NFL TV Talk Turns Sour as Favre and Others Face Scrutiny

Strategic Insights -

The NFL's big talking points took center stage in Week 3, with TV analysts and personalities offering a mix of praise and criticism for some of the league's top players and teams. Brett Favre, in particular, was a subject of much debate, with some analysts questioning his chemistry with his receivers and others suggesting he's past his prime. Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys and New York Jets were also in the spotlight, with some analysts criticizing their performances and suggesting they're overhyped.

Key Takeaways:

  • CBS' Bill Cowher suggested Brett Favre doesn't have a good rapport with his receivers, saying "He's got a better rapport with the receiver in his jeans commercial."
  • ESPN's Keyshawn Johnson predicted the Minnesota Vikings would "panic" in their game against the Detroit Lions, and the team did indeed struggle in a 24-10 win.
  • Fox's Jimmy Johnson criticized the Dallas Cowboys, saying they've been "infected with Super Bowl talk" and need to stop acting like they've already won.
  • CBS' Boomer Esiason said the New York Jets have a "frat house gone wild" image, which is hurting their team's reputation.
  • Coach Rex Ryan of the Jets said he's not concerned about the team's image, despite the recent DWI arrest of wide receiver Braylon Edwards.
  • The wife of New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees is due to deliver a baby boy on October 18, but said she'll just "pretend everything is fine" if the baby comes during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
  • Justin Timberlake visited the ESPN NFL studio show to stand next to coach Mike Ditka, a dream come true for the singer.
  • TBS' David Wells said the San Diego Padres got "tight booties" and overhyped their season, which has keyed their turnaround.
  • NBC Sports Chairman Dick Ebersol said he'll rely on luck to secure TV rights for the 2014 and 2016 Olympic Games, which will be bid on early next year.

Statistics:

  • The Carolina Panthers' rookie quarterback Jimmy Clausen threw for no touchdowns and had an interception in a 20-7 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.
  • The Dallas Cowboys avoided a 0-3 start with a 27-13 win against the Houston Texans.
  • The Minnesota Vikings had a 24-10 win over the Detroit Lions, with Brett Favre throwing one touchdown and having two interceptions.
  • The Philadelphia Phillies and MLB Advanced Media are testing a program that allows fans to use their iPhones or iPod Touches to order food that is then delivered to their seats.
  • CBS' coverage of the Alabama vs. Arkansas game drew a 5.4 overnight rating, up 145% from the same game last year.
  • The game was watched by 5.4% of households in the 56 urban TV markets measured for overnights.

Sources:

  • Michael Hiestand article in the USA TODAY
  • CBS' 60 Minutes
  • ESPN's NFL studio show
  • Fox NFL studio show
  • NBC's Sunday coverage of the New York Jets
  • USA TODAY Coaches' Poll
  • CBS' coverage of the Alabama vs. Arkansas game
  • The Philadelphia Phillies' website
  • MLB Advanced Media's website
  • Vicki Michaelis article in the USA TODAY