JAMES BROWN: Hey, folks, it is indeed a beautiful winter day in Nashville. We are just a little more than an hour away from the start of divisional round weekend with a fight between the 1 seed Tennessee Titans and 4 seed Cincinnati Bengals.
Hello, folks. Welcome to "The NFL Today" presented by Ram Trucks, I'm James Brown back inside studio 43 with my esteemed colleagues. Boomer Esiason, Nate Burleson, Bill Cowher, and Phil Simms.
Fellas, they know all too well, like in boxing, styles make fights. As these two heavyweights prepare to Duke it out, your initial thoughts on the matchup?
PHIL SIMMS: The big story is Derrick Henry. He's back in the lineup since week 8 for the Tennessee Titans. What effect is he going to have on the game? We know it's going to be physical the way he runs. Look at the numbers he had after eight games, leading the NFL in rushing by far.
It's emotional for the football team. He could be used as a decoy. And whenever he touches the football during this game, you know one thing, the crowd's going to go crazy, and so will his team.
BILL COWHER: Let's not lose sight of what D'Onta Foreman has done in his last games. He's done very well. When you think about Derrick Henry, you think about the fact he gets stronger as the game goes on. I don't expect him to get to 25, 30 carries, but getting him back in action, the speed. Game, it's hard to simulate that in practice. But he does give the team a lift just being on the field.
NATE BURLESON: He's going to add juice to this offense, and it's a two-headed monster, D'Onta Foreman and Derrick Henry. When he touches the ball, the crowd is going to go crazy. When he's not touching the ball, the receivers will go crazy. The play action football. When they put that in the middle of his stomach, and Ryan Tannehill looking down the field, we're talking AJ Brown and Julio Jones on the back end.
BOOMER ESIASON: The Cincinnati Bengals are in this game too. They got over the playoff hump last week. Led by Joe Burrow, 75 percent completion percentage. Averaging 343 yards per game. 11 touchdowns, no interceptions.
What's really important now is for everybody to understand there's another running back in this game as well. His name is Joe Mixon, a dual threat out of the backfield.
PHIL SIMMS: The one thing, when you look at it, and I just say this, are you surprised that Cincinnati Bengals are here? Before the season, did you ever think we'd see the Bengals in the second round of the playoffs? I didn't. It's been a great year for them.
NATE BURLESON: And they didn't stumble in. One of the hottest teams towards the end of the season.
BILL COWHER: You look at this team on the outside, the weapons they have offensively, and defensively they've been very, very solid, talking about Trey Hendrickson and Hubbard coming off the corner, and the back end has played very well as well.
BOOMER ESIASON: The big thing is the offensive line. Joe Burrow manages the rush of opposing teams about as well as anybody in the NFL. The question is can the offensive line match up with the defensive line of the Titans?
JAMES BROWN: Did anybody forget the Bengals were playing in this game? These guys sure didn't. More coming up after this.
(Break.)
>> There's nothing Hollywood loves more than a good story line. The redemption arc.
>> Congratulations on making the AFC championship game.
>> Back to back AFC championship.
>> The Bills season is over.
>> Can you get this team over the hump to win a Super Bowl?
>> Brady, the ageless quarterback.
>> Let's go.
>> The return to glory or the sweet taste of revenge.
>> How disappointed are you that you will not be a 49er?
>> Not as disappointed as the 49ers will be that they didn't draft me.
>> Rodgers pressure.
>> I don't have the same number of years ahead of me as I do behind me.
>> After 31 years, the drought is over.
>> And lest we forget, the comeback. But this isn't Hollywood -- not yet. You have to earn your ticket to tinseltown because only the best shine brightest under the Super Bowl spotlight.
>> Let's go.
>> This is the NFL divisional round. The cameras are rolling. Now let the action begin.
JAMES BROWN: And yes, the sun is out, and it is a crisp 35 degrees in Nashville, as Music City excitedly and anxiously awaits divisional round action.
In just a little more than an hour, a capacity crowd at Nissan stadium, they will be rocking to see the top seed Tennessee Titans clash with the 4 seed Cincinnati Bengals with a chance to play for the AFC championship on the line.
BOOMER ESIASON: And there he is, Joe Burrow, guys. 4,600 yards, 34TDs in only 16 games. He sat out last week against the Browns. He's the unquestioned leader of Bengal nation.
NATE BURLESON: There's Ryan Tannehill. Last three games, seven TDs, zero turnovers. Looking for a second NFC Championship appearance.
BILL COWHER: Ja'Marr Chase. Set a record for most receiving yards by a rookie in the Super Bowl era. He's warming up catching tennis balls.
PHIL SIMMS: Look who's back. Derrick Henry, the Tennessee Titans running back coming back in style. 937 yards rushing in eight games. Let's see what effect he has on this game today.
JAMES BROWN: Phil called out Nate how he dresses like that. Welcome to "The NFL Today" presented by Ram Trucks. I'm James Brown and delighted and deleted and all of that to be back here in studio 43. We'll untangle that in a minute. Bringing you more playoff action with my colleagues and members of what I like to call the fraternity.
Former league MVP and Walter Payton man of the year, that would be Boomer Esiason. Mr. Emmy award winner and Mr. Nickelodeon, Nate Burleson. And what more needs to be said than the Hall of Fame coach Bill Cowher. And MVP of Super Bowl XXI, two-time Super Bowl winner, that would be Phil Simms.
Folks, before we get starreded, I just wanted to take the time to congratulate, along with my colleagues, Nate Burleson on another extraordinary broadcast with our friends at Nickelodeon.
NATE BURLESON: Stop it, J.B.
JAMES BROWN: Did you get slimed?
NATE BURLESON: I didn't get slimed, but we did get Kyle after the game. Everyone involved, it was another great broadcast.
JAMES BROWN: One of the best weekends of the NFL here as the race for the Lombardi trophy heats up. With all the teams ready to take the next step, we are Destined for an exhilarating round of postseason play. Tomorrow night the divisional round concludes right here on CBS in a must see matchup.
Josh Allen and the Bills head to Kansas City to take on Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. Coverage begins at 6:00 p.m. eastern. First we kick it off with this afternoon as Ryan Tannehill and the No. 1 seed Tennessee Titans get ready for their first playoff action on the postseason as they host Joe Burrow and the surging Cincinnati Bengals.
No one could have scripted the drama that this weekend could potentially bring. We've got story lines galore, starring some of the league's best and brightest. So with that said, the matchup that you are most looking forward to.
PHIL SIMMS: Man, I'm excited about the matchup we have coming here in an hour or so, J.B., the Tennessee Titans and the Cincinnati Bengals. When you think of the Tennessee Titans, D'Onta Foreman, the running back, Derrick Henry. They just want to pound the football. If they have to throw it, Ryan Tannehill, an aggressive down the field thrower. On the other side, look at Joe Burrow. There's Ryan Tannehill. If they come up and dare him to throw the football, I like his chances with the play action passes throwing the football down the field.
Joe Burrow, what a year. Who expected this coming off the serious knee injury he had, moving around well. He's throwing the football with power, and he's been -- hey, he's got this team in the divisional round of the playoffs.
BILL COWHER: I'm looking forward to tonight. San Francisco 49ers coming off a big win over the Cowboys, a game that you did, Nate. Going up to Green Bay going against the Green Bay Packers. Green Bay Packers, Aaron Rodgers, probably lead candidate for MVP, 37 touchdowns and four interceptions. You talk about two great receivers in this game, Davante Adams and Deebo Samuel, the electric Deebo Samuel. San Francisco pass rush. Seven straight games, three plus rushes. He may have to leave on Jones and Dillon in the running game.
NATE BURLESON: How about the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That defense, last week they suffocated Kyler Murray. They smuggled him like a snow globe. You've got a defense that's really catching a rhythm. Von Miller, last five games, a sack in each game. Aaron Donald, last seven games, a sack in each game. These are individuals that are going to try to make Tom Brady's job difficult. We'll see if they can do it.
BOOMER ESIASON: How about the final game of the weekend right here on CBS? That would be Buffalo at Kansas City. What can you say that hasn't already been said about these two quarterbacks? Josh Allen may have had the greatest single playoff game last week against the New England Patriots in the Wild Card round. He was just basically unstoppable. Then, of course, we have Patrick Mahomes, who's got 20 touchdowns and only one interception at home in Arrowhead in the playoffs.
Those are ridiculous numbers. Two of the best players at the most important position in the NFL.
JAMES BROWN: You guys are very polite. You left me off the hook in the opening comments.
PHIL SIMMS: During the commercial, we'll make fun of you.
JAMES BROWN: Hey, with head coaching searches in full swing league-wide, I know it's been quite the busy weekend for our NFL today insider, who's joining us now. That would be Jason La Canfora.
JASON LA CANFORA: It's certainly a busy weekend for the offensive coordinators. Offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich met with the Bears Friday and will get a second interview with the Jaguars. Defensive coordinator Todd Bowles has already met with Jacksonville and Minnesota. He's interviewing with the Bears today. Bowles also expected to speak to the Raiders. Former Dolphins coach Brian Flores interviewed with the Texans and Bears, but is most enthusiastic about the Giants opening, sources said. The Brooklyn native would covet a return to the northeast, spent most of his coaching career in New England. Flores is expected to interview with GM Joe Shane. Shane, who had been Buffalo's GM conducted a virtual interview with offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, and Frazier had a virtual meeting with the Giants this morning. Shane and Daboll are very close, but the Dolphins also very interested.
BOOMER ESIASON: The return of King Henry. The Titans fans are jacked up. They played 91 players this year suited up for the Titans. It's the most in NFL history.
>> Coming up on "The NFL Today," Joe Burrow has been punishing NFL defenses all year, but this week he'll face a well rested Titans defense who are hoping to put a quick end to the Bengals Cinderella season.
Speaking of the Bengals, Zac Taylor took the Bengals from worst to first in one season, and this week Boomer got an inside take on Cincinnati's recent success from the coach himself.
It's been over a decade since Aaron Rodgers and the Packers have seen a Super Bowl. Will this be the year Green Bay and their quarterback overcome their playoff demons and reach the promised land?
All that and more when "The NFL Today" continues on CBS.
(Break.)
JAMES BROWN: The last time these two met, it was Burrow out duelling Tannehill that en route to a W Sammy. Now the circumstances are much different. There's everything to lose, and while Burrow's getting his playoff feet wet, Tannehill's been here before, taking his beatings and hoping to dish out one today.
Time now for pregame HQ delivered by Domino's.
JAMES BROWN: Coming to us live from the booth in Nashville where he'll be calling today's game, the 15-year NFL vet and our colleague, Trent green. Trent, the Titans played extremely well in the nine games without their all world back. Today King Henry returns in what has to be a monumental lift to the offense.
TRENT GREEN: J.B., there's a lot of excitement around Nashville because of the return of Derrick Henry. It was noted he was activated yesterday. He will be making the start today.
The exciting thing for the Titans, there are no restrictions on Derrick Henry. He is not going to be on the play count today, so look for him to get a number of touches in this game. The scary thing additionally for the Bengals defense, as Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill told us, because Derrick Henry had a lot of time to stay off his feet, he spent much of that time in the weight room. So he's coming back even bigger and stronger than he was before the injury.
Then for the Cincinnati Bengals, second year quarterback Joe Burrow, the confident leader of this football team has put up some staggering numbers in just his second season. The Bengals like to use a lot of empty sets and three wide receiver packages. The big challenge for the Bengals is going to be protecting Burrow because he has so many weapons that he needs to stretch the field and get the ball to. How are they going to protect him? He was sacked more than any other quarterback in the NFL.
This game has a lot of ramifications, J.B. You think about it, the Titans win, they get to host their first AFC championship game ever. If Cincinnati wins, it's their first AFC championship game sense January of 1989. I'm sure you've heard about that from Boomer.
JAMES BROWN: Hey, Trent, our other quarterback wanted to compliment you as well.
PHIL SIMMS: He looks good, he looks young, and he's got great TV hair. Besides that, that was a good job, Trent.
JAMES BROWN: Knock them alive, Trent. No question about it.
Phil, there's probably no one, I guess you could say more relieved about Derrick Henry's return than Ryan Tannehill?
PHIL SIMMS: I think he likes that. There's nothing like having good players around you. When you look at this Tennessee offense, you know they want to run the football. What's the Bengals defense going to do? They're going to get extra guys up at the line of scrimmage and try to stop the run and put the pressure on Ryan Tannehill. He's going to see one-on-one coverage outside against his receivers.
A.J. Brown's going to be against Chidobe Awuzie one-on-one, and against Eli Apple. Ryan Tannehill, if he has to throw the ball to win the game, his throwing is good, it's aggressive, it's downfield, and it's dangerous.
BILL COWHER: If you look at this game, I'll give the Cincinnati Bengals. They've got better players at the skill position, no question about it. But I'll tell you what, I'm looking at this game being played in the trenches, the offensive and defensive lines. You look at the offensive line of Tennessee with Derrick Henry, yeah, they bring eight guys up there, but that won't stop them and deter them from running the football. Cincinnati lost a couple of defensive linemen.
On the other side, that pass rush can be suffocating and dominating. Jeffery Simmons, Denico Autry, and Harold Landry. They do this with just a four man rush. This shortens the time clock in Joe Burrow's head. How much time do I have? Mike Vrabel, this team, they take on his identity. He's very comfortable with who they are. In this pass throwing game age that we're in, he's going to stick to the fact that we're going to run the football, we're going to play defense, we're going to outtough you, and we're going to be disciplined. You know what, they resemble that when you look at the Tennessee Titans.
NATE BURLESON: No doubt about it. You know who's tough? Joe Burrow is tough. I'm not talking about physical toughness, but he's stuff statistically. Pass TDs of 35-plus yards this season, Joe Burrow 15. Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes tied at 9, and that's including the postseason. Why is that important? Those big plays down the field, the QBs here, you guys know this, Phil and Boom, those are like body blows. They will deflate a defense that thinks they can stop you. As soon as you hit shots downfield to guys like Ja'Marr Chase, that's going to take the wind out of a defense.
You know that Joe Burrow and that Bengals offense, they're going to take those shots.
BOOMER ESIASON: Trent green is all over it when it comes to the Bengals offense. That's why the pass protection is so front and center.
Take a look at Derrick Henry. Take a look at these numbers. Before he got hurt, he was so far out in front of everybody else, and of course week 8 against the Indianapolis Colts, that was Halloween weekend, he gets hurt. He hurts his foot.
That's why we have been spending so much time on him. He's such a big part of their offense, and he really reflects who Coach Vrabel is.
Here's the thing. Joe Mixon is the other guy in this game.
NATE BURLESON: That's right.
BOOMER ESIASON: He's the running back that does multiple things. He catches the ball out of backfield. He had 42 receptions this year. He was over 1,200 yards. Remember he didn't play in that last game against the Browns either. He's had a big game. And I would think he's an under the radar guy coming into this game simply because the competition of this whole thing, everybody's talking about Derrick Henry, and nobody is talking about him except me.
JAMES BROWN: How are your pipes working today?
NATE BURLESON: They're good to go.
JAMES BROWN: Take it away.
NATE BURLESON: How about Ryan Tannehill? My man has been lights out as of lately. I know we're talking about this young quarterback on the other side, but Ryan Tannehill is saying, you know what, young Buck, this is my game. Let's see if he can show up and show out.
(Break.) .
JAMES BROWN: Don't forget divisional round weekend continues tonight when the Niners face the Packers at 8:15 eastern on Fox. Tomorrow a doubleheader starting with the Rams and Buccaneers 3:00 on NBC. Then here on CBS, our coverage begins at 6:00 eastern for a huge showdown between the Bills and the Chiefs.
>> The Bills strike first on an excuse me touchdown from Josh Allen. Josh Allen has taken it to another level.
>> There you go, Buffalo. You got a playoff victory.
>> Mahomes. Fires down the near side, touchdown. And Mahomes is on fire. The Kansas City Chiefs have their seventh playoff victory the last four seasons.
JAMES BROWN: Ten combined touchdowns between Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes last week. Folks, setting the stage for an explosive rematch of last year's AFC title game.
BILL COWHER: I think, when you look at this matchup between Mahomes and Allen, it reminds me of Brady and Manning with the Colts and the Patriots for many years because it comes down to two quarterbacks that run their team.
These two are very good outside the pocket, particularly Josh Allen. There will be designed runs for Josh Allen. If he gets outside the pocket, he's looking to throw the ball down the field with arms as strong as anybody's in the league.
When you look at these two quarterbacks, built around their mobility, built around their skill set. That's why they're both right now vying for an AFC championship.
NATE BURLESON: Coach, you make a good point. These guys are the best in the business when it comes to extending those plays, and Patrick Mahomes is a beast. Don't get it twisted, though. Traditional quarterback play, when he drops back, he's going to kill you. Here's the thing, he's looking for Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill on the deep crossing routes. He has the arm he can use to throw with anticipation, but when he wants to hold on to that ball and pat the baby, as we like to call it, he can deliver a rocket in any window. He's a window thrower.
BOOMER ESIASON: Yes, he is a window thrower.
PHIL SIMMS: I won't get it twisted. When you look at this game, something we hear all week long, and I've said it many times this year, all of us has, you got to keep Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen in the pocket. Forget it, that's not going to happen. They're going to get outside the pocket, like you said, Coach. They're going to make runs. They're going to throw it down the field. They're going to be dynamic.
When you look at these two teams, they're playing their best football with the coaches and the players. They've hit their stride. They're very confident. Can't wait to see this game.
BOOMER ESIASON: Crossovers to Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill, that makes me think Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde. Micah Hyde made one of the great plays last week against the New England Patriots. Look at that play, it's ridiculous. Those two safeties, maybe the best pair of safeties in the NFL, have to be on their game tomorrow night.
I think the Bills are a team that expects to win. They have been building now the last three or four years with Josh Allen and these other guys. I think that they expect to win.
BILL COWHER: They're playing with a chip on their shoulder.
JAMES BROWN: Sure they are. Being owe obedient to Nate, we will untwist it and say after a chaotic finish in their win over Dallas, the Niners return to Lambeau tonight for a showdown with another familiar foe in Aaron Rodgers and the top seed Packers. Joining us live from Green Bay, the very astute, hopefully warm, A.J. Ross. A.J., despite injuries to key players last week, there seems to be a collective sigh of relief from the Niners heading into this game.
>> J.B., here in the frozen tundra, a key element in the matchup tonight will be applying more heat and pressure on Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Pro bowl pass rusher Nick Bosa and all pro linebacker Fred Warner went down with injuries last week, but they've been back in practice, and they're a go tonight.
Additionally, Jaire Alexander, Za'Darius Smith, and Randall Cobb, they're making a comeback, but icing Aaron Rodgers is no easy feat, especially since Rodgers is on a hot streak since week 11. He's completing 72 percent of his passes for 20 touchdowns and no picks.
But the opposite sideline as well, Deebo Samuel coming off a career high ten carries. Adding to his regular season total of eight rushing touchdowns. That's the most ever by an NFL receiver. He averaged around 16 yards per carry on each of those touchdowns, and he has over 1,400 receiving yards. This guy is a legitimate dual threat. Be on the lookout for Jaire Alexander probably matching up one-on-one with him. Get your popcorn ready. It's going to be fun and frigid here at Lambeau.
One other point. Jimmy G has started 68 games in this league, but none of them in below freezing temps. He's probably thinking warm thoughts. I'm thinking warm thoughts.
JAMES BROWN: A.J., you have handled that cold in Lambeau well despite the tear that didn't freeze up. That is awesome. Thank you so much, A.J.
Last week we saw the -- what did you call it, Nate? What's that called again? A cheat code.
NATE BURLESON: A cheat code for sure.
JAMES BROWN: Despite the cheat code. What's his name, by the way?
NATE BURLESON: Deebo Samuel.
JAMES BROWN: He's a beast on full display. He figures to play a pivotal role if the Niners want to deny Aaron Rodgers once again.
BOOMER ESIASON: The 49ers want to make this into a street fight. Nick Bosa, thank God for them he's healthy and also Fred Warner, he's back in the flow. The thing I always worried about when I would play the Packers would be the most dangerous play in football and the hardest play to defend, which is what?
NATE BURLESON: Talk about the back shoulder throw.
BOOMER ESIASON: The back shoulder throw. That basically comes down to controlling Davante Adams, if that's even possible.
NATE BURLESON: And J.B., you mentioned Deebo Samuel, he's an absolute beast. We know he's a wide receiver, but eight rushing touchdowns on the season. They don't even disguise it when he's in the backfield. We're going to hand the ball off to you. But the Packers, one of the best tackling teams in the business. They're going to have to wrap up because, when he gets to that next level, it's a touchdown.
JAMES BROWN: Nate didn't look like a deer in the headlights. J.B., where are you going like this? I wouldn't leave my guy out like that.
The road to back to back could get a lot rougher for TB-12 and the Buccaneers when they host the Rams, that seemed to be firing on all cylinders last week.
BILL COWHER: For the Tampa Bay Bucs, the health of their offensive line, going against the pass rushing unit in Aaron Donald and Von Miller. Matthew Stafford last week, 17 rushes. Why? They got Sony Michel back and got out to the perimeter run game.
PHIL SIMMS: The big story to me is watching the Tampa Bay offensive line, it's a little beat up. Look at the four losses this year, New Orleans Saints twice, Washington football team one time, and Los Angeles Rams. They all have one thing in common. They've got a good defensive line that can rush the passer. This could be a rough day for Tom Brady. Going to have to hang in there and make some throws under pressure.
NATE BURLESON: All right, guys. Guess who's back? King Henry. If you're going to take shots at the throne, you better not miss. I'm talking about tackles because it will be a house call.
(Break.)
NATE BURLESON: If you want to see football covered like never before, tap into NFL slimetime to see the week's best slime lights. Tune in every Wednesday night at 7:00 eastern on Nickelodeon to see who wins the most fun trophy in sports, the NVP, only on NFL slimetime. Here's a former winner of the Nickelodeon valuable player award, big throw Joe, big play Burrow, or as I like to call him, Joe thorough.
>> Bengals fans have been waiting for this for more than 30 years.
>> Going deep and caught.
>> What a throw by Joe Burrow.
>> Float it to the end zone.
>> He's got it. Firing deep for Chase. Touchdown. Dropped it perfectly.
>> Drops it deep down the sidelines.
>> 34-yard touchdown throw.
>> When others sweat bullets, Joe Burrow throws bullets.
>> The drought is over.
PHIL SIMMS: Joe Burrow has had a tremendous year. One of the reasons why is right here, Ja'Marr Chase. Look what he's done this year. Receiving yards, 923. Receiving touchdowns 11. Here I am, a little competition between the Cincinnati offense and the Tennessee defense. Me against you, Coach. Show me your best stuff.
BILL COWHER: Give me your best stuff.
PHIL SIMMS: Here it is. We're not going to worry about running the football. We're going to throw one-on-ones to the outside to Ja'Marr Chase. It's really impossible to cover the back shoulder throws.
Now you double the wide receivers. C.J. Uzomah down the middle of the field. Good luck covering him with the linebacker. Give it up. A lot of yards, a lot of passing. Then your terrific pass rush. That's all I hear about. Don't forget, Joe Burrow, he's mobile. Watch how he escapes the pocket, buys some time. Ja'Marr Chase reroutes to the back of the end zone. What a throw on the run by Joe Burrow, a touchdown. Bill, I don't see how you could defend what the Cincinnati offense does.
BILL COWHER: All three of those plays you showed was Cincinnati at home. But you know what, they're playing in Tennessee, Phil. They're playing at home, and this defense is different at home. They are second in points allowed, fourth in take-aways. You know what, you watch them play, it's a four-man rush.
Do you see bump and run? There are no back shoulder fades. When they play man to man, they put them off and gives them time. Patrick Mahomes, pretty good quarterback. He has to find and buy time, and you see him matching up perfectly in the secondary while the pass rush can get there.
You know what, sometimes the illusion of something, and you bring it the other side. For Joe Burrow, it's not going to be a basic four-man rush. It could be an overload to one side. Oh, yeah, what does that create? Hesitation. What happens? Jeffery Simmons gets there. What you try to do, Phil, let's speed it up.
PHIL SIMMS: Tell me.
BILL COWHER: If you speed it up, a guy named Kevin Byard. Don't go too fast. He'll read your eyes, pick it off, and take it back for six.
Listen, I love what Cincinnati brings to the table. All the weapons, all the ability to make the big plays, but they're going against a defense that's patient, that can get the rush. You know what, I worry about speeding up his time clock, that being Joe Burrow.
PHIL SIMMS: We have to get somebody to wipe the floor because Coach was spitting all over the place as he was doing that. The votes are in, and Coach you lose. Let's throw it to J.B., Nate, and Boomer.
JAMES BROWN: Phil acts like he doesn't spit. My gosh.
NATE BURLESON: Phil, you won that one. Good job, Phil.
JAMES BROWN: On the other side of the ball, it seems like the Titans offense is as healthy --
BOOMER ESIASON: As it is, they had 91 active players this year. Think about that. That's an NFL record. And Derrick Henry is back. What does that mean? That means play action passing, J.B., and that's my favorite thing. He also has a healthy offensive line, one of the bigger offensive lines in the NFL.
I played with the great Iggy woods, James Brooks, Stanford Jennings, and those guys used to play action fake with me. Guys would be wide open down the field. If you are Ryan Tannehill, Nate, that's what you want to do.
NATE BURLESON: Exactly. If you're an offensive lineman, you're excited. You have Derrick Henry that can get to the second level, and he's going to make plays after that. The wide receivers are excited for the same reasons that Boom was talking about. When you have Derrick Henry in that backfield, he's going to attract attention, but it's the play action football, Ryan Tannehill's going to put that ball right in his stomach.
As soon as he looks up, he's going to see linebackers with their eyes in the backfield, and you're going to see wide receivers wide open.
There you go, J.B. I see you.
JAMES BROWN: Bill, you got a defibrillator over there. Go ahead.
BOOMER ESIASON: There's Ryan Tannehill, and he's going to make the most out of those play action passes, Nate. I know it myself. I know it well. And I know how effective it is, especially when you have a physical running back like a Derrick Henry. I'm going to tell you right now, this is going to be so much fun to watch this one matchup today.
JAMES BROWN: Keep an eye on Boomer.
BOOMER ESIASON: Check this out, guys. These guys were childhood friends, high school teammates, college teammates at LSU. They're going to be staring at each other on the line of scrimmage today.
(Break.)
JAMES BROWN: This week the Titans teamed up with the American red cross to organize a blood drive setting up a site at Nissan stadium and collecting 67 units of life saving blood in the process.
And in just three years, Zac Taylor delivered a playoff win to Cincinnati, something the previous four coaches failed to do. Boomer, that's earn him the praise of who dey nation and Bengals royalty. Just ask our guy.
BOOMER ESIASON: You know, it had been 31 years since the Cincinnati Bengals with the help of a young and talented blond quarterback had won a playoff game, but last week Zac Taylor in Cincinnati ended that streak, and now are ready to take the next step toward Super Bowl LVI.
>> After 31 years, the drought is over.
BOOMER ESIASON: Zac, you made me completely irrelevant now. Congratulations.
ZAC TAYLOR: I appreciate that. It was a lot 6 fun for our players and coaches who put in a lot of hard work. Almost more importantly for the Cincinnati.
There's a new tradition we start today with our first playoff win. It goes to the city of Cincinnati. We pass these things out at bars across Cincinnati tonight.
BOOMER ESIASON: Then you went to Mt. Lookout tavern, a place I've been, and you presented the game ball there.
ZAC TAYLOR: This is the first of many playoff games we win here.
One thing I've always done, the two years where we were losing a lot of games, I always drove right past the stadium, right downtown, and pictured better days when all the fans were wearing the jerseys and celebrating after big wins. To get to sit in traffic for an hour after the game and watch all of our fans celebrate, it felt like the right moment to go in and spend a couple minutes with some people at a bar that were having a good time and have supported us through thick and thin.
That's what I'm talking about.
BOOMER ESIASON: I want people to know who Zac Taylor is. What do you have in common with Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and Vince young?
ZAC TAYLOR: We all played in the Big 12.
BOOMER ESIASON: What do you really have in common with them?
ZAC TAYLOR: That, I can't answer. They all won the Heisman Trophy. I certainly didn't.
BOOMER ESIASON: How about the Big 12 Player of the Year Award?
ZAC TAYLOR: I always say Adrian Peterson broke his collar bone that year, so there should be an asterisk on that trophy, but it worked out in my favor.
BOOMER ESIASON: Interestingly enough, you got started in coaching with your father-in-law at Texas A&M. You were a graduate assistant there for four years. He wouldn't give you a full-time job and really pay you?
ZAC TAYLOR: It was four, but it felt like ten. I think my first couple years were typical GA. It was a grind.
BOOMER ESIASON: Ryan Tannehill, in fact, was on that Texas A&M team. Then you go to Miami, and he's your quarterback at Miami. So what are your memories of coaching Ryan back in the day?
ZAC TAYLOR: He's one of the smartest players I've ever been around, tremendous work ethic, really good athlete. We were really close. As you know, we spent a lot of time in those quarterback meeting rooms. Happy to see him have success, but I don't want him to do it this Saturday.
>> What a throw by Joe Burrow.
>> Hey, Joe, great job stepping up.
BOOMER ESIASON: In 1984 they drafted me out of Maryland in the second round. They hired Sam Wyche, a young offensive mind. He and I created a very, very strong bond and relationship and trust. I see that a lot in you and Joe Burrow.
ZAC TAYLOR: Joe has earned that trust and that respect in the input. Joe puts in the time. He understands what we're asking of him to attack a defense and lead our offense. So his opinion matters to us. I want to know which plays he likes, which plays he doesn't like. I don't ever want to call a play and he's thinking in the head set, I don't like this. This isn't going to work. So that dialogue is very important. We give him a lot of responsibility in that manner.
>> Bengals fans have been waiting for this for more than 30 years.
ZAC TAYLOR: There's no question, Cincinnati is a special place. We want to get back to that decade in the '80s there when you guys were winning all those games and playing for all those Super Bowls.
BOOMER ESIASON: You know, guys, earlier today -- there they are, old friends. Ryan Tannehill and Zac Taylor. Zac Taylor is a great guy, a great coach. After the first two years in which he only won six games, Mike Brown, the owner of the Bengals, could have easily fired him. But he knew he had a quality quarterback in Joe Burrow and he knew he had a quality offensive mind in Zac Taylor, and those two married together would take them to the next step, and that's obviously proven itself out.
NATE BURLESON: Speaking of marriage, I always felt the most important relationship is head coach and quarterback. It's funny how these guys are so similar. A little bit reserved, but when they need to show that intensity, Zac Taylor and Joe Burrow, they both go out there and have that passion for the game, and I like that. Like minded quarterback and head coach. You can go a long way with that duo.
BILL COWHER: I love what he did with Joe Burrow from year one to year two. Year one, he was under the gun and throwing the ball 50 times a game in shotgun. He came back this year, put him under the center more, ran the ball with Joe Mixon, and gave him more balance. Sometimes you want to protect the quarterback from wanting to throw all the time. You have to protect himself from himself. Zac Taylor, to his credit, changed the offense because he didn't want to expose the quarterback play in and play out. And now they're in the second round of the playoffs.
PHIL SIMMS: A couple of things. When I see Zac Taylor, I think of this. I love the offense he's built for Joe Burrow, and also how he turned -- he managed their roster and turned the football over to Joe Burrow. He's the leader and everything you want on the team. In Mike Vrabel, his passion, of course, when I see him on the sidelines here today, I think, man, I'm going to get pulled over and get a ticket.
NATE BURLESON: Officer Vrabel?
PHIL SIMMS: Yes, that's right. Listen, his passion -- bill, when you did the interview for him, I never forgot that. His connection to the players is real. His team plays with the same passion and toughness he has. That's one of the reasons why they're in this playoff round.
JAMES BROWN: I know you guys know this far better than me, but there are a lot of guys who aren't being paid attention to right now, the guys who would be difference makers, if you will.
Let's talk the X factors, guys who aren't difference makers, who might be fine under the radar.
PHIL SIMMS: Listen, we talk about the wide receivers and everything, the high flying offense of the Cincinnati Bengals. How about C.J. Uzomah down the middle. They will see split safeties there, and he will have the chance to go down the middle, make those plays. Listen, Joe Burrow, he doesn't care who he throws it to, he's going to find the open guy and give it to him.
BILL COWHER: We talk about Joe Burrow, he has to be defended. Isaiah Princeton. But I like Harold Landry. He can put pressure. If they don't give him help, it could be a long day for Joe Burrow. He won't have time to throw it down the field. When I look at that matchup, I think it's a favorable matchup for the Tennessee Titans.
NATE BURLESON: You mentioned the wide receivers. One of those guys, Tee Higgins. He started to heat up toward the end of the year. The final seven weeks, he was averaging 100 yards a game. Only Cooper Kupp had more. This is a guy that he's so big, that he can move the sticks and use his frame. He also has the long speed where he can take the top off the coverage. He's going to be a guy that Joe Burrow looks to.
BOOMER ESIASON: We often talk about the stars, and we spent a lot of time during the show talking about those stars. Jeffery Simmons, the defensive tackle for the Tennessee Titans truly is a star. He can wreck a game. We always hear about Aaron Donald, what he does. This guy does the same kind of thing. We've been sitting here for 18 weeks. It seems like every week we're talking about Jeffery Simmons making some amazing play.
If the offensive line of the Bengals does struggle, it's going to be because Jeffery Simmons.
NATE BURLESON: I know we're excited about Derrick Henry being here, but Joe Mixon has been here all season long, and they are truly mixing it up because they can pass and run with a guy like this in the backfield.
(Break.)
JAMES BROWN: Folks, we are just a little more than 20 minutes away from kickoff in Nashville. The fans have to be buzzing, waiting to witness their Titans taking on the Cincinnati Bengals. With that in mind, time now to deliver our game day picks presented by Amazon.
So the question is can Derrick Henry and the Titans get it done today, Phil?
PHIL SIMMS: J.B., I think so. I'm taking Tennessee 26-20 over the Cincinnati Bengals. Last week, not to brag, but I was 2-0 here on the show. How did you guys do?
BILL COWHER: That's really good. It took you 19 weeks to win a week. That's pretty good. I like Tennessee 31-17 because I do believe in the offensive and defensive lines of Tennessee Titans. Cincinnati's going to have to throw the ball quickly with playmakers. I'm so happy for you that you finally won one.
JAMES BROWN: Look at Nate.
NATE BURLESON: Coach, it's good to see you don't take the picks too serious. I'm going with the Tennessee Titans. I feel like Derrick Henry will add some juice. It will be a 28-24 victory for the Titans.
BOOMER ESIASON: Guys, all I can tell you is Joe Burrow has been on fire the last four weeks. He's the unquestioned leader of this team. There's more pressure on him in this game than Ryan Tannehill, I don't question that at all. I think he's up to it. He has been a big time player ever since he got to LSU, and he showed that in the National Championship Game.
NATE BURLESON: Make the pick already, Boom.
BOOMER ESIASON: 31-27 the Cincinnati Bengals.
JAMES BROWN: Folks, I know you want to say something. Iconic name in the business, Bob Fishman, the pictures you're looking at now, coming from the great Bob Fishman, who is doing his last NFL game for us. But a guy.
BOOMER ESIASON: We love fish, man. He's awesome. One of the great directors here at CBS Sports history. And the pictures always tell the story.
PHIL SIMMS: Football, basketball, more than that a great person. Great guy to be around and fun to work with.
JAMES BROWN: You won't find a finer one.
BILL COWHER: I've known fish for 15 years. Just a great guy, a friend, and just a class act.
NATE BURLESON: Here we are, guys. It's playoff time. Nothing more intense than this. I have goose bumps right now. I know these guys are up for the challenge. This is going to be one of the best games of the weekend.
BOOMER ESIASON: I always wonder about the youth and inexperience of the Bengals. They showed last week they could fight through it and won a game against a tough Raiders team. It's a different story. You've got to go on the road. You've got to stay within yourself. You cannot turn the ball over early in this game. That's the key when dealing with young players.
BILL COWHER: When I look at the Tennessee Titans, one thing I liked about them, they were very good in the red zone. Talking about finishing drives and stopping teams from finishing drives. They're in the top ten teams of doing so. Their defense may give you yards, but as you get closer to the line of scrimmage, they keep you out of the end zone. Again, you can shorten the game with that running game. That's why they have the advantage.
PHIL SIMMS: Tennessee Titans aren't afraid to play a close game. Listen, this is the best part about playoff football. Of course winning, but sitting in the tunnel waiting to be introduced, and just the energy and the passion, everything that you want as a football player. It kind of comes true in these moments.
NATE BURLESON: And just knowing that in this moment, a playoff game, if you make a huge play and your team wins, you will go down in history. This is where you make a name for yourself. There it is, the King, Derrick Henry, back in the lineup.
BOOMER ESIASON: Coach, let me ask you a question. Derrick Henry, obviously, his heart is pumping right now. Do you want to get him in the game early and give him the ball?
BILL COWHER: Yes.
BOOMER ESIASON: He hasn't carried the ball in a long time. That first hit, what about a fumble or opportunity for a turnover?
BILL COWHER: I would say, going back to you, Boomer, great interview with Zac Taylor. What he's done with Cincinnati, bringing them to this point. You're right, this is the next step. For Mike Vrabel, he expects to be here, and he's looking for next week. There's a lot to be said for playoff experience. I'll tell you what, this is a great matchup, explosiveness versus toughness. Basically what I'm looking at.
PHIL SIMMS: I hate to say it this way, a finesse team in the Cincinnati Bengals, and we've got a power team with the Tennessee Titans. Great matchup. Who's going to win that battle?
JAMES BROWN: Look here, I feel the enthusiasm from you guys collectively. Kickoff just minutes away. You know what, Bill, you said early on, when I said, hey, these guys are all pumped up. What did you tell me about our colleagues?
BILL COWHER: Just let them go, J.B. They'll settle down and fall right into place.
NATE BURLESON: Bill, you make a great point. Boom, you talked about it. The Cincinnati Bengals are going to have to weather the storm. The Tennessee Titans, they will be hyped. The crowd is going to go crazy if they make a play. You have to tune that out. You almost have to expect it. You might get punched in the lip. Might even go down. Taste a little blood, get back up, dust yourself off, and swing back.
JAMES BROWN: We want to take a quick listen to see what the stadium is going to react like when Derrick Henry is introduced.
BILL COWHER: Here we go.
JAMES BROWN: And there of course is Ryan Tannehill. There's the man.
>> All hail the King.
JAMES BROWN: Kickoff just minutes away. We'll see you back here at halftime. Nate, take it from there.
NATE BURLESON: Oh, yeah. The Bengals-Titans, coming up next.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports