Peter King, SI/NBC Sports

Normally we talked Peter King on Friday but because of the Thanksgiving Day holiday Peter's been nice enough to move things up to Wednesday for this week. Peter King brought to you by -- seat Church insurance. Because it's not just the policy. It's the people we can actually talking without -- leader sort of an obligation. Are you doing guys kept it Thanksgiving at -- the year to thank you figure out what Seattle today.

Bound Seattle a year out my daughters -- here for the year and so Leah. Were -- we're here for a couple days and then. I have a double come from Los Angeles which he's working in. Let our first Pacific time zone Thanksgiving -- currently history.

Hot and his team counting out there are it's can count. And.

And they he that number one station in the news is being so. KI NG so it's area and so it took it to king count.

What's that your Seattle guy now Peter I'll ask you this you think Mike Holmgren will change its mind after this awful season for the Seahawks do you think you'll. Who come back next year.

You know I don't think that at all I'm actually going to see Michael come out here a couple of days but idea. Yeah. I don't think that at all because right thank he feels like. That I think it's run its course and Seattle and as much for. You know not between -- players but I think it is much for him then and the front office and Mike is not the type guy ain't too. To live in the past really but I I think it's hard for them. This just this sense I get from it's not everything he said to keep her pick it apart from Mike to. To go back in time to win. He was. Choosing the groceries and coach and the team he's not -- in the grocery and and in part that cost the -- the ability to keep Steve Hutchinson. And I think that is something that he's never quite gotten over now. You know seven million dollars for guard which seem to double trumpet. At the time they now pay. Guard Kevin million a year help about -- it's right wrong or whatever it is but that's just the way it'll -- Would one team does that everybody cops on the beat -- like and so. Seven million -- Steve Hutchinson now in his third year in Minnesota under that contract and eat eat. Total for a guy like that for that money so I just think there's too many of those things that happen. For -- to really want to go back plus. I think there's other things that that might want to do I think he'd love to be a general manager again someday somewhere. Whether that includes coaching and I kind of tongue in cheek it might -- this week. And it's right economic talked about how Holmgren in my opinion. Is going to get very long people look on the field at Texas Stadium tomorrow. From Jerry Jones and -- I think Jerry Jones has always want it Mike -- some data coach his team. Who knows what happened at the end of this year maybe Jerry Jones comes after home and -- that I just don't think Jason Garrett ready yet. So they'll be opportunities where they're from might but I don't think that they're going to be --

Peter out word came down from the NFL today that Matt Light and Channing Crowder worry to find 15000 dollars apiece. I'm no suspensions. It seems almost an admission on the part of the NFL because if you look at the video. It appears to be pretty one sided. The punishment was not one sided indicating that Channing Crowder may have been instigating this sort of thing all afternoon which is what we've been hearing.

I IP you just said what I feel happen. I would be very surprised. If when the Patriots went to talk to the league office. That hey you know when Neifi when they -- their side of the story that they didn't include. Two facts. And it can't just think you know yesterday's on Sirius NFL radio and open was on. LaDainian Randy cross and Bob Papa and I asked about this play. And eat I would say he admitted this put one of the things that I would -- you guys -- despite thank. That changed and I have not look dictates he sort of now. But Channing Crowder for the first time all game. Poole are on the depending on the on the play that -- blew up into this into this fist -- hold -- Lined up across from left tackle that was the first time all game. That he had lined up in that position. And what -- did lined up across from -- words were exchanged before then. And evidently he came up weed -- fist or something cause -- that kinda go not a and so yeah. I do believe. Is that what the NFL is he's saying which it is it is basically because. -- we saw that I I was it and that was an NBC on Sunday night decorated Matt light's going to get suspended for this. You do not hold somebody by they'd give that was a brutal sparky doubles. You know holding cheat -- strong post -- and look at -- head you know as a professional -- move you know. Blood -- blood at eight I was sure what happened and would end with this news obviously the NFL's saw that Crowder. Who and and if you noticed that the time guys. -- goes away from Barrett he's smiling and laughing like we showed that we get their guys suspended for game now. The one thing that I wandering retrospective. -- the Patriots don't score that last touchdown to basically say. Are you want to play games nation global won't play games would be too. But you know that's the kind of -- kinda goes back to the Joe Gibbs steal last year too that a lot of times the other Patriots are just going to do what's best for them and try to score. Especially with guys on the field too you know they want to get some time.

Peter I know you'll note that folks in New England were very restrained we don't over react to we don't exaggerate too much. Quote that said we've been given a lot of phone calls from people who want to treat Tom Brady and and -- Matt Cassel. But seriously we have had a few of those not a lot what do you think's gonna happen with Matt Cassel going forward.

I think just what I've -- true last month. I personally don't think he's going to get franchise that or topic Monday morning quarterback this week or eight at -- it it's kind of funny -- That the franchise number. Is going to depend to some degree. On whether Brett Favre retires after the year if you retire after this year the franchise number -- be 220000. Dollars -- less than it is right now. But the franchise numbers going to be about fourteen point three million. Fourteen point four million this year. And and at at -- I've met Tuesday. At at 122. His signature would be out that contract at all so in other words the Patriots obviously could still trade it and but and Matt Cassel would jump -- chance to make fourteen million a year in year obviously. But I I I believed that the Patriots unless Tom Brady. Unless his rehab is not coming along while. That. That operational state Matt Cassel go and Kevin O'Connell BD yeah the backup quarterback XT we met duty here is number three or. Who knows you know the next nobody will be drafted in the fifth round didn't. And after the Patriots have gotten a six record seventh rounder to play like Johnny unitas. All of a sudden everybody's going to be looking at the Patriots allowing him to think we're about worthy. But I can't see any scenario right now unless Toms. Need is is bad. On February 1 that the Patriots -- even if they -- franchise that they'd franchise -- them would appear intent to treat it as I said. 34 weeks ago. You know the NFL in the NFL he really looked down on teams. Two free trade a guy. You know purely to trade.

We're just over clear on this can the Patriots. Afford a double literally afford not you know theory can they afford to have. 25 million dollars tied up and and two players and and two quarterbacks.

I don't think so and that's why I don't think that it's going to happen unless. Brady is not doing well there's a recap. That that. That is that's why that X factor exist now could they clear about capital I don't even know what they're cap number is for next year but. One of the things that the Patriot to denigrate job in building is. Energy for the future so. Whereas. Referring to trying to of the Jets I think even alliance of all teams. The Redskins. There's three of fourteen to -- reader right at the cap -- a little bit over for 2009. The Patriots can move enough things around -- and do that so it wouldn't be a debacle premier team now. Would it affect what they didn't free agency absolutely if there's. You know if there's a good tight end out here that -- that they wanted to get. And it obviously it'd be difficult to go get a few steps fourteen million tied up and what potentially as a backup quarterback.

My -- to football friends one across the table from me in one in Seattle. Have a disagreement. My football friend in Seattle says. Josh mcdaniels will be head coach of a football team in the NFL next year my friend across the table says he won't focus he's not ready.

Well. I guess that's possible. But it which surprised me. Because this is going to be the year if there's going to be ten. You know somewhat well I'll be concerned there's going to be between eight. And and twelve opening this year. So traditionally if you look at the NFL and what happens. And now. The end it and you know in coaching circles. You have every year one year event -- a year to which pretty light so. I don't know if you don't there's going to be much more particular literate almost like it's coming out of college this year you know we've said that they're going to be a lot of juniors come about the draft this year. Well hey you know -- into coaching -- you know you may want to come out this year if you have the ability to -- my feeling is that. I'd be shocked I really would be unless he personally said. I do not want to be a head coach in 2009. Which you know who knows maybe he thinks -- out he's not ready but if you get to the place with a real good support system. I you know I personally think the guy's going to be very good head coach -- ever met him until last year Super Bowl but. He's I think he's really good now now Michael if you haven't I've I've not talked to.

What I don't know -- and you're right eatery comes from a coaching family is dad as a big time high school coach in Ohio and has been for a long time. He's also Josh and talking about now is a very loyal guys that's what I would -- That they're there might be some ambivalence on his part because of his loyalty to politics. And the ability why isn't he ready yes I'd. He may say it was so this is not the right time do.

Maybe in port. -- you know what if I'm Josh mcdaniels and and and St. Louis has opened and I don't know who the owner is -- Torre is open and it's successful. You know it any. Three or four franchises. That should have no idea. Yeah what the future is. Hey you know I'm not sure I would go I don't -- I would go because a lot of times in the NFL you don't get a second chance. But. Let's say that again -- you raise the the best questionable last week. You really did you're the best questionable. What happens if pioli goes somewhere and -- the -- job and that's that's the best question a ball. Because I could see that happening. And obviously if it's Scott's been here for a long time and and these deals have paid -- must be some -- they're so. You know who knows what we'll see what happens. I'd just. I know it'll let me just say that he'll absolutely have the opportunity to go. And it would it would surprise me if he did.

You know Peter I remember the the off season I think it was restaurants Super Bowl 38. When the Patriots were in Houston. Norv Turner went to the Raiders. Tom Coughlin went to the Giants. I remember this because Charlie Weis and Romeo Cornell were both passed over for head coaching job. But there were seven openings that year twelve. B -- record -- where do you see are there any surprising. Openings that that we're not looking at right now.

Yeah I -- if we you know first of all I'm counting. I'm counting Seattle and Indianapolis and knows I'm count places that changed coaches because right do you think that this is going to be it for Tony Dungy. And then and I include all places like Minnesota. Where if you ask meet today I believe there's a 6040 can't that Brad Childress will stay. If they lose four games down the stretch. Then it becomes 6040 that he'll go so I look at Minnesota I look at Oakland. No matter what AJ Smith says I look at San Diego if that thing blows up. I look at the possibility in Houston the Gary Kubiak Dallas lived with Wade Phillips. I look at it Kansas City and St. Louis. I look at Cincinnati because Marvin Lewis would absolutely love -- Mike Brown walked even made settlement -- them. Which I don't think he's going to happen but which could happen I look at rodeo L I think he's gone. AEE you know I I forget I don't know what number I'm -- now but I now the closer I look I look at I look at. I look at about eight. I think there'll be eight at least. And then up to twelve I didn't date I did the number the other day I was when I just went -- the NFL map but I think derby between Dayton twelfth.

Peter their six players in the National Football League three from the Saints to from the Vikings won from the Falcons. Who have had hearings with the NFL for taking a substance called stark caps which ultimately was determined to have contained a banned substance. In your opinion to those six players who've appeal a suspension here have much of a leg to stand on.

I don't think they do other and the fact I am surprised. That beat the NFL has not made -- decision I thought we would hear from the NFL on either Monday or Tuesday of this week. On at least several of them but I think the NFL now if you read the tea leaves his waiting that we communicate every case before they hand out. He suspension because if you were -- If you workers suspend Deuce McAllister Charles Grant and Will Smith of New Orleans now. Before Pat Williams and Kevin Williams is cases were. Worth communicated then you're gonna say well pat and Kevin Williams are a loose and you'd be right. So I think what the NFL is doing now is they're going to wait until. After this weekend's games to do something -- I would I'd be I'd be I'd be done. If they didn't get a four week suspension because the he he you know I've I've said it have been saying that all along there's too many there are too many guys who have been suspended. For doing very similar things to what these guys did. And it left there's going to be smoking gun that says one of the guys gave the pill. Previous team trainer was tested and he was told you can take this and there's no evidence to suggest that this happened. I don't believe there's any need greater speed skater.

You know Peter out of this while reading the reverend Steve Serbia's column. Earlier this week in the New York Post up parks -- Part breathless report about the Jets. In giant steaming toward a Super Bowl and an -- thought. Peter King has got to be loving this overreaction. In New York are you amused by all the stuff about just giant.

Well our -- what teachers speak about it I mean you know hey I'm I'm I'm joining the crowd if you ask me. As. As of this week. My feeling is that -- that they are. That they're the two best teams in football right now. But you know that's after week twelve. Seventeen weeks -- have to be played so. It doesn't surprise me and I do think that the Jets by virtual gold on the road to New England into Nashville. In the last two weeks. I think one of the things he that'll keep you could argue with the Jets beat the best he'd be a seat right now and he can't argue with the Giants beat the best team.

You -- you can argue with the Jets though we we saw them they they split with the Patriots were seven and four on the playoffs and outside the playoff right now the Patriots are. And they want an overtime game in which Matt Cassel threw for 400 yards and a deep and gave up five.

Hundred. That's the best lenient on the --

Could you could argue it but you'd tell me right now today. What movie if you were drafted dispassionately look at at what team would you save the best he'd be --

I you know what this is and -- can back me up on this I said the team that worries me more than anybody else -- that earlier this week. The team that's going to be losing its coach according to Hewitt in the the year Indianapolis Colts.

Well you can say that they worried the most -- each -- serious question if they play at a neutral field in Wichita this week. The Jets in the Colts who would you pick. Aren't well -- are different and that nine and.

In many ways hitters and he plays.

Indianapolis Colts. If -- look at the Jets and I think did you learn from the Patriots and that is that. Kris Jenkins of the field and see your budget idiots. And -- got to play against the no huddle you've got to keep Kris Jenkins out there. So I I think they I think they learned that and I mean. I do not think the Indianapolis Colts are capable. Of going to national. And verbalize. That Tennessee Titans and that's what the new year -- did the other day now. It after this weekend. The Broncos going to shock the Jets. And the Colts got the easiest schedule in the history of football the next three weeks if they just he'd do what they're doing. Who knows maybe it would technicals but as of now. The argument I got into with Don banks the other day about. After Monday night. Hell where everybody's equal that we gotta put in -- in the end in the -- MVP race and I sit well. Of course you do now. Blood you know and before that Monday night fight and fight it. Without -- there -- Monica -- the quarterback isn't bad our richest. I think I think. Change so much week by week in the lead that. The you know which surprises at least at about the Colts --

I ought to while they are under an end and I I was thinking about it and I said. In New England it is so hard for us to give the Colts credit we will find any reason to knock Peyton Manning -- But a look at their schedule and a look at some of the things we've done this year they should've lost to Minnesota but they won a close game. A loss to Houston. Won a close game tickets that maybe they should have lost to San Diego on the road they want to close game they're down to Pittsburgh. They -- a close game maybe they should lose to delinquent they would and that -- too many that tells me. -- good team that they're never out of it and you can win close games you're very dangerous in the policies.

I can't I can't argue media and I could see the Indianapolis Colts winning the Super Bowl but. About watched every play the Jets and Tennessee and it. The Colts are not very that the -- right now they they might they might end up beat the Jets this year but. Is that Jets team was that jet skiing there's a good chance they were better in the Giants this past weekend. That was that was an amazing performance I thought that they put on and now. In Nashville.

Final question from me I will double give credit to the commissioner for this -- pre planned apparently ahead of time. If the Jets and the Giants host conference championship games they'll play one on Sunday night one on Monday night impact I'll take one step further. That's how the league should do it from now on is exactly like.

I think you're absolutely right. That is bend the I am not a fan I've been beat that -- but I said that for a long time that. That's championship game in Sunday's really a lot of fun. But I believe with a two week time period did you have. Each cheerios alternated one week it's you know AFC would be on Sunday one year AFC would be at Sunday's NFC Monday and vice versa. But my feeling is that. In eighty you can you could get a far bigger audience. And you could get. More attention paid to your game in your sport if you split them up one and one I agree I would absolutely love to see that plus you know how the NFL Lowe's. East in the northeast in January. Because there's the potential for snow bowl and a lot of fun. So I couldn't agree more I would I'd love to see them do it after this year.

I meant to ask you this on on Friday Peter. -- I'm going to ask you now. Edgerrin James -- I was so surprised that he asked for his release one and two that. He -- he has become a third -- not only behind Tim hightower but probably behind J. J. Arrington to it. What happened to Cedric James is it age was -- the system and Indianapolis that made him a great back no what what's the story there.

Play in this in this is because I've been watching him or is one of the great things about. Do this NBC Japanese pitcher get to see every team every week I asked that question two or three weeks ago. When Tim -- for a hundred against I believe the Rams. I'm not mistaken editor just never got off the bench. And opt out tell you there's so we've we've been watching these guys say you know the NBC crew and we don't watch it that. Tim hightower runs hard and Edgerrin James period he just does now. Edgerrin James was never. Really see any EO. You know direct three tacklers with -- for for four -- guy he never was perfect guide but. You can just see the difference now at least in my opinion I think anti terror runs harder at least -- to breakdown between the tackles with Russ Grimm. And can't -- that came to Arizona. They didn't want to picky slasher. They wanted a hard runner in the middle of the line. And I think that's what they feel they have now and and plus. I I I think it -- been a lot made of -- market players want to to release of well that's a little bit short -- is that I mean it can I terror goes down as. He's a week whatever he goes down with the last five weeks to get -- you have a playoff ready running back. To stick in the lineup. Who's been down that road so many times before so. -- you know the Cardinals -- get rid of him right now I'm not sure it'll be yeah. A cap casualty of the off season but as of now it makes no sense for them to. After have a among the teacher all this time and really having guaranteed its contract for a year for them to get rid of.

Peter thanks for moving this up a couple of days have a great Thanksgiving -- your family at that.

I don't sound great guys you have a good went to.

Tap against hitters they have. That is up Peter King from Sports Illustrated SI dot com and NBC sports as well brought to you by Fred seat Church insurance. Because it's not just the policy -- the -- it's the people with the people thank you Michael. Without the policy it's its people -- Where it's the led by my friend that's right that's about -- to keep in mind for.