Peter King

your first opportunities the the new Big Three. Right now we'll talk to Peter King brought to buy 1800 mattress the most comfortable mattresses on -- just phone call away 1800 -- like -- delivery by the post game show 1800 NET TE RES -- off the last desperate savings online at mattress dot com welcome Peter King -- title town USA hello Peter. What's going on they are you might Peter the great I don't.

Everything is going good it's. Gotta be an exciting time to be -- sports talk show host in Boston, Massachusetts.

Pretty exciting -- I'm guessing that she'll be leaving for Indianapolis sometime tomorrow.

No I'm not going to the game hobbies I think it from here from may. A little darkened cubicle on the eighth floor of on the fifth floor of 30 rock.

That's true you do have a you know the Dick -- MBC pretty -- game. Well I just like here.

One of the things that is they have really assertive. -- my interest from both the television and and and a football standpoint this week is how. Maybe read the stories about how the people in. It's San Francisco there's a column out there don't buy tickets to this game. You know politics to the Houston open game because everybody there wants to be able to watch the the patriots and colts you don't have -- sellout -- game which obviously they they didn't and won't do they wouldn't be able to do -- so. Now there's only one decent sized market in the United States Houston which won't see this game at 4 O'Clock Sunday.

We talked to Jimmie Johnson last aren't got his thoughts on on the stories nationwide about are the patriots running up the score quote on quote. He by the way as you can well imagine thought it was -- what you think.

Well here's what I think I think on the surface it appears that they are running up the score because clearly you've got your quarterback in the game early in the fourth quarter with a six score lead. Which you know unless -- Redskins recovered three or four onside kicks. They don't have any chance of of of overcoming that leader are surrounding that lead. But I think I've I think that probably two things are at play number one. In how much confidence in in -- any time left on the clock. Does Bill Belichick have right now honest backup quarterback I doubt he is very much. You know after seeing him the previous weaker than forget which week it was in now Miami and I think the second thing is. I think the attitude right now of this organization is. You know hey listen you know that you guys want to stop us come -- stop us. You know -- play nice with anybody and I think they've earned that right. And I think probably there is also the the the the attitude of AL OK listen you know we get accused of all this stuff we get accused of cheating in yet found guilty by the league and have -- surrendered a first round draft pick and we have all these people out there who think we only win because we cheat which nobody really does thank. But I'm sure that's what is being advanced by some inside the walls in Foxboro. Then we're not going to leave any doubt anymore. So I think all of that sort of combines two. Have them have been starters in the game a little bit longer than most people think is probably sportsman like.

Peter can you think of -- coach your culture to who takes a completely different approach oh when his team gets up let's say it's 41 to 17 after three quarters or you know 50 to seven midway through the fourth a coach he says are this is an -- is going to. -- is going to try to get out of here in not embarrass quote unquote embarrass the other game.

Well Michael it's been so long since then he can't -- done this with any regularity I mean I don't look back get a few of of the saint Louis. Games in 99 and 2000 you know when they were the greatest show on turf. And I mean -- I gotta tell you one of the reasons why I don't categorically say oh my god yet they're running up the score they're they're. The you know they're being import sports and everything like that. It is because I think a lot of times in in you know and not too distant history of this game a lot of teams have done the same thing I mean. This San Francisco 49ers have a four score lead I think with 12 minutes to go and Steve young. Through is when Steve young threw his. I think six touchdown pass in the Super Bowl and 1995. The rams often had Kurt Warner orient for eight drive in the fourth quarter when they were up by four scorers now patriots are up like six scores that's a little bit much in my book. But I think that there have been cases is that approximate you know -- what the patriots have done the last few weeks but Mike you know they're there have been so few examples of this in recent history you know it's it's hard to compare to anybody because I don't know anybody in NFL history. -- over an eight week period. Have one game -- is that an average is gonna hate knowing -- by an average of more than 25 point eight just that just has not happened and so that's why we're dealing with basically. You know Ohio State Kent State you know Andy and the implications of that almost every week.

I have said that if the patriots win Sunday I honestly don't think anybody else beats them. Now Chris Collins -- on inside the NFL this week said that if the patriots win Sunday. You might be looking at the best team in the history of the NFL -- people really believe that besides --

I think right now that's for radio for one year period I mean if they win this game Sunday. And win it convincingly. I have no question in my mind I mean look that they would be the best game -- the best team you know in in NFL history for a single year. They give -- When the Miami Dolphins went unbeaten in 1972 now you have to check my math on this but I think that the best team they played that year was nine and five. An -- 14 games scheduled on those days. And they didn't play great team they played a bunch 867 and seven teams and I think down the stretch. I mean every team they play they were behind Cleveland. In the playoffs at home in the second half for it right they were behind a lot of that game I don't see any way that you wouldn't. Yeah at least put him in the discussion of be in the best team for single season of all time. And and you know if they win a fourth Super Bowl and they have a season like this one. I think you have to put them in the discussion with -- however many franchise you want to 456 however however many to be the best team in an era in NFL history I mean would we talk about. The browns of maybe 45 to 5546 to 55 rather the AFC and in the NFL in the Packers the Steelers either 49ers are the cowboys but. In this era what they have done at this point. Is almost a singular accomplishment in NFL history. To have taken your team and improved did as much do they have on the fly. In the salary cap era picking late in the draft I think it's one of the great team construction jobs in NFL history.

Well we all agree that the patriots have improved as -- alluded to earlier we talked Jimmie Johnson and he said. He thinks the colts also have improved.

Well the culture of improved Michael but there's one little asterisk on the -- playing great offense right now now I mean look at the first four possessions last week in Carolina. You know Joseph Addai -- in the first half drop three balls last week. It is probably -- without Marvin Harrison to a the last three games may be without on Sunday. I'm not saying that they aren't a great offensive team. But they certainly are not offensive team right now it did not all cylinders it's sounds silly to say that after they won 31 to seven. -- Carolina team that was Ian -- sharing the the the NFC south lead. But I think it's reality because it just watched that game. And watch they're whatever 12 possessions I think he'd take four -- five of the positions were. Were not good at all and you can't say that about the New England Patriots right now I don't think the colts. Are playing as well on offense as they did it when when they play the AFC championship game but I do think. That they are better defensive team if only. At the corner position because their corners are right now. -- in tandem. It is goodness physical said the -- is playing right now in the NFL the football world does not know marlin Jackson and killed an eight yet that they will. And these two guys are really really good run stuff and guys that -- the Tony Dungy. Last Saturday in Carolina and he just said they -- huge difference in our defense -- if you watch them along with Bob Sanders. That will they will be a difference making threesome I think it that the -- this week.

I -- I think Jackson and Payton are far better that harper and David from last year but it sounds like well with all that said it's not like you think the patriots are going to beat the colts on them.

I think they're gonna beat him I'm not same curriculum I can I don't think they will but and I kick to score could be 40 to 31 and I would. I would I mean I think it's going to be a close game in the second half but I just I just think the way the patriots are playing right now. The the the drive that airplane where is the B inner fire that they're playing -- At a bill polling -- great point to me on Wednesday when I was in Indianapolis and we used on HBO I thought it was a great line. So do you look at Tom Brady. It's it's sometimes he goes back capacity looks like he's wait for -- He has you know that offensive line. Is playing. So fantastic right now you know they remind me of they remind me of the giants' offensive line in 198586 they were called the suburbanites. There's very soft spoken. Budget nice guy is. You know now one of them as a millionaire stockbroker Billy yard one of them is. Is that she millionaire car dealer brad Benson but they were just normal run of the mill guy is. Put together. Formed this great offensive line that's sort of reminds me of right now with the patriots. Now I'm not saying that one at least five guys -- one they gonna -- in training camp and who knows what the future holds but individually you wouldn't say that any of these guys the best player to his position in football. And yet they have come together to play great and solidly. You know underdog -- or -- is in you know instruction on the offensive line they've just been super job.

Peter one of the only football stories to gain any weight during the week was unfortunately off the field and and the story out of Philadelphia with the Andy -- suns. And and it's a sad story on so many levels but you know Jimmy Johnson talked about when when he got away from the game he just said you know I couldn't live a normal life can be a coach in the NFL. I'm wondering if Andy -- wondering if he can do that as well.

Well you know here's here's the biggest problem I think. We have right now in this case and it's obviously anybody who knows anything about humanity. Would be very very sad about this whole thing right now but this thing that is the most sad for me. Just looking at this is I can just tell you that have all the years. I have you know I've covered the game covered a lot of people but I just give you a little snapshot in -- Andy -- In 1995. I was allowed by Mike Holmgren to spend a week inside the walls of the green bay Packers and that the timing Andy Reid was. A belief that tight ends coach there. And you know there's a lot of good guys on that -- Steve Mariucci lot of good outgoing guy is. And it was Saturday afternoon at the building an a in -- the Packers facility at lambeau field any Andy -- Had three of his kids in in the building including the two boys you know -- now you know obviously in in huge trouble. And you know I remember how old they looked just like the cleaver family. You know it was like beaver and Wally had come into lambeau field and they were the perfect all American family. And it just I keep thinking of that on my mind and that's been on my mind these kids are up you know playing games on the grease board you know they're playing tic tac toe and just sort of fool around any Andy Reid's office and just without a care in the world and it just I have no moral to this story other than. You know this can happen to anybody. And any time. And just like Tony Dungy says in his book. I think when everybody saw that his son had taken his own life. And they see Tony Dungy as a spokesman for all pro dad you know this this you know pro -- group be more involved with the kids. Everybody sees that and Tony Dungy -- allowed in this book he wrote in his book how can anybody listen to my advice my son took his own life. It's one of the things I told Tony last week -- I really admire you for saying that because there's so many people around the country clearly who were thinking that but I respect he would never raise that question. And and I said it just it it just points up what a good guy he is to be able to publicly admit that I think Andy Reid is going through the same thing right now I know he and Tony. There had several conversations about this and the fact is we lived in a different era. In our countries than probably we've ever had before where they're more temptations more predators on the Internet. It's easier if you have money to get in trouble than it ever has been at any time in the history of this country in a lot of ways drugs and otherwise. And I guess I'm sorry to be so. You know also sentimental went and personal about this but I just I just feel like crap for Andy --

Do you think this story affects affects his coaching his his front office work at all Peter.

That's a great question it's a great question my feeling is at least right now he's going to be able to to sort of put it behind him. And be able to go on with his life. He's coaching life but I think long term it's a question you definitely have to ask yourself now. The two boys I believe right now at 24 and 21 maybe 24 and 22 you know the older boy is 24. But at some point and it without being crude cruel or -- on feeling. You have to figure that you know what the die is cast. And I can help a lot I can do everything I can't help but bite me quitting my job. And what might get it do go and I and I again I'd have no idea what he's he's going to do. But he I wonder if one of my emotions would be what am I going to do go and visit the kids in jail every day well I mean is that what I should do with my life right now or should I move on until we should try to keep some semblance of but normal family life in whatever way we can and try to move on to get these kids felt. Any you know what whatever he does. I think -- silliest thing for all of us to do would be needed to second guess them because I think the only thing that he can do is what he thinks is best for him.

Was Eric Mangini. To devoted to his quarterback did -- wait too long to make the change to Kellen Clemens.

Well I think each waited one week too long. But having said that. I think they -- you don't get we've talked about this before I think that if if you look teacher team. And EPA and you look at your team and they were doing everything humanly possible to win these games right and what you Sadie your team is pay by the way we're put indicate quarterback. And it's unspoken it's unstated we're playing for 2008 because everybody knows that that's what they're doing when they put this kid in they want to know. If he can beat your quarterback of the future so the bottom line in this whole thing is really. That he had no choice to do it now because obviously -- team is totally gone down the tubes. But I think I think if if he had done it three weeks ago he would had a bunch of veterans on this team you know who would have been extremely -- Abacha would have been extremely upset let me just tell you one -- there -- some teams. Like when bill -- when Bill Belichick had to make the decision. I'm Drew Bledsoe in 2001. Okay -- whether to go Drew Bledsoe to Tom Brady when both were healthy. I -- obviously hindsight is 2020 now blood the reason why Bill Belichick made the right decision at the time. Is because he was convinced that Tom Brady was a better guy to quarterback its team over the long term. And over the short term that that year in the playoffs in the Super Bowl and the other thing he was convinced about was that. His locker room had seen enough of Tom Brady to know that the guy it was a good quarterback and winner. So I mean it is there was no doubt belichick's mind. Both from a team standpoint and from you know what technical quarterbacking -- point. That that was the right decision to make -- the time and I'm not sure. Debt because of the backing. -- that Chad Pennington has would Laveranues Coles would Jerricho Cotchery with a bunch of guys kind of offensive line toward totally devoted to a that you know I don't think there's any way you could say that if he if he didn't take about three weeks ago. -- team since he was making a mistake it's easy for sports writer on the outside to say. That it's a mistake but I don't believe it was a mistake now a week or so ago I think it was time because clearly they're out of it this year.

My final question for you is that Peter how did in -- miss this game how did you guys and I should -- this.

I'm going to give -- my theory on this one. Okay now you guys -- going to accuse me being a total absolute NBC apologist for saying this but this is my theory on this. Okay and -- he could have stay out -- you totally in bed with them but here's a deal I believe that Dick Ebersol as well has been an extremely good executive for NBC also sees the big picture. And the big pictured him -- does he want the colts and patriots of course he wanted every year and twice on Sunday. But if it's fair. For Dick Ebersol after having the colts and patriots a year ago. Is it fair for Dick Ebersol to pound his feet on the on the on the floor to -- his fist on the table. And and say to Roger Goodell you have to give us this game CBS as a partner just the same way as NBC as a partner. This is their key marquis game of the year. Why shouldn't they have the game at least every other year a long -- is. He you know along with -- you know NBC having it every every year or maybe one year to give it ESPN on Monday night although I doubt it now. Having said that so NBC hasn't last year CBS has -- this year now when they get together talk about the schedule early in 2008. The patriots are scheduled to play difficult under you know -- both teams finished first in their division this year OK in 2008. You think it ever saw was going to be gracious and I've been -- he'll be gracious. But in my opinion Dick Ebersol -- say okay CBS senate last year now it's our turn again we'll see what the NFL does but my feeling is that. This year if I can read Dick Ebersol right he'd probably basically said hey listen. Whether it be fair about this we can't be greedy get a game every year.

Are my final question. Will Michael and Curt Schilling be back with the red.

Thank god I mean hey look I think you know what Curt Schilling. If Pete's side then eight million dollar contract plus incentives for one year I'd love to see him come back because I think it'd be great for him to be great for the Red Sox staff but I think he guy who is is -- is a mosque have. You know it's funny remember a couple of years ago when Johnny Damon left you know there's black crepe paper all over Boston but in retrospect do you look at it and say you know -- Damon really hurt the Red Sox in 2006 blood he didn't kill on this here. And now Jacoby els -- might be better than Johnny Damon ever -- for the Red Sox but having said that I'd I think role becomes a guy who would be very very hard to replace and you know it would set in motion a budget thing. Is that first of all I think it'd be nuclear winter if they lose lol. And go blow up their salary structure and get a -- I think I would much prefer them. Even though I don't want to see you -- moved from third -- moved from first. I'd much prefer an important youkilis that they're hurting gonna get a complementary player at first base but. None of those none of those options are very good I just I really hope that global minute when he said he wants to stay.

Enjoy your football weekend we'll tucked in next week at stake here syndicator Peter Peter King rob do you buy 1800 mattress the most comfortable mattresses on Arthur just phone call away at 1800 mattress. Paul like kick -- for delivery by the post game show 1800 MA AT TRE ghastly about the last desperate savings on line at mattress dot com.

I'm not saying -- what is the Michael goal when I leave