A Look at CBS's Unremarkable NFL Commentary Duo
Jim Nantz and Tony Romo's Performance Lacks Depth and Insight
CBS's NFL commentary team, Jim Nantz and Tony Romo, had a forgettable outing during the AFC Championship Game. While they didn't make any glaring mistakes, their performance was far from stellar. The duo's analysis was often shallow, focusing more on patting each other on the back than providing insightful commentary.
Key Moments and Missteps
Crucial Play Analysis: One of the most crucial moments of the game came in the second quarter when Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham lost the ball near his own goal line. The commentary team's analysis of the play was confusing and lacked depth. Instead of breaking down the play, they spent time discussing Romo's prediction about turnovers, which was a basic observation.
Rules and Expertise: The commentary team also struggled with the rules, asking basic questions about football plays. This raised questions about their expertise and preparation. Despite these issues, CBS likely felt relieved that the duo didn't make any major blunders that could overshadow the game.
Past Performances and Concerns
Looking back at their past performances, Nantz and Romo have had their share of missteps:
- Super Bowl Blunder: Two years ago, they botched the call on one of the greatest finishes in Super Bowl history.
- AFC Championship Confusion: Last year, they were confused during a crucial play in the AFC Championship Game.
These incidents have raised doubts about their suitability for big games.
Comparing Commentary Teams
CBS's Other Team Shows Promise
Meanwhile, CBS's other commentary team, Ian Eagle and J. J. Watt, have shown promising chemistry. Watt, a future Hall of Famer, was moved to the booth this year and has performed well. This has put pressure on Nantz and Romo to improve their performance.
Nantz and Romo's Challenges
- Nantz's Style: Nantz, known for his golf commentary, lacks the instincts needed for football commentary. His scripted style doesn't always work well in spontaneous situations.
- Romo's Contract: Romo, on the other hand, has a lucrative contract that makes it difficult for CBS to consider replacing him.
Other Networks' Strengths
In contrast, other networks like NBC and ABC/ESPN have strong commentary teams for the Super Bowl. With over 120 million viewers expected, these networks have good reason to feel confident. CBS, however, may have some nervous moments ahead if Nantz and Romo don't improve.
