NATE BURLESON: It's week 16 in the league.
BOOMER ESIASON: There's Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals. Last week against the Denver Broncos, they played under control and error free. He needs to do that again today against the Baltimore Ravens.
BILL COWHER: Justin Herbert got 35 total touchdowns. Only trailing Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady.
NATE BURLESON: There's Josh Allen, big arm, big legs, NFL leader in play action TDs and passes on the run. Looking for a little payback today.
BOOMER ESIASON: And there's Mac Jones on pace to have the highest completion percentage by a rookie in NFL history. He'll have Damian Harris in the backfield back today against the Bills.
NATE BURLESON: Happy holidays. Welcome to "The NFL Today" presented by the all new 2022 Grand Wagoneer. I'm Nate Burleson, filling in for the legendary James Brown, who is out this week due to COVID protocols. We miss you, J.B., can't wait to have you back next week. The rest of the crew is holding it down here in studio 43. Former NFL MVP Boomer Esiason, and around here, we love the sound of Boom more than a demolitionist, that's right.
And also my guy, the Hall of Famer, the coach Bill Cowher, the man with the 24 karat personality and the gold jacket to match.
And then the MVP of Super Bowl XXI Phil Simms, a great QB and better on TV. When I say we're filling it, we're filling it, that's for sure. Just three games left in the regular season, and that means a mad dash to the goal line and maybe even a photo finish. So let the race begin.
All right. Major playoff implications in our late game today as Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers head to Kansas City hoping to put an end to the seven game win streak of Patrick Mahomes and the red hot Chiefs. And then there's the big matchup in Cincinnati as Joe Burrow and the Bengals host the Ravens, who turn to Josh Johnson stepping in for Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley, with first place in the AFC north on the line.
First place also on the line in the AFC east as Josh Allen and the Bills look for payback after the week 13 loss as they take on Mac Jones and the Patriots in Foxborough.
>> As chilly as it's been, as windy as it's been, every seat is packed.
>> The Patriots have only thrown twice in this entire game, and this wind's played a factor.
>> We felt like how we needed to play to get the win.
>> Damian Harris to the house.
>> That's all you've got to do.
>> The offense, everybody besides Mac really didn't do nothing besides hand the ball over.
>> A line drive headed down to the 1. New England's defense does it again.
>> Let's not give more credit than we need to Bill Belichick in this one. They beat us. Just football.
>> Everything we want is still in front of us. We've got to find a way to win.
BOOMER ESIASON: Guys, let's take a look at the playoff picture over in the AFC. The Chiefs lead the way with a chance to clinch a berth today. They're followed by fellow division leaders, the Titans, Patriots, and Bengals.
In the Wild Card spots, the Colts are in with the Chargers and the Bills. But still holding out hope are the Ravens, Steelers, Raiders, Dolphins, Broncos, and Browns.
Now over in the NFC, the top two teams, the Packers and the Cowboys, already locked up playoff spots while the Rams and Buccaneers are win and in today.
The Cardinals lost their division lead last night, but there's still a Wild Card team alongside the Niners and Vikings with Philly, New Orleans, Washington all right on their heels, a crowded field for sure, Nate.
NATE BURLESON: That's right, Boom. Joining us live from Foxborough, where he's calling today's game between the Bills and the Patriots, my guy Charles Davis. C.D., this is a game that could turn bitter with a lot more than just pride on the line for both teams.
CHARLES DAVIS: You're right about that, Nate. Remember last time New England only threw the ball three times and got out of there with a win. Buffalo's pride definitely hurt. You guys talked about the playoff picture. Here's what's at stake today. Controlling your own destiny.
The winner of had ball game does that in the AFC east, so there's a ton on the line. With so much on the line, what's going to be the key matchup for this game? We don't have 50 mile per hour swirling winds. Buffalo is back throwing like normal. That means Stefon Diggs is the focal point. For New England, that means defending him with J.C. Jackson, going to the pro bowl for the first time this year.
Last season week 16 in this stadium, essentially the same date, Stefon Diggs had his way with New England. Five catches, 149 yards, three touchdowns, much of it against man coverage with J.C. Jackson. This is with Jason McCourty. He finds his way open again. He loves to see that. They need another big game from him because Cole Beasley, the third down specialist, not playing in this game. Gabriel Davis, a red zone guy, not playing in this game.
They do get back Emmanuel Sanders, coming off a knee injury against Tampa Bay. So a lot on the line in this one. A lot happening in it. Can they get it done? Who's going to take control of the AFC east? I can't wait to watch this one.
NATE BURLESON: Thanks, C.D. I know this is going to be a good game, even better with you guys on the call, C.D., Ian, and Evan. Coach, what's the difference between this Bills offense after that week 13 loss and where they are now?
BILL COWHER: I would say go back to concerted effort to run the football. We all know Josh Allen can beat you with his arms and legs, but if you go back to what beats the New England Patriots, we saw Jonathan Taylor do it last time against the Indianapolis Colts. Give the ball to Singletary. That takes pressure off Josh Allen. Takes pressure off the offense. The bottom line is this. They moved the ball against these guys last time. Four times they were inside the 20 yard line on the last meeting and only scored 10 points. It's all about finishing drives.
PHIL SIMMS: Bill, that's right. You talk about the Buffalo defense, when they played New England week 13, they were embarrassed. Their pride was hurt. New England comes out with six offensive linemen, a 40 mile an hour wind, what do you think New England is going to do with the football? They're going to run it. Buffalo couldn't stop them, 222 yards. This game is going to be jiffy. I wish I could hear the pregame speech because it's going to be good. If you want to win the game today, stop the run, make Mac Jones beat you.
BOOMER ESIASON: Just remember the Colts beat the New England Patriots, so the Patriots are coming off a loss as well. You take a look at the numbers the last time these two teams played, only three attempts by Mac Jones. It was weather related.
But here's the key stat for him. If he throws 27 pass plays or less, they win the game because they do rely -- so he doesn't make a mistake. The one thing I do like about Mac Jones was his last game against the Colts. He made the key interception to Darius Leonard right before the end of the first half, and he came back and played a great second half. You know that the quarterback that is the ultimate leader is in that player right there, and that's why they are so high on him in New England.
NATE BURLESON: And we also know Bill Belichick is going to get these guys going. Coming off a loss, you know this was a rough week of practice. So they'll respond.
What if I told you this wasn't about the quarterbacks, this is about the tight ends. Among the tight ends in the NFL, most TDs, these two guys. Hunter Henry, we know about him. But Dawson Knox, we need to show him more love. Outside the top ten when it comes to targets, but second in the league when it comes to touchdowns. These two dudes, ultimate X factors, that's for sure.
Speaking of X factors, maybe the biggest X factor in our games is about availability. For the latest on COVID-19 and all the news in our league, let's welcome in NFL today insider Jason La Canfora. What's up?
JASON LA CANFORA: COVID remains the single biggest challenge with the playoffs on the line. More than 300 players tested positive in two weeks even with new protocols in place. I spoke to a half dozen NFL team officials. They all said essentially the same thing. Players are being vigilant, reporting their symptoms, even testing loads are high. Teams didn't consider moving games despite rosters being constricted.
The Jaguars expected to talk to former NFL head coaches Doug Pederson and Jim Caldwell this week according to sources. Both men have turned franchises around in the past and done good work with young quarterbacks. Jags also want to speak with Bills defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier, I'm told. Frazier will also be a candidate for the Bears when that job opens up. He played in Chicago and is held in high regard there.
The Raiders have interest in Buccaneers defensive coordinator Todd Bowles for their coaching vacancy. Bowles will also be in line to take over in Tampa, however, should head coach Bruce Arians opt out for medical reasons, which is something that has happened in the past.
BOOMER ESIASON: Let's hope that doesn't happen. Here's Josh Johnson, 14 days in the NFL. He hasn't even been 14 days with the Ravens. He'll start today against the Cincinnati Bengals defense.
>> Coming up on NFL today, after a bumpy road to start the season, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs are now in the driver's seat in the AFC, and today they'll look to keep things rolling as they take on Big Ben and Steelers in KC.
Speaking of the Steelers, T.J. Watt has been doing all he can to keep Pittsburgh in the playoff hunt. This week Tracy Wolfson found out how the dominant defender is getting it done. The Bengals and Ravens are tied atop the log jam that is the AFC north. Today's game in Cincinnati should go a long way in determining who ends up winning the crown. That's all straight ahead with "The NFL Today" on CBS returns.
[ Break ]
NATE BURLESON: The AFC north is still up for grabs, which makes this head to head matchup even more interesting. Josh Johnson gets the emergency start today, and hopefully he can make something shake because the Ravens know firsthand on any given Sunday Joe Burrow and the Bengals can light you up. Time for pregame HQ delivered by Domino's.
>> The Cincinnati Bengals are legit.
>> This is not the same Cincinnati Bengals.
>> Bengals are no longer a crew you want to jack with.
>> Burrow deep to Usama, second touchdown of the game.
>> It's another one authored by the Cincinnati D.
>> Breaks out of the pack.
>> That was fun.
>> Cincinnati Bengals hang 41 on them.
>> Today the Bengals have arrived.
>> We got beaten soundly.
>> We did not play our best, far from it.
>> Great thing about the NFL, we have to play those guys later in the year.
>> The winner in this one has first place in the division.
BOOMER ESIASON: You have the rematch today here on CBS between the two teams. Big Joe Burrow has become big throw Joe, just like we thought he would. Take a look at some of these numbers.
The Baltimore Ravens, believe it or not, are missing 14 players on defense, either COVID-19 list or injured reserve. This on paper at least has a sizable advantage for the Cincinnati Bengal offense and Joe Burrow. I don't see how they slow them down today. To me this has blowout written all over it for the Baltimore Ravens.
PHIL SIMMS: Josh Johnson has been with 13 different teams, some of those teams twice. With the New York Jets, he threw for over 300 yards, three touchdowns. If anybody can adapt, it's this guy.
NATE BURLESON: He's been in this league a long time. When you're thrown into the lineup, who do you lean on? Maybe not your wide receiver or running backs, but your tight end. Any advice for Josh Johnson, go ahead and lean on this man, Mark Andrews, one of the most underrated players in the league.
BILL COWHER: You talk about leaning on someone, how about Trey Hendrickson leaning on Josh Johnson? He can learn more from him. He leads the league in pressures and has a half sack in ten consecutive games. Cincinnati Bengals defense is also very strong against the run.
PHIL SIMMS: Here we go, the Chargers and Texans. I guess we're going to talk about one guy to start this off with. Justin Herbert, look what he's done the first two years. These stats are real. He deserves them all. No add-ons in games, over Andrew Luck, Jameis Winston, Cam Newton. When you talk about Justin Herbert, what don't you like about him? You like everything. Size, mobile, great arm, accuracy, and a leader of the team, Bill, which Austin Ekeler says, he'll lead the team.
BILL COWHER: No Austin Ekeler today. You look at Justin Jackson, very good in that role. And also look for Justin Palmer in that secondary.
NATE BURLESON: And Joey Boson the other side, he's out. This is one of the games, don't take the game for granted. Show up and show out.
BOOMER ESIASON: That's what it's about with a young team like the Chargers. They're coming off the awful loss at the hands of the Kansas City Chiefs where they had a chance to win in regulation. Couldn't do it on offense. This is a game they've got to go in there and lay the hammer down first quarter and don't take your heel off the throat of the Texans. They are a mess.
NATE BURLESON: This will show you if they truly matured over the last few years.
BOOMER ESIASON: For sure. They should win this game.
NATE BURLESON: There is nothing like Christmas day football to get you in the holiday spirit. Last night the league delivered a couple of gems. Some big time games with playoff implications. Baker Mayfield after a rough start to the game, scores in the back of the end zone and really makes it a game. Then towards the end of this, some say it was a PI. We'll talk about that in a bit. They lose a big one to the Packers.
BOOMER ESIASON: Colts surging at the right time. Missing a lot of guys last night. Carson Wentz came up big, Desmond Pittman, come on? The Colts have been on a role. No question about that. When I think about the Browns and the Packers last night, guys, I think the Browns got screwed, I really do. I said you watch one of these plays at the end of the game where it is obvious to us, isn't it, Nate?
NATE BURLESON: It was obvious. We're talking about a grab of the jersey. As a wide receiver, there's certain things I expect the refs to look at. Maybe not the line of scrimmage or the top of the route, but when I'm coming out of my break and you're grabbing the back of the jersey and then propelling yourself forward, that right there is going to frustrate you. I know you want to say let's treat it like the NBA in the '90s and let them play ball, but this is football with playoff implications on the line.
BILL COWHER: I understand Baker Mayfield's frustration for sure.
PHIL SIMMS: Let's talk about somebody that's hot, and it's not you Boomer, it's Aaron Rodgers. Aaron Rodgers last night, really accurate with the football. Can this guy spin the football better than anybody you've ever watched? On the quick routes, getting rid of the football, not taking sacks. All out blitz, that's not a smart thing to do against Aaron Rodgers. Devonta Adams in the corner, we've seen that. That pass is short, quick, and takes the place of the running game.
BILL COWHER: They've got a great running game as well. I love A.J. Dillon, big powerful runner. Going to Green Bay in December, you don't want to tackle. Great on both sides of the ball, their defense is playing excellent.
BOOMER ESIASON: It's interesting, when I think about the Colts, here's what I worry about. Aaron Rodgers already tested positive for COVID-19. He sat out ten days. He's unvaccinated. Carson Wentz is unvaccinated. Somehow he pops positive, he's going to be out no matter what for ten days. Think about where we are in the Colts season. I know he has been extremely diligent about taking care of himself, taking care of his teammates. He doesn't want to put himself in a bad spot, but this could happen to any one of us. This is the thing I worry about with the Colts going forward.
NATE BURLESON: History repeating itself. Last season the Cardinals started out hot and fell off in the end. Jonathan Taylor, the kind of running back you need to propel you into the postseason.
If you want to see football like you've never seen before, turn into NFL slimetime every Wednesday night at 7:00 eastern on Nickelodeon to see who wins the league's most prestigious weekly award, the MVP on NFL slimetime.
BOOMER ESIASON: Is that more you?
PHIL SIMMS: You need two buckets of slime to go over his head.
NATE BURLESON: Trevor Lawrence and Zach Wilson, the number 1 and 2 overall picks facing each other. This might be a rivalry for years to come.
BOOMER ESIASON: I want to slime Phil.
[ Break ].
>> Get ready to win this game.
>> Roethlisberger end zone, touchdown. Oh, what a tackle by Joe. Mike Tomlin and the Steelers have found a way to do it again. Awakened.
>> Mahomes magic.
>> A big time play for Kansas City.
>> Mahomes is in the zone.
>> Kansas City is going to take over the top spot in the AFC.
NATE BURLESON: It's hard to believe that Kansas City started off 3-4, and after peeling off seven straight, Mahomes and company got their groove back. Now they're in position to deal a fatal blow to the Steelers playoff hopes. Boom, you feel me?
BOOMER ESIASON: I feel you, man. Check these numbers out. Since their seven-game winning streak started, they are basically top five in yards, points, third down conversions, and they're second in turnover margin.
Look at Patrick Mahomes. One of the reasons why his completion percentage is so down, and Phil and I were talking about this a little bit earlier, he's throwing the ball away now as opposed to forcing the issue. He still wants to make the big play down the field, wants to make the secondary play, as you can see here, but today no Travis Kelce, who remains on the COVID-19 list. He'll have to get it done without one of the great tight ends in football. He has basically been on fire and has taken off the last seven games.
BILL COWHER: Also because of the Kansas City defense. When you look at what they've done since week 8, it's been very impressive as well. When you talk about the points they've given up, one of the best in the National Football League, second in the take-aways they are getting right now. Not turning it over or taking it away. They also get three key players back, Willie gay, Sneed, and more importantly Chris Jones. They are part of the makeup up front, put pressure on the football. With Tyrann Mathieu in the back end, this defense is very formidable.
PHIL SIMMS: Yeah, it is. I'm going to talk about the Pittsburgh offense, Nate. They're really smooth. Long, real smooth. Last week against the Tennessee Titans, they knew they were playing a really good defense. They had a simple game plan on the opposite side. Ben Roethlisberger was really careful, threw screens to the tight ends, running backs, wide receivers, threw short passes and never got close to a turnover. What they did was, great, we're going to play this game and let our defense be the difference. The defense got them four turnovers.
NATE BURLESON: The defense stepped up. Shout out to guys like Joe Haden. This is anchored by T.J. Watt, an absolute monster. We're talking about the highest sack rate in the NFL, almost a sack per game. We'll talk a little bit more about him later in the show. I know, Coach, you're going to break it down like used furniture. This is a dude that really shows up week in and week out, regardless if he's banged up or not and really should be a focal point of the conversation when it comes to best players in the league.
Speaking of that, every year the quarterbacks get all the love when it comes to the MVP race, but T.J. Watt, who we were just talking about, is a perfect example of a guy who deserves to be national conversation and also another guy who deserves to be in that conversation is Cooper Kupp.
BILL COWHER: Cooper Kupp, he's got a first year quarterback, came over with Sam Darnold, and it's been unbelievable. You talk about what he's done, leads the league in yards, catches, and touchdowns. Last time someone ran this outright was 18992 in Sterling Sharpe. When you think about what he's done, it's been phenomenal. He's been amazing.
NATE BURLESON: I'm not sure he gets the credit he deserves, though. Oftentimes, feel like there's certain quarterbacks we see.
BILL COWHER: Matthew Stafford is the person.
NATE BURLESON: It could be Sean McVay. I saw the same thing with Jordy Nelson, playing with Aaron Rodgers, or Wes Welker playing with a top tier quarterback like Tom Brady. Maybe a good wide receiver running great routes and getting open. That's the point of what we do at our position. Cooper Kupp, along with the things that help him, he's a dominant wide receiver and should be in the conversation.
BOOMER ESIASON: It's hard for me to believe that a wide receiver who plays 20 yards away from all the madness is a guy that's going to get an MVP.
I'm going to tell you about Jonathan Taylor. This guy has been amazing, nothing short of amazing. Take a look at this. This is what he also does. How about this hit on Deontae Hightower? A true unselfish running back. Not about getting the ball in his hands and running with it. He's going to sacrifice his body to give the quarterback extra time. Jonathan Taylor has been amazing the last seven weeks. 6-1. He's the reason for that. He can take over the game as a running back, and I can't say enough about the way he's played.
PHIL SIMMS: When we talk about NFL running backs, what's happened over the years, they're just getting pushed to the side. You had a couple good years, let's move over to the next guy. Jonathan Taylor, when you watch him, he makes great decisions. He's a running back. Well, he makes great decisions, sets up blocks, gets those extra yards. What I love -- there's many things I like about him. He's tough. You showed the blocking, Boomer, but also he can get by people who are not even blocked. He can make people miss and get the big plays. Jonathan Taylor, Cooper Kupp, I'll be happy with either one of them in the MVP.
NATE BURLESON: The thing about it, you don't hear about bad games from these guys. You don't hear about Jonathan Taylor or a stretch where Cooper Kupp is dropping the rock.
BILL COWHER: Consistency has been the key.
NATE BURLESON: Consistency is key. That's right, Coach. With kickoff just about a half hour away, it's time to set the scene at your game as we take you out First on the Field presented by Crown Royal for the latest news and updates on your matchup.
>> Nate, just across the Hudson river, beautiful sunshine, day after Christmas. Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday as we are 30 minutes from kickoff between the New York Jets and the Jacksonville Jaguars. Happy holidays.
>> Merry Christmas.
>> A rash of absentee players and coaches due to COVID. We'll get to that as the day goes on. Let's start with the two rookie quarterbacks, this is what it's all about for both of these franchises. Both of these guys, Trevor Lawrence and Zach Wilson have struggled mightily.
>> They have. That's just being honest. Trevor Lawrence was called a generational talent coming in. He certainly hasn't lived up to that billing. That doesn't mean I'm not confident in him going forward. He can make every throw, and they're hopeful they can get the most out of him now.
>> Meantime Zach Wilson missed a chunk of the season with the knee injury. He did show some signs, Jay, last week, especially in that first half in Miami.
>> First half was his best football. He was on time. He ran the offense the right way, made the right reads. They're hopeful he can continue that going on the rest of the year.
>> Interestingly, in terms of the defenses for both of these teams, there's some pretty good young talent they've uncovered.
>> When you look at the Jets, Brandon Echols had a pick six last week. When you think about hall, they have a young talent in that secondary. They need to get better and more experienced.
>> You like this kid Tyson Campbell for Jacksonville. He 4 a slow start but better the last couple weeks.
>> They traded their first round pick, C.J. Henderson, but Campbell is going to be the guy we go with opposite Shaq Griffin. He's matured, made great plays, somebody they can grow around.
>> Tricky situation for the Jets. 20 players on the COVID list and without the head coach. No Robert Saleh, tested positive earlier in the week. So Ron Wilson, who spent a number of years in Jacksonville, is their acting head coach today. Just to add another little wrinkle between the Jets and the Jaguars as they get set to dance here in week 16.
We'll break back to "The NFL Today" right after this.
[ Break ].
>> Struggling with fourth down decisions?
>> What a decision this is.
>> Can't decide if now is the time to go for two.
>> Go for two.
>> Then you need Dr. Anna Lytics to guide you during your playoff push.
>> Hello. I'm Dr. Anna Lytics, and I have all the answers. After graduating from the top of my class at Win Probability University, I understand that it's a numbers game now, and you can count on me when it matters the most.
>> What do you want to do?
>> My numbers say go for it.
>> Go for it now. Call 555-4th-down for a free consultation.
>> Real football people understand what I'm doing, but don't take my word for it.
>> There's always been analytics in football.
>> This is an advantage for you.
>> Whatever success we have was the result of their decision-making.
>> Thanks, Coach. Kickers might not like me, but you will.
>> Results may vary. Dr. Anna Lytics is not responsible for outreach, fan bases, or losses.
>> Trust me it works 50 percent of the time.
>> Incomplete. Unbelievable.
>> All the time.
BOOMER ESIASON: Coach Belichick, the greatest client of all time. I love it. Dr. Anna Lytics.
NATE BURLESON: Like the old infomercials. I'm not just a client, I'm the president as well.
This is a real football round table with real football guys right here at this table. Lately we've seen some real football consequences for some questionable numbers driven aggressive play calls, especially late in games, Coach.
BILL COWHER: You're talking about risk and reward. Taking data and making decisions appropriately, but there's multiple variables involved with something like this. Number one, what's state of your kicker? Number two, where are you on the field? Number three, to me, the two-point play is about getting the game play in a one possession game. How many possessions do you have left in the game? The time on the clock. 2.5 is what you average possessions in a quarter. Fourth quarter of the game, I want to get it to a one possession game. I want to throw the ball back in your court because you call the game differently offensively if you have a two possession lead or a one possession lead. I want to put the pressure on them and sometimes you have to trust your defense.
NATE BURLESON: I see what you're saying.
PHIL SIMMS: Coach, you feel better?
NATE BURLESON: You got it off your chest.
PHIL SIMMS: If you disagree with analytics, you're old and stodgy and all that crap. What Coach says is really true to me we don't take into analytics, momentum and emotion.
Let's go back to the Green Bay-Baltimore game. I'm not second guessing John Harbaugh, he went with his gut to go for two. Good for you, that's fine. The series before the tying -- you hope the tying touchdown, they sack Aaron Rodgers, the Baltimore defense. The crowd is going crazy. The defense is on fire. So if you kick the extra point to tie the game up, what's going to change? The crowd's still going nuts, making noise, and the defense was on fire, like I said.
So I think it could have turned out different.
BOOMER ESIASON: Analytics, right? They look at the past to try to predict the present. That's fine, and that's part of the information that you take in. Talking to Frank Reich over the last couple of years, the amount of decisions that you guys have to make on the sideline during a game is probably about 500 of them, and you have to play the game by experience and by feel.
Here's why I'm paying my head coach in the NFL $8 million to $10 million a year, if not more if it's Bill Belichick, it's because of that experience and because of that ability, when all else is crazy around you, you can find the peace of mind to make a decisive decision that is going to lead your team to victory.
That's why in our game, the head coach and his experience is so valuable to the ultimate success of his team.
NATE BURLESON: Yeah, league-wide on fourth down conversion is up. We're talking about 51 percent completion. And also analytics show -- analytics show, Coach -- that you score 50 percent more points if you go for it on fourth down more often. They say more aggressive, more points.
The one thing I noticed, though, Coach, I feel like when I sit next to you during this show and we watch these games, I notice how many coaches in the NFL don't have a grasp on timing and when to make certain calls.
BILL COWHER: Clock management is a lost art right now because you look at a clock and you can run certain things down. You sit there, and as a coach, I have to manage the risk. Okay, the reward is fine, but what if the risk doesn't happen? I have to sit there and talk about what did I lose from that situation? Who's across the field? Am I going to give the ball back to Aaron Rodgers, who just went up and down the field. As John Harbaugh said, my corners, my defense, they can't stop anybody. It goes back to the feel for the game at that moment. Can I give my team a lift, or do I already have the momentum and do I want to risk losing that?
Numbers are great. Information is powerful. But it doesn't tell the whole story.
NATE BURLESON: Speaking of feel for the game, I feel like this game is going to be a good one. We're talking about the Bills and the Patriots. There's Hunter Henry. Hunter Henry has eight targets in the red zone, all of them TDs. He got the crowd yelling oh Henry, and I'm not talking about the candy bar.
[ Break ].
NATE BURLESON: This week Ravens star Calais Campbell, joined by his teammates to spread holiday cheer, providing students from bridges Baltimore with gifts for themselves and their families.
BOOMER ESIASON: There's Micah Hyde, he said after their last loss against New England, damn right I'm a soar loser. Show me a sore loser, and I'll show you a winner.
NATE BURLESON: Talk about captains, Devin McCourty, the Patriots defensive captain for 11 years.
BILL COWHER: Leading the defense is Patrick Queen, a middle linebacker. Today he's looking to stop Joe Mixon of the Cincinnati Bengals.
PHIL SIMMS: What a great free agent signing by the Cincinnati Bengals, Trey Hendrickson, 13 sacks. He's the key for this defense, especially the defensive line. Coach, what other defensive player is having an outstanding year?
BILL COWHER: T.J. Watt has been the glue that has helped hold the Steelers together during this topsy-turvy season. This week Tracy Wolfson salt down with the front-runner of defensive player of the year, to discuss everything from breaking the single season sack record to celebrating Christmas watt style.
>> T.J. is all over. Sacked by T.J. Watt. Who do you call on when you need a big play? Watt coming after him.
>> And he is sacked.
>> He was tied with James Harrison. Give him the all time Pittsburgh record.
>> T.J., congratulations on breaking my record and becoming the new single season sack hunter. Why stop there? Go ahead and chase down the single season sack record for the NFL and become the new holder of that too.
TRACY WOLFSON: T.J., congratulations on setting the Steelers single season sack record last week. I know you had a chance to look at that message from James Harrison. What did you think of it?
TJ WATT: It was a nice message from him. I wasn't expecting anything like that. I actually was able to talk with him and share some messages back and forth of the memories we had when we were together here. I learned a lot from him, and it was a great message to see.
TRACY WOLFSON: He talked about going after that single season NFL sack record, Michael Strahan set it with 22 1/2. Your brother came close, 20 1/2. Which record would you rather break?
TJ WATT: I don't know. I'm not going to pick either of those, to be honest with you. I don't really look at the numbers anymore. I don't really set those types of goals anymore just because it's not as important at this point of the season especially right now, it's all about winning games, getting on this stretch run, and striking hot while we can. I think we have a great opportunity coming off a win last week and especially into this week against a good opponent.
TRACY WOLFSON: It really is incredible to see what you've been able to do this season, playing through injuries, playing through double-teams. Where did you get that toughness from?
TJ WATT: I think it's the way that my parents raised me. I think it was just kind of learning how to play the game through both my brothers, Derek and J.J., and a lot of that stuff just kind of rubs off on how to play. Just the blue collar mentality that being a Pittsburgh Steelers carries with it, and I love to play this game. It's something I'm so unbelievably lucky to do for a living. That's why I play with the passion that I do.
TRACY WOLFSON: If someone asked you to define what a Pittsburgh Steeler is, what would you say?
TJ WATT: It's gritty. It really is. It's a selfless player. It's a player that is always around the football, very tenacious. It's just a very aggressive player that plays the right way.
TRACY WOLFSON: Well, it's Christmas week. So we have to ask you, what was it like growing up in the Watt household during Christmas?
TJ WATT: It was pretty chaotic, I guess you could say. My dad is a firefighter, so we didn't always celebrate on Christmas day because he was sometimes working. So we got to celebrate Christmas early and open gifts early. It was always great growing up. Whether it was mini hockey sticks, a basketball, always something that we could compete at. A lot of fun. I really do miss those days growing up, opening gifts, and being around my family as much as we could growing up. It was special.
TRACY WOLFSON: We appreciate the time, T.J.
we wish you the best of luck. Have a great holiday and a great 2022.
TJ WATT: Thank you very much. Merry Christmas.
PHIL SIMMS: Tracy, great interview with T.J. Watt. When you look at T.J. Watt, he's gone through his first five seasons, look at the company he's in. Reggie White, 81 sacks. During his career, he got me 15 times, by the way. J.J., his brother, and then the other guy on the end.
BILL COWHER: Derrick Thomas, I coached him the first three years in Kansas City. He owed me a lot, I know that.
PHIL SIMMS: Unbelievable list. It's outstanding. What makes T.J. Watt special?
BILL COWHER: A great first step. They're off the ball, great size and relentlessness. Great arm usage, hand usage, and just relentless after the quarterback. Then you see the hands, he hits the hands. Hans win, the spin move, which is a very natural thing, he does it with a lot of fluidity. Then the biggest thing you have is the relentlessness. Here's a triple-team right here, a triple-team. You know what, you don't stop rushing. You keep going. Watch the punch out. Boom, there's a six-inch punch there, strip sack. He's become known for that right now in terms of taking a strip sack.
Look at this graphic since 2017. Leads the National Football League with forced fumbles. This goes back to peanut Tillman with the punch out. He applies it to everything he's doing in terms of rushing the quarterback and taking care of the ball carrier.
BOOMER ESIASON: I never worried about that with Munoz. And you also had Larry Sanders, a fullback. He was amazing at chip blocking guys like this. We used to do that against Michael Strahan when we were up against him. A couple of hits to the ribs, and he backs off. He's a special player. And if he does get the record, he'll do it in 15 games because he's missed two games due to injury, so it's a real record.
NATE BURLESON: I don't think he'll get alley-ooped one with an easy sack, like Brett Favre did back in the day. What I love about that is he has a different move depending on who he's going up against, which oftentimes players stick with a couple of moves that they know work well. T.J. Watt keeps adding different things to that backfield.
PHIL SIMMS: T.J. Watt keeps evolving. He's gotten bigger, faster, and stronger since he's been in the NFL. You can see that when you watch him.
NATE BURLESON: You've gotten bigger and faster, but not stronger. Coming up, the Steelers try to stay alive when they face the hottest team in the league in the Kansas City Chiefs. And the rivalry out west to battle Derek Carr and the Raiders. Right here on CBS.
BOOMER ESIASON: Let's take a look at Broncos at Raiders. This is a huge matchup. The Raiders still have a chance. If the Raiders win this game and a few other things happen, they could get into the 7 seed. Take a look at Denver. They're going with drew Locke today. Everything is on Derek Carr. Everything has fallen on his shoulders since everything has collapsed around him in Las Vegas. Today I think he's the better quarterback on the field. He's got to lead his team to victory today.
NATE BURLESON: Everything is really going to be on Derek Carr. Darren Waller has Josh Jacobs to lean on, but Marcus Mariota is not in the lineup. He has to hold it down. We've talked about this, Boom. He's been through a lot this season. Just for them to be in the position they're in right now, still in the hunt, you have to give Derek Carr credit.
BILL COWHER: For Derek Carr, it's about decision-making. Sometimes he tries to give too much too fast, and he needs to rely on Josh Jacobs. How about the story of Max Crosby? Goes to the pro bowl, two years of fighting sobriety. A lot of great stories on this Las Vegas team. If they can get help, they're going to be right there. If they get in a tie with Vegas, Baltimore, and Buffalo. They have the tiebreaker. They're still right there on the edge.
BOOMER ESIASON: Problem is their schedule moving forward. They've got toe go to the Chiefs and face the Chargers last game of the season.
PHIL SIMMS: You look at the Broncos, I say this, name me the weakness on the team. They can do everything pretty well. I know you're going to say the quarterback. Look at drew Locke today, I think he knows what's at stake for him. Maybe his career.
NATE BURLESON: What's at stake?
PHIL SIMMS: Maybe his career. He's got to show he can get it done with this good football team. He had struggles last year when he was the starter. This is a great chance for him today.
BOOMER ESIASON: You make a good point about Drew Lock today. Next year, if Drew Lock doesn't come through, look who's looking for a good quarterback for a top end Super Bowl team, the Denver Broncos.
NATE BURLESON: This is the big game here on CBS at 1:00. Inching towards a huge game with the Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots. Who do you got, Phil?
PHIL SIMMS: Buffalo.
NATE BURLESON: Wow, quick.
PHIL SIMMS: I'm going to take Buffalo because they're mad. I like teams coming off of something where it was negative, and that's the Buffalo Bills today.
BILL COWHER: I'm going with Buffalo today because last time Sean McDermott made this personal, and he'll get these guys ready to play.
NATE BURLESON: Coming off of something negative. Yeah they're coming off of something negative. I've got the Patriots winning.
BOOMER ESIASON: I'm right with you. I'm with the Patriots of course. You're doing a good job today.
NATE BURLESON: Thank you. I appreciate it. With kickoff a few minutes away, we want to get you out to your game next!
[ Break ]
NATE BURLESON: Welcome back to "The NFL Today." Now Amazon takes you out to the sights and sounds of the game between the Jaguars and Jets. Let's send it out to east Rutherford.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports