Theismann out, Jaws in on MNF

[Beemnseven]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

I'm resisting the urge to respond here. I would just say that everyone needs to take a step back and not look at this property as a game on ESPN but rather a primetime show on a Disney network.

OK, maybe you can shed some light on this, because I've heard all day long how ESPN has received complaint after complaint on the 3rd quarter celebrity interviews, but the only official change has been Theismann to Jaworski. So what's the deal? Will the viewers be forced to endure interviews on Jude Law or Kevin Kline this season?

Also, can they cut down on the opening scene when the city morphs into a football stadium? Or will they finally send Hank Williams Jr. to ride off into the sunset? Enough of the overblown music intros -- just give us the game already.

Make it happen SmootSmack!

[gabe1984]

DAMNIT! I was really hoping that Bill Maas would be one of the commentators on MNF this year. Maas is the best commentator in the NFL, hands down.
Seriously though, I'm kinda surprised that they booted Theisman instead of Kornheiser. I think Kornheiser is a great writer, as someone else said before, and I also think he's good on PTI, but he just does not fit in on MNF. I feel like when he's on PTI he's very comfortable around Wilbon and they really feed off of each other, but when Kornheiser's not around him, he's definitely not as good. To me, it looks like he feels out of place, and uncomfortable on MNF, and he isn't able to make the same funny and clever comments he makes on PTI. I dunno, it's like he's scared he's gonna say something dumb, or he's trying too hard to same something interesting, and the result is a disaster. It's probably because he felt intimidated with a guy like Theisman around, and that may change a little around Jaws, because Jaws seems like a nice enough guy, but I think Kornheiser needs to go. I'd much rather have Wilbon on MNF than Kornheiser.

[Oakland Red]

Joe Theismann has been a terrific and insightful announcer with an infectiously bright personality and I always like hearing him cover the games. No doubt he will have very little time before he gets hired to cover NFL games on a different network.

[Beemnseven]

I don't know why Riggins doesn't get a shot -- or maybe he doesn't want it.

I was also impressed with Michael Wilbon during a 1999 preseason game.

[zo4skins1]

They really need Madden back............HAIL TO THE REDSKINS

[brent]

Originally Posted by GMScud

Yeah I hear ya. I think Jaworski's Philly bias will be more than offset by his knowledge of the game. He is as good as their is in breaking down film. He'll be great on the telestrater explaining those replays...

I can't wait for Jaws to break down the 2nd and 3rd look of a 3 yard gain up the middle while the game is 5 or 6 plays ahead.

Still, better to be watching Jaws discuss the beauty of a 3 yard dive than listen to Rapper T promote his video while you strain to see the live game on the monitor in the background.

I think Jaws and Joey would have been funny together, more so than either one of them with Tony.

[MTK]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

I'm resisting the urge to respond here. I would just say that everyone needs to take a step back and not look at this property as a game on ESPN but rather a primetime show on a Disney network.

Unfortunately that's the problem.

True football fans aren't tuning in to hear Jamie Fox blab on and on about his latest movie during a football game.

They're catering to the wrong crowd.

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

Unfortunately that's the problem.

True football fans aren't tuning in to hear Jamie Fox blab on and on about his latest movie during a football game.

They're catering to the wrong crowd.

I mean let me just preface by saying I don't necessarily agree with the philosophy as a football fan. But from a business standpoint, I understand what the intent is. Basically, what better stage to promote all your other properties than Monday Night Football? The idea being that if you're watching MNF and Jimmy Kimmel comes on and plugs his show that Wednesday night maybe some more people will watch Kimmel. Then while they're watching Kimmel they'll be some promo spots for Good Morning America the next morning and that will lead into The View and thats being filmed live in Walt Disney World. And then you go WDW and you see a big movie poster for the latest Pirates of the Caribbean movie and then you see the movie and you decide you want your own Disney eye patch, so you go to the Disney Store...and so on.

How successful MNF has been in helping the other properties, I really can't say.

[dmek25]

its almost like saying commercials work. i cant think of one product i have purchased because of a commercial, or the celebrity hyping it

[rvd420]

who cares.i dont watch the games to listen to the commentaters.

[JWsleep]

I agree about ESPN using MNF to cross-promote other things. But I do not like it. I'm with Matty and the rest of ya about getting it back to football basics. We are the audience--football fans. Football itself is enough to keep people's attention, as is shown by the football ratings every year. We don't need additional comic relief or any other BS.

As for Joey T, I am one of the haters (maybe that's a bit strong, but...): something about his prima-donna style always rubbed me wrong. I liked him as a QB, but he really does love Joey T. TK is useless in the booth, IMO. We'll see about Jaws: at least he knows some football.

What's needed is a professional play-by-play guy like Buck or Michaels, and a good, impartial, insightful color guy. How hard can that be to find? The game will promote itself--just call it and get out of the way!

[4mrusmc]

That's too bad for Joe. I liked him, he gave balance to us from ALL of the Redskins' haters that were on MNF. If I hear Tony talk about his fantasy football team anymore, I'm going to explode! jaws can eat a dick.

[CancunCantinaBartender]

I have noticed that more retired players are making much better commentators than the sports reporters. Tim Ryan & Soloman Wilcox w/ Sirius Radio and CBS are both GREAT commentators giving excellent insight to the game from the players' perspective. They do a very good job of analyzing the plays (just like Madden used to do). I want to see more players taking over the roles as commentators!

[That Guy]

dick vermeil would have been a better choice...


and they could also replace tony with schotty (who could make jokes about gleam). oh joyous day :P.

[dall-assblows]

i hate JAWS's Voice. this sucks