10-31-08 Peter King, SI, NBC Sports

Every Friday at this time we talk -- our -- Peter King from Sports Illustrated SI dot com and NBC sports. Peter King has brought to you by Fred seat Church insurance. Because it's not just the policy. It's the people good afternoon mr. king Mario. -- everything's okay Ankiel. Don banks your colleague. Shop but as we like to call Joba banks writing on SI dot com today had a greats that the last time the playoffs did not include. Both the Colts -- the Patriots -- the other. Was 1993. So it's been good run with -- teams one or the other been involved in the playoff picture.

It's it's amazing and it's a sign of the times in the NFL and that's why it's such an interest in game and an interest in lead that. It is that the Patriots without Tom Brady and -- Matt Cassel. Are gonna play Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts. And the Patriots have our quarterback and it's it's absurd it's ridiculous that -- committed -- no explaining it but it's the absolute truth and that's. -- I was telling somebody today except yeah everybody's saying boy you know to bed you don't have a great game this week -- other -- that. Patriots and Colts and I said in many ways it's as interest staying in as compelling. As one of those great you know 81 verses seven and two games and eight you know it's just I think it's very very interest thing and the Patriots could be playing to put the Colts out of their misery this weekend.

Are awful of Peyton Manning is Peyton Manning.

You know bill told you told me last Friday these 90%. I don't buy it he doesn't look like it to me. He looks like he's struggling to extra ride aid and throw the ball will be for a dvd has in the past. And he also looks like he's. You know he's lost always chemistry -- Marvin Harrison most of it who is. Yeah that we -- won't mean. The only guy he's got left it changed because it's you know it looks like all he's doing his early on the ball that look into Dallas Clark when he looks downfield now.

Those interest -- to me I'll watch them Monday night game Peter. Is that the Titans were able to do to the Colts what -- teams like the Patriots. While when they're winning championships were doing that is involved in a close game. For three quarters and then just pull away in the fourth quarter and proved to be the dominant team were you surprised at the Titans were able to handle them that easily.

Well. Eat -- Tennessee is going to be able to do enough. Offense. To frustrate a team like Indianapolis now I mean that's surprising thing in that game. Is that Tennessee -- considered to be the best offensive line in football. Did a heck of a job I've -- Indianapolis did a heck of a job. -- awarding Tennessee running the ball. And so they weren't able to run at the way they had in the past but Kerry Collins did not in the passing game which. You've got handed security calendar right now I mean can you name. The Tennessee wide receivers can you name mortal nobody can and and you know what Alge Crumpler has become sort of a go to new guy it's. They have invented. An aerial game I -- if you would have told me. That. Basically a street free agent. From 2007. Which Kerry Collins was in Tennessee. And -- NL low cost free agent in 2008. Alge Crumpler. And just a budget guy is -- wide receiver you know imagine imagine Tennessee being seven -- it's that's pretty interest.

But they did have a very smart game when you're right. That they were able the Colts were able to control them but you know you have two short touchdown runs from LenDale White heavily touchdown Chris Johnson. I thought I thought the Titans were smart because everybody. Expect in the come out and try to pound the ball forty times 45 times and they really were able to. Be productive and their short passing game.

Yet no question about it and I think they're comfortable right now. Putting leading -- Kansas funny Jim Schwartz would be offensive coordinator tight nervous starting him this week and he said. You know I've never know. How much a guy like Kerry Collins because he's not one of those like for the party guy is he's not. You know he's he's -- he's quiet leaders -- never got how much he's pretty he feels like he's appreciated. But but he says a couple of weeks cigar went up to them just -- that you know everybody on this team trust -- so much. And and we love have a game in your hands the basic curiously note that they think Smith. There have been -- and -- he says it's not like he went Allman and celebrated all my god they except maybe like leave city eat eat at a need that. What he needs I think is. What his feeling is is that he just wants to be in charge of the team and be very very interesting this off season. The fate of two quarterbacks the fate of Matt Cassel will be an unrestricted free agent. And the fate of Kerry Collins who as of now will be an unrestricted free agent. And you don't normally there's only two in the offseason but the play what if I were Tennessee even though would create havoc with the Vince Young -- situation. I think you've got to reach ninety recount -- beer guy the next couple years.

Peter I made the point on Monday that talk show hosts and sports fans love Mike singletary in love him calling guys out and all that stuff. But that I don't think it's productive within a locker room and then we get word about what happened. Apparently that was even beyond what we thought is this -- cut out to be a head coach in the NFL.

Well. It's a good question. I thought that Chris countered that an interest in reaction on the inside the NFL trailed. And showtime which in essence was. I really liked and I think this team needs to chart therapy. They got way way way too comfortable. With losing in trying hard on Sundays and it's a winning game you have to win. And singletary is try to slap in the face and the one thing that that I was uncomfortable with. I'm fine with him going berserk at a press conference after the game. I even don't necessarily mine in show on the team his rear end and -- You guys are getting this whipped or whatever however he did at halftime. But that was a little bit uncomfortable bubble call about -- Davis and sent it into the office like music he'd go to the principal. And -- front of the whole school. That's some -- Davis will never forget now maybe he needed that and and and dale out just tell you this. You know. It's it's the same playing. That the Cleveland Browns are doing right now with Kellen Winslow -- think there would be this outrage from the front office for the Browns and and that and the war that they're having if this was the first time. That Kellen Winslow had sort of gone astray and they had had a problem with Kellen Winslow now. It's been a continuing -- with this guy. And it's the same thing I feel Vernon Davis the reason it's it's singletary freaked out. Is not just because of this one penalty freaked out because he feels like it's a continuing playing with Vernon Davis seventh pick in the draft. Hasn't been Indian I think any year to have as a football player.

I just answer question just out of this with with Mike singletary I don't know if he's going to be the head coach going forward or not but. If if the 49ers wanted to could they named him the head coach because. I'm I'm not -- they would name of the coach simply because he's an African American but.

The other cities. Yes there's that Michael because the Rooney rule mandates. That if you make it means season coaching change and K. And it is not written into your contact contract. Prior. To making this in fees in coaching change that you were going to be the heir to the current you know after current coach leaves. You let me just explain two things. A lot of confusion about why Jim has led Y for instance Jim Caldwell and Indianapolis in Jim Mora. In Seattle. Can get named. You know the next coach of their team but Jim has -- can't and the reason is that when -- ready girl went into effect five years ago. The -- basically said that if you have any in fees and coaching change. Then unless it was written before this season that he was definitely the next coach whatever his coach leaves. That unless you have that clause in the contract you must interview at least one minority before naming your head coach after this season. Obviously if singletary were named he would qualify as the minority interview when they would not have to do. Go purity. Go through the process of interviewing more people because obviously singletary is African American.

You get the sense or have you heard. Through the rumor mill or from your own reporting. You get the sense that there are a handful. Of owners. In the NFL who would have a problem hiring an African American coach to me is that is that something that out. Is that the dirty little secret is that something that people have talked about behind the.

Well I don't think anybody I don't think get EM whatever admitted even in private conversation. Unless it's -- it's safe family members some light that is certainly not even off the record whereas. What is it was somebody like me but if you're asking me. If I think that there are some owners in the NFL would be very hesitant or simply wouldn't. Hire a black man or Hispanic man to beat -- coach Christina that they'd want somebody who would be a white male to coach the team. I think you're probably I'm not going to say definitely but I think they're probably are. Not many but I think they're probably. I handful of small handful who probably would not. Unless the case were absolutely overwhelming. Probably would not hire black.

The Dallas Cowboys just seem to get trouble after trouble after trouble this week's latest edition is that Jason Witten. Has. Broken ribs apparently but will try to play this weekend. Adam Jones suspended Terence Newman Anthony Henry injured they're going to start a pair of rookie cornerbacks. Mike Jenkins and Orlando Scandrick. At what point is Jerry Jones news patients. Even with a coach who doesn't have all the bullets in his gun to play with -- as as the case -- Wade Phillips.

Well a couple things at work I was in Dallas last week and you know that the games that would -- for a long time before the game on Sunday in and one of the things that. That. That I could tell by the conversation we Jerry's its first of all. If they get to fight and four at the body. Are the night before that game obviously they were better than they were four and three don't in last Sunday's game. And they thought it was essential that they at least split camp in the Giants. And get to the by a private four because Romo would be back in likely Terence Newman would be back. I thought the Cowboys where they horrendous game at quarterback by Brad Johnson. I thought that was a real real gut check win. First of all. But but secondly. I would I would agree I think -- Tony Romo playing. In in the last seven games I think they've got a good to very good shot going five and two. And it's negated as a wildcard. They asked about Wade Phillips. I think it -- felt right now that Jason Garrett we're we're ready to take over. And was comfortable it always -- Jason Garrett is as head coach. I don't think he'd be so hesitant to make -- move but I would be very surprised. After talking to him last week EP -- unless during the season unless they lost three Guerrero and it was embarrassing in the sky was falling. That's the only way I could see it happening but after received in. You know if they go through another season don't want a playoff game I wouldn't be surprised to see -- make it change. To Jason Garrett spent.

Peter Vince Wilfork met with the commissioner this week he was by 35000 dollars he was not suspended a two questions -- Wilfork one. Is he gaining the reputation or does he have a reputation of being dirty player into do you think he's dirty play.

I don't think he's a dirty player at all I think what is happened is that. When Vince Wilfork came into the NFL. And it will win a lot of the current players a lot of current veterans came into the NFL the rules have changed. And they have not yet adapted to the rules that say that. It has since. You know if it's even close. If it's borderline. You're probably going to get find. Especially for hitting a quarterback but now for dating anybody are -- the same question the other day about Hines Ward because everybody in the world thinks he's dirty. I have never -- my own eyes. Seen him do something dirty on the field which I consider -- accepted thirty yards away from the play with Chad Clifton. I consider -- a dirty play. Even though it's not illegal but I have not seen that kind of play weed -- You know leader Hines Ward or with Vince Wilfork even though but forearm he shot at Jake Cutler. I mean obviously it's it's not it's not a legal play and it's not a play that he should have made. But I consider a play like that something that happens. During games -- don't crucial try to guide for defeat does it say once or twice now. If he comes back against Indianapolis and Isaac Payton -- knees or something like that obviously we're gonna say this guy has got a problem. We do and stuff continuously but. I don't think it's fair to a hard playing player like Vince Wilfork. Just set him up as the bad boys of football. For two shots in a career. I just don't do I I I don't do that with guys. If it becomes more of -- habit. Then obviously changed my thinking but. Yell I do I don't believe that you do that -- big guys especially guys of very good player. Who would always being a teammate and being a competitor is a pretty exemplary guy.

Don't you think though that it's possible that officials look at him differently than they do and I'll just use Ty Warren is an example another member of that defensive line.

Well I mean maybe maybe they do maybe in the back of their minds they're coming -- and in the air saying. You know hey watch the Patriots nose guy. Brought that really wouldn't be any different. From coming into a game in like the Baltimore our Pittsburgh game later in the year. If you were Mike Pereira you'd be irresponsible. If you didn't say listen I want you to watch Hines Ward. You know you back judges and are you east side judges I want you to make sure that if -- see any earnings starting December. Between Hines Ward in the Ravens -- face something right away we are not going to have this thing. Become -- wild west out there so. I wouldn't I pray you -- again I wouldn't be surprised but you know Bel I don't think it's risen to that level right now I've I really don't because can't -- You know it's not like he was ejected from the game. Or anything like that he was just called on the carpet but by the commissioner for something that they saw on video.

Peter it's time for fearless prediction because of it has risen to that level we'll find out on Sunday night bill carollo is there he's it's his crew. And you look at that Tennessee Baltimore game this year there about seven. Unnecessary roughness penalties and a game -- 715. Yard penalties in one game. This crew is watching everything so if Vince Wilfork is being watched will know it pretty quickly because.

But you know it's now I mean you don't go to New York and -- commissioner of the National Football League and then go play your next game. And forget everything it just happened yeah. I don't see any chance really. That that's that that's going to happen this time I just I think this is going to. At the end of Sunday night's game they -- over era of about about Vince Wilfork. You don't messing up at least in my opinion.

Now for Wilfork but I think for any anybody in this game for both teams -- out Patriots. I think borderline calls with this group. Will result in fifteen yard penalties so they both have to be careful.

Yeah I think you're right final question from me what's going to happen with the eight NFL players who were facing suspensions. For using that banned weight loss direct.

Funny -- Sean Payton on Wednesday about this and he says hey there's some extenuating circumstances. I think these guys have a very good case all that other stuff and exit -- I think you're going to lose these guys for four weeks. You know luckily for Peyton I don't think -- appeal was until mid to late November. So they probably can make it through most of this season. -- EE you know would then still playing the only problem and they're going to have to serve those four games at one point but. Get away from your question your question basically is. What chance do they have these eight guys have of beating a -- Well I'm I'm at this point people in New England probably remember back up quarterback a few years ago and Indian Miller. Jim Miller when he was with the Chicago Bears and his wife brought him home and eighty. Supplement from GM's seat. To take up a few pounds -- and you know also vitamin supplements from DNC. Justice and she brought over the counter any gets called in on the carpet. In October that year it says -- tested positive for. You know banned substance. You know that that is being according to this NFL list. And it was all from what he had taken it GMC and and Jim Miller you've seen them -- never accuse him of being steroid guy. Lower any sort of illegal supplement guy and he's also was honorable civilian law. But it is so anyway Jim Miller -- insisted I didn't do anything wrong nothing happened everything like that in the league. Said look we we believe what you -- saying it's true but we simply can't. Make any exceptions for anything it's on this list. If you put it into your body. You you don't have any excuse he was suspended lost they make a 180000 dollars in four paychecks. And you know so. Italy and -- have a background I think no matter what the reason is unless. A trainer or some NFL approved medical person look Deuce McAllister. Will grant and Charles Smith then there will Smith and Charles Grant. TI instead take this. It's totally complaint. Andy you know aura and let's say they had to -- writing you can take this. Somehow some way. They would have to go back to all the guys over the years who have been suspended for taking. Stuff that could be in one in wants 81 way to be seen as a masking agent. So I'm pretty confident that all these guys these eight guys are all going to have to serve at four weeks.

Peter thanks as always for your time and your perseverance today. Okay Peter thank you Peter King -- you by -- seat Church insurance because it's not just policy it's the people.