THE ATHLETIC’s Richard Deitsch writes CBS’ announcing team of Ian Eagle and Charles Davis -- a new partnership this year -- “already sounded in mid-season form” during yesterday's Browns-Ravens game. They were “terrific on a first-quarter touchdown catch” from Ravens TE Mark Andrews -- a “quality Eagle call, followed by both broadcasters letting the moment breath, and then Davis with the immediate heads-up for viewers on how Andrews had bailed out a high throw from quarterback Lamar Jackson.” After a review, the pair “came back from break and offered even more analysis for the audience.” It was a “great start” (THEATHLETIC.com, 9/14).
Levy, who was named to the "MNF" booth in August, said he is "obviously ecstatic" ESPN IMAGES
LEVY READY FOR CHALLENGE: On Long Island, Neil Best noted ESPN's Steve Levy's "greatest aspiration always was football," though he was "known as a hockey maven" for much of his career. Levy, who was named to the "MNF" booth in August, said, "I'm obviously ecstatic. 'Dream job' feels so cliche now, but I can't come up with anything that summarizes it better." He added, "The timing is right. I wish I could have been at this point at the age of 35. That would have been nicer to have a longer runway, or exit strategy, if you will. But I'm thrilled" (NEWSDAY, 9/12).
ROLE MODELS: Michael Vick said of being a Fox analyst, "I just do my job and play my role and I have fun doing it." He added, "I don't really have a true role model, but I do watch guys like Marcellus Wiley, Emmanuel Acho, Skip Bayless with Shannon Sharpe, and I am a big fan of Stephen A. Smith and Jalen Rose. ... Guys that I played with or played against that are doing TV, we all try to help each other." Vick joined Roc Nation for management last month and said the "experience is cool." Vick: "Jay-Z has always been someone I’ve looked up to" (SI.com, 9/11).
