We all know the NFL is a television ratings juggernaut. The networks pay billions of dollars for the rights to televise football, despite the fact that it isn't profitable.
The hour-long pregame shows not only satiate our ravenous appetite for football, but allow networks more commercial spots to sell and offers a venue to plug prime time shows to a large audience.
I get it. Television producers and executives operate in a cut-throat industry where ratings are tied to self-survival. But, the bottom feeder in this blitz of football coverage is NBC's Football Night in America. It's a gluttonous waste on a grand stage, a "spectacle" as Guy DeBord would define it.
Is there another pregame show in the history of televised sports more helplessly irrelevant? The show shamelessly feeds our collective attention deficit disorder.
Executive producer Dick Ebersol has taken the format to a new low since landing Sunday night football from ESPN. It's a pathetic attempt to outplay ESPN at their own game.
I can forgive ESPN and its cast of thousands on Sunday NFL Countdown (with the exception of that bag of rocks Mike Ditka). ESPN's show, however, leads to Sunday's slate of games—they offer predictions, injury reports, breakdown defenses and offenses, in short lots of information viewers want before kick-off. I'm not crazy about the show's direction, but I can forgive them as the originators of the one-hour two-minute drive format.
In contrast, NBC has the benefit of deciphering the story lines of Sunday's results. They can offer perspective and context and have the benefit of 20/20 hindsight.
Instead they only deliver empty sound bites from a cast trying to outdo one another, fast-forwarded game highlights, 30-plus monitors in the background providing visual clutter, gaudy video game-like graphics, and the "best team in football" who thinks that we're watching the show for them and that football's only our after thought.
NBC's "Best Team in Football"
Bob Costas sometimes comes across as the little, smug twit who knows it all from back during high school, but the guy's brilliant. Maybe he was mistakenly typecast for a football pregame show (I identify Olympics and baseball with Costas), but he's so good it's not a stretch. But, why is Costas on the show? One of the best in the business is rendered utterly pointless—he's reduced to playing traffic cop.
It pains me to see how far Tiki Barber has fallen. As well as he played the game, he looks as equally disinterested on the show. A $3 million bench warmer who resides on the periphery of the broadcast, he's symbolic of the show's ethos—waste. Barber's a smart, eloquent guy, but fans outside New York wouldn't know it from the ten seconds he has to talk.
Jerome Bettis is in over his head in prime time. Too bad he didn't hone his broadcast skills before his prime time gig. He brings nothing to the table in terms of insight into what it means to play the game.
Then you have Dan Patrick and Keith Olbermann with football highlights reduced to visual background because their inane attempts at entertaining each other are actually the point. They represent the worst trend in football broadcasting—hiring people like Dennis Miller and Tony Kornheiser who only offer snide remarks thinly veiled as in-depth commentary. It's almost never about football, it's about the commentary.
Peter King has been a football insider for many years, but he isn't connected to the players. He's corporate—he only reports what team owners tell him to repeat. If it was 10 years ago he'd say something we don't know.
Cris Collinsworth is not made for television. He's actually the only one on the set that seems to really care for the game, but his persona is such that you either hate him or you really hate him. He's well-informed, but more tolerable on radio.
Football Night in America leads the ratings race, but that's in spite of the program. Fans are so hungry for football, we tolerate this mess, even if we're forced-fed junk food before we get to the meat and potatoes—the game.
The Real Best Team in Football
To conclude on a positive note, the best team in football is the cast of NFL Gameday on the NFL Network.
Rich Eisen, the host, strikes the right tone. He asks the questions that need to be asked of his football analysts, Deion Sanders and Steve Mariucci, and inquires and challenges them with follow-up questions when necessary. You might not always agree with their analysis, but they engage their audience. In contrast, with NBC we're listening in on their conversation.
The show has a good pace and steady flow of information and insight, but the cast doesn't upstage the topic at hand—football. It's simply an excellent broadcast and produced for the intelligent fan.
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about 1 month ago
I agree with some of it, disagree with others. While I think Patrick and Olbermann are cocky and stuck up I do like their commentary on the highlights.
I usually have it on TiVo as I finish up the 4:15 game so when I watch I'm usually not live... that's when I fast forward it when they send it over to the "players corner." You're right about Tiki, he is brutal. I'm not sure why we all thought his nasally voice and his annoyingly extensive vocabulary would be a good fit on television.
King is pretty good though. I don't really value his overall opinion but he has dug up some nuggets over the years. He broke the story that Brady was done when he cited a player saying "casell's our QB" after the opener.
from about 1 month ago
I think Patrick/Olbermann were better at ESPN's SportsCenter in a highlight format--on NBC the highlights are secondary to their being cute with each other.
I think the fact that P/O are now on the show is indicative of Barber and Bettis. But, with the money NBC pays them, they have to use them even in a highly diminished role.
I'll disagree on King because again, he used to be good at background info, no longer.
from about 1 month ago
The thing with Patrick and Olbermann is that they are trying to do the same schtick they did at ESPN 15-20 years ago. The catch phrases are old and so is their act.
from about 1 month ago
I don't know, but to me it's not even close: Fox's NFL Sunday blows them all out of the water. It's witty, informative, and fun.
ESPN - boring, could put me to sleep. They are just so analytical. Which is good for ridiculously harcore people, but for the casual fan, not so much.
CBS is alright, I do miss the anchor there, something Brown -- he was with Fox before -- always liked him.
NFL Network, can't say I watched as myself and millions still don' get that network.
And NBC's show, you're right, too many different pieces -- they just don't gel together.
about 1 month ago
Thanks writing about this show and saving me the time to vent on such a peice of utter trash! I will say that there was time when Dan Patrick was bearable, but that time has past. Olberman is a snotty, arogant jerk who has a very inflated opinion of his importance. Nice work...
from about 1 month ago
As I said, Patrick/Olbermann were good on ESPN a decade ago. No longer. Not the right format. Olbermann works well at MSNBC if that's your thing.
about 1 month ago
Anyone but Chris Collinsworth.
from about 1 month ago
I don't like him, there's something about him I can't stand, but of all of them, he seems like he cares and he means well. Just tough to listen to him. At least his head's in the right place, unlike Barber. Hey, he's lost his passion for football by retiring early and it just shows on the telecast.
from about 1 month ago
He's taken over the football television world. It's too late.
from about 1 month ago
Yeah, Cris "Pencil Neck Geek" Collinsworth is everywhere.
about 1 month ago
I stood next to Collingsworth in an airport and there is nothing pencil necked about him. He is a big dude. Stands 6'5 and pretty big fella.
from about 1 month ago
Really? I thought he'd be tall but he looks skinny actually, he's got an ostrich neck. Was he friendly?
about 1 month ago
He did the "famous person trying not to be recognized" thing with some other guy. I was surprised too at his size... he obviously got bigger after his playing days, haven't we all:)
about 1 month ago
GREAT piece!! I totally agree, ESPN is like Verizon to me. I hate them and bitch about them constantly, but bc they are the Evil Empire of their respective industries, I still continue to endorse them. Ugh. They're getting more and more ludicrous. Nice work.
from about 1 month ago
Um, Evil Empire?? I thought you were a NYY fan? So you're saying you do in fact like Verizon and the geek squad... Anyway, yeah, the point is that the show's about the show, not football in my estimation.
Thanks for the read and props!
about 1 month ago
i agree man...costas is the mn! if only they could bring the nba back to nbc for him to do the games again and the world series!
from about 1 month ago
There's no disputing Costas' talent. He's great. But, NBC is trying to redo the Patrick/Olbermann ESPN SportsCenter instead. Costas in this context is misused. You can thank Ebersol for that flub.
Thanks for the read.
from about 1 month ago
yeah you are def right.... i can't stand olbermann...i liked patrick before but when he is around keith he is a bit much for me
about 1 month ago
Patrick, Olbermann, Barber, and Colinsworth are horrible. I dont think anyone ever watches it. I watch ESPN News until kickoff on Sunday nights. Good article
from about 1 month ago
Thanks for the comment, TW. I try to avoid this show like the ebola virus.
about 1 month ago
YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES!
My thoughts exactly! Football Night In America is so BAD. They have no idea what they are saying and it makes me want to puke.
NFL Gameday is quality sports coverage. And the best I have ever seen. Rich Eisen is a great host who knows his place. Deion is surprisingly intelligent and brings great points to the table. Mooch knows what to say and how to say it. All 3 of them feed off each other's points and energy. THey are truly a TEAM.
Nice article! I've wanted to scream those exact words to the world!
from about 1 month ago
Thanks David! Hands down NFL Gameday is hot stuff. Deion IS surprisingly good--intelligent AND throws in the well-timed wise-crack.
The difference between Deion's quips are that they're humor--Patrick/Olbermann are just sarcasm. It's befitting because to be sarcastic, one needs to believe one is better than someone.
from about 1 month ago
Why would you say Deion is "surprisingly" intelligent? He's the best cover cornerback in NFL history, of course he knows what he's talking about. I'm not accusing you two of anything, but I hope their isn't any underlying "racism" in either of your guys' comments there.
from about 1 month ago
He's "surprisingly" intelligent because so many ex-jocks, both white and black and inbetween, are currently awful. Also, he dumped water on Tim McCarver which was a dumb and unclassy thing to do when he played baseball, and he was a superficial showboat when he played.
Turns out that many people's perception of him when he played were inaccurate while he's in the studio.
THAT'S what's surprising.
from about 1 month ago
Also, I said he's surprisingly good. Not surprisingly intelligent. Good overall--remarks, sense of humor, presence, etc. You're probably too young to remember Prime Time during his playing days when he acted like an a$$.
from about 1 month ago
No I remember most of his playing days—and like I said, I wasn't accusing you of anything...just making sure.
I remember Prime Time as possibly the best corner to ever play. Who cares if he show boats, he's having fun. I don't get why people have such a problem with a player expressing themselves—it's a game!
from about 1 month ago
Zach, you and I are both Prime Time fans. He works perfectly off of Mooch because he's funny and out there and insightful and Mooch kind of plays off of that and tempers the discussion. Them and Rich Eisen are the best right now for my money.
from about 1 month ago
Yeah, sorry for getting off topic. Love your article, I don't get NFL Network though, so I'm an ESPN guy till I get a chance at Gameday.
Good work Edgar
from about 1 month ago
HAHAHA, Zach I can definately see that one looking bad.
I ment that most football players that go onto be analysts don't say smart things. They usually treat us like we are 6 years old and try to use too much inside the locker room lingo that it gets boring and annoying.
I say surprisingly intelligent because other analysts who were football players such as Jerome Bettis, Tiki Barber, Cris Carter, Keyshawn Johnson and Emmitt Smith, flat out suck. They obviously don't know anything about football outside of the huddle and it is a joke.
Here's a quote you can write down on your little notepad!
Rich Eisen, Deion Sanders and Steve Mariucchi ARE NFL coverage! BOOM!
about 1 month ago
I stopped watching that show because because they falling over one another to get in the pretentious wisecracks....Costas has a wealth of knowledge but he can't pass up the cheap laugh - and with Patrick and Olbermann around there are plenty of those....these guys can do better
One question: Tiki Barber left the Giants for THIS?
from about 1 month ago
John, as you know Tiki went down a huge level after his opening comments against Eli. I respect him for saying, but it came across as a cheap shot. It's like he went for the throat to prove that he'd be impartial or something. Note that both he and Bettis are relegated to the sidelines.
from about 1 month ago
Yeah. I think Tiki overestimated his television ability.
Oh well. He's happy and I'm happy so it's all good.
about 1 month ago
very nice article. Though I believe Fox Sunday's broadcasts slightly outwieghs the NFL Gameday, your opinions are well thought out in the right perspective. Once more, nice work.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks Michael. I respect that you feel Fox is slightly better than NFL Network. Fox does have a solid show, although they're kind of pushing maximum density there with a five-panel lineup. CBS is also solid. NBC is just horrific. I'd rather hear from two-three excellent commentators than this opinion-by-committee thing happening now in sports coverage. Even the play-by-play booths are bigger than the traditional two-man team. Why?
about 1 month ago
i hate football night in america. it's useless.
i like ESPN's, and i like Ditka!! i dont know how someone couldnt. he's great.
but NFL gameday is very good. i dont know why i like Deion now, because I hated him as a player.
from about 1 month ago
Not a big fan of Ditka as a sports commentator, sorry, but I respect your opinion. At least you didn't say bring back Limbaugh! Ditka as a coach and his success are great, but too often he gets into that corny, fire-and-brimstone schpiel.
You know, I feel the same about Prime Time. He's brilliant on the NFL Network. Makes you wonder why he was booted off CBS...unless he left on his own terms. Like I said above, Deion is smart and funny. He calls it how he sees it.
from about 1 month ago
yes he does.
and no, i never ever want limbaugh back. were you watching the day he went on his "black quarterbacks are overrated" spiel??? i thought TJ was gonna revert back to his hardcore Denver linebacking days and tackle him right on Live TV.
from about 1 month ago
You know, I gotta say I'm down on my man TJ on that one. He should have jumped the desk and clothesline tackle that idiot on that one. But, he came back a week too late and actually cried about it. It's like if someone disses you, you can't come back a week later with a comeback. Doesn't work like that. I would say TJ is the best "Robin" to Berman's "Batman" in the biz right now.
from about 1 month ago
haha yes thats a very good way to put it.
But TJ is a pro and has more class than that pill-poppin douchebag so i dont mind him not doing anything.
i can honestly say though that i've never seen a black man's face turn red like his.
... damn, that sounded racist.
from about 1 month ago
That's a funny line. I think in the context of your remark it's all good-natured.
about 1 month ago
Sunday NFL Countdown, I love how stupid the analysts are save for Boomer.
They always go for the favorite. No balls at all.
from about 1 month ago
On ESPN, Tom Jackson's the only one that's good. I'm kind of tired on Chris Berman's act to be honest. He's an acquired taste, and I know a lot of people like him, but he's grating.
Thanks for the feedback.
about 1 month ago
Hahaha that is so true. And honestly, what is Keith Obermann doing on there? Wasn't he a political commentator?
Personally, I think that NFL network is by far the best at all things NFL. I love Deion, Mariucchi and Rich on gameday, they are thorough and funny. ESPN isn't horrible, but they tend to suck up to Berman a lot. And CBS is just stupid that they have five analysts when they are only actually on the air for about 30 seconds between the early game and the late game.
from about 1 month ago
Henry you're spot on. Yeah, Olbermann was on MSNBC, he's really left-wing. Which is fine, but totally out of place on NBC's football show.
Yeah, that large sucking noise you hear outside your window is coming from Bristol, CT where ESPN is headquartered. That's Keyshawn and Co. kissing Swami's butt.
Thanks for the read and comments.
from about 1 month ago
He got his start in sports, MSNBC pays him to do the show, I doubt he believes any of the stuff he says.
about 1 month ago
Thanks for the reply. I absolutely agree, NBC is terrible. I can't stand it when John Madden or any of those commentators get on... they talk slow, they don't know what they're saying, and don't know what they're supposed to be talking about.
However, I have to disagree with the statement about Deion, his voice is cracking so much or something, it just keeps me distracted. I'm not really a fan of CBS on Sundays, though their College Football is good. I'll take more notice toward NFL Gameday on NFL Network.
Your note really caught the reader's eye.
from about 1 month ago
John Madden is the worst commentator. But, he's been great for the game with his video games, etc. He's so helplessly dense, but its sincere.
about 1 month ago
I've given up on most pre-game shows. I usually just watch Sunday Night things on ESPN as I prepare to fall asleep. I watch the games and the halftime shows enough to know what's happening without their dramatic spins.
I really hate the pregame nonsense before the Super Bowl. I don't want to travel with a player through his old neighborhood, see the run-down house he grew up in with 8 brothers and sisters, or the factory his mom worked in as a seamstress to make ends meet.
from about 1 month ago
I hear you. I try to avoid the pregame nonsense because I get all my info online. But, I had to sit through the NBC one a couple weeks back for the Giants-Eagles game. I feel like a little piece of me died that night.
about 1 month ago
Gotta love the music though.
I've been trying to get it as my ring tone for two years.
The instrumental stuff.
from about 1 month ago
Honest to God, cross my fingers, I had a paragraph on the theme music, but I deleted it because the article was getting too lengthy. Originally this was like a 1,200-word piece, but this IS the online world.
Anyway, yeah, that theme song is fantastic. Makes you want to suit up. It's composed by John Williams: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Williams_(composer)
I'm sure there's a ringtone of it out there somewhere in the world.
about 1 month ago
I don't even watch any of these shows anymore. Considering I want to go into journalism, seeing athletes that can barely speak proper English makes me sick. ESPN and NBC don't hire because they are good at talking football, they hire the names and it really is pathetic.
from about 1 month ago
I would only add to that statement that there are a few good former athletes that have done a good job. In the broadcast booth I like how Phil Simms and Troy Aikman have matured TV-wise (I know Aikman isn't really popular outside of TX). Deion Sanders is good. Rod Woodson on the NFL Network is solid, too. Even Terrell Davis is okay. Boomer Esiason is kind of stuffy but intelligent. On the coaching side, I liked Bill Parcells (now GM in Miami) and Bill Cowher. Cowher doesn't make the mistake Ditka does--he offers analysis not motivational football speak.
Thanks for the comments and the POTD, Danny. Best.
from about 1 month ago
There are always exceptions to what we say. Your examples are the ones that actually do a GOOD job. However, the cast of former players that ESPN has assembled, aside from Steve Young and Tom Jackson, I can't really stand. Keyshawn Johnson is terrible and the same with Emmit Smith. Trent Dilfer knows what he's talking about, he just goes on forever.
from about 1 month ago
No disagreement here.
about 1 month ago
I don't get the NFL Network anymore but I tune into NFL Gameday on Mondays on the leagues website. For the past three years its been the best in highlight, mild comedy(pay that man!), and analysis(coach em up). Also Prime once said he wanted censors in the ball so that spot of the ball would be more accurate, made me and my buddies laugh.
from about 1 month ago
I think right now for my money Prime Time's the best studio analyst who was a former player.
Thanks.
about 1 month ago
The DP-KO thing isn't for everyone. I'm personally a fan, but I don't expect people to be in the middle on those two. It's either you love them or hate them. I love them because unlike some of these new ESPN anchors, they don't try to be funny. They just are. It doesn't sound forced. If your going to call highlights, don't be funny unless you really are.
Collinsworth is overexposed...
from about 1 month ago
Thanks Nino.
I didn't mind Patrick-Olbermann on SportsCenter, I think it works in that format where the highlights and analysis are given their due. Here it's crammed and they even SPEED UP the highlights??!! If you don't have time to show them, then don't. If you FFWD the highlight then it's not worth showing.
about 1 month ago
FNiA reminds me a lot of the nWo - too many people on screen at one time mugging to get in shot. Whatever happened to just two guys talking about football?
from about 1 month ago
I understand that in a sense TV is trying to emulate the Web--constant barrage of info, graphics, stats, etc. But IMHO, that's a mistake a lot of sports coverage is making. For instance, on some channels you have the down and distance on the field as well as on the bar atop the telecast. Overkill. Pick one or the other.
about 1 month ago
How can you say Peter King is not connected with the players? Have you ever read one of his Monday Morning Quarterback Columns? He talks about players who call him and leave him voice mails and text messages. He is one of the most trusted media members in an NFL locker room and to say he isn't connected is just plain wrong.
And its hard to claim the NFL Network has the best show when a lot of people (including myself) don't have access to it.
from about 1 month ago
Again, I personally don't see King breaking anything new. He may have relations with players, but he's not breaking news. The other thing is that, even saying that, he doesn't even appear on the program half the time. So what does that say?
I like King as a journalist and respect him, like I said, he's kind of synonymous with the NFL for me because he's been around since I've followed football, but there's other reporters who get the scoop first more often than not.
Whether you get NFL Network or not, it's still the best show. I know a lot of people don't get it, but that doesn't mean it's not the best show. It has a big viewership with football fans that do get it.
Thanks Sam.
about 1 month ago
The only thing that would make NFL network better than it already is is if they had the game footage in HD. Then it would the standout best.
about 1 month ago
I used to love how the NFL today would be outdoors on some days with the fans in the background made it very fun to watch now it seems dull and pointless.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks, Christian. I forgot about CBS doing that. That was cool. They had Neon Deion on their cast back then. The fans in the street were always so into it.
about 1 month ago
NFL Network owns.
6 days ago
I agree with assessments of Football Night in America. I can stomach Costas and some the others, but I can't stand Olberman. Here's a guy who hasn't made it anywhere and adds nothing to this show . . . he's an idiot with a critical comment about anything he doesn't like, especially his opinion that all southerners are toothless rednecks who married cousins. WHAT AN IDIOT! I have voiced my opinion direct to the producers of the show, but to no avail. HE IS USELESS. Proud to be from Alabama (and not a Tide fan).
6 days ago
I wish there was a way to start a petition drive to get rid of Olberman!!!!
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