>> Takes it to the house.
>> New England does it again.
>> Monday night [cheering.]
>> Allen delivers. Touchdown. What a play by Josh Allen and the Bills get some revenge.
>> We're not done yet.
>> Football is right here.
>> The Patriots strike magic.
>> Buffalo Bills are the AFC East champions.
>> Hey, welcome to the playoffs, baby.
[APPLAUSE]
>> Well, after the biggest NFL season ever, the moment of truth has arrived. Folks, it is playoff time and this is where legends are born. Well, it's only six degrees tonight. But it feels like negative five in Orchard Park New York that's the site of tonight's heavyweight battle between bitter AFC East rivals 6 seed, New England Patriots and 3 seed Bills. There's Mac Jones, a good rookie year and he's in the playoffs.
>> Here's Josh Allen, threw for 36 touchdowns can beat you with his legs nine rushing touchdowns he's Mr. Offense for Buffalo.
>> There's Stefon Diggs four games against the Pats, 473 and he'll see a lot of J.C. Jackson tonight.
JAMES BROWN: And happy super wild card weekend everyone and welcome to the "NFL Today" presented by Ram trucks. I'm James Brown we're pleased to welcome you. And Boomer Esiason, and Bill Cowher and of course the MVP of Super Bowl XXI, Mr. Phil Simms. Nate Burleson is out getting ready to call the game against the Niners and cowboys that on Nickelodeon. We miss you but we'll do our best to hold it down here in New York in the meantime.
Super wild-card weekend is off and running for the first time ever games will be spread out over three glorious days of football. Including the first Monday night wild card matchup in NFL history. Now here on CBS we have some top-notch playoff action including tomorrow at 4:25 p.m. eastern when Jimmy Garoppolo and Niners look to pull off the upset from Dak and Zeke in Dallas a game simulcast on Nickelodeon. Tonight a matchup you don't want to miss, in the hotly anticipated sequel to the long running AFC East drama Patriots and Bills part three right here on CBS. A game, folks, that will be played out in the elements. And the frigid weather, hot or cold live in orchard park it's the star of the Revenant. That will be Evan Washburn.
>> It's only fitting that round three between the Patriots and Bills would be played in these Arctic conditions and for some historical context you touched on the feels like the current temperature. It's not going to be near the top of those historic lows but it will be plenty cold. And most importantly this will be the coldest game for both quarterbacks in their football lives. And talking to Josh Allen about the conditions, he acknowledged there's an exhaustion that comes with playing in these temperatures. But as long as the wind is minimal and there's no moisture, he feels like he can do everything he needs to do as the thrower, and he feels like the ball's a bit tackier and can get better grip on it when it's frozen. As for the Florida kid as you see right there, Mac Jones, he spent this week mastering the game plan but also trying to master what to wear in these temperatures. Told us he went through a variety of layering options, leaned on his vet backup in Brian Hoyer and former New England quarterback wore a scuba suit in these conditions. We'll see. We hope it adds to this epic game. And let Boomer know the hair is just fine.
JAMES BROWN: Evan, we know you're a top flight athlete that's what our executive Tyler Hicks said. He's in good shape. And Phil I'm sure that Josh Allen certainly hoping for a repeat if you will week 16 game.
PHIL SIMMS: I don't know if anything can turn out as well as it did for Josh Allen. You talk about the Buffalo offense it's the Josh Allen offense. You've got to worry about his runs first. All the quarterback draws. The quarterback sweeps. And, of course, the scrambles he gets out of the pocket. What do you do on the defensive side? You've got to be careful rushing the passer. Do you spy him if you're the New England Patriots find out ways to stop him. Three games, 41 days, no secrets. This lends itself to a low-scoring game.
BILL COWHER: You're right had a hard time stopping them zero punts but New England kept them out of the end zone very good in the red zone frustrating right there. They actually have to find a way of getting pressure on Josh Allen. Josh Allen did a very good job last game of being patient. Taking a checkdown extending the plays and making good decisions and I think the thing that has to happen tonight for New England defense, they have to get turnovers, be good in the red zone find a way to get pressure on Josh Allen.
BOOMER ESIASON: I'm glad you talked about turnovers, coach, because Bill Belichick started in 2,000 as the Patriots coach since that time the turnover differential for the Patriots plus 234. And that includes playoffs. The second team is plus 106. That tells you a little bit about Bill Belichick. But how about the young quarterbacks in the playoffs as we get started here, and take a look at the two that we have here. Josh Allen and of course Mac Jones. And here's the story about Mac Jones has he hit the rookie wall or not. Coach you coached Ben Rothlisberger into the playoffs his rookie season what do you see from Mac Jones.
BILL COWHER: I see him hitting the rookie Jones 17 regular season games three preseason games 20 games 30 starts in college. So this is 20 games consecutively. I saw it with Ben near the end of the season it's a wear and tear and it grinds on you mentally.
PHIL SIMMS: It's real when you talk about it this New England offense real quick when you talk about the wide receivers and the passing game, when you play man-to-man defense against them they have a hard time separating. They pick screens and change the direction. Misdirections that's the way they get open. Buffalo, I think, will be ready for that.
JAMES BROWN: Phil I'm sure you agree with this a lot of talent on the field tonight. But these squads also boast very impressive coaching staffs. For more on that let's welcome in our "NFL Today" insider that would be Jason La Canfora.
JASON LA CANFORA: Bill's defensive coordinator Lesley Frazier and coordinator Brian interview will with the Bears and Dolphins according to sources Frazier former Bears player, held in high regard and they recruited Tua Tagovailoa to Alabama coached him there. Patriots inside linebacker coach he'll interview. Only in third year as position coach but finals and Dolphins coach Brian Flores spoke to the Bears and numerous sources Flores likely to be offered the job only one first and 10. And Graves expressed his disappointment with a statement. And for now the progress for now is now. 11 openings it's a commitment of leadership. There's eight head coach openings and three GM jobs available.
BILL COWHER: Good news is there's a lot of quality candidates that are available this time around for sure. There's Hunter Henry. He's got nine reception touchdowns this year that leads the Patriots. Doesn't have any of the last three weeks. He needs to get off the schnide tonight in that regard against the Bills.
>> Coming up on the wild card edition of "The NFL Today" Josh Allen ready to put Buffalo on his shoulders Bills look for playoff redemption what do Bill Belichick and the Pats have up their sleeves as they meet for the third time this season. On the field. Devin McCourty does it all for the Pat's defense but on the field standout safety does more for his community while making an impact that will last a lifetime. Dwight Clark's legendary catch is the famous catch in the postseason history between the 49ers and cowboys. Who will make history when the NFL blue bloods face off in Arlington. All that and more when the "The NFL Today" returns on CB S. "The NFL Today" is presented by Rams trucks GD powers number one brand in vehicle quality built to serve.
[COMMERCIAL] .
JAMES BROWN: And there is one of the captains of Lesley Frazier's No. 1 ranked D Micah Hyde on the backside of the D five picks on the season proves you can't hide from him. Time now for pregame HQ delivered by Dominos.
>> This defensive has been completely dominant.
>> We set the tone.
>> Intercepted.
>> They love to take the ball away.
>> Fifth takeaway of the ball game.
>> Down he goes.
>> Dustin he's stuffed.
>> Immediately dropped.
>> They've got to him in a hurry.
>> Eighth sack by the Buffalo defense.
>> Over the middle.
>> Intercepted.
>> Swings it across the middle. Picked off.
>> This is an absolute dominated Bills defense.
>> Bills defense. Seals the deal.
JAMES BROWN: When you watch that you understand why this defense is good. They're willing to do anything on the defensive side it shows in the stats. Points per game allowed first in the NFL total yards. First in the NFL and 20-plus yard plays allowed down the field. They're the best in the NFL. Bill, you've been on this defense all year long. The players and coaches. Why do you love them so much?
BILL COWHER: They're smart. Phil they're experienced they're well coached they throw a lot of things against you if you go against the New England Patriots first thing you have to do is stop the run get penetration front side. Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson they're cut back runners. Defense will have to step in the running game make the tackles it play-action no. Linebacker can't go back. Get into a throwing lane get a tipped bowl. You can see Mac Jones, linebacker is there. Micah Hyde comes down. If you don't get good on first and second, third and long situations do a great job disguising. Jordan Poyer and. Micah Hyde. What's that do creates hesitation now for the quarterback and you see Ed Oliver now be able to get the sack right there. This defense comes at you from a lot of different ways. If you're not good at first and second down third down could be a long night.
PHIL SIMMS: We've been watching them all year why does this team seem to be mad coaches and players.
BILL COWHER: Our show, Sean McDermott, he makes every show personal just like we do here.
PHIL SIMMS: Let's throw it to J.B. and Boomer Esiason.
JAMES BROWN: Fellows thank you so much. Assuming that the defense holds up its end of the bargain how much pressure is on one Josh Allen.
BOOMER ESIASON: A lot of pressure we've been talking about it since the show started about how important he is to the Bills success. Now think about the last time they played New England. He had about eight to ten plays, J.B. That were unbelievable. Very few players in the league at this position can make those plays. Can he reproduce those types of plays again tonight. I don't know necessarily he could do as many as he did that night especially with the weather. The other part of what who he is I was thinking back when he was drafted in 2018, Bill Belichick said oh man we'll have this dual-threat quarterback that I'll have to deal with for as long as I stay here in New England and coach. And he's kind of figured him out a little bit. He's got a losing record against New England. Least 3-4 against them and I know that he wants to have a huge game. This is a huge game for him. And I think that the pressure is squarely on his shoulders.
JAMES BROWN: Would be nice if he could spread it around a bit. Matchups you're looking for.
BOOMER ESIASON: Stefon Diggs and favorite and J.C. Jackson Terrapin brothers, head to head, Diggs had one touchdown and big play player. J.C. Jackson, he's got 25 interceptions in his first four years, second to Tre'von digs with eight interceptions this year he's a pending unrestricted free agent.
JAMES BROWN: No Boom question about it. And folks, tomorrow, super wild-card weekend continues with another chapter of one of the games most historic rivalries, when the Niners take on the Cowboys, coverage begins at four eastern with more of the "The NFL Today" and kick off at 4:30 right at CBS simulcast with our friends at Nickelodeon.
BOOMER ESIASON: You heard Coach Cowher say it was personal and they made it personal when they lost at home. Bill Belichick here we go, round three.
[MUSIC].
[COMMERCIAL]
>> The "The NFL Today" is sponsored by Verizon, the official 5G network of the NFL. The Home Depot, how doers get more done. And by Ram trucks. J.D. powers's number one brand in new vehicle quality.
>> Diving for the end zone.
>> Looks to throw.
>> Wide open touchdown.
>> Deebo does it all.
>> Touchdown.
>> Good shot.
>> Intercepted.
>> 17-0.
>> 49ers come back and win this game. What a strike from Dak Prescott. There's a hand off --
>> The touchdown machine.
>> Intercepted by Diggs.
>> Pick-6 to the end zone.
>> Cowboys win.
JAMES BROWN: Reminder our coverage starts at four eastern. And as one great rivalry renewed when Niners travel to Jerry world to battle the Cowboys in the playoffs since the '95 NFC Championship.
PHIL SIMMS: You talk about this game, Bill. 49ers Dallas Cowboys I like the 49ers I think Dallas is a passing team and I think the 49ers are going to dare them to run the football, keep their safeties back, which will really help them. And this run defense of San Francisco 49ers, it got good when they moved defensive end Arik Armstead inside and this run defense is for real.
BILL COWHER: Look at the San Francisco 49ers I would concede bigger tougher stronger but there's something about the Dallas Cowboys all week I've been talking, everybody's talking about the San Francisco 49ers.
PHIL SIMMS: Does that scare you.
BILL COWHER: I'll take Dak Prescott over Jimmy G and I like that defense with Demarcus Lawrence and Tre'von digs. I think they can get against them. They're underside but you know what they're fast they'll get explosions be inside and give the ball to Tony Pollard. I like Dallas.
BOOMER ESIASON: You said that San Francisco is bigger and they're faster. But you're going to go with Dallas. I'm going to go with the 49ers. The reason I'm going to go with 49ers I saw something from Jimmy Garoppolo the year they went to the Super Bowl. He played great in that second half against the Rams. Yeah, he had a couple of interceptions so what. The other thing some of the best players in the NFL are going to be playing in this game. Think about Micah Hyde, think about Deebo Samuel and I'm so glad that Deebo Samuel made the All-Pro team he certainly agrees it.
JAMES BROWN: Also tomorrow the title defense begins for Father Prime that will be Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, they take on a soaring Eagles squad. Winners of four of the last five.
BOOMER ESIASON: Inclement weather it's going to rain I'm taking the Tampa Bay Buccaneers I'm not going against Tom Brady, no way especially the way he played this year and I Nolen nard is not playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and if it does rain it gives the Eagles a chance and you love to muck it up in this kind of situation.
BILL COWHER: You would love to muck it up you're going to run the football but I'm not going against Tom Brady. Every time he takes somebody away from Tom Brady somebody else will step up. I like Bruce Arians and Tom Brady in this game.
PHIL SIMMS: I like the Buccaneers too. The Eagles run the football number one in the NFL running the football. But they're going against a defense that knows how to stop it and they're really big up front. And then when you talk about this Tampa Bay offense. The Tampa Bay offensive line they're big and they can protect Tom Brady and I'm not going against Tom Brady.
JAMES BROWN: When you asked Bill if he was afraid he took it as a personal challenge.
PHIL SIMMS: Gave me that look.
JAMES BROWN: Not back at you no question about it. Look here we'll also see if big been and the Steelers really stand a chance that was Ben teasing about that against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs seeking a third straight deep playoff run.
PHIL SIMMS: I like the Chiefs in this game of course but Ben Rothlisberger they're playing that card they're trying to set it up and all that.
BILL COWHER: What do you mean playing a card.
PHIL SIMMS: Like we have no chance and all those things. And come on, we know they think they can win the game. What team doesn't go in think they can win but the Steelers defense. When they played careful against Kansas City the first time they had success. When they got aggressive, Patrick Mahomes beat them. Played careful. You have a chance to keep it close.
BILL COWHER: I agree with you play careful because get it into the fourth quarter who is better in the fourth quarter than Ben Rothlisberger?
PHIL SIMMS: You're right.
BILL COWHER: One of the best kickers in the game Chris Boswell he extends plays and extends careers and I think he's going to go one more week again. Ben's going to pull it out in the forth.
BOOMER ESIASON: Who is bigger and faster in this game?
BILL COWHER: It's Kansas City.
BOOMER ESIASON: I'm going to take Kansas City in this game too. Patrick Mahomes at home virtually unbeatable there. 15 touchdown passes zero interceptions in his playoff games in arrowhead and I think that continues against the Steelers.
JAMES BROWN: I think Bill likes that seat there a bit on Nate Burleson. And on Monday night the stars are out in the city of Los Angeles for a third blockbuster affair that will be between Kyler and the Cardinals and Stafford.
BOOMER ESIASON: I'm taking the Cardinals I think it's Kyler's coming out party run the ball on the Rams I don't like the Rams defense where they are especially in the secondary they signed Eric Weddell good luck to him hopefully he can make it through the game but it goes to show you how desperate they are with their injuries.
BILL COWHER: They went out got Stafford and Odell Beckham for games like this, this is what Rams were played for playoff time, veteran leadership in that locker room I like the Rams.
PHIL SIMMS: I like the Cardinals, first and foremost always when I look at the playoff games I look at the offensive line and the Los Angeles Rams their offensive line has trouble protecting the passer. They got run over last week by the San Francisco 49ers. Arizona's corners they're back and healthy. Kyler Murray moving around he's had success throwing against this Ram defense that's why I like the Cardinals.
JAMES BROWN: Guess what, just moments ago the first game of this postseason of course take a look at it, Boom.
BOOMER ESIASON: I sent a text. The Bengals won a playoff game. Inadvertent whistle play here. Listen up. [Whistle] there it is this play should not have been allowed. It stood as a touchdown the NFL should have went back reviewed this and ran the play over, fourth and goal right at the end of the game. Interception by Jermaine Pratt on Derek Carr. This is going to be a controversial very controversial ending to this game because that particular play that we showed you there in the first half should have been blown dead. They should have replayed the play at third and four and the Bengals should not have been given a touchdown.
BILL COWHER: Remember this play did go back to New York to get reviewed. And they stood because they saw, they said go back, but the thing my question is do they -- listen. Do they review audio? [Whistle.]
They do not review audio they went back to New York his foot was in. The question I would say. [Whistle.]
Inadvertent whistle you automatically replay the down and it doesn't count.
BILL COWHER: As a coach you play to the whistle when the whistle plays the play is over. My question is back there they reviewed the play but did they review the audio.
JAMES BROWN: I'm surprised the officials on the field they caucused and still called it a touchdown.
BILL COWHER: The whistle in itself, again, it goes back to New York. They control it. And they played it in New York. They saw the foot down. My question from New York, did you listen to the audio?
PHIL SIMMS: My question is, when they all got together, the officials, did they know and could they hear that the whistle was blown as the ball, as it released Joe Burrow's hand. That's what I want to know if they didn't know did New York tell them the whistle was inadvertent.
BOOMER ESIASON: The Raiders stopped playing that was a blown whistle I'm glad the Bengals won I picked them to win and I'm glad they got Jackson over with. But right is right and wrong is wrong and they blew that.
PHIL SIMMS: It was in second quarter, there was time to maybe correct yourself for the Las Vegas Raiders. They couldn't get it done.
JAMES BROWN: Folks, there's an awful lot on the show. That young man there, that would be Mac Jones in his first postseason appearance. You know what, pressure can be diverse or make diamonds which will it be for the quarterback. Nate, that's a play on you.
[COMMERCIAL]
JAMES BROWN: CBS sports celebrates the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. the stand outsafety Devin McCourty getting ready for tonight's game. He's not only a standout on the field but off it as well. Someone who exemplifies what it means to be a leader for both his team and his community following the lessons taught by Dr. King and others before him.
[MUSIC].
Devin McCourty: He didn't preach just from his own experience but from his community people he met while traveling he was able to tell their stories and tell why we needed a change. Super Bowl LIII getting an opportunity for wanting to play in the Super Bowl, but also be down in Atlanta and to be in the home of Martin Luther King and for the Martin Luther King Center to be right there, just talking to some of my teammates, we were-like man that would be a great opportunity to just go down there for the day in some of our off time and just experience it. He's inspired so many people and especially athletes, different activists that go out there do these things on a regular but I'm also inspired by the people who do it every day for a livelihood. For the last couple of years I think just being part of the NFL in general has been inspirational. It's been a journey. So many men in this locker room and locker rooms across the NFL want to make a difference and have an impact. It's just been so many things that we've been able to be a part of and lift up these things and have a voice has been tremendous. And I think each man has decided they want to be part of something bigger than themselves. Being a football player, you can have some great accomplishments, win championships, awards, but to be able to look back at your career I impacted some young kid that I didn't even know and now his life is better, I think that's why God truly makes all of us to have that kind of impact.
[MUSIC].
If I had a dream my dream would be that my three kids some day are in the world making a difference, making an impact. Not just focus on making money or getting promotions. Out there trying to make a difference in community, changing people's lives. My biggest dream would be that my kids can be the best people that they can be.
JAMES BROWN: Boomer had the best comment, Jason and Devin the best that the league has to offer. They are quality guys.
PHIL SIMMS: No doubt about it when you see Devin McCourty let me say it first he was an outstanding corner goes to safety, Pro Bowl safety there. But Devin McCourty is really a special person. He's the kind of guy that one day I'd say could be a politician has great effect on us. He could be the President of the United States.
BILL COWHER: The brothers are pretty special in themselves but NFL players majority around their league use their platforms to make differences in their communities. I think that's something we don't give enough attention to. We absolutely hear about all the people that exceptions to it but I'll tell you the NFL they have a lot of good players that do a lot.
BOOMER ESIASON: You know why Bill Belichick loves the brothers, you sit down, listen to them fits the mold of the Patriot football.
JAMES BROWN: Well said. Time now to deliver our picks with game day delivery presented by Amazon. Boom, not Amanon moving on what's the secret to the score.
PHIL SIMMS: About playoff football is it different? Absolutely, as soon as you run out of the tunnel for warmups you can feel the tension energy and excitement. It's real. Saying that I'll take the Buffalo Bills, 24, New England Patriots 17.
BILL COWHER: I'm going to say 24-20, Buffalo Bills as well. From the standpoint that I think Josh Allen, the way they played last time. They've been on a mission, and I look at Mac Jones and I get concerned about him going down that road. They have to get off to a fast start. That being the New England Patriots. But I think in Mac Jones gets put in a situation on the road in the playoffs, we have to bring this team from behind, I think that's going to be a tough task to ask of him. So I like Buffalo 24. New England 20. I think it's going to be a close game.
BOOMER ESIASON: I was trying to check out which offensive line had the guys with the least long sleeves. So who has got their arms out that was the team I was going to pick.
JAMES BROWN: Why is that important Boom.
BOOMER ESIASON: Important to set the tone. They would come out with sleeves no matter what the weather. Let's go play some football. I'm going to take the Bills as well 23-20. And to me, really, what it comes down to is whether or not Buffalo is going to make a key mistake in this game.
BILL COWHER: We talk about it too. Special teams, remember last week against the New York Jets Buffalo punter drops the ball and we talk about hidden field position. The movement and it comes down to can you finish drives with field goal. The wind it's cold up there not as far. These decisions you make on fourth down. The decisions that happen in the course of the red zone. You can stop and go for two or not go for two. And the kicking game, the hidden yardage within that is always a difference in this game. Turnovers in red zone a big part of it.
PHIL SIMMS: When I look at this, Boomer you said something earlier eight to ten plays that Josh Allen made the last time they played that was really special. Can he do that today? No, I don't think he can. And I think New England's counting on the fact that he can't make all these special plays and it gives them a little confidence. But we've talked about this all year. When you talk about Buffalo, the offense is aggressive. They come out firing and the defense does everything. They're not afraid, and I love that in the playoff game about a team that is not afraid of worrying about the outcome.
JAMES BROWN: I've heard Bill Cowher say often with respect to players you've got to impose your will on the opposition. I'm loving it from the coaching ranks, Bill, because Sean McDermott, wait let's not give him all this credit.
BILL COWHER: Sean McDermott this last game he went for it on fourth down seven times. If Sean McDermott is talking about he's not going to settle for field goals get down there and can the New England Patriots come up with that big stop that can change momentum. You nobel Bell you know what he does he tests your patience play the rope and dope game with you, I said it last time. Josh Allen was patient. He took the underneath dumps. He ran with the football. He did not turn it over. Now it's playoff time. Josh Allen stay patient in the playoffs.
PHIL SIMMS: After they lost that game on Monday night in the snowstorm, they were talking about how the Bills were man handled how they got physically whipped up pretty good. And I think that's what Sean McDermott did after that game. He made it personal between almost like him and Belichick. Belichick obviously the greatest football coach we've ever seen. So he's up there and everybody's like bowing to him. And Sean McDermott is telling his team we're not bowing any longer.
JAMES BROWN: I'm excited to see the New England defense they have in store for Josh Allen and that offense.
BILL COWHER: Devin Singletary involved with the running game.
JAMES BROWN: Kick off is minutes away, we'll see you at halftime. And the Bills and Patriots, coming up next. In the words of Dr. King, our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports