Terry Bradshaw made quite the impression during Fox NFL Sunday’s pre-game coverage of Wild Card weekend, grabbing hold of his co-star Howie Long in a moment that had fans chuckling. The lively exchange was sparked by Michael Strahan, who humorously asked Long if he needed “oxygen” after a lengthy, impassioned monologue about the Green Bay Packers’ upcoming game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The pre-game show, hosted by Curt Menefee and featuring a star-studded lineup including Jimmy Johnson, Rob Gronkowski, Jay Glazer, Bradshaw, and Strahan, was buzzing with excitement as they analyzed the playoff matchup. Long, a former defensive end and now a seasoned analyst at 65, took center stage to share his insights. However, his excitement led him to deliver a rapid-fire, 50-second speech that left him momentarily breathless.
Long’s commentary was filled with praise for Packers defensive coach Jeff Hafley and skepticism about Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts’ performance. But as he continued to speak without taking a breath, Strahan interjected with a witty remark: “Do you need an oxygen tank because you’ve been going for a while?” This prompted laughter from the crew, and Long, seeing the humor in the situation, responded with a playful, “Yeah, I do,” as he stumbled forward.
In a delightful twist, Bradshaw seized the opportunity to join in on the fun. The 76-year-old legend playfully wrapped his arms around Long from behind, as if he were trying to pump air into him. This lighthearted moment showcased the camaraderie among the analysts and added a layer of entertainment to the pre-game festivities. Long, still chuckling, admitted, “I got winded,” while Menefee quipped, “There’s a breath in there somewhere.”
As the crew continued their analysis, Long offered some tactical advice for the Packers, suggesting they focus on the “long game.” However, his insights ultimately fell short, as the Eagles, ranked No. 2, cruised to a comfortable 22-10 victory over the No. 7 seed Packers at Lincoln Financial Field.
The playoff clash proved to be a challenging contest for both teams. Hurts completed 13 out of 21 passes for 131 yards, throwing touchdowns to Jahan Dotson and Dallas Goedert. DeVonta Smith also shined, making four catches for 55 yards, while Goedert added a bruising touchdown and 47 yards to his tally. Despite a quiet night for AJ Brown, who managed just one catch for 10 yards, the Eagles’ offensive strategy was effective.
One standout performer for the Eagles was Saquon Barkley, who continued to dazzle after his remarkable 2,000-yard regular season. Barkley rushed 25 times for 119 yards, demonstrating his ability to control the game. In a strategic move, he opted to slide instead of scoring a runaway touchdown late in the game, ensuring the Eagles’ progression to the Divisional Round.
The Wild Card weekend was not just about the games; it was also a showcase of camaraderie and humor among the analysts. The playful banter and lighthearted moments, like Bradshaw’s antics with Long, reminded fans of the joy that football brings—not just on the field but also in the studio.
Wild Card Weekend Highlights
The Wild Card weekend featured several exciting matchups, and fans were treated to a thrilling lineup of games. Here’s a quick look at the schedule:
Saturday, January 11:
- No. 5 Los Angeles Chargers at No. 4 Houston Texans, 4:30 pm ET (CBS, Paramount+)
- No. 6 Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 3 Baltimore Ravens, 8:00 pm ET (Prime Video)
Sunday, January 12:
- No. 7 Denver Broncos at No. 2 Buffalo Bills, 1:00 pm ET (CBS, Paramount+)
- No. 7 Green Bay Packers at No. 2 Philadelphia Eagles, 4:30 pm ET (Fox, Fox Deportes)
- No. 6 Washington Commanders at No. 3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 8:00 pm ET (NBC, Peacock, Universo)
Monday, January 13:
- No. 5 Minnesota Vikings at No. 4 Los Angeles Rams, 8:00 pm ET (ESPN, ABC)
As the NFL playoffs continue to unfold, fans can look forward to more thrilling moments, both on and off the field. The combination of intense competition and the lighthearted spirit of analysts like Bradshaw, Long, and Strahan keeps the excitement alive, making each game not just a battle for victory but also a celebration of the sport. So, as we gear up for the next round of playoffs, the question remains: what surprises will the NFL have in store for us next?
