Some pundits were criticized for bringing up Wentz' concussion history after taking a helmet-to-helmet hitGETTY IMAGES
Eagles QB Carson Wentz suffered a concussion from a helmet-to-helmet hit during the team's Wild Card loss to the Seahawks on Sunday, but "unfortunately, several NFL pundits and reporters weren't quick enough to make that same distinction," according to Rob Tornoe of the PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER. ESPN's Josina Anderson was "among those who drew the ire of fans." After former NFLer Torry Holt posted a "negative comment" about Wentz, which he has since deleted, Anderson responded with, “I hear you Torry …" Former NFLer Chris Long then criticized Anderson for "going after a player and former teammate after suffering a head injury." Meanwhile, ESPN Eagles reporter Tim McManus "offered a full-throated apology to Eagles fans upset over an initial version of his story that inadvertently linked Wentz's concussion to past brushes with various injuries." Pro Football Focus' Sam Monson also was "forced to apologize after writing on Twitter that Wentz was 'made of glass'" (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 1/7).
PICK A WINNER: In Buffalo, Alan Pergament wrote he "didn't have any problems" with ESPN's Booger McFarland and his analysis during the first half of Texans-Bills on Saturday. McFarland was "much better than expected" for the first 30 minutes of play, but in the second half, "McFarland became McFarland." His "head-scratching moment came in the last 15 seconds of regulation when he suggested the Bills consider running on third down to get a few yards and then spiking the ball before trying a tying field goal" (BUFFALO NEWS, 1/6). YAHOO SPORTS' Matt Harmon wrote two months ago, he "staunchly believed" McFarland "had to go." But now, he is "of a completely different mind." Harmon: "Not only do I believe that he should reprise his role on 'MNF' in 2020 and beyond, I think the NFL straight-up needs Booger. ... Booger makes mistakes. He offers up strange analysis. So what? Lighten up and get over it. This is entertainment, after all." McFarland "makes 'MNF' fun" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 1/6).
