EarlClumsly

Earl Clumsly: Today I welcome Panthers quarterback Mark Sanchez. This year the league opens its doors to 8 expansion teams. A few have had some success, but nothing like your Panthers team. What makes this team so special; so different from the others?

Mark Sanchez: Earl, it really starts with the management and the staff that GM Brian Ellis has brought here to Charlotte. The Panthers took a big risk by trading the #1 overall draft pick to the Giants in order to bring me aboard. Ellis was also able to pick up Javhid Best in the late 1st round as well who has been nothing but an asset to the team. Best is also my leading receiver coming out of the backfield. You also can not discuss the Panthers success without mentioning Coach Meyer either Earl. His offensive play calling is very hard to predict which helps to keep the defenses guessing.

EC: You're a young team and already atop your division. Is there any reason to think that a Sammy Baugh Trophy is just right around the corner? Maybe a year or two?

MS: Oh absolutely Earl. I will even go to say that I may have my hands on that trophy in less than a year.

EC: The Lions have dominated the FFC for 5 years now. The Eagles are now in the FFC. Between the two teams, they've won the Sammy Baugh Trophy the last 5 years. How do you feel the Panthers stack up against these teams this year?

MS: You cant deny the rosters of these teams are full of stars Earl but we do not fear either of the Eagles or Lions. GM Ellis feels he has the players that fit his style and can compete with anyone in the NML. He thrives on having a good team defense and we have only let up 52 points in 5 games?? I mean that is pretty damn good Earl.

EC: So what is the secret to you and your team's success?

MS: There is no real "secret" Earl. Its about finding where the holes in the defense are and exploiting them. Right now I am just " in the zone". All my receivers look wide open to me. They are making some great routes for me. I can't even say enough about my young O-Line either.They keep me protected for my 3 sec drop and then the ball is out and down the field we march.

EC: Glad to be out of New York?

MS: Ha ha you tell me Earl.

EC: Well thank you for stopping by Mark and hope the rest of your season is successful. We all look forward to hopefully seeing Carolina in the playoffs.

Earl Clumsly: This time we welcome the Seahawks owner Gary Bell to the set. First I have to ask, what was your first priority when taking over a struggling, second year team like the Seahawks?

Gary Bell: The first thing I looked to do is solidify my Offensive and Defensive line. As most of the league is finding out my game plan is stop the run and run the ball. It's not flashy but it gets the job done.

EC: Felix Jones is obviously the MVP type guy of your team. But after him, who would you say was your most important aqcuisition since taking over the team?

GB: The next most important guy that I brought in would have to be Matt Ryan or Matty "Ice". You cannot put a price on a young franchise Qb like him. He is a great leader for this team and excels in our system.

EC: Your team is a solid 9-2. You're in the same conference as the Lions, Panthers, Cowboys and Eagles. Is this the Seahawks year, or have we yet to see the top Seahawks team?

GB: This franchise likes to have the mindset that each year is our year. We have a great group of young guys in the locker room and with Coach Ferentz leading them we will be competitive for many years to come.

EC: Finally, this week you play the Panthers who are undefeated. Will you guys be handing them their first loss? Will your defense be able to contain Jahvid Best?

GB: Yes, this week should be a great game. We have to hand it to the Panthers, they are really having a great season. With that being said our guys are very confident and are on a roll so we will see what they can do. It is a big game so our players will need to play their best. If they play smart football and don't turn the ball over we feel we should be able to win. The game is in Seattle so we will have our fans bringing the noise and that may fluster the younger Panthers players. Our defense has been playing lights out this year, but as of late they have been hit with injuries, so our backups will have to step it up. Jahvid Best is a great player no doubt about it. He reminds us a lot of Felix Jones when we break down the film. In order to keep Best contained we will have to make solid tackles and play discipline football.

EC: Great outlook. Well Mr. Bell, I wish you and the Seahawks the best this weekend and in the playoffs.

GB:Thanks Earl and I'd just like to tell everyone out there to vote King Felix as MVP! This season has been a lot of fun and we are excited to see how things play out down the stretch

Earl Clumsly: Today we've got rookie of the year runner-up Sam Bradford, quarterback of the Indianapolis Colts. Sam, you get drafted number two overall by the Cowboys and actually stayed with that team for awhile as a back up to Tony Romo. Did you ever think you'd have a team of your own anytime soon?

Sam Bradford: Honestly, When I was drafter by the Dallas Cowboys I was elated that I had been selected so high and would have the chance to sit behind an elite quarterback such as Tony Romo. When I got the news that I was traded to the Colts however I was not as excited because I was going to sit behind another virtual rookie in Josh Freeman. Josh is a fantastic QB and I knew he could carry the team so I was not excited at the prospect of playing backup for the next 5 years, in fact I was unsure of why I was traded for. When during training camp Coach Carroll came to me and told me that I would be getting the nod as the starter going into week 1 I was floored. I am not sure what made the owners and coaches decide on trading Freeman but whatever the reason I was excited.

EC: You ended with a great rookie season and just won your first playoff game against the Chiefs. How was that experience?

SB:It was a roller coaster of a game. Coach has drilled into us each week since the start of the season, "Work less as individuals and more as a team!" What I do best is throw the ball, what my receivers do best is catch the ball. I don't try to make the plays for them, I just simply put the rock up and give them opportunities to do what they do best which is catch it. Playing the Chiefs was exciting, I vacated my gut before coming out of the locker room, I was completely nervous. I did not want to show this to my team mates but my knee's were almost banging together I was so nervous. After the first quarter drive that ended in a field goal I was not feeling any better, these Chiefs are a bunch of elite players and I knew they could strike at a moments notice. Late in the 2nd quarter I got my feet under me and by the end of the 4th I was virtually unstoppable delivering the ball to Vernon Davis over and over. I wish all the luck to the Chiefs as they prepare for next season. It was truly the best game of my short career.

EC: This weekend you play the Denver Broncos who blew you guys out back in week 3. This Colts team seems much more prepared now, but can you guys beat Denver?

SB:Yes. The Broncos came in during week 3 and totally destroyed us. Our team was still coming together. Many of the players that were on that team are no longer Colts. I am a much more seasoned player at this point and trust my teammates. The front office will deliver a gameplan that will be on point. The Broncos are a great team and we will plan on going out there and executing our gameplan and if we execute properly we will be more than capable of walking away with the win.

EC: Lastly, you finished second to Jahvid Best for rookie of the year. Any hopes of facing his team, the Panthers, in the Power Bowl?

SB: I spent some time with Jahvid this season, he is a stand up guy. He took the entire Panthers organization on his back and delivered each week. I am not picky on who we play in the Power Bowl if we reach it as we will execute our gameplan and go out and do what we do best!

Thanks for having me Earl!

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Earl Clumsly: Here we are again for the 8th Power Bowl and this year there are two new teams to the contest. I'd like to welcome Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo and their head coach Deion Sanders to the set. So Tony, how's it feel to be to your first Power Bowl? Has it really set in yet?

Tony Romo: How you doing Earl. Its great to finally get to meet you. The reality of it has finally set in. Coach Sanders has us looking at tape already and im starting to realize this is why we are playing the game!

EC: And Deion, you played in Power Bowl II when you played for the Chiefs. I believe you had two tackles and a pass deflection in that game. I see you're wearing the ring. Very nice. How is it different going to the Power Bowl as a head coach rather than when you were a player?

Deion Sanders: Thanks for commenting on the ring Earl, I show it to the guys every day after practice to remind them what they're playing for. There’s a big difference between playing and coaching. When I played I had to worry about what I did on the field. Now I have to make sure that the 11 guys on the field are all doing the right thing. I can preach preach preach, but its up to the players to perform. I can't make the big plays anymore, I have to rely on the players to do so now. And they have! So many big plays from different guys this postseason.

EC: The Cowboys will be the first team in league history to play the Power Bowl at their home stadium. How much of an advantage will that be for you guys?

TR: We haven’t seen Dallas Stadium since week 16, so its exciting. I expect there to be a lot of Pittsburgh fans there, but trust me our fans will be there in full flight. We aren’t called America’s Team for no reason.

EC: Coach Sanders, tell us about that final play to win you the game against Carolina. Did you think it was all over; no Power Bowl for the Cowboys?

DS: I look over that play and am a little upset with myself. I wanted to run the football, but put the ball in the hands of Romo. It happened so fast all I could think was, that was a bad play call. To see a young kid come down with a primetime play was incredible. I was extremely proud of Ryan and Tony.

EC: Well I'd like to thank both of you for stopping by and wish you the best of luck in the Power Bowl.

TR: Thanks Earl and I'd like to say good luck to the Steelers.

Earl Clumsly: As part of the Power Bowl, we're joined here on the set in Dallas with Steelers coach Chuck Noll and also DeAngelo Williams. How's it feel guys; set in yet?

DeAngelo Williams: It feels great. It's the reason you play the game and work so hard. This is my forth season in the league and I am excited to play. Some players play their entire careers without a chance to win a superbowl.

Chuck Noll: It feels good but we haven't accomplished anything until we win this week. It's our focus we aren't into the gimmicks and games before the big show. We are focused on one thing.

EC: That was one heck of a game against the Colts and I've got to hand it to Chad Henne for coming in for injured Matt Hasselbeck. Coach, were you worried that your season was over with when Hasselbeck went on IR? After all he was the main reason for your success for the course of the season.

CN: I never questioned Chad Henne's ability to lead this team. It's just the adjustment period that had me concerned. With playing some tough teams down the stretch we never had a chance that adjustment and rythem that is ever so important until Henne's coming out party in week 15 and 17.

EC: DeAngelo, you played a great game. Early on it seemed you guys were focusing on the pass, but with the defense that Indy was throwing out on the field it dictated you switch to the run. What made you so succesful in the second half of the game?

DW: It all starts with the big men upfront. They blew some great holes for me and after I was able to break some tackles it just made it a great day.

EC: I know you can't reveal any secrets so I'll just ask, how do you feel you guys match up to the Cowboys?

CN: We respect the heck out of them and expect a great game. With that being said we didn't come this far to lose.

EC: Also a little bird told me you might be retiring after the Power Bowl. Is that true?

CN: Not a better way to go out than on top...however we will pass that road when it comes.

EC: Well thank you guys for stopping by and the best of luck against the Cowboys here in Dallas.