NFL NETWORK HOST RICH EISEN JOINS NFL GAMEDAY MORNING PREGAME SHOW AND DEBUTS NEW WEEKLY PODCAST ON NFL.COM

The Face of NFL Network Signs a New Long-Term Deal

Rich Eisen, who seven years ago welcomed viewers to NFL Network, has renewed his deal to continue as the host of NFL Total Access, NFL specials and add a new role as host of NFL GameDay Morning.

Eisen is also adding to his responsibilities as he debuts a new weekly podcast on NFL.com. The Rich Eisen Podcast is the first podcast for the official website of the NFL.

“Rich has been an important contributor to the success of NFL Network since its launch,” said Steve Bornstein, NFL Network President and CEO.  “Fans will now wake up to Rich on Sunday mornings on our pregame show and for the first time, listen to him in a new role when he hosts a weekly podcast on NFL.com.”

“Talking about football 365-days-a-year for 7 years has been a dream come true, but even with all the great platforms NFL Network has afforded me I never imagined I would one day get to talk football 24/7 too,” said Eisen. “At what time does NFL GameDay Morning start again?”

NFL Network built its name with Rich Eisen and since then, Rich has been a familiar and trusted voice in the homes of NFL fans, whether hosting from the sidelines of the Super Bowl for NFL Total Access or from Radio City Music Hall at the NFL Draft.

Rich will now also be featured on NFL.com with his own weekly podcast show where he will interview guests from all fields to talk football and a wide range of topics.

“I’m excited about launching the first-ever podcast for the NFL and NFL.com,” Eisen added. “The free-form chats on football and pop culture with some of the best personalities in the NFL and celebrities who love the game is something fans will enjoy. Plus, I think The Rich Eisen Podcast has been modestly titled.”

Known for his wit and intelligence, Eisen hosts NFL Total Access, NFL GameDay Morning, NFL GameDay Highlights, NFL Scouting Combine, NFL Draft, NFL Kickoff as well Thursday Night Football’s pregame, halftime and postgame shows.

In August 2009, Eisen served as emcee of the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Canton, OH where the 2009 class included fellow NFL Network analyst Rod Woodson.

Eisen was twice nominated for a Sports Emmy as Outstanding Studio Host for his work on NFL Total Access. In 2007, Eisen penned Total Access: A Journey to the Center of the NFL Universe about his experiences as host for NFL Network.

NFL Network airs seven days a week, 24 hours a day on a year-round basis and is the only television network fully dedicated to the NFL and the sport of football.  For more information, log on to www.nfl.com/nflnetwork.  NFL.com is the exclusive internet home of NFL Network.

– NFL MEDIA –

NFL Network Host Rich Eisen Joins NFL Gameday Morning Pregame Show And Debuts New Weekly Podcast On NFL.Com is a post from: Sports Media News

JOE THEISMANN JOINS NFL NETWORK’S

THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL BOOTH

Former Super Bowl Winning Quarterback Joins Bob Papa and Matt Millen for Primetime NFL Games

Former Washington Redskins and Super Bowl winning quarterback Joe Theismann joins NFL Network’s Thursday Night Football announcing team, it was announced today.  Theismann, who is also an analyst on NFL Network’s weekly Playbook shows, teams with Bob Papa and Matt Millen to call NFL Network’s eight-game Thursday Night Football package beginning on November 11 with the Baltimore Ravens vs. Atlanta Falcons.

“Joe is one of the premier analysts in the business,” said Eric Weinberger, executive producer NFL Network.  “With Joe joining Matt, we have two former Super Bowl-winning players who had long and distinguished playing careers before making successful transitions into broadcasting.  Joe will add his strong opinions and analysis to a booth that already features two men who live and breathe NFL football.  We are sure there will be great debates and entertaining analysis on our games this season.”

“It’s great to be back in the booth and joining Matt and Bob on NFL Network’s primetime games,” said Theismann.  “We have a great schedule of games and I can’t wait for them to begin.”

As a veteran NFL broadcaster, Theismann brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise on what goes on inside the huddle. His first experience in the broadcast booth came in 1985, calling Super Bowl XIX alongside Frank Gifford and Don Meredith. In 1988, Theismann became a staple in the broadcast booth for ESPN’s Sunday Night Football for the next 16 years, followed by a stint on the network’s Monday Night Football telecast.

Following a standout college career at Notre Dame that included finishing second to Jim Plunkett in 1970 Heisman voting, Theismann began his professional playing career with the CFL’s Toronto Argonauts in 1971, where he played three seasons before making the move to the NFL with the Washington Redskins. Theismann led Washington to its first championship in Super Bowl XVII and an appearance in Super Bowl XVIII one year later. He earned league MVP honors in 1983 and still holds the Redskins franchise record for most career passing attempts (3,602), career passing completions (2,044) and career yards (25,206).

NFL Network’s primetime Thursday Night Football schedule features eight games and includes teams that combined for eight playoff berths and five division titles in 2009. This is the fifth season of NFL games on NFL Network.  In 2009, NFL Network games featured four of the five most viewed games in the network’s history. Game times for the contests — seven on Thursdays and one on Saturday – are 8:00 PM ET, with a special 7:30 PM ET start on Christmas.

NFL Network 2010 Thursday Night Football Schedule

Week 10: Thursday, November 11 at 8:00 PM ET

Baltimore Ravens at Atlanta Falcons

Week 11: Thursday, November 18 at 8:00 PM ET

Chicago Bears at Miami Dolphins

Week 12: Thursday, November 25 at 8:00 PM ET

Cincinnati Bengals at New York Jets (Thanksgiving)

Week 13: Thursday, December 2 at 8:00 PM ET

Houston Texans at Philadelphia Eagles

Week 14: Thursday, December 9 at 8:00 PM ET

Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans

Week 15: Thursday, December 16 at 8:00 PM ET

San Francisco 49ers at San Diego Chargers

Week 16: Thursday, December 23 at 8:00 PM ET

Carolina Panthers at Pittsburgh Steelers

Week 16: Saturday, December 25 at 7:30 PM ET

Dallas Cowboys at Arizona Cardinals (Christmas)

Theismann can also be seen with Brian Baldinger and Sterling Sharpe on NFL Network’s Thursday’s NFC and Friday’s AFC editions of Playbook, dissecting the same “all-22” game film to prepare fans for the week’s upcoming matchups. Starting on November 11, he will not be on Playbook as he will be preparing for the Thursday Night Football telecasts.

NFL Network airs seven days a week, 24 hours a day on a year-round basis and is the only television network fully dedicated to the NFL and the sport of football.  For more information, log on to www.nfl.com/nflnetwork.  NFL.com is the exclusive internet home of NFL Network.

– NFL NETWORK –

Joe Theismann Joins NFL Network’s Thursday Night Football Booth is a post from: Sports Media News

Best Overnight Rating for Purdue Game at Notre Dame Stadium Since 2006

NEW YORK – September 5, 2010 – NBC Sports’ broadcast of yesterday’s Notre Dame-Purdue game, which kicked off the Brian Kelly era and both team’s 2010 seasons, generated a 2.3/6 overnight rating, up 77 percent vs. last year’s season opener and up 15 percent vs. the last Notre Dame home game against Purdue in 2008.

Notre Dame defeated Purdue, 23-12, in Kelly’s first game as head coach of the Irish. Last year’s season opener, Notre Dame-Nevada, produced a 1.3/3 metered market rating. In 2008, Notre Dame-Purdue generated a 2.0/4 overnight rating. The 2006 game between the two schools scored a 2.8/7.

Indianapolis was the top metered market with a 9.2 rating and 22 share. Columbus was second with a 6.0 rating and 13 share. The game’s rating peaked at a 2.7 during the 6-6:30 p.m. ET half hour as the Irish secured the win near the end of the game.

Top 10 Metered Markets:

1. Indianapolis, 9.2/22

2. Columbus, 6.0/13

T3. Chicago, 4.5/12

T3. Cincinnati, 4.5/10

5. Fort Myers, 3.9/9

T6. Dayton, 3.8/9

T6. Jacksonville, 3.8/7

T8. New Orleans, 3.7/7

T8. Orlando, 3.7/8

T8. Pittsburgh, 3.7/9

Notre Dame Brian Kelly Era Begins With 77 Percent Rating Increase is a post from: Sports Media News

“Sunday MLB on TBS” Features Chicago White Sox @ Boston Red Sox in an American League Showdown

Former Red Sox outfielder Manny Ramirez returns to Fenway Park

“Sunday MLB on TBS” continues on September 5 with former Red Sox outfielder Manny Ramirez returning to Fenway Park with the Chicago White Sox to take on David Ortiz and Boston at 1:30 p.m. (ET).  Mark Buehrle is scheduled to start for the White Sox against the Red Sox probable starter Josh Beckett.  Brian Anderson will call the game alongside analysts Ron Darling and John Smoltz.

“Sunday MLB on TBS” includes match-ups on TBS every Sunday afternoon throughout the regular season.  The network will also begin providing exclusive coverage of the Division Series and the American League Championship Series (ALCS) in October 2010.

TBS has broadcast MLB coverage for more than 30 years serving as the exclusive home of the MLB Division Series (DS) and one League Championship Series (LCS) since 2007 and home of Atlanta Braves coverage from 1977 to 2007.

SUNDAY MLB ON TBS SCHEDULE:

DAY/DATE

TIME (ET)             EVENT

Sunday, Sept. 5

1:30 p.m.                 Chicago White Sox @ Boston Red Sox

Announcers: Brian Anderson (play-by-play), Ron Darling (analyst) and John Smoltz (analyst)

SUNDAY MLB ON TBS UPCOMING SCHEDULE:

Sunday, Sept. 12

3 p.m.                      New York Yankees @ Texas Rangers

Announcers: Ernie Johnson (play-by-play), Dennis Eckersley (analyst) and John Smoltz (analyst)

-30-

“Sunday MLB on TBS” Features Chicago White Sox @ Boston Red Sox in an American League Showdown is a post from: Sports Media News

DISNEY/ABC, ESPN AND TIME WARNER CABLE SIGN

LONG-TERM, WIDE-RANGING AGREEMENT TO

CARRY A VARIETY OF VIDEO & DIGITAL SERVICES

Agreement Includes Several New Services for Subscribers, Including Disney Junior, ESPN3.com,

ESPN Goal Line, ESPN Buzzer Beater and Expanded VOD Offerings

BURBANK and NEW YORK— Disney/ABC Television Group, ESPN and Time Warner Cable today entered into a long-term, wide-ranging agreement that will provide Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks cable customers the programming of ABC Family, Disney Channel, Disney XD, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNEWS, ESPNU, ESPN Classic, ESPN Deportes, and SOAPnet, as well as WABC in New York, KABC in Los Angeles, WTVD in Raleigh-Durham-Fayetteville, WTVG in Toledo, and associated HD cable networks.  Subscribers will also have unprecedented digital access to online content and expanded Video On Demand services.

This extensive and expanded rights package, Disney Media Network’s most expansive content agreement to date, provides for:

• The recently announced Disney Junior, a new 24-hour basic channel for preschool-age children, parents and caregivers. Available to Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks cable customers upon its debut in 2012, the new channel will feature animated and live action programming which blends Disney’s unparalleled storytelling and beloved characters with learning, including early math, language skills, healthy eating and lifestyles and social skills.
• The addition of ESPN3.com, ESPN’s live sports broadband network, which will be available to all Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks subscribers who get ESPN.  ESPN3.com gives Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks fans a 24/7 online destination that delivers more than 3,500 live, global sports events annually as part of TV Everywhere.  This addition also gives Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks the rights to feature cleared content from ESPN3.com on its sports tier.
• Access to a new authenticated service, which will give Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks subscribers the opportunity to watch the linear networks ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPNU through their broadband services as well as mobile Internet devices, like an iPad.  Details on the launch will be forthcoming.
• A new service, developed with Time Warner Cable, called ESPN Goal Line; a super-highlight channel that will be available only to Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks sports tier subscribers as early as September 4.  ESPN Goal Line will take fans around the best matchups each Saturday during the NCAA football season.  The once-a-week network will include live look-ins to game action focusing on scoring drives and up-to-the minute commentary from analysts and experts.  A similar service called ESPN Buzzer Beater will be available for the college basketball season.
• Expanded VOD services in many markets will include:

• ABC On Demand, ABC’s fast forward-disabled VOD service which currently features a selection of primetime programming, including episodes of such popular ABC shows as “Castle,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Private Practice,” and “Desperate Housewives.” Anticipated newcomers include “No Ordinary Family” and “My Generation.”  Additionally, episodes of ABC News’ “Good Morning America” are available each week.
• Disney-branded On Demand offerings for kids, including Disney Channel On Demand and Disney XD On Demand. Refreshed each month, the Disney Channel VOD offering will include episodes from such series as “Handy Manny,” “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse” and “Special Agent Oso” for preschoolers, as well as variety of episodes from “Wizards of Waverly Place,”  “Hannah Montana,” “The Suite Life on Deck,” “Good Luck Charlie” and other popular series for older kids.  Select episodes featured on Disney Channel On Demand will be available in multiple languages.  Disney XD On Demand features a variety of episodes from such series as the Emmy Award-winning animated hit “Phineas and Ferb” and “Kick Buttowski – Suburban Daredevil,” as well as the upcoming sitcom “Pair of Kings.”
• Locally relevant sports content from ESPN in several Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks markets, including Los Angeles, New York, North and South Carolina, Tampa, Orlando, Texas and Ohio.
• The subscription VOD service “Disney Family Movies” which features a selection of classic and contemporary films and animated shorts from The Walt Disney Studios.
• A new transactional VOD service for select content from the Disney/ABC Television Group.

• Inclusion of a variety of content from across the Disney Media Networks’ portfolio on Time Warner Cable’s and Bright House Networks Start Over and Look Back features.
• The addition of ESPN Deportes HD to Time Warner Cable’s larger footprint.
• The launch of ESPN 3D to Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks’ systems.
• A Time Warner Cable/ESPN Deportes co-branded, Spanish language sports website in Los Angeles.
• Availability of ESPN Radio feeds in New York, Los Angeles and Dallas to Time Warner Cable’s video platform.
• A plethora of ESPN-branded content made available on Time Warner Cable’s and Bright House Networks’ sports tier.

“We are pleased to have reached an agreement without any interruption in service,” said Glenn Britt, Time Warner Cable’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer.  “We thank our customers for their support, and we look forward to launching these new and innovative products and services.”

Co-chairs of Disney Media Networks George Bodenheimer and Anne Sweeney also commented on the announcement, stating, “The successful conclusion of this wide-ranging deal demonstrates our commitment to our distribution partners and our ability to work with them to provide consumers with an unmatched portfolio of national and local entertainment, news and sports content while continuing to strengthen both of our businesses.”

“We’re pleased that an agreement has been reached with no disruption in programming for our customers,” said Steve Miron, Chief Executive Officer, Bright House Networks.

About Disney Media Networks:

Disney Media Networks comprise a vast array of The Walt Disney Company’s (NYSE: DIS) broadcast, cable, radio, publishing and Internet businesses, including Disney/ABC Television Group and ESPN, Inc. The Disney/ABC Television Group is composed of The Walt Disney Company’s global entertainment and news television properties, including the ABC Television Network, ABC Studios, Disney Channels Worldwide, ABC Family and SOAPnet, as well as Disney/ABC Domestic Television and Disney Media Distribution. ESPN, Inc., The Worldwide Leader in Sports, is the leading multinational, multimedia sports entertainment company featuring the broadest portfolio of multimedia sports assets with over 50 business entities.

About Time Warner Cable:

Time Warner Cable is the second-largest cable operator in the U.S., with technologically advanced, well-clustered systems located mainly in five geographic areas — New York State (including New York City), the Carolinas, Ohio, southern California (including Los Angeles) and Texas.  Time Warner Cable serves more than 14 million customers who subscribe to one or more of its video, high-speed data and voice services.  Time Warner Cable Business Class offers a suite of phone, Internet, Ethernet and cable television services to businesses of all sizes. Time Warner Cable Media Sales, the advertising arm of Time Warner Cable, offers national, regional and local companies innovative advertising solutions that are targeted and affordable.  More information about the services of Time Warner Cable is available at www.timewarnercable.com, www.twcbc.com and www.twcmediasales.com.

About Bright House Networks:

Bright House Networks is the ninth largest multichannel video programmer distributor (MVPD) in the US with 2.4 million customers in several large cities including Tampa Bay and Orlando, Florida; Bakersfield, California; Indianapolis, Indiana; Detroit, Michigan; and Birmingham, Alabama; along with several other smaller regions in Alabama and the Florida Panhandle. The Florida markets are adjacent and form one of the country’s largest cable clusters.

For more information about Bright House Networks or our products and services, visit brighthouse.com.

# # #

Disney/ABC, ESPN And Time Warner Cable Sign Long-Term, Wide-Ranging Agreement To Carry A Variety Of Video & Digital Services is a post from: Sports Media News

PENNANT CHASE HEATS UP ON MLB NETWORK WITH FIVE FIRST-PLACE TEAMS IN ACTION SEPTEMBER 6-11

St. Louis Cardinals Visit NL East First-Place Atlanta Braves on Thursday Night Baseball September 9

AL Division Leaders New York Yankees and Texas Rangers Match Up on September 11

Game Schedule Also Includes Colorado Rockies At NL Central First-Place Cincinnati Reds and NL West First-Place San Diego Padres Against San Francisco Giants

Secaucus, N.J., September 3, 2010 – The path to the Postseason is underway on MLB Network with five first-place teams featured in live games from September 6-11. The NL East first-place Atlanta Braves host the St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday Night Baseball on September 9 at 7:00 p.m. ET, with MLB Network’s Matt Vasgersian and former Cardinals All-Star pitcher Joe Magrane will call the game live from Atlanta’s Turner Field. Earlier that afternoon, the Colorado Rockies, who are 6 ½ games back in the NL Wild Card race, host the NL Central first-place Cincinnati Reds during MLB Matinee on at 3:00 p.m. ET. The game will be available on MLB Network nationwide, with Greg Amsinger and Mitch Williams calling the game.

On Labor Day, Monday, September 6, MLB Network will feature the Tampa Bay Rays, who are 1 ½ games out of first place in the AL East, at the Boston Red Sox at 7:00 p.m. ET. In the NL West, the first-place San Diego Padres, led by All-Star first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, will face the San Francisco Giants on Friday, September 10 at 10:00 p.m. ET live from Petco Park. The Giants currently trail the Philadelphia Phillies by two games in the NL Wild Card race. Two AL division leaders, the AL West first-place Texas Rangers and the AL East first-place New York Yankees, will be featured on Saturday Night Baseball on September 11 at 8:00 p.m. ET.

MLB Tonight, MLB Network’s Emmy Award-winning signature nightly studio show, airs seven days a week, featuring updates, highlights, bonus coverage and look-ins at live games in progress. Quick Pitch, MLB Network’s highlights show of record, airs nightly with recaps of all the great fielding and scoring plays from the day’s games.

MLB Network’s complete live game schedule for September 6 – September 11:

All times ET and subject to change, check MLBNetwork.com for updates

Unless otherwise announced, games will be blacked out in each club’s home television territory

Date                           Time               Game

September 6            1:00 p.m.      Baltimore at New York Yankees

1:00 p.m.      Texas at Toronto [In Orioles and Yankees markets]

7:00 p.m.      Tampa Bay at Boston

7:00 p.m.      Florida at Philadelphia [In select markets]

September 7            7:00 p.m.      Chicago White Sox at Detroit

7:00 p.m. Tampa Bay at Boston [In select markets]

September 9 3:00 p.m. Cincinnati at Colorado – Greg Amsinger & Mitch Williams

7:00 p.m.      Thursday Night Baseball: St. Louis at Atlanta – Matt Vasgersian & Joe Magrane

7:00 p.m.      Texas at Toronto [In Cardinals and Braves markets]

September 10          10:00 p.m.    San Francisco at San Diego

9:00 p.m.      Arizona at Colorado [In select markets]

September 11          8:00 p.m.      Saturday Night Baseball: New York Yankees at Texas

8:00 p.m.      Arizona at Colorado [In Yankees and Rangers markets]

MLB Network launched on January 1, 2009 as the largest debut in cable television history and is currently available in approximately 55 million cable, telco TV and satellite homes throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. In its inaugural year, MLB Network was honored with four Sports Emmy Awards and 12 nominations by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. With live games, original programming, highlights, classic games, and coverage of baseball events, MLB Network is the ultimate television destination for baseball fans. For more information and to find MLB Network in your area, go to www.MLBNetwork.com. www.Facebook.com/MLBNetwork www.Twitter.com/MLBNetwork

# # #

Five First-Place Teams in Action on MLB Network, Sept. 6-11 is a post from: Sports Media News

ESPN Monday Night Football Conference Call Highlights with Mike Tirico, Jon Gruden, Ron Jaworski and Senior Coordinating Producer Jay Rothman

ESPN hosted a media conference call Wednesday, Sept. 1, with Monday Night Football play-by-play commentator Mike Tirico, analysts Jon Gruden and Ron Jaworski, and senior coordinating producer Jay Rothman to preview the 2010 season. The MNF team discussed players, personnel, key matchups, and a look ahead to the MNF schedule. Excerpts from the call:

On this MNF team and the season ahead …

Rothman: “We’re extremely excited to get the season going again and excited about where we left off last year. In fact I just got off the phone with a FOX analyst and he paid us the ultimate compliment by saying that your show is appointment viewing every Monday night…This is my 20^th season producing football, both college and pro, and I’ve never been with a team that has looked forward to working together, being together and doing the game together more so than these three guys. We have a blast. We have a blast working hard. We have a blast on the road having fun together and I think that comes off on the air. As many of you know, chemistry doesn’t just happen. You can’t just stick a bunch of guys together and make magic, but I think these three guys have done that and we’re excited for another year together.”

On the most overrated and underrated NFL teams entering the season…

Tirico: “Overrated, I think Arizona given their hype coming off the last couple years. When you talk about the only team to win an NFC playoff game the last two years, you think they are expected to do more, but I think their quarterback situation and losses are going to be too much to handle going forward…In the AFC side, I would say San Diego because the weakness in the division would pump them up, but I don’t like the chemistry there with the wide receiver, the left tackle and the people who are unhappy continually with contract issues and restricted free agents…Underrated, I would say right now in the AFC, I want to lean toward Tennessee because of what I saw them do in the preseason and how their style of football works with Vince Young…In the NFC, I’m going to lean towards San Francisco…When you start to look at what they can put on the field, Gore, Westbrook, Crabtree, Vernon Davis on the offensive side, the two linemen they drafted, Willis on defense, among others. That’s a team I would say is going to win the NFC West and a team nationally that is perhaps underrated going into the season.”

Jaworski: “I would say the San Diego Chargers. I do have some concerns with Vincent Jackson out and problems at left tackle. Phillip Rivers, that blind side of the quarterback is always critical to protection…Overrated, I think the Jets. They were a 9-7 team a year ago. Many people have them picked for the Super Bowl. Only time will tell if they continue to improve…Underrated teams, I think the Dolphins…I believe Tony Sparano has a good team down there. If Chad Henne comes through with a big year, they will be a playoff team and Super Bowl contender…Underrated as well, the Texans…one of these years they’re going to turn it around. I love the offense. I love Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson. They’ve got weapons. If Steve Slaton can give them the 1,200 to 1,400 yards necessary in a running game by an individual, I think they have a chance to challenge the Colts for the AFC South.”

Gruden: “Two teams last year that finished high, I think the Minnesota Vikings obviously with Brett Favre coming in again late and Sidney Rice’s injury. They’ve had some injuries in their secondary. They’re not as young as they used to be. I think they’ve got some questions that will need to get answered quickly. I’m a little worried about the Vikings regaining the form they had last season. I also think the New England Patriots, even though they’ve got Tom Brady. They’ve already had a couple key injuries on defense. Ty Warren and Leigh Bodden, and I saw that defense not play particularly well…A sleeper team I like is the Carolina Panthers. I realize they’ve lost some good players, but they still have the best 1-2 running combination in football in (Jonathan) Stewart and (DeAngelo) Williams. I don’t ever see anybody score on these guys…They play hard, they play sound, they’re going to surprise some people.”

On all the attention the Jets are getting this preseason…

Jaworski: “As a former player, the bullseye gets bigger. When you’re playing against a team and they’re getting all of the recognition — pretty much speaking all bravado — you hear this and you see this and you really do get a feeling that you want to put them in their place, whatever place that may be. Quite honestly, I’ve been refreshed by the approach of the New York Jets. They’ve come right out in front. The things that coaches say behind closed doors, Rex Ryan is saying publicly…All that aside, there’s a quality football team in place and sometimes we are forgetting that. Defensively, they are outstanding. Some of the most unique defensive concepts you will see.”

Gruden: “A lot of the things I’ve heard from the Jets are entertaining. I think a lot of it is elevator music to be honest with you. It doesn’t really matter. I don’t think if offends anybody or stimulates any team, but I do think they have a lot to prove. They’ve added a lot of players and they’ve spent a lot of money on that football team. They had Brett Favre, they didn’t want Favre, and they got Sanchez. They didn’t want Thomas Jones, they get Tomlinson…They’ve added a bevy of outstanding football players from Santonio Holmes to Antonio Cromartie. They’ve spent a lot of money and put a lot of time putting that team together. It doesn’t really matter what they said or what TV show they’re hosting this week, they’re going to have to back it up because I know the Ravens are pretty good too. There’s going to be a lot of pride at stake in this game.”

On whether the Packers have enough to overcome the Vikings this year…

Jaworski: “There’s a real positive vibe coming out of Green Bay. Sometimes that chemistry in the locker room, belief in each other, can take you a long way. Then you pile on that with the talent they’ve assembled, particularly on the offensive side. Being out at practice with Jermichael Finley, I wish I could still throw the football to a guy like that. He’s going to be an amazing matchup problem for any defense the Packers have to face…In my opinion right now, they are better than the Minnesota Vikings, but time will tell.”

Gruden: “I’m a big believer in the Green Bay Packers. I don’t know that they’re going to win the division, but I think it’s going to come down to the last two or three weeks of the season…I really like the skill that the Green Bay Packers have. I think the offensive line has to prove it from week 1 to week 16…I want to see the Packers play well against a great quarterback. I know they played well against (Tony) Romo last year, but they didn’t play their best in the playoffs against (Kurt) Warner. They struggled in the two games against Brett Favre, and I thought Ben Roethlisberger had a huge day against them also. They feasted on a lot of young and inexperienced quarterbacks. I think it’s important for them to regain their swagger, their confidence…If they can do that, they can certainly win this division.”

From a coach’s perspective, on when it’s the right time to cut a veteran player…

Gruden: “It’s hard to release a veteran player. The big thing is you have to decide, ‘can he still play?’ A lot of these moves are salary cap related. First, you have to decide, ‘can he still play?’ Secondly, do you have a contingency plan in place? Sometimes a veteran can get by on savvy and experience. He understands the game so well, and you don’t have a plan in place to replace that. It’s hard, its emotional not only for you, but for fans and the football team, and you better have a contingency plan in place. I’ve heard enough about this rebuilding talk. I don’t believe in that in the National Football League. I don’t believe that’s ever been part of the NFL. You have to have a real strong belief in his ability – does he have anything left? Can he practice? And do you have a contingency plan in place because it’s going to be emotional.”

On the peak developmental age for a quarterback…

Jaworski: “I’ve always felt it was right around 29 or 30. I don’t have any specific data that I can say this is why, but being around the game since 1973 and playing the game as long as I did and breaking the game down, it just seems there’s a maturity level the quarterback reaches. The cerebral capacity now matches the physical capacity…right around 29-30 when it’s that perfect storm and your physical talent meets your mental talent and it all comes together.”

Gruden: “I’ve always believed it was the third or fourth year in the same system if you have a guy that has a really good system…When you look at Drew Brees, he excelled in his third year at San Diego under Schottenheimer and that group. Now in New Orleans, he’s had continuity in that system. Phillip Rivers, Peyton Manning – the guys that really dominate and excel are in the same system for three or four years and usually it’s that third or fourth year where they really hit it and they pick it up and become as good as they can be…If you have a system and you have continuity in that system and you can surround this quarterback with personnel, usually it’s year three or four of that system and not many teams are able to pull that off.”

On the Bengals and their wide receiving duo Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens…

Gruden: There’s not a defensive coordinator that hasn’t been burned by either one of those guys. People have a certain degree of fear of those two players…I think Cedric Benson has really been one of the best kept secrets in all of football. The comeback that he’s made is outstanding. His tape is excellent. He picks up blitzes, he hammers people between tackles and he shows some breakaway burst. I think the key is (Carson) Palmer…Palmer is an outstanding quarterback. I think he stays healthy and the Bengals have a chance to again win that division…I’d like to be in that locker room… You can only find out when your team loses. Are you going to be happier with eight catches and a loss or two catches and a win? We’ll find out over the course of a season. Everything sounds great and chummy right now, hopefully it works out because these two guys can really put a show on and give the Cincinnati Bengals a formidable pass offense.”

Jaworski: “It can work because when you have talented guys, you’re trying to make sure that they’re both happy. Quite honestly, you’re thinking about that. You come in at halftime and one guy has five catches and the other guy has not been targeted, and you’re thinking about that because these are high maintenance guys. But you also know that they’re very talented. From a talent level, every quarterback would love to have a couple guys that he can count on. Carson, he’s a vet. He’s had to deal with these situations. He knows how to handle these guys. He’ll probably laugh more than he’ll cry when dealing with them because that’s what keeps these guys motivated, when you’re having a good time. I think Palmer can handle anything. He’s a rock solid quarterback, a rock solid citizen and an excellent leader of the football team.”

On all the technology used in the NFL and the in-stadium experience versus watching it at home on television…

Tirico: “One of the things that HD TV has done is give people at home more of an at-stadium feel because you get a great look at the replays and, let’s be honest, the cost of tickets, as well. I think people have become comfortable with being engaged at home because of the growth of the industry we’re in, television. I think leagues are responding to that…Stephen Ross in Miami, as a managing partner of the Dolphins, has TV screens that people can lease and use during the game for their suite-holders that has the opportunity to bounce around the Sunday Ticket to the six or seven other games and follow other games as they sit in their seats. They’re trying to replicate the experience at home at the stadium. I think that’s a very aggressive and progressive move by Steve…I know what we see on Mondays, that it becomes a half-holiday for people in their town. They get off work early and spend time at the game, hang out, enjoy the game, and enjoy the city as well…Not just pro, but college football as well, they are starting to address, ‘how do we make the in-stadium experience better for fans?’”

On a proposed 18-game NFL regular season…

Gruden: “I don’t know who’s going to be playing in week 17,18 and throughout the playoffs, especially if you’re going to have a Super Bowl in New York, it’s going to be really cold after 18 regular season games…I’m in the minority. How else do you develop a quarterback? Where does he get to play? What snaps is he going to get? I realize four preseason games may be too many games, but every year there are some spectacular bursts from no place. Guys make teams as free agents undrafted. Guys explode onto the scene from the seventh round. You have to develop your game day depth…Somebody has to be the back up center. Somebody has to be the back up left tackle and right tackle. You need a guy that can come in and back up as a middle linebacker. You have to develop these types of players, and if you don’t you’re doomed. I think the preseason games are a good opportunity to do that. Coaches come and go today like they’ve never come and gone before. You’ve got a new play-caller, a new defensive coordinator, a new line coach, a new receiver; the dynamics of your offense have changed. Your team needs to come together too. Get them in training camp for three weeks just like they’ve done forever. Bring your football team along. I’m a big believer in the preseason.”

– 30 –

ESPN Monday Night Football Conference Call Highlights is a post from: Sports Media News

ESPN to Provide Extensive Coverage Leading Up to Exclusive Bowl Championship Series Telecasts

• News and information programs: Multiple ESPN programs will provide reports, news, analysis and features, including on SportsCenter, First Take, Outside the Lines, PTI, SportsNation and more.
• College GameDay Built by The Home Depot: The popular three-hour Saturday morning show originating from the site of the day’s best game or game with the most compelling storyline (9 a.m. on ESPNU and continuing at 10 a.m. on ESPN) will include discussions about the BCS. Special one-hour editions of College GameDay will originate from Pasadena for the Rose Bowl and Glendale for the Orange Bowl and Sugar Bowl — with a presence from Miami and New Orleans, respectively—and the National Championship Game.
• College Football Live: ESPN’s one-hour weekday college football studio show that provides in-depth analysis, news, interviews and more will provide extensive season-long coverage of the BCS every Monday through Friday, generally at 3:30 p.m. on ESPN (except Mondays when a 30-minute show will air at 3 p.m.) and continuing on ESPNU Tuesday through Friday at 4 p.m.
• College Football Live Countdown to the BCS: The special version of ESPN’s weekday college football studio show will originate from Glendale each weekday from Jan. 3-10.
• Multiple shows on ESPNU: In addition to originating live from Glendale leading up to the National Championship, ESPNU will offer an extensive lineup of college football-themed programs every week throughout the season. Highlights include the BCS Countdown Mondays at 6 p.m. and ESPNU College Football: The Experts, a weekly three-hour live show featuring analysis and commentary from several top college football experts Tuesdays at 1 p.m. beginning Sept. 7.
• ESPNEWS: The 24-hour sports news network will conclude season-long coverage with on-site reports from all five BCS games.

Extensive Coverage Leading Up to Exclusive Bowl Championship Series Telecasts is a post from: Sports Media News

SERIES FINALE DEBUTS SEPT. 8

HBO Sports, in association with NFL Films and the New York Jets, provides an all-access look at what it takes to make it in the National Football League in HARD KNOCKS:  TRAINING CAMP WITH THE NEW YORK JETS.  The first sports-based reality series – and one of the fastest-turnaround reality series – concludes its five-episode sixth season, presented in HD, WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 8 (10:00-11:00 p.m. ET/PT), exclusively on HBO, with an encore play immediately following at 11:00 p.m.

Episode #5 (series finale)

Debut:  WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 8 (10:00-11:00 p.m. ET/PT)

Other HBO playdates:  Sept. 8 (11:00 p.m.), 9 (2:30 p.m., midnight), 10 (11:30 a.m., 7:00 p.m., midnight), 11 (10:00 a.m., midnight), 12 (8:00 a.m.) and 13 (9:00 a.m., 1:00 a.m.)

HBO2 playdates:  Sept. 12 (midnight) and 14 (7:00 p.m.)

The preseason comes to a close as the Jets travel to Philadelphia to play the Eagles; coaches evaluate player performances as they prepare for final roster cuts.

A 24-person NFL Films crew is living at Jets training camp, shooting up to 1,000 hours of video over the course of the series.  Camera and sound crews are given unencumbered access to the players’ and coaches’ meeting rooms, training facilities, dormitories and practice fields.

Training Camp with the New York Jets – Series finale debuts next Wednesday is a post from: Sports Media News

NBA TV Caps Off Exciting NBA Off-Season with 2010 WNBA Conference Finals Action & 2010 FIBA World Championship Coverage

Network Delivers Over 120 Live Games, including NBA Summer League, WNBA, and FIBA Men’s World Championship Action

NBA TV caps off one of the most captivating summers in basketball history with exclusive coverage of the 2010 WNBA Eastern Conference Finals presented by adidas and continued coverage of the 2010 FIBA Men’s World Championships. The network has provided more than 300 hours of basketball programming and will feature over 120 live basketball games during the NBA off-season.

The 2010 WNBA Eastern Conference Finals presented by adidas will start on Sunday, September 5 at 7:00 p.m (ET) when Cappie Pondexter and the New York Liberty host Angel McCoughtry and the Atlanta Dream in Game #1 of the series. The WNBA Eastern Conference Finals will continue on Tuesday, September 7 at 7:30 p.m. (ET) with NBA TV airing Game #2 of the series. Game #3 will air Thursday, September 9 at 7:30 p.m. (ET) if necessary. In addition, the network will air tonight’s Game #1 WNBA Western Conference Finals between the defending champion Phoenix Mercury and the Seattle Storm at 10 p.m. ET and a possible series deciding Game #3 on Wednesday, September 8 at 10 p.m. (ET).

NBA TV will continue to air live game coverage of the 2010 FIBA Men’s World Championship as well as encore presentations of the 2010 USA Men’s World Championship Team games featuring Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder), Derrick Rose (Chicago Bulls) and Chauncey Billups (Denver Nuggets).The network will also air special editions of NBA TV studio show, GameTime featuring comprehensive coverage of the 2010 FIBA Men’s World Championship. Matt Winer, Marc Fein and Rick Kamla will anchor the networks coverage with analysis from Steve Smith, Dennis Scott, and Brent Barry as well as special in-studio guests.

Coverage this off-season included the NBA Draft, NBA Summer League, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame festivities, WNBA Playoffs, 2010 FIBA Men’s World Championships, and one of the most talked about NBA free agency periods in recent history.

• NBA Free Agency/Decision 2010: NBA TV’s Free Agency coverage provided fans with in-depth analysis and special reports dedicated to the most talked about NBA free agency class in history. The network provided free-agency previews, breaking news updates at the top of every hour, push notifications through NBA Mobile’s GameTime app and the free agency tracker on NBA.com.

• NBA Draft – NBA TV’s coverage of the 2010 NBA Draft included 12 hours of dedicated coverage including player interviews from Craig Sager on draft night and the EA Division Review Shows which featured former Nets coach Lawrence Frank, University of Kansas Men’s Basketball Head Coach Bill Self.

• NBA Summer League – The network aired 59 live games including first round draft pick John Wall’s first four games as an NBA Player with the Washington Wizards.

• 2010 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement – The network delivered week-long coverage (Aug. 9 – 13) of the 2010 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festivities including the live red-carpet show and enshrinement ceremony.

• WNBA Playoffs –  NBA TV aired  41 live games of the 2010 WNBA Regular season and will air Eastern Conference Finals exclusively and is the home for the WNBA Playoffs Postgame Show.

• 2010 FIBA Men’s World Championship –During the Men’s FIBA World Championship, NBA TV will air 20 live games plus re-airs of all Team USA games and featured special programming including a special episode of Real Training Camp and the Nike World Basketball Festival.

NBA TV PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE:

*All Times Eastern Standard; FIBA Championships listings will be updated as games are added

WNBA Eastern Conference Finals Schedule:

*If Necessary

NBA Digital is the NBA’s extensive cross-platform portfolio of digital assets jointly managed by the NBA and Turner Sports. This robust offering includes NBA TV, NBA.com, NBA LEAGUE PASS, NBA LEAGUE PASS Broadband, NBA Mobile, NBADLEAGUE.com and WNBA.com.

Turner Sports, a division of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., presents some of the best and most popular sporting events worldwide and is a leader in televised and online sports programming.  With events airing on TBS and TNT, Turner Sports’ line-up includes NASCAR and NASCAR.COM, the NBA, Major League Baseball, professional golf, PGATOUR.COM and PGA.com.  Turner Sports and the NBA also jointly manage NBA Digital, which includes NBA TV, NBA.com, NBA LEAGUE PASS, NBA LEAGUE PASS Broadband, NBA Mobile, NBADLEAGUE.com and WNBA.com.

-30-

NBA TV Caps Off Exciting NBA Off-Season with 2010 WNBA Conference Finals Action & 2010 FIBA World Championship Coverage is a post from: Sports Media News