NFL Network Programming Plus Some Inside the NFL Quotage

I'm going through the mountain of press releases that have piled up. I've got to post them before I get swarmed over so let's group a bunch together while I can.

First, here's the programming for the NFL Network through next week.

NFL NETWORK PROGRAMMING NOTES (10/21-10/27)

INTERVIEW WITH STEELERS WR HINES WARD

SUNDAY ON NFL GAMEDAY MORNING AT 9:00 AM ET

Chargers-Chiefs ’08, Eagles-Redskins ’03 & Raiders-Jets ’08 Featured on Greatest 4^th QTRS Thursday at 9:00 PM ET

NFL Films Presents: Always Featuring Redskins Coach Jim Zorn and Hall of Famer Steve Largent Thursday at 4:30 PM ET

Actor Matthew Perry Gives His Week 7 Picks Friday on NFL Total Access

SUNDAY 9:00-1:00 ET ON NFL GAMEDAY MORNING: Solomon Wilcots 1-on-1 with WR Hines Ward

· Solomon Wilcots sits down with Steelers WR Hines Ward

· Super Bowl Journey’s first installment on 49ers TE Vernon Davis follows him as he spends his bye weekend in Miami with his brother, Dolphins’ rookie CB Vontae Davis, who also has the weekend off.

· Coaches’ Corner – Last week, NFL GameDay Morning, courtesy of the New England Patriots and New Orleans Saints, featured an inside look into the preparation of both teams’ head coaches through two segments entitled “The Belestrator” and “Payton’s Plan.” This week, Minnesota Vikings head coach Brad Childress on his team’s preparation for the Steelers.

· Joe Theismann talks to Spreo Dedes about the state of the Redskins’ organization

· Kara Henderson reports from Patriots-Buccaneers matchup at Wembley Stadium in London

· Michael Lombardi and Solomon Wilcots report from Colts-Rams matchup

· Paul Burmeister reports from 49ers-Texans matchup

· Vic Carucci reports from Vikings-Steelers matchup

· Brian Baldinger and Steve Wyche report from Falcons-Cowboys matchup

Greatest 4^th QTRs – Thursday at 9:00 PM ET

This week’s Greatest 4^th QTRs highlights Week 7 matchups between the Chargers-Chiefs, Eagles-Redskins and Raiders-Jets with a look back at the following games:

December 14, 2008 – San Diego Chargers vs. Kansas City Chiefs: Fighting back from an 18-point deficit, the Chargers had 1:13 left after recovering an onside kick. QB Philip Rivers led San Diego down the field and threw a 10-yard scoring pass to WR Vincent Jackson for the 22-21 win.

October 5, 2003 – Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins: Down 27-16 with less than five minutes left, the Redskins kicked a field goal, recovered an onside kick and scored a touchdown to pull to within two, 27-25. Philadelphia denied Washington’s two-point conversion attempt and held on for the victory.

October 19, 2008 – Oakland Raiders vs. New York Jets: With 2:30 left in overtime, K Sebastian Janikowski kicked a team-record, 57-yard field goal to give the Raiders a 16-13 victory. The kick was also the longest field goal in overtime in NFL history.

Greatest 4^th QTRs is a two hour compilation of three memorable fourth quarters in NFL history. Using NFL Films footage, Greatest 4^th QTRs preps viewers for the upcoming weekend’s games by reliving three of the most exciting finishes between teams set to faceoff on Sunday.

NFL Films Presents: Always – Thursday & Saturday at 4:30 PM ET

For the first time in 30 years, Hall of Famer and former Seahawks WR Steve Largent is reunited with Redskins coach and former Seahawks QB Jim Zorn for an NFL Films interview. This time, led by host Steve Sabol, the two talk about the memorable interview that took place three decades ago and reminisce about playing together in Seattle. Also in this week’s show, the importance of the relationship between quarterback and center is examined. Colts QB Peyton Manning and C Jeff Saturday, who have played together longer than any other combo in the NFL today, are used as an example.

NFL Films Presents explores the depth of the NFL Films archive – the world's largest sports film library – with unique perspectives on football's greatest heroes and personalities as well as its history, humanity and humor.

THIS WEEK ON NFL TOTAL ACCESS: Actor Matthew Perry Friday

Wednesday, October 21

• VP of officiating Mike Pereira discusses the 4^th down measurement in the Browns-Steelers game on ‘Official Review’
• Jason La Canfora goes ‘Around the League’
• A look at the top 10 statistical performances from Week 6

Thursday, October 22

• Jason La Canfora goes ‘Around the League’

Friday, October 23

• Actor Matthew Perry gives his Week 7 picks
• Steve Wyche goes ‘Around the League’

Saturday, October 24

• ‘Put up your Dukes’ with Jamie Dukes

Monday, October 26 – 90-minute Monday Night Football edition

• Jason La Canfora reports from Eagles-Redskins matchup
• Michael Lombardi goes ‘Around the League’
• A look back on all of Sunday’s action and a preview of the Eagles-Redskins game

Tuesday, October 27

• Jason La Canfora goes ‘Around the League’
• A look at the top 10 plays from Week 7

THIS WEEK ON AROUND THE LEAGUE:

Thursday, October 22

· LB Joey Porter on Dolphins Cam

Tuesday, October 27

· Colts president Bill Polian on Colts Cam

THIS WEEK ON PLAYBOOK: QB Donovan McNabb Friday

Wednesday at midnight ET – Recap Edition Playbook – Mike Mayock, Solomon Wilcots and Brian Billick discuss:

· QB Tom Brady’s record-setting day against the Titans

· How Buffalo defeated the Jets

· Why QB Ben Roethlisberger had a big day against the Browns

· How QB Matt Schaub led the Texans to victory in Cincinnati

Thursday at 6:00 and 8:00 PM ET – AFC Playbook – Brian Baldinger, Sterling Sharpe and Joe Theismann discuss:

· Why QB Matt Schaub will have a field day against the 49ers’ defense

· Why the Raiders will add to the Jets’ misery

· How QB Brett Favre could put up some big numbers against the Steelers’ defense

· Brian Billick explains how QB Drew Brees will keep the Saints’ offense in rhythm against the Dolphins

Friday at 6:00 and 8:00 PM ET – NFC Playbook – Brian Baldinger, Sterling Sharpe and Joe Theismann discuss:

· Why WR Miles Austin is the key to the Cowboys’ offense against the Falcons

· How the Panthers can run all over the Bills’ defense

· Why WR Wes Welker is essential to an explosive Patriots performance

· How the Colts’ defense will shut the Rams’ offense down

· Why the Giants’ defense will return to form against the Cardinals

· QB Donovan McNabb explains how the Eagles can attack the Redskins’ secondary

THIS WEEK ON NFL.COM:

Thursday, October 22

• 12 NOON ET – NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock chat
• 1:00 PM ET – NFL.com columnist Bucky Brooks chat

Friday, October 23

· 11:00 AM ET – NFL.com fantasy editor Michael Fabiano chat

· 12 NOON ET – NFL.com columnist Vic Carucci chat

Sunday, October 25

· 12 NOON ET – NFL.com fantasy editor Michael Fabiano chat

• 7:00 PM ET – NFL.com columnist Bucky Brooks chat

DAY-BY-DAY PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE (all times listed are ET)

Wednesday, October 21

9:30 PM – NFL Replay: Denver Broncos vs. San Diego Chargers (HD)

11:00 PM – NFL Total Access (HD)

12 MIDNIGHT – Playbook: Wednesday recap edition

1:00 AM – NFL Weekly Countdown: Week 6 (HD)

1:30 AM – Sound FX: Week 6 (HD)

2:00 AM – NFL Replay: Chicago Bears vs. Atlanta Falcons (HD)

3:30 AM – NFL Replay: Broncos vs. San Diego Chargers (HD)

Thursday, October 22

12 NOON – Playbook: Wednesday recap edition

1:00 PM – Sound FX: Week 6 (HD)

1:30 PM – NFL Replay: Chicago Bears vs. Atlanta Falcons (HD)

3:00 PM – NFL Replay: Broncos vs. San Diego Chargers (HD)

4:30 PM – NFL Films Presents: Always (HD)

5:00 PM – Around the League (HD)

6:00 PM – Playbook: AFC edition

7:00 PM – NFL Total Access (HD)

8:00 PM – Playbook: AFC edition

9:00 PM – Greatest 4^th QTRs

11:00 PM – NFL Total Access (HD)

12 MIDNIGHT – Playbook: AFC edition

1:00 AM – Greatest 4^th QTRs

Friday, October 23

10:00 AM – Greatest 4^th QTRs

12 NOON – Sound FX: Week 6 (HD)

12:30 PM – NFL Weekly Countdown: Week 6 (HD)

1:00 PM – Playbook: AFC Edition

2:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Top 10 Clutch Quarterbacks

3:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Top 10 Controversial Calls

4:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Top 10 Motivational Coaches

5:00 PM – Around the League (HD)

6:00 PM – Playbook: NFC edition

7:00 PM – NFL Total Access (HD)

8:00 PM – Playbook: NFC edition

9:00 PM – NFL Classic Games: Atlanta Falcons vs. Dallas Cowboys (12/22/1991)

12:30 AM – NFL Total Access (HD)

1:30 AM – Playbook: NFC edition

2:30 AM – NFL Classic Games: Atlanta Falcons vs. Dallas Cowboys (12/22/1991)

Saturday, October 24

9:00 AM – NFL Films Presents: Always (HD)

9:30 AM – NFL Weekly Countdown: Week 6 (HD)

10:00 AM – Sound FX: Week 6 (HD)

10:30 AM – NFL Films Presents: Always (HD)

11:00 AM – Playbook: AFC edition

12 NOON – Playbook: NFC edition

1:00 PM – America’s Game: 1992 Dallas Cowboys (HD)

2:00 PM – NFL Classic Games: Atlanta Falcons vs. Dallas Cowboys (12/22/1991)

5:00 PM – Playbook: NFC edition

6:00 PM – Playbook: AFC edition

7:00 PM – NFL Total Access (HD)

8:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Top 10 Quarterback Controversies

9:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Top 10 Coaches Who Never Won a Championship

10:00 PM – NFL Follies: NFL Talkin’ Follies (1998)

11:00 PM – NFL Total Access (HD)

12 MIDNIGHT – NFL’s Top 10: Top 10 Quarterback Controversies

1:00 AM – NFL’s Top 10: Top 10 Coaches Who Never Won a Championship

2:00 AM – NFL Follies: NFL Talkin’ Follies (1998)

3:00 AM – NFL Total Access (HD)

Sunday, October 25

7:00 AM – Playbook: AFC edition

8:00 AM – Playbook: NFC edition

9:00 AM – NFL GameDay Morning (HD)

1:00 PM – NFL GameDay StatZone (HD)

4:00 PM – NFL GameDay Scoreboard (HD)

7:30 PM – NFL GameDay Highlights (HD)

11:30 PM – NFL GameDay Final (HD)

Monday, October 26

7:00 AM – NFL GameDay Final (HD)

4:00 PM – NFL Replay Real-Time: Week 7 (HD)

5:00 PM – Around the League (HD)

6:00 PM – Up to the Minute (HD)

6:30 PM – The Coaches Show (HD)

7:00 PM – NFL Total Access (HD) – 90-minute Monday Night Football edition

8:30 PM – The Coaches Show (HD)

9:00 PM – NFL Follies: 21^st Century Follies (2000)

10:00 PM – The Coaches Show (HD)

10:30 PM – NFL Follies: Football Card Follies (1991)

11:30 PM – NFL Total Access (HD) – updated with postgame press conferences and analysis

1:00 AM – NFL GameDay Final (HD)

Tuesday, October 27

8:00 AM – NFL GameDay Final (HD)

9:30 AM – NFL Total Access (HD)

10:30 AM – NFL GameDay Final (HD)

12 NOON – NFL Total Access (HD)

1:00 PM – NFL Replay Real-Time: Week 7 (HD)

2:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Top 10 Pass Rushers

3:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Top 10 Quarterback Controversies

4:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Top 10 Coaches Who Never Won a Championship

5:00 PM – Around the League (HD)

6:00 PM – Playbook: Tuesday recap edition

7:00 PM – NFL Total Access (HD)

8:00 PM – NFL Replay: Matchup TBD (HD)

9:30 PM – NFL Replay: Matchup TBD (HD)

11:00 PM – NFL Total Access (HD)

12 MIDNIGHT – Playbook: Tuesday recap edition

1:00 AM – NFL Replay Real-Time: Week 7 (HD)

And we have quotage from tonight's Inside the NFL on Showtime.

NEWS, NOTES AND QUOTES FROM WEEK SEVEN OF INSIDE THE NFL ON SHOWTIME®

NFL PLAYERS ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

DeMAURICE SMITH JOINS CAST FOR Q & A

NEW YORK (Oct. 21, 2009)—NFL Players Association Executive Director DeMaurice Smith joins the cast of INSIDE THE NFL for sit down interviews on this week’s episode – Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME. Smith discusses details of the NFLPA negotiations with the league during an interview with host James Brown and Insider Michael Lombardi. Plus, analysts Cris Collinsworth, Phil Simms and Warren Sapp discuss with Smith guaranteed contracts, veteran players’ assistance, an 18-game schedule and more.

INSIDE THE NFL reporter Jenn Brown delivers a special feature the NFL’s A Crucial Catch campaign during Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Host James Brown anchors INSIDE THE NFL on SHOWTIME with All-Pro NFL greats Cris Collinsworth, Phil Simms and Warren Sapp serving as expert analysts. INSIDE THE NFL is being produced by CBS Sports and NFL Films with new episodes airing on SHOWTIME every Wednesday during the NFL season through February 10, 2010. Pete Radovich serves as coordinating producer. The executive producers are Sean McManus, President, CBS News and Sports, and NFL Films President Steve Sabol.

Below are excerpts transcribed from this week’s episode

* * *

Excerpts from DeMaurice Smith interview with James Brown and Michael Lombardi

What issues is it that the owners are standing on that causes them to want to opt out of the existing agreement.

DeMaurice Smith: JB, when you find out the answer to that question, please tell me…

They characterize it as ‘we, the owners are accepting too much of the risk with the players getting too much of the revenue, there needs to be a fair distribution.’

Smith: I heard public comments but I am going to wait on a proposal from the National Football League that if there is something wrong with this current deal let’s put it in a proposal, let’s lay it on the table, let’s talk about it. It is a tremendous game, it is also a tremendous business. But when it comes to the issues of risk, ask Brian Urlacher whether he understands risk.

Are we going to have football in 2011?

Smith: I can tell you from the people I work for, the executive committee, the board of representatives of the players, they have made it absolutely clear to me, they want to play football. But we control only one side of this dance and we didn’t opt out of the contract.

Lombardi: How do you deal with the fact that (picked) 1-16 make more than rookies (picked) 17-252 in the draft? There is an imbalance of money being spread, I know being in the league, that the owners would like to see it redistributed to the veteran players in the league?

Smith: If the players in the National Football League are confronted with an option where they say look, ‘let’s take the money from this rookies wages scale and somehow redistribute it to vets or let’s think of a way to spend more money on our vets or let’s think of way to spend more of our salary cap room or have teams spend their full salary cap allotment on rookies.’ You know what, that is something I would love to talk about. But, have you heard that as any part of the rookie wage scale debate? The answer is no.

* * * * *

Excerpts from DeMaurice Smith interview with Collinsworth, Simms and Sapp

On players’ reactions to proposed 18-game schedule:

Smith: It’s easy when you stand up in front of them and say, ‘Apparently there is a movement among the owners for us to consider an 18-game schedule.’ You can imagine what that sound is like in that room. A groan because players sit back and they say, ‘Look, I can barely make it through the current schedule right now. What we try to do as the head of the union and as players is ok. But, I believe we have an obligation to consider everything. I don’t believe you should just shut the door on anything. So the things that we are interested in from the National Football League, what is the injury data per position over the course of the season? What is the aggregate medical data the NFL has collected over the last 20 years as it relates to players injuries so we can make decisions like, should the roster size be increased. Should we make determinations on changing OTA’s or changes in training camp.

Sapp: In leading 18,000 plus players without guaranteed contracts, Gene (Upshaw) had a guaranteed contract, and that was always my issue. How could the leader of a group of guys, 18,000 plus, that don’t have guaranteed contracts, have a guaranteed contract with their leader?

Smith: I think it is up to the players to make a decision on how they pay their executive director and what they are going to do. I was elected by 32 players. I am governed by 11 guys on an executive committee that made a decision. So the way that I look at the issues among a player issue is, the days of this union being one where it is one guy making decisions, it’s over. I push my guys incredibly hard. Why? It’s not my union. It’s your union. So you make decisions as a player and business in the business of football. And that is the decision that they have made.

Will we ever see guaranteed contracts in the NFL?

Smith: I think that is something that every player in the NFL wants. And look, now that we are forced to come to the negotiating table to talk about things, well guess what, we will talk about everything. If you are going to force me to the table we’ll talk about everything. So this issue of revenue sharing, that I think has made the league great over the years, hey look, revenue sharing is in the collective bargaining agreement. It’s in it. It seems to me that all of the issues that players are interested in, discipline, fines, a neutral arbitrator, a better discipline system. Look, I am now being forced to come to the negotiating table. Now that we are here, let’s talk about everything.

* * * * *

(On Jim Zorn):

Collinsworth: How about Jim Zorn? Seriously now we need to start a movement to get him fired. And I do that in a loving way. Because at some point you can’t have Sherm Lewis in the press box sending the plays down to Jim Zorn who then has to call them. (to Phil Simms) It would be like Joe Theismann, and we love Joe Theismann, standing behind you in a broadcast telling you what to say and you have to say it word for word. There are some things in this world that just aren’t right. That ain’t right.

Brown: it’s a shame to have him emasculated like this publicly. It doesn’t make sense at all.

That's it for this post. Get ready for more releases throughout the night.