Cousins/Jets Momentum, Cowboys Fever, a Red Sox Reset, and Million Dollar Picks With Bryan Curtis and Kevin Hench
Sep 16, 2023
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Bryan Curtis, Editor-at-large at The Ringer, shares his insights on the Dallas Cowboys' season prospects and the evolving landscape of sports commentary. Meanwhile, Kevin Hench, a passionate Red Sox fan, expresses his frustration over the firing of GM Chaim Bloom, linking it to broader management issues within the team. The duo engage in lively discussions about NFL betting strategies, team dynamics, and the exciting transition of college football as Texas moves to the SEC, blending humor with insightful observations that resonate with sports enthusiasts.
The role of NFL announcers has shifted towards a more positive and less critical stance in recent years, driven by social media backlash and the desire to avoid controversy.
There is a growing demand for more engaging and insightful discussions among football fans, challenging pregame shows to strike a balance between entertaining the audience and delivering meaningful analysis.
Social media has had a significant impact on NFL broadcasting, with announcers being more careful about what they say due to potential backlash from fans and players on platforms like Twitter.
The firing of GM Chaim Bloom highlights a series of poor decisions and failed moves during his tenure with the Red Sox, leaving the team in disarray and in need of cleanup.
Deep dives
Buck and Aikman: A Dynamic Duo
Joe Buck and Troy Aikman have been calling games together for 22 years, longer than any other duo in NFL broadcasting history. Buck's straightforward style and Aikman's insight make for a great pairing. Over the years, Aikman has become more outspoken, offering opinions and showing disappointment in bad football. The two have also embraced the lighter side of broadcasting, finding ways to make less exciting games enjoyable for viewers.
Changing Landscape of NFL Pregame Shows
NFL pregame shows have veered away from contentious debates and criticism in recent years. The focus now is on creating a friendly and positive atmosphere. However, there is a growing demand for more engaging and insightful discussions among football fans. Shows like the Manning Cast on ESPN have garnered attention for their relaxed and conversational approach. The challenge for pregame shows is to strike a balance between entertaining the audience and delivering meaningful analysis.
The Evolving Role of NFL Announcers
The role of NFL announcers has shifted towards a more positive and less critical stance in recent years. Broadcasters have become hesitant to criticize players, coaches, and referees, preferring to focus on the positives. This change is partly driven by social media backlash and the desire to avoid controversy. However, there is still a demand for announcers who are willing to offer incisive analysis and provide genuine insights.
The Impact of Social Media on Broadcasting
Social media has had a significant impact on NFL broadcasting. Announcers are more careful about what they say due to the potential backlash from fans and players on platforms like Twitter. The pressure to avoid criticism and maintain positive relationships with teams and players has influenced the overall tone and content of broadcasts. However, there is still room for announcers to provide honest and critical analysis while striking a balance between being entertaining and informative.
Poor Decision-Making and Failed Moves
The fired GM, Chaim Bloom, made a series of poor decisions and failed moves during his tenure with the Red Sox. From the disastrous Mookie Betts trade to questionable signings and trades, Bloom's track record was filled with mistakes. Examples include signing injured players like Trevor Story and Chris Sale, trading away valuable assets for little return, and not making moves at the trade deadline. These decisions have left the Red Sox in disarray and in need of someone to clean up the mess.
Lack of Autonomy and Ownership Role
It is unclear how much autonomy Bloom had in making major decisions, such as the Mookie Betts trade. The ownership's role in these decisions is also in question, as they may have had a hand in the outcomes. Despite this, Bloom's poor performance as GM cannot be overlooked.
Legacy of Success Tarnished by Recent Dysfunction
While the ownership group has brought success and four World Series championships to the Red Sox, recent years have been marked by dysfunction and questionable moves. From the front office clashes to mismanagement of contracts and trades, the once-promising legacy has been tainted. Regardless, fans will forever cherish the incredible run of success from 2004 to 2018.
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons quickly reacts to Eagles-Vikings before making his Million-Dollar Picks for NFL Week 2 (2:38). Then, Bill is joined by The Ringer’s editor-at-large, Bryan Curtis, to discuss good feelings surrounding the Dallas Cowboys, media notes from Week 1, and more (22:13). Finally, Bill talks with distressed Red Sox fan Kevin Hench after the news of GM Chaim Bloom being fired (1:07:58).
Host: Bill Simmons
Guests: Bryan Curtis and Kevin Hench
Producer: Kyle Crichton
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