Super Bowl Week Advisory

Thu, Feb 4, 2021
AP Sports

To help you with planning for Super Bowl week, here are some of AP's scheduled stories. This advisory will be updated throughout the week. Please contact Deputy Sports Editor Howie Rumberg (hrumberg@ap.org) with questions.

An up-to-the minute listing of all stories across formats planned is available in Coverage Plan on AP Newsroom, http://newsroom.ap.org/coverageplan. You can also find a link to Coverage Plan on the left navigation of the Newsroom home page, http://newsroom.ap.org.

GRAPHICS

SUPER BOWL 55 PREVIEW: Full-page graphic shows the probable Chiefs and Buccaneers starters for the Super Bowl, with analysis of offense and defense and key players; team stats for regular and postseason and statistical QB comparison; 6c x 20 inches; stand-alone or with related Super Bowl stories; ETA Wednesday, Feb. 3.

SUPER BOWL 55 LOGOS: Super Bowl 55 logo with team helmets and team logos; with any Super Bowl stories; MOVED.

FRIDAY

VIDEO: FL, SUPER BOWL LV - Spot coverage TBD from Tampa Bay ahead of Super Bowl LV. CODY JACKSON.

FBN--SUPER BOWL-CENTERS OF ATTENTION

Tom Brady told Ryan Jensen when they met in Tampa to make sure his backside was powdered because the Buccaneers QB didn't want to feel any sweat when he reached for the football. Yes, the relationship between centers and quarterbacks is, uh, special, and it helps everything work on offense. By Pro Football Writer Dennis Waszak Jr. UPCOMING: 750 words, photos by 3 a.m.

FBN--NFL-COVID-19

The NFL managed to pull off what seemed improbable, playing the entire season without any games being canceled and reaching the Super Bowl on time. They needed nearly 1 million COVID-19 tests and spent an undisclosed amount of money on monitoring. By Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi. UPCOMING: 750 words by noon.

FBN--SUPER BOWL-OFFENSIVE MASTERMINDS

Andy Reid came up in the West Coast offense that relied on short passes and ball control and has evolved that scheme into one of the league's best with Patrick Mahomes able to add on the big play threat. Bruce Arians' philosophy has been "no risk it, no biscuit" over the years but has adapted a bit to Tom Brady's game this year. Both have been among the most successful offensive minds and a key reason why Kansas City and Tampa Bay are in the Super Bowl. By Pro Football Writer Josh Dubow. UPCOMING: 700 words, photos.

FBN--HALL OF FAME PREVIEW

Fifteen modern-era players, including first-time eligibles Peyton Manning, Charles Woodson and Calvin Johnson, will find out on Saturday who is part of the 2021 Pro Football Hall of Fame class. By Pro Football Writer Barry Wilner. UPCOMING: 700 words, photos, by 5 p.m.

FBN--PRO PICKS-SUPER BOWL

Picking against the best team in a Super Bowl isn't particularly wise. Then again, when Tom Brady is the quarterback on the other side, it changes one's thinking. By Pro Football Writer Barry Wilner. UPCOMING: 600 words, graphic, by 3 p.m.

FBN--SUPER BOWL-WHY THE CHIEFS WILL WIN

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Patrick Mahomes has surpassed Tom Brady as the NFL's best quarterback. Tyreek Hill is superior to Mike Evans at wide receiver. Travis Kelce vs Cameron Brate is hardly a contest. Based on offense alone, the Chiefs are head-and-shoulders better than the Buccaneers, and that was evident in a 27-24 victory during the regular season that wasn't as close as the final score. By Dave Skretta. UPCOMING: 700 words, photos.

FBN--SUPER BOWL-WHY THE BUCCANEERS WILL WIN

TAMPA, Fla. - Tom Brady may no longer be the best quarterback in the NFL. But at 43, he's proven he's still good enough to get his team to the Super Bowl. And, the way Tampa Bay's defense has played since Patrick Mahomes manhandled them in the regular season gives the Buccaneers confidence a rematch in the NFL title game will be different. Brady and the Bucs haven't lost since that 27-24 loss to the defending champion Chiefs, rattling off seven consecutive wins. UPCOMING: 700 words, photos.

FBN-SUPER BOWL-VIEWERS GUIDE

What to viewers need to know about CBS' coverage as well as other Super Bowl-related programming on other networks. By Joe Reedy. UPCOMING: 700 words, photos.

FBN-SUPER BOWL-NOTEBOOK

SATURDAY

VIDEO: FL, SUPER BOWL LV - Spot coverage TBD from Tampa Bay ahead of Super Bowl LV. CODY JACKSON.

FBN--SUPER BOWL-QUARTERBACK STYLES

Tom Brady stands in the pocket and slings it, the quintessential pocket passer that picks apart opposing defenses. Patrick Mahomes is the kid in the schoolyard, running around until someone comes open, then deftly flinging the ball downfield. Two very different styles from two of the game's very best quarterbacks. By Dave Skretta. UPCOMING: 800 words, photos by 3 a.m.

FBN--SUPER BOWL-GREATS DISCUSS BRADY

Ahead of his 10th Super Bowl appearance, The Associated Press contacted eight of the greatest current and former champions from seven different sports to find out what impressed them most about Tom Brady. Just what he needed: more testimonials. By Jim Litke. UPCOMING: 1,200 words, photos.

FBN--SUPER BOWL-CHIEFS-KPASSAGNON

Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon was an accounting/finance double major at Villanova. And there was plenty of pressure to achieve in academics growing up with his mother a chemist and father an economist. Kpassagnon jokes to his parents that he has a Ph.D in football and he's trying to help the Chiefs win a second straight Super Bowl. By Pro Football Writer Dennis Waszak Jr. UPCOMING: 800 words, photos.

FBN--SUPER BOWL-BUCCANEERS-SOLID SUCCOP

Ryan Succop was Mr. Irrelevant in 2009 as the last player selected in the NFL draft. After spending his first five seasons with Kansas City, Succop established himself as one of the league's most consistent kickers during six years in Tennessee before being discarded by the Titans after one challenging season. Now, he's at the Super Bowl - facing the Chiefs - after solidifying Tampa Bay's one shaky situation at the position. By Pro Football Writer Teresa M. Walker. UPCOMING: 750 words, photos.

FBN-SUPER BOWL-CBS

Planning a Super Bowl and the day of programming associated with it is a year-around job for the network that gets to do the game. It also entails more than a sports division. A look at how CBS arrived at the decisions for Sunday's game. By Joe Reedy. UPCOMING: 800 words, photos.

FBN--HALL OF FAME

Fifteen modern-era players, including first-time eligibles Peyton Manning, Charles Woodson and Calvin Johnson, will find out who is part of the 2021 Pro Football Hall of Fame class. By National Writer Eddie Pells. UPCOMING: 700 words, photos. Class announced during the NFL Awards show.

FBN-NFL AWARDS

The NFL hands out its and the AP's yearly awards in prime time show. By Pro Football Barry Wilner. Show starts at 8 p.m.

MOVED:

FBN--SUPER BOWL-ECONOMIC IMPACT

There have been four previous Super Bowls in Tampa, some amid war and economic distress. None have faced the challenges this year's event encounters because of the coronavirus pandemic. Last year's Super Bowl in the Miami area generated an estimated $572 million in new spending in the three main South Florida counties. This year, the Tampa Bay region probably won't generate even half that. By Curt Anderson.

FBN-TIM DAHLBERG-SUPER BOWL WEEK

Super Bowl media night, which usually kicks off a week of events and parties before the big game, has gone virtual. Columnist Tim Dahlberg writes about the reconfigured event and a week leading to the game like no other.

FBN--SUPER BOWL-AGELESS BRADY

Tom Brady has already defied age by making his third trip to the Super Bowl since turning 40. After long talking about the desire to play quarterback until he turns 45, the 43-year-old Brady is raising the bar again and talking about playing even longer. By Pro Football Writer Josh Dubow.

FBN--SUPER BOWL-CHIEFS-SPAGS

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - When the Kansas City Chiefs fell short in an overtime loss to the New England Patriots in the AFC title game two years ago, what was missing wasn't so much an impact pass rusher or shut-down corner. No, what was missing most was someone orchestrating the entire defense. That's when Steve Spagnuolo entered the picture. By Dave Skretta.

FBN--SUPER BOWL TRIVIA

Tom Brady hasn't played in every Super Bowl, it may only seem that way. Brady will lead his Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs on Feb. 7 in Tampa, Florida in Super Bowl 55. It will be the record 10th Super Bowl appearance for the 43-year-old Brady in his remarkable career. He went 6-3 in his first nine appearances. In honor of Brady, here are 12 trivia questions and answers to be enjoyed at your socially distanced Super Bowl party.

FBN--SUPER BOWL-WOMEN COACHES

Katie Sowers made history just a year ago becoming the first woman and openly gay coach to work a Super Bowl as an offensive assistant with San Francisco. Now Lori Locust is following as assistant defensive line coach on Bruce Arians' diverse staff with Tampa Bay the only NFL team with two female coaches including Maral Javadifar as an assistant strength and conditioning coach. By Pro Football Writer Teresa M. Walker.

SPORTS BETTING-SUPER BOWL

Here's one more thing the coronavirus pandemic has ruined for at least some people: betting on the Super Bowl. By Wayne Parry.

US--SUPER BOWL-Q&A-DOLLY PARTON

Dolly Parton has been singing about everyday office employees working "9 to 5" for over 40 years, but now the country icon is singing about entrepreneurs working "5 to 9" to pursue their dreams after hours. The Grammy-winning legend 1980's hit has been flipped by Squarespace - the company that helps users build and host their own websites - for a Super Bowl commercial debuting Tuesday. By Music Writer Mesfin Fekadu.

FBN--SUPER BOWL-SUPER TIGHT ENDS

Rob Gronkowski was the prototype - a big, physical, pass-catching tight end who could take over games with Tom Brady throwing to him in New England. The two are together again with the Buccaneers, relying on each other in another Super Bowl. Travis Kelce has been exactly that for Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs - the "New Gronk" who is shattering records at the position. By Pro Football Writer Dennis Waszak Jr.

FBN-SUPER BOWL-BUCCANEERS-BLACK ASSISTANTS

TAMPA, Fla. - Diversity matters to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the first team to reach the Super Bowl with a trio of Black assistant coaches serving as coordinators on offense, defense and special teams. The historical significance of that is not lost on Byron Leftwich, Todd Bowles and Keith Armstrong. By Fred Goodall.

FBN--SUPER BOWL-SHAQ ATTACK

With some fresh but familiar advice from his mentor Von Miller, Tampa Bay pass rusher Shaquil Barrett aims to wreck Patrick Mahomes' plans for a parade the same way Miller destroyed Cam Newton's party plans in Super Bowl 50 five years ago. By Pro Football Writer Arnie Stapleton.

FBN--SUPER BOWL-4TH DOWN CALLS

If the Super Bowl comes down to a key fourth-down call from one of the coaches, the history shows Kansas City's Andy Reid will be more inclined to make the better decision than Tampa Bay's Bruce Arians. By Pro Football Writer Josh Dubow.

FBN--SUPER BOWL-CHIEFS-LATE-ROUND LOVE

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - It takes hitting at a high percentage on late-round fliers and undrafted rookies to be able to carry the size of contracts that Kansas City has lavished on its stars. Well, the Chiefs have 22 players on their roster they chose in the third round or later, or that went undrafted entirely, including 10 that are expected to start against Tampa Bay in the Super Bowl. By Dave Skretta.

FBN--SUPER BOWL-BUCCANEERS-JPP

TAMPA, Fla. - Nine years and a pair of career-threatening injuries later, Tampa Bay's Jason Pierre-Paul is back in the Super Bowl with a message about resiliency. By Fred Goodall.

SUPER BOWL-STRIP CLUBS

TAMPA, Fla. - Elizabeth Reed, a dancer at the Scores strip club, says dancing with a mask on is like "doing cardio" with your nose and mouth covered, and she now tries to face away from customers while lap-dancing. She and many other people in Tampa's renowned strip club industry are worried but hopeful that despite the pandemic's damper on business they'll have a lucrative time during the typically rip-roaring Super Bowl week. By Tamara Lush.

FBN--SUPER BOWL-INSIDE THE NUMBERS

A look at some of the key numbers and statistics heading into this year's Super Bowl. By Pro Football Writer Josh Dubow.

FBN--SUPER BOWL-QB WHISPERERS

Clyde Christensen mentored Andrew Luck and Peyton Manning but had never met Tom Brady before becoming his quarterbacks coach this season. Tom Moore, the Buccaneers 82-year-old assistant coach, has worked with Terry Bradshaw, Manning and now Brady. By Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi.

FBN--SUPER BOWL-BUCCANEERS-OLD SHADY

LeSean McCoy was one of the NFL's most elusive playmaking running backs for years, a consistent and key part of productive offenses. At 32, he doesn't see nearly as many snaps anymore - but he has seen plenty of winning lately. McCoy was a part of Kansas City's Super Bowl-winning squad a year ago and finds himself on the other sideline this time around as a lightly used backup for Tampa Bay. By Pro Football Writer Dennis Waszak Jr.

FBN--SUPER BOWL-MAHOMES-NUMBERS

It doesn't really seem to matter what approach defenses take against Patrick Mahomes. He can pick apart blitzes or sit back and find receivers when teams drop into coverage. He's dangerous from the pocket and even more lethal when he's on the run. He can throw short and let his receivers run after the catch or strike with the deep pass. Here's a look at where Mahomes shines most and where he may be a little more ordinary. By Pro Football Writer Josh Dubow.

SUPER BOWL-JAZMINE SULLIVAN

Grammy-nominated R&B star Jazmine Sullivan on joining forces with country singer Eric Church to sing the national anthem at the Super Bowl. By Music Writer Mesfin Fekadu.

FBN--SUPER BOWL-SECURITY

TAMPA, Fla. - The NFL and members of the law enforcement community will provide an overview of public safety plans for Super Bowl activities in Tampa. By Curt Anderson. With Super Bowl-Counterfeiting.

FBN--SUPER BOWL-THE VIRTUOSO

Before Tom Brady's first Super Bowl triumph 19 years ago, Kurt Warner of the St. Louis Rams spoke about his desire to win not just a second title but multiple championships with the "Greatest Show on Turf." Instead, it's Brady who amassed an unparalleled playoff record and ring collection beginning with a win over Warner and the Rams that year. By Pro Football Writer Arnie Stapleton.

FBN-SUPER BOWL-COWHER'S PERSPECTIVE

Next to seeing the Pittsburgh Steelers get back to the Super Bowl, Sunday's matchup has many personal ties for CBS "The NFL Today" analyst Bill Cowher. The Hall of Fame coach had Tampa Bay coach Bruce Arians on his staff in Pittsburgh and was the defensive coordinator with the Kansas City Chiefs for three seasons. "I mean, when it's all said and done, the murkiness of what we went through, these two teams surface to the top, because they were the best two teams and they had two good leaders leading them in Andy and BA." By Joe Reedy.

FBN--SUPER BOWL-CHIEFS-ART OF THE CLOSE SHAVE

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The knock on the Chiefs - if there is one - is that they tend to play down to their competition, and the evidence lies in the fact that they won seven straight games by one possession. But sometimes the final score can be a bit misleading, and all those close shaves might actually be a good thing for Kansas City. By Dave Skretta.

FBN--SUPER BOWL-LOSERS TO WINNERS

Leonard Fournette was cut by Jacksonville before the season, while Le'Veon Bell was released by the New York Jets midway through. Steve McLendon was dealt to Tampa at the trade deadline. And now all are in the Super Bowl - while their former teams combined for three wins this season. By Pro Football Writer Dennis Waszak Jr.

FBN--SUPER BOWL-CHIEFS FANS-NATIVE IMAGERY

The Kansas City Chiefs barred headdresses and war paint amid the nationwide push for racial justice, but its effort to make its popular "war chant" more palatable is getting a fresh round of scrutiny from Native American groups as the team prepares to make its second straight Super Bowl appearance. By Heather Hollingsworth.

FBN--SUPER BOWL PREVIEW

This Super Bowl has so many attractive elements it could fill a few more. Start with Tom Brady seeking a seventh ring, but this time with his new team, the Buccaneers. Add in that the game is taking place in Tampa, where the Bucs live, a Super Bowl first. Throw in the matchup with Patrick Mahomes, considered by many the heir to Brady's championship empire. Don't forget two sixty-something coaches adored by their players, Kansas City's Andy Reid and Tampa Bay's Bruce Arians. Oh yea, the Chiefs are seeking the first repeat since New England managed the feat in 2003 and 2004 - with some guy named Brady at quarterback. By Pro Football Writer Barry Wilner. For Weekend Use: 900 words, photos.

FBN--SUPER BOWL-PREVIEW CAPSULE

FBN-SUPER BOWL-GOODELL

TAMPA, Fla. - Commissioner Roger Goodell holds his state of the NFL news conference. By Rob Maaddi and Barry Wilner. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos. News conference starts at 2:00 p.m. With Super Bowl-Goodell-The Latest.

SUPER BOWL-THE WEEKND

Pop star The Weeknd, who headlines the Super Bowl halftime show, holds a press conference ahead of his big Sunday show. By Music Writer Mesfin Fekadu.

FBN--SUPER BOWL-OFFICIATING

Whether the officials prefer to let the players decide the game or the teams are more focused on details, penalties seem to drop when it comes to the postseason. With two secondaries that like to get physical with receivers, a more permissive style of officiating could play a big role in this year's Super Bowl. By Pro Football Writer Josh Dubow.

FBN-SUPER BOWL-TIM DAHLBERG-GOODELL

Columnist Tim Dahlberg writes off NFL commissioner Roger Goodell's news conference.

FBN-SUPER BOWL-BROWN

CBS' James Brown will host a Super Bowl record 10th pregame show on Sunday. Brown didn't know that he was setting a record, but he has the same goals for the four-hour show - make sure the rest of his pregame show cohorts look good. By Joe Reedy.

FBN-SUPER BOWL-BUCCANEERS-YOUNG SECONDARY

TAMPA, Fla. - A liability at times this season, Tampa Bay's young secondary enters the Super Bowl brimming with confidence after breakout performances against Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers during the Buccaneers' playoff run. Now, they get a second crack at Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. By Fred Goodall.