If you're a frequenter of the convenience store 7-11, you'll be noticing an overhaul of their stores in the next few weeks. Much like last summer, when "The Simpsons Movie" took over the stores before it debuted, NBC is using Slurpie Cups and Big Bite containers as promotional vehicles for Sunday Night Football games on the network. Via Mediaweek....

Mike McCarley, vp, marketing, promotions and communications, NBC Universal Sports & Olympics, is hoping the partnership and promotion will not only reach avid football fans and regular SNF telecasts, but also "millions of casual fans."

"Sunday Night is Football Night is not just for die-hard fans but for their friends and family who gather around the TV and watch the game as a social occasion," McCarley said. "Partnering with with 7-Eleven allows us to reach millions more avid and casual football fans each week and allows those fans to stock up for Sunday night's big matchups."

In-store promotions in more than 6,000 7-Eleven stores will include special cups and hot dog containers that are preprinted with the 2008 NBC Sunday Night Football game schedule. Customers will also be able to enter a sweepstakes and each week, a customer will be randomly selected to win a trip for two to New York City to visit the pregame show.

That seems like a lame prize to me if they're trying to target casual Football fans. Most people would have used tickets to the Super Bowl, but hey....whatever you think will work. Other than that it seems like a great idea depending on the money involved. I can't imagine that it's cheap to turn over 6,000, 7-11's into a giant advertisement for a network, but the amount of traffic seeing the ads is probably worth the price.

NBC Sports Teams Up With 7-Eleven (Mediaweek)

(Photo via Sports Business Daily)

I'm still trying to figure out what NBC is trying to do with their Football coverage on Sunday nights but in the meantime, MSNBC decided to give us a glimpse at what the new "Big Show" would look like come September....

I know NBC is banking on this combo, but I'm still wary about the decision. Don't get me wrong, I loved "The Big Show" but for some reason I just don't think it will have the same impact with about ten other people trying to fight for airtime. Again, folks.....less is always, and I mean ALWAYS more (see: MNF's Halftime Show).

(MNF review to follow)

Hey, why don't we follow up ESPN's "Manny Socks" with yet another ridiculous idea/PR move? NBC Sports has decided to put a Sunday Night Football Cookbook out and it features recipes from top chefs but Faith Hill and John Madden himself!

Completely authorized by NBC Sports, The Sunday Night Football Cookbook marries two great American institutions--food and football. With more than 150 delicious recipes from America's top chefs, NFL players and alumni, and NBC Sports' all-star on-air team, the book is an easy-to-use playbook for making the ultimate football meal.

Team by team and city by city, The Sunday Night Football Cookbook celebrates the special dishes, unique flavors, and most famous chefs of the NFL's 31 cities (and Honolulu, where the Pro Bowl is held.. Recipes range from local favorites like Seared Tequila Chicken from Eddie Matney's Restaurant in Phoenix to decadent desserts like Chef Tobin McAfee's Double Loving Chocolate Spoonful served at Sir Edmond Halley's in Charlotte, NC.

Among the all-star chefs contributing recipes are Daniel Boulud, Jean-Robert de Cavel, Christopher Wilson, Susan Goss, and others. Also adding their favorite recipes are former NFL players--including Green Bay Packer Brett Favre, Pittsburgh Steeler Jerome Bettis, and Minnesota Viking Carl Eller--and stars from the NBC Sports team, including John Madden, Tiki Barber, and Bob Costas.

These aren't your run-of-the-mill tailgating recipes, though: The Sunday Night Football Cookbook redefines football food, transforming traditional dishes into super-tasty recipes and adding the nation's regional tastes to the game-day table.

Seems like a winner. I was trying to come up with a few ideas for the SNIFNIA gang and all I could come up with is: John Madden's Maple Syrup coated Turducken with Mini Donuts and mashed potatoes and Tiki Barber's "Throw Your Teammates Under The Bus" Cheese Fries (ketchup on the side to be used as blood). If you can do better, feel free to try in the comments.

If you want the book, you can find it at a bookstore near you on September 2nd for the low low price of $27.95!

NBC Sunday Night Football Cookbook (Amazon)
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I don't know why I found this ad so funny, perhaps it caught me off guard, but I couldn't stop laughing following this "anything you can do" inspired commercial with the Manning Bros....

Awww! So very cute. I had also planned on doing a review of NBC's preseason opener, but there were so many elements and folks missing that I decided against it. With that said, I thought the broadcast was as good as you can get for your first of the year. They didn't go overboard talking about the Olympics or Brett Favre until the fourth quarter (understandable to do so then) and Michaels and Madden really didn't seem to make any big mistakes. I was also a huge fan of the bump music choices which included Journey, Jay-Z, Peter Gabriel and Guns N' Roses.

Also, Adam Schefter of the NFL Network stood in for Andrea Kremer, who is in Beijing, and did a stellar job. It wouldn't be a bad idea to add him full time, but I think that'd put the on-air talent count at about twenty six. Expect more reviews and recaps as the preseason goes along, and get ready for the return of the Pam Ward Chronicles later this month.

Interesting NFL angle this weekend as Sports Business Journal passes along the news that NBC will be streaming their Sunday night games online. Seventeen games will be able to be viewed online and will start with the Skins-Giants on September 4th....

Starting with the NFL Kickoff game on Thursday, Sept. 4, between the Washington Redskins and New York Giants, the league plans to stream NBC's prime-time schedule on NFL.com and NBCSports.com as part of a plan being engineered by NBC Olympics President Gary Zen-kel and Brian Rolapp, NFL senior vice president of digital media.

The online video will consist of NBC's broadcast feed, with the call by Al Michaels and John Madden. The league has not decided how to treat the ads, but the most likely scenario will strip NBC's ads out of the broadcast, with the NFL and NBC selling new online ads and sharing the revenue.

The move is significant for the NFL, as it continues to ramp up its digital offerings and open its content on more platforms. The league always has been extremely protective of its game action, doling out limited use of highlights and vigorously safeguarding the television broadcast. Two years ago the league took management of NFL.com in-house, and last year that site was the only place on the Web where users could find limited game highlights.

I still don't understand why they don't do these process for all games similar to what MLB does. How many fans would pay at least $20 a month to watch out of market games? The NFL Network did this last year (sort of) but there's a big difference between a cable channel and network television. I don't know who would care about watching a game online that everyone in the country gets already, but I guess it's a step in the right direction towards streaming all of the games on Sundays.

(Via SBJ's Monday Edition)

Wow. How about this little bit of breaking news for a Monday afternoon? NBC is going to bring on Dan Patrick to work with Olbermann during his highlight section during halftimes of the network's Sunday night games....

Dan Patrick, who left ESPN last year to create his own syndicated radio program and write a column for Sports Illustrated, will join NBC Sports where he will be reunited with Keith Olbermann to call the N.F.L. highlights on “Football Night in America.” NBC is scheduled to make the announcement at 2 p.m. Eastern.

NBC is looking to recreate the chemistry and quirky humor that Patrick and Olbermann demonstrated when they were co-anchors on ESPN’s “SportsCenter,” which they dubbed “The Big Show.” Olbermann joined “Football Night” last year, but is best known now as the host of MSNBC’s nightly “Countdown” program.

I love the two together as much as the next person but it just makes zero sense to hire more people for that studio show. This hire makes seven employees that currently work on the show and that's just way too many cooks in the kitchen. I wish nothing but fun times for the two, but I don't know how they're going to get to say what they want with Costas, Collinsworth, Bettis, Barber and Peter King vying for airtime as well. It'll be interesting.

Patrick and Olbermann Reunite on NBC (NY Times)

People have been ragging on the New York Post for years, but this piece just made me laugh. Via The Realests comes news that the Post says NBC could be interested in Michael Strahan for coverage next season. There's only one problem. The Strahan they're referring to is a Hall of Fame Linebacker....

Even NBC is getting in line to talk to the Hall of Fame linebacker, who can turn on the charm and talk like a college professor about football. "It's not what he's used to being paid," says one insider familiar with the trajectory of Strahan's new broadcasting career. "But at least he can be assured that he won't blow out his knees on a Sunday morning."

I know it's tough when a TV guy tries to write about Sports but you've got a whole stable of Sports guys that can help you out with that one. I also love how he quotes "an insider", but can't even get the guy's position right.

Also, if NBC hires Strahan to make him the 20th person on their coverage, and puts him with Tiki Barber, I'm going to throw up.

The New York Post: Still Morons (The Realests)
The Courtship of Michael Strahan (NY Post)

So the full schedule for the NFL was released today and we get our first look at some of the great weekends for the upcoming season. I broke out all of the primetime games for you here, so you know how to plan ahead of time.

ESPN Monday Night Football

Monday, Sept. 8- Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers 7 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 15 - Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys 8:30 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 22- New York Jets at San Diego Chargers 8:30 p.m. ESPN
Monday, Sept. 29 - Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers 8:30 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 6 - Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints 8:30 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 13 - New York Giants at Cleveland Browns 8:30 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 20 - Denver Broncos at New England Patriots 8:30 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 27 - Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans 8:30 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 3 - Pittsburgh Steelers at Washington Redskins 8:30 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 10- San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals 8:30 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 17 - Cleveland Browns at Buffalo Bills 8:30 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 24 - Green Bay Packers at New Orleans Saints 8:30 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 1 - Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans 8:30 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 8 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers 8:30 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 15 - Cleveland Browns at Philadelphia Eagles 8:30 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 22 - Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears 8:30 p.m.

NBC Sunday Night Football

Thursday, Sept. 4- Washington Redskins at New York Giants 7 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 7 - Chicago Bears at Indianapolis Colts 8:15 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 14- Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns 8:15 p.m. NBC
Sunday, Sept. 21- Dallas Cowboys at Green Bay Packers 8:15 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 28 - Philadelphia Eagles at Chicago Bears 8:15 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 5 - Pittsburgh Steelers at Jacksonville Jaguars 8:15 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 12 - New England Patriots at San Diego Chargers 8:15 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 19 - Seattle Seahawks at Tampa Bay Buccaneers 8:15 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 26- No Game
Sunday, Nov. 2 - New England Patriots at Indianapolis Colts 8:15 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 9 - New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles 8:15 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 16 - Dallas Cowboys at Washington Redskins 8:15 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 23 - Indianapolis Colts at San Diego Chargers 8:15 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 30 - Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings 8:15 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 7 - New England Patriots at Seattle Seahawks 8:15 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 14- New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys 8:15 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 21 - San Diego Chargers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers 8:15 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 28- TBD

NFL Network Thursday Night Football

Thursday, Nov. 6- Denver Broncos at Cleveland Browns 8:15 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 13- New York Jets at New England Patriots 8:15 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 20- Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers 8:15 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 27- Arizona Cardinals at Philadelphia Eagles 8:15 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 4- Oakland Raiders at San Diego Chargers 8:15 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 11- New Orleans Saints at Chicago Bears 8:15 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 18- Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars 8:15 p.m.
______________________________

NBC once again gets a boatload of great games while ESPN is left to pick up the pieces and somehow the Browns and Bears each got 5...count them 5 primetime games! Neither team even made the Playoffs last year. NBC gets 3 Patriots games while the other two networks get a lone game. One of those games is even the Pats-Colts which was a ratings goldmine for CBS last year.

Should be a fun year. Outside of the 9ers and Cardinals there's not one MNF live-blog I wouldn't want to do and I may even be starting up a full time Sunday Night one as well.

AFC Team By Team Schedule (NFL.com)
NFC Team By Team Schedule (NFL.com)

The rumor earlier this week was that the NBC Analyst was going to be dropped from the Today Show, but that didn't pan out. Instead they're sending Tiki to Bejing to be the show's Olympic correspondent.....

Tiki Barber, last seen by many sports fans interviewing former teammates for NBC after Super Bowl XLII, will be part of the "Today" show contingent at the Beijing Olympics.

So SportsWatch learned yesterday from a person in the sports TV industry, and so Barber's agent, Mark Lepselter, confirmed last night.

When Lepselter called, he was furious about a rumor posted Sunday on ProFootballTalk.com, a blog widely read in the football world, that speculated Barber might be out as a "Today" correspondent.

"Nothing could be further from the truth," said Lepselter, who added that in addition to his Olympics assignment, Barber is working on projects for "Dateline," "NBC Nightly News" and MSNBC.

Well then. Not only is Tiki not being dropped, he's getting even more work on the network. Greaaaaaat.

Tiki To Bejing (Newsday)

It was announced last week that the Redskins and Giants would be kicking off the NFL season on Thursday, September 4th, but the NFL announced today that the first Sunday Night game of the season will be the Chicago Bears at the Indianapolis Colts.

Why the felt the need to give us a rematch of the 2006 Super Bowl is beyond me, but Indy will be opening up Lucas Oil Stadium that night. I'll be adding the rest of Week One's game in this spot when released.

Hey, ESPN added three so you knew NBC had to follow suit and add their 14th talking head. NBC has tabbed Dolphins DE Jason Taylor to provide analysis for at least the first round and possibly longer...

Dolphins star Jason Taylor won't be playing in the postseason, but he will be working this weekend anyway.

Taylor landed a marquee gig -- guest studio analyst on NBC's coverage of two wild-card games Saturday. He will be substituting for Cris Collinsworth, who is working the Washington-Seattle game with Tom Hammond on NBC ( Al Michaels and John Madden will call NBC's second game -- Jacksonville-Pittsburgh).

Taylor will appear alongside Bob Costas, Keith Olbermann, Jerome Bettis and Tiki Barber.

''I'm excited . . . ,'' Taylor said. ``Obviously, I wish I was playing this week. Jerome talked about playing some teams that embarrassed you. If I had to do that now, we'd be taking a whole 'nother year to do it.''

Again, current players and coaches aren't my favorite choices, but Jason Taylor will probably be okay. I mean if he can talk Zach Thomas into marrying his sister he should be able to talk on TV.

Taylor reaches playoffs, but will line up in the booth (Miami Herald)

A young Tony Dungy as a Steelers coach with Chuck Noll and future Colts O-coordinator Tom Moore.

New rules for this half: given the propensity and probability that this half will consist mostly of three and outs, I will, rather than try to get the game action, catalog the myriad of non-Colts or Titans related subjects John and Al touch on. Of course, big plays and scores will still be noted, but these may be few and far between right now. If you'd like to help out, please do so in comments (like you don't already.)

"I always look forward to a big implosion. This building will be torn down, but not exploded." - JM. He must love his trips to the restroom in the Madden Cruiser.

Also, a 2nd half three and out count will be used. That #1 for the Colts this half. They're now talking about the Colts' new dome, of course. I think John just called the RCA Dome a pimple. Colts recover a fumble by LenDale White. He'd never have dropped it if it were a sandwich.

Apparently if Sorgi gets hurt, Peyton comes back in. Cleveland is hoping Albert Haynesworth stomps on Sorgi's face.

Players from the Ivy League -- apparently Clifton Dawson is a Hah-vahd man. TOUCHDOWN COLTS -- Sorgi rifles it to Craphonso Thorpe. Kick is good, 10-7, Colts.

Chris Henry (not the Bengal) just got DESTROYED on that kick off return. That's gonna leave a mark. "If that was a heavyweight fight he'd have to take a standing eight count." - Madden.

No three and out this time, VY picks up a first down, but comes up limping a bit -- and he's taking himself out of the game now after the next play. Here comes Kerry Collins. Drink, people, because you know Kerry did today. Penalty-fest: false start, delay of game, then offsides on the Colts, yeesh.

Madden said reid was pointing to the top of his head and he didnt know why. John he was pointing the name on his back because like all athletes today he wanted everyone to know who he is because he made a play. - Steve

Nice.

Truly AMAZING stuff on NBATV in the Celtics vs Lakers game. The Lakers are going "old-school" and this ain't your regular old school. They have super short shorts on like shorter then John Stockton. You have to see this. - Brett

I'm in SoCal, so it's on the Fox Sports here -- and all I can say is, "I see London, I see France, I see Kobe's underpants."

Bironas kicks a FG for the Titans after the Collins-led drive stalls. 10-10 all.

The other good part about Fox Sports here is that there are two channels: one is showing the regular game feed with announcers while the other is just using the sideline cameras and such; they call it "Lakers Sideline." All you get are these cameras and the P.A. announcer -- with a sideline reporter doing dorky interviews with Andy Garcia and Lakers VP Jeanie Buss before the game (and she sounds less like an exec VP than a total Laker groupie.)

VY ain't coming back with that strained calf, people -- no matter how questionable Andrea Kremer says he is. Third quarter over.

Take notice-that could be the only time you ever hear a "Let's go Sorgi" chant in an NFL stadium - Sam

It must be nice to be Jim Sorgi. Get paid a good salary, don't have to do jack shit of consequence ever because Peyton's never hurt at all. Now, there's shots of Peyton playing offensive coordinator on the sidelines with Sorgi. That's the only part that's gotta suck, and the look on Sorgi's face was priceless; "Dammit, I don't wanna listen to this asshat" while saying "Yeah, Peyton, you got it." I dare say Jim Sorgi had Eli Manning face on him while getting a priceless pep talk from Peyton.

"They're not saying 'boo', they're saying 'Luke', aren't they?" - JM

Three and out #2 this half for the Colts.

Vince Young injured in a game John Madden commentates......now there's a coincidence ;) Madden jinx!!! - Mark B
The only NFL job easier than Peyton's backup is the Patriots' punter. - Jet City Gambler

JM: "There are some things you can do in the locker room on a table that you just can't do on the field." - (via False Rumour Monger)

(shivers in fear) VY's running back to the sideline now, but I doubt he's getting back on the field at all.

Via The Sporting Blog comes a replay of the Reid hit on Henry

Damn, AA -- it's tough to watch that again. I'm awaiting the Kerry Collins that never fails to throw a timely pick, and he's been close to it with the past two passes. Here comes Bironas for a field goal to go ahead. It's good, 13-10, Titans.

So, Browns fans, your hopes lie on the shoulders of Jim Sorgi. Might as well get ready for the off-season now. Antoine Odom just teabagged Sorgi. After an incomplete and a pass that's short, that's #3 three and out for the Colts. Titans have it at the Colts 47.

The Titans are trying to eat clock right now by running the ball. Well, they were. Collins is gunslinging it down the field for first down after first down.

If you missed it, Andrea Kremer talked about text-messaging Willie McGinest, who's apparently waiting with baited breath to see if he goes to the playoffs. My guess is that Kremer got McGinest's number, hoping he still had Tom Brady's. Bironas nails another field goal, 16-10, Titans.

How much of a "fuck you" would it be if Peyton, Clark, and Wayne came back in right now to get a game-winning touchdown?

"It's the month of the Collinses." - AM. I smell conspiracy -- two square-jawed dudes named Collins in their late thirties come in to replace young, black quarterbacks in VY and Jason Campbell -- Collinses don't care about black people.

The receiver should have come down with that Sorgi pass, and we get "Another One Bites the Dust," presumably for Browns fans. This sucker's over, Titans will get into the playoffs with a 16-10 victory. I'm going over to Celtics-Lakers, and I presumably will see you next Saturday once AA and I work out who's live-blogging what for Wild Card Weekend.

Vince Young, making the rounds at an ATP men's tennis tour stop in his hometown of Houston. I will be live-blogging this game while participating in EDSBS' drinking game with the Independence Bowl. Wish me luck!

OK, here we go with John and Al, and let's see how much Peyton is actually playing tonight. John's talking about the "two games" tonight. Is that anything like John Edwards' "Two Americas" speech or anything?

Colts kick it off, and the Titans will start deep in their own territory. VY hands it off to LenDale White, who garners 10+ yards on the first rush from scrimmage. White busts it again for another 15 and a first down at midfield. A small victory for the Colts early, they stop White after only two yards. VY hits Bo Scaife on third down for another first. Chris Brown barrels through for another 1st in Indy territory after a VY pass for eight on the previous play. VY is slinging it to Byron Ealey now. Another catch, this one by Justin Gage, and it's first and goal.

Chris Brown barrels right in on first down for a touchdown, Titans. Kick is up and good, 7-0 Titans.

Not a good way for the Colts to start -- like they care. Kicked off to T.J. Rushing, and he goes back to the 22 yard line, which is where we'll say hello to Peyton Manning. Peyton hits Joseph Addai on the swing for eight yards. He then hits Reggie Wayne for a first down. Incomplete on the next play. 2nd down catch by Wayne gets a few yards. Manning to Wayne for another first down with extra yardage after the catch into Titans territory. Peyton to Clark, 3rd and 1, Peyton to Unpronounceable Receiver Not Marvin Harrison for another 1st. Wayne FUMBLES!!! on the swing out pass, and Tennessee's got it back.

More rushing for the Titans on the start of this series. Chris Brown gets another first down on the second play.

"He gets that penetration, gets in the backfield." - JM

VY looked really weird sliding on that bootleg out when there wasn't any sort of pass available downfield. It'll be 3rd and 12 here, and not enough on the play. 4th down, here comes the punt team. Indy brings the punt back to the 18.

JM: "That time Joseph Addai got what you call a real chip. That was chipping off a big, old hunk. It took Vandebosh right down."
AM: "Put him in the woodchipper." - via False Rumour Monger

Addai busts a big run past the 30 on the first play for 15 yards. Another one past the 35 for Addai, 2nd and 6 coming up. Peyton to Fletcher to close out the quarter. More Addai, more first down for the start of the second. Swing out to Wayne, which he doesn't drop this time. Short of the first down. Another shortie to Wayne, and that's a first down. Another pass to Wayne, another first down. Peyton is a machine right now.

"He's big and strong and he's physical." - JM, talking about Titans defenders. Another 4-yard pass to Wayne. Addai gets stuffed on the next play, but 3rd and 16 at the Titans 19 is coming up. Manning's arm gets smacked while throwing, and here comes Viniateri to kick a field goal. Kick is up and good, 7-3, Titans.

Really, NBC? Couldn't you have gotten Don Henley's original instead of the Ataris' cover of "The Boys of Summer"?

VY gets it out to the tight end for 27 yards, and this Colts team is sucking on defense right now. One yard gain for Chris Brown. 3rd and six is caught by Gage across midfield for a first down. Vince Young just steps up and makes the big plays, people. Pass interference on a bomb thrown by VY against Marlin Jackson. Ball is loose on the next play inside the 10, and the Colts get the fumble recovery!!!

IT'S SORGI TIME!!!!

Is Al going to mention Cleveland everytime something exciting happens in the game? - Rick.

Yes. Yes he will. Sorgi, out to the fullback at the 14 yard line. He then hits Reggie Wayne for a first down, and now has the most receiving yards in the league. Another pass to Wayne to a first down, and "he learned this from Peyton Manning." I bet he did, John. I think someone should name their band the Jim Sorgi Experience. An incompletion on 2nd, and the pass to Craphonso Thorpe is short of the first. Punt time. Returned to the 25, but will come back with a penalty flag.

3 and a half left in the first half, everyone. VY incomplete on 2nd down, and it's stalling again. Incomplete on third down, and it's another punt. A good punt return is negated by a block in the back. Sorgi at his own 30, and knocked down by the Titans. He then throws incomplete with a flag on the play -- it's on the Colts, and declined. Sorgi throws another incompletion, punt time.

"This has to be so agonizing for the Cleveland Browns right now." - AM

2:13 left in the half. White gets nothing on first down, time for the 2 minute warning. VY's 2nd down pass bounces off of Bo Scaife and lands in the arm of another Titans receiver somehow. John and Al are bored -- they're now talking about the Immaculate Reception for some reason. Another pass to Gage for a 1st down, and 1:42 and a first down at the Indy 41.

Sorry. Browser crashed. Tennessee punted again, and the half ran out. Titans, 7-3 at the half. I have to decide whether this is worth blogging the 2nd half.

"It used to be clipping on the return team, now it's block in the back"-Madden
"I miss clipping"-Michaels - Via Sam

"There's more Colt jerseys at a Colt game than any other stadium."- John Madden - (Via AA)

S2N back with you again, and you won't be seeing too much of this guy above in Titans-Colts tonight. This game, despite the likely viewing of Jim Sorgi for much of it, means something, as everyone in Cleveland is officially a Colts fan for the next four hours. Titans win and they're headed to San Diego, otherwise, the Browns will be headed to the Whale's Vagina, Tijuana's Hat, or any other nickname you have for the city.

So, let's document this week's atrocities from Costas and Co. in the comments, and I'll see you for the first half.

AA Here......had to jack S2N's thread with this hilarious clip of Jon Gruden inventing a new word.....

Irrelative? Oooookay.

This was the video that I mentioned at the start of last night's NBC telecast and I really need your help to figure out what the hell is going on. Keith Olbermann goes into an old clip of Cris Collinsworth trying to impress a model with his losing Super Bowl ring, which is hilarious. But what is all of this Tab nonsense at the end? Via the AA Weekend in Review over at The Sporting Blog....

Actually here's a better question.....They still make Tab??? That stuff was worse than Sam's Choice Cola. Also did Cris have his pinkie finger out when drinking a soda? No wonder she left the Country.

Weekend Tube Review: Final Primetime Games Set (The Sporting News)

22 to zero Skins at the half and Peter King is calling as many coaches as he can to see who's playing next week. Tony Dungy has said Manning is only playing a half.

When did Keith stop doing his "Worst Person in Football"? I haven't seen one in weeks.

Allison takes the kickoff and has a huge return, but it's a penalty on Vikings. Sellers is hurt and that looked very Kevin Everett-like. That didn't look good. He was moving his legs around so he might have only been knocked out. And wow....he jogs off the field. That guy is a stud.

1st down Vikings from their 26. Peterson picks up 3 on first down but he follows with a great run on 2nd. He picks up 18 yards and is nailed by Shawn Springs. They run it with him again and he only gets a yard. Williamson picks up a fancy screen and it'll be 3rd and 3 at the Skins 45......Pitch to Taylor and that's short. 4th and 1 and the Vikes are going for it....

No way! Great stop as Peterson gets stuffed going up the middle. Redskins ball. Collins play actions and hits Sellers' replacement Kozlowski for 5 yards. Portis losses a yard on second and it's 3rd and 6.....Caught over the middle by ARE. A nice run after the catch gets it down to the Vikings 32.

Play action again on first down and there's another 10+ yarder to Moss. First down. Betts up the middle for about seven to the 14. Betts again up the middle and it'll be first and goal from the 4 for the Skins.

Portis goes up the middle to about the 1 yard line....2nd and Goal. Play action is incomplete as Cooley can't get out of the weeds. 3rd and Goal.....False start on Alexander and that'll drop it back to the 6.....

They try the Portis throw again and that's not working. Dumb call there. 26 yard FG......

GOOD! 25-0 Skins.

"That photo of Chris Cooley is disturbing on so many levels." (Via Anon)

My work is done.

Let's see if they can keep Allison from returning it 40 yards this time. Hey! They did it. Vikings ball at the 23. Jackson has it batted down incomplete on first down but they swing it to Peterson on second and he gets 14. Good play there.

Jackson overthrows Williamson badly on first down and he's going to throw another pick before this thing is done. Troy Will gets the attempt again, and again he has the first and momentum makes him lose it. 3rd and inches.....

"As we start to getting into double digit links that's when I would look to my Running Back."- John Madden
"Or scrambled eggs."- Al Michaels

The Vikes pick up a first on a pitch to Chester Taylor and then try to go deep but it's incomplete. Tony Richardson picks up the first on a screen thought. Godfrey is down for the Skins and that's their last linebacker walking. That's not good.

Jackson hits Bobby Wade for a nice gain and that's immediately followed by a nice throw and catch to Ferguson. First and goal Vikes from the 2......

TOUCHDOWN VIKINGS!!! Jackson to Kleinsasser. They're trying to make it interesting......

25-7 Skins.

Did anyone else here that scary voice over top of that shot of Adrian Peterson on the sidelines, or is the Devil telling me to burn things again? (Via Mark)

I thought that was just my TV....very scary. OH CRAP! Onside kick and the Vikings recover!!! Now they're really making it interesting. Williamson picks up six or so on first down and Peterson drops it on second down. 3rd and 4....Jackson sacked! Why didn't he just throw that away? He makes some horrible decisions. Vikings punt.....touchback.

"Where they head the 8 men, 9 men, and they got what they wanted....the backoff, and they threw to the backoff."- John Madden

Caldwell gets the Collins pass on first down and picks up seven, which is followed by a Portis two yard run. 3rd and 1....Portis losses about 3 yards trying the middle. Skins punt but not until the 4th quarter starts. Put your 4s up.

Moore returns the punt to about the 40, but an unsportsmanlike penalty on James Thrash adds 15.....Vikings ball in Skins territory. On first down the screen goes to Taylor and he picks up a first. Ball at the 35.

Peterson pitches to Allison on the end around but that only nets a yard. Shiancoe gets the pass and picks up about 8. 3rd and short.....Jackson runs and gets the first, but there's a flag on the play.....it's on the Skins. First down.

Jackson to Wade picks up 9 to the 11 yard line....2nd and 1. First down as Wade gets it again.....first and goal Vikings at the 5. Incomplete on the fade to Ferguson on first and Chester Taylor losses a yard on 2nd down. 3rd and goal....

TOUCHDOWN VIKINGS! Tavaris Jackson up the middle and this is suddenly turning into a game.....

25-14....10 minutes left.

Cartwright takes it out to the 25...first down. Collins rolls out to the right and then pulls it down and smartly stays in bounds for 5 yards. A false start on 2nd down and that'll make it 2nd and 11. Huuuuge catch on the sidelines by Moss and that was close. They try the quick snap to stop the challenge and they FUMBLE!!!

Minnesota ball and now Gibbs throws a challenge flag out there. Gibbs is testing that there were 12 men on the field. It's overturned! 12 men on the field. Amazing.....and Childress is flipping out.

1st and 5 from their own 48. Portis picks up 4 yards on first and follows that with a nice 11 yarder for another first down. Betts picks up one yard to the Vikings 30.....7 minutes left. Caldwell gets 4 yards on the throw for Collins and it'll be about 3rd and 5. Vikings call timeout.

Portis right up the gut and that's a first down! 9 yards down to the twenty. Collins hits James Thrash on a slant for six yards...........

TOUCHDOWN REDSKINS!!!!! Clinton Portis on the pitch! He just broke Smith's ankles on that one.

32-14 Skins.

5 minutes left and the kickoff goes short to Grigsby. Peterson was back to receive that one, so that was a hell of a move. Jackson throws it away on first down but Taylor picks up a first on the screen on 2nd. Jackson runs it for another first near midefield and then Taylor gets another screen for nine.

Peterson gets the first down to the 37 yard line of the Skins. Jackson to Williamson but that'll come back as Troy went out of bounds before catching it. Tavaris to Shiancoe for a few and it's 2nd and 9. Jackson again on the sneak and another first down and the Vikings spike the ball. 2:32 left.

Ferguson gets a first down and another spike for Jackson. Shawn Springs makes a nice hit on Ferguson and breaks up a pass and that's followed by a fade to Allison...a flag is thrown on Smoot but that ball was in the stands. It's ruled uncatchable. 4th and 10 and Landry destroys Jackson he just chucks it up in the air.

There's a horrible call on Torrence though and an interference penalty puts it at the one........

TOUCHDOWN VIKINGS! Jackson on the sneak and that drops the lead to 11 at the two minute warning.....

32-21 now.

The onside kick goes out of bounds and the Skins take the ball. A run by Portis losses a bunch of yards and the Vikings call timeout with 1:50 to go. Another run by Portis goes nowhere and the Vikings call their last timeout. Betts up the middle to the 30 and the clock runs. The Skins call timeout with 1:04 left. Frost punts down to the 5 and the Vikings will have a minute and a full field to travel.

Taylor on the screen for 8 yards, Jackson picks up the first on the run and the Vikings don't even bother to spike it. That's the game folks.

32-21 Redskins win. I can't even begin to tell you how amazing Todd Collins looks in this offense and it's the Cowboys at home for a trip to Seattle and the Playoffs. Great game if you're a Skins fan. Videos and other goodness coming tomorrow.

I'll see you for some Bowl Game live-blogs and I'll be doing the Pats-Giants game next Saturday. Cheers!

Good evening folks. S2N and I decided to switch up our live-blogging duties for this weekend, so I hope you're not mad that you get me (AA) tonight. As it turns out we'll both be covering our favorite teams, but I'll try not to be too much of a homer tonight.

See you after the Dolphins-Pats game around 7:30ish for a night of Holiday Cheer and a celebration of a game with playoff implications (I think this is the first one I've got this year).

Drop what you're doing right now! The finale of Duel is on!!! Just kidding. The highlight of the pregame was a hilarious look at an old Chris Collinsworth commercial where he tries to pick up a girl with his Super Bowl ring. From the one the Bengals lost. That'll be up tomorrow.

Can somebody please explain to me the reason for the existence of that stripe on Peter King's head? (Via Anon)

I'm not entirely too sure. It's like Rasheed Wallace's white spot. There's our girl Queen Latifah in her Skins jersey it's time to do this thing.....
____________________________________

Hi Al! Umm, NBC....you can get rid of the letterbox and go widescreen anytime now.

"I like Joe Gibbs in these situations."- John Madden

That makes one of us. Skins get the ball first and we're underway....Cartwright gets it out just past the 20, and ARE does his best Ron Burgundy impression. Incomplete pass on first down to Moss. Play action to Sellers only gets a few and it's 3rd and long....Incomplete....Skins punt and that was not a good series.....

Fair catch by Moore at the Vikings 37. Skins load the box with 8 defenders and Purple Jesus doesn't get much. Play action.....

PICKED OFF!!!!!! SMOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT! And he returns it all the way to the Vikings 10 yard line. Al also give us our first Sex Boat mention of the day as well.

False start penalty takes it back to the 13. Shovel pass to Portis and he almost gets in....2nd and Goal from the 2. A pitch to Portis looses yards and that's a killer. 3rd and Goal from the 6....Pass to Moss and he is just outside of the endzone....good call by the refs. Skins go for it on 4th and an inch.....

TOUCHDOWN REDSKINS!!!! Mike Sellers up the gut for six.....

7-0. WiathBrad Childress is challenging the call....Overturned and it appears to be a good call. There wasn't a whole lot to overturn it.

AND THERE'S A SAFETY! Whole crap...

2-0 SKINS!

"They could challenge this as well."- Al Michaels on the Safety

Umm actually I don't think they can. Don't you only one challenge a half?

"And Childress won't challenge this."- Al Michaels

He can't dammit! Can someone please tell him that.

Free kick to ARE gets it out past the 30. Portis gets a few on the pitch and that Vikings run defense is huge. Turnovers are going to win this thing. Portis again for 4 and it's 3rd and short.....Caught.....first down on the hook to Caldwell.

Portis cuts back for seven yards and takes it into Vikings territory. EJ Henderson is down and that's a timeout. 2nd and 3 and the Skins try to run it at Pat Williams. Nothing. 3rd and 4.....Collins to Caldwell again. Great route there...Caldwell just turned Griffin inside out.

TOUCHDOWN REDSKINS!!! Collins to Cooley and he was WIDE open. No one near him......

9-0 Skins.

Todd Collins floats every single pass but somehow he's completing them.

"The return of Reche Caldwell's crazy eyes this game has everything" (Via Anon)

"When you and I went kayaking earlier we never knew it would turn into a day like this."- Al Michaels

Man Dates! Nice. FUUMMMMMMMMMBLE! Allison drops the kickoff after he got it out to the 40. Vikings somehow recover. First down Minnesota.

Flex Game is Tenn-Indy for Week 17. Peterson nowhere on first down and the Skins snuff out a screen on 2nd down to AP as well. 3rd and 11....Williamson with the catch but that's a yard short. Vikings punt....

ARE goes nowhere and it'll be the Skins ball at their own 8 yard line. Portis for 3 on first down and Sellers gets a yard on 2nd down. Both runs up the middle for nothing. Pat Williams lumbers to the sidelines for 3rd and 6......FUMBLE! Collins recovers it though. Skins to punt....

Moore with a nice return on the play but there's a flag down. Illegal block in the back will give the Vikes the ball at the Skins 48. Jackson to Ferguson and that goes for about 9. Or a first down.....Peterson gets about a yard on first down from the 37. Chester Taylor picks up 5 or 6 on 2nd down and it'll be 3rd and 4.....False start on Herrera and that moves it to 3rd and 8.....Caught by Williamson.....NO! It bounced in there. Long FG attempt from Longwell.....

NO GOOD!

Collins dumps to Portis and he pulls off a nice run and a first down. That's the end of the first quarter.

"In case you forgot, Eli Manning is unstoppable."- S2N

How could we ever forget? Portis with a nice run on first down for 8 and he follows it up with another yard up the middle. Pat Williams is there again. 3rd and 1.....Collins sneaks....first down at the Minny 32.

Blitz on first down and Collins goes down. EJ Henderson on the sack. A screen goes to Portis and he gets the yardage back. 3rd and 10.....Draw to Betts and that goes nowhere. Suisham to attempt at a 51 yarder......

Botched snap and Frost just dropped the spot. 1st Down Vikings.....I didn't think he was making that anyway. Don't know why you don't punt there. Peterson goes for a yard on first down, and the Skins middle is holding as good as the Vikings so far. 2nd and 9. Jackson throws behind Ferguson but he makes a nice catch in Skins territory at the 45. First down.

FUMBLE!!!!!! Shiancoe drops it while trying to make a move and Gholston falls on it for the Skins. 1st down Washington.

Whoa there's a new Knight Rider coming out? That's awesome.

Collins to Cooley is batted down by Darren Sharper. 2nd and 10.....Vikes blitz but Collins gets the ball to ARE for about 4. 3rd and 6 from the 45....another blitz and it's incomplete to Cooley again. The Skins get nothing from the turnover and punt it away.....

Touchback. Williamson goes nowhere on first, and.....ANOTHER JACKSON INTERCEPTION! Shawn Springs picks off the floater at the Vikings 32. Collins to Moss is incomplete on first down......

TOUCHDOWN REDSKINS!!! Collins to Moss on a fade to the corner. McCauley played great D but didn't finish and Moss just took it away from him......

16-0 Skins. 7:43 left.

Allison drops back in his endzone to field the kick and boots it out into the field of play. He grabs it and is taken down at the 11 yard line. First down Minnesota.

Peterson goes nowhere as Reed Doughty comes up to the line and takes him down. Put everyone in the box Skins.....they're not throwing anymore. And right on cue Jackson hits Shiancoe for 4 yards. 3rd and 6....Slant to Williamson and that's good for the first down.

Tavaris Jackson throws deep to nobody on first down and that pass falls incomplete. Peterson gets a yard on second down and it'll be 3rd and long.....Jackson tries to run for it, but he's a yard short. Vikings punt again.

Great punt and ARE runs around for no good reason. Skins ball at the 20. Collins to Randle El on first down. Portis gets the call on first and second on a run and a screen and it'll be 3rd and 1....Sellers up the middle and that's a first down. 2 minute warning.

Does one of these teams HAVE to make the playoffs? Really? Given how much the 5 and 6 seeds will suck, can't we just call off the first round of the NFC playoffs? (Via S2N)

Even as a Skins fan I'd have to agree. I really don't want to see them play the Bucs again. Collins to Moss for a huge gain but Moss went out of bounds and then caught the ball. 1st and 15 back at the Redskins' 40. Screen to Betts and he'll get a few of the penalty yards back. The Skins run the same exact play with Portis this time and he picks up the first down.

Collins calls timeout and I think this is the first time all season the Skins have had all three timeouts with a minute left. Collins to ARE picks up 13 or so and another first down at the Vikings 30. A screen to Sellers is incomplete and it's 2nd and 10. Wow....great run there by Portis on the draw and he takes it all the way down to the 15 for another first down. Timeout Washington.....40 secs left.

PORTIS ON THE PITCH......THROWS IT! TOUCHDOWN REDSKINS!!!!! Randle-El gets it! They are using McCauley tonight......

Washington takes a timeout and will go for two. Cooley drops it over the middle.....

22-0.

Draw to Chester Taylor and that should be the half and here come the boos.......See you in a new thread.

Leading up to this past week's game Monday Night Football had been killing in the ratings. ESPN was fresh off the most viewed cable audience of all time. Then came the "Mike Vick Bowl" this past Monday. The ratings were so dreadfully low that it tied the lowest rated game since ESPN took over the franchise last year.

What's the problem with all of this? Well it turns out that while ESPN is racking up some of the most viewed games of the year, the few terrible games (NO-ATL, MIA-PITT, SEA-SF) have actually hurt them for the year.

According to Sports Business Daily ESPN a Nielsen average of 8.1 which is down 12% from last year's 9.9. With only CHI-MIN and DEN-SD left on the Season Schedule it seems unlikely they'll be able to make up the difference and top last year.

In all fairness all networks (Primetime or not), but CBS are down from last year and that's largely due to the Network getting a 20+ rating for the Pats-Colts game earlier in the year. NBC is actually down 9% from last year and could surpass 2005's Monday Night Football for the lowest rated season of any Primetime Football Program. But again, the Flex Scheduling will probably not let that happen.

Obviously it depends entirely on the matchups each year, and this year has been so crazy that the games picked before the Season didn't turn out to be so great as originally thought. I can now understand why other Networks would be up in arms over the Flex Scheduling leeway that NBC gets.

NBC dropped Tampa-San Fran for it's Week 16 contest in favor of the Washington-Minnesota contest (originally scheduled for 1pm on FOX) today. With the game having playoff implications this is obviously no brainer. The Vikings at 7-6 are sitting in the final wild card spot, and the Redskins at 6-7 are the first team on the outside looking in.

Minnesota has Chicago at home on Monday Night Football next week while the Skins travel to New York for the previously scheduled NBC Sunday Night game. What's even more interesting would have been the possibility of the Redskins being picked for a third week in a row. But unfortunately the Cowboys will have been in Primetime six times on the year thus eliminating them from possibility. That leaves the only intriguing games left as Minnesota at Denver or Detroit at Green Bay for Week 17, and there's no way they're staying with KC at NYJ.

The question is whether NBC would want a game with Playoff implications or one of these other options....

Current Game: KC at NYJ
CBS Games: PIT at BAL, JAX at HOU, BUF at PHI, CIN at MIA, SD at OAK (TEN-INDY Protected)
FOX Games: CAR at TB, SF at CLE, SEA at ATL, STL at AZ, MIN at DEN (GB-CHI Protected)

Yep it looks like we'll get a Madden-Favre Love Fest when the QB might not even play in the game during Week 17.


'Skins - Vikings move to Sunday night in Week 16 (NBC Sports)

I don't know how many of you stayed up to watch the very end of the Eagles-Pats game last night, but if you didn't you missed another stellar Andrea Kremer interview. Last week she lovingly stared into Tom Brady's eyes. This week she gets snubbed on her last question to Wes Welker because his coach was cracking the whip.

The best part of the whole video is Al Michaels seeming noticeably pissed, and saying "Coming Mommy." Good one Al.

(P.S.- Don't think for a second I wouldn't sprint my butt over there if Belichick was yelling at me too.)