FMIA: Patrick Mahomes Is ‘The Whole Package,’ Running Chiefs Into Super Bowl LIV To Meet 49ers

Posted by Peter King on January 20, 2020, 3:37 AM EST

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Super Bowl LIV is set. Peter King opens Football Morning in America in Kansas City, where “the complete package” Patrick Mahomes ran the Chiefs past the Titans, setting up a championship matchup against the 49ers. Also in the column:

• Mahomes recaps his second-quarter, tightrope, tip-toe touchdown that broke the spirit of Tennessee and ended the five-decade Super Bowl appearance drought in Kansas City.

• Raheem Mostert, motivated by numerous teams cutting him, ran the 49ers past the Packers and into Miami.

• The uniter-in-chief, Steve Gleason, and the day in D.C. where cats and dogs lived together and a hero was given his just due.

• More thoughts, notes and opinions on the retirement of Luke Kuechly; the absurdity of a 17-game schedule; the disappointment of the Hall of Fame class; the latest chapter in the Antonio Brown.

• Plus 10 things, factoids, coffeenerdness, beernerdness, a travel note and an interesting potential landing spot for Tua Tagovailoa. [more]

FMIA Divisional: Aaron Rodgers, Packers Aren’t Finished, Derrick Henry Can’t Be Stopped, and more

Posted by Peter King on January 13, 2020, 4:45 AM EST

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And then there were four. Peter King opens “Football Morning in America, Divisional Weekend” in Green Bay where the Packers joined the Niners, Titans and Chiefs as the championship weekend guests of honor. Also in the column:

• Aaron Rodgers, 36 years old, still has the deft touch, and has Green Bay one win away from another Super Bowl appearance.

• Derrick Henry might not care about stats, but the numbers he’s putting up have never been seen before.

• Tyrann Mathieu tries to make sense of the Chiefs’ really weird win over the Texans.

• A quick look at all the two Championship Sunday games—Tennessee at Kansas City, and Green Bay at San Francisco.

• A tick-tock through the 40 hours that changed the futures of the Panthers and Giants, and the lives of Matt Rhule and Joe Judge, including the importance of knowing which Penn Station is the right one.

• More thoughts, notes and opinions on the Rooney Rule mess, and how to fix it; the importance of process in Carolina; the Rhule contract; the Kevin Stefanski hire.

• Plus 10 things, factoids, beernerdness, a travel note and a wild thought on Andy Dalton becoming a Patriot in 2020. [more]

FMIA Wild Card: Tom Brady the Pragmatist Controls His NFL Future

Posted by Peter King on January 6, 2020, 2:21 AM EST

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Wild-card weekend is over, and whoa, what a start with four thrilling games. Peter King opens Football Morning in America in Foxboro where the NFL world witnessed a momentous event. Also in the column:

• Tom Brady, “not crushingly disappointed” by the loss to the Titans, talks about being a free man for the first time in 20 years. And Robert Kraft breaks his silence on Brady’s future and what’s in store next in New England.

• A review of the four wild-card winners, and the players—Deshaun Watson, Derrick Henry, Kirk Cousins, DK Metcalf—that propelled their teams.

• A quick look at all four divisional weekend games—Minnesota-San Francisco, Tennessee-Baltimore, Houston-Kansas City and Seattle-Green Bay.

• Memories of Sam Wyche, the influential coach who passed away last week at age 74.

• More thoughts, notes and opinions on the AP all-pro team; the Kyle Rudolph no-call; college coaches in the NFL; the most interesting team to watch this offseason.

• Plus 10 things, factoids, coffeenerdness, beernerdness and things learned on a train ride to Providence. [more]

FMIA Week 17: 49ers’ Thrilling Win vs. Seahawks Sets Table for NFL Playoffs

Posted by Peter King on December 30, 2019, 4:22 AM EST

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The NFL playoffs are finally here, but not before a fun finish to the regular season. Peter King opens Football Morning in America Week 17 with a look at the thrilling ending to Game 256, San Francisco at Seattle. Also in the column:

• Unpacking all of the crazy things that happened in the final seconds of the 49ers’ No. 1-seed clinching win over the Seahawks in Seattle.

• A quick look at all four wild-card weekend games—Buffalo-Houston, Tennessee-New England, Minnesota-New Orleans and Seattle-Philadelphia.

• Dark Gray Monday is here, with a slightly less dark outlook than previous coaching doomsdays of the past. Plus a look at names to watch with teams looking to fill vacancies quickly.

• An exit interview with Kyler Murray, looking back at the No. 1 pick’s promising first season in the NFL.

• The Week 17 awards, including strong performances from Derrick Henry, Shaq Barrett and more.

• More thoughts, notes and opinions on 12 football men who departed in 2019; what’s next for Philip Rivers and the Chargers; the hard numbers behind AFC North success; Larry Fitzgerald’s future.

• Plus 10 things, factoids, coffeenerdness, beernerdness and things learned during a holiday week in San Francisco. (Sorry not sorry, Airbnb.) [more]

FMIA Week 16: Don’t Look Now, But Philly’s a Factor (With a Healthy QB)

Posted by Peter King on December 23, 2019, 2:55 AM EST

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Don’t look now, but the Eagles—with a healthy Carson Wentz—are a factor as the playoffs draw near. Peter King opens Football Morning in America Week 16 with the Philly resurgence, and the man leading the way. Also in the column:

• The Raiders, at 7-8, have a path to the playoff that doesn’t seem all that unrealistic.

• The Seahawks are heading the wrong direction, and quickly.

• The Joe Burrow feel-good Christmas story of how a Heisman speech turned into a half-million dollars for those in need.

• The Week 16 awards, including strong performances from Michael Thomas, Chandler Jones, Nyheim Hines and more.

• More thoughts, notes and opinions on that great Saturday tripleheader of football; the 2020 NFL draft order; how New England will have to win in the postseason; what to watch for in Monday Night Football.

• Plus 10 things, factoids, coffeenerdness, beernerdness and remembering three decisions that reshaped the New Orleans Saints. [more]

FMIA Week 15: Mike McCarthy Gets Creative To Prepare For His Next Shot

Posted by Peter King on December 16, 2019, 3:34 AM EST

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Eight miles from Lambeau Field, Mike McCarthy is trying to prepare himself for his next job in coaching. Peter King opens Football Morning in America Week 15 with a visit to McCarthy in Green Bay to see the new tricks an old dog is learning. Also in the column:

• The Bills get a big, playoff-clinching win, but the road is going to be a rocky one in January.

• How the Falcons’ stunning upset of San Francisco impacts the NFC playoff picture.

• What the Patriots can expect as punishment for their latest video-taping drama.

• The Week 15 awards, including strong performances from Kenyan Drake, Julio Jones and more.

• More thoughts, notes and opinions on Eli Manning’s (last?) win; the AFC South race; the weird ending to the Raiders game.

• Plus 10 things, factoids, coffeenerdness, beernerdness and things learned during a New York-to-Wisconsin-to-California-to-Rhode-Island trip. [more]

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]