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JAMES BROWN: It's week 7 in the NFL.
>> And there is Bengals quarterback, Joe Burrow. 16 NFL games, 67% completion, 4,200 yards, 27 TDs. They are visiting Baltimore today.
>> There's Lamar Jackson, or should I call him Mr. October? He is 9-0 in the month of October, and 5-0 against the Bengals in his career.
>> Derrick Henry, King Henry. That man is 6'3", 250. The face and identity of the Tennessee Titans.
>> Got to be strong to carry all that jewelry. That's weight. Patrick Mahomes, he was great last week again the Washington Football Team. They flushed him out of the pocket and made a lot of good throws. Should be great for this team today.
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JAMES BROWN: Hello, folks. Welcome to "The NFL Today" presented by Ram Trucks. I'm James Brown back in town in the comfortable confines of Studio 43, joined by my incredible colleagues, Phil Simms. You said we can't tease Bill because he is soft if I call him a Hall of Famer?
PHIL SIMMS: He is tender.
JAMES BROWN: That doesn't even apply. Nate Burleson and Boomer Esiason. It is a celebration of football with so many of the league's top stars in action on our air today, so let the party begin. Today's late matchups featuring two quarterbacks at the top of their games, Tom Brady and the Bucs taking on The Bears in Tampa Bay while Kyler Murray and the Cardinals look to remain undefeated as they host the Texans. It should be just Tampa not Tampa Bay.
The AFC North has always been known for its defensive dominance, Bill, but today in Baltimore the scoreboard operator is ready to roll as Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson face off in what should be a high-scoring affair.
Speaking of scoring, two of the league's top offensive players in the Music City, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs trying to knock off King Derrick Henry and the Tennessee Titans. Coming in live from the booth in Nashville where he will be calling today's game, of course, Charles Davis. C.D., it was a statement fourth quarter comeback for the Titans on Monday night. The confidence should still be pretty high, I would imagine.
CHARLES DAVIS: You would imagine correctly, J.B. Confidence is high by what they did. Remember that last drive by Buffalo is what really elevated the confidence for Tennessee because as they took the ball down field, I started thinking to myself, this looks familiar. Tennessee with a three-point lead. Time-outs in their pocket. Mike Vrabel not using them. What did it remind me of? New England-Seattle in the Super Bowl with Bill Belichick had time-outs in his pocket. Then the big play by Malcolm Butler. For Tennessee the big play was, of course, the big defensive tackle Simmons. Jeffrey Simmons caving it in and stopping Josh Allen. When I look at what happened in that game, two things come to mind. One, Mike Vrabel learned very well from Bill Belichick, and both of them showed confidence in their team, and both of them had the expectation that their team would battle on defense, and they would play for the other team to make the big mistake. Buffalo could have kicked the field goal. They decided not to. Went for it. Tennessee made the play. They keep that confidence high.
JAMES BROWN: Charles, thanks, and the best to you. Ian and Evan on the call today. Coach, an impressive display of D last week.
BILL COWHER: Particularly in the Red Zone. The Tennessee Titans are good there, and you think about the Kansas City Chiefs, how creative they are in that area. When you look at the Tennessee Titans, it's about a pass reference. Landry, second of the league in pressure, and Kevin Byard already has three picks today, and Patrick Mahomes has thrown an interception in five straight games. When you look at it defense, that's Jeffrey Simmons on a fourth down stop. They're strong in the middle. On the back end. Now they've got some injuries on the corner situation, but you beat Buffalo last week, and it's Kansas City this week. It's a good parameter to see where they stand in the AFC.
PHIL SIMMS: We'll find out. I'm going to talk about that Tennessee offense, or I should say the Derrick Henry show. That's what we're talking about. When you look at this graphic, look at these numbers, Derrick Henry is on pace to break all NFL records in these four categories, and what he is doing is terrific. He is a very unique talent. Of course, we all know that. He is tall, like Eric Dickerson. Look at him as he runs. 6'3". He has power of Earl Campbell. He can run over people, break tackles. When you look at it, and he is faster than the other running backs I'm talking about, he is the modern day Jim Brown. That's what he rye minds me of. When I watch him play, that's who I see. This team -- teams come up, crowd the line of scrimmage against him. That's tough to do too because Ryan Tannehill may be the best play action passer. He has A.J. Browne, Julio Jones to throw to, and they do it well.
BOOMER ESIASON: We talk about Patrick Mahomes and the interceptions. He is 47-13 as a starting quarterback, including the playoffs, and, yeah, he takes chances. There's no question about this. A little Brett Favre in him. What I mean by that is that he is not afraid to take chances because he knows if he makes a mistake, they are so good offensively that they can overcome.
Those mistakes, much like last week against the Washington Football Team. The thing about this game, if they do make some mistakes, they have to keep it early. This Tampa Bay they make mistakes late, that's when you run into the problem of trying to stop Derrick Henry, and they play keep-away from you. Are.
NATE BURLESON: He has 15 interceptions in the last 15 games, dating back to last year. The reason why I'm not concerned about those chances is because he has two guys that he can throw the rock to. Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce. No better duo in the game. The shots down the field are the big blows, knock-out punches. It's what they do underneath that are the body blows that wear you out throughout the game, and when it comes to the Titans, when it comes to completions of 25 yards or more, the Titans are second worse in the NFL. You know that today Kansas City will take the shots down field. Keep your eye in between the hashes and the underneath routes because that's where they hurt you.
JAMES BROWN: Folks, no doubt about that. For more news and updates from a around the league, let's welcome in our "NFL Today" insider Jason La Canfora. What's the latest.
JASON LA CANFORA: The Texans are eager to trade veterans ahead of next week's deadline, and yes, that could include Deshaun Watson. No deal is imminent, league sources said. The Texans demands are still too high. Watson is facing 22 lawsuits over allegations of sexual assaulted or sexual misconduct. Tyrod Taylor, Phillip Lindsay, Brandon Cooks, Mark Ingram, all Texans who could be on the move. The Dolphins remain Watson's most persistent Suitor, according to sources. Steven Ross, owner, not averse to acquiring him now, and pressure is mounting on Coach Brian Flores and G.M. Chris Greer after five straight losses. The Texans are not interested in Miami QB Tua Tagovailoa as part of any trade, and the Browns don't know when QB Baker Mayfield will return from a torn labrum and small fracture in his left shoulder. He won't be cleared to play until the swelling dissipates enough for him to rebuild the strength in the muscles around that shoulder, that might not be in time for week eight, and there is concern that another blow to the shoulder could require surgery, and, Boom, Kliff Kingsbury back on the sidelines for the Cardinals.
BOOMER ESIASON: Thank you, Jase. Then there is Joe Burrow. He is completing 71% of his passes. He is coming off a horrific knee injury his rookie season.
>> Coming up on "NFL Today", this season quarterback play has been off the charts, and you'll want to hear what our own QBs think about what's quickly becoming a golden era for NFL signal callers. Ja'Marr Chase is putting up rookie of the year type numbers in Cincinnati, and he sat down with our former Bengals star to talk about his first season in the league.
>> Honestly, I knew what I could do from the jump. It's just putting my mindset to it, having confidence in myself. You know, it's just having positive energy around you that makes you feel better about yourself.
>> Derrick Henry has looked unstoppable in recent weeks.
>> Derrick Henry just went 60. Touchdown, Titans!
>> Coach will break down how he thinks NFL defenses can get an upper hand against the running back. All that and more when "NFL Today" returns on CBS.
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JAMES BROWN: Here are some appropriate words. Look on the for Lamar Jackson. Undefeated in his five career starts against the Bengals. Folks, he has been on another level this season. Doing with his legs and his arm inside and outside the pocket. Bottom line is whatever it takes for his team to win, he will do it.
>> The game has been important. We're trying to win regardless. We just want to win.
>> Jackson takes it himself. He is Houdini. Wow.
>> Got to play street ball sometimes.
>> Jackson dropping dimes.
>> Right on the money.
JAMES BROWN: And a couple of AFC Division rivalries in our early window highlighted by the electrifying Lamar Jackson. He is taking on Joe Burrow and a really good Bengals squad.
NATE BURLESON: Speaking of Bengals squad, Lamar Jackson plays well against them. There are certain teams that you play well against. Lamar's numbers, 5-0, undefeated pass yards, over 900. Ten total touchdowns and the rushing yards against the Bengals in his career. Stepping on the field versus this team, you know he wants to do his thing. Speaking of rushing, Latavius Murray, we know, is out. All of these guys they brought in, let's say, off the couch they all scored a touchdown. J.K. Dobbins went down, Gus "the bus" went down. The rushing yards and what they do on the ground, phenomenal.
PHIL SIMMS: You are telling me they got a really good offensive line. No matter who runs behind, they get it done. The Baltimore defense is confusing where, they play 18 to 20 different guys on the defensive side, so you don't know who is out there. They are led by a big defensive line, Calais Campbell so they can stand in there and stop the run. When it comes to pressure, they don't have a premier pass rusher. They blitz linebackers, corners, and safeties. When you look at this team, they are battle-tested, emotional. They'll be ready to play today.
BILL COWHER: The highlights we saw from Lamar were against the Cincinnati Bengals from last year and the year before. This is not the same Cincinnati Bengal defense. This defense right now fifth in the league in scoring. They actually have six new starters from last year's team that started the season. You look at Trey behind Rick Hodgson, where guy right now has five and a half sacks. Logan Wilson, he is an inside linebacker. Second only to Travon Diggs. This defense, Boom is a big part of the resurgence of the Bengals.
BOOMER ESIASON: It's the third year of the rebuild under Zac Taylor. That's who the head coach is. Joey Burrow is the unquestioned leader of the Bengals. You brings purpose at that position. Haven't seen that since Andy Dalton was in his prime. Think about what they added for him. Ja'Marr Chase, his college teammate, we're going to talk to him in a little bit. This is a totally rebuilt team. This is a test for them today to see exactly where they are in this young season. I think they're going to throw the ball deep, and they're going to throw it a lot, and the reason I say that, you see the blitz that you are talking about. The Jets are up at Gillette Stadium. Bill Belichick, 34-11 against the Jets. Think about the experience on the coaching staff for the New England Patriots. Compare that to the Jets coaching staff, inexperienced, and you know that you got basically a huge advantage for the --
BILL COWHER: Speaking of the coach and the staff, Josh McDaniel, offensive coordinator, he is taking Mac Jones under his wing. Mac Jones to me, a great sign to me of resiliency. Last week a pick-6 to Trevon Diggs. Very next play the bomb to Kendrick Bourne. Nothing is going to make him --
BOOMER ESIASON: Phase him.
BILL COWHER: This guy is a solid key to their offense, and Mac Jones I think has had a very, very good start to his rookie year. Fill full he is doing great. I'm going to talk about Zach Wilson of the Jets. I don't care about decision-making. You are a rookie. You can make mistakes and they'll forgive you. What I want to see is let it go. The second pick of the draft. I want to see you put your foot in the ground and really throw it down the field and make plays.
NATE BURLESON: All right. Calm down. Relax. You're getting excited now.
PHIL SIMMS: I'll say this about Zach Wilson. Two weeks ago against the Falcons in the second half, he was tremendous. He settled down. He threw the ball down the field. He had five highlight throws. I want to see more of that.
NATE BURLESON: You get excited when you talk U talk about young quarterbacks. I don't want to see him using his legs too much. We talk about his athleticism, but he is the second most sacked quarterback in the league, so extend the pocket to leave the pocket and not to take those shots. Denzel Mimms and Elijah Moore, let's see them get going. J.B., what's up, baby?
JAMES BROWN: Phil is concerned about decision-making. Coming up at 4:25 eastern right here on CBS, the immortal, seemingly, Tom Brady, welcoming the best pass rush to Tampa. That's when the reigning champions take on Chicago. Then MVP candidate Kyler Murray looking to keep his Cardinals unblemished as they head to Houston for a showdown with the Texans. All right. Arizona certainly looking the part of the best squad in the league, and, of course, the driver of the bandwagon, none other than the host of the Jim Rome show, Jim Rome. He can be heard daily on CBS sports radio, simulcast on CBS sports network, the Hall of Famer.
JIM ROME: If it feels like I'm always here hype being the Arizona Cardinals, it's because I'm always here hyping the Arizona Cardinals. You cannot fluke your way to 6-0. They can outscheme you and line up and punch you in the face, and their suddenly fierce D gets after the QB and hands it back to Kyler Murray, rinse and repeat. They've won with offense, defense, and even when they didn't have their head coach and play caller. The team picked to finish last in the NFC West is now the team to beat in the NFC. They are shutting people up left and right. Well, except for me, J.B. I can't stop talking about these dudes, and I probably will the next time that I am here as well.
JAMES BROWN: Rinse and repeat. I love that, as usual. Speaking of the people we can't stop talking about and the fans trying to imitate the one and only Derrick Henry. 143 on the ground last week. Nearly 250 pounds. He hit a top speed of 21.8 miles per hour, folks. When he gets the ball, move out of the way.
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JAMES BROWN: No doubt an up-and-down year for that young man there, Patrick Mahomes. Even with the struggles he has a league-leading 18 touches on the season. TDs, that is. He will have to be heroic with Derrick Henry and the Titans. So many other-worldly talents on our air today. All part of our Infiniti gauntlet of NFL eternals playing later today. Now experience the Marvel Universe in the biggest cinematic event of the year. Let's look at Marvel Studios "Eternals" only in theaters November 5th.
>> You are about to meet the greatest warriors the world has ever known. Legendary, powerful.
>> When you look at something, you fight fist.
>> I'm sure that was a lot of fun for you.
>> It was.
>> On November 5th the Marvel Universe becomes Eternal.
>> Eternal is a symbol.
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>> The ageless quarterback, Tom Brady.
>> The goat.
>> Makes it look so easy.
>> Mahomes putting on a show. A legend in the making. Best in the league.
>> Derrick Henry just pounding and pounding.
>> Kyler Murray into the end zone for the touchdown.
>> You are ridiculous.
>> Lamar Jackson.
>> Flips in for the go ahead touchdown.
>> Oh, my goodness.
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>> Marvel Studios "Eternals" only in studios November 5th.
JAMES BROWN: I think it's safe to say every time wants an eternal. No fireworks here, time to play a game of QB questions that we start with number one. We'll start with Boomer. You want to go over here. Phil, we'll start with you.
PHIL SIMMS: What is that about?
JAMES BROWN: That's just part of the deal. Who will be the best quarterback in the NFL five years from now?
PHIL SIMMS: Five years. This is tough. I thought about it a lot, of course. I'm going to say Patrick Mahomes, but it was either Patrick Mahomes for me because of where he is now or where Lamar Jackson is heading to. I said Patrick Mahomes just because his talent, we know what it's going to be in five years. It's going to be like it is right now.
BOOMER ESIASON: I'll go with Joe burr roadway. The reason I say that is because he had to come through a horrific knee injury. He spent the time making sure he was ready for this year. Also spent time with his private quarterback coach, Jordan Palmer working on his arm strength in the offseason. You know what that tells me? That he cares, and that's the most important ingredient.
JAMES BROWN: The best deep ball throw are in the league.
BOOMER ESIASON: Patrick Mahomes. All you have to do is watch his games, and there are balls flying all over the place and you know they will be throwing the ball down the field today. No matter what, we think about the interceptions, all this stuff. He is fearless when it comes to running around back there and letting it fly.
PHIL SIMMS: He loves Patrick Mahomes. To me it's Russell Wilson. He throws moon balls. The higher you throw that about believe if the air as as quarterback and that defensive back is chasing, they panic, pass interference, or they misjudge the ball. Russell Wilson, the best at it.
JAMES BROWN: Money time, two-minute drill. Who do you want leading that drill?
PHIL SIMMS: Two-minute drill? That's easy, Tom Brady. Two Super Bowl wins on the last drive. Two come from behind wins this year on the last drive of the game. Tom Brady is the most clutch player at that position of quarterback we've seen in history.
BOOMER ESIASON: Peyton Manning was pretty clutch himself, but I will say Tom Brady, I do agree with Phil in this regard. It start in 2001, and it hasn't stopped in 2021. It's been a career of just great fourth quarter comebacks.
JAMES BROWN: Finally, the hardest to game plan for.
BOOMER ESIASON: For me Kyler Murray. It's like playing Barry sanders with a baseball player's arm. You know what I'm saying? Browning brown wow.
PHIL SIMMS: That's a good one.
BOOMER ESIASON: I just watched and I was stunned at how good Barry sanders was. He has refined his game. He is a defensive nightmare. -- a defensive coordinator's nightmare.
PHIL SIMMS: Lamar Jackson. He can throw it, run it, break tackles. His game just keeps getting better. I like Jamar Jackson.
JAMES BROWN: Remember how John Teerlink and how they prepared for Barry Sanders? They put his players in a circle and what did they put in the middle for them to tackle? A rooster to see if they could catch him. Unbelievable.
There's another one of the league's superheroes, Derrick Henry. He has over 200 more yards, Phil and Boom, than the next leading rusher and double the touchdowns. King Henry with the rock like Thor with his hammer, nearly unstoppable.
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>> Derrick Henry, 60 yards.
>> Henry is off to the races. 76 yards.
>> Give him the football.
>> What a run, and a touchdown for Derrick Henry.
>> All Derrick Henry.
[Music]
>> Henry, knocking over Darius Leonard.
>> Derrick Henry is a bad man.
>> Rock 'em, Sock 'Em Robots.
>> That's what I'm talking about.
NATE BURLESON: Derrick Henry is playing unbelievable, unstoppable right now, but here's is his teammate A.J. Brown teaching us how to tackle Derrick Henry.
>> This is a TikTok how to tackle Derrick Henry. You know he going to come with the stiff arm, so I'm right here with it, right? When I come up to him, you got to knock the stiff arm down and you got to roll then. You got to do the alligator roll when you hit him. About to roll with it.
BILL COWHER: I got you, A.J. Easier said than done. I will say this. Since 2019, if you hold Derrick Henry to under 100 yards, they're 6-12. I went back and looked at all those games, and here's my keys to stopping Derrick Henry. Number one, it's keep him going sideways. He is big, strong, fast. You got to get to him before he gets rolling down hill. Number two, utilize the strong safety eight-man fronts. Bring in one more defender than they have blockers.
NATE BURLESON: Got to load the box.
BILL COWHER: Yes. Number three, you have to gang tackle. You'll be part of one of the stiff arms and angry runs. If you don't do these things, this is what happens. Derrick Henry, watch him right here. He is going to go down hill. No penetration. Nothing. He has never been off key. He is straight down hill. He bounces, great vision. This is a big, fast man. Look at this number here. 21.8 miles per hour.
NATE BURLESON: Let me put that in perspective. Usain Bolt during his dominance in China, he was 23 miles-per-hour. Derrick Henry is 35 more pounds than him.
BILL COWHER: Eight-man front get on the back foot, before that big man can go down hill. Get him going sideways, and sometimes unconventionally go underneath the block. Chandler Jones does it right here where, why? You get him off his track. Not going down hill. Then number three, Tyron Matthew, who he is playing against tonight, gets him into the back field before he gets going. Blitzing him, bring in one more they have, and then penetrating the line of scrimmage. This is a big strong powerful guy. He is also fast.
NATE BURLESON: It seems like he gets stronger as the game goes on.
BILL COWHER: In the second half alone if you took his yards, he would still be ranked third in the National Football League.
NATE BURLESON: It helps that he is big and athletic. Speaking of big and athletic, J.B., take it away.
JAMES BROWN: Oh, that was back in the day. We'll kick off just about a half hour away. Time to set the scene at your game as we take you out first on the field presented by DirecTV stream for the latest news and updates on your match up.
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IAN EAGLE: It's a rematch of the 2019 AFC Championship game today in Nashville. The Chiefs and Titans in a big battle at Nissan Stadium. Hi, everybody. Ian Eagle, along with Charles Davis. It was a legitimate playoff atmosphere here last week. The Titans held off the Buffalo Bills. Their quarterback, Ryan Tannehill, it the numbers are not eye-popping right now, but he has been very efficient for Mike Vrabel and couple.
>> I think that's going to expand as the season goes on. Throwing off of the play action, fakes to Derrick Henry. A.J. brown, Julio Jones, they're starting to round into form.
>> The Chiefs get pro bowl defensive lineman Chris Jones back today. He has missed the last two games with a wrist injury.
>> They need his big body to combat Derrick Henry and the run game. He may move inside more to defensive tackle, his accustomed position.
>> How about Harold Landry? He is on an absolute roll. At least one sack in three straight games.
>> His confidence is high and deservedly so. His pass rush moves are working, and he is finishing at the quarterback.
>> Kansas City offense ranked number two in the league. Also second in passing, Mecole Hardman continues to be an integral part of their attack.
>> A better receiver this year, he can also pop a big one in the return game.
>> You mentioned Julio Jones from Tennessee. Still nursing a hamstring injury. He is active today. Didn't finish the game on Monday night. We're still waiting for that vintage Julio Jones performance.
>> He believes it can come at any time. He would love for it to happen this afternoon.
>> And the Chiefs will be without one of their defensive leader, Anthony Hutchins, tricep injury. That means more responsibility for the rookie Nick Bolton.
>> Leading all NFL rookies and tackles. He could add to that total in a big way today trying to meet Derrick Henry on each and every carry.
>> The Chiefs taking on the Titans. 55th all-time meeting coming up. More of "The NFL Today", Boomer going back to his roots with rookie sensation Ja'Marr Chase of the Bengals. That's next on CBS.
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JAMES BROWN: We are certainly looking forward to that sneak peek of "Star Trek Prodigy" later today. Time now for pregame HQ brought to you by Domino's. There's no better way to bring in the third annual national tight ends day than with two of the game's best. They would be mark Andrews and Travis Kelce. An incredible bond shared among the position group with Andrews even attending Tight End U, which was co-created by Kelce, Greg Olson, and this day's founder George Kittle.
>> Hello to J.B., Phil, coach Coach, Nate, and Boomer. All my friends over there at CBS, I just wanted take this time to say thank you so much for all of your support of national tight end day.
>> Hey, everyone. Darren Waller. I want to thank everyone for recognizing National Tight End Day.
>> It's National Tight End Day. That's probably the best day in the world.
>> This is amazing. This is the best day in the NFL season in history right now. I love it.
>> What makes tight ends so special? Well, first off, we're big.
>> He is so big and strong.
>> We're fast.
>> Brady goes down field. He has Gronkowski.
>> We're sexy.
>> Touchdown, Rob Gronkowski.
>> What else do you need?
>> Make sure you wear some T-shirts or something, eye black. Get excited about it, throw a couple of whoas in there. Thank you, guys, so much, and happy national tight ends day.
NATE BURLESON: Whoa! Yeah, baby.
JAMES BROWN: Why don't you put your shirt on? I don't have a body.
BOOMER ESIASON: I love George Kittle, and thank you so much for recognizing Tight Ends Day. Take a look at some of the numbers, guys. Most catches all-time by tight ends through the first six weeks of the season. I played in the West Coast offense 13 out of my 14 years. The tight end had to be basically so multi-dimensional to be effective, and that's what today's tight ends have become.
JAMES BROWN: This is arguably the most talented tight end position has ever been, and in honor of this guy, the big day that this is, I'm going to give Phil the impossible task of ranking the top five tight ends in football.
PHIL SIMMS: That hurt.
JAMES BROWN: No, it didn't. You're solid.
PHIL SIMMS: I want to apologize to George Kittle. He is not going to on the list.
NATE BURLESON: What?
PHIL SIMMShe: Because he is hurt. Dalton Schultz of the Dallas Cowboys. Three touchdowns. He is like Travis Kelce. He can reroute, follow the quarterback. Has done -- T.J. Hockenson, Detroit. He is still one of the top five tight ends in the league. Good blocker. Runs well. Mark Andrews. Deceptively fast, good starting. Lamar loves him. Darren Waller, a beast. Big, tall catch, run, fast. Two touchdowns. 33. Travis Kelce, he is the three-headed monster on that football team. Hey, he can move, change routes, do it all. Great hands. Nimble. He has it all.
BILL COWHER: I would say, Phil, it's a good list. We talk about the tight end today. If you have watched the first part of this season, Kyle Pitts and the Atlanta Falcons is a modern day tight end right now. Nothing but a big receiver. I think it was an oversight on your part to miss out on Kyle.
PHIL SIMMS: You would be wrong.
NATE BURLESON: I know this guy is banged up, but Gronk, when he is on the field, he is a touchdown machine.
PHIL SIMMS: When is he on the field. Thank you. Go ahead.
BILL COWHER: You know what, Phil.
BOOMER ESIASON: I appreciate you. You put a lot of work into this.
PHIL SIMMS: I did.
BOOMER ESIASON: I can understand why you put the five guys on there that you did.
PHIL SIMMS: Thank you.
BOOMER ESIASON: I also have to say that Gronk and George Kittle definitely deserve a lot of love.
BILL COWHER: They have to play to be on the list.
PHIL SIMMS: They're not retired. They're not Tony Gonzalez and Shannon Sharpe, are they? No, they're not.
PHIL SIMMS: You over there criticizing me.
BILL COWHER: That position has become a part of today's football. Trying to match up with them led me to draw on Troy Polamalu. A defensive back can't cover them. Getting the guy that's big enough and athletic enough really has changed the dynamic of football today and how you draft.
PHIL SIMMS: It used to be the running back was the star in the NFL. Then it became wide receivers, and now the quarterback is the focal point. Tight ends a glamour spot.
JAMES BROWN: Did Phil have a tough childhood? He came back at you guys.
NATE BURLESON: I got to give a shout-out to a 6'4", 200 pound beast at the tight end position, Nehemiah Burleson, my son.
BILL COWHER: Sometimes tight ends come in different forms. How about this guy right here? He was a linebacker. He caught a touchdown pass in Super Bowls 38 and 39. He has 12 career touchdowns, and right now he played linebacker. You are talking about Mike Vrabel, when you look at him today, he is a man of many roles. He is also a man who never seems happy. Reminds me a lot of Phil Simms.
NATE BURLESON: Phil Simms.
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[Commercial]
>> "NFL Today" sponsored by Weather Tech, auto, home, pet. Find your fit at weathertech.com. Geico. Happy Geico-Ween, and Ram Trucks, Motor Trend's truck of the year for the third year in a row.
JAMES BROWN: The Chiefs hosted the tenth annual Chiefs Style Lounge. The event featured two fashion shows with all the looks available by way of silent auction. All proceeds will be donated to the metropolitan organization to counter sexual assault. Trey Henderson, big offseason free agent signing. This defensive line for the Bengals has changed dramatically.
BILL COWHER: That's Calais Campbell, six-time pro bowler, looking to stop the NFL second leading rusher, and that being Joe Mixon. The Ravens have their hands full today.
NATE BURLESON: Matthew Judon, six and a half sacks this season. That's third in the NFL. The Patriots haven't had a double-digit sack guy since Chandler Jones in 2015.
BOOMER ESIASON: Safety, Tyron Matthew, and the Kansas City Chiefs, he has two picks this year, and I'm sure he is not looking forward to the many collisions he is going to have with King Henry today. Let's go to Jim Rome for more.
JIM ROME: Sean McVay admitted recently that he could have handled Jared Goff's departure better than he did. Credit for owning it, but he and the organization could not have made a better decision than trading Goff for Matthew Stafford because things could not be going any better for Stafford in L.A. or any worse for Goff in Detroit. While Stafford is lighting it up with the Rams, Lions coach Dan Campbell took a run at Goff publicly saying he has to do more, and he is not wrong. I'm not saying it's all on Goff. I am saying that Stafford could not have gone to a better situation, and Goff to a worse one. One guy looks like an MVP candidate. The other is fighting for his NFL future and safe to assume his return to L.A. today is only going to make it worse, so much worse.
Now, I'm not sure what's more stunning, Jon Gruden's sudden end in Las Vegas or rallying around it to beat Denver. It's enough to make you wonder if, frankly, it team is better off without Gruden. Let's be real. He hasn't won a single playoff game since winning the Super Bowl in 2002. Not only did the Raiders not fall apart when he left, they rallied around each other. They arguably improved. Yes, it's only one game, but it says here this group is different than the ones before it. The circumstances that led to Gruden's departure were terrible, and they are better off without him.
The Cincinnati Bengals are straight legit. They're 4-2, but they should be 5-1. Joe Burrow is back, and he is proving that he is the best thing in Cincy since that legend across the set was the league MVP and playing in the Super Bowl. And as for all this nonsense that they should have used that first pick to get Burrow some help, they did. Wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase. Cracking that pick was dumb and even worse was calling him a bust in the preseason. You mean the bust that's going to be the rookie of the year? Couple that with the defense that's getting better every single week, and the Bengals are no longer a crew that you want to Jack with. You mess with them, and they're liable to mess up you as well, Boomer.
BOOMER ESIASON: That's right, Jim, and thanks for the lookback. Now, Cincinnati selected Ja'Marr Chase with the fifth overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft. The first year wide-out has played like anything but a rookie as both he and his Bengals have gotten off to an impressive start to their season.
[Music]
>> For Ja' Marr Chase. He has it in the end zone. Caught for the touchdown. Chase into the touchdown.
>> Ja'Marr Chase, touchdown.
BOOMER ESIASON: Talk to me about the expectations for this team. You have gotten off to a really good start, you and Joe, obviously, picked up right where you left off at LSU. The expectations that you have week in and week out now that you have figured out that you can actually do this at this level.
>> Honestly, I knew what I could do from the jump. It was just putting my mindset to it, having confidence in myself. When I have good friends on my side, you know, telling me to pick myself up, I have a great quarterback that I have known for three, four years now. It's just having positive energy around you that makes you feel better about yourself.
BOOMER ESIASON: The Cincinnati Bengals haven't been very good over the last few years, and now all of a sudden there is a genuine excitement back in the city. Can you feel it now from the Bengal fans?
>> I can definitely feel it. Just by how packed they had the Green Bay Packers game. I see that they loving the games, the fans are loving what the Bengals are doing right now, so we got to keep the energy up. Got to keep winning games, so we can keep it going.
Q. Lets go! Let's go!
BOOMER ESIASON: Do you and Joe have this sixth sense about each other? You don't really have to talk to each other, you can kind of just look at each other and know exactly what you are doing on the field?
>> It's like that sometimes. Sometimes we can just look at each other. Sometimes Joe might not even look at me, and I know what he is thinking. That just came from the years at college and the offseason working with him.
>> Going deep into the end zone, and caught by Chase! Oh, my goodness, what a grab.
BOOMER ESIASON: Who makes who better? Does the receiver make the quarterback better, or does the quarterback make the receiver better?
>> In my case I feel like Joe made me better because I'm the younger person at this point. He taught me about film, actually. That was the first thing he taught me, I want to say, and it actually helped me when I was in college showing me some of the tendencies that I could look for.
BOOMER ESIASON: Do you understand what Ravens week means? Cincinnati?
>> Yes, I do.
BOOMER ESIASON: How do you explain exactly what is Ravens week all about?
>> It's about the Ravens, of course. Just the mentality we have to have coming into this game. Not the pressure, but the accountability that we need to have against this team, how great they are with the record over the years, how many games we played at home and beating them. It's a big week just because of the rivalry we have.
BOOMER ESIASON: I would imagine that it would remind you of Alabama week when you were at LSU, right?
>> That's exactly what I say. Yes. That's exactly it right there.
>> Caught, touchdown, Ja'Marr Chase.
BOOMER ESIASON: Who was the last quarterback to start a Super Bowl for the Bengals?
>> You.
BOOMER ESIASON: Is there going to be a new one that's going to start in the Super Bowl for the Bengals hopefully shortly?
>> Very soon. We're going to get there. Very soon.
BOOMER ESIASON: All right. It's great to meet you, man. Good luck.
>> Thank you.
BOOMER ESIASON: Button that chin strap this week, my man.
[Music]
BOOMER ESIASON: You better button your chin strap when you play the Ravens. Look where he already is the number four wide receiver in the league, and he is basically adding the energy, the excitement to the Cincinnati Bengal offense to go along with Joe bush row. Joe Burrow is the unquestioned leader, and he has taken this kid under his wing, and it's almost like they are playing together again at LSU.
NATE BURLESON: Let me say great job, Boom. I lot of that Cincinnati connection between you two. There's Joe Burrow. We know that he likes to lean on wide receivers, and this guy right here, this combination, them being so young, Joe Burrow in his second year, and Ja'Marr as a rookie. I can only imagine what they're going to look like one, two, maybe five years from now.
BILL COWHER: Don't diminish the experience they had with each other at LSU. They know each other very, very well. As a rookie coming in, it's not getting to know the system. Maybe just that. He knows the quarterback, and then Joe Mixon running the football, the balance you talked about earlier with the offense right now, that's making this team legit.
PHIL SIMMS: A lot of people say the Bengals have to draft an offensive linemen. They didn't. They went out and got a play maker that can go down the field and run by defensive backs. You put him with Tyler Boyd and T. Higgins, what a group they have. Uzomah at tight end. They're dangerous. You said earlier, Joe Burrow is playing physically better this year than last year.
BOOMER ESIASON: They have actually basically more runs than passes as opposed that last year. One thing about Joe Burrow, health insurance accuracy is uncanny. It's off the charts.
JAMES BROWN: I love that TV studio you have at home.
NATE BURLESON: Can't hide money.
PHIL SIMMS: Can't hide money.
JAMES BROWN: It is time for upset specials at week seven.
PHIL SIMMS: I think I'm undefeated this year. Bill, say something. I'm taking the Giants over the Carolina panthers. Home team is going to win.
BILL COWHER: Whatever you think, Phil. I'm going to take the Indianapolis Colts over San Francisco. Weather could be an issue.
NATE BURLESON: I love what K.C. is doing, but I got ten ten because Derrick Henry is in the zone.
BOOMER ESIASON: Pressure point. I'm taking them again this week, the Miami Dolphins at home.
JAMES BROWN: Folks, that in mind, we'll see you back here at halftime, but check this out. With kickoff just a few minutes away, we.
NATE BURLESON: We will get you out to your game when? Next!
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JAMES BROWN: Welcome back to "The NFL Today", and now Amazon takes you out to the sights and sounds of the game between the Chiefs and the Titans. Let's take you out to Nashville with our announcers, Ian Eagle and Charles Davis and Evan Washburn.
>> Fans here in Nashville are ready to see King Henry run wild once again. The 3-3 Kansas City Chiefs in town to face the 4-2 Tennessee Titans on CBS.
>> Welcome to the broadcast booth, everybody. Ian Eagle along with Charles Davis. Evan Washburn on the sidelines. Right now through six weeks of this NFL season, something has become abundantly clear. We are witnessing greatness from one Derrick Henry. He is dominating NFL defenses.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports