Peter King, SI.com/HBO/NFL Sports

Each and every Friday inspire our football Friday at extravaganza we will visit as we have done for years now with -- buddy from. Sports Illustrated SI dot com NBC sports part of era Sunday night package and course they kick things off with a Thursday night game last night. Peter King is a lie with a tell Peter. They -- my Victoria I'll. Peter I'm no great now I'm wondering how is Jeff Bagwell Gabbard pitching for the Texas Rangers lately.

And it's a good question what what year did you actually took it seriously eight by the end of this year my guys handle it better near so like can --

Are you think -- our our our our fifth deposit I tried to and I hope you -- the email. I tried to ship some damaged goods to the Montclair Ortiz in his. I was offering you Terry Glenn.

Always thought that I that was your team.

Yeah that I that I just released.

I'll have that it is that was quite -- you may meet Gary glitter Bernard Berrian I don't know I guess -- could catch 80 ball and averaged 20 years to catch. The and I had a great night last night like I Drew Brees. True MVP Brees to get a commitment kept pickle ball.

Don't like it at Peter that's a good place to start if that's that the deal earlier do you think in the end I'm I'm maybe -- with this one but when when your quarterback. In -- you're playing against the colts you don't just have to worry about. The colts defense and and figure out what they're going to do do you -- to worry about your own -- it could you know. Putting up 2728 points may not be enough.

Yeah I think last night that -- key to that game. -- honest.

The Indianapolis Colts played at a different speed. Today they're entrenched plated different speed that media have been at Portland talks and plays I think that was the whole competed against the white afridi was -- possessed that they had they had four or five guys who have career best team on their beef fat and -- It is flawed and hasn't -- countered at this point last night to watch the game because today you know and Bob Sanders play it. That is an absolutely totally unequivocally different team he's right and not only him but -- Antoine -- they have back there. Has been an absolute revelation coming in the sixth around the year ago allowed them to not spend real money to keep Mike doss you know went to Minnesota at free agency that. Let's put it this way this team. It is about an al Michaels had a step last night late game that there's only four guys on this team was or whoever played for some -- I didn't think about that it today's day and age it's absolutely phenomenal 49ers at 53 guys who were on your team. Have only -- points system you know they only basically -- one way and that's the Coldplay. We don't we may have talked about this about just briefly -- Recap the story Drew Brees told me this some recent how would you like to be Peyton Manning where you know that David -- walking into the building. In 1998. And today you have the same three people who are really ultimately responsible for your success or failure to saint general manager. -- offensive coordinator and that -- the same offensive line coach don't go totally in. Tom Moore Howard but they're all the same except imagine being. Evidence -- architect same offensive coordinator. You know put together played together every week the offensive like coach who designed to help your protected it's it's phenomenal. What is happening in Indianapolis.

But if -- Sean Payton this morning. Assuming that you went to bed at all and you probably didn't what bothers you more the play of Drew Brees in your offense -- the play of Jason David in your defects.

Well look decent day it is going to have to adjust beat. -- Internet and keep going to a different totally defensive totally different defensive -- you know in. In Indianapolis he was heavily realignment the safeties behind you don't help out if they're cover two -- And then New Orleans there's going to be an awful lot of man coverage you saw him last night in hand situation. Even Marvin Harrison is getting pretty old and Marvin Harrison is out running -- that was that deal worrisome thing if -- looking at this team but you don't want. You can find ways. Can't help corners who need help I'm and I honestly you know that's going to be the story of the day -- wasted money can't Jason David restricted free agency. They'll find ways to help them the thing that worries you the most right now. It is remember last year where everybody says including -- you know what this is just Reggie Bush sort of getting used to. A new offensive system and a new way of playing that's why he didn't have agreed yards per carry average. Last year well. Out you have to ask yourself okay it is offensive line ever going to be a great offensive line to be able to move people out to be able to protect. Against the quick defense which they faced last night it is offensive line ever going to pay. Give Reggie Bush some a couple of running lanes and -- give Drew Brees appetite to make plays I have my doubts.

Went back to your point about the colts than have in the same franchise architect in place can think of who we're three general managers. Who have drafted better than belt -- and don't talk about yesterday babe beat the best in the league it when it comes to drafting people especially high.

I was thinking there's a way to put it Michael they've had -- ten top draft choices. Since -- politte and became the general manager those ten guys okay you would argue that there it either marlon Jackson -- rob Morris would be the worst guy they ever draft it -- high pick and can. My that a lot of these type picture beat pick lleyton around to deal because of his success now. Wohl -- rob Morse is not a great successes of middle linebackers moved outside linebacker out 53 career starts and started in the superbowl last year that some failure. And marlin Jackson at the region that they let nick -- ago the reason they let Jason David Cohen restricted free agency. Is that they felt that they had two good guys marlin Jackson Kelvin Hayden. You know over the top two picks in 2005 I didn't look nobody -- NFL. Days in my opinion has a better oh record overtime over his career that bill -- you know -- what he didn't buffalo. In -- planting the seed for eternity and stark Jim Kelly I don't know what four Super Bowl loss to all but still four time country champion. Then goes to Carolina Kerry Collins at the time it was not a nut job. And really haven't some personal demons too much alcohol that stuff if if he had been Adam steady your character they would not only gotten. Into the playoffs in their second -- played the NFC championship game at some point they would want want and it obviously it is he's tenure -- Indianapolis this is a guy who won available for all of thing.

So I'm not going to be surprised Sunday of San Diego just not Chicago around the park. And it leads me to believe you know the first weekend of the season. You got New Orleans gave its rear end handed to it if Chicago gets its rear end handed to it by San Diego what's left for the NFC and where we -- one week ended the season.

point scale which shaped the which I had thought of it now I play this deal.

I -- it's time for Monday morning quarterback.

out okay here's the media here is the one team and haven't mentioned. The Seattle -- dark right now are better than they were -- went to the superbowl if at the age 30 which he just turned it last week it Shaun Alexander can still be a very good rhetoric better received it yet it has been in the past couple years. And I just tell you why their offense is better I think there there're there they really have they they've got that find Indian free agency Patrick Kerney like -- It was undervalued by Atlanta come off an injury -- and is really going to help them. -- offensive coordinator -- not only have to worry by Julian Peterson to worry about Patrick per game both of those guys here. Good strong pass -- types but I think Seattle beat her from before the end of the year but I agreed. Even right now the four best teams in football in my opinion carry the AFC -- Baltimore before and then after that who knows what's going to happen.

We're obviously going to ask about the patriots on the field Peter I want to ask you about some pop the few issues off the top number one -- Rodney Harrison number two. Richard Seymour those guys will not be available for at least a month for different reasons what your reaction to to the absences of those great players.

Well I can't I think Rodney Harrison's loss. He it is is particularly significant because especially in the first month of the season. And I thank him more probably next week at this week. I -- need -- physical force in the second very what your face Chang Antonio Gates Ladainian Tomlinson is really -- that -- physical. Offensive line physical front. And in my mind that's going to be that's when his losses really can't be felt next week -- San Diego and and it EEL. I don't know about themselves individually those two losses wouldn't be can be handled but I think taken together. It definitely gets -- the traditional how great they can plan B Trent Barrett just fortunate. They have they have restart well over the years been the same way that. That that that the COLT wouldn't get what you got marlin Jackson and Tony you go to replace guys eventually do they do they were going to miss -- didn't. The patriots couldn't -- Brandon Meriweather and and you know whatever they do on Sunday meriwether James Sanders event victor green obviously 80 eat at all as they've done they've done the job jobs -- that. They've got -- treatment they don't really good job basically in taking positions. Need you know that are important positions in the Belichick be -- fortifying now. And so -- if I really think that that that their losses obviously your -- felt they have such great defensive depth. And especially early in the season before they have other injuries on defense I think they're going to be okay.

Peter is there any indication from sources you've heard that this spreading federal investigation into this pharmacy out of Florida which according to the daily news you know. Grabbed up Rick Ankiel name here in the 24 hours is there any indication that there will be more NFL main surface before this is --

You know the only things that the security people of the NFL it worked on it is that three games at a party surface that's Rodney Harrison wait Wilson and and -- repeated -- position with the media. With the Steelers and really be gone Wilson to dog for five weeks four for purchasing usually teach teach -- Dallas morning news -- very strongly today than it was ever a case that it didn't. Now which greatly exacerbated diabetes which is you know I've been told that put he he -- diabetes use HEH. Like -- gasoline on fire and really he's diabetes or but I think in general. Need the problem it's outlook we would all be naive to think that these are the only three guys in the NFL. They have anything to do he'd been growth hormone if you football player. And you have a choice of -- taken something they can't be detected or not taking if you take it you've got a real good chance have a long career the league. Of course other guys are taking it -- knows this. And I think the league wants to be able to once a year. Go to every player at random. At some point during the year and take a blood test you know obviously the blood test is not right now perfect. But I think this is one of the things when -- be -- next negotiation with the players that they're really ask for I think. They'll really be at loggerheads over this because I think the players do this too invasive. And to be out of Syria and let. -- and pole award is more invasive taking into ticket urine specimen with somebody is looking at -- irritating which now is there. -- wrapping up your arm meant taking a vial blood out of your arm I'm. Hey look I understand that it's not very much fun to have blood drawn but we all do it hit -- you multiple times a year I really personally don't see what's on base -- about.

I didn't -- that as a rhetorical question because I know which one piece of thank you very much Peter -- am getting back to the field I want to ask you about about the targets because I think the fanciest act I think they're terrific team. And I know Michael Irvin loved Norv Turner and Troy Aikman loved and continues to love Norv Turner the head coach hasn't gotten it done. If you fall off they're from -- I ignore.

Michael it's a different story than normal situation -- a new coach takes over it's have very different story you have guys on this team. Or so incredibly motivated. From the failure of last year and frankly the failure against the jets -- in the playoffs and where where most of these guys still -- and they're mostly guys have a team easily period then when when the jets keep an aircraft and beat them I just don't see this as a case where these guys -- gonna say hey can't shut my -- schools out. Hey you know let's go screw around. I didn't I just don't seed north turn everybody said boy you know -- the asylum now it isn't like. They've got a bunch a guys on their team. Well we're going to sit around the pool all day and then you -- six -- triple we'd have to work -- are coached. I just don't think that's going to be a factor I think the leadership of this team is strong enough. So that. Maybe almost imperceptibly things -- slide a little bit. But I just don't see it.

Do you think it's likely Eric Mangini is jets may have to take a step backwards from the -- six record of a year ago.

Make some things went well for them last year and I'm not sure that they can go similarly well this year. Good -- treat them is that I think D'Brickashaw Ferguson got a little bit quicker and a little bit stronger in this offseason and so where -- he was beaten more than they would have liked to have seen last year. The ET you know hole at left tackle I think he's going to be improved player -- 28 -- the most improved player on the team that's going to be important I just. I just wonder how about this team especially defensively Kevin really shut it down when they have to and it's the same thing I mean we we we've talked about this site and I really wonder when push comes to shove with the patriots fourth quarter. Of a big game and it TV news is is has started to run out of like the colts did last year late this year and in the championship game are they going to be able to start up teams I really wonder whether it dips. Are going to be able to take a team as offensively capable as the patriots on Sunday. And hold them 27021 and I just don't Seattle -- just did not get.

You know peerless been a lot of time thinking about the Oakland Raiders but. This contract negotiation with two markets muscle and Jamarcus Russell is this drive me crazy well what's the story I can't believe -- not even done.

You know -- agent flew to Oakland he -- free agents include Oakland yesterday and their meeting. As we speak at the raiders facility would. Will Russell went with the -- about Russell and one of the things that is happening here Michael is that. He -- and that's just something that fans don't care about not. And I never write about it either direction no offense don't care about it but in -- the reason why he's not the end. It's because. Period -- latter are guaranteed money. Given to the first players -- in the recent drafts that has gone from. The last four years okay come -- out and I am because I am speaking not the exact figures but it's gone from about. 152 point 8223226 point five with Mario Williams last year 26 point nine. The raiders want a kind of and a 130 well 130 had told. And the agent you're saying listen we gotta get somewhere in the 30s and guaranteed money. It's ridiculous I mean you look at Kelvin Johnson in -- if he can walk and chew gum at the same time he's going to make at least 47 million that is deal. So that's where they have -- really is I think you're gonna have to get guaranteed money at least 29 rate is now. At range to get this deal done today but. I'll say this al Davis just furious over. In the wintertime it's taken. And that want this kid signed at the ready to goal you know within a couple of weeks and the other sort of X factor here Michael I think it's going to be pristine defeat. I'd be interested to see sometime today or tomorrow if they get Daunte Culpepper to redo his contract and here's why. One Sunday becomes stuck Culpepper having guaranteed contract it's three point two million -- year. I think what they want to do -- I think they wanted to say listen. We want to take less -- guaranteed so the week they can -- somebody guaranteed money to. Russell's contract so to be if if you see assigned if you -- company transactions. You at all eat is he'll sign Daunte Culpepper or no contract he'll know it's not because they have more frequent topic Culpepper because they need some of his guaranteed money back.

Final question from me what did you make of the Tiki Barber Tom Coughlin dust up this week.

Well I mean obviously I'm here at NBC today that's in the big topic of conversation in New York the last few days because the daily news basically breached an agreement. Meant that they had that they weren't going to run anything -- on this book until this coming. Monday -- believer Sunday. And so maybe they'd. Printed stuff about this book early and according to Kiki obviously haven't seen the book. Which is coming out this week -- says that and he told us that. In essence. It was one of the factors Tom Coughlin you know his displeasure with Tom Coughlin has -- why he didn't come back it was not a -- factor and and that speed that's what really gets killed in here that he's been seen. As a real kind of beat Tom Coughlin overhead guy over the last few over the last few weeks and you know that the problem critique he is going to be over the next now the next few months there's a lot of giants fans who really loved him especially lately 2005 season when the two owners are dying. Kiki was at the bedside to these guys -- and he really became. A beloved figure in giants history so much that good well I would take 90% of it. Has been washed away and and huge giants fans that now it out because they view him as you know repeat -- in Coughlin. Is that he's more of a divisive force and then hey things went well for you when you're here shut up now that your gone that's kind of the attitude but the thing about Tiki. He'd be is that -- is boss used to beef Wellington Mara has boss now is Dick Ebersol. And he's going to call on the way he -- and so going to be interesting year and -- Sunday -- see now.

It yeah thank you very much Sunday -- 75 Tiki Barber's debut on -- football like America.

Will be watching Peter thanks for the time we will look talk to again next -- today. Peter -- from Sports Illustrated SI dot com NBC sports in the Sunday Night Football package