NBC-Football Night in America

Comments on NBC’s pregame and halftime coverage of their “Football Night in America“.  These comments are based on very short viewing glimpses I’ve had of the program.  After watching doubleheaders every Sunday usually after the 2nd game I quit football until the 8:15 game comes on.  I give my family some face time for a change.  Because of this routine I rarely watched NBC’s attempt at coverage.  What stuck out at me was the absolutely bad performances by Keith Olbermann and to a lesser degree Dan Patrick.  I loved Patrick when he was on ESPN and had the opportunity when I was a Sirius subscriber to hear him when he  had the Dan Patrick Show on radio.  Olbermann, another former ESPN anchor, tries to hard to be funny and brings his intellectual opinions into his highlight review.  I find it hard to stomach that both of these guys resort to doing highlights when their skills are better utilized elsewhere.  So with the little of  FNA I actually saw these guys were not a reason to tune back in.  Peter King is a great contributor to the show.  Jerome Bettis has an ego.  It seems the hand full of times I’ve heard him, mostly during halftime, he somehow works himself or the Pittsburgh Steelers (his former team) in a comparison of what he/they would have done.  Bob Costas is himself.  Take him or leave him.. He doesn’t change.  That’s a good thing.  I dislike when commentators conform to the their broadcasting partners in order to be funny.  With ALL this said I tuned in last night to watch the NFL double header between the Falcons and the Cardinals then the Colts and Chargers.  What I couldn’t believe is that for “expert” commentary NBC hired Matt Millen.  The former head of football operations of the Detroit Lions.  The mastermind behind gathering the talent for the 0-16 Lions.  The worst season in professional football history.  How long has Millen been contributing to this show??  Maybe he had good points but I was not objective and just didn’t WANT to listen to what he had to say.  What’s the matter NBC, was OJ  Simpson busy??  Why Matt Millen?

 NBCee IT is an excellent feature NBC adds to their broadcasts.  It shows video replay of a close call then zooms in with great clarity to get an even closer look.  Last night they zoomed in to a wide receiver’s feet as they tried to stay in bounds.  I’m sure every other station will copy cat this new feature.  I hope so because it gives you an ants eye view.