Sorry, one more post before I head out. I really thought ESPN had rid themselves of the Mike, Mike & Mike experiment, for the late MNF Football game in week one, but that's not the case. They did however get rid of the third Mike, and have replaced him with Steve Young. So your trio heading out West for the Chargers-Raiders game on September 14th is, Mike Greenberg, Mike Golic and Young.

But wait....there's more! Not only will Greeny and Golic be calling the late game for the third year in a row, but they will be hosting the 6pm Sports Center on Mondays, throughout the NFL season. Via ESPN PR....

Mike Greenberg and Mike Golic, co-hosts of ESPN Radio’s popular Mike & Mike in the Morning, will team with ESPN studio analyst and Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young to call the San Diego Chargers-Oakland Raiders game as part of ESPN’s season-opening Monday Night Football doubleheader on September 14 at 10:15 p.m. ET. The game will follow the Buffalo Bills- New England Patriots telecast (7 p.m.) when ESPN’s main commentator team of Mike Tirico and analysts Jon Gruden and Ron Jaworski makes its regular season debut.

Greenberg and Golic will also expand their roles on Mondays during the NFL season as co-hosts of the 6 p.m. edition of SportsCenter. The duo will recap all of Sunday’s NFL games and other weekend sports news, and look ahead to each week’s Monday Night Football matchup, by bookending their Mondays from 6-10 a.m. on ESPN Radio (simulcast on ESPN2) and hosting the one-hour SportsCenter from the ESPN studios in Bristol, Conn., beginning Sept. 21.

“As we kick off the 40th season of Monday Night Football, we are excited to have the familiar faces and voices of Mike and Mike back on the doubleheader game this year alongside Steve, a Hall of Famer, who will offer the kinds of insightful opinions that have made him one of our top NFL analysts all these years,” said Norby Williamson, executive vice president, production, ESPN. “We are equally pleased to create yet another new role for Mike and Mike on the 6 p.m. SportsCenter in the latest evolution of our season-long ‘game around the game’ coverage of Monday Night Football.”

Ugh. Mike Golic isn't the worst, but his Football cliches become annoying quickly, and Greenberg can't seem to keep up with the pace of the game. While Mike Ditka was dreadful, he was the only thing remotely entertaining about the broadcasts in year's past.

I completely understand that this is a whole cross promotion thing, but the two are terrible calling games. The game is unwatchable by the second quarter. ESPN should really just pu a college play-by-play guy in with one of their 40 analysts on staff, and they'd be fine. Any combination of Sean McDonough/Ron Franklin and Young/Dilfer/Hasselbeck/Tom Jackson, and you'd have a great broadcast.

On The DL has been doing the Lord's work for quite some time now, but this could be DL and Co.'s greatest interview yet. Levy talked with Chicago columnist Rick Telander yesterday and naturally, the subject of his war with Jay Mariotti came up. Not only did it come up, but the latest story is just about the funniest thing I've ever heard....

“I was taking a sauna, which I do like once every ten years, and who walks in but Jay Mariotti. I swear to God. If God is my savior, if he is (he probably doesn’t want to save me, but) there he was. He almost freaked out. There were other people in the sauna. I probably shouldn’t even go on about this, but it was an hour ago. It was one hour ago, and he just started babbling.

I don’t think it’s fair for me...I’m telling you so much...it’s just surreal. I think if my eyes don’t deceive me, if he’d seen the Yeti or...Michael Myers sitting there, I don’t know, it would have been about the same. But you’d have to ask him that.

The first thing out of his mouth, ‘well, let’s just bury the hatchet.’ I had not said a word. Hatchets or anything – I didn’t have a hatchet in hand. Nothing.”

It's amazing what can transpire when two guys are naked in a sauna. That's pretty much the only place that Telander wouldn't have punched him in the face, and how funny is it that they just ran into each other like that. Of course there's much more in the interview including Rick lacing into Mariotti's writing style, so head over to OtDL for the rest. Mainstream Media continues to amaze me everyday.

Rick Telander Holds Nothing Back (On The DL)

Last night's game, as far as the booth went, really wasn't all that bad. Sure Tony had his moments, but I think the trio was just so shocked at the outcome that they didn't have time to say anything too annoying. Countdown however was pretty wild throughout, but they saved the best for the end. Here is Cris Carter doing his endzone celebration for you before the game started last night, and the rest of the quotes below that....

Your Monday Night In Quotes:

"Eli Manning he has a big brother you know, Archie. Peyton's injury?"- Chris Berman
"Cooper! You talking about Cooper?"- Chris Mortensen

"You were a hawk on that."- Jaws to Tirico
"He's being helped by that hunter's moon."- Tony Kornheiser

"A lot of the issues of the Dallas Cowboys yesterday having pressure on Tony Romo, came from the outside pressure."- Emmitt Smith

"We think Eli is taller and handsomer now that he's won the Super Bowl. Imagine what would've happened if [Jaws] won the Super Bowl." - Tony Kornheiser

"In 1492, Christopher Columbus....in the ultimate road game. Where was he going? I don't know, but winning in front of hostile crowd....not easy."- Chris Berman

"How did Eli get to be the first pick? If his name was Schwartz he would have went in the sixth round."- Tony Kornheiser

"Even if Cleveland sails the Nina, the Pinta and the Santa Maria can the Browns win tonight."- Chris Berman

"Penalty on the Browns. That's a shock....they only have nine a game."- Mike Tirico

"Thanks for Coughlin and Crennel, or I would be the third oldest coach in the NFL."- Tony Kornheiser

"The dog pound got a bone they can chew on here tonight"- Mike Tirico

"Wasn't Jamal Lewis, Brandon Jacobs, before Brandon Jacobs was Brandon Jacobs?"- Tony Kornheiser

"We think Eli is taller and handsomer now that he's won the Super Bowl. Imagine what would've happened if [Jaws] won the Super Bowl." - Tony Kornheiser

Last week, it was a double shot of Emmitt, and this week's MNF Video of the Night features Mike Ditka going crazy at random times during the second half of last night's Broncos-Raiders contest! But before we get to that nonsense, I have to talk about that double-header that went down last night.

The main team of MNFers spent a lot of time during the offseason trying to fix issues that have been bothering fans over the past two years. And while I applaud them for trying, last night's game was just as bad as ever. There were no guests, there weren't a lot of fancy graphics taking up the screen, but once again a certain #4 Quarterback was mentioned probably over a hundred and fifty times during the broadcast. I just don't think it crossed their mind that the entire network has just shoved this down our throat for an entire Summer. You would think they would have learned when the same thing happened with Mike Vick two years ago, but I guess not.

I understand that they have to bring him up, but you can really get all of that out of your system in the first quarter. The problem as I've stated many times though is never with Tirico or Jaws, but rather Kornheiser. When both the lead and the second analyst are noticeably bothered by hearing his name in the second half, someone has to tell Tony to shut about about whatever topic he's beating to death. Good for Tirico for finally say something, but that didn't come until the fourth quarter. If the Packers can move on ESPN, so can you.

As far as the second team, just please never subject us to those three again. I could easily be considered one of the worst broadcasts ever if it wasn't for the same three's performance in last year's opener. I think that, and this video, tells you all you need to know.

The amount of ooohs" and "oh gods" that came out Ditka probably rivaled the Favre mentions by the end of the night, but teeth sucking and analysis is what drove me crazy. He did this the ENTIRE GAME! I think Ditka is a smart guy, and that he knows his Football, but he really doesn't belong anywhere near a mic. I normally take the morning to re-watch some of the game, and let it all sink in, but I didn't need to today....that game was just dreadful. Onto the quotes before I get mad....
_______________________

Game One:

"Hi Brett, Hi Diana."- Mike Tirico

"I call this the great gamble of the 2008 season. It's like John McCain picking Sarah Palin."- Tony Kornheiser

"Last year he was the Rookie of the Year and he went over a million yards like nine times."- Tony Kornheiser on Peterson

"He sits and listen when people like me talk about him."- Tony Kornheiser
"Especially you talking about him."- Ron Jaworski
"I know nothing!"- Tony Kornheiser

"That's exactly the kind of pass Favre would have thrown. Does it remind you of him at all?"- Tony Kornheiser
"Yes, but you've got to let it go, Tony."- Ron Jaworski

"It's all about penetration." - Ron Jaworski

"I'm going to put a Favre moratorium on the Second Half. You only get five mentions!"- Mike Tirico

"Our cheese curds are saltier than your cheese curds."- Tony Kornheiser on the battle of Minnesota and Wisconsin

"Driver! He got Winfield to bite, and says 'good night!'" - Mike Tirico

"He was too pooped to leap."- Tony Kornheiser after Will Blackmon's punt return TD

"And the Packers saying to the Jets if you trade him at all you lose you first born for fifty three years or something like that."- Tony Kornheiser on the Jets and Vikings collusion

"Lollipop yes, Lazer no."- Mike Tirico on how to punt

"It's a great storyline, it's a great point, but let's not do this week after week."- Mike Tirico on the Favre discussion in the fourth quarter

"We get the Packers twice more on Monday night."- Tony Kornheiser

Game Two:

"He's got a hole...here he comes!"- Mike Greenberg

"Great cutback, but he cutback into all problems."- Mike Ditka not making sense

"And bear in mind that the yellow line isn't actually on the field. The referees don't see that."- Mike Greenberg

"When he rolls out, he goes to that side of the ride."- Mike Golic not making sense

"Stupid is, as stupid does."- Mike Ditka quoting Forrest Gump

"You remember what happened when Eddie Pipp got hurt? A guy named Lou Gehrig took over."- Mike Ditka getting mixed up

"Oh they were all moving."- Mike Greenberg
"Oh just end the half!"- Mike Golic

"He asked me if I HAVE any answers."- Suzy Kolber on Lane Kiffin

"You got to sue the offensive line for non-support"- Mike Ditka not making any sense

"He's not going to stay with a guy that fast."- Mike Golic
"He looked like a traffic cop there."- Mike Ditka not making any sense

"Great play calling, I can't tell you anything else. Very hard."- Mike Ditka not making any sense

"Can't make chicken salad out of chicken noodle" - Mike Ditka not making any sense

"That's a great run right there. That's a great two yard run. That's a great run because there was nowhere to run."- Mike Ditka not making any sense

"The kid Chris Johnson was drafted in the fourth round."- Mike Ditka on the first round draft pick, Johnson

"Touchdown Raiders!!!!!!! Raider Nation goes wild."- Mike Ditka freaking out
_____________________

Let's just thank god that's over and that like Tony said, we only have to see the Packers on Monday Night Football two more times this year! Wait what? Oh fuck me. Oh and ESPN...please, please add a down and distance marker to the screen somewhere. I'm all for the new look but it was maddening to wait for the snap to finally see where the ball was. Most people look for the yardage right after the play, so I'm also going to need you to go ahead and come in on Sunday and take care of that. Thannnnks.

What Exactly Does Co-Horsing Mean? (And The Rest Of Your Monday Night In Emmitt) (Awful Announcing)
Tony Rags On The AFL (And The Rest Of Your Monday Night In Quotes) (Awful Announcing)

So I decided to go with the 2008 Raiderettes for the second half photo mainly because they're just about the only good thing this team is going for it at the moment. I guess it isn't over yet, but...what am I saying? It's over. If you bail on the live-blog, I don't blame you and a special thanks to those staying with me for the long haul. We'll have some fun this half.

I liked how espn's ticker was still saying Brady out for the season is "breaking news" yeah, like 8 hours ago it was breaking news. (Via Lammy)

I cracked up when they head a Brady "Breaking News" fantasy update. And now Ditka is smacking his gums on mic. Dear god.

"He asked me if I HAVE any answers."- Suzy Kolber on Lane Kiffin

Now that's funny. McFadden for a first down. A swing pass to Griffin and that's another first. Don't look now! The Raiders are looking good to start the half. Turnover in 3,2,1....

"You got to sue the offensive line for non-support"- Mike Ditka (Via K Bell)

Or another awesome comment from Ditka. 3rd down and long and the Mikes all say they should go for it on 4th down. Incomplete and the Raiders punt.

12:10- Michael Pittman is now getting the bulk of the carries and Mike Shanahan ruins yet another owner's fantasy team. Cutler to Eddie Royal again and he's wide open just about every play now.

"He's not going to stay with a guy that fast."- Mike Golic
"He looked like a traffic cop there."- Mike Ditka

Hahahaha what? In the meantime....

Cutler to Darrell Jackson....48 yards....Touchdown. 24-0

"Great play calling, I can't tell you anything else. Very hard."- Mike Ditka

Okay...I give up.

Dave, Dave & Dave >>> Mike, Mike & Mike (Via Anon)

Very much so. I'm giving up on the time stamps because I'm just too lazy at this point. Russell fumbles but recovers and somehow the Raiders still manage to get a personal foul penalty. I think it's safe to say that the Raiders' offense is much worse than the Skins. I'm not proud of that, but it's the little things, you know?

Ditka has to be drunk at this point right? I guess I would be too if I was calling this game.

"You try to say the glass is half full, but it's fallen off the counter and shattered."- Mike Golic

Clever. 6:30 left in the third.

" . . . have him deliver your wife a baby" was the comment coming back from the ad break around 12:18 ET with the video showing a scary guy with prongs on his shoulders and crazy face paint. Think it was Golic, but I'm not sure. Funny when they come back early from the break. The production on this late MNF game always is shoddy. (Via Hopped Up)

Damn I missed it. Ditka with more "Oh Boy"s during an eight yard Cutler run and this one is just a laugher on all ends at this point.

"It's not over but she's sure looking up her lungs."- Mike Ditka

What in the hell?

Broncos get a Field Goal somewhere along the way and it's now 27-0.

Nice shot of the Crypt Keeper hanging out in his luxury box. Now the conversation turns to the Raiders drafting abilities and while it's a boring discussion...anything is better than Favre talk at this point. Yes, even from this crew.

That's the end of the third....finally. One more to go....27-0 Denver.

"Can't make chicken salad out of chicken noodle" - Mike Ditka (Via JFein)

"That's a great run right there. That's a great two yard run. That's (amazingly bad stutter) a great run because there was nowhere to run."- Mike Ditka (Via NHZ)

I don't even think he got two yards on that play either. Jamarcus Russell puts a few throws together and don't look now....the Raiders are in the redzone! 4th down....

WHOOOOOOOOO! Touchdown Raiders!!! Russell to Lelie....27-7 Broncos and Mike Ditka starts humming some random song.

Who gave the Stooges the idea that psycho-analyzing every play makes for good television PBP? When Oakland makes a 4 yard completion with 2nd and Goal, you don't say "that's actually a good pass right there." Just say nothing. Talk about anything other than a meaningless 4 yard completion. (Via Kleinias)

Three "agains" from Golic is less than sixty seconds. The guy is priceless. (Via Anon)

"The kid Chris Johnson was drafted in the fourth round."- Mike Ditka

Or 24th overall and in the first round, but whatever. Right coach?

Touchdown Selvin Young and the Broncos.....34-7.

Stop sucking at your teeth Mike Ditka! I'm going to throw up all over these computer screen if you keep it up.

Make that 41-7 after another turnover on downs and a Pittman one-yard run. I think Mike Shanahan might be running up the score a tad.

What the hell is Ditka talking about with this pathetic broken record of "you never see it coming" when it comes to blow outs? (Via Anon)

I have no idea and I don't think anyone else does either. Russell again with an overthrow of a deep ball to a wide open receiver. Now this trio is talking about Brett Favre....kill me. 4 minutes to go. Fargas breaks one and he's just about the only Raider who's still trying.

2 Minute Warning....Thank God. Touchdown Raiders as Ronald Curry grabs one and Ditka proceeds to freak out.

"Touchdown Raiders!!!!!!! Raider Nation goes wild."- Mike Ditka

47-14 with 1:34 left. Broncos get the kickoff and start taking some knees. That'll do it for this travesty of a game and a trainwreck of an announcing team. If anything it was so bad that it was actually entertaining. So we have that going for us....which is nice.

47-14 Broncos is your final score and thank you very much for staying with me through this whole thing. See everyone tomorrow with reactions and videos.

Who: Broncos at Raiders
Where: McAfee Coliseum
Spread: Broncos -3 O/U 41
Announcers: Mike Greenberg, Mike Golic and Mike Ditka

10:22- Well they didn't waste anytime with the kickoff there did they? Give me a couple of seconds to catch up here. Broncos ball to start.

Why do I always feel like Mike Greenberg is trying to sell me something? Anyway, Eddie Royal with some touches early on and the Broncos seem in the swings early on with a coupl of first downs.

"Mike Shanahan's gone into the playbook again." - Mike Ditka (Via SS)

Groundbreaking! It also really bothers me that Greenberg always refers to Ditka after just about every play. You do have another guy in the booth and it's really not necessary to do it all the time.

MJD - Welcome to the Broncos/Raiders segment of the liveblog ... doing the play-by-play on ESPN is Mike Greenberg, who is like a more feminine Pam Ward. (From MJD's liveblog on Yahoo via Anon)

I don't care who you are....that's funny. Timeout on the field with the Broncos in Raider territory.

"He's a fine pass-receiver out of the backfield" - Greenberg
"Cutler goes short...." - Greenberg....on a 14 yard completion on first down.
(Via Anon)

Prepare yourself for a lot of that folks. Cutler incomplete on second down it will be third and six....

TOUCHDOWN! Cutler with the pass to Royal who gets his feet down and that's 7-0 Broncos.

I can't decide if Ditka's brain moves too fast for his mouth, or his mouth moves too fast for his brain. (Via Jay)
Mike Ditka is an abomination as an announcer. (Via PM)

I'm with you Jay. He knows what he's talking about but he can never get it out in time without it sounding like he's having a heart attack. Higgins pulls out a hell of a return and gets all the way to the Broncos' 35 yard line. Here's McFadden with a run and he runs over Nate Webster. Blam! Eight yards on the run.

Fargas with a couple of runs and he picks up the first down. Fargas gets another five or so on first down and the Raiders look surprisingly good.

"He's got a hole...here he comes!"- Mike Greenberg (Via Lammy)

Hilarious. Fargas again and he gets maybe a yard....third and short....Fargas flips and

"Is this our first disagreement coach?"- Mike Golic
"If there's an argument, I'm on Ditka's side."- Mike Greenberg
"I'm not always right, but I'm never wrong."- Mike Ditka

Fourth and short and the Raiders are going for it. First down! McFadden is nailed by a pair of Bronco LBs.

"Great cutback, but he cutback into all problems."- Mike Ditka

Huh? Anyway...3rd and Goal...

FUMBLE! Broncos Ball!!!

Mike Ditka chides the Raiders for abandoning the run and calls them crazy as they try to go to commercial. I'm pretty sure Ditka doesn't even know how being on TV works, hell...he probably doesn't know how an actual TV works.

If the Raiders D starts playing badly they should start throwing cookies and candybars at Jay Cutler. (Via Lammy)

Very wrong...but very funny.

Golic's commentary is priceless. I couldn't tell whether he was having an orgasm or a seizure when the Broncos recovered the ball just now. "Ohhhh...ohhhhhh...they got the ball...they got it...ohhhhhhh." (Via Kleinias)

Are they watching the same game that we are watching? Greenie/Golic, stick to your srupid talk show that nobody watches. (Via Anon)

This sounds too much like two dudes and a chick talking at a bar. "Ooh he got drilled!" "He got it" "Here he comes" (Via Anon)

10:47- Broncos on the move again. Aren't the Raiders supposed to have a great defense? Pittman gets another

"And Michael Pittman is wrapped up and the Raiders defense comes up with a big stop."- Mike Greenberg
"That's a huge stop!"- Mike Golic

As the ball is clearly spotted across the line and a measurement is going on. And....first down of course.

"And bear in mind that the yellow line isn't actually on the field. The referees don't see that."- Mike Greenberg

Thanks asshat and wow....the Broncos are going for it. Or just trying to get them to jump offsides. It's the latter. Broncos to punt now. Higgins again with a nice run but there's a flag for a block in the back. Bring it back.

Another whisky sour for Mr. Ditka, stat. (Via Anon)

10:57- ESPN comes back for one play and the first quarter ends. Right back to commercial...

7-0 Broncos after one.

McFadden with a nice play and he picks up a quick first down. McFadden now moves to QB and hands it off to Fargas who comes up a yard short from the first down. Arkansas Stylee! Very similar to Omaha Stylee but without the crappy music. Sorry it's late. 3rd and short....

Russell on the play fake! Wide open is Curry and he....oh....he drops it. He should of had that one and Lane Kiffin is pissed. It makes perfect sense when you're running over a team that you throw it on third and short.

"OOHHH....MAN!"- Mike Ditka after the drop (Via Jay)

Since Russell isn't allowed to throw, shouldn't the Raiders just go to the 2-Back/No QB formation 100%. (Via Anon)

Probably not a bad idea actually.

11:07- Now we've come to the part of the contest when neither team scores the rest of the game.....I say as Cutler throws it to Tony Scheffler for about 80 yards and down to the Raiders 4 yard line. Oh well...so much for that theory.

Here comes the part of the contest where the Broncos blow out the Raiders. Stu Scott, Emmitt and Steve Young are on ESPN2 right now if you're bored already. 1st and Goal....incomplete to Scheffler. Second and goal....Pittman goes nowhere. Third and long....incomplete.

Prater gets the FG and it's 10-0 Broncos

"When he rolls out, he goes to that side of the ride."- Mike Golic (Via BLS)

11:17- Russell is sacked after having what seemed like a full minute to throw the ball and still couldn't find anyone. 3rd and 12....and a false start penalty. Just give McFadden the ball the rest of the game. Another punt for the Raiders. Eddie Royal with a dangerous return but it works out. Broncos ball at their 32.

LOL they're already promoting next week's game. (Via Jay)
Do we have to talk about Cowboys Eagles in the 2ND QUARTER!!!??? (Via Anon)

I think they did that last year too. Like they have nothing else to talk about. Deangelo Hall with a late hit out of bounds....

"Stupid is, as stupid does."- Mike Ditka

Hahaha. What is going on with these three? Are they really this crazy or is this a dream??? Royal with yet another catch.

"Watch this route. Back out, NOW BACK OUT!"- Mike Ditka

I guess it isn't a dream. Hall with another late hit and it's first and goal. Pittman goes for about a yard and then....

He just walks into the endzone. Touchdown Broncos! 17-0. Here comes the blowout....4:21 left.

We interrupt your regularly scheduled broadcast to bring you this important public announcement: "I've never seen more fans wearing NFL paraphenalia. These are the best fans" We now return from this detour down Ditka Drive (Via Mark)

11:32- Russell with another overthrow but he follows it up with a first down over the middle to Schilens (who?!). Fargas gets into space and he picks up another quick first as well. Raiders ball at midfield....3 minutes to go.

Hahaha. They now try an end around and Higgins fumbles it. He runs around for a minute and then just walks out of bounds. This play calling is horrendous.

Standard response to a big play by Greeny or Golic: "Oh!" It's as if they forgot they were at a football game. (Via Jay)

Good call with that one. Or it could be surprise for every pass that Jamarcus Russell completes. Two minute warning....someone shoot me. Russell sacked on third and long....another Raiders punt. 1:44 to go.

Cutler to Royal again and he's up to 7 receptions and 99 yards. Good first game.

"You remember what happened when Eddie Pipp got hurt. A guy named Lou Gehrig took over."- Mike Ditka

Hahahahaha. Comment of the night. Cutler tries to get cute on a third down run and gets upended by Asomugha. Broncos punt and that'll probably do it for the half.

"Oh they were all moving."- Mike Greenberg
"Oh just end the half!"- Mike Golic

Amen.....thank god that's over. 17-0 Broncos. See you in a new thread shortly.

Given that there will be no guests in the MNF Football booth this year (so says ESPN), ABC has found another way to cross promote its hit show "Dancing With The Stars". Yep, they've decided to throw it into a Monday Night Countdown promo and here is the awesome result....

It's not the worst commercial ever made, but it doesn't hold a candle to Emmitt and Key leading that pottery class last year. Although the Tom Jackson reply of "worrrrd" made me chuckle.

One of the best shows ever on ESPN was Chris Berman and Tom Jackson's highlight show, "NFL Primetime". It was a simple, no frills, highlight show and a throwback to how Sports of television used to be. Sure Berman was obnoxious at times, but there was rarely enough time for him to veer off course, and TJ always seemed to bring him back when he did.

Well according to multiple sources, including USA Today, ESPN is planning on bringing back the show. Sort of. They won't have the extensive league highlight package that is reserved for NBC and they'll be ruining the show's legacy by adding in the likes of Mike Ditka, Merril Hoge and Trent Dilfer. Oh, and it will technically just be a Live Sports Center with Berman hosting at 7pm on Sundays.

Actually, nevermind.....that's nothing like Primetime. I take it back. The move is obviously being made to counter NBC's pregame show, which will now feature Dan Patrick alongside Keith Olbermann. While I'm sure I will like the format and the number of analysts yapping at the same time, it's definitely a smart move. It will certainly be a welcome change from the fastest three minutes segment that Berman could barely get through without gasping for air.

I'm also pretty certain that NBC isn't happy about the decision. Hopefully this move will start some sort of battle so Olbermann's snarkiness can go up against Berman's rage in the showdown to end all highlight shows! One can only hope.

All the way back in June, ESPN decided to send every single member of it's Football team to Green Bay for the Monday Night opener on September 8th. By the end of July, that whole and today the troops have been officially called off. Via the JS Online....

ESPN no longer plans to send the entire "Monday Night Countdown" crew to Lambeau Field when the network carries its regular-season opener on Sept. 8, when the Packers play host to the Minnesota Vikings.

That game had been scheduled as the time Favre's number would be retired by the Packers. But Favre changed his mind and decided to continue his career, prompting the Packers to postpone the number retirement.

Just as they did last season, the "Countdown" broadcasters - Stuart Scott, Emmitt Smith and Steve Young - will be on site at Lambeau, and the sites of all the other "Monday Night Football" games throughout the 2008 season.

Seems like the smart decision, but I was kind of looking forward to see how they put together a set that fit seventeen people. I'm also just happy that Emmitt is going to be there. When I turned on Countdown last night, I was borderline mad that Ditka was in for him. I know they're trying to phase him out, but try to make it happen as slow as possible please.

In other programming news: The NFL Network is going to carry the rest of the New York Favres' preseason games live.

Change in game plan (Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel)

(P.S.- Sorry about the headline....I'd been saving that one for awhile.)

Last season ESPN needed a backup team to call the late opener between the 9ers and Cards, and this year the "Leader" is bringing back that same team for the Broncos and Raiders. Mike Greenberg, Mike Golic and Mike Ditka are back on the call....

The familiar trio of Mike Greenberg, Mike Golic and Pro Football Hall of Famer Mike Ditka will call the West Coast game for the second consecutive year in ESPN’s season-opening Monday Night Football doubleheader -- Denver Broncos vs. Oakland Raiders on September 8 at 10:15 p.m. ET. The game will follow the Minnesota Vikings vs. Green Bay Packers telecast at 7 p.m.

“Greenberg, Golic and Ditka made a great team last fall, and we look forward to reuniting them in the Monday Night Football booth to kick off the 2008 season,” said Norby Williamson, executive vice president, production, ESPN. “They have great familiarity with one another and all three have their own passionate opinions about the NFL, which translates well to fans.”

I don't know what game Norby was watching, but that was probably one of the worst games ever called on Monday Night Football. Some of the problems weren't the trios fault, with the levels at a point where you could barely hear them, but overall it was a terrible choice last year. Mike Ditka's voice gave out after kickoff and Golic and Greenie spent the rest of the game kissing his ass. Hopefully they're better this go around (not likely) and Ditka doesn't do anymore grabbing (see above).

(Via ESPN PR)

I'm done trying to understand what Emmitt Smith is talking about, but you know it's bad when Chris Berman has to try and explain what the hell you're talking about.....

I don't know if he was trying to make a joke like the rest of the crew, but that was terrible. I actually chuckled at the other three and new by the time it got to Emmitt he'd screw his up. Man he is the gift that keeps on giving.

Why the heck not right? We're watching anyway, and some of you have already emailed me this morning with quotes. Here's a spot for your Berman, Emmitt, and the rest of the gang's quotes and nonsense.

Emmitt Smith just said something about Thanksgiving needing to be a National Holiday and I think my head's going to explode. What a way to start your Sunday!

"I don't know how Jon Kinta will be able too continue his success with his Minus 18 yards rushing yards"- Keyshawn Johnson (Via Cory)

I'm so confused....looking at Kitna's stats he has 46 rushing yards on the season.

Emmitt has a hard hitting piece on the Ravens, which lasted 8 seconds. Do they really have to get out of their seats for this Tip Drill thing?

Sundizzle NFL Countizzle Contizzles.....

Confirmed: ESPN's "Scream" voiceover guy is definitely white (The Sports Hernia)

Wow...how cheesy was that?

"He's the first drafted Chiefs QB to start for the Chiefs since Todd Blackledge....Oops!"- Chris Berman on KC starting Brodie Croyle

What is oops about it? That they brought in Free Agents who were better than who they drafted, or that they're starting Croyle???

"Ifs and Buts were candy and nuts."- Mike Ditka

What are you even talking about?!?

"Detroit is playing the fastest defense they've shown in many years too."- Chris Berman

Are we talking about the Giants or the Lions Defense?

Berman: "What quarterback is doing the most for his team?"
Tom Jackson: "Mike Vick"
(Via Steve)

Wow. Emmitt Smith just had the worst explanation for a Football question I have ever heard. He's really just besting his own record now, but good lord. That video will be up shortly.

"The Jags have just come of a rousing win at San D.....Tennessee."- Chris Berman

Good catch since they're playing today and the graphic is right behind your head.

"This kinda inconsistancy play against a team like New England will get you blowed out". - Emmitt Smith (Via Steve)

Wow....that was fun. It's like a trainwreck....you just can't look away.

Here's what you might miss on the ESPN's Countdowns if you're watching CBS like everyone else....

Sunday NFL Countdown:

- Randy Moss (your weekly Patriots piece)
- Frank Gore Interview on his mother's passing
- Contender-Pretender
- The Mayne Event does something on Heroes
- 10-Year Old Jason Krause gives us his take on the timely topic of Brady Quinn falling in the draft (YES!).

Monday Night Countdown:

- New Orleans One Year Later
- Jeff Fisher wired for sound during Titans' practice
- Boiling Point with Parcells and Ditka
- Read and React with Parcells and Keyshawn

New Feature Alert (Sunday NFL Countdown):

Following on last week's new feature "Boiling Point" comes another great idea from the producers of Countdown. The segment is called "Dueling Ditkas", and this week "the conflicting personalities of legendary coach Mike Ditka" will debate whether it's okay to scratch your nuts on national television it's time for patience or panic if you're an 0-2 team.

Last weekend was a huge one for ESPN's Sunday and Monday Countdowns. They had a kid tell you the Lions were terrible and they proceeded to destroy the Raiders, The Swami predicted the Browns to upset the Steelers, and you saw LT's house. Then on Monday you got a Ray Lewis workout and Rudi Johnson's Cars. It was an action packed weekend!

So what will you get this go around you ask? Well here's your answer.......

Sunday NFL Countdown:

- Patriotgate
- An interview with Vince Young by Rachel Nichols. It's apparently about a letter that Vince wrote to himself.
- Kevin Everett's Injury
- Jay Cutler wired for sound
- Mayne Event examines NFL rule changes
- Our newest friend 10-Year Old Jason Krause tells us about Sportsmanship

Monday Night Countdown:

- Brian Dawkins and his love for comic books
- The Skins-Eagles Rivalry

And lastly.....A new segment called Boiling Points (not the MTV Show)...

"In a new Monday Night Countdown segment, will offer their take take on which coaches and players have reached their boiling points around the NFL."- ESPN PR

Man that's just awesome....I bet Tom Coughlin is involved somehow. Per usual, you would think that I would be making some of these up, but alas...I am not. That's your Countdown preview in a nutshell.

The Monday Night Football ratings from the other night are down a good bit from last years MNF openers, and I have a theory. You would think people would rather watch AZ-SF over SD-OAK, but that wasn't the case....

ESPN earned a 9.7 rating, down 14.2% from a 11.3 last year. The net averaged a 9.9 rating from 8:00-11:00pm, which translates into an 8.4 national rating, the highest of any net, broadcast or cable, for the night in primetime. The two games delivered the net’s two highest ratings of the year, as well as the second- and third-largest household audiences on cable this year, behind only Disney Channel’s “High School Musical 2”, which averaged 17.2 million viewers on August 17.- SBD

It's all really irrelevant when you have the 2nd and 3rd most viewers on cable this year, but I think there might a bigger reason for this.....

The Announcing team.

Think about it. How many regular Football fans watched the first quarter of the 2nd game, couldn't understand a word the trio was saying, and just said "F" it....I'm going to bed? I bet it was a lot. The San Diego game last year was a blowout (27-0) in which Oakland proceeded to put up 129 yards. You'd think people would have turned that game off, but they didn't. It was 13-0 at halftime. I think Nessler and Vermeil probably did a great job of keeping people tuned in.

I could be completely off base considering the difference between viewers was down 19% for the late game, and obviously not all of those folks tuned out because of the Mikes, but I don't think it's all that far fetched and I really didn't have anything else to write this morning. If someone wants to agree or disagree feel free to in the comments.

Mentioned this Sunday Countdown campaign ESPN was putting into place last week, and here's the first video.....

Umm I guess that's funny for 5 seconds of material?

New ESPN Campaign For Sunday NFL Countdown Portrays The Opposite Of What Everyone Feels (Awful Announcing)

(Photo via Deadspin. Get in there Ditka!)

Before I get in to this I just want to say that it can't be easy to call a game if it's not your full time job. With that said.....Mike and Mike have been calling games for the past year in the Arena League and Mike Ditka has been Football all of his life.

First up, Mike Greenberg. I don't know what people see in this guy at all. He seems like he used to know his stuff, but he's become so egotistical and craves camera time that he doesn't seem to even care about the game. His level of incompetency last night was beyond words, and I hope I'm never subjected to it again. I forget who said it in the comments, but I will echo it here. Please go become the next Pat O'Brien as fast as you can.

Second, Mike Ditka.....really looked and sounded like he'd never seen a Football game in his life. I couldn't understand him for the first two quarters at all, and contradicted himself on just about every play. I think it's safe to say he won't be invited back in the booth again after that showing.

Third, Mike Golic surprised me and a lot of others as well. Sure he had a few gaffs here and there (probably because Ditka was in his ear all night), but overall he was solid. I think if you trash the Kornheiser project and put him in with Tirico and Jaws you would have a hell of a team. One defensive analyst, one offensive analyst, and Tirico to keep it all together. That's a winner right there.

Grade: D-

It would have been a Z if not for Golic.

Announcing Quotes of the Night:

"We will get a look at Alex Smith as the 49ers take over next."- Mike Greenberg (It was the 2nd Quarter)

"Walt Harris is a good Football player, but he was a good player in Chicago."- Mike Ditka (He played for them in 2001...two teams ago)

"That was mild pressure. That was a lot of pressure" - Ditka

"That's the greatest 2 yard run you've ever seen"- Ditka

"That analysis by Mike sounded like something a dentist would say."- Ditka

"Watch Gore on this...WATCH GORE!"- Ditka
"They go wide Arnez Battle with score!!!"- Greenberg
"Watch Frank Gore on this gang....I thought they were gonna hand it to him. No it wasn't Gore. It was..."- Mike Ditka
"Michael Robinson."- Mike Golic
"Robinson it was."- Mike Ditka

"I think it might have hit the ground but I think he caught it."- Ditka

"A pass, a screen, a draw"- Mike Golic

Commenting Quotes of the Night:

"I'll make the first "Who's got the number of a good divorce attorney?" joke of the 2nd game."- Jeremy

"Mike Ditka is giving more advice on running an offense. This from a guy who thought he could make the playoffs in his last job with two Billy Joes, Heath Shuler and Danny Wuerffel at quarterback."- Anon

"Greeny sounds like a high school kid calling the JV game on 520 AM The Fan in Oshkosh Wisconsin."- Anon

"I'd much rather listen to Mike Gottfried and Pam Ward stumble through this game than listen to Mike Greenberg's voice that only dogs can hear."- Dollar

"You know, when Bonnie Bernstein is far and away the most talented member of your announcing team, you might want to pack it in and call it a career."- Oops Pow Surprise

"We need to give Greeny a break, I am sure he is drooling over Mike Nolan in his power broker suit. Greeny loves a sharp dressed man!"- Anon

"I swear Greeny sounds like he swallowed a dictionary and is throwing it up in our laps in a mess of adverbs, adjectives, superlatives, hyperbole and prepositions and Ditka is cut off from the Stroh's!!"- Anon

"I just now noticed that Greeny has been calling Edge James 'The Edge' the entire game. "- Anon

"Mike Ditka was going to be a dentist. "Good Thing They Chose Football." Sorry, I couldn't resist."- Anon

"Sorry, ESPN. Maybe Matt Leinart isn't the Future of the NFL after all. Oh well. There's still Brady Quinn"- Anon

"This just in. Ditka just saw the TD replay. He says that Roger Craig scored the touchdown.- Anon

"We really need 2 Monday nighters every week. It's been fun."- Anon

(It has????)
_______________________________

If you couldn't gather from the comments this game was an abomination of all things Announcing. They talked over each other, they didn't close their mics coming in and out of commercial, they laughed at their own jokes, they yelled at all the wrong times, and you really couldn't understand a word they said for most of the first half.

I have no idea why ESPN didn't go with Nessler and Vermeil again. That call made absolutely no sense. Actually it does make sense, they wanted to promote the radio show just like NBC hypes Countdown. I would rather listen to ANY announcing team them then. I'd listen to Charles Davis, Mike Gottfried....hell even Collin Cowherd before them. Just awful.

If you want to bring Golic in on a broadcast that's fine, but I never want to see Ditka and Greenberg in a booth ever again. Ever.

There are two Monday Night games on September 10th this year, and thus a backup team is needed. ESPN is tabbing it's resident gophers for the job and pairing them with an ex-coach and my muse.

The Leader plans to announce today that the team will consist of play-by-play Mike Greenberg, analysts Mike Golic and Mike Ditka and sideline reporter Bonnie Bernstein. They will make their debut on September 10th for the Arizona Cardinals vs. San Francisco 49ers game The game will be second in the double header on ESPN and will start around 10:15pm.

You can add "Backup MNF Team" to a Mike & Mike resume that includes cow milking, Arena Football, and the National Spelling Bee. Good times. Can't Football start already? And how about we just call Bonnie, Mike Bernstein to make it 4???

It seems like everyday there's a fight on Chicago Airwaves. Today it's between a coach and his former player. Dave Duerson was on WMVP-AM 1000's Mac, Jurko and Harry Show yesterday to defend himself and the Players Association after Ditka had called him a liar the day before. Duerson claims that Football is better today because of the Players Association....a point that caused Ditka to scoff at, and eventually hang up the phone.

A stormy radio exchange between Mike Ditka and Dave Duerson over the NFL Players Association's treatment of needy former players ended abruptly Tuesday when Ditka hung up on his former safety, who had frequently interrupted him.

"I just don't want you to embarrass yourself in front of Congress," Duerson, a trustee on the retirement board that oversees disability cases, told his former coach in reference to a House Judiciary subcommittee hearing June 26 on the NFL benefits system.

Audio

I'm not really sure who's right (because I haven't read anything about the situation), but Duerson sounded like he knew what he was talking about....unlike Ditka. My favorite part of the conversation was when Ditka responded to Duerson by stating, "It's very intellectual, a lot of numbers, a lot of stats there".

Uhhh Coach? You normally bring facts and numbers to an argument. It kinda helps you win said argument.

(Ricky Williams was not available for comment)

Ditka hung up by Duerson's blitz (Chicago Sports)