JAMES BROWN: Week 12 in the league.
BOOMER ESIASON: Let's get it on J.B. Mack Jones on track to be the rookie of the year. Five straight wins. He's completing 70 percent of his passes.
NATE BURLESON: Ryan Tannehill ready to get it on. Four interceptions last week in a disappointing loss. Looking to bounce back against the Patriots today.
BILL COWHER: T.J. Watt not playing the matchup in week 3. He has a 3-1 record in Cincinnati with the sacks this year.
PHIL SIMMS: There's Joe Burrow. Thrown for over 2,600 yards, 21 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, completing a high percentage of his passes. He's the best quarterback in Cincinnati since Kenny Anderson.
JAMES BROWN: Folks, hello everyone and welcome to "The NFL Today," presented by the all new 2022 grand wagoneer. I'm James Brown, back inside of studio 43. It's a blessing to be with my colleagues. Former NFL MVP, Boomer Esiason.
BOOMER ESIASON: Thank you, J.B.
JAMES BROWN: Emmy award winning Nate Burleson. The Hall of Fame coach, Coach Bill Cowher. And two-time Super Bowl champion Phil Simms.
PHIL SIMMS: And MVP.
BOOMER ESIASON: All right.
PHIL SIMMS: Been here four years, he's never said it.
BOOMER ESIASON: You are on a roll already today. You insulted me 30 seconds into the show.
PHIL SIMMS: It was a mistake, I swear.
BOOMER ESIASON: No, it wasn't. That was written on your card.
JAMES BROWN: We've got video to show I've called him MVP a bunch of times. That is absolutely not right.
Fellas, we've reached the point of the season where it seems like every game is dripping with postseason significance. So there's no time to waste. Let's get right to it.
The AFC West has become a real horse race. So today Teddy Bridgewater and the Broncos will try and stave off Justin Herbert and the high flying Chargers in Denver. A big rivalry game in Cincinnati. Joe Burrow and the Bengals play host to Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers as both teams trying to keep pace with the Ravens in the AFC North.
Meanwhile in Foxborough, Mac Jones and the red hot Patriots put their five-game win streak on the line when they take on Ryan Tannehill and the Titans, who by the way are looking to get back on track after last week's loss to the Texans.
>> You turn the ball over in this league, you're going to lose.
>> Titans turning the ball over five times.
>> It doesn't matter what the record is, you're going to lose the game.
>> Got to stop shooting ourselves in the foot. We did it every which way today.
>> You underestimate the team, and you get your behinds whooped.
>> This one really smarts.
>> Tannehill's got his face in the ground.
>> Going to a team that's playing really good ball right now.
>> Pick six.
>> That's the way to make a play.
>> Touchdown, Patriots.
>> Matthew Judon.
>> The Patriots strike magic.
>> Terrific performance overall by the Patriots defense.
>> For New England, there's a confidence building.
JAMES BROWN: And coming to us live from Foxborough, where he'll be calling today's game, let's bring in the charismatic Charles Davis. C.D., the Titans missing so many weapons. Does the fate of this team rest on the shoulders of one Ryan Tannehill?
CHARLES DAVIS: In my opinion, J.B., absolutely. He's been an accessory to this offense when Derrick Henry is running the football. Now without A.J. Brown, without Julio Jones, without Derrick Henry, when you look at this lineup of guys who are not there, it means it does come to Ryan Tannehill. Henry's been out for a while. Brown on IR now. Julio Jones on IR.
Who's going to step up and help him? Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, who had a big game last week against Houston, and Anthony Firkser, who they've been waiting to get out of the starters blocks this season. I expect him to be a target. And a surprise, keep an eye on the name Cody Hollister just up from the practice squad as a receiver.
From New England, the guys who are going to try to stop him, they've been playing awfully well, J.B. This defense is built so strong down the middle. This is why they're shooting people down. Defensive line, they've added depth, Davon Godchaux at nose, Ja'Whaun Bentley at linebacker, and the safeties playing well led by Devin McCourty. Watch how they shut down the run. Linebackers flow, help make the play. And then the pass, here comes the defensive line and linebackers on the pass rush. Devin McCourty picks up his 30th pass as a New England Patriot.
J.B., strong down the middle and JC Jackson on the perimeter, taking it away and scoring himself.
JAMES BROWN: Charles is ready to rock and roll. Knock them alive today, Charles. Speaking of the Patriots, they certainly have to be very happy with who's up under center for them.
PHIL SIMMS: They have to be ecstatic of what Mac Jones is doing for the football team. They're 7-4 right now. He's playing really well. The highest completion percentage in the league this year, Kyler Murray at 72. There's Mac Jones, one of the reasons why he's completing so many passes, well, he has a very good offensive line in front of him. He's a quick decision-maker. He's accurate. He moves in the pocket well. He avoids sacks and throws it away if he gets too much pressure.
I love this offense. It's a power run offense, play action, a lot of movement, a lot of deception, and the thing I love about this offense too, Coach, every single week they make you defend the whole field. They always have a few trick plays up their sleeve to keep you honest.
BILL COWHER: There's going to be a lot of pressure on the defensive line of the Tennessee Titans. Going back to Charles, the pressure on Ryan Tannehill, who's going to help him? Mike Vrabel and Todd Downey. They've got to throw caution to the wind, think outside the box. Find a way of shortening this game. I think that's what you have to do. You have to help your quarterback in this thing manage it. You can't have Ryan Tannehill throwing the ball 54 times like last week, four picks. If he does that this many times this week, it will be eight picks against the New England Patriot.
Shorten the game. Think outside the box. For Todd Downey, it's not about the yards. It's about the attempts. That will keep the defense fresh and keep the game short and maybe find a way to win in the fourth quarter.
NATE BURLESON: Speaking of defense, my eyes have not about on the Patriots defense. If what you add doesn't make you better, you're carrying dead weight. What the Patriots added, it carries the defense. Matthew Judon balling out, 10 1/2 sacks. Kyle Van Noy, brought him back. He's familiar with the process. Christian Barmore, Jalen Mills, and Deontae Hightower, who's back after opting out. This is a great defense, and these are new faces showing up and showing out at the right time of the season, along with the offensive ball leading the way for the new guys. This is a team figuring it out at the right time.
BOOMER ESIASON: So great, over the last five games, only given up 50 points, 10 points a game. Think about this. They also have 15 sacks in the last five games. Ryan Tannehill has been sacked 31 times this year. He's thrown 12 interceptions. They have 13 take-aways in the last five games. Yes, it is Mac Jones, there's no question about that, and that great running offense they have, Phil. But it's also about this defense, as Charles Davis highlighted.
When you look at these numbers, they are staggering. Coach, I do agree with you. If you're Mike Vrabel, caution to the wind. You've got to try everything to win this game because right now on paper this really looks tilted in the favor of the New England Patriots.
JAMES BROWN: Add that many pieces and get it done is awesome indeed. Mac Jones has to be the defense's number one fan because they take so much pressure off of his shoulders. For more on the rookie quarterback and the latest news around the league, let's go to NFL today insider Jason La Canfora.
JASON LA CANFORA: Mac Jones has exceeded all expectation ins New England, J.B. He continues to earn trust from the coaching staff. Jones has been fairly unflappable since training camp, willing to do whatever is asked of him, I'm told. The coaches have gradually expanded the scope of the playbook and have every reason to believe that Jones will continue to play at this level for the playoff push.
The odds of Matt Nagy remaining the Bears' coach for 2022 is bleak. Tampa offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich will be one candidate to watch if a change it made. They regret not hiring Leftwich's mentor Bruce Arians. Northwestern has long coveted Pat Fitzgerald, but I'm told he won't be interested. And Giants coach Joe Judge is being coy about the new play caller, but Freddie Kitchens is taking over today. He fired Jason Garrett last week. He considered making the change all the way back in last November, according to sources. The hope is that kitchens unlocks the receivers, and gets QB Daniel Jones going. Otherwise, time might be running out for Judge too.
JAMES BROWN: Alabama at Auburn. 24 seconds left in regular laying. 'Bama down 10-3. Hooking up with Brooks for the 20-yard strike. Game tied at 10. We go to the fourth overtime. 'Bama going for the win. Bryce Young hitting John III. That was the game-winning two-point conversion. Alabama wins the Iron Bowl by two.
BOOMER ESIASON: What a game on CBS yesterday. Former 'Bama player and Minkah Fitzpatrick, back after missing last week. Keith Butler's defense almost 100 percent healthy for the matchup against the Bengals today.
>> Week 12 on "The NFL Today." There's been a lot of history for the Bengals and Steelers through the years.
>> I hate the Bengals.
>> Who will come out on top today when the longtime rivals face off at Cincy? Austin Ekeler shined bright this year for Los Angeles. You want to hear what the Chargers star said when he and Phil sat down for a chat earlier this week.
>> One of the unwritten rules for NFL players playing fantasy, if you have yourself on your team, you have to start yourself.
>> With so many teams in the hunt, the playoff picture is anything but clear, but the guys will be here to break down how week 12 will affect the postseason chase across the NFL. That's all coming up when "The NFL Today" continues on CBS.
[ Break ].
JAMES BROWN: A nice head-to-head quarterback battle coming up between Big Ben and Joe Burrow. By the way, Burrow has gotten the better of Ben as of late, but the Wiley veteran has owned the Bengals historically. He's got a 24-9 record in this storied division rivalry.
Time now for pregame HQ delivered by Domino's.
>> There is a professional hatred between the two teams.
>> I hate the Bengals.
>> We hate them. We hate them. We hate them.
>> The bad blood between these teams is very well.
>> Who Dat?
>> Steelers.
>> It's a big game at stake.
>> We put everything we've got into these games because we know how much it matters.
>> Wow, what a touchdown dive that is. Oh, my goodness, what a grab.
>> Let's go. Let's go.
>> Who Dat?
>> The rivalry that has turned bitter over the years.
JAMES BROWN: So we need someone to keep Coach and Boomer separated as Joe Burrow and the Bengals are looking for their third straight win against the Steelers. The last time that happened, guess who was the quarterback back then?
BOOMER ESIASON: I was, J.B., thank you very much. Nate, I try to be really unbiased around here, but working with these two guys, it's almost impossible.
BILL COWHER: What's your chat?
BOOMER ESIASON: Who Dey.
BILL COWHER: We dey.
BOOMER ESIASON: Today for the Cincinnati Bengals, the key guy has got to be Joe Mixon. If he touches the ball 16 times or more in a game, they are 5-1. Last week he touched the ball 30 times against the Raiders, and this is the guy that is the engine that makes the Bengal offense run. As long as they don't turn the ball over, hand him the ball, that's their best chance to win.
NATE BURLESON: You know who's been the engine in Pittsburgh all this time? Ben Roethlisberger. Started off a little rough, but he's been playing well. Check out the numbers. The last five games, the proof is in the pudding. Nine TDs, zero interceptions with the big number. Johnson, heavily criticized for dropping the ball last year. He's been working on tennis ball drills every single day, and he's making big catch after big catch for this offense.
BILL COWHER: You talk about success, it's Naji Harris. He's touching the ball at least 20 times a game. Only touched it 14 in the first game, and Ben Roethlisberger threw the ball way too much. That's the man you give the ball too. Defensively, they're going to have T.J. Watt and Alex high Smith. They didn't have either one of these players the first time they met. Joe Burrow, get used to seeing these two outside linebackers coming from both end of you because these guys can rush the quarterback. We Dey.
BOOMER ESIASON: Look how happy he is.
PHIL SIMMS: What about the Bengals defense? Ben Roethlisberger, you look out. Trey Henderson, 9 1/2 sacks. His partner Sam Hubbard, he has six sacks. When they played the first game this year, they sacked Ben Roethlisberger four times. If you're the Cincinnati defense, you play the safeties back because Ben Roethlisberger loves to throw it deep down the sidelines. If you stop that, let's see if you can drive the football ten plays, 80 yards.
NATE BURLESON: He loves the sidelines.
BOOMER ESIASON: Staying in the AFC north tonight, you've got the Ravens and the Browns. Coach, how about this Ravens defense against Baker Mayfield?
BILL COWHER: How about the offense with Lamar Jackson for the Ravens? Those legs are going to be fresh. That man will want to run all over the place. He may be rusty early because he hasn't played. You talk about the Cleveland Browns, they have struggled to defend the run the last two weeks.
NATE BURLESON: This is going to be a good one, and that offense is based around Lamar Jackson, his arm and his legs. But Mark Andrews is not just a tight end, your number one pass catcher. Hollywood Brown, marquis is going to be in the back in the lineup. And look for a big time game for Bateman. He's due for a cleanup.
PHIL SIMMS: The number one rushing offense in the NFL, they get Kareem Hunt to go along with Nick Chubb. Here's Baker Mayfield against the Ravens. It's not good numbers when you look at it, but the passing yards a game, why are they so high? The big reason is the Baltimore Ravens love to stop the run. They crowd the line of scrimmage, and they dare you to throw it deep. I expect Baker Mayfield to throw it down the field.
BOOMER ESIASON: Is there a quarterback under more pressure to win today than Baker Mayfield? The fans are all over him, he and the social media world. Everybody's going crazy out there in Cleveland. For me, he's got to handle the blitz. But as Coach and you just pointed out, Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt are back, and that is a staple of their offense. Play action pass, block up seven, and throw it downfield to Jarvis Landry and get those big plays.
NATE BURLESON: No doubt about it.
Listen, if you want to see football covered like never before, check me out on NFL Slimetime on Nickelodeon every Wednesday night at 7:00 eastern to find out who takes home the MVP. This week after a monster performance, it was Jonathan Taylor. Check this out.
>> I just want to say thank you, Nickelodeon for entrusting me with this award. Just knowing that kids all around the world look up to me means a lot. How did I expect to get something from Nickelodeon without getting slimed? How did I think I'd make it through clean? What the heck? Thank you, Nickelodeon for the award and sliming me.
NATE BURLESON: Nickelodeon, send some slime to the studio. I want to get my guys. Zach Wilson is back. This offense since he's been injured, number one offense in the league. Are they better with him or without him?
[ Break ].
>> Both teams have so much on the line with one kick. There we go. This time for real, and it is delivered good. The Raiders win it.
>> My back was against the wall. There's no doubt about it. That's just a fact. Everyone can see that. And the way that we fought today and for as long as it took to win, we had to do that today, and I'm very proud of our team.
REFEREE: Pass interference, defense No. 30. Unimpeded to the kicker, holding. Roughing the passer. Holding. Pass interference. Defense No. 30.
>> The numbers are absurd. 28 penalties, I don't know what the hell you want me to say.
>> We'll be okay. I'm sure the sense is a bunch of people are jumping off the bandwagon, which is fine with us because we know what we're capable of. We know the team that we have. More importantly, we know the men that are in that locker room.
JAMES BROWN: Just the sixth time we've seen an overtime game on Thanksgiving day. Folks, it is projected to be the most watched regular season game on any network in over 30 years, and the Raiders ended up getting a much needed win in a game that I think everybody agrees was riddled with mistakes and penalties.
BILL COWHER: It was riddled with mistakes, but if you think about it, it was the perfect storm. Add Shawn Hochuli, the fifth most penalties. As a coaching staff, you know that. There's special teams, nine of which were there. And the holding calls and defensive pass interference calls you see there, they're lining up in the neutral zone. You have to adjust to how they're calling the game. I thought it was a riveting game, went back and forth. The one thing that stood out to me is DeSean Jackson, the difference he makes with the offense with the Raiders. And Parsons what a force on the defensive side of the ball.
You look at these two teams, I think Dallas is going to get healthier. Right now for the Raiders, Derek Carr has shown a resiliency and a sense of purpose for how he's playing the game.
PHIL SIMMS: I think Dallas is going to be there. When you look at the Las Vegas Raiders, Derek Carr and that offense, they're scary. You watch them in a game, DeSean Jackson catches a great throw from Derek Carr, gets it over the defender, gets the long touchdown. Josh Jacobs, they got him involved. 22 carries in the game. Marcus Mariota to keep it off balance, do something different. I thought they mixed it up well.
Getting back to the run game, making your team tough, they did that. When you look at that also, just finding ways to make plays, the Raiders did that.
NATE BURLESON: All of that with a banged up Darren Waller sitting on the sideline. Getting back to the Cowboys, we know they're going to get healthy, and we now important Amari Cooper and C.D. Landry for that offense. I get it, Dak Prescott is your most valuable player, but Tony Pollard is your MVP, the next valuable player. If they want to make a Super Bowl run, they'd better start using Tony Pollard a lot more.
BOOMER ESIASON: In the AFC, 12 teams at .500 or better, so Raiders needed that win more. But if the Cowboys aren't careful, Philadelphia Eagles are breathing down their neck. I keep hearing about them getting healthy. They will be a great football team. I love Dak Prescott and the way he handled the post-game press conference. I want that guy to be the face of my franchise any time.
JAMES BROWN: Mr. Multimedia provides a nice segue when I say that win keeps the Raiders' playoff hopes alive. Vegas remains on the outs in the AFC along with the Steelers, the Colts, the Browns, and the Broncos. New England, Cincy, and L.A., they are the Wild Card teams for now.
Now, the Titans take the top seed followed by the Ravens, Bills, and the Chiefs.
Over in the NFC, Dallas remains safe for now, that at the No. 4 seed spot behind the Buccaneers, the Packers, and the conference leading Cardinals. The Rams are comfortable in the Wild Card spot, while Minnesota and San Francisco hold slim leads over the Eagles, Panthers, and Saints -- all within striking distance. In fact, some important contests today that affect both conferences.
What are the games that raise your antenna, Boom?
BOOMER ESIASON: That's a lot of verbalage. The AFC has three teams surging. New England with five wins in a row. Kansas City four wins in a row. They're on a bye. Indianapolis is the other team, three wins in a row, and they're running the ball. Coach, I know you love this. When you think about what has happened the last three weeks for Indianapolis, no turnovers. That's the key to Carson Wentz. Limit the amount of decisions. They're going against a Tampa Bay buccaneer team. Tom Brady has not been sacked in 80 drop-back passes. Ridiculous how quickly he's getting rid of the football.
I do like the Colts. We'll talk about them a little bit later on, but I think this is a game, because of all the other games in the AFC, there's a pressure point right now on Carson Wentz.
NATE BURLESON: I have a game starring two of the best quarterbacks that can grip it and rip it, the Los Angeles Rams and the Green Bay Packers. It doesn't matter what jersey you put on, when you're playing in Green Bay, it's tough. I know it personally. Matt Stafford 3-7 while he's played in Green Bay. You're saying, is that all his fault? Not necessarily. 21 touchdowns, 6 interceptions in those games. Being a Detroit lion, sometimes that's just the case. On the flip side, you have Aaron Rodgers, who's 18-2 at home over the last few years.
BOOMER ESIASON: But his toe hurts.
NATE BURLESON: His little toe hurts. I'm not making fun of it. I was making fun a little bit. I want to bring that up because he has mobility issues. The reason he's so good at what he does, he can throw from any stance on the field, and being mobile in the pocket is one of his biggest strengths. Keep your eye on it. If he's anchored in the pocket too much, that could hold the offense back.
BILL COWHER: And his mobility will be needed going against the Rams defensive front. How could a game with any more playoff implications? Minnesota going against San Francisco. Both these teams have won two in a row. They're both at 5-5, and they may have the head to head when it comes down to the playoffs. Look at these two teams. Kirk Cousins with the best touchdown to interception ratio, and he's got Justin Jefferson. On the other side, another guy for offensive MVP under the radar, Deebo Samuel. Second in the league in yards. He can be a running back. He can be a wide receiver. And Jimmy Garoppolo, he has thrown the ball.
PHIL SIMMS: 75 percent completion the last couple weeks for Jimmy Garoppolo. The Eagleses at 5-6. They're in the playoff hunt. They're running to the playoffs. 870 yards rushing the football the last four games. Jalen Hurts, beginning they're trying to, oh, let's throw the ball. Let's be one of those offenses. They finally figured it out. Let him be who he is. Keep trying to make him a drop-back quarterback. Let him run the football. He has done great. 257 yards in the last four games. The Eagles are about running the football, playing safe on defense. They're a playoff contender.
JAMES BROWN: My Hall of Fame tutor, you wouldn't have had any mini conversations at all on that game on Thursday with the officials at all?
BILL COWHER: Oh, we would have had conversations, but also with my players as well. With the presnap penalties and special teams penalties, nothing would bother me more. No reason for special teams penalties. They're returners. They get paid too. No reason to make people miss. If you're lined up on the opposite side of the ball, it's called offsides. There's no need for any of that stuff. I'll live with the other things. You adapt and adjust.
JAMES BROWN: Nate, was he ready for that or what? That was all ad lib. Kickoff just about a half hour away, time to set the scene in your game as we take you out to First on the Field presented by FedEx for the latest news and updates on your matchup.
>> J.B., two of the AFC's top teams today in Foxborough. The 8-3 Tennessee Titans taking on the 7-4 New England Patriots. Hi, everybody. Ian Eagle along with Charles Davis. AFC is wide open at this stage. Tennessee currently has the best record in the conference, but they are dealing with a ton of injuries. The latest, wide receiver A.J. Brown. It's a chest injury, placed on injured reserve. What does that mean? More responsibility for one Nick Westbrook-Ikhine.
CHARLES DAVIS: From practice squad to special teams, now wide receiver. One, he produced against Houston last week with 107 yards.
>> New England outstanding on both sides of the ball. J.C. Jackson continues to play at an all pro level.
CHARLES DAVIS: Playing with extreme confidence. You'd be wise to avoid his area of the field.
>> Titans have their own ball hawk. Kevin Byard, 23 interceptions over the last five seasons. In the passing game for the Patriots, they spread it around. Jakobi Meyers an effective target for Mac Jones.
CHARLES DAVIS: A former quarterback. He knows how to be in the right place at the right time.
>> Dontrelle Hilliard, as mentioned, dealing with many injuries. He went from the scout team to what could be a primetime role today for Tennessee.
CHARLES DAVIS: He'll run it, but they really want to throw it to him on swing passes out of the backfield.
>> And Kyle Van Noy, second stint with New England. It's been a major success. Last week in Atlanta, a pick six, two sacks.
CHARLES DAVIS: Not only does he provide leadership on the field. He does it off the field as well. He produce ins a big way.
>> A lot more still to come on "The NFL Today," including Phil Simms, a sitdown with Chargers running back Austin Ekeler. We're getting you ready for the Titans and the Patriots from Gillette stadium.
[ Break ].
JAMES BROWN: J.C. Jackson, one of the leaders of this feared Patriots secondary, and a huge reason why New England has the NFL's top ranked D, as my guys have talked about. Jackson, by the way, six of the lead leaguing 18 picks for the Patriots. That sends chills down the spines of quarterbacks around the league.
Let's take a look at recycled plays, presented by Pepsi.
>> Not going to get away.
>> And down he goes.
>> Sacked by Judon.
>> Pass intercepted. Intercepted by J.C. Jackson, good-bye. Intercepted by New England.
>> Another interception by New England.
>> Diving interception. Pick six.
>> More.
>> Terrific performance overall by the Patriots defense.
JAMES BROWN: Know the difference, make a difference. Be a team player and recycle. For more information on the Pepsi's trash talk sustainability program, visit Pepsitrashtalk.com. For more on New England's defense, talk about trash talk, let's go over to the dynamic duo of Coach and Nate.
NATE BURLESON: Appreciate it, J.B. We are a dynamic duo.
BILL COWHER: These guys are pretty dynamic too.
NATE BURLESON: You're talking about the Patriots. They were 2-4 going into week 7. Since week 7, check out the defensive rankings. Points per game allowed, first. Yards per game allowed, first. This is what I love. Sacks and take-aways. Second in sacks, tied for first in take-aways. When it comes to pressure and picks, they go hand in hand.
BILL COWHER: Bill Belichick loves pressure on the quarterback. They do it by scheme. When the center blows my way, I flash him the drop. Center goes away, Adrian Phillips, I push into the backfield. Getting in the backfield can disrupt the quarterback. It's a staple blitz for them. The other part of that is disguise. I want to show man to man up front. When I come out of this, I'm going to play zone. You see the safeties now going to two deep. Right here the quarterback holds it. They just man to man. It's not Kyle Duggar going to step inside and get the interception.
One thing is they've been playing a lot of zone. Christian bar more, one of the top defensive rookies in the National Football League, and Matt Judon, who leads them in sacks, they'll protect the edge, set the edge, and when you play zone, J.C. Jackson in that secondary, they're like ball Hawks. They read the ball, read the quarterback, and that's why they've been making the plays they have on defense. They have depth, they have experience. And it's a very good tackling defensive football team.
NATE BURLESON: You know what I love about this eye vision, it's not just scheme. It's scheme along with the athleticism and experience from some of these guys. It's not just the players in between the lines. They also have the best coaching staff in the business.
BILL COWHER: No question about it. They're going to be tough going down the stretch.
NATE BURLESON: I wouldn't bet against the Patriots, that's for sure. Another guy I wouldn't bet against, James Brown. What's up, J.B.?
JAMES BROWN: All good on this end, Nate. A stain in the division after missing the last four games with a knee injury, Zach Wilson is returning to the lineup for the Jets. The question is do you think the time off did the rookie any good at all?
PHIL SIMMS: I think it did a lot of good for him. You sit back, get healthy. That's what he needed to do. Also, you learn how to manage the game. You got a chance to sit back there. What do I mean by manage the game? Know the score and make your decision-making a lot of times according to the score. He also got to watch Joe Flacco, a veteran who's been around, how he played last week. Even though they didn't win, Joe Flacco made good decisions, controlled the football, and did a really good job.
BOOMER ESIASON: You could watch Mike white as well, had a pretty good game against the Bengals. The last time we saw him, he was throwing the ball at the feet of guys that were ten yards away from him. He lost his confidence. I know, being a rookie myself, what that can do to you. It's almost like your system is shocked. They brought in his private coach John Beck, during the four-week hiatus. Maybe they'll get something out of him now.
This is a moment where he now has to assert himself and show why he was the second overall pick.
PHIL SIMMS: Set your feet. That's the big word for Zach Wilson. Set your feet to throw the ball.
BOOMER ESIASON: All right. We've got a heck of a game up in New England. This is going to be Mike Vrabel and his mentor Bill Belichick. Vrabel's team is the No. 1 seed. Belichick's team is the No. 3 seed. What will be their seedings after today's game?
[ Break ].
JAMES BROWN: This week the Chargers participated in the Inglewood turkey give away that occurred at Sofi stadium, providing Thanksgiving meals to 2,500 families in need during this holiday season.
PHIL SIMMS: There's Damien Harris, running back for the New England Patriots. A TD for the past six games. 300 yards rushing. A no nonsense power runner.
BILL COWHER: Rhamondre, part of the running the last five games.
NATE BURLESON: And there's Najee Harris, the rookie responsible for 30 percent of the Steelers total offense. Right up there with Jonathan Taylor. He's a beast.
BOOMER ESIASON: And Joe Mixon, 6'1", 220, a do it all back. 11 touchdowns, 9 on the ground, and 2 through the air.
>> Ekeler has it into the end zone.
>> Extra effort. Oh, my goodness.
>> Ekeler in for the Chargers touchdown.
>> Make the first man, second man miss.
>> Touchdown Chargers.
>> One punch after another. Body blows being taken.
>> Now Austin's just showing off.
PHIL SIMMS: Last week Austin Ekeler led the Chargers to victory with four touchdowns. This week I sat down with the fantasy football machine to talk about his electric workouts and that rocking touchdown celebration.
>> Walks into the end zone. Into the end zone, touchdown Chargers.
>> Ekeler making moves and making men miss. Touchdown, L.A. Four in the game for Austin Ekeler.
PHIL SIMMS: I know you're a big fantasy football guy. Did you start yourself last week?
AUSTIN EKELER: Yeah, so one of the unwritten rules, just NFL players playing fantasy, if you have yourself on your team, you have to start yourself. You've got to start yourself. That's the only thing in fantasy football that you could actually control is how you play, right? So 100 percent starting myself. I actually have myself on one of my fantasy teams. I think I had like 41. To the fantasy owners out there, hey, that was a good one for us.
PHIL SIMMS: You caught my attention when I saw the video of you doing the one-arm pullup. Tell me about that.
AUSTIN EKELER: Sometimes, man, what can we do that we think no one else can do? Let's try a one arm pullup. People struggle with pullups with two arms. Let's try one. Sometimes you surprise yourself and didn't know you could do stuff. Wait, I could do a couple of these.
PHIL SIMMS: I'm going to go workout after I get done here just listening to you.
>> It ain't going to be easy, right?
>> To the 10, to the 5, touchdown Chargers.
PHIL SIMMS: I love the story you walked up to Anthony land, one of your first days there, and said, coach, what do I have to do to make this team?
AUSTIN EKELER: I was so nervous going up to talk to him. I said something strange like I like your coaching style. That's what I opened with like I didn't know what to say. I like your coaching style. Then I got into it. Hey, what do I got to do to make the team? He didn't know my name. That's what I was dealing with. I'm sixth string. He didn't even know my name. That's how stacked the odds were against me. That didn't faze me at all. That didn't matter. Protect the quarterback, protect the ball, get on special teams. Talk to our special teams coordinator coach Stu.
I was super passionate about it. I knew an opportunity like this might not come often. I had an opportunity, and I literally put everything in it.
>> Touchdown Chargers. Austin Ekeler.
>> That was a good time. Yeah.
PHIL SIMMS: Watching you, of course, I get to see it a lot. When you score touchdowns, you play the air guitar. Tell us how that started. Could I learn it?
AUSTIN EKELER: It's done for a lot of reasons honestly. Back in college, I always listened to the rock radio station. I actually found this ain't too bad. Like '80s, '70s rock. So actually one night with some buddy, I was like, man, if I ever get to the NFL, like, hey, I'm playing the guitar, and we're rocking out just like this in the end zone. It's not even like I'm playing a specific song or from like a specific band or anything. It's more of the energy. So to answer the question, if you could play it, like you could, but it wouldn't have the same magnitude as far as feeling the energy of the crowd when you score a touchdown in the NFL on Sunday.
PHIL SIMMS: Okay. I've always wanted to sing on national TV. Well, it's not going to be today, that's for sure.
NATE BURLESON: Come on.
PHIL SIMMS: I'm sorry, Nate. Next time we'll do it. Austin Ekeler, when we sat down, I said how much time do you got? I got plenty of time. I love to talk. So that personality, you see it on the field and off the field. Receiving touchdowns by a running back, he leads the NFL. Boy, talk about him and Justin Herbert have a great connection. He loves Justin Herbert. The fact that he's leading the team and really has force in the offense and telling everybody what he wants from them. So it's great.
BILL COWHER: What an electric personality. That was a great interview, Phil. When you think about the other guy, Justin Herbert, what he brings to the table, I love this guy. He's looking downfield. A feel for the rush. He also sees the field. His decision-making is quick, and you can see right there. He's got three touchdowns last week in a big game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He is a guy to me that it's just natural. He feels the game. He sees the field, and he's very quick to make a decision. You look at what he did a week ago against Pittsburgh, I'll tell you what, this guy is special. He's dynamic. I'll tell you, they've got a bright future ahead of them.
NATE BURLESON: Speak of that feel for the game, six touchdowns, just one interception. It's almost like he invites it. You pick your poison. You want to bring pressure, I'll get it to my playmaker and score a touchdown. You want to sit back, he can go through the progressions and pick through you. The Broncos are going to bring the Heat. Watch out for Justin Jefferson, very opportunistic DB at the safety position with four interceptions this year. I mean, Justin Simmons.
BOOMER ESIASON: Another team playing in this game, the Denver Broncos. They have three top end wide receivers, Jerry Judy, Tim Patrick, and Courtland Sutton. How about Melvin Gordon? You think he has an ax to grind in this game? How about Javonte Williams. They average three games a piece. You have your own double whammy.
NATE BURLESON: You're talking running game.
BOOMER ESIASON: I am talking running game. Teddy Bridgewater is a micromanager. If you put Herbert on the Denver Broncos, they'd be a Super Bowl favorite. This is Teddy's chance to take a very good football team, keep them in the playoff race. Don't turn over the football. Don't turn over, interceptions and things of that nature, and the Broncos could easily come out of this one with a win, easily. The way their defense is playing. Number 3 scoring defense in football. Only 18 points a game.
PHIL SIMMS: Something they've got to deal with this week.
BILL COWHER: They've got to get Bradley Chubb back as well.
BOOMER ESIASON: There is another team playing in this.
PHIL SIMMS: And now the Broncos have something else to worry about on the defensive side after Justin Herbert, running so much this week, that's something we haven't seen in his game. That worries defenses.
JAMES BROWN: I was about to weigh in, but I'll hold this one until after the games themselves. It's Phil's favorite time of the day. That would be what, Phil?
PHIL SIMMS: Upset specials for the week, and I am cold as can be. I will say that. I'm taking the Jets over the Houston Texans today.
BILL COWHER: I'm going to take the we dey Pittsburgh Steelers over the who dey Cincinnati Bengals.
NATE BURLESON: I'm not sure the Packers are underdogs, but I'm going with the Packers at home versus the Rams.
BOOMER ESIASON: Aaron Rodgers has a bad toe, and OBJ is coming to town. I'm going to take the Indianapolis Colts over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. I think the Colts defense will get it done because Jonathan Taylor is going to run for over 100 yards.
JAMES BROWN: For those of you getting the 4:00 game today, we'll be back with more after a quick time-out. For the rest of you, Nate?
NATE BURLESON: We'll get you out to your game when? Next!
[ Break ]
JAMES BROWN: Welcome back to "The NFL Today." Now Amazon takes you out to the sights and sounds of the game between the Titans and the Patriots. Let's take you out to Foxborough with our announcers, Ian Eagle, Charles Davis, and Evan Washburn.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports