Exclusive: An inside look at the CBS 'NFL Today' pregame show🏈
GREEN BAY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- This weekend, CBS 58 is the only place Green Bay Packers fans can watch the green and good. The last time the Packers were on CBS, the pre-game program, "NFL Today," made the trip to Lambeau Field.
Darius Joshua caught up with members of the crew to get an inside look at how they stay in mid-season form, even before kickoff.
"When you have a backdrop like this, this is literally the football God's gift to the NFL fanbase. There's nothing like Lambeau Field," said Nate Burleson, "NFL Today" studio analyst.
"Some of these stadiums when you come in or out, they're hurling insults at you, calling you names. Here, they actually thank you for coming," said Jim Nantz, CBS Sports announcer.
Anyone connected with the NFL enjoys coming to the house that Curly Lambeau built. Taking part in all of the traditions of a Green Bay game day. Bringing a little extra juice for the CBS "NFL Today" crew of James Brown, former players Nate Burleson, Matt Ryan and former coach Bill Cowher.
"You know, you're in the studio. You can you look at the stadiums, you can only imagine what it's like when we're here. We feel it," said Cowher. "It's special. I mean, so that's why it kind of reminds you why you were in the game and why you love the game so much."
Just like the game they love, they also have to stay ready to adjust.
"It's like a road game," said Burleson. "It truly is. You know, when we played in the NFL, when you're at home, it's different. You have a different sense of comfort. You know when the crowd is going to quiet, you know when they're going to get loud. It's like this subtle dance. But when you're on the road as a player and as a show, you have to be ready to call on audible at any time. And that's what it's like when you're in front of a live crowd."
In studio or in the elements, when the lights come on the goal remains the same every week.
"I want people to be able to watch us to say, 'You know what? There's four guys who have different perspectives on the game and having a very candid conversation about it. I want to get people come into that little living room atmosphere and kind of hear what we have to say," said Cowher.
Even if the Packers have stumbled at times, they may have the pieces needed to be successful.
"They've really hit on a lot of things to make this thing work. They're just young and talented," Nantz said.
"What Matt LaFleur has done right now in his seventh year, he's gone to playoffs five of his first six years. I think he goes under the radar as one of the best coaches in national football," said Cowher.
The Packers host the Bengals at 3:25 p.m. on Sunday. Watch the game on CBS 58.