Media blitz
While most major moves in the NFL off-season are the related to the actual game, there have been a few major changes in the booth. Here's a quick summary of what's happened so far and an initial take on the move's impact.
1. Madden retires: Madden's retirement definitely leaves a void in the broadcasting landscape. Madden's voice added a "big-game" feel to just about every contest he called. He also inspired a national to shout "boom" after each big hit.
2. Chris Collinsworth in on Sunday Night: Collinsworth steps in to take Madden's reigns. It's the best move NBC could make. Collinsworth is a film junky and has the knack to relay relatively complex football schemes to the average man, which is what made Madden so endearing. He deserved the call-up from NBC studio analyst and NFL Network broadcaster and should be a seamless transition - helping fans miss Madden a little less.
3. Tony Kornheiser exits MNF: Invoking the "Madden clause" (Tony also has a fear of flying), Kornheiser is leaving Monday Night Football. Some would say it's just an easy reason for ESPN to gently push the oft-criticized Kornheiser out while keeping him at a show that's formatted in his wheelhouse, Pardon the Interruption. Kornheiser was suppose to add humor and journalistic levity to the broadcast team, but ended up exposing the most obvious of storylines and beating it to death for three hours.
4. Jon Gruden takes MNF stage: the recently departed Tampa Bay Buccaneer coach could be the most interesting broadcast change of the season. It'll be interesting to see if Gruden gets any real information from coaches during interview sessions with the common understanding that he might be looking for a coaching gig next off-season. Get ready for a weekly dose of the "Chucky" face.
5. Matt Millen in with ESPN: He should be able to avoid "Fire Millen" signs now that he's no longer a GM. Millen will be both an NFL and college football analyst for ESPN, expected to make the rounds on staple shows such as "Monday Night Countdown" and "NFL Live." As long as fans remember Millen for being a solid Fox commentator instead of messing up the Detroit Lions, it should be quality addition.
