Collinsworth Begins To Fill Madden's Shoes With Tonight's Game

Collinsworth Makes Official "SNF" Debut Tonight

NBC's Cris Collinsworth makes his debut as the regular "SNF" analyst with tonight's Titans-Steelers game, and while replacing a legend like John Madden “won’t be an easy task,” Collinsworth “knows the game, and more importantly, he can hit as hard as any defensive back with his commentary," according to Ed Sherman of CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS. Sherman wrote, “Collinsworth will be unpredictable, capable of saying … anything. Much like Johnny Miller on golf and John McEnroe on tennis. Mr. Collinsworth will be a must-listen on football” (CHICAGOBUSINESS.com, 9/9). Collinsworth said of the role, "This is an incredible opportunity for me; it's a chance to work with the very best in the business across the board" (Pittsburgh TRIBUNE-REVIEW, 9/10). In Chicago, Dan McNeil writes, "I will give NBC's new top dog ... a shot to win me over, but I don't believe [Collinsworth] is going to come closing to filling Madden's headsets." McNeil: "I'm betting most of us will miss John Madden more than we ever would have imagined." Madden "was the NFL -- more than any broadcaster has been or ever will be. His was the voice most closely connected to a thirsty-for-football-on-TV country. ... He possessed a presence unrivaled by any analyst in any other sport today" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 9/10).

CHUCKY CHEESE: In N.Y., Richard Sandomir wrote new ESPN "MNF" analyst Jon Gruden's background as a football coach "provides the credibility necessary for his new career," while his "enthusiasm, brashness and loquacity are also assets." But translating those skills into being a TV analyst "is not always simple." Gruden: "It’s really different in the booth. You’re not really emotionally attached to the outcome of every play. You’re removed, and you don’t want to overanalyze every 3-yard gain or incomplete pass" (N.Y. TIMES, 9/6). In Buffalo, Alan Pergament writes Gruden during the preseason was "funny, insightful and educated fans about some of the game's nuances." But though Gruden has "proven to be a quick study," he "knows he still has a lot to learn alongside" Mike Tirico and Ron Jaworski (BUFFALO NEWS, 9/10). Gruden: “I’m going to take this opportunity and do the best I can and let ESPN decide my future. But I’m really having a blast at this.” ESPN Exec VP/Content John Skipper has indicated he expects Gruden to be a part of the “MNF” broadcast team for at least two years, and Gruden said, “I hate to predict my future. I never really thought I would be a head coach at 34 years old. … I try not to predict things. I signed up to a job and I’m going to finish it and give it everything I have” (SI.com, 9/8).

COVER FIVE DEFENSE: SI.com’s Richard Deitsch breaks down the coverage plans for each NFL TV partner, giving some pros and cons about each network. CBS preaches “stability and understated coverage,” as the net employs “no sideline reporters and keeps its focus on the nuts and bolts of the game.” However, the “ridiculous amount of laughter” during “The NFL Today” needs to change. The addition of Gruden to ESPN’s “MNF” booth means the in-game focus has “switched from a football-cum-entertainment-based broadcast to a heavy emphasis on X’s and O’s.” The net, though, “desperately wants to make Keyshawn Johnson the breakout star” of “Sunday NFL Countdown,” but he takes air time away from Tom Jackson, who “regularly says thoughtful and thought-provoking things.” Fox is “high on Charles Davis” as a new game analyst, as Davis “shined two years ago during the BCS coverage.” And while “Fox NFL Sunday” has “owned the ratings for years,” Fox should “follow ESPN’s lead and give some airtime to a Fantasy expert before kickoff.” NBC’s Rodney Harrison has “star potential” for the net’s “Football Night In America” show, given his “no-holds barred opinions as a player.” But does fellow studio show addition Tony Dungy “have the personality to call people out when needed?” NFL Net’s Marshall Faulk does a “terrific job,” as he is “equally versed on players on both sides of the ball.” Deitsch: “Alas, we can’t say the same about Deion Sanders, who is more flash than substance” (SI.com, 9/8).