory at the bottom of the AFC West, and after two straight losses, Kansas City heads to Philly hoping to avoid those dreaded Monday morning blues.
>> Interception thrown by Mahomes.
>> Tough break for the Chiefs.
>> The Chiefs get a gust wrenching loss.
>> If you don't play your best ball every single week, you're going to lose.
>> The pass behind. It will be intercepted.
>> Ball is out. He lost the football again.
>> This sounds like a broken record, but we've just got to step up and not turn the ball over.
>> They float a pass, Kelce. It's going to be intercepted on the near side by the Chargers.
>> That's unbelievable. That's four.
>> The Chiefs will fall to 1-2.
>> Shocking outcome. No one thought Kansas City would start this year 1-2.
>> No.
JAMES BROWN: I am indeed blessed to be back in the studio this week in studio 43. Boomer did not tear up the set. Let me introduce my colleagues. They will be two-time Super Bowl champion, is it Simms Phil or Phil Simms?
>> Phil Simms.
JAMES BROWN: NFL Hall of Fame coach Bill Cowher, Nate Burleson, and Boomer Esiason. You want me to mention your ten Emmys?
PHIL SIMMS: It's all good.
JAMES BROWN: Joining us live from the booth in Philly, Charles Davis. C.D., an unimaginable slow start to the season for the reigning AFC champs.
>> You're right about that, J.B. None of us expected Kansas City to be 1-2, but when you turn the ball over a lot, you put yourself in jeopardy. Patrick Mahomes is still playing excellent football, but they turned the ball over as a team four times last week, had some errors in that ball game. Of course in the loss to Baltimore that cost them. The other part of this story, though, is defense. They cannot slow people down. The early part of this season, tackling issues. They've had trouble in the red zone. Teams have been there 13 times. They've scored 12 touchdowns in that time frame.
What's led to that? It's been communication. Haven't met a defensive coordinator or secondary coach who doesn't stress overcommunication. Right now the Chiefs aren't getting that done. If you're going to play cover zero, all man coverage, you have to know who you have and not have two people covering one because that usually leaves someone running free. Big play there against Baltimore.
Watch this one against the Chargers. Again, two people covering one, and Keenan Allen, one of the better receivers in the league, he springs free. Those type of big plays, those types of miscommunications help contribute to the Chiefs' 1-2 start. If they can clean that up, take care of the turnovers, they feel they'll get back on track starting today.
JAMES BROWN: Charles, thank you so much. Looking forward to hearing you. Ian and Evan on the call. Nate was excellent last week. You have to agree with that.
PHIL SIMMS: He was so good, he said I'm not even going to wear a tie today. Dress the way I want.
JAMES BROWN: Sounds like you're jealous. Go ahead. Talk about the Kansas City Chiefs.
PHIL SIMMS: Kansas City Chiefs, everyone is concerned. There is a reason to be concerned a little bit. Patrick Mahomes has some problems. Weeks 1 and 2, look at the yardage. 340 yards, six touchdowns, one interception. Last week did struggle against the Los Angeles Chargers. When you talk about how you're going to play the Chiefs, you play a Shell. In other words, you don't want to give up big plays. So they're daring you to run the football, the Chiefs offense, and they're daring you to throw the football short. They do not do that.
In my opinion, Patrick Mahomes leaves the pocket a lot of times when the second receiver is there because he's out there looking for the big play. When you look at this team and look at that division, which is tougher, their margin of error has gone down dramatically. So they've got to be sharp.
NATE BURLESON: You're spot on. I do feel like Patrick Mahomes leaves the pocket prematurely. Speaking of that, I have to admit I prematurely said this was going to be one of the greatest offenses in NFL history over the last couple weeks. I got excited, but they're not that.
As far as explosive plays down the field, they are bottom half of the NFL. Phil, you talk about how you play this team. What you do is you bracket their playmakers, Travis Kelce right there. Of course we're familiar with how talented he is. Tyreek Hill. Here's a number you don't know about Tyreek Hill. Over the last seven games, targeted 63 times and only got in the end zone once.
This team we once looked at as one of the biggest deep threat offenses in NFL history, they are not that right now. The focus of rhythm for me is on the offensive side of the ball and really catching the rhythm when you can't run the ball.
BOOMER ESIASON: Couple things. They signed Josh Gordon.
NATE BURLESON: Josh Gordon, yeah.
BOOMER ESIASON: They need a big play guy down in the red zone. That's why they signed him. But how about the defense? I want to echo what Charles Davis was talking about. Look at some of these numbers. They are frightening. Look at that. 30th ranked.
That's average yards on a pass play. Overall, they're last, seven yards per play.
The thing that you want to do against the Chiefs in order to beat them is you want to run the football. There's Andy Reid, good news to see him there after he went to the hospital after last week's game.
The thing about the Chiefs, you've got to run the ball against them, but Coach, as we know, coming into this game Philadelphia has got a major problem on their offensive line, four offensive line starters are not going to be in today's game.
BILL COWHER: That's true, Boom. I'll tell you, when you go back to the Kansas City Chiefs, big plays as Charles pointed out, turnovers if you talk about Patrick Mahomes, self-induced errors. Yet these two games they've lost came down to fourth down conversions by the offense on the other side.
So I don't think there's panic, but a sense of urgency is there. As you made reference to the Philadelphia Eagles, four of the five offensive linemen are out. Jalen Hurts, what's he? Leading rusher on their team. They have to use his legs in this game. Myles Sanders, runner and catcher. Little Christian McCaffrey type when you talk about playmakers on that side of the ball. And Javon Hargrave on that side of the ball. This guy can disrupt the game. Javon Hargrave, four sacks already, and this is a guy in the middle of that pocket that they'd better be alert for.
They have some disruptive players on defense. This will not be an easy game for Andy Reid as he goes back to where he started.
PHIL SIMMS: Javon Hargrave, his nickname is Jay wobble. When he runs, it shakes.
JAMES BROWN: To expand what Phil was saying about Jalen Hurts, he could use a big day today. For more on Hurts and other news around the league, let's become in our NFL insider, Jason La Canfora.
JASON LA CANFORA: Jalen Hurts is off to a bumpy start, but they'll allow him time to develop as they assess their roster. They prefer to use their Hall of Fame additional draft picks to build around Hurts and not package them for another QB. Sources say they are not exploring a Deshaun Watson trade.
The Texans are softening their demands for Deshaun Watson. But sources doubt any team will trade for Watson while under investigation for sexual misconduct and sexual assault. The Dolphins remain his primary suitor. Some believe the Saints could emerge as a dark horse. The trade deadline just a month away.
Tom Brady's return to Foxboro has dominated the headlines this weekend, but this might not be his only game against the Patriots. Brady and the Bucs expect to negotiate another contract extension after the season. Sources say Brady is currently signed through 2022. Neither side wants a lame duck year. Hey, Boom, 44, the new 30. You know all about that?
BOOMER ESIASON: I do know all about that. I appreciate that. How about the Eagles playing a little hot potato right now because they know the ball is going to be in the air a lot today. These wide receivers need to make the plays.
>> Coming up on "The NFL Today," after stumbling out of the gate in week 1, Josh Allen and the Bills offense have quickly turned things around for the defending AFC east champs.
Tom Brady and Bill Belichick formed the most successful quarterback and coach partnership in NFL history, but this week they face off as rivals for the first time when TB12 returns to Foxboro to take on his former team.
While the Ravens and Steelers share one of the fiercest rivalries, two of their coaches, Cowher and Harbaugh, play nice this week and sit down for an eye opening chat.
>> As soon as it went off his foot, Coach, my first thought was that's got a chance.
>> That's all straight ahead when "The NFL Today" continues.
[ Commercial break ]
JAMES BROWN: If you want to see football covered like never before, folks, you've got to check out NFL Slimetime on Nickelodeon. Our buddy Nate Burleson will be tackling the week's best slime lights and upcoming matchups. Be sure to catch NFL Slimetime every Wednesday night 7:00 eastern on Nickelodeon.
Nate, there's no question about it, on Wednesday we'll feature a lot of Josh Allen, who was a magician last week with a five-touchdown performance in the "W" over Washington, placing his name squarely in the center of early MVP talks.
>> Allen delivers, touchdown Buffalo!
>> Wow, what a play by Josh Allen.
>> He fired a laser.
>> Touchdown, Buffalo.
>> Allen on the money.
>> He just makes a perfect throw.
>> Going to keep it.
>> He's got a running lane.
>> Josh Allen makes them pay with his legs this time.
>> We know he's still a dual threat.
>> The buzz is real, Josh Allen.
>> Could be the MVP when the smoke clears.
JAMES BROWN: No doubt some talented quarterbacks in our 1:00 window, and maybe no one more gifted than Josh Allen, the MVP chat is starting early as the Bills gain momentum heading into this matchup with Houston.
PHIL SIMMS: Thank you, J.B. Nice throw right there. The Texans at the Buffalo Bills. Look what the Bills did in week 1. 16 points. The last two games, 78 points.
Here's what it is when you look at the Bills. It's Josh Allen. It's an all out assault on your defense. He's going to run it or throw it, averaging 48 runs and passing together in the three games this year.
And these receivers, here's Stefon Diggs, does he love Josh Allen? Yeah, you get open, he gets the ball. If you don't get open, change directions because the quarterback is probably scrambling.
Then Davis Mills, good job against the Carolina Panthers in his first outing. Be ready for pressure because the Buffalo defense is exactly like the offense. They just come after you.
NATE BURLESON: You heard him say pressure. How about this? Let's go with the Browns and the Vikings. Speaking of pressure, Myles Garrett last week, 4 1/2 sacks, QB hits, but this is what I look. Eight QB pressures. An absolute destructicon. But Baker Mayfield is in the zone. One of the best play action teams in the game.
When Baker Mayfield puts the hand out, as soon as pick his head up, looking to throw deep past the cornerbacks and safeties.
Kirk Cousins, eight touchdowns this year, zero interception, and six of those passes going to Justin Jefferson, of course, Adam Thielen, who has four touchdowns on the season. They don't eat unless the cook is in the Kitchen. Dalvin Cook averaging 115 total scrimmage yards. This is going to be a good game, Coach.
BILL COWHER: I like that. You talk about handing the ball off, Tennessee Titans play action team. When you hand the ball off to Derrick Henry, you give it to him. He's the Titan of running backs. Look at this graphic right here. Last three seas ones, he's got five 100-yard games. Look what he's in there right there he's done this in their six seasons there. Ryan Tannehill is going to have to lean on Derrick Henry. No A.J. Brown, no Julio Jones. Look for Derrick Henry more into the passing game.
You wish he had this guy back, last year's teammate, Corey Davis, who now becomes the favorite receiver for Zach Wilson. He has been good. Zach Wilson, what's he have to do? Cut down on the turnovers. Cut done on the sacks. To his own admission, hold the ball too long. That Tennessee Titans team, one dimensional. Can they develop something defensively to stop them. How about Frank Reich?
BOOMER ESIASON: You talk about pressure, this is a pressure point situation for the Indianapolis Colts. Carson Wentz was ineffective last week. He's got those bad ankles, guys. The thing about him, he's losing Quentin Nelson, no Braden Smith, their right tackle. He has to move around for this active defense for the Miami Dolphins.
How about Jacoby Brissett, the former colt? Only Tom Brady and Ben Roethlisberger has more pass attempts than he does. They've got to get back to running the ball. I know that Jalen waddle is a superstar wide receiver in the making, but they've got to run the football, boys. Right, J.B.?
JAMES BROWN: Absolutely. Coming up later today, Boom, Lambeau field. That's the site of the clash between two of the league's most storied franchises as the Steelers take on the Packers. And the Broncos looking to stay undefeated against Lamar Jackson and the Ravens. That's coming up 4:25 p.m. eastern right here on CBS.
Joining us now with a passionate take, what take of his isn't passionate? That's the Packers, the host of the Jim Rome show, which can be heard daily on CBS Sports radio, simulcast on CBS Sports network. The man of many takes, J.R.
JIM ROME: J.B., I appreciate you so much. What do you say we check in on the Packers and Aaron Rodgers, who so many left for dead after week 1? You heard all the raps. I know he did. He hears everything, including that nonsense that he had quit on his team and that he no longer had that same fire in his gut, wrong. He had one bad game.
It's like this notion that he no longer cared was one bad take. He wants it as badly as he ever has. He's playing about as well as he ever has, and he proved it against a very good Niners team last week.
Listen, I don't know if this Packers team is as good as the last two, but I do know, J.B., that if they do not win it all, it will not be the quarterback's fault.
JAMES BROWN: This is going to be a nice matchup. Ben Roethlisberger and Aaron Rodgers indeed.
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[ Commercial break ].
JAMES BROWN: This season Crown Royal is supporting the small places that make game day big. For every scan of the QR code below, Crown will donate $1 to the communities that support us off the field. Learn more at kickoffwithcrown.com.
Time for pregame HQ delivered by Domino's. A lot of great play under center this season. Flying under the radar is that guy Kirk Cousins. Why, I have no idea. He's been fantastic. Eight touchdowns, no picks so far. Coach, Phil, you like that?
PHIL SIMMS: J.B., I like it a lot. How about that? Let's just go with this stat here, this graphic. Most games with 300 passing yards, three passing touchdowns, and no interceptions, the past six seasons, who leads? Kirk Cousins there. Look at this list of names below him. I'll tell you, he's playing well.
Coach, why don't you show us what's going so well for this Minnesota offense.
BILL COWHER: Four Hall of Famers with a classic case of perception versus reality. Right now Kirk Cousins is in a great offense. One of the best running backs in the National Football League is Dalvin Cook, sets up all the play action, throwing the ball accurately on the run.
Talk about being able to throw the deep. He's got KJ Osborne right here. Play action, great pass protection, hits him in stride.
Then what you have to talk about with Kirk Cousins is his toughness. Able to face a rusher in his face and yet be able to stand in the pocket and throw the ball accurately across the field on a dime to move the sticks. When you talk about Kirk Cousins, you're talking about, in my opinion, Phil, one of the most underappreciated quarterbacks in the National Football League.
PHIL SIMMS: Bill, I agree. If I say that to people, they act like you've eaten a lemon. You can't be telling me that. You're telling me he's tough, he's throwing the football well, they've got one of the best run blocking offensive lines in the NFL. Clint Kubiak doing a great job calling plays. It's working well.
BILL COWHER: And Clint Kubiak is a disciple of Gary Kubiak and also Mike Shanahan. It's a perfect offense for his skill set.
PHIL SIMMS: Well said. I hope people listen and learn what we told you. Let's throw it over to the great Jim Rome.
JIM ROME: Far be it from me to be a California native and roll into this town and talk about the state of New York football, but from where I'm sitting, it has never been worse. You've got the Giants, who somehow managed to lose to the Atlanta Falcons on Eli Manning day. How is that even possible? What if it had been Phil Simms day? They would have burned that joint right to the ground. They're 3-0, and looking at that schedule, I'm just going to go ahead and pencil them in for 0-10. They are that bad.
Just as bad as the Jets, who are so much worse than their 0-3 record indicates. They're not competitive or prepared or disciplined, and Robert Saleh and his staff better do something before they turn Zach Wilson do David Carr. New York used to be the center of the football world, but the torch has been passed to L.A. You don't have to like it, but you know I'm right.
If you're looking for the most surprising team so far, look no further than the Carolina Panthers because nobody saw this coming, and I mean nobody. Including the guys in their own locker room. Haason Reddick admitted as much when they were 2-0, and now they're 3-0. The defense is nasty. Sam Darnold looks like a new man, or at least one who got away from Adam Gase. Yes, they have played a soft schedule. Yes, they're without Christian McCaffrey again, but you are what your record says you are. If they can handle the Cowboys and get to 4-0, then we can talk about what this team really is, a legitimate playoff team, guys.
JAMES BROWN: Thank you so much, Jim. As he mentioned, Carolina still sporting a perfect record indeed. One of five unbeaten teams left standing, four of which were sitting at home last postseason. That said, among the league's undefeated squads, who is the biggest surprise to you?
BILL COWHER: I would say this, Arizona only because I said last year they started off 7-2 and finished -- 6-2 and finished 2-6 you talk about a team that the NFL catches up with them. Kyler Murray, seven touchdowns throwing, three touchdowns rushing. Look who has to throw to with DeAndre Hopkins, Christian Kirk, the addition of Rondale Moore, the rookie, and A.J. Green, James Conner. This offense is dynamic, and defensively with Chandler Jones and Buddha Baker, they're real.
NATE BURLESON: You were trying to say bada Boom. That's how I feel about Matt Stafford, bada Boom, bada Bing. I'm not surprised Matt Stafford is playing well. I'm surprised how seamless it's been. Sometimes it takes two things, a change of scenery and a change of system, for us to see how good somebody is.
Playing with Calvin Johnson showed us how talented he was. Playing without Calvin Johnson showed us how great he can be. This system is a perfect fit for Matt Stafford, and he's playing the best football of his career.
BOOMER ESIASON: I was going to go with the Broncos, but they beat two rookie quarterbacks plus the Giants who could turn New Year's eve into a funeral. I'm going with the Carolina Panthers. Sam Darnold is reborn for sure, and he did this last week without Christian McCaffrey.
The thing that was really impressive about them was their defeat of the New Orleans Saints. They absolutely took the Saints apart, much like the Saints took the Patriots apart last week. I like the Carolina Panthers, and I like them to beat the Cowboys tonight.
PHIL SIMMS: I'm surprised by all of you. None of you picked the Las Vegas Raiders.
The they thought their defense wouldn't be any good. It's pretty good. Their offense is what's exciting. They can score with anybody. Their talent on the offensive side is as good as any team in the NFL. They have every play in football out there. They use it all. They shift and go in motion. Every play, so Derek Carr knows exactly what you're doing on the defensive side, and they dial up the right plays.
Jon Gruden has found his man. Him and Derek Carr are together, and it's working very well.
JAMES BROWN: Jim Rome said you are what your record is. No love for Teddy Bridgewater and Denver?
BOOMER ESIASON: I gave you a little love. Two rookie quarterbacks and obviously beat the Giants.
JAMES BROWN: I thought I heard you last week say don't give them credit because of who they played.
BOOMER ESIASON: I just said that.
PHIL SIMMS: Did you give them love sitting up here talking about it?
JAMES BROWN: You did. Let's get on to it. Now we take you to first on the field for the latest news and updates on your matchup presented by FedEx, where now meets next.
PHIL SIMMS: Give him a week off, and he gets angry.
>> J.B., the two-time defending AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs trying to snap a two-game losing streak. They're in Philadelphia today as the Eagles look to rebound from back-to-back losses. Here in the broadcast booth, hi, everybody, Ian Eagle along with Charles Davis. A lot of issues right now for Philadelphia. They were overmatched against Dallas on Monday night. The run game, not existent. Miles Sanders had a title of two carries in that loss.
>> Obviously, that has to change. He needs to touch the ball a minimum of 15 times in the run game, and they'll throw it to him in the backfield.
>> Meanwhile the Chiefs lost lack week. Banged up secondary. They'll lean on emotional leader Tyrann Mathieu.
>> He has to help them communicate better to avoid the big plays they've been giving up.
>> Eagles have a great deal of speed at wide receiver. Big playability from the Heisman Trophy winner, Devonta Smith.
>> Expect him to scheme a little more to find openings for Devonta Smith.
>> What a day for the Kelce family. Travis, the brother bowl tight end, they're going head to head, Chiefs and Eagles. He's still putting up huge numbers every year for Kelce.
>> He always finds a way to get open.
>> The Eagles defense can create opportunities. We saw it last week against Dallas, fumble recovery for a touchdown for the perennial pro bowler Fletcher Cox.
>> Still occupying two blockers on every snap. Helping Javon Hargrave having a big year.
>> And defensive end Frank Clark inactive once again because of a hamstring issue. Mike Danna gets the start.
>> Played well against the Chargers, had a sack. They need his pressure off the edge.
>> Coming up, much more of "The NFL Today," including Tom Brady's return to Foxboro.
[ Commercial break ].
>> Drew Bledsoe taken out.
>> Brady in charge.
>> The Belichick-Brady dynasty.
JAMES BROWN: There's really no way to describe just how monumental Tom Brady's legacy is in New England. Check them out. The numbers speak for themselves. 20 seasons in a Patriots uniform led to six titles, 219 regular season wins, and 30 victories, Boomer in the postseason, all ranking first for a quarterback with a single franchise.
A reunion with so much history that it must be personal. Coming back to tell us all about it, the Hall of Famer, Jim Rome.
JIM ROME: Bucs V. Pats, let's not waste any time. Let's get right to it. First, who was more responsible for the dynasty, the quarterback or the mastermind? The answer is Tom Brady, of course. Always the quarterback because you're not winning anything that matters without one. You need proof? Brady goes to Tampa and immediately rips ring number seven. The Pats face plant. They miss the playoffs, and they're probably going to miss them again.
Sure, the Bucs don't look like a team that can repeat right now, but they do look like a team that will slap the Pats tonight even with Gronk sitting this one out. Brady's already won his ring without Belichick, and now he's going to ruin Belichick's personal Super Bowl in his own house and look to run it up and laugh all the way back to Tampa, J.B.
JAMES BROWN: Jim, thank you so much. I wish I could bring Phil in, but we'll come back and talk about that in just a bit.
Check this out. Sly Stone once said you can't leave because your heart is there, but you can't stay because you've been somewhere else. Very fond memories in Foxboro for Tom Brady, but how much of a --
>> Family affair --
JAMES BROWN: Can we expect tonight? Nate can sing better than me.
BILL COWHER: The bottom line, it has been like family. These two guys, Bill on the defensive side and Tom on the offensive side, have picked each other's brains about the game of football, and they've evolved from there. We'll see what Bill thinks is the Kryptonite to Tom Brady.
You watch tonight, it's the ultimate football chess match. Two deep safeties, pressure up the middle of the pocket to get Tom off the spot? I will say this, this game is more personal right now to Tom Brady than it is to Bill Belichick because, for Bill Belichick, he's 1-2. It's Game 4. The last time he was 1-3 if they lose this game was 2001. Oh, yeah, the year that Tom Brady became the starting quarterback.
PHIL SIMMS: There you go. It's an argument I've heard and heard for the last year and a half, and really I'm sick of it. I will disagree with the great Jim Rome, it's both, of course. Players need coaches to make them stars.
Let's see. Bill Belichick was ahead of the curve. We always say defense. He was ahead of the curve on offense. They went from a normal offense to getting Wes Welker. Let's throw it to the slot guy. Then we got Randy Moss. Let's throw with four wide receivers. Then he gets Gronk and Hernandez. Let's do it with the tight ends. Those were all ahead of the curve and unique to the NFL.
Tom Brady with his great talent and knowledge, took all that and led that team to nine Super Bowls. So it's crazy not to think that it's both of them.
BOOMER ESIASON: I can't wait for tonight's game. If you're a football fan, you love this. All the drama surrounding the Patriots and these two great personalities.
What I think about it, though, they've had so much drama up there, from the deflate gate to spy gate to Jimmy Garoppolo getting thrown out of New England for Tom Brady. Tom Brady wants to play with older players. He does not want to play with younger developing players. He doesn't trust them on the field. That's why he threw the ball so much to Julian Edelman two years ago.
To me, it's about picking the right place for to you go so you can be successful as a veteran quarterback, and he found the right place in Tampa because they had veteran players down there. I understand the split. It makes a lot of sense to me from the business side of things. Forget about the personal stuff.
NATE BURLESON: This game is about two things. Xs and Os, emotions and egos. I'll focus on the emotions and egos. This is personal. This isn't business. On both sides, and I love that.
Think of every revenge movie you've ever watched. We're talking Liam Neeson in taken, Denzel in equalizer, Uma Thurman in kill bill, which is fitting because the Pats fans feel he was taken. Tom Brady feels like the great equalizer, and he's going there to kill bill because he wants to prove he is the man. I love it. He might not say it, but this game is about Tom Brady and how he feels about proving to everybody in that stadium that's watched him for 20 years that I was a big part of the reason for the dynasty.
JAMES BROWN: Don't you love it when Phil gets exercised about something.
BOOMER ESIASON: It's only week 4, and he already said to us off air he's completely sick of everybody.
JAMES BROWN: Hey, folks, if there was any room for discussion in the GOAT conversation, it's been silenced forever. Yesterday in Boston the greatest of all time recognized from a parade of his fellow goats. This is definitely a first for me. I'm not really sure that I've seen anything like this.
[ Commercial break ]
JAMES BROWN: Earlier this week as part of Latinx heritage month and in partnership with the greater Kansas City Hispanic Development Fund, Byron Pringle and Jody Fortson of the Chiefs visited Guadalupe high school in Kansas City to discuss the importance of continuing education.
Right now we take it over to Coach Cowher.
BILL COWHER: Between season ending injuries, positive COVID tests, and record breaking field goals, Ravens have seen a lot through their first three games. This week I sat down with John Harbaugh to find out how Baltimore is able to survive and even thrive during the roller coaster start.
>> Vegas touchdown. This one's over.
>> Jackson, he's got a gap. He's got a first down. With one minute left to play.
>> That's how you win a football game.
>> It bounces off the cross bar, and it's good. Oh, my goodness.
BILL COWHER: John, the start of this season for you probably feels like you've been through three months already.
JOHN HARBAUGH: Right.
BILL COWHER: Assess this football team right now where you are.
JOHN HARBAUGH: We're 2-1 really. At the end of the day, that's where we are. There's been some things. There's been tough games. There's been crazy games. You do like to see that your team will fight and compete and right to the end try to finish and win a football game any way they can. I feel real good about that part of it.
>> Justin Tucker with the longest field goal in NFL history.
BILL COWHER: A part of history last week. Justin Tucker, 66-yard kick. Just take me through that whole moment.
JOHN HARBAUGH: You really don't necessarily expect to make it, but there is a chance with Tuck, and we had a good snap and a good hold, and it was turf, it was indoors. But as soon as it went off his foot, Coach, my first thought was that's got a chance. Then it hit the upright.
BILL COWHER: How about the reaction? The reverberation around the world.
>> Longest field goal in NFL history.
JOHN HARBAUGH: I just took the headsets off, turned around, and the security guy Craig Singletary punched me in the chest, I'm told. I don't remember. Didn't feel a thing. Then it was kind of a fun shock. So everybody was just going crazy.
>> Someone said to me, I've never seen anything like that before. No one's ever seen anything like that before because it's never been done before. All time NFL record for the longest field goal.
BILL COWHER: I want to go back to fourth and 19 throw from Lamar to Sammy Watkins. He gets overlooked because of the kick. I'm telling you, as good a throw as I've seen him make in his four years in Baltimore.
JOHN HARBAUGH: Absolutely. Just on the money, a dime. Sammy ran a good route, found the soft spot in the coverage. As a coach, you go back and find out how did we end up in fourth and 19?
>> That's enough for a first down.
BILL COWHER: Your fourth year with Lamar Jackson, where is Lamar Jackson in your mind right now in terms of his development and where can he improve?
JOHN HARBAUGH: He's on the road to where he's going to go, whatever that ends up being. I hope it's greatness. He does too. He wants that for himself. He wants that for our team. But he continues to improve in all the little things, just mechanics of throwing, seeing coverages, understanding coverages, understanding the offense.
BILL COWHER: I know analytics is a big part of what you do, but I think there's an intangible there called Lamar Jackson that, if he yells at you and says I can go for it, does that influence you?
JOHN HARBAUGH: That changes the analytics a lot. You go for it if you think you can get it, whether that's going for it on fourth down or going for a two-point conversion or whatever. You have a guy like Lamar Jackson or a kicker like Tucker, those guys give you a lot of confidence to take a shot at those kinds of plays.
BILL COWHER: We talk about Lamar Jackson, we talk about the dynamic runs he makes as a quarterback, but the one thing I think gets overlooked is his ability right now, his development as a passer in the offense.
Go back to this play on fourth and 19. His ability to have the touch and the accuracy to throw it over not just the first level -- again, you can see late in the game. Trying to get the field goal range. He throws this ball over the first level, touch in front of the second level, setting up the field goal. Remind me on Sunday night, Aaron Rodgers, 37 seconds remain, very similar part of the field, having to put himself in position to kick a field goal. You talk about Aaron Rodgers is a great passer, over the first level, in front of the back level. Again, when you think about where Lamar Jackson has come as a quarterback in terms of his development, that ability to throw those touch throws to read defenses, to me, makes him right now on this level of continued success.
NATE BURLESON: No doubt. On top of that, he runs with the best of them, Coach. He is fourth in the league in rushing right now. But something that's to give because that Denver defense, they have not allowed a 50-yard rusher this season.
BOOMER ESIASON: Think about that Denver defense. They play Zach Wilson and the Jags with Trevor Lawrence back to back weeks. They took advantage of rookie quarterbacks. This is one of the top end offensive players in all of the league. He is going to give them a totally different look. This will be a great test for this Denver defense to find out just how good they really are.
JAMES BROWN: I love the tweet by Marquez Valdez scant /-LG. When he talked about Lamar, he just said eight different. No verb. Eight different. That's exactly what he said.
Out at Lambeau, the Steelers defense faces a pretty tall task against the reigning MVP, who's been making an emphatic statement to all the critics with his play as of late.
PHIL SIMMS: He's done that for his whole career really when you watch him throw. Here's a graphic. Look what he did in week 1. We all got upset. Maybe he upset the chemistry on the Green Bay Packers. He did not look the last two weeks what he's done. Six touchdowns, no interceptions.
How about these throws? One of the all time great throwers, flicks the football. How can he do it? He's got hands like a catcher's mitt and long arms, but he stays back off balance. Even when he takes hits, they don't hurt. Last week against the San Francisco 49ers, he only got hit twice against one of the best fronts out there, and I love just the way he does it. Him and Devonta Adams, they're connected. It works. I hope they never break up.
BILL COWHER: Pittsburgh has T.J. Watt back, who missed last week, but their lack of success is on the offensive side of the ball. Their last 11 games, this offense has not scored a point in the first quarter of any game. So you talk about a defense team that gets behind in a game with no margin of error, they've got to find somehow to get this offense going early in the game. 4-7 in those games. They need to get Ben going early. Go back to throwing the ball, doing what he does best.
NATE BURLESON: I'm not saying that Big Ben is old. I'm saying that father time is undefeated. They have to do something to make up for the fact that Big Ben doesn't want to leave the pocket and the arm isn't as strong as he used to be.
Aaron Rodgers is just getting /STARLTed. He gets better as the season moves along.
BOOMER ESIASON: Remember we talked about Tom Brady, as he got older, wanted to play with more veteran type players. Ben Roethlisberger is in the same position in the defensive line in the backfield. It's a struggle. Everything comes back to him, whether or not he has anything left, can he carry the team anymore? This could be a tough game for him. I like Green Bay in this game in a big way. It's good they get T.J. Watt back. Maybe they'll keep the game closer.
PHIL SIMMS: Can I get a replay? Did you say let Ben throw the ball?
BILL COWHER: Don't change a guy this late in his career. Go back to the short passing game. That's what he's good at, and that's what he's comfortable doing at this point.
JAMES BROWN: The guys were perfect on upset specials. No pressure. I guess you should expect it to be again today.
PHIL SIMMS: Of course. We're just going to keep it rolling. I've got the Raiders over the Chargers. Undefeated.
BILL COWHER: I'm saying the New York Jets get their first win. Robert Saleh against a one dimensional Tennessee team.
NATE BURLESON: I've got bouncing back over a win in San Francisco, the Seahawks.
BOOMER ESIASON: I like the Panthers over the Cowboys. Cowboys a little flat.
JAMES BROWN: Hey, folks, we'll see you right back here at halftime. Now with kickoff a few minutes away.
NATE BURLESON: We'll get you out to your game next!
[ Commercial break ]
JAMES BROWN: And welcome back to "The NFL Today." Now Amazon takes you out to the sights and sounds of the game between the Chiefs and the Eagles. Let's take you out to Philadelphia with our announcers Ian Eagle, Charles Davis, and Evan Washburn.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports