Gruden makes quite a bit of difference in the booth... (1 Viewer)

[TheDirtyWord]

I must admit, I thought Gruden would be a natural fit in the booth. Now instead of having to deal with the awkwardeness of Kornheiser trying to be interesting for 3 hours on a subject he was exposed to not know all that much about - you get some real good insight from a viable 'guy in the know', who is fun to listen to.

MNF broadcasts will be improved by leaps and bounds. He already has a solid ball-busting relationship with Jaws.

 

[None_More_Black]

I always thought Gruden was kind of annoying but he made a pre-season game pretty fun to watch. Good addition.

 

[stugnut]

So VERY much better than Tony Kornholio. If Tony was in the booth you would have heard nothing but Favre, Vick, and Favre, all game long.

 

[Mark Wimer]

I must admit, I thought Gruden would be a natural fit in the booth. Now instead of having to deal with the awkwardeness of Kornheiser trying to be interesting for 3 hours on a subject he was exposed to not know all that much about - you get some real good insight from a viable 'guy in the know', who is fun to listen to.MNF broadcasts will be improved by leaps and bounds. He already has a solid ball-busting relationship with Jaws.

I think if he stays in the booth in a few years it'll be "EA Sports Gruden NFL 2014"... I think he's just gonna get better at this gig. Why go work like a slave for some contentious NFL owner when you can fly around the country and do special segments on Turduckens at Thanksgiving (or whatever)? Go Gruden!

 

[chook]

Yeah although it's only one game, I thought he was much better than Tony K.

Provided some good insight into how the coaching staffs of both teams would be evaluating fringe players from their efforts in tonights game.

 

[mggoilers]

He didn't quote a player/GM/Coach, and read us the quote? Gruden was fine tonight.

No journalistic integrity needed, thank you. Just football talk

 

[Ghost of Bill Walsh]

Kornholio didn't have a clue and never will. Pat on the back to ESPN for getting Gruden in there. Although it was only one pre-season game the dude has knowledge about the game and his commentary and game broadcasting are only gonna get better. That is as long as he doesn't get full of himself and inflate his head to a size that can't fit through the broadcast booth door. Keep it humble Chucky and you could be well on your way to a prosperous and rewarding career as an announcer.Even with just one game behind him he's head and shoulders above some of the other douchebags that how ESPN even managed to think they could do the job is beyond me.

He's already got a head start over some of the losers they've had previously in the booth in that he was a head coach and he has extensive knowledge of football. He can use that knowledge to develop his own style and like I said as long as he doesn't become full of himself he could put himself in a position to be around for a long while.

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

I thought he did a very good job. My only thing was I kind of thought Jaws and Gruden's voices were similar sounding at first, and I felt like I was listening to figure out who was who a few times.

I look forward to more of their games. I liked John Madden a lot but if he had to go, I like Chris Collinsworth too. Both late night additions will be solid IMO.

 

[Jason Wood]

I thought he was better than Tony K, but that he got annoying as the game wore on. He just kept talking over his co-anchors and was spouting nonsensical schtick as the game got into the second half. Hopefully he'll learn to better pace his comments, but right now this seems like improving from an "F" to a "C-".

 

[awesomeness]

I thought he was better than Tony K, but that he got annoying as the game wore on. He just kept talking over his co-anchors and was spouting nonsensical schtick as the game got into the second half. Hopefully he'll learn to better pace his comments, but right now this seems like improving from an "F" to a "C-".

i wouldn't grade it as bad as a C-, but i also heard Jaws and Gruden talking over each other a bunch which was annoying.

 

[Football Jones]

Weren't most people against the idea of Gruden in the booth (or at least thought someone else would be better)? I never understood that reasoning. The guy is a breath of fresh air.

Gruden is a natural, IMO, & he'll get better with experience.

 

[dparker713]

A) 3 man booths are a horrible idea

B) the ex-player/coach aspect is entirely overrated.

C) Corollary: Color commentary is entirely overrated. A great play by play man can set the stage and enhance the drama. The color man is there to provide analysis (which is better in a long form like writing) or entertain. If the game isnt entertaining on its own, there are no color men out there entertaining enough to keep me engaged in the broadcast.

D) As long as the three guys in the booth are enjoying themselves and dont detract attention from meaningful games, they'll be fine.

 

[Brassmonkey71]

I am happy with Gruden over Korndoucheb*g! I cant tell you how many time I just muted my TV and just watched last year all because of the korndouche!

 

[Addai's Adidas]

I like it.

 

[Snotbubbles]

A) 3 man booths are a horrible ideaB) the ex-player/coach aspect is entirely overrated. C) Corollary: Color commentary is entirely overrated. A great play by play man can set the stage and enhance the drama. The color man is there to provide analysis (which is better in a long form like writing) or entertain. If the game isnt entertaining on its own, there are no color men out there entertaining enough to keep me engaged in the broadcast.D) As long as the three guys in the booth are enjoying themselves and dont detract attention from meaningful games, they'll be fine.

I agree with you parker. 2 man booth would be better. I don't really see what extra inside insight Gruden can give that Jaws can't.

 

[harryhood]

A) 3 man booths are a horrible ideaB) the ex-player/coach aspect is entirely overrated. C) Corollary: Color commentary is entirely overrated. A great play by play man can set the stage and enhance the drama. The color man is there to provide analysis (which is better in a long form like writing) or entertain. If the game isnt entertaining on its own, there are no color men out there entertaining enough to keep me engaged in the broadcast.D) As long as the three guys in the booth are enjoying themselves and dont detract attention from meaningful games, they'll be fine.

I agree with you parker. 2 man booth would be better. I don't really see what extra inside insight Gruden can give that Jaws can't.

I'd rather have Tirico/Gruden for a whole season than Tirico/Jaws.Let Jaws stick to Gillette Edge Matchup

 

[gump]

ESPN understands that we, the viewers, are more knowledgable than we used to be...and they put someone in the booth to fit that need.

He'll get better with timing, etc. But adding someone who will discuss schemes, etc is very smart.

Huge

 

[CrossEyed]

I commented in the game thread that I thought he was great in the booth. Very nice change.

 

[Shermdog4444]

Yeah, so much better than Kornheiser! I'm even more excited because he was giving the Panthers a little respect, something that has been lacking in their coverage for quite a while (not that last nights game helped them out in that department).

 

[pollardsvision]

I like it, but am I the only one that thinks Gruden and Jaws have a healthy dislike for each other?

With 2 guys in the booth who "know" football, it feels like there is going to be some alot of oneupmanship going one. I can feel it now and I imagine it'll get worse.

Without knowing what's going in Jaws' mind, it feels like there's a part of him thinking, "I've been toiling away at this profession for 20 years to get here and this ####### is just here because he's a hot name"

Almost like his dislike of Cornheiser, only with the added competition for who knows football better element.

Maybe I'm just misreading the situation.

 

[texasbirdfan]

Gruden brings you "in the moment" urgency, like he is really into the game vs. past talking heads who were casual observers just reporting imo.

 

[gump]

I like it, but am I the only one that thinks Gruden and Jaws have a healthy dislike for each other?With 2 guys in the booth who "know" football, it feels like there is going to be some alot of oneupmanship going one. I can feel it now and I imagine it'll get worse.Without knowing what's going in Jaws' mind, it feels like there's a part of him thinking, "I've been toiling away at this profession for 20 years to get here and this ####### is just here because he's a hot name" Almost like his dislike of Cornheiser, only with the added competition for who knows football better element.Maybe I'm just misreading the situation.

I saw them together about two weeks ago here in Tampa...not far from Gruden's house...eating and yuking it up at a local Italian restaurant. Two strong personalities sure...but I think they'll get better playing off each other. If they can do that, there is potential for some great football talk.

 

[B. Nugget]

I like it, but am I the only one that thinks Gruden and Jaws have a healthy dislike for each other?With 2 guys in the booth who "know" football, it feels like there is going to be some alot of oneupmanship going one. I can feel it now and I imagine it'll get worse.Without knowing what's going in Jaws' mind, it feels like there's a part of him thinking, "I've been toiling away at this profession for 20 years to get here and this ####### is just here because he's a hot name" Almost like his dislike of Cornheiser, only with the added competition for who knows football better element.Maybe I'm just misreading the situation.

I saw them together about two weeks ago here in Tampa...not far from Gruden's house...eating and yuking it up at a local Italian restaurant. Two strong personalities sure...but I think they'll get better playing off each other. If they can do that, there is potential for some great football talk.

I know all of the ex-player/coach types have egos, but Jaws just comes off as a know it all and it was nice to hear someone not just bow down to whatever he said like Tony K and Tirico used to do. I heard a couple of times where Gruden pretty much shot down what Jaws was saying and then explained it from his perspective as an ex-coach. I like the guy!Also, did anyone see the pre-game stretching clip on NFL Countdown when Ditka thought Brandon Jacobs was Umenyiora?

 

[Dodge]

I thought the commentary was fantastic. Excellent job by the three of them. I'll actually have the game sound on this year.

 

[Mr. Black]

Now if we can just get Tirico out of there. That guy puts me to sleep. I'm glad they got him off of the radio also.

 

[Rovers]

No doubt Gruden is light year better than Kornhulio, but please tell me.... how is it a recent NFL HC does NOT know that a player is not downed when his hand touches the ground? He wasn't the only one.... all three of them in the booth had no clue on that fumble call. Then they went on to ask all these dumb questions.... "well, what part of the arm has to be down? The wrist, the this, or that....?"

Hey you knuckleheads.... it's the elbow and the knee.... always has been. How is it that Jaws and Gruden don't know this?

 

[ukshane]

No doubt Gruden is light year better than Kornhulio, but please tell me.... how is it a recent NFL HC does NOT know that a player is not downed when his hand touches the ground? He wasn't the only one.... all three of them in the booth had no clue on that fumble call. Then they went on to ask all these dumb questions.... "well, what part of the arm has to be down? The wrist, the this, or that....?" Hey you knuckleheads.... it's the elbow and the knee.... always has been. How is it that Jaws and Gruden don't know this?

I thought it was any part of the body except your hands or feet. Doesn't your rump count?

 

[Rovers]

No doubt Gruden is light year better than Kornhulio, but please tell me.... how is it a recent NFL HC does NOT know that a player is not downed when his hand touches the ground? He wasn't the only one.... all three of them in the booth had no clue on that fumble call. Then they went on to ask all these dumb questions.... "well, what part of the arm has to be down? The wrist, the this, or that....?" Hey you knuckleheads.... it's the elbow and the knee.... always has been. How is it that Jaws and Gruden don't know this?

I thought it was any part of the body except your hands or feet. Doesn't your rump count?

Geeze.... of course it does. Key words.... hands or feet touch the ground, a player is NOT down. Any other body part (knees. elbows, butt, head, shoulder, etc) is contact with the ground.

 

[pollardsvision]

I like it, but am I the only one that thinks Gruden and Jaws have a healthy dislike for each other?With 2 guys in the booth who "know" football, it feels like there is going to be some alot of oneupmanship going one. I can feel it now and I imagine it'll get worse.Without knowing what's going in Jaws' mind, it feels like there's a part of him thinking, "I've been toiling away at this profession for 20 years to get here and this ####### is just here because he's a hot name" Almost like his dislike of Cornheiser, only with the added competition for who knows football better element.Maybe I'm just misreading the situation.

I saw them together about two weeks ago here in Tampa...not far from Gruden's house...eating and yuking it up at a local Italian restaurant. Two strong personalities sure...but I think they'll get better playing off each other. If they can do that, there is potential for some great football talk.

I know all of the ex-player/coach types have egos, but Jaws just comes off as a know it all and it was nice to hear someone not just bow down to whatever he said like Tony K and Tirico used to do. I heard a couple of times where Gruden pretty much shot down what Jaws was saying and then explained it from his perspective as an ex-coach. I like the guy!Also, did anyone see the pre-game stretching clip on NFL Countdown when Ditka thought Brandon Jacobs was Umenyiora?

Oh, I think it'll be great and maybe they do really like each other.It'll be great when they disagree and maybe they can keep it from getting chippy. I could just see it being a struggle at times. I like both guys alot.

 

[Rovers]

Lest it be thought I was making a general complaint about this booth team... not at all. I think they are outstanding... just could not understand how they did not know the rule. Reminds me of McNabb not knowing the over time rules last year.

 

[TommyGilmore]

I like it, but am I the only one that thinks Gruden and Jaws have a healthy dislike for each other?With 2 guys in the booth who "know" football, it feels like there is going to be some alot of oneupmanship going one. I can feel it now and I imagine it'll get worse.

See: Dan Dierdorf vs. Boomer Esiason.

 

[Papa Georgio]

Like Gruden a lot. Tirico seems to be the least entertaining to me.

Is there anyway we could try to come up with a clever name for Kornheiser I think that would be really cool.

One thing I don't understand is when they do a booth shot of any crew they need to be standing. The other shot of everyone sitting with their legs at 10 and 2 is just strange. They all have the old man pants up to the boobs, male camel toe, ball in each pocket look. Is there some rule or law they have to sit and wear their pants like that?

 

[CrossEyed]

Now if we can just get Tirico out of there. That guy puts me to sleep. I'm glad they got him off of the radio also.

Meh, the play by play guy is just supposed to tell you what's going on. I don't need him to be exciting.

 

[17seconds]

I don't like 3 man booths...

Gruden made me laugh with his over the top obsession with the Wildcat. Kind of takes it too far on purpose. A lot of energy. Influenced by Madden, obv

 

[SuperJohn96]

I must admit, I thought Gruden would be a natural fit in the booth. Now instead of having to deal with the awkwardeness of Kornheiser trying to be interesting for 3 hours on a subject he was exposed to not know all that much about - you get some real good insight from a viable 'guy in the know', who is fun to listen to.MNF broadcasts will be improved by leaps and bounds. He already has a solid ball-busting relationship with Jaws.

I think if he stays in the booth in a few years it'll be "EA Sports Gruden NFL 2014"... I think he's just gonna get better at this gig. Why go work like a slave for some contentious NFL owner when you can fly around the country and do special segments on Turduckens at Thanksgiving (or whatever)? Go Gruden!

You mean "Gruduckens"

 

[JetMaxx]

Will the game be rebroadcasted?

 

[ipljeff]

Will the game be rebroadcasted?

Tomorrow (Wed) @ 1:00 pm ET on NFLN

Link