10.31.2006

Grading the MNF crew

We're about halfway through the NFL season and I think we've given the ESPN Monday Night Crew long enough to show what they bring to the table. Here's my take on how each of them is doing.

Chris Berman - He's terrible, completely cliche and almost never funny, but he's constantly trying to be. ESPN seems to be sticking with him out of loyalty because he's been there forever.
Overall Grade: F

Steve Young - Doing a nice job overall. He's constantly focusing on QB play in his analysis, but that's not necessarily a bad thing and to be expected given his resume.
Overall Grade: A-

Michael Irvin - Why is he on there? He seems like he would challenge Vince Young in a game of IQ Limbo.
Overall Grade: D

Tom Jackson - I don't know if he's the greatest football mind out there or even close, but he stays within his abilities. Comes across as a nice guy and doesn't take anything away from the broadcast.
Overall Grade: B+

Chris Mortensen - I don't like him or hate him. He does what he does and I haven't really formed an opinion about it.
Overall Grade: B-

Tony Kornheiser - The combover has to go. Otherwise, I have no real complaints. He comes across as the same guy from PTI. He isn't trying too hard for the MNF gig.
Overall Grade: A-

Joe Theismann - Not a fan. His analysis is pretty straightforward and rarely says anything that I wasn't already thinking on my own. They need to upgrade at this spot. The one bright side of keeping him around is that he makes a nice verbal pinata for Kornheiser.
Overall Grade: C

Mike Tirico - Provides some very nice play-by-play. I don't really have any complaints. He's definitely a guy you can build a team around.
Overall Grade: A

Michelle Tafoya - A trainwreck in HD. There has to be about a thousand better choices for this job. Its about time they call someone up.
Overall Grade: D-

Suzy Kolber - Not nearly as bad as Tafoya, in fact she does about as good as one can do in her position. Being a sideline reporter means that you're in a position to fail.
Overall Grade: B