We cover high school football here at PrepsKC and I try to keep my column focused on that level of the game. Sometimes I stray but I want to keep my focus on that level because that is where we are at and that’s why you came to PrepsKC.
This is one of those times where I’m going outside of the prep level. This weekend I watched a lot of football from high school on Friday, college on Saturday and the NFL on Sunday and Monday.
Monday night about midway through the Ravens and Raiders Monday Night Football contest I remembered that Peyton and Eli Manning were doing a new broadcast during the Monday night games. I thought it might be interesting, so I tuned it in.
What I saw over the second half was highly entertaining and, if it were up to me, the way of the future when it comes to broadcast football. Who knows maybe a lot more sports would benefit from the format as well?
The Manning brothers were informative and funny and kind of pulled the curtain back on the game of football.
While the game looks hard it can be quite simple at times. Have more players at the point of attack. Get the ball to athletes in space. Be able to run the same play successfully in different formations.
Last night the Mannings laid bare a lot of the basics that other analysts will try to make sound like some form physics that only they can understand. Other broadcasts fall into the trap of using lingo to sound smart and make the game seem even more complicated than it is and therefor justify their position as the expert telling you what you are watching.
On the broadcast last both Peyton, Eli and their guests like Russell Wilson used terminology that is common in the game, but they also explained in terms most can understand. It was informative and approachable.
The other aspect was they were willing to hand out criticism where it was needed. A lot of former players don’t want to criticize current players or coaches, but the Mannings were honest.
It was fantastic television. Of course having a crazy overtime game that went back and forth helps but it was compelling to say the least.
I’m not sure this is the future but more of this type of broadcast is something that will spark interest in sports and bring people to the table. There are a lot of ways to consume your entertainment these days and keeping it fresh is one way to ensure your product will be seen.
I know I’m ready to tune back in next week and see what unfolds.
