NFL: Are Sunday Pregame Shows Still Worth Watching?

by Chad Jones

What NFL pregame show are you watching? Photo credit Vimeo 

NFL pregame shows are losing viewership. The entrenched networks ESPN, Fox & CBS face new rivals- NFL Network & 'New Media'. Some of the attributes for the decline is fans having other priorities before kickoff like religious obligations, kid's sports games, brunch with friends, etc. Attending Church or cheering at your kids soccer games are not new American ideals. So let's address the major pregame shows for their substance. 


ESPN: NFL Countdown 

Main Panelists: Chris Berman (1985), Mike Ditka (2006), Cris Carter (2008), Keyshawn Johnson (2007) & Tom Jackson (1987) 

Secondary Panelists: Suzy Kolber (2012), Ron Jaworski (2012), Merril Hodge (2012) 

Bristol & the NFL agreed to an 8 year rights extension in 2011, extending Sunday pregame an additional hour. Looking to revitalize the show, a secondary panel was added. More than anything, we've seen 'NFL Insiders' Adam Schefter & Chris Mortensen gain prominent roles. Bristol believes NFL Fans have a thirst for this type of information. 

ESPN2 focuses on fantasy football. ESPN has diversified its strategy and approach to no avail. 

CBS: The NFL Today 

Main Panelists: James Brown, Bill Cowher, Boomer Esiason, Dan Marino & Shannon Sharpe. 

Contributors: Jason La Canfora

Looking to mimic the 'NFL Insider' approach, CBS hired Jason La Canford to replace 'Resident GM' Charlie Casserly in 2012. The one hour show saw ratings decline 16% in 2012. 

FOX: NFL Sunday

Main Panelists: Curt Menefee, Terry Bradshaw, Howie Long, Jimmy Johnson & Michael Strahan. 

Contributors: Jay Glazer, Pam Oliver, Mike Pereira, Erin Andrews & Rob Riggle. 

Glazer provides an NFL Insider. Pam Oliver & Mike Pereira contribute in minor capacities in specific segments. Erin Andrews has a growing role, as Fox Executives have always felt attractive women raise viewership, regardless of content. Rob Riggle was hired in 2012 to replace former prognosticator Frank Caliendo. 

The issue on Fox is the main panel is old & tired. Terry & Jimmy simple don't prepare, using the time as their comedy hour. Howie provides analysis, but spends more time attempting to steer Terry & Jimmy back on track. The newest addition Michael Strahan is a media star. Beyond attracting the New York viewing audience, he's a vivacious personality that provides insight on current players. 

Bottom Line: 
ESPN quietly hired Ray Lewis, who will join Sunday Night Countdown in 2013. It was quite ironic, as ESPN parent corporation Disney once refused to allow the Super Bowl MVP to say, 'I'm going to Disney' following the Atlanta incident. Chris Berman draws fan criticism, and rightfully so. He's one of the Networks faces, but is a real blowhard with a tired act. Catchphrases simple are not enough. This was evident during Home Run Derby Coverage in 2011, when he continually said 'Back, Back, Back' for 3 entire hours. 

ESPN analysts don't provide much in the way of analysis. Not because they don't understand the game, they're simply unwilling to be critical of players. Many in the media became complementary or remain silent after Tiki Barber's experience a few years ago, where he lambasted his former team, and his career spiraled. 

ESPN's major asset is surprisingly Trent Dilfer. For the hardcore fan, the ones that will watch more than merely the games, he provides in-depth insight of offensive play. Over the next season, he will continue to have a prominent role Monday Night Football, and will eventually be the main panelist Sunday NFL Countdown. It's really surprising given he's often referenced as the mediocre Super Bowl Winning Quarterback. 

CBS has a quality panel. Coach Cowher was an intriguing addition,  being critical of virtually any player or coach is not in his arsenal. Boomer & Marino are willing to be honest (Often Critical), but the CBS program lacks a major following. 

Fixing Fox is an arduous task because it requires jettisoning Terry Bradshaw & Jimmy Johnson. The question is who replaces them? Without Michael Strahan, the show lacks any level of intrigue. Howie Long is a likable personality that can complement talent, but won't carry a program. Does a Brian Urlacher have the ability to transition into broadcasting? Even if he's fit for the job, 3 defensive players leave a major void- The former QB turned studio analyst. 

Fox undoubtedly monitored Brett Favre's Super Bowl appearance on NFL Network. Similarly, they've likely viewed Donovan McNabb's work, but the Philadelphia fan base doesn't actually like their former QB. 

ESPN sells entertainment first and sports second. Herein lies the rational for hiring Ray Lewis. Expect future NFL coverage to be built around Trent Dilfer & Tedy Bruschi. NFL Network is the platform for NFL junkies, which is carving into the other pregame show ratings. Going forward, they'll continue to take market share with the quality of their analysis. Fox will look to revamp its program, building it around Michael Strahan. CBS will likely maintain the status quo. 

And in the end, I'll be in my seat by 1pm.