NFL Network Starts Week Strong

NFL Network, with more than 50 hours of programming scheduled from South Florida this week, got started with good opinion and information early in the week from the site of the Super Bowl.

There was opinion from the network's outspoken analysts -- Michael Irvin, Deion Sanders and Warren Sapp -- before the Pro Bowl about the Hall of Fame chances of Colts quarterback Peyton Manning. Several argued Sunday that Manning needs a victory in the Super Bowl to cement his credentials while others (especially Sapp) said a quarterback cannot be penalized for playing with weak defenses.

In terms of information, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell told NFL Network host Rich Eisen on Sunday night that he is "virtually certain'' the league will conduct its 2010 in an season without a salary cap. An uncapped season will result if an agreement cannot for 2011 and beyond cannot be reached by March 5, 2010. "We're all frustrated there's not more progress,'' Goodell said.

While the Super Bowl hype builds, with appropriate focus on the teams and activities surrounding the game this week, that labor story lurks in the shadows as the one that will shape the league's future the most.