Cris Collinsworth loses track of Patriots downs
My Friday newspaper column leads with a look at Bob Papa and the NFL Network's coverage of last night's big tilt in Foxboro(ugh).
As with any review written on deadline and filed before the event has been completed, it's a weird mishmash of an essay.
The essential point remains true: Papa is a pro's pro and a huge upgrade over Bryant Gumbel.
But some interesting stuff happened toward the end of the game, both on the field and in the booth.
Analyst Cris Collinsworth didn't do so well when he suggested the Pats throw twice into the end zone in the last eight seconds of regulation time . . . even though it was fourth down.
But he soon vindicated himself by first-guessing the Jets' coverage on Randy Moss on the final play from scrimmage before OT.
The halftime interview/giggle-fest of Chad Ocho Cinco by Rich Eisen and his friends was awkward, to put it kindly. Can't the commissioner order the networks to stop interviewing this guy, just to protect them from themselves and maybe see if there are other players in the league with worthwhile things to say?
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Comments (5)
Maybe if the NFL Network showed the down and distance for more than 2 seconds Collinsworth and the rest of us would know.
And let them keep interviewing Ocho Cinco every week. I just muted it and went online to check the Islanders score.
NFL Network did a mediocre job last night. The graphics stunk, no explanations of penalties that werent obvious (illegal touching on Jets on punt), and the announcers were... well, meh. nothing great, nothing terrible, but better than ESPN. For some reason I kept hearing Tony Kornheiser in my head during the second half.
Got tired of hearing Collingsworth talk about Farve's eyes. But good Collingsworth was when he nailed the coverage thing and rather directly pointed out that Moss has been dogging it a bit. Then Moss makes that crazy catch. Good football saved the cablecast. The on-field interview of Farve was great, especially when he shared the Moss coin toss comment to throw a pick.
To recap what we wrote yesterday and to further reflect with some coffee:
What was with WPIX' black and white shots? Was that interview for Cannes?
Both Papa and Cris talked incessantly. Missing several players waving to come out - not mentioning what the injury was or even who the player was.
Absolutely no mention of individual stats except for the QBs. I had no idea Jones rushed for 104, how about that Cassel LED the team in rushing, no idea the Jets had held Green-Ellis to 2-9. No mention until ESPN this a.m. Jets completely shut down the run and made Cassel do it all. And he almost did - though he almost didn't without the great Moss Catch.
Also had to wait until ESPN this a.m. to point out that NY Recievers like catching balls up against their helmets when playing the Pats...
Never knew what the down was or how many yards to go. They didn't mention TimeOuts remaining enough.
Loved Cris saying that Leon was one of the toughest guys to cover in the league. He went 2-17.
No idea Cotchery and Keller had 87 yards rec. Did you?
How many sacks did the Jets have? The Pats? Both had 3. No idea.
You knew Mayo was having a big game (someone needed to hold the mayo) - he had 16 tackles. But did you know Eric Barton had 14?
Thankfully that is the last NFL Network game for us this year. And I don't think I've had WPIX on in 10 years anyway. But if you're going to watch a game on the NFL Network - you either really do need to have your laptop on for their 'enhanced' coverage...or you need to keep score at home.
OY
Bob: Fair point about the Cotchery catch. I was wondering why they didn't immediately reference the Tyree play. Maybe Bob was wary of talking about the Giants since Jets fans were waiting to pounce if they heard any Giants related stuff come out of his mouth!
Papa is excellent, knows his stuff and is very smooth. Collinsworth needs to chill and let the game flow. He doesnt need to talk so much inbetween plays. He is also one of the types that makes a point, then the replay shows something else and he still says that the replay prooves his point. Overall the coverage was poor, but Papa is a good start.