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]

FMIA: Andrew Luck, the Colts and the Retirement That Rocked NFL’s World

Posted by Peter King on August 26, 2019, 12:24 AM EDT

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Andrew Luck stunned the NFL world with a surprise retirement announcement over the weekend. In his Football Morning in America column, Peter King dives into the decision, including where both Andrew Luck and the Colts go from here. Plus:

• Colts GM Chris Ballard shares his shock and coach Frank Reich explains how the team is moving forward.

• Could Carli Lloyd become the first woman to play in the NFL? Don’t count her out.

• Rams coach Sean McVay shares the one play from the Super Bowl that he regrets, and how he plans to not let it happen again.

• More thoughts, notes and opinions on the biggest winners, losers of the preseason weekend; why preseason tix should cost $20, tops; Brian Flores trolling Kenny Stills; Bobby Wagner’s near-perfect rating; the habits of Dan Orlovsky.

• Plus 10 things, factoids, beernerdness, coffeenerdness and scenes from an emotional Don Banks memorial service at Fenway Park. [more]

FMIA: Kyler Murray, All-In On Arizona; Raiders, ‘All-Out’ On Antonio Brown?

Posted by Peter King on August 19, 2019, 12:44 AM EDT

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Are you all in or all out? That’s the topic du jour in Peter King’s Football Morning in America column, beginning with Kyler Murray who is fully committed to Arizona and its inventive offense. But out in Oakland, frustrations are beginning to boil over with Antonio Brown’s waffling. In this week’s column:

• Kylermania (though he can’t play Kyler football till Sept. 8)
• How Oakland should handle Antonio Brown
• Testing the Schutt helmet
• ESPN’s Pedro Gomez has an NFL role
• Richard Sherman on CBA talks
• Philip Rivers may not stop at 9 (kids)
• Jerry Jones eats gas-station hot dogs
• Chuck Noll. Not big on conversations
• And much more… [more]

FMIA: Sense Has To Prevail in Antonio Brown’s Unsafe Helmet Gripe. Right?

Posted by Peter King on August 12, 2019, 1:49 AM EDT

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The training camp tour rolls on, with stops to see the Steelers, Saints, Packers, Texans and more. But Peter King leads his Football Morning in America column with the almost unbelievable story of Antonio Brown’s helmet hangup. Also in the column:

• The state of the Steeler team Antonio Brown left.
• Why Sean Payton could be a New Orleans lifer.
• What ticks off the best receiver alive, Houston’s DeAndre Hopkins.
• A pretty cool Ed Werder reunion story.
• Michael Thomas gee-whizzing about his buddy LeBron James.
• An emotional trip to the most underrated national park in America.
• What in the world is Lumi Gold Rush, and why does one team swear by it.
• Happy trails, Sonny Jurgensen. [more]

FMIA: In Remembrance of Don Banks, an NFL Conscience and a True Friend

Posted by Peter King on August 5, 2019, 1:27 AM EDT

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The training camp tour rolled on, with stops in Jacksonville, Tampa, Indy and other spots. But Peter King leads his Football Morning in America column with the sudden passing of his good friend Don Banks, a beloved NFL writer whose death in Canton has crushed the pro football community. [more]

FMIA: Cam Newton Puts Away Cape, Feeling ‘Like a Rookie’ After Surgery

Posted by Peter King on July 29, 2019, 12:45 AM EDT

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The training camp tour is officially in full swing, with recent stops including the Jets, Ravens and Eagles. In his Football Morning in America column, King begins with a rejuvenated and realistic Cam Newton in Carolina. Also in the column:

• Carson Wentz has been handed the keys to the kingdom, according to coach Doug Pederson. What will the quarterback do with that responsibility remains to be seen.

• Checking in on the Ravens, who have undergone major turnover on both sides of the ball and also continue to embrace an analytical approach to the game.

• More thoughts, notes and opinions on the Ezekiel Elliot’s holdout; suspensions of Golden Tate and Taylor Lewan; the new Football Outsiders Almanac; the expanded Hall of Fame class in 2020.

• Plus 10 things, factoids, coffeenerdness and tales from the tour, including why television has to be avoided like the plague. [more]

FMIA: Annual NFL Training Camp Tour Begins—And It’s Already In Jeopardy

Posted by Peter King on July 22, 2019, 12:32 AM EDT

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Training camps have officially begun in the NFL, which means it’s time for Peter King to take his show on the road. In his Football Morning in America column, King visits Von Miller and company in Denver and also makes a fun pit stop in Las Vegas. Also in the column:

• Jeopardy champ James Holzhauer, a professional sports gambler, advises on NFL betting and shares his single worst bet on the board right now.

• Entering his age 30 season, Von Miller talks about his new coach, Vic Fangio, and the all-time record that just might be within reach.

• Notes from a behind-the-scenes tour of the Raiders new stadium in Vegas.

• Readers share their memories about interacting with players at NFL training camps, including a priceless Peyton Manning story.

• More thoughts, notes and opinions on the NFL’s decision not to suspend Tyreek Hill; why DeAndre Hopkins is the best WR in football; the Robbie Gould extension; the habits of Joe Flacco; the mission of Solomon Thomas.

• Plus 10 things, factoids, beernerdness, coffeenerdness and another fun travel adventure with Delta at Laguardia. [more]

FMIA: Peyton Manning (Remember Him?) Quarterbacks New TV Series, Mulls Long-Term Life After Football

Posted by Peter King on July 15, 2019, 12:04 AM EDT

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Peyton Manning (remember him?) is returning to your television later this summer. In his Football Morning in America column, Peter King returns from vacation to visit with Manning on location in Chicago for his new ESPN show. Plus:

• Manning explains Peyton’s Places and its unique look at the NFL’s 100-year history, and also reveals how he envisions his long-term life after football.

• The CBA and an 18-game schedule are both back in the news, and neither a new deal nor adding two more games (and $500+ million in revenue) seems likely.

• New column sections debut, including a fun look at Manning’s habits (good and bad) and Glover Quin’s financial philosophy

• More thoughts, notes and opinions on Melvin Gordon’s possible holdout; the truth about how often coaches throw challenge flags; guest columnist review

• Plus 10 things, factoids, beernerdness, coffeenerdness and why vacations from vacations get a full endorsement.
[more]

Guest FMIA: Indy GM Chris Ballard on Scouting and the Power of Sundays

Posted by Peter King on July 8, 2019, 12:15 AM EDT

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Peter King is on vacation until July 15, and he lined up some guest writers to fill his spot writing Football Morning in America. Today, it’s Chris Ballard, the general manger of the Colts. He writes about:

• Scouting in the NFL, and why finding out a draft prospect’s floor is just as important than finding out his ceiling.

• Rock Ya-Sin, and how the Colts used a thorough process to discover, learn about and ultimately draft the rising cornerback.

• The power of Sundays, and three stories that show the importance of how football brings people together.

• Plus 10 Things I Think, including thoughts on the combine staying in Indianapolis, a Hall of Fame case for Edgerrin James and much more. [more]

FMIA Guest: The NFL in a Small Town

Posted by Peter King on July 1, 2019, 12:16 AM EDT

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Peter King is on vacation until July 15, and he lined up some guest writers to fill his spot writing Football Morning in America. Today, it’s Hugh Royal of Richfield, Idaho, who won a reader essay submission contest. He writes about:

• The NFL in a small town. Richfield has a population of about 400 and all the football chatter is centered at the Little Wood Saloon in town.

• The NFL fans in Richfield are an eclectic bunch. Hugh introduces a dozen of them, and shares their favorite teams, beers and their small-town views on the international phenomenon of the NFL.

• Plus 10 Things I Think, including thoughts on the post-Brady/Belichick Patriots, why the Cowboys will win a Super Bowl in the next three years and much more. [more]