FMIA Week 14: How George Kittle and the ‘Choice’ Route Helped Lift 49ers Over Saints in the Game of the Year

Posted by Peter King on December 9, 2019, 3:32 AM EST

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The game of the year in Week 14? Why not? Peter King opens Football morning in America with a look at the epic 49ers-Saints game, including an in-depth examination of the critical fourth-down play that put San Francisco in position to win. Also in the column:

• George Kittle explains the “choice” he made on the crucial catch-and-run.

• Drew Lock introduces himself to America and makes a case for why Denver doesn’t need to draft another quarterback.

• Some quick kudos for the Ravens and their uber-impressive 7-0 stretch.

• The Week 14 awards, including strong performances from Jimmy Garoppolo, Danielle Hunter, Austin Ekeler, Steve Spagnuolo and more.

• More thoughts, notes and opinions on the Chiefs-Patriots game; the current best choice for coach of the year; remembering a high school star.

• Plus 10 things, factoids, beernerdness and the old standby cough syrup that’s performed admirably recently. [more]

FMIA Week 13: Featuring a Duck and a Darkhorse, Playoff Picture Fills Out

Posted by Peter King on December 1, 2019, 11:58 PM EST

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With four weeks to go, the NFL playoff picture is taking shape. Peter King opens Football Morning in America Week 13 with a look at six items to ponder—a Duck? a darkhorse?—as the postseason draws near. Also in the column:

• The Steelers focus on football—and not T-shirts—and finish the fight against the Browns.

• Justin Tucker wanted a longer kick, but settles for a 49-yard walkoff winner in the game of the day.

• Three reasons to buy the Bills, and how the Texans finally got past the big, bad Patriots.

• The Week 13 awards, including strong performances from Jared Goff, Devin White, Taysom Hill and more.

• More thoughts, notes and opinions on five coaches who are in serious trouble; the easy top 2 of the 2020 draft; the hereditary toughness of George Kittle.

• Plus 10 things, factoids, a travel note, coffeenerdness and the beer I’ve been neglecting but will be trying again soon. [more]

FMIA Week 12: Why Dominant, Deep 49ers Might Be NFL’s Scariest Team

Posted by Peter King on November 25, 2019, 3:55 AM EST

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In the NFL, it’s always smart to have recency bias. Peter King opens Football Morning in America Week 12 in Santa Clara, Calif., where the league’s scariest team, San Francisco, showed off its dominance by blowing out Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. Also in the column:

• A quick peek ahead at the juicy Week 13 matchup—Niners at Ravens—and why it’s in the NFL’s least attractive television window.

• A look at what’s wrong with Carson Wentz, and whether the Eagles can still save their season.

• Peeling back the curtain on the NFL 100 All-Time Team and how the players were picked, starting with the running backs.

• The Week 12 awards, including strong performances from Derrick Henry, Chris Godwin, Shaq Lawson, Adam Gase and more.

• More thoughts, notes and opinions on Frank Gore’s longevity; the Myles Garrett incident; the two-horse MVP race; the importance of studying game film; the surprising rise in fourth-down risks.

• Plus 10 things, factoids, a travel note, beernerdness, coffeenerdness and the four men who will be coaching for their jobs over the season’s final month. [more]

FMIA Week 11: Football Changes Fast, As Lamar Jackson’s Rise Reminds

Posted by Peter King on November 18, 2019, 4:01 AM EST

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The NFL, says one Raven, has “never, never, never seen anything like Freaky L.” Peter King opens Football Morning in America Week 11 in Baltimore, where Lamar Jackson led the Ravens to a surprisingly easy rout of the Texans and now has even more fans chanting M-V-P. Also in the column:

• The back story of how Baltimore drafted Lamar Jackson, and the anecdote about how a New York City concert helps explain why the quarterback is a great leader.

• Three thoughts on the Myles Garrett incident, and why the NFL got right its punishment for all involved.

• An attempt to shed some light on the mystery of Colin Kaepernick, after a bizarre weekend workout.

• The Week 11 awards, including strong performances from Jimmy Garoppolo, Dak Prescott, Maxx Crosby, Jamal Adams and more.

• More thoughts, notes and opinions on the Myles Garrett impact on parents and football; what the Tua Tagovailoa injury means for the draft; the end of Mitchell Schwartz’s snaps streak.

• Plus 10 things, factoids, a travel note, beernerdness and why the author might just camp out in front of a movie theater this month. [more]

FMIA Week 10: Playoffs For Steelers? It’s a Whole New World in Pittsburgh

Posted by Peter King on November 11, 2019, 3:42 AM EST

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After an 0-3 start, the Steelers stunningly have played their way into the playoff chase. Peter King opens Football Morning in America Week 10 with Pittsburgh, and how Sunday’s win over the Rams was emblematic of their quick turnaround. Also in the column:

• Why two early-season Super Bowl contenders—the Rams and Chiefs—could be in big trouble after relatively surprising losses on Sunday.

• With three black quarterbacks at the top of the current MVP race, a look back at pioneering QB James Harris, who helped pave the way.

• The Week 10 awards, including strong performances from Lamar Jackson, Mitchell Trubisky, Jamal Adams and more.

• More thoughts, notes and opinions on the decline of participation in high school football; the pro prospects of LSU quarterback Joe Burrow; the secret to interviews, according to Dan Patrick; likes/dislikes from Week 10.

• Plus 10 things, factoids, coffeenerdness, beernerdness and why Kevin Harlan is an American treasure. [more]

FMIA Week 9: ‘Lamar The Dude’ As Ravens Topple Pats, Shifting The NFL Landscape At Season’s Halfway Point

Posted by Peter King on November 4, 2019, 4:12 AM EST

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Three words to describe what America witnessed Sunday night? “Lamar the dude.” Peter King opens Football Morning in America Week 9 from Baltimore, where the Ravens and their young star quarterback handed the Patriots their first loss of the season and shifted the NFL landscape in the process. Also in the column:

• A second-half preview, complete with a look at the biggest issues, best games, most compelling coaches and much more.

• An eye-opening look at just how far the Browns have fallen in this Freddie Kitchens-Baker Mayfield era.

• A word with Sean McVay, on finding the right balance and how Dick Vermeil is helping him get there.

• The Week 9 awards, including strong performances from Russell Wilson and the new Chargers offensive coordinator; bad news for Adam Vinatieri.

• More thoughts, notes and opinions on the the Hall of Fame Class of 2020 debacle; the upcoming Minshew-Foles decision; likes/dislikes from Week 9.

• Plus 10 things, factoids, a travel note, a word to A.J. Hinch about the World Series and a farewell to Aunt Bert. [more]

FMIA Week 8: Nick Bosa, Defensive MVP? Plus, inside Watson’s incredible TD pass and Belichick stories

Posted by Peter King on October 28, 2019, 3:50 AM EDT

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Nick Bosa, the defensive MVP? Deshaun Watson, the NFL play of the year? Peter King opens Football Morning in America Week 8 with a look at a couple of the game’s brightest stars, who each had standout performances on Sunday. Also in the column:

• The Niners are 7-0 and atop a very competitive NFC, thanks to Bosa and his dominant defensive linemates.

• Even with only one eye, Watson was able to lead the Texans past the Raiders.

• A tribute to Bill Belichick, who won his 300th game, from a variety of players and others who’ve witnessed his greatness.

• The Week 8 awards, including strong performances from Gardner Minshew and Miles Sanders. Goat horns for the ref that burned the Bucs.

• More thoughts, notes and opinions on the Minshew-Foles debate; trading deadline rumors; J.J. Watt’s injury; Aaron Rodgers’ new go-to weapon.

• Plus 10 things, factoids, a travel note from the World Series and a note on the lost art of baseball scorekeeping. [more]

FMIA Week 7: ‘NBA Is Coming To The NFL,’ And Rams Are On A Fast Break

Posted by Peter King on October 21, 2019, 3:09 AM EDT

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“The NBA is coming to the NFL,” an NFL team exec tells Peter King, who traveled to Atlanta for Week 7 to check it out for himself. Today’s Football Morning in America begins with the Rams, their beat-down of the Falcons and what their recent trade-spree (hello, Jalen Ramsey) says about the changing NFL landscape. Also in the column:

• The Bears have a Mitch Trubisky problem, as their offense hits rock bottom in loss to Saints.

• Don’t look now, but the 5-1 Bills—yup—have a path to 10-1 that is not hard to envision happening.

• A tribute to Teddy Bridgewater, who has made a future for himself in this league.

• A look back at John Elway’s increasingly bad decisions at quarterback, and what might be next in Denver.

• The Week 6 awards, including strong performances from Lamar Jackson and Chase Edmonds. Goat horns for Melvin Gordon and Derek Carr.

• More thoughts, notes and opinions on the replay controversies; Philip Rivers’ climbing the ranks; the MVP race through seven weeks.

• Plus 10 things, factoids, a travel note, coffeenerdness and the controversy of drinking a beer in the vessel it arrived in. [more]

FMIA Week 6: It’s a New World at Quarterback and Other NFL Truths

Posted by Peter King on October 14, 2019, 3:43 AM EDT

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Week 6 was a truth-revealing time in the NFL. Peter King begins Football Morning in America with a look at what we learned, starting with a changing of the guard at quarterback. Also in the jam-packed column:

• The 49ers are for real, and it starts with the best defense in the NFC.

• The Cowboys and Rams are both 3-3, and I’ll tell you which one to worry about.

• The NFL is blowing it with the pass interference replay rule, and Roger Goodell might need to get involved.

• The math on what exactly it would cost the players if the NFL were to eliminate Thursday night football.

• The Week 6 awards, including strong performances from Sam Darnold, Stefon Diggs and the Saints punter.

• More thoughts, notes and opinions on Jalen Ramsey’s mysterious injury; the latest in CTE research; Bill O’Brien’s gutsy call against K.C.

• Plus 10 things, factoids, coffeenerdness and a great beer and a great bar in Brooklyn. [more]

FMIA Week 5: Brett Favre, Rick Reilly and How the Colts Upset the Chiefs

Posted by Peter King on October 7, 2019, 3:55 AM EDT

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The Chiefs are unbeaten no more, thanks to a ‘crazy’ upset at the hands of the Colts. Peter King begins Football Morning in America with a look at how coach Frank Reich and Indianapolis pulled it off. Also in the jam-packed column:

• A reprieve for Kirk Cousins, after a tumultuous week in Minnesota.

• Don’t look now, but the Raiders are 3-2—after surprising the Bears in London—and have a favorable schedule the rest of the way.

• As Brett Favre turns 50, he opens up on his new reality in Mississippi, CTE, biking and whether he stuck around the game too long.

• An ode to Sports Illustrated with several sections borrowed from the magazine institution and a special sign-off from Rick Reilly

• The Week 5 awards, including strong performances from Christian McCaffrey, Justin Houston, Deshaun Watson and others.

• More thoughts, notes and opinions on Carolina’s quarterback situation; a logical landing spot if the Vikings decide to trade Stefon Diggs; a curious decision by Pete Carroll.

• Plus 10 things, factoids, coffeenerdness, beernerdness and three observations after a long weekend in the interesting city of San Francisco. [more]

FMIA Week 4: Re-Organizing the NFL Power Rankings After an Odd Sunday

Posted by Peter King on September 30, 2019, 4:24 AM EDT

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After a strange Sunday of teams being pulled back into the middle, and others rising into it, Peter King begins Football Morning in America with a re-organizing of the NFL power structure. Also in the column:

• The rankings, 1 to 32, of every NFL team, along with a quick look at where each stands at the end of the NFL’s first quarter.

• Chase Daniel, career backup, is thrust into action in Chicago and helps the Bears to a meaningful win over Minnesota.

• Jameis Winston earns the biggest win of his career in Los Angeles.

• A new twist on London, and notes on the NFL’s international future, with the first game at the new Tottenham Stadium on the horizon in Week 5

• The Week 4 awards, including strong performances from Nick Chubb, Leonard Fournette, Jabrill Peppers and others.

• More thoughts, notes and opinions on Larry Fitzgerald’s chase of Jerry Rice; a team to watch in the Jalen Ramsey sweepstakes; the coach with the hottest seat; approaching the 10-year anniversary of the biggest onside kick in NFL history.

• Plus 10 things, factoids, coffeenerdness, beernerdness and the merciful end of a dildonic tradition in Buffalo. [more]

FMIA Week 3: Daniel Jones Energizes Previously Sleepy Giants With Win

Posted by Peter King on September 23, 2019, 3:50 AM EDT

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There were eight teams that entered Week 3 with some sort of quarterback instability. Peter King begins Football Morning in America with a look at how one of the brand new QBs, Daniel Jones, gave his team a fresh look at its future. Also in the column:

• The highs and lows of Week 3, including the otherworldly play of Patrick Mahomes and the troubling 0-3 starts for three AFC teams that expected more.

• The almost unbelievable football path of Gardner Minshew, who very nearly went to Alabama to simply carry a clipboard and then coach.

• The Award Section, with praise for Alvin Kamara, Jacoby Brissett and Calais Campbell, plus affixing the goat horns to the Tampa Bay kicker.

• More thoughts, notes and opinions on Eli Manning’s Hall of Fame case; five points about Antonio Brown; the habits of Cooper Kupp; John Harbaugh’s puzzling decision; two new books about being gay in the NFL and the origins of the Chiefs.

• Plus 10 things, factoids, coffeenerdness, beernerdness, a travel note and the real question everyone is asking about Cam Newton. [more]

FMIA Week 2: Right Or Wrong, NFL’s Ref Problems Not Going Away Soon

Posted by Peter King on September 16, 2019, 4:19 AM EDT

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There was plenty of intrigue on the Sunday of Week 2, but one unfortunate storyline overshadowed it all. Peter King begins Football Morning in America with a look at a handful of blown calls that played big roles in the outcome of two games. Also in the column:

• The Bills are 2-0, and haven’t played in Buffalo yet. And their quarterback has a thing for room-service ribs. (We’ll explain.)

• The Rams also are 2-0, thanks to Cooper Kupp’s determination and a selfless group living in the culture established by coach Sean McVay.

• The feel-good story of the week, about a player who went five years between games and made an important tackle in his first one back.

• The Award Section, with acknowledgment of the second-quarter mastery of Patrick Mahomes and the boneheaded, game-ending decision by Kirk Cousins.

• More thoughts, notes and opinions on how little the Chargers miss Melvin Gordon; the best RB in 2019 through two weeks; the idol of Joe Flacco; the travel oddities for Oakland and Buffalo.

• Plus 10 things, factoids, coffeenerdness, beernerdness, a travel note and the el clowno story of the week. [more]

FMIA Week 1: On Cusp of Antonio Brown Addition, Patriots Roll Steelers and Tom Brady Says: ‘Let’s Go Do It’

Posted by Peter King on September 9, 2019, 4:13 AM EDT

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The 2019 season begins and looks similar to how 2018 ended: with the Patriots at the top, and not going anywhere soon. Peter King writes Football Morning in America from Foxboro, where he spoke with Tom Brady about New England’s acquisition of Antonio Brown. Also in the column:

• A wide receiver who once had to adapt to the Patriot Way explains how, and if, Antonio Brown can assimilate to the culture in New England.

• The Letdown by the Lake, and where Cleveland goes from here. And how Tennessee was able to beat down Baker.

• The story behind the video of Patrick Mahomes and Brett Favre playing catch and trying to outdo each other with no-look passes.

• The Award Section, with acknowledgment of the stellar Week 1 performances by Lamar Jackson, Dak Prescott, Mike Pettine and more. Goat of the week was a bit unexpected, but certainly deserving.

• Get to know a little more behind the story of Austin Ekeler, one of Week 1’s biggest stars.

• More thoughts, notes and opinions on two underrated teams that could win games in January; Doug Pederson’s gutsy 4th-down call; the Rams extending Jared Goff’s contract; a head coach’s warming seat.

• Plus 10 things, factoids, a travel note and the perfect slice of Americana bookstore in Rhode Island. [more]

FMIA: On Cuts and Trades and Why Super Bowl 54 Will Be Chiefs-Saints

Posted by Peter King on September 1, 2019, 11:46 PM EDT

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It’s finally September, the opening kickoff is days away and you know what that means: time for predictions. Peter King begins Football Morning in America with a look at which team he thinks will win Super Bowl 54, and why. Also in the jam-packed column:

• A behind-the-scenes anecdote about why Patrick Mahomes the leader is just as impactful as Patrick Mahomes the player.

• Predicting the 12 playoff teams—including three that weren’t there in 2018—and several of the major award winners. Spoiler alert: Jacoby Brissett is a factor.

• Recapping all the big news of cut-down weekend, including the Laremy Tunsil/Kenny Stills trade to Houston, the Jadeveon Clowney trade to Seattle, the Bills cutting LeSean McCoy and more.

• More thoughts, notes and opinions on the biggest storylines to watch in Week 1; JuJu Smith-Schuster’s YouTube channel; Carson Palmer on Andrew Luck; Patriots center David Andrews’ injury; the tanking Dolphins.

• Plus 10 things, factoids, beernerdness, coffeenerdness and an interesting prediction about the future of reviewable pass interference. [more]