Well the time is upon us. Super Bowl XLIV is here, and I wanted to pass along your full broadcasting schedule. I've broken it down by network (CBS, ESPN and NFL Network), so you can flip around during the day depending on where your interests lie.

CBS

The Road To The Super Bowl (Noon-1pm)
Phil Simms All-Iron Team (1pm-2pm)
Studio Show: Super Bowl Today (2-6pm) - James Brown, Dan Marino, Boomer Esiason, Shannon Sharpe and Bill Cowher, Charley Casserly; Reporters: Lesley Visser, Sam Ryan, Steve Tasker, Solomon Wilcots, Dick Enberg and contributor Katie Couric

SEGMENTS:

- THE CITY OF NEW ORLEANS: James Brown takes a look at New Orleans four-and-a-half years after one of the nation's worst natural catastrophes, Hurricane Katrina
- PLAXICO BURRESS: Plaxico Burress sits down with Bill Cowher for his first interview since being sent to jail in September of 2009.
- DREW BREES: Katie Couric sits down with the Saints quarterback.
- REGGIE BUSH: Bush is interviewed by NFL Today analyst Shannon Sharpe.
- NEW ORLEANS DEFENSE: Lesley Visser sits down with Darren Sharper, Jonathan Vilma and Will Smith as they prepare to face the Colts high octane offense.
- PEYTON MANNING: Dan Marino visits with him and talks about Manning’s first Super Bowl win three years ago in Miami, the Colts’ decision not to go for a perfect season, and facing the team that his father Archie played for, the New Orleans Saints.
- DWIGHT FREENEY AND ROBERT MATHIS: Boomer Esiason sits down with Freeney and Mathis as they get ready to take on Drew Brees and the Saints.
- INDIANAPOLIS RECEIVING CORPS: Sam Ryan visits with the Colts’ receiving corps and discusses the role Peyton Manning has played in the quartet’s success.
- WYNTON MARSALIS: Jazz impresario Wynton Marsalis pays a special tribute with music and words to his beloved city of New Orleans.
- BARACK OBAMA: Katie Couric interviews the President before the game.
- GUY FIERI: Will prepare the “perfect tailgate food.”
- MUSICAL PERFORMANCES: Steve Winwood & Daughtry

SUPER BOWL XLIV (6:28pm Kickoff)- Jim Nantz, Phil Simms, Steve Tasker, Solomon Wilcots

ESPN

Mike and Mike in the Morning (ESPN Radio/ESPN2, 6am)- Mike Greenberg and Mike Golic
SportsCenter (ESPN, 7am)
Outside the Lines (ESPN, 8am)- Bob Ley Guest: Chicago Bears linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer and former New Orleans Saints offensive tackle Kyle Turley
The Sports Reporters (ESPN, 8:30am)- John Saunders and a panel of sports journalists
SportsCenter live from Sun Life Stadium (ESPN, 9am)- Mike Tirico, Jon Gruden and Ron Jaworski
Sunday NFL Countdown (ESPN, 10am-2pm)- Chris Berman, Tom Jackson, Mike Ditka, Keyshawn Johnson, Cris Carter, Steve Young, Trent Dilfer, Tedi Bruschi, Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski, Jon Gruden, Chris Mortensen, Adam Schefter, Suzy Kolber and Ed Werder

Special Guests:

– Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, Kevin James, David Spade and Rob Schneider, stars of the upcoming movie Grown Ups (11:30am)
- Celebrity chef and television personality Emeril Lagasse, who lives in New Orleans, will discuss Cajun Super Bowl cuisine (12:30pm)
– Grammy Award-winning musician Kenny Chesney, a close friend to Saints head coach Sean Payton, will appear on the show (1pm)

NFL Network

NFL GAMEDAY MORNING SUPER BOWL SUNDAY PREGAME FROM SOUTH FLORIDA (9am-5:30pm)- Marshall Faulk, Steve Mariucci, Warren Sapp, Michael Irvin, Deion Sanders, Stacey Dales, Rich Eisen
From the Sun Life Stadium booth: Fran Charles, Rod Woodson
From NFC and AFC hotels- Scott Hanson, Kara Henderson
From South Beach set- Alex Flanagan, Jamie Dukes, Tom Waddle

SEGMENTS:

- A look inside the Indianapolis Colts defense with Dwight Freeney, Robert Mathis and Gary Brackett.
- How Colts WR Pierre Garcon and Saints LB Jonathan Vilma are bound together by the disaster relief effort in Haiti.
- A closer look at what the Saints organization and players mean to the city of New Orleans, straight from the fans.
- Steve Sabol gives his take on how the legacy of Colts icon Peyton Manning now includes taking on his father’s team in Super Bowl XLIV.
- Super Bowl Journey – Saints DT Anthony Hargrove visits the Miami rehabilitation facility that he was in a year ago.
- In Memoriam – A reflection on the NFL icons that were lost in 2009
- Sabol chronicles the best decade of Super Bowl matchups
_________________________________

Also, if you're planning on betting on the Super Bowl, be sure to check out the ridiculous props at Bodog.

The maps are back, thanks to The506.com. Enjoy your first full weekend of Football, folks!

NBC Sunday Night Football: Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers (Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth)
ESPN Monday Night Football: Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots (ESPN, 7pm, Mike Tirico/Ron Jaworski/Jon Gruden) and San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders (ESPN, 10:15pm, Mike Greenberg/Mike Golic/Steve Young)















RED: NY Jets at Houston Texans (CBS, 1pm)- Jim Nantz, Phil Simms
BLUE: Miami Dolphins at Atlanta Falcons (CBS, 1pm)- Greg Gumbel, Dan Dierdorf
GREEN: Jacksonville Jaguars at Indianapolis Colts (CBS, 1pm)- Kevin Harlan, Solomon Wilcots
ORANGE: Denver Broncos at Cincinnati Bengals (CBS, 1pm)- Gus Johnson, Dan Fouts
YELLOW: Kansas City Chiefs at Baltimore Ravens (CBS, 1pm)- Ian Eagle, Rich Gannon















RED: Dallas Cowboys at Tampa Bay Bucs (FOX, 1pm)- Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston, Tony Siragusa
BLUE: Philadelphia Eagles at Carolina Panthers (FOX, 1pm)- Dick Stockton, Charles Davis
GREEN: Minnesota Vikings at Cleveland Browns (FOX, 1pm)- Thom Brennaman, Brian Billick
YELLOW: Detroit Lions at New Orleans Saints (FOX, 1pm)- Chris Myers, Trent Green















RED: Washington Redskins at NY Giants (FOX, 4:15pm)- Joe Buck, Troy Aikman
BLUE: San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals (FOX, 4:15pm)- Sam Rosen, Tim Ryan
GREEN: St. Louis Rams at Seattle Seahawks (FOX, 4:15pm)- Ron Pitts, John Lynch

I don't know what it is about this preseason, that makes it seem like it's been dragging on forever, but Football can't come soon enough. That's why every Football related release gets me completely amped. For example, the latest "Is It Monday Yet?" commercial from ESPN....

Are we really only into week one of the preseason? Good lord. You can probably expect a Brett Favre edition of these in about a day.

Now that Brett Favre has officially turned down the Vikings, we can finally get back to the "Favre the Analyst" sweepstakes. It's been no secret that ESPN has been buddy-buddy with the ex-QB, and has pandered to his every whim and announcement, so the obvious choice is for him to sign on with the "Leader". While that makes the most sense, there are other networks that need him more, namely CBS. There are some issues though, and Michael Hiestand of USA Today, has laid them out for us....

•He might not have much to say. This seems unlikely. But there is precedent for something like that, such as Joe Montana's stint on NBC.

•He'd never do TV. Just like Bob Knight never would.

•Hamlet can still change his mind. You've offered to mount cameras on Favre's riding mower so he can talk from there and not drop by a studio. You've put him in clever promos. And then by, say Week 4, some NFL quarterbacks go down and vacancies pop up and … well, who knows what happens then?

•Would he matter? Occasionally, analysts who've never called football on TV — the late Bill Walsh, Tony Kornheiser and, this season, Jon Gruden— go directly to calling marquee games. That involves quickly learning TV's mechanics and could be risky. But otherwise, it could be a waste to sign such a star for obscure games going to, say, 7% of the U.S.

Which leaves NFL studio shows which, in TV terms, are a pretty big deal. The four pregame shows — on Fox, CBS, ESPN and NFL Network — each week collectively draw ratings that approach coverage of, say, a big college bowl game or final-round coverage of The Masters. And, unlike live event coverage where networks can't control whether you end up getting a good game, pregame shows are one of the few venues where networks compete directly for the same viewers with shows they control.

While I don't think he would have "nothing to say", I certainly think he's not cut out for calling live games. However, during an age of Sports Broadcasting in which networks hire big name former players for tryouts all the time just for the hell of it, there's really no risk in taking a flier on Favre. If he works....he works. If he doesn't....there's another crop of big names retiring this year.

While I'd personally like some time without Brett Favre taking up the screen every second, I completely understand why ESPN would try to grab him now. But there is one thing that could save us from Favre in an analysts chair. The seriousness of Tavaris Jackson's knee injury. It's basically a coin flip but I'd much rather deal with Favre the Player nonsense, over Favre the Analyst nonsense, every week. That's just me though.

Favre on TV? Seems like a no-brainer but ... (USA Today)

You knew it was just a matter of time, but starting next April, the NFL Draft will be moving to a three-day format. Both ESPN and the NFL-N will still be covering those days, but they now have an extra day to work with, and will also be given a Thursday primetime starting point. Via John Clayton at ESPN....

The audience for the NFL draft has been growing, and the league has responded by expanding the event from two to three days.

Commissioner Roger Goodell notified teams Thursday that the draft will be spread over three days in 2010, running Thursday, April 22, through Saturday, April 24.

In addition, the first round will start in prime time at 7:30 p.m. ET.

"We continue to look for ways to make the draft more accessible to more fans," Goodell said in a statement. "Moving the first round to prime time on Thursday night will make the first round of the draft available to fans on what is typically the most-watched night of television."

ESPN and the NFL Network will televise the entire show.

The second and third rounds will start at 6:30 p.m. ET on April 23.

Rounds 4 through 7 will be on April 24, starting at 10 a.m. ET.

So there you have it. Obviously it's the right decision on multiple fronts, with the two biggest being ad revenue and ratings. It's the right decision, and should cause more media outlets to cover it, with the start time being on a Thursday evening.

Draft to expand to three days (ESPN)

It's an all ESPN day today, with the main stories being the EA fallout, and the "Leader" denying to report on the Ben Roethlisber sexual assault lawsuit. Well last evening, not only did ESPN make the decision to ban Post writers, but they also decided to report on Big Ben....at 11:27pm....


ESPN had taken the stance that they don't report on civil lawsuits, only criminal, and for the most part....they've stuck to that. Two years ago, the "Leader" didn't report on Randy Moss' alleged "dating violence" case, until a restraining order was filed.

As far as Roethlisberger goes, ESPN's Bill Hofheimer had this to say to PFT today, "Based on the sensitive nature of the story and other factors we mentioned, we initially exercised caution and did not report it. Since then, we've been observing how the story has progressed, monitoring other news outlets, and doing our own reporting. We decided to report the story tonight."

Obviously, it's a tough spot to be in, but there are ways to handle it without upsetting the people involved. As long as you report it as "alleged", and add that authorities don't plan on looking into it, you've got your bases covered. If they had just done that days ago, none of this would have been an issue.

In the end, I don't think ESPN entirely "swept this under the rug", but they have to understand that it will (and can) be perceived that way. It's also amazing that the web can now force ESPN's hand, when it comes to matters like these.

Update: Ben will speak on the lawsuit at 2pm, but won't be taking any questions. You can bet ESPN will air the press conference live.

ESPN explains position on Roethlisberger (PFT)
Authorities won't look at Roethlisberger (ESPN)

This was about 6 months in the making, but ESPN officially added ex-NFLNer, Adam Schefter, to its stable of NFL reporters today. Schefter had been in a contract dispute with the NFL Network for awhile, and was waiting for his contract to run out. Schefter will join the "Leader" this August, and will continue to be based out of New York. Here are the details via ESPN....

Adam Schefter, one of the top National Football League reporters and insiders, will join ESPN as an NFL correspondent in August. Schefter, who worked for NFL Network, will appear on such programs as SportsCenter, NFL Live, Sunday NFL Countdown and Monday Night Countdown, as well as ESPNEWS throughout the year. He will write regular columns for ESPN.com and contribute to ESPN Radio and other platforms. Schefter will continue to be based in New York.

“Adam has covered the NFL for 20 years and he is widely respected for his professional approach and ability to uncover stories,” said Norby Williamson, ESPN executive vice president, production. “He is a tremendous addition to our roster of NFL insiders who provide year-round coverage across ESPN’s platforms.”

Schefter added: “The name ESPN speaks for itself. Its reputation stands alone. I watched ESPN growing up, so to be a part of the programming that every football fan watches, and really has always watched, and to be a part of such a talented group of people, it’s surreal to me. It feels like I’m a late addition to the Pro Bowl. I’m flattered, honored, humbled - and I can’t wait to get to work.”

During the last year, Schefter established himself as perhaps the best reporter in the NFL. Obviously working for a channel owned by the league helped, but during the last two drafts, no one worked harder and brought more information than Schefter. The move also positions ESPN to be the breaking news king, with both Schefter and Chris Mortensen under their umbrella. This now means that Fox's Jay Glazer will have to work that much harder to stay on top of the pack.

It's hard to believe that this is, but on April 25th and 26th the "Leader" will be airing their 30th installment of the NFL Draft. And get this....Erin Andrews will be there this time! The rest of the parties are pretty much the same, but here is who will be joining EA over the two-day period....

Chris Berman, Mel Kiper, Jr., and a team of hosts, analysts and reporters will be a part of ESPN’s 30th consecutive year of televising the NFL Draft (April 25-26) from Radio City Music Hall in New York. The 16 hours of planned live coverage on ESPN and ESPN2 over two days will be supplemented by Draft-related content on multiple ESPN platforms throughout the weekend, including ESPN Radio, ESPNEWS and ESPN.com.

Berman and Kiper, working their 29th and 26th NFL Drafts for ESPN, respectively, will team with analysts Keyshawn Johnson and Steve Young on the main set from Radio City on Day 1. NFL Live host Trey Wingo and first-year analyst Herm Edwards, as well as NFL insider Chris Mortensen, will report from additional set locations in the hall, while reporter Erin Andrews will conduct green room and post-pick interviews with the prospects invited to the Draft. Also, ESPN Scouts Inc. director of college scouting Todd McShay will be a major contributor to the coverage from ESPN’s Bristol, Conn., studios.

SportsCenter Special: On the Clock at 11 a.m. ET on Saturday, April 25, will kickoff ESPN’s comprehensive coverage. The five-hour pre-Draft line-up will include Monday Night Football’s Mike Tirico hosting with Suzy Kolber and analysts Cris Carter, Trent Dilfer, Tom Jackson and Ron Jaworski, College GameDay’s Kirk Herbstreit, McShay, and correspondent Michael Smith in Bristol.

Given the crazy amount of people involved with the Draft, there are obviously some new features. Some of those include: The Draft being in HD for the first time ever, Tom Jackson using the "Virtual Playbook" and use of that cool touch screen board for picks. Here's your lineup for each day....

Day One:

Main Set: Chris Berman, Keyshawn Johnson, Mel Kiper Jr. and Steve Young
Set #2: Trey Wingo and Herm Edwards
Stage set: Chris Mortensen
Reporter: Erin Andrews

Day Two:

Main Set: Wingo, Edwards, Jaworski, Kiper, and Mortensen

If I was ESPN or the NFL Network, I might be a little upset at this news. The Chargers will be using their website to be the first media outlet to say who the team has drafted, and apparently they have League approval. Via Chargers.com....

The team’s official website is expanding its draft coverage this year, bringing fans several new features to provide the quickest and most in-depth information on the newest members of the organization.

Through “Pick Cam,” a new camera feed located just outside the War Room, fans will hear each selection on Chargers.com BEFORE any other news outlet, including NFL Network and ESPN. As soon as General Manager A.J. Smith and his staff make their decision, a Chargers official will bring the player’s name to Pick Cam.

And for fans who expect to be out and about on Draft Weekend can sign up to receive text messages from the team as each choice is made. To receive these Draft Text Messages, sign up simply by texting CHARGE to 41513 or click here. Standard messaging rates will apply.

Well that's an interesting move now, isn't it? The thing I don't understand though, is couldn't ESPN and the NFL Network just monitor the Chargers' website? I guess they would still be first, so I guess it makes sense.

Chargers.com has the NFL Draft covered (Chargers.com)

I seriously thought I'd be using that headline for the Draft before the release of next year's schedule, but whatever. Both the NFL Network and ESPN will be airing live specials to coincide with the release of the 2009 NFL schedule. Not only that, but ESPN is planning a whole three hours around the thing....

When the National Football League announces its 2009 regular season schedule, ESPN’s SportsCenter Special: Schedule Release will review the entire slate of games Tuesday, April 14 (7-8 p.m. ET on ESPN2 and continuing from 8-10 p.m. on ESPN).

The three-hour SportsCenter Special will examine individual team schedules, key match-ups, Monday Night Football games, national TV games and other schedule highlights.

Trey Wingo will host the SportsCenter Special with analysts Ron Jaworski, Trent Dilfer, Merril Hoge and Tim Hasselbeck. A number of NFL players, including DeMarcus Ware (Dallas Cowboys), Joey Porter (Miami Dolphins), Brian Dawkins (Denver Broncos) and Richard Seymour (New England Patriots), are also expected to participate in live interviews.

That seems like a little much to me. I mean, I'll probably watch the first hour, but two more after that? I'm surprised they aren't working in Todd McShay and Mel Kiper, because lord knows they're every where else on the network. The NFL Network's show will only be two hours, and will probably be one of the last chances you'll get to see something on the channel if you're a Comcast subscriber.

Talk about an undertaking that I was definitely not prepared for. A few days ago, I started trying to collect what each network was planning on Super Bowl Sunday, and I was not prepared for the amount of work the following schedule of events would take. Either way though, you can view it in all of its glory below. I've got everything from celebrity guest appearances, to segments on each network, as well as your particulars on the game itself. Enjoy!

(FYI- Haven't settled on a live-blog or open thread for the Super Bowl, but I'll certainly have something going on)

Your Super Bowl XLIII Viewing Guide:

NBC

Pregame Show Length: 6 Hours (12pm-6pm)
Pregame Show Hosts and Analysts: Bob Costas, Cris Collinsworth, Keith Olbermann, Dan Patrick, Jerome Bettis, Tiki Barber, Peter King, Matt Millen, Tony Dungy, Mike Holmgren, Rodney Harrison, Matt Lauer, Al Roker
Celebrity Guests: President Barack Obama, Bruce Springsteen, Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, Kevin James, Jay Leno, Conan O'Brien, Jimmy Fallon, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, Vin Diesel, Hayden Panettiere, Tom Colicchio from Bravo's Top Chef and Rainn Wilson
Musical Performances: Journey, John Legend, Faith Hill and Jennifer Hudson

Segments

9AM-12PM:

Today Show Coverage - "Meredith Viera, Al Roker and Ann Curry will give viewers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the sights, sounds, parties and food of the big game as well as the preparations that go into Super Sunday. They will also explore the city of Tampa and experience the local Super Bowl fever. Tiki Barber will get a VIP tour of the stadium from his twin brother Ronde, who plays for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers."

12PM-6PM:

"ROAD TO THE SUPER BOWL": "Bob Costas will kick off NBC's pregame coverage live at Noon ET from the "Pirate Ship"."

HAIL TO THE CHIEF: "NBC News' Matt Lauer will sit down with President Barack Obama for a live interview from the White House during NBC's Super Bowl Pregame Show."

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN: "Bruce Springsteen, who will be performing at halftime of Super Bowl XLIII, will be the subject of an exclusive sit-down during pregame with Bob Costas. Nightly News anchor Brian Williams, a native of the Jersey shore, is contributing an essay on his idol Springsteen in the pregame show."

COVER ME: "Among the features in the Super Bowl XLIII pregame show are segments on the Cardinals' Ken Whisenhunt, Kurt Warner, Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald; features on Mike Tomlin, Troy Polamalu, James Harrison, beloved defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau and Ben Roethlisberger of the Steelers; analysis of each team with Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, who analyzed game film with Collinsworth; and a look at what the players experience during Super Bowl week. Rodney Harrison will analyze how to defend the seemingly unstoppable Fitzgerald."

"LITTLE BIG SHOW": "Olbermann and Patrick, who together redefined sports highlights, will break down the best highlights from the AFC and NFC this season."

BACK STAGE PASS: "NBC will follow the Cardinals and Steelers throughout the lead up to the game, from the team hotels, to the team buses, to the first-ever Super Bowl pregame reports from the locker rooms, to the teams' sidelines."

ROKER TO HOST SUPER SUITE: ""Today's" Al Roker will host NBC's pregame coverage from the "NBC Super Suite" from the NFL Experience in Tampa."

TOP CHEF: "Tom Colicchio from Bravo's Top Chef, will join Tiki Barber and Jerome Bettis in judging a "Cook-Off" between previous "Top Chef" contestants exploring the cuisines of Arizona and Pittsburgh."

GATORADE SHOWER: "CNBC's sports business reporter Darren Rovell will take a look at Gatorade and its iconic presence in the Super Bowl."

"LET THE SUNSHINE IN": "The Weather Channel's Jim Cantore will provide updates on the weather from Tampa throughout the pregame."
_________________________

ESPN

Pregame Show Length: 3 Hours (10pm-1pm)
Pregame Show Hosts and Analysts: Chris Berman, Cris Carter, Mike Ditka, Tom Jackson, Keyshawn Johnson, Chris Mortensen, Mike Tirico, Trent Dilfer, Ron Jaworski, Steve Young, Suzy Kolber and Ed Werder

Segments:

History (10am)- "In their own voices, the two Super Bowl XLIII quarterbacks, Ben Roethlisberger and Kurt Warner, narrate their team’s paths to the Super Bowl and the history that will be made."

Cardinals Turning Point (10:30am)- "Rachel Nichols reports on Whisenhunt’s decision to toughen up his team by practicing in pads once-a-week, a move that Arizona players say was the turning point to their season and improbable playoff run."

Mike Tomlin’s Formative Years (11am)- "In an old red notebook that sits on his mother’s kitchen table are pictures and hand-written captions describing early moments in the young coach’s path to the NFL. The first page reads: “This is a book about football and how it has molded my character, Michael Pettaway Tomlin 3-15-72.” Jackson speaks with Tomlin about his childhood memoirs."

Mayne Event: Offseason Insanity (11am)- "Kenny Mayne embarks on a mission to discover what other players are doing during their off-season, catching up with Pro Bowlers Jared Allen and Wes Welker as they begin their winter “retreats”."

Namath’s Guarantee (11am)- "Jeremy Schaap reports on the circumstances that led to Namath’s famous proclamation."

“Soundtracks” – AFC Championship (11:30am)- "Countdown will re-live the sights and sounds of the game"

Super Bowl Quarterback Blueprints for Success (11:30am)- "Former Super Bowl quarterbacks Dilfer, Jaworski and Young will present the blueprints for success for both Ben Roethlisberger and Kurt Warner."

Big Ben: Stand & Deliver (12pm)- "Tom Jackson sits down with Roethlisberger and his teammates to discuss how “Big Ben’s” style of play means big risk, but comes with big reward."

Larry Fitzgerald: Memories of Mom (12pm)- "Cris Carter sits down with the Arizona wide receiver to discuss how he honors his mother on the field and how her death has affected him."

EA Sports Virtual Playbook: Kurt Warner vs. Steelers’ Blitz (12:30pm)- "In EA Sports Virtual Playbook, Jackson previews how the Steelers blitz will pressure Kurt Warner in Super Bowl XLIII."

The Terrible Towel (1pm)- "Greg Garber traces the history of “The Terrible Towel” and the charity which benefits from the sales of the towel even after [Myron] Cope’s death last year.
_______________________

SUPER BOWL XLIII

WHAT: Super Bowl XLIII
WHO: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Arizona Cardinals
WHERE: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa Bay, Florida
WHEN: Kickoff 6:28pm (NBC)
SPREAD: Steelers -7, O/U 47
ANNOUNCERS: Al Michaels, John Madden, Andrea Kremer, Alex Flanagan, Peter King
TROPHY PRESENTER: Dan Patrick

(Info from ESPN and NBC PR)

The end is near my friends, and yet another week where there are only a few good matchups during the day on Sunday. CBS looks to have another winner in the Steelers-Ravens game at 4pm, as Baltimore continues to surprise me with the great numbers they've provided over the past two years. Other than that, their best option is the Broncos-Panthers game, but that's in the same time slot.

FOX, who's map I'll put up later when it's available from The 506, has a great game between TB and ATL, but are sending their A-team to Arizona as the AFC West Champion Cardinals take on the Vikings. Not a bad decision when you consider both teams are vying for the #3 spot in the Conference.

Here's the rest of your schedule....

NFL-N Thursday Night Football: New Orleans at Chicago (Bob Papa, Cris Collinsworth)
NBC Sunday Night Football: New York Giants at Dallas (Al Michaels, John Madden)
ESPN Monday Night Football: Cleveland at Philadelphia (Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski, Tony Kornheiser)

CBS 1pm:














RED: Buffalo @ NY Jets - Greg Gumbel, Dan Dierdorf
BLUE: Tennessee @ Houston - Gus Johnson, Steve Tasker
GREEN: San Diego @ Kansas City - Ian Eagle, Solomon Wilcots

CBS 4pm:














RED: Pittsburgh @ Baltimore - Jim Nantz, Phil Simms
BLUE: Denver @ Carolina - Dick Enberg, Randy Cross, Dan Fouts
GREEN: New England @ Oakland - Kevin Harlan, Rich Gannon

FOX:

Tampa Bay at Atlanta (1pm) - Dick Stockton, Brian Baldinger and Laura Okmin
Washington at Cincinnati (1pm) - Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston and Tony Siragusa
Detroit at Indianapolis (1pm) - Thom Brennaman, Brian Billick
Green Bay at Jacksonville (1pm) - Ron Pitts, Tony Boselli and Charissa Thompson
San Francisco at Miami (1pm) - Sam Rosen, Tim Ryan and Chris Myers
Seattle at St. Louis (1pm) - Matt Vasgersian, JC Pearson and Turner

Minnesota at Arizona (4pm) - Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Pam Oliver

After the Cowboys beat the Eagles on Monday night back in week two, Emmitt Smith seemed to be in love with T.O. during a postgame interview, but apparently that wasn't the case. Smith was on Sports Center early Sunday morning to answer emails on-air when a comparison question caused him to take a shot at Owens. Via Fanhouse....

Sportscenter has Emmitt Smith on every Sunday morning to talk about football; yes, he is by himself, but it's early enough where he can only do so much damage. While he's on, some anchor asks him questions posed by reader emails. How spicy! Not really, but it was kind of interesting to get his take when someone wrote in to ask how, paraphrasing, the trio of Tony Romo, Terrell Owens and Marion Barber compared to Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith and Michael Irvin.

After laughing a little bit and dogging the younger crew, Emmitt pointed out that: Terrell Owens is not a true Cowboy.

I guess if anyone is qualified to dub someone a "True Cowboy" it's Emmitt, but I really don't know why he would single out T.O. like that. I'm also getting annoyed with how Emmitt keeps using the word "we" when he's referring to the Cowboys and how he acts like he is still employed by the team. I still think Emmitt is terrible, but he has improved a bit this year, and if ESPN is planning on sticking with him.....they might want to get that under control.

Emmitt Smith Says That Terrell Owens Is 'Not a True Cowboy' (Fanhouse)

Still trying to catch up from being gone the whole weekend, so bear with me this morning as I get things back in gear. Wanted to first share this clip from Pittsburgh’s WDVE radio in which Merril Hoge continuing his over three year campaign of trashing Vince Young. The ESPN analyst was on WDVE to talk Steelers Football when he decided to jump on Young almost right away. Without being prompted by the host, Hoge called Young a "baby" and the he had "no clue" what was going on. From ESPN's AFC South Blog via Sports by Brooks....

Look, I have some irrational hate myself, but good lord....give it a rest already. I still don't think it's been proven that Vince Young is a bad Quarterback, and considering he went to both the Playoffs and the Pro Bowl last year, I would think most people would say he's been successful early on. Sure the guy's got his problems, but to pile on like this when he's down is pretty classless if you ask me.

You're on a Pittsburgh station talking about Week Three, and you're complaining about something a young kid did in Week One. Give it a rest, Merril.

Merril Hoge rips Vince Young, again (AFC South)
Hoge Still Hates Vince Young, Calls QB A “Baby” (Sports by Brooks)

So I decided to go with the 2008 Raiderettes for the second half photo mainly because they're just about the only good thing this team is going for it at the moment. I guess it isn't over yet, but...what am I saying? It's over. If you bail on the live-blog, I don't blame you and a special thanks to those staying with me for the long haul. We'll have some fun this half.

I liked how espn's ticker was still saying Brady out for the season is "breaking news" yeah, like 8 hours ago it was breaking news. (Via Lammy)

I cracked up when they head a Brady "Breaking News" fantasy update. And now Ditka is smacking his gums on mic. Dear god.

"He asked me if I HAVE any answers."- Suzy Kolber on Lane Kiffin

Now that's funny. McFadden for a first down. A swing pass to Griffin and that's another first. Don't look now! The Raiders are looking good to start the half. Turnover in 3,2,1....

"You got to sue the offensive line for non-support"- Mike Ditka (Via K Bell)

Or another awesome comment from Ditka. 3rd down and long and the Mikes all say they should go for it on 4th down. Incomplete and the Raiders punt.

12:10- Michael Pittman is now getting the bulk of the carries and Mike Shanahan ruins yet another owner's fantasy team. Cutler to Eddie Royal again and he's wide open just about every play now.

"He's not going to stay with a guy that fast."- Mike Golic
"He looked like a traffic cop there."- Mike Ditka

Hahahaha what? In the meantime....

Cutler to Darrell Jackson....48 yards....Touchdown. 24-0

"Great play calling, I can't tell you anything else. Very hard."- Mike Ditka

Okay...I give up.

Dave, Dave & Dave >>> Mike, Mike & Mike (Via Anon)

Very much so. I'm giving up on the time stamps because I'm just too lazy at this point. Russell fumbles but recovers and somehow the Raiders still manage to get a personal foul penalty. I think it's safe to say that the Raiders' offense is much worse than the Skins. I'm not proud of that, but it's the little things, you know?

Ditka has to be drunk at this point right? I guess I would be too if I was calling this game.

"You try to say the glass is half full, but it's fallen off the counter and shattered."- Mike Golic

Clever. 6:30 left in the third.

" . . . have him deliver your wife a baby" was the comment coming back from the ad break around 12:18 ET with the video showing a scary guy with prongs on his shoulders and crazy face paint. Think it was Golic, but I'm not sure. Funny when they come back early from the break. The production on this late MNF game always is shoddy. (Via Hopped Up)

Damn I missed it. Ditka with more "Oh Boy"s during an eight yard Cutler run and this one is just a laugher on all ends at this point.

"It's not over but she's sure looking up her lungs."- Mike Ditka

What in the hell?

Broncos get a Field Goal somewhere along the way and it's now 27-0.

Nice shot of the Crypt Keeper hanging out in his luxury box. Now the conversation turns to the Raiders drafting abilities and while it's a boring discussion...anything is better than Favre talk at this point. Yes, even from this crew.

That's the end of the third....finally. One more to go....27-0 Denver.

"Can't make chicken salad out of chicken noodle" - Mike Ditka (Via JFein)

"That's a great run right there. That's a great two yard run. That's (amazingly bad stutter) a great run because there was nowhere to run."- Mike Ditka (Via NHZ)

I don't even think he got two yards on that play either. Jamarcus Russell puts a few throws together and don't look now....the Raiders are in the redzone! 4th down....

WHOOOOOOOOO! Touchdown Raiders!!! Russell to Lelie....27-7 Broncos and Mike Ditka starts humming some random song.

Who gave the Stooges the idea that psycho-analyzing every play makes for good television PBP? When Oakland makes a 4 yard completion with 2nd and Goal, you don't say "that's actually a good pass right there." Just say nothing. Talk about anything other than a meaningless 4 yard completion. (Via Kleinias)

Three "agains" from Golic is less than sixty seconds. The guy is priceless. (Via Anon)

"The kid Chris Johnson was drafted in the fourth round."- Mike Ditka

Or 24th overall and in the first round, but whatever. Right coach?

Touchdown Selvin Young and the Broncos.....34-7.

Stop sucking at your teeth Mike Ditka! I'm going to throw up all over these computer screen if you keep it up.

Make that 41-7 after another turnover on downs and a Pittman one-yard run. I think Mike Shanahan might be running up the score a tad.

What the hell is Ditka talking about with this pathetic broken record of "you never see it coming" when it comes to blow outs? (Via Anon)

I have no idea and I don't think anyone else does either. Russell again with an overthrow of a deep ball to a wide open receiver. Now this trio is talking about Brett Favre....kill me. 4 minutes to go. Fargas breaks one and he's just about the only Raider who's still trying.

2 Minute Warning....Thank God. Touchdown Raiders as Ronald Curry grabs one and Ditka proceeds to freak out.

"Touchdown Raiders!!!!!!! Raider Nation goes wild."- Mike Ditka

47-14 with 1:34 left. Broncos get the kickoff and start taking some knees. That'll do it for this travesty of a game and a trainwreck of an announcing team. If anything it was so bad that it was actually entertaining. So we have that going for us....which is nice.

47-14 Broncos is your final score and thank you very much for staying with me through this whole thing. See everyone tomorrow with reactions and videos.

Man, how's this for a downer on NFL Opening Day (or Opening Kickoff)? Chris Berman's "Swami" character, and its schticky goodness, turns thirty years-old this season and boy does that make me feel old. There's even more bad news.....The Swami is back once again with more predictions sure to lose you betters a ton of money!

I can't believe there's a person on this planet that finds the act funny, but for some reason I watch the "Swam" feature intently every time it comes on. The predictions almost always make no sense, it's dreadfully unfunny and the costumes are just ridiculous, but Berman has somehow managed to keep it going for 30-years as of this season. Oh how the time flies.

(FYI- I'm not going to be able to pull off a live-blog for tonight because something came up. If you come across any interesting quotes be sure to email them my way and I'll have videos and reviews up either tonight or early tomorrow.)

Noooo! Pro Football Talk is reporting this morning that ESPN is officially dropping Emmitt Smith from the Sunday NFL Countdown team for the upcoming season. Smith will be replaced by Cris Carter on the show but will still be featured on that morning's edition of Sports Center....

It’s official. Emmitt Smith will not be part of ESPN’s two-hour pregame show, NFL Countdown, in 2008.

ESPN is expected to make the formal announcement soon.

Emmitt will be replaced by Cris Carter, whose enhanced visibility could help his chances of getting into the Hall of Fame on the second try. (Then again, if Carter does a bad job or comes off as a blowhard, it could hurt him.)

The Sunday NFL Countdown lineup will consist of Chris Berman, Mike Ditka, Carter, Tom Jackson, Keyshawn Johnson, and Chris Mortensen.

Monday nights from Bristol also will feature Berman, Ditka, Carter, Jackson, Johnson, and Mortensen. Stationed at the game sites will be Stuart Scott, Smith, and Steve Young.

Very sad news as about 80% of Emmitt's stellar comments came on the Sunday edition of Countdown. There is good news though....Emmitt still has a spot on Monday Night Countdown along with newcomer Trent Dilfer!

You can also tell that this is the first of many problems that ESPN will run into in regards to scheduling. They're either going to have to phase Emmitt out entirely or continually move people around to give everyone an opportunity on-air. That's what happens when you employ 8,000 different analysts.

Update: From the official release....

Former All Pro wide receiver Cris Carter has been named an analyst for Sunday NFL Countdown (11 a.m. ET) and Monday Night Countdown (7 p.m.), ESPN’s popular NFL pre-game studio shows. In addition, Emmitt Smith will move this fall from Sunday NFL Countdown to the new expanded Sunday morning editions of SportsCenter (8 a.m. and 10 a.m.) where he will offer insight and analysis during NFL segments. Smith will also continue to travel to the Monday Night Football game site each week for Monday Night Countdown.

Carter In, Emmitt Out On Sunday NFL Countdown (PFT)

(P.S.- I also saw Kordell Stewart on a program the other day....don't even think about it ESPN.)

I'm really being honest when I say that I don't go out of my way to pick on ESPN in any given day, but today is "special" (what are you gonna to do? [/shrugging shoulders]). It's the perfect storm of ESPN "News", nothing else going on and the timing of this blog thing. All day ESPN.com has displayed basically an advertisement for it's brand new Football Network and it's, well....big....


Pretty huh? To be honest, I'm not hating the content so far, but the thing is definitely a complete rip off of Pro Football Talk. You would think someone with an ESPN Credential would have more access, but as TBL pointed out yesterday, there are almost no opinions and really only one of the new "bloggers" is reporting from a training camp.

There are also zero links to any real blogs out there, but I could have told you that by just looking at the "Our Blogosphere" tag line on the front page of ESPN.com. There's obviously no specific format that a "blog" needs to follow, but I think they still have some work to do. Good use of the terminology though.

Taking Another Look at ESPN’s NFL Blog Network (The Big Lead)

I know some people think of NFL Live as overkill, but during the offseason (and this Summer which has dragged on forever) it's one of the best shows ESPN has going. Wingo and the gang talk current events (unlike every other ESPN show during the day) and they actually report on things as they happen. Sure a lot of it is Favre and Spygate, but again (see Summer comment above)...what else are they going to talk about?

Anyway, NFL Live is taking to the streets over the next month or so. They'll be on site at a few training camps and if they're in your neighborhood be sure to stop by and heckle, er...say hi.

Here's the schedule....

Fri., July 25- New York Giants (Albany, N.Y.)
Trey Wingo, Cris Carter
Reporter: Rachel Nichols

Mon., July 28- Indianapolis Colts (Terre Haute, Ind.)
Trey Wingo, Cris Carter

Tues., July 29- Dallas Cowboys (Oxnard, Calif.)
Sal Paolantonio, Mark Schlereth
Reporter: Ed Werder

Wed., July 30- Green Bay Packers (De Pere, Wisc.)
Trey Wingo, Cris Carter

Thurs., July 31- San Diego Chargers (San Diego)
Sal Paolantonio, Mark Schlereth

Fri., Aug. 1- Pittsburgh Steelers (Latrobe, Pa.)
Trey Wingo, Merril Hoge

Sat., Aug. 2 & Sun., Aug. 3- Pro Football Hall of Fame (Canton, Ohio)
Reporter: Bob Holtzman

I am shocked....shocked I tell you....that they aren't going to Patriots Training Camp. Good times though and like I said go say hi. Wingo will probably be nice, but beware of Cris Carter. We know how he feels about bloggers.

According to Pro Football Talk, ESPN has brought on recently retired QB Trent Dilfer as an analyst for the upcoming season. This now makes a good 45 people or so involved with the NFL on the "Leader"*. Via Pro Football Talk....

Fresh from his NFL retirement, quarterback Trent Dilfer has landed a new gig in television.

ESPN has hired Dilfer as an NFL Studio Analyst. We’re advised that Dilfer, the former Bucs, Ravens, Seahawks, Browns, and 49ers quarterback, will have a significant role on Sundays and Mondays during the season, and that he’ll be involved in the Super Bowl and draft coverage.

He’ll make his first ESPN appearance on NFL Live on Monday at 4:00 p.m. EDT.

An industry source advises us that it’s a three-year contract between Dilfer and ESPN.

I don't even know where Trent Dilfer will even fit in unless the plan on leaving him on the mini field the entire time. Again, just throwing numbers at a problem isn't going to fix it. The Countdowns are beyond help, but I really think NFL Live could be a great show if they gave Trey Wingo a consistent cast of people to work with. In the past two weeks he's probably worked with over ten different people and that's not including the current players that were guest analysts.

Dilfer Joins ESPN (Pro Football Talk)

(*I have no data to back this up, but it could very well be the number)