INSIDE THE NFL

NEW YORK – November 2, 2021 – The Emmy^® Award-winning studio show INSIDE THE NFL continues tonight, November 2 at 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT on Paramount+, the streaming service from ViacomCBS. Host James Brown is joined by analysts Phil Simms, Brandon Marshall and Ray Lewis to discuss the latest news and storylines from an action-packed Week Eight. 

As the league approaches the halfway mark of the regular-season, the analysts praise the resilient Dallas Cowboys and streaking Green Bay Packers, speculating on Aaron Rodgers’ future with the team. The analysts also discuss next steps for the Tennessee Titans with a devastating injury to the NFL’s leading rusher in Derrick Henry, and a dangerous Los Angeles Rams defense with the addition of Von Miller. Plus, the cast opens a dialogue on mental health awareness and the importance in creating a safe space for athletes to discuss their own struggles. Click HERE for a clip of the entire discussion.  

Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Denver Broncos running back Melvin Gordon, Chicago Bears linebacker Roquan Smith, Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen, Buffalo Bills long snapper Reid Ferguson and Miami Dolphins long snapper Blake Ferguson are wired for sound. Click HERE for a clip of Mahomes.  

Following are excerpts from this week’s episode: 

On the New England Patriots’ offense … 

Simms – “They’re playing 1970’s football. They line up, the whole game is in between the hashes…You know what makes it work, of course their toughness and good coaching, but it’s different from everybody else in the NFL. Nobody else is doing this offense. It’s fun to watch, really.” 

On the Dallas Cowboys’ talent level … 

Simms – “They have a Super Bowl roster on both sides of the ball. They are a Super Bowl-looking talented team. It’s homegrown. Name me a weakness real quick on the Dallas Cowboys? There’s nothing.” 

On Aaron Rodgers’ future with the Packers… 

Marshall – “They haven’t lost a game since Week 1. Remember all the uproar around the Green Bay Packers? ‘Aaron Rodgers is spending all his time in Hawaii. He’s done.’  He ain’t going nowhere. Aaron Rodgers ain’t going nowhere. I bet everything I have that next year he’s going to be in Green Bay. How do you leave that situation?” 

On what the Titans will do in replacing Derrick Henry … 

Simms – “They are who they are. They’re not going to change. They’re going to run that thing and slam it up inside. That offensive line is a great run-blocking o-line, that’s not going to change. Adrian Peterson, he is a downhill runner, very physical. That’s why they signed him, because he’s the closest thing mentally and physically to Derrick Henry.” 

On Von Miller’s potential impact with the Rams … 

Lewis – “There’s no offensive tackle in the game that can block Von Miller one-on-one. Now imagine him added to Aaron Donald and [Leonard] Floyd on the defensive side and watch what this guy can do. I think he has new life now.” 

On the Rams after the Von Miller trade… 

Marshall – “This was a move made because they’re thinking long-term…Not getting to the playoffs but getting through the playoffs. This was an aggressive move by the Rams but it was a smart one. There’s a Super Bowl in L.A. They want to be there in their backyard.” 

On if mental health issues are more accepted and widely discussed now … 

Marshall – “Now because of Naomi Osaka, Simone Biles, so many stood up last year during the pandemic when some of us were dealing with anxiety and depression for the very first time. They were brave and they were bold enough to be able to share their stories, so now you’re seeing athletes starting to react.” 

On the importance of erasing the stigma around mental health issues in athletics … 

Lewis – “It’s all of these factors that we have to start really taking into account when you see all of the athletic people coming out saying ‘I need a break’… But the balance of life is where we’re missing the connection…We have to be mindful of what people are dealing with in life.  

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