NFL Pregame Quotage for Week 7

We have plenty of pregame quotage for you. As usual, we begin with NFL Network.

News and Sound Bites From Week 7 Edition of NFL GAMEDAY MORNING

“It’s going to be like the Beatles going on ‘The Ed Sullivan Show.’ It’s going to be highly anticipated.” – Steve Mariucci on Brett Favre returning to Lambeau Field in Week 8 for Vikings-Packers

“Some people say I like to hit guys when they’re not watching…well watch, look – it’s football.” – Steelers WR Hines Ward on his playing style

“The interceptions we knew would come. We didn’t expect this young guy to go through the season without having a game like he had last week. The key is to see how he responds to last week and I think he will respond well.” – Michael Irvin on Jets QB Mark Sanchez

“He’s carrying the load for the Cincinnati Bengals running the football, leading the league in carries...those are a lot of the thing you do when you’re called a franchise running back and he’s all of that for Cincinnati right now.” – Marshall Faulk on Bengals RB Cedric Benson

“Even though you’re going through a tough year, the stability has to remain.” – Joe Theismann on the Washington Redskins organization

“If you are a player on this team and you’re upset, you should have already been upset…seriousness starts at Week 1, not when you’re 0-6.” – Marshall Faulk on the Tennessee Titans and Jeff Fisher wearing a Peyton Manning jersey

NFL GameDay Morning, the FIRST pregame show on the air Sunday mornings at 9:00 AM ET with a new four-hour expanded format, taking viewers straight up to kickoff. Michael Irvin, Warren Sapp, Marshall Faulk, Steve Mariucci, Jason La Canfora and hosts Spero Dedes and Stacey Dales bring fans the latest news, injury reports, pregame analysis and game previews.

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 featured Minnesota Vikings head coach Brad Childress on his team’s preparation for the Steelers.

‘Sunday Sit-Down’ – Solomon Wilcots 1-on-1 with Steelers WR Hines Ward:

NFL Network’s Solomon Wilcots sits down with Steelers WR Hines Ward to discuss Steelers’ QB Ben Roethlisberger, the new style of Steelers’ offense and the playing style that has made him successful through his 12 NFL seasons:

“It wasn’t anything that the opponent did. It was more of us not finishing what we started.” – Ward on the Steelers’ 1-2 start to the 2009 season

“It’s not like the old run first, run second, pass on third down team. We’ve got weapons surrounding Ben (Roethlisberger). Plus, when you give $100 million to a quarterback, you might as well get your money’s worth.” – Ward on the new Steelers offense

“This is one of the games you want to play in. Brett is the all-time leader in everything. I’m not going to be sitting on the sidelines; I’m going to be cheering my guys on.” – Ward on the Steelers’ Week 7 matchup against Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings

“I only know one way to play this game. I’m not out there to try to hurt anyone. People try to say I’m dirty. Football is dirty itself. Some people say I like to hit guys when they’re not watching…well watch, look – it’s football.” – Ward on his playing style

To view Wilcots’ entire interview with Ward, please visit:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/09000d5d813a7d7d/Hines-Ward-Interview

Joe Thiemann Weighs in on the State of the Washington Redskins:

NFL Network’s Spero Dedes talks 1-on-1 with former Redskins quarterback and current NFL Network analyst Joe Theismann on the Washington Redskins organization:

Dedes: Should Jim Zorn and Vinny Cerrato be fired?

Theismann: No, not at this point. That’s one of the big problems with Washington is that there’s been so much change at the top, so much change as far a coaches go. Even though you’re going through a tough year, the stability has to remain. I’d say that Dan Snyder did that, then he’s throwing up his hands and then he’s going to open himself up to a whole lot more criticism because everyone will say, once again, ‘look at the instability and look at all the changes.’ Both of them have to weather out this storm for the rest of the year.

Dedes: When did this whole thing all go wrong?

Theismann: Everybody is culpable in this deal. Everybody has a role with where the Redskins are. But, I really believe that it’s the fans as well as the players and the organization simply because of the expectations that came with the signing of big money people in the beginning of this year. Adding Albert Haynesworth for $100 million, adding DeAngelo Hall for $60 or $70 million, the expectations about young wide receivers like Malcolm Kelly and Devin Thomas to step up and be a part of the offense. So you add all of these guys and they’re supposed to be experienced, and Coach Zorn is supposed to have the experience to be able to call plays, and then you look at this offense, and you can go back to Week 7 of 2008 and Week 6 of 2009 and you really don’t see a whole lot of difference. Sooner or later, somebody’s got to change. So, everybody has a responsibility. If I do want to look at one area, I’d have to say it was giving Jim Zorn – an inexperienced play-caller and an inexperienced head coach – to put him in charge of a football team at an operation that he may not have been ready to take on.

Dedes: Why would any high-profile coach want the Redskins head coaching job?

Theismann: First of all, when you look at this football team, it’s talented. The defensive side of the ball is fine. What you have to do is you have to fix the offensive side. They need to get some offensive linemen. They need to stop this shuffling system of trying to get everybody on the field. It’s package after package after package. If you look at this Redskins offense, you’d think you wandered down Christmas morning and you looked under the Christmas tree because there’s umpteen packages under it. You just need to stick with guys on the football field. I don’t see Randy Moss come off the field. I don’t see Wes Welker come off the field. Why do you take Santana off the field? If Malcolm Kelly’s going to be the guy, let him go out and play. There’s no continuity or consistency in this offense.

Dedes: Will Vinny Cerrato have to go for those high-profile candidates to come to the Redskins?

Theismann: It’s hard to say. Everybody wants to jump down Vinny’s throat. When you look at the additions that Vinny has added in just the two years he’s been there – remember, Joe Gibbs was head of player personnel until a year ago when Vinny took over. You’ve got Chris Horton, you got Brian Orakpo, you’ve added Albert Haynesworth, you’ve got Malcolm Kelly, Devin Thomas, Fred Davis, Chad Rinehart who’s starting now. You have a lot of young guys that have come on to this football team. Vinny’s responsible for the guys who are on the field. I’d love to go back to the Bill Parcells-type – If you’re going to ask me to do the cooking, you’d better just let me go buy the groceries. And that’s going to be the issue that Vinny’s going to be faced with at the end of this year if a decision is made. It would depend on who comes in, if there is a change made. Does he have a relationship with him? Will the person that comes in evaluate the talent and say, ‘You know what? This guy did a pretty good job at putting some talent together.’ If Vinny can look back at one thing, it would be the inexperience of Jim, both as a play-caller and as a coach, on this football team with the expectations that it had, those didn’t marry up.

NFL Network’s Vic Carucci Pregame 1-on-1 with Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin:

“Troy is marching his way back. Is he 100%? No, but not a lot of guys are who play in this league. He’s above the line and we look forward to him playing well today.” – Tomlin on Steelers S Troy Polamalu

“At different points of the game, both guys are going to be centerpieces of their offense. It’s our job to determine which guy is going to take center stage and win. Hopefully, our defense will call plays to combat that.” – Tomlin on containing Vikings QB Brett Favre and RB Adrian Peterson

NFL Network’s Michael Lombardi Pregame 1-on-1 with Colts Head Coach Jim Caldwell:

“With the bye week, we had the opportunity to keep our skills sharp. We did a lot of 1 vs. 1 activity to make sure we had a lot of competitive drills going on. The young guys have been developing. It’s one of the things about this offense – you mature week after week and they continue to work hard and get better each week.” – Caldwell on the Colts bye week and the progress of their young players

“It does, but not very often.” – Caldwell on if the ball ever hits the ground in the Colts offensive practices

‘Super Bowl Journey,’ Week 7 Edition – New Contributor Vernon Davis Spends His Bye Week with Little Brother and Dolphins Rookie CB Vernon Davis

“I want to be the best tight end ever.” – San Francisco 49ers TE Vernon Davis

To view the Week 7 installment of Super Bowl Journey, plus previous editions, please visit: http://sbjourney.nfl.com/

Quotes from NFL GameDay Morning:

“He’s a good man, he’s a good coach, but it’s an unusual situation.” – Steve Mariucci on Redskins’ offensive consultant Sherm Lewis

“Dan Snyder has to be responsible for Vinny Cerrato.” – Warren Sapp on the Washington Redskins

“The system they have for picking a head coach hasn’t worked.” – Michael Irvin on the Washington Redskins

“They are not doing the fundamental and elementary things on defense you need to do to win a game.” – Mariucci on the Dallas Cowboys defense

“It’s time for Coach Fisher and everyone in the Tennessee Titans organization to get serious and find out why this football team is playing like this.” –Irvin on the Tennessee Titans

“I don’t think there’s any other coach in the league that wants to beat Peyton Manning more than Jeff Fisher…he’s making light of the situation. If you are a player on this team and you’re upset, you should have already been upset…seriousness starts at Week 1, not when you’re 0-6.” – Marshall Faulk on Titans head coach Jeff Fisher wearing a Peyton Manning jersey to a charity event

“The interceptions we knew would come. We didn’t expect this young guy to go through the season without having a game like he had last week. The key is to see how he responds to last week and I think he will respond well.” – Irvin on Jets QB Mark Sanchez

“It’s going to be like the Beatles going on ‘The Ed Sullivan Show.’ It’s going to be highly anticipated.” – Mariucci on Brett Favre returning to Lambeau Field in Week 8 for Vikings-Packers

“We are not in the world where you can just anoint or say someone is the number one receiver. You have to go earn it on the football field. Miles Austin showed number one receiver-type ability.” – Irvin on the Dallas Cowboys and WR Miles Austin vs. WR Roy Williams

“He’s carrying the load for the Cincinnati Bengals running the football, leading the league in carries, averaging 4.2 yards per carry – those are a lot of the thing you do when you’re called a franchise running back and he’s all of that for Cincinnati right now.” – Faulk on Bengals RB Cedric Benson

“The Miami Dolphins run the wildcat and they do it better than anyone else in pro or college football.” – Mariucci on the Miami Dolphins offense

“When you’re facing one of the premiere receivers in the game, you have to show up. We’re going to see what (ability) Nate Clements has.” – Sapp on 49ers CB Nate Clements matching up against Texans WR Andre Johnson

“All I needed to see was Tom Brady take control and say, ‘I will have confidence in my knee.’ It wasn’t a physically thing, it was a mental decision. Once he made that decision, we know he already has all the physical tools to make things happen. He’s starting to get back on track and that’s scary to a lot of people in this league.” – Irvin on Patriots QB Tom Brady

“My front runners for the MVP so far this year – Drew Brees, Peyton Manning and Brett Favre.” – Mariucci on his current picks for MVP

“Dumervil will break the sack record.” – Sapp predicting Broncos LB Elvis Dumervil will top 22.5 sacks this year

La Canfora’s News Reports:

• Redskins GM Vinny Cerrato came out this week and said that head coach Jim Zorn’s job is safe for the rest of the season, maybe even beyond. Looking at the big picture in Washington, there are going to be some changes in the offseason. Maybe in the coaching staff, certainly and maybe in the personnel. Former Redskins head coach Joe Gibbs’ name began to emerge as a candidate to replace Zorn a little bit in NFL circles this week. According to some in NASCAR, Gibbs is spread too thin as it is to take on a job like this. Others who know Gibbs say that if the deal was right and he gets a piece of the team (Gibbs used to own a piece of the Atlanta Falcons), if he’s able to work from Carolina part-time, if he’s able to assemble the personnel and orchestrate organizational change, maybe bring in someone like (Senior Director of Pro Personnel) Bobby DePaul from Chicago, whom he’s tried to hire in the past, it can’t be ruled out.

• Bears QB Jay Cutler went from a guy that was going to pocket about $1 million this year to a guy that will walk away with $17 million in 2009. Cutler signed a contract extension and got two news years and stacked on to that contract $30 million in new money. For the Bears it’s a win as well. Looking at the cap numbers, they’ve got him for around the $8-11 million range, which is phenomenal for a franchise quarterback. In terms of the actual dollars they’ll pay Cutler, $10 million a year is the average and for a quarterback of his stature, that is a steal.

• The NFL and the NFLPA met this week and it was a meeting that was dominated by the lawyers. Commissioner Goodell was headed to London, DeMaurice Smith was on his way to London as well and only in the meeting for about 45 minutes. There was one development – back in the summer Goodell guaranteed that retired players would not lose any benefits, any pension payments if there was an uncapped 2010 year. That was put in the CBA this week and agreed to formalize that.

• On the matter of an NFL team moving to Los Angeles, it seems this is going to happen, it’s just a matter of which team and when. Every guidepost along the way has been hit. California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a bill into law that took away the last environmental hurdle. This group has already met with 12 owners and they expect to meet individually with every NFL owner throughout the next coming months. They’ll eventually need two-thirds of the owners to sign off of this ownership group, but speaking to Texans owner Bob McNair back at the owner’s meetings in Boston, McNair raved about the project, calling it ‘very viable’ and says Ed Roski, head of Majestic Realty, the group putting a team in Los Angeles, would make a good owner. There’s a lot momentum here. Starting after the Super Bowl, this group in Los Angeles is going to focus on about six teams and they’re going to use the window of time between the Super Bowl and the start of training camp – they don’t want to disrupt any team’s season – to look at teams that have stadium issues. It’s easy to figure out who those teams are – St. Louis, Minnesota, teams in California, Jacksonville. Those are teams that are going to be in the mix and it’s clear the NFL would like to have team in Los Angeles. It has to make sense for all parties, but this group looks good.

• Online at NFL.com: The NFL has continued its evaluation of the allegations by Raiders assistant coach Randy Hanson that head coach Tom Cable broke his jaw by striking him, but any action against Cable would be minimal at best, according to a league source. The Napa District Attorney’s office released detailed accounts of the incident and the prevailing thought within the league office is that the information was "damaging" to Hanson's claims. The DA announced this week that no charges would be forthcoming and the league has not commented on the situation to this point, saying only that they would continue to review the available information.

For additional thoughts from La Canfora, check out his blog at http://blogs.nfl.com/category/jason-la-canfora/.

Lombardi’s News Reports:

• The Bill Parcells bug is going around the NFL. A lot of coaches would like to return in a Bill Parcells-type of role. After speaking to two people very close to former Seahawks head coach Mike Holmgren, they’ve indicated that Holmgren would like to return maybe as a General Manager and the place I believe he has his eye on is Seattle. The Seahawks current GM Tim Ruskell is under a contract that expires at the end of this season. If Seahawks owner Paul Allen chose not to renew that contract, Holmgren still has a very good relationship with Allen and he would like to go back there.

EXTRA POINTS:

• Next week on ‘NFL GameDay Morning’ – Steve Mariucci 1-on-1 Interview with Vikings QB Brett Favre: Long-time friends Mariucci and Favre reunite for a 1-on-1 interview prior to Favre’s return to Lambeau Field to discuss Favre’s return, the Vikings success and the emotions he’ll face returning to Green Bay.

To ESPN and Sunday NFL Countdown.

ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown Notes and Quotes – Week 7

ESPN's Sunday NFL Countdown host Chris Berman and analysts Cris Carter, Mike Ditka, Tom Jackson and Keyshawn Johnson previewed today’s NFL action. Some excerpts:

On 49ers rookie wide receiver Michael Crabtree and the immediate impact he will make…
Carter: “The reality is Boom, to be a professional receiver you have to do it all the time. You’re not going to be taking any off-season, holding out, the job is too difficult to do. I get sick and tired of people who have never played the position, saying that people off the street are going to come in and make an impact.”

Johnson: “I didn’t go to training camp so that explains that to you. I didn’t have 1,000 yards because I wanted money like Crabtree. …Once they put him on the football field he’s not standing there as a cardboard cutout, they’re going to have to make some adjustments. One of the things you do with him is put him on some screens. You do things so he does not have to make an adjustment on the fly and read the defenses.”

Jackson: “I want the ball in your hands and then make people miss, which was the strength of his game.”
Ditka: “I never doubted my ability. I don’t care if I was a rookie or what; you’re out there doing your best. He’s going to make an impact. … “What this kid does best, you put the ball in his hands and you let him run with it.”

Berman: “Essentially what they did is pull of a trade at the trading deadline. So, kudos to them for eventually getting it done.”

If he starts poorly, should the Jets bench quarterback Mark Sanchez...
ESPN NFL analyst Trent Dilfer: “Mark Sanchez, I think, if you look at the volume of work, is making nice strides. There is no way in my opinion that I would make a quarterback change.

Carter: “It’s pro sports. Your job is based on performance. Where can you perform any kind of way and still keep your job. You’ve got 52 other guys depending on you, I don’t care who you are. Well, Peyton Manning – you can’t be benched; Drew Brees – you can’t be benched; Tom Brady – you can’t be benched; but the rest of us, you play bad, sit your butt down.”

Johnson: “I don’t think you bench him at all. This is the reason why, he’s supposed to be your franchise quarterback. In NY, if you bench him and Kellen Clemmons gets off to a good start … next thing you have is a firestorm in NY. You don’t want that as a first time head coach and having to make a decision on your future quarterback, you could ruin him by doing that.”

Ditka: “I do not like body language like he’s shown the last couple weeks. You can’t pout. You can’t fret. You are the leader of this football team. Step up and take that responsibility. You’re going to make mistakes, let’s just bring it down a little.”

Are the Patriots an elite team?
Jackson: “They are 4-2. They are the leader in their division again. This reminds me more of the team that won the championships, than the team that won the 18 straight. Grind it out, win the game at the end, play 64 minutes. This is the team that’s the championship team.”

On the Dallas Cowboys…
Ditka: “Dallas to me is one-dimensional. They want to win the game by throwing the football. They’ve got to run the football. They’ve got three good running backs. I think this is what it comes down to, don’t blame Tony Romo. Blame the guy calling the plays because if you commit to the run, then you run the football and the play-action will open up.”

On establishing an NFL Team in London in the next decade…
Jackson: “I hope it’s not the Broncos. I didn’t even want to travel to Kansas City. I didn’t want to take that hour flight to KC.”

Carter: “I like a team in London. The reason why is because they are running out of resources in the United States. Teams are going from $750 million to a billion, go international.”

Ditka: “I thought the question was, is it the right thing to do? It’s not the right thing to do. Football doesn’t belong over there. It’s a stupid thing to say, period. It’s an American game, not a European game.

Berman: “I agree. I think it’s crazy.”

The guys discussed the four remaining undefeated NFL teams – Broncos, Colts, Saints and Vikings – in a round of “Undefeated Idol” with virtual leaders from the teams and told each who will be the most likely to advance to Super Bowl XLIV in Miami:

Jackson to a virtual Drew Brees: “Drew I always knew you had the talent, but now you’re showing it. You are the most accurate quarterback in the league – short, intermediate, hand-deep and now that you’ve got a good supporting cast there’s no doubt that you could go even further than you did last year when you were offensive player of the year in this dance.”

Johnson to virtual Brett Favre: Brett Favre, my man. You did a good job. I had only one question before I saw you perform. It was the age, four-zero. Forty-years-old my man, close to Tommy (Jackson), but you pulled it off. You answered all my questions. Now there’s only one question left, how are you going to split those votes between Green Bay and Minnesota in the Midwest.”

Ditka to a virtual Kyle Orton: “Mr. Orton you’re the guy America’s falling in love with. You know, you’re getting better and better every week. You’re making some great decisions and after that first audition you had in Chicago, I wasn’t so sure. But now dog, I’m feeling you.”

Carter to a virtual Peyton Manning: “Peyton Manning, it’s you’re cadence. When you start yelling and everything at all the other players, you’re voice, it goes a little pitchy. But dog, your play selection, that’s what saves you. You made it your own.”

From ESPN’s Rachel Nichol’s report of New Orleans being home to two of the best players in these marquee roles for their respective sport – Drew Brees (NFL) and Chris Paul (NBA).

Paul on Brees: “I’m a huge Drew Brees fan. I think he’s one of the most underappreciated professional athletes in sports.”

Brees on Paul: “He’s unbelievable. He’s driving a lane and you don’t know if he’s going up with it, dishing it or what.”

Hornets Head Coach Byron Scott on Brees and Paul: “(On Brees) When he’s going back, it might be three-step drop, a fake or whatever. Whatever it is, it slows down for him. So he sees it in a totally different speed than most guys do. It’s the same way that Chris sees the court. It’s something you can’t really put your finger on.”

Paul: “I know how he feels when this guy needs a shot or this guy needs a shot, it’s a similar situation... It’s something beautiful to watch. … He comes to some games and when I see him there, it boosts me to know that we have that support. Kind of storybook, in that we both came here in ’05. The city faces all of these different challenges. But look at where the Saints and the Hornets have come now. In 2005, a lot of people would have said this isn’t possible, but look at us now.”

On Brett Favre, Big Ben and the pump fake …
Steelers Offensive Coordinator Bruce Arians on Roethlisberger: “It’s improv, it’s not happening on purpose.”
Former Packers safety Leroy Butler (1990-2001): “Reason why it works is because every defensive back knows that Brett is the all-time leader in interceptions. So, ‘here’s my chance, maybe not,’ touchdown!”

Carter: “Both of these quarterbacks their offense is built for them to play with, Pittsburgh with throwing the ball, and Brett Favre and the swagger this team has right now. They have it, only because of Brett Favre.”

From the weekly Ditka’s Doghouse segment, on the Chargers…
Ditka: “LaDainian Tomlinson has one touchdown. Shawne Merriman has zero as in zero sacks. Coach Lombardi said it a long time ago, football is not a contact sport. Dancing is a contact sport. Football is a collision sport. This is a soft football team. Worse than that, this is a tragedy because there’s too much talent on this football team. You should be a lot better than you are.”

Sunday Headlines:
Senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen on Raiders Coach Tom Cable and alleged training camp scuffle: “The Napa Valley DA did not file assault charges against Raiders coach Tom Cable in his alleged assault against assistant coach Randy Hanson. During the investigation, Cable exercised his rights to never talk with police or prosecutors but he may not have the same gag privilege with the NFL. Commissioner of the NFL, Roger Goodell, will receive a report from the Director of Security Milt Alherich and could decide to still speak with Cable to determine if there’s a personal conduct violation.”

We then head to Fox and the notes and quotes from Fox NFL Sunday.

FOX NFL SUNDAY NOTES - 10/25/09

Johnson on Washington’s Problems: Zorn is Being Made the Scapegoat

Bradshaw on the Cowboys: Where’s the Offense?

Strahan’s Game Plan for Steelers: Forget Peterson. Make Favre Lose the Game

Long: Few Offenses Depend on QB as Much as Steelers Depend on Roethlisberger

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Co-host Terry Bradshaw on Titans coach Jeff Fisher wearing Peyton Manning jersey at a charity event last weekend: “I have a big problem with it. If you are a player in that locker room and the coach is separating himself from you, he’s basically turned around and told the players ‘you’re the losers.’ I’m disappointed in Fisher.”

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Analyst Jimmy Johnson on the situation in Washington with head coach Jim Zorn: “He is the head coach and he is responsible but let’s be very clear - He is being made a scapegoat. There are some other problems in Washington besides Jim Zorn. This is his first and probably his last big pay day. If he walks, he walks away from $4 million.”

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Analyst Michael Strahan on the way the Redskins owner Daniel Snyder has handled the problems with his team: “I feel as a man and as a leader, Daniel Snyder has to treat people better than he has, especially in public. No one is going to respect you or your team and your players aren’t going to respect you. You’re not going to win handling your business like that.”

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Analyst Jimmy Johnson on the Falcons/Cowboys clash today in Dallas: “Don’t be mislead by the Falcons 4-1 record. If the Cowboys don’t play sloppy, can protect the football and control the clock, they will control the game. Atlanta has had a tough time stopping anybody.”

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Co-host Terry Bradshaw on the lack of big plays from the Cowboys this season: “Where’s the offense? Where’s the excitement? I’d like to see more attacks down the field. I don’t know if Jason Garrett has pulled away from that to give Romo more confidence but as a viewer, I’ve lost interest.”

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Analysts Michael Strahan and Howie Long and Co-host Terry Bradshaw preview the Vikings @ Steelers matchup:

Strahan on Steelers plan of attack: “This is a defensive game. If I were Mike Tomlin, this is how I would approach the game. Forget about Adrian Peterson. Adrian is going to get his yards, there’s nothing you can do. He’s going to get his yards, let him have his yards. Make Brett Favre lose this game. Attack Favre, put pressure on Favre and see how he handles it because a lot of teams have tried to load up against the running game which has freed up Brett Favre. Do the opposite and I guarantee it’ll work.”

Long on Favre’s impact in Minnesota: “I don’t think anyone could’ve envisioned Brett Favre being as good in Minnesota as he’s been to this point in the season. There’s no questions he’s had a huge impact on the football team from a leadership standpoint and more importantly, the football team believes that they can win a championship with him at quarterback.”

Long on Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger: “I think you’d be hard-pressed with the exception of Peyton Manning and Drew Brees to find a quarterback whose offense is more dependent on his performance than Ben Roethlisberger right now.”

Bradshaw: “Jared Allen will never get face to face with a quarterback that’s actually going to be bigger than he is and I’m talking about Roethlisberger. Roethlisberger has two Super Bowls and Favre has one. Brett’s on the road and this is a huge game for the Vikings because honestly, if they in fact beat the Steelers in Pittsburgh I’m going to jump all in with Minnesota because that is a major accomplishment.”

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Analyst Jimmy Johnson on teams running up the score: “The New England Patriots have been accused several times of running up the score in 2007. Last Sunday Tom Brady set a new record with five TD passes in the second quarter. Patriots beat Tennessee 59-0. You ask, ‘why weren’t the substitutes in earlier?’ Every NFL player has incentives for every statistic imaginable from touchdowns to sacks to amount of playing time. You put a good player on the bench and he doesn’t make his extra money, you’ll have one very unhappy employee. As a coach, I never wanted my players to ever get into a bad habit of going half-speed. Coaches can’t stand sloppy play. Once against the Bears with the playoffs wrapped up and a comfortable lead, I substituted for Emmitt Smith with Curvin Richards, his backup. Curvin fumbled and Chicago scored. Curvin fumbled again and Chicago scored again. I cut Curvin as soon as we got in the locker room. We didn’t turn the ball over again until Leon Lett’s famous fumble in the Super Bowl so it made a point. I’ve been criticized for running up the score. One year at the University of Miami, [former Notre Dame head coach] Ara Parseghian criticized me for blocking a punt against Notre Dame in the 4^th quarter and going up 58-7. I only had 10 players on the field, they were substitutes and half of them didn’t know what they were doing. Deep down I loved that we won by 50 points. We paid Notre Dame back for all those years that the Irish beat up on those cupcake teams that had no chance to win against them. Believe me, players and coaches love being on the plus side of a blowout. There is pride and bragging rights involved. If you don’t agree you’re saying the NFL should have a mercy rule like they have in tee ball for six-year-olds. I don’t want that, the fans done want that either.”

Wow, strong words from Jimmy Johnson. And rounding out the early Sunday pregame shows, the NFL Today on CBS which also had an interview with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell live from London. Plus we get a ratings note on yesterday's SEC on CBS game.

NEWS, NOTES & QUOTES FROM CBS SPORTS’ “THE NFL TODAY” WITH JAMES BROWN, DAN MARINO, SHANNON SHARPE, BILL COWHER AND BOOMER ESIASON FOR WEEK 7 ON OCTOBER 25

►“SEC ON CBS’s” RATINGS ROLL WITH TIDE OVER TENNESSEE

CBS Sports’ coverage of the SEC ON CBS on Saturday, Oct. 24, which saw No. 1 Alabama defeating Tennessee, 12-10, earned an overnight household rating/share of 3.7/8, up 9% from last year’s 3.4/8 (No. 9 Georgia vs. No. 11 LSU).

►THE NFL TODAY’S JAMES BROWN INTERVIEW WITH NFL COMMISSIONER ROGER GOODELL VIA SATELLITE FROM LONDON

(On whether NFL is looking to add more games played in London and other cities)

Commissioner Goodell: The success we've had here in the U.K. over the last three years, if it continues to grow and we continue to build a bigger fan base, I think if we can continue that, we will look to add multiple games here. Again, we're just feeding the demand for our sport. We would love to be able to see multiple games in this market.

(On whether NFL is looking specifically to put a franchise in London and how soon that might be)

Commissioner Goodell: I think we're getting a little ahead of ourselves there, as far as getting a franchise here. If we can continue to be successful with every step, if we do play multiple games here in London and they continue to build on the success we already have and our fan base grows, yes, it's realistic to think that could happen someday. But it's down the road.

(On whether NFL will be back in Los Angeles; and whether it would be expansion or relocation)

Commissioner Goodell: Well, we do think that the developments in California were positive this week. We're grateful for the leadership there, particularly the Governor who did sign that bill. But the reality is there's a lot more work to be done. It's clear a stadium can get built now and get over the hurdles of environmental and other challenges. But we really have to figure out how to finance it. And that’s the big challenge right now. It would probably be an $800 million stadium. That is going to be a real challenge for us. We'll do one step at a time. This is a positive development. Hopefully someday we'll be able to get back to Los Angeles because we know we have millions of fans in Southern California.

(On potential League action against Oakland Head Coach Tom Cable despite being absolved of criminal charges)

Commissioner Goodell: We’ve been monitoring it the whole way. This has been a criminal matter and the DA says they're not going to pursue it any further at this stage. We will look into that decision. We will follow up on it. And, if any action is necessary, we will take that.

(On what the NFL would do if a team experienced a major flu outbreak on game day)

Commissioner Goodell: We've been working on this for a long time with our competition committee and our medical consultants. The reality of it is, we do everything we can for the health and safety of our players, but there could be a competitive issue if something like the swine flu struck a team, and a number of players were unavailable. If more than six players were unavailable at any given time, we do have a procedure in place to allow them to sign players on short notice and bring them up with their practice squad or sign them from the street. I think there are procedures in place should that happen. Our most important issue is to make sure it doesn't happen. We've had some concerns with a couple of players' health…but the reality is we've been able to contain it effectively with good medical help and that's our hope.

►More with Commissioner Goodell during an in-game interview in London with Jim Nantz and Phil Simms

Nantz: Do you see having multiple games (in London) next year?

Commissioner Goodell: Yes I do. It’s possible that we extend the series to two games for 2010.

►QUICK HITS

(On Washington Head Coach Jim Zorn)

BILL COWHER: The head coach is the face of the team. He's out there to give directions and answers. Three weeks ago when Sherman Lewis was brought in, it began the undermining of Jim Zorn as head coach and offensive coordinator. When he was faced this past week with the stripping of the play calling, he had two choices: No. 1 you say no, and that could lead to his firing; or No. 2 you can say, if that’s part of the contract and they can do that, you accept it, you leave the room and endorse it. He didn't do either. And in doing so, he lost his dignity and he lost his credibility. To me, he lost his ability to be a head coach and lead this football team. He's nothing more than a figure head right now.

BOOMER ESIASON: If I were a player under those circumstances, he has just been marginalized by the ownership and general manager of that team.

SHANNON SHARPE: There's enough blame to go around, but let's start at the top with the owner Daniel SnyderVinny Cerrato. He has a situation where he has a radio show. I don't think a Player Personnel or General Manager should talk about the inner workings of what’s happening in the organization. Maybe Jim Zorn is in over his head, but when you hire the offensive coordinator before you hire the head coach, there’s the problem right there. You don’t go to the grocery store, put the stuff in the basket and then start marking your list down. You get the list first. Then you go shopping. They hired the offensive coordinator first, then hired the coach. That’s wrong. because he thinks you can win the Super Bowl by spending the most money on the first day of free agency. And that has never worked. Then you have

►“INSIDE THE NFL” WITH CHARLEY CASSERLY

(On Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford needing surgery)

CASSERLY: In my opinion, get the surgery now. It’s a five-month rehab that will put you healthy one month before the draft; no complications in the surgery. I think he’ll still be a high number one pick in next year’s draft.

When NBC provides the Football Night in America quotage, it'll be put up immediately.

UPDATE, 11:45 p.m.: Here's the Football Night in America quotage direct from NBC Sports.

"FOOTBALL NIGHT IN AMERICA" NOTES & QUOTES; WEEK 7

"Drew Brees is my MVP so far." -- "Football Night's" Dungy

"They're No. 1 in my Power Poll." -- Michaels on the Colts:

NEW YORK -- October 25, 2009 -- Following are highlights from NBC Sports' "Football Night in America." Bob Costas hosted the show live from Giants Stadium. He was joined on site for commentary by Al Michaels and Cris Collinsworth. Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald stopped by the on-field set and gave Collinsworth a friendly pat on the head. Giants RB Brandon Jacobs also stopped by and said, "We're going to do it tonight." Co-hosts Dan Patrick and Keith Olbermann, analysts Tony Dungy and Rodney Harrison, and reporter Peter King were live from NBC's 30 Rockefeller Plaza studios, covering the news of the NFL's sixth week. Tiki Barber reported from Cowboys Stadium, site of the Atlanta-Dallas game.

ON THE SAINTS
Olbermann on Saints comeback: "Drew Brees leads this outer space, extraterrestrial offense to a comeback from down 21 points."

Harrison on what was more impressive, today's Saints win or last week's: "Today because we really haven't seen New Orleans in this position -- on the road, down 21-3 after Drew Brees was sacked five times, three interceptions. Just showing a lot of perseverance and resilience."

Dungy: "I agree, today. They really showed me something. Adversity and they still had the belief, 'hey, we've got Drew Brees. We can win in any situation.'...I kind of doubted New Orleans...Drew Brees, he's my MVP so far."

Costas: "On a day when they leave their A-game at home, and now with Atlanta losing to Dallas the Saints have a two-game lead in their division.  Add to that the Vikings loss at Pittsburgh and the Saints victory in hand over the Giants and, at this stage, New Orleans controls the NFC."

ON THE UPCOMING PATRIOTS-COLTS GAME IN WEEK 9
Michaels: "It's not too early to start talking about Indianapolis running the table...They're No. 1 on my power poll."

Collinsworth: "You've got to watch right now what's going on with the Patriots. Bill Belichick did not take that loss to the Denver Broncos very kindly...Tom Brady is starting to get hot and that matchup is starting to look pretty good."

ON THE PATRIOTS FINDING A DEFENSIVE LEADER
Harrison: "Brandon Meriweather. He's a playmaker. Not only is he a defensive leader but right now he's the MVP of that team...I think he and Brian Dawkins are probably playing the best of any safety in the AFC right now."

ON THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PEYTON AND ELI MANNING
Dungy: "Peyton throws just about every pass from the pocket. You expect that ball to come out every 2.5-3.0 seconds. Eli does a lot more outside the pocket where he can get more time."

Dungy: "Both Peyton and Eli got Archie's arm but only Eli got Archie's legs."

Patrick: "So Peyton got Olivia's legs?"

Dungy: "I wouldn't go that far."

NOTE: Archie and Olivia Manning are the father and mother, respectively, of both Peyton and Eli Manning. Archie was a quarterback in the NFL from 1971-84.

ON PEYTON MANNING
Olbermann (sarcastically): "Peyton Manning didn't have a 300-yard game...He will receive a very stern warning about that."

ON ELI'S FAMOUS SUPER BOWL PASS TO DAVID TYREE
Harrison, who was a defender on the play: "I've had six surgeries in 15 years of playing football and this is probably the most pain I've ever felt...It's actually emotional every time I see it because sometimes I sit back and think what could I have done to just rip it off. But it's just fate. It was meant to be."

Dungy on whether he has seen Peyton express jealousy because of the play: "None at all. I've seen these guys together and I think Peyton was more proud of this play than of us winning the Super Bowl."

Harrison: "He was more proud because it was against the Patriots."

ON DALLAS BEATING ATLANTA:
Harrison: "People doubted Dallas and said all the teams that they had beaten were basically bums. This win today gives the Dallas Cowboys a lot of confidence and legitimacy. They actually went out and beat someone. This win is huge for them. It changed their season."

ON HOPE FOR THE WINLESS TEAMS
Harrison: "There's always hope but if you look at the one common denominator with these teams they just play bad football. They're not fundamentally sound. They make a lot of penalties. They turn the ball over. They can't tackle. They can't block. Just bad football all over the place."

Dungy: "And they're not getting great quarterback play, that's the other thing. When you don't get great quarterback play, you've got to play smart and you've got to play hard. And I'm not seeing a lot of smart football from these teams, and that's why I think there's not much hope."

ON JEFF FISHER'S STUNT DURING THE WEEK OF WEARING A COLTS JERSEY AT AN EVENT FOR TONY DUNGY
Dungy: "I was laughing. You could see the crowd reaction. They were laughing too. It was a joke. That's Jeff Fisher."

ON THE NFL FUTURE OF OKLAHOMA QB SAM BRADFORD, WHO IS HAVING SEASON-ENDING SHOULDER SURGERY REQUIRING MONTHS OF RECOVERY
King: "Talking to a couple of teams who I know are going to be interested in Sam Bradford, they said 'This is going to be one of the diciest drafts ever because whoever picks him is going to be making a multi-million dollar gamble."

ON AN NFL TEAM REGULARLY PLAYING ONE GAME PER YEAR IN LONDON
King: "One of the things the NFL is going to consider is having a team, one team, over the next three or four years, play in that London game every year to try and build up some sort of fan following in England."

COSTAS INTERVIEWS KURT WARNER
"Football Night" host Bob Costas interviewed Arizona QB Kurt Warner prior to the game.

Warner on signing with the Giants and then the team drafting Eli Manning: "That part was frustrating. At that point in time, after nine games (team was 5-4), if the season ended that day, we were in the playoffs. Coach Coughlin was very upfront and letting me know 'that it wasn't anything about you. It may not be fair at this point in time but I feel it's something that we have to do.' I could at least respect that and move forward, and have tremendous respect for him in the way that he handled the situation."

Warner on whether or not he is a Hall of Famer: "The good thing about it is that I don't have to decide. That stuff's not up to me. I believe that when I've played this game, and when I've been on the field, I've played it as well as anybody. The thing I gravitate to more than anything else is to have the opportunity to take two different organizations to the Super Bowl is a rare thing, and to do it basically 10 years apart. When you're 28-29 and 37-38, that's what I hang on to. It's one of the things we'd all like to be recognized as when we're done playing is a Hall of Famer, but if it doesn't happen then by no means is this going to affect me moving forward or affect what I feel about the way I played this game, and, hopefully for the people who played with me, how I played it for them."

ON WHETHER KURT WARNER IS A HALL OF FAMER
Costas: "I say yes."

Collinsworth: "I say yes too. But I say it probably for a different reason. You take the statistics and the Super Bowl and he's right there on the border. But what puts this over the top for me is the story. This is the American dream. This is a guy bagging groceries. This is a third-string quarterback...

Costas: "Arena League. Iowa Barnstormers. Then NFL Europe."

Collinsworth: "This is a guy I watched in practice, a guy who threw ducks left and right. I said there's no way he can ever play in this league. And now you watch him and he has been simply, simply remarkable."

And that does it.