As we are in the middle of an NFL Divisional Playoff weekend, time for a few sports media thoughts. As usual, they come in bullet form.
- I listened to and also watched Bonnie Bernstein subbing for Dan Patrick on Thursday and Friday. If it was an audition for her to host her own radio show, she passed with flying colors. She was very good as host, interacted well with the Dannettes and was very engaging with the callers and guests. Plus, she managed to get some news out of CBS NFL analyst Bill Cowher with him revealing that he had three recent coaching offers which were refused, and got former Secretary of State Condeleeza Rice to break down Andrew Luck and the NFL playoff games like an expert. Very impressive guest spot by Ms. Bernstein. Bonnie has hosted her own radio show for ESPN Radio New York and here’s hoping she’ll be heard from again soon.
- Watching the nutty ending of the New Orleans-San Francisco NFL Divisional Playoff Game was quite fun. Kenny Albert did a very good job in calling the four lead changes in the last four minutes. However, Fox Sports had a couple of glitches having the transmission from San Francisco cut out twice. Also, camera work was off on a few plays. Fox can be inconsistent with its announcing and production teams and for Saints-49ers, the production did not step up to the quality of game. I wish it had.
- Good post from Sports Illustrated’s Richard Deitsch and James Andrew Miller, co-author of the ESPN tome, “Those Guys Have All the Fun: Inside the World of ESPN” on the most indispensable NFL talents. I agree with most of their picks, however, I disagree with Miller’s contention about Chris Berman. I also would not have selected Pam Oliver for sideline reporter, but it’s Miller who was asked to make the list. I will do my own list so you can compare and either agree or disagree. Overall, good picks by Deitsch and Miller.
- On Twitter on Friday, I gave my viewership predictions for this weekend’s NFL playoff games. Here’s what I tweeted:
[blackbirdpie url=”https://twitter.com/#!/fangsbites/statuses/157944620607746048″]
I’m going to revise them to reflect today’s games: New Orleans-San Francisco: 31 million and Denver-New England, 25.3 million. Sunday’s predictions remain the same.
- Now with Tim Tebow out of the NFL playoffs, ESPN needs someone else to put on its icon pedestal. Will it be LeBron James? Kobe Bryant? And on whom will Skip Bayless of ESPN First Take hang his contrived hero worship now?
Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
