TWO SUNDAY NFL COUNTDOWN EDITIONS THIS WEEKEND ON ESPN

Chris Berman, Michael Irvin, Tom Jackson, Mike Ditka, Ron Jaworski and NFL Insider Chris Mortensen will host two Sunday NFL Countdown editions this weekend beginning Saturday at 11 a.m. ET with a one-hour show previewing that day's Divisional Playoff games.  On Sunday at 11 a.m., Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will join the Countdown team to preview that day's games for two hours.  Roethlisberger will discuss his season, Bill Cowher's departure, the Steelers' search for a new coach and he'll help break down the AFC Playoff matchup between the Patriots and the Chargers.

Saturday's show will feature reporters Sal Paolantonio from Baltimore covering the Colts at the Ravens matchup and Bob Holtzman in New Orleans for the Eagles at Saints game.  Sunday's two-hour program will include reports from Rachel Nichols covering the Seahawks at Bears and Ed Werder reporting from the Patriots at Chargers game.  Other highlights:

SATURDAY'S FEATURES

Marvin Harrison

Though he is one of the best receivers in the league, Marvin Harrison doesn't dance in the end zone or make controversial comments.  Reporter John Barr profiles the quiet Colts receiver.

 

Akers and Detmer

When David Akers kicked the game-winning field goal against the Giants, Koy Detmer was his holder.   Detmer was signed last week to return as Akers' holder, a job he held for six seasons prior to this year.  Greg Garber visits the Eagles to learn the art of the snap, hold and kick from Akers, Detmer and long-snapper, Jon Dorenbas.  

SUNDAY'S FEATURES

Tomlinson and Brown

LaDainian Tomlinson has always admired Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown.  He had the chance to meet Brown when the Chargers played Cleveland this season.  Brown talks about Tomlinson?s skill on the football field and Tomlinson tells Irvin what Brown means to him.

 

Tom Brady's Playoff Moments 

The Patriots quarterback is 11-1 in the playoffs and 3-0 in Super Bowls.  Countdown will look back at the greatest moments in Tom Brady's playoff career.

 

The Holmgren Family & Africa

Mike Holmgren's wife and daughter were not in Detroit for Super Bowl XL.  They were on a mission to Africa. They recently visited again and the Seahawks coach is also involved in collecting sports equipment for children in that country.  Nichols reports on the Holmgren family's connection to Africa.

 

Rex Grossman

The Bears quarterback enters the playoffs having thrown 17 interceptions and 13 touchdowns in 11 games.  After Chicago's loss to Green Bay, Rex Grossman admitted he wasn't as focused as he should have been for the last game of the season.  Reporter George Smith examines how short the leash is on Grossman.

 

Soundtracks: Marty Schottenheimer
San Diego Chargers head coach Marty Schottenheimer is wired for "Soundtracks" on Countdown.

In addition, Mortensen will report on breaking news from around the league; Steve Young, in his "Young is Restless" segment, will address topical issues in the NFL Divisional Playoffs; and the analysts will pick the games and the key players on Saturday and Sunday.

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