FMIA Divisional Weekend: Doobie Pump and a Big Piece of Cheese—How the Saints Saved Their Season

Posted by Peter King on January 14, 2019, 2:58 AM EST
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And then there were four. Divisional weekend is done and the stage is set for an epic Championship Sunday. From New Orleans, Peter King kicks off his latest Football Morning in America column with a look at how it all went down, plus…

• How the Saints saved their season … with a big piece of cheese? Let Drew Brees and Michael Thomas explain.

• A preview of the conference title games … a quick breakdown for each of the matchups—Rams-Saints and Patriots-Chiefs—and a look at the storylines that will dominate the week.

• John Elway looks back … and shares what he’s learned after eight (?!) seasons as the Broncos president and general manager.

• More thoughts, notes and opinions on the All-Pro team and season awards; C.J. Anderson’s out-of-nowhere run; the nobility of the Eagles; Kyler Murray’s big decision; the Doug Pederson effect; and more.

• Plus 10 things, factoids, beernerdness, the NFL’s most under-appreciated receiver and the increasingly odd connection between Atlanta and Tampa Bay. [more]

FMIA Wild-Card Weekend: Double-Doink Misses, Grass-Green Stains and One Golden Grab

Posted by Peter King on January 7, 2019, 3:22 AM EST
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Wild-Card Weekend had a little bit of everything, from Big Nick to a missed kick and so much more in between. Peter King kicks off his latest Football Morning in America column with a look at the Golden Grab in Chicago, plus…

• The Chargers Changeup … how a defensive gamble paid off handsomely for Los Angeles, and why Philip Rivers’ grass-green uniform said it all about the aging but still vibrant quarterback.

• A divisional weekend preview … a quick breakdown for each of the four matchups—Colts-Chiefs; Cowboys-Rams; Chargers-Patriots; Eagles-Saints.

• Patrick Mahomes goes no look—again … a must-see video of the Chiefs quarterback showing exactly how he pulls off the impossible pass.

• The Antonio Brown situation … an explanation for leaving the star wide receiver off the all-pro ballot, and what could be next for the Steelers and Brown

• More thoughts, notes and opinions on the Colts offensive line; Ezekiel Elliott’s monster game; the wild-card awards; a young Colt on what he’s learned; Hall of Fame voting.

• Plus 10 things, factoids, beernerdness, coffeenerdness, the wonders of East Coast train travel and three questions with football’s ultimate Swiss Army knife. [more]

FMIA Week 17: Ravens, Eagles, Colts Crash Playoffs; Black Monday Begins

Posted by Peter King on December 31, 2018, 3:47 AM EST
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The NFL playoffs are set and all it took was a frantic 20-minute flurry of action to get most of it settled. Peter King kicks off Week 17 of his Football Morning in America column with a look at the wild finishes to Sunday’s games, plus…

• A wild-card weekend preview … a quick breakdown for each of the four matchups—Colts-Texans; Seahawks-Cowboys; Chargers-Ravens; Eagles-Bears.

• Black Monday has begun … a team-by-team look at who’s been fired, who’s still waiting and which coaches could be next in line for jobs.

• The envelope please … picks for all the major individual awards, including MVP, rookies of the year, coach of the year and more.

• More thoughts, notes and opinions on Kyle Williams’ last game; notable games in 2019; Kyler Murray’s pro football prospects; the Week 17 awards; what Matt Millen has learned after a week with his new heart.

• Plus 10 things, factoids, beernerdness, coffeenerdness, a new-ish TV show to watch and a word about Notre Dame and the college football farce.
[more]

FMIA Week 16: NFL Playoff Scenarios, Picks and Millen’s Holiday Prayer

Posted by Peter King on December 24, 2018, 2:53 AM EST
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The NFL regular season’s penultimate week saw some surprises, setting up a furious finish next Sunday. Peter King kicks off Week 16 of his Football Morning in America column with a look at all the playoff possibilities, plus…

• A Christmas Eve miracle for Matt Millen … the football stalwart is finally having a heart transplant after a lengthy wait.

• Predictions for Week 17 … After laying out all the final-week scenarios, a look at how the 1 through 6 seeds in both conferences could shake out.

• The coaching carousel is spinning … What the John Harbaugh news out of Baltimore means and why as many as 10 jobs could be open after the season ends.

• More thoughts, notes and opinions on Nick Foles’ magical performance; Demario Davis’ really good deed; the explosion of versatile backs; Frank Gore’s final ride; a memorable 60th anniversary; the Week 16 awards; the MVP race with one week left.

• Plus 10 things, factoids, coffeenerdness, a Monday night prediction and the redemption of sitting for photos with Santa Claus. [more]

FMIA Week 15: Nick Foles Can’t Nap, And The Eagles Have Re-Awakened

Posted by Peter King on December 17, 2018, 3:39 AM EST
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Carson Wentz is out, Nick Foles is in and the Eagles are thriving in the underdog role. Wait, is it 2017 again? Peter King kicks off Week 15 of his Football Morning in America column with Philly’s surprising upset of the Rams and also tackles:

• The shotgun marriage in Cleveland … and why Baker Mayfield and Freddie Kitchens have the Browns offense humming.

• The falling sky in New England … the Patriots lost again, this time to Pittsburgh and with Tom Brady making some un-Brady-like throws. Time for Bill Belichick and Co. to worry?

• The NFC North title is back in Chicago … and coach Matt Nagy looks back on how his long journey to the job helped prepare him for the moment.

• More thoughts, notes and opinions on J.J. Watt’s comeback season; Derrick Henry’s huge week; the Colts’ shutout of the Cowboys; Joe Flacco’s next landing spot; Jaylen Samuels; the Week 15 awards; and a tight race for MVP.

• Plus 10 things, factoids, coffeenerdness, a Monday night prediction and the travel schedule for the parents of Derek, T.J., and J.J. Watt. [more]

FMIA Week 14: On Mahomes, Midway Monsters And The Miracle In Miami

Posted by Peter King on December 10, 2018, 3:54 AM EST
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The Miami Miracle. Mahomes. Midway Monsters. Where do you start after a day like that. Peter King kicks off Week 14 of his Football Morning in America column with everything that went down Sunday, including:

• Kenyan Drake and the play dreams are made of … the ending of Miami 34, New England 33 will never be forgotten, and the play’s star takes us through all the details.

• The man, the myth, the Mahomes … it was a stiff test against the Ravens and the Chiefs young quarterback passed in more ways than one.

• The NFC is far from decided … the Rams looked lost in Chicago, thanks to a menacing defense that will be a Bear to deal with next month.

• More thoughts, notes and opinions on Mike McCarthy’s legacy; the Colts’ snapping Houston’s streak; the Cowboys choking out Philly; Week 14 awards; MVP Watch.

• Plus 10 things, factoids, beernerdness, a Monday night prediction and the NFL player who Kyler Murray needs to have a conversation. [more]

FMIA Week 13: Packers Fire McCarthy in Merciful Move For Coach, Team

Posted by Peter King on December 3, 2018, 4:28 AM EST
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It was a merciful ending for both coach and team, although the Week 13 timing certainly was surprising. Peter King kicks off his Football Morning in America column with Green Bay’s firing of Mike McCarthy, and also covers:

• The Kareem Hunt situation … and the aftermath of the TMZ video and the Chiefs’ subsequent releasing of their star running back. Plus how the NFL botched its investigation

• The playoff picture … a look at where things stand with 13 weeks nearly in the books and 65 more games to go.

• What Texans star J.J. Watt learned about the recent death of his friend, President George H.W. Bush, and the importance of being kind (and having freshly baked cookies).

• More thoughts, notes and opinions on Phillip Lindsay’s ridiculous rookie season; the Texans’ improbable nine-game win streak; the MVP Watch; Week 13 awards.

• Plus 10 things, factoids, beernerdness, a Monday night prediction and the latest questionable self-care behavior spotted on a subway. [more]

FMIA Week 12: Seattle Steps Up As Path To Playoffs Begins To Take Shape

Posted by Peter King on November 26, 2018, 3:52 AM EST
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They wouldn’t even be in the playoffs if the season ended today, but the Seahawks put themselves in prime position with a point-proving Week 12 win. Peter King kicks off his Football Morning in America column with Seattle and its fearless quarterback, and also tackles:

• The Cleveland smell … Gregg Williams says Baker Mayfield has the scent and, well, perhaps it’s just better to let the Browns coach explain it, after a big win over Cincinnati on Sunday.

• Josh Allen’s big day … and why a meaningless handshake might have actually proven the Bills quarterback is starting to gain respect around the league.

• What GM John Lynch learned after drafting Reuben Foster, and then cutting him over the weekend after a domestic violence arrest.

• More thoughts, notes and opinions on the passing of Texans owner Bob McNair; a trade idea for Lions, Jags; Philip Rivers’ record day; MVP Watch; Week 12 awards.

• Plus 10 things, factoids, coffeenerdness, a Monday night prediction and the four NFL players who would make the ideal cross-country-in-an-RV travel mates. [more]

FMIA Week 11—Embedded in New Orleans: The Ritz, the Rout and the Reason the Saints Are Unstoppable

Posted by Peter King on November 19, 2018, 3:03 AM EST
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The Saints embarrassed the defending Super Bowl champions on Sunday, and what happened in a Ritz-Carlton on Saturday night foretold the rout of the Eagles. Peter King kicks off his Football Morning in America Week 11 column from a meeting room inside that New Orleans luxury hotel, plus covers so much more, including:

• What exactly has gotten into the Colts, who have reeled off four straight wins—including Sunday’s easy win over Tennessee—and have new life in the AFC South.

• A preview of the game of the year, Chiefs vs. Rams, in Los Angeles not Mexico City, and why it will be an emotional night on the field.

• What Jeff Rohrer, ex-Cowboys linebacker, has learned in a life lived mostly in the closet. The 59-year-old recently came out as gay.

• More thoughts, notes and opinions on the fateful fourth-down decision by Mike McCarthy; the impressive performances by Ezekiel Elliott and Lamar Jackson; the life of Alan Page; MVP Watch; Week 11 awards.

• Plus 10 things, factoids, coffeenerdness, a Monday night prediction and a special, heartfelt message for the Special Teamer of the Week. [more]

FMIA Week 10: Rams Manage Win After Fire-Filled Week of ‘Horror’

Posted by Peter King on November 12, 2018, 3:50 AM EST
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The Rams won Sunday, a footnote in an extraordinary week for the franchise and the community it calls home. Peter King kicks off his Football Morning in America Week 10 column with how the Rams navigated a fire-filled week of horror, plus so much more, including:

• Reporting from the field at Arrowhead, how the Chiefs overcame a relatively lackluster performance to beat the hapless Cardinals.

• Why Bill Belichick can’t seem to beat his proteges, as evidenced by Mike Vrabel’s Titans laying it on the Patriots in Nashville.

• What exactly Le’Veon Bell has missed out on financially by sitting out the 2018 season.

• More thoughts, notes and opinions on the Saints’ eighth straight win; the stunning Buffalo-Barkley performance; Pittsburgh’s loud statement win; MVP Watch; Week 10 awards.

• Plus 10 things, factoids, coffeenerdness, a Monday night prediction and a thorough list of the top 20 offensive and defensive rookies in football. [more]

FMIA Week 9: The Patriots Just Keep Winning and They Really Don’t Care

Posted by Peter King on November 5, 2018, 4:15 AM EST
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The team everyone loves to hate just keeps on winning. From the field in Foxboro, Peter King kicks off his Football Morning in America Week 9 column with the star-studded scene from the Rodgers-Brady showdown and so much more, including:

• How Alex Cora, Rupert Murdoch and Mick Jagger are all involved with this latest chapter of the Patriots dynasty.

• The Saints stopped the Rams’ unbeaten run, but don’t go giving the NFC’s No. 1 playoff seed to New Orleans just yet.

• Why Paul Zimmerman’s legacy is complicated, and what The Flaming Redhead learned in her life alongside Dr. Z.

• The numbers are coming in on the impact of Le’Veon Bell’s bizarre holdout, and they are not pretty for the man who’s skipped $7 million in salary.

• More thoughts, notes and opinions on the commonality in recent Cleveland coach firings; the Adrian Peterson-Orleans Darkwa connection; the latest Sam Bradford development; MVP Watch; Week 9 awards.

• Plus 10 things, factoids, beernerdness, coffeenerdness, a Monday night prediction and Benjamin Watson’s plea for people to use their voices on Tuesday. [more]

FMIA Week 8: On the Role a Rolex Played In Keeping the Rams Perfect

Posted by Peter King on October 29, 2018, 2:51 AM EST
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The Rams needed a Rolex to keep their perfect season ticking. On the scene in Los Angeles, Peter King kicks off his Football Morning in America Week 8 column with that story and so much more, including:

• Two plays that explain why L.A. is the team it is, and how the Rams were able to slip past Green Bay, with the help of an unwise decision by Ty Montgomery.

• The trade deadline is one day away, and the rumors—about Pierre Garcon, Demaryius Thomas, Janoris Jenkins, Eli Manning and more—are running rampant.

• Jameis Winston’s time in Tampa might be coming to an end after the Bucs benched their turnover-prone quarterback in a loss to the Bengals on Sunday.

• Adrian Peterson had a monster day for Washington and still has eyes for Emmitt Smith’s all-time rushing mark.

• The NFL has a new scoring leader. To celebrate, let’s take a quiz! (Spoiler Alert: You are not going to pass.)

• More thoughts, notes, opinions on the red-hot play of the Texans and J.J. Watt; the trade of Amari Cooper; the unraveling of Blake Bortles; Week 8 awards.

• Plus 10 things, factoids, beernerdness, how one man experienced Game 3 and the Halloween costume of the league’s fastest player.
[more]

FMIA Week 7: On Benchings, Bad Calls and the Big Miss in Baltimore

Posted by Peter King on October 22, 2018, 3:49 AM EST
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From buses to benchings to bad calls, Week 7 had a bit of it all. Peter King kicks off his Football Morning in America Week 7 column with the big miss in Baltimore:

• Justin Tucker holds himself accountable … The Ravens kicker missed the first PAT of his career at the most inopportune time, and lived to tell about it.

• Eli Manning, Jacksonville Jaguar? … Blake Bortles was benched Sunday and now the Jags have to aggressively try to find the answer at quarterback if they want to salvage their season.

• Washington beats Dallas … with the help of an obscure penalty on a field-goal snap that had everyone scratching their heads on Sunday.

• Plus more thoughts, notes, opinions on Carolina’s crazy comeback; the Eric Reid-Malcolm Jenkins scrape; Mike Vrabel’s costly play call; the K.C. masterpiece; the MVP Watch.

• Plus 10 things, factoids, beernerdness, a surreal sports Sunday in SoCal and the true tales of San Francisco’s birth certificate queen. [more]

FMIA Week 6: Chiefs-Patriots Leaves Expectations in the Rearview

Posted by Peter King on October 15, 2018, 4:04 AM EST
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It was the Game of the Year so far, and guess who was in Foxboro to see it live. Peter King kicks off his Football Morning in America Week 6 column with Patriots 43, Chiefs 40, and also dives into:

• Tom Brady’s touchdown run … the Patriots quarterback saw something he’d never seen before on that play. Plus more notes from two teams that could meet again in 13 weeks.

• The NFL’s ATM … London has turned lucrative for the league, as Sunday’s Seahawks-Raiders game showed, and a permanent franchise across the pond might happen sooner than we think.

• Drew Brees, the passing king … the man who has had the best seat in the house for the Saints quarterback’s career shares what he has learned watching No. 9.

• Thoughts, notes, opinions on the controversial ending in Steelers-Bengals game; Todd Gurley’s 200-yard day; Brocktober; the MVP Watch; and much more.

• Plus 10 things, factoids, beernerdness, coffeenerdness, Joe Buck’s bonkers schedule and a new granddaughter to put it all in perspective.
[more]

FMIA Week 5: Awaken the Sleeping Giant? Browns—Yup—Feeling Frisky

Posted by Peter King on October 8, 2018, 4:39 AM EST
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They are fun, they are competitive and they are a few breaks from being 5-0. Today, Peter King’s Football Morning in America column covers many topics, listed below, and leads with … the Cleveland Browns?

• Yes, that Cleveland, which has gone from fans photo-copying middle fingers to use in their season-ticket forms to an exciting, optimistic 2-2-1 start after an OT win over Baltimore

• Adam Thielen is a reluctant superstar … the Vikings receiver has done something no one in the Super Bowl era has done, but all he wants to talk about is onside kicks

• The rest of Week 5 … Sean McVay’s Rams stay perfect; Graham Gano has career kick; Odell drama resurfaces in New York; time running short for Philly

• Thoughts, notes, opinions on Drew Brees nearing an all-time NFL mark; Jake Butt’s optimistic attitude after his third ACL tear; the pros and cons of Thursday Night Football; the Week 5 awards

• Plus 10 things, factoids, coffeenerdness, a new book section and a sleepy, smelling cross-country disturbance [more]