JAMES BROWN: Week 18 in the league.
BOOMER ESIASON: And there is Ryan Tannehill trying to lead his Titans to the AFC's No. 1 seed versus the Texans in Houston today. He's 29-13 as the Titans starter.
NATE BURLESON: For the Colts and Carson Wentz, they are looking to clinch. He may lean on the running back Jonathan Taylor, but the city is leaning on him today.
PHIL SIMMS: Tyler Huntley of the Baltimore Ravens completing 67 percent of his passes. He's had three starts, 15 sacks. T.J. Watt loves that stat.
BILL COWHER: T.J. Watt watches on today. He needs 1 1/2 sacks to beat the Michael Strahan record of 22.5. Good luck today, T.J.
JAMES BROWN: And hello folks and welcome to "The NFL Today" presented by Ram Trucks. I'm James Brown, and I believe that we are delighted to all be together here in studio 43 with my accomplished colleagues. They would be former league MVP, of course, Boomer Esiason, as Nate calls it. Emmy award winning Nate Burleson. The Hall of Fame coach himself, that would be Bill Cowher. And folks, are we glad to have the Super Bowl MVP back?
(Applause).
NATE BURLESON: Absolutely. We're so much better with you here on the set.
BOOMER ESIASON: Speak for yourselves.
JAMES BROWN: The guys are going to be on me for this. Drew has truncated this. The regular season comes to a close today. Like all season finales, there's the promise of extra drama, so get your popcorn ready.
A lot still to be determined in the AFC playoff picture in week 18. After last night's win against the Broncos, the Chiefs are hoping for a Titans loss in order to steal the No. 1 spot while the Bengals, Bills, and Patriots look to solidify their seeding in today's games.
The Colts control their own destiny to lock up a spot, as they take on Jacksonville while the Ravens and Steelers root for a Jags upset against Indy.
Finally tonight the Chargers and Raiders battle it out in Vegas for the final bid in the conference. Take a breath right there.
Now over in the NFC, Phil, the Packers have clinched the No. 1 seed, and the first round bye that comes with it. While the Cowboys, who knocked off the Eagles last night, along with the Bucs, cardinals, Rams, and Philly are also in with seeding yet to be determined. Now the last playoff spot comes down to the Niners, who clinch with a win over the Rams. And the Saints, who need a Niners loss and a win of their own against Atlanta to get in. Take a breath.
All right. Also today on CBS, with all the playoff drama hanging in the balance, Ben Roethlisberger will try and stay focused as he likely plays the final regular season game of his storied career when the Steelers take on the Ravens.
And in Houston, the aforementioned Titans look to lock up the top spot in the AFC and earn a first round bye when they face the Texans.
>> Touchdown!
Touchdown!
>> Touchdown Titans.
>> Let's have a little spin and roll.
>> Winning takes care of everything.
>> Who's the best in the league? Come on now.
>> Clinch the south.
>> Best in the world.
>> Tennessee has won the division for a second consecutive year.
>> A big opportunity for us to seal off the 1 seed.
>> I want a bye week.
JAMES BROWN: Despite the injury to King Henry, the Titans have beaten the odds. Mike Vrabel has done an outstanding job. Now the road to Super Bowl 56 could go through Nashville if they win today.
BILL COWHER: Nothing could be better. You have high flying Kansas City Chiefs, Patrick Mahomes, Buffalo Bills Josh Allen. For the Tennessee Titans, their identity is through the running game. You see them with Derrick Henry, what they've been able to do. Without Derrick Henry, they haven't changed the identity. D'Onta Foreman has had three 100-yard games. Give credit to Todd Downing. He played this Houston team last time, threw the ball 52 times, four interceptions by Ryan Tannehill. Went back to who they are. They're back on track. If they get Derrick Henry back with that one-two punch, they'll be tough to beat in the playoffs.
NATE BURLESON: He was their heavyweight. How good was Derrick Henry? He went down halfway through the season still top ten in rush attempts, rushing yards and TDs. No player would raise their hand and say I want to be banged up, but it might have been a blessing in disguise. We've seen over the last few years Derrick Henry dominate during the regular season. Maybe it's running out of gas in the postseason or just the team game planning for the run. He's going to come back fresh, which means he is going to help this offense, and they can make a magical run to the Super Bowl.
BOOMER ESIASON: It's actually amazing that they are in the running for the No. 1 seed in the AFC. It shows you how open the AFC really is. The pathway to the Super Bowl may not be that difficult. One of the reasons why Mike Vrabel may be considered the coach of the year is because he's had 58 different starters, and he's had 88 active players at one point. That's an NFL record, Phil.
The one thing that he can say, he's had a quarterback for all 17 games up to this point.
PHIL SIMMS: I learned a lot of things through my years in the NFL from coaches. One thing I learned from one coach of mine, he says fast guys during the season get slower. Big guys do not get smaller. Why do I say that? The Tennessee Titans, they are a big football team. Their offensive line, they lose Derrick Henry, so what? They pound it up there with D'Onta Foreman. The defensive line, the defense, they're huge, they're mobile. They've got linebackers that can be defensive linemen. The one thing they do, they are going out there to punch you, body blow, and outhit you and beat you in the second half. We saw that the last two weeks, San Francisco and Miami.
JAMES BROWN: You took a lot of notes while you were home.
PHIL SIMMS: I was frustrated because Boomer talked about how much he didn't like me.
JAMES BROWN: We need to get to that in a little bit as well. Meanwhile across the division, the Colts control their own destiny today with only the Jaguars standing between them and the postseason, Phil.
PHIL SIMMS: Let's go back. Let's talk about this. First off, when you think of the Colts, Carson Wentz, 26 touchdowns, six interceptions, and he's only lost one fumble. For some reason, we all view him like, wow, it's been a rough year, he's not doing his job, but he is. What's the best unit on the Colts? It's by far their offensive line. Give that football to Jonathan Taylor. Coach, run it. 20 times last week is not enough.
BILL COWHER: It keeps the defense fresh, and the defense has been a big part of their success. When you look at them, they have had No. 1 in the league in take-aways, 33, led by Darius Leonard, the linebacker, DeForest Buchner up front. This defense is getting it done. They can take it away. 16 plus take aways. They don't turn it over, but take the ball away.
NATE BURLESON: You mention Carson Wentz and who he leans on, it's the running game, Jonathan Taylor is a monster. When they throw the ball 30 times or more, they're 0-5 this season. That's not saying Wentz is incapable of throwing the ball, but I'm saying there's a balance they need. When they hand the ball off to Jonathan Taylor, they usually find success.
BOOMER ESIASON: Good news/bad news scenario for the Colts. The bad news, they lost last six on the road to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Five in Jacksonville, one in London. On the other side of the ledger, the good news, the Colts have won four in a row on the road. Maybe even better news for Frank Reich, Carson Wentz hasn't thrown an interception in seven games on the road this year. That's a key statistic for them. There are two quarterbacks for me that are really under pressure today. One Carson Wentz for Indianapolis, and the other Jimmy Garoppolo for San Francisco.
PHIL SIMMS: I'm excited to be back. Was I yelling?
BOOMER ESIASON: That's normal, though.
JAMES BROWN: As the regular season comes to an end today, a lot of squads already have their eyes on the future. For more on that, let's welcome in NFL today insider Jason La Canfora.
JASON LA CANFORA: The Broncos parted ways with Vic Fangio, and the Vikings will join them looking for a new head coach. Seahawks, Raiders, Texans also considering a coaching change. Three coaches on the defensive side of the ball will have multiple chances to interview. Tampa defensive coordinator Todd Bowles, Buffalo defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier, and Dallas defensive coordinator Quinn. There's a real possibility that Jim Harbaugh could return to the NFL. Several teams monitoring his situation with Michigan closely. Dolphins owner and Raiders owner are both strong advocates of his and would have interest if they decided to make a coaching change.
Former Texans head coach Bill O'Brien has emerged as a viable candidate in Jacksonville. GM Trent Baalke is pushing for him with ownership. And he will interview with Jags. Byron Leftwich, now the offensive coordinator, he spoke with the Jags. Many of the candidates who interviewed for this thing so far have reservations about taking it with Baalke in charge.
BOOMER ESIASON: There's T.J. Watt. If he does get the sack record, he'll have done it in 15 games. Today is the 15th game he'll have played in for the Steelers this year.
>> Coming up on "The NFL Today," Ben Roethlisberger has had only two head coaches in his pro career, and he'll sit down with his first one as Coach Cowher talks to the future Hall of Famer on the eve of what could be his last game in the NFL.
BILL COWHER: What do you want your legacy to be?
BEN ROETHLISBERGER: I just want people to know I gave it everything I have. I was pretty darn tough most of the time.
>> Last week Tom Brady engineered yet another impressive comeback. But can he and the Bucs regroup for another playoff run following the drama and injuries of the last few weeks. Tonight it's a win and in scenario as the Raiders play host to the Chargers in Las Vegas. Find out who the guys think has the edge as the regular season comes to a close. All that and more when "The NFL Today" returns on CBS.
[ Break ].
>> With the 11th pick in the 2004 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers select Ben Roethlisberger.
>> Bettis fumbled the ball. Roethlisberger makes the tackle. Can you believe this?
>> Ten yards from the goal line. It's a touchdown Pittsburgh.
>> Ben throws it back corner of the end zone. Santonio with the touchdown.
>> The Steelers have won Super Bowl XLIII. Roethlisberger looking for it all. Touchdown. Roethlisberger is a magician.
>> The escapability of Roethlisberger.
>> Ben's greatest day, his first ever six touchdown game.
>> One last ride from the big man.
>> 18th year in the NFL.
>> These fans and this place, it just means so much to me and my family. I've always said they're the best fans in all of sports, and I'll stick by that until the day I die.
JAMES BROWN: In an ironic twist of fate, Big Ben's career could come full circle, folks, ending where it began, yes, in Baltimore. That was week 2. September 19th, 2004, when Ben saw his first action in the league in that very same stadium.
Joining us live now from Baltimore, who will be calling today's game, is the erudite Charles Davis. CD, despite there being very real playoff implications at hand, all that is centered on what could be the end of a truly remarkable career, that of Ben Roethlisberger.
CHARLES DAVIS: Exactly right about that, J.B. There are playoff implications, but all anyone is talking about is Ben Roethlisberger. He made his appearance for warmups here a few minutes ago, and the reception, thunderous. Even though the crowd is not full. That means that these Baltimore fans are acknowledging this great career as well. He's no longer the guy in the black hat riding up on his stallion ready to do battle with their team. They want to recognize what he's done for this league, for this rivalry, for this franchise. They gave him a nice ovation.
Remember this is a guy who's been with the same team for 18 years. This is unusual, especially in today's football. Only following Tom Brady, 20 years with the Patriots, and tied with Jim Hart with the Cardinals. Exceptional, one team, one city, one franchise his entire career.
Now, when we talk to people about it, Mike Tomlin said the toughness unprecedented. This is a guy who runs towards trouble, not away from it. The hit he took from Haloti Ngata with his nose on the side of his face and looked at Coach Tomlin, how do I look? He joked about getting hit by Bart Scott. He said, I'm just like Rocky. I kept telling myself just get up one more time. The last thing, defense has always said about Ben Roethlisberger. It's not the first three seconds after the snap, it's the next three seconds, his ability to extend plays and hurt you downfield. Ben Roethlisberger, one of the all time greats.
JAMES BROWN: CD, some nice ones there, no doubt about it. Coach, there's no question, you were there at the very beginning, as we now look at, I guess, the curtain closing on a Hall of Fame career.
BILL COWHER: I remember my first impression of Ben Roethlisberger was how athletic he was for his size. Yet when you've watched him for 18 years he embodies everything about a Pittsburgh Steelers, his grit, determination, and toughness.
You think about him, the extension of plays. I remember so many times I said how come he pump fakes? I go no, those are last minute decisions. He really wasn't pump faking anybody.
NATE BURLESON: He changed his mind.
BILL COWHER: His hands are so big. He would stay in the pocket. I would tell him sometimes a punt is not a bad thing, Ben. It's okay to punt the ball. He always tried to make the play, Phil.
PHIL SIMMS: The great memories. One skill he had that we don't give enough credit to, he is just a big dude. He's every bit of 6'5", and I'm going to say 245, but he's just hard to bring down. We've seen he can throw the football great under pressure. And the other thing is too, Boomer, everybody here, he's underrated as a thrower of the football. He's been a good thrower his whole career. Even now he can still throw it, just can't move around like he used to.
NATE BURLESON: It's the ball placement and also the velocity he would put on some of his throws. As a wide receiver coming out of your break, there's times I would look back and see the pocket collapsing and know the quarterback wasn't going to get the ball out. He was either going to go down, take a sack, or throw this ball away. When you come out of your break and you're looking at Big Ben, you know he's going to sit in that pocket, take one straight to the chin, and still try to throw that ball to you downfield, which makes him one of the greats.
BOOMER ESIASON: Let's go back to the 2004 draft, some 18 years ago. You see the three great players that were drafted. Eli was one overall. Philip was fourth overall. They were traded. Then of course Ben fell in your lap, Bill. You look at this draft and compare it to the 1983 draft. We were all talking about this before the show started. I still think the '83 draft of quarterbacks with Marino, Elway, and Kelly was the greatest draft ever of quarterbacks. This would be the second best in my estimation. These guys won 4 of 5 Super Bowls. The other three won 2 out of 10 Super Bowl appearances. Nonetheless, all great players.
BILL COWHER: You talk about Eli, Philip Rivers, and Ben, you one thing is I remember interviewing them at the combine. They all were in college four years. Ben was redshirted for one, but all four year players. Their maturity and ability to develop quickly. To quarterbacks who want to jump into "The NFL Today," stay where you are, get the experience. You know what, it will serve you in the long run. As much as you want to get in there, allow your body to grow, allow to gather the experience at the college level. These three guys are great examples of that.
NATE BURLESON: Ben Roethlisberger, first ballot Hall of Famer, and a perfect nickname, Big Ben. Not only was he big, played big in the biggest moments. Good luck on what could be his final game.
[ Break ].
JAMES BROWN: Coming up at 4:25 eastern, the AFC east will be decided as Mack Jones and the Patriots visit the Dolphins in Miami while the Bills host the Jets. And the Panthers visit the reigning champions led by TB12 fresh off a vintage fourth quarter performance.
>> Bucs with a two-minute drill. No time-outs. Tom Brady controls.
>> We talked about those situations a lot.
>> Brady throws a caught ball to the 43 yard line. Buccaneers with 45 seconds, 44, 43.
>> Just out there playing, trying to do my job.
>> Brady in the shotgun. He makes the catch but cannot get out of bounds.
>> Believing in your guys and trusting in them, that's what that situation is all about.
>> Touchdown, Tampa Bay. Bucs win. Tom Brady, you're terrific.
>> That's a souvenir to hang onto, huh?
JAMES BROWN: No doubt about it, last week was certainly no aberration for Tom Brady. Folks, that was his 42nd fourth quarter comeback of his career. That's good enough for second in the Super Bowl era, tucked in between two of the best to ever do it in Peyton Manning and Ben Roethlisberger.
Now, despite the heroics from Brady, the biggest story was Antonio Brown. For more on the receiver, let's welcome back our insider, Jason La Canfora.
JASON LA CANFORA: J.B., NFL sources tell us the CBA is investigating sources. The receiver should not have been cleared to play last week. Tampa officials say Brown has refused to share any outside medical information and his ankle injury was not severe. Brown cleared waivers last week. He's now a free agent. He says the ankle will require surgery at some point.
JAMES BROWN: Thank you so very much. Brady certainly has seen just about every scenario there is, but between A.B. and all the injuries, the question is to my colleagues, do you still have faith that TB12 can get it done.
BOOMER ESIASON: I'm not going against Tom Brady. I don't care what anybody says. Although I did pick Green Bay to go to the Super Bowl. What he showed me last week, amidst all the craziness at Met Life Stadium, he led his team to a fourth quarter comeback, his 53rd of his career. They're going to get JPP back, and David, and Leonard Fournette, and they're going to be right there in the mix.
NATE BURLESON: I'm not going to bet against this guy either. Completions, attempts, pass yards, and pass TDs, first, first, first. He's still doing it at a high level. I know they've dealt with a lot of injuries, just like you said. Chris Godwin goes down. Mike Evans is banged up usually this time of the season, but guys have stepped up. It's next man mentality. Should be targeting the playoffs. Guys like per man and Scotty Miller. They'll come together collectively. They'll be all right.
BILL COWHER: And don't forget about the offensive line. It's one of the best offensive lines in football. They're still intact. You talk about Ndamukong Suh on the defensive side of the football. They're in the trenches. For Tom Brady, it's almost like you you're going under the radar. We can't do this now? One more challenge you want to throw at that guy. I wouldn't bet against them.
PHIL SIMMS: Me neither. First of all, they've got Tom Brady. And they've got offensive line that can pass block and run block when they need to. The defensive line, it's big. They can stop the run. They can rush you from inside, outside. When you talk about the offensive line and defensive lines, you've got to say maybe together they may be the best in the NFL.
JAMES BROWN: All right, folks. The Jets couldn't seal the deal against Tampa last week, but they have a shot to deny Josh Allen and the Bills the division crown.
PHIL SIMMS: You talk about this Bills, you talk about their offense especially, they don't stick their toe in the water, they jump in. They're a very aggressive -- their play calling is aggressive. They try to get the football down the field. Josh Allen is weather proof. He can play in rain, snow, wind. It doesn't matter. When you talk about his great arm, a dynamic thrower of the football. Bill, they're a fearless and scary offense when you talk about the Bills.
BILL COWHER: I look at you, you remind me the saying, fast guys get slower, and big guys don't get smaller. You embody all of that when you talk about big guys getting smaller. When you talk about this defense, I would just say they complement their offense. You talk about against passing yards and right here, Micah Hyde, Jordan Poyer, Tremaine Edmunds, it's a veteran group, they get after you, and they're a great complement offensively and defensively.
JAMES BROWN: He didn't mean that for you. He was referencing the liposuction I just came off of.
And if the Bills don't take it, Mack Jones and the Patriots can steal the east crown if they beat the Dolphins.
NATE BURLESON: Who are the Patriots? Who is Mack Jones? He's been a guy that's gotten better every single week. They're delivering the ball to multiple individuals, which shows the versatility within this offense. More importantly, offensively, 27-plus points per game. Defensively, holding opponents to 17 or fewer. Why do I bring that up? Bill Belichick has only led a team to those numbers twice before, and those were two Super Bowl teams. I'm just saying, don't count out Belichick and the Patriots.
BOOMER ESIASON: I'm coming out and I'm blitzing and I'm all over Mack Jones. If I'm Bill Belichick in this game, tell me if I'm wrong, I've got somebody in my ear telling me what the Bills and Jets are doing and the Bills are steam rolling the Jets, I'm taking Mack Jones out of this game because I don't want to risk injury in this game.
BILL COWHER: I'm handing the ball off left and right because they need to have him in the playoffs.
NATE BURLESON: We're all excited about this Sunday, but how about next Sunday on super Wild Card weekend? I'm looking forward to the second year of teaming up with my friends at Nickelodeon to bring you another great NFL Wild Card Game. Make sure you catch super Wild Card weekend next Sunday at 4:30 on CBS and Nickelodeon.
JAMES BROWN: You're going to be in both places. Is that the deal? We're 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 Pepsi for the latest news and updates on your matchup.
>> J.B., the playoffs still a possibility here in Baltimore. The Steelers and Ravens each need a win and help to move on to the postseason. It's a fierce rivalry renewed at M&T bank stadium. Hi, everybody. Ian Eagle along with Charles Davis. We know that Ben Roethlisberger will one day be in the Hall of Fame, and this could be the final time we see him out there. We'll have more on that coming up. Diontae Johnson has been the main target for Big Ben this season. Johnson was on the COVID list earlier this week. He's off it now and in the lineup.
CHARLES DAVIS: He's been a big favorite of Ben since he hit the league.
>> For Baltimore, trying to snap a five game losing streak, linebacker Patrick Queen has come into his own.
CHARLES DAVIS: Moved from the middle to the outside. Wreaks havoc from sideline to sideline.
>> T.J. Watt going for the NFL sack record. The Steelers lead the league in sacks. Veteran Cameron Heyward could crack double digits again this afternoon.
CHARLES DAVIS: It's not just rushing the passer. He controls the run game as well inside.
>> No Lamar Jackson today for Baltimore, an ankle bruise. Tyler Huntley, his first start, and Marquise Brown, 100 yards from the record on the season. How about Micah Fitzpatrick? Wrapping up his fourth year in the league. He forget he's just 24 years old.
CHARLES DAVIS: Not just a centerfield ball hawk. He tackles as well, leading the Steelers this year.
>> And the former Steeler, Alejandro Villanueva, he blocked for Big Ben for seven seasons. Now he's on the other side for the Ravens.
CHARLES DAVIS: Full circle for him, back at left tackle, now anchoring it for Baltimore.
>> Big Ben on the field back where it all started. His first game in the NFL was here in Baltimore. We'll hear from Ben, a one-on-one with his former coach Bill Cowher as "The NFL Today" continues.
[ Break ].
JAMES BROWN: The NFL playoffs are here, folk, and it all kicks off with super Wild Card weekend. Action gets started with a Saturday doubleheader followed by a Sunday tripleheader. And for the first time ever, a Wild Card Monday. Three days, six games, one epic weekend. The road to Super Bowl LVI starts here. And this needs a W, Boom, if they want the C this weekend. They'll lean on their MVP Jonathan Taylor, who has over 500 more yards than the league's next leading rusher.
Nate, time now for pregame HQ delivered by Domino's.
>> The Las Vegas Raiders and the Los Angeles Chargers.
>> The hunt for a playoff spot.
>> Jackpot, baby.
>> Raiders stay alive.
>> And the Chargers on the doorstep.
>> We're not done.
>> And the Raiders are in business here.
>> The Chargers control their own fate.
>> The L.A. Chargers are back in business.
>> Raider nation is on its feet.
>> The Chargers.
>> Cannot be in better position to win this game.
>> Leaded back to Las Vegas for their season finale.
>> Bring on the Chargers.
>> Can they hang on?
JAMES BROWN: We all know by now it's winner take all in primetime tonight as Justin Herbert and the Chargers visit Derek Carr and the Raiders with everything on the line. It is what now?
BOOMER ESIASON: It's winner take all. What did Al Davis say? He said just win baby. That's all the Raiders have to do to go to the playoffs. Think about this. They've won three in a row now and two of those three on the road at the Browns and at the Colts. Their defense has only given up 47 points in the last three weeks.
I can't say enough about Derek Carr, guys. Think about everything that the Raiders have been through. Somebody has got to stand tall, so it's been him and Rich. I don't know what they're going to do with their coaching situation once the season is over, but if they make it to the playoffs and they beat the Chargers tonight, how do you not rehire Rich as your head coach?
NATE BURLESON: Agree on both fronts. I'm glad you brought up Derek Carr. Give credit where credit is due, and he's dealt with a lot in that locker room. This game comes town to the red zone. Raiders defense, they're the worst in the NFL. Almost 80 percent of the time they're giving up a TD. They're going to have to bend but don't break because the Chargers, if they get rolling, Raiders will be sitting out looking at the playoffs from the outside in.
BILL COWHER: The Chargers are getting healthy at the right time. In for Austin Ekeler, a one-two punch. On the defensive side, Chris Harris, Davis, all of a sudden, this roster looks as healthy as it's ever been. They're getting healthy at the right time. If they get in, they can make some noise.
PHIL SIMMS: They're a scary football team. You said some of the reasons. Justin Herbert, he's a scary dude. You play against him on the defensive side, you have to cover the field from sideline to sideline and about 70 yards down the field. When he moves, he does that. He moves to throw it deep down the field. He's an aggressive decision-maker. He's not a checkdown Charlie, worried about his QBR and all that stuff. He's worried about making big plays. When you're on defense, like I said, you'd better put pressure on him.
JAMES BROWN: Unbelievable. Before I ask the guys to pick this game, I want to acknowledge that for the second consecutive year, second consecutive year, Coach is our NFL today picks champion with an insurmountable nine-game lead heading in today.
PHIL SIMMS: You know what we say? Big deal. No.
NATE BURLESON: Okay, we're going to give him a round of applause.
PHIL SIMMS: We'll give him some applause.
BILL COWHER: That's so disingenuous. It bothers these guys.
NATE BURLESON: Coach was waiting for us to clap for him. Let me tell everyone in the whole world. Coach is the worst winner ever. He comes in bragging every week.
JAMES BROWN: Worst winner? Who comes out on top tonight, Coach?
BILL COWHER: Tonight I'm going to take the L.A. Chargers. Like I said before, they are getting healthy at the right time. I think the Chargers win tonight.
PHIL SIMMS: I'm taking the Raiders. They're playing aggressive. The defense is doing a much better job. Derek Carr has been tough and leading that football team. At home they're going to win.
NATE BURLESON: Las Vegas is going to be rocking, I know that's for sure. Energy is going to be high. I feel like the Chargers are built for this moment. I have the Chargers.
BOOMER ESIASON: I'm going to take the Raiders and Derek Carr. The story is not over for him and for this team.
JAMES BROWN: Phil says he's a sore winner. Unbelievable. Much to be decided with the Rams, Cardinals, and Niners all having a stake in what's happened today.
PHIL SIMMS: I'll boil it down 20 this. Matt Stafford, they went out and got him. He's going to come through. OBJ made the catch of the year on the fourth down. Might have saved their season as far as aspirations. Matt Stafford, the arm is healthy. He made big time quality throws.
BILL COWHER: Despite those five interceptions of the last two weeks. I like them. Cam Akers comes back with Sony Michel. They got the running game. And Von Miller and Aaron Donald are heating up at the right time.
NATE BURLESON: The Cardinals went through the final stretch of the season without D. Hop. Kyler Murray at home hasn't played well, eight TDs and seven interceptions.
BOOMER ESIASON: Is there a quarterback under more pressure than Jimmy Garoppolo as he starts for the 49ers against the Rams. I think Jimmy Garoppolo has to show up. He's got a bad hand. It's not going to be easy.
NATE BURLESON: Tyler Huntley is still under center for the Ravens today. He's been pretty good in relief for Lamar Jackson. Perhaps the playoffs for a payday is in his future.
[ Break ].
JAMES BROWN: As part of the inspire change initiative, the Dolphins social impact committee raised over a million dollars for programs impacting education, economic empowerment, and civic engagement in their community.
And it has to be an emotional day for sure for one Ben Roethlisberger. 18 years was one of the league's most prolific passers, and it could all end today in what must be a bittersweet moment for the man who has meant everything to this franchise, Coach.
BILL COWHER: That's right, J.B. Ben Roethlisberger is the Pittsburgh Steelers. Today he could be playing his final game for the only franchise he's ever played for as they take on the Baltimore Ravens. This week I sat down with the future Hall of Famer to discuss the emotion of last week's likely final home game and his legacy in the black and gold.
>> That's a touchdown for Ben Roethlisberger.
>> Thank you, Ben. Thank you, Ben. Thank you, Ben. Thank you, Ben.
>> Tremendous moment for Ben.
BILL COWHER: I've got to go back to Monday night. Your final game at Heinz Field. The emotions, it was electric. What is your message to the fans of Pittsburgh?
BEN ROETHLISBERGER: You know, that's the hardest thing to put into words how special that night was, how special they are to me. If I tried to put it into words, I would say I love you. I would say thank you. I feel so blessed. It's just an honor for them to call me their quarterback for 18 years. Just thank you, I guess. I don't know. It's hard.
BILL COWHER: Let's go down the football circle of life. What do you remember about that first game in Baltimore when all of a sudden Tommy Maddox gets hit, sacked, he's out of the game, and you're coming into the game the second half.
BEN ROETHLISBERGER: I remember seeing Tommy going into the locker room.
>> There's a new quarterback, and he's the rookie out of Miami of Ohio, Ben Roethlisberger.
BEN ROETHLISBERGER: So then it kind of became real, like holy cow, what in the heck do I have to do to go out against that defense? Ray Lewis, Ed reed, Haloti Ngata, Terrell Suggs, and I'm this big eyed rookie not knowing what to do. I remember we had a chance. I threw a pass, and they intercepted it and it ended the game. I learned a lesson very quickly about the two minute drill in my first start.
BILL COWHER: I'm sure Monday night you got a lot of text messages from people all over the country, but I've got to show you one that came from your former teammate. Watch this.
>> Thank you for the promise that was made and the promise that was kept in getting the championship. I will always appreciate that. But most importantly, I am always going to be indebted to you for that tackle. I still don't know how you did it, man.
BILL COWHER: So I got to go back to that moment and take me back. As you handed the ball to Jerome, take me back in time, what was going through your mind.
BEN ROETHLISBERGER: It was slow motion. That ball pops out, and it bounces. The first thought was it's now or never. Just make an effort, try and slow him down, do what you can. I got enough of his foot. I remember two hands on his ankle, enough to get him down. During that moment, it was like this cannot happen to Jerome. He's too special to all of us. Could you imagine if they would have went and won that game and that was Jerome's last play.
BILL COWHER: Then we get to Detroit, and I've got to ask you about the last play. I'll never forget the iconic me pushing you. People want to know what was the story behind that? All of a sudden you get the first down, and I'm going first down. You come off the sideline, and I go, Ben, next time you keep the ball, will you tell me?
BEN ROETHLISBERGER: I do remember you grabbing me. I had a big smile on my face. You were trying not to smile. You were trying not to be upset coach, but you were pretty happy, I know it.
BILL COWHER: I was very happy. I just want to say to you, and I mean this from the bottom of my heart. I only coached you for three years, but thank you for allowing me to coach you the way I did. You were a big part of us winning that Super Bowl XL, and you will forever be cemented into my heart as one of the all time great players, and the joys I have of coaching players.
BEN ROETHLISBERGER: That means a lot, Coach. Thank you very much. I've played for two head coaches in the NFL, and they're two awesome, awesome coaches. I've told you many times, I wish we would have had more time. Especially as you get older, you develop different relationships with coaches. Like our relationship has changed so much over the years. I am so thankful and appreciative of the way that you coached me and all the things you taught me, the way you led me and us. You've got what you needed and deserved, which is a Super Bowl, and ultimately a gold jacket. I couldn't be more proud of the coach that you are and will always be to me and everybody here. You'll always be Pittsburgh's coach, I know it. Thank you for everything you brought to me and to us.
BILL COWHER: Hey, Ben, I have to ask you if the Indianapolis Colts beat the Jacksonville Jaguars, which eliminates you guys from the playoffs, is this your last game in the NFL?
BEN ROETHLISBERGER: Most likely.
BILL COWHER: If it is that, Ben, what do you want your legacy to be?
BEN ROETHLISBERGER: I just want people to know that I gave it everything I had. I bleed black and gold, and I always will. I left it all out there for my fans, for the fans, for my teammates, for the coaches, for everyone out there. I just want people to know and appreciate that I was pretty darn tough most of the time.
JAMES BROWN: No question.
BILL COWHER: Sometimes you have players for 15 years, and you have some players longer than others. He was a guy that came along, and I almost felt like a father at times to him. Pulling him into my office multiple times, talking about how he should be playing the game and not making it street ball, go through your progressions. After he had the accident, he had to step into the ball, get back on the bike. This is a guy that's grown over 18 years. Just watching him, I'm so proud.
I always will remember on January 11th in 2020 when David Baker on this stage told me that I was going into the Hall of Fame, I received hundreds of texts. The very first text I got, it's on my phone, was from Ben Roethlisberger. And it says, wow, congrats Coach. So you know what I would say to Ben, congrats to you on 18 years with the same team, never having a losing season, and to me embodying what a Pittsburgh Steeler is all about.
NATE BURLESON: From the black and gold to a gold jacket he will go. For me, you mentioned street ball. I know it drove you crazy as a coach, but man was it exciting to watch.
Listen, if the pocket presence of him, even as a young quarterback, it was incredible. Getting to Big Ben didn't mean you were getting him down. We oftentimes say no pressure, no diamonds, and it's fitting because he won a couple of Super Bowls. So you know he has those diamonds in his jewelry box.
PHIL SIMMS: A lot of memories of Ben Roethlisberger. I got to cover a lot of games. In the 2005 season, he made a few plays. Here's the one that stuck out in my mind. Great play. Close it down, runs out, and as he throws it to the back of the end zone, I was in the booth going, oh, it's a touchdown. Bill was over there wetting his pants.
BOOMER ESIASON: I think back to Super Bowl XLIII, guys, and I was doing this game as a Westwood one broadcaster. Second and goal on the Arizona 6 yard line, it embodies everything that Ben was. What a catch by Santonio Holmes, but he can only throw it in one spot and he did it. He pulls it back, oh, I've got to throw it over there. That was a great throw and a good memory for you and the Steelers and everybody else.
JAMES BROWN: Nate, you said he's just a football player. I love the commercial with Derrick Henry dragging three or four people after him. There's no question Ben has a ton of those dragging three or four people. Nice comments. That was the first text you got a congratulations.
BILL COWHER: It was.
JAMES BROWN: That was awesome. Speaks volumes about him. Hey, folks. With kickoff just a few minutes away.
NATE BURLESON: We will get you out to your game next!
(Break.)
JAMES BROWN: And welcome back to the NFL today. Now Amazon takes you out to the sights and sounds of the game between the Steelers and the Ravens. Let's get you out to Baltimore with our announcers, Ian Eagle, Charles Davis, and Evan Washburn.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports