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JAMES BROWN: Week five in the NFL. There's rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars getting better every week. Very sharp against Cincinnati. The bright spot on this team.
>> There's Mac Jones. He went blow for blow. Completing 19 passes in a row at one point. Looking for win number two in Houston.
>> Tom Brady did not throw a touchdown pass last week against New England. The last time Tom Brady went back-to-back weeks without a touchdown pass? You've got to go back 15 years to December 2006.
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JAMES BROWN: Hello, folks, and welcome to "The NFL Today" presented by the all new 2022 Grand Wagoneer. I'm James Brown, and, folks, we are just about a quarter of the way through this NFL season. As the week have passed, the story lines continue to add up, which, by the way, brings us to week five. There's so much to talk about. Let's not waste any time. A big showdown today in the city of angels as Baker Mayfield and the Browns come to town looking to knock off Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers. Two squads sitting at 2-2 trying to separate themselves from the pack with Jameis Winston and the Saints facing off against Taylor Heinicke and the Washington Football Team. Thomas Edward Patrick, Brady Jr., continues to impress fans and foes alike as he laughs in the face of Father Time leading Tampa in the defense of their Super Bowl title.
>> What a ballgame tonight.
>> Tom Brady's return to New England.
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>> Brady, the ageless quarterback.
>> Tom Brady, the new NFL passing leader.
>> The all-time legend.
>> Never bet against Tom Brady.
>> He is the goat.
JAMES BROWN: Back here at studio 43 with my colleagues two-time Super Bowl champion Phil Simms. He is in a good mood today. The Hall of Fame coach Bill Cowher, the man with many jobs and an Emmy, the multi-talented Nate Burleson and four-time MVP Boomer Esiason. Joining us from the booth in Tampa is the one and only Tony Romo. Tony, a lot of chatter last week about Brady's football relationship with Bill Belichick. How would you describe his relationship with Bruce Arians?
TONY ROMO: I think it's a unique relationship in a good way because as you've gotten older, every quarterback knows he wants a little more input, right. The offensive system, he wants to be in there and be kind of like a coach, and Tom was a coach on the field all the time. I think he has a little more input behind the scenes now. Bruce has allowed him to do that, so Leftwich, Tom they get together and put a lot of stuff in every week. Wrinkles here and there, and I think that's really enjoyable for someone like Tom Brady, especially at his age.
JAMES BROWN: Now let's get to Mac Jones. He is among five first rounders under center today, Tony. The earliest in the season that has ever happened. Looking into your crystal ball in three years, who do you feel is going to have the most success?
>> It's a great question. I think right now we're all seeing, like, Mac Jones, right, but he is in the most stable situation right now. The other guys, they're drafted high for a reason. These teams aren't very good, but I think as time goes on I think you're going to see three or four of these guys become really good players. I still think Zach Wilson and Trevor Lawrence are going to be outstanding football players. I think Mac Jones is as well, and the other guys it's just so early, right? Justin Fields last week, it was completely different than the week before, but I think you're going to see this class is going to be one of the better classes in a long time in three or four years from now.
JAMES BROWN: You do a good job of playing Nostradamus, so we'll hang on to that. Best of luck today on the call. Coach, I think when we take a look at what the monster year for T.B.12 is having, I mean, he is 44 years of age and still getting it done.
BILL COWHER: He is getting it done. Bruce Arians brought some people around him. Rob Gronkowski did not play for the first time, and you saw the impact of that, particularly in the Red Zone finishing drives. They're 1 of 4 when they got down there. You look at the offense. Tom is throwing the ball great, but they've run the ball 30th ranked. You sit there and look at this. They're one-dimensional right now, Phil. We know going forward they have to bring more balance to that offense.
PHIL SIMMS: I think you bring up a great point, Bill. The first thing is you taut about their pass game. The Patriots pass game, they're the best in the NFL. Tom Brady leading the way. Right above the Raiders. They have an offensive line that's big and powerful, can do anything. Think back last year. Fournette came in late in the year on that Super Bowl run. That's what I expect this time around with this offense, what we saw last week. 20 carries, 92 yards for Leonard Fournette, Nate, he is a big guy, good passing game, power running back who can really honk it up in there, man. That's what they got a good formula.
NATE BURLESON: The offensive side of the ball they might have the best pass game, but on the defensive side of the ball they are struggling. They have the worst pass defense. That's an area of concern. Sitting back and watching football like we were from home, and then he was thrown right into the flame in the starting line-up] Richard Sherman was back at home] he will be the most targeted cornerback in week five because he still is catching his rhythm, and at his age he can't keep up with number one wide receivers. A huge area of concern for me.
BOOMER ESIASON: Brian Flores is the head coach for Miami, so he learned a lot from that film from last week, holding them to 19 points was pretty amazing. Jacoby Brissett has not been great as a quarterback. He had one-fourth quarter comeback against Las Vegas Raiders, but their offense has been in a freefall, and this probably is going to be his last start. Tua should come back nest week for the Miami Dolphins. I do not like this matchup for them because they have had trouble protecting the passer and the one thing that the Tampa Bay Bucaneers do really well is rush the pass.
NATE BURLESON: Yeah.
JAMES BROWN: We know this story has been talked about this past week. Jon Gruden being called to account this weekend for his description back in 2011, an email of NFL Players Association executive director DeMaurice Smith. As published by the "Wall Street Journal" on Friday, Gruden used racist imagery in describing Smith during that summer's stalled contract negotiations between the league and the players. The NFL has condemned the remark, calling it, quote, appalling, abhorrent, and wholly contrary to league values, white Raiders owner Mark Davis said it was disturbing and not what the Raiders stand for. It has yet to be seen what discipline Gruden, who was working in TV at the time, might face with a racist remark, but he will be on the sidelines as the Raiders host the bears later today. Right now let's go out to Las Vegas where our Evan Washburn is with the team. Hello, Evan.
EVAN WASHBURN: Hello, J.B. After speaking to Jon Gruden and a number of Raiders players, here's what we know. On Friday morning Gruden held a team-only meeting where he went into about every word written in that 2011 email. Now, this meeting was prior to that report by the "Wall Street Journal" being published. He also gave them his intention in that email. When we spoke to Gruden yesterday, he said the words that he used in that email were, quote, stupid and a terrible way of expressing his frustration in the moment. As for his message to his players, it was one of remorse, saying you have to be accountable for every word you say and word you write, and he is hoping that they will forgive him. As for DeMaurice Smith, Gruden told us he did reach out to him. He has heard back via text, and they're scheduled to speak soon. For more on this story, here's Jason La Canfora.
JASON LA CANFORA: No discipline is imminent. Both negotiations are ongoing. Some close to Commissioner Roger Goodell believe that thely a hefty fine and further diversity and inclusion training will be forthcoming with a suspension perhaps less likely. As noted, Gruden wasn't a team or league employee when this email was sent ten years ago. One of several mitigating factors in determining appropriate punishment, J.B.
JAMES BROWN: All right, thank you so much, Jason.
BILL COWHER: I have been in the National Football League as a player and coach for 27 years, and it's the most diverse league in professional sports, and any racial slur used at anybody is inappropriate and risks you losing the respect of the people that you work with, and the message right here is this. Any emotional message you want to send on any platform, think about it, sleep on it because once you push send, you own it and it lives with you forever.
NATE BURLESON: No doubt about it. I'm thinking about the players on this team. In particular, the African-American players. They're sitting back, they're listening to a coach apologize and say he doesn't have a racist bone in his body. I can't speak on that, and neither can they, but what I can say is that email, those words can fracture a locker room to the point they cannot be mended. My mom always said, there is power in the tongue, and when you use it the wrong way, like in this situation, it could be irreparable for the squad.
JAMES BROWN: I'm not here to judge anybody. Lord knows I've got enough flaws.
NATE BURLESON: We all do.
JAMES BROWN: To try to explain away comments that are deeply hurtful and racist is to me even more offensive. I think it's better to confront what the issue is and work to improve because the bottom line is out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth does speak. No doubt. Hey, folks, we're going to step aside for a quick time-out. Back with more of "The NFL Today" after this.
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>> "The NFL Today" is presented by the all new 2022 grand wagoneer.
JAMES BROWN: Texas A&M upset number one Alabama with the 28-yard walk-off field goal by Seth Small. He came up big ending Bama's streak of 100 straight wins over unranked opponents. Jim bow Fisher hands Nick Saban his first ever loss to a former assistant. Former Crimson Tide Mac Jones can't be happy about that loss, but he, hips, has shown flashes of brilliance for the Patriots. The kid is completing 70% of his passes. That's good enough to rank seventh among starters. Time now for pregame HQ delivered by Domino's. Three rookies under center in our 1:00 window starting with the clash of the -- Nate, they call them zoomers -- featuring the aforementioned leader of the new school, Mac Jones, and his Patriots visiting Davis Mill and the Houston Texans. That will be Mills plural.
PHIL SIMMS: Nice throw. You are right about Mac Jones. He is extremely accurate, and he gets rid of the football really quick, and he will need to do that today because when you look at the numbers he put up last week against the Pats, 31 of 40. All that was great, but he is missing four starting offensive linemen. Lovie Smith, defensive coordinator for the Houstan Texans, you think he is going to get after that? He will. Mac Jones, done a great job getting rid of the football. He will have to do it again. On defense when you talk about the Patriots, Matt Judon was the signing of the year for them. He is the only guy they have that pressures the quarterback. They need that pressure to take some of it off the secondary.
BILL COWHER: Also the Saints going to Washington. They need this guy Jameis Winston to perform better. He has only thrown two interceptions, but he has thrown for less than 150 yards. He has play makers. He has Alvin Kamara. His longest run, 14 yards. They need more production from their play makers, Nate.
NATE BURLESON: The Saints, even though they struggle to sack the quarterback, they do bring the blitz. Top ten in the NFL. Tyler Heinicke, second versus the blitz. He gets the ball out into playmakers' hands. Terry McLaurin, 120 on six catches and two touchdowns. That's a guy he will lean on today.
BOOMER ESIASON: You talk about a team under pressure. The Titans, 2-2. They're at the Jacksonville Jaguars. Ryan Tannehill, 5-2 against Jacksonville. He has been getting knocked around. You have the rookie Trevor Lawrence on the other side. He said last week after their Bengals loss, "I'm trying to figure this NFL thing out." He only had 24 attempts, but now not only does he have to deal with the NFL, but he has to deal with an embattled coach, Urban Meyers. Jason.
JASON LA CANFORA: Jaguars coaches and players are shocked that Meyer wasn't fired after videos emerged of him with a young woman at a bar in Ohio. He was already struggling to connect with his staff and roster even before somehow deciding not to fly back to Jacksonville with the team. Numerous sources close to the situation told me that there is a deep lack of respect for Meyer within that organization and that he is being openly mocked and ridiculed by players.
Owner Shahid Khan's statement on Tuesday implored Meyers to regain the Jaguars' trust. For many of the men who work and play for this coach, that feels like an impossible task right now, J.B., and they question just how Meyer is going to survive this season.
JAMES BROWN: Thank you so very much, Jason. Who better to turn to than our Hall of Fame coach, 27 years in the league as a player and coach. Your thoughts?
BILL COWHER: There's two elements. When you this I about this, number one, there's the video. That's a bad optic on multiple levels, but the other part is not coming back with your team on the team plane. That's bothersome from this standpoint. You're 0-4. There's no better place to have your team around you than on an airplane when you can sit there and talk to your leaders, talk to your coaches, make the message and talk about what you need to do and when you give the answer of I just wanted to get out of dodge, hey, news flash, Urban, you're running Dodge. Own it. Stay there. No one said this was going to be easy. He needs to win football games and earn back the respect of that time.
JAMES BROWN: Clearly stated by Bill Cowher. The greatest of all time talking about an excellent leader. Gearing up for his 36th battle with Miami. 23-12 against them. I'm sure that 2019 loss to the Fins in the season finale fresh on his mind today.
>> Coming up, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is off to a rough start. Find out if the guys think the future Hall of Famer has a chance to bounce back before it's too late. Justin Herbert and the Chargers' offense have been electric so far this season, but how will they fair this week against the Browns' impressive defense? The cities of Baltimore and Indianapolis will forever be linked in NFL history, and this week's matchup between the Ravens and Colts will only add to the storied past. All that and more when "The NFL Today" returns.
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JAMES BROWN: Coinciding with LatinX Heritage Month they launch the Por La Cultura to celebrate the LatinX community. Visit NFL.com\porlacultura to learn more. There's no one more for the culture or of the culture than Ron Rivera. A giant trailblazer for LatinX people in sports, and Friday night he received the 2021 Hispanic Heritage Sports Award. Indeed, much deserved.
On Monday night Baltimore and Indianapolis will square off on the football field in a game between two cities that share, shall we say, an interesting football history to say the least. It's a history that includes an unusual combination of a snowy night, the Mayflower, and Sigma Chi fraternity. None have left a mark quite like this.
>> I decided to pledge Sigma Chi. I figured, why not? Living in that frat bubble, we were pretty clueless about the real world.
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>> Greek life that we understood. Things like local politics and pro sports, well, that's something you just never see coming. If you think this is a story about frat life in the '80s, don't worry, it's not. No, this is a story about NFL history, and on that snowy night in 1984 we found ourselves right in the middle of it.
>> Hey, is Bobby in there? I need to speak to him. Hey, you work for Mayflower Transit?
>> Part-time, why?
>> I need your buddies to help me move out. Tonight, and it's urgent.
>> How many of us are you going to need?
>> All of you guys. I'll pay you $10 an hour.
>> This is not that urgent. There's a sorority next door.
>> I'll pay you $20 an hour.
>> Yeah. I think we can make that work. Hey, boys! We got a job.
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>> If you are confused at this point, imagine what we felt.
>> Where are we going anyways?
>> Don't ask any questions.
>> I had been working at mayflower Moving, and things this were run very professionally, trust me.
>> Let's go on the bus.
>> Let's just say this job felt a little different.
>> What are we doing?
>> I don't know.
>> Who?
>> I don't know.
>> You sure this is legal?
>> To be honest, I don't know what I had gotten us all into. Where are we going? What are we moving? We had no clue. But there we were on a bus in the middle of the night, and there was no turning back.
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>> Gentlemen, do not ask any questions. You are standing in the center of the Baltimore Colts football headquarters, and by sunrise everything in this building needs to disappear.
>> Everything?
>> Everything.
>> Can we ask where it's all going?
>> You keep breaking his first rule. Don't ask questions. Just start packing. Come on. Ain't going to pack itself. I said, let's go, come on, move!
>> You know the drill. Everything goes. Papers, files.
>> Just like that, it all started to make sense.
>> We had heard the rumors. The old guy that owned the Colts had a beef with the mayor of Baltimore. He wanted a new stadium, and the city wasn't going to build him one. But here's where it gets interesting.
>> Sir, I think we're going to pull this off. We found a good group of guys. They're doing a great job for us.
>> Who did you find?
>> A fraternity.
>> You hired a bunch of kids too move my franchise?
>> Let's go.
>> Why sneak out in the middle of the night? The Governor of Maryland had planned to take over the team through something called eminent domain, and that takeover was happening the next morning. It didn't take a Poli-Sci major to know the Colts had to get out and quick, but the question is where are they going?
>> Move this stuff too?
>> Everything goes. It's just that there's personal things in here.
>> It's okay. They're going to get it when they get to Indianapolis.
>> Indianapolis?
>> Let's go.
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>> What's the problem?
>>That too?
>> Is it nailed down?
>> I don't think so.
>> Good. Then pack it up. Come on. Let's go.
>> It was the craziest all-nighter we had ever pulled. An entire team's legacy stuffed into 13 Mayflower moving trucks headed to Indianapolis never to return.
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>> Moving fans were pulling away from the Colts complex. They were taking away the furniture and the trophy case that told of the Colts' tradition, and they were bound for Indianapolis. The only thing left is a memory.
>> When I pledged a frat, I mostly expected it would be what you see in the movies, and movies can be heart breaking sometimes. You know?
>> It wasn't needed. The only reaction of the few die-hard fans who came to watch was sadness.
>> Heartbroken is a good word.
>> But did I ever think they could break the hearts of an entire city in one night? No.
>> Hey. What about all the Baltimore fans? Just going to leave us like that?
>> Let's go.
>> When I answered the door that night, I could have never known I would find myself in the middle of one of the most infamous moments in NFL history. Sure, Baltimore eventually got itself a new team and a couple more championships, but there's no way we could have known that then.
>> Sneak out under cover of night, which really irritates me no end.
>> Yo.
>> Another team --
>> Never forget the Colts.
>> Like I said, there are some things you just never see coming.
>> Not even Robert Irsay can take that away from the city of Baltimore.
JAMES BROWN: Wow. Our Steven steel berg, Pete and team, talk about an excellent job. You are a Baltimorean.
JASON LA CANFORA: Remember it well. Watching it on the affiliate on my parents' couch. I remember those Mayflower moving days.
JAMES BROWN: Wasn't too long ago that teams and cities were using as leverage a franchise-less L.A. How much have things changed?
JASON LA CANFORA: That was the ultimate boogie man. An owner mentions L.A., and everybody shivers at their local government back home. No more. Austin, Texas. People aren't buying that. Any owner looking to move internationally, that's been further tamped down by the pandemic. I keep hearing the Buffalo Bills are going to stay in orchard park, New York. The bears might be moving a few miles down the road to Arlington heights in 2026.
JAMES BROWN: Bills fans have to be pleased to hear that. For more on team moving on up, if you will, the standings, let's head over to Nate and Phil.
NATE BURLESON: Phil, when thinking about these Chargers, Justin Herbert doesn't just look the part. He has what it takes. What makes him so good?
PHIL SIMMS: First off, he is moving up. He is 6'6" so, that kind of makes it easy for him as a quarterback, but he has everything you want in a franchise quarterback. He has been accurate with the football. 69%. He is mobile. He can move around and make all the throws. Power throws. One of the things I really love about him, this. He is more mobile than people think, and I said he throws the ball well on the run, but also when people get around him, you know, a lot of guys get nervous, not him. He doesn't flinch at all. What I love about this offense, there's no bells and whistles, man. It's us against you, cover Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Jared Cook. Good luck.
NATE BURLESON: Austin Ekeler. 2,000 plus yards rushing and receiving. Only Alvin Kamara and Christian McCaffrey has better numbers. He can do it all. You can run in between the tackles. Of course, he can catch out of the back field. What makes him special within this offense is that they do use him like a wide receiver, and he is going to need to do that up against the Browns because they are as good as advertised. They have shut down some pretty good running backs this season, but they are going to use Austin Ekeler, the all-star, he loves to do the air guitar when he makes touchdowns. We'll see him rocking and rolling. Let's toss it over to Boom and Coach.
BOOMER ESIASON: Thanks so much, Nate. Coach, the Browns defenses has been unbelievable. Take a look at some of the numbers. QB hits, sacks, and total yards per game. Reminds me when I used to play against the Browns. Any predictions? You have Clay Matthews. Myles Garrett, the closest thing to Bruce Smith that we've seen since Bruce Smith left the NFL. Why?
BILL COWHER: Watching these guys, it's fun to watch. Why? Because they run to the football. They stay on their feet. There's a guy in particular. Number 28 that stood out to me, Jeremiah Oeudu-Koramoah. You set the edge. Look at the speed you have, the pursuit that you have right there. You talk about him and talk about tapping for young players out there. Watch him right here. Jadeveon Clowney uses up the blockers. Bring your arms. Dalvin Cook, one of the best runners, your arms is what you tackle with. Then you talk about the coordination between the back end and the front end. A lot of times the sacks are a coordination of both. Look at this team. The great rush from the back end. They match the block, double the back end, know where to go, push the pocket. Right now this football team defensively is in sync on the back end and front end. When you look at the last two weeks, it's right there. The best in the National Football League. 6.5 points. That was Kirk Cousins last week. They're fun to watch.
BOOMER ESIASON: I know they beat up Justin Fields the week before that, but last week in Minnesota was really impressive. Over to J.B.
JAMES BROWN: With kickoff just about a half hour away time to set the scene of your game as we take you out to first on the field presented by direct II Stream for the latest news and updates on your matchup.
Coming up at 4:00 eastern right here on CBS an explosive I battle between two of the game's best young quarterbacks. Baker Mayfield leading the Browns into Lala Land with a showdown with Justin Herbert and the Chargers. Derek Carr and the Raiders look to put on the show against the monsters of the midway led by his former teammate, Khalil Mack.
PHIL SIMMS: Last week I think they did a tremendous job. What they did with him, they ran the football, stayed with it, didn't put the pressure on the quarterback, but he had to move around, and he could. I love what they did. When they threw the football, it was down the field. Not trying to be cute to go underneath. Justin Fields has a powerful arm. To me that's his greatest attribute right now. Throwing deep down the field spreads the receivers out and you can see who is open and who is not and then throw the ball with power and get it in there.
BILL COWHER: This defense is getting after the quarterback. They're number one in the league with 15 sacks led by Khalih Mack and they have nine and a half sacks. Roquan Smith is one of the better inside linebackers. You are getting up a defense that's good at putting pressure on you.
NATE BURLESON: When you think about the offense, it's Derek Carr, Darren Waller and Josh Jacobs. Henry Ruggs is a guy I want to focus on. He leads the league in air yards per target. They're going to take shots with him down field. Of course, with that type of speed, that's how you're supposed to utilize that talent, but I love to see them get the ball into his hands and maybe some quick screens so he can make some plays.
BOOMER ESIASON: Unfortunately for the Bears, no David Montgomery, and the running game is not going to be as impactful today. When you think of the offensive tackles for the Bears, they're going against Max Crosby and Yannick Ngakoue. They have to have their best games in order to have Justin Fields to be effective today.
NATE BURLESON: Speaking of best games, in the last five games up against Jacksonville, Derek Henry has nine touchdowns. How about that? The king treats the Jags defense like peasants.
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>> The ball was knocked away from Roethlisberger.
>> Big Ben gets hit.
>> When things go bad, they could get worst.
>> Wasted opportunity.
>> Total misfire. Not good.
>> You got to be able to complete some of those.
>> This has been real disappointing.
>> I need to make better decisions, make better throws, be a better football player. I'm not giving up on this season. It's still early, and there's still a lot of fight left in us.
NATE BURLESON: In a way every athlete is a fighter. In a delicate dance with time. Every tweak is a jab. Every tear is a hook. We've all done our best bobbing and weaving, ducking punches from the opponent. Some more lucky than others. Well, now it's Big Ben who is against the ropes, and if he wants to go the distance one last time, he'll need the best trainer in the game. My guy Carl Brant.
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>> Roethlisberger taken down.
>> It's on the ground.
>> This is getting really disappointing.
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>> Get over here.
>> All right. Sit down. Sit down. Shut up and listen to me. You are getting destroyed. You are getting destroyed. I don't even recognize you out there. I know you're hurt. You want to keep fighting? Do you want to keep fighting?
>> Yeah.
>> With he can go out like those old time ares. Philip rivers is coaching high school football right now. You want to do that. You want to keep fighting?
>> Yes.
>> Do you want to keep winning? Do you want to keep being Ben bleeping Roethlisberger?
>> Yes.
>> Listen to me. Listen to me. Look at what they're saying about you. They're chanting -- look at me. They're saying Ben is washed up. They're saying Ben is tuned out. Old news. Old head. Old Yeller. Nate Burleson is on TV. He is on TV saying that Father Time is pulling at the back of your jersey. This is a guy whose only concept of time is whatever watch company is sponsor says him at that minute. He is right. I need an answer right now, champ. What kind of ending do you want because you are headed for the ending where the best quarterback in Steelers history is the worst quarterback in his own division.
>> Not going to quit.
>> I'm seeing some Jake Pauls beat up George Foreman. Do something. Give me something. You do not have losing seasons. You understand me? You got the play makers. I want to know if you still got the haymaker.
>> Yeah, of course.
>> I don't give a damn if you can still make all those throws, Champ. I don't care. I will not let you throw in the towel.
>> Whatever it takes.
>> Get up. Get mad. Get in there. Get the ball, and answer the bell. Let's go!
>> Go!
>> I've done all I can do. Coach Cowher, take it from here.
BILL COWHER: I got you, brother. I feel you, and you are absolutely spot on with the a lot of those things. I'm going to continue what he just said. Ben, listen to Kyle. He has the energy and the emotion and the drive and the will. Let's go back to what we have to start with. Let's go back to the basics. Think about this. Protect the football. You know what, let's buy into what Matt Ken is saying. It's about the running game. It's not the yards. It's the attempts that slows down the rush. I'm going to talk to Matt Canada. Let Ben do what he is comfortable with. If it's a short passing game, let him do it. If it's no-huddle, let him do it. Right now, Ben, be patient. This is where you are. It's not where you came from, but when you go out, go out understanding that this is a product of your journey, and your journey is not over yet.
BOOMER ESIASON: I'm fired up.
PHIL SIMMS: I'm exhausted from Kyle. You know, listen, and I mean no disrespect to Ben Roethlisberger. I know he is going to the Hall of Fame. He has had a great career. Listen to your speech. Sounded like you were talking to the Ben Roethlisberger of his rookie year, and I really think that's how they should run the football team. You look at what they are. It's about the defense. The defense is playing like their hair is on fire. They're doing a tremendous job. Let's help the defense. Run the football. You drafted Najee Harris for a reason. Run him. The offensive line has struggled, so when you return the football, it helps the struggling offensive line. I would -- it sounds simple, but I think they can do this, and Ben Roethlisberger can adjust.
BOOMER ESIASON: I told Kyle I had expectations, and he met those expectations. He delivered. He did. Take a look at these numbers for Ben Roethlisberger. Here's the thing I appreciate most about him. He could have been complaining to the Pittsburgh Steelers and ownership about getting more veteran players around him. He didn't do that. Tom Brady did that in New England. Brett Favre did that in Green Bay. We're in the midst of this possibly with Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay right now. Fifth most QB wins of all time. Sixth most pass yards. Two of had time Super Bowl champion. He is a Steeler through and through. That's how he is going to retire. This is it for him this year, then this is it for him, and good for him because, you know, he has had an unbelievable career and, you know what, just like Kyle said in that piece, he still has it in him to play well, and that's why I think they're going to beat the Broncos today.
NATE BURLESON: Put some respect on his name. He once held this championship belt, this heavy weight belt proudly, and now everybody is taking shots at him, but that's what happens when you get a little older. I don't know how many boxing fans we have at the table or watching the show right now, but if you learned anything from the Tyson fury wilder fight last night, you can get knocked down a couple of times, come back up swinging and win the match. I think Big Ben needs to do that. He has been knocked down. Dust yourself off, go out there and keep swinging, big fellow.
BILL COWHER: It's how many times you continue to get back up.
JAMES BROWN: Who the hype in an for Kyle Brant was before we saw this piece? Nate.
NATE BURLESON: I knew my guy was going to bring it.
JAMES BROWN: The former soap opera star is flat out awesome. Tom Brady, 44 years old. That's ancient by professional athlete standards. Still ranks third in boast passing yards and touchdowns this season. And you know what, it wasn't a near perfect game plan. For me it was a perfect game plan for Bill Belichick, but they couldn't stop TB12 from winning last week, but today the hoodie is back to business with an opportunity to pick apart another rookie quarterback in Davis Mills.
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JAMES BROWN: This week the bears unveiled their real bears fans wear pink shirt design. Proceeds from the sales helped fund local programs that provide care, assistance, and support to breast cancer patients and their families.
BOOMER ESIASON: As seen earlier on the NFL Network the Jets and Falcons squared off. The Jets got down 20-3. Back comes the two-point conversion. At this point as the Jets try to get all the way back, Matt Ryan, what a day for him. 33 of 45. 342 yards. 2 touchdowns. That was Mike Davis right there that put the game away 27-20 the Falcons beat the New York Jets.
JAMES BROWN: Like all of you, I smile every time I think about Bill Cowher doing things like this. Boom, the Jets were the catalyst for what might be one of the best moments of the season. Who knew that Coach's pick for Gang Green to upset the Titans last week would lead him to finding a little piece of himself down in Nashville. Last week the guys were perfect on upset specials.
BILL COWHER: The New York Jets get their first win. Robert Saleh was a one-dimensional Tennessee team.
>> Bill Cowher. Bill Cowher. Okay, cool. It's a lock by 50.
>> On the way. Does it have the distance? It's no good. Jets win it in overtime!
>> Hey. Look.
BILL COWHER: Lance, so it's Lance and Maggie, aka Bill Cowher. You felt so good about your team, the Tennessee Titans, that you said if that happens I'll name my daughter Bill Cowher.
>> There's no way. Our offense was on a roll. I felt good about our squad, and, hey, look, no disrespect to the Jets. I realize they have a strong defense.
BILL COWHER: What was your reaction to the response you got on Twitter?
>> The New York Jets have won their first game of the season. They knock off Tennessee.
>> We lost, and I just had to take my lumps, and I wasn't deleting it. I stand by it. I've called her Bill a few times. She's not a fan, right? Bill?
>> Bill Cowher, you are a cute Bill Cowher.
>> No.
>> I think I tweeted out, hey, Bill Cowher to the playground. Bill Cowher needs juice.
BILL COWHER: How about this wager this week. Why don't you name your second daughter if they lose J.B.
>> J.B., right? Boomer and J.B. and Nate.
BILL COWHER: And Phil. Yeah --
>> I think that's fine. I have that much faith in my team.
BILL COWHER: I love your confidence. Ewe a great fan. You have a great family. Good luck this week.
>> Hi, Bill Cowher.
BILL COWHER: I got my special this week, J.B. Guess what, I'm picking Jacksonville over Tennessee. Lance, Maggie and I are good. I want to hear your wager. Visit J.B., Phil, Boomer, Nate. I want to hear your wager for this one. I'm taking Jacksonville over -- I'm taking Jacksonville over Tennessee.
PHIL SIMMS: Way to stick it out there. You're trying again. I'm taking the Buffalo Bills over the Kansas City Chiefs. This is the third time here in the last year or so they've played each other. Time for the bills to win one.
NATE BURLESON: Green Bay Packers fans, don't get upset, but I'm pick approximating Cincinnati for a big-time upset.
BOOMER ESIASON: I like that. There's only one person up here who really has true pride in Pittsburgh, and it's me. I'm going with the Pittsburgh Steelers over the Denver Broncos. Now, Teddy Bridgewater will be playing, but I think they bounce back.
JAMES BROWN: The nickname J.B. would really hurt her, no question. For those of you getting a 4:00 game today we'll be back with more after a quick time-out. Mate nature for the rest of you with kick off a few minutes away we'll go out to your game next!
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JAMES BROWN: Coming up at 4:00 Eastern here on CBS, Khalil Mack returns to the black hole for a meeting with some familiar faces in Derek Carr and the Raiders.
NATE BURLESON: Electricity is in the air as Justin Herbert and the Chargers welcome a formidable foe in the Cleveland Browns.
JAMES BROWN: Time for a game day delivery presented by Amazon. Big-time game in the city of Angels Sunday. Sunday, today. Talk about this matchup.
PHIL SIMMS: Let's talk about this Cleveland offense, which they have a tremendous offensive line, the Cleveland Browns. I want to talk about Baker Mayfield. Just what he has done the last two games. Look what he did the first two games off the charts, really accurate, everything. Last two numbers not very good. I would say this when I watch Baker play in these games. He is trying too hard. Trying to make too many throws. Too much power involved. Just throw it in there, where the other thing is, too, I talked to Nate about this, O.B.J., Odell Beckham Jr. The last two games, he has been open down the field, and he has not shown frustration, but Baker has to start taking advantage of guys open down the field, and Odell Beckham Jr. Has been there. I would say about four or five times the last two games and they really have not connected.
BILL COWHER: You look at matchups, and you look at the number one team in the National Football League rushing the ball with Kareem Hunt and Chubb. They're going against a defense that's 29th now, and that's one thing that they have seen a little bit of a hole in the gap right there it's going to be the run defense of the L.A. Chargers, and so I look at that matchup right there because, like you said, you talk about getting after the quarterback, they can get after the quarterback, that being the Chargers, and you don't want to put Baker Mayfield in that situation. That Cleveland defense, they're fast, they have depth. If they're going against a quarterback that I think is playing as good as anybody in the National Football League.
NATE BURLESON: You touched on the Browns defense, Coach. They are fantastic. They held Dalvin Cook to 9 rushes, 34 yards, David Montgomery to 10 rushes, 34 yards, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire to 14 rushes, 43 yards. I'm really curious to see how this Chargers team is going to use Austin Ekeler. I guarantee they'll use him in the screen game and pass game. In between the tackles this might not work because they are stout up front.
BOOMER ESIASON: I think there's something wrong with Baker Mayfield. I think he has a problem with his left shoulder. It's impacting the way he is throwing, and I think it's impacting his confidence with the way he is throwing. That's one of the things that today going into this game, I'm with you, Coach, run the ball, run the ball, run the ball. Take pressure off of your young quarterback. Justin Herbert is a man. I mean, he is a big man, and when he is back there, watch what he looks like when the pass rush is coming around the corner how he steps up and he manages the pocket. I can't believe he is only in his second year. He looks absolutely fantastic and poised beyond belief.
JAMES BROWN: 6'5", 6'5" and a half. Our 4:00 game Justin Fields now officially Chicago's starter. Making his first trip to Vegas. Did I say something wrong there?
BOOMER ESIASON: Not at all. You said exactly the right thing. I like --
NATE BURLESON: He said I'm 6'5", pure handsomeness.
BOOMER ESIASON: Looking like a snack today, by the way.
JAMES BROWN: The other 4:00 game Justin Fields, who has it?
BOOMER ESIASON: Here's the things about Justin Fields, great, big plays down the field. The wow factor last week. It wasn't so much that way two weeks ago against Cleveland. Today his offensive tackles are going to be under severe pressure. They're playing against a Raiders team who are third in quarterback hits coming into this game. You know, the hitters on the left side going against Ngakoue and Max Crosby, to me that's the matchup to watch for the Browns. I mean for the bears against the Raiders.
NATE BURLESON: Raiders offense, a player to watch Henry Ruggs, the speedster and them getting the ball into his hands quickly and getting him going early in the game will be an advantage for them.
BILL COWHER: The Chicago bears defense can get after you right now, and Darren Waller to me is the matchup you have to look out for. He is a tight end, and he can negate that pass rush.
PHIL SIMMS: You are like a buffet, talking about a snack. You want to watch out for the right tackle of the Raiders. Who is he going against? Khalil Mack, the ex-raider. He could determine the outcome.
JAMES BROWN: You and Boomer have me covered when we're doing games play-by-play when there's technical difficulties. Last week Nate and Coach looked at me. Come on, big fellow, let me see you take it and run with it. We'll see you back here at 4:00. That's it here from New York. S
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports