The MNF announcers for our game against 49ers

[Russ Smith]

Apparently ESPN won't use them again, that was the plan all along they say one game, but what I read implied they were really hammered in reviews and ESPN decided they were just not NFL announcers. Golic got good reviews but people said Greenie talked way too much, said way too little, and was distracting.

By far the worst criticism was of Ditka "completely unprepared" was the comment made. For example on the winning TD he kept saying watch Frank Gore, Gore according to this story wasn't on the field on the last play but he not only said it before the play, he said when ESPN was showing the replay. In fact apparently Golic was signalling him off camera to shut up because Gore was on the sideline.

Also earlier in the game supposedly Golic and Ditka disagreed during commercial break, Ditka kept talking up the 49ers man to man defense in the secondary and Golic was saying he didnt' think they were playing man he thought they were playing CB's with safeties over the top in what was really more of a zone than a man. Rather than openly argue the point on air, Golic just decided to keep emphasizing how well the 49er secondary was playing and point out how deep the safeties were as a subtle jab at Ditka.

There was a point in the game where Golic came out and said they're playing zone and Leinart doesn't look comfortable dropping the ball in between the zones.

 

[Gambit]

They are still better than Kornheiser.

Even if Ditka was unprepared I enjoyed him as an announcer.

One of the best I've ever heard was Dick Vermeil--they should seriously bring him in.

 

[Russ Smith]

They are still better than Kornheiser.

Even if Ditka was unprepared I enjoyed him as an announcer.

One of the best I've ever heard was Dick Vermeil--they should seriously bring him in.

Ditto, Vermeil was terrifiic I remember after hsi first game we all commented here on how we wished he'd do that more often.

I noticed a few things with Ditka like his comment that Fitz had always been a great route runner, when we all know he was called out for that by the new staff. And some other comments he made. I hate Kornheiser too, I didn't like Greenie much I too thought he just talked too much.

 

[dreamcastrocks]

Ditto, Vermeil was terrifiic I remember after hsi first game we all commented here on how we wished he'd do that more often.

I noticed a few things with Ditka like his comment that Fitz had always been a great route runner, when we all know he was called out for that by the new staff. And some other comments he made. I hate Kornheiser too, I didn't like Greenie much I too thought he just talked too much.

There are a lot of comments like this from announcers. When they try to talk about a good WR, they just assume that they are a good route runner. We do not have any good route runners on our team. Not even Boldin.

 

[D-Dogg]

Good, because Monkey-Monkey-Mike Ditka was not working for me at all. Perhaps it is because I can't stand Monkey and Monkey in the morning for starters, mostly because of Monkey Greenberg..what a dbag.

 

[40yearfan]

To say that they were distracting would be a hugh understatement. Another thing that bothered me was the lack of replays on some of the penalty calls against the Cards. I really thought ESPN did a poor job of presenting this game. I hope they get better.

 

[BigRedRage]

There are a lot of comments like this from announcers. When they try to talk about a good WR, they just assume that they are a good route runner. We do not have any good route runners on our team. Not even Boldin.

How do you figure they do not run good routes?

 

[dreamcastrocks]

How do you figure they do not run good routes?

They do not run full speed, they do not make good cuts, and they do not get any separation from their defender.

 

[SeattleCard]

ESPN did a horrid job, that announcer team was TERRIBLE.

Russ, where did you hear this news? just curious

 

[Gambit]

Am I the only one who thought there were way too many commercials? It seemed like even more than usual.

Thank goodness there weren't any "The Dream is Still Alive, Some Day it Will Come True; And this Country Belongs to Folks Like Me and You" ones.

 

[Russ Smith]

ESPN did a horrid job, that announcer team was TERRIBLE.

Russ, where did you hear this news? just curious

A writer in the SJ Mercury said he'd heard it somewhere and said the industry reviews were really bad.

Apparently the game got the highest rating in the bay area of any MNF game in years and he said it was interesting since that means 49ers fans think this years team is good, but apparently ESPN didn't since we got such a bad crew.

 

[40yearfan]

Am I the only one who thought there were way too many commercials? It seemed like even more than usual.

Thank goodness there weren't any "The Dream is Still Alive, Some Day it Will Come True; And this Country Belongs to Folks Like Me and You" ones.

Speaking of commercials, I watched the first game also and by the time we were at the half time of the Cards game, they had played the same commercials over and over so many times, that I was started to lip sync the words.

 

[BigRedRage]

They do not run full speed, they do not make good cuts, and they do not get any separation from their defender.

"Running a good route"

Getting a quick jump off the ball, Cutting hard and quick at the point needed.

I see them do that. Seperation is caused by being faster than your defender and good cuts, but even with an excellent cut, you have to be going faster for it to work. I am sure they do run full speed, they just arent that fast. They dont go out there and half ass theyr way to pro bowls.

 

[Russ Smith]

"Running a good route"

Getting a quick jump off the ball, Cutting hard and quick at the point needed.

I see them do that. Seperation is caused by being faster than your defender and good cuts, but even with an excellent cut, you have to be going faster for it to work. I am sure they do run full speed, they just arent that fast. They dont go out there and half ass theyr way to pro bowls.

Ever see Pat Tilley play? he couldn't run to save his life, slower than proehl, but he'd get so open it was funny. Some guys just really know how to run routes to get open, like Stokely now although he's faster than Tilley ever was.


I don't think our guys are bad route runners but certainly not really good, if they were they'd get more open than they do.

 

[40yearfan]

Ever see Pat Tilley play? he couldn't run to save his life, slower than proehl, but he'd get so open it was funny. Some guys just really know how to run routes to get open, like Stokely now although he's faster than Tilley ever was.


I don't think our guys are bad route runners but certainly not really good, if they were they'd get more open than they do.

He might not have been fast, but he sure knew how to throw a party.

 

[dreamcastrocks]

"Running a good route"

Getting a quick jump off the ball, Cutting hard and quick at the point needed.

I see them do that. Seperation is caused by being faster than your defender and good cuts, but even with an excellent cut, you have to be going faster for it to work. I am sure they do run full speed, they just arent that fast. They dont go out there and half ass theyr way to pro bowls.

Um, yeah they do. Fitz even admitted that he has "dogged it" on some of his routes, because he can get by on his talent of catching the ball alone. I'm not speaking for Boldin "dogging" it per se, but it is clear that he is not a good route runner.

 

[Alan]

You know what bothered me? Showing highlights of Ditka's playing days during the final drive.

 

[Duckjake]

I agree on the negative assessment of the ESPN crew. It didn't even seem like a Monday Night Football game.

Just the usual Sunday afternoon Cardinal game with the weakest crew the network can drum up.

 

[BigRedRage]

I just dont get it, by saying they are NOT Good route runners that would make them bad route runners right? You cannot base your arguement on a player saying he doesnt always run them perfect. In no way do I see our WR's as bad route runners.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

They do not run full speed, they do not make good cuts, and they do not get any separation from their defender.

how do you explain hundred catch seasons for both Boldin and Fitz, and Boldin having the most catches after 4 seasons in the history of the NFL... coach?

 

[82CardsGrad]

To say that they were distracting would be a hugh understatement. Another thing that bothered me was the lack of replays on some of the penalty calls against the Cards. I really thought ESPN did a poor job of presenting this game. I hope they get better.

40, there just wasn't enough Whipped Cream to place on top of that pile of dogsh!t!!!

 

[Duckjake]

(a)how do you explain hundred catch seasons for both Boldin and Fitz, and (b) Boldin having the most catches after 4 seasons in the history of the NFL... coach?

(a) 670 pass attempts.

(b) Boldin is Superman.

 

[BigRedRage]

(a) 670 pass attempts.

(b) Boldin is Superman.

Superman is a superb route runner

 

[dreamcastrocks]

how do you explain hundred catch seasons for both Boldin and Fitz, and Boldin having the most catches after 4 seasons in the history of the NFL... coach?

Because we have been a pass happy offense, Boldin and Fitz have some of the best hands in the NFL, and our offensive line has/had absolutely no idea how to run block, so we were forced to pass the ball most of the time.

 

[Syracusecards]

They are still better than Kornheiser.

Even if Ditka was unprepared I enjoyed him as an announcer.

One of the best I've ever heard was Dick Vermeil--they should seriously bring him in.

They're probably afraid he'll cry through the entire broadcast.