NFL NETWORK & NFL.COM PROGRAMMING NOTES (3/30 - 4/5)
EAGLES WR DESEAN JACKSON, FALCONS TE TONY GONZALEZ HEADLINE NFL TOTAL ACCESS IN-STUDIO GUESTS
Steve Mariucci & Warren Sapp Are Joined By Alabama DT Marcell Dareus & Missouri DE Aldon Smith on Game Changers Presented by Ford Mustang Tuesday, April 5 at 8:00 PM ET
Colts Center Jeff Saturday, Michael Lombardi & Actor Rob Riggle Featured on "The Rich Eisen Podcast" on NFL.com
Tampa Bay Storm Host Jacksonville Sharks on "Arena Football Friday" on April 1 at 8:00 PM ET
Colts Center Jeff Saturday, Eagles WR DeSean Jackson, Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez & Raiders CB Stanford Routt In-Studio on NFL Total Access
Indianapolis Colts center * Jeff Saturday* will serve the last of three nights as a guest analyst on NFL Total Accesstonight at 7:00 PM ET. Saturday will also chat with fans on NFL.com tonight at 6:00 PM ET.
NFL players and top draft prospects continue to visit NFL Network studios as Boise State wide receiver * Titus Young* appears live on NFL Total Access tonight at 7:00 PM ET.Raiders cornerback Stanford Routt will be in-studio for NFL Total Access on Thursday, March 31, and UCLA safety* Rahim Moore* will be on Path to the Draft and NFL Total Access on Friday, April 1.
Eagles two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver * DeSean Jackson* will be in-studio on Monday, April 4 on NFL Total Access, followed by Falcons 11-time Pro Bowl tight end * Tony Gonzalez* on Tuesday, April 5.
Below is a list of the guests scheduled to appear in-studio this week:
Wednesday, March 30
» Colts center * Jeff Saturday* (NFL Total Access guest analyst, 7:00 PM ET)
» Boise State wide receiver Titus Young (NFL Total Access, 7:00 PM ET)
Thursday, March 31
» Raiders cornerback Stanford Routt (NFL Total Access, 7:00 PM ET)
Friday, April 1
» UCLA safety* Rahim Moore* (Path to the Draft, 6:00 PM ET; NFL Total Access, 7:00 PM ET)
Monday, April 4
» Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson (NFL Total Access, 7:00 PM ET)
Tuesday, April 5
» Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez (NFL Total Access, 7:00 PM ET)
Game Changers Presented by Ford Mustang Features Top Defensive Line Prospects - Alabama's Marcell Dareus and Missouri's Aldon Smith - Tuesday, April 5 at 8:00 PM ET
With the NFL Draft less than a month away, NFL Network examines some of the notable draft prospects in the new series Game Changers Presented by Ford Mustangevery Tuesday at 8:00 PM ET. NFL Network analyst and former head coach Steve Mariucci puts each prospect through an interview, film study and on-field workout to give viewers exclusive access into the lives of these athletes on and away from the football field.
This week, Game Changers focuses the defensive line, featuring Alabama defensive tackle Marcell Dareus and Missouri defensive end Aldon Smith. Former All-Pro defensive tackle for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Oakland Raiders, Warren Sapp, works one-on-one with Dareus and Smith, imparting little-known secrets of the trade as they prepare for team workouts prior to the NFL Draft.
Shot at Athletes' Performance in Phoenix, Arizona where many of the top prospects from the Class of 2011 train for the most important day of their lives, Mariucci navigates this uniquely stylized visual presentation, easing the anxieties of these young men who will someday change the game.
Below are video links and select quotes from the premiere episode of Game Changers, which featured Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert and Florida State quarterback Christian Ponder:
» Gabbert and Ponder take to the practice field: ame Changers video
» Mariucci goes through film study with the two quarterbacks: Game Changers video
» "With Blaine having done this so much in practice, he seems to be very at ease with throwing the five quick, the five with a hitch. … He's been working on this for years. It] didn't present itself on film at Missouri because that's not the offense that they ran. But he trained in the offseason with it, in the summer. He's been doing it for quite a long time, and you know what? He can do it in his sleep." ***- Steve Mariucci on Missouri QB [Blaine Gabbert adjusting to playing under center*
» "A quarterback's preparation really never ends. You've got a lot of physical training and conditioning; you've got to be in as good of shape as anybody on your football team so you never get tired. The film study is A-No. 1 important; you've got to learn to love it. You guys will be fine. You're smart guys, workers and the sky's the limit." - Steve Mariucci to Gabbert and Ponder
Washington & North Carolina Pro Day Coverage on Path to the Draft This Week
NFL Network's 'Path to Primetime' 2011 NFL Draft coverage continues with the fifth season of Path to the Draft, which airs Monday through Friday at 6:00 PM ET up until the 2011 NFL Draft April 28-30. With news reports, pro day coverage, one-on-one interviews, player rankings and exclusive mock drafts, Path to the Draft is the go-to destination for the most in-depth NFL Draft coverage.
Tonight, NFL Network analyst Michael Lombardi reports from Washington's Pro Day, providing a detailed report on Jake Locker's workout as well as a one-on-one interview with the quarterback. Additionally, NFL.com's Bucky Brooks reports from USC's Pro Day.
On Thursday, March 31, NFL Network's* Mike Mayock* and Paul Burmeister are in Chapel Hill for North Carolina's Pro Day as defensive lineman Robert Quinn, wide receiver Greg Little, linebacker Bruce Carter and other draft prospects look to impress NFL scouts.
Path to the Draft also includes daily "First Draft" features on the top prospects. This week's episodes will profile:
» Oregon linebacker Casey Matthews (tonight)
» Tennessee tight end Luke Stocker (Thursday)
» Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett (Friday)
Below are video segments from Monday and Tuesday's editions of* Path to the Draft:*
» "First Draft" - Colorado offensive tackle Nate Solder: Solder video
» "First Draft" - Kansas State running back Daniel Thomas:Thomas video
» Analyst Mike Mayock breaks down Blaine Gabbert and Cam Newton: Newton vs. Gabbert video
» Who is the top wide receiver: A.J. Green or & Julio Jones?:Green vs. Jones video
» Analysts Michael Lombardi, Charles Davis and Charley Casserly discuss the pro day performances of UCLA's Akeem Ayers and Rahim Moore:UCLA video
» Report from the Texas Pro Day: Texas video
Below is a schedule for what will be covered on Path to the Draft this week:
Wednesday, March 30
» Michael Lombardi reports from Washington's Pro Day, plus one-on-one interview with Jake Locker
» Bucky Brooks reports from USC's Pro Day
» Look ahead to North Carolina's Thursday Pro Day
Thursday, March 31
» Mike Mayock and Paul Burmeister report from North Carolina's Pro Day
» Interview with North Carolina head coach Butch Davis
» Path to the Draft puts the St. Louis Rams on the clock
Friday, April 1
» Mike Mayock reports on defensive end Da'Quan Bowers' performance at Clemson's Pro Day
» UCLA safety Rahim Moore live in-studio
» Path to the Draft puts the Detroit Lions on the clock
Indianapolis Colts Center Jeff Saturday, NFL Network Analyst Michael Lombardi & Actor Rob Riggle Featured on the Latest Edition of "The Rich Eisen Podcast" Available on NFL.com/iTunes
The latest edition of "The Rich Eisen Podcast" is now available for download on NFL.com and iTunes. The show begins with a replay of Eisen's entire one-on-one interview with Indianapolis Colts center Jeff Saturday, which aired over the course of two days on NFL Total Access. During the 27-minute interview, Saturday offers a detailed account of the labor negotiations, why the NFL Players Association chose to decertify and what lies ahead. Next up, NFL Network analyst Michael Lombardi stops by in-studio to discuss the NFL Draft. Lombardi recounts some of his draft day experiences as a front office executive, explores the Cincinnati Bengals' possible draft options and what he believes the over-arching story of this year's draft will be. Finally, actor and comedian Rob Riggle joins the podcast to talk about his latest project: playing former Denver Broncos offensive lineman Mark Schlereth on a CBS pilot. Riggle also touches on the surprise season his favorite team, the Kansas City Chiefs, had in 2010 and spending training camp with Pete Carroll and the Seattle Seahawks.
To download this edition of "The Rich Eisen Podcast," please visit: http://richeisen.nfl.com.
"I think they're hoping that Cincinnati picks a quarterback, and then the leverage goes back to them. Carson decides to un-retire and shows up and says, 'Oh by the way Mike, I'm here to play. Pay me my $13 million but you also have to pay Cam Newton all of his money. You have too much money tied up in quarterbacks, you have to get rid of me at that point.'" - Michael Lombardi on what Carson Palmer and his agent David Dunn's end-game might be
"The secondary key is going to be how the defensive linemen come off the board, and they're all over the place. … And there's a feeling that I have that somebody picking in the 18, 19, 20 area might get a better defensive lineman than somebody picking up at one or two or three or four." -* Michael Lombardi on the story of this year's draft*
Tampa Bay Storm Host the Jacksonville Sharks on "Arena Football Friday" on April 1 at 8:00 PM ET
The second season of NFL Network's Arena Football League (AFL) "Arena Football Friday" broadcasts continues on Friday, April 1 at 8:00 PM ET when the Jacksonville Sharks (2-1) travel to take on the Tampa Bay Storm (1-2). Paul Burmeister provides the play-by-play while Charles Davis serves as game analyst. Arie Wolfe provides sideline reports from Amalie Motor Oil Field at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa, FL.
Last week on "Arena Football Friday," the Iowa Barnstormers edged out the defending-ArenaBowl champion Spokane Shock, 43-42, for their first win of the season. Iowa quarterback Brad Banks threw for 244 yards and five touchdowns, outdueling Spokane quarterback Kyle Rowley's 302 yards and six touchdown performance.
Jacksonville will be looking to extend their winning streak to three games after the Sharks defeated the New Orleans Voodoo last week 64-33. Tampa Bay will look to rebound from a 66-26 home loss to the Cleveland Gladiators.
THIS WEEK ON NFL.COM - Colts Center Jeff Saturday Chats TONIGHT AT 6:00 PM ET
Wednesday, March 30
» CHAT: * Charles Davis* (4:00 PM ET)
» CHAT: * Jeff Saturday* (6:00 PM ET)
Thursday, March 31
» CHAT: * Steve Wyche* (12 NOON ET)
» CHAT: * Bucky Brooks* (2:00 PM ET)
Friday, April 1
» CHAT: * Vic Carucci* (12 NOON ET)
DAY-BY-DAY PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE (all times listed are ET)
Wednesday, March 30
3:00 PM -* Super Bowl XXIX:San Francisco 49ers vs. San Diego Chargers
3:30 PM - Super Bowl XXX:Dallas Cowboys vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
4:00 PM - NFL Films Presents: Chew on This
4:30 PM - Sound FX: 2010, Week 9
5:00 PM - Sound FX: 2010, Week 10
5:30 PM - Game Changers Presented by Ford Mustang: Quarterbacks
6:00 PM - Path to the Draft - LIVE
7:00 PM - NFL Total Access
8:00 PM - Top 100: NFL's Greatest Players: #60-51
9:00 PM - Top 100: NFL's Greatest Players: #50-41
10:00 PM - Path to the Draft
11:00 PM - NFL Total Access*
Thursday, March 31* 11:00 AM - Path to the Draft (Wednesday)*
* 12 NOON - Top 100: NFL's Greatest Players: #60-51
* 1:00 PM - Top 100: NFL's Greatest Players: #50-41
2:00 PM - Path to the Draft (Wednesday)
3:00 PM - Super Bowl XXXI:Green Bay Packers vs. New England Patriots
3:30 PM - Super Bowl XXXII:Denver Broncos vs. Green Bay Packers
4:00 PM - Top 100: NFL's Greatest Players: #60-51
5:00 PM - Top 100: NFL's Greatest Players: #50-41
6:00 PM - Path to the Draft - LIVE
7:00 PM - NFL Total Access
8:00 PM - NFL's Top 10: Records That Will Never Be Broken
9:00 PM - NFL's Top 10: Linebacking Corps
10:00 PM - Path to the Draft
11:00 PM - NFL Total Access**
Friday, April 1
* 11:00 AM - Path to the Draft (Thursday)*
12 NOON - NFL's Top 10: Records That Will Never Be Broken
1:00 PM - NFL's Top 10: Linebacking Corps
2:00 PM - Path to the Draft (Thursday)
3:00 PM - Super Bowl XXXIII:Denver Broncos vs. Atlanta Falcons
3:30 PM - Super Bowl XXXIV:St. Louis Rams vs. Tennessee Titans
4:00 PM - NFL's Top 10: Records That Will Never Be Broken
5:00 PM - NFL's Top 10: Linebacking Corps
6:00 PM - Path to the Draft - LIVE
7:00 PM - NFL Total Access
8:00 PM - Arena Football Friday: Jacksonville Sharks vs. Tampa Bay Storm - LIVE
11:00 PM - NFL Total Access**
Saturday, April 2
* 8:00 AM - Path to the Draft (Friday)*
9:00 AM - Sound FX: 2010, Week 9
9:30 AM - Sound FX: 2010, Week 10
10:00 AM - Top 100: NFL's Greatest Players: #60-51
11:00 AM - Top 100: NFL's Greatest Players: #50-41
12 NOON - Path to the Draft (Monday)
1:00 PM - Path to the Draft (Tuesday)
2:00 PM - Path to the Draft (Wednesday)
3:00 PM - Path to the Draft (Thursday)
4:00 PM - Path to the Draft (Friday)
5:00 PM - NFL's Top 10: Records That Will Never Be Broken
6:00 PM - NFL's Top 10: Linebacking Corps
7:00 PM - NFL Total Access
* 8:00 PM - Fans Choice*
9:00 PM - Fans Choice
* 10:00 PM - Fans Choice*
11:00 PM - NFL Total Access
Sunday, April 3
* 8:00 AM - NFL's Top 10:* Opening Days
9:00 AM - NFL's Top 10: Mobile Quarterbacks
10:00 AM - NFL's Top 10: Records That Will Never Be Broken
11:00 AM - NFL's Top 10: Linebacking Corps
12 NOON - Sound FX: Steve Mariucci
12:30 PM - Sound FX: 2010, Week 4
1:00 PM - NFL Replay Real-Time: 2010, Week 4
2:00 PM - NFL Films Presents: Looking Back & Ahead
2:30 PM - NFL Films Presents : Saintsational
3:00 PM - NFL Films Presents: Ray Lewis Coaching Tree
3:30 PM - NFL Films Presents: Living the Dream
4:00 PM - NFL Films Presents: Traveling Many Miles
4:30 PM - NFL Films Presents: Kicking Game
5:00 PM - NFL Films Presents: Ups and Downs of Football
5:30 PM - NFL Films Presents:Andy Reid
6:00 PM - NFL Films Presents: Chew on This
6:30 PM - NFL's Top 10: Mobile Quarterbacks
7:30 PM - Game Changers: Quarterbacks
8:00 PM - Top 100: NFL's Greatest Players: #50-41
9:00 PM - Top 100: NFL's Greatest Players: #40-31
10:00 PM - America's Game: 1997 Denver Broncos
11:00 PM - America's Game:** 1998 Denver Broncos
Monday, April 4
* 6:00 AM - America's Game:* 1997 Denver Broncos
7:00 AM - America's Game: 1998 Denver Broncos
8:00 AM - Top 100: NFL's Greatest Players: #50-41
9:00 AM - Top 100: NFL's Greatest Players: #40-31
10:00 AM - America's Game: 1997 Denver Broncos
11:00 AM - America's Game: 1998 Denver Broncos
12 NOON - Sound FX: Chad Ochocinco
12:30 PM - NFL Replay:Green Bay Packers vs. Washington Redskins - Week 5, 2010
1:45 PM - NFL Replay:Tennessee Titans vs. Dallas Cowboys - Week 5, 2010
3:00 PM - NFL Replay:Minnesota Vikings vs. New York Jets - Week 5, 2010
4:15 PM - NFL Replay:San Diego Chargers vs. Oakland Raiders - Week 5, 2010
5:30 PM - Sound FX: 2010, Week 5
6:00 PM - Path to the Draft - LIVE
7:00 PM - NFL Total Access
8:00 PM - America's Game: 1996 Green Bay Packers
9:00 PM - America's Game: 1985 Chicago Bears
10:00 PM - Path to the Draft
11:00 PM - NFL Total Access**
Tuesday, April 5
* 11:00 AM - Path to the Draft (Monday)*
12 NOON - America's Game: 1996 Green Bay Packers
1:00 PM - America's Game: 1985 Chicago Bears
2:00 PM - Path to the Draft (Monday)
3:00 PM - Super Bowl XXXV:Baltimore Ravens vs. New York Giants
3:30 PM - Super Bowl XXXVI:New England Patriots vs. St. Louis Rams
4:00 PM - America's Game: 1996 Green Bay Packers
5:00 PM - America's Game: 1985 Chicago Bears
6:00 PM - Path to the Draft - LIVE
7:00 PM - NFL Total Access
8:00 PM - Game Changers: Defensive Linemen
8:30 PM - Game Changers: Quarterbacks
9:00 PM - Sound FX: 2010, Week 11
9:30 PM - Sound FX: 2010, Week 12
10:00 PM - Path to the Draft
11:00 PM - NFL Total Access**