Why is the ARI-CAR game the Sat night game? (1 Viewer)

[Chase Stuart]

Why put the least appealing game on in prime time? You've got a huge fan base and one of the best defenses ever, a team in the NY market that's the defending SB champ, and a match up of classic smash mouth football... and this is the prime time game?

Poor decision.

 

[FunkyPlutos]

Why put the least appealing game on in prime time? You've got a huge fan base and one of the best defenses ever, a team in the NY market that's the defending SB champ, and a match up of classic smash mouth football... and this is the prime time game? Poor decision.

They put the less appealing games (at least by national, [ie. east coast] standards) on Saturday.

 

[vandyt]

Because not everyone is from the Northeast?

Because a game with a final score over 50 is likely?

 

[Chase Stuart]

Last week they put the most high profile game of the week on Sat night. That's what they usually try to do, attract the most viewers in prime time. Sat night is the money spot.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

Because this isn't baseball and they actually care about people who don't live in the NorthEast?

 

[Da Guru]

I like the matchup...Warner, Fitz, D-Willy Steve Smith.

Playoff football is all good.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

Last week they put the most high profile game of the week on Sat night. That's what they usually try to do, attract the most viewers in prime time. Sat night is the money spot.

You know they play the 4-5 games before they play the 3-6 games, right?

 

[Chase Stuart]

Last week they put the most high profile game of the week on Sat night. That's what they usually try to do, attract the most viewers in prime time. Sat night is the money spot.

You know they play the 4-5 games before they play the 3-6 games, right?

Come on ConstruxBoy, they always try to put something juicy on prime time. It's always a megastar or a team with a huge fanbase.2007: Steelers on Sat night during WC weekend; 16-0 Pats on Sat night the next round.2006: Cowboys on Sat night during WC weekend; Reggie Bush/Brees/Katrina/Saints the next round.2005: Brady and the Pats on Sat night during WC weekend; Brady and the Pats the next round.2004: NY team on Sat night during WC weekend; Vick on Sat night the next round.2003: Cowboys on Sat night during WC weekend; Brady and the Pats the next round.Four Pats, two Cowboys, one Pit, one NY, and then Vick and the Saints. Doesn't exactly fit with Panthers-Cardinals, does it? Steelers-Chargers or Giants-Eagles should have been the call here.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

Last week they put the most high profile game of the week on Sat night. That's what they usually try to do, attract the most viewers in prime time. Sat night is the money spot.

You know they play the 4-5 games before they play the 3-6 games, right?

Come on ConstruxBoy, they always try to put something juicy on prime time. It's always a megastar or a team with a huge fanbase.2007: Steelers on Sat night during WC weekend; 16-0 Pats on Sat night the next round.2006: Cowboys on Sat night during WC weekend; Reggie Bush/Brees/Katrina/Saints the next round.2005: Brady and the Pats on Sat night during WC weekend; Brady and the Pats the next round.2004: NY team on Sat night during WC weekend; Vick on Sat night the next round.2003: Cowboys on Sat night during WC weekend; Brady and the Pats the next round.Four Pats, two Cowboys, one Pit, one NY, and then Vick and the Saints. Doesn't exactly fit with Panthers-Cardinals, does it? Steelers-Chargers or Giants-Eagles should have been the call here.

Again, maybe they think people want to see something other than a Pennsylvania team? I know the people in Charlotte are loving it. Sorry we couldn't please you Yankee-RedSox fans.

 

[lyon812]

Last week they put the most high profile game of the week on Sat night. That's what they usually try to do, attract the most viewers in prime time. Sat night is the money spot.

You know they play the 4-5 games before they play the 3-6 games, right?

Come on ConstruxBoy, they always try to put something juicy on prime time. It's always a megastar or a team with a huge fanbase.2007: Steelers on Sat night during WC weekend; 16-0 Pats on Sat night the next round.2006: Cowboys on Sat night during WC weekend; Reggie Bush/Brees/Katrina/Saints the next round.2005: Brady and the Pats on Sat night during WC weekend; Brady and the Pats the next round.2004: NY team on Sat night during WC weekend; Vick on Sat night the next round.2003: Cowboys on Sat night during WC weekend; Brady and the Pats the next round.Four Pats, two Cowboys, one Pit, one NY, and then Vick and the Saints. Doesn't exactly fit with Panthers-Cardinals, does it? Steelers-Chargers or Giants-Eagles should have been the call here.

Again, maybe they think people want to see something other than a Pennsylvania team? I know the people in Charlotte are loving it. Sorry we couldn't please you Yankee-RedSox fans.

Hell, it's the only game I'm looking forward to watching. Arizona has more of a chance than people think, and it's great to have so many offensive studs on display in one game.

 

[valhallan]

Maybe it's the least appealing match-up by some standards (I'd argue a 13-6 Titans-Ravens game might cause a wide audience to nod off) but it's hardly an unappealing game. There will be far more offensive studs on display in ARI-CAR than in any other match-up.

 

[trader jake]

You know they play the 4-5 games before they play the 3-6 games, right?

at Chase (the East Coast guy) complaining about scheduling.

 

[Chaka]

It's all about attracting the casual fan. We hardcore football types are watching no matter what but casual fans, whose teams are not in the games, want to see TDs. Arizona v Carolina has the best chance to satisfy what casual fans want.

Pitt-SD, Bal-Tenn & Phi-NYG are all more likely to be defensive snoozers.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Why put the least appealing game on in prime time? You've got a huge fan base and one of the best defenses ever, a team in the NY market that's the defending SB champ, and a match up of classic smash mouth football... and this is the prime time game? Poor decision.

These kickoffs were set last weekend. All four home game times were announced, regardless of opponent.Carolina is the least appealing for ratings. They want the Giants and Steelers on Sunday.Tennessee isn't exactly a national team either - not sure I've ever heard of "Titan Nation".

 

[Ghost Rider]

Some of the best offensive players of this past season will be playing in that Saturday night game:

Kurt Warner

Anquan Boldin

Larry Fitzgerald

Steve Smith

DeAngelo Williams

The NFL can probably attract some casual viewers by promoting those players. They know the diehards are gonna watch, one way or another.

 

[tombonneau]

Why put the least appealing game on in prime time? You've got a huge fan base and one of the best defenses ever, a team in the NY market that's the defending SB champ, and a match up of classic smash mouth football... and this is the prime time game? Poor decision.

These kickoffs were set last weekend. All four home game times were announced, regardless of opponent.Carolina is the least appealing for ratings. They want the Giants and Steelers on Sunday.Tennessee isn't exactly a national team either - not sure I've ever heard of "Titan Nation".

Least appealing game is the Titans-Ravens. Smaller markets than Carolina-Arizona (Phoenix is a top 15 MSA) with "defensive" teams; at least Carolina-AZ will put points on the board. My guess is the NFL/networks are simply masking deficiencies as they know a Sat night game will pull ratings no matter what, vs. a poor matchup on an early or Sunday game might get tuned out.

 

[whole-show]

I like the matchup...Warner, Fitz, D-Willy Steve Smith.Playoff football is all good.

I actually agree and am looking forward to this game as much as any other if not a little bit more then the others....

 

[massraider]

You got balls of pure brass complaining about those start times.

Try dragging your a## out of bed at 9:30 in the morning. Brutal.

 

[PahtyTom]

Last week they put the most high profile game of the week on Sat night. That's what they usually try to do, attract the most viewers in prime time. Sat night is the money spot.

Saturday night is not a "money spot" for a television program. People go out.

 

[BassNBrew]

Why put the least appealing game on in prime time? You've got a huge fan base and one of the best defenses ever, a team in the NY market that's the defending SB champ, and a match up of classic smash mouth football... and this is the prime time game? Poor decision.

 

[stevegamer]

For TV, Saturday night is the anti-prime time. It's where a lot of shows go to die.

Saturday afternnon is a better slot - more sports fans will watch then.

 

[Chase Stuart]

For the large contingent here that thinks Sat night is a bad TV slot, can you explain why we always seem to get Manning or Brady or the Cowboys or Steelers during that slot?

 

[Mr. Pink]

While I agree with Chase that the Saturday night slot has historically been a high profile slot for a playoff game, I don't believe the ARI/CAR game is the least appealing. It may not be the best matchup of the four. In fact I am sure it's not. However, this should be an entertaining game with plenty of marquee players. I would choose this game over the BAL/TENN game if I'm staying in on Saturday night.

 

[JuniorNB]

While I'm not sure how competitive teh game will end up, I think Arizona/Carolina might end up being a great game to watch. I could see a 34-21 type game. iT sure beats Balt/Tennessee and the potential of a 10-7 snoozefest.

 

[Ruffrodys05]

I really don't think there is a "least appealing" game this weekend. Scheduling is a non-issue with me. All the games will be enjoyable to watch, each with their own storylines.

 

[Wilbur Wood]

Remember that these slots are "network" specific.

I believe that the "money" game (i.e., the game that would garner the highest ratings (all things equal) and bid up to the highest level if put up for auction to the networks), would still be the late game on Sunday. Yes, the 4/4:30 start slot on Sunday. Many viewers are still creatures of habit. Saturday night is not an attractive time slot for any programming, go look at the dearth of network content allocated to Saturday nights.

Employing an allocation system that was baked into the last round of network TV deals, this weekends late game slot is alreay allocated to CBS. Thus, no ability to place an NFC game in that slot.

 

[identikit]

Remember that these slots are "network" specific.I believe that the "money" game (i.e., the game that would garner the highest ratings (all things equal) and bid up to the highest level if put up for auction to the networks), would still be the late game on Sunday. Yes, the 4/4:30 start slot on Sunday. Many viewers are still creatures of habit. Saturday night is not an attractive time slot for any programming, go look at the dearth of network content allocated to Saturday nights.Employing an allocation system that was baked into the last round of network TV deals, this weekends late game slot is alreay allocated to CBS. Thus, no ability to place an NFC game in that slot.

This guy knows things.

 

[Ramblin Wreck]

Why put the least appealing game on in prime time? You've got a huge fan base and one of the best defenses ever, a team in the NY market that's the defending SB champ, and a match up of classic smash mouth football... and this is the prime time game? Poor decision.

The world does exist on the other side of the Hudson. You should check it out sometime. Not everyone cares about the NY Market.

 

[FunkyPlutos]

For the large contingent here that thinks Sat night is a bad TV slot, can you explain why we always seem to get Manning or Brady or the Cowboys or Steelers during that slot?

Who played on Sunday when these guys played on Saturday? (I have no idea, was just wondering)

 

[Phurfur]

Why put the least appealing game on in prime time? You've got a huge fan base and one of the best defenses ever, a team in the NY market that's the defending SB champ, and a match up of classic smash mouth football... and this is the prime time game? Poor decision.

I plan on watching all 4 games and I don't care when they are on. Why do you care? Why is this important to you? Are you a stock holder?

 

[drfeelgood]

Why put the least appealing game on in prime time? You've got a huge fan base and one of the best defenses ever, a team in the NY market that's the defending SB champ, and a match up of classic smash mouth football... and this is the prime time game? Poor decision.

I find the AZ/CAR game very appealing. The last time these two teams played each other in week 8, Carolina only won by 4 points. I'm looking forward to this rematch, and the rematch between the other 6 teams playing this weekend as well. I don't care what the time slots are, but I do think it's nice that the Cards and Panthers who don't get many night games, are playing at night.

 

[Chase Stuart]

To be clear, I don't think it's a huge deal, but I'd prefer the Saturday night game to be the most exciting. There's something special about a night game, IMO. And this is the least appealing game with the two least appealing teams, IMO, and it is the game most likely to end in a blow out.

I'll be watching Saturday, though, and hoping it's exciting.

 

[Gold Plated Nails]

Chase, the NFL can't put the Chargers on in Primetime for 3 weeks in a row, even though they are the most exciting and enjoyable team, sometimes that's the way it goes.

 

[E-A-G-L-E-S]

When NBC has games they put their bigget one on that saturday night, because all they have for playoffs is saturday. Fox/CBS prefer sunday for their big games, better rating sunday then saturday night. Giants/Cowboys was sunday 4pm last year. Chargers/pats the year before that

 

[gump]

The Ravens, Panthers, Cardinals, Chargers and Titans are all in the bottom 7-8 teams in NFL licensed sales...

...if that tells you anything about how "excited" the NFL is about any game that doesn't include Pit, NY, or Philly.

 

[Gold Plated Nails]

The Ravens, Panthers, Cardinals, Chargers and Titans are all in the bottom 7-8 teams in NFL licensed sales......if that tells you anything about how "excited" the NFL is about any game that doesn't include Pit, NY, or Philly.

Between April 1, 2006, and Jan. 31, 2007, Chargers merchandise was the fifth-best selling among the league's teamsThat is from the local paper.

 

[drfeelgood]

To be clear, I don't think it's a huge deal, but I'd prefer the Saturday night game to be the most exciting. There's something special about a night game, IMO. And this is the least appealing game with the two least appealing teams, IMO, and it is the game most likely to end in a blow out.I'll be watching Saturday, though, and hoping it's exciting.

You thought it was a big enough deal to start a thread about it complaining. All 4 of the games are rematches, and in the first matchup this season, none of the games were won by more than 6 points. How do you know what will be the most exciting game or not? You don't know. IMO you sound like a Northeast snob.

 

[crowe1130]

In general I don't really care what order they're in, as I know I'm going to watch them all anyway.

But as a Steeler fan who has an 8-hour business flight taking off at 5:00 on Sunday, I'm

 

[Chase Stuart]

To be clear, I don't think it's a huge deal, but I'd prefer the Saturday night game to be the most exciting. There's something special about a night game, IMO. And this is the least appealing game with the two least appealing teams, IMO, and it is the game most likely to end in a blow out.I'll be watching Saturday, though, and hoping it's exciting.

You thought it was a big enough deal to start a thread about it complaining. All 4 of the games are rematches, and in the first matchup this season, none of the games were won by more than 6 points. How do you know what will be the most exciting game or not? You don't know. IMO you sound like a Northeast snob.

Baltimore and Tennessee are the Northeast? San Diego and Pitt are the NE?

 

[drfeelgood]

Baltimore and Tennessee are the Northeast? San Diego and Pitt are the NE?

I said YOU were a Northeast snob. Don't you live in the Northeast? If you want to talk about the above teams though, Baltimore is considered a Northeast city, and so is Pittsburgh.

 

[valhallan]

To be clear, I don't think it's a huge deal, but I'd prefer the Saturday night game to be the most exciting. There's something special about a night game, IMO. And this is the least appealing game with the two least appealing teams, IMO, and it is the game most likely to end in a blow out.I'll be watching Saturday, though, and hoping it's exciting.

You thought it was a big enough deal to start a thread about it complaining. All 4 of the games are rematches, and in the first matchup this season, none of the games were won by more than 6 points. How do you know what will be the most exciting game or not? You don't know. IMO you sound like a Northeast snob.

Baltimore and Tennessee are the Northeast? San Diego and Pitt are the NE?

You know you think it should be Phi-NYG... go ahead and say it

 

[Chase Stuart]

Baltimore and Tennessee are the Northeast? San Diego and Pitt are the NE?

I said YOU were a Northeast snob. Don't you live in the Northeast? If you want to talk about the above teams though, Baltimore is considered a Northeast city, and so is Pittsburgh.

How is Pittsburgh in the NE? I guess I can see Baltimore, but I don't think many people consider them the North.

 

[Chase Stuart]

To be clear, I don't think it's a huge deal, but I'd prefer the Saturday night game to be the most exciting. There's something special about a night game, IMO. And this is the least appealing game with the two least appealing teams, IMO, and it is the game most likely to end in a blow out.I'll be watching Saturday, though, and hoping it's exciting.

You thought it was a big enough deal to start a thread about it complaining. All 4 of the games are rematches, and in the first matchup this season, none of the games were won by more than 6 points. How do you know what will be the most exciting game or not? You don't know. IMO you sound like a Northeast snob.

Baltimore and Tennessee are the Northeast? San Diego and Pitt are the NE?

You know you think it should be Phi-NYG... go ahead and say it

I'm most looking forward to the two AFC games, but maybe that's because I'm an AFC guy.

 

[omally]

Baltimore and Tennessee are the Northeast? San Diego and Pitt are the NE?

I said YOU were a Northeast snob. Don't you live in the Northeast? If you want to talk about the above teams though, Baltimore is considered a Northeast city, and so is Pittsburgh.

How is Pittsburgh in the NE? I guess I can see Baltimore, but I don't think many people consider them the North.

Are you serious? Baltimore and Pittsburgh are both northeastern cities.

 

[Ruffrodys05]

Baltimore and Tennessee are the Northeast? San Diego and Pitt are the NE?

I said YOU were a Northeast snob. Don't you live in the Northeast? If you want to talk about the above teams though, Baltimore is considered a Northeast city, and so is Pittsburgh.

Wow, you folks are pretty rough today. Tuesday blues or something? Need to call others names because your team didn't make it in?Frankly, I don't object to Chase asking about the scheduling, he has a right. While I disagree with him, I still responded with my answer to his question and left it at that. At least some other good folks responded with well thought out answers. Personally, I've never been able to fully grasp the decisions made by network execs when it comes to scheduling NFL playoff games, but I don't really care. There is rarely a playoff game that doesn't entertain in some form or fashion, whether my team is in the playoffs or not.This thread is becoming a "bash Chase" thread and quite frankly I'm getting sick of it. It's not like he's LHUCKS for Christ's sake!Kudo's to Chase for not getting wrapped up in the poor sportsmanship being thrown around.

 

[omally]

Wow, you folks are pretty rough today. Tuesday blues or something? Need to call others names because your team didn't make it in?

you really think calling someone a northeast snob is rough?

 

[Ruffrodys05]

Wow, you folks are pretty rough today. Tuesday blues or something? Need to call others names because your team didn't make it in?

you really think calling someone a northeast snob is rough?

No. My response saying folks were being rough was based on the entire thread with numerous posts calling Chase out for asking the questions he did. Not so much the name calling, but that was also part of it.

 

[Grigs Allmoon]

Kudo's to Chase for not getting wrapped up in the poor sportsmanship being thrown around.

No kidding... I came here, because when I found out this was the Sat night game, I too was a bit bummed out that it wasn't any of the other three games. I then see non stop bashing. I still don't even see how anything related to the NE even fits into the discussion.What does questioning the only night game on the docket have to do with the Eastern timezone?

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Baltimore and Tennessee are the Northeast? San Diego and Pitt are the NE?

I said YOU were a Northeast snob. Don't you live in the Northeast? If you want to talk about the above teams though, Baltimore is considered a Northeast city, and so is Pittsburgh.

How is Pittsburgh in the NE? I guess I can see Baltimore, but I don't think many people consider them the North.

Are you serious? Baltimore and Pittsburgh are both northeastern cities.

Pittsburgh isn't quite Northeast, no.Nor is Cleveland or Buffalo.Neither are "Midwest" or "Northeast".Just because Pittsburgh is in PA doesn't mean it is in the Northeast.If you're north of DC and within a stone's throw of I-95, you're Northeast.

 

[PranksterJD]

For the large contingent here that thinks Sat night is a bad TV slot, can you explain why we always seem to get Manning or Brady or the Cowboys or Steelers during that slot?

I'd think that Saturday has gotten high profile games in the past because its the best chance that the NFL has to get viewers during an atypical time slot. Regardless of the game... the NFL owns Sunday. It does them little good to put the Boys or Steelers there, because fans will be watching even if its the Browns-Raiders. That's not the case on Saturday. Bengals game = me at bar. Colts... maybe not.All that said.... I was pretty sure the playoff game times were scheduled a long while back ( based on final season rankings and network contracts, etc ). I didn't think the teams involved had **any** bearing on what games were at what time during the playoffs.