A Rant about Brian Billick, NFL Analyst
This is a rant about Brian Billick. If you are not interested in reading a rant about Brian Billick, do not read the rest of this post.
Speak unscripted for three hours and you are going to say something stupid. You will mangle names. You will misdiagnose plays. Much of fan criticism of announcers is petty. It's hater culture. I think the overall quality of NFL announcing could be better, but I don't think the men in the booth are boobs or amateurs.
Brian Billick was almost intolerable. His commentary seemed canned and inappropriate. Lawrence Jackson ran around Adam Snyder for a fast front-side sack, and Billick talked about the coverage scheme. He responded to a wildly inaccurate pass by Shaun Hill by questioning the play call. Billick repeated that the offense might try "running a hard play-action and passing down field" until one team actually did it. He referred to the offense as "we", "us" and "our", once talking about how "we" might run a hard play-action pass down field once "we" convert this third and nine.
Most significantly, Billick offered almost no insight into what was happening on the field. San Francisco ran a misdirection pitch to Frank Gore, and Billick didn't mention how the play targeted Seattle's inexperienced backup linebackers. San Francisco ran an almost identical play one play later, but Seattle had adjusted. Aaron Curry was on the weak side, ready to tackle Gore behind the line, but he overpursued and Gore turned the corner. On the replay, Billick said "Everybody commits to it, has eyes on the fullback and that got Frank Gore around the edge" as if Curry didn't exist. Curry wasn't mentioned at all. Instead we got a shot of Josh Morgan holding Josh Wilson by his jersey and praise from Billick for his blocking. As if the lines were being fed to him and there was no chance to adjust to what was actually happening on the field. The NFL doesn't like it when commentators point out missed penalties, but can we at least not insult the viewers by calling a clear hold a good block?
Misspeak, flub a name, say something stupid, but be insightful. Billick could hardly break his monotony of "rhythm", "pace", "rhythm" and "establish". Litany weasel words that mean little but "accomplish". Do we need a persistent reminder that an offense should complete its passes and run for positive yards? Why do commentators insist on saying a good offensive series is the offense "getting into a rhythm"? I don't think I have ever felt as distracted and annoyed by a commentator as I did Billick. Does he really have so much cachet as a coach that his work as a commentator doesn't matter? The USA is filled with retired players and coaches. Find one that can watch a game and see the matchups, game plans and subtleties most fans miss. Don't just hire the most noteworthy name that was most recently fired.
That little rant covers most of what happened. Lawrence Jackson showed progress as a pass rusher. He edge rushed, but instead of stalling or cutting too deep, he got position on Snyder, stopped, swam the recovering and unsteady tackle and took a good angle to Hill to convert the sack. Darryl Tapp saved a long play on the first pitch out. He was the only Seahawk who diagnosed the play and ran into the left flat to tackle Gore. Without him, that could have been another long run. And Craig Terrill pressured Shaun Hill just enough to make him overthrow a wide open Isaac Bruce coming across on a deep crossing route. The pass still hit Bruce in the hands, but he was outstretched and stumbling to reach the ball. No Terrill, and Hill has that extra split second to time his pass and give Bruce a more catchable pass.
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I most definitely agree
Lynch did a good job of, as John put it, “see(ing) the matchups, game plans and subtleties most fans miss.” And yet, the Lynch/Pitts team is ranked a couple spots below the Brennaman/Billick team. Go figure.
"Have a good time all the time" - Viv Savage, Spinal Tap
by HawksFanHernandez on Sep 23, 2009 4:15 PM PDT up reply actions
Where is there a ranking?
NEEDS MORE FREEDOM!
by Scruffy Lefty on Sep 23, 2009 4:19 PM PDT up reply actions
Is that considered ranking?
NEEDS MORE FREEDOM!
by Scruffy Lefty on Sep 23, 2009 4:49 PM PDT up reply actions
I tried to find something that confirms
But I haven’t had much luck. Everything else I’ve found has the same order, which means FOX’s press release had them in that order.
The TV Distribution Maps seems to confirm based on their ordering of the pairs and the subjective importance of the broadcast games:
http://www.the506.com/nflmaps/index.html [main site]
http://www.the506.com/nflmaps/2009/03-FOX.html [FOX Week 3]
Sando confirms
Every week in the " . . . on the air" pieces, he talks about which commentators cover the game and how they’re ranked:
http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcwest/post//id/4590/on-the-air-rams-in-week-1
/id/5073/on-the-air-cardinals-in-week-2-2" target="_blank">http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcwest/post/_/id/5073/on-the-air-cardinals-in-week-2-2
Mike Wahle(OG), Walter Jones(LT), Chris Spencer(C), Marcus Trufant(CB), Deion Branch(WR), Sean Locklear(OT), Brandon Mebane(DT), Leroy Hill(LB), Lofa Tatupu(LB), Josh Wilson(CB), Justin Griffith(FB), Matt Hasselbeck (QB)
Pitts is bringing John Down.
NEEDS MORE FREEDOM!
by Scruffy Lefty on Sep 24, 2009 8:37 AM PDT up reply actions
You know who I was impressed with? John Lynch, last week
Tony Dungy and Rodney Harrison have been decent contributors, too, although it’s pretty weird seeing them in the same room together, Dungy being such a nice guy and Harrison I expect to start throwin bones at any given moment on account of a lack of respect for the Patriots. He even had reasonable and somewhat critical things to say about them after the Jets loss. Quick to defend his coach and how he’ll address everything, though.
I forget what play it was but John Lynch diagnosed it
and I felt like I actually learned something new.
NEEDS MORE FREEDOM!
And speaking of new blowhards
it’s still kinda surprising to me to see the unlikeable son of Detroit, who appears to have no value other than a familiar smiling and giggling face on Football Night in America agree turn into such a blowhard in print that he reached new levels of unlikability that I never imagined possible.
He used the word "proverbial"
About 15 times the 1st half. Made a drinking game out of it.
I think I just pooped your pants...
Not only that, but most of the time he used it incorrectly.
I will smash your face into a jelly.
by Phil Hatzenbuehler on Sep 23, 2009 5:12 PM PDT up reply actions
He never once used it correctly
I mentioned in the game thread because it bugged me so much, I actually turned the volume off for 20 seconds after he said it the 5th time.
I admit, though, I was fascinated to hear Billick's take on things
I had some distractions during the game, so I didn’t pay close attention. And I don’t have anything to say about how he did, but from that perspective, I still got the impression that his macro view of the game — establishing rhythm, etc. — reflected the view of most NFL head coaches. No idea if it does, though. Similar sentiments, but didn’t feel the same as any given broadcaster or former player.
According to a friend
he always refers to the home team of whatever game he is broadcasting as “WE” or “US”.
That’s ridiculous.
[DELETED ZOMG NO POLITICS]
So this isn't his first year on games?
Did he do last year, or is that only these first two weeks?
by jacobstevens on Sep 23, 2009 4:24 PM PDT up reply actions
Gruden isn't great and often sounds a little uncomfortable
but to me he sounds like someone who used to be a decent coach and can see the play and likes to explain it. Jaws just blabs with his empty BS, but Gruden has a little more substance to share
I like Jaws
he’s insightful. I like his delivery, too, it’s just hyperbolic.
by jacobstevens on Sep 23, 2009 4:44 PM PDT up reply actions
There's a reason I've taken to watching sporting events on mute.
There are very few announcers, save for some college bball pairings, that don’t drive me insane with fluffy hyperbole and empty commentary.
Billick was horrid.
I have to mute much of the MNF broadcast.
They cover everything but THE GAME! How about talking about the game we’re watching, you cocktasters? Yadda-yadda Favre, Yadda-yadda Tom Brady, yadda-yadda Steelers, yadda-yadda Jerry Jones…..
/pukes
Early prospect watch: RB C.J. Spiller, QB Jevan Snead, OT Ciron Black, DT Gerald McCoy, S Eric Berry, DT Ndamukong Suh, CB Ras-I Dowling 6'2, 200, RB Jonathan Dwyer
Ditto
The UK (Sky cable I think) has that option to mute the commentators but not the crowd.
Even better you get two fans of the teams playing doing commentary. No joke.
May the Forsett be with you.
That would be cool.
The former, anyway. Utopia!
It would also be nice if the radio and TV were in sync., so that I could mute the boob-tube and listen to our home-flavored radio guys once in awhile.
Early prospect watch: RB C.J. Spiller, QB Jevan Snead, OT Ciron Black, DT Gerald McCoy, S Eric Berry, DT Ndamukong Suh, CB Ras-I Dowling 6'2, 200, RB Jonathan Dwyer
Here you go John
http://www.soundboard.com/sb/NFL_football_sounds.aspx
NEEDS MORE FREEDOM!
by Scruffy Lefty on Sep 24, 2009 8:38 AM PDT up reply actions
Just turn the radio on and listen to Moon and Raible.
Though I can’t stand Raible, he sounds like he’s having a fuckin seizure anytime anything happens. Anything.
I can't stand Moon.
NEEDS MORE FREEDOM!
by Scruffy Lefty on Sep 24, 2009 2:00 PM PDT up reply actions
Can't stand Raible?
That’s unreal. Very un-Hawk of you. I’m disappointed in your fan-hood.
I saw a Kelly Jennings INT.......really....
by The Manchild on Sep 24, 2009 4:22 PM PDT up reply actions
Not fond of either
but can easily stand them and Raible is better than Brian Davis was.
by jacobstevens on Sep 25, 2009 9:42 AM PDT up reply actions
Your Standards for a Color Announcer Are a Little Different From Mine
What I’m mainly looking for is someone who doesn’t scream. Hence, Chucky Gruden, Joe Theismann, Matt Millen are announcers who make me want to destroy something, while Billick I can live with. I like to have the sound up for the general ambience of the game, I don’t like — check that, I loathe — blowhards who insinuate themselves into something they shouldn’t be a material part of. The one exception to my personal rule would be Howard Cosell, who at least could coax the likes of John Lennon into the booth.
by Santolina chamaecyparissus on Sep 23, 2009 4:55 PM PDT reply actions
This is what annoyed me enough to distract me from the game on several occasions:
He referred to the (San Francisco) offense as “we”, “us” and “our”, once talking about how “we” might run a hard play-action pass down field once “we” convert this third and nine.
I even stooped to a childish low and posted a picture of a certain female part in reference to Billick. Those “we’s” and “ours”, etc. made me think he was a SF supporter rather than an unbiased, or at least objective announcer.
He was terrible and I thought he’d be good. Maybe he will be in time, but as John pointed out the expected ‘insight’ was sparse, at best. Where in the world is Mike Mayock when you need him? I also like Baldinger, as well as others.
Early prospect watch: RB C.J. Spiller, QB Jevan Snead, OT Ciron Black, DT Gerald McCoy, S Eric Berry, DT Ndamukong Suh, CB Ras-I Dowling 6'2, 200, RB Jonathan Dwyer
Tim Ryan
I always concede Madden knew the most about football, but he just didn’t seem to give very much of it out. So with that, for the past 5 years there hasn’t been a better color guy than Tim Ryan.
by jacobstevens on Sep 24, 2009 7:13 AM PDT up reply actions
Before I get to Billick
Please try and not kill yourself listening to Dick Stockton and Charles Davis.
Apparently the last two weeks they’ve been the announcing team from hell. I’m familiar with Stockton’s work. Anyone remember our punter was Jon Runyan with him, last year?
May the Forsett be with you.
And they're FOX's #3 broadcasting team
While I agree that Billick’s color commentating was very poor, Stockton’s play-by-play is absurd. I have to make sure all shoe laces and extension cords are removed from the premises when the #3 team is on the tube.
Stockton also called Delhomme "Jake O'Donnell"
Charles Davis was part of the Tebowner announcing duo with Brennaman in the nat’l championship game.
It’s gonna be brutal. Maybe we get Gus Johnson for the Jaguars game!
May the Forsett be with you.
I think it's the opposite, that Fox considers them they're third worst team.
A Mariners fan in Seattle
by Coach Owens on Sep 23, 2009 10:30 PM PDT up reply actions
John
You completely forgot about our starting strong safety named Josh Grant. ;-)
Billick got on my nerves yesterday. He has no vocabulary and has the insight of a rock. Fittingly he is off to Detroit for Redskins/Lions this week.
May the Forsett be with you.
I could have sworn that Thom called Curry "Aaron Kerney".
A Mariners fan in Seattle
by Coach Owens on Sep 23, 2009 10:31 PM PDT up reply actions
That needs to become reality.
"I wish the Seahawks were back in the AFCW so we didn’t have to face Willis and Gore twice a year."
by Fearless Frog on Sep 24, 2009 9:43 AM PDT up reply actions
well..
My wife and I decided after this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3-eavMSBnk
That no matter what any retired coach ever did, they would be in the black, as a lot.
Glad I'm not the only one who dislikes Billick.
Also, I wish we could face Adam Snyder every week. He is just so bad…
"I wish the Seahawks were back in the AFCW so we didn’t have to face Willis and Gore twice a year."
Billick is indicative of a larger problem
I think radio analysts are categorically better—even the ones I like. The main reason, I think, is that radio is far more play-by-play dominant than TV, which is more analyst dominant. On radio, less is more with analysts.
This analyst-dominant model that TV is good for name recognition among casual viewers. It sucks for knowledgeable viewers because analysts are asked to do more than they did in the 70s and 80s but are not especially well-suited to the task.
"Those who fear disorder more than injustice inevitably produce more of both." -- Rev. William Coffin
re-do
“I think radio analysts are categorically better—even the ones I like.”
Should say…
“I think radio analysts are categorically better than TV analysts—even the radio analysts I don’t like.”
"Those who fear disorder more than injustice inevitably produce more of both." -- Rev. William Coffin
can't agree more John
and in case you weren’t sure what good analysis sounded like, you could listen to Collinsworth on Sunday night. I personally think the guy is a turkey, but he does a nice job of providing insight. Billick lacked any insight at all. It was painful.
Sometimes Collinsworth does have good insight.
And while I have grown to despise his “I have to make my voice sound like I need a wheelbarrow to carry my balls around” deal, he says what I’m thinking sometimes. Unless my ears failed me, he called a couple of guys ‘bums’ the first week. Week two he was sucking Dallas off every chance he got. Why is this seemingly a mandate for every station? I hate Dallas. Talking about the actual game shouldn’t be such a foreign concept.
Early prospect watch: RB C.J. Spiller, QB Jevan Snead, OT Ciron Black, DT Gerald McCoy, S Eric Berry, DT Ndamukong Suh, CB Ras-I Dowling 6'2, 200, RB Jonathan Dwyer
Most annoying announcer lately has been Steve Young
The guy never shuts up, just goes on and on while usually losing his original train of thought. He also constantly cuts off his fellow annoucers, poor Mike Golic couldnt get a word in the other day. Steve Young also fumbles on his words quite a bit which makes it even harder to listen to him (as he goes off on tangents or his extreme praise of one team of the other). Too many concussions for that guy.
Mike Golic should never talk.
Young is one of my favorites.
NEEDS MORE FREEDOM!
by Scruffy Lefty on Sep 24, 2009 8:42 AM PDT up reply actions
I too like Young.
But that’s only because he Picked the Hawks to win XL and talked a bunch of shit about the officiating.
Young is better as a pre/post game analyst though.
NEEDS MORE FREEDOM!
by Scruffy Lefty on Sep 24, 2009 2:01 PM PDT up reply actions
Agreed
I hated Billick because he backed a team full of thugs, but man I had no idea that those talented thugs were the only reason he kept his job as long as they did until I heard him try and commentate on the game
Don't believe the lies Bill!!!! look at the sparkly ERA!!! Sparkly, Sparkly!!! - McCovey Chronicles

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