The NFL Network, Now 50% More Watchable...Sort Of

It used to be that a number of people hated the NFL Network. Right or wrong, they felt like it was the network's fault they weren't getting NFL coverage 24/7 on their cable system. So, some of them probably switched to a satellite TV provider, and quite possibly got upset for an entirely different reason.

Because the broadcasting team of Bryant Gumbel and Cris Collinsworth sucked so bad that it made watching one of the best sports extremely painful. Well, as of last Friday the games got a little more "watchable" because Gumbel is out as Collinsworth's sidekick. However, even with great joy comes great sadness in the form of this line from the AP article:

The NFL Network said Friday it was looking for a new play-by-play announcer to work with Cris Collinsworth on the network's Thursday and Saturday night games.

Ugh. Collinsworth is still going to be around doing the play-by-play? Honestly, I probably could have taken Gumbel this season if they added a better announcer to make up for his contributions, or lack thereof.

Let me be the first to say this to those of you that still can't get the NFL Network at home. You're not really missing all that much. When you end up playing music during the broadcast in order to avoid hearing the announcers you know that something has to change. Unfortunately, I don't think this change is quite enough to keep me from opening up the iTunes library during the Thursday and Saturday night games.

Cris Collinsworth And His Rabid Support Of The Patriots

For some reason, I've come to dislike Cris Collinsworth. I'm not exactly how it happened, but I do know that everything he says seems to agitate me. Which is a bit weird since he's a former Gator. Last night, however was probably one of the most difficult things I've had to sit through regarding Collinsworth and his assinine assertions.

"This New England Patriots team is the best I've ever seen" is pretty close to what Collinsworth said last night. Yes, this year's Pats team has started out quite well, but consider this, Collinsworth is 48 years old. That means he's seen a lot of football teams. Including the undefeated '72 Dolphins, the '85 Bears(which scored the 2nd most points that season and allowed the fewest), the '96 Packers(#1 ranked offense and defense in terms of points) and there are a lot more that I could add to the list.

Collinsworth also got all hot and bothered over the point totals from New England's first six games. For the record, they are 38, 38, 38, 34, 34, 48(average 38.3 pts). If those numbers excite Collinsworth, then maybe he should watch a replay of the Vikings from 1998 when they scored 31, 38, 29, 31, 37 and 41(average 34.5 pts) en route to setting the league record of 556 points scored. And if he really wants some stimulation, then he should check out the Rams' 2000 season when they scored 41, 37, 41, 41, 57 and 45(average 43.6 pts) through their first six games. Though, he might want to lay down some plastic for that if he thinks New England's offense is prolific.

Like I stated, I have no problem giving the Patriots credit for their fast start and their 6-0 record. Yes, Dallas was supposed to be New England's first big test, but having the 24th ranked pass defense wasn't going to provide much of test. Especially against a strong New England passing attack. The Dolphins in week 7 provide a stronger pass defense than that. No, their biggest test will probably be against Pittsburgh in week 14 when they face a defense currently ranked 2nd against the run and 4th against the pass. Indy in week 9 should put up a good fight because they can score points, but their 13th ranked rush defense could be a liability.

Should New England fail to score 30+ points, and/or lose a few games it will be interesting to hear what Collinsworth says. Before he gets too hyped about this year's Pats he might want to remember what happened to those '98 Vikings and '00 Rams.